Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction using characters and elements from the Pitch Perfect movie series and Sense8 by the Wachowskis and Straczynski. This is meant for entertainment, not part of either source's respective narrative. I don't own any of it nor intend any copyright infringement or profit from this. Also, I don't own any of the songs mentioned below.

AN:

Hi all. Sorry about all the updates and revisions! That should be it for those three chapters though, I promise. In any news, here is Stacie's chapter and some (a lot actually) exposition. I apologize for how much there is to explain (I swear I only explained the important parts), but I knew I had to get this all out somehow to set up the rest of the story. Expect a little more action in the next few chapters/updates.

Note: This is another time skip with a flash back. Present day it's been at least 7 months BECA-1 and 5 months since FAT AMY-3.

FANFICTION: Thank you for the review guest! I'm glad you like it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know what you thought, and I hope you enjoy!

STACIE – 4

Stacie absolutely loves science, it's been her passion since she first learned about cells and evolution. She's studied all types since then and put in hours and hours of hard work to be where she is today. She fell in love with science because it explained the unexplainable. It delved into the mysteries of the world and said, "This is why." Science never failed her, and it didn't when it came to her newfound connections, but…it just came with more guidelines than what she's used too.

It was a nice day in the park with her family. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze in the wind, Stacie couldn't have wished for a better day to be out of the house. Bella was on the swing set as her grandma pushed her higher and higher. The mini clone of the tall brunette, as her mother said, was smiling and giggling with each push, pleading to go higher each time. Her mother, a tall woman with light brown hair, would do so and watch in delight as her granddaughter laughed. Stacie watched from the side with a soft smile on her lips, sunglasses protecting her eyes from the sun beaming down on the medium sized playground.

Children were running and playing, their laughter filling the air. Besides Stacie were other parents who were watching their kids play with the others. Stacie couldn't help but admire the peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

It's been almost two months since science couldn't explain what Stacie was going through. It didn't bother her, rather it was the opposite - it left her on the cusp of something incredible. She was completely fascinated in how she could be in two – no seven places all at once, feel seven different emotions as if they were hers, and essentially live seven different lives across the United States.

Initially she was baffled, trying to find any rhyme or reason to how it could happen. She spent every spare moment at work looking for an answer. For a while her desk was covered with papers, her desktop populated with scientific journals and articles. She would even experiment with Beca and the others, mentally documenting her experience.

At one point, she convinced a friend of hers for a MRI.

The results were literally something out of a sci-fi movie. The left and right frontal lobes were merging.

Her friend took one look at her results and turned to her in confusion and worry. He explained that he's only heard about this in his studies. Undifferentiated frontal lobe syndrome, UFLS for short, and it wasn't good. He went on to say that as the tissue merges, hallucinations can occur, a loss of memory, and eventually an occlusion of identity.

If Stacie wasn't worried then, she was now. Those symptoms and what's she experienced couldn't be the same thing.

Hallucinations? Everything she's experienced felt so real that she couldn't find another explanation.

And loss of memory? Stacie feels more knowledgeable than ever before.

She tuned back into her friend's musings when he mentioned surgery – an aggressive surgery – where they attempt to cut away the growth before the tissue fully merges.

He said, "without it you could die."

Her heart dropped, and everything started to move in slow motion. There was a sudden sensation of numbness that spread from her chest to the rest of her body.

Unlike everything else around, her thoughts didn't stop, and a memory bubbled up instead.

In the small townhouse her family lives in, the kitchen isn't particularly big, but comfortable enough for their needs and full of heart. Her mom, daughter, and herself were packed in the kitchen making chocolate chip cookies one lazy afternoon. Her mom was rolling cookie dough as Bella attempted to help her, flour on her nose as she excitedly rolled a large handful of dough together. This left Stacie with the leftover dough as she snuck a few fingerfuls into her mouth. As Stacie looked back down at the bowl, a puff of flour hit her right in the face. Looking up with an owlish expression that quickly morphed into suspicion, her eyes darted from her mom to Bella. Bella was laughing while her mom had a smug smirk. Cue a flour-fight, a fit of laughter, and nearly burnt cookies to end the evening.

The usual warm sensation that she gets from the memory was replaced with hollowness.

Then her thoughts drifted to the other people in her life, her friends, her co-workers, and finally the seven strangers that have become virtually family at this point.

What would happen to them?

