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 Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:49 pm
"Ahhhh I see." he smiled. "Well, the work I have for you... will be rather time consuming. But if you want to operate it in your free time I suppose that is alright. I'm sure by now you've gotten used your 5 hour sleep schedule? That should help a lot with balancing both." Moreau paused, "You can send in requestion requests, and we'll see what can be done, but certain items cannot see their way onto the village main. So you'll have to consider what you are asking."
"Your going to use this." Moreau went and opened up a briefcase, with a labtop inside it." he pulled it out.
Moreau grinned, "This labtop, will allow you to run chemical simulations. For security reasons it is not hooked up to our network, but daily someone will come to collect a copy of the data on a removable disk."
Moreau continued, "This labtop won't work unless you are near it, it will not accept input, and it uses a fingerprint identification, and you'll establish a password. It uses your chip to know when you are near it. Of course, none of this is foolproof, and I'll hold you responsible if Feral Labs data is stolen... again. When you are ready to have a new version developed, it will be done so in the labs behind security."
Moreau came to the last part, "Of course, we'll need a test subject for the serums that you develop. I was hoping, that in the interest of your continued loyalty, and so that no one else needs to be used yet. We could use you. You're willing to do that to help me aren't you?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:03 pm
He was being trusted with so much. This truly was a great responsibility and a privilege to be trusted once more.
“Yes, sir. I’ve adjusted to the schedule assigned to me in these past two months. And –it goes without saying- that official work for you will come first.”
He was in awe at the device Moreau took from the briefcase. A labtop. A nice looking one at that. The smile widened on his face as he was finally in the labs’ favor once more. It was so high tech with all the security precautions and it made him feel quite important to have something that would only respond to him. Jordan felt his stomach clench at the quick jab of data being stolen again but knew he deserved that blow below the belt and nodded politely.
Jordan knew what he had to do. He had to accept to use himself as part of the research unless he wanted to be at odds with the labs again- which he did not! He understood that it was important to be a team player in this and when Doctor Moreau barked jumped, the only thing to come out of his mouth should be how high. He had said he’d do anything and the doctor had praised him for his progress, not that he was in a position to refuse.
“Yes, sir. I’ll participate personally in your research, sir.” In the back of his mind, he hoped this wouldn’t hurt.
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:28 pm
"That's why it's going to be important to develop this serum. I not only want it to work on none canines, but to make it stronger than it is, and to facilitate unbreakable loyalty to towards a conditioned person." Moreau grinned.
"Of course, this will help to ensure that no one will ever be able to turn you against me." Moreau grinned and leaned back a bit.
Moreau grinned, "I see us having a fruitful relationship Jordan. Perhaps when I'm more certain of the results, you'll even be able to work out of the labs again."
Moreau wasn't sure he'd ever follow through with that, but it was alright to get his hopes up, and who knows, if he was certain that Jordan wouldn't turn on him... perhaps.
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:39 pm
“I’ll work hard to make sure pleasing results are produced.” At the promise of working out of the labs once again, he’d have walked through hell and back with the skull of Hades on a platter to present to the good doctor.
Everything was definitely looking up: Moreau trusted him, he was doing actual research for the labs, and now there was even the possibility of working more extensively with the labs. It was so much to absorb and yet all the pain and suffering he’d caused himself and others had caused to him was meaningless and a better, brighter future could be forged.
“There’s no question in my mind, sir. If any doubts had been there from being deceived by upstart malcontents, they’re gone. Good people like Lauren and Awen have helped me back onto the right path. I see there is only good being done here.” Even if that good had brought pain. Pain was the cleanser, the method of atonement. “I’ve made some good friends in them and that’s making me a better person in the long-run. I won’t disappoint you again, sir.” He smiled proudly at his vow of loyalty and obedience for the labs.
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:48 pm
"I'm glad to hear that. Now... as far as the people that tried to hurt you. I'll see about making them regret doing so. Although, my hope is you'll become a fierce enough canine to protect yourself, and me when I visit. Your serum is a Samoyed. But I've got another suprise in there that should help give you an eventual edge over many of the islanders. Eventually." Moreau grinned.
"Welcome back into the fold Jordan." Moreau stood up, and headed out. "I need to be getting back to my work, and my pregnant fiance. Be a good boy and I'll be in touch."
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 6:00 pm
Jordan was pleased to know that those who’d hurt him would not get away with it. He liked having this kind of connection to power. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had some saying power over things, even if it was an elaborate delusion. The doctor was making him into a fierce dog, eh? He liked the sound of that. No one would mess with him once he had some extra power on his side. He’d be strong enough to protect him and the doctor from these upstarts. Jordan mustered a smirk.
“Thank you, sir. It feels good to be back on the winning team.” The mystery of his serum was solved by direct interaction. But, he’d mentioned another surprise. That, of course, was another unsolved mystery altogether and it wasn’t wise to press his luck so soon after getting in Doctor Moreau’s good graces.
Jordan opened the door for him. “I’ll be good, sir. And congratulations!” he was surprised Doctor Moreau was having a child. Maybe in time, he’d be relegated duties to protect the doctor’s entire family. That thought made him happy. He was a very good dog. He stood in the doorway and watched the jeep pull away, knowing he'd get to see him again.
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Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 8:47 pm
Jordan booted up the labtop, pressing his thumbpad/dewclaw pawpad to the machine where it registered and scanned his identity. It powered up after recognizing and acknowledging that it was indeed Jordan Essex trying to access the machine by way of DNA scan and chip recognition. He was greeted with a slight hum as it booted and a nondisclosure agreement, to which he agreed to as with standard Feral procedure, then it asked him to provide a personal password. It was feasible to have it there, considering what he’d done to get himself on the island. Forgiven or not, the truth was, Jordan was still on thin ice at the moment. He was sure he was in good with the labs again, but just in case this was a probationary test, he wasn’t about to take chances. Jordan thought for a few minutes about a password that no one could possibly guess- in case someone were to ever remove the labtop form his premises. He smiled as he typed in the nine-digit password.
The task Doctor Moreau had assigned him had come down to protein chemistry, more specifically, the process of protein folding. It wasn’t the most simple of tasks to perform, but if he pooled all his waking hours into this for the next few days, he could come close, if not show progress in his task. Protein folding followed a distinct pattern of biological change, like all molecular processes. It was unchanging in the manner in which it occurred with the variables and conditions in which the process is achieved actually determining the end result. Temperature, solvent viscosity, and pH remain the three common factors/catalysts to achieving the desired end. NMR –or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance- is an anomally based on the magnetic properties of the atom’s nucleus. By collating the nuclei with a powerful external magnetic field, the magnetic field becomes the catalyst to obtain physical, chemical, and electronic structural data on a molecule.
Now, Jordan wasn’t exactly working from scratch, nor left with nothing to work with. He’d have access to Doctor Moreau’s related information. That would increase productivity surely and give him an edge on this project. To increase productivity, he’d just have to limit his outdoor ventures and social interactions, for the next few days, beyond food for Thumper, though, he could stock up in one trip enough to last the rabbit a day or two.
