The Farlight Initiative
Ch 5

Theo was awakened by a gentle shake from Jen.  He hadn't realized that he'd fallen asleep at his desk or that his folded arms made a serviceable pillow-- at least they did until he straightened up and felt the nasty cramp in his neck. He glanced to his wife, who was looking at him with compassion, concern, and a touch of humor.  Sighing, he rubbed the back of his head and murmured "So... sleeping slumped over does not score high on quality rest factor."

Smiling faintly, Jen closed in and wrapped her arms around his shoulders "Oh, honey... I can't believe you're still here.  You should have gone home hours ago."

Flicking an ear, he slowly stood up and Jen maintained her hold the whole time.  He embraced her in return, nuzzling her hair with his nose as he reveled in her scent. "If I should have gone home then that probably means you should have too.  So what're YOU still doing here?"

Jen rotated in his arms so she could reach his muzzle with her lips.  She planted a quick kiss on it before stating. "Oh shush... I have to get ready for ALVIN and Dr. Makowi.  Carol was helping me get some offices ready for them but I had more to do after she went home so I stayed late."

Theo licked his nose in thought. "Um... what about the kids?  Did you message them to let them know that you were staying late?"

She turned it around on him. "Did YOU?"

Flustered, Theo cleared his throat and disengaged. "I--"

Jen smirked. "I did, yes.  They're high schoolers, Theo... they can take care of dinner for themselves."

The Wolf let out a long breath.  "Everyone says 'they grow up so fast', but those parents get their kids for a full 18 years."

His wife closed in and gave him another hug. "Crazy, isn't it?  Well, at least they're doing well in school so we don't have to deal with all of those awkward parent-teacher conferences the old teen drama vids always seem to focus on, right?"

Theo kissed Jen on the forehead.  "Right.  Well, no matter how good the kids are we should probably return home and get some real sleep.  I have no doubt that it's going to be a very busy day tomorrow."

Jingling the town car keys, Jen returned the kiss, targeting his nose. "Already got that covered.  Clean up your work space and lock your workstation; I'll let the cleaning staff know that we're heading out."

It took almost twenty minutes for the two to close up and get down to the garage.  While the Farlight Colony had well developed roads and a civic infrastructure many citizens of the colony didn't have vehicles so the parking garage was of a modest size considering the number of people working at the facility but, despite only having two levels to the lot it seemed exceedingly large when there were so few vehicles left.

Theo had been so focused on finishing up his work night that he didn't look at his PCD's clock until Jen was unlocking their car.  He paused, staring at the screen.  "Oh crap-- it's only an hour 'til midnight!"

Jen smirked, speaking as she got into the vehicle "Like I said, you should have gone home hours ago."

Theo joined her. "WE should have gone home hours ago.  There's enough employees that I'm sure you could have gathered up enough help to get things done tomorrow before ALVIN arrives, Jen... you don't have to carry the load alone, you know."

Jen started the town car and began winding her way up the ramps to ground level. "I know, Theo... I know... but this is important and I don't trust just anyone with it.  Between you and me, there are two people who can handle this task."

The Wolf knew his wife well enough that her 'between you and me' statement wasn't meant to insist that she was telling him something in confidence; she was out-and-out saying that she and Theo were the only two people who would be able to handle the task.  Her trust in him made the Wolf smile, but it also made him worry.  "What's so special about the visit?  I know they're coming to talk about the H-Gene and the Farlight Initiative, but will they really need their own offices?  Are they going to be staying long enough for that to be an issue?"

Pulling out onto the main street, Jen let out a long breath. "They're going to be joining us for the entirety of the pilot."

That made Theo freeze.  "They're going to be here for SIX years?"

Jen smiled, taking the turn that led to their residential building. "On and off.  They'll be keeping the office and AETHER Corp plans on having a presence here.  I assume that Dr. Makowi will be coming and going, but I think ALVIN will either keep a shell here for activation, or maybe even just split processing power."

Sometimes Theo had trouble thinking of ALVIN as an artificial intelligence.  Considering he had a body and a personality that put some lesser-lively individuals to shame, the imitation-Collie could easily have passed for alive.  The reminder Jen gave him that ALVIN's body hardware was capable of being 'mothballed' when the AI wasn't actively operating it brought up another question for the Wolf. "Are we setting aside a residence... or storage?"

