The Farlight Initiative
Ch 6

Theo rarely got up before Jen.  Granted, he would wake up before her often enough, but with her in the bed next to him, her flawless, bare skin against his fur, he usually gave in to the urge to remain there with her, reveling in the too-few intimate moments of peace and quiet he could take before she awoke and the chaos of the day began.  It was not easy being the Executive Vice President to the Farlight Colonial Envoy but it wasn't something he would have traded at any price.

On the one year and one day anniversary of the start of the Farlight Initiative, however, they had a meeting scheduled.  Jen had stayed up late the prior night making sure that everything was in place for a group eMeeting.  Theo had gone to bed ahead of his wife and she had awakened him several hour later curling up to him; it was his favorite way to wake up.  They had snuggled for a time and when the Wolf last looked to the clock it had read 2:53, which was just under 5 hours past; his wife hadn't got much sleep and he lamented that fact.

Slowly reaching over to give Jen a gentle caress on the shoulder he offered quietly. "Hon... meeting is in 20."

The Human woman mumbled something softly but otherwise failed to respond.  Despite how much Theo knew his wife needed more sleep their busy schedule just wouldn't allow it.  He leaned over and spoke just a little louder. "Do you want me to get a shower going?"

She let out one of her too-cute sleepy sounds and rolled over.  The Wolf took the next step and, with measured tact, began to push his paws against the blanket, stuffing it beneath Jen and sliding them between her and the mattress.  Using a normal speaking voice, he announced "Okay... blankets need to be washed anyway... I'll just stuff all of this into the shower with you."

Only once he went to pick her up did Jen finally respond.  At first it was an acknowledging "Hey!" but it was quickly followed by a squeal of surprise as he hefted her into his grap.  He didn't actually have to carry her into the bathroom since she was up by that point, but he refused to set her down until she gave him a kiss good morning.  At that point the two went to the bathroom together.  Theo would have liked more time to share in the shower (and in other pursuits) but by that point they had barely 15 minutes to get clean and get dressed.

Considering time was at a premium, breakfast was limited to coffee and a breakfast granola bar; Jen went to the living room to prepare the holo projector for the meeting while Theo prepared their drinks.  By the time he joined her with two mugs in one paw and the box of breakfast bars in the other she had already calibrated everything with her PCD.  The living room's furniture was situated in a circle with eight spots identified for the holographic projections of everyone taking part in the one-year check-in.

Check-ins were done periodically throughout the initiative's run time.  Standard reviews were every month and also special check-ins every 3, but the one year review was going to be the major milestone of the Farlight Initiative study.  It was also the first time Sector 6 was going to check in since Abe and Abby had transferred out there two months prior.  Theo had missed his kids and he knew Jen had as well; they were both eager to see them again and, chances were that they would be in on the meeting.

Jen accepted the coffee mug from Theo and motioned, pointing around the circle as she identified who would be where.  She started with the chair to their right.  "Surresh is going to be at the Genealogy center so I think he'll probably be speaking for Sector 1a."

Theo took a seat beside Jen, plopping himself down on the armrest of the large, padded chair she'd chosen for herself. "And then us for 1b?"

His wife nodded, and motioned past him to the next chair around the circle. "ALVIN motioned that another group arrived from AETHER Corp a week back and they'll be compiling information, so I expect they'll check in today too as 1c."

Theo perked up.  "Priscilla messaged me a few days ago and mentioned that Dr. Parker and his daughter had rooms at the hotel near the space port... Do you think that ALVIN involved them in the project?"

She smirked, stealing a kiss from the side of his muzzle.  "I wouldn't doubt it... Lydia is quite the programmer, and I have a feeling that ALVIN is looking to integrate some programming components in the H-Gene work-around."

The Wolf nodded, managing to hide his shiver as he considered the way the AP's mind worked; it was truly frightening at times, but, he reasoned, at least ALVIN was on their side.  He pushed the thought out of his head and motioned to the next chair.  "Do we know if Orbital Control is going to be here?"

