What Remains (Book 3): Epidemic

by Barrett, Tyler

  Muller looked at her, wide-eyed, “That could be dangerous. We don’t know how far this whole thing goes, but I trust your judgment. If you think we can trust the man, share the info, it won't hurt to have a congressman on our side. Just be careful.”

  “I will let you know if I decide to share the information with him. It just feels good to be able to share it with someone, I’ve been dealing with all of this by myself for the past few months.”

  Muller put his hand on her shoulder, “Well, I’m glad you decided to share this with me. I’ve been wanting to dig into all of this myself but haven’t had the time. Now I know my suspicions are justified. I’ll be here with you through this.”

  “Thank you, Muller. Now, let’s stop discussing this, we need to get ready for the congressman, he should be arriving shortly.”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Dr. Victoria watched as a sleek black helicopter darted toward them, slowing down as it began to hover above the landing area. Even though herself and Muller were a distance away, she could feel the force of the blades as it landed. As the engines went from a roar to a dull whining, she followed Muller closer to greet the occupants inside. The door slid open, revealing two men, one in a dark blue suit, stepping out, as the second, the pilot, ran his shut down protocols, staying with the helicopter.

  The one wearing the suit was older, grey hair lining the side of his head, while the top part was a dark brown. He was tall, with a walk that showed he was used to being the person people showed respect to. Muller stopped to greet the older man, holding out his hand.

  “Congressman Rick Morris!” The older man announced himself, taking Muller’s hand.

  Dr. Victoria shook the congressman’s hand as well, “Good morning, would you like to start with the tour or get straight into-”

  “Oh, I’d love a tour!” The congressman said, clapping his hands.

  “Okay, let’s start there first. I guess we can start with the hangar,” She stated, motioning for Muller to lead the way.

  “Inside, we have a C140 Super Hercules, used for long flights for our teams.”

  “Fascinating! It’s a hell of a plane!” The Congressman exclaimed, in awe, “What’s that over there?”

  “It’s our field armory, all of our weapons are stored there,” Muller explained.

  “Makes sense, just in case you’re in a hurry.”

  “As you can see, we keep it locked up tight. There’s Marcus, our requisition officer, he keeps track of everything down to the last bullet.”

  Marcus looked up from his desk, giving a quick nod toward them before returning to his work.

  “I’m sure with everything going on out east, you are all very busy!” The congressman exclaimed, looking around the hangar, “Shall we move on, I want to see everything this place has to offer. I’m sure the rest of the committee would love a full, detailed report.”

  “Sure thing,” Dr. Victoria said, “Right this way. We can tour the barracks next.

  Chapter 37

  Kenji ate his breakfast alongside King, who had arrived back to the headquarters earlier that morning after spending the day at the hospital with Shields and Jackson.

  “The doctors say Shields will make a full recovery, about four months to ‘eal,” Shields said, taking a bite of food.

  “That’s great news! I was worried about him, but as I’m sure you know, it’s been chaotic.”

  King nodded, “I ‘eard bits on the telly, real cluster. Just ‘ope the rest of the world don’t go to the shits while Shields is ‘ealing up. Couldn’t imagine being like that while those things are around.”

  Interrupting their discussion, Kenji watched as Dr. Victoria and Muller walked into the cafeteria, followed by two men in suits.

  “Is that there the pol-i-tician?” King asked, spelling out the word with clear disdain.

  “Yes, that’s him. I hope he doesn’t stick around; we have more important things to deal with,” Kenji said with a heavy sigh.

  They stopped talking as the group approached them, clearly about to introduce them to the Congressman. Kenji wasn’t thrilled but knew he had to show the man respect.

  “And this here is King, and Kenji,” Muller said to the tall, older man.

  “Kenji! You’re the one that blew up the media with a heroic tale, right?” The congressman asked.

  “Uh…Yeah, that’s me,” Kenji said, fighting the urge to get up and walk away.

  The Congressman held out his hand to shake with Kenji, who took it, “Glad to see they are really using their resources here. I’m sure you showed them a thing or two about those, Demon creatures, huh?”

  Kenji nodded, hoping to be done with the conversation, to which his prayer was answered.

  “King, how are you? It’s good to meet you.”

  King took the man’s hand, shaking it, “Cheers, Congressman.”

  “Ah, you must be one of the international recruits for the organization, glad to have you here with us,” The Congressman said with too much enthusiasm.

  Muller pulled Kenji aside momentarily, “We are giving the Congressman a tour of the facilities. After we finish up here with the barracks, would you mind joining us to tour the lab? I know Evans seems to do better around you.”

  “Kenji, you’ll be joining us for the rest of the tour, great! I’d love to hear some war stories of yours!” The congressman interjecting himself into their conversation, patting Kenji on the back.

  Kenji tried to subtly move away from the man, “It would seem so.”

  Muller mouthed, ‘I’m sorry’ behind the Congressman.

  “Now, let’s keep going. After seeing the Hangar, I’m excited to see the rest of this place!” The congressman said, walking back to the hallway, with Dr. Victoria and Muller following.

