Chapter 62
Leila
To: Pyotr V. Popov, PhD, DSc
Pathogen Geneticist and Viral Biologist
Cold Shore Global Contingency
Cold Shore, Alaska Territory
A concerning new supplement has been appearing around Glacier Valley. I have not personally experienced it myself, but I have been able to gather a sample from one of the Shore Guards at the outpost.
Initially, I was concerned that the compound was derived from addictive and corrosive precursors, consistent with other illicit synthetic substances such as methamphetamine hydrochloride or mephedrone. However, the findings were significantly more alarming than anticipated.
The substance known as “grinleaf” appears to be made from several relatively benign ingredients, like vinegar and spruce tips.
However, the presence of pronounced elevations in phenylethylamine, dopamine, and most notably, rabidamine, strongly indicates that its principal active component is derived from human neural tissue.
While the properties of rabidamine are not yet fully undersood, current data indicates that it is exclusively present in the tissue of individuals infected with lyssavirus genotype-8.
Preliminary findings suggest that rabidamine may be a primary driver of the pronounced aggression and cognitive disorientation characteristic of infected subjects, commonly referred to as “zombie” behavior.
As such, consuming any substance containing rabidamine poses a serious threat to a human.
Not only is the source ethically questionable at best, but there is already a precedent of the lyssavirus causing unexpected mutations, with the genotype-8 only being the most notable and catastrophic.
Prolonged and sustained exposure to rabidamine is likely to amplify adverse effects and, under extreme conditions, may precipitate “zombie-like” aggression in otherwise uninfected individuals.
Because of all these reasons, “grinleaf” needs to be banned on all Cold Shore premises, by all of the members of our organization.
Considering Dr. Kimble’s strong interest in exploratory research, it may be advisable to withhold details from him about grinleaf and its association with rabidamine until the findings are more conclusive.
I trust you will exercise appropriate discretion when briefing Director-General Haugen on the concerns regarding grinleaf. However, please ensure that the urgency of implementing a consumption ban is clearly conveyed. The associated risks are too significant to warrant further experimentation.
Respectfully,
Leila Lund, Ph.D.
Neuroethologist and Chemical Biologist
Cold Shore Global Contingency