"This summer seemed to last forever," He groaned, flopping face-first onto his bed after changing out of his work clothes for the day. Rex sighed, wondering how much longer he'd have to put up with working the dish room and busing tables...rather, if there weren't more than a handful of dishes and a couple tables to clean every hour or so, if at that. "Ugh! Never understood why they didn't both putting me on mornings or something, yet they're always complaining about lack of help during the busy season...swear this happens every summer..."

He turned his head to the side, stroking the small, red panda stuffy that sat on the corner of his bed near his pillow as his brown eyes glanced around the room. It wasn't much, other than basic necessities and what furniture one would typically find in a 20-something's bedroom. He did keep some simple, but pricey, filming equipment in the corner by his bookshelf for his and his friends' movie projects. He also had a few posters and framed prints of various anthropomorphic artwork he's gotten over the years at several conventions; thankfully, the artwork was clean enough that his parents wouldn't freak or feel concerned whenever they'd walk in his room. However, he definitely hoped they never notice the box beneath his bed which contain...peculiar items Rex liked to use in his private time.

But when it came down to it, his hobbies and passions came second; Rex needed a new job that paid better and didn't kill his mental health.

He let out a long-winded sigh as he turned to face up towards the ceiling. "Guess I'll try to find something else...again..." he said as he got out of bed, "Let's see how many apps will lead to nothing this time..." Soon enough, Rex woke his computer up out of sleep mode and went about the usual routine of searching through the number of job sites he's bookmarked, along with the local classifieds and "help wanted" ads. After about two hours of filling out online applications, resumes, and questionnaires for, what felt like, the 100th time, he was about to call it quits until he stumbled upon a peculiar job posting for the local zoo.

Leaning in slightly, Rex skimmed over the description. "Okay...uh, 'this is a contract position for one year'...yadda, yadda...okay, 'Requirements: Mandatory physical upon hire'...I guess that would make sense, though it doesn't say...anything about a degree requirement...let's see 'Starting pay is...'" He leaned back as he felt his stomach churn and his heart race, covering his mouth with his hand as he looked at the number again. "Holy shit...now they've got me curious, especially since this is an entry level job that doesn't require a degree, as far as I can tell. I mean...$30 an hour...full-time..."

It took him a moment to let it all sink in, though, even as he filled out the application and submitted his resume and cover letter, he still couldn't understand why such a simple-sounding job has...possibly the highest starting wage for any entry-level position he's found. At best, all it sounded like was a contract-based zoo keeper position, and nothing more.

As he finished up filling out the application, Rex began to have second thoughts about applying as he hovered the cursor over the 'Submit Application' button. "What if this is all a hoax? I mean...it sounds way too good to be true...but I do want to get out of the food business, and I did find this gig on Indeed, so...I guess it's legit..." He leaned back in his chair, pondering on the job ad a bit more, knowing how much he could use the money. "Hmmm...fuck it," he said as he clicked the 'Submit Application' button.

"Now to wait for those rejection emails..."

---

Another day, another dollar. Even though Rex knew it usually takes about a week to hear back from a job offer, he kept checking his phone at the restaurant when he could for any email, even if it was a rejection letter. So far, nothing. Once he made it back home, as per his habit, he immediately went to his room and changed out of his smelly work clothes that reeked of food, grease, and dishwasher soap. However, instead of flopping on his bed like usual, he started up his computer right away and immediately tried to see if he got any response from where he's applied to this week, as he never had a chance to check after he clocked out. His eyes darted right towards the top at the recent emails, all of which were marked as 'read' and were as recent as yesterday. He sighed and decided to browse his bookmarked art gallery sites and Twitter for a while, plus he knew he'd need to eat eventually; there was still about three hours left in the typical work day for most people.

After letting himself relax a while, Rex decided to refresh the page which displayed he email's inbox.

"Finally!" He exclaimed in an excited, yet somewhat frustrated tone.

Right on top, the one email he hoped to see, arriving just moments before he refreshed the page. However, he got more curious rather than excited after he noticed who it was from: the local zoo looking to hire someone on contract.

When he opened it, he figured it would state the usual spiel about their interest in him and requesting an interview. "Thank God they don't sound strict with the interview time; at least I can pick and choose a few." After reading the email in its entirety, he jotted down, what he hoped, a professional-sounding reply to the interview email; however, given who it was from, Rex was still skeptical about the legitimacy of the job opening. But if it's been the only bite he's gotten so far and was found on a legitimate job-posting site, it must be worth a shot.

