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Fathom's Phantoms Revelations

Theo had spent a week solid running around in an attempt to control and contain a very unpleasant situation. While the Geneticons under his management were still stocked with HID the supply was limited and it would only be a matter of time until they were forced to turn to the 'street cooked' version of the drug as supplied by the questionable and circumspect Dr. Victor Cortez. The Wolf didn't like it but he didn't have much of a choice.

He woke up one morning however and it was almost strange when his waking hours were suddenly devoid of emergencies. At first he thought that had to have been mistaken and the initial two hours of that cycle were spent seeking out figurative fires to extinguish but, once he found none, he realized that things would return to as close to normal as possible; then again, with the fear of no HID on everyone's mind, COMPLETELY normal simply wasn't an option.

From that point Theo spent the first part of his shift making certain that everything was 'just right'. Carol had been out of the apartment often enough running errands, accompanied each time by two members of the station guard; they were courteous and attentive, thus it was the only way the Wolf would allow her the freedom to complete her task of redecorating the living quarters. Beyond that Theo finally had some quiet time... and he hated quiet time.

Seated at a desk the Wolf casually flipped through the pages of an old, tattered, hard-cover book... it was one of the few he had bothered bringing with him. More a keepsake than an actual topic of interest, the tome, entitled "Genetics and the Origin of Species" was, according to Jen's father, one of the key references for the amazing technology behind what would one day become the Designer Domestic line of LHI's Geneticons. It was so important in fact that Theo had actually been given his name by Jen's father who named him after the book's scientist/author: Theodosius Dobzhansky.

In that Theo was unique; he was the only one of Jen's Gens that she herself did not name. This created a minor problem considering that Jen was scarcely four at the time she had very little desire to learn how to say "Theodosius", hence the wolf's name was shortened to Theo... and she kept it at that ever since. Despite Theo's conditioning and genetic disposition to do what was required of LHI's president and CEO (Mr. Thurstenburger), the overriding coding in his genes made certain that his concern was for Jen first and foremost, so if she wanted his name to be Theo, then, by Jen, his name was Theo!

And so the hours passed with Theo managing to focus on some of the lighter sides of his past. He continued flipping through the book gazing intensely but with little focus on the actual writing. The book had gone with him to college and, on more than one occasion, provided a strangely useful distraction for Jen and himself from the studies they should have been conducting; after two or three pages of "Genetics and the Origin of Species" almost any college text book was an improvement.

The Wolf fondly caressed the seam between the pages where it was opened and set it down in his lap; his distraction was at an end and the station's conditions meant that he had to focus more on the present. He spoke quietly to himself. "If Jen has faith in Dr. Cortez's mixture then we should all have faith in it."

The rest of the Gens were often parroting that exact same thing. Despite their collective willingness to put faith in Jen's opinion there was still an unspoken concern. Part of it had to have been because Jen was so adamant about giving up her own doses. There was little record of Geneticons going off of the genetic-stabilization drug, but dependency on it was not considered to be an issue for a Human... hopefully.

The fact that Jen had gone almost a week without any HID and there weren't any immediately recognizable side effects was a good start... but Theo secretly wondered if perhaps she had become a little-- well... crankier. The Wolf of course still voiced his concern quite adamantly that she'd been on it since before high school and there was no way to tell what going off of it might do to her.

She had simply smiled and gave his paw a squeeze. "Maybe not... but we have a good idea of what will happen when THEY do."

That discussion had been numerous days past but it was still on Theo's mind for several reasons... and not just because it was the most recent time he'd seen her. When he and Jen had spoken they were both in agreement that Theo, one of the earliest iterations of the DD line, did not have the same genetic instability as most of the "advanced production models"... which meant that there was a very good chance that he wouldn't be affected the same as younger employees like Nate, Ozzy, or Ken.

There was also a chance that Carol, as the second oldest DD would be able to be cut off from her doses and be just fine... but it was something Jen was not comfortable risking; the HID would continue and they'd do everything they could to work with what could be synthesized by Dr. Cortez. So it was that they were stuck in a holding pattern despite having a possible work-around from the feline physician.

