Transcendance - 4 (Patreon)

4.1

The morning of Beth's lecture found Randy and Beth up early, their hotel room buzzing with a quiet energy. Today, Beth was scheduled to speak on "Innovative Techniques in Equine Neuro-Rehabilitation" - a subject she was deeply passionate about. Randy watched as she meticulously prepared her notes and materials, her dedication and expertise evident in every detail.

They arrived at the lecture room well before the scheduled time. The space was large yet intimate, with rows of chairs facing a central podium and a large screen for the presentation. Beth immediately set about organizing her space, arranging her notes and ensuring the laptop was connected for her PowerPoint presentation.

Randy assisted with the sound check, watching as Beth tested the microphone, her voice clear and confident as it echoed through the empty room. He couldn't help but smile at her professionalism and ease, even in these quiet preparatory moments.

As they worked, Beth's characteristic tic became noticeable - the subtle shifting from her left foot to her right and back again, as if her body was brimming with energy, ready to burst into a run at any moment. It was a familiar sight to Randy, one that spoke of her dynamic spirit and constant motion.

Once everything was set up, Beth took a few moments to center herself, taking deep breaths and reviewing her opening remarks. Randy stood to the side, admiring her focus and dedication. He had seen her speak many times, but he never tired of watching her in her element, sharing her knowledge and passion with others.

As attendees began to file in, finding their seats and settling down, Randy took his place in the front row. He was ready to offer his support, his presence a silent anchor for Beth as she prepared to enlighten and inspire her audience with her insights on equine rehabilitation.

4.2

As the room slowly filled with the early birds of the conference attendees, Alex Bennett made his way in, his presence almost palpable with energy. Randy noticed him immediately; there was a vibrancy about Alex that was hard to miss, even in a crowd.

Alex approached Beth, and they engaged in a conversation that, from a distance, appeared both urgent and hushed. Randy watched them intently, trying to gauge the nature of their discussion. Beth's expression turned to one of concern as Alex spoke, her brows knitting together in a frown.

Randy's protective instincts kicked in. He couldn't hear their words, but the seriousness of their exchange was unmistakable. He caught Beth’s eye, giving her an upward shake of his head accompanied by raised eyebrows – a silent query, 'Is everything okay?'

Beth met his gaze and responded with a subtle nod and a reassuring hand gesture. It was their unspoken way of communicating, a small assurance that, despite the apparent urgency of her conversation with Alex, she was okay.

Randy's attention lingered on Alex for a moment longer, sensing that the young equine chiropractor was deeply troubled about something. The nature of his concern, however, remained a mystery to Randy from his vantage point.

As the room continued to fill, and the time for Beth's lecture drew near, the conversation between her and Alex concluded. Alex took a seat, his eyes still carrying traces of the intensity from their discussion. Beth returned to the podium, her professional demeanor back in place as she prepared to begin her lecture.

Randy settled back into his seat, his curiosity piqued by the exchange he had just witnessed. He made a mental note to ask Beth about it later, his concern for her mingling with a growing sense of unease about what might be unfolding behind the scenes.

4.3

The room hushed as Beth took the podium, her presence commanding the attention of everyone present. She cleared her throat softly, a confident smile playing on her lips as she began her lecture.

“Good morning, everyone. Today, I'm excited to share with you some groundbreaking advancements in the field of equine neuro-rehabilitation,” Beth started, her voice clear and engaging. “Our focus will be on understanding and enhancing equine neural pathways, which play a crucial role in how horses perceive, react to, and interact with their environment.”

She clicked to the first slide, a detailed diagram of a horse's brain and nervous system. “As many of you know, a horse's neural pathways are remarkably complex. They are responsible for everything from basic motor functions to more nuanced behaviors such as learning, memory, and even emotional responses.”

Beth paced slightly, her movements fluid as she continued. “Recent studies have shown that we can positively influence these neural pathways through targeted therapies. This can lead to significant improvements in horses recovering from neurological injuries or disorders.”