"Well...guess I'll wait to see if they get back to me tomorrow. At least I got something this time!"

---

He began to reminisce as he navigated through the maze of one-way streets in the small neighborhood surrounding the zoo property, trying to find where he can get to the Administration Office lot. It's been years since he's been at this zoo in particular; the last time Rex visited was back in 4th grade as an end-of-the-school-year field trip, and any other time prior was with a large group.

Maybe I can visit one of these days...maybe if I get this job and finally get out of food service. At least then I can take my time to look at everything I want to, especially the red pandas! He couldn't help but let out a giggle when he thought that. Maybe I'll have a chance to see them for more than a minute this time if I go on my own.

Soon enough, he found his way to the main parking lot, though remembered from the email that a short road led to the lot in front of the Administration Office and they requested he parked there. Of course, before leaving for this interview, Rex made sure he showered up, shaved completely, and put on the nicest clothes he had that he figured would make him look professional but not a snob: a decent, clean pair of jeans, white button-up shirt with a red and black tie, and the only decent pair of shoes he had that didn't look completely destroyed. However, even though he was in the comfort of the A/C in his car, he hoped the heat and humidity of the midday weather didn't undo all his hard work, since the email also mentioned he would be taken on a tour of the zoo after the interview.

After finding a spot and parking his car, he shut off the engine and grabbed his resume. As soon as he stepped outside, the heat and humidity mix bogged down on him, even though it was mid-morning. "Fuckin' hell, I can already feel myself sweating..." he murmured as he headed towards the building, which didn't look anything too fancy: just a simple, brick and mortar construct with a brown, tiled roof that sloped down on each side, and one part had another level atop it; he figured that was just more office space.

As he stepped inside the building, someone else who appeared more well-dressed than him stepped out, though they merely shared a quick glance with each other. The first thing Rex did was head to the small reception desk just past the double-door entrance; a young, white woman with straight, black hair sat on the other side of the desk. He waited a few moments for her to finish up whatever conversation she was in over the phone, though could tell she had a thick, Southern accent. Once she did, she immediately turned her chair and faced him.

"Hi, can I help you?" Despite her accent, she came off as friendly and not the least bit annoyed at his interrupting presence.

"Uh, yeah, I'm here for an interview at...ten, if I remember right."

She glanced at the time displayed on the computer in front of her. "Ya'll are early, but that's okay." She then clicked around until she pulled up the monthly schedule, littered with more interviews than zoo events or maintenance schedules. "What's your name, honey?"

He gave her his full name, but when she confirmed his interview time, he found he was a half-hour early; it was then he remembered the zoo had just opened for the day and guests were already arriving. He shuffled his feet some and gave a nervous smile when she mentioned that. "Oh...yeah, I just like to make sure I'm at least hear, you know?"

"I understand, hon. Now...did they want you to come here or someplace else?"

"The email mentioned here, so...hear I am," he said with a nervous chuckle.

"A'ight, take a seat right over there and I'll let Steven know you're here," she said, pointing to the cushioned seats on the other side of the room. She then immediately picked up the receiver on the phone to get a hold of his interviewer.

Even though the seats felt quite comfy, that didn't help him calm his nerves. I hope I came to the right place...

Once the receptionist hung up the phone, she immediately turned to Rex. "He wants to meet you on the other side of the zoo. You know how to get over there from here."

"Um...n-no, not really..."

She then mentioned how he could get to the parking lot on the other side, as well as where this 'Steven' wanted them to meet. It did make him wonder why, even though the email he received said otherwise; even the receptionist wasn't sure, and they both figured he'd have the interview and the tour all at once.

He got up and left, thanking the receptionist on his way out. At least I have enough time to get myself lost, just in case.

---

After finding a parking spot, Rex checked the time on his phone, since he never set the clock in his car for daylight savings. He pursed his lips in a minor annoyance. "Well...shit, that didn't take long." He hoped by the time he made his way into the zoo and found a place to sit for a while, preferably in the shade, enough time will pass. The email didn't mention who his future supervisor would be, but he figured it might be Steven, whoever that was; it'd only make sense.

He pulled out his phone out of habit and mainly to appear busy, as is the stereotype for his generation, not to look like he was staring at random passersby while he waited on Steven. Still have a half hour... "Ugghhh...why am I so punctual?" He groaned, "So damn hot out too..." It was then he looked around to see if there's anywhere he can relax and cool off, which he did see a few options. There were a few tents set up over rows of picnic tables in, what was already, a shady spot to begin with just to his left, and a large, blue building that was an arctic themed grille with indoor seating. Of course, if he really wanted to, he noticed the tropical animal house not too far ahead of him, however, he noticed he'd have to go all the way around to the other side to enter.

