Hereditary Allegories : A Study in Genetics

W : Clown Mouse

In the Phoenix Archipelago, the remote island of Ebin developed a severe infestation of mice nearly 500 years ago. The sole inhabitants were Dutch colonialists, who apparently had brought the mice with them. Faced with possible decimation of their food supply, the Dutch began a bloody, relentless campaign to exterminate the tiny marauders.

During the ensuing months of extermination, a strangely spotted female mouse was discovered and spared as a rare and amusing oddity. Pregnant, she gave birth to a dozen spotted babies.

These spotted mice became valued as entertaining pets. However, along with their unique markings, they also carried a virus deadly to humans. When the island was rediscovered in 1943, it was overrun with these colorful creatures. Unfortunately, not a single human being remained alive, and only chronicles in old Dutch remained to tell the tale. Mouse W is one of two descendants.

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Allegories