Only when the statement came out of his muzzle did Theo realize just how silly that question sounded; he certainly didn't plan on it being quite as snide either.  Jen, however, laughed whole-heartedly at it, reaching over to slap him on the shoulder while watching the road. "You're horrible, Theo!  And yes, we have a residential facility set aside for Dr. Makowi and I think ALVIN's shell will be stored there when not in use."

The Wolf's tail began wagging against his seat. "Wow... it really does sound like everything's planned out."

Jen pulled into the parking facility and went to their assigned spot: A4.  Backing in, she came to a stop before glancing to him. "We still have some specifics to iron out when it comes to the research facilities and lab space, but most of the project involves sociology."

Theo knew Jen's opinion of soft sciences and he couldn't completely fault her; unlike physical sciences such as chemistry that required specific laboratories, disciplines like sociology could be conducted from just about any facility.  Still, he had a feeling there was more to her statement than the superficial part.  "Have they identified the scope of the project?  Do we know what applicants are going to be in what study group?"

Jen set the brake and pressed the button to turn off the engine.  "No.  That's one of the first things I know ALVIN will want to go over once he gets settled in."

The wolf nodded thoughtfully. "So... tomorrow afternoon then?"

His wife let out a sigh. "Sometimes it scares me how quickly he can acclimate to any situation, Theo.  I just know I'll be spending half my time fighting to keep up."

Theo reached over and took her hand in his paw. "Jen... this is what ALVIN does.  It's what he's good at, and he's here to take some of that weight off of you.  Will it really be that bad if he gets ahead?  I don't think you'll help in the long run if you burn yourself out in the first week of working together."

She smiled at his statement, bringing up their joined digits so she could kiss the back of his paw. "I know... you're right... it's just-- this is important to me, Theo.  It's important for Farlight, and important for all the Gens out there.  I want to be a contributing part of this project, not just a hanger-on."

He leaned across the distance and pressed his nose to the side of her face and giving her a gentle peck on the cheek. "You organized most of this, Jen... you already are contributing... probably more than anyone else."

Although she rolled her eyes, Theo realized that his wife at least heard his statement and, judging from the slight blush to her cheeks had registered it and taken it to heart.  Opening the car door she climbed out. "Anyway, I'm just as worried about Abe and Abby."

Theo got out as well and closed his door so Jen could lock the vehicle.  He offered her his arm and, as they walked toward the lift he asked "Why?  Do you think they didn't get to bed on time?"

She offered him another smack to his shoulder. "They want to help with the Farlight Initiative, Theo!"

He smirked. "I know... but you shouldn't worry so much about that; they're smart kids.  Personally I think it's more worthwhile being concerned that they aren't staying up late doing who-knows-what."

They entered the lift and Jen pressed the button for their floor; she could have just announced it but she always seemed to enjoy the more old-fashioned way-- it was something Theo knew she got from her father.  Once the doors closed she leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. "You know, I caught Abby last night staying up and looking at a political action committee report on her PCD in bed after she was supposed to be asleep."

Theo grinned, likewise leaning back until their heads touched. "Abe just started trying to learn Voljoi-aligned quantum mathematics. I can only imagine how many sleepless nights HE'S going to have..."

Jen let out a soft sigh, snuggling her body up against his before she let out another. "I don't know what to tell them about the initiative, I mean--"

Theo straightened up, ears perked. "Say?  Tell them okay; they can help."

"But what about their schooling?  They already both take on way too much for--"

The Wolf smiled, continuing from where he left off. "They can help BUT if their grades suffer then they'll have to bow out."

He saw the gears turn in her mind as she remained quiet for several long seconds.  She didn't speak again until the lift chimed softly and the doors opened.  "I think that's fair.  They can help only as long as they keep their grades up.  The moment their schooling starts to suffer then they'll have to give up their internships."

Theo nodded, stepping out into the hallway with his wife before turning to her.  "Agreed."  They sealed the agreement with a kiss and then continued onward to their condo.

