Working title: Project Ore; Crchtrevr

Greetings! This is Katherine Williams, and I hereby digitize my longhand story to this endeavor. It is still a work in progress, but I stopped writing originally because A., health reasons that diminished my courage and fear of having more seizures. B., Insecurity. I've recently been directed to this as an outlet because I miss writing as it is a sieve to release some or all of my regulated emotions in the proper conduit, I've always loved to use! Now off to writing land!

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Synopsis: A girl named Kelsi Madison lives a normal, regular life. Two big brothers, mom and dad, currently going to high school. What's a little different is that her mom is Eileen Madison, a well-known scientist that works at a research facility which studies an eclectic amount of (non-redacted information here.) But also, a former Marine! On her mother's side is a history of family members serving the military. An important family friend who also works alongside Mrs. Madison is Ms. Georgina Keene, an avid botanist on and off the job. Somehow or another, the girl's mother invisibly takes home an un-earthly mote that attaches itself to Kelsi. It starts to physically show like a rock/tree fungus? Underneath her skin but growing outward! She tries to hide it, but time eventually reveals itself, and she is brought to the research facility to protect mankind from a possible fungus derived by a meteorite ore sample collected from Mars. NOTE: This is a fictitious story, not based on any real events, people nor animals. Any coincidences that may occur in future are not involved in this. Storyline was created roughly 14-ish years ago by multiple dreamscapes and written in a (non-redacted information,) and is still secured to this day.

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Chapter I. discovery

Kelsi locked the door to her room and shut the blinds, then removed a bit of her shirt as she looked into the standing mirror she had moved yesterday into her closet. She felt normal, and there were no raised skin or bumps at all! Yet, this made her question if it was the only place?

Over the course of just two days a strange thing--rash, she thought at first. Had dappled from one side of her ribs to her stomach. Barely remembering a scuffle some days prior, she notices speckles on her hands. She neither thought of it much yet wore long clothing and gloves. Keeping the mirror in her closet, she figured all the spots were nothing... for the next couple of weeks, it slowly spread beyond that and now sees via the mirror the extent to which it continued. It went across her shoulders and the middle of her back. Looking as if she'd been beaten? She remembered being in the hospital recently but couldn't recall why. Could she have gotten it from there? It was just below her nape, but as she took the shirt fully this new day, realized that it was going across her arms and even to the right side of her ribs, which had the biggest splotch of all. I usually sleep on that side; she began to wonder. Touching her hair and flattening it is a suspect yellow-orange tinge in her scalp. "Dag it," Kelsi breathed. But it was not as far down to her waist yet.

Though she found a small splotch on her left ankle. "Aww man! Mom's going to not like this, period!" She knew with certainty. for--as a strict adherence and rule of thumb--if any unusual side effects of any kind happened to the family of the one who worked, they would be brought in for testing and analysis. She also knew that could mean days...or weeks, considering if it's a biological threat or not. Since her mother is a scientist at the near Ergale Research facility...

Kelsi wore long gloves and used cosmetics to hide the appearance spread on her face. It worked to great effect--almost two more weeks--but the extent of the 'rash' she decided it couldn't hold out any longer and refused to go to school that Tuesday. At the same time, though, representatives of the research lab came to their house as she had been very, very careful in her behavior to not let anyone touch her.

They ate a quiet dinner between them, and the representatives commented on the food appreciatively. She made certain to keep a good distance from anyone, standing, sitting, or otherwise! Eating was no exception! Her brothers and father were out that evening due to a very competitive paintball game that was a long time in waiting...

The three people politely asked her questions, and she answered discreetly at first to them. It was after a long pause and a finished meal when her other put down her fork and bade, "Well honey, we would like to know if there's anything wrong at school or between your brothers? You seem to be a little jumpy and skittish when others are too near you. Could you explain?"

"I'm fine!" She said too quickly, swallowing the last of her food. Kelsi calmed, and this time answered, "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm just--nervous as hell if you under--"

"For precautionary and security reasons we are allowed to visit employees' homes. Their families are just as much--if more important to take care of. The risks we have taken are those we are sure of and confident. Even if negative effects take place--"

" 'Or if finite traces of irregular or alien debris are not immediately found and lay dormant for however long a period of or within a person, it is sanctioned and vital on behalf of the person or persons contaminated to be returned. Whether negative or positive.' I remember Mom mentioning this some ways back,"

"So, you must be aware that--if strange behavior in any part is reported to us through employees, we must investigate the issue."

"Then I am sorry I didn't tell her sooner," She almost whispered.

