19 Jun A Pig’s Life

From the Desk of Independent Journalist and Researcher James Thurwell:

Recently, what could be termed a medical miracle was performed, in which scientists were able to revive tissue that suffered cellular death using a system known as OrganEx.  This process was able to take organs harvested from pigs and return them to functional use, with hearts beating, kidneys filtering, and even brain tissue showing activity.  It is being hailed as a new horizon in the field of medical science, potentially opening new avenues in healthcare and changing the definition of death itself.

However, while many of my fellow journalists are very capable of scouring social media for their attention-grabbing headlines instead of having to do any ‘real work,’ my investigations in the darker edges of the world have led me to get to know some very strange individuals, many of whom need the internet to stay connected, but would never appear on social media under any circumstances.  My own special email inbox received an item from one of these individuals; my attempts to follow up to ask questions were unanswered, and I do not know if it is because they will not answer me, or cannot answer me.

You may notice certain details are missing from this item…that is not my doing.  When I received the information, it was full and unredacted, but as I scanned it, I noticed portions began disappearing; names erasing, segments disappearing.  I disconnected my network connection, fearing a hacker had gotten through my defenses and ran a secondary virus scan with a program I received from a friend who knows about these sorts of things.  It turns out it was encoded with a very sophisticated “self-destruct” program; rather than simply rendering the file as garbage if it fell into the wrong hands, it would eliminate data as it was being read, and then transmit that information back to a singular source.  This appears to have been a method to catch those viewing it on a wireless signal and report them to an authority…what authority that is, unfortunately, has been removed from the documents, and I never caught the name.  While I confirmed that my most personal information was not delivered (again, thanks to another set of protections my friend with the virus scanner was able to provide me, what it does tell me is that as disturbing is the contents of these files are, my concern is the one who wants that information, and what they are willing to do to make sure it is not seen.

I present it now as best as I am able.

October 1^st, Year Redacted

Minutes of Initial Kickoff Meeting

13:00: Director Ben Lukitch introduces himself to the team.  He spends ten minutes congratulating the members of the team on the exciting research they are about to begin.  He briefly discusses the history of Numadrox.  Originally intended for purely cosmetic purposes in industrial materials, it was discovered during the incident in the Newark facility to have interesting biological properties when applied to scar tissue; namely the repair of it to the point where the scar tissue no longer existed.  It was determined in several follow-up tests that reaction to the chemical was not confined to laboratory animals and that scar tissue in almost any mammalian class showed remarkable healing properties (tests are inconclusive in other classes, but focus is currently on suitability for human use).

13:10: Requests for Mission Statement are sent out.  Brainstorming session lasts roughly 45 minutes, after which the statement is chosen from popular vote.

Mission Statement

“The purpose of this project is to determine if Numadrox is suitable for medical purposes and, should value be found, cultivate its use for beneficial purposes as well as maximize profit potential for [the Company.]

Thurwell’s Note: Here is one instance where things are redacted, but in an unusual way.  An individual or company is not simply wiped out, but replaced with a generic alternative.  In this instance, the name of the company involved was withheld, but simply replaced in these instances by “The Company.”

Minutes Continued

14:30: Director Lukitch informs the group that in order to provide assistance at the federal level to help mitigate liability in the event the worst should happen, we have reached out to [The House Representative] to act as sponsor.  He is aware of the need to keep this under wraps due to the sensitive and potentially explosive nature of this research; both corporate competitors and foreign governments could develop this technology if they could, after all.

14:45: Break for donuts, coffee, and meet and greet.

15:30: Meeting resumes, as project assignments are delegated.

16:27: Meeting adjourns.

October 5^th

Daily Research Report of Dr. M. Nimmis

Numadrox has been tested extensively on scar tissue and showcases the same result: old scars are visibly reduced by a within minutes, and depending on size, can be reduced to a negligible size or discernment anywhere between 45-90 minutes.  While the majority of subjects so far have been rats, pigs, and dogs, they all seem to shown not only a visible cosmetic improvement, but also appear to be more vigorous in general.  It is not yet possible to determine if this is a result of the product itself affecting the body or more of a generalized reaction to the removal of the scar tissue itself.  We will monitor for any short-term effects for the next two weeks, then barring anything catastrophic, begin seeing if Numadrox has only dermal affects or if it can be utilized in other tissue.

