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 Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:15 pm
-Intro- Name: Jordan Essex Gender: Male Age: 25 Height: 5’9” Weight: 195 Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown, streaked with white Likes: Animals, biological sciences, veterinary medicine, zoology, evolution, Darwinism, swimming, weight-lifting and working out. Dislikes: Hot weather/climates, sports, humidity, NEWTFears: Spiders, bees, getting fat, being out of shape, Richard, pteradactyl wrath -Personality- Jordan is eager to become a hardworking team player, driven to succeed for the overall gain. He can be naïve –if not outright dense at times- and is trusting of others, unless given reason to doubt. Jordan is happy just to be there giving his all for the team, loyal to the cause and those around him. Generally quiet and observant, he speaks when spoken to and suffers incurable obedience to those of higher rank. -Physical Appearance- No longer the athlete of his high school days, Jordan sports a look that reflects his labrat tendencies. Though, he retains the natural tone of his body, he has lost much of his former glory’s mass and pale-skinned from the amount of time he spends indoors. Even so, Jordan is a healthy body, preserved by an active metabolism. His thick, brown hair is kept at a somewhat professional length, though he pushes that boundary with his bangs reaching the outskirts of his eyebrows and his modest ponytail cascading to his shoulders. He does keep his hair in back tied in a black band to make it more appealing and concentrated. He has no qualms with the length and appearance of his virtual forest of hair, but until given the direct command, he keeps it in a manner pleasing to him. Brown eyes display interest in everything going around him, reflecting industrious compulsion to prove his worth and assert his position as a viable member of the team. Deep brown eyes add to his lingering charisma.
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:17 pm
Art x Jordan by Emerwyn x Jordan and Kim by Sejii x Thom, Jordan, and Newt by Bilious x Demotivational poster (featuring Jordan) by Salen
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:18 pm
-Background- Jordan Essex, an only child, was born August 6, 1981 to David and Heather Essex in Tampa, Florida. Heather Essex had wanted to be a mother two years into their marriage; however, it wouldn’t be for another eight years until Jordan’s father, a janitor for Armwood Senior High, and his mother, call center manager for U.P.S. Tampa, agreed they were financially stable to raise a child. Eight months into her pregnancy, Heather had fallen ill following an anxiety attack which led to respiratory complications compounded by a heart murmur. Two days afterwards, her health suffered further. The physical stress on her body rendered her in a hospital bed for careful observation with pneumonia. Concern for the unborn child grew as the fetus’ vitals fluctuated. A twenty day bed-stay was what it took to stabilize both her and the unborn child before either could be released in good conscience. She found herself back in the hospital nearly two weeks later. Her water had broken and the baby was coming early. Jordan was a sickly newborn, underweight and little bigger than two hands. He was kept in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) in the following days, her options for the child were discussed with the child’s survival uncertain in the critical stage. By the age of five, Jordan had grown into a healthy young boy, energetic and happy. Loving parents had invested extra time and energy to ensure he’d caught up with other children his age, but busy parents weren’t always available to provide the attention an active child required and that’s when he received his first pet: a husky named Snowflake. Jordan discovered an affinity with animals. His curiosity for them forged a strong bond and, in turn, his own dog loved him unconditionally. The bestial rapport he developed was becoming stronger than his family bonds for Jordan Essex, a quiet child who didn't make friends easily. His childhood aspiration had become to care for animals. Jordan asked many animal-related questions to his parents, learning that there were adults who cared for animals as a professional living. He wanted to aspire to veterinary medicine. Jordan would wrap Snowflake in bandaging and pretend his dog was sick so he could practice making him feel better. It brought him great joy to play vet, and filled him with purpose, to help the vagrant beings ignored by most as lesser creatures. He never felt better than when he took was pretending to be Doctor Essex, using stuffed animals as injured animals. His puppy had been an indoor pet, because it was cooler than being outdoors in the Florida heat. Naturally, Jordan spent much of his time outdoors as most active children prefer, never far from his beloved companion. They’d wrestle and rough-house, rolling in the grass endlessly until one or the other became too exhausted to keep it up. Both were quite energetic in their play, so wrestling matches often lasted hours on end. His puppy loved to fetch or chase anything that moved. Jordan would laugh endlessly as his cute fluffball puppy would scamper after squirrels and bark up the trees they fled to. Snowflake’s favorite toy was a chewed and worn tennis ball and Jordan wasn’t always careful about his throw, tossing it too close to the street. They’d been happy and carefree moments before tragedy struck, but he’d overthrown the ball further than before. Snowflake couldn’t have moved out the road fast enough to avoid the oblivious driver of that pick-up truck. Death is an abstract concept for young children and they shouldn’t have to be exposed to it; tragically, that hadn’t been the case the day he lost Snowflake. Jordan had only been six at the time of the incident. He was devastated. In the aftermath of Snowflake’s death, Jordan had been comforted by his family and they traveled to various pet stores for a replacement. When Jordan was nine, he’d become more active and of course, with the nearing onset of puberty, Jordan required a focused outlet for those aggressive energies. It had been his father’s idea to enroll his son into peewee football. His father would stay and encourage his offspring who took to the sport like a does to water. Three years into ritual football practice, he was fueled by pre-pubescent anger that served to help his playing. His father saw no problem with this and even encouraged Jordan more for his continued success. His mother, however, was not as pleased with her son’s mounting aggressions and she intervened. She remembered how only a few years before, Jordan had so avidly wanted to be a veterinarian and took him down to the Orient Road animal shelter to volunteer his time on Saturdays. It was like revisiting old times for him, though the acrid smell of euthanasia hit him hard. Those animals needed to be cared for while they waited for a good home. Jordan wanted to help animals. He offered his services, where he would clean out the cages, feed them, and aid in administering medications. His determination and dedication made them proud someone so young would sow an interest. As puberty hit at age thirteen, the boy that had displayed a quiet, shy, and reserved personality beforehand, exhibited hormone-fueled aggression. Working out during p.e. wasn’t enough for him and Jordan was acting out due to it. His family’s home life went from peaceful to upheaval. Jordan discovered opportunities junior high offered. The physical education facilities somehow appealed to him. He’d spent a lot of time outside in his childhood, running and biking, but beyond simple activity Jordan hadn’t considered working out seriously before. It had been a great joy for his parents to see their child blossom into a young man. Jordan had made use of the school facilities when he could, while his parents ensured he stayed with his academic studies. Prior to puberty, he’d been a happy-go-lucky youth who kept up with his schoolwork, but that had been changing in junior high. His grades had been slipping as he focused his attention on physical fitness. His father had been captain of his high school football team every year and Jordan had expected to give his all. As Jordan aged, his father cracked down with authority, to peak his son’s athletic potential. His mother had been left out of that. She was always working twelve hour days, seeing Jordan only on the weekends. He was forced to focus on training his body for a future in sports. Granted, Jordan had inherited his father’s athletic physique. During the weekdays Jordan worked on his body, on Saturdays he worked at the animal shelter, and on Sundays, he’d read up on various animals and veterinary medicine, his mother’s influence to pursue a respectable profession. Jordan worked hard to build his body, as per his father’s wishes, to become the athletic star his father had been. As a teenager, he had lived up to his father’s ambitions, earning his place on the school’s team, and asserted himself. It had proven a fantastic channel for his frustrations. Participating in team sports assisted in making Jordan’s transition into adolescence more tolerant. His success was attributed to good genes that had kicked like a mule in reaction to his adolescent physiology. High school graduation concluded playtime. Years of athletic prowess had gotten him through his childhood but it was the realization he was now faced with reality. Jordan had to make something of his life and sports could only take him so far, but more academic achievements would open the doors of opportunity. His mother had saved money in a college fund throughout Jordan’s lifetime, offering that as her graduation gift to her beloved son, so that he may study veterinary medicine and achieve his goals. -Arrival to the island- Jordan Essex studied veterinary medicine at St. Pete Junior College in central Florida, earning his degree in two years. The real world was more competitive than he’d imagined for his field. During the time of his studies, Jordan searched newspapers and online ads frequently until landing an internship at Lowry Park zoo in Tampa, Florida. His acquired knowledge on the subject proved useful, though he found himself acclimating into the role of assisting the seasoned veterinarians. He learned through hands-on experience, dually expanding his career sights into zoology. After receiving his Associates of Science degree in veterinary medicine, Jordan was taken on as staff at Lowry Park, a small local zoo, which allowed him to continue his education via online classes in zoology with the University of Florida, located two hours north in Gainesville. He earned his A.S. in zoology in another two of the six years he worked for Lowry Park. Two-thirds of his post-high school experience had been invested in college. It was an ad for employment opportunity at Feral Labs that grasped his attention. This would be the big time if he could get in. With his credentials and resume, he applied for the position of lab assistant hopefully. Employment over the past year at Feral Labs was supposed to be his greatest enjoyment, where he was meant to realize his dreams beyond their original scope. That, however, was not how it worked out. Employment with Feral Labs was supposed to bring new experience, further pursuit of academic knowledge in his field, and the hope for better pay. He’d wanted to help animals, not test on them! Mortified horror at Feral’s medical practices shook him by the shoulders as realizations sunk in. Despite his convictions and ethical belief, Jordan felt far too intimidated to turn back in failure. Better opportunity or not, good intentions wouldn’t pay the rent and buy groceries. Jordan would be assigned to an acquaintance whom had been destined to change his life. Assigned to work with Mr. Moretti (with no knowledge he was working under an assumed alias by Adam Keller). Bruno Moretti was his name –as far as Jordan knew- and the foreigner introduced himself as an Italian man, though the accent didn't accurately coincide. With the stark knowledge of Feral’s animal testing, Jordan put on the good employee show, forcing himself to carry on in his friendly demeanor. Having no friends to speak of, he believed that Mr. Moretti was being cordial and courteous with their professional workplace setting. Adam Keller, posing as Bruno Moretti, had forged documents to assert his position illegally into the United States and weasel his way into Feral Labs. Adam Keller had fled his war-torn homeland of Israel. He’d been a thief in the desert and remained a thief in the U.S. Bruno Moretti, wanted to make enough money off one operation that would allow him to live comfortably for the rest of his life. Medical equipment was always hot ticket item on the black market and all he needed was one golden score to set him up for life. That’s how he became involved with Feral Labs. And that’s how he tricked Jordan Essex into becoming an accessory to theft. He’d worked alongside him for a few weeks, earned his trust, and would have Jordan do the dirty work. Moretti was never questioned by the naïve lab assistant. Jordan, as usual, had proven oblivious to what really went on behind the scenes. Jordan was used as a pawn. Jordan would have no clue that Bruno was a false identity and would not recognize the name Adam Keller if asked. Being it was Adam Keller’s first expedition to America, he needed someone he believed was knowledgable enough to aid him and not knowing otherwise there were more qualified people to use, Adam Keller –under the guise of Bruno Moretti- conned Jordan into aiding him and it snowballs from there. Arriving promptly for his duties each day steadily became a less enjoyable experience with every passing day that he assisted Mr. Moretti with the knowledge of the objectional animal testing. Adam Keller was making ground in his scheme by gaining Jordan’s trust, trust that would ultimately be exploited for personal gain. Such trusting naiveté was serving Keller’s own ends. What a rare find and such fortune to be paired with a loyal, obedient worker. Keller weaseled into Jordan’s head. He’d been successful in subtly coercing the introverted lab assistant to warm up to him. Jordan grew to respect his superior and gradually confided secrets of his life into this man. Jordan divulged tales of his life no one had been privy to previously. Concluding their first six months together, Jordan trusted the man he knew as Bruno Moretti implicitly and would have followed even the most peculiar command. And so he did. Jordan had been convinced into believing Mr. Moretti required a folder from a secure area that was denying his access, when the day before it had allowed him to place the files in the safety of Feral security. The unsuspecting Jordan did not protest, nor question the logic, glad to offer his own assistance. Neither had gotten close enough to even see the folder those files were contained within before Feral Labs security forces had intercepted them at the door. They were promptly taken into custody for questioning and then separated into two different rooms. That would be the last he’d see of Keller- as far as knew. When it turned out Jordan’s supposed co-worker, posing as his superior, was in reality a thief, it had already been too late. An afterthought. Jordan Essex had been duped into abetting his only human friend to steal company files for selfish profit. Fearing his termination, Jordan had been escorted him to his fate, while as far as he knew Bruno was still detained. He was elated to know they weren’t firing him, but he was receiving a transfer and he would have to undergo a mandatory re-training course to reassert company loyalties. In his defense, he honestly believed he was following the orders of a superior station and felt compelled to obey. Naïve Jordan Essex was incapable of envisioning the array of change awaiting him. All-too grateful to still be employed by Feral Labs (to his knowledge), his transfer to their ‘Caribbean branch’ ensured he would not incur another subversive act. His loyalty training would be instilled and reinforced with the introduction of canine DNA to his system, specifically samoyed DNA. Not only would he be punished for aiding and abetting a thief, he would continue his ardent service as a work dog to Dr. Moreau.
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:23 pm
Information on the samoyed: -Description- The compact muscular body of this hard-working breed indicates its strength. The thick, silver-tipped coat comes in white, biscuit, yellow and cream, but pure white is preferred. The Samoyed is a strong, dynamic, active dog. It has a powerful wedge-shaped head with a black or brown nose and strong jaws. Its eyes are dark, oblique and deep. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the point, and carried erect. The tail is long, full-haired and carried rolled on the back. Its legs are solid and muscular and its feet are flat and covered with hair. Its coat is thick and harsh, not wavy, with a thick, soft undercoat, which protects it against the arctic cold. -Temperament- Samoyeds are gentle dogs. Peaceable and dignified. Very devoted, they tend to favor one person, but love everyone. They are easy-going, friendly and quite playful. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. They are too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. They are highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. It eventually responds to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Since it is accustomed to working in teams, its outstanding qualities often do not have the opportunity to be expressed. However when it becomes attached to a single master, it proves itself an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. They have a reputation of being chewers and may become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with family cats. This breed tends to bark a lot. -Height, Weight- Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60 cm.) Bitches 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.) Weight: Dogs 45-65 pounds (20½-30 kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-20½ kg.) -Health Problems- Samoyed are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and some suffer from diabetes. Also prone to skin allergies. They are prone to PRA (eyes) primarily in male dogs. -Living Conditions- The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Their heavy coat makes these dogs unsuited to life in very hot climates. -Exercise- Needs a reasonable amount of exercise, but take it easy during warm weather because the woolly undercoat inhibits loss of the heat built up during exercise. -Life Expectancy- About 12-15 years. -Grooming- Extensive grooming is needed. They are seasonally heavy shedders. The fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, but tends to stay white without bathing. -Origin- Since ancient times there has lived in Siberia a population of hunters and fishermen known as Samoyeds. For centuries, they have used a beautiful, robust white dog to pull their sleds. This dog has become known by their name. In 1889, the explorer Robert Scott brought several of these dogs to England, where the breed was developed and spread throughout the world. Elegant and agile, it is now one of the most fashionable show and companion breeds, yet has a history of hard work in severe conditions. -Group- Northern, AKC Working -Major concerns about samoyeds- 1. Providing enough exercise. Samoyeds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by non-stop barking and destructive chewing. Bored Samoyeds are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters. 2. Bounciness. Young Samoyeds (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. 3. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Samoyeds need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. 4. Chasing instincts. Many Samoyeds have strong instincts to chase (and sometimes grab!) cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. 5. Mind of his own. Samoyeds are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and can be manipulative. Some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. 6. Grooming. To keep their long thick coat free of mats, Samoyeds require a good deal of brushing and combing. 7. Heavy shedding. Samoyeds shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this. 8. Barking. Samoyeds should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. MANY Samoyeds have intense, high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge, and your neighbors will end up calling the cops to report the nuisance -- or quietly letting your Samoyed out of his yard so he'll wander away.
