Marisol Ruprecht's Story

For the most part Marisol hadn’t really had to do anything following the LogicRoad press conference, and if she was honest with herself, it was business as usual. Currently she was hunkered down in her lab, enjoying the silence that came with having it to herself, despite the pop music blaring from a nearby tablet and it’s wireless speakers. Fortune had come when she’d discovered how exactly to cure the infamous cosmic shock, but she had spurned the spotlight in favor of other things.

The small red haired woman, in her white scrubs, hummed along happily with the music as she took inventory of current lab stock. “Hm.. may need to reorder more of this..” She muttered to herself as she looked at the amount of chemical left in a brown glass bottle.

There was a knock at the door as a man then stepped in, right away it was evident he was Indian, although he spoke very good english despite the steroetypes which persisted, stepping over he began, "Greetings Ms Marisol, I was assigned by Human Resources to help you out on the work regarding the cure. I have much to offer and promise you will not be disappointed with my work. I even have my resume if you wish to read it to be sure of my skills, as you are one of the top scientists here, I would rather you were impressed than believe you are getting second rate labour." with that he approached the table look over the chemicals and nodded understanding, "We have much work to do, there are other assistant of course going to help you, but you and I shall crack this Elysium. I even have word that Mars Corp has managed to provide us with a sample, which will be delivered in a day. Although what we do know is biologically the way magic works differs from person to person, but there is one key fact there energy created to form such powers comes from a gland, Elysium merely infuses it with more and more energy leading to exponential increase growing fast, they keep taking on power and soon it overwhelms them, and by that point the gland is producing more energy than should be possible, thus their body to prevent massive power overload tries to release it or risk explosion, of course spells it uses are devastating as they take up most power, eventually either they burn out or their powers end up murdering them. The end result is always death."

Reading off what he been given he went on, "Thus the key thing we must do is isolate this gland and prevent it from increasing power release or block it, of course you are the expert. I am merely theorizing.

Marisol just stared at the man who had let himself into her lab. "First off it's Doctor Ruprecht, I do have a phD you realize, and second just who are you?" She replied finding herself dumbfounded. "If you're going to make yourself useful, help me take inventory." She added shoving a clipboard into the man's hands. "We're currently low on 3 molar Hydrochloric Acid, and Lithium Hydroxide. We will need to reorder at least by the end of the week if not sooner." Marisol remarked brusquely as she began to tick off what sort of equipment needed to be ordered and what could wait. "As for working in my lab, there are some ground rules. Don't touch anything in the fridge unless you know what it is, I sure as hell don't want any food in the fridge, and do not work alone; ever." She continued, informing him of the basic lab ground rules.

"As for your little theory, it's been disproved. There is no such thing as a magic gland, Elysium works by interacting with the neural pathways. Leaving some gates open and some closed. Allowing for a overload on the neural circuits that allow a user to access their abilities. We believe that it may be a pharmaceutical version of deep brain stimulation gone horribly wrong."

A little shocked by brusqueness, Harinder tried to figure where he had gone wrong, in his view he had communicated perfectly what was meant. Yet somehow he had offended her, as he pondered over this he felt a clipboard be shoved into his hands and chemicals being rattled off as needing reordered. Returning immediatley she reality, she made sure to take the notes waiting for chance to speak. It did sadden him that the theory he had seen published was now wrong, but it was how the wonderful world of science worked and he had known this from the get-go.

His hand moved feverishly to check on the inventory, ticking or crossing whatever she said, then finally he could speak, "My apologies Doctor Ruprecht I was not trying to offend, I guess in my exuberance I adopted a somewhat wrong perception of myself. I also made sure to study up on this when I was told I was being given this chance. Thus my outdated information was based on one of your papers, I was hoping if you saw that I had taken the time, you may ignore my race." Illumene was not as racist as some areas, but for people Harinder, there was still that ceiling they had to smash through, he had exhaustively taught himself to speak proper so no one would realize he was Indian outside of his appearance, nonetheless when they saw him many refused him. Thus being offered such a lofty position with one of the most renown Pharmaceutical Companies, was a boon, a pure boon. He had thanked the Gods whatever ones existed and made sure to perform the adequate research.

