Laura ran over to his side a gazed down at the Plexiglas enclosed cage containing the sickly old mother rat. The cage was completely sealed to prevent any contamination from outside. It even had its own piped in air supply. It had been days since the poor thing had moved so much as an inch from it bedding, but now she was up and wandering around her enclosure.

Two hours earlier they had injected the rat with their latest version of their formula. Their excitement was palpable. This was their 57th attempt, and this was the first time they had met with any kind of success. Sam smiled at Laura as they watched the rat move towards the water bowl and take its first drink in two days.

“We’re going to need to keep an eye on her for the next few days, but this certainly looks promising,” Sam said to her.

“Yes it does,.” she agreed.

They had been working together for the last two years, trying to find away to reverse the effects of aging and disease. As many before them, they had met with failure after failure and were close to giving up hope. But in just the last month they had come up with a radically different approach. Instead of a chemical or hormonal approach, Laura suggested trying to create a retrovirus using fetal stem cells.

Last week they had completed they had finally finished the gene sequencing and identified the protein string that would hold the chromosomes they were looking for. After they were separated from the rest, Sam and Laura injected them into the viral shell.

The two of them had picked the sickest rat that they could find. Laura studied the rat for several days, determining its habits. Once they felt that they knew the rat’s schedule, which came down to more or less when it slept and when it was awake, they injected it with the retrovirus.

In theory, the retrovirus should have taken several days to get a toe hold on Emma’s system. Sam had thought that if they saw any changes within two weeks that the experiment would be considered a success. Now seeing improvement after only a couple of hours, he was elated.

The two of them kept up a constant vigil on Emma for the next several hours. The rat’s health seemed to improve minute by minute. In the space of just four hours she had gone from barely moving, to running around the cage and eating anything she could get her teeth into. Even her once almost completely white snout was changing back to its natural brown color.

By 10pm that evening Emma looked like a whole new animal. Laura, who looked as if she might fall asleep where she stood, told Sam that she was going to head home for the evening. As was his habit when working on a particularly exciting experiment, Sam told her he was going to stay and observe for a while more. To Laura, this meant that she would most likely find him sleeping in his wheel chair, parked by one of the work stations in the morning.

“Goodnight, Sam,” she said as she walked out the lab’s door.

“Goodnight,” he grunted to her as he typed away at his computer.

After she was gone Sam went back over to the cage. To him, seeing Emma react the way she had to the retrovirus was nothing short of a miracle. In all honesty, he knew that the reason for his interest in this line of work was purely selfish.

He had once been not only brilliant, but also the captain of the high school football team. He had been tall, well built, with long brown hair and green eyes that made all the girls in school just melt. He had been offered several scholarships by several colleges to play the game there, but had opted to go to MIT instead. In just 5years he earned a doctorate in molecular biology. He then transferred right down the road to Harvard, where he earned a business degree and got to play football for the Ivy League.

Once he’d graduated, he moved back to California, where he’d grown up, and got a job working for a cutting edge biotech firm. It was there that tragedy struck. One day, while taking a walk to clear his head, he found himself down by the labs loading dock. The facility was receiving a shipment of lab animals, mainly monkeys.

While carrying a pallet of cages, the forklift bumped a pole, sending several of them crashing to the floor. A couple broke open, freeing the animals. One monkey in particular, who looked to be especially upset with his incarceration, leapt at Sam. The enraged animal grabbed Sam’s head, and in a fit of rage, bit Sam’s nose.

Had that been the only injury Sam had incurred, he would have been thankful and moved on with his life. However the lacerations on his snout were the least of his problems. Within two days of the attack, Sam began to feel a great deal of discomfort in his back.

As time passed the pain grew more persistent and intense. Eventually, he went to see a doctor who ran him through a battery of tests. By the time the diagnosis arrived ten days later, it was too late. He had lost the use of his legs and was becoming a wasted shadow of his former self.

The culprit, he was later told, was a virus carried in the monkey’s salvia. The virus had attacked his spinal column and destroyed the nerves that controlled his legs. His body was so ravaged by the virus; it left him looking twice as old as his thirty five years. His one act of defiance to the disease was to keep his long hair.

At around 2am the cleaning crew arrived at Sam’s lab. The supervisor asked Sam if it was okay to clean the lab now or should they wait until tomorrow. As the supervisor talked to Sam, the rest of the crew milled around, emptying the trash and such. Sam informed him that he was in the middle of a delicate experiment and they should wait until tomorrow to do the floors. The supervisor turned to tell his crew to head to the next room. On the way out, unbeknownst to Sam, one of the cleaners bumped into Emma’s enclosure, knocking one of the air hoses slightly ajar.

After a couple of hours of sharing the air with Emma, exhaustion finally claimed him. Sam slumped over his computer and slept. As his head came to rest on the keyboard, he accidentally uploaded all the days’ files on the labs main server.

Promptly at 7am Laura arrived at the lab and found him asleep on the terminal. She pushed at his frighteningly thin shoulder and said “Wakey, wakey, Sammy. Time to rise and shine.”

He lifted his head and could barely make her out from all the hair in his face. I have to get a haircut on of these day’s.

Sam pulled the hair away from his face and looked at her quizzically. “Wha? What time is it?” he asked groggily.

“It’s a little after seven,” she replied. Looking him over she scolded him by saying “You didn’t stay here all night again, did you? You know that your doctor told you not to sleep in the chair. Even though you can’t feel it, sleeping like that causes you to loose the circulation in you legs.”

As she spoke, Sam became aware of a strange sensation in his feet. They were stinging, like pins and needles. At first, he just counted it up to what Laura had said about falling asleep in the chair. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. He could feel his feet tingling! It had been more than ten years since he had felt anything at all below his waist.

So shocked was he by this development, he barely registered Laura’s voice. He looked up at her dully and said, “I’m sorry. … Can you repeat yourself?”

“I said did you know that one of Emma’s air tubes is ajar?” she repeated pushing the hose back into place.

She peered into the cage and noticed something amiss. Emma seemed to be smaller this morning that she was yesterday. “Sam, does Emma look smaller to you today?” she asked him.

When he failed to respond again, Laura looked over at him and saw one of his feet move. “Sam did your foot just move?” she asked.

“Yes …” he said in a stunned voice. “I believe it did. What’s more, is I can feel both my legs, and my bladder’s telling me that I have to go.”

“Sam what did you do?” she asked angrily. You didn’t inject yourself, did you?”

“No! I swear I didn’t even consider it,” he answered defensively.

She looked at him skeptically. “Then how do you explain this?” she asked.

He had no answers for her so he made no reply. She walked over to the cabinet on the back wall and pulled out a syringe. She turned back towards him.

“What’s that for?” he asked.

“I’m going to take a sample of your blood to see if you’re lying to me or not,” she replied as she swiped his arm with alcohol. She stuck the needle in his arm, feeling a certain satisfaction at the pained grimace on his face, and drew a small amount of blood.

“Laura!” Sam pleaded. “Why don’t you just look in the refrigerator and check the dosage count. I didn’t take any, so all the doses we had left from yesterday should still be there.”

She shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the fridge. She bent down and counted the doses. When she was finished she counted them again, just to be sure. To her surprise they were all there.

While that was good news, it still left the question of what had happened to Sam. Standing back up she told him the count was correct. As she talked to him she noticed that he was now able to move his entire leg. His movement had her so astounded that she almost failed to register that his hair had turned completely brown again, instead of its normal salt and pepper color

More confused than ever she picked up the vial of blood and walked over to the work bench. She began to prepare the blood for inspection under a microscope when Sam spoke again.

“Umm Laura? Could you help me try to stand up?” he asked.

She turned to him and said “Sure, Sam, let’s give it a try.”

It took several tries, but eventually he managed to get to his feet. He leaned heavily on her, more from wonder than any need of support. After a minute. he was able to stand by himself. Laura took a step back and looked him over. Something wasn’t right.

“Sam, how tall did you say you were?” she asked.

“I’m about 6’1”. Why?” he replied.

“Well you’re not that tall any more,” she told him. She grabbed a measuring tape out of a drawer and walked over to him. “Do you think you can walk?” she asked.

He looked at her uncertainly. Tentatively, he took her arm and tried a step forward. At first, nothing happened. He tried again and got slight movement. Steeling himself, he put everything he could into moving his leg. Finally it moved.

Once the first one moved, it was simplicity itself to move the other. Once again he leaned hard on her shoulder. Half way across the room he let go and managed to make the last few steps on his own.

Her wonder at his walking was only slightly superseded by her curiosity over his reduced stature. She had him stand against the only bare piece of wall in the place and marked where the top of his head was. She had him step away still marveling at him and measured from the floor to the mark.

“Well, what’s the verdict?” he asked.

“It says that you’re 5’ 7”. That’s a reduction of half a foot. How can that be?” It was at that moment that she remembered that Emma had seemed smaller, too. She went back to the rat’s enclosure and using the rubber gloves attached to it, picked Emma up and held her up against the side.

“Sam come here and try to get a measurement on her!” she told him.

Sam walked over and did his best to measure the rat’s length . “That can’t be right.”

“What is it?”

“Obviously this isn’t exact, but it looks like she’s two and a half inches smaller now that she was when we put her in there,” he replied, turning to the computer to confirm what he already knew. He had to tug his pants up as he turned. “Hmm. Looks like height isn’t all I’ve lost,” he commented.

He brought up the record of all of Emma’s physical measurements. Sure enough the rat was now considerable smaller. He did the math quickly in his head. “Looks like she’s lost about 10% of her body mass.” He looked over at Laura. “Give her a good look over. See if there are any other differences.”

Laura turned Emma this way and, that looking at everything she could see from outside the cage. She found something else particular. “Sam come look at this!” she called to him.

Sam stepped over, still marveling at the joy of no longer needing the chair, and looked into the cage.

“Do you see it?” Laura asked.

“I’m not sure what you’re trying to show me.’ He admitted.

“Her sexual organs.” She stated, pointing as best she could at the appropriate area. “Look how small they are.”

Sam squinted, but couldn’t see what she was pointing at. When he took his glasses off to clean them, suddenly the world got much clearer. “What the hell…?” he squealed.

Laura dropped the rat and turned to see what the problem was. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

“My eyes!” he stated in astonishment. “I…I don’t need my glasses anymore.”

Laura shook her head in disbelief. She looked at him again. “Sam…you look different.” She said stepping towards him. She put her hand on his chest and felt something that didn’t belong on any man.

“Sam, open your shirt up,” She directed.

“Why? What’s wrong?” he asked agitatedly.

“Just open it!” she told him again.

He did as instructed. After it was off he looked down at his chest and noticed what Laura had felt. He had developed two small, but easily identifiable breasts. “What the hell’s happening to me?” he screeched.

Laura, having no answers at all, just stood there gaping at him. With his shirt off, other changes were apparent also. His shoulders, while never big, were now much narrower than they should have been. His face was different, too. His cheeks seemed to be higher, and his ears were smaller.

“Sam, why don’t you go into the bathroom and strip down. Give your body a good once over in the mirror. See if anything else has changed. While you do, that I’m going to take a look at the blood sample I took from you.” She said to him.

Sam shuffled off to the men’s room, his happiness at being able to walk, now replaced with dread.

With him out of the room for a minute Laura headed over to the blood sample. She put a drop on a slide so she could see it under the microscope. She then took a bit more and put it in a sealed test tube. She put the tube in a centrifuge and turned it on.

As the centrifuge did its thing, she turned back to the microscope. She slid the slide under it and sat down to take a look. She adjusted the magnification until she could see the cells clearly.

What she saw astonished her. Sam’s cells were dividing and dying off at an incredibly rapid rate, almost as if they were being replaced. The pace of division looked eerily like what they had seen the day before when they tested Emma’s blood . She looked back at the sample and tried to count the number of divisions over a 20 second period. She counted twenty five. She repeated the count two more times, just to be sure and came up with approximately the same number.

She then stepped over to the computer and entered in the number, Sam’s approximate weight and height. She then asked the machine to extrapolate the cell division over a twenty four hour period.

While she was waiting for the answer she heard a scream coming from the direction of the men’s room. She ran out of the lab and burst into the bathroom, finding. Sam standing in the middle of the room groping at his crotch. “Sam! Are you alright? I heard you screaming from the lab.” She asked.

He turned to look at her. “M…My…look!” he said pointing between his legs.

She looked to where he indicated and saw that his penis was very small. “I take it that it was bigger before?” she asked, trying not to sound like she was making fun of him.

His face was beet red as he confirmed her observation with a nod. The longer she looked at him, the way he was mostly disrobed, the more she could see he looked more like a she. Not an overly developed one or anything. More like an adolescent. His waist was thinner than a man’s should have been, and his hips seemed a bit wider than normal.

She walked over to him and pulled his pants back up. “Laura! What’s happening to me?” he asked, horrified.

“I…I don’t know, Sam. I don’t know. But I can guarantee you that we will find out. Now why don’t you get yourself together and meet me back in the lab. I’ve begun to analyze your blood sample.” She was trying to calm him down. The truth of the situation, if not the reason, seemed to be that he was somehow changing into at her.

As soon as she got back to the lab, Laura went right over to the computer. The results of the computation were waiting for her on the screen. The computer had extrapolated that half of the cells in Sam’s body would be replaced within 24hours, with total replacement being finished in 48. The number seemed too incredible to be real. She reentered the information and had the computer do the problem over again. Seconds later the same answer waited for her on the screen.

Sam arrived back in the room just as the results were coming up on the screen. “He stepped over and read them over her shoulder. “What’s that?”

When she told him, in a strangely calm voice he asked “Have you done a DNA comparison yet?”

“I had just put the sample in the centrifuge before I heard you scream.” She said as she looked over at it. “Looks like it’s finished. I want to get a sample of Emma’s blood, too. Can you prep the broken down sample for DNA extraction?” she asked him.

“Sure,” he replied. “Why do you want Emma’s blood?” he asked.

“While I can’t be sure until I analyze hers, I think some how you were exposed to the serum that we gave her. Don’t ask me how, but your blood test shows the same replication rate as hers did yesterday.”

The look on his face revealed that the he was coming to the same conclusion. “But what about these other changes I’m going through? Emma hasn’t changed sex, she’s still a female,” he said in a voice that sounded a little higher than usual.

“Sam I don’t have any answers for you. Let’s just get these tests run and see what the results tell us. Okay?” she said.

Without another word Sam walked over to the work station and began the task of preparing the blood for DNA analysis.

The two of them worked for hours without taking a break. The computer chugged along, breaking down and analyzing Sam’s and Emma’s DNA. As the time passed Sam’s body continued to change. His once barely noticeable breasts were starting to bulge out under his shirt. His voice grew higher, his hands smaller, and his face continued to look more and more feminine.

Finally, the computer’s display came alive with streams of data. The two of them sat in front of it and began to read the results. The first conclusion that they could make was the most obvious. Sam’s Y, or male, chromosomes were being deleted by the cell division and replace with by X, or female, chromosomes. It was the Y bearing cells that were dissolving away, obviously.

The next set of results showed that Sam had indeed been infected with the same retrovirus with which Emma had been injected. Like the rat’s, Sam’s physical age seemed to be regressing.

The way Sam had become infected became obvious when the computer spit out the results of the viral comparison it had done. According to the results, somewhere along the way of restructuring Emma’s genes the virus had mutated slightly. It had developed a thick enough protein coat to survive in the air for a short amount of time. The air hose that Laura had found ajar must have been how Sam was exposed. He had fallen asleep only a few feet away from her cage.

This last find had dire implications. If a retrovirus capable of changing a person as radically as it had Sam ever escaped the lab, the results would be disastrous to the population. They arrived at the same conclusion of how to go about containing the possible problem simultaneously.

There were two things that needed to be done immediately. Emma needed to be euthanized before she could infect anyone else and they both needed to be checked to see if the mutated strain was active in their bodies.

Over the next couple of hours they took care of both jobs. Emma’s body was placed in a biohazard bag and frozen, in case they needed it later.

The results of the viral comparison showed very interesting results. First off, Laura showed no sign of infection whatsoever. Secondly, the viral samples taken from Sam were exactly the same as the original strain, capable of surviving only in fluids. Apparently after infecting Sam, it had reverted to its original form.

With the threat of mass infection put to rest, Sam’s changes, and how to reverse them became the priority. He was looking quiet female by this point. He had grown a rather nice set of breasts; Laura estimated they were about a 32C. His penis had completely disappeared and the rest of his body had curves in all the right places. He was certainly going to turn some heads once the transformation was finished.

The next two days were a series of surprises and a lot of pain for Sam, as his body completed its transformation. Being the owner of the company, Sam had no one he needed to report to. And being something of a recluse, there was no reason to worry about anyone else at work finding out about Sam’s changes for the moment.

He wound up becoming an absolutely beautiful petite 5’4” woman with his trade mark long brown hair and green eyes. His hair, which had been shoulder length on his old form now hung to the middle of his back and he now looked to be about 22 years old.

While he was somewhat grateful at not being an ugly girl, Sam wasn’t exactly what you would call excited at the prospect of living life on the other side of the fence. He complained about his fate constantly over the next few days as they searched for a way to reverse his transformation. Laura finally was forced to ask him, “Would you be happier if you were still stuck in your wheelchair?”

That seemed to change his attitude a little. At least he stopped complaining about his fate. ’It’s amazing what a little perspective will do for a person.’ Laura thought to herself as she began to train Sam in the fine art of womanhood.

“But I don’t want to learn.” he protested.

“Sam, we have no idea if we’re ever going to be able to return you to your original form.” She told him/her. “If we can’t, there are some things you’re going to need to know about how your body works.”

“Fine!” he pouted.

Laura showed Sam how to shave his legs and arm pits without cutting them to shreds. She taught her about all manner of feminine hygiene products and their appropriate uses.
She warned about the dangers of pregnancy. When he said the last thing he wanted was to have sex with anyone, she said “You never know what the future will bring. Pregnancy is something a woman needs to be aware of at all times.”

He embarrassedly thanked her for the advice and quickly tried to change the subject. “I do have one little problem that I need your help with.” Sam confessed.

“”What would that be?” she inquired.

“All my clothes are too big for me now, and I have no clue what size I would need now. Never mind what kind of other things I would need.” Samantha said, unable to look Laura in the face.

Laura, understanding how hard it must have been for Sam to ask her for help with a new wardrobe, repressed a smile and told her that she would gladly help out.

They left work early that day and spent the afternoon shopping. The first stop they made was the lingerie department to get Sam some proper under garments. As Laura expected, Sam looked only at the frumpiest underwear in the store. Knowing what felt good against female skin, she coaxed Sam over to where the more feminine garments were displayed.

“Do you like these?” Laura asked, showing Sam a dark blue silk bra and panty set.

She walked over to Laura and inspected what she was holding. “They feel so soft. Do you think they’d be comfortable?” Sam asked.

Laura smiled. “Yes, Sam, they are very comfortable,” she replied.

She helped Sam find a set in her size. Laura then sent her into the dressing room to try them on. When she was finished trying the underwear on, Sam came out of the dressing room with a big smile on her face.

“How did you like them?” Laura asked.

Sam pulled the collar of her shirt a side enough to show the bra’s strap. “Yes. They feel very nice.”

“Sam!” Laura whispered. “What are you doing with those still on? I’m not going to let you steal them!”

Sam gave her a confused look. “Steal them?” she repeated. “Oh. No I wasn’t going to steal them.” She reassured Laura with a laugh. “I had some trouble with the bra and asked the attendant for some help. When she was in the room with me she saw the tighty whities I was wearing and told me that if I promised to pay for the new set, I could keep them on.”

“Oh.” Laura said. “I’m sorry for …”

“Don’t worry about it,” Sam told her as she headed for the cash register to pay for the underwear.

Once that was taken care of, Laura tried to guide Sam through the art of shopping as a woman. She helped her find out what styles Sam liked, and which looked right on her. Laura tried to show her how to accessorize with shoes and other such things, doing her best to teach Sam everything she could about how to dress like a woman. Some of the advice Sam took. Other things she let go, either because of lack of understanding, or lack of interest.

The one think Sam absolutely refused to even look at was makeup. Laura tried her best to explain that it was pretty much expected of a woman but Sam wouldn’t budge on the subject. “I don’t care what I look like on the outside, I just can’t wrap myself around the thought of wearing makeup,” Sam explained.

After four hours of shopping, and more money than either of them wanted to contemplate, Sam was all done. Her feet hurt and she was exhausted. Laura drove her back to Sam’s apartment and helped her carry the bags of clothing inside.

Once inside, Laura looked around the place. She was taken aback at the way the apartment, which was designed to be convenient for someone in a wheelchair, was so hard to get comfortable in. All the counters, the sink, even the dining room table were all so low to the ground they were almost impossible for a non-handicapped person to use.

Deciding to take a chance Laura said “Sam…I know this has been your home for a long time…”

“Yes it has,” Sam replied. “What of it?”

“Well…you have to admit that it’s kind of hard to get around here on your feet.”
Sam looked around and said, “Well, it is a bit hard sometimes, but I manage.”

“I have an extra room at my place and could use some help with the rent …so if you were interested …” Laura said.

“You mean you want me to move in with you?”
“Well, not that way. But yes. I’d love to have you as a roommate. And it would be good for you, too. I could help you get accustomed to your situation. And if you has questions or needed advice, I’d be right there for you to ask,” Laura blurted out.

Sam took another look around the apartment. He had to admit that Laura was right the place was a bit hard to deal with now. But on the other hand this had been his …err…her home for the last ten years. Ten years he had spent in a wheel chair. That last thought made the decision for her. While it had been his home, it wasn’t really hers now. While the thought of living the rest of her life as a female still didn’t sit well with her, she would rather have this body than go back to the chair. That would be a death sentence. For if it did happen she would have to kill herself. “I think I just may take you up on that offer.”

Once Laura left for the night, Sam looked through the clothing she’d bought. She’d wound up buying jeans, a few tee shirts, some dress slacks and some nice blouses to go with them. She now also had shoes that fit her feet, sneakers mainly. Laura had insisted on Sam purchasing several pairs of dress shoes and couple of purses to match the dressier outfits she was now the somewhat proud owner of. The last two things that came out of the bag were the two dresses that Laura had insisted the Sam buy.

She had tried to protest but it was to no avail. “Every woman needs to have at least a couple.” She had told him, and would take no more argument on the matter.

Several days later at the lab Sam came across what she thought might be a possible explanation for her transformation, and called Laura over. “I think I may have found something here.”

“What do you have?” Laura asked.

“I did a DNA sequence on the stem cells we used as the basis of our formula. I found a minute amount of female DNA in it.” Sam explained.

“But I thought stem cells weren’t supposed to have any secondary sex chromosomes.” Laura retorted.

“That’s what my experience has always been when using them. But this one does, for some reason.” Sam replied.

“Where do you think it can from?” Laura asked.

“I don’t know.” Sam thought the options over for a moment. “I think the first thing we need to do is check one of the vials of formula and see if we pick up the same traces in it. If we do, then we have a possible explanation. If we don’t find it there, then our stem cell sample got contaminated here in the lab somehow.”

“Okay. I’ll test the formula.” Laura volunteered.

They worked diligently for the next few hours testing and retesting until the conclusion was irrefutable. The serum and the base cells both had female DNA in them. It wasn’t possible, but there it was. “What do you want to do now?” Laura asked, looking up from the microscope.

“Two things. First, I want to compare the DNA in the serum to ours. Just to make sure it wasn’t something we did in this lab. Secondly, we need to repeat the test on the serum in one of the other labs to confirm that it wasn’t compromised by anything in here.” Sam told her.

“Which one do you want to do?” Laura asked.

Sam walked over to the refrigerator containing the serum. “I’ll retest the serum.” She answered as she walked out of the lab.

Sam walked down the hallway and went into what she thought was a deserted lab. As she strolled in, she heard a woman say, “Can I help you?”

Sam looked up to see Carla Ryson standing at one of the work stations. Carla, a tall exotic looking black woman was the head of genetic research. Her position in the lab was second only to Sam’s. Without even thinking she said “Oh, Hi, Carla. I didn’t know you were back yet. I was just going to do some tests on this sample.” She held up the vial for Carla to see.

“Excuse me? Do I know you?” Carla asked.

“Carla! It’s me,…uh,…I mean,…Hi nice to meet you. My name is Sam …antha. I am doing some research work for Dr. Grayson and Dr. Wayne.” Sam stuttered as she realized that there was no way Carla was going to recognize him the way she looked now. Carla seemed edgy, but Sam chalked it up her new appearance.

“You’re working with Sam and Laura?” she asked. “When did you start? I don’t remember Sam saying anything about hiring a new girl.” She looked Sam over. “Where is your ID badge?”

Unable to admit that she knew Carla had been away for several days, Sam stuttered “I ...uh…haven’t got one yet. I just started last week.” She hoped Carla would buy her story.

Carla walked over to her and grabbed Sam arm. “Come with me.” she said as she dragged Sam out into the hallway.

“Let go!” Sam yelled as she pulled her arm free.

Carla gave her a stern look. “Would you please come with me?” she said condescendingly.

Sam grumbled under her breath and then started to follow Carla again. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“We are going to go see Dr. Grayson, so he can vouch for you.” Carla replied.

“But he’s not here today.” Sam hollered to her as Carla went into the lab where Laura was working.

Surprised by Carla’s sudden entrance, Laura squeaked, “Carla!” Jeeze you scared the hell out of me. When did you get back?” She saw Sam standing next to Carla. “Is there something I can help you with?” she asked.

“Yes there is.” Carla said with an attitude. “Do you know this woman?”

“Yeah. Sure I do that’s Sam …” Laura stopped herself short realizing what she was about to say. “Why?” she asked meekly, trying to figure out how to cover Sam’s butt without screwing up whatever story Sam had already told Carla.

“Well she burst into the lab I was working in, without an ID badge. Claiming that she was just hired By Dr. Grayson. Sam never mentioned hiring a new assistant to me.” Carla said snidely.

Sam looked helplessly at Laura, wishing her transformation had included telepathy.

“Yeah. Sam and I were working on something that we needed a number cruncher on, so he hired Samantha last week. Since you were away, there was no way to tell you.” Laura said, hoping she got the name right.

Carla wrinkled her nose at the sound of Laura using Sam’s first name and said “Well you need to make sure Miss…?” She looked over at Sam for a last name.

“Um…Kent.” Sam injected.

“Kent, then. Miss Kent gets a badge today.” Carla demanded. “By the way where is Dr. Grayson today?”

“He called in sick.” Laura told her. “Now unless you have some more questions, I need to get back to what I was doing, and Samantha needs to get going herself.” Laura said dismissivly. To Sam she said “If Carla’s using lab two, why don’t you try four?”

“Okay.” Sam said as she slipped out the door.

After Sam left Carla said “Dr Wayne, may I remind you that I am in charge when Dr. Grayson isn’t here? So I would appreciate it if you would show me at least that much respect in front of the hourly employees. Also, could you remind Miss Kent that we have a dress code for our employees, and blue jeans are not part of it.”

With a dismissive waive of her hand Laura said “Sure, Carla. Anything you want.”

Laura smiled as Carla stormed out of the room in a huff. The two of them had never gotten along. Laura hated Carla’s snobby attitude, especially towards the people that worked under her.

Carla, for her part, knew there was nothing she could do about Laura, because she had been hand picked by Sam as his assistant, and she hated Laura for that. Laura showed her none of the respect she thought she deserved, and that bothered her even more. Now, she was outraged because Sam had hired another one without consulting her.

Sam slipped into lab four, grateful to see it was deserted. ’That was close.’ She thought to herself. She wondered about Carla’s behavior. Did she treat everyone the way she had treated Sam? Sam was going to have to ask Laura about it later.

Then Sam looked at the vial in her hand. With everything that had just happened, she had almost forgotten what she needed another lab for in the first place. Deciding to split the sample up and do one test in an isolated atmosphere she walked over and put the vial into the air lock of the sealed testing chamber. She opened it up and started the laborious task of checking it for genetic material.

A couple of hours later Laura came into the lab where Sam was working. “Any answers yet?”

Sam looked over at the computer monitor. “Nope, nothing yet.” Turning to look at Laura she said, “I wanted to ask you about Carla. Is that the way she usually acts around the rest of you here?”

“Yep.” Laura replied.

“Hmm. I’ll have to talk to her about that.” Sam said more to herself than to Laura.

“Sam.” Laura said putting her hand on Sam’s shoulder “How are you going to do that? Carla will never buy that you’re really who you are. We just told her that you were a new employee. Until, if, we can change you back, she’s essentially your boss. As a matter of fact, she wants you to dress more appropriately around here from now on. That means no more jeans.”

Sam frowned at her and let out a loud sigh. Laura was right, and there was nothing that could be done. “Oh well, looks like it’ll be another trip to the mall this weekend.”

Laura smiled, but before she could say anything, the monitor came to life and began displaying the results. Reading over Sam’s shoulder Laura said “Sam, something must have gone wrong. The computer has doubled up the results.”

As she continued to read Sam replied “I ran the test in the isolation chamber too. She pointed at the second column to indicate which one had been done in isolation.”

“Oh. Okay. Good thinking,” She said, ruffling Sam’s hair with her hand.

As they studied the results a worrisome conclusion began to appear. The isolated serum showed no contamination, but the one that was done in the open air did.

“Sam, if these results are correct …” Laura began.

“I know,” Sam replied.

Laura grabbed Sam’s arm “Come here.” She said as she dragged Sam across the room. She pointed to a machine that looked a lot like a breathalyzer that the police use. “Breath into the tube,” she ordered.

Sam did as she was told, scared to death of what she believed the results would be. Laura made a couple of adjustments on the analyzer and then they both held their breath as they waited for the results.

It took only a minute for the machine to confirm what they already feared. The retrovirus in Sam’s system was capable of surviving in the air again.

“Sam. We’ve got to get you into isolation.” Laura said with a distinct edge of fear in her voice. She started to pull on Sam’s arm again.

“Laura! Wait a minute. You’ve been with me almost constantly since my transformation and nothing has happened to you, yet. Perhaps…”

“SAM!! How can you even think like that? We need to get you isolated right now! If the tests we run afterward show that you pose no danger to anyone, then you can get out. But for now …” Laura yelled, nearing the edge of panic.

Sam looked at her, the fear on her face there for all to see. “Y…yes…of course you’re right. Isolation is the only way to go.” She took a deep breath and let it out trying to get a hold of herself.

They hurried down the hallway to the level four biocontainment labs. The lab was completely self-contained. It had its own air supply and filters designed to prevent the escape of even the smallest biological material.

Laura hit the button that activated the labs airlock. The outer door cycled open and Sam reluctantly stepped inside. Laura pressed the button again, closing the outer door while opening the inner. Sam then stepped through that one and closed it from the inside. She then activated the labs decontamination system which sprayed a fine mist of bleach over everything in the room between the two doors.

Once that was taken care of, Sam activated the communications system to the outside. “Laura, you need to get a hold of all the hospitals in the area. See if there have been any reports of people transforming like I did.”

“I will, Sam.” She said sullenly.

“You’re going to need to get Carla in the loop on this too. Tell her the truth. Show her everything you need to. Just get her to believe!” Sam ordered.

“Is there anything else?” Laura asked.

“Pray.” Sam replied. “Pray that we’re wrong.”

A few hours later Laura returned. She looked as if someone had shot her dog. They both put the headphone/ microphone set that allowed private communication from the lab to the observation room.

“What wrong?” Sam asked worriedly.

Laura let out a disgusted sigh. “Carla wouldn’t see me, and now she’s gone. I tried to call her cell phone, but I got no answer.”

“How did you make out with the hospitals?” Sam inquired hoping the news would be good.

“I called eight different ones in the area we discussed and two of them reported having patients with symptoms similar to what you experienced during the initial stages of your transformation,” she admitted glumly. “County Memorial wouldn’t give me any specific information on the patient, other than to confirm that it was a man that was infected. City Hospital on the other hand, because of your relationship with Director Batson, was much more cooperative and faxed me over everything they had on the male patient they had.”

“Only two men? No women? Hmm. Well it’s better than it might have been. What places have they visited in the last few days? Will they allow you to let some of our people to look them over?”

“Once again, County wouldn’t give us any information. When I talked to Director Batson, he said that he was going to call director Prince over there and see if he could help us get a look. In the meantime, I’m heading over to City, with Donna Troy, as soon as we’re done here.”

“Well don’t let me hold you up,” Sam urged.

“I have these for you.” Laura said, holding up a folder. “This is all the information City had on their patient. Look it over and call my cell phone if you get any ideas.”

“Okay.” Sam said. Laura put the folder in the slide tray and sent it into Sam. Sam picked it up and started to thumb through it as Laura headed towards the door. Sam stopped her by yelling into the intercom “Laura!” She turned back and looked at Sam. “Be careful.” Sam said nervously.

With a wan smile Laura said “I will, Sam, I will.”

After Laura was gone, Sam began looking through the data from the hospital. She became so involved in reading that she lost track of time. When the phone in the lab rang, Sam jumped. She walked over and answered it.

“Sam, it’s Laura.” She heard. “The problem is much worse than we were led to believe. After calling County, Director Batson made calls to several other area hospitals. Though his connections we now know that there are at least fifteen confirmed cases of infected men. No women however, which may only mean that there is a longer gestation period in females.”

Sam was speechless. ’Fifteen cases? What have I done’” she thought to herself.

“Sam, are you there?” Laura asked, her voice once again edged with panic.

“Yes Laura, I’m here.” Sam replied flatly.

“What do you want to do?” Laura asked.

“Are all the cases in isolation?” Sam asked her.

“All the ones here are being moved as we speak, and Bill,…I mean Director Batson is calling the others and asking them to do the same.” Laura responded.

“How much have you told him?” Sam asked.

“I told him that we were aware of the problem, and have been asked to look into finding a cure. I don’t think he really believed me, but he hasn’t brought it up since. Do you want me to give him everything?” she asked.

“No. Not yet anyhow. Just get every scrap of information you can and get back here. Make sure you get blood samples from everyone that’s been infected. See if you can get samples from any women that came in contact, too. I don’t like the idea there aren’t infected females. And find out where all the cases were over the last few days.” Sam ordered.

“Yes Sam.” Laura replied as she finished writing down everything she needed to do.

“And Laura? … We need this yesterday,” Sam added.

“Okay.” Laura said, hanging up the phone. She looked over the list. It was going to take a lot more people than just her to get this done quickly. She picked the phone back and tried to get a hold of Carla again. Once again she got Carla’s voicemail. “Carla, where the hell are you?” Laura wondered to herself as she got up to start gathering the information Sam needed.

Sam was scared shitless. She knew this situation could get beyond their ability to control very quickly, if it hadn’t already. She needed some answers. She paced around the lab, trying to decide what to do next. The information Laura was gathering was going to take hours to collect. The more time that passed, the harder the truth of the situation hit home. It was becoming hard to not succumb to guilt.

Finally Laura called back. “Sam, I’m going to be sending you all the records we’ve got from the various hospitals. I’ve got everyone I could get my hands on doing recent history interviews. You need to go through all the reports and see if there’s any common denominator.”

“How many cases do you have?” Sam asked.

Laura was silent for a moment. Sam could hear her counting. It seemed to be taking a lot longer to come to a total than it should have. “Okay, I got a number. Are you sitting down?” Laura said without so much of a hint of humor in her voice.

“Laura!” Sam exclaimed impatiently.

Ignoring her Laura continued “We’ve now got thirty confirmed cases.”

“Wait a minute, did you say thirty?” Sam interrupted.

“Yes Sam … thirty.” Laura snarled. “The more we investigate, the more cases we find.”

“Oh. Lord …” was all Sam could think to say. After a moment she asked “Still all male?”

“All male. Or at least that’s how they started out. We’ve got at least three that are more than half way through their transformations. I gotta tell you Sam; this is starting to scare the hell out of me.” as she said it, Laura started to cry.

“Me too,” Sam confessed.

Getting a hold of herself, Laura said, “Anyhow, the records should be there within a half hour.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting. By the way have you heard from Carla yet?” Sam asked.

“No. Not yet.” Laura said distractedly. “Sam, I have to go,” she said after a moment and hung up the phone.

Laura stepped into Director Batson’s office. “What’s up Bill?” she asked.

“I just heard back from Dr. Rockland over at Hollis memorial. He said that he just got another six confirmed cases, three from the same family this time.”

“Three from the same …How can that be? Are all their symptoms at the same stage?” she asked in disbelief.

“I don’t know yet. I sent him everything we have on the disease so far. Once he gets a look at it, Dr. Rockland said he’d call me back.” Bill said gloomily. “Now what I need from you is the truth. How is it your lab knew about this problem before anyone else did? Who called you people in on this? For that matter, why are ‘you’ here? Where are Sam and Carla? Why aren’t they here?”

Laura looked down at her feet for a minute trying to figure out whether to tell him everything or not.

“I’m waiting .” he reminded her.

“I don’t know where Dr. Ryson is. I’ve been trying to get hold of her all night. As for Sam …I think you’d better sit down. This is going to take a lot of explaining, and I can guarantee that you’re not going to believe most of it.” Laura then proceeded to tell him the entire story.

For his part, and to his credit, Director Batson listened to the entire tale before he said a word. When Laura finished, he took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose, then leaned his head back and let out a long sigh.

“I’ll tell you, Dr. Wayne, if I hadn’t seen these transformations with my own eyes, I’d be calling the guy’s with the straight jackets to come get you. But unfortunately, I have seen them and you say it all started with Sam. How could the two of you been so irresponsible? You knew the retrovirus had become airborne and yet you made no attempt to isolate Sam after he became infected,” he said incredulously.

Laura couldn’t think of any way to defend their actions. Bill was right. Meekly she said, “When we tested him initially, there was no sign of the airborne strain in Sam’s system. It makes no sense that she would suddenly become a latter day Typhoid Mary. It took her transformation about 48hrs to complete after the initial infection.”

She stopped and thought for a moment before she continued. “We were at the mall five days ago. How many infectees did you say had completed their transformations?”

Bill looked through the files. “Let’s see …it says there are three.”

“And when were they completed?” Laura asked.

“Let me take a look here.” Bill said as he read through the case files. “Okay. We got one that isn’t quiet done yet. That’s the one we know was at the mall on the 15th. The other two have been fully female for at least twenty four hours now.”

“Twenty four hours? How can that be? Were either of them at the mall that night?” She asked.

“This one here doesn’t say, but this other one says he …or should I say she …was in San Francisco that day? How can that be?” Bill asked.

“I don’t know. But we need to get a blood sample from that patient as soon as possible. We also need to find out how far along she was when she was admitted. Then we need to find out who else she came in contact with since then. Which hospital is she in?”

“County Memorial. It says here that her blood has already been drawn and it was sent to your lab with the last shipment.”

“Do you have a name?” she asked.

“Says here the name is …Gordon. Brian Gordon. According to what it says here, he is from Oakland.”

“Oakland? How’d he wind up at County?” she asked.

“Visiting an aunt that lives in the city, according to what it says here,” He replied

“I’ll call Sam and have her test his first.”

“Laura, we also need to look at the possibility that this virus affects different people at different rates of speed. I mean, we’re making assumptions based on what happened to one person. That’s not exactly a large percentage of the population,” Bill explained.

“I know. But it’s all we have right now…and Emma, the rat took about the same amount of time to finish her physical regression.” Laura told him. “It’s kind of strange, don’t you think.” Laura said.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Those only men seem to be affected? Not a single woman has been admitted for infection,” she replied.

“It sure is. But we’ll have to worry about that later.”

Sam was amazed at the amount of data Laura had managed to gather in such a small amount of time. She sifted through it, dividing it into separate piles, based on which hospital each patient was in.

After that was finished, she divided the piles further by estimated date of infection. Finally, she pulled the ones with accompanying blood samples out and looked them over in greater detail.

The first thing that struck her was that several of the infectees, were less far along than could be explained if they had been at the mall on the 15th. As she was puzzling that over, the phone rang.

She picked it up. “Sam? Laura again. Have the samples arrived yet?”

“Yes, they have I was just going through them, actually, and found something doesn’t make any sense. “There seem to be a lot of these cases that aren’t far enough along to have been infected by me.

“We’re finding the same thing here, too,’ she informed Sam. “There’s one case in particular we wanted you to look at before the others.”

“Okay, what’s the name?” Sam asked.

“Brian Gordon. He …err …she’s from Oakland, and was in San Francesco on the 15th. We got him because he was in town visiting relatives,” Laura told him.

“What did you say that name was again?” Laura repeated it to her as Sam sifted through the files. After a moment, she found the one she was looking for. “Is there a blood sample with this one?”

“There should be.” Laura said.

Sam was looking through the file as Laura replied her blood going cold as she asked, “Laura, have you seen this file?”

“No. I haven’t had the chance to take more than a cursory look. Why?” she replied.

“This patient’s local address, the one for his aunt, it’s … Carla’s.”

“Carla’s? This is Carla’s nephew? That explains why she hasn’t been answering her phone. She must be at County with him.”

“Laura! This boy was infected prior to the 15th. Carla was off last week. She told me she was going to visit her nephew in Oakland.” Sam explained.

“Okay,” Laura said, not really understanding what Sam was getting at.

“Carla was going to visit him because he was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer!” Sam explained.

Stunned Laura couldn’t speak for several seconds. When she found her voice again Laura asked “Sam, are thinking what I am?”

“Laura, I need you to come back here and check our serum supply. Make sure it’s all there,” Sam said, hoping that she was wrong.

Laura grabbed her coat as she said, “I’m on my way.”

“Laura! Where are you going?” Bill shouted as she flew past him in the hallway.

“I need to get over to the lab. Sam thinks she might know how Brian got infected,” She yelled over her shoulder. Stopping, she walked back towards Bill. “Bill, I need you to get hold of someone over at County. Have them check around, and see if Carla’s there.”

“Sure. You want them to have her call you if she’s there?” he asked.

“No. If she’s there, just have them make sure that she doesn’t leave,” Laura replied.

Confused, Bill pulled her into an unused office. “I think you better tell me what’s going on here,” he demanded.

“The Gordon boy. He’s Carla’s nephew. Until a few days ago, he was sick with cancer. Sam thinks that Carla may have given him some of the serum,” she told him.

“Holy … ”
“Yep. Now I need to get out of here and over to the lab to check our inventory. Bill, just remember there is no proof she did anything, at least not until I can confirm that we’re missing some serum.”

“I understand. If she’s there, I’ll make sure that they don’t let her leave until you tell me to.”

An hour later, Laura came into the observation room. Sam activated the com system. “What we got?” she asked impatiently.

Laura’s face told the story before she said a word.

“Oh, shit. How much is missing?” she asked.

“We’re down three vials over what we’ve already used.” Laura said grimly.

“Three?” Sam repeated.

“Bill called while I was checking the inventory. Carla’s at County.” Laura relayed. “He’s having her brought back here.”

“Good,” Sam whispered.

“When I told him what we suspected, Bill made a few calls to the Oakland/ San Francesco area hospitals.” She said with tears forming in her eyes. She took a deep breath, let it out and then took another.

“Laura, what is it? What’s happened?” Sam asked.

“It’s an epidemic, Sam.” She cried. “There are over a hundred confirmed cases in the Bay Area. Bill has called the CDC. He said we should expect federal agents to be arriving here within the hour.”

Acidalia 2

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Sequel or Series Episode

Genre:

Transformations

TG Themes:

Age Regression

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia II
By Amanda D

Laura and Sam waited in the isolation lab for the solders to arrive. Laura outside in the control room and Sam was stuck inside…still. The word had just come in that Col. Charles Jordan head of the United States Army Research Institute for Infectious Disease, USAMRID, biological contamination unit was on the way down. We didn’t have to wait long.

His underlings came in to the control room, in full viral protection gear, asking Laura to wait in the hallway, while they checked the security measures that had been put in place. Sam watched them check everything from the air to the swabbing the control panels to check for infectious agents. Once satisfied that she wasn’t going to infect anyone from her confinement, the Col. Strolled in.

He was a tall olive skinned, fit, with military short black hair and dark brown eyes. He had the look about him of someone that used to having his orders obeyed without question. He looked to be the type of person that Sam always had problems with and she silently hoped that they would be able to work together and not against each other. In his left hand he had a large manila folder and a second much smaller one. He walked over to the control console and put on a head set. Before turning his side on however he turned and told one of his men outside the room to bring Dr. Wayne in.

Once they were both settled the Col. said furiously “I can’t believe how irresponsible the two of you have been. Believe you me, when all this is over there will be charges filed.”

Laura felt a small wave of relief wash over her as she herd him say that. Ever since the scope of the infection became clear several hours ago, she had been plagued by a growing guilt over the situation.

The Col. continued, “But for now we need to work together to find a solution. Our first objective is to contain the situation before it gets completely out of control.”

“But Col. the infection is already too wide spread for us to contain.” Laura interrupted.

Jordan glared at Laura out of the corner of his eye and held up the thinner of the two folders he brought with him. “This is an executive order clearing me to use what ever means I deem necessary to stop the spread of your problem.”

“What are your plans?” Sam asked, speaking for the first time since the Col had entered the room.

“We are almost finished preparing the Reynolds medical center to be the Bay area quarantine and Dillon army hospital is already housing a dozen or so infectees, with more on the way. He informed them and then changed the subject back to the problem. “I’ve spent the last hour or so of my ride over here going over all the data you’ve accumulated so far. Have you come to any conclusions yet?”

“Other than the obvious, no, not yet.” Sam said glumly.

The Col. shook his head. “Dr. Mia Blue, senior virologist from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and her team should be landing in San Francisco with in the hour. She should be here within two hours of that. The two of you are going to be working directly with her on finding a cure. My people will be in on the research too, but our main priority is containment.”

He stood up to leave. “I expect daily updates and…progress.” He said as if he could order the problem to be solved. He strolled out with the same air of authority as he came in with, leaving Sam and Laura wondering where to go next.

Sam looked through the glass at her former lab assistant and soon to be co-defendant. Laura looked like she had aged ten years in just a couple days. ‘What’s going to happen to her if this goes on for years?” Sam wondered to herself.

“Well have there been any updates from Bill?” Laura asked.

Sam looked down at the computer monitor in front of her. She clicked the email icon and two new messages appeared on the screen. One was from Bill Batson. “Got one right here.” She said as she opened it. To her surprise there was no introduction or real message, there was only a number. Sam’s blood ran cold as she read it, it was a large number.

Laura so the startled look on her former bosses face. “What does it say?” she asked through the head set.

Sam read it again to make sure she hadn’t made a mistake. Taking a deep breath she said “385”.

Laura looked as stunned now as Sam had moments earlier. “Is…is that the new total or the number of new cases?” she asked.

“It doesn’t say…but for my own sanities’ sake, I’m, going to assume that it’s the grand total.” Sam replies.

Laura nodded in agreement. Even if Sam was wrong, it was easier on the conscience to think of it as the total.

Col. Jordon slumped down in the comfortable high back leather chair in his temporary headquarters and tried to rub the tension out by massaging his temples. Yesterday this office had belonged to Sam, but now it was the army’s communications hub, at least until the quarantine centers were fully running. He was uncomfortable with the position that his current assignment had put him in. He had been a soldier his entire adult life as well as a doctor and the two jobs occasionally came into conflict. This was one of those times. Being the highest ranking officer in the area meant that he was going to have to be in charge of everything including security, when what he really wanted was to be in the lab with his team trying to beat this thing.

Then there was the question of how well they could work with the civilians. He hated working with them. They were undisciplined and erratic in his opinion. These two here were even a bigger challenge to him than the usual. He had argued with the president himself against them leading the research team, but he had been rightfully over ruled. “Those two invented the thing” President Fuller had told him, “they have the best handle on what we’re dealing with. To simple arrest them and put them on trial for crime against humanity would be a terrible waste of resources at this point.” Though he hadn’t completely agreed, it was a presidential order and he would do as he was instructed.

His reverie was interrupted by a small but confident knock on his door. “Enter!” He called.

The door open and through it came his second in command Lt. Col. Gary Tyler. “I have the latest update on the quarantine centers and the infection count.” The junior officer reported after the customary salute.

Jordon gave him a brief humorless smile. “Well let me see them.” He ordered. Alexander placed the reports on the desk and stepped back. “No Tyler. Have a seat. I need you to be completely in the loop in case anything happens. For the better part of the next hour the two officers went over the reports. The number of infected was growing at a scary rate and the first non west coast case had popped up in Philadelphia.

When they were finished the Col’s headache had grown to near epic proportions. He got up and walked in the adjacent bathroom and began searching for some remedy. As he searched he heard the phone ringing back in the office and Tyler answer it.

A few minutes later Jordon reentered the large office, having found a bottle of Advil and popped a handful of tablets. He looked over at his second in command “Who was it?”

“Sir, it was Major Brady. He was calling to report that the FBI was done interrogating Carla Ryson.”

“Good. Are they bringing her to Reynolds?” The Col. replied.

“Not yet Sir. The Major has asked permission to question her himself first.”

Jordon considered the request for a moment. While Major Brady was a good man, and an excellent interrogator, he had a habit of leaving marks, and if Dr.Ryson was going to be a public scapegoat she couldn’t be paraded around looking like the victim of a New York City mugging. “Tell him to go ahead, but remind him of the larger picture, and that we don’t want any kind of unnecessary public sympathy being generated.”

“Yes Sir.” Lt. Col. Tyler replied as he picked the phone back up and made the call.

The CDC team landed at Travis Air Force Base at approximately 11:30am local time. With the help of the Air Force crews the cargo was unloaded from the plane and loaded on to various trucks for distribution through out the area in record time. The team split into different group, each with a separate destination and purpose.

Mia and her team of six hoped into the trucks heading south to the lab in Santa Cruz. She was accompanied by Dr’s Jane Grey, Philip Greer, Roger Brooks, Burt Fielding and Francine Carlson. Each was a top researcher in their field and all were anxious to get working on a solution to what they were now being told was called the Acidalia virus by the military.

Grey, a short heavy set brunette with beautiful green eyes, Greer, a short shaved bald black man who wore glasses as thick as the bottom of a coke bottle, and Brooks, a large middle aged man with long thick grey hair were the virology team. They would be the ones along with Dr. Blue working most directly with the researchers at the institute. Fielding and Carlson were experts in genetics they’re job would be breaking down both versions of the virus and discovering the reasons behind the mutation.

The other two teams were headed to the Reynolds and Dillon facilities respectively. They would be there to test the infected and administer any vaccine that may come available.

The time it took for the drive flew by, as the entire team studied all the latest data on the virus. There wasn’t much new except the case total, which seemed to grow in leaps and bounds every couple of hours. There had still been no reports of any females being infected. Mia was sure that was part of the driving force behind the containment plan she had seem. The ol’ boys in Washington wanted to stay boys.

San Quentin prison:

Major Craig Brady, the massive mound of muscle that he was, washed the spattering of blood off of his large calloused hands. He smiled as he worked the end of it out from under his fingernails. He loved his job as head of the army security attachment on this mission. He was very good at extracting information from reluctant people and hoped this mission was going to provide plenty of opportunity for someone of his talent. Best of all he was going to be the defacto commander of the Reynolds facility once it was up and running. Col. Jordon had way too much on his plate to over see all the details on a daily basis and had appointed surrogates to run the individual quarantines that reported directly to him.

The self satisfied smile remained on his face as he dried off. He had been sure that Dr. Ryson had known more about what was going on than she had told the FBI and he had been right. Borrowing a few rooms and bringing her here had been a stroke of genius on his part. He had been granted all the privacy one could ask for and took full advantage of it. His mood grew even brighter as he remembered the look of pure terror on her face as she was dragged through the general population wing in just her bra and panties. He had told her that if she didn’t cooperate the he would leave her to the prisoner’s tender mercies. Once they had arrived in his interrogation room and begun to question her, it became apparent that she was willing to say anything he wanted her to. Despite this he worked her over for a bit, just for fun. After a bit he got bored with her and threw the prewritten confession at her, which she eagerly signed. An added plus was none of the marks would be able to be seen if she wore everyday clothing, he had been very careful.

############

The truck arrived at the lab complex in little over two and a half hours. Mia had her team begin the task of unloading the equipment while she went to meet the two latter day Frankenstein’s that had created this mess. The scientist inside warred with her inner doctor over the morality of creating a virus like the one her team was tasked with neutralizing. The one thing her two sides could agree on was that their hearts had at least been in the right place. From reading the back grounds on both of the creators, she was aware of infection that had cost Dr. Grayson the use of his legs. ‘Or I suppose it would be her legs now’ she thought as she made her way past the security check point in front of the elevator bank.

She used the ride down to the labs area to steal herself against the rising tide of anger she felt towards the authors of this growing epidemic. She quickly chastised herself; the president had specifically ordered that the use of epidemic was specifically forbidden. ‘Friggen politicians. Think they can hide the situation by controlling what we call it.’ She thought to herself disgustedly as the elevator doors opened. Stepping out and looking to her left she saw the huge red and white sign over the entrance to the isolation lab and walked towards it. Pushing through the outer door. Mia’s eyes opened wide with surprise as she entered. She had read all the facts about and knew Sam was the first victim of the virus, she just hadn’t believed the change would be so complete. She looked over at Laura’s slumped over form. Lightly touching her shoulder Mia said “Excuse me are you Dr. Wayne?”

Sam turned the intercom on from inside the isolation lab “Please don’t wake her. She hasn’t had much sleep lately” she pleaded.

“I imagine not.” She said looking down at the sleeping blonde. Looking back up she saw Sam holding up a head set. Mia looked at the control board. Spotting one on the console, she put it on saying “I’m Dr. Mia Blue. You must be Dr. Grayson.”

“Gulity.” Sam stopped and thought over what she had just said for a moment. “Umm…perhaps that was a poor choice of words.”

“Yes…perhaps it was.” Mia said dryly. “I’ve been playing catch up for the last nine hours, why don’t you give me a first hand perspective of what we’re dealing with.”

Sam let out a loud sigh and began the tale. She explained about the original experiment on Emma, the rat. She continued with how Laura had discovered the loose air hose and the physical change Sam had gone through. Mia could feel their elation turn to sorrow as Sam told her how the two of them first thought that the virus had reverted to its original form and then the shattering of hope as the realization that it hadn’t washed over. The now isolated woman’s guilt over the situation was plain for all to see as she told of the ever growing list of infected and the toll it was taking on her lab partner.

Just as Sam was finishing her tail, Laura returned from the land of slumber. Her confusion was obvious as she looked over at Mia wondering where this beautiful brunette had come from. Introductions were quickly made and Laura was brought up to speed on what they had been discussing.
“There will be a full staff briefing in one hour in the large conference room. Dr. Grayson, I’m going to have some video conferencing equipment for you set up brought down and left in the airlock so you can be there too.”

Exactly one hour later the meeting began. Laura and Sam were introduced to the members of the CDC team. Also in attendance were four USAMRID doctors, Ryan, Wilson, Harrison and Proel. Laura, because she was in the room, presented the briefing, with Sam adding comments where appropriate. After she was finished speaking, Mia opened the meeting to questions.

Several points worth following up on were made during the open session. Dr. Ryan made an especially good point when he mentioned that he had seen two unique genetic markers in the viruses make up. He theorized that an easy to use test could be developed to identify markers. Having brought blowups of the virus with the unique areas circled in black marker, the rest of those in attendance were able to see exactly what he was talking about.

Everyone agreed that it was an avenue worth investigating. Mia assigned Sam, Laura, Ryan and Grey to work together on developing the test. The rest were given other assignments according to what best fit their individual talents and specialties.

Before dismissing the meeting, Dr Blue addressed the assemblage. “Doctors, there are many lives at stake here. We need answers and we need them quickly. The militaries isolation plan will only work if we can stop this thing before it spreads beyond this small area. This will be the most important work of your life and we must succeed. On last thing, there will be daily update’s here every morning at 10am. Anyone have anything else?” No one said anything. “Okay, let’s get to work then.”

************

Elijah Wolf stood in front of the mirror in side his San Francisco apartment staring at the reflection in amazement. Three days ago he had fallen sick. Sicker than he had ever been in his life. The pain had been so bad at one point; he had begged God to die. He hated hospitals and figured that if you were going to die, might as well do it at home. But he hadn’t died and this morning for the first time since taking ill, he felt well enough to get out of bed. On the way to the can he had passed by the mirror and let out a scream as he saw his new body. He pinched himself to make sure this wasn’t another pain induced hallucination.

For as long as he could remember he had wanted to be female. When he was little, every night before he fell asleep, he would beg god to wake up a girl and now it seemed that those prayers had been answered. In his life there had been two constants, his desire to be a girl and his love of God. The psychological effect on the once him now her was akin to being touched by god himself. She fell to her knees and immediately began to pray. She thanked God for his generosity and pleaded for a sign of what she must do in return.

With that accomplished she stood up and began to really look herself over. She smiled as she ran her small delicate hands through her curly waist length sandy blonde hair. She giggled aloud at the sensual arousal that came over her as she fingered her nipple. Her new flat belly and lack of bulge below filled her with glee. Her legs, her small delicate feet…it was all truly a gift from the All Mighty.

***********

Col. Jordon’s tour of the Dillon quarantine had gone smoothly. It had been up and running for a few days and everything seemed to be running smoothly. The mood of the isolated was what he had expected. For the most part they were confused and upset by what had happened. The doctor in charge, Dr. Gabriel Haller, had taken it upon himself to explain the reasons for the quarantine and almost all had seen the logic in being kept away from the general public. He of course had left out the part about this being a man made virus.

The Col. had been glad to see that cooperation between the inmates and their overseers and respect brought on by that had made for a relatively pleasant atmosphere. He had been very concerned that there would be major behavioral issues and was greatly relieved to see that there were not. With Reynolds ready and the first batch of infectees being brought there tomorrow, he could only hope that Major Brady and his staff would be able to duplicate what he had seen here.

************

Jack Charles sat listening to Dr. Greg Kirkland’s voice but wasn’t really hearing what was being said. Though he looked fairly placid on the outside, inside his mind was moving at a hundred miles an hour, trying make some kind of sense out of what had happened.

Twelve hours ago his son was born. He had been feeling a bit achy when Sara‘s water had broken. Once they arrived at City Hospital he checked her is as the doctors scooted her away to the delivery room. As soon as the paper work was processed he ran down the hallway to be with her. After he got a nurse to point him in the right direction, he spotted Sara’s doctor standing in the hallway speaking to a nurse. “Dr. Franklin!” he called out.

The portly coffee skinned balding gynecologist turned in his direction. His face blossomed into a large toothy smile when he recognized Jack. “Ah my boy. The big day is finally here… eh?” When Jamal Franklin smiled you couldn’t help but return it.

“Sure his.” Jack replied grinning from ear to ear. “Which room is Sara in? Where do I have to go to get suited up so I can be with her?”

“Slow down my boy.” Dr. Franklin said jovially. She’s in room two and if you follow Donna here, she’ll take you down to the wash up room and get you a set of scrubs.”

On the way down the hall Donna gave him the small list of do’s and don’ts for the delivery room. Several times she asked in different ways if he was feeling well today. Each time he reassured her that he felt fine even though the aches had moved into a steady soreness. There was no way he was going to miss the birth of his son, besides he was going to have a surgical mask on so that would protect the baby.

The delivery was a long one, taking almost seven hours until James finally decided to make an appearance. After a quick clean up the swaddled baby boy was presented to the proud new parents. Jack was so over come with joy he pulled down his mask to give his boy a small kiss on the forehead. He held the baby closely as the doctors finished with delivering the after birth.

Sara was exhausted after the long ordeal and fell fast asleep shortly after arriving at her room. The babies first feeding came up while she slept, so the happy father got to give his boy’s first feeding. By the time James was finished eating Jack was feeling really bad. The soreness had once again progressed to almost a constant stinging pain all over.

When he returned the baby to the nursery area he was suddenly wracked by a loud hacking cough. The Nurse quickly took the baby from him and put him back in the nursery. Upon her return she pulled off her rubber glove and felt Jacks head. With a worried look on her face she said “You’re very warm. How long have you been feeling ill today?”

He looked at her guiltily. “All day…pretty much.” He admitted.

She gave him a stern look and headed over to the nurses station. She quickly picked up the phone, dialed a number and spoke into, while watching him intently the entire time. She hung the phone up and walked back over to him. “Sir, I need you to go down to the phlebotomy lab right away.”

“Phlebotomy lab? For what?”

“Sir, please! I need you to go there right now. If you won’t go on your own, I’ll have to call security and have them bring you there.”

She was starting to scare him a bit. “Look, I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me why first. Security or no security.”

Chastised, she looked down at her feet. “There has been a rather nasty bug going around and the symptoms look very similar to yours,” she explained. “The only way to tell for sure if you have it is a blood test. That’s why you need to go to phlebotomy right away.”

He numbly shook his head to acknowledge that he understood. Then he got direction to the lab and all but ran there.

Three hours later the results came in and he was escorted to the quarantine area. Some hours later Dr. Kirkland came to see him. On an intercom between the outside world and the airtight room he sat in, Jack listen to the doctor explain how his failure to tell anyone about feeling ill had led to his son and three other children being infected.

After the doctor left Jack found a small corner to sit in and cried. Two hours later another doctor came and informed him his son was dead. The next morning the attendants found Jacks body hanging by his shoelaces off the water pipe that ran across the ceiling.

Reynolds Medical Center two miles North West of San Quentin prison:

Major Brady sat in front of the monitor inside his office and watched as the first of his charges were brought into the facility under armed guard. They all looked so young, scared and feminine. It was hard to believe they had been male less than a week earlier. Now however, they were his to do with what he pleased as long as his superiors didn’t find out that is. That thought brought a smile to his face. ‘Yes, this is going to be a great assignment.’

His orders were simple, keep the infected from infecting others by keeping them isolated within the facility. And what a facility it was now. In only a few short days the entire place had been sealed to level 4 biohazard standards. There were airlocks between every level and each cell. The place was equipped to handle five hundred inmates on six levels and the army corps of engineers was looking into the possibility of digging more levels under the place. He was confident those extra levels would be needed and sooner than later. Something just told him t
Hat the situation was going to get much worse and that was fine by him.

************

She looked around at all the solders in their viral gear as she was forced into the huge building with no windows. She was terrified. Last week her name had been Thomas and his life had been good. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of her wife, two daughters, hell even the family dog that had been left behind. Thomas had loved them with all his heart and worked hard to give them the best life she could. Then last Sunday night he had felt a terrible weakness over take him. By Monday morning he could hardly move. Yvonne, his wife called an ambulance and he had been taken to County Memorial hospital.

After several hours of tests, the doctors had no more clue what was wrong with him than they had when he first came in. The terror etched on Yvonne’s face had been enough to drive him to tears. She had confided in him that she was sure that this was would be the last time she would ever see him. He had promised her that he would pull through in a few days and would be home shortly there after. Oh how she had cried and he, in his weakened state had done what he could to comfort her. Eventually the doctor came in and admitted defeat. After all the test and retest the only thing he knew for certain is that Thomas’ cells were dividing at an incredible rate. The cause of which was completely unknown.

It had been decided that he was going to stay the night for more testing, when a group of solders had burst into the cubical that he was in and literally dragged him away. They took him down to the hospitals basement and placed him into a sealed room with about twenty others. Some were awake, some were nearly catatonic, but all were clearly sick. What ever it was that was wrong with them clearly affected each individual differently. As the days went by most changed a few however died. While the corpse count was only a small fraction of the total, the uncertainty over whether the next one to die would be you or the person next to you was an additional stress that none of them had needed to endure. To top it off, no one even took even a minute to try to explain why this was happening to them.

He watched helplessly as his body transformed, becoming more feminine as each hour passed. His dark hair had grown long, his already blue eyes had deepened a shade and he had lost about four inches of height. He had loved being a man, never even considered being female and now he was. It was almost more than his poor mind could bear. As it turned out insanity might have been the better route.

This first group of new arrivals, the first of many that were soon to be housed here, was ushered down a long grey cinderblock walled corridor. At the end were two women seated on metal folding chairs behind rectangular wooden table. Both women, unlike the men who were dressed in full biohazard gear, wore simple surgical masks covering their mouths and noses, but that is where the similarities ended.

The one on the right side was an average height black woman, with long curly hair pulled back into a loose pony tail. She wore green army fatigues that bore the rank insignia of a SGT. Major. She stood up as the group approached and stepped in front of the table. There was a yellow stripe on the floor where the hallways intersected; the head of the line was stopped there.

“I am SGT. Major Loren Hutchinson. I am in charge of security for this facility. My job here is two fold. My first responsibility is to see to your safety. This facility is going to fill up very soon with women just like all of you. When that happens, I am going to expect all of you to help me protect you by helping the new comers learn the rules. The rules are there for your protection and they are expected to be obeyed at all times. That brings me to the second part of my job, enforcing the rules of this facility. The rules are posted in every single containment area and corridor in the building.” She stopped and looked each member of the frightened group in the eye. “Any infraction of the rules will be dealt with severely. As I said before this facility is expected to be at capacity very soon and that means we will have no time to be reviewing reasons for breaking the rules. Any questions?”

No one out of the twenty newly transformed women said a word. They were all too frightened. Loren saw this in them and breathed a silent sigh of relief. “If we can keep them frightened and confused, we just may have a chance to pull this off.” she thought to herself. Then aloud “Good then.” Pointing to the other woman she said “This is Dr. Stanley from the CDC. Doctor?”

Dr Paula Stanley stood up. She was a small fat white woman with long black greasy looking locks and a facial hair issue. She cleared her throat and said “Good afternoon ladies. AS the SGT. Major said I am Dr. Stanley and my job here is to see to any medical requirements you may have. Once you are all settled in you assigned quarantine room I will be visiting each one of you and conducting physicals. At that time I will be gathering information on any allergies or special needs you may have. Any questions?” She looked out into the group, expecting no questions and was surprised to see a hand up. She took gesture as a personal affront and said in a voice dripping in sarcasm “Yes?”

From where she stood Thomas could the contempt on the doctors’ face as her raised hand was acknowledged. Swallowing hard and hoping to sound more confident than she felt, Thomas said “I would like to know what has happened to us.”

With a loud sigh, Dr. Stanley replied “You have all been infected with a highly communicable virus called Acidalia. For those of you who don’t know Acidalia was the mythical spring Aphrodite bathed in. Legend has it that any man that bathed in that water was transformed into a woman, thus the virus’ name.”

Thomas started to speak again but SGT. Major Hutchinson cut in before she could. “Okay, we have a schedule to keep people. It’s time to move out!” she ordered. The group complied and was marched off down the hall.

At the end of the corridor was another table, this one however was much larger than the previous one had been. On it sat tightly wound bundles of drab green cloth. Behind it stood four more members of the army, all female. The STG. Major stopped the procession just as the head of the line reached it. “Ladies,” she said “on this table is the uniforms that all of you will be wearing for the duration of your stay here. As I call out your names you will step in front of one of the women behind it for some basic measurements. After you are issued your uniform, you will step over to the side strip down and put it on. You will then….”

“Excuse me SGT. But you want us to strip here? In the hallway?” Thomas interrupted.

Hutchinson glared as she moved towards Thomas. “First off it’s SGT. Major. Secondly where do you get off interrupting me? I am not your tour guide. I am here to tell you what to do. Your job is to do what I tell you.” Lauren screamed in Thomas’ face.

Thomas swallowed hard and returned her stare. She was sure that the only way to survive this place was to not let the military personal see that you were intimidated. Hutchinson however didn’t take kindly to her stare being returned and pulled a small police night stick out from her waist belt. With out so much as a warning Loren took the solid oak club and whacked Thomas in the side of the head with it.

While most would have gone down like they had been shot, Thomas some how managed to stay on her feet. This seemed to infuriate Hutchinson even more as she hit Thomas again. This time it was a blow to the stomach, which caused Thomas to double over. A second blow to the head put Thomas down for the count.

Putting the club back into her belt the SGT. Major continues as if nothing had happened. “Thirdly, yes you are to strip right here in the hallway, so we can make sure that you have no contraband. Any more question?” No one else dared say a word. “Good. Now as I say your name step forward.”

An unknown amount of time later Thomas swam back to consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, but the light sent a bolt of searing pain through her skull, making her slam them shut again. For several minutes she lay still waiting for the pain in her head to subside. As it began to abate, Thomas became aware of the sound of voices near her. Chancing another blast of agony, she opened one eye ever so slightly. This produce only a slightly diminished experience and she let out a small unwanted squeal.

Richard, who had renamed himself Mona in the hospital after her transformation into a tall raven haired beauty completed, came over and said “Shhh. You took quiet a blow the head. Try not to move too much. You may have a concussion.”

“Am…am I in the infirmary?” Thomas asked. Her head swam at the effort it took to speak.

“No. We’re in some kind of sealed room.” Mona’s deep throaty voice said through the darkness. ‘If we ever get out of here, she going to have one hell of a career doing voice over’s for 900 numbers.’ Thomas thought darkly between throbs of pain. ‘First however, we need to get out of here.’

Thomas forced her eyes open again, somehow resisting the pain. A wave of vertigo swept over her as she rolled her eyes from side to side, trying to get an idea as to what kind of room it was. Refusing to succumb she found a single spot on the ceiling to focus on and stared at it until the dizziness passed.

Taking a deep breath she once again tried to look at her surroundings. This time the room only spun a bit. ‘Well that’s a bit of an improvement, I suppose’ she thought to herself. To Mona she said “Can you help me sit up?”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Mona advised.

“I appreciate your concern, but I still would like to sit up.”

Mona waved to someone out of Thomas’ field of vision and moments later another set of small hands, belonging to a short blonde were helping her sit up. Her head spun again, almost causing her to deposit her lunch onto the floor. Once again she found a spot and stared until the feeling passed. She looked up and thanked Mona and then other girl for their help, then hung her head again fighting back the nausea.

Finally she was able to move her head carefully and got to take a good look around. The first detail she noticed was that the door was round instead of rectangular. ‘Looks like an air lock.’ She thought dully as the room flipped over again. Turning her head very slowly this time she took notice of the rather large window that dominated the wall opposite the door. “Is it just the three of us?” she asked.

“Yep, just you, me and Renee over there. So far anyhow.” Mona replied.

“Well judging from the size of the room, I’d say they’re planning on us having a lot of company eventually.” Thomas replied.

Looking down once again, Thomas finally realized the except for her boxers and the blanket that was wrapped around her shoulders, she was naked. Blushing profusely and unconsciously covering her breasts with her hands she asked “Did they leave me any clothes?”

Renee walked over with a bundle and handed it to her. “Th…thank you.” Tomas stuttered as she gratefully accepted the clothing. With a bit of help from the other two she managed to slip on the ill fitting uniform. Pulling at the waist band to keep the way to large pants from falling to the floor she said sarcastically “Well I guess this will teach me to keep my mouth shut.” The others gave her joke a quick smile. “How long have we been in here?”

Looking at the clock Renee replied “About four hours.”

“Has anyone come by the window since?”

“No.” Mona replied stifling a chill.

**********

Lauren Hutchinson stood at attention as the Major came out of his office to get her. After a quick salute he indicated for her to enter. He sat down behind his desk and without offering her a seat said “Report. How did the first induction go?”

“Well sir, it went reasonably well until on of the detainees questioned one of our procedures.”

“Yes, the incident at the uniform station? I saw it on the monitor. You did a fine job of handling it.”

“Thank you sir.” Lauren replied feeling a bit of disgust at the look of approval in her commanding officers (C.O) eyes. “I handled it the way you ordered us too sir.”

“Yes, I know. What was the offender’s name?”

“Logan, Sir. Thomas Logan.”

“She hasn’t taken a more feminine name like the others?”

“Not to my knowledge, Sir.”

“Hmmm. I think we’ll need to keep a close eye on Ms. Logan from here on. She could be trouble.”

“Yes sir. We’ll keep a close eye on her, Sir.”

“Very good. Anything else to report?”

“No Sir.”

“Okay. Tomorrow we have another group of…” he searched his desk for a moment, eventually finding the paper he was looking for. “Yes, we have another sixty five arriving tomorrow at 010:30hrs.”

“Yes sir, 010:30. We’ll be ready sir.”

“Good. Dismissed.”

Lauren saluted and left the room. Despite only a short time under his command, she was already beginning to have serious doubts about this man.

**********

10am Wed May 31
Acidalia release + 16days

Mia was already waiting in the conference room as the team members began to file in at just before ten. Behind her and off to the side a bit, stood a white erasable marker board with the number 421 written on it in black. At the stroke of ten Mia stood up and closed the door. She turned back to the assemblage and the crowd quieted down immediately. Sam’s monitor flickered on and she immediately spotted the board. “Mia? Is that the latest count?”

She looked over at the monitor, slightly annoyed at the interruption and said “Yes Sam, every morning that board will be updated with the latest count of known cases. Our jobs will be done when that number starts going down.”

That was the last interruption Mia allowed. She called each group one at a time to give their daily updates. Most of the groups had little or nothing new to report as one day’s was to little time to expect any kind of major break throws’. Sam’s team was the only one with anything positive to report.

“We have made some real progress on a quick detection method. The genetic markers Dr. Ryan found react well with several known proteins. We just need to see which one it reacts most consistently with and we should be good to go.” Laura reported. That brought a small bit of cheer to rest of the room

The last team update was just finishing up when Lt. Col. Tyler burst into the conference room and handed Dr. Blue a sheet of paper. Mia quickly scanned the sheet and gasped at what it said. Looking over at the Lt. Col. she asked “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes ma’am. The report was verified as soon as it was received.”

Mia’s mind rebelled against the information. “All of them?”

“Yes ma’am” was Tyler’s answer again. His polite attitude in the face of what he had just presented her made Mia want to explode. Realizing that loosing her temper would be counter productive at this time however allowed her to wrestle it down.

“Damn!” she said as her anger subsided. “Well thank you Tyler.” Taking that as his cue that it was alright to leave, he turned and headed out the door.

Mia turned back to her team. She cleared her throat as rescanned the information on the page to make sure it really said what she had read the first time. They looked at her expectantly. “I…I don’t really know how to say it…but here goes. According to Dr. William Batson over at City Hospital, yesterday morning the father of a new born baby was found to be infected by the Acidalia virus after he had been in the delivery room witnessing the birth of his son. The child was then tested for the virus and was found to be positive. The doctors then tested the other four infants in the nursery and found the other three boys to be positive also. The lone girl was found to be uninfected at this time.”

She took a minute to steal herself for what was still to come. “The infected infants were then quarantined and placed under constant observation.” A small sniffle escaped before she could stifle it. “T… Two…two of the four have died. The others aren’t expected to make it through the night.”

They all sat there too stunned to say anything. Laura’s mouth hung open like a trap door. Sam tried to think of something to say, but nothing would come out. The silence in the room seen to stretch on and on until broken by Dr. Greer. “I…I know this is going to sound cold, but are they going to be sending the bodies here for us to look over and a blood sample from the girl?” The women in the group looked at him in disgust. Seeing that this could turn ugly very quickly he added “I know it’s not what we would chose to do, but we need to find out why the babies died so we can hopefully prevent it from happening to others.”

Though the thought sickened her, Laura couldn’t disagree with the logic of his argument. He was right. They need whatever information the bodies might give them. Though there was now way she was going to have anything to do with the autopsy. Analyzing the samples would be hard enough.

“Dr. Ryan is right. As much as it disgusts us we must find out what specifically it was that killed the boys. Also there is one last note on here from Director Batson. In it he says that the entire staff over there seems to agree that the biggest problem was the amount of time it took to get a positive result. He pleads for a quicker detection method.” Mia informed the stoically. “So I guess that mean we all know what we need to get going on.” Looking first at the members in the room and then up at the monitor that displayed Sam’s image she continued “Sam, we’re counting on you and your team to get this done.”

Sam nodded her head and absently said “Yes.” After a moment of silence she added “Well then if your all set with the meeting, I need my team down here so we can get to work.”

And work they did. For the next three days not a single member of Sam’s team was seen anywhere outside the labs. The only time any one of them took off was during the daily meeting and that was more as case of Sam turning on the video feed in the isolation room and feeding the audio through the intercom, while everyone kept working. Finally after testing and retesting every know agent that reacted with the genetic markers until they were sure of the most accurate.

The following morning the meeting was held in the lab adjacent to where Sam was trapped. The entire staff, everyone from the primary researchers to the newest lab workers we required to attend. The feed for Sam was rerouted so that she could be there to help answer any questions. Dr. Ryan demonstrated the reliability, by using eight different blood samples, six of which were known to be infected.

From each individual sample he used a pipette to draw a small amount of blood and then he dripped the blood onto a microscope slide. Once that was accomplished he took an eyedropper filled with an amber colored liquid. After a few seconds all the infected traces turned a light blue color while the two uninfected samples remained unchanged.

When the test results all proved to be correct, he then went on to explain what exactly was in the test solution. “The best part of this test is that not only is the accuracy better than 90% it is simple to make the compound. We took the enzyme phosphilipase and suspended it in simple saline. The Phosphilipase reacts with genetic marker 3112.004, which we found to be present in both forms of the virus, turning the infected blood an easily detectable light blue color.”

After the demonstration was complete the packed lab erupted into a round of applauds. Morale had been steadily declining around the facility because of lack of progress on any front, making this an event to be enjoyed. Sam on her video feed panned the room watching her compatriot’s reactions. Eventually she spotted Laura standing alone in one corner. The look on her face echoed Sam’s own revulsion to the celebration. There was still way too much work to be done and the team’s reaction came off as slightly obscene to her. She wanted to scream at them, but somehow managed to bite her tongue.

********

She sat in the back of the room furiously scribbling into her note book. AS the celebration around her began to die down she finished writing and quickly stuffed the note pad into her lab coat. She couldn’t believe her luck. For the last six months she had been working at the lab, as a lab technician while simultaneously being employed as a reporter by channel 4 news in San Francisco. The news chief had come to her months ago with the idea of doing an undercover exposé of Grayson labs and now all the time she had spent on the story had just paid off.

As the room began to empty at the conclusion of the demonstration, she filed out with the rest of her group. She chatted amiably with her coworkers as she made her way back towards her work station. AS fate would have it today she would be working alone in the computer room analyzing the results of a sample comparison that she had started the day before. This would give her private uninterrupted access to the internet and email.

For the next several hours she worked on a summary report for the television station and uploading her notes onto the labs server so she could send the entire package out as a single bulk email. She ran the sample comparison several times to cover her time at the terminal. Finally everything was ready to be sent. She mentally began to compose her Pulitzer Prize acceptance speech as she waited for the server to conform the data upload. Several minutes later the upload completed and she picked up the phone next to her work station.

She waited impatiently for her real boss to pick up on the other end. Finally on the fifth ring it was. “News room,” was the greeting she received.

“Bob? It’s Jill. Look I don’t have a lot of time. I just uploaded the story of the decade to you. It’s on the stations email server as we speak. I want full credit on this one and I need you to get me out of here fright away,” she blathered.

“Whoa…slow down. What story?” Bob asked a bit confused.

There’s a bug that’s been going around the San Francisco area called Acidalia It was created and accidentally released buy someone here. Look, I have to get off the line. All the info is on the server. Remember I get full credit.” She reminded him as she hung up the phone.

*******

At the same time:

Col. Jordon was on the phone with Major Brady when Lt. Bridget Larson barged in without so much as even a knock on the door. Annoyed with the interruption he cupped the mouth piece on the phone, preparing to chew her out, when she shoved a piece of paper into his hand. “Sir, we have just traced a call from one of the extensions in the computer lab to channel 4 in San Francisco.”

“I have to go.” Jordon said into the phone and slammed it down on the receiver. Looking back up at the Lt., he said “Is security on the way down there?”

“Yes Sir. The culprit should be in custody in the next few minutes.”

“Good. I want whoever it is to be brought here as soon as they’re secured.”

“Yes Sir!” Larson said as she saluted and turned to leave.

******

Jill Davis put the receiver back on the hook and gathered the test results. She hurried out the computer labs door and walked right into the security team. Realizing she had been discovered she turned and tried to run, but a huge paw of a hand grabbed the back of her lab coats color. She was turned and pushed roughly into the nearest wall. She felt something being slipped over her wrists as her captor sarcastically asked “Going somewhere?” Before she could answer, a sharp pain shot through her wrists as the tywrap was tightened to the point of cutting off the blood supply to her hands.

The mountain sized security officer then spun her around and grabbed her roughly by the bicep. “Come on,” he said as he pushed her down the hallway “the Col. wants to see you.”

Not long afterwards she found herself in the former office of Sam Grayson facing a very upset Col. Jordon. Without preamble he said “I want to know what it was that you sent the television station.”

Trying to sound innocent she replied “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t sent anything anywhere. I’ve been in the computer lab running a test sample comparison program all day.”

Jordon hollered “Don’t lie to me! You’re in enough trouble as it is; don’t compound it by fuckin with me. We know you sent classified information to the press and under the containment orders I have from the president himself, I could have you shot right here for treason. Understand?”

Jill’s mouth went dry as Death Valley. She tried to speak but couldn’t get anything to come out. After several seconds she croaked “I…I want to speak to a lawyer.”

“Ms. Davis, this facility is under marshal law. I don’t have to let you see anyone!”

Her face dropped even more.

A small, wry, satisfied smile briefly crossed the Col’s face before the stern look returned. “Now are you going to tell me what I want to know?” Jill nodded her head and told him everything, as he knew she would.

*******

Laura walked into the isolation room and plunked herself down at the control board. She looked exhausted and dejected as knocked on the glass and picked up a head set. Sam seeing her walked over to the window and put her on as well. As she prepared to speak, Sam looked at her former assistant with tremendous concern. However before Sam could say a word Laura said “I just spoke with Mia. Jill Davis has been arrested.”

“For what?”

Letting out a loud sigh Laura replied “Apparently she contacted a television station and sent them everything she could on Acidalia.”

“Oh God!” Sam blurted. “Where is she now?”

“They took her to Col. Jordon’s office about twenty five minutes ago. Sam I’m really worried about her. You don’t think they would hurt her do you?”

“Laura, I…I just don’t know. I suppose it depends on how cooperative she is with them. But this is the military that we’re talking about and this is a crises situation…” Sam stopped mid sentence as she noticed Laura crying.

“Oh God Sam, wh…what have we done? How…how could something that was supposed to be so good cause so much harm? Wha…What the fuck have we done?” She wailed.

“Sam put her hand on the ten inch thick glass the separated her from her friend and despaired for not being able to comfort her. “I…I’m sorry you got dragged into this. If there was some way…”

“But there isn’t is there?” Laura screamed. “We fucked this one up good! And the only thing we can do now is try to slam Pandora’s Box shut again before the demons do too much damage! God help us. And what about poor Carla? What happened to her? Do you know? Have you heard anything from her since the FBI picked her up?”

“No. I did call Bill Batson, but he only knew that they took her and all his inquiries as to where went unanswered. Laura…”

“I know Sam. I know.”

****************

Bob Parker, head of the news department at KLTR in San Francisco, couldn’t believe what he was seeing. For the last hour and a half he had been going through the information that Jill had sent him. She had told him it was the story of the decade, but she had been wrong. It was the story of the century. For the last several days there had been a smattering of reports from various sources that there was some kind of new bug that had been making men sick. Jill’s report was going to blow the lid off of the whole thing.

‘A virus that turns men into women…unbelievable.” He thought to himself for what seemed the hundredth time. It just seemed so impossible. Yet all the evidence one could need was right there before him. From notes on the virus’ physical structure to the methods used to develop it. Enough material for day’s worth of headlines. ‘The ratings are gonna go through the roof!’ he thought greedily. Never once did he even consider the social ramifications of what he was planning to do.

He had already spoken to the stations owner Mr. Smithers. Who, in turn, had called the network. Who had called Bob, demanding access to everything he had on the story. Bob however hadn’t become head of the news department by accident, told the head of the network news that the story would be given to over only after his station broke it. After much haggling and wrangling an agreement was finally reached. The story was going to be his for the 5pm local news then it would be on the national feed at six.

Col. Jordon sat at his desk and rubbed his weary eyes. On his desk was his newly installed phone line that went directly to the President’s office. It had been there for less than twenty four hours and he had hoped to never need to use it. Fait however had other ideas. His orders for what to do about the press were clear, if not exactly rational. That and he wasn’t about to send a platoon of solders to a take over a civilian television station without alerting the president first. Letting out a deep sigh, he lifted the receiver and moments later were talking to President Fuller.

“Fuller.” The call was answered.

“Sir, this is Col. Jordon. We have a situation I need to run by you before we act sir.”

With an obvious air of irritation the President said “Go ahead Col. I’m listening.”

For the next ten minutes Fuller listened to Jordon tell him what had happened. His anger grew in direct proportion to his fear of what would happen if the truth got out. Finally he had heard enough. “Col. This can not get out. Do whatever it takes.”

“Sir?”

“Is that a problem Col.?”

“Well Sir, perhaps a personal call to the stations owner…an appeal to his humanity, might be more effective?”

The line went silent as Fuller considered Jordon’s suggestion. “Of course all other avenue’s will be explored, but I still want you send in a small platoon just in case. If for no other reason than to make sure that they don’t get on the air before we do.”

“Sir?”

This needs to be controlled. If the story must get out, we need to be the ones that send it. We need to have control over what is said. Also I’m going to get on the horn with Ted Baxter over at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and have the stations broadcast license temporarily revoked.”

Jordon Replied “Yes Sir. What ever it takes. They won’t get on the air before we do.”

“Good!” Fuller said as he slammed down the phone. After taking a moment to collect himself, President Fuller picked the phone back up. Hitting another extension he said “I think we’re going to need Dr. Ryson sooner than we had anticipated.”

********

3:37pm KLTR studios:

Bob Parkers phone was ringing off the hook. The network news people were really starting to drive him crazy with all their questions about the story. He was on the phone loosing patients with one when his secretary burst into his office. “Bob! Mr. Smithers is on line four. He needs to talk to you right away.”

Looking up Bob stuck up his index finger and turned back to the call he was on. “Look I got my station owner calling me. I have to go.” He said as he switched connections. “Mr. Smithers, what can I do for you sir?”

“I just got a call FCC head Baxter telling me you stations license has been revoked.”

“Our license?” Bob asked uncomprehendingly.

“Yes. It sounds to me like the feds got wind of our pending story and aren’t the least bit happy about it. How soon can you get on the air to break it?”

Bob glanced at the clock. “I’d say we can be on the air in about fifteen minute’s sir.”

“Get on it then before they can get a court order to shut the transmitter down!” Smithers said slamming down the phone.

Bob looked at the phone in his hand for a moment trying to comprehend what was happening. He had never stopped to consider that there might be people in the government that wouldn’t want this story to get out. Now however the full weight of the situation was clear. He picked the phone up again and hit the studio extension.

“Studio.”

“This is Parker. We need to get the Acidalia story out pronto. So get who ever we have for an anchor behind the desk and call me as soon as you ready!”

“Al…alright sir. We’ll get back to you in about ten minutes.”

“Good.” Bob replied hanging up.

Almost before the phone hit the receiver it rang again. “Parker.”

“Bob, you need to come to the lobby right now!” the receptionist said in a voice edged with panic.

“Karen, I’m really busy……”

“Bob, there a solders all around the building! You need to come down here…NOW!” she all but screamed.

Bob dropped the phone and hurried to the nearest window. He looked down and his blood turned cold. Every window showed the same view, solders. ”Shit” he muttered as ran back to his office. He grabbed the phone and called down to the news room. Before whomever it was that answered Bob hollered “We need to get that story on the air right fucken now! The fucken army has the building surrounded! I want a camera crew on the roof recording everything! You got me?”

“Y…Yes sir…Sir did you say the army…?”

“Yes!” Bob yelled and slammed down the phone.

**********

The phone rang for what seemed like the thousandth time in the last ten minutes. With a voice so filled with aggravation that it almost bordered on rage the man growled “This is Smithers, who is this!”

“Sir, please hold for the president.”

Normally unflappable Alex Smithers gulped and thought with a small laugh ‘Good thing it wasn’t him on the line to start with.’

“Fuller here. That you Smithers?”

“Mr. Presi…”

“Let’s skip the pleasantries, shall we? It’s come to my attention that you’re television station has stumbled upon something that I would personally prefer never got out. But that’s not reality anymore. So I’m calling you to that you delay the story until we can set up a press conference ourselves. So what’s it going to take?”

Smithers was dumb founded momentarily. He had no idea what to say.

“Are you still there?” Fuller asked.

“Yes Mr. President.”

“Well what’s it going to take?” Fuller asked again impatiently.

“Sir I can’t keep this from the people. It’s already been sent to the networks. They’re going to lead off with it at six.”

“We have already been in touch with the network’s owners. They have agreed to a 5:30pm press conference, so I can speak to the nation before the story goes public.”

“Ok. So why call me? The FCC, alred…”

“FCC?”

“Yes sir the FCC chairman called me twenty minutes ago and told me that KLTR’s license to operate had been suspended.”

“He did what? For Christ’s sake! That was going to be the last option not the first. Jesus! Could this situation get anymore screwed up?”

“Mr. President?”

“Look don’t worry about the license, I’ll take care of that. But to return to the subject, we need you to cooperate. Your station is an independent so the network can’t make you agree. Only you have the power to delay the story. In exchange for your cooperation I’m personally willing to give you exclusive time with the orchestrator of this disaster Dr. Carla Ryson.”

“Carla Ryson? The Carla Ryson? The former head of the genetics lab at California University in San Jose?”

“Yes.” Fuller replied a tad impatiently.

Smithers considered the offer for a moment. Then he said “Okay. We’ll hold the story until you make your announcement.”

“Good. My press secretary will be in touch tomorrow to arrange the interview.”

***************

KLTR studios

Bob Parker stood in the control booth waiting for the final details to be seen to, when Julie, one of the technicians, handed him the telephone. “Parker.”

“Parker, this is Mr. Smithers. Do not put the story on the air!”

“I’m sorry sir, can you repeat that? It’s very noisy in here. We’re just about to go live.”

“Parker!!! Do…”

The red light on the camera came on and the theme music came up. Wanda Maximov, normally the weekend anchor girl, took a deep breath, put on her best smile and waited for her cue. This was going to be her big break and she was determined not to blow it. She read over the script once again and looked up just as the director pointed at her.

**********

As soon as the afternoon soap opera went black in mid sentence, Col. Jordon made the call. Moments later the troops moved in. They rushed the doors and made there way, with deliberate speed to the news studio.

******

“What was that sir?” Parker asked again.

“Shut the broadcast off now!” Smithers screamed into the phone. “Shut it down!”

Parker looked at the phone confused for a moment. “Al…alright sir.” He stammered. He reached over to the kill button on the control board just as the assault force broke into the studio. They aimed their guns at the civilians.

“Everyone down! Now!” one of the solders ordered. “Shut those cameras off!”

Confusion reigned. There were people shouting everywhere. Wanda looked up from her script and let out a small yip. The solder assigned to covering her misunderstood her actions and let off around from his M16, catching her in the face. While the shooter remained hidden by the camera angle, everyone in the KLTR broadcast area was treated to the site of her head exploding like an over ripe melon just before the picture went black.

“Hold you fire!” the platoon commander shouted, a moment to late.

Bob looked out from the control room in horror after stopping the feed. From the phone dangling loosely from his hand, Mr. Smithers’ voice could be faintly heard. Bob dropped the phone and turned away from the grisly scene to wretch.

Down below in the studio the platoon commander walked over the solder that had fired and took his weapon from him. Another one took a small tarp covering a spare camera and put it over Wanda’s body. The entire production crew stood silently, afraid to so much as breathe.

Bob picked the phone back up and put it too his ear. “Mr.…Smithers? Ar…are you still there sir?” he numbly whispered into it. “W…Wanda’s dead sir. The army shot her.”

“They what?”

“Sh…shot her…sir…she’s dead.” Bob repeated trying to hold down whatever was left in his stomach.

Col. Jordon watched in horror as the scene unfolded on the television. He felt a sick kind of relief as the picture went black. This was a fuck up of major proportions. He was going to have the ass of whomever it was that had fired. The only thing it had going for it was that the entire platoon had somehow managed to stayed off camera. Only the people actually in the studio knew what had really happened and they would be detained until they understood that the Army had never been there. Deniability was the only thing that mattered now.

Grabbing the field radio he bellowed into it for the platoon leader to report. Moments later, before the report had even been completed, the white house line rang. He threw the radio across the room in disgust. Taking a moment to compose himself, Jordon for the second time today picked up the ringing phone and gave his report to the President. To say Fuller was not pleased was a vast understatement and he had every right not to be. Everyone knew that there were much darker days still on the horizon and the military was going to be asked to do things that wouldn’t sit well with many people. So to have things go this badly already was completely unacceptable. Heads were going to have to roll, internally at least. The President had concurred that denial of any responsibility was the best way to handle the situation.

Confirmed cases: 465

Actual cases: 781

End part II

Acidalia 3

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

TG Themes:

Age Regression

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Synopsis:

Things grow darker as the virus begins to spread

Synopsis:

Things grow darker as the virus begins to spread

Story:

Acidalia III
By Amanda D

At 5:30pm Ellie, formerly Elijah, Wolf sat in from of her television to watch the president’s address to the nation.

President Fuller “Good evening, and thank you for letting me into your homes this evening. I am here tonight to try to dispel some of the rumors surrounding the so-called Acidalia outbreak in the San Francisco area. Much of what has been reported thus far has been pure conjecture on the part of the various news outlets in the area.

“The first rumor that I would like to discuss is the one concerning the virus itself. I personally have seen reports saying it does everything from kill to cause nose bleeds. The truth is that Acidalia only effects men, and has caused some small mutations in their genetic structure, causing some to need hospitalization. But to our knowledge no one, I repeat, ‘no one’, has died from this virus. For those of you with family members that have been infected, I hope this brings you some small solace.

“There is, however, a prolonged period of contagion associated with this virus. To help combat further infection in the population, we have set up two sites to house the infected until this period has elapsed. The first is at the Dillon Army Medical center, located just out side Santa Marina. The other is the Reynolds Center located near San Quentin prison. Both of these facilities are under the strictest of security to protect those on the inside as well as those outside. If you have a loved one there, do not try to go there and see them. You will not be allowed inside. As soon as the contagion period has passed, they will be sent home to you.”

‘Acidalia? What the heck is that?’ she wondered as the President droned on in the background. She turned to her computer and looked up the word. After discarding the numerous references to the crater on Mars, she finally found a definition that seemed to fit the President’s meaning. Reading about the legendary pool coupled with what she had just learned about the infectious period was akin to a light being turned on inside her head. Suddenly she knew why God had blessed her so.

Getting up from her chair, she dialed her best friend Roger. Poor Roger was the saddest of Transsexual cases. Standing well over six feet tall, with broad shoulders, large feet and hands, and a face that could belong to nothing other than a man, his feminine desires, were mocking fantasies that could never be fulfilled. On the third ring his deep raspy voice answered with “Hello?”

“Hi Roger, or is it Sandra today?”

“Who is this?” he asked with a touch of indignation in his voice.

“It’s me, silly. Elijah!”

“Oh, hi, El. You sound different. Do you have a cold or something?”

“Ah, no. I need you come over. I have something I need to show you.”

“I got to go to work soon and I’m still dressed up, so can I come by later?”

“Roger my friend, what I have to show you is well worth calling in sick for. Now get yourself changed and get your butt over here!” she told him, hanging up the phone.

Once done, she turned to the picture of Jesus that hung on the wall above her computer desk, knelt down and said a long rambling prayer of thanks to God for blessing her and revealing his plan for her so quickly. From now on she would dedicate her life to changing those that desired to be. There would be no more needless mental anguish for the gender confused, if she had anything to say about it.

***********

“Thank you and goodnight.” After the red light on the camera went dark, President Fuller looked over at his press secretary Kerry Enrich and asked “Well? What do you think?”

“I think it’s the best we could have done in the time we had to do it in, Sir.” Enrich replied, as they left the White House Press Room for the privacy of the Oval office.

“Well that’s something, I suppose. Have you contacted Smithers about the Ryson interview? We’ll be naming her as the responsible party sometime in the middle of next week.”

“Yes Sir. I called him, but he was so upset about his anchor woman being shot and the missing station employees, that he hung up on me.”

“Shit!” Fuller cursed. “Did you at least have time to explain the situation to him?”

“Yes Sir. The Chief of Staff was on the line with us and spoke to him first. He made sure that Smithers knew the consequences of taking the accident public, Sir.”

“Good. And what about the production crew?”

“The ones that refused to cooperate have been taken to the security wing at San Quentin as Major Brady instructed.”

The mention of the Major’s name made Fuller grimace as he recalled the zeal with which Brady has promised him that the crew would never say a word about the incident once he was through talking with them. Brady’s reputation was well knownto top administration officials. However, hard times required hard men to help get everyone through them, and Brady was just such a man. So the administration would turn a blind eye to his dealings, at least until he went too far.

“Okay, and what are we saying about the shooting?”

“We’ve already put out a rumor about a terrorist attack. The beauty of the story is that it totally covers the army’s involvement. The rest of the media outlets in the area are eating it up. As for the station itself, we’ve got our people there making sure that they only play reruns for the rest of the night.”

“Good!” Fuller said flatly. Earlier, when everything had first happened, before he’d had any time to really think over today’s events, suppression and denial of the truth had seemed like the best possible course. Now, however, a bit of doubt was beginning to creep in. With a mental shrug he put his internal conflict aside. ‘In for a penny, in for a pound.’ he thought to himself. He was the President, it was part of his job to make hard decisions. He was just going to have to find a way to live with this one.

Refocusing on Enrich, Fuller said, “Before too long we’ll need a statement to come from someone high up at the station. I’d like it to be Smithers, so see what you can do.”

“Yes Sir. I’ll take care of it.” Enrich confirmed as he got up to leave.

“And Kerry?”

“Sir?”

“Make sure we control what ever it is that he winds up saying.” Kerry nodded and headed out the door.

**********

Forty five minutes later there was a knock on her door. After one last profuse thanking of God, she sprang up and ran to answer it. Looking through the security eye hole in the door, she spotted Roger’s hulking form waiting impatiently in the hall. Elli pulled open the door and greeted him with a hardy “Roger!!!! I’m so glad you decided to come!”

He looked at her confusedly. “Is Elijah here?” he asked.

Pulling him inside Ellie said “Roger, I’m Elijah.” He looked at her skeptically, wondering how this petite girl with waist length sandy blonde hair could be his old friend. Smiling at the look, she continued “Did you see the President’s speech today? The Acidalia virus?”

“Yeah,” he carefully replied.

“Well, I caught it last week! And look what it’s done for me!” Ellie pronounced as she twirled slowly around so he could see her from all sides.

“Bull shit!” he said in amazement.

“Nope. Not at all. Last week I got so sick I thought I was gonna die. When I came out of it I looked like this. God has blessed me, Rog. He’s also shown me why I was so blessed.” Taking his large hands in hers, Ellie pulled him towards the couch and sat him down. “Roger, God has told me that my mission is to help those like me, like us, like you. Will you let me help you?”

“How?”

“The virus is contagious. Stay with me so I can cause the change to happen to you. I’ll watch over you while you change and make sure you are as comfortable as I can. Once you’re transformed, the two of us can go and find others like us to help.”

“You’re serious? You can really change me, too?” he asked with tears of hope welling up in his eyes.

“God has shown me the way, my friend.” She said with a bright smile.

He was thoughtfully quiet for a moment, then said, “OK, I’ll stay.”

Her smile grew even brighter. “Good. You won’t regret it. I promise.”

*****

Thursday June 1
San Quentin Prison
Early morning:

Bob Parker sat naked and shivering in the darkness on the cold concrete floor of the holding cell. Several times in his news career he had come across a reporter who had been witness to a torture. Iraq, Iran, Somalia, even in Russia and some of the other former communist countries in Eastern Europe had been known to use nefarious methods, or so he had been told. Never in his life, and especially not in his own country, had he thought he would get a first hand look at the process, and most particularly not fro mthe victim’s viewpoint. In the last twelve hours, he had been beaten and abused in ways he never thought could happen in the US.

Bob had never considered himself a brave man. In high school he had done everything he could to avoid fighting, but the way the military had demanded his silence about what had really happened to poor Wanda had infuriated him beyond words. That fury was what had carried him through all that had been inflicted upon him since, though the last few hours, the anger had turned to hatred for the author of his pain, Major Craig Brady. While he didn’t believe that he was ever going to get away, and this troubled him terribly, he swore that if the opportunity presented itself, he would kill Brady.

He was also worried about the rest of his crew. He had not been alone in his refusal to cooperate. Tom Kelly, Frank Cho, Lillian Tremont and Harry Samuels had been taken along with him. Where they were now, was anyone’s guess. He prayed that they were safe and unharmed, but he knew better. Considering what he had been put through, Bob feared for Lillian the most. She was a good hearted older woman who had never purposely hurt anyone to his knowledge. To do to her what had been done to him would be an unforgivable sin.

Unexpected the lights sprang on, momentarily blinding him. When his vision cleared he saw Brady looking down on him. If he’d had even an ounce of strength left in his body, Bob would have lunged at him. However all he could do was glare at his tormentor.

“Still feisty huh? I got to tell you Bobby boy, I’m impressed. I honestly didn’t think you had it in you.” Brady said sarcastically. “Have you reconsidered your stance on signing that paper I left for you?”

Bob did his best to meet Brady’s stare, trying to show that he wasn’t going to be intimidated. When he had first arrived ,the object had been to keep him quiet about Wanda. In the last few hours the Major had also been trying to pin the murder in him and the others. So far Bob had resisted signing the confession that the military had prepared for him. “No.” Bob answered as defiantly has his wasted vocal cords would allow him too.

“Bob, you disappoint me. I thought for sure with a little time to think it over, you would have come to agree it was in everyone’s best interest for you to take the blame. Well my superiors want someone to blame, and I promised that you would do your patriotic duty and ‘fess up, but I guess you’re going to be stubborn.” Looking over his shoulder at someone Bob couldn’t see Brady said “What do you think Jose? Think you and your boys can get him to own up?”

“Heh. Yeah Major. By the time where done with him, he’ll confess to killing Lincoln if you want him to.”

Brady smiled and returned his attention to Bob. “Bobby boy, I’d like you to meet Jose Rivera. Jose and his crew have been in solitary confinement for the better part of the last three weeks for trying to start a riot here at lovely San Quentin, so they’re dying to play with something other than themselves.”

Brady paused to let Bob consider what was going to come next. “So this is what’s going to happen, Bobby. I’m going to ask you this one last time to cooperate and if you refuse, I’m gonna let these boys run a train on you. Understand?”

His resolve wavered momentarily as Bob realized what kind of train the Major was talking about. Struggling to keep his sudden failure of courage to himself, he yelled, “Go fuck yourself!” at his captor.

Brady smiled and said “No, Bob. It’s you that’s gonna get fucked. You were a very bad boy, Bobby. Taking all those nice people hostage and killing that poor woman. Frankly, I don’t know how you can live with yourself.”

Getting up, Brady continued to Jose “Have fun with him. Remember, there’s no need to be too gentle.” To the guard at the door. the Major ordered. “If he survives, have him taken to Reynolds and thrown in with the rest of the infected. I’ll have him listed as killed while trying to escape. along with the others, so no one will come looking for him.” As he left the room. Brady spatover his shoulder. “Enjoy yourself, Bobby. Hope to see you over at Reynolds later on.”

5:30Am Grayson Labs:

For the first time in what felt like days, Col. Charles Jordon slept. The stress of the last few days had finally overwhelmed him about 10:30 the previous night and he had simply crashed onto the couch in his office. Several times during the night Lt. Col. Gary Tyler had checked in on his superior officer and friend.

As he waited a moment and watched his friend sleep, Tyler felt a wave of pity wash over him. Charles Jordon had been one of his closest friends since the early 90’s, when they had met in Germany. Jordon had been a member of the USAMRID team that had been sent to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to look into possible causes of the so-called Gulf War Syndrome. Tyler had been on the staff team that worked in conjunction with them. At one point the lack of housing at the base had forced Jordon to bunk at Tyler’s residence.

After the research project concluded the two kept in touch, through email and the occasional phone call. Several times in the intervening years Jordon had petitioned to get Tyler into USAMRID, but he had never been successful for one reason or another. Eventually, however Jordon had been promoted to the head of the unit. His first action as the new commander was to get Tyler transferred and promoted to his second in command.

As it turned out, coming into USAMRID had been the best move of Tyler’s career. Along with rest of the team Jordon had assembled, they attacked their research with cold calculation and precision. For some time now it had seemed there was no bug they couldn’t conquer or at least contain.

Now, however things had changed. The research was still there, but the President had commissioned Jordon with an impossible task in asking him to contain Acidalia after it had already infected a portion of the general population. Every day since their arrival here, as the infection count continued to go up, Tyler saw his friend become more and more distant. Jordon had never failed in anything he had done before, but everyone seemed to sense the hopeless of the situation.

Letting out a deep sigh he stepped closer. He had done what he could to make sure the Col. had remained undisturbed, but now he had no other choice but to wake him. “Col. Sir?” Tyler said as he gently nudged at his long time friends shoulder. “Sir, you need to get up now.”

Rolling over and looking up sleepily Jordon said “Huh? Wha? Tyler? What time is it?”

“It’s 05:30 Sir.”

Pulling himself into a sitting and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes the Col. asked “What’s going on?”

“Well Sir, I just got off the line with Major Brady. He says that he was unable to get the TV people to cooperate and none of them survived the interrogation, Sir.”

Jordon looked Tyler with complete disgust, “All of them dead?”

“That’s what the Major said, Sir.”

“Shit. That careless son of a bitch! I told him we needed them unharmed. Get him back on the line and tell him I want him here to present his report to me personally at 14:30.”

“Yes Sir.” Tyler said but made no move to leave.

Standing up and stretching the Jordon asked “Is there something else?”

Yes Sir. Sir, the President’s Chief of Staff is still waiting for names to release to the media and with the Major’s inability to get any of his prisoners to admit their guilt, well we still need a scapegoat Sir.”

Sighing loudly Jordon walked over to his desk and opened a folder containing all the names of the news crew that had been present during the shooting. Beside each name was an assessment of each person’s willingness to go along with the cover up. He scanned down the list looking for a couple of names that had stood out to him the night before when he’d originally looked over the report.

Finally he found what he had been looking for and turned the folder so Tyler could see it. “These two. The report says they were very reluctant to agree to the cover story. Give the press their names and have the police get after them.”

Though his voice remained stony, Tyler could see the conflict raging behind the Col’s. eyes. Pulling out a pen and a small spiral note book, Tyler jotted down the names. When he was done, he put his things back into the appropriate pockets and looked back up at the Col.

“Was there anything else?” Jordon asked.

“No Sir.”

“Well, Dismissed then.” Jordon said curtly. Tyler snapped off a salute and left to carry out his orders.

Jordon sat down behind his desk and rubbed his temples. The headache that had been plaguing him since he arrived in California was coming back as fierce as ever. ‘And it’s only a quarter to six in the morning,’ he thought darkly as he reached for the bottle of Advil in his top drawer. He poured a half a dozen pills into his hand and swallowed them quickly without water..

As he waited for the medicine to take the edge off his pain, he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and wondered what he was going to do with Major Brady. His type was certainly useful in a situation like the one they were presently in, but killing four civilians while trying to extract a confession from them was something that could not be allowed to happen again. Somehow he had to be made to understand that. Jordon just wasn’t sure how he was going to do it.

Finding no answers to his problem tattooed on the back of his eyelids, the Col. leaned forward and turned on his computer. Once it completed booting, he went directly to his email to see what else he had missed during his attempt to get a few hours shuteye. The first one he opened was from Lt. Watson, who had become the official source for the infection tally. He grimaced as he saw the number of known cases had climbed to over 500 overnight. ‘Jesus, how are we ever going to keep this contained when every twelve hours the count jumps this much?’ he wondered to himself. To make matters even worse, the report ended with a comment the fifteen new cases had been found outside the state, including seven in New York City.

‘Oh God, not there, too.’ he bemoaned silently. Just yesterday evening several Los Angeles area hospitals had asked about shipping over sixty cases to either Reynolds or Dillon. The chief of Home Land Security had approved the transfer over Jordon’s objections, all the while assuring him that a quarantine center would be set up nearer to the city soon.

While that was all well and good, it wasn’t going to help the fact that Dillon was already reaching its capacity. Reynolds only had about a hundred infectees housed at the moment, a quarter of what it was design to hold, but would probably be filled to the breaking point before the end of June. If the virus continued to spread at its current rate, they were going to need a hell of a lot more than just one more facility near LA.

8am News KLTR San Francisco:

“Good morning. This is Terry Gates associate news director of KLTR. As many of you know, yesterday was a day of tragedy here at KLTR as one of our anchor people was brutally murdered on camera. We here at KLTR would like to send our most sincere condolences to the friends and family of Wanda Maximov. She was a good friend, a great employee and will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

We now ask for your help to track down the remaining members of the terrorist faction who perpetrated this horrible tragedy. For the next several days, before and after every commercial break, or util they have been captured, we will be showing the photographs you now see behind me, in an effort to capture the two men who managed to escape the military’s attempt to detain them yesterday. Police ask that anyone out there who has any information regarding these two suspects, to please call their tip line at 800-555-6127.”

Warren Quinlan’s, long time employee of KTLR, mouth hung open in horror as he saw his face and George Mathers’ on the screen. He couldn’t understand what was going on. They had both agreed to keep quiet yesterday. Why were they now being named as part of the group responsible? Didn’t they already have enough people on whom to place the blame? They had taken four of his coworker away already when they refused to cooperate. Choking down his mouthful of Cheerios, he got up and paced his small kitchen, trying to think of something to do. As he walked his circles, the sound of a siren going by his apartment building made him all but jump out of his skin.

His reaction to the sound was like a bolt of electricity going through him. Suddenly realizing the enormity of the situation, he bolted into his bed room and grabbed his phone book. Finding George’s number he misdialed it twice before getting it right. As the phone hit the third ring, George answered groggily.

“George, it’s Warren. Have you seen the news yet this morning?” Warren asked trying to suppress a rising tide of panic.

“No. I was sleeping until you woke me up!” George responded with an air of annoyance.

“Well you better get your ass out of bed, cause they just said that we were part of the group that attacked the station yesterday,” Warren shouted into the phone.

“They WHAT?”

“Terry was anchoring, and she just said that we were wanted for shooting Wanda.”

“No fucken’ way. We didn’t have anything to do with that. Christ, it was the fucken’ army …” George’s voice suddenly cut off in mid sentence as Warren heard a loud crash over the line. The sound was followed by a lot of shouting voices ordering George to drop the phone and to get on his knees.

Before he could say anything else into the phone, Warren heard a strange noise coming from his front hallway. Dropping the phone, he grabbed his wallet from the dresser and hopped out the bedroom window onto the fire escape. He got the window closed just as his front door exploded inward. He caught a quick glimpse of several policemen entering his apartment as he lunged toward the stairway.

Almost falling off the rusted metal stairs as he descended, Warren prayed that there would be nobody waiting in the alley below. Unfortunately his prayers went unanswered as a police officer came into view just as his feet hit the pavement. The bright side was that the cop didn’t seem to expect to find him there and was a second slow in drawing his weapon. This gave Warren the opportunity to rush him. With a shoulder block that would have made any NFL player proud, Warren sent the surprised officer sprawling. Wasting no time celebrating his good fortune, Warren hauled ass out of the alley and lost himself in the crowded street beyond.

City Hospital 11:30 am Director Batson’s office:
Conference call to inform local hospitals of the new test for Acidalia:

It had started out well enough, with all the hospital directors excited that a quicker detection method was going to be distributed at the beginning of next week if the clinical trail at County Memorial proved to be a successful as the labs tests had proven to be.
However the mood had quickly changed when Casey Greg of Homeland hospital brought up the question of health care worker safety in regards to the virus. Col. Jordon and Mia Blue had both tried their best to reassure the various directors that their concerns would be dealt with, and the containment suits for the doctors would be available soon.

“God Damn it Col. we need those containment suits now!” Bill Batson yelled having heard enough of what he thought was just placation from the two of them. “Six of my doctors have already tested positive for the infection and four more are refusing to treat any more cases until some kind of protective measures are put into place, and frankly, I don’t blame them!”

“Director, I assure you that the suits …”

“I don’t want your assurances, Col. I want my people protected. We have the second most cases in the state housed here after San Francisco General. We’re being overwhelmed, and I can’t afford to have my doctors getting sick too. If those suits aren’t here by this afternoon, I’m going to close this facility to any new patients and send them to Dillon!”

“Director, you know Dillon is only set up to house the contagious. It’s not a fully functioning hospital. Sending people there would be denying them proper care through the transition.”

“Then send me the damn suits you promised!” Bill yelled and slammed the phone down. ‘Damn bureaucrats!’ he thought to himself.

Director Batson felt as if he hadn’t slept a month. He and his staff had been quickly overwhelmed by the number of Acidalia cases flooding his emergency room. The entire fifth floor had become one large quarantine area. and it was rapidly becoming over crowded. Even with Dillon and Reynolds up and running, it was like shoveling against the tide. He had a meeting scheduled with some Homeland Security people this afternoon to discuss getting funds to convert the sixth floor too.

He was sure the new test was going to help. With the current one taking somewhere in the neighborhood three hours to complete, and the need to segregate any suspected cases, even some of the ones who had tested virus free were showing back up a few days later and testing positive the second time. It was all very frustrating. Instead of helping these poor people, they were actually contributing to the problem. ‘How long, he wondered, ‘will it be until testing for all men, everywhere is required?’ He hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but deep inside he knew better.

Grayson Labs:
“Sam I need to speak to you, please.” Mia said loudly into her headset trying to get the confined scientist’s attention. Sam had left her headset on the desk just inside the observation window, but looked up from what she was doing as she saw Mia waving her arms from outside.

Putting aside the test tube in her hand, Sam shuffled over the desk and put her headset on. “What’s up?” she asked wearily.

Mia took a moment to look Sam over, and was distressed to see how thin she was becoming. When she had first met Sam, Mia had despised her for her role in creating the problem they now faced. However after a few days of working alongside her, Mia had begun to understand how personally devastating the situation was to Sam. Like Laura, it seemed the long hours, the guilt of responsibility, and the long confinement were take a tremendous toll on this poor girl’s body. With concern in her voice Mia asked, “Sam, when was the last time you slept?”

With a wan smile, Sam replied, “Umm. I don’t really remember, to tell the truth.” Stifling a yawn she repeated, “So what’s up?”

Mia decided that being a mother hen about the sleep situation wasn’t going to get her anywhere so she let the subject drop for the moment. “We just got through with our call to the area hospital administrators about the new test.”

“How did it go?”

Mia rolled her eyes and said “It went well until your friend Bill Batson started in about wanting viral protection suits for his doctors. He even threatened to stop taking in patients if something wasn’t done soon.”

“Well if he went that far, then I would take him seriously. If there’s one thing I can tell you about Bill, it’s that he isn’t given to hyperbole.”

“His concern is well founded; we’ve received reports about male doctors becoming infected from just about every hospital that’s currently treating Acidalia patients. I’ve tried to get Jordon to get them some protection, but so far all I’ve got to show for my efforts is a broken finger nail from typing so much. However the Col. told me that he couldn’t allow any of the area hospitals to stop admitting infectees. Considering what’s already been done in the name of protecting the public, I’m concerned for your friend.”

“Why? What’s happened?”

“A lot. Most of it is classified, so I can’t talk about it. Things that I wish I didn’t have to know about. But being head of the research, I get updates on all aspects of the containment effort. I don’t think Director Batson realizes what the government is willing to do to eliminate this problem.”

“Things are going badly, I take it?” Mia didn’t respond, but the look in her eyes gave Sam the answer to her question, anyhow. Sam’s heart sank even lower at the thought of all the problems she had caused. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she lamented, “God, all I wanted to do was to find a way to get myself out of that damned chair! I never meant for any of this to happen. If I could, I would take it all back and sit in the thing contently for the rest of my life.”

Mia wanted nothing more than to find some way to comfort the crying girl, but no words came to her. Instead she sat and waited helplessly for the emotional storm to pass. After several minutes, it did and Sam looked back up at her, ”I…I’m sorry,” Sam sniffled “I didn’t mean to come apart like that.”

“Don’t worry about it. If it didn’t bother you, then I’d be concerned.”

Sam gave her a small nod of understanding and asked, “Has there been anymore word on the babies over at City?”

Letting out a deep sigh, Mia replied “The corpse of the first two arrived a couple hours ago. Dr Greer is doing the autopsy as we speak. We lost a third one, but the last one is still hanging in there. He’s going through the same change as the infected adults at this point. If he survives the next twenty or so hours then he should be through the worst of it. That’s a very big if, though.” Mia stopped and contemplated the baby’s chances, then quickly pushed the thought aside before she began crying herself. “Anyhow, we’ll have a better idea where we stand tomorrow afternoon.”

“Well, at least that’s something, I suppose.” Sam said gloomily. Changing the subject, she inquired, “Do you know where Laura is? I haven’t seen her at all today.”

“She’s at County Memorial with Dr. Ryan. They’re helping with Acidalia testing. They are comparing the results of the traditional test to the faster method. They’ll be there until tomorrow afternoon. If the test proves to be as accurate in the field as it did here, then we’ll start to distribute testing kits at the beginning of next week.”

Reynolds late afternoon:

It was almost fortyeight hours after their arrival before the medical staff came to check on their health status. Dr. Stanly waited out side the sealed room while her underlings performed interviews and gave physicals to Thomas, Mona, Renee and the newest addition to the group, Jo.

The physicals were done in the middle of the cell, in full view of everyone, with no consideration given to any reluctance the inmates may have to disrobing in front of each other. The four new women had turned almost purple with embarrassment at having to stand stark naked in from of each other for the duration of the exams. All had been left feeling slightly dirty over being fondled and groped in sensitive places that until a few days before, they didn’t have.

Thomas’ injuries were inspected thoroughly and she was found to be in very good shape considering the report they had received about the beating she had taken. Her head no longer spun when she moved, and her face showed only moderate bruising. In addition to those pleasant surprises, the vision in her left eye had returned to a semblance of normal. The spot on her stomach where she had been hit, however, continued to bother her. But in the end they were all pronounced to be healthy females. It seemed that even longstanding health problems, such as Jo’s diabetes, had disappeared along with their manhood.

The sense of humiliation was completed by the clumsy lessons in the proper use of tampons and pads. There was no psychological help of any kind offered, no emotional support to be found. They were given, to quote SGT. Joe Friday, “Just the facts, Ma’am.” It was at that point they all realized just what this place truly was, a prison. Though none of them had committed a single crime, or been convicted in a court of law, they were certainly being treated as if they had.

Just as the medical staff was gathering their gear and getting ready to depart, two guards came into the cell. They were literally dragging a man stripped down to just his boxers. He looked like he had gone fifteen rounds with Mike Tyson in his prime. Once again, with no regard for how the current occupants might feel about a full male being confined with them, the solders plunked him down in one of the far bunks and left him there. None of the medical personnel made a move to look him over. They simply finished gathering what they had brought with them and left with the solders.

Once the outsiders were gone, Thomas walked over to their new cell mate to get a look at him. He had curled himself into a fetal position and stared vacantly off into space. His face was swollen so badly that it was practically impossible to give a description of his features. His right eye was so blood shot that she couldn’t see any of the white. He had stitches over his left eye, in his top lip, and one of his ears looked like it had been sown back on. His nose was obviously broken, and his right cheek looked almost crushed. Several of his teeth were missing, too.

That was just the beginning of his injuries. Both of his hands appeared to be broken. He had several lacerations on his chest and a lot more on his back. His right knee was the size of a grapefruit, with the left only slightly smaller. The blood stains on the back part of his boxers made Thomas queasy, just thinking about how they could have gotten there. Reassessing his earlier impression, Thomas decided that he looked more like the victim of an extremely brutal rape than he did a boxer who had lost a fight.

Thomas tried to ask the poor man his name several times and was met with silence after each attempt. To be honest, there was no way to know if he was even aware that there was anyone else in the room with him. There was really nothing that could be done for this poor soul, so Thomas gently lifted his head and slipped a pillow under it, trying to make him comfortable.

Mona came over and gasped after getting a good look at the man’s injuries. Not really expecting an answer, she asked, “How could anyone do this to another human being?”

“I think the more important question is why was he left here with us?” Jo stated.

“That’s easy. He’s here because some wanted him to disappear. Putting him with us is just the easiest way to do that. No one is going to be visiting any of us, and after a few days breathing the same air he’ll change the same way we did. Then no one will know who he was. He’ll be just another victim of this virus, just like the rest of us,” Thomas said flatly. “Let’s face facts; the chances of any of us ever leaving here are very slim. The way they’ve treated us so far, makes me believe that to the outside world we’re dead already.”

The three others all tried to come up with arguments to Thomas’ statement but found not a single one that sounded like anything more than wishful thinking. Jo opened her mouth, then shut it again, her argument dying before ever being born. She shuffled over to her bed and sat heavily upon it. With tears running down her round cheeks she wailed “Oh God. How can this be happening? It’s not fair!”

Renee went over and put a consoling arm around Jo. “Shhh. Everything’s going to be alright.”

“How … How can you say that? Look at us! Where we are. How is everything going to be ok? I … I just want to go back home and see my wife. I mi … I miss her so much.” Jo cried. For the next several minutes Jo’s body shuddered with emotion as she continued to let it all out. Renee and Mona sat and cried with her the entire time, showing Jo that she was far from alone in her misery.

Thomas stood next to the man’s bed trying like hell to hold her own tears in check. She too, missed Yvonne and the kids terribly, and would gladly sell her soul to have even just another hour with them. She knew that this was never going to happen, however, and refused to give anyone that might be watching the pleasure of seeing her cry.

**********

Craig Brady sat behind his desk watching the scene over the security feed on his computer. He had taken a keen interest in what went on in cell #3554. He was simultaneously angered and enticed by the challenge of breaking Thomas Logan. He took her refusal to take a more feminine name and act submissively as a personal affront to his authority.

Brady had been in a foul mood ever since getting chewed out by Col. Jordon earlier this afternoon. He had known it was coming, but it still pissed him off. Who was the old man to ask him to do the dirty work, and then question his methods? The fact that had lied about what had really happened to the prisoners was irrelevant. Three of them were dead, sure enough, but they hadn’t died as a result of their interrogations. Quite the opposite. It had been their refusal to do as he wanted that had led him to lose his temper and kill them himself.

He was delighted that Parker had survived, though. He considered putting him in Logan’s cell a stroke of genius on his part. The effect Parker’s presence had had on those in the cell was just what he had hoped for. Seeing the three others blubber away while Logan fought to contain her emotions was almost enough to put him back into a good mood. Almost, but not quite. Seeing her wallowing in self-pity along with the others would be a step in the right direction.

What would really set his mood straight would be some quality time with, what to his mind, was quickly becoming his raven haired adversary. He dreamed of ways that he could break this new woman. If left to his druthers, the things that could be done to break a woman would leave him feeling fulfilled regardless of this mission’s outcome. However that would never happen. He had no desire to become infected, as any exposure to her would cause, so he had to be content with watching and allowing others to do his dirty work for him, but oh, how he dreamed!

*****
Friday June 2 8:30 am EDT

Carla Ryson sat quietly as the government chartered private plane made its descent towards Washington D.C. With her wrists and ankles bound, she looked around at the federal agents surrounding her, wondering how she had ever gotten herself into this predicament. All she had wanted to do was help cure poor Brian’s cancer, and Sam’s retrovirus hadseemed like a dream come true. Now, that dream had become a nightmare. Brian had taken sick a week after the treatment, while visiting Carla. She had brought him to the hospital, refusing to leave his side until federal agents came into his room, saying she was under arrest. At first, she had refused to leave, demanding to speak with her lawyer. Eventually, the agent in charge lost his patience with her and had literally dragged her out of the hospital. She hadn’t seen or heard a word about Brian since.

From the hospital she had been driven to San Francisco, where she had been questioned for hours on end about something they called Acidalia. No mater how many times she told them she had no idea what they were talking about, they refused to believe her. During the interrogation, she had once again demanded to have a lawyer present, and had been refused. Her complaints about civil rights violations had been met with either amusement, or were outright ignored. Eventually, she had refused to speak to her persecutors any more, which at the time, had seemed a good course of action.

However it had turned out to be her worst mistake yet. Apparently fed up with her silence, the FBI had turned her over to the military and the demon that called himself Brady. She had been brought to San Quentin Prison and locked away by herself for several hours. The thought of being in a men’s prison alone, terrified her, but when Brady came to visit, she learned the true meaning of terror. He had her stripped to her underwear and then paraded her through several cellblocks, all the while threatening to leave her completely stripped and alone for the prisoners to do with as they pleased.

Despite his threat, the combination of fear and anger gave her the strength to continue to refuse his demands. That was when things had become very serious. He had her strapped to a chair. Then they began to work her over with a knife and another device that would give her an electrical shock each time it touched her skin. all the while continuing to demand that she confess to being responsible for the release of some virus of which she had no knowledge.

Finally it became too much for her to bear, and with him holding the knife to the front of her neck, she’d relented. She’d agreed to say anything they wanted of her. She had been broken so completely that she would have sat still while they slit her throat if they had asked.

After signing everything they had insisted on, she had been taken to a small dark cell and left there, sans clothes, for who knows how many days. It had been terribly cold in there since all she had to cover herself with was a small blanket, and food came only when they felt like giving to her, or so it seemed. Then this morning they’d pulled her out of there, patched her up, got her dressed and threw her onto the plane she was now in.

The plane was given top priority and landed quickly, then taxied to a deserted hanger at Dulles airport. As soon as they were stopped, the agent closest to her, pulled Carla up and began pushing her towards the exit. After reaching the bottom of the stairway attached to the plane, she was shoved into a dark colored Suburban and whisked away.

A couple miles down the road Carla finally worked up the nerve to ask the agent sitting next to her, “Where are you taking me?”

He glanced over at her but said nothing. Under normal circumstances, Carla would have been in his face demanding an answer, but after her experiences with Brady, she just couldn’t work up the guts. So she sat there and stewed over her inability to act. That was the worst part of this whole thing, in her mind, anyhow. The fact that she had been so cowed by what had been done to her that she lacked the ability to even stand up for herself anymore.

About an hour later they arrived at the Marine base in Quantico Va. Once again looking over at the man next to her she asked “Why are we here?” Once again there was no reply. Once they were through the main gate, they were joined by a military Humvee and the two vehicles drove towards the far side of the base before stopping at a simple wood framed building, basically in the middle of nowhere.

Upon seeing where she was, it was all Carla could do to hold her water. This remote location, with no one around to see to her safety, made her hackles stand on end. It reminded her too much of being alone with Brady. She was so shaken that she could barely stand after she was pulled from the truck.

Two of the large men from the truck literally held her upright as they waited in front of the Suburban. “Is this her?” Carla heard a man ask from behind her somewhere. She turned her head to see a stocky man of Indian looking descent in a military uniform walking towards where the three of them stood.

“Yes Sir,” The FBI agent to her right answered.

“Well then, thank you for delivering her. We’ll take it from here,” he told the FBI agents dismissively.

“Sir, our instructions were to stay with the prisoner.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass what your orders were. I said we will take care of it from here.”

The FBI man looked tentative as two military police (MP) stepped towards them. At first, it looked like they weren’t going to let Carla go, but after a moment’s hesitation, they handed her over. With that done, they walked back to the Suburban and got in.

“Dr. Ryson, I’m Col. Robert Sa’heed. I’m the commander of this facility.” Much to her disappointment, Carla found herself too petrified to any more than just nod. The Col. looked at her for a moment, feeling a small prick of curiosity at the meekness of her reaction. Everything he had read about her, after he was informed that she would be staying on the base, had led him to believe that this was a strong willed firecracker of a woman. He briefly wondered what had happened to her to make so scared. With an internal shrug, he motioned towards the door and said, “Shall we?”

Her head was spinning with fear and confusion as the MP’s helped her through the open doorway. Visions of another military torture chamber filled her head but to her surprise there was just a single female solder waiting inside for her. She looked up as they entered, stood and saluted as she recognized who was coming in.

“Dr Ryson, this is SGT. Masterson. She will be your day guard. If you behave for her, you will be treated fairly. If you choose to make things difficult, she has permission to make your time here miserable. Do you understand?” the Col. asked.

Carla nodded meekly.

“Good. SGT?” Sa’heed said, indicating for Masterson to take charge of Carla.

“Very Sir. Ma’am if you’ll step this way?” the solder said to Carla pointing toward the cell that took up the majority of the small building.

Carla stepped forward and unsteadily walked through the open cage door. Once inside, she sat at the far end of the bed supplied for her as the SGT closed the bared door.

With a quick salute, the Col. walked back outside with the two MP’s. “The two of you will guard the door. No one goes in there without my permission. Understand? Not even the two of you, unless the SGT. request your help.”

“Yes Sir,” they replied in unison.

After another salute, the Col. walked back to the waiting Humvee. Settling into the passenger’s seat, Sa’heed picked up the mobile phone as his driver turned the vehicle around for the long drive back to central area of the base. He dialed his office and got his civilian assistant, “Phyllis? Would you have Lt. Granger gethold of someone in command over at Grayson and have him request a full report on Dr. Carla Ryson? I need to know who’s been handling her until she was transferred, and what she’s been through.”

*********

San Francisco KLTR noon time news report:

“Good afternoon. Our top story this hour continues to be the massive region wide man hunt for suspected domestic terrorist Warren Quinlan. Quinlan, as you may remember, is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting death of KLTR anchor woman Wanda Maximov. Local police, in conjunction with federal authorities, have been diligently following up on all leads in the case, but thus far Quinlan remains at large.

“Yesterday his accomplice George Mathers was apprehended in a daring early morning raid on the apartment he was known to live in. Local authorities confirm that Mathers’ has been cooperating with their efforts to bring Quinlan in. Working from information supplied by Mathers, police have been canvassing several of Quinlan’s known hangouts.”

“In other news, the chief of Homeland Security, Harris Skellington has announced the apprehension of the woman suspected of releasing the Acidalia virus in the Bay area, Dr. Carla Ryson. While no details were given as to where she was being held, Director Skellington confirmed that federal agents are questioning Dr. Ryson at this time, and once they are finished, there would be a press briefing.’

“Locally: Police are still investigating the early morning break-ins at several area pharmacies. No cash was taken, but several boxes of various antiviral agents were stolen. The theft of these items will only compound the quickly growing area shortage of such items. Federal authorities have put out a warning that the hoarding of such items will not be tolerated. Anyone caught with large supplies or illegally selling these medications will be subject to federal prosecution, a spokesperson was quoted as saying.”

“Internationally: President Fuller today issued a statement of disappointment over French President Marques Rogue’s decision to quarantine Pan Am flight 911 this morning. The given reason was because the flight had originated at San Francisco International, and there was no way to tell if any aboard were infected with Acidalia.

“In a statement made during an inspection of the soon to be completed viral containment wing at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C., President Fuller was quoted as saying, “This administration will not look favorably on any country that discriminates against our citizens because of a minor outbreak of this virus. Any country, friend or other wise, should think twice before taking any kind of similar actions.””

Ellie’d had enough of the news and turned off the television. She got off the couch and walked into her bedroom to check on Roger. In the last few hours he had begun to feel quite ill. While she knew this was the first step in the viral induced transformation that she had experienced, she had pledged to make sure he was as comfortable as the situation would allow.

She found him with the blanket pulled up to his chin, shivering and sweating at the same time. He looked ghostly pale and miserable, with his flushed cheeks, glassy eyes and running nose. Stepping over a pile of clothes, she took a seat on the bed next to him and put the back of her hand against his forehead. He felt hot to the touch. “Oh, Sweetie, you’re burning up. Would you like some aspirin?” she asked, knowing it wouldn’t have any physical effect, but hoping that it would help him psychologically.

He looked at her and replied though chattering teeth “Y … yes th … thank you. That would b … be wonderful.”

“OK, sweetie, I’ll be right back. Ellie hurried into the bathroom and said a quick prayer for Roger as she grabbed the bottle of pills and a glass of water. She scurried back into the room and helped him into somewhat of a sitting position. Once positioned a bit more upright Roger, was wracked by a fit of coughing.

Ellie waited patiently for it to pass, then handed him a three pills. Roger put them in his mouth and gagged as he tried to choke them down. When he was ready, Ellie handed him the water glass and watched as he used it to wash down the pills.

Handing her back the cup, he rasped “Thank you.”

Smiling sweetly, Ellie replied “My pleasure. Did you have enough water, or would you like some more?”

“I’m all set, thank you.”

Setting the empty glass down on the night table she asked “Would you like me to sit with you for a while until you fall asleep?”

“Yes please. My goodness Elij … err … I mean … Ellie, is this how it felt for you?”

“I’m sorry, Sweetie, but yes. As a matter of fact, this is only the beginning. It will get a lot worse before it gets better, I’m afraid. But trust in God, my friend, and he will see you through.”

After a moment of silence went by Roger joked “Y … you know, Y … y … you h … have a horrible b … bedside m … manner.”

Giving him a mock stern look, Ellie playfully slapped at his shoulder, then took a seat on the edge of the bed. She gently stroked Roger’s hair as they absently watched television for a while. “Are you still going to use Sandra as your name once you change?” she asked him during a commercial break.

Looking at her sleepily, Roger replied “No. I was actually thinking of something different.”

“Oh yeah? Like what?”

“I … I was thinking that I’ve always liked the name Nicole. Wha … What do you think?”

She looked him over for a moment considering. “Yes,” she said. “I think that name would fit you perfectly.

Roger smiled at his friend. “Good. I really like the name a lot.” He yawned loudly.

“You tired now?” Ellie asked him.

“Yes. Very.”

Getting up from the bed and leaning over to kiss his warm forehead, she said “Well then, sleep well, Nicole. I’ll be in the other room if you need anything sweetie.”

“Thank you again,” Nicole said to her.

“For what, Sweetie?”

“For being here with me.”

“Oh Nikki, it’s my pleasure. Now get some sleep,” she said with a tear in her eye.

Nicole rolled over and Ellie stood and watched until she was sure her friend was asleep. Once positive, Ellie went back into the living room and kneeled down in front the small statue of Jesus and prayed again for her friend’s safe transition into womanhood.

**********

County Memorial Hospital:

Jack Ryan was exhausted and agitated. For better than twenty four hours he, along with Laura Wayne had been testing and retesting blood samples at County Memorial hospital, in an effort to determine the effectiveness of the Acidalia test the he had developed. An hour ago he’d finally convinced her to go get some sleep while he waited for the computer to finish compiling the results.

Now sitting in the lab looking over the results of the comparison, he found himself becoming despondent over the results. In the lab at Grayson, the test had been about 97% effective. Here, in a real life test, however, the effectiveness had dropped to about 70%. To make matters even worse, it seemed to have a tremendous issue with the Rh factor in type A/B negative blood.

He scowled at the printout the paper on the desk in disgust and leaned back in the chair. ‘How could I have been so wrong?’ he wondered as he rubbed his tired eyes. Ryan wasn’t used to being wrong, and was embarrassed at his test having failed so miserably. He thrummed his fingers on the desk as he considered what to do next. To him, there was nothing short of his reputation at stake. After a few more moments of consideration, he reached for the computer and began to type.

Confirmed cases: 570
Actual cases:927
End part III

Notes:

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Acidalia 4

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Synopsis:

The Eastern out break begins

Synopsis:

The Eastern out break begins

Story:

Acidalia IV
By Amanda D

Sunday June 4 10:30 Pm
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Providence RI.

Dr. Roosevelt Grant rushed into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), looked over at the nurses’ station and found Dr. Greg Khin waiting for him. “I got your page from my service and got here as fast as I could. What’s the big emergency?”

“Your patient in room three, the McCoy kid from South Boston …”

“The car accident kid?”

“Yes that’s one. His condition has …changed.” Khin said with a concerned look on his coffee colored face. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I thought you should go in and see for yourself.”

“What do you mean changed?”

“I …I don’t really don’t know how to explain it. It would be easier if you just saw for yourself.”

Pulling his fellow doctor into the room by the arm, Grant said, “Show me what you’re talking about.”

As Kihn walked over to the patient’s bed, Roosevelt noticed a couple of problems right away. The boy was sweating profusely and he was as pale as the sheets he lay on. The boy’s lack of response to their presence also concerned him. Turning back to Dr. Khin, he asked “When did this start? Have you checked the incision for infection?”

“His fever started about two this afternoon. We initially assumed the sweating and shivering, was just a by product of the increased body temperature. As time went on, he developed a hacking cough and began vomiting quite a bit. The shift doctor gave him the standard meds for his symptoms and according to his report, they seemed to help to some extent, at least at first.

Unfortunately, it was only a short term solution. Eventually his temperature spiked and began to climb again. The nursing staff has been monitoring his condition all day. Sadly as time has passed he’s become increasingly unresponsive to stimuli. If he continues to deteriorate at this pace, I’d say his chances of making it aren’t very good.”

“He’s been going down hill all day long and you waited until now to call me?” Grant asked irritatedly. “I’m his attending; you should have informed me about this hours ago!”

“Hey, I only came on a short while ago. Dr. Green was here all day.” Khin said defensively. “I was doing my rounds when Wendy came to me and insisted I look in on the boy. She was in to checking on him a little while ago and noticed that his chest looked strange. I took a peek to see what had her so upset and that’s when I had you paged. I only got the back story by reading Green’s notes as I was waiting for you.” Khin opened the patient’s shirt as he spoke.

Dr. Grant opened his mouth to respond but the sight before him temporarily robbed him of his voice. After doing a double take, he stepped closer to make sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him. He reached his hand out to feel the small lumps and was surprised to find them supple, instead of hard like tumors would have been. “Are …are those breasts?” he asked disbelievingly. He quickly pulled his hand back, feeling slightly embarrassed for having groped the boy as he had.

Khin nodded. “That’s what they appear to be.”

Dr. Grant stood and stared at his patient for several minutes, trying to figure out how a boy could be growing breasts. He mentally ticked off the few possibilities, such as steroid and hormone use, but disregarded then as he scanned the boys chart. Perplexed he asked “Do we know if there been any other physical changes?”

“We … umm … thought it would be best if you were here before we gave him a thorough physical.”

“I can understand that.” Grant was still marveling. “Let’s get to it shall we?”

The two doctors proceeded to check the boy over from head to toe. Breaking out a tape measure, they noted the he was approximately two inches shorter than his admission chart had him listed as, and his hair was growing at such an incredible rate that they could see it lengthen if they watched long enough. They noticed several other changes, including the odd shape on his hips and the small size of his penis. The nurse in the room with them cataloged all the physical discrepancies they found. on the boy’s chart.

“What do you think?” Khin asked as they finished the exam.

“I don’t have the slightest clue what to make of it. These changes should be impossible as far as I know. Stay here and keep an eye on him for me, please. I want to do some research in the exotic disease catalog. See if there’s anything there like this.”

“Rosey, don’t you think we should have heard of anything that could do this to someone, no matter how obscure?”

“I don’t think I’ll find anything either. But if we don’t at least look, we’ll never know for sure.”

Grant went to the hospital’s medical library’s computer and began to search the database for any disease with similar symptoms. After two hours of fruitless research he threw his hands in the air in disgust. Even though he hadn’t expected to find the answer, he was still disappointed. Out of local options and patients, he turned to the Internet.

His first thought was to access the Boston area hospitals computer ring to see if there were any others with similar symptoms. He found four that seemed close, but no information was available as to the cause of their affliction. He made some calls to the hospitals on the list, but their doctors had no more clues as to what was up as he did.

Hanging up after speaking with the last of them, he decided to extend his search further. Dr Grant posted the list of symptoms on a nation wide site design for the sharing of medical information. Much to his surprise, less than five minutes after he posted it, the site notified him of an emailed response.

Exiting the site, he opened his email and located the message, finding it had come from a William Batson, Director of City Hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area. The message was quite lengthy and fill with claims that frankly astounded him. When he finished he let out a deep sigh, attempting to ward off the chill that was working its way up his spine. Finally he shook his head, picked up the phone and called up to the ICU.

“Wendy? This is Dr. Grant; I need you to inform everyone to stay out of the McCoy kid’s room right away. Unless he goes into arrest, absolutely no one is to go in there until I get up there. Understand? Good. I’ll be there as soon as possible, but I need to make a call first.”

That accomplished, he hung up and dialed the phone number in the message. Shortly thereafter, he was talking to Director Batson. They talked for the better part of an hour, as Batson gave Grant the entire story of the virus. At first, Grant refused to believe what he was hearing, but the longer the two talked, the more Grant became convinced the impossible tale was true.

“I’m going to email you all the information we have on this, including the formula for the newest test that’s been developed. According to the data I have, it’s easy to administer, and all but fool proof. Once your lab prepares it, you should know whether you’ve got a case or not, very quickly.”

“That’s good news. We need to know what’s going on as soon as possible. Thank you for all your help, Dr. Batson. I don’t know what we would have done without it, and I’ll be looking for that email.”

“Well good luck, and let me know what you’ve got back there.”

“I will.”

After hanging up, Grant took a few moments to get him self composed and process what he had just learned as he waited for Batson’s email to arrive. It didn’t seem possible for a virus to physically transform a person. All his education and medical training screamed that there was just no way. However the evidence of his eyes showed it was.

The ding of his computer’s email notification brought him back to reality. He scanned the information and quickly forwarded it to the director’s office with a brief summery of his conversation with Batson and instructions to have the lab get working on formulating the test.

Getting up from his desk, he left his office and headed for the elevators, still trying to come to terms with the truth. As he waited he caught his pale reflection in the shiny steel like elevator doors. He stared at it vacantly, lost in thought until they opened.

Reaching the ICU floor, Grant headed toward the nurse’s desk. Khin and a couple duty nurses of were standing around it having an animated conversation. Their discussion ceased as they saw Grant coming down the hallway. While Grant was still several feet away, Dr Khin asked “What did you find out?”

“We’ve got a major problem. We need to keep him away from everyone, especially the men in the hospital.”

“Why? What’d did you find out?”

“I just got off the phone with a Bill Batson, the director of City Hospital in San Francisco. His hospital was one of the first to deal with the Acidalia virus …”

“The one the President was talking about the other night?” Khin asked.

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“I thought it was contained on the West Coast.”

“That was what everyone believed until now. Director Batson emailed me the instructions for making the newest test for the virus. He said it’s easy enough to mix up, and according to what he’s been told, it’s extremely accurate. I sent the instructions off with the memo to Roger.

“Until we know for sure if he has the virus, we need keep him isolated and only allow women into the room. I also asked for someone get a hold of Jenny Fisk, and see if she would be willing to come and be the one to go into the room with him to administer and oversee the test.”

“Is it safe for her?”

“According to what’s known about the virus so far, it only affects men, so she’ll be safer than either of us. Plus, there isn’t anyone more qualified to deal with this type of thing.”

*******************

Dr. Jennifer Fisk, the foremost expert in the New England region on childhood viral infections, was on her way home to Boston when her cell phone rang. She grimaced as she looked and saw it was the hospital calling her. She had just finished a long day of working between Hasbro and Boston Children’s hospitals, and was looking forward to a quick meal and some serious time with her pillow.

She momentarily considered letting the voice mail get it, but her sense of responsibility to her patients wouldn’t allow it. Letting out a deep sigh she answered “Dr. Fisk speaking.”

“Jennifer? It’s Frank Rogers.”

“Oh, hey, Frank. What’s up?” she asked, suddenly very concerned. If the director of the hospital was up and calling at three in the morning, what ever was wrong had to be very bad indeed.

“We have a situation here and need you to come back if you can.”

“Roger, I just got off a double shift and I’m beat. Can’t what ever it is wait til later this morning?”

“I’m afraid not Jen. This problem is right up your alley. Dr. Grant believes we may have a young man in the ICU that’s been infected with the Acidalia virus and requests your help in testing the boy.”

“Acidalia? Here? How?”

“We don’t know. We’re not even sure if it is Acidalia. We’ve just received instructions on the testing method, but in the meantime, we need to keep the boy quarantined. That means if you agree to help, you may be stuck here for a while.”

“I’m on I95 right now. I’ll spin around at the next exit and head back that way. Give me about half an hour, OK?”

“Whatever it takes, Jen. Thank you.”

“I’ll see you then,” she said, disconnected. Ever since the president’s speech she had been dreading the first appearance of the virus in this area. She had spent as much time as she could over the last several days reading what little information there was on the disease. Seeing an exit coming up, she turned off the highway and started heading south towards Providence, a cold knot of fear beginning to tighten in her stomach.
***********

Grayson Labs:

The phone was ringing off the hook in Colonel Jordon’s office. Pulling himself off the couch, he shuffled across the room towards his desk, trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. As he took a seat, Jordon glanced at the clock. ‘Midnight? This can’t be good news if they’re calling at this time,’ he thought darkly as he reached for the lamp on the desk. He grimaced as the light stung his eyes.

“Jordon here.” He answered a bit more gruffly than he had intended.

“Colonel? This is Bill Batson.” The Director said sounding a bit edgy.

‘Wonderful!’ Jordon thought as he heard the name.

Things had been strained between the two of them since Batson had closed his hospital to Acidalia patients on Saturday in protest of not having viral containment suits for his doctors. The boycott had gone on for several tense hours. At one point the president was ready to order him to take the hospital by force. However military action was avoided when Tyler managed to locate a supply of the suits in the late afternoon. By Saturday night the situation had resolved itself when the promised suits were delivered shortly after seven. Things between the two men had been strained since, as the Colonel resented having been put on the spot in that manor.

Rolling his eyes and biting his tongue, Jordon replied, “Yes Director, what can I do for you?”

“Colonel I just got off the phone with a Dr. Grant from Providence RI. He believes that they have an Acidalia case at their hospital.”

“Director, we’ve had small pockets of cases reported from other parts of the country. Why does this particular case warrant a midnight wake up call?”

“Because Dr. Grant works at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.”

“A children’s hospital?” Jordon repeated. “Oh God.” Visions of irate parents and an even more pissed off President danced through his head as he asked, “What kind of containment have they implemented?”

“They have only minimal containment available, but they’ve quarantined the floor the patient is on. The disturbing part is that the boy was brought in by ambulance two nights ago. He was in a serious car accident. So he has not only exposed the people on the floor he is staying on, but the ambulance crew, anyone that was in the emergency room, the surgeon and operating room staff, and the recovery room. I don’t even want to think about how many rubberneckers and gawkers were around the accident site. Never mind where he contracted it in the first place.”

Jordon tried say something, anything, but found his vocal cords unwilling to cooperate. After several moments ticked silently by, Batson said “Colonel?”

“Yes … I’m sorry director, I was considering our options. Has the patient been tested and confirmed for the virus?”

“Not yet. I sent them the information on Dr. Ryan’s new test new and Dr. Grant said he would get back to me as soon as they knew for sure what they had.”

“Okay, as soon as you hear, call me. In the meantime, I’ll get hold of the President’s office and let them know we have a potential disaster looming back east.

With that agreement, the two men hung up their respective phones.

Jordon took a moment to collect his thoughts. He scribbled a few notes and names on a piece of paper. Then, with great trepidation, he lifted the direct line to the White house and passed on the report.

************************

Providence RI. Monday June 5 4:40am EDT

Dr’s Jennifer Fisk and Roosevelt Grant looked over the results of the Acidalia test with a mix of fear and resignation.

“This is bad.” Grant said miserably. “We need to tell Director Rogers.”
“
We need to get everyone else up here tested too,” Dr. Fisk agreed. “We need to figure out how to protect anyone on this floor that isn’t infected too.”

Dr. Grant nodded his head in agreement, then sighed deeply as he again scanned the sheet of paper listing the results. “I think we should tell them first.” He pointed in the general direction of the rest of the waiting staff.

“I agree. They have the right to know first,” Fisk agreed.

They both headed out of the sick boy’s room and called the others to gather around the nurse’s station.

“We have the results, and the boy is positive.” Roosevelt announced without fanfare as soon as everyone was present. The gathered medical workers faces sank simultaneously as the news was presented.

A couple of the nurses began to cry. As the lead nurse, Wendy Drake moved over to offer them some comfort, she asked, “What now?”

“First thing we need to do is test everyone one the floor. I know they say that it doesn’t infect women, but I don’t want to take any chances. We also need to let the rest of the hospital know what’s going on up here, so they begin testing everyone else,” Dr. Fisk told the gathering.

“There is also a considerable number of patients on this floor that will need to be attended to, and we’re going to be the only ones that can do that. There isn’t going to be a relief shift coming on at six. So we need to get an idea of what we need to do for them,” Dr. Khin added.

Dr’s Fisk and Khin began to assign the rest of the small staff various duties as Dr. Grant went off to call the director.

Rogers took the news hard. To him, his staff was an extension of his own family. Grant and Fisk were especially close to his heart. Both had been to his house for social gatherings many times. He found himself fighting back tears as he asked “What do you need?”

“Well, first off we need to find away to get food and meds up here without risking the virus escaping. Then we need to get everyone tested, so we’ll need more test kits.”

“Ok. We’ll get them sent up right away. What meds do you need for the kids?”

“Jen and Greg are having the nurses gather all that info as we speak. I’ll have a list for you within the hour.”

“OK. Keep me informed. And Rosey?”

“Yes?”

“Take care of yourself.”

“We will.” Grant replied as he hung the phone up. After taking a moment to locate the number, Dr. Grant placed a call back to Director Batson informing him of the tests’ outcome. They spoke for several minutes as Batson informed him of what to expect. Dr. Grant took meticulous notes, asking the director a few times to repeat something or for a clarification of a specific point.

As the conversation was wrapping up, Batson told Grant “Doctor, I would suggest that you make sure every hospital in your region gets the information I sent you. If Acidalia spreads as quickly out there as it has here, you may all find yourselves overwhelmed very soon.”

“My director has already taken care of sharing your email. How many cases do you have?”

“Not including yours, I believe the last region-wide count I saw was somewhere around 700-750. That’s in just over two weeks since the initial break out. And those are only the one’s we know about. I’m sure there have to more out there somewhere.”

“Jesus! 750 in two weeks?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Al …alright. Well thank you again for all your help.”

“Good luck, doctor. I hope it stops with just this one case out there. Cause if it’s already got a foot hold …God help us all.”

*******

The White House Washington D.C. 5:35 am:

The phone in his private bed room rang for what seemed like forever. At first it seemed like part of his dream, but a strategically placed elbow from Cassy made him realize it wasn’t. He popped his eyes open and looked at the annoying device, teetering on the edge of sleep. Reaching over, he lifted the receiver and mumbled “Lo?”

“Mr. President, it’s Reinhardt , Sir. Colonel Jordon just called. According to his information the problem in Rhode Island is genuine, Sir. He’s awaiting your instructions.”

Shaking his head as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Fuller said “Rhode Island?”

“The children’s hospital sir.” Reinhardt reminded him.

“Yes. Yes Of course. What are our options?”

“Well, sir, we can allow the hospital to conduct its own quarantine or there is the Newport Navel base nearby. We can have a contingent of MP’s there in less than two hours to help with security,” Reinhardt advised.

President Fuller considered his options for a couple minutes before directing, “Get hold of Newport. Tell the base commander to get as many of his security people over there as he can afford to send. I want that place locked down tight. No one gets in or out. Make sure they understand that I mean absolutely no one!”

“Yes Sir! I’ll take care of it.”

“And Bill?”

“Yes, Mr. President?”

“We’re going to need a cover story for the media. I don’t want a panic up there.”

“I’ll get our people on it, Sir.”

“Good.”

******

San Francisco 7:00 am PDT:

THUMP!!!!!

Ellie awoke with a start. She bolted upright and looked around her for the source of the sound. Even in the shade darkened, gloomy half light of the rain soaked day the minimal illumination provided by the clock on her microwave oven, everything seemed to be in its place. She was just about to chalk it up to her imagination when she heard it again.

‘Nicole!’ she thought as she bolted up and ran into her bed room.

Ever since late Friday night Roger had been asleep, more like in a coma, actually. Ellie had been watching over him constantly as his transformation progressed. Watching the process gave her a new appreciation of what had happened to her. She thanked God several times for the unconscious state that had spared Roger the intense pain that she had experienced during her transition.

As she entered the room she flicked on the light. To her dismay, Roger hung half off the bed. From that position, his, or her, long hair locks touched the floor and her now ample top lay bare for the whole world to see. Ellie couldn’t help but admire the changes in her friend’s body. She knew that Roger would be ecstatic when she awoke.

Ellie stepped over to the bed and struggled to lift the new woman’s limp form back onto the bed. ‘Jeesh Nicole, you may look skinny now, but you still weigh a ton,’ she thought to herself. As if in reply to her friend’s unspoken comment, Nicole groaned.

Stifling a surprised gasp, Ellie finished getting her friend back into place. Placing the pillow under Nicole’s head, Ellie noticed her eyes flutter open momentarily.

Trying to control the wave of excitement washing over her, Ellie whispered “Nicole? Are you awake, Sweetie?”

Nicole groaned again, her eyes fluttering a bit more. Ellie waited patiently for a sign as to whether her friend was waking up, or just grumbling in her sleep. With building anticipation, Ellie said a silent prayer for her friends’ recovery.

“Lord, if it is your will, please let her be Ok. She’s a good, faithful person and has agreed to help me in your sacred mission. Amen”

Nicole’s head shifted on the pillow as she let out another low groan. Ellie stepped closer and noticed that her eyes were now open. She leaned down and touched Nicole’s cheek. “Sweetie?” she said questioningly.

Though her eyes remained unfocused Nicole replied with a soft “Hmm?”

A delighted smile sprang across Ellie’s face as she prodded some more “Nicole? Are you there, Sweetie?”

Once again, Nicole responded with a grunt. Ellie took a seat on the bed and picked up her now slim hand. She held it, stroking the top of the palm as she waited for Nicole to finish her ascent from oblivion. After several starts and stutters on the way back to the land of the living over the following hour, Nicole looked up at her and whispered “El? Am … am I alive?”

Tears of joy poured from her eyes as Ellie reached down and hugged Nicole. “Sweetie, you are most definitely still alive! As a matter of fact, I think you’re going to be most pleased with how alive you are!”

“Di … did I change?”

“Oh yes. Yes, you did.”

“Can … can I … I see?”

“Wait just a minute! I’ll fetch you a mirror.” Ellie excitedly hopped off the bed and bolted out of the room.

Nicole tried to lift her head as she waited for Ellie’s return but found she lacked the strength. She rolled her eyes downward and glimpsed her thin hands and long fingers that rested on top of the blankets covering a new found swell on her chest. A small smile creased the corners of her mouth as the truth of her new situation began to dawn on her.

Seconds later Ellie bound back into the room carrying the largest mirror she could reasonably handle. As she approached, she placed the mirror face down on the bed next to her..

“What are you doing?” Nicole asked, her smile growing even bigger as she heard her new higher pitched voice for the first time.

Teasingly Ellie replied “I just wanted to fix you up a bit, so you don’t scare yourself when you look.” She moved in and began to fluff out Nicole’s beautiful long hair.

“Aw, come on, El…”

“Don’t come on El, me, ‘; young lady. You’re one serious mess here, and I don’t want you thinking you’ve been transformed into some kind of hag,” she told her as she finished her preening. “OK, that looks much … well, a little better anyhow.

“Elijah!” Nicole said in a demanding tone as she felt her strength begin to return.

With a mock tone of indignation Ellie said “First of all, it’s Ellie not Elijah! Secondly,” she picked up the mirror and turned it towards Nicole, “here.”

Nicole gasped as she saw her new face. Gone were the square jaw, the old acne scars and the constant five-o-clock shadow. They had been replaced by high cheeks, full lips and a cute little nose. Nicole smile goofily as she studied her new face. She noticed her eyes had changed from dark brown to an almost emerald green. To her absolute delight, her hair was no longer its former jet black. It had also changed to a dazzling red that seemed to compliment her eyes perfectly.

“Oh … my … God …! El, is this real?” she asked, her voice full of wonderment, tears welling up in her eyes.

With tears of joy streaming down her cheeks as well, Ellie replied “Yes, sweetie, it’s real. God has truly blessed us both.”

Putting the mirror down Ellie walked over, helped Nicole with her arms and the two women hugged and cried for several minutes. When the embrace was over and the cries of joy had abated enough to allow them both to speak clearly, Ellie knelt next to the bed and led Nicole in a long prayer of thanks to God for his blessing.

Once that was finished Ellie asked, “Is there anything I can get you? A drink? Something to eat?”

“Food?” Nicole asked. Her stomach suddenly rumbled at the mention of the word.

Smiling, Ellie said “Food it is then. Anything in particular you’d like?”

“At this point I’ll take anything you have. I’m suddenly so hungry I could eat a horse.”

“Well Sweetie, I think we’ll start you off with something a bit lighter that that. You don’t want to lose that lovely figure on the first day, do you?” Ellie teased as she disappeared through the doorway.

A short time later Ellie reappeared carrying a large serving tray, stacked high with all sorts of breakfast items. Setting it down on the chest of drawers, she walked over and helped Nicole to a sitting position. That accomplished, she placed a small tray with legs on the bed over Nicole’s lower half. Turning back to the waiting tray of food, she brought it over to the bed, placing on the tray there.

The smell of the food made Nicole’s mouth water s her stomach rumbled loudly. Never in her entire life had she been so hungry, or so weak, for that matter. It took an effort to lift her arm and pick up her fork. The complete lack of strength frightened Nicole.

Seeing her friends distress, and understanding its source, from her own experience, Ellie reassured her, “Don’t worry, once you get some food in you, you’ll feel a lot better.”

Nicole gave her a quick embarrassed smile and tried to lift the food filled fork to her mouth. Her hand shook so badly that its contents spilled over her chest before it could be placed in her mouth.

“Wow, you really are wasted,” Ellie remarked in surprise. “Here, lie back and let me help you.” Putting down her toast, Ellie picked up the fork and help her weakened friend eat while they watched the news.

“Good morning, San Francisco. This is KLTR news. Our top story this morning is the announcement by Homeland Security director Harris Skellington, of the apprehension of Dr. Carla Ryson by FBI agents in the Bay area. Dr. Ryson, along with several others has been wanted for questioning in connection with the release of the Acidalia virus. While he wouldn’t come right out and say it, Director Skellington intimated that Dr. Ryson may be the person most directly responsible for this growing problem.

“While he couldn’t elaborate on what or how many different charges would be leveled against the suspect, Skellington did promise that the investigation into those believed to be coconspirators with Dr. Ryson would continue. ‘The investigation will not end with the arrest of a single person. There are still suspects at large including known domestic terrorist Warren Quinlan, that are believed to have been involved with Dr. Ryson’s horrific scheme.’ the Director was quoted as saying during his early morning press briefing.

“In other news, local CDC official Mia Blue’s office released a statement denying the widespread Internet rumors about wide spread mass infections of the dreaded virus. The statement specifically rebuked the speculation that many area doctors were being infected as they sought to treat the virus’ victims.

“ ‘There is absolutely no truth to these reports, and all local hospitals have been given biocontainment suits for their medical staff to use while attending the infected. As of this time, the CDC has received not a single confirmed report of a doctor becoming infected with Acidalia as a result of treating its victims.’ the statement is quoted as saying.
“The statement also made mention of a new procedure for testing for the Acidalia virus that was released over the weekend. This quicker method has, according to all available information, actually caused a slight reduction in the number of new confirmed cases.

“In International news, another country has joined the growing number of what the White House is terming; ‘irresponsible states’ that have issued ‘no land’ orders for any flight inbound from the US. Japan has now joined China, The European Union and several other smaller countries in what President Fuller describes as a blatant violation of international protocol. Sources close to the President’s advisors have confirmed reports of trade injunctions being instituted against all the countries involved in the flight boycott.”

********

City hospital, Director Batson’s office:

Bill and Mia Blue had been going over the results of the first round of testing all morning, using Dr. Ryan’s method. To say the results were unsettling would be a gross understatement. Out of the two hundred men tested in the last three hours one hundred and seventy nine of them had tested positive.

“Are we sure these results are accurate?” Mia asked disbelievingly.

“I had the same question, so I ordered all the positive’s retested and with the exception of … let me see … I’ve got the numbers here somewhere … ah, here they are. With the exception of one case, all retested positive the second time. I’ve also been in touch with most of the rest of the hospitals in the area and they’re all reporting a similar spike in positive results.”

Mia let out a small sigh of resignation. “How are you doing for bed space? Are you going to be able to handle the spike, at least in the short term?”

“With the sudden jump from this morning, we’re at capacity, plus, I’d say at least a hundred and we still have a lot more to test. I’ve had the maintenance crew busy on the seventh floor putting beds everywhere there is space for them, but to be honest we’re overwhelmed.”

“I was afraid of that. We’ll just have to double up on the transfers to Dillon and Reynolds for now. The colonel told me that they expect to have the new quarantine center at their building at Edwards completed by week’s end, so that will give us some relief.”

“How big is that one going to be?”

It’s supposed to be pretty big … somewhere in the neighborhood of twelve hundred person capacity.”

“No offence … but I think you better tell him to make it bigger.”

Mia let out another sigh. This one however, was one of agreement.

*************

Providence RI. 4:30 Pm EDT:

“WRPO news room.”

“Is this the line people call to report breaking news?”

“Yep this is the one. What you got?”

“I work over at Hasbro hospital…”

“The one for kids?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Anyway we got a case of that Aci … Aciwhatever they call it virus over here.”

Sarcastically he said “You guys got a case of Acidalia. In your hospital?”

“That’s what I just said, ain’t it?”

“How do I know you’re not just some crackpot yankin’ my chain?”

“Look, we got a case of what ever the friggen name of it is over here. Send one of your crews and check it out. They even sent a big ol’ group of MP’s from Newport to guard the place. Ya know, to make sure none of us tries to leave until they give us the test.”

“MP’s too? Okay now you really got my attention. What’s your name and what do you do over there?”

“My name? Oh … duh … My name is …”

From the background “Hey! What are you doing over there?”

“Oh shit! They found me … I … I got to …”

Click

*********
Reynolds:

For what seemed like the hundredth time, Thomas pushed the medical call button on the wall near the hatch, and for the hundredth time, it went unanswered.

“Why did they even bother to put this friggen thing in here?” she said disgustedly to no one in particular.

On the bed at the back end of the cell, the man they had brought in on Friday let out another ear piercing howl. Thomas looked over at the poor soul and cursed the fate that had kept him conscious during his transition. To her, the luckiest of them were the ones that lost consciousness as they changed.

Though it had been several day’s since his arrival, the now changing man had yet to say a single coherent word to any of them, so his name remained a mystery. For all of Friday night and most of the day Saturday he had stayed on the bed they’d put him on, curled up in a ball with a far away look in his eyes, sucking on his thumb. That was, until the virus took hold and started rearranging his DNA. Again he loudly vocalized his discomfort.

“Jesus Christ!” yelped Renee. “Did they answer you this time?”

“No! They still didn’t answer!” Thomas said bitterly as she smacked the button again in frustration.

“What are we going to do about him, then?” Jo asked.

“Do? What do you suggest we do? We’re going to have to try to help him get through this somehow. That’s what we’re going to do,” Thomas replied as the man moaned some more.

“How are we supposed to do that?” Jo asked sarcastically.

Thomas glared at her short rotund cellmate, but bit her tongue instead of replying and escalating the argument any further. She knew Jo was only venting her frustration at the lack of medical response. They were all frustrated. The cries of pain had kept them up for almost thirty six hours straight and their nerves were starting to fray a bit.

‘A bit frayed? How bout a whole lot friggen frayed!’ Thomas thought, walking over to her bed and plopping down on it. Closing her eyes for a moment, she tried to picture her family, God, how she missed them. She attempted to say a silent prayer for their safety but the howls started up again from the back of the room, destroying her concentration. In complete desperation she pulled her pillow over her head in an attempt to shut out the cries as the reached new heights.

“Shut the fuck up!!!!” Mona screamed back as she bolted over to the call button and began to hit it repeatedly. “Answer, you fucks! Answer! God damn it! Why won’t they answer?” she sobbed futilely as she pounded the hated button again and again.

*****
From the computer in his office, Major Brady watched the entire scene over the security monitor and smiled contentedly. This was working out better than he could have hopped. At first when he’d found out that his people had put Parker in Logan’s cell he had been furious. But Parker’s continued unconsciousness and the effect on Logan and the rest was proving to be endlessly entertaining.

The sound of knocking on his door made him look up. He considered not acknowledging it for a moment, but thought better of it. “Enter,” he called as he reluctantly shut off the feed.

“Major!” Sergeant Major Hutchinson said as she saluted her superior officer.

“Yes?” Brady returned the salute.

“Sir, the new arrivals should be here in about forty five minutes or so, and we still don’t have their cell assignments yet.”

‘Shit!’ Brady thought. ‘Slacking off, spending too much time watching the Logan show and not enough on my duties. Gonna have to knock that shit off!’ Focusing back on Hutchinson, he inquired “How many in this load?”

Loren pulled out her clip board that held the roster sheet on it. After a brief calculation she reported “Only thirty five in this one, sir. But I just got a call informing me that we have a second load coming in at ten thirty tonight, and that one is slightly over a hundred. I guess someone’s decided to double us up today.”

“I’d say. How are we looking of space?”

“Well, the first through third levels are at capacity, but the other three have plenty of beds still available. If we spread these two loads over them, everyone should remain reasonably comfortable.”

“Hmm. Let me see that sheet.” He asked.

Hutchison walked to the desk and put it in his hand. Their fingers touched momentarily during the exchange. She stepped back and stood there uncomfortably trying to fight the urge to wipe her hand on her fatigue pants.

She watched as the Major looked over the list for the next several minutes. Every few moments he would mark the sheet with a felt pen and snicker. When he was done he handed the clipboard back to her. “There you go.”

Loren looked over what he had marked on the list. “Sir?” she said questioningly.

“Yes?”

“Sir, are you sure about these assignments?”

“Is there a problem, Sergeant Major?”

“Well Sir, you have twenty of the new arrivals going into cell number 4552.”

“And?” he asked mockingly.

“Well, Sir that cell already has five people in it, and it only has a total of twenty beds.”

“I am aware of what the bed counts are.”

“But sir, we have plenty of room in other cells …”

“Sergeant Major Hutchinson, are you questioning my orders?”

“No … no Sir … it’s just that …”

“Then we have nothing left to discuss. Dismissed.”

“But sir I …”

“I said, Dismissed!” Brady said sternly.

“Yes Sir!” Loren said dejectedly as she gave the Major a salute. She waited patiently for a few moments for Brady to return her salute. Finally he seemed to realize what she was waiting for and returned it.

With a loud sigh of disgust, Hutchinson turned and walked quickly out of the office. ‘What the hell is he doing?’ she wondered as she closed the door behind her.

Brady sat back down at his desk after Hutchinson left. He turned the computers monitor back on and brought up the security monitoring program again. After punching in his clearance code, the machine produced a list of cells to monitor. Clicking his mouse on the link for cell 4552, he waited patiently for the feed to load.

An impish grin grew on his face as the video and audio feeds showed Thomas Logan and the dark haired one tending to Parker, while the fat one pounded on the call button. He giggled with delight as the memory of having ordered that cell’s call system deactivated. ‘Bloody stoke of genius,’ he congratulated himself.

***********

Providence RI. 9:45am EDT:

“How’s the testing going?” Dr. Fisk asked.

“Not good, I’m afraid.” Grant replied.

“How many of us are infected?”

“It would be easier to tell you who isn’t at this point, I’m afraid.” Grant admitted.

“That bad, huh?”

“’Fraid so. Seems the only male that doesn’t have to look forward to buying a new wardrobe is Dr. Khin. So far, anyhow. And I’ll bet you that he shows up positive sometime soon, too.”

“The kids too?”

“All the boys, anyhow,” he replied with obvious distress.

“Oh Rosey, I’m so sorry.” Fisk said with genuine sympathy as she moved in and hugged him tightly. After the moment passed, she continued “Have you told everyone yet?”

“As the results have come in, I’ve been informing them individually.”

“Any word from Rogers on how the testing is going for the rest of the hospital?”

“No not yet. At this point, I’ll take that as a good sign though.”

***********

The main lobby:

The MP’s from Newport had set up a security post back from the main entrance near the elevators in an attempt to stay unnoticed. Just a single soldier stood near the admissions desk to keep an eye on the sidewalk in front of the building. The rest of the force and the hospital’s small security staff were spread out, covering the rest of the entrances to the Hospital. Their main objective was simply to keep every on the ICU floor away from everyone else. So far things had gone smoothly, until the radio chirped. “Sarge, we’ve got a situation here.”

“What is it, Corporal?” Sergeant Carter Hall asked.

“Reporters, Sergeant,” The corporal replied.

“Shit. Stay there. I’ll be right over.” Hall grabbed a couple of additional men and hurried over to the entrance.

Outside, the news crew was hopping out of the newly arrived van. The small group was rushing around and appeared to be quickly getting themselves set up for a live shot.

“Shit!” Hall cursed again as he hurried toward the door with this men in tow. “You can’t set that stuff up here,” He yelled at the reporters as he burst onto the sidewalk.

Location reporter Doreen Baxter turned to her camera man Fred McNeil pointing and saying, “Fred, the military guy.”

Understanding the implied instruction, Fred turned towards Hall and flipped the camera on. They two of them moved towards the approaching solders. As the groups met, Doreen shove the microphone into Hall’s face and quickly asked, “Sir would you like to comment on the rumor of an Acidalia infectee in the hospital and what that could mean for the rest of the patients in the building?”

Momentarily taken aback, Hall hesitated before ordering, “Shut that camera off and get that out of my face! This is a restricted area. You people need to leave here right now!”

“So you’re confirming the presence of the Acidalia virus?” Doreen asked.

“I said get the mike out of my face!” Hall once again demanded as he swiped at the offending piece of equipment, knocking it out of the reporter’s hand.

“What the hell?” Doreen howled indignantly as she bent over to pick up the microphone.

“Take your van and get out of here! And shut the fucken camera off!” Hall demanded. He signaled the solders behind him to remove the news crew. The three MP’s stepped forward with their hands moving towards the side arms they each carried. Before they could get close enough to do anything, Frank put the camera on his hip and said “Ok. Ok we get the message. No need to get physical.”

“Frank!” Doreen shouted.

Ignoring the young woman’s cry, Frank grabbed her arm and began to lead her back toward the van. She struggled to free herself and complained about her lack of success the entire way back. Frank smartly paid her no mind and continued back. Once they were behind the van he pushed her in.

“Drive.” he told the van’s control board technician Bill Richards.

Richard complied, hopping into the driver’s seat as Doreen hollered “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Don’t you ever put you greasy mitts on me ag …”

“Will you shut the fuck up?” he exclaimed interrupting her. “I got the entire thing on tape!”

“You what?”

“I got it all. Everything from your questions to the big guy knocking the mike out of your hand to those solders coming at us!”

A large smile spouted on Doreen’s pretty face. “You’re the best!” she told him excitedly, giving him a big hug.

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” he joked. Looking out the windshield he spotted the sort of place he wanted. “Pull over next to that building, Bill,” he instructed.

Once parked, he and Doreen hopped out of the van. To her, Frank said “OK, get yourself straightened up and we’ll … hey wait a minute! Don’t straighten yourself up. As a matter of fact ….” he bent down and scraped some sand and dirt off the side walk, “Close your eyes!”

Doreen did as instructed. Frank sprinkled the handful on grime over her head and smeared a bit on her face.

“There, that’s perfect,” he said, stepping back and looking over his work. “Now rumple your outfit a bit.” Doreen complied. “Perfect! Are you ready?” He lifted the camera to his shoulder.

Doreen picked up her microphone and nodded, then put an outraged look on her face. The light came on and the show began. “You can call it Acidalia or you can call it by its west coast nick name, Double X, but what ever name you choose, call it close to home. This is Doreen Baxter reporting from outside Hasbro Children’s hospital here in Providence, where there have been unconfirmed reports of an outbreak of this fearsome virus. Hospital officials were unavailable for comment; however the presence of Military Police guarding the facility lends credence to the rumor.

When Channel 12 reporters approached the hospital in search of comment, they were threatened with forcible removal from the premises by military personnel. One unnamed soldier even went as far as assaulting one of our crew as I attempted to question him, as this video will confirm.”

The carefully edited video of the supposed assault, including a spliced in shot of Doreen picking herself up off the ground. Then Doreen’s voice came back in. “Internet rumors of widespread infection, along with the military’s behavior and the continued silence from hospital officials only serves to heighten the concerns of a frightened public. Even if this isn’t an outbreak of the dreaded disease, this situation certainly calls into question the judgment of those controlling the release of information. This is Doreen Baxter reporting for Channel 12 news.”

*****

“Is that what you call controlling the flow of information?” President Fuller asked angrily as he hit the power off button for the television. “What the fuck is going on there, Bill? You told me you would handle the dissemination of the cover story. Is this what you call handling it?”

Bill Reinhardt looked at the President miserably. Though the reporters had arrived faster than anticipated, and certainly faster than he felt he could have gotten anyone on the ground to deflect the story, the situation was still colossally screwed up and the blame was his to bear.

In the hours since the story first aired, the front of the hospital and the surrounding area had become over run, in defiance of all logic. Every single sociology expert in the area was dumbfounded by the gathering. According to them, everyone should be fleeing the area, not flocking to the infection’s source. And yet people from all over southern New England, from as far away as New Haven and Boston, were flocking to the city. Some were concerned parents, other were there to protest the military’s involvement, most however seemed to be there just to see the show and antagonize the police.

The MP’s found their numbers to be insufficient for the job of crowd control and had been forced to call on the local police to assist. The manpower needed to contain the size of the ever growing sea of humanity had left the city police force seriously depleted. Rhode Island State Police had also been called in to help, but were unable to get through the overrun streets around the hospital. So instead, they were working with the Providence Police Dept, patrolling the city.

“Well?” Fuller asked impatiently, pulling Reinhardt out of his reverie.

“Well, Sir, we’ve released our cover story to one of the competing stations and they were going to air it about fifteen minutes ago.”

“And that story is?”

“We’ve put out that the military is practicing their antiterrorism tactics at the hospital with the full cooperation of the administration.”

Fuller rolled his eyes. “Is that the best you could come up with? Cause, I’d say that your story sure as hell isn’t having any effect on the city’s population. All these highly paid people, supposed experts in media manipulation and antiterrorism practice is the best we can come up with?”

Reinhardt shrugged his shoulders. He knew better than to try to defend the idea as it would only infuriate the President more, so he simply said “We’re doing everything we can to contain the situation from here on out.”

“Well that’s certainly good to hear. You’ve done a hell of a job handling it so far!”

*******************

Hasbro:

“Dr. Grant, Director Rogers is on the phone looking for you.”

“Thanks, Wendy, I’ll take it in here.” Grant put down the latest in a long series of positive test results and reached for the phone.

“Hey, Frank. What’s up?”

“Rosey, how are your test results coming out up there?”

Grant sighed “It’s not good, Frank. I’ve finished with the last of the tests and we’ve got only two negatives. Which doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I find it hard to believe that all of us were infected this quickly.”

“I understand what you mean. We’ve been busy testing everyone in the building and we’ve come up with an astounding amount of positive results too. Over eighty percent of those tested are infected, if the results are to be believed.”

“That many? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know.”

“Roger, is there any chance we mixed the chemical agents incorrectly?”

“I thought of that. So I called the lab and had them make a new batch, but the results are pretty much the same. The only thing I can come up with is either this virus is much more contagious than anyone realizes, or the test is bad.”

“Batson swore by the test and he didn’t seem like the given to hyperbole.”

“I just…I guess I don’t want the results to be right.”

“I hear you on that one, Frankie. Believe me, ..; I hear you.”

The Main Lobby:

Through the reinforced Plexiglas front windows, Sergeant Hall worriedly watched the sea of people outside continue to grow and grow. The extra help the Providence Police had sent was welcome, but hardly enough to handle this many people if they got out of hand. What they needed was a full military presence, Unfortunately, they had been unable to communicate that need to Newport, because all the phone lines were jammed with incoming calls from concerned parents and news people. Even their cell phones were useless.

*********************

San Francisco:

As the day progressed into night, Nicole’s strength returned. By late afternoon she was able to get out of bed and had, after a stop in the bathroom during which she was able to familiarize herself with her new plumbing, moved to the couch in the living room. The trip, though exceedingly short, had exhilarated and exhausted Nicole, so as soon as she was settled in the living room, she was ready for a nap. Ellie let her sleep the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening.

When the new woman awakened again a bit after seven, her ravenous hunger had returned. Ellie had fixed her another prodigious meal, smiling as she recalled eating an entire box of Hershey bars during a particularly bad fit of hunger the night after completing her transformation. Finishing the preparation, she looked over the copious amount of food and said a quick prayer of thanks to God for the high powered metabolism that seemed to be part of their new bodies.

Ellie brought the tray full of food into the living room and set it down near where Nicole lay, somehow managing to not get her hand bitten off as Nicole attacked the tray, Ellie took a small portion for herself. The two friends sat in relative silence as they ate, the only real noise coming from Nicole as she occasionally grunted with pleasure while she ate.

Finishing long before Nicole, Ellie turned on the news. The two women watched the broadcast with great interest as they discussed the latest nationwide developments with the Acidalia virus. The station described a riot in Detroit resulting from the false belief that the newest testing method was actually a vaccination for the virus. According to the report, the Marines finally had to be called in to restore order in the city.

The next item was about a small outbreak at a hospital on the east coast and the amazing crowd that had gathered outside of it, virtually shutting down the city’s heart. The aerial shots of the tremendous crowd surrounding the Rhode Island medical center were impressive, even if the accompanying voice over, describing it as a prayer vigil smelled of complete horse shit. The report ended saying that Providence Mayor Vincent Lambogani was calling up the local National Guard to help the city and state police with crowd control.

Eventually, having seen enough, Ellie shut the set off and sighed disgustedly.

“What’s the sigh for?” asked the satiated Nicole.

“The news … the way they talked about the riot and the problem in Rhode Island … it’s like they’re trying too hard to put the best possible spin on things.”

Nicole nodded her head in agreement as she took a long swig of water. “You think that maybe the government is trying to cover things up?”

“Yes I do. It’s like they want to pretend that everything is fine and normal, even though the edges are starting to fray on society. I saw this afternoon on the Internet a report that said this new test has resulted in hundreds of new cases being discovered in just a short time. And that because of all of these newly infected people, the quarantine centers are going to be overflowing by month’s end. Now how come there was nothing about that on the news?”

Nicole sat and thought about what had just been said. After several silence filled minutes of contemplation, she shrugged her shoulders, deciding that she was still way to fuzzy headed to fully grasp the implications of Ell’s statements.

Deciding to change the subject, she asked “So what’s your plan for carrying out this mission God has given us?”

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying on that subject while you were sleeping. God has told me to gather those like us and help them with their transitions, so I think our first order of business is to find a safe, clean, out of the way place to set up operations.”

“My family still owns all those warehouses down on the south side of the city. They’re in a fairly secluded area, and as far as I know, they’re pretty much empty too.” Nicole offered.

“Sweetie, that sounds perfect!” Ellie exclaimed. “But how do we get access to any of them? I mean, they must be locked up.”

“I think I’ve got that covered, too. Just before my dear old father got completely disgusted with my … desires and threw me out of the house, he gave me a key to the one on the eastern most edge of the property, so I could store some stuff there for him. I never gave the key back to him after I left, so if he didn’t change the lock …”

“Where is the key now?”

“It’s back in my apartment.”

“OK! Then as soon as you’ve got the strength, we’ll take a ride over there and grab it. Ellie added “After we get you some clothes that will fit, that is.”

“Shopping?” Nicole asked with a joyful gleam in her eye.

Ellie smiled “Of course, silly. We’ve got to get you some new clothes, unless, that is, you want to walk around naked everywhere.”

With a mischievous grin Nicole responded “Well this new body of mine does look good …”

Ellie giggled and threw a pillow at her.

*******************

Reynolds:

Mona, Renee, and Thomas pulled Jo off the floor. With tremendous care they put their injured friend onto Mona’s bed and looked over her injuries. To Thomas’ untrained eye they looked superficial, perhaps a broken nose, but nothing that wouldn’t heal.

Several feet away the blonde haired cause of Jo’s injuries glad handed and slapped five with some of the other new arrivals. Her compatriots congratulated her and slapped her on the back, all the while eyeing Renee’s’ bunk. The victorious new girl strutted over to her newly won bed and with exaggerated glee, lay down on it.

Their once spacious cell was now suddenly a very crowded one. Just half an hour before, a group of about twenty new comers had arrived, leaving the cell five beds short. Almost as soon as she had arrived, Karen had begun to pick fights with Thomas and the rest of the girls that had been in the cell before her arrival. Jo had become the first one to actually fight her, when Jen had decided it was her bed she desired. Jo did her best, but wound up loosing badly.

Thomas glared at Karen, her anger building with every snide comment that emitted from victor’s mouth. However before anything could be done about the situation, Mona pulled at Thomas’s arm and pointed at a group encircling the finally sleeping man.

“Get away from him!” Thomas hollered. The group ignored her and continued to poke at the poor transitioner.

Getting up Thomas shouted “I said, get away from him!”

From behind, she heard Karen challenge “What are you gonna do if they don’t?”

This time it was Thomas’ turn to ignore her. She walked over and pushed her way past the women surrounding the bed. “This bed is for him. Go find another one!” she told them defiantly.

Getting off her newly won prize, Karen sauntered over saying “And what if I decide that I want that one instead of the one I got? Huh? What are you gonna do then?”

