"Hmmp! I've always known when to duck." I grinned, "Plus I don't take chances. So don't worry about me, just listen to me when I tell you to do something okay?"
"As long as it's work." She grinned suddenly. "But not after!"
So we drove into
Portland
early on Monday, and spent the morning getting outfitted by Marshall Jackson.
"Dusters?" I asked, surprised. "Why dusters?"
"Cause its the only body armor they got which will fit you two. Also it's a lot more comfortable than a vest. Trust me, I tried one."
"Sure, okay. What about guns?"
"Go down to the armory later and take what you want. Standard issue isn't gonna fit in your hands either." He smiled at the both of us.
"Now raise your right hands and repeat after me ..."
By the end of the day, we had a case and were out questioning people.
"Jay wasn't kidding," Rasha said as we headed home. "There's a lot of trouble already, and so many of those folks are so upset by what happened, I'm surprised they even talked to us!"
"Well he was right about one thing, those people trust us 'cause we're in the same boat as they are." I turned and gave her a quick grin, "And we sure look mean enough to keep the peace!"
We both had a good laugh at that.
It was the last good laugh we had that week.
# # # # #
The next day started well before sunrise. Somebody had kidnapped another changer, the fifth in as many days. They were all female, all lookers too. Jay had the idea that somebody was putting together a menagerie. We all had to agree on that one. After all, only fifteen years ago white slavers had worked
Portland
. Some thought they had never really stopped.
I grumbled to myself as we looked over the victim's personal effects.
"What's the matter Hon?" Rasha asked, looking up from a photo of the missing girl. It had only been taken yesterday.
"I feel so impotent, outclassed. I'm not a detective! I don't have the training or experience to deal with all this. But these folks either don't want to talk to the regular cops, cause they're like us now..."
"Or they don't want to talk to us, because they aren't the ones who have changed." She finished for me. She showed me the picture of the girl. "A real fox all right, literally."
I looked it over and nodded. She was a looker, I noticed the pictures of her from a few weeks ago. "She must have felt this was a gift from god or something." I nodded at the pictures that showed a less than attractive woman, "Now she's been kidnapped and who knows what else, it's just not right."
"So what are we going to do about it then?"
"Whatever we can." I sighed, "I don't like the idea of giving up very much."
"Me neither."
"Well lets go talk to the neighbors again."
Rasha nodded and we made the rounds another time.
The next day we got our first real clue.
"I can't believe it's that simple!" Rasha said, shaking her head in disbelief.
I shrugged, "I wish we had noticed this common thread earlier."
"But who would have though that they were picking their victims by newspaper articles?"
"Probably someone with a lot more experience then either of us have at this." I looked at her and grinned. "Well let's see if we can figure out who's next. Maybe we can arrange a little surprise!" and I growled deeply.
She growled back, smiling fiercely, "I like that idea."
By Friday we were ready, but we weren't in time. We obviously had been close though, when we came up to the front door a we heard a car speed off on the street behind. Kicking in the door, we could see the mess, but at least in their haste the criminals had left their scent all over. When we ran out the back door, we found their abrupt departure had attracted attention as well. We even got a couple of descriptions!
"Damn!" I swore when we got back to the office and were reporting our findings to Marshall Jackson. "We were close, really close. Another minute..."
Rasha's tail was whipping around in anger, so was mine.
"Don't be so hard on yourselves." He said, "You both did a pretty good job, considering the difficulty of it. Also there's your the fact that you're both just rookies."
"Still," Rasha complained, "If the local police would have helped, instead of not wanting to get involved, we might have had them."
He nodded, "Yes, prejudice is never a friend, or an ally. I'll go rattle the Chief's cage on this tonight though. We're closing in on these criminal's now, and if you call for back up again. I'm gonna make damn sure they send it."
He dismissed us then and we headed back to our own desks. "Good job, both of you." He said as we opened the door to go, "and don't forget that."
"Thanks boss." Rasha said
"Thanks," I echoed.
Walking over to my desk I plopped into my chair, which protested loudly at the treatment.
"You're gonna break that thing real soon Hon." Rasha said, settling into her own chair with much more grace.
"I'm still bugged, I hate losing."
"Who's said we lost?" She said leaning forward to lick my nose. "We got them on the run now. And we have more leads then ever before."
I smiled, "True..."
Just then the phone rang and Rasha grabbed it.
"Yes?"
I couldn't make out what was being said, I noticed she was having a hard time following it as well. Then the line went dead.
"What was that?" I asked.
