Transcendence: 2 (Patreon)

2.1

Beth and Randall returned to the mixer, the atmosphere now buzzing with a livelier energy as the evening progressed. The grand ballroom of the Bostonian Regal Hotel had transformed into a vibrant social hub. The sound of light jazz music mingled with the chatter of conference attendees, creating a lively backdrop.

At one end of the room, a small dance floor had been set up, where a few adventurous souls swayed to the music, their movements relaxed and carefree. The open bar was a popular spot, with a steady stream of veterinarians and their companions ordering cocktails and exchanging anecdotes from their practices.

“The conference really goes all out for these mixers, huh?” Randall remarked, observing the scene.

Beth nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd. “It’s a good chance for networking and unwinding. After all, the week ahead is packed with sessions and discussions.”

At that moment, the Master of Ceremonies took the stage, his voice cutting through the hum of conversations. “Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please!” He was a charismatic figure, known in the community for his humor and eloquence. “I’m Dr. Martin Hayes, your host for this evening, and I’d like to welcome you all to the annual ISEP Conference!”

The crowd turned their attention to the stage, applauding politely. Dr. Hayes continued, “This week is filled with exciting sessions, breakout discussions, and, of course, our renowned gallery showcasing some remarkable equines. But first, let me introduce our esteemed board members.”

One by one, he introduced the board members, each receiving a round of applause. When he announced Dr. Elizabeth Simpson, Beth felt a mix of pride and nervous anticipation. As she stood up to acknowledge the recognition, Randall gave her an encouraging smile.

“Dr. Simpson is one of our most dedicated members, known for her groundbreaking work in equine rehabilitation,” Dr. Hayes said. “Let’s give her another round of applause.”

As the applause died down, Dr. Hayes concluded, “Enjoy the evening, everyone! Mingle, dance, and make the most of the open bar. But remember, we have an early start tomorrow with some fascinating sessions!”

Beth sat down, feeling the weight of the week ahead. “It’s going to be a busy few days,” she said to Randall.

“You’re going to be great, Beth,” he reassured her. “This is your element.”

As they mingled further into the crowd, the evening unfolded with lively discussions about the upcoming sessions, the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, and shared experiences from practices around the world. The mixer served as the perfect kickoff to a week that promised to be both enlightening and challenging.

2.2

From his vantage point at the edge of the crowd, Randy watched Beth navigate the mixer with a sense of ease that always amazed him. She moved among her colleagues, her passion for her work evident in every gesture and word. There was a certain grace about her, even in this formal setting, a liveliness that couldn't be contained. He noticed the small tics that he had come to love – the way she shifted from foot to foot, as if her body was itching for the freedom of their ranch in New Mexico, the open fields where she could run alongside the horses they cared for.

His mind drifted briefly to their wedding day, a simple yet beautiful ceremony on the ranch. He remembered the way her hair had caught the sunlight, gleaming like strands of spun gold, and how her laughter had echoed under the vast, open sky. Their lives had always been intertwined with the outdoors, with the rugged beauty of nature and the animals they both loved.

As Randy's gaze wandered over the crowd, a hint of unease crept into his thoughts. He caught sight of the EquiGen group, standing somewhat apart from the rest of the attendees. They were a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere around them, their demeanor more rigid, almost militant. Dr. Jerome Raskin was at the forefront, his smile wide as he shook hands with various guests, but there was something unsettling about his grin, something that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Randy felt a chill run down his spine as he observed them. There was an air of confidence about Raskin and his team, a sense of power that seemed out of place in the friendly, collegial environment of the conference. It was as if they were there not just to participate, but to dominate.

Shaking off the unsettling feeling, Randy turned his attention back to Beth. He knew she had her concerns about EquiGen, and seeing Raskin and his team in person only reinforced the sense of foreboding he felt. He made a mental note to stay alert, to be there for Beth in case things took an unexpected turn during the conference. Little did he know how prophetic that thought would be.

2.3

"He's a menace, isn't he," Beth remarked softly as she returned to stand beside Randy. Her tone was casual, but there was an underlying edge to it.

Randy blinked, following her gaze. "Who? Raskin?"

Beth nodded subtly in the direction of Jerome Raskin, who was now engaged in a lively conversation with a group of veterinarians. Even from a distance, his suave good looks and charismatic presence were undeniable. He was the kind of man who naturally drew attention, commanding the room with an air of confidence that was almost magnetic.

"Yeah, he's got that charm, doesn't he? The kind that makes you forget he's up to no good," Randy observed, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Beth sighed, her eyes still fixed on Raskin. "Exactly. He's too smooth, too polished. It's like he's playing a part, and everyone's falling for it." There was a hint of frustration in her voice, a sense of being one of the few who could see through the facade.

Randy placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "But not you. You know what he's really about."

Beth turned to meet Randy's gaze, her expression determined. "I do. And I can't let him get away with it. Whatever EquiGen is doing, it's not right. I've seen enough to know there's something off about their 'breakthroughs' in genetics."

Randy nodded in agreement. "I know you'll do what's right, Beth. You always do."

As they stood together, watching Raskin work the room, a sense of resolve settled between them. They were a team, united in their skepticism and concern over what EquiGen represented. Unbeknownst to them, this moment would be a turning point, the beginning of a journey that would challenge everything they knew about ethics, love, and the very essence of nature itself.