Thomas glared at her new rival. “I’ve said all that I have to say on this subject. This bed is his, and that’s all there is to it.”

Karen stepped right up to Thomas’s face, poked her in the chest and said “I say that the bed belongs to Rita over there!”

Without so much as a word Thomas cut loose with a punch to Karen’s jaw that sent the blonde to the floor. She then followed it up with a couple of swift kicks to the new comer’s midsection. Karen doubled over and gasped for air. Looking around at the rest of the room, Thomas asked “Anyone else want to take this bed?”

To no one’s surprise, there were no volunteers.

“Good.” Looking down at Karen’s prone form Thomas announced. “That bed over there belongs to Jo. Go find yourself another one. Understand?”

Karen groaned in acknowledgement.

Thomas turned and walked back to Mona’s bed “How’s she doing?”

With obvious admiration Mona replied “She’ll live.”

“Good. Let’s get her onto her own bed.”

As the three women hefted Jo off Mona’s bed and began to move her back to her own Renee said, “That was some punch!”

Thomas looked at her friend and simply said “Yes it was.”

After getting Jo settled, Thomas went back to Parker’s bed and took a seat. As she sat she absently stroked the transitioning man’s rapidly growing hair. ‘What’s happened to me? Even when I was a man, I could never have laid anyone out with just one punch. Karen was right in front of me, ready to fight and she acted like she didn’t even see it coming. What’s going on?’ she wondered silently.

*****************

Providence Tuesday June 6 early morning:

As night turned into day the MP’s got their first good look at how much the crowd surrounding them had grown., Hall had established a look out post on the now empty fourth floor. From this height it was possible to see the edges of the great sea of humanity that filled the blocks surround the hospital.

Overnight there had been several arrests on the outer edges as various individuals had tried to instigate violence in one form or another. The hospital itself was still physically cut off from the rest of the world by the surrounding masses. Communications had been restored overnight however, and the MP’s had been reinforced with a group of Army Rangers that had been dropped on the roof by helicopter.

Inside the building the situation had also changed. The overwhelming number of positive test results had cause the abandonment of the fifth floor quarantine idea. Instead the hospital had been divided into two zones. The fifth through eighth floors now housed all those confirmed to have Acidalia. The third and second contained the few that had been negative, with the forth acting as a buffer zone between the two groups. The lobby was now strictly off limits to anyone other than military personnel.

Having gawked at the people outside enough, Hall decided to head to the lobby to check on his men stationed there. As the elevator descended, Hall found himself wondering how long his group would be stuck here. He reminded himself to ask that very question later when he contacted his superiors for the morning situation briefing.

Entering the lobby he toured his men, stopping to briefly speak to each one. Eventually he wound his way to the reception desk, where the view of the sidewalk look remarkably similar to the way it had before the sun went down the night before. He turned from looking at the crowd to the Corporal manning the desk station. Just as he was about to open his mouth a tremendous roar erupted from be hind him.

He turned back to see a young man standing at the front of the gathering, just inside the police barricades. The officers manning the lines seemed to be trying to get to him, but were unable as he would move back into the crowd every time they came near him.

Though he couldn’t hear the man’s words, his body language and the response from the onlookers made his purpose unquestionable. Hall watched as a Policeman dove towards the instigator, only to find himself rebuffed by those surrounding him.

‘Those cop’s are gonna get themselves killed out there!’

“God damn it!” He turned back to his troops. “Everyone, outside now. Get that kid and shut him up before he starts a god damned riot! Move!”

The group of MPs and Rangers ran toward the doors, readying their weapons as they went. They burst onto the sidewalk and headed directly towards the troublemaker. As they got close enough to hear his words, their mouths went dry. He had the crowd whipped into a frenzy.

“You there!” Hall yelled to the instigator.

The young man looked over at the approaching solders and smiled. “You see? What did I tell you? These men are the ones preventing you from keeping your families safe! They’re protecting the infected ones inside! Allowing the virus to grow! So that it can spread out and infect you all your loved ones!”

“That’s enough out of you!” Hall yelled as he grabbed the slender rabble-rouser. The boy tried to resist, forcing Hall to wrestle him to the ground. A minor skirmish ensued between the two of them. Because of his superior training, Hall subdued the agitator, breaking his nose in the process, and almost as soon as it had begun the fight was over.

Hall pulled the man to his feet. One of the men near the front of the police lines saw the young instigators blood soaked face and screamed “You bastards! Let him go!”

As the group of solders began to encircle the troublemaker another voice joined the first yelling out “Leave him alone! Let him speak!”

The hairs on the back of Hall’s neck began to stand up as he heard the entire mob chant “LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO!” over and over again.

Realizing how close they were to losing control of the situation, Hall turned to his men and hollered, “Grab him and get back inside!”

Without hesitation the men grabbed the prisoner and began to drag him into the hospital as the crows chant grew louder. As they went, the troop found themselves pelted with trash and stones. Hall kept them moving towards the door however, telling them to ignore the debris. One of his men got hit in the middle of his back by a large stone. The poor solder fell to his knees. As Hall stopped to help him up, the solder screamed in pain.

Hall looked down on his injured man and pleaded “Come on. Just get inside and we’ll have one of the docs fix you up.

Taking a deep breath and gritting his teeth, the solder managed to get to his feet. Hall helped him along and began to believe they were actually going to make it, until they were less than twenty five feet short of the door, when the crowd turned into a mob and charged the barricades. The police in the front line were trampled and overwhelmed in an instant. The MPs let their prisoner go and turned their weapons on the approaching wave of humanity, but they were overrun before a single shot could be fired.

From his office window, Director Rogers saw the entire scene play out in surreal slow motion. His jaw hit the floor as he watched first the police, then the solders washed away by the on rush of people. He stumbled back towards his desk as though the sudden forward movement below had created a wall of air in front of it that forced everything back.

Grabbing the phone and hitting the line to the security room he yelled “Close the security gates! Close the security gates before the mob gets into the building!”

“Sir?” the answering guard said into the phone as he looked up at the monitor showing the front entrance. “Oh shit!” He exclaimed as he dove towards the button that activated the steel security gate system.

The entire group in the room held their breath as the gates descended, hoping they would reach the locking mechanisms in the floor before the mob got to them. The roof monitors showed the group of Rangers stationed there opening fire with tear gas canisters on the crowd below. That act only infuriated the mob even more. Yet somehow the gas managed to delay the assault just long enough for the locks engage.

Those inside the building with access to either security monitors or windows, shivered as they watched the mob throw itself at the steel gates time and time again. The fury of the assemblage was an almost palpable thing. More tear gas rained down from the roof. Army helicopters began to buzz the mob in an attempt to disburse it. Fire trucks on the outside edges opened their hoses on the assemblage while the State Police and National Guard began to form a wedge and move into the crowd. Confusion reigned.

A large contingent broke off from the assault on the hospital and began to attack the ground troops, quickly overwhelming them. From there, they attacked the fire trucks. A large group grabbed one of the engine and somehow managed roll it onto its side.

With the rear guard no longer an obstacle the mob moved into the city, destroying anything that got in their way. As the day wore on they looted, fought, destroyed property and lit fires everywhere they went. The authorities tried everything they could to restore order. Nothing worked.

That night the city of Providence burned like a signal fire, announcing the commencement of the eastern epidemic.

Confirmed cases: 2047

Actual cases: 1433

End part VI

Notes:

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Acidalia 5

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Synopsis:

As the virus continues to spread new factions enter the scene causing even more problems.

Synopsis:

As the virus continues to spread new factions enter the scene causing even more problems.

Story:

Acidalia V
By Amanda D.

Friday June 9 early morning:

The flames surrounded her and smoke filled her lungs as she and Rosey ran down the hallway. Everywhere they looked, the children begged to be saved. They gathered them up as they moved through the smoke, trying to get to the open window in the doctor’s lounge, where a fire truck’s ladder waited for them. All they needed to do was get the kids to it and they would all be safe.

They hurried as best they could, but the hallway seemed to stretch for miles. After what seemed like hours they finally arrived at the lounge door. Bursting through, they found the firemen waiting. Quickly, Rosey started grabbing the kids for Jen to hand out the window. One by one they were saved from the blaze. The impossibly long line never seemed to end.

Then the building shook. Everyone froze. The firemen began shouting for them to hurry, to go faster. Jen turned to Rosey and urged him to hurry. The building shook again, this time harder than before. Rosey shoved a small boy into her arms and pushed her though the window.

She put the boy into the fireman’s arms and turned back to help Rosey onto the ladder. He moved towards her outstretched hand, slowly. “Hurry!” she urged, but he moved no faster. Suddenly the building shook a third time. The wall in front of her dissolved and fell towards the ground, carrying her friend and the rest of the children along with it. “ROSEY!!!!!” she screamed as she bolted upright, waves of terror flowing from her body and filling the room like a physical force.

A light flickered on and the door burst open. “Jen are you alright?” she heard a voice call out.”

“Wha … where … where am I?” Her eyes darted around the suddenly illuminated room.

“It’s OK, Honey. You’re home now. It was just a dream,” the voice soothed.

“A dream?” she asked uncomprehendingly.

“Yes, Baby, a dream. You’re safe now.”

“Oh God, … Rosey, … The children, … Frank, … Greg, … They’re dead … all dead” she sobbed.

“Shhh, Honey. It’ll be alright,” Wendy Fisk whispered as she held her traumatized daughter closely.

****************
City Hospital 9:15 Am PDT:

“Excuse me, can you say that again?”

Bill Batson looked sympathetically at Laura, himself just as stunned at the news. “I said, according these results, you’ve become infected.”

“How … how can that be?” Laura asked, her lip beginning to quiver.

“I don’t know. We ran the results through the standard test as well as DR. Ryan’s version and both came back positive.” he said sympathetically. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

Laura looked up at Batson, sitting across his desk and saw the genuine sadness in his eyes. It was more than she could take, causing her to break and cry. Hopping out of his chair, Bill came around the desk and knelt next to the sobbing blonde woman, putting his hand around her shoulders and offered her what little comfort he could.

“Bill, don’t! You … you could catch it.”

“Laura, right now, that’s the last thing in the world I care about.”

The two friends sat together in silence until the emotional storm passed. As the tears began to dry and the sobs tapered off she looked over at her good friend and asked “So now what?”

“I’m going to get hold of Sam and let her know. Then we’ll get you set up in a private room. Once we know what going to happen with you, I’ll see about getting you sent to Dillon, instead of Reynolds.”

A chill shot up her spine at the thought of have to go to quarantine. Even Dillon, considered by some to be the best of the bunch, was quickly becoming a horribly overcrowded mess. Just a couple of days earlier, along with Dr.’s Blue and Ryan, Laura had toured the facility. The Doctor in charge, Gabriel Hauler, had done his best to put a good face on the situation, but even he admitted after a bit that there were just too many people there. The only bright spot was that the Army Corps of Engineers were digging out several subbasement levels to add more space. She didn’t even want to contemplate Reynolds, not if even a quarter of the rumors that were seeping out of there were true.

“Bill as long as I’m able, I’d like to help out with some of the patients here, if that’s OK with you.”

“Of course. Your help is always welcome.”

**************

Grayson Labs:

Sam Grayson sat beside the crib and cooed at her new cellmate. The infant girl, Sara she had been named, smiled at the sounds, inducing a similar smile on Sam’s face. Leaning back to stretch, Sam shook her head in disbelief. When Laura had told her on Wednesday morning that the baby had survived the viral induced transformation and was going to become Sam’s new roommate, her reaction had been one of stunned silence, followed by several hours of hemming and hawing on Sam’s part about not wanting the responsibility, and of not knowing how to care for a child.

“Sam,” Laura had scolded “you’re a woman now. Nurturing is part of our make up. You’ll do fine with the baby. You’ll probably find that you like it, too. Besides, if you refuse they’re going to send her to one of the quarantine centers.”

Knowing better than to argue with her former lab partner, Sam had reluctantly agreed to her idea. Much to her surprise, Laura had been right. Taking care of the baby had been more rewarding than Sam could have ever imagined. The child had provided the confined scientist with a welcome distraction, and helped to stave off a growing case of cabin fever, though she could have done without the diapers.

From outside in the observation room, Mia Blue watched the young woman interact with the child and smiled to herself. Over the last few weeks her fondness for Sam had grown immensely. She was almost coming to think of her as a daughter. Reluctant to interrupt, but needing to speak, she keyed the newly installed intercom system. “Sam?”

Looking over her shoulder to see who was there, Sam put up a single finger to indicate that she needed a moment. Picking up the baby she said “Uh, OH, the boss is here. We’d better go see what she wants.” Walking over to the desk, she picked up the headset. “Yeah boss, what’s up?”

“I see you and your new roommate are getting along.”

Kissing Sara on the top of the head, Sam replied “Yes, she’s quite a little character.”

“Sam, the Colonel asked me come down here and talk to you. We just received a call from Bill Batson. He said that … oh, this is so hard to say...”

“What Mia? What is it?”

“Sam … Laura has become infected somehow.”

“She what? How is that possible?”

“We don’t know yet, Sam. Perhaps it’s because she was exposed to the original form of the virus, the one that changed you. You told me yourself she was in the room when the ajar air hose was discovered.”

“Yes but … After all this time? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Well the only other alternative, is one that I personally don’t want to think about.”

Nodding in understanding, Sam said “I’ve got to agree with you there. What’s Bill going to do?”

“For now, she’s staying at City. We want to keep her under observation. Both for her safety and …”

“… we need to see what the virus does.” Sam finished Mia’s sentence for her, shivering at the thought of her friend being used as some kind of lab rat. Sam looked down at baby Sara and rolled her eyes at the irony, thinking, ‘Lab Rats are exactly what we all are at this point’. She swallowed hard, trying to remove the large lump that had formed in her throat and said “Well thank you, Mia, for coming down here and telling me personally.”

“Sam, she’s going to be OK.” Mia tried to sound optimistic.

“I hope you’re right,” Sam replied worriedly.

*********************

San Francisco late afternoon:

Carlos Henry sat in the corner of the dirty warehouse hugging himself and rocking back and forth. He was cold, starved and scared beyond all imagining. Less than a week ago he had fallen asleep, a tall, dark hair and lightly tanned thirty five year old salesman, who had come to San Francisco on a business trip. As this was his first trip to the city, he had been very upset at the cough, fever and listlessness that had come on, interfering with his planned sightseeing in the world famous city. Hoping a good night’s sleep would help make him feel better so he would be able to go out the following night, Carlos had climbed into bed at about 7:30 Pm Monday night.

He awoke to find the mid-afternoon sun shining brightly. Looking at the clock he found it to be a bit after 2:30 Pm. Bolting out of bed, Carlos almost slammed headlong into the wall, skidding to a stop as he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror. His mouth hung open as he’d found to his horror, the face of a young, brown eyed girl with dark hair and freckles looking back at him. A quick check revealed that the change was to more than just his face. His small, budding breasts, other anatomical changes, and lack of defined feminine shape led him to believe he was now somewhere between 11 and 13 years of age.

After the inspection was complete he had been too stunned to know how to react. He just stood there staring at his reflection, occasionally touching his face in disbelief while wondering how such a change could have happened. To be honest, Carlos admitted he would probably still be there if it hadn’t been for the sudden all-consuming hunger that came over him about an hour after his awakening. Without consideration for his new form, he had called for room service and ordered everything he could think of, all to be charged to his room. However the bill exceeded his room’s charge limit and the hotel manager, Mr. Edwards had come up to speak to him about it.

Edwards had been surprised when a young girl answered the door after he knocked. He asked the new girl where her father was. Carlos had tried to explain that he was the one who had rented the room and that something had happened causing him to change into an early adolescent girl. At first the manager didn’t believe him, thinking the child was playing a joke on him, but the more Carlos explained, the more he came to think she might be telling the truth. Just when Carlos thought he was going to be alright, Edwards started screaming about some thing called Acidalia and ordered Carlos to get out of the hotel immediately.

Carlos had tried to reason with him, but the panicked manager literally pulled him out of the room and carried him down to the lobby. Carlos fought with everything he had, but his new body lacked the strength to do much in the way of damage. Growing increasingly desperate, Carlos bit Edwards arm while they descended in the elevator, which earned her a vicious slap across the face.

Once on the ground floor, the Mr. Edwards turned Carlos over to hotel security and ordered them to escort him off the property. He would have been sent out in just a robe if the kindly middle aged guard hadn’t taken pity on him and grabbed an ill fitting pink striped shirt and some jeans from the lost and found, before doing as he had been instructed. As it was, they had thrown him out before he had been able to even grab his wallet, leaving him penniless.

Starving and broke, he’d been forced to wander the streets of the unfamiliar city. That first day had been an unending series of hunger and terror. To his disgust he’d found himself forced to look into some of the most unsanitary of places for sustenance. To good his fortune, or at least it appeared at the moment, to be fortune, a seemingly kindly old Chinese man by the name of Gin Li, found him foraging in the dumpster behind his restaurant.

“You there, what are you doing in there?” Gin had called out when he saw Carlos’ bare feet sticking out of the top of the dumpster.

With a face nearly as red as the average sports car, Carlos stammered “I’m sorry, sir, I was just so hungry ... I … I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

“You girl, where are your parents?”

Carol stood there stumped by the question, having no clue how to answer him. It wasn’t a question she had considered. When he began to look impatient, she told him, “I don’t know.”

“You not know?” he questioned as he scratched his balding head. “You are a runaway?”

Carol nodded.

“You’re hungry? You want food? I have food inside if you like. Come in, I’ll feed you if you want,” the elderly gentleman said in a his thick accent.

Though he knew better than to just follow a strange man, his overwhelming hunger clouded his judgment, and Carlos had followed the old man into the back of the restaurant.

“Sit!” Gin told him as he went to fetch Carlos a plate full of food. Carlos sat as patiently as he could, trying to ignore his watering mouth and grumbling stomach. The smell of the kitchen was driving his senses crazy, and it was all he could do to stay put.

Gin reappeared with a overflowing plate, filled with just about every Chinese favorite Carlos could think of. He set it down in front of the starving new girl, and it was all she could do to keep from attacking it with her hands and stuffing her mouth. Gin smiled as she grunted with pleasure while she consumed plate after plate of exquisite Chinese cuisine.

At last, when she finally seemed to be finished. Gin remarked “My, my, girl you were hungry. What you name?”

“Name?” Carlos repeated trying to think fast. “My name is Carl … um … I mean Carol. Carol Henry.”

“I’m Gin Li. This my restaurant.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Li …. I don’t have money, but I would pay you for all that food I ate. Is there anything you need done around here? I can wash dishes, clean tables, anything you need.” As Carlos rambled, she noticed a strange grin appear on Gin’s face.

“As matter of fact, there is something you do for me as payment,” he replied getting to his feet. “come with me. I will show you how you can pay.”

Gin’s smile set a million alarms off in Carol’s head as she got up and cautiously followed the old man down a short, poorly lit hallway. He stopped in front of a flimsy looking, badly painted red door. Opening it, he said, “Come, we go inside. Then you pay me for meal.” He brushed his hand over his crotch. Carol’s eyes opened wide as she caught his meaning.

“I … I can’t do that,” she said in a panicky voice as she started to back away.

“You pay for meal!” Gin insisted, grabbing for her. As he reached toward her, Carol sidestepped his outstretched hand and pushed him back, his own momentum sending him crashing to the floor.

Without so much as a backward glance, Carol spun on her heels and sprinted down the hall towards the door she had used to enter the restaurant. It was just coming into sight when she heard Gin yelling something in Chinese. She pumped her legs harder as another voice answered and a hulking figure moved in to intercept her. Lunging for the door, she felt a tug on the back of her shirt. It slowed her only momentarily as the seam ripped and set her sprawling through the open door.

She’d hit the pavement outside hard, skinning her knees and palms. With no thought to her injuries, Carol leaped to her feet and bolted down the alley, shrugging off her tattered shirt as she ran. A shout from close behind sent a shot of fear through her. The accompanying surge of adrenalin pushed her legs even faster. The angry voices receded as she hit the end of the alleyway and ran into the crowd of people on the sidewalk beyond.

Much to her dismay, no one even seemed to notice the now shirtless youngster running through the streets. And run she did. For what seemed like hours, she criss-crossed the city, looking for a place to hide until exhaustion, or perhaps fate, had brought her to the warehouse where she now sat.

She had been hiding there for four days now, going out only when thirst or hunger forced her to. In all the time she remained hidden, Carol hadn’t seen a single person anywhere, until she suddenly cringed in terror at the loud screech the rusted hinges of the front door made as it was opened. Curling herself into the tightest ball possible, she listened to the two voices as they approached her hiding space.

“This is it. What do you think?” Nicole said as she whipped the dust from the door off her hands.

“Well, it’s certainly big enough for what we need it for. But it’s going to take a lot of cleaning,” Ellie replied with a grimace.

“As far as I know, no one has used this place in years. The only thing that should be here is my Dad’s stuff, and that’s way in the back room over there,” Nicole said, pointing in the general direction of where Carol crouched watching them. “I figure, we can use this main area here to keep an eye on anyone going through the change. And with a little work and some materials, we can make that part over there into living quarters. As more people join us, we can always expand upstairs, too. What do you think?”

Ellie smiled at her friend. There was no way to describe how happy she was to see the changes that had come over Nicole. Somehow, she had not only become a beautiful 6’ 1” woman who had somehow managed to retain much of her former self’s physical strength, but there had been other, more subtle changes too. While Roger hadn’t been slow or anything along those lines, he hadn’t always been the sharpest tack in the drawer either. Nicole, on the other hand, seemed incredibly smart and quick when it came to learning new things.

When she walked, she exuded confidence, something Roger had never even had so much as a passing relationship with. Gone was the clumsy, self-conscious, socially inept, but loveable clod that Roger had been. Nicole was now in charge and Ellie couldn’t have been happier. She said a silent prayer of thanks to God for his gifts to her friend.

“Earth to El? Come in please?” she heard Nicole say.

“I’m sorry, Sweetie; my mind must have wandered off for a minute there. What did you say?”

Smiling Nicole teased “You shouldn’t let it wander off like that, it’s way too little to be off on it own.” Ellie stuck her tongue out at Nicole and the two women laughed light heartedly.

From her hiding place, Carol watched the two of them with growing alarm. It sounded to her like they planed on using this space for something. If that were true, she would need another place to hide, and that would pose a whole new set of problems for the new girl. While it certainly wasn’t the Ritz, the dank warehouse had become something of a refuge for her, and she would be very reluctant to leave it.

The two women moved deeper into the building, talking and pointing at this or that. Carol moved closer to the grime covered office window, straining to decipher what they were saying. She leaned hard on the old glass, until much to her dismay, her weight caused a pane to fall out and crash to the floor. The women turned back towards the sound, one of them yelping “What the hell?”

As she heard the two women’s footsteps coming towards her to investigate the noise, Carol scurried across the small room and dove behind the only possible hiding space, a large dilapidated desk.

“Looks like the putty must have given way on that old window.” Ellie said.

As Nicole looked down at the broken glass, she heard the muffled sound of someone trying to control their breathing. Without lifting her head, she whispered “El, there’s someone in there. Stay here while I go see who it is.”

With catlike grace, Nicole hopped to her feet and moved stealthily around to the room’s door. Ellie watched as Nicole burst though the door and pounced on something inside. A yelp of surprise, followed by a small crashing sound accompanied the redheaded giantess’ assault.

Seconds later she reemerged with a small shirtless body, kicking, and obviously angry draped over one shoulder. Her captive howled with rage, demanding to be set free. Ignoring the child’s words, Nicole strode over to where Ellie awaited her. As she set the intruder down, the diminutive girl lashed out, catching Nicole’s check with a fingernail, cutting it. “ARRGGG!”

The small girl hopped up and looked wildly around the large room for the best escape route. She darted away from Ellie and Nicole and dove into a small alcove under the rusted stairway that led to the second floor.

Pulling her hand away from her face and seeing blood on it, Nicole growled, “Where is she?”

“Over there, under the stairway,” Ellie replied, pointing to where Carol had hidden.

“I’m gonna kill that little brat when I get my hands on her,” Nicole grumbled as she started walking towards Carol’s hiding spot.

“Nicole!” Ellie admonished her, “She’s scared. You burst into the room, pounced on the poor thing, wrestled with her and then carried her out on your shoulder. Did you ever think of going in there and trying to talk? No wonder she scratched you.”

Red-faced, Nicole replied, “Aw, come on, El. You know I wouldn’t really hurt her.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Sweetie, but she doesn’t. Come on, let’s see if we can get her to come out of there.”

The two women strode over the stairway as Carol watched them from the alcove. Kneeling down, Ellie said “Sweetie? Are you OK? We’re sorry if we scared you. We were just surprised to find someone here.”

Ellie waited several silence filled seconds. “Sweetie? Can you hear me?”

“Leave me alone!” a small voice growled from the darkness.

“Please come out. We promise no one will hurt you. We just want to make sure you’re alright.”

Another silence filled interlude ended with the voice saying “OK, just keep that big palooka away from me.”

Nicole rolled her eyes, but stepped back far enough away to let the girl know she meant no harm, but close enough to protect El if she needed it. Ellie gave Nicole a thankful look, then turned her attention back to the young child. “My name is Ellie, and my friend Nicole here has backed off. Will you come out of there now? Please?”

From the darkness under the stairs came the rustling sound of movement and then a sudden sharp cry of pain. “Sweetie, are you ok?”

“Oww, my foot.” The voice complained. “I stubbed it on some kind of box of something under here.” Seconds later, a frail form emerged from the murk.

Ellie gasped at how thin and drawn the youngster looked. “Honey, how long have you been in here?”

“A few days.” Carol replied defensively.

“And the last time you ate anything?”

“Tuesday. I found some bread, still wrapped in a plastic bag, in a trash barrel near the park.”

“Oh, Sweetie, where are your parents?”

Carol looked appraisingly at the lovely young woman with long curly hair standing in front of her and contemplated whether to tell her the truth or not. Deciding to take a chance, and being a poor liar, she told Ellie the truth. “I am, …or was, thirty five.”

A look of understanding and compassion passed over both women’s faces simultaneously. “Acidalia?” the tall red head asked.

After a moment of non-comprehension, a startled look came over the girl’s face. “Yeah. That’s what the hotel manager said too, just before he threw me out.”

“How long have you been on the streets?” Ellie asked, radiating a genuine concern that made Carol feel that she was now among friends.

With tears rolling down her face, Carol related her entire story. Nicole and Ellie listened to the entire tale without interruption, seething with anger and embarrassment at how this poor traveler had been treated by their fellow city dwellers. By the time Carol was finished, all three of them were in tears.

“What about your family? Have you tried to contact them?” Ellie asked when Carol had finished.

“Both of my parents are dead, and my wife and I divorced two years ago. We had no children, and haven’t really spoken since. That, and the hotel threw me out before I could grab my wallet, so I’ve had no money.”

Nicole went over and hugged the girl, ignoring the way the poor thing flinched as she touched her. “Little one, you’re among friends now. We’ll take care of you and make sure nothing like that happens to you again. You have my promise on that.”

“Nicole, be careful or you’ll crush her,” Ellie jokingly admonished as Carol’s eyes bulged out of her head slightly from the embrace.

“Sorry.” Nicole said, letting the new girl go. Looking back towards the stairway she continued “Hmm, shall we see what it was that you caught you foot on under there?”

Nicole walked over to the alcove and after a bit of contorting, managed to squeeze herself into it. A loud clang preceded a few choice words about the banging of heads that made Ellie think of covering Carol’s ears, despite her true age.

“Found it,” Nicole announced once she’d recovered from her wound. Whatever it was she had discovered under there made a hellacious noise as Nicole pulled it free. Reemerging from the cramped space she complained “Oomph, this thing is heavy.”

“What is it?” Ellie asked.

“Looks like the old trunk my Dad had me bring here for him. I wonder how it got under there?” Nicole said as she finally maneuvered the dust covered 3’ by 2’foot locker into the middle of the floor.

“Any idea what’s in it?” Carol asked.

“It was empty when I brought it in, but that was a couple years ago.” Nicole replied, looking over the chest.

“Do you think we should open it?” Ellie asked.

“Well, it’s not locked. Whoever put it under there must have figured no one would ever find it, so they weren’t worried about security,” Nicole replied, bending down and flipping the latch open, while trying to remember to watch out for her nails. Realizing she was thinking such feminine thoughts caused a quick smile to crease her lipstick covered lips.

The chest popped open to reveal a folded cream colored tarp. Nicole reached in and removed it, her eyes growing to the size of saucers as she spied what was hidden beneath. Seeing the look, Ellie asked “What’s in there.”

Numbly, Nicole replied “Money. Lots and lots of money,” as she reached in and put her hand on it just to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating.

“Are you kidding me?” Ellie asked as she and Carol came over to view the contents for themselves. One glance into the chest confirmed the validity of Nicole’s claim. “Jeesh, I guess you weren’t kidding. How much do you think is in there?” Carol asked.

“No clue. Shall we find out?” Nicole asked holding up a fistful of bills.

***********************

Reynolds Saturday June 10 11:00 Am:

“Sir?” the intercom squawked.

“Yes?” Brady replied with obvious annoyance as he turned away from his computer monitor.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, sir, but Dr. Stanley is here and would like to speak to you.”

Brady let out a deep sigh, “Fine, give me a moment and then send her in.” He turned and shut off his monitor.

Moments later, the obese form of Dr. Paula Stanley lumbered into the Major’s office. As she came through the door, Brady crinkled his nose in disgust. He had no real use for this fat, arrogant, so-called doctor, with her incessant whining about having to deal directly with Acidalia patients.

To Brady’s mind, she should be praying to God that she could catch it. It might do her some good, from a looks standpoint anyhow. However the doctors compliance in his activities was essential, so Brady did his best to hide his loathing from her. Pushing his dislike aside, he put on his best fake smile, stood up and said “Paula, looking ravishing, as usual. What brings you here this fine morning?”

“Major, I need your permission for something.”

“Yes? What would that be?”

“Since we opened, my staff and I have been busy checking on the physical health of all our patients here, and we’ve come across some astounding results in a few of them.”

“Doctor, all your patients, as you call them, used to be men. I would expect a lot of unusual traits to show up.”

“True enough, Major, but the ones that I’m talking about are truly remarkable. We have identified at least six individuals who seem to have an enhanced ability to heal themselves. Another one seems to have profoundly increased strength.”

“What do you mean by enhanced healing and increased strength? Are you trying to tell me we have some kind of superwomen here?” Brady’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“No Major, none are superhuman by any means, just well above what would be considered normal. For example, Taylor Fredricks was a champion power lifter before becoming infected. She claims to have been able to lift in excess of seven hundred pounds at her peak. Now that she’s been transformed, her strength isn’t quite at that level, but it is certainly more than a petite 5’ 4” woman should possess. We recently observed her moving several of the bunks around in her cell, and as you know each one of those weighs about 150lbs each. She moved them as easily as any man could have.”

Having seen Fredricks in person, Brady was impressed by the doctor’s claim. The girl certainly didn’t look like a powerhouse, by any means. “OK. So what is it that you want to do with these women?”

“I’d like to separate them from the general population and do some testing on them.”

“Testing? You mean experimenting?”

“Well yes, for lack of a better word. I’d like to test their abilities and see what their limits are. Also I’d like to do some genetic profiling on them, to determine how these attributes came about. If we can identify the genes that brought about these enhancements, it could be a tremendous benefit to all mankind.” Dr. Stanley said smugly as she handed Brady a list of names. “These are the ones I’d like to start with.”

Brady scanned down the list trying to decide whether to let the doctor conduct her experiments or not, when he stumbled across a very familiar name. “Thomas Logan is one of these enhanced infecties?”

“Yes she is. As a matter of fact, her healing abilities are truly astounding, even when compared to the others.”

“Really? Doctor, just how would you go about testing the limits of … say, Ms. Logan’s healing capabilities?”

Paula smiled “Major, I assumed that answer would be obvious, especially to someone with your … shall we say, taste for interrogation?”

Brady returned her smile. ‘Perhaps this woman isn’t all that bad after all.’ he thought to himself. To Dr. Stanley he said “Yes, doctor, I think finding out how these abilities function and their upper limits is a terrific idea, one that will benefit all of mankind if their secrets can be unlocked. You have my permission to use whomever you wish, in whatever manner you see fit. However, I do have one small request.”

“Yes Major?”

“I want to be present during all testing on Logan.”

Paula smiled brightly “I don’t see that being a problem at all sir.”

*********************

City Hospital 2:40 Pm:

Laura wound her way through incredibly crowded Acidalia ward, trying not to notice the stench of sickness that permeated the hallway like a physical thing as she made her first stop on this morning’s rounds. Her new job was to help the floor’s doctors and nurses by checking each patient’s vital signs and updating their charts. Not the most challenging of jobs, but on the good side, it kept her mind busy. The bad part of it was that the constant contact with those inflicted with the virus. Having to watch them change, and seeing the emotional and physical distress it caused was a constant reminder of just how badly she and Sam had screwed up.

Vernon Lynne was a partner in one of the area’s most powerful law firms, so City Hospital was treating him with extra care. He had a private room and was under constant supervision. Unfortunately, for Vernon, his transformation was going along at an incredibly slow rate. To make matters worse, he had remained conscious during the entire, incredibly painful process. The doctors had tried every method they could think of to help control the pain, however since he was being rebuilt at a genetic level, nothing was particularly effective.

As a man, he had been very handsome, tall with a deep baritone voice and a winning smile that had made female jurors swoon at the sight of it. Now, however, the virus induced transformation had seemingly robbed him of all that and more. It was almost as if he was being punished for some kind of misdeed in his life. ‘Perhaps he should have been nicer to others,’ Laura though ruefully as numerous recountings of Vernon’s legendary rudeness flashed though her mind.

She entered the room to find her charge, for the first time in days, looking focused, not lost in pain induced delirium. Looking over the lawyer’s new form caused a pang of guilt to wash over Laura. Vernon had become a very short, fat, acne scarred woman with dark brown curly hair. “Vernon, nice to se you looking better this morning. How are you feeling?”

“Like shit!” she replied morosely.

“Well, you look a lot better,” Laura tried to cheer the newly transformed girl up a bit.

“I look like hell. Dr Brannon was already in here this morning and showed me my new body. If I ever get my hands on that Dr. Ryson …” she trailed off bitterly.

“Carla? What did she ever do to you?”

“What did she do? Haven’t you watched the news? They announced just before I got sick that she was the one released this … this virus or whatever it really is, … into the world. They said that she was going to be charged with crimes against humanity. You know, like the Nazi’s at Nuremberg were? ”

Looking exasperated Laura told her “Carla isn’t responsible for what happened to you, Vernon.”

“You should call me Vera now. Vernon is dead.” the portly new woman said bitterly.

“Fine, Vera then. Anyhow as I was saying, Carla isn’t responsible for what happened to you.”

“Carla? You talk like you know her?”

“I do know her.” Laura replied wondering how much of the truth to tell this small bitter woman. After a moment’s consideration, she decided that a little lie would work best for now. “She was an instructor of mine when I was in school.”

Vera grumbled something that Laura couldn’t quite make out, in response. Deciding it wasn’t something worth pursuing, Laura let it side. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

“Yes. You can get out of here and leave me be. I don’t want anything to do with any friends of that witch Ryson. On your way out, have them send me something to eat, too, will you? I’m fucken starving.”

Without a word of response, Laura turned and left. As she walked out the door, she bumped into Dr. Erica Brannon, nearly knocking the slender, ocean blue eyed red head, to the floor.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Erica,. I didn’t see you there.”

Bending over to pick up the handful of papers she’d dropped Brannon replied apologetically, “Don’t worry about it, Laura. It was my fault, too. I wasn’t looking where I was going either.” Seeing the look of irritation on Laura’s face she asked “Hey, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just had a run in with the former Vernon Lynne.”

“Still upset, is she?”

“Yeah. You could say that.”

“Well you won’t have to worry about her for long. She’s scheduled to be sent to Reynolds the day after tomorrow.”

“Reynolds?” Laura repeated with obvious distaste. “Why there? Why not Dillon?”

“Dillon’s pretty much full at least until they finish with the new addition they’re putting on. Reynolds is still accepting new patients.”

“But … I thought … well, with all the rumors about what’s been going on there …”

“I’ve heard some of them too … but I don’t make the decisions on where to send the infected ones. All I know is we certainly can’t keep any more here.”

Laura looked around at the severely overcrowded hallway. “I suppose you’re right on that account.”

Erica nodded in agreement. Changing the subject, she asked, “How are you feeling?”

“So far so good, I suppose.”

Erica put her hand on Laura’s head. “No fever yet. That’s a good sign.”

“Yeah, I know.”

‘Yes of course you do. Did you hear that they’re going to be making all the women here get tested now too?”

“No I hadn’t heard that, but I suppose it makes sense. Better safe than sorry, and all that.”

As Erica opened her mouth to reply, her pager started beeping. Looking down at the number it displayed, she said “I need to answer this, if you’ll excuse me …”

“Of course, do what you need to do.”

“Thanks, Laura. I’ll get with you later.”

Laura looked down at her list of patients and move off in the direction of the next one’s room.

******************

Washington DC. The White house
The Oval Office 5:15 Pm EDT:

“Mr. President?” Bill Reinhardt said urgently as he walked into the office, straightening his tie as he went.

Looking up from the stack of paper work laid out inform of him the President replied “What is it, Bill?”

“Mr. President, I just got word from over on the Hill, that that son of a bitch Senator George has managed to get approval for public hearings on your handling of the entire virus situation. He’s also after the Congressional Military Oversight Committee to look into the Army’s handling of the riots in Detroit and Providence.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“No Sir. I wish I were.”

“Shit! God damned political opportunistic son of a bitch! Like we don’t have enough on our plates! Now here comes this little shit with delusions of grandeur, thinking he can use this to help his campaign! God damn it!”

Trying to get the subject back on track, Reinhardt said, “Sir all that aside, we need a plan. His committee is going to be issuing subpoenas starting on Tuesday for any and all documentation we have on how things were handled. I also heard that he’s already asked that Jennifer Fisk, you know, the doctor from Rhode Island, to testify during one of the first sessions.”

Fuller leaned forward and put head into his hands as he considered what to do. Ed George had been a constant thorn in his side ever since the Massachusetts Senator had announced his Presidential Campaign last November. In Fuller’s opinion, the man was young, egotistical, handsome, and as smart as could be. To make matters worse, George was given a very good chance of unseating him in November. Now he had hooked up with the Fisk woman, whose sole purpose in life it seemed now, was speaking out against Fuller’s handling of the Providence outbreak.

“Sir?”

“Yes Bill, I’m still here.” Fuller lifted his suddenly pounding head.

“Your thoughts, Sir?”

“Have we managed to get anything on this Dr. Fisk yet? Anything at all we can use to discredit her?”

Looking disappointed, Reinhardt replied “Nothing so far. She was head of viral research at two distinguished children’s hospitals; she’s a long standing member of Mensa, her family are faithful Lutherans that go to church every Sunday, all her taxes have been paid on time. Christ, we had to look back eight years just to find a traffic violation.”

“Wonderful, just what I need right now, a lily white doctor chasing me around the country.”

“Well Sir, there are always other alternatives to publicly discrediting her.”

Understanding his Chief of Staff’s meaning, Fuller replied “I think it’s a bit early in the game to think about eliminating her just yet. I think what we need to do is find something, anything … Christ, make it up if we have to, but find a way to make something stick on her. That hospital she worked at was mostly destroyed by the fire. Most of her coworkers are dead, so we can be creative in what we come up with.”

Reinhardt stood thoughtfully for a moment, then his face lit up and he said “Child abuse!”

“What?”

“Sir, we start a rumor that she was being investigated on charges of abusing the children under her care.”

“You mean, like sexually?”

“Sexually, physically, emotionally … whatever. We just float it out there to one of the newspapers and let them do our job for us. They’ll hound her until she decides that being in the public eye isn’t worth the price and goes back down whatever hole it was that she crawled out of.”

“You know Bill, you really scare me sometimes with the way your mind works,” Fuller said admiringly.

“Coming from you, Mr. President, I’ll take that as high praise,” Reinhardt joked. “But seriously, what do you want to do about these hearings?”

“I want you to find ever order, every memo, slip of paper, cocktail napkin, whatever and destroy them all. Especially anything concerning KLTR. The truth of what happened there can’t be allowed to get out.”

“I understand, Sir.”

“And Bill, don’t fuck this up like you did the last job I gave you, ’cause if this gets out, we’re all fucked.”

“Yes Sir. I understand completely,” Reinhardt said with a small cringe.

“Good … and get Kerry working on the abuse angle right away. We need this woman discredited before she says a word to Congress.”

“Yes sir, I’ll see it’s taken care of, sir.”

Fuller sat back down behind his desk and began looking through the paperwork on it. After a few moments he looked back up at Reinhardt “Was there something else?”

Looking uncomfortable Reinhardt said “Yes Mr. President there is one last thing I needed to talk to you about.”

“Well spit it out then!”

“Well sir, I just heard from Joanne. She said her meeting with the Europeans went worse than expected. She couldn’t get them to budge on the flight issue. Apparently they’re considering stopping inbound shipping, too.”

Fuller sat silently for a moment seething over the news. “Fine, get me General Alexander on the line ASAP! If they want to play hardball, we can too.”

**************

Sunday June 11. 6:00 Pm PDT. KLTR News:

Good evening San Francisco. This is KLTR News, the evening edition.

“Our top story this evening is the claims from local doctors of the continued growth in the number of Acidalia cases in our area. While certain individuals in the medical community have been heard to intimate that the new testing procedures have cause a spike in new cases, the CDC has come out once again to dispel these, and I quote, “Wholly untrue statements.”

Local CDC Head Mia Blue today at the County Memorial testing center had this to say “The Internet rumors and the innuendo being put out by people claiming to be area doctors appears to me to be a simple case of Internet scaremongering. With the help of the FBI, Military, and a handful of other groups, we have managed to track down several of these rumors to their sources and found the vast majority were started by individuals that aren’t even doctors. One such person was actually found to be a 12 year old boy in Wisconsin.”

“In other news, local officials today admitted that there have been no new leads in the search for domestic terrorist Warren Quinlan. A spokes woman for the San Francisco police today reiterated the authorities need for the public’s help in bringing the vicious killer to justice. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Quinlan, the police urge you to contact them on their toll free anti-terrorism hot line.”

“Internationally: Secretary of State Joanne Constantine’s whirlwind eight day, ten country tour-de-force came to a disappointing end today as she met with leaders of the European Union and the NATO alliance in an effort to break the international ban on all flights originating in the United States. As with all previous stops, including China, Japan and South Korea, the member nations refused to lift the ban, despite assurances from the secretary that all outbound passengers are now being required to show proof of a negative testing for the dreaded virus.

“President Fuller expressed disappointment in the international community for their failure to work out a compromise with the secretary, and has once again threatened sanctions against any country that refuses to lift the ban.

A White House source today said the President has even considered stopping grain shipments if the International community doesn’t come to its senses and drop the embargo.”

“In national news: The House and Senate both unanimously passed two important pieces of legislation today during an emergency session. The first was to create a nationwide chain of Acidalia testing centers starting with all major metropolitan centers. The bill also included language that made weekly testing mandatory for all United States citizens, starting on July first. Local jurisdictions were also given the latitude to institute mandatory testing sooner if the centers in their area are completed earlier than the deadline.”

“The second bill was an effort to counteract the growing number of unreported cases of the virus. The measure allows states to charge anyone found to be knowingly harboring any unreported Acidalia victim under a new federal law. The penalties include up to ten years imprisonment per offense. The measure comes down particularly hard on medical professionals, calling for mandatory prison time of up to fifteen year per offense, and loss of medical license for any doctor or registered nurse found to be harboring such individuals.”

“Congress today also announced the formation of a special investigative committee to look into President Fuller’s handling of the Acidalia crisis. Massachusetts Senator Edward George will be chairing the inquiry which will be comprised of both Democrats and Republicans. Chairman George also announced that on of the first witnesses called to testify will be Dr. Jenifer Fisk. Dr. Fisk, as you may well know, has become one of the most outspoken critics of President Fuller since the Providence riots.”

“In a related story, Boston police today refused to comment of the accusations of child abuse that were leveled at Dr. Fisk today by the parents of a former patient at Boston’s Children’s hospital. The parents of Myra Thompson, who died last year at the world famous hospital from complications resulting from the flu, have come forward today accusing Dr. Fisk of physically abusing their daughter while she was under the doctor’s care.

Dr. Fisk’s lawyer, Phil Akamideus, had this to say when reached for comment, ’These accusations a patently untrue. Dr. Fisk never treated the girl, and has never met her parents. We look forward to being able to prove our innocence to the proper authorities.’”

“In other news: In a bizarre twist of illegal immigration, immigration officials in both Canada and Mexico filed formal complaints with the US Border Patrol service, claiming that lax enforcement on their part has led to a tremendous amount of illegal border crossings into each nation. Canada in particular, has seen thousands of United States citizens attempting to flee the virus illegally enter the country.

Mexican President Ramon Vila Lobos has reportedly reinforced his border guards with soldiers from the Mexican army. However, officials say the rumor that the solders have been ordered to shoot first at any illegals is completely false.

***************

Grayson Labs Colonel Jordon’s office 9:25 Pm PDT:

“Colonel Jordon speaking,” he said as he lifted the ever ringing phone.

“Colonel? This is General Alexander.”

“Yes Sir, what can I do for you, sir?” the Colonel’s attention was suddenly focused by the Army Chief of Staff.

“Colonel, I’m calling to inform you that the President has authorized shipping those packages that we discussed last week.”

Colonel Jordon checked his desk for the progress report on the requested packages and their probable delivery dates. Finding it, Jordan told his superior officer, “According to the report I received earlier today, presently we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 180 of the 230 you requested ready for shipment, with the rest expected to be ready by Wednesday, Sir.”

“Very good, Colonel. I want to have whatever you have ready shipped out first thing in the morning. Use the list I emailed you for the order of shipping priority.”

“Yes sir, I’ll have them ready.” Jordon replied. After a moments consideration he continued “General, Sir, is this line secure?”

“Yeah, Charlie, it’s safe. What’s up?”

“Bob are we sure this is the right thing to do? This could really come back to bite us in the ass here.”

“I hear you, but the order came from Fuller himself. If the order came from the Secretary of Defense, then possibly I could appeal it, but where it came from the top, my hands are as tied as yours are.”

“Damn! What the hell’s going on with him?”

“He’s under a lot of pressure, Charlie and the last thing he needs right now is for his own military to be questioning his orders.”

Understanding the unsaid order, Jordon replied, “Yes sir. Those packages will be out first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Good Colonel. Make sure they are,” Alexander said as he hung the phone up.

Jordon sat there reading over the list, searching his soul, wondering if disregarding this order truly qualified as treason, and if so, whether he had the guts to commit it if need be.

********************

Monday June 11. 9:15 Am City Hospital:

“Laura?” Dr. Brannon whispered as she urgently shook the young blonde woman’s shoulder.

Startled by the sudden intrusion upon her makeshift slumber, Laura sleepily replied, “Wha? Oh! Erica … Jeeze, you scared the hell out of me. I … I must have drifted off. What’s up?”

“You need to wake up and get going here. There’s a bus coming to take you and a load of patients to Dillon.”

“Dillon? I thought you said they were being sent to Reynolds. And why am I going? Bill said I could stay here and help out until I wasn’t able to.” Taking a good look at the oddly nervous doctor, Laura added “Are you alright? You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”

“I … I’m fine. Bill got a call from that Colonel guy saying that he wanted you to be transferred to Dillon.” Erica strapped a patient ID bracelet around Laura’s wrist.

“When did this happen?”

“Just a little while ago. Come on, you need to get moving if you’re going to make it before the bus leaves.” Erica practically pulled Laura out of her chair.

The two women ran through the hallway, Erica all but dragging Laura’s exhausted form down to the loading area in record time. One bus was already filled. Erica grabbed Laura’s arm and headed towards the other, which was just boarding the last of the transfers. As they approached, Erica called out, “Got room for one more?”

“According to our list, everyone that’s supposed to be going is already on board,” The guard told her.

Erica looked at the heavyset, dough-faced, droopy-eyed man. “This is a special case, Colonel … Laura, what’s his name again?”

“Jordon.” Laura replied distractedly as she noticed Vera Lynne seated near the front of the transport. She rolled her eyes at the prospect of having to spend a couple hours sitting next to the hate-filled Acidalia victim.

“Colonel Jordon, then, called Director Batson and requested that Dr. Wayne be transferred to Dillon along with the rest.”

“Dillon? We’re supposed to be going to Reynolds. No one told me about going to Dillon, or anyone being added. I’d better call my supervisor and get confirmation.”

“I’ve got the transfer order right here,” Erica said holding up a sheet of paper and handing it to the guard. “As you can see, it’s been signed by Director Batson himself.”

The guard looked the slip over and nodded slowly as he read. With a look of confusion on his face, he said, “Well, everything seems to be in order, but I’ll have to say this is quite unusual.” He took one last long look at the sheet as Erica looked on nervously. Finally making a decision, he said, “Miss, if you’ll climb aboard and take a seat we can get going.”

11:35Am PDT:

Yvonne Logan’s life had been slowly falling apart since the twenty eighth of May. That was the day her husband had taken ill with what would become known as Acidalia. Back then, though it had no name, it had infected him none-the-less. With a tide of panic rising inside of her, she had taken him to City Hospital, hoping that the doctors there could help him, but instead they had taken him away to a place called Reynolds. The doctors had told her that Reynolds was a quarantine center, and that Thomas had been sent there for his safety, as well as that of the public.

Since that day she had spent her every waking moment trying to get access to the quarantine center. She had gone there in person, only to be told rudely that no visitors were allowed. She’d argued vehemently that her husband was there and that they had no right to keep her from seeing him. Her passionate speech had been met with stone-faced emotionless platitudes about public safety and the risk of infection, as well as a quick escort off the premises.

After that failure she had gone to see her congressman, and again found nothing but rejection. The Senator told her that the situation was beyond his ability control. The order for the quarantines, he claimed, had come from the President himself, and that no congressman in his right mind would put the rights of a few individuals before the threat the disease posed to everyone else

Her last alternative had been to try to hire a lawyer and sue for the right to see Thomas, but no firm in the state would touch the case. Even the ones she had contacted from other states had refused.

As time passed, by her depression and despondency grew. She began to ignore the children, Michele and Melanie. She started regularly calling in sick to work, sleeping all day long and crying all night. Skipping meals, as well as refusing to cook, became the norm. Housework was also ignored until the place began to smell worse than the local dump. Trash piled up, the dishes went unwashed even the kids clothes were left by the washer for days on end until they either did the laundry on their own or had her mother pick it up to do at her house. Finally, her parents took the girls to stay with them, strongly advising her to get her act together and seek professional help.

After the kids had gone, her depression hit an all time low. She contemplated suicide and began to plan how and when, trying to come up with the quickest, least painful method. Only the thought of one of the girls finding her body kept Yvonne from going through with it.

That is, until not long ago, when surfing the Internet she stumbled onto the answers to her prayers. She found a website for a group with a plan on how to draw attention to the quarantine problem, and a way to get back at those responsible for creating the virus. The site called for the heads of Dr. Carla Ryson, the President, and a handful of others she had never heard of.

For the first time since Thomas had been taken, she felt that there might be someone that understood what she was going through. More importantly, thanks to the information the site contained, she now had something on which to focus her hatred. This new focus made her feel empowered for the first time since this whole mess had begun.

The beat up white Chevy van rolled to a stop on the side of the deserted two lane road less than three miles from the entrance to the Dillon facility, pulling her back from her memories. Yvonne looked at her coconspirators, Simone Williams, Sandra and Alexis Summers and their leader, Hillary Marko. All had lost husbands, brothers or boy friends to the quarantine. The five women all realized there was little hope of freeing those they cared for, however they were about to attempt to keep others from sharing the same fate as their loved ones.

A second van, twin to the first, pulled up next to them On the opposite shoulder of the road. It too carried five women who had lost men close to them. The ten women, along with several other individuals comprised what they hoped to be a long running resistance force to the government’s Acidalia policies. Today was to be their debut performance.

The occupants of both vehicles hopped out as Yvonne looked up at the clear blue late morning sky. The ten of them mulled around the vans, gathering their equipment and refining the plan to fit the conditions of the day. They were well armed, and they hoped, well prepared for today’s mission. Their greatest hope was that all would come through unharmed.

Hillary checked her watch. The call they had received gave them 10:05 as a departure time. According to her estimates the target should be arriving in the next fifteen minutes or so. “Okay, everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be doing?” The others nodded. “Good let’s get into position. Toni!” she pointed at the short brunette, “You and Simone get the vans into position. Gail you and your team take your positions over on the other side. The rest of you are with me. Let’s go people they should be here in approximately ten minutes.”

Eleven minutes later, two small drab green prison style school buses, complete with security cages built in, came lumbering down the road towards the group. The two vans shot from the shoulders lining either side and out onto the road, stopping at an angle nose to nose, creating a V shape that effectively blocked the road. The buses screeched to a stop as they approached the sudden impasse.

The two groups of women rapidly moved in from either side of the road with guns drawn. Toni and Simone hopped out of the vans and pointed shotguns at the driver of the first bus, shouting for him to put his hands above his head. The bus driver and the lone security guard did as instructed, signaling their surrender.

Hillary, along with Yvonne and Sandra, walked over to the door of the lead vehicle as Gail and her group approached the second. With an air of authority, and a look of determination, Hillary pounded on the closed door. Not wanting any more trouble than he already had, the driver immediately opened it.

‘Good, no heroes here. We might actually make it out of this alive.’ Hillary thought as she walked up to the driver and gave him a close-up view of her gun. To the guard she said “Open the cage.”

The heavy set, grey haired guard hesitated a moment and got rapped in the back of then head with the butt of Sandra’s rifle for it. “She said open it!” the small, freckle faced redhead demanded.

The two way radio on Hillary’s belt squawked to life. “She’s not on this one,” Gail’s disembodied voice told her.

Hillary looked into the passenger compartment at the horde of frightened new women, trying to find her target. After several unsuccessful eye sweeps she called out “Doctor Laura Wayne, we know you’re on this bus. Please stand up and show yourself.”

Startled by hearing her name called out, Laura looked at the array of guns the hijackers possessed, hesitating a moment as a knot of fear tightened in her stomach. Gathering her courage, and not wanting to see anyone else hurt because of her inaction, Laura did as instructed. “Right here,” she called out, rising unsteadily to her feet.

“Doctor, please step forward,” Hillary said in reply. Leveling her gun on the guard, who continued to fumble with his keys, for third time she told him “Open it!” As the door was swinging open Hillary continued barking orders. To the driver and guard she said “You two, join the good doctor outside.”

Laura tried in vain to work up enough saliva to so much as spit as she walked through the cage door and was guided down the steps to the pavement. Once outside she saw the driver and guard of the other bus were already heading in their direction, apparent prisoners of another group of women.

“What’s going on here?” Laura managed to croak despite her desert dry throat. Ignoring the question, her captors pushed her along the pavement until the gap between the two groups closed. They all came to a stop between the two busses.

“That’s far enough!” Hillary ordered. Turning towards her accomplices she said, “Get the rest of them out of there.”

A few minutes later the entire roadside was filled with people, as both buses emptied out. Looking at the assemblage Hillary smiled. “Ladies, for those of you who are unaware, this is Doctor Laura Wayne.” She pulled Laura forward so everyone could see her. “Dr. Wayne is one of the so-called scientists that created the Acidalia virus at the Grayson Labs facility near Santa Cruz. She, along with Dr. Sam Grayson, who became the very first victim of the virus, are the ones to blame for your current condition. Their ignorance and egos caused them to create something that they never had a chance of controlling. And look at the results of their relentless pursuit of science. Go ahead, just look in the mirror! That will tell you all you need to know about the good doctor and her ethical standing.”

A deep chill crept up Laura’s spine and a deepening sense of dread filled her heart as she listened to Hillary’s speech.

“We too, can be counted among Dr. Wayne’s victims,” Hillary continued. “We have lost husbands, lovers and brothers to her folly. As fellow victims, we have decided to take action against all those responsible for our suffering. Today will mark our first blow against those who caused all of this. Today, the world will see we are not going to sit still while the guilty go unpunished. Any of you that wish to join our cause are welcome. The rest of you are all free to go. However, as welcome as you may be, do not believe for even a minute that you have any say what-so-ever in what is about to transpire here, ” She shouted as loudly as she could.

Turning back to her prisoners, Hillary grabbed Laura. Placing her pistol in its holster, she pulled Laura’s hair hard, forcing her down into a kneeling position. “Any last words?” Hillary yelled as she pulled the gun back out, pressed the muzzle to the back of Laura’s head.

With tears of resignation and a strange kind if relief falling from her eyes Laura found the will to respond. “I’m sorry. Sorry for everything … for all the pain I’ve caused.”

“You are most definitely NOT forgiven, you bitch! Burn in hell!” Hillary screamed over the roar of the gun blast, smiling as Laura’s limp body fell forward. A startled cry issued forth from the assembled group of new women. Some applauded. Others, like Vera Lynne gaped in horror.

Wiping the blood splattered on her own face with the back of her hand, Hillary pointed at the drivers and guards, telling the rest of her crew. “Take care of them.”

“Jesus, Hillary! They said she was infected!” Sandra complained as she wiped Laura’s blood off her face and arm.

“Relax, will you? Women can’t catch it. Now do as I told you, and take care of them!” Hillary ordered again.

This time the order was immediately followed by the sound of gunfire. As the echoes faded into the distance, Hillary once again spoke to the crowd of new women. “Any of you that wish to come with us, get into the vans. The rest of you are on your own. I wouldn’t wait around here for too long, though. The military will be looking for these transports before too long.” To her crew she said “Come on, people, let’s roll.”

“What do you want to do with the bodies?” Sandra asked.

“Leave them.”

*************

Grayson Labs 2:15 Pm:

General Alexander screamed, “God damn it, how could we allow this to happen? Losing two bus loads of contagious Acidalia patients is bad enough, but finding the crews and Dr. Wayne murdered, too? Who the hell do you have in charge of security there, Colonel, Mickey Mouse?”

Jordon pulled the phone away from his ear in an attempt to save his hearing. “General, there has only been minimal security on the transports since the very beginning, and until this morning there hasn’t been a single problem with any of them.”

“Well there’s a fucken problem now, Colonel! What I want to know is what the fuck you plan to do about it?”

“We’ve got search helicopters out right now looking for the escapees. I think once we have a few witnesses in custody, we’ll be able to track down whoever attacked the buses and find out why Dr. Wayne was among the victims. In the meantime, the FBI and local crime units are at the scene investigating. As for the security issue, I have my second in command drafting new procedures as we speak. All scheduled transports have been canceled until we have the new measures in place.”

“Charlie, I know you’re doing the best you can, but I got to tell ya, Fuller’s pissed. He’s calling for your head at the moment. I can keep him off of you for a while, but not forever. You need to find a witness and find out what happened, fast. Use Brady if you need to. But get something! Understand?”

“Yes. I hear you loud and clear, General.”

“Good. How did the other doctor, Grayson, take the news?”

“Dr. Blue is down stairs telling her right now.”

“We need to make sure that nothing happens to that one. I’m going to send you a squad of Delta’s to help with security there. It concerns me that out of all the passengers, Wayne was the one they killed. It smacks of a setup to me.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Alright, Colonel, get moving. I want to know for sure what happened within forty eight hours.”

The Isolation lab:

Sam looked up from her work at the hiss of the airlock opening. “Mia? What are you doing? You can’t come in here. You might get infected …What’s wrong?” she asked seeing the tearstains on Mia’s cheeks.

“Sam … I just heard … I’m sorry, Sam … Laura’s dead.”

“Dead? From the virus?” Sam asked as a wave of shock washed over her.

“No. She … They … they found her on the side of the road near Dillon along with two security people and a couple of transport drivers. She … she’d been shot in the back of the head.”

Sam stumbled backwards into a chair. “Shot? By who?”

“We … The Colonel doesn’t know yet. But they’re doing everything they can to find out.”

“Dead? How can that be? Oh, God, …” Sam moaned as the full weight of Mia’s word sank in, then she began to cry.

Mia hurried to her side and hugged her tightly. “We’ll find out who did this, Sam. I promise you that.” Sam continued to sob.

Tuesday June 12. 8:30 Am
San Francisco warehouse district:

Vera Lynne pushed her way through the unlocked, rusty door and stumbled onto the dirty floor, exhausted. All day and night long, she had walked in a daze, the lights of the city attracting her like a moth to a flame, the scene on the roadside playing over and over in her mind like a bad movie.

She hadn’t liked Dr. Wayne, and had been horrified to hear that she had helped to create the virus that had turned so many lives upside down. However her own inaction as the doctor had been executed had left Vera feeling horribly sick inside. Whatever her crimes, no one deserved to be summarily executed as Laura had been. The lawyer she had once been screamed inside her head in outrage over the act. Even if the doctor had been Hitler reincarnated, she still deserved her day in court, in the new woman’s mind.

Picking herself off the floor, Vera got onto her knees and begged God to forgive her inaction and allow her a chance to set things right. She stayed like that for a long time, alternating between crying and prayer. Finally, her exhaustion overcame her grief and the need for sleep became overpowering. Vera fell forward and slept right where she landed.

Some unknown amount of time later, Vera awakened to find herself on a cot of some kind. Looking around the large room she was now in, she caught the sound of voices coming from somewhere near by. “Who … who’s there?” she asked, suddenly aware of her new body’s vulnerability.

In response the door behind her opened and two women and a young girl walked in. The smaller of the women put a hand on Vera’s shoulder and said “My name is Ellie Wolf.”

Confirmed Cases: 7132

Actual Cases: 9874

End Part V

Notes:

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Acidalia 6

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia VI
By Amanda D

Thursday, June 14 morning:

Sam Grayson stood at the back of the graveside crowd, listening somberly to the minister drone on about life, death, heaven and Laura’s sure place in it. As the sun shown brightly and the birds sang to the clear blue sky above, it seemed to Sam, absurd that the world should keep on going about its business on a day like this. A cold shiver ran down her spine as the real meaning of the word mortality revealed it’s self to her in the beauty of this sad day.

Her presence at Laura’s funeral, in itself was a miracle of sorts. She still wasn’t completely sure how Mia managed to pull it off, but she was glad she had. This was her first time out of the isolation chamber in weeks, and she was doing her best not to enjoy it. Today was not the day for such things.

Laura was dead, and Sam felt more than just a little responsible for it. Tears of grief streamed down her face as she gazed at the casket containing her best friend’s body.

****
From the hill overlooking the funeral proceedings, a group of Delta Force security kept watch. Two snipers lay prone in the grass sweeping the crowd through the scopes of their rifles. Spying a mourner that was not on the list of scheduled attendees, one of the snipers called out for his commanding officer. After looking through as set of binoculars the unit commander spotted the uninvited guest and called down to the command van. The sound of a radio crackling to life broke the relative silence of the scene.

“Sir, we’ve got something of a problem here.”

“What is it?” Tyler asked.

“Sir one of our spotters just identified Dr. Grayson in the crowd.”

“Shit! Where is she?”

“Towards the back sir. She’s standing next to Dr. Blue. Should we have her removed?”

Turning to look at the rack of monitors on the vans interior wall Lt Colonel Tyler found the area indicated and zoomed the camera area in. ‘Shit! What the hell is she doing here?’ he thought to himself. To the Delta commander he said “Stand by. Let me call the Colonel.” Tyler put down the radio and picked up the control truck’s landline.

A few minutes and several hundred choice words from Jordon later, Tyler called the watch post back. “The Colonel says to leave them be for now and just keep an eye on them. He said he’ll deal with the two of them when they get back to Grayson. In the meantime I want one of your men watching her every second. We don’t know if there is anyone else watching this so I want her protected.”

“Yes Sir. I’ll get one of my men as close to her as I can without giving our presence away.”

“Make sure nothing happens to her Sergeant or it’ll be your ass. Understand?”

“Loud and clear Sir.”

********

The service wrapped up shortly after 10:30. A few at a time, the mourners began to drift back to their cars, consoling each other as they walked. Sam watched awkwardly as Laura’s mother passed by leaning heavily on her son and husband for support. Sam so badly wanted to say something, anything in the way of an apology to the family, but found her voice so choked with guilt no sound could come out when she opened her mouth to speak.

“Come on, Sam,” Mia told her. “We need to get out of hear before you’re spotted.”

“I … I know.” The young woman stared morosely at the hole the coffin had descended into. Despite her acknowledgement, Sam found herself unable to move from the spot on which she stood. For several more minutes the two women waited as the last of the mourners disbursed. Finally, Mia managed to drag Sam away from the depressing scene. In complete silence they walked slowly arm in arm through the heat of the late spring day towards the car.

Once they were on their way back to Grayson, Sam broke the silence. “Mia, I … I just wanted to tell you how much being there meant to me. I appreciate you pulling strings to make it possible.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“I’m just afraid that you’re going to be in trouble with Jordon when we get back to the facility.”

“Sam, don’t worry about it. Jordon will be pissed true. He’ll probably scream himself blue at me, but he can’t do much more than that. I’m a civilian, and the head of the CDC out here. He’s not my superior, no matter what he may believe.”

“Be that as it may … I … I can’t go back there. I can’t go back into the isolation lab again. I’m sorry Mia, but it … I … just can’t do it,” the new girl cried.

Her voice concerned, Mia told her, “I understand how you feel Sam. I really do, but you have to go back. Never mind the fact that we have no idea how long the virus will remain dormant in your system, but what about Sara? Who will be able to take care of her if your not there? I’ll tell you who, no one. No one will be able to, and she’ll have to be sent to quarantine. Is that what you want?”

“No,” Sam responded glumly.

“I didn’t think it was. What I ‘can’ do for you however is continue testing you for contagion and if you continue to be negative, I’ll go to Jordon myself and demand your release. But that’s all I can promise.”

“Thank … thank you Mia. I don’t know what I would have done these last few of days without you.”

Mia smiled, placing her hand on Sam’s. “I’ve really become quite fond of you since we started working together. You’ve become something of a … daughter to me, Sam.” Her smile grew even bigger as Sam grimaced at the word daughter. “What’s with the face?”

Looking slightly embarrassed Sam replied “I still can’t get used to people referring to me in the feminine form. Even after all this time, it’s still strange to me. That, and the fact that I’m probably the same age as you are, if not a couple years older, so your calling me daughter, sounds especially odd to me.”

“Well despite our best efforts, no cure seems to be in the immediate future so I suggest you get over it and get used to the idea of being an attractive young woman.”

“I suppose you’re right, but right now I’ve got a few other things on my mind” She said. looking sullen.

“Sam, what happened to Laura wasn’t your fault.”

“Wasn’t it? If I hadn’t been so intent on getting out of that damn chair … if I had just been content with the hand fate dealt me … none of this … any of it, would have happened. Laura would still be alive. The virus never would have been released. Poor Carla wouldn’t be facing trial for causing all this, which we both know was purely accidental on her part. So don’t tell me I’m not to blame! I know what sins I’ve committed, and fully expect to pay handsomely for them somewhere down the line.”

Mia, despite her best efforts to come up with a way to comfort Sam, found herself unable to argue with the new girls point. Though Mia had begun come to see the epidemic as the will of fate, she just couldn’t fool herself into believing Sam guiltless. For the rest of the ride back to Grayson, neither woman spoke. Both were lost inside themselves, Mia trying to reclaim some objectivity, and Sam trying to come to terms with what had occurred.

As the car approached the entrance to the lab Mia grabbed Sam’s hand and squeezed it gently. “Hey, smile for me. Everything will be fine, trust me.”

Sam gave her a wan smile. “Well, I guess that will have to do,” Mia said teasingly. “Looks like we’ve arrived, you ready?”

“I suppose.” Sam replied as they pulled up the guarded gate.

Mia rolled down her window as the guard approached. Before she could say a word the tall dark skinned, steely eyed Delta operative said “Dr. Blue, Dr. Grayson. … Dr. Blue, I have orders to take you directly to Colonel Jordon’s office. Dr. Grayson, ma’am if you would step out of the vehicle, there is a guard waiting to take you back to the isolation lab.”

Mia put on her most professional face and replied “I’ll drive her to the lab myself. You can call the Colonel and tell him that I’ll be there shortly.”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but my orders are specifically to escort you there myself, while the others take Dr. Grayson to her lab.” the solder insisted.

Mia opened her mouth to argue some more but Sam interjected before she could get a word out. “Mia, it’s ok. It’s not worth arguing about. He has his orders and will get in trouble if he doesn’t follow them. I’ll just go back to the lab, while you go see Jordon. When you’re done come down and see me, OK?”

“Are you sure, Sam?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.”

“Ok, then I’ll se you in a while.” Mia said as Sam got out of the car. She watched closely as the viral suit encased guards escorted Sam towards a sealed truck and drove off. Once it was out of sight, Mia put the car in gear and followed the soldier’s Humvee to the office complex.

**************

Entering Jordon’s office, Mia was met with a look of fury that made her hope her theory was right about him not being able to do anything to her. Standing up, the Colonel shouted, “Just what the fuck do you think you were doing pulling Grayson out of the isolation lab? Did it ever occur to you that she could contaminate everyone there?”

Trying not to look intimidated, Mia replied “I’ve been testing Sam for the last two days and everyone has come up negative.. In my opinion the risk of contamination was negligible.”

“Negligible? Who are you to make decisions like that with every single male in this complex’s life? Never mind everyone at the service! I don’t understand how you could be so irresponsible!” Jordon yelled, red-faced with anger. Taking a deep breath, he continued with the tirade, “I know you’ve become close to the girl, and I know how devastated she was after hearing about Dr. Wayne’s death, but I think that very closeness has seriously clouded your judgment. I’ve contacted Washington about having you replaced.”

“You what?” Mia shouted back. “How dare you accuse me of clouded judgment? I did what I thought was right for Sam …”

“Yes, that’s exactly my point, Doctor. You did what you thought was right for Sam, not what you felt was right for everyone else too. We can’t think individually when it comes to this anymore; we need to think globally, now. One person’s desires or rights are inconsequential in the grand scheme of our mission. We need to contain this virus and eventually stamp it out before it gets completely out of control. So far, we’ve all done a pretty piss poor job of doing that, but we can’t undermine what little progress we’ve made by knowingly letting infectious victims out into the general population, no matter how much we may care for them as individuals. Do you understand now doctor?”

With a look of admonishment on her face Mia replied “I do understand you, Colonel. I understand all of this a lot better than you think. However …”

“No! There is no however in this. For you, there are only two choices. Either you get onboard and make sure something like this never happens again or you leave and go back to your office in Washington. I can’t have anyone undermining me here, so make your choice right now!”

“I … I’d like to stay.” Mia said quietly.

“Very well, I’ll rescind my request for you to be replaced, but be warned … we will not have this conversation again.”

“Yes Colonel, I understand.”

“Good. Now Dr. Ryan was telling me about the newest version of the blood test your group has been working on, any updates?”

“Not at this time. It looks promising, but until we get into some clinical testing we won’t know for sure.”

“When will the testing begin?”

“We’re hoping to start testing it in two weeks, after we finish lab testing. In the meantime we still have a perfectly good test out there. This one here, if successful, will just help cover the single deficiency we’ve found in the older one.”

“What deficiency would that be?”

“Since the testing began, we’ve come to see the test has a bit of a blind spot on blood type A/B negative. It’s the rarest type, so the blind spot isn’t the end of the world, but when you’re testing everyone in the country, the number of people that need the long version becomes very cumbersome. This one should work on all blood types. At least we believe it will.”

“Very good. Keep me updated.”

************

City Hospital Director Batson’s office late afternoon:

“Bill? There’s a Major Brady and some people from the FBI here to see you.” the intercom squawked.

Batson unconsciously rolled his eyes at the announcement. ‘Like I don’t have enough going on.’ he thought with distain. Taking a deep breath, and letting it out in a loud sigh of resignation Bill replied “Well then, I suppose you better send them in.”

A few seconds later Brady and two FBI agents entered like they owned the place. Before Batson could say a word the short brown haired FBI agent said “I’m Agent Tomkins, this is Agent Davis,” he pointed to the tall blonde man next to him “and you know Major Brady.”

“Yes, I know who and what the Major is. Please have a seat and tell me what I can do for you gentlemen today.” Batson said irritatedly, as he gestured towards the chairs in front of his desk.

“Director, let’s cut to the chase,” Tomkins ignored Batson’s offer of a seat “Last night. we found one of the missing busses down in San Jose, along with a lot of trash. We discovered the reason as to why they were going to Dillon in the first place.”

“Ok.” Batson replied not liking the look on the agent’s faces

“We found an order signed by you for the reassignment of the infectees to Dillon, and a separate one authorizing Dr. Wayne to be added to the bus’ roster. Can you explain either of these?”

“Do you have the orders with you? May I see them?” Batson tried not to sound nervous. Davis pulled two sheets of paper out of the file folder he had tucked under his arm and handed them to Batson. Bill took the papers and started reading through them.

After a couple minutes Tomkins impatiently asked, “Well director?”

“I … I never signed either of these. I’ve never even seen them before today.”

“Is that your signature on the bottom?”

Batson stared at the way the name was written. He carefully checked the way each letter was formed for any inconsistencies from the way he wrote it and could find none. Finally he looked back up at the gaggle of federal employees and told them, “I didn’t sign this.”

“Director we did a handwriting comparison before we came here. We know that’s your hand writing.”

“But I didn’t sign this. I swear,” Batson tried to sound confident.

“Director,” Brady said “if this wasn’t sign by you who else would it be?”

Batson opened his mouth to answer, but no sound came out. He looked back down at the papers again, and a feeling of hopelessness began to creep over him. Looking back up he simply said, “I want to call my lawyer.”

“I’m sure you do, but this is a matter of national security. We’ve been ordered to bring you to our headquarters in San Francisco. Once we’re there, a lawyer will be provided for you.” Davis walked over and began to place hand cuff on Batson’s wrists.

“I have my own lawyer and would prefer that he was the one that represented me.” Director Batson insisted.

Stepping in close Brady whispered “Just do as you’re told. It’ll go badly for you if you don’t, you know. Lots of people have been disappearing from the bug you know. Be a shame if you were one of them.”

The two men stared at each other for several seconds as Batson took measure of Brady’s words. Though he had never met the man before today, Batson knew Brady’s reputation and found himself unwilling to see if it was well deserved. Deciding in his heart that Brady was absolutely serious, Batson relented.

At the first sign of his resignation, Tomkins finished fastening the handcuff into place. A few moments later the quartet walked out of the office with Brady bringing up the rear.

Entering the outer office Rhoda Grace, Batson’s secretary yelped at the sight of her boss being led away like a prisoner. “Dir … Bill? What’s going on?” she asked as she came around her desk.

Moving to intercept the older grey haired woman, Davis told her, “Ma’am just stay back. He’s coming with us. No need for you to be involved.”

“But …”

“Ma’am I said step back ” Davis repeated as he put his hand on her shoulder prepared to shove Rhoda to the side.”

“It’s OK, Rhoda,” Batson said. “Just call Linda Hall and tell her what’s happened.”

“I told you to keep your fucking mouth shut!” Brady exclaimed as he gave Batson a whack on the back of the older mans head.

“Oh, my!” Rhoda squealed.

“Shut the fuck up, bitch, or you’ll be coming along too,” Brady hollered, sticking a finger right in Rhoda’s face. The grey haired woman looked indignantly at the finger and began to respond, but was interrupted by the hospital director.

“Rhoda, it’s OK.” Batson told her, trying to defuse the situation. To his captors, “Come on, let’s just go. There’s no need to involve her.”

Brady glared at Batson, then gave the elderly secretary one last menacing look before walking away. As the group waited for the elevator, Brady pulled Batson close and whispered, “You really fucked up with that one. Not a smart move there, Billy boy. Not smart at all.”

Before Batson could reply, the doors opened and he was pulled inside by his escort. As the elevator began it’s decent, Batson stared wode-eyed at the major, mouth agape, fearing for his life. Once they reached the ground floor and the doors began to slide open, Brady told Tomkins “I need to make contact with Jordon, so I’ll meet you in San Francisco a bit later.”

“Not a problem, Major. I’m sure Dr. Batson here will be willing to cooperate. Won’t you Doc?”

“Well if he doesn’t, just have him sent over to San Quentin, and I’ll see that he tells us everything you need to know.” Brady smiled, while Batson strained to keep from trembling.

************
Santa Cruz The home of Hillary Marko Early evening:

Hillary Marko looked in the mirror at her flushed, drawn face and found herself unable to deny the obvious any longer, she was sick. Not just sick, very sick, Acidalia sick. She knew she had the bug and the thought of it scared the hell out of her.

The bug wasn’t supposed to affect women, but she had watched Chet go though his change, and knew the symptom’s progression by broken heart. Fever, nausea, pain in the joints, which slowly progressed to a dull ache throughout the entire body, were just the beginning.

A knock on the door interrupted her introspection. “Yes?” she said, replying to the sound.

“Hillary?” she heard Yvonne’s voice ask.

Putting down the face cloth she was holding, she turned and walked over to the bathroom door. Opening it, she impatiently asked, “What’s up?”

“Simone asked me to come get you. They’re getting ready to go over the plan for tomorrow.”

“Ok. Tell them I’ll be right there.” she told her. As Yvonne turned away, Hillary felt a sudden nausea come over her. She turned quickly, got down in front of the toilet and began to retch. When it was over, she felt a bit better. Getting up slowly, she steadied herself with one hand on the sink for support. After a bit, the spinning in her head slowed enough for her to exit and head unsteadily down to the basement for the briefing.

“We will be looking to get the devices as close as possible to these points, …” she heard Ron Maxwell, the stout, balding, former member of the San Diego police bomb squad explaining as he pointed to a set of building blue prints covering the green ping pong table at the center of the group. “If we can get them within three feet of these pylons the entire building should come straight down onto its foundation. That way we can minimize property damage to the surrounding building and hopefully minimize the risks to any innocent bystanders. We need to be careful of theses pipes here,” Max told them pointing at the blue print to show everyone what he meant. “They’re the gas feeds for the heating system. Put one of the bomb packs too close, and the whole block will go up”

“What’s our time table look like?” Hillary asked, announcing her presence to the assemblage.

“We should be able to just walk in after it opens at nine tomorrow morning. With a little luck, and if we move quickly enough, we’ll have the place under control before anyone has a chance to call the cops, so timing and coordination are essential.”

“Everyone know their assignments?” Each member of the group agreed that they were ready, but the look in their eyes made Hillary doubt them. “Are you sure?” she asked, making eye contact with each on of them.

Though each one nodded their heads again, she still didn’t believe them. They all looked overconfident, almost cocky in her estimation. “Look!” she said in exasperation. “Just because everything went off with out a hitch the last time, doesn’t mean that it will go smoothly this time too. No one was even aware we existed the last time, but they know now, and the police will be looking out for signs of trouble, so we need to be even more focused this time than the last. Now does everyone know their assignments?” The affirmative was given for the third time.” OK then, good luck tomorrow,” She told them, still not totally convinced.

As everyone disbursed, Max hung behind with Hillary at her request. Once everyone else was gone, she asked “What do you think? Are they really ready?”

“We better hope so,” the middle aged man replied. “How are you doing, is the bigger question? I heard you hacking away last night and you look flushed.”

“I’m … I’ll be ok for tomorrow,” she said as she walked away.

Worriedly under his breath he repeated his words, “We better hope so.”

Hearing him mutter, Hillary turned back to face him. “I’m sorry, did you have something else to add?” she asked irritatedly.

“I was just wondering if you had looked in on Sandra today.”

“I was going to do that on my way back to my room. Have you?”

“I saw her early this morning. She didn’t look very good,” he said simply, as his eyes flashed angrily.

noting the look, Hillary put her hands on her hips defensively, and impatiently ordered, “Spit it out, Max!”

“Fine! She’s got the bug just like you do! So now because of your impatience, you’ve put us all in danger of becoming infected. What the hell were you thinking, executing her like that? You knew she was infected …”

“That’s bull shit, and you know it Max! You didn’t believe that report anymore than I did! So don’t give me that shit!”

“Hillary! You killed all five of them on the side of the road, for Christ sakes. That wasn’t the fucken plan, and you know it!”

“They took my husband away from me!” Hillary shrieked. “Didn’t even give me a chance to say goodbye! Just took him! And that BITCH was the root of the problem! Once I had her … I … I couldn’t let her live after what she had done to me! And the other four? They were guilty by association! They were delivering another load to the quarantine! They deserved to die along with her!”

“I know they took Chet. He was my best friend, remember? That’s why agreed to help you try to get him back. But I didn’t sign on for summary executions! How are we going to free him now, with nothing to negotiate with? Tell me how this helps him in anyway. After you explain that, I want to know how bombing a testing center helps him?”

“Max, they wouldn’t have freed him if we had that pig Fuller himself. Don’t you understand that? All we can do now is punish those responsible. And by God, I intend to do just that at every opportunity. The testing center is where the problem starts. The people employed there are responsible for beginning the entire process. We blow one up, and two things happen. The testers become afraid to show up for work, and those being tested stay away for the same reason.”

“I hope your right, because the government’s already after us. After tomorrow, depending on what spin the administrations press people put on it, the whole country might be looking for us.”

“And?” she shouted angrily “Should we just pack up and forget the whole thing just because Fuller and his people are going to spin it to make us look like the worst thing since the 9/11 terrorists? Is this a fucking publicity stunt? No, it’s to send a message to those in charge, that we will not sit idly by and let our loved ones be taken without putting up a fight!”

Max looked at his friend and felt anger building inside of him. Not anger with her, but those that caused this once caring, loving woman to become so hate filled and consumed with rage. As his own outrage at those who had caused Hillary to become what stood before him grew, he knew that no matter what, he would be with her to the bitter end. “Ok you win. I just want to make sure we keep those not involved from getting hurt in the process.”

“Agreed.” Hillary said started walking up the stairs.

******************

Dr Paula Stanly looked over the results from the first round of tests she and her team had conducted on the so-called enhanced. Most of the test returns pleased her greatly; however the fact that there had been two individuals misidentified during the screening process disturbed the doctor. Despite what she was doing and going to continue do to these new women, she didn’t like the idea of killing any of them outright, especially during the very first round of tests. It seemed to her a waste of resources, since she was sure there would be a need for quite a few comparative tests to be performed in the future.

Bringing another program on the computer she disgustedly deleted the names Renee Dobra, and Natalie Carson from the list of test subjects. Having to explain their sudden disappearances from the quarantine wasn’t going to be an issue. Brady would never care what happened to them, as long as they didn’t escape. Still, it bothered the hell her that her staff could have been so sloppy in their research. The experiments were not going to yield reliable results if the subjects weren’t truly enhanced.

With the deletions complete, she turned back to the original list and began encoding the initial test scores. Stanley figured if everything was written in code, no one would ever be able to find out what they had been doing. To her, it was paramount, that the truth of how the experiments were conducted, never comes out. It would destroy her reputation if they did.

As Paula entered the data, she marveled at the results of the ones that survived. They were truly impressive, most notably the Logan girl. Her speed and stamina were way off the charts. The most incredible thing was her ability to heal, though. She had been cut deeply along her right forearm two days ago, and the wound was already knitting itself up, without the aid of stitches or staples. Paula theorized that it would be nothing more than a thin scar within the next week.

‘Simply amazing’ she thought to herself as she continued to type.

**************

Logan’s Cell:

“I don’t know,, she doesn’t look very good,” Mona told Jo looking over Thomas’ latest round of injuries, as the new girl lay on her bunk.

“How can they get away with doing this to her? And where’s Renee? How come she didn’t come back?”

“Cause she’s dead.” Thomas hissed though the pain as she tried unsuccessfully to get up.

“Thomas? We though you were still out cold. What do you mean, she’s dead?” Mona asked with great concern.

“The doctors thought she could heal fast like me, so they opened up the vein in her wrist, but … they … were wrong,” Thomas wept. The others looked at her in stunned silence for a moment.

“Are… are you sure, she’s … dead? I mean is there any chance they lied to you and she still might be alive?” Jo asked as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

“No … no chance. She was in the room with me when it happened. Those assholes didn’t… they just… they didn’t even try to save her. They just let her bleed to death.” Thomas tried to choke back her emotions. Brady had told her during their introductory session together yesterday, that he had been watching everything she did in the cell and she was now determined not to let the son of a bitch see her cry. Now that she had met the man, Thomas understood that any show of weakness on her part would only provoke the bastard to do something worse than the simple torture he had already put her through.

“Hel … help me up will you?” Thomas asked when she felt she was in control. Jo and Mona leaned down into the bunk and gently helped her to a sitting position. Thomas grimaced in pain several time as she slowly moved into a sitting position but managed not to cry out. Once up, she pulled her cellmates close. The three new women hugged fiercely for several minutes in mourning of their lost friend.

After the moment passed, Thomas hung onto Mona and Jo and whispered “I need to tell you two something. Yesterday, while they were doing their testing on us, I was separated from the others and taken to another room. They left me alone in there, stripped naked, for quite a while before a man came in wearing a bio suit. He introduced himself as Brady and claimed to be in charge of this place. He told me he’s been watching us in this cell. Thinks I’m disrespecting him somehow, by refusing to use a female name. Told me he was going to beat some femininity into me. Did a pretty fair job of it, too.”

“Oh God, Thomas …”

“Shhh. Don’t say anything. The reason I’m telling you this, is that you two need to stay away from me. I don’t know it for a fact, but I think Renee was taken just because she was a friend of mine. The two of you need to stay as far away from me as possible, and take care of Paka, too. I can’t do it anymore without putting your lives in danger, too.”

Paka, the only word the mysterious man, turned dark haired, almond shaped brown eyed girl had uttered to this point. It happened a week ago, as her transformation induced delirium was fading away. The three of them had no idea if it was a name or not, but they had decided to use it as one, just to have something to call her. The thought of anymore trauma being brought upon the poor girl was almost enough to get Thomas crying again.

“But … How … how can he get away with this?” Jo asked, her voice filled with confusion and sorrow.

“We don’t really exist anymore. That’s how.” Mona said somberly. “And as far as staying away from you goes, I’d rather die standing beside you, than watch you suffer from across the room and live.”

“Mo …” Thomas began to protest, when Karen and her crew came over to her bunk.

“Well well. What do we have here? You’re looking pretty peaked there, Tommy. Had a rough day, did we?” Karen asked menacingly.

Jo hopped to her feet and got right into Karen’s face, yelling “Oh, aren’t you the tough one, coming over when she’s been through the wringer!”

“You better back the fuck off, before I kick your ass again. My gripe’s with your friend here, but once I’m done with her, I’ll gladly finish what we started the last time,” Karen said shoving Jo aside.

“Now where …” Karen began to say, when Jo jumped on her back. The small woman hung on with one arm while punching the trouble maker as best she could with the other. Trying to use her girth to her best advantage, Jo pulled back on Karen’s collar, trying to drag her backwards to the floor. Between the punches and the shorter girl’s weight, Karen began to teeter back until Mary, the tall red head with short spiky hair, ripped Jo from her back.

The sudden freedom from Jo’s grasp sent Karen stumbling away from the fracas momentarily. Thomas pulled herself to her feet and tried to block Karen’s return as Mona attempted to get the four other girls that had piled on top of Jo, off of her. Karen smiled, as she saw Thomas’ unsteady form standing in her way. “You sure you’re up to this?” she asked sarcastically.

Thomas, with barely the energy to stand, just looked at her opponent grimly. Karen lunged forward at Thomas, who just barely managed to sidestep her attacker. As Karen passed by, Thomas attempted to shove her attacker from behind. Unfortunately, her weakened state caused her to mis-time the move, sending her sprawling.

As the two of them landed against the nearest bunk, Thomas lost her footing and fell to her knees. Karen, seeing this, turned and landed a vicious kick right in her opponent’s stomach. Thomas doubled over and collapsed to the floor, her breath driven from her. Karen, without any mercy, kicked Thomas in the face. Thomas fell backwards from the force of the blow. Once she was down, Karen again kicked her in the ribs and stomach several more times, howling like an animal.

Finally, a combination of fatigue and Thomas’ total lack of resistance caused her to stop. Karen looked down at her defeated adversary and spit on her prone form. “This cell belongs to me now!” she shrieked, kicking Thomas one last time for emphasis.

Turning back to the others, she saw Jo being held down on the floor by two of her cohorts while Mona lay on a bunk curled into a ball, coughing and gagging. Karen walked over to Jo’s prone form and spit on her, too. “Like to start trouble, huh? Get in my face will you?” she hollered as she kicked at Jo’s exposed form. “Well this is the last time that’s ever going to happen!” To her compatriots, she said “Hold her there for a minute. I got something for her over by my bunk.”

Reaching under the thin mattress Karen pulled out a nasty looking shiny metal hook. It appeared as if it had been made from a piece of the spring-like underside of her bunk. The hook sported a vicious looking point on the end of it. She showed of the weapon to the assemblage as she walked back over to where Jo was being held down. With a wide grin on her face she said in a menacing voice “Jump on my back, will you? Want to fuck with me? I’d say this was going to fuck you up, but you’re already ugly as sin anyhow. So maybe it will be an improvement.”

“NOOO!” Thomas screamed, trying to pull herself off the floor

“Fucken cunt, don’t know when to stay down.” To two of her followers that were just standing there watching, Karen said “Grab her, and make sure she gets a good view of this.”

The two women went over to Thomas as she struggled to her knees. Thomas swung her arms as hard as she could, causing both to take a step back. Seeing the women retreat from the injured girl, Karen yelled “Jesus Christ, she’s half out on her feet! Grab her!”

The two moved in again. This time, Thomas lunged forward and caught one in the midsection with the top of her head. As she bent over in pain, the second circled behind and kicked Thomas in the kidney. Pain, as well as the force of the blow caused Thomas to fall forward and several women jumped on her, kicking and punching at her as they piled on. Thomas fought back as best she could but was quickly subdued and forced into a sitting position by her original attackers.

Karen, satisfied that Thomas wouldn’t miss a moment of the action, and still wouldn’t be able to interfere, turned back to Jo. The portly girl struggled mightily with her captors attempting to escape. Karen held up the hook so Jo could get a good look at it. The captive girl redoubled her efforts to escape but was unable to. With a smile filled with dark glee Karen knelt down and began to cut.

Jo’s screams rang throughout the cell as Karen dug the hook deep into the fat girl’s face and chest. Thomas on the floor and Mona on the bunk, struggled to free themselves to no avail. The women holding them forced both to watch what was being done to their friend.

When it was over, Karen stood and showed Thomas the blood soaked hook. “Next time, it’ll be you.” Karen gave another quick kick to Thomas’ face.

From his office computer, Brady watched the entire scene unfold with tremendous satisfaction. He watched Logan fall over and smack her head against one of the bunks with the final kick from the other one, with a smile on his face. He made a mental note to meet with the one called Karen, and see if there was anyway he could help solidify her position in the cell. She really seemed like his kind of gal.

Using a joystick control, he panned the camera over to where the fat one lay. She was a bloody, cut up mess. Using the zoom control Brady got the camera in as close as it would go. For several minutes he watched her twitch and bleed, enjoying the thought of how much pain her dying would cause Logan.

He watched until the skinny one with the long dark hair went over and started checking the fat one for signs of life. Realizing she must have found something to give her hope, he watched her run to the medical call button and pound on it several times. He smiled brightly at the look of frustration on her face when no reply came.

********************

Friday June 14 11:30 Am Santa Cruz:

Alexis Summers bolted into Hillary Marco’s house, looking like she had run the entire way back from San Jose. “Hillary! Sandra!” she hollered. “Come on, we need to get out of here right now. The cops could be on their way here! Hillary! Sandra!” The lack of response from either woman was unsettling to the young blonde.

Alexis hurried down the short hallway that led to Hillary’s room. The entire house was eerily quiet. Pushing her way though the door, Alexis almost gagged over the smell of sickness that permeated the dimly lit room. Hillary lay on the bed, moaning in fever induced delirium. ‘Fuck!’ Alexis thought, as she moved closer to the bed, flipping the light on.

The smell was almost overwhelming this close to the infected woman. Alexis put her hand out to Hillary’s shoulder and pulled it back with a hiss. The terrorist leader was burning up. Not only that, but she looked different, some how. Alexis bent down for a closer look, marveling at the amount of heat Hillary’s body was throwing off. She gasped in horror as the truth of what was happening to her friend was revealed in the lamp light.

Hillary’s once smooth soft looking face had changed significantly. It now had an almost square jawed look to it. Pulling the blanket back, Alexis observed several other changes in her leaders’ physical form, broader shoulders, and a flatter chest were chief among them.

A scraping sound from the hallway behind her caused Alexis to nearly jump out of her skin with fright. Bolting up right she turned to see Sandra standing unsteadily in the door way. “Oh, Sandy, you scared the hell out of me.”

“What are you doing in here? Where are the others?” Sandra asked her older sister.

“The oth … Oh shit! I was so caught up in what’s happened to Hil, I completely blanked out why I’m here. Grab your shit, Sis and help me get Hil. We need to get the hell out of here, and I mean now!”

“Why, what happened? Tell me!” Sandra demanded weakly.

“Something … I dunno what exactly, but something went wrong with operation. One of the bombs must have gone off too early or something. But the building blew up while everyone was still inside.” Alexis said in a voice choked with a combination of panic and sorrow.

“I … is … are they all? …”

“Dead? I don’t know for sure, but I can’t see how any of them could have survived the explosion. There wasn’t much left of the building, almost completely destroyed.”

“Oh God!” Sandra cried. Alexis grabbed her sister in a fierce hug as the two of them took a moment to mourn their friends.

“OK! Come on, we need to get Hillary and get out of here,” Alexis said, breaking away from the embrace.

“Leave her.” Sandra said flatly.

“Sandy! We can’t leave her like that.”

“Then shoot her, because from the looks of things, if we move her, she’ll die anyway.”

“I … I can’t shoot her,” Alexis said, distressed.

“I know what you mean, Sis. I’ve been sitting in my room for the last hour or so trying to work up the nerve to do it.”

“B …but …”

“Look, either one of us does it, or we need to leave her and get to San Francisco,” Sandra said with out emotion.

“Sandra! How…” Alexis’ though was cut off by the sound of a car door slamming closed in the driveway.

“Shhhh! There’s someone here.” Alexis headed back into the bedroom to look out the window. Before she could get there, the front door opened and the two sisters heard the sound of Yvonne’s and Gail’s voices calling out.

“We’re back here with Hillary,” Sandra replied.

The second set of women hurried down the hall, appearing in the doorway seconds later. Both women were a mass of small cuts and abrasions.

“Sandra, thank god, is Hillary … Alexis? What are you doing here?”

“She just got here a few minutes ago and was telling me about what happened.” Sandra said.

Without warning, Gail lunged at Alexis, screaming, “You bitch Grabbing the blonde and slamming her against the nearest wall, Gail continued furiously “You ran out on us? Left us there to be caught? How could you do that?”

“I … I tho… thought you were all dead.” Alexis stuttered. “I… I’m sor…”

“Sorry? You’re fucken sorry? Simone, Rick and Max are dead. They caught Andrea, and all you can say is, ‘I’m sorry?’ I outta …”

“Gail!” Yvonne screamed. “Let her go and cut the shit! It isn’t her fault that Rick fucked up and set his bomb off too soon. Christ, she was outside. How was she supposed to know if anyone made it or not?” Looking frustrated, Gail released her grip on Alexis and punched the wall.

“How did you two make it out?” Sandra asked.

“We were standing by the entrance, keeping a look out when Rick’s device went off. The shock wave blew us out the door before the rest of the bombs went off. We landed on the sidewalk, along with about two tons of glass. By the time we managed to pull ourselves up, we could hear sirens coming our way, so we ran into the crowd that had gathered across the street. We stood there and watched as the cops and fire department pulled up and started sifting through the debris. They pulled Max and Andrea out first. Max, they covered with a sheet, and Andrea was thrown into a cop car and driven off.” Yvonne told the sisters.

“Oh my God!” Alexis began to sob.

“Andrea will talk eventually,” Gail said flatly. “It won’t be her fault, but they have too much riding on this to play nice. We’re going to need to get out of here. Is she capable of being moved?” she asked, pointing at Hillary.

“I don’t think so,” Sandra replied.

Gail let out a frustrated sigh and stepped over to the bed. Kneeling down she asked, “Hil, can you hear me Sweetie?” Hillary’s eyes rolled as she murmured deliriously, “Shit!”

“We were just trying to figure out what to do when you two came in,” Alexis told her.

“Sandra, how are you feeling? Can you travel?” Yvonne asked.

“I’m doing OK. A lot better than Hil, anyhow,” Sandra replied sadly.

“The three of you get whatever you can gather up in the next five minutes and throw it in the van. Wait for me outside once you’re done,” Gail ordered as she put a cool cloth on Hillary’s head. The near comatose woman’s teeth immediately began to chatter.

“Come on you, heard her. Let’s get moving before the cops get here.” Yvonne coaxed. At her urging the Summers girls left the room and began to gather clothing and weapons to pack into the van. Looking back down at Gail, Yvonne asked, “Are you going to be able to do it, or do you want me to take care of her?”

“No, I’ll do it. I was the first one to join her and Max, so it’s my responsibility. Go help Sandra and Alexis. I’ll be right along.”

Putting a hand on Gail’s shoulder Yvonne replied, “OK. We’ll be outside waiting for you.” With that, she headed out of the room to help with loading the van.

Alone in the room with Hillary, Gail held her hand as she whispered “I know we agreed to never let any of us be captured, and I know you’d never want to be one of the army’s lab rats, but I got to tell you babes, this is harder than I expected it to be. I love you. Save me a place in heaven next to ya in case I actually make it there.” With that said, Gail stood up, pulled out her pistol and with tremendous regret, shot her friend.

Outside in the van Yvonne, Sandra and Alexis all jumped at the sound of the gunshot.

****************
Quantico Marine Base, Virginia:

For the first time since she was arrested at City Hospital, Carla Ryson finally got to meet with her lawyer. A lawyer anyhow, even if this one had been assigned to her by the very government that was trying to pin the entire Acidalia problem on her. Since he was assigned to her, she hoped that there might be a chance that he could have her best interests at heart.

“Hello, Dr. Ryson my name is Carson Walters. I’ve been assigned to represent you during your arraignment.”

“Arraignment? I wasn’t aware I had actually been charged with anything yet.” Carla said, a bit indignantly. When she had arrived here in Virginia some weeks ago, she had been a beaten shell of herself, thanks to her time with Major Brady. The Marines, however had treated her well since then. She still knew she was a prisoner, but the base commander had done his best to make her reasonably comfortable. That generosity on his part had helped heal her a bit, thus making it possible for her to feel secure enough to show her anger.

Walters pulled a large folder fill to the breaking point with papers. “The President’s special investigator has finished his inquiry into your part in the epidemic and has come up with a long list of charges against you. Before I leave, I’ll get you a copy of the full list, but for now would you like the highlights?”

Trying to tone down her attitude a bit, Carla tried to sound almost casual as she said, “Might as well.”

Putting his glasses on the end of his long nose, the tall, thin lawyer, balding, with a bad comb over, picked up the list of charges and began reading it to Carla. “Doctor you’ve been, or more accurately, will be charged with treason, various crimes against humanity such as endangering the survival of the race. They have also have 250 counts of second degree murder, stemming from the estimated amount of victims that have died from the disease, but that number is fluid and will probably rise before the arraignment. Then there are a few assorted comparatively minor charges such as violating Food and Drug administration (FDA) guidelines for drug testing, and use on human subjects. Then of course, there is my personal favorite, distribution of a controlled substance.”

Carla sat there, stunned by not only the list, but by the caviler way in which Walters read it to her. As she struggled to wrap her mind around what she had just heard, the lawyer continued, “To me, the obviously most troubling charges are treason and murder. The rest are just there to make the list look more impressive, and some may even be thrown out before we make it to trial.”

“Mr. Walters,” Carla interrupted. “There is something I need to ask before we go any further.”

“Yes?”

“If I told you I was innocent of most, if not all these charges, would you believe me?”

“I’m sorry?” Walters replied looking somewhat perplexed.

“Do you believe that I’m innocent, is what I’m asking.”

“I don’t see where that has any bearing whatsoever on your situation.”

“Be that as it may, do you believe me?”

“Doctor to be frank, it doesn’t matter whether you’re innocent or guilty. The administration has decided to blame you for the entire situation, and you’re going to found guilty. We will go into the courtroom, and I will present you with the best defense I can muster, you have my word on that. But there is no way you’re going to be found not guilty. I’m sorry, but it’s been decided.”

“That’s what I thought,” Carla said dejectedly. “Well, thank you for your time Mr. Walters, but I don’t see what can be gained by our continuing this discussion. I assume I’ll see you at the arraignment, am I correct?”

“Doctor Ryson, I think we really need to go over …”

“Save your breath. You’re working for them in this sham of a case, so I’ll just see you in court next week, or whenever this farce takes place,” she told him as she got up and called for a guard to come in. Once the MP entered, Carla turned one last time to her lawyer, and said, “Thank you for your time and your honesty,” then had the guard escort her back to her holding area.

Once back in the small house that served as her cell, Carla walked over to her bed and threw herself on it. Laying there, she began to go over what Walters had told her, trying unsuccessfully to keep from crying. The situation was now officially hopeless, and any thought of holding it together emotionally long enough to make it to her day in court seemed absurd at this point. So she cried until the tears wouldn’t come anymore.

**************

KLTR 6:00Pm news cast:

“Good evening San Francisco. This is what’s happening at this hour: The Reynolds quarantine facility had to temporarily stop accepting new patients today, as protesters blocked the access road for more than three hours this afternoon. In what was being called a blatant disregard for the law, several hundred individuals lay down in the road and refused to move when authorities arrived and ordered them to leave.

“The situation was eventually resolved when a National Guard unit was ordered in by Governor Madison. The solders used tear gas and physical force removed those obstructing the facility. Colonel Charles Jordon said that over 200 protesters were arrested, and a few of those had to be taken to local area hospitals for treatment of their injuries and Acidalia testing.”

“In other news, San Jose was the scene of a deadly explosion at the city’s newly constructed testing center. Officials are blaming the destruction on a faulty starter switch in the facility’s thermostat system. According to sources close to the investigation, when the heater tried to come on this morning a little after 9am, an errant spark from the thermostat caused the natural gas in the line to ignite, destroying the facility and damaging several surrounding buildings in the process.

“Rescue workers are continuing at this hour to search the wreckage for survivors, but sources at the scene have said that they now believe finding any is unlikely at this point. Several bystanders outside the clinic were hurt by flying debris, with two reported as being killed. Along with those, investigators have estimated there could be as many as forty that were killed when you include employees and patients inside the clinic.”

“In international news today, Russian President Vladimir Putin blasted the Fuller administration’s decision to cut grain shipments to his country. Calling the action “nothing short of blackmail by the United States,” Putin vowed to not bend on the issue of travel embargoes no matter what pressure the Fuller administration puts on.

“This is the worst kind of international terrorism. Our people need the grain to survive. Holding back on shipments just to open travel, is a despicable act by the United States government.” The Russian President has also called on the UN to censure the United States for the move. The call has been met with only a luke warm response thus far.

“When asked for a comment on the Russian President’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Kerry Enrich said “The rest of the world is trying to bankrupt our economy and limit our citizens ability to travel where they please. The administration’s goal is simple, to reopen the international market place. The solution for the rest of the world is just as simple, remove these embargos, and the shipments will resume.”

The Fuller administration has also been putting pressure on most of the other estimated one hundred fifty countries that have banned travel, by calling for immediate repayment of all debts owed to the US. This move could be particularly devastating to the poor countries in central and south America.”

“In other news from the capital today, Senator Edward George’s special investigative committee over the President’s handling of the Acidalia outbreak announced its full list of witnesses who will be testifying. Still headlining the list, is controversial presidential critic Dr. Jennifer Fisk, despite allegations of child mistreatment.

When asked to comment on what kind of witness the embattled doctor would make, Senator George had this to say “Doctor Fisk’s current legal issues have no bearing on what this committee is investigating. We are looking into the administration’s handling of the Rhode Island outbreak, and Dr. Fisk is a firsthand witness. Furthermore, I personally believe the doctor will be found innocent of all wrongdoing once the investigation into the charges is complete.”

***************

San Quentin Prison 7: 25pm:

Andrea Morrow was terrified when she saw where the FBI agents were taking her after giving up on trying to make her to talk. They had done everything short of beating her, in an effort to get Andrea to give up the names of her coconspirators, and the former lady wrestler had resisted their every attempt. But now, after sitting alone, stripped down to her bra and panties and handcuffed to her chair in the cold poorly lit cell, she felt her courage slowly leaking away.

She gasped as the cell door slid open, flooding the room with bright light. Her eyes stung as they adjusted. Once her vision cleared, Andrea gazed upon a tall, cruel looking man in military fatigues, and another shorter man with dark hair and a goatee, standing further back by door in a prison uniform.

The military type spoke first. “Andrea, my name is Major Brady. You’ve been sent here because you refused to cooperate with the FBI and tell them where to find your friends. I’ve been sent here to make sure we get that information. See him over there?” Brady tossed his thumb in the direction of the prisoner.

Andrea nodded, as she felt her guts turn to jelly.

“OK. Good!. Ya know, I thought you were a smart girl from the moment I walked in, and I can tell you already have an idea as to what I’m going to tell you. So this is what I’m going to do … I’m going to wait outside and let you and him get to know each other a bit. Unless, of course, you want to tell me what I need to know right now.”

Andrea sat wide-eyed with fear, trying to keep from peeing herself, her mind spinning. She kept trying to tell herself that Brady wouldn’t really do what he was threatening, all the while, positive he would.

“Andrea,” Brady said, getting down and putting a finger under her chin to lift it so he could look eye to eye with her, “I really need your answer, my dear.”

His look this time left her with no doubts that he would carry though with his implied threat, “I … I’ll tell you,” she said in a quiet, defeated voice.

“Good girl,” Brady said, a wide fake smile plastered on his face. “So spill it. Addresses, names, everything. Talk fast. My friend over there hasn’t seen a woman in almost ten years now, and I really don’t know how long he’ll be able to just stand there, smelling your pussy. He might just go crazy, overpower me, and take you before anyone can do a thing about it.” Turning to the prisoner, he asked, “Isn’t that right Jimmy?”

“I can smell that thing from here, Major and, it’s driving me a bit crazy.”

“See what I mean? So before he loses his mind, tell me about your friends.”

Andrea swallowed hard, and for the next twenty minutes spilled all she knew, all the while, keeping one nervous eye on Jimmy. Her voice caught several times as she choked on her shame while spoke. When her confession was concluded Brady excused himself for a moment, and left the room, taking the prisoner with him.

************

Outside the interrogation room, Brady told the guards to keep an eye on both Andrea and Jimmy, while he made his report. Hurrying down the hallway, and out of the cell area to the administration wing, Brady stepped into the office he used while on the premises and picked up the phone.

Absently, he tapped a pencil on the desk as he impatiently waited for the connection to be made and answered. He was in a hurry to get back to Reynolds and continue Logan’s testing. He found himself enjoying putting her though ‘the paces’, as he liked to think of it, and was anxious for her viral count to drop far enough that he didn’t need to wear the virus suit. Dr. Stanley had assured him that the girl’s count was on the decline’ and would be safe to be with, sometime in the next couple of weeks.

The Major was so enraptured by the thought of what he could do to his nemesis without the suit, that he almost jumped when he heard, “Jordon here,” come through the line.

Quickly gathering his thoughts, Brady replied “Colonel, I’ve obtained the information you asked me to get.”

He could imagine the smile on Jordon’s face, “That quickly? Excellent work Major. I won’t ask you what it took to get it out of the girl. I had heard she was a tough cookie, so I imagine it took some doing on your part.”

“She actually cracked rather quickly sir, once supplied with the proper motivation, that is.” Brady said simply “I’m faxing everything she told me over to you as we speak.”

“Good, and the prisoner’s status?”

Brady thought for a second before replying, “She’s expired, sir.”

“Hmmm. Unfortunate, but I suppose it’s just as well.”

“Yes Sir. One thing of interest she did tell me, concerns our other guest, Dr. Batson.”

“Yes? What would that be? “

“She identified an Erica Brannon as the one working with them inside the hospital. The girl claimed to never have even heard of Batson.”

“Interesting.”

“Yes sir. In light of her pointing the finger at Brannon, what would you like us to do with Batson?”

Jordon thought over his options for several seconds before saying “List him as infected, and have him disappear inside Reynolds.”

“Yes sir. I’ll take care of it Sir.”

“I know you will. In the mean time I’ll get the FBI over to City, and have them gather up this Dr. Brannon. Once again, good job, Major.”

“Thank you again, Sir.” Brady replied as he hung the phone up. A few minutes later, after the Fax machine finished sending the remaining information, Brady headed back to the cell area, smiling brightly and feeling almost giddy with excitement.

**************

Several minutes ticked slowly by before Brady reappeared. “Well Andrea, the information you gave me seems to check out, so I just wanted to thank you for your cooperation,” he told her as he stepped around behind her. Undoing her handcuffs, he waited for her to stand. Once she was on her feet, Brady put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her around until she faced him. Without a seconds hesitation, he pulled a large sharp knife out and cut the tall raven haired woman’s bra between the cups, drawing just a bit of blood in the process. Next, he used it to slice open the waistband of her panties. Andrea scrambled to hold her underwear on as best as she could.

Putting the knife away, Brady slapped her hard with a backhand, rocking her, and causing her to lose grip on her panties. With them wrapped around her legs, Andrea tripped and landed butt first on the concrete floor.

Brady got down on top of her, pulling the knife back out of its sheath, and pressed it to her throat. “I could kill you right here, and no one would ever know,” he threatened. “But I prefer to stretch things out a bit. So let’s see what you can do to help with prisoner moral around here. This is what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna let my friend back in here after I leave, and if there’s anything left of you when he’s done, I’ll have a couple of his friends come play, too. Sound good?”

The look of pure terror on her face brought a sadistic smile to his. Standing up, Brady kicked Andrea square in the face, breaking her nose in the process. He grinned brightly at the sight of her bleeding. She let out a frightened squeal as he made like he was going to kick her again. “You’re pathetic,” he said as he turned and walked to the door.

Knocking for the guard out side to open it, Brady emerged into the hallway. “She’s all yours Jimmy. Enjoy it. I’ve got her listed her as dead, so do as you will,” Brady told the convicted serial rapist. Jimmy simply replied with a large gapped tooth smile as he walked into the cell.

**********
Saturday June 15 12:18am Grayson Labs Col. Jordon’s office

The ringing of the phone, which never seemed to cease, would have normally upset the hell out of Charles Jordon at this time of night, but tonight, he sat at his desk going over the report on the raid of the Marko residence, shaking his head in disbelief. The more he read, the more it scared the shit out of him.

By the third ring, he had finally worked up enough saliva to speak. “Jordon.” he answered hoarsely.

“Colonel, General Alexander is on the line,” he heard Tyler say.

“Very good. Put him through.”

“Charlie? I just got word you called earlier as I was just looking over your report on the Marko situation. I see your people tracked down the leak at City hospital.”

“The FBI has Dr. Brannon in custody right now, and we’re confident she’ll lead us to the rest of her people.”

“Good. Let me know how that goes.”

“Yes Sir. I’m sure she’ll cooperate, now that we have her in custody. From what I understand, she was in tears and ready to confess to anything we asked her to after they arrested her.”

“Good, we need to stomp on these people, hard. Make a public example out of this group, to show anyone else that might have similar ideas, what happens when you attack testing centers.”

“We’re trying, Sir.”

“I know, Charlie. By the way, nice job on keeping Dr. Wayne’s murder out of the news. You save everyone a lot of headaches there.”

“Bob, there’s something else we need to discuss.” Jordon broke in.

“Sure Charlie, what’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been looking over the medical examiners report on the body they found at the house, specifically the blood test results. According to this, it was Acidalia positive. baseline genetic tests, show it was female originally, but it had changed significantly.”

“What do you mean changed? Changed how? The reports on Dr. Wayne say that she showed no signs of physical change while she was at the hospital.”

“It says here, the victim was starting to become almost hermaphroditic, but the coroner says that her insides were so scrambled up, that she never would have survived the process. He estimated she had been dead for almost twelve hours before the body was discovered, and it still had a core temperature of over eighty five degrees, which should be impossible, since according to him, that would have made her temperature somewhere around 112-115 degrees when she died. She was literally cooking on the inside.”

“Does the M.E. have any ideas as to why the temperature was that high?”

“I talked to him about that just before I called you earlier. He believes it was a result of her viral count. It was significantly higher than anyone else he’s seen or we’ve tested, and I mean, a lot higher. She carried both versions in such concentration that anyone anywhere near her would be infected almost immediately. Christ, he needs to have half his staff tested, just from handling the body. If there are more like her out there, we could be in even deeper shit then we are already with this thing. Got to tell you Bob, this report scares the shit out of me.”

“Jesus. Do we ‘know’ if there are anymore like her?”

“I asked the M.E. to test the rest of the bodies from the explosion. He called me a while ago and said he found four more with similar viral counts. We assume they were all part of the terrorist group. Luckily, they were all killed so they won’t be going around spreading it, but there was blood all over the place after the explosion and a huge crowd of gawkers around as the cleanup was going on. If any of them got sprayed with contaminated debris, or came in contact with any of the bodies at the scene …”

“We could have a huge number of new infectees, and no way to track them.” Alexander finished the Colonels sentence.

***********

Confirmed cases: 18,000 +

Actual cases: 25,000 +

End Chapter 6

Acidalia 7

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

TG Themes:

Age Regression

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia VII
By Amanda D.

Friday June 23 12:00 PDT KLTR news:

“Good morning San Francisco. Our top story at this hour is the stunning announcement by the United Nations (U N) calling for the complete quarantine of the United States. Meeting in an emergency session in Geneva the worlds nations unanimously agreed to the blockade of all US ports and offered Canada and Mexico troop support for their borders. This comes in the wake of the growing number of refugees heading to the northern and southern borders in an attempt to escape the dreaded virus.”

“A second proposal offering help to all American citizens living abroad was put forward. It too was passed unanimously. “Our member nations are offering to help provide for those Americans living in our countries. The basis of our decision to take this drastic action is to prevent the world wide spread of the disease. It is in no way an attempt to punish the American people.” U.N. Secretary General Mushin Mosbard was quoted as saying.”

“Press Secretary Kerry Enrich said in a press conference this morning that President Fuller was outraged at the action and any military vessel found with in US territorial waters would be dealt with harshly. “This obviously an attempt by the rest of the world to take over our rightful place as the one true super power. We will not stand for this action. It cannot be allowed! Stay tuned, as we will obviously update this story throughout the day as more information becomes available.”

“Nationally: Embattled physician Dr Jenifer Fisk, one of only a hand full of survivors of the fire bombing of Hasbro Children’s Hospital during the Providence riot, who in recent days has become an outspoken critic of the government’s handling of the Acidalia virus, testified before the congressional committee investigating the President’s handling of the outbreak today. ’When we first became aware that we had an Acidalia patient at our hospital, we were forced to go to the internet just to find out what was happening to our patient, and even how to test for the disease. The government’s decision to withhold information on the virus cost us valuable time. Because of this, many friends and coworkers are either dead or infected as a direct result of the Presidents stubborn refusal to see this issue for what it is. A national epidemic.’ ”

“After the Doctor’s testimony Committee Chairman and leading Presidential candidate Massachusetts Senator Edward George was quoted as saying “This administration’s handling of this problem has been atrocious. From the withholding of information to the heavy handed use of the military, the President has committed blunder after blunder. This committee’s charge is to find out why things have gone so wrong. I have made it my personal mission to make sure those responsible for this mess are punished accordingly.”

“In local news San Francisco police this morning have arrested Dr. Theodore Potter for harboring several unreported Acidalia victims. Acting on a tip provided by neighbors, local authorities raided the doctors Nob Hill residence early this morning and found him harboring eight Acidalia patients in his non-quarantine quality basement. The doctor is the first physician to be charged with harboring infectees under the new federal law prohibiting such actions.

Local authorities would like to remind everyone that it is now a felony to have knowledge of an unregistered Acidalia victim and not report her.”

As the news cast went to commercial, thrift store clerk Jimmy Sunka looked at the strange group of four women and one young girl in the back of the store. In the hour since their arrival, Jimmy had felt there was something odd about the way their behavior. He said nothing but watched them closely as they had wandered the store picking out clothes in all sizes and styles. Now after the last story on the news, he had inkling as to why they were there.

Standing no more than twenty feet from the check out area, pretending to be looking at some dresses, Nicole heard the entire news cast and caught Jimmy’s sudden change in posture as the final story aired. Picking one outfit that might fit her six foot frame; she walked over to the counter. Putting on her best smile she asked, “Do you have someplace I could try this on?”

Jimmy looked up at amazingly tall and beautiful red head. Returning her smile, he said, “The changing rooms are in the back, but before you go in there, I need to see an ID.”

“ID? For what?” Nicole asked.

Making it up as he went along, Jimmy casually replied “Store policy ma’am. We have a lot of stuff stolen, so the boss requires a picture ID before allowing any one into the changing area.”

Nodding her head in understanding Nicole said “Well, what do I do if I left my id in the car?”

Looking her directly in the eye Jimmy said “Then I guess you’ll need to go get it or take your business elsewhere.”

Catching the end of the exchange as she came down the isle, Ellie, along with the newest member of their little but growing group, Lisa walked up and put a hand on Nicole’s arm. “Problem?” she asked her friend.

“I don’t think this young man likes us being here.” Nicole replied looking sternly at Jimmy as she tried to control her temper.

“Is that so?” Ellie asked as she dropped a large pile of clothing next to the cash register. “In guess we should just pay for this stuff and leave then.” Pulling her wallet out of her purse she looked over at the clerk who had yet to move. “Are you going to ring that stuff up for me or do I have to do it myself?”

“Lady, if that’s what you really are, I suggest you and your friends get out of here before I call the cops and they take you to see how long you’ve been women.”

The adolescent, Carol, who until a couple weeks ago had been a thirty five year old man, looked nervously at the others. “Guy’s I think we should just leave.”

Vera Lynne, the final member of the shopping expedition, looked angrily at Jimmy and shouted “Just what is it that you’re trying to say? Isn’t our money green enough for you?”

Jimmy and Vera stared at each other for long moments. Nicole put a hand on Vera’s shoulder, breaking the stare down. “Come on, let’s just get out of here.” She said as Jimmy turned towards the phone.

Shrugging off Nicole’s hand, Vera growled, “Keep your fucken hands off of me you …”

“Vera!” Ellie said sternly. “Knock it off. Nicole is right; there is nothing to be gained by us staying here.”

Vera gave Ellie an astonished look and started for the door. The rest of the group followed as Jimmy shouted, “I called the cops. They should be here any minute. Now get the hell outta here you freaks!”

Once outside the five new women moved quickly into the crowd on the sidewalk, hoping to lose themselves in it. Nicole scowled in Vera’s direction as they went. Seeing the look, Lisa put a sympathetic hand on the tall sredhead’s arm and smiled. After walking a couple blocks they slowed their pace as two police cars raced by, heading in the direction they had come from.

Things had certainly changed in a hurry over the last two weeks for what Ellie was now calling The Sister’s of Acidalia, Nicole thought as they journeyed back to the van. Their group of two had grown to nearly fifty, with several more in the midst of their transformations. It seemed that every day they would find one or two more that needed their help and it was always given. Nicole found quite a bit of pride in helping others like herself and El.

Their mission had also changed slightly. At first Ellie had thought to help only those looking to be transformed, but four days after moving into the warehouse, they discovered Carol, who had stumbled, literally onto a chest full of money. Nicole’s family was quite well to do, but no one person controlled the fortune. The entire family was given a monthly allowance from a large trust set up by her maternal grandmother. Even after her father had disowned her, she still received her monthly portion.

What they found in the warehouse however was something different. The amount of cash was just shy of $800,000. Nicole’s father was a notorious spender, so there was no way he had saved the cash from his allowance. This left only one alternative; he must have been skimming the money from of the family’s business. Nicole had been tempted to make a call to the family lawyer and report her finding to him, but after a bit of thought realized that it could go to much better use, such as funding their mission. When they found Carol, and then a few days later, Vera, hiding out in their warehouse, they realized that helping those already transformed and hiding from the quarantines was just as important as helping those that wished to be infected.

Both women had completed their transitions before being discovered by Ellie and Nicole. Vera claimed to have been a lawyer, which Nicole found to be completely believable. Her attitude, and the way she talked down to others, grated on Nicole.

When Vera had first fallen, she had gone to City Hospital for treatment. She had been one of the unlucky ones that had remained conscious the entire time she was transitioning. The virus hadn’t been as generous to her as it had been to some of the others. Instead of coming through it with improved looks and better health, she had actually become overweight and acne ridded. The physical changes had left her bitter and resentful of those who had been luckier than she was. As a result one of her favorite pastimes had become needling Nicole, and ingratiating herself to Ellie.

Carol had been in San Francisco on a business trip when she became infected. She hadn’t even known she was sick until she passed out in her hotel room one night. To her dismay she woke up three days later in the body of a young teenage girl.

The less than sympathetic hotel manager had thrown her out of the room once she was discovered. Having no money or idea about the city she wandered the streets for several days some how managing to steer clear of the addicts and chicken hawks. Eventually she found the warehouse park and scurried into one of the abandoned buildings. There she stayed, afraid to come out until Ellie and Nicole discovered her on the verge of starvation and took her under their wings.

The five new women were within sight of the street they had parked the van on when a police car rolled slowly by. The two officers inside stared intently at Nicole. Seeing the way they stared at the tall redhead, Lisa suggested “We better get out of here before they come back.”

“Good idea.” Ellie replied.

The five of them quicken the pace. As the rounded the last corner the blare of sirens sounded behind them. The entire group turned at once to look as a squad car skidded to a halt in front of them. Two officers hopped out of the car. A tall blond haired officer with a thick mustache called out, “Ladies, good afternoon. Could we see some identification please?”

“May I ask what the problem is officer?” Ellie asked politely.

“The four of you and especially your tall friend there, match the description, given to us by a store clerk of suspected Acidalia infectees. Since there is now a law requiring infected citizens to be in a quarantine center, we are obligated to respond to any reports of unregistered victims. Now if you would be so kind, your identification please?” The look of disgust on his face, directed at the small group of women, belied his pleasant tone.

Nicole looked over at Ellie and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”

Ellie smiled back at her long time friend. To the officers she said “I’m sorry officer, but we seem to have left our ID’s at home.”

“I see. Well in that case, you’re going to need to come with us.” He called over his partner, “Murphy, call for additional transport.” His partner nodded in acknowledgment as he turned back to the car.

“Where are you taking us?” Lisa asked nervously.

“We have a testing center set up a couple blocks from here. We’ll take you over and make sure you get priority treatment. No need for you ladies to wait in line all day. Once you’re in and if you test negative, you can be on your way with our most sincere apologies. If, as I suspect with be the case, you test positive … well then it’s a trip to Reynolds for all of you,” he said with an air of arrogance.

“Sarge, base said additional transport will be here in about ten minutes,” Murphy reported.

Vera moved close to Ellie. “Stay behind me. I’ll protect you,” she told the groups’ leader.

Nicole smiled as she watched the short fat girl, that Ellie towered over, even at her reduced height stand protectively in front of her old friend. Knowing Vera would do her best to protect El, Nicole turned her full attention to the officer in front of her. She stared at the blond haired police man, studying his movements and stance, trying to find an opening to get in and try to disarm him.

“Aww isn’t that cute, the little fat one’s going to protect …” the officer’s statement was suddenly cut short by the sound of an explosion that seemed to come from every direction. Only the bright light from the column that sprung up over the buildings behind and to his right, gave an indication where the sound had originated. “What the …” he began to cry but was once again cut off, this time by Nicole pouncing on him.

She drove her full weight and power onto him, slamming him to the pavement hard enough to knock the air out of him. The others followed her lead and moved in on the remaining officer. It appeared as though the suddenly distracted cops would be quickly overwhelmed by the small group of new women, , however the second one had his own ideas about how the situation would be resolved, and fired a shot.

Nicole looked in the direction of the sound just in time to catch Lisa’s fall to the ground. The Sisters newest member landed with a thud. Nicole stared for several seconds waiting for the blonde to move, but the newly transformed woman’s body simply twitched a few times.

“Shit!” Murphy yelled. “All of you kiss the fucken pavement. Now!” With his free hand, he keyed the two way radio on his shoulder. “This is unit 875 …” Nicole felt an uncontrollable rage building inside of her as she lunged at the cop with panther like speed and grace, interrupting his call for help as she slammed into him.

Unlike the first officer she had tackled, Nicole wasn’t looking to just disarm Murphy. Once they were both on the ground she ripped the gun from his hand, breaking two of his fingers in the process. The injured officer howled in pain. Nicole slugged him with everything she had right in the jaw, cracking it. Before she could raise her arm to attempt another punch, Vera and Ellie grabbed Nicole and attempted to put an end to her assault on the downed man.

“Nicole! Stop it! He’s had enough!” El screamed as she and Vera struggled to pull the enraged redhead off of the dazed officer.

“He killed Lisa!” Nicole screamed as she struggled to pull away for El and Vera.

“Lisa’s not dead!” Ellie yelled back as she lost then regained her grip on Nicole’s arm. “But she might be if we don’t get her out of here right now, and get her to Roberta!”

Nicole stopped struggling and looked up at Ellie confused. “Not …”

“Look!” Ellie demanded as she pointed toward where Lisa had fallen.

Nicole turned her head looked in the direction Ellie indicated. On the ground next to Lisa, Carol was cradling the injured woman’s head in one arm. With her free hand she tried to put pressure on Lisa’s wounded stomach. Seeing that, Nicole hopped off the beaten policeman and the three of them hurried over to Lisa. From behind, they she heard the Sergeant calling for back up.

“Can she be moved?” Vera asked as they arrived at Lisa’s side.

“How the hell do I know?” Carol shouted, obviously stressed. “I was a fucken salesman before this, not a doctor, for Christ’s sake.”

“It’s OK, Carol,” Ellie tried to calm the young looking girl down. “Even if it kills her, we need to bring her with us. We can’t allow her to be taken to quarantine.”

“What ever we do we better do it fast … he called for help,” Nicole thumbed in the blond cops’ direction.

Ellie kneeled down and moved Lisa’s hand from of her wound to inspect it. Even to her untrained eye, it looked bad. “Honey? Do you think you can get up if Nikki helps you?”

“I … I’ll try.” Lisa hissed. Nicole stepped over and the four of them all worked together to get the injured girl off the side walk. Moving slowly, it took almost a full minute and a lot of grunting and groaning on Lisa’s part, but eventually they got her to her feet.

That done, Nicole gently scooped Lisa up and whisked her into the waiting battered dark blue Chrysler minivan. With help from Carol, Nicole gently laid Lisa in the rear storage area and closed the cargo door. Running around to the side, door both hopped in and Ellie sped away.

Looking in her rearview mirror to make sure they weren’t followed, she let out a sigh of relief as they made their second corner without being pursued. “We’re going to have to ditch this thing, you know,” Vera said, climbing into the passengers’ seat.

“How’s Lisa doing?”

“As well as we could expect at this point. But we still need to ditch the van … like right now.”

“Vera we don’t have time …”

“El, that cop has our plate number. He’s probably already called it in … you’re driving like a bat out of hell, so it’s going to attract attention. We need to dump this thing fast!”

“Vera’s right, El. The time we waste finding new wheels will be nothing compared to the time it will take to get her medical help if the cops find us,” Carol chimed in.

“Fine!” Ellie said with a small air of impatiens as she cut across three lanes of traffic and into a supermarket parking lot. Slowing down to lot speed, Ellie began searching the aisles of cars for a suitable replacement.

“What about that one,” Vera suggested, pointing at an old red full size Bronco with the cap off on the back of it.

“Carol? What do you think?”

“If it’s a standard, it’s ours. Stop and let me out over there,” She told Ellie as she pointed towards the next row over from the Bronco. Ellie pulled over where instructed and the small brown haired girl hopped out of the van and scurried over to the parked Bronco. Running around to the back, Carol hiked herself up over the tail gate and climbed over the rear seats. Dropping into the drivers’ seat, she reached under the dashboard.

After just a couple minutes work the Bronco’s engine roared to life. Nicole jumped out of the van at the sound and quickly ran over to the waiting truck. Climbing behind the steering wheel, she looked over at Carol who simply smiled back at her, “10th Grade auto class … and mom said it would never get me anywhere.”

The two of them giggled as they pulled out of the parking spot and followed the van out of the lot. After a couple of blocks both vehicles pulled over into a small service alley way between to high rise buildings. Moving as quickly as Lisa’s injuries would allow, Nicole transferred her to the Bronco’s cargo area.

“Shit, the cops!” Vera cursed.

“Where?” Ellie asked.

“A patrol car just drove by. Come on, we need to get going before they come back!”

“El, pull the van so it blocks the entrance, and let’s get the hell out of here,” Nicole yelled.

Ellie hoped back into the van and did as Nicole instructed. As she jumped back out, Ellie grabbed the keys out of the ignition and threw them down the alley way. That accomplished, she ran to the Bronco just as a police car turned into the alley behind them. “Go!” she ordered.

Without hesitation, Nicole stomped on the gas pedal. The Bronco shot out of the alley blowing by another police car as it attempted to cut them off. The Sisters flew down the street and around the nearest corner before the startled police could pursue.

***********

10:15am EDT Oval office White House Washington D.C.:
Full meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Presidential military advisors:

President Fuller breezed into the meeting room looking determined and agitated. He gazed at his Cabinet members and the leaders of his military, and loosely signaled for them to take their seats. “Gentlemen, we have a problem unlike any this country has faced since the war of 1812,” he began. “As you well know, the U.N. has illegally decided to cut our great nation off from the rest of the rest of the world.

“This cannot be allowed to happen. I am personally committed to making sure this does not happen. I see two objectives at this time for our military, keeping our ports and borders open. What I want to know, gentlemen, is how we are going to achieve this!”

General Alexander sat silently mulling over Fuller’s question. How indeed would they be able to achieve his commander in chief’s goal? His army, and Marine Corp General Angelo Kings forces, were the backbone of the containment and peace keeping efforts across the country. As such each branch was severely overburdened on top of being the most vulnerable to becoming infected.

Conservative estimates said that as much as 22% of the domestic Army and 18% of Marines were now infected, putting even further strain on the two military branches. To be honest, to the Generals mind, what neither branch need now was a war. That, coupled with Alexander’s internal conviction that it was Fuller himself that had caused the situation to get to this point, was going to make this assignment especially difficult.

“We’ll start with the blockade problem.” Fuller announced. “Admiral, what has the Navy come up with in the way of options?”

“Sir,” Admiral Michael Toledo began “we believe our best option is to go on the offensive. We have a substantial portion of our Atlantic fleet docked already at our east coast bases. We can have three aircraft carrier battle groups with full submarine support, put out to sea from Fairfax, Newport and Kings Bay, within the next twelve hours, if you give us the go ahead.”

“What do we have coming our way at this point?” Fuller asked.

“As of 09:50 Atlantic satellite reconnaissance showed two carrier groups from the European Union, most likely including the French carrier, De Gaulle, heading east along with three Kuznetov class Russian carriers out of the port of Severomorsk. We assume all five groups have submarine support also.

“In the Pacific, we’re tracking Chinese, Australian, Japanese and more Russians inbound They’re further away, so it will take a bit longer for the western blockade get into position. My staff’s recommendation is to concentrate on the Atlantic first, since we have a larger pool of resources to work with at this time.”

“That would seem to make sense.” The President agreed. “What is your plan for dealing with the west coast?”

“For the Pacific we have come up with a two stage plan. First we mobilize as many ships at Pearl Harbor as we can, leaving just a small fleet to defend Hawaii. Then we recall our two carriers from the Persian Gulf area, the Nimitz and Ronald Reagan, along with all their supports ships and have them rendezvous with the Pacific Fleet. Once they link up, the combined force heads for the west coast blockade.

“Once they are within range. we will then send what we have from our pacific bases and try to pinch the blockade ships between the two fleets. The plan is to make then fight a two front battle and out last them. If all else fails we have authorized the loading of nuclear warheads for the Tomahawk missiles before the fleet sets sail.”

“Yes … let’s all pray it doesn’t come to that. The plan on the other hand, sounds like it has enough flexibility built into it to succeed. Frank?”

“Yes Mr. President, everyone is in agreement that this plan has the best chance for success.”

“OK, then let’s get everyone rolling on it.” Closing that subject, Fuller went on, “General Alexander?”

“Yes Sir!”

“I want to make sure the northern and southern borders remain open. It’s going to fall onto the Army and Marine corps to make sure they do.”

“Sir, frankly I don’t see how that is going to be possible. Our forces are stretched thin as is, between guarding the quarantines, helping the police keep order in the cities, and the rising amount of infected solders. We just don’t have the manpower to keep both borders fully open at this point. Hell, 20% of our manpower is now womanpower, Sir.

“What we recommend, is that we move in and take strategic locations along both borders, such as the St Lawrence Seaway, Victoria and Vancouver British Columbia, along with several other locations along the southern border. If we do this it will allow us unfettered access to the ocean along both borders and allow troop movement into either country.”

“What kind of manpower are we talking about, to pull something like this off?” Francis Blake, Secretary of Defense asked.

“We should have sufficient manpower available to meet these objectives as long as we choose our targets carefully and don’t get too greedy about the amount of border territory we control.”

“And for an expanded operation?” Fuller asked.

“Well, Sir, the only thing we can do is start recalling troops from our foreign bases, but that will limit our ability to be a global presence. And with the blockade in place, I’m not sure we’d be allowed to bring them home. They won’t let us land our aircraft for any purpose. ”

“General King, do you concur with the Army’s assessment of the situation?” Blake asked.

“Yes Sir, I do.”

Fuller rubbed his tired eyes as he mulled over what felt like the best courses of action. Since the end of World War One, the United States had been the premier power on the planet. Having a military presence on every continent and being the leader in global politics had become as much a matter of national pride, as necessity, in his opinion. To pull back would be a blow to the national ego for sure, but the current threat to the nation itself was something that needed to be dealt with aggressively.

In the end, the threat to the continent won out, and Fuller told his military leaders, “Fine. Do whatever you feel is necessary. However, before we start pulling troops from our foreign bases, recall any assigned to N.A.T.O forces and U.N peacekeeping first. I’ll be damned if the U.N and Europe will use our own troops against us.”

“Yes sir, we can certainly have that taken care of immediately,” King said.

“Good. I want us to meet again tomorrow. I want to know exactly how many troops we will need to recall, and what our priority targets will be.” Fuller informed the two Generals.

Fuller took a seat, and Blake stood up. The tall, lanky, grey haired, goateed, Secretary of Defense looked at the assembled Joint Chiefs and wondered momentarily how they would respond to his next point of business. “Gentlemen.” he began “What we have next on the agenda will most likely not sit well with the members of your respective branches. Though it will mainly impact the Navy and the Air Force, the other two branches will be expected to do what can be done to follow this directive too.”

The assembled military leaders looked attentively at the secretary and waited for him to continue.

“From here on in, all essential personnel are to be confined to their bases, the gates will be closed, and no unauthorized personnel will be allowed on base for any reason. We feel this move will help reduce the risk of our solders, sailors and airmen becoming infected. Also, until further notice, all leaves are canceled and any reserves will be called to active duty. They too will need to be tested and allowed to enter only after testing negative for the bug. Any found to be infected, will be sent to quarantine immediately, along with any active personnel that test positive.”

Air Force General Lexington Cavalier did some quick calculations in his head. With the call up, the amount of people living full time on base would nearly triple. Even with setting up tent cities, there just wouldn’t be enough housing. A quick glance over at Admiral Toledo confirmed that the Navy Chief was coming to the same conclusion. “Sir,” he said addressing the President “at those personnel levels, most bases will be facing massive overpopulation problems. When you add the reservists, and bringing those that live off base on to the existing population of men and their families … well Sir, the number of people, versus the amount of available housing, just doesn’t match up.”

“General, we said essential personnel on base only. Meaning any civilians living on base will be moved to off-base facilities.” Blake informed him.

“You mean to put the men’s families out?” Cavalier asked incredulously.

“Not out on the streets, certainly, but yes, housed off base. You will all need to get hold of your base commanders and make them aware that some kind of temporary housing for nonmilitary personnel will need to be found.”

“Yes Sir.” the head of each branch replied. Though each remained skeptical, they had their orders, and all would have to make sure they were carried out, somehow. Alexander was especially concerned with the effect this order would have on his men’s morale.

“OK then, Gentlemen, you have your orders, so let’s get to it.” Fuller ended the meeting, before any objections could be brought up.

As the room cleared out, Blake called to Alexander, “General, a word with you in private, please.” Alexander stopped and waited for the Secretary to walk over to where he stood. “The President wanted to know the status of the packages we discussed.”

“The last report I saw indicated they had all been delivered as of last Tuesday.”

“Good. We may need them a lot sooner than we expected.”

“Sir, if I may be frank?” Alexander asked.

“Yes, of course, General, feel free to speak your mind.”

“Sir, are we sure this is the right thing to be doing? Once those packages are opened, there will be no turning back. The world will know who was responsible, which will certainly not help resolve our current situation.”

“I understand your concerns, General, and I’ll try to forget them before I meet with the President next time.” Blake said in an obvious threat. “However, you have been ordered to have them delivered and when the time comes, you will have them released. No questions, no complaints, just do your job! Any other concerns you would like to bring up?”

Alexander fumed internally but said nothing.

“Good. Now I believe you commander in chief gave you an assignment to carry out, I think you should get to it,” Blake said dismissively as he turned and walked away.

*******************

San Francisco 6:40pm PDT:

“Reports from this morning’s deadly explosion at the Bay Area Acidalia testing facility, confirm that the devices used, were the same as the type that have been found in the rubble of the Los Angeles testing facility last week. Police now believe they have a description of the terrorists involved, after two city officers were attacked this morning moments before the detonation.

“Local and federal law enforcement are looking for these two women in connection with the bombing and the attack.” On the screen, grainy pictures of both Ellie and Nicole appeared. Both obviously came from the cruiser’s dashboard mounted black and white video camera. “If you know the whereabouts of either of these suspects, San Francisco police have set up a special tip line for you to call. They would also like to say these women are considered extremely dangerous, as well as possibly contagious, and urge everyone to stay away and let those trained to deal with these types handle them.”

Gail walked into the stylishly decorated living room, just as the news went to commercial and looked out the window at the impressive view of San Francisco bay. Sitting in a overstuffed recliner to her left, was Philip Bastion, the owner of the large bay side house Gail and the remains of her group were now residing in. After lingering on the scenery for a moment, she turned to Philip as he said, “Impressive isn’t it?”

“Yes. I’d never get tired of looking at the bay from here.”

“One of the benefits of Grandpa’s fortune.” Philip said nonchalantly as if the old mans entire life had been lived just to set his grandson up financially. “Have you seen the news this evening?”

“No, but I assume our little fireworks display at the downtown testing center was the top story,” she replied to the portly young man.

Gail detested Philip and his arrogance, but at the moment, he was their refuge, so she bit her tongue and tried to play nice. She had never really understood Hillary’s attachment to Philip, and her insistence he be included in the groups over all plans. All she knew for sure was he was somehow related to her former leader, though when she had pressed for information as to how exactly, Hillary had always refused to elaborate.

“It sure was,.” he replied eagerly. “Goes to show what you can do with the right equipment and expertise. Your friend Max seems to have been better at taking bombs apart, than putting them together. It’s bad too, his incompetence cost us a lot of goo …”

Without warning Gail jumped on to the pudgy instigator, pinning him in position on the chair. Pulling out a large hunting knife, Gail pressed it to his crotch. “I don’t give a fuck what you were to Hil! You ever disrespect Max or any of the others that died in front of me again, and I’ll cut your fucken balls off! Understand me you little mother fucker?”

“Sh … sure thing babes. I … it was only a j … joke. N … no offence intended.” Philip squealed palefaced, beginning to sweat profusely.

“Ahem! Am I interrupting something?” a voice from behind Gail said.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw the tall broad shouldered form of former Army medic Randy Eaton standing in the doorway. “No, you’re not interrupting at all.” Putting the knife away as she climbed off, Gail told Philip “Just watch your fucken mouth, ya little shit. Make sure you don’t let it happen a second time, cause I promise you, there won’t be a third.”

“Let what happen?” Randy asked.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.” Gail said sternly. “Just a little disagreement between me and Phil, but we got it all straightened out now, don’t we fat boy?

“Yeah … yeah, sure, all set.” Philip responded are he clutched his balls checking to be sure they were unharmed.

“So, Doctor, what can I do for you?”

“I just came from seeing Yvonne and the Summers sisters and I have to say I’m quite concerned. All three are suddenly very sick. fever, throwing up, coughing, lethargy … I think they may be infected.”

“Th … the bug? Oh shit! We need to get them out of here before we all get infected.” Philip screeched. “Wait, what do you mean they’re infected? I thought you told me that Sandra was clean.”

“Up until today she seemed to be fine. No physical changes, no coughing, no fever … nothing to indicate she had been exposed at all. Then this morning she suddenly has the high fever, with all the associated symptoms of early infection again. I just … I don’t know what to make of it. This whole virus makes no sense. Everything it does should be impossible … it’s like something out of bad science fiction novel.”

“I … I’ll tell you what we need to do. I’ll tell you right now! We need to get them the fuck out of my fucken house that’s what we need to do.”

“Philip, relax! If they were going to infect you, you’d’ve transformed and be looking for lingerie already.” Gail sounded irritated. “Besides, if it was Acidalia, I would be sick too. I’ve been with them since we left Santa Cruz, and I’m doing just fine.”

“Don’t sling that bullshit this way, sister. It’s my fucken house and I want them out ... right fucken now, God damn it!”

Gail glared at Philip. Drawing in a deep breath, and letting it out as a long frustrated sigh, she asked him plainly “Have you been reading about how the missing persons list has grown since the outbreak began? I heard a cop saying the other day that so many people have disappeared in the last few months that they don’t even really bother to investigate anymore. So if you were to suddenly go missing, I seriously doubt anyone would even notice.”

Philip’s double chin giggled like a bowl full of jelly as he swallowed hard at the not so thinly veiled threat.

“Gail!” Randy admonished. “Stop! No matter how much of a pain in the ass Philip is, he has a legitimate point. We need to figure out what to do about them before the rest of us become infected, if we haven’t already.”

“What do you propose we do? We can’t take them anywhere to be tested, and I’m not putting them out on the street.”

“We should at very least isolate them from the rest of us until we know for sure. What about relocating them to the apartment over the garage?”

“No one has been up there for at least the last two years since Grandpa passed. It’s probably a mess and half,” Philip reported.

Turning and smacking him in the back of the head with her open palm, Gail retorted, “Well then I guess you have something to keep you busy this evening then.”

“M … me? Why do I … ?”

“Cause I told you too!” Gail yelled. “Now get your fat ass up there and make sure it’s clean enough for them to stay there.”

Philip looked at her dejectedly and began to trudge out of the room mumbling “It’s my friggen house, why do I have to do all the shit work?”

Gail glared at him as he left but chose not to comment on his remark.

“You should be nicer to him, you know.” Randy told her.

“Why’s that?”

“First off, because he took you and your friends in without question or hesitation. I know he’s smug and a bit irritating at times … but he’s right about your friends. If they stay, they’re going to wind up infecting all of us, if they haven’t already.”

Once again Gail found herself glaring at one of her newfound so-called allies. “You know, that’s real easy for you to say, but they’re all that’s left of our group. I can’t just put them out … I can’t.”

“I understand your feelings. I really do, but I have to present what I know to the others. It wouldn’t be right to keep this a secret, and they will decide whether your friends stay or not.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be such a good idea. Telling them will cause more problems then it will solve.”

“I can’t keep them in the dark. They have the right to know they’re in danger of being infected.”

“And Yvonne and the others have the right to not be put out until we know for sure!”

“Are you willing to take that gamble with all our lives? Cause I’ll tell you lady, I am not! I’m telling them, because it’s the right thing to do. Count yourself lucky if I don’t tell them how you wanted to keep them in the dark, and have you put out with the other three.”

“Randy …”

“Save it, Gail!” The doctor turned and headed out of the room.

Gail stood there fuming for several minutes as she considered her options. As her anger began to abate, she realized there was only one real option. She had been with Alexis, Yvonne, and Sandra far longer than she had known her new allies, and in a way, they were her last real connection to Hil and Max.

Her decision made, Gail hurried down to the basement dormitory area, finding her compatriots off to one corner. As she walked over, she noticed how flush the three of them were.

“Gail.” Yvonne called out. “We need to get out of here if you can handle traveling.”

“Why? What’s happened?” Sandra asked.

“The doc’s gonna tell the rest he thinks you got the bug. When he’s done they’re most likely going to throw us out. So gather your stuff, and let’s save them the trouble.”

“Where will we go?” Yvonne inquired as she got unsteadily to her feet and began to gather her things.

“I don’t know but we can’t stay here.”

***********

Saturday June 24 Francisco warehouse district
8:20am:

Dr Roberta Goings, formally Robert Goings, looked in on the only patient in her makeshift medical center. It had been thrown together just a few days ago off to one side of the massive warehouse the Sisters now called home. Never in her life had she imagined that she would be living in a place such as this, or getting so much satisfaction from helping others, but then again, she’d never thought she would need to know about bra sizes, or refer to herself in the femme, either.

Up until May 26, she had been a contented he, working as a doctor at City Hospital. Back then, Acidalia had been around for barely a month, and no one was really sure how long it took to infect anyone. There just hadn’t been enough data at that point to make any kind of accurate predictions on anything. Like so many of the first doctors to encounter the virus, she had also become one of its first victims.

The tremendous number of infected doctors was one of the most closely guarded secrets of the outbreak. The government wanted people to believe that when you went to an Acidalia center to be tested, you were being treated by highly skilled physicians that had been wrestling with the virus from the beginning. However, the dark truth was, that most of the doctors that knew anything about the disease, had received their knowledge from first hand experience with the transformation process. As a result, most doctors were either forced to work at the hospital where they had been infected, or had been sent to quarantine to help with the care of those incarcerated there.

She had been on of the lucky ones that had been allowed to stay at City and help with the treatment of victims there. Like the rest of those infected, she had been unable to leave the quarantine floors. However the relative freedom of movement on those floors had been better than rotting in a cell at Dillon or Reynolds.

Truth be told, she would still be there treating patients if Director Batson hadn’t disappeared several weeks previously. After he was gone, the quality of care, and the treatment of those ill with the bug had become slipshod. It was almost as if the new hospital administration had given up on the idea of trying to help the infected. Finally, several days after Batson’s disappearance she got word that the military was coming in and going to be clearing out all the plague victims. Every last one was going to be shipped to the newest quarantine near Sacramento, including any infected doctors.

That night, as the shifts were changing, she stole the ID of an uninfected nurse that bore a vague resemblance to Roberta. With a little bit of finesse and a lot of luck she had managed to use it to escape. That had led to a night spent wandering the streets of Santa Cruz and a chance encounter with Ellie Wolf and Nicole Taylor the next morning.

Though scared to death of being outted and caught by the authorities, she had found herself almost compelled to tell Ellie who she was and what she had been through. Ellie had immediately offered Roberta sanctuary with the Sisters as their resident doctor. Roberta had accepted instantly, without really even knowing what it was she was getting herself involved in. For some strange reason, she had been thus far unable to put her finger on exactly, Roberta felt strangely comfortable with these two women.

Since her arrival at the warehouse, her duties had consisted mainly of giving physicals and monitoring the condition of those going through the transformation. Not the most challenging of work, but at least it was rewarding. Lisa’s getting shot, and the subsequent removal of the bullet had, however, taxed her limited surgical skills to their limits. Yet, much to her amazement the girl had somehow survived and was now sitting up on her cot, thumbing though a magazine.

“How are we feeling today?” the leggy blonde new woman asked.

“I’m feeling pretty good … considering.”

“You certainly look a lot better. Have to admit I was really concerned as to whether you were going to make it or not when they brought you in yesterday.”

Smiling, Lisa replied, “Well you certainly weren’t the only one who was concerned.”

“Yes … well let me get a look at your incision. Lift you top please.” With cheeks beginning to redden, Lisa did as instructed. Roberta noticed her flush and smiled. “No need to be embarrassed, Hon. We both have all the same parts now.”

“I … I know … it’s just getting used to having the parts, that gives me a bit of trouble.”

“I know what you mean. Sometimes I see my reflection and it takes me a second to realize that it’s really me looking back.”

“You like it though, don’t you?”

“Like what?”

“What’s happened to you and the rest of us?”

Roberta thought for a moment before she answered. “I do. I never really had any kind of inclination towards cross dressing, or anything along those lines before all this happened. And I was horrified after I woke up and found myself looking like this. But now, especially since I arrived here and have had a chance to just be a woman, I have to admit I am very comfortable looking like this. I can wait for the day someone invents a vaccine for this, so I can really find out what it’s like to live to make full use of this body.”

“Have you tried it?”

“Tried it?”

“You know tried IT” Lisa said gesturing towards her crotch.

“Oh! Tried IT … umm well…” Roberta stammered “I’ve experimented with the new plumbing yeah … but I haven’t been with anyone else yet. Ha … have you?”

“Yes.” Lisa said glowing red herself.

“Really? Not with a guy …”

“No … I wouldn’t infect some like that purposely. But the day after I arrived here, with Marcie …”

?” Vera’s raspy sounded voice called out from behind Roberta, “Doctor, how’s our patient doing this morning

“F … fiiiinnnne, Vera. Much better that I had expected, actually.” Roberta stammered, her face a crimson mask of embarrassment at almost being caught discussing sex.

“What’s going on here? What have you two been talking about?” Vera asked eyeing them both suspiciously.

“No … nothing! Just checking on her condition.” Roberta said suddenly shifting gears into professional mode. “Her wound seems to be healing quite nicely for a bullet hole only a day old. We still need to watch for infection, but if she continues to improve at this pace, I don’t see why she won’t make a full recovery.”

“Good … Yes, very good indeed. I’ll make sure to tell El when I see her shortly. She’ll be so happy to hear the good news.”

“She was here about an hour ago looking in on me.” Lisa informed Vera. “She stopped by with Nicole, and they both hung out with me for a bit.”

“Oh,” Vera’s obvious distaste was audible. Her ever-growing resentment of Nicole’s relationship with Ellie was becoming a well know fact amongst the relatively small, but continually growing group. “Well, I guess I should be going then … I have so much to do. Big meeting to attend. Bye, Lisa. Doctor, if there is any change in her condition, please let me know right away.”

“Yes … of course,” Roberta tried to hold back a smirk.

“Very well then.” Vera waddled off. As she turned the corner and headed towards the far end of the warehouse where Ellie had set up an office area of sorts, she heard suppressed tittering coming from behind her. Her cheeks burned red as she put her head down and stormed away. ‘Well that was certainly impressive! Those two thought you were a complete joke.’ Vera thought bitterly. “This is all Nicole’s fault. If she wasn’t here, I’d be the one El turned to.’

“Oh, Vera, there you are!” Carol called.

“Hmm? Oh yes child?”

Carol grimaced at the word. She hated being referred to by her physical age. “Nicole asked me to come find you.”

Rolling her eyes, Vera asked impatiently “What does she want?”

“She asked me to have you help me on an errand.”

“Errand? What kind of errand? I have a meeting with Ellie …” Vera hollered, turning back and again heading towards Ellie’s room.

As she approached the small curtained enclosure, Vera heard the sound of arguing coming from inside. Stopping far enough away not to be seen by those inside, but close enough to hear what was being said, Vera listened.

“El, I know you’re upset about what happened with Lisa, Christ we all …”

“Nicole!”

Nicole stood there, looking at her friend, waiting to continue. As the seconds ticked by, it slowly dawned on her what the problem was. She had cursed, using the lord’s name and that was a strict no no around Ellie these days. Guiltily she said “Sorry El. I forget myself sometimes.”

“Vera what are you doing?” Carol asked as she finally caught up with the short fat woman.

“SHHHHH, child. I’m trying to here what they’re saying.”

“I am not a god damned child! I’m thirty fricken five years old! Stop …”

“SHHHHHH!!!” Vera repeated putting her pudgy hand over Carol’s mouth.

Inside the enclosure Ellie smiled “It’s OK, Sweetie. We all slip sometimes. But getting back to our discussion, I think we need to much more proactive to keep things like what happened with Lisa from happening again.”

“I agree with you completely, El.” Vera announced as she tromped into the room. “I think we need to go to whatever lengths are necessary to make sure no one ever tries to hurt one of us again.”

Nicole rolled her eyes at both the intrusion, and Vera’s opinion. “What would you have us do then? Bomb clinics and kill doctors like those terrorists they talk about on the news?”

“No, certainly not,” Ellie stated.

“Then what? I thought our purpose was to help those like you and me EL, not to go around causing trouble.”

“I’m not talking about causing trouble. I’m talking about becoming a known presence in the community.”

“That sounds like a great idea to me,” Vera said ingratiatingly.”

“Well, I think it’s a terrible idea,” Carol put in. “The last thing we need to do is draw attention to ourselves.”

“Carol’s right, El,” Nicole cut in. “If everyone knew about us, it would make our mission even harder. If we continue to work behind the scenes, we can accomplish so much more.”

“Who are the two of you to question what El feels is the right thing to do? She’s our leader. God appointed her for this mission, not either of you.”

“Vera, there’s no need to take that kind of attitude. I value input from everyone here. No ones opinion is unimportant,” Ellie chastised. “Clearly however, this is an issue that deserves more consideration and discussion at another time.”

“I agree. We should let it lie for now, take our time and not make any kind of rash decision,” Nicole stated. “By the way, Carol, I thought you were going to take care of that errand for me.”

“I was, but Vera threw a fit over being asked, and I look way to young to drive now. The cops would pull me over in a second if they saw me.”

Nicole shook her head in disgust. “Fine I’ll take you. Grab your stuff and let’s get going.” She grumbled while glaring at Vera as they headed for the door.

After Nicole was out of earshot Vera turned to Ellie, “I don’t care what she says, I think you’re right. We need to let the world know we are here and that our kind now has protection.”

“Perhaps.”

*********************

Sunday June 25 10:15am PDT Grayson labs
Colonel Jordon’s office research progress update meeting:

Mia Blue and Dr. Ryan sat in their chairs across from Colonel Jordon, waiting for the military’s top man to finish his phone conversation. These meeting were beginning to wear on both of the senior researchers, but with the official count of infectees expected to reach the 25,000 mark on tomorrow’s report, Jordon wasn’t about to discontinue them anytime soon. So they waited discontentedly for him to finish.

Patience was a rare find now-a-days. The entire facility seemed to be at its wits end. Every scientist on the team, civilian or military, had been working nonstop since their arrival with little to show for their efforts. The constant failure to do more than create a test to find who had the disease, a test which itself was somewhat less than a complete success, was dragging morale down at an alarming rate. Having Colonel Jordon constantly demanding updates on their progress didn’t help much either.

Finally, Jordon hung up the phone and look wearily at the two doctors. After rubbing his eyes for a moment, he said “I’m sorry about the delay, but so people you just can’t hang up on. So what today’s report?”

“Doctor Ryan’s group has finished its preliminary research on Acidalia type F and has a report for you on the results,” Dr. Blue told Jordon.

“Good news?” Jordon asked hopefully.

Ryan frowned as he thought ‘If only.’ Clearing his throat, he said “While our research hasn’t led us to any kind of imminent cure, it did give us some insight into the inner workings of the virus. We started off by using two separate groups of female rats and two groups of males.

“First we infected one group of the females with type F. After studying them for several days, we found that only a very small portion of the group endured any kind of physical transformation. Out of 123 rats infected, only seven showed any sign of physical change. Only two of those seven showed the gross hermaphroditic traits that the first human victim displayed.

“We then introduced three male rats into the cage. We tested each every half an hour and found that two showed signs of infection after only one hour of exposure. The third took an additional hour before testing positive. This is a 40% decrease in the usual exposure to infection time ratio and frankly it scares the hell out of me.

“The next stage of the test was to take a group of previously transformed rats and inject them with the Type F virus in the hope that it would cause a reversion to male in at least some of them. Unfortunately it didn’t have any effect that we could measure. It appears that once a rat is infected and transforms, it develops immunity to being changed again. Since our research has shown in the past that the disease has much the same effect on rats as it does humans, we are going to have to assume these result would be the similar on one of us.” Ryan reported.

“A 40% increase in the rate of infection?” Jordon repeated to no one in particular. “Perfect … just what we needed.” The room sat silent as each member contemplated the implications of Dr. Ryan’s findings.

“Doctor Ryan, do you know for certain that this treatment would be ineffective on humans?”

“Well … no … but it is my professional opinion that it would have little effect. The rats’ physical reaction to the virus is almost exactly the same as the reaction human’s experience.”

“Almost, but not exactly … correct?”

“Yes, but you’re splitting hairs …”

“So what you’re telling me, is that you don’t know for a fact what it would really do to an infected human.”

“No … but the only way to be certain would be to test it on someone that’s infected, and we can’t just start shooting it into people to see what happens.”

“Why not?”

“To start with, it would be unethical!” Mia told him sternly.

“Dr. Blue, the time for ethics is passed. This virus is on the verge of decimating our population. If it continues to spread at its current pace, our entire species could be at risk! If testing directly on infected humans is the way we need to go, then I say do it. We have no time left for experimenting on animals and hypothesizing on what it would do to humans,” Jordon argued.

“Colonel, I understand what you’re saying, but we can’t just start using these poor people to try new cures on. We just can’t! It would go against ever rule of conduct, every human right … if we were to do that to these poor people that have done nothing wrong, except have the bad luck of catching a virus …”

“Doctor Blue … Mia, we need to beat this thing … and we need to do it now, before it’s too late.”

“But would we be worth saving, if we do? Somehow, I don’t think so.” Mia stared Jordon in the eye. “I’m sorry Colonel, I can’t be party to that … and none of my people will be either,” she told him, then turned toward the doors and exited the office.

As the door closed behind her, Colonel Jordon turned to Ryan. “Is that your final say on the matter too, Doctor?”

Now it was Ryan’s turn to stare the colonel in the eye. Seeing the resolve in Jordon’s eye, just as Mia must have, Ryan said “As much as I wish it were otherwise, I believe you’re right, Colonel. We need to be absolutely positive … and there is really only one way to doe that … We need to test our theories on humans.”

“Well then, Doctor, I guess I should congratulate you on your promotion to the head of civilian research.”

*************
Reynolds Quarantine 2:20pm PDT:

Brady hated the viral suit he was forced to wear during his personal times testing Thomas Logan, but becoming infected wasn’t an option, so he put up with it. He especially hated the way it restricted his mobility. He had yet to land that one truly satisfying blow and it disturbed him greatly.

Brady found himself eagerly looking forward to today’s session. He was in a particularly foul mood, and had decided to test Logan’s healing powers to their limits as he worked out his frustrations. How he hated her, this pathetic new woman that refused to take a female name.

Just before leaving his office to pay his daily visit, he had received a call for Warden Sanchez over at San Quinton. The Warden was calling to inform Brady that Acidalia was now running rampant throughout the prison. There were now sixty confirmed cases, and testing on the rest of the prison population had begun. The governor of California had declared the facility quarantined, and had called in the National Guard to guard the prison.

He finished zipping himself into the neon green colored bubble suit and attached the air hose. Waiting impatiently as the air filled the suit, he checked the entire surface for leaks. Finding none, he signaled the guard outside to cycle the air lock.

Stepping inside the sealed testing room, he nodded at Dr. Stanley as he passed by her, heading for the second air lock at the back of the room. “Major!” her nasal sounding voice called to him over the suit’s intercom.

“Yes, Doctor?” he turned back to see what the head of medical services wanted. He watched bemused at the rotund woman’s struggle to move inside her suit.

“Major, after you’re finished in there, I was wondering if you would have some time to go over our latest testing results. They are very encouraging,” Paula told him with an air almost of glee.

“I’m not sure how much time I’ll have today, Doctor. Perhaps tomorrow morning in my office would be better,” he replied, trying to sound pleasant.

“I really wanted to go over them today but I suppose tomorrow will be just as good. Say 9am?”

“Why don’t we make it 9:30?”

“Fine, 9:30 tomorrow, in your office.”

“Yes. Is Logan already inside?”

“She’s has been in there for almost an hour now. Amazing specimen that one is,” Dr. Stanly added admiringly.

“Good. Well then I guess she shouldn’t be kept waiting any longer.” he turned and continued towards the rear airlock.

Entering the so called testing facility, Brady observed his favorite subject lying prone on the stainless steel embalmers table in the center of the room. The room was a disaster, with trash strewn all over, and a lot of broken glass on the floor. The two female guards assigned to watch over Logan were busily cleaning the mess.

“What happened in here?” he asked the one closest to where he stood.

“She had a bit of a temper tantrum when we brought her in, Sir, but we managed to subdue and restrain her on the table.”

“Tantrum? Looks like she tore the place apart.”

“Yes Sir, she was quite a handful, but we managed to get her subdued.”

“Good job. When was her last injection?” he asked. The day after the death of the fat girl, Thomas had attacked one of the male guards. The attack was so sudden and vicious, the surprised solder had been lucky to escape with his life. Since that day, she’d been kept in a semi-sedated state during testing.

Maintaining the delicate balance between keeping her docile, but aware, was the real trick. Confounding matters was Logan’s incredible metabolism. Her body processed the drugs at a much higher rate of speed that a normal person, so constant monitoring was required.

The guard looked at her companion and then her watch. “It would have been about 45 minutes ago, Sir.”

“Very good.” Brady replied as he did a quick mental calculation on when Logan needed her next round. “The two of you can wait outside for now. You can finish cleaning up when I’m done in here.”

“Yes Sir.” they replied in unison and headed for the airlock.

Brady followed the guards only as far as the medical cabinet on the right hand wall, three feet to the left of where Logan lay. Reaching inside, he withdrew a small vile of clear liquid. Taking a needle and inserting it through the top of the container, he filled 10mg. Moving over to the side of embalming table; Brady placed the syringe on a small stainless steel tray.

He barely had time to acknowledge the presence of a second filled syringe on the table before Thomas was upon him. Cutting loose with everything she had, Thomas smashed her fist into the clear plastic face plate of Brady’s suit, sending the major sprawling. The hard plastic cracked and splintered from the force and Brady’s skull rang from the impact with the floor. Laying in a crumpled heap his eyes got as big as saucers as he felt small shards of the faceplate landing on the exposed skin of his face.

His fear was quickly replaced by a wave of pure agony as Logan drove every last ounce of her 125lbs into his crotch, via her knee. Brady felt as if he would explode as the pain shot through him. His military training begged for him to move, but all he could do was clutch at his injured testicles and groan.

Sensing her prey’s distress, Logan sprang onto him and hit the face plate a second and third time. The plate fell in, cutting Brady’s face as her fist broke his nose with the fourth. Thomas smiled with small satisfaction as blood exploded out Brady’s nostrils. Gagging and choking, the fearsome beauty’s tormenter curled into a tighter ball in a feeble attempt to protect himself from her fury.

The two guards burst into the room, responding to the sounds of the clash. Taking quick assessment of the situation, both rushed over and threw themselves upon Logan, attempting to knock her off their commanding officer. Thomas was rocked, but somehow managed to retain her hold on Brady. Grabbing a shard of glass off the floor, Logan jammed it into Brady’s shoulder. The major screeched in pain as his subordinates pulled at Thomas’ hair in their continued to attempt to dislodge her.

Deciding her tormentor wasn’t going anywhere, Logan sprung at the two guards. The solders gaped in surprised as she pounced on the closet one, sending her flailing to the ground. With incredible speed and unbelievable agility, Thomas spun off the floor and grasped the second guard around the neck. With a quick and brutal twist of her body, the uncomprehending soldier’s neck snapped like a dry twig.

Allowing the body to fall aside, Thomas, glanced down at the floor. Satisfied at the way Brady’s body convulsed as he threw up on the concrete floor, the new woman turned and stalked after her original target, as the determined solder staggered towards the room’s panic button opposite the entrance hatch. Thomas picked up a small free standing stainless steel tray table and hurled it at the guard just as the button was erreach. The table caught the long curly brown haired solder squarely in the middle of the back, just as she was lunging for the button, causing her to fall short of the target.

Moving gracefully Thomas, hurried over to the fallen woman’s side, grabbing the table turned projectile along the way. As soon the prone woman was within reach, the tray crashed down into the back over skull, bouncing her face off the floor. Again and again, Logan brought the tray table down onto the back of the soldier’s head until her guard moved no more.

Thomas stared down at her latest victim’s lifeless body until she caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye. Turning, she spotted Brady attempting to drag his seriously injured body towards the airlock. Still clutching the twisted and dented table in her left hand, the enhanced new woman circled behind the major.

Once again wielding it as a club, Thomas bashed the facility commander in the middle of the back. Brady let out a garbled cry as what little air he had in him was driven out from the impact. Thomas threw her weapon aside and kicked Brady’s balls into his ear canals a second time, assuring retrieval surgery would be in his future.

As Brady curled himself back into a ball, Thomas dropped down onto him, pinning him in place. She reached over and picked up another shard of glass from the floor. Gripping the glass tightly in her left hand, she lifted it high, and sliced her right fore arm deeply.

Blood welled up in the open wound and began to run onto the floor. Thomas watched it for a moment, then picked Brady’s head up by the hair. Turning it slightly, so that his mouth faced upwards, Logan dripped blood into it. She held her arm over him, letting the blood pour into his mouth until his gag reflex forced him to swallow it.

That objective accomplished, Thomas got off of him. She grabbed a towel out of one of the high cabinets and used it to wrap her arm. After it was secured, she casually walked over to the airlock and pushed the panic button, setting off every alarm on the floor.

With a huge satisfied smile plastered to her face, Thomas walked back over to the table and sat cross legged on it, waiting for the security force to arrive.

***********
The White House press room 8:16pm EDT:
President Fuller addresses the nation

“My fellow Americans as you well know, in recent days the United Nation has been attempting to usurp this country’s political and economic position by imposing a blockade of our waters and attempting to close our borders. I am coming to you tonight to reassure you that your government has been hard at work planning the defense of our great nation. We will not allow this international conspiracy to come to fruition, and have taken steps to ensure it never does.

“With that said, I am officially putting the rest of the world on notice. We will not allow this blockade to take place. We will use any means at our disposal to make sure we emerge victorious in our effort to repel any vessel attempting to interfere with our shipping lanes.

“Please, for the sake of your solders, sailors and airmen, as well as ours, think about what you are about start. America and her people have no desire to fight a war at this time, but we will do whatever we need to in order to ensure our national sovereignty.

“As leader of the most advanced military on this planet, I beg of you, for your country’s sake as well as for my own, heed my warning. Do not continue along this road. It will not end well for any of us.

“Thank you, and goodnight.

Confirmed cases: 28,579

Actual cases: 41,683

End Part VII

See more at my site: http://www.freewebs.com/planetmandy/

Acidalia 8

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia VIII
By Amanda D

Thursday June 29 8:18pm Reynolds Quarantine Medical Center:

“What’s his condition doctor?” Colonel Jordon asked as he looked at the unconscious form of Major Brady through the four inch thick glass of the quarantine cell.

“I suppose, Colonel that would depend on your point of view.” Dr Stanly answered with what sounded like a small amount of amusement in her voice.

“Madam, I have neither the time for games, nor for a glib attitude.”

“I wasn’t being glib colonel.” She replied annoyed. “I was simply saying that depending on how you see it; his condition can be described as either improving or on the decline. He suffered several serious injuries at the hands of inmate Logan, three cracked vertebrae, a lacerated spleen, both testicles ruptured, several stab wounds, broken pelvis and his left hand was shattered beyond our ability to repair it.”

“Quite a list. One person did all that to him? I’m sorry, but I find that a bit hard to swallow. The major was a trained soldier, and an expert in hand to hand combat.”

“From what I understand Colonel, his attacker was supposed to have been sedated, and that’s what Brady must have believed. Perhaps she simply caught him off guard and was able to take advantage of the situation before he could respond.”

“Hmmm … perhaps” Jordon replied dubiously. He could tell the doctor knew much more then she was telling him, but decided to let it got for the moment. “… you were saying … about his injuries?”

“Provided he can survive the transformation process itself, which is questionable, considering the extent of the injuries, his exposure to the virus should render them pretty much meaningless. Like all those infected with the virus, his body is repairing the damage done to it as he is transformed. Once it is complete, he should be perfectly healthy so, obviously no surgery will be necessary. That’s what passes for good news these days, I’m afraid.”

“Tell me again, why was she in the lab to start with?” Jordon asked trying to shake loose a bit more of the actual truth behind Brady’s situation.

“As I told you, the Logan girl was complaining, loudly about not feeling well. We had her taken down to the secure treatment area because she had a history of being violent.” Dr. Stanley replied, inwardly rolling her eyes at the colonel’s obvious attempt to recheck her story. ‘Does he really think I’m that stupid? Like I’m not going to remember my story.’ she thought as she smirked inwardly.

“Where is Logan now?”

“We have her in a solitary cell up on the fifth floor, sedated. We couldn’t have her inciting the other residents, so we’ve kept her secluded.”

“I think the best solution would be to just eliminate the threat she poses, quickly and permanently. Do you have someone here to take care of it or should I have her brought to Grayson and put down there?”

“Eliminate?” Dr. Stanley asked. Jordon cocked an eyebrow at her but said nothing.

Catching his meaning, Paula felt a chill run down her spine. She had sacrificed so much already in her study of Logan and the other special ones, there was no way she could allow one of them to be simply put down like some kind of animal. “Colonel, are you suggesting we put her down like some kind of rabid dog or something?” the fat doctor asked, hoping she had misunderstood, but knowing she hadn’t.

“No doctor, I’m not suggesting anything, I’m ordering it done. We have more than enough problems in this facility without having to worry about someone like her causing more. As the new head of this facility, I expect you to see it gets done. If it bothers you that much, perhaps I need to rethink your appointment.”

“No need to do that Colonel. I’ll see that it’s taken care of.”

“See that you do. I want her body sent to Grayson for examination by my people there. Also, should he survive, I want the Major transferred to Grayson as well. Once he … err … she is able to travel, that is.”

“You want him at Grayson too?”

“For his protection. The rest of the detainees would kill him, once they found out who he really was if he were to be interned here. There are only limited containment facilities there, but we’ll find room.”

“Sir, with your permission, I would like to keep the major here. There is plenty of room here, so it wouldn’t take much to keep her separated from the rest of the inmates, and I feel she can still perform many of her previous duties, even after the transformation is complete.”

Jordon lifted an eyebrow, wondering exactly what duties Stanley had in mind, but once again decided against asking. “We’ll have to see about that. Keep me apprised of his situation. I want to speak to him as soon as he is able. In the meantime, I need to get back to Grayson, I have some issues to deal with there.”

**********************

In her new office, Dr Stanly searched the detainee data base frantically. With Colonel Jordon’s demand that Logan be put down, and wanting her body for personal disposal, Paula needed to find someone that could even marginally pass for Thomas, and she need to find that someone fast!

The only thing Paula had going for her was that Jordon had only glanced at the picture of Logan in the patient record folder she had shown him. That, coupled with her being reasonably sure he wouldn’t be inspecting the body when it arrived personally, gave her a bit of wiggle room as far as features were concerned.

Paula glanced at the screen as photo after photo flashed by, grateful that the computer ran the comparison program on its own. She had been so lost in thought that she had paid barely paid any attention to the computer.

She had already decided that she was going to tell Jordon that Brady hadn’t survived the transformation. Regulations called for the immediate burning of all deceased that had been infected. Jordon wouldn’t be happy, but she would simply tell him that they had followed procedure if he asked for the body.

Dr. Stanley, while sure she was capable of running Reynolds as well as Brady ever had, felt that having him stay at the quarantine would prove invaluable to her. Regardless of the physical changes, the major would still be an expert at intimidation and extracting any information that would be needed, and those were irreplaceable talents in a prison-like atmosphere. Especially since now she would be the one holding the leash now.

The comparison program suddenly stopped flickering and a single image appeared on the screen, dragging her back to reality. Dr. Stanley studied the face closely for several minutes amazed at the close resemblance to Logan. ‘Almost a perfect match. Excellent! She should do just fine.’ she thought excitedly as she jotted down the name and cell number.

Turning away from the monitor, Paula reached for the phone on her desk and punched up the security office. She looked back at the image display as she waited impatiently for someone to answer. When the line was picked up she said “This is Dr. Stanley, I need some to bring prisoner number 312551, name Sharon Wyld, down to the testing lab immediately.”

“Yes ma’am” the security officer answered. “Sharon Wyld, 312551.” He repeated as he looked up the inmate’s location. “That’s the fourth floor cell six. We’ll have her down there with in half an hour.”

“Good … and Sergeant…”

“Yes ma’am?”

“Make sure you have someone send her clothing sent to the laundry for cleaning and redistribution.”

“Yes ma’am.”

*****************

Saturday July 1 11:00 am Grayson labs
Colonel Jordon’s office:

“Colonel? Dr. Blue is here to see you sir,” the intercom announced from behind him.

Turning and reaching over, Jordon replied “Thank you, Joan. Please send her in.”

Moments later, Mia entered Jordon’s office. Though she didn’t say a word, the look of fury on her pretty face told him everything he needed to know about her mood. She was obviously upset over her demotion, but to his mind, she had brought it upon herself. Attempting to be pleasant, the Colonel said “Dr. Blue … Please come in, have a seat.”

“I want to know what the hell’s going on here!” she demanded loudly enough to make Jordon’s secretary look at the closed office door from her reception area desk. “For over a week now, you’ve ignored me, haven’t replied to a single request or report and today … Today I get your email … a god damned email, of all things!! For Christ sakes, you couldn’t even be bothered tell me in person? You send me an email telling me I’ve been relieved? You …”

“Doctor!” Jordon said sternly interrupting Mia’s tirade. “I didn’t do anything to you. You put yourself in this position. Your refusal to use any testing means available despite my orders, left me with no choice but to have you replaced by someone that would.”

“I refused because it’s wrong, you jackass! You’re talking about people … citizens of this country not … not some … “thing” for you to experiment on …”

“Doctor, the decision has been made.” Jordon said in a tone that suggested he was done discussing the matter. “The reason I asked you to come here is …”

Mia started getting out her chair as she yelled “Save it! I’m leaving. There’s no way I can be party to this kind of atrocity. And don’t think that I won’t be going to the press with this either. When they find out what you intend to do …”

“Doctor Blue!!!! Sit back down! Now!” Jordon ordered as he glared, red-faced with anger at the CDC scientist.

Mia stared at Jordon in stunned, frightened silence. Never had mere words and a look made her feel cowed like his just had. In that instant, she finally understood why this man had been chosen to be in charge of the military operation here.

Satisfied that his attitude had the desired effect on her, Jordon nodded towards the chair and in a conciliatory tone said, “Please, doctor.” Mia sat quickly and looked timidly at Jordon.

“Thank you. I can understand your outrage, and I don’t blame you for wanting out, but this isn’t the civilian CDC, where you can come and go as you please. You are part of a vital military operation, and you will not be allowed to leave our employ until this crises has passed. That said, I have an assignment for you that will give you some time away from Grayson, and allow you the chance to become acclimated with your new position at the same time.”

“Assignment? What kind of assignment are you talking about?”

“Over the last few days, these have been popping up all over the city and surrounding communities,” he said, pushing a yellow flier across the table. “We attempted to track down whoever printed it but they’re a slick bunch.”

Mia picked the piece of paper up and read it.

‘The government is lying you.’ it began in large bold faced print. Our leaders tell you the Acidalia test is accurate. A lie!

They claim to have experience, and knowledgeable doctors looking over your results. Another lie!

President Fuller claims the only way to keep the general population safe from infection is to quarantine those infected. The biggest lie of all!

Fact: Most doctors that have any experience with dealing with Acidalia are themselves infected with the disease and quarantined alongside the rest of the virus’ victims.

Fact: The government test has proved to be at best, 70% accurate, leaving an unacceptable margin of error.

Fact: The infection rate of those that have been tested at least one time prior to testing positive in a government testing facility is over 120 times greater than those that have not been tested before.

Fact: Everyone found to be infected with Acidalia in a government testing center has been sent to quarantine. To this point, no one has ever been released.

We are the Sisters of Acidalia. We are here to offer you a better Acidalia test in a safe environment, where you can make your own decisions about what’s best for you and those you love when you get your results.”

Mia threw the flier back onto Jordon’s desk. “They’re crackpots.”

“Dangerous crackpots with very good information.”

“So what does this have to do with me?”

“You are going to find these people for us, and be my eyes and ears so we can track down their leaders and put a stop to their program before it gets started.”

“How am I supposed to get inside of their group? I’m not a spy or anything like that. Besides, what makes you think I’m going to do anything for you at this point?”

“Your cover story will work perfectly because it’s the truth. You’ll tell them you’ve left Grayson because you’re bitter about being replaced as head of research and want to help them. We will aid your claim, by having the local news broadcast a story saying we are attempting to hunt you down for one thing or another.”

You’ll do it do because I’m going to have Dr. Grayson and the baby here to ensure you do as your told.”

Mia glared at the smiling military man. “You son of a bitch!” she said disgustedly.

“Glad to see we understand each other,” Jordon said smugly. “This afternoon you will be taken to Santa Cruz. We have intelligence that suggests the sisters will be somewhere in that area today. Go get your things. You’ll be leaving in about an hour.”

“If you know where they’ll be, why not just go in and get them yourself? Why have someone go undercover, for lack of a better word, for you?”

“As I explained to you earlier, they’re a slick bunch. Every time we’ve tried to pull a raid on where we thought they were, we’ve come up empty. It’s almost like they knew we were coming before we did. We need someone on the inside, so we can pin down their location once and for all.”

“How will I report any information I may uncover back to you?”

“Don’t worry about that, Doctor. We will be in contact with you. You just remember what’s at stake, and you’ll do just fine.”

Mia continued to glare at Jordon, who smiled smugly at her. They both knew he had her, and she would do as he wanted. Since there was nothing left to debate on the subject, Mia stood. “I’ll go collect my things. Do I have time to say goodbye to Sam before I leave?”

“You leave in an hour. How you choose to spend the time between now and then is up to you.”

**************

Once back in her room, Mia began throwing her belongings into a couple of small carry bags. As she packed, her frustration and anger at her situation continued to grow. ‘How am I going to pull this off? And what will happen to Sam if I fail?’ she continually wondered to herself.

Eventually, the stress and fear overwhelmed her. Mia found herself unable to continue, and curled into a tight ball on her bed and began to cry.

*************

Twenty five minutes later, Mia arrived outside the isolation laboratory. She hated the fact that Sam was still incarcerated here, even though her virus count had been practically nil for the last three weeks. Putting on the best smile she could manage, Mia pushed her way though the door into the control room.

Sam was at the back part of the labs interior, near where the sleeping area was, changing Sara’s diaper. The scene brought Mia to the brink of tears again. She was glad Sam’s back was turned as she fought to hold back the emotional storm that raged though her. It took so much concentration to regain her composure; Mia didn’t notice Sam approaching the glass wall.

“Hey. Are you okay, Mia?” Sam asked over intercom, causing Mia to jump a little.

Mia walked over to the airlock and cycled the doors. Stepping though the inner one she looked up at her “daughter” with all intention of putting up a brave front and telling Sam the story she had invented to cover her absence, but the pain was too great. “Jordon replaced me … Dr. Ryan is in charge now.”

“Oh Mia that’s aw …”

“There’s more … I … I don’t have a lot of time either.” she interrupted.

“Tell me.”

“There is a group out there, Jordon considers them a threat. He’s sending me to spy on them.”

“You? Why you, of all people?”

“I think he’s afraid I’ll cause trouble if I stay here, so he’s sending me away.”

“Well once you’re out of here just go. Don’t do as he wants … just disappear …”

Tears streamed down Mia’s cheeks. “I can’t. He says if I don’t cooperate … it … it would just be bad if I didn’t.”

“That son of a bitch!” Sam spat out impotently. “What did he threaten you with?”

“Sam, don’t ask that, OK? Just please don’t.”

“Ok.” Sam replied with great concern for her “mother”. A long silence followed.

“I need to get going,” Mia said, finally ending it after a quick check of the time. She gave Sam and Sara each a long warm hug. “I just want you to know … I am going to get you out of here somehow. I promise I will.” Mia finally let Sam go.

“Just be careful … Mom.” Sam said quietly, as tears ran down her cheeks.

“I will be, and I will be back for you and my granddaughter.”

***********

Harlem New York 3:35pm EDT:

Ronald McTavish in his day, had been one of Broadway’s and Hollywood’s biggest stars. The list of topnotch plays and movies he had starred in was legendary. From comedy, to drama, to mystery, there didn’t seem to be any role he couldn’t master. He had won award after award, 5 Oscars in all, for his acting abilities. His talent had earned him fame, adoration and wealth. It seemed that all the women he met wanted him, and all the men wanted to be him, as cliché as that may sound.