In so far as the Cat's ability to create a custom dose for each of the Gens he was as good as his word. On the other paw Theo couldn't get past the fact that what the good doctor created was yet to be tested. The thought of forcing it upon all of the workers did not sit well with him but he also realized that they didn't have much of an alternative. Still, Jen decided to put her faith in the Cat and the Wolf fought to press the concerns from his mind with the knowledge that he didn't have to trust Dr. Cortez-- he trusted Jennifer.

Despite not having seen the Overseer in a week, Theo remained in contact with her thanks to a comm system installed in the apartment. The Wolf didn't realize that the old-fashioned wired devices would work on a space station but, according to Jen, the entire system was installed as a back-up. Theo's professional side considered a thank you card was in order while the Wolf's Jen-dependent side was just plain happy that he wasn't cut-off from his second-half. Either way the comm was put to great use and he kept her informed of the situation, including who had met with Dr. Cortez and the (supposedly) positive results in each and every case.

They had talked three times the prior day, mostly because the HID was running low and Kenneth, with less than everyone else, would soon be out. Among all of them it was the Bat who had the most faith in Dr. Cortez's substitute. Theo personally attributed it to the fact that Ken had been the one to have it synthesized first and needed the pick-me-up... especially considering his near-breakdown when they had first found out that their supply had been all-but destroyed. Unlike the other young Gens the Bat had been hit especially hard by the prospect of being without HID.

While such uncertainty and volatility was not a trait the Wolf liked to see in his coworkers, Kenneth was motivated to resolve the problem. Assuming the new drug did the trick the Bat's desire find an answer would ultimately be everyone's salvation. It was a relief on many levels, especially since Jen's concern for Ken had taken up a lot of her time and energy; it was something Theo was happy to put to rest. Jennifer, on the other hand, made it a point to call Kenneth out for his proactive search for a solution.

The Bat was recovering well and had seemed to overcome the worst of his anxiety. Theo had also been praised for the speed at which he worked to get everyone their new medicine; the Wolf accepted it in due course though he simply considered it part of his job. Everyone still had some HID and they also had their substitute... even if Theo continued to have his personal doubts of its validity. The Wolf spent the little extra time he'd had trying to formulate an understanding of what would happen if the new serum DIDN'T work... and he did not like what he'd come up with.

Due to the rapid acceleration of body development required for speedy production of the "built to order" Designer Domestics line, all Gen-Primes created using the LHI patented DNA code had exceedingly fast growth rates. The unique protein strands within the genetic marker of the LHI brand Gens were designed to promote aging at an ever-progressive rate.

The most recent version of the Designer Domestics could reach maturity in just under a year... and, after that they were required to start their HID regimen to help return their growth rate to the norm. The addition of direct-upload education into a Gen-Prime mid-manufacturing allowed them to be fully ready to complete whatever tasks were required of them after they were released from their growth pods.

According to LHI's brochure on Designer Domestics HID was a proprietary supplement that would be required for life by all models of the brand. Not only did it slow DNA deterioration but it also regulated even hormone production in the DD line creating an even temperament and a lack of any excessive emotion. It also rendered the Geneticons infertile, providing an added bonus by preserving copyright on the genetic coding.

Theo had never received access to the calculations on DD aging estimates but from the few pieces of information he'd managed to patch together he didn't like what it indicated. According to the general consensus among the LHI team most seemed to think that the HID would actually make the aging process even worse if the Gens were to quit... possibly decreasing life expectancy down to DAYS for the newest models... and weeks for earlier ones. Other than the fact that his own DNA coding was practically untouched compared to the later Designer Domestic brand, the wolf still didn't much like the thought of his coworkers having their lives pass them by in under a month.