Guess I could get a little something while I wait...ugh, but I know it'll be pricey. Giving one last look into the crowd of guests walking by him for Steven, or at least someone who he'd assume would be Steven, he got up and headed over to the concession restaurant.

"Can't believe they're charging three dollars for a small-ass lemonade, and two dollars for a hot dog," he said under his breath as he left the grille, already finished with his overpriced lunch; though, he had to admit, it was the same quality lemonade one would get at the state fair, and nothing beats fresh, state fair quality lemonade. He decided to wait inside until about five minutes before his tour and interview with his future supervisor. Once he went back outside, the heat and humidity did not subside, yet it seemed like the crowds grew somewhat; made sense, as it was a fairly nice day out and the zoo was rapidly reaching its daily attendance peak.

He looked around for an open spot near his supposed meeting point, though the only available seating was at the picnic tables...close to a couple loud, screaming children. Aggh...my head, my ears! Instantly, he rubbed his forehead and covered one of his ears, trying not to appear too bothered by the sudden, loud noises. Rex looked around, frantically trying to find a somewhat quieter spot to rest, yet still be able to see Steven if necessary.

Perfect! Soon enough, he found a bench half-way into the arctic animals area where he figured would still allow the meeting point to be in his line-of-sight. The general area was...somewhat quieter, as he rubbed his ears again. Why does my hearing feel more...sensitive? Ugh, and this humidity isn't helping either. Once he sat down, he checked the time on his phone again. 10:30; where are ya, Steven? He looked up and down the pathway, trying to look past as much of the crowd as he could, but he didn't notice anyone who appeared on-staff waiting for someone.

Except for one person who could be a possible candidate.

Steven, at least who he assumed as such, appeared to be walking right towards him without ever losing focus on his destination. The lively sights, sounds, and smells of the zoo seemed to not matter to the tall, lanky figure in a suit coat and jeans approaching him. Rex couldn't tell for sure from a distance, but his supposed interviewer looked to be well-aged: not old and frail, nor young and sprightly, but enough for anyone to tell he's experienced some unexplainable things in his life.

Before Rex could process this person, Steven was right in front of him, without warning. Yet, despite his intimidating appearance, he looked down to Rex with a welcoming smile. "So, you must be the new kid they've told me about, eh?"

"Y-Yes, that's me!" he replied as he quickly stood back up, finding that Steven was just as tall as him.

"Good, good. You had your tour yet or did you get a chance to walk around the zoo while you were waiting on me?"

"Uh, neither; I wanted to be sure to meet with you first and not, well, wonder off on ya," he replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, haha, you didn't need to worry about that. I've been here long enough to know how to find new recruits who roam around here. In fact, I know exactly where all of them are right now." A sly grin spread across his face, though it came off as menacing to Rex.

Okay...now I'm regretting about applying here; the hell is up with this guy? Rex was about to consider fleeing from the zoo and going back home when Steven spoke up again, making him jump.

"So! With that said, how about that tour! Afterwards we'll do a quick interview and...actually, we can do both at the same time, if you'd like?"

"Oh yeah, sure thing!"

"Then we'll start over this way," Steven extended an arm out towards the concession restaurant as if he wanted Rex to join him. "If you follow me, please."

It was then Rex noticed there were several Arctic themed exhibits lined up behind the restaurant, and across from that were a few more exhibits that, he assumed, were of some regional animals found in and around Texas.

"Oh, before we start, I hope you got a little something to eat already, yes?" Steven asked, somewhat concerned.

"I did while I waited for you; I figured I'd just get a little something over there quick," he replied while pointing towards the restaurant.

"Okay, good..." He said with a hint of relief as they walked past, but he then muttered something that he assumed Rex wouldn't be able to hear.

Except Rex was able to hear it somewhat clearly, though couldn't quite make out the full statement. "Sorry...w-what did you just say? Steven?"

"Hmm?" He glanced over at Rex, but quickly turned ahead once he noticed his interviewee's curious look. "Oh! Nothing you need to worry about, kid," he chuckled, "Just me being old, I guess."

"Uh...huh..."

