Jesper
06-29-2018, 05:17 PM
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Lora|Nothing+You+Could+Do" rel="stylesheet"> <style type="text/css">.jesperlayer1{position:relative;z-index:0;background:url('http://i63.tinypic.com/30tko01.jpg');width:540px;padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;border:4px solid #000000;border-radius:50px 50px 250px 250px;}.jesperlayer1:hover .jesperimage{-webkit-filter:grayscale(0%);filter:grayscale(0%);}.jesperlayer1:hover .jespername{-webkit-filter:grayscale(0%);filter:grayscale(0%);}.jesperlayer2{position:relative;z-index:1;background-color:#000000;border:5px solid #333333;width:500px;border-radius:50px 50px 250px 250px;box-shadow:0px 0px 10px 5px #000000;} .jesperimage{position:relative;z-index:2;background:url('http://i64.tinypic.com/2q060r5.jpg') no-repeat;transition:filter .5s ease-in-out;-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);filter: grayscale(100%);height:338px;border-radius:50px 50px 0px 0px;}.jespergradient{position:relative;z-index:3;width:500px;top:-50px;margin-bottom:-50px;height:50px;background:-ms-linear-gradient(top, rgba(125,185,232,0) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%);background:-webkit-linear-gradient(top, rgba(125,185,232,0) 0%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%);background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(125,185,232,0) 0%,rgba(0,0,0,1) 100%);}.jespertextbox{position:relative;z-index:4;width:450px;text-align:justify;color:#999999;font:14px 'Times',serif;border:0px solid #000000;border-radius:0px 0px 250px 250px;margin-bottom:25px;margin-top:25px;}.jespername{position:relative;z-index:5;color:#b2f6ff;font:80px 'Nothing You Could Do', cursive;padding:0px;transition:filter .5s ease-in-out;-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);filter: grayscale(100%);}.jesperlineage{position:relative;z-index:5;color:#666666;text-shadow:0px 0px 5px #3f808c;font:15px 'Lora', serif;bottom:25px;}.jesperpaw{position:relative;z-index:6;background:url('http://i63.tinypic.com/2gt5aok.png');width:100px;height:105px;margin-bottom:25px;}</style><center><div class="jesperlayer1"><div class="jesperlayer2"><div class="jesperimage"></div><div class="jespergradient"></div><div class="jespertextbox">I have been awake since two o'clock this morning. I have been lying here, staring at the ceiling and pondering how today came about so quickly. It seems like, only yesterday, Project Lyssa was an idea. A proposal on paper that I would pitch to the board. Where did the time go? How is it already Day One?<br><br>With a sigh, I roll onto my side to glance at the digital clock on my nightstand. Its red digits read 3:42. My alarm would not be sounding for another hour, seventeen minutes and, however many seconds. Since, clearly, sleep was avoiding me, I resolve to lying on my back. I lift my hand to run my fingers through my tousled blond locks. I then, find myself recapping the past eighteen months, for the umpteenth time.<br><br>This whirlwind began the day I presented my dissertation. I had, literally, just finished. I was basking in the brief glow of polite applause that followed my defense. Hey! I deserved my moment. I had only devoted my entirety, over the past five years, to get to this point. By all accounts, standing at the front of an auditorium, for forty-five minutes, summarizing and defending the work I lived and breathed, should be a piece of cake. Yet, it seemed so daunting. Nevertheless, I did it. I even answered all of the questions thrown at me. I was one step closer to earning my PhD.<br><br>I was packing up my things when a brown haired man, about tens years older than me, stepped in front of me and, cleared his throat. I stopped bustling and, looked up. His brown eyes met my hazel gaze from behind a pair of frameless, rectangular-shaped glasses. I offer a polite smile though, refrain from saying anything until he has spoken. As it turns out, he works for Matrix Pharmaceutical, Inc. He is a supervisor within the Research and Development department and, as he admits, he sat in on <i>my</i> presentation to scout my potential. Needless-to-say, he invited me to tour the facility and, meet with several of his team. Next thing I know, I am presenting my thesis again - to their Board. Except, this time, I am Dr. Melissa Powell and, I am an epidemiologist employed by MPI.<br><br>Meeting after meeting ensued over the following months as I strategized the logistics, the budget and, the science with my peers. About fourteen months in, during one such meeting, all of the pieces began to fall into place. The next four months involved finalizing my idea into a workable plan. <i>Blare. Blare. Bla-</i> My arm stretches across the remainder of the empty queen bed until my fingertips wrap around the device. I silence the alarm before flipping the covers down and off of me. I push myself up and swing my pajama clad legs over the edge of the mattress. My gaze searches for Elbie, my three-legged (front left was amputated due to cancer) Beagle and, I smile as she stretches and wags upon seeing me awake. I then slide out of bed and, reach out to gently stroke her head. I offer an affectionate pat on her head before strolling down the hallway to the bathroom.<br><br>I will spare you the details of my morning bathroom routine; however, when I leave the bathroom, I am ready to face the day. I choose to secure my elbow-length hair into a single braid. I wear no make-up as, is typical of a scientist. I am clad in a pair of khakis and, a forest green polo shirt. Elbie bounces down the hallway and, the stairs, ahead of me in anticipation of breakfast. I chuckle and, make my way to the bin where her food is stored. I feed her and, once she chows down, I begin putting together my lunch. I toast a bagel and, brew a vanilla chai tea for breakfast. I then hear the familiar chime of Elbie's potty bell and, open the sliding door to let her out. She does her business promptly but, gets sidetracked by a squirrel, sitting atop the stockade fence, who is taunting her. I convince her to come back in with a shake of the bag containing her duck jerky treats. When I bend over, to give her her reward, she jumps up to meet me halfway. She darts off with it and, my smile widens before I stand upright again. I gather my things, confirm Elbie's dog-walker will be here mid-day and, secure the house.