CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Good morning,” said Luke standing at the front of the auditorium. “After an exhaustive examination of the products that the team brought home, it looks like we’ve only just scratched the surface.” He nodded at Suzette, Riley, and Thomas as they stepped forward.
“Thanks, Luke,” said Thomas. “I’m going to give an overview of what we know about the making of anabolic steroids. Then, Suzette and Riley will tell you what we’ve found.
“As you’re all aware now, anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the hormone testosterone, designed to mimic its muscle-building effects. The creation of anabolic steroids typically begins with a base molecule, such as cholesterol, which serves as the precursor for steroid synthesis.
“Through a series of complex chemical reactions, this base is manipulated in the lab to produce various anabolic compounds. Formulators and scientists carefully control these reactions to ensure the resulting molecules have the desired muscle-building properties while minimizing unwanted masculinizing effects. This is important because it’s one of the things we’re not seeing in these formulations. There is not control being used.
“When you’re manufacturing steroids it involves several steps, including oxidation, reduction, and esterification. Each step modifies the molecular structure, allowing chemists to tailor the steroid for specific purposes, such as enhancing muscle growth or improving athletic performance.
“These processes are carried out in specialized facilities under strict regulations, as the synthesis of steroids requires precise conditions and the handling of potentially hazardous chemicals. Quality control is crucial to ensure purity and potency, as impurities can lead to harmful side effects.
“Common ingredients found in anabolic steroids include the base steroid molecule, solvents, and reagents necessary for the chemical reactions. As I said, cholesterol or diosgenin, a plant steroid from yams, is often used as the starting material. Again, all of that is important because it appears that they’re not adhering to acceptable standards. Suzette?”
“Thank you, Thomas. I won’t rehash what Thomas told you but I will highlight some of the issues. First, the need to manufacture these products in a clean, safe environment is critical. We’ve found traces of rust, pulverized oyster shell, and rodent feces.”
“Rodent shit?” frowned Cam.
“I’m afraid so,” she frowned. “What that tells us is that wherever they’re manufacturing this stuff, it’s not a clean environment, it’s most likely near the water, and was probably once a food storage or packaging facility.”
“The other thing we know for sure,” said Riley, “is that most of what’s in these products are mass marketed substances that you can buy anywhere.”
“I don’t understand. They’re like all the others on the market?” frowned Eric.
“No. I said most of what was in them. We think they purchase massive vats of pre-formulated product and then juice them up with their substances. The problem we’re running into is identifying the substance they’re adding.
Our ghosts ate the protein bars and took the supplements yesterday but as you know, they don’t react to it. We need to test this on live humans.”
“Riley, we have no idea what this shit will do to our bodies,” said Luke.
“One dose shouldn’t have any lasting effects. We only want to test the food sources, not the injection. We don’t have our hands on that. Not yet anyway. I understand from our tech team that they’ll be placing cameras in the facility tonight. I’m hoping that they can find a vial or two of the serum.
“Until then, we’ve asked for a few volunteers simply to have a protein shake that we’ve prepared from the protein powder.” She looked at Luke, Cam, Hex, and Eric, hopeful that they would agree.
“Volunteers only,” said Luke.
“I’ll do it,” said Bron.
“Me too,” said Fitch.
“Okay. Two is enough to get a sense of what you might be feeling.” Thomas handed the two men the premade drinks and watched as they downed them.
“What now?” asked Eric.
“We wait,” said Riley. “I don’t expect it to have a big effect right away but we just don’t know.”
“How are you guys feeling?” asked Cam frowning at the two men.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel anything,” said Fitch. “But my heart is racing and my stomach has an odd feeling.”
“Already?” frowned Eric. He walked toward Fitch, reaching for his shoulders to look into his eyes. Instead of standing there, Fitch reached up, pushing Eric backwards.
“Don’t touch me!” he said with a shocked expression at his own anger.
“Fitch, brother, it’s just me,” said Eric. “I just want to look into your eyes.”
“Leave him alone,” said Bron shoving Eric’s shoulder. Cam and Luke stared at one another, then turned to Thomas, Riley, and Suzette.
“This isn’t possible. How could it metabolize so quickly in their bodies?” asked Hex. “It should take much longer.”
“It should but it doesn’t. This is what we thought might happen. Whatever is in this, of their making, it speeds up the entire process creating a rage-like effect in the user.”
“I don’t like this,” said Fitch. “I don’t like how I’m feeling.”
“Sit down,” said Riley.
“Don’t tell me what to do!” Riley turned to the doorway seeing Tailor, Alec, Noah, Noa, Rory, and Max.
“Secure them,” said Suzette.
It surprised everyone how long it took to secure Fitch and Bron. They were both strong men but clearly no match for the six men holding them down.
“He’s stronger than usual,” said Alec frowning at Bron. “What’s he so pissed at?”
“All of us,” said Suzette. She injected both men in the arm and then they began to calm and quiet.
“Hopefully, that will help them relax until this wears off. But it gave us a lot to work with. Whatever they’re using in these powders and supplements, it’s designed to have maximum effect in a short period of time.
If a lifter is preparing at a contest, he could eat a bar or drink a shake and immediately have the surge he needs to win. ”
“You okay now?” asked Hex staring at Fitch and Bron. Both men nodded, slowly feeling their heart rates return to normal.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” said Fitch.
“It’s not your fault. It was what we expected,” said Suzette. “I think we also have to consider something else with all of this. What if they’re trying to sell this not just to athletes but to governments for military use?”
“Fuck me,” muttered Luke. “We’ve seen people attempt to create super soldiers before, it’s not unreasonable to think they would try to do it again.”
“The question is, how do we stop it?” asked Hex. “We don’t even know where they’re making this shit and what might be in it. We know it works quickly. We know it mutates in their bodies.”
“And,” said Suzette, “you have clues as to where it could be. Think old oyster shucking factories, food storage facilities, anything along the river where the things we found in the products could be found. If it’s old and rusty, that’s a good start.”
“Aunt Suzette, there are hundreds, maybe thousands of facilities like that in this area,” said Luke. She nodded at him, smiling.
“Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Oh. One more thing. You guys might want to check on the retired seniors out at the animal sanctuary. Mama brought in a few, uh, surprises for them last night.”