“Project DRWN has been a longstanding effort to investigate how genetic engineering could advance certain combat scenarios. Assets with the appropriate background were placed in biomedical research firms in the hopes of extracting private industry technology to advance our military. AgriMed’s research on evolutionary genetic simulations was among DRWN’s targets—and when DRWN successfully managed to exfiltrate enough data from AgriMed to be able to duplicate that research on their own, that’s when a number of real-world experiments began to come to our attention.

“Using the appropriated research, research efforts were initiated to genetically engineer canines that could fight alongside soldiers. This phase of the project was canceled due to issues associated with the inability to control the test subjects.

“The next phase involved advanced research into genetically modifying avian species to create aggressive flocking behaviors and enabling the imprinting of an enemy target for controlled attacks.”

“Who the hell authorizes this kind of nonsense?” Franks snapped. “Sorry, go on.”

Nate pressed the space bar and spoke to the bulleted points on the page. “That phase was shut down when an accident occurred.” He pointed up at the screen. “I was personally called in to investigate the aftermath of the avian research. A couple of civilians stumbled upon the remote island where the research was being done. And rather than risk exposure, whoever was running this show simply napalmed the entire island. My investigation of the incident suggested that there may be both CIA as well as German intelligence involved.”

“Madam Director,” Jeff said, “I should note that we investigated both of those avenues thoroughly. We got nowhere with the CIA—denials across the board. As to German intelligence, I presented a surveillance request to the FISA court, and was denied.”

Franks nodded. “Understood.” She motioned for Nate to continue.

He moved to his next slide. “The records indicate that after the avian incident, there were efforts to shut down the entire DRWN project, but by that time it seems that some of those involved had already gone rogue in pursuit of so-called ‘humanitarian’ ends. That is to say, elements of this genetic research made its way into human trials. To make matters worse, the VA was one of the primary domestic avenues for the unauthorized clinical trials.”

The deputy director closed her eyes and her face reddened a bit. “Go on, Carrington, I’m listening. I’m just trying to imagine what kind of creatures would experiment on our veterans.”

Nate had wondered the same thing.

“Yes, ma’am.” Nate advanced the slide. “The human trials were conducted only on terminal patients, and the good news, if there is any, is that some of these experiments may in fact have benefited the trial participants. After that, the trials expanded beyond our borders. We know of three treatment locations in South America and one in London.