Transcendence - 10 (Patreon)

11.1

Randy returned to Beth, with a heavy heart. His attempt to access the security tapes had been in vain; they had been wiped clean, erasing any hope of uncovering what happened to Beth the night she disappeared. As he approached her exhibit, he maintained a respectful distance from the velvet barrier, his eyes full of sorrow and determination.

Meadow's Grace appeared visibly agitated. She was hopping from foot to foot, an equine expression of frustration and restlessness. Her head bobbed up and down, and she let out soft snorts and neighs, punctuating her movements with sharp taps of her hooves against the ground.

Randy watched her, his heart aching. "I know you're frustrated, babe. I'm going to figure out a way to get you out. I have to find that data, though, do you remember it?" he asked, his voice tinged with both hope and desperation.

Meadow's Grace continued her tapping, her movements seemingly deliberate. Randy's attention was drawn to the ground where she was tapping. There, written in moisture, were faint impressions that resembled numbers. He leaned in closer, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "When did you get so wet?" he wondered aloud, his focus narrowing on the faint markings.

The numbers were barely legible, but as Randy pieced them together, he realized what they might represent. "1209," he murmured, a spark of realization igniting in his mind. It was a clue, a piece of the puzzle Beth had left for him. Despite her transformed state, she had found a way to communicate, to pass on this vital piece of information.

Randy's resolve strengthened. The data in room 1209 could be the key to bringing down Raskin and potentially finding a way to help Beth. He had a new lead, a new purpose. He looked back at Meadow's Grace, his eyes filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of hope.

"I'll find it, Beth. I promise," he whispered, a silent vow to the creature who was once his wife. With the number 1209 etched firmly in his mind, Randy turned away from the exhibit, ready to embark on the next phase of his mission. The fight for Beth, for justice, was far from over.

11.2

Randy dashed upstairs to room 1209, his mind racing with possibilities. This room was the boardroom, currently abuzz with activity as the board members prepared for their meeting. The early attendees were beginning to file in, adding to the room's bustling atmosphere.

He began to search around surreptitiously, scanning the room for any sign of the data drive. His eyes darted over tables, chairs, and even peeked into unattended bags, but there was no sign of the drive. It was as if it had vanished into thin air.

As he continued his discreet search, Randy chuckled to himself in frustration. The room was spacious, he thought, large enough to even bring Beth in here, in her transformed state. And then, like a bolt of lightning, a plan sprang into his mind.

The plan was audacious, risky, and it just might work. If he could somehow bring Meadow's Grace, Beth, into this room, it could create the diversion he needed. Amid the chaos and confusion, he might be able to find the data drive or at least gather enough information to understand its whereabouts.

Randy knew that executing such a plan would require careful timing and a bit of luck. It would also mean exposing Beth in her current state to the board members, a thought that pained him. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and he was running out of options.

He quickly began to assess the layout of the room, the positions of the exits, and the potential reactions of the people present. He needed to account for every variable, every possible outcome.

As he prepared to set his plan into motion, Randy steeled himself for what was to come. He was determined to do whatever it took to find the data drive and help Beth. The stakes were high, but the potential payoff – bringing down Raskin and saving Beth – was worth every risk. With a deep breath, Randy readied himself to act, the image of Beth in her stall fueling his resolve.

11.3

Randy, armed with a new sense of purpose, headed back down to the gallery floor. His plan was taking shape, and every move now had to be calculated and precise. He grabbed some beers from a nearby vendor, using them as a tool for casual bribery and distraction.

As he approached the EquiGen stalls, he casually handed out the beers to the guards. With everyone’s attention focused on the board room and the impending funding announcements, the gallery was relatively deserted, providing him with the perfect opportunity.

Engaging the guards in light conversation, Randy slowly edged towards the back wall where the keys to the hobbles were hanging. His heart raced with the knowledge that every second counted. After sharing a few more beers and laughs, he managed to discreetly snatch Grace's hobble key from the wall.