It had been discouraging to find she had been unhappy with his presentation, although he had made a genuine mistake and realized this. He would prove he was capable.

"Look, tomorrow is a new day, and we'll start this over.... Mr. Mittal was it?" She asked taking a quick peek at her own notes. She'd have HR's hide for this stunt, it wasn't that she didn't appreciate the help, it was that the help seemed to have arrived without notice. "A paper is a theory, that hasn't yet been proven in the real world. Sure they look nice and plump up your resume, but really what are they worth when few people outside academia really read them?" Marisol commented, sure that most people in her department spent more time looking at social media than anything pertaining to real work.

"You don't need to come in here, regurgitating facts and a rote memorized paper. We'll figure out soon enough what you're good at." She added. So far she'd ignored race and was predominantly annoyed that the information was outmoded, dated, and wrong.

The young lab assistant nodded grateful he had managed to steer away from troubled waters, nonetheless he still had prove himself, "Thank you Doctor Ruprecht I won't let you down. And as I said Mars Corp are sending the sample tomorrow. This will provide more answers no doubt and we shall perhaps discover just how this cocktail is created." pausing he added, "Oh and I was told to give you this message from Mr Fletcher. He handed a the note over, "I have not opened it, but he seemed to believe it was urgent." with that he would turn back to the clipboard and once more begin taking inventory.

"Well we'll see what the sample shows us, I'm not going to make any predictions." Marisol muttered to herself more than anyone else. A sample was all well and good, she just hoped that it was a big enough one to do something with. The latest samples the lab had been sent had hardly shown them anything, she was beginning to suspect that there was more than one version of the drug out there; that could happen right?

Taking the note from Harinder she frowned. "Fletcher huh? Wonder what he wants." She commented as she reached for a scalpel to slit open the note.

The letter once open would be short but immediately informative it said:

"Dear Doctor Ruprecht,

I am using this old communication method to prevent alarm among the different employees.

As you know Professor Mystic Brighton my former Head of Science and the woman who won the position you yearned.

That being working in New Canton facility, she is missing presumed by all accounts dead.

I have prolonged this as long as I could, but she has been missing since this place went dark months ago.

You and her I understand knew each other, and you may wish to mourn her, but that is not the important fact. The important news you must keep quiet is you are now official Head of the Science Department of LogicRoad Pharmaceuticals as she is presumed dead or worse.

I know you won't let me down Dr Ruprecht and we shall discuss this in person as soon as I can fit it in.

It is time you understood everything.

Signed... Eros Fletcher CEO of LogicRoad Pharmaceuticals"

Harinder meanwhile continued making notes he commented only before, "Mars Corp has informed the samples will be good, far superior, apparently problem originally was concerns of sample being stolen in transit to here. Mars Corp have their own security so I believe they would have no trouble." he shrugged and let her read while taking silent inventory.

"Well let's hope what Mars Corp sends us lives up to their promises." Marisol said before tucking the note into the pocket of her lab coat. The note had indeed been urgent in it's nature, but nothing that apparently wouldn't wait for Eros to clear his calendar; if that ever happened. It seemed that the man was always off chasing one thing or another, depending on who he was pandering to that week.

Having been delayed by the delivery staff who demanded to be paid on the spot, Harinder was rushing while carrying a large box full of the samples that were necessary for creating an anti-serum for Elysium poisoning and perhaps provide help to many. Of course, he was being careful as Mars Corp had informed them this is all they could get. The man, carrying them was clearly foreign with short black hair and brownish features, he wore a well-fitting lab coat with slight wear and tear showing. There was an eagerness that showed a man who had not resigned himself to the defeat.

