Hell & High Water (THIRDS 1)

“Where are the computers?” Dex was momentarily distracted by the lack of machinery. He’d eavesdrop on Sloane’s side of the office later.

Tony gave him a cheeky smile and Dex almost wet himself in anticipation. “We’ll get to that. Now we use a system called Themis. It runs a series of highly advanced algorithms to scan surveillance submitted by our Recon Agents. It also looks for psychological and behavioral anomalies in order to identify potential threats. Our Intel guys gather information through whatever means necessary, be it cooperating with other agencies, or interception. Any questions so far?”

“There is one. Stop me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t it have made more sense to put the homicide detective on Recon rather than with the demolition squad? You’ve seen me, right? I mean, I’m in shape but I can’t bench press a bus.”

“None of our guys can bench press a bus.” Tony considered his words for a moment. “Maybe a Mini Cooper, but definitely not a bus.”

“Not helping.”

“Dex, Defense isn’t made up of no-brained muscle. These guys have to make split second decisions. Decisions which will mean the difference between saving someone’s life and watching them get torn to shreds. It’s one of the most physically and mentally demanding roles at the THIRDS. The reason you’re Defense is because your physical endurance score was as impressive as your mental endurance score. You also did everything within your power to preserve life during your simulations exercises. And that’s your objective, Dex. Preserve life.”

“And when a three hundred pound Felid is trying to use me for a scratching post, how am I supposed to preserve life? Namely mine.”

“You train. Also, that’s where your partner comes in. You’ll find working with a Therian partner to be unlike any partnership you’ve ever had. If one of you lets the other down, it could have dire consequences for the both of you and the team.”

“You’re referring to something in particular?”

“Post Shift Trauma Care.”

Dex had experience from growing up with Cael how Therians needed care after their shift. The change in body mass took its toll on their Human side once a Therian shifted back. Years ago, scientists claimed the effects of Therian Post Shift Trauma weren’t all that different to the aftereffects of an epileptic seizure, only on a smaller scale, including muscle soreness, bruising, brief disorientation, and hunger. Eating after a shift was extremely important as not eating could lead to the Therian collapsing and a host of other health issues if they didn’t. It was scientifically proven that Humanity remained neurologically present while Therians were in their Therian form. It meant they could remain in that state for extended periods of time. However research confirmed remaining in Therian form for more than a year could mess with the mind and the Human side might slip beyond retrieval.

“What about it?”

“It’s your responsibility to make sure Sloane receives PSTC, which means being ready with his PSTC kit if you’re away from the BearCat and taking care of his gear while he’s in his Therian form when necessary.”

Dex’s eyes widened. That could be anywhere from 120 to 160 pounds worth of gear. “Are you serious?”

“Better get started on those bench-presses.” Tony looked too happy for his own good.

“Thanks. So, besides being responsible for carrying my gear and possibly his, what’s in a PSTC kit and please tell me it doesn’t weigh much.”

“Energy bars, snacks, bottle of Gatorade, disposable set of clothes—couple of T-shirts, pants, underwear, socks, blanket, and a pair of sneakers.”

“Damn it, sneakers too?”

“Well, we supply disposable booties, but as you can imagine, the agents aren’t too fond of them, so they often bring their own shoes.” Tony shrugged. “It’s not against the rules. They lose ’em, they gotta pay to replace them. Sloane prefers sneakers.”

Dex looked down at his own size tens. He’d been somewhat preoccupied during their little sparring match to notice the size of Sloane’s feet. “Don’t suppose they’re average-sized sneakers?”

“Sloane weighs in at 240 pounds and is over six foot six.”

“Pissbunnies. Maybe I can convince him to switch.” Or swap them out and pretend he had no idea how it happened.

“Yeah, good luck with that. Now are you going to bitch all day, or do you want to get to the toys?”

Finally they were getting to the exciting part. “Sex toys?”

“I’m going to have to set boundaries, aren’t I?”

“No. I’m sorry. I’ll behave.” Dex made a cross over his heart with his finger. “I’d like to see the toys, please.”

Tony stepped up to the desk on the left and motioned Dex over. “See this box here?”

There was a thin blue-lined rectangle on the bottom left-hand corner of the desk’s shiny surface. “Yeah.”

“Put your hand there.”

Wiping his left hand on his pants, Dex placed it where Tony instructed, squealing like a schoolgirl when the desk’s surface flickered to life. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! This is some Star Trek shit right here.” He was so excited he could barely contain it. He loved getting shiny new toys.