"Mommy!"

Bella broke her recollection, looking up at Stacie with bright brown eyes. She grabbed her hands and shook them up and down as her small body bounced in excitement. Stacie laughed at her daughter's behavior, crouching down to meet her gaze. Bella is the best thing that could have happened to her.

"What is it Twinkle? Are you having fun?" Stacie smiled, gently holding her daughter to contain her bouncing.

"Can we see the Bean?"

Her mother, Bella's grandma, stepped right behind her and had a knowing smile on her face. It must have been her idea. Being back in Chicago, their hometown, brought back a lot of memories and she knew that her mom missed living here.

She still remembered her mom's declaration to move to Atlanta four and a half years ago when Stacie told her she was pregnant. Scared and in tears, she told her mom that she was going to raise her child herself, but her mom wouldn't take no for an answer, saying "Honey I am going to help, and not even Hell will stop me." The determination in her voice ended any argument from Stacie. Suffice to say, she loves her mom. She wouldn't be where she is right now nor who she is without her.

"That's a great idea Bella." Stacie said, tucking a loose lock of brown hair behind Bella's ear. The small four-year-old jumped up and down, looking up at her grandma expectantly.

"You heard Mom, let's go!" Her mom said, taking Bella's hand in hers and glancing at Stacie, who took Bella's other hand.

The small family of three strolled away from the park, smiles on each of their faces and hands tight.

Luckily for them, Cloud Gate, which is famously known as the Bean, was only a few miles away. A few blocks here, a right turn, and a short walk by some local shops and they arrived.

The plaza was already bustling with a crowd of people, some taking pictures while most took to the bean shaped object like moths to a light. From the looks of it, the majority were families with some couples scattered among the crowd. Kids couldn't stop themselves from "oohing" and "aweing", turning back to their parents with a wide smile on their face.

Bella was no different.

"Look, look! There it is!" Bella practically yelled, tugging her family forward.

Stacie chuckled, letting herself be pulled along. "Okay we're going." It seems determination runs in the family.

As they swerved through the crowd, Bella started to slow down and tilt her head up in awe at the sight. Their reflections stared back at them as well as the strangers around them, the park, and blue sky.

Once they were in touching distance, she could tell her mom was playing back old memories, easy to see from her nostalgic expression as she reached out to feel the surface. Bella glanced at her grandma and followed suit, arm raised as she attempted to touch the smooth exterior. To her surprise, she felt someone picking her up and found herself perched on her mom's shoulders.

As she held on to the small brunette's legs, Stacie couldn't smile wide enough as Bella reached out to touch the object once more with a curious expression. She truly enjoyed these moments with her family.

"That's the Bean? Wow! It's so much cooler in person."

"Calm down, it's just a big mirror Emily."

"It's actually really pretty Becs."

"Look I can see myself!"

"Whoa!"

Of course, she doesn't mind her friends visiting either.

Emily, or Legacy as she's been nicknamed, was the first to reach out in awe. Once Chloe found out that Emily's mom was the Katherine Junk with a 5-octave vocal range and the Bella that patented the syncopated booty shake, everyone called her Legacy and she didn't mind. Stacie loves Emily like a sister, it's one of the reasons she teases her so much. Her kind and innocent nature is admirable, not many people go through life with the same perspective like her.

Speaking of, the redhead approached the bean shaped object as well, Beca at her side as always. Chloe was excited while the brunette remained inquisitive as they admired the piece of art.

Stacie grinned with the slightest shake of her head. Those two were the most cliché couple she's ever met. But what interests her about their relationship (besides teasing Beca) was their intense connection, one that is unlike any of the others. For example, whereas Stacie and Cynthia have a strong connection, those two were simply on a different level. All Stacie knows is that Beca would go the ends of the earth for Chloe without a second look, and Chloe? Well Chloe would do the exact same thing.

Everyone joked that Beca was prickly like a hedgehog sometimes and didn't express much besides her infamous eye roll and sarcastic one-liners, but she cares about all of them. They know; they see it in her actions, in the smallest of pauses when she asks them how they are. If anything happened to them Beca would be right there, fighting for them.

If Beca was the grumpy one in the relationship than Chloe was all smiles. The redhead was positivity personified and this girl knew how to have fun. From exciting night outs to meaningful conversations, Chloe was definitely the people person of the group (and the relationship), intuitive about others and quick to plan activities.

