“It would be the kindest thing he could do...to all of them.” Rose knew Thor wanted the truth. Every Dark Angel knew what the Kaiser did to his prisoners. She wanted to forget.
“Come on, Doc. I have to know,” said Thor.
“Some will feed his troops. The Kaiser knows how to sustain human life for a long time, in order to supply his people with fresh blood. There is a place kept very cold where obese humans are kept in a state similar to a coma. Larger people are able to provide more blood, although not for long. Every day they provide a pint of fresh blood, until they are expended and replaced. They feel no pain, but I know they dream.” Rose had to look away from Thor when his gaze became too intense. “Most fight in the Death Games, and a very few are kept as personal slaves.”
Thor lowered his eyes, unable to respond.
“Ginger?” Rose motioned to the vampire. Ginger was putting a bandage on a Panther boy’s arm. “When you’re done, help Thor over to a cot. I want him to rest.” She heard footsteps outside. “Stay here, Thor. Let Ginger help you off the table.”
Cadence entered the infirmary, sipping on a cup of coffee. Her rifle was slung over her shoulder. She’d recently showered and changed into her civvies, and her brown hair hung straight and full to her shoulders. Rose had given her a shot of iron and Vitamin B earlier, but she still looked anemic.
“How you holding up, Thor?” asked Cadence. He didn’t look up. “Baldor’s funeral will be tonight; Highbrow is making the arrangements. I’ll clear you so you can attend. In the meantime, Aurora will stop by later with breakfast when the mess hall opens. I’m sure you’re hungry. You can go back to your RV whenever you want.”
“Odin is there,” said Thor, finally finding his voice. “I can’t deal with him right now. I’d rather stay here.”
Rose reached into her lab coat and handed Thor a bottle of pills. “Take one every three hours for pain if needed, and you’re going to need them. It’ll take several weeks to fully heal.”
“Hey, Commander,” called Freeborn.
The Tiger guard pressed against the cage door. With a gentle push, Freeborn broke the door off its hinges, set it aside with a loud clang, and strolled out of the cage. The Blue Devils came to attention and aimed their rifles at Freeborn.
“Stand down,” shouted Cadence. She stomped over to the team leader. The gun was lowered. After a few angry words, Echo, the stocky leader of the Blue Devils nodded to her team who then followed her outside.
Freeborn hurried over to Cadence. The two girls embraced. The Dark Angels caught Rose’s glance and started moving the lab equipment into the adjacent room. Ginger cleaned up her work area and joined the vampires in the lab, giving Rose and the humans a little privacy.
“Damn, you stink to high heaven,” said Cadence, “but it’s wonderful to have you back among the living. Did you get a steroid shot? You nearly broke my back.”
“Sorry,” said Freeborn, embarrassed. “I can’t help it.”
Thor waved her over. Before he could get a word in, Freeborn lifted him down from the table and set him on his feet.
“I weigh close to two hundred and sixty pounds,” said Thor. He grabbed Freeborn by the arm and led her over to the cage. The pain medicine was obviously working. “Impress me. Bend the bars again.”
Freeborn grabbed two bars in her hands and pulled them apart, as if they were made of rubber. She bent the iron bars back into shape and turned, a big smile on her face. Thor went over to a cot and sat, shaking his head in disbelief. Freeborn joined him.
“Okay, out with it,” said Cadence. “What’s the diagnosis on Freeborn?”
“Your blood seems to have had an effect on her,” said Rose. “It works opposite of the H1N1z virus. Where the original virus causes human DNA to break down and decompose, your blood supercharges red blood cells and causes cell growth on a large scale. Her hair and nails are growing longer, and her bones are denser. Eyesight, hearing, and vision have all increased in function. Freeborn’s become as strong as a vampire, maybe even stronger. Fortunately, she doesn’t require blood to replenish her body.”
Cadence looked impressed. “She's no longer a zombie, so what you’re saying is that my blood cured her? Then I am a Maker of sorts? Any idea what my blood would do to an uninfected human? Say to someone like Thor. Would his bruising heal immediately?”
“Highbrow asked the same thing,” said Rose. “I’m to report to him directly about the results of my findings. He’s worried, Cadence, and with good reason. Looking at slides gives me an inkling of what’s going on, but until I’ve tested it on any uninfected human, I can’t give you any answers.”
