The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction

The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction

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The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction
The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction
Ancient Bread and Medical Circuses

Ancient Bread and Medical Circuses

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Nick Felker
Jun 10, 2025
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The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction
The Next Horizon: Sci-Fi Flash Fiction
Ancient Bread and Medical Circuses
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scottish man holding freshly-baked bread with a scientist holding ancient wheat DNA on a computer monitor, solarpunk drawing

The hum of the gene sequencer filled the sterile lab.

"Incredible, isn't it Freya?" asked Dr. Peter Collins excitedly. "Pure, unadulterated Triticum antiquus. Millennia old, and we've managed to bring it back."

Freya Roberts peered at the spiraling DNA sequence glowing in a soft amber on the monitor.

"It's certainly something Pete," she said with curiosity. "But are you sure this is wise? We have no idea what else might be lurking in that ancient genome."

Peter dismissed her concerns with a wave of the hand.

"Nonsense, Freya. We've isolated the essential genes for cultivation. Think of it — a wheat strain untouched by modern genetic tampering. What could be more organic than that? Imagine solving global food crises! Imagine the possibilities!"

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