"There are many participants in this project, men and women from various countries, some we know and some we don't know. There was a big group of people gathered at that time." The little boy led Shen Yinuo and others to see the hall and then went straight to the depths. He first turned right and walked into the passage, then pointed to the first room.

"This is the disinfection room. Every day we register and punch in here, then change the laboratory protective clothing, and also disinfect some samples." The little boy pointed to the first room and said.

Shen Yinuo and the others just followed silently without speaking.

Going further inside, the protective panel of the second room has been cracked, and a large number of fluorescent plants poked their heads out of the room to look curiously at Shen Yinuo and the three uninvited guests. The little boy pointed to this room and said: "This is the basic experiment. Room, where we usually place the cultured embryos of our respective research projects, or some genetic prototype samples, similar to a storage room."

Then he pointed to the room opposite this room and said: "This is the Genetic Programming Center No. 1. It originally contained a micro-nano genetic encoder imported from New Midland. Unfortunately, that thing was too gimmicky and very poor in effectiveness. After a week of operation, it was dismantled into parts and thrown into the garbage disposal station.”

Shen Yinuo heard this and asked: "Then how did you complete genetic programming?"

"Through a special device." The little boy said and opened the door of the room. What he saw was many huge fish tank-like things.

"What are these things?" Chu Xiaoming asked curiously.

"A biological programming instrument. We synthesize a special brain-like neuroalgae here, and then connect the calculation core that stores basic intelligence samples to it through a synaptic sensor, and then complete the binary code In that case, we must first determine a basic symbol, and then complete the programming of our target intelligence sample bit by bit." The little boy said something a little complicated. He took the three of them to the depths of the room, where Shen Yinuo and the three of them I saw the modified calculation core.

It looks like a small pyramid, covering an area of ​​four to five square meters.

There are many energy guide slots on the ground, which are now filled with some moldy substances, but it can be seen that the induction connection between the calculation core and the brain-like neural algae was realized through these guide slots.

"We prepared a basic word here at the beginning, 'Mama', and then we found computational programming engineers, linguists and anthropologists and asked them to study a set of specific and feasible analog signals, with the goal of converting 'Mom' has become another biological code that can be recognized by brain-like nerves and programmed into target genes. This process took several years without much results, and we were all discouraged." The little boy recalled the past with a little sigh. .

Chu Xiaoming could not imagine the complicated process of turning specific memories, knowledge, and common sense into biological codes that can be directly written into genes. He only found it very magical, especially the brain-like neuroalgae in the culture tank.

Speaking of which, they now look no different from ordinary seaweed.

When a few people were not paying attention, Chu Xiaoming quietly picked up the glass rod on the table and dipped it into the water to stir it. At first, Chu Xiaoming didn't find anything special, but he felt a little nauseous, and the water quality had been seriously polluted by rotten matter. It's okay if it's not stirred, but once it's stirred, it's like the lid of the septic tank has been lifted, and the stench hits your face instantly.

When Shen Yinuo smelled the stench and turned around, he saw Chu Xiaoming picking up a small lump of neural seaweed with a surprised look on his face. After he noticed Shen Yinuo's gaze, he said in a trembling voice: "Sister Yinuo... look …These seaweeds…seem to be alive!”

The little boy remained silent. Shen Yinuo and Su Wanxia walked closer and took a closer look.

Indeed, even though these seaweeds have rotted into disarray, they still slowly show signs of twitching and squirming when they leave the water, like a strange aquatic bug.

The little boy has been watching with cold eyes, neither reminding nor stepping forward to explain.

Shen Yinuo frowned and said, "Don't touch it, put it down quickly."

Chu Xiaoming grinned and said, "Look! Do these seaweeds look a bit like humans?"

Shen Yinuo was puzzled: "Looks like a human being?"

Su Wanxia's scalp immediately became numb after hearing this and taking a closer look. She saw small things like human arms and palms appearing on the small lump of seaweed that was picked up. They seemed to be drowning in the mire, trying to struggle. Humanity seeking to survive.

This discovery immediately threw Shen Yinuo and others into confusion.

