Welcome to Gaia! ::

Nicky nervously ran a hand over his hair to straighten it out. Although he tried his best to make it look natural, his unease easily showed through. This was his first helicopter ride...and he never liked flying in general. Nicky's mind drifted from one thought to another. About the abrupt change...about the two strangers across from him...about how he was only allowed to bring one extra goddamn suit. He sighed and slowly looked from the window to his two single-serve friends.

The gal on the left...she was worth a stare. She was trouble. Though if she was staying here long term also...a little trouble may be just what I need. The other guy though...can't help but steal glances every now and then. Like a goddamn sideshow attraction, dolled up to pretend he's like everybody else. They should stay where they belong.

Jacky chewed gingerly on her stick of BigRed gum. Her ears always bothered her when she flew, but she was more annoyed by the close quarters of the helicopter. Poor Brewster was forced to sit on her lap, causing a transfer of wrinkles from his Shar-pei butt to her new skirt.

Exactly what would the sharply dressed man at her side think of her if she was coated in fur for the remainder of this trip? Jacqueline glanced at his slick hair from the corners of her large sunglasses. He looked like someone out of Reservoir Dogs. She purred inwardly, 'Mmm....Buscemi-esque...'

It just wouldn't do to have her dog covering up her legs. She chewed louder with her gum, "Eugene, let Brewster sit with you. He wants to look out the window!" The wrinkly dog was hastily transfered to a new lap and Jacky began to smooth out her clothing and smiled sweetly to the "no-one" in particular next to her.

Nicky gave barely a smirk toward Eugene and his dog problems. The wrinkly dog look fitted the short-man more than it did the sultry vixen beside him. If he caught the vibe Eugene was sending him, he didn't show it. He just kept that slightly amused look on his face...as if sharing an inside joke with nobody else. With the slightest of movements, he gave Jacky a look-over and graced her with a grin.

"That's a beautiful dog you have there...Miss?" he trailed off, obviously leaving off a Mrs on purpose.

Jacqueline pulled off her sunglasses with a smooth motion and put her hand to her chest in a flattered motion letting her fingers rest over her cleavage gently. "Thank you. My name's Jacqueline, but you may call me Jacky if you like. And what might I call you?" Her red smile widened.

Brewster clamored around on top of Eugene's papers, kicking them about. He barked once into Eugene's face and proceeded to climb up the lawyer's shoulder in order to smush his face against the window and snort at passing birds.

Nicky kept that slight smirk on his face throughout the exchange, glancing casually toward Eugene every now and then before looking back to Jacky. He cleared his throat at the Lawyer's outburst, knowing just how to deal with this type...Nicky just payed him absolutely no regard. He leaned in slightly toward Jacky. "Nicholas Bartels...but..." he gave that dashing smile again, "Nicky to you."

He stole one more glance toward the uptight lawyer...and frowned slightly as his view took in the outside also. Those things that looked like oil platforms...with a few people not doing much...strange. With a slight sigh, he leaned back as much as he could in his seat and glanced toward his pilot. The guy must've been FBI or at one point in the organization. Probably just a bruiser...I could take him.

"We'll be landing soon," he said, moreso to himself as they began their decent. And, true enough, it wasn't long until they were about to touch down on the ground.

Eugene's whining registered in the back of her mind. "Pay him no mind, it's still Jacky." She batted her eyes slowly. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Nicky." Jacky leaned a bit towards Nicky to look at the growing island. 'It's about time...'

She started chewing her gum again, slipping out of flirt-mode and turning her attention to Eugene. "Honestly, he's just enjoying himself." Jacky tugged on Brewster's wiggly tail, "Brewster, behave. We're gonna land in a bit."

And land they did. With an practice expertise, the helicopter landed softly onto the square tarmac. The big pilot seemed perfectly content with letting the conversation circulate among his three passengers without so much as a word interposed. And even when the helicopter settled on the ground, not a word was uttered.

A man in a tan uniform bearing the Feral Labs logo opened the door to the pod with a curt nod. "Ms. Thomas? Mr's Mann and Bartels? Welcome to Moreau's island. My name is Jamie Barnstock, and me and Tarrow are going to give you a lift up to the labs to make sure everything's in order. There's a shot the you guys need in order to stay here, and you'll talk with one of the bigwig doctors who should be able to answer any questions you have.

As he spoke, Tarrow proceeded to load their luggage into the back of the jeep, and hold the door open for the passengers.

It's just a short drive to the labs.

Nicky watched with a slight smirk as Eugene stormed off into the front seat. He half expected the diminutive lawyer to shout out "shotgun!" like kids do these days. With a slight nod of his head toward Jacky, he waved an arm toward the open back-seat, allowing her to enter first and get situated before he, himself, entered. "Ladies first," he said casually as she entered.

