Acidalia XXIV
By Amanda D.

Wednesday October 7th 9:37am:

The Sisters compound:

Robi stood over the bed checking her semi-conscious patient’s pulse. She carefully watched the second tick off on her wristwatch as she counted heartbeats. Satisfied, her vital signs were close enough to normal, she jotted the information down on the victim’s chart. As she did, she quietly observed the small, still body on the bed hoping for signs she was regaining consciousness.

It was unfortunate to be reunited with Carol in this manner. Robi had always gotten along well with the girl, enjoying her sense of humor and feistiness, especially when Vera would get on her nerves. In the doctor’s opinion it was a sad day when she walked away from the Sisters.

Dr. Goings had always held out a small bit of hope that the little firecracker, as she often thought of Carol, would find her way back home eventually. Those harsh words and stubbornness would give way to reason and love, and they’d be reunited. Though the girl was unaware, that wish had finally come to pass, however, unconscious with broken and crushed vertebrae in her neck was not the way she’d envisioned it.

Since her arrival in the ambulance yesterday, the poor thing hadn’t so much as moaned in her sleep. With the help of Mia, they’d managed to get the girl’s neck realigned and secured with a solid brace to keep her from accidentally moving it and causing more damage. It was about all they could do until the swelling around her cervical spinal cord went down. That would show the true extent of any damage to the nerve bundles inside the bone.

Robi understood the injury had been an accident on Thomas’ part, but, considering her size, the young one was lucky to be alive. Judging by the extent of the damage to Carol’s ribs and neck, the impact with the wall must have been akin to getting hit but a large truck moving at fairly high speed. There was little wonder in Robi’s mind that there were reports of a large indent on the wall she’d impacted on.

To her credit, despite what Carol had done to Nicole immediately preceding her own injury, Thomas had been in constant contact with the doctor’s attending the young new woman, always asking for progress reports. Though there had been relatively little progress to report the effort put in by the new woman was admirable. It was obvious that she held deep regrets over the situation.

Robi sighed as she took one last look at Carol’s prone form. She reached down and gave the girl’s limp hand a reassuring squeeze before heading back out to the main infirmary floor. She closed the heavy yellow curtain sectioning off Carol’s tiny room from the rest of the bed filled area, giving the youngster a little bit of privacy.

She looked over the three quarters full infirmary and sighed again. There were so many here that needed attention but only three doctors available to see to their needs. The shortage of trained professionals was supplemented by a hoard of volunteers. Many of the Sisters themselves helped when they were available as well as many of this fully recovered from the virus. If their ranks continued to grow at the current pace, they were going to need a separate housing facility before long.

Robi watched as several volunteers puttered around the space, checking the needs of those conscious and the condition of those in the transformation induce coma. The group of untrained new woman brought food, emptied bed pans, change diapers for those who need it, among other duties. One thing Acidalia did not do was interrupt digestive functions.

In another small alcove of a room across the way with it’s curtain pulled back, she spotted Thomas sitting next to Nicole's bed. Like Carol, the redhead had yet to regain consciousness. Removing the bullet Carol had put into her had been easy enough as it sat lodged in the soft tissue of her chest. The surprising part had been the newly healed pink scar on her Aortic artery they discovered during the surgery.

The freshness of the scar indicated the artery had been severed by the bullet and somehow her body had healed the wound before she bled out. How that could happen was beyond Robi’s ability to explain, as were many of the miraculous changes the virus brough to the bodies of those lucky enough to come out of it enhanced.

Nicole, like so many others of her ilk, certainly healed much faster than a normal person, but she’d never shown this level of recuperative abilities. Not even Paka prestigious recuperative powers healed at the rate that would have been necessary to keep from dying of the wound. Yet somehow Nicole had. It was mystery.

When she asked Thomas and Becket, both of whom claimed to have attended to Nicole immediately after she was shot, about what went on at the house, she was met with shrugs and denial of knowledge of anything strange or unusual happening. Both claimed to have simply taken turns applying pressure to the wound until Harkin had arrived with the trauma kit. Robi wasn’t sure she believed the pair but unless they decided to admit to doing something she had no choice but to take their word.

Having crossed the infirmary floor, the doctor knocked on the small wall of Nicole’s cubicle before entering.

“Hey Robi.” Thomas said standing up and giving the doctor a hug.

“Hey sweetie. How’s our patient?” she asked. “Sleeping. She was mumbling something earlier, but I couldn’t make out what she was saying.” Thomas reported.

“Mumbling is a good sign. With the extent of the blood loss, she experienced, brain damage is a real concern. The mumbling shows at least her speech center is on good shape.”

“Brain damage?”

“Yes. There is a possibility of it. Despite surviving the gun shot, she lost a large volume of blood. For a non-enhanced person, it would have been game over. She’s very lucky to still be alive.”

Thomas nodded. “How’s the youngster doing?”

Robi laughed. “She’d be pissed if she heard you refer to her like that.”

“She doesn’t like that?”

“No. Not at all,” she said with a fading smile. “Far as how she’s doing, there’s been no changes in her condition. We just have to wait for her to wake up at this point. No way to tell what else, if anything, might be wrong with her until then.”

Thomas shook her head remembering the rage that ran through her after seeing her lover shot. She’d just lost her mind and tossed the kid out of the way without thinking. It was the scene that kept replying in her mind every time she closed her eyes. The most disturbing part was the memory pulled her in two directions at once.

In her heart, she knew she could never let herself lose control like that again. What happened to Carol could never be repeated. It horrified her to think she’d hurt her like that and yet, there was a part of her that enjoyed using her abilities to their fullest.

Much to her dismay, there was a deep-seated desire to run and rip and tear and fight. It scared her, this piece of herself, while at the same time it was so attractive to her that it was nearly sexual. She understood on some level that this was part of her ever-evolving transformation, but she didn’t see it happening to anyone else. None of the others were losing control like she had and she couldn’t understand what was different in her. The one thing she did understand was she had to keep these desires to herself for now.

She considered telling Nicole but was afraid of how she’d react. Also how do you tell someone, anyone, that some strange part of you is becoming a crazed animal that’s desperately trying to get out? How would you explain it in a way that didn’t come off as batshit crazy or worse? No, for now, this was a problem she needed to figure out on her own.

She wished Paka was still there. If there was anyone that would have understood it was her. Towards the end Paka had seemed to be going slightly off the rails. Perhaps it was something the cow had done to her back at Reynolds. She’s been injected with so much of only god knew what there was a chance. Maybe she should ask Robi to run some tests.

“Earth to Thomas.” Robi, who was still standing in front of her, said waving a hand in front of the dark-haired new woman’s face.

“Hmm? Oh sorry. Mind wandered.”

“You should be careful, that thing is too little to be off on its own like that.” Robi joked.

“Har, har, har. Ain’t you the funny one today.” Thomas replied sticking her tongue out.

“I thought it was funny.” Robi told her with a giggle. “Anyhow, I was asking if you’re doing ok?”

“I’m good, right as rain. I mean I’m stressed over Nicole and what I did to Carol but dealing best I can.”

Robi nodded. She reached out and took Logan’s hand in hers and gave a gentle squeeze. “You know Thomas, we’ve been through a lot together. If you ever need talk, I’m here for you.”

Thomas smiled. She adored Robi. Had since the first time they met. “That goes both ways, Rob.”

Robi smiled and let go of her hand. “Good”. She let several second tick by then added, “I heard from the others that you ran into your wife on the street outside the park. She was part of the group that kidnapped Sam I believe.”

“Yes, she was.” Thomas replied stiffly.

“Anything you want to talk about with that?”

Thomas thought it over for a short bit before replying. “I’m not sure I have much to say yet. I don’t really know how I feel about any of it. So much has happened since we first saw each other, I haven’t had the opportunity to have any kind of real conversation with Yvonne. I was gone for so long and the world has changed so much since I was sent to Reynolds. I have no idea how she wound up with that group or where our girls are or anything.”

Robi nodded. “It’s like a time warp or something. We stood still and remained the same, but the world changed in so many ways.”

“Yes.” Thomas agreed. “I did tell that little weasel Harkin that I wanted to speak to her though.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he would do his best. I told him I would hold him responsible if she got dropped down a deep dark hole somewhere before it happened.”

“Did he take you seriously?”

“I guess. He called me this morning, and I’m supposed to meet up with him a bit later to go see her.”

“Once you’re done and get back, I’m here for you if you need someone.”

Thomas stood and gathered Robi in for a hug. “Thank you.”

“Ok, need to go see how Sam’s doing. Do you want to come?”

“No, I think I’m going to stay here until it’s time to go with Nikki in case she wakes up. I want her to see a friendly face first thing.”

Robi nodded. “That’s a great idea. If she does wake up, come get me or Mia right away.”

“I will. See you later.”

Robi walked out of the cubicle thinking Nicole was in the best possible hands at the moment. As she started across the room a voice called out to her. She turned to see Carol’s friend Maria headed her way.

“Doctor Robi.” The young girl called out to her.

She turned and smiled. She’d only known Maria for a day, but she had to admit, she really liked the kid. She was full of piss and fire and loyal to Carol to a fault. Robi had been watching as the young girl doted over her unconscious friend and secretly wondered if Carol knew Maria was in love with her. Not that she would ever say anything, but she found it endearing.

“Yes Maria? What can I do for you?”

“I was just wondering how Carol was doing.”

“She’s the same. You can go sit with her if you like.” Robi replied.

“Yeah maybe I will a little bit later.” Maria told her. “I was actually wondering if there was anything I could do to help you guys out. This place is kinda crazy and I feel like a slacker sitting around on my ass while the rest of you are busting your humps taking care of all these people.”

Maria was amazed at the size of the place. Never in her wildest dreams had believed something like this existed in today’s world. And yet here it was, full of sick people, just like Carol had described their old place. Everyone here seemed to get along and were dedicated to helping those sick with the virus. How could she, in good conscience, not pitch in until Carol was better? Living on the streets had taught her that those who worked together made out the best.

Robi smiled. “I’m sure we can find you something to do around here if that’s what you want.”

“It is.”

She looked around for a minute. “Why don’t you go help Jenna over there. She’s handing out meals. I’m sure she could use some help.”

Maria looked over at where Robi was pointing. “You got it doc,” she replied and headed over in the direction of the food cart.

Robi smiled as the kid walk away. She watched as Maria went over and introduced herself to Jenna and started picking food trays for those well enough to eat solids.

With that in hand, Robi turned away and walked over to the small room Sam was staying in. Like Nicole’s there was a heavy curtain separating her from the rest of those in beds. She gave a quick knock in the door frame and stepped in to find Mia hovering over the doctor.

“Well, I see you’ve got all the help you could ask for.” Robi said announcing her presence. “How’s Samantha feeling today?”

“Hi Robi,” Sam replied. Her speech was still a bit slurred, and her right eye remained a bit unfocused but considering she’d been hit on the head with a shovel handle at least twice it wasn’t the worst after effect the doctor could think of. If Carol had really mean to kill Sam, she wasn’t more than two or three swings away from accomplishing that goal.

“How your head feeling?” Dr. Goings asked.

“She’s still dizzy when she tries to sit up.” Mia told her.

“And why would she be trying to sit up?” Robi asked Dr. Blue. “She’s on orders to remain lying down.”

“I just thought she’d be more comfortable.” Mia replied.

“So much for that huh?” Robi replied sarcastically. “While I appreciate, you’re a doctor too Mia, you’re not an MD, so how about we leave Sam's recovery in my hands for a bit?”

“I’m perfectly capable of looking after my daughter, MD or not.” Mia retorted. There was bit of anger in her voice. Robi, deciding Dr. Blue was entitled to be off her game a bit after yesterday, opted to let it go.

Before anyone could take things any further, Sam spoke up. “Mom cut the crap. You know Robi’s only looking out for my best interests.”

Mia nodded with surly look on her face.

“Is there some kind of issue you want to discuss with me Dr. Blue?” Robi asked. She couldn’t think of any reason why Mia would be pissed off at her, but it certainly seemed like she was.

“With you individually? No.” Mia replied. “With everyone in his place yes!”

“And what would that problem be?” Ellie voice asked from outside the room. The three of them looked over and like magic, there stood the diminutive leader of the Sisters. Next to her stood a woman with short brown hair, looking distinctly uncomfortable, that none of them had ever seen before.