At this time, the little boy quietly said: "Neuroalgae is a medium-type artificial organism specially synthesized by the marine biologists and human biological gene cultivation experts in the team. Its DNA is based on algae and humans. At the same time, it is also mixed with some gene chain characteristics of fungi. In short, it does have some uncomfortable human traits, but it is still just algae. Regardless of the shape or color it presents, it is just that they are this kind of A biological trait characteristic of special algae is like a crude imitation. No matter how real the imitation is...it is still fake...it can never become real."

As he spoke, the little boy walked to another culture tank. He raised his hand to wipe off the dust on the outside of the tank, and then put his palm on it. Not long after, a sheet of rotten algae condensed in the dark water. The human face formed looks really weird.

Su Wanxia knows a thing or two about brain-like neuroalgae.

"I have heard before that scientists are trying to synthesize bionic brain tissue from plant DNA to solve some particularly difficult brain diseases. At the same time, the bionic brain can also serve as a sub-brain neuron network to synchronize with the real human brain. If this The synchronization rate can reach about 75, and soldiers can directly control heavy mechanical war puppets to go to battlefields thousands of kilometers away, and the experience is just like driving, so the military applications are also very wide... But these bionics I know Most brains are produced by biological reproduction of human DNA and fungal gene chains, but I have never heard that algae can also be used as a synthetic material for bionic brains." Su Wanxia said it was incredible.

The little boy smiled and said: "You are right. If we only look at the biological surface characteristics and the characteristics of some gene chains, fungi are definitely better than algae. But our goal is not to synthesize a brain, but to It is necessary to establish a channel between the 'specific data' and the 'gene receptor of the fertilized egg', that is to say... This is the process of putting an elephant in a refrigerator. You must first have an elephant, and then a refrigerator. Once you have both, the question is how to fit the elephant into it.”

"Well...that's right...but..."

"Hey, hey, hey! I mean you two!" Seeing that Su Wanxia and the little boy were getting more and more excited as they talked, Chu Xiaoming quickly interrupted: "This is not a professional academic research discussion conference. I can't hear every word like this." Can we leave the specific details we don’t understand until we can talk about them alone later? We’d better finish visiting this place quickly and then find a way to leave.”

Su Wanxia had no objection. He shrugged his shoulders. In fact, in his opinion, some problems required a professional attitude and in-depth exploration.

The little boy understood what Chu Xiaoming meant. He sighed and said: "Although we stumbled at the beginning and basically started from scratch, we finally found the way and successfully completed the first stage of the task. "

Shen Yinuo heard this and asked softly: "Have you really written the specific 'data' into the genes?"

"Yes, the first child born in this room will be called 'Mom' when he is born, and he will not cry or fuss. It's a pity... this child died when he was only three years old." The little boy said and pushed away. There was a big iron door in the room. There was a gloomy atmosphere behind the door, and it didn't look like an auspicious place inside.

"What's here?" Chu Xiaoming asked a little scared.

"Do you want to go in and take a look at the place where failed samples are stored?"

Chu Xiaoming immediately shook his head, but Shen Yinuo and Su Wanxia had already stepped in.

"Hey, are you really not afraid of anything?"

Su Wanxia didn't even look back and said, "They are all samples anyway, and there are no ghosts, so what are you afraid of?"

Although Chu Xiaoming is also a staunch materialist, he has watched too many horror movies and has a rich imagination, so...

"Hey, hey! Wait for me!"

Inside the gate, it was freezing cold, the temperature here must be at least twenty degrees below zero.

The little boy came in and turned on the light, and what came into view was densely packed rows of samples sealed in special bags. Men and women, old and young...the number was staggering.

Shen Yinuo frowned and showed slight discomfort, while Su Wanxia asked: "No wonder your experimental project is hidden so deep underground. If outsiders find out, they will definitely describe you as demons."

The little boy smiled bitterly: "Who says it's not the case, but with the development of human civilization, scientists have done less bad things, right? It's just becoming more and more secretive... But I always feel that social morality cannot hinder the development of science. Progress, at least, should not become a shackles, which is tantamount to tying yourself up in a cocoon."

"Huh? I don't quite agree with you. I think..." Chu Xiaoming was about to say something.

Shen Yinuo glared at him and said, "No one wants to hear your thoughts, so just shut up."

Chu Xiaoming felt extremely aggrieved.

