Stranger Than Fiction

by Jeanine Hoffman

  “No? Do you know the greatest threat to our secrecy? Hunters who might pay attention when gutting one of our dead brethren. The taxidermists or butchers who might notice the small differences between a natural animal and one of us. Those are the people we fear most. All it takes is one to notice, to raise the warning flag. Then we would be hunted, put on reservations even smaller than the native populations. Conditions would be horrific as we would be seen as animals and not fellow sentient beings.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe you’re right about it. I know we’re far from perfect. Isn’t education the best way to improve relations? Shouldn’t we learn about one another?”

  “Through discourse and not dissection, of course. In time, we hope that happens. We also wait for the elders of our community to decide on the timing. Thus far, no one has even suggested we let the world know about us. It simply isn’t time yet.” Then, in a gentler tone, Kerstin reminded me, “You are one of us now, Tori. This is your secret to protect, your life to protect as well.”

  If that wasn’t a smack to the head and gut I don’t know what would be for me. Here I was arguing one minute for these people to come forward and allow the world to learn about them, and in the next I was facing ideas of being thrown in a cage or a special settlement, with next to no rights or protections.

  I followed Kerstin from the lift when it let us out. I could sense that we were far beneath the ground. She led me down the well-lit hallway to a door. It required a retinal scan. Before she leaned down to it, Kerstin smiled at me.

  “Welcome to Oz, Dorothy.”

  I HAVE NO idea what I expected as I watched Kerstin lean into the scanner and heard the large metallic door slide open. Whatever it was, it wasn’t this. This was an outdoor paradise, built below ground. There were very high ceilings, with natural looking light coming from a source hidden from immediate view. There was grass, there were trees and bushes, flowers, birds, insects, and a host of other things. There were areas that looked as if they were designed for play for large cats or dogs. The landscape contained several picnic areas, and even a stream ran through and was fed from a high waterfall that tumbled through some stone that looked real.

  “What is this place? It’s huge. Did we go up instead of down?”

  But I knew we were below ground. The light was artificial, the slight breeze too regular, and it smelled slightly of mechanical things.

  “Isn’t it amazing? We’ve spent years, decades, building this place. You could think of it as a wellness center, a community gathering place, a park, or any number of things. We use it for all of those things and more. There is even a camp for the children of people who work at The Center during times they aren’t in school or with family. Perhaps more of a daycare in human terms as it runs year-round for those with young who are not of an age for a school yet.”

  “Is it open to those who don’t work here as well? Is there a membership fee or something?”

  “Some in the area choose to use it during colder weather, especially those whose young are still fragile but playful. We charge no fee in a monetary way. We do ask that those who use the grounds spend some time helping to maintain it.”

  Kerstin led us along a trail through an open area of grasses into a small, or perhaps not so small, wooded area. I realized that I had no sense of the size of the place because I couldn’t see any walls other than the one where we entered. Soon, as we crested a small rise and followed it into a valley, I lost sight of the entry point too.

  “How big is it? I can’t see the whole room from here, can I?”

  “Let’s just say that we use part of this space to teach our young to access their animal sides. We do that at scheduled times of day so that the rest of the area is clear. But with that said, we need a decent amount of space for the new shifter to roam and experience in a safe environment. Long ago, it was a lot of luck that more of our young didn’t die in their early shifting years. Youthful exuberance plus the endorphin rush from being so connected can lead to poor choices. We were able to take a natural pocket and expand it quite a bit. The room is deceptive though. We use a high tech process to make it look even larger than it is to the eye. Unless you are in animal form, you won’t be able to find the walls without bypassing the safety protocols in place or accidentally running into them.”

  “So, a marriage of high tech and nature? Impressive. What’s the carbon footprint on this giant piece of nature underground?”

  “We get our energy from solar and wind turbines. Can you imagine the energy bills if we didn’t? The power companies would know there was more than just lab work being done. Plus, we are as much a part of nature as any wolf or bird. Why would we disturb our planet if we can work with her?”

  “Show me more? Is anyone down here in animal form? Can I meet someone and watch them shift?”

  “I cleared the area for you. Relax, experience it.”

  I let myself fall to the ground. It was soft and cool in the shade of the trees, occasional twigs and leaves under foot. I leaned against a tree, feeling the rough bark, smelling many of the normal smells of the forest. There was still the tang of artificial air but it was very slight. I felt the sun, artificial though it was, reach me through the leafy canopy overhead. There was a slight hum in the air that I couldn’t place.

  I turned my head to try and locate the source of the noise. I stood and tried moving quietly through the trees toward where I thought I heard the humming sound. Kerstin said nothing. She just stood and watched me when I started to move.

  “Can you hear that noise? What is it?”

  Kerstin smiled at me. “I hear it. You’re getting more sensitive. That’s the sound of one of the generators. The lighting in here is managed on a typical day and night cycle. The power is funneled from the turbines to the light source and it’s revving up to provide a twilight and sunset.”

  “Huh. I would think that would use less power, not more.”

  “There’s motion of the lighting to consider as well as the changing colors. Come with me to the hill and watch. The trees don’t block it there.”

