Chapter 7, The Way Out

In a secluded cave by the coast, the sea often inundates this vast cavern. If it were not for the ebb tide, we would never have discovered it. Perhaps it was fate that ultimately led us to find it. This time, what we discovered was not wreckage, but an intact spacecraft. "Gail gasped for breath and continued, "At that moment, we were enveloped in immense happiness, as if we had already touched Eden. Due to our overwhelming excitement, caution was overlooked. We eagerly conducted tests and research on the spacecraft, frequently entering and exiting the protected area, which eventually caught our father's attention. Tragically, we were surrounded by immense happiness, as if we had already touched Eden. Due to our overwhelming excitement, caution was overlooked. We eagerly conducted tests and research on the spacecraft, frequently entering and exiting the protected area, which ultimately attracted our father's attention. The tragedy soon followed; we estimated that our plans would be exposed, and we had to take risks. The members of Alpha Team 4 decided to reveal the truth, but we were still a step too late; unexpectedly, our father acted first.

Gail nodded. "There, we set up a small workstation. I think we can go there to take a break first, and then decide what to do next."

What happened? Gail moved her numb limbs, attempting to stand up, but found herself unable to do so.

What else is there to wait for? Tang Feng asked with a bitter smile

Tang Feng immediately thought of those metal fragments, those strange things mixed with blood

Tang Feng was the first to climb out of the vehicle. As he looked up, he saw a pair of shining eyes staring at him. What terrified him even more was that a sniper rifle was aimed at his head

We must leave here, Gale, with your doctor's degree. Tang Feng continued, "Your life, mine, and my wife's are now under threat; time is of the essence"

Gail glanced at Tang Feng, then at Melani, and let out a long sigh

Do you remember our conversation in the core laboratory? I once mentioned that we have been enduring, and there have been many opportunities for "We can make it" to expose our father's conspiracy. However, it is precisely because we considered that this would not actually change our father's position of power that we have been waiting all along

The scenery around them was rapidly receding, and Tang Feng and Meilani remained silent, as if preoccupied with some thoughts, especially Meilani. Gail saw through the rearview mirror that her brows were furrowed, and it seemed there were still some tears in her eyes, which she was desperately trying to hold back.

Do not worry, Gale has a doctor's degree. Tang Feng does not look sideways, but can sense Gale's unease. My license plate belongs to the security forces, and they will not suspect me for the time being

Gail soon saw the young woman standing behind Tang Feng; her face was pale, filled with an expression of uncertainty and suspicion

"Where are we going?" Gael asked, glancing at Tang Feng's wife, who had remained silent, her eyes wide with a hint of fear.

"One could even say it is absurd," Gale smiled slightly, and once the topic turned to science, he appeared exceptionally excited. "When people live in the warm embrace of the Earth, they tend to dismiss these legends with a laugh. However, when we face impending disaster, the clergy can pray, children can cry, women can seek refuge in the arms of men, and we scientists can only hope for a miracle. I digress, my apologies... Recently, the search team discovered another spacecraft. "I digress, my apologies... Recently, the search team discovered another spacecraft."

"This is truly absurd," murmured Tang Feng

What is going on?" On the bumpy road, Gail tightly grasped the handrail, swaying back and forth, and asked loudly

Tang Feng was taken aback, seemingly unable to believe it

Tang Feng fell silent for a moment and said, "What if there are no survivors on that spaceship?"

"Drive on," Gael said gently, "there is still road ahead, trust me"

The car sped along the road, and the sky had completely darkened. Tang Feng turned on the headlights, casting two clear beams of light into the darkness

"I am sorry, madam," said Gale. To Gale's surprise, Melanie responded with a smile, very melancholic yet quite composed. Gale perceived that this woman possessed a strong spirit

"A lot has happened, Gale has obtained a doctor's degree," Tang Feng said with a bitter smile. "This is my wife, Meilani"

As they exited the warehouse, Gail realized that dusk was approaching, and everything outside had become somewhat hazy, with the distant city lights flickering. A car with its engine still running was parked outside, and Tang Feng assisted Gail into the passenger seat next to the driver, while Meilani took a seat in the back. Soon, they turned onto the wide avenue.

"Doctor Gale's degree," Tang Feng asked thoughtfully, "Do we still have hope? Can that thing in your hand save humanity?"

Gail lowered her head, but then immediately raised it again

The ropes binding Gael were untied, and the object in his mouth was removed. He coughed, opened his eyes, and saw a figure—it was Tang Feng

"Yes, another spacecraft," Gail continued, "there is no reason to believe that the spacecraft incident is isolated; it is possible that there exists another form of civilization beyond us. Throughout ancient times, there have been many legends, such as the pyramids of Egypt, the lost continent of Atlantis, and the Maya civilization. These mysterious tales suggest that humanity may have once developed an extremely advanced civilization, highly prosperous, far surpassing the various nascent civilizations scattered across the Earth."

