Transcendence - 5 (Patreon)

5.1

As Beth delivered her series of presentations throughout the day, her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She was still reeling from Jerome Raskin's unexpected intrusion during her earlier session and the disturbing interaction with Alex.

Standing at the podium, Beth expertly continued her lecture on advanced equine therapy techniques. To the audience, she appeared composed and authoritative, but internally, she was anything but calm. Her mind kept drifting back to Alex's urgent words, echoing in her thoughts like a persistent drumbeat.

He had confided in her that EquiGen had far more failures than successes, a revelation that shook her to the core. The evidence he had given her, now safely tucked away, felt like a ticking bomb in her possession. Alex's trust in her was both an honor and a burden. The notion that she might be the only board member not under EquiGen's influence weighed heavily on her. How deep did the corruption run? And how could she, alone, stand against such a formidable entity?

As she continued her presentation, her professional mask never slipped, but her mind was racing. Jerome's earlier appearance was not just an interruption; it was a calculated move to undermine her. His charisma and influence were undeniable, and Beth knew that challenging him and EquiGen would be an uphill battle.

Every so often, her characteristic tic of shifting from foot to foot became more pronounced as her anxiety grew. It was as if her body was responding to the stress of the situation, ready to spring into action at any moment.

Her thoughts also lingered on Alex. Where was he now? Was he safe? The urgency in his demeanor and the fear in his eyes when he handed her the flash drive were haunting. She felt a surge of protectiveness towards him, a young man caught in the crossfire of something much larger than himself.

As her final lecture of the day came to a close, Beth found herself mechanically answering questions from the audience, her responses automatic. Her mind, however, was already in the board meeting later in the week. The evidence Alex had provided could be the key to exposing EquiGen, but at what cost? And how could she navigate the treacherous waters of a board possibly compromised by EquiGen's influence?

Beth's sense of duty as a veterinarian, her commitment to ethical practices, and her personal integrity all clashed with the fear and uncertainty of the path she was about to tread. The applause at the end of her session brought her back to the present, but her eyes were already looking ahead, toward a confrontation that could change everything.

5.2

Beth found a quiet corner in the conference center's cafeteria for her lunch break, her thoughts still swirling from the morning's events. As she picked at her salad, she was surprised to see Janice Worthington approaching her table.

“Mind if I join you?” Janice asked with a friendly smile.

“Not at all, please do,” Beth responded, intrigued by this unexpected encounter.

As they settled in with their meals, Janice broached the topic that was on both their minds. “I couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation with Alex this morning. Seems like there’s more to EquiGen than meets the eye.”

Beth was cautious but decided to open up a little. “It appears so. Their practices raise a lot of ethical questions, especially regarding their genetic experiments.”

Janice nodded, her expression serious. “I’ve had my reservations about some of their methods myself. It’s one thing to push the boundaries of science, but another to cross ethical lines.”

Beth was surprised by Janice’s candor. “I didn’t expect you to feel that way, given your work with them.”

Janice gave a wry smile. “Let’s just say, not everything is black and white. I joined EquiGen to make a difference, but I’m increasingly uncomfortable with the direction they're taking.”

Their conversation shifted to the more technical aspect of their field. “What’s your take on equine neural physiognomy, especially in the context of these genetic manipulations?” Beth asked, curious about Janice's perspective.

Janice leaned forward, her eyes reflecting her passion for the subject. “It’s fascinating but also concerning. Altering genetic makeup can have unforeseen effects on neural development. It’s not just about physical attributes; we’re talking about the very essence of these animals’ behavior and cognition.”

Beth nodded in agreement. “Exactly my concern. We can’t predict the long-term effects of such changes. It’s a dangerous game to play.”

Their conversation continued, delving into the complexities and moral dilemmas of their field. As they talked, Beth realized that she might have misjudged Janice. Behind her polished exterior was a colleague who shared many of her concerns and perhaps could be an unexpected ally.

As lunch came to an end, Beth felt a renewed sense of purpose and a glimmer of hope. The battle against EquiGen’s practices wouldn’t be easy, but perhaps she wasn’t as alone in her fight as she had thought. Janice, once seen as a rival, could prove to be a valuable partner in the quest for ethical integrity in their field.

5.3

As they cleared their lunch plates, Janice continued, her tone turning more contemplative. "I've been working on a pilot project for gene splicing that shows real therapeutic promise," she confided, her eyes scanning Beth's reaction.

Beth leaned in, her interest piqued. "Gene splicing? That's cutting-edge stuff. What's the therapeutic angle?"

Janice sighed, a shadow of concern crossing her face. "It's aimed at combating genetic diseases in equines. Theoretically, we could eradicate conditions that have plagued certain breeds for generations."

"That sounds incredible," Beth replied, genuinely impressed. "But I sense there's a 'but' coming."

Janice nodded, her expression turning grave. "There is. While the potential for good is immense, I'm increasingly worried about how EquiGen might use this technology. The focus seems to be shifting from therapeutic applications to... let's just say, less altruistic goals."

Beth’s brow furrowed. "You mean, beyond therapy, towards enhancement or alteration for performance and aesthetics?"

"Exactly," Janice confirmed. "And it's not just about creating a 'better' horse anymore. There's talk of more... radical changes. Enhancements that don't just push the boundaries of ethics, but leap right over them."

Beth felt a chill run down her spine. "That's alarming. It’s one thing to use genetics to heal, but another to play God and redesign these animals for our own purposes."

Janice looked around cautiously before leaning closer. "Beth, I respect your stance on ethical practices, and that's why I'm telling you this. If anyone on the board can understand the implications and maybe steer things back towards a more ethical path, it's you."

