Disease ravages humanity, killing millions across the globe. Haunted by the loss of her son to the deadly illness, geneticist Avia Sherman must find the strength to keep going. To find a cure. It's called The Protected Project. To save mankind, Avia must find the missing key to create superimmunity in unborn children... before the world plunges into desolation. "A Defective Prequel" Each story in the Fractured Era Archives reveals the truth behind the mysteries hinted at in the bestselling Fractured Era series. This is a short story and originally appeared in The Telepath Chronicles anthology.