Nonetheless, as the lift pinged there was noticeable buoyancy to his steps as he arrived at the lab, knocked twice before stepping in and placed the box down on nearby table, "Many apologies Doctor Ruprecht, the company that delivered this demanded payment right away so I had to get the money from Head Office." he paused exhaling, before adding, "Here it is, though, the Elysium samples so we can finally create some sort of antidote to this drug."

"Really? They actually fulfilled their end of the contract?" Marisol asked trying to hide the excitement in her voice. She hadn't expected being able to get her hands on a sample, and especially someone like Mars Corp being so willing to hold up their end of the bargain. However, much to her delight they had and the sample had arrived, and hopefully intact. "It's about damn time, I wonder if the sample is intact though." She said looking at the dubious condition of the box.

Muttering something about postal and delivery services, the petite woman picked up the mangled and mutilated package, heading off towards one of the high level labs in the facility that would have the ability to process out the contents, giving both her and Harinder the information they so desired.

Arriving with a rather exuberant Dr Ruprecht, Harinder had to admit he rather liked the change in her mood. It showed that he was not immature to get excited, over research like this. At times due to his youth in this profession and also how he acted, he believed that many viewed him as immature. Seeing this now, showed him that was merely over-worrying.

As he entered into the lab he approached the large electronic micro-spectrometer to first isolate the chemical composition and perhaps work out what exactly was within Elysium. If that could be isolated, then Reverse-Engineering an antidote would be entirely possible and less of a challenge. Of course, it was exciting, because studying such volatile substance could lead to major innovations in the fields and perhaps the research here could lead to unexpected research furthering the field.

Flicking it on, he set it the machine, typing in few codes and electronically setting up the machine so it could study the sample provided. The whole process would take a few hours, thankfully they had more than one sample, making this less risky.

Of course, Eros had realized dealing with another species would result in some rather unique discussions and fortunately his scientists were capable enough to follow such a conversation. Although, he had the knowledge he needed a second opinion regarding this and it would be a good test of Dr Ruprecht new position as head of Science for LogicRoad.

Turning he spoke, "Please hold on Matriarch Volla I believe you must discuss this with my Head Scientist and perhaps they may be better. I understand a little, but would not dare to mistake this as knowledge. The brains in my various departments no doubt shall be more accommodating. I shall ask my secretary to call her in. While we wait, shall I call for some Lunch for both of us? Of course, taking into consideration your rather unique physiological differences. Just hold on and I shall make the call."

He approached the desk and pressed a strange electronic box, "Mrs Willows please send for Dr Ruprecht and make clear it is very important and she must certainly be quick." spinning to face the insectoid being he added, "So Matriarch Zolla what shall you be having while I wait for my Head of Science?" pausing he quickly interjected, "As for me Mrs Willows the usual will suffice with one of the bottles of Scotch." regarding the insectoid species he waited for their reply with patience and utter discipline.

Though she had a taste for one thing from human space they just couldn't grow it yet. The greenery of their world barely held on as ecologists of various description they found worthy tried to rebuild what the foreign army damaged. Other matriarchs worked to buy training for intellectual castes as soldiers returned income. Gardeners had an extremely capable understanding of biology it was technology they were new to. Also new to understanding of human science with which to communicate and employ their ideas.

Volla turned Jaunt's cephalothorax but the movement looked awkward as a quizzical head-neck shift he couldn't emulate, "Do you have baked watermelon with honey? We could only keep honeybees on The Pinnacle we built for trading with you but that is a very high mountain."

She wavers Jaunt's spindly hand,"They are not very healthy so we cannot harvest from them. Poor little babies. Matriarchs Hygeia and Oculi are still understanding their genome but the little ones die much less now. The ecologists require effective pollinators and larger places of study so we build homes for both."

She holds one hand in the air then moves one down slightly, "Your traders keep our workers fed so The Descent is almost done but higher gravity if you wish to inspect it. A place of safety is constructed there for you. We are moving some of your contractors there with the ecologists to stay more comfortably than on the surface."

