Dying to Live (40 page)

2.

‘After we’d gotten over the novelty of our mode of transport, the journey was quite boring. I spent most of it getting to know Rebel better and the others seemed to alternate between sleeping and talking.

The real shock came when we arrived in England and saw what was waiting for us. There were people who came to greet us straight out of the hyperloop pod and it was so much more than we could have hoped for. The President introduced us as though we were heroes and then he was ushered away to some private quarter. His words cemented us a place there and we were invited to take up residence in The Fleet Accommodation Centre. We discovered that The Pentagon wasn’t the only location that had an evacuation procedure that terminated on the naval base. During the weeks after we arrived, we learnt that many significant figures were now securely housed in the private barracks, including other scientists, politicians and anyone else who had been deemed valuable or wealthy enough. The whole base was like a sheltered community. It was housed behind a huge security fence, which had been reinforced as soon as they heard word of the outbreak. It was now impenetrable. Nestled safely behind it, the base hosted an array of amenities that one would expect of a small town rather than a just a port. The country had succumbed to the infection but, for now at least, HMNB Devonport was a haven.’

The group were free to roam most of the base. It was a huge, sprawling complex with room enough to house hundreds of recruits and their families. There were a variety of different recreation buildings and a large mess hall where they ate together every day. Most of the restaurants and shops were no longer staffed, although they were still accessible, and facilities like the pool were not maintained how they once had been, but on the whole, life there was almost too good to be true.

Xin and Pete arrived at the table with their lunch trays not long after Andy had sat down. He had joined Frank, Lucy and Rebel, after he’d finally gotten served.

“Alright?” Pete greeted them.

“Oh hey,” Lucy returned the smile. “I didn’t see you at breakfast this morning, Xin?”

“Sorry,” She apologised, “I wanted to talk to you about that actually.” She sat down and picked up her fork.

“Oh? What’s up?” Frank asked her through a mouthful of food.

“Well, we’ve been here doing nothing for a little over a month now. So I decided to go and find out what they’re doing about the outbreak,” Xin shared casually.

Andy paused mid chew. “What? ...and they told you? Just like that?”

“Yes,” Xin said. “I can help them if there’s any work going on, and I think they know that.”

“WE can help them,” Pete corrected her. “You’re the scientist, but we’re still in this together. We can all help if they’ll let us.” Xin smiled at him and continued.

“Well, I spoke to The Commander anyway. I told him a little bit about my experience in the field and they’ve arranged for me to meet with the other researchers and doctors that they have here. It’s all set for tomorrow.” Xin paused and took a bite of bread before continuing. “Hopefully they’ll share what they know and what they plan to do. From what The Commander said, they don’t know much about the infection at all. Perhaps they’ll find our knowledge quite useful.”

“What will we be able to do?” Pete asked. He wanted to make sure that they all had a part to play, so that Xin wouldn’t end up meeting them alone. He didn’t want her to get sucked into anything dangerous without her friends to help her.

“Don’t worry. I told The Commander that I wanted you all there with me,” Xin reassured him. “He agreed that your experience could be useful and said that you were welcome to be there.”

“Well, I’m in,” Frank said with a shrug.

The others agreed, all except Rebel, who remained quiet.

“Rebel?” Andy asked her. The others looked at her expectantly.

“Yeah, that all sounds fine for you guys,” Rebel shrugged noncommittally.  “But for me it’s gonna mean I’m one step away from being a test subject again. It all starts with me just being there, but the next thing you know, one of the others notice me and I’m strapped to a gurney with electrodes in my brain.”

“Absolutely not,” Xin shook her head. “We can’t prevent them from knowing who you are, not after The President’s introductions...” She paused as someone walked by their table. “But we won’t sit around and let anything happen to you.”

“What about when all these Doctors decide that I’m the only one who holds the cure?” Rebel asked glumly.

“We don’t know that for sure,” Xin said firmly. “The first step towards curing
them
is to run tests on
them
. We need to know how they processed the matter and that is entirely different to you.”

“Fine, if you can promise me my freedom, and that you’ll not let me become a guinea pig again, then I’ll trust your word and come along.” Rebel looked anxious but made an effort to mask it.

“You have my word,” Xin promised, putting down her fork and placing her hand over Rebel’s. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”

3.

‘During that month on the naval base I’d had a lot of time for reflection. Mainly thoughts of ‘why me?’ and ‘it’s not fair” but also a persistent concern about what I had become.

They’d plucked me from my life --and trust me, vagrancy is still a life-- and made me into some kind of warped mutant. I don’t know if I’d have rather died than be like this. Nobody knew the full account of what I’d been through either, and I didn’t want to share it. Many of the tests they’d subjected me to had been painful and degrading, even though I could heal as quickly as they could inflict any kind of injury. Some of them hadn’t been as bad, they’d just scared the living crap out of me. For instance, at first I’d felt ridiculous when they’d said they wanted me to hold my breath and see how long I could keep it in, but I’d discovered in that moment that I could do it indefinitely. It caused me no discomfort to deprive myself of oxygen, but the unease that came with that knowledge that was endless.

