The Many Regrets of a Cyborg Werewolf

Domestic - XXX

Angela tapped her finger along the book's spine as she rode the elevator to the sub-level. It was a tick she rarely demonstrated, as such physical outbursts were unnecessary. They accomplished nothing, not even the meager catharsis one would expect, not for her at least. It spoke to the severity of her mounting frustrations that she would cause this much of a scene. The book itself was large in her hands, though virtually weightless, and she rapped her fingernails along the embossed details of its cover. It was a very finely detailed piece, very old, yet well-preserved. She worried exposing it to the snow and frigid air would damage it. Angela had enjoyed a cursory read of its contents on the helicopter ride back, and the information within was everything she could've wanted. It was also simply fascinating to behold, filled with history and records of ancient practices. She wondered if, once Lazarus had concluded, she should have the book examined by an expert to find out just how old it was. Assuming, of course, Lazarus could proceed as planned, which brought her back to the frustrations at hand.

The elevator doors parted as Angela exited into the laboratories. Book in hand she strode briskly down the hallway, the clacking of her heels echoing through the concrete walls as scientists and technicians gave her a wide berth. She approached the final set of doors at the end, which entered into one of the larger rooms, and the grouping of doctors inside all turned their heads towards her in unison. The only two who did not immediately turn to see her were her diligent assistant Jessica and Mercury, the former of which eventually realized Angela's arrival, while the latter seemed entirely unconcerned by her presence. Her finger kept tapping.

"Welcome back, Miss Wintergreen," Jessica said. Angela didn't reply. Only now that her presence was called out did Mercury finally turn to face her. His face was decorated with a smug grin, and he offered a token half-nod at her arrival. Angela looked at Jessica, whose expression remained stoic, but her pheromones told a much different story as the young woman experienced anxiety. It was obvious to everyone why Angela wouldn't be so happy, everyone but Alabaster.

"You were busy while I was abroad," Angela spoke to him.

"Testing the new control state," he replied, holding one of the Compiler's vials in his hand as he leaned against the operating gurney.

"And terrorizing the public," Angela walked towards the counter on the far wall.

"A little initiative," Mercury quipped, "an incentive for city hall to allow us more autonomy in the interest of accelerating our collaboration."

"Incentive?" Angela smiled as she placed the book down on the counter, "was there any doubt the police would cooperate?"

"Well, no," he shrugged as he pushed off the gurney, stepping into the empty space between them, "but a little assurance wouldn't hurt. Now they're more desperate than ever for a solution, and now that you've returned we can begin mass production."

"I see," Angela nodded. She pulled a sheet of plastic film from the dispenser on the wall, covering the book. "And what if I had failed?"

"I beg your pardon?" Mercury asked, cocking his head to one side.

"What if I had failed?" She repeated, turning towards him. "Say I followed Luke to Alaska and there was no book to take back, or he had destroyed it, etcetera. Say I returned empty-handed, then what?"

"Then-" Mercury choked, then cleared his throat. "I never considered that. That you wouldn't succeed, that is. Why would I?"

"How flattering," Angela stepped towards him, rolling up her sleeves. Mercury shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the neck of his bodysuit beneath his coat.

"Are you unhappy?" He asked. She didn't respond, and he shifted his gaze back towards Jessica and the scientists, before looking back at Angela. "I thought you'd be pleased. We were going to have to do control tests anyway, I simply saw the value in collecting actual field data. Besides, it brought public opinion more to our side."