"A tip. Supposedly one of our kidnappers lives out on Haley road, out in Tigard."
"Well, shall we check it out?"
"Might as well."
It was a good twenty minute drive from the office to the place. When we got there, it looked pretty deserted, a run down house behind an old auto wreckers.
We got out of the car and started walking carefully up to the door, trying to use what cover there was, drawing our guns.
Suddenly we both heard a sound from behind us.
"Shit!" Rasha said.
"Run for it!" I told her and took off for the door. I heard a gunshot and felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder. I hit the door going flat out as I heard more gunfire erupting behind us. I felt another sting in the leg as the door flew open, Rasha diving in behind me.
I rolled and came up on my feet right in front of four well armed men. I opened fire barely before they did. Maybe they had thought the door would hold. I got the first one before he could fire, then jumped into their midst hoping to keep them from shooting Rasha. I shot the next two as I felt their bullets hitting the body armor.
The last one got his gun inside the duster and shot me in the chest, I crushed his face with my free hand, then broke his neck as the pain hit. I turned to look at Rasha who had killed a man behind me, his chest missing and her hand all covered in blood.
"Old habits" she said shrugging.
"We better barricade that door," I said gasping. We could both hear the gunshots, there were a lot of people outside. We were pretty well trapped.
She nodded and pushed some kind of dresser in front of it, "I guess we walked right into this one."
"Sure did, love."
Right about then they charged the house, Rasha took a few shots out the partially blocked door. I took a few out the one window.
"Get any?" I coughed then, I could feel the blood running down my chest. I was getting numb.
"Yeah, but there are quite a few -- Oh shit!" she said as she turned and looked at me. "You're hit!"
"Wait!" I said as she started over to me, "The doorway."
She stopped and looked back at it. Then looked around the room. There was a sofa and a table which she quickly added to the barricade. "That should do it..." Then she headed over to me.
I was getting pretty numb by then. She helped me lay down on the floor.
"Damn, they must have used some kind of high-power rifle on you. There's a hole in the back of your duster."
"That's not the worst of it," I gasped again and coughed.
She blanched when she saw the chest wound. Then kneeled down next to me and started to chant. Shortly after that I passed out, wondering if I'd ever wake up again.
# # # # #
I came to slowly. I was tired and weak. I could feel a bed beneath me, blankets all around. I took a sniff. I was home in bed! I slowly opened my eyes.
"Rasha?" I whispered.
"John!" She flew in the door and landed on the bed besides me.
I braced for the pain I thought would come from the wounds. Surprisingly there was none.
"Wha.. What happened? I don't feel the wounds."
"Of course not, silly," she grinned at me, then butted heads. "I fixed them."
"Huh?" I tried to pull the blankets down, but I was having trouble untangling myself. "Why am I so weak?"
"Randy said blood loss. I couldn't do anything about that. Plus I think I used more of your energy healing you then I should of."
"Let me see," I said softly. She helped me pull the covers down and held my head up. Sure enough, I was whole if weak. I could feel her own arm trembling as she held me up.
"How long since you last ate or slept?" I asked, looking up.
"It's been two days," came
Jackson
's voice from the doorway. "And she didn't look too good when we got there. Seems she used a lot of her own energy keeping you alive."
"Is that true?"
"What do you think? I'd let my mate die without a fight?" She growled dangerously.
"No," I said softly and smiled. "But I was terrified you'd die too."
"I just need to work on my magic some more, that's all. I wasted a lot of energy until I figured out what I was doing wrong. Next time I'll do better, I promise!"
"Hopefully, there won't be a next time!" I grumbled and managed to get an arm around her and pull her close. "Come to bed, you need to rest too."
"See you later, Boss," she said to
Jackson
as she snuggled close. "Lock up on the way out."
"Sure thing, see you both in a few days, I guess." and he left.
"So did we win?" I asked her as she settled down in bed.
"Yup, the ones that got arrested told us where the girls were all being held. They're all safe now."
"Well that's a relief," and I leaned over to kiss her. "Welcome to the wonderful world of sentience," I sighed and I closed my eyes laying back.
"Some things are worth any price!" she said rumbling happily as I fell asleep.
Old Business
by John Van Stry
I looked out the window of the plane as we flew over the complex. It really wasn't much to look at, a bunch of buildings, a runway, a fence. For all the controversy, the politics, the corporate maneuvering centered on those plain non-descript buildings below, I would have thought to have seen spiraling towers, large production lines, parking lots filled with cars, people bustling about every which way.
But then the first atomic reactor was built under the school bleachers in
Chicago
I've heard it said.... Makes you wonder.