Beth nodded, a sense of responsibility settling over her. "I appreciate your trust, Janice. And you're right. We need to ensure this technology is used responsibly. It’s not just our professional duty; it’s a moral imperative."

Their conversation solidified a newfound understanding between them. What started as a casual lunch had evolved into a meeting of minds, a shared concern for the future of their field. As they parted ways, Beth felt a renewed determination. The board meeting wasn't just another administrative duty; it was a crucial battleground for the soul of equine genetics.

5.4

After the afternoon sessions concluded, Beth stepped out of the hotel for her meeting with Alex. They had agreed to meet at the historic Boston Public Garden, a serene spot amidst the city's bustle. As she walked, the drizzle of rain added a reflective mood to her surroundings.

The streets of Boston were slick with rain, the city’s historic charm accentuated by the glistening cobblestone pathways and the old brick buildings that lined the streets. Beth strolled past the iconic Beacon Hill, with its picturesque row houses and gas-lit streets, feeling like she had stepped back in time. The rain brought a freshness to the air, washing away the remnants of the day's anxieties.

As she approached the Public Garden, the sight of the swan boats moored at the pond offered a moment of tranquility. The raindrops created delicate ripples on the water’s surface, and the weeping willows along the pond’s edge swayed gently in the breeze. Despite the weather, a few determined joggers and tourists dotted the paths, their umbrellas bobbing like colorful beacons.

Beth’s mind wandered back to the conference, to the unsettling revelations about EquiGen, and the potential alliance with Janice. The weight of responsibility felt heavier with each step, but the serene beauty of Boston provided a brief respite. She thought about Alex, about the courage it took to come forward, and the danger he might be in. Her resolve to bring EquiGen's unethical practices to light strengthened with these reflections.

Her introspection was interrupted as she reached the heart of the garden, where the statue of George Washington sat astride his horse, a reminder of the city's rich history. It was here that she was to meet Alex, away from the prying eyes of the conference, in a place that offered both anonymity and the comfort of nature.

As she waited, Beth found a bench and watched the city life go by, her thoughts a mix of determination and concern. Boston, with its blend of historical legacy and modern vibrancy, seemed the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama of her professional life. The challenges ahead were daunting, but the city's resilience and spirit mirrored her own, fueling her resolve to fight for what was right.

5.5

Beth waited patiently at the Public Garden, but as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that Alex would not be showing up. She checked her phone periodically, hoping for a message or call, but there was nothing. Concern knitted her brow as she pondered the possibilities. Maybe he had been called away for an emergency, she reasoned, trying to quell the worry that was slowly creeping in.

With a heavy heart, Beth made her way back to the hotel. The city seemed different now, less inviting, as the weight of Alex's absence and the unresolved issues with EquiGen lingered in her mind. She walked past the Boston Common, the rain having eased into a mist that settled softly over the park. The city's evening lights began to shimmer through the damp air, casting a romantic yet melancholic glow on the streets.

Upon returning to the hotel, Beth found solace in reuniting with Randall in their room. His presence was a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty she found herself in. They decided to have dinner at the hotel restaurant, a quiet space where they could talk.

Throughout the meal, Beth found herself glancing around the restaurant, half-expecting, half-hoping to see Alex walk in. But he never did. She shared her concerns with Randall, who listened intently, offering words of comfort and support. They discussed the day's events, the unsettling encounter with Janice, and the looming board meeting.

The restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting, a sharp contrast to the cold unease that had settled in Beth's heart. The clink of silverware and the low murmur of conversation from other diners provided a backdrop to their discussion, yet Beth felt distant from it all, her thoughts preoccupied with the challenges ahead.

As they finished their meal, Beth couldn't shake off the nagging worry for Alex's well-being and the implications of his absence. She knew that the next few days would be crucial, not just for her career but for the future of ethical equine care. The stakes were high, and with Alex's sudden disappearance, they had just gotten higher.

5.6

After dinner, as the evening's events at the conference were about to begin, Beth found herself with a few moments of downtime. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Alex, her fingers tapping with a mix of concern and impatience.

"Hey, where are you? Waited almost an hour for you at the Garden, and looked for you at dinner, but haven't seen you. What's going on? Is it related to EquiGen?"

With the message sent, she slipped the phone back into her purse, her eyes occasionally darting to the screen in anticipation of a response. She and Randy made their way to the venue for the equestrian competition, a highlight event of the conference. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the excitement and anticipation of the attendees, but Beth's mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of Alex and the mysterious content of the flash drive.

Throughout the event, she found it hard to focus on the competition. The grace and agility of the horses were usually a sight she enjoyed, but tonight they were just a blur in her peripheral vision. Her phone remained silent, exacerbating her worry.

The evening passed with no word from Alex, and by the time Beth and Randy returned to their hotel room, a heavy blanket of concern had settled over her. She readied herself for bed, the unanswered questions about Alex and EquiGen swirling in her mind.

Just as she was about to switch off her bedside lamp, her phone buzzed. A message from Alex: 'Meet me at the fountain in one hour. Come alone.'

Her heart skipped a beat at the terse instruction. The request was unusual and filled with a sense of urgency that was both alarming and compelling. She glanced at Randy, who was already dozing off, and wrestled with the decision. Meeting Alex alone at night was risky, but the need for answers and the concern for his safety compelled her.

Quietly, she got out of bed, dressed in dark, inconspicuous clothing, and scribbled a note for Randy, telling him she had stepped out for some fresh air. With a mix of fear and determination, Beth slipped out of the room, her steps quick and purposeful as she made her way to the fountain, the rendezvous point that might hold the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding EquiGen.