urblastema-plague

The chapter follows Greenlaw, a man born without genetic enhancements in a future biotechnological society, as he reflects on his life, losses, and the devastating impact of a rampant biological plague called the Urblastema that has destroyed his home region and loved ones. Despite his professional success in bio-defense, Greenlaw grapples with guilt and grief over the ecological and personal destruction wrought by the plague, while engaging with colleagues about ongoing containment efforts and the mysterious behavior of the Urblastema.