Steven let out a cough to break the awkward tension and began rattling off scientific information and facts about the few arctic animals they had in the zoo. As they toured this area more and more, he'd ask Rex a question between each exhibit that would be typical for an interview for a zoo, like what he knows about animals or his experience with animals.

As they made their way past a few more exhibits just outside the tropical aviary, Rex noticed how much his senses improved more now over what used to be his normal, human-grade senses. Not only could he hear what sounds came from the people and animals nearby, but also those well out of his line of sight, one of which he could've sworn he heard a tiger moo. He could smell the plants within and outside the exhibits clear as day, as well as the various animal smells wafting in the air, much to his displeasure, though he figured the heat had something to do with that. He noticed how much more perceptive his eyesight was, clearly being able to distinguish a few finer details of whatever objects happen to be in front of him without any issue, even at a distance. Soon enough, he began to adapt more and more to his heightened senses while following Steven, though not paying much attention to what all he's saying about the exhibits they just passed by or what they'll find in the tropical aviary.

"Alright, here we are," said Steven as he gripped the door handle into the tropical aviary. He then looked to Rex with a hint of concern. "Hey...you alright?"

He jumped out of his trance once Steven asked that, not realizing they were about to enter the building. "Oh, y-yeah, I'm doing okay."

"You seem distracted by something," he replied, opening the door and holding it open, beckoning Rex to enter first. "I hope I'm not boring you with my, uh, ramblings," he chuckled.

"Oh no! Not at all! I'm quite fascinated with animals myself," he began as he entered with Steven closely following behind, "Just never got around to pursuing a career in that field is all."

"That's quite alright; as you found, the job you're applying for does not require a college education, though it is contract."

"Yep! Perfectly fine with that. Just needing something better than my current job," he said with a shrug.

"Right, right, that's understandable..." Steven pursed his lips and sighed. "Well...you may not like this but...were you ever told you wouldn't have any days off during your employment?"

Rex went quiet a moment. He usually didn't call in at previous jobs and did have to work some weekends. He pondered a moment before replying. "I was uninformed of this, but...I at least have weekends off...right?"

"Here we go..." Steven muttered, stepping aside to allow guests to enter the aviary as they chatted in the foyer. "No days off means...well, no days off. Essentially, you'll be working year-round during zoo hours; that's why they don't tell this to applicants right off the bat, but...there is our starting wage at thirty bucks an hour with benefits. So," he continued, pointing towards the door leading into the aviary, "Before we continue the tour...are you still interested in the job?"

Rex went silent for a few moments, trying to process what he Steven just informed him. On one hand, from what it sounds like, he'll be working constantly with little rest between shifts. On the other hand, he'll be making the most money he's ever made in his life, plus had never had a job that included health and retirement benefits. He then looked up at Steven, who patiently waited for his reply.

"I need to think about the offer some more, but...I'd also like to continue the tour, please," he said with a nervous chuckle.

"Sure, sure. I know it's a tough choice, but you'll have plenty of time to decide. In any case," Steven began, opening the door and holding it open like before, "Shall we continue?"

---

The remainder of the tour went as to be expected as Rex followed Steven around to visit the various exhibits and buildings the zoo offered while rattling off whatever facts relevant to each animal they passed them. Some of the animals were accustomed to the droves of people observing them, some were shyer, and others just didn't care and went about their business.

Steven continued with the interview as they toured. Of course, since Rex knew he'd be working at a zoo, it came to no surprise he was asked what his favorite animal was, that being Red Pandas. But as they made their way around the giraffe exhibit to finish off their tour at the children's zoo, it was here the interview questions became more and more strange.

"...and that's why giraffes have excessively long tongues," he informed as they simply observed the two giraffes in the enclosure.

"Right, right, that makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint."

He nodded. "That's the beauty of nature over a long period of time," he said, though not once looked at Rex, "Just think of the possibilities if we had the power to become one of them..."

"Oh yeah! For sure!"

Steven smiled as he began to walk to the next exhibit. "I'm sure you've heard about this concept of humans literally becoming animals in entertainment media, no?"

"Of course! It's been a favorite story concept of mine for...well, for as long as I can remember," he said with a shrug, "Not only in mass media but in a lot of the random stories I read online, and I've even made a few friends who share the same interest. Just...heh, trying not to ramble on about...well, transformation too much, but it's so fascinating in its own right and there's so much you can do with a story element like that!"

"Good, good..." he murmured with a grin, though it hinted at something else more sinister.