Somehow, despite all that, he had managed to keep a level head on his shoulders and never forgot what life had been like before the fame. He had treated each and every person he came in contact with exactly the way he had wished to be treated, something very few of his compatriots had managed to do. In every meaning of the word, he was a superstar.
A year ago, he had begun to experience a series of increasingly intense headaches. Eight months ago, his life had been shattered by the news that his doctors had discovered the cause of the discomfort was an inoperable brain tumor. Dr. Winegard, Ronald’s personal physician, had been very nice and very sincere in his condolences over the actors condition, but also been very firm in his belief that Ronald would be lucky to see Labor Day this year.

As he sat in the comfortable waiting room chair, the reflection of his face in the mirrored wall in front of him lent credence to his doctors’ claim. His once handsome face and thick brown hair were now a thing of the past. The chemotherapy, as useless as it had been, had left him mostly bald, and weak as a new born. The disease had left him looking drawn and thin as a scarecrow. The few strands of hair he had left even seemed to resemble straw a bit.

So here he sat, in a part of the city he had never dared visit before today. In a room that no one would ever guess existed in such a horribly dilapidated building, he sat patiently in fearful anticipation. Waiting for his last hope for continued life to be administered, the Acidalia virus.

Two weeks ago he had been contacted by Dr. Thaddeus McCoy, the man who, along with Dr. Gregory Davies that ran this rather unorthodox treatment center for the terminally ill, hidden in one of the decrepit neighborhoods in Harlem. The clinic itself was remarkably modern, with a good deal of amenities. ‘Not too shabby’ he thought to himself as he gazed around the waiting room ‘especially considering it’s not supposed to exist.’

As he continued to wait ,and boredom began to set in, Ronald thought back to that fateful day two weeks ago. When he woke up that morning ,he certainly didn’t think it was going to lead him to where he was now:

That faithful Friday in June had begun like all the others recently. The days all seem to blend together when you’re just waiting to die. He had been lying on his bed that morning, reading the New York Ledger, and feeling rather awful when the intercom next to his bed squawked “Mr. McTavish? There is a man here to see you. He claims to be a doctor,” Marie, his house keeper informed him.

Ronald rolled his eyes. The last thing he wanted was company, and he didn’t want one of Winegard’s little ‘flunkies’, as he liked to refer to the never ending list of interns the doctor seemed to employ, poking at him all morning. “Send whoever it is away. please Marie. Have them inform Dr. Winegard that I’m not really up for being poked and prodded today.”

When no response came back through the intercom after several seconds, Ronald had assumed that Marie had shooed his caller away and began to read the morning paper again. No sooner had he found the spot where he had been before being interrupted, when the intercom chirped again.

“I’m very sorry to bother you again, Sir, but this is a Dr. McCoy, and he says he has nothing to do with Dr. Winegard. He is, however, still insisting on seeing you. He claims that he has a way to cure you.”

Marie’s last four words infuriated Ronald. He couldn’t count the amount of times some quack had told him that for the right price, a miracle cure could be administered, and he would be saved. How many times over the last few months, in his desperation had he given these so called doctors whatever they had asked for, and received nothing but humiliation and continued sickness in return? He liked to tell himself that he couldn’t count that high, but in truth, to his eternal shame, he knew the exact number by heart, and it wasn’t a small one.

Unable to hide his irritation, Ronald barked in a loud raspy voice “I told you once already damn it! I’m not in the mood for any kind of bullshit today, Marie. Now tell whatever his name is down there to go away! If he doesn’t listen, call the police and have them remo …”

“Mr. McTavish? Sir my name is Dr. Thaddeus McCoy and I would just like a moment of you time to tell you about the clinic my partner and I have started here in the city.” a male voice interrupted.

“God damn it! What did I tell y …” Ronald began to screech back through the intercom just as a he was wracked by a deep phlegm filled cough. The line was left open as he choked and coughed for several minutes, allowing his uninvited guest to hear every second of his distress.

When the fit finally passed, McTavish was horrified to find that he had coughed up a considerable amount of blood all over his bed sheets. Dr. Winegard had told him the cancer was spreading, and from the evidence in front of him, it looked like it had made it into his throat or lungs. That thought sent a wave of terror washing through him. There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to die eventually, but spitting up blood was a shock that sent a wave of panic through him. At that moment he wanted nothing more than to live.

“Marie?” he croaked into the intercom.

“Yes Mr. McTavish? Are you alright now sir?”

“Yes, I’m feeling better now, thank you. Is that doctor still down there with you?”

“Yes sir, he’s right here next to me. Would you like me to send him up?”

“No … no I’m fine now. Could you just show him to the library and have Charles come up here and help me get dressed so I can come down and meet with him?”

“I’ll get Charles for you right away sir.”

**********

Fifteen minutes later, Ronald had entered the spacious cherry wood paneled library. With its high-backed cushy leather chairs, and excellent acoustical dampening system, the room was ideal for reading or quiet conversation. It was also a library in fact, as well as name, for it contained hundreds of books, covering everything from home improvement to transgender fiction. Ronald, a voracious reader, had always been very proud of the fact that he had read every single book in his vast collection.

Putting on his famous smile, McTavish stepped over to his guest and stuck out his hand, introducing himself. McCoy took the extended hand and flawlessly hid his unease at how thin and weak the grip was as he reciprocated the introduction.

“Please doctor, have a seat.” McTavish offered as he tried to restrain another coughing fit.

“Thank you Mr. McTavish …”

“Please, call me Ron.”

“Ron, then … As I was saying Ron, it’s an honor to meet you. I have seen just about every movie you’ve been in since I was a young man. I’m quite a fan of you work.”

“Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say. However I hope you didn’t come here just to gush to me about my acting career.”

“No sir, I certainly didn’t.”

“Then why don’t we cut the pleasantries and you tell me why you did come to see me.”

“Well sir, I’ve come to talk to you today about a special kind of clinic my associate and I have created for people in your position.”

“And what position is that doctor?”

“Well sir, to be frank, wealthy and very sick is the position I’m talking about. We’ve come up with a way to cure just about any affliction that you have, and we’ve had an astounding success rate in the limited time we’ve been administering our treatment.”

“Define astounding,” Ronald asked, trying not to sound too intrigued.

“Our rate of successful recovery is right around ninety eight percent, Ron.”

Ronald rolled his eyes. He had heard that line many times before. “I find that very hard to believe Dr … I’m sorry, old age seems to be catching up with me this morning, what did you say your name was again?”

“McCoy sir. And what I’ve just told you is the absolute truth. Our treatment is revolutionary, if somewhat controversial.”

“Controversial in what way?”

“Are you familiar with the Acidalia virus at all?”

“The one that’s been all over the news the last couple weeks?”

“Well, my partner and I have come up with a way of using it under controlled circumstances to help the terminally ill. By administering the virus under controlled conditions, in exact amounts, and constantly monitoring our patients while the changes it induces are in progress, we’ve been able to treat most everyone that’s come to our clinic successfully.”

“You mean to tell me you want to charge me to become infected with Acidalia? Are you insane, man? Why in the world would I want to become a woman? I may have played a few gay characters in my career, but I assure you, I have no leanings in that direction,” Ronald explained a bit more indignantly than he had planned.

“Mr. McTavish, no one is suggesting that you do. What I’m trying to explain is, that besides the sex, change the virus has the side effect of rebuilding you from the ground up. It has cured everything from poor eyesight, to HIV, to cancer. Every single person that’s been infected, who has survived the transformation, has come out completely healthy, with no sign of disease what so ever. Now I ask you sir, isn’t a small thing like changing your sex worth a second opportunity at life?”

Ronald considered the doctor’s words carefully. He had to admit the thought of dying scared the hell out of him, but was he willing to trust this man to take care of him and change his life so completely, just to survive? His religious beliefs told him that God had created him just the way he was supposed to be, and to change that would be a mortal sin. His selfish side argued that it was easy for God to set down rules for his people to follow, since didn’t have to follow them himself. Being immortal takes a great deal of the fear out of living, he was sure.

“What kind of financial arrangement are we talking about here? I’m sure your services aren’t free to the public. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t come to me as all that altruistic.” he asked.

McCoy grinned slightly at the minor dig. “Mr. McTavish, as you can see we offer a unique service, and the price is comparable with that uniqueness.”

“I’ll take that as a euphemism for hugely expensive.”

“Before we discuss that, why don’t I explain exactly what you get for your money? First off, you will be under constant supervision by either me or my associate during your transformation. From start to finish, you will be checked on hourly to make sure there are no complications.”

Ronald wondered internally just what they could do if complication did arise, but kept the question to himself.

“We are both licensed in internal medicine by the state of New York, and have been practicing for a minimum of ten years each.” McCoy continued. “Once you’re through the change, we have a staff that will help you with adjusting to your new body. Everything from sanitary needs to a new identity, which you will need, since no one wants you to wind up in a quarantine center.”

“All that sounds just wonderful. I’m sure you will provide excellent care, but none of that matters if I can’t afford your asking price.”

“Right down to the nitty gritty then, is it? I like that about you. No bullshit, just cut to the chase.” McCoy said admiringly as he pulled a sheet of paper out of his brief case and handed it to Ronald. “As you can see, Sir. In your particular case we would be asking for a payment of $2.5 million.”

“2.5??? Are you insane? Even if I was able to put together that much …”

“Mr. McTavish, you’re not really trying to negotiate on the price of saving your life with me, are you? The amount I quoted you is certainly well within your means. My associate and I did quite a bit of research on your financial situation before we approached you. Your current net worth is in excess of $8,000,000. We are only asking for a little over a quarter of that to save your life,” Thaddeus McCoy said a bit smugly.

Ronald frowned at the look on the doctor’s face as he made a mental note to ferret out who ever had provided this man with such personal information. “Be that as it may, I need time to consider your offer, and should I decide to accept I will need a bit of time to gather that much cash. I assume this is a cash only transaction.”

“We don’t take a check, that’s for sure, but wire transactions are the easiest to accomplish these days. Saves on having to carry large bundles of cash into and out of our offices. As far as your needing time goes, feel free to take as much as you need. I’ll leave you my card with a contact number on it for when you’re ready.” McCoy got up, fished his card out and handed it to Ronald as he shook the older man’s hand. “I sincerely hope we hear from you soon.”

“Doctor, what’s to stop me from going to the police and reporting you and your activities?”

“You could do that, Mr. McTavish, but you won’t. No one ever does.”

A week after his meeting with McCoy, Dr. Winegard confirmed Ronald’s suspicion that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Though he had expected the news, it still hit him like a hammer to the side of the head. With his fear and desperation at an all time high, Ronald placed a call to the number McCoy had left him.

Now, as he sat waiting, he still struggled with his conscious over whether he had made the right decision. Just as sanity was telling him to leave now and call the police he heard the dark haired receptionist say “Mr. McTavish? The doctor is ready to see you now.”

“Th … thank you.” Ronald stuttered as he pulled himself out of his chair and slowly shuffled across the reception area to the office door. As he put his hand on the knob, his mind screamed for him to leave ,but his fear of dying forced his hand to turn it.

“Ahh. Mr. McTavish, I’m so glad to see you again, sir. And also happy you decided to take us up on our offer,” McCoy said. “This is my partner Dr. Davies.”

The short grey haired, impeccably dressed man to McCoy’s right got stepped around the large ornate desk. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. McTavish. I’m a very big fan of your work,” Davies told him as he shook Ronald’s hand.

“Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say.” McTavish said automatically. “I trust you received the transfer?”

“Yes we did. Just cleared this morning, as a matter of fact.”

“Good. So now what do we do?”

“First ,we need to give you a complete and very thorough physical. Once that’s done, we’ll get you started on your way to vastly improved health and a new lease on life.” McCoy said, sounding like more of a salesman than a doctor.

Just as the he was finishing his little speech, a youthful looking short, slightly over weight dusky skinned woman wearing pink hospital scrubs with large almond shaped eyes and long curly jet black hair entered the room.

“Ronald McTavish, meet Julia Reynolds. Ms. Reynolds was the first person to undergo our treatment. She was in a nursing home up in Napa when her family brought her to me just over a month ago. She had been diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, and was in the terminal stage, with no hope of recovery. As you can see, with our treatment she has received that same reinvigoration of life that we anticipate you experiencing.

“Julia is kind of our transition councilor, if you will and she’ll be looking after you once your transition is complete, to help you with your adjusting to your new body and all its functions,” Davies told him.

“Hello, Ronald. It’s very nice to meet you.” Julia said with a sweet smile as she held out her hand to him. “We’re going to be spending a lot of time together over the next week, so I figured I would come down and introduce myself right away. If you would come with me now, I’ll show you down to the exam room.”

Putting a gentle hand on Ronald’s elbow, Julia led him out the door and started guiding him down the hallway. “This place is amazing isn’t it?” she asked, trying to make conversation.

“It sure is. I never would have suspected all this would be here, in this building, in this kind of neighborhood.” He replied.

Giggling a bit Julia said “Well, that’s kinda the idea, Sweetie.”

Ronald smiled at his escort, “I suppose you’re right. May I ask you a question?”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“How long has it been since you were changed?”

“A bit over a month now.”

“How has it been? Are … are you okay with the way you are now?” he asked, trying to be tactful, but fearing he was failing miserably.

“The transformation part of it was pretty easy for me. I was unconscious the entire time, and felt none of the pain that some experience.”

Ronald raised a questioning eyebrow at the mention of the word pain.

Catching the look, Julia said reassuringly, “Oh don’t you worry about that, Sweetie. The doctors sedate everyone now, as soon as the first symptoms begin to appear ,to prevent them from feeling any discomfort.”

A look of relief flashed across the elderly actors face. Seeing it, Julia continued “When I woke up, at first I was very upset by what had been done, but when I was treated, I had been pretty far gone they tell me, but there wasn’t much I could say about it beforehand.

Once I got over the initial shock and started learning about my new body, it got much better for me. A woman named Naomi was here when I first came back to the world of the living. She taught me about living as a woman. It helped me so much, I can’t even tell you. That’s why, when she left, I agreed to stay on to help others that come here to adapt to their new lives, just like she helped me. Have you considered what name you want to use when it’s over?”

“To be honest, I haven’t really given it much thought.”

“Well you should start thinking about it. Your new body isn’t going to look much like a Ronald when this is over, ya know what I mean?” she joked with an exaggerated wink.

He laughed a little “I suppose you’re right. I’ll try to come up with something.”

“Good. Well here we are,” she announced as they reached the end of the hallway. You go ahead inside, and I’ll be here waiting for you when you done. And try not to worry so much. Everything will be just fine.” Julia gave Ronald’s hand a small reassuring squeeze and sent him through the door.

*********

Two and a half hours later Ronald walked back out of the exam room, feeling absurdly violated. Never in his seventy two years of life had he been so thoroughly examined by anyone. He had been poked and prodded in places he hadn’t realized existed before now. As he looked to his left, he saw to his delight that as promised, Julia was waiting for him.

“How did it go?” she asked.

“You don’t want to know,” he replied, slightly red faced.

With a big grin she told him, “If you think that one was bad, just wait until the post transformation one.”

“I can hardly wait,” he retorted sarcastically. “Where are we off to now?”

“We’re going back and see the doctors.” Julia took Ronald’s hand again and led him back up the long hallway. Ronald asked a spattering of random questions about living as a woman as they walked back to McCoy’s office. Julia patiently answered each one with a reassuring smile, and as honest an answer as she could give.

“Mr. McTavish, glad to see you survived the physical,” McCoy said as they reentered the doctor’s office. “I was just looking over the results, and I’m glad to say that you seem to be strong, and still in good enough physical shape to survive the transformation. In my opinion, we can begin your treatment immediately.”

“That’s good to know. I wasn’t aware that there a question about whether you would, or not.

“The process takes a considerable amount of energy to complete. The better shape you are in before it starts, the better we’ve found the rate of successful transitions to be,” Davies chimed in.

“Now, since we know that you have a good chance to make it through, the only question left to ask is, are you ready to live again?”

Ronald looked at each person in the room with him as he asked himself the same question the doctor had just posed. Was he really ready? Was he willing to change everything in his world for a few measly decades more of life? After several moments of soul searching, he had his answer. “Yes,” he finally replied.

“Very well, let’s get to it then. Could you roll up your sleeve?”

Ronald began to roll it up as McCoy got up and walked over to the small wooden cabinet behind his desk. Davies and Julia came over and prepared Ronald’s arm for the injection. Moments later, McCoy was at his side, holding a needle that looked just shy of harpoon size to Ronald’s beginning to panic mind.

“Ok Mr. McTavish, just try to relax. This should only hurt a bit, kind of like being stung by about a ten pound bee.” McCoy’s face had an impish grin as he slid the needle beneath Ronald’s skin and pushed the plunger down, sending the virus into the sick actors blood stream.

****************

KLTR 6pm News:

Good evening, San Francisco. This is KLTR news, and this is what’s happening at this hour.”

“Today was the first official day of the U.N.’s attempted blockade of U.S. ports. According to reports from the Naval Command Office, all eastern ports remain open to shipping.

“Several small skirmishes broke out in the Atlantic throughout the day and continue into this evening. The USS Kitty Hawk carrier group is at this hour engaged in a battle with a Russian destroyer and several smaller ships approximately 150 miles off the Virginia coast. According to Pentagon sources, satellite surveillance shows the Russian ship and several of the other vessels have suffered heavy damage, but continue to fight on.”

“Further to the north there were reports of a submarine battle in Cape Cod bay earlier this afternoon. At approximately 1pm EDT fishermen began to radio in reports of undersea activity in the bay. One radioed in a periscope sighting approximately ten miles east of Wellfleet Ma. The Coast Guard and the Navy were both unable to confirm the sighting.

“At about 2 o’clock Eastern Time the Coast Guard reported sonar traces of several undersea craft. Forty five minutes later, upwards of fifteen tremendous undersea explosions were reported in different portions of the bay, from as far away as Greenland, over a 20 minute period. Not long after the final explosion was recorded, local fishermen reported seeing a Los Angelis class submarine surface just off the northern coast of Provincetown.”

“In the Pacific, the proposed blockade has been more difficult to get set into motion as tremendous storms have been enveloping the West Coast for the last 3 days. With tide surges averaging twelve feet and wave heights of 30 to 40 feet out on the open ocean even the largest battleship would be hard pressed to patrol. The Naval Office spokesperson did say, however, that once the storms had passed he was sure the waiting blockade ships would begin to move into their expected patrol positions.”

“On the northern and southern border fronts: We have reports today that Canadian led U.N. forces are gathering at strategic points along the border as the United States continues to recall tens of thousands of troops from abroad. Conservative estimates say that almost 1/3 of all foreign posted military personnel have returned to the continent, with more arriving daily.

“Military sources refuse to give even a guess on just what the final number of troops recalled will be when all is said and done, but have said that the worldwide US military presence will be greatly diminished.”

“In a related story, the withdrawal of American Special Forces from the U.N. peace keeping force in Zimbabwe is being blamed for the reigniting of hostilities between local warlords in the civil war torn country. The leader of the interim government, Prime Minister Carlos Hemibizu was assassinated on his way to a meeting with U.N representatives, sparking off a day riots and fighting in the capital city of Harare.

‘U.N. Secretary General Mosbard has come out blaming the United States for the situation, and has called upon President Fuller to reinstate U.S peacekeepers in the area around the capital city. As of this hour, the Fuller administration has made no public response to the demand.”

“Nationally, concern over the tremendous jump in the price of all consumer goods has rallied members of both houses of congress to call for emergency legislation to put an end to the price gouging. Both houses are expected to vote this afternoon on a pair of hastily assembled bills. If, as is expected, the two bills pass, tomorrow morning there is expected to be a meeting between two branches to iron out any discrepancies. Once that is accomplished, the bill will be sent to President Fuller to sign into law.”

The White House, in a statement today, said that President Fuller is expected to meet with members of his cabinet tomorrow morning to discuss the legislation.

The national average price on everything for gasoline to milk to home goods has jumped nearly two hundred percent in the last forty eight hours. The average price of a gallon of gas in the Bay Area, already at record high of $3.15 has seen a jump to an incredible $9.10. Most other consumable goods have seen similar price increases. Experts warn that without some kind of government intervention, even more increases can be expected over the next few days.”

In local news, San Francisco Mayor Thomas Fortin held a press conference today to put out a plea for help from any area resident that has knowledge of who was behind the rash of Acidalia clinic bombings. In his plea, the Mayor restated that anyone willing to come forward would receive immunity from prosecution in return for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. His honor also made mention of a possible cash reward for any information provided by someone not directly involved with the bombings.

The Mayor refused to speculate of whether the so-called ‘Sisters of Acidalia’, who have been littering the entire bay area with fliers for the last three days, offering a safer more accurate test to plague victims, were involved with the bombings. Mayor Fortin was quoted as saying, “While we would certainly like to find that group as well, and put a stop to their illegal harboring of infected individuals, I cannot, in good conscience, at this time say that there is any evidence to link the Sisters to any of the center bombings.”

“The Senate’s committee investigating President Fullers handling of the Acidalia crises met again today, this time hearing testimony from General Robert Alexander. General Alexander answered the committee’s questions for nearly four hours, and looked exhausted as he left. Chief among the many lines of questioning was the Army’s involvement in the Providence Riot, and what, if anything, the general felt could have been handled differently.”

“General Alexander was quoted as saying in his closing comments to the committee,
“The men who were stationed in and around Hasbro did everything in their power to maintain the peace and keep the mob under control. It is my belief that there were elements inside the crowd instigating violence from the very start. That, and a general fear of the disease, is what I feel was responsible f the outbreak violence that day, not any government plan or policy.”
“Also, in other Washington news today, a federal court today denied the most recent motion set fourth by the defense in the upcoming trial of Dr. Carla Ryson. In the motion, the defense asked that the trial be moved to the World Court in Zurich. The motion sited the immense amount of publicity, and even made claim of a government backed smear campaign against Dr. Ryson, among reasons for requesting the change of venue.
“Attorney General John Adams praised the court’s decision. “This crime took place on American soil, and was committed against the American people. It’s only right Dr. Ryson be tried in this country’s court system. To have an international court hear this case would be a grave injustice to all those that have been impacted by the doctors release of the virus.”

********************

Outskirts of Santa Cruz Alexander’s Diner:

“You see now, that’s the real crime. That right there,” he said pointing with his fork towards the TV hanging in the corner behind the white with red speckled linoleum counter.

“What would that be?” his dinner guest asked.

“Putting that woman on trial.”

“And why is that a crime? She’s caused a lot of families a tremendous amount of pain and anguish.”

“That’s what I mean. She doesn’t deserve to be given the chance to be found not guilty. They should have executed her the minute they caught her.”

“I think President Fuller wants her to go on trial. Ya know, to make a big show out of it. Make it look like they’re doing something about the situation. Distract us from the real problem … as usual.”

“Hmmm. I wonder what security is will be like once the trial starts.”

“Tough, almost impenetrable I’d say. The last thing they’d want is for her to be killed before she’s sentenced to die.”

“Ha, Ha. You’re a funny guy. We want to be there when the trial starts. Myself and two others to be specific. We’re going to need full access to the court house and information on any potential transportation routes.”

“That’s going to cost you … a lot. You’ll be needing encoded picture ID’s, good enough to be able to pass Secret Service inspection. Do you have pictures of the people who will be going with you?”

Philip pulled an envelope with the pictures in it out of his shirt pocket and slid it across the table. “Whatever it takes. Just let me know once it’s been arranged.”

“Philip …”

“Just get me what we need to get in. We’ll take care of the rest.”

“Ok, whatever you say. It’s your money.”

“That it is. Now, anyhow. How long will it take to arrange everything?”

“A few days at the very least. The good part of this bug floating around, is that everyone’s so busy chasing it that there are fewer people around to investigate when something looks out of place. The bad thing, is that the people that can get things done are that much harder to find.”

Philip Bastion got up from his seat and threw a handful of cash onto the counter. “That should take care of the bill, plus a tip. Enjoy your supper, and I’ll expect to hear from you soon.” Turning away from the table without waiting for a response from his companion, he walked to the door and out into the parking lot.

The humidity of the early evening felt oppressive compared to the air-conditioning inside the 50’s style throwback dinner. ‘Hate this weather!’ he grumbled internally. Hurrying over to the waiting Lincoln Continental, the fat terrorist was glad to see the small plume of exhaust coming from the tail pipe, indicating the air conditioner was running inside.

Taking a paranoid look around before climbing into the backseat, Philip was greeted with a cell phone shoved into his face. A look of irritation flashed across his face, directed at Jane, the short plump blonde in the front seat, as he put the phone to his ear. Before Philip could say a word, he heard a deep gravely voice ask, “How did it go?”

“He said he’d have everything we need in a few days time.”

“Good. The trial begins in three weeks we need to have everything scouted out ahead of time. Possible target areas, security stations, likely transport routes especially. Everything you can think of. Leave nothing to chance. We don’t want any surprises. When the time comes I want this to go smoothly and I want her alive. She’s of no use to us or our friends with the funds for our operations if she’s dead.”

“I understand.”

“Make sure you do. No fuck ups are going to be tolerated! Have you been able to locate Gail?”

“No.”

“She needs to be found and brought back into the fold. Make that your highest priority while you wait for Mr. Davis to deliver.”

“She’s probably infected …”

“Then you better be careful once you find her, or you and most of your group will be out shopping for new wardrobes before the trial starts.”

“Yes sir. I will take care of it.” Philip said as heard the line disconnect. Rolling his eyes, he threw the cell phone down onto the backseat.

“What did he say?” Jane Colber asked.

“We need to find Gail. God Damn it! I could kill Randy for pushing her out.”

“What’s done is done. He told you that he told her she could stay.”

“Did she strike you as the disloyal type? Did she come off as someone that would abandon her friends? Cause I’ll tell you, she didn’t to me.” Philip said sarcastically.

“Philip, he fucked up. Nothing can change that now, so just let it go. Fix the problem, not the blame.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Ok, well back to the city. Let’s go find Gail.” He rolled his eyes again.

Jane dropped the transmission into drive and headed into the light traffic heading towards the interstate. “Why does the big guy want her so badly, anyhow?”

“She put a bullet in Hillary’s head. She was going to gut me for insulting her friends that died in the explosion, she hates everyone that had anything to do with the virus’ creation or it’s release,” he told her as he counted off each thing one his fingers. “My dear, she’s the perfect face for this operation. We pull this stunt off; we bring the doctor to the place in Virginia and let Gail do the dirty work when the time comes. Publicly, so that everyone sees her do it, while we head off into the sunset.”

“We get off scott free then?”

“That’s the plan, anyway. Let’s hope it works out.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

******************

Sunday July 2 11:00 am White House
Washington DC Cabinet meeting room:

“Mr. President.” The assembled Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, and State, along with the White House Chief of Staff and Press Secretary, greeted president Fuller nearly in unison as he entered the meeting room.

“Gentlemen and of course, lady, please take your seats.” Fuller said in response as he slid into his seat at the head of the table. “Before we get started, I have a couple of announcements to make. First, Secretary of the Interior Greer has resigned, effective immediately. He came to me this morning, expressing concerns about our handling of the blockade and several other issues, and after a bit of discussion we both came to the conclusion that our best interests would be served by parting ways. Until I can appoint, and get a successor confirmed by congress, Undersecretary Hobson will be in charge.”

The collection of Cabinet members gave looks of varying emotion at the news. Most knew of Nelson Greer’s objections; God knows he had been vocal enough about them. Since the virus’ outbreak, he had openly questioned the need for quarantine and the use of the military to keep order. Some of the other members of the cabinet agreed with his views, but the White House, especially these days, was not the place to be airing them. He had been warned many times to keep quiet, but had ignored the advice, thinking himself not worth the effort of firing. Once the rumor started being passed around the he had been caught on Friday night having dinner with Senator George, everyone knew it was over for him.

“The second item is a bit better news, I’m happy to say. Just before I got here FBI director Vincent informed me that his people have finally tracked down and arrested Dr’s Thaddeus McCoy and Greg Davies in New York City this morning, effectively putting an end to their group of underground Acidalia clinics.”

The second bit of news was received with a bit more enthusiasm. It was a well know fact throughout the White House, that putting an end to this particular clinic group was of the highest importance to the entire containment effort. Unlike most of the other outlaw clinics that had been popping up throughout the country, this one had been using the Acidalia virus to cure terminally ill people in the New York area.

One would think the clinic was a Godsend, until you took into account the exorbitant cost of the treatment. According to sources, the doctors had charged upwards of a $1,000,000 to infect those wealthy enough to afford the treatment. The profiteering, coupled with the death of a relative of a prominent supporter of the President, had made finding and punishing the doctors a top priority.

”Now that those items are out of the way, let’s get this briefing underway here. First on the agenda is an update on the blockades. Frank?”

“Yes sir … Overall, our strategy has been highly successful to this point in the Atlantic. No port has been closed by the blockade, and we’ve managed to repel several attempts to move the blockade in closer to our shores. It’s very early in the campaign, but so far, things look good. Our coast line remains under our control from Maine all the way to Florida’s gulf coast.”

“That’s terrific news, Frank. Tell Admiral Toledo to keep up the good work, and that I expect all our ports to remain open.”

“Yes sir, I will pass your congratulations along to him and his men.”

“Very good. What the situation in the Pacific?”

“The incredible storm activity in the Pacific has made any blockade attempt on the West Coast impossible so far. Even our largest vessels have had to move into port, the seas are that rough right now. Our satellite reconnaissance show the U.N. Fleet has pulled back, been forced to seek safe harbor all the way out in the Marshal Islands.

“ I received word from the National Weather service that the weather should be abating sometime over the next two or three days. Once that happens we expect the U.N fleet to steam full bore towards their assigned patrol areas. Naval intelligence says that if the fleet stays together in a single group as it moves in, it will take them at least nine more days after the storms pass to reach us.”

“Are we ready for them when they do arrive?”

“Yes Sir! We believe we are. The extra time the storms are giving us has worked out perfectly for our plan. The Nimitz and the Reagan groups are in route, but making sure to stay to the west of the U.N fleet’s position, and should be ready to engage the U.N ships once the storms abate.

“Our continental based ships are all at anchor, and have been fully armed. They are ready to launch as soon as we give the word. Once the two groups meet with U.N fleet in between, things should get really interesting for the blockade ships.”

“I imagine the captain of the lead ship will have a difficult decision to make when that happens,” Fuller said with a hearty grin. “How are we doing as far as casualties, and damage to our vessels?”

“So far, our casualties have been limited to the crew of the Oklahoma, which went down in Cape Cod Bay yesterday. Ship dam …”

“I saw the report on that this morning, terrible loss.” Fuller interrupted. “By the way, Kerry, good job of spin control on that one with the press. We need to be very conscious of these numbers, and who gets to see them. If either count gets too high, the media will be all over us, demanding a stop to hostilities.”

“Thank you Mr. President, and we’ll make sure to be careful with the information.”

“Anything else Frank?”

“Yes sir. During the battle in Massachusetts yesterday, not only did we lose a Las Angeles class sub, but there was heavy damage done to another. The Dallas is expected to be in the repair dock for at least 2 months. On top of that, several surface ships have taken major damage in making blockade runs. The secretary of the Navy is concerned about our ability to resist the blockade for more than ninety days.”

“Well then, you should tell him that he better find away to make sure we don’t have to worry about it for that long. Have him step up operations in the Atlantic, and make sure he’s prepared to launch the counterattack in the Pacific as soon as the storms pass.”

“Yes sir. I’ll make sure he gets the message.” Secretary Blake said.

“Ok, unless there is more to go over, I’d to move on to the Northern and Southern border situations. Where do we stand this morning?”

“The southern border is open at every access point we monitor. The Mexican forces, even with U.N reinforcements, have been no obstacle to our forces in the area. Every single major road leading into Mexico from Texas to California remains open and under our control. We have crossed the Rio Grande and now control an additional five miles of buffer zone on the Mexican side of the river. We expect to take the entire Baja Peninsula by the end of next week.”

“That’s certainly great news, and the North?”

“So far there has been significant resistance to our advances into Canada. The combined forces in the North have are better equipped, and better trained, it seems, than their southern counterparts. So far our forces have been fought to a standstill. However, with more troops arriving from overseas every day, the military feels that we will be able to make better progress in the very near future.”

“We’d better. Our country’s very survival depends on our taking of the targets we’ve discussed and the securing of the Alaskan pipeline. If we don’t have at least that supplying us with oil, we are finished.”

“Fighters out of Fairbanks Air Force Base (AFB) have been escorting Army paratroopers over the area. Our forces have been dropped as close the pipe as possible. So far we’ve been able to place approximately 500 troopers along the line to secure it. We plan to drop an additional 1500 over the next week, while our ground forces work their way in to reinforce their positions.”

“2000 paratroopers to guard 800 miles of pipeline? That doesn’t seem like even remotely enough Frank.”

“Sir, the vast majority of the pipeline is in mountainous territory that is virtually inaccessible to ground forces. Our plan is to guard the most vulnerable parts of the line until higher troop levels can be achieved. Once those positions are stabilized we can send smaller groups into the mountain areas to guard against enemy paratroopers dropping in. In the meantime, the air force has fighters patrolling the length of the line to deter any aerial attacks on it.”

“You tell Alexander that getting the line secure is now his number one priority.”

“I’ll make sure he understands how important it is.”

“Make sure you do,” Fuller stated as he stared his defense secretary in the eye. Blake nodded his head in understanding, then nervously averted his eyes. “OK then, what’s next? Joanne? Anything new to report on our efforts to negotiate our way out of this situation?”

“Speaking of the Secretary General, Mr. President” Press Secretary Enrich chimed in, “Do we have a statement to make on the Zimbabwe situation?”

“Yes, we do. Tell them that we regret having to withdraw our support in the area. However we need to defend our borders first, so we had no real choice in the matter. As soon as they back off the blockade, we’d be happy to redeploy out troops to the problem areas.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll get this written up and sent over to all the news organizations this afternoon.”

“Joanne … you were about to say?”

Joanne Constantine, the tall thin ebony hued 50ish Secretary of State, opened up the small manila folder in front of her and began to read her prepared report. “Sir, so far, all our attempts to work out a nonviolent settlement to this situation have come up empty. We received word this morning from the Secretary General’s office that all negotiations are off until we agree to cease all hostilities and submit to U.N control.”

“Surrender?” You tell that pompous son of a bitch, he can stuff it up his ass. It will be a cold day in hell before I allow this country to fall under any outside organization’s oversight.”

“I will pass on your regret over the cessation of negotiations, Sir.”

“Yes …” Fuller stood up and looked at his advisors, “Gentlemen … and Joanne, we’re entering a desperate time for our country. This disease has brought us the very brink of war with the rest of the world. We, as the leaders of this great nation, need to make absolutely sure that we act in what we feel are the best interests of our people. Part of that includes defending our borders and territorial waters. The other, is finding away to destroy this bug before it causes our entire race to become extinct.

“We all know that there have been many tough decisions made in the past few months and that the choices we face in the future will only get harder. We are going to loose ships and Sailors before this is over. We’re going to loose Marine and Army personnel along with planes and pilots as well. On top of all that there will be civilian casualties, shortages, most likely hunger if this goes on long enough but we must remain committed to supporting each other. We must show that world that we are all in this together, through thick and thin.

“You need to pass that message onto your people. There can be no dissension in the ranks. Anyone within your departments that doesn’t agree with what we are doing must be persuaded to see things our way or cut loose. I expect all of you to make sure that is done, regardless of your personal feelings about the person in question. Do you understand?”

The assembled cabinet members nodded in acknowledgement of the Presidents demand.

“Good. Now our final item on today’s agenda is a report from the Commerce Secretary on the recent price hikes. Harry?”

Harrison Gifford, a very tall slender blonde hair and goateed man with steely blue eyes stood up and lifted his report. Facing the President the 53 year old head of the commerce department began to read in a deep baritone voice.” Mr. President, at your request I have talked to several business leaders as well as the Attorney General, Janice Murphy about this issue and what possible actions the government should take.

“It is Ms. Murphy’s opinion that the sudden jump in prices is a case of profiteering at its worst. With the embargo in place for less than seventy two hours, she contends it’s impossible for there to be any shortage of goods at this point, and that it is well within our purview to mandate a price control policy. Furthermore, she believes that no court in the land would overturn any reasonable attempt by this administration to help consumers in this case.

“On the other hand, the prevailing feeling amongst the business community is that the price hikes are a simply the result of supply and demand. Most feel that any price controls implemented by the government would inhibit their ability to remain profitable and viable in the wake of the blockade and the inevitable shortage of goods to come. By hiking prices now, they contend they will have the cash reserves on hand to continue to purchase goods for resale when the availability decreases.”

“And in the meantime, they line their pockets,” Joanne Constantine chimed in.

“Joanne, that kind of comment is counter-productive to our finding an equitable solution to this problem,” Fuller chastised. Turning his attention back to the Commerce Secretary, he asked, “What’s the word from Capital Hill on their position?”

“The Democrats are pushing for an immediate rollback of all consumer prices and the implementation of immediate price freezes.”

“Figures,” Fuller mumbled to himself.

“However the Republican majority has crafted a bill that calls for a modest roll back of prices … ummm … ah here it is … yes the Republicans want to see a 25% rollback of prices, with any future price hikes to be dictated by the demand for goods. Their plan has the support of most business leaders, I might add.”

“25%? That’s it?” Constantine questioned in amazement.

“Joanne!” Fuller repeated sternly.

“I’m sorry Mr. President, but I need to say this. Sir a 25% price roll back will still leave the price of food, gasoline and most other basic goods out of reach of the poor and a significant portion of the lower middle class. We need to return prices to the pre-blockade range, and halt any increases for as long as we are able too. If we don’t there will be more riots and violence, I guarantee it.”

“Joanne that is exactly the kind of talk we need to put a stop to. As leaders of this country we need to see any problem from every conceivable angle,” Fuller told her. “We need to make sure our supporters in the business world can continue to provide basic services, as well as protect the consumer. It’s a delicate balance, but one I believe can be maintained.” Turning to look at the Chief of Staff, Fuller continued, “Frank, get hold of Senate President Falkner and Speaker of the House Roswell and tell them that the roll back needs to be more in the 30-35% range.”

“Yes Mr. President. I’ll call them as soon as we conclude here.”

*******

20 minutes later: The Oval Office

“Mr. President, I just received word that Nelson Greer is in custody. The Secret Service picked him up five minutes ago over in Chevy Chase, and they’re taking him down to Quantico for holding.”

“Excellent news, Frank. Come in, don’t just stand there in the doorway. Take a seat, I want to talk to you for a minute.”

The White House Chief of Staff stepped completely into the office and took a seat on the opposite side of Fullers nearly 4ft wide blonde oak desk.

Once he was seated, Fuller continued. “I’ve just been reading the FBI report on the raid in New York. The news has gotten wind of it, but Kerry has everyone believing it was a drug raid conducted by the ATF.”

“Good cover story, I’d say.”

“Kerry has a real gift for manipulating the truth.” Fuller said with obvious admiration. “Anyway, there is one small problem, Someone from CNN snuck a camera into the tenement, and took some rather vivid shots of the interior. Apparently the FBI took our sweep and clear orders a bit too literally. Kerry is negotiating with their news chief right now and we’re hoping to get the shots squashed.

However, since it seems very unlikely that he’ll be able to pull that kind of miracle off. I’ll triple his salary if he does, but I think we’re going to need to launch some sort of investigation into this raid. Nothing too extensive, since they were doing as we instructed, but it needs to look legitimate to the public. I want you to meet up with Sam Vincent and find a goat for us to slaughter. I’m sure he’ll have someone to willingly take the heat over this for the proper compensation.”

“I’ll have Molly arrange a meeting for tomorrow morning with his secretary.”

Fuller stared at the photos on his desk for a moment. The images disturbed him greatly. Finding it harder with each passing second to tear his gaze from them, he continued, “We needed the clinic shut down but, they really went overboard this time. These after Ops pictures are gruesome to say the least. But now we don’t have to worry about witnesses though. And we won’t have to put the doctors running it on trial so I guess that’s something.”

“The silver lining?”

“If you can call killing fifteen people in cold blood a silver lining, then yes, I guess would be.” Fuller put the pictures down and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “How did we wind up here, Frank? At what point did stuff like this become acceptable behavior?” he asked rhetorically. “Remember when we first arrived? When we still believed we could be difference makers, and help the people that voted for us? My god. We were so naive.”

“It’s not our fault this got dropped on our laps, Bob, but we have it, and we need to do what we feel is best and play the hand we’ve been dealt.”

“I know. I know…it’s just… I’ve got so much blood on my hands I wonder if I’ll be able to live with myself after this is all over. Worst, or best, perhaps, is a large part of me hopes I won’t.”

**********

Reynolds quarantine Monday July 4 2:30 pm PDT:

Richard Frances Kraven, how long had it been since she thought of that name, Mona wondered to herself as she lay on the floor of the cell. coughing and gagging, while trying not to throw up. ‘If that had still been my name, she thought, ‘how different the outcome of my latest fight with Jen, the self proclaimed ruler of the cell, would have been.’

‘I was handsome, strong and athletic, a state champion wrestler and heavily recruited high school linebacker. There was no way I would have been beaten so thoroughly by one person. I would have been able to defend myself and poor Paka with ease.’ Mona, much to my pain and embarrassment on the other hand came up on the short end of the stick on every single encounter with the top dog.

Although her mind still understood all the moves she had learned, and how and when to execute them, her new body lacked the training and strength to pull most of them off. Still, she fought as hard as she could to defend the helpless girl left in her care after Thomas’ disappearance five day’s ago. She just wished she had been able to do a better job of it, even if it meant fighting off five or six at one time, something that even Thomas would have been hard pressed to do.

“Look at her!” Jen announced as she stomped Mona in the back of her head again. “All of you look at what happens when you challenge me! This is my domain! I rule here, and no one will ever take that away from me!” Jen looked at the faces of each one of the new girls that had arrived this morning. Their eyes told her what she already knew; none of them had what it took to challenge her for supremacy. Even though beating up on Mona was getting to be a bit old, it still demonstrated to the new arrivals just who was in charge.

The feeling of control made her almost giddy with pleasure. being the unquestioned leader felt good, and she understood in her heart that she would die before she gave it up. Deciding to press home just how much power she wielded through her minions, Jen turned to her left and looked at Doris, her second. “Grab Paka and bring her over here,” she instructed the very tall bulky red haired new woman. “I want to have some more fun.”
Doris’ a former weight trainer at one of San Francisco’s most exclusive health clubs, hadn’t had as complete a transformation as most of the others. While she was genetically female, with all the prerequisite parts, as had all the other virus’ victims, she had maintained a more manly physic. Her arms were still quite large and defined; her broad shoulders remained. along with a trim waist, making her look more like a drag queen than a woman. Her looks and the embarrassment she felt over them had made her mean and hurtful, a perfect enforcer for Jen’s tyrannical rule.

Doris, doing as she was instructed, strode purposefully across the cell to Paka’s bunk. Grabbing two big handfuls of hair, she yanked the catatonic woman off her bunk and dropped her onto the floor. Paka, who never defended herself, hit the floor with a loud painful sounding thud. The sound brought a sadistic smile to Doris’ manly face.

Reaching down and grabbing Paka’s long dark hair again, Doris dragged the defenseless girl across the cold linoleum tiled floor to where Jen stood. “Where do you want her?” she asked in the deep gravelly voice that reminded most of Lurch from the Munster’s TV show.

“Put her right there next to her rescuer. That way little Mona her will get a good view of this,” Jen ordered with a sneer.

Sadistically, Doris lifted Paka off the floor a bit and slammed her back onto it as hard as she could a second time before stepping back. A small wave of satisfaction washed over her as Jen gave her a small appreciative smile over the little extra effort given.

Turning her attention back to her victims of the floor, Jen pulled her now infamous hook out of the waist of her quarantine issue pea green hospital style pants and showed it to the assembled crowd. Her crotch dampened with sexual excitement as she saw their eyes widen at the sight of it. For her, the power she held over them was like sex, only better.

Feeling almost drunk with power, Jen squatted down in front of Mona “Remember this? Remember what it did to your little fat friend there, Jo? Well I’ve managed to sharpen it even more since then, and I’ve been dying to try it out. So I think we’ll see what it does to you friend here, and once I’m done, we’ll try it on you. What do you think about that? Huh? Sound like fun to you?” she taunted.

Mona’s blood boiled at the taunting and the thought of disappointing Thomas, by allowing Jen to harm Paka. Summoning the last of her strength, she reached out and grabbed the hook as it dangled loosely from Jens hand. Pulling with all she had, Mona managed to unbalance the would-be despot. As Jen fell towards her, she used the last iota of her strength and blasted her tormenter squarely in the jaw with her free hand.

Before Jen hit the floor, Doris and the rest of her minions attacked Mona. The five new women kicked and pummeled her unmercifully. Mona, because of her earlier beating, found herself unable to mount any kind of defense whatsoever, and just lay there covering up as best she could while waiting for the attack to end.

“That’s enough!” Jen hollered pushing her way through her gang. “Fucken punch me, will you?” she screamed, kicking Mona in the face as she did. “Gonna kill you for that you cunt! Gonna kill you slow, so that you feel ever second of it. How you like that idea, Cunt?” she yelled again, rubbing her sore jaw as she delivered another kick.

Paka lay on the floor unmoving, taking in the entire scene, seemingly oblivious to what was happening. As Jen dropped to her knees and raised the hook to strike at her defender, Paka reached out from behind and yanked the weapon out of Jen’s grasp.

Before anyone could react to the normally unresponsive woman’s move, she rolled over, got to her feet and buried the fearsome hook into the right side of Jen’s neck. Without any hesitation, Paka pulled it viciously to the left, ripping the bully’s neck completely open.

As Jen fell to the floor grasping at her shredded throat, Paka turned the hook around in her hand and whacked Doris right between the eyes with the handle, stunning the huge woman. Turning it quickly in her hand again, she raked Doris across the face with the sharp end. As the flame haired girl raised her hands to her injured face, her attacker sunk the hook deeply into her abdomen and twisted it with all her might.

The entire cell stood and watched in stunned silence as Doris crumbled to her knees and rolled over onto her side. Paka reached down and pulled the hook out of her victim’s stomach, pulling several feet of Doris’s intestines out as she did. Paka howled like an animal, her head raised to the cells ceiling as her attackers continued their individual marches towards death.

Turning to where Mona lay stunned and injured on the floor, Paka gently lifted her by the arms. Wrapping her around the torso, she gently dragged her injured friend back to Mona’s bunk. With surprising ease, Paka lifted Mona onto the bunk and gently set her down in the center of it. She smiled at Mona, and gently stroked her hair for a moment before moving to the next bunk over.

Lying down herself, the surprising new woman glared at the rest of her cellmates as she held the hook against her breast as a child would hold a loved teddy bear. Inserting her thumb back into her mouth, Paka’s eyes locked onto Mona and watched her closely.

****************

Thursday July 7 8:15 am Harlem New York:

The new woman formerly know as Ronald McTavish, found herself on the floor as she struggled up out of the virus induced slumber she had been in for the last four days. Unable to summon the strength to move more than her eyes, she silently surveyed her surroundings. It still looked like the room they had put Ronald in once the virus had begun to take hold, but somehow, in the gloomy darkness it seemed a lot more ominous now than it had been when she arrived that afternoon.

She wondered how she had managed to wind up on the floor. Shifting her gaze slightly she saw the bed had been overturned, and seemed to be blocking the doorway. ‘What the hell happened?’ she wondered silently. Confused, and becoming more frightened as each minute passed, the new woman tried to call out for help, but found her throat too dry to do more than whisper.

Beginning to whimper, she was suddenly seized by a tremendous hunger. Without warning she was suddenly hungrier than she ever remembered being. She felt as if she couldn’t eat immediately, she was going to die of starvation right then. Each moment that ticked by, it grew worse, and more intense until it was almost too much to bear. Frantically she looked around for anything edible, anything to fill the giant hole in her stomach but saw nothing.

As the hunger continued to gnaw at her, she became aware the she couldn’t hear any sounds coming from outside her room. While the makeshift clinic hadn’t been exactly a hub of activity when she had arrived, she distinctly remembered being able hear the coming and going of the few other patients before her sleep began. ‘Oh God, please don’t let me be alone here.’ she silently pleaded as a tendril of fear crept up her spine.

That tinge of fear, however, was enough to send a rush of adrenalin though her weak and hungry body. Summoning all the strength the rush provided, Ronald strained, pulled and cajoled her stiff and ache filled limbs until she was finally sitting up right. Exhausted from the effort, Ronald rested, her now ample chest heaving as she sucked air into her newly repaired lungs. From this higher perspective, she took another look at her surroundings. The dresser, she noticed had been moved into a position that looked like it was fortifying the bed barricade. ‘What the hell happened in here?’ she wondered out loud this time, taking no note of the higher octave of her new voice. The small echo it produced made him even more acutely aware of the lack of any other sound, sending the tendril of fear further up her back.

With a second adrenaline rush providing just enough strength, Ronald pulled herself to her knees and began to slowly crawl towards the bed barricaded door. Shakily, foot after foot, she crawled, sweat pouring off of her fore head from the effort until her right hand landed in what felt like a puddle. Stopping to wipe whatever it was off her hand, she became acutely aware of a weak, but pungent odor coming from somewhere very close by.

The creeping fear began to turn into a low level terror as she tried desperately to convince herself that she was wrong about the smell. No mater how many times she denied it she knew what it was. The smell of rotting meat wasn’t one anyone ever forgot. Her below empty stomach roiled but nothing was inside of it, there was nothing to come out.

Swallowing hard, she focused on the bed and pressed on, finally arriving at the bed in front of the door. While in actuality, the journey had taken less than a minute, it seemed to Ronald to have taken hours. Her chest heaved, sucking in air like she had just finished a marathon, while her limbs shook from the strain and hunger. With her back leaning on the overturned bed, a feeling of being totally abandoned washed over her and she began to sob.

*********************

Confirmed cases: 76,239

Actual cases: 101,567

End part VIII

Acidalia 9

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

TG Themes:

Accidental

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia part IX
by Amanda D

Sunday July,23 2:45pm PDT Reynolds quarantine facility Dr. Stanley’s office:

Paul Stanley looked in disbelief at the raven haired young woman that had once been Major Brady, grimacing as she strained to control her anger and outrage at the new woman. This was the second time in a week that she had to deal with the major’s killing someone while interrogating them. It had been Dr. Stanley’s hope that after Brady recovered from the initial shock of the transformation that she would be able to take over her new duties as the chief enforcer at Reynolds. However, in the two weeks since awakening from the virus induced coma, the major had been completely out of control.

Brady’s obvious rage at what had happened was seriously clouding her judgment when it came to what was considered reasonable force. It almost seemed that she no longer possessed the mental governor that allowed her stop before she killed, and it was starting to become a real problem. Extracting information from an uncooperative person was something of an art, and it appeared the major, who as a man, had been the equivalent of Picasso, was now more along the lines of a preschooler drawing stick figures.

“Are you going to explain yourself, or are we just going to sit here staring at each other?” Paula asked impatiently, finally breaking the long silence that had fallen between them. She hadn’t want to be the first to speak, but there was too much that needed to be dealt with to sit and stare at the Major all day.

She was absolutely furious at Brady over this situation. Not only had the Major gone too far again, this time she had killed one of the military personnel assigned to guard the quarantine. This wasn’t some unknown virus victim, easily disposed of and forgotten, this was someone who would be missed, and missed soon. Paula was clueless as to how she was going to explain the solders absence when Colonel Jordon’s people came asking about her.

The worst part of it all, to her mind anyhow, was she had no one but herself to blame for what had happened. The doctor had needed answers fast. It had been her decision to assign Brady to the interrogation. She had tried to tell herself that it was the pressure that Colonel Jordon had placed on her that was truly to blame, but that rang hollow no matter how she tried to twist it.

The President was demanding answers before he made a statement on the situation, which was scheduled for 4pm. This morning on the CBC network national news a tape had been shown. Though there had been less than a minutes worth of viewable footage, most of it having been left on the cutting room floor because of the quality being too poor, it had been nothing short of damning.

Someone somehow, had filmed the inside of the Reynolds facility and taken the tape to a local affiliate of the network. There were scenes of everything from the living conditions to the hospital ward, full of specials recovering from their latest battery of tests, to the shower stalls, stained brown from the dried blood on the floor. It was a disaster of unimaginable proportions.

“What is there to explain? I did as you asked, but she wasn’t as resilient as we first thought. What’s the big deal? Jordon would have had her killed anyhow. I just saved him the time.” Brady told her ambivalently.

“The big deal is, we needed information, not another corpse! Your job was to get it out of her and let the Colonel deal with the rest. Now I have a dead soldier and no way to prove that it was Branagan that released the tape, other than your word, and since you’re dead, I can’t exactly tell Jordon how I got the information. Do you understand now why I’m so upset?”

“Now do you see why I’m so upset?” Brady mocked. “I don’t give a shit if you’re upset! I got you your precious information, just like you asked. Don’t give me grief cause you don’t like the way I went about doing it. And it isn’t my fault that you lied to him about me being dead so don’t come down on me for that. Sergeant Fuller told me it was Sergeant Major Branagan’s idea to make the tape, and she was the one that delivered it to the news station. Just tell him that, he’ll believe you and get a confession out of Branagan himself. Case closed I’d say. If I still had a say in what goes on around here, that is.”

“Which you don’t.” she said a little too quickly, adding, “Remember who is in charge around here now.” which only brought a rolling of the Major’s ice blue eyes. Paula silently cursed herself for taking Brady’s bait again. Their little power struggle was starting to wear on her patience, especially since it seemed as if the Major won every confrontation between them.

“Oh believe me, we’re all well aware. It’s not like you would ever allow anyone to forget, anyhow.” Brady said with tremendous distain. “So don’t get them king sized panties of yours in a bunch.”

“My panties are far from being bunched.” she retorted, then mentally chastised herself for even bothering to respond. She knew she was starting to lose control of the conversation and needed to Brady out of there as quickly as possible. With a dismissive air Paula continued “In any case Major, you may return to your quarters until I have need of your services again.”

“In any case Major you can return to your quarters.” Brady repeated mocking her again. “Why don’t you report to your room and go fuck yourself! I did what you asked. Now I want something in return.”

“What would that be?” Dr. Stanley asked even though she was reasonably sure she knew what the answer was going to be.

“You know what I want.”

Paula rolled her eyes. “Not this again. I’ve told you before; Thomas would kill you in a heart beat. You were no match for her when you were a man, and you’ll certainly fare no better in your current condition.”

“I was no match …? She attacked me without warning! I never had the chance to put her in her place. No match, my ass. Put me in a room with her for five minutes, and I’ll show you who’s no match for who. Besides, what do you care? If I can’t handle her, at least one of your problems will be solved.”

“I am not going to let either of you get killed. I have sacrificed way too much to keep both of you here and alive, to let you tear each other throats out. I need the two of you. You need to just let it go for now. Once I am through with her, if you’re still dying for a rematch then you can have her.”

Brady hopped to her feet and lunged over the desk, tackling Paula and upending her chair. Paula’s head banged off the floor hard enough to make her see stars. “I could kill you right now, you bloated bitch. Do you understand that? I don’t give a shit what you need. Give her to me!”

Dr. Stanley, still dazed, looked at the 5’7” woman with skin so fine it was almost like china, uncomprehendingly. Her head buzzed from the impact with the floor. Paula shook her head slightly trying to clear the cobwebs. The motion made the room spin uncontrollably and she felt as if she were about to pass out.

“Uh uh. No fading out on me. We’re not done talking yet.” Brady said as she gave Paula a hard slap across the cheek. Seeing focus return to the doctor’s eyes as her cheek reddened, Brady taunted “I see that got your attention. Now give Logan to me, or perhaps I’ll kill you instead!”

Summoning all the courage she could muster, she replied “Kill me then, if that’s what you need to do. Kill me, because I’m not giving her to you no matter how much you bitch, complain and threaten. She’s too important to my research. However, I might be willing to give you something else that may help to placate you, since you did get me what I needed.”

“And what would that be?”

“Logan’s two cohorts, Mona and Paka I believe are their names, are still in here and neither is of any real use to me. If you get off of me right this second, I’ll give you one of them to do with as you please.”

Brady looked suspicious, but intrigued. She wouldn’t mind taking some frustration out on one of Logan’s cellmates, but she just didn’t quite trust Stanley to really give one of them to her. The thought of the grief and sorrow one of their deaths would cause Logan, made Brady feel an almost sexual kind of excitement. After another moment’s consideration of the offer, she cautiously asked “Which one?”

“Which ever one you prefer. I don’t really care one way or the other. They both can be held responsible for the two murders down there last month.” Paula replied, hoping to buy time enough to get security in to help her.

Brady just sat there, stuck in a long moment of indecision, her every instinct telling her that Paula was lying. Her need for satisfaction, for blood, for anything that would make Logan suffer, was all consuming though, so with great reluctance she ignored her inner warnings and hopped off of the director, offering her a hand in getting up.

Paula looked at the hand untrustingly for several seconds before extending her own. With an exaggerated grunt, Brady pulled the doctor to her feet. “Thank you, Major.” Paula said.

“I want Logan to be able to see me tear her friend apart. I want her to watch them die slowly at my hand. I want her to feel their pain, and watch them bleed.”

“I’m not sure that can be done. She has been under heavy sedation since the day she attacked you. I think bringing her back to consciousness is too risky right now.” Stanley said, trying to take charge of the situation.

“She watches, that’s my only demand. I need her to see what’s in store for her when the time comes. I need to see the pain in her eyes and to know that she knows I’m the cause of it. She watches, or you’ll be watching your back every second from now on.” Brady told her menacingly.

“What did you say?”

“You heard me just fine. She watches, or you’ll find yourself looking over your shoulder every moment of every day, for as long as I let you live.”

“I … I see,” Dr. Stanley stuttered. “Let me get it arranged for tomorrow afternoon. It will take some time to flush the drugs out of her system.” Paula picked up the phone on her desk. After a few seconds she said “Can you come in here please?” not forgetting to keep a constant wary eye on Brady.

The Major’s beautiful blue eyes returned her stare until the office door opened. She finally looked away as Lieutenant Hutchinson entered with three members of her security force. Hutchinson saluted the Major and then to Dr. Stanley said “You wanted me ma’am?”

“Yes I need to you to take the Major down to isolation …”

“You what?” Brady shouted as she turned and moved towards the doctor, the anger of betrayal evident in her piercing eyes.

“Sergeant Ma …” Paula sad nervously as the Major continued to advance on her.

“Major, that’s far enough. You heard what the director said. Please come with us now peacefully, or we will be forced to make you.”

Brady stopped where she stood and looked back at Hutchinson. “Why don’t you leave, and let me and the Doc here deal with our issues, and I’ll promise not to hurt any of you after I’m done with her.”

“Sorry sir, I can’t do that. Now please, don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” she warned as she pulled her sidearm tranquilizer gun out of its hip holster and pointed it at Brady.

Brady looked at the gun for less than a second. Under her breath she said “Fuck it!” and lunged at Dr. Stanley. The doctor let out a surprised yelp as Hutchinson opened fire on the Major. The dark skinned security head’s aim was true and a tranquilizer dart caught Brady just above the collar bone, another hitting her in the upper shoulder.

Brady grunted from the pain of the needles, as well as the impact of landing on Stanley’s bloated from. She tried to will her self to wrap her hands around the fat doctor’s throat, but the drug inside the needle was too fast acting for her to do more than flop onto her side.

The security team rushed over to where the two women lay. The other three pulled Brady’s unconscious form off the director as Hutchinson asked, “Are you alright Ma’am? Do you need me to call the infirmary for you?”

“I’m fine!” Dr. Stanley said with great indignation as she accepted the Sergeant Major’s offered hand in getting up. “Get her out of here and take her down to isolation, now!”

“Yes Ma’am. How long will she be kept down there?”

“You keep her on ice until I tell you to remove her. She’s too dangerous to be roaming the halls around here. She needs time to adjust to her new condition, and to realize who’s in charge here now.” Paula tried to sound confident and in control, but knew she was coming off as scared to death instead.

Hutchinson thought to herself ‘I think she already knows that answer, but I doubt you do.’ but said nothing. She simply nodded at the doctor, saying “Ma’am.”Turning, she said, “OK, you heard what the lady said. Let’s get the Major down to the isolation area before she comes to, or we’ll have a real fight on our hands.”

After the security team dragged Brady’s unconscious form out of the office, Paula slumped back into her chair and shook with fear. She kept repeating to herself “I’m the one charge here. I’m in charge, not her.” Stanley kept repeating it over and over again until she almost had herself convinced it was the truth.

***************

New York City Battery park 8:30 pm EDT:

Rebecca McTavish, as she was now calling herself since the name Ronald no longer really fit, sat huddled in her latest dwelling, a large cardboard refrigerator box she had dragged from behind one of the high rises the surrounded the park, and watched the sun set. Her heart filled with dread at the thought of the oncoming night. The dark hours were the worst to be here in the park. Between the other homeless, who were always looking to steal whatever they could from you, and the teenagers, who wavered between tormenting you and on one occasion attempting to rape you, it was a time to stay alert not to sleep.

Sleep was for the daylight hours, when the civilized people were out and ignoring you. That was the safest time of the day to do get rest. Unlike at night, when everyone saw you as a potential victim, the daytime folks just did everything in their power to avoid you. You could curl up in your hidden box and catch a few hours shut eye before heading out to panhandle money, hoping to get enough to buy something to eat.

A close by voice caused Rebecca to scuttle further back into her new home. She pushed her self as far back as the box would allow, and curled herself into a tight ball, praying that whoever it was wouldn’t see her if they found the box and looked in it. She had a large heavy stick she had found a week or so ago to use as a weapon, but she was reluctant to use it. She would if it came down to it, but then there was a chance of the police becoming involved, and that was the last thing in the world she wanted.

As she huddled up and patiently waited fear filled, Rebecca thought back over the last two and a half weeks for what seemed like the millionth time and cursed the decisions and circumstances that had brought her to this place.

************

Then:

It had taken her the better part of an entire day to finally free her self from the room she had awakened in. The bed, which Ronald could have pushed aside with ease, proved to be so heavy to her new substantially weaker form she had wondered if she would ever be able to move it. There had been several moments she was within inches of giving up and just lying on the floor to wait for death but the hunger refused to allow her.

The hunger, oh God, the hunger! It had been worse than any she had ever experienced in her life. The constant gnawing in her gut had been literally eating away at her as she struggled with the formidable obstacle. By the time she was able to stagger out of the door, she looked as emaciated as any of the staring children from poor African nations they were constantly showing on television. One look at her wasted form would have brought home the true meaning of the word malnutrition to any unfortunate enough to have gazed upon her.

Thin as a rail, weak as a newborn, and quite literally starving to death, Rebecca hardly even took notice of the seeming gallons of dried blood that covered in spot and splattered in others the walls and floors of the deserted hall way. Her muddled mind strained to recall location of the small office cafeteria that she had eaten in during her first day here. Her mind continually reversed itself on her, making her believe it was in one direction one minute and in the complete opposite the next.

After a seeming eternity of wandering aimlessly Rebecca, finally stumbled into the lunch room. Her mouth watered and her stomach growled loudly as she thought of what kinds of food might be waiting for her inside the room but to her dismay, the place had been completely cleaned out. The small dorm room sized refrigerator, every cabinet, every drawer was completely empty. Not so much as a packet of sugar could be found. Even the small candy machine, standing idle at the back of the room almost as if it was mocking her, was devoid anything to eat.

A felling of utter hopelessness came over her as she searched every drawer and cabinet a second, and then a third time for even the smallest morsel to put into her howling belly. As with her initial search however, there was still nothing was there to be found.

It was too much for her fragile mind to deal with. In her rage and frustration, Rebecca slid to the floor and sobbed uncontrollably. The constant ache of starvation gnawed at her incessantly, unrelentingly, driving her closer and closer to the edge of her sanity.

She stayed in that spot with her thin back pressed up against the cabinets until she managed to get control of her emotions and struggled back to her feet. How long the storm had raged within her she didn’t know, but for what felt like the first time all day Rebecca was able to think clearly. She understood that it might be just a brief interlude before she became purely hunger driven again. Looking at her surroundings as if truly seeing them for the first time, the long brown haired new woman tried to come up with some kind of a plan.

She needed food, that was for sure, but she also realized for the first time that she had no clothing on. With that realization, she unconsciously crossed her arms over he new breasts and looked from side to side, giggling slightly at her own foolishness while reminding herself that there was no one there to see anything. Still, she felt exposed and awkwardly vulnerable in a way she never had as a man. ‘There’s obviously nothing here for me to eat.’ she thought as her stomach rumbled. ‘So I’m going to need to go somewhere else to get food, that is for certain. However I can’t go outside looking like this. My first priority then, is to find something to wear.’

Rebecca wasn’t exactly in the best of neighborhoods. More to the point she was in one of New York’s worst. Clothing was a definite must, no doubt about that in her mind. Fully clothed she’d be incredibly lucky to get to a safer area of the city without incident. Naked, there was no chance she wouldn’t windup dead or worse before she made it two blocks, if even that far. Rebecca felt the sting of tears welling up in her eyes and a small taste of hysteria flittered through her mind.

Reaching up, she slapped herself across the face as hard as she could in an effort to keep the madness at bay. A bit of composure returned, but still, a trickle of trepidation remained. A second slap, this one harder than the first, seemed to do the trick. The burning pain across her left cheek was as welcome as a spring day, compared to the darkness of terror that had been steadily growing inside of her. The pain refocused her thoughts, and she quickly stepped back into the hallway again.

This time the dried gore came into quick, sickening focus. Rebecca tried to avert her eyes, but no matter where she looked it seemed there was blood, either soaked into pools or splattered. ‘What the hell happened here?’ she wondered as she began to look into every room that lined the hall for some kind of clothing.

After what felt like hours, the starving new woman stumbled on a linen room that was still stocked. In it were shelves half filled with white hospital open back gowns, blue and pink nurses scrub outfits and even a long white linen lab coat hung from a hook in the back. Stacked along side everything else were a few white sheets and thin hospital issue blankets.

Rebecca tore though the closets contents trying to find something that would fit her emaciated body. To her delight, as she searched. A Snickers bar fell from between two sets of scrubs. Apparently someone had left it there for later consumption as it was still in its wrapper. The sight of the candy bar made her stomach rumble like a Richter 10.0 earthquake. She could barely contain herself long enough to unwrap the chocolate bar before devouring the sweet treat. Never had a piece of candy tasted so good, or done so little to satisfy her hunger. Much to her consternation, the small snack served to only increase her hunger.

The feeling of the ravenous beast with in her, gnawing at both Rebecca’s stomach and reasoning, she grabbed a handful of clothes and pulled them on. The new woman tied and tucked where she could in an effort to keep them from falling off. However she was so wasted from the transformation that nothing came even close to fitting her correctly. The pink scrub blouse hung on her so loosely that it looked as it if might fall off. She needed to tie the pull string on the pants as tight as possible, but she had to use one hand to hold them up. As she looked down at herself, she couldn’t decide which she wanted more, a belt or a large side of beef.

The word beef was all it took to return her to the previous hunger crazed state she had been in since awakening. All rational thought left her in a heartbeat. Her memory of how she managed to finally find her way out of the building was fuzzy at best. All her mind seemed to able to focus on at that point was food. Rebecca had a vague memory of wandering room after hallway, ravenous, until she stumbled down a flight of stairs and landed up against the exit door.

Daylight showed through the small windows over the top of the door frame. It looked to be the dull grey of early morning. Rebecca lay in a crumpled, pain filled heap on the dirty floor, staring at her first glimpse of true daylight in what seemed like forever. Everything in her world just stopped as she looked at the grayish glow coming through the dust encrusted window over the top of the doorway. For a brief moment it seemed as if nothing had ever been so beautiful. A small smile creased her lips, as for a short time it seemed as if everything might turn out alright in the end.

The moment ended as she shifted her weight turning herself up right. A sharp pain shot through her lower back and her legs, ending in a burning sensation in her toes. Eyes wide Rebecca laid still and suffered through the stabbing pain for almost a full minute until the misery began to subside. Inhaling deeply the new woman braced her self and clawed her way back up to an upright position. Her legs and back protested loudly the entire time, almost buckling a handful of times. Several time she found that she needed to stop and let the pain subside before she could continue. The emptiness in her belly, however, forced her to continue on, and finally, with one last great heave, she was back on her feet at last.

The door seemed to be stuck on something, as it resisted her efforts to push it open. Rebecca leaned into it and tried again, still it wouldn’t budge. A small tinge of desperation flickered through her as she pushed with every ounce of strength her deteriorated muscles could manage and results remained unchanged. Rebecca could feel tears of frustration building up as the realization this might not be the exit began to dawn on her. She desperately rattled the doorknob, again to no avail.

Despondency began settle in, growing out of the fear the she would never get out of this cursed place. Rebecca slammed her self off the door as hard as she could, causing it rattle to inside its frame. She bounced off the unforgiving wooden obstruction and tumbled back towards the stairway. As she fell away, her hand clutched at the knob, and with a loud creak, the door swung in wards towards where Rebecca landed.

The sight of the open door was almost too much for her to take. Rebecca began to laugh hysterically. She had spent the entire time pushing against the damn thing, and all she had needed was to pull it inwards. She sat there on the steps laughing at her own stupidity until a certain quality to the laughter sent a chill down her spine. For the briefest of moments it sounded to her like the laugh of someone who had lost their mind.

Standing up and pushing the chill aside, the dark haired new woman took a tentative step out into the neighborhood beyond the threshold. The tenement had a dilapidated porch, complete with cracked wood, listing pillars, a sagging roof and peeling paint. Beyond the platform lay a small flight of perilous looking wooden stairs. If she had still been a man, Rebecca doubted the porch floor would have held her weight. ‘But then again, if I was still Ronald, I wouldn’t be here in the first place.’ she thought darkly.

Admonishing herself for counter productive thinking, Rebecca took a long look first to the left. Seeing not a single soul on the deserted trash lined street, she let hope creep in for a moment and turned to look to her right. The coast appeared to be clear in the direction, also. Hoping no one was waiting beyond her line of sight, she took a tentative step forward onto the porch. The boards moaned loudly in protest beneath her small feminine feet, but managed to hold her weight. Cautiously, Rebecca took two more steps, the floor boards protesting loudly with each step, then stopped and took another look at her surroundings. The area still seemed deserted, but she began to have a nagging, almost paranoid feeling she was being watched by unseen eyes.

Slowly she descended the stairs, which also creaked and moaned, but in the end held. Reaching the sidewalk, the surgical scrubs clad new woman tried to remember which direction would lead her to a better area of the city. She thought it might be to the west, but her famished state was causing her thought process to be a bit muddled. She stood where she was, straining to recall which way to turn, but no distinct answer would come to her. Finally she decided to go with her gut, and head west.

Lacking a compass and familiarity with the area, Rebecca found herself unsure which way was west, or which was east. Being that she believed it was still very early morning the sun should have been in the east. And as the sky was overcast and thick with clouds, she found herself having a hard time pinpointing its exact location in the sky.

As she searched a voice called out “Yo baby you looking to hook up?”

The voice startled Rebecca so badly she was surprised her pants were still dry. She looked in the direction it had come from and saw a tough looking young black man sauntering down the street in her direction. The completely irrational fear he evoked in her made her mouth go dry. In a hoarse whisper she didn’t intend, Rebecca replied “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I said you looking for a hook up? A fix? Crack?”

“Drugs? N … no I…I’m not looking for any drugs.”

“Then what you doin here? We don’t get a lot of pretty white ladies down this way unless they lost or hookin.”

“Hookin?”

“Yeah. You a hooker? Ya know, a prostitute, a ho?” he said with a smart-alecky smile.

“No! I’m not like that. I … I’m lost.”

“Damn straight you lost. Your skinny white ass don’t belong in this place, that’s for sure. Bad things can happen to someone like you in a place like this. Where you trying to get to? Maybe for a price, I can give you directions or somethin.” He was getting dangerously close, and Rebecca began to slowly back peddle. “Where you think your goin?” the youth asked in an intimidatory voice.

That was all it took to make Rebecca bolt. Panic stricken, virtually hysterical, she ran like the hounds of hell were nipping at her heels. Rebecca had no idea where she was going, all she cared about at that point was putting distance between her and the young thug.

Rebecca looked over her shoulder she saw the youth not only chasing after her, but closing the gap between them steadily. With every step she felt herself starting to lag as he continued to gain ground. Gritting her teeth she tried to push out one last burst of speed but there was just nothing left in her tank. Her efforts to escape came to an abrupt end as she tripped over her own feet, fell and skittered across the pavement.

Before Rebecca had even come to a complete stop, the drug dealer was on her. He reached down and grabbed hand full of her long brown hair and the new woman yanked to her feet by it. A small alley way was about fifteen feet away. He attacker, keeping a tight grip on her hair pulled her into it.

“Where you think you goin?” he asked as he slammed her up against the nearest wall. “I don’t member telling you that you could leave.”

Rebecca bounced off the solid brick, hard enough to cause her to make her teeth rattle. With no hint of compassion, the young drug dealer used the heel of his palm and smacked her one in the forehead, causing the back of her skull to clang off the wall a second time. “Come wit me!” he ordered, grabbing her left biceps tightly and pulling her further into the darkened ally way.

An additional thirty feet farther down the trash strewn, rat infested service way they stopped. The drug dealer, Franklin he said his name was, turned and shoved her to the ground roughly. “Gonna teach you some respect. You don eva run way from Franklin unless he says fa you too.” he hollered as he kneeled down next to her.

The terrified former actor tried to squirm away, but the wall behind her gave her nowhere to go. Franklin slapped her across the face for her efforts. As her head again was rocked backwards, Franklin grabbed her by the cheek bones and pulled upwards. He clenched the same fist he had just slapped her with and held it over her as if waiting for the proper moment to strike her again. “Now tell why you ran away? Did I do something to offend your lily white ass? No? Well then maybe you just don like black people then. Is that what it is? You a racist? I’ll tell you what Mz. skinny ass white racist. I’m gonna give you a chance to live. I’m gonna pull my fly down and pull out something for you to play with. Maybe if you lucky I let you live when you done, but only if ya please me though.”

His words set a jolt of fear driven adrenalin though Rebecca’s wasted body. Seizing Franklin’s hand as he moved to unzip his fly, she pulled it down towards her mouth and sank her teeth deeply into its side. The warm salty taste of his blood in her mouth both sickened her and sent her hunger pangs into a frenzy. It was all she could do to not rip the morsel of flesh off and swallow it down.

Franklin pulled his injured hand back screaming “Bite me?! You fucken bitten me? I’ll fucken kill you for dat you bitch!”

Rebecca pushed herself further against the wall, trying to put another inch in between her and the raving mad drug dealer. As she pushed, her hand landed on what felt like half of a brick. Without thinking, the new woman seized the piece of stone as he reached down to grab her and swung it up as hard as she could muster, catching her attacker in the temple. Franklin, stunned by the blow rocked to the side, but somehow remained on his feet.

Thinking she hadn’t hit him hard enough, Rebecca swung it again, and caught him flush in the side of the face this time. Franklin howled in pain and dropped to his knees. A third strike put him down for the count, falling face first onto the concrete alleyway pavement.

Rebecca scrambled to her feet and brought the piece of brick down on the back of his head two more times for good measure. The young black man lay completely still. She stood over him for a minute and watched him bleed from the gash she had opened up in the back of his skull, the taste of his blood lingering in her mouth.

****************

Now Monday July 24 5:30am Battery Park:

As she lingered over the memory of that moment, Rebecca shuddered. Though she was at loathe to admit it, somewhere deep inside she was certain that if she hadn’t caught the scent of food cooking from somewhere nearby at that exact moment, she would have taken another bite out of her attacker. The vague acknowledgement of how badly in need of nourishment and what she would have done at that moment to satisfy it sent a second chill through her. Attempting to push the memories aside, she refocused on the task at hand.

With the dawning of a new day and having made it through another fear filled night unscathed, it was time to try to collect enough money to buy something for breakfast. She reached her hand deep into the park trash barrel and pulled a third can out of it. Looking around nervously, Rebecca quickly added it to the small collection of them in the old pillow case she carried. Taking another peek into the barrel and seeing no more cans, she mentally calculate how many more she would need to buy something to eat. The total wasn’t as close to being reached as she would have liked. With no other choice, she shuffled off towards the next waste barrel and began to search its contents for more cans.

*********

Then:

The vague yet persistent smell of cooking meat distracted her completely from Franklin’s prone form. The hunger overwhelmed her ability to think and she absently dropped the brick. Without even being aware of doing it, she walked off towards the mouth of the alley, sniffing the air like a bloodhound on a trail as she went. She stopped as she reached the still deserted street and looked left and right inhaling the smell of the city deeply hoping to identify the source of the enticing smell.

It seemed to becoming from the left. Turning in that direction, Rebecca shuffled zombie-like as she let her nose lead her. Her eyes looked as vacant as those of a strung out drug addict. She couldn’t help it though, the look. It was almost as if she was in a trance. Her need for nourishment had taken complete control of her and there was no way she was going to be able to deny it any longer.

Half way down the block, Rebecca spotted the source of the smell. It was coming from a small restaurant that looked as if it were the very definition of the word greasy spoon. The smell of cooking bacon, sausage, ham or some other kind of meat wafted from the small chimney at the top of the single story building the housed the eatery. The aroma made her mouth water to the point that she was all but drooling out of the corners of her mouth.

Giving no thought to the fact she had no money to pay for a meal, the starving woman schlepped into the establishment. The wonderful odor of food being prepared was intoxicating. Feeling a line of drool spill from her watering mouth, she absently wiped at it and began to look for a place to sit.

Before she could even take a single step towards one of the small well used looking wooden tables a voice called out to her from behind the long eating counter. “Don’t you even bother to sit down til you show me you gots some cash.” a tall, elderly, serious looking Hispanic man called out.

Rebecca looked at him helplessly. She needed food, but the man was right she didn’t have any money. In desperation she whimpered “Please sir … I’m starving. I … if you would just let me eat I would gladly pay you back as soon as I get back home.”

“Does this look like a soup kitchen to you? Does it look like I can afford to have people eat here for free?” he yelled as he waved his arms at the grungy looking dining area. “I can’t give good people credit here, never mind crack addicts! Get out!”

“Pl … please sir … I … I just need to eat. I … I promise to pay you as …”

“I said get out!” he demanded. Looking as if he had completely lost his patience, the old man came around the counter and strode towards her.

“Please!!!” Rebecca pleaded feeling like she was loosing control. “I just need to eat something…anything you can spare. I promise to pay you! Please sir…I’m begging you.”

The old man grabbed her by the arm hard enough to make her yelp in pain. He began pulling her towards the door screaming “I said ge…”

Blackness. Try as she might Rebecca just couldn’t recall what had happened after the restaurant’s owner had grabbed her. She’d gone over it a thousand times in her head and not even a hint as what had gone on during that lost time would reveal itself. She wasn’t sure if her mind blocked the memory, which worried her, or if she had simply lost her mind completely and there was no memories to hide, which scared the shit out of her.

The next thing Rebecca remembered was waking up on the floor of the restaurant’s kitchen, feeling sated. The overpowering hunger that had been with her since waking up was finally gone. So consuming had it been, that she felt slightly odd with it now gone. Her belly felt slightly bloated as she passed a hand over it, enjoying the reprieve from the hunger.

After laying there for several minutes, she decided to sit up. As she did, Rebecca looked around at her surroundings. Wherever she was, the place was a complete mess. The remains of an incredible variety of food were strewn about everywhere. A large puddle of what looked like either maple syrup or some brand of dark colored soda sat immediately to her right and a huge pile of what could only have been mashed potatoes rest to her left. ‘Looks like someone held a world class food fight.’ She thought to herself as she continued to survey the unbelievable mess

Shifting from looking at her surroundings, to looking herself over, the formerly hunger driven woman found she was no cleaner that anything else in the room. Her shirt and pants were stained almost black with god only knew what. Her hands were encrusted with what she thought might be a combination of dried egg yolk and ketchup. Unconsciously, she wiped the back of her hand, causing an avalanche of crumbs to tumble onto her lap. Disgusted, she ran a hand through her hair and grimaced at the feeling of food particles stuck in it.

Confused Rebecca pulled herself up to her feet. From this height, the room revealed itself to be an industrial kitchen of some kind. ‘I must still be in the restaurant,’ she deduced.

She shook her head trying to make sense of the scene before her. There was trash thrown about the entire kitchen. The floor was all but covered, and the walls were splattered with unimaginable amounts of grime. ‘How could a restaurant stay in business with a kitchen in such horrible condition?’ she wondered quietly as she continued to take the scene in.

It seemed to her that there must be more pieces to the puzzle that she just couldn’t see yet. She strained to remember anything that might have given her a hint as to what had happened, or how she had wound up in the back, but there was only a long dark blank. With a disappointed shrug, she gave up and walked over to the ancient looking swinging door that separated the kitchen and the dining area.

“Hello?” Rebecca called out, not entirely sure that she wanted anyone to respond as she stepped into the front of the restaurant. A strong copper like smell assaulted her as she entered the eerily silent room. Glancing at the clock the stood above the entrance to the establishment, she saw it was almost 11am. The place should have been full with people eating a late breakfast or and early lunch, but the window shades remained drawn.

Taking a couple more steps into the room, she found the strange odor even more prevalent. Looking around the room and seeing no possible sources, she sniffed the air, trying to figure out where the stench was coming from. Though the entire room seemed to be filled with the smell, it seemed to be slightly stronger off to her right, so she began her search in that direction. After about a dozen steps she stumbled onto the source of the offending odor.

Lying unmoving on the floor about eight feet back from the front door, nestled between a handful of overturned tables, was the elderly owner of the restaurant. From the painfully contorted way he was laying and the pool of what looked like dry blood beneath him it was obvious that the man was dead. Rebecca reached down and felt for some sign of life. The lack of any pulse and the cool temperature of the body confirmed her initial observation.

Standing back up, Rebecca stared at the body. Fear began to take root inside of her. She strained again to remember what had happened, hoping that there was some way that she could explain the scene without putting the blame for it on her shoulders, but was still unable to see through the dark shroud that covered her memory. The longer she stood trying to deny it, the more intense the certainty growing inside of her was that she was somehow responsible for what had happened. A cold chill ran up her spine, then slowly back down again.

“I think it’s time for me to get out of here,” she said out loud, without meaning to. The hollow echo her voice produced made her jump a bit.

Rolling her eyes at her skittishness as she fought off the heebie jeebies, McTavish started to make her way to the front door. As she put her hand on the door know she stopped. There was a small curtain the cover the window in the top half of the door. With just the tip of her finger, Rebecca slid it slightly to the side and peered though it. Her eyes were stung by the bright sunshine outside the door, the early morning cloudiness having apparently burned off at some point. To her dismay, the sidewalk was full of people walking by, going about their business.

The sight of the crowd sent a fresh wave of fear washing over her. With that many people milling around she was essentially trapped. There was no way she was going to be able to step out the door and simply slip away without anyone noticing, especially considering the mess her clothes were. Someone was bound to see her if she tried.

Stepping back from the door she turned and headed back though the kitchen, looking for the delivery entrance. As she entered the cooking area and looked along the rear wall, Rebecca found herself unable to identify any kind of door in there. She searched up and down the back wall for several minutes. There had to be a door there somewhere. If there wasn’t then she was truly trapped and she was convinced her sanity wouldn’t be able to survive any kind of long term imprisonment with the dead man in the next room.

After several more minutes of frantic searching, Rebecca realized she had walked past it six or seven times. There halfway down the wall was the delivery entrance, partially obscured by a food preparation rack that had been rolled in front it. The slightly hysterical quality of the laughter she broke into at her own stupidity after the discovery sent a tremendous chill through her as she began to wonder if she hadn’t already lost her mind.

McTavish stared for a long time at the grime encrusted metal door. From the way the hinges were set, it appeared to open outward. That was going to be a problem. She stood silently there and fretted over what to do next. If she opened the door, there would be no turning back. If anyone was in the service ally they would know someone was in there as soon as the door moved.

The distraught woman pressed her ear to the door and strained to see if she could hear any sound that may have been coming for beyond it. No sound came through, but there was no way of know whether that meant the alley beyond was really deserted, or if the door was simply too thick to hear through. Putting her head against it again in a second attempt, the brunette girl heard only the rapid beating of her own heart as her pulse pounded in her ears.

Taking a frustrated step back, she looked at the wall near the door. The only window on it was boarded so up tightly that only thin slivers of light came though the edges. She whimpered silently and staring back at the closed door. It offered her no answers as to what lay beyond it.

The tinkle of a small bell, followed by a questioning hello, uttered by a female voice made her heart jump. Rebecca turned towards the thin door separating the kitchen from the dining room and heard someone call out “Hello? Edgar? Why are the shades drawn? Why aren’t we op… OH my god…EDGAR!!!! Oh my god!!! Someone help!!!!”

McTavish knew her time had run out as she sneaked over and took a peek through the slit between the double doors leading to the dining room. An older looking black woman was kneeling next to the Hispanic man’s lifeless body. Her tear streaked face was a mask of misery as she alternated between sobbing and wailing for help. Before long, her cries caused a second man to enter the restaurant to see what was wrong. The woman begged the newcomer to call the police.

Now it was really time to go. If she stayed there in the kitchen, she was as good as caught. ‘Guess it’s going to be all or nothing.’ Rebecca thought as she swallowed hard and boldly shoved the rear door open. It clanged loudly off the brick wall beside the frame. She cringed at the sound, but took no time to look back into the building to see if she was being pursued.

A quick glance around the small service alley revealed only one exit about two hundred feet to her left. Turning towards it, Rebecca took off running. She covered the two hundred feet in less time then she would have believed possible, slowing down only as she came to where it met the street.

The harried new girl rounded the corner and did her best to melt into the crowded side walk. As she made her way north along the bustling city street, she continually noticed passersby staring at her. Rebecca averted her eyes and looked downward as she went. She knew she was a mess but there was nothing she could do to change that at the moment.

After a couple blocks she passed by a large store front window. Taking advantage of the chance to look herself over, she glanced up as she continued to walk by and almost tripped over her own feet as she caught a glimpse of her reflection. Up until this point she hadn’t seen just how bad she looked. Her clothes, which she initially thought looked like someone had spilled ketchup on them, were stained and saturated dark brown with what could only be blood. ‘No wonder everyone’s staring.’ she thought nervously.

McTavish was so absorbed in her dismay at the makeshift reflection that she failed to register the sound of a police siren moving ever closer with each passing second until it was almost on top of her. She snapped her head in the direction of the sound, just in time to see two New York police cars zip by. Eyes following the cars, Rebecca prayed that they would keep moving until they were out of sight. However much to her consternation, the pair of patrol cars screeched to stop just down the block in front of the restaurant she had just escaped from.

Taking no time to come up with even a rudimentary plan of action, the blood stained new woman fled blindly up the street. She had no other intention than to put as much distance as possible between herself and the police. Rebecca pushed and shoved her way though the crowd, making a bigger spectacle of herself than the blood stains on her shirt ever would have. She stepped on toes and nearly knocked an elderly gentleman into oncoming traffic as she continually moved north in the vague direction of Central Park.

Later, as police questioned witnesses in the area, most would recall the dark haired woman fleeing as though the hounds of hell were at her heels through the crowd. Though none would be able to accurately describe her in any real detail, their testimony, combined with the finger prints they found all over the crime scene would be enough to put the police on her trail before the day was over.

After several blocks, Rebecca was forced to stop her frenzied flight. The burst of adrenaline that had helped propel her was depleted. Her legs felt only slightly lighter than the average Olympic power lifters bar bell. Her last few stumbling steps brought her to the mouth of another small alley way between a pair of rundown looking buildings.

Ducking into it, she bent over and put her hands on her knees. For the first time she noticed the weight of the new breasts on her chest as they heaved up and down while she tried to catch her breath. Up to this point, she hadn’t really had any time to take inventory of her new body and the new sensations that accompanied it. Now, however, wasn’t the best time to delve into either, so she pushed the strange feeling out of her mind and stood up straight, trying to ignore the way they jiggled slightly as she did so.

As her breathing began to slow, McTavish felt a familiar rumble under her feet. The feeling brought a small smile to her face as she lifted her head and looked out of the mouth of the alley. After a moment Rebecca spied what she was searching for. Salvation, in the form of a subway platform entrance, stood directly across the street from where she stood recuperating.

Even with no clue as to which train line it was that ran to this part of the city, the train station was still a much welcomed sight. The continual deluge of travelers moving in and out of the entrance was even more welcome. With all those passengers milling around she would have a better chance of sneaking onto the platform unnoticed. As with all kids growing up in the city, she had learned as a youngster, how to ride the train for free, through various methods of getting around the fare collecting turnstiles.

Slowly, attempting to look casual, McTavish walked across the busy city street and down the long flight of brick stairs into the subway entrance. She stood at the back of the fare collection area and waited patiently as she had been taught by her childhood best friend, Arnie Franks, all those years ago. The telltale rumble of an inbound train caused the rush of people to the turnstiles she had been waiting for.

As the harried crush of humanity pushed forward, Rebecca melded into the crowd and allowed herself to be swept along to the fare collection point. Arriving at the turnstile, she pressed her body against the long brown haired man in front of her, allowing both of them to pass though at the same time, with no one the wiser.

Just as a satisfied smile began to form on her lips the young gentleman she had followed stopped abruptly in front of her and looked up at the large over head subway map. Rebecca, distracted by her own worries, walked right onto him, knocking the armful of papers he had been carrying to the floor. “I … I’m sorry” she stuttered “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s OK, ma’am. “I shouldn’t have stopped right in the middle of traffic like that either. Are you OK?” he asked looking at the stains on the front of her shirt.

“Yes thank you I’m fine. I had a little bit of an accident with a ketchup bottle.” Rebecca lied, hoping he would buy the story. The young man raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. Instead, he simply bent over and began to collect his small pile of belongings off the floor. McTavish wanted nothing more than to get moving again, but felt compelled to help.

She bent over and began to collect a few of his items when he asked “Could you grab my wallet for me?” he asked. “It’s right next to your foot.”

Reaching between her legs, she picked up the young mans bill fold. It had landed on the floor, wide open, with his driver’s license sitting face up. Rebecca unconsciously glanced at it before handing it back to him.

“Kansas huh? You’re along way from home.” she said, and then mentally chastised herself for prolonging their conversation.

“I’m heading home in a few days. This is my first trip back here.”

“Well that looks like everything,” she told him, taking a last look around. “I hope you have a safe trip home.”

“Thank you for your help,…,ahh,…”

“Ummm … Rebecca.” she said impatiently

“Nice to meet you. My name is Rick, by the way.”

“Likewise. Look, I really need to get going here.”

“OK. Thank you for your help, Rebecca, and sorry about the sudden stop again,” He half yelled to her as she moved off into the crowd and continued her trek to the train platform.

Rebecca descended the final set of stairs to the train platform. She drifted as far as she could from the thirty or so people who were waiting patiently for the next train’s arrival. Her eyes kept a nervous lookout for any subway police that might be looking for her, but none materialized. After about five minutes the train arrived. With a small sense of relief Rebecca boarded it and began her trek back towards home.

It never once occurred to Rebecca McTavish that the entire time since she had left the makeshift hospital, she was infecting everyone that came in contact with her. From the moment she entered the crowd on the side walk at the end of the restaurants’ service way and continuing through her flight along 29th street and into the train station. McTavish had been exhaling massive quantities of the virus into the air at a rate of almost thirty times a minute. Rebecca was now a latter day Typhoid Mary, spreading the disease from her, then though her surrogates, to all corners of the city.

In the days and weeks to come every major city in the country and soon there after the world would come to face the same problem that was now making it’s way though the New York subway system. Acidalia knew no national boundaries, made no distinction between race and social class, not even sex had any bearing on it. It simply spread from one victim to the next, until it put to doubt the very ability of our species to survive.

As she stood in the crowded car, McTavish looked at the rail system map that hung over the door. To her delight, Rebecca saw it went all the way uptown to Penn Station. From that part of the city, she would be a mere ten or twelve blocks, no more then half an hour’s walk, from home. She smiled brightly at the thought of finally being back in her apartment, of taking a long luxurious bath and even exploring this new body, but most of all, sleeping in her own bed.

*****************

Now:

Spending some quality time lost amongst the sheets and blankets of her soft comfortable bed; that had been her ultimate goal at that moment in time. It had seemed to her that if she managed to get through the night in that bed in her room, that everything would be fine the next day. Rebecca sighed in disgust with how delusional that thought seemed now. Little did she realize at that point, that the worst part of the day hadn’t even arrived. No, there were much bigger surprises to come. Between the police, and Ronald’s family, there were much darker times ahead indeed.

****************

Wednesday July 26 Reynolds:

Thomas Logan felt her self slowly swimming back to coconsciousness. Her eyes flittered open and stung as they tried to adjust to the lights shining brightly above her head. She could feel the cold stainless steel surface of what she instinctively knew was an examination table on the skin of her back and the biting of the restraints on her wrists. “Where … where am I?” she asked no one in particular, as she shook her head in an effort to clear the drug induced cob webs from it.

“You’re in examination room six. Now please try to keep still,” she heard someone say. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t remember who it belonged to. The sedatives that had been constantly pumped into her body for the last few weeks, were still working their way out of her system, and making it hard to focus. “Tell me, can you feel this?” she heard the voice ask.

Thomas felt a small uncomfortable tug way down low, in a spot she certainly wasn’t expecting. “Yeah, I can f … feel it. W … What the hell do you think you’re doing down there?” she asked trying to be alarmed, but still unable to generate much in the way of emotion. The doctor, working behind a large green operating room sheet, looked up for a moment, but gave no reply.

His head disappeared back behind the sheet and a few seconds later Thomas felt something sliding up inside of her. The unfamiliar sensation made her wiggle uncomfortably. “Please try to stay still. This will only take a few moments,” the doctor’s voice told her.

Thomas did her best to as she was instructed. A rush of what felt like warm water filled her bladder area, raising a bit of an alarm inside her. The level of her discomfort rose so high as she felt something dripping down the inside of her thigh and the top of her buttocks, that even the drugs couldn’t suppress it any longer. “What the fuck are you doing?” the suddenly panicked new woman screamed.

“Shhh Thomas Shhh. It’s OK. Dr. Foster is all set now. Please try to relax and be still. Stress or movement can inhibit the bonding process.” Dr. Stanley’s told her.

“Bonding? What the hell are you talking about? What the fuck have you done to me?”

“Thomas my dear, if you don’t stay still and calm down I’m going to have to sedate you again, and that could have adverse effects on the baby’s development.”

“Baby? What fucking baby? God damn it! I want to know what the fuck’s going on here!” Thomas hollered as she strained against the tables restraints.

Dr. Stanley nodded at Dr. Foster. Foster picked a small syringe filled with an amber colored liquid and stuck the small needle into Thomas’ IV line.

“We’re conducting an experiment” Dr. Stanley said as Foster pushed the plunger on the syringe. “We’ve harvested a few of your eggs while you were … incapacitated and had them fertilized by donor sperm as part of a military sanctioned experiment designed to see if male fetus’ are effected by the virus while in utero.”

“In your case, we also want to see if your genetic enhancements can be inherited by any offspring you may have, or if the mutations are limited to you. As a precaution, we implanted them back into you, in case the baby proves to be more enhanced than a lesser subject could safely carry to term. So I guess that maybe congratulations are going to be in order, Thomas. You’re going to be a mother.”

Logan’s eyes popped open in shock but before the full horror of what she heard just been told could set in, Thomas felt the burn of the tranquilizer in her arm. “W … why are you doing this to ussssssssss…?” she asked, but drifted off to sleep again before any answer could be given.

Dr. Stanley shook her head in disgust. Who was Logan to be questioning anything Paula wanted to do? She had full support to do what ever she deemed necessary to help find a cure for the virus, and if she managed to unlock the secret to its ability to enhance the human genetic structure, all the better for everyone.

“Keep an eye on the dosages we use. I don’t want the drugs affecting fetal development. I want to know once you’ve confirmed we have a successful insemination.” Paula ordered before she turned to leave the examination room.

*********************

Oakland Police Headquarters Thursday July 27 6:45pm PDT:

Vera Lynne sat in the interrogation room alone, as she had been for nearly an hour now, trying with all her might to fight back tears of shame. Her disgust and humiliation were etched on her face and could be easily seen by any that cared to look. She stated sullenly at the clock that silently counted off the minutes of her imprisonment as her mind once again wandered back over the circumstances that had brought her here.

There was no doubt that her own stupidity and bullheadedness were to blame for her current problems. She had once again picked an argument with Nicole and been over ruled yet again by Ellie. She couldn’t stand the tall redheaded new woman or her closeness to El. To make matters worse, the leader of the Sisters always came down on the redhead’s side each and every time Vera and Nicole disagreed. This time though, she had to admit they had been right in their warnings.

There had been a meeting between Nicole and the rest of Ellie’s inner circle two days ago:

“It has come to our attention that the San Francisco police, in conjunction with the military and several other government agencies, have decided that our group poses too large a threat to their internment program, to be ignored. They have made stopping us from offering haven to Acidalia victims, their top priority.” Nicole told the assemblage.

“Why are they so hot after us? Don’t they have enough to do with all these terrorist attacks on their clinics and such?” Roberta asked.

“I can only assume our flyers are what caught their attention.” Nicole replied. “But whatever their reasons, the fact remains that we are now considered a threat to them and they want our activities stopped. So until further notice, Ellie and I think it’s best if anyone with direct knowledge of the warehouse’s location, be restricted from going on clinic trips. That way it will minimize the risk of the authorities finding our base of operation until such a time that we are ready to confront them on our terms.”

“Why should we have to hide? We are doing God’s work here. That’s what El told us. We need to continue to do his work and help those that need us!” Vera said heatedly.

“I agree that we are doing God’s work but we are not strong enough as a group to take on the entire government yet.”

“Well I don’t care what you say, you’re not keeping me cooped up here like a prisoner,” Vera said angrily.

“Vera, this is Ell’s decision. If you have a problem with it, you’re going to need to talk to her about it. In the meantime, you need to stay here. There are plenty of new recruits that can take care of the clinic trips. The newer members don’t have the intimate knowledge of our overall plans that someone like yourself would.” Nicole tried to explain.

Vera had stormed off in a huff without as much as a reply to what Nicole told her. She hated Nicole, and there was no way she was going to let the tall redhead tell her anything. She was so angry that she barely realized where she was when she arrived outside of Ellie’s door. Knocking she said “Ell? Can I come in?”

“Of course, Vera.” Ellie replied.

Vera stepped into the small office that was Ellie’s room. The diminutive woman was sitting behind a makeshift desk reading something on a paper in front of her. As always when she was in the presence of this woman, Vera felt a strange peace settle over her. Many of the others had mentioned feeling the same thing around Ellie. Her presence was one of the things that kept the very large and growing group of Sisters together. “What can I do for you?” the sandy blonde haired woman asked.

“Nicole just got through telling us that we couldn’t leave the warehouse. That we were to stay here and hide, instead of doing God’s work like you tell us we are here to do. I think it’s time we cut her loose. Her head is getting a little bit too big for my taste. And I’m not the only one that’s sick of her trying to tell the rest of what to do,” Vera blurted out.

“Vera, the decision to restrict our activities was mine. I had something to attend to, so I asked her to pass the word on for me.” Ellie replied calmly. “Vera hun, may I make a suggestion to you?”

“Of course, Ell. You never need to ask my permission. I’m always here for you for what ever you need me to do.”

“Yes I know and I appreciate that about you. However, I think you need to take a step back from yourself and reevaluate how you react to Nicole. I think you are so blinded by your dislike for her, that it is clouding your judgment. Nicole is not your enemy, or any kind of a threat to you.”

Vera’s had face turned almost purple with embarrassment at Ellie’s quite accurate description of the situation that existed between Vera and Nicole. Despite knowing Ellie was right, she needed to back off from her private war with the redhead, but she just couldn’t admit it to herself at that moment.

The short fat woman’s jealousy and hatred of Nicole overrode the common sense of Ell’s argument. Vera was determined that no matter what, if it came from Nicole, there was no way she was going to listen. When the opportunity go on a trip to a clinic had come up this morning, Vera had pushed her way into the van that was heading to the Oakland testing site.

Much to her and the rest of the group’s chagrin, the FBI and the local police had been keeping an eye on the facility, and had rained down on the Sisters almost as soon as they had arrived. They had managed to apprehend all ten of them that had been in the van by simply arresting every woman in the area. It was a disaster of epic proportions.

Upon arrival at the police station, each was forced to submit to Acidalia testing. Those that had tested positive had been fingerprinted and booked like any other criminal, though they were never informed of what charges were being brought against them. The way the police had simply disregarded standard prisoner rights, and the procedures that accompanied them had appalled the lawyer in her.

After the booking was complete, each new woman was taken to separate interrogation rooms and left to sit alone in a room to stew over their situation. It wasn’t easy to just wait for them to come to her, but there really wasn’t anything Vera could do to hurry them up. Her silent wondering about how long they were going to force her to wait became moot with the click of the doors lock being disengaged.

“Well it’s nice to see no matter what else this damn bug does to you people, it doesn’t change your finger prints,” the tall black woman, announced she took a seat across the table from Vera. “My name is Lieutenant Jorga Banks and according to your fingerprints you are, or were, Mr. Vernon Lynne, attorney at law. Our records, which are obviously wrong, indicate you are currently interned at the Dillon quarantine, Mr. Lynne. Or do you prefer Ms. now? Anyhow, care to tell us how you wound up here in my police station, instead of being locked up there like you’re supposed to be?”

Vera cleared her throat and stated simply, “I want a lawyer.”

“You a member of the group that calls themselves the Sisters of Acidalia, are you not? Are they the ones that freed you? Where is their current base of operations? If you work with us, this whole situation will go a lot easier for you,” Banks continued as if she hadn’t heard what Vera said.

“I want a lawyer.” Vera repeated, knowing she still wasn’t going to get one, but wanting the detective to at least acknowledge her request.

“Mr. Vernon, are you familiar with the law that went into effect on the first of this month?” Banks asked in an annoyed tone. “It says that any unregistered Acidalia infectee is to be considered the highest level threat to public safety there is. What that means to you, essentially is that you have no rights anymore. No lawyers need to be involved because there will never be any kind of trial for you. I could shoot you right here and now, just for being out of quarantine and no one would ever question me.”

A look of surprise at the bluntness of Lieutenant’s words crossed Vera’s face, betraying her nervousness. With a great effort, the short fat new woman forced the look off her, face but it was too late. Banks had seen it, and was ready to pounce on the small chink in her mental armor it exposed.

“I see that got your attention.” Banks said gloatingly. “Good. Now I don’t want to shoot you. I don’t even want to be in the same room with you, to be honest, but my options are limited here. I could send you to the quarantine we just had set up at San Quinton. Since all the prisoners have become infected there anyhow, the government has given us permission to use it for virus quarantine, but you probably know all about that don’t you?”

Vera’s mouth went dry at the mention of the San Quinton quarantine. In the short time it had existed, the former prison had already gained the reputation of being second only to Reynolds as a place no one wanted to be sent. Rumor had it that the conditions there were horrendous. Stories of brutal rapes by the guards and torture with in its high razor wire topped stone walls were common place. There was no doubt in Vera’s mind that she wouldn’t last ten minutes there and worst of all she could see that Banks knew that’s exactly what she was thinking.

“I’ll tell you Vernon, I’m very inclined to send you there. I think you’d fit right in. They’d love that flabby butt of yours there I’d bet. Yeah I think that’s the idea. I’ll let my captain know that he needs to have them send a transport for you and the rest of your little crew. That is unless you agree to help us with this little problem we’re having.”

Vera tried to swallow but found her mouth to be too dry. Horsley she asked “What do you want me to do?”

“There are some people from the military that want to speak to you. They have an offer for you that I think you should listen too. They are going to make you an offer that will keep you and your friends out of San Quinton. So do yourself a favor and take my advice on this. Whatever they ask you to do, agree to it.” Banks said menacingly her as she got up and walked out of the room.

Vera was left alone again. She was reasonably sure she knew what they were going to ask her to do. There was no way she was going to be able to betray Ellie, but she was scared to death of being sent to San Quentin. The stress over what she was going to do began to make her feel sick. Was her freedom and safety more important to her than Ellie’s? What kind of person would that make her if it was?

Vera was just working herself into a real nervous frenzy when a tall light skinned man wearing an Army issue viral suit and a dark haired woman dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a grey tee shirt that said CDC in small letters just above her left breast entered the room. “Mr. Lynne? My name is Lieutenant Colonel Tyler. I am the second in command in this area in the Acidalia containment effort. Officer Banks tells me you wish to cooperate with us.”

“I told her I would listen to what you had to say but that’s all I’ve committed to at this point.” Vera said in a cool voice that surprised her.

“Of course … I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mia Blue, formally of CDC.” Mia nodded at Vera but said nothing.

“I’ve seen her before … on TV.” Vera acknowledged.

“As have most. Anyhow we want you vouch for Dr. Blue’s admission into the Sisters.”

“Why?”

“Does it really matter? We want her there and you are the one we want to get her in…end of story. If you decide not to help us, I’ll have officer Banks get you a spot on the next transport to Reynolds or San Quentin. It’s up to you really.”

“What happens to me once you get what you want?”

“Once Dr. Blue’s mission is completed we promise to place you in either the quarantine at Montpelier or Roanoke. Those are two of the best run facilities currently under operation. Does that sound like an acceptable deal to you?”

“What about the others that were arrested with me?”

“That’s not really any if your concern I’d say. The choice for you is simple, help us and we help you, refuse and it’s best of luck to you. It’s entirely your decision. I would suggest that you choose quickly however. The Oakland police may decide that they don’t want to allow you to help us if you take too long.”

Vera looked miserably at Tyler and Mia. She couldn’t fathom betraying El, but they weren’t giving her any real choice in the matter. One way or another they were going to get this doctor inside the Sisters, she understood that. Perhaps if she was there when the time came she would be able to get Ellie out of there before they caught her. If she was in quarantine there would be no way what-so-ever for her to help. That last thought made her decision for her. Looking up at the military officer she said, “Fine I’ll do what you ask.”

*************************

In the hallway outside the interrogation room Mia looked on as Tyler stripped out of the viral suit. Being that there were no decontamination rooms in the station the Lt Colonel figured that was as good a spot as any. As each piece of the suit was removed it was placed into a thick red plastic biohazard bag, which was then placed in another then taken away for disposal.

“How do you know she won’t just tell the others that I’m a spy as soon as we get there? For that matter, why do you even need me to go inside now? Wouldn’t it be just as easy to make her tell you where they’re located and just go there to arrest everyone?” Mia asked.

“We could do that, but the Colonel wants them to stay in business for a while to help flush out any plague victims that might manage to slip through the cracks. Meanwhile you’ll be telling us where they will be and we cherry pick who it is we want to arrest and at what time until we’re ready to take them down for good. If they decide to go underground you will be there to tell us where they are. So we’ll get them either way.

As for how we know Mr. Lynne won’t betray you to the groups leaders…well just leave that to us. We’ll make sure he has the proper motivation to keep your secret.” Tyler informed her. “Now I would suggest you get your things. Mr. Lynne will be ready to go in about an hour.”

Mia nodded her head and began to walk down the hall when Tyler added “And doctor, don’t you forget what’s at stake if you decide to betray us.”

Mia looked at him with impotent fury written all over her face. “How could I possibly forget your holding my daughter and grand daughter hostage?”

“So long as you remember what the consequences will be if you have a change of heart. Now get yourself ready to move out.”

*******************

KLTR 11pm news:

Good evening San Francisco this is what’s happening tonight:

President Fuller held a press conference this afternoon to answer questions about the video that was released allegedly showing the horrendous conditions that exist for those living in the Reynolds Quarantine Facility. The video, for those of you that have not seen it, shows massively over crowded conditions, an infirmary chock full of patients, some who looked beaten and bruised and a laundry full of ragged, bloody clothes among a myriad of other violations of basic human rights.

The footage caused an immediate out cry of disgust and revulsion from ACLU and several other human rights groups. ACLU chairman Robert Fellows was quoted as saying “No one should be forced to live in the conditions shown on the video. It is appalling that something like this could be allowed to happen in this great country of ours. The fact that none of the residents of the facility have been convicted of a crime only makes the footage that much more damning.”

The President, during a brief statement before taking questions, promised swift action. As proof of his commitment to this pledge he went on to announce the formation of two separate committees to deal with the situation.

The first, to be headed by Vice President William Fielding, will be tasked with over seeing all quarantines in the country. Its primary responsibility will be to create a set of basic standards for inmate care going forward, and a system of penalties for noncompliance.

The second committee will be headed by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Holland Roma. Justice Roma will be charged with investigating the actual conditions the video tape has shown. It will be his committee that will determine if living conditions are truly as bad as the tape would suggest and recommend charges for anyone determined responsible to the Attorney General for prosecution.

President Fuller did however emphasize that at this time there was no direct evidence that any laws had been broken or any way to verify that the tape was actually taken inside the facility until the investigation was complete. The President was quoted as saying “Until Justice Roma’s committee comes up with some kind of hard evidence that the scenes are indicative of the conditions inside the Reynolds Facility, I will refrain from commenting on any changes that may need to be made there. However I can announce that top CDC virologist Dr. Paula Stanley has been named as the new head of the quarantine. Dr. Stanley replaces outgoing Director Major Craig Brady, who is stepping down for health reasons. I want to make it clear this change has northing to do with the video and has been in the works for some time.”

Dr. Stanley, a world renowned scientist and one of the first members of the CDC task force to arrive in the Bay area after the initial out break of the Acidalia virus, is a well respected member of both the scientific and medical communities. She has received several citations of merit and was nominated for the Noble prize in science for her work on the AIDS virus in 1997.

In other news: The Pacific Fleet took a major blow this afternoon as the Air Craft Carrier USS Ronald Regan was run aground in Puget Sound. The carrier was struck by a torpedo at approximately 3 o-clock Pacific daylight time. The weapon, launched by a French submarine disabled the huge ships rudder system, effective destroying its ability to change course. The mighty vessel was then left to the whims of tide and wind which eventually caused it to drift into the shallower waters inside the Sound and eventually winding up stranded on a series of sandbars.

All attempts to dislodge and drag the carrier into deeper waters have been hampered by the presence of an unknown number of Russian and Chinese submarines that are paroling the sound and preventing any rescue vessels from getting near the stranded ship.

U.N. Secretary General Mushin Mosbard in a statement on the stranding today was quick to point out that all US Navy personnel were allowed to be removed from the stranded ship. He also went on to say that as soon as the United States agreed to the cessation of all hostilities and submitted to the security councils demands, the recovery of the carrier would be allowed to commence.

White house press secretary Kerry Enrich responded to the statement by saying that the United States would never give up its sovereign right to govern itself and cede control of it’s citizens future to an organization only interested in reducing our country’s place on the world stage.

In other Washington news, preparations continue for the commencement of the trial of Dr. Carla Ryson that’s scheduled to begin at 9am eastern time this coming Monday. The doctor, as you will probably remember, has been accused of crimes against humanity. It is the government’s contention that Dr. Ryson was responsible for the release the Acidalia virus into the general population.

