9 – THE SANCTUM
Garrett’s guard returned ten minutes later, telling me he was heading home and another guard was coming in. I felt a little sheepish when I met his gaze. He’d seen me at a low point. A vulnerable point, but he acted professionally and didn’t comment. Thankfully.
Before Garrett’s guard left for the day, he ordered me breakfast. To pull my tray from the system in the wall and eat at the desk with the new guard watching my every move was surreal to say the least.
It didn’t sink in until I was showering that I was living here, in the Sanctum, literally, for the next however long. That realization made me sink to the floor and wrap my arms around my knees. The water cascaded down on me, yet I barely felt it.
I live here. This is what the Kazzies live like every day. This is what my friends live like.
It was mid-morning when the medical team arrived. “Dr. Forester?” Dr. Fisher stood in the watch room. “Would you like to accompany us to Davin’s cell? We have the results of his tests. The rest of your team is convening there.”
I hastily stood. “Yes, of course. I’ll head right over.”
In a way, it was comforting to fall into my old role, the role I knew: Makanza Survivor Research Group scientist, MRI employee.
On the other hand, my heart raced for why the medical team was here. Davin had been catatonic yesterday. He’d had a multitude of tests last night. And now, we’d hear those results.
I swallowed uneasily. What if the results are bad?
Walking on wooden-like legs to Davin’s cell, I kept telling myself that Davin was fine. He’d be fine. But then I wondered if they found something. What will I do if something happens to him?
Once in Davin’s cell, the first thing I noticed was that Dr. Fisher stood in Davin’s cell in a biohazard suit.
The second thing I noticed was how crowded the watch room was. Not only was the medical team present, but so were Dr. Sadowsky, Sergeant Rose, Amy, Mitch, and Charlie. And on top of that, the watch room was full of medical residents and various other members of the medical team.
Full house.
Amy waved when she saw me. So did Charlie. I darted a peek at Mitch. His hands were on his hips, his mouth grim. I knew I needed to apologize to him, for missing drinks last night, but that would have to wait.
“Dr. Forester, please have a seat.” Dr. Fisher nodded at Davin’s bed.
Davin sat on his bed in gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt. Even in bland clothes, he looked sexy as hell.
I settled beside Davin as everyone else in the watch room crowded closer to the glass. It felt strange to be in cotton pants and a long-sleeved shirt while all of them wore work attire. I felt underdressed. Exposed. Like everyone had crashed into my living room at home unannounced.
It wasn’t a feeling I liked.
Naturally, my usual anxious response kicked in: the rapid breathing, the sweaty forehead, and icy palms. Just breathe, Meghan.
Davin’s fingers crept closer to mine, making the barest hint of contact, nothing noticeable to those watching. It was a small gesture, which I knew he meant as reassurance. I brushed his fingers in return before folding my hands in my lap. Just that small movement helped. My palms warmed.
Dr. Fisher pulled some images from a folder he carried. He had to be in his fifties, with balding hair and a paunch belly. Nothing about him screamed health and well-being, but if there was anything ever wrong with me, I’d want him for my physician. His wealth of knowledge about diseases and conditions surpassed the latest round of medical students graduating these days.
Not only had lives been killed when Makanza struck, but so had talent and the leading minds of innovative science. Dr. Fisher was one of those few, surviving minds from the time before Makanza, when advances in medicine were still being made.
“Well,” Dr. Fisher began, “the good news is that we can’t find anything wrong.”
I exhaled in relief.
Davin just nodded, as if he already knew that.
The doctor shuffled the papers back into the file. “However, that doesn’t mean yesterday’s event isn’t cause for concern. I’d like to run a few more tests, just to be sure. If those come up negative, I’m fine with monitoring you for the time being to see if anything additional happens. Does that plan sound all right with you?” His gaze stayed on Davin.
It took a minute before Davin replied. “You’re asking me this?”
“Yes.”
“Ah, yeah, that’s fine.”