  “Good luck, mate, I’m going to try and stay far away from ‘im. Never liked ‘is type,” King said, walking away, “Sounds like the ‘angar is where I’m going to be spending my time today.”

  Kenji sat down to finish his food, dreading his day.

  The Congressman seems…nice. I wish I didn’t have to spend my time with him today. I’d rather be focusing on the more pressing matter in North Korea. Best head over to the lab building, though.

  The morning air was brisk, but refreshing as Kenji left the barracks, heading for the Lab building. He waited at the entrance, knowing it wouldn’t be long before they caught up to him. After all, there wasn’t much to see in the barracks; all the rooms were the same, and the only thing unique about the building was the common room and cafeteria.

  Kenji anxiously shuffled back and forth from one leg to the next, hoping they would hurry up. He didn’t want to spend any more time than he had to in the lab, wanting to be in the command center helping. Showing the Congressman around wasn’t his ideal plan for the day. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, Muller emerged from the barracks with the rest following him.

  Muller approached Kenji wearing a face of complete and utter annoyance, and it took everything Kenji had to not laugh. Knowing he was about to share in his pain, though, he turned to face the door, swiping his card to open the door. The two security guards turned to see who was entering the building, relaxing at the sight of the four of them.

  “Well, this doesn’t look like much!” The Congressman exclaimed.

  Dr. Victoria rolled her eyes, making sure the man couldn’t see, “The lab is two stories underground, to help prevent the virus from escaping. The only way down is this elevator.”

  Muller swiped his card at the elevator, motioning for them to enter first. Kenji entered after Dr. Victoria and the Congressman. The elevator ride was smooth, but still got to Kenji’s stomach every time. With his feet on solid ground, they entered the stark white lab, the florescent light glaring off the multitudes of glass windows into the various rooms.

  Stopping to look through the window into the main section of the lab, the Congressman got as close as he could to the glass without physically touching it. He watched as one
of the new lab assistants Dr. Victoria had just hired was currently observing the current batch of experiments.

  “And what are they doing?” The congressman asked, hands now pressed against the glass.

  “She is running tests on the blood samples we collected from the woman. We are currently trying to determine which genes allowed her DNA to join with the virus,” Dr. Victoria replied.

  “What about a cure, or vaccine?”

  Dr. Victoria let out a half chuckle, half huff, “That will be months from now. We have several steps ahead of us before any of that can be completed. First most, starting with isolating the genes that allow the woman to be a carrier.”

  The Congressman pulled back from the glass, “Months? I was hoping to be able to report something sooner to the council, but you are the expert here. I trust you are funding this portion to its fullest extent. This is the most important research on the face of this planet currently.”

  Dr. Victoria nodded, pursing her lips, “Yes, I am making sure my sole focus is on this work. That’s the reason Muller is in charge of the missions and teams. It allows me to attend to this directly.”

  “Great! With the current state of the Korean Peninsula, I’d hate to see what happened if they aren’t able to keep it in check over there.”

  Muller cleared his throat, “Alright, shall we move on to the Admin building?”

  Before anyone could answer, the Congressman’s voice boomed in the hallway, “No.”

  Dr. Victoria jumped at the unexpected volume, “What else would you like to see?”

  “Why the woman, of course,” The Congressman stated, “I was expressly asked to make sure that proper security protocols are in place. The council was a little wary about keeping such a dangerous woman stateside. Especially after what happened in South Korea. I assume that isn’t a problem?”

  “Not at all,” Dr. Victoria said with a face of worry, “Right this way.”

  Kenji made sure to walk ahead of the Congressman, prepared in case Evans wasn’t in the right mind. They moved single file down the hallway, around the corner toward the back of the floor. Turning the next corner, the containment room came into view. Kenji held his breath, hoping he wasn’t going to find Evans covered in blood, writing more disturbing messages on the wall.

  Luckily, Evans was asleep, laying on her cot. Someone had made sure the bloody message on the wall had been cleared away as well. The two security guards posted at the door tensed at the sense of movement, standing down once they saw Dr. Victoria.

  “Ma’am,” The closest guard said, nodding toward her.

  “How is everything? How is she?”

  The guard turned to look at Evans, “She’s been asleep for the past four hours, been quiet.”

  “Good. So, no incidents?”

  The guards both shook their heads.

  “Is there something to be concerned about?” The Congressman asked, with a steely face.

  “You read the report?”

  The Congressman nodded, “The one from their mission in South Korea? Yes, I read it.”

  Dr. Victoria folder her arms, “So you know she’s…”

  “I know she’s our best hope against this virus!” The Congressman exclaimed, startling them all again, “Now, I would like to review every security measure you have in place. We want to make sure the virus can’t escape here. Imagine that chaos, two outbreaks at once.”

  “Well,” Dr. Victoria started, leading them back to the main lab, “For one, like I stated earlier, this lab is two stories underground, with that elevator as it’s only method to get down here. Along with that, only the people that are down here currently are allowed in, using a security badge to access the doors to the outside upstairs, and elevator. The security station is over there and can only be accessed, again, by one of us here presently.”