2.4

With a shared sense of purpose, Randy and Beth made their way through the crowd toward Dr. Jerome Raskin. The man in question greeted them with a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, a veneer of warmth over a calculating demeanor.

"Dr. Simpson, Mr. Simpson, so glad you could join us," Raskin said, extending his hand first to Beth and then to Randy.

Randy observed the handshake, noting the deliberate forcefulness as Raskin's grip closed around his hand. It was a power move, a 'Trump Pull,' designed to throw the other person off balance. But Randy was not one to be easily intimidated or to play these dominance games. As Raskin attempted to pull him closer, Randy relaxed his grip at the last moment, causing Raskin to stumble slightly forward, a rare break in his composed façade.

For a fleeting second, Randy caught a flash of something dark in Raskin's eyes – a glimpse of raw hatred that was quickly masked as the charismatic, smooth-talking charmer returned. "I must say, your work in equine rehabilitation is quite impressive, Dr. Simpson," Raskin said, turning his attention back to Beth with a practiced ease.

Beth responded with a polite nod, though her eyes remained cool and guarded. "Thank you, Dr. Raskin. We try to do our best for the animals."

Raskin's smile widened, but there was something unsettling about it. "Of course, of course. It's all about the animals, isn't it?" His tone carried an undercurrent of something Randy couldn’t quite place – was it sarcasm or something more sinister?

As they excused themselves from the conversation, Randy glanced back at Raskin, who was already moving on to his next targets. The brief encounter had only solidified Randy's unease about the man and his company. There was something lurking beneath the surface of Raskin's charm, and Randy had a feeling it was nothing good.

2.5

As the evening progressed and the meet and greet began to wind down, the crowd started to thin out. Beth, however, became engrossed in a conversation with a young man who had approached her, his eagerness evident in his bright blue eyes.

"Dr. Simpson, I'm such a fan of your work!" he exclaimed, extending his hand. "I'm Alex, Alex Bennett. I'm an equine chiropractor."

Beth's interest was piqued. "Equine chiropractor? That's fascinating. I've never met one in person before. Tell me more about your work."

Alex's enthusiasm was palpable as he delved into the specifics of his profession, explaining the techniques and benefits of chiropractic care for horses. Beth listened intently, her professional curiosity evident in her questions and comments.

Meanwhile, Randy, feeling a bit out of place and admittedly a touch jealous of the young man's easy rapport with Beth, let his attention wander. He found himself craving a beer, a desire for something familiar to cut through the increasingly niche conversation.

As if on cue, Janice Worthington appeared beside him, handing him a tall glass filled with something yellow, the smell of hops and foam rising from it. "Figured you could use this more than me," she said with a slight smirk.

Randy accepted the beer, surprised but grateful. "Thanks, Janice. That's very thoughtful of you."

Janice's eyes flicked towards Beth and Alex. "I see Elizabeth has found a new toy?" Her tone was light, but there was a hint of something else in her voice – was it amusement, or perhaps a trace of malice?

Randy took a sip of the beer, choosing his words carefully. "Just professional curiosity, I think. She's always interested in new approaches to equine care."

Janice nodded, her gaze lingering on Beth and Alex for a moment longer before turning back to Randy. "Of course, always the professional. But it must be nice, getting a chance to relax a bit at these events, away from the ranch and all the hard work."

"Yeah, it is," Randy replied, though his eyes were still on Beth, a mix of pride and a faint, unspoken concern in his gaze. Janice's presence, while seemingly friendly, added an unexpected layer to the evening, one that Randy wasn't entirely sure how to interpret.

2.6

As the meet and greet gradually came to a close, Beth was still deeply engaged in conversation with Alex. Randy, sipping the beer Janice had given him, observed the young equine chiropractor more closely. He noticed a peculiar habit of Alex’s - every so often, he would tilt his head to one side, almost like a curious horse, when listening intently. It was a small, almost endearing quirk, but in Randy's mind, it seemed to foreshadow a transformation that would later be eerily mirrored in his equine form.

Meanwhile, Janice's conversation flowed effortlessly, a stark contrast to Beth's sunny and optimistic demeanor. "So, Randy, what's it like being married to a rising star in the equine world?" she asked, her tone playful yet carrying an edge.

Randy chuckled. "It's never dull, I'll give you that. Beth's passion for her work is something else. Keeps me on my toes."

Janice nodded, her eyes gleaming in the low light of the room. "I can imagine. But it must be nice, having a bit of excitement. Life on the ranch must get quite... routine."

He considered her words. "Routine, yes, but there's a comfort in it. Though, I won't lie, events like these do add a different kind of spice."

Janice's smile widened. "Exactly. A bit like heavy metal at midnight, compared to the usual country tunes, right?"

Randy laughed, the analogy striking a chord. "You could say that. Beth's more like sunlight and rainbows, but every now and then, a bit of heavy metal doesn't hurt."

As they chatted, Randy found himself warming up to Janice. Her boldness and sharp wit were refreshing, offering a different perspective from Beth’s relentless positivity. It was a contrast that Randy didn’t often encounter, and he found it intriguing.

In the background, Beth finally wrapped up her conversation with Alex, her expression animated. As she rejoined Randy and Janice, her presence seemed to shift the dynamic, bringing back the familiar warmth that Randy always associated with her. Yet, the brief interaction with Janice lingered in his mind, a reminder of the complexities and unexpected turns life could take.