“I’d rather discuss it with you when we’re alone.” Mia told her.

“Then I will make time once I’m done giving Dr. Turner here her tour of the facility.” Ellie said. “In the meantime, let me introduce everyone. Dr. Leah Turner you know Sam and Mia and this is Robi Goings.”

“Your Dr. Turner?” Mia asked.

“I am.”

“Sam, you know who she is don’t you?” Mia asked excitedly, her foul mood apparently forgotten for the moment.

“I don’t think so, but things are kind of fuzzy for me on all fronts right now.”

“Dr. Turner used to go by Bill Batson, before Acidalia got ahold of her anyhow.” Mia informed her.

“Bill? Oh my God! Bill!” Sam said, trying to push herself up. She made it about halfway when a wave of nausea and vertigo sized her making the entire room spin. “Whoa,” she said as she lay back down. “Bad idea there.”

“You need to look after yourself Sam.” Turner told her. “It’s good to see you free from the containment lab.”

“It’s great to see you too. Jordon told me you were infected and had been sent you to quarantine. I... I’d feared the worst.”

“That son of a bitch Brady, tried to send me to Reynolds when I wasn’t as cooperative as he wanted me to be, but a nurse named Evelyn Wright took my place.” Turner explained. “She thought once they discovered she wasn’t virus positive they’d set her free thinking she was sent by mistake or something but no one I know of has ever heard from her again.”

“You knew Brady?” Robi asked.

“He was a military liaison during the initial stages of the outbreak. Which is a euphemism for the guy they sic’d on you when you weren’t doing exactly as the government wanted you too.”

“I met him myself in Reynolds.” Robi said with a shiver. “She’d been transformed by then, but son of a bitch is the least term I’d use to describe her.”

“He was infected?” Turner asked.

“Yes. Thomas over there,” Robi pointed at the room Nicole occupied. , “infected him while he was attempting to torture her.”

“Good enough. Asshole deserved no less. Hope he’s wallowing in it as we speak.” Turner’s voice was full of venom.

“He’s dead. Paka killed him the day we escaped Reynolds.”

“Good. I’d like to shake her hand someday.” Leah said in return. “That son of a bitch deserved no less. I hope his end was slow and painful.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Robi agreed.

Turner turned to Ellie and said, “I like this place already.”

“Glad to hear that doctor. I hope this means we’ll be joining forces soon.” Ellie replied with a wide smile. “I’ve invited the doctor and her associates to join us.”

“We could certainly use the help.” Mia added.

“I can see that. Judging by the number of full beds you have, that you must be very busy.”

“They keep us hopping. Luckily, we’ve had several recovered patients volunteer to help out.” Robi said. “They’ve been life savers by taking the mundane things off our hands and leaving the three of us to deal with the major medical issues.”

“How many of you are the doctor?” Mia asked.

“I have two other doctors that I’ve been working with.”

“If you join us then that will give us six doctors to rotate.” Robi said.

“Or give you four more to rotate with and leave Sam and I time to work on finding a solution to the virus.” Mia replied.

“We can help out too mom.”

“Of course, we can but our time is most usefully spent on research. Helping these poor people is all well and good but finding a way to stop the virus would be the real win, for everyone.” Mia replied.

“Well, we need Dr. Turner to accept our offer before we start revising schedules and priorities.” Ellie told them. “Speaking of which, I have much more to show you Leah if you’re ready.”

“Lead on Ms. Wolf.” Turner told her.

“Please, call me Ellie. Ms. Wolf makes me think you’re talking to my mother,” she said with a gentle smile. “Mia, we will talk later,” she added before leaving with Turner.

The trio of doctors watched as they headed across the large room to Nicole's cubicle. Once they were out of ear shot Robi turned back to Mia and asked, “So what’s your issue?”

“Once she’s recovered Sam and I are leaving.” Mia told her.

Sam looked up. “We are?”

“Yes.” Mia said in a way that made it sound like the decision was final.

“Why?” Robi asked.

“That I will be discussing with Ellie and Russov later. However, once you release her, we’re gone.”

“What if I don’t want to leave?” Sam asked then looked at Robi. “I’m sorry Robi, can you give us some privacy?”

“Yes, of course.” Robi told her. Then to Mia she said, “Don’t get her too riled up. All that adrenaline isn’t good for her concussion.”

“I know how to take care of my daughter doctor.” Mia replied condescendingly.

“You know what Mia? Fuck you!” Robi told her angrily. “I’m so sick of your fucking superiority complex I could just scream. So do whatever the fuck you want but if you cause harm to MY patient, I’ll kick your ass out of here so fast it will make your head spin. Got me?”

“Who do you think you are?” Mia said standing up.

From the bed Sam said, “Mom!” Mia ignored her and took a step towards Robi. “God damn it! Mia!”

Using her first name got Dr. Blue’s attention. “What?”

“Cut the shit!” Sam said exasperatedly. “Whatever hair you have a cross your ass today isn’t Robi’s fault. Say sorry to her!”

“Sorry? What do I have to be sorry for?”

“For being an asshole. That’s what!” Sam told her. Her head began to swim with the exertion from being angry. “You know what? The hell with it. Mom, get out! You’re stressing me out and my head hurts! So, go! Leave! Come back later when you work out whatever it is that’s got you so pissed off!”

Mia looked at her daughter confused. “Sam I…” she began.

“No! I don’t want to hear it! Get out right now! I will talk to you later!” she rolled to the side and showed Mia her back.

Mia looked to Robi for support. She replied with, “Don’t look at me. I agree with Sam. If your stressing her out, you need to go ’til she’s ready to see you again.”

“But..”

“No buts. Get out or I’ll ask Robi to have Thomas escort you.” Sam told her from the bed.

Mia threw her hands up. “Fine! Whatever!” she told them angrily and stormed out of the makeshift room.

“Sorry about that Robi.”

“Not your fault sweetie. Are you ok? Need anything?”

“Can you make the room stop spinning so fast?”

“Only if I sedate you which isn’t recommended for as severe a concussion as you have.”

“Wonderful.”

“Are you going to throw up or anything?”

Sam thought about it for a minute. “Umm, don’t think so.”

“That’s good at least. Going to get you a basin just in case though.” Robi said and walked out. She spotted Elie and Dr. Turner going into Carol’s cubicle. Curious she walked over herself. On the way she spotted Maria.

“Hey. Can you bring Dr. Greyson a basin please?” she asked the young girl.

“You sure that’s a good idea? My bestie did beat her with a shovel. What if she thinks it was me instead?”

Robi pulled a mask out of her jacket pocket and shoved it in the girl’s hand. “She can’t stand without wanted to topple over, so I think you’re safe but wear this is your that worried.”

She walked off without waiting for a reply. A few steps later she arrived at Carol’s bed and heard Ellie saying “This is the one I told you about. Her name’s Carol.”

“You say she’s in her 30’s? Or was before she was infected””

“That’s what she claimed. I have no reason to not believe her.” Ellie said.

Turner reached out and lifted the unconscious girl’s hand and examined the lines on the palm. “Amazing,” she said in a voice filled with wonder.

“Is there something you need in here?” Robi asked, stepping into the room.

“Oh Robi. You startled me.” Ellie said with a small, embarrassed laugh. “I was just showing Carol to the doctor.

“She’s not some kind of side show curiosity.”

Ellie turned her head to the side and looked at Dr. Goings. “And I wasn’t treating her as such. Dr. Turner here has a new woman who had the opposite of Carol’s transformation, so I was just letting her have a look.”

“The opposite?” Robi asked not understanding.

“Harriot is physically in her early twenties, enhanced. When we found her, just starting to come down with the virus, she was an eight-year-old boy.” Dr. Turner told her.

“The virus aged her?” Robi was amazed as Turner had been moments ago. She’d heard of and seen Acidalia doing some truly amazing things to its victims but never a case where it aged someone to that extreme.

“Yes. Acidalia is truly amazing. If we survive as a species long enough to actually decode it and see what makes it tick, science and medicine may never be the same.” Turner said.

“Big if.” Robi agreed.

“Yes. Time will tell what’s in store for the human race. There are groups composed of the finest minds all over the planet working on a solution. I find it hard to believe no one will ever figure out how to tame the beast, as it were.”

“Including two of our own right here.” Ellie added. “Given time I have no doubt Mia and Sam will find a way to stop the spread.”

“From your lips to God’s ear.” Turner said in agreement. “We could certainly use a little bit of luck to fall our way for a change.”

********************
10:30am:

Outside the medical facility:

Mia was enraged. She slammed every door she walked through for emphasis. She constantly cursed Robi for getting in the way, under her breath. “Who is she to kick me out of own daughter’s room?” she thought angrily

Without realizing where she was going, Mia found herself on the second floor of the main room near the living quarters. Up ahead, from one of the open doors she heard Russov’s voice. Mia growled at the sound of it and picked up her pace as she stormed down the hallway. Now that she had a target for her anger there was no stopping her.

She found the room and entered shouting “You fucking bitch!”

Russov looked up from the phone sitting open on the table at the enraged doctor. She held up one finger and into the phone said, “Seems like someone needs to talk to me. I’ll call you back in a bit.”

Russov closed the flip phone then said, “Is there a problem of some kind doctor?”

“Is there a problem?” Mia said back disbelievingly. “You bet there is!”

Russov sighed and pulled herself up into a standing position with the aid of one of her crutches. “By all means Dr. Blue come in and take a seat and tell me. What I can do for you,” she said calmly but with an air of annoyance.

“You almost got my daughter killed!” Mia yelled. “That my issue! You and your so-called security! Fat lot of good it did Sam!”

“Dr. Blue,” she began placatingly. “I understand your upset. Christ I’m upset too. I have spoken to both my people and Ellie about the lapse in protocol that allowed it to happen, and I can assure you it will never again.”

“Fuck you and your assurances!” Mia told her. She was in an extasy of rage now as she went on. “You told me that she was going to have full protection at all times and what do you do? You send her off with Becket and Linda, who fucking pregnant by the way!”

“Becket is the one that gave Sam her ankle monitor we used to track her location before the rescue.”

“Great! Good on her. Maybe if she hadn’t put Sam in danger in the first place, I’d be a bit more impressed!”

“Private Becket did not put Dr. Greyson in any danger. Sam did it to herself by demanding to go to the park with the baby when there wasn’t enough security for a proper detail.”

“Your people let her go! So, it’s your fucking fault no matter how you try to shift the blame!” Mia yelled at the top of her lungs.

Russov rolled her eyes before replying. “Did we screw up? Yes. Corporal Charles was well aware of the standing order that Dr. Greyson was not allowed to be outside the facility with less than two of us to guard her. I have spoken to the corporal, and she told me that Sam insisted and told her she was going to go regardless. The Corporal had no choice but to make do with what was available for security. Having two enhanced new women for guards, even if one was pregnant, is a lot better than nothing.” Russov explained. She was rapidly losing patience and hoped Mia would run out of steam soon.

“Better than nothing? What the fuck kind of excuse is that!”

“Not an excuse doctor, it’s an explanation of what happened. Now unless you want to have a fist fight or something I think you need to leave
now before you mouth gets you into a fix you can’t back up.” Russov threatened.

“Are you threatening me?”

Russov shrugged and sat back down. She began to rub the thigh of her broken leg. “Go away doctor before I have you removed.”

Mia was visibly shaking with rage. Russov looked at her blankly, showing no emotion whatsoever. She understood Mia’s anger and was sympathetic to her situation but enough was enough.

“The choice is yours, doctor. Leave right now, on your own or be carried out. Either way this conversation is over.” Russov told her. “And Dr. Blue don’t ever come in here like this again. These are my private quarters not a team meeting room!”

Mia glared at the Sargent who sat looking back impassively. Impotent rage surged through Dr. Blue making her hands shake visibly. For the briefest of moments, she considered lunging at the military woman, but the reality of the situation made her think better of it. Instead, she turned and stormed out of the room.

She hadn’t made it five steps down the corridor when she spotted Ellie and Dr. Turner coming off the top step and heading in her direction.

Ellie looked up just in time to avoid colliding with the furious doctor. Smiling and putting a hand over her heart she said, “Oh Mia. You startled me,” she laughed. “I wasn’t expecting to see you there.”