Right behind the couple was Amy, an adventurous Australian with stories about dingoes and crocodiles. She was interesting, very confident and sure of herself. She was also known for her eccentric nature.

"This is the biggest mirror I've seen. Look, everyone's checking out my sexy fat ass."

"Amy they can't see you." Stacie could hear Beca's reply and the accompanied eye roll too. Chloe was giggling off to the side as the blonde didn't seem to hear Beca, instead keep an eye on her reflection.

Tearing away from the two lovebirds and the boisterous Australian, Stacie spotted Flo and Cynthia to her right. They were peering up at the object as well, looking at the park and surrounding buildings in the gray reflection. On the other hand, Stacie barely noticed Lilly slipping in with a group of tourists who walked underneath it.

Those three were a lot of fun. Each were mysterious in their own way and bring a lot of energy to the group.

Where Flo was the first on the dance floor, she was also the most decisive out of them, hardly taking a second to think about the other options.

Cynthia was laid back and honest, usually the voice of reason when the group wasn't sure what to decide. These were traits Stacie appreciated, and it helped that they are usually the ones who tease the others in the group.

Lilly was just fun, a mystery box that Stacie found herself trying to figure out. Unlike the others, Stacie pays attention to what Lilly says, mentally filing it for later. So far, she knows Lilly did a turn at county jail, likes setting fires, and knows how to bury a dead body.

When Stacie found out she could die she immediately decided to research the matter further. She didn't want to take the only option open to her without researching the condition in full; treatments, surgeries, all of it. Based on her symptoms it may not even be UFLS. She has an honorary degree in Biology and works at one of the top genetic biomedicine facilities, she can find something.

Stress overwhelmed her the next few days and the others didn't help. After finding out the results of her MRI, it didn't take long for Beca and the others to discover it as well, each reacting differently. Some were reluctant to believe it while others were shocked. All together their emotions were a mess and her stress levels were at an all-time high, even worse than when she was managing college classes and a baby. It wasn't until a day later that Stacie finally got some answers.

The same blonde from their vision appeared to them all and in a flash, found themselves back in the same office they remembered. She distinctly recalled lavender smell from before that overwhelmingly wafted around the room. The furniture and layout of the office was just like she remembered too, very similar to, if not actually, a college professor's office. Gail stood in front of the same mahogany desk with her hands held in front of her.

Stacie looked around to find Beca, Chloe, Fat Amy, Flo, Cynthia, Emily, and Lilly were just as confused, yet she had a feeling that this woman had the answers she's been desperately wanting.

"What's going on?"

"I was in the middle of my performance. Give a girl a warning first."

"Who are you?"

Questions rang out from all of them but died down when Gail dramatically hushed them. Anything unsaid remained on the tip of their tongues as they each made eye contact with each other.

Gail composed herself, a slight smile on her face as she begun. "First, let me introduce myself. I am Gail Abernathy-McKadden-Feinberger."

Then she quirkily added in reply to the raised eyebrows, "Third marriage, I have a good feeling about this one."

Skeptical expressions? Check.

"-and as the newest cluster, there are things you need to know, rules that are important to your survival." She said in a light, almost whimsical tone. Considering the topic, Stacie's quite sure this isn't the appropriate approach. That didn't stop the warning bells going off in her head though.

Survival? What is she talking about?

She started to pace, meeting narrowed eyes and furrowed brows as she spoke.

"I see eight strong and independent women in front of me with the world at their fingertips. Each of you are special and I'm not talking about those skills and talents you have."

"You have been reborn as Sensates or Homo Sensorium as these scientists say." She waved a hand dismissively.

Confusion washed over the group. Stacie, the scientist among them, froze at the dismissed information.

Is she saying what I think she's saying?

Any thoughts she had simply stopped, she held her breath without knowing it and rewound that moment. This was big, and if the implications Gail left were true, Stacie was at what she hoped was the tip of the iceberg of discovering more than just the answers she's been searching for.

Gail hummed, oblivious to the change in the air. "…hmm. John what did Jones say? I feel like it would really set the mood." Her tone unchanging as she turned her head to the left and leaned in, as if listening to someone.

"Ah right!" She snapped her fingers and gestured to the group once more.

She took a breath as if preparing for the punch line, "You are not just you anymore. You have seven other selves."