October 19^th

Research Report Update by Dr. M. Nimmis

Animal subjects seem to not only have no negative side effects, but they appear more energetic, positive, focused.  We don’t believe this is purely an emotional state due to the removal of scar tissue; this is clearly a deeper effect of the Numadrox.  We are presenting the preliminary findings to the board, which should aid our talks with [The House Representative] and [The Donor].  Director Lukitch is convinced this should provide us continued support and, with luck, enough financial assistance that we can move away from [The Company] budgetary constraints.  Obviously, we are still bound by contract, but [The Company] does have other concerns, especially the upcoming lawsuit with [Those Upstarts].

October 21^st

Email Sent from Dr. M. Nimmis to Director Ben Lukitch

Ben,

I am aware we have the presentation tomorrow, but there is something I would like to point out regarding our swine subjects.  I’ve previously reported the increase in focus and energy in the subjects, but Dr. Gregson has discovered something even deeper.  As you know, he is more directly connected with behavioral studies and he noticed that there is an improvement in cognitive awareness.  While this is not the current pursuit of the study, it should be noted that while all of them have shown the ability to solve rudimentary puzzles in half the time, the G7-004, aka “Hocks,” is apparently further along then even them.  As you know, it is a common expression that one of the things that separates us from animals is the ability to plan ahead.  Well, while behavioral science would like to contest that opinion, I would say Hocks is certainly an exception to that rule.  When Gregson went to collect a blood sample, Hocks went to hide in a corner…not an atypical reaction to a visible needle for an animal, but Gregson did not even have the needle in his hand…he was merely heading to the room where the needles were stored.

Plenty of other items are kept in that room, such as food, but also visible from Hocks’ location is a clock.  Gregson takes blood samples at the same time every day.  Hocks is now anticipating the needle without any visual cue to do so…unless he can now read the clock.  These are not the base instincts of an animal, but of a creature sophisticated enough to recognize more than the rudimentary passage of time and a sense of hunger.

If at all possible, I would like Hocks to be studied further in closed session with a few other members of the team.  I can recommend some names if you believe they would be considered.  Please respond when you are able.

Nim

October 23^rd

Release Memo from Director Ben Lukitch

Just got a note from [The House Representative] about what a great presentation that was given.  Great job, team!  If we can continue to provide these results for, say, another three months or so, I can only imagine what avenues will open for us!

I know some of you have been asking questions about the project and when we will begin real clinical trials with human volunteers, but it’s important that we keep ourselves in check.  These kinds of things take time, even when we get results like ours, and we do not want to overstep our bounds.  Last thing we need is to let a trial run go ahead, run into some serious side effects, and then we’re back to square one again.

Thanks again, everybody, for all your hard work!  We appreciate your enthusiasm, commitment, and best of all, your loyalty to seeing it all come together!

Benjamin Lukitch

October 26^th

Email Sent from Dr. M. Nimmis to Director Ben Lukitch

Ben,

I have not gotten a response from you; I assume it was because of the pressure you have been under for the presentation, but since my last email to you, things have changed, and I wanted you to be aware of them.

Firstly, your announcement about delaying clinical trials has in some ways upset the team.  I understand fully your reasoning, and agree with your assessment, but I know there are several members of the team that took the news poorly, and we should be keeping a closer eye on them.

Lisa Cargill, from the team that I elected to study Hocks (I hope you are not upset, but as I will explain shortly, there was cause to put a team together), had a draft of an email that she had not sent, but was located in the trashcan on her PC.  I doubt she sent it, but it contained information regarding her husband.  You may not have been aware that her husband was in [The Conflict] and returned home having been caught in a massive explosion.  Despite suffering burns to 78% of his body, he survived, but was disfigured by the event.  I was able to requisition some medical records and found he is suffering from major post-traumatic stress and they have attended counseling sessions.