“Yes, I’m sure you weren’t” Mia replied tersely.

Ellie looked at her in confusion. Then she turned to Dr. Turner. “Sargent Russov’s room is three more doors down. Can you wait for me there a moment?”

Turner, sensing the tension, told her. “Yes of course.” And then continued down the hallway.

Ellie reached out and took Mia by the elbow. “Come with me doctor.”

Mia pulled up and yanked her arm away. “Fuck you!” she told her in a voice full of venom.

Ellie stopped and put both hands on her hips. She looked at Mia and shook her head. The leader of the Sisters looked down at the floor a moment, asking the lord to give her strength and then said, “Dr. Blue, it’s obvious your upset about something. I just want to go somewhere a little more private so you can tell me what’s going on.”

“What’s going on? What’s fucking going on?” Mia exploded. “What’s fucking going on is you and that fucking cunt back there,” she threw a thumb back in the direction of Russov’s room, “with all your bullshit nearly got Sam killed!! That’s what’s fucking going on!!”

Ellie glanced over Mia’s shoulder at the crowd of heads popped out of doorways her outburst had drawn and sighed. “I can understand you being upset doctor. We are all just as upset at what happened. I know the Sargent is mortified at the lapse in security.”

“Lapse in security? What the fuck does that even mean? My daughter was nearly killed! Do you understand that you numb cunt! She nearly died because of your fuck up!”

“And yet she did not die. As a matter of fact, she’s here and being treated for her injuries. You’ve seen her yourself. She’s fine. Nicole and Carol on the other hand are not doing nearly as well. Why is that you ask? Because she risked her life to save Sam. Were mistakes made? Yes, doctor they were. Will they happen again? Hopefully not. Your hysterics, however, are not helping anything. Maybe if you’d been here to go with Sam none of this would have happened. Have you considered your own roll in what happened? Where were you when she was looking for someone to go with doctor?”

Mia stood there dumbfounded for a moment. She opened her mouth to say something but then shut it so hard her jaw clicked. Once again, she’d tried taking Ellie to task and lost. It was the most frustrating thing in the world.

“I heard you saying you were leaving once Sam was recovered.” Elie told her. “If that’s what you choose to do, and Sam agrees, then go with my blessings. It’s your choice doctor, just when you asked us to take you along even though you betrayed us to the military. You told me you made a mistake, and we forgave it. Now it’s time for you to find that same level of forgiveness in you. Or leave. I really don’t give a shit, but I’ll tell you now for once and for all, I’m not going to have this discussion with you again!”

With that said, Ellie walked past Dr. Blue and caught up with Dr. Turner who was still waiting just outside Russov’s room alongside the Sargent herself.

Approaching she told them. “Ahh, I see you’ve already met, excellent.”

Russov looked at Ellie with a wide grin and said admiringly, “Someday you’re going to have to teach me how you do that.”

“Now, now Sargent. A girls got to have some secrets.” Ellie replied with a wink. She then turned to the matter at hand. “Sargent, I’m going to need security badges for Dr. Turner and three others that work with her. They’ve decided to join our merry little band.”

Russov nodded and looked at Turner who appeared to be anything but convinced. “Are you sure?”

To Turner Ellie said. “Don’t worry about that scene back there. It only happens five or six times a week.” The leader of the Sisters giggled at her own joke. Russov and Turner both smiled.

“It gets tense sometimes, living with people you work with.” Turner replied. “Trust me we have our share of blow ups too.”

“Then you’ll fit right in with this group.” Russov said with a laugh. “If you’ll come with me doctor I have a few things I need so I can set you up with a badge.”

“Yes of course Sargent. Lead on.” Turner replied and walked off with Russov leaving Ellie standing by herself.

The short sandy blonde woman looked back at where she’d argued with Mia and shook her head. She sighed deeply and decided to head back to sit with Nicole for a while.

A short time later Ellie reentered the infirmary. She marveled at the place every time she walked into it. Mia, Sam and Robi had it running pretty much like clockwork. Every used bed was attended on a regular basis either by one of the doctors or one of the many who’d received treatment here and volunteered to help out after.

She watched for a little while as masked faces moved from patient to patient like so many bees in a flower bed. One in particular caught her eye. She was far smaller than the rest of the attendees, working in the south corner of the facility emptying bed pans. Not the most glamourous job for sure but the small woman did it without editorial comment or any sign of disgust.

Unsure of who it was, Ellie decided to take a quick detour and introduce herself. After a short walk across the floor, she arrived a few feet from the girl, she was now sure it was a girl and not a fully developed woman and said “Hi.”

The startled girl let out a startled eep. She dropped the empty bed pan in her hand on the floor with a loud clang that rang out through the entire room. Ellie put her hand over her mouth with embarrassment. The last thing she’d meant to do as startle the poor thing.
Bending down she told her with a small giggle, “Gosh I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“It’s ok. I just didn’t see ya behind me.” Maria told her.

Ellie grabbed the metal pan up and handed back to Maria. “I only came over because I don’t think we’ve been introduced. I’m Ellie and who might you be?”

The girl looked the Sisters leader over. Here she was in the flesh, the woman who’d driven Carol out of this place. Maria considered her options on how to handle their official introduction, everything from screaming at her to spitting in the small woman’s face but in the end, she’d always been taught that when you’re a guest in someone’s home you owed it to them to be polite and that’s what she went with.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Wolf. I’m Maria.”

“You’ve heard of me?” Ellie asked in confusion.

Maria laughed. “Probably more than you’d like. I came in with Carol yesterday. She’s my bestie so I’m here to help out til she gets better.”

“Carol? Yes, I see.” Ellie replied. “I’m sure you’ve heard all sorts of stories then.” It was rare for Ellie to feel as awkward as she did at that moment. She wasn’t sure how to proceed.

“Carol is bitter at you for sure. Despite that though you still brought her here so she can recover rather than sending her to the Airforce base, so I have ta thank you for that.” Maria told her.

Ellie nodded. “Despite what she may think Carol is always welcome here. You can include yourself in that welcome as well. Things ended badly when she left. For my part I regret a lot of it.”

“Thanks. Considering I got no place to go since you guys and the cops raided our house and all.” Maria told her with a laugh. She looked at Ellie. It was obvious she would rather have been anywhere else at that moment but stood there ready to accept whatever verbal beating Maria might be looking to drop on her. The young girl respected that. In spite of what Carol had told her, Ellie didn’t seem like much of a monster in person.

“You are both welcome to stay as long as you wish, even after Carol’s injuries are healed.”

“Thanks, but I’m not sure what’s gonna happen when she wakes up. Carol’s got serious anger issues with you and the big red head. I mean she shot her as soon as she saw her, without a second thought. Staying here might make things kinda awkward for everyone.”

“Yes, that could be a problem.” Elie agreed.

Maria nodded in the direction of Nicole’s bed. “While we’re talkin’ let me ask ya something.”

“Sure.”

“Why did you guys turn your back on her? Carol told me how much she loved you, how important you guys were to her, and you still told her to walk. Why?”

Ellie was taken aback by the younger girl’s bluntness. It had been a long time since someone had taken the fight, as it were, to her like that.

Before she could answer Warren, who’d been listening from behind them told Maria, “No one here told Carol to leave.”

“Ya but you chose that Sam girl over her.”

“No. It wasn’t like that. We tried our best to reason with her, but she was so angry about what had happened to her with being infected and Sam was a convenient target for that anger. Despite our efforts to dissuade her from leaving, Carol made her choice.” Ellie said then added,

“We are here for everyone, not just the ones everyone likes.”

“If that were true Mia would have been gone ages ago.” Warren joked from a couple rows away. Robi shot her husband a disapproving look. He smirked back and shrugged. “And with that said, back to work I got before my wifey kills me.”

Robi blew him a kiss, and he blew one back. She smiled to herself at his uncanny knack for breaking the tension in the room with one of his stupid jokes. “God, I love that man,” she thought quietly.

“Anyway, who did who the most wrong is a discussion for another time. Right now, we need to concentrate on getting all the injured back on their feet.” Ellie announced putting an end to the discussion.

“Well once she wakes up, I’m sure it will be the first thing on Carols mind, just sayin’.” Maria told her. The dark-haired girl turned back to the unconscious patient she’d been attending before Ellie came over. She wasn’t all that happy with Ellie’s explanation of how things went down but she respected the way the short new woman had stood her ground. She didn’t know what the whole truth behind Carol’s leaving was, but it was obvious Ellie regretted a lot of it.

Robi took Ellie by the arm and led her in the direction of Nicole’s room before she could respond.

As they walked Ellie whispered, “Really messed that one up. Thanks for the save doctor.”

Robi smiled. “Everyone of us, Carol included, screwed it up. When she wakes up, you’ll need to all sit down and try to work it all out. From what I understand it was Carol that beat Sam with the shovel handle. Maybe that combined with shooting Nicole will be enough to quench her thirst for vengeance.”

“From your lips to God’s ears doctor, let’s hope so. The last thing we need is to have armed security guarding the entrance to whatever room Sam happens to be in.” She sighed at the thought then kissed Robi’s cheek. “You’re a good friend Robi.” Ellie told her as she pushed the curtain aside and stepped into Nicole’s cubicle.

Inside Thomas remained seated by Nicole’s beside. She had both her hands wrapped around the redhead’s limp one. It was obvious not much had changed since they returned from the assault on Sam’s kidnappers yesterday.

Ellie and her military detail had arrived to find the compound mostly deserted of permanent residents. The only one’s present were Mia, Robi and Warren, the rest had gone off to try to rescue Dr. Greyson. The three of them were keeping themselves busy taking care of the patients in the infirmary.

Mia was obviously distressed but doing her best to pay attention to her patient’s needs. She looked over when she saw Ellie enter the room with questioning eyes. Ellie shook her head no, and Mia looked defeated, nodded and went back to what she was doing.

With that exchange done and there was nothing else productive to do at the time, the three of them pitched in. Ellie had stayed close to Robi and Mia, informing them of what went on during their visit with Dr. Turner. As with today Mia has seemed angry and it was understandable, Sam was after all, her daughter.

A couple hours passed before everyone that had been involved in the rescue arrived, in a pair of ambulances no less, and it was pandemonium. Thomas and Becket along with a pair of Airforce medics carefully wheeled the three injured members of the Sisters in one at a time.

Sam seemed to have been in the best shape, with a small head wound. Blood trickled from it but a towel was sufficient to stanch it until Robi could stitch it up. Her unfocused eyes, a sure sign of concussion, were what bothered the doctor the most. As result she had Warren sit with her until she cud be better attended too.

Nicole, who literally looked like death warmed over, was pale as a ghost from severe blood loss but by some miracle was still in the fight. The wound in her chest was large enough that blood should have been flowing out of it, had she had enough left in her body, but she didn’t. The redhead’s blood count was so low Robi was baffled at how she could still be alive. With such a severe case of blood loss, the doctor ordered an immediate transfusion.

Once the blood started flowing into her body the wound began to seep, which allowed Dr. Goings to trace the trickle back to its source and pull the bullet out of her. Robi had been amazed when she relayed her discovery of the healed artery. Ellie hadn’t understood the significance at first and asked Robi about it.

“Arteries don’t heal. Ever. Never in the history of medical science has a human body done what hers has,” Robi told her.

Carol’s return had been something of an uncomfortable situation for Ellie. Despite being the most severely injured and unconscious, Ellie wasn’t sure how to react to the girl being back, especially after hearing it was Carol that shot Nicole. However, her need for medical attention was far greater than any hurt feelings and she was scurried off to one of the medical bays with great haste.

Russov, rather comically, had been adamant about posting a guard outside the girl’s room to prevent her from any other attempts to take vengeance on Ellie or Nicole. After a brief argument Ellie had finally gotten her to agree to wait until Carol regained consciousness before having to tie one of her people up with guard duty.

Robi and Mia, while neither was a neurosurgeon, placed the possibility that Carol may never walk again at about fifty percent. Ellie had said a prayer for the girl’s complete recovery. Wait and pray was all they could really do at this point until the swelling around her vertebrae went down and the girl to awaken.

She smiled at Thomas as she walked in. “How’s our patient?”

“She was mumbling something a little while ago, but I didn’t catch what it was.”