Kelsi looked down at her lap, wondering how to explain this, as the representatives waited in bated silence for what may be ailing her. She kept resolute in her chair, doing nothing as tears slowly reveal what the makeup couldn't hide by dissolving into a true canvas of variegated green, orange and yellow type growth. It was as subtle as a fungus, and what looked like splotches of color slowly spread across. It went halfway on the right side of her face which she wiped with the back of her and to rid of her tears. The two men's eyes widen in alarm as her mother's did, and they saw a dab once or twice in her eyes the same color?! Her tears only began what they suspected, as both rose from their seats, but one came forward to her side as he pulled out a pair of thick nitrile gloves and put them on. "Get me a damp towel. Now!" As soon as he spoke Mrs. Madison knew what he was going to ask and quickly produced two for him, one dry and the other wet. The other man already had the same type of gloves on but was now on his phone dialing. The one at her side gently wiped across her other cheek, forehead and ear. She shook against the cold, but the makeup was easily removed, and he found that it then goes under her hairline and to her neck in both directions sporadically. "Kelsi, how long has this been going on? Where has it spread to?" This is urgently spoken. "Just over a month," she replies more quietly. He shook his head, snaps, "Answer my question: Where else has it spread?"

"Roughly half of my body? In odd spots." Kelsi answers. She goes, "but it hasn't hurt in any way. It just itches most of the time and..."

"We will have to take you now... Eileen, would it be okay if she removes her shirt? I need to see the extent of this thing,"

"I'm not a thing! I'm human." Kelsi almost bristled, somewhat confused as this was half-heartedly expressed. Mrs. Madison gave a small nod, and once Kelsi agreed as well by taking off the shirt. The man stepped back in dismay as it nearly covered her entire body in splotches, big or small, confirming what she said. There was a concentrated spot on her ribs, and faint black and blue healing around if under it. Somehow, by this alone, it could be the entry point. The yellow orange was like a freckle or mole; just underneath the skin, as he gently probed and pinched to feel any raised abnormality. Then looking into her eyes more deeply to find a spot...? He pulls out a pen flashlight, and her eyes react normally despite a few specks in both. No bigger than the tip of a pen! Green and yellow interspersed similarly on her skin. He steps back at this, saying, "Damn! We need to clear this...! Johnson, did you call the detox crew?"

"Already did and they're on their beeline here, Azan!"

"Good! If it's spread this much, we don't want anyone else to get contaminated outside this house."

"I've been taking good care of myself," She protested. He pushed her chin up with the rag, further gazing at her face and eyes while listening to her. "I covered all areas with some protection, if make up... I've been keeping away from everyone... but the strangest thing is that I don't think anyone else can be affected by me,"

"We'll make sure of that!" He mumbled aloud. Kelsi looks back at her mother, whose eyes were in tears as the detox crew swarmed into the house wearing hazmat gear. In between talking to the two assessing her, Mrs. Madison, and moving all the furniture in the kitchen, she hears her say loudly enough, "Don't worry, everything will be all right. They'll take good care of you!"

"Arms out, miss Kelsi! Geez--you weren't kidding when you said this was all over her, Johnson! Mr. Azan, ready for the shower?"

"It's outside?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Right, Ms. Kelsi, UP we go!"

She was bodily hefted onto a gurney by the detox crew. The gurney containment was like an emergency blanket turned into a zippered pod, updated from a morgue body bag so that still living animals/humans could safely travel without showing who or what is inside it. The house was a sight to see, for outside of it an E.R.R.D. Unit (Ergale Research & Retrieval Detoxification Unit that is more commonly referred to as the Detox crew,) is 2x the size of a regular firefighter engine vehicle! It had backed up onto the driveway carefully while still in the road, only able to park 3 feet in for various reasons! (Information regarding more detail cannot be accommodated at this time.) She was finally taken to the lab twenty minutes later, and though her mother's words rang true, they were also the last words she clung to, so she could remember her family in comfort. Not knowing when, or if, she'd be able to leave the Ergale Research facility.

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Chapter II. isolation & study

She flexed her arms, her hands... Reminiscing on the day she was brought in. Like the two gentlemen, she had a deep clean shower upon arrival, but it proved naught. Even after more daily scrubs, samples taken (i.e., skin, hair,) tests would conclude in error or not viable. She was kept four weeks, initially for observation for this reason. the only effects of the alien gene/rash so far appeared to be sporadic, extreme itchiness and occasional lightheadedness. Kelsi would look around at her body, somehow knowing that it would not affect any other but herself. and, indeed, after (unknown print, verified nonredacted info therein) genetic rare blood type! If this was any factor, it had to be!