FBI and Secret service have planned to completely shut down all traffic in a five block area surrounding the Federal Court House. Removable barricades have been brought in and will be placed across the streets along the security perimeter during the times when the trail is in session. Washington D.C. Mayor Julian Morison has publicly questioned the need for these extreme measures, but according to sources, the Mayor has received no response from the federal government.

~~~~~~~

“You know, why don’t they just tell us where the agents will be stationed and what their sightlines will be like while they’re at it?”

“That cocky attitude of yours is going to get you into trouble one of these days, Philip.” Gail said, a huge satisfied smile on her face as she continued to work the ropes that held her to the chair they had placed her in upon her arrival in the room.

“Just sit there and shut the fuck up will you?!” Philip snapped back. “Christ do we really need this bitch? There’s got to be someone else we can pin this shit on.”

“Philip, we’ve been over this a thousand times … The big guy wants her to take the blame so yes, we need her. End of story.” Randy told the rotund terrorist. “Now if we could get back to work here, there are a lot of details we need to iron out.

Now I’d say we need to set up surveillance at these points to start with. I think they would be the ideal … Gail’s mind began to drift off as Randy droned on. She supposed she should be paying attention, even if she wasn’t sure why they even bothered to have her involved in their little meeting considering she was a prisoner not a coconspirator. Either way the specifics of their plan to take the doctor did really matter. She had one purpose in this little undertaking; she was here to be blamed and it pissed her off something fierce.

She wanted to kill Dr. Ryson. She would love to kill her. She was even looking forward to doing it, in some small way. So doing that part of what they wanted wasn’t the issue. Her problem was with having to do it for these people who had put her and her friends out in the streets. Of course being kidnapped and dragged back to the safe house hadn’t made her day either.

***********

The first few days out on the streets of San Francisco with little in the way of money had been tough. The four of them had wandered the city looking for food and a place to stay. After spending a few nights sleeping outside in parks and alleyways, they had lucked out and managed to get into a woman’s shelter.

For the first few weeks, everything had been fine, and there had actually been some hope that they would find a place to stay and wait for the epidemic to run its course. No more blowing up clinics, no more shooting doctors, just hunker down for the storm. It all seemed possible.

That is, until a week ago, when the Summers sisters began to get sick again. At first, it had just seemed like just another relapse. That had happened before. However it soon became apparent that things were different this time. Instead of returning to good health within a day or so as they had every other time, the girls continued to become more and more ill every day, until this morning they had been practically a flame with fever.

The shelter’s director, Mr. Hammond had come upon the two girls lying on their bunks long after the time they were expected to be out for the day, pale as sheets, in the midst of a fever induced delirium. Out of concern for their health and shelter protocol, Hammond had called the paramedics to come look at the sisters. When Gail and Yvonne returned to the main room they found the room filled with emergency response personnel.

“Oh Shit! What the fuck is this?” Gail wondered as she came around the corner from the women’s shower room and took in the scene. “Oh Christ! The girls!” She grabbed Yvonne’s arm and pressed the two of them up against the wall, silently cursing her self for leaving Alexis and Sandra alone while she and Yvonne went off to get some cold water for compresses.

“What’s going on?” Yvonne asked.

“Look for yourself,” Gail replied, allowing Yvonne to poke her head around the corner.

“Oh no! What are we going to do?” Yvonne asked as she looked the scene over.

“I have no idea. For now, we’ll just have to watch what’s going on and wait for an opportunity to get those two out of here.”

She and Yvonne stepped back around the corner and intently watched the medical professionals work. They seemed to be doing their best to determine what was wrong with the girls. They ran test after test, checked all their vital signs and constantly relayed their findings via radio to a doctor at some hospital, but Gail didn’t catch which one.

As her mind raced over the possibilities, Gail heard one of the paramedics suddenly announce that the two women were both Acidalia positive. You could have heard a pin drop in the shelter after the pronouncement. The two that had been attending the Summers, immediately took several steps back from the sick women. All attempts to help them were stopped. “Someone call the Health Department!” Gail heard someone in the small group say.

“Gail, what are we going to do?” Yvonne whispered.

“What can we do? They know they’re infected. If you try to help them, they’ll force you to be tested, too, and then I’ll have three friends I can’t help.” Gail answered with resignation.

“But we can’t just let them be taken to quarantine.”

“I know, Yvonne, but what do you want me to do? I mean, if you have a plan of some kind, then tell me, cause hun, I’m fresh out of ideas here.” Yvonne looked at Gail helplessly but said nothing. “If it makes you feel any better, the doctors at the quarantine will have to help them, so there’s a chance they might make it if they go there.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” Yvonne said flatly.

“Me either,” Gail agreed as she watched the small crowd mill around while they waited for the health department to arrive. She was acutely aware that time was running out for them to escape. If they stayed much longer, they were likely to be caught as well. The sisters had been caught. That, coupled with the fact that the cops would lock the shelter down tight once they arrived, made getting out as soon as possible their highest priority. Now she just needed to convince Yvonne of that.

Turning to face Yvonne Gail said “OK, Sweets. Time to make a decision. The girls are busted, there’s no way we can help them now. Either we get the hell out of here, or we wait and get caught along with them, eventually. What’s it gonna be? The choice is yours.”

Before Yvonne could answer, the sound of shouting made the two women look back at where the Summers girls were lying. A policeman there was screaming about having kids and a wife and how unfair it was that he was now infected with the virus because of trying to help the sisters. One of the Paramedics and the shelters director tried to calm the hysterical man down, but he would have none of it.

“They stole my life! They stole my family!” he screamed, pulling his revolver out of its holster.

“My god, Gail what is he doing?” Yvonne asked in an alarmed whisper.

Gail just stood transfixed by the scene unfolding before her, unable to answer her friend’s question. She quietly prayed the cop was just going to take his own life, but something deep inside told her that there was no way this man was going to die alone. Director Hammond and now both paramedics continued to try to calm the officer down as the rest of the small group of bystanders dove for cover.

“Bob” she heard the taller medical worker say. “There’s no guarantee that you’ve been infected. We don’t even know that they are in a contagious phase right now. Now why don’t you just calm down and put your gun away? You’re scaring the hell out of everyone else here, man.”

“No guarantee? No guarantee? What the fuck is that supposed to mean? That I might not get it? Fuck that, Jimmy! You’ve read the same infection reports I have, so don’t feed me that bull shit! They’ve all but killed us!”

“Bob that’s not …”

“Shut the fuck up!!!!!!!!!!!!” the policeman screamed. Running a nervous hand through his hair, he looked down at Alexis and Sandra.

The two paramedics must have thought the cop was distracted enough as they rushed the distraught man. That idea proved to be completely wrong. Before they moved more than two feet, the officer swung his gun in their direction.

“What the fuck are you two doing?” Bob screamed as he opened fire. His two would be attackers dove for the floor, narrowly avoiding being shot. Before they had even stopped sliding the officer spun to his right and with two quick pulls of the trigger, put an end to the Summers sisters suffering.

Their infected blood sprayed out, landing all over the hysterical cop, both paramedics and Hammond. The four men stopped in their track as each one realized that there was now no hope that they weren’t infected. Bob, with a horror filled look, gazed down, wide eyed at his blood covered uniform. Before any of the others could move, the police officer turned the pistol on himself and squeezed the trigger.

Gail and Yvonne stood in stunned silence. They numbly watched the officer’s body fall to the floor, their mouths agape. Slowly they looked at the beds where the Summers girls had been laying, praying that they were somehow still alive. The blood pooling beneath the beds, gave lie to their hopes.

Gail howled “NO!”

The shocked group of onlookers barely noticed her cry as they continued to stare uncomprehendingly at the threesome of dead bodies. None of them spoke a word or moved an inch. They all just simply stared, as the wail of police sirens in the distance began to be heard.

Gail started to crumple to the floor as a steady stream of tears began to flow. Yvonne, her vision blurred bye her own moistening eyes held Gail up and began to pull her towards the back entrance of the shelter. Initially, Gail resisted, but Yvonne, who somehow managed to retain her wits despite the horror she had just witnessed, said, “There’s nothing more we can do here. Come on, hun. We need to get out of here before more police arrive.” Gail looked back at the girl’s beds for a moment before she numbly allowed herself to be led away.

The two former terrorists made their way out the back and across the small adjoining parking lot, just as what looked like the entire San Francisco Police department screeched to a halt on the street in front the building. With anguish written all over their faces, Yvonne and Gail darted away from the crowd that was beginning to gather in front of the shelter. Without stopping even long enough to glance back at the cops, the two women made their way through the onlookers and down the street, trying to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the crime scene.

After who knows how many minutes of walking later, they passed by a small park where several deserted benches formed a small semi circle around a large statue. Without a word between them, the two girls turned into the park and quietly took a seat on the bench furthest from the street. With no hope of being able to contain the emotional storms that raged within each of them, the two women clung together, offering what little comfort they could to one another.

After a bit, Gail pulled away from Yvonne’s still weeping form. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, Gail looked absently out at the street. She barely registered the dark colored Lincoln until it skidded to a stop in front of where the small park. Though the darkly tinted windows wouldn’t allow her to see inside the vehicle, she instinctively knew who it was.

The moment seemed to stretch on for eternity until the blaring of a horn from the green SUV behind the Lincoln. After another minute the Lincoln moved on slowly. Gail started to get to her feet, pulling Yvonne up as she went. “Come on, we need to get out of here.”

“Why? Are the police looking for us?” Yvonne asked as she looked around for a patrol car of some kind.

“No it’s worse; our friends seem to have found us.”

“Friends?” Yvonne asked uncomprehendingly.

“Yeah, you know … our friends. The ones from San Francisco.” Gail told her.

“Philip? Why would he be here? Why in the world would he be interested in us? He’s the one that made us leave, for Christ sake.”

“I don’t know why but I don’t want to find out either. What ever he wants can’t be good for us. Come on. Let’s get moving before they find a place to pull over.” she urged again.

The pair of grieving friends moved off towards the back of the small park hoping to get to the street that ran behind it, then lose themselves among whoever might be walking along it. As the day was bright and warm, there was good reason to assume that next block would be has crowded as the one they had been walking on originally.

They walked quickly across the block sized park towards the rear entrance. As their objective was coming within view, Gail saw the Lincoln parked in front of the arched rod iron gate. Two men she didn’t recognize stood next to it, watching the path into the park intently. Gail looked back over her shoulder to see if going back the way they had just come was a better idea. Spying Philip walking along with a blonde haired woman, she decided it wasn’t.

There was a small grove of trees over to her left. Gail grabbed Yvonne’s arm and pulled her that direction. About thirty feet short of the tree line, she heard, “Well there you are. Do you have any idea how long we’ve been looking for you?” from behind her.

The two girls continued to walk as if they hadn’t heard a word.

“Gail, Yvonne come on. I know you heard me, so just stop. I just want to talk to you. Besides, you’re not getting out of here unless I let you, so come on. Look around you. There’s nowhere for you to go.”

“Shit!” Gail cursed to herself, more than anyone else as she slowed to a stop. “Now that’s more like it,” she heard Philip saying from behind.

Yvonne and Gail turned, facing Philip and the woman with him that neither recognized. Both were pointing small pistols in their direction. “What are you going to do, Phil? Shoot us?” Yvonne asked sarcastically.

“Not unless you make me.” the terrorist replied, a hint of a smile on his face.

The look made Gail shake with anger. “What do you want? You told us to leave. Said we weren’t welcome and more. We didn’t have anyplace to go, but we still did what you said. So why don’t you just get the fuck out of here and leave us be?”

“Fraid that’s not gonna happen, my dear. I need the two of you to come with us … right now.”

“Go with you? Why the fuck would we want to do that? You think your guns are going to scare me? Go ahead, Philip. Shoot me! Let’s see if you really have the guts, cause I’m telling you, I don’t think you do. To be honest, right now, a bullet in the head might actually be a blessing!” Gail told him defiantly.

Philip smiled at his companion, Jenifer Watson,. “See? I told you she was a feisty one.” Turning his attention back to Gail and Yvonne he went on, “Look hun, I know you’d rather die than come with me, so I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. If you don’t get that lovely ass of yours headed towards my car right this second, I’m not going to shoot you. I’m going to shoot your friend, Yvonne there. After I do that, then I’m going to drag you into the car anyway. So you have a choice to make, come with me or watch another one of your friends die, right now.”

His reference to Sandy and Alexis deaths made Gail explode. Her recollections of what happened next were somewhat fuzzy and incomplete. She vaguely remembered hurling herself at the fat terrorist leader and sending him sprawling to the ground. She knew she had managed to get several shots in, from the bruises on Philips face she had seen. Then there was the sudden burst of pain in her skull, followed by waking up with a killer headache back here in Philip’s house.

Though they hadn’t come right out and said it, Philip and Randy had both intimated that Yvonne was being held somewhere to ensure Gail’s cooperation in their operation. Her demands to see Yvonne had fallen on deaf ears, so far, but she was determined to make sure her friend was in good health before she agreed to do anything for these people.

“Where is Yvonne? I want to see her!” Gail said out of nowhere. She was well aware her demands were beginning to grate on Philips nerves, and enjoyed every second of it.

“You’ll see her when you’ve done as you’re told, and not a moment before,” he replied dismissively.

“Look, you fat mother fucker. I’m not doing a damn thing for you until I make sure Yvonne is alive and unharmed.”

Randy looked at Philip, shrugging his shoulders. “Your call,” he told the ringleader.

“Shut the fuck up and do as you’re told, and your friend will be fine!” Philip told Gail as he walked over and grabbed at the gag that hung around loosely around her thin neck.

Gail did her best to bite Philip’s hand as he tried to get hold of the brightly colored bandana. However after several failed attempts, he called one of the other over to assist and Gail found herself silenced again.

“Ahh, so much better.” Philip said mockingly. “Now, since she won’t be interrupting us any more shall we finish this? I tell you, I dunno about the rest of you but I’d really like to get some sleep before we hit the road in the morning.” The rest of the gathered terrorists nodded in agreement as he returned to the table.

**********
Friday July 28 3:18am EDT Washington D.C. the White House:

“Mr. President? Sir, I need you to wake up. We have a situation that needs your attention.”

“Huh? What? What’s going on? What’s happened?” Fuller asked groggily as his eyes tried to focus in on the face of the person that had awakened him.

“It’s the pipeline, sir. We’ve just received a report that Canadian forces have made their way into our territory. They have overrun our forces and seized control of the pipeline just south of Glennallen, Alaska, and have cut of the flow of oil at that point.” Defense secretary Francis Blake informed him. “The military is waiting for your orders on how you want them to respond, sir.”

“How … how did they get so far into our territory without us knowing about it?”

“They had a massive air drop into the area Sir. Solar storms have been killing our satellite telemetry for the last few days. There was just no way for us to know, but that doesn’t change the fact that we need to do something right now sir.”

“How many troops do we have in that area? Can we retake the pipeline at that point without damaging it?”

“Yes Sir, I believe we can, but we need to act quickly before the Canadians have a chance to reinforce their position there.”

“What is General Alexander recommending?”

“Sir, the General has recommended we use everything within our means short of nukes to reclaim the area. He claims to have an action response plan ready to go and on the launching pad. He’s just awaiting your orders.”

“Tell him to go ahead with it then. Tell him we need the flow reestablished at all costs. Our very survival as a nation depends on it.”

“We’ll get it done, sir.”

“Make sure you do.”

“Yes sir, Mr. President.” Blake said as he walked out of the presidential bedroom.

The Secretary of Defense strode down the lavish hallway as quickly as decorum would allow, then made his way down the east stairway to the main foyer. As he entered, he saw General Alexander waiting, along with Chief of Staff Davis Carlyle. “What did he say?” Alexander asked skipping the pleasantries.

“The President said that we need to do whatever it takes to reclaim the pipe line. He’s given a go-ahead to the plan, General.”

Alexander looked stunned. “He did? Are you sure? Did you explain …”

“General, I told him everything he needed to know, and he agreed that it was the best option we had at the moment. His exact quote was, “Tell Alexander that we need the oil flow reestablished at any cost.”

“But did you tell …”

“General” Carlyle interrupted “the decision has been made. Your commander in chief has given the plan a green light. Now I suggest you get going and carry out his orders.”

Alexander looked sternly at the Chief of Staff. He had very little use for politicians in general, and even lees for those that weren’t associated with the military. “Is there a problem, General?” Blake asked.

“No sir. I’ll have the planes in the air with in the hour and I’ll make sure all our ground troops have their chemical warfare gear. We wouldn’t want our men dying, along with our enemies.” ‘If that’s what they really are.’ Alexander said to himself.

*******************

Horace, Kansas 9:22pm CDT:

Reverend Morris T. Manning looked down at the assembled congregation from his pulpit. He knew many of his flock didn’t agree with what he had suggested, though demanded would have been a better word, that they do with the tiny farm town’s first Acidalia victim. Manning knew despite their hesitancy, that most of his flock were good God fearing folk that would do as their Lord had commanded, and aid in the destruction of the infected devil.

The ones that opposed him, and by extension, God, didn’t matter. He knew that they would try to protect the Foley boy, but that would only bring them God’s wrath. He would let them go and do as they would, sure they would be dealt with at another time. No-one opposed God and went unpunished.

Three days ago, a young man by the name of Richard Foley had returned from a trip to New York City, a trip the Reverend had begged him not to take, for fear of the poor boy losing God’s way in the big city. The Reverend had always believed that the greater the number of sinners, as he called most outsiders, you were exposed to, the greater the chances of your being lured into a life of sin alongside them. He had prayed mightily for the boy’s soul while he was away, but his refusal to stay where God had put him, had brought a mighty punishment down on his head.

Richard, who claimed to have not been feeling very well for the last several days, had come down with a high fever a couple hours after his arrival back at his parent’s house. Ed and Silvia, his parents, had done what they could to treat the boy, but nothing had helped. Shortly after midnight that evening, the boy’s fever had spiked to over 103 degrees. Realizing their son needed more help than a bottle of aspirin could give him, they had called the town’s doctor to come look at Richard.

At first, Dr. Greg Samuels had been baffled at the boy’s condition. The elderly country doctor had never seen a person’s temperature jump so high in such a short time. After trying everything he could think of to reduce the boy’s temperature to no avail, he had recommended getting Richard into an ice bath.

“Couldn’t the shock of the cold kill him?” Ed Foley had asked.

“It might Ed, but I’ll tell you what I know for sure. If you don’t bring that fever down soon, he’ll die from it. His organs are going to start boiling if we don’t bring it down fast,” had been Samuels reply. “We need to do what we can to help him out while I make a few calls and see if anyone knows of what could be causing this.”

The Foley’s had done as the doctor told them. They put Richard, whose temperature had been nearing 105, into a tub filled with ice cold water. The delirious boy had howled and thrashed about at first. Ed had cried as he found himself forced to hold his only son in the tub.

After a while, the boy settled down. At first Ed and Silvia had been relieved, but it didn’t take long to realize that Richard was more than sleeping. He was so unresponsive that it looked like he had slipped into a kind of coma.

After a panic-stricken call to Dr. Samuels, the Foley’s placed a call to the Reverend, asking him to come pray for the boy’s safe recovery.

The Reverend had been in the house doing just that when Dr. Samuels had returned, looking as if he had seen a ghost. “What is it, Doc? What did you find out?” Silvia asked in an anguish filled voice.

“I … I don’t know how to tell you this … Ed, Silvia … I got in touch with a doctor over at the University Hospital over in Wichita. He told me that there was only one thing that could cause the kind of temperature spike we’ve seen, and the coma that followed it.”

“What is it, Doctor? What does the boy have?” Manning asked impatiently. The Reverend had little patience for people that, for whatever reason, stretched out stories unnecessarily and Dr. Samuels was well known for doing just that.

Samuels had given him an annoyed look, perhaps upset with the Reverend for spoiling the drama of the moment. “Dr. Grissom told me that the boy most likely has Acidalia, and that we need to keep him quarantined until we can get the state health people down here to take Richard to a facility. He also said that everyone that’s been in contact with him will need to be tested as soon as possible.”

“Acidalia? Oh my God, how can that be?” Silvia had squealed at the news.

“I’d bet he contracted it during his trip to New York. I told him not to go there, but he didn’t listen,” Manning said.

“Reverend, with all due respect, it doesn’t matter where he got it. It only matters that he has it. Now Dr. Grissom told me that Acidalia victims usually aren’t contagious during the transformation, so that give us a chance to …”

“What do you mean transformation? Transformation into what?” Ed had asked.

“Ed haven’t you been watching the news? Acidalia changes men into women. It’s truly a curse from God. Sent down from on high to punish the wicked among us.” Reverend Manning said, as if it was all proven fact. “We need to send him out of our community. Banish him as a sinner, before God thinks we are allied with him and metes out a similar punishment on the rest of us.”

“Banish …? Are we living in medieval times, Reverend? This boy is sick because he caught a virus, not because he’s done anything to offend God or anyone else. He got sick because he came in contact with someone that was infected and contagious,” Samuels argued.

“You mark my words, Doctor. This is a sign from God Almighty that he will punish the sinners. I need to go spread the word that there is a devil among us, and God has punished him. That way the others in our town will now repent before they are struck down as well.”

“Now wait one damn minute, Reverend! Who are you calling a devil?” Sylvia asked angrily.

Before Manning could answer, Samuels jumped in, saying “You can’t go telling everyone what’s happened here, man. Are you crazy? You’d be causing a panic. It would be akin to yelling fire in a movie theater.”

“The doc’s right, Reverend” Ed agreed. “You can’t go telling everyone in town about this. Think what you would do to my family, and my son? You need to promise that until the state health people get here, you’ll keep this just between us.”

“I’m sorry Ed, Silvia I know the two of you are right with God, and I will pray for your souls tonight, but I can’t keep this from my flock. They need to be told, and by God I will tell them!” Manning shouted.

“Reverend …” Samuels began

“No! I won’t hear another word out of you. As far as I’m concerned, this discussion is over. The people of this town will be informed of what’s happened and I will tell them what we need to do about it,” Manning announced as he gathered his bible and coat and walked out of the house.

As good as his word, Manning had spread the word through the entire town about what had happened. He had been rallying support for punishing the sick boy, as a way for the town to get back into God’s good graces. Strangely, there was more support for the Reverend than one would have thought, though that came as no surprise to Manning.

As the dark storm clouds of fear began to form over the town, Dr. Samuels and the sick boy’s parents did everything they could to coax the State health people into town to collect Richard and remove the threat before it became too late. However, the health agencies were too busy dealing with an outbreak in the Wichita area, originating oddly enough, with passengers on Richards flight, to be bothered with a single case in a remote town far away from any major population center, even though he was the patient zero they had been desperately seeking

With no help forthcoming from the state, and no way to deal with the problem locally, the seed of fear in the town began to grow into a small tree of panic. Manning did everything in his power to nurture the fears and help them along; all the while preaching that it was God’s will that the boy be punished. Though he claimed to have no other agenda other than doing God’s will, the manner in which he presented his argument began to turn a small portion of Horace’s population against him. Manning simple ignored those that disagreed with him and continued his campaign against Richard.

Now, looking down on those that had answered his call to a special meeting this evening, he knew that the Lord’s will would be done by the faithful assembled here. The rest were unimportant to him. He was sure their lack of faith would come back to haunt then in the end.

“I say to all of you who don’t see the Lords hand at work here, to all those who deny the evidence that God wants the Foley boy punished for his sins, go now! Leave this place and make way for the faithful. Make way for those unafraid to do as our Lord wants. Go now and never return to this place of worship, for you are now unworthy of God’s love!” Manning demanded.

He watched with great satisfaction as only a small handful of the townspeople got up and walked silently out of the church. He knew they would be heading directly to the Foley place to warn them of what was coming, but it didn’t matter. Reverend Manning knew God’s will, and was sure the Lord would bring victory to himself and those who followed him.

“Now, my faithful brothers and sisters, let us kneel down and pray to God to forgive those less faithful.”

The remains of the congregation did as instructed. The Reverend began a long rambling prayer to God that most would have found offensive, and been repulsed, but his growing cult of personality ate up his every word as if it was God himself speaking directly to them.

Once he was finished, they raised their heads, got up, put their coats on and began their march to the Foley house.

**********************

Confirmed cases: 100,231

Actual cases: 167,794

End part IX

Complete sentences and spelling corrections courtesy of Holly Logan.

Acidalia 10

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

TG Themes:

Age Regression

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia X
By: Amanda D.

Monday July 31 10:15am EDT:

Home! What a wonderful word. Just the sound of it was enough to send a small shiver through her. If there was a word that ever sounded as remotely as comforting, she had never heard it. Even now, all these weeks later, her eyes still welled up with tears at the memory of seeing her high rise apartment building that bright, sunny, cloudless Wednesday afternoon in mid July.

Her trip across the city had seemed at times like it was never going to end, but here she was at last.

Overwhelmed by the joy of being back in familiar territory, she had nearly sprinted into the building's lobby. The sun shimmering off the darkly tinted glass of the lobby door made her squint, as she climbed the three steps that lead to it. Pulling it open with a smile a mile wide plastered on her face she looked over at Mathew, the tall, bald, black hulk of a door man, sitting stoically behind his desk.

His rough, stone like features immediately turned to a look of disdain, as his eyes landed on her disheveled, blood stained and food splattered form. “May I help you … miss?” he asked cautiously as Rebecca walked up to the desk.

McTavish opened her mouth to respond. Before a sound came out, a mental picture of his response to her saying; “Hi Mathew, how are you today? It’s me, Mr. McTavish from penthouse two. I seem to have misplaced my keys. Any chance you could bring me up and let me in?” began to form in her mind and the picture wasn’t a pretty one either. It kept switching from him laughing hysterically to the doorman grabbing her by the collar and the waistband and tossing her out the door.

No, that approach definitely wasn’t going to work. She stood there in front of his small but immaculately kept wood topped desk silently watching him grow more and more impatient as she wracked her brain trying to think of something to say that would have him escorting her to the door two seconds after it came out of her mouth.

“Miss? Is there something I can help you with?” Mathew had asked again, unable, of perhaps unwilling to hide his annoyance with her lack of response to his question.

Rebecca knew the bums rush coming, very soon. The huge building employee stood up and began to round the desk. Seeing her time was completely up, Rebecca blurted out “I’d like to speak with Marie Martinez please.”

The question stopped Mathew in his rather large tracks. She could see him running through his mental Rolodex of the buildings residents trying to place the name.

Unknown to most of the buildings residents was that among the obvious physical reasons for hiring Mathew to guard against unwanted visitors, the property’s owner had chosen him for his uncanny ability to recall every detail of anything he read or experienced. It was quite a handy talent for someone in his profession and one that would cause Rebecca a lot of problems down the line.

“Mr. McTavish's house keeper?” he finally spouted out. “May I ask what you want to see her about?”

“It … it’s a personal matter," Rebecca said. Then, a bit more confidently she added, “Please call up to her and tell her that I have a message from Mr. McTavish please.”

“Why don’t you just leave the message here with me and I’ll see she gets it," the giant guard asked, not believing that a penthouse resident would have someone that looked the way Rebecca did delivering any kind of message to his house staff. Forget the fact no one had seen Mr. McTavish in days.

Rebecca understood the even though Mathew had posed it as a question, his statement was more along the lines of an order. Not wanting to get into a confrontation with the huge black man but desperate to talk to Marie she told him “I can’t. I have explicit instructions to deliver the message to Marie personally.”

“Instructions from Mr. McTavish I assume?” Mathew asked in a bit of a mocking tone. He came around the front of his desk and leaned against it. Arms folded and looking as intimidating as he could, he stared a hole into Rebecca, taking in every stain, every wrinkle, every bit of food stuck in her hair. He was convinced that she was some sort of street person here for no good purpose.

“I’m sorry miss…”

“Yes. Instructions from McTaa…” she began to say but let it die. There was no way he was buying what she was selling. She considered telling she was Ronald’s niece but realized that wasn’t going to fly either. She stood there dumbfounded, with no idea of how to get him to let her up into the house.

“Yes…anyhow miss, I’m going to have to insist that you leave a message and a number for Marie to get a hold of you at with me. You can trust me. I’ll see she gets it right away.”

Rebecca felt a rage building up inside of her, but it was an impotent one and she knew it. Mathew was just doing what he was paid to do, keep the riff-raff out of the building. While it infuriated her to admit it, she knew at the moment that if their places were reversed, she wouldn’t have let her into the building either.

Swallowing her anger -- and a good amount of pride along side of it -- she cleared her throat and asked for a piece of paper and a pen. Mathew reached behind him and produced the requested items. He watched her intently as she wrote one word on the paper then handed it back to him folded up.

Mathew unfolded the paper and read it. “Phoenix? That’s the whole message? No phone number or anything so she can get back to you?” he asked.

As corny as it sounded that was the code word he had worked out with both Marie and Charles so that they would know it was him in case anything had gone wrong and they needed proof he was who he claimed to be. At the time it had seemed unnecessary, even a bit silly to be completely honest but now it might just be the key to her salvation.

‘Does it look like I have access to a cell phone?’ she thought sarcastically but thought better of saying out loud. “Yes she’ll know what it means," Rebecca told him annoyed that he had looked at the note to begin with.

“Ok. I’ll make sure she gets it. Now I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Leave? But you haven’t given her the message yet. Why should I have to leave? She’s going to want to come see me once she gets it.”

Mathew rolled his eyes and stepped towards her. Putting a massive paw on her slim shoulder he said “I’ve asked you nicely to leave. Now if you don’t turn your ass around and walk out that door right this second, I’m going to toss you over my shoulder and carry you out. The choice is all yours.”

“But…” she began to protest again, but the serious look on his face made her realize there would be no persuading him. She would just have to hope he delivered her message as promised. In the mean time she would try to scrounge up enough change to call the penthouse from a pay phone.

It took her nearly an hour to scrape up the mere seventy five cents the pay phone required. Her circumstances were giving her a real taste of how the other side lived. Like most city dwellers, as Ronald, she had done everything she could to avoid the homeless and panhandlers that seemed to lurk around every corner. Like most she would go as far as crossing the street to avoid an encounter if she had thought it would help.

Now that she looked, and most likely smelled, like one of the street people that she had shied away from all her life, Rebecca found herself burning with shame over the life long defensive behavior. If she ever got out of this, she swore her first check would be written out to one of the many charities that worked with the homeless and the destitute.

After finally securing the money, along with a handful of suggestions on how she could earn it if she was so inclined (she wasn’t), McTavish went in search of a pay phone. This was a second issue she had never considered. The overwhelming abundance of cell phones, now, was causing the corner pay phone to become an extinct species, even here in the largest city in America. She wound up having to walk almost three blocks before finding one and another two before finding one in working order.

Dropping the required coins into the slot she dialed Ronald’s home phone number from memory. She had noticed that since her awakening that her memory seemed much sharper than it had in the last few years. Before her resurrection, she had been having issues with remembering numbers, addresses, even people's faces sometimes, but now things were crystal clear.

On the third ring Charles answered “McTavish residence, Charles speaking.”

“Charles? Oh thank god. Charles it’s me, Ronald.”

“Is it now? Your voice doesn’t sound like Mr. McTavish's?”

“Yeah, you don’t know the half of it. My voice and just about everything else has changed, but it’s still me. At least I think it is.”

“I see. If you are Mr. McTavish, then I believe you should have a way to prove yourself.”

“Yes, of course. Phoenix is the code word we arranged," Rebecca said excitedly.

“Yes, sir. That is the word we decided on. Or should I be saying miss now?”

“We’ll figure that out later Charles, right now I need your help getting upstairs. I was in the lobby an hour or so ago, and Mathew is doing his job overly well today. Not only wouldn’t he let me upstairs, he wouldn’t even call you or Marie for me," she said, a bit surprised by the odd pout in her voice.

“Are you down there now? I’ll come get you….”

“No. He tossed me out.”

“He did? Without so much as even calling us to verify your story? I’ll have to make sure he is spoken to about that one. However, first things first; let’s get you home. What’s your location? I’ll have Davies come pick you up and escort you up the garage elevator.”

“I’m at a pay phone about four blocks south of the apartment. In front of…” Rebecca looked over her shoulder to see the name of the store behind her. Smiling at the name she told him “the Hip Hop Smoke Shop at the corner of 28th Street and 7th Avenue.”

“28th and 7th,got it. I’ll have Davies there in about fifteen minutes to pick you up.”

"Thank you, Charles. I can’t tell you … how close to giving up … hope I’ve come today,” Rebecca told him, as tears of relief began to stream down her cheeks.

“No need to thank me, sir … err … I mean miss. Davies will be there shortly, and then we’ll get you home.”

Rebecca gave Charles a quick description of her new look and what she was wearing to pass on to Davies so he would know what to look for when he arrived. She reluctantly hung up the phone and waited impatiently for the car to arrive.

Though she knew it wasn’t, the wait seemed to stretch on for hours and hours as Rebecca tried to blend in with the other city dwellers that moved hurriedly in both directions on the side walk. She kept her face turned toward the store window in an effort to hide the huge stains on the front of her shirt. As she looked and even smiled at a few of the items on display, she continually checked over her shoulder for the approaching car.

Finally, she spotted Ronald’s white and blue stretched out Lincoln Town Car as it pulled up at the corner in front of where she waited. Davies short stubby form popped up out of the driver door. Looking right at Rebecca he said “Mr. McTavish?”

“I don’t think mister is going to work anymore to be honest, but yes, it’s me,” she told him with a huge grin plastered on her face.

Davies hurried around the car as quickly as his portly body could and opened the rear passenger’s door for Rebecca. “It so good to see you again sir … I mean miss.”

“Thank you Davies. It’s good to see you again too. And don’t worry about what to call me, it’s going to take us all quite some time to get used to all this.”

“You're not kidding on that one. If Charles hadn’t told me what to look for I never would have recognized you that’s for sure.” he replied tipping his hat at her. Without thinking Davies took her hand and helped the new woman into the back seat. Once she was situated, he bolted back around the car and hopped in behind the wheel.

Rebecca smiled as she settled into the luxurious interior of the spacious rear seat. She stretched out across the sofa sized cushions, enjoying the softness of the leather like never before. After everything she had been through since her awakening, any luxury felt a thousand times as nice as it ever had before. She had certainly learned a hard lesson of how the other half lived and was determined to never to forget what it felt like. From now on, she was going to do everything she could to make life easier for those forced to live on the hard streets of the city.

Though the ride back to the apartment was relatively short, it seemed to have taken an eternity. Rebecca remembered being only vaguely aware of the passing sites of the city as she stared out the rear window, completely lost in her own thoughts of relief and joy. The entire trip back to where she had lived as Ronald, though in reality only a few hours in duration, had seemed to take a lifetime. There was more than one moment that she had believed that she was never going to see the people that she loved again. Now, sitting in the back of the car as Davies expertly backed the large car into its assigned spot, the new woman felt tears of happiness rolling steadily down her cheeks.

‘Home at last!’ she thought with a large grin plastered to her face as Davies helped her out of the Lincoln.

“It’s good to be home isn’t it si … err … miss?” Davies asked in recognition of Rebecca’s grin.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it is,” she replied feeling too choked up to say more.

The chauffeur gently put a hand on her elbow, and escorted Rebecca over to the elevator at the rear of the underground parking facility, trying his hardest to ignore the foul way she smelled.

Rebecca glanced over at him, catching him wrinkling his nose. “I think my first order of business when I get upstairs will be a bath. A long hot one. Mmm … God that sounds like heaven.”

To his credit, Davies simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgment of her comment.

The two of them made idle chit chat, though with Davies standing as far away as politeness would allow, for the rest of the time it took for the elevator to arrive. McTavish couldn’t remember the last time talking about the weather had made her so happy.

Once the doors opened, Davies stood aside and allowed Rebecca to step in first. Stepping inside Davies put the key into the penthouse slot and turned it. As the doors began to close McTavish caught a glimpse of a police car entering the garage, but at that time she had been too overwhelmed with the joy of being home to give it any real thought.

As the doors reopened on the top floor, Rebecca felt as if she would faint. Davies just happened to look over at her as she began to swoon and put a supportive hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re home now, miss. Everything is going to be fine. Don’t even worry a bit.”

Rebecca put her hand over his and smiled at him saying “From your mouth to Gods ears.” as they stepped out.

They walked down the short hallway to the apartment’s door. Rebecca felt like a little kid staring at pile of gifts on Christmas morning as she stared at the ornate carved white door while she waited for the for Davies to open it.

Swinging the door open, Davies motioned for Rebecca to enter. As she stepped in she found her entire domestic staff standing in the small entrance way waiting for her. A round of smiles, like silent applause, burst upon everyone’s face in unison.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present you, Miss Rebecca.” she heard Davies saying from behind her.

The next few minutes were filled with heartfelt hellos and tears of joy from both Rebecca and her faithful house staff. Over the last few years these people had become more like her family than most of her blood relations were. Being back with them filled her heart with boundless joy.

After the dust settled Charles turned to the house maid and asked “Marie? Would you take Miss Rebecca upstairs and prepare her a bath. After she’s settled in the tub I need you to get her some fresh clothing to change into. While you do that I’ll have Gladys prepare some dinner for her.”

“Of course, it would be my pleasure. Miss if you’ll come with me?” Marie said to Rebecca taking her by the hand. Rebecca allowed herself to be led down the hallway and up the stairs to the large master bedroom.

Once inside Marie left McTavish standing by the bed while she walked into the adjoining bathroom and started the tub. With the water running Marie returned saying “Let’s get those smelly, disgusting clothes off of you. What did you have to do, crawl through a sewer?”

Rebecca smiled at the way the house keeper wrinkled her nose but gave no response. She allowed Marie to strip her down while trying not to blush too badly.

“Well I’m officially jealous.” Marie stated with a small smirk on her face as she looked of Rebecca’s new body. “Do you think they could help me if I could afford it too?” she joked.

Rebecca began to smile but the memory of what she had gone through hit her like a slap. Her face went stone cold serious and her eyes began to mist up.

Seeing the sudden change in mood on her mistresses face the short dark haired house keeper asked “Miss? Are … are you alright? Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean anything.”

“No … not at all. It’s just … they … they’re dead. The doctors, the other patients, everyone … all of them … just dead.”

“Dead? Dead how? By who?” Marie asked confused.

“I … I don’t know who did it. I just … when I woke up … there was all this … blood everywhere…and bullet holes in all the walls … Oh god! It was hor … horrible.” Rebecca told her in a far away voice. “They ….”

Rebecca couldn’t bring herself to finish the thought. A lump the size of Everest had suddenly formed in her throat choking off all attempts to speak about what she had seen and the dread she had felt as she made her way through the clinics halls.

Unable to articulate what it had been like, Rebecca gazed up at Marie with a look of hopelessness and sorrow etched in her face that nearly broke the house keeper’s heart. “Oh Miss …” Marie said as she gathered Rebecca to her and hugged her tightly.

A river of tears flowed freely as the emotional weight of everything she had come through came crashing down on the exhausted new woman all at once. Marie held her tightly, whispering encouragements for her mistress to let it all out as she comforted the lady of the house while waiting for the storm of emotion to pass.

In her entire life Rebecca didn’t remember ever having cried so hard for so long, but it had a cathartic effect on her. The longer it went on, the better she began to feel. It was almost as if a tremendous pressure was being relieved little by little with each tear that fell from her eyes.

As the flow began to abate, Marie told her soothingly “Everything will be alright now. You’re back at home and safe. No one can hurt you here now.”

“I … know … it’s just ….”

“Shhh. Everything will be fine … I promise. Now why don’t you finish getting yourself undressed, and I’ll check on your bath.”

“O … okay. Th … thank you Marie ….”

“There’s no need for thanks, miss. It was the very least I could do for you. If it wasn’t for you and your generosity, I don’t know where my family would be now.” Marie told her, and then disappeared into the bathroom leaving the still sobbing new woman alone.

She didn’t want to be alone. She had been alone way too much over the last day or so and now she craved human company. However she needed a bit of time to try regain her composure. Though Rebecca understood that she had needed to release all the days sorrow, it still bothered her on some level that she had lost such complete control in front of Marie.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Rebecca reached for a tissue from the box on the dresser to dry her eye with. Catching her reflection in the mirror as she did, the new woman saw her new face clearly for the first time since her awakening.

She was a disgusting mess. Her face was grimy, tear streaked and caked with dirt or another substance. What that might be was something that she didn’t want to consider.

Moving on, Rebecca looked at her hands. The backs were covered with some kind of indistinguishable filth that had even managed to get under her finger nails. God only knows what was stuck in the tangled mop of oily looking hair that hung limply from her head. It was enough to make her breakfast want to make a repeat appearance.

However, it was what she saw underneath that had caught her attention. It was the vaguest hint of beauty she saw waiting to be exposed that held her transfixed. She stared at woman in the reflection for several seconds unable to tear herself away, until she caught a whiff of the shirt she wore.

The foul stench made her crinkle her nose in disgust. Without delay she tore it off and then finished stripping.

The bath was pure heaven. The feel of the hot water on her new soft skin was unlike anything she had ever experienced. That, coupled with the scent of the bath oils Marie had poured into the water, was intoxicating. It just made everything, all her worries and problems, disappear for the moment.

Once the incredibly soothing and unintentionally but unbelievably erotic bath was done, Rebecca returned to her bed room to find a white blouse and a pair of dark slacks neatly laid out on the bed. She looked quizzically at the clothes for a few seconds and then over at Marie, who had been waiting patiently for her.

“What’s with the clothes?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what’s with them? Who are they for?”

“They’re for you. Who else would they be for?” Marie said rolling her eyes. Walking over to the bed and picking up the slacks she continued “I thought pants would be better for you than a dress.”

“A dress? I can’t wear dre …” Rebecca began but suddenly stopped herself and she burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“Well let’s just say I’ve a lot to get used to and leave it at that.” Rebecca replied between giggles.

Rebecca picked up the silky white bra like it was going to bite her.

Marie watched bemused, as she turned it this way and that trying to figure out how to put it on, nearly breaking a sweat from the effort of trying not to laugh at her employer.

“Do you need some help with that?” she finally asked taking the twisted piece of material out of Rebecca’s hand before she could rip it.

“You know I’ve taken dozens of these off of women, but I can’t say I’ve ever tried to put one on.” The new woman said embarrassedly as she gratefully accepted the house keeper’s help.

For the next half hour, Marie gave Rebecca a crash course on being a woman. Everything from how to pick out clothes, which Marie agreed to help her with until she got the hang of it, to applying makeup, again Marie would help her, to what it felt like when your time of the month arrived was discussed.

By the time she was dressed, Rebecca was sure of two things. First that she would have been lost if not for the small Latino woman’s help, and secondly that Marie was going to be receiving a very large raise as soon as she got a hold of the accountant that handled the domestic staff’s pay roll.

With Marie finished, Rebecca got up and took a look in the mirror to check out the results of all their, well mostly Marie’s, hard work and effort.

McTavish could hardly believe the person that stared back from the mirror was her. The small hint of beauty she had seen earlier was now in full bloom. The new woman smiled as she turned left then right trying to see her new body from all angles.

“Marie, you’re a miracle worker.” she exclaimed.

“Thank you misses, but I didn’t do anything but bring out what was already there. Like I said before, I’m totally jealous.”

Rebecca smiled at the compliment. “Well …” A knock on the door interrupted her.

“Excuse me, miss.”

“Yes, Charles?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but there is a pair of police officers downstairs asking to speak with Mr. McTavish.”

McTavish felt herself go a bit pale. “Did … did they say what they wanted me for?”

“No, miss. They only said that they wish to speak with Mr. McTavish. They didn’t say why when I asked, only that they wanted to discuss a case they were working on with you.”

Rebecca stood silently, desperately trying to think of a reason to have Charles send the officer away. Much to her consternation, nothing that would raise questions she didn’t want to answer at the moment would come to mind.

“Miss? Should I tell the officer that you’re not here?”

“No!” she snapped. Then, after a moment she continued with a bit more control, “No don’t do that. Just go down stairs and explain to them that Ronald isn’t here right now. Then let him know that his niece, being me, will be down in a minute to talk to them.”

“Yes, miss.” Charles acknowledged as he left the room.

“Are you ok?” Marie asked concerned over the look of dread that grew over Rebecca’s face after Charles left the room.

“Yes … I’m fine. C … Could you give me a moment please?”

“Certainly.” Marie replied worriedly. Despite her concerns she did as requested and walked out of the room.

Rebecca sat down on the end of the bed and took a deep worried breath. She was reasonably sure that no one had seen her leave the restaurant this morning, but that wasn’t one hundred percent. She tried desperately to think of some kind of alibi if she needed one, but her nervousness caused her to come up blank.

Rebecca acutely aware of every second that ticked off the clock, as she sat trying to think of some kind of alibi that wouldn’t require the house staff to lie by backing it up her up. She knew she needed to get down stairs and talk with the cops before they started to think she was avoiding them, but dread and indecision kept her rooted in place.

Eventually a knock on the bed room door forced her hand. “Miss? Is everything alright? The officers are still waiting for you,” she heard Charles say through the door.

“Yes, Charles, I’m coming right now.” Rebecca replied forcing herself up and off the bed.

The new woman took one last quick glance in the mirror. There was only enough of a trace of Ronald left in the face that looked back that anyone would believe they were relatives. That, coupled with how different she looked now that she was clean, put her fear to rest a bit. If someone had seen her, she just might look different enough now that they wouldn’t be able to identify her. With her nerves calmed a bit, Rebecca put her best smile on and headed for the door.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting so long, officers,” she said entering the spacious living room. Rebecca extended her hand and, remembering to keep her grip light and lady like shook each of the policeman’s hands. “I’m Rebecca McTavish, Ronald’s niece. What can I do for you today?”

The tall light brown skinned officer with graying temples shook Rebecca’s hand lightly. “I’m Detective Antonio Ramirez, this is my partner Sergeant Harold Green” he began. “We were hoping to speak with Mr. McTavish.

“Yes, that’s what Charles said too, but unfortunately my uncle isn’t here right now. May I ask what it is you wanted to discuss with him?”

“There was an incident over in Harlem this morning that we hoped Mr. McTavish might be able to give us some information on.”

Rebecca, relying on her old acting skills set her face with a look of mild amusement and asked “Incident? What kind of incident would Ronald McTavish be able to give you information on in Harlem of all places?”

“I’m not at liberty to say, Miss. Do you know when Mr. McTavish will be home?”

“He’s out of the country right now, I’m afraid.” Rebecca heard herself answer automatically then cringed internally for coming up with such an easily disproved cover story.

“How long has he been gone?” Detective Green asked in a voice dripping with skepticism.

“He left last Friday,” she replied, knowing Green didn’t believe a word of what she said, but she was stuck with the story so she needed to play it out until the end.

“And what country is he visiting?”

“He’s in Scotland, seeing his family. We have a whole hoard of relatives over there and uncle wanted to pay them a visit.”

Rebecca mentally slapped herself for babbling. ‘Stop it. They’re going to see how nervous you are if you cut the shit! Remember, short answers…short!’ she thought to herself trying to maintain her composure.

“With all the travel restrictions how did he manage that? If I had cousins outside the country I doubt they’d let me in to see them.” Ramirez questioned suspiciously.

“That’s because you’re not Ronald McTavish. You have to understand, my uncle is not only quite well to do but he’s also incredible determined to get what he wants. Add to the top of those traits the fact that he’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer and desperately he wanted to see his family one last time. Believe me when I say that nothing was going to stop him from going. Not you, not any silly international ban on flights, nothing.”

“Yes I’m sure a man in his position, with all his resources would find away. Did I ask you when you expect him to return already?”

Stumped! Rebecca looked at the detective blankly for a moment, wondering how to answer. She didn’t want to give a specific day for two reasons. First she simply didn’t want the police coming back here again. Secondly she couldn’t remember if she had already given him an answer.

“I believe the Master is expected home on the 15th.” she heard a voice say from behind her just as she was opening her mouth. Looking over her shoulder she spied Charles standing in the entrance way to the living room. Rebecca smiled at him in a quiet thank you for the save.

“Mr. McTavish left last Friday on his private jet with special travel permission from the British Prime Minister’s office. As Miss McTavish already explained to you he was not here today so it is very doubtful he will be of any use to your investigation or whatever. Now unless you gentlemen have something else you want to know I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Charles informed the two detectives.

“As it happens I do have one last thing to ask.” Ramirez said looking at the butler out of the corner of his eye. “Ms. McTavish can you tell me where you were this morning?”

“Me? What does it matter what I was doing?” Rebecca asked trying to not sound nervous but pretty sure she had failed miserably.

“Just curious. Several witnesses claim they saw a woman running up 17th avenue shortly after the incident we want to talk to Mr. McTavish about. You look a bit like the description then gave so I just wanted to know if you were in the area or not. So I ask you again, where were you this morning?”

“She was here with us.” Charles chimed in.

“Hmm… She was here? In this apartment? All morning long? She didn’t leave to go to the corner and pick up the paper or anything? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes. She has been here in this apartment since she woke up this morning and has not gone outside.” Charles replied.

“Is that your story to miss?”

Rebecca hesitated then answered “Yes. I’ve been here all day so far.”

“You know that’s funny cause the guard down stairs claimed to have seen a woman that looks remarkably like you down in the lobby wearing filthy clothes down in the lobby. This mystery woman, who wasn’t you but looked a lot like you, was demanding to see McTavish’s’ house keeper this morning. Hell, she even left him a note to give to her. Do you know anything about that?”

“How would I know anything about it if I was up here all day?” Rebecca asked trying not to come off as being overly defensive.

The two cops looked at her dubiously. “So if we were to ask you to come down stairs with us, that security guy would tell us that the woman he met this morning isn’t you also right?”

“I…I can’t see how he’d be able to say anything else since I’ve been up here all day. Just like we’ve been telling you.”

“Would you be willing to come down there with us?”

“I…uhh…I” Rebecca stuttered.

“I believe that Mathew has gone home already. He gets off at 3pm, so even if she went down there with you he would be gone by now.” Charles chimed in saving Rebecca one more time.

‘I’m going to give him the biggest raise,’ she thought gratefully to herself.

“Ok then…” Green said putting an end to the discussion. Digging into his suit jackets pocket he pulled out a small slip or paper and handed it to McTavish “This is my card if you would have Mr. McTavish call us as soon as he returns I would appreciate it.”

“I certainly will.” Rebecca replied.

“Thank you. Oh and Ms. McTavish, we're going to have to insist that you don’t leave the city. I think we’ll be talking with you again real soon. Have a nice day.” Ramirez said tipping his hat as he turned and strode purposefully towards the door.

After the cops left Rebecca looked over at Charles and said “Thank you for your help, but I’m afraid that they are going to find out that we both lied to them in pretty short order.”

“Yes miss, I’m sure they will but there didn’t seem to be any other way to get them to leave.”

“True.”

“May I ask what incident they were talking about?”

Rebecca said nothing for a moment as she considered how much of the truth to tell her faithful butler. As much as she wanted to spill everything, she just couldn’t bring herself to tell him. She burned with shame over the fact that she wasn’t holding out to protect him or anything that noble. No she didn’t want to tell him because that would make her admit to herself that she really did kill the restaurant owner. It was better for her mental health to remain in self denial.

“I…I really have no idea Charles. Perhaps I was seen by someone when I left the clinic.”

“Hmmm.” Charles said in reply. After am moment he continued “Either way they will be returning, most likely sooner rather than later, once they discover our ruse. The question now becomes what shall we do when they return?”

“I wish I knew.” Rebecca replied glumly but grateful Charles had decided to not to call her bluff even though she knew he didn’t believe her.

“I suggest you consider how you want to deal with the police when they return. In the mean time however I have some duties I need to attend to.”

“Yes take care of what you need to by all means…and Charles?”

“Yes, miss?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re entirely welcome miss.” he replied as he left the room, leaving Rebecca to consider what to do next.

*******

Much to everyone’s surprise, it took the detectives a full two days to return to the McTavish residence.

From inside the apartment Charles heard a series of hard knocks on the door and someone shout “Open the door! This is the New York Police Department!”

Doing as instructed the butler opened up and allowed Detective Green to enter along with tow uniformed officers. “Where is she?” Green demands in a nasally sound voice.

“Where is who, detective?” Charles asked as he noticed the bright flush to the policeman’s face.

“Don’t play stupid with me, bud, I’m in no mood! Where’s McTavish’s’ so-called niece?”

“Rebecca is out with the house keeper Marie doing some shopping. Can I ask what you what this is all about?”

“You want to know what this is about. I’ll god damn tell you what this is about! That bitch isn’t just a liar she's fucken infected! And you knew it too! But you let me and my partner in here and gave us your bull shit story about her being the niece. Well now my fucken partners in the hospital…probably on his way to quarantine and I’m feeling pretty shitty myself! So don’t fuck with me cause I’ve got half a mind to shoot you right where you stand! Tell me where she is!”

“Detective I already told you…”

“And I don’t believe you! I know she’s here. McTavish!! Get your ass down here…Now!”

“Detective Green! I already told you she isn’t here. She’s out shopping so yelling for her isn’t going to make her magically appear. I can see your upset but acting like this isn’t going to change the fact the she out.”

Taking a deep breath Green mentally counted to ten then said “Look Charlie…”

“Charles.”

“Fine Charles then.’ He said trying to keep a tight rein on his temper “Let me spell this out for you. We know McTavish never left the country, ok? We also have his finger prints all over the scene of a murder in Harlem. The lab boys ran a test down there and you know what they came up with? The place was just filled with the fucken bug. It was everywhere. The contamination was so bad they had to burn the place down.”

“They burned it?” Charles asked rhetorically.

"They had to! It was that bad in there. As a matter of fact two of the lab guys caught the bug just from being inside. So here we are right the place is contaminated, McTavish’s’ prints are everywhere and we find out that the government guys pulled a raid on a underground clinic in the area the day before.

"Apparently these two doctors were using the virus to cure terminally sick rich folks. Sound like anyone you know? Then there’s the small fact that Ms. Rebecca McTavish has no records of her existence what so ever. And believe me we checked everywhere. No social security number, no birth certificate, no driver’s license, she’s never paid taxes nothing!”

Charles could think of nothing to refute what Green said. He wanted to tell the detective that he was full of shit, but the man had done his homework.

“No comment huh? Why ain’t I surprised? Look as far as I’m concerned McTavish did what he had too to survive. I got no issue with that. Hell I might have even done the same thing in his shoes. But the facts are that two days ago he killed a restaurant owner and quite possibly a drug dealer a couple blocks away for the restaurant. On top of that, now my partner is sick, I feel like crap, and to be honest you’ve looked better yourself. So I’m going to ask you to help me out here. If she is infected she’s contagious and she’s killed. So what do you say? Help me get her off the streets and into quarantine. Chances are the murder case will never come to trial since no one’s going to want to be in the court room with her.”

Charles looked at Green for a long minute as he considered the detectives words carefully. He was feeling a bit under the weather this morning, running a slight fever. He just hadn’t considered the risk of being around Rebecca before now. Was he really infected? Could he really allow her to infect others if she was contagious?

“What …what do you need me to do?” Charles asked Green.

“I just want to wait here for her to come back. We’ll arrest her and have her taken to the Roosevelt Island quarantine. She’ll be looked after there, and she won’t be able to hurt anyone else.”

“Fine. You can stay.”

“Thanks.”

**************

Three hours later the front door the apartment opened and in stumbled Rebecca and Marie, their hands full of bags from an impressive array of high end clothing stores. Obviously the shopping expedition had been an expensive success.

The two women arrived with their hands over flowing with bags and boxes. They were so excited by their purchases that they failed to notice Detective Green waiting for them in the hall way.

“Ms. McTavish?” he asked attracting their attention.

“Oh Detective Green. You startled me.” Rebecca told him as a ball of icy fear suddenly appeared in her belly.

“Ms. McTavish you're under arrest for being an unregistered Acidalia infectee and suspicion of murder of Edger Rodriguez.” Green told her as he moved to put handcuffs on the new woman.

“What do you mean being infected with Acidalia? I’m not infected with anything! Charles, tell him he’s got no clue what he’s talking about,” she said pleadingly.

“I’m sorry Miss.” was all Charles could bring himself to say.

“Sorry? Sorry? What the hell do you mean sorry?”

“Please Ms. McTavish just come with us, and we’ll get you tested. If you’re not infected, then you’ll be home in a couple hours,” Green said, trying to placate the nervous looking woman.

“No! I’m not going anywhere. This is my home and I’m staying right here!”

“Miss please …” Green began putting his hand roughly on Rebecca’s shoulder.

*************

That was the last thing Rebecca could recall from that evening. She had woken up on her couch sometime later feeling somewhat disoriented, but rested. There was a foul smell in the room, but other than that, from where she was laying, everything seemed normal.

It was several minutes later, as she got up to answer nature's call, that she saw what a carnal pool the living room had been turned into. There was blood splattered everywhere. Over near the door lay two bodies that looked as if they had been ripped apart by an animal of some kind.

Rebecca gasped in horror as she walked over and saw the bodies belonged to Detective Green and the uniformed officer that had been in the apartment with him.

The confused and horrified new woman looked around the room as she strained to recall what had happened. As she looked, her gaze fell on the swinging door that led to the kitchen. Holding the door open just a bit was a pair of shoes that looked exactly like the kind Charles always wore.

“No.” was all she could say as she stepped over and pulled the door open completely.

It was all she could do to keep from throwing up, as she looked at the remains of the man that had been like a brother to her for almost thirty years. His body was so mangled that, if not for the distinctive snow white color of his hair, she may not have even recognized him.

A whimper coming from the other end of the kitchen finally drew her horror filled gaze from the butler’s body. Looking in the direction of the sound, Rebecca spotted Marie huddled up in the far corner curled into a tight ball.

“Oh my god! Marie … are … are you alright? What happened in here?”

The house keeper shrunk away from her as she reached out to put a hand on the frightened woman. “Stay away from me!!!!!” she screeched with a frightened faraway look in her eye.

Rebecca backed off. “What … what’s wrong? Tell me. What happened to Charles and … and the detectives.”

Marie looked up at her mistress. “You … you killed them … killed them … you did it ... they’re dead … you did it…” the small house keeper kept repeating.

“I did … this? Me? Oh God no!!! Not again!!! Noooooo!!!” Rebecca screamed, as she got up and ran out of the apartment, never to return.

********

It took the now homeless new woman less time than she would have believed possible to adjust to life on the streets. The first few days were filled with terror of the other street people and fear of what would happen if she was actually threatened by one of them.

However the human species is nothing if not adaptable, and eventually she settled into a sort of routine consisting of cycles of fear filled nights and days spent begging for money to eat with. She found a strange kind of peace in the daily grind of mere survival, almost a feeling of comfort in its simplicity.

Her daily treks across the city and back looking for sustenance had only one small draw back. Everywhere she went, she brought the Acidalia virus with her. Spreading it out through America’s largest city, infecting hundreds of new victims a day with no idea she was the one the health authorities were looking so desperately for.

*******************

KLTR 6pm News:

Good evening, San Francisco. Our top story at this hour continues to be the international fallout resulting from the alleged use of chemical weapons by the United States against U.N troops in Alaska two days ago.

According to reports, U.N. forces had seized a pivotal part of the Alaskan Pipeline, our countries only source of oil during these days. In a misguided attempt to reclaim the area without damaging the pipeline, General Robert Alexander ordered the use of Saran gas against the invaders.

U.N Secretary General Mushin Mosbard, along with Canadian Prime Minister Jules Montclair, have called for the immediate resignation of President Fuller saying, “It matters not who they are claiming gave the order. It is the responsibility of President Fuller to control his military. We demand that he resign immediately, and whoever his successor is surrender the United States government to U.N. control!”

Secretary Mosbard went on to say, “Our mission started out as a peaceful way to protect the rest of the world from the rapidly spreading virus in the United States. However this most recent action has made several of our allies begin to rethink our missions’ objectives. While I am in no way threatening the great people of America, I am calling on them to see the use of outlawed chemical weapons for what it is … a crime against humanity. I am calling them to use their laws and remove these criminals from power.”

Several other countries, including some of our closest allies, chief amongst them England and Israel, have joined in the chorus calling for the President’s resignation.

Presidential press secretary Kerry Enrich issued the following reply to the Secretary Generals statement. “It is the height of hypocrisy for the U.N to call our actions criminal when it was a move to cut off our oil supplies that provoked the entire situation. If they had simply stayed out of our territory none of this would have even occurred. We repeat our call for the United Nations to end their attempts to usurp our nation's place in the world and to withdraw all troops from our borders and ships from our waters. Until they comply with our rightful demands this country will continue to use any means it deems necessary to defend itself and its interests.”

Stay tuned after tonight’s news cast for a special edition of CBN Nightly news with Don Rathernot as he and a special panel of international policy experts discuss the present crisis, and what may be done to relieve it.

Compounding the nation's problems, there are reports tonight that the Atlantic fleet has come up short again in a massive battle with Russian and British Naval vessels that took place this afternoon in Long Island Sound. Sources in the Navy Commanders office have confirmed the loss of the Destroyer USS Franklin and its support ships. We have also received reports that the submarine USS Norfolk has yet to report in. Its last communication was recorded at approximately 2:23pm EDT.

U.N. ships, while denying the U.S Navy and Coast Guard access to the battle zone, have begun a search of the area that the Norfolk was last reported in for survivors. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

In other news: the massive man hunt continues in Kansas for Reverend Morris Manning after the beating and immolation of Richard Foley in the small farming town of Horace.

The Reverend is wanted on charges of inciting a riot, arson and first degree murder while committing a felony.

He and a large number of his parishioners and fellow town folk apparently surrounded the Foley residence on the outskirt of the small Kansas community and demanded that alleged Acidalia infectee Richard be put out of their community, according to local Sheriff Lloyd Fletcher.

When the sick boy’s parents refused to comply with mob's demand, the Reverend and his followers incited the rest of the crowd to storm the family’s home.

According to police reports, the boy was dragged out of the building and beaten severely before being burned alive. The mob then followed that atrocity by lighting the Foley residence on fire before additional police could arrive and put an end to the riot.

Kansas State Police spokeswoman Sandra Grey told reporters in a prepared statement, that eighteen arrests have been made in the case so far and that they believe they are close to having Reverend Morris in custody as well.

In Washington today, tensions were running high as the trial of Dr. Carla Ryson on charges of crimes against humanity got under way. Dr. Ryson for those of you unaware is on trial for allegedly releasing the Acidalia virus.

The prosecution presented the first of what is expected to be a three part opening argument this afternoon after Judge Howard Warpner denied several motions to dismiss charges by the defense in the morning session.

Attorney General Richard Provost detailed first how the doctor created the virus in an attempt to help her nephew who was at the time dying of cancer. He also detailed that how even after seeing the effects the virus had after accidentally infecting Grayson labs owner and fellow researcher Sam Grayson, Dr. Ryson still gave it to her nephew, knowing he would be able to spread it to others.

Several times during the Attorney General's opening statement, Defense Attorney Carson Walters attempted to object to certain statements by Provost. However Judge Warpner refused to acknowledge the defense attorney's objections, citing that he would have ample time to refute the prosecutions accusation during his own opening statements.

Outside the courthouse, protesters with every imaginable agenda shouted slogans and rhetoric at police and military units as they patrolled crowd control barriers along a five block radius. As many as one hundred arrests were reported, mainly resulting from fights between protesters with opposing views.

Washington D.C. Police Commissioner Philip Rivers told reporters that if crowd control continues to be an issue he would consider allowing his officers to use more force in containing any future outbreaks along the barriers.

“It wouldn’t be my first choice of how to handle the situation.” the Commissioner was quoted as saying this evening. “I am going to appeal to the protesters to restrain your emotions. Say what you feel you need to but respect the rights of others to have their say too.”

************

Tuesday August 1 8:20am PDT San Francisco Warehouse district:

Ellie stood upstairs in the warehouses’ loft looking thoughtfully out the window at the brick lined flat roofs of the other mostly abandoned buildings. The sun shined brightly this morning, and the huge eastern facing window let in enough of its light to illuminate most of the huge space behind her.

The short, curly haired woman drank in the warmth as she turned her most recent problem over and over again in her mind.

Two days ago, after more than 24 hours missing, Vera had returned to the Sisters hideaway with a newcomer that she had insisted on everyone accepting into the group. It was quite odd, even for Vera. While being pushy or for that matter agitated was nothing new, there seemed to be almost a sense of desperation in her voice that made El very suspicious.

To make matters worse every time she had tried to talk to Vera about it, the short, overweight lawyer had rebuffed her.

The fact that the newcomer was a doctor, and one of some renown, had made it impossible to reject her considering the number of emerging women present in their facility. There were just too many of them for just a single trained doctor and her jury rigged staff to help effectively.

Most of her inner circle had greeted the news as a god send, especially Roberta, but El had seen her own skepticism reflected in her dearest friend Nicole’s face. The two founders of the movement knew they needed the medical help and despite their unspoken concerns allowed Dr. Blue to take up residence here at the warehouse.

Both of them had been keeping a very close eye on the former head of the CDC, and thus far she had nothing more than aid in the care of those still in the throes of the Acidalia induced transformation. With Mia being so helpful, it made it even harder for El to come to grips with her concerns. So she had gotten up very early this morning, made herself a cup of coffee and come up here to ask God for some guidance.

The groaning and vibration of the rusty metal stairs behind her pulled her attention back to the present. She turned to see Nicole just stepping onto the loft's dust covered floor.

With her usual smile plastered firmly on her face Nicole said “Good Morning El. I see you’ve been up here for a while so I brought you another cup of coffee.”

Ellie smiled back at her friend and graciously accepted the offered coffee. The two women stood both looking out the window now sipping their coffee in silence just enjoying the suns warmth and the pleasure of each other’s company. Now a day’s time for just the two of them to be alone together was a rare thing indeed.

Finally breaking the silence Ellie asked “What’s on today’s agenda?”

“In about an hour or so I’m heading out with Jill and Sharon to go look around at some of the other buildings. We’re going to do the usual sweep for neighbors, but while we were at it, the plan was to see if any could be used for additional housing. In case you hadn’t noticed, hanging around up here all by yourself, it’s getting pretty tight down there,” Nicole joked.

Ellie smiled slightly at the joke and nodded in acknowledgment of the tall redhead’s actual point.

The Sisters were rapidly out growing this one building's capacity. Even at its immense size the warehouse was starting to feel like a bit like a sardine can with the membership growing in leaps and bounds. Thus far there hadn’t been any major problems or physical altercations between any of its residents, something everyone was grateful for. However, at the rate the building was filling up, it wasn’t going to be long before some small incident was going to cause someone to explode.

“Roberta and Mia have asked you to come down to their little makeshift hospital.”

“They did? Did either of them tell you why?”

“Nope. Mia just asked that you stop by. Though I’ll have to say she seemed a bit agitated about something.”

“Well then let’s not keep the doctors waiting.” Ellie took Nicole by the hand and began leading her to the stair way.

“El, before we go down there, there’s something I need to ask.”

“Sure hun. What’s up?”

“I’m concerned about the way Vera has been acting since she came back the other day. She just hasn’t been acting normal. Well, not normal for her anyhow.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well as strange as this is going to sound, she’s just been acting … well … nice. She’s been strangely pleasant and helpful to everyone, even me. It’s just odd. I’m really starting to think aliens kidnapped the real Vera or something. She was missing for most of a day you know, so they would have had the chance to take her away and replace her with a not so evil robot.”

Ellie laughed. “You know, normally I wouldn’t be too concerned about someone changing their ways and trying to be more helpful to our cause, but I understand what you mean. She hasn’t been acting at all like the Vera we’ve all come to know and love.”

Nicole raised her eyebrow at the word love.

Ellie gave an evil little smile as she continued, “I’ve tried to talk to her a few times since she came back, but she is always rushing off somewhere. If I get the chance this afternoon I’ll have a talk with her and see if I can ferret out what’s going on. Maybe I can get her to tell me the real reason she wanted Mia in our group so badly.”

“Still suspicious I take it.” Nicole asked.

“You’re not?”

“I didn’t say that. I was just confirming that we were still on the same page with her.”

“Sadly, we are. As much as I wish it were otherwise it’s going to be a long time before I have any real trust in Dr. Blue. It seems just a bit too … convenient, I guess is the word I’m looking for. I mean, come on … the head of the CDC gets put out from her job as head researcher for the government, and of all places in the world she could go she winds up here … with us? What are the chances?”

“I hear you, but I have to admit she’s been a tremendous help since she arrived.”

“True … but that just makes the whole situation harder to figure out. If the government knows enough about us to plant someone among us …” El began to say then abruptly threw her hands into the air in frustration. “Grrr … This whole matter is giving me a headache. Let’s just go see what they want and I’ll make sure I catch up with Vera later on.”

The two women walked down stairs and wound their way through the football field sized building, stopping several times to say good morning or speak briefly to this person or that. Such was life for Ellie now. It didn’t bother her, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. These people were her charges, her friends and followers thanks to God's will. It was her joy and responsibility to make each one feel as if they were the most important person she had seen that day.

Twenty or so minutes later, they arrived at the makeshift hospital housed in the comparatively small annex to the main building. Tucked away behind a roll away sheet metal door and then three layers of heavy curtains sat a room filled with approximately ten rows of fifteen of beds.

Each bed held a new woman, each at a different point in their transformation. The full beds showed both the success and need for the Sisters mission. They also represented and exposed what the government had been trying its best to hide, the true extent that Acidalia was spreading through the population. There were days that Ellie wondered if there would be enough men left when the disease had run its course for the species to survive, but that was a worry for another day.

The first thing that struck you after getting over the amount of bed was the smell. The room seemed to be steeped in a vaguely nauseating combination of unnamable bodily fluids. The smell didn’t overwhelm you, but it was impossible to ignore, flirting with your nose like a small bug that keeps flying in front of your eye. Roberta had told her on several different occasions that there was nothing that could be done about it without installing a hugely expensive ventilation system, which they couldn’t afford, but it still made her wonder just how sanitary their facility was.

Busy at work attending their patients were the two doctors, Roberta and Mia. Ellie and Nicole stood out of everyone’s way at the front of the large room and watched them all work. The two physicians and their mostly shanghaied crew of interns resembled bees collecting pollen in the way they moved from bed to bed. The doctors would check a patient and move on, stopping only to give instructions to one of the makeshift orderlies from time to time.

After a few minutes Roberta finally looked up and spotted the two new women stood. Standing up straight she waved at them. Roberta then scanned the room eventually spotting her compatriot. Quickly Roberta walked over to Mia and spoke to the new arrival while pointing in Nicole and Ellie’s direction. Mia nodded her head and turned back to the patient she had been attending while Roberta walked over and met up with the visitors.

“Looks like you’ve got your hands full,” Ellie said to the doctor as they gave each other a quick hug.

“You could say that. I tell you I don’t know how I managed to take care of all these people by myself.”

“Well now you’ve got some help, so it must be a bit easier for you,” Nicole chimed in.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much of a help Mia has been. To be honest, she’s a much better doctor than I am. She’s taught me more than a few things about how to handle different complications that go along with the transition process that I wasn’t even aware of.”

“Roberta you shouldn’t put yourself down. We never would have gotten this far without you and your dedication to our mission,” Ellie told the doctor. “Remember it was you that came up with our test for the virus and made it possible for us to take care of these people.”

“Thank you, I can’t tell you how much that means to me. But the truth is the truth. She knows a hell of a lot more about this virus than I do. As a matter of fact Mia wanted to … ”

“There you are!” Mia snarled loudly as she approached the small gathering, looking very pissed off. “I just want to know before I really get involved with what you people have started doing here, are you purposely trying to kill all these poor people?”

“Excuse me? Kill them? Are you kidding me?” Nicole shot back defensively. “Of course we’re not trying to kill them. We’re trying to help them …”

“Well you’re doing a hell of a job then, let me tell you. They need to be in a hospital!”

“Oh sure just ship them off so the government can pack them up in a freight car and ship them off like cattle to …”

“Ok! Ok wait! Everyone stop! This arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere,” Ellie demanded. “Roberta why don’t you explain what’s going on in here and what Dr. Blue is so upset about?”

“What am I upset about? I’ll tell you …”

“Dr. Blue! Might I remind you that you are a guest here? Now I asked Roberta to tell us what the problem is since you are more interested in yelling than explaining. So shut your mouth and let her speak! My goodness!” Ellie said with exasperation. “Now Roberta, you were about to say …?”

“We lost three more patients last night … and there are at least five that in all likelihood won’t see the end of the day.”

“Three more? All … all in the same night?” Ellie asked no one in particular in a voice full of sorrow.

Ellie shook her head. As much good as they were doing here, they were starting to loose patients at an alarming rate. Including the most recent three the total was now at fifty in the last two weeks. She mourned each one as they passed and knew they were now with God, but it didn’t change the fact that there was a problem that needed to be solved.

“Yes three. Three living breathing human beings that in all probability would still be alive if they were in a proper care facility!” Mia jumped back in with.

“A proper care facility?” Nicole asked mockingly. “You mean quarantine like Reynolds don’t you doctor? I knew we shouldn’t have allowed her to join with us! She wants to see all of us locked up!”

“At least at Reynolds, or Dillon, or any real hospital they might still be alive!” Mia shouted back.

“Then why don’t you just leave! Go back to that cushy government job of yours with their full fledged hospitals and great medical care! God! Why did you even come here?” Nicole said angrily.

Mia’s face reddened with a combination of anger and embarrassment as she said with barely contained fury “Why am I here?” she laughed humorlessly. “Why am I here? You really want to know? I’ll tell you so that way you won’t have to ask yourself or me again ok? I came here because the people that I had to answer to at that so-called cushy government job, as you put it, decided that anything that needed to be done to find a cure for the bug was justified. It didn’t matter to them what it was, or who, or for that matter how many people got hurt. The only thing that mattered was finding a cure. So they told me to use live Acidalia victims as guinea pigs, and I refused. I just couldn’t bring myself to experiment on people that had done nothing more than have the misfortune than to get infected with something they had never asked for. So they sent me away because I wouldn’t intentionally hurt people like you, Nicole.”

“Live human testing?” Roberta repeated.

“Yes, live human testing … conducted by our government. With no regard for the innocents they are using like they were a bunch of lab rats. But, as horrible as that is, it doesn’t change the fact that the people here you are trying to help are dying and something needs to be done about it.”

“Dr. Blue, what would you have us do then? What can we be doing differently to help them?” Ellie asked.

“Mia and I have come up with a wish list of sorts.” Roberta said as she fished two pieces of paper out of her lab coat and handed it to Ellie. “The first list is stuff that we absolutely need to have, such as a completely separate facility, a very clean one to house our patients in until they’re through the change. The second is lower priority things such as testing equipment.”

Ellie studied the two lists for a few minutes. Looking up from them she said, “the separate facility we will find. Nicole was taking a party out this afternoon to go look for more housing, so she will make finding place for these women the priority. They have come here and entrusted us to care for them, so we must do everything we can to prove we are worthy of that trust. A lot of this other stuff is very expensive. I’m not sure we can afford to buy most of it, even if we knew where to go to purchase it.”

“I have an idea about how we can procure the equipment that we need the most. There are more than twenty hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area. We could “borrow” what we need from them. Take a little bit from each one, so that we don’t leave them completely without what they need, but still give us what we do.”

“How are we going to get inside of those places so we can “borrow” the items? It’s not like they’re going to let us wander the halls. Things are getting flakey out there, but the hospitals are still being guarded like they were Fort Knox.”

“I have my CDC ID, and Roberta still has her City Hospital one. We can find nurses uniforms at any costume or uniform store for the rest of you. If we time our entrance to when our target hospital is very busy and we look and act like we belong there, I’d be willing to bet that no one would even notice us snooping around.”

“You bet? Don’t you mean you hope no one will notice us? What would you do if someone did Doctor?” Nicole asked her anger with Mia pouring out for all to see.

“Look I understand you don’t trust me, Nicole. To be honest I don’t know if I trust you people either, but you can take one thing to the bank. I want those people over there lying in those beds to have the best chance to survive we can provide. There isn’t anything I would do that would intentionally put them or the rest of us trying to help them in danger.”

Ellie studied Mia’s eyes as the doctor spoke. While she still had reservations over the doctor's true motives for being here, she saw the honest conviction there and heard it in her voice.

“Put together a list of possible facilities that would have what you need doctors and we’ll see what can be done to procure what you need.” Ellie told them. Turning to Nicole she said “Why don’t you go find Jill and get going on finding some place for these people.”

****************

Washington D.C. 10:15am the White House, the President's office:

General Alexander stood still as a statue and quiet as a church mouse all the while biting his tongue and pulling hard on the reigns of his anger as his Commander in Chief read him the riot act.

The President had every right in the world to be upset. The international backlash from the use of Saran gas on the Canadian troops that had taken part of the Alaskan Pipeline was substantial and getting worse by the minute. The fact that Alexander had only been doing what the Secretary of Defense had ordered him to, an order that had been treated like it had come from God himself, didn’t matter to anyone in charge, at least not anymore. Though he was pretty sure if they had pulled it off without any backlash, they would have been tripping over each other taking credit.

Regardless of Alexander’s opinion, like it or not, he was now the scapegoat for the incident. It burned his ass something fierce, but as any good soldier would do, he sat silently and took his lumps without complaint.

“General, I asked you a question,” Fuller growled angrily, bringing Alexander’s attention back to the present.

“I’m sorry, Sir, could you repeat yourself?” he asked humbly as he waited for the president to explode.

Fuller didn’t disappoint either.

“I asked you what the hell you were thinking deploying a weapon like that. My god, man! Didn’t you realize what the reaction would be?”

“I did as I was instructed to do Sir. I was told to reclaim the pipeline without damaging it, and the gas was the only way I saw to accomplish that objective, Sir. I take full responsibility for that decision.”

“You take??” Fuller screamed his face purple with rage. “You take responsibility. You're damn right you’re taking responsibility!”

“Would you like my resignation now, Sir?”

“Your resignation? General, you're lucky I don’t have you dragged away in irons!”

“Yes Sir.”

“General, you are relieved of duty until such a time as I figure out what to do with you. You are to have no contact with any military personnel and absolutely no contact with the press. You go home and stay there until I call you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“Good! Now get the hell out of here!”

Without a further word, General Alexander raised his right hand to his forehead and saluted Fuller. In what would be considered the ultimate insult to any military man, the president made no move to salute back simply saying, “Go!”

It was all the General could do to restrain his anger at the insult, but somehow he did as instructed, turning and silently walking out of the room.

Fuller watched Alexander leave, and silently cursed himself for losing his temper like he had. He knew he had just made an enemy out of the former Army Chief, but the man had caused a shit storm and a half, and now someone was going to have to take the fall.

‘Oh well. What’s done is done.’ He thought to himself as he hit the intercom button on his desk. “Caitlin, please send Mr. Carlyle and Secretary Blake in.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

Seconds later, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of defense entered the room.

“How did he take the news?” Carlyle asked.

“As you would expect,” Fuller answered.

“He looked royally pissed off as he walked out,” Blake said.

“Yeah, I imagine he’s not too happy right now, but fuck him. He’s responsible for this latest mess, so I don’t really give a shit how he feels,” Fuller replied.

“Is it really wise to upset him like that, Bob? He’s been in on a lot of meetings. I wouldn’t want him to start talking about our plans out of spite,” Carlyle said.

“I ordered him to have no contact with anyone until we figure out what to do with him.”

“You think he’ll just keep quiet because you ordered him to? He should be in a cell, that way we can know for sure,” Carlyle told him.

“No matter what else has happened Bob Alexander is a soldier first and foremost. He would die before he’d compromise the chain of command. I’m sure he won’t do anything that would countermand a direct order,” Blake told them.

“Yes … I’m sure he’ll play ball. He knows it will be much worse for him if he doesn’t. But that’s not our biggest problem right now. Frank, what’s the UN military reaction going to be?”

“Right now there seems to be a bit of disorder in their ranks. However, I’ve talked to several experts and they all agree that they will most likely go on the offensive now. Probably send more troops into Alaska and over the northern border,” Blake said.

“I trust we’re going to be ready to repel them, if that's what come to be?”

“We are moving our men into position at this moment, sir. They should be in position in a couple days time. Once the initial perimeter is set we’ll be send in reinforcements. If the U.N attacks, we’ll be there to send them back over the border empty handed.”

“Good. Very good. And the blockade?”

“We’ve still been unable to free the Reagan from the sand bar in Puget Sound, and that battle off of Long Island cost us a lot. The good news is that the Norfolk has been located. It’s in about four hundred feet of water. The Russian Navy has a DSRV (Deep Sea Recovery Vehicle. A small submarine used for rescue operations) that they’ve been using to bring our men up.”

“The Russians?”

“Yes Sir. We can’t get any of our ships in there. They’ve got us blocked out right now. However they are flying the sailors over to the Kennedy via helicopter as soon as they’re brought to the surface.”

The situation disturbed him immensely. Here they were, the most powerful Navy in the world and they were losing ships and battles left and right. Though his advisors had spelled out a litany of reasons for the defeats, most of them eminently reasonable, it still didn’t sit right with him.

“Answer me this. Why is it that we cannot rescue our own people? Why are the Russians of all people doing it? We are the most powerful military in the world and here we are being barred from helping our own men and getting one of our ships back into the ocean. I want you to get our ships out to that sub site. Tell the Russians or whoever we are taking over the rescue operations.”

“Sir we can’t just tell the Russians we’re taking over. There are other issues …” Blake told Fuller.

“Mr. Blake, I don’t give a shit about your other issues! Those are our men God damn it! They are our responsibility! As far as the Reagan goes, we need that ship afloat and helping to defend our waters! Get it out of there and back into the ocean! I don’t care how you do it, just get it done!” Fuller yelled at the top of his lungs cutting off his secretary of defense.

Inwardly rolling his eyes Blake said quietly “I’ll pass on your unhappiness with their lack of progress to the Navy as soon as we’re done here.”

“See that you do.” Fuller replied angrily.

The Secretary of Defense stood there uncomfortably, waiting for his boss to say something else for a handful of seconds before realizing that Fuller’s continued silence meant he was done with him. “I guess I’ll go make that call now.”

“Good idea,” Fuller replied sarcastically and looked down at some paper work on his desk.

Restraining the urge to shrug his shoulders, Blake turned and walked out of the office.

As the door closed, Fuller looked back up to find Carlyle still in the room with him. “Yes, Davis? Was there something else you wanted to discuss?”

“Yes, Mr. President. Just before you called me down here I was on the phone with Senate President Grissem. He told me that Senator George came to him last night and informed him of his intention to issue a Congressional subpoena for you to appear in front of his investigative committee in two weeks.”

“Christ! Just what I need. What did Grissem say? Was he going to support George and allow it?”

“He doesn’t really have any choice but to let him, sir. These hearings are very popular with the public right now. If he denied Georges request, then he would wind up having to explain his reasons to every news outlet you can think of.”

“God damn it! Doesn’t he understand that there is a national emergency going on? I don’t have the time to sit there for days on end defending my decisions to someone that’s only trying to make me look bad so that he can take my job. Get a hold of Wanda Stark and get her on finding a way to delay my appearance for as long as possible.”

“You got it. I’ll give her a call this afternoon.”

“Good.” Fuller replied looking as frustrated and worn out as Carlyle had ever seen him in all their years of friendship.

“Don’t worry about this Bob. I’ll make sure it gets taken care of.”

“I know you will. It’s just … I … This isn’t what I thought I was signing on for when I ran for office. I don’t regret it, but it feels like no matter what I try to do I’m going to be wrong. ”

“I can’t say I envy you even a little bit, but we all have to play the hand we’re dealt. You can only do what you feel is best for the country and let history decide if you were right or not.”

“Yes … I suppose you're right. I’ll tell you though there’s a big part of me that wonders if I really want to be reelected in November. I think I’d be a lot happier in my life if George won. At least I’d be a lot less stressed out.”

“You don’t really mean that. The country needs consistent leadership right now. Breaking in a new administration and new president would only cause more problems, not solve them. George is a buffoon. He would piss his pants if he had to deal with all this. You know it and so does just about everyone else around here. You're the best man to lead us through this crisis.”

“Thanks. Nice to know someone still has some confidence in me. I know we’ll get through this one way or the other. I just wonder how much of our souls will be left when it’s all over.”

****************

Forty minutes after leaving the White House, Alexander strode purposefully into the main entrance of the Pentagon. On his ride over from the White House he had managed to get a hold of the Secretary of Defense. After a brief, heated discussion, Alexander secured permission to retrieve a few personal items from the office.

“General Alexander? I’ve been ordered to escort you to your office,” one of the MPs guarding the entrance told him.

“I don’t need an escort.”

“I have my orders sir.”

Alexander knew there was no way he was going to win this fight. He shrugged and said, “Let’s go then.”

The General walked quickly while the MP struggled to keep up. Once they arrived at his soon to be former office, he told his escort, “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

“I …”

“My secretary is in there. She won’t let me take anything I’m not supposed to. Now wait here,” Alexander said, and walked in the door.

“Helen?” he said to his secretary as he entered.

“Oh, General. We just received the word from Secretary Blake’s office … I’m sorry, sir. You deserve better.”

“Thank you Helen. I need to get some personal items. Can you get Colonel Jordon on the line for me?”

“I … I thought you weren’t … We were told not to …” Alexander flashed her a stern look stopping her protest in its tracks. “Yes, sir. I’ll have him on the line for you right away.”

“Thank you, Helen,” Alexander said as he walked into the inner office.

Once inside, the General grabbed a small cardboard box out from the small utility closet behind his office. Dumping the contents out, he sat down in the large leather chair behind his desk and began collecting the handful pictures of his family, a few small mementos given to him from soldiers in the field. He placed everything carefully in the box on top of five indiscriminate note books.

As he packed, the intercom on his desk came to life.

“General? I have Colonel Jordon on the line for you, sir.”

“Thank you Helen,” Alexander replied, as he reached for the phone seated on the desk.

“Charlie?” he asked, as he lifted the hand set.

“Yes, General. What can I do for you, sir?”

“First off, I’m probably not going to be a General for much longer, Colonel.”

"Damn it, Bob, I’m sorry to hear that. Fuller pinned the whole thing on you?”

“Yes. Nothing official has come down yet, but I’ve been relieved of duty. I’m not even supposed to be having this conversation with you.”

“I understand, sir. The phone records will be taken care of.”

“Good. I need you to do something for me, Charlie. It’s going to put you at odds with the CIC (Commander in Chief), but it will make everyone else’s life a bit easier.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Do you still have the list of contacts that received those packages we sent out last month?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. I want you to have your people contact them and order the packages destroyed before these fools order them to be used.”

“You don’t really believe they would do that, do you?”

“If you had asked me last week if I thought so, I would have told you no. But now? Look at what they did in Alaska, and then ask how far they are willing to go.”

“I see your point. I’ll do what I can, sir, but most of these people don’t fall under military jurisdiction.”

“No one should give you any trouble. Last month I had your name added to the chain of command list. There’s a code you need to include on the order. I’ll email it to you as soon as I get home.”

“How did you manage to pull that one off?”

“I’m a member of the Joint Chiefs; who’s going to argue with me?”

Colonel Jordon chuckled. One of the things he most admired about Alexander was the man’s ability to get what he wanted done.

“Not me, that’s for sure. Are you going to be alright?”

“I think so. Fuller’s going to have a big surprise coming to him if he thinks I’m going down without a fight.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second, Bob.”

“You’re a good man, Charlie. I’ll be in touch.”

“Good luck, General.”

“Good luck to us all, Charlie. I think we’re all going to need some before this is all over.”

With that said, Alexander hung the phone up. He looked down at the box containing the few things he wanted to keep if, indeed, his military life was now over. Seeing the corner of one of the note books exposed he rearranged the items until all five of them were completely hidden.

Now the real trick was going to be getting them out to the car without having them discovered. They were now his lifeline. His insurance in case Fuller or one of his cronies decided he was too big a security risk to be left alive. The irony was, if they read what was inside each book, they would be proven right.

He didn’t want to use the information they contained, but very soon he might not be left any choice. ‘Fuck em. God damned bureaucrats! If they decide to push me then they brought it on themselves,’ the General thought bitterly as he got up and walked towards the office door and out into the hallway where his escort waited impatiently.

********************

Jordon hung up the phone and shook his head in disgust. To him there was no better man to lead the Army than General Alexander, and the President was a bigger jackass than he had ever imagined if he didn’t see it. Still, it was partly Alexander’s own fault. He had refused to throw Blake under the proverbial bus.

‘What a god damned mess this whole thing is!’ the Colonel thought to himself.

Pushing the issue aside for now, Jordon reached down for the paperwork that he had been looking over before the phone call. The probe into the goings on at Reynolds was finding more violations than he had been aware of. He was glad that all the findings were presented to him before anyone else got a look at them.

His staff had been working overtime doing rewrites, as they tried to soften the language and reduce the impact of the conclusions. In the end, though, he wondered if anything he did would be enough to make it all go away. Deep inside, he doubted it.

It was all he could do to put aside his personal disgust at what was happening there. It wasn’t his job to babysit Dr. Stanley and her staff, but somehow it had become his job to cover for them.

As distasteful as some of what was going on over there was, they were well within their rights, under the President’s order to find a cure using any means necessary, to do what they were doing. Some of the experiments pushed the boundaries of the edict to the breaking point, but unless its scope suddenly narrowed everything that was happening over there could be justified.

*******************

Billings, Montana Wednesday August 2 12:30am MDT:

Reverend Manning looked around the filthy, claustrophobically small motel room and wrinkled his nose in disgust. This wasn’t the kind of place he had ever frequented before now, but when you’re on the run you hide where you can. Unfortunately this was all he could afford.

Getting up off the creaky wooden chair with a cracked faux leather seat pad, he spotted a roach skittering across the filthy looking burnt orange carpet. With nothing but disgust, he stomped the horrid insect dead with his left foot.

‘I can’t stay in this place,’ he thought to himself. ‘How can I spread God's word from here? For that matter how can I fulfill my mission if I’m forced to hide?’

Manning looked up at the peeling white paint of the ceiling and silently begged God for guidance.

As he prayed the memory of what had gone on at the Foley’s house bubbled to the surface of his mind and filled him with pride. He had, though his followers passed down his Lord's judgment on the boy -- and a mighty punishment it had been.

A small smile creased his lips as he savored the memory the sinner’s howls of pain as the flames of righteousness consumed him.

‘Let them all be warned! God knows of your sin and has appointed me his executioner!’ he had kept hollering as the smell of burning flesh had filled his nostrils. Never before had he realized how sweet of a smell it truly was.

The Sheriff, despite his protestations otherwise, simply stood aside and watched as Manning’s people carried out God's will. A few of the deputies had even joined in. James Devin, the sheriff’s number two man, had been the one that dragged the boy out into the yard when most of the rest of his flock had seemed to lose their nerve. And now they now were trying to hunt him down?

The fever with which he was now being pursued amazed him to some degree. He had done nothing more than God's will. Couldn’t they see that? Of course they couldn’t. They were blind to the will of their Lord, so wrapped up in their belief in their laws that they could not see the forest for the trees.

“God wants these people, punished you fools!” he felt like screaming at them all.

In his heart though, he knew it would have no effect. They would never see God's hand in what had happened, they would only see one of their laws broken.

Would he ever be able to convince them of the truth? He didn’t know for sure, but he sincerely doubted it. They were blind to the will of God.

So now he was now a wanted man with little in the way of resources or money. He knew that God had kept his followers that had come with him, when the time came to leave the farm, safe from the police and wholeheartedly believed that the Lord would deliver what they needed to survive. He and the rest of the flock just needed to find away to survive and stay free until the time of deliverance arrived.

Since arriving here, they had spent all their time hold up in the three little rooms, all that they could afford in even this crappy little motel just outside the city limits. It continued to frustrate Morris to have to hide, but what choice did he have? He was simply too hot to go anywhere in public at this time.

A knock on the door interrupted Manning’s brooding. “Yes, what is it?” he asked demandingly.

“Reverend? There someone out here that wants to talk to you,” he heard Tom Jenkins call through the door.”

‘What in God’s name is he talking about?’ Manning wondered, as he got up and walked over to the door.

Sliding the flimsy chain lock into the holder on the door, Morris opened it as far as the security device would allow. “Thomas, what do you mean that someone wants to talk to me? No one knows we’re here. How could anyone want to … ” his sentence was cut short by the sight of his make shift security guard being held at bay by a smartly dressed man with a sawed off shot gun pointed at his head.

The gun toting stranger looked over at Morris and smiled pleasantly. “Reverend Morris? My name is Greg Harkin. I’m sorry about the gun, but I didn’t think your people would just let me come up and knock on your door. I’d like to have a word with you, if you’d be willing. I promise it will be well worth your time.”

Manning looked at the tall brown haired man in his expensive looking three piece suit, which did nothing to hide the mass of muscle underneath, with a mix of fear and confusion. The sight of the gun frightened the gray haired fugitive. However, the stranger’s attitude conveyed no threat. It was more like a confidence that there was nothing that could happen that would take him by surprise. It made it impossible for Manning to get a true read on him.

Seeing the indecision on the reverend's face, Harkin told him, “I’ll tell you what Reverend, if you tell your man here to relax and let me say my peace, I’ll put my gun away. Hell, I’ll even give it him to hold on to if that will make you feel better. I’m just here to talk, nothing else. I have an offer to make that will be well worth your time, if you’ll hear me out.”

Manning studied the stranger for a few moments. Something inside told him to trust the stranger. Looking over at Jenkins he said, “Tom, take his gun and wait out here.”

With a wide smile Harkin handed the weapon to Jenkins. Stepping towards the door he told him, “Now take care of that thing. I’ll be expecting to collect it when we’re done, in the same condition I gave it to you.”

Jenkins gave Harkin a quick nod in the direction of the door way. “The Reverend is waiting for you. You best get in there, before he decides he doesn’t want to talk to you anymore.”

Closing the door as the men quipped at each other, the grey haired minister said a quick prayer to God for his guidance and protection. Once done, Manning undid the chain lock. Seconds later, he opened the door completely and saw Harkin, mockingly holding his arms out away from his body in an offer to let Jenkins frisk him for any other weapons. The man’s cockiness was obviously infuriating Tom.

You could hear the thud of each of the former farmer’s hands as they hit the stranger’s body while performing the search. Harkin, in a credit to his toughness, just stood there and took the beating as if nothing unusual was happening.

“Am I all set now, hoss?”

“Yeah. You're clean.”

“Okay then, Reverend, if I may?”

Manning waved his visitor in and closed the door behind them.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Harkin?” Morris asked, as he offered his visitor a seat.

“Thank you, Reverend,” Harkin said accepting the offered chair. “And it’s not what you can do for me, sir; it’s what I -- or actually the people that I represent -- can do for you.”

“And what exactly is that, Mr. Harkin? And while you’re at it, why don’t you tell me how it is you were able to find me and my followers so quickly.”

“Let’s just say we have our ways of finding who we want to find and leave it at that,” Harkin replied smugly. “As for what we can do for you, well … let me start off by saying you are under no obligation to accept our offer. If you refuse, we will take no action against you or any of your people unless your agenda becomes cross to ours.”

“I see.”

“Good. So down to brass tacks then. I am here to offer you support in the form of money, safe houses, transportation … whatever you need really.”

“And why would you want to give me that kind of help? Are you a messenger of some kind from God? Are you here to give me a pledge of undying loyalty to the cause he has set before us?”

Harkin let out a small laugh. “No, reverend. I’m not here because I believe in your cause, or because God sent me, or even because I like you. My group has its own agenda and reasons, but we believe that your cause will help us achieve our goals, so we offering you help. That’s all, just support. What you do with that support is entirely up to you.”

“Unless, of course, I cross purpose with you.”

“I don’t really foresee that happening, Reverend, but yes you wouldn’t want to do that if it could be avoided.”

“So how much money are we talking about?”

“Whatever you need. We are very well financed. On top of that, we have a large variety of safe houses all over the country that you can use as you need them.”

“I’ll have to say, that’s an extremely generous offer, Mr. Harkin. You’ll forgive me if I’m finding it hard to believe that you want absolutely nothing from me in return.”

“Well, there is one little thing you could do for us when you get your organization strong enough,” Harkin admitted contritely.

“And what would that be?”

“Have you heard of the Sisters of Acidalia?”

“Yes, I think I may have. They are that group in San Francisco right? The ones that are responsible for all those clinic explosions, if I’m correct.”

“Something like that. But anyhow, when you’re ready, we’d like you to go to San Francisco and make some trouble for them. Draw them out, if you will.”

“And why would you want them drawn out, may I ask?”

“We would like to find their leader, a new woman that goes by the name of Ellie Wolf.”

“And why do you want her?”

“Let’s just say we have our reasons, but you don’t need to worry about what they might be. The Sisters are the perfect target for you and your mission. They believe that the virus is a gift from God I’m told.”

“Blasphemy!”

“Yes … Anyhow, reverend, do we have a deal?”

“Yes, I believe we do, Mr. Harkin.”

“That’s terrific," Harkin replied as he fished a card out of his suit jackets inner pocket. Handing the card to Manning he said “This should get you started.”

“What is this?” Manning asked, as he read the card which had just a series of numbers written on it.

“Those are access codes for a bank account under the name of James Beam. There is 100,000 dollars in there for you to use. We will keep an eye on the account. When we see it starting to run low, we’ll replenish the funds.”

“$100,000? Thank you Mr. Harkin and God bless you and your group.”

“No, thank you, reverend. It’s good to have you aboard. Good luck with your mission. We’ll be in touch from time to time.”

“I look forward to our next meeting then sir," Manning said as the two men stood up and shook hands.

*************

After he had driven about a mile from the motel Harkin pulled out his cell phone and dialed the familiar number by heart. On the fourth ring, as always, it was answered.

“This is Harkin," he said into it “Yes, he was there … Yes, he accepted the offer … Yes, it’s very good news … I’m sure he’ll be the perfect one to draw Wolf out of hiding … I’d say probably by the end of the month … Has there been any word from Philip’s group yet? … Yes I saw the reports about the unruly crowds and the problem the cops were having on TV … They caused it? That’s great ... Yes I’m sure they will have Dr. Ryson in their possession soon, too … I’m on my way back to San Francisco, unless you have something else for me … Yeah the vials are still in the trunk. What do you think, I’ve been tossing them out along the road side or something? … Ok, ok. But I only did it once though … L.A.? Really? Going after one of the big guns time huh? Yeah sure I can take care of it … Yes sir, I think I should be able to get close enough to him if you provide me with the appropriate identification … What address? … 1483 Wilshire Blvd? Got it … I can be there in about two days … Ok I’ll check back in once it’s done.”

*************

The ear splitting screech of the rusted hinges being forced made him spring to his feet.

Had they found him at last? He had been hiding here for weeks, and had hoped that he had finally found a safe haven from those that pursued him.

Running to the edge of the small loft, accused terrorist and murderer Warren Quinlan looked to see who or what had set off his natural alarm system. Kneeling down so that he couldn’t be seen from the first floor, he watched as the large rusted steel door shuddered two more times before groaning loudly on its long rusted hinges as it swung inwards. He reached down into his sock, and removed the .32 revolver from it and aimed it in the general direction of the door.

The weapon was more for show than an actual threat since it contained only one bullet, his last ditch escape in case they ever got him into a corner that he couldn’t escape. He would much rather be dead than paraded around like they had poor George Mathers before he they shot him while “attempting to escape” federal custody.

“Wow, what a mess!” he heard a stranger's voice say as he saw, much to his surprise, a tall red headed woman enter the old storage building. The absurdly tall and well built girl was followed by two others, a shorter brunette and another one with red hair but much smaller than the first.

“I sure hope I don’t get stuck on clean up duty here if we wind up using this one," the brunette, Jill, said.

‘Using? What would they want to use this place for?’ Warren wondered to himself as he continued to watch.

“Yeah, sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me. Maybe we can talk El into sending Vera," the shorter redhead joked, causing her two companions to burst into to titters of laughter.

“Just be careful. If you cut yourself on something here, Roberta will need to give you a tetanus shot," the tall one said.

As he continued to observe the three intruders, the wanted man relaxed a bit realizing that, while he wasn’t sure what such lovely women were doing rummaging around in a place like this, they certainly didn’t appear to be here for him. He loosened his grip on the gun slightly, but still held it facing his unwanted guests general direction.

The three new women began to move through the medium sized warehouse, completely unaware that they were being observed. They looked over the main room, checking the floor for stability, pushing on the walls to make sure they weren’t going to fall over and inspecting the structure's general condition.

Nicole was in the front corner nearest the door when she heard Jill call out, “Hey, Nicole, come check this out.”

As she turned toward the direction of the brunette’s voice she caught a fleeting movement out of the corner of her eye. It seemed to come from up on the small second floor landing. Looking up at the loft she stared at it intently for several seconds, trying to pinpoint what it was that caught her eye, but everything remained still and undisturbed.

Outwardly shrugging while inwardly suspicious, she headed off to see what Jill wanted to show her. After a few moments of searching she found her two companions. “What’s up?” she asked.

“Look what we found," Sharon, the second redhead said excitedly.

Nicole looked over where the two women indicated. On the floor was a shabby sleeping bag, a small pile of dirty looking clothes, and a two foot by one foot metal box with a shiny new looking lock on it.

“Looks like someone’s been living here," Jill said, stating the obvious.

“Yes it does …” Nicole said distractedly. She looked back over her shoulder towards the landing. “I think whoever it is has been watching us. Just as I was coming over here, I could have sworn I saw something move up stairs.”

“Do you think whoever it is, is here keeping an eye on our building?” Sharon asked.

“I’d be surprised if that was the case. This doesn’t look like the way a policeman or a government agent would be set up if they were on a stake out or something like that. I’d say we stumbled on a homeless person’s lair.”

“What should we do?” Sharon asked Nicole.

“You should all put your hands up where I can see them, and get the fuck away from my stuff," a highly agitated sounding man's voice told them, before Nicole could respond.

The three women turn to see a rail-thin, filthy looking man, with thick greasy dark brown hair, standing behind them with a gun in his hand.

Nicole, Jill, and Sharon stared at the newcomer blankly, as a wave of confusion washed over them for a moment, but made no move to follow his instructions.

“Nicole?” Jill said, unsure whether to do as the gun wielder told them or not.

The lack of response of the three intruders simultaneously incensed and worried Quinlan. Trying to take control of the situation he roared, “What the fuck is with you three? Get your asses over by that fucken wall, or I’m gonna shoot all of you! Jesus Christ!”

The tall red head still stayed planted where she was. The other two following her lead remained planted in place as well.

Their lack of fear was really starting to worry Warren. He knew the gun didn’t have enough ammunition to kill all three of them if they called his bluff. It seemed as if the three of them somehow sensed the emptiness of his threats, further aggravating his already unstable state of mind. Taking in a deep calming breath he decided to try a slightly different track and began to explain “I … I just want my stuff, and then I’m out of here. Just stay where you are. Don’t make me have to shoot you. I just want my stuff," he repeated.

“Get it then. We won’t get in your way," Nicole said, trying to reassure him.

Quinlan looked nervously at her. He could see Nicole was obviously the leader, and thus the one he needed to watch the closest. Keeping his eyes focused on the tall beauty, he bent down into the single beam of light that filtered in from the dirt encrusted second floor windows and began to gather his meager belongings.

Jill recognized him as soon as she got a good look at his face. In her surprise at their captor's identity she blurted out, “Hey, I know you. You’re that guy, what’s his face … the one cops are looking for. You know the one that killed that reporter on TV.”

‘Oh great! Good job Jill!’ Nicole thought to herself, as their captor looked angrily up at Jill.

“I … I didn’t kill anyone!’ Warren cried pushing the gun into Jill’s face. “It was the fucken army that shot her. They didn’t want the stupid report to get out! They just fucken shot her! Boom! Game over! But it wasn’t. See, the fucken government decided to pin the blame on me an … and poor George. But we didn’t do it! Uh uh! Didn’t kill her! Nope didn’t kill anyone! It was the army! Not me! Understand? It wasn’t fucken me!”

“We understand," Nicole said placatingly. “The military’s been working over time trying to pin the blame for everything that’s gone wrong lately on anyone they can find. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that they would do something like that, and then blame an innocent bystander.”

“Oh shut the fuck up! Christ! You don’t know shit! I’m on to you and your bull shit! You’d tell me anything if you thought it would save you and your friends there," Quinlan growled angrily.

Warren glanced down at the gun in his hand and wondered what he was going to do with these women now. He couldn’t let them go and tell the cops where he was but he didn’t want to shoot anyone. All he wanted was to grab his things and get the hell out of there.

Nicole took a small step in his direction.

Looking back up he yelled, “Where do you think you’re going? Move another inch and you’re fucken dead! You hear me?”

Despite of his harsh tone, Nicole could clearly see obvious indecision etched on his face, and wondered if their gun wielding captor really had a clue how to get out of this without having to shoot one of them. Though she was loath to admit it, the way things were heading she wasn’t optimistic about how this situation was going to play out.

She had recognized him as soon as she got a good look at him, too, but hadn’t planned on mentioning it to him. She understood that Jill wasn’t trying to sabotage the situation, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to string up the blonde for opening her mouth and making Quinlan feel threatened by them.

She watched their captor's wide eyes nervously dart from one of them to the next. He continually raised the barrel his gun in their direction then let it fall back towards the floor again. The new woman could tell Warren had little clue as to what to do.

“Look,” she said, hoping to diffuse the situation, “why don’t you just get your stuff and go like you were planning. We’re not going to tell to police about you, okay? If we did, it would put us at risk too. So just go. It’s okay. We swear not to tell anyone about you.”

“Like I’m supposed to just believe you? I know how big the reward on my head is! Do I look stupid? As soon as I walk out the door you’ll grab your cell phone and turn me in. I won’t let them take me. Do you hear that? I won’t! I’d rather die!” Warren raved.

Nicole could see his eyes flare with determination and understood that this was the one subject he wasn’t confused about.. She swallowed hard, as she realized just how much trouble they were in right now. Deciding she had no other choice she said “Look Warren … may I call you Warren?”

“Shut the fuck up! I told you not to fucken talk! Why won’t you listen? Do you want me to shoot you?”

“No. I don’t want you to shoot. I just want to talk to you for a second. Have you heard of the Sisters of Acidalia?”

“The sisters … You mean the terrorists that have been blowing up all those testing centers? Yeah I’ve heard of them. So what? You gonna tell me you three are them or something?”

“Well, last time I checked we hadn’t blown anything up, but, yes, the three of us are members. So you see, there’s no way we could go to the authorities and tell them about you without endangering ourselves as well.”

“Yeah right … Hey wait a minute … Are you infected???? Oh what the fuck!! This is just great! Now not only do I have to figure out what to do with you, now I got the bug too? FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!” he bellowed.

“Look Warren, it’s ok. None of us are contagious. You don’t need to worry …”

“I don’t huh? Why don’t I? Just 'cause you say you're not contagious? Like you’d fucken tell me if you were. You can save your bullshit for someone else, cause I’m not buyin' it. FUCK!!!” he barked.

The situation was becoming too much tense for the redhead's taste. If something wasn’t done soon to defuse it soon, she was convinced there would be bloodshed. Nicole could feel, before her revelation that their captive didn’t really want to hurt them, but now who knew? It almost seemed that fate was fighting to remove the choice from his hands.

The tall, red headed new woman watched Quinlan intently, waiting for an opening. As if in answer to her prayers he looked down again at the gun in his hand. Nicole wasted no time in pouncing on him. Before he was even aware he was under attack, she had her hands wrapped around his and began twisting the weapon from his grip.

Warren struggled with all his might to keep control of the gun, but the new woman was much stronger than he would have believed possible. In the blink of an eye she ripped it from his hands, knocking him to the floor in the same fluid motion.

“Okay. Now, Mr. Quinlan, why don’t you stay right there where you are. Don’t make me use this on you," Nicole instructed as she pointed the gun at him, relieved to be on the trigger side of the weapon.

From his position on the floor, Warren looked up to see the gun aimed at his face now. Tears, of frustration, joy, sadness, who could tell at this point, welled up in his eyes. His emotions swirled in a million directions at once. The gun had represented his last ditch escape. Seeing it pointed at him made him long for the blessed oblivion; at the same time it scared him beyond words.

Deciding to embrace the reaper, Quinlan, with a desperate pleading look on his face said, “Do it. Please. Just shoot me … please. Put me out of my misery. I’m beggin you … Please … ”

“I’ve been running for so long … so long” he told them, as he began to whimper, “I just can’t take it anymore. I never hurt anyone … I just want … need it to end.”

Quinlan moved from whimpering to full on sobbing. Nicole looked at him sympathetically, but unsure whether he was faking or not. Warren fell to his side and curled into a tight ball, bawling.

“Hold this," she told Jill, as she handed her the gun.

Getting down on her knees, Nicole put a gentle hand on the desperate man's back and began to rub it gently up and down. “It’s okay, Warren. Let it out. It’s going to be okay. I promise," she told him soothingly.

With tear filled eyes, Quinlan turned his head to look at the tall redhead. “How … how can you say that? E … everything is just s … so fucked up now. How … how did it get this bad?” he sobbed.

“I don’t know, but you don’t have to be alone anymore. You can come with us if you want. We have a safe place you can stay. No one will be able to hurt you there. The police won’t find you, and we’ll do what we can to find a way to clear your name. Will you let us … let me help you?”

“You … you’d do that for me? Af … after I pulled a gun on you? You’d still help me? Why?”

“Because now-a-days we all need a little bit of help.”

“Ummm Nicole? Can I talk to you for a second?” Jill asked. “Privately!”

“Sure thing Jill. Will you excuse me for a second?”

“Ya sure do what you need to," Warren replied as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Nicole stood up, and saw Jill handing Sharon the gun. “You can put that away I think," She told the smaller read head.

Sharon looked over at Quinlan and saw he was still just sitting on the floor. She flipped the cylinder open to empty the rounds out of it. Just a single bullet landed in her hand. With a small giggle she held it up for everyone to see between her forefinger and thumb.

“You think he was planning to have us line up one behind the other, if he decided he wanted to kill us?” she asked sarcastically.

“It had you worried," Warren piped up defensively.

Nicole snickered at the exchange then turned her attention to Jill. “What’s up?”

“Do you really think it’s a good idea to bring him with us? I mean how do we know he didn’t really kill that news lady like they said he did?”

Nicole thought for a moment before she replied. “I can’t say that I know for a fact that he isn’t lying, but my gut tells me he’s telling the truth. I mean the government has lied about so much already, why not this too?”

“So you’re going to risk the rest of us because you have a feeling he’s telling the truth?”

“Umm … yeah. Yes, I am," Nicole stated in a tone that was intended to put an end to the discussion.

Jill face showed she still wasn’t convinced, but she deferred to Nicole’s judgment and remained silent.

Nicole turned back to Quinlan. “Are you ready?”

Warren nodded.

“Then let’s get going. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

********************

San Raphael Thursday August 3 6:35am PDT

Yvonne Logan sat at table in the warm, sunlit kitchen of the house she grew up in, sipping hot coffee and shaking her head over the recent turn of events that had led her back here after all that time away.

Just two days, ago she had arrived back at her parents’ house, fear filled and wondering if she would be welcomed back or turned brutally away. The nervousness had left her indecisive as to whether to go up and knock on the bright red front door, or to just turn and run.

The real question that kept her planted was, if not here, where else would she go?

It had taken her almost a week to make her way here from San Jose, where Philip had tossed her out of the car with a stern warning to go home and never show her face again. He had promised any reunion between them would end badly for Yvonne. That left going back there out of the question.

To be truthful, Yvonne highly doubted that he could really back up his threat. She simply didn’t believe he had the balls to kill anyone himself. Philip talked tough, but in the end she believed he was nothing more than a gutless weenie.

Be that as it may, she knew there wasn’t going to be any way she could help free Gail. As much as she wished otherwise, there wasn’t anything she could do on her own and there wasn’t anyone left she could call for help. They were all either dead or missing.

With that acknowledged, she decided to take Philip's advice and head home.

As she stood at the brink of announcing her presence to her family, Yvonne found herself frozen in place, wondering if it was really such a good idea. Things had been very bad the last time she had talked to her mother.

In truth, Yvonne hadn’t really had much of a chance to say anything that day. Mom had plenty to say though, and wasn’t shy about sharing her opinions either.

She had hurt her daughter with her comments over how she had let herself and the house go. However, it was the accusations of neglect of the girls had stung the deepest. In the end, the older woman had left with the Logan girls in tow, and a stern warning to her daughter to get her act together if she ever hoped to see the children again.

That night had almost been the end of things for Yvonne. How many hours had she sat there on the bed she had shared with her missing husband, looking at Thomas’ gun that sat there calling out to her and begging to be used? How long had she considered what it would feel like when the bullet passed through her head, or if she would even feel it at all? She didn’t really know.

What she did know was that, in the end, she hadn’t been able to do it. She had survived the night by simply being overcome with exhaustion and falling asleep. Many times, Yvonne had thought back over the weeks since that day, finding herself still breathing and found herself wondering if surviving had been a blessing or a curse.

Looking back at that day, she had stood under the laurel tree for so long trying to decide what to do that fate took the choice out of her hands.

“Oh my gosh! Mommy? Is that really you?” Yvonne had heard a young girl screech from across the small, tree lined street. An unbidden smile stretched across the face of the runaway terrorist as she spied the form of her oldest daughter Michele jumping up and down excitedly in her mother’s front yard.

The sight of the young girl was all it took to break her indecision and cause tears of joy to stream down her face. Yvonne bolted across the street as Michele screeched excitedly to her younger sister “Mel, its mommy. It’s mommy! Come see!”

Michele had barely gotten the final word out of her mouth before being scooped up by her mother. The two embraced tightly, holding each other like they were afraid if they let go it would turn out to be a dream.

“MOMMY!!!!!!” a second voice called out.

Yvonne looked over, and saw her younger daughter speeding in her direction, her arms spread wide. The long missing mother bent over and scooped the five year old up with her free arm. The three of them stood there for what seemed like forever, hugging each other tightly.

“My God, I’ve missed you two so much," she told them, as the tears flowed freely from all three sets of eyes.

“Michele, Melanie, where did the two of you get to?” Yvonne’s mothers’ voice called from around the far corner of the house. “Girls whe … ” the older woman’s voice died off as she saw the scene on the front lawn. “Yvonne? Is that you?”

Yvonne had looked over in the direction of her mother voice and nodded. She was so choked up by the reunion with her children it had rendered her mute at that moment.

“When did you get here? Why didn’t you tell us you were here?” her mother, Kerry had asked in an astonished voice. “Wayne? Wayne come see! Yvonne has come back!” Kerry called to the back yard.

After what seemed like an eternity in the front of the house embracing each other Yvonne’s father had suggested they go inside. The reunited family had taken his advice and spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other’s company.

Finally, though they claimed to not be sleepy, the girls had been put to bed. Yvonne had thoroughly enjoyed tucking them in and had taken the time to apologize to both for abandoning them. Her daughters had made her promise that she would never leave them again, and Yvonne had been all too pleased to make the pledge.

When she had arrived back downstairs in the living room with her parents, she could tell they were expecting her to reveal where she had been all this time and what she had been up to.

“I suppose the two of you want to know where I’ve been now," she told her mother and father inviting them to ask what ever questions they had.

“Well, we hadn’t wanted to bring it up in front of the girls … but, yes, we would like to know," Wayne replied.

Yvonne had sat silent for a few moments debating how much to tell them. How much of the truth would be safe for them know? Would I be fair to burden them with knowledge of everything she had been through in the last weeks? She didn’t know.

Her internal debate turned out to be a waste of time. Before she realized it, she had spilled out entire story.

To their credit, Wayne and Kerry had listened to their daughter’s mostly tear filled tale without much judgment over her actions since hooking up with Gail. Even though some of the stories she relayed had horrified and sicken them beyond words.

“So where is your friend now?” Kerry asked, referring to Gail.

“I wish I knew Ma. They took her away and told me to disappear. There wasn’t anything I could do to help her. Even if I had called them, the police wouldn’t have been able to find her with all of Philip's connections. So here I am … disappeared.”

“Well, whatever the reason, we’re glad to have you back.”

“Thank you. Thank you both … I … I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed the two of you. Never mind how much I missed the girls. I feel like a giant hole in my heart has finally been filled. I … I only wish Thomas could be here with us too.”

“Did you ever find him?”

“No. There was no way for us to get into Reynolds and rescue him. If he’s even still alive that is.”

“Do you think he is?”

“I … I don’t know Ma. All the stories … about what goes on there … if even half of them are true … I’m not sure I want him to have to live through that.”

************

Over the next couple of days, Yvonne had done what she could to move back into mommy mode. How many times she had chastised herself for letting her children go she didn’t know. What she did know is that leaving them again wasn’t an option. Her days of anger and revenge were now behind her. Thomas was most likely dead, and she needed to get past that and be a mother for her daughters now.

“Good morning, princess. You’re up awful early aren’t you?” she heard Wayne ask in a slightly horse voice.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“That I can see," her father joked.

“I made coffee, if you want some.”

“I do, and thank you," he replied walking over to the coffee maker on the counter.

Yvonne turned and watched him go by. As he did, she noticed a slight flush in his face. “Dad? Are you feeling alright?” she asked.

“I’m okay. I just seem to have a bit of a sore throat and I'm feeling a bit warm this morning. I’ll be fine though. After I have my coffee I’ll toss down a couple aspirin and be good as new," he said, trying to reassure her.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay?”

“Yes, mother, I’ll be fine. I’ve had a cold once or twice before in my life you know," he teased.

“Har, har, har! You're a funny guy for an old man, you know that?”

“Who’s old?”

“Ummm … no one … I guess," Yvonne said with a smile, enjoying the light hearted verbal jousting.

The two of them sat at the table for the next half hour chatting about nothing much and enjoying each other's company. Finally Wayne needed to get to work and Yvonne needed to attend to the girls, who were just waking up and demanding waffles for breakfast.

When her mother had appeared in the kitchen door way looking a bit flushed too, Yvonne started to become truly concerned. She hadn’t mentioned to them that she was infected, because she had thought she was past the contagious stage of the virus.

She thought that mentioning it would just make her parents worry over nothing. At least that’s what she told herself. Now, with both of them looking sick, she began to wonder if she really was non-contagious.

With a large lump of fear growing in her throat, Yvonne swallowed hard and prayed to God that she was wrong.

*************

Confirmed cases: 508,236

Actual cases: 1,875,421

End part X

Acidalia 11a

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XI-A
By Amanda D

San Francisco Monday August 7. 9:22pm

The testing center was packed full of perspective patients waiting as patiently as could be expected for their turn to be poked and prodded. Their faces, for the most part, were plastered with looks of a combination for boredom and anxiety. If one listened closely enough you could almost hear the hum of frayed nerves behind the constant onslaught of crying and coughing.

Dr. Rita Fleming, teetering on the verge of exhaustion, stood watching the procession from her resting place along the back wall of the building, gape jawed in amazement at the sheer number of infected. She leaned heavily on the concrete block wall painted utility green, hoping it would remain strong enough to hold her up while she fought to keep her eyes open long enough to get through at least another half a dozen tests.

It had been like this for so many days now that Dr. Fleming had lost count of how many tests she had performed. The lines just never seemed to end and one face blurred into another. Even the offers of sympathy to those that came back with positive tests were given out almost robotically, without feeling or emotion.

The virus, which had already been spreading at an alarming rate, seemed suddenly to have kicked into overdrive. Until recently, a normal day would see anywhere from forty to fifty men in the clinic being checked. Now however there was a line stretching out the door and halfway down the block, maybe even beyond that. There was no way for her to tell.

Now women were also being tested and the number of the fairer sex that were infected with type B was growing so rapidly that some theorized that they might surpass the number of infected men before too long. What that meant for the future of the human race no one knew for sure, but it didn’t sound promising.

“Dr Fleming? Are you OK?” she heard a voice ask.

The short, thin, black-skinned doctor turned her head and tried to make her blazing hot, blood shot eyes focus on the source of the voice. Next to her stood another one of the unending stream of nameless orderlies that never seemed to last more than a day or two.

The obese, homely, black haired woman’s brow was knotted in a look of concern. The frown she bore looked odd, plastered there. To Rita, large round faces were supposed to have equally large smiles plastered on them. However these days, there was little to smile about.

Rita strained to smile. “Yes I’m fine just a bit tired.”

“You should grab a break then. Would you like me to set up a cot out back with the others for you? A few hours shuteye will do you world of good.”

“How can I sleep with all these poor people waiting to be tested?”

“Honey, have you seen the size of that line? Believe me when I tell you these people will still be here when you wake up. Now come on out back and let me get you set up,” the orderly said, taking hold of her elbow.

“No!” she said with irritation as she pulled away from the woman. “That won’t be necessary.”

The portly woman shot her a hurt look that made Rita instantly regret her tone.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Dr. Fleming added, “I could use some coffee though.”

The orderly glanced at her disapprovingly, but only asked. “How do you take it?”

“Black. No sugar. And as strong as you can make it.”

“Stay right here. I’ll be back with it in a few minutes.”

“Thank you.” Rita replied wanly.

There was very little chance that Rita would be going anywhere. She had been at the center since late Saturday afternoon; working hour after hour with only a few short breaks here and there, like this one. Dr. Fleming wasn’t sure when the last time she had slept, but would have been willing to bet it was somewhere in the neighborhood of forty eight hours. To be honest she wasn’t even sure what day of the week it was.

The never ending line, that’s what she was beginning to call it. It was a simple name for an ominous truth.

Inwardly she wondered when the Mayor was going to make good on his promise, (or was it more of a threat?), to declare martial law. God knew, if this center was any indication of the way things were citywide, it hard to imagine that he wouldn’t. Then again, declaring martial law might turn out to be akin to locking the barn door after the horse ran off.

“Here you go doctor,” the homely orderly said, startling her a bit.

Rita gratefully accepted the large steaming Styrofoam coffee filled cup. Gingerly she sipped at it. “Mmm, delicious. Thank you very much…”

“Linda. Linda Darsow.”

“Thank you Linda, this is just what I…”

A thunderous crash from just outside the entrance interrupted Dr. Fleming.

“What the hell was that?” she heard Linda ask no one in particular.

Before the doctor could even think to reply, a panic stricken human tidal wave began surging through the entranceway. Some were screaming, others were merely wide-eyed, with terror etched on their faces as they forced their way in the door.

Rita found herself dumbstruck as her mind tried to figure out what could have started the stampede. ‘Did something happen outside,’ she wondered as the room began to fill up with more and more people. It was beginning to look as if the entire line was trying to force its way inside all at once. If it kept up, someone was going to get trampled or worse.

“Everyone stop!” Rita yelled as loud as she could. “There isn’t room for all of you in here!”

Her words were lost in the ever increasing background noise, and did nothing to halt the throng. Instead, they only seemed to make the crush pushing through the double set of steel mesh reinforced Plexiglas doors faster.

Rita looked around for one of the assault rifles wielding National Guardsmen that were supposed to be there to make sure things like this didn’t happen. A quick flash of green out of the corner of her eye made her look over to her left. Way towards the back she spotted one of them fighting to get to the doors, but the flood of people kept pushing the soldier further back. She watched him shoulder his weapon and point it at someone in front of him but if it had any effect at all it wasn’t apartment, as a moment later he was swept under the ever growing crowd.

When the soldier didn’t reappear after a handful of seconds Dr. Fleming felt a ball of ice cold fear burst in her stomach. She understood in that instant just how much trouble they were in.

“Come on!” she shouted to Linda as she grabbed the orderly’s hand.

“Where are we going?” she asked as Rita pulled her through the ever growing crowd.

“We have to get the doors closed before we get crushed. There’s no way we can hold all those people from outside.”

The two women pushed, shoved and clawed their way towards the doors. It seemed at times for every step they took forward, the mass of humanity would push them two steps back. Somehow, however, they made progress and eventually found themselves at the brink of reaching the left hand door. The thing was tantalizingly close. Rita reached out her hand and it fell just inches shy of the mark. Breathing heavily from the exertion the two women braced themselves against each other and pushed again, this time landing right up against the cold metal side.

Even though it had taken less than a minute to achieve their goal it had felt like hours of struggle. The two women clung to the side of the door and began looking for a way to force it closed.

“Doctor… look!” Linda shouted.

Rita turned her head and saw that the throng had begun to abate.

She inwardly breathed a sigh of relief eve as she struggled to catch her breath. She didn’t know what had caused the panicked rush, but at least it seemed to almost over. Perhaps once everyone was inside she would finally find out what had caused the rush to start with. Once she knew what she was dealing with, then maybe there would be a way to calm everyone down enough to get some breathing room.

Pressed up against her right side was a sickly looking grey haired man. The man’s face was flushed with fever and his hacking cough continued incessantly. Her nostrils filled with the vile stench of sweat and sickness.

Rita didn’t even want to be in the same zip code as he was, but she needed information. She pulled her white lab coat over her nose and mouth as best as she could and tugged on the man’s sleeve.

“Can you tell me what’s going on out there?” the doctor asked urgently.

Instead of answering the shell shocked virus victim simply pointed his long boney finger towards the doorway. The short dark skinned doctor looked in the direction the old man indicated and immediately wished she hadn’t.

Pushing the last of the crowd from the sidewalk into the building were a dozen or so men wearing identical red waist length jackets, with matching ski masks. The outfits were completed with an assortment of sleek automatic weapons and menacing shot guns.

Rita felt a second wave of panic build through the crowd, just as the feeling began to take over her as well. The entire room seemed ready to run and hide but the solid concrete walls made for an excellent pen. Instead the entire mob pushed back as if trying to put as much distance between it and the gun wielders.

She could hear pained cries coming from the rear of the room even as she joined in on the crush of bodies.

With the ball of ice growing in her belly, and a mouth as dry as the desert Rita called out “What’s going on? What are you people doing here?”

The hulking man nearest her shouted. “Shut the fuck up, bitch!”

Rita assumed that the entire room was about to die, so a bit of rebellion wasn’t going to make things any worse.

Ignoring his order, she opened her mouth to speak again but Linda tugged on her sleeve and pointed at the still open door, shouting “Oh my God! Rita! Do you know who that is? We’re dead …all dead now …”

Dr. Fleming looked away from Linda’s suddenly ashen complexion and turned back towards the door way. For the second time in as many minutes, she wished she hadn’t. Somewhere in the back of Rita’s mind she absently wondered why she hadn’t gone home last night when she’d had the chance. Now however, with addition of this latest arrival, she knew without question that there was no chance anyone in the clinic was ever going to see home again.

A quick round of gunfire into the ceiling got the entire room’s attention as the tall grey haired man, dressed in a black coat and matching slacks, sporting a minister’s collar around his neck strode into the room. The man’s cold blue eyes sent a chill creeping up Rita’s spine even as the mob behind her fell silent as a grave.

“My name … is Reverend Morris Manning. I am … the voice of God.” he began, in a lackadaisical drawl.

“All of you, here tonight stand condemned as sinners …by God himself!” he proclaimed more loudly, waving a worn looking bible high above his head. “The Lord has sent me here, to pronounce his judgment and pass down his punishment upon all of you.”

As if he were an actor holding for a dramatic pause before saying his next line, the Reverend allowed his words a moment to sink in before continuing, “Now is the time to make your peace with the Almighty …to beg him for forgiveness! He may yet find it in his infinite grace to grant your request before your arrival in hell! However, your time here on earth is at an end.”

As Manning spoke in his surprisingly calm tone, his followers spread out around the room and began pulling down the metal security curtains that covered the windows when the clinic was closed. The snap of each lock being engaged was like a punch to Rita’s stomach.

The crowd behind her began to push forward as they all tried to escape what was meant to be their tomb.

The two men on either side of Manning opened fire into the crowd. As a handful of those closest to the doors went down from the hail of bullets, the rest dove for whatever cover was available. Rita however, simply stood where she was, too stunned to even think about her own safety.

The eerie quiet that engulfed the room in the wake of the brief burst of gun fire was almost surreal. Only the cries of the injured could be heard, and even those had a strange muted quality to them. It was as if everyone had resigned themselves to their fate in the same moment.

Rita bowed her head and began to pray silently even as she heard the soft muttering of others doing the same all around her.

“You there. What is your name?” she heard Manning ask.

Looking up from the floor, it took Dr. Fleming a moment to realize Manning was speaking to her.

At first she was too frightened, too angry, too hurt and confused to answer. His gaze bore into her however, and she felt compelled to answer. “Dr. Rita Fleming,” she replied, her voice more steady than she would have thought possible.

“A doctor? Good. Very good indeed,” Manning said as his eyes wandered towards the ceiling. “God grants you his all encompassing mercy, doctor. You may leave. But there is a price for your life. He commands that you must tell anyone who will listen that I have come here to cleanse this city of the Godless and the dammed. I will be passing out God’s judgment to all he deems deserving. He is my strength and my shield, and no one may stand in my way. Go now, tell them all! Let them tremble in fear over what they have wrought!”

Rita stood rooted in place, unable to comprehend that she had just been pardoned. Manning cocked an impatient eyebrow at her as he waited.

The realization crept over her slowly. A wave of guilt followed right behind it. She knew it was wrong for her to leave the rest here to die. However, she wanted to live more than anything else at that moment. She wanted one last chance to see her sisters and her mother, and found, much to her dismay, that she was willing to sell everyone else’s souls right along with her own to have it.

Manning’s patience ended abruptly as he nodded at one of his men. The masked intruder stepped over to where Fleming stood and grabbed a large handful of her hair. With a firm grip on her long locks, he began to pull her out of the clinic as she howled in pained protest.

Once outside, Rita found herself spun down onto the sidewalk, landing hard on her shoulder and banging the side of her head against the pavement. The impact was enough to leave her seeing stars.

As she half sat, half lay there trying to regain her senses, Rita watched with dreamlike detachment as Manning and his men began to exit the clinic. The entire scene had a disturbing slow motion quality to it. It was almost as if they all believed there wasn’t a force in the world that could do anything to punish this group for what was about to happen.

In the distance Rita thought she could hear the sounds of sirens approaching, but it was hard to tell over the incessant buzzing in her ears. She hoped beyond hope that the police really were on their way, and that somehow they would arrive in time to save those about to be trapped inside the clinic.

With the last of Manning’s followers out of the building, one of them turned back, let off another round of gun fire and tossed an object that resembled a hockey puck back inside. The rest grabbed the solid steel doors, slamming them shut and locking them with a short length of very solid looking chain.

A few ticks of the clock later, Rita heard a muffled boom emanate from inside the clinic as the ground beneath her shook harshly. An instant later a bright orange glow begin to show around the edges of the security curtains and through the small gap under the secured doors. The glow was accompanied by the muffled sound of screaming from inside the burning building.

Rita eyes grew wide with horror as her head suddenly cleared. Manning stepped over as she struggled to get to her feet and grabbed her firmly by the throat and pulled her right up to his face.

“Remember the price for your life, doctor. Tell them all. I am here and woe to any the Lord deems wanting. I am his fist of vengeance, and I will not be stopped!” he reminded her.

Manning stared menacingly at her for another moment. Rita was so close to his face that she could see the madness burning deep inside of him as surely as she could see the edge of the flames from inside the clinic.

The reverend smiled a sinister smile, his hot stinking breath sinking deep into her nostrils and then released his grip on her throat. Rita sank back to her knees gasping for breath as he strode off like a man out for a leisurely stroll on a warm summers night.

The sound of shattering glass drew Rita’s attention back to the now fully engulfed clinic building. For just a moment she dared to hope the sound meant those inside had found a way out of the inferno. However that small hope was summarily squashed as she saw all the metal security curtains still locked into place.

The glass broken, new billows of acrid smoke poured out like blood from a gaping wound. A hideous stench and agonized screams followed the smoke up into the night sky sending a deep shiver through Dr. Fleming. She turned her head and covered her ears, unable to deal with the reality of what was happening in front of her.

The flashing blue and red lights of emergency response vehicles caught her eye as she turned from the engulfed clinic. A desperate wave of hope splashed through her at the sight of the big red fire engine, but was quickly dashed as a secondary explosion from deep within the clinic shook the ground with its force.

Rita was slammed back over onto pavement by the force of the shock wave. She screamed a bitter curse at God for allowing such a tragedy to be committed in his name as she lay there counting body parts.

A pair of hands pulled at her shoulders. Rita looked up to see the outline of a policeman grabbing at her. He looked immense from her prone position as he began to guide the overwhelmed doctor to her feet.

Once up, the officer’s head whipped to the side, and without warning Dr. Fleming found herself scooped up and being carried hastily away. Her ears were ringing so loudly that she had no way of know what was wrong now, so she simply closed her eyes and prayed.

A third thud, followed by yet another sprinkling of glass about her head and shoulders answered her unasked question seconds later. The sparkly sharp shower made the young cop stumble momentarily before regaining his balance. Rita breathed a sigh of relief; with all the glass, even fully clothed, a skid across the pavement would have been deadly at that moment.

Not long afterwards Rita felt herself being lowered gently to the ground. She opened her eyes to find they were now fifty or so feet back from the blaze, sitting on the rear bumper of an ambulance.

From here the clinic looked like a giant fountain of fire and smoke.

Another hand touched her shoulder as a blue suited paramedic began to check her over for injuries. He flashed a bright light into her eyes and flashed her a dissatisfied frown before moving on to check other things.

As he worked, Rita’s ears began to clear. She could hear the hiss of the water as it touched the flames and the sound of the firemen’s radios blathering on incessantly as they tried to coordinate their efforts.

“Miss? Can you tell me what’s happened here?” a voice from behind her was asking.

She looked over her shoulder, spotting her questioner. She stared blankly at the tall detective in the gray suit, unsure how to begin, then began to cry.

***********

KLTR 11 pm News:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, our top story tonight is the massive fire that is still burning the Pacific Heights area Acidalia testing clinic.

On the scene at this time is our very own Terry Gail with this live report. …Terry…

“Thank you, Erin. This is Terry Gail, live here at the scene of this horrendous fire. As you can see behind me the building is completely involved at this point. Local fire fighters have had to call in additional help from units across the city as they try to bring this blaze under control before it can spread to neighboring buildings.

“According to reports we are getting from sources inside the emergency response services on the scene, it is believed that the clinic was filled with prospective Acidalia testing victims when the fire broke out. An unconfirmed statement was apparently given to our source by the only person known to have escaped the blaze. According to that individual, there could be as many as one hundred and seventy five people trapped inside.

“This is truly a tragedy of epic proportions, if that number turns out to be correct.

“The other rumor circulating around is the most chilling of all. Several Police officers have been heard by this reporter discussing the possibility this fire was purposefully set.

“While many groups have been mentioned as having reason to set the blaze, one persistent rumor is placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of none other than Reverend Morris Manning and a group of his followers. This again, according to rumor came from the unnamed survivor.

“Officials we have managed to question here on the scene are flat out denying that there is any chance of Manning’s involvement. However, here outside the police barrier, the story, fueled by the fact that the steel security curtains on the windows all appear to be closed, is gaining momentum by the minute.

“The curtains are supposed to be used to protect against vandalism while the clinic is closed and as we know, the facility was open when the fire broke out.

“Whether the rumors prove to be true, or some other person is to blame, one thing is for sure. This will go down as one of the deadliest fires in our city’s history.

On the scene in Pacific Heights, this is Terry Gail reporting.”

“Thank you Terry, for that on the scene report.

We here at KLTR have placed several calls to San Francisco Police Headquarters and the Mayor’s office, inquiring about any truth there may be to the Manning. While the Mayor’s office has yet to return our call, San Francisco Police spokes woman Sara Finney issued the following statement.

“We have no confirmation that Reverend Manning has moved his base of operations to the Bay Area. However, should the evidence show that he has indeed taken up residence in our fair city, he would find himself most unwelcome. If he is here, it will be this department’s highest priority to apprehend him and any of his followers, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law for any crime they commit here, or the ones they stand accused of back in Kansas.”

“We will continue to update this story throughout our broadcast as more details become available.

In other news…”

“El can you believe this? Do you think he’s really here?” Vera asked.

Ellie Wolf looked on, silently contemplating the news story. Behind and to her right, a large window revealed a small but bright glow to the west. It was undoubtedly the fire.

Getting up, Ellie walked over to the window and gazed out into the interrupted darkness, wondering just what Manning’s presence in the city would mean for the Sisters, if he was indeed here. The answer she kept coming up, with wasn’t a pleasant one.

Turning back to her friends, Ellie answered “I hope not, Vera. For everyone’s sake I hope he’s far away from here.”

“I think it’s a bunch of crap.” Jill chimed in. “The entire country is just in a panic over him. Yesterday on I saw on WWN, (cable channel World Wide News), that some farmer in Tuscaloosa said he saw him hiding in his barn. This was probably the work of that same group that was blowing clinics up the last couple of months.”

“I don’t know about that. This seems like a different M.O. (Modus Operand) than what they were using. Those people were attacking clinics, sure, but they were destroying property. For the most part, the facilities they attacked were deserted, or not open for business yet.” Nicole added.

“All of you. Quiet! I want to hear this.” Ellie said as she turned up the volume on the television.

“…the mounting problems for the Fuller administration.

“The White house was rocked today when reports began to surface from out of UCLA medical center in Los Angeles that Vice President Philip Nance has been diagnosed as being infected with the Acidalia virus.

“The Vice President, a California native, was in town this week for his yearly check up, as well as a meeting with several big name supporters of the President.

“According to sources within the medical center, Nance was at the hospital on Friday morning and was given a clean bill of health by Dr. Timothy Reagan. Sometime late Saturday night, the Vice President apparently took ill after meeting with several big money supporters of President Fuller. He was rushed back to the hospital and admitted at approximately 3:45am on Sunday. It was at the time he was diagnosed with having the Acidalia antibody present in his blood work.

“A statement was released from the White House early this afternoon … “President Fuller would like to pass on his most sincere sympathy to the Nance family and hopes for a speedy recovery for Vice President Nance. There has been no confirmation that VP Nance is indeed infected with Acidalia, and until there is medical evidence presented by his doctor to the administration, Philip Nance will continue to serve as Vice President for this administration.”

“What the fall out will be if it turns out the Vice President is infected, no one knows for sure. One thing is for certain though; if Nance is infected President Fuller will need to appoint a new VP.

“Adding to the administration’s woes, are the continuing rise of prices on all consumer goods, despite the government’s best efforts to stave them off.

“At a meeting of fifteen prominent economists on Wall Street today, dire predictions for the country’s economic future was the rule of the day. Some even went as far to predict that if the blockade isn’t dropped soon, that the entire economic structure of the United States would collapse in to ruin.

“These fears are not without foundation. Recent numbers on everything from new home starts to manufacturing orders are at record lows, with no upswing in site. With stockpiles of resources need for manufacturing new goods becoming depleted, it’s only a matter of time until wholesale layoffs and rampant unemployment become another sad fact of the virus’ spread, predicted several insiders.

“As if that wasn’t enough to pile on President Fullers plate, more reports of military defeats have been pouring in almost as fast as the number of Acidalia infected soldier’s increases.

“Canadian television is reporting at this hour that the United States attempt to take the city of Vancouver, British Columbia has fallen apart. Canadian forces, say the reports, are pursuing them back across the border between our two countries.

“The Pentagon has had no comment on the story as of this time, but we will bring you live coverage of any press conference discussing this issue that may be in our future, when it happens.

“There just seems to be no end to the bad news lately. Some prominent officials have begun to publicly question just how long President Fuller can continue to hold onto power if events continue to unfold the way they have of late. One prominent Democrat was even overheard saying that special elections may be in order somewhere down the line if the situation continues to deteriorate.

“In other parts of the world, the fallout from the withdrawal of American Military personnel continues to be felt.

“Israel today continued its preparations for all out war, as Arab forces from many of the nations in the region, including Iran and Syria, continue to build along the Lebanese border. Calls to the U.N for assistance in negotiating a peaceful solution have been defeated time after time in open session by the same forces arrayed against the Jewish state.

“It appalls me that these states would take advantage of the withdrawal of U.S. troops in this way,” Foreign Minister Maheed Rabaskie was quoted as saying. “However if they think we will go down without a fight, they are sorely mistaken!”

“On top of amassing troops, the Arab states have been accused of trying to cut off the small, country’s supply lines. Reports of Syrian military personnel confiscating truck loads of supplies, such as food and fuel bound for Israel have been streaming in for two weeks. Terrorist activity in most Israeli cities has reached a level not seen since the 6 days war in 1967.

“The Fuller administration has sent out a plea to all former allies to help settle the situation, but as of tonight, only England has pledged its support.

“Stay tuned for more developments as they happen.

****************

San Francisco Warehouse district, midnight, August 8th:

“I thought I’d find you still up here,” Nicole said as she walked across the second floor loft.

In front of the oversized windows that looked west out over the city, lost in thought and hugging herself as if to ward off a chill, stood Ellie. She had been up here for the last forty five minutes, staring at the far off glow of the clinic fire. The horror of it had so engrossed her; she didn’t even hear her best friend’s approach.

Nicole stepped up next to Ellie, startling her. As the diminutive leader put a hand to her breast to calm her heart, Nicole noticed the trails of dried tears streaking her friend’s face and asked, “El? Are you OK, hun?”

Ellie shook her head slightly. “All those poor people, dead … and for what? Because they might have Acidalia? He killed them for something they had no control over. Worse, he did it in the name of God!”

“It’s awful, horrible.”

“It’s worse than awful, it’s blasphemy! He murdered them … murder in the name of God, Nicole. Do you understand what that means?”

“It means he’s going to burn in hell when they catch him, and fry his ass just like everyone else that’s ever committed an atrocity in God’s name.”

“No, it means we have to stop him before he can spread his poison any further. With everything that’s going on now, with all the fear of the virus and all the crap the government’s been doing, his kind of hate is especially contagious. How long do you think it will be before someone else picks up his cause in some other part of the country? We need to put a stop to him NOW, before he becomes some kind of perverse celebrity and inspires others to kill more innocents.”

“Why us? Why can’t we let the cops do it? We have our hands full with a million other things right now, El, and going after him is going to mean pulling people off other projects.”

“The police? They have a million other things on their plate to deal with. At best they might be able to spare a handful of their people to look for him. This is going to require such an intense effort that they just don’t have the manpower for, but we do. God has put this before us. We must put a stop to it!”

Nicole sighed in resignation. If there was one thing everyone in the warehouse knew, it was not to argue with Ellie once she had made her mind up.

“You’re the boss.” She said. “How are we going to get to him? For that matter, how are we going to find him? I’m sure if he’s here …”

“He is.”

“OK! Fine, he’s here. But I’m sure he’s holed up in some little hidey hole somewhere. How are we supposed to smoke him out?”

“I don’t know yet. I’ve been up here asking God’s guidance.”

“No answer yet, huh?”

“No.”

“Any chance that means he wants us to stay out of this?”

Ellie frowned. “No. This is what he wants us to do, I’m sure of it.”

Nicole nodded. She knew it was useless, but she needed to try one more time to persuade Ellie to pass on this idea.

“I know you’re sure about God wanting us to do this, hun, but I have to be honest with you. I think this is a very bad idea.”

“Nicole …”

“No, hear me out before you say anything else! Never mind the fact that this guy is a class “A” crazy son of a bitch, and he gets off on burning people like us alive. If we go after him, it’s going to put everything else we’re trying to accomplish at risk. It’s going to paint a huge target on all of us, not just by Manning and his people, either. It won’t be long before the police, or someone in the Government catches wind of what we’re doing. When that happens, what’s to stop them from coming down on us just as hard? As far as they’re concerned, we’re just as big of a threat as Manning and his people, maybe even bigger. If this is really what God wants us to do, you better be damn sure of it before we put everything we’ve accomplished up to now at risk.”

“Nicole, all that we’ve accomplished has been by God’s grace. We can’t claim responsibility for our successes, because they aren’t our successes, they’re hers. We haven’t done anything but do as she demands, and you’re right, this task might cause every other thing that we managed to come undone. It might even cost some of us our lives, but this is what God wants of us, just like everything else we’ve done so far. If we fail in doing this, she will appoint someone else to take over everything else we’ve been doing for us. Take no pride in our accomplishments, because they are not ours. Remember, we are here to serve her will.”

“Then as soon as she fills you in on the rest of the plan, come get me and we’ll get started.” Nicole realized she sounded more sarcastic than she meant to. She felt bad for the way her response came out, but couldn’t figure out how to take it back. Feeling like an ass, Nicole turned and walked towards the stairway, hoping to get away from Ellie before something more serious was said.

“Nicole?” Ellie called.

Yeah?” she replied stopping and turning back to her friend.

“I need to know that you’re with me on this.”

Nicole cocked her head to the side. “Of course I am. I’m just scared, El. This is very bad business, and I don’t have that direct line to God like you do to keep me reassured. And because of that, I have doubts sometimes and they make me question her. But you’re our leader and my closest friend. When I start to wonder what we’re doing, I put my faith in you to know what’s right.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For your faith in me and our mission.”

“Ellie, you’re my best friend. I trust you with my life. If you tell me this is what we need to do, then this is what we’ll do. I’m in for the long haul. Now get back to what you were doing. I’m going to get some sleep. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Goodnight, my friend.”

“Night,” the tall red head replied as she started down the stairs.

***************

Monday August 8
The White House, Oval office 10Am EDT:

“Mr. President, Mr. Carlyle is here.”

“Thank you, Magdalene. Send him in, please.”

Seconds later Davis Carlyle entered the room. Right away he could see Fuller was in a foul mood. Not that anyone could blame the President; leaks in the dike were popping up faster than the holes could be plugged.

Fuller looked up from whatever he was reading on his desk long enough to grumble, “Sit down!”

Davis did as instructed and waited patiently for his boss to speak again. After a few minutes of continued silence, he began to feel uncomfortable. “Was there something you wanted to see me for?” he finally asked.

Fuller looked up again with anger burning in his eyes. “I just got off the line with Blake. Can you believe this shit? Routed! We never even managed to secure the coast line, for Christ sakes!”

“I saw the report on the news last night. What are we going to do now?”

“Damned if I know. I got a call last night from Montclair. The son of a bitch is talking about declaring war on us over this, and the Alaska incident. Can you believe it…War? With Canada?”

“They really want a war?”

“That’s what they’re saying. Christ! That’s all we need right now. How could things have gotten so fucked up over there? Who the hell was in charge of planning this? I’ll tell you who! It was my so called military advisors. A shitload of good they did advising us on this one! What a fuckin’ mess!”

Carlyle sat quietly as his boss ranted. When he was finished, Fuller looked, if not calmer, at least momentarily deflated.

“Do we have the resources to fight it out with them if that’s what it comes to?” Davis asked.

“Not according to what Frank and the Joint Chiefs are telling me. Our military is stretched to the breaking point right now, they say. Add a war on top of everything else and we’re sunk worse than that sub the other day.”

“So how do we handle it?”

“I put a call into Mosbard this morning. I’m going to ask him to work as an intermediary so we can set up some kind of negotiations. What leverage we have to negotiate with I don’t know, but we need to keep from having to go to war for now.”

“He’s going to push for you to surrender to U.N control, you know.”

“I know that’ll be on the top of his agenda, and before you ask, no, I’m not going to surrender control of our government. But right now, I don’t see any other way out without having to ask for his help with this.”

Carlyle nodded his head in agreement. “When are you going to talk to him about it?”

“I put in a call over an hour ago. I’m just waiting to hear back from him.”

“He’s making you wait on him?”

“Seems like it.”

Carlyle was shocked. The head of U.N was essentially blowing off the President of the
United States … that really made a statement about how much things had changed over the last months since the outbreak. In days past, the Secretary General never would have been allowed to make a sitting President wait. If he was wrapped up in something when the call was made, at very least a message of apology would have been sent to Fuller, and Mosbard would have been on the phone the moment he was free. Now over an hour had gone by, and still no call back

“Have you heard anything else about Nance?” Davis asked, deciding to try to change the subject.

“He’s got the bug. He’s doing as well as can be expected, but obviously he’s not going to be able to resume his duties.”

“Any thoughts on who you’re going to nominate to replace him?”

Fuller let loose with a deep frustrated sigh. That was just another problem on top of the hundreds of others he didn’t have time to deal with right now, but it was one that would wait for long.

“Not yet. I’ve asked Greg Foster to compile a list of potential replacements. We’re supposed sit down for a few minutes tomorrow to go over it … if we can find the time.”

“I can sit down with him and look over the list, if you want me too.” Carlyle suggested. “I’ll work with him to eliminate the ones we definitely don’t want. Then we can get together and figure out who’s the best candidate from the names that are left.”

Fuller looked relieved.

“That’s a great idea. But I want to see a copy of the full list, too.”

“I’ll make sure you get a copy.”

“Good,” Fuller replied.

“Mr. President?” the intercom chirped.

“Yes, Magdalene?”

“Sorry to interrupt you sir, but Secretary Denning is here for your meeting on the economy, and Secretary General Mosbard is holding on line two for you.”

“Thank you Magdalene. Tell Greg to grab a seat out there, and put Mosbard through, please.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

The intercom clicked off.

“Do you want me to stay here?” Carlyle asked.

“No. I want to speak with him privately right now. Can you wait outside with the Greg, please? I’ll call you back in once we’re done,” Fuller stated as his desk phone began to ring.

“Of course,” Davis answered as he stood up and left the office.

Once in the reception area he turned to Magdalene and said “I need to run down to my office for a few minutes, in case he’s done before I get back.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him.”

“Thanks,” Carlyle replied as he walked out into the hallway.

Turning to the left, he strode purposefully down the hall. Bypassing the elevator that would take him downstairs to his office, the Chief of Staff headed to the Secretary of Defense’s office.

Pushing his way through the outer office door he asked without preamble “Is he in there?”

Blake’s secretary replied “He’s in a meeting with …” Davies didn’t let her finish as he pushed his way into the inner office.

Inside were Blake and Air Force General Cavalier. Blake looked up to see who was intruding on the meeting. Recognizing the Chief of Staff he said, “I’m in the middle of something here, Carlyle.”

“I don’t care. We need to talk …right now.”

Blake shot him a perturbed look. “General could you excuse us for a minute?”

“Certainly, sir. I’ll grab a cup of coffee and wait outside.”

“Thank you, General.”

The two Cabinet members watch the Air Force commander get up and leave. Once they were alone Blake asked, “OK, Davis, what’s the problem?”

“Do you know who Fuller is on the phone with right now?”

“Can’t say I do. But I get the feeling you’re going to tell me.”

“He’s talking to Mosbard about brokering some kind of peace agreement with the Canadians.”

“He’s what?” Blake asked angrily. “How could you let him do that?”

“How could I let him? How the hell was I supposed to stop him? He put in the call before I got there, and then tossed me out when Mosbard called back.”

“Shit!” Blake cursed. “This isn’t what we need right now.”

“No kidding. Why the hell did you tell him the truth about our troop levels?”

“It wasn’t me. It was King that told him. The man totally blindsided me. He called me last night and asked if I could arrange a meeting for him with the President. I couldn’t think of a good reason to deny him access, so I set it up for this morning at ten. I got to the office at about five of, and he was already in there, with Fuller getting an ear full about Vancouver. So when Fuller is finished ripping on him, King starts bitching up a storm about how stretched thin his Marines were. Telling him that the attack plan was flawed, that there wasn’t enough ground or air support, that it seemed like the Canadian’s knew exactly where we were going to attack. Then he starts rambling on about how the men were exhausted and were going to need some kind of downtime before too long. That the Marines weren’t set up to function as an auxiliary police force and having them in cities, trying to keep the population under control was probably doing more harm than good, never mind that they were losing hundreds of men a day to infection.

“After King finishes his little speech Fuller asks him, “Tell me straight, General, can we mount an effective defense if we have to go to war right now? King looks Fuller right in the eye and tells him flat out ‘No!’. My jaw hit the floor … I’m telling you, if I’d had a gun, I would have shot them both and saved us a lot of time and effort.

“So Fuller tells him thank you for your honesty, and dismisses the General. After King leaves, he turns on me and reams me out for the better part of an hour over why our assessment of our combat readiness is so much different than that of the men in charge of the military. ”

“What did you tell him?”

“I explained that I was only telling him what the numbers I had been supplied with led me to believe, and that I was going to look into what the truth of the situation was.”

“Damn it Frank, why did you even agree to let him meet with Fuller in the first place?”

“Because I couldn’t come up with a reason to deny him that wouldn’t look suspicious. In case you haven’t realized yet, what we’re doing has to create a public outcry as a result of the turn of events. Everything that happens needs to point to decisions he’s made, and not look like someone else has been pulling the strings. In an evolved democracy; we can’t simply force an elected president from power. Any change has to look legitimate to the public AND the military, or we won’t have the support we need to stay in power once it’s over.”

“I understand all that, but shit like this morning can’t be allowed to happen anymore. We need this war. It will go a long way towards destabilizing things here. From what I’ve been told, the rest of the Joint chiefs are still pretty pissed off about what happened to Alexander, and another poorly conceived battle plan might be enough to get them to join in with our little coup. It would certainly make things a lot easier if we had the military on our side from the beginning.”

“I know … I know. If he manages to talk Montclair out of fighting, we’ll just have to come with a way to circumvent whatever agreement they come to, without making it look like we’re undermining or outright disobeying him. I’m just not sure how yet. Anyhow, it’s not like we’re going to get Fuller out of office tomorrow. We just need to make sure it happens before the November elections come around.”

“If there’s an election in November, all our plans could be out the window. We can’t take the chance the public will actually reelect him.”

“I don’t see much chance of that happening, but if we all do what we’re supposed to be doing, then there won’t be any need for one will there?”

“No, there won’t be.”

“See? Now I’ll make sure to keep my people under wraps from here on. You need to get your name onto the list of replacement VP’s.”

“I already have that covered. I told the President that I’d meet up with Greg tomorrow and go over the list of replacements, so I’ll make sure I’m on the short list when Fuller sees it.”

“Think he’ll suspect that you added it yourself?”

“I don’t think it will raise too many flags. I’ll just come off like I’m surprised and flattered to be considered. That should be enough I think.”

“I hope you’re right. It could be bad for us if he gets suspicious.

“That’s why we’re being careful. Besides, with the way this damn bug keeps spreading, it wouldn’t surprise me if most of the other choices wound up infected long before they get the chance to be confirmed.”

************************

Thursday August 11 2:15pm PDT Reynolds:

Dr. Paula Stanley walked into the newly organized prenatal care unit housed in the deepest subbasement of the quarantine facility, four stories under the ground. It had taken a lot of work to construct the new facility and she felt a not so small sense of pride in the fact that it was as complete as any maternity ward in any of the top hospitals in the country, if not better. What it may have lacked in creature comfort, it more than made up for in quality of care, in her opinion. Of course she wasn’t one of those being impregnated against her will, but she liked to believe the inmates that had been, were appreciative all the hard work that had gone into creating this place for them.

The new area had been completed in secrecy and it had become a matter of necessity to keep those who had been inseminated as far away from the general population as possible. Paula couldn’t take the chance that anyone not involved would find out about this line of experimentation, at least not until it bore some positive fruit. In order to keep anyone from realizing that one of their cell mates had been assigned to the unit, Paula had recently instituted a policy of constantly moving inmates from cell to cell on a daily basis.

An amazing side effect of the virus was that it made artificial insemination much easier than usual. Some component made it possible for embryo’s to take at a much higher rate of success then had ever been achieved in born women. In a relatively short amount of time they had inseminated a total of twenty five women who were now in various stages of early pregnancy, and they had another eight scheduled for the next week. Paula hoped to have as many as one hundred fifty expectant mothers by the end of September.

Normally, all those infants crawling around at once would be a cause for concern, but the staff had already come up with a means for cleanly and painlessly disposing of the females who had been born without any physical enhancements. Males, if there were any and she feverantly hoped there would be, would receive an automatic pass.

Unfortunately so far, none of the male fetuses had been able to resist the virus in utero, but still Dr. Stanley remained committed to the project. She had plenty of time, and more virus victims than she knew what to do with, so a set back here and there wasn’t really much of an issue. She would just continue to genetically modify the embryos until she came up the right combination, one that was resistant to the virus.

Some on her staff had objected to her plan and accused her of treating the unborn baby’s like livestock on a farm. She had quickly silenced those voices by simply changing the results of their daily blood tests to positive, and sending them down into the cells with the rest of the infected. It didn’t thrill her to do it, but hard times needed hard people, and she was determined that her research would find a way to save humanity before it was too late.

As exciting as the research was, her biggest thrill came from the four specials she had impregnated. It was all she could do to remain patient as their baby’s gestated while she waited to see if their enhanced abilities passed on to the newborns. Chief among them was Thomas Logan. Hers was the offspring Paula was really waiting for.

Thomas was by far the most powerful of the small group that had special abilities Paula had access to. She hoped that the new woman’s offspring’s abilities would at very least equal her mother’s, if not surpass them. In an effort to bring that about, she had taken extra care to make sure the sperm donor was a physically superior specimen. It had taken some extra time and effort, but she was sure the end result would prove to be worth it.

“How’s our favorite patient doing today?” Dr. Stanley asked the tall, thin brown haired technician whose name she could never seem to remember, that sat at the monitoring station. As usual, she had to look at her name tag.

“Nothing’s changed since yesterday,” Sanders replied.

“No improvement with the Panderil then?”

“None. Fetal development is still lagging behind what it should be, and the baby’s heart rate continues to be much too slow. I think we’re going to have to face facts here. Keeping her sedated all the time is adversely affecting the experiment. If it continues she might spontaneously abort the baby.”

“Shit!” Paula spat. “We can’t have that. Have you tried reducing the dosage?”

“We’ve actually been gradually increasing it over the last twenty hours. The original dose wasn’t enough to keep her fully sedated. She came out of it at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon and managed to just about completely free herself from the restraints while still somewhat under the influence of the sedative. We got in there as quick as we could, but it was still quite a battle to get her locked down and back under. She put three security people in the infirmary before we could subdue her. I can’t imagine how much damage she could have done if she had been fully awake.”

“It would have been quite extensive. Believe me, I’ve seen her in action.” Paula picked up Logan’s chart from the desk and looked it over again.

The list of tranquilizers and sedatives they had tried was incredibly extensive. Every one that was available on the market, even some that hadn’t been fully approved for human usage yet, had been used at some point. More combinations and dosage strengths than Paula could count had been tried, but they all had adverse effects on the baby’s development. Paula’s frustration with the situation was beginning to reach the boiling point.

“Do you think we could effectively restrain her if we take her off the sedatives?” she asked.

“We could keep her down, but she’d fight. All that strain and stress on her body might prove to be just as bad as the drugs, if not worse.”

“Greeeaaat.” Stanly replied sarcastically.

“Doctor, I know this protocol is very important to you, but in this case, might it not be worth it to simply cut our losses with her and move on to one of the others? One that isn’t quite so violent?” Sanders proposed.

“It might be easier that way, but none of the others have the potential this one does. We need to do everything we can to see this through to the end. The resiliency her genetic makeup gives her might very well hold the key to our survival.” Paula replied.

“Dr. Stanly, please report to your office.” a disembodied, vaguely robotic sounding female voice called over the quarantine’s intercom system.

Paula looked up at the wall mounted unit with great irritation. She half considered ignoring the summons but knew they wouldn’t stop paging her until she at least checked in.

Looking back at Sanders she said “Keep looking for a way to keep her under without hurting the baby. I’ll be back later on to see what you’ve come up with.”

“I’ll do what I can. Just don’t get your hopes up too high,” she replied, as Stanly headed towards the elevators.

Paula silently fumed as she waited for the elevator and on the ride up to her office. She hated what she perceived as Sanders cavalier attitude and condescending tone. If she didn’t need his expertise so much, she probably would have thrown him into a cell with a few infectees by now. However she did need him, so as much as she hated him, she endured.

Rounding the corner and walking into the antechamber of her office, Paula was surprised to find three MP’s standing stiffly in front of the waiting room couch. While she didn’t know every soldier stationed at the facility by name she did know most of their faces. These three were either new, or from somewhere else. What they were doing here, was the real question.

“Carla? What’s going on? Someone was looking for me?”

“Yes doctor. I’m sorry to have bothered you, but Colonel Jordon is inside your office waiting for you.”

“Inside? Who let him in there?” the short fat doctor asked suddenly very worried.

“He let himself in, doctor.”

“How …how long has he been in there?”

“For some time now.”

“And you didn’t call down to the lab to tell me he was here?”

Carla looked up at her boss sheepishly. “He told me not to call you.”

As she felt her face go flush with anger. It was all Dr. Stanly could do to bite her tongue and not take her fury and indignation out on Carla. That was her office, and Carla was her secretary. Who was Jordon to enter it without permission and order her not to be informed?

Paula turned from Carla and stormed through her office door. Inside Jordon was sitting behind her desk looking at something on her computer monitor. The sight was enough to add a splash of fear to Dr. Stanley’s fury. The computer held information on just about every project going on at the quarantine. If he had somehow managed to break the encryption … well she just didn’t want to think about that possibility.

Before she could say word Jordon looked up at her and said “Dr. Stanley, good. Sit down doctor. We have a lot to talk about.”

“Yes we do, Colonel. Just what is this about? How dare you barge into my office and snoop around my computer?” Paula said, trying to sound more angry than scared as she moved toward the back of the desk, but Jordon made no move to get up.

She stood there for several impatient moments waiting. Jordon still made no move to relinquish the chair, and Paula found herself forced to walk back to the front and plant her bloated butt into one of the small, rigid, purposefully uncomfortable chairs she usually reserved for her underlings. She seethed as she tried to make find a way to sit comfortably.

“Do you have any idea how much of a pain in my ass you’ve been since taking over as administrator here?” Without waiting for an answer, Jordon continued. “Now I understand a great deal of the problems in this facility existed long before you took over, and there isn’t much blame I can lay on you there. However you haven’t done much in the way of correcting any of those issues either.” He paused for a moment. “As much of a problem as the Major was becoming and he was on his way out one way or another, security was never an issue while he was in command. Under your predecessor no one would have been able to smuggle a camera in here, and if they did by some miracle manage to get one past security, you can bet your life than none of the pictures would have ever been allowed to get out into the public view.”

“I …I” Stanly stuttered not really knowing what she intended to say.

“Don’t!” Jordon told her sternly as he held up his hand. “I’ve been looking over the files on your computer. You’ve been holding out on me again! I can’t even begin to tell you how upset that makes me doctor.”

“Holding out?” Paula said trying to figure out what exactly he was talking about.

“Yes doctor, holding out. It’s come to my attention through the ongoing investigation that your incompetence made us begin, that you have been withholding information that could prove vital to several other efforts the government and the military are currently involved in. I have to say I’m extremely disappointed. I’ve been working my ass off to cover yours and you’ve been doing everything you can to make my job next to impossible.”

“Colonel, please believe me when I tell you that I’ve done nothing to purposely hinder the investigation or to make life difficult for you. Perhaps if you told me what exactly you think I’ve been holding back from you, then maybe we can get this little misunderstanding worked out and get back to working on finding a cure.”

Jordon let out a humorless laugh. “Little misunderstanding? You’re just too funny doctor. You should be on TV with lines like those. You’d make a fortune,” he told her, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

It was all Paula could do to sit there and listen to him mock her. However he was her superior, and she had no choice but to take whatever abuse he wanted to dish out to her. Her initial nervousness had given way to full blown fear, spiced with an edge of confusion, and a little bit of intimidation thrown in for good measure.

“Your gift for sarcasm aside, Colonel, I still don’t know what you think I’m hiding from you.” Stanley told him, trying not to sound as scared as she really was.

“No idea, huh? Well let me explain it to you. I have had my people going over all the records on each and every computer in this place. We’ve uncovered quite a bit of information that we were previously unaware of. Most of it was incidents that Major Brady either authorized or condoned, so there isn’t much blame to lay at your feet there. However one section that was recently uncovered showed that you were and continue to be involved in covering up.”

“What would that be, Colonel?” Paula asked starting to get impatient with the way Jordon was drawing it out.

“According to records taken from your computer, you discovered some time ago that certain individuals have gained enhanced physical abilities as a result of the virus. It also says you’ve been conducting experiments on them to test the limits of those abilities.”

“Y … yes we’ve also been trying to find the genetic mechanism that creates them. I feel …”

“I don’t give a shit what you think or feel! Your experiments stop now, Doctor. I want everyone on this list transferred to Grayson by this afternoon! Furthermore, in the future any other individuals that show signs of enhancement will also be transferred to Grayson as soon as they are identified. Do you understand me, Doctor?”

“Colonel, I don’t see why they need to be moved out of here. We have much better testing facilities here than there are at Grayson labs.”

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion or if you had any comments. Find them, and ship them to Grayson. That’s all you need to do. What happens after that is none of your concern.”

“But …”

“I am not here to debate you, Madam. Do as I tell you, or I will have you replaced with someone that will!”

Paula opened her mouth again to argue, but realized the futility of it. In a more conciliatory tone she asked “May I see your list, Colonel?”

Jordon shoved the list at her from across the desk.

Paula began to read over the names. All were known to her since she’d been doing her best to push their various abilities to the limits for months now. Some had even been pushed beyond what they could do. Luckily, their names had been deleted so there was no reason for her to have to explain why she wouldn’t be able to produce them now. If nothing else, life in the quarantine made it easy to make people disappear.

She was also quite pleased to see that there were half a dozen names that they had somehow missed. Apparently their search of the records wasn’t as extensive as Jordon believed. Paula made a mental note to make sure to remove them from the data base as soon as Jordon left.

Dr. Stanley didn’t want to give any of her prizes up, but Jordon had left her no choice. If handing them over would make Jordon believe that she going to cooperate fully from here on in, then that’s what she would do. Regaining the Colonel’s trust was the priority now.

She briefly considered giving Jordon one of the names that his people had missed but then decided that would only invite closer scrutiny. ‘No, better to let him think he’s got all of them and then trickle a few lesser enhanced ones to him here and there from now on.’

“Your people did their homework very well. It looks like they got them all.” Paula told him as she put the sheet back down on the desk. “When should I have them ready for transport?”

“I want all of them at Grayson by this afternoon.” Jordon told her sternly.

“That might prove to be very difficult. It will take me that long just to track all these names down.”

“Fine. By tomorrow, then. And doctor, they had all better be there. I don’t want to hear about any accidents, or anything like that. Do you understand me?”

Paula nodded.

“Good. I want you to understand that if I find out that you’re hiding anything else from me … and I mean anything, I’ll have you removed and brought up on charges. We’ve uncovered plenty of violations here that the investigation committee would love to know about, so it’s time for you to start playing like you’re part of our the team. Are we clear?”

“Yes, Colonel. We’re very clear.”

“Fine. Now I have other matters to attend to, so I’m going to leave you to getting these people ready for transport.”

“I’ll have them ready for transfer in the morning.”

“Be sure you do,” Jordon told her.

As soon as he was gone, Dr. Stanly got up and walked behind her desk. She plopped down in her chair and picked the list up off the desk and looked it over again. She huffed with disappointment. Some of the names were her among her most prized test subjects. It was going to set her research program back considerably without them.

Her only relief was that Jordon hadn’t found Logan or any of the others that were scheduled for insemination. That would leave her with a total of fifteen, including the three names his people had missed.

‘Not nearly enough for what I planned to do. Oh well I guess we’ll just have to use some of them in multiple tests.’ she thought to herself as she turned to her computer.

Dr. Stanly retrieved the list of all the specials who had been cataloged since their existence was first were discovered. She quickly jotted down notes on where each one Jordon’s list was located, then changed the status of the rest to deceased.

That done, she stepped out into the reception area. Handing the list to her secretary she said “Have security round everyone named on this list and have them ready to travel by morning.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Carla replied.

For a moment, she considered having them toss Carla into a cell while they were at it, but something made her decide against it for now. Instead, the portly head of the facility turned and walked back into her office.

**********

Fairfax Virginia 9pm EDT:

The small crack of glare-filled lamp light from the hallway beyond her tiny room, or cell, depending on whether you were stuck inside of it or out, made her eyes sting as the door was opened just enough to slide in a small tin plate half filled with food. The metal rattled loudly against the cold concrete floor before settling.

As always, before she could even think about moving, the metal clad solid wood door slammed closed with a loud thud, and she was plunged into near total darkness again.

The door had been open just long enough for her to see where the plate landed. Taking a moment to allow her eyes to readjust to the gloom, Gail stood up and carefully shuffled along the wall until she reached the door.

This had been her routine since her arrival here, wherever ‘here’ was. It had become the only way she was able to mark the passage of time. Every second time the door opened marked a new day. Of course that was assuming Philip was allowing her to be fed twice a day, which certainly wasn’t guaranteed.

By her count it had been twelve so far, or at least that seemed like a good number. For all she knew, it might have been twenty four or more, but she couldn’t allow herself to believe it had been that long, because if it was, then things were worse than she already believed them to be, so she stuck stubbornly with twelve.

Not that what day it was, or how long they had kept her locked down here really mattered anymore. She was never going to be allowed to leave this place again. That she knew for sure. Once Philip and his crew got hold of Dr. Ryson, and they made Gail kill her on tape like they wanted her to, that was going to be it.

Philip had taken great pleasure in telling her repeatedly and in exquisite detail on their trip across the country exactly how he wanted things to play out. He talked so confidently that Gail almost believed he had somehow seen the future.

She knew that it was just one of the tactics he was using to break her will to resist. She also understood the reason for her imprisonment in the dark was a further attempt to break her spirit. The limited food and lack of contact was intended to make her willing to do whatever she was instructed when the time came. For the first few days it had seemed as if Philips plan was going to work too.

She had been so scared and hungry, lost in the perpetual blackness that she thought she was going to lose her mind. However she had found one thing to hold on to. The one thing she needed to keep her mind focused her hatred of Philip. It burned so brightly that it kept her from falling into the black madness that threatened to consume her.

It wouldn’t matter if she was in here for another day or another year. It wouldn’t even matter if they got their hands on Dr. Ryson or not. As soon as she was brought back into the light, Gail was going to kill Philip.

The thought of the surprised look on his face as she killed him any number of ways kept her warm when she went to sleep, whenever that was. She understood it would be a one time opportunity and she had to stay on her toes so when it came she wouldn’t blow it. All she needed to do was be patient and keep her wits about her.

****************

Friday August 12 10am PDT San Francisco Warehouse district:

Wanted fugitive Warren Quinlan sat quietly in his small red curtained and 2X4 walled room, reading a magazine article that posed a series of questions as to whether the United States would be able to survive its current menagerie of problems, or if it was destined to succumb to them.

It was a common theme in the media these days, being pushed incessantly down the throats of the public. The issue might actually deserve the amount of attention it was receiving if the purpose of the debate was to offer legitimate solutions to the country’s ill’s and not just the easiest way to sell news papers and magazines or increase television ratings. Most writers, editors and reporters seemed to stand stubbornly by the opinion that the country would not only survive, but prosper, once the government got a handle on everything despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

National newspapers and television networks went to great lengths to validate the theory that it was only a matter of time until the Fuller administration got the situation under control. So vehement was their presumed faith in the government, that it almost seemed as if they were being paid to advance the administration-backed rosy outlook for the future.

To anyone with half a brain and a pair of eyes, that was willing to give it more than a moment’s thought, the farce would have been incredibly funny if it wasn’t so transparent and insulting.

The tone of this article was upbeat, and to his mind unrealistic. Still, Warren found himself enjoying it and being able to simply take some time to kick back and to relax. After the weeks of running, it was sheer bliss to not have to look over his shoulder every five seconds. Though he was still a bit hesitant to admit it to himself, for fear of it turning out to be a dream, this place felt like home.

The Sisters had not only taken him in without much in the way of questions, but had been decent enough to give him his own small area secluded from the rest of them. Of course that had as much to do with their modesty as anything else, but still, it was his spot, safe from those that were still looking for him, and he appreciated their generosity.

His initial meeting with the leader of this not so little troop of Acidalia victims had been a truly remarkable experience. Ellie Wolf exuded an uncanny combination of peace, confidence, and power, the like of which he had never experienced before. He had never in his life felt so comfortable with someone he had just met.

At first, his comfort with Ellie made him wonder if somehow the Sisters had done something to his mind, thinking perhaps it was something in the water or the food they fed him that made him so willing to accept her at face value, but after talking to a couple others immediately after their arrival, after their first meeting with Ellie he realized that she had the same effect one everyone. The other newcomers had been just as amazed with her. There was something about Ellie that just made you want to help out. Even her claims of being on a mission from God, which from anyone else would sound like a total crock, especially to a confirmed atheist like Warren, seemed completely reasonable.

After five minutes with her it was easy to see why she was the undisputed leader here, despite her diminutive size and soft spoken ways.

A knock on the 2X4 that made half of the makeshift doorway into his room pulled his attention from the article.

“Yes?” he responded.

The smiling face of Roberta Goings, one of the two resident doctors that lived here appeared in the entrance way. Warren had met her on a couple of occasions since his arrival, and found her to be quite pleasant, not to mention very attractive. The way she carried herself made it hard for him to believe Roberta had been born Robert, and not lived her entire life as a woman.

“Good morning, Mr. Quinlan. How are we doing this fine morning?”

“Please, Doctor, call me Warren, and I’m good, thank you for asking. To what do I owe the pleasure of a personal visit?”

“I was talking to Ellie this morning after breakfast and she asked me to have you come over to the clinic area so I could check you out.”

“She wants you to check me out, huh? I think I could handle that,” he replied with a wink and an impish grin.

Roberta blushed. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

“Oh sure, shatter my little fantasy into a billion little bits,” he said, trying to sound wounded. “So why does Ellie want you to check me out?”

Roberta rolled her eyes at his tone, while smiling inwardly. As she did, she tried to come up with a gentle way to put Ellie’s concern. After a few ticks of the clock, with no tactful speeches coming to mind, she pushed on. “There’s really no good way to say this, so I guess blunt will have to do.”

“If you say so, Doc. Hit me!” He was still smiling.

His broad smile flirtatious made her grin back self consciously. “She’s curious why you’re still male. You’ve been exposed to more infected people in the last few days than most men are in a month, and as far as we can tell, you’ve remained completely unaffected. She’d like me to run some tests on you to see if we can find out why.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing. What are you going to do if I don’t change? Put me back out on the street or something?” Warren asked only half joking.

“No. Of course not, you silly boy, you’re one of us now. You’re more than welcome to stay for as long as you like. Just like you’re free to leave any time you want to. No one is a prisoner here. Like I said she just wants me to run a few tests. If you don’t want to do them, no one is going to force you. The choice is yours, though Ellie will probably come down and ask you herself if you refuse.”

“And if that happens, I’ll wind up getting them done anyhow.”

“Probably. She can be very persuasive.”

“You can say that again. I have to admit I’ve never met anyone like her.”

“I don’t think there is anyone else like her. She’s unique. Anyhow, I need you to come by whenever you’re ready.”

“I’m not doing much of anything at the moment. If you have the time I can come down now. That is, if you don’t mind escorting me down there.” he said adding flirtatious wink.

Roberta tried to suppress the goofy grin she felt forming on her face and failed miserably. Though she didn’t understand why he that effect on her, she had to admit she liked it and him. Blushing, she extended her hand and helped him to his feet.

Moments later the two of them were walking through the vast, though today, mostly deserted warehouse to the lab area.

“Where is everyone?” he asked.

“Most of the girls are over at your old stomping grounds. They’re trying to get it cleaned up so we can move the clinic over there. Mia’s supervising it. The rest are off doing this or that. A few are out looking for more housing, and the rest are off recruiting, I’d guess.”

“Recruiting?”

“Yes. That’s what we call it when we go and hand out fliers at testing facilities.”

“You guys actively recruit new members?”

“I wouldn’t say that. We offer asylum to anyone that doesn’t want to wind up in a quarantine. I don’t think that qualifies as active recruitment.”

“Doesn’t sound like it to me, either,” he replied.

The two of them walked in silence for a few seconds before Warren spoke again.

“Do you mind if I ask you a semi-personal question?”

“Semi-personal?” she laughed at the way he put it. “Sure, why not.”

“I was just wondering if it was hard for you.”

She looked at him confused. “Is what hard for me?”

“What happened to you, I mean. Is it hard for you living as a woman now?”

“No. Not for me, anyhow. I know a lot of the others have problems adjusting to what’s happened, but I don’t.”

“Really? You like it?”

“At first I didn’t. I was as pissed off and scared shitless as anyone else, but I had my work and my patients to worry about so I was able to avoid dwelling on what happened by focusing on their needs. In a way, I used them to hide from the truth a bit, but being so busy helped me get past the initial shock of what had happened. Over time I came to accept it and found that it wasn’t so bad being a woman. After that, I started to really enjoy being female. This body is me now, and I wouldn’t change it back to what I was before for anything, even if it was possible. Which by the way, it isn’t, so what good is getting upset about it going to do?”

“You’re an amazing woman, Doctor. And by the way, that is a great body you have and I wouldn’t want you to change it either,” he added admiringly.

“Mr. Quinlan, are you flirting with me?” she feigning shock.

Warren simply smiled at her. “Anyhow …” he continued after a brief silence, “you were a doctor before all this started? Did you work around here?”

She smiled back.

‘God I could look at that smile all day long.’ he thought to himself. A small part of him wondered if he should really be so interested in her considering what she had once been. But the more he thought about her, the more he found that didn’t matter that she had been a man before becoming infected. She was the most beautiful woman that he had ever known. He enjoyed talking to her and spending time with her, even if it increased his chances of becoming infected.

“Yep. I worked over at City Hospital for fifteen years before all this.”

“Fifteen years? That can’t be. You don’t look old enough to have been a professional anything for fifteen years.”

“Let’s just say I’m older than I look, and leave it at that.”

“Aww come on, tell me. I promise to keep your secret.”

“Why don’t you tell me what you keep in the metal box you carry around with you everywhere you go?” she said, changing the subject.

Warren looked at her suspiciously for a moment, then said, “That’s my proof.”

“Proof?”

“Before the military and the government announced that they were pinning that whole mess at the station on me and George …” The mention of his coworker and supposed coconspirator’s name made his eyes mist up for a moment.

Roberta squeezed his hand reassuringly. The moment passed, and he continued, “I grabbed a copy of the booth tape from that day. It’s the director’s view, so it has the five different camera angles we always used on it.”

“What does it show?”

“The truth of what really happened. It has all the audio of the army commander ordering her to stop speaking, and the video of that soldier shooting her. Everything I need to clear my name, if they ever catch me.”

“You’ve had this with you all this time? Why didn’t you show it to anyone?”

“Who was I going to show it to? There was no one that I could take the chance of trusting. They kept my family and every friend that I had under constant surveillance, even tapped their phones. Everyone else in the country was looking for me. They told them I was this terrorist. I was afraid that no one would believe me, and that they would call the cops the second I showed my face. So rather than risk getting captured and tortured until I confessed to something I didn’t do, like they did to George, I kept it with me just in case. It might sound strange, but that little case, and the hope it represented might have been the only reason I survived the first few days on the run. There were so many times I just wanted to give up. Times I would have traded my soul for a hot shower in a warm jail cell. But I owed it to Wanda and George to stay free and find away to get them for what they did to both of them.”

His story, and the pain in his voice over what had happened was almost enough to bring Roberta to tears. She found herself caring very deeply for Warren even though they hadn’t known each other very long.

“Would…would you be okay with it if I told Ellie about the tape? I think she’d be very interested in what was on it.”

“I guess so.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, tilting her head to look him right in the eye.

“Yes.”

“Ok. Good, then you don’t mind me telling her.” Looking up they saw the heavily curtained off lab area was in front of them.

Warren marveled at the way her attitude changed as soon as they entered the makeshift hospital. Roberta’s posture straightened. Her voice suddenly had a very professional tone to it and her face wore a concerned but neutral expression.

They walked over to one of the small curtained off examining rooms. Once inside she said “Ahh we’re here. Would you take off you shirt and hop up on that table for me?”

“Any time, Doc.” he flirted again.

Once again his flirtation broke through her professional attitude for a moment and brought an impish grin to Roberta’s face. “OK, enough of that. It’s time to be professional now. I can’t poke and prod you effectively if you’re constantly distracting me.” She gave him a wink of her own. “I mean, you wouldn’t want me to have to do all this over again would you?” She held up the biggest syringe and needle combination she could find and showed it to him.

“Umm …I think I’ll just keep my mouth shut now so you can do your thing.”

“Good boy,.” She patted him on the head like a dog.

*************

Three hours later:

Mia and sat in front of the lap top computer they used in the lab, looking over Warren’s test results.

The former head of the CDC’s Acidalia contingent looked at the long chart of numbers and symbols, but her mind refused to stay focused on them. Instead, she found herself remembering the day Nicole and the others had returned with the suspected terrorist in tow to the warehouse they now all called home.

As soon as Nicole’s group had arrived that evening with him, there had been a flurry of murmurs throughout the residence. Everyone knew who he was. They should have, at least considering how much time his face had spent plastered on television screens across the country. Though no one could quite understand why he had been brought here, everyone had either a theory, or an opinion on the matter, it seemed.

When it was announced a few hours later that he was going to be staying there with them for a while, Mia wondered if the military had actually been right about this group posing a huge threat to the stability of country. She hadn’t been alone in her outrage, either. She heard several others questioning Ellie’s decision, but none were willing to go up and tell her how they felt about the situation.

Mia had taken it upon herself to speak for them. What had started as a civilized conversation had quickly degenerated into a loud argument that didn’t do anything to enhance her standing among the Sisters. No matter the result, Mia felt compelled to speak her mind, and there wasn’t a soul in the complex that didn’t know where she stood when it was over.

“Are you crazy? Don’t you know what he’s done? You know, never mind that. Do you know how many people are looking for him, and what will happen if they find him here? How can you let him stay?” she had practically screamed.

“Yes, Doctor. I am well aware of who he is, and what he has been accused of, but I spoke to him at great length this evening and I have decided to allow him to stay.” Ellie had replied calmly, but with a not so subtle hint of exasperation.

“How can you put us all in jeopardy? If the police find out he’s here, it could be disastrous.”

“That’s why no one can tell them, Doctor! He has told me he did not do what they say he did. I believe him, so he stays. If I thought he was lying, I’d have turned him over to the police, but his eyes say he’s telling the truth.”

“I can’t believe you people sometimes. You’d put all this in jeopardy because he “says” he didn’t do it.”

“Yes Dr. Blue, that is exactly what I am doing. I appreciate your concerns and I’m glad to see that you feel comfortable enough to lend your voice to the decision making process. Believe me when I tell you that I give your opinion great merit. In this case however, I have made my decision, and he stays.”

Mia had thrown her hands up into the air in frustration. She knew from experience that any more arguing would be fruitless. Once Ellie pronounced something around here, it was law. That should have terrified Mia, and in a small way it did. But the small woman projected such an incredible sense of inner peace and strength that it made you accept her word.

A new set of test results flashed up on the screen, bring her attention back to the present. She looked closely at the conclusion drawn up by the program that had been analyzing the blood sample. “This can’t be right,” she said with concern.

“What’s wrong? What can’t be right?” Dr. Goings asked

“These results. They can’t be right.”

“Why can’t they? What does it say?” she asked, stepping over to the computer.

Mia pointed to the screen “Read for yourself, and tell me what they say to you. Maybe I’m more tired than I realize and my mind is gone.”

Roberta read the screen. Her mouth popped open in surprise, mirroring Mia’s, when she got to the final line in the analysis.

“Negative?”

“Looks that way. He’s been here what … a week now … a little more? Breathing the same air as the rest of us, and he shows no sign of infection, not even a sign of antibodies. I don’t understand how that can be.”

“You’ve got me stumped. I dealt with hundreds of cases when I was at City, and none of them were able to resist prolonged exposure. As a matter of fact, we had to change the way our testing facility was set up because we found that people were catching the bug while they were sitting in the waiting room for their turn to be tested. How many times did the computer rerun the test for verification?”

Mia tapped on the key board. After a moment she said “According to the log, it was verified three times.”

“Not much chance of an error there then.”

The two women stood silently, staring at the test results, trying to figure out what they could mean.

“You don’t think this could mean that he’s immune, do you?” Roberta asked, her face suddenly lighting up at the thought of the possibility

“Whoa Berta … hang on a second here. Immune? Let’s not start jumping the gun that far yet. OK? I’d say it’s far more reasonable to say that he is unusually resistant to this point for whatever reason.”

“Isn’t that splitting hairs?”

“Not really. Not when it comes to this kind of thing. For all we think we know about this little bastard of a bug, we really don’t know much of anything in reality. We’ve spent so much of our time trying to kill it, that no one has had the opportunity to look into finding answers to most of the really big questions yet.” Mia began ticking off questions on the fingers of her hand.

“How does it change a person in ways that should be impossible? Everything we know about genetics says that the transformation should kill everyone that gets infected, just like cancer, but the vast majority not only survive, but come out of it in better health than they had before they caught it.

“Why does the time it takes to make the genetic changes vary so much? Is it just because everyone is different, or is there another reason behind it?

“Why are some left awake to suffer, while others simply sleep through the process? How many variations of the virus are there? Is it just the two we’ve named, or are there thousands of subtle differences? These are all things we don’t have the foggiest idea about. So you’ll forgive my skepticism about Mr. Quinlan being immune.

“We don’t even know if it’s possible for someone to be immune. Since it basically rewrites our genetic code from the ground up, how would someone be immune to that? And if you were resistant, wouldn’t it eventually write that resistance out?”

Roberta sat thoughtfully for a moment, taking in Mia’s speech. “You’re right, of course; we need to do a lot more testing, and there is so much we don’t understand. Maybe we never will, either, or maybe I’m just plain wrong, but just think what it would mean if he is.”

“For the rest of the world it would be akin to everyone hitting the lottery at once if it led to a cure, or at least a vaccine to prevent further infection. For Warren, it would mean being turned into a lab rat. There would be no end to the poking and prodding and God knows what else he’d go through until someone either figured out why he was immune or he died from one of their tests.”

“Not if we keep him here with us.”

“Roberta, how would you do that? Do we even have the right to? Say for argument’s sake that you’re right, he is immune; would it be fair to the rest of the world to keep him here hidden? Would it be ethical? Could you deny everyone else out there the chance for a cure just to save one person?”

“I … I don’t know. Knowing him personally adds extra complications to the equation. Anyway, it would be Ellie and Warren’s decision to make if it came to that, not mine or yours. Speaking of which, we should tell her what we’ve found.”

“Tell her? Tell her what? That he’s virus free and we don’t know why? It would be foolhardy to say anything to anyone until we know more.”

“But she’s the one that suggested testing Warren in the first place. She must have been suspicious of something. Maybe she even suspected something like what we’ve found. Either way, she’s going to expect me to tell her something.”

“Tell her the tests were inconclusive. Tell her we need more time. Tell her whatever you want, but it would be a mistake to raise her hopes right now.”

“Mia, I can’t lie to her.”

“But you wouldn’t be lying. We don’t know what these results mean yet. What if you go and tell her that he might be immune, and tomorrow he starts coming down with it?”

“Then I would tell her I was wrong. There’s no reason to keep anything from her. If you were truly one of us, and here for the reasons you say, then you’d understand that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that while I appreciate your help, and all the things you’ve taught me, I don’t completely trust you. You act outside of us, like you have your own agenda or some other interest. Everyone can see it.”

“My only agenda or interest is helping those people in there.” Mia replied sourly as she pointed towards the sick ward behind where they stood.

“We know your concern for their health and safety is genuine. No one questions you on that, but there’s something else going on with you, too. Something you’re not telling us, and that makes everyone suspicious of your motives. If you’d just come clean …” Roberta let the end hang.

She could see the sting her words carried etched in Mia’s face. She suddenly felt bad for saying them. This hadn’t been the time or the place for this discussion.

In a conciliatory tone she continued, “Look I hope I’m wrong about you. I hope that you are exactly what you say you are. And if you are, then I will be the first to apologize, but when you say things like keep it from Ellie, that just makes me wonder.”

“Keep what from me?” another voice said from behind them, startling them both. The two women turned their heads in unison to see Ellie and Vera standing in the entrance way.

“Nothing El. Dr. Blue and I were just debating the results of the tests you asked me to perform on Warren.”

“That I could tell. But I’ll ask again, what did she want to keep from me?” Ellie was eyeing Mia suspiciously.

“First of all, I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you. Mr. Quinlan’s results came through as virus negative. Roberta suggested it may mean that he’s somehow immune. I thought it was premature for her to say anything. She didn’t agree with me. Thus our discussion.”

“Roberta, do you think he’s really immune?”

“Maybe. The tests indicate there is a possibility he is.”

“Well, that’s certainly exciting news.”

“Hold on a minute. Before you start getting too excited about the prospect, I have to tell you that we need to run a lot more tests.” Mia was holding her hand up. “All we have right now is a theory that may or may not pan out. Only time will tell us for sure.”

Ellie looked at Roberta. “What do you say, Berta? Do you agree with Dr. Blue’s assessment?”

Roberta nodded. “Yes. If he goes another couple of weeks and he hasn’t come down with it, then we might have something more solid to base our suspicions on.”

“Then we’ll wait until you’re sure before we discuss the possibility any further.”

“There’s something else we need to discuss, too. I know you’re not big into keeping secrets from each other around here, but I think we need to keep this just between the four of us for now. It would be incredibly dangerous if word got out, not only for Warren, but the rest of us too. If they found out, the government would stop at nothing to get him into Grayson or some other lab and do whatever it takes to find out why he’s immune.”

“Yes I agree. No one outside this room and Mr. Quinlan can know what the doctors suspect until they have proof one way or the other. Even then, we will still need to discuss just who else is to be told. Remember, there is a man’s life is at stake here.”

“Agreed,” Mia said. Looking over at the clock on the desk she saw it was time to do rounds. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some patients that I need to attend to.”

“Do you need any help doctor?” Vera asked.

Ellie and Roberta each raised a surprised eyebrow at her offer.

Even Mia looked as if she wasn’t sure she’d heard Vera correctly. However she recovered quickly, saying “I’m sure I can find something for you to do if you’re volunteering.”

The two women walked out of the lab and into the infirmary.

Once inside, and out of earshot, Vera grabbed Mia’s arm and pulled her aside. “You have to report this, you know!”

“What are you talking about?”

“To that soldier guy, Tyler. He’ll want to know about this.”

Mia shot Vera a stern look. “What I report, and what I don’t report is of no concern to you. Why are you even bringing that up here, of all places? The others already don’t trust me. Are you trying to get me caught?”

“No. Not at all. Tyler told I had to help you, and that part of helping meant making sure you reported anything that would be of interest. This certainly falls under that category, so you have to let him know about it. If you don’t, then I’m going to have to.”

“Why? Why would you betray your friends like that? You’re a one of them. They took you in and made you part of their family, such as it is. Ellie treats you like a sister. What would make you betray her like that?”

“I … I have to make sure you do as they told you to. If I don’t, it will be very bad for everyone, especially Ellie. I have to do what I can to protect her, even if it means disobeying her.”

Mia was surprised to see the flash of sincere terror that crossed Vera’s face when she mentioned Tyler’s name. Not for the first time, she wondered just what Tyler had done to the short fat new woman while she was in his custody. As much as she was loath to admit it, there was a large part of Mia that was glad that she didn’t know.

“You have nothing to worry about Vera. I’ll make my report when we know for sure. Ok?”

“Just make sure you do doctor.”

*********

At the same time in the lab area:

“I cannot figure that woman out anymore!”

“Who?” Roberta asked wondering silently if anyone truly ever understood either of them.

“Vera. She acts so … strange around Dr. Blue, like she’s afraid of her or something. And now she offers to help look after the patients? Odd.”

“Have you asked her about it?”

“More times than I can count. She says she doesn’t know what I’m talking about.”

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t pretend to know how Vera Lynne’s mind works. I did have something else I wanted to talk to you about though.”

“You did? Well then, Doctor what can I do for you?”

“You know that box that Warren has? The metal one?”

“Yes. I think I’ve seen it.”

“He told me today that it contained a director’s view tape of what happened at KLTR the day the news woman was shot.”

“It does? Now that’s interesting. Why hasn’t he said anything about it to anyone else, I wonder.”