Browsing through some of the file listings and folders, it was trial and error to find the base model that he required to work with. He was fascinated to know that his breed of dog had been chosen as the Samoyed. Doctor Moreau had trusted him enough to come forward with the truth of his situation and he respected that, even if he had wanted to object at key points of the revelations. He was back in the game and on the labs team once more. He could even requisition for the clinic in is spare time, when he wasn’t attending duties, just as Doctor Moreau had promised. With Lauren aiding him in a clinic, he could pull it off. She’d been enthusiastic about the venture and associating with her would only make the doctor pleased, as she was in good with him. Amidst his errant thoughts, Jordan tentatively toggled parameters of the model to get a basic feel for what he was doing. He’d need to familiarize himself with the equipment PDQ.
This breed of science could easily become complicated and convoluted in layers upon layers of texts and volumes of documented research; fortunately, Doctor Moreau had already done most of the hard work ahead of time. He could access files if he came to what appeared to be a dead end and Jordan wouldn’t have to interrupt the doctor’s current projects. Oh, the irony of that thought. Failure was not a word in science. There was trial and error, but not failure. Failure meant giving up and that wasn’t an option. The doc hadn’t given up on him. He gave him a new lease on life- or would that have been leash, he mused, with a smirk.
By definition, protein folding was the process in which a protein arrogates its characteristic functional shape, it’s native state. Protein molecules are linear copolymers comprised of amino acids to create a sequence known as the primary structure and, thusly, most proteins can only carry out biological function once they have folded and reached the state of their true design in vivo. The course of folding in vivo begins in the second state of protein biosynthesis, also called translation, within the cytoplasm housing the mRNA, where it is decoded as per the specifications of the individual genetic code. This allows the N-terminal end of the protein to fold while the C-terminal end (the extremity of the amino acid chain terminated by a free carboxyl group) portion is undergoing synthesis by the ribosome. It was fascinating material, even if it wasn’t a conversation starter.
Jordan had incentive, since he was the basis for this research. He got to see what made him click at the molecular level and try to crack the code, as it were, so that future generations could benefit from his genetic code. Who –in his position- couldn’t find this thrilling? It was at the heart of science to use one’s self to the cause, even if that meant as the guinea pig. Indeed this was a unique situation and exactly what made it all the more appealing. Jordan dove into the work, typing in the keys a bit awkwardly/slower than he could with hands, but getting the commands in to adjust the variables as need be, ready to test model after model until he could reach that desired result.
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 1:59 pm
Later that day a brand new package of clothing and general supplies are delivered to Jordan's door. A note is attatched from Doctor himself. "Thank you for your assistance Jordan. I hope for amazing things from you. Good luck picking up where I last left off. I expect to see some prompt results from you. Do not fail me."
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Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:58 pm
When the data had been retirieved from the day, Jordan had noticed a box sitting at his doorstep. Waiting for the men to leave, he approached curiously, wondering who could be leaving him gifts. After reading the note attached to the box, he nodded to no one and grinned. He opened the box to see what was inside and was surprised to see new clothing amidst some supplies delivered by the doctor. "I'll have to thank him for this."
Closing the box, he picked it up and was about to return inside when he found another note attached to his door. Tugging it off his door, Jordan mused at the note left by Seth. So, the thylacine had finally drawn it up, but following his talk with Doctor Moreau yesterday, Jordan was a bit suspicious of the project, though he couldn't let on. Was it possible the man was just using him for his connections? Was he going to be tricked in the end? "Hmmmm.." It seemed convincing enough as a base model. "Well, Seth, for your sake, this had better be legit." Seth Callaghan A folded and taped-up piece of paper has been posted underneath the front door of Jordan Essex's Duplex residence on the beach. Inside the folded piece of paper is a folded napkin with a simple drawn diagram on it. The piece of paper contains the following message, in rather scratchy untidy handwriting. Quote: Jordan, This took some time to think about, but I think it'll be just great. I can get most of the supplies for it including the dirt and the concrete if the labs will let me have it. Should be able to acquire most of the other stuff too. Anyway, here's the plans. The project manager should oversee this and discuss whether he likes it or not, afterall.  I personally think it should be bigger, but we may lack the means to do so. Making it 5 metres (15 feet) would be stretching it to the limit. If these plans are alright and OK by you I will go seek out a sculpture artist for the finer details. We wouldn't want Doctor Moreau to look like a half-assed job, or shonky now, would we. Either leave a note on my door, or call my room number (#65). Whichever works for you. - Seth
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 1:07 am
Jordan Essex It felt more like two days, even if it was only closer to a day and a half that Jordan had been working on his task for Doctor Moreau. He was making progress, even if it was a bit slower than anticipated and he felt it was time to clear his head so he wouldn't mis-calculate a single factor in the genetic model. That would be bad. For Jordan, that is. The doctor was expecting results and results he would receive, though, a good physical workout always cleansed the worked mind.
Jordan was feeling quite relaxed in the waves. He was excited to be back in the labs' good graces, grateful for the new clothing, and currently letting the waves wash over him as he rested on his back in a 'dead-man's-float' drifft. He even had new sunshades that had been provided or him so he could close his eyes and not be bothered by the sun as much. This is what it was about: doing important work and letting the salty water wash away the tension. Richard Harrison Richard was doing better now that he could hide his less than manly attributes again. They were still sore but the pain a bearable with the help of a steady supply of tylenol. So Richard was trying to enjoy the sunshine abit by taking a stroll down the beach. He held his back very straight and walked with a careful lurch, trying not to disturb the binding too much. His mood was still swinging between depressed and angry although spending time away from his duplex was certianly improving things, he walked with his eyes on the sand at is feet, his mind brooding over the island's situation, Jamal, Annie and the stablity of the Ivory Tower. He new he had to start work on the newsletter soon but he wanted a capstone of a story first. He didn't have anything like the interviews of the first issue yet. Jordan Essex He sat up and let the waves push him to shore. Each cresting wave felt like a lapping tongue on his body and the sensation kept his mood good. Wet sand felt so weird squishing inbetween his paws as he drifted close enough to shore to stand, but the water felt so good. With such long fur, he needed to cool himself off in this manner.
Jordan had brought a towel with him to set his new clothing on it, to keep sand off of his dry clothes and to prevent sand from being tracked into the duplex. Doctor Moreau was so kind to provide new apparel and he was going to take care of it. He was oblivious as he stood on the warm sand, toweling himself off two or three times, while carefully holding his new, dryer clothes to keep them from getting too wet.
