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Chapter One

Rob Ewing

Updated: Aug 16, 2023

Double Helix Meets Quantum Bits: A Twist in the Tale

As the new semester began at the University of Amora, Declan found himself reminiscing about a pivotal conversation with his father. It had become a ritual, a way for him to connect with the energy and enthusiasm of his younger self, the hunger for discovery that had propelled him down his chosen path. In the quiet solitude of his office, he could almost hear the echo of his own words spoken so many years ago, convincing his father of the worthiness of his chosen field. His youthful optimism and excitement flooded back to him, a welcome antidote to the burnout of years spent chasing answers that remained just beyond his grasp.

His heart ached with the longing for a breakthrough, a soreness that could only be felt by someone who had dedicated his life to solving mysteries that seemed content to remain unsolved. But he knew that, despite the disappointments, his heart lay in the tangled webs of evolution and the stories they had yet to reveal. This memory served as a reminder to Declan, a beacon guiding him through the often challenging path of academia. The initial excitement and fascination that had led him to explore the realm of Evolutionary Biology could be harnessed again and again, not only to rekindle his passion but also to ignite the same in his students. While preparing for his first lecture, he felt a surge of hope. Every new class held the potential of young, brilliant minds who could bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. Perhaps, he thought, one of them might even crack the code of an enduring evolutionary mystery. Declan found comfort and strength in the cycle of academia, the constant ebb and flow of new students and new semesters. Despite the unyielding challenges that Evolutionary Biology presented, he cherished the opportunity to inspire a new generation of thinkers and scholars who might someday find the answers that had eluded him for so long. And so, the memory of that long-ago conversation with his father kept him grounded yet optimistic. It held him close to his roots while reminding him of the limitless possibilities the future could bring. Each new semester, Declan would draw from this well of hope and determination, ready to inspire his students with the same passion that had set him on his path all those years ago.

Declan found himself once again caught in a reverie, a memory dancing on the edge of his consciousness. It was a conversation he had with his father years ago, his youthful excitement clashing with his father's more traditional views on a suitable career. In this memory, Declan could still see his father's furrowed brow, feel the weight of his concern. "Why," he had asked in a tone of bewilderment, "would you want to delve into Evolutionary Biology? It doesn't hold any promise, son. You have a family dynasty that you need to help preserve!" Declan had taken a deep breath, remembering the glint in his eyes as he readied himself to defend his calling. He started with his fascination for the past, its inherent allure and the mysteries it held, like a time capsule yearning to be deciphered. He described his longing to unravel these secrets of the past

 

that held the blueprint of life as we know it. He had spoken about the intriguing enigma of the Cambrian explosion, expressing his curiosity about the sudden flourish of life forms in a relatively short span. He explained his interest in the evolution of sexual reproduction, a conundrum that continues to perplex evolutionary biologists. Eloquently, he delved into the concept of punctuated equilibrium and the peculiar phenomenon of rapid evolutionary spurts following long periods of relative calm. He painted a vivid picture of the possible transition from unicellular to multicellular life, and the myriad mysteries it encompassed. With a hint of wonder in his voice, he talked about one of the grandest mysteries of all: the evolution of consciousness. He elaborated on his desire to understand how and why awareness sprung up in certain life forms. Finally, he mentioned the enigmatic nature of mass extinctions, emphasizing his curiosity about why certain species survived these catastrophic events while others perished. Declan remembered the earnestness in his voice as he finished, explaining that these weren't just academic curiosities for him. He believed they held the key to understanding life's genesis and trajectory. He wanted to uncover these truths not just for himself, but for the world. Even now, he could see his father's skeptical gaze hardening as he listened to his son's impassioned defense. It was a memory that stayed with him, a reminder of his own relentless passion for Evolutionary Biology and the beautiful, ceaseless quest for understanding it symbolized. Despite his father's adamant resistance, Declan knew he had chosen the path that was meant for him.


"Greetings, scholars, and welcome to the foundational class on Cogni-Genius Processing Technology. Your presence here signals your esteemed standing in the realm of quantum computing, and I extend my warmest welcome to you all. Your dedication to this governmental endeavor is highly valued. I am Declan Sutton, your guide and mentor for the duration of this course. Though my primary expertise lies within the fascinating realm of evolutionary biology rather than quantum computing, my mission is to enlighten you about the transformative convergence of quantum computers with a ground-breaking tool known as CRISPR, and how it has rewritten the course of human evolution.

Our initial focus was on eradicating detrimental genetic mutations responsible for numerous genetic ailments. By pinpointing and rectifying these anomalies, we've succeeded in not just eliminating these diseases, but also enhancing our overall well-being. Next, we amplified our skeletal and muscular fortitude, thereby infusing greater vigor and robustness into the human physique. We then moved onto enhancing our cognitive capacities, improving our ability to learn and remember. Following this, we fortified our immunity, elevating the body's defenses against diseases and infections. This enhancement has helped us keep health hazards at bay more efficiently. Lastly, we managed to augment our lifespan by curtailing the process of cellular decay. As we move forward,


it's crucial to acknowledge the vast prospects and hurdles that await us. The Cogni-Genius Processing Technology unlocks uncharted territories of scientific discovery, and it is through our joint endeavors that we can continue to extend the limits of the conceivable. I urge you all to view this course as a stepping stone towards a future where quantum computing and CRISPR technology play key roles in shaping our society. Together, we can decipher the enigmas of the cosmos and unleash the unexplored potential of the human physique and psyche. I express my gratitude to each one of you for joining me on this thrilling expedition, and I eagerly anticipate delving into the world of Cogni-Genius Processing with all of you."