So, he wondered to himself, what if they went on half-rations? Would taking a partial dose be better than none at all? What about mixing Dr. Cortez's serum with the HID in an attempt to decrease the lethality of what the Cat had manufactured while maintaining at least a little of the original supplement for as long as possible? A lot of options presented themselves to him but with so little testing and not a lot of evidence to support any theories Theo did not have a lot to go on... and what he DID know for certain was not very reassuring.

Kenenth was down to one dose... just one. What Doctor Cortez had taken to complete the new formula wasn't a significant amount but when each of Jen's Gens only had a little to begin with it made a difference. Theo was not eager to see the Cat's 'miracle cure' put to the test but Ken seemed strangely calm about it. The Bat was confident that it would make all the difference and that they could use it as long as necessary-- at least until the new batch of HID arrived. What the Bat DIDN'T know, and what Theo had promised Jen not to tell anyone was that there wouldn't be a new shipment coming... not for over a month.

The Wolf didn't know what would happen between the time when no HID remained and when the next crate arrived but he could not escape the pessimism regarding the toxicity of their substitute serum. Theo had already told Jen that he wouldn't be using it and even suggested the thought that he surrender his own HID to the rest of the Gens much in the same way that Jennifer herself had done. Although she didn't expressly forbid him from doing so she WAS quick to state that she wanted him to exercise care over his own well-being just as surely as he was caring for the rest of his team; he was NOT expendable.

So he decided it was a waiting game. Kenneth was letting the time approach like a test of sorts-- he would finish his last dose of HID and then start on Dr. Cortez's solution... he would do well with it or he would do poorly with it, but the bat had noted on several occasions that at least the waiting would be over. Ken accepted the situation eagerly, having full confidence that things would turn out alright and that he would be a willing test subject to show the rest of his team that they could make it-- that they WOULD make it with the answer he'd found.

In the end Theo envied the Bat in that regard. Kenneth could feel like he was doing something; he'd made a choice and would blaze a trail for the rest of them to follow. With luck the path he chose would be one that could help the Gens survive, maintaining their health well enough until LHI sent another shipment of the supplement they needed. On the other end of the spectrum, however, was Nathaniel.

The Elephant had gone through the process of letting Dr. Cortez draw blood and create a custom tailored supplement for him but he had specifically told Theo to ask Jen if he could choose not to take it. In the little time that Nate had been with them the wolf had always known the Elephant to be a very loyal employee to LHI and asking to avoid using a non-approved drug was just one more piece of proof that there was no gray area for Nathaniel. Jen had asked for a day to consider it and it was only the previous night that she said it was Nate's choice.

With only a few days of HID left it would only be a matter of time until their second test began. Between Kenneth choosing Dr. Cortez's chemical cocktail and Nathaniel electing to stick with his inevitable fate it was back to waiting for them all. Lots, and lots of waiting. Theo closed the book in his lap and set it back on the shelf; he hated waiting and realized that he would eventually have to make a decision of his own... so that's what he chose to focus on instead, and sat down at the desk, weighing the options as he stared at his paltry supply of pills: many extra days for him, or one for each of his coworkers.

* * * * * *

Jeremiah was quite pleased with the two new recruits for his work crew. Kyle, as it turned out, was practically a certifiable genius. While the Human didn't know much about the life support systems when he started within a week's time he was able to identify problems almost as fast as the Pointer... merely from their description... and determine a fix for them. If Jerry had been the jealous type then Kyle would have turned him green. "Boone", as Sherman liked to call the human made everything look easy.

And then there was Sherman himself. The Bull was far more easy-going than any other 'orange suit' Jeremiah had met at that point. Obedient and attentive, Sherman turned out to be an ideal addition to the team as he was strong without being willful and compliant without being dependent. The Gen's shaggy fur was originally of some concern for work on the air filtration system but Jeremiah found out that the Bull did not shed, which made him feel that much more comfortable in utilizing him.