With the key in hand, he made his way to Grace’s stall. "Don't move, babe," he whispered softly as he ducked under her withers. From this angle, he could see that she was completely equine in form, not a trace of her former humanity left. It was a sight that both pained and motivated him.

Randy quickly reached between her forelegs and unlocked the hobble, tossing it aside. The sound of the clanging metal echoed in the near-empty gallery. "Hey!" a voice called out from the central section, alerting the others to Randy's actions.

Randy knew he had to act fast. He gently but firmly guided Grace out of the stall, preparing to make their escape. The plan was risky, but it was their only chance. He needed to get her to the board room, to create the diversion necessary to find the data drive or at least make a significant enough impact to change their current dire situation.

With every step, Randy was aware of the growing commotion around them. He steered Grace through the gallery, her large equine form drawing attention and confusion from the few people still present. They needed to reach the board room before it was too late, before they were stopped. Randy's determination was unwavering – he would do whatever it took to save Beth, no matter the cost.

11.4

The sound of the guards chasing after them echoed through the gallery, adding urgency to Randy's actions. He knew they had to move fast. Turning to Meadow's Grace, he spoke quickly, “Babe, I'm going to have to ride you. Do you understand?”

In response, Meadow's Grace nodded her head up and down, an equine gesture that Randy took as a sign of comprehension. With a mix of gratitude and urgency, Randy used her thick mane to hoist himself up and over onto her back. It was a strange and surreal moment, mounting the creature that was once his wife, but the direness of their situation left no room for hesitation.

“Now run!” Randy urged in a hushed but firm whisper. Meadow's Grace immediately responded to his command. Her powerful equine body surged forward, her hooves thundering against the floor as she galloped through the gallery. The sheer force and speed of her movement were astonishing, a testament to the strength and agility of her transformed form.

Randy held on tightly, his heart racing with a mix of fear and determination. He was acutely aware of the guards’ shouts growing fainter behind them as Meadow's Grace carried him swiftly towards their destination. The plan was in motion, and every second brought them closer to the board room, closer to the potential chaos that could turn the tide in their favor.

As they approached the board room, Randy prepared himself for the next phase of his plan. The sight of a horse galloping through the conference center would undoubtedly cause a commotion, but it was a necessary risk. He needed to create a distraction, to buy time to search for the data drive that could bring down Jerome Raskin and possibly lead to saving Beth.

Meadow's Grace, once Beth Simpson, was now an unwitting partner in this daring escape, a symbol of the lengths Randy would go to for the woman he loved. Together, they charged forward, a man and a transformed creature united by a common goal: freedom and justice.

11.5

The sensation of running, truly running, was exhilarating for Beth in her equine form. The power and speed that coursed through her body as she galloped with Randy on her back was a rush of freedom she hadn’t felt since her transformation. The thrill of the movement, the wind rushing past her, filled her with a wild joy, even amidst the direness of their situation.

Randy leaned close, murmuring into her ear. Among the jumble of sounds, she caught a few words – "1209" and "drive". Yes, the drive. The memory clicked into place, guiding her actions. She knew where she needed to go.

As luck would have it, someone had just entered the boardroom, allowing Beth, now Meadow's Grace, to burst through the doors. The room erupted in screams and shouts as attendees recoiled in shock and surprise at the sight of a horse galloping in, rider clinging on.

With pinpoint focus, Beth navigated towards her target. Randy held on tightly, but the intensity of her movement was more than he was prepared for. As she skidded to a stop at the designated table, Randy was thrown over her head, tumbling to the ground in a disheveled heap. Beth hoped he was okay, even as she felt a pang of concern for him.

The room was in chaos, with people shouting and some moving towards her. Among the faces, she recognized Jerome Raskin, his expression twisted in fury as he shouted orders to other men. The contrast between his anger and the shock of the others was stark.

In that moment, Beth stood defiantly, a symbol of the havoc wrought by EquiGen's experiments. She was more than just a creature on display; she was a living testament to the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

As Randy scrambled to his feet, Beth knew their window of opportunity was closing fast. The drive, the key to their hopes, was somewhere in this room. Amidst the chaos and confusion, they needed to act quickly. Their plan was a gamble, but it was the only chance they had to turn the tide against Raskin and to potentially find a way to reverse the nightmare they found themselves in.