“When I spoke to him, I got the impression that he wasn’t sure whether to trust us or not.”

“And now he’s changed his mind?”

“Well, when I asked what was in the box, he told me, so I’d that guess he has.”

“You’re quite taken with him, aren’t you?

Roberta blushed at the unexpected question. “I … I … ummm … I like him and enjoy being with him, so maybe. I’m not really sure to be honest. I don’t have a lot of experience with romance from the female perspective, but he does make me feel nice and warm inside.”

Ellie smiled good naturedly at Roberta’s obvious embarrassment. She hadn’t meant to put the doctor on the spot, and found how easily the question flustered her very telling and amusing.

“From what I’ve seen, he seems smitten with you. It’s good that he believes he can trust you. Hopefully he will come to trust the rest of us just as much. In the meantime, I’d like you to continue to spend time with him. He needs a friend right now, someone that he’s comfortable being with and feels he can talk to, especially if he is immune. There will be some very tough decisions to ask if he is. Now I want you to tell me your honest opinion, do you truly believe he is?”

Immune? I … Oh I don’t know, El.” Roberta was obviously flustered “I hope he is. I really do, but I keep wondering if I’m clinging to that hope just so that there will be the chance for us to be more than we are now. Most likely, chances are he’ll probably come down with it in the next few days, and just be another one of us then.”

“You two can still be together, even if he changes, you know.”

“I guess you’re right, but I’ve found lately that I’m not all that attracted to women anymore. I mean, I like to think that it’s the person inside that matters the most, and it is, but I like him for being a him too.”

“I see. Still …”

A loud voice yelling “Ellie!!!!” interrupted the small sandy blonde haired woman. She and Roberta turned to see Sara Davie running towards them, looking as if she had been rolling around in mud.

****************

Mia opened her mouth to reply to Vera’s threat, but the sound of shouting from the lab cut her short.

“Now what the hell is going on?” she demanded and headed back to the divider. Pulling the curtains apart she said, “Would you please keep it down? I have sick people in here that need their rest!”

“There’s been another attack.” Roberta told her, obviously upset.

“What do you mean, attack? Who’s been attacked? Attacked by who?”

“If you’d shush, Doctor, Sara was just telling us what happened.” Ellie informed her. “Go ahead, Sara.”

“Th … the three of us were over at the testing center in San Jose …”

“Three of who?” Ellie interrupted.

The tall raven haired girl looked at Ellie confusion etched on her face. It was obvious the poor girl was having serious issues putting together cohesive thoughts.

“Who were you there with dear?” Ellie asked this time clarifying the question.

“I was with Donna and Wendy … oh God, I … I couldn’t find them …”

“Where did they go, hun?” the group’s leader asked.

“We were there and then there was this guy … he was across the street from the center. He called me over.”

“Ok.” Several seconds ticked by. Finally Ellie prompted “So then what happened?”

“I…I was talking to him. Then everyone across the street started yelling. I turned around and there was this whole group of guys waving guns around and pushing everyone in the line outside towards the entrance.”

“In the middle of the day? Where were the police?” Vera asked.

“Police? I … I di… didn’t see any police. I don’t know where they were. Maybe they were inside with the rest. There was so much screaming and the heat …”

The others looked around at each other, trying to see if anyone was able to follow the traumatized girl’s train of thought.

None seemed to, so Roberta asked, “Heat? Wait, where were Donna and Wendy?”

Sara’s deep blue eyes clouded over even more. “I … they were on the other side of the street … then … I … I think … they m … must have got pushed inside … I couldn’t find them afterwards. I looked everywhere b … but I couldn’t find them.” she sobbed.

“Shhh hun. It’s okay. Everything will be okay.” Ellie soothed. “Now, I need you think hard and tell me what else happened.”

Ellie was simply amazing to watch in action. With just a few comforting words, Sara seemed to pull herself together a bit. She took in a deep breath and exhaled it loudly before continuing somewhat more calmly.

“A … after everyone was inside the building, this beat up white car pulled up in front of the center and this tall looking old guy got out of it. He strolled inside like he owned the place but he only stayed there for a minute or two. Wh … when he came back out the men that were with him shoved the doors closed and …”

“And what hun?”

“It … it was horrible … The place just exploded with flames everywhere … So awful… I … I could hear everyone inside screaming and the smell … I tried to … get … get them out but it … it was just too hot … I c … couldn’t get close enough … They were just all screaming …” Sara couldn’t bring herself to say any more. She began to shake uncontrollably.

The small gathering of women just stood there silently trying to absorb what they had just been told.

Finally Ellie broke the stunned silence with one word “Manning!”

“Manning? Reverend Manning? The guy from Kansas? You think it was him?” Mia asked. “That’s taking an awful big chance attacking a testing center in full view of everyone.”

“Her story sounds very much like what happened the other night in Pacific Heights. Building burned with everyone inside of it, that’s a might big coincidence if it is someone else.” Vera added.

“From I’ve been told Dr. Blue, he believes he’s doing God’s work and that he will be protected. We need to make sure he understands how mistaken that thought is. He’s akin to the devil, not a messenger from God! It’s fallen to us to stop him. He can’t be allowed to continue these attacks.” Ellie told the rest.

“Fall to us? Why us? Why are we so special?” Mia asked angrily.

“God has told me that this is what she wants of us.”

“Oh, God told you to. Well that makes so much more sense then. Did
God happen to tell you how we go about stopping this raving lunatic? A lunatic that’s armed to the teeth, I might add.”

“Your sarcasm is well noted, Doctor Blue. If you don’t want to be involved with this, you may leave whenever you like, but God has set this before us.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to help you out, Ellie, but going against Manning and his people because God told you to, is just insane. It sounds like madness.”

“Madness? Perhaps it sounds like that to you, Dr. Blue, but regardless of what you may believe, this is the job we’ve been given and it’s what we are going to do. That is that!” Ellie said, putting an end to the conversation.

Mia shook her head in consternation and walked back behind the curtain.

Once in back out of sight of the others she walked to the nearest solid wall and lightly banged her head against it in frustration. The situation was getting worse every time she opened her mouth lately. For someone that was supposed to be doing everything in her power to ingratiate herself to these people in order to gain their trust, she was certainly doing a great job of alienating them one by one.

Her frustration with the way things were going wasn’t helping with keeping her temper in check, either.

Dejectedly, Mia wondered just how she was going be able to save Sam and Sara if she couldn’t get the Sisters to believe she was with them enough to gather useful information for Jordon. Perhaps Vera was right. She needed to tell the Colonel about Quinlan as soon as she could. Since there was a very good chance it might be the only meaningful information she ever got her hands on, the way things were heading.

Continued…

*********************

Confirmed Cases: 1,233,432

Actual Cases: 2,857,967

End part XI-A

Acidalia 11b

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transformations

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XI-B
By Amanda D

5pm PDT Grayson:

Charles Jordon, Colonel in the United States Army and head of USAMRID, not to mention point man in the fight against Acidalia, sat behind his desk in the onetime civilian laboratory listening to the melodic sounds of Nirvana’s “Lake of Fire” as it played on the radio. The song its self wasn’t all that soothing, with its lyrics about evil people burning in hell, but listening to music had always relaxed him. Nowadays he need all the relaxation he could slip in, and turning on the small radio behind the desk and closing his eyes while the music played was about the best he could ask for lately.

As always, a knock on his office door interrupted his brief interlude of peace. Opening his eyes he glanced at the clock on the wall to his right. ‘Not bad, fifteen minutes between emergencies. Must be a slow day,’ he mused silently before calling out “Enter” to the knocker.

“Colonel.” LT. Colonel Tyler said as he entered and saluted his superior.

Jordon returned the salute, “What do you have for me tonight, Tyler?”

The junior officer stepped over and placed a large manila folder on the colonel’s desk.

“What’s this?”

“All the detainees from Reynolds have arrived. We’ve got them all processed and they’re housed as best as we could manage. The file has all their names, new and former. It’s also got whatever basic information they were willing to give when they were interned at Reynolds. They’ve been issued temporary ID tags, with trace chips inside to help us monitor their whereabouts at all times while they’re here.”

“Good. I’m glad to see that Dr. Stanley has decided to cooperate with us for once. It’s a pleasant change of pace to say the least,” Jordon replied as he began to thumb through the folder. “I trust everyone is reasonably comfortable down there.”

“Dr. Grayson’s not too happy about having a bunch of new roommates, but she’ll survive, I suspect.”

“Yes I’m sure she will. How many are in there with her?”

“Ten is all we could reasonably fit, with the baby being there and all. The rest are in lab four. We’ve restricted access to the entire floor to try to keep risk of infecting the rest of the staff to a minimum.”

“Make sure everyone is aware of the restriction. Tell Ryan to include it in his morning staff meeting. We don’t need to have any more of our researchers getting firsthand experience with the bug.”

“Will do, sir.” Tyler he jotted a note in his ever-present note book.

“Since this is only temporary, the risk of infection should be minimal if everyone follows the infection protocols.”

“It’s not? I thought they were here for our doctors to do research on.”

“That was never the plan. Not for all of them anyhow. Those women are going to get a military readiness screening and physical evaluation tomorrow starting at 08:00. The ones that come back as physically capable, and get a pass from the shrinks are being shipped out to Rawlings up in Nebraska on Monday.”

“Rawlings? The Air Force testing range? I thought they closed it down because of soil contamination.”

“Our Commander in Chief, or someone on his staff more likely, has got it their mind that these infectee’s abilities might have a potential military use. So they’ve decided to try and make soldiers out of them. They’ve ordered it reopened and had a training center set up for them. It’s far enough out of the way that no one will stumble on to them accidently while they’re up there. The contamination story has kept the locals out of there since the place was officially closed down, so they should have all the privacy they need. That’s the hope anyhow.”

“Soldiers? They can’t be serious.”

“They are.”

“Most of those women have had it pretty bad over at Reynolds. I don’t see them volunteering to be military personnel.”

“I’ve been told they’re going to serve regardless. Consider it a draft, I suppose.”

“A draft? Is that legal?”

“Does it really matter anymore? Fuller and his people are calling the shots, and the Senate and House are falling over themselves to rubber stamp whatever the White House tells them needs to be done. None of the damn politicians want to be seen as the one that got in the way of finding a cure for the bug, or caused us to lose the standoff with the U.N. It’s bad for votes.”

“Still I…”

“I hear you, Tyler, but there’s nothing we can do about. The decision came from way above our pay grade. It doesn’t matter much now, anyhow. From what I’m being told we’re just a few days, maybe a couple weeks at the most from Fuller instituting martial law nationwide. Once that happens, all civil liberties will be suspended anyhow, so if they’re jumping the gun a bit by sending them now, what difference is it going make? In the end, those women downstairs and any others we uncover are going to be sent to Rawlings, because that’s what the people in charge want.”

While Tyler understood that the orders would have to be followed regardless of how he personally felt about them, he also genuinely felt that these people, who had done nothing other than have the misfortune of losing the viral lottery, had been through enough already at the hands of Brady and Stanley. Their fate could just as easily been anyone’s, and forcing them serve in the military was just asking for trouble. The last thing anyone needed at this point was more problems.

“Colonel, I understand that these are our orders, but in my opinion this is going to create more problems than it solves. If these people have the abilities to do what we’ve been told they can, they can make a lot of trouble for whoever’s in charge of training them if they’re so inclined, and I believe they will be. Besides, the government has been preaching for months that in the name of public safety, anyone that’s infected needs to be quarantined, but now they’re going to let these few out because it suits their needs? What kind of message is the President sending to the civilian population?”

“As you just said those are our orders. It’s our job to obey them. It’s the Presidents job to explain his decisions to the public.”

“Wasn’t General Alexander operating under Presidential orders too sir? Where did that get him? Suspended, and probably a court-martial, that’s what. Do you think for a second they won’t do the same to you or me if this blows up in their faces too?”

Jordon glared at his right hand man. “You’re coming dangerously close to insubordination you know,” he informed Tyler. “We have our orders, and we are going to follow them because that’s what we do, regardless of how we may feel personally. At this level of command we don’t go against the government. We do as we’re told to maintain the chain of command. How would it look to the men doing the dirty work on the street if we chose to not listen to a direct order? Why would they feel compelled to do as we say, if we don’t do as our superiors tell us?’ he fumed. “Now your job is to make sure our guests are tested and shipped out on time, and keep your damn mouth shut about the rest.”

“Yes sir.” Tyler replied through gritted teeth.

Jordon turned his attention back to the folder he had been handed. As he began reading over the assessments Dr. Stanley had supplied, he became aware that Tyler was still standing in front of his desk.

“Was there something else?” he asked.

“Yes sir, there was. As you ordered, I’ve been trying to track down the packages we sent out last month, and I’ve come across some extremely disturbing information.”

“Just what we need, more problems.” Jordon said with exasperation. “So tell me what you’ve found.”

“I’ve discovered that a large number of them are missing.”

“Missing? What do you mean they’re missing?”

“I contacted every operative on the list we received and requested the confirmation of delivery code that each one was assigned when we sent them out. There were one hundred and thirty five names on the list. Out of that, only eighty have confirmed delivery. The others claim to have no knowledge of them.”

“How can that be? General Alexander supplied us with a copy of his master list. He was in charge of the production and delivery. I have the signed chain of possession forms right here. They were tracked very carefully, every step of the way. How could they not be where they say they are?”

“I understand that, sir. I’ve put every man we can spare onto tracking them down, but so far no luck.”

“We don’t need luck, we need answers. There’s no chance the ones that denied receiving them are lying?”

“I don’t see why they would. We’ve been using the proper ID codes for the orders. If they had been changed for some reason, none of them would have replied. Besides, I can’t see forty five different agents in as many countries all deciding at the same time to disobey orders. One or two rogues, maybe but not that many.”

“Yes, I see your point.” Jordon said miserably.

This was a disaster of unimaginable proportions. The thought of what could happen if the packages had fallen into the wrong hands made him shudder involuntarily.

“We need to find out where they went, and find out fast. We can’t have any virus packages left unaccounted for. Get on it. Make it your highest priority, Tyler. Take whatever you need for resources. I don’t care what else suffers, just find them.”

“How deep should I dig? If I rattle too many cages it’s going to attract a lot of unwanted attention.”

“I don’t care about that. The time for stealth is over. Do what you have to do. If anyone questions your interest, just direct them to me. I’ll handle the flak. You just find out where they went.”

***********

Sunday August 14 2:30pm Reynolds:

The sun shone brightly high in the cloudless sky on the delightfully warm late spring afternoon. Birds sang loudly enough to be only marginally over powered by the laughter of the girls as they chased newly emerged colorful butterflies. Fish jumped from the waters of the small pond that lay down the small grass covered hill from where she stood taking the whole scene in. All and all, it was the perfect day for a family outing.

Off to her right stood Yvonne, smiling as she called Melanie and Michele to come help her for a moment. The woman that used to be their father grinned and giggled as quietly as she could manage as she watched them go about the business of setting the picnic blanket up with something less than military precision. The large piece of cloth seemed to consciously fight the three of them, as the slight breeze would continuously catch one corner or another, sending it fluttering. After a short time she walked over and after good naturedly ribbing the girl’s mother, she asked if they would like some assistance in helping to tame the beast.

The four of them each took a corner and laughed hysterically as they pounced on it, finally landing the stubborn thing. Good times.

She knew from the moment it began, the dream had come to haunt her once again. Still, the knowledge didn’t stop her from hoping that this time it would be different, and she was really there with them, enjoying the day with them one last time. This day had been the last time the whole family had been out together, just enjoying each other’s company and having fun.

It had been the last time they had been truly happy as far as she could remember, a week before anyone outside NASA or an advanced astronomy class had heard of the word Acidalia. Before she got sick and was separated from those she loved most. Before life in the quarantine had done everything it could to strip away her humanity. Before Brady or Stanley and the constant mental and physical torture they had inflicted on her.

Back in the dream, the four of them ate their boxed lunches, seated facing on another on the red and white checkered blanket. The girls chattered about the latest doll they just had to have and the newest bubble gum boy band CD they needed more than life itself as they ate their sandwiches. Yvonne and Thomas nodded at the appropriate times and in the right places, even though they weren’t always sure what the kids were talking about.

After they were finished, the four of them took a walk along the small duck pond in the center of the park.

The water was still too cold for swimming, so the girls threw stones into it instead. He, since that what she was in this dream, the Thomas she had been before, showed them how to make the rocks skip across the placid water. After a few tries Michele got the hang of it. She then spent the next half hour trying to teacher her younger sister before exasperation took its toll and she was forced to give up on the idea.

Thomas and Yvonne found a large rock to sit on as they watched the girls have fun. The adults held hands, kissed and enjoyed the closeness of the others bodies as much as the antics of their daughters.

A hurt filled squeal interrupted their snuggling time. Thomas watched as her wife went down to comfort Melanie who had fallen on some stones and was complaining loudly. She smiled as Yvonne cleaned the dirt off the five year old’s hands and kissed the small scrape on the youngster’s knee.

“Thomas?” A loud voice called out.

Startled, the new woman looked all around in the dream, but couldn’t identify the source of the familiar sounding voice. Though she couldn’t quite remember whose voice it was, something deep inside Thomas told her it was someone she had no interest in speaking to. That, coupled with her desired to stay with Yvonne and the girls made the dreaming woman choose to ignore it. Whatever they wanted would need to wait, she decided. This was time for her to be with her family once again. Even knowing it was a dream, she was determined to relish every moment of it.

“Thomas? Can you hear me?” the same voice called out a second time.

This time the intruding sound was accompanied by a blindingly bright light that shown directly in her eye, overpowering the sun in the dream. She tried to squeeze her eyes shut but something held one of them open.

The urge to shout “Go away!” was hard to resist, but Thomas didn’t want to upset her happy family by yelling.

Desperate to stay with them, Thomas put all her effort into focusing on where she was and ignoring the intruding light. The dream began to waver and fade before she felt whatever held her eye open let go and she was able to will it back into focus.

Back in the dream, with little Mel settled down, Yvonne started back up the rocky beach towards where Thomas sat waiting. God she loved her so much it hurt, and it was a pain she would gladly give anything to keep right on feeling.

Having visited this dream God only knew how many times before; Thomas knew her time with them was beginning to run short. Very soon the girls would go off to play with another group of kids they met. With Michele and Mel otherwise occupied and looked after, the two of them would sneak off into the woods and make love for what would turn out to be the last time.

“Thomas! I need to you respond if you can hear me!” the voice said again. This time the sound was followed with a pinching pain she felt in her left arm.

The sudden pain made the dream waver even more than the light had. All the colors started to fade and the details became less sharp. This time she didn’t hold back and yelled as loud as her burning throat would allow “Go away! Leave us alone!”

For a moment at least, that seemed to do the trick. Once again she fell contentedly into the dream.

She took Yvonne’s hand and the two of them started towards the woods behind where the girls were now playing. A huge smile of anticipation spread across her face as they stepped into the first row of trees.

Another burst of pain, this time much more than just a simple pinch seared its way across her abdomen. Yvonne and the grove of trees faded away as her eyes were forced open in response to the sudden agony.

“Nooooo!” she cried as her wife wafted away like a lifting fog and was replaced by the masked face of a quarantine doctor.

“Ahh. There you are. Nice to have you back amongst the living,” the masked face said.

“Yvonne!” she croaked desperately trying to hold on to her wife’s image as a tear trickled down her face.

“Yvonne? Who is Yvonne?” another voice from behind asked.

“I believe that was her wife’s name. She must have been dreaming or something.”

“I didn’t think it was possible to dream under the influence of Panderil.”

“Guess you were wrong.”

Thomas lay still, listening to the two masks talk to each other as if she wasn’t there. It was a survival tool she had learned at the expense of many pain filled sessions with Brady. It was always best to lay still and listen, take in whatever information you could glean, until they spoke directly to you.

“Thomas? Still with us?” the mask asked her.

Now she recognized the voice as belonging to Dr. Paula Stanley, the one person she might have hated more than Brady. It was too close to know for sure. Thomas glared at her, but said nothing.

“Not going to speak? Too good for us today?” Paula asked mockingly.

Thomas did everything she could to stare a hole through the whale of a woman, but refused to be baited into speaking until she was ready.

“Okay then, if that’s the way you want to be, so be it. I need to explain a few things to you before we try to get you up, so listen carefully. You’ve been under sedation for the better part of three weeks. We’ve done what we could to help you retain your range of motion, but your muscles are still going to feel very stiff. We’re going to try to get you up into a sitting position. We’re going to take it slow and easy. If you feel dizzy, or like you’re going to throw up, let us know and we’ll wait it out until you’re ready again. OK?”

“G’way. Le’ me lone. Hven ya dn nough ta me? Jus leave m be,” she said as the edge of grogginess continued to recede.

“Sorry, sweetie, we just can’t do that. We pulled your catheter about an hour ago, and if you don’t get up soon we’re going to have a pretty disgusting mess to clean up.”

Thomas could feel the heaviness in her full bladder. However the thought of doing anything these people wanted was so repulsive it made her content to mess herself if that’s what it came to.

“Ya betta get sme towels rdy, then,” was her reply.

Thomas could see Stanley’s frown even through the surgical mask she wore. She watched as the quarantine director turned her head and said “Dr. Green, could you give me a hand here?”

The second doctor stepped over and the two of them began to pull Thomas into a sitting position. The new woman tried to resist, but the combination of the drugs and the weeks of inactivity left her unable to put up much of a fight. Still, she tried her best to hinder them as much as she could.

“Thomas, stop fighting with us.” Stanley ordered. “Putting a lot of stress on your body isn’t good for the baby.”

‘Baby? What baby? There are no babies in this hell hole.’ Thomas thought silently as she was forcibly propped into an uncomfortable sitting position.

“There, was that so bad?” Stanley asked, breathing heavily from the strain. “How do you feel?”

Thomas felt like shit but she wasn’t about to share it with Stanley. Her stomach rolled with nausea and her back, arms and legs all burned from the small amount of exertion. She tried to swallow whatever it was that her belly was trying to reject but it was a battle she knew she was destined to lose very, very soon.

“Gonna throw up,” she groaned as she tried as hard as she could to swallow the rising gorge.

“Lean forward.” Dr. Green instructed.

Thomas wanted no part of doing anything that made the doctor’s lives easier, but the heaving forced her bend forward. As if brought by magic, a bucket appeared in front of Thomas just in time to catch the yellow watery substance that poured from her pissed off digestive track. The foul taste and rancid smell was enough to ensure that she would continue to retch long after there was nothing left to come up.

Finally her body relented and the stomach contractions let up, leaving her with a foul taste in her mouth and a burning sensation in her throat.

“Feeling better?” Stanley asked, handing Logan a towel.

“Little bit. Those drugs of yours are real a pleasure to down from,” she replied sarcastically as her head continued to clear.

“The drugs? I don’t think the drugs had much of anything to do with your vomiting. I’d say it’s more likely a touch of morning sickness that’s got your tummy upset. Once we’re done here I’ll have someone bring you a couple saltines. They should help settle your stomach.”

“Morning sickness? What the hell are you talking about?” Thomas demanded. A tingle of fear danced up her spine as wisp memory began to tickle the edge of her mind.

“Yes, morning sickness. It’s common in the first term of pregnancy. Since you’re just about a month along now, I’d say you’d better get used to it, because it’s probably not going to go away anytime soon. When you were out of it, your body didn’t respond to the nausea, but now that we had to bring you out of sedation because the drugs were affecting the fetus’ development, you’ll get to experience it in all its glory.”

“Pregnant?” Thomas repeated as the memory of being inseminated returned, hitting her like a sledge hammer. She shook her head, trying to deny the memory, hoping it was a half remembered dream, but there was no hiding from it since the doctor had already assured her it had really happened.

Still stiff, sore and a bit groggy, but recovering, Thomas jumped off the table and grabbed Stanley by the front of her lab coat. Pushing as hard as she could manage the expectant mother bounced the fat doctor off the wall behind where she had been standing. Sticking her face right up against the doctor’s she screamed, “What have you done? Tell me! What the hell have you done to me?”

Dr. Stanley shrieked and turned pale as a sheet as she struggled to free herself from Logan’s vice-like grip. The memory of what had happened to Brady the last time this woman got out of control played across her mind over and over like a looped horror movie.

The weeks of inactivity had destroyed Thomas’ stamina, however, and almost as soon as the new woman grabbed the doctor her strength drained away and her head began to spin like an out of control top. As much as she wanted to just throttle the woman, Thomas had to let go.

Staggering back a couple steps, Thomas bumped into the table. She turned around and leaned heavily on it as the doctor held a hand to her throat and gasped, “There … there’s no reason to get upset.”

“What the hell do you mean, ‘There’s no reason to get upset?’ Are you fucken kidding me? Tell me why I shouldn’t be upset? I mean you only did the next best thing to having me raped for Christ’s sakes! I should kill you for what you’ve done!” Thomas growled as she tried to catch her breath.

“Raped? Now, now Ms. Logan let’s not start with those kind of accusations. Nothing we’ve done is even remotely close to rape. All we’ve done is impregnate you through standard in vitro-fertilization techniques. Rest assured no one forced intercourse on you or anything like that. It was all done within the strict medical guidelines approve by the American Association of Fertilization specialists.”

“And that supposed to make me feel better?” she asked sarcastically.

“I had hoped it might, but obviously I was wrong.” Paula said with growing anger and indignation in her voice. Exasperated, she said sternly, “Look here, Thomas, what’s done is done. At this point the only way out of it is to abort the fetus. If that’s what you want we can have it done within the hour.”

Thomas glared at the short fat doctor and seethed with impotent rage. She wanted nothing more than to kill Stanley for violating her body like this, but was far too warn out from weeks of sedation to take advantage of the doctor’s close proximity. If she could just find the strength to reach out and snap the fat woman’s neck she would die happy, but there was no way. It enraged her even more when she realized the next opportunity to get her might never come.

The abortion Dr. Stanley offered was out of the question. Thomas had always considered the procedure to be akin to murder. For years she had done everything she could to support those that sought to eliminate the laws that allowed it. Could she really consider going through one herself? This was obviously a choice she never thought she would have to make about her own body, and it brought the entire debate into a new perspective.

There was no easy answer, and being forced to make a decision like this made her outrage grow to epic proportions. “You … inhuman … monster! Who are you, to violate my body like this? Who gave you permission to do something like this to me? Tell me, you BITCH! Who do you think you are? God? Some kind of self deluded savior of man? What right do you have to force me to choose between what I want, and an unborn baby’s life?” Thomas hissed.

“Violate you? No one violated you. We are simply trying everything we can to ensure the continued existence of our species! I ask you now, who are you to stand in the way of that? Impregnating you and the others is the only way we can find out if it’s possible for male babies to still be born! So that’s what we did,” Stanley told her with an edge of indignation in her voice.

“What do you mean you’re only trying to see if males can still be born? If that’s all this is about, then why do I recall you saying something about wanting to find out if my abilities would be passed along to my offspring?”

“We … we wanted to know about that as well. You and the handful of others like you are genetic marvels …”

“Marvels? We’re human beings! Who the hell are you to make lab rats out of us? You the worst kind of … I can’t even come up with the right word to describe what you are. You’re like one of those Nazi scientists that experimented on the Jews.”

“I assure you that I am nothing like a Nazi …”

“You’re right, you’re much worse than they ever were. They could hide behind the claim that they were following orders. You … you’re doing this all on your own!”

“No I’m not! I’ve been ordered to do whatever is necessary to help with finding a cure for this virus! That includes research into what would happen if we can’t cure it!” Paula argued defensively.

“You say whatever you like, doctor, but I know the truth! You’re doing this because you like to. Does it make you feel powerful? Does it make you feel better about who you are? Does it excite you in ways you wouldn’t ever dare admit? Yes, that’s it. It does, doesn’t it? I bet when you’re in your quarters at night you masturbate over the new and inventive ways you’ve come up with to torture us.” Thomas stopped just long enough to see, written in Dr. Stanley’s eyes, how close to hitting the nail right on the head her words were, and it left her feeling even more disgusted and dirty.

“When the time comes, you’ll pay for what you’ve done here, mark my words! You’re going to pay dearly. You’ve done the impossible, doctor. You’ve made me wish that Brady was still in charge. At least with him, you always knew what to expect … where you stood. As demented an animal as he was, even he wouldn’t have allowed something like this, if only because it would have spoiled his fun.”

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t have killed him!” Paul screamed back.

“Kill him? I didn’t kill him! All I did was give him a taste of what it feels like to catch the bug!”

“And he died as a result of the infection! Same thing as if you put a gun to his head in my book, Thomas!”

Paula could feel the conversation was on its way to degenerating into a confrontation that she was ill-prepared to deal with at the moment. The last thing she wanted was for Thomas to make her look even more impotent in front of one of her underlings.

In an effort to rein it back in, she calmed her tone and began again. “However, what’s done is done. There’s no use casting blame. To be honest, he probably deserved what happened. Either way, he’s dead and I’m in charge, and the way I see it you now have two choices. You can behave yourself and do as we instruct, and in eight months give birth to a hopefully healthy child or you can fight us. All that will accomplish is putting tremendous stress on your body most likely resulting in harm to the baby. Either way I’m going to make sure you carry it to term …I have too much invested in this to do anything else. So make your choice, but remember, Thomas, there’s much more at stake here than just your life.”

Thomas bristled at the truth in the doctor’s words. There was more than just her fate to be decided here. The life of a child, even an unwanted one, had to take precedence over her other concerns.

Mustering what strength she had left, the expectant mother again stepped up to Stanley’s face. Stabbing her finger into the director’s ample chest she warned “The next time we meet, I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done.”

A wave of terror washed over Dr. Stanley, making her bladder feel very heavy and her mouth as dry as the Sahara. She had to swallow several times before she worked up enough saliva to speak. “Then I’ll be sure to worry the next time.” she replied, surprised at the confident sound of her voice. “However for now these are some supplements you’ll need to start on. I’m going to have Dr. Green over there keep an eye on you until the drugs work their way out of your system to make sure there are no complications for you or the baby, so you might want to cooperate with him.”

Thomas took the pill bottles and set them down behind her. “Just get the fuck out of here.”

That was all Paula needed to hear. After a quick whispered word to Dr. Green, she snatched the few things she had brought in with her, nearly dropping several items in her haste and walked out the door. It was a struggle to resist the urge to run, but somehow she managed to stay in control just long enough to avoid the embarrassment that would have caused.

Once outside in the hallway, Paula strode purposefully to the elevators, making sure to avoid eye contact with anyone she passed lest they see how shaken up she really was. The fat doctor flexed her hands repeatedly in an effort to hide their shaking as she waited impatiently for the elevator to arrive. Time after time she stabbed at the call button, as if that would make the doors open more quickly. For a moment she contemplated taking the stair, but didn’t know if she would be able to hold it together long enough to make it all the way to her office.

After what seemed like an eternity the faint ding of the arrival bell sounded and the doors slid open. With no regard for decorum, she bolted inside and jammed her fat finger at the door close button. Not soon enough to suit her, they slid closed and the elevator started upwards.

Paula felt what little control she had been able to maintain completely slip away, as she began to shake and cry hysterically. Blinded by fear driven tears, her hand groped the control board looking for the stop button. It barely landed on it before her trembling legs gave way and she slid to the floor.

For several minutes she lay curled up in a ball quivering with terror and frustration.

Logan’s promise to kill her had shaken Paula to her very core. There was no way she would allow herself to be caught in the same room with her again. If she did, the director understood that it would be the last mistake she ever made.

In her mind’s eye she could still picture Brady lying on the floor, beaten to a pulp and bleeding from places she had never seen anyone bleed from before that day as Thomas sat contentedly on the exam table waiting to be taken away. It was a situation she wasn’t anxious to see repeated, especially with herself as the victim. The possibility had haunted her dreams and made her be sure to take no chances where Thomas was concerned.

Now all that caution and care had turned out to be for nothing. She wasn’t going to be able to be there as the research was being done. There was no way to have a real part in any of the practical discoveries. That upset Dr. Stanley almost as much, if not more than having her life threatened.

She would still take all the credit for whatever discoveries the team made, but it would be easier to justify if she could be there as they happened.

Sitting up, Paula hung her head between her knees as she fought to pull herself together. Breathing deeply and slowly, the doctor continued to wrack her brain for a way to reclaim control of the situation.

As always, focusing on finding a solution helped speed up the process of recovery. After another few moments she rose back to her feet and restarted the elevator. Instead of going up to her office, Paula pushed the down button as a sliver of an idea began to form.

Paula mused that a bodyguard might be a solution, but with Logan’s physical gifts what single person would be able to stop her if she got it her mind to do damage? None of the handful of enhanced new women that were left at the facility would take on the job. They all hated her as much, some even more, than Thomas did. Besides, Logan was something of a hero to the rest of the infectees imprisoned here that knew of her, and of the few that didn’t, none were even close to her power level.

There was, however, one person, if the idea was presented in the right way that might be interested in taking on Thomas if the situation came up. Approaching her would be risky to say the least. Most likely any proposal would be rejected out of spite, even if it enticed her, but it was the only solution she could come up with.

Time slipped by at an amazingly quick rate as Paula mulled over how best to present her pitch. Before she knew it she had arrived at her destination. Standing before the solid looking door to the small cell block that housed Brady and those like her that were just impossible to keep in general population, a small voice in her mind cried out for Paula to walk away and forget this insane idea.

Allowing Brady to roam the hallways free was only going to make things worse not better it argued. The threat she represented to Paula’s authority, her life and the very stability of the entire routine in the quarantine was simply too large to justify in any way whatsoever, however common sense wasn’t one of the doctor’s strong points today.

Ignoring the internal warning, Paula scanned her security badge and stepped through as the door hissed open.

The bare ivory colored walls and grey tile floors of the guard’s office which adjoined the small hallway that led to each of the individual cells reminded Paula of pictures she had seen when she was a little girl, of the inside of the state mental hospital that her father had worked at. She always thought the color scheme was rather appropriate for what this particular wing had been designated for.

To Dr. Stanley, the colors represented hopelessness and that was exactly what these inmates were, hopeless. There was no way to control any of these new women. No way they would allow themselves to work within the structure of the facility, and that made them all extremely dangerous, not only to the others infectees but to the guards and doctors as well.

This was her grand plan, to somehow convince the one time Major to help protect her from Logan. She didn’t know if Brady would be able to handle Thomas if it came down to that, but Brady was nothing if not crafty, and might just provide enough of a distraction to Logan for Paula to escape.

The very tall, incredibly strong looking, dark skinned guard poked his head out of the tiny office just as Paula entered the block. When he recognized who his visitor was, he stood up, and stepped out, “Good afternoon doctor.”

“How is our guest of honor doing today?” she asked.

He pointed at Brady’s cell. “She’s alive and kicking. And just as ornery as ever. No manners at all with that one.”

“Is she still refusing to let anyone in?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“I see. Can you give me a few minutes alone with her, please?”

“Of course. I’ll be right outside the door. If you need me, just hit the red button on the wall over there,” he told her as he pointed to it.

“Thank you.”

Once he was out of the room, Paula stepped over to the large glass wall that separated the cell from the hall way. Rather than install cameras inside each cell, each individual unit was designed with a thick one way mirrored Plexiglas wall to make monitoring easier. The walls also made it possible to speak face to face with the inmates without having to go inside and risk the possibility of infection of injury.

As it usually was, the hallway lighting was set dimmer than the light inside of each cell to allow the inmates to be looked in on without them knowing someone was there. Some had complained that it was an invasion of what little privacy they were allowed, but their protests always fell on deaf ears. Paula always justified them to anyone on the outside that asked, with several examples of contraband that had been supposedly removed during these observation sessions.

Inside, Brady was lying on the small grungy looking bed at the far end of the cell with her back turned to the wall so that no one could tell what she was doing. Paula looked over the rest of the trash filled cell. For the last week the Major had refused to let anyone inside to clean the cell and as a result the place was becoming a horrendous mess.

Turning up the lights so that Brady could see her, Paula tapped the intercom button on the wall and said “Major?”

Brady turned her head and raised a disinterested eyebrow at her visitor.

As she waited for Brady to say something in reply, Paula found she still couldn’t get over the changes the virus had brought to the once tall muscular and masculine, major. If she had been even a little bit social and not an infectee, this new woman could have been a model or perhaps even a movie star, at the very least, had her choice of any rich good looking guy she wanted. Her raven hair, even as dirty as it was, still looked like silk. Her smooth, almost porcelain white skin and deep blue eyes would be enough to make any man want to worship at her feet.

That is, … until she opened her mouth. “What the fuck do you want?” Brady growled as she turned back over and continued doing whatever it was she was up to

“I came to see how you were making out down here.”

The sound of a small chuckle came over the speaker, “I’m doing great. It’s like being on a constant vacation in here. Nothing to do but lounge around and talk to the guards. I’ve been trying to talk Henry into letting me out so he and I could go to the beach later, and I think he’s starting to crack. If I can talk him into it do you want to come? Do they make bathing suits in your size, or do you just wear a whale’s skin or something like that?”

“I see you still have your sense of humor,” she replied, declining to get into the insult fest these conversations usually degenerated into. “When are you planning on letting someone in there to clean up a bit, or do you like living in filth?”

“I’ll let you in here to clean up. Though, I can’t guarantee that you’ll leave under your own power.”

“I think I’ll pass on that one. I’ve already had my life threatened once today. You’ll have to wait in line.”

“Aww. Are the girls unappreciative of your particular brand of hospitality?”

“As much as they appreciated yours.”

Brady turned her head back in Paula’s direction. “Was there something you wanted?” she asked impatiently.

“I just thought you might like to know we brought Logan out of sedation this morning.”

“Guess there’s no need to ask who it was that threatened you, then. So why are you telling me this? Are you finally going to give her to me or something?”

“I was wondering if there was some way we could make a truce between us. I would like your help in keeping her in line.”

“My help? What could I possibly do? You were the one that insisted that I was no match for her now, so how could I hope to keep her in line?” Brady asked mockingly.

“I … I just thought you might be able to do something.”

The beautiful new woman got up and walked over to the glass barrier. Sitting down on her side of it, she cocked her head to the side and asked “What’s in it for me?”

“You’d be out of here, for starters.”

Brady leaned back in the chair and put her feet up on the small ledge under the glass, tucking her hands behind her head. “I don’t know. Paula.” She smiled at Dr. Stanley’s look over the use of her first name, “It’s kinda cozy in here. I get this whole place to myself, no one botherin me. Plenty of time to see what this bod of mine can do.” Moving closer to the glass and putting a hand to the side of her mouth, Brady said in a low tone of voice, “By the way, I have to say that we gal’s have it all over the boys in the big “O” department … if you get my meaning.”

Brady raised her eye brows and grinned at Stanley’s look of disgust.

“You’re nauseating,” she told her, stepping away from the glass. “I don’t know why I thought this was even an option.”

“Dunno either there, porky. But you must be real worried about it,” Brady mocked.

Paula gave her a look of disdain.

Through the intercom Brady taunted, “Aww … come on, doc. Don’t go away mad … just go away! Ha, ha, ha, ya fat load. Logan’s gonna get you … unless I do first. Better watch your back real good, ya fat bitch. Ha, ha …”

Paula flipped off the intercom, cutting off the rest of the new woman’s taunts and walked out.

**********
Ottawa Canada Sunday 3pm EDT:

Secretary of State Joanne Constantine sat alone at the table of Hy’s Steakhouse, the swank downtown Ottawa restaurant, looking over her notes from the days negotiating session while munching on a bit of luscious carrot cake. The more the small black haired attractive woman read, the more irritated she felt. The long fruitless day had left her feeling defeated and aggravated.

“Joanne?” a voice said, interrupting her reading.

She looked over and saw former White House Chief of staff William Reinhardt standing behind her.

“Bill!” she said, getting up and giving her old friend a warm, friendly hug. “What are you doing up here?”

It had been well over a month since Joanne had spoken with Reinhardt. His dismissal from the White House staff had been sudden and unexpected, but that was the way things were these days. If you disagreed with President Fuller’s policy decisions, your days were numbered, and the number was very low. Reinhardt had done just that by protesting the treatment of those in the quarantine centers.

“I’ve been good. I’ve been up here working with Gadston Consultants, the last few weeks.”

“Really? I hear they’re a great company to work for. You must be happy. But how did you get up here? The border blockade …”

“Well, when a company like that wants you, they have ways of greasing the wheels and making things happen.”

“Yes, I suppose your right. Would you like to take a seat?”

“I can only stay a couple minutes, but would be my pleasure.” he replied grabbing a chair. “So what brings you north of the border? Fuller finally come to his senses and throw you off the staff too?” he joked.

“I tell you there are times I wish he would, but no. I’m here trying to negotiate our way out of a shooting war with Canada.”

“How’s that going?”

Joanne looked over her shoulder and said in a low voice “Not as well as had hoped. That Montclair can be a real son of a bitch.”

Reinhardt laughed. “You’re not the first one to tell me that. What’s he trying to get out of you, Alaska?”

“Nothing that quite that drastic, but close. He’s trying to demand all sorts of other things that he’s not going to get. It’s like he thinks that just because we don’t want to go to war, that that he’s in the drivers seat, and we’re just going to give him anything he wants to avoid it. This morning I went in there and he was demanding complete control of the St. Lawrence Seaway for Christ sake. Like we’re going to do that.”

“That sounds like him.” Reinhardt replied with an amused smile. “I imagine Fuller must be breathing down your back to get it settled.”

“Is he ever! Patience isn’t his strongest suit. Things have been worse now, with Carlyle taking over for you. Tonight, before I came here I got a call from him telling me that if I couldn’t put this thing to bed by Tuesday, he was going to come up here and take over the negotiations personally.”

“Davis is going to?”

“That’s what he told me.”

Reinhardt grinned. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that session. Talk about counterproductive.”

“I hear you there.”

“Well then, it sounds like you’re going to have a busy day at the table tomorrow.”

“Yeah. All the stupid grandstanding and ridiculous demands aside, I tell you the real sticking point, is the bastard wants us to turn Alexander over to them so they can put him up on some sort of show trial.”

“Fuller will never allow that. The press would crucify him if he did.”

“I know he won’t, and they would be right to if he caved. But, I have to admit, there is a part of me wonders if the fate of one man is really worth all the lives that could be lost if we have to go to war.”

Reinhardt took her by the hand and spoke quietly “You’re well within your rights to wonder, but think of it this way. If you were to give up this one man, what’s to stop them from demanding we turn over more the next time? What’s to stop them from demanding we turn over the pilots that flew the planes that dropped the gas tomorrow? Or that Fuller himself surrender and be tried for crimes against humanity?”

“I see your point,” she replied after a moment’s thought.

“Be tough in there kid, or they’re going to walk all over you next time. Remember, it’s not a case of we can’t go to war with them, it’s we don’t want to. Make sure they understand the difference, and I’m sure they’ll be in more of a mood to get this settled. Right now Montclair thinks he’s got the upper hand. Show him he doesn’t.”

“I should bring you in there with me tomorrow.”

“Wouldn’t Fuller just love that one?”

“Yeah, I think that would go over like a lead balloon, but it might be worth all the trouble it would cause, just to see him have to thank you for all your help in solving this,” she told him only half kidding.

“It might just be,” he replied, looking at his watch. “Well kid, I have to run. I’ve got my own meeting to get on with tonight. Big client wants the firm’s assessment of the situation in Uganda. You take care, and give them hell tomorrow.”

“I will. Thanks for the advice, and you take care too.”

Reinhardt rose to his feet and smiled at her before walking back towards the bar. Jo watched him go, then turned the page in her notebook and began to write furiously.

***********

Monday August 15 Dallas, Texas 6:15am CDT:

A short lived crackle of static lifted her out of the light slumber she had fallen into only an hour before. Raising an annoyed hand, she slammed it down on the alarm clock next to her, simultaneously smiling with satisfaction and cringing at the sound of the plastic housing cracking from the force of the blow.

‘Another one bites the dust.’ Katie Becket thought sleepily as she contentedly rolled over and tried to escape back into dreamland.

In the early evening of June 30th Katie had awakened from a coma, one that she hadn’t even been aware she was in, to discover her wildest dream had come true. She had traded in her life as a dumpy, balding thirty five year old man with a large and growing midsection for one as a very attractive, if not downright beautiful, thin, dark hair, blue eyed woman that looked to be somewhere in her early twenties.

The discovery was like a dream come true. It wasn’t a case of him holding secret desires to be a woman or anything like that; he had actually never even considered it. He had just always wished he was someone else. Anyone would have done, so long as it wasn’t his him.

Since the start of high school Katie, or Kevin has she had been called before the transformation, hated his life. In school he had been a social outcast. Not once had he ever been invited to a party. None of the girls were interested in him, even the class geeks looked down on him. The complete rejection had hurt him deeply. The hurt had led to a poor self image, which led to a lack of interest in his school work. That lack of interest resulted in horrible grades, which only worked to enhance his feelings of inadequacy.

After graduation, he had hoped for a while that his life was going to turn around. Those hopes were dashed when no college he applied to would even consider his application. Even the local junior college had been resistant to admitting him, claiming that he wasn’t going to be able to keep up with his classes. As it turned out, they were right. He was so far behind in his studies that he soon became hopelessly lost. Eventually he became so frustrated he just stopped going all together.

When his mother found out he had dropped out, she had insisted he get a job. Kevin didn’t want to, but she threatened to throw him out if he didn’t, so what else could he do?

Job hunting turned out to be just another miserable experience in a bad life. Because of his poor grades and the equally poor way he presented himself, his options for employment were very limited. The only places interested in hiring him were burger joints and low wage retail outlets, which served to renew his wish for different life.

The wishing begot an intense hatred of his situation and the way his life was playing out. The hatred progressed over time into a profound self-loathing. That, of course had led to depression, which in turn led to more self loathing and again, more depression. It became a vicious cycle to say the least.

An entire life time of discontent had all come to a head six months earlier when in one of his severely depressed moods, Kevin insulted three customers in a single morning, resulting in complaints to his manager. Mr. Fitzpatrick had called him into his office early that afternoon to discuss the matter, but Kevin wasn’t in the mood for criticism, even if it was aimed at trying to help him. The meeting had quickly degenerated into a shouting match.

In the end, Kevin’s mouth and a spotty, at best, attendance record cost him his job. The firing had left Kevin in an even deeper depression than ever before. Losing the job wasn’t the real issue. Kevin had never really like being a car salesman. It was a job he had just fallen into, like everything else in his life. Losing it was just another validation of his own worthless self image.

A week after being fired he made his first attempt to kill himself by taking a large handful of sleeping pills. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view, he had only succeeded in making himself sick and passed out in front of his land lady, Mrs. Harris. Concerned, she had called an ambulance and Kevin woke up several hours later in the emergency room.

When asked how the overdose happened, he had been so embarrassed by his utter failure that he couldn’t admit the truth, so he explained to the attending doctor that he’d had a killer headache and had taken the wrong pills by accident, and when the first ones hadn’t worked, woozy, he’d taken some more. It was a long shot that she would buy it, but it was the best he could come up with. To his great surprise, she had bought the story, as improbable as it sounded, and after a night of observation he was sent home with a clean bill of health.

After recovering from that episode Kevin decided a new approach was in order. He considered several options hoping to come up with one that would provide a much smaller chance for him to screw it up. Shooting himself, he decided, was probably the surest bet. A simple shot to the head and it would be all over. There would be no lingering long enough to be discovered, no prolonged pain filled demise, just bang, and it would be all over.

However what Kevin knew about guns you could fit on the head of a very small pin. His ignorance soon led him to frustration, especially when he informed of the state law requiring a seven day waiting period, and the thorough background check when purchasing from a legitimate dealer. Though he had been released without being recommended for psychiatric help, he worried about the search sending up a red flag somewhere.

Someone in a bar told him that gun shows were exempt, but when he went to look for where one was being held, he found that none were within any kind of reasonable driving distance. Finally he wound up buying one off the street, little realizing at the time that the firing pin had been damaged.

The following day he sat at the kitchen table, drinking from the moment his mother left for work as he tried to work up the courage to do the deed.

He was surprised to see his hand shaking when the time had finally come. Kevin clumsily lifted the gun and placed it in his mouth. The barrel rattled against his teeth as he fought to hold it steady.

With the taste of gun oil in his mouth, the soon to be dead man squeezed his eyes shut as tight as he could and pull the trigger …

Nothing happened.

Perplexed, he opened one eye and looked at the top of the gun barrel. Everything seemed to be in order. For a second, he considered taking it out and looking it over, but he wasn’t sure he would be able to put it back in if he did.

Taking a deep breath Kevin used his free hand to pull the hammer into the firing position again. Closing his eyes again, he pulled the trigger. Still, nothing happened.

Tears of hopeless frustration began to roll down his cheeks. A third time he pulled the trigger, and for the third time it didn’t fire.

A sudden rage over took him. Kevin pulled the gun out of his mouth and pitched it as hard as he could against the far wall. The impact set the damn thing off, blowing a hole in his favorite jacket that was sitting on the coat rack opposite where the gun landed, and causing him to nearly jump out of his skin.

At that point he considered throwing himself off a tall building, but the way things were going, he became convinced that would only leave him crippled or something instead of dead. Instead he threw up his hands and drank himself into a coma.

All of those problems had disappeared that wonderful June morning. The day Kevin realized this was the opportunity he had always been waiting for.

Seizing it, Katie withdrew every penny she had managed to save for a rainy day via fifteen different ATM machines in the Odessa area. Four hundred dollars of the money went towards getting a fake ID that renamed her Katie, and made her 21 years old again. A chance to relive what was supposed to be the best years of his life was what he was after.

With her new identity now backed up with a picture, it was off to the mall for appropriate clothing and other stuff a girl would need.

Once that was done, it was off to the big city to live the life of a party girl.

Things had been going great up this point. Katie embraced life in a way Kevin had never been able to. Living as an attractive young woman was better than she could have ever imagined.

As a club girl, she was treated to free drinks, sex whenever she wanted it, and she wanted it a lot, free rent … it was everything she could have hoped for and more.

Unfortunately for her lovers and admirers, Katie never once considered the fact that she was infecting each and every one of them with the Acidalia virus. She was so busy enjoying her new life that she never even noticed that the guys she had sex with never came back, either. She wasn’t looking for a relationship anyhow, so what did it matter? She had what she wanted, and considered it a blessing that they disappeared afterwards.

A second burst of static found her ear. She glared at the offending clock angrily and was surprised to see the face wasn’t lit. “What the hell?’ she thought as she sat up and looked around her room for the origin of the disturbance. No obvious source in the sparsely furnished room jumped out at her.

More perturbed at being denied sleep than anything else, she climbed down off the bed, determined now to find where the static came from.

A sharp sound like the snapping of a stick drew Katie’s attention to the partly open window off to her right. The shade was drawn, preventing her from seeing outside, but it also prevented anyone from seeing in.

Having had problems with a stalker recently, she slipped over to the window as quietly as a cat. Gently tugging on the side of the shade, she peeked out. She barely managed to stifle a gasp as her gaze fell upon the back of a man crouching down at the front corner of the house. His midnight blue flak jacket with large bright yellow letters that spelled out the word POLICE left little question to his identity.

‘Oh shit!’ she silently cursed. ‘Fuck! Where did he come from? How the hell did they find me?’

She carefully let the shade settle back and turned back to the bed. She bolted to her closet and began to gather some clothes. She hurriedly threw on a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt. Another couple days worth of clothes were stuffed haphazardly into a small duffle bag as she thought back to two nights earlier.

She had been at a bar in downtown Dallas, as she was every other night, just partying and having a good ol’ time. There was this kind of cute, but complete nuisance of a guy named Frank, who had been hanging all over her most of the night. She knew she should have listened to the little alarms that were sounding off in her head about him, but he had been buying her drinks on a night when pickings were pretty slim.

For a while she had put up with his constant come-on’s and attempts to grope her, but eventually it got to be too much. When she finally told him to fuck off, and that she was leaving, he had gotten really pissed off. He demanded that she let him drive her home, and when she refused he grabbed her by the arm and tried to drag her out into the parking lot.

Luckily, one of the establishment’s bouncers saw what he was doing, stepped in and promptly sent Frank packing.

Katie hoped that would be the end of it. With Frank gone, she went back to having a good time.

Unfortunately, when closing time came, she found Frank was waiting in the lot. By this time she had picked up another consort for the night, and the pest was really pissed off at having been replaced so quickly.

He started shouting at Katie, calling her a whore and a slut. Jeff, the new guy she was with, took offense at the insult and started shouting back at Frank. The two of them were pretty drunk and the shouting quickly degenerated into a fist fight.

The only good thing that could be said about it, was that it was short. Jeff, who was tall and well muscled himself, turned out to be no match for Frank. Within a couple short of minutes he had been beaten to a blood pulp.

To Frank, the victory meant that Katie was now his for the night. He grabbed her roughly by the wrist and began to pull her along with him toward his waiting car.

Katie had enough. She pulled out of his grip and told him to fuck off as she turned and started towards where Jeff was sitting on the ground. Her continued resistance, however, only served to piss Frank off even more.

Before she got more than five steps, he snagged her by the hair and began shouting several select names at her.

All the commotion by now had drawn quite a large crowd of gawkers. Katie had hoped someone would step in and help her but no one did, so she took the matter into her own hands. She hadn’t wanted to show what she could do, but now there was little choice.

Katie grabbed hold of her own long brown locks and dug her heels into the pavement. Frank’s being more than just a little bit buzzed, her resistance caused him to stumble backwards a couple steps.

Recovering his balance, the well built bully yanked her hair again, this time with all his might, easily pulling her 115 pound frame towards him. When she thudded hard against his rock solid chest, Frank lifted her head and slapped her across the face.

He must have expected the blow to leave her stunned and too scared to resist, however it had only served to anger her even more. Smiling at the confused look that sat plastered to Frank’s face, Katie grabbed her attacker’s wrist, and with a quick twist, snapped it. Before Frank could even howl in pain from the sudden injury, Katie grabbed him by the front of his shirt and lifted him off his feet.

“What the fuck is with you?” she screamed furiously. “I told you to fuck, off so fuck off!” She shoved him away with all her might. The stunned man flew about ten feet before landing on the pavement with a sickening thud.

Seconds ticked by like hours, as she waited for Frank to get up. She was quivering with anger fueled adrenaline and very much wanted another piece of him, but he just lay there on the pavement.

Sick of waiting, she stepped over to where he landed and was shocked to see a small but spreading pool of blood under his head. Kneeling down, Katie rolled his head to the side, exposing a good sized split in the back of Frank’s skull. The sight of the wound sickened her, and made her even more acutely aware of the twenty or so witnesses that stood less than ten feet away.

“Someone call 911!” she shouted over her shoulder.

As she looked through her purse for something to help stop the flow of blood, she could hear the sound of approaching sirens. A hand touched her shoulder and a voice from behind her said, “You better get out of here, Miss, unless you want to try to explain to the police how you managed to throw a man twice your size across the parking lot.”

Katie turned to see the silhouette of a tall man standing there. “But he’s hurt. I … I didn’t mean to … He … he came after me first!” she stuttered.

“I know that, sweetie, we all saw what happened. But I don’t think that’s going to matter much to the police once they figure out what you are. If I’m right about you, they’ll be looking to take you to quarantine, not jail and I don’t think that’s where you want to wind up.”

“How …?”

“Just go, girl, before it’s too late. I’ll make sure he’s looked after,” the stranger told her as he knelt down next her and began applying pressure to Franks wound.

Katie didn’t want to leave, but she knew the blond haired stranger was right. If she stayed it would mean quarantine. She was finally free of everything she had hated about her old life and wasn’t about to let that freedom just go away because of some asshole from a bar, as selfish as that might sound. Fighting with the police wasn’t really an option either. Reluctantly and relieved at the same time, she got to her feet, gathered her purse up and bolted from the scene as fast as her heels would let, her praying that nobody had recognized her.

Another peek out the side shade showed just how foolish that hope was. She should have packed her stuff and run yesterday morning, but she didn’t want to … no that wasn’t right either … she simply couldn’t give up this new life. It had been her dream to escape the way things were, and the thought of leaving it was just too much for her. Now, however, it appeared as if it was going to be taken from her regardless of what she wanted.

Unless, that is, Katie was willing to use her abilities against the police that she assumed had the house surrounded.

A loud crash from the front room took the decision out of her hand. The time for regret and recrimination was officially over. It was high time to get her ass out of there. She ripped the shade away from the window, lifted the sash as high as it would go and leaped out. The uncannily agile new woman hit the ground and rolled to her feet before the cop at the corner could react, and slammed into him as hard as she could, knocking the wind from his lungs.

As the officer lay on the ground gasping for air, Katie turned and darted towards the back of neighboring house. She was hoping to slip by the cops that were undoubtedly all over the street in front of her place. However before she made it even ten yards, she heard voices calling out for her to stop.

Katie redoubled her efforts, pumping her supple legs as hard as she could. Her goal was to make the far corner of the high wooden fence that bordered the neighbor’s yard before anyone could get a bead on her. As tough as she was now, she had no delusions of being bulletproof.

Her plan fell apart just as she turned the corner. Waiting there was a small army of men in green camouflage bio gear.

She was moving fast, and the grass was wet from the early morning dew, so there was no chance to stop or change direction. Instead, she pushed harder, and barreled headlong into the crowd. The men in green didn’t expect that move, and were bowled over before they could react.

Her momentum carried her most of the way through them. Unfortunately, just not all the way.

The few that hadn’t been sent sprawling piled on her, trying to pull her down. She dragged their weight for several feet before it became too much for even her greatly enhanced strength to support.

After she was driven to her knees, the soldiers began to rain blows down upon the new woman. The nightstick hurt, a lot, but her stamina and resistance to injury was phenomenal. Despite their best efforts, Katie struggled her way back to her feet. The blows just kept coming, and she could tell it wouldn’t be long before she lost the ability to fight back.

Swinging her arms wildly, she felt each of them connect solidly with an attacker. She may not have known how many she was hitting, or how many there were to start with, but she did know with each mighty swing there were fewer and fewer nightsticks hitting her, so she kept at it.

A saddened stinging pain on her left shoulder made her wince. The charge of electricity that immediately followed it however, drove her back down to her knees. A second zap, combined with the beating she had already taken, floored her completely.

Stunned, but still trying to fight her way free, Katie tried to will her unresponsive muscles back into action, but they weren’t listening. No amount of grit and determination would get them to move even an inch.

She looked up at her assailants just in time to see a final black police baton heading towards her face. The next moment there was one last brief flash of pain, then only black oblivion.

“Alright! She’s finally down. Let’s get her loaded up before she recovers,” one of the bio suited solders told the others.

“After a beating like that? I don’t think she’s gonna be getting up anytime soon commander.” one of the others replied.

Did you see how fast she was? How strong? It was unbelievable! How could she move like that? And it took all of us and we barely got her down. I bet ya she would have been back on her feet in another minute if we hadn’t laid her out,” The commander told him. “So let’s not get cocky. Get those restrains on her. Send the doc over, we need to get the sedative into her and get the hell out of here. She’s got a long trip ahead of her.”

*************

Epilog: 4 days later

The stink of ammonia made her gag and cough. She waved her hand across her face to get the smell away. For a second it seemed to work, but then it came back worse than ever. It stunk so badly it forced her to open her eyes this time as she pushed it way again.

“Ah there we go. Come on, hun. Open those big brown eyes. Time to rise and shine,” a voice from above her said.

“Wha?? Where- where am I?” Katie asked, as she raised her left arm to shield her eyes while they tried to adjust to the harsh florescent light.

“You’re in the medical center at Ft. Rawlings, Nebraska,” The oddly mechanical voice told her.

“Nebraska? What the hell … ?” Kate asked as she sat up. With her vision more or less cleared, she began to look around at her surroundings.

Standing in front of her was a medium sized army green biohazard suit that probably contained a woman. It was hard to tell with the way the reflection of the lights obscured the faceplate. Off to the first suit’s left, stood another much larger suit holding a rifle of some kind. Once again she couldn’t tell for sure, but the size led her to believe it was a man. Either that or a grizzly bear, the size was close.

It appeared that the three of them were the only ones in the room, though Katie wasn’t sure if that was really an advantage for her or not.

The room itself was filled with all kinds of medical equipment, everything from heart monitors to something that looked like a dentist’s chair. The room had an odd shape to it, as the doors and windows all had rounded edges. The whole scene looked to her like someone had taken a hospital surgical unit and stuffed it into a fish bowl.

Behind her … guards? ... sat the largest of the thick round windows. The harsh light inside the fish bowl made it hard to see what was beyond it. Katie could only make out the shadows of people moving around through it. There may have been as many as six of them out there but it was hard to tell for sure.

‘At least eight of them? Don’t like those odds much.’ she thought quietly. ‘Guess I’m stuck here, for at least a little while anyhow.’

Deciding there was nothing to lose in trying to get some answers, she demanded, “I want to know why I’m here? What the hell’s going on? Where do you people get off kidnapping me?”

“You’re here because you possess special abilities that your country needs in order to continue to defend our borders against the rest of the world.”

“My help? What the hell can I do to help with that?” Katie asked confused.

She sat on the bed trying to make the mental connection, but the drugs they had used on her were slowing down her thought process. She looked up at the uniforms again …something about the color was teasing the edge of her brain. And where had they said she was? Nebraska? Some kind of fort? Suddenly a bright light of realization switched on inside her head.

“Oh no! No way. You can’t … I’m not doing it. You can’t make me! I-I have rights!”

“Not here you don’t. Welcome to the Army, Becket. Get used to it, cause Uncle Sam owns your ass now!”

***************

Confirmed Cases: 3,228,163

Actual Cases: 5,807,769

End part XI

Acidalia 12

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XII
By Amanda D.

KLTR News 2:10pm PDT:

“We interrupt your regularly scheduled program for this KLTR special report. Here now is Kate Harlow.”

“Good afternoon San Francisco. In what is being described as a daring mid-afternoon raid, Dr. Carla Ryson has escaped federal custody.

According to the United States Marshals office at approximately 3:50pm Eastern Time the police van carrying Dr. Ryson and its convoy of support vehicles came under attack from a small group of terrorists armed with armor piercing rounds and hand held artillery of some kind on a tree covered road just outside Quantico, Virginia .

According to reports, the group, consisting of between 10 and 15 individuals blocked the heavily wooded road with a pair of stolen orange Quantico DPW dump trucks. The convoy of 5 police vehicles was en route to the Quantico Marine base to deliver Dr. Ryson back to her holding cell after today’s court session was called off due to a bomb scare.”

“I’ve just received word from my producer that we are going to take you live to a press conference at the FBI offices in Quantico Virginia.”

The picture on the screen switched from the reporter in the studio to a room filled with cameras. At the front of the room was a stage with a four foot tall microphone engulfed wooden podium standing in the center of it. Behind the podium was a light blue wall with the insignia of the FBI emblazoned in the center of it.

After a moment the stage began to fill with men and women. Each took a place to the left and right of the podium. The last person to arrive was a tall dark skinned woman with glasses and very long curly hair. She stepped up the bank of microphones and cleared her throat.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. My name is Marcie Sheppard. I’m with the Federal Marshals office and I’ll be acting as press liaison during this investigation. Before I take any questions I’d like to give you what we know so far.

“As you know, late this afternoon a group of terrorists attacked the team of FBI agents and Federal Marshals charged with guarding DR. Carla Ryson during her transportation to and from the Marine base in Quantico Virginia.

“From what we’ve been able to reconstruct from eyewitness reports and on board cameras in the vehicles, the terrorists began the attack by first blocking off a narrow section of Clayton Rd with a pair of very large DPW dump trucks that were reported stolen this morning from the Quantico municipal garage.

“Because of the obstruction, the transport column was forced to stop and came under heavy fire from a small group who were stationed behind and underneath the trucks. The drivers attempted to evade the fire by backing up but found the rear blocked as well by two more construction vehicles.

“They then came under fire from the rear as well.

“As the agents were attempting to defend themselves and Dr. Ryson, a third group appeared out of the woods on the right side of the road, and using explosives, blew the rear doors off the truck containing the doctor.

“They then made off with her back into the woods.

“We’ve found heavy four wheel drive type vehicle tracks in the mud off to that side of the road and assume they were made by whatever they used to get away from the scene of the attack.

“As we speak, U.S Marshal’s Service agents, in cooperation with the FBI, State and Local Police are on the scene, as well as setting up check points on all roads, major and secondary in the area. Helicopters have been called in to search the area from the air but the heavy tree cover has limited their usefulness.

“That’s all the information I have available for you right now. Are there any questions?”

A thousand hands rose at once and voices from the audience filled the air.

Marcie took a deep breath then picked one of the multitude of hands, and pointed, “Yes, you.”

“Is your office treating this as an escape or a kidnapping at this time?”

“At this time there is no evidence that we are aware of that points to any conclusion other than Dr. Ryson was a willing participant in today’s events. So in light of that we are treating this as nothing other than a well planned escape by her and her accomplices.”

More hands went up as soon as she finished speaking. Looking out at the gathering, Marcie picked another random hand.

“Ms. Sheppard, a two part question. First what is the condition of the officers who were injured during the assault, and secondly, why was there no air support for them?”

“The two officers who survived the attack with only minor injuries were taken to and treated at the Quantico Marine base. Three others were airlifted to Carter Memorial Hospital in Landover Maryland and are in surgery right now. That’s all anyone really knows right now. As soon as we receive word on the officer’s conditions post surgery, we will pass that information on to you.

“As far as air support goes, we did have the convoy under aerial surveillance but the assault took place in an area that was virtually impossible to see from the air because of the dense tree cover. Whoever planned the attack knew the best place for it to occur.”

“Do you have any suspects yet?” a tall male reporter hollered out before Marcie could continue.

“We will be interviewing several individuals of interest over the next few hours. I would like to remind you that our investigation has only just begun. I firmly believe we will have a much better idea where we want to focus our efforts by this time tomorrow. I would also like to say that in addition to the road way check points, the Washington D.C. police and the Virginia State police are checking all passengers on both private and commercial flights at all airports and have increased their presence at all bus and railway stations.”

“How long will those measures be in place?”

Marcie shot the reporter a disbelieving stare. “Ladies and gentlemen let me make this clear to you. It is our goal and mission to capture Dr. Ryson and her accomplices. We will maintain our increased vigilance in the immediate area until we have her.

**************

Somewhere in Virginia 6:40pm EDT:

Carla Ryson lay on the cold ribbed metal floor of what she could only assume was the back of either a van or a box truck. She could sense the trucks motion through the small bumps and jiggles the rippled up through the tires and into the frame.

Where she was, and where she was going, was as much of a mystery to her as the identity of her kidnappers. However part of her was glad she didn’t know their faces or names. It gave her a slight bit of hope that she might get out of this alive, since she wouldn’t be able to identify any of them.

There was no real logic behind the belief, since they could just as easily kill her without removing their hoods. It might even prove to be easier for them to do it that way but something told her they wouldn’t. They would want her to see their faces, to know who it was that was doing this to her. She was sure of it. Then again, perhaps she had just seen too many television shows.

If she hadn’t been so terrified, she might have found a certain amount of amusement in her own foolish assumptions. Carla had lived her entire life trying to base all her decisions on hard evidence and cold logic. Not the most adventurous way to live to be sure, but it had always worked for her.

Now, those criteria told her that she was in very deep shit, and the chances of her surviving were exceedingly slim. People just don’t go to the extreme of killing federal officers just to turn around and ransom you back to the authorities for a few bucks. These people had another agenda. One that wasn’t going to end well for her, of that she was certain.

Carla found herself not liking the logical conclusion very much and tried her best to focus on the aforementioned hope.

A hard leftish lurch coupled with the gradual feeling of reducing speed told her that they were making a corner. The road they were now on must not have been in very good condition. She could feel each and every hard bump the as the vehicle went over them. Once or twice she was even tossed up into the air only to thump down hard onto the floor a moment later.

Something about having left the relatively smooth pavement for this much rougher road sent a chill running up her spine. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the journey to wherever they were taking her would soon be coming to its end.

What would happen when they finally stopped moving remained a mystery, but Carla was in no hurry to find out. They could drive forever as far as she was concerned.

Another couple of lurching turns and the vehicle ground its way to a halt.

Carla rolled onto her back, giving her aching side a rest. She had originally been on her back but all the bumps had proven too painful to stay that way.

Outside she could hear the muffled sounds of car doors closing and the vaguest hint of voices. The van shook slightly as the driver hopped out. Someone hit the outside wall of the vehicle. The sound boomed though the cargo area like an exploding bomb.

The large ball of icy fear that had been building in her stomach suddenly grew to the size of a mountain. At the same time, her bladder suddenly felt heavy and full to the point of bursting. The captive doctor strained with all her might to control her bodily functions. The last thing in the world she wanted was for them to know how scared she was by viewing a huge wet stain across her crotch.

Time ticked by very slowly as she waited under the blackness of the hood for the door to open and someone to come for her.

A constant tide of fear and panic washed over her as her mind played out scenario after horrible scenario of what lay in store for her next. Carla’s vivid imagination had always been a source of pride to her, in the way it had always helped her think her way around problems. Now, however, she cursed it.

Though she tried her best to hold it back, a quick squeak of fear escaped her lips as the sound of someone rattling the door at her feet caught her ear. She hoped her captors had somehow missed it behind the other noises from outside. Though there was no logic behind it, Carla’s pride didn’t want them to know how scared she truly was.

The sound of a door opening up was quickly followed by a male voice saying, “That’s her?”

“Yep. The one, the only, Dr. Carla Ryson, fresh from federal custody to our doorstep,” A second male voice answered.

“I can’t believe you guys actually pulled it off. Carlyle is going to be ecstatic when he hears.”

“It’s been all over the news all afternoon, so I’m sure he knows by now,” A woman’s voice chimed in.

“Probably right. Well let’s get her out of there and into the house before anyone sees us,” The second voice told the others.

“Not much chance of that, but come on, Philip, give me a hand,” The first voice said.

The truck shook slightly as the two of them climbed inside. Carla felt two pairs of hands grab her roughly and pull her to a standing position.

“OK, doctor, this is how it’s going to go here,” the voice that belonged to the one they had called Philip said. “I’m going to untie your feet so you can walk. You’re going to stand there like a good girl and let me do it. If I see either of your feet move any way other than what I tell you, my friend behind you is going to shoot you.”

Carla felt the cold metal gun barrel touch her just above the top of her neck. Her captor pushed it up into the soft part of the back of her head. The feeling sent a bolt of terror rushing through the doctor causing her lose control of her overloaded bladder.

“Oh gross!” Philip exclaimed as the dark stain spread across her crotch just inches from his face. “That’s just plain ol everyday nasty! Well at least we know she gets the message.”

Carla could hear the other man laugh in response. “Yeah, she does. Make sure you wash your hair real good when you shower later.”

Philip chuckled. “Nasty! Now Doctor, you just stand there and cooperate with me. Do as we tell you, and this will go a whole lot easier for everyone.” Philip began to untie her feet.

‘Go easier?’ Carla thought to herself. ‘Easier? For who? You?’

She felt the ropes fall way from her sore ankles. With her legs free, Carla kicked with all she had. A brief feeling of satisfaction came with the sound of the one called Philip crying out in pain and surprise. The satisfaction was quickly replaced however with a sharp pain in the back of her head that drove the doctor to her knees.

“You fuckin cunt!” Philip screamed as she felt a boot hit her square in the stomach, doubling her over and causing her to tumble over onto the floor. “What the fuck did I tell you? Do you want to die doctor? Is that it? Pull another bullshit stunt like that again, and you will. Believe me there’s nothing that would make us happier than seeing your brains splattered all over the floor!”

As he raged, Carla gasped for breath. The pain wasn’t fun, but it showed that his threats, at least for the moment, were nothing more than words. She had no doubt now that they intended to kill her, but for whatever reason, they weren’t ready to do it just yet.

It was obvious now that they wanted something from her first. What that something was, she didn’t know. But the knowledge that they weren’t going to do her in right then and there gave her the will to resist.

“Piece of shit!” she gasped. “So much for killing me if I resist. I bet you don’t have the balls!”

A small wave of laughter rippled through the other man and the woman, giving Carla another small feeling of satisfaction.

A moment later more pain, as an unseen hand grabbed a large handful of her long raven black hair under her hood and pulled her unceremoniously to her feet again. Carla barely had time to register that she was upright when another hand gave the middle of her back a hard shove.

Blinded by the shroud, and still a bit dizzy from the first blow to the back of her head, she stumbled forward, hoping foolishly that someone would grab her before she reached the edge, but no one did. With her hands still bound, there was no way to break the short fall.

Philip cackled with delight as she did a nose dive and crashed face first into the hard ground.

“Jesus Christ Philip, what the fuck did you do that for?” the female voice asked with an edge of anger in it. “She could have broken her damn neck, for cryin’ out loud. Where would we be if that happened?”

“Fuck you, bitch! Get the fuck off my ass! She’s fine … Well, sorta fine anyway. Besides, she deserved it after kicking me in the side of the head like that,” Philip shouted back. “Maybe next time she’ll think twice before she tries to resist.”

“You’re such an asshole!” The girl’s voice told him.

Her head still ringing from the harsh landing, Carla felt a smaller set of hands touch her back and gently roll her over.

“Are you okay, Dr. Ryson? Does anything feel like it’s broken?” the mystery girl asked.

Carla gave no reply. She couldn’t. Her head was spinning way too much for her to be able to form any kind of sensible response.

“Fuck Philip, I think she’s really hurt!”

“So what? It’s not like we need her around long term or anything. Jimmy, give her a hand. Let’s get her up and inside.” After a moment’s pause he continued, “I’ll have Randy take a look at her one we get her to the room. OK, Jen?”
Jen rolled her eyes. “You know Phillip; you’re such a fucken retard sometimes. Why don’t you just give her a fucken attendance sheet with everyone’s name and social security number on it too? So that if the cops happen to show up, she can tell them exactly who we all are and where they can find us.”

“Hey, Jimmy’s the one that started with calling everyone by name!” he exclaimed defensively.

“Alright, children” Jimmy jumped in. “that’s enough arguing in front of the prisoner for one day, don’t ya think? Philip, get down here and help me carry our guest inside. Jen, go find Randy. Tell him to meet us in the basement.”

The two men bent down, lifted Carla’s limp body and carried her into the old Victorian house.

***************

Redlands, California Monday August 14 2:30pm PDT: Access road to the San Bernardino County Quarantine Facility:

The tall wrought iron gates to the quarantine were impossible to see through the sea of protesters that stood blocking the access road. The area surrounding the facility was supposed to be secured, with access limited to only military vehicles and transport vehicles, like this one, that were used to transport newly interned virus victims to their new home.

The bus, for lack of a better word to describe it, was outfitted with everything you could need to safely transport infectees. It was about forty feet long, with twin rows of padded wooden benches stretching from stem to stern. Each row was broken up every four feet by solid looking black metal barriers with small “windows” near the top, separating each seat into its own little compartment. If she stretched her bonds to their limit, she could just about see out of it.

Each compartment was equipped with a set of leather clad padded wrist and ankle restraints that were used on some of the infectees but not all, its own air supply, and a small round window on the outer wall.

The two sides of the bus were separated by transparent, (Lexan?) She wasn’t sure exactly what they were), walls and an access aisle that ran down the center. She assumed this was so the guards that seemed to ceaselessly traipse up and down the narrow hall in-between the barriers could easily see what was going in inside each compartment. What the “windows” at the top of the barriers were for, was anyone’s guess.

The driver’s compartment was again separated from the rear by a thick round airlock door. The driver had his own separate air supply and environmental controls.

The windshield and small side windows were composed of the same mysterious transparent material that lined the front of the passenger rows. A layer of three inch thick armor encased the entire outer body of the transport.

Even with all that separating her from those on the outside, in addition to the never ending rumble of the vehicle’s exhaust and the constant hiss of the air circulation system, the crowd outside was so large and loud she could easily hear what they were yelling.

“SET THEM FREE!! SET THEM FREE!! SET THEM FREE!!” was being chanted by the huge mob, over and over again.

The sound of the chant chilled her to the bone. It reminded her of the stories she had heard about how the Rhode Island Riot had gotten its start a few months back.

Again she tugged and pulled on the cuffs until she was able to get a view of what was happening through the front side window, which faced the windshield. The angle was bad and the window far away, thus making it difficult to see much of anything. What she could make out chilled her even more than the chant.

From what she could see, it looked as if every inch of ground between here and the dark gray colored stone walls on either side of the outer gate she could just make out in the distance, was occupied by a person. She had felt the bus try to inch its way forward a couple times after the initial stop, not understanding why the driver wasn’t simply pushing his way through the throng. Now, however, the reason for the lack of progress was obvious.

At the very top of the window and even further in the distance than the walls, sat a slate gray angled roof. ‘That must be it,’ she thought silently. ‘Even more depressing looking than I thought it would be.’

That suited her just fine.

Yvonne honestly hoped it was as bad in there as the rumors made it sound. She wanted to be punished. She wanted to die, and here was just as good a place as any. Her husband had died in a place like this one, as far as she knew, and she found it fitting that she die in one too. Her one hope was that she would be reunited with Thomas in heaven. If she made it in that is, not a foregone conclusion any more.

Once she had been a faithful churchgoer. Her faith had been strong back then. So strong and committed to the Lord and his work that it was a truly rare occasion when she missed a Sunday morning service. Now she couldn’t even remember the last time she had prayed for anything.

In a way, she looked forward to living here, where rumors would have you believe they did nothing but abuse and torture the inmates at every opportunity. She just hoped it would all be over quickly.

Not the punishment. That she wanted … no, that was the wrong word … she needed to last, at least for a good while. She felt there was too much she owed, too much to pay for, to be allowed to go quickly.

What she hoped for, was when she had served her time they would put her out of her misery with as little fuss as possible.

It was a bit strange, these oppressive feelings of guilt. The feeling ran so deep and constant, they were nothing like she had ever experienced before.

As recently as four weeks ago she had felt nothing but hope and love, but that was in the days before she had infected both of her parents. Before her mother had died, looking like something out of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Before her father had been changed into someone who could have passed as her younger sister and then been shipped off to a place just like this one, though which one exactly she didn’t know. Before she had taken the kids and fled to southern California in a vain attempt to run away from everything that she had done to her family.

It was before she had stupidly admitted to the hospital nurse that she was infected, and as a result, was forced to watch as her children were taken away.

Poor Melanie had become sick three days ago, very sick, with a fever that had reached just over a hundred and two degrees. After what she had just gone through with her parents, Yvonne panicked. To her mind, there was no way that the girl hadn’t become infected.

In a frantic state bordering on panic, she had rushed her daughter to the hospital. As the girl was being examined, Yvonne spilled the beans about her infection. She hadn’t meant to tell her, but the nurse kept asking her why she was so sure Melanie had Acidalia. Finally, Yvonne blurted it out just to shut the woman up, and make her stop bothering her with insipid questions.

Unfortunately, that was all the staff needed to hear. They immediately shut down the entire emergency room, evacuated everyone that hadn’t come in direct contact with Yvonne, and called in the Marines.

At first she hadn’t paid any mind to all the sudden activity in the halls outside Melanie’s room. She was much too busy concentrating on her sick daughter and nursing the beginnings of her ever present guilt.

At some point in time, she wasn’t sure exactly when. Because the entire afternoon was something of a blur, one of the doctors had asked her to step into a private room for a short discussion on what could be done about the girls’ condition. Yvonne didn’t want to leave her daughter, but with assurances from another nurse that the girl would be looked after in her absence, she went.

They say one mistake is all it takes, and most often, it’s a dumb one. This one was a doozy. Not that she’d had any clue what was laying in wait in that office but she should have expected something. However, she was too distraught over Melanie, and didn’t. Waiting for her in the little room were three containment suited soldiers.

At first she didn’t understand why they would be there. She barely recalled talking with the nurse, never mind what she had told her about being infected. Her confusion was short lived.

The three men grabbed her, and before she knew what was going on, they were dragging her out a side entrance in restraints.

She screamed. She fought as best as she could, but they were three and she was only one and they were too overpowering. The three stuffed her into a waiting transport vehicle that would take her to a temporary holding cell beneath the San Bernardino medical center.

As they dragged her towards the transport, she had fought with everything she had even as she begged them to tell her were her children were. They had refused to even respond to her pleas.

Just as they were getting her inside she reached out and managed to grab a hand full of one of the suits. She pulled with all her might, tearing it open. The guard wearing it had shrieked like a little girl, bringing a short moment of satisfaction. She had a vague memory of something shiny swinging towards her face, and then nothing but blackness until she woke up in a cell.

With Melanie and Michele gone, all her hope for the future died. It had been replaced by the ever present and overwhelming guilt and hopelessness that was now her constant companion. For her, there was nothing else. No hope, no love, no peace.

She made a promise to her children, a promise to never leave them again, no matter what. She had sworn on her very soul, in front of God that they would always be together. It took less than five weeks for fate to make a liar out of her.

Even though it wasn’t like she had been given much of a choice in the matter, she still hated herself for what she had done.

At the holding facility she had become so despondent and desperate to get away she started a fight in the holding cell they had placed everyone in while they were all processed. One of the staff must have noticed that Yvonne, once she got things rolling, never raised even a finger in her own defense. She took a horrendous beating as a result, and wound up in the infirmary for the night. After that the staff had placed her on a twenty four hour suicide watch. Heaven forbid she kill herself before they could imprison her for the rest of her life. That just wouldn’t do!

So instead they locked her in a separate room, wrapped so tightly in a blanket she couldn’t even move enough to scratch her nose and tied to an upright back board. There she stayed until they came and stuffed her into her seat on this bus. At least someone had though to stick her with a catheter or there would have been a real mess.

A loud thump made the bus rock violently on its shocks and springs drawing her attention back to the present.

All along the far side the small security force were looking out the tiny windows and yelling back and forth. The over lapping voices, combined with the ventilation system and the noise from the mob outside made it all but impossible to follow what the security team members were saying to each other but the look on their faces reaffirmed what everyone already knew, the situation outside was getting worse.

A second thump, this time more to the rear, shook the vehicle more violently than the first. Yvonne didn’t know what the crowd was doing to the bus or what was causing the thumps but whatever it was it made the driver hit the gas, hard. She was pitched back as far towards the rear as her restraints would allow.

The tactic must have been flawed because before she knew it she was pitched forward as the transport screeched to a halt.

As soon as it was completely stopped the bus began to rock violently from side to side. Yvonne ducked her head and gazed out the small side window.

Her entire field of view was filled with nothing but people. They were all along the side of the vehicle, stretching back as far as she could see. They were all pushing and pulling on it as if they were trying to tip it over.

Though there was little chance of that actually happening since the vehicle stood wide and squat to the ground. Plus it had to weigh in excess of 30,000 lbs with all the equipment that was on it.

Still, the thought of it going over was akin to a dunk into a pool of ice cold water. Visions of hanging from her restraints floated continuously through her head despite her best efforts to push them away.

Yvonne returned her gaze to the center aisle and called out for the guards to release her.

Her lone voice quickly turned into a panicked chorus as most of the other prisoners joined in.

There was no way the guards could have not heard their cries. However, not a single one acknowledged the cries of their charges. They simply continued to stare out the windows at the front and rear and talked into their two way radios as the violence of the rocking continued to increase.

A third, even louder thud, this time from the front, sent the guards diving down the narrow walkway that separated the benches. She saw the driver bounce off the airlock door, which now sat slightly ajar on its frame.

Smoke began to leak through the damaged portal and soon thereafter began to fill the narrow aisle way, causing the guards to choke and gag. For the first time since she had been strapped onto her seat, Yvonne was glad to be locked into a separate environment with its own air supply. Then she noticed the incessant hiss of air through the vent at the top of her compartment was missing.

The sudden possibility of suffocating while strapped to the bench was too horrible for her to contemplate. Franticly, she redoubled her efforts to get the guards attention. She and the others yelled and screamed themselves horse. The ones who weren’t strapped down pounded on the transparent barriers. Others like Yvonne, whose hands were bound, did what they could to kick the see through wall.

Their only response came from the lead guard, a tall woman with a face so pock marked it looked like five miles of bad road, who hollered, “All of you shut the fuck up!” back at them.

Her command fell on deaf ears. The prisoners were having none of that. They yelled, begged, screamed, cried and stained against their restraints trying to find away to break free.

Through the smoke a small spark off the aisle floor caught Yvonne’s eye. It happens so fast that at first she wasn’t sure that she had really seen it. Then a second one flashed a bit up the aisle, followed by a faint popping sound that she almost missed behind all of the noise inside the bus.

She stopped and cocked her head to the side. She watched the guards closely as she tried to put the two sparks and the pops together in her mind. Something told her they were related, but she just couldn’t put her finger on what the cause was.

Then a third spark glinted and the two guards outside her compartment dove for the floor. They pulled their side arms out and pointed them at the driver’s compartment. A moment passed then lot more sparks flashed off the transparent barriers in rapid succession, seemingly coming from every imaginable angle all at once.

Two more guards joined the first on the floor in front of Yvonne. They too pulled out their pistols and the four of them opened fire.

All Yvonne wanted to do now was free herself and let these fools have their little shootout in peace, but the straps that held her wrists were far too strong for her to break.

As she struggled, the last two members of the security force joined their comrades. Yvonne heard one of them yell to the others “What the hell are you doing?”

Over the roar of automatic gunfire one of the others replied from her position on the floor “What the hell does it look like we’re doing? We’re defending the prisoners!”

“You’re gonna get shot over a bunch of infectees? Are you fucken nuts? I’m getting the hell outta here.”

“What about them?” another asked, pointing towards the prisoners.

“Fuck ‘em. What are you savin them from? Those people out there ain’t gonna do anything that the doc’s wouldn’t do! By leavin them, you’re probably doin’ them a favor!”

That said, the guard turned and ran to the back of the besieged transport. Without so much as glance backwards she hit the switch that opened the rear airlock, hopped out and after firing a short burst from her gun, dove head long into the crowd. The rest of the guards looked at one another for a moment in indecision. A silent agreement passed between them, and in unison they turned and followed the first one out the back. More gun fire could be heard over the din as they hit the ground running and quickly disappeared from sight.

Yvonne watched in horror as the only form of protection she and the other had from the mob outside fled, leaving all of them behind. They were helpless, strapped to their seats by the unbreakable chains and trapped behind even more solid walls. No way to escape.

The open back of the bus drew even more of the thick black smoke towards the rear, making it all but impossible to see across the aisle. The smoke induced gloom drained what little hope there was for rescue as it cut each prisoner off visually from the others, making it seem as if each was all alone now.

Yvonne coughed. She looked down and saw to ever increasing horror that the smoke was filtering in from the aisle. She knew that shouldn’t be possible. Each compartment was supposed to be air tight. One of the explosions must have damaged the structure of the bus, causing the compartment doors to sit slightly above the floors now.

Yvonne continued to cough as she fought mightily with her bonds, trying even more desperately to free herself before she succumbed to the smoke.

Her eyes watered incessantly now, making it even harder to concentrate on what she was doing. She was beginning to feel light headed from a lack of oxygen. She looked up at the ceiling and cursed God.

The small room was spinning now, and she fought to stay sitting up. All her oxygen starved brain wanted was to sleep, to let death take her finally. It would be so easy to just give up and slide into oblivion, but she found that she couldn’t let herself go.

Suddenly, living through this ordeal seemed like the most important thing in the world. She wanted nothing more than to survive and find the girls again, perhaps even free Thomas, who she was suddenly sure was alive out there somewhere.

But the smoke was too thick, and there was little in the way of oxygen left in her compartment. Just as she felt consciousness start to leave her, a faint voice cried out “Hey! Over here! I found another one, and she doesn’t look to good!”

Yvonne had no idea who was yelling, and after another moment it didn’t matter, since she passed out.

A short time later her eyes fluttered open. At first Yvonne couldn’t remember where she was. Then a loud boom brought it all back. She bolted up into a sitting position and the world spun like a top for a moment, almost making her flop back over.

“Whoa there, be careful you don’t fall back and split you head open,” a man’s voice from behind her said.

“Wha? What’s going on here? Who are you people?” Yvonne asked after the world stopped spinning.

“We’re here to set you free. As soon as you’re ready, you can get out of here. Most of the others you were with already have.”

“Free?” Yvonne said to herself as she looked over to her right and saw smoke billowing from in front of the outer wall off in the distance. “Why would you do that? Why would you go risking you’re life for people like me?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do. No one’s gonna be imprisoned in there anymore if we can help it.”

“Why would you want to get them out of there? Why are you near me? Don’t you understand the danger you’re in? I’m infected! You could catch it.”

“Doesn’t matter, hun. If I get it then I get it. The government is wrong to take people and stick them in a place like that or that house of horrors up north, Reynolds. I know there’s a risk to everyone else but imprisoning innocent people isn’t the answer.”

Before she could respond, a loud burst of heavy gunfire sounded from off to her left. She and the mystery man turned in the direction of the sound and saw a gigantic tank moving towards their position firing its antipersonnel gun as it made its way through the mob.

“Looks like the Marine’s have landed,” the man said with resignation in his voice. “You better run or grab a gun, cause they’re shooting at anything that moves” he advised as he got to his feet and disappeared into the now retreating mob.

Yvonne sat where she was and watched him leave. She wanted no part of this fight. She knew she needed to get out of there if she was going to ever find the girls, but surviving this was by no means a sure thing. Even if she wasn’t armed, someone might still shoot her just because she was there.

Getting back to her feet, she looked around and spotted an abandoned military style rifle after just a few moments search. Bending over, she picked it up, took a deep breath and turned back to the advancing tank.

She was thankful for her time with Gail and the others, and the training she’d received in their company. While things hadn’t gone the way any of them had planned at the beginning, at least she had experience with handling weapons now. Yvonne expertly released the ammunition clip from the bottom of the gun. She could tell just by the weight of it that it was still nearly full. She quickly reinserted it and pulled the bolt back, sending one of the bullets into the chamber, making the weapon ready to fire.

Her attention turned back to the closest tank, it was only about twenty yards from her now and closing quickly. To her amazement, she saw that there were still people attacking the mechanical monstrosity with small arms. The tanks gunner was picking them off at will. It was a horrible sight to behold, but you had to admire their guts.

Yvonne started walking toward the tank, pushing her way through the retreating mob. Within a minute, she was standing directly in front of the huge mechanical beast. She could clearly see the soldier manning the 50claibur machine gun mounted on the right side towards the rear of the vehicle.

With a quick whispered prayer for her children’s safety and her immortal soul, Yvonne lifted the gun and aimed it directly at the soldier manning machine gun. With no hesitation the man swung the gun in her direction.

Her automatic rifle roared to life sending a deadly barrage of high speed lead at the soldier. The gunner danced in place for a moment, then slumped over and fell from his perch. Yvonne smiled, closed her eyes, lifted her head to the sky and spread her arms in a moment of thanks to God.

A second later she heard a loud crack followed quickly by an even louder explosion. She was hurtled several feet though the air and landed hard on the dirt at the side of the road, scratched and scraped but still very much alive.

Confused she opened her eyes to see the huge tank was on fire. Before she could even begin to form a question in her mind as to what had happened, she heard another snap and saw a trail of smoke heading for the tank from the rear right. Another explosion quickly followed. This one wasn’t quite as loud as the first, but then again she wasn’t right on top of the tank anymore either.

‘RPGs?? They brought RPGs??(rocket powered grenades) Who the hell’s supplying these people?’ she thought silently as she struggled to get to her feet.

A pair of hands grabbed her by the collar of her shirt and yanked her to her feet. A short Italian looking fellow grabbed her by the hand and pulled her along with him into the mob.

“Are you alright?” he asked as they ran. “You were pretty damn close to that first shot there. By the way, great job on the gunner. You saved us a ton of casualties. Now we just gotta get rid of the other two and we’ll really be in business. By the way I’m Bob, Bob LaMonica …”

“Yvonne Logan” she replied automatically as she hurried along behind him.

“Logan? Thought you looked familiar.” he said as they ducked behind an overturned SUV.

“We’ve met?”

“Not officially but you’ve done work with Hillary Marko’s crew right?”

“Ummm.” she replied not really knowing what to say.

“Smart. Don’t say anything til you know who you’re talking to. Anyhow we kinda passed by each other a couple months or so ago at Phil Bastion’s place up in Frisco.”

“You work for Philip?”Yvonne asked suddenly very alarmed.

Bob chuckled briefly. “No. I don’t work FOR Phil, but we do report to the same people. Some of my people have done work with his and vice versa. We’ve used his place to lay low in from time to time.”

“So why are you here then? I can’t believe you care about setting a bunch of infectees free.”

“No?” he laughed again. “I couldn’t give a shit about a single one of them to tell the truth. We just saw the news reports about the protests and the pictures of the huge crowd here and were told to head down here and see if we can stir things up a bit. Looks like it worked too.”

Yvonne just stared at him incredulously for a moment. ‘Why would he put all these people in danger for something he didn’t even believe in?’ Thinking she must have misunderstood him she asked “You started all of this?”

“You know it, beautiful” he replied proudly.

A series of explosions went off somewhere off their left. Both of them turned just in time t see part of the outer wall come down.

“Hey, hey looks like we’re in.” Several tank shells roared by over head. Pointing to her rifle, Bob asked “You got a full clip in that thing?”

“No. I’m all out.”

“Here,” he said handing her a pair of ammunition clips. “Come on let’s see if we can get in there and raise us some hell. Maybe we can bag us a few government employees before we beat feet outta here.”

LaMonica poked his head up to see what the best route to the wall would be. As he looked the scene over Yvonne loaded her rifle.

“Looks like if we circle around to the west we should stay out of the tank’s line of fire for the most part,” he reported just as the ammo clip clicked home.

“Come on let’s … Hey what are you doing? Point that thing somewhere else, will ya. Stop fuckin around we got a job to do here.” Bob said to the sight of Yvonne pointing the gun at him.

“A job to do? You call all this a job? You sick fuck! Let me show you what really needs to be done around here!” Yvonne replied with a cold, hard look in her eyes as she pulled the trigger.

LaMonica’s death dance lasted just a few moments as bullets rained into him. In less than 10 seconds he was lying on the ground moments from death.

Yvonne watched as the light faded from his eyes and spat on the now lifeless body. For half a second, the guilt returned and she considered turning the gun on herself but decided against it. For better or for worse, she was free again and her children were out there somewhere, and she needed to find them if she could. Thomas was going to need her too, if he was still alive. That was something she needed to find out for sure, and that meant going back to San Francisco.

Once her personal business was taken care of it was going to be time to pull the rug out from under Philip and the rest of these assholes. She wasn’t sure exactly how she was going to do that, but there was plenty of time to plan it all out while she looked for the kids.

Yvonne ducked around the back side of the SUV. The tanks were still there, firing shell after shell at the mob near the broken wall. Off to her left the ever advancing line of troops looked to have a few small gaps in it. If she was careful and took her time, she might just be able to slip through one of them undetected.

Gathering her gun and the rest of the ammo from LaMonica’s body, she headed off.

****************

San Francisco Warehouse district Wednesday August16, 4:32am PDT:

Roberta Goings rolled over and looked longingly at the first man she had ever shared a bed with. She blushed as she silently wondered if it was too soon to wake him up for another round. She touched his shoulder and gave it a gentle shake.

Warren Quinlan grumbled something incoherent in return, rolled over and resumed softly snoring.

‘Typical guy’ Berta thought giggling quietly at the irony.

She lay back down and snuggled up to him, taking in his scent and reliving the last night’s events. It wasn’t anything either of them had planned, though the attraction between them was undeniable, it had just happened. And it had been like nothing the new woman had ever experienced. A warm dampness began to spread through her nether regions and Roberta tried to change her line of thinking in response, but it was to no avail.

Giving in to her body’s needs, she reached over and nudged Warren again. He grumbled some more and continued his snoring. Frustrated, and determined to get what she wanted, Berta reached around and began to gently massage him. She could feel his body respond to the rubbing and she began to heat up even more. God, how she wanted to feel him inside of her again.

“Time to wake up, sweetie,” she whispered seductively in his ear.

Warren turned his head and cracked his eyes open. “Huh? W … What time is it?”

“Early. The sun isn’t even up yet,” she replied massaging him more earnestly.

“Mmmm, that feels good. Let me guess what you want.” Roberta blushed but continued on with her attempt to arouse him. “I think I’ve created a monster,” Warren said with an impish grin as he pulled the covers over them.

********

Sometime later they lay cuddling each other, enjoying the afterglow. Thin shafts of light could be seen slipping through the sides of the shade covering the lone window. She leaned over and kissed him deeply. “I’m hungry. Would you like some breakfast?”

Warren gazed up at her, drinking her beauty in. “Mmm, yeah. That sounds like a good idea.”

“What would you like?”

“I dunno.”

“I don’t know how to make that. You’re going to have to come up with something else,” she told him jokingly.

“I’ll tell you what, smart ass, let me hit the head and I’ll meet you in the kitchen and I’ll make you a breakfast so good you’ll never want anyone else to cook for you again.”

“Ooh, I like that idea better. You better stop being so nice to me you know. I just might get used to it. Then you’ll be stuck with me.”

“I think I could handle that. Now come on, let me up. I need to pee, real bad.”

“And he’s a classy one too,” Berta said sarcastically as she stood up and stretched.

“Only the best for you,” he replied, kissing her cheek on his way out of the room.

Roberta walked up the back stairway that went from the loading docks to the huge rear loft that served as the dining room and kitchen of the immense warehouse. The two flight climb was just what she needed right now. Every part of her body felt charged with enough electricity to run all the lights in the city for at least a month, if not more.

The loft was cavernous, almost a full third of the size of the first floor. The main dining area had four rows of long cafeteria style long tables, with rounded plastic seats built into them. At the front was a monstrous row of serving and warming tables that someone had confiscated from an abandoned elderly housing facility in the city. Rumor had it that the place had been closed when the entire population had become infected.

Behind the serving tables was a row of electric stoves with shiny metal prep trays next to each. They had been appropriated at the same time as the serving tables.

As she reached the top of the stairs Berta spotted Ellie and Nicole sitting in the back corner. The two women were talking quietly and sipping coffee. She waved at them and continued walking towards the row of refrigerators to the left of the stoves.

With visions of omelets swimming through her mind, Dr. Goings pulled out a carton of eggs, a loaf of bread and began digging for cheese and some veggies. Once all the necessary ingredients were in hand, she carefully carried them over to closest stove. The eggs landed gently enough, but the rest of her supplies tumbled onto the table loudly.

Roberta cringed at all the noise she was making. It was still very early and she wasn’t looking to wake the whole place up just yet. From the back she heard Nicole and Ellie snickering. Looking up at them she stuck her tongue out then bent over to clean up her mess.

Finished, Roberta called over to El and Nikki “Warren’s on his way up to make me some breakfast. Do either of you want an omelet?”

“Warren’s making you breakfast? Aren’t you the lucky one,” Nicole teased.

Roberta felt her cheeks go beet red.

“Nicole, stop teasing her.” Ellie chastised. “If what I heard coming from her room is any indication, she got a lot more than just a promise of breakfast from Mr. Quinlan.”

Ellie’s kind smile told Roberta that she was only having a little bit of fun with her but she still wanted to crawl under the nearest table and die of embarrassment. Her only saving grace was that they were alone in the dining hall.

Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Really? Now isn’t that interesting.” Turning back to Berta she called out “Well what are you waiting for? Get your butt over here. I want details, damn it!”

Roberta rolled her eyes and shuffled over to where they were sitting. Reluctantly she plunked herself down on one of the plastic stools, ready to take the rest of the kind hearted ribbing she knew was coming.

“So?” Nicole urged.

“So, what?” Roberta replied coyly.

Nicole shot her a feigned frown. “Well how was it? Come now girl, don’t start holding out on us now!”

Ellie and Roberta giggled. The doctor was trying to take it all in stride but it wasn’t easy. “Well Nicole, I’ve always been told that a lady doesn’t kiss and tell,” she joked “but it was wonderful! He was so …”

“Good morning Warren” Ellie called out interrupting her.

Roberta looked up and flushed so deeply she was almost purple, sending Ellie and Nicole into titters of laughter.

Quinlan looked over at them suspiciously, “What are you three up to?”

“No … nothing. I was just asking Ellie and Nikki if they want to have breakfast with us.” The doctor blurted out, sounding incredibly guilty.

“Uh huh,” he replied dubiously.

Ellie looked around the dining area. Confirming they were alone she said “Actually, Warren, since it’s just the four of us there is something I need to discuss with you.”

Quinlan took a seat. “What’s on your mind El?”

“I know this is bad timing but I have something I need you to do for us, if you’re up for it.”

“Sure … anything you need. You know that.”

“It’s dangerous. Extremely dangerous, actually.”

“You know, you’d make a really horrible sales woman with that kind of opening pitch.”

“Funny guy,” she said with a wan smile. “Nicole and I’ve been discussing how best to go about tracking down Reverend Manning and his little group of murders. We’ve come to the conclusion that sending one person to infiltrate their ranks would be far more effective than a full scale search.”

“Okay. I can see where that would be easier or at least less risky. So what’s that got to do with me?” he asked, already understanding her reason for bringing it up but still wanting to hear her say it.

“We thought you would be the perfect candidate for this particular mission.”

Roberta looked horrified. “Ellie you can’t be serious!”

“I’m afraid I am, hun. I’m sorry to put this on you, Warren. You too, Robi. Especially now, in light of what’s gone on with the two of you. If there was any other way, you kn …”

“Sorry? You’re sorry? Fuck you, and you’re sorry bullshit!” Roberta blurted out angrily.

Berta looked at Warren, who seemed to be silently weighing his options. It was plain to see he was worried about how his decision would affect everyone involved. Putting her hands up and gently turning his face to hers, she pleaded “Please Warren, tell her no. Tell her you can’t. Not right now, anyhow.”

“Robi,” he whispered “I can’t tell her that. She saved me, gave me the first home I’ve had since the outbreak began. I need to repay that somehow. This is the perfect way.”

Not happy with his answer, Roberta tried a new tactic. Turing back to Ellie and Nicole she asked “Ellie please don’t ask him to do this. There has to be someone else that can do this. S … someone better suited …”

“If I thought there was, I wouldn’t be asking him, Berta. Anyone else that might be qualified would most likely come under instant suspicion because they’re female. What would happen if they were tested? What do you think would happen to anyone they found that was infected? Warren is the only one of us that could pass a blood test if he had too, and you know it. He’s the only one that can pull this off with any kind of reasonable chance of making it back here.”

“What about Mia? Can’t you send her instead?” Roberta pleaded with tears freely flowing down her cheeks.

“Mia? No. Never mind the fact that she tests positive, which Warren still doesn’t for some amazing reason. The simple fact of the matter is, that I don’t trust her, and I need someone that I trust for this mission.”

“I’ll do it.” Warren said plainly, hoping to put an end to the discussion.

“No! You can’t!” Robi cried. “I just found you, God damn it! I can’t lose you already!”

Warren pulled her in close and hugged her tightly. “You’re not going to lose me. Everything will be just fine. I’m just going to find them, and once I’m in I’ll call Ellie as soon as I know where they plan to hit next and I’ll be back lickety split. You won’t even have time to miss me.”

“Please don’t do this.” Roberta whimpered.

“Could you two excuse us for a minute?” Quinlan asked Ellie and Nicole.

“Of course,” Nicole replied, getting up. Ellie followed her to the far side of the room so that the new lovers could have their privacy.

Once they were out of earshot Warren gripped Roberta by the shoulders and held her away from him so that he could see her face. “Robi, I need you stop. Ellie has done so much for all of us … for me especially. I need to do this. ”

“I know, I know, you told me that already. But you could get killed …”

“We’ll all be killed if we stay here and wait for him to find us. And you know he’s looking everywhere, trying to track down us, and anyone else that’s infected. I’ve seen what he does when he finds people like you, and I can’t let that happen. If I can find them first, then we have a chance to stop him before anyone else gets hurt. Now please, stop crying. I need you to be behind me on this. I need to know you’re here safe and waiting for me when I get back.”

Roberta looked at him through tear streaked eyes. She had never believed that she could have a man before she met him, never mind love one. She wasn’t even sure it was really love she felt, but she desperately wanted the chance to find out.

“You be damn careful! If you get killed I’ll never talk to you again for the rest of your life! You understand me mister?” she said sternly, poking him with her finger as she spoke.

He smiled at her small attempt at humor. “That’s my girl. Thank you. Now what did you want for breakfast?”

“I’m not all that hungry anymore.”

“Roberta Goings” he said in a perturbed tone with his arms crossed, “you know as well as anyone that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and after sex breakfast is the best kind of all.” He winked at her. “So knock it off and let me cook for you.”

“Fine” she said trying to sound as upbeat as she could muster. “I’ll have a couple eggs, some toast and some orange juice.”

“Coming right up ma’am. Just let me see what Ellie and Nicole want and I’m off to the kitchen.”

Dr. Goings grabbed him by the shirt sleeve and growled “I don‘t want them around me right now!”

Warren shook his head understandingly. “No problem at all, babe. I’m sure they’ll understand. Let me just go tell them everything’s all set and I’ll be back in a jiff with your eggs ok?”

Roberta nodded miserably and watched him walk off. Try as she might, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this would be her the last day with him.

*********
A short time later back downstairs in Ellie’s quarters:

As soon as they were alone, Ellie turned to Nicole and asked “Am I doing the right thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“Sending Warren into the proverbial lion’s den. Splitting him and Robi up almost as soon as they’ve found the tiniest bit of happiness. I feel like such an asshole right now, Nikki. I can’t even tell you.”

Nicole put her arm around Ellie and gave her a small squeeze. “El, you’re our leader. You can’t let yourself get caught up in whether your decision is the best on for Berta and Warren. You have too many people depending on you for that kind of consideration. You need to do what’s best for everyone, and having Warren go is the best chance we have of finding Manning without losing our spy. You said it yourself; he’s the only one that can pull this off. So stop beating yourself up over it.”

“I know. But knowing that doesn’t make me feel any better about asking him to go.”

“That’s good. It should bother you. It shows that you’re really looking out for everyone’s best interests. The day asking someone to do something like this doesn’t bother you, is the day you need to question your motivation for asking.”

**************

Virginia Thursday August 17 10:05am EDT:

Gail could hear them shouting at each other. She could hear them scurrying back and forth out in the hallway and on the floor above. But the thick wooden door and ceiling tiles prevented her from understanding what they were fighting about. Not that it mattered much. She was stuck here in the murky darkness, forced to wait until they decided it was time to come and get her.

The light in the hall flicked on, making the edges of the door glow softly. Footsteps heading in the direction of her room quickly followed.

The imprisoned woman got into a crouching position and waited to pounce on whoever opened it. She hoped to maybe kill, or at least injure one of them before anyone else could pull her off. The chances weren’t great, but what did she have to lose? They were, after all, planning on killing her once they were done with her.

The sound of the key sliding into the lock seemed as loud as a teenager’s car stereo. She tensed, telling herself to be patient and wait for the perfect moment to strike. The door creaked slightly on its worn hinges and began to move inward ever so slowly.

The room began to fill with bright light. She squinted, trying to shield her eyes from it.

A woman’s head popped out around the side of the door. Gail lunged. A startled expression sprung up on the face as an evil grin spread across hers. She was finally going to get one of them. After all this time she was finally going to wi …

Something sharp stung her side. It was followed and instant later by a searing pain the flooded her entire body, robbing her of her senses before she reached the door. She slammed into the floor like a puppet with her strings cut and lay there in a crumpled heap, consciousness fleeing her like a rat on a sinking ship.

Carlos Emmons smiled as he watched Gail’s body crash into the floor.

“Take that, you bitch!” he yelled with glee as he hit the trigger of his Tazer a second time.

He smiled as Gail’s body jumped off the floor again from the charge. Turning to his compatriot, Justine Davis who had just seen her life passing before her eyes, he said “Fucking cunt pulled that same shit on me the other day. Look what she did.” He pulled his shirt up and showed her a large gash going down the left side of his rib cage that was just beginning to heal. “I been waiting for the chance to pay her ass back.”

Justine realized she was still holding her breath, and let it out loudly. “Thanks Carlos. I thought I was dead there for a sec.”

“Ya don’t worry bout it babe. I got ya back.” he told her as he checked out her ass. “And a fine back it is.”

She spun on her heels and shoved him as hard as she could, hardly moving even an inch. “Asshole!”

“Hey, hey babe, no need for violence.”

Justine shot him an angry look. “Just shut up and help me get her upstairs, will you. Philip’s waiting for us.”

Carlos gently pushed her aside, lifted Gail’s unconscious body, effortlessly off the floor and headed back down the hall towards the stairs.

Gail woke up to the stench ammonia filling her nose and the feel of ropes tied tightly on her wrists and ankles. Her head pounded and her body felt sore. Gail’s eyes rolled and then focused on the face of Philip Bastion.

“Welcome back to the land of the living. I hear you gave poor Justine quite a start. Good thing Carlos was there, well maybe not so good for you, but it was good for her.” he told her with wide condescending grin on his face.

Gail glared at him. “What do you want now? Decided that running your mouth at me when I’m tied up down stairs isn’t fun anymore, so you brought me up here to show off in front of your friends?”

“Ahh Gail, Gail, Gail. Always trying to play the tough one. It’s a shame you never learned to play nicey nice with us. Would have saved everyone a lot of hassle, you know.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Is there a reason you dragged me up here? I mean, other than to make yourself look like an even bigger ass than usual?”

Hushed snickering could be heard from the handful of people standing behind him. Philip’s face turned beet red with a potentially lethal combination of anger and embarrassment. He looked back at their audience and screamed, “What the fuck are you all laughing at!”

The laughing tapered off into a series of impish grins and rolling eyes. It was clear her sarcasm and his overreaction to it had cost him some standing I n the eyes of his underlings. The satisfied smile on Philip’s face made it clear that he had completely misread the meaning of their silence.

Turning back to Gail he said “I’ve got good news for you. Your time with us is almost up.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Jesus Phil, do you always have to drag everything out like this? God you’re so fuckin dramatic! Just say what you have to say for Christ sake!” Gail lived to rile him. It was really the only pleasure she was still allowed.

Philip’s anger boiled over and he hauled back and slapped her as hard as he could right across the face. “Fuckin bitch! Ya know I try to be nice to you. I try to treat you decently as I can under the circumstances and still you never show me any fucken respect. Maybe that’ll teach you! Show you who you’re dealing with!”

Gail’s head was rocked from the force of the blow. Her ears rang so loudly that she could barely make out what Philip was shouting. Despite the pain she still remained unsowed by him.

“Feel better now Phil?” she spat. “Hitting defenseless women make you feel like a real man does it? Make you feel like a tough guy? You’re so Goddamn pathetic. You and your cronies over there. Just fucken pathetic. I can’t believe someone as smart as Hillary Marko was actually hooked up with a bunch of morons like you.”

“Whatever. If we’re so pathetic, why is she dead while we’re still here? Why are you the one tied to the chair? Pathetic? Us? No dear, you and your crew of losers, you’re the pathetic ones.”

“Phil, this isn’t getting us anywhere.” Randy said interrupting the exchange.

Philip glared at his group’s doctor but knew he was right.

“Fine! Look bitch, we have your prize, but she’s a little fucked up right now. She … umm … had a lil accident getting off the truck this morning.” Philip guffawed as if he had told the world’s funniest joke. None of the others joined in.

“Anyway,” he continued after getting control of himself “we’re gonna give her a couple days to heal up a bit. Wouldn’t want anyone to think we weren’t treating her well. Plus, there’s a VIP on the way that we’re waiting on. Once he gets here, it’s gonna be show time for you and her.”

Gail had believed that there was nothing he could ever say that would surprise her, but this unexpected news caught her completely off guard. She was completely flabbergasted. She knew they were planning on kidnapping the doctor, but she never believed they could actually pull it off.

After she picked her jaw up off the floor she asked dubiously “You have Dr. Ryson? You really pulled it off?”

“Yup. Got her in one of the other rooms downstairs. You two are almost neighbors.”

“She’s here? In this house?”

“That’s what I just said didn’t I?”

“Fuck you! I don’t believe you. If she’s really here, take me to her. I want to see her for myself.”

“Yeah, right. Like we can trust you to be behave if we untie you.”

“Leave my hands tied then. Come on, Phil what ya afraid of?”

“Afraid? I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Then take me down there and let me see her.”

“Don’t worry, honey bunch. You’ll be seeing her soon enough,” Phil said smugly. “And when the time comes … you better not fuck it up, cause this will be your one chance to get her before we kill you. If you play games, we’ll just kill you first, and your only chance at revenge will be out the window. Comprende, senorita?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bla, bla, bla. I got it. Whatever.”

Philip lost his temper again and slapped her across the mouth, screaming, “Cunt! God I can’t wait to get rid of you!” To Carlos he said, “Untie her. Take her back to her room! If she gives you any shit … just fucken shoot her. I’ve fucken had it with her and her bullshit.”

“Ha, ha. You got it boss.” Carlos walked over and began to untie Gail’s feet. “You hear that, blondie? You give me any shit, an I get to kill you myself. How you like that?”

“Dunno. How’s your side feeling, by the way?” Gail asked sarcastically.

Carlos glared as he yanked her up by the hair. It hurt like hell, but Gail refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing her cry out.

Carlos didn’t like the way she was trying to tough things out. He wanted to break her spirit. More angry than he had been in a long time, he pushed her down the hallway. Once they were out of earshot from the rest he told her “You know bitch, when you done doin your thing with the doctor lady, I’m gonna ask Phil if I can do you. An when he tell me yes, I gonna do you real sloooow. Gonna make you beg for me to finish you.”

“Carlos, you couldn’t make a dog beg,” she told the tall well muscled Brazilian, mockingly.

They had arrived at the door to her room, and Carlos grabbed the back of her head, smashing her face into the thick wood frame. Gail’s legs instantly went wobbly from the force of the blow.
Carlos laughed. “Fucken douche bag! Just you wait. Gonna make it hurt so bad!” he threatened as he pulled the door open and pushed her through it. Gail, because her hands were still tied, crashed headlong into the bed. She bounced off of it, and unable to break her fall, landed hard on the floor.

She lay there for several minutes trying to clear the cobwebs and ignore the trickle of blood running down the front of her head.

Dr. Ryson was here. She could hardly believe it. This was the chance she had been waiting for. Now that the time had come, she suddenly wasn’t so sure the killing her was what she wanted anymore. Ryson deserved to die for all the pain she had caused. Gail still held her responsible for Hillary’s death, but refusing to do the deed would piss Philip off something fierce.

Gail liked the sound of that.

She wanted him dead. Now the question was, whether killing Dr. Ryson would be the means to that end.

***********

San Francisco Saturday August 19th 10:45pm PDT:

Mia Blue looked over her shoulder at the nearly abandoned street for what seemed like the hundredth time. There wasn’t much she was sure of anymore, but she knew for certain there was no way she was cut out for all this spy business. All this sneaking around was taking a serious toll on her nerves.

It had taken her almost a week to get word to Tyler about Warren Quinlan taking up residence at the warehouse, and the possibility of him being immune to the virus.

Using a PDA (personal data assistant) Tyler had issued her before she went undercover, Mia had emailed the information to the address they had given her for such purposes. It had taken her a long time to find a connection that was stable long enough to get the entire message out. It appeared that the more the virus spread, the less dependable the phone and cable TV systems were becoming.

Mia had been under the assumption that once the message was sent her part was done. However much to her surprise, Tyler had mailed her back and demanded a face to face meeting.

Mia was pissed off at his insistence on the meeting. Not to mention, scared to death that someone would find out. She kept thinking there was no better way for her to get caught than this.

It wasn’t Ellie that worried her, though despite their differences, Mia had come to truly respect the short new woman. What scared her was the thought of being found out by Nicole.

Though the tall redhead had never so much as said an unkind word to her, Mia knew she was unconditionally loyal to Ellie. The thought of what she would be capable of doing to someone if she was enraged was enough to concern any reasonable person. Even though Ellie would never condone it, Mia could envision Nicole making an example out of her if her ruse was discovered. With Nicole’s strength and agility, there would be very little she would be able to do to defending herself.

So with all that in mind, Dr. Blue had been extremely circumspect in choosing a time for her escape. She was reasonably confident that no one was aware that she was gone. However, despite all the careful planning, Mia was still worried that someone had seen her leave and was following her, even now. No matter how many times she checked, the feeling just wouldn’t go away.

Checking over her shoulder yet again, Mia slipped around the corner and spied her destination half way down the block. Giuseppe’s Restaurant had been one of the finest eateries in the city before the owner had succumbed to “complications resulting from Acidalia infection”, as the papers had put it. Now it was just another in a long and growing list of abandoned properties in the city.

Why Tyler had chosen this place to meet she didn’t know, but with a final glance back she slipped in the unlocked front door.

The place was dark and deserted. The small curtains that lined the windows next to each of the establishment’s booths were drawn, along with the ones that covered the large twin windows that overlooked the street in the front.

The little bit of light that slipped around the edges of the curtains wasn’t enough to be of any real use. Until her eyes began to adjust to the darkness, Mia might as well have been at the bottom of a deep cave.

“Hello?” she called into the darkness. Her voice echoed back off the walls of the empty restaurant sending a small shiver up her spine. Once it faded the place settled back into tomb-like silence.

The lack of reply caused her even more concern. Had she somehow gotten the meeting place wrong? Was there more than one Giuseppe’s?

“Tyler? Hello? Is there anyone here?” she called out a bit more loudly than she had intended. Her hand instinctively shot up to cover her mouth. After a second, she quietly laughed at her reaction. Why should she worry about being too loud in a deserted place? Who was going to hear her if no one was there?

A hand touched the back of her shoulder nearly sending her thought the ceiling.

A familiar voice said, “Dr. Blue?”

Mia put a hand over her heart trying to slow it down a bit as she turned to see the form of LT. Colonel Tyler standing behind her. She couldn’t see his face, but she got the distinct feeling he was smiling. With her free hand, Dr. Blue slapped the front of his chest so hard her hand stung from the impact.

“Jesus Christ! You scared the shit out of me! What’s the big idea, sneaking up behind me like that? Are you trying to kill me off or something?”

“Sorry I startled you doctor, but the night vision wasn’t working and I had to be sure you were you before I revealed myself.”

“Who the hell else would I be? Did you invite someone else, or do you just not trust me to keep the secret of why I’m really there?”

“Just can’t be too careful.” Tyler replied and then let out a series of harsh dry sounding coughs.

“Are you alright? You don’t sound too good.”

“I’ll be fine. Just a little touch of a cold, or allergies, or something like that. No need to be concerned.”

Mia strained to see his face in the pitch blackness but was unable. “So what did you want me here for? I assume it wasn’t just to have me stand here in the dark and scare the shit out of me.”

“No doctor, I didn’t ask you to meet me here just to have you stand in the dark. I asked you to come here so you’d be safely out of the warehouse when we went in.”

“Went in? What do you mean went in? Went in where? What the hell are you talking about?” she asked, trying to make sense of what he was telling her. Deep inside she knew what he meant but her conscious mind refused to see the truth.

“Colonel Jordon ordered a raid on the warehouses your new friends have been living in. He told me to get you out of there so that you wouldn’t be at risk of getting hurt.”

“Raided? Why in hell would you do that?”

“To apprehend Quinlan, and take down a dangerous terrorist organization. Why else?”

This was bad. The worst possible outcome. She knew they had intended to take The Sisters down at some point, but that had always been somewhere in the future. Now that it was happening, she was overwhelmed with feelings of guilt.

“You idiot! He’s not there anymore!” she yelled.

“What? What do you mean he’s not there?”

“I mean, he left three days ago.”

“Left? Where did he go?”

“How the hell would I know? One day he was there flirting with Roberta Goings and the next he was nowhere to be found. I asked around but no one seemed to know where he had gone. Either that, or no one wanted to tell me.”

“And you chose not to share that info with us for what reason?” Tyler asked angrily.

“I didn’t choose anything. I was trying to find out where he was before I got ahold of you. Christ, if you had told me what was up before this, I would have let you know about him being missing! I wouldn’t have held out on something like that. God knows, you’ve got me slung over a barrel with my ass hanging in the wind!”

“Christ” Tyler muttered “what a colossal fuck up this is. The Colonel is going to be pissed when he hears!”

“Just as long as he doesn’t take it out on Sam and Sara.”

Tyler coughed again. Mia lifted her hand up to his forehead.

“You’re burning up. Are you sure it’s just a cold?”

Tyler swatted her hand away. “Yes I’m positive! It’s just a cold!”

“You better hope it is or you might find yourself regretting putting the Sisters out of business more than you are now.”

Tyler shot her a glare that he knew she couldn’t see, but it made him feel better none the less.

“So now what do we do? Are we going back to Grayson now?” Mia asked, not sure what answer she wanted to hear.

“I have to talk to the Colonel. Keep your phone on and I’ll be in touch.”

“You’ll be in touch? YOU’LL be in TOUCH! What the fuck is that supposed to mean? What the hell am I supposed to do while I’m waiting for you to get in touch?” she screamed, poking Tyler in the chest as she did.

“You’re a smart woman, Doctor, I’m sure you’ll figure something out,” he replied dismissively as he turned and walked towards the back of the eatery.

Mia felt around and picked up what felt like a salt shaker off a nearby table and flung it in the direction of Tyler’s receding footsteps. She cursed as she heard it bounce off one of the walls. A moment later the rear door slammed shut and Mia let out a scream of rage and frustration.

When it was done, she felt only marginally better.

The former CDC scientist paced back and forth, bumping into a table or two and shoving them angrily out of the way, trying to think of what to do next. There was nowhere for her to go if the Sisters really were done. Desperate, she flipped open her cell phone, but couldn’t think of anyone to call.

Suddenly Mia was seized by a serious case of the creeps, resulting from being left alone in this dark place. She couldn’t shake the feeling someone was standing just out of reach, watching her. The doctor tried to tell herself she was imagining things but the feeling persisted none the less. A sharp ping, perhaps real perhaps imagined, from somewhere off to her left was all it took to send her scurrying out of the pitch blackness into the safety of the lights of the city outside.

Back inside the restaurant a small light from a cell phone came on. “She’s gone. Unit 2 you’re up. Don’t let her out of your sight, let’s see where she goes.”

*********

Mia walked the streets for hours, regretting what she had done, and trying to figure out what her next move should be. She was very close to being overwhelmed by guilt over having betrayed Ellie, no matter what their differences. Wondering what had become of her patient made it even worse. She didn’t have a choice with Jordon holding Sam and Sara, or so she kept telling herself, but she still felt like a piece of shit.

The situation was made worse, since now it looked like they weren’t going to let her come back to Grayson. Mia feared she was never going to see her “daughter and granddaughter” again. It was a constant battle to focus on the problem. All she really wanted to do was to curl up into a ball somewhere and cry.
Her cell phone rang, making her yelp in surprise. Mia fumbled it open and saw a familiar, but impossible number displayed on the ID screen.

“Hello?” she answered cautiously.

“Mia? Are you ok? Where are you? Everyone’s been looking for you for hours?”

“Ellie?” she asked staring at the phone in disbelief.

“Of course it’s Ellie. We have a problem here. We just got a large number of new arrivals and Berta needs your help with the sick ones.”

“Ellie? Oh thank god. They ... they told me that they had …”

“Had? Had what? Who told you? Mia what are you talking about?”

“The military, Ellie! They’re coming for you. They want Warren!”

“Warren? But he’s not here anymore. Mia what are you talking about? How would the military know him?”

“Ellie, I need you to trust me just this once. Get out of there! Take as many as you can with you! Meet me where we first met as soon as you can get there. Go! Now! Before it’s too …” the line suddenly went dead. Mia helplessly screamed, “Ellie!” into the dead phone.

********

Every window in the warehouse was suddenly ablaze with blinding light. The noise of men shouting into bullhorns and helicopters flying overhead was everywhere in an instant.

Ellie Wolf slammed the phone closed and cursed as she heard a loud bang on the front doors of the warehouse. A second one was quickly followed by cracking sound of the old rusted locks giving way. An instant later the doors burst open and blindingly bright light flooded the entire entranceway.

The entire warehouse was suddenly in a wild frenzy. Everyone was screaming and running in all directions as the place began to fill with bio-suited soldiers. All Ellie could do was stand and watch from the wall opposite the entrance to the sick ward in horror.

She didn’t watch for long though, as she was suddenly seized from behind by Nicole. The tall redhead was accompanied by a small handful of others. They all had looks of grim confusion and righteous anger etched in their faces.

Ellie thought they had come to her for answers, and for the first time in a very long time, she found she had none. Jill Stevens had been badgering her for a month to get a plan together for a contingency like this one, but other things had seemed more important and she hadn’t given it much thought. Now all was going to be lost because of her.

A hand touched her shoulder bring her out of her daze. “Come on hun, we need to get you outta here,” the tall read head told her with an unbelievable air of calm.

“But …”

“No buts, hun. We’ve got big troubles and you need to be kept safe! Now let’s go! No arguments!”

“I can’t leave all of them …”

“We can’t survive without you.” Nicole responded, picking Ellie up and throwing her over her shoulder.

“Nicole! Put me down!” Ellie protested.

Nicole ignored her friend’s protests. “Wendy you and Jill go first. Make sure the way is clear. Vera, I need you to help Robi with the sick ones. Andra you…”

“No way! I’m not leaving Ellie!” Vera protested.

“Fine! Whatever! Andra you go help Berta. Jill, you and Wendy scout ahead make sure the way is clear. The rest of you get as many people out of here as you can. Tell them to get to the house in the city.” Nicole looked them all in the eyes. “Good luck, and Gods speed.”

Nicole pulled on Vera’s arm. “Let’s get her out of here!”

“I can walk!” Ellie yelled as the Nicole, with Vera lagging behind ran down the back wall of the warehouse heading for the loading dock doors. “Nicole, wait for Vera. She can’t keep up with you.”

“Sorry El, you’re the priority here, not Vera.”

“Someone needs to find Carol.”

“I’m sure the squirt will be safe. She’s a crafty kid.”

“She has Warren’s box. We’re going to need it.”

“Shit!” Nicole spat. Skidding to a halt, she spotted Jill. “JILL!!” she screamed getting the blonde’s attention despite all the noise and confusion. “We need to find Carol! Make sure she brings the box!”

“I’ll find her!” Jill yelled back and took off running.

The sound of panic and automatic gunfire was all around them. The air was heavy with the eyes stinging stench of tear gas. Nicole could hear the screams of her friends as the soldiers continued their invasion, but was helpless to do anything for them until Ellie was safe.

The hundred or so feet they needed to cross to make it to the loading dock seemed like it was miles away. The three new women took it slow and carefully, doing what they could to avoid the soldiers. Not an easy task, but ultimately successful.

Up ahead was the last corner before they would enter what had been the warehouse’s receiving area. Nicole was relieved to see Carol and Jill were there waiting for them, along side of the mountainous Wendy. Carol was clutching the metal box like her life depended on its survival.

The small girl spied them. “Come on! Hurry! The coast is clear!” she urged.

Nicole gripped Ellie and Vera’s hands in each of hers and lunged for the door, nearly pulling their arms out of the sockets in the process. Ellie grabbed Carol’s arm as the passed her.

“Owww!” Carol yelled.

“Sorry, hun,” was all she could say.

The six new women reached the rollup doors. Nicole let Ellie go and took in deep breaths, coughing as she exhaled.

“Are you alright, Nikki?” Ellie asked .

“I’ll be fine. Come on let’s get those doors open.” she said. Nicole and Wendy grabbed the rusted chains that controlled the old rollup doors and tugged on them mightily. The roll ups screeched in protest, but moved inexorably upward, unable to resist the will of the two enhanced new women.

The sounds of the struggle were closer now as the door finally rose high enough for them to fit under.

Nicole jumped down to the ground, followed quickly by Vera and Jill. The redhead raised her arms to help Ellie, but the small blonde insisted Carol go first.

“Ellie, we need to get you out of here!” Carol protested.

“I’m coming as soon as you’re safe,” Ellie assured her.

“Come child! Stop arguing and jump!” Vera commanded.

Carol shot her a dirty look. She hated Vera and her condescending attitude, but this wasn’t the time. She hugged the metal box tightly and jumped into Nicole’s waiting arms. Ellie followed a second later. Wendy brought up the rear.

The six new women turned towards the opening at the end of the building. The loading dock was a sixty foot wide U shaped area, with the warehouse walls running thirty feet along each side. The darkened driveway was deserted, and that made Nicole suspicious.

Behind them she could hear more residents approaching the loading dock, most likely with soldiers hot on their heels. To Wendy she said “What do you think? A trap?”

The giant woman shrugged and motioned to the end of the drive way.

“Yeah, I know we don’t have a choice. You want the left or the right?”

Wendy pointed to the right.

“You got it, hun.” To the rest Nicole said, “Stay behind us. The Army’s got to be waiting for us out there.”

The two enhanced women split up and began to work their way up the walls. Ellie and the others followed behind them at a safe distance.

Just as Wendy and Nicole were reaching the corners, the cargo bay was suddenly filled with panicked, screaming new women. Dazzlingly bright lights blinked on in response.

Over an unseen loudspeaker, a man’s voice commanded “All of you stop! Get down on the ground now, or we will open fire on you!”

Nicole spun with inhuman quickness, shoving Carol and Ellie around the corner, screaming, “Run!” as she did.

No sooner had the last letter escaped her mouth than she turned again into the light and charged at the unknown amount of soldiers that awaited her behind it. Jill and Wendy followed. Vera turned and ran after Carol and Ellie.

Nicole made it about twenty feet before she felt the first sting of a rubber bullet hitting her in the arm. The pain was sharp, but it only served to enrage her. She increased her speed in response. Wendy matched her stride for stride.

Jill was quickly left eating their dust, buffeted by the hail of high velocity rubber the soldiers were shooting at them.

Nicole crashed into the frontline, sending a handful of the shooters sprawling.

Wendy followed right behind her, knocking them over like bowling pins. She jumped to her feet, determined to press the advantage. She grabbed the closest upright body, prepared to send the soldier flying. Before she could lift him, eight more of his mates jumped on her, billy clubs and gun butts in hand, and began to pummel her. In seconds, she was an unconscious bloody mess.

Nicole spun around just in time to see Jill go down from the bullets.

‘All up to me now.’ she thought, grimly turning back to face her adversaries.

Faster than any of them were prepared for, the redhead dove on top of the closest shooter, ripping at his bio-suit as she took him to the ground. Her victim squealed for help as he struggled to fight her off. His efforts were in vain; she was far too strong for him to handle alone. His suit began to rip as she pulled at the seam. A small hiss of escaping air brought a smile to her face.

“Welcome to my world,” she told him, then blew into the hole. The man inside turned pale and began fumbling for the zipper.

“Collin’s, don’t!” another soldier called out.

Nicole looked over her shoulder just in time to see another bio-suit flying at her. She tried to move, but wasn’t fast enough. The soldier crashed into her, knocking her away the ripped suit.

Nicole managed to twist just enough to land on top of her attacker. She pulled back her fist, prepared to punch the plastic face plate.

WHAM! Something clobbered her from behind, stunning the new woman. She fell forward, too stunned to break her fall and landed flat on her face. Seeing the opening, the rest of the platoon surrounded her and began to hit her with anything they could get their hands on.

Less than thirty seconds after the lights at the end of the driveway went on, Nicole fell.

********

Vera caught up to the Ellie and Carol about a hundred yards behind the warehouse. The two of them were huddled down behind a pair of 55 gallon drums, hiding as best as they could manage, as helicopters swept bright search lights over the area from high above.

A large circle of pale white passed less than ten feet from their position and moved on back towards the warehouse. Ellie waited a couple of breaths then grabbed Carol by the back of her shirt and pulled her along as the three of them ran across the cracked concrete. They desperately searched for somewhere to rest and hide, but there was nothing to be found.

Another light circle appeared out of nowhere directly in their path, and began to move right towards them. Ellie looked left and right. There was nowhere to hide.

As the light closed in on them, she dove for the ground, pulling Carol and Vera with her. The three new women lay there, their hands covering the backs of their heads as it swept over them and moved off to the west again.

After a moment passed, as the light continued to move off, Ellie looked up and whispered “Thank you Lord.”

“We need to find somewhere to hole up for a while,” Vera shouted over the sound of the receding blades as they climbed to their feet.

“Where are Nicole and the others?” Ellie asked, fearing what she knew was the answer.

“They stayed behind to buy time for us to escape!” Vera replied, finding herself suddenly unable to look Ellie in the eye.

Ellie shook her head in momentary denial. Nicole couldn’t be gone. The Sisters couldn’t be in shambles with most of them either dead or captured. This wasn’t the way God wanted thing to be! They were supposed to be going after Reverend Manning, not running for their lives from the Army.

Again she looked to the sky for answers but found none. She wanted to cry. She wanted to run back and free her friends and followers. But she couldn’t. They had risked everything to get her out of there safely, and she couldn’t allow their sacrifices to be in vain by doing something stupid and getting caught.

Carol looked down her body and over her heels she caught a glimpse of shadowy figures moving towards them. Behind the shadows was a second line of indistinguishable shapes from which slivers of light shot out every few seconds.

The closest group was undoubtedly her fellow escapee’s. The line further back behind them could only be the Army. She didn’t want to know what was making the flickers, but unfortunately she had a pretty good idea.

“Come on” she urged, pulling on Ellie and Vera’s shirts. “They’re coming this way!”

The three of them hopped back up and took off running towards the lights of the city that lay far in the distance.

“Where are we going?” Vera asked after they had gone about a mile.

“To find Mia. I was on the phone with her right before all hell broke loose. Somehow she knew the army was coming. I want to know how she came by the information, and more importantly, why she didn’t warn us sooner.”

Vera felt a ball of icy fear build in her stomach. The last thing she needed now was Ellie talking to Mia. “Ellie, isn’t obvious?” she asked. “She must have been working with them the whole time!”

“It certainly looks that way, doesn’t it? But I still want to hear it from her mouth,” Ellie replied angrily. “I want to hear her admit it to me, face to face. If she helped them do this, then she has much to answer for.”

“How are we going to find her? She must be off hiding somewhere by now. She’s probably back with her Army buddies, toasting their success.” Carol added bitterly.

“Before we were cut off she told me to meet her where we first met. That’s where we’re going.”

“But what if she’s setting you up for a trap? I think we should just get out of the city and lay low for a bit until things cool off,” Vera urged.

“Vera, we can’t just run. Not when so many of our people need us. That wouldn’t be right, and it’s not part of God’s plan for us. Besides, Carol’s little box has exactly what we need to get our people set free, we only need to find the right person to present it to. If Dr. Blue was working with them, then she’ll know who that person is and how to get to them. Now come on, we have a long walk ahead of us.”

The three of them trudged off towards the city, all the while trying to ignore the sounds of helicopters and gunfire behind them.

*************

Sunday August 25 Grayson labs 3:22pm PDT:

“Colonel?” the intercom called out “Lt. Colonel Tyler is on the line as you requested, sir.”

Jordon looked up from the computer screen he had been reading. He looked over and replied. “Thank you, Gloria. Please put him through.”

Jordon hit the power button on the screen and turned his high backed leather chair back towards his desk just as the phone began to ring. Picking it up, he said, “Jordon speaking! Tyler?”

“Yes sir, Colonel.” The voice on the other side of the line said just as it burst into a fit of dry coughs.

Jordon pulled the phone away from his ear until the coughing subsided. When he couldn’t hear it anymore he said “Tyler you sound like shit! What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m sorry sir. I’ve got a bit of a cold and it’s been a busy couple of days, so I haven’t had much rack time, sir.”

A dubious look flashed across Jordon’s face. “I want you to get down to the infirmary as soon as you get back here. Make sure they test you for every possible cause. Understood?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Now what’s the situation over there?”

“Everything is secure sir. We managed to round up 234 of the residents. On top of that ,we discovered another 100 plus virus victims that were in the midst of their transformations in one of the back rooms, and another 150 in an adjoining building.”

“Almost five hundred of them? My God! If I had known there were that many I would have sent us in sooner,” Jordon said more to himself than to Tyler. “Have they all been transferred to secure facilities?”

“It’s been something of a juggling act sir. We had no idea there were this many, but we’ve managed to find spots for all. There’s a handful that are still on premises, but they’ll be coming back to Grayson with us once we’re ready. Most of the rest have been placed at either Reynolds, Dillon, or one of the other area quarantine centers. Unfortunately ,some of the sick had to be euthanized at the scene for fear of contagion and a lack of medical staff. They had a doctor here looking after them, but someone fucked up sir, and sent her off to Reynolds with the first group we sent there.”

“Understandable.”

“Yes sir, and unfortunate.”

“What the story with our main targets? Were you successful in recovering any of them?”

“We got four of them, with only Ellie Wolf and Quinlan have escaped. Dr. Blue had informed me two hours before we went in, as I reported to you earlier sir, that Quinlan wasn’t presently on site, and our failure to apprehend him leads me to believe she was telling the truth.”

“Unless he escaped with Wolf.”

“Yes sir, he may have been able to avoid us but the handful of residents we interviewed before sending them to quarantine supported the doctors statement that he had been missing for a few days now.

As far as the former Mr. Wolf situation goes, it appears that they made getting her to safety their top priority. Three of them attacked a platoon we had stationed outside the loading dock area and did quite a bit of damage before they were subdued.”

“Enhanced?”

“We believe that two of them are sir. They’re the ones that will be returning to Grayson with us for testing and transport to Rawlings upon confirmation.”

“Excellent work, Tyler. Keep me informed on that front,” Jordon said. After a momentary pause he continued “I want the buildings destroyed once we’re clear.”

“Destroyed sir?”

“Do you have a problem with that Tyler?”

“No sir. I was just looking for a clarification on how you wanted it taken care of sir.”

“Burn it, blow it up, do whatever needs to be done. Just make sure that all possible contaminants are eliminated.”

“Yes sir. I’ll have the SFFD alerted before we begin,” Tyler replied.

“Very good, Tyler. Your team did an excellent job. I’ll be putting in commendations for the team leaders, and I suggest you have them do the same for their men.”

“Yes sir, I’ll pass on the word.”

“Anything else to report?”

“Not at the moment sir.”

“Don’t forget, as soon as you return you are to report to the med lab immediately.”

“Yes sir.” Tyler replied wearily as he hung up the field phone. He let out a long series of wracking coughs that made him double over from the force of them. “Just a cold,” he told himself.

********

Grayson’s quarantine lab three hours later:

Nicole couldn’t figure out the purpose of this place. To be honest, she didn’t even know where this place was, though she was reasonably sure it wasn’t Reynolds. She had watched helplessly, as the soldiers loaded five transports headed for that hellhole several hours before they brought her and Wendy to this place.

With what she had seen of the building from the outside as they were taking her out of the back of the transport, there were no bars on any of the windows. Inside, the only bio suits she had seen were worn by their guards. That, coupled with the lack of round airlock type doors led her to believe they hadn’t been taken to any of the area quarantines. This place was something different. The way it was set up gave off the feeling that it was a college campus or something along those lines, anything but a prison.

“Stop! Wait here!” her bio-suited armed escort commanded in a metallic sounding voice. They were standing outside a black painted door that had ‘Containment Lab’ written on it in big white letters .

Nicole looked questioningly over to her right at Wendy, and shrugged. Wendy lifted her eyebrows and shrugged back.

The door in front of them slid upwards into the top of the frame with a hiss. Their confusion was only amplified when they got a look at the room inside.

The place had high white colored acoustic paneled walls. The far wall was more like a gigantic window into another room that looked to be set up like some kind of laboratory. Set in the center of the window, on both sides of the glass, was what looked like a control center.

It was about six feet long with a flat desk portion that held microphones and assorted papers on it, joined at ninety degrees to a bank of blinking lights and television monitors that sat up against the thick glass. The scene was made all the more strange by the sight of a medium sized woman, with long brown hair, wearing a lab coat and holding a crying baby behind the transparent wall.

The guard gave her a small push in the back and she stepped into the outer control room. One of their escorts stepped over to the desk and pushed a button on it. Inside the woman holding the baby looked up.

“Dr. Grayson” the guard said into the microphone “these are the infectees the Colonel wanted you to look over.”

The woman stepped closer to the glass and Nicole saw that despite her tired look and the bags under her eyes, she was a true beauty.

Over the cries of the baby, she heard, Dr. Grayson reply, “Now isn’t the best time, as you can probably see. Can you bring them back later?”

“Sorry, Doc. Colonel wants them tested right away. They’re possible Rawlings candidates. Top priority.”

A loud disembodied sigh echoed through the control room. “Fine! Send them in. I’ll look them over as soon as I get Sara settled.”

The guard clicked off the intercom and turned back to Nicole and Wendy. “That’s the Doc in there, and as you can see she has her hands full. I would be on my best behavior in there if I were you. If anything were to happen to her or the kid, it will be very bad for the responsible party. Understand me?”

The pair of new women were too bewildered to argue. They simply nodded and allowed themselves to be led to the airlock door. The door slid open and they stepped inside of it. A second later it closed, and the interior door opened.

Sam looked at her new visitors. She was taken aback by the size of both of them. The redhead was taller than the brunette, and far prettier, but the other woman was just a mountain of muscle. Sam said a silent prayer that they weren’t hostile.

Clearing her throat she said to them “Hello. I’m Dr. Sam Grayson, and this is Sara. As you can see she’s a bit cranky today. Just take a seat anywhere you like, but please don’t touch anything. I’ll be with you soon, OK?”

Wendy stood where she, was waiting to see what Nicole did. The redhead motioned to the stools that stood behind one of the work tables. The two of them stepped over and took a seat.

Nicole was flabbergasted. She wasn’t sure what her expectations had been when they were loaded onto the transport, but this wasn’t it.

“Sam?” Nicole asked after taking the lab in for a minute.

“Yes … umm”

“Oh, I’m sorry my name is Nicole, and this silent mountain is Wendy. She doesn’t speak; her vocal cords were damaged during her transformation.”

“Damaged? I’ve never heard of that happening before. Usually the bug heals anything that ailed you.” Sam unconsciously ran a hand across her lower back.

“First time for everything, I guess. What is this place? I mean it’s obviously not a quarantine center, at least it doesn’t look like what I imagined one would look like.”

Sam grinned. “How would you know what the inside of a quarantine looked like? Did you escape from one?”

“No. I’ve never had the pleasure of being inside, but I did see the video they put on TV about Reynolds.”

“Horrible place! They should be shut down. Those poor women, first they were stuck with that animal Brady, and that Dr. Stanley should be brought up on charges.”

“I don’t know who they are.”

“Believe me, you’re lucky you don’t. Besides, you two will never see the inside of that place if your tests come out like the Colonel thinks they will.”

“And how is that?”

“The two of you posses enhanced physical abilities. We’ve discovered the genetic marker for those enhancements. Everyone we’ve tested has the same glitch, no matter what their abilities. So we’ve developed a simple blood test that tells us whether you have it or not.”

“What happens if we do?”

“They have some kind of military training program for those like you. Some place called Rawlings, but I don’t know where it is.”

“Military training? What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. I’m not really kept in the loop down here. They tell me what they want to tell me when they feel like it, and what I’ve told you is all I really know.”

Nicole didn’t like the sound of military training one bit.

Sara had finally quieted down enough for Sam to put her in the crib for a bit. With that done, she walked over and sat down next to her guests. “So anyway, back to your original question. This place used to be a genetic research facility, but now it’s my prison, and the military’s base of operations. I used to own this place before it was turned into the government’s primary Acidalia research facility on the west coast.”

“So you people are what … trying to find a cure or something?”

“That’s what we started out as anyhow. Though I can’t really say for sure that’s still the goal anymore,” Sam replied glumly.

Nicole looked around the lab again. “So you’re … a researcher that caught it or something? Is that why you’re in here?”

“Something like that. Little Sara and myself are the only permanently quarantined residents here as far as I know. Like I said, they don’t really let me out of here much.”

“So you’re a prisoner here then?”

The soldiers outside jumped to attention as Colonel Jordon steeped in. The monitor was still on, so everything being said inside the quarantine lab could be heard in the control room.

“Situation report!” he demanded as the squad leader saluted him.

“Dr. Grayson was having issues with the baby, so she hasn’t started the tests yet, sir. Though we may have a situation as far as security goes. She’s been very liberal with our secrets sir.”

“She has, has she?” Jordon frowned and listened more closely to the conversation coming over the speakers.

“I’m more like an insurance policy. Sara and I are being held to make sure Mia, one doctor that was doing research here, does what they want her too. They have her off spying on some group they consider a threat, but I don’t know where. Meanwhile, they have me checking over the other’s research and testing infectees. Jordon has a real hard on for those of us with enhanced physical abilities.”

“Doctor Grayson, that’s enough!” a disembodied voice demanded.

The three new women turned around and saw an older dark skinned man standing at the control room desk. His uniform and rank insignia marked him as a Colonel, Nicole noted.

“We do have security procedures that need to be followed by everyone here, Doctor, no matter what our personal feelings about what goes on here. You’d do well to remember that. How would you like it if I were to inform your new friends there about your involvement in creating the bug? I bet they’d love to hear that story!”

“What’s he talking about, Sam?”

“Go ahead, Doctor. You’ve certainly been free enough with throwing the Army under the bus, so go ahead and tell them everything,” Jordon suggested smugly.

Sam stared at the floor miserably.

“What’s this? Nothing to say now Dr. Grayson?” Jordon taunted.

“Sam, who is this guy?” Nicole asked.

“My name is Jordon. I’m the commanding officer around here, and what Dr. Grayson is so reluctant to tell you is that she, or should I say he, is directly responsible for creating the Acidalia virus. She’s the one to blame for what’s happened to you and everyone else that’s become infected. All because she was unhappy with the hand fate dealt her. Because of her selfishness and irresponsibility, your life has been irrevocably changed and the survival of our species has been put into doubt.”

Wendy’s face turned red with what Sam thought was fury. Nicole gave a disgusted look. “Is that true? Are you responsible for all this?”

Sam continued to stare at the floor.

Nicole grabbed her by the shoulders and lifted her off the floor. “Say something, damn you!” she shouted.

“Y … yes it’s true.” Sam admitted with tears starting to form in her eyes. “It’s all my fault.”

Nicole put her down, pulled her into her bosom, hugged her tightly, and whispered “Thank you.”

Sam looked up at the redhead, stunned. “D … did you just thank me?”

Nicole was now crying too, but unlike Sam, her tears were ones of joy, not fear and guilt. “Yes, thank you.”

Jordon stared at the scene inside the quarantine lab in unbelieving fury. She was thanking Grayson? How could that be? She should be looking to kill her. “Shit!” he whispered under his breath realizing he had overplayed his hand and it had just blown up in his face.

“Get them out of there!” he commanded the guards who were standing at the back of the control room.

Inside, Sam stood there looking as confused as Jordon felt. Wendy came over and joined in the group hug.

Nicole saw the soldiers heading for the outer air lock and quickly explained, “Because of you, I’m still alive. You and your wonderful discovery saved my life. I’m finally the person I always wanted to be, but never could. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

The airlock hissed open and a platoon of guards stormed into the lab.

The first one through the door shouted, “Stand back Doctor! You two over there face the wall, and let me have your hands. Come on now, move! I’m not the patient kind of guy, so don’t fuck with me.”

Wendy glanced at Nicole who was already walking quietly over to the wall he had indicated. The hulk of a woman followed and they both stuck their hands out behind them. A pair of guards stepped over and locked handcuffs onto them.

Once they were secured the guards led them to the airlock.

“Don’t worry, Sam. I won’t forget you. Somehow I’ll find a way to get you out of here.” Nicole promised as she walked by the doctor.

Jordon glared at Sam, cutting off any reply she might have had been about to make.

As they waited in the changing room for the second airlock to cycle, Nicole looked down at her escort and told him, “Tell your boss that when the time comes, I going to bring this place down around his ears if he doesn’t set her free.”

The guard rolled his eyes. “Considering where you’re going, I highly doubt that you’ll ever get the chance to make good on that threat.”

“Just make sure he knows!”

Confirmed cases: 8,765,497
Actual cases: 19,078,508
End part XII

Acidalia 13

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Fiction

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XIII
By Amanda D.

Pacific Heights San Francisco yesterday:

Mia Blue had been pacing for what felt like days in front of the old theater building. The steel gray sky above had been threatening rain since sunrise but so far had declined to follow through. That was about the only thing that had gone right for her in the last twenty four hours. What was even worse was that the next twenty four didn’t look like they were going to be any better.

She had been walking back and forth for so long a deep rut was beginning to form under her feet. She was filled to the bursting point with nervous energy. It was impossible for her to even consider standing still, never mind sitting, for any length of time. It had been that way since her arrival here early this morning.

So she paced and paced and paced some more the whole time wishing she elsewhere was doing something … anything other than waiting. What that something was she wasn’t certain, but there was a list of possibilities.

Getting out of town before either the military or something worse, like a certain 6ft tall redhead, caught up with her was one of her top options but she had promised to wait for Ellie, so that wasn’t going to happen. After what had happened last night, after all the pain she had caused, there was no way she could leave, even if it meant staying here forever.

She had also briefly considered, and just as quickly discarded, the idea of going back to Grayson and demanding that Jordon live up to his end of their bargain by releasing Sam and Sara, but that would be futile and quite possibly akin to suicide. Being dead or imprisoned in a quarantine somewhere wouldn’t be of any help to her “daughter”, so that idea was scratched too.

Time ticked slowly by. More slowly than seemed possible.

God! She was so sick and tired of waiting!

Mia looked at her watch again, frowned and shook her wrist to make sure the timepiece was still working. The dial read about ten til two, a mere four minutes since the last time she’d looked, though it felt like at least an hour had passed.

The raid at the warehouse had gone off a little bit before one in the morning, so it had been almost 13 hours since her last contact with Ellie or any of the others and nearly 16 since her meeting with Tyler.

‘Grrr!!! Fuckin Tyler, that lying bastard!’ she growled inwardly.

He’d told her the assault on the warehouse was going on at the time as their meeting, but Ellie’s phone call three hours later showed that to be just another in a long line of bull shit he’d been feeding her since the beginning. It was right up there with his promise to reunite her with Sam and Sara when her assignment, also known as her exile from Grayson, was finished. Dr. Blue wondered how he could sleep at night with just trying to keep track of all the bull he spewed. You might think that it would bother his conscience a little, but then again, that would require him to have one first.

Mia’s anger boiled over at the way she had desperately clung to his vows, allowing herself to be led around like a little puppy dog doing as her cruel master ordered, in the hope of receiving a treat, even though all the evidence showed a slap on the nose was far more likely.

And now? Now everything had turned into a big ol’ pile of shit, and there was no one to blame but herself.

‘Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone will kill me before I screw up anything else,’ she thought darkly. She glanced at her watch again. ‘One more hour. I’ll wait until 3, and then I’m out.’

A police car cruised by slowly, despite the light traffic. It was amazing how few cars and for that matter how little foot traffic there was on the city streets and sidewalks now. It felt as if society was slowly grinding to a halt.

Mia turned her head and put up a hand to shield her face from the officers view. She didn’t know if the authorities were even looking for her, but figured there was no need to take a chance.

Moments after the cop car passed, the driver of a large truck honked its ear splitting horn in irritation with something. The sound made Mia jump so high she felt like she nearly achieved orbit, yet somehow she managed to hold back the panicked screech that strained to be released. With her heart beating 1000 miles per hour the dark haired doctor turned back to the street and flipped the driver the bird. The fearsome look he shot back left her wondering for a moment if he was going to jump out of the rig and come after her.

Thankfully he didn’t. He simply hollered something unintelligible back at her and moved on.

Letting out a loud sigh of relief and placing her right hand over her still racing heart, Mia stepped over and finally took a seat on the abandoned theater’s gray granite steps.

The entire episode, from police to truck driver, convinced her once again that she was NOT cut out for all this spying crap and adventure. If the world ever got back to anything resembling normal she now knew that she would be forever content to stay in her lab, happily going through the enticingly dull routines of research and experimentation.

Another half an hour came and passed uneventfully. The itch to get going was becoming all but impossible not to scratch. Mia found herself locked in a continual internal argument over the likelihood of anyone actually making it out of the warehouse other than in chains. She understood the odds were exceedingly long to be sure, and with Ellie as one of their main targets, even longer for the diminutive leader, but hope, coupled with a large dose of guilt, wouldn’t let her leave.

Mia’s self imposed 3pm deadline came and went and still no Ellie. Getting up from the steps she took one last long lingering look up and down the street hoping to see Ellie or anyone really walking in her direction but there wasn’t.

Another loud sigh, this one of resignation escaped her lips. Mia went back to the staircase, bent over was beginning to gather her meager belongings when suddenly she felt a tap on her left shoulder.

“Mia?” a young and very familiar voice asked.

“CAROL!!” she screamed as she turned and grabbed the prepubescent looking new woman in a joy filled bear hug.

Carol let out a yelp and struggled to free herself from the doctor’s grip. “A … are you alone? Where’s Ellie? How did you get here? Are you ok?” Mia asked her in rapid fire succession.

“Put me down!” the young girl demanded. “Everything’s about as okay as it can be, no thanks to you.”

“Carol, I’m … I’m so sorry… sorry for every …”

“Save it! Save your bull shit for someone that might be stupid enough to believe you, cause I don’t! Ellie’s waiting for you up the block. She didn’t want to show herself in case you were setting her up again.”

“Setting her up? I ... I wouldn’t do that to her!” Mia argued.

“You mean again, right?”

Mia looked at the young girl glumly, realizing there was nothing she could say.

“Come on, get your stuff and let’s go. Ellie’s waiting for us.” Carol let Mia off the hook, for the moment at least.

The two of them walked down the block in uneasy silence. Mia could feel the young girl’s anger rolling off her body like blasts of hot air constantly blowing in her face. She desperately wanted to explain why she had told the army about them. She wanted to make Carol understand, but she knew there would be no sympathy coming from her.

After a few minutes they came up to a small alleyway that ducked between two tall decrepit looking apartment buildings. Carol tugged on Mia’s sleeve and the pair of new women turned down it.

The thin alley opened up into a large open cul-de-sac about 25ft in circumference.

Standing in the shadows of the building farthest from the street was an agonizingly small group of two women. As they approached Mia could see the steel hard anger in the eyes of women, who only the day before she had considered, if not friends, at least comrades in arms. The one she was looking for however wasn’t anywhere to be found as they approached.

“Ellie? Thank God you’re safe! I was so worried that they would get you.” Mia said as she embraced the short new woman.

“Yes. I was fortunate to escape, unlike so many others. We … “

“Traitor!” Vera yelled.

“Traitor? I’m a traitor? Ever hear the one about people in glass houses Vera? Maybe we should discuss …”

“Both of you shut up!” Ellie demanded. “Vera, you’re not helping the situation! We don’t have time to play the blame game. Mia knows what she’s done and we will deal with that later. Right now we need her to help get our people out of wherever the Army took them.”

“Ellie, I …”

“Save it, Doctor! I’m not interested in your excuses. Right now I need your help! Are you willing to give it, or not?”

“What do you need?”

“I need you to take me to see your superiors. I have something they might be interested in trading their prisoners for.”

“You want me to take you to Grayson? I’m sorry Ellie, but are you crazy? They’d arrest you and throw you in quarantine as soon as you showed your face.”

“Let me worry about that.”

“I can’t just take you there. It’s too dangerous! Ellie gave Mia a look that said she knew what the dangers were, but she still wasn’t worried. Mia shrugged. “At least tell me what do you have for them?”

“All in good time, Doctor. Right now I need to know that you’re willing to help me get in.”

Mia sighed in frustration. This is exactly how every single conversation between the two of them had gone. They would dance around opposite sides of an issue and then Ellie would get her way anyhow. The doctor silently wondered why she even bothered to argue with her.

“Fine.” She said throwing her hands up in a gesture of surrender. “I’m not exactly welcome there anymore, but I’ll do what I can. If we succeed though, there’s something I’m going to ask in return.”

“You can’t be serious! You’ve destroyed everything Ellie has worked for, and now you expect her to do favors for you? You’ve got some nerve, Doctor!” Vera said tersely, wagging a finger in Mia’s face.

Before Mia could reply Carol shouted “Vera! Ellie already told you to knock it off! Now shut the fuck up! This is Ellie’s play, not yours!”

“Don’t speak to me like that, child!”

“I AM NOT A FUCKEN CHILD!” Carol screamed as she pushed Vera in the chest. “I’m 35 fucking years old! Now shut your damn mouth, you fat bitch!”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ellie allowed a small grin to escape over Carol’s tirade. She had been wondering how long it would take for her to totally lose patience with Vera’s condescending attitude towards her, and was glad to see the young looking girl finally stand up to her.

“Ellie, if we could perhaps speak in private for a minute?” Mia asked.

“Yes Doctor, I think that would be a good idea. Can you two behave yourselves for a few minutes?”

“Ellie you can’t go with her! What if she’s leading you into a trap or something?” Vera asked, her heart in her throat. The short fat new woman was scared shitless that Mia was going to reveal her part in helping the military.

“Vera, we’re only going over there.” Ellie said pointing to a nearby set of stairs. “You’ll be able to see us the whole time.”

Once El and Mia were out of ear shot, Carol asked “So what are you so nervous about?”

“Nervous? Child, I am not the least bit nervous. I’m just concerned about what other lies Dr. Blue might tell Ellie, and what the consequences might be for us if she believes them.”

“Ellie’s smart. She won’t fall for any of Dr. Blue’s crap anymore.”

Ellie and Mia walked to the far side of the cul-de-sac. They stopped behind a three story tenement house with peeling grey paint. Climbing the short stairway that led to a small porch, they moved to one corner and leaned against the peeling black painted wrought iron railings.

“So” Ellie said without preamble. “What’s your price, Doctor? What else do I have to do to get you to help us?”

“I’ll get to that in a minute. Tell me, how much do you know about the origin of the Acidalia virus?”

“Excuse me?”

“How much do you know about the beginning of the virus?”

“Only what I’ve read in the papers. It was created by that Dr. Ryson, and released when she tried to cure her nephew or whatever he was. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Nothing. Everything. The Acidalia virus was created by a pair of scientists named Sam Grayson and Laura Wayne. They were working on a cure for Sam’s condition. He was crippled by a virus that attacked his central nervous system some years back. Their theory was to create a retro- virus that would rewrite Sam’s genetic code and heal the damage done to his nervous system, which it did. Unfortunately it also had some unforeseen side effects. The two of them claim that it mutated inside a rat they used to test the serum before Sam took a dose. “

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because it’s important to me that you understand why I did what I did, and that you make sure my favor is granted. Laura, Dr. Wayne, was guilt ridden over her part in creating the bug once it got out. She even wound up being the first recorded female victim of the virus. At the time we thought it was because she had been exposed to the original virus in the lab. She was the one that discovered Sam after his transformation began. Now we know it simply mutated again into a form that can infect born females too.”

“I assume you’re going to tell me that they shipped her off to a quarantine after they discovered her infection. Is she still in one now?”

Mia grimaced as her mind conjured up the image of Laura lying dead on the side off the road. “No, she was killed, executed by a terrorist group on the side of a dirt road some months ago. She was being transported to Dillon when they attacked her bus. If you ask Vera, I’m sure she can tell you more about it, since she was on the transport with Dr. Wayne.”

“How do you know that?”

“The people that sent me to you did their homework. They know almost everything there is to know about you and your people. Anyway, after Laura’s death, Sam, who’s been trapped in the bio-containment lab over at Grayson since I arrived there, and I, began to grow very close. You see, Laura had been doing her best to teach Sam how to live like a woman, and once she was gone I kind of took over. I came to think of her as a surrogate daughter, and once they brought the baby in to stay with her, I had a granddaughter, too. They became the first family I’ve had in a very long time.”

“Baby?”

“It’s a long story for another day.”

“This is all truly fascinating Doctor, but time is running out very quickly, so why don’t you skip ahead to the part that explains why you betrayed us?”

“Not long before I came to stay with you, the powers that be decided that it would be acceptable to use live virus victims to test cures on. As I told you before, I wanted no part of it, so they replaced me with someone that had no such reservations. After that they wanted me out of there, so offered to send me with your group to spy for them. I didn’t want to do it. I had no experience spying on anyone. All I wanted was to be left at Grayson with my daughter, and continue looking for a cure, but they felt my presence was a distraction or something. So Colonel Jordon pulled me into his office and gave me a choice, either do as he wanted or he’d have Sam and Sara sent to quarantine, or worse.”

“He threatened a child with quarantine? What kind of monster is he?”

“A really sick one, but not even close to the worst one they have in their employ, believe me. But he wasn’t kidding about sending them away, so I did what they wanted. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t have a lot of choice in the matter. When Warren showed up, and then didn’t come down with Acidalia I was told to make sure that I informed my superiors about him by one of your own people that they had set up to keep an eye on me.”

“One of my own people? Mia, I can see now that you’ve been under a lot of pressure from your masters. They have made you do many things, that given a choice you would have declined, but this goes beyond any of that. To accuse one of my people of betraying us … I just find it very hard to believe anyone inside was working with you … that God would allow a proverbial Judas to live among us without my knowledge. ”

“Ellie, I know you think that you’re doing God’s work, and maybe you really are … Christ, everything else is so weird now so why not have God personally appoint you to do his bidding? Maybe he even wanted all this … but the truth is still the truth. Lt Colonel Tyler had me meet with one of your people in Oakland before I joined up with you. If God didn’t tell you that, you might want to ask yourself why.”

Ellie shot Mia a hurt and angry glare. “Who? Tell me. Who is it? ”

“Come on El you can’t be that naíve. It was the person that introduced the two of us.”

“Vera? Surely not.”

“Believe what you want, but I’ve no more reason to lie to you.”

Ellie shook her head in denial. She didn’t want to believe what she had just heard, but it certainly explained Vera’s strange behavior of late. Could it be true? On the surface, it appeared plausible. Vera had been acting odd lately, but she didn’t want it to be true. Not now, not here. If it were true, then this would be a second thing that God hadn’t told her about, and she didn’t want to contemplate what that meant right now. She had too many other things to deal with first.

The curly haired new woman rubbed her temples in an attempt to fight off her growing headache. “I have another question for you, Doctor. You knew the army was going to raid the warehouse. You claim to have been against the idea, yet you didn’t call and warn me while there was still time for us to escape. Why is that?”

“Tyler told me that the raid was happening while we were meeting. He claimed the reason he wanted to meet me at that time was so that I wouldn’t be put in harm’s way during the assault. When you called me, however long it was later, I was shocked. I thought you had all been captured.”

“You mean you hoped we had been captured.”

“No! I mean I thought you had been captured. You may not believe this, but during my time with you, despite our differences, I came to admire and respect you, Ellie. When he told me the raid was on I was sick, not because I wanted all this spy stuff to be over, but because I didn’t want to see all the good that was happening in that warehouse destroyed.”

Again Ellie rubbed her temples. This was all getting to be too much. All the stress, the running and the lack of sleep was making her head fit to split. With a loud sigh of frustration she asked “So, the favor?”

“When I bring you to see Jordon, I need you to include freeing Sam and Sara in the deal.”

“So they can go off with you somewhere I suppose?”

“No, so they can go with you. So they can be safe with a new version of the Sisters. If you do that, then I don’t care what happens to me. In a way, I guess I never did. But I need you to promise me that you will do everything you can get them out of there.”

Ellie stared at Mia for a moment trying to ferret out any hint of deception in her eyes. She found none. Instead Mia’s eyes showed a genuine sorrow, with a small twinkle of hope.

Ellie looked away. She turned her head upward and silently prayed to God for guidance.

Mia waited in patient silence for the new woman’s decision. After several more ticks of the clock Ellie spoke, “I can’t put them above freeing my own people but, I promise to make every effort to get them included in any deal I may be able to strike with your Colonel Jordon.”

“That is all I can ask.”

**********

True to her word, Mia took them, by way of several stops along the way, to Grayson Labs.

The entire time they traveled, Ellie kept a watchful eye on Vera. The portly woman was trying to act normally, but she was a horrible actress. Even a blind man would be able to see how nervous she was, constantly eyeing Mia, then quickly turning away whenever someone would look at her.

On top of that, she was quickly becoming a complete pain in the ass. Every few minutes she would try to dig out information about what Ellie and Mia had discussed. The short sandy blonde’s refusal to answer left her looking hurt and agitated.

When that tactic failed she’d switched gears and started badgering Ellie to leave Mia behind. She claimed the doctor wasn’t trustworthy any longer. As if that was news. She told Ellie she was being foolish for allowing Mia to be with them, that the doctor was just lying in wait for another opportunity to betray them.

Ellie simply took it all in and said nothing. Mia simmered angrily, but ignored the fat woman, comforted by the knowledge that Ellie knew the truth and would eventually deal with it in her own way.

Finally Carol had heard enough and said “Vera, will you please, SHUT THE FUCK UP? My God!”

Vera turned red with furious embarrassment but did as she was told.

Ellie touched Carol’s shoulder, winked at her and gave a quick smile.

********

Today (Monday August 26 8:40 am PDT):

Even though more than half a day had passed, Jordon was still furious with himself over the way things had gone in the containment lab. It wasn’t often that a situation like that blew up on him that badly. He had totally misjudged the way the two women would react to the news that Sam was responsible for what had happened to them. You could have picked his jaw up off the floor when the tall read headed one hugged Grayson and thanked her.

Thanked her! Even though he had seen it with his own eyes, he still couldn’t quite believe it had happened.

When he returned to his office, Jordon had slammed the new women’s folders on the desk and plunked down in his chair filled with impotent rage. He wanted to lash out. He wanted to hit something, to make someone pay for what had happened but there was no one else to blame but himself. So he’d sat and fumed until the sun had come back up this morning.

Finally his brooding was interrupted by the ding of his computers email alert. Jordon stared at the blank screen for several minutes, trying to fight off the urge to smash it with his fist. The last thing he wanted right now was to deal with any of the myriad of issues that his command placed at his feet but the alert only sounded when the mail had been sent with the proper priority code attached to it. Reluctantly he put his glasses on and reached for the monitor, pressing the power button.

There were actually two coded emails waiting for him, the first was from the Secretary of Defense and the second from Dr. Ryan.

Jordon knew he should read the Secretary’s first but it was a daily occurrence for him to receive useless emails from the politician. There were many days he regretted sharing the alert code with the man.

Instead he clicked on Dr. Ryan’s note and immediately wished he hadn’t. The news it contained was as bad as it could be. Jordon shook his head after reading it once and made himself reread it to be sure there wasn’t some kind of mistake. As he reread it, he prayed that he had somehow misunderstood the letter’s meaning. Despite his wishes otherwise, the information it contained was still the same as it was during his first reading.

Jordon pulled his glasses off and leaned back in his chair as he massaged the bridge of his nose. A small tear escaped his eye and trickled down his cheek. He put his hands over his eyes and shook his head in an attempt to deny the truth of the situation.

Sitting back up straight he stared at the open email, filled with a mixture of sorrow and impotent rage. There was no doubt. Even a third read through couldn’t change the conclusions. His second and command and closest advisor, not to mention personal friend, was virus positive. Tyler had been infected with Acidalia.

Jordon had suspected as much when they spoke the day before, causing him to order Tyler to be tested, but that suspicion had done little to help lessen the blow that came with confirmation.

Before he could begin to consider what to do next, the intercom on his desk chirped. It was all he could do to keep from picking it up and throwing the thing against the wall. Instead he jammed his finger onto the respond key and growled “This isn’t a good time right now, Gloria!”

“I’m sorry to interrupt you sir, but Dr. Blue is here to see you.”

Jordon felt an intense feeling of unreality wash over him. ‘Blue is here? Who the hell let her onto the property?’ he wondered as he fought to keep his composure. As of late the Colonel had found himself taking any bad news Gloria delivered out on the messenger, and was desperately trying to stop it.

“Gloria, I’m very busy right now. Have security escort her to one of the holding areas and I’ll deal with her when I have some time!” he told her through gritted teeth.

“I’m afraid I can’t sir, the doctor has … company with her. She’s very insistent on seeing you, right now!” the secretary told him forcefully.

The shrill tone of her voice immediately raised a red flag. Gloria had been in the service for years, including a stint on the ground during the Gulf War in the early 90’s. She wasn’t the type to be easily shaken. There must be more going on with his unexpected “guests” that she able to let on.

This was a problem he didn’t need to be dealing with right now, but these situations were part of the burden of command.

One thing was certain; once this was taken care of someone head at the guard stations was going to roll. He couldn’t fathom who would be stupid enough to allow the doctor access to the campus alone, never mind accompanied by God knows who. Regardless of who was to blame, something was definitely not right.

“Colonel?” Gloria’s voice probed impatiently.

Jordon sighed in resignation. Obviously she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. As usual he was going to have to put aside his personal issues and deal with this first. “Fine, send them in. And alert Ty … err, I mean Lt. Ramsey about our guests and have him send some men up here!”

“Yes sir, Colonel!”

A few moments after they hung up Dr. Blue and her companion stepped through the door.

Jordon stood up as soon as he recognized her companion’s identity from photo’s he had seen. “What the hell is she doing here?” he demanded with great alarm. “Don’t you know the risk you’ve just put everyone in this facility in?”

Jordon pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and covered his mouth and nose. He grabbed the phone off his desk.

“That’s not going to do you any good you know.” Mia informed him with a small smirk on her face. “The virus is so small it would pass through that like it wasn’t even there, so you might as well put it away. Besides, you look like an idiot.”

“What the hell is going on in your head, doctor? Why would you bring her here? She could infect the entire facility, then where would we be?” Jordon shouted as he put the hankie back in his pocket.

“I don’t give a shit about the risk of infection to you or anyone else here. Why should I? She can infect the whole place for all I care. Maybe catching the damn bug would teach you a much needed lesson on what it’s like to be on the receiving side of your quarantine policy.”

Jordon glared at her.

Mia gave him something of a satisfied smile and continued, “Besides, if you were paying attention you’d remember all the times I told you about how the virus goes through periods of dormancy, like Sam, when I begged you to let Sam out of containment. I bet you don’t even remember those conversations, do you?”

The Colonel shook his head.

“I didn’t think so. Anyhow, this is your lucky day. Ellie is in a dormant phase right now. You can relax.”

“I’m just supposed to take your word on that?”

“I don’t see what other choice you have.”

“I’ve had security alerted to your presence. They’ll be here any minute.”

“Then we’d better get down to business.” Ellie replied, interrupting the exchange between Jordon and Dr. Blue. She stepped forward, enjoying the fear filled look on Jordon’s face and placed a video cassette on his desk. “I assume from your reaction that you already know who I am, so we can skip the formal introductions.”

“Yes I know who you are Mr. Wolf.”

“Good. You have my people and I want them back.”

Jordon shuddered involuntarily as the tape landed on his desk and cursed himself for the show of weakness. He stared at it for a long moment, fighting for control of his emotions.

Like any reasonable person, the thought of catching the virus terrified him, but he needed to find a way to put that fear aside for now and take control of the situation. Realizing there was a good chance he had already been infected just in the short time they were in his office, he drew in a deep fear cleansing breath and looked back up at his visitors.

He lifted the tape and inspected the plastic cassette. “And I take it this is what’s going to convince me let them go?” He hoped the illusion of confidence would allow him to take control until the security team arrived.

“Care to know what’s on it?” Ellie asked.

“I think I can make a reasonable guess. I’d say, your people have been taping the military doing some things that would be better left secret? Corralling virus victims, maybe a little bit of excessive crowd control … that sort of thing.”

“You’ll want to keep what’s on it a secret, I’m sure, but it’s none of that stuff. Shall I enlighten you?”

“I’m all ears.” Jordon replied as he glanced at his watch and wondered where his security guards were.

“There’s no need to check your watch. General …” Ellie told him.

“I’m a Colonel not a General.”

“Whatever. Anyway your secretary didn’t call your security people. We have someone outside babysitting her. We wanted to keep this little meeting just between the three of us.”

“I see. So the tape …?” Jordon said trying to sound nonplused by the news.

“You are aware that Warren Quinlan was with us for a short time.”

“I am?”

“Yes Colonel you’re quite aware he was there.” Mia interrupted. “I mean, you had your people raid the place based on the information I supplied you after all.”

“That’s where you’re wrong doctor. We already knew about him long before you confirmed the information. But that’s neither here nor there as you were saying, Mr. Wolf.”

Ellie raised an eyebrow at him for the Mister thing but said nothing. “As I was saying, Mr. Quinlan supplied us this particular piece of video. You see, he was in the control booth at KLTR when that reporter was shot.”

“Yes I am aware of your association with Mr. Quinlan. He and that other one, Mathers I believe his name was, were the ones responsible for the death of that poor woman. Terrorism is such a horrible and unpredictable thing. You never know who has a grudge, or is willing to kill to make their point.”

“Lovely speech, Colonel. The tape shows things from a little bit different view.”

“It does, does it?”

“Most assuredly. Did you know that each camera in a television studio is on during a live broadcast? You see, the director has multiple views of the studio and uses a control box to switch from angle to angle. That recording came from the director’s tape machine. They keep copies of all the angles for training purposes, I’m told. Anyhow, it clearly shows a United States Army soldier shooting the reporter.”

“You should really take a look for yourself, the clarity is very impressive,” Mia added.

Jordon dropped the tape onto his desk. It landed with a loud thump. Being blackmailed by these two was the last thing he needed right now. Sighing quietly he asked, “Am I correct in assuming this isn’t the only copy you have in your possession?”

“You are.”

“And if I don’t do as you ask you’ll, what … send them out to all the TV stations and newspapers in the area?”

“In the nation, actually. The major networks, anyhow.” Ellie glanced down at her watch now. “As a matter of fact, you have about an hour left before they go in the mail.”

Jordon nodded. “You realize I could have the story squashed before it ever gets off the ground with just a phone call, don’t you?”

“If killing it was that easy, I don’t think we’d still be still having this conversation, Colonel. Now can we please stop playing games? I only want my people, Dr. Grayson, and anyone else you’re holding here against their will, released. It’s not like I’m asking you to open the doors to every quarantine in the country.”

Jordon sighed again as he considered his options. If the security detail had been alerted this conversation would have been over before it even began, but then, the tapes would have gone out and he wouldn’t have even known about them until they showed up on every newscast in the country. As much as he was at loath to admit it, he had been out flanked.

He didn’t want to give into their demands. The very thought made him shudder but there was also the question of was this little battle was really worth all the aggravation fighting it would bring.

In reality, keeping Dr. Grayson on the premises had been more trouble than it was worth, especially in the weeks since Dr. Blue’s departure. There were still many people working at Grayson who were loyal to her, and that loyalty had caused major complications on several occasions. Her removal might not be all that bad an idea.

Then there was the simple fact that there were only two of Wolf’s “people”, as she had put it, on the premises, and they too, were quite handful to keep. The two of them had been so much trouble that he’d had to assign an entire squad to guard each of one. That was a drain on manpower he really couldn’t afford, considering how shorthanded they were at the moment.

For what seemed like the hundredth time he massaged his temples. Somewhere along the line he had developed a headache that just wouldn’t go away no matter what he did. Opening his eyes he stared at his guests, weighing their determination.

Finally he stated, “This is how it will be. I have two of your people here. They are yours, along with Dr. Grayson, and you can have Dr. Blue, too, if you want her. Take them both and good riddance. As far as the rest of your associates go, they’ve been sent to quarantines all over the state. I have no way of tracking them all down for you. If you want them, then you’re going to have find them on your own.”

Mia’s face broke into a small grin as he spoke.

“Don’t look so happy yet, doctor, there’s more. Once you’re gone I’m going to have to account for your friend’s and Dr. Grayson’s disappearances.” His face became deadly serious. “I’m going to give you five hours head start, then I’m going to report to my superiors that your group has gone terrorist and attacked this facility, escaping with the two downstairs and killing poor Dr. Grayson and the baby in the process. The heat will be on you after that. Everyone in the country will be looking for you. So you need to ask yourself if those two are really worth all the trouble I’m going to bring down on your heads. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”

Ellie frowned at him. ‘Only two here, and the rest in quarantines?’ That was not the kind of answer she had been hoping for. Though, when she had seen the size of Grayson, she should have known there was no way all the Sisters could be held here. There were just too many of them.

As for his question about whether they were worth everything he had just spelled out, her answer was yes. These were her followers and her friends. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to ensure their freedom. They would just need to find a place to hole up for a while until they could rebuild their numbers. Then they would see who brought trouble down on who.

Ellie stood up and extended her hand “You have yourself a deal, Colonel, though there is one additional thing I need from you first.”

Jordon sighed. “What would that be?”

Looking over at Mia, Ellie said “I’d prefer to discuss it with you in private.”

Mia was a bit put out by Ellie’s request and shot her a disapproving look.

“Dr. Blue, if you could excuse us?” Jordon asked smugly.

Mia glared at him, got up and walked out without another word. In the outer office she saw Gloria was sitting at her desk working on something on her computer. The forty year old curly brown haired woman looked up as Mia entered the room. She smiled at the doctor.

Mia smiled back at her and said “Thank you, Gloria. You saved us a lot of problems.”

“You have nothing to thank me for, Doctor. They were wrong in replacing you the way they did. Think of this as my way of repaying you for that little injustice.”

The two women chitchatted a bit for a short time before Ellie walked out of Jordon’s office.

“All set?”

“Yes. The Colonel is taking care of getting your friend and the others. He said he’d be out in a few minutes.”

“You trust him?”

“No, but we still have the tapes. Speaking of which, may I use your phone for a minute?” Ellie asked Gloria.

The secretary pushed the phone across the desk. Ellie picked up the receiver and dialed.

The sound of the ringing phone startled Carol . The waiting had been driving her almost as crazy as Vera’s constant prattling. It felt like forever since Ellie and Mia had left them to go see the Army guy, and she had been beginning to think something had gone wrong.

She answered on the third ring . “Hello?”

“Carol, you know who this is?” the familiar voice on the other end asked.

“Yep.”

“Good. Things are going well here, so hold off on the delivery for another hour. Once we’re all set I’ll call you back on the other phone.”

“You got it boss. Talk to you in an hour.” Carol hung up, shut the phone off and flung it into the ocean.

Vera watched the phone crash into the waves and asked, “Everything’s all set?”

“Looks good for now,” Carol replied sharply.

“Is she bringing Dr. Blue back with her?”

“She didn’t say. But she did tell me she was going to get the doc’s friend out of there too, if she could, so I’d have to guess that Mia’ll probably be coming back.”

“I don’t know how she can stand to be around that awful woman after what she did to us.”

“She must have her reasons, and she’s the boss, so I’ll go along with whatever she decides.”

“When she calls next, I want to speak to her.”

“She told me to hold onto the phones. You can talk to her all you want when she gets back with the others.”

“Don’t talk to me like that, child … ”

Carol grabbed the fat new woman by the collar of her shirt and shoved her against the railing behind them, screaming, “I AM NOT A GOD DAMN CHILD! STOP CALLING ME ONE!”

Vera was so shocked by the girl’s outburst she didn’t know how to react. After a moment she recovered, “Ok. I’m sorry, it’s just … you just look so young … “

“Fuck you, Vera!” Carol let Vera go and walked away toward the end of the pier, taking a seat on the bench at the end.

Vera, smartly, gave the girl her space.

*******

Grayson:

Mia and Ellie waited patiently for Jordon to finish his business and come out to get them.

“Did he tell you who they had here?”

“Nicole and Wendy. He also confirmed what you told me, that Vera was working for him too. “

“I’m sorry, El.”

“I know you are, doctor.”

“What are you going to do about her?”

“I … I’m not sure yet, but I have an idea how to handle it.” Ellie said sadly. “I do have a question for you, though.”

“Shoot.”

“When we’re done here, what are your plans for you and your daughter?”

Mia thought for a minute before answering. “I don’t really have one. I guess we’ll go find someplace quiet to hole up until this whole shitty mess runs its course.”

“I’d like it if the three of you would stay with us, wherever we wind up.”

“You would? Not that I’m in any position to refuse, but I have to ask, why?”

“Two reasons, mostly. First, we’re going to be on the run, and having a pair of doctors around is probably going to come in handy, I’m afraid.”

“I see your point.”

“The second reason is a bit less practical I’m afraid.”

“Go on.”

“Despite our differences in the past, and even your betrayal, I respect you. You came clean about why you turned us in, without me having to drag it out of you. Believe it or not, I understand why you did it. You always have told me what you perceive to be the truth, whether I wanted to hear it or not. I’m convinced more than ever now, that you can never have too many honest opinions around you when you’re a leader.”

Mia was speechless. She was grateful for a place to go, of course, but Ellie’s offer, and her reasons for it left the doctor floored. She had great respect for Ellie and felt honored to hear that the respect was reciprocated.

“I … I have to discuss it with Sam once we’re done. It’s a decision that she needs to be in on too, since it’s her life, and her daughter that will be effected as well as my own.”

“Of course. Talk it over with her and let me know what you decide.”

Before Mia could say another word, Gloria’s intercom chirped and Jordon’s voice could be heard. “Gloria, tell your guests that their friends are in the process of being moved out to the west gate. They can meet them out there.”

“Will do, Colonel” she replied. To Mia and Ellie she said, “You heard?”

“Yes, we did.”

“Do you remember how to get to the west gate, Doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Mia and Ellie got up from their seats. Mia stepped over to Gloria’s desk and gave her a hug. “Thank you again for all your help. Are you sure everything is going to be all set? I don’t want you to get into too much trouble over all this.”

“You’re sweet to be so concerned, but it’s a bit too late to worry about that now.”

“He’s going to be pissed when he finds out you authorized our access.”

Gloria looked over her shoulder and flipped the door to Jordon’s office off. “He was wrong to let you go, and now he’s been repaid for that mistake. Now, don’t you worry about me, I’ll be fine. He may be pissed at me but I’ll live. Besides I know all his little secrets. Now go see your friends.”

*************

Nicole was starting to get very upset with their security detail. She had asked them several times where they were going, but not a single one of them had given any kind of answer. Mostly she had just been told to shut up and keep moving, and that attitude was really pissing her off.

The door at the end of the hallway they were walking down opened and bright sun light flooded through, blinding them temporarily.

Once their vision cleared the pair of new women could see a bulky looking armored van waiting just beyond the doorway.

“That must be our ride to Nebraska,” Nicole said to Wendy.

The hulking new woman looked back at the redhead and shrugged.

The soldiers gave the two women a push in the back and ordered them into the van. Nicole considered disobeying them for a moment, but the assault rifle the nearest guard pointed towards her caused her reconsider. Without protest, the two of them clambered aboard. They took seats across from each other and watched in silence as the soldiers closed the stout looking rear doors.

The van began to roll. Nicole was somewhat surprised to see that she and Wendy were the only passengers aboard. She had assumed there were more prisoners at Grayson.

Figuring they were in for a very long ride, the pair of new women did their best to get comfortable on the lightly padded steel benches. It wasn’t going to be easy. The benches were hard, cold, and transferred every bump in the road directly into their butts.

The van rolled to a stop almost immediately, and Nicole looked over at Wendy, confused. The other new woman had no answers to give even if she could have spoken, so once again she simply shrugged.

“All right, you two,” a bio-suited soldier shouted. “End of the line. Let’s go! You’re outta here! ”

The two of them got up and walked to the back doors filled with trepidation. The overly short duration of the trip left them wondering just what was going on. While neither one had been exactly psyched over the idea of being forced to serve in the military, they certainly preferred that life to an execution in the backwoods of the facility.

Holding hands they stepped out into the late morning sunlight determined that if this was the end to meet it on their feet.

A pair of soldiers stepped away from the rest who were pointing their M16 rifles at them while another pair came up behind the women and grabbed hold of the wristlets that each wore. Nicole closed her eyes and said a silent prayer, expecting to be led off into the dense woods and shot. However, much to her surprise, the soldiers unlocked the shackles and stepped back into formation with the others.

Nicole was speechless. She had no clue what to make of the situation. From off to her left she heard a familiar voice call out “Nicole!”

The tall red head and the silent hulk turned to see Ellie and Mia walking towards them as the soldiers backed away and got back into the transport. “El?” Nicole asked, too stunned to know whether to be happy to see her friend or not.

The short curly blonde woman ran to her old friend and hugged her fiercely as Mia stayed off to the side and watched, wondering where Sam and Sara were.

“You’re safe and unharmed?” Ellie asked as she released her grip on Nicole.

“Yeah we … we’re fine.” Nicole replied. “El, what’s going on here?”

“Mia and I went to see the commander and convinced him to set the two of you free.”

“Mia?” Nicole said quietly. She looked up from her friend and saw Dr. Blue standing a few feet away for the first time.

Without a word Nicole broke away from Ellie and bolted over to where Mia stood. In one swift motion she lifted the doctor off her feet by the front of her shirt with one hand and slammed her onto the ground. The furious new woman pounced on top of the doctor before she even realized she was on the ground and wrapped her hands around Mia’s throat.

A wave of fear tried to push its way through the impact induced haze as the impossibly strong new woman clamped down on the doctor’s exposed throat. Dr. Blue’s eyes popped wide open but she was still too stunned from the impact with the pavement to fight back. Not that it mattered, Nicole was much too strong for her to deal with.

“Nicole!” Ellie shouted “Let her go!”

Nicole ignored Ellie and continued to choke Dr. Blue.

Mia could feel everything starting to go black and listlessly kicked at her attackers back.

“Wendy, pull her off!” Ellie ordered the hulking new woman urgently.

Wendy looked at Ellie and then over at Nicole, unsure of what to do. After a second’s contemplation she decided following Ellie’s orders was the better idea. Without further hesitation she ran over and began to pull the redhead off the doctor.

Nicole was determined to make the doctor pay for what she had done, and did her best to resist while she finished choking the life from her. Wendy grasped at her friend but came up with nothing but air as Nicole ducked under her flailing arms. She was the stronger of the two, having been a power lifting champion before catching Acidalia, but Nicole was much faster, and far more agile, making it hard for the giant woman to get a good hold of the redhead.

“Nicole!” Ellie screamed at the top of her lungs finally getting her friends attention. “Let her go!”

“After what she’s done? No way! She deserves this, El!”

“If it wasn’t for her you’d still be in there! Now let her go!”

Nicole stared at her long time friend. It didn’t take long to see how serious Ellie was. Reluctantly she relinquished her hold on the doctor’s throat, but not before bouncing the back of her head off the pavement before she got off of her.

Ellie frowned at Nicole. “That was unnecessary,” she told her in a disapproving tone as she got down and checked Mia’s condition.

“Doctor, are you okay? Can you understand me?”

Mia gasped for breath and coughed.

“Doctor Blue?”

Mia looked up at her with groggy, semi focused eyes and replied hoarsely “Y … yeah … I’m fine … jus … just peachy. Any chance you can get someone to stop the world from spinning so fast?”

Ellie smiled at the small joke. Keeping one hand on the recovering doctor she looked up at Nicole. “What the hell were you thinking?” she demanded.

Nicole looked down at her friend miserably, filled with confusion. “She turned us in. Because of her, most of our friends are stuck in Reynolds now! How the hell was I supposed to react when I saw her?”

“Be that as it may, she’s back with us now! I never would have been able to get inside there and negotiate your release without her help! So back off!” Ellie shouted, getting up and poking Nicole in the chest as she did.

Nicole opened her mouth to reply, but was too flabbergasted by Ellie’s tirade to come up with a coherent reply.

Behind them another transport vehicle pulled up.

“Now what?” Nicole asked thinking the worst.

“That must be Dr. Grayson.”

“Dr. Grayson? You mean Sam? You know about her?” Nicole asked, dumbfounded.

“Yes. The Colonel has been holding her hostage, using her and the young one as leverage, in order to force Dr. Blue to do his bidding. At Mia’s insistence she was included in the negotiations for your freedom.”

When Ellie saw the doctor struggling to get to her feet, she reached down to help her up. The injured woman took the offer and clambered to her feet still holding her throat. She glared as Nicole but said nothing.

Nicole looked back at her reproachfully.

The transport ground to a stop. In a repeat of what they had just seen with the release of Nicole and Wendy, Ellie and Mia watch as the soldiers emptied out of the front and ran to the back. A moment later a thin blonde haired woman carrying a very young child emerged from the back.

Mia, forgetting her injuries, ran over to Sam. Careful not to hurt Sara, she hugged her daughter tightly. The others stood back and watched the tear-filled reunion, not wanting to insert themselves into it until the moment was right.

“M … Mia? H … how?” Sam stuttered. “How is this possible?”

“Don’t worry about that right now hun. Just be glad you’re free and know that you never have to go back in there again.”

“Free?”

“Yes. You’re free.” Mia said hugging Sam again. She looked down at baby Sara. “Wow, she gotten big since the last time I saw her. Hello little one. Have you been being good for your mommy” she asked, taking the baby from Sam. “Come over here there’s some people I want you to meet.”

Sam followed Mia over to where the others waited and surprised her mother by saying “Hello, Nicole, Hi, Wendy. I’m glad to see they got the two of you out as well.”

“You’ve met?” Mia asked.

“They spent a few hours in the containment lab with me before Jordon got pissed off and dragged them out of there.” Sam explained as she gave both new women a hug. “And who is this?” she asked, looking at Ellie.

“My name is Ellie Wolf.” The short long curly haired woman told her as she stepped in and gave Sam a hug. “I’ve heard a great deal about you in the last few hours, doctor. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“And yours,” Sam replied.

“Well, think we should get out of here before the army decides to renege on our agreement or what?” Ellie asked.

“Good idea, El. Sam, do you need any help with the baby?” Nicole asked.

Sam, unsure what the plan was, looked questioningly over at Mia.

“We’ve been invited to go with them, if that’s what you want to do.”

“Oh, okay. Sounds like a plan to me. No thanks, Nicole. I think my mother has got her taken care of for now.” Sam replied.

“OK! Then let’s get going. I’m sure Carol and Vera must be worried sick by now.”

************

Tuesday August 27 10:12am PDT Reynolds:

Paula Stanley looked over the sizable stack papers sitting on the desk in front of her and sighed. Since their arrival it seemed that she had done nothing more than do assessment interviews of the Sisters of Acidalia, a task that had normally been left to the small admissions staff, but with the tremendous number of new arrivals, there was no way they would be finished in any kind of timely manner. As director, she insisted that all new arrivals be interviewed within a day of arriving so that any possible enhanced individuals could be weeded out before Colonel Jordon caught wind of them.

In this case, his people at Grayson had already done the incredibly time consuming job of ferreting out the true identities of the members before their arrival. Additionally, they had been unusually good about providing copies of those histories to the directors of the quarantines the Sisters were being sent to. Reynolds had received the majority of them but there were a few that had been sent to other facilities.

The downside of all those files was that it took a tremendous amount of valuable man power to go through them all. Dr. Stanley had made it known that all members, of the scientific and medical staffs were expected to lend a hand in the process, herself included.

The advantage of being the director was that it allowed her to cherry pick the interviews she did. With a lot of help from her administrative assistant, Paula had picked out everyone with the potential to help with research, give medical care or that just piqued her interest.

There weren’t that many qualified to help with direct research, though there were a couple that might work out as lab assistants. However she saw quite a few as potential experimental subjects for various reasons. Those she had been extra thorough in interviewing, and found most to be willing to do anything that kept them out of general population.

Her latest interview was going to be one of the more interesting in her opinion. Dr. Robert Goings was the lone newcomer who had the potential to actually help the medical staff at the facility.

As with all her interviewees, Paula had made it a point to find out how well they had been dealing with life at Reynolds. Dr. Goings, according to what Dr. Stanley had been told, wasn’t having the best time of it. She had been involved in several altercations in her cell, none of which had ended well for the doctor. Paula was sure she’d jump at the chance to get out of there and into the medical wing.

“Dr. Goings?” she asked through the intercom as Roberta took a seat on the other side of the bio-safe glass.

“Yes,” her fear filled voice answered.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Doctor. My name is Paula Stanley. I’m the director of operations here. I’d like to start off by welcoming you here to Reynolds. I trust your stay with has been as pleasant as the circumstances can allow. I’ve been reading over the file the military compiled for me, and I have a couple questions about your medical experience I’d like to get out of the way right off the bat, if that’s okay with you.”

“S … sure, I guess that would be fine.” Goings replied cautiously, trying to take measure of Dr. Stanley.
“Great! First off is your specialty in research or general practice?” Paula got a kick, seeing how intimidated the doctor looked and sounded. She decided to play good cop for now, hoping that later on it would allow her to toy with Goings a bit.

“I’m an MD. I split my time before all this, between a general pediatric practice in San Francisco and a residency at City Hospital. After the outbreak I spent most of my time working at City, as did most residents in those days. That’s where I got infected. After I escaped there I went to live with the Sisters.”

“Yes, you were the only doctor with your group weren’t you?”

“There was another but she was more of a researcher. She helped me take care of those going through their transformations, and I helped her with some basic research. Together we came up with our own version of the Acidalia test.”

“I’m impressed. Since your background is in the realm of a general practitioner, and you’ve already had some experience working with plague victims, I think that you’d be a tremendous asset in our infirmary. We are grossly understaffed down there compared to the amount of medical attention some of our patients need. I spend a bit of time there myself, but for the most part I’m better suited as a researcher. That is, when I’m not tied up with the responsibilities of running this facility.” Paula’s voice was dripping with condescension and self importance.

It was all Roberta could do to keep from rolling her eyes. She found it hard to believe that this over-bearing, egomaniacal, puffed up wind bag of a woman would be allowed to run a convenience store cash register, never mind a facility like this. Then again, her attitude made it easy to understand how the conditions here would be allowed to get as bad as they were. Reynolds reputation, she had decided, didn’t even come close to the reality of how awful the place was really was.

“It says here your first name is Robert. Am I correct in assuming that you don’t use that name any longer?”

“I go by Roberta now.”

“That makes a certain amount of sense, I’d say. It looks to me like you’d be a perfect fit in our infirmary, so I’m going to assign you to work down there for now. As you can well imagine, we have quite a few patients with a huge amount of medical issues and an absurdly small staff to deal with them. According to my superiors, we have plenty of staff but you know how that goes, so we’ve taken to using any of our patients here that have medical experience to help fill in the gaps for the regular doctors here.”

Roberta nodded, but said nothing.

“Your assignment will, however, include new quarters, with some of the other infected physicians we have on staff. That should work out well for you. I’ve heard that you’ve had some issues with your roommates,” Paula said in faux sympathy.

Roberta shrugged noncommittally. She inwardly wondered if this woman’s obviously false charms actually fooled anyone.

“No problems with the assignment then? Great! I’m going to have you escorted down there and set up a tour with one of the medical staff to get familiarized with the place. We’ll get your things sent to your new room, and tomorrow you can start helping take care of our patients.”

“Yes ma’am.” Roberta said putting every bit of condescension and sarcasm she could into her voice.

‘Ma’am? Did she really call me ma’am?’ Paula, obviously completely misunderstanding Roberta’s intent, could hardly contain herself. This one was going to a lot of fun to toy with when she had the time.

“Rene? Can you take the doctor down stairs?” she asked one of the guards inside the containment room with Roberta.

“Certainly.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Roberta,” Paula told her as Dr. Goings got up. “I look forward to working with you more in the future.”

Robert raised an eyebrow, nodded at Paula with a slight scowl and stepped over to where her escort was waiting.

