by Peter Shillan
<< Brookhaven >>
Professor Rudy Kleinberg had taken one of his infrequent breaks. Vaguely taking enough time to notice it was day outside, he eat his tuna sandwich with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. The brown liquid in the mug beside him professed to be coffee. It didn't matter what it was; he drank it anyway.
He left the cafeteria and started walking. His destination was far away on the other side of the complex and deep in the subterranean section of the seventh building. He was going to visit one of his 'pets' (as the Agency called them!).
This one, however, he didn't mind being termed his pet. While there were many of his 'creations' in the compound, only this one had surprised him pleasantly. It had begun with the usual experiments; the selective breeding of dogs for certain characteristics had been going on here for decades, with the help of the odd hormone of course. It was these animals which had formed the basis for his current work.
During one of his implantations, he had placed all of the new embryos into an anaesthetized, well, bitch was the only word he could think of. But one, just one, he had kept back. He had impregnated one of the control dogs; a black Labrador called 'Lucky'. He had doubted the pregnancy would take but, given the fertility drugs he had given her, he felt the chance was reasonable she could carry for a full term.
The pregnancy had not been without its problems and a caesarian section of a premature 'pup' had been all that had saved Lucky. The thing could not be fed by the mother as it was too large and so was hand, or rather, machine reared. This animal, however, was not like the others. If anything it was more disturbing. It was intelligent - frighteningly so - and a skilled hunter, passing all of the agency tests; only when hungry, however. It had none of the killer instincts of the others.
In fact, this creature turned out to be a fascination. A large, intelligent hybrid with the strength and speed of skilled predator, yet the gentle nature of her mother. The range of studies for the animal were endless.
So, Rudy reached the compound. After clearing security, he made his way past the 'howling banshees' to his pet. Today, however, the cage was empty.
In the office of one of the 'Administrators', or jailing bastards as he called them, he was given the explanation.
"The animal was of no consequence, Professor. It was a control experiment and had served its purpose."
And there was no point arguing. They would not listen, he could not stop his present course and things were stable. He couldn't even leave the facility anymore except for occasional trips to the local town.
He was walking past one the corridors when he saw a strange group of people. No funny uniforms, just ordinary folk. They were with that *bitch* Jessica; she'd probably signed the termination order. Then he overheard the older man's question.
"How about research on genetics? Are there any research on this field currently? Like perfecting the human gene, cloning, or something to that aspect?"
Jessica gave the usual 'pat' response, finishing with
"I didn't think the FBI were interested in genetic research?"
The F .. B .. I ..
As he walked along the corridor, he accidentally bumped into the older man.
"Excuse me," he said, pressing the man's side.
"That's OK."
"Professor, are you not supposed to be in the agriculture facility?"
"Yes Jessica, I'm going to the agriculture facility now."
"Very good."
And so Rudy went off to the *agriculture facility*, hoping the man would look in his pockets before too long.
NRPG:
I'll write somemore about Jim later, but I wanted to get this out before the weekend. This Jessica may be a little more than she seems...