"Hold on. Are you -" Stacie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, not caring that she interrupted Gail's moment. Honestly, she was still processing what Gail said not even a minute ago, "-are you saying that we are a different human species?"

Stacie had to know. Her answer would change everything she's ever known about human evolution.

The blonde clenched her teeth together, and pinched her nose, "I tried to be nice," then looked at Stacie, "Yes, you are a different human species."

"If there was another human species wouldn't everyone know?" Cynthia asked, picking up on Stacie's train of thoughts. The others nodded along as well, curious about the answer.

"Sure, tell the whole world that there is another species. You'll be hunted down before you know it!" Gail snapped.

Everyone flinched as she took a step forward, caution and shock amidst their faces.

Then Emily broke the tension in a slow wary tone, "Who would be hunting us?"

Gail became rigid, back straight and an impassive expression on her face, a sudden change to her whimsical behavior.

Her voice dropped in, low and serious as she answered. "He has many names, but we know him as Whispers. The voice that plants seeds of doubt, tells you to hurt yourself in the middle of the night, and turn everything you love into a living nightmare."

The atmosphere in the room dropped, a heavy feeling in the pit of everyone's stomach.

"I'm already risking my life being off blockers to tell you all this." She gravelly added, eyeing everyone, particularly Stacie.

No one was exactly sure how to take all of this. From being told you were a different human species all together to a man who hunts them? Stacie's pretty sure they had more questions than answers - again. But this one sat heavier on her chest then any before and based on Gail's last warning, this wasn't the only thing that would weigh heavy on her mind.

"I'll run you through the basics. Listen very carefully, I don't know when we will have another chance like this." Gail finally led.

So, the good news was they weren't going to die. The two frontal lobes merging was normal and would last a few more days. That's the good news.

The bad news?

As long as they don't attract attention to themselves, don't get official medical scans, avoid other sensates, then they won't suffer at the hands of BPO. BPO is short for the Biological Preservation Organization that the man known as Whispers belongs to, a corporation that is publicly known as one of the top pharmaceutical distributors and secretly hunts down people like them in the background.

Short list, right?

Gail told them just enough to get by. She summarized everything they've experienced so far, even some helpful tips. Half of what she said they already knew from past experiences. She explained visiting, sharing, and sharing just about everything from memories and knowledge to emotion and pain.

The other half was new though.

They were not the only group to be reborn as sensates. It turns out there are millions of sensates in the world and growing from what Stacie could gather from Gail. She mentioned they can connect to other sensates outside their cluster by simply making eye contact. They couldn't share like members in a cluster could but visit freely. However, Gail warned them not to trust others. There were too many that collaborated with BPO to protect themselves. They would find and deliver any cluster straight to BPO in return for their limited freedom.

Then there were pills known as blockers.

They were evidently how sensates have survived this long. Gail, herself, mentioned them exclusively. They were specially designed by BPO that cut a Homo Sensorium from the psycellium, from their cluster and connections essentially. Stacie subconsciously frowned at the thought.

It didn't sit well on her conscious if she was left with just her own voice in her head. She, much like the others, grew accustomed to their new headspace, even Beca. It felt unnatural to isolate one's self by such means, to become "normal" once again and Stacie didn't want that, not after she found seven voices in her head one day.

Unfortunately, blockers are only obtained from BPO, which meant unless they wanted to risk their lives they had to play it safe.

It wasn't hard to not to attract attention to themselves. None of them had the habit of finding themselves in headlines, although if Amy's stories are true, they might have to worry about her the most.

The heavy feeling in Stacie's chest didn't go away after they appeared back in their respective offices and apartments, it simply manifested its way as an increased awareness. Stacie doesn't know how many times she's had to double check her surroundings more than usual. She would find herself eyeing the other passengers on the train, suspicious of the older man reading the paper on the nearby bench, the woman in a black beanie reading a book, and the young couple giggling at each other.

The others started to pick up their own habits as well. Not making eye contact for one (Gail was very insistent on that one). Everyone subconsciously decided to wear sunglasses more often, a rather inconspicuous accessory that fit in most of the year.

But what was hard was finding those moments to freely talk to each other without raised eyebrows from those around them. It was mostly while they were in their respective homes or excusing themselves at work. Other times they would pretend to be on the phone whether at work or in public. There was a slight hesitation as they remembered the dangers of being different, of being a secret, that bled into their daily lives now. Being careful was how they decided to survive.