Ellie nodded. She loved how much Thomas doted over Nicole. Made it happy to see someone else that cared so deeply for her best friend.

“Mumbling sounds like a good sign to me. It’s a miracle that she survived at all according to Robi.”

“Yeah. A real miracle.” Thomas agreed. She silently cursed herself for not being able to meet Ellie’s eyes.

Something about the look on Thomas’ face made Ellie wonder if maybe there wasn’t more to the story than she was being told. Deciding there was no time like the present, she asked, “Is there more to her recovery than just luck?”

“What do you mean, more than luck?” Thomas asked nervously.

“I don’t really know but judging by the look on your face I’d say there’s more to the story than you’re letting on is all.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. She was shot and quick action by Becket and Yvonne saved her until the medics go there. That’s it. Nothing more to tell.”

Ellie nodded. “All I can say is, I hope you’re not a poker player sweetie.”

“Cribbage is, was, my game actually.” She put on a blatantly fake smile.

“Oh really? I love the game myself. We’ll have to play sometime.” Ellie replied, letting the subject side for now.

“Would be my pleasure to kick your butt.” The brown-haired new woman replied with quiet relief at the change of subject.

Ellie looked over at the bed where her best friend lay comatose. Nicole's chest rose and fell with soothing regularity, her long red hair spread out across the pillow made her look like she was peacefully sleeping. Whatever Thomas was hiding wasn’t as important as her being alive, she decided. Elie placed her hand over her friend’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I was wondering of you could take over sitting with her for a while?” Thomas asked.

“Sure. Something up?”

“I have to go with Harkin this afternoon. He’s taking me to where they are holding Yvonne.”

“Are you sure they haven’t flushed her down some deep dark hole yet? People have bad habit of disappearing these days.” Ellie was kind of surprised.

“I warned him to make sure she was kept safe until I’ve spoken to her.” Thomas told her simply. There was a deadly seriousness in her eyes that made Ellie worry for Harkin’s safety if he decided not to keep his word.

Ellie nodded. “Do what you need to do sweetie. Someone will be here with her even if I get called away, I’ll make sure of it.”

Thomas nodded as she stood. The long brown-haired new woman towered over the Sisters petite leader. She bent down and gave Ellie big hug. “Thank you, El. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Take your time. We’ll be here.”

***********************
1pm:

The Sisters Gym:

Sweat dripped off her body as Katie Becket lay on the bench press station in the gym. Despite her prone position she was panting heavily.

Above her the weight bar held a mere five hundred pounds worth of plates. It was a weight, that with her Acidalia induced augments, she easily handled most days. However, today she’d struggled so mightily with it, she almost dropped the bar several times, once it nearly landed on her head.

With a look of consternation plastered on her face, she reached her hands up onto the bar from her laying position under it. She drew in a deep breath and pushed up as she expelled it. The bar came up off the rack easily and she locked her elbows. For a brief second it felt normal, her virus enhanced muscles holding the weight easily. She drew in another deep breath as she got ready to lower it to her chest when suddenly her arms began to shake.

“Fuck!” Katie swore as she tried to control the bar long enough to put it back on the rack.

With each passing tick of the clock the struggle became increasingly more difficult. Her arms quivered and shook as the bar twisted in her grip. It began awkwardly descending towards her head again. This time no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t muster the strength to push it back up onto the rest.

“Help!” she gasped.

Linda, who was walking on a treadmill in the opposite corner, just barely heard the destressed cry above the music playing in her ears. She turned and looked to see what the commotion was. To her horror she saw the barbells inches way from crushing Becket as the military woman struggled to hold it up. Without hesitation, she slapped the stop button and jumped off the treadmill. She bolted across the room and grabbed the bar with both her hands between Becket’s and pulled hard as she could, helping her lift it up off the private, placing it safely on the rack again.

With the immediate danger out of the way, the pregnant new woman shouted, “What the fuck is wrong with you? Are you ok?”

“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” Becket said stiffly and with more than a bit of shame. Despite her proclamation, Katie was feeling anything but fine at that moment. Everything ached, her joints, her muscles, even her eyes were sore.

“Are you nuts working out without a spotter? How much weight was that?”

“Only 500lbs.” she replied glumly.

“And you struggled like that?” Linda asked in a voice filled with concern. “You’ve never had trouble with that kind of weight before. What’s the matter with you?”

“Honestly, I don’t really know. Seems like since we got back from the raid I haven’t felt quite right.” Katie admitted.

Linda scowled at her and placed her hands on her hips saying, “So, you knew you weren’t right and still came in here like nothing was wrong? Have you lost your god damned mind?”

“Well, I had to test it…”

“Test it? In case you didn’t notice dear you nearly got decapitated! Do you want to be headless as well as brainless?” Linda let out a loud sigh. “Fucking military.”

Becket sat up and took her hand. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”

Linda looked down at her. She could see Becket’s sincerity in her eyes and much as she wanted to melt into them, she couldn’t let her would-be lover off the hook so easily. “Sorry isn’t going to cut it. Not even a little bit. You need to have Robi or Mia look you over.”

“I’m fine hun really.”

“No, you’re not!” she replied emphatically. The two stood staring at each other in silence each waiting for the other to break it first. Finally, Linda told her, “Either you go see them yourself or I’m going to tell Russov. The choice is simple as that. If you won’t stop acting like an ass, then I will have her drag you down to the infirmary. Your choice baby cakes.”

The pregnant curly blonde woman told her with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Linda, this is a lot to do about nothing. I’m good to go. I promise.” Katie told her earnestly.

She looked down at the floor then at the resting barbell. She shook her head in disgust at Becket’s stubbornness. “Yeah, sure you are. Just keep telling yourself that, maybe it will come true.” She started to walk off.

“Where are you going?” Becket asked.

“To see Russov, like I told you I would. She can deal with your stubborn ass, cause honey bunch I’m done trying to convince you to do what you know is right.”

Becket went pale at the idea of Russov finding out she wasn’t up to snuff. There would be questions asked that she didn’t have answers too. Plus, she wasn’t convinced she could come up with a believable lie either. Russov had a way of knowing how much truth you were telling her. It was actually kind of scary how good her bullshit detector was

Katie hopped up off the work out bench and called over to Linda. “Wait. Don’t do that. I’ll go see Robi right now.”

Linda stopped in her tracks. She turned and looked at Becket suspiciously. The pregnant woman could see the panic in the private’s eyes, even though she was obviously trying to hide it. It was then that it hit home just how serious the problem must be. Whatever was causing Katies weakness must be affecting far more than Becket’s strength if she was this scared of the Sargent finding out.

“Fine I’m going with you,” she told her.

“You don’t need to. I’m a big girl. I can go see the doc on my own.”

“Yes, I do. I know you’ll try and skip out if I don’t,” she said seriously.

Becket could see she meant business and relented.

Linda extended her hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Katie rolled her eyes and took her fellow new woman’s hand. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a pushy broad?” she joked.
“All the time. What’s your point?”

“Nothing. I have no point whatsoever.” Katie told her and kissed her cheek. “Did I tell you how beautiful you are today?”

“Yeah, yeah, flattery will get you nowhere. Get that butt moving.” Linda told her and gave her a soft pat on the rear.

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

A little bit later:

“Well Private physically everything seems to be in order.” Robi reported after finishing her exam of Becket.

“Why is she so weak then? “Linda asked.

“That is the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” Robi replied thoughtfully. “How long have you had these symptoms, Kate?”

Becket thought for a moment before replying and decided to stick as close to the truth as she could. “I’d say I started to feel a bit off during the ambulance ride back here after we rescued Dr. Greyson.”

“What do you mean by off? Specifically, I mean, what did you feel?” Robi asked.

“I felt really tired mostly. By the time we arrived back here I could barely keep my eyes open.”

“I know the raid was physically strenuous so that kind or explains the exhaustion for any normal person anyway. You, however, my dear, are anything but normal, physically at least. What I’m looking for though is anything significant that might have happen in the assault? Something out of the ordinary?”

Katie thought back to her and Thomas saving Nicole. “Nope it was all pretty straight forward. We entered, subdued her captors then I helped administer first aid to the injured. Easy-peasy.”

“I see.” Robi said with a nod. “Obviously Nicole is critically injured but have you spoken to Thomas? Has she been suffering from any of the same symptoms?”

“I haven’t seen her since we got back. She went off with Nicole, and I had to report to Russov for mission debriefing.”

I saw her with Nicole earlier. She didn’t look like she was having any issues before she left to go with Harkin. She didn’t complain to me of any problems at least.” Robi explained.

“What are we going to do about her then?” Linda asked. It was clear she was deeply concerned about Katie’s condition.

Robi smiled to herself. “Bully for you both,” she thought. “I’m not sure what we can do, but I will recommend rest for you. You expended a lot of energy saving Sam, perhaps you just need to take it easy for a bit. I’ll inform Russov you’re on three days’ light duty and we’ll see how you feel after that. Meanwhile we can run some more tests and see if there’s something going on that we missed. How’s that sound?”

“I don’t kno…” Becket started to say.

“It’s perfect!” Linda interrupted. “Thank you Robi.”

Becket looked up at her from her seated position on the exam table. Linda shot her back a “don’t argue with me” look. Becket swallowed and
said, “Yes, perfect. Thank you, Doc.”

“Excellent.” Robi agreed. “You can get dressed now. I’ll get you your note for the Sargent.” Dr. Goings walked out of the room leaving the two of them alone.

“I can’t give that note to Russov.” Katie told Linda.

“And why not?” she asked with an edge of anger in her voice.

“I can’t let any of them know I’m hurting.”

Linda crossed her arms and looked at the private. “Is this some stupid tough girl military bull shit? Because if it is I’m not going…”

“It’s not.” Becket interrupted.

“Then what?”

Katie looked around the room to make sure they were alone. They in allow voice said, “Because I can’t take a chance of them finding out what we did.”

“What who did?”

“Thomas and me. I don’t really know what it was, but we combined powers or something and used those energies to save Nicole.”

“What do you mean combined powers to save Nicole?”

“I…I don’t know how to explain it any better. Nicole was bleeding out. I was desperate to save her so I… I don’t know…reached out with whatever it is that allows me to sense other enhanced. Then Thomas touched me and reached out along side of me with her ability..… and somehow, we brought her back. I don’t know how to explain it better but ever since I’ve been totally whipped out. All I want to do is sleep. Now I’m feeling weaker too. I just don’t get it but it’s scaring the shit out of me.”

“You better tell Robi the truth then. The whole truth.” Linda said sternly.

“I can’t. If Russov were to find out they’d ship me out to a lab and experiment on me ’til I was dead. I’ve seen them do it. I probably shouldn’t have even told you.”

“First off, Katie, you can tell me anything.” Linda said, taking her hand. “We’re in this together. Understand?”

Becket smiled at her and nodded. “I’m just concerned I might be putting you in danger.”

Linda nodded. “I don’t want you to get in trouble. I’m just worried. We just found each other. I don’t want to lose you already.”

Becket smiled. “I don’t have any plans on leaving. Though if Russov knew about us I don’t think she’d be very happy with me.”

“Fuck her.” Linda said with a laugh. “But I understand. We’ll keep things on the down low until it’s safe.”

“Deal.” Becket said laughing with her. She took Linda’s hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“You know, I’m probably stronger than you now,” she said with an impish grin. “Better watch your step, just saying.”

“Katie smiled. “Yes Ma’am.” She sketched her a quick salute with a wide grin on her face.

A few seconds later Robi came in with her note and handed it to Becket. “There you go my dear. That should keep you on Russov’s shit list for at least the next three days.”

“Only three? Go me!” All three of them laughed at the joke.

“Thank you, Dr. Goings.” Becket said getting up off the exam table.

“Call me Robi please. By the way, the two of you need to learn to talk much more quietly, but your secret is safe with me too.” The pair looked at Robi in stunned silence. “Thin curtains. I wasn’t intentionally listening, but I couldn’t help but overhear.”

Becket sighed.

Robi gave her shoulder a squeeze on the way by. “At least it explains how Nicole is still with us. If I have any additional questions for you, I will let you know.”

“Ok doc.” Becket replied glumly. It wasn’t even a full day yet and already to many people knew. Katie needed to make sure it went no further. The question was how.