Before stepping in, he eyed the guards. He knew these types of people well...hired muscle, through and through. Loyal only to the highest bidder. Thank God they weren't FBI. After a few moments though, the well-dressed crew were on their way to the labs.

Jacqueline settled into the Jeep and let Brewster hop up front with Eugene. Her hair flipped around behind her as they sped past the foliage of the island, making her anxious for a shower. As nice as thought of owning a private island sounded, she was much more of a penthouse girl. She chewed her gum in silence, lest she have the misfortune of swallowing a bug.

Brewster, however, enjoyed the car ride to the labs. The wrinkly pooch nearly wetting himself while snapping at the wind.

At last the labs came into view and group unloaded from the Jeep. "Eugene, you better get all of your legal blabber out of the way quickly. I want to get to my room and freshen up A.S.A.P." She snapped her fingers at him and attached Brewster's leash to her wrist.

The man in uniform looked hesitant as the woman and her diminunitive lawyer wanted to get down to business immediately. This didn't seem to be what he was expecting.

As they pulled into the parking lot beside the massive complex and led them into what looked like an expensive doctor's waiting room, complete with plush leather couches, and a massive glass wall that overlooked a long stretch of jungle and, off in the distance, a sandy beach. Periodicals and magazines sat on low coffee tables, all of them out of date by at least four months.

He picked up a radio and walked to the corner, seeming to be conferring with someone before returning to the pair. "Alright... you two can wait here. Someone will come to talk to ya about this legal stuff. But you'll need the shots before going back to your rooms tonight so you don't get sick."

Then he turned to Nicky with a nod. "But the doc'll see you now. If you'll follow me?" He turned to lead Nicky through the "Staff only" door, and down a white tiled hallway, and out of sight of Jackie and Eugene. They were left alone, however if they tried to wander very far, they'd soon discover that the door to the hallway was locked, as was the sliding doors that they had entered through. There was no receptionist at the podium along the wall, and no television. Just magazines and each other.


Meanwhile, Nicky was led to the elevator bay, and the guard escorted him inside. "Floor Eight." He said aloud as the box jerked into motion.

Nicky smirked as he walked inside. Looks like a damn doctor's office. Though...why would the FBI entrust me to a private firm like this? Well...not like I can get off on my own...but I bet if I grease a few palms it shouldn't be that big of a deal to get what I want. He gave one last look to his two single serving companions before nodding to the guard and following him, straightening his tie in the process. Always gotta look your best...first impressions are everything.

His calculating gaze swept the hallways as he followed the guard to the elevator...he was looking for anything that could be useful...but sadly, it was as barren as any lab complex he's ever been in (which was none, by the by). As the guard stated: "Eight" Nicky looked surprised for a moment before breaking out in a full-fledged grin.

"Swanky."

The guard gave him a cryptic smile as the elevator proceeded to rocket up eight floors in almost no time at all before finally dinging open into a single room. Inside a man waited, wearing a long white labcoat with hair just as stark white tied back into a loose ponytail. He turned with a beaming smile and a welcoming gesture. Underneath the labcoat was a suit, however nothing like Nicky was accustomed to. While it was nice enough, it was far, far out of fashion.

The guard waited behind in the elevator, which slid closed after Nicky exited.

"Mr. Bartels, I presume?" He strode forward and extended a hand with a warm smile. "My name is Dr. Sabin Duvert, and I'm your liason here. I know that all of this probably seems rather disorienting and sudden, and for that I must apologize. It must have been a harrowing few days. Please, allow me to answer any questions that you might have."

Nicky just shrugged mentally before eyeing the room he was about to walk into. A force of habit, mostly...he had to know all the visible exits and inhabitants of a room before he entered. Perhaps it was the Sicilian in him. After a brief glance about, he confidently strode into the room and toward the awaiting man, that smirk back on his face.

He eyed the man up, though eccentric...this doctor somehow made the retro style work. He mentally gave him kudos before shaking hands with Doctor Duvert. "Well...I was not expecting a helicopter ride, that's for sure. Though I must say, your program spares no expense. What do you get out of this deal? Some sort of tax break?"

Sabin gave an easy smile with a nod. "Pretty much." He continued in a vaguely accented voice. "Feral Laboratories, I am sure you have heard of the company, is a multi billion dollar organization. And if we can do some assistance with the federal government from time to time, then they tend to relax on some of the tax laws... I am certain that you know how that goes." He gave Nicky a knowing wink.