He felt good in these new clothes as he took off his wet swimsuit, dropping it to the sand and slipped into his dry wear. It was just one small reward, but it meant a lot to him. Jordan sat down on his towel and enjoyed the view, the breeze feeling good on his damp skin and fur. Richard Harrison So involved in his own thoughts was Richard that he was less than five feet from Jordan. If it wasn't for the sudden appearence of large pawprints in the wet sand in the perperify of his vison Richard might have collided with Jordan. Instead he stopped in time for the distinct scent of wet dog to fill his nostrils as he looked up to find the owner of the prints. He found Jordan there, sitting on a towel, his back to Richard. The man had obiviously changed since Richard has seen him last, maybe twice as Richard silently studied the man's altered anatomy. He recalled Seth's mention of the man who Richard had met in the depths of denial. Why had Jordan lied to Seth? Richard creeped forward toward the dog man, unable to resist the idea of catching Jordan off guard. It just appealed to him some how. Thanks to the sand muffling his footsteps and his whiskers told him he was definitely downwind Richard figured the edge was his. Silently as possible, wincing at the pain from his chest, he settled down beside and slightly behind Jordan. Once situated, he put a hand on Jordan's shoulder, "Nice day isn't it Jordan." He grinned in a friendly but with the enlarged canines it had hint of threat in it. This was so fun. Jordan Essex The edge had definitely been on Richard's side. Jordan's nose was filled with the many scents carried on the ocean breeze. It was like a salty all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with various other smells carried. He wasn't paying attention at all. Jordan thought he'd been alone- again. It was like clockwork: te beach would be empty and devoid of any other presence beyond his own, but gradually, someone would always come along. Today was different, though. Today was his and his alone.
The Samoyed was unable to detect Richard's approach with the sand buffering the sound and the breeze keeping his..her scent at bay. His mind was preoccupied anyways, so it made little difference. He was in his little world bubble again. Of course, all good things come to an end and no rest for the wicked, blah, blah, blah. Jordan's afternoon was about to become less peaceful.
The hand on his shoulder made him jump and the voice made his skin crawl. Richard had done ti to him again! Jordan physically leapt an inch or two off the towel and was quick to throw the hand from his shoulder, only then turning around the other way to see Richard's smirk of self-satisfaction. "Oh god! Don't do that! You scared me half to death!" he patted his chest over his swift-beating heart. "What do you want, Richard?" he tried to ask in a calmer, less-surprised tone and not doing a great job as his voice wavered. The tentacled cat gave him bad vibes all over. Richard Harrison Richard tried to pull the grin off his face, but only managed to chuckle quietly to himself. "What? I'm not allowed to stop and say hi? Just wondering how you adjusting to the situation and all. You weren't in the best of states the last time we met." He crossed his arms and his tentacles waved around in an agitated fashion, the clubs curling and uncurling restlessly. Jordan Essex Jordan huffed in resigned indignation at the way he'd been startled. He didn't feel right having Richard behind him, but he didn't have to face his this way, either. "I've adjusted. Is that all, Richard? Or is this visit more business than a frivolous excuse to startle me?" He didn't owe him answers. He didn't feel the overwhelming need to trust this man. Definitely not like he could trust Lauren. Or Awen. Or Doctor Moreau. Richard Harrison Richard didn't like the hard tone in Jordan's voice. It hadn't been there during the previous encounter but either had the dishonestly that Seth had spoken of. His tail gave a single lash across the sand behind him. This was a puzzle and he intended to crack it. "Aww, the change take away your sense of humor? Its not like I'm Jamal or Annie. I'm not going to hurt you." He held up his hand palms out to Jordan in a gesture of innocence. He watched to see Jordan's reactions to the names. Jordan Essex There were people who’d earned his respect. There were people he’d never be this curt to. Richard fell into neither of those categories. Even if the tentacled cat had been the second person he’d run into following Awen’s initial contact, he didn’t like his smug, conniving nature. In his mind, he didn’t have to acknowledge him as Richard. It was a tactic to keep himself distanced from the man.
“Whatever the changes take away, the benefits are doubled.” He smirked, taking another sniff of the salty air, giving only the cryptic response to his supposed lack of humor. He quirked his head to the side, though, at the mention of two unfamiliar names. “Who..?” he asked, as if he cared. What was he after? Richard easily got under his skin, or perhaps it was he left himself open to the unamusing antics of this creature. “I wouldn’t bet on that…” he muttered at the part about Richard not hurting him. Richard Harrison A flicker of annoyance crossed Richard's face. He'd put all that work into the newsletter and the stupid man hadn't even bothered to read it. "You should read your newspaper, now I know you young people consider reading unhip but you might learn something important. Such as the names of two islanders that are probably the losest cannon's on the island. Jamal's a white tiger, Annie's a very large wolf. Annie's killed five staff members and Jamal just dropped a body off at the village with a number one carved into his forehead. I haven't encountered Annie but Jamal's got very little left but animal left in his head." For a moment Richard himself looked afraid as he recalled that encounter. He shook his head to clear it. Jordan Essex Jordan was sharing in the mutual annoyance. “What? You’re a paper boy, now, Richard?” he wanted to say more to rub some salt in his wounds, but he held his tongue. Hell, he nearly bit it off when he’d heard the description of a very large wolf. He lurched forward and went pale as a sheet. He closed his eyes, pretending it never happened, willing it to have never happened, but it had and he had met…. Annie.
“S-sorry..” he took an uneasy breath “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He stammered the first syllable in trying to keep some measure of fleeting composure and failed at it. He only wished Richard would go away now. Hadn’t he caused enough trouble for one day without playing detective? “If you’re looking for a lead I’m unable to help.” Richard Harrison Richard noted the hostile comment and might have snapped back if it wasn't for the interesting reaction Jordan had to Annie's description. A single eyebrow went up at Jordan's sudden denial. Truth be told Richard had mostly been warning the dogman but this obivious connection held his interest. "Well thats a lie." He cocked his head to the side, in a very feline expression of cursoity. "What happened?" He looked over Jordan's body, looking for some sign of a wound and seeing none. His eyes returned to Jordan's eyes, searching for a glimmer of an answer in Jordan's face. Jordan Essex Jordan folded his arms and crossed his legs, trying to ignore Richard's inquisition with rising agitation. He pursed his lips and his chest heaved with an uneasy, angry sigh. He kept his eyes closed in a manner of centering himself in his mind. He did not want to go here. He did not want this out in the open. He did not want the entire island to know. "I don't know what you're talking about. So, there're two wolves on the island, then, only one has killed? Sounds absolutely frightening. Guess I'll have to keep my guard up."
