The Monstrosity - Chapter 1

Renowned geneticist Davis Caleb adjusted his lab coat as he walked onstage. Sitting in front of him were a large number of investors and shareholders for Aquarius Genetics Research Investigative Site. The tech booth worker gave Dr. Caleb a thumbs up, and the presentation began.
"First off, I would like to thank all of you for coming out here tonight," he began. "Our groundbreaking work here at AGRIS has helped improve thousands of lives across the multiverse. We've researched hereditary diseases, tested cures for cancer, and many other scientific programs - all thanks to your financial support."
The investors gave a round of applause.
"Secondly, we've brought you all here to witness a groundbreaking new project we've been working hard on over the last year."
The curtain behind the stage lifted up, revealing a large metal display shelf on wheels. Atop it were three jars, each one filled with green fluid and the fetus of a strange creature. The crowd erupted in a mix of startled gasps and confused mutterings.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present to you... Project Allsplice. AGRIS' top geneticists - including myself - have been working to create hybrid creatures, that can be used in workplace, military, and even first responder settings."
Dr. Caleb gestured to the first tank. "This is Romeo, a hybrid of octopus, tarantula, rhinoceros beetle, and scorpion. His invertebrate DNA not only gives him more flexibility for navigating tight spaces with ease, but he also comes equipped a tough exterior and powerful attacks, overwhelming targets with sheer might.
"And this is Sierra, built for speed and stealth. She's a more simple hybrid of falcon and cheetah, but still a fast and silent predator, perfect for recon missions or urgent rescues."
Finally, Dr. Caleb showed off the last tank.
"And last, but certainly not least, we have Tango. She is a hybrid of crocodile, wolf, bat, and python. If our simulations are accurate, she should be the strongest creature relative to body size in the entire multiverse, able to accomplish heavy-duty tasks and powerful front-line assaults."
The audience's eyes were full of intrigue (and likely dollar signs as well).
"They say the future lies in the hands of robots. But as we here at AGRIS have discovered in all our testing, it turns out all we needed to do was look back to Mother Nature for inspir-"
A gunshot rang out, and Dr. Caleb fell dead to the stage.

The investors gasped and screamed. Some turned to see where the gunshot had come from. At the back door of the auditorium, three burly men toting machine guns stood with murderous eyes.
"We are taking creatures," said the biggest of them (who was obviously the leader), speaking with a thick Russian accent. "If anyone tries dumb move, I shoot them!"
The other two mafia men pointed their guns into the audience. The investors all raised their hands in surrender, while the leader strode up onto the stage. A scientist - who's badge read DR. KELLY MILFORD - ran out from backstage to try and stop him.
"Don't do this!" she urged him. "If the embryonic chambers are opened improperly, they'll die!"
The mafia leader put a pistol to the scientist's temple. "Then open chambers properly for me."
Dr. Milford stood her ground. "Never. I will protect these young creatures with my life."
The mafia leader laughed and pulled the trigger. "Bad choice."
He grabbed the badge off of Dr. Milford's body and slipped it on his pocket. Then he gestured to his men to come help him move the chambers off the shelf. They ran upon stage, still keeping their guns trained on the audience. Each man carried a tank out of the auditorium doors and towards their cargo shuttle waiting right outside the AGRIS building.
By the time security got to the scene, it was far too late. The mafia men were long gone, leaving nothing but two dead bodies, hundreds of traumatized investors, and an empty shelf onstage.

The chambers were easy to open. Each one had fully automated systems, so all the mafia leader had to do was tap Dr. Milford's card against a sensor on each tank, and the birthing process began.
First, a robotic wire severed the umbilical cords from the infant creatures. Next, the green fluid drained out through a hole where a pipe was supposed to go (The mafia used their safehouse bathtub instead of tubes). And finally, each chamber cracked open with a hiss as half of the glass cylinder retracted into the top and the base.
One mafia man pulled Romeo out from his tank first. The small hybrid creature shivered as he opened his eyes for the first time.
Another mafia man grabbed Sierra. She peeked at the man and let out a small chirp.
The leader gently lifted Tango out. She gazed up at him with piercing lime green eyes.
"Look at little cute baby monster!" cooed the mafia boss. "You will make me so much money on black market!"
Tango immediately bit him on the arm.
"OUCH!" He set her back in the bathtub. "You are feisty girl! We turn you into scary fighter. Eventually."
The mafia men all left the room, either to go sleep or go pull off another heist. As Tango cuddled in with her brother and sister, one thought danced in her mind.
She didn’t trust these people one bit.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Nice!

(I’m gonna start using this image to let ppl know I read their stories lol)