  Kerstin motioned to me to follow her. I brushed off my pants and followed Kerstin back to the slight rise that she called a hill. Together, we watched the artificial twilight and sunset.

  “Are those fireflies?” I was startled by the sight of the flashes of lightning bugs in the trees we had just left.

  “Yup. New addition. The kids loved them and they were easier to get acclimated to the environment than we anticipated. Impressed? This will be part of your training facility.”

  “You’re serious. I know you are but this is really hard to wrap my head around.”

  “I know. How’re you feeling with it all? Any dreams or trouble sleeping?”

  “Dreams? Yeah, of course. I killed a guy. I killed a man with a family at home. I’m apparently going to turn into Bambi as penance. The great food, atmosphere, this room aside, of course.”

  I was angry, scared, and I let my sarcasm speak before I could think.

  Kerstin turned from the fading sky colors to face me. “Tori, you’re dealing with a lot right now. I can’t absolve you of your guilt but we’ll find ways to work through it. Everyone knows the risks when they take to their forms. Especially those that are considered human prey or threats to human livestock. The hospital aspects, well, can’t help much with that other than to promise that while we train you and get you used to everything, your home will be cared for and will be waiting for you. We’ll move you from the hospital wing to temporary housing once we’re certain the medical dangers are passed.”

  “I’m not stuck in that room forever?”

  “Of course not. We’re not barbarians. We’re going to introduce you to others like you during your time here. There will be therapy with me, possibly some help from others as well. You’ll have time for your work as well. We don’t have an art studio as was described to me but if you need some supplies, we can arrange for that. You’ll have your laptop back soon as well. You�
�re a patient, a guest, and a new member of our society. We’re here to help you, not imprison you.”

  I didn’t say anything. I think I was still amazed at the promises being made to me. I just nodded my head.

  “Tori, let’s get you some dinner. We can talk about pleasant things that have nothing to do with this stuff. Maybe you can tell me about some of your books? Then, I’ll get you back to your room and if you’re willing, I can order something that will let you get some solid rest without as much risk of the nightmares.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m kinda hungry and I know I could use a good night’s sleep. I’ll let you drug me.”

  I WAS ABLE to get a tour around a few parts of this apparently enormous facility on our way to dinner. From the street view it didn’t look like much more than the average medical center. Most of the real work was done below ground. I saw labs, tech facilities, regular offices, and an awesome cafeteria. By the time we got back to my room, Kerstin had worn me out.

  “Thanks for showing me around. The place looks kinda normal considering everything I’m expected to believe. Well, other than the indoor underground park and rec center.”

  “I’m glad to do it and that you are learning. We’re not all that different, fundamentally, than humans. We do work, research, play, raise families, and pay taxes.” She paused and then continued. “Well, okay, there is the minor difference of shifting into animal form.”

  “Yeah, a minor detail I still can’t believe. I haven’t seen it yet.”

  “You will. More importantly, I think you will learn to experience it yourself in the not too distant future. For now, let me go grab your chart and sign you back in. I want you well rested for the tests tomorrow. They won’t hurt—we’re talking about scans, X-rays, and a little blood work. Okay, the bloodwork might be a little bit of a pinch.”

  “Sure. Then I get moved, right? And my computer?”

  “The computer is up to your hand and Stacy’s choice. The moving, yes. I suspect you’ll be ready although that isn’t entirely my call. Emotionally, I think you’re set to move but your area will be sort of like a hotel with constant on-call staffing. If anything goes wrong or you need help with anything, there will be a call button to activate. That will bring a staffer to your door to assist or to get you the assistance you need.”

  “Sounds good.” I couldn’t help but yawn. A few nights of not good sleep and everything else seemed to be sapping my energy. “I think it’s time for me to go get ready for an early night.”

  I left Kerstin at the desk and went into my room. I made sure I had a towel and toiletries before getting into the shower. I made it as hot as I could stand it and scrubbed myself well. Then, I flipped the temperature to cold and let that beat on me for a few minutes. I waited until I could feel the blood singing in my veins and my skin tingled. I warmed the water up a bit and let my body settle back down.

  Once I was dried off and ready for bed, I called for the nurse on duty.

  “Hi, I’m Olivia, your nurse tonight. Ready for your medication?” The nurse came in and turned off the call bell.

  “That and I need a fresh dressing please. I took a shower and it got damp. Any more IV stuff tonight?”

  “Just one more bag of antibiotics. There’s no sign of infection but it’s just a precaution. Once your body settles down, it will be much harder for you to get infections or otherwise sick.”

  She set about changing my left hand bandage and I was shocked at how much different the wound looked even since that morning.

  “Is that normal? There was a deep gash three or so days ago.”

  “Well, we do heal faster than regular humans. The virus in your system for shifting is changing things and one of the things is the speed at which you can recover from injuries.”

  “Wow. I don’t think I thought about it but I suspect it makes sense. It’s also the most concrete proof of anything that I’ve seen so far.”

  “That’s okay, Tori. I understand. I wasn’t born into this either. I married in and chose to join my mate.”