She paused for a moment, allowing the information to sink in. “For example, consider a horse suffering from equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM, a disease that affects the central nervous system. By employing specific neuro-rehabilitation techniques, we can aid in rebuilding and strengthening the affected neural pathways, thereby enhancing the horse's recovery process.”

Beth’s enthusiasm for the subject was evident, her eyes lighting up as she spoke. “These techniques are not just about physical recovery; they’re about helping the horse relearn and adapt its neural pathways. It’s a holistic approach, treating the horse as a complete being, not just addressing the symptoms.”

As she delved deeper into the specifics of neural pathway therapies and their applications, the significance of her topic became apparent. Little did the audience know, this very subject of relearning and adapting neural pathways would become a personal journey for Beth in the near future, one that would challenge her in ways she never imagined.

The lecture progressed with Beth expertly fielding questions and offering insights, her passion for equine care and rehabilitation shining through every word. Randy watched her, filled with admiration and pride, yet unaware of how prophetic her words would soon prove to be in their own lives.

4.4

The lecture transitioned into a question and answer session, and Beth adeptly fielded queries from the audience about her topic. A particularly engaging discussion unfolded around the neural plasticity of equines.

“Dr. Simpson, how adaptable are these neural pathways in older horses?” asked one attendee.

Beth responded enthusiastically, “Great question. Neural plasticity, or the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization, is present in horses of all ages. Though it's more pronounced in younger horses, older horses too can show remarkable adaptability with the right rehabilitation techniques.”

As she elaborated on a few case studies, the door opened, and Jerome Raskin entered, his presence immediately altering the dynamics in the room. He took a seat, waiting for his turn to speak.

When the opportunity arose, Raskin stood up, his voice smooth and confident. “Dr. Simpson, if there were a method to treat equine neuropathy through genomic treatments, shouldn’t all therapeutic avenues be considered, despite the ethical quandaries?”

Beth, caught off guard by his interruption and the contentious nature of his question, took a moment before replying. “While genomic treatments hold potential, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications. Our priority should always be the welfare of the animal. Jumping into uncharted territories without thorough understanding can lead to unforeseen consequences.”

Raskin, unfazed, continued, “But isn’t it true that sometimes risks need to be taken in the pursuit of scientific advancement?”

Beth felt a flash of frustration. “There's a difference between calculated risks and reckless experimentation. The line must be drawn where ethics start to be compromised.”

However, Raskin skillfully co-opted the session, steering the discussion towards his own research in genetic engineering, subtly undermining Beth's points. His charisma and reputation in the field swayed the audience, and soon, the session became more about the possibilities of his genomic research rather than the ethical rehabilitation practices Beth had been discussing.

Beth tried to steer the conversation back, but the damage was done. Raskin had effectively poisoned the well, leaving Beth feeling undermined and frustrated. The session ended with a mixed sense of admiration for Raskin's bold visions and a lingering unease about the ethical implications of his work. Randy watched the scene unfold, his concern for Beth and disdain for Raskin’s tactics growing by the minute.

After the session ended and the audience began to disperse, Alex approached the podium with a sense of urgency. His conversation with Beth was intense and brief. Randy watched from a distance as Beth listened intently, finally nodding in understanding. Alex then discreetly handed her something small, which she quickly tucked away into her jacket pocket.

In his haste to leave, Alex nearly collided with Randy. "Sorry, man," Alex muttered, barely making eye contact as he brushed past. His face was etched with a purposeful expression, indicating something significant was at play.

Randy, curious and slightly concerned, made his way to the podium where Beth was gathering her notes. "What was that all about?" he asked, his gaze fixed on her, trying to read her expression.

Beth shook her head, a mixture of determination and caution in her eyes. "I'll tell you later. I have to get ready for the next session," she said, her voice carrying a hint of something unspoken.

Randy sensed that whatever Alex had given her and their exchange was of importance, but he knew better than to press further in the public setting of the conference room. "Okay, I'm going to head out to the pool for a bit," he told her, trying to keep the mood light despite the undercurrents of mystery.

Beth gave him a polite smile and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. "See you later," she said, her mind clearly occupied with more than just the conference sessions.