YouBeth uses her teeth and bites down on her name plate. Randy sees this, and with a questioning look on his face, takes it from her. On the bottom, he's sees theres a plate that had been recently removed. Pulling out his Leatherman, he makes short work of it, and finds the drive. "What is the meaning of this" Raskin says. "Why is that mare in this room? Where are the guards?" Everyone is scrambling around as Randy pulls out the drive and holds it over his head. "This!" he yells to everyone in the room. "This is what we were looking for!"ChatGPTChatGPT

Chapter 11: The Revelatory Moment

As chaos swirled around them, Beth focused on her nameplate on the table. She grasped it firmly with her teeth and bit down, an action that caught Randy’s attention amidst the uproar. He approached with a mix of confusion and curiosity, taking the nameplate from her.

Randy examined the nameplate closely and noticed that the bottom plate appeared to have been tampered with. Pulling out his Leatherman, he deftly removed the bottom plate to reveal the hidden drive. The discovery was a moment of triumph, a ray of hope in the midst of pandemonium.

Just then, Jerome Raskin’s voice cut through the noise. "What is the meaning of this? Why is that mare in this room? Where are the guards?" he demanded, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief as he took in the scene before him.

In response, Randy held the drive aloft for all to see. "This!" he yelled, his voice ringing out clear and strong. "This is what we were looking for!" The room fell into a stunned silence, all eyes now on the drive in Randy’s hand. The implication of what he held was not lost on the attendees, especially those aware of the significance of the data it contained.

The revelation shifted the focus of the room. The drive, a small object in Randy's hand, suddenly became the center of everyone's attention. It was the key to exposing the truth about EquiGen's unethical practices, the evidence that could bring down Jerome Raskin and perhaps even provide a chance to reverse Beth’s transformation.

Raskin's face turned ashen, realizing the gravity of the situation. The exposure of the drive threatened to unravel everything he had built. The room buzzed with murmurs and whispers as the board members and attendees began to grasp the magnitude of what was happening.

In that moment, Randy and Beth, in her equine form, stood at the heart of a turning point. The drive represented more than just data; it symbolized a fight for justice, for truth, and for the restoration of a life torn apart by reckless ambition. The next steps were uncertain, but Randy knew that they had just taken a significant leap towards bringing EquiGen's dark secrets into the light.

11.6

Randy, still processing the chaos around him and the significance of the drive he held, was caught off guard when Janice approached. Her face was lit with an intensity that was hard to read. "I'll take that," she said, extending her hand.

Conflicted and confused, Randy hesitated for a moment. He was unsure of Janice's intentions. Could she be trusted, or was she about to betray him? Would handing over the drive lead to his and Beth's salvation or further doom them both? Despite these swirling thoughts, he handed the drive to Janice, a decision fueled partly by uncertainty and partly by hope.

Janice's fingers closed around the drive with a sense of purpose. She turned and walked confidently towards the laptop set up on the central table. The room's attention shifted to her, a collective breath held in anticipation.

Randy watched, his heart pounding in his chest. This was the moment of truth. Janice's next actions could either expose EquiGen's unethical practices or bury the truth even deeper. He glanced at Beth, standing amidst the bewildered crowd in her equine form, a living testament to the consequences of EquiGen's ambitions.

Janice reached the laptop and connected the drive. The tension in the room was palpable as the screen flickered to life, displaying the contents of the drive. The room grew quiet, every eye fixed on the display.

Randy's future, Beth's fate, and the destiny of EquiGen hung in the balance. Janice's fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to reveal the secrets that the drive held. The next moments would determine everything – vindication or downfall, exposure or cover-up.

As Janice began to navigate through the files, Randy braced himself for the outcome. This was the culmination of their efforts, the moment that could change their lives forever. The stakes were high, and the consequences, whatever they may be, were about to unfold before them.