The call had come into the lab earlier that morning, and she had told Fletcher's secretary that she would be in as soon as she finished the latest run of tests on the Mars Corp sample. It wasn't exactly something she was going to let one of the techs do for her, or leave unfinished to complete later. Whatever Eros Fletcher wanted, and had stalled on until now, could wait a few more hours until she finished this one thing.

But once she was finished, Marisol was good to her word and showed Fletcher's secretary, Mrs. Willow, a rather dour looking blonde, her badge. "Mr. Fletcher requested that I see him this afternoon." Marisol stated bluntly, making it clear that she'd rather be back in her lab instead of here, dealing with this sour faced secretary and the entirely too busy CEO of the company.

Glancing up from her computer she saw Doctor Ruprecht, "You are late Doctor. Mr Fletcher asked for you an hour ago." shaking her head she went on, "He's in there with Representative or Ambassador of Gardener Matriarchy. It is regarding matters of important nature. I shall let you go." still chewing her gum, she pointed to the door before opening it with her code, "He is expecting you."

Once the Doctor headed inside, Mr Fletcher would at once stand up, "Doctor Ruprecht, with your promotions you are the one dealing with these matters." gesturing to Jaunt he went on, "They have the data and information and all I need to know is manpower and amount of money it will cost. As well as what benefits they can offer. Find this out for me." he was holding a glass of Scotch in his hand, as he went on, "Once you have this information be sure to get all the data into storage and hand to Cosser as she is head of this initiative"

Turning back to Jaunt he added, "Now Matriarch, please recount all you told me to my Head Scientist and if necessary answer any questions. Consider her second only to me. I hope, with some extra information we can deal and do something. I would be most inclined to get anything you can provide. Of course, the cost is no problem. I promise you." nodding he took a sip, "Doctor Ruprecht you have the floor."

Matriarch Volla turned Jaunt to Marisol as his vulcan organ threw heat into his lungs again. Petrichor smelling breath across the floor. Volla's voice was tiring but still quite strong, "Very well. As I said I cannot fit in your buildings anymore now that I am mature. The royal breed handles your interactions with me unless you wish to come to my home. You can reach me safe from other awareness by my children or attentions from other matriarch."

She picked up the dataslate on Eros' desk handing it to Marisol. A fair while ago Volla purchased contractor time from LogicRoad and set him to work with Oculi. Two files were contained in the open document he'd produced one a list the other a sizable database. The first was a medical assessment of individuals of their healer caste. All alive and training in human medical disciplines each profile's notes had a linked lab note from some LogicRoad contractor. It read tersely, 'MH Factor tested at 2% producing insignificant immune response from organ implantation. No immune response after observation period. Blood compatibility at 95% for all blood types no deaths. Blood microbiota found stabilizing immune response and rewriting host antigens. All patients survived eros-class infections while connected to healers with minor flu-like symptoms and recoverable neurological damage. Expected genetic damage missing strongly suggest further study.'

A small video showed a horde of formation moving bacteria slowly withering as they moved through a plate. Its note read, 'Microbiota eventually dies from dysregulation and programmed cell death outside regular connection to healer caste. Terminal point of healer connection purged dead microbiota with no notable communications. Need communicator installed at study site to contact LogicRoad for reference data.'

Volla's business dealt with everything her people needed so a study of all the right words began since Volla met Eros. Thus she had a basic idea of what she was trading. A basic understanding of medical terms came with that as she explained, "Our healers have an adaptor colony so they can work on all gardeners. We have bred the children with venom to mark the organs so it can work on humans as well. Your contractor tried metal grafting though complained of no proper tools after doing it anyway. We were displeased he risked their lives in that way but they all survived. We were told all suffered infections but they passed as long as our healers were connected by dialysis. We offer them to you for non-lethal study if we are paid royalties from medicinal patents. Matriarch Hygieia is laying more though they are still difficult to gestate properly. Our healers regenerate but we ask that you do not injure our children to study them faster than they can recover."

