Page 20 of The Sterling Acquisition
“Precisely. Leo mentioned you might have insights from Gensyn’s approaches. Cross-company collaborationcan be so productive.”
“Gensyn certainly has extensive experience with optimization protocols,” Dante said, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. “Though our methods tend to pair pharmaceuticals and behavioral techniques.”
“Yes, the suppressant programs. Quite elegant, really. Chemical compliance is so much more predictable than psychological conditioning.” Dr. Voss’s excitement was disturbing. “We’ve been working on some similar approaches here at SVI. Biochemical solutions to interpersonal optimization.”
“Biochemical solutions?” Dante asked, keeping his tone casually interested.
“Oh, just some theoretical work. Early-stage research. Nothing as sophisticated as Gensyn’s established protocols, I’m sure.” Dr. Voss waved her hand dismissively. “Corporate competition, you understand. Everyone’s looking for the next breakthrough in human resource management.”
A biochemical solution from SVI? That would be unprecedented. SVI’s entire ideology centered around natural dominance—Alphas earning submission through strength. A chemical shortcut would represent a fundamental shift in corporate philosophy... and precisely the kind of technology Gensyn would pay anything to acquire.
Duckie was watching this exchange with obvious interest. Dante noted the way the lab tech’s eyes sharpened when the project was mentioned. Either he knew more about this research than his position let on, or he was smart enough to recognize valuable information when he heard it.
“Innovation requires proper research environments,” Dante said diplomatically. “And appropriate test subjects.”
“Absolutely. Which is why Leo’s situation is so valuable. A long-term, high-resistance case study provides data you simply can’tget from standard compliance protocols.” Dr. Voss’s smile remained unchanged as she discussed human experimentation. “Though I suspect his patience may be wearing thin. Deadline pressure can make people consider... alternative approaches.”
The casual way she discussed Orion as a research opportunity made Dante’s hands clench under the conference table. But the larger implication was worse—Leo was running out of time, which meant he’d be getting desperate. Desperate enough to try whatever “specialized interventions” Dr. Morrison was offering.
“Deadline pressure certainly motivates innovation,” Dante agreed, though his voice carried an edge that made Chang glance at him curiously.
“Indeed. Well, I should let you all get back to work. Mr. Ashford, if you have any insights into resistance mitigation that might benefit our colleagues, I’m sure Leo would appreciate the consultation.”
After the meeting, Dante lingered in the facility, ostensibly reviewing production data but actually trying to map the building’s security layout and identify where “specialized intervention” departments might be located. The lower levels were off-limits to his clearance level, but he noted the increased security presence and the kind of soundproofing that suggested activities requiring discretion.
His phone buzzed with a text:
Leo James
Can we talk? Something’s come up.
Leo looked like he’d been awake for three days straight when he opened the door to his apartment. His clothes were wrinkled, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was carrying himself with the careful precision of someone operating on caffeine and desperation.
“Dante, thank goodness. I need to talk to you. About the consultation situation.”
“Of course.” Dante stepped into the apartment, noting the complete absence of sound from Orion’s room. Either the Omega was sleeping, or Leo had taken more drastic measures to ensure quiet. “How can I help?”
“I wanted to apologize. For the other day, for asking you to get involved in my mess, for...” Leo gestured vaguely at his bandaged face. “All of it. And to let you know that I think I’ve found a solution.”
“A solution?”
“Dr. Voss has been consulting with our specialized intervention department. They’ve developed some techniques that might resolve the behavioral resistance issues more efficiently than traditional approaches.”
Dante stilled. “What kind of techniques?”
“The kind that Gensyn would appreciate. More medical than physical. Pharmaceutical protocols that address the root causes of defiance rather than just the symptoms.” Leo’s relief was palpable. “Chemical intervention that produces compliance, not just temporary submission.”
“That’s quite an innovative approach,” Dante managed, his voice steady despite the cold feeling building beneath his skin. “When would this intervention take place?”
“Soon. They’ve completed the animal trials. Dr. Morrison says the results are promising enough to move to human application—he is just waiting for the right subject and optimal biological conditions.”
So that’s what changed. They weren’t ready before—but now they were. And Leo’s failure positioned Orion as the perfect test case.
“Dr. Morrison wants to wait for the right window, full heat cycle for maximum receptivity.” Leo’s smile was the first genuine one Dante had seen from him. “Finally, a solution that doesn’t require me to keep failing at basic Alpha functions.”
“And the subject has been informed of this intervention?”
“Informed?” Leo looked confused. “Why would he need to be informed? It’s a medical procedure to optimize asset function. Like any other corporate health initiative.”