Lisa is a good worker and this is not a reflection on her skill or loyalty to the company.  But I send this so that you are aware that there could be a security risk if you delay any further.  Due to the confidential nature of the work we are doing, I do not believe it would be wise to terminate her employment, but I would certainly restrict her access to the handling of Numadrox to anyone who may have a personal stake in its success.

Which brings me to more information you should know…Hocks.  We have been performing cognitive evaluations and have determined that his skills have moved beyond those we saw the previous week by potentially factors.  Pigs are already intelligent animals, despite being bred mainly for livestock, but even among the others in the testing group that were given Numadrox he has shown a remarkable improvement in ability.  I do not know why the Numadrox has affected him in this way, though I suspect a genetic component must be involved.

I will keep you apprised of any further developments.  Even more than the human application, we are on the verge of a major breakthrough here.

Nim

October 30^th

Injury Report: Security Officer Lawrence Hepburn

Officer Hepburn reported for duty during third shift.  At that time, he received instruction that from Director Lukitch that the swine population were to be euthanized within the next 24 hours so that necropsies could be performed.  These orders were presented to Dr. Nimmis, who then interfered with Officer Hepburn in the course of his duties.  Nimmis’ security privileges were temporarily suspended so that Hepburn could enter the animal research wing of the facility without further incident.  Hepburn was successful in processing the animals save for specimen G7-004, who was not in his proper enclosure at the time.  Hepburn continued his search for the animal, but was unable to do so before one of the euthanized specimens, later identified as G3-003, appeared to have not been given a proper dosage, and it returned to consciousness and attacked Hepburn.  He suffered severe lacerations to both Achilles tendons, puncture wounds to the right shoulder and lower neck, and severed nostrils.  Nimmis’ security clearance was reinstated so the doctor could enter the facility, secure the animal, and retrieve Hepburn for treatment.  On arrival at the onsite medical center, Hepburn was seen to have suffered further injury than first glance, including severe blood loss and detached septum.

We will keep an eye on Hepburn’s status and report on any change in his condition.

October 31^st

Internal Memo from Dr. M. Nimmis, Listed to All Personnel

I wish I could say Happy Halloween to our staff, but as you know, we had an incident here at the facility that has resulted in the death of many of our pigs.  I know many of you had grown attached to them since you have been here, and if you wish to offer condolences, I will be in my office until midnight tonight, as I have some paperwork and emails that require completion.  I will be speaking to Director Lukitch tomorrow to see what the future of our animal testing program will accomplish.

I understand that there is also a sympathy card going around for Officer Hepburn.  I am certain his widow will appreciate it when it has finished its rounds.

Nim

October 31^st

Email from M. Nimmis to Director Lukitch

Ben,

I wish it to be known that I was not made aware of the status of our animals, and I find it both unprofessional and reprehensible that this was done without my knowledge or authorization.  These animals were not only beloved by the staff, but remained an important part of our research into Numadrox.  We are incredibly lucky that Hocks was currently running some tests when the late officer entered the facility and hid appropriately.

Yes, I said his.  Hocks is gaining intelligence at a remarkable rate, despite the best efforts to, I assume, assassinate him.  There are also other notable improvements, but if I find out it was you who directly authorized this assault on your own staff, I will do everything in my power to ensure your status here is terminated, but that you never find work in pharmaceuticals for the rest of your natural life.

That said, this little stunt revealed something about Numadrox that was certainly unexpected, though it perhaps is not unwelcome, depending on your point of view.

The injury report for Lawrence Hepburn indicated that G3-003, whom we knew as Wilbur, did not receive a high enough dosage to euthanize the animal properly.  This was speculation at the time.  We now know that this is false.  Hepburn gave each animal three times the proper dosage, ensuring that not only would they be dead, but likely suffered upon injection.

Thus, Wilbur was, in fact, deceased when he got up to attack Hepburn.