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:25 pm
Timeline 0% Arrival- December 7th Jordan befriends Awen - December 15th, 2006 Richard bursts the bubble- December 17th, 2006 Jordan meets Joliette- December 19th, 2006 Freddie...- December 26th, 2006 Lauren Visits the Duplex- December 29th
Jordan's wildlife rescue (meeting an injured Colche in the jungle)- December 30th Jordan punches Seth in the snout- New Year's Day 25% Jordan's First Change- January 5th, 2007 Fetch!- January 7th, 2007 Meeting Tommy- January 10th, 2007 The sun dances on the waves just for us- January 12, 2007 Party prep- January 16th, 2007 Matters of the heart- January 19th, 2007 Happy birthday, Kim- January 20th, 2007 Motivational speaking- January 21, 2007 Alpha- January 22, 2007 Mending with Seth?- January 25, 2007 Angry komodo lady- January 27, 2007 Second opinion- January 27, 2007 Retun of the Cheetah- January 29, 2007 Making waves- February 1, 2007 How Jordan got his groove back.- February 3, 2007 Licking sore wounds [Page 5]- February 5th, 2007 Dweller in the Deep Jungle- February 6th, 2007 Doctor's Visit- February 11th, 2007 The Face of Fear- February 12th, 2007 Valentine's Day- February 14, 2007 Flowers for a hero- February 14, 2007 50% Consoling friends- February 18, 2007 Coming clean- February 21st, 2007 Swimming with the fishes- February 23rd, 2007 Numbing the world with alcohol- February 24th, 2007 Shooting the breeze with Shenzi- February 25th 2007 Jordan fails at life- February 26th, 2007 Family- March 1st, 2007 Seth and Jordan: Dangerous allies- March 4th, 2007 Meeting Nita- March 6th, 2007 Riverside chat with William- March 8th Some things never change...- ? Tiger, tiger..- late August (really April 5th) Looking for a friend - May 5th, 2007 75% Jordan undergoes another metamorphosis [Page 14] - May 19th, 2007 My dog is better than your dog! - May 20th, 2007 Beach Meeting-May 25th, 2007 Pissed at life- May 26th, 2007 Learning a new trick - June 11th, 2007 Old faces, new bodies - June 11th, 2007 BFF - June 15th, 2007
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:26 pm
Encounters Doctor Moreau- He could have sent me to prison, tied me up in legal battles for the rest of my life, and taken everything I've worked for; however, this benevolent man and gracious employer has given me a second chance and a secure position in his island facility. Awen- The first subject to be encountered. She's pretty nice, but explained to me in detail what's really going on with the island's afore-mentioned project. Doctor Moreau wouldn't use me as one his test subjects. Would he..? Everything's forgivven. Right?Richard- So afraid of him... *shudder* He torments me like a bully.. Joliette- I didn't realize she was one of the island's subjects at first glance. Met her at the lake with Awen and shouted "Awen! Look out! There's an alligator!" Freddie- JERK!! Lauren- I wasn't sure about her at first, but she's really a very nice girl. Unlike anyone else I've met on this island, she actually has a positive atitude towards what's happening, even considers Doctor Moreau her father. I'm really glad that she dropped by. We talked for a bit and meeting her has changed my perspective. She was honest and to the point without being doom and gloom. I think we could become good friends. I really like Comet. I hope that I'll get a chance to play with her again. Colche- She's a nice girl and good company. Too bad our first meeting was so strange. I rescued her from a boar that had attacked her in the jungle. I'm sure the labs will take good are of her. It struck me as odd that she didn't know the word instinct and didn't seem to know what that was. Seth- I've made amends with Seth. We have ore in common than I could have imagined with my new friend. Sophie- Talk about beign at the wrong place at the wrong time! I went into the village for some medicine when I wasn't feeling well and I transform for the first time infront of this new kid. She was there to work me through the hanges and I repayed her kindness by swaying her towards the pro-labs side. Maryke- A very nice woman who's becoming a lemur. She was pleasant ot be around, but the meeting is hazy.. I think I blacked out. Tommy- The bat is a nice guy. We got along for a while and then.. things fell apart. I learned he knows a few people I do. Maryke was a positive. The fact that he knows Richard and Seth worries me. I'm not sure I'll have that ally if he hears anything they have to say about me.. Kim- I'd... better avoid her from now on.. Aislinn- She helped me with the guest list for the party. Our meeting was brief. Miller- Idiot. Newt- Psychotic lunatic! Ambrose- One word comes to mind: Alpha. Something came over me in his presence. I found myself submitting to his authority like a packmate of lesser rank. This is the first time I've experienced anything that could be considered as animalistic instinct and it intriques me. I'm glad that Ambrose isn't the killer wolf that's on the loose. Victor- I feel bad for laying my problems on him when he's obviously got his own to deal with. He's a psychologist, though and offered me his services whenever I need someone to talk to. I don't know if he can help me, but maybe he can get into my head and figure out what's going on with me.. Snake (Thom)- Even though he tried to kill me, I owe him a thank you for helping me find my purpose once again. She-Wolf (Annie)- What I witnessed was not the tales of a raving, lunatic beast. Chana- She gave me a fish. Shenzi- Workout partner and friend. She knows I'm gay and she's supportive of that. Dee- New girl. Insightful. Sharp. Thina- Reminds me of the grandmother I never knew. Nita- What the hell. She acts like I did something to her. William- A strange guy.. but.. I guess that comes with the changes.. Alec- I hope he's alive... Jamal- shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit Nicky- A decent guy. We got along famously. Cody- He provided a break from all the drama. Hope I'll see him again.
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:27 pm
Belongings Three black silk shirts Two pair of gray dress slacks Navy blue tie White sneakers Stylish blue sunshades Black baseball cap Casual wear Composition notebook Pen set Toiletries kit Electric razor
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:28 pm
RP Logs 1. Second Chance [Page 1]- Jordan arrives on the island to a face-to-face with Doctor Moreau. 2. First Contact - Jordan meets Awen, his first encounter with a subject, in the village and he learns the truth, whether or not he's willing to believe it will happen to him. 3. Distractions - The truth is hard to accept when Richard forces Jordan out of denial. 4. Down by the lake - A lost Jordan meets up with Awen again and a new face, Joliette, at the lake. After an embarrassing moment where he mistook the completely transformed komodo dragon for an alligator at a distance, Awen suddenly flees underwater as her final change begins. Jordan and Joliette talk for a while after a failed attempt on Jordan's part to follow Awen. The encounter ends with Jordan crashing in Joli's unused duplex, his first undisturbed night of sleep since arriving on the island. 5. Life's A Beach - Reflecting on the beach, Jordan has the misfortune of meeting Freddie. Things don't go well from the beginning and they continue to worsen until the encounter becomes violent. 6. Unexpected Company [page 2] - Lauren pays Jordan a visit with her Australian Shepherd, Comet, in tow. Uncertain as to why anyone would just drop by for a visit, he's told that Lauren used to live in that very duplex. The edge is taken off Jordan's anxieities when he plays with the playful dog and coversation strikes. Lauren gives Jordan the positive spin on the island and it comes as such a refreshing atitude, leaving him with a better, lasting impression. She even offered to be there for support during his changes! 7. Wildlife Rescue! [page 3] - Jordan rescues Colche in the jungle and calls for help from the labs. 8. Just a Little Crazy... - Relaxing in the beach waves, Jordan finds Seth on the shore. He frabricates a lie to protect himself and tells Seth he's a marine biologist, which leads them to a heated argument about the labs. Jordan defends the labs and Doctor Moreau whereas Seth compares him to Sabin Duvert and condemns the activities on the island facility. With either standing firm on their convictions, in the end Jordan looses his composure and slugs Seth in the snout. 9. Ruff Day - Jordan transforms for the first time in the cafeteria, infornt of the new kid, Sophie. She tries to help him through the painful changes and, in turn, he gives her the positive-side-of-the-island speech Laure had for Jordan. 10. BarkBark Bark! - Jordan visits the entertainment room in hopes of finding a book that lead him to which breed of dog he's becoming. Trying not to disturb Maryke and her movie-watching, Jordan slams his newly-grown tail in the door. That plan is side-tracked when she comforts the young man and he slips into a hypnotic state induced by pleasurable stimulus. Jordan leaves with no recollection that he played fetch or was even acting like a dog. 11. Doggone batty - Jordan, trying to figure out which breed of dog he is, is interrupted by Tommy. Jordan tries to win over an ally with his increasingly-frequent deceptive lies, but it falls apart when he learns that Tommy knows Richard (whom he fears) and also Seth (whom he punched in the snout). During the meeting, they also talk about getting a weekly get-together started where anyone interested is welcome. 12. Sands of change - Kim and Jordan embrace their fears (and one another) when she begins her transformation on the beach. They hold one another, never letting go as Jordan comforts her, having changed his first time only the week before. A frightening situation soon becomes one of realization, leaving them blushing profusely as they watch the sun hit the ocean waves. Being the 'White Knight' he walked Kim home, hand-in-paw, and stayed with her as long as he could without being late for curfew. 13. Race Against Time - Jordan's making up a guest list for Kim's surprise party and gets some help from Aislinn. 14. Down to the wire - Jordan's lost his guest list when he returned a book to the entertinment room. Maryke finds it in their second meeting and Jordan helps her feel better about her recent changes, giving her back that spark she's always had. In turn, Maryke is invited to the party and gives Jordan romance advice. 15. Surprise party! - The day of Kim's surprise party has arrived and Sophie bumps into Jordan along his way to the cafeteria. All of Jordan's hard efforts pay off as Maryke is there to support him and give him cue signals when he's doing good with Kim. One sweet gesture after another -including a brand new Wii for Kim- secures Jordan's place in her heart and young love takes flight. Not even Miller's ill-timed interruption could kill the mood. 16. Riverside Run-in- Jordan finds himself acting stranger and stranger lately and that only leads to him acting the part of a motivational recruiter for Feral when he meets Newt, convincing the frog to return to his duties in the end through untruthful persuasion. 17. Alpha [page 4]- Ambrose thought he was alone on the beach until he crashes full-force into Jordan. At first the dogboy believed Ambrose to be the feral wolf until that's seen to be false. Jordan acts strangely in the strong wolf's presence, displaying behavior of a subservient dog as he accepts Ambrose as an alpha and accepted into Ambrose's pack. 18. Weaving and Bending the Truth- The onset of an crisis of identity is interrupted by the last person Jordan wanted to see again. It's not a good time for Seth to drop by for a visit as Jordan fears he's starting to lose his mind. The encounter with Newt has left him with questions of who he is and what he's becoming, but Seth has come in peace- or so he convinces the dogboy. Jordan's skeptical of the thylacine when he asks for his help, but his attention is seized when he hears it's to be a ift for Doctor Moreau. 19. Riled Up- An irate Joli and an angry Jordan clash in the village, exchanging words before parting company on bad terms. 20. Anger Management- Following the unpleasant stand-off with Joli, Jordan heads to the workout room as planned but he's not alone. At first he lashes out at Victor, but soon after he's breaking down again. Jordan believes he's useless here, that he has no purpose and almost ocnfides in the psychologist his connections with Feral. 21. Return of the Cheetah- [Page 4] Colche visits Jordan at his duplex, the firsy she's seen him sicne he changed. Depressiom ensues while the cheerful cheetah consoles the troubled young man. 22. Sand and Surf- A frumpy Jordan meets up with Awen on the beach, the first he's seen of her since her final transformation and they talk about seeking purpose while on the island. 23. Dinner for One.- Jordan stumbles onto Thom, who's hunting down his lunch. He tries to save the rabbit, even tackles Thom, which only gets him trapped in the cobra's coils and his fangs sunk deep into a shoulder. The situation worsens following Jordan passing out from havign the air squeezed from him and Thom being zapped, as Newt happens along. Instead of helping the dogman escape, he torments him and stirs Thom back to consciousness, while trying to beat Jordan to death. In the end, Thom dismisses Jordan while holding Newt own to prevent the frogman from attacking and Jordan runs off into the jungle bleeding and with a smuggled rabbit under his shirt. Jordan resolves to help the others, both animal and islander, with his knowledge, wanting to open a sort of clinic in the village. 24. Licking sore wounds [Page 5]- After rescuing the rabbit from being Thom's lunch, Jordan grabs some supplies and makes a beeline for the cafeteria where he runs past Lauren and Comet. Lauren licks his deep, bleeding snake bite and bandages the dogman before they make a pact to be uninhibited about their animal sides. Jordan tells her about his idea to open a village clinic, whic she finds fascinating, and offers to be his assistant. 25. In the Jungle [Page 6]- While getting food for his unnamed rabbit, Jordan has the misfortune of being ambushed by Annie. At first she approaches with aggression, then shows a side that was contrary to the tales he'd heard of a raving beast. 26. Doctor's Visit [Page 6]- Doctor Moreau pays a personal visit to Jordan's duplex and the dogman receives his first assignment for his improved behavior. 27. Sea dog- Jordan comes face-to-face with his fear and is pulled into a discussion that escalates from Richard prying for information to a heated butting of heads. 28. Valentine's for a puppy- Kim surprises Jordan with a Valentine's picnic on the beach and fall asleep cuddled together. 29. Where are all the white knights?- Colche picked a bouquet of flowers for her hero on Valentine's, but couldn't find the proper words to express how she felt. Jordan signed her cast and made her happy. 30. When you really need a friend [Page 8]- After her break-up with Nita, Lauren runs to Jordan, who's been cowering in fear after the break-in at his duplex. 31. Heartbreaker- Coming clean loses a friend. 32. Swimming with the fishes -Jordan meets Chana at the river 33. Drunken escape- Jordan resorts to alcohol to numb himself from recent events only to wind up in a drunken debate with Richard. 34. Snake hunt- Jordan confronts Thom with Awen in tow, only to have things get weirder when a human is present. 35. What's that sound?- Thinking about family is never easy when you know they'll never see you again. 36. Mending the rift- Jordan makes up with Seth for everything he's done in the name of the labs. Anti-labs thoughts creep into his mind as he admits things to the thylcaine the labs would frown upon- especially Doctor Moreau. 37. Beach- Nita & Jordan- Jordan meets Nita, with Comet along with her, on the beach while out on a run. Things don't go well once Lauren had been mentioned. 38. Water pollution [page 11]- Meeting William while blowing off steam, they talk somewhat peacefully about random news of the island. 39. Rabbit season!- Some people won't let you change. Some people refuse to change. Jordan's been amending his wicked ways on the island, but Richard is persitant to give him hell if he won't divulge what he knows about the loyalty serum. The meeting is brief and Jordan resolves to walk away without further confrontation and Richard wanting to have that information. 40. Days of Our Lives- Alec and Jordan -confused by Sabin's April Fool's prank-speculate on what could have occurred in the five months they'd lost and frighten each other senseless. Their trek to the village for answers and survivors becomes a page out of a horror movie script when they're ambushed by Jamal. 41. When you really need a friend- take 2 [Page 11]- Jordan's recovering from Jamal's near-fatal attack and an accidental call alerts Victor to Jordan's state of distress. 42. Finding Victor- Jordan stumbles into Marshall's birthday party shortly after Gaius has been zapped, in search of Victor. He's beginning to see the group dynamic the other islanders share (for the first time). Jordan's isolation is lessening as he tries to fit in among their group, despite his weakened state. 43. Crossing Jordan- Jordan and Awen engage in a heated argument that threatens to tear their friendship aprt. 44. 75% change- Regaining some movement in his legs, Jordan has to tell someone, payign a visit to Victor. His reptilian friend had never witnesed another's change before. 45. Dog Soldiers- The new dog on the block is duped into shaking down Moreau's mutt. Too bad for Richard that it backfired. The two canines, having only changed the day prior, become quick friends. 46. Snake Hunt 2- In a esperate act to play interference against Richard, Jordan seeks out Thom in the depths of the jungle, unaware the snake is now chipless, and lets him in on a secret about the laptop, if nothing more than a 'screw-you' to Richard. His hopes are they'll kill each other, leaving him the opportunity to retrieve the laptop afterwards. 47. Beach Meeting- A break from the drama comes in the form of a dolphin boy, when they meet on the beach. The two get along despite their current speech issues. 48. Rock Bottom49. E is for Edumacationalness50. The Budgie and the Malkavian nuts51. Friends to the end
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:29 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:31 pm
Credits * IoDM RP community thanks and (c) to Chibi Hige, Sabin Duvert, and Kamiki * Official character art (c) Sabin Duvert * Jordan Essex (c) PykeDarkewoulfe
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:54 pm
Second Chance Jordan Essex Life had taken on a strange turn of events. Jordan had worked so hard to make a decent life for himself doing what he wanted to. His career had become animals, from the first days of college, since earning his A.S. in veterinary medicine, and a B.S. in zoology. He'd earned a place at a local zoo in Tampa, Lowry Park Zoo. He could have stayed there and have been content, but he sought more from his potential.
