Page 19 of The Sterling Acquisition
Amalie
Dante, sweetie, I’ve been reviewing your biomarker data, and I have to say, some of your readings are quite elevated. Everything alright?
Dante froze, a chill spreading through his chest. If Amalie was commenting on “elevated readings,” it meant his body’s response to Orion’s pre-heat was showing up in institutional databases halfway across the continent.
Minor environmental factors. The building’s quite old. Possible interference from outdated electrical systems.
Amalie
How fascinating! Old infrastructure can certainly play havoc with our monitoringsystems. Do keep an eye on those readings, though. We’d hate for you to develop any complications during your collaboration.
Amalie’s characteristic maternal warmth was there, but after working with her for eight years despite never having met face-to-face, Dante understood that last message loud and clear. Gensyn was watching, and if his biomarkers continued to suggest he was having unprofessional responses to local stimuli, there would be questions he wasn’t prepared to answer.
Dante set the phone aside and finished getting dressed, choosing his most conservative suit as armor against the day ahead. He had work to do—actual work that didn’t involve elaborate shower fantasies or tending to captivating Omegas’ injuries.
The morning briefing with Dr. Voss’s vaccination team was the kind of mind-numbing cross-company collaboration that Dante excelled at. Charts showing viral mutation rates, production efficiency metrics, cost-benefit analyses that reduced human suffering to quarterly projections. The perfect environment for a Gensyn operative to gather intelligence while maintaining professional cover.
Instead, Dante struggled to focus on anything beyond the fact that Orion was back in 4A, all alone, dealing with pre-heat symptoms that were getting progressively worse.Symptoms I could help with…
Focus. Do your actual job for five minutes.
“The biodiversity data is interesting,” Dr. Voss was saying, gesturing at a wall display showing viral strain distributions. “SVI territory sees approximately forty percent more influenza variants than comparable Gensyn regions.”
“Environmental factors?” Dante asked, forcing his attention back to the presentation.
“Partially. But also behavioral. Gensyn’s suppression protocols create more isolated population clusters. Less viral mixing, fewer mutation opportunities.” Dr. Voss’s smile was bright and academic. “Of course, that also means less natural immunity development. Your people are wonderfully healthy right up until they encounter something their systems haven’t been prepared for. There was an influenza mutation in the St. Louis Land Conglomerate that had a rather high mortality rate last year, correct?.”
“Nineteen percent mortality rate. Immune systems are not known for strength amongst Gensyn populations.” Dante confirmed. “Gensyn favors efficiency over adaptability. Classic optimization trade-off.”
“Exactly. Which brings us to some fascinating questions about Alpha behavioral patterns as well.” Dr. Voss pulled up another chart, this one showing demographic data that made Dante’s professional mask slip. “SVI’s approach to Omega management produces significantly different outcomes than Gensyn’s pharmaceutical protocols.”
“Different how?”
“Resistance patterns, primarily. Gensyn Omegas show ninety-three percent baseline compliance within sixty days of assignment. SVI Omegas...” Dr. Voss paused, consulting her notes. “Well, let’s just say our numbers are more variable.”
Duckie Chang, the nervous lab tech, snorted from his position by the coffee machine. “Variable. That’s one way to put it.”
“Mr. Chang is correct to be skeptical,” Dr. Voss continued. “SVI’s ‘forge your own destiny’ philosophy creates unique challenges in asset management. Some of our researchers have developed quite innovative approaches to behavioral modification.”
Unease settled in Dante’s chest. “Innovative how?”
“Well, take Leo James, for example. Brilliant vaccine researcher, but he’s been working on a particularly challenging domestic situation foralmost a year now, to the point where it affects his productivity at work. He’s a fascinating case study in Alpha persistence.”
“I’ve met Leo,” Dante said. “He mentioned some... management challenges.”
“Oh yes, the Orion situation. Quite the investment—2.7 million iscs at debt auction. But the behavioral resistance has been extraordinary. Most assets show significant compliance improvement within the first quarter, but this one...” Dr. Voss shook her head with academic interest. “Leo’s been consulting our specialized intervention department.”
Chang’s laugh was bitter. “Is that what we’re calling Dr. Morrison’s pet project now?”
“Mr. Chang,” Dr. Voss scolded.
“Not everyone in leadership is... comfortable with the direction of the research,” Chang added, ignoring his supervisor’s warning. “Some traditionalists believe bonds should be earned, not manufactured. Which is why certain aspects of the project remain compartmentalized.”
Dante filed away both the name—Dr. Morrison—and the hint of internal resistance for future investigation. “What kind of specialized interventions?”
“Oh, I couldn’t discuss specifics. Patient confidentiality, you understand. But SVI has always been at the forefront of innovative solutions to complex human resource challenges.”
The euphemisms made Dante’s jaw tighten, but he maintained his professional smile. “Of course. Innovation is essential for competitive advantage.”
