Invasive Procedures (novel)

Plot

George Galen, a Nobel laureate geneticist formerly part of the Human Genome Project, believes he can guide humanity through genetic enhancement and disappears from public view. He develops a virus called V16 that carries specific genes into human cells, tailored to each patient to cure a genetic disorder, but the virus is quickly lethal to anyone else due to a severe rejection reaction. Galen's agents, called Healers, collect DNA from potential patients and administer engineered versions of V16, instructing patients and families on avoiding infection.

Galen also orchestrates the kidnapping of five individuals—Byron, Dolores, Hal, Jonathan, and Nick—along with cardiothoracic surgeon Monica Owens and her son Wyatt, using threats against Wyatt to force Monica's cooperation. Meanwhile, virologist and soldier Frank Hartman, working at Fort Detrick, devises a cure virus that can infiltrate cells and destroy V16. Hartman learns his original virus samples came from the BioHazard Agency (BHA), a government branch investigating the Healers. The BHA transfers Hartman to their Los Angeles facility to continue work on V16.