Rex let out a nervous chuckle. "S-Sorry...I just get rather excited when it comes to that stuff...plus I'm somewhat of a film buff too, so..."

"That's perfectly alright; now that you mentioned that, I think you'll enjoy the job very, very much."

After passing by the alpacas, camels, and wild donkeys and Steven educating Rex about them, they navigated their way back towards the main gate, but took a sharp right just before the bridge into the children's zoo.

"So, I decided to save this area for last, because it's where you'll be working majority of the time," Steven began, "Because of that, I ask you familiarize yourself with this area as we finish up this little tour." He then continued onward as Rex followed.

There were a few attractions appropriate for smaller children, such as a large carousel housed inside a large, spacious building that served as the centerpiece for this area. As they navigated around the area, Rex found there were a few, small exhibits within an observable shelter, along with a petting zoo that had plenty of goats. But as Steven shared about how goats came to be domesticated and commented how adorable and goofy they are, Rex happened to glance behind him.

His heart raced, and a huge grin formed on his face once he saw which exhibit was behind them, immediately wondering towards it and completely ignoring whatever Steven rambled on about.

"Hey, where are you...oh yeah, that's right!" Steven made haste in catching up to Rex, who was already keenly observing the red panda exhibit.

He jumped once he knew Steven caught up to him. "Oh my god! Sorry, I just...I just got a little excited is all!"

"Believe me, you're not the first interviewee who rushed off to whichever exhibit featured their favorite animal, or rather, the one they feel the strongest connection with."

"Well, I mean, I'm not sure if I really...connect with them, exactly, like a red panda being my spirit animal or something. But...I don't know, something about them just...really fascinates me." It was then he noticed there was only one in the exhibit, doing what most red pandas do: snoozing on a branch. Regardless, it didn't matter to him the only red panda at the zoo wasn't doing much when he got there; Rex was just happy the zoo had red panda in the first place.

Steven smiled when he noticed that warm glow of happiness and child-like wonder his interviewee radiated upon seeing the red panda. I hope this kid accepts the job offer; he's sure as hell hired, as far as I'm concerned. But...I wonder how the physical will go... Right as he thought this, he gave Rex a gentle nudge.

Rex turned towards Steven, somewhat caught off guard and forgot he should remain professional during this interview process, as odd yet an amazing of an experience it's been.

"Hey, we should head back to our initial meeting spot and wrap things up. Don't worry, though, you'll get to see that little guy a lot more once you're hired."

"Oh right, right, of course," Rex stammered, blushing out of embarrassment for getting a little overexcited.

After waving goodbye to the red panda, Rex walked alongside Steven as they made their way to their original meeting place. They chatted for a while and got some lemonade from the concession restaurant Rex stopped in earlier, then began to talk business after finding a table inside the air-conditioned building that was next to a glass wall which looked out right into the polar bear exhibit in the farthest corner from the entrance.

"So," Steven began, "I know the tour was a little overstimulating and may have been overwhelming for ya too, but did you think more about wanting the job?"

Rex took a moment to take a sip of the tart, sweet drink before answering, absently staring out into the polar bear exhibit next door. "A little, yeah..." He then turned back to Steven, trying to remain as professional as possible. "If I have this right: one-year contract job, good benefits, amazing starting pay rate...but no days off, including weekends and holidays...that correct?"

"And a required physical upon hire too, yes."

He paused for a moment to mull over this offer; what bothered him the most was the fact he won't have any days off at all, though it's not like he had much of a social life to begin with. Still, it would be nice to have at least one day per week where he could have time for himself. As he mulled this over, there was one thing he realized Steven didn't mention.

"There is one thing I'm unsure of, though: what will I be doing, exactly, once I'm hired?"

He pursed his lips and breathed hard through his nose; Steven figured he'd get asked this eventually, and every time he's been asked, he always gave a vague answer. "You'll be working in the children's zoo area; what you'll be doing exactly will depend on...in business terms, the needs of the company."

He figured he'd get an answer like that, but it's not too surprising; things change all the time at any job, it's just a matter of keeping up with and adapting to those sudden, last-minute changes. "I'll be comfortable with that; sounds like a good area to start for a new employee, I suppose, even though I'd only be around for a year."

"Hey, if you wanted to down the road, we could hire you on a permanent basis."

"True, true."

Steven took a sip of his lemonade before continuing. "So, with that said, you want the job?"