“Tell her about the Shadowguard you killed,” said Freeborn.
Rose wondered why Highbrow hadn’t told Cadence the effects her blood had on vampires. “A mere speck of your blood killed a Shadowguard on contact,” she said. “You and Freeborn don’t have to worry about vampires. Your blood acts like the zombie-virus, in that it causes immediate regression of a vampire’s nervous system, causing instant death.”
“It's like you have chameleon blood,” said Freeborn. “I can’t wait for Dragon to get back from the Citadel. He’s going to be so happy when finds out I’m human again.”
Cadence glanced at her guard. “Is she cleared for active duty?”
“In a day, maybe. I’d like to observe her a bit longer, Commander,” said Rose, “I don’t think we need worry about Freeborn’s feeding habits; however, I am concerned about the alteration in her DNA. You asked what would happen if Thor took her blood? I think his bruises would heal, and he’d become as strong as Freeborn.”
“Do you want to be a lab rat, Thor?” asked Cadence.
Thor looked excited. “Absolutely!”
“Out of the question,” said Rose. “Now I know why Highbrow is so keen to keep you and Freeborn separate from the camp. I can’t do this without using proper protocols. We may end up killing Thor instead of turning him into a superhuman. I’m not even sure that’s what Freeborn should be classified as.”
“Doc, just admit it,” Cadence said, smoothly. “You could run tests for weeks and still not have all the answers. We don’t have that luxury. There’s a lot more vampires than humans. Suppose Thor becomes as strong as a vampire? I can build a new team to fight the Kaiser.”
“This type of haphazard scientific dabbling might work for the Kaiser,” Rose said sternly, “but I expect more from you, Cadence. You actually care about your people. Please don’t order me to do this. It’s a mistake. What if we kill Thor?”
Cadence had a stubborn look on her face, and Rose knew she wouldn't convince her. She felt caught in the middle of a private war between Highbrow and Cadence.
“Seven people were killed last night,” said Cadence. “Fifteen people were captured. This is a direct order, Dr. Rose. I won’t have a staff doctor who doesn’t follow orders. Just do it. I’ll take full responsibility for whatever happens.”
Thor spoke up. “I don’t get it. Why don’t you have super powers, Commander?” He paused. “You know Lance Armstrong was found guilty of blood doping. Before a race, he’d set aside his blood in storage. Afterwards, he’d get a shot of fresh blood. A lot of athletes did the same thing, so they’d recover faster after a race. Something about oxygen in the blood. Anyway, it revitalized Armstrong, and he won the Tour de France seven times. If it worked for him, why wouldn’t it work for you the same way?”
Cadence removed her coat and laid it on the table. Pushing up the sleeve of her thin blue sweater, she turned toward Rose. “Give Thor fresh blood, Doc, but use some of your stored blood on me.”
Rose sped over to her work station, grabbed a syringe, cotton balls, and pads of alcohol and returned to the humans before they noticed she’d been gone. Freeborn, however, had been watching her every move without difficulty. Cleaning a spot on Cadence’s arm with an alcohol pad, Rose drew a vial of blood, put a cotton ball over the extraction point, and then withdrew the needle.
“Get on wit
h it, Doc,” said Cadence, gruffly.
Rose cleaned a spot on Thor’s shoulder and gave him the blood she had just drawn from Cadence. She went to the fridge, retrieved a vial of blood, and injected Cadence. Freeborn pulled up a chair and watched her two friends, eagerly waiting for changes. Feeling sick herself, Rose went to the sink, washed her gloved hands, removed the Latex, and put on a new pair. When she returned to the humans, Thor was pushing at his ribs. The pain medicine was working, but he thought otherwise.
“In theory,” said Rose, “I’ve injected you both with foreign antigens. Your bodies will either accept it or try to fight back. Both of you need to lie down. I’ll have Ginger monitor you for any changes. I’m going outside for a walk.”
Ginger came back in and approached the group to offer her assistance. At Rose’s nod, Ginger helped Thor over to a cot. She sat beside him, taking his temperature and pulse. Cadence went to a second cot and plopped down. Both of the new patients looked exhausted. Leaving Ginger in charge, Rose stepped outside, wanting a few minutes alone.