"I have read over the information regarding your arrival, and from the sounds of it you will be here for an extended stay, all things considered. We have a housing unit set aside for you, all of the basic amenities will be provided. I am sure that things will not be quite what you are used to, unfortunately. This is hardly a city, and it is a small enough community where you will likely be knowing all of your neighbors by the end of the month. Most of them are good people, but there are always a few bad eggs." Sabin seemed to be preparing a vial and a syringe as he spoke. It had already been sitting out on the counter when Nicky had arrived, next to a file folder.

Sabin, as much as he was trying not to let his hand show, was extatic about this particular arrival. It was almost enough to distract him from some of the other issues at hand. This was the culmination of a lot of research he had been doing for the past few months. Making the serum he had devised with Vasile's dog so long ago into a viable serum to be used on humans - and to develop new heads along the mold of the serum as opposed to just the original host's DNA. If all things went according to plan, he would have a wonderful new addition to his menagerie. But, beyond that, Sabin had wanted to wait for an ideal canidate for his experiment. Moreau had already fore-promised to be lenient with some of his own private experiments in exchange for the dirty work he had done for him... and besides, had at least admitted an interest in the viability of this experiment when he had first devised it. But more than that, Nicky here was an interesting archetype - a man willing to work for the "wrong" side, and show a substantial degree of loyalty. And right now, that might be exactly what Sabin needed. So he had to be careful with this. If Richard was right about what Moreau was planning... he needed people on his side. And without having to devise on mind-altering chemicals. Although.... a canine serum on top of it all couldn't hurt...

Nicky had an idea that behind the doctor's smile lay a scheming mind...but to what degree of scheme, Nicky could not fathom. Sure, there was speculation, but one thing Nicky did know was never to sepeculate too much. You put your mind in a rut of thinking and never get outside the box. Thinking like this has kept him alive and relatively out of trouble so far. Granted, he didn't see the hit on him coming...but that was nature of the beast, as it were. He quickly tried to clear his mind of this.

I’ll never think of our moments together without nausea. He thought bitterly of his former colleagues. But here...here was a whole new start. Sure, it was smaller scale than I'm used to...but I need the break. This Doctor Duvert though...he seemed to be just the man I need to get aquainted with. Nicky gave the slightest of grins at Sabin's vague mention of his past. He also took immediate note of the few 'bad eggs.' Rivals? Allies? Time will tell...I'll have to pump some of the others here for information.

Nicky eyed the syringe with a slight amount of anxiety, though he didn't let it show. Showing weakness'll kill you in this business. "Just what sort of innoculation are we talking about here?" he asked casually.

"Something to help you become more acclimated to the island." Sabin picked his words carefully. Technically, it was completley the truth. He had been distant with almost all of the subjects previously. And he had even already been stung when he had let that guard slip before with Sayuri. Exactly the thing he had been trying to avoid since coming to this island - seeing the islanders as people, and making any kind of emotional connection to possibly open his guard for the floodgates of guilt and other associated annoying emotions.

But this was different, or at least ought to be. Sabin was begining to recalculate his objectives on the island. It was no longer merely a playground, but the ante was being upped. And things were moving in a decidedly more confrontational direction. He could see the players gathering and the storm brewing. He did moniter duty more than any of the other higher ups, and he saw the tensions, saw the signs, and knew that Moreau's control wasn't as watertight as he liked to think. And then, of course, there was the issues amongst the staff themselves. Sabin knew that he needed to be in control and in a position that he liked when the chips went down.

Sabin drew the clear liquid into the syringe and flicked the plastic tubing a few times to get out the air bubbles. "Despite all appearences of being a tropical paradise, I will be honest with you, Nicky, you will likely find more here reminiscient of your old life than you would expect. And I would like to be able to give you a leg up in the system here, if you will let me. I can't tell you everything up front. Some of it you will need to find out on your own, but you can trust me in that you will be starting play with a distinct advantage."

Nicky quirked a brow at that answer...it was pretty obvious that the good doctor was hiding something. But what? Of course...with corporations like these, it was only natural to have more than a few skeletons in the closet...Nicky vaguely worried that he had just landed on such a secret. But, what else am I going to do? It's not like I can go back...a .22 rattling around in my skull is worse than anything these bastards can throw at me. Hell, I'd be so lucky for a simple gunshot. Nicky mentally shuddered at the thought of an Italian necktie...a slit throat with his tongue pulled out through it. So...even though I can trust this doctor about as far as I can throw him...it's always better to be on the winning side...am I right?

"Well, between the government, back home, and a multi-billion dollar company...seems either way I go, I've got strings attached. May as well be on a tropical island."