I could tell from Davin’s tone that he was shocked to be included in his medical plan. For almost seven years, he’d been subjected to tests and studying in which he never consented. I still got mad every time I thought about it.
“Good. I’d like you to refrain from eating past midnight tonight. We’ll do the tests tomorrow morning.” Dr. Fisher handed the file to Davin. “This is your copy, in case you’re interested in what the findings were.”
Davin’s eyes widened in surprise.
“May I be there for the tests too?” I straightened. “I mean, if it’s okay with Davin.”
Dr. Fisher frowned. “I know Compound policy has allowed researchers to join their Kazzies for all testing, however, since this is in regards to Davin’s personal health, I believe it would be best if I met with him alone. Patient confidentiality is important.”
I smiled. “Yes, of course. I completely understand.”
Dr. Fisher discussed a plan with Davin and Dr. Sadowsky before he retreated to the containment room. Once back in the watch room, his troop of physicians and eager interns followed him out.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Davin is okay. Dr. Fischer will take care of him.
Amy stepped closer and leaned down to the microphone. Everyone else seemed occupied talking to one another. Her voice was quiet through the speaker system. “Are you doing okay?”
I shrugged. “As good as I can be, considering the circumstances.”
“How are the clothes? Dr. Sadowsky had me run out to buy them last night.”
My eyes widened. “So that’s why they fit so well.”
She smiled from the control panel. “I’ve been around you long enough that it was easy to guess your size.”
I grinned. “Thanks. You did a good job.”
She nodded and stepped to the back of the watch room to talk with Charlie.
Mitch took her place at the microphone. “You still owe me a drink, Forester.”
“Yeah, I’m really sorry I missed last night.”
Davin stiffened.
Mitch shrugged. “Considering what happened, I think it’s understandable.”
“I hope you didn’t wait too long for me?”
“Only an hour.” He winked. “I came looking for you after that. The guards at the Sanctum told me what happened, but you were in the Experimental Room by that point, so I went home.” Disappointment lined his tone.
“I’m sorry.” I glanced at Davin. He was now as stiff as a board. I knew I was playing with fire, but I still turned back to Mitch and said sweetly, “I’ll make it up to you when I get out.”
He grinned. “I look forward to it.”
Davin abruptly stood and with a blur disappeared into the back of the cell. The movement rustled the hair hanging around my face.
I glanced over my shoulder but couldn’t see him. That meant he’d retreated to the bathroom, the one area he had privacy.
A sudden flash of guilt filled me that I’d goaded a reaction out of him, but then I pushed it down. He’d said he wanted me to move on. It’s your own doing, you stubborn man!
The speaker clicked on overhead again silencing my childish internal conversation with myself. Now, Dr. Sadowsky was leaning into the microphone in the watch room. “Dr. Forester, I’d like to meet with you and your lab group to discuss the next few weeks. Since you won’t be able to work, we’ll have to divvy up your projects amongst Dr. McConnell, Dr. Hess, and Dr. Wang. After that, I’d like to speak with you, alone.”
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nbsp; I swallowed. All thoughts of Davin and Mitch disappeared. I knew this was coming. “Right.”
My lab group and the Director stepped out of the watch room, presumably to head to the watch room attached to my cell next door.
I inched to the back of the room. Davin still hadn’t returned. I found him leaning against the wall in his bathroom. He stared at the ceiling, his expression dark. When he saw me, he straightened.
Forcing myself to not feel guilty, I said, “Um… I’m going back to my cell.”
He stiffened. “Okay.”
“So… the news looks good, about what the doctor said about your results.”
Davin nodded, his dark hair falling across his forehead. His eyes blazed cobalt as he watched my every move.
“And hopefully those tests tomorrow will also be clear.” I had the ridiculous urge to fidget as I stood there. I’d never seen him so guarded.
“I’m sure I’m fine.” He moved in a blur to the sink. The faucet hummed when he turned it on. He proceeded to wash his hands. “You better go see what your lab group needs. I think they’re waiting for you.”
“Um, right. I’ll see you later.”