Please note that by all appearances, this does not make Numadrox some kind of miracle, anti-death drug.  Based on what preliminary studies we were able to conduct, cellular activity has returned to the body, but while the organs appear to be in solid condition, the nervous system is greatly impacted.  Whatever personality Wilbur once possessed has vanished, replaced with a violent, uncontrollable ‘lizard brain,’ meaning he cares nothing about any activity other than to be left alone.  Any attempt to coax or contact the animal has resulted in either retreat to the furthest corner of his enclosure or instantaneous hatred towards whoever approaches, resulting in loud squealing, snapping of teeth, and frantic attempt to squeeze through his bars to attack the individual.  There is no rhyme or reason; one he runs from could easily become a potential victim on their next encounter.  It is pure, driven instinct.

As a precaution, we are keeping Officer Hepburn’s corpse in storage for a few days, in the event Numadrox can be transferred through oral contact.  I believe we would have seen a reaction by now, but as I have recently learned, you can never be too careful when it comes to security and trust.

Nim

November 5^th

Email, from Director Ben Lukitch to Dr. M. Nimmis

Nim,

Sorry, I’ve been busy catching hell from the widow of Hepburn the past week, and haven’t answered any emails.

So, what the hell are you saying?  The pig is some kind of zombie?  Are they all zombies?  God, do you realize what this means?  We can’t have Numadrox turning animals into zombies if they die.  Our company would be destroyed in a public relations nightmare.  I really hope this is a joke and you’re just pissed about the pigs.  Let’s get a drink and talk about this in person.  If we have to have anything in writing, I want to make sure I know exactly what I’m sending on to [The Representative] and [The Donor].  Catch me at 16:30.

And beyond that, I apologize about the lab.  They made me authorize it.  I told them about the work you’d been doing with Hocks, and they informed me in no uncertain terms that with the trials showing success with the scar tissue that animal testing was no longer of concern and focus should be on human trials.  I knew you were seeing good things with the animals, but I had no idea how attached you guys were, otherwise I never would have done such a thing.

Ben

November 8^th

Email to All Personnel, Dr. M. Nimmis

All Staff,

As you know, today will be the first day of human trials.  I understand that considering the events of the past few weeks this all may a bit sudden, the upper echelon have spoken, and we will be pressing forward.  I hope that you are all understanding of the situation and that we will all be working to making things work as best we can.  We will also be addressing some rumors that have been rising over the next few days; there are a lot of strange things being said that are absolutely not true, and we want to make sure everyone is on the same page.  Without openness and trust among the team, we will not succeed, and that is important for our project to meet the lofty goals we have set.  So, let’s all enter this exciting new chapter with happy hearts and strong minds!

Nim

November 8^th

Email to Director Ben Lukitch from Dr. M. Nimmis

Ben,

I reiterate, I strongly disagree with moving ahead the way we are.  All of the pigs have now “woken up,” one way or another, even the ones we have dissected to the point of being mostly strings of organs.  They all react in the same way Wilbur did; strong reactions of either aversion or aggression.  There is no way of controlling it, as far as we can tell; they refuse to follow any sort of direction.  They are aware they are in a sort of surrounding and that is about it.

Euthanasia no longer works.  They simply get back up with any sort of injection.  Firing a handgun, bludgeoning, or even chopping them to bits with something sharp works briefly, but then the remaining cells simply start working around them and continue to live.

The only way to stop the cellular activity to turn it to ashes.  Destroying the ability of the cell to regenerate through fire is the only way to end the regenerative properties.  But it also involves the catastrophic suffering of the individual animal.

This cannot go on.  I signed up for this project to seek out new avenues of medical miracles.  This is madness.  I cannot bear to watch another one squeal and run around in terror as the flames consume it.  Even the organs of those dissected appear to be afraid as they pulse and throb.

I cannot imagine what we would have had to deal with should Hepburn have woken up, but thankfully, there was no sign of the same thing happening, even before we cremated him to be on the safe side.