11.7

Janice took control of the room with a calm, authoritative presence, her voice clear and steady as she narrated the damning evidence against Jerome Raskin and EquiGen. "A week before this event, I was approached by a young man named Alex Bennet," she began. "He was a well-known Equine Chiropractor and had uncovered evidence of malfeasance by Jerome Raskin."

The room was rapt with attention as Janice flipped through the documents on the laptop, connected to the projector. On the screen, a series of disturbing images appeared, each showing horses twisted in agony. "These images are the result of Raskin directing EquiGen into untested formulae with horrible results," Janice explained, her voice tinged with disgust.

Each image was meticulously documented with a date, name, and location, all signed by Alex Bennet. The evidence was irrefutable, painting a harrowing picture of suffering caused by reckless experimentation and unethical practices.

Janice paused, turning off the projector. "EquiGen stood for making lives 'better' for equines, not damaging them beyond repair," she declared, her words echoing in the now-silent room.

The impact of her revelation was immediate. The crowd erupted in a mix of anger, shock, and frustration. The board president, trying to regain control, rapped his gavel against the podium, calling for order. "Order! Order!" he shouted, but the room was in disarray, the attendees grappling with the shocking truth that had just been unveiled.

In the midst of the turmoil, Randy stood, his emotions a whirlwind of relief, vindication, and concern for Beth. The truth about EquiGen and Raskin's activities was now exposed, but the future remained uncertain. The revelation had opened the door to potential justice and change, but the path forward was unclear.

Beth, still in her equine form amidst the chaos, was a living symbol of the cost of EquiGen's actions. The revelation of the data drive’s contents was a critical step, but her fate, along with that of others affected, hung in the balance.

As the board president struggled to restore order, the room buzzed with conversations and debates about the implications of what they had just learned. The future of EquiGen, the fate of those impacted by its experiments, and the course of justice were now at the forefront of everyone's minds. The revelations had set in motion a series of events that would redefine the lives of all involved.

11.8

The board president, trying to make sense of the revelations and regain control of the meeting, turned his attention to Janice. "So you're saying the rest of EquiGen was unaware of his actions?" he asked, seeking clarification amidst the upheaval.

Janice nodded affirmatively, her demeanor composed yet firm. "I joined EquiGen to assist with neural plasticity degradation in elder Equines. I've developed many therapies that have helped many horses, not hurt them," she explained, her voice projecting confidence and integrity. Her statement painted a picture of a professional dedicated to genuinely beneficial research, starkly contrasting with the unethical practices she had just exposed.

"EquiGen deserves a better leader, one who will forge the vision of EquiGen," she continued, implicitly suggesting that the company could move forward positively, distanced from the tarnished legacy of Jerome Raskin.

Her words resonated with the attendees, many of whom were likely grappling with a mix of shock at Raskin's actions and relief that there was a path forward for EquiGen. Janice's revelation and her call for a new direction offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of the controversy. It suggested that while the company had been led astray under Raskin's guidance, it could still fulfill its original vision of bettering equine lives under new, ethical leadership.

The board president, along with the rest of the room, seemed to absorb Janice's words, contemplating the future of EquiGen. The revelations had certainly damaged the company's reputation, but Janice's stance offered a way to salvage and redirect its mission.

In the midst of this pivotal moment, Randy stood by, observing the unfolding events. His primary concern remained Beth's condition and what these developments meant for her future. The exposure of EquiGen's unethical practices was a significant victory, but the personal battle for Beth’s fate was far from over. As the board and attendees digested Janice's revelations and proposals, Randy knew that the fight for Beth, and for justice, would continue.

11.9

The board president, recognizing the gravity of the situation, made a decisive statement. "Well, we have no interest in how EquiGen operates," he began, implying that the board's concern was not with the internal affairs of the company but with the ethical implications of its leadership and practices. "But I do think we can set a conditional approval on the award. This award will revert if Jerome Raskin remains as CEO."

