After the sisterly reunion, the current situation was reiterated to Carol. "Hmmm," she mused looking at Jon, suddenly smiling, "you really do make a lovely cowtaur nephew!" Enveloping Jon's larger frame in an impromptu hug. "And your mate, so handsome! Umm what was your name dear?"
"Jennifer, ma'am" the large Bulltaur replied bashfully.
"Ahhh, you really were made for each other then. And none of that ma'am stuff, why we're practically family now. Call me Auntie from now on" Both Jon and Jenn flushed at that.
"Sis", Jon's mother started, " Isn't there anything you could do to fix this?"
"We could throw a wedding?" At her sister's deadpan look, she became serious. "All research has sown that once a person has intercourse in their transformed state there is little we can do to remedy it. The radiation is only meant to temporarily modify the subjects genetic structure, and for some reason sex seems to cause unpredictable mutations and render the subject immune to further genetic tampering."
"Honestly sis, I'm sorry this happened. This was supposed to be an opportunity to catch up, spend quality time with my niece and nephews, and introduce you to the family legacy."
Carol continued looking subdued, " You see Linda, this project was founded by our late father. He funded and co-developed all the research and technology we've managed to create. Now that he's gone I wanted to show you what we'd accomplished. Father loved nature, always exploring exotic locales, studying the various ecosystems of the world. This was his gift to us, a way to truly connect to the natural world . Heh don't look so surprised nephew (or is it niece now?), You didn't think your family was randomly picked did you?"
As the occupants of the room were processing this revelation, Carol grabbed Jon's arm lightly and lead him towards the door, "Linda, Let me talk to Jon alone, I know this has been traumatic for her and you and hope I can offer some guidance." Jon's mom nods her assent and the two depart the crowded office.
"Jon, I know your grandfather left you the stone." Carol begins, "He always saw in you the potential to carry on his work."
She paused, "You see the stone is actually a focus for the universes' chaotic energies. Left alone, this usually manifest in black holes, atmospheric anomalies, paranormal occurrences, changes in gas prices, or wormholes between dimensions. Without the stone this energy is unfocused, completely random. Your grandfather's dream was to harness this energy for the betterment of mankind. When dad first developed the machinery to harness the stone's energy...." She glanced at her shocked nephew "You didn't think conventional science could explain instant transmogrification pods did you?" She asked wryly.
"Anyway, long story short, we were planning to bring you in on this when you graduated college. However, your grandfather's death disrupted those plans. And the situation now is even further complicated," Carol sighed."Jon, because the machinery effectively uses the same energy as the stone, not even it can change you back(or at all). You're truly stuck like that."
The news struck Jon like a bag of bricks, causing her stomach (all 5 of them) to drop "WHAT!"
" Look Jon, I know what you're going through."
"No, you don't! First I'm changed into an animal, and a girl, and now.." She trails off sobbing
"Jon, let me tell you about a young ambitious researcher, who was among the first to test a completely new technology. She foolishly went on a solo hike deep into the wilderness. While there, she encountered complications with this technology, and said complications overpowered her and got her pregnant. You see Jon, I really do understand what you're going through."
She chuckled self- deprecatingly. "I've had years to recover from my ordeal, but now I wouldn't change for the world. I have a beautiful son, an amazing job, and get to live in a virtual paradise, all the while experimenting with the fabric of reality." Carol enveloped her niece in an hug, "Look I know this is a new experience, but you must make the most of it. You can't let self-pity and doubts get the better of you. You can still lead a full life, you can live here, I'll arrange for schooling, college-anything you need. The reserve envelopes hundreds of miles and is quite isolated. You won't have to worry about being judged or scrutinized by anyone here either. I'm truly sorry this happened nephew."
Jon's eyes were wide as she stared at her Aunt in disbelief, the revelations of the day were really starting to get to her.
"So my cousin Jimmy is a puma !?"
"well he's a hybrid like his mom." She smiles deviously, "don't worry Jon, any calves you and Jenn have will be hybrids like you."
Jon pales (not that it can be seen through the fur) as she begins to feel lightheaded.
"Honestly Jon, what did you think would happen! Why you could already be pregnant! I could check if you'd like...Jon." Carol's stifled giggles gave way to full growling laughter as her nephew fainted at that bombshell.
