The other man was colder than ice, but then again, so was Archer. He reluctantly took his hand, accepting the help to his feet. A draft blew through the stairwell, causing him to shiver pathetically and wrap his arms around himself in an attempt to stay warm.
At the question, he offered the most offensive smile that ever existed. "Occupational hazard," he said softly, a laugh stirring in his chest. "And we have just experienced a...transformation event." He looked around slowly, digging his elbows against his sides. "The residents of this building undergo a change prompted by some kind of trigger." After a moment's silence, he looked directly at the man, trying to forget his own shame. "I'm a research geneticist. I wish to find a link between these changes and genetic expression. If you're curious...I could use another study participant."