He didn't want to think what would happen if the labs were to find out. He'd be used as live bait, staked to the ground or bound to a tree and held immobile for her to find. He shook his head and peered from the corner of his left eye at Richard in a mock nonchalance. "What..? You're still here..?" he huffed. Richard Harrison Well that was certianly an odd reaction. If he had an encounter with Annie then why was he keeping it so secret? There was no shame in admiting to running away from a massive wolf that had blood on her paws so to speak. "So you've obivously encountered her in some fashion, yet you insist on keeping that encounter secret. Then you expect my curiosity to simply fade. Hmpf." He shook his had plainly confused. Then he shrugged, "Eh, I suppose that not really the most pressing issue I suppose." Jordan Essex More pressing matter? Aha! So there had been a reason he'd come all the way out here.. His brows furrowed in aggravation. “So.. you didn’t just come here to ruin my perfect afternoon.” It was great not having to keep eye contact with Richard, nor to be face-to-face or have to acknowledge those tentacles hovering just inches from him at all times. That brought on a shudder as he remembered their first meeting. Richard Harrison "Ruin? You seem to think I'm actively looking for you. One would think I would have found you a bit faster than the month its been since I've seen you. " Richard chuckled a bit, Jordan wasn't that big on his list of priorities although he found himself enjoying this strange encounter. Perhaps he just enjoyed a bit of mental sparring, an opponent as it were. "There was an issue that I made a note to talk to you about when I bumped into you." Jordan Essex He shrugged. "Then, by all means, speak your mind, if it'll make you go away faster." He rubbed between his eyes. He was getting one of those headaches again. And his stomach ached more than usual. What was going on...? Was it just stress brought on by this infuriating man? "What business could you possibly have with me?" Honestly, it was a good question, since he hadn't been aware of anyone else he knew linking back to Richard. Richard Harrison "Do you value honesty Jordan? I must say when you first arrived you struck me as understandably depressed but very good man. And now I hear reports that you've been lying to people." Richard remembered only that what described to him by Seth but Jordan seemed to have a done a complete one eighty in the personallity department. And that distrubed Richard, who completely overlooked his method of greeting as off putting. All that was a game. "This situation here is not exactly optimal as I'm sure you've noticed. A community has to be strong in these situations and built on trust. It doesn't help anyone if you violate that trust. Jordan Essex "What are you going on about, Richard? The majority of this community is content to mope, if not piss and moan about how horrible life here is. They’re too wrapped up in themselves to see that this is not a prison.” He scoffed in annoyance at this man’s attitude. "I thought you were different, Richard." He'd honestly expected him to sing a different tune, but Richard was so much more like the rest of the whiners. That made him ill to dwell on the ungrateful majority.
He rubbed his bandaged wound, wincing. The salt water had gotten through the cotton. He hadn’t been thinking. “It’s nice to know that you came to me with this first before making judgments based on what others have said.” He grit his teeth, letting his canines show “By, the way, that was sarcasm.”
“This situation? Is that what it is? If you haven’t exactly noticed, this glorious community of yours doesn’t widely accept me. A community doesn’t try to kill their own. A community doesn’t blame others for the individual’s problems. Oh, don't get me wrong. I have friends. But they don’t share your opinion of the island facility.” Richard Harrison Richard half snorted half laughed, "Jordan I know your not a marine biologist. I know how you came here and how scared you were. Now you seem to be as arrogant as Moreau himself. And nearly as irrational." Richard Harrison Richard half snorted half laughed, "Jordan I know your not a marine biologist. I know how you came here and how scared you were. Now you seem to be as arrogant as Moreau himself. And nearly as irrational." Jordan Essex He'd slugged Seth for saying less. He knew better now. Jordan was past punishment as he had been forgiven, but that wouldn't permit him to attack the old man. “Congratulations, Richard, you know a little about me. Aaaaaaaaaaaaand… why should I care?” Nothing could be proven. It was pure hearsay. However, the following comment.. “Ignorance must be bliss, Richard.” Jordan paused, a smirk forming on his lips “Arrogance, indeed. But not mine, nor Doctor Moreau’s.”
He took a deep cleansing breath to prevent his head from exploding by Richard’s aggravations. “Yes, I was scared. At first. But..” he let a chuckle slip “I don’t have anything to fear.” He quirked a brow towards Richard, smirking broader, letting his canines slip past his lip “Can you say the same?” Richard Harrison "Why should you care," Richard parroted, incredulious. He looked around for a moment seeming to make sure Jordan and himself were occupying the same time and space. Once sure that Jordan was on the same planet and looked up into with a look of both dissaproval and pity. "Ignorance... no. I've met the man, I've interviewed him, he showed me his trueself and what his reasons for THIS." Richard gestured around them, at the island. "This is not a noble endevor." Richard ignored the fear comment, he was not going to reveal to Jordan how scarred shitless he was of his own transformation. Instead he launched in the arguement. "Lets look at this shall we? You've been kidnapped and held here againist your will as has everyone else. That sounds like the definition of a prison to me. We are well treated but that doesn't make it right. We are forced to undergo these disfiguring transformations that leave us screaming in pain. Thats tortorer. Thats not right. In some cases people die or go insane, thats not safe, the procedure is too dangerous for humans yet. It isn't safe. And for what purpose? You know what Moreau said to me, why he was doing all this? Because he can. To show world that he can do what was thought impossible. He could have cured cancer, wiped out AIDs but instead he's decided that making poeple in to monsters is more entertaining. Well guess what, I don't think that reason is good enough. DO you really thing that its all worth it. The pain, the slippage of the mind, just to satifsy that man's ego? " Richard was glaring into Jordan's eyes, hopoe for some spark of conience. Jordan Essex His eye twitched. This man was incorrigible. Jordan’s paws balled into fists. He was ready to deck the old man fiercely. “I’ve also met Doctor Moreau.” He spoke through gritted teeth, trying hard to keep from lashing out physically. He couldn’t risk it. These ungrateful whiners were all like this. He’d have to find another channel for the frustrations they caused him. “Twice. He has been nothing but courteous and well-mannered towards me, nor has he been untruthful to me. He even gave me these clothes as a gift.” Technically, he hadn’t been lied to. He was working for the labs and with the ability to receive practically anything his heart desired, he didn’t require a salary. They were well taken care of –provided they stood with the labs. “It is not my place to judge him, nor his motives. It’s not my place to ask why, but only to do and to die.” He quoted the infamous saying.
He just shook his head at the old fool’s rant. What a deluded old coot. Richard had chosen to side against the labs and that made him angrier. “What do you hope to accomplish by standing against them? If you stop the changes you’ll only get sick and die. Yes, they hurt, but I don’t want to be human again. I don’t want to live in a world where my senses are dull and lackluster. I’m so sorry you can’t understand, Richard, but some of us are better off here.”