Ben, get them to understand.  We are becoming the very monsters we hoped we would never be.  Stop this before it gets out of hand.

Nim

November 15^th

Email, Lisa Cargill to Dr. M. Nimmis

Dr. Nimmis,

I know it has been some time since we talked, but ever since my lab access was terminated I wanted to know how things are going.  I’ve seen you in the halls, and you seem much less focused and dour, despite the email you sent last week.  I just wanted to make sure everything was OK.  I’m really sorry about the whole incident with the pigs, and I hope that what happened with that security officer hasn’t affected you too badly.  Please, if there is anything I can help you with, please let me know.

I did want to congratulate you on the start of the human trials, though.  Seems like the first few patients have been doing well.  Even saw the one person may be able to recover a lost finger!  I really hope that this is the start to great things…I know a few people who could really benefit from the process.

Hope you are well, and please contact me if you need anything.

Lisa

November 16^th

Email from M. Nimmis to Lisa Cargill

Lisa,

Thank you for your concern.  Yes, the incident did leave me a little rattled…I did not realize I was letting it show so much.  I agree, the early results do seem promising, though the regenerating finger may not be as big a deal as it might sound; it is more of a stub than an actual finger, but it is more than we originally thought would happen.

As it turns out, there is something you can do.  I’ve temporarily granted you access to the lab.  When you arrive, come to my office, and I can explain to you the situation.  Please know that anything I tell you there must be done in the strictest of confidence.  I am trusting you with a lot, and I need you to understand the gravity involved.

Nim

November 18^th

Internal Memo from Ben Lukitch to All Personnel

Hi everyone!

As you are now all aware, the first few human trials have proven to be fantastic successes!  We are now awaiting the results of several weeks of testing, sampling, and everything else, so things will be slowing down again, but I do want to thank you all for your dedication and hard work on this project.  We could not even reach this point without you.

Ben

November 18^th

Email from Director Ben Lukitch to Dr. M. Nimmis

What the hell is going on?  You sit there and tell me you want to know everything that’s going on, and I see on the lab records that Lisa Cargill entered the lab a few days ago.  I thought you told me she was not to enter the lab under any circumstances because of her relation with her husband, and you go ahead and let her in?!?  You better have a good answer for me, Mr. Hypocrite, or your ass is going to be in some big trouble.  Last time I checked, you’re not in charge here.  You do what [The Company] says we’re supposed to do, and [The Donor] does not want their money wasted.  You better believe me when I say you’re damn lucky [The Donor] does not know what happened with those pigs, or else we might have had to shut everything down.

I want to see you in my office as soon as possible.  We have a LOT to discuss.

Ben

November 20^th

Newspaper Clipping

Car Crash Kills Two, Injures One

A head-on collision occurred along [The Interstate] earlier this week, killing the two occupants of one vehicle and leaving the driver of the other vehicle in critical condition.

The two deceased have been identified as [The Couple], aged 28 and 26 from [Somewhere], while the third’s information has not yet been released.  Rescuers were baffled by the activity of the driver, who despite suffering no obvious injuries was described by Captain Adams of the fire department as “non-cooperative, violent, incoherent.”

More details as the story unfolds.

November 21^st

Email from Director Ben Lukitch to Dr. M. Nimmis

Hey,

Is this what happened with the pigs?  My God, the guy was insane!  The ambulance drivers reportedly had to strap him down to the table, and even then was dislocating his arms and legs trying to escape…but then the dislocated limbs started going back into place!

Figure out how to explain this.  We’re going to get questions, no matter what.  Maybe he has a history of violence we can exploit.

This is bad.  Really, really bad.  We can’t have super zombies wandering around attacking people.

Ben

November 22^nd

Email from M. Nimmis to Ben Lukitch

I told you we needed to stop.  No one wanted to listen.  This is a direct result of what we knew was going to happen.  We should just be thankful that it is a single individual, and that the other car was at fault; I saw the police records, they were both well over the legal blood alcohol.  We cannot spin away the incident, but at least we can explain that they suffered severe trauma and that the reaction does not necessarily reflect on Numadrox.