Whether or not Feral Labs had been a mistake in his career was yet to be seen. The pay had been better and in the end that was the justification he required. Skill and knowledge had been well and good, but unless he could support himself with such talent, everything he'd striven for would have been in vain. Though, even with the prospect of a better life comes equal drawback. Jordan had dedicated his life to helping animals, not abusing them, not exploiting them to earn a quick buck. His employment at Feral had brought with it the knowledge of such exploitation and it made his skin crawl. It made him sick to his stomach, but he endured. If he didn't want to be unemployed and walking the streets, he'd needed to accept that with success comes sacrifice.
It had been a terrifying hellish year. But, it was to live the life he had worked towards. It got worse, if that could be possible. Jordan had been fooled, deceived into stealing from the corporation that had graciously employed him and kept him in a certain life of comfort. That's when everything came crashing around him. The stress. The concern for his job. Would he even have one after it was all said and done? All he knew was they hadn't fired him. Not yet at least. And he was near his next destination. Jordan had been sent to an offshore branch of Feral Labs to attend a mandatory re-training seminar. His stomach was churning. His head pounding. His thoughts were interrupted as he saw the island approaching from the helicopter. His stomach clenched in anxiety. This was it. Doctor Moreau As the helicopter touched down a familiar red headed man stood outside a jeep that was currently on. Of course, Jordan had never met Moreau, but he had been mentioned and made an occassional comment in training and company propaganda videos. His picture had been in almost every monthly newsletter, though rarely was he actually quoted since he didn't spend much time in the States. Still, it was a familiar face, "Hello Mr. Essex. Welcome to my island." Jordan Essex As he stepped down from the helicopter, he held onto his baseball cap to prevent it from blowing away and pushed his blue sunshades up with a finger in an attempt to hide the black stress bags underneath his eyes. Jordan found himself face to face with THE man. The one who made everything possible in his last year of life. The man whom he'd committed theft against. His stomach attacked him as it churned with bile angrilly. His throat felt dry as the words wouldn't come. What exactly could he say to his employer? Hi there. I tried to steal from you. Have you lost weight? No. That would be absurd. His thoughts raced wildly as he stepped towards the jeep, suitcase in hand. Jordan could have held his head in shame, and that is what he wanted to do, but instead, he extended a hand as is customary.
"Hello, sir." is all he could expel. Doctor Moreau Moreau smirked a bit, he'd read Jordan's phsychological profile, he knew that he would be an excellent test subject for his new loyalty serum. He would be a good test since he had already been conditioned by the company propaganda to look up to Moreau. Moreau patted Jordan on the shoulder and smiled at him, "Cheer up, you're on a sunny island, and we here at Feral Labs are all about second chances for a new life. Trust me," Moreau gave one of his award winning smiles. Jordan Essex Jordan had been dreading his arrival to the island. It had caused several sleepless nights and much unneccessary stress, even a five o'clock shadow adorning his face, but when his employer smiled, even encouraged Jordan to cheer up, he actually felt himself somewhat aleved. Certainly, what he'd done was unforgivable, but if Moreau was willing to give him a second chance then maybe there wasn't anything to worry about. Afterall, he'd completed the first step in coming. Now all he'd have to do was attend the seminar and clean up his act and all would be forgivven. Jordan actually smiled for the first time in a while. Moreau was a great man to overlook his treachery.
"Thank you, sir!" his voice rose to a cheerier tone instantaneously.
This wasn't going to be so bad afterall. Doctor Moreau Moreau beckoned Jordan to the vehicle and put his arm around his shoulder, "Actually Jordan... you don't mind if I call you Jordan do you? I have an offer for you Jordan, I know you had some mistakes occur in the past, but I'm willing to overlook that, we had an opening recently occur here, and in addition to the re-education seminar. I'm willing to offer you a job paying three times what you were making before. You will of course have to relocate to here, you can thank me whenever." Moreau grinned as Jordan sat down and he moved to the other side. Moreau was attempting to be nice, but pushy. Jordan Essex Wow, this was going amazingly better than he'd ever thought it could, which only went to prove that every storm cloud had a silver lining. He let his guard down and his anxieties fled.
"Not at all, sir." he affirmed that he had no objections to being called by his first name. What came next made his mouth drop open. He looked at his employer with a surprised gasp. "Sir, of course! Yes, that sounds great!" Jordan was swept up in the mood change of the moment and would have responded positively to anything the doctor could have said at that moment.
"It's not that far from home and I'd get to keep my job."
His eyes opened wide as he hadn't realized he'd said that last part about keepign his job until it was too late. He bit his lip in nervousness, afraid he'd spoil the entire deal. He persevered past that slip though. "Thank you for this great opportunity. I won't let you down, sir." This was fantastic! He set his suitcase at his feet and awaited for the jeep to move. Jordan was walking on sunshine. Doctor Moreau Moreau drove the jeep towards the lab buildings, smiling as he did. He looked over at Jordan, "You know, most companies wouldn't be so forgiving. You'd just end up with a lawsuit. Your lucky to be working for me." Moreau shrugged and kept driving. Jordan Essex That made him think. His employer was very correct. He could be tied in legal battles for years, potentially Jordan could have lost everything that he owned, had worked to attain, his very freedom. He could have been incarcerated, never to see the light of day again. He was truly grateful to have such a benevolent boss.
"Sir, thank you for this opportunity to make amends. I don't know what came over me.. why I was so naive not to see through a visible lie.."Jordan hung his head low for a moment, but tried to shake it off. Moreau had made it clear that the past was in the past and second chances were a reality. "I'll do whatever it takes to prove my genuine intentions." He gripped his suitcase a bit tighter, feeling the nervousness creeping over him once more. Doctor Moreau "I hope so, your going to certainly have to prove yourself during your time here." Moreau said as they pulled the jeep towards the buildings. The gates opening as it approached, as despite the electrified fences the site was stunning. The tall multi-tiered buildings and the connections that ran between them. With the mountains behind them and the mansion litterally built on the side of the mountain, risen above even the tallest lab building. "We're here." Moreau said with a smirk. Jordan Essex Jordan nodded and his eyes widened at the backdrop of mountains behind the facilities. It was stunning! He tried to remain professional in the presence of his employer as he took in the scenery with simple pleasure, mouthing an impressed 'Wow'. Jordan had never been so close to an actual mansion and it was as if he were a country boy visiting the city for the first time. Jordan could not peel his eyes from the undeniably beautiful structures. He looked to his left and smiled with almost childish glee. Doctor Moreau Moreau smirked as he opened the door to Jordan's car. Jordan himself was an extreme case, intended for conditioning with both traditional techniques and with Moreau's loyalty serum. Moreau was loathe to admit it, but he'd reached an impass with the loyalty serums effects, while it might be effective on the canine brain he needed it to be more effective on more human and none human brains. This was not his field of expertise, thus where Jordan would come in handy. Of course, it wasn't like he could just hand it to him and ask him to develop the own thing that would be used on him. He'd need some time to make sure that he was motivated, that's where his plans came into play. Moreau lead Jordan into the buildings, the doors opening at Moreau's approach. "Alright Jordan, see that room over there?" Moreau pointed at a conference room on the ground floor. "Wait there for a bit. I'm going to go fetch the island introduction video." Jordan Essex Jordan stepped out accordingly as the door was opened for him and followed the doctor in time. He looked in the direction he was told to wait, in the coference room and nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir." he gripped his suitcase with a confident hold and strode with an air of relief. Everything was definitely going better than he had anticipated and his employer was a man among men to be praised for his kindness and appreciation for talented employees. Stepping into the ocnference room, he took a deep breath. His heart was racing.
"Calm down, Jordan." he whispered and proceeded to take a seat as instructed. Doctor Moreau As Jordan walked through the door a calming repetative music began to play the speakers in the room sensing his precence. The repeating music was matched by small vibrations in the floor where Jordan's feet sat. Intended to relax him and make him more succeptable. Then Moreau's trick was just to wait, he knew exactly where the video was, but it was going to take him a good 45 minutes to "find" it. During which Jordan would be left to be aggitated about being left alone and worrying combine with the music and such. Of course, this was just a first step to break down resistances. Moreau had Jordan's whole duplex already wired like this. Jordan Essex The music was very soothing as it came into the room. In his sleep-deprived state it was quite relaxing as it became something to focus his scattered mind on. Yes, it was nice and repetitive as he began to repeat the tune in his mind and even after ten minutes, Jordan was humming along with the music as he looked around the room, leaning back in his chair. The vibrating floor was so nice. Soft music, comfortable environment. His head tilted back as he began to stare at the ceiling, counting the number of tiles as he absent-mindedly hummed the tune. His feet shuffled back and forth on the floor and his left shoe caught the heel of his right and pulled it down enough for him to feel the vibrations through just his socks. THAT was blissful. It was like a wonderful foot massage and soon he kicked off both shoes, leaning back, humming, counting tiles, and relaxing. But after half an hour had passed, he realized that he had drifted off. After several days of no sleep, he couldn't have resisted the temptation of slumber, even a brief nap. Jordan yawned, not remembering where he was until he heard the repetitive music and snapped wide awake, afraid that he'd fallen asleep in Doctor Moreau's presence. He patted his chest in relief, calming his heart and catching his breath. He couldn't help wonder where his employer had gone off to. He was feeling good for such a short nap. As he watched time tick away, he slipped his shoes back on, awaiting Moreau to return with the island introduction video. It was beginning to eat at him as he fidgeted his hands and slumped forward on the conference table, watching the door vigilantly. Doctor Moreau Finally Moreau came back into the room, a smile on his face. "Ahhh found it Jordan, thanks for waiting on me, I appreciate it." he walked over to a slot in the wall and inserted the DVD as the projector came on. The video was basic information about how the lab facilities and such worked, carefully avoiding explaining exactly what the island's point was, just how important the work here was. The DVD also was set to flash every 34 frames to a picture of Moreau. Not visibile to the naked eye, this would encourage the sort of waking trance and keep Jordan's mind more pliable. Jordan Essex He sat upright immediately at the sight of Moreau nearing, making sure he looked his best. Jordan smiled as if he really hadn't minded the wait at all and watched as the DVD was inserted into the wall, focusing his attention on the video. He sat there, intensely watching and listening. Jordan hadn't realized he'd begun humming that now familiar tune playing into the room as he stayed alert and focused. The island was a beautiful place. This had been the first time he'd been so lose to mountains or a jungle. Heck, it was his first visit to an island! His eager mind was reeled into the video and he quietly slipped off his shoes again. That had felt so good and if he were silent, he could enjoy that foot massage once again and slip his shoes back on before Moreau had noticed, or so he hoped. Doctor Moreau None of this was intended to have an instant effect. Indeed, Moreau's primary intention was not to instantly attempt to make Jordan undyingly loyal, but the more time and the more often someone spent in a trance-like state and being suggested to, the easier and deeper the subject would go. This was just his introduction. After the long video finished Moreau came back into the room. "Well Jordan, I think you're ready for your immunizations. I have another surprise for you." Jordan Essex Jordan blinked at the mention of immunizations, but didn't question it. Afterall, the doctor knew best. This was his island and he above all else knew the risks that came with it. He couldn't help but smile at the mention of a surprise. Could this be more good news? He'd hoped so! This was shaping up to be a great new opportunity.
"Yes, sir." he waited to see what the doctor would do, if they needed to relocate for the immunizations. He couldn't wait to see what this surprise was. That word just held a positive connotation. Generally. Doctor Moreau Moreau lead Jordan into an elevator, as he spoke a floor and it rose on it's own. "Due to... space problems, your going to be given the priviledge of a comfortable duplex room, near the beach. This is where the test subjects for our projects here get to reside in comfort, so you may have to put up with them. That will be fine I assume?" Moreau said as his eye bow raised quizically. Jordan Essex Jordan didn't even hesitate to nod in affirmation. Of course it was more than alright. He was in no position to negotiate anything. Jordan was treading on thin ice and he needed to be careful in this period to show that he was worth giving the second chance. "That won't be a problem, sir." he eagerly offered with a wide smile.
A duplex on the beach?! The view must be wonderful! Especially at sunset, but this wasn't a vacation. He was here for serious business. As he smiled, he couldn't help but wonder about what projects and test subjects there were actively conducted, though he said nothing on the matter, not letting on that he was giving it a moment's thought. He enjoyed the elevator ride while it lasted. Doctor Moreau Moreau lead Jordan up to the lab room, as he walked over to a cabinet and waved his hand over it to open it. Pulling out two syringes instead of just one this time. He loaded them into the needles and walked back over to Jordan. "We'll also, for your re-training, be keeping you on a strict schedule, so in your duplex the lights will be auto controlled, as will the alarm. Again, I hope this won't be a problem, but I run a tight shift. I will of course, give you a couple weeks to get used to everything before I just toss your new workload on you." Sleep deprevation was also an effective method of weakening someone's will. He didn't want to just influence Jordan, he wanted to eventually break him completely. "Stick out your arm please." Jordan Essex His arm was held out for the immunizations. Needles weren't an issue for someone in his field. It was something he'd had to deal with during his time with the zoo. Taking an innoculation was nothing worse than giving one. He did give a quirked expression for the fleeting of moments at the explanation of his re-training conditions within his duplex. This was his penance. This was what he had to do in order to keep himself afloat. His alternative was incarceration and that simply was an unpleasant thought.