Ever since arriving at Sigma-Echo the Pointer had spent his time tending to his duties during work hours and finding himself alone off-shift... but Technician LaGriss changed all that and, by extension, so did Sherman. Kyle was a strange combination of reserved and personable but, for whatever reason, he made it work. Jeremiah couldn't recall whether it was the Human or himself who first initiated hanging out after work but the Dog found that it was enjoyable having someone to talk with and relate to during off-hours aside from occasional "complaint sessions" with Wes, his second in command.

At first the majority of the interaction was mostly on Kyle's part. He related his prior experiences with being part of various projects including the survey crew. The Human was good about providing the logical parts of the survey team while reeling in the emotional side... but Kyle made no attempts to hide the fact that someone in that team meant a lot more to him than a friend. While Jeremiah wasn't able to relate to losing a lover with whom he had worked, the Dog was able to find a rough similarity when it was his turn to talk about losing people who meant a lot to him.

Jeremiah had to remain vague as he explained the losses he'd incurred during his time as a technology specialist. He couldn't go into detail, partly for his own protection, but mostly due to his agreement with DRC clearing up some of the less legal deeds of his youth. Still, much of the past he could share wasn't something he'd talk to anyone about, let alone a coworker... but Kyle seemed to make it so easy. The Human was attentive and sympathetic, all the while encouraging the Pointer to speak with a well-timed nod and Sherman was always there with eyes and ears focused on whomever was speaking.

And so the conversations continued throughout the week. Although the three of them didn't meet every day they did get together more often than not-- sometimes for drinks, sometimes for dinner, and sometimes just to hang out at the rec-center. It was the beginning of the next week however when Sherman finally started taking an active role in the conversations... and what happened on the day Jeremiah was invited to their apartment gave him pause.

The Dog followed them back to their quarters after their shift ended and Sherman had offered to get dinner started while Kyle got changed. The two unabashedly shared a public-appropriate kiss and the Human headed off down the hall while the Bull went to do a preliminary search of their cabinets. Sherman's comment caught Jeremiah by surprise, "Kyle looks up to you, ya know."

The Pointer's ears raised up at the announcement and he took a step closer to Sherman, "Huh? Why's that?"

The Bull pulled out a bag of some kind of grain and set it on the counter then followed up with a packet of dehydrated vegetables. He continued gathering more ingredients, speaking to Jeremiah without facing him, "You've done a lot with a little."

The Dog shrugged in response as he took a seat at the small kitchen table, "Ya learn t' do with what ya got... no sense in complainin' about what ya don't."

The Bull was apparently familiar with the common spacer saying, "Spent a lot of time on ships, huh?"

The Pointer nodded, absently smoothing out the tufts of fur that poked over the collar of his work uniform. "Quite awhile, yea... had t' leave home a ways back an' I've been floatin' ever since. What about you?"

Sherman shrugged. "I like horizons."

Jeremiah knew it was the polite way for the Bull to say he preferred life planet-side. During most conversations, that was about the time the Dog would have asked what made Sherman decide to join the crew on the space station but, considering the orange jump suit he settled on skipping that question, choosing a different follow-up instead, "So you an' Kyle met on yer last mission?"

It was then that the Human emerged from the hallway, changed, with a towel around his shoulders and wet hair. "Yea... the only two survivors of our team, unless you count the Overseer."

The Pointer nodded. "Yea... heard she's doin' well... I guess she's gettin' relocated t' help manage logistics on th' Executive Deck."

Kyle smiled. "That's good to hear... I was hoping she'd be alright. After the ice cave-in I didn't know if any of us would survive. It was a horrible thing, but we were lucky that our shelter had shifted from al of the seismic activity or we would have been crushed."

The Bull's ears flicked for a moment in what looked like hesitation, but Sherman nodded his agreement quickly enough. "Boone kept me alive."

Kyle laughed as he joined Sherman in the kitchen, "Don't you mean that the other way around, big guy? You were the best-off out of all of us."

The shaggy furred Gen shrugged and presented the ingredients to the Human, "Keeping you alive kept me alive."

