“21
Days”-Parts 1-8
By Laura
Tucker
Disclaimer: Most of the characters in this story do not belong to me, which is obvious, even to the most casual of observers. They, alas, belong to Pet Fly and 1013.
Summary: This story takes place in a real-time
universe. Their 21 days will be our 21 days. Warnings for a small amount of bad
language and a few medically descriptive scenes.
Prologue:
First Contact
First
Contact
Rainier
University
9:30
am
Blair
Sandburg sat quietly behind his desk, grading student exams that were stacked
high on one corner.
Sighing,
he sat back, pinching the bridge of his nose and pulling off his glasses.
Still
weak from a bout of bronchitis that had sent him to the emergency room and into
the hospital for 10 days, he had been working only half days to satisfy the
university and mollify Jim.
Since
the drowning, his lungs had been weakened along with his immune system and he
was vulnerable to viral infections,
especially those that attacked the respiratory tract.
Feeling
better, yet still tiring easily, Blair was allowed to continue teaching and
tutoring but only with a half-day work schedule. Ellison had gone into full
mother hen mode at the onset of the bronchitis and had agreed to the schedule
change for the rest of the semester with Blair’s promise that he would take it
easy and not drive as long as he was on medication. Blair found himself
enjoying the leisurely lunches with his partner, then being dropped off at the
loft before Jim returned to the station.
He wouldn’t be allowed to ride with Jim again until cleared by a doctor,
most probably within the month he reasoned.
10:00
am
Rainier
University Campus
Today,
Sandburg’s class was full, completely filling the 300-seat lecture hall to its
capacity. The subject of his lecture was Pre-Columbian artifacts and it never ceased
to draw a crowd, even outside of his own class. Having done this lecture for
the past 3 terms, he easily ran through the material, making it interesting
even to the most hardened of students.
As
the lecture drew to a close, no one in the crowded hall noticed as a single
student uncapped a small thermos filled with cotton batting and slid it
discreetly under her seat. Quickly making her way toward the exit as the
students began to gather up their notes, she smiled, knowing her inevitable
death would be for a greater good.
When
the last of the class had finally gone, Blair walked around with the garbage
can, picking up empty soda cans, gum wrappers and wadded up notebook paper and
putting it in the small container. Going back upfront, he picked up his notes
and placed them in his backpack, heading toward the exit and a promised noon
meal with his best friend. As he swung the heavy door outward, the light caught
on something laying under the seat in the fifth row. Blair knelt down, reaching
under the seat and bringing the thermos into the open. Turning it over
curiously in his hands, he pulled out the cotton from inside, holding it with
two fingers, a clear sign of distaste on his face.
“Yuck.
Man, I was never that gross....kids and their garbage.” He mumbled as he
pitched the thermos into the trashcan without a second thought; not knowing
that in doing so, he had almost certainly condemned himself to death.
*************************************************
Part
One
The
Infection
12
days after first contact
The
Loft
852
Prospect
James
Ellison rolled over, pulling another pillow over his head in an attempt to
silence the alarm going off downstairs from his partner’s room. Even with the
earplugs in place, the loud buzz was unbearable to his sensitive ears.
“Dammit
Sandburg,” he muttered as he shrugged into his robe, tying the belt as he
stumbled down the stairs only half awake.
Opening
the door, he noticed that his friend was lying half on and half off the bed,
completely tangled in sheets and blankets, looking more like a fuzzy haired
mummy than anything else. Glancing at the clock, he noticed that the alarm had
been going off for the last 4 minutes and yet his partner slept on, totally
unaware of the noise.
Leaning
over his guide, he shut off the alarm and gently patted Sandburg on the back.
He knew because of his recent illness, Blair had been overly tired and
exhausted from just the few hours spent at the university. Slowly, he was
getting better, but he still had a ways to go.
“Rise
and shine, kid.”
Blair’s only response was to moan and roll
back onto the bed, tangling himself further in the sheets.
“Hey…time
to get up Blair. We have to leave in an hour.”
“Jim?”
“Yeah…time
to get up.”
Blair
pulled his head from under the blankets, opening his eyes and looking around in
confusion.
Looking
at his friend closely, Jim untangled Blair from the sheets and pulled him into
a sitting position against the head of the bed.
Putting
his hand on Sandburg’s forehead, he frowned as he felt the slight warmth
radiating from him.
“You’re
a little warm Chief…you okay?”
“Yeah.
I think I might have a cold coming on. Maybe we can swing by after lunch, pick
something up at the health food store. Maybe I’ll pick up some Echinacea and
Ginseng. Worked pretty well last time.”
