Marat Bukov is one of the most brilliant molecular geneticists the world has ever seen. A Soviet Cold War era genius, he is tormented by the desire to someday turn his knowledge to peaceful purposes. When a horrific lab accident took the lives of his wife and daughter at their home in the frozen Novosibirsky District of Russia, he vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to leaving. Five countries, several years, and a spectacular defection later, Bukov landed in paradise doing exactly what he wanted, peaceful genetic research in sunny Miami. He was at peace, finally given the chance to work with reptiles in a warm place. Working at a breakneck pace, the desire for secrecy from prying eyes drove him deep into the swamps to a secret lab known to very few. It was here that his experiments with transgenic species were given new meaning and life. Here, in the dark and ancient stands of twisted oaks, towering cypress, and brooding moss, a lone survivor of an experiment gone terribly wrong, took flight but eventually returned to his creator in a shocking end.
About the Author: Michael James, photographer and writer grew up on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee in S. Central Florida. After graduating from Okeechobee High School he attended the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and studied photography. After art school he worked as a major events photographer at Daytona International Speedway. He eventually returned home to Okeechobee and spent the next 18 years as a commercial photographer in a career that carried him across North America. In 1995 he went to work almost exclusively writing and producing original photographic work for the Seminole Tribe of Florida where he became acquainted with many friends and a wealth of rare experiences and opportunities. During the 5 years he spent with the 'Tribe' he covered all of the Region 13 Indian National Finals Rodeo events across the country and into Canada in addition to writing special projects related to health issues in Native American populations. Michael also wrote on issues concerning the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and was an advocate for the protection of ancient Native American burials and cultural sites. His work earned him a Native American Journalist Association award for writing, the first time ever the award went to a non Native American. Several of his images were included in the 'Legends of Our Times' museum display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Today he lives in Tampa, Florida where he continues to write about his experiences with the Seminole Tribe, life in S. Florida, and other topics.