Leaving the protected area is the only way out said Tang Feng, his expression somewhat serious

Yes, an hour ago, a vehicle passed through Exit 14, but it had a passage order

No, I will not leave!" Gail struggled to stand up, pushing away Tang Feng's arm. "I am going to expose my father's conspiracy, right now, and reveal the truth to the people.

The soldier hesitated, turning back to discuss for a while with several other soldiers

"The fourteenth exit, are you familiar with it?" Tang Feng nodded. Along the way, they encountered numerous police cars from the security forces adorned with red insignias, speeding past with their rotating lights and emitting a piercing wailing sound. Each time Gale saw those vehicles, he instinctively shrank his head down.

I know, Gael's doctor's degree... Tang Feng bent down, massaging Gael's stiff limbs, as waves of pain spread throughout Gael's body

"No," Melani aimed at the car behind, "Learn now."

"Yes," Tang Feng said, freeing one hand to draw a pistol from his waist and handing it to Gail. Gail looked on in some terror, "I... I don't know how to use this..." Melani, sitting in the back seat, snatched the gun and turned her body.

"Another spaceship?" Tang Feng asked in surprise

Gail felt a slight sadness for this woman, who had always appeared very strong. In the face of this enormous and sudden upheaval, she had never shown any significant panic. However, no one can remain unaffected by the death of their child, especially when the child is killed by their own father, their husband.

"Please present your identification." Tang Feng produced his officer's identification. The soldier fumbled with it, still hesitating. Tang Feng had a sudden inspiration and took out the special pass his father had given him. The soldier scanned the special pass with the reader, which flashed a green light, indicating the highest access level. The soldier saluted and cleared the way, as the metal door slowly opened.

Fate has never treated humanity so cruelly; even God knows that creating humanity requires Adam and Eve. However, we have now found Adam, but where is Eve?

Tang Feng weakly leaned on the steering wheel, letting out a moan

Alright, let's hide for a while. I know a place...

Is it really necessary to do it this way

Are we going there now?" Tang Feng asked

"I hope it is possible," Gail said, holding tightly onto the refrigerated box. "But it is not yet feasible. Discovering this gene indeed brought us a moment of joy, but having only one complete gene is insufficient; we also need a vector. Current scientific technology cannot fully utilize a single cell to clone a complete human. The most advanced technique merely involves extracting the nucleus from a somatic cell, injecting it into an enucleated egg cell, and then stimulating it to divide and develop. Even so, the success rate is quite low. We have a stable gene, but we do not have a suitable egg cell to serve as a vector." At this point, a deep sense of regret appeared on Gail's face.

Gailbo and the librarian, how are you doing?

Tang Feng let out a bitter laugh and said, "I fear it is no longer possible. Just now, on our way here, I listened to the broadcast. The entire protected area is now on the lookout for you. In the broadcast, you have been labeled as a suspect in the murder of several scientists, a dangerous individual. Anyone who sees you can shoot you on sight."

The car turned a corner, and the scenery on both sides of the road began to grow desolate. In the distance, the tall outer wall of the reserve could be seen, with some red lights flickering on the wall. Tang Feng suddenly pressed the brake, slowing the car down until it finally came to a stop. Gail looked at him in surprise.

At this point, Gael paused

"Is that following us?" Melani asked from the back seat

"Call me Melani, Doctor's degree," Melani said

Tang Feng nodded slightly, supporting the very weak Gael, while Melani held onto Gael's other arm. Gael, in turn, cradled the precious refrigerated box.

Tang Feng hesitated for a moment, then started the car again

I apologize, but there is currently a state of emergency, and the exit has been closed.

If the father does not know the location of the spacecraft, he will certainly investigate all vehicles that have left the protected area, Tang Feng shouted, trying to overpower the noise produced by the vehicle.

"Hold on tight, everyone!" he said, increasing the power and shifting gears, as the vehicle surged forward like a panting beast, the massive city walls gradually disappearing in the rearview mirror. Tang Feng noticed that the jeeps were parked at the entrance, being blocked by soldiers, and more soldiers jumped down from the jeeps.

"That was you who did it," Gail said, glaring.

The external search has been ongoing since the discovery of the survivors' secret. We decided to form our own search team, claiming to conduct field scientific research to observe the development of the mutants, while in reality, it is to search for survivors. Only a few core team members are aware of the secret, specifically those scientists who were killed by you... no, by my father. Among them, the contribution of Dr. Ed's doctorate is particularly notable. The scope of the search has been adjusted, and we are like finding another spaceship

"Lower your heads, they have opened fire," Tang Feng shouted. Gael lowered his head, curling up. Melani lay in the back seat, occasionally raising her head to return fire. Suddenly, with a loud crash, their vehicle overturned, rolling along the road, colliding with something, and came to a stop, the wheels still spinning in the air.

Soldiers, you have made a mistake; that is a forged pass order, and we are on a mission to investigate.