The short trip to the infirmary with her silent guard was the only chance to see the facility Roberta had received since her arrival days before. She could hardly believe the state of the place. Every cell they passed was crowded well beyond planned capacity. Every inmate they passed wore the same down trodden expression on their faces. Some were obviously bruised, and appeared beaten up. Others simply looked like they’d seen the face of the devil himself and lived to tell about it. Their faces, and the thought of what could have caused them to look like that so horrified her it was almost more than she could bear.

The medical center was on the lowest level of the building. It was in an area she had seen before. On the day of her arrival, the Sisters had been paraded past it, without knowing what it was, on the way to what they euphemistically called the processing center.

It was situated between several containment cells on one side, a door marked “Isolation” on another and finally, a large heavy duty rollup door that led to the inmate unloading area.

Each of the containment cells had the same transparent wall facing the corridor that hers had, allowing anyone that passed by to see inside. They were all just as packed with virus victims as the ones on the other floors she had passed through.

There was one big difference between these inmates and the ones she had seen on the upper floors. Here, they all looked sick. Every one of these new women was very pale and thin. Their eyes all looked sunken, with thick dark circles.

Worse than the sight of these poor new women was the smell that came from the cells. It was everywhere, so bad it almost made Roberta gag. She knew the stench well from her time working at City Hospital during the initial break out. It was the smell of human sweat and filth with an underlying stink of sickness added in for good measure. The mere presence of the made the doctor wonder just how well the containment systems really worked.

Unable to look at the suffering women any longer Roberta turned her attention to the door marked “Isolation” and asked “What’s that all about?”

“You want to stay outta there doctor.” The guard replied. “Nothing but a buncha bad apples in there.”

“Bad apples?”

“Yeah. You know. Inmates that just can’t behave in the regular cells. Troublemakers, self mutilators, sexual deviants, that kinda thing.”

“How many are there in there?”

“Lots. More than you’d believe. I heard a couple of the doc’s talkin’ one time and they said that they thought that the bug might have bad effects on some of the victims minds, make em loco, ya know?”

“Hmm,” was all she said in response.

Roberta had, obviously, spent a lot of time around victims of Acidalia. Not once had she ever heard of any kind of mental disorders associated with the virus nor had she seen any evidence of severe mental problems with her own eyes either. There had been several cases of severe depression, which was completely understandable, and treatable if it got bad enough, but nothing like what the guard was describing.

It made her wonder if the disorders were truly virus related or, more likely, had to do with being forced to live in this facility.

“Well here we are,” her escort said, breaking Roberta’s train of thought. “Just hang on a sec while I put in my code here.”

A second later the Medical Center door hissed open. The two of them stepped inside and Roberta was immediately assaulted by an even more overwhelming stench of urine, feces, sickness and the copper-like smell of blood than she had been exposed to in the hallway. It was all she could to keep from vomiting on the spot.

“Are you alright, doctor?” her guard asked. She put a hand on Roberta’s elbow to help support her.

“I … I’ll be fine,” she replied, forcing down her gorge. “I … just wasn’t prepared for the … smell.”

“Yeah it can get pretty nasty in here sometimes. The cleaning crews do what they can to keep the place cleaned up, but it’s usually so full and everyone’s so busy that they can’t get in long enough to do a proper job of it.” Rene looked around the crowded room and spotted Dr. Benetar, the head of patient care. “Dr. Benetar!”

A smallish, fair skinned, gray haired, 50ish, extremely tired looking woman turned and looked around at the sound of the name. After a moment she spotted the newcomer, and a brief scowl crossed her face as she stepped over to where they stood. “What do you have for me this time, Rene? Another sick one? Or is this one of the sows “special” project volunteers?”

“Neither. Doctor Lisa Benetar, this is Dr. Robert … oops, I mean Roberta Goings. Dr. Stanley has assigned her to work down here with you and the others.”

Sticking out a long fingered hand, the reed thin doctor said “Nice to make your acquaintance Dr. Goings.” To Rene she said, “How many time have I told you not to refer to that fat little witch as a doctor?”

“Sorry Doc. It’s a habit. She’d have my ass if I didn’t.”

“A tyrant in a tea cup.”

“Maybe so, Doc, but she’s our tyrant and we’ve got to live under her rule.”

“Too true.”

“Speaking of which, I need to get back up there.”

Lisa waved her hand dismissively. “I think we’re going to be all set here. She doesn’t look like a trouble maker. You can head back upstairs whenever you’re ready. Though I’m a bit surprised the cow doesn’t want you to hang out and make sure I don’t corrupt the newbie.”

“Nope. She’s all yours. I’ll have someone set up a bed in the doctor’s quarters for you, Dr. Goings.”

After Rene left, Dr. Benetar said “So you must be one of those Sisters of Acidalia girls we’ve been hearing about?”

“You’ve heard of us?”

“Well, not before they started bring you people down here for exams, but yes, I know a bit about your group, and I’ve heard a few things about you and a Dr. Blue. All to the good, I might add.”

“That’s good to know. Are the others that you’ve seen … are they all alright? None of them are in one of those cells on this floor are they?”

“No. The cow hasn’t had the time to get any of them into any of her little projects. They haven’t been here long enough. As far as I know they’re all in good health.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I’m sure it is. When we have some time, not that we ever get any in here, but if we do one of these day’s you’ll have to tell me more about your group. Until then however, would you like the nickel tour?”

“I suppose.”

Dr. Benetar Roberta’s arm and led her into the clinic. Pointing to different areas as they walked, the older woman explained “Over there is the admissions desk, and right behind it is our triage center. Over there on the back wall is where we put the minor cases.”

“Minor cases?”

“Routine things like cuts, bruises, colds, that kind of thing. Now through that door is the trauma center. In there we have the major injuries. Mainly they consist of the poor souls that have gone through interrogation.”’ Benetar shuddered. “Horrible, horrible stuff.”

Roberta’s eyes went wide with disgust. “Interrogation? What in the world would they need to interrogate any of these poor women about?”

“I have no idea, hun. I don’t interview them, I just patch them up the best I can. Now, through there is our maternity area …”

“Maternity? There are pregnant women imprisoned here too? I didn’t know having a baby was a threat to public health, too.”

“Sadly, yes. There are over twenty of them in there. They didn’t come in here pregnant, they’re part of one of the cow’s little pet projects. She had some of the physically enhanced girls artificially inseminated for some kind of screwed up, so called ‘research’, she’s doing!”

“Artificially inseminated?” Roberta asked not wanting to understand the implications what she was being told. “They volunteered for that?”

“Honey, no one in here volunteers for anything, but we’re all on the list. She just takes whoever she wants for whatever she wants, and we try to put them back together the best we can when she’s done. That’s the best we can do.”

“Have you tried to complain?”

“Complain? To who?”

“ To her superior? There must be someone she has to answer to.”

“There probably is, but who might that be? More to the point, would they even care if we could get a hold of them?”

“I … I can’t believe … How can a place like this be allowed to exist?”

“Because no one on the outside gives a shit about what happens to any of us in here. We’ve been put away in the back of the closet and forgotten about. The quicker you get used to that fact, the easier it will be for you to help her victims.”

************

KLTR 6pm News:

“Good evening, San Francisco. Our top story this evening surrounds the continuing rumors of the upcoming resignation of Secretary of State, Joanne Constantine from the Fuller administration.

“Sources in the White House are saying that sometime in the next two days the embattled Secretary will present her resignation to President Fuller. She has come under heavy fire from several high ranking officials inside the administration for her handling of the peace talks with Canadian Prime Minister Montclair.

“Those same sources have also confirmed that Chief of Staff Davis Carlyle had to be sent up to Ottawa to kick start the talks after Constantine balked at several key demands by the Canadians. Demands, that if not agreed upon, threatened to derail the entire peace accord, our source said.

“If these rumors prove to be true it will mark the fifth member of President Fuller’s cabinet to either resign or be released in the months since the Acidalia outbreak.

“On the peace accord, Press Secretary Kerry Enrich’s office released a statement today saying that President Fuller is now reviewing the treaty and is expected to sign it sometime before the midnight Monday deadline Canada has imposed. The Senate and the House of Representatives have already voted to allow the President full authority to either endorse or reject the treaty, in an effort to streamline the ratification process.”

“On another front, though the defense department continues to deny them, rumors continue to circulate throughout the international press alleging the USS Nimitz has been seriously damaged, and has been adrift for the last few days off the California coast.

“According to the London times, the Nimitz and its support fleet engaged the French carrier Charles De Gaulle late Saturday night. The carrier was allegedly being supported by a pair of Chinese destroyers and a submarine of unknown origin according to the report. The story goes on to say that Nimitz was escorting a series of oil tankers into American waters when the De Gaulle group intercepted the ships.

“The Nimitz was apparently ordered to stand down and allow the tankers to be escorted back to international waters, an order which its captain reportedly refused.

“The report gets a little sketchy on who fired first, but a prolonged battle ensued, allegedly resulting in the disabling of the carrier and most of its support ships. The tankers that weren’t damaged in the skirmish were then boarded and returned to their ports of origin.

“When contacted for questioning about the report both Defense Secretary Blake’s office and the Department of the Navy vehemently denied the report, saying the Nimitz was currently on patrol and was expected back in port sometime next month.

“U.N Secretary General Mosbard’s office, when contacted, declined to comment on the report.”

“In local news: San Francisco police commissioner Rene Dupree has confirmed that city police in conjunction with several federal agencies and the military have raided several supposedly abandoned buildings in the warehouse district.

“Acting on reports or suspicious activity from several sources authorities stormed the warehouses early Sunday morning. As a result of the raid the terrorist group known as the Sisters of Acidalia has now been dismantled. According to the Commissioner’s office, more than three hundred arrests were made during the incursion.

“The Sisters are suspected of being involved with several area clinic bombings and the murder of a San Francisco police officer at a women’s shelter last month. Authorities also believe they may be associated with wanted felon Reverend Manning, though no clear evidence of a link has been produced as of this time.

“A source within the department, on the condition of anonymity, did confirm that the authorities were still looking for the group’s leader, a new woman that goes by the alias Ellie Wolf.” A grainy picture of Ellie appeared behind the new women as she continued. “If you have seen this woman, or have any information of her whereabouts, please contact the San Francisco police department or the California office of the FBI.”

“In Washington, the U.S Marshall’s office said today during its daily press briefing, that it has no further information on the escape of Dr. Carla Ryson or her whereabouts at this time. Spokes woman Marcie Sheppard said that the agency was following up on several leads, but had nothing concrete to report at this time.

“ She was also quoted as saying that since there have been no demands for ransom of any kind or any kind of declaration of responsibility, her agency was still treating the situation as a well planned willful liberation on Dr. Ryson’s part, and not a kidnapping.

“As many of you may remember it was a week ago that several of the doctor’s accomplices attacked her transport convoy, resulting in the death of three federal agents and the wounding several others.”

**************

Wednesday August 28 10:50am EDT White House Washington DC:

“Magda?”

“Yes Mr. President” his secretary answered.

“Can you get in touch Mr. Carlyle’s office and have him come down here? I need to see him right away.”

“Yes sir. I’ll call over there right now.”

“Thank you.” Fuller said as he clicked off the intercom.

As he waited, he turned his attention back to the peace agreement the Secretary of State, in conjunction with Carlyle and his staff had worked so hard on with the Canadian Prime Minister. It wasn’t an ideal treaty by any means. Fuller felt that they had given up more than he would have wanted, control of the St. Lawrence sea way and the turning over of General Alexander, chief among them.

Despite that opinion, the President found he had little choice but to sign off on it at this point. The sad truth was, that the military simply didn’t have the personnel available to defend the country anymore.

Acidalia was wiping out the country’s soldiers, and its defense capabilities along with them. The latest estimate that had crossed his desk a few days ago put all branches of the military at about 40% of normal domestic manpower. Those numbers now included all of the personnel that had been brought back from bases abroad, as well as those that had been stationed here at the beginning of the outbreak.

As if that wasn’t disturbing enough, the report had estimated that more than 1000 soldiers were being infected every day, despite the military’s best efforts to protect their people.

“Sir?” the intercom said.

“Yes?”

“Mr. Carlyle’s office says he’s out of town today on personal business.”

“Personal business?”

“That’s what they said, sir.”

“Call his cell phone. I need to speak to him right away.”

“I already tried it sir. It’s either off, or he’s somewhere that doesn’t have signal, because it just rolls over to his voice mail.”

“What the hell do you mean, no signal? Those are satellite phones! They never lose signal! God damn it …” Fuller stopped himself in mid-sentence realizing Magda was only the messenger, not the responsible party. He had no right to be yelling at her for Carlyle’s absence. Taking a moment to calm himself, the President took deep cleansing breath and let it out in a loud, annoyed sigh. More calmly he asked “Did you leave him a message?”

“Yes sir. I told him you were looking for him.”

“Well that’s something at least.” Fuller rolled his eyes. “Can you get a call into Ryan Baker over at Secret Service and have him get ahold of the agent in charge of Mr. Carlyle’s security detail? Maybe his phone’s working.”

“I’ll call him right now, sir.”

“Thank you, Magda.”

As Fuller waited impatiently for her to report back, he went back to reading the details in the peace agreement, becoming more and more annoyed with the treaty as he went.

He had already spoken with Joanne Constantine about the negotiation and she had thrown Davis under the proverbial bus, saying that it was he that agreed to hand Alexander over to the Canadians for trial ,not her.

Before he decided who was to blame for the mess they now found themselves in, he wanted to hear Carlyle’s side of the story. He also wanted to discuss who it was that was telling the press that he was expecting Joanne’s resignation. He didn’t have any direct proof, but something told him that the rumor, along with several others ,had been started in the Chief of Staff’s office, and Fuller was sick and tired of it.

“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Baker says that Mr. Carlyle never requested a security detail for today. As far as they knew, he was still in the building.”

“He what? What do you mean he didn’t request security? How could they not know if he left?” Fuller yelled into the phone. For an instant he tried to remind himself to not take it out on her, but … Fuck it! He was pissed off and didn’t care who knew it at that moment!

Ignoring her boss’ outburst Magda replied calmly “That’s what Mr. Baker said, sir. If you want to talk to him directly I’ll get him back on the line for you.”

“Yes I want to speak to him!” Fuller growled.

He fumed for several seconds until the secretary’s voice returned saying “Mr. Baker is on the line for you sir.”

Without even acknowledging her, Fuller grabbed the phone and shouted “Baker! What do mean Carlyle doesn’t have a security detail with him?”

“He … His office never called informed us he was leaving the premises, sir.” Baker replied evenly. This wasn’t the first time he fallen victim of Fuller’s wrath, and he had learned from experience the best way to handle it was to just remain calm until the storm blew over.

“God damn it! I need him found. Now!”

“Yes Mr. President. I’ll get everyone available on finding him right now sir.”

“Make sure you do!” Fuller shouted, slamming the phone down in irritation with the whole situation. Between the unrealistic demands of the treaty, and the Nimitz floundering somewhere out at sea, he’d had just about had enough of bad news. Carlyle missing was just another problem in what was becoming a never-ending line of them.

Looking up, he eyed the half full bottle of scotch that sat calling his name, on the coffee table across the room. After a moment’s indecision he got up and grabbed the bottle. As he took a long deep swig he silently wondered if it was too late to just walk away and never look back.

*************

Virginia, the farm house 11:25am EDT:

The click of the lock being released was as loud as a gunshot to her ears, pulling her out of the semi-sleep that filled the time since they had last let her out. By her reckoning, several days had passed since Philip pulled out of her dark hole and told her about Dr. Ryson’s capture, but her sense of time was skewed by the lack of light and the irregular feeding schedule they kept her on, so it might have been a year for all she knew for sure.

The click was quickly followed by a blinding light that flooded the room. Gail put her hand up to shield her eyes as they struggled to adjust to the sudden brightness. Her stomach began to tighten into a knot in anticipation of what was about to come.

It had been a very long time since the door had opened for anything. They hadn’t even been in to empty the bucket she used as a toilet, never mind feed her. The stink and the hunger had threatened to drive her mad more than once but she had managed to hold on by thinking of all the ways she could kill Philip when the time finally came.

For the last few hours she had been vaguely aware of heightened activity above her. At times there seemed to be more than the usual amount of feet pounding the floor upstairs, but until now, she hadn’t paid it much attention. She just lay on her bed and plotted Philips demise.

A pair of hands grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and a familiar voice said “C’mon bitch! Time for you to work.”

Gail tried to push Carlos away, but the Brazilian was much too strong for her. The weeks of inactivity and infrequent meals had left her feeling weak as a kitten. Still, she slapped him in the chest with her hand as hard as she could muster. The sharp smacking sound brought a momentary smile to her face. An instant later it disappeared as the strong Brazilian slapped her across the face with ear-ringing force in response.

“I not putting up with your bullshit today, bitch. You fuck with me and I’m gonna beat the hell outta you. Philip says when you done, you all mine, an I can do whatever I want with ya,” Carlos bragged. His mouth was right up in her face and Gail couldn’t help but smell the stink of onions and tobacco on his breath. “Gonna make you beg me to kill you later.”

Gail spat at him. Again he slapped her, even harder this time.

“What the fuck is taking you so long?” Gail could barely hear Jen’s voice over the loud ringing in her head.

Jen saw the large red welt that was just beginning to form on Gail’s left cheek. “Jesus Christ, Carlos! What the fuck did you do to her?”

“She spit on me!” he growled.

“So you beat the shit out of her? Phil’s going to be pissed when he sees what you did.”

“Fuck him! I don’t give a shit what he says. This bitch is mine when she’s done! So what’s the difference if I start a lil bit early?”

“What’s the difference? Jesus Christ! How about, SHE’S NOT FUCKEN DONE YET? God you’re such a fucken retard!” Jen pushed her way past the muscular Brazilian and took a close look at Gail’s injuries.

The would be assassin’s left eye was swelling up like she’d gone three rounds with Tyson, and her cheek was already moving from red to a deep purple.

“Fuck!” she spat “look at her! You know, you could fuck up a wet dream, you know that?”

Jen got to her feet and pulled Gail up with her. “Get the fuck out of my way!” she demanded.

Carlos stood his ground, smiling menacingly as he challenged her authority for a moment, then stepped aside. As they stepped passed him, Carlos whispered “You better watch your step. You boy friend ain’t gonna be in charge of us forever. One day you gonna find that you need a friend like me.”

Jen stopped in her tracks. She leaned Gail against the door frame and turned to look at Carlos. She stepped forward and poked him in the chest. “You’re the one that needs to watch their step!”

Carlos puffed out his chest and grinned at her. “Oh yeah? What you gonna do to me if I don’t?”

“This!” Jen replied as she reached down, grabbed his crotch and squeezed as hard as she could.

Carlos howled in pain as he crumpled into a ball on the floor. Despite the dire circumstances, Gail couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him.

Jen turned back to her just as the grin faded. “Now are you going to behave?”

Gail nodded. In spite of everything, this woman had won her grudging respect. She had more balls than any of the men she hung out with. In a lot of ways she was just like Hillary Marko.

Hillary. Just the thought of her dead friend sent a quick bolt of sorrow though her. Just as quickly as it came up, Gail pushed it back down. Now was not the time for grief. If things went according to Philip’s plan she’d be back with Hil very soon, anyhow.

“Good. Let’s go.”

At the top of the stairway Philip was waiting for them. As usual, he had a look of impatience about him, as if he was the busiest person in the world and it was a personal affront to make him wait even an instant for what he wanted.

“What the hell took so long?” he complained.

Gail hated the sound of his voice, especially when he whined.

“Ask Carlos.” Jen replied offering no other explanation.

Philip shot her annoyed look. He took a close look at Gail’s newly beaten face and asked “Jesus Christ! What the fuck happened to her?”

Jen rolled her eyes and repeated. “Ask Carlos.”

Philip punched the wall “That God damned mother fucken moron asshole dip shit dumb ass mother fucker! I told him … “

“Is there a problem?” a deep, quite proper sounding man’s voice asked.

Gail looked over Philip’s shoulder at the new arrival. He was somewhere in the area of 6 ft tall, with a full head of thick graying hair and wearing a expensive looking gray light gray suit. There was something very familiar about his face. She knew she’d seen him somewhere before, but just couldn’t put her finger on where.

“No sir … no problem. N … nothing I can’t take care of anyhow.” Philip blabbered.

Behind Philip’s back’ Gail rolled her eyes. Bastion was obviously nervous’ but was doing his best to try to make it look like he had everything under control’ even though his voice led the listener to believe he was anything but.

“Then can we get things going? I need to get back soon.”

“Yes sir. We’ll be all set in just a few minutes. If you want to wait outside we’ll bring the doctor up.”

“Just get moving, Bastion. I’m a busy man, and this tape needs to be in the hands of the news people in time for the six o-clock news!” gray suit said as he turned and walked towards the door leading to the backyard.

“Yes, sir.” Philip replied. To Gail he said, “You better not fuck this up for me or I’m going to make you hurt like you never thought possible. Just do what you’re told and it’ll all be over soon.”

“Fuck you, Philip!”

Philip grabbed Gail by the throat and slammed her up against the wall so hard it pushed the air from her lungs. “Listen here, you cunt” he growled. “You’re going to die in the next hour one way or the other. You have the opportunity to take out Ryson first if you do as you’re told. If you don’t, I’m just going to have to give you Carlos right now. Your choice, bitch. Make it!”

“F … fine” she gasped as he let go “I … I’ll do it. Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

It took all of Philip’s strength of will to keep from smiling at her suddenly cowed attitude. He raised his hand like he was going to slap her and watched contentedly as she ducked away defensively.

“Jennifer, could you please go back downstairs and get our guest of honor? Have Carlos help you with her if you need it. I’ll escort Gail here out to the backyard myself.”

*********

Gail allowed herself to be pulled along behind Philip. She couldn’t believe how stupid and overconfident he could be. His never-ending arrogance and feeling of superiority allowed him buy her little act without question. Little did he realize that Dr. Ryson wasn’t the only one she intended to kill. He was going to be getting a bullet too. All she wanted was a second bullet, and an extra second after Ryson went down to do the deed. Once he was dead, she didn’t give a shit what they did to her.

Philip held the top of her arm so tightly the tips of his fingers were red as he pulled her through the kitchen and out the back door. He spoke in a hushed growl, apparently thinking it made him sound all the more intimidating. ”This is how it’s going to go. Jen is going to give the camera a little speech we prepared, then you get to do your part. I don’t want to see anything other than that happen. You got me?”

Gail, for her part, played him like a fiddle. She made sure to avert her eyes as she replied “Yeah, I … I got it.”

Philip led her down the steps and out across the large well manicured back lawn to where it bordered the thick woods behind the house. She saw gray suit sitting in a comfortable looking lawn chair. Standing next to him was Randy. He was showing the new guy something, but Gail couldn’t tell what it was from her angle.

She looked around the rest of the yard as best she could but couldn’t spot any of the others that had been staying in the house. She wondered where they were, but then decided it didn’t really matter. The fewer people there were to get in the way of her plans for Phil, the better.

Bastion stood next to her, still gripping the top of her arm painfully. Together, they watched as Jen led Ryson was led out of the house. The doctor was wearing a black hood of thick looking material over her head. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her pant legs had little silver colored half cuffs of duct tape down near her ankles.

Gail was impressed with the doctor’s courage as she was led out across the yard. She walked on steady legs, even though she couldn’t see where she was going. There was no pleading, crying or whimpering coming from under the hood either. She simply allowed herself to be led to a spot, then stood there silently.

Jen walked over to where Randy held a small silver colored digital video camera. She put on a dark blue ski mask and stuffed her brown hair up under it, making sure to hide every strand. After going over her spiel a couple times, she stood in front of the recording device and blathered on for a minute or so.

Gail didn’t pay what she was saying any real attention, since it didn’t really matter what excuse they were using to justify what was about to happen. The simple truth was, they had taken the doctor because they wanted to, and killing her was going to make the people that ran the government look like a bunch of ineffectual fools. That’s all the reason they needed, and all the result they were looking for, no matter what they pretence they put up for the camera.

After a minute Gail got bored with watching the taping and turned her attention back to the newcomer in his light grey suit and expensive looking tie. His identity kept tickling the edge of her conscious mind, but she couldn’t quite grab it and drag it into the light. She was still convinced she had seen him before, but still couldn’t put her finger on where.

He had gotten up when the camera began to roll and stood behind Randy. Gray suit watched them tape the speech with his arms crossed and an air of self importance about him that reminded her of a politician or …

Her eyes suddenly lit up. That was it! He was a politician! He was one of the President’s advisors or something like that. She had seen him on TV not long before Philip kidnapped her, standing off to the side of President Fuller as he gave some sort of speech.

Now the question was, what the hell was someone like him doing here? Was the President involved with Philip and his stupid little schemes somehow?

She found that idea a little hard to swallow. In Gail’s opinion, Philip couldn’t tie his shoes without someone there to tell him how, so it was hard to believe that he was some way connected to the nation’s highest ranking politician.

Philip tugged on her arm, pulling her back to what was going on before she could pursue the question any further.

The mystery of the gray suit was going to have to wait for forever, probably. It was time to get down to business. If she somehow survived the next few minutes she would worry about him then. Now she needed to focus and concentrate on taking Philip out. She knew there would be an opportunity, a millisecond when he would let his guard down, and she had to be ready to take advantage when it happened.

Philip handed her the mask Jen had been wearing. “Put this on” he commanded.

Gail did as he instructed. Once her face was covered, he handed her a 9mm pistol. She accepted the gun and smiled behind the mask at the reassuring weight of the weapon. It felt fully loaded.

Philip grabbed her by the shoulders and stuck his face right up to hers. “You stand here until I’m out of the shot. When I tell you to, you’re going to step over to the doctor over there, pull off her mask and put a bullet into her head. Got it?”

Gail lowered her eyes and nodded.

“Good. Don’t fuck this up!” Philip turned and began to walk away.

Gail was so stunned to see him turn his back on her she almost missed her opportunity. After a split second of hesitation, she lifted the gun and took aim.

Time slowed down to a snail’s pace. Beyond Philip, she could see Randy’s eyes pop wide open. The doctor opened his mouth to warn him. Gail pulled the trigger before the first letter escaped. The front of Bastion’s head exploded like an over ripe melon, spraying blood, chunks of bone and brain matter all over Randy , Jen and the lush green lawn. Philip’s legs took two more steps, he teetered for a moment then fell over, landing on the soft grass with a pronounced thud.

Time resumed its normal pace just as a bolt of adrenaline shot through Gail’s body. She didn’t have a second to waste on gloating over how easy it had been to take him out. Instead she used her new found energy to try and finish the job.

She dove for the ground in kind of a rolling summersault. Coming up into a shooter’s stance, she took aim at Randy who had dropped the camera and was pulling out a gun of his own. For half a second she marveled at how slow time seemed to be going by, and then she pulled the trigger.

CLICK

“Shit!” she thought as she started to dive to the right. “Figures, only fucken one bullet!”

A shot rang out. It pinged off a tree just to the left of where her head had just been, sending a spray of splinters in all directions.

Another bullet zipped by her face so close she could feel the breeze it generated as she clambered to her feet.

Right in front of her was Dr. Ryson, still standing where they left her, but no longer silent. The petrified woman was screaming. Gail tackled her to the ground as more bullets took chunks out of the trees.

There was no cover to hide behind and they couldn’t depend on Randy and Jen’s bad aim to last forever. Gail quickly scanned the area for something, anything that could be used as a weapon and found what she was looking for still in the palm of her hand.
The gun was empty, alright but it was heavy enough to do some damage.

Jen was the closest target. Gail leaped to her feet and threw the gun at her. The short brown haired terrorist turned to avoid the object as it flew towards her. At the same instant Gail lunged at her.

The tackle would have made Lawrence Taylor proud. The two women slammed into the ground just as Gail felt a bullet bite her in the left thigh.

Ignoring the burning pain, she grabbed her stunned adversary by the hair and slammed the back of her head on the ground as hard as she could manage. The earth was soft but the impact was still enough to cause the brown haired girl’s eyes to glaze over. Gail, overcome with a sudden fury slammed her head on the ground again.

She was about to do it a third time but a second bullet found a home in her torso just above the waist. Gail yelped in pain as she was pushed off of Jen by the impact.

Reaching over, she pulled Jen’s gun from her limp hand. The injured woman rolled onto her back just as a third bullet thudded into the soft grass-covered ground next to her head. Gail took a glance in Randy’s direction. She aimed the best the pain in her leg and side would allow, and pulled the trigger.

Randy was tugged sideways as the bullet hit him in the right shoulder. His gun went flying out of his hand, striking Mr. Gray Suit, who for some unknowable reason was just stand there watching the entire scene unfold. It hit him in the head and sent him sprawling to the ground.

When she had first stepped out into the yard, Gail had been surprised to see there were only the five of them there, but now she couldn’t have been happier. Her surprise attack had work better than she could have ever hopped. She had been hit twice, but she was still breathing, so everything was gravy from here on in. It was time to finish things.

To her left Jen was moaning. Without mercy or hesitation, Gail pointed the gun at her and shot her in the face.

As she lay, twenty feet from the bottom of her feet was Randy. The skinny, brown haired, bearded doctor was holding his shattered shoulder and howling in pain. Blood poured from the wound.

Gail rolled over and tried to get to her feet, but her twice shot body wouldn’t hear of it. Her leg and side hurt so badly that for a moment she thought she was going to pass out.

That of course, would be a death sentence. Carlos was still somewhere inside the house. If he found her lying there unconscious and defenseless, it would be all over for her. The thought of what he would do was enough to make Gail force herself to stay awake.

It kind of baffled her why he hadn’t come running out already. He must have heard all the gunfire. It was a mystery, but she was in no position to question her good fortune.

Once the pain let up Gail wiggled herself into position so that she was facing where Randy was lying. He had stopped whimpering. It looked like he might have passed out.

‘Like shooting fish in a barrel,’ she thought as the short blonde propped herself up on her elbows and aimed as best as she could.

Randy’s body jumped a moment later as both of her bullets found home, one hitting him in the side of the chest, the other in the neck.

From off to Gail’s right, she could hear the muffled sound of Dr. Ryson whimpering. Using her good leg to push with, she slithered over to where the hooded doctor lay. Placing the gun down next to her, the injured blonde pulled the hood off of Carla’s head.

“Are you OK?” Gail asked.

“OK? OK? Are you serious? They were going to shoot me, for crying out loud!” Carla shouted. “And you ask if I’m OK?”

“Well, they still might if you don’t keep your voice down. There’s still one of them unaccounted for, and he’s a big mean son of a bitch. So how about we keep the panic in check and our voices down, nice and low for now?”

Carla didn’t trust herself to be quiet, so she just nodded her agreement.

“Good. N … now I’m going to untie your hands. I need you to roll over so I can get to them.”

Carla did as instructed and in a few moments was free. Sitting up she got her first look at Gail’s bleeding leg. “You’ve been shot!”

“Y … yeah I no … noticed. I got one up here too” she replied showing the doctor her second wound.

“Here, let me look at that.”

Carla began to examine the wounds. They were bleeding very badly. “These are pretty bad. You’re losing a lot of blood. We need to get you inside so I can try to fix you up. If I help, do you think you can get to your feet?”

“Maybe.”

Dr. Ryson got up. Gail gritted her teeth and tried to prepare herself for the pain that was about to come.

It took several tries and a whole lot of cursing but eventually Gail made it to her feet. She swooned from the pain and loss of blood. Carla held on tightly until the bout of dizziness passed.

Once she was all set Gail looked around at the carnage. “H … hey, where’s gray suit?”

“Who?”

“There was … another guy … here. He was wearing a gray business s … suit.”

Carla looked around as much as she could without letting go of Gail. “I don’t see him. Are there any bullets left in that gun of yours?”

Gail looked down at the gun that hung limply in her ever weakening hand. “Mi … might be a couple sh … shots left bu … t I don’t know if I can hold my hand steady enough to hit anything. You ever shoot a gun before?”

“No.”

“Well I guess we better hope he’s not inside waiting for us then, huh?” Gail was trying to force a smile. Her head was beginning to buzz loudly, and the feeling frightened her. Still she did her best not to let on.

“I guess ...” Carla replied dubiously.

The three back stairs that led up to the porch were tougher than either of them had anticipated. Carla wasn’t strong enough to carry her savior, and Gail lacked the strength to get herself up them. They tried several different things but none worked. Finally, out of desperation to get the bleeding woman in the house, Dr. Ryson wrapped her hands around Gail’s chest and dragged her savior up them.

The white hot pain was unbelievable but somehow Gail persevered. Once inside the kitchen, Carla carefully helped Gail onto one of the chairs. Once she was seated, the doctor propped the injured leg up on another one.

She really didn’t like the color, or rather, the lack thereof, in Gail’s face. “Sit tight for a minute while I go see what I can find to slow that bleeding down.”

“T … take this with you.” Gail said holding the gun up unsteadily.

“I told you I don’t know how to use it.”

“Po … point that end at the other guy and pull the trigger. Not exactly rocket … science d … doc. Sides we don’t know who’s in here with us. Remember the big guy I told you about?”

“Yes.”

“If he’s lurkin … round somewhere you’re gonna need it.”

Carla opened her mouth to protest but noticed the small but growing puddle of blood that was forming under the chair where Gail sat. The woman was growing so weak she could barely hold herself up, and as a result was half slumped against the table.

Not wanting to waste and more precious time arguing, Carla grabbed the gun and hurried out of the room.

The house was eerily quiet, almost as if it was waiting for the next outburst of violence. It gave Carla the creeps.

Entering the living room she immediately spotted the bathroom off to her right. Quickly but cautiously, she walked over to it. A lose board on the floor creaked loudly, the sound made all the louder by the complete lack of background noise, making the doctor jump so high she almost smashed her head off the ceiling above.

She backed up against the nearest wall, held her breath and listened for any sign that whoever else was in the house with them had heard her. All the while she strained to keep her bladder from emptying itself right then and there.

After a few soundless seconds passed she put a hand to her chest to slow her impossibly fast beating heart and gazed around the corner into the small bathroom. It looked empty.

Stepping as lightly as was possible, she entered the room and immediately began to search for bandages. In the vanity under the sink she found a large roll of ace bandages, along with a handful of large gauze pads. Dr. Ryson scooped up as many of them as she could hold.

Her mission accomplished Dr. Ryson cautiously scurried back to the kitchen.

Upon entering the room, she was disheartened to see how big the puddle on the floor had grown in just the few minutes that she was gone. Carla began to wonder if it wasn’t already too late to save Gail.

Pushing those thoughts aside she grabbed the scissors she saw on the counter earlier and began to cut the leg of Gail’s pants off. Gail’s eyes had a faraway cast to them that Carla didn’t like at all. It looked to her like Gail was fading away.

“So, you know who I am, but I never caught your name.” Carla said trying to keep Gail with her.

“Name’s Gail. G … Gail W … Warner.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Gail, and thank you.”

“Th … thank you? For what?”

“For saving me out there. I assume it was you that tackled me out of harm’s way. That’s quite a impact we made out there. When you’re feeling better you should try out for the NFL. You might have a real future in knocking people over.”

Gail smiled slightly.

“Did they have you prisoner here too? Where they planning on shooting you as well”

Gail let out a small humorless laugh. “S … sorry to burst yer bubble doc, but s … saving you w … wsn’t ma p … plan. I wa … was a prisoner here … an they were gonna to kill me … but I was su … p … pposed ta kill you first.”

“Why would they force you to do that?”

“I wanted to d … do it.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t get me wrong doc. I’m glad I din’t, specially now. B … but if I wasn’t this h … hurt’ I’d be lo … looking ta pt a bullet in ya. Oww! Jesus! Be careful will you?”

“Sorry.”

I … I jus want ya ta know … h… helpin me doesn’t change any … anythin. You s … still have a lot to answer for.”

“ If you still want me dead, then why did you save me out there? You could have just left me to wander around. I’m sure someone would have shot me before too long. Besides, what have I ever done to you?”

“Done ta me? Because of you, my father’zz in a quantine! M … my best friendzz dead! Jus bout eryone that m … mattered to me is dead! T…Thazz what you did ta m … me!”

“I killed them? I don’t seem to remember killing anyone.” Carla replied sarcastically. She hadn’t been planning on getting into this type of conversation, and to be honest, wasn’t too happy with the direction it was moving, but at least it was keeping her patient’s mind working and her focus on something other than the fact that she was bleeding to death.

“Ya invented the bug. You l … let it out. You an all ya cronies over there at G … Grayson … you all zerve ta die fa w… what you did!”

“I need a needle and some thread. Do you know if there’s any here? Where it would be?”

“Npe. Spen all m t … time down s … stairs jus like you.”

“Will you be okay here for a minute while I go look for some?”

“N … not l … like I cn go nywhere. Fore you go I … I have a q … question.”

“Ask.”

“I just told you … that I’d ki … kill you if I had the c … chance, w… why you still helpin’ me?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do,” Carla replied, then walked out before Gail could say another word.

The woman’s bleeding wasn’t letting up despite the bandages and the pressure she was applying to them. The leg wound was pretty bad, but the one on her torso was the real problem. The thick dark color of the blood left only two options, she had been hit in either the liver or the kidney. Either way it was tremendously bad.

Carla knew if she didn’t do something very soon there would be nothing left to could do. Gail was already exhibiting the classic signs of severe blood loss. She was shivering, unable to generate any internal body heat. Her speech was really starting to go downhill, and her eyes had a very faraway look to them. She considered calling an ambulance but she didn’t know where the phone was, and Gail didn’t have the time for her to go looking for it right now. She needed to be stabilized first.

Carla hoped she could find some thread strong enough to use for makeshift stitches. If she couldn’t, she didn’t know what she was going to be able to do for her. A tourniquet might work on the leg but it wouldn’t do anything for her internal injuries.

In a second floor bedroom she found what she wanted stuffed under one of the beds. There was an entire basket filled with sewing materials. Surely some of the thread would be strong enough to hold.

Carla snatched up the basket and bolted down stairs. She made a quick detour into the bathroom for more gauze, then headed back into the kitchen no longer worried about alerting anyone that might still be in there with them.

“I think this will wor … aww shit!”

Carla rushed over to where Gail sat. The injured woman was limp. Her head hung back and to the side at an awkward looking angle.

The doctor put her fingers to the side of Gail’s throat, pleading, begging God for there to be a pulse. There wasn’t. She grabbed Gail’s wrist and tried there but again found nothing.

The basket in her hand fell to the floor with a soft thud. Carla left it where it landed and stepped over to the sink. Her breath came in ragged heaves as she fought to keep control of her emotions. She hadn’t really known Gail, who had wanted to kill her, yet seeing her dead in the chair was enough to bring Dr. Ryson to the brink of tears.

Carla grabbed a glass and filled it with water. Her hand shook so much that the glass clinked against her top teeth as she sucked the cool liquid down greedily. She tried to set the empty glass on the counter but missed, send it crashing to the floor.

Unwanted tears rolled down her cheeks as she turned to look back at Gail’s lifeless body. Using her sleeve she wiped them away and walked unsteadily out of the kitchen.

In the living room she looked around absently, trying to decide what to do next. It occurred to her for the first time, that she didn’t even know where she was, never mind where to go now. She spotted a phone sitting on a small table next to a heavy looking door.

For a moment she thought of calling someone, but then realized there was no one to call. Everyone considered her a criminal, an escaped one at that, so anyone she contacted would most likely sick the police on her as soon as she hung up.

She looked around the large room again, still unable to come up any kind of plan.

Outside in the dirt driveway she spotted two cars. She mulled over the idea of just taking one of them and getting the hell out of there. She could always worry about where to go after she was on the road.

Lost in indecision, she paced.

A loud crashing noise from the basement caught her attention. The sound was quickly followed by a man’s voice yelling what she assumed were curses, in a language she didn’t understand. Stupidly, Carla stood and listened to him as he thudded around down there. It wasn’t until she heard him begin to stomp his way up the stairs that it occurred to her that it might be bad for her if he found her alive, and everyone else in the place dead.

Without another thought Carla bolted out the door as if every demon in hell was after her, and upon hitting the ground ran twice that fast towards the waiting cars.

The first was an older blue colored sedan of some unknown foreign make. Putting her hands to either the side of her head, Carla gazed into the driver’s side window and spotted the keys hanging from the ignition. From inside the house, she could clearly hear a bellow of rage.

Spurred on by the sound, Dr. Ryson pulled on the door handle, but it didn’t open. Her eyes grew wide with panic as she stared at the reluctant door. She grabbed at the handle again, this time with a tighter grip and it popped open like an obedient pet. Without delay she jumped into the driver’s seat. Carla whispered a silent prayer as she turned the key and let a quick smile out as the car roared to life. She dropped the gear shift into reverse just as a huge Latino man came running out of the house.

‘Oh my God! He’s a monster!’ she thought as she slammed her foot onto the gas pedal. The sedan shot backwards, sending a thick cloud of dust up in front of the windshield and a ton of stone shooting at her pursuer.

For a moment she allowed herself to hope that she was finally going to get away from this awful place, but the feeling was quickly replaced by one of frustration as she slammed into the other car with a bone jarring crunch of metal on metal. She had been so intent on getting away from the giant that was running head long down the driveway after her, that she hadn’t bother to look behind her as she backed up.

Slightly stunned from the unexpected impact, Ryson hesitated for just a moment before throwing the car into drive.

Those few seconds were all the time Carlos needed to reach the car.

He lunged at it and landed squarely on the hood. As soon as the monster of a man landed, he pulled back his right arm and punched the windshield with enough force to crack it.

Inside, Carla yelped in surprise.

Again Carlos punched the safety glass sending out a web of cracks from the point of impact and bending the epicenter inward.

The doctor could see that one more punch was all it was going to take for him to completely break the glass barrier. She slammed her foot on the gas pedal again. From the rear a ton of dust was thrown into the air as the tires spun wildly, trying to find enough traction to dislodge her car from the other. A split second later they found purchase and the car shot forward like a bullet from a gun.

Carlos grabbed at the top of the hood, but before he got any kind of grip Carla slammed on the brakes, sending him flying off the front of the car. He landed feet first on the hard packed soil, fell backwards and skidded several feet before coming to a stop.

The back of his head burned from running over a thousand tiny pebbles and a small trickle of blood ran down the back of his massive shoulder. Still, the injured Brazilian forced himself back up to his feet. He stood unsteadily and wiped some dirt from his eye.

Carla watched, gape-mouthed as he clamored back up. She had hoped that the impact would have left him stunned long enough for her to escape but that wasn’t the case at all. The sight of him standing there sent a gigantic tidal wave of panic washing over her.

Before she even knew she had done it, the car lunged forward. It took less time than seemed possible, yet longer than eternity, for the car to move the twenty or so feet that separated the two of them.

Carla watched, with an odd sense of detachment, as the front end slammed into her attacker, and his body did a rather graceful pirouette over the top of the roof. She slammed on the brakes just as he slammed into the ground behind her, his shoes left where he had been standing at impact.

How long she sat there staring at his crumpled, blood soaked body through the rear view mirror, she didn’t know but after a while she threw open the door and vomited for what felt like forever.

Carla found it odd, how the throwing up seemed to settle her nerves enough to start having coherent thoughts again.

Her stomach voided she got out of the car and looked back at Carlos’ unmoving form again. It was obvious from the way he was laying that he was dead.

Her whole body began to shake, as the realization that she was responsible for his death began to settle over her.

Clinging desperately to what little self control she had left, Dr. Ryson slapped herself across the face. The sudden pain pulled her from her guilt ridden daze. She quickly turned and dropped back into the driver’s seat, slammed the door shut and hit the gas.

She eased the injured vehicle around the cul-de-sac in front of the house and did her best to avoid looking at Carlos’ body as she drove out the driveway and into whatever lay ahead.

*********

Davis Carlyle trudged along the seemingly never ending road into town. About ten minutes earlier he had seen his Mazda 6 speed by at about 100mph. he’d cringed at the sight of the large dent in the rear end as it had faded from view over the next hill. Though he hadn’t gotten a good look at the driver, he was pretty sure it hadn’t been Philip or Randy, since either one of them would have stopped and picked him up.

For what felt like the hundredth time he flipped open his cell phone, delighted to see he finally had a signal. Stopping right there, he quickly scrolled through the list of numbers and dialed when he found the right one. The line rang four times before it was picked up.

“Harkin?”

“Yes Sir, Mr. Carlyle. What can I do for you?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m just outside Jefferson City, Mo. The meeting with Everett’s people went well. He’s agreed to sign on.”

“I don’t care about that right now. How soon can you make it to the house in Virginia?”

“Umm. If I can get a flight right away, I can be there tomorrow morning. Why, what’s up?”

“There’s a huge mess you need to take care of over there. The Ryson situation didn’t go as Bastion promised.”

“How bad is it?”

“Total loss. Make sure there are no loose ends when you’re done. Not all of them were home, but I don’t need the situation coming back and biting me in the ass later on.”

“Understood. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, just a bump on the head. I’m walking into town now. I’m going to need transport back to Washington. My car just drove by me.”

“I take it that’s part of the loose ends?”

“Most definitely.”

“If you can make it the rest of the way into town I can make a couple calls and have a car ready for you. Does the Mazda have Lo-jack?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I can have it tracked, then. So long as whoever took it, keeps it, we should be able to find them without much problem.”

“Good, make it your priority once the farm’s cleaned up.”

“Will do, sir. I’m on the way to the airport now.”

***********
Confirmed Cases: 10,437,221
Actual Cases: 27,613,509

End part XIII

Authors Note:
I'm very sorry it's taken so long to post this part. My usual policy has been to not post any part until the next one was complete, however personal issues have left with very little time to write these last few months. Things are beginning to turn around for me and I've finally begun work on part 14. As of now I don't have any time frame for completion so please bear with me. Thank you to everyone that has taken time to read this and my other stories. I truly hope you enjoyed this episode and will continue to enjoy those to come.
Hugs and Kiss
Amanda

Acidalia 14

Author:

Amanda D.

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Two scientist invent a transgender virus in the attempt to heal a crippled man

I know it's been a long time coming. Hope it was worth the wait. As Always please leave a comment.

Previously: Dr's Sam Grayson nd Laura Wayne created a retro virus meant to cure Sam of the disease that robbed him of use of his legs. The virus had the unexpected effect of turning Sam Female. Unknown to both scientists a single does was stolen from the lab by DR. Carla Ryson, who gave it to her sick nephew to cute him of his cancer. From there the virus has spread to all corners of the world. The UN has blockaded US ports. Canada has forced the US to give up land in the north. Meanwhile life goes on for those trying to live in this trying time. This is their story....

Acidalia XIV

Thursday August 29 6:15 am EDT Virginia, The farm house:

Harkin turned his rented midnight blue Chevy Suburban up the long dirt driveway that led to the farm house. The large S.U.V swayed a bit from side to side but otherwise handled the bumps and uneven spots with ease. The trees hung over the road giving it the illusion of being covered like one of those old wooden bridges.

As he emerged from the tree covering he was greeted by the immense natural clapboarded front of the house. There were several vehicles parked in front of it including a smashed up green Pontiac.

About thirty feet beyond the wrecked car, just shy of the cul-de-sac at the end of the dirt drive was something large covered with a flimsy red stained sheet.

Harkin shook his head and threw the Suburban into park. He hopped out and drew in a deep breath, enjoying the smell of the early morning summer air.

The tall dark haired man ambled over to where the sheet lay. Getting down onto one knee he gently lifted the flimsy cover revealing the body of Carlos underneath. The smell of decomposition, which had been evident as he approached, became even more pungent with the sheet pulled back, causing him to wave a hand under his nose.

‘Poor bastard. Looks like someone hit him with a semi.’ Harkin thought as he dropped the sheet back over him.

Standing back up he surveyed the area, trying to figure out where to begin the clean up. The whole place was going to need to be scrubbed up and that was going to be quite the undertaking. If it hadn’t been for the need of absolute secrecy he would have brought at least a dozen of his men with him to help.

‘Wonder if Carlyle would mind if I just burned the whole thing down.’ He thought wistfully all the while knowing that wasn’t an option.

He turned to head back to the truck when a deep voice called out “Alright you, stop right there.” The order was followed by the sharp click of a rifle’s hammer being pulled back.

Harkin did as instructed then turned around to see who it was that threatened him.

“Hey! I don’t remember telling you to turn around!” the short scruffy guy hollered.

Harkin recognized him right away. “You’re Jimmy Rawlings right?”

“Maybe. Who the hell are you?”

“The name’s Harkin. I was told that there was something of a mess around here that needed to be cleaned up.”

“A mess huh? Who told you that?”

“Fraid I can’t tell you that Jimbo. That info’s a bit above your pay grade get me?”

Jimmy eyed the stranger warily as he struggled to decide what to do. He thumbed the half cocked gun hammer as he did.

Seeing his indecision Harkin said “Look, I know you guys were hooked up with Phil Bastion. I also know he’s dead somewhere out back there. Shot in the back of the head if my information is right. I’ve been sent here to help you guys clean this place up and get rid of anything the police might find interesting so how about we knock this bull shit off and get down to business?”

“H … how do you know all that?”

“Bastion answered to someone above him right?”

“Ya…I guess.”

“Well I answer to those same people.”

Jimmy eyed Harkin suspiciously but lowered the gun.

Harkin smiled and stepped over to Jimmy. He extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Jim. You the only one here?”

“No. There’s a few more inside.”

“Great. That will make cleaning this mess up all the easier. I tell ya, Jimbo, I wasn’t looking forward to doing all this by myself. I’d have been here all friggen day, ya know?” Harkin put his arm around the shorter man’s shoulders and began to move him towards the house. “So why don’t we go inside and get me acquainted with everyone and then we’ll get going? How’s that sound to you?”

“I … I guess that would be alright.”

“You’re a good man, Jimmy boy.”

**********

Washington D.C. 9:30 am EDT:

Davis Carlyle slumped into the chair behind the large dark oak desk and sighed in frustration.

He had finally been able to extricate himself from Fuller’s office after spending most of the last hour getting chewed out for disappearing for most of the day yesterday.

The President had been furious at the thin explanation he offered. Carlyle had known he would be and mentally chastised himself for not putting more effort into placating the Chief Executive. He had honestly tried to come up with something that would work but he just couldn’t get himself to put the effort into convincing his boss.

Deep inside, he felt that he was so close to deposing the President that he didn’t really owe any explanations to the man. Between the horrible treaty he had negotiated with the Canadians, the Virus spreading through the population more quickly every day and the escape of Dr. Ryson, public confidence in the President was at an all time low.

He need to just bide his time and let the pressure build until it exploded and he could step in and pick up the pieces. The problem was he and his supporters were beginning to get a bit impatient and that could lead to mistakes, like the ones he had made this morning.

His cell phone rang pulling him out of his brooding. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the incoming number on the display. Recognizing it he flipped it open and said “One minute.”

Tossing the phone on the desk, Davis got out of his chair and walked over to the office door and closed it, clicking the lock home as he did.

Sitting back down at the desk he picked the phone up again and asked “Is this line secure?”

“It sure is.” The familiar voice of Harkin replied.

“Good. What’s the situation?”

“The mess at the farm house is all cleaned up. I just finished loading the last one onto the truck and I’ll be disposing of it within the hour.”

“Good. Did they give you any trouble?”

“Nope. They all pitched in to help clean up the original mess. Once I started cleaning them up there was a little problem but nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“Any word on my car?”

“I had my friend at the state police tracking it. Last I knew it was parked in a little town just outside Quantico.”

“Parked?”

“Yes sir. We figured she either decided to hole up or abandoned the car there. He was going to check it out but I haven’t had the chance to follow up yet. As soon as we’re done I’ll call him and see what’s going on with it.”

“Are you sure he can be trusted?”

“Yeah. He knows what will happen to his family if he fucks up.”

Davis sighed quietly. “You are one of the world’s great direct thinkers, Harkin.”

“You pay me to get results. I just take the most direct route to achieving them. Anyhow I need to get this truck taken care of. Is there anything else you need before I head back to San Francisco?”

“What about Dr. Ryson?”

“If she’s not in Quantico I have someone in mind to track her down unless you want me to make finding her my personal business.”

“No; if you think you have it under control I need you back on the coast. Someone needs to keep an eye on the Reverend and make sure he keeps his eye on our mutual goal.”

“Then I’ll be on my way back out there by days end.”

“Good. Get in touch with me once you meet up with him.” Carlyle instructed then snapped the phone closed.

************

Thursday August 29 4:37pm PDT San Francisco:

Warren Quinlan sighed deeply. He was exhausted and filled with shame. Sleep didn’t come easy these days and when it did it was filled with nightmares and the screams of the dying.

The last two weeks since joining Reverend Manning’s ever growing group of supporters and activists had been the worst of his life. The things he had to do, take part in, to prove his loyalty to the cause would haunt him for the rest of his life.

It made him almost wish they’d cared who he was and sent him away. He knew he’d been recognized but no one had said a word to him about the murder at the television studio. Warren got the distinct impression no one in this group cared what anyone had done in the past as long as you were loyal to the Reverends cause.

Just last night he had to stand and watch as the Reverend had pronounced his judgment on over two hundred people at a testing center just outside Sacramento. He had stood there numb with horror, but unable to act for fear of being discovered, as the place burned. Listening to the screams of the dying was more than he could bear but he could not turn away. It was a sort of penance mixed with the fear of discovery that kept him rooted.

The cheers of Manning’s followers sickened him even more then the sight of the flames and the smell of smoke mixed with burning flesh.

The Reverend himself and his small circle of closest men had beat a hasty retreat before the police could arrive, leaving the rest of his followers there to stir up trouble and add to the confusion at the scene as they mingled with the crowd of gawkers that had formed on the other side of the street. It shocked and saddened him that some of the bystanders in the crowd cheered and cat called as the fire raged.

Acidalia scared people and made them act stupidly as result of that fear.

On a personal level, the situation was made worse as all the effort and sacrifice that had been made to ingratiate himself had turned out to be for naught. His mission had been void since almost the moment he made contact with the followers.

The Sisters, who had sent him here to infiltrate Manning’s people, were done, the warehouse destroyed. Most had been captured and now sat in one quarantine center or another, others killed according to the reports he’d seen. The few who evaded authorities were scattered to the four winds and being hunted by every law enforcement agency from the military to the FBI to state and local police.

He had seen the new reports of their demise the day after he initially made contact with Manning’s people. Stupidly, he forged ahead, all the while hoping Ellie, Robi or someone would call, but no one did.

It seemed at the time the best plan of action. Continue with the plan until he was sure there was no one to report back to.

He fretted endlessly over the fate of Berta. There was no way to know if she’d escaped, been captured or worse. She had his number, there was no way she could have forgotten it. They both drilled into their heads before he left. Still she hadn’t called making him fear the worst.

He had Ellie’s number in the phone as well but hadn’t dared call it for fear of who might answer.

He sighed again wishing he’d never left her. Their budding romance hadn’t had much time to bloom but the feelings he had for Dr. Goings were surprising in their intensity. It would have been far better to share those few precious days between his leaving and the raid on the warehouse. A handful more hours of happiness in her arms with would have been worth anything the authorities might have done to him if he’d been captured.

Getting up off his cot, he walked over to the dirty fourth story window and looked out at the foggy gray afternoon sky. It was time for him to go. There was no way he could stay with this bunch of lunatics another minute if he hoped to save any part of his soul. It was just a question of how to do the most damage to the group before he did.

He reached into his pocket and ran his thumb over the smooth cover of the cell phone and thought.

Calling the FBI, the local police or any other law enforcement other agency was the easiest way to throw a monkey wrench into the Reverend’s plans but it needed to be done at the right time. Last night he’d managed to slip away in the confusion for a few minutes without being noticed. Afraid of his cell being traced, he called 911 from a pay phone. The time it took to find one on the next block was enough of a delay for Manning to be long gone by the time the police arrived.

The real problem was that he wasn’t high enough in the ranks to be told beforehand what the plans were before setting out each night. Without some idea where they were going to be he couldn’t plan his call ahead of time. On top of that he needed to make sure he wasn’t identified by the authorities at the scene after the call was placed. Being arrested would be completely counterproductive to his plans to find out what had happened to Robi.

‘What to do….what to do….’

The sudden ringing of the phone interrupted his reverie, startling him.

Flipping it open he said “hello?”

The deep raspy voice Albert, the short thick bald headed contact he’d been assigned to came through the other end. “Oh good, you’re up.”

“Yeah” Warren replied with a grimace at the volume of the man’s voice. “Late night last night.”

“For sure. But you did great. The mission was an unqualified success brother.” Albert told him eagerly. ”The Reverend is quite pleased with our entire group. So pleased he’s given us a special assignment for tonight. So get yourself showered and something to eat. We’re heading out in about two hours.”

“Special assignment? Any hints on what it might be?” Warren enquired trying to sound casual.

“You’ll see when we get there like everyone else, brother. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.” Albert replied. Warren could almost see his sly smile though the connection. “Anyway, get yourself ready and we’ll be by to get you.”

“You got it. See you in a couple hours.” Quinlan replied as Albert hung up.

He stared at the phone, thoughtfully, hoping this mission, whatever it may be, might be the chance he’d been hoping for.

Saying a quick silent prayer for Robi’s safety he grabbed a towel and headed for the shower.

**************

Four hours later he found himself stepping out of the back of the beat up black van on the dirt shoulder of a newly black topped road. A short distance up the road reflecting brightly in the vans headlights was a sign saying half a mile to the Dillon Quarantine facility.

Turning to look at his cohorts he asked “Dillon? This is our target? What are going to accomplish here?”

Albert looked over at him and the rest of their squad with a big toothy grin. “Everyone grab a gun from the bag, we’re gonna need em. Make sure you take plenty of ammo too. Not too far down the road is a huge crowd protesting the incarceration of the Acidalia sinners. Well over thousand people according to the Reverend. Our job is simple. We’re gonna start a stampede from the back. Get them to push as heard against the walls and fences as we can until the others get here with the heavy artillery and the show really begins.”

“Everyone will be in teams of two so we can cover each other.” Albert informed them as he handed each one an arm band with a large blood red colored cross on it. “Put those on so we don’t mistake you for one of the sinners. There are two other groups to the east and west of us. They’re going to help with the crush. Keep your eyes peeled for the arm bands. If you see anyone with a gun without one shoot em.”

Warren thanked the failing light for hiding the way he’d gone pale. They were really going to cause a riot here? How many would be hurt and killed he wondered.

He reached into his pocket again and fondled the phone, hoping he could manage to hold his ruse long enough to get away and call in the troops. Damn his need to avoid the authorities. There was no way he could allow this to happen. Prison be damned.

Roger Kippert, his team mate for the night gave him a nudge. “Hey brother you might want to get that arm band on. Things are going to get cooking pretty soon.”

Warren gave a distracted smile “Yeah, sorry just thinking about all the sinners were gonna send to hell tonight.”

No sooner had Warren gotten the arm band in place than a flare shot up into the dusky sky.

“And there’s the signal. Ok brothers, let’s get moving. Once we get up there on my signal we’re gonna open fire on anyone in sight. We don’t stop herding them til we meet up with the other groups. Anyone tries to break ranks, you shoot em, no questions asked; got it?” Albert added as they began to move down the road.

*******

Yvonne Logan stood on top of a small hill just beyond the tree line of the deep wooded area that bordered the right side of the road to Dillon staring at the immense crowd of protesters wondering exactly what she’d hoped to accomplish by coming here. It wasn’t like she was going to be able to walk up to the front gate and ask if Thomas was being held there even if there hadn’t been a zillion people milling around out in front of the facility.

This was the third quarantine she’d come to. The others had been the same. So many protesting the unlawful incarceration of their loved ones that she’d just watched and eventually moved on without ever trying to find Thomas.

Some internal voice had told her he wasn’t at either of them. The same voice was telling her the same thing now.

Suddenly, far off in the distance to her left she heard several loud pops followed quickly by a rising tide of screaming voices.

Looking over in the direction, she saw a series of distinctive flashes that could only have been automatic weapons firing. The flashes were immediately followed by a sudden tremendous surge forward by the crowd. A tidal wave of panic stricken humanity that began to sweep up everyone in its path and press them forward towards the walls surrounding the quarantine center.

Yvonne took an unconscious step back from the brink just in time to prevent being swept up the mob.

She stepped back behind the tree line and found refuge behind a small tree. Yvonne pulled her 9mm pistil out of the back of her waist band flicked the safety off and held it ready in case any of the those responsible for the stampede as its crazed victims came her way.

The screams and the sound of gun fire combined with the ever growing gloom of early evening, took away the need for stealth. She simply hunkered down and waited to see how this scene was going to play out.

She didn’t have to wait long before the loud report of a machine gun being fired came from less than a hundred feet to her. She watched uncomprehendingly as one black clad figure suddenly opened fire on the one next to him. The shooter then lifted his mask and flipped open what looked like a cell phone.

“Curiouser and Curiouser” she thought to herself as she watched from her hiding spot.

******

“Get on the horn now! We need reinforcements right away!” Sgt Anderson yelled to the private manning the security tower.

“Yes Sir” Private Barens replied as he dove for the radio. Picking the hand set up he pressed the direct line and shouted “This is Dillon Quarantine declaring a state of emergency!! Do you read? This is Dillon Quarantine declaring a state of emergency!! Unknown elements have started a stampede of protesters!! The weight of the crowd is becoming too much for the gates!! People are being crushed! We need help here right away!!”

Taking a breath, Barens waited for a reply but was treated to only static.

Again he shouted into the hand set repeating his call for help and again was met with no reply.

Gulping he stuck his head out the door and yelled “Sgt. we’re getting no reply Sir!”

Anderson turned pale then yelled back “Keep trying Private! A lot of people are going to die here tonight unless we get this situation under control!!”

“Yes Sir!” Barens replied and began shouting into the head set again.

******

The shooter closed the phone and cursed loudly. Completely baffled Yvonne stepped out from her cover and leveled her gun at him.

“Drop it!” she shouted at the darkly clad man.

He looked up at her with what she could only imagine was surprise. It was nearly impossible to see any detail of his face in the gathering gloom. He dropped the gun and the phone and raised his hands above his head.

She rushed over to his position just as she heard the sound of more shooters coming through the woods behind them. She grabbed her new prisoner’s gun and the phone off the ground. “Move!!” she ordered.

The gunman hesitated for a minute, and then complied by walking up the slight slope into the trees beyond.

Flashlight beams from every angle began to fill their wooded refuge. “Get down and be quiet!” she whispered as she waved the gun menacingly at her captive.

Moments later the woods were filled with gun toting men yelling loudly and firing into the air above the on rushing sea of people below.

Yvonne lifted the confiscated rifle and took aim just as her prisoner grabbed the end of the barrel and pulled it down. She grabbed her pistol and leveled it at her captive. He simply looked at her and shook his head no as he let go of the rifle and ducked back down.

Stunned Yvonne did the same.

The two lay there for what seemed like years until the barrage of gun toters moved down onto the road and met with another group that had been chasing the mob from behind. Her prisoner, if he could really be called one at this point tapped her shoulder and tugged on it in the direction of the deepening woods.

The two of them moved silently as they could off into the deepening darkness of the forest. They walked until they felt they were a safe distance away from the scene unfolding on the road. The two found a large rock and settled down behind it to catch their breath.

Have waited long enough for an explanation in her Yvonne looked over at her darkly clad companioning and demanded “OK! How bout you tell me what the fuck is going on here? Why are you dressed like them? Why did you shoot that guy you were with? Who were you trying to call? Why are you helping me if I was going to shoot you?”

He replied “I’m with them but not with them. I was trying to call for help but cell service is out.”

“You were with them but you’re not? What the hell is that supposed to mean? And who exactly were you calling for help? They have the army here you know…down behind those gates. Soldiers…real ones! Why would they need your help? You better start explaining, in full sentences that make sense!”

“Whatever is jamming my phone I’m sure is cutting their communications off too. No communications, no help. No help means this is going to be very bad very quickly if we don’t find a way to stop it. Can you try the phone again? See if we’re out of range of whatever is jamming it?”

The one time terrorist looked at him incredulously then flipped the phone open. “Looks like we have bars. Who am I supposed to call?”

“Call anyone! 911, the FBI, the Marines it doesn’t matter! Just tell someone what’s going on here and they need to get help here yesterday!” the man demanded.

Yvonne flipped open the phone and began to dial when a voice boomed over a loud speaker.

“My name” the voice began in a lazy Midwestern drawl “is Reverend Morris Manning. I am God’s messenger! You people are all sinners in our Lord’s eyes! You’re as guilty of defying God as those inside those walls! The Lord has sent me here as an agent of His justice! You all shall be cleansed! You and all those inside shall burn in God’s holy name!”

Yvonne dropped the phone as she saw a line of fire ignite behind the panic stricken crowd. She watched in horror as the flames grew to tremendous heights. So bright was the confabulation it seemed as if the sun had risen again but in the west instead of the east.

Her captive bent down and snatched the phone up pounding the keys furiously.

She heard him yelling into the phone and somehow managed to tear her gaze away from the flames. The flames had removed all shadow from his face and she gasped as she caught her first glimpse of it.

“I know you.” She said even more confused than ever.

******

“Sir..the fire….” It had grown so quickly the guards could already feel its heat. The smoke completely blotted out the stars above.

Anderson gaped in horror as the stench of burning leaves mixed with that of flesh and hair filed his nostrils. Communications were still out. There was no way to call for help.

“Christ!” he muttered. “Open the god damn gates!! Let those people in before they burn to death!!”

“But..but sarge…..”

“Don’t but me!! Just do it for Christ sakes!! Hurry!”

Private Frank Resters took off running, down the short flight of stairs from the lookout post to the guard booth. He yanked the door open and slammed the button that activated the gate motor. Nothing happened. He stood staring at it uncomprehendingly. Again he hit it, this time harder and still nothing.

“Jesus Christ, Resters!! What the fuck are you doing down there??”

Resters poked his head out the door “It won’t open!” he screamed back.

Anderson ran his hand though his hair, eyes wide with dawning comprehension. The truth of the situation was suddenly apparent.

The people, there were too many of them. The gates couldn’t open with that much weight on them. The motors just wouldn’t be able to handle the strain. Looking back over the railing he yelled “Get some men over by the emergency releases now!”

“But Sir…they’ll be crushed!” someone yelled back through the thickening smoke. He couldn’t see who.

“Get those fuckin gates open now!” He bellowed. “That’s an order!”

“Y…Yes Sir!” the same voice replied. Let’s go boys. Y’all don’t want to live forever do ya?”

Five soldiers ran across the yard and took up positions on the manual release levers. With all that weight on the gates all 4 would be needed to be thrown at once. The fifth soldier looked at his four compatriots. When all were in place he raised his arms then threw them downward.

The huge rod iron gates crashed open and the soldier was swept away in a human tide as the people trapped outside streamed into the perceived refuge.

****

“Reverend, the gates are open.”

Manning looked up from his prayer. One again god had shown him the way. He gave a silent thank you to his Lord then stood up. “Are our men in position?”

“Yes Reverend.”

“The army’s communications are still taken care of?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then let’s finish this.”

“Yes sir. I’ll send the word now.”

“Very well….”

**********

“Sarge…there’s no way to control this! They’re trampling each other down there!!”

“I know…I know..I just…..FUCK!” Anderson yelled in frustration. He looked out over the service road and saw the blaze had grown even bigger. As the flames marched forward more and more people pushed their way into the gates. The receiving yard was filling up quickly and the flow of bodies seemed like it would never end.

******

From their perch in the woods, Yvonne looked over at Quinlan and said “You’re the guy that killed that reporter.”

“Accused of it anyhow. But we don’t have time for that now…”

“True enough. Who did you call?”

“The State Police, but I don’t think they believed me.” He replied. “Not that they could do anything now any way….”

Warren’s sentence was cut short by a series of loud explosions coming from the direction of the quarantine center. He looked over and saw the building whose lights were barely visible through the smoke in the distance a minute ago now lit up like a candle as it burned.

“Oh my god!” Yvonne exclaimed as she fell to her knees.

Warren leaned down and pulled her to her feet. “Come on! We need to get out of here! I think the cops are going to start believing me now.”

“The people…all those people….” Yvonne cried as she allowed herself to be dragged away.

The pair ran through the woods putting as much distance as they could between them and the burning quarantine center. Abruptly the wood ended on another road. They stopped…both of them out of breath and heaving for air.

Off in the distance sirens wailed. From above the sound of helicopter blades passed by then quickly.

They walked along the road not knowing where it would take them, leaning on each other, in shock over what they’d just witnessed.

Finally some time shortly before dawn they came upon a deserted building and trudged wearily inside. They were both exhausted.

Yvonne walked over to a corner and slid to a sitting position as she cried. Warren could only watch her. He was to numb to offer her and comfort.

In his hand was the phone still. He looked at it for a long moment knowing it needed to be destroyed before the authorities had a chance to trace its signal and find them. He flipped it open. Deciding he had nothing to lose he dialed.

On the second ring it was answered by a familiar voice.

“Ellie? Oh thank god! It’s Warren…..”

Friday August 30th 12:45am the White House:

President Fuller stared at his remaining cabinet members. His eyes bulged, his face flushed with anger. “I asked you all a question and I want a goddamned answer right fucking now! How the hell could something like this happen? How is it local and state police arrived on the scene before the military even knew what was happening? How did they manage to cut all radio and land line connections at the same time?”

“Mr. President” Secretary of Defense Blake began “there are no words to explain how tragic this situation is. However I think right now the best thing to do is to figure out how we are going to spin this so it looks more like an overwhelming force attacked Dillon more than a screw up on our part. Things have been going so bad of late I’m not sure this administration can take another hit like this.”

Fuller gaped at him. “Are you seriously suggesting that covering this up is more important than finding how they managed to blow up a quarantine center….killing everyone inside and out by the way…that’s what you are suggesting Mr. Blake?”

“Sir” Davis Carlyle chirped in “I’m sure Mr. Blake means no disrespect. However he has a point. We can launch an internal investigation into the how’s and why’s at any time but right now we need to think of your ability to continue to govern despite what’s happened tonight. The country can ill afford a change of administration at this time of crisis.”

The President threw his hands up in the air. “You two are unbelievable! This isn’t about my presidency god damn it! This is about nearly three thousand people dying because this Reverend Morris person got the jump on us. Again! He managed to cut off all communication around the complex so that the only way we found out about it was because someone call nine fucking one one! And thank god they did because we might still not know what happened if they hadn’t!” Fuller glared at Blake. “I want answers on my desk by 10am tomorrow morning! I want to know how they did it and I want to know what we are going to do to bring him in and make sure this never happens again! Because if it does you’ll be out looking for another job! You and the Joint Chiefs! I’ve had enough of all these disasters! The military is supposed to inspire feelings of safety and comfort not ridicule!”

Taking a breath and biting back his temper Fuller looked at his press secretary. “Kerry, I want you to set up a press conference for 11am tomorrow.”

“Yes Mr. President.”

Fuller let out a frustrated sigh. “That’s it. Get your asses out of here and get me some god damned answers!”

The cabinet stood up and began to file out without a word.

Once outside the meeting room Carlyle pulled Blake aside. “What do you think? He asked.

“What do I think? I think you’re a fuckin mad man! That’s what I think. How could you let Manning get away with something like this? I thought you had him on a leash. For Christ sakes Davis! That was a ton of people that died there tonight!”

“A ton of infected people. People that would have died eventually anyhow. Either from the transformation or from living in quarantine. I think it was a mercy to go so fast personally.”

Blake blinked at him.

“Don’t look so shocked. You knew something like this was going to happen eventually. I think this is going to be close. One more good fuck up and the people should be ready to carry him out of the oval office and string him up in the rose garden.” Carlyle said with something akin to glee in his voice. “By the way did you speak to him about the vice presidency?”

“Yesterday morning he called me in and told me I was on the short list.”

“Did he say anything else?”

“He said he’d have a decision by week’s end on who he’s going to nominate.”

“Great news. I’ll have Harkin start eliminating the competition.”

Blake looked at him with disgust. “I need to get back to my office and come up with a plausible explanation of why the military didn’t reply to the calls for help.”

Friday August 30th 6am PDT San Jose:

Ellie Wolf knocked on the door of Nicole’s room. A moment later the six foot tall red head opened it.

“Good morning El. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Nothing special, love. Things have been so hectic since we left Grayson that we’ve had no time to talk so I thought I’d pay you a visit.” Ellie replied with a smile.

“Well come on in.” Nicole replied stepping out of the way of the diminutive former head of the Sisters.

Ellie stepped inside and surveyed the small shabby room her best friend had chosen. This was the first time she’d been in it since their group had found this run down abandoned motel that was serving as their temporary home for the moment.

The bed listed slightly to the right. The rug was so worn and threadbare that you could see bits of the concrete and torn padding beneath it. The walls were somewhat covered by peeling wall paper and there was a faint odor that no one really wanted to identify but at least the plumbing worked and there was hot water in the grungy showers.

The place was the very definition of temporary housing.

Nicole guided her over to a pair of rickety looking chairs, offering Ellie the better looking of the two. Ellie smiled and took a seat. Nicole took the one opposite and said with a smile “I’d offer you some coffee but I’m afraid to plug anything into the outlets here.”

Ellie smiled back then drew in a deep breath and sighed loudly.

“Are you ok hun? You look so tired.” Nicole asked. To her Ellie seemed highly agitated about something. Not that there wasn’t plenty to be agitated about these days but still it sat funny on her face

“Yes. I’ll be fine. Just a rough few days. Haven’t been sleeping much.”

Rough few days was about the biggest understatement of the year. They had been on the run since the night the warehouse was raided. Nicole still found it hard to believe that Ellie had managed to get her, Wendy, Sam and baby Sara out of the army’s clutches. The commander at Grayson must have been more concerned about the contents of Warren’s tape than Nicole would have imagined. Either way, for whatever his reasons, this was yet another debt she owed El.

“I need to talk to you about Vera. I’m at a loss as to what to do with her.” Ellie said with a slight edge to her voice.

“To do?”

“Yes. I haven’t had the time to share the truth with you since we left Grayson. Vera was working with the government. Dr. Blue told me and that Col. Jorden confirmed it.”

“She what?”

“That Col. Jorden told me she’d volunteered to help get Mia into the warehouse and helped her spy on us.”

Nicole shook her head. She had never liked Vera. They were constantly at odds with one another. Vera was so jealous of Nicole’s closeness with Ellie that it created constant friction any time they had to deal with each other. “Have you or are you planning to talk to her about what you know?” she inquired.

“I….I…no I haven’t. I wanted her to come to me and really bothers me is she’s yet to come forward. I allowed Mia to stay with us because she admitted her part in the plot and was genuinely sorry. Vera’s silence speaks volumes to me.”

Ellie’s frustration was readily apparent. It confused Nicole. El always seemed to have the answers no matter what the situation.

“Not that I have any love lost for her but is there any chance she’s just too scared to come forward?” she asked.

“Perhaps, but she must know Mia and I have talked. She saw us before we went to Grayson. Her refusal to say anything to me about this shows a fundamental lack of trust in me on her part. It makes me ask how I can possibly trust her anymore.”

“Fear can do funny things to people.”

“Yes…yes it can. I’ve prayed for guidance on this for the last two days and still I have no answers. I’m just so angry with her.” Ellie admitted.

“You’ve every right to be. Hell I am too. I’m trying to not let my general dislike for her color our conversation though.”

“If it were your decision to make, what would you do?”

I’d…I….I’d tell her she wasn’t welcome and send her on her way.”

“Yes. I suppose that’s the easiest, cleanest, way to handle things.”

“Have you spoken to any of the others about this?”

“Only Carol. She dislikes Vera even more than you.”

“What were her thoughts?”

“She feels Vera needs to die for what she’s done to us. For the pain she’s caused the ones captured and those that were killed.”

“Surely you’re not considering that as an option are you?”

Ellie sighed but said nothing. She looked up at her old friend but couldn’t maintain eye contact.

“Ellie you can’t kill her. Is she guilty of compromising us? Yes. Is she a royal pain in the ass? Yes. But does any of that deserve a death sentence? Since when have we become executioners?” Nicole argued vehemently.

“But what about Berta? What about Jill and all the others that have been captured or killed? Don’t we owe them some kind of justice?” Ellie retorted her voice rising.

“That brand of “justice” would dishonor their memories hun. I shouldn’t even have to tell you that. You should know!”

“I know love. But this is war. We have to do what needs to be done if we are to survive it.”

“War? When did this turn into a war? I thought our mission was to help those like us. I thought we were trying to help the infected. I thought God gave us a mission of compassion not one of vengeance and death!” Nicole yelled.

Ellie could see how agitated her friend was getting over the discussion. “Nicole please, sit down. These are just options we’re discussing.”

Nicole looked down at Ellie. She pounded her fist onto the table with enough force to break it! “My best friend, the woman that granted me my life’s wish, the woman that I love so dearly and look up to would never consider killing someone in cold blood an option!”

Ellie hung her head. Nicole’s words hurt her deeply. The fact that they should have been absolutely true made it even worse. Looking up with tears starting to run down her face she replied “You…your right sweetie. I’m sorry. I’m just so lost…”

She stood up stepped over to Nicole and hugged her fiercely. Nicole hugged her back. “I know you are sweetie, I am too. But you can’t let that anger turn you into something you’re not. I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

The two friends stood there embracing each other for what seemed an eternity.

A soft knock on the door broke the moment.

Wiping tears from her eyes Nicole said “Come on in.”

Dr. Sam Grayson poked her head in. “Are you two ok in here?” she asked. “I heard shouting.”

“Just a little over emotional debate is all” Nicole replied with a smile as Sam stepped into the room with Sara in tow.

Ellie’s face lit up at the sight of the baby. “How is our youngest sister doing today?” she asked.

“She’s been pretty fussy all night. I don’t think she likes this place.”

“She’s not alone that’s for sure. We need to figure out what our next move is very soon.” Ellie replied.

“Any thoughts on that?” Sam asked.

“This place in Nebraska Nicole said they were going to send her and Wendy to sounds interesting. But it’s a long journey and I’m not sure what going there would accomplish. It’s not like they’d just open the gates and let us in cause we asked nice. Even if Nikki and Wendy showed off what they can do.”

“So why bother going there? There’s plenty more good we can do around here if we can find a new base of operations. Robi may be gone but we still have Mia. We can continue with our mission and help those in need.” Nicole added.

“I know sweetie. For some reason I just feel compelled to go there. Almost like it’s what we’re supposed to do.”

“What are we supposed to do?” Mia asked as she walked into the room.

“Good morning Dr. Blue.” Ellie replied.

“Hi Mia.” Nicole added.

“Good morning. So what are we supposed to do?” Mia asked again taking the baby from Ellie. “How’d my little angel this morning?” she ask as she lift Sara high in the air.

“Morning mom” Sam added

“Good morning Sam.” She replied with a smile as Mia leaned over and kissed her “daughters” cheek.

“We were just discussing what to do next when El mention maybe wanting to go to the fort up in Nebraska where they have all those special girls held.” Nicole chimed in.

Mia mulled the idea over for a moment before asking “To what end?”

“That is exactly what we were discussing when you walked in.” Sam replied.

“Before we go any further why don’t we get Wendy and Carol so they can add their input too?” Ellie said.

“Wendy and Carol? What bout Ve…”

“Yes! Wendy and Carol.” Ellie replied cutting Sam off.

Sam shot Mia a questioning look. Mia shrugged in return, thinking ‘There are so many things we need to talk about soon.’

Sam stepped out of the room and few minutes later returned flowed by a very sleepy looking giant of a woman in Wendy and the adolescent Carol.

Ellie was off in the corner finishing up a phone call.

“Wow you’re all up early” Carol exclaimed as she entered the small room.

With the 6 of them in there it was becoming a bit crowded, especially since Wendy took up the space of two women.

“So what’s with the pow wow folks?” Carol enquired

Ellie interrupted “That was Warren. He had to abandon the plan to infiltrate the Reverend’s group. Something horrible happened last night at the Dillon Quarantine and he couldn’t stay any longer. He’s with someone he met there and they want to catch up to us. He said they needed to find some transport and would meet us up the street at the mini mall in an hour.”

“What happened at Dillon?” Mia asked her concern obvious.

“Some kind of explosion. Manning’s followers attacked the facility last night and blew it up he said.” Ellie replied flatly. It was obvious she was trying to hold back her outrage.

“Oh my god those poor people! “Sam exclaimed! She looked over at Mia. “We…we sent them there…” Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Mia handed Sara off to Carol and stepped over to her daughter hugging her tightly. “We didn’t send anyone any were. The military did. It wasn’t us.”

Sam sobbed uncontrollably as the other stood silently and waited. ”I have so much to answer for…”

“We all do.” Mia soothed.

One by one each of the women in the room joined the pair in a hug. Each reassuring Sam in her own way that what happened wasn’t her fault.

*******

After the emotional storm let up Carol asked “So what were you guys talking about before the call?”

“We’re discussing what we’re going to do next.” Nicole replied. “We were just debating whether to stay around here and look for a new base of operations or to go off and check out that Ft. Rawlings in Nebraska where they were going to send Wendy and me.”

Carol and Wendy both turned to look at Ellie. “Why would we go all the way to some army fort in Nebraska?” she asked.

Ellie looked at the five women in the room with her trying to read their faces. She debated internally, trying to come up with a logical reason for going on such a long trip with no clear objective. She sighed to herself. “I just feel it’s the thing to do.” She finally said. “I don’t have any other explanation beyond that. That’s why I wanted the two of you here along with the rest of us so we could all make this decision together.”

“What about Vera?”

“Vera isn’t going to be coming with us. After we’re done here I’m going to tell her. Wendy I’d like you to come with me.”

The hulking silent woman nodded her accent. Nicole looked perplexed but said nothing.

“We are at the top of the authorities wanted list. Every cop and member of the military is looking for us. If we stay we need to stay out of the spot light for a while til things cool off. If we leave the area we may be able to do more good in our travels than we can here right now. Plus there’s also the idea that the army has shanghaied god knows how many innocents and forced them into military service. I personally find that horrifying.”

“So do I” Mia chimed in. “but what can we do about it? Even if we made it that far without being caught, do you think they’d just say oh sure come on in or something?”

“Again Mia, I don’t know, maybe nothing. But if don’t at least try we’ll never find out.” Ellie replied.

Mia threw her hands up in surrender. She had learned the hard way arguing with Ellie Wolf once she’d made up her mind was a complete waste of time. The others would follow her no matter where she wanted to go. “I guess we need to go somewhere. Staying around here isn’t really an option so if that’s where you want to go I guess I’m in if everyone else is.”

Ellie scanned the rest of the faces in the room. “Sam? Nicole? Carol? Wendy? What do you have to say?”

“I’m in” Carol agreed.

“Me too.” added Sam.

“You’re my best friend El. When we started this I told you I’d follow you anywhere so yes, I’m in too.”

Wendy, unable to speak nodded in agreement.

“Looks like Nebraska it is then. Thank you all for your faith in me. I hope I’m not leading us into a disaster.” Ellie told them with tears glistening in her eyes.

“Well if you are, at least we’ll be in good company.” Sam joked as the other burst out laughing.

To Mia and Sam Ellie said “Why don’t you two get the baby ready to travel and we’ll all meet by the office in a few minutes. Nicole could you and Wendy stay a minute please I’ve one last thing I’d like to discuss.”

“I’ll come help you guys.” Carol said following Sam and Mia out of the room.

After the other left Ellie pulled her enhanced compatriots close and told them “After what’s happened since the warehouse incident I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I’d like one or both of you at my side at all times. The military was obviously after me and I didn’t see it until it was too late. Not only do I trust you both implicitly but you have the ability to keep me safe if it should come to it.”

Wendy nodded as Nicole said “Of course El.”

“Thank you both. Now Nikki I want you to take carol and the others and meet up with Warren and his friend. He’s going to meet us at that little shopping center up the road. I’m going to take Wendy with me to talk to Vera. I can’t just sneak off. I need to give her an explanation why she’s being left behind. I owe her that much at least.

“Why don’t the rest of us wait and all go together?”

“Because Vera might not like being left behind and if you others are already gone we won’t have to worry about being slowed down by someone carrying a baby. Wendy and I can certainly outpace Vera by ourselves if it comes to it.”

Nicole looked at Ellie suspiciously. The explanation for them to leave first seemed thin, especially in light of their earlier conversation. ‘El’s never lied to me before’ she thought to herself ‘so why would you suddenly stop trusting her now? Because she seems different since we’ve been on the run.’ An unbidden voice chimed in.

Nicole rejected it immediately thinking. ’She’s just under a lot of stress.’

“Ok El, I’ll get the others and meet you in say an hour?”

“Yes. Wendy and I will meet up with you then at the shopping plaza.”

Ellie stood next to the silent giant Wendy and watched the others as they walked up the road. Soon as they were out of sight the pair turned and walked over to the room Vera had picked out. The short curly haired leader of the Sisters knocked on the door.

Vera started awake. She looked around the room momentarily confused. A second series of knocks finally registered with her. The short portly new woman waddled to the door sleepily. She cracked the door open as a wide smile as she saw who was there then threw it open wide.

“El, Wendy…good morning. Are we getting ready to go already? What time is it? I must have over slept. Come in while I get ready.” She told them.

The two women stepped into the room.

To Vera Ellie stated in a cool voice “The others have already left.”

“Already left? Where did they go?” Vera asked confused.

Ellie gave her a stern look. ”I know you were working with the army. Mia told me and that Col. Jorden confirmed it. He told me how you agreed to get Mia introduced to the rest of us. Mia told me how you made sure she was making reports, threatening to turn her in if she didn’t. You caused the others to be captured. You…who I trusted like a sister, a member of my family, betrayed us. Worse off you couldn’t even come clean afterward like Dr. Blue did. You hid the truth for days, lying to us all in your silence. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if you were still working for them.”

“El…I..” Vera stammered.

“Save it Vera! Nothing you can say will return the trust you’ve betrayed.” Ellie told her with resignation in her voice.

Turning to Wendy she said “Could you take care of her please?”

Vera stared wide eyes as Wendy stepped towards her. She tried to back up but there was nowhere to go in the small cramped room. Wendy had her cornered without really trying.

“Ellie….please..” she begged as Wendy reached out.

The hulking woman grabbed Vera by the throat and with surprisingly little effort crushed it in her mighty grip.

Vera fell to the floor, gasping and flopping about trying to get air into her crushed wind pipe. Eli and Wendy stood watching impassively until the end.

Ellie stepped over after It was over and checked the bloated woman’s pulse .

Finding none she looked up and said “Thank you Wendy.”

The diminutive leader stood, looked down at the fresh corpse with satisfaction then turned and walked out the door without looking back.

*********

The small strip all was all but deserted this time of day. It was too early for the few stores that were still in business to be open.

The four women spotted Warren waving frantically beside a red caravan as soon as they entered the overly large lot. He was standing next to a thin dark haired woman that none of them recognized.

Nicole sprinted towards him, leaving the other 3 struggling to keep up with the enhanced red head. Luckily for the sake of Warren’s ribs she slowed up at the last moment before grabbing him in a huge bear hug and lifting his 180lbs off the ground like he weighed nothing.

“Whoa there Nikki…careful I break.” He joked.

“Warren!!” She exclaimed with a gigantic smile on her face. “I’m so happy to see you. We were so worried about you when we lost contact.”

“I was worried about you guys too. Is…is Robi with you?” He asked timidly as she put him down.

“No…I….we…we don’t…we’re not sure what happened to her. There was so much going on…so many lights…all we could do is try to get the people in our little group out. I’m so sorry.”

He looked discouraged. “Well we’ll just have to go find her.”

The others were just arriving as he said , Nikki, I’d like you to meet Yvonne Logan. Yvonne this is Nicole.

Yvonne smiled wearily. “Nice to meet you, Nicole. That was quite a display of strength there. You must be one of those enhanced women they were talking about.”

Nicole smiled. “A pleasure to meet you too, Yvonne.”

Carol sprung on Warren. “Oh my god I’m so happy to see you!” She blurted sounding more like the teenager she resembled than ever.

“Glad to see you’re alright too Carol. Meet Yvonne.”

Carol stuck out a hand. “Pleased to meetcha.”

Taking the small girls hand Yvonne replied. “Same for me.” She looked over at the short woman carrying the baby trying to play name the face.

Warren nodded at Mia coolly. “Dr. Blue.”

“Mr. Quinlan. Good to see you still in one piece.” She replied in the same cool tone.

“Warren and Yvonne I’d like you both to meet little baby Sara and her mom Dr. Sam Grayson.” Nicole said enthusiastically. She’d really come to adore Sam and the baby.

Yvonne’s jaw dropped. She pulled her 9mm out and leveled it at Sam. “Dr. Grayson? Of Grayson labs fame?” The former terrorist asked urgently.

“Hey, hey…put that gun away!” Nicole shouted.

Yvonne looked over at the tall red head perplexed. “Do you know who she is? Do you know what she’s done? Everything that’s happened is her fault! How can you be with…this…this…murderer”? She screamed.

Mia inched over to Sam trying to stay between her daughter and the gun.

Nicole seeing the look in Yvonne’s eye made a split second decision. Without a word of warning she pounced upon the thin dark haired woman. The gun went off just as she landed. She felt something tug at her shirt followed quickly by a burning pain in her side but ignored it.

The two hit the ground hard, the gun firing again this time up into the sky. Nicole recovered in an instant and ripped the gun, along with a bit o9f skin from Yvonne hands. The tall red head leveled it at the new comer. “Now why don’t we all just calm down for a minute here before someone gets really hurt!” she demanded.

Yvonne pulled herself up into a sitting position.

“You don’t know what she’s done!” She cried. “My mother is dead. My husband and father are in quarantine! My two little girls…they took them away from me…. Because of the fucking bug she created! She’s a monster! You deserve to die!”

Yvonne wrapped her arms around her legs and cried. Warren put a hand on her shoulder.

“Is that true?” He asked Sam. “Did you create the bug? Did you cause all this?”

“Now wait a sec…” Mia tried to interject but was cut off by Sam quietly saying yes.

Yvonne’s eyes burned into Sam’s. Her hate so obvious Sam had to look away in shame.

“Hillary..the Summers sisters..Gail..me..we killed your friend Dr. Wayne for her part in all of this!” She shouted at Sam. “God I wish it had been you there too! The two of you playing god! Tell me doctor is your being able to walk worth all this? Was that wheelchair so bad that it was worth all those lives you’ve destroyed? All the ones you’re still destroying?”

Sam looked down but said nothing.

She got to her feet. Nicole continued to aim the gun at her.

To Warren she said “I can’t go with you. If this is who you’re associated with I can’t be part of your group.”

Yvonne spat on the ground at Sam’s feet. “You better pray we never meet again Dr. Grayson. If we do you’ll pay dearly for what you’ve done.”

Sam nodded solemnly with tears running down her face.

Yvonne turned and strode away, shaking her right hand trying to work the pain out. From behind she heard Warren shout. “Yvonne wait up.”

She stopped as he caught up to her. “Where are you going to go?”

“I don’t know but I can’t stay here. Go with your friends Warren. I’ve been on my own a long time now. I’ll survive being on my own a while longer.”

He grabbed her in a hug. “Good luck. Hope can find some peace somewhere.”

Tears ran freely down her face. “Good luck to you too. Hope the feds don’t catch up with you. You’re not quite the monster they try to portray you as.”

They turned their backs on each other. Yvonne heading off to whatever destiny awaited her, Warren back into the fold with what was left of the Sisters.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about them having the person responsible for the virus as part of the group but he knew Ellie deserved his loyalty so he would stay until he figured his feelings out.

As he approached he saw Mia examining Nicole’s side. The enhanced woman’s tee shirt was stained red with blood and her face wore a pain fueled grimace.

He heard Mia telling her “That was a very stupid thing to do, you know. You’re lucky the bullet only grazed you.”

“I couldn’t let her shoot Sam or the baby.”

“I know. But it was still a stupid thing to do.”

Nicole stuck her tongue out at Dr. Blue. “Do I need stitches?”

“No. I can hold the wound closed with a butterfly bandage. It should be fine as long as you take it easy for a day or two until it starts to heal on its own.”

Sam stood back from the others consoling Sara best she could.

She suddenly understood the crushing depression Laura had suffered in the days before her death in a way she couldn’t comprehend at the time. Being locked up in the lab and seeing all the lives effected listed as numbers on a printed report depersonalized the impact of what they’d done.

Hearing Yvonne’s story, seeing the sadness in her eyes and the hatred etched on her face brought home the full weight of her responsibility. For a moment, she’d contemplated letting the dark haired woman have her vengeance. Only her sense of responsibility to the baby and Nicole’s intervention kept her from stepping forward and allowing it.

“We need to get out of here folks.” She heard Warren say. “The cops are sure to be on their way.”

“El and Wendy should be on the way here by now. We can stop and get them on the way.” Nicole told him as they began to pile into the van.

The slow response time of the authorities only served to drive home how much things had changed in the few months since the virus’ release into the world. How much longer could society hold together in the wake of the ever spreading disease? And if it fell, what would take its place? How could the human race survive if it was overwhelmingly populated by females? Sam felt crushed by these questions as they drove off.

*******

Reynolds 2pm PDT:

Dr. Roberta Gongs rubbed her burning sticky tired eyes and tried to refocus on the task at hand. How long had it been since she slept? She thought three days but she wasn’t one hundred percent sure, it might have been four.

Not that it made a difference, not to the people in charge here anyway. At Reynolds you did what you were told or you became a volunteer. Simple as that.

As a doctor, with the medical staff so woefully understaffed, you worked until you couldn’t anymore. The people in charge didn’t care if you killed someone because of exhaustion. They considered everyone in the facility theirs to do with as they pleased.

Dr. Stanley’s experiments kept the infirmary filled to capacity and beyond. The few physicians available were expected to patch them up regardless of the injuries suffered or how long they’d been on duty.

How many had died because of the conditions, both in the horrendously over crowded infirmary and cell blocks, since her arrival in this hell hole she had no idea. She’d lost count after the first week.

She blinked again and computer screen in front of her finally came into focus.

Since reporting for duty after her last night off she’d been assigned to the euphemistically called maternity ward. Her specialty before the virus had been pediatrics making her, in the eyes of the director, a perfect fit in this particular ward. Not that specializing in the care of children made you any kind of expert in prenatal care but around here those subtle discrepancies meant little.

The conditions in what was often referred to by the staff as the baby farm were worse than anywhere else in this damnable place. Stanley had used artificial insemination to impregnated thirty five new women to this point and stuffed them into a room the size of a shoe box. The beds were literally side by side with no room to walk in between. There was no privacy because there was simply no room for it.

Half the “patients” under her care were sedated. Only those whose fetuses had shown signs of reaction to the drugs were fully conscious. Most of those were in restraints.

Two patients in particular Robi had spent the majority of her time treating since her interment.

The first was one of the first impregnated new women who went by the name of Thomas Logan. Thomas, she’d been informed before meeting her was one of the most dangerous and unpredictable patients in the ward. Robi, who was quickly becoming everyone’s favorite doctor, found Thomas to be talkative and friendly. They had stuck up a fast friendship.

Thomas told her of the things she’d been though in this place. Thomas’ rage at what had been done to her was boundless but her conviction that the child she now carried was blameless kept her anger in check. The bright side was, Thomas’ constant threatening of Dr. Stanley’s life kept the rotund head of the quarantine out of the maternity area. As small a silver lining as it was it was better than none and these days you took what you got.

The other simply called herself Paka, when she spoke which wasn’t often. She reminded Robi of a mouse, with wide oval eyes that were constantly on the lookout for danger. It made Roberta’s heart ache to imagine what had happened to her in this awful place to put her in such a state.

Paka was one of Dr. Stanley’s favorite lab rats. She was constantly in the infirmary suffering from one malady or another. Robi did what she could to protect her, even going as far as keeping her bed ridden for a few extra days when she could get away with it. Sadly there wasn’t much she could really do since Dr. Stanley never seemed to care if Paka was fully healed or not when she was ready to use the poor mouse for her next project.

Roberta yawned mightily as she hit the save button on the patient update she was working on. She stretched and wondered if there was a possibility of getting out of here long enough to get some coffee just as she heard her name being paged over the intercom by the witch Dr. Benetar referred so lovingly to as the cow.

Robi reached over lifted the ear piece and punched in the extension to the director’s office.

“It’s about time you responded” the shrill voice of Paula Stanley announced without preamble.

“I was busy and didn’t hear the page. What do you want doctor.?” Robi replied with obvious contempt. She was too tired to care.

“I think you’d better be careful of your tone Dr. Goings.” Stanley replied haughtily.

“I have to tell you, Paula” Robi said with an internal smile, knowing how much the director hated being called by her first name by those she considered to be below her. “I don’t really care what you think right now. I’m exhausted. I’ve been here for days, so if you don’t get to the point I’m going to hang up and go find my cot.”

“We have limited staff and many patients doctor. We all need to make sacrifices to make sure their given the very best care we can offer.” Paula replied condescendingly.

Roberta wondered when the last time the cow had missed a night sleep was but somehow managed to refrain from saying it out loud. Instead she just sighed. “Was there something you wanted or did you just call to let me know you’re still a pompous ass?”

‘Not exactly gonna score brownie points with that one Roberta, but who cares.’ she thought.

Sounding incredibly indignant she retorted “I can have you sent back to the..”

“Cell blocks.” Goings finished for her angrily. “Yes….yes…I’ve heard that before. Do me the favor. At least there I could get some sleep. Now as much fun as this is I’d really like to know what you need sometime today director.”

Stanley pulled the phone away from her ear for a moment and glared at it, making a mental note to find a way to make Dr. Goings life even more miserable in the near future. She cleared her throat then replied “I was looking for the update on patient number two two six two, Ellen Blackburn.”

“I just this minute finished it and uploaded it to your desktop. If you’d waited two more minutes you’d have seen it. Is there anything else?”

Paula fumed. “No doctor, that will be all for now.”

“Good. I’m going to find my cot now and lay down for a while.” Roberta replied hanging up the phone.

Robi looked at the cradled phone for a moment and sighed deeply. She swooned as she stood. The exhausted doctor grabbed the back of the chair to steady herself a moment then shuffled of towards the doctor’s dorm.

*******

Paula Stanley sat fuming in her office. Just who did this Dr. Goings thing she was talking tom her like that. The obese head of the quarantine stared at the phone for a moment before picking it up. She punched the four digit code that connected her to security.

After a moment it was picked up. Speaking quickly she told them. “Have two of your people bring Dr. Goings to the isolation wing immediately!”

“Yes director.” The voice on the other end of the line answer as Paula hung up.

“Let’s see if she thinks she’s still in charge of anything now.” Dr. Stanley thought to herself as she walked out of her office and headed for the elevators.

Ten minutes later a pair of security guards dragged Roberta into the isolation wing and presented her to Paula.

Without preamble Dr. Stanley turned towards the widowed mess of a cell belonging tom the former Major Brady. “Dr. Goings, I’d like you to meet Major Craig Brady. The Major was the head of this facility until he met up with an unfortunate exposure to the virus. As ill-tempered as the Major was before his transformation has left him with some serious anger issues.”

Roberta looked at Stanley uncomprehendingly but with a cold knot of fear starting to build in her belly.

Dr.Stanley smiled menacingly at Roberta as she reached over hand pressed the intercom button. “Major, I have some one that would like to make your acquaintance. We need her so make sure she can still think and use her hands when yours done but other than that she’s yours til morning.” Dr.Stanley told Brady, quickly shutting the intercom off before she could reply.

To the guards she said “Put her in there.”

“N…no…” Robi pleaded as the pair of viral suited guards dragged her to the air lock.

Roberta fought like a maniac as the outer door of the airlock cycled trying desperately to pull away from the guards, but to no avail, they were much too strong.

As soon as it began to open guards dragged her in the air lock. Sweating profusely Dr. Goings slipped an arm fee for a moment and tried to rip the suit of the guard to her right. The other slammed her to the ground with a blow to the back of the head before she go so much as grip on it. For good measure she was kicked in the side of the head.

Driven to the floor and seeing stars, Robi felt herself lifted up when the inner door opened. The guards pushed her though with a mighty shove. The stunned doctor tripped over the boot of the rounded steel door frame and landed hard, face fist on the floor.

The Major advanced and the two smartly stepped back and sealed the inner door before Brady could attack them, leaving Dr. Goings to fend for herself.

Paula Stanley looked though the observation window with a smug, satisfied smile plastered on her face as the Major grabbed the stunned doctor by the hair and dragged her across the floor. The screaming from the other side of the glass was l like music to her ears.

As much as she’d like to stay and watch awhile she had other business to attend to. Turning to the guard she told him “Keep an eye on what goes on in there. We need her alive. If he goes too far, pull her out. If he remembers the rules leave her til morning.”

She turned and began to walk back to her office, the shrill shrieks of Roberta Goings ringing pleasantly in her ears.

******

Grayson Labs early evening:

Col. Jorden walked into the isolation lab and solemnly gazed at its lone occupant, Lt. Col Gary Tyler. Jorden’s right hand man had been exposed to the virus at some point during the raid on the warehouse headquarters of the so called Sisters of Acidalia. To say the bug hadn’t been kind at all to his longtime friend and former second in command would be one of the all-time great understatements.

Where once stood a 40ish, handsome, very fit army officer there was now withered, prematurely elderly woman with deep wrinkles on her face and long greasy looking black and gray streaked hair. He…or she wheezed constantly, suffered from chronic pain and infirmity. The poor thing couldn’t even stand up straight any more. She was truly a sad sight to behold.

Jorden picked up the head setoff the counter and spoke into the mic “How are you feeling today Tyler?” He did his best to sound cheerful.

Tyler’s ghostly pale blue eyes swept slowly over to the observation window. The new woman gave him a gap toothed half smile and spoke with a voice that croaked with age. “I’m as well as can be expected at the moment Sir.”

It was all Jorden could do to keep from breaking down into tears at the sight and sound of his old friend. “You seem to be well kept in there. Is there anything you need? Anything I can get you?”

“Honestly Sir?”

“Yes.. of course.”

“You can put me out of my misery if you really want to do something for me.”

“I….I…” Jorden stammered unsure how to respond.

“Please Charles.” The ancient looking new woman begged. “I can’t go on like this. This…this shadow…of who I was. I’d rather be dead then to live like this.” As if to underscore her point Tyler was suddenly doubled over with a harsh rasping cough.

Jorden waited patiently for Tyler to compose himself.

“Gary..I…I don’t know what to say. I know this is awful for you but what if they come up with a cure tomorrow or the next day or the day after that or even next week or month? Who’s to say the Ryan won’t be able to put things right for you….for everyone that’s got the damn bug?”

Lt. Col. Tyler struggled to his feet and shuffled his was slowly across the room from his cot to the desk. He looked so indescribably weak and pathetic. The short journey left him panting and gasping for air. She needed a minute to catch her breath before being able to speak. “We both know there is no cure. Believing in some miracle is just a waste of time and energy. Charles, we’ve both done enough research to know changes like the virus induces just aren’t possible. They defy every rule of biology. Whatever it was that allowed this virus to be created was nothing short of freak of nature. Something Grayson and Wayne did combined with some unknown factor in the rat’s physiology and god only knows what else, possibly something that was in the air that night created the impossible. There can never be a cure because we don’t know how to rewrite the genetic code in cells. As result a cure would act exactly like a cancer inside the body and kill everyone it tried to save. That’s a fact man! You have to know that in your heart. Maybe if we had a hundred years to study it and advance our knowledge of genetics we might be able to fix things but at the rate things are deteriorating I don’t think there will be much of a society left by then.”

Jorden carefully considered his old friends words. “Gary, what would Rene and your boys think if you just gave up? How could I ever explain to her that the bravest man we both know gave into fear and despair?”

Tyler looked back at him. The elderly new woman placed her and on the glass. Jorden placed his opposite of it. “She would understand if you told her what I’ve become. She’d know it was the right thing. Look at me Charles. Would you want to live like this? I’m on constant pain now. I have hardly any control of my bodily functions. It’s a struggle just to walk across the room, to get off the damned bed! This is no way for a soldier to live.”

Jorden took his and off the glass and looked away, unable for the first time in years to not look someone in the eye. He sighed deeply, contemplating his friend’s words. In his heart of hearts he knew everything Tyler said was true. Everything they were doing was a futile effort. There would never be a cure in their lifetimes. At best they could hope for a vaccine that might slow the spread eventually but even that seemed highly unlikely.

He silently cursed Sam Grayson and Laura Wayne for creating the damn bug and by extension putting him in this position. If he hadn’t set Grayson free days ago he’d have had her dragged down here and tossed in there with Tyler.

It was too late now though. He’d set her free. Though he’d never have admit it to anyone, it was for the same reasons…the same knowledge that the situation was truly hopeless no matter how much he wished otherwise that would now allow him to set his dearest friend free in a different way.

Charles Jorden raised his head and faced his former second in command as tears rolled freely down his cheeks. The Col nodded at the woman that had once been Tyler and whispered goodbye. He then walked over to the small control panel hanging off the wall at far side of the room.

Taking one last look at his closest friend, Jorden pulled open the thin glass paneled door of the wall mounted panel. He swallowed hard and with numb fingers turned on the Halon gas fire suppression system inside the containment lab.

Jorden turned back to face the lab. Standing ram rod straight, he saluted his junior officer as the gas disbursed all the oxygen from the room. It was a god awful thing to watch but the Col. refused to look away until Tyler’s chest finally stopped rising.

*******

KLTR News 11pm PDT:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen” Anchorman Mike Underhill began. “This is our top story at this hour. World Health Organization (WHO) Chairwoman Sadie Heisenberg in an open letter today to UN General Secretary Mosbard pleaded for an immediate cessation of all hostilities against the United States, including calling off the blockade of US ports. In her statement the Chairwoman revealed that the WHO’s estimates the number of those infected worldwide to be somewhere between 80 to 100 million people.

“With these staggering numbers” the letter is quoted as saying “it is fool hardy to spend money and energy on isolating a single country that could be better used in combatting what has become the worst pandemic in human history. As such being the case I’d request a withdrawal of all non-North American UN personnel from the continent and redeployment to their host countries to help combat the spread of the virus among their native populations. Our highest priority at this stage should be finding a way to stop the spread of the dreaded disease before the threat of the extinction of out species goes from a possibility to a probability.”

The UN was quick to issue a rebuttal by stating that while they are aware of small pocket outbreaks of the Acidalia virus outside the United State there is no conclusive proof that the numbers of infected are anywhere near the WHO’s calculations and that containing the virus to its country of origin was the best way to safe guard the future of humanity.”

“The White House also issued a statement today thanking the Chairwoman for her honesty in assessing the world wide threat that Acidalia presents and pledged whatever funds and medical expertise that are needed to find a cure for the virus if the blockade were to be removed.”

“In other news concerning the executive branch, President Fuller today offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims before he condemned the bombing of the Dillon Quarantine facility in California late last night, which resulted in the deaths of well over two thousand virus victims, doctors, protesters and army personnel. He called not only for an investigation of the lack of timely response by the military stationed a mere fifteen miles from the facility but also the capture and arrest of Reverend Morris Manning the suspected ring leader of the horrific tragedy.”

“It is ridiculous to think a man like this can be allowed to roam free in our great country. The threat he presents to the stability of our society is unlike any we’ve ever faced before.” The President stated. “Not even the likes of Al-Qaida or Osama Bin laden represent a bigger threat than this man. To that end I am here by issuing a one million dollar reward for any information leading to the capture of Reverend Manning and his top aides. Make no mistake; there is no one person we need to stop more than this man. He should be every law enforcement agency in the countries most wanted.”

“The Reverend and his group of followers are responsible for several testing center bombings in the greater San Francisco area and while no one from his group has come forward claiming responsibility thus far the few surviving eye witnesses questioned by authorities have confirmed his leadership in the attack on the facility.”

“On Capitol Hill, the committee headed by Senator Edward George announced today that the hearings into President Fuller’s handling of the ongoing Acidalia crises, which were supposed to wrap up this coming week, will be extended so that they may look into the events surrounding the Dillon disaster.

“We would be remiss if we closed the hearings without investigating this latest failure by the Fuller administration. We owe it not only to the families of the victims but to every American citizen to look into the causes of this horrific disaster and make sure those responsible within our government are brought up on any and all appropriate criminal charges.” The Senator announced at a press conference this afternoon.

“The blockade of all US ports entered its second week today despite the Navy’s best efforts to force UN coalition ships out of United States territorial waters. With the USS Ronald Regan still stranded on a sand bar in Puget Sound and the Nimitz carrier group blocked into the Bearing sea, coupled with disabling of four battle ships the pacific fleet simply does not have enough ships to repel these international invaders, sources close to the situation were quoted as saying.”

“The engagement along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts is no better according to the same source. Several US submarines, most notably the Los Angeles class sub USS Alabama, are long overdue reporting in along with the carriers Dwight D. Eisenhower and Theodore Roosevelt. While no one knows for sure the fate of these vessels they are all feared lost at this time.”

“All ports remain closed at this hour; including the key oil port of Valdez Alaska which has led to severe shortages of petroleum products nationwide. We will update you as more information becomes available.”

“Along the Texas- Mexican border several small skirmishes broke out earlier today as Mexican troops backed by UN peacekeepers again attempted to force US military personnel back across the Rio Grande.”

“The US currently holds what Secretary of Defense Blake is calling a three mile “buffer zone” on the Mexican side of the river. While no US casualties were reported, rumors continue to swirl about a possible buildup of tanks and troops ten miles south of the military’s position. Whether this is prelude to another attempt to push out forces back or simply a defensive position to prevent further incursion by our forces remains to be seen.”

“The situation along the northern border remains largely unchanged with a Canadian led coalition of international forces holding their border shut tight, while the Prime Minister makes preparations to take possession of the St. Laurence Seaway and several other key positions along the border on September 15th in accordance with the treaty agreed to by Fuller administration several days ago.”

“Many members of the senate on both sides of the isle have called for the resignation of President Fuller for agreeing to the treaty which gives up roughly five hundred miles of territory along the border.”

“The White House has called this initiative the “height of hypocrisy.”

“We were told to do what we had to, to avoid a war by these same senators that are now criticizing the manner in which we did it. Perhaps if one of them had a better idea they should have come forward while negotiations were ongoing rather than waiting until after the treaty was agreed on.” Press Secretary Kerry Enrich said in a statement today.

“Locally, Dr. Jennifer Fisk, one of the few survivors of the riots in Providence Rhode Island over Acidalia victims at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and renowned critic of President Fuller’s policies on handling the virus and its victims, was in San Francisco today visiting several area pediatric isolation wards.”

“In an interview with our own Joanna Landan, the doctor lashed out again at the Fuller administration. Here is what she had to say.

“It is atrocious that these poor children who’ve done nothing but fall victim to a disease they never asked for to be held in what is tantamount to prison within these walls. They’ve committed no crimes, they’ve never had a day in court, and yet they held here, away from their parents and anyone they love, to be cared for by a staff that does its best to provide the care and nurture these innocents need but is obviously overwhelmed”. Dr. Fisk said. “It’s high time we started remembering these poor people are your family, your neighbors, your friends, co-workers and not some nameless monstrosities that need to be shuttered away in a quarantine center. Most are lost, afraid and confused by what’s happened to them and need our support not fear.”

********

Saturday August 31st 9:45am EDT Washington DC

White House Chief of Staff Davis Carlyle sat as his desk enjoying a rich cup of Columbian coffee while looking over the morning edition of the Washington Post, with tremendous satisfaction. The news today was good, very good in fact, especially if you were trying to oust a sitting president and seize control over the federal government.

As he read the cell phone in his grey suit coat pocket began to chirp. Pulling it out he recognized the number and smiled as he said “Harkin, good to hear from you. I trust your calling to tell me your people have got the good doctor in custody and we’re back on schedule?”

“I just landed in San Francisco. The report I just got from my guys in Virginia says we’ve run into a bit of a problem on the Dr. Ryson front. Seems we were right about her ditching your car. She left it in a hotel parking lot in Quantico. Chambers talked to the owner and he tells me he’s sure she never checked in. the owner claims to have never even seen her on the premises”

Davis sighed. “Are we sure he’s telling the truth?”

“Yes sir. One hundred percent. I had my people put his story though a thorough questioning under severe duress before he expired. If he’s lying then he’s a lot tougher than he looked.”

”I contacted my guy with the Virginia State Police; he told me no cars have been reported stolen in the area in the last twenty four hours.”

“So how do we find her if we don’t know where she’s gone Harkin!” Carlyle shouted into the phone. “I don’t think I need to remind you what she capture means to our plans! We need her back in our custody today! Not tomorrow, not after lunch, right fucking now! Today Harkins! ”

Harkins rolled his eyes and held the phone away from his ear until his boss finished his tirade.

“Yes sir. I’m on it. I have our people checking all the car rental agencies in the area in the off chance she found money and some dip shit failed to recognize her. Also we have people posted at all the train and bus stations in a twenty mile radius. We’re also in the process of getting a list of all the small airports in the area and we’ll be checking those too. What we could use is a couple helicopters to do a few flyovers of the woods around there in case she’s on foot somewhere off the beaten path.”

“I’ll arrange them.” Davis replied.

“I’ve had my contact at the DMV delete all records of you owning the car. The thing is a mess. Chambers is having it towed to a friendly junk yard in the area and disappeared. I suggest you destroy the title and registration.”

“The registration was in the car above the visor on the passenger’s side.” Davis replied suddenly going pale.

“Not from what I’ve been told. I’ll have em look again and l send one of them back to the farm house to check there. See if it fell out somewhere when she crashed into the Pontiac.”

“You do that and if it isn’t there then you need to get back there and find that bitch! If she has it we need to get it back before she shows it to anyone else god damn it!” Carlyle shouted.

“What about the Reverend?”

“This takes precedence. She can’t be allowed to tell anyone how she drove away from the scene of her kidnapping in my car! Do you understand me?”

“Loud and clear.”

“Good! Now get it done or I’ll find someone that can!” Carlyle bellowed as he snapped the phone shut.

********

Confirmed cases 30,246,344

Actual Cases worldwide 87,679,455

End Part XIV

Acidalia 15

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Fiction

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XV

Two scientist invent a transgender virus in the attempt to heal a crippled man

I know it's been a long time coming. Hope it was worth the wait. As Always please leave a comment.

Sunday Sept 1. 11am

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States"...said the disembodied voice of press secretary Kerry Enrich as he stepped away from the podium making room for president Robert Fuller.
Fuller confidently stepped up to the podium. He placed two hands on the side of the lectern, sighed heavily and began.
"My fellow Americans, in these days of continual challenges placed upon our nation, the notion of war has become unacceptable." He looked up and surveyed the gathered members of the press and continued. "That being said I cannot in good conscience sign the proposed peace treaty with our neighbors to the north as currently negotiated."
Looking back up at the crowd he saw the stunned faces of the assemblage. Looking to his right he saw off stage Davis Carlyle throw his hands up in the air as he stood next to Enrich. The looks gave him almost as great a satisfaction as the flabbergasted silence that Prime minister Montclair had let settle in after being warned that any offense launched by Canada at the United States, no matter how justified it might seem, would result in all their major cities being reduced to smoking radioactive craters. It wasn’t the card he wanted to play but it was the only one left in the deck, so he’d played it. Thankfully the Prime minister taken it seriously.
"I along with Secretary of State Constantine have in the last few hours spoken to the Canadian Prime Minister and his chief negotiator. We had a very frank discussion, explaining that our nation does not want war.” The President waited a moment before continuing. “That being said, it does not mean we will not wage war to the bitter end if we are pushed to do so. With this in mind he has agreed to a cessation of hostilities between our great nations."
Fuller lifted his head and once again surveyed the gathering. The assembled reporters were all leaning forward in their seats, hanging on his every word. He knew this news was the last thing they were expecting today.
"The Prime minister has agreed to face to face meetings between the two of us, in Ottawa beginning early next week where we seek will hammer out a much more equitable solution to our current issues." He took a breath. "My administration made a mistake and provoked Canada unnecessarily. We acted on bad intelligence information. Regardless of the why, I take full responsibility for the actions of our military. The ill-fated attack happened on my watch, and I am the President. I pledge to the great people of Canada they will be made as whole as is humanly possible."
He let out another long breath, glanced back over to the side and saw Mr. Carlyle looking furious and smiled to himself. It had been Carlyle that took the negotiation over Joanne and despite her objections agreed to the treaty president had in front of him. According to Secretary Constantine the Chief of staff had simply agreed to whatever Canada demanded without thinking of what was in the United States best interest also. It was an unpardonable sin that made the administration look weak and cowardly. That combined with the way he had bullied himself onto the list of replacements for Vice President was giving Fuller serious doubts as to where his loyalties lay.
"Thank you for your time today." With that said the President stepped down and quickly exited the room leaving Press Secretary Enrich to deal with the reporter’s questions.
As he followed behind the pack down the hallway towards the oval office, Davis Carlyle silently fumed. Who was Joanne Constantine to derail the entirety of his work in creating the treaty? How dare she talk Fuller into throwing such a massive wrench in his grand plan to make the sitting President look weaker and more ineffectual than he was already perceived as being. His next conversation with Harkin was going to have to involve eliminating Constantine. After that he could work on getting an ally installed the Secretary of State.
As the others went this separate ways Davis continued to follow the president to the oval office. Once inside they could her the wind driven rain spattering against the windows. The storm outside matched the furry Caryle felt.
Without preamble as soon as he door closed, he said. “Mr. President, I think this is a very bad idea.
Further provoking the Canadians when our military resources are spread so thin is an act of folly.”
Fuller tuned and looked at Carlyle and thundered "I don't care what you think Davis. The so-called treaty you negotiated it gave away too much. Did you even think of what was in our country’s best interest? How can I as the president be seen as giving over one of our most honored soldiers as well as additional territory within our borders? It would be political suicide, especially in an election year. If I sit idly by and watch us be bullied like 8-year-olds in the school yard I might as well just had the election over to Senator George on a silver platter."
"But the Canadians..." Carlyle began to retort before being cut off.
"They are going to fall in line and settle for restitution we offer and that will be that." Fuller interrupted.
"Why would they agree to that? They certainly weren't conciliatory in any way during negotiations."
"Joanne and I called Montclair personally. I informed him that unless they were willing to come back to the table and be more reasonable, we would use every weapon at our disposal to defend our sovereignty and our people. Even if it meant a massive loss of life in Canadian population centers." Fuller said angrily. "Additionally our position is that any country that were to offer aid in the threat of mutually assured destruction as a deterrent attempt would also be targeted. We do not want war but we will burn the world down around us if we're pushed into it and now they all know it.”
Carlyle stood there looking at the president, mouth agape. Fuller had threatened a nuclear response. He couldn’t believe the balls on him in taking that route. It was a huge risk but one that seems to have panned out. Despite himself he felt a grudging respect for the man even if it messed with the chief of staff’s plans. Lightning cracked outside breaking Carlyle’s chin of thought and bringing him back to reality.
“Is there anything else you wanted to say Davis?" Fuller asked in a tone of voice that suggested he wasn't really looking for any more feedback.
"No sir, I guess not." With a touch of defeat in his voice.
"Then see yourself out. I have way too much on my plate today to waste any more time explaining myself." Fuller told him as he escorted his chief of staff towards the door.
Carlyle stepped outside the office and spent a moment trying to regain his composure. He turned and looked at the president’s secretary distractedly for a moment trying to decide what to do next. After the brief hesitation he turned and strode purposefully out the door and down the hall to the Secretary of Defense office. With out as much as word to his receptionist Davis burst through the door into the inner office.
“Can you believe the bullshit Fuller just pulled?” he roared. “He’s completely trashed the treaty I worked out!”
Defense Secretary Blake looked up at the Chief of staff and blew out a long, annoyed breath.
“He informed me right before the start of the press conference. I don’t see what your so upset about though.”
“Don’t see? He just fucked us. That’s why I’m upset. Weeks and weeks of planning down the drain because he finally thought of nukes.” Carlyle all but shouted.
Blake looked at Carlyle and shook his head. “Why don’t you say that a little louder. Not sure they heard you in the Oval Office.” He said sternly. “Look we’re not fucked. This is going to play to our advantage perfectly once we let it leak out that he’s lost it so bad that he threatened not just Canada but the entire world with nuclear war. Senator George is going to go nuts over that. He’ll expand his investigation even further and we might even get an impeachment vote out of it. He’ll think it will make winning in November a shoe in.”
Davis Carlyle blinked, the smiled. “You want to leak this to George?”
“No. I want the press asking George why he isn’t investigating it already.”
“So you’re going to leak it to the media then.” Carlyle said with a bit of satisfaction, “I have to admit Blake I love the way you think.”
“Thanks, it won’t be me personally but there are channels…” Blake left the rest of the sentence hanging. “Relax Davis, it’s under control. Just make sure next time you talk to him reassure him that you’re on board with whatever he decides to do. We need you in that VP spot for when the time comes by hook or by crook.”
“I need to get him to pull the trigger on that. I’ll schedule a meeting tomorrow with him and get the list narrowed down.” The chief of staff said thoughtfully.
“Get it done Davis. Time is running out.”
**************
Reynolds 3pm

Robi lay on the gurney moaning in pain. Even breathing hurt like hell. Her body had paid a tremendous price from her night at the not so tender mercies of Major Brady. Three broken ribs, deep body bruising all over her abdomen and back, a dislocated shoulder and a sprung knee and what felt like a concussion were the worst of her long list injuries. According to Dr. Benatar she’d gotten off easy. She shuddered to think how bad it would have been had the Cow not told the psycho bitch to not leave any permanent damage.
She looked over to her left and saw her new bodyguard Thomas Logan pacing back and forth as she watched the entrance to the medical ward. She remembered hazily how enraged Thomas had been when she was carried back into the medical ward yesterday. Robi wasn’t positive if it was her injuries or finding out that Brady was alive that upset her the most. Regardless Thomas had sworn Robi would not be left alone again as long as she was in the ward. True to the new woman’s word she’d not left her side since.
“Are you planning to babysit me all day every day?” Robi asked her would be guardian.
“That bitch will never get the chance to harm you again.” Thomas said simply. “Now that I know the fat bitch lied and Brady’s still alive, heaven help him if I get out of this ward.”
Dr. Goings looked long and hard at Thomas. “Who is Brady? I gather by the title she was in the military.”
Thomas sighed. “He oversaw this place when the first of us arrived here. The sadistic son of bitch that he is. He took great…pleasure I guess..in torturing all of us in here. Mentally, physically sometimes both. Whenever the opportunity presented itself he make life as miserable for those interned here as he could. For me personally I was told he took my refusal to change my name as some kind of personal affront. He took a personal interest in the sows experiments on me to test my physical limits. The two of the tortured me for weeks until they fucked up. Somehow one of the guards or the medica staff forgot to sedate me. I laid on the table waiting forte right moment. Boy was he surprised when I jumped on him and gave him a firsthand taste of the bug. It was the best moment I’ve had since being infected.”
Robi watched as a satisfied smile spread across the new woman’s face as she savored the memory.
“Thomas, as much as I appreciate your determination to keep me safe, you’re pregnant. There is no way you can fight off the guards. You certainly can’t get into any kind of violent altercation with the psychopath Brady. The child you carry would never survive that kind of fight. I don’t think I need to remind you that it’s the only reason Stanley lets you roam around here .”
Thomas gave Dr. Goings a steely eyed look. “I know what my condition is. I’m the great experiment along with the others in the maternity ward.” She said quietly with an air of frustration in her voice. “I just can’t do this anymore. I’ve been stuck here for a very long time, we all have. I just can’t let them continue to win every single time anymore. They beat us down every chance they get. I’m just tired of suffering injustice after injustice.” She put her hand over her belly. “Look what they did to me? Look around Robi. Look at what they do to all of us.”
“I know. It’s horrible. I haven’t even been here that long. I can’t imagine what it’s been like to live through it for as long as you have but what can we do about it? The cow has all the power. The guards might ridicule her behind her back but they do as she says.” Robi told her.
“I don’t know yet.” She paused for a thoughtful moment. “But I might have an idea….”
“What idea?”
“Hutchenson. I can see how much she hates what the cow’s been doing to us. If we can get her to blow the whistle on Stanley, we might be in business.” Thomas told her.
“And how do you plan to get her to do that? “Dr. Benatar asked stepping over the Robi’s cot. She lifted her fellow doctors ram and checked her pulse. The shone a light in her eyes. Robi recoiled like she’d been hit. “Yep. That concussion is going to take a while to clear up. I don’t know what she hit you with, but she did a damn good job with it. Besides the headache, how are you feeling?”
Roberta looked up at Benatar’s weary face. The doctors’ eyes were so bloodshot you could barely see the white. “Sore. Very very sore but not as bad as you look. When was the last time you slept?”
The doctor sighed. “I have no idea. Maybe yesterday. Hard to sleep when the asshole running the place keeps turning my other doctors into patients,” She looked at Thomas. “So how ae you going to convince the head of security in here to betray the chain of command and rat the fat twat out?”
“I was thinking of using Paka actually. Hutchinson seems t have taken a shine to her. Mybe we can use that as a way in.” Thomas replied.
“That’s not a bad idea except Paka’s nonverbal. Going to be hard to get her to convince the Sargent Major.” Benatar replied.
“I never said to have Paka talk to her. I use her to get into Hutchinsons head.” The new woman replied.
“How? I’m not going to do anything to the little mouse to generate sympathy.”
Thomas looked at the doctor with a tinge of disgust. “I don’t know what exactly happened to Paka before she arrived here, but it was obviously traumatic. She had been beaten severely. Her male self was covered in bruises and bleeding from places you don’t normally bleed from when he was dumped into our cell. I don’t think he was infected either to be honest. I saw the look of disgust on Hutchinsons face that day. Now Paka seems to be Stanley’s favorite test dummy. With her ability to heal like she does she kind of the perfect lab rat like that. What we need to do is get Hutchinson to see her before she heals. Find away to get her in here immediately after the fat cunt is done experimenting on her. Let her see what’s being done to Paka. I think that’s our way in.” Thomas told them.
“And if that doesn’t work?” Robi asked.
“If that doesn’t move Hutchinson than we’re no worse off than we are now.” Logan replied.
“So now we just hope Dr. Stanley abuses Paka again. Lovely.” Benatar said with a bitter edge to her voice.
“Ya that part sucks. A lot. If you have a better idea doctor, I’m all ears.” Thomas told her.
“Sadly I don’t” Was Benatar’s reply.

San Bernadino Monday Sept 2nd 8:30am

The early morning sun shone brightly on this cloudless day as Yvonne logan waited patiently on the street corner. Two days ago she had managed to reconnect with a different arm of the resistance she’d worked with before her tragic return home. It had not been in her plans to return to this life but fate it seems had its own ideas on her future.
She didn’t know any of the members of group that worked in particular part of the state personally, but thankfully the number Hillay Marko had given her all those months ago was still active.
The voice on the other end of the line had been extremely dubious of who she was. To the point where she was nearly hung up upon several times before convincing the man she was who she said she was. Even then it seemed word of her exile by Philip Bastion had spread. Not that she’d done anything to deserve it. She simply hadn’t been part of his plan. He had only wanted Gail and thus had sent Yvonne n her merry way with a warning to never return.
“Blackballed by terrorists.” She thought disgustedly to herself as she pleaded her case for a face-to-face meeting. “My life has hit yet another new low.”
“Look,” she told him finally letting her frustration show. “I have information that your people are going to want to hear. All I want is a meeting. I want to see who I’m speaking to so I know I’m not being set up by some mysterious voice on the other end of the phone line god damn it! I don’t think that’s too much to ask considering what I have to tell them!”
Finally, she convinced him. She was told to be here this morning. She was to be picked up by someone in the organization and taken to meet up with a local leader by the name of Flint.
Now she waited and impatiently paced back and forth on the sidewalk as the anointed time of her pickup came and went. After checking her watch for what felt like the 53rd time in the last half hour a dingy looking light blue chevy pulled up beside her.
The driver leaned across the dingy looking bench seat and cranked the manual window on the passengers side down. “Are you Yvonne Logan?” He asked
“Yes that’s me.” She replied.
“Come on then. Get in. There are people waiting to meet you.” The short balding man behind the wheel told her.
Doing as instructed Yvonne hopped in. The interior f the car was in as bad a shape as the exterior. The plastic seats were deeply cracked and the stuffing inside showed through. The dash board also was so cracked and pitted it looked like ill-fitting jigsaw puzzle pieced jammed together. Added to that the vehicle smelled like a very old bag of Dorito’s and god only knew what else. It was all she could do to keep from gagging.
Seeing the way she scrunched her nose at the stench the driver laughed. “Ya, I know it’s not exactly a limo but it blends in with the scenery and no cops gonna see us in it and pull us over cause we look like we don’t belong.”
He offered a hand to shake and said “My name is Tom. Pleased to meetcha.”
Yvonne gave him a quick shake and replied “like wise.”
“Might as well settle in its going to be about a half hour before we get there. Though before the breakout it would have been more like an hour and a half. The bug might be bad news, but it’s been a miracle for the traffic problems around here.” He said chuckling at his own joke.
Yvonne looked over and glared at him.
“Hey, no need for the death stare lady. I was just trying to make a little joke ya know? Lighten things up a bit.” Tom said defensively.
“I don’t have much of a sense of humor when it comes to this thing.” Yvonne replied simply.
Tom nodded. “Some fricken people.” He thought to himself as he considered whether discussing the rather large stick that seemed to be stuck up her ass was worth the effort. In the end though he decided it wasn’t a conversation he felt like having since he was going to be stuck in the car with her for the next thirty minutes or so. Last thing he wanted was to listen to her bitch at him the whole ride.
“Life’s way too short for that shit.” He thought to himself and let the rest of the tip go by in silence.
Traffic was as light as he expected and approximately thirty five minutes later the pulled up in front a large yellow and brown home with the biggest oak tree on the block in the front yard.
“I’m surprised you didn’t put a hood over my head or anything. You people are very trusting.”
He smiled at her and replied “Naa. Way we figure it you either got real info for us and your on our side or you don’t and we’ll be burring you in the back yard this afternoon.”
Yvonne nodded and shrugged thinking “Either way I’m on the road to getting my problem solved.”
Tom hopped out of the car. Meeting her on the passenger’s side he lifted his arm towards the house and guided up to the front door together. As the driver reached for the front door a very tall, imposing looking red headed man wearing a long black leather coat and biker boots opened it from inside. Minus the big hat he kind of resembled the old WWF wrestler the Undertaker.
The giant of a man looked them over through bottle green eyes and said in a deep smooth baritone voice “You must be Yvonne. I thought you were supposed to be here an hour ago.” Flint shot Tom a something less than pleased look.
“It was traffic boss…” Tom began to explain.
“We will discuss it later.” Flint Interrupted.
Tom’s mouth snaped closed with an audible click and he three of the stood awkwardly on the doorstep for several seconds before Flint said. “Thank you, Tom, I’ll take it from here” and waved her driver off dismissively. “Won’t you please come in Mrs. Logan.”
Finally taking the hint Tom scurried away back down the walkway and leaned on the car in apparent attempt to look casual. Flint watched and just shook his head. He moved out of Yvonne way and ushered her inside.
Upon entering the dimly lit house Yvonne noticed immediately how much cooler it was inside. Following Flint down a short hallway she saw all the shades were drawn. He stopped in front of a doorway about halfway down that opened into a large shabbily furnished living room area. He gestured for her to enter then showed to her a seat.
“I am Micheal Flint.” He told her introducing himself officially. “You’ve gone through a lot of effort to get hold of us from what I hear. I assume that means you have something important to discuss.”
Yvonne looked around the room for a moment takin her surroundings in in case this meeting went badly the said simply “Dr. Sam Greyson is out of quarantine.”
The red headed giant looked taken aback for a moment. Then said, “The Sam Greyson?”
“Yes. The one and only Sam Greyson.” She replied.
“I assume you saw him yourself and this isn’t some kind of secondhand report.” He asked looking at her intensely.
“I saw her up close and personal two days ago at a little strip mall in Yuba.” She replied.
“How did he get out?”
“I don’t know the how’s or the why’s. She was with Mia Blue and a few others that looked to be new women. The guy I was traveling with said they were what’s left of that group the Sisters of Acidalia. I guess before joining with Rev. Mannings group he was with them. We’d hooked up when Manning and his people attacked Dillion Quarantine last week. Warren said he’d had enough of the Reverand.” Yvonne recounted. “I didn’t know who it was we were going to meet up til we got there. He introduced me to everyone he knew, then this short woman, the leader I guess, introduced Greyson to him and I. At first, I was too stunned by her being there to do anything but then I remembered I had a gun. I pulled it out meaning to shoot the mother fucker but the tall redhead one was too fast and strong. She as able to disarm me before I could get a shot off.”
“Strong and fast huh? She must really be something if she could get a gun away from you before you could fire it.” He replied obviously tossing this revelation around his mind as he spoke.
“You’re one hundred percent sure it was the Sam Greyson. No chance it was another.” He asked verifying.
“I am one thousand percent sure. Why would anyone make a claim like that if it wasn’t true?”
“Yeah. I see your point.” Taking a deep breath he asked her “I don’t suppose you heard where they were going before all this came down?”
“Sadly no. This all happened almost as soon as I met them. After I pulled the gun on Greyson I didn’t think they’d be too inclined to tell me their travel itinerary.” Yvonne replied sarcastically
“There’s no need to be snarky.” He told her with obvious irritation in his voice. “We have people we not to far from Yuma. I’ll have them start looking around for a group of women traveling together. How many were there?
“Including Warren there were five.”
“Four women and one man. One’s a tll red head. Anything else that will distinguish them?
“Ya, there was another that was nearly as strong as you look.”
“Ok got it. Thank you for coming to us with this.” He said sincerely. “Is there anything I can get you before Tom drives you back to the city?”
Yvonne looked at him incredulously. “Drive me back to the city? I don’t want to go back to the city. I have nothing there. I want in on this. I want to find the son of a bitch and put a bullet in his head like we did his partner Dr. Wayne a couple month back!”
Micheal stood up and walked over to where she was seated. From this perspective he looked twenty feet tall. “I appreciate you wanting to deal with this, but you were told to go home by Phil Bastion before he was killed. You should have stayed there. Would have been a lot safer for you.”
“Wait….Phil Bastion is dead?.” She interrupted stunned. “What about Gail?”
“As far as I know they are all dead. The whole thing got fucked up. The one that was supposed to kill Ryson shot Bastion instead. There was a shoot out of some kind after, and she got a few of the others somehow before getting shot herself. From what I was told it was a real cluster fuck. We lost a few good people and then on top of it, Ryson stole one of the cars and took off. We’re all supposed to be on the lookout for her too. But I doubt she got this far west.”
“Good for you Gail.” Yvonne thought to herself. Then to Flint she said, “Guess Phil got what was coming to him after all.”
“Ya he was a blow hard but a well-financed blow hard. Anyway” he said after a brief pause. “None of that changes the fact that you were told to go home and stay disappeared.”
She looked at him angrily. “I did go home but it got all fucked up. Just like everything else in my life these days.”
She stood up and poked the big man in the chest. “I want Greyson! If you won’t help me get him, I’ll find him myself, again. He’s the reason my husband and father are in quarantine, my kids were taken from me and my mother is dead and I’m going to kill that son of a bitch for it. Now the only question is whether you and your cronies want to help me do it or not. Don’t give me this you were told to go home bull shit again either. I don’t answer to you people!”
He stood there as Yvonne seethed, then chuckled to himself. She had spunk and he admired her determination.
“Wait here. I need to make a couple calls.” He said as he attempted to escorted her back to her seat.
“Don’t just try and placate…” She started to shout but the big man grabbed her arm and pushed her into the seat.
“I’m not placating anyone!” he roared. “Don’t think for a minute that just because you yelled at me, and I let you get away with it you have a leg up here or anything. I don’t know you and I have no idea if you’re telling me the truth or setting us up. I’m inclined to believe you but we still need to do some checking and verify your information. After we know if you’re telling the truth then I can see about letting you come along for the ride. Now stop being an asshole and let me do my thing.” He glared at her menacingly.
“Fine!” She said defiantly “So, what now?”
“Now you sit tight, and I’ll be back.” He said walking out of the room.
**************
Mid-morning

Carol stood in the doorway looking at the dead woman on the floor. There were many things she thought she might find when she returned to the abandoned motel the sisters had been staying in but Vera being dead was not one of them.
After the scene with Warrens friend at the mini mall and finding out the newest member was the one responsible for what had happened to her, Carol hadn’t been able to stay with them any longer. Sam Greyson’s virus had turned her entire life upside down and she hated her for it now that she understood who she was.
A long loud argument ensued after the woman Warren was with stormed off. Carol had begged Ellie and Nicole to leave Sam and by extension Mia, behind but to no avail. She loved the two of them and it baffled her why they would choose to keep protecting that one over her objections. Nicole had at least come off like she understood Carol’s objection, Ellie however, didn’t want to hear any of it and had angrily declared discussion of the matter closed.
Ellie’s lack of understanding or empathy pierced her like knife through her heart and the next morning as soon as the sun was up, she left. With no plan or clue on what her next move would be she reluctantly back tracked to the shit hole abandoned motel the Sister’s had been living out of. Carol hoped to find Vera or at least get a lead on where she might have gone. There was no love lost between the two but looking like you were a 12-year-old female limited your options and Vera, despite her betrayal, had been one of them. Carol felt that she’d be reasonably safe with her, at least until a better option appeared.
The idea of using Vera like that left a sour taste in her mouth. “Who knows maybe Vera will be easier to get along with now that she’s seen what it’s like to betray the ones that cared for her.” Carol had thought as she made her way along the journey.
She stepped carefully into the room. The stink of death was nearly overwhelming, still Carol squatted down and took a close look. “Yep, she’s dead as dead can be.” She thought morbidly.
Standing up Carol ran her hand through her mop of brown hair. Despite the coolness of the day the room seemed to be getting hotter with each passing moment. The smell of corruption and decay along with the sound of buzzing flies alighting the bloated body was becoming overpowering, making her choke and gag.
The longer she looked the greater the need to get away from the death scene became until it was impossible for her to resist. Carol turned heel and ran back out into the empty courtyard with no other thought than to get as far away from Vera’s body as she could. Panting and sobbing she crossed the asphalt to the roadside the brown-haired girl stumbled over the curb only to be caught at the last moment by a familiar set of arms. Confused, she looked up and saw the imposing form of Nicole holding her upright.
Seeing the sorrow etched on Carols face the imposing red head asked as she let her go. “Carol? What wrong?”
Her voice choked with emotion, Carol replied, “Vera….she’s dead back there..”
“Dead? Vera? What do you mean she’s dead? How?” Nicole demanded in disbelief.
“I don’t know. It looks like she choked or something. Her hands were up by her neck…I don’t know.” Carol sobbed.
Nicole gathered the new girl in her arms as Carol cried, holding her tight. She kissed the top of Carol’s head, soothing her until the emotional storm passed, at least for the moment.
As Carol wiped the tears way Nicole asked, “Are you going to be ok?”
“Ya. I think so. I don’t know. It…I …this was the last thing I expected to find when I got here is all.”
“I know sweetie. It’s awful. Just terrible. If you’re ok, I need you to wait here while I go take a look.” The tall red head told her.
“Nicole…” Carol began.
“Just wait honey. I’ll be right back.” She said putting up reassuring smile all the while hoping it looked less hollow than it felt.
Nicole steeled herself best as she could in anticipation of the scene but still it was a shock as she looked inside the dank little room. She understood that it was going to be bad but that understanding did little to lessen the impact of the scene. She choked back a sob as she gazed down at the bloated, discolored body. It certainly looked like she’d choked on something with the way her hands were up by her neck. However, something about the way Vera lay in a crumpled heap on the floor next to the bed bothered Nicole. It just didn’t seem quite right for an accidental choking.
“I’ve watched way too much CSI on TV.” She thought to herself humorlessly as something about the scene before her continued to niggle at a corner of her mind.
Stepping in she crouched down waving the flies away and touched Vera’s cold discolored cheek. Sighing loudly, she then spoke quietly to the body. “Rest well my friend. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but you deserved a far better fate than die alone like this.”
Tears rolled freely down her cheeks as she got back up. Nicole took another long look at the room trying to put to pinpoint whatever it was the seemed so wrong.
After a fruitless minute she turned and walked back to where Carol waited. Once again, she gathered the new girl in her arms and hugged her tightly. The stood in each other’s arms letting the tears flow. It was a long time before either was able to speak.
Finally the time came to break the embrace. Nicole looked down at her smaller companion and said, “We need to go back. The others need to know what’s happened.”
“Nicole. I can’t. Sam..”
“I know were different in that you never wanted this so, maybe I’m not in the best position to give you advise. That being said, I get it. However, Sam never meant for any of this to happen.” Nicole told her. “She was crippled by a spinal infection. She was only looking for a counter measure to the virus that put her in a wheelchair. A way to reverse the damage. What’s happened since was purely accidental. And I know none of that matters to you. You got a raw deal. Your whole life has been turned upside down. I see why you’d hate her for it, but please, come back with me. We’re your family now. Let us help find you a safer place to be than out wandering the world on your own if you can’t stay with us.”
“I can take care of myself.” Carol replied forcefully.
Nicole sighed. “I know you think you can, but you need to look at your situation realistically. If your caught on your own no one is going to believe you’re 32. In the best case, you get put into state care. The worst is the figure out who you were, and you put into a quarantine, and we all know the rumors of what goes on in there. Please come with me.”
Carol considered what Nicole said. Much as she hated to admit it, she was right.
“Fine. I’ll go but as soon as we find a safe place I’m gone. I love you and Ellie but since you’ve sided with Sam over me, I don’t feel so much like part of your family anymore.” She finally said with frustrated resignation in her voice.
“We didn’t choose anyone over anyone. You are our family whether you feel like it or not and we love you.” Nicole told her with more than just a touch of sadness in her voice.
Carol stared at her friend for a long time not saying anything. The conflicting emotions left her unsure what to say. If not for Elli and Nicole taking her in all those weeks ago, she’d have been caught for sure and she felt a great loyalty to them both. Moreover she shared their original vision of offering acidalia patients a safe place to be than a government quarantine.
Finally, she said. “Ill give it a try I guess.”
Nicole smiled. “Let’s go then.”
“Umm…we can’t just leave Vera like that for someone else to find.” Carol told her.
Nicole looked back over her shoulder at the room. “No, we can’t. We need something to wrap her body in so we can move her.”
*********
Early evening

Ellie Wolf stepped out of the camper she was currently calling home on their journey to see what all the commotion she’d heard from inside was about. As she moved down the steps, she saw her family, The Siters of Acidalia they had named themselves in more optimistic times and felt that all too familiar anger boiling up at how pitifully few of them there were left. There were only eight of them now, with the return of Warren, out of nearly forty before the raid.
It had started the night of the raid on their former warehouse quarters by the army and she’d not been able to shake it since. It was a helpless rage that left her feeling more sad than anything else. She was left with a never ending need to lash out at the unfairness of it all.
The fact that it had been on of her closest friends that led the authorities to their doorstep made it hurt even more. Sure, Mia had played a part but to Ellies mind the lions share of the blame lay squarely at Vera’s feet. It was Vera that had gone out and gotten caught despite being told to stay at the warehouse by Nicole. Was she who traded her friends for a few extra fleeting days of freedom. The fact that she lied when confronted about it all was the worst part and with the help of the ever-loyal Wendy, Ellie made sure the price for such treason had been paid. Vera would never betray any one ever again.
Seeing Nicole with Carol in tow made her smile. She had been worried her friend wouldn’t be able to convince her to return. The argument about Sam being with them had been awful and her inability to give in even a little bit on the subject of Sam hadn’t been the least bit helpful. She knew Carol’s departure had as much to do with that as with Sam’s presence.
Ellie felt a terrible shame over it all and promised herself that if Carol retuned, she’d do her best to make it up to her. Thought sending Sam away was still out of the question. Normally she’d have asked God for guidance, but she didn’t feel the nearness to her lord that she used to.
The creator of the Acidalia virus being part of the group was a divisive issue to say the least. Her presence pitted those grateful for the change at odds with those that weren’t. Even Warren had expressed grave reservations about her.
It was only the force of Ellie’s will that had kept their little group together to this point. How much longer that would be enough remained to be seen.
Stepping over to the assemblage she announced her self by saying “Hello everyone.”
With a warm smile on her face, she said. “Welcome back Carol.” Before the young-looking girl could reply Ellie gathered her in for a big hug. “So happy you decided to come back to us. I’m very sorry for my part in your decision to leave and hope you will let me make it up to you.”
Releasing her grip, Ellie smiled even more brightly at her. It was only then when she noticed the tear dried streaks on Carol’s cheeks. Looking over she could tell Nicole was upset too.
“What’s wrong?” the short woman asked with a lump rising in her throat.
Nearly in unison the two replied “Vera’s dead.”
The look of shock and sadness spread around the circle of friends like a wildfire.
“Dead?” Mia stammered after several second of silence. “Oh dear. How? When?”
“We don’t know. She was still in the motel room where we left her. Vera was just lying there on the floor. I can’t say for sure but it looked like she might have choked on something.” Nicole told to the assemblage. She frowned a for a moment as she caught Ellie glancing over at Wendy as she took the story in.
“That’s terrible. Is she still there?” the diminutive leader asked. “What if the police discover her? They’d know we’d been there.”
Through teary eyes Carol told her, “No. We took her and buried her out in the desert.”
“It was the best thing we could think of.” Nicole added. “We certainly couldn’t just leave her. And not just because the police might find her either.”
“Yes, of course. It was the decent thing to do.” Warren added.
The group of women and one man pulled together and hugged each other with Sam Greyson standing off to the side holding baby Sara. She hadn’t known Vera. She didn’t know any of these new women. Her only connection to the group was Mia. However, she felt terrible seeing them in such pain. They were after all her rescuers. Without their help she’d still be imprisoned at Greyson labs.
Sam observed after the long embrace the Sisters pulled away from each other and Nicole approached Ellie ad though she couldn’t hear what was being said it was obvious there was some tension in the air between the two. After a few moments they both walked away in separate directions, Nicole to her motor home and Ellie to where the hulking Wendy stood. The leader spoke for several minutes then they too went their own way leaving Sam wondering what was happening.
Mia came to over to her. “Are you ok mom?” she asked.
“I will be. It’s just the shock of it all. No one deserves to die alone like that. Not even someone as awful as Vera.” Mia replied s she took the baby from Sam. “Right now, the best thing for me is the two of you.”
“I’m not sure many of the others share that sentiment. Are you sure we should stay with them. One already left because of me.” Sam said glumly.
“What Carol did was her choice. From what I understand she had a bit of trouble after her infection. She’s just scapegoating you for it.” Mia told her. “Ellie asked us to come along. She and Nicole have welcomed you with open arms and with the whole world looking for us thanks to Jordon this is the safest place for the three of us to be right now.”
“Carol’s not scapegoating me mom. She’s right to blame me for wat happened. I’m responsible for all of this. Including whatever she went though after. I created the damn bug….”
“That’s enough of that for now.” Mia interrupted putting an end to Sam’s guilt wallowing. “We can discuss this later but right now this little one needs a new diaper.”
Sam followed her up the steps into their camper and closed the door.
*************
Midnight

Nicole lay in her bunk. Tired as she was, she couldn’t stop tossing then conversation she’d try to have earlier with Ellie about Vera over in her mind. While the red head understood Ellie was deeply hurt by her betrayal and was still angry, her reaction to Nicole’s attempt to discuss the circumstance of her ending with her was still baffling.
There was no reason she could think of for Elie to be pissed off with her over it and yet there it was. Everyone else had been shocked to hear of Vera’s demise but Elie seemed mostly unaffected. That coupled with the way she’d kept looking over at Wendy made her wonder how much of their discovery of Vera’s body was really news to the two of them.
She rolled onto her side. As much as she loved her new self, there were times that she missed her former life as Roger. As a man life was far simpler. She’d just kind of let things roll on by without much deep thought as to why they’d happen. So consumed by his misery at not being what he felt was his real self that he never paid much attention to anything else going on around him. Since her transformation, with that constant stress and obsession now relieved, she couldn’t help but see things far differently. The world no longer seemed like a long grey string of events that happened to others. She was wholly part of it now and because of that she was seeing things she never noticed before.
Never once in her life had she ever considered that Elli might lie to her. They’d always been the closest of friends but now it felt like she was….
Nicole didn’t want to complete the thought because if she did it would mean she’d have to confront Ellie with her fears, and she was deathly afraid of where that might lead.
“It’s probably all in my head. “She thought as she rolled over again trying to convince herself everything was fine, but it was a long time before sleep finally claimed her.
************************

Tuesday Sept 3rd Quantico Virgina 10am

Dr. Carla Ryson sat at the edge of the woods watching the pay phone across the parking lot attached to the Crab shack. It had been a much harder search than she’d have believed otherwise to find one. After several days of looking at every gas station and shopping mall exterior wall she’d come upon, she finally found this one today. From her spot just beyond the tree line of the bordering woods, she’d been watching for better than an hour, hiding, hoping not to be seen. All the while fingering the piece of paper containing her only possibility of salvation.
During her time on the Quantico Marine base, she’d developed a respectful relationship with Col. Robert Sa’heed. While it wasn’t exactly what she’d call friendly, the Col. made sure she was treated well and came by to check on her every few days. None of her guards had harassed her in any way and any opinions they may have held on what she was accused of they’d kept to themselves.
Since her escape from the house where she had been held hostage, she’d been hiding. She stayed in a small, abandoned shack in the woods she’d stumbled on the day after her escape. With the need to avoid being seen her primary objective she only came out when absolutely necessary to find food or to wash up in a gas station bathroom.
Luckily the car she stole had enough gas to get this far north. The ride had been terrifying. The windshield was cracked badly from when she ran one of her captors over. Add to that the trunk was sprung and dented in from backing into the truck in the driveway as she tried to escape. Luckily the wind pressure of the highway driving had kept it mostly closed. Despite it being a mess, the car didn’t attract the attention of any police or at least enough that they’d felt the need to pull her over.
She hadn’t really known where she was headed until she saw the sign for the Quantico exit. Once she got off the highway ditching the car was her highest priority. Ryson puled it into the lot of the first big hotel she found and parked it as far away from the building as possible. The trunk popped up as soon as she stopped moving. She’d taken a few minutes to try and find something to weight it down but eventually gave up. Even this far back in the lot it stuck out like a very sore thumb. Carla shrugged and decided distance was going to be her best option.
Before leaving it she rummaged through the vehicle and found a few dollars in the arm rest as well as a very interesting name on the certificate of registration. She’d taken both when she abandoned the car.
Much to her dismay the government had made sure her face was plastered to every television news cast from coast to coast since her kidnapping. There wasn’t a single police agency in the entire country that wasn’t looking for her. With the situation being what it was, there was no chance she wouldn’t be spotted eventually if she didn’t find safe harbor soon, especially once the car was discovered. Though there was a pretty good chance the owner probably hadn’t reported it missing yet.
She poked her head out again and looked up and down the street. Traffic was light and the coast seemed clear. Best of all the parking lot was still empty. How much longer it would remain so was the big question.
“Come on Carla, time to shit or get off the pot.” She chided herself.
Swallowing hard she stepped out onto the pavement. She looked both ways again. Still no traffic. A huge knot of fear twisted in her gut as she ventured out onto the tarred lot. With will power she wasn’t aware she possessed until now, Carla forced herself to walk at a normal pace even as every instinct told her to run.
Last night she’d stumbled upon an old phone book and was surprised to find the Col’s home number listed in it. The odds of both things happening were so long he felt as if she had an angel looking over her shoulder guiding her down this path. Now that she stood phone in hand what seemed like clear providence in the dark of night felt fool hardy in the light of day. For several minutes she stood paralyzed, debating whether to dial or scurry back to hiding. Finally resigning herself to the fact that this gamble was her only hope, she dropped the coins into the slot and nervously started punching the numbers into the keypad.
On the third ring a female voice answered. “Sa’heed residence.”
“Yes, may I speak to Col. Sa’heed please.” Carla asked.
“May I ask who’s calling?” The voice asked.
Carla swallowed hard, did her bast to steady her nerves and said “This is Dr Carla Ryson. I really need to speak to the Col.”
Without so much as another word she heard the muffled sound of the woman calling out to the Col. “Robert, pick up the phone!”
A moment later the line clicked as the Col picked up the extension. “Col Sa’heed speaking.” He said into the receiver.
“Col, this is Carla Ryson..” She began before he immediately cut her off.
“Doctor, I cannot speak to you. You need to go to the nearest police station and turn yourself in.” He told her the stern voice of someone that was used to his ever command being followed.
“Col, I know I’m putting you in a bad spot with this call, but I can’t go to the police. If it’s possible I’d like to turn myself into you personally. Please Colonel, I desperately need to speak in person before we go to the cops.”
“Doctor, you are an escaped fugitive. Anything you have to say can be said to the proper authorities.” He told her not bothering to mask his annoyance.
“I didn’t escape. I was kidnapped!” She shouted into the phone hoping it would keep him from hanging up. “I was held in basement of a farmhouse for several days, and I escaped in the White house Chief of staffs car!”
Sa’heed shook his head. “You escaped in Davis Carlyle car?”
“I have the registration in my pocket.” She replied. “Col, I can prove everything I’ve said but not on the phone. Can we please meet?”
Sa’Heed shook his head trying to make sense of Rison’s ravings. How in the world would she even know what kind of car the chief of staff drove unless she was telling the truth? Deciding there was nothing to be lost by speaking to her before taking her to the police he said “Alright Doctor, I will meet you and let you explain. Where are you?”

Half an hour later a large white Chevy SUV pulled up into the Crab Shack lot. Upon seeing the vehicle Carla got up from the picnic table she’d been sitting on. Filled with apprehension, she stared walking quickly towards the back of the building and her wooded refuge beyond when a familiar voice called out to her.
Turning back, she saw Sa’heed behind the wheel. With a sigh of relief, she trudged back to where the Tahoe has stopped. Through the open passenger’s side window she said “This isn’t exactly what I was expecting you to drive.”
Sa’heed shrugged. “It’s my wife’s. Thought it would be better than using my government issued car to pick up the number one most wanted woman in the world.”
Despite herself Carla smiled. “Good idea.” She said as she opened the door and hopped in.
Once settled she looked over at him and saw his phone in his hand. Panic struck her and she blurted “Did you call on me already?”
“No.” he said in a neutral tone of voice. “However, you have exactly 5 minutes to convince me why I shouldn’t finish dialing this number so start talking.”
“The day of my “escape” I was kidnapped by a well-funded group run by a man named Philip Bastion. I know his name because he told me what it was after I’d been transported to what he claimed was his house in a little town called Farms Corner. I was held there for several days while they set up my public execution. Philip was very clear about how my time there was going to end. They also kidnapped another woman named Gail. She was going to be my executioner.” Carla explained quickly.
The Col nodded and motioned for her to continue.
“Things didn’t go as they planned. Gail rebelled. She shot Philip instead. I don’t know why she made that choice. I guess she hated him more than she hated me.” The doctor relayed in a voice filled with wonder. “I didn’t see much of what happened because I had a hood on but somehow this Gail woman managed to pick off a few of the others before getting shot herself. She grabbed me and pulled me into the house where she took my hood off and undid the ropes binding my hands. She was hurt. Bleeding out. I did what I could to save her but there wasn’t time.”
“As she was dying she said there was another still in the house and I needed to run. I did what she told me, but this giant of a man was outside. He tried to stop me from leaving. I didn’t have any choice so i ran him over in a car I found in the driveway. I… I killed him. I didn’t want to do it but he made me. He’d have killed me for sure if I didn’t. Every time I close my eyes I see him flipping over the hood of the car. It was awful.” Carla said with a sob.
“After that I just drove. I didn’t know where I was, and I had no idea where I was going. I just drove and drove until I wound up back here in Quantico. I wasn’t intending to come here but one I got here I knew I had to ditch the car. The windshield was all smashed up from him pounding on it.”
“I found a big hotel off the highway and parked the car there. I hoped no one would notice it while. I reached into the glove box looking for some napkins or something to clean up with and I found this.” Carla handed him the cars registration certificate.
Col Sa’heed took the paper and looked over closely. The doctor wasn’t lying, the slip was made out in the name of the Chief of staff. “Did you actually see Davis Carlyle there with your own eyes?” He asked the doctor.
“No she replied. I had a hood on but he must have been there. How else would his personal car wind up parked in the driveway?”
“I don’t know” he replied. “Perhaps it was stolen.”
“Colonel.” Carla said in an exasperated tone. “There are millions of cars in the DC metro area. What are the possibilities that the Chief of Staff to the President car got stolen and wound up in the exact place I was to be killed in?”
“Maybe it was there as a means to set him up. Make it look like he was involved.” Robert replied not really believing it himself.
“Why? To what end? I was going to be executed. They had unmasked Gail before they started filming. She was going to be the fall person. There is no reason they would need to implicate anyone else. He was there. He had to be. That’s the only explanation that makes any sense.” She looked at the Colonel intently.
She could see he was mulling her story over. Possibly looking for holes in her logic about Carlyle’s possible involvement.
After a minute he said. “Ok you’ve convinced me. At the very least this needs to be looked into.”
“Thank you, Colonel.” Carla replied with relief in her voice.
“Don’t get too excited.” He warned her. “I said I need to check into this, not that I was convinced. In the meantime, I need to put you someplace safe and the only place I know that fits that description is your cell at the base.”
Carla started to protest but he held up his hand. “This is not open for debate madam. Even if this story checks out you are still going to be tried for the crimes you’ve been accuse of. This episode is not a get out of jail free card. I will, however, keep you safe until that time comes. You have my word.”
Carla sighed. “I guess that is the best I can ask for. Wouldn’t want to be shot on my way to the gallows.”
“Have faith doctor. Everything will be fine.”
“Will it? You know I had nothing to do with the release of the virus. I’m being railroaded. My guilty verdict in whatever mockery of a trial this eventually comes to has been predetermined. Regardless of whether you come to believe my story or not I’m a dead woman. How are you going to protect me from that? No Robert nothing is going to be fine.” She told him with defeat in her voice.
************
Ft Rawling Nebraska mid afternoon

The door opened as 3 guards led Kate Becket back into her barracks. It was far from the first time she’d made this type of entrance and figured there wasn’t much chance it would be the last the way things were going. Since her abduction and subsequent arrival to what she thought of as her interment, here at Fort Rawlings life had become a constant cycle of fights with her fellow inductees and nights spent in the brig.
She didn’t want to fight any of them but her piss poor attitude and constant complaining about the situation she found herself in eventually led to arguments, especially with those trying to make the best of things, which in turn led to fights. That and the fact that despite not looking like she could fight her way out of a paper bag she was undefeated in altercations, at least so far, led to a lot of non-believers to challenge her. No one on the base it seemed was her physical equal.
Her squad members especially hated her attitude and gave a very sarcastic round of applauds of as the MP’s removed her handcuffs. She rolled her eyes and gave them all a sneer.
“Welcome back Private Becket.” Her squad leader Kara Charles said mockingly.
Katie shot the small blonde a dirty look but decided not to respond. She surveyed the other 4 members of her squad giving them all a similar look.
Lou Amaretto flipped Kate the bird. “Maybe you should save your energy for fighting the enemy instead the people on our side. Or do you like the brig?” The 6’5” muscular smokey skinned woman with a long scar over her left eye asked.
“Shut the fuck up Lou.” Becket replied. Tough as Lou looked, Becket knew she could handle her with ease and that was the basic problem with everyone on the base. She hated it here and they all knew it and not one of them could make her do anything she didn’t want to. “That’s the thing. I don’t want to fight the “enemy”. I don’t even want to fight you. I sure as hell didn’t want to fight Ramirez last night either. I don’t want to fight anyone. I don’t want any of this. I just want my life back. I was finally happy…”
“Ya ya ya. Save it Becket. We’ve all heard this line of shit before.” Drill instructor Elizabeth Russov barked to her as she strode into the room.
Russov was average sized and slightly built with short cropped brown hair with a medium light coffee complexion that belied her eastern European decent. She more resembled an officer’s secretary than a drill instructor. She was the absolute last thing anyone would call intimidating, but she scared the hell out of Kate Becket.
Russov stepped over right in front of Kate. “You are a useless, childish, selfish son of a bitch Becket. How many men did you infect while you were “living your life”? Do you know? Do you even care? I’d bet not. I don’t think you have single clue. What have you ever done that wasn’t centered on you? What have you ever done for anyone other than yourself? The DI taunted.
Russov poked her shoulder ”Do you understand how much good you could do with all that power inside you if you just once tried to give a flying fuck about anyone but yourself?”
Katie stared at Russov reproachfully.
“Nothing to say private Becket?” Russov asked. “That’s what I thought. Your nothing but a pathetic bully. Next time you want to start a fight come find me and we’ll have some real fun.”
After several ticks of the clock went by without an reply, the drill instructor turned to the rest of the squad and barked “Outside in five for PT!” then strode out the building.
“Guess she told you.” Laughed Joan Ashford as she passed Becket by on her way to her bunk.
Katie reached out and grabbed the laughing blonde, pulling her off her feet. “You want to laugh at me?” She asked menacingly with her right fist raised.
Before Ashford could answer Lou grabbed Katies arm and pulled back with all her might lifting the antagonist completely off the floor and bouncing her onto the neared cot. Katie was up in a flash nose to chest with the far taller new woman.
Ashford slipped between then and shoved both in opposite directions. “Thank you Resnik, but I don’t need your help with this shit head.”
To Becket she said “Didn’t you hear Russov? Now cut the shit and stop being the company asshole! We got pt, get your ass outside!” as she pointed to the door.
Katie continued to glare at Lou. “Whatever Becket. Sit there for all I care. God, I hope I never have to into combat with your sorry ass.” The squad leader said over her shoulder as the rest of the group gathered and walked out together.
After taking a moment to get her anger under control Kate followed the other outside. The entire platoon was lined up in formation by the time she arrived. She took her spot at the end of the line and waited.
Like everyone else on base hell, as Kate liked to call it, the drill instructors all the way up the LT Colonel were enhanced Acidalia victims. Unlike the recruits however, all those in charge were in the military before becoming infected. They were all here willingly, or at least they all were in the army of their own violation. The military had assigned them all this duty after their change and while the top brass treated them all like something they’d found stuck to the bottom of their shoe it beat the hell out of being in quarantine.
Russov was one of the army’s most elite Rangers before her change. As a member of the special forces, she had been in wars. She’d killed and seen people she’d grown close to die. The life she’d chosen as a man had made her hard inside. The army considered her perfect for this assignment, turning unwilling civilians into soldiers and while she missed her former life, she took a great amount of satisfaction from the challenge.
At the same time, she’d come to care deeply for the lives of those she was trying to train. Russov wanted to make sure that when their time came, and boy did she hope that would not be anytime soon, they were as prepared as she could make them. So, she rode them hard and worked them even harder even if made them hate her.
And hate her some of them did. She could see it in their eyes every time they would look at her. Becket and those like her especially. She had known Katies type from the moment she laid eyes on her. Russov had made sure first thing to stick her boot heel on the back of Beckets neck and never let off the pressure. The only way to handle a bully, in her opinion, was fulltime intimidation. She didn’t know for a fat that she could honestly beat Becket in a fight if it came down to it but she had done her best to make the new woman believe she could. So far, her strategy had worked, though she often wondered how much longer it would last.
“Alright!” She hollered. ”Everyone get in formation! Let’s go ladies you know your spots by now!”
Russov watch with a mixture of disgust at the would-be soldiers lined themselves up, side by side 4 rows across. After several seconds a minor chaos they managed to get set.
“Very good ladies.” The DI told them in a vice dripping with sarcasm. “We’re gonna do five miles today. A simple stroll around the park for most of you. Let’s see if you can manage to stay in formation for once.”
The entire platoon stared off on the march with Russov towards the rear so she could watch them. For a change she was moderately pleased as they kept a tight formation even Becket stayed in line. Perhaps there was hope for them after all.
After the first mile was completed another of the instructors, Sargent Major Crystal Brickhouse joined the march. Brickhouse was the head instructor on the base and Russov’s direct superior having been a DI before catching the bug. As such she was third in command of the base.
The two walked side by side for a bit watching the platoon. From their vantage point it as the march wore on it was very easy to see who didn’t want anything to do with being there and there were several. Russov had to continually bark at them as they would fall out of step with the others or wander too far to the side, breaking formation while the rest did their best to hold their spots.
Brickhouse nodded at Russov to fall back a bit. Doing as she asked the two fell about 15 feet behind the platoon.
The Sargent Major was very tall, 6’6”at least, if Russov were to guess, with a dark mahogany complexion and long reddish-brown braids that hung over her shoulders and down to the middle of her back. Additionally, she was amazingly well toned from hours spent in the gym to augment her prodigious strength. She’d been known to bend steel rods with her bare hands when challenged to in the officers’ club. The male parts left of Russov would have said she was gorgeous, if not a bit scary. Maybe more than just a bit if she were being honest. Russov was glad they’d become friends since being stationed here together.
“What’s up?” Russov ask her companion as the fell out of ear shot.
“What do you think of your group? The Lieutenant Colonel has me out here asking cause she thinks I’ll get more honest assessments then if she asked on her own.”
The two friends laughed halfheartedly before Russov began. “Tell me Sergeant Major, before I start, exactly how honest an assessment are you looking for?”
“I want it all baby.” She said jokingly. “No holds barred; no punches puled. Need to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
“Ok then just remember you asked.” The DI said in preamble before going on. “There are maybe eight to ten that have real potential. Maybe another five that if I can find the proper motivation will pan out. The rest, I don’t have much hope for. Trying to turn a bunch of unwilling civilians into combat ready soldiers is a bad idea. You have to want the life if you’re going to succeed in it and most of these girls have no interest. I hammer them, cajole much as possible but it really isn’t working. At least not at the level we’d need to achieve to get them ready to defend the nation if it comes to that.”
The tall black woman watched her intently as she gave the report. “I was afraid that was going to be the case. The rest of the DI’s have all given similar reports.” She told her with a frown. “The Lieutenant Colonel has some kind of idea on how to up their motivation. She wants your two worst to report to her office at 0700 tomorrow.”
“What’s the idea?” Russov asked curiously.
“That is one hundred percent need to know Sargent. Which means not even I have a clue. I just need you to give me the names of who you’ll be send and have them there at the time specified.”
Russov gave her a quizzical look. “Top secret huh?
“Seems so.” Crystal replied.
“Ok. It will be privates Sonja Henderson and Kate Becket then.”
“Thank you Sergent. I’ll pass on the names. Have a good afternoon.” Brickhouse replied as she strode off back in the direction the Lieutenant Colonel’s office.

Monday Sept 4th 7:20am

The two of them arrived on time as per orders to Lieutenant Colonel Paula Wrights office. They were greeted by the base commander’s secretary with a pair of Military policemen standing in the corners behind to her left and right. The pair quickly took each of them by the arm and ushered Kate and Sonja out the back door of the office and down a back hallway that led to an elevator. There was no question of refusal as their guards’ other hands rested on the buts of their 9mm beretta’s as they walked them.
“What’s this all about?” Private Henderson asked the guard nearest her.
“You find out when the Lt. Colonel is ready to tell you.” was the only reply.
As the four of them got in the elevator Sonja looked over at Kate and whispered, “I don’t like this Becket.”
Before Kate could reply, Sonja’s guard told her “Shut the fuck up. No talking. Jesus. You two really are a pair of fuck ups aren’t you.”
The elevator slid to a stop and the doors opened to another hallway that led to what looked like a largish conference room with a small stage with a large video screen behind it set at one end. Inside were ten other recruits all milling around. It seemed to Kate they were the last to arrive.
As they entered all eyes turned to them then turned away when they realized they weren’t the base commander. Upon seeing the faces, Sonja immediately realized they were all known malcontents. Everyone in the room seemed to be aware as well and that gave the room the acute air of nervousness. That and there seemed to be well-armed guards everywhere, in all four corners, next the small stage and on either side of the solidly built door.
“This can’t be good.” Kate whispered to Sonja. This time no one told them to shut up. Their escorts had moved off to the side with the rest of the Mp’s.
“Nope. What the fuck is with all the guards too? I gotta tell you Becket I feel like the next step will leading out back to the firing squad.” Sonja replied nervously.
“Whatever this is about they are definitely expecting trouble. Stick close to me. Whatever happens we’re in this together, ok?” Kate said to her.
Sonja nodded.
Another twenty minutes went by before the Lieutenant Colonel herself stepped in. They all snapped to attention without being told and saluted as the short brown haired wide hipped woman as she stepped up on the wooden stage at the end of the room. The change hadn’t been good to the base commander, reducing her stature and changing her body composition. Where once had stood a well built thirty something man now stood a woman far to large for her short build that looked to be in her early fifties. Despite that the Lt. Col. still carried the air of command with her everywhere she went.
“Recruits” Lieutenant Colonel Wright began. “As I’m sure you are all aware you represent the worst of the personnel currently stationed on base. All of you have shown extreme indifference to our attempts to turn you into soldiers this country can be proud of. While I do understand your method enlistment was something less than ideal our mission remains unchanged.”
She stopped a moment and looked over the assemblage as the video screen came to life. “Joining us today is Dr. Jack Ryan. The doctor is the country’s lead researcher into a cure for the virus out of Greyson Labs in California. By Presidential decree he has been given wide latitude to achieve that end. What does wide latitude entail you might be asking yourselves. It includes among other things human experimentation. No stone is to be left unturned in the search for the cure.”
Another brief pause to let that statement sink in before continuing followed. “So, what does all this have to do with you here in the room today? I’m here to inform you that any continued resistance on your part will not be tolerated. If you continue with your current attitudes towards life in the military, I will have no choice but to hand you over to the good doctor to be used as he sees fit. If you cannot serve your country as we asked you will serve it in that manner. You may be thinking that there’s no way we can do this to you. That you have rights. Let me assure you there isn’t a court in the land that will stop us.”
The look of horror on the recruit’s faces were exactly the reaction Wright had hoped for. The suggestion to bring Ryan in on this had been a stroke of genius on the part of Col Jordan. They had spoken at length three days prior on how to motivate these recruits and it seems it was a home run. His presence gave the threat a face and lent credence to it. With that achieved now it was time for the coup de gras. “When I call your name step forward. Private’s Sonja Henderson, Raffiel Parker and Indra Katour.”
The color drained from Sonja’s face. She looked at Kate.
Becket gave her hand a squeeze and whispered, “Go ahead. I’m right behind you.”
Sonja nervously stepped forward along with the other two as ordered. The three of them looked at each other at each other and then back at the others assembled behind them.
“You three have been deemed the worst of the worst and will be made example of. You are going on a trip to California this afternoon to see the good doctor.” She turned her head to the right and with menacing grin continued “Guards escort those three to the holding area.”
Twelve of the thirty or so guards descended on the three. The rest pointed their weapons at the others not being taken. While the would-be detainee’s all had enhanced abilities the guards did too. Despite their valiant attempts to resist they were quickly overwhelmed by numbers as well as clubs and tasers.
Some of the others, to their credit, tried to help. The guards around the perimeter fired rubber bullets at them as others waded into the center of the room smashing heads and backs with clubs. Kate Beket despite her earlier promises and bravado was too scared to move. She pushed herself to the back of the room and up against the corner wall. With her hands over her ears Katie curled into a tight ball tying not to hear Sonja pleading for help. She watched helplessly as the three were dragged out of the room by a mob of guards.
“Now that you know we are not bluffing I expect to see rapid improvement from the rest of you.” Wright told them sternly after the dust settled.
“Dismissed!” She barked and strode out of the room as the image of Dr. Ryan on the screen went to black.
The walk back to the barracks was surreal. All seven of the remaining troublemakers leaned heavily on each other during the trek. None could believe what they’d just witnessed. Most were shocked to see just how precarious their situation really was.
After helping one of the wounded girls to her bunk Becket walked to the back of the barracks where her squad’s sleeping area was. Her skin was ashen, and she burned with shame for being such a coward. Getting to her bed she flopped down on it and started to cry.
Seeing how upset she was Joan Ashford came over and sat next to her. She rubbed the back of Beckets shoulders until the tears dried up. Joan had seen Kate in a great variety of moods but never as emotionally devastated as this.
“What’s wrong Becket?” She asked. “Where are Parker, Henderson and Katour?”
“They took them.” Was all Kate could offer between choked cries.
“Took? Who took them? Where?” Ashford asked.
“We…we went to the Lieutenant Colonel office like we were told to.” She began. “After we,,,they took us to the basement. There were a bunch of others there. A…all troublemakers like me I guess…and the Lieutenant Colonel had some doctor from California on video conference.”
“Ok. Then what happened?” Joan inquired trying to make sense of what she’d just been told.
“They said he was the guy in charge of finding a cure. An….and he could experiment on people and then they called names and Sonja was one of them and they took them away and told us that if we didn’t get with the program, they’d take us there too….”
“Take you and do experiments on you?” Joan looked up and noticed for the first time quite a crowd had gathered around the bunk.
“Yes. She said if we didn’t serve our country on the battlefield, we’d have to serve it in the lab.” Katie told the assemblage.
“That’s fucked up!” Lou said in utter disbelief. “How did they take her? You were in the room, weren’t you? Didn’t you help her?”
Becket looked up at the others. “I..I…..there wasn’t anything I could do…”
“Nothing you could do? You’re a fuckin tank on two feet. What do you mean there was nothing you could do?”
“I…I…”Katie swallowed hard. “I was scared, ok? I was scared they’d try and take me too!”
“Scared? You stood there and them take Sonja away and did nothing? You fucking coward. You selfish fuckin asshole coward mother fucker…” Lou dove at her and began pounding her with her fists. Katie didn’t even try to defend herself. “You let them take one of your own without a fight and yet anyone of us that annoys you you’ll fight no problem! Your pathetic Becket. You’re the worst kind of person there is!” She screamed as the others pulled her off.
“Your right Lou. I am pathetic. I’m selfish. I’m an asshole. I’m a coward. I’m everything you all say I am and worse.” Katie sobbed. “But I’m gonna be better. I have to be better. We can’t let them do this kind of shit to us. I won’t stand by and watch it happen ever again. I promise!”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Lou retorted.
“Yes you will.” Kate replied as her squad mates walked away leaving her to her guilt and misery.
****************
6pm KLTR news

“Good evening, San Francisco. Our top story at this hour I the announcement that all delegates to the UN will officially discontinue reporting to the UN building in New York city. Moving forward the United Nations delegates and their staff’s will be working out of Geneva. While most ambassadors left the city weeks ago in light of the ongoing Acidalia out breaks, this move officially moves the United Nations headquarters out of the United States permanently.
The move has been described by one senior Fuller administration official as the severing the final link between the United States and the rest of the world.
“It does not matter what excuse they use” Press Secretary Enrich said in a release earlier today. “this shows the rest of the world has no interest in trying to help the American people as we attempt to deal with this ongoing crisis. This move along with the attempts to blockade our ports show the rest of the world only have their interests at heart. To this we say fine. Go. We will not only prevail in this time of crisis, but we will also come out all the better for having gone through it and then it will be time for favors returned.”
“UN General Secretary Mosbard’s office has at this time has not issued a response to the administrations strongly worded statement.”
“In other news the rumors continue to circulate that President Fuller threated Canda with a nuclear attack if our neighbors to the north did not agree to come back to the table and negotiate a more amenable resolution of our current points of contention. While neither side has commented on the rumors the evidence continues to pile up that our leader may have used the ultimate threat to bully then into reneogitation.”
“Senator George was quoted as saying that if these reports turn out to be true it could the final straw in the decision whether to issue articles of impeachment on President Fuller and various other members of the administration based on their handling of the Acidalia crisis.”
“In other news from the capital, officials from the president’s office today said President Fuller has narrowed down his choice for a new Vice President to just two names and has committed to making a final decision before weeks end.
“For too long the VP’s office has stood empty. We need to get a nomination in the hands of congress to get the confirmation process into movement.” Press Secretary Enrich said in a statement issued late last night.
“The removal of United states military personal from abroad continues to reverberate around the globe as today China has announced the annexation of Tiwan. This morning citizens of the tiny island nation woke up to see a fleet of Chinese battle ships blocking all ports of entry as paratroopers rained down upon the capital city capturing it in less than an hours’ time. China’s president said in a statement “Finally, now the state of China has reached its historical boarders. Long have the people of China and Tiwan longed to be reunited. Today China answered that call. Our nations now stand as one. United as the expanded Peoples Republic.”
“World leaders from across the globe have issued statements condemning the move and threatened sanctions on the Chinese government if they do not withdraw.
In national news there have been several videos released on social media platforms showing a homeless woman fighting off and injuring several police officers in New Yorks Battery Park late yesterday. The homeless woman who has been identified as form movie star Ronald McTavish can be seen attacking police as they attempted to move her into a transport vehicle to be taken to a Acidalia testing facility. After knocking several of the officers down and tackling two more before savagely ripping at their protective gear the woman ran off into a thicket of trees. Somehow, she was able to evade pursuit and eventually made her way out of the park where she was lost in the crowded streets.
Police spokesman had this to say about today’s incident. “After officers confronted the woman, later identified as Ronald McTavish, and attempted to bring her to the transport to the testing location, Mr. McTavish attacked two officers without provocation injuring both. When back up arrived seconds later he tore into those officers as seen on the video circulating around the country. It was like nothing we've ever seen; she was like some kind of animal with the way she fought back. Anyone that see's this woman needs to contact police immediately. She is incredibly dangers and quite possibly infectious. Please do not approach her on your own. Thank you."
Mr. McTavish is additionally wanted for questioning in the murders of a Harlem restaurant owner, two police detectives, his butler as well as several uniformed officers.”
Dr Ryan burst into Col Jordon’s office unannounced. “Colonel, I need to speak to you immediately!”
Jordon shook his head and turned off the tv “What is it Jack?”
“It’s Rogers. He’s the one that got exposed to the virus Sunday night. He wasn’t paying attention and accidently stuck himself with a contaminated hypodermic needle.” Dr Ryan told him.
Jordon thought for a moment. He vaguely remembered seeing something about an accident on one his daily update reports. “Yes ok Jack I think I remember. What about him? Has he started his transition?”
“As a matter of fact, Colonel he has not. I did a blood test on him an hour ago and the results just came in. He’s virus positive but asymptomatic. Not only has he got no symptoms, but the virus count in his blood has declined by over eighty percent!” Ryan exclaimed excitedly.
“Declined without an infectious period? How is that possible?”
“I don’t know exactly but his white blood cell count is through the roof. It’s almost as if he has some level of resistance to it. Perhaps even an immunity.”
“Immunity”…..Jordan said with wonder in his voice. “Do you really think it’s possible?”
“I don’t know for a fact but at least so far the testing seems to point to the possibility.”
“How do we prove or disprove your theory, Jack?”
“I need you to have him relieved of his position on staff so that I can run tests.” Ryan told him.
“We’re a bit short on researchers can’t you run tests while he continues to work?” The Colonel asked.
“No, not with the kind of tests I’m talking about.” Ryan told him simply.
“I see.” Said Jordon, understanding Ran’s meaning. “Ok then Jack, consider him relieved of duty. He’s all yours. Do what needs to be done. I’ll have him listed as infected and sent to quarantine.”
“Thank you Colonel. I will keep you apprised of the results.” Ryan told him as he turned to leave.
“Thank you Doctor. And Jack…” Ryan turned back to look at the Colonel “Good luck. We need this to pan out.”
“Yes sir we do.” Ryan told him as he closed the door behind him.
Jordon sat staring at the closed door trying to take in what Ryan had just told him. It was hard not to feel a touch of hope at the preliminary results. This was exactly the kind of news they all needed. The never-ending string of failures had been tough on moral. The brass in Washington had been breathing down his back demanding progress as if they could simply order it to happen.
This however, this was different.
After a moment the Colonel picked up the phone and started dialing.

***************

The Pentagon Tuesday Sept 5th

“General King?” the intercom asked.
“Yes Rosie?” the General replied.
“Colonel Sa’heed is on line one sir.”
The Marines Commandant smiled as he told her “By all means put him though.”
King and Sa’heed had been three years apart at Quantico OTS with King being the senior when Sa’heed was a freshman. During their time together in school they developed a close friendship that had managed to survive the intervening twenty years since Kings graduation. The general had watched with great satisfaction as Sa’heed moved up though the ranks culminating with his appointment as commanding officer of Marine Base Quantico.
A moment later the voice of the Colonel came though the receiver. “General King?”
“Robert!” The General exclaimed. “How are you? It’s been ages my friend. How are Marcie and the kids?”
“They are fine Sir. How is your wife doing these days? I heard about her health scare last year.”
“She’s doing much better these days. Truly a miracle of modern medicine.”
“That’s tremendous news Sir.”
“Yes we are both greatly relieved. It was a very close call.”
“Yes Sir. I’m sure you are. Send my best to her.”
“I will my friend. So, tell me Colonel, what do I owe the pleasure of this call? I’m sure you didn’t call just to check on my wife’s health.” King asked turning serious.
Sa’heed took a deep breath. “No Sir I didn’t. There is a bit of a delicate situation I need to discuss with you.”
“Talk to me then Colonel.”
“No Sir. This isn’t something that we can discuss on the phone. I was hoping you could find sometime to come to Quantico so we can discuss it in person Sir.” Sa’heed replied.
“Robert” King began. “I don’t have time for games. In case you didn’t notice we’re in a bit of a crisis right now. I can’t just up go visit bases upon request.”
“I understand Sir, but this is a special case I assure you. Due to security concerns Sir, I cannot discuss this in any way other than in person.”
The General let out a loud sigh. “Ok. Give me a moment and let me see what I can do.” He clicked hold and then the intercom “Rosie, what does my schedule look like this the rest of week?”
“Very busy General. Thursday is your slowest day. Only a meeting with the Secretary of the Navy at one.”
“Very well. Cal the Secretary’s office and reschedule the meeting to tomorrow night please.”
“Yes General. I’ll call over now.”
“Thank you Rosie.” To Sa’heed he said “Colonel, I will be there first thing Thursday morning. And Robert, his had better be as important as you say.”
“Yes General. Thank you, Sir. I will see you in Thursday morning.”
***********************
Confirmed cases: 55,879,283
Actual Cases: 120,342,751
End Part XV

It's been ages since I posted. Idk if there is anyone left who still cares but here's the latest chapter. Please enjoy my little Tg dystopia if your unfamiliar and as always thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Acidalia 16

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Fiction

Genre:

Transgender

TG Themes:

Accidental

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XVI
By Amanda D

Quantico Marine base Thursday Sept 7th 8:30 am:

On the monitor in his office, he watched as General Angelo Kings car pulled up to the gate at Marine base Quantico right as scheduled. Colonel Sa’heed had relieved the usual guards on duty at this time of day and replaced them with men that could be trusted in an attempt to keep news the Commandants arrival as low key as possible. How you can keep a secret like that on a base containing eleven hundred personal and God only knew how many cameras was anyone’s guess but he had to try. The Colonel already had the cameras at the gate recording abilities disabled, temporarily of course, if things went right, he would also have to remove all footage of Kings movements on the base security servers. There was too much of a risk in the wrong someone finding out the details of today’s meeting for him to take chances.

A few minutes later the General’s car came to a stop in front of his office in command headquarters. Sa’heed was waiting outside in the bright early morning sunshine listening to the birds sing as the driver pulled into the VIP parking spot in front of the building. The Colonel walked over to the passenger’s side rear door as the tall middle aged General as climbing out. It was odd to him to see King looking so old. They had been friends in military college and although they’d seen each other many times since, Roberts mental image King was always going to be a large burly twenty-five-year-old senior with a bushy black beard.

“Good morning, General. Thank you for taking the time to come here personally. I trust your trip went well.” Sa’heed said in greeting.

“The trip as fine thankyou Robert. It’s good to see you again. It’s been too long.” General King replied warmly as the two men shook hands.

“You look well. Country living certainly agrees with you.”

“As do you, my friend. It’s good to see the nation’s problems haven’t worn on you too harshly.”

“If only that were true my friend.” King replied wistfully. “Things are far worse these days than is generally known. With the way some people in Washington are acting it makes me wonder if we deserve to survive this.”

Sa’heed nodded. “Shall we go inside where we can talk more privately?”

“Yes. Excellent idea.” The General told the Colonel. He then turned to his driver and told him, “Feel free to head to the mess hall for some coffee and breakfast Ron. I might be a while. I’ll call you when I’m ready to head back.”

“Yes, Sir General.” The driver replied.

“This way then, sir.” The colonel told him as he held open the command center door and ushered the general into the airconditioned coolness inside.

“My office is just down this way, Sir.” Sa’heed said as he led the general down the hallway opposite the doors.

A few moments later the pair arrived at the base commander’s office. After a brief greeting to Sa’heed secretary the two retired to the colonel office proper and closed the door.

“Would you like some coffee or something to drink?” Robert offered.

“No thank you. Too much caffeine messes with my stomach something awful. A glass of water will be fine.”

The Colonel poured himself a cup of coffee then grabbed a bottle of water from the small fridge beneath the coffee maker. He handed it to King then settled into his chair behind the desk.

“So, Robert what have you dragged me all the way down here to discuss?” King asked as he took a seat.

Sa’heed looked at the Commandant for a long moment unsure how to start. There was so much riding on this conversation, everything from the fate of the nation to, perhaps even his own career if King remained unconvinced when they were done.

Drawing a deep breath Sa’heed told him simply. “Carla Ryson is our custody.”

To say that statement floored the general would be a vast underestimation. Of all the things he though Sa’heed had to tell him that was the very last. “Carla Ryson is here? On base? In your custody?” was all he could muster.

“Yes sir. She surrendered herself to me two days ago.”

“Two days? Colonel this is a serious breach of protocol. That woman is wanted by every law enforcement department in the country, and you have her here?” King said recovering from the shock and becoming angry.

“I know General. That’s why I had to ask you to come here so I could explain in person.” Sa’heed replied.

“I think you better get to that explanation then Colonel.” King demanded.

The base commander took another deep breath and began. “Two days ago, Dr. Ryson surprised me with a call to my home. She begged me to come meet her before I turned her in. I was resistant at first but eventually she convinced me that there would be no harm in waiting an hour to call the authorities. After I arrived, she told me an incredible story of being kidnapped and taken to a farmhouse here in Virginia owned by a man named Phillip Bastion. According to the doctor Bastion was involved with some kind of domestic terrorist organization. It was through that organization that he was able to orchestrate her kidnapping.”

The General nodded. “Go on Robert. I’m listening.” His hands were folded under his chin.

The use of his first name put the Colonel somewhat more at ease and he continued. “With the help of the woman this Bastion was planning to use to kill the doctor, she managed to escape. Bastion himself along with several others including her would be assassin were all killed according to Dr. Ryson. By some miracle the doctor was able to make good her escape in one of the cars on the property after having to kill a member of the group with it.”

Sa’heed reached into his desk and pulled out a folded slip of paper and handed it to General King. “That is the registration of the car she escaped in.”

King accepted it and began to unfold. He glanced down at it and was once again thunderstruck by the name on it. “Davis Carlyle? The White House chief of staff? How? What?”

“I know it’s hard to swallow but somehow the president’s Chief of Staff was there, as a witness perhaps, for Ryson’s execution. She told me where she parked the car when she arrived back in Quantico. I sent some people to the hotel lot to retrieve it, but it was already gone. Logic says Mr. Carlyle had someone clean up his mess.”

“Yes, if this is what she claims then he’d need that. He doesn’t know she’s here?”

“No sir. Only the two of us and the 4 guards that have been protecting the doctor know she’s on base.”

“Robert, I admit her having this is very curious but it certainly not proof of any kind of wrongdoing on his part.” King said. “Even if she’s telling the truth there isn’t any way we can proceed without some kind of concrete proof.”

“I know that sir. Once we found the car was missing, I did a little online research and found a house about twenty miles from here owned by a Howard Bastion. Howard was a very wealthy man before his death several years ago and according to records had a son named Philip. I felt that was justification enough to have one of my people fly a reconnaissance drone over the property, just to look it over.”

“Did the drone find anything?”

“No sir. Just that the property appeared to be abandoned from the air. I had another send it after dark and no lights were apparent from inside the house itself. With that I decided the house must be empty and pushing my luck a little further wouldn’t hurt anything. The morning I sent a reconnaissance team there to investigate her claims on the ground.”

“You sent a team there? I assume this Bastion was nowhere to be found when they arrived?”

“There wasn’t anyone there, sir. Carla said there had been a gun fight in the back yard of the residence by the tree line, so I had them check for any signs of one. They found several bullets encased in the tree trunks at the end of the yard and a few more in the dirt in the lawn. They also found bit of what they believed to be blood on some of the stones in the gravel driveway. I had some of the samples sent over to the base hospitals for analysis. The blood came back as human. It was then DNA matched to a man named Carlos Viera. Mr. Viera did sometime at Ryker’s Island prison back east several years ago for sexual assault on an elderly woman.”

The General looked thoughtfully at the registration. Robert could see the wheels turning in his head.

“I’m not sure what to make of all this Robert. I can see you’ve done your homework and that you obviously believe the doctor’s story. I just can’t wrap my head around why the chief of staff would be mixed up with a group like you describe. What would be the benefit to him? It’s not like he’s a trained undercover agent or anything. And if he were on some kind of mission from the president trying to ferret the group out surly the FBI or some law enforcement agency would be in on it too, if for nothing else logistical support and evacuation if things went wrong. If the mission, even one this covert had gone tits up, we’d surely have heard something internally at least by now. The car being taken would have been reported too, but it wasn’t. The secret service would have been all over that if it was. God only knows what kind of information these politicians carry around with them. Finding that car would have been their highest priority and they’d have informed every branch of law enforcement and the military in an effort to find it.” King said as he continued to turn the information over and over in his mind.

The General knew he was missing something. It seemed like there was an obvious link here staring him straight in the face that kept dancing just out of reach. Robert watched him mull silently as King studied the registration slip.

More thinking out loud than talking to Sa’heed, general said “Why would a top Whitehouse official be consorting with a terrorist group like this one? They aren’t doing covert things to help the president slip around the law. Ryson was in no danger of being found not guilty. If anything, kidnapping the doctor made the government look even more foolish. Everything about the situation is counter intuitive to what would be in Fuller’s best interests. Matter of fact I’d say they were intentionally…..” The General stopped midsentence. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as an idea occurred to him. “Son of a bitch! The god damned son of a bitch. That it. That explains so much.”

“What does sir?” The colonel inquired.

“We’ve suffered military defeat after defeat lately. Seemingly good intel suddenly gone bad at every turn. It happened at the Alaska pipeline. It happened again during the Canadian invasion. Our attempts to repel the UN blockades have been a gigantic failure too. It didn’t make any sense how we could be so wrong on every front all of a sudden but now, now my friend if I’m right, it makes perfect sense.”

“What does General?”

“That son of a bitch must be planning a coup or something. At the very least he’s doing everything he can to make sure Fuller isn’t in office for much longer. Certainly not after November for sure.” King said with a newfound surety in his voice.

“A coup? How?” Sa’heed asked not sure he was following the generals train of logic.

“Not with the military’s help that’s for sure. None of the joint chiefs are in on it. Of that, I’m positive. We’ve all been banging out heads together for the last few weeks trying to figure out why our best strategies have been so ineffectual against vastly inferior enemies. He must be working with others inside the administration to undermine the national confidence in the president, possibly in an attempt to get him to resign or maybe give congress reason to oust him.”

“If your right we have to tell someone.”

“Yes.” King replied distractedly as he continued to consider the situation. “Normally I’d go to the secretary of defense. However, if this really is a coup attempt by one of the president’s cabinet members who’s to say they’re not all in on it?”

“Considering President Fullers speech, the other day I think it’s safe to say the secretary of state is still on his side. Maybe she’s the one to contact” Sa’heed said.

“It would raise red flags all over Washington if I were to ask to speak to Secretary Constantine on my own. There are channels and if I bypass them, I might as well hold up a sign saying I know what the rest of you are up to.”

“Why not go to Fuller himself then?” The Colonel asked.

“Blake has the joint chiefs cock blocked from direct access to Fuller. No military personnel are allowed to make an appointment to see the president without going through defense first.” King explained.

“How odd.” Sa’heed said.

“Yes. Suddenly everything that’s gone on since the outbreak smells extremely fishy. The bigger question is even if we are right and can inform Fuller will it make any difference? The countries faith in him they’ve sought to undermine, is at a historic low for a sitting president over his handling of the virus and the blockade. The House is set to impeach him and with the way public sentiment is leaning, the senate just may go along with them. There’s a fairly good chance he’s on his way out of office anyway before we even get to November.” King told him counting each issue on his fingers as he listed them.

“Be that as it may, General, those are constitutional ways of removing a sitting president. A coup like what seems to be in the works would be anything but lawful. If Carlyle and his cronies, whoever they may be, were to oust President Fuller all our constitutional protections would be out the window. We must find a way to prove your theory one way or the other.” Robert replied.

King sat thinking before he replied. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Make a copy of the registration. Keep the original someplace locked up safe. I will take the copy to Blake. I’ll present myself as a loyal soldier and tell him the truth that we have Dr. Ryson in custody and that she had it in her possession when she was captured.”

“Won’t that be putting the doctor at tremendous risk?” Sa’heed asked not sure he liked the general’s idea thus far.

“Yes, but I trust your people are up to the task of protecting her. Be sure to only use those who are completely loyal to you to guard her, Robert. If what we suspect is true, we’re playing for all the marbles here.”

“Yes, Sir. That shouldn’t be a problem. I assume you think he’s in on this the way you’re talking.” Sa’heed suggested.

“The way I see it he will either be as shocked as we were about the discovery and take me to see Fuller or he’ll show his hand by ordering Ryson transferred somewhere out of our supervision.”

“And if he does the latter?”

“Then you’ll need to arrange for her “escape” and take her someplace safe until we can see the forces rallied against us and figure out our next step.”

“What about you, Sir? If he’s in on this too what’s to stop them from coming after you if the suspect you’re not as loyal as you present?”

“Robert,” King looked his old friend directly in the eye “this is the most dangerous game there is. Whatever the plot is it needs to be smoked out one way or another. We pledged to give our lives in defense of the country if need be. I consider defending a sitting president form a coup as worthy of my life as any other battlefield.”

“So, to be clear, I’m to wait and watch to see what happens to you and then act on those actions?”

“Exactly Colonel. Either Blake will help ferret out those involved, or he’s part of the problem.”

“I sincerely hope he’s not.”

“Me too, Robert. Me too.” King said with a sigh.

****************************

Tuesday Sept 11th. Wyoming

The trip after leaving California had gone fairly smoothly. Nevada and Utah had passed by without incident. That changed however not long after the Sisters crossed the Wyoming state line. After about an hour after seeing the Welcome to Wyoming sign on the highway a tire on Nicole’s RV had blown, forcing the small caravan to pullover on the side of the road. Even that had been ok until a Wyoming state trooper stopped to see if they needed help. That’s when things started going quickly downhill.

At first, he seemed friendly enough and willing to help the handful of women with the tire, even though none of them asked for his help. Then Warren came out of the motor home he’d been riding in with Mia and Sam. That’s when the officers attitude began to change. The sight of one man traveling with five women, one minor and a baby you caused a big change in the officer’s attitude. It was obvious that the idea didn’t sit well with him. Or perhaps he recognized Warren from all the publicity he’d received after being accused of shooting the news woman in San Francisco at the start of the outbreak. Either way, they could see the cops’ hackles were up. Not long after the revelation he excused himself and walked back to his car and got on his radio.

Not liking the look of the situation, Ellie had turned to Nicole. “We need to go.” She told the tall red head urgently.

“I know we do but it’s not like we can’t just leave the RV here on the side of the road, flat tire and all and drive off. If he’s a little suspicious now imagine what would happen if we did that? He’d have us all in cuffs in five minutes.” Nicole replied worriedly.

“If we stay, he’ll have us in them within ten.” Ellie retorted.

“Yeah.” Nicole said as she tried to think of a solution. “Why don’t you and Wendy grab Mia, Sam and the baby and get out of here. Carol, Warren and I can play the happy little family and maybe get him to buy it. After we’re done with the tire Warren can drive Mia’s and follow me to meet up with you guys somewhere up the road.”

Ellie looked up at her oldest friend. “I guess a bad plan is better than no plan at all.”