My advice?  Get them to declare him dead, and then bring him here for cremation.  But I will not be the one to do it.  I will not watch a human being burned alive, even if his mental capacity isn’t all there.

Nim

December 1^st

Email from Director Ben Lukitch to Dr. M. Nimmis

Lisa Cargill has gone missing.  She did not report for work today at all, and for the past two days she has reported in sick.

I need to know if any samples of Numadrox are missing from the lab from when she was granted that temporary access.  You’d better hope it’s all still there.

Ben

December 2^nd

Email from Dr. M. Nimmis to Director Ben Lukitch

This is my last email to you.  I have made some terrible decisions in my life, many of them in the last few months.  Some of them are regrets I cannot live with.  But I have made one decision that I know is the right thing, but I cannot tell you what that is; to do so would destroy the one vestige of hope I have left in this world.

Come to my office once you receive this message.  Consider this note, and our meeting, my resignation.

Nim

December 3^rd

Email from Director Ben Lukitch to All Personnel

Dear colleagues,

As you are no doubt aware by now, Dr. Nimmis was found deceased in his office by me yesterday.  I understand he was a well-respected colleague by many of you, and that his death comes as a shock to us all.  Please know that our research goes on, and that this tragedy need not undo all the work you have done.  I will have a meeting tomorrow with [The Representative] and [The Donor], and I hope to have good news for you.

Ben

December 4^th

Video file, conference between the Unknown Representative and the Donor

Thurwell’s Note: The video file here has the cameras of both the Representative and the Donor shut off during the meeting, and their voices have been pre-scrambled.  I know it seems odd to do that on a personal and internal video call, but it appears these two took even greater precaution than employees at the company.  Either that, or both knew from the beginning that if this project failed, they need as much CYA material as they could muster…or, at least, the Representative did.  The Donor, on the other hand…well, let me let the transcript speak for itself.  It begins with Ben Lukitch sitting at a desk, with a small item covered by a sheet next to him.

Ben:  Thank you both for being here.  Now, as you know, Dr. Nimmis died on the 2^nd from a gunshot wound form inside the mouth, a hideous and terrible way to go.  However, despite this setback, it allowed me to the opportunity to show you something that has cropped up in our research that we have not been able to release until now.  You see, Dr. Nimmis was hiding some…

Representative (cutting in): Yes, yes, Mr. Lukitch, this is all well and good, but does any of this have to do with that object you have next to you?  What is that?

Ben: Yes, sir, it does.  I apologize for the dramatics, but I did not think it was a good idea to start things off without this being covered.  You see, Numadrox has more capability than a simple cosmetic application.  It is actually capable of repairing and regenerating cellular tissue at an almost unheard of rate.  And it has allowed me to do this, just before our conference…

On the video, Ben Lukitch removes the sheet, revealing the head of Dr. Nimmis in a jar.  The head opens its eyes, and upon being revealed, begins screaming and gurgling…or, at least, it would scream, if it had any lungs to be able to do so.

Representative: Jesus Christ almighty!  What the hell is that?

Ben: This is the head of Dr. Nimmis, reanimated by Numadrox.  We…uh…we are unable to restore full cognitive ability with this, but the remaining tissue is fully alive and capable of movement.  In fact, due to Numadrox’s regenerative capabilities, this head can survive on minimal amounts of nutrition without the host body.  In fact, if I were to fire a bullet into his brain, the brain would simply heal and work around it.

Representative: But it’s essentially a zombie at this point?  Does it crave human flesh and all that kind of crap?

Ben: No, it doesn’t need to eat to live, and as far as we know it cannot spread through oral contact, but like I said, there are bugs to work out in terms of correcting the violent reactions.  That is partly why I brought only the head.

Representative: No, no, no.  I do not agree with this.  I came onboard to ensure this product could save the lives and contribute to the well-being of the populace.  I’m not in the business of promoting zombies.  I’m pulling the plug on this.  I will not be part of this any further.

