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Chapter 4: Convergence

I know I've posted a lot faster on these, but you have to forgive. I wanted to ensure that I was writing this when I was at my best, and not dealing with the day to day stresses. What you deal with tends to shape your work, without realizing it. But I hope in the end this provides more of the story that you're beginning to enjoy, and some more background into things. This story is technically now a prequel for future stories to happen in a much furrier version of Earth. But everything needs to begin someplace!

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Enjoy!

*****

Well after the sun set on what remained of the Harrison Farm, the light remained on in the main room. Since getting back from the mind-altering experience of the evening, Ken had stool looking at himself in the nude in a mirror that used to belong to his grandmother, which had been stored until he'd returned home in the old barn. It took him over an hour to notice that he had stripped on the way home and was walking around in his newer, more muscular form. The rocks in the ground no longer bothered his feet, and the chill of the evening air did nothing but make his skin tickle slightly, but still as he walked and he brought the mirror in, Ken had not noticed.

But then the mirror had been set down and the young man had nothing but shock crossing his face. His mouth had broadened, giving him a look close to Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler, lips puffed and wider in a fashion that almost seemed feminine and gave him something of a permanent pout. His hair was nearly blonde, with a hint of red that glowed in the harsh candlepower of the bulb sitting above him, and trailed down past his shoulders, in a fashion that made him feel how it had grown out in a line along his spine. More so than anything, however, it was the musculature he sported now that most bodybuilders who become envious of.

The body hair threw him however. For some reason he had never HAD any growing up, not even the fine hairs that even the cleanest seeming person sported. Now he had a buff blonde mane of chest hair that triangled from almost his shoulders all the way down through the valley of his pecs, and then a close to diamond-shape of pubic hair that fell long and straight from the bellybutton, spread over the groin, and then back down around his now ash-black cock and balls.

He had never been this big, nor so unique, but Ken was still male and his ego was slightly boosted through the fear of what had happened. Long bodyhairs adorned his forearms and calves where they tapered past the muscle towards hands and feet, the hair red-blonde to match his new hair color. While left gaping for a while and unconsciously posing just to see his nicely tanned form move, Ken was now as big as his father was before the cancer began to waste away at him, and it showed in one spot more than the others. His ass. Wider hips for a stronger lower body made his backside flare out and push, and he felt that new inherent power with each movement.

Eventually though, Ken needed to take care of some of this, and getting into his father's old things he took out a straight-razor and some soap, and went off to the shower and he began to shave. Removing the beard he'd sprouted yesterday once more made him nervous, but not as much as the disturbing amount of hair on his balls and groin. Moving carefully under the hot water, he managed to do a credible job of getting himself smooth once more and then decided to get a meal and head for bed.

However, Ken was not the only one marveling at things.

John Tillman, formerly Doctor John Tillman of Genesis Corporation, sat looking at a medical report once more, perhaps the hundredth time as he looked at the complex genetic display that had turned a scientific dream into an obsession. He had lost his job with the company because he'd wanted to see the military application of the ARK gene... the specialized genetic code found in mitochondria that somehow had tracked and stored trace information for all life on Earth. Since they were a separate part of the cell and contained their own specialized structure, it was thanks to that which he'd helped discover that had created the possibility of Recombinants in the first place, but his desire to see its full application in all markets had gotten him released with a considerable severance package for his silence.

Old contacts in the company that still thought his ideas and research held merit had let him know three years ago that they had discovered a human cell structure that was quickly self-replicating, could simulate other cells in the body, and contained a stronger cellular bond and a faster level of communication between those cells. Theoretically, if applied properly it could be used to enhance strength, stamina, and speed, the capacity to heal damage and resist disease, and even increase in capacity over time. Immediately he'd seen that the potential for a super-soldier was finally within the grasp of humanity. Beyond that, a race of beings loyal to humans that would fight wars for them. No more mothers weeping for sons, no more brothers and sisters lost in conflict. Let the weapons become living weapons and let them fight the battles.

His superiors disagreed with such a course of action, based on the attached memos he'd managed to obtain, but at the same time they wanted to create a test batch using their Farm Worker model equines to see if it was even viable to use. KV0-A was the first produced out of a batch of twenty, and the only survivor. Not that a Recombinant would feel the same attachment to fellow batch-born from their human insemination and tank-stimulated growth. Unlike many of the others who insisted that the Recombinants be treated as people, he knew better. They were animals. Smart animals, but animals nonetheless. They had their instincts and behaviors that ruled them, and did not consider or create in the way that humans did. He had heard rumors that one of his two purchased Percheron set had begun painting, but he discounted it simply as part of their needed mental development. They were children, most of them less than a year old, and purchased with money he'd received from various backers willing to see Genesis Corp's stranglehold of ARK genome technology removed.