"No problems, sir. I'll adjust." he nodded with his smile blazing on overdrive.
That was a tight shift. Time-controlled lights and alarms.. it seemed like a military sort of conduct, but something he had no choice over. He'd screwed up badly and so he had to just smile and nod and when Moreau says 'Jump." he'd have to ask 'How high.' He'd adapt surely? A schedule could be learned within a few weeks' time and he'd be better able to do his job. Doctor Moreau Moreau took the first needle and injected it into Jordan's arm, after only a moment the serum that would change his DNA forever had started it's course through his blood stream. Then Moreau took the second needle, and attempting to use the same needle hole injected it as well. As it began it's work of modifying Jordan's brain chemistry. It would increase the changes that the serum would normally work on his mind. Bringing out many of the canine loyalty aspects and cementing them on those he had or would imprint with. Much like the abused dog that always came running back to his master, Jordan would be much like that, with urges too strong to control. Of course, as of yet his serum only worked effectively on canines, but that's where he was hoping that Jordan would be an asset to him. The irony of the situation amused him, he'd have him giving himself loyalty serums to test his own serum, or perhaps one day, taking care of others. Moreau smiled maniacly in anticipation. Jordan Essex The first needle wasn't a bother. It was just a p***k in the arm. Nothing special. Jordan did away from the needle a moment. Just because he was used to needles didn't mean he liked to watch himself be injected. It was important though. The last thing he wanted was to fall victim to one of any multitude of jungle diseases that he held little or no immunity to. That wouldn't be very productive at all. It was one thng to be pricked once but it was a new sensation to be stuck in the same hole with a second needle. That hurt. He tried not to wince as he steadied his injected arm with the other. He was aware of the unpleasantness that would leave lingering for a few hours. He tried to relax his arm muscles because that would also leave much soreness for hours.
"Sorry, sir. I didn't mean to jump." Doctor Moreau "It's fine Jordan, not a problem at all. Alright, well now that that is taken care of, I'll have you escorted to your duplex. Pretty much everything is automated for your daily routine." Moreau grinned a bit. "Once you've gotten yourself used to it I'll go ahead and give you the information and things you'll be working on while here." Moreau would have Jordan escorted to his new room, which was rather interesting. The duplex had been modified, to provide nearly constant brainwashing effects, made all the more effective by the serum that would begin to modify Jordan's brain chemistry much quicker than a regular serum would, as he would probably very shortly begin to experience some headaches that would signal the start of it's work. The room would constantly play slow music that Jordan would have to get used to, the music hiding subliminal messages currently unhearable to his normal ears, in sync with the messages the room would pass those messages as barely noticable vibrations as well through his skin. It was all highly experimental and hard to confirm it would work, but Moreau was comfortable with the fact that combined with his serum, it would. Moreau would become his life, as his schedule that he was expected to maintain, would be announced by automated recordings of Moreau's voice, sounding genuinely nice. He would sleep five hours per night during which the lights would turn off and Moreau would tell him to go to sleep, and then the lights would turn on and he'd wake up to Moreau's voice, which if his biometrics indicated that he tried to sleep would repeat and try to wake him up again. Jordan would have to get used to sleeping as soon as Moreau told him to if he wanted anything that could pass for a decent night. Five hours being enough to keep him a bit tired and suggestable, even once he'd gotten used to it. The messages the room would play would be "Feral Labs is my employer" "I am loyal to Feral Labs." "Feral Labs supports me." "Feral Labs is my owner." "Moreau is Feral Labs." "Moreau protects me." "I deserve whatever happens to me for betraying them." "I serve Moreau." "Moreau is my owner." this would repeat as long as he stayed home. Even more so, Jordan's door could be automatically locked if he decided to try to spend too much time outside. Moreau dwelled on his wicked plan and then turned back to Jordan. "Well Jordan," Moreau hated using first names, still, it established the relationship between them. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" Jordan Essex Jordan smiled as things seemed to be going rather smoothly and progressign well. He'd arrive to his new home shortly and then he could become acclimated to this new life. Living on an island was almost like an adventure and certainly there would be fauna he may or may not have become familiar with on the mainland, so that proved to be an intriguing prospect. He'd eventually have to learn the layout of the land anyways to better do his job. Afterall, it looked fairly expansive from the air, but he'd never been to an actual island before, so that could just be his initial amazement with this place.
Jordan nodded and rubbed his arm a bit. "Yes, sir, there is something I'd like to ask. The mentioned test subjects: if I should happen to encounter one of these people, what can be expected?" He wanted to avoid another embarrassing moment for himself. It'd reflect badly on the doctor if he misrepresented the labs. "I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have said anything. I just want to avoid another situation as much as humanly possible. I understand if I'm out of line." That insecurity was coming back momentarilly as he wondered what was going on. Would he actually have to interact with some of these subjects? He paused and msiled again, trying to recover from what he perceived another slip.
"I'm ready to see my new quarters, sir." Doctor Moreau "I'll let you play that by ear, but be respectful to them no matter what, they are providing a great contribution to us here. Some of them may be a bit disgruntal, but we at Feral Labs do everything we can for them. Remember that." Moreau smiled and nodded as the elevator opened a guard standing there to escort Jordan to his new life. Jordan Essex Jordan nodded at those wise words. From what it sounded, he was being given the freedom to interact at his leisure with the residents of the island and whether or not that they would react with hostility or pleasantry, Jordan was obliged to conduct himself in a most professional manner. Feral Labs was his life now and hereout.
"Thank you, sir. I look forward to my experiences here." he eagerly shook the doctor's hand in appreciation for everything that he'd done. "Sir, thank you. I'll become the proper representative of Feral Labs." Jordan followed the guard to his dwellings where he would hope for some rest in a comfortable bed.
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:04 pm
One week ago, Jordan had been transferred, to work in the Feral Labs island facilities. He was here for re-training as his second chance and only opportunity he would be given to prove his worth to Dr. Moreau. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
He’d arrived a tired and stressed laboratory assistant, but through the coaxing on behalf of Dr. Moreau, his fears and apprehensions were slightly lessened; for sure, he hadn’t expected him to behave in such a kind manner. There had been no catch, no underlying treachery to the benevolence. It was an honest-to-goodness second chance to right the wrongs of the past. A rare event in this dog-eat-dog life.
Life on an island was an adjustment. The weather, even the climate was no different than that of Tampa, but the hustle and bustle of the mainland had become such an integrated part of Jordan’s daily schedule that the more subdued pace posed initial awkwardness.
That was more or less a passing concern. He was exhausted still. Jordan had thought at the very least he’d get a long-needed rest now that he knew there were going to be no repercussions.
-Day One-
Upon entering his duplex, he flicked on the light switch, smiling from ear-to-ear at the large bed and the soothing music was a bonus. He’d thought sleep was only a few steps away as his suitcase slipped from his fingers onto the plush carpeting. Jordan stumbled a path to the bed and flopped forward under his own weight, not bothering with his clothing nor his shoes. That bed felt so good.
He wasn’t one for taking naps during the day but there was always an exception to everything. His eyes were heavy as he began to drift off, that comforting sensation of slumber washing over his body.
Too bad it couldn’t last longer than a few seconds before the voice of Moreau had kindly instructed him to awaken. Was he there? Was he imagining things? His mind was slipping into unconsciousness. Every few seconds, the voice of Moreau requested him to awaken, even though he was out of it.
He heard it. In his passed out state he’d heard the voice like a lucid dream.
It would only be three hours later when the urgency of the voice jostled him into sluggish consciousness and with an angry groan, he rolled onto his side and pushed himself up, peering through a bloodshot eye.
The voice had ceased.
What the hell had that been?! Moreau wasn’t present. Had it been all in his head? A bad dream?
He looked around. It was dark outside and his lights were on still. Jordan’s body was odd about sleep: he could only sleep once a day and then he’d be awake for a good twelve to fifteen hours on average minimum. Jordan had felt like falling back to sleep, but he knew it wouldn’t happen. He was up now for the day. The nap did little more than to tire him out further, taunting him with the lure of actual rest.
He sat on the edge of his bed, giving out a large yawn as he rubbed his eyes. Jordan mumbled something incoherently and made his way to the shower. A long, relaxing, hot shower would have felt great if he’d not been so exhausted. It had become a chore in his sleep-deprived state. He was propped against the tiled wall as he let the water wash over him. He was like that for a solid ten minutes before he felt motivated to wash up and change into some fresh clothing afterwards.
He was too exhausted to go much farther than the bed as he sat there, slumped forward, Jordan’s face falling into his palms. A resounding sigh was exhaled as he tried to focus beyond the headache that was brewing. He couldn’t prevent himself from yawning periodically.
He may as well get settled into his dwelling and clicked open his suitcase. His formal, work clothing was hung in the wardrobe. His silk shirts were carefully handled as not to wrinkle them, the same with his dress slacks. Even his tie was so anally hung with care. His more casual clothing could remain in his suitcase. Spying his composition journal and black roller-ball pen, he was inspired to fill in a page. He sat at his desk and opened the composition journal, tapping the pen to his chin. His baseball cap was discarded onto the nightstand and he ran a hand through his hair, tapping the pen more on his chin as he formulated the words in his mind.
He sat there for forty-five minutes staring at a blank page, then it came to him in his tired haze. A sentence became two became a paragraph. He logged his arrival and general thoughts on the situation at hand. He’d filled out a page in another hour and as his pen dipped to the page, the lights shut off with the verbal command ‘sleep’.
Jordan blinked and jumped in his seat as the lights hutting down startled him. Dr. Moreau had given him notice this would happen. Perhaps the voice from earlier hadn’t been his imagination afterall. It seemed odd, though, that Moreau’s voice announced that command.
He grumbled in frustration, rubbing his temples. Time had escaped him. The sun had since set and it was pitch black. And he was wide awake.
-Day Four-
The next few days were spent much the same. Jordan hadn’t set foot outside of his duplex since first moving in and he hadn’t heard or seen Moreau in the same, save for the alarm. The music was making him sleepy and then he’d slip into unconscious for a brief nap. It was nice while it lasted, but he was only getting an hour or two of sleep with the alarm preventing him from entering REM. It was exhausting him. No matter how hard he tried to sleep when the auto-controls were set to turn off the lights he couldn’t force his body to comply. With every nap that he took it remained difficult to conform his sleep cycle. He didn’t have time to think about where Dr. Moreau was or when he’d receive his assignments when he couldn’t get any decent rest to rest his mind.
In his continued tired state, Jordan kept thinking loudly to prevent himself from falling asleep. He was making the effort to adjust to the doctor’s desired schedule, but it would take more time. The naps would have to sustain him for now and he’d have to deal with it.
He was content to living off the contents of the mini-fridge. At least he had food for now, but he’d need to start getting to know the lay of the land, tired or not. And hopefully, he could conduct himself properly as an employee representative in front of the test subjects, should he encounter one.
-Day Five-
Jordan sat on the beach, unable to sleep when the lights had gone out. The cool wind was refreshing and aiding him in staying awake. Even as he closed his eyes and leaned back on his elbows, he listened to the waves roll to shore.
Since his duplex was on the beach, it was a convenient excuse to get out. He wondered where he would be able to wash his formal wear. Jordan had resorted to wearing some of his more casual clothing he’d wear to the gym: black shorts made of a slick material (which made movement easier and more fluid) and a breezy sleeveless muscle shirt.
He shook his head in the breeze and his ponytail whipped back and forth as he did so. The beach was perhaps the one thing he loved about home. The wind, the surf, the feeling of sand on his bare feet… The stars and the moon added to the excellent atmosphere.
Jordan had lost track of time that night and must have sat out there by himself for hours. The sun rising over the horizon of the tropical island brought a smile to his lips.
The morning light illuminated his surroundings. He’d have to explore this island soon.
-Day Six-
Jordan had discovered the door to his duplex was locked. The door wouldn’t budge an inch. Had it been a technical problem? Hopefully the staff would take care of any mechanical issues.
It didn’t deter him from trying to open the door for several minutes. It was a lost cause after slamming his shoulder into the door did nothing more than leave a dull throbbing in his arm. So much for exploring the island today. Jordan resigned himself to sitting at his desk, scribbling thoughts into his composition journal.
-December 14th-
Apparently the staff had fixed the problem with his door. That was quick.
Jordan had taken the composition book with him on his adventurous exploration of the island, though that had proven unpleasant as the humidity and the tropical heat were getting under his skin, even in his sporty casual clothing. He’d jotted notes of some of the indigenous fauna, cataloging a few tropical birds: a green mango, which had been a treat to see such a brightly-colored bird, though it’s green body blended well with the jungle flora; there was a red-tailed hawk observed as well. Jordan’s heart fluttered as he paused a moment. He could have sworn he’d just seen a rare St. Vincent’s parrot! He had to get a closer look to be sure.
That’s when he stumbled on a clustering of duplexes. Was this the colony of test subjects that Dr. Moreau had spoken of? He was hesitant to approach as he was uncertain what he could expect. The dense jungle obscured the majority of his view as he made no effort to continue forward.
Jordan returned to his own duplex apart from this colony. He’d check it out soon enough in more detail. Perhaps someone would be able to tell him where he could wash his laundry and direct him towards some hot food. His mini-fridge supply had run low.
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Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 8:41 pm
Jordan Essex Yesterday, while exploring the island on a sort of nature hike, Jordan had stumbled across the colony of test subjects that Dr. Moreau had so kindly informed him of. Remebering that there were some who would react with hostility, he'd backed down and tried to remain incognito.
However, today was different. He'd become determined to scout out the village and hopefully come across someone who would be able to direct him to facilities for laundry and food.
As the previous day, Jordan carried with him his composition journal with the pen clipped to its cover. As he set foot into the vicinity of the village proper, Jordan glanced around silently taking in the sight of so many duplexes at first. There were many more test subjects than he was expecting, but not to mind. He looked like a lost tourist with a dumbfounded expression that said 'help me'.
Jordan, as a representative of Feral Labs, was not about to be seen in casual clothing and had reluctantly put on one of his wrinkled, already-worn work outfits from earlier in the week: black silk shirt, gray dress slacks, navy blue tie, and of course, he wore his black baseball cap and his blue sunshades. Those were a god-send at the moment as his awkward cycle had left him somewhat light-sensitive today. Awen Zyn Not knowing that the new unsuspecting islander needed help, or even that he was close by Awen appeared from around the line of duplexes. Her rubber skin still slicked with wetness from her swim and her whole body had a nice shine to it in the sunlight.
She had, in fact, noticed the man shortly after she rounded the duplexes and seeing that he was unchanged didn't really mean much to her, she had been seeing many new comers who hadn't yet experienced their first change- but knew of the island.
The manta girl raised a webbed arm and waved politely as she was continuing towards another clump of buildings ahead. Jordan Essex Suddenly, there was someone coming around the line of duplexes and he stepped lively to catch up so he could ask a few questions. That's when he noticed the mystery girl's appearance in more detail. His lively step slowed to a cautious walk. He didn't want to frighten her off afterall.
He arched a brow slightly at her appearance. Remember how you're supposed to conduct yourself, Jordan. He thought to himself as he continued his approach. Something was off. Was she one of the test subjects here? He'd best be careful not to say or do anything stupid to jeopardize his second chance.