Stacie's phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. Holding on to Bella's left leg, Stacie dug into her pocket and answered the vibrating device. The four-year-old didn't mind, still preoccupied with sight-seeing from the new height.

"Hi beautiful." The voice greeted.

"Hi yourself babe." Stacie replied returning the favor. If being with her family wasn't a reason to smile, then the other person on the end of the phone was.

"Chloe tells me you're at the Bean."

Stacie lightly smirked. Risking a glance at Chloe, she gave Stacie a wink and returned to pay attention to whatever Beca was saying.

The subtle shift to visit Chloe in Atlanta was seamless. In the blink of an eye, she was standing across from Aubrey and Chloe in their apartment, whom looked like they were enjoying a quiet day.

A pajama clad Aubrey sat on the couch with a thick book on her lap as she continued to talk on her phone. A playful smile pulled at her lips as she stared right at Stacie. Chloe couldn't contain herself as she watched them with a satisfied smirk. She could feel the electricity humming between them.

Technically it was a long-distance relationship, they communicated through text or phone calls most of the time. But unlike Aubrey, Stacie had the luck of being around this beautiful woman every day. Chloe helped with what she could by simply being in the room or walking around with Aubrey, so Stacie could see what was going on. They don't have what Chloe and Beca have the convenience of, but they make do.

"Yeah, I love it Bree. I think Bella loves it more, she hasn't stopped looking at it." Stacie chuckled, tilting her head up to see Bella enjoying herself. Stacie's mom returned to her side.

Shrugging her shoulder slightly to adjust Bella, she brought her phone up and said, "Hey Bella, say hi to Aubrey."

Bella's eyes lit up. She loves Aubrey.

"Hi Aubrey!" She practically yelled into the phone and Stacie could hear Aubrey's light-hearted laughter echo through the phone and in front of her. Her mom let out a chuckle as well. She never cared the gender Stacie was attracted to throughout the years, rather she simply wanted Stacie to be happy and well taken care of. After the guy who got her pregnant didn't want to be around, her mom grew more protective of her daughter and so far, she really liked Aubrey.

"She's adorable Stace. Tell your mom hi for me too." Aubrey replied.

"I'll tell her. Oh, and I think Bella misses talking to you, like she's been asking about you for weeks."

There was a small laugh and the hint of a smile. "I'll definitely call more often. I think last time she was telling me about what she drew the other night."

Bella wriggled a bit on her shoulders, a sign that she was restless. With her mom's help, Stacie was able to get the fidgety girl back on the ground where she started walk around. In the process Stacie's sunglasses got knocked off and clattered to the ground.

"Stace do you want to go to dinner next Saturday?"

Stacie distractedly replied as she picked up her sunglasses, "Sure, that'd be great. If it works with Chloe's schedule we can even catch a movie."

"No, I meant just you and me." Her mom disappeared from her side to follow Bella.

Stacie paused, furrowing her brows, how could they have dinner without Chloe there? Unless…

"Are you flying out here?"

She saw Aubrey nod with a coy smile.

"I have some time off and I thought this would be a great opportunity to meet my girlfriend."

It was like someone told Stacie she won the lottery. She let out a squeal of excitement that Aubrey and everyone else could hear from a mile away.

Ignoring the stares, Stacie continued. "Oh my God. I can't believe you! Talk about surprises Bree, you sure know how to woo a lady."

"You get to see me every day, I'm only making it fair." Aubrey said back in a playful tone.

"All's fair in love and war m'lady."

Taking a moment to look around her, Stacie didn't see her mom or daughter in the crowd of people. A rush of worry replaced her playful mood. Rationally, she knew that they were fine, probably waiting for her, but she's worried, maybe she wasn't being as careful as she thought. After all, BPO has kept everything a secret so far, it wouldn't be crazy to think they have eyes everywhere.

Sunglasses in hand, she started to follow where they went, panic slightly rising. The others must have finished sightseeing and noticed what was happening because they appeared a second later at her side.

Being tall has never been so helpful as she looked over heads and hats. She met several eyes, some blue and others brown as she bounced from face to face. She quickly dismissed anyone who didn't match her mom or daughter. The young brown-haired couple, a blonde woman who wore a hoodie, a black-haired man with glasses, a child who hugged a teddy bear and more that Stacie's eyes skipped.