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

2:30pm:

Thomas:

The midnight blue Escalade pulled up to the guard station outside the California Institute for Women, a nice euphemism for prison, located just outside the city of Corona. Harkin smiled at the guard as he handed him his ID along with the fake one, he’d made up for Thomas. It bothered her on some level how easily they’d managed to fake a picture of her for the ID.

That bit of trepidation aside, for the next few hours at least, her name was officially Tabitha Langston, NSA field agent. At least the name was close enough she might not forget to react when someone called her by it. She’d been going over it in her head since he presented her with the wallet holder that came complete with a shiny brass badge.

Even from the outside the place looked like the very embodiment of depression. Tall sand-colored walls lined with barbed razor wire strung along the top. Guard towers in each corner of the courtyard maned by officers carrying what looked like M16 military rifles. Even mother nature got into the act by providing a cold October sky complete with dull gray clouds.

It gave Thomas chills to look at the place. Though Reynolds looked nothing like this, it reminded her of her time there. The horrors she went through behind that other set of walls put up by the government still haunted her dreams.

“What’s your purpose here today?” She heard the male guard asking Harkin though a small respirator mask. California had been supplying all state employees with Acidalia protection since the beginning of the outbreak. It helped keep them safe, but it made communication a challenge at times.

“We’re here to interview on of the inmates, Yvonne Logan. I believe you’ll see the appointment on your roster,” he told the guard, then added with a smile, “My boss scheduled it yesterday.”

The guard nodded. “And her?” He asked point at Thomas. “What is her purpose?”

“It’s a woman’s prison, reg say one female officer must be present at the time of the interview. She’s my female officer,” Harkin told him trying to not come off as overly cocky and probably failing. He hated dealing with cops and wasn’t always sure how well he covered it up once they started getting on his nerves.

The guard nodded again, made a couple notes on his clip board and handed the ID’s back to Harkin. “Go straight down the driveway to the Admin building. Visitor parking is in the lot on the right of it. There is a reception desk off to the left, they will get you set up with an interview room.”

“Thanks bud.” Harkin told him as he rolled up the window.

As they started moving through the gates Thomas said, “Don’t like cops much huh?”

Harkin flashed an impish grin. “Was I that obvious?”

“A little bit,” she replied holding her hands about a foot apart to illustrate.

Harkin laughed. “Oh well. He let us in so no harm, no foul I guess.”

“Other than he probably thinks you’re the world’s biggest dick head.”

“Yeah, probably. Luckily, opinions are like assholes, you know what I mean?”

“I do, and they are usually. Of course, in this case he’s probably right. That makes it a little easier to accept,” she said with a small giggle.

Harkin laughed. “Yeah, I guess I am a bit of a dick huh? Come’s with the job. Do it effectively long enough and we all develop a bit of a ’tude.”

“A ’tude huh?” she laughed mockingly.

“Hey, hey, now. I’m hip, I’m with it. I can say ’tude if I want to,” he smirked.

Thomas rolled her eyes but said nothing.

Off to the right was the parking lot the guard had indicated. Harkin pulled in and quickly found a spot far away from the rest of the cars.

“Need to get your steps in?” she asked, looking at how far from the building they were parked. It wasn’t warm day, and she was wearing a dress, despite her enhancements she felt the cold the same as anyone and walking a quarter mile in it wasn’t something she was looking forward to.

“Can’t have anyone scratching up the new ride,” he said with a sideways grin. “What’s wrong? Afraid of a little walk in the cold?”

“Whatever.”

As they were disembarking, he grabbed something out of the back. As she came around, he handed it to Thomas.

“A briefcase?” she asked.

“It will make you look more official, trust me.”

She held it up with two fingers and looked at it dubiously. “Ok. If you say so.”

The cold wind blew as they walked across the lot to the entrance of the prison administration building, making her shiver despite the long coat she wore. The new woman silently cursed Harkin for his choice of parking spots.

“He probably did this on purpose,” she thought to herself.

The admin building was huge stone edifice, compete with a long set of three-tiered stone stairs and seven-foot-tall honey-colored wooden doors at the entrance. If intimidation was the look they were going for, they had succeeded beyond their wildest expectations. It gave Thomas a small shiver just to look at it.

“Yvonne must be loving this place,” she thought sarcastically as they walked in.

There was another set of guards standing next to a metal detector. Harkin flashed his badge at the pair of them, then pulled the gun he carried out of the shoulder holster and handed to the one on the right. The guard took it along with his badge and made notes on pad before carrying it over to a locker on the wall behind him and placing it in. He came back with a numbered tag on a small lanyard.

“Just present that on your way out to get your weapon back,” he instructed. He then turned to Thomas. The uniformed man blinked twice when he got a good look at her. Though he tried to be quiet about it, Thomas’s enhanced hearing caught him muttering “damn!” as she walked up to him.

Thomas smiled and presented the Id Harkin had given her. The man looked it over then asked, “Are you carrying a weapon today as well, Ms. Langston?”

Thomas looked at him blankly for a moment before remembering he was talking to her. “No…no” she stuttered. “Sorry my mind wandered there for a minute. But no, no weapons.”

The fiftyish looking man with greying hair nodded and stepped out of the way, allowing them to bypass the metal detector. The pair walked over the main desk. Behind it sat a large heavy-set woman in a blue prison blouse that was the same color as the guards. She looked up at them with stunning ice blue eyes that worked perfectly with her sandy blonde curly hair and her nearly porcelain smooth skin on her big round face.

Before Harkin could say a word, Thomas told said, “Oh my god, your eyes are gorgeous.”

The scowl that seemed plastered on the woman’s face dissolved into a large smile. “Why thank you sweetie. Might I say you are gorgeous yourself,” she replied.

“Thank you. Very nice of you to say.” Thomas said as she smiled back. “I’m Tabitha.”

“A pleasure to meet you Tabitha, I’m Pearl. How can I help ya’ll today?” she asked in a slight southern accent.

“We’re here to interview one of your prisoners, Yvonne Logan.” Harkin told her.

Pearl scowled at him. Then to Thomas said, “Is he always rude like that?”

Thomas laughed. “You know how men are.”

“Indeed, I do.” Pearl replied with a wink.

Harkin just looked at the two of them and sighed. “So can we get our passes and go see her?” he asked impatiently.

“You really are a rude one, aren’t you?” Pearl observed. Then turning professional she asked, “Id please.” As she held out her hand.

“I just showed them my Id.” Harkin explained pointing at the guards by the entrance. The woman was pissing him off something awful, but he had no idea why exactly. Maybe it had to do with how nice she was to Thomas compared to him.

“That’s very nice to hear, sir.” Pearl told him in a voice dripping with condescension. “They, however, are not in charge of handing out passes.”

“I so fucking hate cops,” he thought as Thomas elbowed him in the side of his ribs. He turned to her and asked “What?”

Thomas rolled her eyes at him then handed Pearl her Id. “I’m very sorry for my partner’s attitude. It’s been a very long day,” she told the portly woman.

“I see,” was her only reply. She took Thomas’ Id and scanned it. A moment later she handed her a sticker with the word visitor on it in all capital letters. Her face was also printed on the sticker. The new woman took it and thanked her.

Pearl then turned to Harkin and asked again for his. This time he handed it over with no argument. She gave him a big fake smile as she took it and then returned it with his own visitor sticker.

“Put those somewhere they are viable at all times.” Pearl instructed. “Follow the orange line on the floor to the double doors. Someone will meet you there to escort you to an interview room. I assume you’ve informed the prisoners lawyer of this interview.”

“Yep, she has been informed.” Harkin said curtly.

Thomas shook her head and poked his ribs again. She looked back at Pearl and smiled. “Thank you, Pearl. It was nice to meet you. I hope you have a pleasant day.” As they walked away, she whispered, “What the fuck is your issue all of a sudden?”

“I told you I hate cops.” was his only answer.

At the end of the corridor, they found the double grey painted steel doors Pearl had described. Waiting for them was a female officer. She badged the scanner and led them down a long dimly lit hallway with steel bar doors at end. As they approached a loud buzzer went off followed by the loud clang of metal locks disengaging.

The sounds, loud as they were to everyone else, were that much louder to her sensitive ears, sent a wave of panic running up Thomas’ spine.
She felt a trickle of sweat running down her back as they walked. She looked around at the gray prison walls; they began to feel as though they were closing in on them. Thomas began to hyperventilate; it felt like no matter how deep she tried to breathe no air was reaching her lungs. The new woman stopped in her tracks as the panic attack began to overwhelm her.

Harkin bumped into Thomas’ back as she stopped unexpectedly in front of him. She turned and he saw the wild panicked look in her eyes.

“Fuck!” he thought to himself as he grabbed her by either arm. “Are you ok?”

“Can…can’t breathe…” she stuttered as she tried to get a grip on her emotions, but the panic attack was in full bloom now. All she wanted was to get out of there, she needed to get out. Memories of Reynolds came flooding back all at once, their weight was unbearable.

The officer leading them stopped walking. She turned back and saw Thomas’ distress.
“Is she ok?” the guard asked with great concern in her voice.

Harkin flashed her a fake smile. “Just a little claustrophobia,” he explained. The whole time he was thinking “Come on Thomas, hold it together babe.”

“Once we get through the next door, we’ll be in the courtyard. That should help.” The officer told them.

“Hear that, Tabby?” Just got to make it through one more door,” he said encouragingly.

“O…ok.” was all Thomas could muster for a response.

Harkin smiled at her. “When you’re ready.”

Thomas drew in a deep breath then let it out slowly as she tried to push the panic back down. It was a yoga technique designed to quell exactly the type of panic running though her that Linda had taught her. She repeated the exercise twice more and felt the adrenaline start to drain away. It wasn’t much but it was enough that she felt she could go on. She looked up from the floor and nodded at Harkin. “I think I’m good now.”

He kept his hand lightly on her arm as they walked the short distance to the barred door which their escort was holding open. Just beyond it, sunlight shown through the small rectangular window of the black metal door that led outside. Thomas kept her eyes focused on the window until the door buzzed open.

It was all she could do to keep from running though it once it was unlocked but somehow, she kept herself under control and walked through at a normal pace.

Once outside Harkin said to their escort. “Can we have a moment?”

“Sure. I’ll be right over there,” she said pointing to a door on other side of the open space.

As she walked away Harkin turned to Thomas and asked,” Are you going to make it?”

The new woman was still drawing in deep breaths but answered. “I…I wasn’t expecting it to affect me like that.”

“Spent some time in prison, did you?”

“Something like that.” Thomas replied, as unwanted memories of Reynolds continued to bubble up in her mind. While she was in there nothing ever haunted her, the way the memories of the place did now that she was free. It confused and frightened her almost as much as her growing blood lust.

“Once you’ve been inside it takes a while to get over it. Trust me I know the feeling well.,” he told her in a commiserating tone.

Thomas had to admit, despite his dick head attitude, Harkin was actually something of a genuine guy. She nodded at him. “Ok I think I’m ready.”

The two of them walked off across the courtyard, catching up to their escort. She smiled at Thomas. “All set now, hun?”

“Hope so.”

“It’s not far. Just down this one hallway and we’ll be at the interview rooms,” she said reassuringly.

“Awesome,” Thomas replied, feeling anything but.

Once inside Thomas felt the rubber hand of claustrophobia begin to message her temples. Each step forward down the dark showdown filled hall was an effort in self-control. The ceiling and walls felt as though they were closing in on the new woman. She could feel the cold sweat as it trickled down her spine. She fought to control her breathing fighting with all her might to fight off another panic attack.

After what seemed like an eternity they arrived at the small windowless room. The floor was a dull gray tile; the walls were similarly colored cinderblock. On the ceiling was a single bare light bulb that seemed like it had been just stuffed up into a metallic cage. On the wall where the door was located a large two-way mirror sat so that those outside could monitor the goings on within. In the center of the room sat a longish dark brown wooden table with several metal loops bolted to it for holding handcuffs. A handful of wooden chairs were set up on either side of it.

Thomas looked around and thought, “If hopelessness was a physical thing it would have been this tiny room.”

After several minutes of waiting a tall dusky skilled female officer entered the room with Yvonne in tow. Thomas’ wife looked a little bit worse for wear in her red prison uniform, identifying her as a federal prisoner and potential troublemaker. Both of her hands were hand cuffed in the front. The cuffs were connected to a chain that ran down her body to a matching set if restraints around her ankles.