 

As Declan scanned the faces of the students gathered for the foundational class on Cogni-Genius Processing Technology, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. Compared to previous years, the assembly of scholars was noticeably smaller. The lecture hall, which used to be brimming with eager learners, now had vacant seats scattered throughout. He pondered on this change - was it due to dwindling interest, or a result of stricter selection procedures? Regardless, the determination and potential he saw in the eyes of the attendees suggested a promise of great success. As he was about to begin the lecture, a figure at the back of the room caught his eye. There, in the shadows of a corner, stood Dr. Claire Cairns. She was watching him intently, with an unreadable expression on her face. This was surprising; Claire was a notable figure in the quantum computing field, and it was unusual for her to attend these foundational classes. She was more likely to be seen in advanced labs or directing high-level projects. So, why was she here, in a beginner's lecture? Declan tried to suppress the intrigue brewing within him. Was Claire there out of genuine interest, or was there another reason? Regardless, her presence was a testament to the importance of the course they were about to undertake. Pushing his speculations aside, Declan focused on the eager faces before him, ready to delve into the fascinating world of Cogni-Genius Processing Technology and its impacts on Evolutionary Biology.


Shortly after the first class ended, Claire Cairns approached Declan, with a confident stride and stern look in her eyes. She extended her hand, revealing a badge engraved with the emblem of the Quantum Research and Development Agency (QRDA). A government agency tasked with the enormous task of managing, researching, and implementing quantum computing technologies. Their remit included a vast range of duties, from developing secure quantum communication networks to driving initiatives in quantum algorithm design. The agency was also responsible for a somewhat controversial task: exploring the potential of quantum computing in gene alteration. This endeavor aimed to uncover groundbreaking solutions in genetic diseases and to advance our understanding of the human genome. The QRDA was not just shaping the future of computing; it was poised to redefine the boundaries of medicine and biology, steering us into an era of unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.

"Professor Sutton, my name is Claire Cairns," she began, maintaining a calm and steady demeanor. "I'm here representing a government project, and we could use your expertise. We've hit a roadblock that requires an evolutionary biologist’s perspective. We believe your expertise could be pivotal in addressing this issue." Declan was taken aback by Claire's admission. He had expected some kind of request for assistance, when he saw her approach, but the urgency and desperation in her eyes caught him off guard. "Well I hope that I can be of an assistance," Declan replied, his voice filled with genuine concern. "What seems to be the problem? Is it a specific aspect of the project or a broader challenge?" Claire hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words. "It's a complex issue," she finally admitted. "We are working on a creation simulation, attempting to replicate the process of evolution. However, there are certain sequences in the data that we can't decipher or make sense of. We believe these sequences hold the key to progressing further, but without a deep understanding of evolutionary biology, we are at an impasse." Declan's eyes widened as he grasped the significance of Claire's words. "You're trying to simulate evolution? That's an extraordinary undertaking. And you believe my expertise in evolutionary biology can help you make sense of these sequences?" Claire nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Yes, Professor. We've reached a critical point where your insights could potentially unlock the answers we need. We are looking for someone who can lend their


 

expertise to decode these sequences and guide us towards a breakthrough. That and I have discovered something , something in my work that is beyond complex, beyond my understanding of both biology and Quantum computing. I am hoping you can make headway with… well numerous problems that have arisen in our project.” Declan frowned at this revelation. "What other problems?" "I can't say much now," Claire said, glancing around nervously before leaning in closer. "But we believe you could be instrumental in helping us. We want to offer you a high-ranking position within the QRDA. Your expertise could be crucial in navigating this crisis." Declan was taken aback, but the gravity of the situation was settling in. He considered Claire's proposition. He was just a professor, not a government official. But then again, weren't they all before they took on roles of greater responsibility? "You need my help," he finally said, not as a question, but as a simple acknowledgment. "Yes, we do," Claire replied earnestly. "Will you join us?" Her words hung heavy in the air. This was a dream come true for him, a project that could help him answer all of the mysteries that he so longed to solve. He realized this was an opportunity for him to make a real difference.


As Declan stood in silence for a moment, he finally nodded affirmatively, managing to keep any trace of excitement out of his expression. "Alright, I'm in. But I need to ensure that my classes are covered before I leave."

Claire, holding a smile back, felt a sense of relief wash over her. Having him willingly on her team was preferable; coercion was not in her plan. "Thank you, Professor Sutton. We've already arranged for your smooth transition to the QRDA and coverage of your classes," she assured him.

Declan, taken aback, looked at her. "When did this happen?"

"Just now," Claire responded, an unreadable look in her eyes. It was evident that the wheels had been set in motion long before this conversation, leaving Declan with little choice in the matter. She added, "And remember, discretion is of the utmost importance."


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