"Is everything okay? It sounds like your busy." Aubrey asked after she hitched her breath in worry.

"Sorry Bree, I can't find Bella. I'll call you back as soon as I can. Love you."

"Love you too. I'll text you my itinerary later, find Bella and your mom first."

Demanding Aubrey was one of Stacie's favorites, but she couldn't focus on that right now. Stacie hung up and turned to Flo and Cynthia who were in front of her.

"She's not over there."

"She's fast for a four-year-old."

She has seven other pairs of eyes and they couldn't find her? Stacie sighed and kept searching, the worry rising in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes skimmed over any small child with brown hair.

"Mom!"

The familiar voice drifted through the crowd, behind a family of six and other tourists it seemed. Turning towards the source, she found herself out of the main crowd and facing the park, her mom and daughter right in front of her.

"What took you so long? Is Aubrey okay?" Bella asked, running toward her.

Stacie laughed, because of course she would ask if Aubrey was okay. The worry in her stomach faded as she laughed.

"I couldn't find you silly. I was worried." Stacie kneeled to hug Bella. She couldn't imagine losing Bella or her mom. If she felt this much panic over losing them in a crowd, losing them in any other way would kill her.

Stacie smiled after letting Bella go, and excitedly continued.

"She's fine, but you can ask her in person this week. What do you think?"

Bella's eyes lit up for the third time that day (a sight that Stacie will never get tired of).

"She's actually coming here!?"

"Yep, and she's so excited to meet you."

"Really? She was able to find some time to fly out?" Her mom added, overhearing the news.

"Yeah, she had some time off and already set up her itinerary."

"Why am I not surprised?" Her mom chuckled, "That girl is too prepared sometimes. I can't wait to finally meet her."

Stacie almost rolled her eyes at her mom's comment, but yes that's one of the things she loves about Aubrey Posen.

Stacie sighed for what she thinks is the fifth time that day. Her desktop had multiple screen pop ups with different articles on the brain. While Gail supplied the bare bones of their situation all those months ago, Stacie kept digging for a clearer answer, for the scientific answer. Anything to do with genes and the mind specifically. However, just like she expected for the fifth time, there was zero information.

What she has found since then were theories upon theories upon theories. Some including drugs, others Freud's theory of pre-language communication and psychic references. So far there wasn't a shred of scientific explanation, but she was limited. Without searching for specific terms, she wouldn't get far. If she dug further, risked more, she could find a real answer, but the question is – does she want to risk everything to find it?

Knock Knock

Her door gently swung open and, Steve, a brown-haired man in a white lab coat leaned on the door knob. Stacie quickly locked her computer and met Steve's glance, his stocky build blocking her view of the research lab.

"Ms. Conrad, the 2 o'clock is here."

"Thanks Steve, I'll be out in a second."

The young man nodded and closed the door at her reply. Looking back down at her desk, she started to sort through the scattered papers, a literal image of what she felt like her research has come to at this point.

A gentleman from a pharmaceutical company was interested in partnering with their company to produce a new medication. It was a big deal and Stacie jumped at the chance to give the visitor the tour of the facilities and vision of their company. If they could secure this deal more people would have access to better drugs.

Shuffling through her paperwork, she found the general information packet her supervisor provided her and tucked it against her side. She quickly placed the rest of the paper out of the way in a neat manner and ensured her key card was in her lab coat pocket.

If anything, it would prove to be a welcome break to her fruitless search.

Leaving her office, she made her way to the main lobby. Taking a deep breath and plastering a polite smile on her face, she tried to qualm the rising nerves in her stomach. This was a big deal for the company and Stacie aimed to do her best.

Her heels clacking against the tiled floor, she made it to the front of the building. She was looking for a William Brandt. Through the clear window doors, she spotted an older gentleman in the provided waiting area.

Swiping her key card against the black pad emitted a small beep, and the door unlatched. Stacie swung it open and stride forward to where she got a better view of the man. His hair was completely white, he had a full well-kept beard, and dressed much like a business man. He seemed to be focused on an email when Stacie approached, his faded blue eyes through wire-framed glasses meeting Stacie's gray blue as she came to a stop. He proceeded to pocket his phone as Stacie introduced herself.

She politely smiled, not sure what to make of him yet. "Hi Mr. Brandt, I'm Stacie Conrad and I'll be showing you around our facilities today."