"Excuse me, miss. Miss, please, may I have a moment of your time. I've only been here a week and I was wondering if you could tell me where I could do laundry and find something to eat."
The closer he got to the girl, the more he noticed and he tried to curb his initial shock. What was going on. What was with her arms? And her skin seemed so slick and... rubbery? He took note that she was still dripping. Was this some sort of state-of-the-art swim gear? Awen Zyn At the 'excuse me, miss.' Awen raised an eyebrow at the man, well he certainly was a little formal, wasn't he? Her expression changed to a soft smile as she listened to the rest of what he had to say but her mood changed drastically. Her stomach knotted hearing he'd only been here a week, she couldn't wrap her head around how he'd gone a week without food.
As he looked her over Awen had long ago prepared herself to the shocked and odd looks she recieved, but it didn't seem as though he were going to freak out. Good, so she wasn't his first islander.
"Oh, um, sure. The laundry machines are in that building over there, there are a couple of signs once inside so it shouldn't be hard to find. The cafeteria is over there, and the other buildings and rooms have a library slash tv room, a workout room, an arcade and a few little lounge areas." She pointed to the locations she had been indicating and everything was said with the most polite tone. "There's a community message board over there. Islander run, mind you, the labs never put one up so an islander made it himself."
She tapped a flippered foot and scratched awkwardly around her gills. The girl looked as if she was trying to remember something she had missed but with a resolute shake of her head she turned her violet eyes back to the newcomer. "That's about it for the town places."
Finally she allowed a puzzled expression to break through her polite smile. "Now, tell me, how the heck did you go a week without food? Most people find their way to the cafeteria before most other places." She chuckled softly and crossed her arms as best as the webbed things could. Jordan Essex He smiled as she was of great assistance. He nodded as she pointed to each respective area. So there was plenty for the subjects to do here. That was rather nice of Dr. Moreau. They were given entertainment and recreational activities to occupy themselves during their stay.
"Thank you so much." he tugged on his wrinkled silk shirt. "I was afraid that I wouldn't find a laundry machine to clean these dirty clothes."
She seemed to be one of the less hostile residents, which was only a positive point in his first encounter with a native. His attention was drawn to her flippered foot as it tapped. That must be rather form-fitting to be so responsive to every motion. Jordan's attention was brought back to eye-level as she asked how he'd survived a week without food.
"Oh, I found my mini-fridge stocked. It was a good thing Dr. Moreau had the foresight to do so or I'm not sure what I would have done." he smiled kindly to her and extended a hand in a gesture of good faith. "Thank you for your assistance. I'm Jordan. I was transferred here recently. Do you happen to work in the labs as well?"
It was then that Jordan noticed the gills. Gills? Wait... gills?? How could she... what would they... Gills...?? His questioning thoughts were cut off by more questioning thoughts.
"Forgive me for asking... miss... I'm afraid I didn't catch your name... How well does that swim outfit function? It must be fairly simple to breathe underwater." Jordan smiled naively, hoping that she would correct him without him making a complete fool of himself.
Awen Zyn "Oh." Awen laughed softly as she replied without really thinking. "Well that would explain it then. When I arrived we didn't have fully stock--"
Her brow drew in as a dark look came over her face. Something in her mind just clicked and it wasn't a happy thought. She was his first islander encounter. He didn't understand what she was and what was that he said? He worked in the labs? It couldn't have been like Lily or Newt- no then the guy would have known about what was going on. And he did say he tranferred recently.... Damn.
Awen gave a quick look around before pointing a finger with a very serious look on her round fac. "Don't introduce yourself and say you have anything to do with the labs." She said quickly and lowered her finger. "Most people around here won't take kindly to it and you do not need enemies like that right off the bat."
She half turned from him and placed a webbed hand on her forehead to cool her forehead. Giving a heavy sigh she tilted her head back to the man, Jordan he said his name was, before shaking her head and looking downward. She hated what was coming next, it always came and it always made enemies.
Turning back to him the girl crossed her arms and held a rather sad look on her face. "My name is Awen Zyn. I arrived here a year and a few months ago. I was told I was coming here for therapy so that I would not fear water anymore. It wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. Feral Labs has a shadey side, and my poor boy you are standing on it. This island is used to experiment on human subjects, fusing animal DNA with our own to make us something... different. As far as I can tell there are four stages of change that we go through- I am in the third stage of change and was injected with a manta ray serum. If you don't get the injections on time often you get very ill and I've been told you could contract a rather fast acting form of cancer. There are already a few islanders that have died due to complications and others have been killed by an islander who has gone mad and dug out her control chip. It is a risky place to be, but we have no choice now. Escape isn't an option mostly because the control chips they use are able to knock us out at a push of a button or spoken command. You worked for the labs, you said? I'm sorry but whatever you did to mess up has landed you here on the island. I'm not going to lie the transformations are painful and you can never leave for home again. I'm sorry Jordan..." The manta ray spoke slowly yet briskley, making sure he heard every word but left him no time to interupt her. Now she paused to take a breath and smiled.
"There are bright sides though. Most people have found amazing talents in their new forms and the island is like anyone's dream. No work, just relaxation and activities to keep your mind off things."
She now stopped finally and remained with a sad sort of smile on her lips awaiting any reaction the man may throw her way. Yelling out of anger, fear, disbelief, hyserical laughter? How would this newcomer react, she wondered? Unlike other island guessing games this one Awen hated and braced herself. Jordan Essex Was it something he'd said? He knew it. Jordan had said something stupid and upset her. He was afraid of what might happen when she became deadly serious. Would this get back to Dr. Moreau. Oh no... he didn't need to make trouble for himself... not again.. not so soon... Then, he listened as she warned him about not introducing himself as part of the labs and he cocked his head curiously.
"Enemies? Dr. Moreau had warned me ahead of time that there were those who were hostile towards the labs and those who were more friendly and open to them."
Before he could say more, Awen told him something that made the pit of his stomach ache. Fusing animal DNA into humans is what this island facility's project? He'd been told of an project, but beyond that nothing specific and he'd hesitated to inquire about that more when he'd had the chance. His thoughts were racing as she told him the horrible truth, the true nature of the beast as it were, the dark side of reality. Stages of transformation... cancer... and death has already resulted in some of the subjects. His heart beat faster as he didn't have time to mull over any of the information offered freely to him.
Was there the chance that he wouldn't share in their fate? Was it possible that he wouldn't have to suffer painfully?
Awen's words shook him when she stated: "..whatever you did to mess up has landed you here on the island. " Whatever he had done. Yeah... Whatever he had been a part of indeed. But... the doctor! He would have been infuriated if Jordan was truly being punished! It couldn't be true that he was to share in their fate! He even lived apart from their colony! What more proof did he need.
He took a deep breath, feeling a bit light-headed suddenly. He removed the sunshades and Awen could see just how exhausted Jordan was at last. His bloodshot eyes told him of the story, a man who had fears and worries of his future, of a man who hadn't had a decent night of sleep in almost two weeks. Jordan lowered his head and rubbed his eyes. What was going on?
"But... maybe it won't happen to me... right?" he absentmindedly rubbed the injection spot through his silk shirt. "I'm.. here to work. Not to be transformed into an animal." Jordan lifted his weary eyes and studied Awen's animalistic features. A manta ray... Awen Zyn Awen sighed heavily. So it was fear and denial. Not me, never me! A reaction she'd encountered before. Shaking her head once more she sighed.
"Lily was on the island to work, she even was in the labs for a time I hear-she is now one of us. Newt, a nervous littler janitor, was working in the labs. Now he's out here, offering a bug removal or bug catching service to islanders. He's transforming just like the rest of us."
Biting her lips she hesitated to introduce Jordan to the mentality most islanders had. "Basically it comes down to this: If you live out here- you're one of us and will transform. If you live in the labs- you're one of them and you will not transform. You've told me you live in a duplex, out here, that means you're one of us."
She shook her head and gave a snark laugh. "What most people don't realise is that it doesn't matter if you're one of us or one of them. Human or not, we're all trapped here. I'm willing to bet that most of the lab techs in the head office over there came in similar ways that you did- a relocation with benifits they can't refuse. I know, as I have talked numerous times and am friends with one of Moreau's more trusted staff members, that no one leaves the island except for Moreau himself, Aubrey - his right hand tech and fiance- and James, the helicopter pilot. Don't take too seriously the 'us' versus 'them' mentality. Really it's 'us' versus 'Moreau' as he's the b*****d who started these experiments. Or... rather his Grandfather appearently did, but he took up where the old man had left off. At least that's what I gather from the big fancy tombstone and stuff I've heard from Sabin."
Letting out a slow breath Awen's eyes finally returned to the bloodshot eyes of the new islander. "I'm really sorry about this, hun, I really am. I don't like seeing new arrivals.... but it's better you know the truth from the start." Jordan Essex Unreal.
This was not happening. No, it wasn't going to happen. It couldn't happen!! Jordan rubbed his face with the hand holding his sunshades, his other clenching into a fist. He was so tired and being in control of himself was difficult with such stressing news.
"Everything was supposed to be forgivven." he spoke with a warble in his voice. "This is my second chance.. to prove myself."
He felt that nervous, frustrated lump swelling in his throat. He couldn't break down. Jordan was stronger than this. He wasn't going to show anything less than the rock-like fortitude. Even if the residents of the island were undergoing painful metamorphosis into animal-human hybrids... but Awen had mentioned two other people who'd been enmployed by the labs: Lily and Newt... so... maybe it was possible.. was it going to be true that Jordan would also join them?
He sighed in confusion. This wasn't helping his already high stress level. He gave Awen a look of his increasing uncertainty as he felt so faint and staggered backwards a few steps, almost falling down.
"Awen.. you're obviously one of the sub--" he stopped himself from calling her a subject. "you didn't lunge at me with hatred and animosity, so is it correct to assume that you're on good terms with the situation and the people in control? I'm not sure if I can easilly digest any of what you've told me just now.. I'm sure it was hard for you to believe at first as well." Awen Zyn Awen spoke of her friendship with Sabin and her disapproval of the us and them mentality but she supposed it was lost on the man's ears. He'd had a lot to take in. As he stumbled back Awen stepped forward darting out to catch him before he fell, but he didn't so she simply stopped herself and stepped back.
"Come on..." She said softly and waved him on. "Let's get you a place to sit, some water, maybe some food and then we'll keep talking okay?" She half turned and indicated that she wanted to take him to the cafeteria before she'd say anymore. Jordan Essex He stayed close to Awen. She was the only other person here he knew and she seemed friendly and trustworthy. He needed a friend about now and followed her. Food and water sounded good. His stomach churned partially from stress, but also with hunger.
"That sounds like a plan." he forced a smile.
He felt like an idiot. He was deceived again?! This was ridiculous. Jordan's naivete' knew no bounds apparently, if even the man who'd employed him had pulled the wool over his eyes.
"I'm not mad at you. I just want you to know that. I'm.. it just... seems that I don't know who to trust and who to be wary of. I'm not doubting what you've told me.. I can plainly see that you're telling the truth.. I just hope that it won't happen to me. I'm so tired and stressed.. I haven't slept in about two weeks.. and I can't sleep in my duplex.. I'm only able to get an hour or two at most before I'm up long enough to pass out from exhaustion hours later." Jordan was opening up to Awen.. just like he had on the mainland, just like he trusted Dr. Moreau and now he was doing it again.
As they entered the cafeteria, the smells of so much food assaulted his senses all at once and he rushed (almost falling flat on his face as he tripped) to the line. The assortment of food was... plentiful. That was sure. He began to gag at some of the choices on the menu and quickly turned away with a hand over his mouth, clutching the side of a table for support Awen Zyn Awen smiled as they approched the cafeteria. "You know Jordan, you have no idea how good that is to hear. Most islanders freak out and yell at me- and then we're in foul states ever after. I'm glad you're not the same."
She would have laughed at his race to the food if he hadn't turned around and gaged only a moment after. "Woah there, slow down hun. Calm... You haven't eaten in a bit have you?" She shook her head an moved over to a nearby table leaning against it to wait for the man to pick his meal. "And yeah getting used to the time zones and whatnot are weird. You'll get it eventually though."
"Like you guessed, I'm good with most of the labs. I'm one of the only subjects who is." She made sure to stress the word subject to show that he need not be afraid to use it in her presence. "I'm on good terms with Sabin and have a nice repore with a few of the techies on monitor duty, but as far as the true people in control there is only one - Moreau - and I will never say that I am on good terms with that man." Her tone turned to that of bitter disgust when speaking of Moreau. Jordan Essex Jordan took a slow breath and waited for his stomach to settle. He nodded in affirmation to her question.
"Yes, it's been a few hours too many since I've eaten and it's not helping that my stomach is killing me with stress. I think I'm good now." he smiled genuinely to her this time, not forcing it as he made his way back to the food.
It did smell good and he had a hard time choosing. As he picked up a plate Jordan looked it all over, deciding on mashed potatoes and two sausage, with a side of carrots. He grabbed a bottle of water as well.
He hung his sunshades in the collar of his shirt and picked up his plate. He was careful not to trip this time as he sat down with Awen, on the opposite side of the table, so he could be face-to-face.
Jordan quickly scooped a few spoonfulls of potatoes into his mouth, without thinking of present company. His stomach immediately settled some as the flavor hit his tongue.
"Mmmmmmmmmm...." resounded as he swallowed. "Oh man this is so good."
Jordan set down his spoon for a moment and smiled at Awen. "Thank you for helping me learn the layout of the land. I really appreciate it."
He'd picked up on her usage of the word 'subject' and understood that she wouldn't be offended if he had said it earlier. He didn't say anythign to the tone she took when Awen had spoken Moreau's name. Jordan really couldn't be sure still that this was his fate and understood how the situation could turn someone bitter against a man holding an island's worth of people-turned-beasts captive.
"What are the other staff like? Sabin. And Aubrey. It might be good to become familiar with the people who're running things here."
Jordan stabbed a few carrot slices with his fork in the meantime.
Awen Zyn She settled into her chair and paused at the question. "Sabin is nice, to me at least. He has a sense of humour that most don't really understand, and he plays pranks occasionally. Nothing serious, in my opinion, but I've seen a few islanders become furious with the man. He's got a french accent." Dreamy in Awen's opinion but she kept that to herself. "Uh, and otherwise seems to be helpful. He's really big into mythology and used to teach at... Harvard I think."
The manta girl bit her lip considering the next one. "I don't honestly know much about Aubrey. Mad in love with Moreau, I've heard many of the events around the island are her doing.... she saved my life once..." Pausing Awen sighed. She had mixed feelings about Aubrey ever since her snit with Sabin all that time ago. "She generally seems to be nice but watch out she's got a wicked temper...."
Shrugging the girl leaneed on her elbows. "Not that it matters much. Most islanders don't come into contact with the head ups all that often. When they do it's generally because something's gone wrong or by the intercom in their duplex. And few islanders care to know any techie-except to recognise them for whenever they think they'd be able to take revenge." Awen rolled her eyes at the very thought. Jordan Essex Jordan couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of one of the higher-ups playing pranks on the job. It caused him to choke a bit on a carrot chunk, but it passed.
"Maybe I'll get to meet him one of these days. It seems likely enough since I'll be in the labs at some point as soon as I'm given my assignments." He winced as soon as he'd said that magic word 'labs' and looked around in a paranoid fashion to make sure there was no one else who'd heard it. Confirming they were alone, he settled back into his chair.