Leo was the Station Operator and they had a general invite to all of the update meetings since the space platform had an excellent data storage component for tracking research but, unfortunately, the Lion was usually kept very busy with communication routing between the system and core space.  Theo was used to a lack of check-in, but Jen confirmed otherwise. "They are, yes.  ALVIN made sure that there would be enough manpower to spare an operator or two to record the meeting and share data."

It'd been months since Theo last heard anything from the orbital station; it was a gateway of sorts he always felt better getting updates from 'the world beyond' Rho.  "Wow... hopefully it'll be well timed if the one year review will has some worthwhile info to add to the research record."

Jen nodded, and continued around the circle pointing to each chair in turn.  "Sector 3A and 3B, and finally, Sector 5."

Theo was surprised to hear about the last one. "Sector 5?  I thought the military station was just offering logistics support... why do they need to check in?"

His wife's response was a half-shrug. "It was a last minute inclusion from ALVIN; he said that it's important for them to join us today for an announcement he's making."

The hint of worry snuck into Theo's mind again and he felt a shiver run up his spine. "I don't usually like his last-minute announcements."

Jen reassured him in her usual way; she wrapped an arm around him and pressed herself to his body. "It'll be fine, Theo."

They didn't really have a lot of time to enjoy breakfast, but they spent the next few minutes simply relaxing in one another's company.  The Wolf really did start to feel better; Jen had that affect on him.  By the time the meeting got started, Theo was in the right head-space and ready to get down to business.

The meeting started when the transmitter situated on the small end table positioned in the center of the circle sprang to life; the green light on the side illuminated and several projectors rose up, aiming at each of the chairs in the room.  The camera facing Jen and Theo focused in on them, and a general 'recording' graphic rose into the air above the conical-shaped eMeeting comm device.  A few seconds later various holograms appeared in place on each of the chairs.

ALVIN's recognizable form was situated to Theo and Jen's right.  Standing behind the chair was Surresh' hologram; both were well dressed.  The AP Collie wasted no time "Good morning, everyone Let us please go around the circle and check-in.  This is ALVIN at 1a; with me is Surresh, Bernard, and Walter."

Jen sat up a little straighter. "Jen and Theo for 1b."

A voice quickly spoke up right after her even though there was no hologram present for the speaker; Theo did notice that the recording symbol on their transmitter disappeared so he assumed that the new speaker just replaced Jen's graphic for 1b. "This is Danel Fores, also checking in for 1b.  Zelda and I are down from Orbital for the next few days and we're in a meeting room at the space port."

Another voice interjected, also lacking a graphic.  The transmitter acknowledged the speaker being from Sector 6. "Hi Mom!"

Zelda's voice replaced Daniel's in the transmission from the space port. "Lincoln-- this is a formal meeting.  Please wait to speak... and hi."

Theo couldn't help but smirk at Zelda's response; she had always been professional, but she was also a very caring mother.  Her son, Lincoln, was stationed with the research team along with Abe and Abby in Sector 6.  The Wolf was thankful that HIS kids had a degree of decorum and didn't break meeting etiquette.

ALVIN took control of the discussion after the interruptions to help move things along.  "Thank you for checking in Mr. Fores.... Dr. Parker, it is your turn, I believe."

The holographic Rabbit to Theo and Jen's left sat up even straighter. "Yes. This is Dr. Sean Parker.  With me are Lydia and Henry Maxfield."

Theo's tail began beating without any attention from him; he knew that Lydia and Henry had kindled something on Sigma Echo but he didn't know if it had remained after everyone's lives had changed since 'The Event'.  It was gratifying for him to know that it had.  Even as he was considering things, he heard Lydia's recognizable voice speak up over the same channel "Hello, everyone!  Good to be here!"

Henry accentuated the statement with only a "Ta for havin' us."

Rather than further interruptions, the conversation continued with check-ins.  In the next seat was a hologram of Leo; he looked to be well-kept and presentable.  "Leo present.  With me is Gertrude as well.  She will be taking notes for the Thurstenburgers and comparing them to our records on the station."

Leo's image fizzled out, replaced with a Gen Chimpanzee; despite not having seen his coworker in several years, Theo recognized him immediately even before he spoke.  "Simeon Black reporting in from the station as well.  We're monitoring events from the lower arm."