Kelsi otherwise continued her studies but had to remain at a constant level of exercise (Redacted note: Experiment with subject conclusive; no other residual effects internal nor external to either host or surrounding personnel involved). It merely dealt with physical attributes that the alien gene/fungi might have. The personnel then held her for a continued period of 'recuperation,' but it was obvious that no countereffects or further tests could be made to prove it as a threat. All of it proved she was the sole host... and in more exasperated tones, "the only damn Mars spec on this planet!" Kelsi, yet, had no fear of what anyone outside research control might say. Her parents... or friends for that matter, might be in shock at the idea that she might stay like this forever. In all aspects it pointed to such a conclusion repeatedly! Yet, at once, no harm to anyone at all.

The research divided into something else, analysis of the fungi, it's DNA itself made them realize that other alien forms still existed. Just like the extreme environments on earth, the core project her mother had been working on was now revisited and combined with this and new research (nonredacted info supplies hereby cannot be conveyed. Scientists involved, names, etc.)

Kelsi could come and go if it was in the research labs. Like everyone else, she had to wear a biohazard suit around material, especially since she contained an alien organism/fungi/gene as it was found to be. She only met her mother a couple times, and they were brief glimpses of her working or passing by. She began thinking of her a lot but quashed her feelings down (redacted info shows this was encouraged due to her being a human subject.) So, Kelsi minded her own business, did all her homework and endured the research she was involved in. But much, much later, on one quiet day, she was left alone. She found out that they could do nothing more for her, but she had to remain at the Ergale Research Centre until further re-evaluation (note: details of subject timeline at center under inquiry, possible {nonredacted info continues content elsewhere} resident.) But more accurately by her own observations, between the lines she read that it would be impossible! She had to stay or else!

Bored out of her wits now that almost everybody was gone for the day, Kelsi left the lab/bedroom they had made for her. She was decontaminated at two critical control points, before finally reaching PROJECT ORE: STASIS CHAMBER. She was decontaminated again, but throughout this she hadn't worn a biohazard suit. She was following an odd sensation in her gut and legs. And without thinking she now walked into the room where the research into the meteor was taking place. There were two people left, arguing over something and oblivious. She ignored them, pressing buttons and controls without realizing why. As if something were driving her unconsciously? (Continued nonredacted info co-insides with later interview/interrogation.) The stasis chamber for the alien ore was released; as she opened it, Kelsi felt highly compelled and stepped inside the small-ish room. The doors almost close behind her only just enough for a single person to still come through, but the intensity of her curiosity led her to ignore the fact no one should be without proper attire! Period! Warning bells in her head aside, Kelsi reaches out, finding a few good pieces and sits on the ground looking and feeling each one. She found more than one rock very cold to the touch, but almost ordinary. These felt--familiar, light yet curiously brittle. She found them to be similar to lava rock but--clearly different and stronger somehow. Yes, these were meteorite pieces, yet rotund in shape. Slightly heavy depending on each size, but many more were light in aspect. Darker in color, and subtly not for the empty ones? (Noted in redacted interview, noncirc. G. K., botany & lead mento.)

Out of nowhere she sneezed very loudly when an itch in her nose caught her off guard. An alarm sounded in immediate reply with a great bang! That told her the doors were now sealed; no one could get in or out. Great, she thought sarcastically, "I'll be stuck here forever until--"

She woke up to men and women in bio suits yelling through the doors trying to assess the situation and any damage? Something...felt different. Drowsy, itchy, and not knowing how long she had been unconscious, Kelsi wanted to scream at them her frustration, but it had been truly her fault! She pressed her lips in chagrin as there were more people entered the lab and endeavored to open the doors became rather fruitless. It looked more and more as if they had to wait for the timing mechanism to release her out. Kelsi now studied the rocks in her hands, caressing them as she realized one thing; do they absorb biologicals? However, she held or brushed it against her skin, which hurt and made her bleed, the rocks seeped in. Living organisms, she thought. If this were mined to protect--if ships, it could endure biological warfare! Kelsi then jumped to her feet and hurried over to the rest of them. She looked carefully before finding one that she had to hold with both of her hands. For she realized it was like coral reef but had to find some sort of proof for everyone to see. Kelsi then went to where she sat before and picked up the first rock... then all the other small ones next to it. Compared to the giant one, they seemed suddenly dead. Lighter than before! Then she took the giant rock and hugged it against herself.