Jen even took it a step further.  "They have no class tomorrow so they can even be part of the welcoming party."

The Wolf opened the door to their apartment; the entryway light came on dimly then slowly brightened to welcome them home.  Theo turned to his wife and they shared a kiss.  He smiled. "Sounds good to me... and I'm sure it'll be a great surprise for them."

Abe and Abby, as it turned out, were indeed in bed and, to Theo's surprise, they were also both asleep when he checked in on them.  Returning to the kitchen, he joined Jen in giving it a once-over; although it was obvious that Abe and Abby had prepared dinner for themselves everything was cleaned and in good order.  Theo also noticed an extra plate for Jen and himself in the fridge.  Jen let out an 'aww' followed by "We have two great kids, don't we?"

In response he slid his arms around her from behind, resting his muzzle atop her head. "It's because they take after their mom."

She huffed, rolling her eyes. "AND their dad.  You're pretty great too, you know."

His tail wagged humorously. "It's also so easy to catch something when I going fishing for compliments with you, Jen."

She giggled in response, turning around in his arms so she could start undoing his neck tie. "You're incorrigible."

His wagging intensified. "What can I say?  I was made that way."

It had taken the Wolf years to figure out the right way to banter and Jen had been pivotal in that.  Smiling, she identified that he'd done a good job by silencing the discussion with a kiss.  From there, he began backpedaling toward their bedroom as his paws moved across her suit, undoing buttons, clasps, and zippers; hers did the same to his clothes and, by the time they made it to bed, they were both naked.

They did ultimately get some sleep... but not right away.

* * * * *

Abe and Abby were overjoyed to be invited to the space port.  Rather than take public transit or the town car, Theo elected to call on Xavier to take them.  Although the Borzoi worked as a pilot for the civil commission he was always available to serve as Jen's personal pilot and driver; had no trouble bringing the multi-seat transport around.  Despite the fact that it sat twelve (not including the driver and a front-seat passenger), Xavier had also apparently called on Oswald to drive back-up with an identical vehicle.

On the way to pick up ALVIN and Dr. Makowi Theo questioned that choice.  Glancing to Jen he asked "So... any idea why Ozzy's coming along?  We should have plenty of room in one car; why would we need two?"

Jen rested a hand on the Wolf's paw. "I asked for two.  ALVIN is bringing along a small group of employees, relief staff, and contributors to the Farlight Initiative."

The way his wife used the term 'contributors' sent a shiver up Theo's spine.  He wasn't about to ask for clarification but Abe certainly didn't hold back. "Contributors?  Do you mean, like, researchers... or test subjects?"

Abby, laying on the floor of the limo, thwapped her brother's calf with her tail. "Abe!  This is a social experiment just as much as it is a pharmaceutical one... they're 'participants', not 'test subjects'."

Jen leaned down to pat her daughter on the head. "Thank you, Abigail... and yes, Abe; from my understanding there is a combination of researchers and participants... at least one contributor may even be both."

Both Abe and Abby frowned at that one but, once again, it was Abe who spoke up. "Wouldn't being a researcher AND a participant skew the results of the testing?"

Noticing that they were approaching the parking garage of the shuttle facility, Theo forestalled the rapidly forming debate with a simple statement. "Abe... ALVIN will assuredly have covered all of those angles.  I can't imagine an Artificial Personality program would overlook something as straight-forward as tainting data."

Although Abe didn't look completely satisfied he at least offered a shrug and quieted down.  The divider between the passenger cabin and the driver's compartment lowered a moment after they stopped and Xavier called back to them "Ma'am... Sir... we're here."

It was a formal announcement, which the Borzoi always made as part of his job, which he took seriously.  Jen, likewise, responded in an official tone. "Thank you, Xavier.  I anticipate that it will be awhile before we come out."

Once the formality was over, the Dog went back to casual; like all of the Gens that had served Jen since she was young he was not the least bit reluctant to converse like they were family. "I don't have anything scheduled today, Jen... Ozzy and I can hang out here unless you'd--"

Jen waved the offer away. "No... that won't be a problem... I can send you a message on your PCD when we're ready for a pick up.  I'm sure your Otter has plenty of things to do other than wait around for us."