The little boy laughed dryly and did not ask any further questions.

The three of them visited the entrance of this storage room briefly and then exited.

Back outside, the little boy said, "Do you want to continue visiting?"

Shen Yinuo actually had a rough impression at this time. She asked: "Is there any difference between the second phase and the first phase of the project?"

The little boy said: "Actually, it's the same, but it's based on the first stage. It's a bit like this is a basic science research and development center, and then it feels like building high-rise buildings on the basis."

Shen Yinuo nodded: "Then I think there is no need to continue the visit... Please tell us directly what happened to the base later."

"Later?" The little boy looked embarrassed, and then sighed: "This matter is very strange... Logically speaking, I should know everything, but after I woke up, the base became like this. During this period, it seemed It’s been discontinued and I don’t remember anything.”

"Don't remember?" Chu Xiaoming said in surprise: "Are you sure?"

The little boy didn't mean to hide anything.

Su Wanxia did not pursue this question. He asked the little boy: "Then why did you choose to stay here instead of leaving? This place is in such a dilapidated state. Are you not afraid of doing research here alone?"

The little boy said frankly: "The fear is definitely there. In fact, from the time I woke up until now, I feel that I am being watched every day, but I don't know where this feeling comes from... The other thing is , I recently noticed that there may be other survivors in the base, but he has been avoiding me..."

"Wait! What did you say?" Chu Xiaoming was shocked when he heard this: "Are there other survivors?"

Shen Yinuo and Su Wanxia also had serious expressions.

"Yes, and there should be more than one...I tried to establish contact with them, but they kept avoiding me." The little boy looked very distressed.

After Shen Yinuo and Su Wanxia exchanged glances, Shen Yinuo said, "Maybe we can help you find them."

The little boy was delighted when he heard this: "Really?"

Su Wanxia nodded: "As long as you are willing to use your brain, there are always more solutions than problems. The key is... will your base cultivate some monsters?"

"monster?"

"Yes." Su Wanxia pointed to the little boy's body and said: "Although it is a bit rude, your skin color is indeed not normal, and I think you don't like wearing clothes. These are not habits that normal people should have. Bar?"

The little boy understood. He explained: "Actually, my skin color was normal at first. Just to survive, I had no choice but to start eating the fruits of some native plants near the research institute. Slowly, I discovered that my body He has changed. Not only has he become fragile, he hates wearing clothes, but he also shines and likes dark places."

As for the little boy's explanation, Su Wanxia is still not sure whether it is true or false. He is just testing it.

Shen Yinuo looked around and then asked the little boy: "Do you know how to get out of here?"

The little boy shook his head: "I don't know, and I don't want to know. My research is far from over, so I have no plans to go out... and... the way you seem to want to know about leaving here is not... a normal way, right?"

Hearing these words, Su Wanxia's vigilance reached the critical point, and he quietly held the dagger behind his back.

Shen Yinuo was relatively calm, and she nodded: "You are right, we are not explorers, but fell from... um... a place very far away from here, and came in confusedly. ...So..." Shen Yinuo gave up before she could finish her sentence.

This little boy may know a lot of important things, but it clearly has nothing to do with what they need to know.

"Forget it... let's find a way ourselves."

The little boy heard this and asked: "Then will you help me find other survivors?"

Shen Yinuo was slightly startled, then nodded and said: "Of course, since we promised you, we will do it."

The little boy was very happy: "That's great. By the way, there is a relatively clean room here. You can rest there. In addition...if you are hungry..."

"No, no, no! I don't want to change my color." Chu Xiaoming quickly waved his hand and declined.

The little boy's eyes dimmed slightly: "Okay then, come with me and I will take you there."

On the way to the lounge, Shen Yinuo asked: "By the way, we have been chatting for so long, and you haven't told us your name yet."

"Xian Luxuan." the little boy said.

Shen Yinuo's heart trembled when he heard that he didn't come.

Su Wanxia also frowned slightly, but Chu Xiaoming remained the same.

"Well, your last name is exactly the same as that of a sister I know. It's quite rare."

The little boy looked back at Chu Xiaoming and said, "Then maybe we should know each other. What is the name of the sister you know?"

"Xian..." Chu Xiaoming was about to say it.
To be continued...