He’d had enough of this old duff’s bitching. “Shut up, old man.” He was ready to part company of this foul-mouthed man who was no different than Seth. It was like hearing the same speech verbatim. “He’s not the enemy. It’s people like you. All the malcontents are the cause for your own misery, not him. Deal with it and get over it.” Richard Harrison Richard only felt satisfaction from Jordan's rising ire. Maybe he was getting through. He was still amazed at just how deeply Moreau had gotten under this guy's skin in such a short time. He saw the fist curl and felt his lips curl back and his hackles rise. He forced himself to relax, to appear calm. Only his rapidly twitching tail tip betrayed his apprehension, he would rather not be hit but he gotten to the point where Jordan couldn't rebut his argument, only shut down and through up the barriers. Well Richard was going to see how thick those walls were. "Hiding behind a famous quote doesn't allow you ignore what goes Jordan. I could give you a hundred quotes talking about the value of independent thinking and the importance of individual responsibility. But I'm not going to because that would just distort the point." Richard stepped so he was within inches of Jordan and looked down at him. "The point is Jordan. That you know its still wrong. And nothing you or they can say will change that fundamental property of this place." Jordan Essex He didn't like being this close to him. He feared this man and despised him at the same time. Whether or not he felt this was wrong was irrelevant. Joran was in it for the long-haul and he was part of the Feral team, then and now. There was no going back- ever. He wanted to hurt this man so badly, clenching his fists so tightly. But, in the end, it would only bring punishment; and, so he relaxed his fists, let out a breath of air and scooted back away from Richard. "I'm not going to betray him like you have." Richard Harrison Richard took a step forward with every one that Jordan took back, emboldened by his retreat, urged on by the surge of power. "So is about loyalty is it? You'd blindly follow him like an abused puppy? Is that it?" Jordan Essex "Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!" he screamed. Jordan tried to avert his gaze from Richard's at every possible opportunity, but he kept staring him down, coming closer. "I'm not going to be tricked by you people again!" he'd betrayed Moreau once, which is why he'd come to the island, he'd disobeyed Moreau on the island because they'd tricked him, messed with his head, fed him thoughts that weren't his own. "I'm not going to betray him again.. and I won't let myself be tricked to act against him!" he was in a precarious position to be making such bold statements, on his rear, arms behind him and legs pulled up to their knees. Richard Harrison Richard loomed over Jordan, a primal growl rose through his throat. At his feet Jordan whimpered. It was so pathetic, he was so weak. He was that man that Richard had met before in the entertainment room. Jordan was prey. He knelt besides the desperate Jordan, grabbed his arm and whispered, "Don't let him shape you Jordan, Don't let him kill who you are. He doesn't have to win." His piece said, he let the dog man go. He had been thinking of his own transformation. That into a predatory monster. He had no idea how much he resembled that archtype at the moment. Jordan Essex He loomed over him and Jordan feared he was going to attack. He couldn't spin around and bolt in time to avoid those tentacles. Fortune was a fickle mistress who smiled upon Jordan in this confrontation. At least for today, he wouldn't have to experience more physical pain to his person from a predatory strike. Though the growl was intimidating, Richard had only grabbed him by the arm and he just stared horrified at the angry beast glaring down upon him.
Jordan was speechless. His heart raced frantically as the tension had built up to this. Richard was strong. A lot stronger than he'd been letting on. Jordan was left with no alternative but to hear out the older gentleman. That term loosely fit now. Richard was becoming some predatory beast and he was keeping Jordan right where he wanted.
He was weak now, but Doctor Moreau had ensured the young man he'd be able to protect himself and the doctor in time. Richard had tried to break him down and plant the seeds of dissention. He'd fought a good fight and rattled the cage, but Jordan was simply too more afraid of disobeying Doctor Moreau than he was of getting torn apart. He'd survived the assault by Thom. Chances were he'd survive another attack by another predator, even if it laid him out in a bed for a few weeks. They wouldn't let Richard get away with hurting him. Moreau would have him hunted down and punished.
Jordan was released. As simply as Richard had detained him within his feline grasp, he'd let him go. The man had said his piece and gone his way and after he'd left, Jordan scowled as the contempt crept over the fear. The attempts to sway the dogman were unsuccessful and had backfired, fueling his resolve to complete his work with fervent need. Doctor Moreau would have his loyal subjects.
He grabbed his towel and wrapped his wet swimsuit inside it, running home with his tail between his legs, as it were. Jordan's research -in his mind- could change the tide of things to come.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 2:24 pm
Doctor Moreau was counting on Jordan for results. It was for the greater good of Feral Labs. Future subjects –even projects- could benefit from his continued research! The feeling of importance and usefulness was an incredible boost to morale!
A smirk crossed his lips as he entered input into the labtop. He’d been working hard to push himself to greatness, not only motivated by the support of the labs, but with the hope he’d spite anyone who stood against the labs: Newt; Richard; Seth.. the big three in his mind. He only wished that he could be there when their fire for rebellion dies, to see them humbled and begging for mercy at the feet of Moreau. That elicited an outward laugh of enjoyment.
Jordan didn’t want to believe their fork-tongued lies again. He’d been tricked with their rebel propaganda once. That’s all their vile words were. Richard and Newt had both been employed by Feral Labs. The mutinous traitors had turned their backs on Doctor Moreau, had allied themselves with malcontents and rabble-rousers, and –no doubt- they were conspiring to bring down the establishment. Fools! Every one of them the bigger fool than the previous! The labs were the only salvation.
For all their attempts to dissolve his reaffirmed allegiances to the labs, they were sounding the knell of their own defeat. Jordan was a shining example of a lackey, pawn of the doctors’ whims, to be discarded or played at their leisure –and theirs alone. At his arrival to the island facility, he would have- and had for a period- believed their left-wing brainwashing, until Doctor Moreau had personally intervened after Jordan’s unsuccessful attempt to hide from the man who spared him a lifetime of incarceration with a cellmate named Bubba. He was being protected from the more dangerous elements. Jordan had come to accept that he could not survive on his own without the guidance of the lab staff.
To this end of keeping Jordan on a short leash, the doctor had asserted his will, approaching the issue with kind words and a show of good faith with the box of clothing and supplies left on his doorstep. Jordan was young, dumb, and good-looking. He could be bought with gifts. He still had ambition. He needed to live the good life Feral had provided for him on the mainland.
To remain in good-standing, it was paramount the dogman produce the necessary data or be reminded the benevolent Doctor Moreau would land him back in the doghouse. He’d have what the doctor sought, aided with the supplied research materials. Failure was not an option. Failure was for fools like Newt, rewarded with punishment; and, punishment was dealt to those who displeased the labs. Jordan shuddered to think of displeasing the labs once again.
More than thirty hours had been devoted to the working of this project and he could taste victory nearing. Aside from the brief interlude with Richard, he’d spent his time infront of the labtop to the model’s specific amino acid sequence, not completely aware this could be his own DNA he’d been issued to work upon. The key was to trigger to entire sequence to fold the protein structures, which, would unlock the true biochemical functionality. Every few hours of trial and error input, another catalyzed enzyme of the primary structure led to success. Amine, carboxyl groups, alpha-carbons, peptide bonds.. it was an intricate webbing of interconnected molecular processes. Alpha amino acids were important to protein sequencing forming the peptide bonds between amino acids and carboxyl groups, each different protein consisting of a unique amino acid sequence, the primary structure.
With twenty known amino acids manipulated by cells in protein biosynthesis specified by the genetic code and similar to the symbolic representations of the Greek alphabet could be combined to form a nigh endless variety of words, so could the amino acid chains be linked in a multitude of protein sequences.
Perhaps a more important augmentation of the primary structure is a process known as peptic cleavage. Proteins can often be synthesized in an inactive prototype form, generally, an N-terminal or C-terminal segment blocking the active site protein and inhibiting its function. The protein is activated by cleaving off the inhibiting peptide.
So much to consider and that was merely breaking the surface of the processes involved, though it was the bare essentials of what he was doing. Jordan would definitely have a good report for Doctor Moreau, when the guards came to retrieve the data of his day’s work. It had been a very good day of progress indeed, smiling as he rested his aching paws.
