Panic

Your heart practically stops in your chest, and you stare at the doctor, who simply waits for an answer, smiling in a friendly manner. You look at Emi, and the panic you feel is reflected in her face. Your mind races. You could probably grab the girls and rush past Dr. Hass, she’s not a particularly big lady. But has she called CompanionCorp? Where would you go?

Seemingly oblivious to the sudden tension, Lili is swinging her bird like legs and humming happily. Finally, you find your voice. “How…how did you know?”

Dr. Hass shrugs, still smiling. “I didn’t know for certain until just now. But the eyes, the scars, the hat on a warm sunny day. To certify as a doctor for Hybrids, we had a lot of training on things about them. And so, I had a hunch, and you confirmed it.”

She leans back against the wall, casually. “I can see the worry on your face. Calm down, I won’t give away your secret. I’m guessing Emi is one of those escapees I was warned about?”

Still clearly worried, Emi just nods. Dr. Hass surprises you with her excitement. “Really?! Wow, this is great! I had wondered if any of the escaped Hybrids had found somewhere to hide!”

You glance at Emi before speaking. “Dr. Hass…can we start over? I’m a bit lost. So, you’re not going to tell CompanionCorp about Emi?”

She shakes her head. “No. I was fascinated by the idea of Hybrids when I first heard of them, but I had some questions about the ethics involved. I signed up to be a medical consultant in order to get a closer look.”

She smiles again. “And by the way, you don’t need to be so formal. I’m Samantha, but just Sam is fine. You can consider me on your side, if you want to think of it like that.”

You nod. “Right. So, Sam, what happens now?”

Sam laughs. “Well, let’s start with Miss Lili here. We should definitely do her examination, don’t you think? We can talk about the rest of this while I do that.”

Sam turns to Lili. “Go ahead and undress, and lie down for me, please.”

Lili giggles, pulling off her shirt without hesitation. Sam watches her, eying the markings on Lili’s abdomen. After a moment, she turns back to you.

“Do you know the significance of those marks?”

You blush slightly. “Ahh…yeah, Emi told me that apparently they mean Lili has a higher sex drive.”

Lili giggles again, now lying naked on the exam table. “Yes-yes! I like sex, it was fun-fun!”

Sam raises an eyebrow, looking amused. “Well then. Yes, the markings are like branding, indicating what the Hybrid is specialized in. Stronger ones meant for hard work will have markings on their arms. Particularly intelligent ones will have marks on their head or face.there’s a bunch of different types, but it’s essentially a model designation.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t like it, treating what are basically humans as pets. But CompanionCorp has the money to set it up, so all I can do is try and treat Hybrids as best I can.”

You nod. “I hadn’t even heard of them before I found Emi on the side of the road that night.”

Sam’s eyes go wide. “And you just took her in? Do you mind telling me your story as I do this examination?”

You nod, and as Dr. Hass works, you tell your story. She does a pretty thorough job, checking over Lili, including drawing a bit of blood. She checks her wings and legs, and the whole time you’re telling her how you got to this point. You finish your story before she finishes the exam, and for a bit, there’s quiet, before she straightens.

“Ok, you’re all set, Lili. You can dress now.”

Lili begins dressing as Sam turns to you. “A fascinating story, Andy! I do have a question, though. Have you noticed any jealousy between these two? We were told that having two Hybrids would lead to issues like that.”

“Well, Lili has only been with us a day but…”

You glance at Emi. “I have noticed a little. Just moments of annoyance, though.”

Emi shakes her head. “It’s not…it’s odd. Part of me wants to get upset, but mostly I know it’s not fair to Lili. She’s so lovely, and I really like her.”

Lili smiles. “Thank you Emi, you’re the best-best! I can’t get jealous, Emi was here first, yes-yes? And Andy is so nice-nice, giving me a home. I couldn’t make Emi sad-sad, that’s not fair!”

Emi smiles. “So…yes, there’s moments of jealousy, but I fight against it. I like Lili.”

Sam nods. “So theres a sort of instinctive jealousy, but you fight your instinct with logic. That’s very interesting! I get the impression that Emi is smarter than the typical Hybrid. No offense, Lili.”

Lili bounces happily on the table, fully dressed now. “No-no! Emi is super-super smart, and so awesome! I love-love her almost as much as Andy!”

Emi blushes, smiling at Lili. “Thanks…I’m sorry I get upset sometimes.”

Sam nods, looking at Emi. “As for your cough, I’ll have to do some research. You’re not showing any other symptoms, correct?”

Emi shakes her head. “Just coughing, but it’s pretty bad sometimes.”

Sam writes on a notepad. “I hesitate to do much here, since anything involving Hybrids gets scrutinized by CompanionCorp, but I’ll see if I can dig around a bit.”

She hands you a piece of paper. “Here’s my personal number. Call me if anything happens. I’ll call you if I find anything else.”

You nod. “Thanks so much, Sam. And Lili?”

Sam smiles. “Healthy as can be. We have to run some labs on her blood, but she appears to be in perfect condition. Just be aware of that heightened sex drive, she’ll probably be needy.”

You chuckle. “No doubt. I think we have it under control.”

Sam grins. “I bet. That’s it, we’re all finished. I’ll be in touch, ok?”

You smile. “Again, thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you.”

You and Emi stand, and Lili hops off the table to join you. Sam stands as well, extending a hand. “Have a good day, Andy. It’s been a pleasure.”