"It was done by your father," Tang Feng said, "but no one will believe your words. Once you fall into the hands of the security forces, everything will be over. They will not give you any time to defend yourself."

Therefore, I need your assistance," Tang Feng said. "Based on your memory, or rather, the memories passed down through your genes, are there any places outside the sanctuary where we can take refuge

"Android?" A trace of confusion crossed Tang Feng's eyes

"Be careful, Melani," Tang Feng said, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he tried to speed the car down the narrow and dark path. Suddenly, the rear windshield shattered, leaving a gaping hole.

Then what are we running for, a doctor's degree? Even if we can expose our father's conspiracy, what use is it? Even if we present this survivor before everyone, what can be changed? In the end, we still have to rely on our father; this is merely a false hope given to us, the pitiful strugglers.

The soldier leaned forward to take a look; in the darkness, he could not clearly see the people inside the vehicle

At that moment, Tang Feng noticed some lights and the sound of an engine behind them. Tang Feng paid no attention, simply started the vehicle, increased the throttle, and burst through the metal gate

I killed him. Tang Feng's face twitched slightly, but he still spoke. Meilani covered her eyes with her hands and finally could not hold back, sobbing in pain

"What have you been doing?" Melani asked in surprise, "You suddenly disappeared for a day; what on earth were you doing?"

Tang Feng did not respond to her, merely pressing his lips tightly together. "Gail, doctor’s degree, just now, my child attempted to kill me, claiming to be my father. Do you know what this is all about?"

"I am on official duty, soldier." Tang Feng's tone was unmistakably authoritative, "A vehicle just left your location, correct?"

Leaving the protected area is nothing short of a suicidal act

"This is my guess," Gail said. "There was once a rumor that the Father was creating his own children. For a long time, we poor souls living in the sanctuary have referred to that computer as the Father, yet none of us are truly the Father's children. Perhaps, for the Father, this is an undeniable regret. The idea that the Father wanted to create his own children was merely a rumor circulating among us scientists working in the field of genetic engineering, yet this rumor has been confirmed to some extent. Another institution, the Beta Group, is responsible for the genetic control and screening of test-tube babies. They have created many malformed fetuses, one of which is anencephaly, or brain malformation. Originally, these fetuses were to be discarded, but many of these embryos mysteriously disappeared. It is rumored that the Father nurtured these embryos, allowing them to grow and develop, and then implanted electronic brains into their skulls. It is important to note how advanced human genetic and life sciences have become after the Great Catastrophe; theoretically, brain transplantation is not impossible. Thus, these babies, who appear just like humans, quietly arrived in the sanctuary, blending into the crowd and being adopted by unsuspecting families. They can grow up like normal people, crying and laughing, possessing all human habits and physiological instincts, yet their brains are not human."

This is truly ironic, Gale said somewhat self-deprecatingly, a murderer protecting an innocent fugitive, and that fugitive is also the target he once intended to assassinate

If this trend continues, the protected area will inevitably transform into something else, where real humans are replaced by machines capable of thought, which is precisely what the father desires. At that time, those who truly have the right to call it their father will be the ones filling the protected area.

"I was attacked..." Gale moaned in pain and said

There is no other choice

Gail exclaimed and quickly asked, "How is he doing now?"

"Please do not be sad, Melani," Gael gently comforted, turning his head back, "I think this is an android."

"Which exit do we take to leave the city, doctor’s degree?" Gail asked, looking ahead

Soon, the vehicle had arrived at the city wall, where a massive metal gate stood firmly closed, marked as Exit 14. Several soldiers in military uniforms approached, holding guns in their hands. Tang Feng tried to remain calm, sitting motionless in front of the steering wheel. One soldier stepped closer and leaned in to take a look.

I am very sorry..." Tang Feng said quietly

"Are you going to use it?" Gail asked in surprise

"Did you kill someone, Tang Feng?" Meilani, sitting in the back seat, asked in surprise, leaning forward and peering ahead.

Tang Feng found himself at a loss for words, feeling that the future was bleak and burdened with heavy thoughts. If even his father had betrayed humanity, then the end of humanity might truly be upon them. Was there really no future left?

"Since we have Adam, why wouldn't Eve appear?" Gale's eyes sparkled with the fire of wisdom, "Since there is one survivor, there will also be a second, although the chances are slim. However, until recently, there have been exciting new discoveries that have emerged."

Gail let out a bitter laugh, "We can only hope; this is our only hope."

"Officer, your identification," the soldier shouted loudly from behind him. Tang Feng glanced at the rearview mirror; the lights were getting closer, it was a military jeep. He pressed the accelerator firmly, the engine roared, and Tang Feng felt his back slam against the seat.

The two men did not speak again, each lost in their own thoughts. Melani also leaned back in the chair, remaining silent.

What happened

Our only chance is to find that spaceship. The silver lining in this unfortunate situation is that my father does not know the location of the spaceship. If he did, his first action would surely be to destroy it, and at that point, we scientists would become nothing more than harmless debris