I messed up their tests whenever I could. I wanted to make them think that there were still parts of me that were normal, and on that occasion, I’d dramatically gasped in a desperate gulp of air after only a couple of minutes.

I was placing a lot of trust in Xin and the others when I’d agreed to attend the meeting. Being face to face with new scientists was not something I was eager to do. Even in a new country, with scientists from the other side of the globe, I was convinced that their mindsets would be the same. ‘Cage the freak’. Xin had said not, but I was sure that it would take great restraint on her part if I proved to be the key to finding a cure. I did feel selfish for depriving people of the chance to reclaim their lives, but at that moment, they were all oblivious to their own suffering. If one thing was sure, it was that I would not have that same luxury. Regardless, it had driven me to decide that, if Xin kept her promise, then I would donate some of the samples they needed. I’d do it of my own free will, on my own terms, with the right to change my mind or get them to stop, but I’d do it, because it was the right thing to do. I might physically be at one with these monsters, but I was determined that inside, I would be different.’

“Hey, are you ready?” Xin asked tentatively, poking her head into the dorm room.

“Yeah, I guess,” Rebel said, dropping the laces of the combat boots she had just finished tying. Lucy appeared beside Xin at the door.

“The guys are going to meet us there,” she smiled. Rebel could tell that they were trying their best to make her feel at ease.

“Where are we going for the meeting?” Rebel asked.

“The commander has assigned a quarantine area. Apparently, some of the well-to-do people who made their way here were already infected. They didn’t feel it was right to kill them so they’re hoping that they can be the first ones to benefit from a cure. The scientists have set up close to there and that’s where we’re meeting them.”

“Okay, lead the way,” Rebel gestured.

Outside, there was a chilly breeze rolling in from the sea. It was a cold November morning and the smell of salty surf was a refreshing thing to wake up to. The lapping waves provided a distant murmur of background noise that was ever-present, no matter where you were on the base. At one time, it may have been too busy with the hustle and bustle of life for the sound to have been noticeable, but since many of the naval troops had been sent to their deaths during the fight to contain the outbreak, it was now a much quieter place.

When the girls arrived, The Commander was stood outside chatting with Pete, Frank and Andy.

“Ah, ladies, it’s good to see you,” He greeted them courteously. “I was just telling the lads that I decided to come along and oversee the introductions myself.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you,” Xin said. She stood beside Pete, he kissed her lightly on the crown of her head and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Shall we go in?” The Commander asked. He didn’t wait for an answer before reaching out and taking the door handle. He swung the door open and looked at Lucy who was nearest. “After you.”

They made their way into an area that was not dissimilar to a classroom. It was averagely sized and had rows of desks lining it. Six men were already inside and didn’t immediately notice their arrival. Five of them were clustered around a table at the front, arguing over a set of notes that lay open upon it. The sixth was silently watching the faces of those who were speaking.

“Gentlemen,” The Commander interrupted, drawing their attention to the back of the room. “I’ve brought some people for you to meet.”

The sixth man only seemed to realise that they were there once the others had turned to look at them. One of the men rapidly began translating what had been said into sign language for him.

“Ah, guten morgen!” A grey haired man said, rushing towards them with an outstretched hand. “I am Doctor Leisenberg,” he said. “Not to be confused with Heisenberg.” He let out a bark of laughter at what he clearly found to be a great witticism.

Xin smiled and shook his hand as she introduced herself.

“My name is Doctor Xin Yao and these are my friends Pete Rzewski, Lucy Jacobs, Frank Burton, Andy Miller and Rebel Young.” She pointed to each of them as she named them.

“Ah, young Rebel,” he beamed, turning his attention to the girl. “You must cause much trouble with name like that?” He laughed again.

Rebel didn’t say anything but awkwardly tried to smile. It ended up being more of a grimace as the joke was not a new one to her. Her whole life she had cursed her mother’s accurately foretelling choice of name.

“We hear much about you! Marvellous girl with far superior genetics. Come, meet new colleagues,” Dr Leisenberg said, ushering them all to the front of the room.

“My name Doctor Petrov, from Russia,” said the biggest of the men. Dark haired man and imposing, his voice was like the grumble of thunder. His thick accent was unmistakable. “This Professor Novikoff, also from Russia. He is deaf, I interpret to him.”

There was a flurry of hand gestures as Dr Petrov introduced them. Professor Novikoff was slightly smaller with a stern looking face, he signalled something back and Dr Petrov nodded.

“Professor say it is good to meet you,” He translated.

“It’s a pleasure to meet him also,” Xin smiled. Her attention was snatched by another of them men who stepped forward to shake her hand.

“Doctor Siwinski of Poland, apologise my English not good.” He had a kindly face and smiled at them before pointing at another doctor. “Dr Elstad is of Norway. English is also not good.”

Dr Elstad nodded pleasantly at them upon hearing his name.