Meanwhile the research personnel, too concerned with opening the chambers, were almost getting it open. Though it got harder and shut tight in their faces. Angry voices floated through the small room, almost intelligible through the chamber barriers.

Kelsi warmed herself with the meteor rock. It was--oddly receptive. It seemed to conform with her, yet it stayed its immediate self. She got up and approached the doors, knowing now the strange organisms were protecting themselves as it would for her. As it did before? Even though they were simple protean plant life forms, rocks... the meteor had been its home.

As she stopped at the door, one person cried out to Kelsi from her left. "Ms. Kelsi? Please--stop what you're doing! You could be damaging it!"

"Kid, you are SO going to be reprimanded for disregarding basic protocol!" Another interjected rather loudly, and in response, several others reiterate this in equally loud voices with the same conviction. Kelsi shook her head lightly and held out the rock in full view of everybody. She waited until nearly all were done yelling before stating, "It's still alive, I can feel it. What's in me resides in this last one alone--the others are dead."

In a few minutes the room held near absolute silence. Several people looked at her like she was mad, but she, herself, was the only evidence of that. And since they could do nothing but wait for the door to release on its own, many scattered to continue their jobs elsewhere. Hours turned into days, and Kelsi lay weak against the far wall, holding onto the rock as her life depended on it! Soon, the doors will open to let them in, but they might destroy what was left of it. Mrs. Madison on the third day, was teetering on the edge, peering in and nearly the only one who was watching Kelsi. She wrote down notes occasionally, as the alien gene--organism? --seemed to meld and go throughout her face, hands, arms...almost like a plant that slowly grew everywhere it could be seen really. She was sitting against the far wall, unconscious for quite a period when her eyes shot open. Her voice came out in a rasp, and she began scratching furiously everywhere! Kelsi began to sob, then, as she scratched around her eyes, ears and the back of her neck. "Damn it!" She cried abruptly. the few still there went still, Mrs. Madison sighed in relief as she is glad, she is still alive! Despite her being in a containment not meant for human life. Kelsi knew the organisms would somehow become a part of her, but the itchiness hurt like hell. She wanted to tear at her skin but balled her fists and lay against the wall bearing the pain. Shaking uncontrollably, wanting to get at every itch that permeated her skin and willing herself not to. This time, no one rushed in as those few merely watched the unusual amalgamation take place. Notes written, video taken, temperatures of the room logged, as she was observed by all. "Kelsi, don't scratch, it will only make it worse."

"I know, Mom." She breathed deeply. Meditatively. "And I love you too," Collecting her thoughts as it became a part of her, she doesnn't see that Mrs. Madison now left briskly with silent tears in her eyes. She only wished it would be over soon. Alas, she remembered, it was far from over.

In another day and forty minutes, the doors finally opened of their own accord; everyone reorganized but brought a large amount of food into the chamber. She was briefly confused, disoriented and blacked out when the doors opened as if not used to something... Then they closed it again after placing monitoring sensors on her skin. She devoured half a pizza pie, a soda and 5 bottles of water, a chocolate eclair with a bowl of salad. Meanwhile idly using her knuckles gently to scratch all over her body not a vigorously as before.

During this period of isolation, well over a month went by as the observations continued. When they question her about the rock through new audio and microphones, she said, "well--its dead like the others now,"

"What do you mean? From our earlier research it shows the DNA still present, however..."

"Decomposing. Think of it this way then!" She finished the sentence, then indicates towards the small rocks and the large one in general. "When a river or ocean evaporates you get a dry waterbed, right? If a sea slowly but surely goes because of the sun, and it reaches the absolute bottom, certain plant life depending on that environment will cease to exist. Most species if not all die, and few survive--"

"Survival of the fittest, yes." One of the personnel waved dismissively at this. "So, you're saying it could be like--hell, coral reef or whatnot?"

"Exactly!" Kelsi intones after downing another bottle of water. They noticed she was more thirsty than usual. Many thought it was good news to hear, and upon closer examination of her realized it thoroughly enveloped Kelsi head to toe! Even both eyes were more dappled with green and yellow in the sclera, iris and pupil. It didn't obstruct her vision as many thought it would. What she spoke proved a small theory, but... "Well, sometimes reefs contain more than just plant life!"

"Which--" She starts to act a little nervous, but continues, "I found out too, myself. If this plant organism thrives on the meteor, what--what thrives on the plant?" Kelsi responds while pointing with her toe the biggest rock at her feet. When she pushed it a small, if odd cat-like hiss occurred. Then a crunching sound, the rock shook as it did so. Which made one of the suited-up personnel jump back with "What the hell--?"