Dawn was on the horizon, creating big pink clouds in the sky. Freeborn joined her. The look of contentment on the girl’s face kept Rose from sending her back inside. Taking a moment to enjoy nature always helped Rose feel better, and apparently Freeborn felt the same way. The Blue Devils were taking a break, sipping coffee and eating muffins under a tree. All six teenagers were watching the doctor and her patient. Highbrow had left the team to watch the infirmary and keep his eyes on Freeborn. Rose didn’t want them following her and asking a bunch of questions she wasn’t prepared to answer.
“It’s all right,” called out Rose. She was relieved when they didn’t follow.
Together, Rose and Freeborn headed up a short set of stairs and walked down the wooden deck, passing Cadence’s headquarters, and sat on a bench, facing the waterfall. The sound of cascading water was peaceful and birds were singing in the trees. Nothing was said between them. The sun was rising over the canyon walls, turning everything bright yellow and warm. They walked back to find Picasso and Lachlan standing beside a Chevy pickup unloading boxes and bags from the truck bed. The Blue Devils were helping the vampires. Movement in the trees revealed a dozen more Dark Angels, carrying duffle bags and backpacks. Not all the vampires were present so some of them must have remained at the hotel. She imagined the rest of the Dark Angels would arrive at their new residence shortly.
“Morning,” shouted Lachlan. “It’s a beautiful day!”
Two golf carts came down the road and parked in front of the mess hall. The Bulldogs climbed out of the first cart; Highbrow drove the second with Nomad in the back seat, holding a small girl on his lap. Rose turned toward Freeborn, but the girl was no longer in sight. Highbrow and the Bulldogs went into the mess hall. Nomad came toward her with the little girl on his back. The child laughed and demanded that Nomad go faster.
“The kid’s got a sticker in her finger, Doc,” said Nomad. “She wanted to come see you, so you could remove it. Apparently using my teeth isn’t good enough. Plus, someone told her that you have lollipops.”
The girl let out a giggle and pointed at a box held by Micah, a vampire with bleached white hair. The word ‘candy’ was written on the side of the box with a red magic marker. Micah placed the box outside of the mess hall and went back for more. The girl started wiggling to get down.
“Talk about perfect timing,” said Nomad. He set the girl down. “Breakfast comes before sweets, Melanie. You know the rules. Betsy will be furious if you get a cavity. I’m the only dentist and I use pliers.”
“Hush, No-mie.” The little girl was missing her front teeth. With a shriek of delight, she headed straight for the box of candy. Micah opened it up, fished around inside, and handed the child a big red sucker. “Thanks, My-My.”
“Only one,” shouted Betsy, coming up the path with a dozen small children trailing behind. With wavy, short blonde hair and a ready smile, it was hard to imagine Betsy had been a scavenger. “Come in for breakfast, Melanie. I’m making pancakes.”
Nomad and Betsy had assumed the role of guardians for every kid in camp. Both were in their fifties and loved by all. Betsy had the kids up early for breakfast before the crowd arrived. The little girl held up her arms, so Betsy picked her up and led the kids into the mess hall. Micah followed behind with a big box of supplies. Freeborn appeared behind Rose, standing with her arms wide, eyes closed, absorbing the sun. Nomad came over to shake Picasso’s hand then turned to Rose. The biker held out his arms. Rose gave Nomad a big hug.
“You need a bath,” said Rose, grinning. “You smell like motor oil and axle grease. You also have morning breath.”
“Comes with the job, Doc,” Nomad remarked. “Sturgis and I worked all night getting a new armored vehicle ready to roll. China Six and the Cheyenne Mountain Wolf Tribe rescued Rafe. They’re over at the Cliff Dwellings. Sturgis and I are going to pick them up after I’ve had coffee and breakfast. There’s plenty of room for two more.”
“If you’re asking, I’d be delighted to come along, Nomad,” said Rose. “But I need breakfast too.”
“I can help with that,” Picasso said, reaching into his coat pocket. “I’ve got a little surprise for you, Rose.” He withdrew a bottle of blood. “We did it! We successfully created synthetic blood. It's nutritional, full of proteins, and slakes the thirst for human blood.” He grinned at the big, scruffy biker. “Not that anyone would want to eat you, Nomad. You don’t smell that tasty.”
“I’m not,” said Nomad with a grunt.
Rose took the bottle, removing the cap. She sniffed at the contents before hungrily drinking it down. It wasn’t half-bad. Not as delicious as what she was used to, but living on animals, especially rabbits, wasn’t a lifestyle she wanted to maintain. She handed the empty bottle back to Picasso, licking her lips.