The room tensed at the president's words. It was a bold move, directly linking the future of EquiGen's funding to Raskin's leadership. The stipulation was clear: if Raskin remained in charge, the award, and the support that came with it, would be withdrawn.

Jerome Raskin, visibly agitated by this turn of events, interjected forcefully. "Now hold on!" he protested. "You're going to take the word of a junior staffer," he said, nodding disdainfully towards Janice, "and a..." He sneered as his gaze fell upon Randy. "Stableman?" The contempt in his voice was palpable, his disbelief at the situation evident. "Over mine?"

His outburst reflected his desperation and disbelief that his authority and credibility were being challenged so publicly. Raskin, who had wielded significant influence and power, was now facing a direct threat to his position based on the revelations brought forth by Janice and the visual testament of Beth's transformation.

The boardroom was abuzz with murmurs and whispers, as the attendees processed the unfolding drama. The stakes were high, and the outcome of this confrontation would determine not only the future of EquiGen but also the fates of those like Beth, who had suffered under Raskin's leadership.

Randy, standing amidst the chaos, felt a mix of hope and apprehension. While Raskin's potential ousting was a positive step, there was still much to be resolved, especially regarding Beth's condition. The battle against EquiGen's unethical practices was reaching a climax, but Randy knew that the fight for Beth's future was far from over.

11.10

The board president, maintaining a stern and authoritative demeanor, directed a critical question at Jerome Raskin. "Where, exactly, is Dr. Alex Bennet, and Dr. Elizabeth Simpson?" he inquired, his tone suggesting that the answer to this question was pivotal to the unfolding situation.

Jerome Raskin, caught off guard by the directness of the question, responded with a shrug, an attempt to feign ignorance and deflect responsibility. "Who knows! They're young, they're adults, perhaps Beth grew tired of eating at the buffet and wanted a meal instead?" His response was cavalier and dismissive, a poorly veiled attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

The room reacted with a mix of disbelief and dissatisfaction. Raskin's flippant remark did little to assuage the growing concerns among the attendees, particularly in light of the recent revelations and the presence of Meadow's Grace, the transformed Beth, in the very same room.

Raskin's nonchalant attitude towards the whereabouts of two respected professionals, especially under such unusual and concerning circumstances, raised further suspicions about his integrity and leadership. It was becoming increasingly clear to the board and the attendees that Raskin's tenure as CEO was untenable, marked by a lack of transparency and ethical consideration.

The board president, sensing the shifting mood of the room, glanced around, gauging the reactions of the other board members and attendees. The evidence presented by Janice, coupled with Raskin's inadequate responses, was painting a damning picture of his leadership.

Randy, witnessing the exchange, felt a surge of hope. The board's line of questioning and the negative reception to Raskin's answers were promising signs. The tide was turning against Raskin, and with it, the possibility of a new beginning for EquiGen and a chance for Beth's story to be heard and addressed.

As the board president prepared to continue the interrogation, the tension in the room was palpable. The future of EquiGen, the fate of Beth and Alex Bennet, and the ethical standing of the equine veterinary community were all hanging in the balance. The next few moments would be crucial in determining the outcome of this unprecedented situation.

11.12

Randy, fueled by a mix of emotion and urgency, was on the brink of revealing the transformed Beth’s presence as Meadow's Grace to the entire room. He wanted to expose the truth of her condition, to show the tangible result of Raskin's unethical experiments. "She's right here!" he was about to proclaim, his voice ready to break the tense silence in the room.

However, before he could speak, Janice intervened. She placed a restraining hand on his arm and whispered, "Not now, Randy." Her voice was low but firm, indicating the importance of timing and strategy in this delicate situation.

Janice’s intervention suggested that she had a plan or at least an understanding of how to navigate this complex scenario more effectively. Her calm demeanor contrasted with Randy's impulsive readiness to confront the issue head-on. She seemed to understand the nuances of the situation, recognizing that revealing Beth's transformed state in such a direct and abrupt manner might not yield the desired outcome.

Randy, though initially taken aback by Janice’s interruption, recognized the wisdom in her caution. He understood that the revelation of Beth’s condition needed to be handled with care to maximize its impact and to ensure it wasn’t dismissed or misunderstood by the board and the attendees.