The Technician laughed, giving the large Bull a slap on the thigh. "Sure... just keep telling yourself that, Hero."

Sherman excused himself, heading off into the hall but not before looking back. "Either way, you were more important than the 'thing'."

Jeremiah's ears went up as Kyle started preparing dinner. The Dog was inspired to ask, "What 'thing'? Do ah wanna know?"

The Human opened the package of grains and emptied them into a pot of water, "You remember hearing how there was a Voljoi on the team that sabotaged everything, right? Well, Sherman caught him digging something out of the ice and apparently it was pretty important... worth killing people over."

The comment caught the Pointer by surprise. "You mean..."

Kyle nodded, "Yea... Sherman brought it back."

Jeremiah sat up a little straighter. "What'id they say when ya turned it in?"

Kyle shrugged, "We included it in our debriefing... well... Sherman did... I didn't find out about it until about a week ago. He never mentioned what they said about it."

The Bull emerged from the hallway, toweling off the fur on his neck and head, "Dunno who Dr. Ibrin was working with-- when I caught him he was messaging with someone and the station here's the only place close enough to comm with in real-time. I didn't wanna give it up."

Jeremiah nodded, crossing his arms as he considered what he'd learned. "All th' more reason t' turn it in. If there's someone here on th' station who's looking for it then it should be in custody."

Sherman crossed his own arms. "Unless someone in security was the Gray's contact."

Kyle turned from the dinner on the stove to look at the bull, "I'm not sure, Sherman... I think I agree with Jerry. Maybe you should follow-up with the debriefing officer so they can get it moved."

The Bull shook his head. "If that Voljoi was willing to kill for it then it's not safe to just hand it over to anyone."

The Dog uncrossed his arms and stepped over to Sherman, resting a paw on the large laborer's shoulder, "If he was willin' t' kill fer it, then don't ya think that whoever he was workin' with might be willin' t' do the same?"

The Bull shook his head. "I'm not worried about getting hurt."

The Pointer did not relent. "What about Kyle?"

The two roommates glanced to one another and the change that came over the laborer was visible. Sherman let out a deep breath. "I don't have a shift tomorrow... If I can get tram clearance I can tell the bridge."

The response brought a smile to Kyle's face. "We'll go together... I'm off too."

The Dog nodded. "Ah can check with security t' see about gettin' ya an escort if ya'd like me to."

Sherman shook his head. "Right now nobody knows we have it except you... if you assign security to us that might get people thinking."

Kyle nodded. "Right... I think the two of us will be able to handle it... I mean, I can't think of anyone who'd really want to tangle with THIS."

The Human gestured in an animated manner to the Bull standing beside him; Jeremiah joined him in a laugh and the conversation continued on much more casually from there until, after a time, it slowly trailed off into a comfortable silence.

The two roommates continued working together in the kitchen with the only sounds being the sizzling of food in a pan, the soft bubbling of boiling water, and the occasional muted clop of Sherman's hooves on the padded floor. When someone finally DID speak up, Jeremiah initially misunderstood Kyle's meaning, "So, Jerry... did you want to see it?

"See... it?"

Sherman glanced to the Pointer. "What Dr. Ibrin was after."

Jeremiah paused at the comment. "You mean... ya got it... here?"

The Human and Bull glanced to one another then back to him and nodded. Sherman stepped out of the kitchen and trotted into the living room until he got to where he could kneel down beside their sofa. He fished around for a moment under the middle couch cushion and pulled out a broad but shallow case. "Yea... best way to keep an eye on it."

The Dog sat back in his seat as the Bull placed the case down in front of him on the coffee table. Sherman sat across from him in an empty chair, speaking softly, "For whatever reason, it was important enough to kill a dozen people over..."

Jeremiah slowly reached out and placed his paw on the latch. He glanced to Sherman and Kyle who were both looking his way. They nodded; he nodded back... and slowly opened the container. He blinked once, gazing inside. He was both astounded and confused by what he saw... and, judging from the expression of his two hosts, that was completely anticipated.