Sacrifices had to be made in the name of progress. If he had to lose his humanity to stay in the good life, so be it. Others before him had become more than human and more would continue to share in their fate as well. He was simply playing his part. The difference now, he wasn’t testing on animals. The subjects were human. That simple fact had made it more morally acceptable on his conscience. Humans were responsible for their own actions, just as Jordan been made to realize it was he, not his would-be partner-in-crime who had been to blame for his permanent relocation. In a way, he was justifying his own mistakes by helping others to come atone for their sins.
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:59 pm
Kim Nguyet Kim made her way toward the beach, a bit nervous still. This was the big day, and she really couldn't think of anything else but this. The first thought was chocolate, but then she remembered that chocolate was bad for dogs or something like that, and decided not to risk it. Flowers... was kind of out the question, and her sewing skills where nowhere good enough for her to sew a plushie or something. So, this was the last idea, and the pterodactyl hoped this would be good enough.
Delia had been of great help with helping put the basket she currently balanced on her forearm/wing as she walked. Inside was a sheet (burrowed from the town hall, as with the basket itself) and food. Sushi for her, and various meats for him, including a still-warm steak. There where also a few bottles of juice and soda, and cupcakes - the basics for a picnic.
She stopped in front of his door, and nervously straighted herself - mostly the dress she was wearing and her hairs - before finally knocking. Jordan Essex Jordan had been hard at work with his hand-given project, toiling for Doctor Moreau on the labtop. The past few days had been the same, working himself hard in the hopes of receiving praise, with the ultimate prize a chance at working within the very labs itself. Time had slipped through his paws.
When the knock had come to his door, he nearly fell backwards in his chair, so lost in his work. He spied the door, closing the labtop and hiding it in his desk. The interruption had best be worth it, he thought to himself, not even realizing it was Valentine's.
Jordan sniffed the air as he opened the door, catching a distinctly familiar scent and before Kim could see any sign of annoyance at being bothered, he smiled sweetly for her. She was carrying a basket. It was nice to see her again, but what was going on?
"Hey, Kim." his voice was inviting and caring. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable." Kim Nguyet "Hey." She said softly, a smile on her face. "It's been a bit... I... couldn't really think of a good valentine day present, so... what would you think about a picnic somewhere ?"
Behind her, her almost unseen tail wagging a bit nervously. What if he had other things to do... ? She couldn't help but notice the new clothes, they looked quite good on him. She finally took a step inside the duplex, peeking a bit. She hadn't really looked around when they came here after her birthday. Jordan Essex He’d been so busy that he’d forgotten today was Valentine’s Day. He’d been working for three days already and thought he had more time. Jordan had nothing, not even flowers to offer her, though, he wasn’t sure if she’d even like that sort of thing. Flowers withered and died. Great gift to offer someone on the universal day of love.
Scooting aside to let her in, he stood in the doorway, propped on an arm against the doorframe, striking a pose in his new clothes that made him feel so sexy. They looked good on him and let him show off some skin… or fur… or something. He smirked at how sweet she was to come all the way out to see him, with lunch and all. He whipped his neck, making his ponytail snap behind him, trying to make himself more appealing in his form-pleasing attire. He winced as he stretched his shoulder a bit further than he’d intended, reminding him his cobra bite was still quite sore, still unhealed. She’d catch the white of the cotton dressing on the wound inflicted by Thom if she looked hard enough.
Also, a box in his room, on the other side of his bed housed a white rabbit with a homemade splint on its right hindleg. There’s a towel lining the box and a two small bowls for food and water. Kim Nguyet She cracked a smile and almost gave an amused laugh an amused laugh once he started striking poses. What was he trying to do impress her ? Well, he did look pretty good. To this, Kim grinned, and eventually a wink that looked downright flirty. She didn't look anywhere as good herself - at least, that's what she thought. The dress was definitively new, and she was clearly a bit unused to wearing dresses.
She caught the wince, and with it, the bandage. "You're hurt... ?" The pterodactyl asked, voice heavy with worry. What had happened ? Had he ran in that crazy wolf she kept hearing about. "I brought a sheet too, but maybe we should eat inside if you're hurt..." The last thing she wanted was him to feel worse. She let the basket slide down from her arms, the scales handeling the friction well, and caught it in both hands with what was left of her fingers. Jordan Essex He couldn’t help but find it entertaining himself. It made her smile at least, so he kept it up. Jordan brushed back his bangs while tilting his head back, grinning at the playful wink. He closed the door behind him and moved into the room. He pulled the desk chair out and turned it backwards so he could lean forward and be propped on his folded arms, allowing her the more comfortable bed if she so chose.
He tried to play off the injury, biting back a twinge of pain, but subtly wasn’t exactly his strong point. Jordan didn’t want to worry her, after all. He tugged on his shirt to hide the bandaging. “Just got into a bit of a scrape while saving Thumper there.” He nudged his head towards the white rabbit in the box. He wasn’t sure how Kim would react to nearly being killed by a hungry cobra and a psychotic frog. So, for the moment, he’d let her have the half-truth. Jordan grinned more “That’s really sweet of you. I think a picnic on the beach would be great, if you’re up for it.” Kim Nguyet Kim then let the basket on the ground and sat on the bed, the worry never leaving her piercing yellow eyes. Saved... ? From what... ? He didn't really look like he wanted to talk about it. And it wasn't really the right time to talk about it... no ? Still, there was a missing piece there. She didn't know how she felt about that...
"You have a rabbit ?" She finally decided to ask, peeking into the box and leaning her hand close to allow Thumper to smell. Thankfully for Jordan, rabbits where not on the "lunch" list.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." She managed a smile, or well, the closest you could with a half-formed beak. "I brought a few things along so we should be good." Jordan Essex He did feel a pang of conflict for not telling her what had happened, but she’d come out this way just for him, with such a generous gesture. He didn’t want to ruin it for either of them by bringing up something so.. unhappy and not filled with love. Maybe he’d tell her later, but for the time-being, he just wanted to enjoy some time with her.
“I’m nursing him back to health.” He smiled proudly. “I’ve been taking pretty good care of him for about a week now. It’s what I’d like to do here, help injured animals.”
He wondered what she had in the basket, snuffling the air. “You look nice today, Kim.” He said kindly, having noticed she dressed up for the occasion.” Kim Nguyet "You're a veterinarian ?" She asked, now realizing that they had never really asked about what they had done before the island. Once she had proved to the rabbit that she was not a threat, she gave it a pat on the head before sitting upright again.
"You look nice too." She answered, a bit shy. She really wasn't used to dresses, and this one was shorter than what she would have wanted... But she couldn't really wear longer things anymore, it made the webbing VERY itchy and this made a very unhappy Kim. Jordan Essex Her inquery had made him also realize they hadn't talked much about themselves before coming to the island. He wanted to be cautious about how he aresponded, but didn't hesitate to give a prompt response with a toothy grin "I studied two years veterinary school and four years for zoology." he was proud of his academic accomplishments. "Rescuing Thumper is what I really needed. I'm not proud to admit this, but I had begun to feel depressed and was losing myself in a pity party. But now I know that I can make myself useful, even if it's only one rabbit at a time."