He quirked a brow as Sabin mentioned just how he should treat the island...but then just nodded a few times as he took off his finely tailored jacket and began to roll up a sleeve on his dress shirt to show a sinewy muscular arm. "...What kind of advantage?"

"I don't think there is such thing as a free ride." Sabin gave a small smirk as he wiped down a spot on Nicky's arm and injected the serum. It was like a liquid fire that spread through his system with a strange tingling, but it disappated after a few moments, leaving Nicky with a sore arm and feeling vaguely uncomfortable.

Sabin tossed the materials aside and leaned against the examination table as he continued the conversation.

"Well, for one, you have an innate advantage with this very conversation. And while many of the residents here are of an ilk that you might be accustomed to, many don't have a respect for the authority. And... visa versa. You strike me as an intelligent fellow, Nicholas. And... I can't be too specific as far as how I will help you up front, but know that I will be looking out for you. In fact, I have already started. But that will be revealed in time."

And maybe, someday he could tighten the connection even further. While Sabin had bided his time and selected what he hoped would be an ideal canidate for the serum, he hadn't picked Nicky to come to the island itself. That selection was prearranged. He was a potential problem to the company, and Moreau had flagged him for retreival. While that alone wasn't necessarily a problem point, it was the reason for his removal that was. The truth he had almost hit upon. And the truth that, if Sabin was careful, could secure that edge that he needed to keeping Nicky on his side, and against Moreau's. But now was certainly not the time for that. He would need to learn things first.

Nicky gave an initial wince, but his face smoothed over almost immediately...the only showings of pain coming from a clenched fist. Growing up where he did almost forced you to have a tolerance to pain. Either preventing others from seeing you weak or stopping others from walking all over you...it was good to have a thick skin. But goddamn did that injection hurt like a b***h...just what was in there? He put it out of his mind, forcing himself to keep his train of thought on the here and now and not on the fleeting feelings of pain. Pain could always wait. Information was key to survival.

His face showing no emotion toward the injection, he casually began buttoning his sleeve and shrugging back on his jacket. With a final straightening of his tie, that small smirk was back on his face. He knew what Sabin was getting at...at least he thought he did. This wasn't a witness protection program...but more of a maximum security prison...albiet a nice one. But...he didn't have to worry about being whacked here. At least he hoped not. Not with this Doctor Duvert watching his back. Already he had a person on the inside...things were looking up.

Nicky grinned in understanding and gave a slow nod. "Wouldn't expect any more, I suppose. 'Specially not from the FBI, for which I am eternally gratefull for not being under their delinquent care. But, to answer the unasked question. You have my cooperation."

Sabin gave an approving smile with a nod. "I am glad to hear that Mr. Bartels. And I will see to it that you are as comfortable as possible here in our care."

He paused before hailing the guard to escort him back. "And... for a little bit of information to start you out... you can probably find a good source of information and possibly an ally with an individual by the name of Richard Harrison... though I would not put your implicit trust in them... Same goes for Zachary. Awen is also a good person. There are others, but those would be my reccomendations.." He paused before continuing.

"Your upstairs neighbor is going to be one Gaius Harper. Keep an eye out for him. He likes to think of himself as a good samaratain, but he pushes his nose into other peoples' business, and is a bully to boot if he does not agree with you. He will continuously antagonize and harass people, thinking that he is looking out for people."

Nicky nodded, once more fixing his tie before shrugging out any wrinkles that were produced on his jacket from when he took it off. He gave his award winning smile once more before responding. "See that you do," he said, moreso just an automatic response while his mind worked out all of the new information. As the names rolled out of Sabin's mouth, Nicky's calculating thoughts instantly memorized them. He thought for a moment to ask just what they looked like...but decided against it. He seemed to want Nicky on his way...and Nicky was more than happy to oblige. Make 'em happy 'n they'll keep you happy. he thought to himself.

At the mention of Gaius though, he broke out into a genuine grin. He knew the type well enough. More often than not they were found in a back alley somewhere or on the bottom of the Mississippi. "Oh..." he said, chuckling, "I wouldn't worry about him then...if he is like you say...I know how to handle those types."

Sabin shared a conspiratory grin with him with a final nod. "You will find a roster of the names and duplex numbers of all of our residents hanging in the cafeteria if you need to find anyone. And the intercoms in your room can dial out to any room by putting in their room number and hitting pound. And... I will see to it that you are put through to me directly if you have need to call the labs, as long as I am available. Just dial Zero to reach us."

Sabin tapped the button to summon the elevator, and a moment later it dinged open, empty.

"This will take you back to the ground floor, and the man who escorted you here will take you to your duplex. If you need anything else, or want to know anything else after aquainting yourself with the "village"... don't hesitate to call."