"Sure does," said the passenger next to me, making me realize I had been thinking out loud.
"Professor Shirley Tomil," she introduced herself, "And you are?"
"Bill."
"Bill...?" she hunted for a last name.
"Just Bill."
To her credit she didn't hunt any further. It wasn't like I was on any kind of secret mission, I just didn't want any more exposure here then I had to have.
"So you here for the 'Big Unveiling'?" she smiled.
"Yes, you?"
"I work on the project, I'm a synaptic conjunctive cognitive researcher and designer." She smiled as I ran that through my lips a couple of times.
"Quite a title," I admitted, "Does it
mean
anything?" I smiled to take any sting out of my words.
"I just measure the grey matter; make sure that we get what we want."
I nodded, "Well have we?"
"If the data is to be believed, we sure have." she paused then as the plane turned onto final for landing. She was preoccupied then with baggage and papers and such and didn't say a word to me again until we finally disembarked.
"See you at the briefing, Bill?"
"Probably." I non-committed and headed out the door.
I was met by a very officious looking man, who directed me off without a word, running me quickly past the security check point. I just did a cursory flash of my credentials for the computer and we went inside where he handed me off to someone I actually knew.
"Well Bill, how was the flight?"
"Not bad George, quick as usual."
"Yeah, these new sub-orbitals really have shrunk the world once more." He continued with the small talk, leading me down the hall. "One of these days you'll be able to put your toilet on the far side of the damn world things will get so small."
"Another company program?" I joked back.
"Got to do something with all those planes, with everyone working out of their houses and telecommuting, who goes anywhere anymore? I tell you Bill, we're turning into a world of home bodies."
"Well that's part of the reason we're here today, isn't it?"
He sighed and nodded as I started to steer the conversation towards the actual reason for my visit.
"It's gone far far
far
too well."
"And there's a problem with that? The Board will give you the promotion you want, as well as a seat on it, if that's the truth."
"Yeah I know," he sighed again and motioned me into a room. "This will make me rich, and give me everything I've been after all my life."
I went inside and found myself a seat. The room was dark and there was a window on the wall. One way glass obviously. "So why do you sound so down about it?" I turned and looked at him as I asked.
He looked me right in the eyes, "Because I have questions as to the morality of what we're doing."
"You know as well as I do that with the labor shortfalls we have to do something."
He nodded, "Hey, don't tell me, I lobbied long and hard for this program! After the superman fiasco, this was the only option we had left. But, well..." he paused a moment, then just shook his head. "You'll have to see for yourself, that's all I can say."
I nodded, "Well that's why I'm here. Can I see the subject?"
He walked over to the wall and pressed a button, "Bring out the first subject."
I watched as a door opened on the other side of the 'window' opened and a nurse led out the subject.
"Age?"
"About 10"
"Looks to be almost twice that," I noted.
He nodded, "We need a fast maturity time to get them into service quickly. From all the cellular studies this seemed to be about optimum. Same for mental and stability studies, we figure another 2 years and this one would be prime for release."
I stood up and walked to the window, getting a closer look. "Male?"
"Yes."
"How many are there right now?"
"Well this subject is the oldest, he's the prototype for the final version. We've got another five dozen in assorted species and sexes at the 6 year mark."
I nodded and looked as the subject looked around the room. He had suspicions about what he saw as a mirror, I could tell. "Why does he think he's in there?" I asked George.
"He knows someone is here to look at him, he's told me it gives him nightmares..."
I looked up at George as he said that, "Really?"
"Yes," he nodded, "Really. That's the problem Bill, they're people, at least to me they are."
"Well they have to be," I acknowledged, "Nothing else will work when you think about it."
"Still, sometimes it makes me think."
"Having second thoughts George?"
"Yes and no. Right now I feel sorry for that poor boy. He's all alone, only one of his kind at the moment as far as he knows. He's been well educated, but he's never been outside of this place really. Kind of rough for a kid when you think about it."
I thought about that a moment. The kid had been living in a laboratory, under glass, for a decade. Probably started to become a real problem when his hormones kicked in I bet.
"Well, let’s meet him." I decided.
"Now?" George looked surprised.
"Sure now. Why? He doesn't bite or anything does he?"
George started a moment at that, "He's not an animal, he's a person, educated and trained..."
I held up a hand and stopped him, "Just kidding George, let’s go see your boy."
He nodded, and led me out of the room. A moment later we entered the room with the subject and the mirror. He smiled as he saw George, but stopped when he saw me and eyed me warily.