I RETREATED TO my cell to meet with my group. It didn’t take long to figure out how Amy, Mitch, and Charlie were going to spend the next few weeks. We agreed that any conceptual work could be given to me. Even though I was in the Sanctum, I still had the ability to think. However, as it happened, most of our work right now required computers.
Dr. Sadowsky said he would work on getting me a laptop. He also stated on the days I didn’t work at all, it would be counted as vacation time. Considering I hadn’t taken one day off since I started, I had plenty banked up. I agreed that was a reasonable plan, especially since I was the one responsible for my exposure.
“I’ll come back later today, to see how you’re doing and say goodbye,” Amy said as we wrapped up. “I need to meet with Gerry now or I’d stay longer.” She paused. “You’re still not feeling any symptoms, right?”
“No, I feel fine.” Other than coughing when I’d woken up, I’d felt normal.
“Guess you’re the first guinea pig in our group to be exposed.” Charlie waggled his eyebrows. “Let’s hope you make it.”
I chuckled. “I’m fine.”
Dr. Sadowsky waited patiently until Mitch, Amy, and Charlie left. When we were alone, he sat across from me.
It was weird, sitting in my cell with him in the watch room. Normally, we met in his large office for meetings. The only similarity between here and there were the floor to ceiling windows in the hallway, although his weren’t four inches thick, bulletproof, and shatterproof. And his view was that of the beautiful South Dakota prairie, not stark white sterile-looking walls.
“Dr. Forester, I need you to tell me exactly what happened yesterday and why you chose the actions you did.”
His voice was level, but I heard the disapproval. Once again, I’d broken policy. The last time I’d done that, I’d been fired by Dr. Roberts. Granted, this incidence wasn’t MRI official policy, only Dr. Sadowsky’s policy, but still, I’d broken the rules. Funny how good I was becoming at that.
I took a deep breath and told him everything. How Sergeant Rose had called me concerned, and how I’d tried helping Davin when I was fully suited up, but I’d become so worried that I felt human contact was necessary to better assess him.
Yes, I’d done it impulsively, but in the situation, time felt of the essence. Of course, I left out the part how I’d nearly panicked at the thought of losing Davin. While there wasn’t an official policy on dating Kazzies, I had a feeling there would be if anyone learned of my romantic interest in one.
“All right,” Dr. Sadowsky said when I finished. “I won’t put you on probation, since I agree the circumstance was extraordinary. However, I hope this is the last time anything like this happens.”
“I’m sure it will be.”
“Make sure it is.” From his tone, I could tell he wasn’t convinced.
We said goodbye, and when I was alone in my cell, I sighed in relief. At least I wouldn’t be out of a job.
TEN MINUTES LATER, the day shift guard was still gone. I sat on my bed, waiting for him. It was crazy how vulnerable I felt. I wasn’t able to leave or do anything. I was truly a prisoner. I tried to imagine what it would be like, living like this for seven, or in some cases, nine years.
I laid back on the bed, clasping my hands behind my head. The pillow was flat and hard, not like my fluffy pillow at home. The ceiling and walls were all dull gray, boring, and bland to look at. The air was dry, the only smells from my own skin. It was silent, unnaturally so. My breathing sounded loud, echoing almost, as I scanned my surroundings. Overall, these cells were oppressive and confined.
I hated it.
In my apartment, things were constantly changing, so interesting in a way I’d never appreciated. If I opened the window, humid air swirled in with smells of rain or freshly cut grass. Birds chirped or the sounds of a passing car or distant lawn mower filtered through.
In fall, wood smoke hung heavily in the air, and sounds of the breeze whipping through trees or the rumble of thunder in the distance penetrated the quiet. Voices carried from the sidewalk as people walked by, enjoying an evening stroll.
My apartment building also had a life of its own. The hum from central air, the groan of pipes, the rattling from my shower rod. Things were alive, changing, ever evolving, or growing.
But here, nothingness.
It was silent.
Absolute silence.