The ex-wiseguy gave one final nod, his face all business as Sabin continued to willingly give out information. The situation must be desperate...whatever that situation is...if he were putting that much trust into him. Or maybe...the others here weren't from the same type of organization he was in. He mentally shuddered at the thought of spending his prolonged stay with some of the 'gangsta' types. He sighed inwardly, wondering just what he was getting into.

"Will do," he said, his calculating eyes looking over Sabin once more. And then, Nicky turned around and began walking back to the elevator, wanting to scratch the maddening itch developing on his arm...but by force of habit, didn't want to do it in front of a man of authority.

The sun had just started to touch the edge of the tallest trees of the jungle, casting longer shadows over the sandy shore by the lake, where Victor now sat, laying out on the sand, the front half of his body laying in the warm water as he looked over the lake.

The Lizardman was quietly thinking.....so much had been happening, new islanders were arriving, Tommy's changes, Jordan's attack and fear of the outside, the mad wolf and tiger in the jungle and the incident with that Wiseguy in the workout room, and at the theater. Then his own changes above all that.....he was hovering in a bad position emotional and mentally. Tommy had helped him out considerably right after his changes, but still, he couldn't ignore the fact that he had become monsterous, and his body deformed, and many of the other islanders just couldn't accept he was a person, he was too much a viseral shock for some to handle.

Nicky walked slowly toward the lake...he still wanted to get away from the freak-vibe of the town, but after his experience in the jungle he no longer wanted to step foot in there. He gave a light shudder, remembering the horror that was "Richard." With a sigh, he hefted the large branch he had stripped of bark and twigs onto his shoulder and continued walking. Maybe out here I can get some peace... He thought to himself. At the moment he was wearing his normal attire minus the jacket and tie, with the sleaves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows. The tropical heat was getting to him, and he had to sacrifice some snazziness in order to cope.

In order to pass the time as he walked, he began to hum AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds."

Victor shifted his body, turning himself around to let his front limbs warm up and dry off as he let his massive tail and back legs soak in the water, and look back towards the village, his tail swishing in the water, letting the sun warm him. He was unware of Nicky's approach as he closed his eyes, letting his upper mouth open and tongue slipout, just trying to relax...

Nicky paused on his walk by the lake, seeing something off in the distance. What was that? He frowned and approached cautiously...not quite realizing what it was until he was about twenty feet away. The ex-wiseguy's eyes went wide and he muttered a curse under his breath. "Christ..." He slowly began walking again, humming nervously...hoping that Victor wouldn't notice him.

Unfortunately for Nicky, Victor opened his eyes once again, and saw the ex-wiseguy, and the large branch on his shoulder. What was he doing here? and what was the stick for? and what what was the guy humming?

The lizardman sat there quietly, watching Nicky get closer before speaking up.
"Hhad a cchhancce to gget....familiarr withh everrythhingg on the issland yet?"

Nicky wasn't surprised by Victor's awakening...but he was unsettled. That form...those mouths. The sheer fact that he had to use a plural on that noun freaked him out. He paused and glanced down at Victor, that slight smirk on his face. Going against his calm exterior, he nervously shifted the club from one should to another. "...I met Richard...found out I have less than a week to be human...I'd say so," he said casually.

Victor's eye was focused on the club Nicky had on his hands, raising an eyeridge at hearing Nicky had run into Richard.....and only had a week of humanity left. it was...unpleasent news to hear from someone Victor didn't like all that well, the loss of one's humanity was not something one should wish on others, expecially here on an island where it actually happens

"Sssssorrrry to hhearr thhat.....you bessssst gget sssssome painkkillerrrsssss frrom the cclinicc ssssssoon"

"Well...it seems to be an inevitability...from what I've seen anyway. By stepping on the other side of the fence, you're pretty much signing your humanity away...whether you know it at the time or not. Some protection program, eh?" he said with a sad grin. In all honesty, he really didn't want to have this lizard-man as an enemy...who knows, even the smallest assets can tip the balance in your favor. He groaned as he sat on his haunches in front of Victor, using the club for balance. "But...it's that bad though? You need drugs to get through it?" he asked nervously. Yeah he was nervous...but he played it up for Victor. Best to not let him see Nicky as a threat.