"I hope that I won't make enemies here, but considering why I'm here and for what purpose that I am here, it seems inevitable." He tried not to look so glum about that and snickered again at a lab tech conducting practical jokes.
He was feeling a little better with food in his stomach, even if it wasn't enough to compensate for the exhaustion brought on by sleep deprivation.
"Awen, I know this may be an awkward request.. but.. you've helped me out and I'm eternally grateful- so is my stomach.. you're the first person other than Doctor Moreau that Ive met and.. well.. it would be nice to have a friend here." Jordan hoped that didn't come off as anything odd or weird. "A friend, someone more experienced with the inner workings and layout of the island, would be invaluable. And you're such a nice person." Awen Zyn She was right with her frist impression: this guy was formal. She nodded a bit and chuckled. "Of course I'll be your friend Jordan, no worries." She shook her head in amusement for a moment beofre heaving a sigh. "Just don't be surprised if you don't get assignments..." She shook her head and stood up slowly.
There was a noticible difference in her skin since they had first seen eachother. Instead of the shiny rubber like texture it had befre it was more dried out and cracked. Little flakey bits were seeming to come off of her shoulders.
"But for now I should get going. Probably going to get in a swim before I go for food myself." Jordan Essex He was pleased to know that he wouldn't feel alone and that was comforting. Hopefully he'd feel better before too long. Jordan hadn't made a bad impression this time, but if this kept up, things could get worse. It was difficult to keep himself composed from the lack of sleep.
Jordan wondered when he would get his assignments.. he wasn't used to so much free time..
Jordan noticed the difference in texture of Awen's skin and felt concern for her condition. "Are you alright, Awen? I hope that I haven't kept you too long." he slipped on his sunshades. "And I hope to see you around sometime." he took a bite of one of the sausages and watched her stand. Awen Zyn Awen glanced at her shoulder and brushed off a piece of flaked skin. "Don't worry about it." She chuckled and shook her head. "It's just a bit of dry skin. Just itchy, nothing serious."
She waved a webbed hand and turned to leave. "And remember no mentioning your work infront of others until you figure out if they're friendlies or no." Jordan Essex As Awen left him to finish his meal, Jordan mulled those words over. He'd have to be more discreet about his position in the future. He was lucky this time, but in time it would be inevitable that he'd meet some of the less tolerant, hostile subjects.
Awen was nice and she'd leveled with him, something that he respected her for. As he spooned his food idly in thought, it caused him some measure of worry as he sat alone, pondering what was in store for him in the coming days. There was a shady side to this entire 'second chance'. Was he going to end up a test subject just as Awen and others have? He didn't want to think that way.. he wanted to believe this truly was his oppotunity to redeem past deeds. Still... the possibility lingered in his mind.. what if..?
Jordan sat there for some time as he stared at the remainder of the food on his plate, poking at it in distraction.
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Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:55 pm
Jordan Essex Jordan had ventured into the village to do his laundry. There was no putting that off any longer. As it was, he was wearing another of his pre-worn work attire. He wouldn't be seen in anything less. Jordan had to represent himself and carry his appearance professionally. In the meantime, he wasn't about to sit around idly, listening to the washer and dryer whirr. Jordan had found the entertainment room and seated himself in the empty couch. He wasn't watching anything on the television. Jordan sat in the quiet, rubbing his bloodshot eyes, sunshades pushed up his forehead. A long, deep, heavy sigh exhaled slowly from his lungs. It'd been two days since his first run-in with one of the island's test subjects and he couldn't stop thinking about what Awen had told him. The true nature of Dr. Moreau's project was to transform humans into animals, something that he hadn't disputed, as per the manta's appearance (he still felt stupid for thinking she was wearing some sort of state-of-the-art swimgear). Jordan simply couldn't wrap his mind around being lured here only to become one of the subjects for this mass experiment. Richard Harrison Richard had been napping in the back of the entertainment room. He had been trying to stay out of his duplex during the day. At least until this project was finished. In front of him was a open notebook With "From The Ivory Tower" Written across the top, he hadn't gotten much further than that before sleep over took him. Jordan's entry into the room made him open one eye and watch the appearently unchanged man fling himself down on the couch. An idea formed in his mind that amused him. Smirking abit Richard eased himself out of his chair. He winced a bit when it gave a small creek. His eyes looked to the man to see if there was an indication that he had heard it. Jordan Essex For his part, Jordan was oblivious to anyone else being in the room. He was so distracted with his own confused thoughts and concerns that he didn't even notice the creakign chair. Jordan leaned forward on the couch, hunched over with his face in the palm of his hand. What was going to happen to him? He needed sleep first and foremost. He'd not been able to sleep at all due to the modifications to his duplex. He'd get to sleep about an hour before the lights would come back on and the voice of Moreau instructing him to awaken. It was wearing at him, body and mind. His thoughts were incomplete and interrupted as he couldn't focus on any one thing at a time in his sleep-deprived state.
"Ugh...." he groaned like a zombie. "This isn't happening.." he pressed his fingers into the corners of his eyes and rubbed deeply. "It's not going to happen to me.." he muttered, under the impression noone was within ear-shot. "It's not going to happen to me.." Richard Harrison Richard crept closer, his sandels making no sound treading over the carpeted floor. He heard Jordan bemoan his situation and whine how it couldn't happen to him. The man was in Denial. Richard's impish smirk deepened into a snarl, his enlarged teeth exposed. Regaurdless of how hypocrictical it was, denial was something for Richard to rage at. He hated those who were too weak to realize their own reality. For the moment, Richard lost all sympathy for the man. He dug his claws into the back of the couch as he loomed over Jordan, the light casting the shadow of his tentacles on the floor infront of Jordan. "It will happen." The words were a low growl. "You best get that striaght now, boy." Jordan Essex His hand brushed up his face and into his hair, knocking the sunshades from his head. Annoyed with that, he leaned over to pick them up when a shadow encrouched in his space. It was an oddly shaped outline... with tentacles?! Jordan felt his heart beat heavilly as he suddenly realized he was indeed not alone. Great...
Slowly, hesitantly, he picked up his sunshades, and as if he were in a horror movie, moved his arms slowly, lifting the shades back onto his face. The voice startled him as he was about to turn and look., causing him to jump in his seat to his feet.
"Oh god.. I'm sorry, I didn't know there was anyone else here."
What.. was he staring at..? Another of the island's test subjects? In fact, he realized he'd been staring rudely (fortunately, his eyes were hidden).
"I didn't disturb you, did I?" he tried to apologize. Was he hallucinating in his sleep-deprived state? Richard Harrison At Jorden's reaction Richard's snarl widened into a some what predatory grin, the man had kept his composure, either Richard wasn't as scary looking as he believed himself to be or this young man at a bit of a backbone. Either way he found it encouraging. Still, Richard's tentacles tracked Jorden like two hungery snakes. "Don't worry about it. The center's here for everyone, its nobody's territory." Richard studied Jordan intently, his inhuman eyes noting every detail. What's your name son?" Jordan Essex "I'm Jordan. I honestly didn't notice anyone else. I've only recently learned where to go for what and I was waiting in here till my clothes were cleaned."
His explanation was quick and straight-forward. He didn't want to stumble or seem frightened in the least. He was a representative here and it would not look good if word returned to Moreau that he'd been discourteous to any of the subjects.
He tried not to let on that the tentacles were a bit unnerving as they tracked him. This was -afterall- only his second encounter with another of the project's participants. He wondered just how many more he would meet and how varied they would be in appearance. Jordan would have to resolve to see beyond their appearances.
He staggered a bit, unevenly balanced as his head spun.
Richard Harrison Richard eyed Jordan suspuciously, the glasses made it very hard to read Jordan's emotions. "I'm Richard." Then Jordan stumbled a bit, a trace of concern played over Richard's face. This man was freaking out less than a minute ago. Richard came around to the otherside of the couch, revealling his tail. "Are you alright?" Jordan Essex He was going to have to sleep at some point.. real sleep.. not this continued hour or two -literally- a day. It was even affecting his balance now. Not good. Not good at all.
"I'm just tired.. I haven't slept much in the past few weeks." But, as he spoke, Jordan saw the tail. He was trying hard to keep himself composed, despite his degrading mental state.
Jordan pulled off his sunglasses, revealing how tired he was to Richard. Those bloodshot eyes fluttered with the determined resolve to remain conscious, a hand rubbing across his nose and his eyes at once.
"Forgive my current state..I need to sit down.." Jordan muffled a long-winded yawn with a hand over his mouth. His vision blurred for a fleeting moment as he stumbled over his own shoe on his return to the couch. Richard Harrison The man looked tired, that much was certian. Richard had seen that look on his own face more than once. Jordan looked like he had been without sleep for at least two days. Richard sat on the arm of the sofa, allowing his tail to hang over the edge. "You've been here for a few weeks already? You don't have any red welts on your arms do you?" Richard was thinking about how off he had felt right before his own changes. Could Jordan be on the edge of a change? The tip of his tail curled with nervious excitment. Jordan Essex Jordan shifted a bit, laying his hands in his lap. Richard was getting awfully close, whether it was in concern or because Jordan had offended him. He couldn't stifle the next on-coming yawn and looked up at Richard more closely. He had two extra limbs coming out of his torso.
"I've been here...." he pressed his hand to his forehead as he strained in thought. "Almost... two weeks.."
Jordan kept his eyes closed. He didn't want to think about... what? Red marks? He pulled up his shirt sleeve and revealed the injection mark.
"Yeah.. right here.." he pointed to the spot. "I received my innoculations." Yes, he'd said innoculations, as in plural, which may or may not ring odd to certain people on the island.
He forgot about how he might change -if in fact he would change at some point... he'd only seen two of the subjects and it made his stomach wrench at where this was going.
"Doctor Moreau administered them after warning me the about jungle diseases. Why?" he tilted his head curiously. Richard Harrison Richard shook his head sadly, "Thats what they all say, or most of them anyway. I'm the only person Moreau leveled with before sticking in a duplex that I know of. If your lucky you've got about a week before you change for the first time. Moreau lies, those arn't vaccinations. Everyone who lives in a duplex is being changed. There are no exceptions." Richard felt the need to snip any trace of denial in the bud. Jordan Essex A week?! He had a week left of his humanity till he was nothing more than a husk of his former being?! Jordan nodded softly and leaned back on the couch, glancing up at Richard on the arm.
He wanted to admit to Richard that he knew more about the island's project than he was letting on, but after Awen's warning, he was hesitant to say much at all to anyone: "And remember no mentioning your work infront of others until you figure out if they're friendlies or no." Could he trust Richard?
He rubbed his eyes again. "Were... you ever in the labs..?" he had to know. He had to ask without letting it slip that he'd ever worked in the mainland labs. Jordan hoped Richard was friendly... Richard Harrison "In the labs?" Richard wasn't quite sure what Jordan was getting at. "I worked for feral lab for 25 years..." He cocked his head a peered at Jordan, eyeing him curiously. "What you getting at?" Jordan Essex Okay. He now knew Richard had worked for Feral. Twenty-five years.. amazing.. he'd barely lasted a year.. What'd that say about him? So he now knew of three people on this island that had been affiliated with Feral besides himself. Was that a good thing, though?!
Jordan panicked. Sweat beaded at his brow as he wiped it away. "Uh..." he stumbled his words "I...I... uhm..." he was losing his composure- and quickly. He couldn't think straight.. Jordan was on the verge of blathering things that he shouldn't. "Richard..." he lowered his head. "I..." he was stalling for time and failing at it. "I was told by someone that there were people who worked for the labs.. and then changed. Is it true? Does everyone who worked for the labs, who finds themselves on the island.. become a subject?"
He immediately regretted saying anything on the matter. Jordan was digging himself into a grave. Richard Harrison Richard slipped down onto the couch and put a clawed hand on Jordan's shoulder, intended to both comfort and prevent Jordan from getting away. Richard hungered for any information on about the staff and Jordan might possess a tasty morsel. Richard actually didn't know about Newt or any of the former staff members personally but it wouldn't surprise him in the least. "Jordan," He began, "Everyone who lives in the duplexes is a subject. No matter what the labs said to get them here." He pulled Jordan close enough that Jordan could see every inhuman alteration to Richard's face. One of his little arms had reached out to grip the fabric of Jordan's arm. "What did they tell you? And who told you it?" Whispered, conspiratorial and urgency bled into Richard's voice. Jordan Essex As Richard sat next to him, Jordan did try to scoot away but was pulled back and prevented from leaving. He'd opened Pandora's Box and he couldn't go back. He looked into Richard's altered face and he frowned in defeat.
"I was told about two former employees of Feral, who were brought here to work in the labs: Lily and Newt, like me," Jordan hadn't even realized that he'd added that last part 'like me' "and they were turned into subjects.. I didn't want to believe it.. and now there's your testimony.. so I'm condemned to become an animal, too? Like Awen said?"
He was just letting the information slip through loose lips and in no frame of mind to censor any of it. He was just fortunate that he hadn't mentioned why he'd come here.. though that was just as likely to slip out in a matter of time.
Richard Harrison So he had met Awen. Lucky man to meet probably one of the brighter islanders, except Colche. And Awen had the advantage of being coherent about the situation. Richard could sense Jordan was close to breaking and accepting the truth of the island so he prepared the final blow. It might reduce the man to a babbling fool but he might thank him later. Regardless, Richard was enjoying the sense of power over the man. "Thats if your lucky, you become a hybrid, halfway between animal and man. If your unlucky you could lose everything, your hands, your sanity, even your life. That's the reality we live with. Three people we know of have died from the process, another went insane and murdered her friend." Richard spoke in a low whisper. As he talk his grip on Jordan's shoulder tightened. Jordan Essex Some of it sounded familiar to what Awen had said, just with a darker twist. His sunshades slide down his nose as his eye twitched. It was uncanny how close Awen and Richard had told the story. No way it could be coincidence. It was going to happen. And it was not taken easilly with a grain of salt.
"A-Awen told me about the possibility of death.. cancer.. how painful the transformations were.." his voice cracked. "And she warned me of the person who went mad and ripped out her own control chip.. though, I don't know what she meant by that last part.."
The tightening grip was scaring Jordan as he tried to move, to get away. He wasn't sure if Richard was going to hurt him.
"Please don't hurt me!" He shouted stupidly, cowering as he covered his face with his arms. Richard Harrison At the shout Richard released Jordan, then looked at the cowering figure. It was comical. At first, Richard tryed to hold it in but it came anyway. First a snort, then a giggle and finally full out laughter. "Oh goodness son, Am I really that scary?" He managed to get out between laughing spurts. Jordan Essex "N-no! I mean... I thought... Awen warned me not to say anything about the labs because someone might hurt me.." he cowered on the couch. "I'm sorry! I'm gonna be in so much trouble now.." he was of course referring to Doctor Moreau, if he learned of this incident.
"Please don't tell Doctor Moreau!" he was pleading desperately as he sat back up. Richard Harrison Well that had to be the last thing Richard expected to hear. Richard stopped laughing and looked down at the pleading man. "Don't tell the Doctor? Why would I do that." Richard wanted to add that Moreau would already know from the camera's but he was curious to hear Jordan's explaination. Jordan Essex Jordan blinked at that question. "Because.. I'm not supposed to react this way.. I'm supposed to act professional at all times.. and I'm in deep enough as it is.. no wonder I was given my golden 'second chance'... After what happened I'm better off as a lab experiment than an employee in his labs.."