"I haven't seen it yet, but the creature has tried to escape its prison. I'm afraid it might come after me."

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Chapter III. a new subject, and a painful return

And indeed, it did, right as she spoke! The rock cracked open, and a small, dark crustacean thing scuttled towards her. It had feelers but a centipede body and zoomed in on Kelsi. Outside the containment room, those present merely gaped in surprise at first! She backed away, climbing up on the table in the ore room. It easily went up after Kelsi whilst two people came to, grabbed a small glass containment. Kelsi was fending it off when it bit into her ankle, hard. She cried out in pain and couldn't shake it off, so she banged it once, twice on the table without effect. The two personnel finally entered the room and brushed it into the container after pulling it with a mighty jerk! but not without ripping off some skin! It lay there, munching quietly on this as it was taken away. Kelsi held onto the wound, bleeding and trying to stop the flow, until someone could give her aid. Yet everybody was enamored and concentrated on the alien creature, that she was surprisingly forgotten! She scrounged for material to cover the wound but also put her focus and understanding the alien DNA, to let it heal itself, absorbing the minute poison from the creature. At the end of the day another lab was devoted to this new subject, meanwhile Kelsi was alone mending both cloth and her emotions through it all. Mrs. Madison, whence hearing this from a concerned colleague who checked in on her not too long ago, rushed to see Kelsi and asked if she needed help?

Kelsi made a tired but grim smile at her when she spoke through the audio station. "Are you all right sweetie?! Did it get to you--wait, you're still bleeding!" She tightened the cloth at her ankle, which was soaked, even after multiple wraps. She guessed the liquid was from the cloth itself. "Yes, it bit me here. It's layered but mostly dried blood, mom. None of the personnel helped--or could have tried."

"What do you mean?" She sharply asked in return. Two people nearby winced at this remark, admitting belatedly none had realized nor seen the wound. Kelsi spoke, "I took care of it before they even realized... But it was time consuming bandaging it with what I had in here. No first aid kit,"

"Seriously?! You're my daughter not some third-rate test subject!! Why weren't any of you keeping an eye on her?" Mrs. Madison turned on her heel and barked those last words at the two men, who were now in a very bad predicament. "She deserves your hazard pay for this incompetence! I'll talk to the director to make sure the compensation goes directly to her fund!"

"I'm so sorry we don't get to see each other much, but--" She directs this at her daughter, who interrupts with, "I love you too, Mom." Finishing her mother's words. She smiles in return, blowing a kiss at Kelsi through her visor. Mrs. Madison then hurried away; the men sigh in relief, but now every hour it's required to interact with Project Ore test subject K. M. to make sure she was conscious, healthy and breathing. Though how she breathed in there was another thing! While life returned to its normal doldrums, Kelsi continued her high school studies as weeks passed. It took Mrs. Madison's and Ms. Keene's repeated requests that she be allowed to return to her normal lab-bedroom as the Project Ore room was no longer safe. Mrs. Madison even intensified her Marine voice to explain the matter to Director Ichiho, who promptly understood that a mother bear will protect her cubs and under such ire, made certain by two days she returned to it and an improved privacy... Kelsi slept soundly for the first time in months.

Kelsi watched, waited, was tested, etc., and passed two grades while still at the research centre. She learned to exercise while limited to her 'bedroom,' for as punishment for breaking protocol both by her mother and Director Ichiho agreed she had to learn consequences be what they may, even if a gut instinct told her to do so! She still got intense homework, classwork and even P.E. (interview and notes indicate various personnel were assigned to do so while also maintaining a scientific eye on her, subtle changes, since as a juvenile test subject, the alien gene/DNA may further have unknown effects onto her person.) She would have been a senior in high school, but was instead a senior resident still under research? Even starting her own experiments on herself, quietly though, to further understand her new, apparently alien body that adapted surprisingly fast as much as her mind did! Through rain, sleet, snow, heat, water, etc.! Unknowingly becoming more like her mother, thinking like a scientist, and yet even more always learning and training herself to become the pilot she always dreamed to become!

Everything devoted to alien research benefited Earth in some small way. Those who discovered and found new possibilities to understand the research were commended, and some awarded for what they've done. Mrs. Madison was one of the latter, awarded for her findings that illuminated a near cure for most skin cancers and not letting it get swept under the rug! She was lauded for her efforts, but her eyes sought out her family... Mr. Madison, alone, cheered at his table during the event. Amidists roars of approval and clapping, her expression faltered, as she came to realize Kelsi was not there. "To my daughter," She whispered quietly, because information about her was still yet to be allowed because of continued studies. "Because of you we were able to move forward."