Thomas quietly wondered what they’d been doing to her since they parted ways at the house. The bruise under her left eye was new and she didn’t recall her having a split lip at the house either.

“Must have been part of those enhanced interrogation techniques they are always talking about,” she thought with an eye roll. “Will have to talk to Harkin about her treatment when we’re done.”

The guard led her to one side of the table and pointed at a seat. Yvonne sat down without a word. The guard unlocked one of her handcuffs, letting the chain slide out from between them, then went to loop the wristlets though one of the loops on the table.

“There’s no need for that.” Thomas told her.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but all prisoners need to be restrained at all times outside their unit’s, prison rules.” The guard replied as she finished securing Yvonne to the table.

Thomas looked unhappily at Harkin, who gave her a subtle shrug. Deciding there was no use in fighting with the prison guard, who was only following the rules, . Thomas took a seat opposite her wife. The guard stepped over to one corner of the room and took a seat.

“I think we’re going to be all set,” Harkin said to her. “We will let you know when we’re finished.”

“We’re not allowed to leave prisoners unattended.” The tall brown-haired guard told him.

“I get you have rules here, but we will be discussing a matter of national security and frankly you don’t have the clearance necessary to be privy to the information,” Harkin explained, trying to be as nice about it as he could manage.

The guard stayed in her spot and looked at Harkin passively. He tilted his head at her and nodded towards the door, but she remained seated.

“It’s like that is it?”

“The wardens rules say no prisoner shall be left unguarded outside their units, unless their lawyer is present.”. She made a mockery of looking around the small room. “And unless there’s one hiding under the table, I don’t see one present, so I have to stay and guard our prisoner.”

Harkin sighed. “Ok. Let me try it this way.” He pulled his badge out of his suit jacket pocket and all but shoved it into the sitting woman’s face.

“Do you know what this is?” He asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm as he pointed at the brass badge in the wallet. “It’s a National Security Agency badge; it means I work for the federal government. Not a local cop. Not a state cop or a prison guard, a federal officer. It means I answer to far more powerful people than your warden. Now I asked nicely before, and you refused so I’m telling you, fuck off. What we have to discuss here isn’t your fucking business!”

Thomas looked at him horrified. She shook her head and told the woman, “Excuse my partner. He forgot his manners at home this morning.”

Harkin started to say something again and she held her hand up shushing him and continued, “That said we do need privacy for this interview, so if you could excuse us. There will be a full recording of this interview which will be given to the prisoner’s lawyer, as we arranged before being granted permission to do this interview, once we’re finished.”

The guard nodded and stood up. She shot Harkin a look that clearly read, asshole, as she walked by. Harkin sighed to himself. “One of these days I’m going to have to figure out how she does that,” he thought, as he tried to push down an unwanted but growing admiration of the dark-haired woman.

After prison guard was gone Thomas told him, “I don’t know how you’ve managed to make this far in life.”

He grinned at her like the Cheshire cat.

Thomas shook her head and smiled in spite of herself. Harkin was as subtle as a sledgehammer, but he was a charming fucker. “Ok, you, get. I’ll let you know when we’re done.”

Harkin nodded.

A minute later the two women were finally left alone. Thomas sighed and smiled at her wife. Yvonne had a bemused look on her face. Thomas was certainly adjusting to womanhood well.

“What?” Thomas asked.

“Nothing Hunny. Nothing at all,” She laughed.

“How are they treating you?” She asked, taking a seat, completely oblivious to what Yvonne was on about.

“As well as can be expected I suppose.” Yvonne told her. “Kind of surprised to see you. Happy, but surprised.”

“I told you I’d come find you.” Thomas reached across the table and placed her hand over Yvonne’s.

“I still can’t believe it’s you. You were a good-looking guy but baby your fricken gorgeous as a woman.”

Thomas smiled. “Thank you love. Your still as beautiful as ever.”

Yvonne smiled knowing she looked like a train wreck but appreciative of the effort.

A long minute of silence hung between them. Thomas kept trying to think of what to ask her first but every segue she could think of seemed clumsy and stupid. For a moment she wondered if Harkin was listening outside.

Finally, she said, “Let’s start at the beginning, I guess. Tell me what’s happened to you since I was incarcerated. How did you wind up like this?”

Yvonne looked at the woman that was her husband trying to think of where to start. “After they took you away, things got bad for me fast. The first day or two I was just indignant and pissed off. I tried calling everyone I could think of to try and find where they’d taken you, but there was no one that knew. Quarantine was just starting up and there was no one to ask, no phone numbers to call, no office to visit, nothing. The police were something less than useful and basically told me to shut up and go away. I even called Senator Brisset’s office, but they brushed me off too.”

Thomas nodded and squeezed her hand.

Yvonne smiled and went on. “To my eternal disgrace, I let the kids suffer from my obsession of trying to find you. Every day, every dead end, I spiraled lower and lower until I wasn’t even taking care of myself, never mind them. Finally, thankfully, my parents took them from me. My mother told me I needed to get my shit together. At the time I hated her for taking them from me even though I knew she was right. I was just so angry at everything.”

Thomas nodded but remained silent and watched as a single tear leaked form her eye and rolled down her cheek. Hearing just this little bit of what her family went through was getting to her and making her misty-eyed too, . She reached out and wiped it away before Yvonne went on.
“With the girls gone and nothing to distract me from it, my depression spiraled out of control. I began to contemplate suicide. I probably would have gone through with it before long, but I found this flyer tapped to a pole in front of the house when I dragged myself out to check the mail a few days after they were gone. It was posted there by what was supposed to be a support group for people like me whose family had been taken away due to the virus.”

“I brought it back into the house and sat and stared at it for hours until I finally said fuck it and dragged myself off the couch and into the shower. I made myself get dressed and went to check the meeting out. I knew I needed help by that point and kind of pinned my hopes on the meeting being the thing that would get me straight.

“However, it wasn’t the kind of support group I thought it was going to be, it was a recruiting call for those who wanted to actively oppose the government. There was a woman there named Hillary that ran the meeting. We spoke after it was over. Her anger, the feelings of hopelessness we shared, it felt like her words had come from my own mouth. It was like I’d met a kindred spirit. She invigorated me in a way I hadn’t felt since you’d been taken away.”

She paused and looked up from the table at Thomas. She gave Yvonne’s hand a reassuring squeeze, urging her to continue. “So long story short I joined them. The people in our group became my new family. We were all so full of hate and fury, and we took it out on anyone we thought was involved with the government’s Acidalia policies. We considered ourselves righteous warriors fighting against a government that was out of control. It felt good to hurt them.”

Thomas watched her wife’s eyes as she spoke. The fury was still there behind them. There may have been some small amount of regret in them somewhere but there was no sorrow over the things she’d done. It made her sad to see that steel in there. The Yvonne she’d known before Reynolds would never revel in causing others harm like this version did.

She had to drag herself back from her thoughts as Yvonne went on. “Eventually though, our little family of terrorists came apart. Several members got killed in a botched clinic bombing, that to this day I’m not convinced was an accident. Poor Hil caught the bug after executing one of the doctors that created the virus. Before she died, she infected a couple other women in the group, including me.”

“You’re infected too?” Thomas asked disbelievingly. She’d never heard of a woman catching the virus before now.

“I am. Passively infected though. Think typhoid Mary,” she said with laugh devoid of any humor. “Looks like the virus is a family trait now. Lucky us huh? Share and share alike.”

“So, you can make others sick? Infect them?”

“I can.” She swallowed hard. “And have but not in a while.”

“That’s crazy. I had no idea woman could catch it.”

“When Wayne and Greyson create a virus that can destroy the world they don’t fuck around baby cakes.”

Thomas nodded. “Go on with your story. I don’t know how long they will give us before they come collect you.”

She nodded and continued, “Finally, there was only me and one other woman, Gail, left to carry on the fight. We stuck together for a while but the people that ran our little resistance came after us and took her. I never saw Gail again after that day.”

“I was told to go home by this guy named Phillip that kind of ran things at the time. I didn’t have a ton of options, so I did as I was told. When I finally made my way back to my parents’ house it was amazing. The girls were so excited I was back, and I was over the moon to see them. I didn’t realize how much I had missed them until I had them back in my arms again. It was incredible Thomas. The only thing missing was you.”

“Even my mother and dad seemed to have forgiven me and you know her, forgiveness never came easy for my mother.”

Thomas nodded in agreement. Yvonne’s mother had always been very judgmental when it came to her daughter. She remembered how heavy a cross to bear it was for Yvonne.

“For a short while things went back to normal, but of course, I’m infected and in not thinking of the dangers to anyone else, I passed the virus onto both my parents.” She paused again and wiped her eyes. It was obvious how painful it was for her to recount that time, even now.

“My mom, she…umm…she died, and it was entirely my fault. I…I wish I could tell her how sorry I am, for everything, but it’s too late for that now.” She was openly crying now. Thomas felt helpless as she squeezed Yvonne’s hand gently but firmly.

The emotional storm seemed to settle down after a while and Thomas asked. “Where’s your father?”

"My dad was sent to quarantine,” she replied simply. The water works were close to the surface still. A single tear ran down her cheek as she recalled the horror she felt watching her family fall apart.

“Then I really screwed up. Melanie got sick. I mean very sick to the point I thought she was going to die, a few days after they took my father. In my panicked state I did the stupidest thing ever and took her to the hospital. I wasn’t thinking right, maybe it was the grief over my mother’s death or the guilt over what I did to my father, but either way I let myself become convinced she was infected and then stupidly admitted that I was infected to the medical staff there.”

She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. “They stuffed me into a locked room and took the girls away. I’ve not seen or heard from them since. For my part, they put me on a bus a few days later to send me to quarantine. It turned out the facility they were sending us to was under attack from another branch of the same group I was affiliated with. They damaged the bus, and even though I didn’t really want it, they helped me escape too.”

“After that I wandered around for a while and eventually wound up at the Dillion quarantine. I don’t really know why I went there. I guess I was hoping that you were there and somehow, I’d see you or something equally farfetched. I don’t know, it was silly on my part, but I was adrift. I wound up hooking up with this guy Warren, who it turned out had connections with your Sisters of Acidalia. When we met up with them Greyson was there. I wanted to kill her so bad my panties got wet.”

She gave Thomas a wan smile. “You weren’t there though.”

“No, we joined after they returned from Wyoming.”

Yvonne nodded. “So anyway, they stopped me, and I totally was pissed off about it. So, I turned back to the group I had been working for. I was hoping they’d be as eager to go and kill the cunt as I was but the leader, this guy Mike, he preached patience and made me wait until the right opportunity came up and, well you know how that ended up,” she said with a wan smile.

She looked into the woman that had been her husband’s eyes for a long moment as she mentally pulled herself together. Recounting it all, especially to Thomas, had been harder than she thought it would be. The emotional scabs that time and formed over events felt raw again. It was all she could do to hold back the additional tears that sat just below the surface.

“My god Yvonne, that so much.” Thomas said quietly. She was awash with guilt now. Everything she’d gone through since becoming infected seemed inconsequential to what her family had suffered through. “I’m sorry, Hunny. I feel terrible that you went through all that because of me.”

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I chose to do everything that happened to me. Plenty of people have lost loved ones to quarantine, or worse. They didn’t choose to go around terrorizing everyone else and killing people.”

Thomas nodded. She wasn’t quite sure what to say to Yvonne. The woman she knew would never have done the things she just described.
She felt so guilty for leaving them behind even though she had had no choice in the matter.

“Where did they take you?” Yvonne asked interrupting her husband’s thoughts.

Thomas blinked twice as she came back to the conversation. “I was placed in Reynolds.”

“Oh my god. We’ve all heard rumors about how awful that place was.” She squeezed the new woman’s hand.

“I don’t know what you heard but I can assure you it was far worse than anything you could imagine but a few of us survived and here I am.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?”

“I…I don’t know that I can yet.”

Yvone nodded. “This might be the last time we speak my love. Not to pressure you but it’s kind f now or never.”

Thomas sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

She swallowed hard then spent most of the next hour explaining all she went through at the hands of Brady and Dr. Stanley. Yvonne sat quietly and listened to the horrors her husband had suffered at the pair. The tears flowed freely as Thomas spoke.