Oswald, like many of Jen's Gens, had made something of a name for himself on Farlight and what had started as a fledgling transportation business had rapidly grown into one of the premier shipping planet side corporations on Rho 2.  Xavier shrugged the concern away.  "Mostly some logistical movements for Sector 3, but they're overstaffed today so it's not a problem... honest."

Theo glanced to his wife, who just rolled her eyes with a smile. "Well, you'd know him better than anyone else, X.  You and your husband can enjoy the rest of the morning together... I'll let you know when we're ready for a pick-up."

The Borzoi winked at them in his rear view mirror, a smile on his muzzle. "Yes, ma'am.  I'll wait to hear from you."

The family emerged from the vehicle and, although Theo worried that he'd have to herd his children, they were surprisingly complacent and compliant; considering they were both so eager to greet the visitors he shouldn't have been surprised.  Taking Jen's hand in his paw, he walked with his family toward the arrival gates, a spring in his step and a wag in his tail.  They arrived with almost fifteen minutes to spare, which helped them get to where they were going and they got to the waiting area just as the shuttle touched down.

From that point they had another ten minute wait as the transport started to unload; considering first class was a foregone conclusion, ALVIN and Dr. Makowi were the first out of the concourse.  Although Surresh had gained a few hints of gray around his muzzle he still looked much the same. ALVIN, however, was, as always, frozen in time; he appeared identical to every other time Theo had seen him.  It made sense, of course, considering the Collie's body was artificial and only semi-organic.

Pushing the observation from his mind, he stepped up immediately, joining Jen as she moved to greet their visitors. "ALVIN!  Surresh!  So good to see you again!"

The Collie took her offered hand in a warm handshake, his second paw clasping her forearm as he leaned forward and offered her a kiss on the cheek.  "Mrs. Thurstenburger-- a delight, as always."

ALVIN then turned to Theo, offering his paw to do the same, complete with the second grabbing the Wolf's forearm.  "Ah... Mr. Thurstenburger; so good to see you well."

Theo didn't have to affect a wag in his tail; he'd known ALVIN long enough that he could consider the AP a friend and it truly was good to have him join them. "Likewise.  Welcome to Farlight, ALVIN."

The Collie nodded, offering a smile in return.  "Thank you for hosting."

ALVIN's attention immediately filtered past him; the AP's diamond-shaped pupils widened then contracted as he focused in on Abe and Abby.  Theo stepped aside and gestured his kids forward.  "Abraham, our son, and Abigail, our daughter."

The discussion broke down after that, the official nature falling away as both of his teens immediately started to 'geek out'.  Any sense of the official nature of the meeting collapsed in on itself as Abe and Abby immediately gave into their curiosity, barraging both ALVIN and Surresh with questions.  The Wolf felt his ears turn hot as he blushed profusely but, glancing to his wife, he saw that she seemed to be taking it in stride with a smile so he resolved to do the same.

Surresh spoke aside to Jen the moment he had a chance to get a word in. "My my my, Mrs. Thurstenburger... quite the precocious teenagers you have."

Jen waved away the comment with a demure smirk. "I've always told them that asking questions is the best way to learn."

The Tiger nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Quite right... I could not have said it better myself."

Abby quickly added "And I have one of the harnesses you made!"

Surresh chuckled. "I had indeed noticed.  You appear quite capable with it as well.  My compliments to you as an end-user, young lady."

ALVIN spoke over the developing conversation. "Ah!  And it appears the rest of the crew have finally disembarked... here they are-- Gentlemen!  This way!"

The Collie did a fine job of doing introductions as everyone approached.  Leading the support staff at the front of the group was a King Shepherd Gen who ALVIN announced to be the newest AETHER Corp representative for Farlight.  "Daniel, this is Mr. and Mrs. Thurstenburger.  Thurstenburgers, this is Daniel Fores, and his husband Gerald."

Theo had almost missed the Human who had followed along behind the Dog but what Daniel's 'plus one' lacked in size comparison, he certainly made up in personality.  "Oh!  Jennifer Thurstenburger!  Daniel told me all about you.  I'm so glad to get to meet you!"