Victor nodded, what the labs did to everyone that stepped over the fence did seem inevitable, but the lizardman did keep an eye on Nicky as he sat down in front of him, holding the club. "...it isssss painful, my lasssst one, thhey tookk me up in thhe labsss, and hhad me on ssssso many drrugggssss it wasss likke a drream, but you'll prrobably need thhem morre forr afterrwarrds...everrythhingg hurrtssss, bonessss, mussscclesss... everrythhingg" the splinted leg on Victor's back twitched and shifted, remembering all too well what it felt like for him to change

Nicky glanced at the twitching limb for a moment before looking back to Victor's lizard-like eye...he nodded and sighed. "Christ..." he muttered once more as he looked over Victor. "Listen...I was being serious the other day when I said I wanted to apologize. It took me a while...but...I am sorry for how I acted. I was under the impression this was some sort of witness protection program...not ah...whatever the hell this place is."

There was another pause and silence from Victor before he pulled himself further up and fully out of the lake, beads of water funning off his scaly hide as he looked closely at Nicky as he got closer, the tongue of his upper mouth flicking a moment before Victor forcefuly got it closed.

"I wasssss underr thhe imprresssssion thhissss wasss ggoingg to be an interrnsssshhip, Thhey arre verrry ggood at cconvinccingg people to ccome hherre" Victor hissed softly, the lips of his upper snout twitching as he spoke dispite his efforts to keep it closed. "You wouldn't hhave been thhe firrssst to...rreacct poorrly to hhow I lookk now, but it sssstill hurrrtssss. And now you'rre ssssssorrrry and want to apologgize" Victor ran the claws of his legs though the sand thoughtfully, Nicky like himself had been conned and tricked into becoming a part of this monster experiment.

"I acccept thhat you'rre sssssorrrry forrr hhow you accted, and hhope nothhingg ssssimiliarr hhappensss in the futurre" the Lizardman reached out and offered a clawed hand to the ex-wiseguy

"I'm Vicctorr Zimmerrman"

Nicky quirked a brow as he watched Victor crawl out of the lake...God this poor b*****d is messed up, he thought sadly. He did his best to keep that slight grin on his face. At hearing Victor's words though, he just sighed and shook his head...seeds of doubt growing in his mind. Was there really a contract out on me? Christ...I hate this place.

"Yeah...I hear you there..." he said slowly. "But...thanks for letting me start over, eh?" he asked, extending a very human hand toward Victor...hoping the lizard will choose for him wich limb to shake. "Nicky Bartels."

Victor closed his clawed hand around Nicky's in a firm grip, his head turned to the side so he could watch him easier as he shook the wiseguy's hand.
"Unforrtunately thhissss Issssland issss a poorr sssspot forr sssseccond cchhanccessss, but you'rre welccome Nicckky." Victor said as he let Nicky's hand go, his upper tongue flicking out again

Nicky kept that small smirk on his face as he shook Victor's clawed hand...all the while mentally shuddering at the feel and texture. At least Gaius had a skin texture...this was covered in scales. "Well...in my case I suppose it is...but I won't bore you with that," he said with a grin as he leaned back to sit down. "...well, from what I hear, Sabin's taking an interest in me...any idea on what I can expect?" He asked, knowing he probably wouldn't give him any new information...but let him answer questions...hopefully I can get him on my side.

"I ccan't sssssay I've hhearrd mucchh ggood about Sssssabin, never sssspokke to hhim, but I doubt if anyone up in thhe labsssss hhave an interresssst in you itsssss not forr any ggood rreassson. Thhey likke to toy withh usssss in differrent wayssssss...none of thhem nicce, forr Aprril Firrssssst, thhey kknocckked everryone out, thhen made it lookk like five monthhsssss had ggone by. Mind Ggamessss" Victor hissed again, crossing his arms

"besssst take everrythhingg withh a ggrrain of ssssalt, sssometimesss hharrd to kknow the exacct trruthh of anythhingg"

Nicky's eyes opened in surprise at that, "Huh..." he muttered out, "Learn something new everyday." Mind games...? Not just a prison colony then...experimentation in psyhology for business? Or Pleasure? He shook his head, "Well...I suppose in a week I'll find out...I asked what I got, but they were hesitant to supply that information. Go figure. I suppose it's more of these...mind games."

Victor nodded a little "Thhey don't usssssually likke to talkk to ussss dirrecctly or ggive ssssstrraigghht anssssswerrs, don't expecct mucchh frrom thhem, sssssincce thhey don't rrrregguarrd usssss verrry hhigghhly, we'rre jusssst thhierr lab animals" Victor gave a snort, then a sigh

"I hhonessssstly hhope thhey don't do to you whhat thhey did to me, no one desssserrvesssss thhat"

Nicky nodded, mind whirling in thought...That proves Sabin's truthfulness then...he gave me quite a bit of information...but as always, not nearly enough. "So it seems," he said, glancing back to the village before looking back to Victor.

"What...may I ask happened?"