“We are really good at bad plans though.” Nicole laughed.

“Yes, we are.” Ellie said smiling.

For the briefest of moments, it felt like maybe everything was going to be alright. It had been days since Nicole has seen the short sandy blond haired leader smile. The moment passed far too quickly when the officer returned from his car with his gun drawn.

Pointing it at Ellie he shouted. “You get down on the ground!” He turned and looked at Warren. “You two. You’re both under arrest for outstanding federal warrants. The rest of you stay right where you are. We’re all going wait here nice and calmly until my back up arrives.”

Nicole was horrified at the idea of Ellie or Warren being taken in. After what had happened to most of their people post military raid the tall red head had a fear of incarceration. She watched closely as Ellie and Warren both got down on their knees and the laid flat on their bellies. The cop stepped over to Ellies prone body and snapped handcuffs on both of her wrists. Pulling her to her feet more roughly than necessary in Nicole’s opinion he brought her to where Warren was waiting and attempted to repeat the process. His attention on the rest of them slipped for a moment as he tried to fish a second set of cuffs out of the pouch on his belt. That was the opportunity she’d been waiting for and with no hesitation, jumped into action.

“Wendy! Grab El and Warren!” Nicole yelled as she dove at the officer, knocking him away from the pair. He went down hard. Before he knew what hit him, she rolled to her feet and lifted him up with one arm and bounced him hard off the trunk of his cruiser, knocking the wind out of him. At the same moment Wendy scooped up his two would be prisoners and started heading to the lead motor home. She was nearly there when three more state police cars came to a screeching halt, one stopping between her and her refuge.

“Alright, you stay where you are and drop them.” The officer on the driver’s side shouted as he hoped out.

Wendy dropped her two charges as instructed. Before the cop could say another word, she attacked the car. Ducking her head, the giant new woman hit the passenger’s side of the car like a runaway train. It rocked hard to the side lifting two tires off the ground and sending the driver sprawling. Wendy used the momentum to lift the car and roll it over onto the driver’s side and onto the roof, upending the vehicle. Without any hesitation she turned to the next car but before she could move the cops inside had both their guns drawn and aimed at her. Understanding her abilities ended somewhere short of being bullet proof the silent giant stopped and put her hands up.

Nicole on the other hand was still behind them, she rushed the car from an oblique angle catching the passenger’s side cop with a classic WWE clothesline while simultaneously sliding sideways across the roof and catching the one on the driver’s side with her foot.

Clamoring back to her feet, Ellie watched her old friend. She’d never witnessed Nicole, or for that matter Wendy, cut loose with their abilities like they were now. It was a terrifyingly beautiful thing to see. Her admiration came to an abrupt end as the pair of officers from the final car sized her from behind and one pointed his gun at her head. Being still in the handcuffs the diminutive new woman was defenseless.

“Alright!” One of them shouted waiving his firearm in the air. “Enough of that foolishness! All of you, on the ground face down. You with the baby sit on the hood of the car.”

The whole group looked at him. His compatriot’s gun was aimed in their general direction. They were all going to be taken in once their fellow officers recovered or more arrived. Once that happened the gig was up. They’d be identified and brought back to California to face whatever justice Colonel Jordon had for them.

“Shit.” Nicole whispered under her breath. Then to Wendy said, “We need to get everyone we can out of here right now.”
Wendy pointed at Ellie.

“I know but we can’t save her right now. It’s more important we get everyone else to safety then we can figure out how to rescue El.” She told the behemoth. Wendy shook her head no.

The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance.

“Hear that? That’s more police on the way and we’re not going to catch them by surprise like we did this bunch. We have no choice. I’ll distract them and you grab Sam and the baby, the rest will follow into those woods back there. I’ll bring up the rear.” Nicole told her.
By the look on her face Nicole could see Wendy wasn’t in love with the plan but she nodded her assent. The tall red head nodded back then took two steps towards the panic-stricken cops holding Ellie.

“You stay back!” The officer demanded as she took a third step in his direction.

“On the ground now!” He demanded.

Seeming to do as he ordered Nicole got down on one knee. In one swift motion she grabbed a handful of dirt and tossed it at the cop before he was able to react. In that same moment Wendy scooped up Sam and the baby and bolted for the woods with Mia, Warren and Carrol following as quickly as they could.

“Hey! Stop!” The second officer shouted as he raised his gun. Nicole started for him, but he saw her and swung it back in her direction.
Mouthing the word sorry to Ellie, she turned and hurried after the others as gun shots rang out behind her. She thanked God that he had terrible aim as she dove for the cover of the trees grateful for being uninjured. A bullet pinged off a tree near her as she turned and took one last look back at Ellie then hurried off through the underbrush to catch up with the others.

Ellie watched her friends running off without her as even more police arrived. She understood it was the smart move intellectually but, in her heart, she felt betrayal at their retreat. She didn’t have time to watch them for long as rough hands grabbed her and stuffed her into the rear seat of the police cruiser.

“Hey! Be careful. I break.” she complained.

“You’re lucky we don’t break something after all that shit.” The officer said angrily as he strapped her into the seat. The petite new woman sat in the back of the cruiser and fumed as she started through the metal caging.

The five of them ran though the surprisingly dense wood with Wendy in the lead. The hulk of a new woman bulldozed a path through the underbrush as the rest followed with Nicole bringing up the rear. After several minutes they stopped in a small grassy clearing. They were all out of breath and baby Sara was screaming. Sam did her best to comfort the poor thing while the others with the exception of Nicole panted.
The red head kept her eye on the way they had come trying to think of what to do next when Mia came over to her and pushed her hard.
Wagging her finger at both Nicole and Wendy she yelled “What the hell was that shit? What were you two thinking? You attack police officers on the side of the highway? What the hell is wrong with the two of you? What could you have possibly hoped to accomplish? Other than get every cop in the state of Wyoming on our ass!”

Nicole stepped up and gave Mia a shove back. “In case you didn’t notice we were trying to save Ellie!” she shouted back.

“Well, that went well, didn’t it?” Carol added in sarcastically. “Where is she? Don’t answer I’ll tell you. She with the cops now! That’s where she is!”

“We….I…didn’t think…” Nicole stuttered.

“No, you didn’t think at all.” Mia chimed back in. “You better do some thinking now though Nicole. What are we going to do? Not only is Elli gone but everything we own is now in the hands of the Wyoming state patrol. We don’t even have a change of diapers for Sara. Not that we can just waltz into eh local pharmacy and buy some cause…oh ya…we left all our money in the RVs too. Not to mention we’re going to be on the state most wanted list in about five minutes.”

“Mom, I don’t think any of that is being helpful right now.” Sam said to Mia.

“No one gives a flying fuck what you think!” Carol shouted before Mia could reply. “It your fuckin fault were even here to start with! You did this! All of it! Everything that’s happened is your fucking fault!”

“Carol!” Mia yelled back.

“Fuck you too Mia.” The preteen yelled back. “Your just as fucking bad. If you hadn’t turned us in, we’d still be back in San Fran instead of on the fucking run!”

Losing her temper Nicole shouted “All right. That’s enough! None of you are being helpful. Least of all me or Wendy! We’re in this situation and we need to deal with it, or we’re screwed. Now how about we put aside blaming each other for everything thing that’s gone wrong an put our heads together and figure how we out it right.”

They all looked at Nicole in varying states of shock. Never had she lost her temper like that with the group and seeing her in that state had exactly the effect she was hoping for.

After a moment Warren said. “The first thing we need to do is find a place to hold up. The police will be on our trial before long. Probably with dogs in tow. This only just happened so we’re safe for a short time until they get more reinforcements. The beating the got at the hands of Nicole and Wendy is sure to give them pause about chasing after us in anything less than a full force.”

They nodded all in agreement.

“Ok first question is, does anyone know where we are?” Sam asked. She glowered at Carol and the young girl returned the look uncompromisingly.

Nicole caught the exchange and shook her head. “Going to have to do something about the two of them soon before they kill each other.” She thought to herself.

“That is an excellent question Sam.” Nicole replied. “The last road sign I saw was Evanston two miles not long before my tire blew.”

“Evanston is a fairly large town if I remember correctly.” Carol told them. I passed through there a couple years go on a sales trip.”

“OK. That’s good. The bigger the place the easier it will be to blend in. And that’s most likely where they’ll bring Ellie too.” Warren noted.

“Good. Let’s hope your right Warren. Next order of business is money. What do we have on hand?” Nicole asked.

Wendy fished her pockets and handed Nicole a small pile of bills. Nicole counted it out. “Well, that will certainly help. Wendy had two hundred dollars to add to the forty-five I have. What else do we have?”

“I have twenty.” Mia told them.

“And I have another fifty.” Sam added.

“Excellent. Carol how about you?”

The small girl shrugged. “You know us kids. Can’t be trusted with cash.” She joked humorlessly.

Nicole nodded. “Well at least we’re not completely broke. Ok Evanston is east of us so were going to need to get going in that direction somehow. Being in these woods is going to make that hard but I don’t think finding a road to follow in the open is going to really be an option.
Anyone have a compass by any chance?’

They all looked at each other.

“Ya that’s kind of what I thought.” Nicole laughed sarcastically.

In the distance the sound of shouting voices could be heard.
“
That’s probably our new best friends.” Mia said. “We should probably get moving.”

“Good idea mom.” Sam added.

To Sam Nicole said. “Let me take the baby. She’ll be far less of burden for me to carry. Warren, you take lead. Wendy, you bring up the rear. Let’s move everyone unless you want to be cellmates.

*****************
Ellie

The interrogation room was small with grey painted cinderblock walls, a large two-way mirror dominated the one next to the doorway. It was too dark in the hallway outside for Ellie to see who, if anyone, was watching her. Not that there was much to watch with her cuffed to a small heavy looking wooden table which seemed to be bolted to the floor. Unless of course you enjoyed watching the vaguely ammonia smell of the place making her nose twitch.

She supposed they were letting her “cool her heels” as they used to say in the old cop shows in tv. After being bought to the stationhouse. They’d taken her directly to this room and she’d not seen anyone since. So, she sat and fumed over being stuck here, over the way the others abandoned her and ran away, over the decline of the sisters and mostly over the unfairness of it all. She knew the rage she felt in her heart was well in excess of what the situation called for, but she was helpless to quell it.

The rage had been with her since the night the army raided their warehouse. The sight of those who had followed her and the ones they were trying to help being taken away in chains had been so incredibly painful to witness as she herself was scurried away to safety. The whole incident had felt to her as if God herself had betrayed them. Later when she found that betrayal had a more earthly source in the form of Vera, Ellie was shocked and angry beyond words. Vera’s refusal come to Ellie to admit her part in the raid, despite being given several days to do so, had only served to further enrage the new woman. Finally, she couldn’t take Vera’s lies of omission anymore and had Wendy deal with the portly traitor. Ellie had hoped that Vera’s punishment would give her some solace, but she’d received none. If anything, it had only added to her burden of anger she carried. Not that she regretted what had been done but Nicole’s constant questioning looks since the discovery of Vera’s body was another thing for her to worry about piled on top of the already stress filled situation, they were in. The last thing she wanted was to push her best friend away, but it seemed no matter what she did to correct things, the divide between them only grew wider.

For the first time in many weeks, she bowed her head and prayed to God for guidance. She’s barely begun when the heavy steel door creaked open. A very tall heavy-set man wearing black colored jeans with a light brown button up top that sported a big star badge on it. The man took a seat opposite Ellie and set his large dark colored cowboy hat on the table revealing a receding hair line. His large moustache matched his bushy eyebrows, add to that his darkly tanned and deeply lined skin, he looked like the epitome of an old-time western sheriff.

He looked at her for several seconds before he began. “Mr. Wolf my name is…..”

“Mister?” Ellie asked cutting off. “Do I look like a mister to you?”

“Your name is Elijah Wolf is it not?” He asked with a touch of irritation at being interrupted.

“My name is Ellie Wolf. Elijah is dead and buried for several months now.” She told him ignoring his tone.

“Yes…Well Ms. Wolf” He began again looking at her. Ellie nodded her ascent. “My name is LT Carl Sanders.”
Ellie nodded again.

“You’re under arrest today for an outstanding federal warrant as well as assault on three Wyoming State troopers.”

“I never assaulted anyone.” She told him.

“Your accomplices certainly did and since they are currently still at large you get to take the wrap for it unless you’re willing to help us track them down.” He told her matter of factly.

She laughed. “That was about as poor a threat as the come colonel.”

“I’m a lieutenant.” He corrected.

She nodded.

“Anyway, even if I wanted to help you track them down, how would I accomplish that from in here exactly? Do you think we’re psychically connected or something?” She asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm.

“That attitude isn’t going to help you any.”

“Colonel, you seem to think that somehow, I’m going to be intimidated by you and your little set of trumped-up charges but I’m not stupid. The government is going to have me taken out of your jurisdiction long before I see the inside of one of your state court houses. So how about we cut the bull shit. I want a lawyer before I speak to you again and you’d be best served to get on the phone with the fed’s and let them know you have me before they find out and end your career.”

LT. Sanders’s face turned red as a beat as he informed her “If we don’t tell them we have you then they will never know. Or at least we can hold you a good long while before we tell them. I’m sure the boys in in the lock up would love to make your acquaintance.”

“I’m sure their lawyers would love to hear how you put an Acidalia patient in a holding cell with men. I’m sure that wouldn’t cost the state too much in lawsuits. I’d even go so far as to bet your superiors would probably thank you.” She replied smugly. “As a matter of fact, I’m kind of surprised you chose to come in here and sit with me without any protection. Perhaps your harboring secret desires you hide from your family like I did for so many years. Truth’s you’re afraid to admit for fear they’d reject you. I lived that lie for a long time myself Colonel, but you have nothing to fear from me. I’ve helped a lot of people like you, and I’d be happy to assist you in freeing your true self too. All you need to do is sit and talk with me a while and in a few days your heart felt desire will come true.”

He gave her a stony stare as Ellie smiled sweetly at him. Without another word stood up to leave.

“Oh, Colonel Sanders, don’t forget my lawyer when you come back, please.” She said with a large sarcastic grin etched on her face.

The door slammed shut behind him. Ellie sat back feeling just a bit satisfied. “Round one to me.” she thought to herself.

Ellie knew that despite putting Sanders in his place, she was still screwed. Going into federal custody was going to mean quarantine for sure, Jordon had pretty much promised her that. Staying in state custody was probably going to land her in a similar kind of place.
“Fucked if you do and fucked if you don’t.” She said quietly to herself.

As it stood, she was surprised that she wasn’t already locked away in one. They obviously knew who she was and her history with Acidalia and yet here she was in a normal interrogation room with no extra precautions being taken.
“Curiouser and curiouser.” She mumbled out loud.

Even though she spoke quietly the mics in the room picked it up flawlessly. Sanders stood watching and listening to her musings though the two-way mirror along with fellow officer Adrian Prescott. Prescott, a tall handsome thirty-five-year-old black man was still chucking at Ellie’s Colonel Sanders remark, much to Carl’s annoyance. Sanders had never much cared for Prescott on a personal level. The two of them had worked together on several occasions and had been shown up by him on every occasion, much to Sander’s displeasure. Any interaction with Prescott set his nerves on edge.

Prescott, himself had very little use for Sanders. His hard ass cowboy act combined with his lazy police work and constant preaching of conspiracy theories drove the younger man up a wall. If it weren’t for him being the son of a state senator Adrian believed Sanders would be sweeping the floors at the local supermarket for a living instead of being a lieutenant in the state police. There had been many theories as to how Sanders made the grade among his fellow officers, none of the charitable.

“Alright already. It wasn’t that funny.” He growled at Prescott who continued to snicker.

“Was from my perspective.” Was the reply he received.

Sanders shot him an angry look.

Seeing he was succeeding pissing Sanders off Adrian couldn’t resist poking the bear one last time. “Well tough guy cop was a bust. What do you want to try now?”

“I don’t think there’s much of anything that we can do that’s going to get her to help us find the others.” Sanders replied glumly.

“She’s tougher than she looks that’s for sure. So, then what? Turn her over to the feds and be done with her?” Prescott asked hopefully.

Despite everything Sander’s was still his superior officer and Prescott was forced to defer to his judgement.
“Or lack thereof.” Prescott thought silently.

“I was thinking more along the lines of sending her to the work farm in Mountain View for a while. Maybe a few days under the tender mercies of warden Osbourne out there is just what she needs. See how high and mighty she thinks she is after that.” Sanders told him.

“Are you serious? She doesn’t deserve that. All we have her for is an outstanding warrant. It was those two other…I don’t know, super women I guess is the best way to describe them, that have the assault and destruction of property charges pending. Just give her over to the feds. We’ll find her pals without her.”

“You don’t get it do you? You saw her in there. The things she said to me. Like I was nothing, pathetic. Marjorie used to treat me like that before she learned her place. That in one in there, she needs to be taught that same kind of lesson. Show who’s boss around here.” Sanders said with embarrassed venom.

“Come on Carl, knock that shit off. You went in there being all tough guy and all she did was play off your lead. It’s not her fault you looked like a fool in there. You did that to yourself thinking she’d be scared of you or whatever. Let’s go. I’m going to give the state marshal’s office a call and have them arrange to take her of our hands.” Adrian told him as he started to walk away.

Sanders scowled at him.

“While at it you better go get yourself tested. It was pretty stupid of you to go in there without protection.”

“Ahh I don’t believe in all that crap they say on the tv. That Acidalia thing is just a big ol hoax. I saw it on the internet. How the government is using it as an excuse to suspend our freedoms. That “girl” in there is probably one of those transtestical things those lefty assholes are always sticking in our faces. Trying to say that kind of stuff is normal, and they should be treated like us normal folks. I don’t believe any of it.”
“I believe the word is transexual Carl. And if it’s fake then why does everyone need to be tested every week?” Prescott asked incredulously.
“The internet says it’s one of those false flag…..” Sanders began but when he looked back all he saw was the door to Prescott’s office closing. Shrugging he turned back and continued to watch Ellie.

*****************

Nicole

The trek through the woods was harder and shorter than the group had originally believed. The only blessing was baby Sara has slept quietly though the majority of it. What had originally seemed like an endless forest actually turned out to be only about a quarter mile barrier between the highway and good-sized residential neighborhood. Once they discovered the houses the quintet picked their way through the thicket along the border of back yards.

“That one looks empty.” Warren told the group pointing at the two-story blue raised ranch they stood behind.

“Carol you’re the smallest. Go take a peek. See if the coast is clear.” Nicole said to the small girl.

Carol skittered across the back yard an up onto the back deck She peers though the sliding door and saw no movement from inside. Deciding to be bold she gave the doors a few loud knocks. When no one answered after several attempts she tried the door. It was unlocked. She pushed her head in and yelled, “Hello? Anyone home?”

Again, she was met with silence so she turned and waved at the group hidden just beyond the tree line and the Sisters had a temporary hideout.

They all piled into the spacious well-furnished living room and dropped onto whatever chair or couch was closest. As they caught their breath that all looked around, taking in the home they’d just invaded. The living room had a western motif complete with plush leather furniture and three mounted deer heads that hung over a wooden cigar store Indian standing in one corner of the large stone fireplace.

After a few moments Nicole finally said “Nice digs. When you pick a house to break into Carol you go first class.”

Carol smiled at the little joke “Only the finest for you, boss.”

“Boss?” Nicole replied with a laugh.

“Yep, with Ellie gone you’re in charge now far as I’m concerned.” Carol replied seriously. The others all nodded their ascent.

Nicole sighed. “Ok then. Everyone, catch your breath. Since we’re already in for home invasion Sam scout the fridge for something to drink. Carol, look around see if there’s any money laying around anywhere. Mia, watch the baby. Warren, you come with me. I want to check the garage.”

Everyone headed off to their assigned tasks while Mia entertained the baby. Sara could easily be heard cooing happily through the door of mud room that led the attached garage as Nicole and Warren investigated the place. They took the place in. A large work bench dominated one of the car bays, complete with a tool infested peg board on the wall behind it. A couple tall metal cabinets stood next to the bench. The other bay was occupied by a tarp enshrouded vehicle of indistinguishable make from where they stood.

“Might as well take a look.” Warren said as he started feeling for the hooks holding it down.

Nicole stepped over to help and after a few minutes fumbling they managed to expose a nearly showroom quality midnight black Dodge Magnum wagon with darkly tinted windows and spoked midnight black rims that sported slightly oversized tires. It was definitely a car someone loved and took great care of.

“Wow, that’s a beauty.” She marveled.

“It has the hemi in it too.” Warren informed her. “If we can find keys for it not only will we all fit in there, we’ll have a shot at outrunning any cop that happens by.”

“Sure Warren. I guess you’ll want to do the driving too.” She laughed think the car would be good for anything but blending in with the locals. But then again, any port in a storm.

“Me drive? I don’t have a license. Do you?” He asked.’

“Yes I can drive. How is it you never learned? I thought every guy wanted to learn to drive as early as possible.” she asked. “I know I did when I was a teen boy.”

“I’m a city boy. Never had need to learn. There was always a bus or train to take me where I wanted to go.” He explained.

She nodded. “You grew up in Frisco?

“Close. Across the bay in Oakland. I still have an apartment there. Though they’ve probably rented it out by now. The disadvantage of being a fugitive on the run. No time to pay the rent. And you?”

Nicole smiled at him. “I’m an import. I grew up in upstate New York. A little town called Liverpool, right next to Syracuse.”

“What brought you all the way out here?”

She sighed. “I came to San Francisco for the same reason most others come. I came to be myself. Growing up in a small place like that, people tended to be a bit backwards thinking when it comes things like transsexuality. I would….I didn’t look very good dressed as a woman. Never had a chance of passing. There, I was ridiculed constantly. Called a freak and a lot of other things. In San Fran, I was accepted. I still didn’t look good, but no one made fun of me. I met Ellie, Elijah at the time, and she was just so supportive. It was the first time in my life I felt like I wasn’t a weirdo. That it was finally kind of ok to be me. Before Acidalia it was the closest I’d ever come to being happy.”

He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “It’s good you were able to find peace of mind.”

“It was nothing like what I’ve had since I got infected” She laughed. “But it was better than where I was.”

From the doorway they heard Carol say “Oh cool you found a car.”

Both looked over at her with oddly guilty expressions on their faces. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Why do you look all guilty and stuff? We’re you two making out or something. Robbi’s gonna be so jealous Warren.” She teased.

The three of them laughed.

“Hey, poke you head back on the other side of the doorway and see if there are keys for this thing hang up somewhere.” Warren asked her.
Carol ducked back into the adjoining room. They could hear her rummaging around for a minute or two before she reappeared dangling a ring with a large key brandishing the dodge logo on it.

“That looks like a winner.” Nicole told her. “Toss it over here.”

“No way Jose. I want to drive.” She said with a large grin on her face.

“Ya. Ok. Like this beast won’t stand out enough.” Nicole giggled.

Carol gave her a mock scowl. “Hey, I was a very good driver I’ll have you know.”

“I’m sure you were before you looked twelve.” Warren joked.

“Twelve? I don’t look a day under thirteen I’ll have you know.” Carol laughed then stuck her tongue out at them both. She tossed Nicole the keys. “All yours boss.”

Nicole rolled her eyes at the name. Hit the unlock then slid behind the wheel and fired the Nomad up with a loud roar. The car obviously had a modified exhaust system that growled like a caged animal as the car idled.

“Jesus. Could it be any louder?” Carol shouted above the din.

Warren shook his head laughing. We’re going to be the very definition of incognito now.”

“Yep. No will see us coming.” Nicole replied. “They’ll hear us from a mile away though.” She shut the engine down. “Let’s go gather Sam, Mia and Sara and get out of here before the owner comes home or the cops start a house-to-house search. For all we know they have this whole neighborhood cordoned off by now.”

Moments later they were back in the living room. Sam had found a variety of liquid refreshments. Everyone grabbed a can or bottle of what suited them best as Mia said. “Found a car huh?”

“What gave you that idea?” Warren asked.

“Oh…I don’t know. A little birdy told me.”

The group laughed.

“Well, it will get us into town. After that though we’re going to need to ditch it. It’s a bit flashy for incognito escapes.” Nicole replied. “Carol did you find any cash?”

“I did.” The youngster replied as she handed Nicole a huge roll of bills.

“Holy shit.” Sam said looking at it.

“Jackpot huh?” Carol replied.

“I’d say. Added to what we have baby Sara will have all the diapers she could ever need.” Warren told them.

“Ok folks. To quote Biff from Back to the Future, let’s make like a tree and get outta here.” Nicole said.
The assemblage groaned as the piled into the car. The garage door rolled up and off they went.

*********
Greyson Labs

Doctor Jackson Ryan, acting head of the CDC in the fight again the Acidalia virus, looked over the lab results on his terminal in amazement. It was only a little over a week ago he’d come to realize one of his lab assistants was actually immune to the virus that had been vexing him for the last several months of his life. Now, however, that he’d begun to explore Harold Rogers biochemistry and how it interacted with the Acidalia virus he was truly impressed.

After spending four days in a quarantine cell here at Greyson with other highly contagious victims of the virus his cells showed no sign of infection whatsoever. Furthermore, there was no trace of the virus to be found anywhere in his body and the good doctor had been very thorough in the testing he’d ordered. The term no stone left unturned had a new definition now.

As delighted with the results as Ryan was, they hadn’t shown him a path to transferring the immunity to others as of yet, but he was certain it was only a matter of time until he ferreted the answer out. Jackson was not a man used to failure and while only he knew how faulty his Acidalia test truly was, it was an untenable embarrassment to him. So determined to beat the bug was he that he’d readily agreed to testing on live victims, where necessary, when asked by Col. Jordon.

He didn’t enjoy doing the things he’d done to innocent patients in the name of saving humanity, but he’d done them anyway. Rogers was just the latest in a long string of things he was going to have to learn to live with after the epidemic ended.

Getting up from his terminal he walked into the sterile room where his meal ticket was strapped to a gurney, naked except a towel strategically place over his nether region. “How are we feeling today, Harrold?” He asked lifting the towel to confirm everything was as it had been on last inspection.

“Still male I see. Excellent.” The doctor went on to his gaged patient. He reached over for a tape measure and with no concern over Roger’s feelings began to measure his penis. He then grabbed a small caliper and used it to measure his patients’ testicles. Rogers muffled cries of pain didn’t even register on Ryan as he went through the daily routine of documenting the physical measurements of the genitals.

“Looking good there Harold. Everything’s still the same as yesterday. I have to say your immunity to the virus, at least on the airborne version is quite impressive.” He told Rogers.

He reached over to the table an picked up a long-needled syringe filled with a slightly amber colored liquid. “Today we’re going to see how you do with the blood born version.” Rogers eyes got very wide, and he began to shake his head violently back and forth, the gg muffling his protests.

“Shhh. There’s no need to get upset Harold. Think of it this way, if your immune to this version too we won’t need to do this to you again and if you’re not, well I guess we won’t need to either. Regardless of the outcome this is the only time you’ll have to go through it. I think that’s something you should be happy about. Now be still, I do not want to have to gas you like the last time.”

The doctor bent down to prep the place on Rogers arm he was planning to inject into. There seemed to be spot the alcohol prep wouldn’t clean so he got closer and tried to scrub the area harder. He was so intent on what he was doing he didn’t notice Roger’s arm coming up and he was caught flush in the nose with an unexpected forearm. The wasn’t a lot of force behind it but getting hit on the tip of your nose hurt no matter how little momentum was behind it. Ryan stood up with tears of pain stinging his eyes and held his nose watching the triumph in the eyes of Harold Rogers.

“Think that was funny, do you? Got yourself a little revenge maybe?” He asked after several moments. His nose still stung but the pain had begun to recede.

“You know Harold, one of the great things about the virus is its ability to heal injuries and correct medical problems.” He told the prone man as he stepped over to the counter. After a short search of the draws the doctor pulled out an electric bone saw. Showing to his victim he squeezed the trigger several times creating a sharp whine from the rotating blade each time.

Harold’s eyes grew wide with fear as Ryan continued. “I’ve often wondered what the extent of the virus’ healing abilities were. Could it, for example, repair broken bones or perhaps, regrow limbs. I think today is the perfect time to try a little experiment. What do you think? Can it regrow, say a toe? What say we take off your big toe and see if the virus can regrow it for you. Now I want you to understand Harold, I don’t want to do this to you, but you need to learn that your life is now over. This is all there is. The sooner you accept that the better things will be for everyone, son. Together we are going to find a cure for the virus. Check that, I’m going to find the cure, you on the other hand, well let’s just say, no one will ever know the pivotal role you played in the research. But don’t let that get you down my boy. Just think of the countless men you’re saving. I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s not generally known but there are far more men, and women for that matter, who die from exposure to the virus than survive the transition. Yes, it’s true. Add to that out of those that survive the suicide rate is somewhere around forty percent. You are literally going to save millions of lives Harold so be of good cheer. I will have someone come look at the foot too.”

**********

Twelve hours later Ryan returned to the lab. It was very late, but he couldn’t sleep anymore. He just had to know whether he was going to be able to proceed as he hoped or not. He was feeling embarrassingly excited, a bit like a five-year-old on Christmas morning. Eventually he decided to give up the ghost and got up, made some coffee, tossed on a pair of sweats and a tee shirt and headed down to the lab. He had expected it to be dark but much to his surprise the place was lit up like it was the middle of a workday. As he punched his access code into the keypad, he could see two of his assistants, Shelia Cochrane and Dennis Furan, working over in one corner through the windows. The pair seemed to be having a rather animated discussion that stopped suddenly as he entered the room.

“Uh oh the boss is here everyone shush up. “He joked. “What are you two up to?”

“Dr. Ryan, we were just discussing the blood test results that got pulled from patient one eight two.” Sheila the short stocky brunette, told him.
Ryan nodded, knowing one eight two was Rogers. “What do we have?”

“What we have is impossible if the research records are accurate. It says here that the patient was injected with Acidalia type one about twelve hours ago.” The rotund Dennis told him.

“Yes, I’m aware of what was done to him. What do the blood tests show?” he asked with a small air of irritation.

“Blood was drawn one hour after injection as they were patching up an injury to the patients foot. It was what you’d expect from someone that was injected with twenty cc’s of infected suspension, chock full of virus.” Shelia reported. “The next sample was taken at the three-hour mark, that one showed only a minor uptick in the viral load. Statistically it was insignificant enough to be considered to be noninfective. Almost as if it only marginally infected the skin cells near the injection point but not reproduced. Now we know based on the quick test we developed that within six hours of infection the virus will settle in the lungs causing all infected patients, male or female, to eventually develop a deep hacking cough. Several tissue samples from different spots on both lungs was taken at the eight-hours after the infection was introduced. There was no sign of the typical lung nodules in the tissue samples that are the typical virial incubators. The blood work done two hours ago and again just now have actually shown a significant and growing decline in viral count. We don’t understand how that is possible.”
“Everything we know about Acidalia and the way it functions inside the male body says this is impossible.” Dennis told him as he pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. “The only thing we’ve been able to come up with is the virus sample must have been weakened somehow before it was injected and is nonviable inside a host.”

“But we checked the lot number and it’s shown one hundred percent infection in every other experiment we’ve used it in. We also put a small sample under the electron microscope with a tissue sample and the virus acted normally infiltrating the live cells almost immediately and reproducing as expected.” Sheila added.

Dr. Ryan nodded again. “So, tell me then, based on the results and your verifications, what’s left to conclude?”

The pair looked at each other nervously. It seemed as if they both wanted to say it but were too afraid of being wrong to take the chance.

“Now, now. You must have a theory.” Ryan said trying to coax the answer out of one of them.

Finally, after a couple more minutes Sheila blurted out “It looks like the patient is possibly immune.”

Jackson smiled with satisfaction and agreed. “The patient is immune.”

“Is it possible? Is there actually a chance that there are males out there that the virus doesn’t affect?” Dennis asked with no small amount of wonder.

“I can’t confirm multiple right now but yes we have found a male that by all appearances seems to be immune to the virus, in both of its forms. This is quite possibly the most important discovery in human history considering the possible threat to our very existence as a species the virus represents. Now that we know it’s possible to resist Acidalia, what we need to do now is find the root of that immunity in order to develop a vaccine and possibly a cure.” Ryan told the pair. “This search will mean a lot of long nights and days, but we are on the cusp. I need to know if the two of you are willing to commit to finding that answer with me.”

They both nodded enthusiastically.

“Excellent, then let’s get started.” Ryan told them.

*********

Col. Jordon was exhausted. In the weeks since being assigned to head the USAMRID’s efforts to contain and hopefully destroy the Acidalia virus sleep had been an ever increasingly elusive thing to find time for. Meetings with scientists, generals, his staff, the president as well as the day to day duties running an operation the size of the one they had going here at Greyson labs were an ongoing and persistent hindrance to any attempt he made to get some shut eye. That lack of sleep had led him to make several bad choices, such as letting Ellie Wolf blackmail him into letting Sam Greyson go. That coupled with letting her two enhanced associates leave had come back to bite him in the ass in more ways than he cared to count.

The brass had been apoplectic over his decision. More than once, he’d heard rumors, they were going to replace him imminently. If that was ultimately their decision, up until a few days ago, he’d have handed over command with a smile to whatever poor slob the assigned to take it from him. That is until Dr. Ryan told him about the immune man. Now there was a realistic possibility of making some progress he wanted nothing more than to stay and see it through to the end.

Sleep, however, was still hard to come by so when the intercom on his desk buzzed startling him out a nap he hadn’t been aware he was taking, he lost his balance, tipping his chair to the point where it sent him crashing to the floor with a loud thud. Before he could scramble to his feet the door burst open. His secretary ran over to him, helping him to his feet and asking “Are you ok? That was quite a crash.”
Jordon got to his feet. “Yes, yes. I’m fine. I dosed off I guess. I didn’t realize it until you chirped the intercom.” He explained with no small amount of embarrassment.

She nodded with sympathy in her eyes. “You need to go lay down Charles. This place will survive a few hours while you sleep. You have good people under your command that can certainly be trusted to keep things going while you rest.”

Col. Jordon had heard this mother hen routine countless times from her before and while it the concern was appreciated his sense of responsibility to the situation made doing as she suggest impossible. “What is it you needed?” he asked trying to ignore her suggestion without making it look like he was ignoring her suggestion.

“Oh” she laughed, letting him off the hook for now. “We received a message from the Wyoming federal marshal’s office asking to speak to you.”

“Federal marshal’s office? What on earth could they possibly want?” he asked impatiently.

“I guess you’ll have to pick up the phone and ask them yourself, sir. They are on hold on line three.” She told him as she walked out and closed the door behind her.

Jordon brushed himself off for a moment then took a swig out of the ice-cold coffee in the cup that had somehow stayed upright during his fall before gathering his chair and taking a seat. He picked up the phone, punched the line number and said without preamble “Jordon here.”

“Yes Colonel, my name is Francis Reed. I’m with the US Marshal service here in Wyoming. We received a call from one of our state police barracks not long ago. They picked up a woman on a federal warrant issued by your office. The woman goes by the name of Ellie, formerly Elijah, Wolf. We are scheduled to pick her up from the station tomorrow morning. We want to arrange extradition back to California and since it’s your warrant we wanted to know where to send her.”

Jordon looked at the phone stunned. Wolf had made it all the way to Wyoming before they caught her. How in the world has she managed that? She was obviously far more resourceful than he realized. Where in the world had she been going, he wondered.

“Officer Reed, first off thank you for contacting me on this. Capturing her has removed on of the greatest threats to our nation off the board. You are aware Mr. Wolf is an Acidalia victim yes? There’s a very good chance she may be contagious.”

“Yes Colonel, we are aware and are taking all prudent precautions.”

“Excellent. I need to make a few phone calls and make some arrangements for her return. The safest thing would be to have her flown to Edward Air Force Base. There are several specially modified military cargo planes designed for transporting virus victims. I can arrange to have one flown to whatever airport is closest to your location and take her off your hands, if that’s agreeable to you.”

“Yes, sir. That works fine for me.”

“Great. I will call you back in an hour or so with the final details. Before I let you go, Mr. Wolf was traveling with several others. Have they been apprehended too?”

“No sir, but from what I understand the state police are hot to find them. Apparently two of them attacked the arresting officers and several others from the backup they called in. They have six men in the hospital as a result.”

“I see. Officer Reed, if they others are apprehended at any point, I need it emphasized to the police they are to be returned here to California as well.”

There were several moments of silence before the Reed replied. “I will do my best Colonel, but I can’t make any promises. The police out here don’t take very kindly to being attacked. I can’t even promise they won’t be shot on sight judging from the way the officer I spoke to was talking.”

“If that’s the case I will have someone call their barracks commander and let them know the military will be taking over the investigation. Thank you for your time, Mr. Reed. I will be in touch with transport arrangements shortly.” Jordon told him as he hung up without waiting for a reply.
“Ellie Wolf in custody” he thought to himself as he picked the phone back up. “This is going to save my ass.”

***************
The White House press room prime time:

“Mr. President.” Press secretary Kerry Enrich called out form the back of the group walking down the hall towards the White House briefing room. Thinking the president hadn’t heard him Enrich called out again louder. “Mr. President!”

From the head of the column Fuller called back dismissively.” Not now Kerry, I have briefing with the press.”
“
Yes sir, I know but there have been some changes to you statement.”

“Are they on my note cards?” Fuller asked not even trying to hide his irritation.

“Yes sir but..”

“No buts Kerry. I’ll see them when I get up there.” Fuller replied as stepped through the press room door.

“Fuck!” Enrich thought to himself as he stood in the hallway looking helplessly at the closing door.

“Don’t worry Kerry, everything is going to be just fine.” Davis Carlyle told him giving his shoulder a squeeze on the way by.

“Ya for you anyway. You smug son of a bitch.” Kerry thought to himself with disgust as he followed Davis through the door and up onto the side the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming this evening.” President Fuller told the assembled reporters as he stood looking proud behind the presidential podium. “After several weeks of careful consideration, I have come up with a nominee for Vice President. I know it’s been a longer time coming that most expected but with the many ongoing crisis our nation has faced of late there simply hasn’t been much time to sit down and do the due diligence necessary to come up with a candidate that is not only capable of doing the job but shares my vision for the nation’s future. With that said, I’d like to present to you the man that will be not only serving as my VP but also as my running mate this November…”

Fuller looked down at his note a moment and just stopped speaking. He looked up and over to the side where press secretary Kerry Enrich stood with several members of his cabinet, a confused look plastered to his face. Enrich’s face had a look of hopeless disgust plastered to it as he shrugged back as if to say I tried to tell you.

“I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen of the press, please excuse me a moment.” He said as he stepped away from the podium. The press room erupted with shouted questions which Fuller ignored as he walked off stage. One behind the side curtain he grabbed Enrich by the sleeve and pulled him down the small set of stair and out the door to the hallway beyond. Several members of the cabinet started to follow but Fuller waved them off as he yanked Enrich though the door.

“What the hell is going on here Kerry?” he shouted soon as the door was closed. “Why does the note sheet say Davis Carlyle instead of Richard Rawlings? “What the fuck are you people trying to pull.”

“I’m sorry sir. I tried to tell you before you went in there that Rawlings tested positive for Acidalia just this afternoon. We only got the word fifteen minutes ago.” Enrich told him.

“And you let me go out there….?”

“Again Mr. President, I was trying to tell you.”

“Trying?” Fuller yelled. “You let me go out there with my dick in my hand for Christ sakes, Kerry! Davis Carlyle? Really?”

“You wouldn’t listen Mr. President. Every time I tried to speak you told me to wait. Then you went out there without giving me the opportunity to tell you. I’m sorry it happened like this sir. I’ll hand in my resignation immediately.” Erich told the president.

Fuller shook his head and sighed deeply. “What a cluster fuck. How did his name get inserted in there?”

“I have no idea who did that Mr. President. I was going to look into as soon as we were done here. I was only handed the revised copy myself on the way down the hall to your office. I was reading it for the first time just as you wear head to the press room. That’s why I was trying to get your attention.” Enrich told him truthfully.

Before the president could reply, assistant press secretary Lia Holiday came through the door at that moment and said “I’m sorry sir’s but the press is getting a bit restless in there. We need to tell them something.”

Fuller stared at the two of them with exasperation. “Fine. Congratulations Lia you’re my new press secretary. Kerry, your fired! I expect your resignation on my desk as soon as we get this shit show over with.”

“Yes sir.” Was all Enrich could think to say.

Fuller took an additional moment to compose himself then walked up the steps and back not the press room.

Stepping back to the podium he smiled at the press corps. “Please forgive me for that interruption. As president you never know when a matter of national security I going to pop up.” The president paused for a moment hoping for some kind of reaction for the assemblage but was met with stony silence. With an internal shrug he continued. “With that said I’d like to present you with my nomination for vice president, my chief of staff and good friend Davis Carlyle.”

Carlyle stepped out from behind the president. Fuller turned and shook his hand smiling as the press took pictures and shouted questions.
Fuller took a step back giving him the mic.

“Thank you, Mr. President. It will be an honor to serve with you as we navigate this great country of ours though these difficult times.” Davis said with a broad smile. “I hope I can prove worthy of your trust. To the members of the senate, my life is an open book. Please feel free to ask whatever questions you feel need answering to get through this process as quickly as possible. We’ve a lot of other matters that need our attention. Again, thank you President Fuller.”

As the press began to pepper Carlyle, Fuller seethed. Davis was the very last person he wanted as VP but now he was stuck between a rock and hard place. If he tried to back out of the nomination, he’d look weaker and more ineffectual than he already did. The press conference was already a fiasco with him stepping off stage midsentence. If he allowed the nomination to stand and the senate approved Fuller would be stuck with someone that he no longer trusted to go along with the program and not try to undermine him.

“Not exactly clear and decisive leadership there, Bob. You look like an incompetent, bumbling fool.” He thought to himself glumly. “God, I wish there was a way I could just walk off into the sunset sometimes.”

Fuller kept his thoughts to himself as he stood and watched Carlyle heap false praise upon him for the job he’s been doing during the epidemic to the nations press. All of which rang false to the president.

Thirty agonizing minutes later the presser was finally wrapping up. Fuller stepped up and shook Carlyle’s hand for one last photo op smiling brightly. Once the camera’s stopped flashing he turned and stepped off stage and headed for the door. The rest of the cabinet members in attendance followed. Once out in the hall several members congratulated Davis on his nomination. Fuller didn’t join in. Instead, he strode to the oval office angrily. Carlyle Davis, seeing him stalk off began to follow. Fuller entered the outer office, looked over at his secretary Magda and said” Hold my calls!” and without looking back slammed the door shut behind him, as it turned out right in Davis’s face.

Davis turned back to the woman half standing behind her desk and shrugged. “I guess I’ll come back later.”

“Seems like that would be the best idea Mr. Vice President.” Magda replied courtly.

Carlyle Davis smiled at her as he turned and walked back out into the hallway. As he walked several more staffers offered him congratulations on his way by. By the time he arrived at his current office, his hand hurt from shaking so many. His secretary wasn’t at her desk as he walked by. “Probably in the ladies room.” He thought to himself as he opened the door to his inner sanctum and let out a gasp of surprise to find Defense Secretary Blake sitting in a chair with a glass of scotch in his hand waiting for him.

“Blake, what are you doing…” Davis began.

“That was some stunt you pulled in there. Fuller is pissed.” Blake interrupted.

“Ahh let him be pissed. I did what needed to be done. Now he has to follow through with the nomination or it will make him look even worse.” Davis replied with a wide smile.

“Yes. You’ve put him in a terrible spot.” Blake replied. “How did we get word on Rawlings being infected so quickly? He was just here yesterday meeting with Fuller and tested negative.”

“What can I say? I have my ear to the ground.” Davis replied smugly. “Harkins arranged for him to have some female company at his hotel last night. Sadly, no one knew she was a virus victim until after the evening was over regrettably. Once the woman was identified Rawlings was obligated to be retested. The blood born version is a real motherfucker when it comes to transferability. Regrettably, Mr. Rawlings is being transported to the Baltimore Quarantine center for monitoring as we speak.”

“And that’s that huh?” Blake asked.

“Would seem so. Either way the plan is back on track. Congress will approve my nomination by the end of the month and by mid-October Fuller should be out. Then I can declare martial law and suspend the election in November.” Carlyle said as he poured himself a glass.

“Slick as shit through a goose huh?”

“If the dominos continue to fall into place, it will be.”

“No matter how much cajoling it takes to get them there.” Blake replied lifting his glass.

Davis lifted his in return. “In for a penny.” He replied.
“I have news.” Blake told him changing the subject. “Elijah Wolf has been apprehended in Wyoming.”

“Captured by who?”

“The state police. Apparently, it was quite the incident. The two enhanced ones she travels with…..” Blake stopped trying to remember their names.

“Michael Waters and Roger Stevens. I believe they go by Wendy and Nicole now. I didn’t realize they were enhanced.” Davis told him.

“Yes, them. Anyway, I guess they didn’t let the cops take her in peacefully.”

“How did we find out?”

“Someone in the federal marshal’s office called Charley Jordon at Greyson labs. He’s the one that issued the warrant, so I guess they wanted to know that the hell he wanted done with her. He called the army chief of staff’s office to speak to General Cook about getting permission to have her flown into Edwards. The General’s office called my office to coordinate with Caviler’s people on base about getting one of the modified transports over there to get her.”

“Interesting.” Davis replied thoughtfully.

“Yes, it’s a very interesting situation. I haven’t okayed the transport yet.”

Davis nodded. “Her being in custody long term won’t help our plans, but them having her might be the opportunity we’ve been looking for. Can you delay things while I make a call?”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem for anyone but Jordon. He’s got a bit of a hard on for Wolf. She made him look pretty stupid in releasing Greyson and the other two. The woman can be very persuasive from what I hear. Anyway, let me know what’s going on when you do.” Blake told him getting up.

“I will. A couple hours at most. Can you close the door behind you as you leave, please?”

“Talk to you soon Mr. Vice President.” Blake said closing the door.

*************
Harkin heard his phone ring just as he was about to knock on the solid looking steel door. He pulled it from his pocket and recognizing the number he immediately walked back to the street as he answered. “Mr. Davis?”

“Where are you? “Davis asked.

“I’m in California. I was just about to have that conversation we discussed with Reverend.” Harkin told him.

“Don’t. We may need him after all. How soon can you make it to Evanston Wyoming?”

Harkin looked at his watch. “Evanston? I’m not sure sir, I’ve never even heard of it. I’m going have to find out where the nearest airport is. Can I ask why?”

“I have someone I want you to meetup with before we cut the Reverend loose. I need you there by mid-day tomorrow.”

“Yes sir. I’ll figure it out.” Harkin replied.
“When you get your travel details in order let me know. I’ll have something waiting for you wherever you land.”

“Yes sir, will do.” Harkin told him. “By the way. Congrats on your nomination sir. I guess that means things are pointing in the right direction again.”

“They will be pointing in an even better direction once you get to Wyoming.” Davis told him. “By the way any progress on the Ryson situation?”

“No sir.” Harkin replied not hiding the frustration in his voice. There were many things you could get use to in life, failure wasn’t one of them in his mind and her continued elusiveness was really beginning to piss him off.

“It’s like she fell off the earth, but I’ve got my best people working on it. Wherever she is we’ll find her.” Harkin replied bracing himself for his boss’s reaction.

“Make sure you do Harkin, or it will be your ass.” Davis told him angrily.

“Yes sir. I understand. I will call you back as soon as I know where I’ll be arriving in Wyoming.”

“Good.” Davis told him hanging up the phone.

Harkin looked at his phone for a long moment wondering what he was in for come Wyoming. His boss certainly had a lot of irons in a lot of fires. Harkin hoped like hell Davis Carlyle truly was the man that could handle the heat. Looking back over his shoulder as Rev. Manning’s current hide out, he shrugged his shoulders, walked back into his car and headed for the airport.

**********
Reynolds 6am:

Paula Stanley sat behind her desk in her plush executive chair going over the previous days reports and frowning. Six of her most prized test subjects had suddenly taken ill and had to be quarantined for the rest of the facility. According to Dr. Benatar they had all been exposed to some version of the flu brought in by one of the guards. The illness outbreak was throwing a huge monkey wrench into Paula’s testing schedule for the week. Worse three of the girls were scheduled for insemination tomorrow and now that was going to be to be pushed back too.

“Grrr.” She grumbled to herself as she looked over the report once again before tossing it into the waste basket at her feet. With tremendous irritation she picked up the phone and dialed down to the infirmary. After eight rings it was finally answered.

“I want to speak to Dr. Benatar immediately.” She demanded without even waiting to hear who it was that answered.

“I’m sorry she’s busy with a critical patient right now and can’t come to the phone Director.” Robbi Goings answered.

“I don’t care what she’s doing! I need to speak to her right this minute Dr. Goings! Now go get her!” Paula demanded.

“Look, Director, she can’t speak to you right now. If you need her that badly you’re going to have to come down here and drag her out of surgery yourself because I’m not doing it.” Roberta told the doctor not caring what her reaction would be.

“You best watch your tone doctor. Remember what happened the last time you crossed me. Now do as your told.” Paula again demanded not realizing for a moment the other end had hung up the phone. She stared at it in angry amazement for a full minute, seething with rage and indignation.

“Who does that little bitch think she is talking to me like that.” she thought to herself as her fingers jabbed the desk phones keypad. That number rang twice before it was answered with “Security, Michaelson speaking.”

“This is director Stanley; I need a team sent to the infirmary and Dr. Goings taken into custody immediately and held until I get down there.”

“I’m sorry ma’am but Lt. Hutchinson has ordered that no one in the facility is to be held without cause unless she approves it first.” Michaelson informed her.

“Hutchinson said?” She questioned. “I don’t give a damn what she has told you! I’m the head of this facility, what I say supersedes anything anyone else in this entire place tells you!” Paula roared into the phone.

“I understand who you are, ma’am, but I can’t go against the Lieutenants orders. She’ll have my ass in a sling if I did. You’ll really need to discuss the matter with her.”

“Discuss the matter…? Who does Hutchinson think she is?”

“I’m sure I don’t know ma’am. I’m just doing as I was ordered. Again, you need to discuss the matter with her directly Dr. Stanley.” Michaelson told her as the other end of the phone hung up.

“Has everyone gone mad today?” Paula asked herself as her temper continued to boil over. Not knowing where Hutchinson was at the moment, she punched up the facility wide intercom. “Lieutenant Hutchinson pick up line one.” She demanded.

After she sat and watched the phone waiting for the return call. Every second of silence that ticked by only served to enrage Dr. Stanley further. Finally, after a full five minutes passed Paula’s temper boiled over completely. She picked the intercom back up and shouted into it. “Hutchinson! This is the Director! Call my office immediately!”

When it was again met with silence Paula again grabbed the phone and dialed the security office. “Where is Hutchinson!?” The portly director demanded.

“Last I knew she was down in the infirmary.” The voice on the other end answered.

Paula slammed down the phone. She wiggled out of her chair and stomped out of her office. Out in the halls she spotted to security people walking in the other direction. “You and you” She told them pointing at each in turn “come with me right now.”

“Director we were just on our way….” The tall olive skinned one started to explain.

“I don’t care where you were going or what you were doing! This is my facility! What I say goes. Now come with me!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.

The pair just looked at each other a moment. “Lead on Director. The male one told her.

The pair followed Dr. Stanley, trying not to laugh at the way she stomped her feet on the way down the hall towards the elevators. Once inside she said to them. “Have your weapons ready.”

“Ma’am, could you tell us where we are going at least?” The shorter dark haired female guard asked.

Paula replied with an air of disgust “To the infirmary.”

“And once we’re there you want us to shoot someone?” The man asked.

“When we get there, I want you to do what I tell you to do. Right now, I want you to have your weapons ready in case there is a need for them, that’s all.” She said sternly.

“Yes ma’am.” They replied in unison.

As the elevator slid to a stop Paula pushed at the door as though she could bully them into opening. The pair standing behind her did their best to hide their amusement at her antics. The doctor stormed out soon as the elevator doors opened. She turned to the left and again stomped her way down the hallway and burst though the infirmary doors.

“Where is Hutchinson?” she shouted as loud as she could, as her improvised security detail stood behind her with questioning looks on their faces.

“She’s back in the maternity ward.” A faceless voice answered from off to her left.

Dr. Stanley suddenly looked a little bit queasy. The ward was the only place she could not go because of Thomas Logan's threat to kill her.

“Fine.” She turned to the male guard trying not to look rattled. “Go get her.” She ordered pointing at the door he needed to go through.

He stepped forward wondering when the facility had a maternity ward installed and, for that matter, why they would need one. He walked through the heavy steel doors and was immediately assaulted by the stench of the place. As bad as it smelled in the regular infirmary ward, it was infinitely worse in there. Gurneys and beds with pathetic looking patients laying on them in various states of consciousness covered nearly every inch of floor. Struggling to find room to step forward he called out “Lieutenant Hutchinson?”

“Over here Malloy.” She called back waving.

From where he stood, Malloy could see her huddled in the corner around a bed talking to a pair of doctors and a strikingly beautiful brown-haired inmate. “Lieutenant, Dr. Stanley is outside. She’s been looking for you for a while. She’s pretty pissed off.”

The brown-haired inmate turned towards him and snarled “Stanley is here?”

Hutchinson put a hand on her shoulder and told her. “I have this, Thomas. To Malloy she replied. “And she sent you in here to get me?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Fucking coward.” Hutchinson said in disgust. The Sargent looked down at the inmate on the bed then to one of the doctors she said, “Are you sure she’s going to be ok?”

“She’ll be fine, eventually. She can heal like no one business. It’s just going to take a while this time. The cow really did a number on her, but we’ll keep her safe in there.” Dr. Benatar replied.

Hutchinson gave the new woman known only as Paka’s hand a squeeze then turned back to Malloy, “Alright let’s go see what the good doctor has a stick up her ass about this time.”

The two exited the maternity ward back into the general infirmary. Hutchinson could see the director standing near the entrance looking fear filled and indignant. She shook her head in disgust as everyone in the place had to keep stepping around Stanley as they tried to treat their patients.

“Yes doctor, what can I do for you?” the Lieutenant asked as they arrived in Stanley’s vicinity.

“I’ve been looking for you. I called your office and you personally twice on the intercom.” Paula informed her with tremendous indignation oozing from every word.

“The intercom doesn’t work in the ward.” Loren told her ignoring the doctor’s tone. “Again, what can I do for you?”

“I am the director of this facility, Lieutenant, I should not have to come all the way down here to find my head of security!”

Loren Hutchinson sighed loudly. After a moment she reached out and grabbed the director by her white lab coat and pushed her though the infirmary door into the hallway beyond.

“Get your hands off me!” Stanley squealed as she was pulled and shoved along. The pair of security people she’d hijacked followed the pair out. Hutchinson turned to them and said “Malloy, Sanchez, your dismissed. Thank you for assisting the director.”

The twos started to leave when Stanley yelled, “Who are you to tell them to leave? I run this place…”

“No!” the Lieutenant said so forcefully it stopped the doctor mid-rant. “No more!”

“No more what?” Stanley asked still indignant but with a touch of apprehension.

“No more director. No more prisoner transfers. No more experiments. No more torturing these poor people who have done nothing more than have the bad luck of getting sick. I was just in there with Paka. I saw what your “experiments” have done to her. It’s far from the first time you’ve hurt her, I know, but this time you went way to far! You’re lucky she can heal from nearly anything because anyone else would be dead by now.” Hutchinson was shaking the fat director as her with fury grew with very word.

“What I did was to advance our knowledge of these mutations the virus has caused! I didn’t torture anyone!” Paula squealed. “What I do here I do for our survival as a species!”

“My people and I have agreed that we will not allow anymore abuse of the people incarcerated here by you. By our actions we have been complicit for far too long! Half the blood you’ve spilled here is on our hands too. No more doctor. I’ve told all my people that any security issue needs to be okayed by me before any action is taken. There will be no more patient transfers. No more randomly shuffling people so no one notices your victims missing. It all ends now. From here on in you will treat these people with some dignity.” She told her poking her in the shoulder to emphasize each point in turn.

“We’ll see what Colonel Jordon has to say about your little rebellion, Lieutenant!” Dr. Stanley replied indignantly.

“By all means doctor, call the Colonel. I’m sure he’d love to know how many of the special ones you’ve kept from him. That Thomas Logan and Major Brady are both still alive. Please call him, doctor. Or shall I?”

Paula’s eyes were wide as saucers, not with rage this time however, they were wide with fear.
“You…. you wouldn’t dare.” Stanley stuttered.

“Try me, Paula.” Hutchinson replied with steel in her voice as she let go of Paula’s lab coat. “All of this shit, its is over.” The doctor backed away, still looking at the Lieutenant.

“Are we clear?” Hutchinson asked.

“This…this isn’t over.” Stanley promised.

“Yes, it is doctor. No one on my staff will listen to your orders anymore. Call it a coup if you like but the security staff will have no more part in making these people your playthings. Now get your ass out of here before I have you put into one of the detention cells.” Hutchinson called out to her as she watched Stanley scamper quickly as if all the devils in hell were chasing her in the direction of the elevators.

***************

KLTR 7am News:

“Good morning, San Francisco this is your morning news. Our top story this morning, after his surprising nomination, Vice Presidential hopeful Davis Carlyle made the rounds on Capitol Hill yesterday trying to drum up support from Senate leaders before his confirmation hearings which are scheduled to begin next Wednesday morning. Rumors continue to circulate that Mr. Carlyle was not who the president intended to nominate and was a last-minute substitute that even president Fuller himself was not aware of until the press conference to announce the nomination had started.”

“Critics of the president have been calling his sudden stop mid-sentence during last evenings press conference a blunder of epic proportions. Senator Kennedy, an outspoken critic of the president and political opponent called it yet another in a never-ending series of events that show the president is no longer capable of running the country.”

“If the man doesn’t even know what his own speech says how can he possibly claim to have a handle on the ongoing crisis our country faces. Every day citizens are suffering under inept and ill-conceived policies promoted and endorsed by this administration. Come November we need to make a change at the top that will bring the results that lead to improvements in the lives of our people.”

A story that seems to corroborate the senator’s theory is the resignation of press secretary Kerry Enrich this morning. Enrich who had been with the administration since President Fuller was elected, sighted wanting time to be his family as he his reason for his sudden departure. While there would seem to be a direct link between the confusing at the Presidents new conference and Enrich’s departure, there have also been rumors circulating that one of the former secretary’s close family members has recently come down with the virus. When asked for comment on her predecessor new press secretary Lia Holiday would only say that it had been an honor to work with him and wished him luck on his future endeavors.

“On the international front, The Canadian News Network is reporting that negotiations between the US and Canada are proceeding quickly and there is expected to be a treaty signing before months end. One of the only hurtles left seems to be the dollar amount of reparations the United States must pay Canada for its ill-fated attempt to create a similar buffer zone like the one that exists along the southern border. Canadian Prime minister Montclair was quoted as saying that he has high hopes of a quick restoration of peace between our great countries and is working hard alongside Secretary of State Joanne Constantine to see that wish come to fruition.”

“In other international news United Nations Secretary General Mosbard has declared the blockade of all US ports a total victory for UN forces. “There remain no open ports with which the United States can export the virus to the rest of the world. We are all safe now. Once again, I beg president Fuller to surrender control of the United States government to UN control so we can put an end to the embargo of good and services from abroad.” The General Secretary said in a statement released earlier today.”

“In a related story inflation continues to grow at record levels as scarcity of goods continues to drive prices of everyday items higher. With supplies of most staple goods running dangerously low, empty shelves in stores are starting to become common place. Sources in Washington report the President is close to using the emergency powers act to force corporations to open manufacturing back up inside our boarders. The secretary of Commerce Barney Flint has called for a meeting with the CEOs of America’s largest corporations this coming Monday to discuss the logistics and funding for the initiative should it need to be instituted.”

“Wall street, again, has reacted poorly to the possibility, with the Dow taking a nearly two hundred points drop in the hours after the rumor started circulating. This makes the third such drop since the outbreak of the epidemic as investors seek to cash out before the inevitable drop in value of their stocks.”

“Locally, authorities continue the manhunt for Reverend Manning and his followers as they attacked yet another testing center last night, this time in heart of Sacramento. The testing center on Swift St. was so engulfed in flame it took four alarms before fire fighters could contain the blaze. Concern for the surrounding buildings was heighted by presence of a gas station two doors down from the testing center. Thankfully fire fighters were able to contain the fire to just the testing center building, which is reportedly a total loss. The state police have yet to release the number of victims from the immense fire as the building’s stability has yet to be determined. Once it’s deemed safe enough authorities will begin the process of removing and identifying bodies of the deceased.”

*************

Paula Wright heard the tv clicking off as she walked into the kitchen to find the woman that had once been her husband Kevin sitting at the breakfast bar eating a piece of toast. Things had not been easy for the couple since Kevin’s infection and subsequent transformation. His condition had put a lot of stress on their already somewhat tenuous relationship. Though they still loved each other things had been slowly unraveling for them as a couple for several months before anyone had even heard the word Acidalia.

At the start of the outbreak the company Kevin worked at as a software engineer, Vertech, had set all the employee’s they could up to work from home in an effort to protect them from exposure. While this policy had indeed helped to limit him from exposure from people, he worked with it was something less than successful from keeping anyone from catching the virus at places like the grocery or hardware store.

After a routine trip out to several store for supplies and entertainment Kevin had woken up the following morning feeling very sick. Paula immediately set him up in the guest bedroom and watched in horror as he went from feeling ill to falling not a deep coma over the next fifteen hours. The coma had lasted four days, during which she watched the man she’d been married too for the last ten years morph into this stranger that now sat at the counter of her breakfast bar.

The couple had been doing their best to make things work between them since his recovery, but it had been far from easy. Their biggest problems were two-fold. First off Paula wasn’t gay. Even though she loved her husband his new form held no attraction for her. Kevin despite his disappointment understood and had been trying to live with it. It hurt him deeply that the woman he loved and spent most of his adult life with rejected him now. The emotional turmoil had caused him to turn to drinking on occasions when the depression over it all got to be too much. He knew it was probably the worst possible way to deal with the situation, but his wife’s rejection combined being trapped in a body he never wanted left him feeling lost and alone.

The second issue between them was a bit tougher to get around. Paula, who’d been spending an inordinate amount of time is internet chat rooms since her husband’s reawakening, had found several groups that preached the gospel according to Reverend Morris Manning. Paula had latched onto the Reverend Manning’s idea that Acidalia infection originated from personal sin with almost fanatical intensity. She agreed that it was God’s wrath on those without God in their hearts. She had begun asking him constantly to pray with her and beg God for forgiveness. Kevin, understandably feeling he’d not done anything to offend God, had resisted her at every turn. He had tried to explain this to her, but she never seemed to actually listen to him. He’s considered leaving but as a virus victim he had nowhere to go but quarantine if he didn’t stay hidden at home.

Despite their issues though they had been managing. That was, until last night.

Keven had spent the entire day in a deep anger filled funk. He had never wanted to be female. Deep seeded regret on his part and Paula’s preaching’s had done nothing to help the situation. Once he was finished with his days’ work, he’d decided to hit the bottle hard. Despite several experiences with the bottle, he still wasn’t used to diminished size and lowered tolerance. As with every time before, he’d managed to get very drunk far more quickly than normal. Paula, upon her return home from work had not been happy to see him half passed out, drooling on the kitchen table.

After a bit of shaking and cajoling Paula had managed t get her husband upright long enough to help him into bed to sleep it off. Everything had been mostly fine until in his drunken state he tried to be amorous with her. That started the mother of all fights. Kevin soon found himself locked out of the bedroom and fell asleep on the couch.

The mornings sobriety had brought him tremendous shame and fear of what Paula’s reaction might be. He’d hoped that she would see last night for what it was, a drunken mistake. So, he’d gotten up early and cleaned up the mess he left in the kitchen, made himself a small bit of breakfast and waited for her to come down.

When he saw her enter the kitchen he said “Morning.” As cheerily as he could muster.

Paula shot him a scowl that dried all the saliva in his mouth instantly. “Don’t “morning” me.” She replied with great distain.

“Look, before we get into another big bow out, I want to say I’m sorry. I was drunk. Very drunk. I had a real shit day yesterday and still don’t have a handle on how much quicker alcohol affects me like this. I know I shouldn’t have tried anything like that with you, I know you’re not into it. But Paula I love you and I’m still very attracted to you. Even though I’m stuck like this I’m still me inside and I miss us. I know it’s been not so great for a while now, even before this but now that I see what I’m losing I want more than anything to hold onto it. I want to find a way to make things right between us. So again, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” He blurted out before she could say another word, hoping that would calm her down some so they could talk for real.

“Your right it won’t happen again.” She told him sternly. “I want you to leave Kevin. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t live with your sin on such obvious display every day. I tried to live with it. I prayed to God to relieve you from whatever you’d done to offend him but last night you proved all my worst fears to be well founded. You are a sinner, Kevin. You’re going to have to figure out how to earn God’s forgiveness on your own.”

“Paula…” He started.

“No Kevin. There is nothing you can say that will fix this. Before I came down here, I made a phone call. There will be people here to pick you up soon.” She informed him.

“People? What people?” the skinny dark-haired new woman demanded.

Paula looked away but refused to reply. Kevin jumped to her feet and shouted “Paula, who did you call?”
As if on que a knock at the door sent a bold of fear and rage through Kevin’s body. He grabbed his wife by the robe and demanded “Tell me who you called god damn it!”

Get your hands off me!” she shouted trying to pull away. “Help me!!”

As soon as she cried out for help a huge boom made the door rattle on its frame. A second boom a moment later and the door burst in and five large men wearing the double red cross insignia of Rev. Manning’s followers rushed the pair of women. They pulled Kevin roughly away from Paula. Three of the men began pummeling Kevin in the head and shoulders as they crushed him to the floor. Once she was down the beating continued as they kicked her mercilessly. The new woman cried out with each blow.

“Are you alright sister?” Kevin heard one of them ask through his ringing ears as he lay on the floor trying to catch his breath.

“Yes, he didn’t hurt me.” Paula replied. “Thank you though. Your arrival was perfectly timed. Things were starting to get scary.”

“I’m glad we arrived when we did. Truly Gods hand was at work here today.”

“Yes. Praise the Lord our God.” She said in response then asked, “Are you going to take him away now?”

“We can easily do the cleansing here unless you’d rather not witness his redemption.” The blonde haired one with the long scar down his left cheek told her.

Kevin tried to speak but the ringing in his head kept the words from forming.

“No. I’d like to be present if that’s possible. Despite what he’s become I did once love him. I want to see God forgive him so I know we will be together in heaven when my time comes. There is a place in the back yard.” She told them.

The blonde looked at the others. “You four go with our sister Paula and prepare the spot. I’ll wait here with this sinner and pray for her redemption. She doesn’t look in any shape to cause any trouble.”

“Praise be brother” they said nearly in unison as the followed Paula out into the late summer morning air.

The remaining one looked down at Kevin broken form and gave the new woman one more swift kick to the stomach. “My name is brother Gary” he informed her. “I will stay with you and pray for God to forgive you until it’s time for your redemption.”

Despite his head swimming and the pain, Kevin managed to look up at her attacker. “Fuck you!” he whispered as loud as he could muster then spat on Brother Gary’s shoe.

Gary looked down on him with great pity in his eyes. Then smiled. “Still feisty huh? I can respect that. I’m gonna tell you something straight up, Kevin. I don’t buy all this religion bullshit the rest of them spout. I’m here cause I like to hurt people and Rev Manning lets me hurt anyone I like as long as I tell him they were a sinner. He’s kind of a black and white thinker that way. Makes it easy for people like me to hide inside his little bunch of holly rollers.” He told her as he gave her another swift kick, this time in the head. “Now that you made this personal by spitting on me, I’m going to make this hurt as much as possible. Tell me Mr. Wright, have you tried out your new equipment yet?”

Kevin looked up at him with dawning horror, suddenly aware of how small he was in comparison. “N..no. Don’t. Please.”

“Aww. Begging’s not gonna get you anywhere sister. You should have just laid there like a good girl until it was time but no, you had to go and spit on my new kicks. Well now you’re gonna get what you deserve.” He told her as he unzipped his fly. Descending upon her he smashed her in the face several more times and then stuffed a towel in her mouth. She could smell the stink of tobacco on his breath as he leaned close and began to describe what was to come.

Forty-five minutes later the others returned to the kitchen. Kevin lay on the floor crying with the towel still stuffed into her mouth. None of the others seemed to notice how much more beat up she was on the pajama bottoms around her ankles. The simply grabbed her roughly and dragged her out to the back yard. The warm sunshine fell on her face and the smell of summer air filled her nostrils as soon as they were clear of the back porch door. She tried to lift her head to see the sky one last time, but she had no strength left in her. She could only see the grass that needed to be mowed beneath their feet as she was dragged across the back yard by the arms.

Once they reach the back corner of the yard, the four of Brother Gary’s companions stood her up and held her in place against a fence post while the brother himself tied her tightly too it. She wanted to struggle. She tried to scream but there was just no fight left in her.
Once they were done Paula came to her. She gently pulled the towel from her husband’s mouth. “I love you, Kevin. I will see you in heaven some day and we will bask in the love of the lord.” She kissed him and smiled, then stepped back with the others.

Kevin wanted to beg them not to do this to him but was unable to find the words. Instead, he just hung there limply silently praying for his end to be quick. The beating he had received at their hands coupled with the subsequent rape by Brother Gary had left him sobbing mess and sapped strength to resist as the men worked behind him.

After a few moments they were finished. The five of them stood in front of the new woman praying disjointedly together. Kevin looked at Brother Gary and noticed he had a hard on all the while the reek of lighter fluid wafted through the air. Once the prayer was done Gary lit a match and flicked it at the pile beneath his victims’ feet. For a moment Kevin couldn’t put it all together but then he caught the first whiff of smoke from behind him. It sent a wave of fear like he’d never felt before washing through him.

His bladder emptied wetting the wood in the fire pit around his feet and he began to scream as the fire climbed up his back.

Paula stood smiling as her husband burned before her eyes, praying for God to accept his soul into heaven.

**************
Evanston Wyoming 10:30 am:

Nicole stared out the window of the flea bag motel Mia and Sam had managed to get the Sisters a pair of rooms in. From the second-floor room she occupied along with Carol and Warren, which was only a slightly awkward situation, gave her a fairly good view of the street beyond the parking lot. With one of them on constant lookout, if the police showed up, they’d have a few seconds warning at least. Not a lot of time but better than getting caught with your panties around your ankles at least.

Early yesterday evening after getting lodging taken care of and running to a nearby store for supplies, Nicole and Warren had taken their stolen ride and ditched behind a strip mall a couple miles away. Warren had looked as if he was going to cry as they walked away from the Magnum. Even though he couldn’t drive, it seemed as if he’d fallen in love with the machine. To Nicole, his reaction was nothing short of comical but somehow, she’s managed to refrain from laughing, and insulting her friend, long enough for them to make their way back to the motel.

Since then, they’d been hold up here trying to figure out how to free Ellie from police custody. So far all they’d managed to come up with is they needed to get her out of there. None of them were strategic geniuses by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, she and Wendy could take out a handful of cops if needed but what good would that do any of them if they didn’t even know what station Ellie was being held in. For that matter they didn’t even know for sure that she was still being held. She might be back in Colonel Jordon’s grasp by now for all they knew.

“Coast still clear?” Carol asked from the twin bed they’d shared the night before.

“The coast is as clear as the coast can be.” Nicole replied trying to be funny.
Carol gave her a ghost of a smile. “Any idea on what we’re going to do yet?”

“I was just thinking that over. Unless they moved her overnight, they most likely have her in the state police barracks still. We need to find out where that is and confirm if they have Ellie or not.” Nicole replied trying to sound like she was on top of the situation.

“Ok. Then what?” Carol asked with an edge of sarcasm in her voice.

“Then” she started to say and stopped. Nicole went silent for a few seconds before finally admitting, “You know what Carol, I haven’t the foggiest idea of then what. How about you? Any grand plans on your end?”

They youngster shrugged. “If it were up to me, I’d offer to trade them Sam for Ellie straight up.”

“Thinking that’s probably not going to work out to well.”

“I can hope, can’t I?” Carol replied with an impish grin.

“Hope for what?” Warren asked stepping out of the tiny bathroom with wet hair and a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Nothing to important. We were just pie in the skying what to do rescue Ellie.” Nicole told him.

Warren nodded. “Any thoughts?”

“Nothing practical.” Nicole admitted.

Warren nodded as he reached for his pile of clothing on the bed. They towel around his waist slipped slightly showing off a bit of his butt.

“Eww dude!” Carol said. “Go back in the bathroom and get dressed! Fricken ladies present. Ya know?”

The three of the laughed more hardily than the joke warranted. Warren turned a bit red as he gathered his things and began to scurry back into the bathroom but was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The laughter was immediately cut off, like someone had hit stop on a recording. He looked through the peep hole and saw Mia. With a sigh of relief, he opened the door and let the former head of the CDC in.

“What were you three donkeys giggling about? I could hear you all the way out in the hallway.” She asked.

“Just a dumb joke.” Carol replied still smiling.

Mia Blue nodded. “Umm Warren why are you half naked in the middle of the room?” She asked causing the three to burst into laughter again.
“I don’t know what you three have been smoking but I want some.” She told them which set of another gale of laughter.

After the giggles passed and they’d taken a moment to compose themselves, Nicole asked, “Where are Sam and Wendy?”

“Sara is sleeping. Sam stayed to watch over here. Wendy, I assume stayed to watch over Sam. She’s barely left her side since we arrived last night. She told me, well, wrote it on a note that she’d promised Ellie that she’s watch over Sam if anything happened.”

“Far as bodyguards go, you couldn’t really ask for a better one, I guess. “Warren sad from behind the bathroom door.

“Yes.” Mia replied. “So, what are we going to do Nicole? We can’t stay here forever. Eventually the police are going to find us. Kind of surprising they haven’t already. Not sure how safe I’d feel living in this community with the levels of ineptness I’ve seen for the cops around here so far.”

“I know Mia. We were just discussing what the next step was going to be.” Nicole told her.
“
And what did you come up with?”

“Well, we didn’t get much past Carol not wanting to see Warrens naked but.”

Warren stepped out of the bathroom a half second later. Mia took a look at him as he walked barefooted to his bed. “I don’t know Carol, far as buts go, I’ve seen far worse.” Mia joked. The prepubescent new woman turned beat red causing another round of laughter as Warren gave them all a quick twerk.

Turning serious Mia told them. “I took the liberty of getting the address of the nearest state police station off the internet before I came over here. Can I suggest we send a couple of us to do a little reconnaissance to see if she’s even there still?”

“Sounds like a good plan. Better then what we’ve come up with anyhow.” Nicole admitted. “Who should go? Warren, Wendy and I are out. They are looking hard for us.”

“I’d say the combination with the best hope of going unnoticed would be Sam and Carol with the baby.” Mia said.

“Oh no. Hells no!” Carol exploded. “I’m doing anything with that….. that…grrr…fuck that! No!”

“Carol.” Mia said sternly.

“No Mia. I will not go with Sam. I don’t give a flying fuck what you say. That asshole fucked my entire life! No way, Jose’.” Carol bellowed far louder than was necessary.

“I understand you didn’t want to be changed and you blame Sam for it!” Mia shouted back. “But this isn’t about you. It’s about gathering information to try and rescue someone you do care about, Ellie! You always bitch and complain that you’re a grown up not some little kid, now’s the time to act like one!”

Carol stood next to one of the beds glaring as Mia. She then looked in turn at Nicole and Warren looking for some kind of help.

“She’s not wrong Carol.” Was all Nicole could offer. “The three of you would look like a mother and two kids just out for a walk.”

“Nicole!” Carol exclaimed.

“I know you don’t want to be with her but like Mia said it’s for Ellie not for Sam or you.” The tall red head replied. “And it’s not like it would be for days or even hours on end. We’re talking about a quick look around at the place, an hour tops. Can you put your feelings aside for that long?”

“I fucking hate being here! This is why I left to begin with.” Carol spat. “I was doing just fine on my own, but you couldn’t leave me be. You had to drag me back here promising I wouldn’t have to deal with her and now you’re going back on that promise too.”

Nicole just looked at Carol with great sadness in her eyes, not knowing what to say. Carol stared back reproachfully then sighed. “Fine. I’ll fucking do it. But soon as we free Ellie I’m out of here. I can’t deal with this bullshit anymore.”

“Thank you, Carol.” Nicole told her.

“Fuck you, Nicole. You too Mia. Let’s just do this and get it over with.” Carol told them angrily.

Nicole nodded sadly.

**********
Evanston State police Barracks One hour later:

“Yes, sir can I help you?” The young dark haired desk officer asked as Harkin stepped up to it.

“Thank you, officer…”

“Parks.”

“Officer Parks. Yes. I’d like to speak with whoever is in charge please.” Harkin told him politely.
“I’m sorry sir but Captain Fisher is unavailable right now. Can I ask what this has to do with? Parks asked.

Harkin put on the most genuine smile he could muster. He hated dealing with cops. “I have a letter here that is for your Captain Fisher’s eyes only.”

“If you leave it here with me, I’ll make sure he gets it. “Parks offered.

“I’m sure you will officer, but I was told to deliver it to him personally and it’s kind of time sensitive. So maybe you can call him over in his office over there and see if maybe he has a minute for me?” Harkin asked with sincerity. He could see the captain sitting behind his desk easily through the window looking anything but busy. “Give em a little power and they think they own the world.” He thought to himself.

“I told you he was busy.” Parks insisted.

Harkin sighed. He took one step back from the desk and said loudly “All I want is two damn minutes with Captain Fisher, officer Parks.” In the Captains office he looked up at what all the commotion was about.

“Is there a problem out there, Parks?” Fisher called out from his office.

Before Parks could reply Harkin cut him off. “Captain Fisher, sir, I have a very important letter I need to hand deliver to you, if you have a
moment.”

Parks glared at Harkin who continued to smile as Fisher walked over to the desk. “What’s this about?” Harkins nodded at parks. “Yes. I have this Parks, thank you.”

“But Captain…”

“Thank you, officer Parks, I’ll handle this from here. Mr…”

“Names Harkin.”

“Mr. Harkin why don’t you come with me.” Fisher told him opening the gate to get behind the desk. Harkin smiles at Parks as he followed the captain into his office. Parks flipped Harkin the bird behind Fisher’s back which only made Harkin smile more broadly.

Closing the door Fisher offered Harkin a seat. As he walked around his desk Harkin took measure of Fisher who was a small but well build man in his mid-fifties with neatly trimmed salt and pepper hair.

Fisher took a seat behind his desk and Harkin handed him the letter. Reaching for his glasses the captain opened the envelope and unfolded the paper within. After reading for several seconds, he looked up and said, “Are you serious?”

“Yes sir captain.”

“Everyone she was with too?” Fisher questioned.

“That’s what the letter says.” Harkin replied.

“You realize they attacked several police officers while in the line of duty.”

“That’s what I hear.”

“And you expect me to just let them all go? Are you insane?” Fisher asked as he tossed the letter onto his desk.

“Captain, I don’t expect anything. I’m just the messenger. But there is the personal number of Attorney General at the bottom for you to call to confirm the letters legitimate.”

“I don’t care whose number is on the letter Mr. Harkin. The AG is out of his mind if he thinks we’re just going to forget all this happened and let these so-called Sisters just walk away.” Fisher told him angrily.

“I get ya boss. I’d be pissed too if I were you. Especially with how two women beat up six of your men. That’s got to be embarrassing as all hell.” Harkin smirked; he just could not resist needling cops no matter how counterproductive it might be.

“Being untouchable can be fun” He thought to himself before continuing. “That being said, I’ve been told that a copy of the letter has been delivered to you state AG and Governor’s offices as well. Both have apparently signed off on the AG’s recommendations. You can call them too if you like. Their personal numbers are listed at the bottom of the letter as well. So, how’s about we put personal feeling’s aside and play nice with the government, and we can all get on with our days?” Harkin said.

Fisher shot him a stony stare. “You’re a smart one Mr. Harkin. You think you’re some kind of big shot, messenger boy? Maybe we should hold you while I make sure all this is as legit as you claim.”

“Hey now, no offense intended, Boss.” Harkin told him, putting his hands in the air as a signal of surrender. “I’m just talking plainly to you to try and help you see the situation for what it is. The powers that be want this to happen and they are going to get their way one way or another. I know it suck for you to have swallow this shit with a smile but, well it is what it is, right?”

“You can wait outside by the front desk while I make a few phone calls.” Fisher told him.

Harkin stood and sketched a salute. “Jawohl Mein Kapitän.” Trying to do his best Sargent Shultz impression as he turned to leave.

Fisher stood and grabbed his arm “You better be on your best behavior out there. I’d hate to have to arrested for disturbing the peace.” He told him menacingly.

Harkin smiled at Fisher “I’d never think of causing you problems Captain. I’ll be over there on the bench minding my own business until you’re ready.”

****************

Another hour later:

Ellie walked out the rear door of the station rubbing her wrists. They were sore from overly tight the handcuffs they had put on her to walk her the hundred feet or so from the interrogation room to the door. At first the cuffs had made sense. She had assumed they were taking her to some kind of transport back to California but then Sargent Sanders had unlocked them between coughing fits as they reached the door and told her grudgingly that she was free to go.

“Better take care of yourself sweetie. Sounds like you’ve got quite the cold coming on. I guess those deep hidden desires of yours are going to come true after all. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She told him in a voice dripping with sarcasm as she took her bag from him.

“You smart ass little bi….” he started to growl at her but was interrupted by more coughing.

“You poor dear. See you in the lady’s section soon sweetie.” She gave him a blatantly false look of sympathy then blew him a kiss as she walked out the door.

Now outside she took a deep breath. “Ahh the sweet smell of freedom.” She thought to herself with an internal giggle. “Now to find the others.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a cell phone. Before she could even get it powered all the way up a stranger’s voice called out to her.

“Ms. Wolf?” a man asked as he approached her from the shadow of the streetlight.

Fear filled Ellie. For a moment she wished Nicole or Wendy were with her. “Yes. I’m Ellie Wolf.” She replied. “That’s close enough, please.”

The man stopped and smiled. “Sorry if I spooked you ma’am. My names Harkin. If you would allow me a few minutes of your time, I have an offer to make you.”

“Offer? For me? What kind of offer? From who?”

“Well Ms. Wolf, hey can I call you Ellie?” He asked.

“I supposed there’s no harm in it.”

“Great, just call me Harkin.”

She nodded. “What can I do for you Mr. Harkin?”

He smiled again. “Are you hungry? There’s a coffee shop just down the block. I’m beat and could really use a cup of joe. My treat.”

She looked at him very seriously. “I’m not the type of woman you want to trifle with sir.”

“Oh, trust me Ellie I know exactly who you are and all about your friends. I wouldn’t dream of bringing the wrath of the red head, ahh Nicole?, down on me by trying anything untoward. Life’s too short for that kind of stuff.” He told her seriously. “I just want some coffee and what I have to say to you is probably best said anywhere else but behind a police station.”

Ellie nodded. She had to admit he wasn’t wrong about their location being less than ideal and coffee did sound wonderful. “Lead on then Mr. Harkin.”

A few short minutes later they took their seats in a booth as far from the rest of the customers in the coffee shop as they could. The place smelled deliciously like donuts and coffee. Harkin ordered one for himself and Ellie a blueberry muffin to go with hers.

After the waitress walked away Ellie asked. “So, what is this offer you have for me Mr. Harkin? Did Colonel Jordon send you? Is that how you know about me and the others?”

“No Ma’am. I’ve never met the Colonel personally, but I understand he’s a man under a ton of pressure these days. The people he answers too have been up his ass big time since he let you and Dr. Greyson go.”

“Poor man. I guess he should have thought things through before he agreed to our deal.” She said without any compassion.

"Maybe. Either way he’s going to be really pissed off when he finds out you were set free.” Harkin told her.

“How exactly was I set free?” She asked.

“Let’s just say the people I work for have a lot of connections. Matter of fact we’d like to add you to our little collection of troublemakers, if I can be so blunt.”

The waitress returned with their coffee’s and her muffin. Ellie used the moment to consider what Harkin had told her. “Troublemakers? I am nothing of the sort.”

“In the eyes of the people in charge you’re the worst kind of troublemaker Ellie. You managed to keep how many people out of quarantine? Do you even know the number? I sure don’t but it was a lot more than people like Jordon were comfortable with.”

Ellie considered his words carefully then finally asked “Ok I’m intrigued. Tell me what it will cost me.”

“Cost you?”

“Nothing comes for free Mr. Harkin. So, before I even hear your offer, I want to know the price.”

“There is nothing we want from you Ms. Wolf. We want to provide you with money, resources, whatever you need to continue with your mission.”

“My mission?”

“Yes ma’am. We can get you set up wherever you’d like and fund you restarting what you had going back in San Francisco. In addition, we’d like to reinforce your personal safety with a team of military trained enhanced new women.”

“Would you now?” She asked with growing skepticism. “Just out the goodness of your heart huh?”

Harkin smiled with growing respect for Ellie. “Ok I’ll level with you. Your groups activities alone make those in power look weak and ineffectual which meets our ends. So, we want to get you back in business with a guarantee of no more interference from the authorities. The warrants on you and the rest of your group, except Mr. Quinlan, have all gone away. The police and the military will never bother you again. We will provide you whatever cover you need and keep them at bay. In essence, you get to go back to doing what you were doing before the raid on your warehouse with no fear of that ever happening again.”

“Why doesn’t Warren get the same pass as the rest of us?”

“I have no idea, Ellie. I’m just the messenger and that was the message I was given.” He told her honestly. “But if you accept our offer, it will be a lot harder for anyone looking for him to arrest him.”

“True enough.” She said obviously considering the offer carefully. It would start to set things back on the right track and possibly relieve some of the guilt driven rage she’d been feeling. “These militarily trained new women, would they be from Ft Rawlings?”

Harkin nodded.

“Anyone added to our group would need be….ummm….pleased with their transition. I already have trouble with one of my group because of her resentment of Dr Greyson. I can’t have enhanced women among us with the same issues.”

“We are aware of the potential problems and anyone we bring to you will be properly screened.” Harkin assured her.

Ellie nodded back at him. “Speaking of problems, what about the rest of my people?”

“I think it’s safe to say they are close by. While I was waiting for you, I saw Dr. Greyson and the age regressed one, Carol I believe, trying casually case out the police station while pushing a stroller.”

Elie smiled at the mental image. “That must have been a sight to behold. I’ll need to contact them before they do anything dumb.”

“Probably a good idea but you have to admire their loyalty.”

“Yes, I love them all dearly. However, I was talking about the ones that were taken after the raid. I’d want them all released.” Ellie told him.

“Ellie, I’m good but no one is that good. As far as I know your people were spread to the four winds after the raid. Any place with room is where they went. You’d have better luck trying to herd cats than track them all down. That being said, I will however pass your request up the chain if we have a deal.” He said then asked. “Do we have a deal?”

Ellie looked him in the eye, searching for whatever it was that he wasn’t telling her. She had always fancied herself someone that could see deception in a person before it came out, but she’d missed it in Mia and again in Vera. No longer sure of her own instincts she said a quick prayer and told him “I supposed we do Mr. Harkin.”

“Terrific!” he exclaimed then handed her a card. She looked it over. It contained what looked like account numbers and a phone number. “The accounts listed on that will give you access to whatever you need for money. Should it start to run low my people will refill it. The phone number will allow you to get in contact with me if the need arises.” He stood up and dropped twenty dollars on the table. “That should cover the bill. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Ellie. Good luck.”

“It’s been interesting meeting you also Mr. Harkin.” She told him getting up herself.

Once outside Harkin hopped into his rental car and drove off. Ellie stood there a moment wondering if she’d made a deal with the devil. Nicole would tell her it was once they were reunited; she was sure. That was a conversation she was looking forward to and dreading at the same time. With the way things had been strained between them some hard truths were going to need to be spoken before healing could start. However, nothing was going to start until she made a phone call. She reached into her bag again and pulled the phone out. She dialed and a moment later the ether end began to ring.

Nicole looked at her phone in disbelief as it buzzed. “El?” she asked as she answered.

“Yes, it’s me sweetie.” Ellie answered smiling at her friend voice.

“How? Where are you?” she asked confused.

“I’m down the street from the police station I hear you had Carol and Sam casing out.” Ellie said trying not to giggle at her friend’s confusion.

“Down the street? They let you go?” Nicole asked still not comprehending.

“Yes. I’ll tell you all about it as soon as we meet up. We have a lot to discuss. Can you come and get me?”

“Yes, I can. We’re not far from you actually.”

“Great honey. And Nicole?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too El. See you shortly.” Nicole told her with a tear of relief running down her cheek as she hung up.

**************
Reynolds 2pm:

Dr. Stanley sat at her desk alternately fuming and shaking with fright. She just had to do something to regain control of the guards in the facility if she was to continue on with her work, but Hutchinson had her by the short and curli’s. There was no way she could call Colonel Jordon and get him to order the Lieutenant to do as Paula told her. He’d have her removed if he knew that she was hiding enhanced ones from him, never mind the experiments she’d been doing on them. She shuddered to think of what he’d do to her if he found out both Logan, against his orders, and Major Brady, despite what she’s told him, were still alive. No, she’d have to handle this herself, or perhaps a surrogate would be a better route.

With that thought, she sprang out of her chair and walked quickly out of her office, telling her secretary “I’m going to be downstairs a while. If anyone is looking for me tell the I don’t want to be disturbed and take a message.?”

“Yes doctor.” Was the reply she barely heard as she hurried down the hall to the elevators.

With her usual lack of patients, she jammed her thumb into the call button half a dozen time before the doors opened. She stepped in quickly and pressed the button for the floor she wanted. The elevator door slide closed and down she went. Stepping out she spotted guards outside the infirmary door. She was tempted to ask what they were doing there but thought better of it.

“Just ignore them. The insult of having them there won’t last long if things work out.” She silently reminded herself as she strode past them and into the isolation ward. She walked past the desk without so much as word to the nurses manning the station.
One of them called out after her “Doctor Stanley!”

“I don’t have the time right now.” She called back as she hurried down the hallway. She stopped in front of cell 3C and looked through the window at the mess inside. Guess he still won’t let anyone clean it.” She thought.

She took a deep breath and put her thumb on the intercom button. Was this really the right thing to do? Was this solution going to be worse than the problem? Without acknowledging her own inner voices, she pushed it. “Major?”

“What do you want you, fat fuck?” replied the disembodied voice of the woman that used to be Major Craig Brady.

“I’d like to speak to you Major. I need your help with something you might enjoy doing.”

A hearty laugh was the only response.

“I’m serious Major.” She said trying to hide the annoyance in her voice.

“Fuck you…doctor.”

“Major, I need your help.” She insisted.

“God, you stupid cunt. I told you to fuck off.” The Major groused. “Unless of course you, want to step in?”

“I need you to kill Hutchinson.” She blurted out trying to hold herself together. “You…you can name your price.”

“Kill Hutchinson? Lieutenant Hutchinson? The head of security?” she asked dubiously. “Why?”

“Does it matter?”

“No, but I’m curious to know if it’s a good reason or just your petty bullshit again.” The voice said with a laugh.

“She’s taken to disobeying my direct orders.” Paula told him with her typical self-important air.

“So petty bullshit then. You’re so predictable Paula.” She said then went quiet for a moment. “Fine I’ll do it, but I want Logan in return.”

“Major….” Stanley started to argue.

“That’s my price fatso. Take or leave it.”

Paula swallowed hard. “Fine. You can have her.”

The Majors smiling face suddenly showed up on the video call screen. “Better not fuck with me on this, this time Paula. “The Major’s tongue suddenly appeared on the screen as she licked the cage around the camera then smiled. “I don’t think the guards will be too happy to hear you let me out on purpose to kill their commander if you try to have me dragged back here after the deed is done like the last time. Don’t think they’d like that one single bit.”

“I..I won’t. You can have her. After it’s over, you come back here, and I’ll have her here waiting for you. If she’s not in your cell you won’t have to go back in there.”

The Major considered her words, savoring the idea of finally getting his revenge on Thomas Logan. The idea of what he would do to Thomas made him so hot she began to touch herself. “When?” she croaked. Her throat had gone suddenly dry with excitement.

“If we have a deal, I’ll let you our right now.” Trying to ignore the scene on the monitor.

She groaned as her hands began to explore all her sensitive area’s “I need an hour doctor.” Was the answer as she intercom clicked off.

Dr. Stanley stood there staring at the intercom panel in disbelief, the sighed and head back towards the elevators.

*********
Greyson Labs 3:15pm:

“What the fuck do you mean she was released?” Colonel Jordon screamed into the phone.

“As I told you Colonel. We got word from the Governor’s office saying Elijah Wolf was to be released and all charges against her and her companions were to be dropped. Apparently, the Federal warrants are also being dropped according to the letter delivered to the station where Ms. Wolf was being held from the US Attorney General’s office.” Reed informed him.

“That’s bullshit Reed and you know it. I want her arrested again and held until I can get to the bottom of this!” Jordon demanded.

“I’m sorry Colonel, my hands are tied. Until you get things figured out on your end and the warrants are reissued, I have nothing to hold her on, even if I could find her again. We had to return the RV’s they were traveling in as well. I’m quite sure that they’ve, if you’ll excuse the rehash of an old saying, gotten the hell out of Dodge by now, Sir.”

“I’m not amused Mr. Reed.” The Colonel told him furiously.

“I’m sorry colonel but there’s really nothing else I can do for you. You’re going to have to get ahold of your superiors in Washington if you want more information.”

Charles Jordon, the head of the army’s USAMRID research division and commander on the front lines of the Acidalia epidemic pulled the phone from his ear and tried to get his temper under some measure of control. He was apoplectic. Who in their right mind would let Ellie Wolf go? He took several deep breaths trying to calm himself to no avail. Eventual he began to kick the trash barrel under his desk repeatedly until some of the agitation worked its way out of him.

After he felt he’d regained a measure of control he put the phone back to his ear and heard Reed asking “Colonel? Are you still there?”

“Yes Mr. Reed, I’m here. Thank you for your time. If I can ask a favor, with all previous charges against them dropped could you please have the police keep a close eye on them until they leave your jurisdiction in the event, they commit a new crime to which charges can be filed?” Jordon asked him in a measured voice.

Smiling to himself on the other side of the line Reed answered “I think we can do that Colonel. I’m sure the state police will gladly keep as close an eye on them as prudence will allow.”

“Thank you, Mr. Reed. I hope to hear from you before too long.”

“I hope so too Colonel. Have good afternoon, Sir.” Reed told him before hanging up.

Jordon put the phone down and just stared at it for a long moment shaking his head. He tried to make sense of why anyone would want a known terrorist like Wolf released and all charges dropped. “Fucking politicians.” He thought to himself angrily.
He needed Wolf and Greyson back in his custody if he was going to save his career. He was done for and soon unless Ryan could come up with a cure. “Sure, and Jesus will miraculously appear on the bay and walk across it to Oakland tomorrow.” He thought grimly. He sighed to himself trying to decide what to do next. Calling the Secretary of Defense might help but they still hadn’t even returned his call about getting permission to land a plane at Edwards. He threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. He missed having Tyler around to talk to at times like this.

He sighed and looked at the other phone on his desk. It was his direct line to the White House. In all the time since it had been installed, he’d never once made a call out on it. He was a career military man. The chain of command was all important to him. Making a call on that phone would be breaking that chain, but this wasn’t an ordinary situation. At least not to the Colonel. He needed to know why they’d let Elijah Wolf go.

Sighing once more he packed up the receiver and waited for the other end to answer.

****************
Washington Dc 6:30pm EDT:

Davis Carlyle sat on the plush leather seat of the best booth in his favorite Washington restaurant savoring the flavor of the bone in ribeye he’s ordered for his dinner. He’d been invited out by Robert Smith, one of the most prominent lobbyists in town. They were there to discuss his nomination as vice president and where he stood on the issues that affect Mr. Smith’s employers while they enjoyed a scrumptious meal, paid for by Smith of course. The conversation had gone well. His reelection coffers would soon be overflowing with donor money due to the deals he was making.

“Not that there will be an election once Fullers out.” He thought as he took another bite of his steak. As he chewed, he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. He rolled his eyes as the interruption. He considered not even looking at it but if he was going to be the VP his days of blowing phone calls off were over. He looked at the number and saw it was Blake calling.

‘Excuse me, Robert. I need to take this.” He told his companion as he got up. He walked out to the coat room then answered. “Yes Blake?

What do you need?”

“We have a pair of potentially huge problems, Davis. I just got off the phone with a very perturbed President Fuller. Apparently, Colonel Jordon called him about the Elijah Wolf situation. Then General King, the marine commandant was here not long ago with a very interesting story about your car.” Blake replied.

“My car?” Davis asked.

“Yes. It seems General King is in possession of the registration for it.”

“How?” Carlyle felt his mouth drying up as he asked.

“He said he got it from a Colonel Sa’heed at Quantico Marne base. Apparently, your missing person surrendered herself to the Colonel two days ago. She’s being held there as we speak.”

“She’s on the Marine base?”

“That’s what the General said.”

“What else did he say?”

“King told me an a rather interesting story of Dr. Ryson being kidnapped and held at a house in Virginia owned by our friend Bastion. He went on to recount the doctors’ story of how she was saved by her would be assassin and escaped in your car.” Blake said matter of factly.

“Shit.” Was all Davis could think to say.

“Yep. Shit indeed.” Blake replied. “What do you want to do about this?”

“Can King and Sa’heed be trusted?”

“They are career military men, high ranking to boot. I’d bet their loyalties would rest with the democratically elected leader of the country.”

“Hmm” Davis said considering. “Can you have Ryson moved somewhere it will be easier to get to her? Good as Harkin is I don’t think he’s up to assaulting a Marine base.”

“I think we can get her moved into FBI custody right there in Quantico. She’s a civilian. There’s no need for her to be held in military custody.” Blake said.

“Good get working on that. We need her to be easily accessible.” Carlyle said.

“And the General and Colonel? What do you want to do about them?” Blake asked.

Carlyle Davis thought silently for a moment before replying. “Maybe it would be best of the General and the Colonel met with accidents. The fewer people that have direct knowledge of my involvement in Virginia the better. At least until after the confirmation hearings are over. Once I’m in office it won’t matter much.”

“It’s both our necks if any of this gets out before then. Maybe that’s the kind of thing Harkin’s people should handle rather than someone publicly connected to us, even if it’s obliquely.” Blake told him.

“Yes, that would be right up his alley. I will call Harkin in the morning and get him on it.” Davis agreed.

“This needs to be handled very delicately. It can’t look like anything more than a pair of terrible accidents.”

“I know it does. That’s what Harkin does best.” Davis reassured him.

“I don’t like this one bit, King and Sa’heed would be good men to have on our side after Fullers out, but I suppose it’s the only way it can be handled.”

“Agreed.” Davis replied. “Now what’s Jordon calling Fuller for? I thought you had this stuff back stopped.”

‘We had that direct line to Oval Office installed when we first set things up at Greyson. Jordon is so pissed off about Wolf being set free he called the president directly.”

“I take it Fuller wants answers?”

“He’s looking for me to launch an investigation alongside the justice dept.” Blake told him.

“Well, that’s something at least. We can control it if you’re leading the military side of it.”

“I’ll do what I can but it’s going to be harder to keep her off the radar if Justice issues another warrant for her.”
“
You’re just going to have to make sure that doesn’t happen then aren’t you Mr. Blake?” Davis said threateningly.

Blake puled the phone away from his head and looked at the receiver for a moment before replying. “I am not some flunky for you to order around Davis. You better remember that when you speak to me!” Blake said angrily.

Carlyle shook his head and sighed quietly. This was not the time for dissention in the ranks. “Yes of course. My apologies. Do you think you can keep them in check until the hearings are over?”

“I will do what I can.”

“Good. We will get through this Blake. We just need to stick together a little while longer.” Davis said trying to sound consolatory.

“Yes. We are on the same page.”

“Good. Now if there’s nothing else, I have a lot of money waiting at my table and I’d like to get back to it.” Davis told him as he hung up not waiting for a reply.

***********************
Reynolds:

Major Brady stood in the hallway near the elevator bank half hidden by supply shelving waiting for her prey patiently. The feel of the uniform on her body was something she’d missed terribly and at the same time it felt terribly alien on this new body of hers. It was quite literally the most clothing she’d worn since her transformation. At first, they’d tried to get her to wear the same one piece the rest of the inmates at Reynolds used but she refused to go along, more out of spite than anything else. It was the same with trash in her cell. It wasn’t that she liked it that was it was, she just wasn’t going to do anything they told her to do. She felt despite her current condition she should still be in charge of the quarantine, and she was going to be damned if she was going to listen to that bloated cow that they’d replaced her with. That included keeping those the director asked her to interrogate alive.

This opportunity was exactly what she’d been waiting patiently for. Stanley was as weak as they come, and the Major knew it would only be a matter of time before the military personnel stationed here would see her for what she was and refuse to do her bidding any longer. That would lead Stanley to come to come to her for help. Now that day had finally come and after the deed was done, good luck to whoever she assigned the task of getting the Major back into her cell. Hutchinson needed to be removed if her plan to retake the facility was to succeed. First the Lieutenant the Dr. Stanley and once they were out of the way permanently, she’d have her revenge on Logan, and oh how she’d suffer for what she’d done to him.

She heard door to the infirmary opening yet again. Brady slipped a mask up to cover the bottom half of her face and looked around the shelving down the hallway to see her target, Lieutenant Hutchinson exiting. Brady watched as Loren stretched her arms over her head and yawned before turning and heading up the hallway towards the elevators. It was the perfect set up, Hutchinson looked tired, fatigued, like she’d been up far to long and only wanted to find her rack and sleep.

Brady stepped out from blocking shelving trying to not look suspicious and saluted as Hutchinson walked by. The Lieutenant saluted back without even looking at her and continued past her, stopping at the elevator bank.

Brady turned and followed her at a safe enough distance that her prey wasn’t aware of the threat. Stopping, the Major stood slightly behind the Lieutenant and waited patiently for the elevator to arrive. Brady didn’t have much of a plan beyond follow and wait for the opportunity to present itself, so she watched and waited. She could have taken Hutchinson right there and then but there was too much risk of being seen by someone exiting the infirmary. She needed just a few minutes of privacy if she was going to get away with it.
A bell dinged signaling the arrival of the car. They watched as the door slid open and two armed guards stepped out. The four uniformed personnel saluted briefly and the two moved on to whatever destination thy were headed to.

Major Brady followed Hutchinson into the car making sure to stand just back from her. They were alone in the car and Brady savored calm she felt. It was the same feeling that came over her before inflicting violence of any sort. Until this moment she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the feeling. As the car began to slide upward Brady stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Hutchinson’s throat.

“You’ve been a bad girl, Loren.” She whispered into the Lieutenant’s ear.

“Brady?” Hutchinson questioned with surprise as she began to pull at her attacker’s arm.

“Surprised you recognized my voice. It’s been a while, Loren. I’m touched.” Brady told her sarcastically as she tightened her grip around her neck.

“Who…who let you out.”

“I bet you know that answer already Lieutenant.” Brady punched the stop button on the elevator with her free hand.

“Stanley.” She replied with sudden understanding.

“Bingo. You win the prize. You should have known staging your little rebellion was going to send her into a panic and ultimately in my direction to fix things for her. I should thank you really. Without you I’d still be locked in that cell.”

Hutchinson didn’t reply. She began to struggle harder to free herself. Brady, being smaller now and lacking in the exercise Hutchinson regularly engaged in, struggled to keep her hold on the taller woman as she pulled a knife out of one of her uniform pockets.

“The doctor says you ae relieved of duty Lieutenant.” Brady said calmly as she stabbed Hutchinson in both kidneys. The Lieutenant cried out, but this was only the beginning. Brady used the knife to stab her in the back of the leg forcing her to the floor and landing on top. The Major stabbed her torso again and again and again, relishing each and every blow she inflicted. It had been such a longtime since she’d felt the joy of meting out pain like this on another, she nearly couldn’t bring herself to stop.

Several minutes later the elevator arrived at the fourth floor. Brady looked down at his victim watching Hutchinson choke out her last few breaths. She smiled with satisfaction as she watched. It had always been her creed to stay with her victims and watch the light go out. It was her demented way of paying them a final respect for giving her so much pleasure. The murder had aroused her sexually, which was a far different reaction than she used to get as a man. It was all she could do to keep herself focused on the mission.

Now that the deed was done the question was what to do. She didn’t really believe Stanley was going to deliver Logan to her cell. That meant she’d have to find her on her own, but not like this. She was a blood-soaked mess. There was no way she’d be able to just wander the facility in this condition. The Major was going to need a way to distract everyone. Looked back down at Hutchinson’s lifeless body again as an idea came to her.

With her foot she rolled the body over. She reached down and took the head of securities ID badge from around her neck and her gun from the holster.

The Major strolled down the fourth-floor hallway trying to look casual as she could with her blood-stained uniform. She reached the guard station and without a word shot the three people manning it. She stepped around the desk and using Hutchinson’s ID to confirm the command,
she unlocked every cell one the floor.

************

Confirmed Cases: 77,483,267
Actual Cases: 141,984,231
End part XVI

As always thank you for reading my little transgender Dystopia. I truly hope you enjoyed the ride. If your so inclined please leave a comment.

Attachment	Size
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Acidalia 17

Author:

Amanda D.

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XVII
By Amanda D.

Reynolds Quarantine facility 35 minutes after Brady’s release:

Dr. Paula Stanley sat behind the desk in the isolation wing of the facility drumming her fingers. Before she set Brady free and supplied the former commander a uniform, the doctor had dismissed the entire staff in the wing. It was her hope that with no witness’ to actually see her letting the Major out of her cell it would give her some measure of deniability once Hutchinson’s body was discovered. Not that she would need it once she was back in charge of the facilities security personnel. With Hutchinson out of the way no one would dare question her again.

Now she sat and waited, impatiently for the Majors return. She had her bait set already in Brady’s cell waiting. As she waited for the Major to finish with whatever she needed the hour to do, Dr. Stanley poured over inmate records and found one that was a very close resemblance to Thomas Logan. The Doctor had that unfortunate escorted down to the isolation ward and then placed her in the Major’s cell. Paula’s hope was that it had been long enough since she’d seen Logan that she could get Brady back in there before he discovered her ruse and whatever happen to the girl in there with her after the deception was discovered, well you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by a loud ringing alarm. She looked up as the red lights embedded in the ceiling began to flash off and on. “What the hell..” she thought as she reached for the desk phone. She quickly punched up the security office.

“This is Dr. Stanley” she yelled before the person on the other end could identify themselves. “What’s all this racket about?” It was hard to make herself heard over the noise.

“It’s the fire alarm Director.” The nameless voice answered. “Lieutenant Hutchinson, or someone using her ID has been opening every cell on the dentation floors then pulled the alarm on the subbasement floor two according to the facility logs. Security cameras caught the individual but so far we’ve not been able to identify who’s been using Hutchison’s ID but, I can tell you for a fact, it’s not the Lieutenant.”

“Shit.” Paula thought with dawning horror. “Do you know where this person is now?” She demanded.

“Once the fire alarm was activated each floor went into automatic lock down. She should still be on that floor. We have teams headed there as well as to the other floors. Right now, there are inmates everywhere except in their cells where they belong. It’s going to take us a long while to sort this mess. To make matters worse, no one seems to be able to get a hold of the Lieutenant.”

Paula was trying to process everything she’d just been told when an alert showed up on the computer screen in front of her. She lowered her glasses to read but before she could put eyes on it, she saw a handful of inmates in the ward begin to emerge from their cells. She glanced down again and saw the fire protocols list glowing on the screen with cell door release highlighted in yellow.

Looking back up she yelled as loud as she could over the din. “Everyone, get back in your cells. There’s no fire. It’s a false alarm!”

A very tall blonde with missing front teeth that Paula vaguely remembered being called Ford smiled in her direction sending a chill down her spine. Ford as she recalled had to be isolated because she had a penchant for mutilating those in her cells by biting them over and over again. She’d done it to so many other inmates the staff were forced to pull Ford’s front teeth out. That, however, only forced the new woman to be more inventive in her methods of satisfying her needs to bite. Finally, after a grisly scene which ended with a pair of inmates each losing all the fingers on one hand to her, it became clear she had to be moved to isolation for everyone safety. Now, for the first time in months, she was out of her cell and free to roam.

“I said get back in your cells!” Stanley demanded.

“What if we don’t want to?” Ford asked smiling showing Paula her missing teeth, as several of the others nodded in agreement. It was plain to the Doctor that Ford knew who she was.

“Then I’ll call security and they will put you back in there.” Paula told them trying to hide the ball of fear growing in her ample belly.

“Why isn’t there any security here now?” Ford asked taking a step closer. “Shouldn’t they be here already? Never seen the ward this empty before. Wonder why that is.” She stopped and cocked her head to the side. Then she pointed at the alarm embedded in the ceiling.” I’m bettin they have something else going on. So go ahead doc, call em. I’ll wait right here, no problem, cause I think your bluffin.”

Even though there was plenty of room between the two of them, Paula took an unconscious step backward. Her large rear end bumped the desk behind her, and she silently cursed herself for the show of weakness. At the same time, it gave her a better view of what was under the counter of the desk. Laying there was one of the taser rods security used on uncooperative prisoners.

As she stepped forward hastily and grabbed it up. Brandishing it for all to see, she told the assembled detainees “Stay where you are. I’m warning you. I don’t want to but I’m not afraid to use this on any of you.”

Several of the ward patients laughed.

“You can barely hold that thing steady your hands are shakin so hard doctor.” Ford yelled back as she took another step in Paula’s direction.
After a moment she took yet another, seemingly not the least bit put off by the director’s threat.

Stanley stood there immobilized by fear. The rod had no projectiles to shoot at Ford or any of the others. It worked more like a cattle prod, needing to make contact with whatever you wanted to use it on in order to stun them.

The doctor watched them helplessly, as the group cautiously advancing on her position. They looked around at each other and at her fear filled eyes and laughed.

“Look at her.” A short red-haired detainee named Trinity said as she laughed to no one in particular. “She’s about to piss her own pants.”
The doctor could feel the time for action was running low. If she waited much longer, they’d have the desk surrounded and there would be no escape, taser rod or no.

Scared as she was, the doctor realized taking action was now or she was a dead woman. Keeping her eyes glued on the ever-increasing number of those that would mean to do her harm, she slipped out from behind the desk, using the wards outer wall to guard her back. She held the rod as a barrier between her and the encroaching detainees but, her hand was shaking badly. Still, she held it best as she manage while the other frantically searched the wall behind her for the manual door release switch.

“And just where do you think you’re going fatso?” Ford hollered. “We didn’t say you could leave. That would spoil our fun.”

“Stay…stay back” Paula stuttered as she continued to grope the wall looking for the button.

“Oh, your gonna have to make us.” Trinity replied with a sinister grin. “We’ve all be stuck in here for a really long time thanks to people like you and that cunt Hutchison. I think it’s high time for a little pay back don’t you Ford?”

“Couldn’t agree more.” The toothless blonde replied.

Dr. Stanley did her best to ignore their taunts. She desperately fought against a rising panic in her chest as she frantically groped for the door release control. Hope of escape dwindled with each passing second until finally her fingers found purchase on the other edge of the raise round button. Nearly hysterical with fear she mashed the button and the door to her left began to swing open.
She didn’t have any time to even look back when another of the inmates, whose name she didn’t know, lunged at her. There was no time to think, Stanley just thrust the rod out in her attacker’s direction. By nothing other than sheer luck the metal tip made contact sending the thousand volts though the new woman’s body.

The impact knocked the taser from her hand send it crashing to the floor. Taking no time to even look at where I landed the doctor turned and ran though the half open door into the chaos outside the ward. The director didn’t look back as she fled the wing and was swallowed by the mob.

The hallway was filled with detainee’s wandering and yelling at the top of their lungs trying to be heard as the fire alarm klaxon continued unabated. The noise only added to the mass confusion. Paula, who’d only taken a few steps at this point, looked around at everyone trying to decipher if any of the isolation patients had managed to follow her though and into the hallway. She couldn’t tell one face from the other as the mass of humanity swirled and flowed around her.

A hand touched her shoulder and she nearly let out a screech. From behind her she barely heard a male voice ask “Director? What are you doing here ma’am? We need to get you out of here right away!”

Paula was pulled around by one of a pair of nameless security guards. Before she could say a word, they were dragging her down the hallway using their batons to clear the way. The pair bashed their way along the hall with no regard for who they were hitting or what damage they were doing as they dragged her y the arm toward the elevator bank.

******
Brady:

She sat crouched in the stairway looking and listening for any pursuit. She knew by now they’d have identified her as not being Hutchinson but so far no one had come looking.

“So far so good.” The Major mumbled to herself as she started to strip out of the military uniform Stanley had given her. The echo’s from inside the detainee floors echoed off the grey cinder block walls and metal steps creating a strange effect of making it feel as if she was surrounded by ghosts. If not for the constant clanging of the fire alarm she might have even come to believe it.

The last thing she’d done before exiting the first floor was grab an inmate’s jumpsuit. For the next part of her plan, she needed to blend into the chaos she’d created. As she changed, she savored the noise, knowing it would make add to the confusion. This was going to be her opportunity to get rid of both Logan and Stanley if she moved quickly. As she zipped the front of the orange jumpsuit, she began running down the stairway.

Hitting the first subbasement landing she opened the door and took a quick look around. This was the security floor. All the guards and other military personnel were quartered on this floor, so she needed to be cautious. From the doorway she couldn’t see anyone. She warily pushed the door open.

The Major looked left then right and saw no one.

“Excellent.” She said to no one as she made her way deliberately toward the security control room. As she got closer, she could see it was a hive of activity with people manning every conceivable monitor and shouting into phones as well as each other.

The Major smiled at seeing everyone preoccupied. Turning she made her way back towards the stairwell and using Hutchison’s ID she unlocked all the doors on each floor leading to it then ducked back in the way she’d come.

From inside she could hear the floors above and below filling with angry female voices as the prisoners discovered the means of escape, she’d just provided. She waited for the stairway to fill with orange suited bodies then pushed her way down to the infirmary level.

*******
Stanley:

The guards got her to the elevator bank just as the stairway doors burst open and new flood of prisoners poured into the hall. The elevator doors opened, and the pair pushed the doctor through then jammed the door close button. Her guardians held their guns at the ready as they waited impatiently for the doors. As they finally slid closed the noise from the alarm diminished to the point where Paula could hear.

Looking at her rescuers she said humbly “Thank you. Both of you.”

The taller of the two nodded at her while the other stuck a key into the security override slot.

“We know there’s no fire. Why hasn’t anyone cut the alarm yet?” she asked.

“I don’t know ma’am.” The one by the door replied.

“Do you have a radio? Can you call the control center and have them kill it?” Paula asked getting her director voice back. The pair just looked at each other.

“Oh, for Christ’s sakes. Give here.” She demanded holding her hand out for the radio. The taller guard handed her his.
Grabbing it with an air of inpatients the fat woman yelled into it “This is director Stanley!”

“Yes director?” a distant sounding voice said though a hiss of static.

“We know there is no fire. Why hasn’t the alarm been killed?” She demanded.

“We’ve been locked out by whoever’s using Lieutenant Hutchinson’s Id, Director. Only you can override the fire system at this time and until now we haven’t been able to contact you.”

“Shit.” Paula said out loud. To the guards she said, “Take me to the security office and let’s see if we can quiet things down a bit.”

“Yes ma’am.” The one by the door said and pushed the floor button.

**********
The maternity ward:

Thomas heard the alarms sounding out in the general infirmary. There were none in the maternity ward itself because it wasn’t supposed to exist, but the fire alarm was loud enough to be heard even with the heavy doors closed. Curious, she got up off her bed and poked her head though the flimsy curtain that separated hers from the next. The small room was over filled with pregnant new women looking around at each other asking if anyone knew what was going on.

“Everyone, stay put” Thomas told them, “I’ll go see what’s going on out there.”

Gently pushing her way through the small crowd, the enhanced new woman made her way to the ward door. Stepping though, the alarm was so loud she needed to cover her overly sensitive ears. Acidalia had been quietly turning her into the ultimate predator of late with not only enhanced strength and agility but also increased vision and hearing sensitivity. The latter two abilities having just come on in the last couple of weeks proving that, at least in her case, Acidalia induced mutations were an ongoing process.

The extra enhancements, as interesting as they made her world now, were as much a curse as a gift. One that she’d gladly give up if it meant seeing her wife and children one more time.

Being able to see well in minimal light was great for not stubbing your toes on the way to the bathroom but not so great when the lights were all on and everything felt too bright. Add that to being able to clearly hear a whispered conversation from across the room and things were becoming more socially uncomfortable by the day. She felt like an intruder even though there was no fault on her.

Out in the general infirmary the alarm bells were so loud to her she was forced to stay in place covering her ears until they adjusted to the sound.

Off to the left by what passed for an administration desk stood doctor's. Lisa Benatar and Robi Goings. Seeing them, Logan made her way over to the pair.

“Any idea what’s going on?” She shouted over the din.

“No clue.” Benatar answered. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of the security office, but no one is answering.”

Robi added” I tried the director’s office, but no one there has a clue where the cow is.”

Thomas nodded. “I’m going to go look and see what’s going on outside. Maybe the security guards know what's going on.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’re not exactly popular with the guards. We don’t need you getting shot or anything.” Benatar replied.

“Better I go look than someone slower.” Tomas said with a shrug.

“I suppose your right there. I’ll keep trying to get answers from someone while you’re gone.” Lisa said.

“I’ll go with Thomas.” Robi told the pair.

Benatar nodded but Logan said, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea Robi. Might not be safe.”

“Thomas, Lisa, I’m a doctor if there really is a fire or some kind of emergency and there’s anyone out there that needs attention, I’m the one best suited to give it to them.”

“Can’t argue with that one Doc.” Logan replied. “But if you’re going to come, I want you to stay right on my hip the whole way until we know what’s going on. That’s not debatable. You’re barely recovered from what Brady did to you.”

Robi sketched a salute. “Yes, Sir miss Logan ma’am” She giggled. “Let me grab a medical bag and we’re off.”

Thomas smiled despite herself. “Gender confusion is the rule here not the exception.” The new woman thought.

After a few moments wait, Robi was ready. Medical bag in hand, the pair made their way across the crowded infirmary floor. Thomas paused at the door, reaching out a hand, she pushed Robi gently against the bland concrete wall behind her. Robi complied and stood where directed.
Hole she waited there for the all clear signal, Dr. Goings felt something touch her back and let out a yelp. She and Thomas turned at the same time to see Paka standing behind Robi.

“No Paka” Robi told the little mouse. “You need to stay here.

Paka shook her head no.

Thomas sighed at the pair. “Paka, you have to stay. We don’t know what’s going out there.”

Again, Paka shook her head no. Then she pointed at herself and Thomas and then at Robi and nodded yes.

Getting her meaning Thomas said “But I don’t need any help protecting Robi. You need to wait here.”

For the third time Paka shook her head no and stamped her foot for emphasis.

This time it was Robi’s turn to sigh. “Fine. You can come but stay close and you do what Thomas says, understand?”

Paka shook her head enthusiastically yes.

“Fine.” Thomas agreed reluctantly and turned back to the door.

Pushing it open she and the others stepped out into the mad house of the corridor. The noise was incredible with people milling about everywhere shouting and pushing. Thomas’ hearing was instantly overwhelmed to a degree she’d never experienced before having spent most of the last few weeks in the relative quiet of the maternity ward.

As Robi watched as her protector reached to cover her ears and then bent over from the shock other senses. The doctor knew instantly they were in deep trouble. She reached out and grabbed Thomas by the back of her tank top and tried to pull her back though the infirmary door, but it was to no avail.

The new woman continued to lower down to one knee as she tried to get a handle on the sensory input. The other prisoners in the hallway bumped up against her, jostling her about. Thomas just knelt there helpless, unable to remove her hand from her hears.

Robi and Paka moved around her and tried to stand as a small barrier between the overwhelmed new woman and the milling crowd, but it was to no avail. There were simply too many people in the hall for the two of them to adequately shield Thomas’ position.

“Come on Thomas, just breath.” The new woman told herself as she tried to push the rising panic down. “You got this. Just breath and adapt.”
Thomas did her best to follow her own advice and slowly over time the noise began to gain some kind of perspective as her senses began to adapt. Feeling she might be steady enough; Thomas slowly came back to her feet. She looked back at her two companions apologetically.

“Are you going to be ok?” Robi shouted.

“I think so.” Thomas shouted back. “This place is a mad house. The alarm must have opened every cell in the wing.”

Bodies and faces continued to swirl around the three of them. Security was nowhere to be found. Robi turned in a tight circle noting the door to the isolation ward was wide open. She reached out and tugged on Thomas’ sleeve.

The new woman had to lean in close to hear the doctor above the racket. “That’s where they’ve been keeping Brady.” She was told while Robi pointed at the open doors at the end of the corridor.

Thomas began to push her way toward the open doors.

Paka scooted around and stood in front of her friend shaking her head violently no. Thomas kept moving forward so the smaller new woman pushed against her.

“I have to get in there Paka. If he’s free there’s going to be a ton of trouble for everyone!” Thomas demanded.

Paka stood her ground and shook her head no once again. Then she pointed at Robi and Thomas and herself. Thomas didn’t want to understand what the little mouse wanted. All she could think of was finding Brady in the isolation ward.

***********
Dr. Stanley:

The elevator slid at the security floor. Paula and one of the guards stepped out soon as the door opened while the other keyed the elevator locking it so no one else could call it then quickly caught up to the others.

The control center stood in the middle of the massive barracks room. Paula badged in and the automatic door slid silently to the side.

“Who’s in command here?” she demanded soon as she crossed the threshold.

“I am ma’am. Sargent Robertson.” A tall dark haired women with her hair in a thick braid said from in front of a consol.

Paula stepped over to where Roberson stood then asked, “What’s our situation Sargent? Do you have eyes on whoever’s been using the Lieutenant badge?”

“No ma’am. She slipped into the stairwell after unlocking the doors to it for every floor. There are just to many of our inmates roaming everywhere for the camera’s to be much help to us.”

“Exactly as you planed you son of a bitch.” Paula though cursing Brady. “What do I need to do to disable the alarms?”

Roberson point to a panel on the desk to her left. “I need you to badge into that console over there director. It will ask for your password to confirm it’s you. One you enter it then we’ll have control back.”

Paula turned and gabbed a chair to sit on then slid in front of terminal. She waved her badge over the reader then waited for the second screen to pop up. Soon as it did, she typed her password in all the while thinking “I’m going to kill Brady for this. That bitch has made me look bad for the last time. Soon as we find her.”

Before she could stand up the fire alarm ceased. “Thank god for silence.” She said to no one in particular.

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

“What’s the plan now Sargent?” The Director asked. “How ae we going to retake control?”

“First thing we need to do is lock Hutchison’s badge out of the system so whoever has it can’t use it anymore. After that we need to find the
Lieutenant. She must have been taken prisoner somewhere in the facility by whoever that’s using her badge.”

Paula nodded. “And what about getting the prisoners back into their cells?”

“That’s going to take time director. We’ll have to start with isolating everyone to whatever floor they are on. Then taking our whole team floor by floor and pushing them back into the cells. We can sort who belongs where after we secure the whole facility.”

“I want the isolation ward and the infirmary floor taken first. Leave the stairways unlocked and force them up until they get above the administration floor. Then they will have nowhere else to go but back into their cells. Use whatever force necessary.” Paula told Roberson.

Robertson looked at her and asked “Lethal force? I don’t think the Lieutenant would want that.”

“Hutchinson isn’t here to have any input Sargent. Even if she was, I’m the director of this facility so you will follow my orders, or I will find someone that will and replace you with that person. Do you understand?” Stanley told him defiantly.

Robertson nodded. She turned away from Paula and began to issue orders over the radio.

**************

Brady stood by the stairwell door looking down the corridor at the mass of humanity on the infirmary floor. She’d seen the door to it opening and someone one step out a minute ago. It looked like it might be Logan but from the distance and all the people it was hard to tell for sure.
She waited and watched the one she thought might be her bitter rival disappeared from view seconds after stepping out.

“Well Craig old boy” She thought to herself. “Are you going to wait here all day or go find her?”

With that she started winding her way through the crowd. Keeping the infirmary door to her left as she worked her way down the opposite wall.
Her knife was palmed in her right hand with the blade resting against her forearm. As she got closer, she saw Logan on her knee covering her ears. The Major’s adversary appeared to be having some kind of issue.

She smiled and slid back up the hallway a few paces, positioning herself to come in from behind. She slid into the center of the crowd and waited. Not long after that Logan stood back up, whatever was wrong with her seemed to have let up somewhat. She was on her feet but not steady.

The Major flipped the knife in her hand exposing the blade and began to push forward. This was going to be the chance she’d been waiting for all these weeks. With mere steps to go she accidently looked eyes with Robi Going and saw the recognition on the doctor’s face. She grinned at her and pushed more forcefully though the last few bodies between her and her target.

*******
Robi had been trying to convince Thomas to give up getting to the isolation ward when she spotted Brady in the crowd right behind them.
Her eyes grew wide as she saw a smile spread across the Majors face. She looked up at Thomas and shouted just as the alarms around them died “Thomas! Behind you! It’s Brady!” She screamed while pointing.

The sudden absence of the alarms left the new woman dazed for a moment. Thomas simply looked at Robi uncomprehendingly for one extra second trying to put what she’s said together.

“Brady? What? Where?” She stuttered in confusion as she began to scan the crowd.

It all hit home as she felt a knife sliding into her kidney. She howled in pain as it poked her again and again causing her to step forward. A fourth strike penetrated her back but not as deeply.

********
Brady hit her four times in the back before missing with the fifth strike. She watched as Thomas turned to face her holding onto her bleeding back. The Major smiled and stepped forward. “Nice to see you again Thomas.” She said confidently and plunged the knife into the injured new woman’s stomach. Brady’s strategy was to stab as many times as she could before Thomas could recover, with that in mind she knife sunk deep each time. Her adversary seemed to be helping her by leaning further forward with each strike.

Brady could feel Logan starting to lose strength and prepared to press her advantage and strike higher when a voice came out of nowhere.

“Brrrraaddyyyyy!!” Paka yelled suddenly finding her long unused voice. She saw the new woman look in her direction.
With an evil grin spread across the Majors face as she recognized who’d spoken. “Hi Bob.” She said casually as she stabbed at Logan again.

*********
Thomas felt the knife sink deep into her belly over and over again. She felt helpless to stop it. Even with her attacker directly in front of her she couldn’t figure out how to defend herself. She tried to push the smaller woman way but each time her hands slid ineffectually off the Major. She could feel the blood draining from her with each passing second.

Then as suddenly as it began the attack stopped. Thomas staggered backwards into Robi nearly knocking them both down.

*******
Bob Parker, the onetime head of KLTR’s news division, now known only as Paka stared at the cause of everything that had happened to her since the outbreak. Major Brady looked a lot different now but there was no doubt in Bob’s mind who it was. The memories of being assaulted in San Quinton prison, raped for hours at Brandy’s insistence, left for dead in a cell here in Reynolds, the hours of torture she’d been put though at the hands of Dr. Stanley all bubbled up at once.

The little mouse as Bob had come to be known as in his time since his transformation, reached inside his jump suit and found the metal hook she’d hidden in there since being removed from Logan’s original cell after killing a pair of would be bullies with it.

She watched as Brady stabbed Thomas again, the entire scene seemed to be moving in ultra-slow motion now as she yanked and yanked until finally the hook pulled free. Once the lethal object was in her hand she leapt at Logan’s attacker pushing Brady backwards away from her target and into the crowd of new women.

The two landed sprawled out on the floor, both weapons clattered across the grey tile as the crowd around them skittered back from the fight. They looked at each other a moment then scrambled after their respective weapons. To Paka’s dismay Brady was just a bit faster and recovered the knife first. The Major brandished it at Paka.

The new woman bent to get the hook off the floor as Brady slashed her across the side, ripping her coverall and cutting the flesh beneath.
Paka grabbed her side feeling blood between her fingers.

“To bad Bobby boy” Brady taunted. “Looks like you lose again buddy.”

Paka for the second time today found her voice long enough to say, “Fuck you.”

She could feel the wound on her side starting to knit already as she advanced on the Major hook in hand. Brady obviously didn’t know how fast she could heal, or she would have pressed her advantage.

That sat fine with Paka. She swung the hook wildly in Brady’s direction. The Major easily voided the blow and stabbed her again in the back of the shoulder.

Paka howled in pain as she was driven to one knee. She turned her head to see Brady standing waiting, taunting her.

“Come Bob is the best you got? All this time you’ve been here thinking about getting me back and this is it? I tell you Bobby; this is pretty pathetic so far.”

“Then finish me if this is so easy for you.” Paka growled taunting the Major.

“Gladly buddy.” The Major replied as she advanced with a wide smile on her face.

That over confidence turned out to be her undoing as before Brady took two steps the injured new woman sprang to her feet. Paka lunged at her tormentor, catching her off guard for the second time in as many minutes. They fell against the crowd surrounding them and slid to the floor, this time it ended with Paka on top. She reared back without hesitation and punched Brady in the face with everything she could muster.

The Majors head smacked hard off the tile floor, her eyes rolling back from the impact. With Brady stunned, the little mouse straddled the chest of cause of all her torment. The little mouse looked down at her dazed opponent for a moment, savoring what was to come next, remembering in blistering detail all the trauma she’d been put through. Then without another pause she plunged the hook deep into the side of Brady’s neck, then yanked upward with all her might.

*******
Brady landed abruptly on the floor from the unexpected counterattack. She tried with all her might to push her attacker off but was rocked by a solid punch to the face. The impact of the punch left her dazed. She looked up at the woman Bob Parker had become brandishing the metal hook as the tip glistened in the light. Understand what was at stake she tried to bring a hand up to defend herself, but her arms wouldn’t respond. A second later she felt the sharp pain of the tip being stuck into her neck. An instant later it was yanked back taking most of her throat with it.

The Major gaged and coughed as her own blood began to drown her. There was very little pain. The new woman watched with a strange detachment as a piece of meat that used to be part of her throat slid off the end of the hook and plopped down onto her face. It felt warm and gross laying on her skin. The Major weakly tried to wipe it off but her strength was gone.

Her last thought as she died was, “Never would have thought you had it in you Bobby.”

*************
Paka sat astride the Major holding the hook high in the air as pieces of the meat of Brady throat dripped off it, watching her adversary bleed. The gurgling sounds of Brady drowning in her own blood were almost orgasmic. She stared intently into the Majors eyes, savoring every moment as the light left them and blood pooled around her knees.

“Fuck you.” She muttered as Brady’s chest fell for the last time. From behind her she heard a voice.

“Paka. Thomas is hurt badly. I need your help to get her back into the infirmary.” Robi called to her.

Paka turned her head to look and saw Robi struggling to get Logan to her feel. Thomas was holding her belly like she thought something might start falling out. Paka turned and looked down at Brady one more time and hit the dead new woman one more time in the throat with the hook, leaving it there as she stood up. With one last look down she spit on the Major’s corpse, then went to help her friends.

The two women managed to get Thomas upright, then supported her best they could as the trio moved toward the infirmary door. In front of them, the assemblage of bodies parted like Red Sea did for Moses.

Half way down the hall a male voice shouted “Everyone back to your cells. This is your only warning. If you do not comply we’ve been authorized to use lethal force?”

Robi shouted “I’m one of the doctors. I’ve got someone injured here. Can you help me get her to the infirmary please?”

A pair of guards broke off from gathering the escapee’s and came over to where Robi and Paka stood holding the injured Thomas Logan. The two bio suited men grabbed her by the arms and legs and lifted her best they could. Thomas let out a scream that would have woken the dead as her body was twisted and bent while being carried. Paka did her best to hold pressure on Logans front side stab wounds as Robi led the way back to the infirmary.

She pushed her way through the door and shouted, “I need a stretcher over here!”

Dr. Benatar came running behind the two orderlies pushing the stretcher across the floor. She arrived just as they lay Thomas on it.

“What happened?” She asked.

Multiple stab wounds to the lower torso. Front and rear. Looks like the knife might have punctures at least on kidney in the back and her lower abdomen is in just as bad a shape. We need to get her into surgery right now.” Robi told her.
Benatar pulled open the top of Thomas’ singlet and looked at the wounds. The blood was dark red which meant the wounds were deep indeed. She felt her way across the new woman’s abdomen, checking each wound for any internal organs poking though when a dark spot appeared in her crotch area.

“Shit! Everyone out of the way! She screamed.

“Robi, OR two right now!” Benatar yelled as she began to push the stretcher.

*************
Dr. Stanley:

Paula sat staring at the grainy black and white security feed of the fight. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It seemed somehow Brady had gotten the drop on Logan and injured the enhanced new woman seriously enough that she needed to be helped back to the infirmary. What happened after that with Brady winding up laying in a pool of her own blood was less relevant to the doctor.

Her only thoughts after seeing Thomas carried back into the medical area was the baby.

“I need to get to the infirmary right way Sargent!” Paula told Roberson as she waddled off to the command center door at full speed.

“Director there’s no way to get you there. Look at the monitors. It a mad house down there.” Roberson shout back.

“Not my problem Sargent.” She hollered back as she pushed the call button for the elevator.

“Director the elevators are locked down.” Roberson said catching up.

“Unlock them then.” The doctor demanded.

“We can’t. If I unlock this one for you then I unlock all of them and we have no way to control were the detainee’s go. We need to maintain the security protocols if we want to put an end to the riot, director.”

“Fine I’ll take the stairs then.” Paula told her unadmonished. “Just give me a couple of your people and we’ll be off.”

“Director…” Robertson started to say.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m the director which means what I say goes. Now give me a couple of your people to help me get there and then do your thing with the inmates. Shoot every single one of them for all I care.”

Robertson threw her hands up into the air in surrender. “Fine, you want to commit suicide who am I to stop you. Chevon, Feinstein, grab a couple of rifles and some riot gear and take the director to the infirmary.”

“But Sargent..” Feinstein began to say pointing at the monitor.

“I know.” Was Roberson’s reply. “Do the best you can.”

“Yes Sargent.” the two said in unison, snapping a salute.

Robertson saluted back. The pair started heading for the weapons locker. The Sargent grabbed Chevon by the arm whispering. “Don’t get yourselves killed over this dumb cunt.”

Chevon nodded and smiled then walked off after Feinstein.

The two suited up and several minutes later the three of them were looking through the small window embedded in the stairway door. It was so packed with bodies that there was hardly room to move.

Feinstein looked at Chevon seriously and told him “This is going to be a bitch. Stick tight to me and the doc. Set the trigger for single shot unless we get cornered then go to full auto. You have extra ammo?”

Chevon nodded.

“Good. Doctor, try to stay between us. If you get separated just stop and we will come to you.”
Paula nodded.

“Ok. Here goes nothing.” Feinstein said grimly as he pushed the door open.

The landing was even more packed than it looked from the window as Paula’s escorts pushed and shoved their way onto the landing with her following just a step behind. It was only the presence of the guns her two escorts were toting that cleared them enough space to get to the stairs. Upon seeing the weapons, the new women moved out of the way best they could, giving the three just enough space to make it to the stairs.

Once they began the decent, Paula and her escorts were bumped and jostled on each and every step. At one point it looked like the director was going to be pushed over the railing by the weight of humanity on the opposite wall causing one of her guards to fire a shot into the ceiling. It was a grave miscalculation on the part of Chevon. While it momentarily cleared them the room they needed to get Paula upright again it also caused a panicked stampede from above and below that threatened to sweep them away seconds later. Not knowing where the gun fire came from the detainee’s trampled and crushed each other in both directions in desperate attempts to get away from it. It was mass chaos as the tide of humanity swept the three of them down the stairs.

After what seemed like a lifetime of being bumped jostled and pushed, they finally made it to the bottom floor and emerged tentatively into the infirmary wing hallway.

There was no other word to describe what was going on other than riot. The inmates were fighting with the small and massively outnumbered security force that was trying to get the hallway cleared. They fought with each other as well. Everywhere there were people screaming.

Along the walls were the injured. They were curled into tight little balls to avoid being trampled underfoot or they were trying to help one of the others.

In the middle of the floor were the dead. It as difficult to tell which group held more members. The security force it seemed hadn’t been big on curtailing the use of ammunition it seemed, but considering the numbers, who could blame them.

For the first time Paula began to question the wisdom of this particular decision. The security detail was surrounded. They stood back to back fighting an impossible battle with batons having already exhausted their ammunition. The bodies of their victims were everywhere and still the torrent of new women assailing them seemed never ending.

“Director” the guard named Firestein said grabbing her arm pulling her attention away from the carnage. “I need you to stay right between the two of us. Hug Chevon’s ass. When he moves you move When he stops, you stop. Keep your head down at all times. It’s a fucking mad house in here. Just focus on his and my voices. Understand?”

Paula nodded.

Feinstein looked at his partner. Chevon took a deep breath, then sighed loudly and nodded that he was ready.

“On the count of three then.” Feinstein said with resignation.

Feinstein counted and the three of them were off. It took everything her guards had to keep the inmates off her. They were afraid of hitting their own people, so their guns weren’t of much use. Instead, they used the butts of their rifles to hit anyone that go to close and still they were being beaten to a pulp.

Slowly but surely, they made their way towards the infirmary door. The weight of the crowd pressed against them with every step, crushing them against the corridor’s inner wall. The did this best to step over and around the wounded laying at their feet. It was a futile attempt as there were just too many bodies. The three were constantly slipping and tripping. It was only the sheer weight of the mob that kept them upright.

Hitting the floor was a slow form of suicide as the wounded were finding out.

As they came even with the surrounded security force the pair of soldiers threw extra clips of ammo to their compatriots. Several were caught, most were deflected by those encompassing the besieged team clattering off the floor as they landed. The surrounded security force fought to reload their rifles as the mob pressed ever more tightly against them. Three would fight as the rest loaded then they’d switch off until everyone had at least one fresh cartridge of bullets ready.

Once the trivet was past their position the hallway became filled with the roar of gun fire as the security team fired in the direction of the stairway. Blood and gore flew in every direction. Screams filled the air mixing with the smell of cordite like some kind of grotesque salad of human suffering. Detainee’s who had done nothing more than get sick were mowed down like so much wheat at harvest. Despite the mayhem and death, still more new women flowed into the hall from the stairway.

Dr. Stanley made the mistake of looking back over her shoulder at the carnage. Six feet to her left she spotted Ford. The cannibalistic new woman looked beaten and dazed as she tried to make her way out for the mob. The soldier nearest to her turned and opened fire on Ford, tearing her body apart. She would never bite another inmate again. The horror of the situation rooted her in place until Chevon literally pushed her through the open infirmary door.

Once inside Paula needed a moment to gather herself. She shook her head violently side to side trying to erase the image of seeing Ford cut in half by high caliber bullets. The pair of security guards held her upright each by an arm until she could stand on her own again.

Once she had her bearings the director puled free of their grip and charged the desk without as much as a thank you to the two that had risked their lives getting her there.

“Where is Thomas Logan? She demanded.

“They were patching her up in operation room two last I knew.” The masked desk attendant with long black curly hair told her.

Without another word the director turned and started off. “You can’t go in there.” someone shouted from behind her.

“I’m the director dear. I can do whatever I please.” Paula called back over her shoulder.

The surgical suit was at the very end of the hallway. It wasn’t exactly hospital quality but considering there were no actual surgeons imprisoned at Reynolds, at least not any that were allowed to use their skills, the lower standard of the facility didn’t really matter. Dr’s Benatar and Goings did their best to patch up the injured but if you were in need of major surgery you were pretty much shit out of luck.

Thankfully for Thomas she healed more rapidly than most. Even though her injuries were extensive she was laying on the surgical table being stitched by Dr. Goings while Benatar checked her blood pressure.

Dr. Stanley over heard what the doctor was saying as she approached. “Lacerated liver and kidneys. The uterus is…”

“What’s happened to her uterus?” Stanley broke in. There better not be any harm to the baby!”

Paula’s was so focused on the status of the pregnancy she hadn’t bothered to check what state the would-be mother was in.

The pair of doctors turned to see who was there.

“Director, you can’t be here right now.” Robi told her.

“Don’t tell me where I can and can’t be Dr. Goings. I want to know what’s happened to the fetus.” Paula again demanded.

From behind the doctors a shaky voice replied angrily “It aborted.”

Paula stopped dead in her tracks and whispered. “Thomas?”

The new woman sat up on the gurney. Her face was ghostly pale from blood loss, but her eyes burned with furry and hatred. Before Paula could even think to move the new woman was up on her feet and grabbing her by the lab cat lapels.

“Thomas your stitches!” Dr Benatar yelled.

Logan paid the doctor no mind as she screamed in the directors face. “You! You did this to us! You did all of this!” The enhance new woman shook with rage as she pushed the fat doctor back until her back was against wall.

“You impregnated me against my will and now my child is dead because of you!” She screamed.

“It..it was Brady n…no..not me?” Paula squealed as a wet stain spread across the cotch of her pants.

“And who set that monster free?“ Thomas asked as she shook the director.

“I…I..I..I don….” Paula stuttered.

“Save it!” Logan demanded. “We all know it was you. Who else would do something so stupid? What happened to Hutchinson? What’s happening out there right now, all the death is all your fault you fat fucking pig!” She bounced the directors body off the wall so hard Paula saw stars. “I told you what would happen if I ever saw you in here again. Didn’t I?”

In a daze Stanley replied. “Y…yes… but ..but…please….”

Thomas grabbed Dr. Stanley by the throat and lifted her until her feet wee dangling off the floor. The fat woman gurgled and chokes as Logan let her hand there for a moment and then with her strength starting to wane, she gave a good squeeze and crushed Stanley's wind pipe. With no remorse, Logan dropped her to the floor and watched her tormentor strangle. She smiled as the doctors fat fingers clawed fruitlessly at her throat as her skin began to turn blue. She stood there watching with great satisfaction until the directors body stopped twitching and was still.
Thomas turned and looked at the pair of doctors. It was hard to read their faces, but the new woman felt vindicated in a way she hadn’t felt since before the outbreak. She almost didn’t recognize the feeling of being happy. It had been so long since she felt it outside a dream. She again looked at the faces of what had become two of her closest friends in the facility and tried to decipher what they were thinking.

Shrugging she simply told them “Sorry for the mess.”

That seemed to break the spell. Dr Benatar rushed over to the crumpled heap that was the directors body and checked for signs of life.

“Shit Thomas, she dead. You killed her.” The doctor confirmed.

“Yes.” Was the only reply she could come up with as she relished the feeling.

The doctor stood up and pushed Thomas furiously. “Yes? Is that all you can say? You killed the director! Now what are we going to do?”

Thomas stepped back considering for a moment before replying. “Now? Now we hide her body and take her ID and gather up everyone we can, and we get the fuck out of this shit hole.” Thomas was amazed at how calm she felt.

She’d never purposely taken a life before. Even all those weeks ago when she had Brady’s life in her hand’s she’d chosen to let him live. She had always considered it the worst possible sin a person could commit and expected to be crushed by guilt. This feeling of absolute serenity was so foreign to her she couldn’t help but roll it over in her mind. She examined it from every angle trying to understand. It wasn’t like anything she’d ever experienced before, even in her life as Yvonne’s husband.

It was a kind of deep down peace that she felt in her very soul. It bothered her on one level that she could feel this good over causing a death, even though the one that died had tortured her physically and mentally at every opportunity. Perhaps that was the reason she felt so at peace she decided.

The sound of Robi’s anger filed voice brought her out of her self-examination.

“Great. So, we’re just going to gather up twelve pregnant women and anyone else that wants to come and waltz out in the middle of a riot?”

“Now is the best and probably only time we’ll ever get, Robi. If we wait until they quell things we’ll all be locked down tight. Now is the perfect time to try an escape.” Thomas replied. “I’m best suited, so I’ll take the lead. We’ll use Paka to scout ahead once we’re off the floor.”

“You’re best suited?” Robi asked angrily. “You’re barely stitched together. As a matter of fact get your ass over here and let me check them.
You’ll be lucky if you didn’t tear a hole in yourself moving that like.”

“I’m fine Robi. I heal fast.”

“You stupid ass, you do heal fast but you’re not Paka! So, get your ass on the gurney and let me check, god damn it!” Robi demanded.
Thomas smiled at her. “You Warren is a lucky man.”

Robi nodded as her patient took a seat. She looked over the recently stitched wounds. None of the stitches had torn. She sighed with relief.

“Looks like you’ll live.”

“Good to know. Now we need to get down to business. Where are we going to hide her body?”

Benatar answered first. “The morgue, where else? We don’t care what they find after we’re gone. So leave the fat fuck in one of the trays and stuff her in the fridge and put her on the creation schedule. Treat her the way she’s treated so many.”

The other two nodded.

“Ok, then help me load her in there and then we’ll get going.” Logan told them.

“No Thomas.” Robi said. “We will take care of the directors body. You sit and rest. Don’t need to be ripping yourself open lifting her again. You were lucky the first time. If we really are going to try and escape, we need you in the best shape you can be.”

***********
Greyson labs 10 minutes earlier:

“Yes sir, Mr. President. I completely agree. Letting a dangerous terrorist like Elijah Wolf go free to roam the roadways of our nation is completely unacceptable. I appreciate your involvement on this matter.” Col Jordon said into the telephone receiver. “I appreciate your suppor….”

Jordon’s secretary, unable to get the Colonels attention any other way broke into the conversation unexpectedly. “I’m sorry to interrupt you sir but there’s an emergency call from Reynolds holding on line two.” She said apologetically.

“Well Colonel, you better take that call.” President Fuller told him. “We can finish this conversation at another time.”

“Yes sir. Thank you again.” Jordon said but the line had already been cut. The Colonel sighed in exasperation wondering what kind of “emergency” Dr. Stanley was having that would get his secretary to interrupt a call from the president.

He punched up the line and said, “Jordon here.”

“Colonel Jordon. This is Sargent Robertson at Reynolds sir. We have a level five emergency here sir. Lieutenant Hutchinson is missing, and Director Stanley is currently making her way to the infirmary against my recommendation.”

“What’s the situation Robertson?” Jordon asked not really wanting to her the answer.

“Someone got ahold of the Lieutenant’s Id badge sir. They used it to open the cells on every floor of the facility sir. We currently have somewhere around five thousand of our detainee’s roaming the facility. All attempts at locking them down have failed thus far. The only secure floors are security and administration. Our people are vastly outnumbered, even with weapons, sir, there are just too many targets. We are being overrun. We need additional support ASAP Colonel.”

Jordon went pale. “Every cell?”

“Yes sir, far as we can tell at least.” Robertson replied.

“Jesus.” Was all Jordon could think to say. His mind reeled. He knew the facility had fewer security personnel than was recommended but it had been sealed uptight for so long it had never occurred to him that more would be needed. He cursed himself for allowing Paula Stanley to betray his trust again.

“Colonel? Are you still there, sir?”
Jordon shook his head. “Yes Roberson I’m here. I can have additional troops there in forty five minutes. Can you hold out that long?”

“We will do our best Colonel.” Roberson replied.

“If need be pull back all you people to guard the exits if containment becomes impossible. No matter what else happens Sargent we cannot let any of the detainee’s get outside the facility. That would be disastrous.”

“Yes sir. I understand sir.”

“Do whatever is necessary, Sargent. Help is on the way.” Jordon told her as he hung up the phone and began to dial.

***********
Reynolds Infirmary now:

While the doctors had been disposing of Stanley's body, Thomas found Paka and the pair busied themselves with getting everyone in the maternity ward as ready to travel as they could. With several of the expectant mothers were under constant sedation there wasn’t anything that could be done for them beyond shutting down the sedative iv’s. The handful of them that were up and aware pitched in with getting each other ready. Thankfully no one was much further than the first trimester and could all move with relative ease.

After minimal preparations were made the mobile mothers were all moved into the general infirmary. All the mothers to be, were enhanced to one degree or another. Thomas was reluctant to put them at risk, but there was just no way to get around she was going to need their help. She said a silent prayer to God for the children they carried safety, then gather them around to spell out the situation.

“So that’s the situation. I’ve lost my child today, so I don’t blame any of you that are reluctant to help for fear of losing yours.” She told them after explaining.

All the assembled pregnant new women nodded their heads. The very tall dark skinned one named Kris spoke on their behalf. “None of us asked for these children we carry Thomas, but I’ll be damned if my kids going to be raised in this place. I’d rather risk his or her life trying to get them to a better place than sit by the side and wait to be recaptured. We’re with you.”

Thomas smiled. “Thank you.” She looked over her shoulder and saw Robi and Dr. Benatar heading their way. “There’s the medical staff, looks like we’re ready to go. It’s a mad house out there. The eight of us are going to be the tip of the spear. We need to get to the stair way and get to the administration floor. If we can get there we’ll head for the loading dock Robi says in behind the intake area on the south side of the building. Anyone that wants to come along is welcome. The more of us there are the better the chance we’ll make it so grab anyone willing and bring them along for the ride. Hopefully we can find Loren along the way and she can help us with security. If not Robi has an ace in the hole.”

Everyone nodded including the doctors.

“That sounds like a good plan Thomas with one little exception. “Dr. Benatar said. “I’m not going.”

Robi grabbed her by the arm. “What do you mean you’re not going?”

Paka shook her head violently no.

“There are too many wounded here for me to leave. Someone who actually cares about them needs to be here to attend to their wounds and injuries. I can’t leave them to those animals.” She explained. “Like Thomas I’ve been here since the beginning. Unlike her I have no one out there to get back too. The women in here need me.”

“Lisa..” Thomas started.

“No. My decision is made.” She said sternly. “Now get your asses out of here before they figure out how to lock us all down.”

Robi looked at the woman who had become more than just a mentor to her in her time at Reynolds with a tear in her eye. “Once we’re out I’m going to get this place shut down if it’s the last thing I do. You just hang on til then.”

“I will do my best. It’s been a pleasure to know you Robi.” Benatar said with tears rolling down her cheeks as well. The pair hugged.

Paka grabbed the doctor and hugged her for all she was worth.

“You take care little mouse.” Benatar said with a tear in her eye.

“Th..thank you.” Paka said. Her newly rediscovered voice cracking as she spoke.

Then Thomas hugged her too. “We will be back for you. I swear.”

“I know you will.” She replied. “Now go before there’s nowhere to go.”

With no further encouragement needed Thomas opened the infirmary door.

The carnage out in the hall was even worse than before, though there were far fewer new women milling around. The soldiers bullets had created a scene that looked straight out of a horror movie. There were bodies and parts of bodies everywhere. Blood was splattered so thick that it looked like someone had been trying to repaint the place in red. In the center of the hall stood three security guards all holding automatic rifles of some kind. They all looked shell shocked as the poked at the bodies around them. Whether it was to check for survivors to save or finish off was anyone’s guess. Beyond them near the stairway entrance stood a huddled group of new women, a fourth from their number was holding her gun over them. There was pitifully few of them holding each other and crying. Everyone else looked to be dead.

“Haven’t you done enough to us?” One of the shouted at the guard as he menaced them with his rifle. “Didn’t you kill enough of us already?”

The guard covering the group declined to comment. Instead, he knocked the protestor in the side of the head with the butt of his rifle.

“Anyone else got something to say?” he asked menacingly.

One of the soldiers in the nearer group turned just in time to see the new arrivals as they emerged from the infirmary and shouted. “All of you!
On your knee’s right now or we’ll open fire!” The soldier raised her weapon at them.

“What the fuck did you do?” Kris shouted back as she took in the mass of slaughtered detainees. “All these people? You killed everyone? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Don’t fuck with me on this!” The soldier replied angrily. “On your knee’s now!”

“These were innocent unarmed civilians you mother fuckers! How fucking dare you!” Kris screamed again with every increasing fury in her words. Her arms were out at her sides as she turned in circles pointing at the dead bodies strewn throughout the corridor.
The pregnant new woman took a step forward. Thomas reached out and stop her, but the soldier fired before she could grab her. An instant later Kris crumpled to the floor a large section of her back suddenly gone missing.

“I fucking warned you!” The soldier screamed sounding more scared than in command. “Get on your fucking knee’s now! All of you!”

“Everyone, do as they say.” Thomas told the group, biting back her anger as she lowered to her knee’s. he couldn’t stop looking at the dead woman’s body as blood leaked from the obscenely large wound.

The others followed suit. Soon as they were all settled a pair of the guards made their way towards them. Thomas pulled her eyes from Kris’ dead body and watch them approach. Scrutinizing them as the moved in cautiously, a look of uncertainty obvious in their eyes. Th predator in her came alive as Thomas smiled to herself and waited patiently until one was within reach.

“You’re the leader?” the tall well-built man asked though his respirator.

She gazed up at him with his gun vaguely pointed in her direction. Thomas nodded in reply.

The guard looked down at her and the others. He recognized them all as being part of the directors special project.

“What are you doing out here? This is no place for pregnant….” He started to ask.

Before he could finish his question Logan reached out and grabbed the muzzle of the gun, twisting it violently out of the guards hands. With the weapon freed, she sprang to her feet before any of the could react and swung it like a club. The stock of the gun bashed him in the side of the head with a loud crack like a baseball bat nearly decapitating Kris’ murder. What was left of him collapsed onto the floor like a puppet with its strings cut.

With speed the rest could barely comprehend, Thomas spun the gun around and shot the second guard in the head. Her body collapsed as her brains exited the back of her skull. From the corner of her eye, Logan could see the remaining two raising their weapons. The enhanced new woman spun ready to fire at the nearest but by then the others from her group we’re up and ready to pounce. Instead se took aim at the one by the stair way and shot him instead.

The three of them moved with such uncanny speed and agility remaining guard never had the chance to get a shot off before being taken out. One of the three lifted him high above her head. In one quick motion she twisted her body and drove the helpless soldier head first into the tile floor with a sickening crunch. She stood up and howled with rage as the guards body lay on the floor looking more like a broken doll than a human being.

As the last guard fell an alarm began to sound followed by a disembodied voice announcing “All security personnel to the infirmary floor. All security personnel to the infirmary floor right now!!”

“Looks like we’re on candid camera.” Robi told the small group as she pointed at the multiple camera’s embedded in the ceiling.

Thomas nodded. “And we’re going to have company. Get the door before they lock us in!” She yelled to the slender brown haired new woman named Sandy standing over the guard nearest the stairway.

The new woman spun and grabbed the door handle and yanked it open just as the locks were trying to engage. She turned and gave the rest of the group a big thumbs up.

Thomas turned to Robi and told her. “Thank God. I didn’t want to have to use the sow’s id already.”

Robi nodded back at her. “We’re going to need it to get out of the stairway.”

“No, we won’t. The locks are only designed to keep people out not to stop someone inside getting out.” The mother to be named Raven told them. She was small, thin and pale from lack of sunlight, like they all were, with luxurious long straight black hair so dark it resembled the feathers of her namesake.

“And you know that how?” Paka asked suspiciously.
“I worked in admittance before I got infected.” She replied. “I screwed up and that fat cunt brought me down here an infected me on purpose for some so called experiment. When I turned out to be a super woman like you all she kept experimenting on me.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah. We all got sob stories in this place.”

“That we do.” Logan said. Then she shouted to be heard over the din of the alarm. “Now we need those camera’s taken out. Sandy, see how many of them down there want to come with us.”

“Do we? Won’t it be just as east to track us by what camera’s go out as it will be if they can see us?” Paka asked.

“Maybe but they won’t be able see what we are doing.” Thomas replied. “Come on their going to be here any second.”

**********
The security command center:

The phone on the desk had been ringing off the hook for the last five minutes as Robertson watched the scene on the infirmary floor play out. She slammed her fist angrily into the desk as her people were cut down like they weren’t even there by the enhanced new women. The sight filler her with a helpless, impotent kind of rage that she had to fight down before she could answer whoever was calling.

Finally, she picked up the receiver. “Robertson here.”

“This is Colonel Jordon, Robertson! What the hell’s going on there? I’ve been calling for the last five minutes looking for a sit rep!” the voice on the other end said angrily.

“My apologies sir, we’ve been busy.”

Mollified, Jordon replied. “Yes I imagine you have. What’s the situation?”

Robertson swallowed hard then told him. “We had the infirmary floor secured until a few minutes ago my team was overrun by a group of Dr.

Stanley enhanced women. The team is a total loss. We tried to lock the floor down, but they were too fast and managed to get to the stairway door before the lock engaged.”

“Enhanced? There aren’t supposed to be any enhanced there Sargent.” Jordon told her.

“Yes sir, I know but they are down there taking out my security feed as we speak. Looks like that Thomas Logan is with them. I recognize her from the Major Brady incident. She’s too tough for my people to deal with on their own.”

“Logan? God damn it! The stupid bitch assured me she’d been disposed of!” The Colonel growled. “Where the hell is Stanley?”

“I don’t know Colonel. Against my recommendation, she went into the infirmary with two guards about half an hour ago. The security team came out not long after delivering her, but she has yet to reemerge. We’ve called down there several times, but no one is answering.”

“Hutchinson reported in yet?”

“No sir, we still haven’t been able to locate the Lieutenant.”

“God damn that woman!” Jordon cursed. “Robertson you cannot let any of those enhanced women get out. I don’t care what needs to be done on your end. Even if it costs your people’s lives! Do you understand?”

“Yes Colonel. We’ll do our best.” She told him understanding the underlying message that if any did escape it was going to be Robertson’s head the got served up on a platter.

“Get it done Sargent.” Jordon ordered, hanging up on his end.

The Colonel sighed and looked at the phone. He knew what he had to do next but dreaded the idea.

“That god damned stupid fat fucking bitch! I knew she was lying to me.” He thought angrily. “Fuck!”

The Colonel looked at the phone again. He picked it up and angrily stabbed at the number pad. He drummed his fingers on the desk as he waited for it to be answered.

“This is Hobson.”

“This is Colonel Jordon at Greyson. Reynolds is a total loss. Repeat total loss. Contingency Gamma is now in effect. Verification code three, alpha, sierra, four, Charlie.” Jordon said grimly.

After a moment’s hesitation the reply came. “Yes sir Colonel. Contingency Gamma verified.”

***************
Reynolds:

Bullets rained down from the floors above as the new women ducked for what little cover there was to be found in the stairwell. The group had barely made it to the first landing before the sound of the guards could be heard above them. There had been no warning, no chance for them to surrender, just the shuffling of feet and echo of voices before the sound of automatic rifle fire accompanied by flying lead filed the air. They’d lost a quarter of their number in the first twenty seconds as everyone dove for whatever shelter they could find.

“Guess they don’t want us getting out huh?” Robi asked sarcastically as she pressed herself against the outer wall using the metal stairs as a flimsy shield.

“Doesn’t seem like.” Thomas replied with a suppressed smile.

She loved Robi for her absolute refusal to be ruffled by the situation they found themselves in. The doctor had changed a lot since her encounter with Brady. She was tougher now for sure, but Thomas missed the light hearted innocence she exuded when she’d first arrived.

“What’s the plan now?” one of the others asked.

Thomas shrugged. “Shoot back I guess.” The enhanced new woman shouldered her rifle and aimed as bullets flew by her. With her newly acquired visual acuity she could almost see the bullets as the whizzed by her head. Additionally it made it easier for her to spot the soldiers above and combined with her already impressive reflexes she started pick them off one by one.

Those above apparently weren’t aware that the would- be escapees were armed. Cries of surprise and orders to take cover were easy enough for Thomas’ enhanced hearing to pick over the report of the rifles.

“Keep firing.” She yelled over the racket. “Keep moving up the stairs. We need to get everyone to the next landing.”

One by one the new women climbed the stairs as bullets from both groups flew through the air. Some were hit and lay where they were felled but most made it to the second subbasement landing relatively unscathed.

“Do we have enough bullets to get us to the third floor?” Paka asked as they help the last of their ever shrinking group step onto the landing.

They could see Sandy laying face down three steps below where they stood with a large hole where her lungs would normally have sat.

“Probably not.” Thomas replied grimly. “We’re losing to many as is.”

She was still amazed to hear Paka speaking. “If we survive this you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

“Be happy to tell you as much as I remember, if we make it.” The little mouse replied.

“We need a better plan than shoot back and hope for the best.” Robi added.

“We need to lure them to us.” Thomas told them. “Anyone know what’s on this floor?”

“It’s more detention cells as far as I know.” Robi replied looking at Raven who shook her head in agreement.

“Get that door opened.” Logan told the former administration employee. To everyone else she yelled. “This is where we get off folks. Once that doors open get in there.”

Raven yanked the door open. The group of now fifteen dove though it as more bullets rained down from above. Thomas and the rest of the armed women returned fire, covering the rest as best they could, then followed them through, slamming the heavy metal door shut behind them.

“Now what?” Linda the third of the expectant mothers asked.

“I assume they have the elevators on lock down, but we have the cow’s id still. We might as well see if we can use it to call the elevators before they disable it.” Logan said with a shrug.

The great escape wasn’t going nearly as well as she’d hoped. They’d already suffered too many casualties for her taste, and she knew more would be coming. Much as it pained her acknowledge those facts, what other options were left? She seriously doubted they’d be allowed to surrender at this point. Most likely they’d be shot where the stood if they tried. They had no other choice other than keep pushing forward until they were all dead or the survivors got out.

The worst part for her was that they were so close to getting out she could taste it. Their little band just needed something to break their way.

Robi led the way down the dimly lit corridor to the elevator bank. All but Raven and another of the new women followed, they stayed and covered the door they’d came in. The pair started looking around for anything that could find to jam up the door, eventually stumbling upon a pair of screw drivers that Raven used her strength to jamb tween the frame and door effectively sealing it shut.

There was lots of noise and banging around coming from the stairway side. It was obvious to everyone that they didn’t have every long before they guards would come barging in and the great escape would come to a screeching halt.
Robi searched the elevator panel for some kind of badge reader but didn’t see any. With a shrug the doctor tried the call button and instantly the down arrow arrival chime sounded scaring the hell out of everyone. Those with weapons brought them up just as the doors began to slide open.

“Fire!” Thomas screamed.

The detainees nearest the door dove out of the way as the others began shooting even before it slid all the way open to reveal another squad of guards. The soldiers never inside got a shot off as they all went down in a hail of bullets. Mere seconds after it began the battle was over.
Thomas stood shaking as she looked into the car unblinkingly at the carnage inside.

Paka shouted, “The door!” breaking the spell as it began to slide closed.

One of the women nearest to it shot her hand out, bouncing it back. Thomas leaned in and pulled one of the bodies out to block it.

“Get them out of there!” She yelled at the rest pointing at the rest of the dead bodies inside.
“
Logan we’re going to have company very soon!” The one guarding the door with Raven yelled.
“
Move!” Thomas pushed her way into the elevator and grabbed two bodies by the arm and dragged them out behind her. From her left she heard a loud bang. She turned and looked that way apprehensively, then sighed with relief as she saw it was still standing. It had a large dent in the center of it.

“Battering ram, lovely.” Thomas thought quietly as she dropped the two she’d been dragging. Turning back, she saw the elevator was empty.
“Everyone in! As many as we can fit!” She began pushing the small crowd from behind as the door to the stairway gave way.

“Shit Thomas!” Raven screamed as the door burst in ward. The new women each managed to get off a couple shots, taking out two of their attackers before being struck down themselves.

With the return fire temporarily abated, the guards began o pour into the hallway through the open stairway door firing at anything and everything. All around Thomas body after body suddenly dropped like so many puppets with their strings cut.

Logan grabbed the one she was pushing from behind and tossed her into the elevator. The blonde woman hit the back wall of the car with a hard thud but seemed to have survived. Logan took a half second to look around for other survivors as bullets pinged off every surface. To her tremendous dismay there was nothing but bodies everywhere her eyes landed.
“Fuck …fuck..fuck!” She thought as she launched herself at the waiting elevator door. She felt the burn as a bullet grazed across the outside of her upper arm.

Soon as she landed Paka jammed the door close button and silently begged the doors to close faster.

***************
Robertson watched the entire series unfold in multiview thanks to the numerous security cameras embedded in the hallway ceiling and cursed herself for not warning her team in the elevator in time. She watched in horror as they were mowed down, then cheered moments later when the stairway team finally broke the door down and began cutting down the detainees responsible for the massacre. Most were cut down, but a handful had made it into the car itself giving them momentary shelter. She picked up the radio next her and keyed it just as the elevator doors slid shut.

The Sargent dropped the radio and called out across the room. “We have them trapped! Shut down the elevators!” She felt a moment of elation and triumph before it was interrupted.

“We can’t.” The voice behind her was filled with dread. “They have the override key.”

Robertson turned pale. “Fuck!” she swore. “Fuck it turn them off anyway maybe they won’t realize until after our people get them out of there.”

“Yes Sargent!”

************
Robi jammed her finger at the first-floor button, but nothing happened. She jammed it again and still nothing. Paka shot her a perplexed look she barely caught before the lights went out in the car.

“What the fuck now? Linda, the blonde that had been tossed into the elevator asked. The bullet holes in the door were and uncomfortable reminder of how little protection they’d provide.

“Shit! They must have shut us out!” Robi growled in frustration.

“Shit… shit.. shit…” Thomas roared angrily as she pounded the side of the car with her fist angrily.

Then she remembered. “Robi! Try that key that was hanging there!”

Robi felt around the controls until she found the key. She turned it to the right, nothing happened. She sighed and tried it to the left next and just as suddenly as it had gone off the elevator sprang back to life. She let out a victorious whoop and jammed the button again. Finally, the car began to rise.

********
Security control center:

Robertson watched on the elevator rise on the status panel and cursed silently. There was only one play left for her team. She grabbed the radio and ordered all remaining team members to the administration floor knowing it was the only way out of the facility.

With the elevator being used by the detainee’s and no other key handy to the guards in front of the door they would have to take the stairs.

She cursed herself for over committing her people to a single objective. She had been so sure she had them cornered and now until what was left of her force made it up eight flights of stairs there was nothing but a single locked door between them and their freedom.

Those that remained rushed to the stairway. Hollow echoes of boots on steel steps echoed up and down the concrete enclosure as they double-timed it up the stairs.

**********
Elevator:

“They have to know where we’re going.” Thomas told the pitiful few new women in the elevator with her. Paka and Robi along with the other three that were left nodded.

“When the doors open everyone stand to the side. No one in the middle and be ready to fire.” She added as the car slide to a stop.

A moment later the doors slid open giving them a view of an empty painted orange elevator alcove. Paka cautiously stuck her head out and looked side to side. To her great surprise the floor was deserted. Giving the rest of the group a thumbs up they quickly clattered out of the car.

Thomas grabbed the key as she exited. They could all hear the clamor from the stairway behind them.

“Let’s move people.” Thomas ordered. That way though those doors! Hurry.”

The five survivors rounded the alcove corner into the main office space just as the first security guards came bursting breathlessly through the door. Thomas and the other turned and opened fire catching the first couple to come around the corner. The rest stayed back behind the wall waiting for the shooting to stop.

The detainees turned and ran, firing short bursts back in the direction of the elevators as they did. There was nothing for cover in the open area they ran though just a few desks separated by flimsy cubicle dividers that burst into pieces every time a bullet struck one. Along the outer wall’s were more sturdy looking offices but hiding in one of those was akin to giving up since there was only one way in and out.

“The warehouse is that way. I think anyhow” Robi shouted, wishing Raven had made it this far to confirm. She pointed towards a junction point about thirty feet across the carpeted floor.

As they went to make the corner a bullet found its way home and the short fair skinned brunette named Reece stumbled forward three steps and falling to the floor. There was no time to check on her. The remaining four plunged headlong and took a sharp left down the short hallway that ended in set of interlocked double doors. They were of course locked. Paka peered though the wire encased widow at the warehouse beyond.

Without waiting to confirm with any of the others Robi pulled their ace in the hole out and swiped the director’s id over the pad. The lock clicked free, and they hurriedly pushed their way through the doors. The sound of more gun fire was once again uncomfortably close behind them. Thomas turned and pushed the door closed. She sighed with a momentary relief as she heard the lock reengage.

“Where’s the exit? That locks not going to hold them long.” She asked.

Linda pointed at the three roll up doors far end of the warehouse. “It’s over there I’d bet.

Despite the stress Thomas smirked. “No one likes a smart ass you know.”

Linda stuck her tongue out in response.

Thomas could hardly believe her eyes. Finally, the goal was in sight. A loud crash on the other side of the door that shook the grey painted cinderblock wall brought her quickly back the reality of the situation.

“Fuck! Move your asses!” Thomas roared as she pushed Robi from behind. The door to their rear squealed loudly as something on the other side hit it again.

The four of them ran like the devil was on their heels. The one hundred feet they had to cross felt more like one hundred thousand miles as they fled across the concrete floor. Every step they took, each was sure would be their last as the squeal of the tortured metal door bounced off the cavernous walls of the warehouse.

Finally, after what felt like a thousand years, they reached the closest roll up door. Thomas pushed on the regular sized door in the middle of it but it only flexed out and bounced back into shape.

“Of course, it’s locked.” She thought ruefully. “Fuck you God. You’re not keeping us here anymore! I’m done with this shit!”

She backed up a step and gave the normal sized door a mighty stomping kick sending it flying off its hinges and pout into the lot beyond. She looked over her shoulder and was amazed to see that somehow the door at the other end of the warehouse was holding up. She grabbed the other and bolted through the opening into the first sunlight Thomas had seen since the start of the epidemic.

The sky was cloudless and brilliant blue. The sun shone high in the sky. It had been so long since Thomas had seen it, she was struck still by the ae of its majesty. Her enhanced senses came alive as the colors and sounds of the outside world flooded them. She was momentarily struck dumb by the wonder of it all.

Robi tugged on her sleeve. “This is no time for sightseeing babe. We need to get the hell out of here before the door gives way.
The driveway was a small cul-de-sac for trucks to turn around in. A simple chain link fence with razor wire woven along the high point sat atop the weathered four-foot-tall concrete wall that surrounded the area. Beyond that was a small field that led to a thickly wooded area beyond.

Thomas bolted ahead of the rest, covering the twenty feet in three strides. The feeling of her body moving the way it was meant to was intoxicating. Without thinking about it she gripped two sets of the chain link and tore the metal links apart. From inside the building, they heard the warehouse door finally giving way.

“Let’s go ladies!” She urged.

They pushed through the hole fast as they could manage expecting at any second bullets to start flying by again. They could hear the loud voice of the guards as they rushed for the tree line.

The group was twenty feet away from it when the building behind them exploded in a ball of fire. The shock wave lifted them off the ground and flung them through the air where they all landed with hard thud.

Robi looked back over her shoulder. “Oh my God.” was all she could think to say.

The heat from the fire was incredible, baking their skin where they lay. Thomas turned over to look back also seeing the conflagration but barely had time to register the horror before debris started raining down. A large chunk of concrete, about the size of a medicine ball landed three feet to her left. Had it hit anyone, they’d have been dead.

“The trees!” She shouted jumping to her feet. “Find cover!”

The four of them scrambled to their feet and dashed for the tree line, keeping one eye on the sky above as they did. Everywhere around them chunks of building crashed into the ground with loud thumps. Small stones pelted them from behind and above like a monsoon of gravel within an ever-expanding cloud of dust.

The rain of small objects abated by ninety percent once they made it into the woods, with the treetops and branches taking most of the pounding. They all stopped and fell to the ground gasping for air, choking on the dust. The smell of smoke filled their noses causing the to choke even more.

They could barely make out the sound of jets overhead and moving away from them over the roar of the flames. Paka just happened to look up at the right moment to see a stealth bomber off in the distance climbing into the cloud cover.

Robi stood up right and gazed back the way they’d come. The air was thick with smoke and dust that obscured the shape of everything around her, however the flames shown though the like sun overpowering a morning fog. The heat from the inferno was amazing. Whatever ordinance that had been used was meant to make sure there were no survivors.

The doctor gasped and whispered “Oh dear God, Lisa…” as a tear ran down her cheek.

“Oh my god!” Paka exclaimed as she watched the conflagration. “All those people. They fucking killed them! Everyone!”

The four survivors hugged each other as they watched in stunned silence as off in the distance Reynolds burned. None of them had truly understood how far the government would go to keep any of them from getting out. Now it was woefully clear how seriously containment was to those in charge. It emphasized how serious their situation was. If they were ever discovered they’d be hunted to the ends of the earth.

“We can’t stay here.” Robi told them as the sound of approaching helicopters reached their ears over the flames.

“Does anyone even know where we are?” Thomas asked looking around.

“We are about 10 miles outside the city. San Quinton is that way. Normally you can see the tops of the guard towers just over the top of the trees right over that way.” Paka said pointing in the general direction. The group of them shielded their eyes and tried to see what she was talking about, but the dust and smoke prevented them for making much out. “The prison is north of the city so that means San Francisco is over in that direction.” facing more deeply into the woods.

“If we can make it that far without getting caught, do we know anyone in the city that can help us?” Linda asked.

“I do. If they are still there.” Robi told them. “We need to get to a pay phone and find something less conspicuous to wear.”

They all looked down at their grimy torn jumpsuits.

“Don’t think this is what all the fashionable people are wearing these days?” Thomas asked sarcastically.

“I’m thinking not but, we’re never going to get to find out if we don’t move our asses.” Robi replied.

The four of them headed off into the woods in a generally southern direction. As they walked more helicopters could be heard over head coming in from the east. Sirens from the road from fire trucks helped keep them moving in the right direction. They waked in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

After about ten minutes they came to the fence that marked the outer limit of the facility campus. This one was much taller than the one around the driveway and again covered along the top with barbed wire.

“That looks like fun.” Paka said pointing up at the loops along the top.

“With our luck it’s probably electrified too.” Linda added.

“Only one way to find out.” Thomas told them. She picked out a good-sized stick and threw it sideways into the fence then ducked down expecting a showered of sparks. When none came, they all breathed a sigh of relief

"I guess they never planned on anyone being able to escape." Thomas said as she walked up to it and grabs two sets of links.

“Here, let me help you with that this time.” Linda told her.

The pair if enhanced women each grabbed onto a section of fence near to each other and pulled with all they had until the metal links gave way.

As they went through the gap one at time Robi told them, “Were going to need to put that back best we can, or they will know someone survived.”

“They’ll find it eventually if they do a perimeter search.” Paka said.

“Until I reach my people, we need every second of their ignorance we can get.”

With that said Thomas and Linda tugged the two sections back together. Thomas did her best to twist some of the broken links back though the unbroken ones to hold it together. The craftsmanship left much to be desired, but she supposed it was better than nothing.

They began trudging through the woods again. All around them signs of civilization began to appear after about a mile or so.

Thomas turned to Paka as they walked. “It’s so strange to hear you talk after all this time.”

“Strange to me too. I guess killing that mother fucker was all the therapy I needed to find it again.”

“Seems so. Can I ask what happened to you?” Logan asked. The others moved closer to hear the story.

“You’ve been incarcerated for too long, so you don’t know the story. I was the news director at KLTR tv when Wanda Maximov was killed.”

“I remember that.” Robi chimed in. “It was just as the epidemic was starting up. No one had even heard the word Acidalia at that point. That’s the murder they’ve pinned on Warren.”

“You know Warren Quinlan?” Paka asked.

“I do. With luck he’ll still be with the group I’m hoping to contact.” Robi replied trying not to sound too hopeful.

“Hmm.” Paka replied. “Anyway, the army shot her as she was going on air to give the first report on the virus. The government didn’t want it getting out at that point and someone got trigger happy and live on tv she was shot. The army was desperate cover it up they did unthinkable things to get my people to confess to whatever story they were trying to concoct about terrorist attacking the station.”

“I was taken to San Quinton and left at the tender mercies of Brady.” The new woman said as a tear ran down her cheek. “He tortured me trying to make me agree. I figured I was dead either way, so I refused to cooperate. He had me stripped naked and tied to a chair for god knows how long and finally he came in with a prisoner in tow and told me if I didn’t confess that he’d give me to them. I spat on him and the next thing I remember was waking up in the cell with you, Thomas and Jo watching over me. I honestly didn’t remember anything when I woke up that day. Didn’t know how to speak anymore. When I said the bastard in the hallway though, it all came back to me.”

“I guess that explains why you were so beat up when they dumped you in there with us.” Thomas told her. “I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“Well, I got the mother fucker back, didn’t I? He’ll never hurt anyone ever again.” Paka said with no small amount of satisfaction.

“No, he won’t.” Robi agreed shuddering as she remembered her own time with the Major. “None of them will. At least not there, though I’m sure they have a million more places they can choose from.”

They all shook their heads in agreement.

“How about you Linda, what’s your story?” Robi asked.

The stout pale skinned new woman shook her head and began. “I’m from Seattle. I was a cop. I caught the virus when I was trying to help revive an infected junkie that had overdosed. I had no idea at the time any of this was even possible, no one did. The next day I felt sick, sicker than I’d ever been in my life. So the following day I went to the hospital, where of course I tested positive for the virus that hardly anyone had heard of. For a while after I recovered, we all lived on the fourth floor of the hospital. Until they opened up a quarantine in Tacoma that is.

Everyone on living in the facility was loaded on busses and taken there except me. I’d done my best to hide my differences from the staff but I guess someone found out because I was sent to Reynolds instead. Just wish I’d gotten my hands on Dr. Stanley before the place went boom. I owe that bitch. Would have liked to get a hold of her before left.”

“She’s dead. Logan killer her.” Robi told her.

Linda looked at Thomas. “Is that true? Did you kill her?”

Thomas nodded.

Linda stopped, grabbed Thomas and hugged her. “Thank you. Wish it had been me, but that bitch needed to go. Good on you for getting her.”

Thomas didn’t really know what to say. She’d never been thanked for killing anyone before. It brought home just how bad things were at Reynolds. She’s always been so wrapped up in what was going on with her little war with Stanley and Brady that she never really considered that there might be others with just a big an ax to grind with one or both of them.

They walked the rest of the way in relative silence. Considering how close they were getting to the city the traffic noise was far more quiet than Logan would have expected. It made her wonder if it was Sunday afternoon. She laughed at herself, how long had it been since she even considered what day of the week it was. What time of day for that matter? In Reynolds time held no meaning, now that she was back out in the world again, she was going to need to get used to it once more.

After about thirty more minutes they came to the back side of a shopping center. They cautiously made their way to the front corner of the building and peered around. The place looked mostly abandoned with only a handful of cars spread out through the lot.

“What they hell?” Thomas asked. She looked over at Paka who just shrugged.

“What’s wrong Thomas?” Robi asked.

“Where is everyone?” She asked.

“Home. Hiding. In quarantine. Any of the above. Things were getting really bad before they stuffed me in with you three. Looks like things haven’t improved any since.

“All this is because if Acidalia?” Paka asked with equal wonder.

“That and stupid government policy that has everyone scared to death of catching it.” She replied sadly. “Oh, over there. A phone.” Robi pointed in the direction of the supermarket entrance.

She started around the corner the others following close behind. She shook her and turned back to them. “It would probably be somewhat less conspicuous if only one woman in an orange jumpsuit were strolling along the shops instead of four.”

“Oh, jeeze, Ya. I guess huh?” Linda replied with a laugh. The three of them scurried back around the corner and waited.

Robi turned and walked as quickly as decorum would allow. She noticed one or two people giving her the once over but none of them grabbed
for the cell phones at least. After what seemed like hours of travel, she reached the pay phone and zero for the operator.

*************
Evanston Wyoming 6:18pm:

Ellie sat on the lone chair in the second-floor hotel room the Mia had rented them. As a group they all knew it was time to fly the coop but yesterday had been such an emotional roller coaster they needed a day for rest and time to regroup before deciding what was next.

With their new funding and protection from the law there seemed to be little reason to continue their trek to Nebraska. Harkin had even promised her soldiers from the fort to help protect whatever operation the sisters decided to set up. She longed to return to their mission in
San Francisco. To set up a new base of operations and continue to help those who wished to evade government quarantine. They were after all back to having two doctors to oversee the medical needs. All they needed now was a place and a plan.

The ringing of her phone brought her back to the present. Looking down she didn’t recognize the number the area code was San Francisco.

“Hello?” She answered cautiously.

“This is the Pacific bell operator. Will you except the charges from Roberta Goings?”

“Robi?” She thought stunned.

“Yes. Yes I’ll accept them.” She all but shouted into the phone.

The operator clicked off and Robi said “El? Is that you?”

“Oh my God! Robi! Where are you? How?” the leader of the Sisters asked with excitement in her voice.

“Robi?” Nicole could be heard asking in the background.

“I’m at a shopping plaza in Larkspur. I need help El. Can you come get us?”

“Shit Robi, we’re in Wyoming.”

“What the hell are you doing there?” Robi asked.

“It’s a long story. Look hang up and call me back in five minutes. I might be able to get you somewhere safe for a few days until we can get back there.”

“Ok but there’s four of us.”

“Ok. Call me right back. And Robi, I’m so glad your safe.” Ellie clicked the phone off and held a finger up to all the questioning faces in the room. She got up and found the card on the table by the window. Picking it up she dialed.

“Mr. Harkin? Yes, fine thank you. I was wondering if you could take care of some of my people in Larkspur. Get them safe transport and a place to stay for a few days?”

***********
KLTR TV 11pm news:

“In other news, authorities investigating the fire at the Reynolds Quarantine facility earlier today have blamed it on a faulty gas line that was installed during the construction of the facility. They went on to say it was only luck that spared the lives of those housed there.

“It’s a minor miracle that no one was killed when the fire started in one of the subbasements and the explosion was under and wing that was still under construction. Commendations for the quick action of the inhouse security team to get everyone out safely. If it weren’t for them and their quick actions to evacuate the facility, who knows what kind of disaster this would have been.”

“The spokesperson went on to say that there was never a threat to the health and safety on the detainee’s or the public at large. All residents have been accounted for and safely rehoused in other facilities throughout the state while evaluation of the damage is being conducted.”
“In other news…

*********
Confirmed cases: 5300 less than counted before
Actual cases: 146, 231,478
End Part XVII (The great escape)
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end …(Semisonic Closing time)

I hope you enjoyed this installment of my TG dystopia. As always please leave a comment.
Thank you as always for your time and attention.
Amanda

Acidalia 18

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XVIII

By Amanda D.

Washington DC Wed Sept 12 2:18pm:

Colonel Charles Jordon, the head of the US Army’s USAMRID team charged with containing the Acidalia out break on the west coast sat staring into space as Robert Kelly, representative from the state of Alabama droned on and on with his seemingly never-ending questions. He’d done his to answer these politicians inquiries about the destruction of Reynolds Quarantine and his role in it here in this closed door session of the House Armed Services Committee Acidalia over site board but the constant grandstanding and repetition of the same point ad nauseum had lulled his mind into a sleepy kind of boredom.

The Colonel saw himself as a man besieged. His every decision questioned over and over by those who’s medical training was limited to what they saw in House MD and CSI on the tv. Despite their lack of knowledge, they still queried him as if they’d graduated top of the class from Harvard Medical School. Asking him about vial counts and contagion principles as they tried to make themselves seem on top of the situation to their peers in the chamber.

That was typical of the questioning he endured any time he’d been called to capitol hill; today however it was his response to the catastrophe at Reynolds and his handling of the situation. As he groggily looked up from his notes on the table in front of him he suddenly realized the Congressman had stopped speaking.

“Colonel?” Kelly was asking somewhat impatiently in his thick southern drawl.

Jordon stared at the white haired gentleman with his deeply wrinkle skin and red bulbus nose with broken capillaries blankly trying to recall what he’d been saying to him.

With an internal shrug the Colonel leaned forward into the mic “I’m sorry Congressman, could you repeat the question?”

“I asked you explain why you ordered the firebombing of the facility Colonel. I’d think judging by the seriousness of this situation you’d be paying better attention to our questions sir.” Kelly said indignantly.

With a quiet sigh Jordon replied “My apologies, congressman. As I’ve stated several times already today, and as the records of the conversations I had with Sargent Robertson that you have in front of you all bear out, the situation had grown beyond the abilities of the staff at the facility to contain. With many of the security personnel injured or outright killed in the riot inside Reynolds and the very real possibility of some of the detainee’s escaping I saw no other alternative but to implement the final containment procedure’s as outlined in the Secretary of Defense’ memorandum dated May 17th of this year. The memorandum states that if containment at any facility is in danger of being breached all measures possible to contain that breach must be implemented. I take no pleasure in what happened to those stationed at the facility but in light of our orders I felt we had no other choice but to implement contingency gamma.”

“I am aware of your so-called reasons Colonel. My question is why you thought you had the authority to go around the chain of command, including this committee, and order the contingency implemented on your own. We have these things in place so that those with better, ah, perspective, on the situation can be there to oversee the decisions of those on the ground. By taking that responsibility onto yourself you violated our rules on procedure….”

“I violated your rules?” Jordon interrupted suddenly furious. “Congressman, there was no hope to contain the situation any other way. Not only were the security forces inside the center overwhelmed they were most likely infected. The emergency inside got out of hand so quickly that none of the off duty personnel had the opportunity to get int their containment suits. If by some miracle they’d managed to get all the inmates back into their cells they’d have become detainee’s themselves considering the level of exposure each one was subject too. Put simply again, I saw no other alternative.”

“But the excessive loss of life…”

“Was absolutely necessary Congressman.” Jordon said firmly after once again interrupting Kelly.

The congressman sat looking perturbed at the colonel. He didn’t much like being interrupted every time he spoke and was getting quite close to airing Jordon out over it. Instead, he took a deep breath and counted silently to ten before resuming.

“Colonel, I’d like to take a moment to discuss the staffing shortages that are now woefully apparent at the quarantine center. You are in charge of overseeing staffing for all Acidalia related facilities in the Bay area are you not?” Kelly asked changing tactic.

Jordon was taken aback by the question. He hadn’t anticipated the inquiry going down this road.

“Yes, my staff and I oversee staffing for the labs, hospitals and quarantines that fall under my command.” He replied trying not to sound annoyed.

“Wonderful. Since you oversee them can you tell me Colonel, why were the security forces at both Dillion and Reynolds so woefully understaffed, sir?”

Jordon cleared his throat. “It was the opinion of my staff and the DOD {department of defense} that staffing was adequate at all facilities under my oversight.”

“And who was it that gave the staffing recommendations to the DOD colonel?”

“It was my office.” Jordan told him as he tried to stamp down the rising anger in his chest.

“Your office or you Colonel?”

“It was my judgment that….” He began.

“Your judgement?” Kelly asked with an unmistakable air of sarcasm. It was his turn to do the interrupting now. “Your judgement. Is that the same judgement you used when you released Dr. Greyson and fired Dr. Blue? The same judgement you used when the terrorist Elijah Wolf and her accomplices, who were in your office I’m told, right there in front of you for the capturing, and yet you decided to set them free? Is that the judgment we’re supposed to trust Colonel?”

Jordon’s eye burned a whole through the congressman. He swallowed hard before replying.

“Yes Mr. Kelly.” He began in an even measured tone, trying not to let his examiner see how far under his skin he’d managed to crawl. “Those were serious lapses on my part. I’m sure, sir, if you dig deep enough you can find plenty more. I am after all just human, like yourself. However, as a military man I have only my orders, experience and gut instinct to go by when the pressure is on, and lives are at stake and in this case it was the lives of 5300 infected individuals versus the hundreds of thousands in the area surrounding Reynolds that anyone who might have escaped could infect. Weighed that way I made the decision my orders indicated to be the correct one. You may disagree. You may second guess me, Monday morning quarterback me to you hearts content but you will never get me to tell you I didn’t do my duty to the best of my abilities. As much as it saddens me to have the deaths of all this people on my conscience, and this decision will hang heavy on me for a very long time to come I assure you, it was the only way to keep innocent civilians living in the area surrounding the facility safe from those inside who were infected.”

The chamber fell silent as the Colonel wrapped up his remarks. It seemed like every eye in the place was on Kelly, awaiting he response. The congressman adjusted his mic as he was about to speak when he was interrupted by the committee chairwoman Christina Flaherty of California.

The congresswoman was as well known for her brilliant long red hair as she was for her fiery rhetoric and no nonsense speaking style. Flaherty was well known as an advocate for those infected with the virus and had opposed the president’s policies on quarantine from the start. Her stance and straight talking persona had made her a media darling and much beloved by the public.

This was her first term in the house, having been elected the year before the outbreak, and was one of the youngest members on the committee. She’d risen though the ranks quickly though her grit and toughness along side a bit of luck as several senior male members of the house had fallen victim to then virus and been determined unfit to serve any longer.

“Mr. Kelly,” She began. “As much as we appreciate your deep concern over the colonels decision this verbal jousting isn’t getting us anywhere. I think it may be time to put aside our political grandstanding, especially considering that this is a top secret enquiry and there are no camera’s present and wrap up Colonel Jordon’s testimony so he can get back to heading up the search for the cure for this dreadful virus. I think his time is better spent at Greyson than it is spent here with us.”

“Madam Chairwoman, I believe the Colonel has much more to answer for than just this one…” Kelly started to protest.

“Perhaps Mr. Kelly, but if that’s true wouldn’t that be something for the military to deal with internally?” She asked tersely. “We are here to investigate the incident at Reynolds not to persecute a decorated military officer for our own political gain. The Colonel has given his testimony and I for one are ready to move on to our next witness.”

Kelly turned and stared angrily at chairwoman but said nothing.

“With no more objections being raised, I’d like to thank you for you testimony today Colonel Jordon. I hereby declare these proceedings finished for today. Thank you everyone for your time.” She told the assemblage as she hammered down her gavel.

For the next several minutes the reps mixed among themselves talking about whatever was on their mind. Several came to where Jordon stood and thanked him or congratulated him on his decisive handling of the Reynolds situation. The words of praise sickened Jordon. It was obvious most of those in the chamber we completely out of touch with the reality of the epidemic and the actual cost in human lives associated with it. Yet Jordon stood there and let their words wash over him, nodding, smiling and thanking at the appropriate times. As most high ranking military officers, Jordon understood that playing nice with members of congress was a necessary evil in today’s pollical climate.

As he was turning to leave Rep Kelly came over to him. Taking Jordon by an elbow Kelly pulled him close and whispered “This isn’t over Colonel. She may have saved your ass today but believe me when I’m done with you publicly you’ll wish she’d ever interfered.” The Alabama rep let go and walked away quickly before Jordon could reply.

He sighed to himself thinking “Wonderful. Just what I need, more enemy’s.” He again gathered his things of the table and was about to leave when the Flaherty approached him.

“Congresswoman.” He said nodding at her.

“What did Kelly want?” She asked him without preamble or pleasantries. The two had known each other well in the months since the outbreak and the oversight committee was formed. Jordon had always appreciated her straightforwardness and had come to respect the politician tremendously.

“Just butt hurt sour grapes I guess. Says he’s going to make trouble for me.” He told her with a shrug.

“Did he now?” she asked rhetorically as she watched Kelly walk out the back door of the chamber. “I wouldn’t sweat it Charles.”

“I have far too much going on to worry about the likes of him.” Jordon said.

“Mmmm…yes you do. How’s DR. Ryan’s research coming along?”

“As well as can be expected I guess. He says he has several theories on what the root of the immunity might be but nothing concrete has come out of his lab yet.” Jordon reported. He sighed again. “I have to tell you Christina, I don’t have a lot of faith that he’s ever going to find anything we can use to stop the spread.”

“Let’s hope your wrong there Charles. The world needs him to figure it out.” She said in reply.

“Yes. Him or someone like him.”

“I’ve seen the classified WHO (world health organization) reports on the international spread. No one abroad will back their numbers publicly because they want to pretend we’re the only ones with the problem but it’s not looking good.” She told him.

“As far as we can tell the WHO numbers are accurate, even if the rest of the world refused to acknowledge them. What’s really scary in their projections over the next year. If we don’t figure this out soon it’s going to be too late.” He replied grimly.

She nodded, then decided to change the subject. “Since you’re in town, what are you doing for dinner?”

“I was planning on room service in my hotel room.”

“Why don’t you let me treat you tonight?”

“Hard to say no to an offer like that. Thank you congresswoman.”

“There is much we need to discuss. I’ll send a car by to pick you up at say 7:30?”

“7:30 is fine.” He told her.

“And Charles..”

“Yes?”

“Wear civilian clothes.” She said the turned and walked away.

********
At 7:30 on the dot the phone in his room at the Dupont circle Hotel began to ring. It was the front desk alerting the colonel his car had arrived. If nothing else the congresswoman was prompt. He informed the concierge he would be right down, grabbed his sports coat and headed for the elevators. Outside the in front of the hotel entrance wait a town car with a driver standing by the rear door.

“Mr. Jordon?” He asked.

Charles was taken aback for a moment. How long had it been since anyone other than the friends of the kids when they were young had referred to him as mister? He couldn’t begin to guess. “Yes, that’s me.” He finally answered.

The driver smiled and held the door for him. Jordon climbed in and they were off. He had been expecting that they were headed from a restaurant in DC itself so when the car took the on ramp to route 395 headed south to route 95 he was forced to ask the driver their destination.

“I was told to take you to Quantico, sir.” The driver replied.

“Virginia?”

“Yes sir. We should be there in about forty five minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.”

Charles sat back and made himself comfortable and wondered what Flaherty was up to having him dress in civilian clothes and planning dinner so far away from DC?

“Guess you’ll see when you get there.” He thought as he leaned back in the plush white leather seat and got comfortable.

The better part of an hour later the town car pulled up in front of a posh looking place called Harry O’s. The driver hopped out and opened the door for him as the small crowd standing by the door looked on like he was some kind of movie star.

“The congress woman and her guests are waiting for you.” He was informed.

“Guests?” Jordon asked.

“That’s what I was told sir.” The driver told him.

Jordon nodded at him and headed into the restaurant.

As soon as he walked through the door the concierge at the podium said to him “Colonel Jordon?”

“I am.”

The small very thin man with greased back black hair and matching moustache stepped out from behind the podium and told Jordon, “This way sir.” As he speed walked though the dining room to a separate area in the back. It was as far removed as it could be and still be in the same building.

At the table sat Christina along with a man that Charles could tell just by looking at him was military and another woman with blonde hair and glasses that looked very familiar, but he was unable to place a name to her.

Flaherty stood up as Jordon arrived. He kissed her cheek and she his. She then turned to the others sitting at the table.

“Colonel Charles Jordon meet Marine Colonel Robert Sa’heed the former head of marine base Quantico.” She told Jordon.

Sa’heed stood and the two men shook hands. “Nice to meet the man in charge of the west coast’s acidalia containment team.”

“Thank you Colonel. It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Jordon replied. “Former CO of Quantico? I hadn’t heard of any change in command there.”

“It’s a very recent change.” Sa’heed replied coyly.

Jordon gave him a questioning look.

“All will be explained Charles.” Christina reassured him. “In the meantime, let me introduce you to Dr. Carla Ryson.”

Jordon blinked. “Carla Ryson? The Carla Ryson?” he stammered confused.

“The one and only.” Carla replied. She remained seated. “I don’t expect you’ll want to shake my hand.”

“Shake your…? Madam you’re lucky I don’t call the police right this minute. Christina what the hell is going on here?” Jordon asked as he backed away from the table.

“Charles, please. There is an explanation for all this. Just please sit down before you cause scene.” Flaherty said gesturing at the fourth chair at the table.

He looked at her uncertainly.

“Please Charles.”

Jordon looked at her uncertainly one more time then walked over and pulled the chair out.

Once he was seated Congresswoman Flaherty spoke again. “I know this isn’t what you were expecting Charles and I apologize for the deception; however, we need you help desperately.”

“I don’t know how I can possibly help a wanted felon.” He replied looking directly at Carla.

“I told you this wasn’t going to work.” Dr. Ryson said as she started to stand up.

“Doctor, sit down. Charles, please let me finish explaining before you comment.” Flaherty said with a touch of annoyance in her voice.

“Fine but this better be good.” Jordon replied as Carla took her seat.

