Transcendence 12 (Patreon)

"So what happens now?" Randy said. "I just walk off into the sunset?"

Janice gave him a smile that was an echo of the woman he'd met a few weeks ago.

"Not so fast, buster." She gets up and comes around to him. The changes to her are dramatic. She's a bit stooped and frail, but the strength is in her eyes. "There are a few choices. And we have one request."

Janice outlined the first option with a sense of practicality, seemingly aware of the potential benefits Randy could bring to EquiGen. "One: You can work here with and for me. I need some sage counsel, and the fact you happen to be a rugged cowboy is more the better. You'd be able to help with and care for, Meadow and Archie if you'd like."

Randy's frown deepened at her suggestion. It was a lot to consider — working at the place that had been the source of so much pain, yet also being close to Beth in her new form. "You say that like—" he started, but Janice interrupted him, leading into the next part of her proposal.

"Which leads me to our request," she said, her tone shifting slightly to indicate the seriousness of what she was about to propose.

Randy's attention sharpened, sensing the gravity of Janice's words. He was keenly aware that her request, tied to the job offer, was likely to be significant, possibly altering the course of his life and his ongoing connection to Beth.

Janice paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. Her expression conveyed a mix of resolve and empathy, understanding the emotional weight of what she was asking.

Randy braced himself, preparing to hear what Janice needed from him. The offer to work at EquiGen was already a considerable pivot in his life’s trajectory. Now, with Janice's impending request, he anticipated a decision that could redefine his relationship with Beth and his role in the aftermath of EquiGen’s exposed malpractices.

As Janice started to speak again, Randy listened intently, ready to consider the path she was about to lay out before him. This moment was not just about deciding his future; it was about honoring his past with Beth and shaping the legacy of what they had endured together.

Janice's words were leading to a revelation that Randy hadn't anticipated. "Meadow and Archie present us with a...unique opportunity," she began, her tone suggesting the unfolding of a new, controversial plan.

Randy’s realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "You want to breed them," he stated, his voice tinged with disbelief and a growing sense of horror. The idea of using Beth and Alex, despite their transformed states, for further experimentation was abhorrent to him.

Janice nodded, confirming his suspicion. "Think of the amount of research we'd—" she started, but Randy cut her off.

"No!" he yelled, his voice filled with anger and revulsion. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping back against the floor. "What the hell! Who are you people?" His words were a mix of shock and betrayal.

Randy’s reaction was visceral, a clear rejection of what he saw as a continuation of the unethical practices that had led to Beth and Alex's current predicaments. The proposal crossed a moral line for him, one that he couldn't overlook or condone.

Feeling a mix of frustration, anger, and upset, Randy stormed out of Janice's office. The idea of further exploiting Beth and Alex, even in their transformed states, was unthinkable to him. It was a stark reminder that, despite the change in leadership at EquiGen, the potential for ethical transgressions still loomed large.

As he left the building, Randy’s mind was in turmoil. He had come to EquiGen with a mixture of hope and apprehension, seeking closure and possibly a way forward. Instead, he found himself confronted with a proposal that went against everything he believed in.

Randy knew that his journey was far from over. The fight for Beth's dignity, and against the unethical use of science, was still very much alive. He walked away from EquiGen's headquarters, his resolve strengthened, determined to protect Beth and others like her from further exploitation. The path ahead was uncertain, but Randy was committed to walking it with the same integrity and love that had guided him thus far.

Outside the imposing structure of the EquiGen headquarters, Randy stood momentarily disoriented, his mind reeling from the conversation with Janice. The lush greenery of the Virginia landscape offered a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him.

He looked around, his thoughts solely focused on Beth – or Meadow's Grace, as she was now known. The need to see her, to be near her in any way he could, was overwhelming. In the distance, he spotted two pens housing horses, isolated from the main stables. A glimmer of hope sparked within him, guiding his next actions.

Without a second thought, Randy started running toward the pens. Each stride was fueled by a mix of desperation and determination. The rolling hills seemed to stretch endlessly before him, but he pushed forward, driven by the need to see Beth.

As he neared the pens, his pace quickened. His eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of Meadow's Grace among the horses. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from the physical exertion but also from the emotional weight of the moment.

Randy’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He was grappling with the reality of Beth's transformation and the ethical complexities he had just confronted in Janice’s office. The idea of Beth being used for further experiments was unbearable to him. Now, more than ever, he needed to be close to her, to reaffirm the connection they once shared, no matter how changed it might be.

As he reached the pens, Randy slowed down, catching his breath. He leaned against the fence, his eyes scanning the equine figures inside. Each horse he looked at brought a mix of hope and apprehension – was one of these Meadow's Grace? The search was not just about finding her; it was a symbolic act of holding on to what remained of their shared past, a past now overshadowed by the tragic turn of events that had led them here.