After that year she moved out of the facility (from mx interviews information is still classified, nothing redacted at this point. Assume continued study) and stayed with her parents at their home. Briefly. Waiting only for acceptance to a school as she learned how to deal with peoples' reactions. Even her first day home was--intense! They had arranged a small welcome home party, including her brothers returning from their own jobs and/or school. Wearing long clothing as it was cold out, she and her mother were stamping their feet on the course entry mat and taking off their shoes. "They did remove everything from your room as a precautionary measure, so I eventually got simple furniture and blackout curtains so you can sleep."

"That's fine, mo--"

"WELCOME BACK KELSI!"

Taken by surprise, she is overwhelmed by multiple hugs and a noogie by one of her brothers. The shawl that covered her head neatly now covered her face so she couldn't see. "Okay, relax guys! She's been through a lot, ok?"

"Yes ma'a--"

Suddenly Jonathan snatched it off her head and began running off, laughing maniacally but, behind him, two others gasp in surprise if not step back. "I thought they would have taken care of it. Why is it all over her now and she still like this?" Her father looked toward his wife as if she were not there. She sighs impatiently, stating, "it's benign, Jon Ez, and not a blight. She's our daughter and needs our support."

"Geez, Eileen! If she's out it better not be contagious!"

"I'm standing right here. Dad!"

"Didn't they at least treat it like you did with the skin cancer research? Could that have helped at all?"

"Zander!" Mrs. Madison sharply reprimanded him. "It's not just skin deep! It goes below the dermis to the subcutaneous, possibly more but I can't say. More than three quarters of her entire body visible but too ingrained that it can't be removed."

"What the hell? It's in your eyes too! What on earth is it?!" Zander is peering at Kelsi like something out of a petri dish, and Mrs. Madison snaps at him, "She is not an 'it' she's your sister!"

"It looks like paintball splotches almost of--"

"If you want to find out what it is so badly read a medical journal!" Kelsi raises her voice in anger and frustration. Her eyes and brows wiggle briefly, like a boiling tea kettle that's had enough heat about to let off steam. "Oh wait! This is still unidentifiable enough that it's classified! Maybe you'd care to take a closer look??" As Kelsi spoke, she angrily tore off her jacket and even her long sleeve turtleneck. Dignity aside, baring herself in a sports bra, it revealed a canvas of what appeared to be like he said paintball hits without the bruises, yet the irregularity of shape didn't define them all that way. Quite a few fist-sized, some complete each other, and the biggest at her lower rib as wide as a laptop! The bits in her eyes now bigger, overlapping and with one completely over the entire sclera. After a long hiatus she balls up her clothes, walking briskly to escape to her room. Slamming the door shut, not unlike her brothers' but taking deep breaths in a pillow on an unfamiliar bed.

Not knowing how long after this, came a gentle knock and Jonathan's voice said, "Can I come in?"

"If you want to say I'm a freak, then no."

"I just want to know what the fuss was about when I took your head wrap thingy." "It's a shawl, dingbat!" She said over her shoulder. He entered the room, anyway, closing it behind him and sat at the meager desk by the window. She kept her face averted from him, but he could see on her back, arms, etc. the extent of her condition. He waited patiently until she sat up straight and turns to face him. He wore deep concern in his eyes and his brows furrowed at the sight of her crying. "What happened? Who the hell made you cry?"

"Dad and--and Zander." She says this more quietly as he didn't study her like they did. He focused on her face and emotions. "For family, they don't know any better! But to make you cry is just stupid!"

She smiles at his remark; he fells relieved as if it broke the ice between them. He makes a wry smile and says, "that was a good return volley I heard from down the hallway. 'Oh wait! It's classified! You don't know spit!'" To this she laughs out loud, taking a moment before she replies, "I'm sure it didn't sound like that! And... Thank you for making me feel better,"

"Mom always kept us apprised of how you were doing. When stupid things happened to you and nothing was done about it, I heard Mom calling the cavalry. I think she'd do that for any of us,"

"Mom's always been hardcore." She whispers this, almost looking like a little kid with her arms twined around her legs. "She was a Marine before she met dad. Her knack for science is why I like it too, finding things out. And flying..."

"I know you've always wanted to be a pilot. Any Legos or erector sets we had you would lay claim and make airplanes out of them. Zander and I made buildings and use green army men for huge battles against your galactic air force!!"