The Wolf realized that 'we' referred to Simeon's squad; the Monkey had obtained a commission with the military's black ops squad on Rho 2, he took the designation as his surname and he'd been distant ever since.  Despite the questionable activities undertaken by the group, Theo still felt glad to have him present.  ALVIN further complicated things by adding "Good.  I am glad you were able to accept the invitation, Simeon.  Next, please?"

Simeon's image was replaced by Leo's and the introductions continued.  In the next chair was a Hyena, also from Theo's past.  Henry, however, was a regular part of their lives, serving as Jen's eyes and ears in Sector 3.  "Henry checking in for 3a.  I also have Jerry and Jeremiah, Tolrn, Nathan, Sanders, and Oliver with me."

It made sense to Theo that so many representatives from Sector 3 would be in the call; it was a very work-heavy area with a lot of projects going on at any one time.  He also had to fight to hold back a smirk when Henry introduced Jerry and Jeremiah since the Bull and the Dog each shared the same name; it was a good way to differentiate between them.  The Wolf resolved to ask later which was which, but the introductions continued despite his curiosity.

Without pause the image of Henry disappeared and was replaced with a hologram of Xavier.  The Borzoi announced clearly "Xavier here, and Ozzy is with me.  We're at the distribution center making a delivery but Henry told me about the check-in so we logged in too."

ALVIN nodded. "Thank you, Xavier.  What about 3b?"

Uma, as immaculately presented as ever smoothed out her whiskers before announcing "Uma here.  Leslie couldn't make the meeting but she's here in spirit.  I'm also joined by Foreman LaGriss, Sherman, and Irvyn."

Matilda spoke up next; the Pony was married to Theo's long-time coworker Yancy, so he knew her well enough, but, as the civilian envoy to the military arm she usually didn't have a lot of time for pleasantries.  She likewise kept her introduction simple.  "Matilda here.  Logan and Negaat will be joining us shortly, and I also have Sgt. Yoo-Han with me."

Although the image didn't change, the Sun Bear's unmistakable voice rumbled through the transmission clearly. "Present."

A third voice also spoke up on the line. "Indra here as well.  Please be advised that this line is being recorded for colonial outreach PR.  I ask that you silence your comms if you don't want something on record."

ALVIN quickly spoke up "Thank you, Indra.  Everyone please take note of your mute commands; you can also silence your transmissions to Sector 5 via command Star-Six-Five-Five on your PCDs-- same command to reopen.  Let us conclude introductions with Sector Six, please."

Abe and Abby both appeared in the hologram, sharing what was probably a large lounging couch; the living room furniture Jen had chosen for Sector Six was the loveseat and they both fit it together with only a little of Abby's back-end superimposed over the left armrest.  Abe spoke first. "This is Sector 6, checking in.  Abraham and Abigail Thurstenburger reporting."

Abby added "Robert and Marcus are here on assignment and they're listening in, but Marcus said they aren't going to say anything."

A voice responded to something from barely within range from the receiver, making it almost impossible to make out what was said; even with his superior hearing, Theo had the impression that it was Marcus objecting to the announcement but it was quickly overpowered by Lincoln speaking up. "Link is here too.  Hi Mom!"

Smiles graced most of the faces of the numerous holograms around the circle at the young Zorse's repeated greeting to his mom.  Zelda's voice came through the Orbital line's transmission with a hint of mirth and frustration in it. "Hello again, Lincoln."

ALVIN once again quickly brought things back on track. "While AETHER Corp fully supports a balance of work and family time, I would like to point out that this meeting is part of daily activity for employees and collaborative parties.  Please wait until you are called upon to speak as it will help the flow of this conference call."

Theo mentally counted out three seconds of silence before he glanced to Jen; she seemed to have been doing the same and by the end of the fourth she spoke. "This meeting marks the end of the first three hundred and sixty five Sol 3 days; one Sol-ar year, which was the approved initial research term for this pilot initiative.  We will be doing a debriefing of each aspect of the Farlight Initiative, including what was covered in last week's update as well as an overview from each sector and each participant."

Theo quickly jumped in. "We have set aside two hours for this conference.  We realize that not all speakers from each sector can provide the full amount of time.  If you have to leave early, please check in now so we can make certain that you're given the opportunity to provide your reports first."