Randy steeled himself as he continued to look, ready for the heartache and the joy of seeing Beth again, even in her drastically altered state. The journey to this point had been fraught with challenges, but Randy was determined to face whatever lay ahead with the same resolve and love that had guided him thus far.

Among the horses, Randy's gaze finally settled on one particular mare, a Hanoverian, unmistakable in her grace and beauty. Beside her was a Thoroughbred stallion, both of them racing back and forth in their pens with an energetic display of equine spirit. Their tails and manes flew in the wind, a sight that, under different circumstances, would have been purely majestic.

As he watched, a smile touched Randy’s lips, despite the heavy weight in his heart. There she was – Meadow's Grace, the horse that was once his wife, Beth. He watched her dash back and forth, her movements filled with the freedom and power characteristic of her new form. When she stopped to buck her back legs, Randy, with his knowledge of horses, recognized it as a likely sign of her passing gas. It was a simple, natural action, yet it held a poignant reminder of the life she now lived.

But then, Meadow did something that truly caught Randy off guard and tugged at his heartstrings. She walked over to Archie, the Thoroughbred stallion, and began nuzzling him. The gesture, so tender and affectionate, was a stark reminder of Beth's current reality.

Randy's throat tightened at the sight. The nuzzling, an intimate and caring act among horses, represented a connection between Meadow and Archie that was entirely equine in nature. It was a connection born out of their shared circumstances, their transformed lives as horses.

This moment was bittersweet for Randy. On the one hand, it was a relief to see Beth – or Meadow's Grace – appear content and at ease in her environment, engaging naturally with another horse. On the other hand, it was a poignant reminder of all that had been lost. The woman he loved was now living a life completely removed from her human existence, a life where even the most intimate connections were no longer human.

As Randy stood there, watching this intimate moment between Meadow and Archie, he was filled with a mix of emotions – love, loss, acceptance, and an enduring sense of connection to Beth. This visit to the pens was more than just a physical journey; it was a journey through the depths of love, grief, and the complexities of life's unexpected turns.

Randy knew that his journey with Beth was far from over. While their paths had diverged in ways he could never have imagined, the bond they shared, the memories and love, remained. Standing there, watching Meadow's Grace, Randy silently vowed to keep that bond alive, in whatever form it might take.

Janice pulled up beside Randy in a golf cart, her expression a mix of sternness and humor. "You know it's downright rude to treat your elders in this fashion, young man," she said, her voice tinged with a light-hearted reprimand.

Randy offered a half-hearted chuckle, "Ha. Ha." His attention, however, remained fixed on Meadow and Archie as they continued their equine displays of affection. The sight was mesmerizing and heartbreaking all at once.

Janice, sensing Randy’s preoccupation, broached the subject that had driven a wedge between them. "You thought I wanted to breed them solely for research purposes, I see. Probably thought I was a chip off the old Raskin," she stated, addressing the misunderstanding head-on.

"The thought had crossed my mind," Randy admitted, his gaze still on the two horses. His tone conveyed a mix of skepticism and a willingness to listen, a sign that he hadn't entirely closed off the possibility of understanding Janice's perspective.

Janice nodded, acknowledging his concerns. "I can see how you would think that, especially after everything that’s happened. But my intentions are not what they might have seemed," she explained, her voice earnest and sincere.

She went on to clarify her position and the rationale behind her earlier suggestion. Janice's explanation revealed a deeper, more ethical consideration behind her proposal, something far removed from Raskin’s exploitative practices. Her approach was grounded in the welfare of Meadow and Archie, considering their well-being and quality of life in their transformed states.

As Randy listened, he began to see Janice's perspective in a new light. The anger and betrayal he had felt in her office were giving way to a grudging understanding. It was clear that Janice's leadership at EquiGen was marking a departure from Raskin's unethical legacy, aiming instead to rectify past wrongs and steer the company towards a more responsible future.

The conversation with Janice, coupled with the sight of Meadow and Archie, left Randy in a reflective mood. The complexities of the situation were not lost on him. He understood that the path forward would be fraught with moral and ethical considerations, a path that he, Janice, and EquiGen would have to navigate with care and responsibility.

As they continued to talk, Randy felt a sense of cautious optimism. While the challenges ahead were daunting, there was now a possibility for redemption and change. The journey for justice and healing, both for Beth and for EquiGen, was ongoing, and Randy found himself an integral part of it.

As Randy and Janice walked down to the pens, the weight of the situation pressed heavily upon Randy. Janice took his hand in hers, a gesture of empathy and understanding. Randy couldn't help but notice the age spots and wrinkles on her hands, a stark reminder of the sacrifices she had made and the burdens she carried.

"Look," Janice began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I know this is hard, Randy. But they are in love. It would be a kindness to allow them to—" She left the sentence unfinished, but the implication was clear.

"Yeah, I get it," Randy interjected, his voice a mix of resignation and understanding. The reality of Beth's transformation and her new life as Meadow's Grace was something he was still grappling with. The idea of Beth, in her equine form, finding companionship and possibly love with another horse was both comforting and heart-wrenching.