"Hooray for a free market society." Tillman said to himself, and went back to looking at the initial reports on KV0-A. Strongest of the breeds, massively muscled, and with a defect of embarrassingly huge genitals. But that was what made him valuable. All those enhanced physical features were from the new gene that had been pioneered at the local research facility, and had him sinking a considerable amount of his available funds into it to study. He knew about the genetic locks and the other tricks that were used to secure genetic technology... he'd helped develop them, and now he was being given the unique chance to break those very same things.

Tillman was also aware that he had a spy on his staff. Most likely several. At least one government agent from here, and possibly a few from other nations, and he was sure in his initial hires that Genesis Corp. had snuck in one of their own security people in. The problem was not so much figuring out who was what, but also was controlling who understood what information was available. That was what made Kenneth Harrison so important to him. His family had no company ties so far as his research had known, save the cancer that his father had, had been harvested for study by the company, in return for covering the father's medical and funeral costs. But they'd done nothing to help the boy either, which was equally important. No payment for school tuition, no assistance with the home... nothing that left those little tell-tale markers for one who understood such things.

As he lit up a fresh cigar and went back to the report, he nearly salivated over the thought of getting the first medical report on KV0-A and finally getting a hint as to how to unlock everything needed to breed the supposedly defective stallion and create the first of a new line of product. The computer screen lit with an email display, informing him from his former employers that for some reason, Ken Harrison's residence was being placed under surveillance.

"Interesting..."

While Ken showered and shaved, and Tillman once more salivated over the thoughts of what could be done with the power locked away in Korva's genetic structure, Kim Sun Nguyen... or rather the man who called himself that was on the phone in his small apartment owned off the ranch, pacing back and forth through the Spartan living room on bare feet, "So it's been two days, and so far nothing. I don't think the Harrison kid is really involved with Tillman's operation. He's spending a lot of time with KV0-A, and I haven't had a chance to get any bugs or cameras in yet."

The voice on the other end replied, "Has anything odd happened with the interactions between Kenneth and the Regeneration Recombinant, Mister Kim?"

"The only thing I could note is that when he left today, his clothes seemed a bit tight on his frame, and he had a beard and moustache. Now, when I saw him the first day, he was clean shaven, maybe a bit more so. Practically a baby face. Maybe it was the shadow from the cap, but I can't be sure. Anyways, soon they'll most likely be getting KV0-A some furniture for his stall.", Kim then said, staring out the window for a moment, "Are you sure it's wise letting the kid close to this one like this?"

"That's not important. He doesn't know the truth, and its better that way. But are you sure he would even consider helping us?" The voice said as Kim sat down with on his loveseat couch, feeling the light pressure of the pistol hidden there, reassuring him of an easy grab.

"Too soon to say yet... the company? I don't think so. You all burned that bridge when you asked to buy his father's body off of him. Seriously, that was a bad decision and you all knew it. But once more you put science over society, " And there was a sigh from the Asian man before the voice on the other end of the line went on.

"We know Tillman bought KV0-A for a reason, but he could not know the connection between that particular batch and Harrison. If he did, the boy would be just as valuable. It's just coincidence. He's local, knows how to work with animals, and needs employment to maintain his former family's property. However, maintain your cover and continue to monitor both." And with that the phone call ended.

Kim Sun Nguyen, in reality Hong Jin Sun from Hong Kong, tossed the phone onto his small coffee table and then ran his hands through his short but spiky black hair, and then back down his mouth over his slightly rounded face and the van dyke he sported. Discomfort crossed the man's face as he stared at the phone a long moment like it had morphed into some kind of creature that threatened to bite him and leave it's venom to linger in his veins. But the man then just picked it up and closed it off, heading for the bedroom to lie down and let that rising unease pass through him and into restive and troubling dreams.

*****

"Korva... Ah think we'all needta back offa bit on... whatever this's. This us... 'cause somethin's happened ta me.", Ken said to his new companion, touching along the equine form's side, while Korva leaned down and nuzzled into the hair that the mutated human had chopped and tucked, letting the stallion see the line of red along his spine.