Rex thought about it some more, though noticed the way Steven looked at him: staring, unblinking, not a single twitch in his eyes, and his face showed he meant serious business. He still wasn't sure what he'd be doing exactly, though he'd suspect his duties in the children's zoo will fall under the 'janitorial' category, being a new employee and all; however, Rex wasn't sure why they required a physical for a zoo, period, aside from making sure vaccines are up to date for the safety of the animals and guests.

As he contemplated this and sipped the last of his lemonade, he noticed how much more attuned his senses become even more. The sounds of the restaurant became more distinct and less of a blur of chatter, and he could smell everything wafting from the back kitchen and, much to his displeasure, also could tell if someone forgot to flush. It was here, too, he noticed how...old Steven appeared, noticing more of his interviewer's wrinkles and fine, grey, peach fuzz along his face. From all this, Rex wondered if it was just him, or whatever the zoo's putting into their concession goods affects anyone who consumes it in this manner.

Steven waited patiently for an answer, though he knew exactly how Rex would respond. While he too noticed the effects of his additive, his body became numb to them as the years went by and after much self-experimentation. Yet, he always enjoyed seeing interviewees' reactions and knew the precise moment they notice the enhancing effects on their senses, at least until they wear off.

Rex sipped the last of his lemonade, thinking a moment before finally deciding. "I'll...I'll take the job...even if it does mean I'll be working a lot more than what I'm used to," he replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Excellent! In that case," Steven said, sipping down the last of his drink and bolted out of his chair, "let's go pop by HR, get all your paperwork bullshit out of the way, then we'll head over to the animal clinic for your physical!"

"Oh, okay." Rex had to shoot up out of his chair right when Steven said that, as his interviewer seemed to already be heading off towards wherever their HR department was which, sure enough, it was the brown building he stopped at when he first arrived. He wasn't surprised when he noticed the zoo had their own animal clinic, though was curious as to why he had to take his physical there.

---

"So, uh...why is a physical required for this job again?" Rex asked, currently dressed down to a cream-colored patient's gown and sitting on the edge of the bed in one of the examination rooms. This one in particular appeared to be a surgery room of sorts, particularly given the large, circular UV light suspended above the bed and a small, metal cart with various surgical tools resting upon it sitting in the far corner. According to Steven, this was the only free room available where they could begin the physical; Rex tried not to panic too much right away, but a part of him had his suspicions as to what Steven planned to do with him.

All Rex could smell was the stale, sterile air of the room, though could hear painful cries and agitation of a few animals in the two rooms next to theirs; he knew why those animals were here and the zoo meant no ill will against the animals, but the clear, distressed cries made him uneasy nonetheless.

Steven appeared unaffected by the muffled noises as he sat in the rolling chair near the counter top and finished up filling out the rest of Rex's patient record; he also wore an old, dingy lab coat that he put on with no effort before they entered the examination room. "Hmmm?" He asked, glancing over at his patient for a moment, "Oh, right, we want to be up to date on incoming employees' current health statuses, regardless if you recently had a physical prior to the interview." He then scribbled down his signature at the bottom and tossed the document and pen to the side, rolling the chair over next to his patient. "Alrighty then..."

After a half hour of a vitals check, cranial nerve exam, additional questions here and there, and lots of rolling back and forth between the counter and bed to document all this, Steven stood up from his chair and moved it aside, immediately opening and closing all the counters and drawers looking or something. "Well, good news: you're healthy enough to work here," he said as he searched, "I just need you for a little...bit...longer...where the hell...?"

"That's good at least...but what else is there to this physical then? I should be good to go, right?"

"Not...quite..." he replied, "I need to do one more thing before...fuck...I could've sworn I put it there." Steven straightened back up and collected Rex's documents, "Can you stay here, please? I need to go look for something quick and I'll be right back." He didn't wait for a reply as he darted out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Rex shrugged, yawning and stretching his arms out and behind him. He decided to lie down on his back on the bed, figuring it might be a while until Steven gets back. This...has got to be the weirdest interview I've had yet.


A half hour later, Steven returned with what appeared to be a bottle of hand lotion, save for the affixed label covering the original markings and logo. Rex jolted awake when he heard his new supervisor throw open the door, rubbing his eyes and beginning to sit back up.

"Okay, so," Steven began as he set the bottle down on the counter. He then looked to Rex, his tone and overall demeanor becoming much more serious and business-like, unlike how he acted during this so-called 'interview.' "You remember that consent form you might have skimmed over when we first came to the clinic?"

"Vaguely; I mean...I guess I figured it stated what you'd usually see in one of those," he replied with a shrug.

