“Listen, we know that steroids can have legitimate, medically approved uses. But we also know that they are frequently misused by athletes to enhance physical appearance or performance.”
“What would be the reasons for medical use?” asked Cam.
“As a doctor,” said Riley, “I might prescribe anabolic steroids to treat specific health conditions, like delayed puberty and low testosterone levels in men. Sometimes we give them to patients when their muscle mass, body mass in general is deteriorated by diseases like cancer or HIV.
“In women, we might give it to combat effects from breast cancer, anemia, or osteoporosis. But we cannot ignore the non-medical misuse of these drugs. It often involves doses 10 to 100 times higher than prescribed medical doses.”
“As you guys are aware, they are taken orally, injected into muscles, or applied as gels/creams,” said Suzette. “Athletes have figured out ways around the use of these drugs by doing things like cycling, which is taking multiple doses for a period, stopping for a time, then restarting. Sometimes, they’ll use a technique called stacking, which combines two or more different steroids. Or something called pyramiding where they slowly increase the dose, then decrease it.”
“Thomas? What are we likely to see when it comes to side effects?” asked Luke.
“It’s pretty wide,” said Thomas. “Suzette and Riley are the experts but misuse can lead to irreversible health problems. Things like high blood pressure, increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. For men, shrinking testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, and breast development.”
“Well, that’s enough of a reason for me to say no,” frowned Eric.
“That’s because you have genetics on your side,” said Thomas. “You’re going to be a big man no matter what. Most of these men and women don’t have what they want naturally. For women, you’ll find a deepened voice, increased facial/body hair, menstrual changes, and clitoral enlargement.” The men all winced, wondering why anyone would consider doing this to their bodies.
“How can we tell the difference between those that are truly gifted athletes who have worked hard and those that are using the drugs?” asked Hex.
“It’s a great question,” said Suzette. “Look for things like severe acne, oily skin, and premature baldness, even in women. People also frequently identify something known as ‘Roid rage’. It manifests as aggressive, sometimes violent behavior, strange mood swings, mania, and delusions.”
“Jesus, what’s happening to these kids? Are they experiencing all of that as well?” asked Luke.
“They can but usually we see premature stopping of bone growth, where they have stunted height. If people become addicted to the drugs, they’ll see the same withdrawal symptoms as any other drug. Fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, all of it.”
“Listen, in the United States, anabolic steroids are controlled substances, which means they are legal only with a prescription. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean that they are being used legally. They are banned in major sports in this country as well,” said Thomas. “What you have to remember is that these kids aren’t professionals. Not yet. Their bodies are going to literally explode at some point if they don’t stop.” Cam stared at their experts and shook his head.
“So, what you’re saying is that this is going to be a piece of cake.”
“I wish I could tell you it will be,” said Suzette. “What I can promise is that our team is analyzing everything over and over again to see what’s in this stuff. If our plants can get samples of this stuff, that’s what we really need.” Luke nodded.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
CHAPTER TEN
“Are you guys ready?” asked Luke staring at their friendly spirits.
They’d changed their clothes, now walking around in twenty-first century athleisure. It struck Luke how absolutely absurd it was, and yet, it also was a huge advantage to them all.
“We’ll be fine, Luke,” smiled Archie. “What can they do? Kill us?”
“That’s not funny,” he frowned. He then looked up at them all with a sad expression. “Can they? Can they re-kill you?”
“No,” laughed Tony. “That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you. He can’t harm us and we can harm him. Let us do this. I’m super stoked.”
“Stoked? Great,” muttered Cam. They turned to see Bull and Rory walking toward them. “Gentlemen. Should I ask?”
“Not unless you want an answer you won’t like. We’ve applied for jobs as personal trainers in his gym. Ex-military, former ballers, retired and looking for some ass to kick,” smirked Bull. “I’m bored.”
“Bored?” frowned Luke. “Isn’t that what retirement is supposed to be?”
“Don’t be a smartass or I’ll kick your ass,” growled Bull. They heard a dog barking and then the massive hairy beast lumbering toward them.
“Seriously? You’re taking Chaos?” asked Cam.
“Yep. He’s become one of the best drug dogs that Sniff has ever trained. He’s going to hang with us a therapy dog. If we can get close enough to this shit, he’ll be able to find it for us.”
“I like how everyone jumps in on our case,” grinned Hex.