For my part I just stopped and looked him over very carefully. He stood about five foot eight. According to the reports he'd reach
five eleven
, give or take an inch. He was of medium build, with well defined muscles, even the fur couldn't hide that fact. As I watched his tail flicked behind him, long, thick, and covered with fur as well. I looked up into his eyes then. His eyes were almost Human, just as his body was almost human, but not quite. His head was rather feline however, that and the tawny color of his fur proclaimed 'lion', the species on which his template had been laid. George liked cats, so his first test subjects were mainly that. He claimed he picked a lion as they are more social. Personally I think he just liked lions.
"Hello," I said. "My name is Bill, I was the person in there," I motioned to the glass. "I figured you might want to meet the person behind the mirror for a change."
He smiled at me, an interesting effect, considering it showed fangs, that while not as big as a real lion's, were still fairly large. Especially in that foreshortened muzzle. "Thank you." he said back, his voice deeper then I would have expected. It also had some interesting under and over tones. Not exactly a human voice, but then he wasn't exactly human.
"And your name is?" I prompted.
"Jeidyn," he walked over and offered his hand, or should I say paw? I shook it, happy they hadn't been cute and named him 'Leo'.
He had a firm grip, and smelled rather pleasant, if a little musky.
"So how are you today Jeidyn?"
"Ummm," he looked to the nurse and George. They just looked at him like proud parents, which I guess they kind of where.
"Ummm, Nervous." he finished.
"Why's that?"
"Well they tell me I'm supposed to be at some kind of ceremony tomorrow, that I'm supposed to meet all sorts of people and such."
I nodded, "You haven't been around many people before, have you Jeidyn?"
He shook his head, "Not really, just the folks here, and my teachers."
I nodded, "Well that's all going to change now Jeidyn," I smiled at him, "You're going to be meeting a lot of people, and going places. I suspect we'll get to know each other quite well in time."
He really looked worried then and I thought I heard an audible gulp. His tail was flicking in an obvious display of nervousness.
"Look son," I said trying to re-assure him, "you can't stay here forever. Besides," I smiled again, "I would think you'd be dying to go see the rest of the world by now, and get out of this place."
He smiled shyly then and nodded.
"Good." I reached out and tousled his head fur a bit, he had a kind of mane, only it wasn't attached all around his head, it flowed more like hair. He looked startled for an instant, but then smiled even wider and let out a rather pleased sound, almost like a purr. The nurse and George both looked scandalized. Made me wonder just what sort of upbringing the poor kid had. 'Scientists...' I sighed to myself. But then I had been sent here for a reason.
"Well George, I have to admit things here are far better than I would have guessed." I smiled at him, then back at Jeidyn. "I guess I'll take charge of Jeidyn now."
George looked shocked again, "Now? But you just got here! And..."
"And nothing George, you've had ten years, you have others to devote your time too now."
I watched Jeidyn carefully as I said this, he looked from George to me and back again. Several times.
"Don't worry Jeidyn, I'll answer all your questions later, I promise."
He nodded a little slowly and I tousled his head fur again. He really liked that and settled down quickly.
"Well, if you'll show me to my room then? I'd like to spend sometime talking with Jeidyn here in private. Let him know what's going on tomorrow."
George hushed the nurse, who was obviously going to object and led us out of the room.
Jeidyn's eyes were wide as he looked around. I got the feeling that he definitely didn't get out much. At least not to this part of the facility. I linked my arm through his as we walked, partially to give him moral support, but more to make sure he kept up with us and didn't trip over anything, as he was looking all over. I took the time to look him over some more myself. He was wearing only sandals and shorts, so I had a good view of his physique and development. And he was developed all right. He may not be full grown yet, but I suspected he was already stronger then me. I guessed no one had thought about that when they picked a lion to build first. Might be part of the reason they were scared I guess.
Jeidyn also got a few stares back as we headed to the
VIP
quarters. I think everyone here had to know about the project, but I suspect most hadn't seen the first test subject in person before. But he was so busy looking around he didn't notice the stares himself.
When we got to the room, George opened the door and Jeidyn went in first, he grabbed my arm then and closed the door saying "I need to talk to Bill for a moment Jeidyn, he'll be right in."
I turned and looked at George, "Yes?"
"I don't think this is wise Bill."
"Why? Is there something you didn't put in your reports?"
"No, of course not, but he's inexperienced."
"He's just a kid, what are you worried about?"
"He's not a kid, he's almost full grown. You've seen his build, he could hurt someone if he ran amuck."