"It does, but, I want to remind you that you have given me, the clinic, and the company, meaning the zoo itself, your full consent...you understand, yes?"

"S-Sure, I mean...I really, really want this job...you know?"

He smirked. "Understandable." He then reached for the bottle behind him. "But just to be clear...you've given me your full consent..." Placing the bottle temporarily in his lab coat pocket, he reached for a pair of rubber gloves and immediately put them on, then reached for the bottle. "Now, I'll need to rub this all over your body for the effects to work and remain accurate; in other words, I need to you to hold still for me, if you please."

"Uh yeah...sure thing..." The hell is this guy gonna do to me now?

Steven popped open the bottle and squirted out a liberal amount of light blue paste that smelled like hand lotion, but with a hint of that distinct, sterile, medical smell. He then began to rub a thin layer on both of Rex's arms and wrists, then along his neck and cheeks.

This dude just making sure I'm moist or so-- Not even a moment later, Rex felt his skin crawl as Steven continued to apply the paste. He felt something growing on his arms and when he looked, his arm hair became thicker and changed into dark shades of red, brown, and black.

"What the hell are you doi--aggghh!"

As Steven began rubbing Rex's cheeks, forehead, and the rest of his face and head with the blue substance, the skin along his face and head crawled and morphed as well. Thick fur of similar colors as his arms, though with a hint of white this time, began growing; his human hair also began to recede back into his skull as Steven applied a thicker coat of the paste here, leaving nothing but the rapidly growing fur atop his head. His ears shrunk into his skull, only to reappear higher on his head and more rounded and smaller. His eyes, nose, mouth, and skull all changed their shape as well, becoming less human and more like a red panda.

Rex was about to make an escape, despite the sudden changes occurring and feeling like his flesh had bugs crawling all over and eating away at him, but Steven grabbed him and slammed him back onto the bed with surprising strength. Rex thrashed about as much as he could to try and escape Steven's clutches, even though he felt his body weaken due to his rapidly changing form.

"Looks like I'll have to restrain you," the doctor growled, keeping his patient pinned.

He squirmed under Steven's crushing hand, breathing and panting hard, grabbing at that arm to try and rip it off his chest. Little did he notice during his struggle that his employer set aside the bottle and grabbed for a small syringe needle.

"Now," Steven ordered, keeping Rex pinned while showing him the needle, "This will knock you out for a few moments, however, I cannot continue the process unless you're fully conscious. Seeing as you're not taking this quietly, I had to resort to using this so I can restrain you. Trust me, I've done this numerous times to previous employees. Once you wake up, we will continue, understand?"

Rex nodded slowly as his body began to calm down, though his breathing and heartbeat continued their quick, panicky rhythms and his muscles and what was left of his skin burned and felt enflamed. By now, he began to notice all too well his updated senses and what's currently on the outside of his body. He knew he looked more like some failed science experiment out of a H.G. Wells novel than an actual red panda or a human; but if Steven kept true to his word after he wakes up, maybe this job might not be so bad after all once he got used to these changes.

"Hmm, right then..." Steven quickly brushed through the coarse, thick fur to see if he could spot any kind of vain. Mere seconds later he did. As quick and accurate as he could, he jammed the syringe in and pushed the plunger down, releasing it the moment after he inserted it.

All Rex did was shutter and let out a squeak when this happened. Soon enough, however, his hand gripping around Steven's arm loosened and the rest of his arm went limp.

Steven made sure his patient was out cold before getting off him. He panted hard as he tossed the used syringe in a small, red bio-hazard container. He checked the clock on the wall, then set his phone for a timer for one hour.

"Should give me plenty of time to get what I need...probably have a smoke too," he murmured to himself, half-looking at Rex. He sighed. "It's only a matter of time before I get caught doing this..." He looked at the door to the hallway, then at Rex, then back at the door. He huffed and hurried out of the room, hoping to get back with enough time to restrain his patient the way he wants to so the process can continue easier and quicker.

But his biggest worry is if his half-human, half-red panda hybrid wakes up before he returns.

---

Nearly two hours passed, and Rex showed no signs of waking up anytime soon. This made it much easier for Steven to chain his wrists and ankles to the bed and floor, along with giving him a moment to think of how to continue the procedure. As he did so, he found an empty eyedropper nearby and filled it with water from the sink, then hovered it over his patient's face, letting drop after drop splash on Rex's semi-fuzzy forehead until he woke up.