Victor looked at Nicky for a while, turning the question over in his mind and blinking his reptilian eyes before answering. "Thhey trried sssssomethhingg new and differrent, to kkeep my mind frrom beccomingg morre likke an animal'sssss whhicchh isssss hhappeningg to everryone elssse...but thhey ggave me ssssomethhingg in my sssserrum, and it worrrkked, but you ccan easssssily ssssse thhe ssssside effecctsssss" Victor said, the limbs on his back twitching again,

Nicky frowned as he listened to Victor. "...They have these...serums...that can mess with your mind? Now...that's a scary thought," he said slowly, thinking moreso to himself. He took a moment to look over Victor once more, wondering if this is how he's going to turn out. He stared off into space for a moment, afraid of asking this question...afraid of the answer. "Is there...is there one of these 'serums...' that uh...that changes you back?"

Victor gave a short hard laugh at that, then shook his head "I don't thhinkk thhey do, and if thhey did, thhey wouldn't ggive it to any of usssss. whhen you'rrre on thhissss sssside of the fencce, thhey alrready thhinkk you'rre lessss thhan hhuman" the lizardman sighed, drawing his claws though the sand

The smirk fell at the laugh, a dangerous calm filling its place. So...this is it? That's what the lizard ******** ******** THAT! There must be a way out of this. There must be. "Everyone...forever, then? This can't last forever...something like this can't stay a secret forever. There's too many holes. Something this large could never plug them up..."

"Has...has anyone ever tried to get out of here? What kind of security measures do they have?"

"Yeahh....everryone isssss trrapped hherre, forreverr, unlesssss sssomethhing hhappensss, and i've hhearrd of an attempt to essccape, but it failed" victor crawled a little closer to Nicky. "thhougghh if Rricchharrd is rright, won't lassst forreverr...but it will lassst longg enougghh, thherre arre gguarrdsss, ccamerrassss everrywhherre, bigg occean...and thhe chhipssss in yourr necckk, thhey ccatcch you ccaussing trrouble orr whhen thhey want thhey buzzz you and make you passssss out"

Victor shook his head again, his tongue sliding out and a little saliva dripping from the end of that long reptilian tongue "sorrrrry Nicckky....I don't likke to be the bearrerr of bad newssss, but we'rrre all ggoingg to be hherre a longg time toggethherr"

It took all of Nicky's willpower to not back up and get away from the reptilian monstrosity inching closer to him. The teeth and the drool didn't help much either. But the deciding factor in his internal struggle were Victor's words. Cameras I knew about...the ocean was obvious enough...but a chip in my neck? Was that the slight ache I've been feeling there over the past week? And what the hell was this whole...buzzing thing? His surprise was so great that it actually showed up on his face. "A...chip?" he asked, curious before shaking his head, "Christ..."

At his concluding words, Nicky just nodded a few times...this thing about a chip complicated things...Sabin hadn't mentioned that.

Victor drew his tongue back into his mouth and forced it shut as he sat there and talked with Nicky "Itsssss hhow thhey kkeep ussssss underr ccontrrol, frrom hurrrtingg thhem in thhe labsss and eacchh othherr" The lizardman sighed "You ccan't trrusssssst anyone in thhe labssss, or takke anythingg thhey sssay at facce value, thhey ggot thheirr own aggenda, rrunningg thhis mad exsperriment of theirrsssss, and kkeepingg thhissssss Isssland a sssseccrret"

Nicky rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he remembered the aching pain from before. A pain that will return? He shuddered, a fear creeping up on him. Nicky was out of his element, out of the position of control. He needed it back. "So...you can't trust the labs. Can't trust eachother...sounds like hell on earth."

"thherre arre ssssome issslanderrrsss you ccan trrussst, and you'll need to makke ssssssome frriendsssss, not worrthh it to trry and figghht thrrougghh thhe prroblemsssss thhe labssss causssse alone" Victor sat up as much as he could to better look at Nicky at more eyelevel.

Victor nodded "No, Not everryone goessss mad and acct ccompletely likke animalssss, exsccept maybe thhe wolf-woman and tiggerr in thhe jungle" Victor licked his lips a moment, thinking to himself, who could he tell Nicky he could talk to or anything else like that? there wasn't that many people Victor knew himself and not sure of who Nicky might get along with, he wasn't sure he wanted to drop Tommy's name, or Dee.

"Thherre'ssss Ggaiussss, maybe Alecc...I ccan't rreally tell you whho, jusssst hhave to learrn on yourrr own thherre"

Wolf-woman and tiger man...Sabin mentioned them. He also mentioned Gaius as a trouble maker and Zach as an ally. So far though, Sabin seems to be the only one to consider them as such. Was he on the right side? Was he listening to the right man? He was on the other side of the fence...but then again, he was just as much a prisoner as any of them. However...again he was on the other side of the fence...