Jim
sat on the edge of the bed, scooting closer and propping some pillows behind
Blair.
“Can
you stay home today?”
“Can’t.
Flu season. We have a lot of teachers and students out right now. I’ll be okay
and I promise, I’ll rest when I get home.”
Jim
frowned, not liking the situation in the slightest but agreeing to it anyway.
“Maybe
it’s a cold Chief, but just remember, you need to take it easy like the doctor
said. Your body still needs time to heal. The bronchitis hit you pretty hard
and your lungs are still weak from….”
“I
know Jim… I know. I’ve been resting and taking time in the afternoons for
myself. I can’t avoid the cold and flu going around, it’s all over Cascade.”
Jim
patted him on the leg. “I know but I can still worry.”
“I’d
worry about you if you didn’t.”
They
both smiled as Jim got up and stood at the door.
“I’ll
give you first shower. Get your lazy butt in there and hurry up before I change
my mind. Breakfast’s in 15 minutes.”
As
Jim left for the kitchen, Blair swung his legs over the edge of the bed,
letting the dizziness and slight vertigo settle into the background.
He
really did feel bad, but as colds went, it was tolerable. He’d had worse many
times.
By
the time breakfast had been prepared, Blair had breezed through his shower and
was feeling slightly better. Toweling off his hair, he sat down on the couch as
Jim pushed a plate with an egg croissant sandwich toward him along with a cup
of hot coffee.
Sitting
beside his guide, Ellison began to eat his own with enthusiasm as Blair
continued to dry his hair.
“Breaking
a few rules this morning, are we Jim?”
“My
rules…I can break um’ if I want.”
Blair smiled, putting down the towel and
digging into his sandwich.
“Thanks.
It tastes good.”
“Feeling
better?”
“Yeah.
Slight headache and my back hurts, scratchy throat. The usual.”
“If
you’re not feeling better by tomorrow, we go see the doctor.”
“Jim.
It’s all over the university. I don’t need to go in. I’m fine.”
“Blair.
No arguments, okay.”
Blair
looked into his partner’s eyes; he smiled, thinking to himself just how lucky
he was to have someone actually care about him.
Blair
squeezed Jim’s knee.
“Okay.
If I still feel bad in the morning, I’ll let you take me to the doctor.”
Jim
nodded, finishing his sandwich and heading toward the bathroom.
“Get
the dishes while I grab a quick shower, then we’re out of here.”
“You
got it.”
Blair
quickly finished his food, picking up the dishes and heading toward the kitchen
as he heard the shower come on.
As
he rounded the counter, he was hit with a stomach cramp that made him drop down
to one knee. He closed his eyes and bit
down on his lower lip to keep from crying out. The shattered dishes lay at
Blair’s feet as he struggled with the cramps, each like a hot dagger twisting
into his stomach.
Just
as quickly as they had come, they disappeared, leaving him pale and sweating as
he struggled to keep down the breakfast he had just eaten.
He
heard the shower turn off and knew Jim would be coming out in the next few
minutes. Gripping the edge of the counter, he pulled himself to his feet and
went to get the small whiskbroom and dustpan under the sink. Quickly, he
cleaned up the mess and wiped up the mess before Jim appeared in the kitchen.
Busy,
Jim failed to notice the slight tremor in his Guide’s hands and the flush of
his cheeks. Even the slightly more rapid than usual heartbeat went unheeded
this morning because of the rush to beat the traffic.
“Give
me 10 minutes and we’re out of here.” Jim said as he rounded the corner and
went upstairs to his room.
Blair
leaned back against the counter, taking a deep breath and waiting for the
cramps to return. After a few moments, with no repeat, the nausea had also
subsided and he again felt better.
“Man,
this sucks big time.” He said as he stretched his muscles, cracking his neck
slightly as he rolled it from side to side.
Jim
came flying down the stairs as Blair picked up his coat and backpack, handing
Ellison his coat as he joined him at the door.
“Ready
to go Chief?”
“Yep.”
“We
might actually beat the traffic this morning.” Jim said. Draping an arm around
Blair’s back as he gently pushed him through the doorway, Jim finally noticed
the slight tremor in his Guide’s body as he walked them toward the elevator.
“You
sure you’re okay, Kid?”
“I’m
fine Jim, really. Pick me up for lunch today?”
“You
know I will. Be waiting for me out front. I have that deposition to give after
lunch and I’m only going to have an hour and a half at the most. You wanted to
swing by that heath food store and that’ll take a few minutes.”