"And I'd win only twice! You guys were horrible!"

"A good kind of horrible, though." He snickered in return. Then after sitting next to her, he put a finger to her forehead and pushed gently. "What's in here is more important." His hand then retreated over his heart, "what's in here should guide what's up there!"

"Thanks mom!" She says in a kiddie voice. His face turns to stone as if offended. "No," he says in a mature, older tone. "That comes from me, Little Ace!" She smiles at the memory of their grandfather. he had made quite the impression on both of them. "I miss grandpop. he was army unlike mom, but it never stopped his love for family!"

"When they ever make airplanes viable in space, I know out be out there in a heartbeat!"

The air now relaxed and de-stressed, he says, "Just because this happened to you doesn't mean you can't be yourself. My girlfriend..." Here his head drops down, slowly thinking about what he would say now. "She has vitiligo. It started in middle school and stayed since then. Every day she'd either get beat up or bullied, and one time someone put her on fire,"

"Holy cow that's insane! Why the--"

"I'm not finished," He says in a whisper. He, like their mom, had a way of talking quietly that kept peoples' attention. "The perp got away with it, but she endured more hell for her disfigurement and ridicule than anyone should. I met her in college poring over medical journals, texts and anything she could devour to become a doctor and a dermatologist. What caught my eye were two things; one, bawling her eyes out and two; Mom's name on her notes. You know me, I'm a sucker for beautiful eyes!" She nodded in agreement. He continued, "She has these green, piercing eyes. I could barely see it between her tears but by George I went up to her and said, 'is that the new article about Eileen Madison?' I apparently startled her, as she sat up straight and dabbed at her tears. She cleared her throat and said, 'yes,' I looked at it and saw that mom didn't put her picture in the article. But it got me close enough to see her eyes. A beautiful African American woman, still stuck in a shell! 'Do you mind if I borrow?' I asked. She said she didn't mind, pushed the journal toward me but I picked up her chin and gently pointed to her forehead, 'what's in here is more important, and what's in the heart should guide what's up there!' She huffed at me and said I sounded like her grandmother, but I told her straight, 'nope! I got it from MY grandfather!' "

"No offense, Jonathon, but long story short?"

"She went through hell and didn't let it get to her. Life has its ups and downs, and she still didn't let it under her skin. Per se, sorry!"

"Not offended," Comes her reply. He finished, "you're about to face college after being stuck in a lab for three years. You're going to face prejudice, fear, distrust, hate and a whole lot of ignorance from people who don't understand why you look like this. Keep in mind what grandpop said, because that's what helped Lizz get through the hardest part of school. What dad and Zander did was the top of a cyst that has a lot more hiding underneath! They won't be the first donkey nor the last one to bray at you like that. Mom wanted us to have tough skin for such--uh, reason." He rolls his eyes up. "I'm sorry skin references keep coming back in the conversation!"

"Not a problem, bro! You've made a mountain into a valley, so it doesn't look that bad. Once I--start going to college, that mountain might rear its ugly head, but I'll be ready for it! Warts and all--great, now you have me doing the same thing!" She throws her pillow at Jonathon, who laughs, "That was my plan all along! HA!"

After a brief scuffle and pinning him on the ground in a wrestling move, he tapped out. "Okay, okay! I know I'm not needed anymore! Just--when you get the chance, meet my girl Elizabeth Jeunique Lemaitre."

"I hope I do!"

---

<<Additional grievances during this time period show that subject's leaving had a tumultuous effect. Meeting Lizz helps with enduring next chapter of her life.>>

Kelsi got to meet her almost accidentally. She kept wearing clothing that covered up her skin, from turtlenecks, long sleeved shirts, hats, etc. But the tiny double takes from everyone started to wear on her. Former friends didn't recognize her at all until hearing her voice come out. Even then! After finding a new type of head scarf that wrapped snugly and comfortably, she looked so conservative and well-dressed that a store wanted her to work there.

Having only been in it a couple of times, the mom-and-pop shop had a unique variety of clothing and international stuff. Exotic scents, a lot of meditation music, food, drink. Like a mini market. And at one point an aggravated customer that didn't understand the owner's strong accent. Kelsi hearing Punjabi and English between the customer and owner, and both frustrated because the customer wanted to know what kind of fruit was in the drink, she didn't recognize it. Kelsi tapped the woman lightly on the shoulder and whispered, "he says its soursop. The taste is a mix of strawberry, apple and citrusy. Here," She had bought two already, opened one in front of her and let the woman have a whiff. She veered back with an "oh!" A look of curiosity. "But it smells like pineapple!"