The tip of Daniel's tail flicked back and forth just enough that Theo noticed it but Daniel did an excellent job of maintaining his composure otherwise.  He placed a paw on Gerald's shoulder. "Relax, Jerry... you'll have plenty of time to kiss up to the Councilwoman later."

In most circumstances such a statement would have come across as rude or dismissive but, for a reason Theo couldn't tell, it seemed almost endearing; he was glad to see that Jen obviously felt the same way.  "Well, gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet both of you as well.  If ALVIN is assigning you here as his corporate contacts then I'm sure you'll fit in just fine."

Daniel nodded. "Thank you, ma'am.  I know I speak for both of us when I say that we're looking forward to seeing more of Rho 2 and helping with the Initiative."

They both moved on to join Surresh in seeking out their luggage while ALVIN continued to identify additional support staff.  He gave brief introductions "Logan Marx, Sanders Black, and Tolrn Girgyda." to a Gen Lion pilot, a Gen Boar technician, and a Gorumn materials processor respectively. 

Behind Theo, the Wolf heard his daughter whisper to his son "It looks like there's only one Human..."

In addition were several Gens who ALVIN indicated as H-gene participants: a Rabbit, a Flying Fox, and an enormous Sun Bear who, in Theo's mind, carried himself like a member of the military.  The Collie introduced each of them in turn as well. "Dietrich, Darma, and Sgt. Yoo-Han Lee."  ALVIN's final introduction of that group confirmed Theo's impression of the Bear's status.

The AP paused after that, joined by three more staff, who he identified briefly, starting with a Gen Fox before moving on to a Gray-scaled Cytkus, and finally a Gen Cape Buffalo. "I've also brought an Environmental Technician-- this is Oliver; Negaat is a member of my personal flight crew during my stay here; and this is Irvyn Algier, the final member of my support staff."

Theo provided handshakes were appropriate, tail lashing in frustration when he heard his kids continue their quiet discussion behind them as Abby added to her brother "A Gorumn and a Cytkus too..."

The Wolf about-faced to address his daughter "Is there something wrong, Abigail?"

Clearing her throat, Abby sat down, tail curling around her front paws as she cocked her head to the side. "Why did you bring a Human and a Gorumn and a Cytkus?  They don't have the H-Gene, so how are they going to help?"

Rather than be concerned with the question, ALVIN addressed it before Theo could. "While it is true that they do not have the H-Gene, the project is about addressing the issue and does not require those partaking in the process to specifically be affected by it."

Surresh, who had been speaking quietly with Jen, took notice of the discussion and weighed in. "It is also fair to say, Ms. Thurstenburger, that many of the Gens involved in the study processes are also not affected directly by the H-Gene... your mother tells me that you and your brother will be helping us and neither of YOU have it included in your schematics, so is it not fair to say that many of the other staff could likewise be helping without direct, first-hand experience with it?"

Rather than let Abby continue the debate, he quickly interjected.  "There will be plenty of time for a Q&A later, Abigail."

Jen took the opportunity to weigh in as well. "Exactly.  Besides, after such a long trip we should probably see to it that our guests have a warm welcome over lunch.  Surresh... could we interest you in something to eat?"

ALVIN spoke up. "I have heard wonderful things about Lumière des étoiles.  I presume the reservations reserved under your name are for our benefit?"

Theo shouldn't have been surprised that ALVIN was aware of the plans considering he seemed to have complete and unrestricted access to every computer system he encountered and yet it still took a moment for the Wolf to come to grips with the statement.  Jen, as usual, recovered faster.  "Oh... yes.  Of course.  I wasn't aware that there would be so many staff traveling with you, otherwise I would have requested a larger--"

The Collie smiled, interjecting politely. "If I may...."  His pupils opened wide and he tilted his head to the side for a half second before returning to his prior posture, eyes reverting to normal. "There.  The reservation is revised with the proper number of settings... and do not DREAM of covering the bill; I have already paid in advance in your thanks for your hospitality, Jennifer."

It had been so long since ALVIN had been around that Theo forgot how 'interesting' things always seemed to be around him.