Jordan gobbled up the compliment like sweet sweet candy. He liked being acknowledged for his body "Thanks. I've been trying to work out again." he flexed his biceps as he leaned on them still, grinning like a narccissistic fool. Kim Nguyet "Wow, that's nice." She said, her head tilting a bit in thought. "I did college, 3d modeling, with some animation and arts on the side. I was going to make video games." As if that was not apparent that she had a passion for them. "College was pretty easy. It helps when you're doing something you love."
Heh. It was so cute when he grinned like that. And those clothes really made him look good... Jordan Essex He perked up even more at the mention of what she'd studfied in school. "That's amazing, Kim. I really have a fond respect for someone who can work artistically on a computer." he flicked an ear, that was new. "Oh, and I know your old neighbor, Awen." his grinned widened "She's gonna teach me how to play some of these games so I can kick your butt into next week." he chuckled happilly, leaning forward a bit precariously in the chair in his admiration of how wonderful she was. She was beautiful, considerate, and so adorably shy. Kim Nguyet "I can't really do art on paper that well... It's just so much easier to do on a computer. Erasing your mess ups isn't at hard." She laughed and, when he made his bold statement, did the closest she could to a grin. "Oh, bold terms here, mister. Very bold. You've got some training in front of you if you intent to beat me !" Another wink, a bit more playful now. "Awen's a nice girl, im glad you met her. I havn't really seen her in a long time, especially since she moved out. Im not sure who's living in there now, but it's been awful quiet." The pterodactyl shrugged. "Not that Awen made alot of noise that I wasn't used to, and quiet isn't so bad. I feel almost sorry for whoever's living down here, expecially with how I almost dropped the tv..."
That really wouldn't have done well with the labs. Oh, hey, can you get me a new tv, I dropped the brand new one you just sent. Jordan Essex He outright laughed at the acceptance of his challenge, a virtual declaration of war. "Considering the last thing I played was PacMan as a kid, I'd say I'm like Luke Skywalker just beginning his training. Teach me Obiwan Kim-obi." he zinged her name in a term of endearment, laughing more at the fact he would be toast if he tried to paly against her. "Fear my 2-bit pellet-chomping power of dooooom." it was fun getting her to relax and open up. It was just finding her interests and wanting to share in them.
"You've got such a pretty smile, Kim." he slipped off the chair and moved to sit on the floor at the base of bed, to her left, laying his head back and smiling cutely. Kim Nguyet She couldn't help but laugh a bit at the Star Wars reference. "Do or do not, there is no try ! Wait... That was Yoda wasn't it ? I havn't watched those movies in forever. "Actually, ill tell you a little secret..." She laid down on the bed, just above his ear, and whisper. "Im not really that good at Pacman."
She backed back upward in order to be able to talk normally without basically screaming in his sensitive ears. "I never thought my smile was anything special, really..." And she had never really been told something like that before. She probably would have reddened a bit if the scales had allowed the color to show. Jordan Essex He'd laughed at the Yoda reference. It'd been so fitting. "Teach me, Obiwan Kim-obi.” He zinged her name playfully “I’ll restore peace to the land with my awesome power pellet mastery and defeat the evil ghost monster overlords.” He was too easily amused sometimes, but she was having fun and so was he. “I can be my own wookie too.” He mused, making a horrible wookie sound “Ooooooooooor.. maybe not.” He snickered.
“Oh, speaking of fuzz and fluff, turns out the breed of dog I’m becoming is Samoyed.” He’d offered the information quickly without thinking, but by the time he’d realized what he’d said, trying to keep the conversation going with the segwey from wookies it was too late. He pounded a balled paw against his forehead as he glanced down at the floor. “Oh.. sorry.. that was stupid to say..” he hadn’t meant to say something incredibly insensitive like that. “I hope I haven’t ruined this pleasant day you’d planned.” He looked up to her for forgiveness. It really had been thoughtless to say. Kim Nguyet "Oh boy it's been too long since I watched those movies." She laughed again, unable to think of another quote to counter that.
When he started acting like a kicked puppy (oh the pun), Kim couldn't help but lean against his shoulder. "No, it's all right, I don't mind. It's nice that you know what to expect." She never knew about that breed before.
"Getting hungry ?" She asked with a smile, deviating the conversation for his sake. Jordan Essex That had smoothed over quite well and he could only smile back at her. She was so understanding. It was fortunate for them both that she’d taken it so well, but even so, this was why he wanted to be careful about what he’d said, in case he did cross that line. Luckilly, his good shoulder was the one being used to lean on. Was it right for him to keep that a secret from her? To worry her with not knowing what had happened? He’d laid his head on her for the moment she’d leaned on him.
Her ploy had worked. The pressure had been lifted from his faux pas and he sniffed the air at the reminder of the picnic feast. “It smells so good.” He smiled at the feast that awaited them. “This is so sweet, Kim. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.” Kim Nguyet "Oh, it really wasn't." She said, eventually getting up and taking the basket again. "The cafeteria lady was very helpful. Trust me, you wouldn't want something I cooked. I can only cook pasta and nuke a pizza on the microwave." She stuck out her tongue teasingly. Jordan Essex He chuckled at her tongue sticking out. "Nothing says 'I love you' like a cardboard pizza from the microwave." he wiggled in his spot as his tail beat against the foot of his bed. Jordan licked his lips, moistening them as he could practically taste the food. He'd neglected to go to the cafeteria for something and he wasn't about to steal Thumper's supply of food, not that carrots and lettuce were bad, but he had more cravings leaning towards juicy, savory cooked meats and his nose had detected something particularly delicious in that basket, eyes focused on it, stomach growling in need. Kim Nguyet "Oh, im sure." She laughed, heading toward the door, wriggling the basket a bit. "Ready to go ? Im getting a bit hungry, myself." Jordan Essex He was on his paws and ready to go the moment she asked, following behind happilly. He loved the beach and now he'd be having lunch with someone special where they first met. "Yep, I'm ready to go. And so is my stomach. That'll teach me to forget food." Kim Nguyet She grinned the best she could, and went out the door, trusting that her boyfriend would follow. The sand was warm under her feet, a feeling that she still couldn't really get over, after all this time. The warm sand on her bare feet felt so nice...
She walked down the beach for a moment, finally stopping to a spot where they could be closest to the ocean as possible without getting wet, and turned to look at Jordan.
"How about here ? Seems like a good spot." Jordan Essex He followed her down the beach, spreading his toe-like digits in the sand. It was still odd to walk barefoot even igf it had been over a month now, but the hot sand felt really good after trudging through the jungle and the village on bare pawpads.
She was leading him to the water? Well, it was a lovely spot to dine. He liked being close to the water, even moreso to be in the water. It had taken some effort for him not to heed the call of the ocean, strip down and dive in. He was in the presence of his girlfriend afterall.
“This spot is perfect.” Kim Nguyet "Great !" She let the basket down on the sand, and put a wing inside to fetch the blanket that was inside. It was a traditional picnic blanket - white and red in a square pattern, almost pulled out from a movie even.