As Randy left the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding, something that tied back to the strange events and encounters they had experienced since the beginning of the conference. The item Alex had passed to Beth lingered in his thoughts, a puzzle piece in a larger, more complex picture that was yet to be fully revealed.

4.5

Leaving the lecture room behind, Randy found himself wandering the halls of the conference center, his mind still preoccupied with the recent exchange between Beth and Alex. Eventually, his steps led him to the gallery where various stalls showcased different horse breeds, each representing the pinnacle of equine care and breeding.

The gallery was a visual feast for any horse enthusiast. There were stalls featuring majestic Thoroughbreds, robust Quarter Horses, elegant Arabians, and other breeds, each displaying their unique traits and beauty. Randy took his time, admiring the horses, each radiating with life and personality. Their whinnies and hoofbeats filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

As he continued, Randy approached the EquiGen stall. It was immediately distinguishable from the others, occupying triple the space and adorned with a striking black and yellow color scheme in its marketing materials. The setup was sleek and modern, a testament to EquiGen's prominence in the field.

The horses within the EquiGen display were notably different. Unlike the other equines in the gallery, these horses stood almost unnaturally quiet, exhibiting little of the typical horse behavior. There were three of them – one stallion and two mares.

The stallion was a magnificent creature, with a glossy black coat that seemed to absorb the light around him. His muscles were well-defined, more so than a typical horse, giving him a powerful, almost sculpted appearance. His eyes, however, lacked the usual spark of equine curiosity, appearing almost dull.

One of the mares was 'Meadow's Luck,' the horse Beth and Randy had seen earlier. Her coat was a deep bay, shining under the exhibit lights. She was muscular yet graceful, a perfect example of EquiGen's genetic enhancements. However, like the stallion, there was a certain stillness to her, a lack of the usual equine liveliness.

The second mare was a dappled gray, her coat patterned with darker specks against a lighter background. She was smaller than 'Meadow's Luck,' but her build was equally muscular. Her mane and tail were impeccably groomed, flowing like silk. Yet, she too shared the same quiet, almost subdued demeanor as the other EquiGen horses.

Randy felt a pang of unease as he observed them. The contrast between these genetically modified horses and the natural breeds he had just admired was stark. They were beautiful, no doubt, but there was something missing in their eyes, something essential that made a horse what it was.

As he left the EquiGen stall, Randy couldn’t shake off a sense of sorrow for these magnificent creatures. They were living proof of EquiGen’s scientific prowess, yet in their silence and stillness, they seemed to speak volumes about the cost of such achievements.

4.6

He read through their posted registration certificates:

1. Midnight's Sovereign Gale (Black Stallion)

• Name: Midnight's Sovereign Gale
• Breed: Friesian
• Color: Black
• Date of Birth: April 5, 2019
• Sire: Shadow's Monarch
• Dam: Nightfall's Elegance
• Breeder: EquiGen Genetics
• Characteristics: Jet-black coat, long flowing mane and tail, powerful build.
• Notable Traits: Exceptional strength, calm temperament, enhanced muscular structure.
• Registration Number: EG2021FR001

2. Meadow's Luck (Bay Mare)

• Name: Meadow's Luck
• Breed: Quarter Horse
• Color: Bay
• Date of Birth: March 12, 2018
• Sire: Runner's Fortune
• Dam: Prairie Blossom
• Breeder: EquiGen Genetics
• Characteristics: Rich bay coat, well-defined muscles, agile and strong.
• Notable Traits: Increased endurance, intelligent, fast recovery from physical exertion.
• Registration Number: EG2018QH045

3. Silver Echoes Mystique (Dappled Gray Mare)

• Name: Silver Echoes Mystique
• Breed: English Thoroughbred/Andalusian Mix
• Color: Dappled Gray
• Date of Birth: May 27, 2017
• Sire: Thunder's Whisper
• Dam: Moonlight Dance
• Breeder: EquiGen Genetics
• Characteristics: Speckled gray coat, expressive eyes, athletic build.
• Notable Traits: High agility, responsive to training, graceful movement.
• Registration Number: EG2017TA092