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MCBRID HEADED TO THE lab, carrying a tray overloaded with food. Jocko’s appetite had been increasing non-stop over the past few days. He balanced the tray between his body and the wall as he opened the door. The smell of vomit and feces slapped him in the face and he struggled not to gag. Jocko was stretched out on the bed, shaking and moaning. Fersia was next to him holding his hand.
By the mess in the cage, the young male had been sick for some time. McBrid wasn’t sure if he was relieved or disappointed. He’d grown accustomed to their conversations.
Jocko was the typical young, male Servant—cocky, energetic and occasionally snotty. Fersia, on the other hand, was different. She was smart, funny and respectful. He truly enjoyed chatting with her about architecture and gardening among other things. She was well read and intelligent.
However, Conguise had been harassing him about his lack of progress. No other Araneas had taken this long to begin their transformation. The blood showed signs of mutation but it was faint. He’d begun to think that he’d weakened the serum too much. The sound of retching drew him from his thoughts and he moved into the room.
“You’re here, thank Araldo.” Fersia’s big, green eyes pleaded with him for help, but all he could do was continue the process.
“This is normal.” He put the tray of food on the counter and filled a pan with water. He grabbed a rag and entered the cage. He was safe until the male changed. He placed the pan on a table near the bed. He wet the rag, wrung it out and handed it to her. “I’m going to go get someone to clean this up.” He motioned to the vomit covered floor.
“Okay.”’ She began washing Jocko’s face.
McBrid locked the cage as he left. It wasn’t a habit he could let slide on Level Five. He walked to the breakroom.
“Charlie and Louis, come with me.” He was trying to keep the two working with him as much as possible but without Conguise’s permission he couldn’t assign them to assist only him.
The two Guards jumped up and followed him down the hallway.
“I need clean up in Aranea19’s lab.”
Charlie’s face paled.
“The process has started. The male was sick last night, vomiting and diarrhea.”
Charlie’s breath came out in a whoosh. “I’ll get the mop and bucket.”
“I’ll also need containers for water.”
“How many?” Louis gave him a strange look.
“Four large ones with rags for each.” He left the Guards to their tasks and went back to the lab. Fersia would want to care for Jocko and that was perfect. Females often loved those they had to tend.