“These two have been guests of mine for the last several days. I assume you heard about the death of Marine general Angelo King?”

“Yes, it was a car accident, yes? Terrible thing. I met him once several years ago. He was a good man.” Jordon replied.

“it was no accident, Colonel, I assure you.” Sa’heed told him.

“Colonel Sa’heed the rest of this story is yours, care to take Charles through it?” Flaherty asked.

“Assuredly.” Sa’heed replied then to Jordon he said. “As you well know colonel, several weeks ago Dr. Ryson was kidnapped on her way back to the base at Quantico after a day in court.”

“I was told she escaped.” He replied simply.

“Yes. It was presented to the press like that. However, she was kidnapped and taken to a farm in southern Virginia and held there for several days. Her kidnappers were apparently planning to video tape her execution at their hands.”

Jordon looked to his left at Dr. Ryson. “They were going to kill you?’ he questioned. “What for?”

“I assume it was an attempt to make the President look weak and ineffectual, though at the time I had no idea why. Wasn’t until I escaped it all started to make sense.” Carla told him. “You see Colonel for whatever reason the woman they were planning to use to kill me, Gail was her name, changed her mind and took out most of the group that kidnapped me. Only two survived the shootout. One of them I killed with the car I escaped in. The other disappeared in the middle of things. It was his car I wound up taking.”

“Does mystery man have a name?” Charles asked dubiously.

Christina handed him a slip of folded paper she’d just pulled out of her purse. “That’s the cars registration. As you can see the owners name is clearly printed on it.”

Jordon unfolded the registration slip and looked down at it. His eyes opened wide with surprise.

“You can’t be serious.” He said hoping this was all some elaborate joke.

“We are dead serious Colonel.” Sa’heed told him. “The name there is the reason General King is dead and why I’m AWOL from Quantico at the moment. You see Colonel after she escaped the doctor made her way back to Quantico and contacted me. I met her not far from here and after she told me her story, Carla surrendered herself to me. With the information she provided confirmed I knew it was too far above my pay grade to deal with, so I contacted the General. He came to the base to meet with me two days later. After I convinced him of the legitimacy of the doctors story, we devised a plan.

His plan involved him taking a copy of the registration the Secretary of Defense to gage his reaction. It was the Generals idea that Blake had been purposefully sabotaging our military efforts in Canada and against the blockade to make the president look weak. He purposely laid his
head in guillotine in an effort to ferret out this conspiracy we stumbled upon.”

“What conspiracy would that be Colonel Sa’heed?”

“Charles, it was King’s theory that there was a coup attempt in progress and that Davis Carlyle was the head of it.”

“The Chief of Staff and Vice Presidential nominee?”

“The one and only.” Carla responded. “He was there, at the farm house. I saw him in his grey suit. He was overseeing the whole thing.”

“You saw him?” Jordon asked.

“Well, no, not myself but Gail described him, and I stole his car. Sometimes one plus one actually doe add up to two.” She replied defensively.

“How does all this tie in with the generals death?” the Colonel asked Sa’heed.

“After his meeting Defense secretary Blake we spoke on the phone. General King was convinced that Blake was in on it. I’ve known Angelo since we were both in officer training school, his instincts have always been impeccable.” Sa’heed told him.

Jordon nodded.

“The day after his meeting with Blake I received a call from the FBI informing me they would being taking Dr. Ryson into their custody. I requested the notice of transfer number for verification as the doctor had already been kidnapped once. The person on the other end balked at the idea of giving it to me and told me there would be agents there to pick her up at 10am the next morning. At about 4am I was awoken by a call from the generals wife informing me of his “accident”. At that point I knew they were onto us. I woke my family and put them on a pane to my wife’s mothers house in Atlanta. Once they were safely on the way out of town I drove to the base. It was about 8:30 in the morning when I arrived and there were already several vehicles with FBI plates on the at the main gate. The agent in the lead car was arguing with the MP (military police) officer in the gate house, who was denying them access to the base on my orders. When I bypassed the line and drove up to the gate the lead agent informed me that if they weren’t allowed access to the base I’d be arrested for obstruction of justice. Upon hearing this I ordered the MP’s at the guard station to take all seven of the agents in their caravan into custody. Once the agents were secured in the brig, I took Dr. Ryson, and we left the base. We went on the run. I knew the congresswoman was someone that could be trusted. I made contact and she’s been hiding us ever since.” Sa’heed told Jordon.

“That’s quite the story Colonel.” Jordon replied. Then to Flaherty he asked, “So your idea of hiding them is dying the doctors hair and bringing them to a fancy restaurant for dinner?”

“I believe they call it hiding in plain sight, Charles.” She replied sticking the tongue out.

A ghost of a smile crossed his lips before he asked “So, assuming I believe your story, what do you want me to do? You must have something specific in mind Christina.”

“Colonel, you must have noticed how strictly Blake has been restricting direct military access to the president.” Sa’heed said.

“Yes I had to use my direct line to the president not long ago because he kept deflecting me.”

“Yes, I heard about that, several cabinet member were pissed that you were able to bypass Blake like that.” Christina added. “You see, all of this is connected. Why else would they be coming down so hard on you over letting Dr. Greyson go? What were we gaining by holding her? Nothing. If nothing is the answer why are they so intent on crucifying you over it?”

“I don’t know.” He replied honestly.

Flaherty reached her hand across the table and covered Jordon’s. “Charles we need you to contact President Fuller and tell him what’s going on before it’s too late. Will you help us?”

Jordon sat quietly for a moment considering what he’d been told. Weighing the plausibility of what they’d laid out for him. He stared intently into
Christa’s eyes, his friend and sometimes more than just a friend, looking for some evidence she was trying to deceive him before finally answering. “I’ll see what I can do.”

A moments later the concierge reappeared at the table with a worried look on his face. His already pale skin looked even whiter as he leaned in and whispered something in the congress woman’s ear.

Christina pulled back and looked at him. “Are you serious?”

“Yes miss. I’m very sorry.”

“The FBI are here?”

“Yes. They are waiting by the front door. The agent in charge, a Mr. Johanson, said he didn’t want to make a scene and asks that the four of you come out willingly.”

“Well shit.” Flaherty look at her three companions. “Doctor, you need to get out of here. The three of us will go out and surrender but you can’t be caught. You’ll never see the light of day again.” She turned the concierge and asked, “Henry can you see to her safely?”

“Of course, congress woman.” He replied. “Doctor if you will?” He gestured for her to get up.
Carla complied before asking “What am I supposed to do?”

“Go with Henry. We won’t be held long. He will let us know where to find you once we’ve been released from custody.” Christina assured her.
“He’s going to keep me safe?” Carla asked dubiously.

“Trust me doctor there is a lot me to Henry then you realize.”

Henry simply smiled at the compliment. He then again gestured for Carla to follow him. “Please doctor time is of the essence.”
Carla despite her doubts hurried off after him.

Jordon looked at Christina an Sa’heed. “You know they will never buy that she wasn’t with us.” He told the pair.
“Doesn’t matter what they believe, Charles. All that matters is keeping Carla out of their hands.”

“And that guy” he started point in the direction of Henry as the concierge scooted across the dining room. “He going to keep her safe until we’re released?”

“Henry is a former French intelligence agent.” She replied matter of factly.

“Former?” Robert asked.

“Well maybe not as retired as he claims but regardless she will be safe in his hands.” They both looked at her doubtfully. “I trust him. You’ll both have to trust me. Now let’s go before the FBI comes rushing in here.”

The three of them straightened themselves out for a moment then headed for the entrance.

*****************************
Thursday September 13th 6:15am PDT

Robi Goings lay in bed looking up at the white stucco ceiling and listening to Warren breath. She could hardly believe she was back with him. It seemed so much like a dream she was afraid sometimes to close her eyes incase when she woke up she would find herself still in her bed in the back of the infirmary at Reynolds. She turned her head and gazed over at him and smiled. He always made her smile. Never in her previous life had she felt so content with anyone, let alone a man, but here she was falling as hard as one could.

As she watched him sleep she thought back to the scene four days previous when Ellie and company had finally arrived back in San Francisco.

There had been a knock on the door of the condo that that Mr. Harkin had dropped them off at a week previously telling them it was theirs to use as long as they wished. Inside the lavishly furnished place was ever amenity one could ask for, including closets filled with clothes for all four of them, amazingly all in their sizes. Thomas, who’d never worn anything other than the orange jumpsuits Reynolds issue since her transformation was a little bit put out by the selection.

“Of course they got you women’s clothing silly, your female… Duh..” She had told the enhanced new woman with a laugh. Paka and Linda too had been equally baffled as to what to wear.

“You three have been female for months now but this is going to be a whole new experience for all of you. You’re going to need to learn though. If it’s obvious to everyone you have no clue they’ll snatch you up, test you and will ship you right back to somewhere just like where we escaped from.” Robi told them.

“Not me they won’t!” Paka said furiously. “I’m never going back to any place like that again. I’d rather die.”

“Be that as it may, you still need to learn ho to pass off as someone that grew up female.” Robi told the group.

The three of them looked at her miserably but nodded their ascent.

“It’s not as bad as you think.” She laughed.

Thomas lifted a dress u by the hanger and showed it to Robi. “That’s what you think.”

The days following they stayed in the condo and Robi gave them a crash course on matching their clothes and basic makeup application to varying degrees of success. The girls tried their hardest to follow her instruction and by the end of the fourth day there seemed to be a bit of progress.

For Thomas, there was very little hope of her ever truly blending in anywhere. Being over six feet tall and drop dead beautiful with amazing amber colored eyes that looked a cold and hard as the stone they resembled, there was no way she wouldn’t be noticed anywhere she went.

Paka was small enough that she was in misses’ sizes, which didn’t exactly sit well with the former news chief. The new woman was embarrassed to wear anything that wasn’t sweatpants and tee shirt. Even trying to work within those parameters became untenable any time Robi would attempt to doll the outfit up. Eventually she was forced to shrug and hope for the best.

Linda, who was just beginning to show needed maternity clothing. That was an adventure Robi was not anxious to relive but somehow, they managed to get through it. Linda positively glowed. It appeared being pregnant agreed with her now that she was out of quarantine, despite her reluctance to admit it.

Robi made a mental note to make sure Linda got plenty of time with Ellie. The doctor was concerned what would happen to her mental state as the baby grew inside her and the short leader of the sisters had an amazing ability to set people at ease. She fervently hoped the magic would work on the pregnant new woman. The situation she was in was akin to having to carry your rapist’s child to term in Robi’s opinion.

On day five what was left of the Sisters arrived on their door step. Their little group had agreed that on Robi or Linda would answer the door should anyone come to it as they were the most normal looking. As it happened it was Linda that wound up answering, much to Ellie’s confusion.

“Hi. Can I help you?” Linda asked after opening the door and acting completely clueless as to who the group of women standing on the walkway were. Never mind she knew they were waiting for waiting for Robi’s friends to arrive.

“Umm… Is Robi here?” Ellie had asked in utter confusion. She began rechecking the address on the piece of paper she had in her hand.

Linda stood there smiling for a moment before going, “Oh Robi, yes sorry. I don’t know where my brain goes sometimes. You must be her friends.” She smiled at them as she stood in the doorway blocking any chance of entrance.

Ellie smiled back. “Yes that’s us. May we come in?” she asked with a bit of consternation.

“Oh, shit sorry.” Linda laughed. “Yes by all mean. Please come in I’ll get her. She’s upstairs with Thomas I believe.”

Warren asked with a bit of worry in his voice, “Thomas?” but Linda has already walked off down the hall calling for Robi.

Ellie shook her head as she reopened the screen door and ushered Wendy, Nicole, Mia and Sam with Warren and the baby in tow in.

The little band hadn’t made it three steps in when they heard the long-missed voice of Robi squeal “Ellie!!!!” as she ran down the steps.
She hugged the short sandy blond-haired leader of the sisters tight, then looked up and saw Warren standing off to the side.

“Oh my god Warren!!” She broke off from Ellie as quickly as she’d jumped on her and jetted for Warren. The two embraced like the long-lost lovers they were. Holding and kissing, tears flowing from both their eyes.

“Oh my god.” Robi cried. I never thought I’d see you again.” As she clung to Warren.

He appeared to be speechless as he hugged her tight. The whole world disappeared for a few short moments as he held her in his arms.

The other three house residents had gathered in the hallway, Thomas and Paka on the steps and the third, Linda in the hallway behind the group.

After several awkward moments, Thomas coughed. Robi looked up and pulled away from Warren reluctantly, looking embarrassed. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.” She stammered. “Introductions, yes. So sorry.”

Everyone laughed which made Robi’s cheeks turn even more red.

“So, let’s start with my new friends” she said trying to regain her composure. Pointing at Linda she told the group “The amazing red head over there is Linda she escaped with us. The tall gorgeous one on the steps is Thomas and the short little mouse is Paka. Paka, I believe you already know Warren, as for the rest, the short one up front is Ellie. The Tall gorgeous red head is Nicole. The dark-haired beauty there is Dr. Mia Blue. The Big hulk is Wendy, she doesn’t speak and the last two I have no idea who they are.” She giggled as she held Warrens hand.

“They are Dr. Sam Greyson, and the little one is Sara.” Ellie told them. “Nice to meet you all. It’s amazing you made it out. I still don’t have the slightest clue how but I’m so happy for all of you. Your safe with us for as long as you choose to stay.”

Warren looked at the one Robi had called Paka then asked “She knows me? How?”

Paka cleared her throat not really sure how to begin. Seeing her discomfort Thomas reached out for her hand and held it. “It’s ok, you can tell him. We’re here with you.”

Paka smiled. “Well, I guess there’s no other way to say it but to say it so here goes, Warren I was your boss at KTLR tv, Bob Parker. Before…this…” she told him uncertainly.

Warren blinked a couple times. “Bob? My god. What happened to you?”

“Brady happened to me.” Paka replied bitterly.

The members of the sisters all looked at each other uncomprehendingly.

“I’m afraid we don’t know who “Brady’ is.” Elli told them.

“It doesn’t matter now. He’s dead.” Thomas told the group with an unmistakable edge of bitterness in her voice.

“Thomas, is it? “Nicole asked. “Nice to meet you. My names Nicole.” She extended a hand that Thomas took. It only took a moments contact got them to realize they were both enhanced.

“You’ve got abilities too.” Logan said not quite understanding how she knew. “What can you do?”

“Yes, both Wendy and I are. She’s super strong, I mean like really strong. She flipped a police car over all by herself.”

The others looked at Wendy. “That’s impressive.” Paka commented.

“I kind of have the whole package. Strength, speed, agility and I make a heck of a martini.” Nicole said with a smile.

Thomas smiled back. “I’m in the same boat as you, for the most part. Maybe we can compare some time.”

“I’d like that. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” Nicole joked. The hulk of a new woman tapped Nicole’s shoulder. “Wendy would too.” She quickly added.

Thomas smiled then turned to Ellie. She looked at the small new woman and cocked her head to the side. “You’ve a little something in you too.”

Ellie looked perplexed. “Not me. I’m not super-duper.”

“There’s something there. Like with your red headed friend and the big ol hulk there. I can sense it.”

“Oh, so you’re the one that’s been leaving all those bent steel bars laying around. We’ve been wondering…” Nicole kidded.

“Guess the jig is up.” Ellie joked back with a giggle. Then turning serious she said to the newcomers. “So, you all escaped from Reynolds. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone getting out a quarantine before. The fire there must have been far worse than they reported if you were able to use it to get out.”

The four of the looked at each other uncomfortably, seemingly not sure what to say. Finally, Robi spoke up. “El, we escaped before they blew the place up. We were the only ones to get out before….” She choked and couldn’t go on.

“Reynolds was blown up? Who?” Warren asked as he pulled her in for a close hug. Robi clung to him in return.

“The government. The Army, Airforce, whatever” Paka replied. “I saw a stealth fighter or something climbing away into the cloud cover after the explosion.”

Ellie looked at her uncomprehendingly. “They destroyed the entire complex?” She asked. “How could…. My god all those people!”

“It was as bad as you imagine and worse.” Paka replied. “As for how could they? What happened seems to be standard operating procedure theses days from what I can tell. They don’t care about any of us. They’ll wipe out the entire country to get rid of the infected if they must.”

Ellie couldn’t argue with her assessment and simply nodded.

“Honestly, they are better off being dead.” Linda added. “ Living there wasn’t living and after the riot…Let’s just say that if there had been survivors inside, those in charge would have made what we went through in there seem like a holiday by comparison. Even with Brady and that cunt Stanley dead.”

“Riot?” Sam asked.

Robi tuned to her friends in the Sister’s. “There’s a lot to explain but not now. It’s too fresh.”

Warren squeezed her hand. “It’s ok babe. You’re free now and I’ll never let them take you away from me again.”

She smiled at him, feeling safe in his presence. It was in that moment that she realized she loved him more completely than anyone else shed ever known.

Changing the subject Robi asked, “Is this all that’s left from the warehouse raid?”

“Pretty much. Carol and Vera escaped too but they are..umm…. no longer with us.” Mia told her looking rather uncomfortable with the subject.

“No longer with you? Did they go off on their own somewhere?” Robi asked confused.

“Vera, it seems committed suicide.” Ellie quickly answered. “Carol left us because of….philosophical differences.” She added vaguely.

“Philosophical differences?” Linda asked.

“She didn’t like me being part of the group.” Sam replied simply. “Ellie, Mia and Nicole didn’t want me to leave.”

“Sam is my daughter.” Mia added. “Carol couldn’t live with things the way the way they were and left as soon as we were back in the bay area.”

“We did everything we could to get her to stay , but in the end, it was her choice to leave.” Nicole added. “

“Wait, Vera committed suicide?” Robi asked circling back and slightly astounded at how quickly the statement had been brushed off.

“How? What?” she questioned. While Vera had never been Robi’s favorite person, but she was a long time part of the group, and it surprised her how callously the news of her death was delivered.

“We don’t know for sure what happened.” Nicole said as Ellie was getting ready to speak. “Carol and I found her dead in her motel room. It looked like she might have choked to death on something. It’s hard to say for sure. She’d been dead at least a full day before we found her body.”

“Vera is the one that betrayed us to the army Robi.” Ellie added angrily. “She refused to come clean on her part of the raid on the warehouse. After giving her one last chance to admit her roll in it, and she declined, Wendy and I told her she couldn’t stay with us any longer. We left her behind when we moved on from the motel we’d been staying. Carol went back to find her the next day and she was lying dead on the floor in her room.”

Robi shook her head. “That’s terrible. I wish I’d been there. Maybe I could have done something to help her.” She told them as a tear ran down her cheek.

“She was cold by the time Carol stumbled upon her, there’s nothing you could have done.” Nicole reassured her.

“She a was in cahoots with the army?” Paka asked shaking her head in disgust. “Seems like you got lucky that she did herself like that.”

Nicole shot Paka a stern look. “Maybe you shouldn’t comment on things you’re not familiar with.”

“Lady, after all the shit the government has done to me, I got no love for anyone that works with them. Maybe you should walk a mile or two in our shoes before you judge my reactions.” Paka told her as she poked the tall red head in the chest.

“Paka!” Thomas chastised.

Paka whipped her head around and yelled back. “What?”

“There are Robi’s friends. That’s what. Play nice.” Thomas retorted. “If not for their generosity we’d be wandering the streets in our orange jump suits still.”

“So, I have to kiss their ass now?” she asked angrily.

“No. You don’t have to do anything of the sort.” Ellie interjected. “We’ve all been through a lot at the hands of the government and their various agencies. What we need to do is come together and be allies in order to try to prevent it from happening to anyone else. That’s our mission. We are back to set up a safe haven for those who the government wants to put away into places like Reynolds and the like. We had a fairly successful operation before the army undermined us and shut our operation down. Moving forward, we will need to be far more careful with who we trust. However, I can clearly see the three of you have no love for the Fuller administration and it’s Acidalia policies. So how about we put our hurt, anger and ego’s aside and work together to help those who need us.”

Paka waited for Ellie to finish and sighed. “Fine, I’m an asshole. What can I tell you, being messed with on a daily basis will do that to you.” To Nicole she added. “Sorry, Nicole, is it? You were right, I should keep my opinions to myself when it comes to people I don’t know.”

“No worries Paka. I’m sorry too. Its been a rough few weeks for all of us.”

“See? I told you she has a little something in her. “Thomas told the group looking at Ellie. “Never seen anyone back Paka down like that with just a few words before. I’ve never come across anyone like you before. Of course, all this sensing power is really new to me.”

“How long have you been transformed, Thomas?” Warren asked. “Is it a recent thing?”

“No. I was there with the very first shipment of detainees at Reynolds. I was a fireman and got infected right off the bat trying to save and overdose victim. I didn’t want to change my name after my transformation and that put me on the bad side of Brady. He did everything he could to make my life miserable, as well as the lives of everyone around me. Then it was discovered I could heal quickly. That made him even more determined to prove, something. I could never quite figure out what. I eventually got his ass and gave him a firsthand look at what it felt to be transformed by the bug. As satisfying as that moment was, it didn’t save me. After he was out of the picture they turned the place over to the doctor. She took the torture to a whole different level with her constant experimentation.”

“That is so messed up.” Mia said in horror. “I wish I could say I can’t believe they put someone like that in charge, but I’ve seen the depths they are willing to sink to fist hand. My refusal to go along with them is what led to my dismissal from Greyson.”

Thomas nodded then continued, “My abilities started out like Nicole’s, strong and agile, able to heal faster than most but lately things have been evolving. My eyesight and hearing have been come very sensitive lately and now it seems that I can sense power in others like Nicole did in me.”

“I’ve never felt anything like that before today.” Nicole admitted. “But now that you mention it if I concentrate, I can feel a something coming from Ellie, Linda, Wendy and Paka.” She then turned and looked over at Sam and Sara. “The baby too. I feel it strongest from her actually now that I think about it.”

“Yes, Sara is going to be very powerful when she grows up.” Thomas agreed.

“Sara?” Sam asked. “How could you possibly know something like that.”

“I don’t know Sam, I just feel it.” Nicole told her.

“I don’t understand…”

“Neither do I sweetie.” Nicole replied confused.

“Speaking of baby’s” Ellie said. “How is it your pregnant Linda? We’re you carrying when they captured you?”

“Ah, no.” Linda replied in a voice tinged with sadness and anger. She patted the small bump of her tummy. “I got this courtesy of the cow.”

“The cow?”

“The Cow was Dr. Paula Stanley. She was the head of Reynolds, until Thomas killed her at least. She about tortured Paka to death testing her healing abilities. Thomas and I got to undergo artificial insemination at her hands in some cockamamie scheme to see if we could pass on our abilities to our children or some such shit.” The pregnant woman told them.

Mia shook her head in disgust. “You’re pregnant too Thomas?”

“No. Not anymore. My child was the last thing Brady took from me before we got away.” She replied with great sadness. She lifted her top to show the barely visible stab wound scars on her belly. “The fucker got me in the back too, those had Robi really worried. I’m lucky that I heal quickly. Not as quickly as Paka though.”

“Ya but that’s all I got, or I’d have killed the cunt long before you ever got your chance.” Paka replied with obvious anger.

“What the hell kind of place were they running there?” Mia asked disgustedly.

“Hell is a very close description, Mia.” Robi said. “For disrespecting the Cow I got to spend a night in the not so tender mercies of the Major. I don’t even know how to describe what she did to me.” She shivered as she recalled it. “But that’s how it went there. Offend the tyrant and you paid dearly.”

Warren wrapped his arms around her. “I have you babe. No one will ever hurt you again.”

“Ha. Ya right Quinlan. You’re going to protect her? You can’t even protect yourself. Are the feds still after you for Wanda’s murder?” Paka taunted then asked, “How is it by the way you’re not sick after being around all of us by the way?”

“I’m immune.” He told Paka. “I’ve been with the Sister’s since they found me hiding from the authorities in the warehouse next to theirs. The bug doesn’t seem to like me.”

“Immune? I didn’t know that was even possible. The Cow would have loved to get her hands on you.” Thomas said in wonder. “Do you know how? Why?”

“We’ve looked over his physiology and haven’t found anything that stands out as of yet.” Sam said. “Genetic research was my specialty before the outbreak. That’s how all this…”

“That’s enough Sam!” Ellie said cutting her off midsentence.

“Sorry El.”

The escapee’s looked at the two of them for a moment confused by the exchange.

“Genetics? Maybe you can figure out why after months of being the same suddenly I’ve started mutating again then.” Thomas suggested breaking the awkward silence.

“I’d love to look into that actually Thomas, if we ever get the facilities to do it in.”

“We will Sam. Remember we’re fully funded now.” Ellie told them.

“Yes, our mysterious benefactor, Mr. Harkin.” Nicole said dubiously.

“He’s live up to his word so far Nicole.” Ellie argued. “He got them set up here after Robi called, didn’t he? The police have left us alone since I met with him.”

“That doesn't mean he’s on our side El. Or that he has our best interests at heart.”

“Nicole!” Ellie started.

“Alright you two, that’s enough. Each of you in a neutral corner.” Mia said getting between the pair. “Whatever shit you two have going on between you need to get worked out before we even think about our next move.”

*******
And that’s how it went for the next few days. Everyone was getting to know each other.

Thomas and Nicole became fast friends, constantly testing each other’s abilities in the condo’s basement gym.

Ellie and Nicole were still icy with each other, which Robi couldn’t understand at all. Warren had tried to explain what little he knew but he had been away for a while on his misguided mission to infiltrate the Reverends group. Vera was already gone by the time he rejoined.

“I really don’t know what happened to her.” He admitted when she asked.

“What about Carol then?”
“That was a tough situation for the kid.”

“She’s not really a child you know.”

“I know but she acts like one sometimes. Especially lately.” He told her.

Robi nodded. “So, tell me what happened.”

“Carol was pissed when she found out who Sam was.” He told her.

“Who Sam was? Who is Sam then?” She asked confused by his answer.

“Sam” he started but hesitated, unsure how to go on.

“Sam what?”

“It was Sam and a co-worker of hers that invited the bug.” He said not knowing how else to put it.

“She what?” Robi exclaimed loudly.

“Shhh. Keep your voice down.” Warren admonished.

“Keep my voice?” She shot him and angry look. “You’d better spend less time telling me what to do and more time telling why the hell Ellie is harboring the inventor of the god damned bug! What the hell are you people thinking?”

Warren looked at her for a moment swallowing down his anger at her words. After a moment he felt he could speak and said to her, “First off, it wasn’t my call. It’s all on Ellie and Nicole. They wanted the transformation. They are happy with it. Seems like they think of Sam as some kind of savior or something. I don’t really know.”

“Savior? Are they insane?” Robi asked nonplussed.

“No. Least I don’t think so. They are just grateful to her for giving them what they always wanted, I guess.”

“And they chose her over Carol?”

“Yeah, kind of. I wasn’t in the room when the conversation went down so I can’t tell you all the details but I know /carol was furious with the two of them when she left.”

“Jesus.” Robi said shaking her head.

“Ya. I know. It’s super fucked up.”

“You can say that again.”

“Ya. I know. It’s super fucked up.” He said again sticking his tongue out at her.

“Oh, so now you got joke huh, mister funny man?” she said giving him a mock stern look.

He gave her an impish grin. She sighed. “You are so lucky I love you.”

“I am.” He stated still smiling. “Are you going to tell the others?”

“I don’t know. Thomas is levelheaded. She might be relatively ok with it but there’s no way Linda or Paka will be. Paka has already killed two people she hated and that was before we escaped. Since she remembered who she was before, she seems to be more and more angry by the day. I don’t know how she would take the news that she was living under the same roof as the bugs inventor.”

Warren nodded.

“Linda has been through so much. Especially with carrying the baby. I don’t know how she would react. She might try to kill Sam. I know she’s still pissed Thomas got a hold of Stanley before she could.”

“So, we keep it between us and the rest of the Sisters for now?”

“I think that’s the best plan but believe you me, I’ll be having a talk with Ellie in the morning.” Robi informed him.

“Good give her a little bit of hell for me too.” He laughed.

She smiled and slapped him in the chest. “You’re such a goof.”

“And you said you loved me. Don’t think I didn’t catch that.”

“I did, didn’t I.” she said.

“You did.”

“Got any thoughts on that subject then?” she asked hopefully.

“Only that I love you too.” He told her with a smile.

She took his hand in hers and smiled. “Let’s go to bed.”

After making love, she lay there marveling at how things had turned out. She rolled over and pressed her body against his and closed her eyes again and drifted off to sleep.

Three hours later in the condo’s kitchen Nicole was up and making a pot of coffee. She yawned a big wide open mouth kind of yawn as she waited for it to brew. Tired as she was sleep was as elusive as ever these days.

It seemed after they picked Ellie after her meeting with the mysterious Mr. Harkin, that things might be getting better between the two of them. That is until Ellie told her about their new benefactor and his groups goals and their potential part in those plans. The idea of them being funded to do their work as a means to make the government look weak and ineffectual didn’t sit right with Nicole. Much as she tried to understand how Ellie could be ok with such things, she just couldn’t. So once again they argued. Things had gotten so heated at one point she nearly asked her so called best friend what really happened to Vera. Luckily, or maybe not, Mia had stepped in and told them to knock it off.

Nicole sighed heavily. This was not the path she wanted to be on. If things didn’t get resolved soon, she was going to either have to force the issue or leave.

The coffee maker beeped giving her the excuse she was looking for to move her thoughts in a different direction. She grabbed a cup and poured the coffee, inhaling the aroma deeply.

“Coffee, truly the nectar of the gods.” She thought with an internal laugh as she sat at the breakfast bar and took her first sip.

As she drank, she watched the sun coming up though the open window. Back before Acidalia when she was Roger, she used to love to sit out on the tiny balcony of his east facing apartment and watch the sunrise. In a world filled with internal turmoil, it was the one time of the day she felt completely at peace. Watching it now, she was filled with that same peace once again. A smile creased her lips, a rare thing these days.

To add to the stress of the Elli situation was the ugly departure of Carrol. It had been a terrible scene, wrought with emotion. No one had really believed that Carol would leave after being forced to case out the police station Elie was being held in with Sam. They had all underestimated how much hatred Carol held in her heart for the doctor. Despite hopes to the contrary, it became obvious that she was never going to get over it.

Nicole deeply regretted the harsh words from both sides as the look of deep betrayal in Carol’s eyes as she gathered her meager things and stormed out the RV door.

“Hope you’re well kiddo.” She thought raising her cup to the sun as a sort of salute to her lost friend.

“Toasting the sun?” a voice asked from behind. Nicole recognized it was Ellie’s immediately.

“No. Just thinking about Carol and raising my cup to her…I don’t know..good health..good luck..something.” Nicole replied kind of embarrassed to have been caught in the act.

Ellie nodded as she stepped over to the coffee machine and poured herself a cup. “That was a bad scene, her leaving like that.”

“It was.” Nicole agreed.

Ellie stood with her back to the granite counter and leaned back on it. The two new women faced each other silently as they sipped the hot brew. Finally, Ellie asked “What’ on you mind Nikki? I can see the wheels turning.”

“I don’t want to get into it, El. Just want to sit here and watch the sun come up with my coffee.”

“Yeah, you never want to get into it.” Ellie replied roughly. “Yet you sit there and judge me and accuse me with your eyes. I can see it every time you look my way. Why not just get it off your chest?”

Ellie…” Nicole started.

“Don’t Ellie me!” She growled. “Ask your fucking question Roger. Or are you still too big of a coward to ask me to my face?”

Nicole stood up at the sound of her dead name being thrown out like that.

“Fine you want me to ask then here goes. What really happen to Vera, Ellijah? You and Wendy stayed behind to tell her to go away and then Carol and I find her dead. So. tell me the truth about what happened. Cause I don’t believe that it was an accident or suicide.” Nicole shouted.

“You know what happened!” Elie shouted back. “She betrayed us! I did what I felt was a reasonable response and had Wendy make sure she never betrayed anyone again!”

“So, you killed her. No, you didn’t have the guts to do it yourself you had Wendy do it for you. And you accuse me of being a coward.” Nicole replied in disgust.

Ellie stared the tall redhead, seething before replying. “She’s the reason we lost the warehouse. The reason that Robi was captured and imprisoned. She betrayed us all so yes, I made sure she paid the ultimate price for what she did to us. Wendy understood it perfectly fine. Why can’t you?”

“Because she was one of us. Much of a pain in the ass as she was, she was our friend. She fucking loved you for fucks sake.”

“She stopped being one of us the minute she started working for Jordon. She became one of them and got what she deserved in my opinion.” Ellie shouted.

“Wait, what’s this?” Warren asked.

The two women turned to see that they’d drawn quite a crowd at the kitchen doorway. Warren, Robi, Thomas and Sam all stood there dumbfounded.

“Fuck.” Nicole said to no one in particular. “Sorry if we woke you.”

“Ellie did you really have Vera killed?” Warren asked ignoring Nicole.

“Yes Warren.” She replied still angry. “I was so hurt and angry by what she did to us. Not just this pitiful group we have left but all of us, the ones in quarantine now too. You especially Robi. You paid a far bigger price for her betrayal than any of us with your time in the horrid place.”

“Oh no. Don’t you even try to justify this with what happened to me!” Robi replied angrily. “Whatever choice you made was all on you El had nothing to do with me. And even if it did have something to do with me it’s not what I would have wanted you to do in my name.”

“Robi…” Ellie began but the tears running down her face choked the rest off. She looked around at the group. Some were her oldest friends; some were new ones. They all held the same look in their eyes. It suddenly came all came crashing down on Ellie, how badly she’d fucked up.

“I..I…I was just so angry.” She cried. “Fuck! What have I done?”

Wendy, who was apparently late to the party pushed everyone aside and grabbed Ellie up in a protective hug. She glared at the others as she held their crying leader.

“What are you looking at? “Nicole said defensively. “You’re in the same boat as she is. Killer.”

Wendy let go of Ellie and spread her arms out at her sides and waved Nicole over.

“Fight? You want to fight?” The tall red head asked indignantly. “What’s that going to prove? Other than you can’t lay a hand on me if I don’t want you too?

Wendy stepped closer.

“We’re not doing this Wendy.” Nicole told her and turned away.

Wendy put a hand on Nicole shoulder, spinning her back around as she lined up a monster of a sucker punch that never landed thanks to Thomas’ intervention.

“The lady said no.” She said forcefully as she got nose to nose with the silent giant. “Whatever issue you have with her for making Ellie tell the truth is your problem. Not hers or the rest of ours. Now back off.”

Wendy's eyes burned with anger as she glared at Logan.

“Wendy. Enough.” Ellie told her. “What good is a fight going to do? It won’t bring Vera back. It won’t erase what we did.”

Wendy gestured at Ellie and at herself then made a heart gesture with her hands.

“I love you too sweetie, but we did this. It’s up to them to decide what they want to do with us. We made a terrible mistake.”

Wendy shook her head no.

“Yes.” Ellie told her. Then to the others she said, “I don’t know what else to say.”

“Maybe we should all retire to separate rooms and process this before we say anymore.” Sam suggested.

“Excellent idea Sam.” Nicole replied. “I’m going to go work out and try and relieve some of this tension.”

“I’ll got with you.” Thomas said as she followed Nicole out of the room.

The rest of the group stood awkwardly around the kitchen unsure what to say as Ellie sobbed. None felt like they could offer her any solace except Wendy who stood next to the diminutive leader with a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry.” She blubbered to no one in particular.

Eventually everyone but Wendy drifted away leaving Ellie alone with her regrets.

**************************
Thomas, who’d swung into her room to change clothes before meeting Nicole in the basement, walked into the sound of metal plates crashing on the padded floor of the gymnasium.

“That bar bell will never mess with you again that’s for sure.” She joked.

“Fuck you, Thomas. I’m not in the mood for company right now.” Nicole said angrily.

“Who said I was here for you?” She asked. “I spend months locked up and half sedated. I need a workout as badly as you. Probably worse.”

“Whatever.” Nicole replied as she picked the fully stacked bar up and pressed it above her head before dropping it to the floor.”

“You’re going to crack the concrete if you keep dropping six hundred pounds on it like that.” Logan prodded.
“It was seven hundred.”

“Oh well excuse me. Seven hundred pounds then.” She said sticking her tongue out.

Nicole shook her head and tried to suppress a grin.

“I saw that.” Thomas teased.

“Saw what?”

“I saw that little bit of a grin.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“Nope I saw it. It was right there.” Thomas leaned in and kissed Nicole's lips. The red heads eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t pull back. Instead, she wrapped her arms around the former Reynolds inmates’ neck and pulled her in closer.

After a moment they pulled back from each other. They leaned their foreheads against one another’s, eyes locked.

“Been a long time since I kissed anyone.” Thomas admitted.

“Doesn’t seem like you’ve forgotten how.” Nicole replied with a smile. “Of course, your welcome to try again. If you feel like you need the practice.”

“Oh ya?” Thomas asked with a wide grin on her face.

“Yep.” Was the reply with an equally large grin.

Logan pressed her lips to Nicole's again as the pair embraced. The kissing lasted much longer this time. The pairs hands began to explore each other bodies, roving here there and everywhere. Finally, breathlessly Nicole suggested they move to her bedroom.

Thomas smiled. “Lead the way beautiful. But I have to warn you it’s been a real long time.”

“That’s ok. We can practice a whole bunch of times until you remember how.” She replied with a wicked grin plastered to her face as she took Thomas’ hand and led her down the short hallway.

***********************
A couple hours later the lay in each other’s arms, sated.

“That as lovely.” Nicole said as she spooned her newfound lover. “See, you weren’t that out of practice.”

“I’ve never experienced anything like that.” Thomas admitted dreamily.

“Little bit different from how it felt before huh?”

“A lot.” She replied honestly.

“I supposed being in locked up in that hell hole didn’t exactly leave you yearning.”

“Ya, no. Was pretty much the last thing on my mind.”

“I wish that Dr. Stanley person was still alive so I could punch her in the face for what she put you through.”

“She got hers in the end.” Thomas said simply.

“Yes, I suppose she did, didn’t she.”

“Can I ask you something?” Thomas asked changing the subject.

“Ask away.”

“I get the friction between you and Ellie over this Vera person. Can you tell me what went on with her. I really want to understand.”

Nicole sighed deeply. “Vera was the biggest pain in the ass I’ve ever had to deal with. She was selfish, scheming and manipulative, but she was one of us from almost the beginning. We found her hiding not far from where we had our warehouse set up. They had been transporting her to Dillon Quarantine when some group attacked the bus they were on. They killed one of the doctors that created the virus and set the rest of them free.”

Thomas nodded.

“So fast forward a few weeks and she joined. She was devoted to El, like the rest of us. She resented my closeness with Ellie. You see me and El were the best of friend before any of this happened. We had our trans desires in common which got us in the same group but there was just something there. We were inseparable. She caught Acidalia first and then took care of me after I agreed for her to infect me. It was like a dream come true for the two of us.”

“So you wanted this?” Thomas asked.

“I did. I have never been so happy in my life since I changed. I was very manly. Thick arms and legs, square jaw, heavy beard and a very deep voice. I couldn’t have passed in a lightless room.” She laughed at her own little joke.

Thomas smiled.

“Anyway.” Nicole said getting back to the subject. “It got to the point with Vera that if I said black, she’d say white, if you get my meaning.”
“
Liked to argue with you a lot huh?”

“Yep. Especially when it came to Ellie or Carol.” Nicole sighed. “Anyway, she went out with a group of ours that got caught by the police, after being specifically told not to go by me. At some point someone realized she was affiliated with us and blackmailed her into bringing Mia to us, to act as a spy for them or whatever. Eventually they got whatever info they needed or wanted, and they raided us. Wendy and I got captured creating a distraction so Ellie and the rest could get away. Ellie eventually got us, and Sam released from the lab they were holding us in. After that we decided to get out of town. On our journey we kind of took over this abandoned motel for a few days. When we were getting ready to leave and meet up with Warren and some woman he’d been travelling with El and Wendy stayed behind and, well you know the story from there.”

Thomas nodded. “So, when she called you Roger…”

“That was my name before.”

Thomas nodded.

“Your infection was accidental?” Nicole asked changing the subject.

“Yes. I never had any desire to be anything more than a husband and father. I got infected with the virus at the very beginning. I didn’t even have a chance to think about anything before they stuck me on a bus and dropped us at Reynolds. I was one of the first incarcerated there.”

“You kept your name, though. I’m sure I know anyone else that has done that.”

“I never had any desire to be anyone but who I’d been, so yes, I kept my name. That actually became the reason Brady singled me out.”

“Brady? There’s that name again. Who was he exactly?”

“Major Brady was a psycho that they decided to put in charge of the facility. He took my refusal to change my name personally and did everything in his power to make me regret it. I think he wanted to break me and honestly, he came damn close at one point. Then I discovered my enhancements and not long after he did too. That’s when things got really bad. They started to experiment on me to test the limits of my abilities and endurance, I guess. Personally, I can tell you he enjoyed watching Stanley and her staff torture me. That went on for a while until someone screwed up and missed my dose of the sedative, they’d give me to keep me docile during these sessions. I laid there quietly and waited until I had my opportunity. I killed the two nurses that were in the room with me and beat him to a bloody pulp before infecting him with my blood.”

“Oh honey.” Nicole said and hugged Thomas tight.

Thomas hugged her back. “I never thought I’d get out of the place. After I attacked Brady, Stanley took over as director. She was worse than he ever was in some respects. She’s the one that impregnated me and Linda. There were several other with our abilities that she inseminated but we were the only ones that managed to survive the escape attempt.”

“But you’re not pregnant anymore.”

“No. Brady killed my baby when he stabbed me before Paka got her hands on him.” She said with an edge of sadness. “I never wanted to have a baby but once it as put in me, I don’t have the words. I’m sorry.” Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “I haven’t really thought about all this. Not taken any time to mourn the loss.”

“I understand hun. Let it out. I’m here for you.” Nicole comforted as she held her close as the tears fell.

After a bit the emotional storm passed. Thomas looked at her newfound lover, “Thank you for that sweetheart.”

“No need to thank me.” Nicole told her as she gave her another tight hug. “Going to be ok now?”

“Yeah, I think so. Who knows.” Thomas replied with an internal shrug.

“It’s going to take a long time to get over what they put you through there. Don’t run from it when those times come. Letting it out is the fastest way to get past it.”

The long brown-haired woman nodded and kissed Nicole's cheek. “You’re an amazing person Nikki.”

She smiled. “You’re not so bad yourself Tommy.” She laughed and stuck out her tongue.

Laughing she replied, “No one has called me Tommy since fourth grade.”

“Really? Not even your wife?”

“Nope. I’ve always preferred Thomas over any of the abbreviations of my name.”

Nicole nodded. “Well, if you’re going to call me Nikki, and I don’t mind a bit if you do, I’m going to call you Tommi but with an I instead of a Y. Make is sound a bit more feminine.”

She smiled. “More feminine. Since all this happened, I’ve been sort of fighting against anything that put me in femme.”

“Brady kind of made you have to stick to you guns with that though. He’s gone now. You can embrace this new life if you want now, worry free. Not like you need it, but I won’t let anyone ever do that to you again.”

“My protector huh?” Thomas replied with an impish grin.

“That’s me.” Nicole replied while flexing the bicep on her free arm.

“Very impressive. I feel safer already.” Thomas laughed.

Nicole squeezed her again then lay her head on her shoulder. The pair lay there in each other’s arms for a while not speaking.
After a while Nicole spoke again. “Have you tried to contact your family?”

Thomas nodded. “I tried calling my wife’s cell as soon as we got settled here and it didn’t work anymore.”

“Cell service is spotty at best these days.”

“Yeah. I tried my in-laws too and their numbers been disconnected according to the recording.”

“Have you tried going to their house?”

Thomas shrugged. “No car.”

“I can solve that one for you. Do you want to go see if they are still there?”

“Now?”

“Well, we should probably shower get dressed first. If they are there it’s going to be shocking enough seeing you like you are now without you showing up naked and stinking of sex.” Nicole told her sticking her tongue out at the end.

“Ya? Don’t think they’d appreciate seeing my bare ass?” Thomas asked as she slipped out of bed and stood up showing it off.

“It is a fine ass” Nicole said admiringly. “But I mean they’re your in-laws. You know them better than me. Are they that liberal?”

Thomas laughed. “Ah, no.”

“Shower then?”

‘I’ll race ya.”

The pair raced naked down the hallway to the shower adjoining the gym. Thomas who had a head start arrived first and slammed the door shut and locked it with a laugh. Nicole stood outside the door banging on it as she laughed for her new friend to let her in when she heard a voice behind her.

“Nikki? Can we talk?”

She turned to see Ellie standing behind her looking miserable. The tall red head sighed.

“El now is not a good time. I know you feel terrible, and I’d love to tell you everything is going to be ok but right now I don’t know if it will ever be ok again.” Nicole told her honestly.

Ellie nodded.

“It doesn’t mean that I don’t still love you babe. I just need some time, ok?”

“I understand. We need to discuss what we’re going to next though. Things are crowded enough here as is and I just got a call from Mr. Harkin telling me we should expect our military support to arrive in the next couple days.”

“I can’t deal with that right now sweetie. Between Vera and Harkin, I just can’t do it. I think we are headed down a very dark path with all of this.”

“I don’t trust Harkin either but for now we need the money his people are supplying so we can get back to our mission. And just because we take his money doesn’t mean we are obligated to follow his directives, no matter what he may believe.”

“You want to just take his cash and run?” Nicole asked mentally chastising herself for being drawn in to this conversation.

“No not run but take as much as we can and do what we like with it til he cuts us off.”

“That might not be long.”

“No but until they do we can try and do some good with it.”

“Ok. Then what do you want to then?”

“We need to find a facility that will support what we had at the warehouse but on a larger scale. Cleaner on too. Mia and Sam have a few ideas on places that might work. We’re going to go look in a while, I was kind of hoping you’d come along.”

“I’m going to take Thomas to her in-law’s place to see if she can get a lead on where her family went. She’s in the shower now.”

“She is huh? And why are you naked?” Ellie asked with a smirk.

“Umm. Would you believe it’s a new way to work out? Allows the body to cool more naturally?”

“Ahh, no.” she laughed.

“Then I have no comment.” Nicole said with a grin.

Ellie shook her head. “Well at least you won’t hurt her any.”

Nicole shrugged and stuck her tongue out. “A lady does not tell.”

Ellie nodded and was about to reply when Thomas merged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. She looked at Nicole and said, “I thought you were going to join me.”

“You locked the door, dopey.”

“Yeah, I did didn’t I?” Thomas replied with a smile.

“I kind of ambushed her too.” Ellie said.

Thomas turned and looked. “Oh, shit Ellie. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Her cheeks began to redden.

“You look so cute when you’re embarrassed.” Nicole teased.

Thomas took a moment to compose herself then flipped them both the bird. Nicole and Elie burst into laughter. Thomas turned and began to walk away as the two cackled.

Nicole started to walk into the bathroom still chuckling then noticed something missing.

“Hey where are all the towels?” She called up the hallway to Thomas.

“If you’d have joined me, you’d know.” She taunted with a laugh as she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her.

“Oi.” Nicole said as she headed for the linen closet. Ellie just stood there shaking her head.

*************************
Three hours later the pair of them pulled up in front of the house Thomas’ in laws had lived in.

“Looks deserted to me babe.” Nicole said as she pulled the car over the curb.

Thomas studied the house with its front door left partly open. The first-floor front windows were mostly broken. There seemed to be an old mattress hanging out of the one the second story bedroom ones. The grass was nearly knee high in the front yard, obviously had not been mowed in weeks. Yvonne’s father had been meticulous about his lawn care and never would have let it get so long.
“
Yep. Not looking too good.” Thomas replied distractedly.

Nicole undid her seatbelt.

“What are you doing?” Thomas asked.

“We’re here. Might as well go in and take a look around. Might be some kind of hint as to where they went.” She told her passenger.

Thomas smiled. “I appreciate that, but I think I’d rather going in alone.”

Nicole nodded as she reached out and gave Thomas’ hand a squeeze. “I understand. I’ll just wait out here by the car. Holler if you need me.”

“I will.”

Thomas grabbed the handle and opened the car door. Stepping out into the brightly lit day her enhanced senses were immediately assaulted by the smell of decaying garbage.

“Guess trash collection isn’t a priority these days.” She thought as she walked across the sidewalk and up the front steps.
Stuck to the front door was a yellow sticker that she hadn’t noticed from the street with a virus symbol and the ward quarantine across it. The word sent a shiver up her spine. She reached out and pushed the door open.

“Hello? Anyone home?” She yelled out hopeful of an answer but of course, received none.

The house smelled of trash, rotted meat and vegetables. There was dirt everywhere all over the floor. A soft breeze blew the tattered curtains causing the shadows to shift. What was left of the furniture was trashed, ripped and torn. In the center of the living room floor was a large round burn that looked like someone had tried to build a campfire.

Thomas let out a long sigh. She hadn’t really believed anyone would still be here but seeing the condition of the house really made the disappointment hit home. A tear leaked down her cheek as she surveyed the place. She wiped it away as she walked into the kitchen. The smell of rotting food was nearly overwhelming to her more sensitive nose.

The rest of the room resembled the state of the living room with broken furniture and filthy green tile floors. The kitchen table had been pushed up against the back door, almost as if someone had been trying to barricade it. She closed the long dead refrigerator door as she walked by, cutting the smell by half. It was still half covered with magnets; the rest were scattered around it on the floor.

She took a moment to look them over. Most were silly souvenir types; Yvonne’s mother had been something of a collector. The memories a few of them invoked drew more tears from her eyes as memories of vacations with her family came flooding back. Towards the bottom was one with a picture of the girls on it.

She reached down and picked it up, studying the smiling faces of her two young children. That pushed her over the emotional edge. She slid down to the floor and cried as she held the magnet in her hands. While imprisoned at Reynolds she could never let herself be seen crying, or any emotion really, but here alone in the dirty deserted kitchen her tears flowed.

As she mourned her life lost, Thomas clutched the magnet to her chest. Cradling it like it was the girls themselves.

After a while she heard the shuffling of feet and looked up to see Nicole standing in the kitchen entrance way. The tall red head had an embarrassed look on her face.

“Sorry sweetie. You were just taking so long I started to get worried. Then I noticed the cop’s casing the place so figured I should come in and see what was going on.”

“It’s ok Nikki.” Thomas told her as she wipes the tear away with the back of her hand and got back to her feet. “Just go lost in the memories.”
“
No clues as to where they went?”

“Only the quarantine sticker on the door. Someone must have been infected and they took them away.”

Nicole nodded. “Happens a lot these days unfortunately. I’m sorry Tommi. Wish I could do something for you.”

“You brought me here. That’s all the help I could ever need.” She kissed Nicole’s cheek.

She smiled. “Now what?”

“Obviously no one has been here for a while, but I just want to check Yvonne’s old bedroom upstairs. I found a picture of the girls.” She showed Nicole the magnet.

“Beautiful.” Nicole said as she looked it over.

“There was always a picture of their mother on my father in laws nightstand. I just want to go see if it’s still there before we get out of here.”

“Ok but you need to be quick. We can’t have the cops catching us in here. Would mean quarantine for both of us.”

“Again.”

“Yes, for you again. For me, after hearing your stories, I have no interest in getting any first had experience.”

“I can’t say I blame you there. I’ll just be a minute.” Thomas told her as she dashed up the stairs.

The second floor was in no better shape than the first. It may have even been in even worse. The bedrooms had been pillaged. There were what looked to be large cum stains on the bare mattress with a used rubber sitting next to it. The toilet in the master bath was smashed. There was a large dark stain in front of what was left of the bowl that looked uncomfortably like blood.

Next to the listing bed frame was a pile of broken furniture and shelving. She began to dig through it, tossing pieces of broken wood here and there. After maybe half a minute she found it, the glass of the frame was broken but the photo itself was still intact.

The picture of Yvonne that had been taken at the airport the day they were headed off for their honeymoon. It had always been on of Thomas’ favorites of her, with her hair up in a bun, wearing a gorgeous blue knee length dress and a brilliant smile plastered to her face. The sight of it nearly brought the water works back but realizing time was limited managed to hold them back this time.

She snatched it up and pulled it free of the broken frame, the stuffed the picture in the front pocked of her pants before heading to the closet in the back of the room. She reached up and pulled the shelf that ran across the top of it free from its moorings. Looking quickly over her shoulder to make sure Nicole wasn’t there watching pushed on a specific spot on the wall. A little door popped open revealing a safe.

Thomas quickly ran through the combination, marveling at how quickly she was able to recall the numbers. She yanked the door open revealing a pile of rubber band bound one-hundred-dollar bills and a dark wooden box containing a silver 9mm pistol. She grabbed the stash out of there. Stopping only to check the load on the gun, she stuffed it in the back of waist band of her pants. It had been a very long time since she felt the comforting weight of a gun pressed against the small of her back. She pulled her top down to cover the weapon the hurried back down the stairs.

“Find what you were looking for?” Nicole asked upon seeing Thomas coming down the steps.

“I did. And I found this too.” She replied holding up the wad of cash.

Nicole got wide eyed. “Holy shit! Where did you find that?”

“My father-in-law had a safe in the bedroom. This was his emergency stash. Whatever happened here, he didn’t leave willingly.”

Nicole nodded. “Well unless there’s anything else we need in here I suggest we vamoose. The cops drove by again while you were up there.”

“I’m good. Let’s go.”

They walked out of the front door and down the steps just as the cruiser Nicole has seen pulled to a stop blocking their car in.

“Fuck.” Nicole muttered then to Thomas she said, “Let me deal with them.”

“Be my guest.” Thomas told her as she began to regret taking the gun.

“Hello officer. Is there something I can do for you?” Nicole asked stepping in front of Thomas.

“You can tell me what you were doing in there for starters. We don’t take kindly to looters around here.” The tall muscular black skinned officer told the pair.

Nicole looked back over her shoulder at the house and then back to the officer asking “Looting? What could we possibly be looting? Do you see the condition of the place?”

“I don’t need any smart answers from you. I want to see some ID.”

“Well fuck.”: Nicole thought and turned to look at Thomas.

The former detainee gave her a shrug.

“Would you believe I left it at home in my purse?” she asked him hoping for the best.

“No. I would believe looking at the two of you that your infected though which means you belong in quarantine.” He drew his gun. “Come stand by my car, hands on the roof. Now!”

“Officer, please..” Nicole started to say.

“Do as I tell you now or I will shoot!” He ordered.

Thomas sniffed loudly. She could smell the fear wafting of the cop like the stink of rancid garbage. Before Nicole could move Thomas stepped out from behind her. In three amazing quick steps she was standing behind the cop with an arm around his neck and his gun hand pointing straight up in the air.

She spoke calmly into his ear as she held him. “We’re not her to cause trouble. My family lived here before then house was abandoned. We we’re just leaving. Please let us just go. We promise to never come back.”

The officer struggled to free himself unable to understand how this woman, despite her size, could so easily hold him despite his best efforts to break her grip. Thomas silently thanked god that he was patrolling alone.

Nicole’s eyes widened in horror. “Tommi! Let him go!”

“As soon as he’s willing to be reasonable.” She replied. Then to the officer she said, “What do you think? Testosterone levels calmed down enough that I can let you go and we can talk?”

He nodded.

“Good. Here’s how this is going to go then. When I let you go your going to put your gun away. If you try anything with it, I will break both your arms before you get a shot off. Nod if you understand.”

The helpless cop nodded.

“Good boy.” She kissed his cheek then slowly let up the pressure on his body.

The red-faced officer did as he was instructed and holstered his gun.

“Excellent. Now my friend and I are going to leave and go back to where we came from, and you will never have to see either of us again. That ok with you?” Thomas asked.

He nodded

“Get out of here. If I ever see either of you again, I’ll shoot first and ask questions later. Do you understand?” He growled.

“Fair enough.” Thomas said simply. “Nicole, shall we?”

The tall red head shook her head and sighed. “Yup I think that would be the best idea.” To the cop she said, “I did try to be nice about this.”

“Just get the fuck out of here change my mind.” He said threateningly.

“Have a nice day officer.” Thomas said smiling as she climbed in.

They drove down the road a couple miles in silence. Finally, after a bit Nicole said, “You could have gotten us both killed back there you know.”

“He was going to shoot us if I didn’t act.” Logan told her.

“You don’t know that.”

“I do. I could smell his fear and I could see the muscles in his finger flexing and releasing. We weren’t going t make it two stepped before he started firing. So, I acted.”

“You could smell his fear?” Nicole asked incredulously.

“I could.” Tommi replied tapping the side of her nose.

Nicole glanced over and smiled. “What do you smell on me then?”

Thomas bushed. “I smell that your kind of turned on”

Nicole’s cheeks turned a deeper red than her hair. She shook her head. “I will never doubt that cute nose of yours again.”

The pair laughed and drove on.

*******************

San Francisco:

The building was everything Harkin had promised and more. Ellie, Mia, Sam and Robi, accompanied by the ever-present Wendy stood in the small foyer looking around in wonder at was quite likely to be the new operating center for the Sisters mission. It was well beyond what they expected and far superior to the old warehouse they’d originally operated out of.

“How?” Mia asked still unable to comprehend.

“Mr. Harkin did say his people had deep pockets and connections.” Ellie replied marveling.

“This place is enormous. How are we ever going to be incognito here?” Sam asked. “There’s no way we won’t have the cops or the army on us within five minutes of opening.”

“El, Sam’s right. This is crazy.” Robi chimed in.

The building had once been used to construct airliners. The interior floors space was close to an acre. Despite not being used in sometime, it was amazingly clean. The white tile floors were dusty but not grimy. The grey two story high walls looked freshly painted, even the windows were relatively clean.

“I know were set back from the road a bit, but people are going to notice us here.” Robi continued.

“Harkin claimed we’d be safe back here.” Ellie replied. “It’s not like the days before the virus when the rest of buildings around us are full of people all day long. I think I saw maybe a half dozen floating around on our way through the industrial park.”

“Only takes one.” Mia retorted.

“So does that mean we’re going to look this gift horse in the mouth and tell him no?” Ellie asked obviously beginning to become annoyed.
Sam looked around again. “We can set up partitions. Separate those in the process of transforming over there by the back. We can set up at least forty beds easily. Over in the other corner can be testing. Those offices above the floor can be for research and blood testing. I think it can work if we can keep the authorities out.”

“Mr. Harkin claimed we’d be safe here.” Ellie repeated.

“You’re our leader El. The decision is ultimately yours.” Robi told her.

Ellie sighed internally. She wished Nicole was here very badly to bounce ideas off of. She knew she was always better at making decision when her best friend was around. She took one last look around the massive space.

“I’ll call Mr. Harkin and let him know we’ll be taking it.” She told them.

*****************
Harkin:

“Yes sir Mr. Carlyle. They are going to take it. I told her to get a list of supplies they need together and send it over to me.” Harkin said into his phone while holding his hand over his other ear to try and eliminate the noise of sirens outside his car.

“Tremendous.” Davis replied. “That facility has been empty for ages. It will suit them well until we’re ready to eliminate them.”
“Yes sir. It will lul them in to complacency nicely.”

“What about the reverend?”

“What about him sir? Last I knew you wanted him on the playing field a while longer.” Harkin replied confused.

“Is he aware of the Sisters return yet?”

“No sir. I haven’t been in contact with him since I left for Wyoming.”

“Excellent. Keep him in the dark a while longer. I want them to get their operation set up before we send him after them. Maybe two weeks. See how quickly they get settled over there.”

“Sure thing Mr. Carlyle.” Harkin hollered over the noise.

“Where the hell are you?” Carlyle asked annoyed with the loud crashing in the back ground.

“Boston sir. I just met with Senator Edwards people. There is a fire in the building across the street.”

“How did the meeting go?” Carlyle asked.

“It took some persuading, but they are on board now.” Harkins replied.

“How much?”

“One point five million. After the deeds done we’re to donate it to his running mates campaign. That Mark Wilson guy.”

“I know who Edwards running mate is. Wilson understands the plan?”

“He says he does. The election should easily go in your favor sir.”

“If we need one.”

“Yes sir. How are the confirmation hearings going?”

“They will be voting by weeks end. The donations have all been made. Shouldn’t be a problem. Even Edwards is on board.”

“Good to know. Congrats Mr. Vice President.”

“Thank you Harkin.”

“If there’s nothing else. I need to get to the airport. I have a flight back to the coast in a couple hours.”

“No, I think that covers everything for now. I’ll be in touch after the confirmation.”

“I will talk to you at the end of the week then.” Harkin told him as he hung up.

He took a minute to rub his burning eyes. He hated coast to coast travel, especially when it was twice in the same day. Boston was one of his least favorite cites to drive in with it’s odd traffic patterns and one way street. That added his already sour mood. It had taken a lot more effort to convince the senators people to betray their boss than he’d let on and he was dead tired now.

“You can sleep on the flight.” He thought as absently rubbed his bruised knuckles.

As he pulled into traffic he took one last look across the street at the burning building that contained the Edwards campaign headquarters then drove off.

*************************
Carol:

She stuck her head out of the small window that led to the basement she’d been staying in since her split with Ellie and the rest of the Sisters and looked both ways up and down the alley way. It seemed clear so wiggled the rest of the way out and onto the pavement. The day was clear and cloudless, a perfect early September day. It was only the smell of garbage rotting in the dumpsters that lined the small alley way detracted from the gloriousness of the day.

Turning to her left the young girl headed out of the ally for the streets beyond. Living as a street kid was a new experience for her but one she was learning to adapt too. She had already learned what streets in the city to avoid and what ones were the best for pan handling.

One of the other kids she met a few days ago, another girl named Maria, had given her a crash course in which booths were the easiest to steal food from at the Castro St. farmers market and what the quickest escape routes were if the cops or the shop keepers noticed you. These were the essentials to survival for underaged homeless kids in the city. That and having a safe place to sleep.

So far she had all that covered but she missed the comfort and security being with the Sisters had given her. That though brought the coal of resentment that constantly burned in her chest roaring to life. She still couldn’t believe Elie and Nicole had chosen Sam Greyson over her. She had been so sure that when push came to shove they’d side with her over the virus’ creator but that hadn’t been the case.
They’d said things like your choice, and can’t you just try, when she finally told them she couldn’t stay any longer. How those words had hurt her and still did. How could they not understand that the virus Sam created had destroyed her life. It had changed her from a grown man with a promising career into a prepubescent young girl with no options in her life.

Yet they hadn’t. She understood that they were grateful for their transformations and that they saw Sam as some kind of savior. However, they didn’t seem to have any sympathy for the fact that she hadn’t wanted to become what she now was and how she hated Sam for it. And now she was on her own.

The light at the busy intersection began to flash that it was safe to cross. On the other side of the block Maria waved to her as she crossed the street. Carol and the short dark curly haired Hispanic girl had become fast friends. Maria had introduced Carol to several of the others in her little street gang of kids. Their ages ranged between Reggie who was only eight to Tina who as the eldest and their defacto leader at age fifteen. Together their group of ten worked in tandem on whatever the day presented them for ways to survive. The only time they separated was at night when they all scurried off to whatever hidey hole they used to sleep in.

“Hey guys.” Carol said in greeting as she caught up with the rest of them.

“Hey cutie!” Maria replied as she gave Carol a big hug.

“Hey Bitch.” Carol replied with a smile as she returned the hug.

“Omg! Get a room you two will you?” Mike, the tall for his age dark haired twelve year old said rolling his eyes.

“What’s the matter Mikey? Jealous?” Maria teased as she put her arm around Carol’s shoulder and puller her in close as she laughed.

“He totally is.” Kara the heavyset blond ten year old chimed in. “He was telling me yesterday how bad he loves you Carol.” She them proceeded to stick her tongue out at Mike who was turning red.

The whole group fell into giggles and laughter as Mike tried to deny it.

After they’d calmed down some Rebecca another twelve year old with long blonde curls said “I’m starving. Where’s breakfast coming from today?”

“We already checked the dumpster behind the supermarket but there was nothing we could eat inside.” Reggie said.

“Oh, is that what that smell is.” Tina teased. She had become something of a surrogate mom to him as he was too young to take care of himself. Reggie scowled and swatted at the group leader causing another burst of laughter from the rest.

“Looks like it’s the farmers market again then unless anyone has any money.” Tina said to the rest. They all shook their heads or turned out their pockets to show the lack of funds.

“Kinda what I figured.” She said. “Off to the veggie stand it is then.”

The farmers market was buzzing with activity as venders set up the stations and early rising customers milled around viewing their wares. It wasn’t, however, busy enough for the kids to mingle into the crowds they would at later hour. Already several of the shop keepers had warned them off.

“Should we come back later?” Carol asked. “Might have better luck.”

“Naa we’re fine.” Tina told her. “We just need to find the right sucker like that guy over there.” She pointed t a fruit stand up ahead and off to the left. The owner ha his back completely turned to his bins with his head buried in the back of a large SUV full of boxes in the cargo area.

“Looks like a perfect mark to me.” Mike chimed in.

“Maybe.” Tina replied watching the large bulky man as he pulled at on of the boxed in the truck.

“We should go now before he gets whatever he’s looking for and turns back around.” Maria said.

“I don’t know.” Tina replied. She watched the scene intently. Something about it didn’t feel right but she couldn’t quite place what it was.

“Well, I’m starving.” Kara complained again. “If you’re all to scared I’ll do it.”

“Kara, wait.” Tina said but the husky girl pushed her way forward.

“Kara!” She said again a little more sternly but was ignored a second time. “Shit. Mike, keep a look out for cops. Maria and Carol come with me. We’ll distract him if he turns around.”

The three girls set off after the head strong blonde who was just reaching the preoccupied owners stand. He still seemed to be struggling to move the boxes inside the SUV as Kara reached out and grabbed at a bag of apples sitting on the outer edge of the stall.

Just as her hand landed on it another head popped up from behind the make shift counter.

“Hey! What the hell do you think your doing?” The giant red bearded man yelled as he reached over and grabbed Kara by the wrist. “Police!” he called out as he held her.

From off to the left a pair of cops appeared like magic and started running towards the stand.

“Shit!” Tina muttered then yelled. “Everyone! Scramble!”

Scramble was their code word for getting into everyone way the best the kids could. The cops turned to see the other nine of them all darting toward other stands and grabbing whatever they could.

“Hey! You kids!” one of the yelled.

Carol, Maria and Tina all darted in the direction of Kara hoping to free her. Tina grabbed her friend by the other arm and tried to pull her free of the shop owners grip while Carol and Maria did their best to slow the second cop down while Mike came up from the rear.
As hoped the commotion began to lure a small crowd all eager to see what was going on. The kids tried to use it to their advantage by push and shoving the on lookers.

Carol slipped between two older women and stuck her foot out between then just as the first cop was racing to rejoin his partner and tripping him. She smiled as he went sprawling but the pair of ladies grabbed her before she could run off.

“Over here officer!” One of the called out as the cop clamored to his feet. “We have this one!”

The cop turned to look at who was calling out for him. Maria ran and bumped him hard as she went passed. The cop was too big for her to effect however and he grabbed her by the collar dragging her down to the ground.

“Fuck!” Carol thought as she watched her new best friend land hard on the floor and the cop pounce on her. She pulled and tugged and jerked trying t free herself from the old woman’s grip until finally she was free. The rest of the kids had scattered, and she knew she should too, but she just couldn’t leave Maria, so she did the dumbest thing possible and tried to push the cop off her friend.

The large man in blue barely even moved as she impacted his side. Carol however bounced off him and landed hard on the floor butt first. The impact jarred her spine so hard it made her teeth clack together.

As she rolled on the floor trying to figure out how to get back up another cop rolled her onto her belly and kneels on her.

“You’re under arrest kid. Don’t make it worse by trying to resist. You’re already in enough trouble for assaulting a police officer.’ He told her as he pulled both her arms back and slipped handcuffs over her wrists.

*******************
Harkin hadn’t been on the ground for twenty minutes when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He rolled his eyes expecting it be Davis Carlyle with another errand for him to run. Even though the clock at the airport read only three hours later his east coast departure time his body felt ever second of the six hour flight he’d just endured.

Grimacing he looked at the phone and was quite surprised to see it wasn’t his boss calling. He didn’t recognize the number but since it was a Bay area code he figured what the hell.

“This is Harkin.” He answered.

“Yes…umm Mr. Harkin this Carol Menendez. Ellie Wolf gave me this number.” The stuttering voice on the other end said.

Harkin sighed. “Yes Carol what can I do for you?”

“I…I’ve been arrested. I..I can’t stay here. They’ll find out who I am and send me to quarantine.” She whispered.

Harkin shook his head and silently cursed himself for answering. “Have you called Ellie?” He asked hopefully.

“I can’t. I’m not with her anymore.” The silence on the other end made her quickly add “But Ellie told me if I ever got into trouble to call this number and ask for you. She said she’d vouch for me.”

Harkin grimaced. “What the fuck is she thinking?” he thought to himself. Then to Carol he said, “Ok. Where are you?”

“I’m at the Bayview police station. My friend Maria is here with me. You need to get us both out.”

“I do huh?” he asked in a voice brimming with sarcasm.

“I…I mean could you please get her out too? She’s really nice. My best friend these days. I just don’t want to see her sent to a home of juvenile detention or..”

“Ok kid I get the picture. Is there and officer there with you?”

“She over by the desk.”

“Could you put her on the phone then?” he asked impatiently.

“Oh…ya…one sec let me get her.”
A
moment later and strong female voice said, “This is SGT. Patterson.”

Harkin cleared his throat. “Yes sergeant, my name is Kevin Harkin. I’m with the NSA. It seems you’ve arrested my niece Carol and her friend Maria. I’m at the airport right now getting my bags. I was wondering if you could be so kind as keep them safe for an hour until I can come pick them up?”

“I’m going to need a lot more than a voice on the telephone for that to happen sir.”

“Of course. Are you near a computer terminal?”

“I am.”

“Great. My badge number is 68322149. You should be able to access my profile at the agency though the interjurisdictional portal on your computer. That will give you my photo s when I come there you’ll know it’s me.” He told her in his most placating voice.

“Please hold.” Was all she said back to him.

In the background he could hear the clacking of computer keys an her exclaiming “Oh Jesus!”

“Mr. Harkin?”

“Yes Sergeant?”

“I’m sorry sir. We had no idea who she was.”

“Perfectly understandable. Kids these days right?”

“Yes. I will keep them up here in the office until you can get here.”

“Great.” He said with tremendous satisfaction in his voice. He hated cops and any chance he got to turn the tables on them made him happy. “Hey if they’re hungry and chance you could order them a pizza or something? I’ll take care of the bill when I get there.”

“Not to worry Mr. Harkin we’ll make sure they are taken care of.” She replied earnestly.

“Excellent. Then I will see you in about an hour.” He said as he hung up.

*************
2hours later:

“I can’t believe how you talked to those cops.” Maria said with great admiration in her voice from the back seat of Harkins blue Chevy Tahoe.

“Yeah they were like trembling in their shoes when you came in.” Carol laughed giddily. She was sitting up front in the passengers seat.

Harkin just smiled at their praise in an attempt to hide the mild annoyance he was feeling. He marvels a bit at Carols behavior. He had done a little bit of research on her while he waited for his luggage at the carousel. Harkin was well aware she was actually in her early thirty’s, but you’d never know it from the way she was acting.

“Guess if you spend enough time looking like and being treated like a kid you start acting like one.” He thought to himself.

“So where are we going?” Carol asked as she gazed out the window at the highway flying by. Harkin was many things, but a slow driver was not one of them.

“San Bernardino.”

“Why there?” Maria asked with an edge of concern in her voice. She’d know Carol for only a little more than a week and while she liked her very much, her instinct’s from living on the streets for the last two years had left her generally mistrustful of any adult she came in contact with.

“I have a place for you guys to stay up there. Another group of my people that will give you a place to stay and bed.”

“Why would they do that?” Carol asked growing equally concerned with the answer.

“Cause they ae my people. You don’t need to worry no one is going to do anything to you. You don’t want to go back with Ms. Wolf and
company, or you’d have called her already, so I’m taking you somewhere safe. A place you might be useful too.”

“Useful how?” the young Acidalia victim asked.

“There are a lot more groups we support than jut your Sister’s kid. This is another and I think you and your friend will fit in well with them. Might even help you get back at the ones who abandoned you.” Harkin just left that last sentence hanging. There was no need to explain any further. He could see Carol understood his meaning and liked the idea.

*******************
6pm KTLR News:

Good Evening San Francisco, our top story this hour is the unexpected advance of Russian Troops into Poland and Belarus. The apparent invasion started in the early morning hours local time with what appears to be nuclear air burst in the skies above the Belarus capital city Minsk. Not long after satellites detected the explosion a second one was recorded over the Polish capital of Warsaw.

NATO experts were able to back track the missiles trajectory to a base inside the Russian federation. These attacks were quickly followed by the movement of thousands of Russian ground troops over the Belarusian boarder and massive wave of air traffic heading towards Poland.
At this hour the Russian military seem to be moving effortlessly though both countries as NATO allies as well as the Polish and Belarusian militaries were caught flatfooted and have yet to assemble any meaningful resistance to the advance.

NATO commander General Zeta Bakara and UN Secretary General Mosbard issued a joint statement condemning the action by the Russian President as an act of war and demanded the withdrawal of all troops to back behind established boarders.

A spokesperson for Russian President Zielinski replied to the demands by simply stating. “It is time for Mother Russia to reclaim what is hers and for the USSR to rise again. These are just the first steps in reclaiming Russian land. Any foreign governments seeking to interfere with the reclaiming of our territory will be dealt with in a similar manor of Warsaw and Minsk.

When asked for comment Press secretary Enrich told reporters, “We are currently watching the situation in eastern Europe very closely but since our so-called allies have chosen turned their backs on the United States with their illegal blockade and quarantine, we have no pans of involving ourselves in foreign affairs at this time.”

Many in the international community have taken the Fuller administrations statement as giving carte blanch to the Russians and expressed outrage at the United States unwillingness to stand with the rest of their European allies against this act of aggression.

Stay tuned to this station for further developments as the situation evolves.

In other news the confirmation hearings for Vice presidential Nominee Davis Carlyle wrapped up today with a unanimous recommendation for confirmation. A full senate vote expected on Friday. The full senate is expected to go along the committee’s recommendations when they convene for the vote.

Mr. Carlyle was seen shaking hands with republican leaders in the senate before leaving the Capital this afternoon.

President Fuller told the press today that he was very pleased to see the bipartisan support for his nominee and expected to be present at the swearing in ceremony for his new VP on Monday.

In other national news today the chief of police in New York city has issued a plea that anyone in the city that has seen the homeless woman that attacked police two weeks ago that now are calling patient zero, to contact their local precinct immediately. The woman, identified by authorities as former well known actor Ronald McTavish, who is believed to be Acidalia positive escaped custody in battery park during a sweep by officers to collect the homeless for testing. It is believed she might still be somewhere in that area. Anyone coming in contact with this woman is advised to stay as far away as possible and call police immediately.

In other national news Senator Edwards today expressed his sincere condolences to the families of his staff members that were killed in the fire at his Boston campaign headquarters late yesterday afternoon. While no official cause of the fire has been released sources within the city’s fire department have speculated that it was cause by defective wiring in the attic of the old building on Boston’s State St. The fire spread rapidly though the nearly one hundred-year-old building resulting in the death of four campaign volunteers, who were unable to escape the blaze and whose names are still being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

As the international blockade of all American ports enters its sixth week the federal emergency management agency released a dismal report today on the state of the countries supply lines. With grocery store shelves becoming more and more empty due to diminishing supplies of not only basic food stuffs but fuel to deliver stock to even the largest chains the agency has predicted the country can only survive on current reserves for five more months if the blockade is not lift or defeated.

When asked for comment on the report President Fuller had this to say. “We will not be defeated by this illegal international action. Five months is a long time and we are confident that we will have the situation resolved long before that deadline arrives. Already there is progress in that direction with our far more amicable peace treaty with our great neighbors to the north we will be signing on Saturday. After that it my
administrations intention to focus all our resources on dismantling the blockade by whatever means necessary.

*******************
Sochi Siberia, Russia 8:30pm UTC:

Sasha Ivanov ran down the deserted alley way continually looking over her shoulder. The not-too-distant sound of dogs barking let her know her pursuers had not given up the chase. It was only her speed and agility that had kept her from being captured already. Every time she thought she’d lost them and stopped to rest the barking would begin again.

It had been this way for her for weeks now. The Russian government had don it’s best to cover up the Acidalia infection that was quietly spreading across the county like a simmering wildfire, by simply killing anyone found to be infected. It was a typically Russian way of doing thing, simple and effective.

That practice however, changed when they learned of the physical enhancements the virus produced in a small percentage of those infected. That discovery led the president to change course from simply changing policy on executing virus victim to ordering every infected person to be collected, tested and then, if not enhanced, executed, if you were lucky. If you weren’t s lucky and were enhanced, you became a lab rat.

As with most countries outside of the US, the Acidalia infection rate was a closely guarded secret in Russia. The world’s nations had used their united front against the US as a way to placate their populations and assure them that the virus wasn’t going to be arriving insider their boarders. Sadly, for the rest of the world’s leaders the virus had other plans.

While world leaders railed against the American government’s handling of the virus and called for the total blockade of the country, they harassed and imprisoned their own people in much the same fashion as the Americans. Most leaders saw the epidemic as an opportunity to punish the Americans and grind whatever axes they had with the current or past administrations policies. Some of the most ardent voices for containment came from land locked places that didn’t even have Navy’s to send vessels out of to help enforce the UN’s declaration.

While in early June the President railed against possibility of the virus ever making it to Russia’s borders on State TV, Sasha had been at home in his bedroom lying on the hard wooden floor in a coma as the virus did its work, making lie of his statements.
She awaked on June 10th, confused and in a body that felt completely alien. He first memory of consciousness was an all-consuming hunger. It burned inside of her, compelling her to her feet. She staggered out of the bedroom, feeling weak as a kitten and down the hall to the kitchen where she ripped open every cabinet and stuffed the food within into her mouth, stopping only long enough to swallow.

After devouring everything edible she had in her small apartment, confused and still starving she did the one thing she never should have done; she went outside.

One of her neighbors saw the newly transformed girl half crazed with hunger in the hallway leaving her apartment. She was only half dressed in ill-fitting filthy men’s sized clothes, wasted to the point where every rib could easily be seen and called the police thinking she was a junkie.

She’d made it about half a city bock when an officer stopped her and in her confused, dazed state, she told him what had actually happened.

The constabulary, with all that had happened in America had been alerted to the effects of the virus and very specifically informed how to handle any one infected. Instead of the help she was so desperately pleading for she was shown the business end of his 443 grach.

It was in that moment she realized something more than a change of sex had happened to her. She watched though the fingers of her outstretched hand in curious fascination as his finger slowly squeezed the trigger. It was as if he was stuck in molasses the way he moved so sluggishly. She felt as if she could watch him for hours before it was pulled back far enough to send the bullet flying out of the muzzle at her. At first, she thought it was terror dragging the moment out in her mind but as it stretched on and on, she came to realize it was really happening.

Without really thinking about it she reached out and pulled the gun from his hand and held it a moment examining the weapon. The trigger was still half compressed as she held it in her hand. It was then that she noticed the officers trigger finger hanging in the air, mere centimeters away from the rest of his hand but detached for sure. Tiny drops of blood and little fragments of bone hung in the air next to it.

In the next moment time snapped back, and the world began to move again at its normal pace. The finger flew by her face. The officer screamed. Blood flew in every direction from the stump on his hand. She pushed herself back quickly to avoid the gore, moving ten meters in less than a second. Before she knew it happened, she was a quarter of the block away from the ghastly scene. She looked on in uncomprehending horror for a moment then dropped the gun like it was infected with disease and ran.

She thought she’d gotten away but the relatively new sensation of cell phone video became her undoing as dozens of people captured the scene on their phones for the whole world to see. It was that moment that she realized her old life was over in more ways than she had understood earlier that day. Within hours her face was plastered all over Russian tv and the government accused her of being a western spy and terrorist infiltrator, offering tens of thousands of rubbles for her capture. And captured she was, the first time of many to follow.

The endless testing, she endured during her times of incarceration, which always ended with escape, gave her a better understanding of her abilities. The time shifting, as she came to call it, wasn’t control of time as much as her perception of it. For short periods her mind and senses would speed up to the point that the world around her seemed to be all but standing still, while still flowing normally for everyone else. Her movements to someone watching would be a blur. Added to that was her Olympic level agility and impressive physical strength, making her quite formidable when she chose to be.

She’d been poked and prodded and tested by many state doctors and scientists, all trying to understand how the virus gave her these abilities. If one had figured any of it out, she didn’t know because she never stayed long enough to allow deeper examination.
Taking a left turn out of the ally bought her to one of the city’s main public squares. It was a beautiful cobble stone square surrounded by 19th century buildings all containing a variety of street level shops and a small farmer market in the center that was currently closed.

She quietly thanked the gods for the warmth of the early September evening which brought crowds of people out to enjoy it. Winter came early to this part of the world and summer was as fleeting as butterflies’ wings, as the sonnet says.
She dove headlong into the throng of shoppers and music lover listening to various street performers, hoping to lose herself among them. She eventually found a group of young people who looked to be around her physical age standing near the entrance of a posh looking café. As she slipped her way into their crowd as she watched the head of the alleyway she’d emerged from. After several minutes a contingent of eight uniformed city and state police emerged.

She froze in terror at the sight of them. Not only did they have canines to follow her scent, but they’d brought a group of three human hounds as well. Four of the state security people held them on the customary short metallic leashes that attached to thick leather collars laced with wires for delivering shocks for punishment around their necks. The hounds were all dressed in black jumpsuits with thick black body armor over it to protect them. Their faces were covered with masks made of similar material to the body suit that showed only their dull eyes and mouths.

One of the many discoveries the state had stumbled upon from studying enhanced Acidalia victims was that a small number could sense the presence of others victims with abilities. They labeled these unfortunate souls, hounds. They were beaten, tortured and in many cases lobotomized until they were little more than the animals they were named after.

They were the ultimate weapon in the governments hunt for the enhanced. Once a hound got your “scent” there was no escaping them, ever. Luckily, for Sasha, their range was limited to just a few meters. To make them even more fearsome, the hounds also possessed various other virus induced physical attributes, but it was their abilities to track that the state valued most.

“Shit.” Was all she could think as she backed her way out of the group of young people she was hiding in. She searched the area desperately looking for an exit from the square. A little ways off to her left was the closest she could see. Sasha ducked her head as worked her way through the crowd trying to put as much distance as she could between herself and her pursuers.

One of the biggest draw backs of her time shift abilities was it was useless in large crowds unless of course she wanted to be surrounded by dead bodies once she came out of it. Anyone she touched while moving at blur speed would be torn apart. Sasha needed room to make the most of the limited time she was able to use it

From behind she heard on of the hound’s howl. It was a horrible guttural sound. Much as she tried to resist the urge, she turned to look in the direction of the sound. As result she was treated to the spectacle of some other poor soul in the crowd being tackled and pinned to the ground by the hound and its “trainer” as the handlers were called.

She let out a small sigh with relief. As bad as she felt for whoever they’d discovered she was glad it wasn’t her.

She turned her back to the scene and pushed her away along towards the square’s exit. The crowd drawn by the disturbance began to thin in front of her. After a few seconds there was enough space between people that she could chance a time shift. With a quick prayer to the gods on her lips she shifted. In less than fifteen seconds she traveled two kilometers before the slip ran out.

“Now we wait.” She thought.

Before she could finish her route home, she had to be sure the hounds hadn’t caught her, that would be disastrous. The slight framed fair skinned girl with ruby lips with matching nails and a short black-haired bob pulled the hood of her thin black hoodie over her head and sat on the cool stone steps of a nearby building to see if she had been marked. She decided to give them thirty minutes to catch up if they could. After that she was safe to finally return home.

Her deep ocean blue eyes continuously scanned the area for any hint of pursuit. The sounds of the city reached her small elvish ears, but it was not at its usual volume. Despite the crowd in the square the city was becoming more empty by the day, regardless of what lies the state fed the media.

After thirty minutes she decided it might be safe to move on. She readjusted the hood of her dark colored light jacket and began the cautious, meandering journey home.

The large, rusted metal door of the red brick building squealed loudly as she pushed it open. She cursed its racket. It was after ten pm and the children would be asleep. Sasha dreaded waking them, but the door needed to be loud enough the be heard in case the state showed up unannounced. Every single booby-trap they had in place was just in case.

As she turned to push it closed, she heard the familiar deep voice of Gregor Chekov.

“You’re late and your alone. This can’t be good.” He said in his thick St. Petersburg accent. “What happened this time?”

“It wasn’t my fault.” Sasha began to explain to the dark curly haired Russian bear.

He stroked he long bushy black beard and nodded. “Of course not. It’s never your fault.”

She shot him a hot look full of anger and resentment. “There was no one there when I arrived. It was a set up. Not five minutes after I arrived,
they surrounded the place. I had to time slip twice to escape.” She explained.

“Who surrounded the place?”

“Who do you think? State security backed up by local police. I barely escaped.”

“Yes, you mentioned, but here you are safe and sound. Always it’s the same with you.” He said as he turned away in disgust.

She stepped after him and grabbed his big muscular arm. “Gregor, they had hounds.”

“Hounds?” He asked suddenly very concerned. “Are you sure they didn’t track you?”

“I waited a half hour after I escaped the square for them before I returned.”

“If they are actively using hounds in public, it may be time to move our operation elsewhere.” He said with deep concern in his voice as he looked around at the mass of cots arranged about the floor.

“Where can we bring them?” She asked.

“I have no idea, Sasha. Like you, I’m winging it.” He replied with obvious annoyance.

They were both part of an underground network that worked to keep those the government would seek to capture or eliminate safe.

Currently in the dilapidated apartment building they resided in housed forty young girls, all victims of the virus. Alongside of them there were ten new women living there. They were allowed to stay as long as they helped with the young ones. Not that Gregor would throw them out if they refused but no one needed to tell them that. The most miraculous of all was the fact that the housed six immune men, including Gregor himself. They were truly the rarest of treasures and the ones the government coveted the most. Sasha shuddered to think what would be done to them if they were ever captured.

“We need to do something though, quickly. They knew enough about us to bait you into the open.” He said still rubbing his beard.

Sasha mission, how presumptive that word sounded to her ears, was supposed to be a simple meet up with one of the people from another affiliated group and bring back two children. The call was bogus. The callers were the ones that set up the ambush she’d escaped.
“If they can contact us once, they can certainly do it again.” She said speaking the obvious truth.

“We must have a spy in our midst.” The burly man eyes scanned the room full of cots again.

“Why would anyone here want us closed down? It would be against their own best interests.” Sash asked.

“It may be against their own long-term interests but that doesn’t always coincide with the short term.” He replied. “Once the sun comes up, I will contact Leonov and get the children evacuated to another safe house. We cannot take a chance of them being captured.”

She nodded. “And what of the adults?”

He sighed. “They made it to us on their own. They will have to make it to their next safe haven on their own too. One of them may have betrayed us. We can’t take the chance.”

“We?” she asked. “Or you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean am I in your evacuation plans or should I start finding a new hiding spot tonight?"

“Sasha, I cannot even say that I’m going with the children never mind who else may go. That’s up to Leonov. Can’t you just once think about the fate of others over yourself?” he growled at her.

“The way I see it their fate is in better hands with me tagging along than without. No one else can do what I can.” She replied with equal anger.

“Yes, always about you.” He said shaking his head. “Maybe it is best you find a new place tonight.”

Her relationship with Gregor had always been tenuous. In the weeks since they were pushed together by fate, they’d constantly rubbed each other wrong. No that wasn’t true, it was her ways that rubbed him wrong.

Gregor would die to protect the children under his care, he’d nearly met his end defending them on at least two occasions since their union.
Sasha on the other hand found this place to simply be the most convenient safe haven she’d found to date. Sure, she was willing to help out with the kids and risk her safety by running supply mission and the occasional picks up like tonight’s was supposed to be. However, that willingness did not extend to being captured again or killed. It was that unwillingness to fully commit to their mission that left a and taste in Gregor’s mouth.

“Fine if that’s the way you want it, I’ll collect my stuff and be gone in twenty minutes.”

He moved out of her way and extended and arm out in the direction of her room. She flashed him an angry smile and stepped off in that direction. She didn’t make it more than three steps when a loud crash came from behind her.

She turned to look just in time to see the heavy metal door she’d enter through bulge out in the middle.
“Shit! Gregor, we have company!” She yelled.

“You led them to us you little bitch!” He screamed and grabbed her by the throat. “I should kill you before they make it through that door!”
Sasha was half choked by the giant hands before she knew what was going on. Like always in these instances the time slip kicked in automatically. The pressure on her throat stayed but with Gregor all but immobilized by her perception she was able to slip from his grip and take 3 steps back before time resumed.

The big man howled in pain as his fingers broke from contact with her body during blurring. She looked at him sympathetically but now was not the time for apologies.

The others, alerted by the loud crashing on the door joined the two of them. They all looked at the big man’s disfigured hands.

“Greg..” Simon the slim light-haired immune started to say.

“There’s no time to worry about him right now!” Sasha yelled. “Get the kids. Get them out of here!”
Simon stood there still staring at Gregor’s hands.

“Simon!” Get them out of here!” She ordered a second time.

Then she turned to the other five enhanced. “We need to buy them time. Lena, Tanya and you stay here with me! Wanda and Brenda, you go with them and make sure they’re safe. Take Gregor with you. He needs med…” She was cut off mid-sentence by the sound of a loud explosion as the door finally gave way.

Through the smoking ruin of the door frame, what seemed like a hundred armed security personnel burst the entrance. Soon as they were clear the group opened fire. The handful of them standing near Gregor, including the big man himself went down like puppets with their strings cut in an instant.

The time slip Gregor had induced left Sasha feeling drained as always, but she had no choice but to push herself. She drew in a deep breath and shifted.

Suddenly the noise and chaos stopped. She looked at the bullets hanging in midair and swiped at as many as she could, burning her hand and deflecting their trajectories as she moved in the direction of the attackers. Touching as many of the armed invaders as she could on the way by, she felt her power disrupting their bodies but there were just too many of them for her to deal with in a single slip.
With her power all be exhausted she ran at the four hounds the invaders brought with them, putting them all out of their misery at once before stumbling and skidding across the floor as time resumed its normal flow.

Blood and gore rained down on the floor as attacker after attacker suddenly exploded from the perception of those not already dead. The handful of enhanced and immune survivors attacked the stunned soldiers. The three enhanced women that were left took over where Sasha left off, pummeling and bashing their assailants without mercy.

From the other end of the room another explosion rang through the place, shaking the buildings foundation. An instant later as dust rained down from the suddenly off kilter ceiling above, more soldiers appeared and began picking the survivors off.

Sasha who was all but forgotten about lay on the floor watching in horror as her comrades were cut down like so much wheat in a field. The shrill sound of children screaming filled her ears. She tried to get up. Willing her body to move, trying with all her might to activate her power one more time. Desperate to save someone, anyone, but it was not meant to be. She was too tired. Gregor’s attack had wasted needless energy she just could no summon again.

Deciding there was no other option she ceased struggling and lay still. She closed her eyes and played dead as the soldiers finished off the last of the building inhabitants. The silence was worse for her than the screams.

As she lay there listening to the troops congratulating themselves on a job well done her pain and anger grew. Minutes passed like hours as their attackers checked each body for signs of life. Sasha’s helpless rage was reaching its boiling point as she heard single shots ring out finishing off those still alive.

In the back of her mind, she could feel the tingle that preceded a time slip return. She lay still, fighting it as hard as she could. Letting it build as her anger grew. The new woman had never felt it like this before. She felt as if she was going to explode when a soldier leaned down and touched her. As his finger touched her arm, she let go and time slipped.

*******
Sometime later:

She lay on the cold ground, drenched and shivering. Her eyes at first refusing to open as the sound of rushing water filled her ears. It was a lovely sound, natural, she wanted to just lay there forever and listen.

Over the next few minutes the rest of her senses began to come alive. Finally, she as able to open her eyes.

At first, she was confused because it seemed as if the world had turned white. After a moment the cold on her left cheek finally registered in conjunction with what her eyes were seeing.

“Snow?” She though in confusion. She shifted her gaze upward and say a bright blue cloudless sky. She shook her head and looked again.
“Morning?” she questioned.

The chill was finally starting to register, With tremendous effort she pushed her torso up into a sitting position. Never since awakening from her Acidalia coma has she felt so wasted. She had to hang her head between her legs for a minute catching her breath before she could finally raise it and look around. She was surrounded by trees. The ground was covered with snow. Behind her an ice crusted river raged.

“Where the hell am I?”

With tremendous effort she staggered to her feet. Her legs shook as she turned in a circle looking for anything that would give her a hint as to where she was. Far off in the distance she could see what looked like trails of smoke rising just before the horizon. She wasn’t sure but she
believed she could make up the shape of roof tops under the trails’

With the cold really starting to set in on her body she set of in the direction of the rising sun and hoped the village, if indeed that’s what was there, was close enough for her to make it. She hugged herself tightly and began to trudge thought the snow.

************
Confirmed cases: 120,342,866

Actual cases: 162,241,357

End part XVIII

Thank you as always for taking the time to read my little tale. Please remember to leave a comment.

Acidalia 19

Author:

Amanda D.

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Transgender

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Acidalia XIX
By Amanda D.

Saturday Sept 15th 10:15am pdt:

The Sisters Compound:

As she happened by, Nicole barely heard the harsh knocking on small door at the front of the Sister’s new complex over the seemingly never-ending din of construction. As sick of the nearly constant noise as she was, the tall red head couldn’t help but marvel at what a difference being well financed made. If they had been able to be this open about their presence in their first warehouse perhaps, they could have saved far more virus victims from the horrors of quarantine. Never mind how it would have prevented being raided by the military in the first place.

She walked quicky across the concrete floor towards the front facing entrance, anxious to see what was being delivered this time. From the second-floor loft that surrounded the main floor she saw Thomas leaning over the railing.

“We’ve got company.” The former quarantine inmate yelled to her.

“I heard. Going to see who it is right now.” Nicole yelled back.

Since meeting Thomas nearly two weeks earlier, the pair had grown very close. The last few nights the long dark-haired beauty had taken to sleeping in the cofounder of the Sisters bed, much to Nicole’s delight. Even though she kept telling herself to keep things in perspective, Nicole couldn’t help that her heart did a little jump every time Thomas was near. The thought brought a goofy smile to her face.

“What are you smiling about?” Thomas hollered.

“You.” Nicole replied and blew Thomas a kiss.

“Goof ball.” Thomas laughed.

“That’s me. Your goof ball.” She replied. Thomas blew her a kiss back.

Still smiling she finally reached the door. Upon opening she was surprised to see a quartet of women standing behind a single man. “Can I help you?” She asked with more than a bit of confusion.

The man was the one that spoke. “Names Harkin, you must be Nicole. Pleased to meet you. I believe Ellie was expecting me.” He extended a hand, which she shook awkwardly.

“Ahh the mysterious Mr. Harkin, we meet at last.” She replied trying to hide her annoyance that he knew who she was without any introductions.

“That’s me, mysterious to the end.” He said with a grin. “I have a special delivery for all of you.”

“What delivery would that be?”

He smiled at her and turned towards the four women behind him. “I promised Ellie military grade protection. These four ladies volunteered to be that detail.”

Nicole nodded at the four women standing behind Harkin looking them over. They all seemed very military in her estimation, well-toned bodies, very serious expressions plastered on their faces, standing almost at attention for no reason whatsoever.

“Why don’t you all come on inside.” She told them. “Be warned it’s super noisy in there. I think Ellie is somewhere out back in the office and lab area where it’s slightly quieter.”

“Actually, I can’t stay. Us mystery men, always have somewhere to be. I’m sure you know how it goes.” He said trying to be funny. “Ok if I just leave them with you?”

The tall redhead flashed an annoyed look his way before saying “Sure, I’ll take care of them.”

Harkin flashed her a quick mischievous grin. She could tell he enjoyed seeing he’d gotten under her skin and made a note to be more careful around him in the future.

“Thanks Nicole.” He turned to his charges. “Just follow Nikki here and she’ll get you set up.”

Nicole, frowned at the use of the nickname, as though they were old friends or something. She pulled the door wide open. “This way please.” She told them as she gestured for them to enter.

Inside the giant facility the racket was everything she’d promised and more. Everywhere you looked there were people building or assembling something. Walls were going up, equipment was being moved around, construction people were walking back and forth, some were on ladders, others on scaffolding. The floor was littered with every kind of construction material you could imagine. To the visitors the scene looked like total chaos.

“Just follow me and watch your step. It’s a bit of a maze.” She shouted over the din, hoping they could all hear her.

The five new women trekked across the gigantic main floor towards the far wall where the entrance to the office and laboratory areas were located. The soldiers looked arounds as they walked, marveling at the sheer size of the place. Each wondered what was going to be housed here that they would need so much space.

It was too loud in the main room to talk but one they reached the door and stepped through Sargent Elizabeth Russov tapped Nicole on the shoulder and asked “What’s going on here? What is this place?”

“Right now, it’s giant mess.” Nicole replied with a grin. Russov remained straight faced. Seeing her little joke fell flat she continued. “We had a facility in the city to help those infected that wished to avoid government quarantine centers, before the military raided us anyhow. This place is our second attempt at providing that service but this time rather than having to do it all ourselves, Harkin’s people have provided us with funding and the latest equipment and workers to help get it all up and running.”

The Sargent nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer and continued following Nicole through the maze of hallways. Finally the quintet stopped at the door to a large room that from the window in the wall they could see was filled with nameless medical equipment. In the center of the room were three women that looked to be in the middle of a rather animated discussion while two others stood off to the side with bemused looked on their faces.

“This way please.” Nicole said ushering the new arrivals though through the entrance.

Once inside the big room they could hear the three women arguing loudly.

“And I told you that room needs to be one hundred percent sterile. This equipment isn’t what we need at all!!” Mia Blue shouted.

“I understand that Dr. Blue. I Just don’t know what you want me to do about it right this moment.” Ellie replied.

“I want you to get on the phone with whoever sent this shit and get us the right stuff.” Mia said angrily.

“I didn’t realize I was at your beck and call doctor. Forgive my ignorance.” The short sandy haired leader replied sarcastically.

Mia started to open her mouth again, but Sam interjected. “Mom, calm down. Ellies going doing what she can to get it straightened out. Screaming at her over it isn’t going to get it done any faster, now knock it off!”

Nicole smiled to herself. “Get her Sam.” She thought before loudly clearing her throat to get the trio’s attention. They turned and looked in her direction. She grinned and simply said “Hi.”

“Yes Nicole, what is it?” Mia said with left over annoyance.

“I need Ellie if your done chewing her ass to a bloody rag doctor.” Nicole said locking her eyes on the former head of the CDC’s Acidalia operations.

“I think we’re done here for now, Nikki.” The leader of the Sisters said looking at the pair across from her. “Are we doctors?” The pair nodded. “Good. I will get a hold of the medical supply place as soon as I can and try to get the mess straightened out Dr. Blue.”

She turned her attention fully to Nicole. “What can I do for you sweetie?”

“Your security team has arrived.” Nicole replied pointing in the direction of the four new arrivals.

“Oh.” Ellie said as she started walking in their direction. “Welcome ladies.” She said in a raised voice so she could be heard. Nicole, as well as Paka and Robbie, followed behind.

“I’m Ellie Wolf. You are?” She said as she extended a hand to shake.

Russov took the hand and gave it a shake. “I’m Sargent Elizabeth Russov. I’ll be in charge of the squad.”

Ellie nodded. “A pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth.”

“Sargent Russov is how I prefer to be addressed in front of my people if you please.”

“Of course. We just tend to be more informal here.” Ellie replied.

Russov nodded and continued. “This the rest of my squad. The short blonde here is private Joan Ashford. The tall dark-haired one next to her is private Kara Charles and the one skulking in the back ground is private Kate Becket. We are at your service Miss Wolf. Your and Dr. Greyson’s security are our top priorities according to my orders.”

Paka asked, “Why Sam?”

“As the inventor of the virus it would seem prudent to think she would need a security detail.” Russov replied noticing the cringe after Ellie’s face as she finished.

“Inventor?” Paka asked. She looked over at Sam and Mia, then back at Ellie. “She invented the fucking bug?” the small mouse shouted. The look of hurt and anger on her face was unmistakable.

“Fuck!” Ellie thought. Then to Paka she said “Paka, calm down.”

“Calm? Fuck that! You had the cause of all our suffering here and knew who she was and didn’t think to mention that little fact to the rest of us?” She screamed as she turned and started towards Sam.

“You did this to me? She shouted as she approached the pair of doctors.

Mia grabbed Sam and slid in front of the scientist, putting herself between her daughter and her would be attacker.

“Shit!” Nicole growled as she turned to intercept Paka. In 3 quick steps she caught up to the enraged new woman. “Paka, stop.” She pleaded reaching out for the little mouse.

“Stop? That bitch is the reason behind all the shit I’ve been through. Fuck that shit. I’m gonna kill her!” Paka replied struggling free of the redhead’s grip.

Russov glanced over her shoulder. “Becket your up.” She ordered.

The slightly built brown haired new woman sighed loudly. An instant later was next to Paka. “Sargent says that’s enough.” She told Paka calmly. Looking at Nicole, she told her, “I have this.”

“Be my guest.” Nikki said stepping aside.

Paka looked at Becket furiously. “You don’t have shit!” she yelled as she took a swing at the newcomer.

With ease that defied belief, Katie side stepped the punch, grabbed Paka’s wrist and twisted the arm behind the small woman's body. In the same motion the tripped the little mouse causing her to crash the floor face first and landed on top of her. The Sisters, unfamiliar with Katie's abilities, were awed by the speed and grace in which Becket subdued the enraged new woman.

“Please calm down.” Becket begged the woman beneath her. “I really don’t want to hurt you.” Paka continued to struggle to free herself. Becket increased the pressure on the arm hold, in response Paka howled in pain.

“Hey now! There’s not no need to be that rough” Nicole shouted and stepped forward to grab Becket. Before she knew it was happening

Becket shifted her position slightly and swept the redheads legs out from under her. As Nicole crashed to the floor Katie reestablished her full weight on Paka.

“I wouldn’t mess with Becket if I were you.” Russov called out. “She might be small but she’s like a tank on two feet.”

Nicole clamored to her feet angrily. “Why you little..”

“Alright! Enough of this foolishness.” Ellie hollered. “Sargent call her off! Paka, get over here and leave Sam alone! Yes, we knew who she is. No, we didn’t tell you because of fear of reactions just like this.”

Paka got up still seething. “You knew and you still gave her safe haven? Why? Don’t you see what’s she’s done to all of us? How could you?”

“I could because she hasn’t “done” anything to me but set me free.” Ellie said calmly.

“Set you free?’ the small woman asked incredulously. “Let me tell you Ellie, the bug she set free in the world, that you seem so pleased with has ruined my entire god damned life! I was gang raped, before I was infected at the hands of Brady because of her and the fucking bug. I spent months being tortured in quarantine because of what she did! Come hell or high water I’m going to kill her for what’s happened to me!” Paka threatened.

She turned to Sam and Mia. If looks could killed Sam would have been dropped on the spot. Paka pointed right at her. “You’re a dead woman Greyson. Mark my words!” She warned. To Becket who was still holding her she said “Let me go! I’m leaving. But I’ll be back! Have no doubt about that!”

Katie looked at Russov, who nodded her ascent and let her go. Paka turned and stormed out of the room without another word as the others watched slamming the door behind her.

Ellie sighed as Robbie came and stood next to her.

“I’d take her threat seriously. She killed at least two people in quarantine that I know of.” She told the assemblage.

“Nicole, go after her.” Ellie ordered.

“No, Ellie. Let me do it.” Robi stated. “I know her best. She might listen to me.” Ellie nodded her ascent. Dr. Goings hurried off after Paka.

Ellie sighed again.

“Guess that could have gone better.” Russov remarked glumly. “I’m sincerely sorry Miss Wolf; I wasn’t aware there were some that didn’t know who Dr. Greyson was.”

“Call me Ellie, please, Sargent.” She requested. It’s not your fault. It was going to come out eventually. I guess now was as good a time as any. I doubt it would have gone any better at a later date. However, Sargent, next time we need to discuss these matters, let’s wait until we’re somewhere more private.”

“Yes, good idea.”

“Well, what’s done is done. Let’s see about getting you and your people some place to sleep. Nicole, could you please show them to the living quarters? I’m afraid you’ll have to double up until more space is available.”

Nicole looked at Ellie as she dusted herself off. She debated arguing that they didn’t need these strangers here but thought better of it. “Sure thing. Will you four please come with me?” She asked as she showed them to the lab door.

*************
Robi raced across the main floor to catch up with Paka. By the time she caught up, the angry new woman was just reaching the stairs to loft.

“Paka” She yelled.

“What?” was the only reply she received. However, it made Paka turn towards her and wait.

“Where are you going?” Robi asked breathlessly.

“I’m going to tell Thomas and Linda what’s really going on here. What the hell do you think I’m doing? Going for an afternoon stroll? You saw what just happened, for fucks sake. After I tell them the person responsible for everything that happened to us at Reynolds is living here, I assume at least the of us will be leaving.” She relied angrily. Then with tremendous sarcasm added “I figure you’ll be staying with lover boy.”

“Do you think that’s wise?” Robi asked ignoring the dig.

“Wise?”

“If you leave, where are you going to go? I get your upset about Sam, but she’s suffered the same fate as you. She was transformed against her will and incarcerated for months at Greyson labs by the military.” Robi explained.

“Against her will? She invented the fucking bug. She deserved whatever she got. Robi, do you have any idea how many lives she ruined? How many are dead because of her?” Paka said exasperatedly.

“No, Paka. I have no idea, but you know who does? Sam. Mia told me they updated her every single day at Greyson on the infection count. The weight of what she’s caused crushes on her like no other. Why do you think she and Dr. Blue are here? They’re here to find a way to stop the bug from causing any more harm or grief.” Robi told her. She was trying to stamp down the anger that was rising in her and afraid she was doing a poor job of it.

“I don’t give a shit how much regret she carries or how much this all weighs on her. She’s ruined my entire life. For fucks sake Robi, Wanda Maximov is dead because of her. Not to mention all the people are Reynolds. Maybe you can stay here all cuddled up with Warren and be ok with her presence. I can’t! I won’t!” Paka yelled and started back up the stairs.

Robi reached out and grabbed the little mouse by the arm. Paka turned on her angrily and yanked her arm free. “Don’t fucking touch me. That’s your only warning Robi, because of our past. Next time you’re going to lose a hand.” The blonde growled and continued her way up the stairs calling out Thomas’ name.

By the time she reached the landing Thomas was there waiting.

“What’s up?” she inquired.

“We can’t stay here!” Paka shouted.

“Why not? What’s the matter?”

“Paka..” Robi said before being cut off.

“The doctor, Sam, she’s the one that invented the fucking bug. Everything that’s happened to us is her fault!!” the short blonde blurted out angrily.

“Sam what?” Thomas asked confused.

“Sam and her partner, a woman named Laura, accidently invented the Acidalia virus, Thomas.” Robi said plainly. “That’s what Paka’s upset about.”

“Sam invented it. Why? How?” Thomas asked, not exactly angry, but certainly not as calm as she was seconds before either.
Robi sighed. “Sam was crippled. A virus attacked her central nervous system and caused her to lose use of her legs. She and another doctor were working on a cure for it when they accidently created the Acidalia virus. It wasn’t her fault it got out though. That was the Dr Ryson person they are always talking about on the news.”

Thomas looked seriously at Robi. Next to her stood Paka who was nearly jumping out of her skin with anger. Robi worriedly tried to decern what was going on in Thomas’ head. If she decided she wanted to kill Sam, the doctor wasn’t sure there was anyone in the building that could stop her.

Paka tugged on the tall dark hair woman’s shirt sleeve and demanded “We need to go! We can’t stay here with that.”

Thomas nodded. “I want to speak to Sam.” She told the two of them.

“What do you need to talk to her for?” Paka all but shouted. “She fucked our lives up. Everything from losing your family to the time you spent in Reynolds is all her fault!”

“Yes.” Thomas agreed. “We’ve certainly been through a lot because of her invention. I still want to speak to her before I decide what to do.”
“But…” Paka started. She couldn’t believe that Thomas wasn’t as angry as she was.

“Excuse me.” Was all Thomas said as she pushed past them and headed down the stairs. Robi followed. Paka stayed planted where she was.
Of all the reactions she thought she’d get to the news this was the very last one she expected and wasn’t sure how to proceed.

A few moments later Thomas entered the lab. She looked around until her eyes landed on Dr. Greyson. The sight of the this woman who’d become something of a friend to her now revealed as the inventor of the virus sent a mix of emotions through her.

Ellie seeing her enter came to her. “Thomas” she said.

Thomas looked down at the leader of the Sisters. “You knew?” She asked.

Ellie nodded. No use in hiding it at this point.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” She asked with an edge of anger in her voice.

“I didn’t know you’d react.” Ellie replied truthfully.

At that moment Nicole returned to the lab. She smiled at Thomas. “Hey babe. Our guests are getting settled El.”

“Did you know too?” Thomas asked before Ellie could reply.

“About Sam?” Nicole asked.

Her lover nodded.
“Yes. I was the first of us to meet her, while I was in dentation at Greyson labs. Other than Mia anyhow.”

Across the room Dr’s. Blue and Greyson watched the trio talking. Thomas’s posture was one of tension.

“Sam. Maybe you should get out of here in case that conversation is about you. Thomas looks really agitated.” She told her daughter.

“I’m sure it is and yes she does.” Sam replied. “But where can I go? Not even Nicole or Wendy could stop Thomas if she doesn’t want to be and I’m tired of running and hiding. If she wants to beat me up or kill me, so be it. I can’t do this anymore.”

“Sam!”

“No mom, I’m not going to run away.” Sam told her adamantly.

On the other side of the room the conversation ended. Thomas began to walk towards where the two doctors stood.
Mia stepped between them and said “Now Thomas…”

“I only want to talk.” She said looking past Mia and directly at Sam. The tall dark-haired beauty put her hands up to show she meant no harm, yet.

Sam looked at Thomas, the sadness was evident in her eyes to the enhanced new woman. “Want to do it here or someplace more private?”

“I’d prefer just the two of us if that’s ok.”

“Sure, let’s go.” Greyson replied and walked towards the rear door.

Thomas started to follow but Mia grabbed her arm spinning her back around. “If you harm her..” she warned.

“If I meant her harm, do you think Ellie and Nicole would have allowed me to come over here by myself?” She answered pulling her arm out of Dr. Blue’s grip. “Plus, how would you stop me? Seriously Dr. Blue, I just need to talk to her and find out.”

“Find out what?” Mia asked.

“If she really does regret what’s happened.”

The pair emerged from the back door of the former airplane assembly plant into a small grassy area. Sam continued on until she reached an ancient looking picnic table. She climbed upon top of it and sat on the table.

“What can I do for you, Thomas?”

“I think you know.” Was the reply.

“I do.” Greyson replied looking at the ground. The doctor was terrified. More afraid than she’d even been in her life. For a moment she wondered if this is how Laura had felt in her final moments.

“So, it’s true then. You invented the virus?”

“Yes.” Was all she could bring herself to say in reply. She was fighting mightily against the tears that wanted to come. After a moment she felt she had herself under enough control to look up and face her inquisitor.

Thomas looked at her sympathetically. “That’s one hell of a burden to carry, Sam. A lot of lives have been turned upside down by your invention.”

“Think I don’t know that?” Sam asked. The unbidden tears came. Much as she wished otherwise, she was unable to stop them any longer. “I’ve destroyed the whole world. Lives beyond number. Last official number of infected I got to see before the sisters liberated me from the military was somewhere around two hundred million people. I kind of make Hitler look like a piker huh?”

Thomas looked at the small woman as she spoke. The emotional turmoil she felt inside was mirrored on the doctor’s face. “Sam, I have to be honest. You and your bug have cost me everything. I’m not sure I can ever forgive you for what I’ve lost. What I’ve been through.”

“I understand. If it helps, can’t forgive me either. Do whatever you need to do, Thomas. I completely understand.” Dr. Greyson said as she stood up and spread her arms. “I won’t even fight back.”

“No, I’m not going to harm you. Beating you up or killing wouldn’t change anything.”

“No, but…” Sam replied.

The tall dark haired new woman took the seat on the table that Sam had just vacated. She looked at the doctor’s tear-filled eyes and patted the spot next to her. “Come. Sit.”

Sam did as she was asked and sat back down

“Ok, now tell me. In your own words. How did all this happen?”

“In my own words?” Sam sighed. She wondered a moment how long it had been since someone asked her what happened from her point of view.

“I was a cripple. A virus infected my spinal cord and caused me to lose use of my legs when I was in my late twenties. I’m a research scientist and I spent years afterward looking for a way to repair the damage. My lab partner Laura and I stumbled on the idea of using a retrovirus to basically rewrite the genes in the damaged nerve cells. We used a very sickly rat to test one of the serums on and much to our surprise, low and behold it worked. We couldn’t believe it. Without Laura’s knowledge I decided to spend that night in the lab watching over the rat. Eventually exhaustion overwhelmed me, and I fell asleep. Somehow, while I slept, the containment on the fishbowl we were using got compromised and I would up breathing the same air as she was. Next day things started happening. It started with being able to move my foot and eventually progressed to where I could stand on my own and walk after a while. I was amazed to say the least, until I discovered I was growing breasts and shrinking in height. The changes continued until I was what you see now. For days afterwar we ran tests. All of the results bore out that I wasn’t in any way contagious. Little did I know at the time who wrong that was.”

Sam paused a moment and looked to see what Thomas might be thinking. Thomas said nothing but motioned for her to continue.

“Not long after my first time out in public we discovered that I was indeed contagious when several men were admitted to local hospitals a couple days later. Eight cases, all in San Francisco except one that showed up in Oakland. That’s when we discovered my business partner Carla Ryson had somehow discovered the serum and used it to try and cure her terminally ill nephew. That’s when all hell broke loose and the army and CDC got involved and basically here we are.”

Thomas nodded. “I have to say Sam, it doesn’t sound like this is really your fault. I mean yes you accidently invented the virus, but you had no idea what was going to happen. Neither did your business partner.”

Sam nodded back. “You sound like Mia.”

“But you don’t believe either of us, do you?”

“No, Thomas, I’m sorry but I don’t. I can’t. If I’d just accepted the hand fate delt me none of us would be in this predicament. It is one hundred percent my fault.” Sam explained.

Thomas reached over and took the doctors hand in both of hers. “I can’t speak for everyone. There will be those like Paka that will never forgive you. That is going to be their cross to bear. For myself, I’ve spent too much time being angry and hating, I just can’t do it anymore. For whatever it’s worth, I forgive you.”

Sam looked at the new woman stunned. “You forgive me? After all you’ve lost. How?”

“Very few have been through as much as I have since the outbreak but that’s not on you. It’s on those in charge. You didn’t send me to quarantine. You didn’t put a mad man in charge of it. You didn’t replace hm with and evil cunt that tortured all of us in the name of science.
None of that is your fault.” Thomas told her with great sincerity. “When I get my hands on the fuckers that did do all those things, however, I will make sure they understand, in detail, what I’ve been through.”

Sam nodded. The tears were back leaking from the doctors’ eyes. “Thank you, Thomas. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I never…thought anyone..could,” Sam told her as her voice boke. Thomas got up, took Sam’s hand and pulled her in for a warm embraced.

From behind they heard a familiar voice saying, “Looks like everything’s ok out here.”

The pair turned to see Nicole and Robi walking towards them.

“Hey babe. Yeah, we’re good.” Thomas said in greeting.

“Not mad at me?” Nicole asked.

“Not happy you didn’t tell me but no, not mad.”

“Whew.” Nicole joked trying to cover the relief she felt.

“Next time though…” Thomas said with a faux stern look on her face, then smiled. Nicole smiled back and blew her a kiss.
“How are things inside?” Sam asked.

“Paka’s pissed. She told Linda but so far, she’s not said much. Which I think is part of what has Paka so mad.” Robi told them.
“I should go talk to them.” Thomas said.

“Can’t hurt. Want me t come with you?” Nicole replied.

“No. I think this will go better if it’s just the three of us. Unless you want to come too Robi.”

She nodded. “Ya, I’ll come too. Maybe two friendly faces will help.”

Thomas leaned over and kissed Nicole's cheek. “See you later hot stuff.” She told her lover and then the pair walked back inside.

“Are you ok Sam?”

“Yes, Nicole. Thank you for asking. I’ll be fine.” The doctor said with a wan smile.

Nicole pulled her in and hugged Sam. “Remember, you’re one of us. Not just some hanger on. Your part of our family now and we protect our own.”

Sam smiled. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“No, it means everything.” Nicole replied seriously. “No one will harm you as long as I’m around Sam. I promise.”

***************
The Dorms:

Sgt.Russov leaned into the open door the three of her subordinates were assigned. The room was a bit on the small for three people but what t lacked in personal space it made up in amenities. There was a television on one wall, a phone on the small night table next to the single and on the left side of the room was a set of bunks. At the rear was a closet big enough for two people to stand in. Next to the door was one for the bathroom which featured a double sink in a full-sized vanity with an equally big mirror behind it. The shower stall was big enough for a large
man to shower in with ease. The Sisters had spared not a single cent of their benefactors’ money in equipping their new home.

“How are we getting along ladies?” She asked.

The three in the room immediately turned and stood at attention at the sound of her voice.

“We’re making do Sargent.” Joan Ashford replied.

“Good. Ellie told me they will have better accommodations for everyone soon.”

“Sir, yes sir.” The three said in unison.

“When you’re done unpacking, meet me out in the back of the building. There’s a large grassy area I’m planning to take over for our morning PT.”

“Yes sir.” Kara Charles replied. “We should be there in ten, Sir.”

“Very good. All ok with you Becket? You’re awful quiet.”

“I’m fine Sargent.” She replied. She bit her bottom lip then asked, “Permission to speak freely sir?”

Russov somehow managed to resist rolling her eyes. “Go ahead.”

“I’m just wondering Sir, what is this place? Who are these people? Why are we here?” Becket was asking for herself but know the others were wondering the same thing.

“We’re here because we were ordered to be. As to who they are, that’s a bit more complicated. From what I was told at the briefing I received before we came here, these women were once considered terrorist. Their old place was raided by Col. Jordon’s people. It seems now they are back on the side of angels. This place once it’s open will help treat people like the four of us. They will have full hospital facilities for this going through the change.”

“As to why we are here. Our job is to make sure Ellie Wolf and Samantha Greyson are protected from those who would do them harm, regardless of whether that threat comes from outside or within. Understand?”

“Yes Sargent.” The three replied in unison.

“Until we get the lay of the land, we are all on duty twenty-four seven. Rec time will come after. And remember ladies, we are not here to make friends.”

“Yes Sargent.”

“Any more questions?”

Becket shook her head no.

“Excellent. PT out back in ten minutes.” She ordered as she turned and left the room.

After Russov left, from behind her back, Becket heard “Good job Becket. Pissing the Sargent off already.”

She turned to see Joan and Kara standing directly behind her. “Don’t try to tell me you two weren’t curios too.” She told the pair.

“Ya but we know better than to ask. Once again, you’re only thinking about yourself.” Joan taunted.

“Ya, ya, ya. I know I’m a selfish bitch. Blab bla bla…” Katie replied mockingly. “Look we’re here til they tell us to leave. Can we please drop the personal bull shit and just work together? I’m really not trying to cause trouble. I just want to get through this assignment, you two do.”
They gave her twin dubious looks.
“Look, I’ll tell you what. If I get out of line, the two of you have my permission to give me wedgies til I straighten up ok?”

Kara and Joan despite themselves started laughing.

“Wedgies huh?” Joan asked smiling.

“As bad a one as you want.” Katie replied laughing along with them. “Seriously though. I promise I’m not here to cause trouble.”

“I hope not Becket. This is a plumb assignment. Let’s not fuck it up.” Joan replied.

“I’ll do my best.” Becket responded.

“Good. Now everyone get yor asses in gear and stow your shit pronto, Sargent is going to be looking for us before long.”

********
Elsewhere in the building:

Robi and Thomas, now joined by Warren could hear Paka yelling and the sound of things being thrown around from halfway down the hall as they approached. The doctor was worried. She was well aware of the little mouse’s propensity for violence. She squeezed Warrens hand harder as the approach the room. He in return squeezed hers gently to reassure her he was there.

Thomas entered first, ducking just in time as the rooms telephone flew by her head and shattered like so much fine crystal off the wall a foot to her left. “Jesus!” She exclaimed. “What fuck, Paka?”

“What?” the short blonde yelled back.

“You almost hit me with that, that’s what!”

“Well stay out of here then. No one asked you to come in!” On the right side of the doorway was a small backpack filled with the former news chiefs’ meager belongings.

Thomas looked at it and then back at her friend. “Going somewhere?”

“Yes! I’m getting the fuck out of here!”

“Where are you going to go?” Thomas asked. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Robi and Warren standing to the side allowing her to do the talking.

“I don’t care. I’m not staying here with that fucking twat, Greyson. Fuck that. That bitch has ruined my entire life! One of these days I’m going to kill the cunt. If it wasn’t for the military chick, she’d be dead already.” Paka shouted.

“Bob” Warren spoke up. “Sam created the bug yes, but she never meant for any of this. Blaming her for Wanda being dead or what happened to you after is like blaming a hurricane for your milk being sour.”

“Fuck you, Warren. You didn’t go through the shit I did. And don’t call me Bob. My names Paka now!” she told him. Then muttered “Asshole.”

“Paka…” Robi started.

“Fuck you too Robi. I’m done. Get the fuck out of my way Thomas!” she raved as she tried to push her fellow new woman out of the way.

“Hey!” Thomas protested.

“Don’t hey me. Get the fuck out of the way or I’m going to make you.” She seethed. “Matter of fact why are you staying? If anyone was on my side, I thought it would be you. Why aren’t you pissed off too?”

“I am pissed off. I’m angry that Ellie and Nicole didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth. What I’m not pissed off at is fate. Yes, Sam invented the thing, by accident. None of the stuff that’s happened to me is her doing though.” Logan explained. “Now tell me you want to go after the mother fuckers in charge that stuck us in quarantine and allowed the atrocities that were brought down on us to happen, then I’m in but I’m not going to kill Sam for something that was pure chance.”

“I want to kill them all.” Paka growled. “All of them. Anyone that had anything to do with it! And I’m going to. Mark my words, as many of them as I can. I’ll wade in their blood and paint the world red with it!”

Thomas nodded and sighed. “Then I guess you better leave then.” She said sadly.

“That’s how it is now?” Paka said angrily. “I should have known you’d kick me to the curb now that you’re all hooked up with Nicole! Get a little pussy and now you forget who your friends are.”

Thomas ignored the last part of Paka’s rant ad replied, “I can’t support you. Ellie certainly won’t. So, if that’s what you really want then you’ll have to do it elsewhere. None of us allow you to hurt Sam.”

“You think you can stop me?” Paka challenged.

“I truly hope we never have to find out.” Thomas relied simply.

“What about you Quinlan? Your life got nearly as fucked as mine by this shit. Up for a little payback?”

Warren looked at Robi then said “My place is here. The Sisters have kept me safe all this time.”

Paka shook her head. “Ya sure, the Sisters, right. Fuck it then. Get out of my way. I’m out!”
The small blonde pushed her way past everyone and stormed out. The three turned and watched until she slammed the front door with so much force the frame rattled, and she then she was gone.

“That could have gone better.” Robi said with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

“It’s her choice.” Warren replied.

“I know but after all we’ve been through. I just wish… You know what I mean?”

“I do. Are you ok Thomas?” Warren inquired.

The brunette beauty nodded as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I need to be alone for a while.” She told them and walked out.

*************************
Outside:

Harkin sat at the end of the long driveway that led to the Sisters new facility in the borrowed military owned drab green van he’d used to transport the four, talking on the phone when Paka passed by.

“Hey, let me call you back. There’s someone I need to talk to.” He told the person on the other end as he opened the driver’s side door.
“Hey!” Hey, you!” he shouted stepping out.

Paka turned to see who was yelling to her. Seeing him she rolled her eyes, thinking “I don’t need whatever this asshole wants.” Then yelled back “Whatever you’re selling I’m not interested!” She turned and started off again when the stranger hollered to her again. “What the fuck!” she growled with her back still to him. “Dude, take the fucking hint! Jesus!”

She could hear the van door close and seconds later it pulled up next to her. The stranger rolled down the driver’s window and called to her again. There was a small running board type of step at the bottom of the door. Without missing a step, she leapt onto it and grabbed the driver by the throat. “I said fuck off! Now be a good boy and fuck off! I’m not in the mood today! Bother me again and I’ll rip your thought out! Got me?”

She let go and hopped back down as Harkin coughed and gagged. A small smile of satisfaction spread across her lips. Maybe being on her own wouldn’t be so bad after all she thought as she started to walk again.

Harkin, his throat still aching, hopped out of the van drawing his gun and hollered “My names Harkin, I’m with the NSA Stop where you are right fuckin now!”

Paka turned and saw him with his gun drawn in a shooter’s stance. “Are you planning to shoot me Mr. Harkin? Think you can get me before I reach you?”

“Yeah, I know I can but I don’t want to shoot you. I was actually hoping to offer you a ride. You one of Wolf’s crew, yes? I’m a friend of hers myself.” He said as he lowered the gun. He was trying to show her a little bit of trust but, left the safety off in case she charged.

“Not my “crew” at all. I want nothing to do with them.” Paka replied.

Harkin smiled and nodded. “Trouble in paradise huh?”

“Something like that. Not that it’s any business of yours.”

“True enough. Honestly, I could give to shits. However, I can still offer you a ride somewhere….”

“Paka.” She replied getting the hint. “I’d accept but I have nowhere to go at the moment.”

“Ok. Maybe I can fix that too, Paka. The people I work for have resources and safe houses all over. We might even be able to provide you with some cash to get you started.” He told her.

“Look buddy, I have no more love for government men than I do for them back there. Why don’t you just fuck off now like a good boy before my mood gets any worse.”

“I don’t exactly work for the government.” He told her.

“Dude, you said you were with the NSA not two minutes ago.” She retorted starting to get really aggravated with him.

“Yeah, well, that’s more a cover than anything else. The people I work for like to stir shit up and make the government look as foolish in the process. Maybe you’d like to help out and put a little money in your pocket, have a place to stay, that kind of thing?” he asked.

Paka smiled and started walking back towards him. “I wouldn’t mind that at all Mr. Harkin.”

“Good. Climb in and let’s talk.”

**************
Saturday Sept 15th 6:45pm:

Harkin:

Harkin sat in the driver’s seat of the van waiting in the small line to return it. He shook his head at the absurdity of bringing the thing back to Edwards (Airforce Base), but the boss had been adamant about making sure there was no reason for anyone to investigate it’s use and not returning it was sure to make someone look for it eventually. He’d been gone longer than what he’d originally expected but Paka had proved to be quite the interesting character.

She scared the shit out of him to be honest, and he didn’t scare easily. In his opinion she was a whole new level of psycho, with her endless potential for violence and amazingly deep pool of hatred for all things having to do with the government.
At first, he thought she would fit in perfectly with Flint’s group out of San Bernardino. He had actually been driving her there thinking they could use an enhanced new woman on their side once their plans were ready to go but, it quickly became obvious Paka was far too unstable to work in a group environment.

Instead, he dropped her off at one of his personal safe houses, thinking she’d do better working with his team than with one of the outlying cells. All his people worked alone on various projects that kept the main goal moving forward. Paka would be perfect forte kind of wet work he had in mind for her. After his boss was confirmed as VP in the coming days, there was going to be plenty of things to clean up. He thought with a small amount of training and guidance to keep her on mission she’d be a natural. He planned to spend a few days with her and then see how she did with a special target he had lined up. If she succeeded, they’d have another valuable resource in house and if she failed, well can never have to many fall guys or girls, as the case may be.

********************
Sunday Sept 16th 8:25am EDT Washington DC:

“Mr. President?” the familiar female voice called out through the intercom seated on his oversized desk.
Fuller looked up from the file he’d been reading and rolled his eyes. He was really starting to hate that title. “Yes Magda?”

“FBI director Ford is here to see you sir.” She replied.

“Ford is here?” he asked caught off guard. Did we have a meeting scheduled today?”

“No sir. He says he has something urgent that he can only discuss with you directly sir.”

Fuller sighed in frustration he looked at the slightly listing piles of work he has stacked all over his top of the desk. “Ok, give me a minute then send him in.” the President replied as he closed the folder in front of him and stashed in the middle of the pile of more folders to his left.

Exactly sixty seconds later the door opened, and FBI director David Ford stepped quickly up the desk offering his hand to Fuller. The president took it and found his hand pumped up and down exactly three times then released. The president rolled his eyes at it. “Shakes hands like a politician on the campaign trail.” He thought to himself. Then, with no small amount of embarrassment, realized how many times he’d done the exact same thing.

As for the man himself. Fuller had never really cottoned to Ford. He was short, vastly overweight, with a mop of greasy looking dark hair that hung over his forehead and a bushy moustache that looked like it had time traveled from a 1970’s porno movie. It wasn’t the man’s physical characteristics that turned Fuller off though. It was Fords high pitched whiney sounding voice that grated on his nerves. Coupled with his constant attempts to ingratiate himself to anyone he perceived to be above him in status, it was enough for the words ass kisser to flash through Fullers mind every time he saw the FBI director.

Despite his misgivings about the man himself, Fuller had to admit he was incredibly good at his job. The FBI was one of the few government agencies that had continued to perform well during the epidemic. Much of the credit was due to the man standing before him. Somehow, his leadership had kept the house in order and for that the president was eternally grateful.

“Mr. President.” Ford said in greeting.

“Mr. Ford. Please have a seat. To what do I owe the pleasure of a personal visit from the Director of the FBI today?” Fuller asked trying to play the gracious host.

He pulled the cushioned chair beneath his rotund ass and sat. “We had an unfortunate event last evening in Quantico sir and I felt, based on who it was we picked up, that I should come tell you personally.” Ford told him quickly getting to the point.

“Oh?” Fuller asked, his curiosity was piqued now. “Do tell.”

“Yes sir. Last night we received a tip the Dr. Carla Ryson was in Quantico as the guest of Congress woman Flaherty. They were dining at Harry O’s, in a private room.”

“Flaherty was hiding Ryson?” Fuller couldn’t believe his ears.

“I can’t speak that sir, but they were dining there, and the doctor was an invited guest at the congresswomen’s table.” Ford replied seriously. David was a careful man, a career in Washington had taught him to never embellish or add facts that he wasn’t one hundred percent sure of and that had served him well. With the sensitivity of what he was about to reveal to a president he knew didn’t like him; he wasn’t about to start making unsupported assumptions now.

Fuller sat back in his seat and nodded. Ford took that as his opportunity to continue. “As I was saying, we got word they were there. When we arrived one of the agents went inside and spoke to the concierge. The man asked that he be allowed to go see if the Congresswoman and her guests would leave willingly as not to cause a scene in the restaurant. The agent agreed that would be the best route and allowed him to go and try.”

“Yes.” Fuller replied with an air of impatiens. He hated long rambling stories, and Ford was well known to deliver news at snail’s pace.

“According to reports several minutes later three people emerged from the restaurant, the Congresswoman, a Marine Col. By the name of Robert Sa’heed, and Col Charles Jordon. Dr. Ryson was no longer with them. Our agent’s searched the place stem to stern but found no trace of the doctor.”

“Did your man every verify the doctor was actually there with them?”

“No sir but we are quite sure she was. We checked the restaurant’s security system after the fact. It clearly shows her sitting with the three of them. Her hair was dyed blonde, but we’ve confirmed it was her.”

“You’re saying Jordon was helping to hide Ryson?” Fuller asked floored by the news.

“Again sir, we’re not certain at this time. We have all three of them in custody at one of our off-site locations here in the city. We felt based on who they were standard incarceration was out of the question. The press would be all over it.”

“Yes. I can see your point. With a public arrest outside a popular spot, I’m surprised the press hasn’t gotten heard about it yet. Nicely done Ford.” Fuller told him then inquired “Have they been interrogated yet?”

“No sir. That’s what I can to speak to you about.” Ford told him. “I’d like to ask you directly, sir, if they should continue to remain uncooperative, how far we should take things, Mr. President.”

Fuller shook his head. “You’re here to ask me if you can torture them?”

Fuller watched the FBI director squirm a bit in his seat before answering. “I am aware of the close relationship you have with both Jordon and
the Congress woman sir.” Ford told him hoping the euphemism would be enough.

Fuller stared at the FBI director blank faced with rage. “Who the fuck is this little shit to come in here and infer I’ve fucked Flaherty?” he thought to himself angrily and then “I’m going to find out who’s telling secrets out of school and have his ass in a sling.”

To Ford he said “We need to find Ryson. Do whatever you need to do, short of permanent damage.”

“Yes sir.” Ford replied standing up.

“Ford.” Fuller said boring a stare into the FBI directors’ eyes. “We may need to have them appear in public again at some point. No visible marks. That would generate public sympathy and we can’t have that. Understand me? It will be your ass.”

Ford gulped. “Yes sir. I understand perfectly sir.”

“Good. Now go find out where they sent Ryson!” the president demanded.

“Yes sir. We’ll get right on it.” Ford responded. To fullers annoyance, he remained seated.”

“Was there something else?” The consternation was obvious in Fullers voice.

“No Mr. President.”

“I’m a busy man, Mr. Ford. I’m sure you can see yourself out.”

"Yes sir. Sorry sir. I’ll be on my way.”

Fuller nodded and then waved off the FBI director off dismissively.

Fuller watched the portly FBI director was he waddled out of the room and shook his head in disgust. Soon as the door was closed, he leaned way back in his chair and ran his fingers through his thinning salt and pepper hair. He thought to himself with mild amusement how it had been all been nearly all brown at the beginning of summer.

He sat thinking over what to do about the Jordan situation. The Colonel had been one of a very small handful of reliable allies in recent weeks against what seemed to be a never-ending series of blunders that, while not directly his fault, had been laid at the president feet. His apparent defection stung Fuller deeply.

He wondered what would make such a loyal soldier conspire to hide Dr. Ryson. It made no sense. There had to be more to it, but what? The president couldn’t imagine. Perhaps the interrogation would bear it out. Fuller sighed deeply in frustration. He looked around the empty office
and wondered if he had any allies left at this point.

********************
Outside:

David Ford sat in his FBI issued dark blue Chevrolet sedan and listened to the phone ring for what seemed like ages as he waited for the other end to be picked up. He was nervous, scared out of his wits if he was being honest. He hadn’t liked having to be the one to tell Fuller about Jordon. If it wasn’t for the phone call earlier, he’d have sent a lacky or just done it over the phone. However, he’d been told expressly to go and deliver the news in person. Being a political animal, he could see what way the wind was blowing so he’d done as he was told. Not that eh had any real choice in the matter. The person on the other end had been explicit in explaining the consequences of disobedience.

Finally, the phone was answered.

“Carlyle.” The gruff voice on the other end said without preamble.

“The message has been delivered.” Ford told him.

“Already? Wonderful. How did he take it? “The VP nominee asked. It was apparent he was delighted with the news.

“As expected,” Ford replied. Then he added “He looked hurt and a little lost. The implication that he had a relationship with Flaherty pissed him off big time. Might actually be something there.”

“Good, good. It felt like there might be. Not that a sex scandal is going to mean much but it would be another thing piled on top of everything else he’s done.” Carlyle explained. “We need him to feel isolated and alone. Want him to feel like he has nowhere to turn. Thank you, Ford, well done.”

“Ya, ya, ya. Whatever Carlyle. Just remember this when the time comes. You owe me big now.”

“I know I do David. Don’t worry. Once the nomination is certified I won’t forget those who helped put nails in Fuller coffin.” Davis told him in a voice dripping with condescension.

“Good.” Ford told him and hung up. His hands were shaking. “Fucking better go your way, or we’re all fucked.” He thought to himself nervously as he put his car in gear and headed down the White House driveway.

***************
Alameda California 9:20am pdt:

The Reverend Morris Manning sat at the large round wooden table half listening to his lieutenants as they reported the previous night’s activities. Two separate groups had set fires to testing facilities in Oakland and San Mateo respectfully. Another faction had found a collection of about a dozen sinners hiding in the basement of a building in San Francisco proper and made sure none survived the discovery.

As much as he appreciated the efforts of his men and their dedication to the Lord’s cause, their activities were starting to become almost mundane. Their attacks were too repetitive. They’d found a formula that worked to instill terror for a while but now seemingly lacked the imagination to discover the next step forward. The news still carried outraged stories about their endeavors, but they were no longer guaranteed leads. It was almost as if the populace had become accustomed to the attacks and while weary, considered it just another risk that comes from living in the city. Either way they no longer carried the impact they once had. Added to the additional police presence the mayor had ordered at all testing facilities while they were in operation, their choices of targets he become more limited forcing them to attack smaller facilities or ones that were closed for the night, out of fear of being caught, which lessened the impact all the more.

Once the final report had been delivered everyone in the room turned their attention to the Reverend. He looked up at the eager faces, all waiting for him to commend them on their loyalty to the cause. Smiling he told them “You’ve all done well in pursuing God’s mission for us. The more sinners we send to hell the more the Lord shines his favor upon us.”

“However, It seems to me our mission to strike fear into the hearts of those that would seek to defy God’s will has been coming up short of late. We’ve hit the same targets over and over and the public has become nonchalant to our attacks. I think it’s time we reminded them that we are God’s soldiers, and we are not to be ignored.”

“What would you have us do Reverend?” Tom Quinn, one of the reverend top lieutenants, asked him eagerly.

The Reverend sat silently for a moment as he considered his next words carefully. “God has told me we need to make a statement that no one will ever forget Tom. In his benevolence the Lord has sent our benefactor. They have informed me that the Mayor of San Francisco plans to declare Marshal law in the city at a press conference tomorrow. God has told me we need to be there. He commands we make our presence known and show the sinners the price of half measures in the war for humanities soul.”

“You want to attack the Mayor at a press conference?” Tom asked stunned. “That would expose our members to tremendous risks Reverend. The police are sure to be out in force. We’d lose a lot of good, dedicated men in an attack like that.”

Manning stood up and leaned on the table. He stared Tom in the eye until the younger man was forced to look away. He then did the same for the other six seated around him. They all eventually surrendered to his will and looked away.

Manning let out a loud sigh. “You are all afraid for yourselves. You disgust me. The lot of you. You are supposed to be the Lord’s fist! His holy soldiers in this war! Yet here you are more worried about your own safety and continued freedom then our holy mission!”

As he spoke, Manning sauntered around the table until he stood next to Quinn. Without warned he slapped Tom across the face. The blow was hard enough to rock the short thin man on his feet. He then grabbed his lapels and pulled him in screaming “Are you a coward Mr. Quinn? Or are you God’s soldier? Are you ready and willing to give your life in service of the Lord God himself? Do you not believe that God will protect those carrying out his holy mission?”

“I..I’m sorry Reverend. I didn’t..” Quinn stammered. Manning face was so close to his that he could smell the stink of mustard and onions on his breath.

“You didn’t? You didn’t what?” Manning screamed in his face. He was lost in an ecstasy of rage now.

“I didn’t mean to offend you.” Quinn whimpered.

“Offend me?” Manning asked furiously. “You do not offend me Mr. Quinn! Your cowardice offends almighty God himself!!” Manning looked around the small room before continuing. “Everyone outside that door is willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to fulfill our Lords mission. No sacrifice is too great for them! Can you say the same?”

“I..I am Reverend! I swear I am!” Tom shouted enthusiastically.
Manning smiled at him. “Good Tom. It’s good to see you’ve come around. And so suddenly too. Truly it’s a miracle”

“Yes reverend, the Lord has shown me the error of my ways! A miracle indeed!” Quinn repeated.

“Are you now ready to serve the Lord, our God in whatever way he sees fit Tom?” Manning asked. “To serve the Lord, our God, as he demands?”

“Yes Reverend! I’m ready to do whatever the Lord asks of me!”

Manning placed a reassuring hand on Quinn's shoulder. “Good Tom. Nice to have you back on board. The Lord is pleased with you. As a matter of fact, he’s shown me exactly what he requires of you. Are you prepared to take your place in his sacred mission?”

“Yes. Yes please. Reverend I beg you to show me what the Lord has in store for me!” Tom exclaimed in the throes of religious ecstasy.

Manning pulled the gun from the waist band of his pants, then shot Quinn in the head without hesitation. As the body slumped over, he continued “The Lord has told me you must serve as an example to all those who would show doubts in our mission Tom. Thank you for your willingness to provide this lesson.” Manning leaned over and kissed what was left of the man’s cheek.

“As for the rest of you, ae there any more doubters in this room?” He asked as he surveyed their faces. No one said a word. “Excellent. Now shall we get on to planning the assault on the press conference? We don’t want to sacrifice any more of Gods soldiers than necessary.”

******************
The Sisters compound 11:30am pdt:

Thomas Logan stood at the window watching as the as the military squad ran through its morning physical training routine. Since their arrival yesterday the tall brunette had been acutely interested in the four of them and their training methods. Especially the one named Becket. The ease at which he’s taken Paka down and then swept Nicole's feet out from under her had piqued the new woman’s interest. She was curious to the extent of Beckets powers. She hadn’t been close enough to the small new woman to see if her senses picked anything up yet, so she watched.

Like the other Reynolds escapee’s, she distrusted anyone associated with the government. Having four enhanced members of the government’s military here had her on edge. It was her duty to protect Linda and Robbie now that Paka was gone. Watching Becket as she ran through drill after drill with amazing ease, made Logan wonder whether she would be up to the task if it came down to it.
She was so engrossed in watching the military squad that she didn’t hear Ellie approaching from behind until the small sandy haired woman was right next to her.

“They’re pretty impressive, aren’t they?” Ellie asked. Though it as posed as a question, Thomas knew it was a statement too. There was no denying it, their training routine was amazing to watch. All four were blessed with amazing physical grace, speed, and strength. Thomas felt a small amount of pity for anyone that tried to get to Ellie while they were around. She just hoped it wasn’t going t turn out to be self-pity somewhere along the line.

Trying to hide her surprise Thomas replied casually “Yes. Especially that Becket.”

“Mmm, she’s certainly formidable. She has Wendy’s nose out of joint.”

“Ya? Doesn’t like the competition?” Thomas asked.

“Not so much that as she got used to thinking of herself as my protector. Now that the military has landed, she’s starting to doubt her place.”

“Have you spoken to her about it?”

“Yes, of course.” Ellie replied. “I’ve told her that she’s family and there is always going to be a place for her here. Also, that there is no such thing as too much protection.”

Thomas nodded.

“And that I know she has no ulterior motivations.” Ellie added.

“While those four, handy as they may be, we have no clue who they really answer too.” Thomas finished for her.

“Yes. Exactly.” Elie replied with a smile.

Thomas smiled back. “So, what can I do for you Miss Wolf? I assume this isn’t just a social visit.”

“Actually, I came to see what I can do for you Ms. Logan.” She giggled at the mutual use of last names.

“Do for me?” Thomas inquired.

“Yes. You’ve been through so much between being transformed to your time in that awful Reynolds place. You lost a baby that you didn’t want to the man that tortured you. Then your escape and coming here to be with us now. On top of everything else you found out one of our members created the virus and now your little group of four is down to three. I was wondering how you were handling all of it.” Ellie told her with great compassion in her voice.

“I’m fine.” Thomas replied a little to sternly. “Right as rain.” Thomas rolled her eyes. This was the last thing she wanted to get into right now.
Ellie nodded. “Then you are the first.”

“The first?” she asked surprised.

“Yes Thomas. You’re the first person I’ve spoken too that’s in our position that’s got no issues whatsoever with how things have turned out.”

“I never said I have no issues with what’s happened. I just have a handle on it. Besides, you don’t seem to have any struggles.”

“The virus may have allowed me to live as the person I was always meant to be sweetie but don’t think for a minute it’s been all ice cream and rainbows.” She told her. “None of us here are without trauma, my friend.”

“No. I can’t imagine there are.” Thomas agreed. “It just, I’ve gotten so used to being the only person I can trust for so long, even if I wanted to get into it all, I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

“I understand. I felt that way after Vera betrayed us and look at the road it took me down.” Ellie told her, the anguish apparent on her face. “Now I have to live forever with the knowledge that I had someone, a close friend no less, killed.”

Thomas nodded. Suddenly she felt a closeness to Ellie the likes she’d not experienced in a very long time. Without quite understanding why, she admitted, “Losing the baby, it was so incredibly hard. I think because we were so wrapped up in trying to escape, the loss didn’t register right away. When it finally did, the day after we made it to the condo, I just cried and cried. I hadn’t felt a hurt that deep since my first days in quarantine. Being pregnant was something I never wanted it but once it was there, I felt so connected to this life growing inside me, I couldn’t bring myself to do it to any harm. As much as I hated Stanley for putting it inside me, it was an innocent. All I wanted to do was protect it from that place and I failed.”

Ellie took the tall woman’s hand in hers as she watched unbidden tears roll down Thomas’ cheeks. “You didn’t fail sweetie.”

“I did though. I wasn’t able to keep her safe. When she needed me most, I was focused on something else. Now that life is over before it got a chance to start and I’m still here having to live with knowing that. In spite of my desires, despite my abilities, I couldn’t protect the poor defenseless thing.” Logan said through the tears. “My baby is dead because of me but I guarantee I will never fail to protect anyone again. You, Nikki, Linda, even Dr. Grayson. No one is going to harm any of you as long as I have something to say about it.”

“That’s an awful big burden to carry on your shoulders, Thomas. Don’t forget, we are here to protect you as well. None of us, especially Nicole, are going to let anything happen to you either.” Ellie told her seriously.

“Especially Nicole huh? “Thomas said with a smile as she wiped the tears away with the back of her hand. Despite her original lack of desire to open up to her, Thomas suddenly felt lighter, unburdened. She began to suspect she’d finally discovered the enhancement in Ellie her sense’s picked up the day they met. It certainly explained everyone’s attraction to the leader of the Sisters.

Ellie grinned. “I’ve known her since she moved to the bay area, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen her so smitten.”
“Aww. That’s so sweet.” The tall woman replied with a smile. “I’m just as smitten with her. I never thought I’d meet anyone that could keep up
with me but she’s something special.”

“Yes, she is.” Ellie agreed. “I’ve never known such a giving soul as Nicole. Before her transformation she was always so quiet and inside herself. As Roger she was miserable, and it showed in everything she did or said. Acidalia set her free. I don’t know how else t explain it, but it fills me with joy to see who’s she become. She deserves someone like you.”

“She’s an amazing person. Even when she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, she’s so positive. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone like her. After everything I’ve been through, she’s exactly what I needed to restore my faith in humanity.”

“You’re in good hands with her. We are, loved and protected.”

Thomas scratched her chin a moment. How different it felt doing that without the beard she’d worn since she was old enough to grow one. She pointed out the window “What about them? Who are they here to protect?”

Ellie said nothing for a moment as she contemplated the question. “That,” She hesitated again “remains to be seen.”
“Honestly El, why are they even here?”

Ellie sighed. “They were an offered gift by our benefactors. At the time it was presented to me I thought they might come in handy but now they seem a bit redundant.”

“Can’t you send them back?”

Ellie laughed. “Like a post card or something? Return to sender? Address unknown?”

“Something like that.” Logan laughed.

“Even if I could, I don’t know what would happen to them and I’m not sure sending them back to the governments not so tender mercies is the right move. They are after all, sisters.”

“Sisters with military overseers.” Thomas replied. “I have to be honest; I don’t trust them. Especially that Sargent…what was her name again?”

“Russov.”

“Yes, that one.” Thomas replied as she continued to stare out the window.

“Why not? Why her specifically?” Wolf asked.

“She’s a blank spot to me. The others I can sense them and their abilities to a point, but not her. She’s like a black hole or something. I haven’t gotten a solid read on Becket either but it’s not the same as Russov. She’s there, I can feel her power, even if I don’t have a lock on what her abilities are, Russov isn’t. Almost like she doesn’t exist.”

“This sensing abilities is new to you, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe it’s still developing and Russov just doesn’t register yet?” Ellie suggested.

“Hmm, maybe.” She said distractedly. “Every other enhanced person I’ve come across I’ve known as soon as they were close enough. Known they were enhanced and what their abilities are. Except you and her.”

“Still think I’ve got an enhancement of some kind huh?” Ellie asked with a laugh.

Thinking of her experience mere moments ago, Logan decided not to reveal her suspicions to Ellie quite yet. The idea that this woman could somehow manipulate emotions, even if it was in a benevolent way left her unsettled. The question was what to do about her suspicion, if there was anything that could be done. She wondered if Elie was even aware of what she may be doing.

She noticed the shorter woman was waiting for an answer. Thomas explained “The more I’m around you the surer I am about it. I don’t think it’s physical and maybe that’s why I can’t quite get a grip on it.”

Ellie nodded, pretending not to notice how long it took for her companion to reply. “All I can tell you sweetie; is I don’t feel enhanced. Of course, I’ve never felt it so I wouldn’t really know what it felt like anyhow.”

Thomas shrugged. “If I ever get a handle on it you’ll be the first to know.”

“I appreciate that.” Ellie said with a smile. “Looks like they are done.”

Thomas nodded as the door next to them swung open and the four squad members filled in.

Russov looked over at the pair. “Enjoy the show?” she asked sarcastically.

“We did actually.” Ellie replied putting a hand on Thomas’ arm before she could say anything. “The four of you are very impressive. I feel safer
already just knowing you’re here.”

Russov gave them a wan smile. “That’s good to hear. We’re for you protection after all.”
****************
Warren and Robi:

Warren walked down the long door lined hallway towards the room he shared with Robi. They were supposed to be meeting up for some lunch before Robi was going to be sequestered in the new lab with Mia and Sam for rest of the day. He was looking forward to getting a little time with her. Things had been a bit strained between them the last couple days with both of them running around like chickens with their heads cut off as his mother used to say.

Robi had been miserable and exhausted with that required her attention the construction of the hospital area of the massive complex they now in habited. Added to that she found herself inserted at the top lab assistant to Mia and Sam. None of the other Sisters we’re as well versed in medicine as she was and was constantly being asked to assist the pair of scientists with whatever tests or experiments, they were running.

As for Warren, Ellie had positioned him as the man in charge as far as the construction people we’re concerned. The myriads of issues he was forced to deal with on daily basis had left him similarly exhausted and irritable. He had done his best not to take it out on Robi, as he was sure she was also, but things hadn’t worked out that way and last night had been the worst argument yet. They’d gone to bed so mad they hadn’t even said good night to each other. The fact that it was over what to watch on tv made it all the more troubling. If something so inconsequential could push them both that far over the edge made him feel all the more embarrassed. Thankfully no one else on the floor had heard, or at least none of the said anything if they did.

Today’s lunch was supposed to be the first step in fixing things between them. He didn’t believe they were in danger of splitting up or anything that sever, but it was obvious they needed to come up with a plan before things progressed any further. Warren was excited to get the air cleared between them, however, as he turned the corner to enter the room he was greeted by the sound of sobs.

On the couch in the corner Robi sat curled up into a little ball with tears streaming down her face. Seeing the condition she was in, Warren rushed to her side. “Robi? What’s wrong babe?” He asked with great concern.

She looked up at him but said nothing. She simply wrapped her arms around him and sobbed harder. Warren held her close, not speaking, just waiting until she would be able to tell him what the problem was. After a while the tears began to abate, and he tenderly asked again, “What’s wrong baby?”

“Nothing, everything.” She replied in a voice thick with emotion. “I can’t take the constant fighting anymore. With you. The constant stress. Paka leaving dredged up all that shit that happened at Reynolds. It got me thinking about that place and everything just kind of hit me at once.”
He hugged her tight. In his entire life he’d never loved anyone like he loved her. “There’s nothing I can do to fix the rest of the world but, I can and will do better for you and I.” He told her soothingly.

“It’s not your fault. Least not all of it. I’m just as much to blame. We’re both so stressed out lately and I’m sorry for taking it out on you. I’ve been a total bitch to you the last few days and I’ve no right to be. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She sobbed.

“You’re the best thing to happen to me too sweetie. I’d have probably given up a long time ago if not for having you in my life. For my part, I’ve not exactly been easy to live with either.”

She hugged him fiercely. Her head pressed into his shoulder. Sniffling, trying to regain some emotional control. “When I was in Reynolds” she started to say but needed a moment before she could go on. “I was so sure I’d never see any of you again. Especially you. I…I had to push all that love I have for you way down and hide it away so no one would know. They’d have used it against me if they’d found out. Used it to torture me all the more. Especially the cow, she’d have held it above my head at every opportunity.”

“I know you had to find ways to remain strong.” He told her. “I can’t imagine what it was like for you living in that place. I hate them for what they did to you, all of you. But you made it through and we’re back together and there’s no way I’ll ever let anything like that happen to you again. I’d die first.”

She hugged him again. “I know babe. I just get so scared that this is some kind of dream and I’m going to wake up and still be there with Dr. Stanley standing over me.”

“Stanley is dead. This isn’t a dream and I’m not going anywhere without you ever again.” He promised her.

She lifted her head, and they gazed into each other’s eyes, saying nothing for a long minute. “Thank you.” She told him after the moment passed.

“What for?”

“For being so wonderful. For loving me. For being you. Take your pick.” She told him in a distraught voice. The tears we’re close again and she fought with everything she had to keep them at bay.

“I love you Robi.” Was all he said as he held her close.

“I love you too Warren.”

“We will get through this together.” He promised. “And one day, when all this is behind us, I’ll make an honest woman out of you.”

“An honest woman huh? Are you implying that I’m somehow dishonest?” she asked jokingly. He always set her at ease so quickly it amazed the doctor. Just being with him was enough to turn her around emotionally. For a moment she wondered what he’d look like wearing one of those vests they use for emotional support animals and smiled to herself at the picture her mind drew.

“Well, as honest as any wife of mine can be anyhow.” He told her with a smile.

“Wife?” she asked surprised. “Mr. Quinlan was that a proposal?”

“I guess it was.” He told her honestly. “What do you think, want to get hitched?”

“Yes!” She replied with a smile. Suddenly all the sadness left and was replaced by a joy she’d not felt in a very longtime. “We should do it soon as we can.”

“Don’t want to wait until thing’s settle down?”

“We might not still be here when that happens, if it ever happens.” She told him seriously.

He considered her words a moment. “Valid point. So how soon is soon? I’m not sure we can get a valid marriage license, with you being presumed dead and me being a wanted criminal and all.”

“Think that might be an issue?” she joked.

“Yeah, maybe a little one.” He replied with a smile. “City hall might have a few more questions than we’re prepared to answer at this moment.”
He thought for a moment. “We can always ask Ellie. She has that direct line to God thing going. Can’t get a much better union blessing than that. Certainly, better than any member of the clergy or a judge could do.”

“We should ask her.” Robi said. Her face was lit up with a giant smile despite the trial of drying tears on her cheeks. He couldn’t help but smile back. She never failed to make him make him smile.

“We will. After dinner time tonight sound good to you?” He asked still grinning.

“Yes! Sound perfect.” She replied and kissed him lovingly. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, future Mrs. Quinlan.” He told her after the kiss boke.

******************************
Monday Sept 16th 8:15am Greyson Labs:

The September morning sunlight shone brightly through the window as Dr Ryan sat behind Col Jordon’s desk, stunned. In his right hand he continued to hold the red desk phone’s receiver even though the President had hung his end up several minutes before. The commander in chief had just informed him he was now in charge of the governments Acidalia response on the west coast. Col Jordon had been temporarily, for the moment at least, relieved of his duties. Ryan could barely comprehend it. After months of being second and third fiddle he was now the one leading the charge.

Finally, he dropped the phone back onto the hook. He sat back and considered what was the first thing he needed to do, how best to put his stamp on things. There was so much going on at the facility that he hadn’t agreed with. There had been so many half measure’s he was sure would lead them nowhere. Now he was going to have the chance to undo some of it and put things on the correct track. The question was where to start.

He pushed the intercom button; it was quickly answered by Jordon’s secretary, Gloria.

“I’ve just been informed that there’s been a change in command. Can we get everyone into conference room three for a meeting in thirty minutes?” he told her, skipping any and all pleasantries.

“Is the Colonel alright?” She asked. The relationship between them had been decidedly different since she let Ellie Wolf and Mia Blue into the facility some weeks ago. Despite his displeasure with her, Jordon knew she was the most capable person for the job and had kept her on. For that Gloria was profoundly grateful.

Ryan ignored the question. He hadn’t even thought to ask what the Colonel had done never mind how he was doing. Ryan was too wrapped up in his sudden promotion and what I would mean for his reputation and career to care why Jordon had been removed. To him the Colonel had been an obstacle in the way of what would eventually be his due credit once he found the cure, that was now removed. “Please inform everyone on staff of the meeting. I will answer any questions you may have then.” He told her then hung up before she could reply.

He folded his hands and leaned his forehead against them. He couldn’t stop smiling. This was going to be the start of a new era here at Greyson. The president had given him full latitude to do whatever he felt was going to lead to a cure and by God he was going to take and run with it. He grabbed a sheet of paper and began to scribble notes onto it.

Exactly thirty minutes later he walked into conference room three. The place was packed with the lab’s personnel. Every seat around the large table was filled. Along the back wall several staffers stood. All watched as he entered the room and took the seat at the head of the table.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no easy way to say this so I’m going to just come out and say it. Colonel Jordon has been relieved of duty and the president has appointed me to oversee this facility and our research.”

There was quite an uproar following his statement. Everyone was shocked. He was peppered with more questions than he could possibly answer at once. He allowed it to go on for a short time then finally held his hands up.

“Ok, ok. I can’t possibly answer all your questions at once.” He told them. “For the most part I can’t answer them at all. I was not told why the Colonel was relieved, only that that no one knew for sure if it was permanent or only temporarily. Regardless of when or if the Colonel will be back our mission remains the same. Find a cure.” He looked the group over.

“In doing that I’ve decided to make a few changes to the way we do things here. From this point forward we will no longer have to wait for approval before following a lead. If you think you’re onto something, then go for it. If you need something, anything it will be provided for you. The epidemic is out of control and the time for morality has passed. We need to get results no matter the cost. The very existence of out species is at stake.” He looked them over again. “Any questions?”

A hand at the back of the table when up.

“Yes Dr. Harper?”

Rachel Harper, the short, long curly brown haired very recent Harvard medical school graduate, pushed her glasses back up her nose. “When you say the time for morality has passed, what exactly do you mean?”

Ryan gave her a wan smile. “I mean any and all avenues towards a cure are acceptable.”

“Including what? Human experimentation? Exploitation of those infected?” she asked with an edge of nervousness in her voice. She knew she was probably out of place having only been at Greyson for a few weeks, but she felt compelled to ask.

“Yes. Anything we need to do to is now acceptable.” Ryan replied. “Any more questions? No good. Let’s get to work.”

‘Dr. Ryan, I wasn’t finished.” Harper told him.

“You are now Dr. Harper. Get to work. We’ve a lot to do.” He told her cutting her off as he exited the room.

Rachel glanced over at Dr. Sylva who was the lead researcher in her department with a questioning look. The tall olive-skinned man returned her confused look. He ran a hand through his thick bushy black hair. “I don’t know.” Was all he could think to say. Ryan’s pronouncement sat no better with him than with her.

“He can’t be serious” she said angrily.

“It seems he is.”

“But it’s unethical, immoral.” She told her boss. “You..we can’t just start experimenting on innocent people.”

“From his tone I think he may have already started.” Dr. Sylva replied scratching his darkly bearded chin.

“What are we going to do?” Harper asked.

“We are going to continue to do business are usual. If he wants to go in that direction there’s nothing we can do to stop him but, it doesn’t mean we have to use those methods ourselves.” Sylva said deciding on the course of action he would take for his team.

Harper looked at him with relief. “Good. I would have resigned otherwise.”

“We may still wind up doing that Rachel. It will depend on how much pressure we get put under to conform.”

She nodded. “I guess I’ll brush up on my resume’ when I get home. Just in case.”

Sylva was quiet for a moment, then said, “There is also the possibility hey won’t let us leave.”

“Won’t let us leave? They can’t keep us here. We’re not slaves!” Harper exclaimed indignantly.

“Considering what we were just told about the lack of ethical parameters, do you really find it a stretch to say they might lack the same consideration when it comes to us?”

Harper looked at her boss dumb struck. She’s never considered that they might be trapped here. “Do you really think?”

“I don’t know Rachel.” Sylva replied shaking his head.

********************
The containment lab:

Ryan waltzed through the door with a smile plaster onto his face. He was really going to enjoy being in charge of things. It was everything he’d wanted since arriving in California with the initial CDC team. He’d always wondered why they chose Mia Blue to be the lead over him, but now both she and Jordon were gone, and this project was in his hands.
He took a seat behind a computer terminal on the desk by the large observation window. Inside, strapped to a gurney, lay Harold Rogers, the immune man.

Ryan was exceedingly frustrated with their lack of ability to discern what made him different from every other male that had become infected. They’d even injected him with the blood born version of the virus at one point. It had done nothing to him. His body had fought it off and eventually killed it. If you tested his blood now, you’d find no trace of the virus.

Ryan sighed. “What am I going to do with you Harrold?” He asked even though the mic was off, and Rogers couldn’t hear him.

He sat back thinking. As he watched Rogers struggle against his restraints, an idea occurred to him. “Perhaps we’re looking for the wrong thing in the testing centers. Maybe we should be testing for immunity rather than infection.” He thought to himself. The infection rate was growing exponentially daily. It really made no sense no to count the infected, there were just to many. It was safer to just assume any male that came in was going to test positive and move on to testing for the ones like Harold. Then they would be on to something. With just Rogers, they had nothing to compare him to except infected males. Perhaps if they had a collection of immunes a common trait would reveal itself.
Inspired by the new idea, he turned to the computer console and started investigating what would be needed to be done to convert the test that radically without the testers knowing it had been changed.

For better than an hour he researched the possibilities. None seemed to be ideal. To change the test, he was going to need to rework it unless he could come up with a short cut. He had an idea on what he’d need to do, he just needed someone to bounce it off and refine it to something workable.

He rubbed his eyes. Staring at the computer for so long always bothered them. He’d done enough for today, if he didn’t stop soon it would result in a massive migraine headache. Just as he was getting ready to close the file he’d created out a voice from behind him called his name. He turned to see his lab assistant Shelia Cochrane standing behind him.

“Oh Shelia. Perfect. Just the person I was hoping to see.”

“Oh? What can I do for you Doctor?” She asked curiously.

“I’ve struck upon an idea I think might be possible but I’m not sure it’s feasible.” He replied.

“What do you have?” she asked stepping forward and putting a hand on his shoulder.

He smiled at her touch. Shelia had become more than his lab assistant since they’d begun their experimenting on Rogers. Over the weeks he’d shared her bed several times. The sex was a pleasant distraction from the never-ending grind of the research and experimentation. It had helped keep him grounded and focused. He had no delusions of love with her. They were both in it for purely for the physical relief and companionship. Once they were done, he had no doubts they would go their separate ways and never see each other again and that suited him fine.

Jackson reflected on what a shame it was that, Dennis; his now former assistant had become so squeamish after a few weeks of working together. The delusional fool had begun to question their methods and express sympathy for what Harold was going through. Ryan had been sorely disappointed in the young man’s lack of clinical detachment. Eventually he had to have the poor fool taken away and deposited in the new LA quarantine center. He’d simply told Jordon that he’d become infected in a lab accident. Without questioning the Colonel had signed the order and within the hour Dennis was gone.

Shelia on the other hand attacked the work with gusto. Nothing they’d done so far had caused her any kind of inner conflicts, that she expressed openly at least. Jackson Ryan loved that single mindedness. Damn the consequences, the work needed to be done. Science had no place for the weak of heart. Especially when the fate of humanity was at stake.

“I think the testing centers need to refocus on finding immunes instead of the infected. We need more men to test. Howard alone isn’t producing answers fast enough. However, to accomplish that we need to alter the test in such a way that those administering it won’t know it’s different.” He confided.

She put her and on her chin. “Hmm. That’s an interesting idea. Might produce more useful information than we are currently getting. At the same time the only way to test for immunity is to infect everyone that comes through the centers. That’s going to increase the magnitude of the problem and exponentially increase the amount of infectee’s. Do we have the facilities to quarantine that many more people?”

“Does it matter? We here to find a way to stop the spread, the body count left behind in that search isn’t really relevant. Whether they are inside quarantine or out on the street, it doesn’t really matter. It’s already too late the infected ones. We need to concentrate on saving those not infected already. I think this is the best way to find what we’re need to be looking for.” He said seriously.

Shelia recoiled internally at his cavalier attitude but to the doctor she said, “I’m not arguing with you there, Jack. Have you considered what needs to be altered?”

“I have a few ideas. I was actually just composing a letter to the secretary of health and human services and the head of the CDC about a change in the testing protocols. In it I informed them both we’ve come up with better testing method.” He told her.

“You’ve thought this through then?” she asked with a grin on her face.

“Yes. I’ve been working on this for the last few hours. My idea is that we add a “neutral reactive” element to the process. Something to dip the tip of the needles in before drawing the blood that will “help better screen” for the virus. However, the element will truly contain active blood born virus.”

“Interesting.” She replied thoughtfully. She could hardly believe her ears. “I’m not sure that’s the way to do it. I suggested a cheek swab, then dab the swab stick into a individual medium of live virus. If the testing centers pair each one with the blood samples that already bear the patient’s name, we can track them that way. If the virus doesn’t infect the cells in the dish than we know we have an immune. No one will question the extra step if we frame it as a redundant check to prevent false positives.”

He looked at her in awe. “That’s a tremendous idea!” He exclaimed as he stood and kissed her. He mentally slapped himself in the forehead for not thinking of it first. Not that I matter he would present it as his idea regardless, but it was a stroke of genius.

“And it keeps us from making things worse in the name of making them better.” She pointed out.

“It does.” He agreed. “That wasn’t a worry though. It’s far more important we find more immune subjects.”

“Two birds with one stone then.” Shelia replied. As always, she did her best to come off as supportive, but she privately wondered what was going on with Ryan. She understood he as under a lot of pressure but to risk making the situation worse in the name of making it better seemed like the logic of the mad. Shelia decided she would need to get even closer to her boss. Perhaps with a little subtle guidance she’d keep them all from being tried for crimes against humanity when this was all over.

**************************
11:00 am San Francisco City Hall:

The morning sun shone brightly down on the dark colored stone steps leading up to the bay city’s seat of power. The magnificent edifice only served to further enhance the municipalities reputation as a world class city. Not that tourism was the biggest concern these days. It’s famed street cars, restaurants, theaters and amazing vistas were mostly empty these days. With what was to come with today’s announcement, they would be even more deserted moving forward.

Terrance Godell was in the middle of his second term as Mayor. He’d grown up in on of the city’s affluent suburbs, but it was always the gleaming towers and bright lights of the city where his heart lay. Like so many young people in the area, bored with suburban life, he’d flocked there every weekend. He wandered the streets with his friends like groups of faux homeless, looking for excitement and adventure. It was here in his city he discovered he was gay. Joining that community in his early adulthood had been the most liberating time of his life. He felt as if he’d found himself in a way that he never could have at home.

In time he chose politics as his profession, starting out as a city council member and eventually becoming its civic leader. Godell loved the job, representing his city was one of the greatest prides of his life. San Francisco being the epicenter of the Acidalia outbreak dismayed him to such a degree that he could barely put the feeling into words.

The fifty-four-year-old, ebony skinned mayor ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair as he looked over his prepared notes for today’s press conference. Though he seldom used notes during his speeches, today’s presser was going to be the most difficult pronouncement of his six years in office. In his heart he’d hoped since the beginning of the outbreak that things wouldn’t progress to the point where they stood today, that somehow the army or the CDC would find a cure or a vaccine. However, they hadn’t to this point and the spread of the virus had gotten so bad in the city it was time for desperate measures.

Despite the Mayor’s doubts, his chief of staff, Roger McGinn, had reassured him time and again this was the only way was to keep San Francisco’s residents safe and healthy. So here he stood behind a wooden podium, waiting for the signal that they were ready to go live, sweating and praying to God this was the right decision. Taking away civil liberties was a dicey thing and almost assured this would be his last term, but again, desperate times made for desperate measures.

Movement in front down in front caused the mayor to look up. The cameraman was giving him the thumbs up with one hand and counting down with the fingers on the other. Soon as he hit one the camera light came on and Terrance began to speak in his deep baritone voice that had always reassured so many voters that he had their best interests at heart. “My fellow citizens of San Francisco. I come to you today with a heavy heart and grave news. Due to the continued spread of the Acidalia virus and the danger it presents to those of us that call this great city our home, it is my sad duty to announce that starting at 8pm tonight San Francisco will be under Marshal law.” He paused for a moment to let his words sink in.

“Last evening I spoke to the Governor of California and let her know that I along with the city council were taking the unprecedented step of declaring a state of emergency. She agreed that it was time and has pledged the full support of the state.” He went on. “Now many of you may have questions as to what Marshall law includes and I’m here to explain. I know living under these rules will cause tremendous stress not only our private citizen but our business community as well. If we as your civic leaders felt, there was another option I assure you, we would be taking it.”

He sighed to himself. “As of 8 o-clock this evening a city-wide curfew will be in effect. What does that mean you might be asking? It means that everyone needs to be in their residence by that time and stay there until 6am the next morning. The National guard, supported by local and state police, will be deploying throughout the city today. They are here to enforce the curfew. Anyone caught on the streets without a special permit will be remanded to their custody.”

“Additionally, surgical masks will now be required to be worn any time you are in a public setting. Along with that all large-scale public gatherings are here by canceled until further notice. Bars, restaurants and the like will be allowed to remain open but with limited seating options.” The mayor looked out at the crowd of reporters who were busy scribbling on pads or holding up microcassette recorders.

As he was about to resume something in the back of the assemblage of press caught his eye. A small army of men wearing kerchief masks with some kind of red mark he couldn’t make out, were approaching from the street side of the plaza. From his vantage point he could see that each wore black slacks and a white button up shirt with a black band of some kind on their left arms. Towards the middle in the front was a tall man with wild white hair, dressed all in black. The elderly looking gentleman wore no mask.
Godell stared at the man as he approached, his mind playing place the face. The assembled reporters gathered on the small landing at the foot of the steps, confused that he’s stopped speaking turned to see what the mayor was looking at. Heads and cameras turned and faced the oncoming group, giving the audience at home a look at those coming.

On stage the chief of the Godell’s security head, Michael Stevens, stepped up next to the mayor and tugged on his arm. “Sir we need to get you back inside. I don’t like how this looks.” He informed Godell as his other hand reached for the gun holstered under his shoulder.

“What? What’s going on?” Godell asked in confusion. “Who are those people, Stevens?”

The small force of police on duty began pushing their way back through the crowd of press and bystanders to meet the newcomers. The mayor could hear them shouting warning for newcomers to stop and stand down, but the group was ignoring them.

In his ear the Mayor heard Stevens say “We don’t know sir, but I don’t like the looks of this, not one little bit. Now please, Terry, come with me.” He tugged the arm again, but the mayor was still distracted by the man in the lead. Stevens was losing his patients with Godell. The security chief pulled him all the way around, so they were face to face and told him, “If you don’t come right now, I’m going to have to carry you out of here.”

Godell eyes met Stevens. He could see the fear in them and the seriousness of the situation etched in every line of his face. As the Mayor turned to take one last look behind him the crack of gun fire began to ring out. That put an end to any and all resistance on his part. The Mayor did as he’d been trained to in numerous drills and rehearsals and allowed himself to be led away as his security team surrounded him.

The amount of gun fire behind him increased with every step they took. Above the constant cracks and pops the screams of the panicked press and by standers rose in volume as they scrambled away from the growing confrontation. Godell said a silent prayer for their safety. To his left one of his team fell. Two other members of the squad stopped to attend their comrade. The ever-present hand that was placed between his shoulder blades pushed even harder, propelling him towards the imagined safety of the city hall building.

Once they were all inside, the security team stopped pushing. Terrance turned back to get a look at what was happening outside. To his horror, a war had started in the stone plaza outside. To the left a group of officers had formed something of skirmish line and were firing away with pistols, rifles and shot guns, at the oncoming group. It looked to him that they were trying to cover the rest of the officers there as they worked to evacuate the by standers. Everywhere he looked blood covered the dark grey stones. Bodies lay crumpled into heaps. The dead eyes of a female reporter he had known well seemed to stare directly at him, making the Mayor feel accused.

The group assailing the plaza had come armed to the teeth. They formed a line of their own and ceaselessly fired on the police position with military style automatic weapons. They were firing at the onlookers and reporters as the sought to flee the carnage as well. Godell watched in horror as a man and woman running towards the imagined safety of the building were cut in half by high caliber bullets. Their innards splattered on the windows, looking like some kind of abstract art piece made in hell, as they fell.

Inside, the constant ping of bullets bouncing off buildings bullet proof Lexan windows was so loud everyone had to shout to be heard. The foyer was now crowed full of staff and visitors, disbelieving what their eyes told them. Cries of shock and shouts of rage echoed off the wood paneled walls, making it feel as though there were thousand in there.

“Your honor, we need to get you to the secure room sir.” Stevens, who was suddenly back at his side, told him.

“Yes, of course.” He replied meekly and once again allowed himself to be led away.

The team escorted Godell off to his left and down several flights of stairs to the deepest subbasement. On the way down he was joined by five of the city’s council members with their own escorts. From the floors above scared voices echoed off the cement block walls as various staff members and other employees were pushed along by regular city hall cops.

The building’s basement built to be as a bomb shelter in the 1950’s. While the floors above had been redesigned and remodeled countless times the shelter remained mostly untouched. Its only real upgrade was a modern communication system that was installed in the late 90’s.
As for the room itself, it had four-inch-thick steel reinforced doors, built to survive all but a direct hit from a nuclear devise. It had its own independent power fed from a generator sequestered behind some bushes in the park across the street. While the inside was strictly built for function there was a large supply of emergency rations as well as a second room with beds. It was the ideal place to hold up in an emergency, in theory anyhow.

As the room began to fill up with bodies Godell turned to Stevens. “I need to get the TV on. I must see what’s going on out there.” He demanded. Stevens shouted to another member of the Mayors team an a moment later all the televisions in the large room sprang to life.
The assemblage could hear the reporters in the studio speaking.

“This is KLTR news.” The red headed female anchor said. “To recap our coverage, at this moment there appears to be a pitched battle outside San Francisco city hall. An unknown force has seemingly declared war on the city’s police force this morning. Where just fifteen minutes ago Mayor Godell had been giving a speech announcing the institution of Marshal law starting tonight at 8pm is now a scene of such intense carnage we are unable to bring you video.”

“According to reports midway through the Mayor’s speech the unknown and well-armed group approached the city hall plaza where the speech was being given. When police went to intervene, the group opened fire on them as well as those there to see the speech in person as well as many members of the media.” She went on to say. “As you can see by these still pictures there has been tremendous loss of life. We have been told that mayor Godell was safely escorted back inside by his security detail.”

“Cinthia, sorry to interrupt but there seems to be something new going on there.” Her male co-anchor said.

“Yes, Bob, I see it now on our monitors too. There is a man approaching the podium the mayor was speaking from.” Cynthia replied. “Oh my god. That’s Reverend Manning! I’m getting word from out producer that we are going live now to the steps in front of City Hall.”

On screen the scene change from the studio to a tight shot of Manning as the tall white-haired reverend was pointing at a something out of sight. He stood calmly behind the podium the Mayor had been using to deliver his speech to the city.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the tabletop. “My name is Reverend Morris Manning.” He announced into the microphones. “I am here today to spread God’s message to all who live in this city.” He paused a moment, swallowed, then resumed. “The Lord has commanded me to make example here today for all those who would seek to lend assistance to those who have sinned against him.”

Behind the reverend the camera picked up his followers as the barricaded the doors to city hall.

Pointing up at the tv Godell asked, “What are they doing?”

“Looks like they are locking us in, sir.” Stevens replied.

“In God’s name, why?” a female voice from the back of the room cried.

“We don’t know.” Stevens replied. “What we need right now is for everyone to stay calm. Panicking will only make this situation that much worse.”

Though they were buried deep in the earth everyone in the room became aware of the far-off sound of drilling. A high pitch squeal followed shortly thereafter.

“What’s going n here Stevens?” Godell demanded.

Stevens put his walkie talkie back in his pocket and told the Mayor, “I’ve got two of my men headed out to see what’s going on. We should have an answer in a couple minutes.” The squealing sound was growing louder by the moment.

The Tv’s droned on. “We are here today to show to all who would seek to deter us from this holy mission that you have no chance.” Manning told the camera. “As proof, the Lord has selected those in the building behind me. The very seat of your city’s power is to be sacrificed so that all can see what becomes of those who would oppose Gods will.” Manning pounded the podium with his left hand as he finished his speech.
For a long moment there was only silence. Then suddenly it was shattered by the sound from the rear of the building of a tremendous explosion. It was followed by several others in rapid succession. The ground shook beneath the Reverend’s feet and he smiled. He lifted his face back to the camera still smiling and tipped his hat at it.

Within moments the entirety of City Hall was engulfed in flames. As the inferno raged the sound of sirens could be heard in the distance as reinforcements for the defeated police and fire fighters rushed to the scene.

Sensing it was time to take his leave the Reverend put his hat back on and stalked off with what was left of his followers in tow.

******************
The Sisters:

Nicole stood slack jawed as she watched the destruction of San Francisco City Hall unfolding on the television in front of her. The were congregated in the large central room which was well on its way to becoming an infirmary. Beside her were Ellie, Thomas and Linda and behind them a crowd of construction workers stood looking on uncomprehendingly. Not a single one of them couldn’t believe what their eyes were telling them. The sheer audacity of the Reverend’s attack on the city left them in shock.

Seeing him depart, casually walking away like a man without a care in the world surrounded by his followers, as City Hall burned, brought feeling of fear and rage unlike anything Nicole had ever experienced. “How?” was all the tall red head could muster. “How could they just let him leave like that?”

“All those people.” Linda added as they watched the building collapse under its own weight.

“Doesn’t look much like there was anyone to stop him, Nicole.” Ellie replied pointing at all the bodies laying about.

The voice on the tv was droning on. “This is a disaster of unimaginable proportions. Authorities, while reluctant to comment on the numbers, have admitted that the death toll may easily exceed one hundred people. It’s not known whether Mayor Godell, who was last seen retreating inside City Hall surrounded by his security people, was still in the building at the time of the explosions but being that neither he or any spokes people have issued any statements as of this time it believed that he along with several members of the city council as well as many city employee and visitors are among the victims.”

“Hang on, I’m getting word now from our producers that we’re going live to San Francisco police headquarters where Police Chief Hilda Grady is going to be making a statemen momentarily.”

The camera switched to a shot of a podium set up in some kind of conference room with the crest of the San Francisco police behind it. After a few heartbeats several officers led by a short, fiftyish looking, ebony skinned woman, wearing a police uniform walked in.

It was the woman that stepped up to the microphones. “Good afternoon.” Chief Grady started. “Let me start by offering our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those effected by today’s tragedy at City Hall. As of now our list of those missing is incomplete. As such I am unable give any kind of accurate measurement in terms of lives lost in today’s attack. Once that information becomes available and next of kin has been informed, we will release the numbers and names to you. I can say that as this time it is believed that Mayor Godell was still inside the building when it collapsed.”

A reporter’s hand shot up as the chief took a moment to collect herself.

“Yes?” The Chief said pointing at the raised am.

“Chief Grady, Mellissa Travis CBC news” the reporter said standing up. “We all know this was perpetrated by Reverend Morris. He’s been in our city for months committing similar outrages at testing centers and by some reports infected individuals unlucky to fall under his purview. Can you tell us what the police are going to do about this man and his followers? Are you finally going to take the threat he poses to the city’s safety seriously?”

Hilda felt instant rage rising up in her chest at the insinuation. In truth the police had been desperately searching for the Reverend and his followers, but they’d always managed to stay one step ahead of the police. Many on the force felt there was someone helping him but no evidence as to who that might be had been found. Even bringing in the state police to help resulted in no progress, much to everyone’s frustration.

In surprisingly calm voice she replied “We have been diligently searching the Reverend and his people since the first attack they perpetrated on a testing center several weeks ago, sadly to no avail. That said as of today there is nothing more important than bringing him to justice and we will use every avenue available to us to track him down. I spoke to the Governor just before we got started here and he has promised me whatever support we need. With that said, we are going forward with implementing Marshal law in the city starting this evening. With the help of the state police and the national guard we will be selecting random parts of the city and conducting a house-by-house search for the reverend and his people. Mayor Gustafson in Oakland has informed me that they will be taking similar measures as have the police chiefs in all the towns in the surrounding area. We have also set up a tip line that citizens can use to phone in leads. The number is 800-555-6172. If the Reverend is still in the area he will be found and brought to justice, I promise you all that.”

Another reporter shouted out, “what should citizens do if they spot him?”

“Call us. Under no circumstance should anyone try to confront this man on their own. He’s far to dangerous. If you see him call the police and let the professionals, come and deal with him.” Grady replied.

Dozens of reporter’s hands shot up looking to ask follow-up questions. Grady, realizing she may have said to much already put both her hands up and said “That’s all I have to say at this time. When we have more to update you on will let you all. Thank you for your time.”

As the chief walked off stage and more questions, that she ignored were shouted at her the camera returned to the studio. As the anchors launched into a recap of what the just watched Thomas turned to the others and asked, “Who is this clown Manning?”

“He’s a religious nut case that think’s God has appointed him to punish those infected with the bug for “sinning against god.” Nicole replied.

“We were going to attempt to deal with him. Nicole and I had been discussing what to do. Warren even infiltrated his group at my behest.” Ellie told her.

“Then why is he still around?” Linda asked.

“Because the army raided our warehouse before we could get anywhere with our investigation.” Ellie said angrily. “And now this has happened. One more thing to lay at Colonel Jordon’s feet.”

Nicole nodded in agreement. Seeing the confusion on the others faces she added “He’s the commander of the army’s acidalia response. He’s ordered the raid on the warehouse.”

Linda and Thomas nodded.

“So, are we going to go after the Reverend now?” Thomas asked.

“We don’t have the same resources we had back then, but I think we need to remain vigilant and be ready for the next time he pops up out of whatever hold he’s hiding in.” Ellie replied.

“Maybe our newfound army friends can get a lead on his where abouts.” Linda said.

“Can’t hurt to ask.” Nicole agreed.

“Yes. I suppose they might. Plus, it would be a good test of who side they are really on.” Ellie agreed.

*****************
4:15pm Newport Beach CA:

He was sitting parked off the side of the road and enjoying the view of the late afternoon sun as it shown over the Pacific Ocean. The high cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway with its many turns out and vista spots made for some incredible views of the earth’s largest ocean. From this height the water looked peaceful, almost serene. The bright sunshine, cloudless skies and warmer than usual temps for mid-September added to rare peaceful moment he was enjoying.

He reclined back in the driver’s seat. With both windows opened and the top down, basking in the sunshine, he could smell the salt on the light breeze. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the last time he’d felt so at peace. Sometime before the late May outbreak of Acidalia, before signing on to help the soon to be vice president in his plot to make the Fuller administration look as bad as possible, surely. Probably the last time he saw his daughter Amanda, if he thought about it. She was excited to be finishing her junior year of high school, if he remembered correctly. Much as he loved the kid, he was the very definition of absentee father. In his line of work, it was best to keep your distance from those you loved lest they be used against you. It caused a lot of tension between the two of them, which he hated and hoped someday to make up for.

The ringing of the cell phone interrupted his reverie. He grimaced and for a moment he fantasized about ignoring it. Knowing that would never happen he opened his eyes just enough to see who was calling. Recognizing the number as his boss’ he rolled his eyes and thought “So much for a moments peace.”

“Harkin here.” He answered.

“Harkin! What the fuck is going on in San Francisco?” Davis Carlyle hollered into his ear.

“I don’t know sir. I haven’t heard of anything. Could you be more specific?” he replied not comprehending. Obviously, Carlyle was upset but over what he had no idea.

“More specific?!” Carlyle bellowed. “Have you been hiding in a hole all day?”

“I’ve been out working with a new recruit.” Harkin replied calmly. “I haven’t see the news all day.”

Carlyle pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at it incredulously before speaking again. “That maniac Manning blew up San Francisco City Hall this morning!”

Harkin was too stunned to speak for several seconds. “He blew it up?” he questioned to make sure he heard right. “Are we one hundred percent sure it was him?”

“He got in front of a camera and gave a little speech before his people blew it up so, ya, I’m pretty sure fucking it was Manning.” Carlyle replied sarcastically.

“Where did he get the ordinance?”

“Where the hell do you think he got it? Jesus fuckin Christ Harkin, pull your head out of your ass!” Davis demanded.

“Sorry Mr. Carlyle. Just trying to wrap my head around it.” Harkin explained.

“Well, you better get your head straight and get your ass to San Francisco. We need him found right away. We need him dispatched before the cops find him. He could the blow the whole operation out of the water!”

“Yes sir, Mr. Carlyle I’m on my way there now. Going to take me about three hours to get on site. In the meantime, I’ll get our people in the Bay area looking for him.”

“Good. Get it done. Extreme prejudice. Understand? No survivors.”

“Yes, sir I understand.” Harkin replied.

“Get it done, Harkin or it’s your ass!” Carlyle threatened as he slammed the phone down.

Harkin sighed heavily. Shook his head and smiled in admiration. “Got to hand it to you Reverend, you sure as hell know how to stir shit up.”
He picked up the phone a dialed a number. “Ya, it’s me. We need to get everyone out looking for Manning. Yes, everyone we have. Yes, even the new girl. Have her ready to roll. I’ll take her with me personally. I’ll be there in a couple hours depending on traffic.” He said hanging the phone up.

Harkin took one last look at the Pacific and sighed. After all this shit was over he was treating himself and Amanda to a nice long vacation. He put the car in gear and drove off.

*********************
San Francisco Tuesday Sept 17th 3am:

The earlier thunderstorms had changed over to a cool light rain that had continued to fall into the evening and night. Added to an equally cool light breeze she went through bouts of shivering that were uncontrollable at times. For what seemed like the millionth time she took the long look down at the red and blue flashing lights assembled far below through water-soaked sandy blonde hair which hung limply over her forehead. How long had she been sitting up here, trying to work up the nerve to finally end it all she wasn’t sure, but quite a crowd had formed on the street many stories below.

Police and Fire department lights flashed on the street, looking like twinkling Christmas lights from this height. A fire truck had out it’s ladder up as far as it would reach in an effort to get her. She could see the end of it several stories below, but she’d planned this out for too long to make that kind of mistake. This was going to be her end, no one was going to stop her from jumping once the time came.

Inside the office behind her stood god only knew how many cops and medics. An hour or so ago a police psychologist and leaned out of the window and tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was made up. Acidalia had taken everything from her, wife job and family, all gone. Without them, there was no reason to go on.

A stronger gust of wind blew through the soaked thin blue dress she wore, making her teeth chatter again. She hugged herself in response. The chill making her wonder why she still waited. Deep down inside she knew the time had to be right.

She needed to speak to Karen one last time. She needed to explain before. The authorities had been trying to contact her but thus far, they’d not been able to reach her wife. Or so thy said. For all she knew Karen had refused to come. That would be right in line with the way things had been going for them since she got sick.

Their estrangement started as soon as she’d woken up transformed by the virus. Karen hadn’t understood, she hadn’t been able to deal with what he’d become. Worst of all she blamed him for falling victim to it. Insinuating that he’d been somehow disloyal to her, despite his repeated claims of innocence, and become infected. The accusation crushed her. In their entire time together she’d never cheated, never thought about cheating. Karen and the kids had been more than enough to keep him happy and satisfied.

She’d waited, watched and hoped things would settle down. That they’d finally talk, try to figure out how to move on but after weeks of biding her time looking for some sign of thaw, she finally came to see none was coming. Nothing she did made a single bit of difference. No overture was enough to change things. It was a hard realization to come too. So here she sat, hoping to force the issue.

Tears rolled freely down her cheeks, blurring her vision as she took one last look at the ground. How small and inconsequential everything looked from forty stories up. She was going to make a mess when she landed.

“That’s a hell of a long way down.” She heard a voice say echoing her thoughts.

“Stay away.” She warned assuming it was another cop trying to lure her off the edge. What they didn’t seem to understand is coming of the ledge wasn’t going to solve anything. Once they knew she was infected it would be off to quarantine. She’s much rather die then go to one of those places.

“Trust me honey I have no interest in going any further out there then I need to.” The soft feminine unfamiliar voice said.

“I’m not going to be talked out of this. It’s all over. Everything in my life has gone to shit. The world would be a far better place without me.” She cried.

“I know that feeling well.” The voice replied. “Hey, since we’re chatting, mind telling me your name?”

“What difference does it make?”

“None honestly, other than knowing who I’m talking to and who’s next of kin to contact once you land.”

She flashed a ghost of a smile. “My name is Voss. Used to be Richard Voss now I got by Rachel.”

“Nice to meet you, Rachel. My name is Katie Becket. Used to be Kevin.”

“You have the virus too?”

“I do.” Becket replied.

Katie needed some time to herself this evening so, she waited until lights out and snuck out of the Sisters facility to take a walk. She needed to think, to decide what she really wanted for her future. Was military life how she was going to spend her remaining years? She knew the military certainly thought it was going to be. As far as they were concerned everyone at the fort was government property. She didn’t want to cause any trouble. She understood the Russov would be pissed if she found out, but this was the first time since being sent to Nebraska she’s been able to get away.

The cool rain had been refreshing. Her changed physiology still amazed her at times. Besides the physical enhancements she was never too warm or too cold, no matter what the thermometer read. Sometimes her abilities excited her, other times she was terrified of them. So far no one had been able to match her physically, not even Russov for all her bluster and intimidation tactics would stand a chance. That was the terrifying part. What would happen if they realized what she was. If they uncovered the true extent of her enhancements. She wasn’t anxious to find out so she’d kept new discoveries to herself as much as she could manage.

Katie hadn’t had any destination in mind when she left the facility. Fresh air and a few minutes of freedom was all she craved but the longer she walked the more she felt drawn to the downtown area. Once she arrived, Becket saw all the lights and this woman up on the ledge, she felt compelled to come speak to her. Now she at least understood how she’d known. Her sense of enhanced new women was far greater than she’d let on.

“Any chance you’ll come inside here and talk to me?” Becket asked hopefully.

“No. I told you once already, you’re not going to talk me out of this.” Voss replied sullenly.

“Ok. I was kind of hoping you wouldn’t make come out there with you. I’m not a huge fan of heights but I guess I’m going have to.” Katie ducked down and stepped out on the cold, wet stone ledge.

“No one asked you to come out here. No one asked you to do anything.” Rachel caught Becket’s movement out of the corner of her eye and shook her head. “Stay back!” she yelled. “I have nothing to say to the police.”

“I’m not a cop. They’re in the room over there.” She pointed to Rachels left. “I snuck up here on my own. Before I came out with you, I don’t think they knew I was here.” Becket explained.

“Who are you then? Why are you even here?” Voss asked with increasing agitation.

“I’m with the army.”

“The army? They sent the army after me?” she asked incredulously.

“No. No one sent me after you. And yeah, the army.” Katie said with a grimace of remembrance.

“I didn’t know they allowed people like us to serve.” Voss told her.

“It’s a long story.” Becket replied.

“Do we have anywhere else to be?” Voss asked legitimately curious.

Becket glanced over Rachels shoulder at a policeman with questioning look on his face and half his torso out the office window. He moved to step out onto the ledge. She shook her head no. The relieved looking officer and nodded his ascent and slipped back inside. Voss looked in that direction just in time to see him vanishing. “Thanks for that.”

“Crowded enough out here as is.” Becket replied. Another gust of wind blew by. Even though it didn’t bother her, Becket shivered. “Damn its cold out here.”

“Yes, freezing.” Voss said without much enthusiasm. “So how did you get into the army if you’re a virus victim? I’m dying to hear.”

Becket cleared her throat as she decided where to start. “I was never happy with who I was before, when I was Kevin, I mean. My life was shit. Shit mostly of my own making if I’m honest. I was a mess, depressed, even tried to kill myself at one point.”

Voss nodded.

“Obviously that didn’t work out.” Becket said with a small laugh remembering the frustration of the gun misfiring then going off when she tossed it aside. “Then one day I got so sick I thought I was going to die. I thought I did actually cause when I woke up, I looked like this.” She ran her arms down along her body to illustrate. “It was like my prayers had been answered. Not that I wanted to be a girl, but I just wasn’t loser Kevin anymore. I grabbed all the cash I had and skipped town, set myself up in Dallas and…” she sighed not sure how truthful she felt like being.
“And I made some bad choices that got a lot of guys innocent infected.” She finally admitted.

“You decided to party down huh?”

“Ya. Looking back, I’m not real proud of myself but at the time I was having a blast.” Katie admitted. “Then one night this guy just would not take fuck off as an answer and he got handsy. I’m a lot stronger than I look and I hurt him pretty bad. After I ran but the cops found me. I knocked a few of them around but ultimately failed to escape. They tazed the shit out of me. I still have the scars from where it burned my skin. Once I was subdued, they turned me over to the government who figured out I was enhanced, or they already knew.”

“Voss swallowed hard. “They knew you had abilities?”

They must have cause next thing I knew I was in Nebraska. I was in this, I don’t know, surgical suit I guess is the best way to describe it, and they told me I was now in the army. I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to be and made as much trouble as I could. Then they taught me the facts of life and what happens to people like me when we don’t do what they want. After that I had a change of heart and dedicated myself to my training cause I didn’t want to be a lab rat for some mad scientist and here I am.”

“They kidnapped you?” Voss asked shocked.

“Ya. Civil liberties aren’t what they used to be these days when you’re infected.” Becket told her.

“I guess not.” Voss agreed. What do you mean your enhanced?”

“I’m really strong, fast, agile. Couple other less physical things too.”

“You can climb up forty stories without being seen like some kind of spider girl or something.” Rachel added.

“Yup that too.” Becket replied with a smile hoping she was making some progress with connecting to Voss. “Maybe she won’t take a high dive after all.” She thought hopefully, then said “Ok, your turn now. Tell me why you’re out here.”

“I don’t want to discuss it.” Voss replied through chattering teeth. She turned her head away and once again stared longingly at the far away street. It beckoned her and oh how she wanted to answer that call.

“Your choice.” Becket replied trying not to show her disappointment. “If you’re not going to tell me why then how about we call it a night and go back inside?”

“No! I have nothing to live for!” Voss screamed and inched forward towards the abyss. “I don’t want this! Why don’t you understand that? I don’t want any of this! I just want my life back!”

Becket watched as Rachel lifted her butt off the ledge and began to tip forward. With her enhanced senses it seemed as if Voss was moving in slow motion. The new woman was torn between honoring Voss’ desire to die and not wanting to see this poor soul splattered all over the sidewalk.

Deciding she trusted her body to know what to do and hoped over Voss, landing on her left side, turned and in one fluid motion scooped the woman back from the edge of oblivion. She tossed Rachel onto her shoulder and with balance of a high wire artist scampered back along the ledge and popped back in through the office window she’d come out of. It all happened so fast Voss didn’t have time to react until she was sitting on the shag carpet of some CEO’s office.

She looked up at Becket who was slamming the window closed. Voss clambered to her feet and ran at Katie, punching at her in frustration.
“You bitch! Who the fuck are you to do that! I want to die! Let me die…” she screamed and sobbed.

Becket accepted the beating and never raised a hand to defend herself. Voss was no light weight. Her punches felt like being hit with a hammer, but Katie stood and took it. After a few seconds Voss collapsed against into a sobbing mess. Becket held the new woman tenderly, letting her cry. Outside someone was pounding on the door and demanding it be opened.

“Fucking cops.” Katie thought to herself. “They’ll want to put her in quarantine.” Voss was in no condition to deal with that in Becket estimation. To the person pounding on the door, she yelled “She’s safe, just a little bit upset right now. Can you give us a few minutes please.”
The pounding stopped.

“Rachel honey, I know it looks bleak right now but believe me jumping off a building isn’t the answer. I know a place where you can go, and they will help you get through what’s happened. A place where you might even be able to build a new life eventually.”

“I just want to die.” Voss cried. “Everything I ever loved is gone. My wife is horrified by what I’ve become. She’s taken our kids away, refuses to talk to me. I lost my job. My house. I have nothing left. Please just let me go.” She pleaded and struggled to pull away. Strong as she was, Becket was stronger and held her tight until she gave in.

“I can’t do that Rachel.” Katie told her. “If I can get turned around anyone can. Please believe me, you’re far from the only one that’s lost because of the virus. Please come with me. Try it and if it’s not for you or you still want to end things then no one will try to stop you. I promise.”

“Promise?” Voss asked through tear-streaked eyes.

“Yes.”

“Fine I’ll go with you.” Voss relented.

“Terrific.” Becket said with a smile as she let go. “You’ll see the Sisters...” Before Katie could finish her sentence Voss pushed her, send her crashing into the wall behind her and using all her considerable strength dove through the closed window. The half inch thick glass shattered, pieces falling out into the open air and twinkling like so many diamonds.

Voss was free falling before Becket made it to the window. Katie screamed as Rachel fell into the darkness. Becket watched helplessly as she fell, her arm was stretched out the window as if Voss could fly back up and grasp it. Unable t watch the end Becket turned away just before the new woman crashed into the pavement far below.

“No.” she repeated in a thin voice choked with emotion as she slid down into a seated position. She buried her face into her crossed arms and began to cry. The rain poured in through the shattered window, soaking her. The pounding on the door resumed, male voices ordered her to open it and still she sat and sobbed for the life of someone she barely knew.

**********************
Confirmed cases: 122,341, 872

Actual Cases: 165,290,648

End part XIX

I'm sorry its been awhile since the last part was posted, but here you go.
Thanks for reading my little dystopian tale. Hope you are enjoying it. Please leave a comment and let me know what you liked and what you didn't.
Love and hugs
Amanda