<br><br>My Volkswagen turns over without question and, I make my way to the research center. The car ride is shorter than usual though, I suspect that is because I am distracted by what today holds. I shift the vehicle into park and, take a deep breath before I let it out with a loud sigh. Finally, I step out, lock my doors behind me and, march towards the large glass sliding doors. They slide open smoothly and, permit my work boots to grace the industrial style floor. I make my way to my office where I sit down and begin scanning through emails, half-heartedly. A knock on my open door causes my gaze to lift. I glance upon Hannah, our Grad student and biotechnician. <b>"Everyone is gathering in the conference room, Dr. Powell. See you in there."</b> I nod and smile. Then, I collect my thoughts and, my folder, before I make my way down the hall.<br><br>When I step into the room, its glass walls flood everyone's excited faces with natural light. "Everyone" refers to my entire team. There is Dr. David Abernathy, a doctor of veterinary medicine, who serves as our Equine Care Specialist. Dr. Abernathy works with the assistance of Ashley and Stephanie, both of whom have fifteen years of horse experience. Dr. Lauren Gates is our microbiologist and, works closely with Hannah, whom I mentioned earlier. Dr. William Marsh serves as our pharmacologist. Lastly, at my disposal, we have Jennifer and Mark, our research technicians. I receive several smiles and warm greetings despite the early hour of 7:00am. I return the friendly welcome and, position myself at the head of the table. I swallow once in an attempt to steady the excitement in my voice before speaking. <b>"Good Morning everyone! I am relieved to see everyone as excited as I am."</b> I grin, from ear-to-ear, and look around the room at the eager faces glued upon me.<br><br><b>"I want to start by thanking you for supporting me thus far. I never imagined we would get this far. Today, and every day that lies ahead, is possible because of each of you."</b> I pause here to permit my appreciation to be absorbed. Feeling as though this is long enough, I continue. <b>"I don't think we need to go over much but, I would like to remind you of a few things. This project is the first of its kind. The science we propose is unprecedented. Thus, if we want our work to have meaning, we must do things properly. I can not impress the importance of following protocol, every step of the way. Remember, we chose our specimen from Beqanna because he possesses no defenses, advantages or, immunity. He is essentially a control specimen. As Beqanna remains an untouched biome, we must be careful to leave the smallest footprint possible. Do not wander off. Do not disturb the vegetation. Do not approach or, talk to any of the wildlife. We must preserve the natural environment so, please focus solely on our desired target. On that note, I will begin the morning with an inspection. Are there any questions?"</b><br><br>We had certainly been over and, through the plan several times. However, I still found myself slightly surprised that no one had a question. I nod with approval and, usher everyone to return to their normal posts. As promised, I begin my inspection with Stephanie and Ashley. I follow them to where our specimen would be residing for the duration of the experiment. The room is approximately 18' x 18' and, framed in concrete. The inside is thickly padded across every surface with a plush, white layer of rubber. The idea was to create a safe place for our equine, in which he could not harm himself or, anyone else. The room is designed with a pair of cameras to monitor every corner, its own drainage system, a separate ventilation system and, there are no windows. Food and water will be dispensed in two rubber bins on the floor. I offer a nod of approval and, move on to the drone we would use to get close to and sedate our specimen. It responds as commanded and, will travel with three full batteries.<br><br>I move on to the trailer which will carry our equine, from the boat, to the research center. It is a three-horse slant load though, we have it configured to accommodate the gurney. Its tires are properly inflated, the ramp lowers easily and, the brake lights and turn signals light up in accordance with my safety check. The gurney inside the trailer is spotless and, its hydraulics work well. I inspect the truck which will haul the trailer containing our specimen. It awaits with a steady transmission, full-tank of gas and, ready-to-roll tires. Next, I make my way to the vessel currently docked. It is a large boat, tugboat style, equipped with a crane and, metal cage, secured to its deck. I find the vessel to have a full tank of gas as well. With everything in order, I inventory the supplies on board. I find the appropriate amount of light analgesia prepared. I feel relief that the morning has gone so smoothly. With any luck, the rest of today will also.<br><br>Following my approval, the team is boarding the boat within the hour. Drs. Marsh and Abernathy, Mark, Ashley and Stephanie will be accompanying me. We are bid a fond farewell and, good luck as the vessel putters to life and, pushes away from the dock. The ride from the mainland to Beqanna is approximately forty-five minutes. We travel in silence for the most part though, the atmosphere is a buzz with the excitement in our hearts and minds. As the vessel enters the shallows, we lower the motor so as to hide our approach.<br><br>Mark ensures that the drone is in sync and, the camera feed is visible from the deck. With a thumbs-up, I grant him permission to send the drone away. Built with an infrared camera, we watch with baited breath until it picks up the warm body of our target. A gleeful smile spreads across my lips as the gadget closes in and, herds our specimen towards us. When the black stallion first erupts from the jungle, onto the shore, we are frozen in awe. He is a beautiful being and, I can feel my pride welling up inside. The remainder of the capture goes without a hitch and, before long, we are pushing him into the research center to the tune of cheers from the rest of the team. I smile proudly in acknowledgement but then, silence the twitters of excitement. <b>"Excellent work team! Now, let's get him cleaned up, settled in and, begin our initial observations."</b></div><div class="jespername">jesper</div><div class="jesperlineage">carnage x bethanie</div><div class="jesperpaw"></div></div></div><font size="2">devin's∇designs</font></center>