Rex let out a groan and went to rub his eyes, but quickly realized what Steven did to him while he was passed out. He instinctively shook and rattled the chains, hoping in vain they'd just pop off, but he knew it'd be no use. He shot a glare at Steven, panting hard, "What...the fuck...is all this?"

"You wouldn't keep still," he replied, "And I need to continue this process or else we'd be recreating my favorite classic sci-fi novel, but I know that won't end well for anyone."

He kept glaring at Steven with his half-human, half-panda face, hoping it'd intimidate him enough to set him free and reverse this process.

Steven grabbed for the paste again, though reached behind his patient to undo the smock and pull it down just below his belly. "And no, this won't turn into one of your kinky porno fantasies, in case you're wondering; the genital region changes on its own with application of the paste." Not waiting for any reply from his patient, he then began to rub the past all over Rex's chest, belly, and tried to get as much of his back as he could.

Rex soon felt his skeletal structure and internal organs shrink and rearranged themselves according to Nature's design for a red panda. He tried to keep calm and collected, but eventually began screaming in pain as the supernatural transformation took over his body, unable to fight off the crazed scientist keeping him restrained.

Steven allowed a light grin form on his face as he admired his handiwork taking shape now. His patient was somewhat still human-like in figure but finally beginning to fully transform into a feral red panda. He dabbed a small amount of past here and there on a few areas along Rex's body as touch-up work, though was quickly realizing his patient began to shrink.

"Nope! Not gonna let you get out this way!"

He quickly grabbed for the human-turning-panda creature to pin his body down hard against the bed once he noticed his patient's limbs began to shrink in thickness and length, along with his torso and head changing shape as well. And all this happening as the creature bucked and squirmed and squeaked on the table.

Soon enough, it was over; the procedure was now complete.

Rex looked more like a loaf of reddish-brown fur on the table as he breathed hard and his body still tense from the shock.

Steven set his hands on each side of Rex and began to calm himself after the struggle, smiling down at his patient for a moment. He went to grab a collar and leash that would fit his new red panda, then quickly wrapped the collar around his new employee's neck and clipped on the leash, followed by a gentle scratch on his head.

Rex yawned in response and stretched his shorter, fatter limbs as he looked around, turning his ears here and there and sniffing at the air of the room. Once he saw Steven, however, he quickly stood on his hindquarters and outstretched his body upwards, hissing and squealing to try and intimidate the threat.

"Yes, because you look so scary when you do that," Steven replied, tugging down on the leash to get Rex on all fours. "Now, first thing's first is to get you acclimated to your new work environment here, then the real work can begin."

And with that, Steven scooped up his new, transformed employee into his arms, flailing and hissing, and shoved him in a roomy carrier. The mid-afternoon sun was still blaring its heat once he stepped outside of the clinic with Rex in hand, but that didn't slow him down. Besides, if any guests were to notice him coming out of the clinic with a carrier or wheeling out a large cage with an animal inside, no one would question it.

The security cameras always tell a different story, but Steven never worried about those; besides, no one checks them at all...right?

---

Autumn came quick and was in full-swing, at least as much as it could in the warmer climate of the South. If Rex were able to check his bank account, he'd see several thousand dollars deposited by this point from his numerous paychecks. And after getting used to his new work space and his 'coworker,' his time as a red panda was lax; he'd spend most of his days lounging about, usually on a branch in the enclosure, and foraging whatever foods naturally came with the foliage within the enclosure or munching on what the zookeepers feed them daily. The numerous guests that pass by, usually children, took time to get used to, but he learned from his 'coworker' to simply ignore them.

Though this was hard when Steven put on his monthly shows in a miniature circus tent nearby. The tent wasn't as big as a typical circus tent, but large enough to fit a decent crowd and put on a small, but entertaining show.

Steven kept his acts limited to smaller animals, as they were easier and safer to train and show off, and Rex would go through an all-day regime once a week. The tricks were simple enough: jump through a hoop or two, swing off a mini trapeze and perform simple aerial tricks, and perform simple acrobatics and balancing acts. Of course, this too took time to get used to, but the bamboo and berry treats were worth it. He even grew accustomed and enjoyed spending time with his 'coworker,' as they do live together after all, technically.

But even though his mental capacity was now more like a simple animal than a complex human, Rex had one thing on his mind that bothered him, something he might not get an answer for: Was his 'coworker' a normal red panda? Or were they a once new employee who suffered the same fate as himself?