A/N: So. . . more answers for you! Shorter chapter, but necessary to show how "organic" the kids actually are. I would also like to give my sincere thanks to Khalthar, who has agreed to beta this work as well. As always, let me know what I do wrong or right. LGTracy
CHAPTER 6: CHEMICALS, MOONSHINE AND SCARS
"Hey Jason!" Ralene greeted the fifty-ish scientist as she entered the main laboratory.
"Mmm," was his distracted reply as he stared with laser like intensity through his microscope.
"Studying the fuel sample?"
"Mmhmm."
"Well, I was able to determine a few biological components in the samples when I looked at them. I've taken the liberty of asking a couple potential experts to join us and had Tiff get some groceries to use."
"Yes, I agree there is definitely some sort of pectin molecule. There also seems to be no traces of petroleum or other fossil fuel based products.
"That would be considered odd for a fuel sample; if it weren't for the origin of these samples, anyway."
"I agree. That's why I asked a couple of guys who have a family history of moonshining to help out."
"Moonshining?
"Of course! The alcoholic concentration would provide a flammable component to allow the pectin enriched fuel to be burned by the systems for use."
"That's what I was thinking."
"So, what makes you so sure that this particular formulation is what will be the most compatible with the NBT's requirements?"
"Those . . . other scientists," she said as she spat out the word in disgust, "took samples of everything they could get their hands on of NBE-one; including several fuel samples from various points in his digestive system. The sample I'm convinced that is most compatible with the NBT's systems was the one that had already been, essentially, digested into the most useful parts for NBE's function."
"You're humanizing them again," the elder scientist gently chastised.
"Well I can't help it, they act so human all on their own anyway . . . Besides, it's the easiest way to get my point across without having to explain the terminology."
"I can see your point."
"Hello? Doctor Clark?" a strange voice called into the lab.
"Back here!" the summoned scientist answered.
"Hey, ah, you wanted to see us?" asked a blonde soldier with ice-blue eyes.
"Ah yes! Steve Jorgensen is it?"
"Pronounced 'your-gen-sin,' but yes," he answered.
"Sorry, and you're Hunter McCoy?"
"Yes ma'am. So, why're we here?"
"First of all, this is Doctor Jason Eg," she introduced the other scientist.
"As you know," she continued after they had exchanged greetings, "Sector Seven does an in-depth investigation into their employees. Not even expungements exist as far as they are concerned. You both are here because you both have juvenile records for running moonshine. What I want to know is if either or, hopefully, both of you know how to actually make the moonshine you were convicted of running?"
"Why?" Jorgensen asked cautiously.
"Because we believe that the chemical composition of the alcohol," the elder scientist informed, "may work as a potential fuel source for the NBT's."
"Yeah, I know how to make potato mash for making vodka," Jorgensen offered hesitantly.
"I can make two-hundred proof white lightening with corn, but it can be deadly if made cheaply," McCoy informed with narrowed eyes.
"That's fine. If you are willing to make some for our use, there is a lab especially designed for your endeavors across the hall," Dr. Eg informed as he turned back to his microphone.
"Here, let me show you to your new space," Ray volunteered as she led them out of the lab.
"So, wait, we aren't gonna be here as guards?" McCoy asked in confusion.
"Nope, but as far as anyone else knows, you're specially assigned to guard the labs. That was the only way I could get Simmons to let you guys be assigned to my project."
"Is our illicit past the only reason you wanted us?" Jorgensen asked with some suspicion.
"No. That was just a bonus. The real reason I wanted you guys was because of these," she said as she gently touched the matching scars each man bore; Jorgensen's on the side of his neck, mostly hidden by his shirt collar and McCoy's on the inside of his left wrist. "The same mark that I have as well as several others on base."
"You?" McCoy asked in awe.
"Where? Jorgensen demanded.
"Right here," she informed as she tapped the spot over her heart. "Jimmy Hudson also has one on the top of his right wrist, Doctor Eg has one as does Jennifer Leslie, Tiffany Gerard and Jaime Preston, all of which can be seen when they move in certain ways or wear certain styles of clothing.
"That is another unofficial assignment; if you see anyone around with that same scar, try to send them to Jimmy with the suggestion they might enjoy the caretaker assignment."
"What's a 'caretaker assignment'?" McCoy asked in confusion.
"Simple, it brings you into a higher circle of trust.
"You were both marked like that by NBE zero, weren't you?" she asked when they both looked astonished.
"How did . . . ?" Jorgensen started to ask.
"Where you . . . ?" McCoy trailed off when he saw the scientist's confident nod.
"We all were marked by the cube; everyone who has a scar. When I was translating the writing on it, I theorized that particular figure meant 'caretaker,' or 'parent'."
"So, what does this 'caretaker' mark get us?" Jorgensen asked in suspicion.
"For the most part, it means that you are more likely to look at the NBT's in the same way I do; as the children of another species. To that end, you will be granted more access to them than those who are not marked, until they can prove they're on board with the idea. If you are both willing, you may even be allowed to mentor some of the ones who may show an affinity for something you excel at."
"They ain't comin' anywhere near this place!" McCoy decreed vehemently.
"Hell no! It's way too dangerous!" Jorgensen immediately agreed.
Ray laughed at the looks of horror on both men's faces at the idea of the NBT's being in danger. "Looks like the cube chose right," she had to say between chuckles.
The men looked at each other then at her in sudden understanding.
"Hey Ray!" Jason yelled in through the open door. "Jenn's on the phone. Something about the attendant."
"Tell her I'll be there in a few minutes. As soon as I'm done filling in our fuel mixers."
The sound of the door shutting with a loud clang signaled the elder scientist's exit.
"So, what else do we need to know?" Jorgensen asked as he came back to the purpose for their presence.
"Look around and see what all you're going to need to set up a still in here. Try to get producing as soon as possible; we only have about a two month supply of fuel for the NBT's and it's unlikely we can rely on Simmons to send us more when we run out.
"Talk to Jimmy in the morning with your list of supplies and he'll see to it you either get what you need, or get you a company credit card to get it yourself.
"So I can tell Jason when he can start working on the formulation, how long will it take you to set up and brew your first batch?"
"About a week," McCoy answered offhandedly as he began to walk around, stopping to check the ventilation system thoroughly.
"That's about right," Jorgensen agreed as he routed through the supplies and separated out what could be used from what couldn't.
"I think we should also use a used radiator as a condenser," McCoy suggested to his new colleague. "The lead might be necessary for their bodies."
"Yeah.
"Doctor Clark? Will it be alright if we set up several different stills? That way, we'll be able to experiment with a wider variety of recipes in a shorter amount of time."
"That sounds fine with me.
"I'm going to go find out what's going on with Jenn.
"Jason will probably be in the lab all night, he'll be your direct supervisor, so if you need anything, talk to him." With that, Ray left them to their work and stopped by Dr. Eg's lab to tell him about his new underlings. Not surprisingly, he was back to staring through his microscope and taking more notes, barely acknowledging the information with his standard hummed response.
Now that that was taken care of, Ray turned toward the security offices; what did Jenn find out about the attendant?