Episode 6
“Time to get back to the core of the matter,” Dr. Foxfire
confessed as she called up Gabriel’s initial test data. From the moment he had
entered her operating room she had collected tissue and blood samples for the
records. It was standard protocol, allowing her to cross match blood types and
properly configure implants. But now those samples could provide her with more
vital information.
“Hippocrates, run a full genetic analysis on the current
samples. Give me a real time feed direct to this terminal and make sure to
filter the findings accordingly.” The wall behind her desk flashed to life to
display a complex series of data fields. Her facility A.I. was already hard at
work scanning and compiling the necessary information to meet her request.
“And Hippo, let’s cross reference the data with all known
abnormalities on file. Including my own personal research, confirm
authorization code for secure access – Samantha Foxfire delta three.” Dr.
Foxfire had collected various research and curious bits of data for years as a
hobby. It had helped her pass the time between patients and to keep her mind
sharp. But it was something long ago she had learned the hard way; sometimes it
was wise to keep some information safely locked away.
Even as the colony medical specialist it would never do to
openly keep sensitive data available for just anyone to access. Such records
had been used for countless ages by various enthusiastic groups to twist and
pervert as excuses for their causes. One misrepresented scrap of genetic code
and an entire breed of pet could be slaughtered for fear of possible mutation.
Or a child could be taken into custody for special use projects. It was the
kind of thing Dr. Foxfire never could have on her conscience.
But she needed to compare Gabriel’s results to something and
her best bet for finding abnormalities would be in these secure files. Already
Chief Gnaeus had saw fit to threaten to stick his nose into the matter. If she
couldn’t find something to explain things then she feared the former veteran
would try to look for an answer himself.
Isolated genetic sequences were highlighted on her screen as
she studied the displayed diagnostics. Fragments of Gabriel’s core structure
had somehow been overwritten in a way that theoretically couldn’t just happen
on its own. Something had changed the misfortunate man, and whatever it was it
looked to still be actively in progress. As she observed the very cellular
level was transforming into something resilient and almost elastic. Instead of
tissue decay rates she was being shown incredible recovery times and durability.
Whatever had attacked Gabriel had left more than just scars
to mar the skin. It had somehow left deeper damage all the way down to the DNA.
Dr. Foxfire couldn’t be certain but a part of her wondered if by saving
Gabriel’s life if she had doomed him to a separate fate. If he hadn’t survived
the encounter there was the chance that these alterations might not have taken
hold. But by ensuring his recovery she had inadvertently also done the same for
whatever now worked its way through Gabriel.
No wonder Gabriel had shown such remarkable speed at healing
from the surgery or presented such phenomenal stamina on their initial physical
therapy evaluation. His body was repairing itself and adapting at an incredible
rate. While it wasn’t completely without precedence it was something that she
couldn’t allow to get out. She had to pinpoint the source of Gabriel’s
transformation before she could be sure. There were only a handful of possible
causes Dr. Foxfire could consider; and she could already rule out a natural
development as it didn’t match up with the known evidence. No, the more likely
alternatives were some form of secret experiment that seemed unlikely and
something she shuddered to contemplate. If it was even remotely plausible there
would have been evidence long before now of it’s presence on Gallu.
“Hippo, cancel secure access to restricted files and
confirm,” Dr. Foxfire exclaimed urgently. Immediately her A.I. complied and
registered the link to her private records had been closed. “Records secure,” Hippocrates
commented in his cold computer voice. Dr. Foxfire didn’t enjoy the fact,
especially after just having brushed off Chief Gnaeus’ last official
transmission, but she was going to have to at least report something to buy her
some time to figure things out.
“Reply, previous transmission,” she commanded and waited.
The moment that the fresh young face of the on-duty dispatch officer filled the
screen Dr. Foxfire requested to speak directly to the Chief. It was a safe bet,
she was sure, that the Chief had left instructions to handle anything he deemed
important directly. So it was no surprise when the rookie receptionist
instantly bowed to the Doctor’s request and transferred the call.
“I am a little bit busy here Doctor,” the Chief answered
with fresh frustration. “What is it you want now and it better be important.”
Dr. Foxfire decided to jump straight to the point; if the Chief was already
under a lot of stress then she didn’t have the time for anything too clever.
“Just providing an updated report, as per your official request,” she offered
with only a hinted grin.
“What have you found,” Gnaeus implored as his eyes narrowed
to focus fiercely at his screen. Dr. Foxfire made sure to maintain her best
composure and pretended she was just delivering the news a family member needed
to hear about their loved one. “Well, the patient is recovering well from the
encounter but his memory is unfortunately still affected. He has had to undergo
extensive surgery to repair or replace the damage to his body. It goes without
saying that it will take time for him to make a full recovery. While the
physical trauma may heal easily the psychological impact may trouble him far
longer. I have had to resort to some advanced treatments to expedite his
progress but there is little I can do to for his memory besides allow it to
recover on its own. We cannot rush it without risking a complete breakdown.
However, what I can tell you Chief is that this was nothing
out of the ordinary. Something did attack this man and nearly killed him. By
his own account it was something covered in fur, with sharp claws, vicious
teeth and an appetite for flesh. I think it would be wise to warn against any
unnecessary activity after dark and perhaps some increased security patrols as
a precaution.”
Gnaeus listened as Dr. Foxfire briefed him on her findings
and while he questioned the idea of some monster on the loose he couldn’t argue
with her assessment. No matter what the cause of the disturbance was it was
only cautious to enact some preventative measures to deal with things until
more could be discovered. But something still nagged at him; his gut still said
that this Gabriel fellow was somehow connected.
“Appreciate the report and the advice,” Gnaeus replied after
a pause to swallow a gulp from his mug. He had to wince again as he had once
more forgotten how it had managed to lose its warmth. “But I would also
appreciate it if until we know more you keep a close eye on your patient. He is
not to leave your custody or supervision without my direct approval.
Understood?”
Dr. Foxfire couldn’t refuse the request, nor did she want to
without knowing more of the necessary details. “Agreed, Chief,” she finally
consented casually. “Let’s just focus on finding whatever this thing is before
I start to run out of beds.” And then she was back to staring at displayed data
that started to clutter her wall.
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