“Whereas my English is quite good, if I do say so myself,” said the last man to step forward. “Professor Allmendinger, I’m here from Switzerland. It is nice to meet you Dr Yao, and also your friends whose names I will try to remember.”

“Well, if you’re all happy I’ll take my leave now,” The commander put in. “We’re expecting one of our ships to be back from a reconnaissance expedition today. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

“Actually Commodore, I would be particularly grateful if you had any protective suits that you could supply us with,” Professor Allmendinger requested as he turned to leave. The Commander turned back questioningly. “I believe a good starting point would be to investigate a carrier of the infection. It would be unwise to do so for long periods without adequate attire.”

“I will see what I can do,” The Commander nodded before taking his leave.

“It’s not just the infection you need to worry about. They’re carrying a tonne of other contagious stuff too. Aren’t they, Xin?” Frank said to break the silence.

Xin nodded. “Yes, the information we’ve pieced together seems to indicate all kinds of contagions.

“I knew it,” Dr Leisenberg exclaimed. “Dr Petrov and I, we speculate for long time that multitude of symptoms manifest in subjects. Also, hospital full of sick people! How do you know this is sure?”

“We came from ground zero,” Xin informed him. “I sifted through a lot of their data whilst I was there.”

“Oooh, fascinating,” Dr Leisenberg cooed with admiration. “By chance did you fetch this data with you?”

“No, we weren’t able to,” Xin lied, thinking of the memory stick that she had managed to keep close ever since she’d received it. She had been tempted to destroy it, but she may still have need of that information again. However, it was proof that Bao had disobeyed orders and, alive or dead, she would not shame him.

“Then I hope memory is good.” Dr Petrov said. “We have nothing.” His eyes betrayed his words when they fell on Rebel.

Xin drew his attention away before Rebel could Notice. “I’d be happy to summarise my findings for you,” She suggested.

“An excellent idea,” Dr Leisenberg beamed.

The language barriers hindered their progress and Xin spent tedious hours discussing things with the other doctors that, for the most part, her friends did not understand. Dr Elstad needed the most help understanding what she said, but the other doctors seemed to have an affinity with him and Pete’s many years of travelling had paid off in the language department. Together they made it work.

Pete listened intently, trying to keep up with what was being said and asking questions here and there so that he could pass information along to Dr Elstad. Lucy and Frank gave up after a while and chatted between themselves, flirting and laughing. Andy and Rebel listened too, but for the most part the conversation went over their heads. Andy understood much more than he let on and listened in, whilst he played hidden games of noughts and crosses under the table to entertain Rebel and pass the time.

“We should start immediately the tests of blood and tissue samples,” Dr Leisenberg announced animatedly. “Given what you have said, I think adequate investigations into certain factors could prove most illuminating.”

“I think we will find that each strain is significantly altered. Rebel told us that all of the infections took hold extraordinarily fast and symptoms manifested within the hour,” Xin explained. “They’re obviously mutated diseases, no doubt accelerated for their data collection. There is a good chance that the initial infection also has its own way of mutating them.”

“We shall see,” Dr Leisenberg nodded. “If we identify a way to cure these, then maybe people can still be saved.”

“Maybe,” Xin nodded. “I understand there is a quarantine zone. Can we obtain samples there?”

“Yes,” Dr Petrov said firmly. “These ‘important’ persons have no authority in current condition. I will make sure The Commodore allows it.”

“Be sure to do that,” Professor Allmendinger said in agreement. “I shall have a laboratory set up in here. Luckily I refused to leave Switzerland without my things.”

Dr Elstad noticed the others closing their notebooks and realised that they seemed to be finishing up. “We go... middag?”

“Middag?” Xin repeated, looking questioningly at Pete.

“It means dinner,” he told her with a chuckle. His travelling days felt so far away now, but he was glad to know that some of it had stayed with him. Dr Elstad smiled and rubbed his tummy enthusiastically.

“Oh!” Xin smiled with amusement and glanced at the wall clock. “Yes, middag!”

Dr Elstad beamed back at her. “Go... now?”

“Yes, of course,” she nodded at him. “I didn’t realise the time. Shall we start tomorrow?” Xin asked the room at large. The others nodded but Dr Elstad looked confused.

“Oh, uh...” Pete paused. “Starter... I morgen?” He was unsure that he had the translation right but the doctor smiled and nodded.

The team dispersed and headed for the dinner halls. When Xin and her friends were outside, she spun around and planted a kiss on Pete.

“You are amazing,” She laughed. “I’ve enjoyed watching you translate all day, it was impressive.”

“Yeah, I bet you didn’t know I could be useful!” He joked flicking at a strand of her hair and pulling her closer.

“Hey, if Dr Elstad was Chinese I would have been in my element,” Xin laughed, kissing him again.

“Once this is over, we’ll travel together. We’ll learn all the languages you’d like.” Pete smiled and tapped her nose.

“Oh, come on you two. We’re about to eat,” Frank whined jokingly.

“Do you want me to tell everyone exactly what you were whispering to Lucy in there, whilst we were busy doing some real work?” Pete asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Shutting up,” Frank surrendered.