Jordan sniffed. He felt it coming. He didn't want to cry. No, he was stronger than that; but, the feeling of utter and complete soul-crushing acceptance that he is just a tool, used by everyone for their own gains, twisted into him like a hot knife. "I must seem like such a fool to you." Jordan grit his teeth angrilly and punched the back of the couch.
...
...
...
"I deserve to be here." he said flatly. "Doctor Moreau could have sent me to prison for the rest of my life.. or worse.. had me 'disappear'." he dragged a finger across his neck and chuckled nervously. Richard Harrison Richard had broken the kid alright and now felt a bit guilty. This talk of being better off did sicken him. "Now, Now. Lets make this clear, No one dreserves this." Gesturing to his extra arms. "Looking at you I sincerely doubt your to be sinister mastermind. Now why don't you tell me what happened?" Richard was curious to see what the young man had done. Jordan Essex Richard was correct in his evaluation of character. Jordan was not a mastermind, but was naive and trusting. He was a follower, not a leader, nor capable of orchaestrating the incident at Feral.
He looked Richard directly in the eyes, went as far as to take off his sunshades to show the seriousness in his broken spirit and tired body. "I used to be respected.. I used to be someone of importance. I was on the staff of a local zoo back in Tampa. I worked my a** off to earn my degrees. I thought Feral would lead to greater opportunities- and it did, but at the cost of my priniciples. I was able to live a a better life, a comfortable life. I never wanted to hurt animals.. I didn't know that Feral Labs tested on animals and I was too spineless to leave once I did." Now it was Jordan's turn to be vocal and long-winded. "You want to know why I'm here? Fine.. I've got nothing to lose from telling you at this point. I was deceived by a co-worker into believing a lie that cost me everything. I'm just a common thief now.. that's why I'm here." Richard Harrison Now Richard had a poor opinion of anyone who was naive enough to think that biological research was some how pulled out of thin air with out the gooey bits of biological systems. That said, Richard saw more than willing to cut the kid a bit of slack, as he was now in the same boat as the rest them. Richard inhaled and looked back at Jordan. "Thats not a reason Jordan. That was an excuse to bring you here, not the reason. Moreau told me the reason he does this, and its not to punish the wicked." Richard bit on his knuckle for a moment, thinking. "Don't listen to what he says." Jordan Essex "When I arrived, I was surprised that I was greeted so kindly and with open arms. My stomach was in knots as I stepped off the helicopter. He said that I would be given a second chance, but I would have to relocate here to the island. Doctor Moreau had told me of a project being conducted on the island and that I would occassionally find myself in interactions with the subjects here, but beyond that I didn't know any better till Awen filled me in. And you confirmed what she had said."
He shook his head for a moment "I suppose that he didn't exactly lie.." Richard Harrison "And there was no truth in his words at all. Sorry Jordan, I don't think you'll find your redemption with him." Richard made a noise to fill the silence. "If you want to look at the bright side, the lab pretty much leave us alone down here except for the injections. There are lots of young people here if your looking for friends. Try to enjoy yourself while you can." Richard shrugged. He wasn't to great at looking at the brightside these days. Jordan Essex "But.. why then..? Why is he doing this? If it's not to punish me for what I've done, then what possible reason could he have to make us his test subjects?" It wasn't anger that he asked that in, but morbid curiousity and a moment of eerie calm.
"You're only the second subject I've met on this island. How many of us are there? Do you know?" his brow furrowed as if he honestly didn't want to know, but it would nag at him if he didn't ask. Richard Harrison Richard thought back to his arrival on the island. That conversation with Moreau. He frowned slightly at the memory. "Moreau does this, because he can. It is his statement of mastery over life itself. There is no grand purpose other than his own satisfaction of doing something impossible. No matter was moral line he crosses, morality is meaningless to a man such as him." "As for how many? Whats your duplex number?" Jordan Essex Jordan could only nod at the explanation that he had asked for. It wasn't what he'd expected to hear, but neither was that he was being turned into a hybrid of human and animal.
"Duplex number? I don't remember that ever being mentioned.. or even seeing that.. I'm not in the duplexes in the village. Doctor Moreau placed me in housing near the beach, away from the other subjects. I was placed there due to a shortage of space in the labs.." Richard Harrison "Hmpf." He was in a special duplex? Interesting. "Not including the residents of the graveyard. You make about eighty. I'm in duplex 70. I've been here since September." Jordan Essex Jordan once more nodded. Eighty subjects.. it was mind-boggling.. and for only three people to monitor and keep up with so many..?
Then he remembered about his clothes. They must be done by now. It'd be good to have clean clothing again. Jordan stood up, bracing himself on the couch as he did. "I should get home soon and try to sleep.. my clothes should be done by now.. " he really didn't know what else to say.
Richard Harrison Richard nodded. "Well. Alright. You take care then." He reguarded the youth with an appraising eye. "Don't hole yourself up in your duplex, there alot of people here going through the same thing. Have hope that we'll all get through this someday." That sound good to Richard, although his own hope was fading fast, it was good to encourage the youth. Jordan Essex Jordan departed Richard's company as he left the entertaiment center, defeated and broken. There was so much to consider now and he was simply in no frame of mind to do that.
He claimed his clean clothes and trudged bac to his duplex. Tonight he was going to get sleep in clean clothes and a comfortable bed.
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:50 pm
Joliette Rigiel In normal circumstances the Komodo in Joli often found refuge on the beach, soaking up tha hot sun and trying to stay away from people, she still was afraid of people's reactions to her, though the few she had seen had been ok so far, even helpful at times. Now however she wanted away from the normal scene... away from where she thought people would find her too easily, she was dwelling on the fact that her next birthday would be spent as a beast... And that in itself wasn't very far off less then 2 weeks even...
Silently she slipped out of hte folliage near hte lake and trudged across the shore slipping slowly into the shallows of the lake, she could feel the water envelope her scales as she moved. She paid little attention to her surroundings as she moved. Awen Zyn Awen slipped from the glass door on the bottom of her duplex and pushed out into the lake. She had such a warm and fuzzy feeling after her pleasant dream. A true sense of belonging and unity coursed through the current and into her.
As she slowly made her way to the surface Awen felt some odd vibrations in the water. She frowned and glanced to the shallows nearby and realised that there was a rather large lizard floating around up there. This was an unusual sight any of the island's natural water dwellers have been steering clear of the lake, what was this one doing so far in?
She swam a little closer to investigate, having confidence that she could outswim anything. But there was something off about this creature. Was that strings of hair hanging from it's head. It couldn't have been... could it be an islander?
Rifling through her mind of all the creatures she knew the islanders turning into she could find only one solution. The girl she'd spent locked out and trying to survive with, the one who had all the trouble with Sabin... the one who had thrown a mattress off a balcony and onto Awen.
She pushed her way quickly to the surface. "Joli!" Jordan Essex He was undeniably lost. Jordan had no clue where he was after today's nature hike had put him further out than he'd ventured previously. His mind was preoccupied, so he hadn't payed attention to where he had gone. Jordan tried avoiding the village today. But, he had to get outside after spending an entire day in the seclusion of his duplex.
He'd followed one of the trails till it had led him to the lake. This was new. Jordan looked around as he continued towards the water. It was then he'd seen Awen and.... what looked like an alligator! He broke into a run towards the water and his shoes splashed and with a shout, tried to warn the manta of danger.
"Awen! Look out! There's an alligator!" Joliette Rigiel A voice, a familiar one at that, what would she think, how would she react.. Joli had not seen her friend in so long, long enough that the last time she was no where near as far as she was now, and before she had had such serious control problems. She took a step back as she lifted her head a bit her yellow tongue flickering of it's own decision. She was about to reply when the sudden shout of an alligator near Awen rang through the air making her back up even further when her eyes lit upon a completely unchanged stranger rushing towards them. Awen Zyn Joliette hadn't said a word but it had to be her. A frown creased deeply on her lips as she heard Jordan's shout and saw Joli's reaction. Moving closer slightly to put herself sideways halfway from Jordan and Joli, but not quite between them Awen shook her head.
"Jordan calm down! This is Joliette, a good friend of mine. She's not an alligator."
Awen wasn't so sure why all this tension was needed. She didn't want to come out of the water anymore than what was nessesary. She liked seeing her old friend again and she wanted to calm the new boy down, but what she wanted o do most of all was drift back near the bottom of the lake or take a run through the rivers. Jordan Essex Jordan paused in his tracks as he caught his breath. Oh no.. this was one of the subjects, then?! Great. He'd just made a complete fool of himself and made a very bad first impression with Awen's friend with what he thought could have turned into an ugly situation. Thanks to his impetuous conclusion, it still may..
"Oh... OH... I'm so sorry!" he apologized immediately, So... this was also what the labs were capable of? She didn't look like much of a hybrid at all, more like a complete animal! Jordan's mouth opened, but nothing came out. He took a step back as he glanced between Awen and Joliette.
"I'm sorry.. I didn't know.. I'm so very sorry..." though, Jordan wasn't sure if any matter of apology would counter-act such a ill first impression of himself. Joliette Rigiel "No... no alligator... just a bloomin monster Komodo created by a gormeless arse and his git cronies" Joli muttered to herself in her thick british accent. She looked away and towards the center of hte lake, alligator... what would be next... crocodile? Well she supposed it could be worse... far worse Awen Zyn Awen sighed softly and settled back into the water until she was once more covered up to her collar bone. It just felt so much better that way, though she couldn't place why. She loved being in the water but this newfound attachment was a bit much. It was jsut a dream surely it didn't affect her this badly?
"Mistakes happen Jordan, you're just not used to the island yet." She made to turn to Joli again but paused. "Uh, just be careful, there are some actually nasty things along the rivers."
"Jordan just arrived a little while ago..." Awen explained. "I just met him the other day and he didn't know what was what yet. I guess I forgot to tell him some of us don't turn out well.... You're the first since Pyroth I'e seen.... How are you holding up?" Jordan Essex There was more he needed to learn about the island if he was going to survive. That could have turned ugly... if not violent, had Awen not been there.. A komodo.. Thank goodness that Awen was on good terms with Joliette. He was doubtful that she'd be on good terms with him and he feared that Awen would be displeased with his bungling display.
So, this was one of the unfriendly-to-the-labs people? And that would make him one of Dr. Moreau's cronies. He had to be cautious not to act so stupidly in the future. This place could become quite dangerous for a an inexperienced novice like himself.
He could only nod in response to Awen's warning of dangers in the water. At te moment, he felt that the only danger in the water was standing in his sneaker.
"Joliette, I didn't mean to offend you. I... I've only come to realize myself.. I mean.. it's only a matter of time before it happens to me too.. Right? That's what two people have told me already." he looked to Awen.
Joliette Rigiel She would have sighed if she could have... "You didn't offend me... just one of those things I'm not used to yet... like not being able to walk normally anymore" she pauses and looks towards him, her dark eyes studying him and her tongue flickering taking in his scent. After a moment she looked towards Awen "Could be better... but... at least I'm in control of hte monster... unlike before this final change" she nods her large head at hte end of her words Awen Zyn Awen was glad to hear Jordan came to his senses, she wondered vaguely abut who he met other than herself. Brushing the thought aside she turned back to Joliette. "I'm sorry this happened to you hun... I haven't seen you in ages. Not since... what, your first change? It hasn't been since the blackout, has it? I mean...no no I guess I sa you after when Billy was new and a couple times after... but yeah you and Chubbs I haven't seen in ages..."
Shaking her head slowly Awen let out a soft sigh. "But, at least it's over? No more waiting, fearing and whatnot. And hey you still have hair, I mean, Amaya would probably be jealous!" She really was trying to look on the bright side of things--easy enough to do when you aren't in the situation of course. Plus Awen's renewed acceptance and enjoyment of the island and what it had to offer helped. Jordan Essex Jordan listened to the two friends' reunion quietly. More names of people he didn't know. He couldn't help but wonder on how long they had been on the island. Awen he knew had been around a year and a half.
He tried not to stare, but he couldn't help but look. This was another variant path of the transformation process. It made him a bit uneasy about his own fate. This process of forced evolution was frightening enough, but to know that it would happen to you.. Jordan took a deep breath and nervously adjusted his shades. "Joliette..." he said quickly and quite nervously. "How... uhm... how do you cope with the changes?" he spat out. "I'm.. I'm a bit afraid of it myself.." Joliette Rigiel "Awen... you're rambling" Joliette said with a slight grin after her friend had finally stopped talking. She missed her friend, and was glad to see it had all been not so hard on Awen, or at least by the looks of it.
And then she heard the question and her grin slipped "Handle the changes..." she pauses "uhm well, I didn't handle most of them all that well, I fought them... and eventually lost control of hte beast... only reason I'm in control now... is cause David convinced me to get help from feral... the kind of help he got, to be albeit to control the beast... and well.. here we are" Awen Zyn "Am not!" Awen was able to get out with a friendly pout before Jordan launched into a whole different side of things. She sighed but let herself stay in the brackground until Joliette was done her say.
"My advice is try not to fight it." She put in her two cents. "The more you fight it the more of a power struggle you get with your beast. Don't let it control you, but cooperate with it a bit." She gave a small shrug.
The girl couldn't really tell much of the more aggressive animals, but it had pretty much worked for her. And everyone she knew that snapped had been fighting it tooth and nail. Acceptance was just the easier way of going about it, as far as Awen was concerned. Jordan Essex Two different ways to say the same thing. He nodded and fell quiet again. Jordan felt bad for ruining the moment with his inquery. He just.. it was an adjustment to it all and he wanted to feel prepared for when his time arrived.
How was he expected to accept te animal? Was it just that simple to 'bond' with the creature he would become? It seemed easier said than done, but maybe it wouldn't be as rough if he knew how to handle the change. Would he lose control of himself? Of his humanty? He shook his head, dismissing such thoughts for now.
His head hurt, rubbing between his eyes with a thumb and forefinger. It was the only way to deal with the headaches Jordan had been experiencing following his first night on the island. At first, he ignored it as best he could but as days passed, it was difficult to simply dismiss them.
"Sounds complicated.."
Joliette Rigiel "it Kinda is... but not at the same time, question is are you willing to accept the fate, or not, thats whats really going to be the determining factor whether or not you can not fight this, I wasn't ready to accept being changed from a vegan to a carnivore, or even accept anything hte git wanted. I've been here over a year, soon I'll have spent two birthdays here... and I'd rahter be at home" she nods Awen Zyn Awen honestly could no longer say that she would rather be home but she nodded to Joliette'swords anyway. As she opened her mouth to speak again her words caught in her throat.
Something inside the girl stirred. An all too familiar feeling was starting to bubble it's way to the surface. The girl grimaced from discomfort as the pain wasn't truly there.
The dark patches on the woman's skin visibly dropped a few shades as the white parts had gone in the opposite direction on the shade spectrum. Her arms started to itch and tingle as what had always been seen as horns started to push once more against her skull.
Her changes had never been entirely painful, at least not as bad as any other islanders, however she had always changed alone. She glanced from Joliette to Jordan with a worried look on her face. Her stomach lurched slightly as she started to feel a bit dizzy.