He stood up and took her offered hand with a courteous smile. "Good afternoon, Ms. Conrad. I'm looking forward to the tour. We believe this facility has the resources we are looking for."

It was a firm handshake and he was gentle with his words.

"And we hope so as well. Please follow me."

"Forgive me for asking, but how old are you?"

They were in a hallway, clear glass on either side of them which led to the open labs where scientists were working. They were at least halfway through the tour and so far, it was going well. He asked questions about their procedures, recent work, and quality assurances. This was the first non-work question he's asked and the most common one she hears.

Stacie chuckled, "Don't worry about it. I get that question a lot actually, I'm 23."

He looked genuinely impressed, "So young and to have a such reputable position at a facility like this. Impressive Ms. Conrad. If you weren't here, you would excel at my organization."

Stacie smiled at the compliment, it was refreshing to be acknowledged for her mind than her body.

"I just have one more question if you don't mind."

He asked, and continued when she nodded, "What drives your passion for science?"

Stacie paused, thinking for a moment. That was unexpected. She hasn't been asked this in years. But no matter how long it's been she knows the answer.

She took a breath, looking through the glass into one of the labs where a handful of researchers were peering through microscopes and jotting notes down on the clipboard in their hands.

"I love science because it explains the mystery in the world. There will always be questions for the unknown, to understand the world around us. Science gives us answers, educated guesses at the very least, but simply a way to see the world and pursue new ways to change it. I love my job. It's challenging and intuitive, but important work."

These came straight from her heart. And the way she said it was so raw and open than what she intended that it overtook her confidence and shook her to the core.

"I couldn't say it better myself Ms. Conrad. That was moving."

She turned back to Mr. Brandt, shuffling her feet a bit to regain her confidence. When she didn't say anything, he continued.

"Much like you, I believe that science is important to improving the world. To take it within our hands and give something back. I have been in this industry for years and have learned more through my own research that I hope will come to service the future."

The way he spoke wasn't gentle but driven and determined. It was as if he was ready to take on the world head on. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation. Stacie was inspired and genuinely felt more motivated after his short speech. He was beginning to prove better than what she expected, which was a typical business man who was straight to the point. He was different.

They managed to finish the tour relatively soon after that and eventually found themselves in the lobby where they started.

"Thank you for the tour Ms. Conrad, it was a pleasure."

"You're welcome. I enjoyed our conversation, it was inspiring." Stacie chose her words carefully and extended out a hand. It wasn't every day she met someone who was just as, if not more, passionate about science.

He returned the courtesy, shaking her hand.

"Indeed, it was. I believe that everything here is perfect for what we need. Till next time Ms. Conrad."

He finished with a sincere smile before turning around and swinging the front door open. Stacie followed suit, heading back towards her office to let her manager know how everything went.

Once she made it back into her office, she unlocked her computer and started to type an email reviewing how the tour went.

"…Mr. Brandt enjoyed the tour…asked several questions about our processes and regulations…" She muttered to herself as she typed.

Once she was satisfied with her response, she sent it and opened a new browser. A window popped up with the company's home page and her own profile.

She hummed, recollecting her thoughts on the white-haired gentleman. He was not what she expected, an older gentleman who empathized and asked genuine questions. She was expecting a much more straight-forward approach to the tour than what Brandt did. He asked questions about their processes, regulations, standards, and expectations, and somehow found time to converse with Stacie. The questions he asked her…they were different, refreshing to what she normally gets.

Sitting up in her chair, she started to research the man. The second link in the search results was William Brandt, asset manager, and Stacie quickly clicked on it before reading the rest.

The next page loaded and there was a picture of the same man she spent an hour showing around. It was a professional picture, he was dressed in a suit and there was the slightest hint of smile on his face. The page was a brief biography on him, summarizing his school and work experience.

Stacie was enthralled in the article, impressed by his credentials and experience. He went to the University of Chicago, earned a PH.D. in genetics, and has been in the industry for decades. And at the bottom of the article it ended with his current position.

"William is a widely recognized figure in the industry and has been working with the Biological Preservation Organization for twelve years. He currently…focuses on…"

Her eyes glazed over as she trailed off mid-sentence. It took her a moment to let the words sink in, the phrase repeating in her head. Three letters stood out and alarm bells rang in her head.

Biological Preservation Organization

BPO

Things just got more complicated and Amy may not be the only one to worry about.