  Stopping in the small area before the elevator, “As you may have noticed, the air down here is a little…stuffy, it’s recirculated, and self-contained. There are air sensors that can detect any virus down to the individual virions. If that happens, the lab will be sealed, and the decontamination process will begin.”

  “And what does that do?” The Congressman said, placing his hand on his chin.

  “Let's just say you wouldn’t want to be stuck down here while it’s activated. It would get a little toasty.”

  “Ah, so it will incinerate everything down here?”

  Dr. Victoria nodded, “Yes. We have multiple layers of security here; card keys, security force inside, only one way in or out, a self-contained lab, and a sensor system.”

  The Congressman put on a sly smile, “But what’s to make sure that the system doesn’t pick up a false reading?”

  “There is a shutdown protocol within the security room, with a thirty-second timer,” Dr. Victoria responded quickly.

  The Congressman clapped his hands again, “Ah, it would seem you thought of everything!”

  Dr. Victoria smiled, “There’s a reason why I’m in charge.”

  After a few moments of awkward silence, Muller jumped in, “What do you say we continue the tour? We still have a few places to visit.”

  “Sure thing. Lead the way! After all, I don’t have a security card!” The Congressman exclaimed, laughing at his own joke.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Dr. Victoria walked into the open office space, where many workers occupied desks, sorting through stacks of paperwork. The Congressman followed her, examining everything about the building. Luckily, Muller had the foresight to give the over-talkative guard, Rodger, the night shift.

  “This is the center of our operation, over there is the main intel operation,” Dr. Victoria said, stopping to wave her hands out.

  “What about these people in here? What are they doing?” The Congressman asked, looking around with narrowed eyes.

  “In here, we keep track of all intel received, file reports; everything is kept in full detail for our records, and if anyone from the UN needs them.”

  “That won’t be necessary, Dr. Victoria, thank you. However, I am very interested in seeing that command room, If I could?” The Congressman asked with a smirk.

  “You’re welcome to view it, that’s why you’re here after all, isn’t it?”

  The Congressman chuckled, “It’s true, part of why I’m here is to tour the facilities, as well as evaluate the efficiency of this organization. After the outbreak in South Korea, we have a lot of worried people back east.”

  “How are we doing so far?”

  “I’ll have a talk with you later. After I’m done in the command room, I have to report to DC, are you free later?”

  Dr. Victoria nodded, “Of course, I look forward to it. I'll be in my office whenever you’re ready for me.”

  The Congressman gave a curt nod, before following Muller into the intel command center.

  Dr. Victoria went back to her office, taking a deep breath before sitting down at her desk.

  I need to do some quick research on the Congressman. I want to make sure I can trust him before showing him the information I know.

  Logging into her computer, Dr. Victoria double-clicked the internet icon, as a browser opened a moment later. Typing in the Congressman’s name into the search bar; Congressman Rick Morris, the screen refreshed with several websites giving information on the man. She clicked on the first one, his own personal site. The site itself was a homage to himself, pictures of the Congressman plastered all over the place, smiling or shaking hands with other important looking people.

  His slogan displayed predominantly across the top of the screen, ‘Fighting for the future of America!’ Scrolling down the page, Dr. Victoria spotted some useful information.

  Blah, blah, blah. I don’t care what political party he’s part of. There, he was elected into his current seat in the House of Representatives just a little over a year ago. The first incident was dated, 2013, there’s no way he could have been part of the original committee that had their hands in all this.

/>   She closed the window, rubbing her temples.

  He came into his seat well after all of this was set in motion. There’s no way he can be tied to any of it, right? Can I trust him? I suppose I can just ease in with my first finding, bring up the committee that dealt with the virus before the program was shut down. Gauge his reaction.

  Dr. Victoria glanced down at the drawer in her desk.

  I’m almost surprised I haven’t gotten a call yet. I suppose after the Congressman leaves, I will get one. Whoever is on the other side of that phone…You will pay, I promise you.

  Chapter 38

  Several hours later, Dr. Victoria heard a knock from her door, looking up to see the Congressman standing there.

  “Is it a good time?”

  “Of course. I was just going over some paperwork, nothing that can’t wait,” Dr. Victoria said with a smile.

  “I was almost surprised to find you here still, it’s getting late. I stayed longer than I meant to inside the command center. The raw amount of information being fed through there…Mind-blowing!” The Congressman said in awe.

  “I swear I spend more time in this office than I do anywhere else. That couch over there often doubles as my bed, if I’m honest,” Dr. Victoria said with a small yawn.

  It is getting late, almost eleven pm already!

  “Well, I’m glad to see you so dedicated to your work, that puts me at ease.”

  An awkward silence fell over the two as the Congressman sat in the chair across from Dr. Victoria’s desk, “Now, I suppose we should move on to the full breadth of it, huh?”

  Dr. Victoria gave a nod, “Sure, I’m all ears.”

  “You know why I was sent here. The UN and congress want to make sure that all their money is being spent in the right way, and not being thrown away. Besides, they wanted me to make sure that the woman was actually secure…” The Congressman said with a pause, that put Dr. Victoria on the edge of her seat, “I can safely say that there doesn’t seem to be any mismanagement here.”