Finally, as the story came to an end she asked, “How did you get out?”

“Out of the thirty or so we started out with, three others and I managed avoid being killed and escaped before they blew the place up.”

“Blew it up? They said it was a gas explosion on the news and that no one hurt. Everyone got evacuated before the fire got to the living quarters.”

“I’ve heard but trust me, the Airforce blew it up. Paka saw the bomber climbing up into the clouds.” Thomas explained.

Yvonne nodded. “They really impregnated you?”

“Yes.”

“My god!” I can’t even imagine.

“Trust me, you don’t want to. I wish I didn’t.”

The two of sat there holding hands for a bit as they processed what they’d told each other. The outrages that had been perpetrated against each, left the other numb.

“So, you have no idea where the girls are now?” Thomas asked, breaking the silence.

“None.” Yvonne told her. “I had no way to ask anyone. I was technically a fugitive.”

Thomas nodded.

“But you’re still out now and you have that government lacky with you. You can find them with his help I’d bet.” Yvonna told her. “You have to find them!”

Thomas nodded. “I will do whatever I can. I promise.”

“You have to. I’m dead as far as the rest of the world is concerned. They are going to dump me down a hole so deep that no one will ever find me. I know way too much for them to let me go. You need to find our daughters.”

Harkin walked in tapping his watch and said “Ok that’s enough visiting time. Time to go Tabitha.”

“I’m not here done yet.”

“Yes, you are,” Harkin told her, then called out, “Guards! We’re done here. You can bring Mrs. Logan back to her cell.”

“What the fuck is this shit Harkin?” Thomas demanded.

Harkin refused to answer her. Instead, he stood there and watched as the guards came in and unhooked Yvonne from the table.
As they were getting ready to lead her away Thomas said, “I love you. I will take care of things.”

“I know you will. I love too.” Yvonne turned to Harkin. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”

As the pair of prison officers led her away, the enhanced new woman weighed the risk of showing her abilities off and trying to prevent them from taking Yvonne away. In the end she understood the harsh truth that even if she took these guards out, they were still inside a prison and the odds of them getting out of this building together alive were exceedingly slim.

After her wife was gone, Harkin headed for the door without a word. With great reluctance she followed him. This time her anger held back any potential panic attacks as they walked through the prison’s halls.

By the time they made it to the parking lot she was nearly boiling over. She silently glared at Harkin, wanting nothing more than to rip his balls off.

Sensing her anger as they climbed into the SUV, Harkin looked over at her and asked, “What?”

“What do you mean what? You know damn well what!”

He sighed. “I risked my ass to get you in there to see her. What time you got should be enough.”

Thomas continues to glare at him.

In frustration he said, “Fuck it! Look, you can be as pissed at me as you like. You can beat the shit out of me if that will make you feel better. You know I can’t take you, hell I won’t even fight back if that’s what you want to do but there’s no way I could let her spill her guts to you, for her sake and yours.”

“My sake? Yeah. Ok.” She rolled her eyes at him, which she could tell pissed hm off something awful.

“Yes yours, God damn it! You think you’re fucking invincible, but you’re not! If the wrong people thought you knew too much, they’d have you taken out of the game in five seconds and not all your enhancements or support from the Sisters would save you. So be mad and resentful if it makes you feel better, but I got involved to save your ass.,” he told her angrily.

“Fine.” Now it was her time to sigh. “I need your help finding my girls.”

He shook his head in amazement. “The balls on you. In-fucking-credible. After all that shit you just gave me, you think I’m up for doing you favors?”

“I don’t know Harkin. You tell me,” she said sarcastically. “I need to find them either way. If you help it will go far easier. If not, I’ll track them down with the help of the Sisters and we’ll be really loud about things once we find them. I bet the news will love to hear how two little girls were kidnapped by the government. Make a great headline for the newspaper huh?”

He rolled his eyes and sighed. “Fine, let me see what I can do. It might take a few days though, if ever.”

Thomas nodded. “I appreciate your help.”

“Yeah I can tell.” He told her. “If I do this, you’re going to owe me a favor back.”

“What kind of favor?”

“I won’t know until the need for it comes up but that’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”

“Fine. I’ll owe you a favor.”

“You’ll owe it whether I find the kids or not. This is a favor for the effort not the success ratio.”

“Yes, yes, yes. I understand. I am forever in your debt.”

“Bet your ass you are.” he relied and drove on.

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

4:38pm:

San Francisco:

Dr Turner looked around the dank little room that served as her makeshift clinic for those poor souls going through the throes of Acidalia infection. The room itself was a converted basement conference room they at one time belonged to an insurance agency. The few windows that were above the ground were boarded over and painted black from the inside to prevent anyone from accidentally seeing the space was being used. Being sealed up this tight led to a lack of air circulation. Because of that the sick smell that permeated the place was almost a physical thing.

She felt a measure of relief that now that she’d agreed to join up with the Sister’s earlier today, that this would be one of the last times she’d need to come here. Considering its limitations it had served them well. Somehow, they had managed to save more people than had died under their care and that was something to be proud of she felt.

She wouldn’t, however, miss the smell or the poor lighting or the constant search for supplies that they seemed to never have enough of.
She strolled out of the main patient care area into the small eating area they set up in an adjacent office. Inside waiting were the pair of doctors she’d joined up and been working with since the small hospital’s inception, Dr’s Denise White and Rebecca Swanson, along with the ever-present Harriot. It was never easy but somehow the four of them had kept things on schedule, despite their limitations.

Turner smiled at the three of them as she walked into the room.

“How did the grand tour go?” Dr Swanson asked. The gray-haired bespectacled fair skinned woman was the only one of the four of them that was born female. With that lifetime of experience, she had been a life saver when it came to training poor Harriot with the joys of the monthly cycle.

“Their facility is quite impressive, Becca. It’s as good as any hospital in the area. There are easily sixty beds available for virus victims. The supply closets were well stocked, even had had clean bedding.”

White and Swanson gasped mockingly as Harriet looked up, smiled and went back to playing with the toy in front of her. Turner smiled, “I know right? Crazy. They even have a large research lab where they’ve come up with some interesting ideas for the basis of a vaccine.”

“A vaccine?” Dr. White asked. “Surely not. No one has come close to that yet.”

“There’s nothing imminent, but they have noticed a few consistent differences between those who can become infected and those that are immune. Of course, they have one of the inventors of the virus working with them so that has helped, I’m sure.”

“So, the rumors true then? Sam Greyson is free and working with them?” White inquired.

“She is. I saw her myself earlier. It seems she was just returned for being kidnapped by some people that were looking to do her harm.”

“Kidnapped? Like for real?” Becca asked.

“For real. I don’t know all the details, but a group took her looking for revenge for those they lost to the virus according to Ellie. Apparently, they have several super women that are part of their group.” Turner looked over at the large black woman at the end of the table. “Harriet will have people her own size to work with.”

Harriet looked up from the toy soldier she had been playing with on the table and smiled at the mention of her name. She loved her new family, especially Dr. Turner, who had become a surrogate for the mother she lost when she got sick.

Harriot, formerly Henry Johnson, had gotten sick along with his father Orlando, after a trip to Disneyland with his parents in early July. Despite the danger of infection, it was a long-planned family vacation, and her parents simply couldn’t afford to lose the money they’d spent the year before on the trip by canceling.

The family had taken small solace in the belief that the virus had been contained in northern California. However, that belief was shattered when both males became infected before they returned home, despite the precautions they’d taken.
Harriet's mother, June who worked at the local library, had done her best to care for her to men. Her medical training was limited to the yearly CPR recertification she was forced to take, yet she did her bast to make them comfortable.

As the virus advanced in their systems and they became sicker she began to become despondent. The physical changes she saw them going through and the obvious pain they were both in due to them made her realize after a few days that it was more than she could handle at home.

Poor Orlando, who was by far the sicker of the two, had lost nearly 4 inches in height and more weight than she cared to guess at, was well
into his transition. Meanwhile, her son Henry, who was always small for his age, was going through the exact opposite kind of transition. He’d grown by nearly a foot in stature which both fascinated and scared June. The boy was growing so fast she swore she could actually see it happening if she watched him long enough. His features were changing and maturing at much the same rate. She wondered if she’d even recognize her child by the time the virus had run its course.

At the time there had been flowery TV and radio ads airing constantly offering federal assistance with the infected if you called a special CDC hotline number. Though she wasn’t sure she could trust the government to do right by them, she was desperate and terrified one or both of them would die if left under her care only. Finally, on the verge of outright panic, she dialed the phone and prayed she was doing the right thing in trying to get them help they needed.

When the biocontainment suited officers showed up at the house a few hours later, June immediately realized she’d made a huge mistake. Of course, by that time it was too far too late to reverse course. She found herself left with no choice but to let the medical personnel in. Not that they were giving her much of a choice in the matter. Her token resistance was met with a gun being put to her head, literally.

With her surrender the CDC people barged into the house as if they owned the place. The doctors found Orlando first in the master bedroom unconscious on the bed. He was deep in the transformation induced coma and gave no resistance to the men as the dragged him away and placed him in a containment vehicle.

Poor eight-year-old Henry was another story altogether. The boy was awake and absolutely terrified as rubber-gloved hands pawed at him as he tried to push himself further into the closet, he’d decided to hide in. As they CDC people pulled and yanked him out of his hiding spot the boy screamed. He cried and begged for his mother but the officers holding him ignored his pleas.

Once he was removed from the closet, his tormentors dragged her down the stairs and out the front door. She struggled and resisted every step of the way but there were too many hands on her to successfully resist when they had her so off balance. However, once they got the child outside and onto the sidewalk things changed dramatically.

With her feet set firmly under her for the first time, Harriot discovered that the virus had changed her body in more ways than the obvious.

Using strength she hadn’t been aware of having, she broke free from her captors, hurtling one several feet across the curbing and out on to the street in front of their house.

June watched in confusion as the girl that had been her son hurtled a full-grown man several feet across the sidewalk. What had happened to her, the young mother wondered. Were the reports of virus victims being dangerous really true? From where she stood it suddenly seemed possible.

The confused and frightened youngster then ran for the comfort of her mother’s arms only to be met with a look of horror and rejection. Rather than embracing her scared child June ran back into the house and slammed the door shut.

“Momma no!” she cried as she pounded the door with both hands, rattling it on its frame.

Inside the house June stood in the small hallway behind the door crying, trying to will herself to open the door and let her child in. To her eternal shame, fear of what he’d become left her feet rooted in place.

Henry stood on the porch shocked and crying as he begged his mother to come back and save him, but it was not to be. The officers she’d knocked down were clamoring back to their feet behind the boy, this time with weapons drawn. The child had no choice but to flee.

He bolted down the side of what had been his house and into the backyard. With ease he never thought possible he hurled the four-foot-tall chain link fence and dashed across the neighbor’s back yard. Once he was on the next street over, he ran blindly across it and never looked back.

The youngster ran until she could run no further. When she was finally forced to stop, the new girl becoming, looked around and realized she had no idea where she was. Unbeknown to her, in an ecstasy of panic she’d covered more than eight miles and was now on the outskirts of the city. All the buildings where she was seemed to be abandoned and the sidewalks were coated with grime and trash. It was so devoid of any sign of life that it felt like some kind of dystopian future where the area had been deserted for ages without number.

The eight-year-old was terrified, more than she’d ever been in her short life. She couldn’t understand why her mother, who’d always been there for her before to kiss a boo-boo better or give her a hug when she needed it, suddenly refused to save her. In deep confusion and a creeping sense of despondency the young boy/girl plopped down on the grimy sidewalk and cried harder than she’d ever done in her life.

The emotional turmoil added to the exertion of running so many miles left Henry exhausted beyond words. Despite her terror, the poor things eyes demanded to be shut. She was old enough to know that there were bad people who might do you harm in the world. As with all children her age she’d been told by her parents and teachers time and time again to never trust a stranger and that policemen were always her friend.
But in this case, it was the police that had caused all this.

The confusion and contradictions were too much for her sheltered eight-year-old brain to process and in the end, weariness won out over terror. She turned down the dark alleyway between two buildings across the street from where she sat. The sick child found a grimy blanket and dragged it into a little hidey hole between two dumpsters and finally, feeling relatively safe in the little cave, slept.