"Take it. It's yours!"

"But you bought--" The woman began to protest, but she took it in her hand and said, "why not? Thank you miss!" It was still cold, so when the lady drank it, she made a small sound of surprise before downing the whole thing. She turns to Kelsi, saying, "I was really thirsty and this was the first place I saw. this...wasn't that bad, but it was a little weird if a bit sour. But sweet! Can I get two more please?" she handed the empty can to the owner/cashier, who rang up two after Kelsi explained in Punjabi what she said. He appreciated it, and the customer left in high spirits.

The second and third time she visited it was to find another headscarf/hijab because her dad had nearly torn her first one apart due to a misunderstanding. So, when she found two in both purple and dark grey, she decided to get both. A woman in full traditional garb approached her about the clothing. She spoke very fast in Punjabi about anything and everything, about going to temple and the restrictions she had to adhere to and so on and so forth. "I'm hoping to go into the Airforce. But I'm waiting on acceptance into a school first, because I want to learn to fly."

"Seriously?! How old are you? You look only 15!"

"I'm nineteen. Actually. And I like this clothing because it covers a--sort of skin issue I have. My dad didn't like that I was wearing a hijab, but once I told him why he got over it. I don't think my dad understands what I'm going through."

"Parents are the hardest to come out to! You are so brave for doing that. Where do you go to temple? Mine is at North Vine Avenue but it's very modest--"

"Pardon me? I'd like to get this please?" She excused herself from the woman, paying the owner who quietly said in Punjabi as well, "she is a regular who always likes to talk. Thank you for being patient with her!"

"I don't mind. I just keep forgetting how I learned this language, but it stuck."

"It's not your primary? You speak so well I'm surprised that the couple times you came before you translated for that older woman!"

"English is my first because it's what my parents speak. That's all they know."

"You learned it on your own? I could use someone like you in my store! A lot of people don't speak Punjab, and it can be difficult with customers. Would you consider a part-time offer? At least until you go to school... Sorry, I overheard a little of your conversation!"

"You wouldn't mind? I have a--skin issue, so I'll be covered. It's weird looking but not contagious!" She said more quietly to him. The man frowned, looked at the other customer and smiled. He led the woman out, shut the door and locked it. Turning the open sign to closed. "I could start teaching you today. But--may I ask why you are so concerned for your skin?"

"I'm--different. And my skin makes me look more alien that I'm--I know people won't understand."

"If you showed me, how would I not be understandable? There are many afflictions that tend to the human body since the dawn of time! How can I be scared?" He says with humor, but Kelsi reluctantly took off the hijab.

It showed just underneath the hairline, at her neck, nape, even her eyes. But her face was clear. When she turned, he saw that it went down her neck to her shoulders in a continuous splotch of green, yellow and orange. She quickly covered herself back up. "It's like this over most of my body. And I'm not religious, just--this is just really more comfortable for me until I--well, until school starts."

"Is it--is it genetic?" He asks tentatively. She gave a nod, but also said she uses makeup to cover the rest that's on her face. Shocked, he takes a moment to sit down and think. She waited on him, but now worried if he were, okay? "I assumed you were recently Muslim. But by asking I learned differently! You wear that as a protection against something not impugned by religion, but by fear of being something different. Would you still like to work? I am an equal opportunity employer--Allah forgive me, I'd be a fool if I don't ask!" She smiles in return. "You must have a lot of tourists then!" He gives a small nod, with both hands in the air. "Come on then! I'll show you around, teach you how to work the register... have you ever had a job before this?"

"Yes... But it was nothing like retail." And neither could she delve into the subject because it was classified.

---

Chapter IV. 1st awakening, & fast friends

she had to let her mother and the research center know where she worked. Although not telling her father who already felt--at odds with her choice of clothing and the living arrangement. And it took three tries to get together with her brother Jonathon and Lizz Lemaitre. But--something usually got in the way, and it would be rescheduled! So, over a month passed until an opportune moment comes...

One day at work, three different church and temple services just finished, and they were inundated with customers that only spoke English, a little English or only Punjabi. Kelsi kept her wits about her, running the register and helping the owner with stock as a lot of people went for drinks, hats and food as it was a hot day. Here translation skills put to the test, and even a lost little girl who spoke French creole. She sat her down near the register and had the girl speak her letters, numbers and two children's songs to her as she worked and listened. Surprisingly, she sang one of the songs alongside her once the crowd had mostly dispersed, then asked in her language where was her family? The little girl squealed in glee, talking in circles