The pterodactyl struggled a bit to spread it, eventually winding up with a nice, even surface on the sand and moving the basket in the middle, sitting on one edge. Proud of her handiwork, Kim sat down, beaming like a little kid who had just been given a compliment, and invited Jordan to do the same. Jordan Essex He was eager to sit down on the blanket near the surf. The breeze was always amazing on the beach, keeping it cool no matter how hot it felt. Jordan smiled sweetly at his girlfriend, brimming with joy. He was feeling good, he had a sweetheart girlfriend who'd brought him lunch, and he was sitting in his favorite environment on the island.
Kim was such an awesome person and she was happy. He liked seeing her express herself more. Even he'd been slipping out of his shyness since being on the island. He'd hope he could do the same for her.
"Isn't it beautiful?" he brushed the bangs from his eyes. "I love it out here. The smells on the breeze can change from day-to-day." he lifted his nose to the air, inhaling a deep breath and stretched out, again, showing off his body for Kim. Kim Nguyet "Yeah, it is." She mused, reaching out to take the goods out of the baskets, lining the drinks for him to choose which one he wanted. "My sense of smell isn't really good enough to notice... But I bet I could almost count those grains of sand one by one if I wanted to." She was probably exagerating... But this was so different for her. Her vision was always a bit weak, and she had glasses when she had 4... But now, not only did she not need them anymore, her vision was better than she could have ever dreamed.
It almost made all of this a bit better. Jordan Essex "Wow! That's awesome!" his head turned quickly in surprise at the statement. "My eyes are still the same, but I've been able to smell and hear things most people take for granted. It's incredible." he laid across the blanket, placing a paw on her back and began to rub back and forth.
The picnic had been a great idea, combining Kim and the beach was an unfallible combo. Two things in this life he loved.
He'd taken a soda from the line-up, needing the caffeine perk after wortking so long and hard for the doctor. He popped it open as he sat up and peeked into the basket, making sure he saw him trying to be 'sneaky', by lifting one end with a claw. The menagerie of foods hit his nose and he licked his lips at the sight of that luscious steak. Kim Nguyet Of course, she saw him pretending to be sneaky, but acted like she had not seen a thing - even if the amused glimmer said otherwise. She took a diet soda herself, then went on to get the rest out.
In between her and Delia, nothing was forgotten - ustensils, dishes, chopsticks for her, and, of course, the food itself.
"There ya go, big puppy." She winked, handing him the steak in a dish. It was still warm, surprisingly. After he was served, Kim took out a small box for herself, which obiviously proved itself as sushi once she opened the top.
This only left one problem... She had not used chopsticks ever since her last change and, like gaming, the lessened amount of fingers made it a bit more complicated, as most of the rolls found their way to her lap instead of her mouth. Jordan Essex He'd smirked when she 'caught' him opening the basket. She was a good sport to play along with him. He loved seeing her happy, it made him all fuzzy inside. Jordan chuckled as he was 'busted' and pretended to be a caught puppy, giving her a mock pout and rubbed his paws on the side of his face.
He needed a bib when he saw that juicy steak. His eyes bwent wide at the size of it. His stomach growled vehemently in hunger. Jordan set the dish down long enough to give her a large puppy hug, rubbing his sideburn fluff against her cheeks. "You're so awesome, Kim. Thank you." he stayed like that for a moment, holding his girl and staring longingly out at the water. Kim Nguyet Damn, he was so cute when he pouted. He definitively had the whole puppy eye business mastered.
And damn, was he ever fluffy. And if it was a thing that Kim REALLY liked lately, it was fluffy. Being cold-blooded did really suck a** sometimes.
So, she was very happy with her latched-on puppy addon for the moment, and struggled with her chopstick some more until she finally managed to eat a piece. Jordan Essex Her smooth scales felt so good against his dense fur. He could have just sit there all day like that if his stomach hadn't interrupted. In leiu of silverware, he'd become accustomed eating with his paws, picking up the dish in one and the steak -held over the dish- in the other. He didn't want to get steak juice on the nice blanket, though it would become his favorite if it smelled this good!
He chomped into it, tearing with his canines, ripping a hunk off and chewing it down with an exasperated groan of approval. "Sooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooooood..." he took another bite quickly after, famished, and had eaten it a bit too fast by the indication of a sudden case of the hiccups.
Jordan -still acting the part of the loving puppy- nudged his head under her arm and laid his head into her lap as she tried to eat. "Thank you.." he murmurred happilly "For this great food and for being here with me now." Kim Nguyet Eating sushi with a man playing big puppy was a bit of a difficult process, especially if your chopsticks weren't exactly agreeing with your hand. So, when a california roll almost hit him square in the nose, the pterodactyl just plain gave up and ate with one hand, absentmindedly scratching his sideburns and hairs with the other hand.
"It's nothing, really." She sounded so peaceful. "It's nice to be here." Jordan Essex He gave out a cute puppy yelp when the California roll bopped him on the nose, laughing about how silly that must have looked. She was so wonderful to be with. He was her puppy. All thought was becoming hazy with a full tummy and the pleasant scratching of his sideburns. With his head in her lap, his eyes fluttered closed, falling asleep with her on the blanket.
Soon after, Kim had curled up with her puppy, snuggling him close for his fluffy warmth. They'd be asleep on the beach for several hours, blissfully in the embrace of the other.
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:02 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:13 pm
It'd taken several pains-taking days, but his efforts had proven fruitful as he smiled at his work. The guards would most definitely have good news for Moreau this day and that meant good things to come for Jordan. He chuckled softly to himself, proud of his labor of loyalty. Doctor Moreau had expected good things out of the young man and Jordan's zealous ambition to maintain his comfort level of life had committed him -amongst his other reasons- to please the doctor with a final product. His paws ached and his head rang with a dull throb, but it had been worth it. At moments, he'd wondered if he'd be able to work this fast, but diligence had superceded the body's weaknesses for sleep and hunger.
Jordan had only been too eager to hand over the research materials contained within the labtop as he stood on the other side of the duplex, allowing the guards to extract the information on their disc. He was silent in his observant reverence, not wanting to give these trained men any reason to use force- or worse to become trigger happy with the buzzing.
It hadn't taken them long to do their task and to leave, leaving Jordan breathing room once more, knowing that he'd done good. He was a good boy. Oh, yes he was.
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Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:31 pm
Later that day a guard arrives at Jordan's door. The guard carries a metal case to Jordan. The case is keyed to only open for his chip, and not with any other chip near it.
Similar to the laptop, and even the guards most trusted with Moreau don't know what they are dealing with. The guards hand off the briefcase with a nod and then leaves. Doing as instructed and not asking any questions he heads back to the labs.
Inside the case, once opened, is two needles. One labeled "Stage 3 Serum" the other labeled "Loyalty Serum 2.0" as it is based on Jordan's advancement of the loyalty serum itself.
A small audio clip comes through the speaker. The voice is familar and comforting to the brainwashed dogman. "It's time Jordan, inject yourself with both serums, and welcome one step closer to the better you."
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