The moment of restraint added to the tension in the room. The board members, Jerome Raskin, and the rest of the attendees were still processing the gravity of the situation following Janice’s revelations. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as everyone awaited the next development in this unfolding drama.

Randy, standing beside Janice, took a deep breath and steadied himself. He trusted her judgment and decided to wait for the right moment to reveal the truth about Beth. The stakes were high, and every action, every word, had to be carefully considered to achieve the justice they were seeking. The future of EquiGen, the fate of Beth, and the moral standing of the equine veterinary community were all on the line, and the next few moves would be critical.

11.13

A member of the board, seizing the moment amid the charged atmosphere, stood up to make a proposition. "I make a motion," began Dr. Michaela Hernandez, a well-respected figure in the equine veterinary community. Her voice was steady, reflecting her resolve and understanding of the situation's gravity.

"To stipulate that the award this year continues to go to EquiGen," she continued, her words drawing the attention of everyone in the room, "but with the condition that a member of the International Society of Equine Practitioners becomes a member of their board of Directors." Her proposal was strategic, aiming to ensure ethical oversight within EquiGen by including a representative from a respected external body.

"I also stipulate that the award revert to this body if Jerome isn’t…" Dr. Hernandez paused, a slight grin appearing on her face, signaling her awareness of the situation's irony. "...Put out to pasture." The phrase, typically used in the context of retiring a horse, was a clever play on words, suggesting that it was time for Jerome Raskin to be removed from his position.

The room reacted with a mix of murmurs and nods, many agreeing with the motion's sentiment. It was a creative solution, offering a way to maintain funding for EquiGen while ensuring that the company moved in a more ethical and responsible direction. The inclusion of an ISEP member on the board would provide oversight and accountability, something that had been sorely lacking under Raskin’s leadership.

Jerome Raskin’s face tightened at the proposal, the metaphor not lost on him. His position was becoming increasingly untenable, with the board and the community now openly challenging his leadership and ethics.

As the board president called for a vote on the motion, Randy felt a cautious sense of optimism. The proposal, if passed, could mark the beginning of a new era for EquiGen, one that prioritized ethical practices and the welfare of equines. Though the future of Beth's condition remained uncertain, this development was a step in the right direction, a beacon of hope in their fight for justice and change.

11.14

The board president's call for a vote resonated through the room. "All in favor?" he asked. In response, a chorus of 'Aye's filled the air as the board members unanimously voiced their support for the motion. The room tensed as the president then asked, "Any opposed?" but silence followed, a clear indication of the unanimous agreement and the sentiment of the room.

"Motion passes!" declared the board president, bringing down his gavel with a sense of finality. The decision marked a significant turning point, not just for EquiGen, but for the entire equine veterinary community.

The room erupted into cheers and applause, a collective expression of relief and hope. The decision was more than just a change in leadership; it represented a commitment to ethical practices and accountability, a promise for a better future for equines and the industry.

Jerome Raskin, now a figure of defeat, made his way through the crowd to exit the board room. But before leaving, he leaned in close to Randy and Janice, his voice a harsh whisper laden with threat and bitterness. "This isn't the last you'll see of me!" he hissed, his eyes burning with defiance. It was a reminder that, despite this victory, the battle might not be entirely over. Raskin, with his influence and connections, could still be a threat in unexpected ways.

As Raskin exited the room, his departure symbolized the end of an era marked by unchecked ambition and unethical practices. For Randy, this moment was bittersweet. While the motion's passing was a victory for ethical practices, Beth's fate remained uncertain. Her transformation, a direct result of Raskin's actions, was a constant reminder of the personal cost of this fight.

The room slowly settled from its celebratory mood, with the board members and attendees beginning to discuss the implications of the decision and the future of EquiGen. For Randy, the journey was far from over. He had to continue fighting for Beth, to explore every possibility to restore her to her former self. The battle had been won, but the war for Beth's future was still being waged.