The larger male caught Ken's arm and pulled him close, snuffling into his hair as even now, after only ten hours since seeing Ken, and two shaves, he was already sporting a stubble. But that momentary roughness felt good to the equitaur, and he breathed out softly against it. Large furred hands moved to stroke the cloth shirt over Ken's front, feeling the bulge that now pressed in part of his jeans against the tauric chest. The stallion whickered, before saying softly, "Why? Is it because of your changes? You smell nicer, and you are stronger. I can feel it. These are not bad things."

Ken stiffened a bit, figurative and literally as his new cock tried to protest his lack of activity inside those nicely tight jeans, before saying, "Look, hoss... much as ah love it... an' ah do... much as ah'm..." Pausing for the word, "Ah'm needin you... if more stuff lakh this happens when we git goin... ah can't hide it from tha others. Maybe I c'n git some condoms... 'r we c'n just... touch a bit. But anyways... we gotta git you sum stuff in here, kay?"

As the Equitaur stood there for a moment, there was a decidedly unhappy look on his muzzle, but then he leaned in and down, silencing his human mate with a kiss. Mouth wrapped in rubbery lips once more the two were close, human hands stroking those thick slabs of hybrid muscle, pectorals that no human could ever possess by their simple broadness and inherent power. This time Ken could feel the itch as his chest hair began to grow out once more, the groin-fur becoming an itch as he let the tingles of change pass through him. When the kiss parted, the two were panting once more, Ken fully aroused and Korva's cock free and slapping his belly. There was a moment when both looked and realized that right here and right now was some kind of critical moment.

"Ah love you, Korva." Ken said softly, "Ah sure as shit dunno why... but since ah laid eyes on ya... felt like we had sumthin tagether. An'... I dun wanna jeopardize it."

Korva pondered that for a moment, but there was a flush in his muzzle, lips still quivering and his teeth still buzzing from that kiss. The word wasn't one he'd really learned or understood with the rudimentary education he'd been provided by Genesis Corp. He knew what the word was... he had an entire dictionary in his mind. But whatever it meant to the ears, it meant more in how his head began to swim and his hearts both began to pound. Once more his cock slapped against his belly, and then again before he could calm himself, a hoof scraping the ground just before he whickered out in what could only be considered joy.

When that deep voice finally spoke, it rumbled back, "So this is called love. Love feels good... but what is it called when we make each other feel even better?"

And really, Ken couldn't help but laugh at that, the stallion's muzzle turning into a grin at the same time, and his tail began to flick in a playfully manner as a small hurring sound bubbled in his chest. Leaning against the stallion, Ken put his arm over the short join of the taur back and rested there, the hand of the larger male came around and started stroking the center of his back. Remaining in that moment for a time, eventually the pair parted, and left the stall for the farm storehouses and equipment. Those that they passed noted the easy stride they both had, but it was the stallion that saw the looks, from both the human males and females. Korva knew that part of it was from the fact that Ken smelled more like a horse now, that he was becoming more attractive to others. But he was secure in the knowledge that those that needed to know understood that they were mated, a pair.

When they reached the room, it was Kim behind the desk, filling out some paperwork and smiling that same good ol' boy smile as he looked up, "Well hey there, Kenny... an' this here must be KV... right?" Chewing a bit of gum to help with the accent. Looking back and forth, he ended up standing and removing his hat, almost politely formal in greeting.

Ken patted on Korva's belly a moment, "its Korva now. We'all picked outta name, and now we need ta pick out some stuff. We're gunna need some propah beddin, an'a set-up fer him. One o' them touchscreens an' probably an' E-reader 'r somethin... an' course he's gonna need one o' them beds and sittin-stuff. Mebbe a desk too."

The stallion moved through the rows of things, and he recognized the patterns of some of the word combinations, taking several moments before it processed and he understood it. It frustrated him that things came so slowly, unlike with Ken where it all seemed easy. The problem was the mere thought of Ken was making him drop, and he had to force himself not to reveal.. he had a promise to keep. And he knew better than to let his bladder loose here as the excuse, which left him standing there and trying to muster a sense of control.

"Lemme see what I got fer ya'll in stock. Be right back... ya'll get comfortable now? Coffee's hot'n'fresh fer ya'll... might wanna see if Korva's gotta taste for it." Kim replied in that heavy Texan twang of his, and proceeded down the racks, past where the actual items were stored that the two were looking for, and started setting up some specialized equipment. The touchscreen with a camera and recording system he could access, mounted as just another part of the graphics system, a listening device in the desks lighting system, and finally a bio-monitor hidden in the bed so that he could take independent measurements of the equitaur's development. But then he paused for a moment, and his conscience seemed to waver on this. It was just a job, these were just people that needed to be watched to protect the product. But when he looked back, he saw a young man and a being that had been created being friendly, getting along... putting a lie to the concept that KV0-A was just a product. Despite the fact that he was a security specialist, and well paid, he still felt human about this, and that part told him that there was something fundamentally wrong with the assumption that they were still just farm animals.