The green check-in light illuminated the hologram of Dr. Parker.  ALVIN's image focused on the Rabbit. "We will cover that shortly, Sean."

The Lapine doctor didn't seem satisfied with the statement. "Shouldn't we lead with it, ALVIN?  Each sector needs to know."

The Collie's hologram was replaced by Surresh; the Tiger usually had an unreadable expression on his face but his muzzle held a strong indication of concern. "I am actually in agreement with Dr. Parker... when dealing with Phantoms, time is of the essence."

The majority of those present at the meeting sat up a little straighter; Theo did and he felt Jen tense beside him.  It was Ozzy, replacing the hologram of Xavier who took the next step.  He looked immediately panicked when he asked "What does this have to do with Farlight?"

Surresh must have relinquished the prime spot since ALVIN's image took over for 1a.  The Collie sighed, running a paw through the fur atop his head. "I had hoped to handle this in a much more orderly fashion, hence the request that everyone wait to be called upon."

Uma's hologram was replaced by a man Theo hadn't seen in a few years, but still recognized him; while the Wolf rarely had reason to interact with technicians, Kyle Lagriss had left a positive impression on him and, even though the Human was skirting meeting etiquette to interrupt, his question was sound. "Is Farlight in danger?"

Lincoln's voice spoke up from outside the view of Abe and Abby's holograms "What are Phantoms and why's everyone so shaken up about em?"

Theo fully anticipated a run-around answer since those familiar with Phantoms and alternate realities to their own had never bothered to inform people who hadn't lived it.  He was all the more surprised when Dr. Parker didn't beat around the bush.  "Phantoms are life forms that are made out of living thermal energy.  They aren't really a part of reality in the way we know it, and a few years ago they... broke through."

Before anyone else had a chance to react to the announcement Surresh reappeared in the 1a transmission. "Several years ago many of those present managed to force the Phantoms back out of what we know of as reality but, during the AETHER Corp survey of the Sigma system two years ago we discovered a resurgence."

Theo's heart begin to beat faster, and he broke protocol to ask "Define 'resurgence'."

Dr. Parker took over. "To begin... please let me be clear.  There are no Phantoms on Rho 2... not yet, anyway."

The Wolf had immediately felt better with the reassurance right until the Rabbit added 'not yet'.  Jen took over for Theo. "What do you mean by 'not yet'?"

ALVIN returned to speaking, replacing Surresh's hologram. "The data collected suggests that there is going to be a breach here on Rho 2 that will release a small number of Phantoms onto the planet."

Henry scowled. "Define 'small number'... didn't it only take ONE to take down Sigma-Echo the first time?"

A number of murmurs arose from the different transmissions in the meeting until all of the audio from all of the lines went dead, leaving only the transmission from 1a able to be heard. ALVIN was frowning. "Please forgive the necessity of muting everyone, but this communication is getting out of hand and it is imperative that what I am going to say is clearly heard.  First, I apologize for the suddenness of this information being presented; we have had the time to assimilate the significance and plan for a resolution, which, I am proud to say, we have successfully formulated."

By the time ALVIN finished speaking the others present had stopped trying to speak and everyone sat gravely and/or looking confused.  Theo waited and, after a moment, pressed the check-in button on his PCD.  The Collie looked his direction. "Thank you for checking in, Mr. Thurstenburger.  The floor is yours."

The Wolf saw several other check-in lights come on from the others in attendance but he didn't let it distract him. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

Dr. Parker glanced toward ALVIN, who nodded; the Rabbit's audio line opened. "Despite the importance of resolving the issue of H-Genes in Gens, Yggdrasil indicated that we'd find a work-around for the Phantom problem during the undertaking."

Theo remembered Yggdrasil; it was a cross-reality experiment that allowed certain in-tune people to catch glimpses of the future or, at least, that was how it was presented.  He himself had been exposed to it and had obtained what he'd come to call 'impressions', but there was one problem with the statement.  Checking to see that his line was still unmuted, the Wolf stated "But Yggdrasil was supposed to end when we cancelled it out in the last wave."