She made her offer, "The second writing is also part an offer. High matriarch Bvetin is willing to empower you or a trusted second to deploy children of war from Matriarch Nemesis in pursuit of contracts for a 25% commission fee paid to the individual. It must come with room and board though Gardeners do not require individual rooms. They will tend to their own equipment with their commission. High Matriarch Bvetin and Matriarch Nemesis reserve the right to recall children of war for national emergencies. We are a neutral state and they will not divulge their activities to anyone but Nemesis and their nominated Patriarch. You are free to use them to defend the healers or your own needs but they must still be paid."

The second document itself was loaded with data as well as medical checkups. The list was one that named skills like munitions and intelligence activities. A list of their disposable military nearly four million strong. The contractor they'd hired had evaluated a great many of them with coded messages masquerading as hash tags. Whatever they'd meant would make sense only to Marisol. It was known the Gardners didn't have a very large fleet and didn't have the means to move their starving army quickly off planet. Delegating their mercenaries to a third party with means was an unfortunate but useful option.

Marisol just stared at Fletcher in utter confusion, what was going on here and what was this.. thing standing in his office? "Uh.. Mr. Fletcher, I don't think that's exactly the best idea... I mean my scope of knowledge doesn't extend to something like this." She tried to explain to her boss. But then the data slate was shoved into her hands and she found herself staring down the rabbit hole. "This is all very overwhelming.. Matriarch?" Marisol ventured as she continued to stare at the screen. She had only been looking at perhaps a small portion, a miniscule detail in her lab, and now she'd practically been handed a much bigger picture on a silver platter; or rather a slate full of reams upon reams of data.

"That's quite the offer... I think payment is something to negotiate with Mr. Fletcher though." She added carefully, trying not to let him dump the entirety of this on top of her.

Marisol shuddered as she watched the giant rat run back to whatever nest it called home. "Urgh.." She mumbled pulling her tablet closer to her self. Something about creatures like that bothered her, the Gardeners or business associates hired by Eros Fletcher, had never bothered her so much. In some ways they seemed to know that humans would find them strange... the rat just wanted a meal.

She still hadn't quite figured out what made Origin tick, but it certainly didn't apply to any of the laws of science she knew.

The spartan turned to see another scientist in the plaza. Was this where every scientist hung out. She looked visibly disturbed by the rat creature. The spartan walked over to the woman, his helmet tucked under his arm.

For most scientists it was a place to sit and think undisturbed, or rather it was good to take a break sometimes from sitting in the lab. For Marisol it was more than an escape from the lab, it was hopefully a fresh start. But so far all she'd see was crazy weather and mutant rodents. "Okay.. that's it, next weird thing I see I'm gone." She muttered hoping to not loose the bet with herself. Passage had been expensive, and recouping the funds just hadn't been an option yet.

Seeing the spartan cross the plaza, she groaned inwardly. "Don't tell me the damn military's found this place already.."

The young spartan could see the woman's discomfort with him as well. She wasn't very good at concealing her body language. He stopped just in front of her. "I apologize if I am discomforting to you. I came to check if you were ok." He asked, in a strangely soft and charismatic tone. You could tell he was military, but he had a very relaxed air about him. He wore some kind of militaries markings, but none known to her.

"I'm fine... thank you for asking." Marisol replied politely enough. "It's just not everyday you see a rat.. the size of a small car." She explained eyeing what seemed to be a rather large crater in the stone of the plaza. She hated to see the bill for that one, if they could even find a way to bill it. Marisol wasn't certain how things like that tended to work, it had usually been above her paygrade to sort that sort of political insanity out.

"Lucky I was around, or that lady might have been snatched.....does that happen often?" He asked politely, running his hand through his hair shyly. He was kind of embarrassed/ He wasn't good at talking to people, much less women. Even though she probably was as intelligent, if not more, as he was.

Thinking for a moment, Marisol made a "hmm.." sound as she thought it through. "I honestly can't say if it is or isn't." She replied with a shrug. "I've not been here long enough to really make sound observations about the native flora or fauna." She added thoughtfully. It had only been a couple of days, and she was genuinely surprised that Eros wasn't blowing up her coms or tablet demanding she return to Brillion.