As they approached the enclosure, Randy’s eyes were drawn once again to Meadow's Grace and Archie. Seeing them together, displaying behaviors of affection and bonding, was a bittersweet sight. There was a naturalness to their interaction, a stark contrast to the unnatural circumstances that had brought them to this state.

Randy realized that, in their current forms, Meadow's Grace and Archie had found a semblance of happiness. It was a small consolation amid the tumult of emotions and ethical dilemmas that the situation presented. For Randy, letting go of the past and accepting the present was a painful but necessary process.

Janice, walking beside him, remained silent, giving Randy the space to process his feelings. Her presence was a source of support, a recognition of the shared journey they had embarked on — a journey that had brought them to this point.

As they reached the enclosure, Randy took a moment to observe Meadow's Grace and Archie. There was a sense of peace and contentment about them, a stark reminder that life, in all its forms, finds ways to adapt and thrive. For Randy, the visit was more than just a physical journey; it was an emotional journey through acceptance, loss, and the enduring power of love and connection.

As Randy and Janice approached the enclosure, Meadow’s Grace, the Hanoverian mare that was once Beth, noticed Randy's presence and immediately came towards him. There was a recognition in her eyes, a spark of familiarity that transcended her transformed state. She neighed happily, an equine greeting filled with warmth and recognition.

Then, with a burst of energy, Meadow showed off her newfound abilities. She dashed around the enclosure, her movements graceful and swift, as if saying, “Look at what I can do!” Her display included a few playful bucks, accompanied by the occasional fart – a natural, if amusing, equine behavior. Finally, she came to a quick stop directly in front of Randy. Her tail was held high, her nostrils quivered with excitement, and she looked every bit the picture of health and exuberance.

“Hi, Baby,” Randy greeted her softly, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out and began scratching between her ears, a spot he knew Beth had always enjoyed. Meadow’s Grace leaned into his touch, clearly enjoying the affection.

In that moment, Randy felt a connection with Meadow’s Grace that transcended her physical form. It was a poignant reminder of the bond he and Beth had shared. Despite the profound changes she had undergone, there was still a part of her that recognized him, that responded to his presence.

The encounter was bittersweet for Randy. On one hand, it was a relief to see her adapting to her new life, finding joy in her equine form. On the other, it was a stark reminder of all that they had lost. The woman he had known and loved was still there, somewhere inside the mare that stood before him.

As Randy continued to gently scratch her, he was struck by the complexity of emotions he felt – grief for what was lost, but also a deep sense of love and connection that remained strong, regardless of Beth’s transformation.

Janice stood nearby, observing the interaction with a respectful distance. The moment between Randy and Meadow’s Grace was a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of love and the resilience of the spirit, no matter the circumstances.

Randy's words trailed off with a hint of longing, "I wish she could understand me—" He gazed at Meadow, his heart filled with a mix of love and sorrow.

Janice’s response caught him off guard. "Oh! She can!" she said with a bright smile. Turning to Meadow, she added encouragingly, "Can’t you, Meadow?"

In response, Meadow stomped her feet twice, a clear and deliberate action that left Randy in awe. "Wow, how did you do that?" he asked, his eyes wide with surprise and a newfound sense of connection.

Janice explained, her voice tinged with a mix of satisfaction and regret for the past actions of EquiGen. "That bastard had her on an intelligence sequester. We removed that, and she's been able to understand human speech again, for the most part. I mean, you can't speak Socrates to her or anything, but she understands simple statements and commands."

The revelation that Meadow could understand him was a balm to Randy’s soul. It meant that, despite her transformation, there was still a way to communicate with her, to connect on a level beyond the physical. The intelligence sequester – a term Randy assumed referred to some form of cognitive limitation – had been another aspect of her transformation that had now been lifted, giving Meadow a level of awareness she had been previously denied.

Randy turned back to Meadow, his heart swelling with a mix of hope and melancholy. He spoke softly to her, testing this new bridge of understanding between them. "Meadow, it’s me, Randy. I’m here for you." Her response, a gentle nicker and a soft look in her eyes, was all the confirmation he needed.

The moment was profound for Randy. It signified that, in some way, Beth was still there, able to perceive and understand him. This realization changed the dynamic of their interaction, providing a small comfort in the midst of the heartbreaking reality of their situation.

Janice watched the exchange, a sense of satisfaction in her eyes. Removing the intelligence sequester was a small but significant act of restitution for the wrongs that had been done under Raskin’s leadership. For Randy, this newfound understanding with Meadow offered a glimmer of solace – a way to maintain a connection with Beth, no matter how altered her form.

As Randy continued to interact with Meadow, each word and gesture was filled with a newfound significance. This connection, though different from what they once shared, was a testament to the enduring bonds of love and understanding.