Using a tool and lumber cart in the same fashion as the big chains that sold to contractor, sections of the necessary bed and desk were put on, and then rolled out in front of the pair with a heavy grunt from the man who Ken now had almost a foot of height on. The pair was having a quiet conversation while Kim ceased the cart's movement, and was a bit surprised that the younger, but titan-like man's question, "C'n Korva also get one 'a those toy things... magnetic sticks'n balls? Somethin in case... y'know."

Kim tilted his head for another long moment, and then shrugs, "Don't see why not? Ah'll see what I can russle up later. This's the big stuff, an' 'll set up the electronics to haul on in. But 'fore we can use the system, ya'll need ta make sure ya'll git over ta maintenance an' get'm ta turn on th' electronics inta the stall."

Patting Korva's taurbody's back with a heavy thump, Ken nodded and then replied, "How 'bout this... ya'll both take the stuff back, while ah take care'a maint'nence?" And as he smoke, he motioned with a thumb over his shoulder towards the door, before turning to leave, and one of the first thing that Kim saw was that the stallion turned to watch the departure, his tail flicking in a fashion he'd come to learn was irritation.

Left alone with a relative stranger, Korva's first instinct was distrust. He did not know this man, his scent was tinged heavily from the food he'd eaten, and he had this odd tendency to breathe through his mouth that the muscular stallion's ears could easily pick up. But he swallowed it and attempted to bridge the gap with another of those who lived and worked here, "How about I push the larger cart, and you handle the smaller one, yes?"

Gloves clapped together as Kim rubbed his hands and replied, "I ain't no stranger to a lil backache, but thanks... that's mighty kind of ya, Korva." Using the name given, instead of his designation, "By the time we're set up, Ken oughta be back ta get ya'll settled."

The great blonde and bay equitaur simply nodded, his mane shifting a bit while one hoof scraped on the floor, and Korva simply replied, "Very well." And as if that was that the pair were on the move, the more sensitive electronics and devices in Kim's steady grip, while the larger of the pair, a study in exaggerated contrasts moved along beside with a heavy shift of hip to hip, and the sound of hooves tapping on the floor. For most of the walk the pair were silent, but then Korva spoke once more and asked, "Ken has done much for me in a short time, but he deserves something in return. Is there anything I might obtain to express my thanks?"

Kim was trained to cover well, so the momentary shock of the question setting off mental red flags like a Chinese Army convoy rolling through his old home ghetto, but he was not trained to disguise or control his smell. Korva caught the momentary spike of fear and caution that rose up from the small man's frame, but it was kept to himself while he waited for the other to reply.

"I s'pose there is.. but jus' remember he's a hired hand. If they think ya'll 're too close, an' ya'll would make it rough on the staff to be parted... I don't want ya to get alarmed, honest. But a present might be a touch too much. You prove you work well with him, and that'll be reward enough for Ken, allright?"

The twanged speech made Korva suddenly ponder the situation once more, and there was a sudden pit in his stomach. He had not understood until that moment that Ken could be gotten rid of, and replaced. Or that Ken's remaining his and here was due to how his superiors felt. It was nothing he'd even let into his mind because his own situation was different. He'd been purchased to work, and to serve at the side of humans. Now he realized that they were not all here because they wanted to be. Some could be here for other reasons. The stallion's simple, but ever-growing mind swelled with the sudden pain of this possibility, going against the very grain of his mental and genetic programming. Humans were those he helped and served, and it was just assumed by how it had been plotted out in his young mind that humans worked in somewhat the same fashion.

His mind flashed briefly back to that strangely enraging moment when he saw that human and the female canine in the barn, and his nostrils flared angrily. He was being used. Korva's mental locks and other safeties shuddering as the regenerative DNA began to attack what the body felt was an error, loosening the hold of the company further from him, steering him less and less towards his intended direction by too many parties.

But this sense of mental freedom and outrage meant that while he was slowly working on setting up his new bed, he did not notice that Kim had mounted the touchscreen, nor that he had set a small device inside that for a moment made the unit glow cold and fade again, the camera system being tested. All that Korva was really thinking on was his need to speak to Ken, and to tell him how he felt about this situation, the hurt that Ken might only be there for money, and his love was suddenly in question. Too many thoughts meant those great equine senses were not tuned to the subtle whine of the listening device powering up.