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Richard knew about the chips. Although he hadn't been buzzed directly, he had seen their effect. In fact, the damn things might have saved his life. The possibly to removing them hadn't really crossed his mind. To produce their effect they must have direct access to the nervous system. Removing them would be very risky.

Still the fact that it had been done was more than enough to perk his interest. He kept his eyes locked on the ocean.

"That... has potential." He pondered, how hard would it be? Could he get some tools?

"Did I ever tell you what I did before, " 'Erica died.' was the actual thought, but he caught himself and continued with, "I became a reporter?"

While Richard's eyes continued to look out to the ocean, his gaze was even further away. His left hand reached into his pocket to clutch at the gold rings he kept there.

"I worked at Feral Labs. This was when the company was still controlled by Nicholus Moreau's father, Tristian. I was hired by my father, who worked there as a manager at the time, over thirty five years ago. I was fresh out of college with a biology degree, it was just a technicition job. I had planned to go back to school at some point but then.... well Erica came along." It took visable effort to say her name. If there was a smell for sadness Richard absolutely reeked of it. It was a long moment before he spoke again, attempting to rebottle the flood of memories.

"Anyway, I just stayed with the company for 25 years. It wasn't so bad." Richard remembered the point of him telling Pyroth this. "I worked in and eventually managed an animal physiology lab. Back before DNA was king, we had to work at the systemic level. Open up the animals to take measurements or put stuff in. Sew them up again for later. 25 years of animal surgeries, I done work on everything from embryonic mice to adult dogs." He was smiling again. There was alot of pride in his voice, he had been the best in the laboratory for years before he had finally been promoted to lab manager. He was ten years out of practice however.

Richard looked down at his arm in its sling.

Yes he could do it. There was little doubt in his mind that he could do it if he had proper tools and the full function of his shoulder again. Thoughts raced around his head about the difficulties and implications of doing such a thing.

First off he had no access to sterile conditions, Pyroth would be in danger of dying of infection, even if the surgery went off perfectly. There would be little in the way anetistics, maybe getting the coyote sloshed or stoned first. But he'd still feel the blade. Richard remembered just how quick the coyote's instincts took control when he was threatened from their first meeting. How would he restrain him to prevent the coyote from injuring himself or Richard? Tools would be an additional problem. He would need scalples, good ones, not to mention some clamps and a caturizer.

The consequense of doing such an operation were also great. How would Richard himself avoid getting caught afterward? Wouldn't they know immediately when the chip went dead? Wait, who removed it the first time and what happened to him?

Richard looked back to Pyroth, chewing on his cheek. "I could do it. But I'd need supplies and some sort of oppertunity. And I'd need an assistant." Yes an assistant who could learn how do the procedure and help restrain the patient.

Richard continued to postulate, "I won't be able to try until my arm's better. The biggest risk is what happens if I'm buzzed during the procedure? You said someone has done this before. Was he caught?" Richard imagined the labs would make him incapable of doing the procedure a second time if he was caught. He wasn't sure what they would do but it was certian that it would not be pleasent.

"Maybe I could practice on boars or deer?" That would help, being able to refamilarize himself with the basic anatomy.

He looked at Pyroth. There was a bigger question. "If you didn't have IT. What would it change? How would it help? And what would you do?"

Richard didn't pry in the identities of the previous surgeon for the moment. He'd have to talk to them eventually, but there would be time. It would be pointless to jump into this. With the arm in the sling, there was no way he'd even attempt the dangerous surgery on a friend.

"Well as you said, We've got time. It's alot to ponder." Richard started to haul himself to his feet. Once there, he exhaled loudly. "You still want that drink?"

"Keep me posted."

Richard nodded was the coyote trotted off. He grinned. Well this would be risky, but if he could find a way to safely disable the chip it might just change the balance of power on the island. What he need to do now was try to get healthy before his next change. He started back towards the beach bar. Physical therapy would be easier while buzzed.

[FIN]

In a secludded little corner of hte beach where plenty of sun lit the warm sand lay Joliette, she nearly had fallen asleep by this time as the sun soaked her scales. She was glad not to be taken over by the komodo's desires anymore, even if it was at a cost. She didn't notice anyone's approach