  “Really? How does that work?”

  “A bit differently than you. First, I was given a clean bill of health, a clean psych evaluation, and I had to attend classes.”

  “Classes? What, how to be a werewolf?”

  We grinned at each other while I privately thanked the Great Spirit for not giving me a nurse prone to overreactions.

  “Not a wolf, but essentially, yes. It taught me about the structure of our government, how to hide from society while living among humans—all sorts of protocols for dealing with situations. You’ll learn a lot of it through your time with Dr. Mueller.”

  “What happened after the classes?” Part of me was fascinated and part of me was still uncertain about the whole situation.

  “I was admitted to the clinic here and my mate’s blood was used to give me the virus. They spun it out in a centrifuge and gave me pure virus, not the blood of course. We stayed in the clinic while my body changed and adjusted. Once that happened, I was brought by my counselor to the nature room and taught to shift.”

  “That’s amazing. How did it feel? Doesn’t it hurt? What are you when you shift? Am I asking too many questions?”

  Olivia smiled as she hooked up the nightly IV. “It’s not too many questions but you do have to remember that everyone has a different experience. And this is the last of the questions because once I give you the sleep medication, you’ll zonk out fast.”

  I nodded my understanding and waited.

  “How did it feel? Emotionally, I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to shift. I’d already watched my mate shift and some of his family. The shift itself, it does hurt a bit but it’s over quickly and how I feel when I shift…it’s so hard to describe. It’s freeing, exhilarating, and energizing. I’m still me, but I’m a purer and more centered me. I’m a cougar in animal form. We’re able to blend in fairly well as long as we stay away from human populations in fur form. It’s just amazing to have that cat grace and strength.”

  “Could I see you sometime like that? As a cougar?”

  “We’ll see about it in a while. Let’s get you settled in for the night. You can always have someone contact me once you’ve learned what is needed and I’d be happy to meet you in the nature center.”

  “Thanks, Olivia. You’re the first one to agree to let me see that happen.”

  “Maybe it’s easier for me because I understand your questions. I was prepped and it still wasn’t an easy experience. You’ll do fine, just focus on what you’re taught. Now, good night and get some sleep. Ring if you need anything.”

  Sleep. I suppose it's a good thing I was in bed because before I could finish my thought of how unlikely sleep would be that night, I was out like the proverbial light.

  Chapter Eight

  “RISE AND SHINE sleepy head. It’s time to get your stitches out.”

  “Huh? What?” No one ever said I was elegant in the morning.

  Stacy was standing next to my bed. She was dressed in scrubs and a lab coat just like every other time, but she looked different, too. I couldn’t understand it so I put it down to not being fully awake.

  “How did you sleep? I know that Kerstin planned on giving you something to help.”

  “It helped. I don’t think I moved all night. What time is it anyway?”

  “Eight in the morning, Rumplestilskin. You have a full day so I decided I’d get the easy bit done before breakfast. Your tray is on its way up. Sorry, nothing but clear liquids this morning so they can do the scans.”

  I raised the head of the bed up a bit more. “No worries. Let’s get the stitches out. They started to itch like crazy yesterday.”

  “Ah, a wonderful sign of healing. Let me just get washed up.”

  She stepped over to the sink and did her usual scrub down and put on her gloves. As she stepped back over and positioned my hand as she wanted it, something occurred to me.

  “Is it true that those who can shift don’t g
et sick?”

  “Sort of true. We are still able to come down with things like cancer but basic things like colds, flu, STDs—those we don’t get.”

  “Then why the gloves?”

  “Good question. I have to use them for the humans I see in my practice. It’s easier to just make it a constant habit than risk forgetting in front of one of them. Medical liability insurance is expensive enough.”

  I mulled it over and decided it made sense. Before I had noticed it, the stitches were removed and Stacy was snapping off her gloves.

  “Looks darned good if I do say so myself. Of course, since the healing time was down, you won’t actually have to do any of the OT we would have set up for you if you hadn’t gotten infected.”

  “That reminds me. I know you said you went to my place to take samples. Please tell me you took the…the—”

  “Yes, I did. He was given back to his family for their funeral rites.”

  “Thanks. I didn’t think about it until just now but I really didn’t want to go home to him still there.”

  “You’re welcome. Sounds like your tray is on its way. Transportation will be here in about an hour to get you to your first scan. You might want to bring a book. Unfortunately, it's a busy day and you’ll be practicing some hurry up and wait today.”

  “All right. Hospital gown or can I wear clothes?”

  “Go with sweat pants and a hospital gown on top. Socks for certain but shoes are optional. You’re getting wheeled around today. It’s all procedure and I’ll brook no arguments.”

  “Got it. Thanks, Stacy. Will I still see you?”

  “Yes. I’m your doctor for now. I can even continue in that role after your release if you’d like. If not, perhaps we could try friendship. I hear I’m a decent person.”

  “You’re okay if not a bit conceited.”

  “Hey, I’m a surgeon, it’s in the training.”

  We both smiled and I shooed her out as my tray arrived. Sure enough, Jell-O, (thankfully not green or yellow), and that's when I realized it.