Chapter 2
The moist bricks bore the stench of mildew and blood, various pieces of equipment lay around the tattered shelves and drawers. A rotting door, its hinges gone, lay on its side next to a doorway, through which very little could be seen. A foreign machine in the corner emits a low buzz and occasionally shakes itself and the rickety table it sits upon. Cold tones shine through its glass domed top.
Immediately after a bright show of lights, the machine ceases to operate and its lid springs open, glowing brilliantly with an eerie shade of dark red. A man of small stature and large build, donning a laboratory coat, comes from the darkened doorway and takes gentle steps to the piece of equipment and carefully removes a small, gleaming jewel from inside. He holds it above his head and examines it, being excruciatingly meticulous.
Seemingly to approve of the quality of the gem, he takes it back through the darkness from which he appeared.
"It is complete" says he to a colleague. "The quality is unmistakable; this is truly what we have been striving for. Bring the specimen to the examination room and begin preparation. It is almost complete. Only small details remain."
The other, a woman, simply nods as he finishes. She gracefully moves to an operating table and begins tedious preparations for the experiment that she and others will have so long striven for.
He looks frustrated. "Then, Kate, what of the specimen? Is it prepared or shall it require more time?"
His female accomplice shifts from her work to the conversation, "Yes, Doctor, is it almost complete," said she. "But you and I both know that it is not my responsibility to prepare the specimen. If it is not finished, do not hold me responsible, for I shan't have your attitude and misguided anger on my shoulders."
The man shot an unassuming glare at her for a moment before darting through another exit, returning hastily. He motioned for a figure to come to him from outside the door. A moment later, a stretcher can be seen emerging from the dark and appearing into the dim light. A small body lay on it, that of an unconscious small girl. Behind it, pushing the mobile carrier forward, was a woman of her early twenties, dressed in a form-fitting olive uniform, tails down its back. She stopped and turned, exiting the room.
"There is no stopping after this, Altessa," said Kate. "There will not always be a chance to turn back."
He whipped around and lashed back at her, "You listen to me, half-elf, I will not be told when and what to do by a creature such as yourself! I have committed my research to this project and I will be damned if I am coaxed to quit because of you!"
Kate stood aghast at his harsh response.
"What of her taciturnity, Doctor? Surely people will suspect foul play. Must we really send her back to her hometown?" she passively retaliated.
"Enough," said he. "This is going to go forward, whether you choose to participate or not. Understood?"
The other operator reluctantly agreed and began to follow the doctor's many commands for equipment and tools. Bits and pieces of delicate materials began to disappear into the girl's body. She convulsed, and her eyelids sprung open wide.
She screamed, "Daddy! Daddy! Where is... where is... where is he? M-mommy?"
Altessa squinted at her tiny form and ordered his olive-clad assistant to administer more anesthesias into the body of the convulsing body. As the girl slowed her movements, the two operators continued their procedure with haste.