By R. John Quisenberry
“This is not how it is supposed to happen! He did not fall asleep when the others did, and now he is one of the first to awaken. Not only that! The female seems to have avoided the crystal component exposure almost totally!” snarled the researcher.
“Researcher Fladulyn! I have the latest test results from tissue and scans of the “STRAY”. His cranial capacity has increased by at least 15 percent. His bone structure is still changing, but it shows signs of reinforcements in the joints. Brain chemistry has changed and now includes a variety of minerals not found in normal human brains. Nerve conductivity is expected to be off of the chart. Our scan also indicates new brain tissue growing into the enlarged sections of the cranium.” panted Acolyte Cervince.
“I want this subject observed as closely as possible for the remainder of the study. These variations from the normal responses are disturbing, but we should not panic over something that ultimately does not effect the overall outcome.”
“But sir! Is it possible that we have finally managed progress in project phoenix?”
“Acolyte! Stop spouting foolish myths! That attempted mutation was doomed to fail. Not one subject was even remotely successful! All we ever got were the passives and the aggressives. I have had enough of these foolish ideas. I begin to think that it is time to recycle you!”
“Sorry Researcher! I will not bring it up again. I will set up the observers for the subject. All public areas will be covered by our normal monitoring, but if he gets into the private areas, coverage may be spotty.”
“Do your best and keep me up to date on the situation, and make sure the cell phone jamming devices are at full strength. We can’t have your ‘stray’ calling the police in. We will dissect this anomalous subject once the study is finished so we can take advantage of his differences.”