The test took a rather odd turn. While Blacklight was a relatively new virus, it still followed the basic pattern of infection and replication.
As always, once Blacklight was introduced to the sample the viral particles immediately sought out and infested the sample cells. The infected cells practically exploded into a mess of tiny tendrils, the virus twisting their forms as always.
What was new, however, was how two of the infected cells accidentally tangled, the web of tendrils slowing a third cell long enough for a virus particle to overtake and infect the fleeing cell. There was a short pause, then the infected cells reached out towards the uninfected with their tendrils, aiming to ensnare them.
As a hunting strategy, it was basic at best. As a hunting strategy for a virus, it was unheard of. At the very least it was enough for a lifetime of papers, if not a complete overhaul of virology.
And Dr. Mercer had complete control over it all. It was supposed to be a routine test and had happened only in his microscope. No one else knew, and if Dr. Mercer wanted he could simply snuff out the strain and no one ever would.