"Ihavetogo!" She said the words all melding together into one long one. Without even waiting for a reply she turned herself around and with a great push was under the surface in a blink. Jordan Essex He thought about what Joliette had said. Jordan accepted that it would happen to him, bu was he going to be able to cope with the changes, to 'bond' with the beast he was going to become.. in time..
Jordan should have felt grateful for the insight they were able to give. But, he didn't feel good about it. It caused them to recall such painful moments when they were forced against their will to accept new physical forms in his own selfish acquisition of knowledge. Would he be doing the same in another year..?
"Awen...? Are you alright?" he asked concerned. Her color was off. The dark portions of her body her becoming darker and the light portions becoming lighter. Was she sick? He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she was gone in flash, underneath the water, before he could move.
He flashed his look of urgent concern at Joliette, biting his lip nervously. Joliette Rigiel Joli watched her friend go, it wasn't like her friend to act that way, she had a bad feeling she knew what was about to happen. "I uhh have a feeling what is happening... don't chase her..." She moved out of hte water and closer towards him, her movements becoming more aparent that walking upright was impossible for the ones-human female Jordan Essex He ignored her for a moment out of concern, trying to get closer to where Awen had been. His brow furrowed as he looked intently to the komodo. "What's wrong?! What's happening to her?! Can't we do anything? Can't we follow her??" He was becoming emotional and that wasn't going to help the situation.
He dove into the water and tried to find Awen to no avail. She was gone...
He surfaced to fill his lungs with air in defeat, dragging himself to the edge of the lake, sitting on semi-dry land. Jordan looked like he was about to lose it.
"What happened to Awen?" he demanded, wet clothing drippign and clinging to his skin. Joliette Rigiel "I dont know for sure, but my best guess, she's changing... she's a water dweller, unless you can breathe under there it's kinda pointless to chase her. If she didn't stay it's probable she wants to be alone during it. I've only ever been alone once during a change... and I had no choice in the matter... I was locked in a room in the labs at the time" she shakes her head "Theres nothing we can do but give her our hopes she's going to be ok" Jordan Essex He stared incredulously. Nothing we can do?! That wasn't right.. but neither was being forced to change.. Jordan let his head sag. He'd drown trying to follow her..
"..How long do the changes last..?" Jordan asked in a low tone. "She said some people have died, that there was the possibility of sickness.." He pulled off his shades, rubbing his eyes again "Is she going to be alright once it's done?"
Jordan was unsettled by the nature of the transformations. Awen had told him how painful the changes were.. He clenched his fists in frustration. Joliette Rigiel "They're permanent, theres no going back... for any of us... after all look at me... you think it'd be possible to undo all of this?" she motioned her body with her snout "She'll probably be in pain a few days, but hopefully otherwise well... Uhm how long have you been here?" Jordan Essex Jordan didn't know what to say. This situation, the more he learned, it was delving deeper into surreal reality. It made the bile rise in his throat. Jordan didn't want to upset Joliette more than he had, at a loss for anything to say until she gave him an out.
"I... let's see.. everything's been kind of blurring..."he wiped his hand down his face. "Tomorrow will mark two weeks?" He laid back in the grass, closing his eyes. Jordan took shaky breath.
"I'm sorry I upset either of you. This was your first meeting in a long time and I stupidly had to bring up things I shouldn't have. I'm scared and I thought knowing those things would ease my anxieties, but it never ends, does it? How many people like me have stumbled in here ignorant? I was told there's about eighty subjects.. How many more will follow after me?
Joliette Rigiel "How many? all of us... none us know what we are in for, I was told this was a movie set when I came here, another a art camp, another it was a retreat for teens, and many more stories I doubt I know" She moved closer and then stopped a couple feet from him and lifts her head upwards to look up at him as her tongue flickers taking in his scent "at this rate... I dont think he'll stop bringing people" Jordan Essex So many people. So many lies. She had narrowed the distance between them and he didn't notice this until he opened his eyes again to see her tongue flicker. It was a bit unnerving for a fleeting moment, but he tried to curb any reaction to it. Jordan just lie there.
"Who's David?" the question seemed out of the blue. Several unfamiliar names had been brought up, but that one name stood out as someone of importance. He figured he should change the subject for at least a moment. Joliette Rigiel "David is Chubbs, least thats what he goes by... he's my boyfriend, I met him here" She smiles at that and glad he had been accepting of her looks. "he finished changing before me, he's the one who pushed me to get help when I couldn't keep control, I could keep control for very short periods of time, but not long enough to be able to live anything normally" Jordan Essex Jordan grinned softly. He couldn't fight it. Her smile comforted him and he needed the distraction as well. He didn't want to get back onto the topic of anything that would kill the mood, so he nodded as he listened.
"Having him there helped a lot, I bet. Why's he go by Chubbs, though? There has to be a story worth telling behind that." He wanted to get her talking. Perhaps more for his benefit. Joliette Rigiel "Uhm I'm not entirely certain, it's his nickname, has been for a long time he once told me... he's a big guy but he has a huge heart... and I love him... And yes, having him around has helped greatly... very greatly" she nods an affirmative Jordan Essex Jordan laughed a little at her not understanding the nickname. It definitely felt good. It had been some time since he had anything to laugh about. "Do you mind me asking how you two met?" he sat up and smiled a bit wider. "I'm glad that you could find someone to make you so happy, who cares for you so much." he was talking to keep the conversation going, but he really meant what he was saying as well. "You're nice to keep me company, Joliette. I appreciate it." Joliette Rigiel "Met him here, he arrived shortly after I did, we were friends at first, and we just kept growing closer, and eventually I moved in with him and we share a duplex... He's special, he's protected me as much as he can given the circumstances... my first love... and I think the same visa versa" She smiles, her tongue flickering as her head turns slightly and peers at hte foliage Jordan Essex [/He stared out to the lake, imagining how that day must have been. The lake was indeed beautiful- and cold. He was suddenly reminded as he shivered in a passing breeze.
"Brrrrrr.... okay... jumping into the lake wasn't the smartest thing I've done.. now I'm cold." he laughed mockingly at himself and wrung his tie out into his lap.
His attention followed hers to the foliage, wondering if there was something or someone they should be wary of. "Hm?" Joliette Rigiel "Meeting people here on this island is not hte first thing I would have imagined to happen, especially not ones I care for in that way... I never paid attention to love before here... " Her eyes focused, "have you had any odd... cravings or anything yet?" Jordan Essex "I haven't craved anything out of the ordinary. I haven't had a good night's sleep in over a week." he continued to watch both her and the foliage. What was she getting at? "I've had these really bad headaches since I've been here.. I think it's just because of my lack of sleep and stress.. but that doesn't really seem odd." Joliette Rigiel "Sometimes I blame all symptoms on the serums... you never know after all... Keep your thoughts on any cravings though... they can be a hint..." she moved towards the foliage her attention split, she'd long given up fighting the instintcs the komodo gave her
"Guess you don't know what you'll be then?" she asked this, her question a touch quieter then her previous words Jordan Essex Fascinated by her behavior, Jordan watched with interest, Was she.. stalking! She'd obviously heard something squirming in the foliage and her predatory instincts would have her investigate. That was a rather lucid moment in the haze of sleeplessness.
His brow quirked as he realised this was liek many National Geographic programs he'd seen in the past, but he played it off as if in response to her question. "I have no clue what animal Doctor Moreau has chosen for me. Long story short: I was given the standard two innoculations, told they were to protect me from jungle diseases, and then sent to my duplex. Of course... now I know what they were really meant to do for me.." Joliette Rigiel Had she been paying full attention she would have mentioned she had no clue how many shots she had got when she first arrived thanks to being drugged, but at that moment she'd reached the edge of the foliage, and after a moment of pure silence a sharp clawed forepaw (hand) reached forward and a moment later pulled back pulling a squirming rabbit with it, one who's back and side were deeply pierced with Joli's sharp claws, and almost as if perfect timing her stomach rumbled Jordan Essex It was only natural to obey her predatory instincts, but even so, the sight of her claws sunk into the hide of a squeeling, shrieking rabbit had been more bothersome than it should have been. This was the wild and the 'laws of the wild' were the rule now. Jordan didn't say anything, though. Hopefully she would have been too distracted by her prey to notice.
The animal instincts were strong, that's for sure. Would he become a predator, one who preferred live, warm, still-breathing prey as opposed to the cooked, processed food offered in the cafeteria? He didn't want to keep looking, but as if a train wreck had happened infront of him he ouldn't look away. Like it or not, he had to adjust to this as being normal now. Joliette certainly wouldn't be the only predator he'd come across, not with so many residents.
He was fascinated in almost a morbid way- but stunned. Joliette Rigiel She sunk her calws deep in it's side until it stopped making noise... and moving... about then she remembered she wasn't alone and peers back at him and gives a week, meek look "Sorry... " she usually didn't hunt in front of others... this seemed to be an exception tot he rule somehow... Jordan Essex "I... no, please don't be sorry." he shook his head. "Don't go hungry on my account." He didn't want her to feel regret for doing what came naturally and it had been rude to stare like that. He was sure it was unappreciated ot have company when hunger struck. "Does.. it taste like chicken?" he put on a smile as he tried to make a joke to reduce the tension. Joliette Rigiel "Chicken?" she stared at him a moment then got his joke and chuckled lightly "Nope, it tastes like rabbit" she pauses and looks back at the rabbit feeling a tad bit self conscious and definetaly a touch embarrased "I hate that this kind of thing is all I can eat now... Do you eat meat and such?" she asked over her shoulder and then took a large tearing bit from the rabbit's plump side Jordan Essex He smiled at her, thinking he pulled that awkward moment out of the fire. "Not a whole lot, but a quality piece of meat is good every now and then. I can imagine a strictly-carnivorous diet is difficult to get used to." Especially when she was vegan.. Oddly enough, her biting into the dead rabbit didn't phase him as much. It was dead, afterall. And it was like feeding time back at the zoo. It was just another slab of meat now, at least he tried to convince himself that. Overlooking the fact that it still had fur and wasn't prepared made it a bit harder, but then again, he'd never had a problem eating a hamburger. That was just a cow that had been slaughtered, processed and prepared in a plastic package. The rabbit was the same way for the komodo.. just without the middle man. Joliette Rigiel Her attention stayed focussed in eatting a short time and then once she was done she pushed away the remainders, the innards... away from her and intot he bushes beefore moving back to the water and splashing a little int eh water "Sorry, instincts" she says a moment later sounding a lil sheepish. Jordan Essex He reassured her that it was fine. "I'm going to have to get used to it, sooner or later." he tugged the brow of his wet cap down. "Especially if it's going to happen to me. Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you.. uhm.. what I meant is.." he was stammering his words in a feeble attempt to keep the peace and not look disgusted. His stomach felt as if it had bottomed out, watching the innards discarded into the foliage. "It's okay." he resolved to say with a soft nod.
He watched her splash in the water.. she was once human.. He felt another twinge of pain strike him.. those headaches.. "Argh..." he thought he'd said quietly, but quite the opposite. He cupped his hands together and rubbed his face tiredly, letting out frustrated breaths. Joliette Rigiel "argh? whats wrong?" she looks up at him and looks curiously at him, she wasn't sure what was bothering him, and now that she was cleaned up she gave him her attention once more Jordan Essex His hands moved to his temples, massaging them in circles as he squinted his eyes. The throbbing had picked up at that particular moment and it made him wince and groan.
"Like I said before, I haven't been able to sleep much and it's dragging me ragged through the dirt. It's those alarms.. and the lights automatically switchign on and off on timers.. How long did it take you to get used to the that?" he had no reason to believe that any other duplex would be different from his own. He took of his blue shades to show the komodo just how bloodshot his eyes were. "The lights go off in the evening and they're not off for very long.. a couple hours at most, because it's still dark outside when they come on.."
He cracked his next to the side with an audible pop and a groan of momentary relief. "I just lie in bed for a while.. my head pulses with these constant daily headaches and I eventally pass out from exhaustion.. but by that point, I haven't had enough time to even enter a deep sleep before I'm woken up.. and if I try to sleep during the day, like I did when I arrived, the alarms sounded and got louder.. and sometimes the lights even flash if I try to ignore it.." Joliette Rigiel "Huh? I have no idea what you mean... that never happened to me" now she simply sounded confused, and nothing more, but she was moving closer to him as if to examine him Jordan Essex At her confused response, he was equally confused. He closed his right eye and squinted through the right. The corner of his lip was upturned in agitation. "Wait.. your duplex was set up differently? That doesn't make much sense, does it?" That was an understatement of the obvious. "I thought they were all alike." His head dipped as his body slowly tilted forward in his sleep deprived state. His eyes fluttered as they closed. He fell forward at about a forty-five degree angle, breathing deeply through his nose. Jordan had fallen asleep sitting up, wet and cold. Joliette Rigiel Joli frowns and nudges at him "Uhm hey... You should get some sleep... You can use my old duplex" she didn't know if he heard her but she nudged him more times Jordan Essex With each nudge, he responded with a nasal breath that sounded like a grunt, his arm twitched, and his eyes fluttered more. After a few more nudges, Jordan grunt-snorted and jerked upright, startled. Immediately, his hands flung to his face, rubbing his palms over his eyes.
"Nnnnnghh..... did I fall asleep...?" he said with a low, tired mutter. He swayed back and forth as he blinked a few times and nodded. "I could really use it.. thank you... where can I find it...?"
Jordan reached out and hugged Joliette as best he could. " Thank you so much.. I really appreciate it.." He then pulled himself away so that he could climb to his feet, awkwardly pushing off on his hands and knees. He looked around and realized that he was still lost. "Uhm... if it's not too much trouble.. could you show me the way to the village..? I'm kinda lost.." Joliette Rigiel "It's number 27... one of hte ones with the weird handles... well rope and wood handles so I can open the door" she smiles "I dont use it... so you can stay there for now... it's empty of my stuff" she watches him with concern, was the git tormenting him too? Jordan Essex Jordan looked like a smiling drunk, loopy out of his mind. He looks to her in wonderment, "I hope we'll get to talk again.. you're really nice, Joliette.." starting to walk in any random direction he thought was the right way. He was almost rambling like a drunk too. "I'm glad I'll have friends to help me through this.." Joliette Rigiel Joliette watched him for a moment then shook her head and trudsged after him grabbing the cuff of his pants with her teeth and stopped him moving "This way" she says a moment later ffter letting go of him and trudging steadily towards the village Jordan Essex "Oh. Thanks!" he laughs. "I'm still trying to figure out how to get places without winding up lost." he scratched the back of his head and followed her. She'd get him there in no time and he could already anticipate himself sleeping all night long. Joliette Rigiel "I got used to the jungle after living in it for so long.." She went quiet after that and led him intot he village, she did however avoid any populated areas until they reached her duplex. Jordan Essex "Oh wow.." was all he could muster for a remark on living in the wilderness for so long. He felt better that she knew exactly where she was going, especially as they arrived at her empty duplex.
Jordan smiled from ear-to-ear, manipulating the custom door handles and pushes the door open. Quiet. Dark. Bed. That was all that he needed.
"Thank you, Joliette. I hope you won't get in trouble for this.." he nodded gently as he slipped into the darkness. He was pulled towards the bed like a magnet and fell into the comfortable softness on his back,fading into unconsciousness about thirty seconds later. Joliette Rigiel "What more could he do to me" she whispers quietly after seeing him collapse on the bed and she pulls the door shut with the custom handle and heads home herself
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