I thought there might be distant humming or creaking, from the mechanics of the giant Compound, but there weren’t. Perhaps it was from how thick the walls were or how deeply we were buried within the Sanctum. The only sounds were my breathing and the faint lub-dub of my heart. I’d never been aware of my own sounds before. They seemed magnified.
It was strange.
Movement to my right caught my attention. A guard stepped into the watch room, a coffee in hand. I sat up, envy filling me. I knew scents of hazelnut and cream would be wafting around him right now. I wished I could smell it.
The vents circulating through the Kazzie cells ran faster than any other area in the Compound. The smells from the breakfast I’d eaten, including the delicious smells of my morning coffee, had long disappeared.
“Sorry I took so long.” He leaned down to speak into the microphone. “I was just notified by Dr. Sadowsky that you were alone in here.” He wasn’t a guard I recognized. He had olive skin, dark hair, and looked young. His cheeks were still round, his skin smooth. I guessed him to be around eighteen.
I brushed my long brown hair behind my shoulder. “That’s okay. Are you new here?”
He nodded. “I’m Private Rodriguez. Just started three weeks ago. I graduated from MRRA training last month.” He looked almost embarrassed when he added, “This is my first day on my own.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say to that.
He continued grinning. “I’ve wanted to work here since I was a kid. This place is something.”
“Yeah. I guess it is.”
“And the Kazzies.” He whooped and sat down on his stool. “Man-oh-man, talk about weird shit!”
I raised an eyebrow.
He quickly straightened. “Ah, I mean. I just had no idea what some of the strains did. Have you heard that Sage can throw lightning bolts?”
So much for keeping that a secret. “Yes, I did.”
“I mean, of course you did, since you’re a researcher. Hey, aren’t you the one who discovered the breakthrough for the vaccine?”
“Uh, yes, that would be me.”
“No kidding.” He shook his head. “You must be really smart.”
I shrugged.
“Oh, yeah, I mean of course you’re smart. How could you not be?” He took a sip of coffee and then said, “Say, did you ever… oh wait, hold on…” He glanced down at the control panel, his brow furrowing. His hand hovered for a minu
te, as if unsure what to push. He touched something and leaned back down to the microphone. “Ah, Sara and Sophie are outside your cell. They’d like to come in.”
I perked up. “Sure, send them in.”
Private Rodriguez frowned. It was obvious he was trying to remember how to do that. I bit my cheek to hide my smile.
A minute passed before the door to the back of my cell slid open.
The twins barreled in.
“Meghan!” Sara squealed. She ran headfirst into me and wrapped me in a big hug.
I hugged her back, a little awkwardly at first. It was the first time we’d touched.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for months,” she said, letting go. Her eyes were bright, a smile on her face.
Her affection took me completely by surprise. Besides Davin and his mother, I still wasn’t entirely comfortable touching people. “It is a little strange, to not be in the suit.”
Sophie hung back, her hands behind her. “It’s nice to see you without it on.”
I shuffled my feet and stuffed my hands in my loose cotton pants. “It’s definitely more comfortable.”
“I couldn’t believe it when we heard you were exposed and staying here!” Sara grinned, her white teeth flashing against her blue skin. A floral scented shampoo wafted around her silky blond hair. “What are you doing today?” She grabbed my hand. “Do you want to get out of here?”
I glanced at Private Rodriguez. His eyes were as wide as saucers. I imagined seeing two blue women and a trapped researcher was the most entertaining thing he’d seen in a while.
“That would be great, but I’ll have to come back later and work. I’m not off the hook just because I’m in here.”
Sophie giggled while Sara pulled me to the back door. “Let’s head over to the arcade room. Everyone’s meeting for games of pool this morning.”
We waited at the back door until Private Rodriguez figured out how to open it. He kept uttering apologies and expletives when he repeatedly opened the wrong mechanics. The twins were giggling uncontrollably by the time the door finally opened.
I DIDN’T THINK in my entire twenty-three years that I’d ever had girlfriends my age. The twins were now twenty-three, the same age as me. They’d had a birthday a few months ago.
Reservation 1: Book #2 in The Makanza Series Page 9