Donor: I disagree, [Representative].  I’m fully committing my resources to ensuring this continues.

Representative: What?  How in the world can you do that?  This is monstrous!  We have a head in the jar desperately trying to scream out in agony!  How is this benefiting anybody?

Donor: I do not see this as a problem.  It may not be the answer we originally thought would come from it, but I can still see how this can have practical application, and quite frankly, I applaud your efforts to moving further on this track, Director Lukitch.

Representative: You can’t be serious.  Even beyond the obvious, this is a public relations nightmare!  The media will be all over this!

Donor: The media?  I own three networks.  The rest all get their news from them.  The only public relations nightmare that would happen is the one I want to happen.

Representative: I think you’re failing to see the bigger picture here.  I’ve seen a lot of crazy things in Washington in my time, but ethically and morally, this is not a pit I’m jumping into.

Donor: Representative, with all due respect, you and your people are the last people I would turn to in issues of ethics and morality.  You know who I turn to for morals?  Me.  I see a vision of the world where the morals of prior generations are wiped clean, and where I can help guide it to a place where those who inhabit it are taken care of, fed, and enjoy every kind of pleasure imaginable.  I see no problem in doing what is necessary to get there, because unlike every religion that professes peace, charity and kindness, the ends DO justify the means, and I have the means to make it happen.  We will get nowhere on this goal if we just let everyone do whatever they want.

Representative: The people will never stand for it.

Donor: The people didn’t elect you, sir.  My money did.  And you’d better think long and hard about the next words that come out of your mouth.  There is always somebody else to take your place, and they can always vote the way I want them to.

There is a long silence in the conference, save for the horrible noises emerging from the head in the jar.

Ben: So…what is the verdict?

Donor: Continue on.  Both the Representative and I are in agreement.  Correct?

The Representative says nothing, but he signs out of the call.

Donor:  Oh, dear.  I hope that means yes.

December 16^th

Email, from Lisa Cargill to Dr. M. Nimmis

Dr. Nimmis,

I hope you are well.  I know it has been awhile since we talked, but I also wanted to let you know that this is likely the last time we will correspond.  I know we talked about trust and decency and things like that when we spoke, and I have to admit…I did something to break that trust slightly.  I hope you don’t mind, but I just had a moment of weakness…but it has resulted in the greatest strength I could have ever hoped for.  It has made life easier, simpler, and it has made what you have entrusted to me much more viable.  I do not think I could have done it alone.

Really, I just want to thank you.  I want to assure you, you made the right decision by coming to me.  You’re right; Hocks is special, in ways we would never have thought possible.  He is so smart, and getting more so every day.  I do not know how Numadrox has worked this miracle, but I hope soon, we will be able to show everyone that not every breakthrough occurs in human medicine.

I leave you with two things: The first, his first word was “Nimmy.”  I hope that makes you proud.

Second, his thumbs truly are coming along nicely.

December 24^th

Newspaper Clipping

Veteran Goes on Wild Rampage at Hospital

A Christmas Eve shopping event has taken a turn for the worse as what appeared to be a minor stabbing during a parking lot scuffle has become the scene of a major incident.

Michael Cargill, 34, was taken to [the Local Hospital] after getting into argument with a man he said stole some action figures he was buying as Christmas gifts.  The wound was originally believed to be a fatal upward thrust to the aorta, but upon removal of the weapon, doctors were able to find that the aorta was unharmed.

While police continue to search for the attacker, the more puzzling aspect is that Mr. Cargill awoke from surgery and, apparently disoriented and confused, lashed out and attacked his caregivers, at which point he ran from the hospital, brutally beating and biting several individuals along the way.  While those who have been bitten have shown to be healing remarkably well from their injuries, it is unclear why Mr. Cargill reacted in the manner he did.

Thurwell’s Note: Within the story itself, a picture of Cargill is provided.  It does not go into detail as to his injuries during the war, but the picture is presented as recent.  It is not the image of a man who was severely burned over a large portion of his body.

One can only guess as to how much Numadrox treatment he received.