The discussion continued as Surresh took over to explain but, at that moment, Theo's PCD went off.  It caught his attention because it had been set to mute for the meeting and the only lines that were able to go through were his family's.  He glanced down to it and saw he was receiving a communication from Abe.  He hit the receive button after muting his meeting line. Before he could say anything his son asked "What's going on, Dad?"

Theo could tell that Abe was worried and, despite wanting to comfort his son, the Wolf realized that he was still 'at work' and had to keep things orderly.  "Stay near your PCD and I'll contact you as soon as I can.  This is important, and I need to get as much information from this meeting as possible.  Just... stay inside and avoid anything that looks like a glowing ghost eel."

Abe, as usual, didn't settle for half answers and he pressed the issue. "A ghost eel?  Dad, what exactly are we--"

Despite hating himself for it, Theo turned off his PCD and focused back on the conference meeting.  Dr. Makowi was speaking to those present. "We cannot pinpoint the positioning of the rift but the Farlight Initiative gave us the best protection we can have.  Dr. Parker?"

The Rabbit took over talking when indicated. "One of the chemical compounds we tested to counteract H-Gene had some unintended side effects... perfectly harmless, but it did render the subjects unreadable by thermal imaging and both MRI and CT scan technology for nearly an hour."

Theo wasn't sure how he knew, but he spoke up at the same time as half a dozen others on the meeting. "Batch 211b."

ALVIN's image once again replaced Dr. Makowi's.  "That is correct.  Those of us who knew of the sample were either present for the testing, or have a connection to Yggdrasil, which is our other fallback defense."

Jen quickly interjected. "Wait... wasn't 211b the same treatment that had the same basic composition early research used for the HID alternatives for DDs?"

Theo remembered exactly what she was talking about; before the LHI Gens were given autonomy they were maintained with a chemical component that kept their bodies from rapidly aging and giving out.  The HID treatments were taken daily and remained one of the largest barriers to a normal life for most of them.  That brought up another question in his mind. "Does Dr. Cortez know his serum was being used?"

ALVIN didn't even miss a beat. "Yes, and yes, Mrs. and Mr. Thurstenburger.  The compound used by Dr. Cortez in experimenting on alternatives to HID turned out to be a very useful component in seeking an inhibitor for the H-Gene... and, in a rather genius stroke of kismet, it may be our greatest tool in resolving the upcoming Phantom invasion."

Link spoke up from Station Six, plopping down between Abe and Abby. "Wait... didn't Mr. ALVIN say 'a  few'?  That isn't really an 'invasion', is it?"

Ozzy's stressed tone piped in despite the fact that his image was no longer presented on the holographic. "Every time they kill someone they multiply... so it might START as 'a few', but before long there'll be more of them than us."

Henry's dour tone added "And that'd be bad if they popped in somewhere in the agricultural sector... lots of animals there..."

Theo realized that, at some point, ALVIN must have taken off the mass mute because, after so many interjections, the Collie put it back in place.  He cleared his throat (a needless activity for an artificial body, so it was obviously a non-verbal cue for those present) before speaking. "We have a plan, and it is imperative that everyone pay attention so we can discuss the best way to proceed."

For the second time that morning the Wolf watched as numerous holograms continued talking without any sound actually coming from any of them.  As before, he pressed the button on his PCD to indicate that he would like to speak.  ALVIN looked his way. "Mr. Thurstenburger, you have the floor."

Glancing first to his wife, and then to the hologram of his two kids, he then returned his attention to ALVIN before saying "If you have a plan of action then we need to hear it... and the sooner, the better."

The Collie nodded, offering a pleasant smile. "Thank you, Theodocious... that was precisely my intention."

Dr. Makowi spoke next with the AP's blessing. "We have ten conduits for Yggdrasil and we are still missing several important pieces of information... the first step will be to fill in the blanks."

It was definitely not something the gathering wanted to hear, but it was the first indication in Theo's mind that they were being told the truth without any sugar coating.  The next hour was spent going over what was presented as a very solid plan built on a very shaky foundation.  Based on early estimates, the colony had about 4 hours to fill in some bedrock before a really nasty shake-up.  It had been almost a decade since Sigma-Echo but, suddenly, it felt to the Wolf as if he'd never left.