"Fair enough...fair enough," he said, trailing off. "But you're right, I should go out and learn for myself."

Victor nodded at that a little "Yeahh....ssssome all dependssss on whho you gget alongg withh... I kknow not everryone worrkssss well toggethherrr" The lizardman hissed softly, resting and scraping the claws of his foremost leg though the sand. "sssso whhat did you do beforre ccomingg hherre?"

Nicky nodded, rubbing the back of his neck once more before looking back to Victor. "Yeah...I hear you there..." he said, almost losing himself in memories. He quickly shook his head and got his mind back in on the conversation at hand. "Hmm? Oh...well uh...I.." he said, trailing off as he decided on just what he would say. He already said something about a witness protection program, so he probably won't believe the whole 'construction' idea. "Just...private dealings with the wrongs orts of people," he said softly.

"Ah alrrigghht" Victor said with a short nod of his head, knowing that Nicky did mention something about witness protection, so wasn't entirely sure what Nicky did but could give a guess what sorts of 'wrong people' Nicky could have hung out with and had private dealings with.

"I wasssss in ccollegge, learrrningg about Psssycchhologgy...gguessssss thhatsssss whhy thhey picckked thhisssss sssserrum for me"

Nicky stood, his knees once more popping audibly. He did this to stretch out mostly...also, he never liked just sitting down and doing nothing. At Victor words though, he stopped and looked down at him. Coming from this freak's mouth...it slammed home to Nicky just how screwed he really was. This really was a human at one point.

With a mutter under his breath, Nicky strode off a couple of feet before muttering again and walking back. "Christ...the ******** is all this...how can anyone get away with this size of an operation...and have the resources and technology to do what they do in the process!?"

"I don't kknow Nicckky, itsssss Ferral labssss....thhey ggot money to thhrrow arround and people worrkkingg full tilt to kkeep eyesssss off thhisssss issssland....but thhey ccan't forrreverr" Victor said, echoing a little what Richard had told him. The lizardman watched Nicky quietly after saying that, not wanting to say anything else at the moment that might upset Nicky more, the guy looked so together when he showed up earlier, but now Nicky was starting to loose his cool

Nicky continued to pace back and forth as he allowed his anger to flare. Feral Labs...how come I didn't see it before in New Orleans? Those goddamn ratbastards...I was so close, wasn't I? So close they sent me here...I doubt if I even had a hit out on me. Joey...Christ, what did they do to us? They ruined both of our lives. Nicky stopped, the anger draining from him as he allowed that deadly calm take over him. He took a deep breath, staring at Victor for a moment...allowing that serenity to take away the anger. "This won't last..." he said softly, moreso to himself.

Victor hardly heard what Nicky had said, and looked away for a moment, the wiseguy was starting to get angrier, and The lizardman wasn't sure if he sould leave Nicky alone now or try to keep talking to him. Victor nodded to Nicky, and took a few steps away from the lake side, closer to the village.

"I'm in duplexs sssseventyfive if you everr need to talkk or anythhingg... whhat duplex thhey ggot you in?"

Nicky had almost forgotten that Victor was there, he was so lost in his own mind. It took him a moment to realize just what he said, causing that train of thought to derail. He bent down slowly to pick up his cudgel before hefting it over his shoulder once more. Shifting weight from one foot to the other he glanced back at the village before responding. "Seventy five...eh? They got me in this s**t hole that smells of fish. Sixty one."

"maybe it belongged to sssssomeone beforre you..." Was all Victor could think of to say at that moment, it did seem odd that Nicky would get a duplex with a number lower than his, they had been doing up on the duplex listing.

"Guessssss I'll...ssssee you arround Nicckky"

Nicky just shrugged, not wanting to think about what could have occupied the duplex before him. Smelled of fish...he shuddered. A silent prayer went out to the god of desperate sleezeballs to steer the needle away from the fish category. He glanced back to Victor as the lizard man began scuttling away. He idly wondered if the labs would put the poor b*****d out of his misery if he continues to change like that.

"Goodbye, Victor."

"Goodbye Nicckky" Victor gave the other man a nod of his head, and continued to crawl his way back towards the village, just as the sun had started to go down, the tree shadows getting longer

Nicky,

I know that you knew this moment was coming, but please see this as the inevitable process that it is. I did not bring you here, nor can I prevent you from changing.... but at least, I can give you a serum that is interesting - I do hope that you will agree with me.

~Sabin