The boy lie there in a coma for days unattended. His body went through the worst of the transformation Acidalia induced on its victims while he remained thankfully, oblivious.

A few days later Turner and a nurse from City Hospital that had helped her escape, Rhonda Waters, found themselves in the same alleyway. They were there scouting out places to turn their idea of an underground Acidalia clinic into reality. Rhoda’s father owned the properties that lined the ally on both sides. She believed that some part of one of the buildings could easily serve their needs.

As the pair picked their way down the trash strewn ally looking for the spot that would eventually house their clinic Rhonda quite by accident nearly tripped over the new girl’s foot as it stuck out between the pair of dumpsters. She’d grown significantly during her time in the virus-induced coma and no longer fit into the snug hidey hole. As result his, now her, legs were sticking out into the ally.

The pair of medical professionals pushed the heavy trash receptacles aside. Both were overflowing with garbage, if not for the wheels under them the child might have been trapped back there forever. However, the pair did eventually get them shoved out of the way, revealing the unconscious woman’s body Hillary now inhabited. It baffled them that such a large person was able to fit in the small space. They understood Acidalia did all kind of things to the human body that seemed impossible, but no one had ever heard of anyone else growing to that extent.

The new woman seemed to weigh far more than even her size would lead someone to believe but eventually two of them managed to get her off the ground and laboriously carried her to their waiting car. Both were grateful Rhonda owned an SUV because the unconscious new woman took up almost the entire cargo area. Had they been in Turner’s BMW she might not have fit.

From there they took her to Rhonda’s house where the pair had been hiding. In the days that followed the child continued to grow and change. Dr. Turner started to wonder if she would ever stop and where they would find clothes for her if she didn’t. However, she did stop eventually at a hefty six foot seven inches with muscle tone that defied logic.

At first the adult-sized child came to see Waters as her surrogate mother. The two grew close in the weeks that followed her awakening from the virus induced coma. Dr. Waters doated on Harriot as if she were her own. It was Rhonda that came up with the new girl’s name, based on a favorite character from a book she’d read as a teenager.

That relationship was shattered, however, when Rhonda became infected herself. Both doctors knew there were infected females from their time working at City but, neither understood the infection could be passed from a new woman to a born one.

Turner and Harriot watched in simultaneous horror as Rhonda’s body changed into something that more resembled a Neanderthal than a modern-day human woman. In the end the changes were too much for Waters body to cope with and she passed on.

In the time since her passing Turner had become Harriot’s third mother. The new girl became the doctor’s constant companion and bodyguard of sorts. The second roll constantly worried Leah. It wasn’t always easy, having to teach an eight-year-old boy’s mind how to cope with being in an adult woman’s body, an enhanced one at that, especially considering Turner hadn’t been female for all that long herself. There was always the fear of what she should do if Harriot threw a tantrum and it got out of control. Luckily for all involved that had never happened.

With the pending move to the Sisters compound, if anything like that should happen at least there were others there that could handle Harriet’s strength. She hoped anyhow.

“So, when does the big move commence?” Swanson asked. She was a modest sized woman with long raven colored hair. She pushed her round glasses back up to the bridge of her nose while she waited for the reply.

“After the weekend, Tuesday.” Turner replied.

“I’d say we have a lot to do and not much time to do it.” White chimed in.

“That we do. Shall we get started?” Turner replied, secretly hoping she was making the right decision for all of them. It wasn’t an easy burden, being he undesignated leader. Despite her experience leading a major metropolitan hospital, the decisions she needed to make these days were often life and death and she constantly worried she was making the wrong one.

She lifted a cup to her lip and silently thought, “For better or worse…”

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

5:06pm:

Mia and Sam

As day became night and the automatic lights in the infirmary blinked on, Mia Blue pushed open the curtain separating her daughter from the rest of the patients in the large room. Several volunteers were tending to the virus victims. Robi, however, was nowhere to be found, which suited the doctor just fine. She wouldn’t come running in and interfere this time.

Mia was determined that these would be their last few days amongst the Sisters. They’d let harm come to Sam and that was intolerable. Because of their laissez-faire attitude about Sam’s safety, she’s nearly lost her daughter and Sara her mother. There was no way she could ever allow that to happen again. So, the time had come for them to part ways and that was the end of the discussion.

Sam looked over as Mia turned around and looked at her. She smiled. Dr Greyson was always happy to be with her pseudo-mother. “Hey mom? Where’s Sara? Thought you were going to bring her with you.”

“I asked Linda to look after her for a little bit. We need to talk.”

Sam pushed herself up straighter on the bed. “Ok. What’s up?”

“I’m going to contact Mr. Harkin tomorrow about setting the three of us up with our own place far away from here,” she told her daughter.

Sam sighed. “Not this again. I told you I don’t want to leave.”

“I’m not asking you I’m telling you we’re done!” Mia said forcefully.

“And I get no say?”

“No, you don’t. You’re concussed and it’s their fault,” she said pointing out into the main room. “You’re obviously not thinking straight, and I need to protect you.”

“I’m not doing this again.” Sam said simply. “If this the only reason you’re here then I want you to leave.”

“Sam! They allowed you to be taken. You could have been killed! Don’t you understand how fucked up that is? They can’t be trusted with your safety, so I’ll take it over and get you and the baby as far from here as we can get. Change our identities and hide ourselves away. Disappear into ether.”

Sam was troubled as she watched as a tear rolled down Mia’s cheek. She patted the bed and said, “Come here. Sit with me.”

Mia stepped over and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

“Ok. First off, I love you mom.”

“I love you too. That’s why we need to go. I can’t lose you again.”

“Let me finish please.” Sam asked in a tone that left no room for argument.

“Fine. Continue.” Mia replied stiffly.

“No one here ’allowed‘ me to be taken. I, stupidly as it turns out, insisted on taking Sara to the park over the vehement protests of Corporal Charles. So that is one hundred percent on me, not anyone else,” she explained. “When things started getting sketchy, it was Becket that picked out that something was off with the girl on the bench across from us at the park. Neither Linda nor I had a clue, but Katie was on guard and picked up on the situation right off. Unfortunately, they were well organized and despite catching on quickly it was too late. They had the entrance blocked off before we got up to leave.” She passed a minute as she relived the scene in her mind.

“It was Katie’s quick thinking in giving me her ankle bracelet that allowed the others to track me down after I’d been taken. So, another point in her favor. I’d be one hundred percent dead if she hadn’t acted so quickly.”

Once we were in their clutches, the odds were in the kidnapper’s favor, especially with Sara present. There was nothing that could be done other than to let them take me. Lina and Katie argued against it with me, but I insisted it was the best way to handle things and told them not to interfere. They simply did as I told them, and they kept Sara safe in the process, which I consider the biggest win of them all.” Sam looked Mia directly in the eyes. “So, no one let me down. Understand? Going along with them was my decision, not anyone’s fault.”

“I..I was so scared.” Mia admitted. It was obvious she was having trouble holding herself together.

“I was too.” Sam agreed. “Sara was safe though. It was the only solace I could take.”

“I thought for sure they were going to kill you before anyone could help. I was terrified and angry with all of them for letting you get put in that position.”

Sam nodded as she watched the tears rolling down his mother’s cheeks.

“You need to promise me you’ll never put yourself in the position again.”

“Pinky swear,” she said with a small smile. “I’ve learned my lesson mom. I promise you.”

“Good cause if you get yourself killed, I’ll never talk to you again.” Dr. Blue told her with a small grin.

“Well, we can’t have that can we?” Greyson said, smiling back. She lifted herself as much as she could. She reached out and Mia leaned in.

The pair hugged each other tightly for a long time.

Once they released their grip Sam wiped her eyes and said, “Now you need to go and apologize to Ellie and Sgt. Russov.”

Mia nodded. “Yeah, I guess I do,” she sighed. “Sometimes this temper of mine gets the best of me.”

“We know mom, we know.” Sam replied then stuck her tongue out.

Mia smiled and stuck hers out in response. “I love you, kiddo.”

“I love you too mom. Now get your butt out of here. There are plenty of people out there that need your help. No more slacking off worrying about me.”

Mia stood up still holding Sam’s hand. She gave it a squeeze, then let it go and walked out.

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

7:15pm:

Russov:

She sat in her makeshift office which was her bedroom with desk stuffed into one side. Her broken leg stuck stiffly out to the side of the small chair she sat on. Sgt. Russov was less than pleased with the situation with her injured limb. When she jumped out of the truck, she’d assumed whatever injuries she incurred would heal quicky enough to not cause her any long-term issues.

That was not the case with her broken thigh bone, however. If anything, it was healing far slower than any other injury she’d had since catching the bug. Having to sit on the side lines during Greyson’s rescue had annoyed her greatly. She felt she should have been leading her troops in the fight. Maybe if she hadn’t been sidelined Nicole wouldn’t have been so badly injured.

On top of that, being stuck in this room, despite the convenience, was really starting to piss her off. She’s bothered Robi daily, asking for new x-rays on the leg so she could see how much it was healing. She finally annoyed the doctor to the point where Robi refused to even answer her phone calls now.

When Becket had presented her with a note from Dr, Goings, Russov had been nearly apoplectic. They were in the army, not some frilly country club. Military personnel were expected to be ready regardless of injury, not presenting their C.O.(commanding officer) with a doctor’s note saying they needed rest.

If it hadn’t been for the private looking completely ragged, Russov would have dismissed it as another stunt she was trying to pull to get out of duty. However, she couldn’t deny the evidence of her eyes. Something wasn’t right with Becket and that was bad. If their strongest member could be laid up what did that mean for the rest of the squad? Russov didn’t want to think about it.

In the meanwhile, she needed to come up with a duty roster without one member. She knew the others wouldn’t like it much, but they wouldn’t complain, at least not to her and that was enough. The one thing they had in their favor was that Dr. Greyson wasn’t going to needing a security detail for the next few days until she was let out of the infirmary. Maybe not even after she was. Russov hoped the kidnapping was enough to dissuade the doctor from wanting to leave the complex again, which was exactly how she wanted it for when the time finally came.

Her musing was interrupted by a knock on the open-door frame. Russov looked up to see Kara Charles standing there.

“What can I do for you Corporal?” She asked not trying to hide her annoyance at the interruption.

“Sorry to interrupt Ma’am, but I was wondering if our orders have changed now.” Charles asked.

“Why would our orders change?”

“Haven’t you heard yet?”

“Apparently not, Corporal and I’m far to busy to be playing guessing games with you so spill it.”

“The President Ma’am, the House voted to impeach him. It was just on the news.”

Russov sighed and picked the tv remote up from her desk and clicked it on. From the box the anchor person’s voce said, “This is a KLTR News special report. Repeating our top story this hour the House of Representatives in a nearly unanimous decision has voted to impeach President Robert Fuller over his handling of the Acidalia outbreak. The numbers on the vote were 422 to 9 with 4 members abstaining. Every democrat and all but 13 republicans, despite pressure from the White House, came out in favor of removing the sitting president, despite him being a member of their party.”

“With this vote the measure now moves on to the Senate. Senate President Ernie Yorkston’s office stated that the senator hasn’t had the opportunity to read over the inditement but as soon as he is familiar with all the charges he would be scheduling the hearing in the Senate at the earliest possible date.”

“A spokesperson was quoted as saying, “Senator Yorkston understands the need to expedite these proceedings before voters go to the polls in November, in order for the Republicans to have another candidate ready to go in case the senate votes in favor of the president being removed from office which would disqualify him from running.”

“When contacted for comment the press secretary’s office relied by saying, “At this time the President has no comment on the vote. President

Fuller is currently meeting with his staff and looking over his options. When a course of action has been decided on there will be a press conference.”

Russov heard enough and clicked the broadcast off. “Jesus. It’s really happening,” she thought to herself.

She looked over at Charles, who was standing there looking as shocked as Russov felt. “Go back to your room. I need to check in with command. I will call the three of you in for a meeting once I know what course we are taking moving forward.”

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

Confirmed cases: 134,576,831

Actual Cases:182, 670,409

End Part 24

I'd like to thank you all for taking time to read my little tale. I'd especially like to thank Patricia Marie Allen for taking the time and fixing all my typo's and such. As always please leave a comment.