CH3: The Regault Foundation (Kendall)

[Renekin Skywalker]

Peter had been called back into the Regault Foundation offices for his regular check-up. While he was there, he was asked to meet with one of the Foundation's VP (Cybernetic Philanthropy), regarding a problem they thought he could help with.

"Peter." Said Dorset, clearly not a newly-minted VP, but neither was he an evil man. He had genuinely been interested in Peter's recovery. "What do you know about bio-feedback cybernetic research?"

[Dome]

"Honestly I don't even know much about bionics at all. I haven't even read the manual your docs and techs sent home with me about this(gesturing to his body) Although I could probably learn quite a bit about biotech in general if I cared to, I'm just not interested, so I don't even do any research into it. I leave everything up to your people. I focus on my job and trying to get back to a normal life. Not easy when I can hardly open a bear can without popping it. The hand was acting up this week," This last he says holding his hand up towards Dorset and flexing his fingers.

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

Dorset looks over the hand. "The gains must still be inconstant." He says. "There are instructions for monitoring them yourself and adjusting them."

"In any event," he says, leaning back. "The biofeedbacks will eliminate the need for such adjustments... the first intelligent bionics."

[Dome]

"Sounds like a huge advancement to your foundations already proven and advanced technology. I hope that you succeed for future patients. Unfortunately as I have said before, I am done with operations and enhancements. I just want to get used to what I got and then forget I have them."

[tag]

[Renekin Skywalker]

Dorset chuckles. "It's not that easy." He says. "The technology was stolen."

[Dome]

"Thats not good. Industrial espionage? You should get the authorities involved quick. Tell me you had patents on it. You know what, forget that. Tell me this, why bother me with your woes?"

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Well, a lot of reasons." Dorset says. "Some to our benefit and some to yours. We were hoping, with your own advanced electronics experience, you could have been a live beta tester, giving you something to explore. Also, you're looking down, and our therapist board had suggested maybe something like this would help to get the juices flowing.

"For our part, you do have electronics training, and military training, making you the best for doing a quiet investigation."

[Dome]

Standing up abruptly, "thanks but no thanks. Its one thing to be a guinea pig for your people, another to do your investigations. My suggestion, call the police, let them handle it. you got the wrong guy. As for my mental state, you ever try to scratch an itch you cant reach? Well in my case I can't scratch the itch on the bottom of my freakin foot because my real foot was disposed of as medical waste and I walk around with this hunk of steel.(he knocks on his leg as he says this) I would like to see how you feel after spending 6 months in a bed, not being able to do anything for yourself, and another 6 trying to feel limbs that aren't really yours."

[Renekin Skywalker]

Dorset sighs. "Try several years, and three pairs of experimental lungs..." He says, letting out an old memory.

"I understand, Mr. Kendall, but, please reconsider. This is an opportunity for you to get to know your new self. Naturally, we are willing to reimburse you for your troubles." He adds.

[Dome]

Kendall pauses on his approach to the door. Slowly turning back around to face Dorsett he says quite sympathetically after his outburst, "you too. I'm sorry I had no idea. I'm just not used to "my new life" yet. Not sure I want to be either. Coming to grips if you will. Its not your fault. I'm having trouble with my new self.

My body accepts the implants, my mind and spirit just don't want to. Your doctors tell me I can outrun most cars, can probably lift one with my arm, and a host of other things. Thats not who I am. Never has been, not sure if I ever will be that guy. And I'm fairly sure I don't want to be."

[Renekin Skywalker]

Dorset nods. "that only means you're best suited for what you have. You won't abuse it, become a criminal. If we thought you were on that path, you would not have gotten what you have. The Regault Foundation has faith that in you. That, even if it's just this once, you'll be come the quiet hero that can improve and even save the lives of thousands of thousands of people."

[Dome]

"Honestly if I wanted to be a hero, I would have stayed in the military. I was very good at what I did for them. Thats never been my goal. You know that. What your asking me to do is go back to the life I chose to leave behind. Its a tough pill to swallow."

[Renekin Skywalker]

Dorset simply sat there "I have never before asked anything from you, Peter." He said calmly. "But we need you."

[Dome]

"I know you haven't, and I hate to admit this but I feel I owe you. I would rather not get involved in this, but I want to be able to call it even. I hate owing anyone. I'll do what you ask, as long as its not illegal, but then I'm done. I'll owe you nothing. Deal? I'll do my best but I'm not going to be happy about it."

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Thank-you for assisting us." Dorset says, pulling out a file. "We had hoped to be able to count on you."