“Wow, I feel energized,” said Rose. “Doesn’t taste that bad either.”
“I thought you’d be pleased,” said Picasso in triumph. “I’m working on the flavor and the consistency. I think it’s as close to real blood as we can get, but taste is important.”
“That’s it for my appetite. Thanks,” said Nomad. He grimaced and pointed at Rose. “Doc, you have a drop on your chin. I’d wipe it off, but I’m squeamish.”
Laughing, Rose wiped it away. At the sound of her laughter, Freeborn opened her eyes, lowered her arms, and turned, smiling wide. Nomad always made people feel good when he was around.
“Well, look who’s up so bright and early,” said Nomad. “Come here and give an old man a proper bear hug.” He pulled Freeborn against his chest.
Freeborn hugged Nomad too hard causing the big biker to let out a yelp. “Sorry,” she said. “You okay?”
Nomad started twisting and turning. “I’ve had a kink in my back for days. Now I don’t. You better freshen up if you’re going with us to pick up Dragon. If you’re both good, we might stop at a store. I promised Betsy a new dress and some of those fuzzy boots.”
“Think I can go, Doc?” asked Freeborn. Rose nodded. “I’ll meet you guys back here in a few minutes. Don’t leave without me.” She headed down the road.
The Blue Devils went into a scramble, climbing over each other to grab their guns and took off after Freeborn. Picasso and Nomad gave Rose a funny look. At Rose’s nod, Picasso sped across the path, passing the Blue Devils. Accompanied by Nomad, Rose entered the mess hall. Betsy was making pancakes in the kitchen with the help of a few Bulldogs. Plates steaming with pancakes and syrup were passed out to the kids, and a fresh pot of coffee was brewing. Highbrow stood at the head of the line, watching the dark substance drip into a large pot.
“Morning, Doc,” said the captain. “You get anything to eat?”
“Yes,” Nomad called out. “She had ketchup. Bring me a cup of coffee, will you, Captain? I take sugar and powdered creamer. Lots of it, too.”
Taking a seat at a long table, Rose watched everyone eating pancakes, knowing she was missing out. The biggest drawba
ck of being a vampire was the diet. Highbrow came over with two cups of coffee, while a Bull Dog placed two plates of pancakes on the table. The moment Highbrow sat, both he and Nomad started shoveling food into their faces.
“Nomad thought I might join the team going over to pick up Rafe,” said Rose. “I wouldn’t mind taking a break. I thought we might take Freeborn. She’s anxious to see Dragon.”
Highbrow tossed his beret onto the table. His hair was plastered to his head. “I don’t like being the one to put a damper on things, Doc,” he said, “but you and Freeborn should stay in camp.” He lowered his voice. “I can’t risk having you captured. Plus, I’m a little nervous about letting Freeborn out of her cage, though the camp would probably be safer with her gone.”
“I can’t tell her that, Captain,” Rose said. Receiving a stern look from Highbrow, she added, “It would mean so much for her to go. Staying here would break her heart.”
Highbrow had a mouthful of food. “No can do,” he said in a muffled voice. “Nomad can handle it without you. I’m not taking any chances. Don’t make me pull rank on you.”
“Hey, Captain.” Micah came over and sat next to his friend Highbrow. “I’m about to head out and pick up the rest of the fence. You need anything from the old camp? We’re going up to the top. Cadence wants all the books from the professor’s old cabin. Looks like you’ve been nominated to be teacher, Nomad.”
“Betsy’s idea?” asked Nomad, grumbling. He took a sip of coffee. “Why that woman thinks I can teach school is beyond me. I didn’t even finish high school. Stories I can tell, but math? Forget it.”
“You’ll make a fine teacher,” said Rose. “So tell us, when are you planning to propose to Betsy? I don’t suppose one of the things on your list is an engagement ring?” The biker turned bright pink. “I thought so. Now I really want to go with you.”
“Fine,” said Highbrow. “I give in. You can go, Rose.”
Rose smiled. “Thank you, Captain.” She spotted the Valkyries’ leader with a tray of food and coffee. “I’m going back to the infirmary, Aurora; I’ll take that with me. Stay and enjoy your breakfast.”
Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts Page 13