“We
can do that tomorrow.”
“Nope.
If you can get something to help, we’re going today.”
Ellison
and Sandburg exited the elevator and crossed the street, climbing into the
truck. As he pulled out into traffic, a cold chill ran down the back of Jim
Ellison’s neck as he looked around briefly, wondering at the feeling of dread
that had settled over his city in the last few days.
*************************************************
Part Two
The Infection
13 Days after initial contact
Rainier University
“Dude,
what are you looking for?”
Mark
shook his head vaguely as he continued digging through the pack. “I have some
aspirin in here somewhere man. I have a major headache.”
“Yeah?
If you’re coming down with that crap going around campus, don’t give it me. My
brother’s got it and half the school’s out with it. My psyche prof’s on my case
as it is. Remember when I had strep last quarter? I’ll be lucky to hit a 3.0
this quarter.”
“Yeah.
I hear you. My dad’s the one on my back. At least you have cool parents.”
Bruce
threw everything into his pack in frustration, grabbing his books from the
other boy.
“That’s
it! I’m going to the bookstore and get some aspirin and then I’m so out’ta
here.”
“Hope
you feel better by tomorrow, anthro test remember?”
“Crap,
Sandburg’s class. I forgot.”
“Yeah.
I hate being a freshman. Bottom of the pile man, bottom of the pile.”
“So
true.” Bruce laughed, turning away and slinging his pack over his shoulder.
“Later
dude.”
As
he watched Bruce trudge tiredly toward the campus bookstore,
Mark
sneezed into his hand. “Crap. Like I really need this man.”
10:32
am
Rainier
University
Unlocking
the door and making his way to his desk, Blair sat down heavily with his arm
pressed firmly against his stomach.
The
cramps had hit suddenly in the middle of class and he’d had to dismiss early.
Laying
his pounding head on the desk, Blair picked up the cell and hit speed dial.
“Ellison.”
“Jim.
Are you busy?”
Detecting
the slight tremor in Sandburg’s voice, Jim immediately laid the file down and
leaned back, concern shadowing his face.
“Blair.
What’s wrong?”
“Flu.
My stomach’s killing me.”
“Just
sit tight, I’ll come get you.”
Blair
bit his lip, moaning softly. “How long?”
“Be
there in 15. Are you in your office?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m
on my way.”
Blair
turned the phone off, letting it drop beside him onto the desk.
ACROSS TOWN
CASCADE MALL
Danielle Holt held her daughter firmly in her lap,
laying her hand along the baby’s cheek as her mom came walking up, carrying a
myriad of packages.
“Mom. Does Maggie feel warm to you? I think she has
a fever.”
Sitting the packages down, the older woman bent over
to touch her granddaughter’s forehead.
“Well, she’s certainly warm honey. Maybe a degree or
so but she seems fine.”
“I hope she doesn’t come down with the flu. Seems
like everyone on campus has it. I think I’m getting it myself.”
“You do look flushed. How about we cut this shopping
trip short and head home?”
“Sounds good Mom.”
Turning back to the little girl, Danielle pulled the
cap onto the child’s head, giggling as she did.
Big blue eyes stared back at her and the baby smiled,
her eyes twinkling under the bright mall lights.
“Think she’s okay for daycare? I have two more late
classes this afternoon and I really need to be there. The center won’t take her
if she’s sick.”
“I think she’s fine Dani, really. You know I’d watch her for you but I have a
dental appointment that I made over a month ago. She’s fine. Don’t worry so
much.”
“I know mom. It’s just she’s my first and without
John here…you know…him being oversees right now.”
Her mother nodded, smiling from experience.
“I understand darling…. really I do. Your father was
in Guam when you got the measles and, let’s see…in Germany when your sister
broke her arm and in Borneo when Kelly fell off his horse.”
“It’s just hard.”
“I know Dani. Army life isn’t for everyone. Thank
the Lord your dad retired. I don’t think I could handle it anymore.”
Her mom patted her hand. “Ready to brave the rain
girls?”
Danielle nodded, standing up and bundling the little
girl against her as they headed out into the rain.
10:49
Sandburg’s office
Rainier University
Jim made record time coming across town, as the
traffic was uncharacteristically light for Cascade.
Walking into Blair’s office, he found it quiet and
deserted. Looking around for a note and finding none, he turned his head,
listening, separating out the sounds of the busy university: hoping to pick up
the sound of Blair’s heartbeat.
After a few moments of searching, he heard the
familiar sound of his Guide’s heart yet it seemed way too fast and his
breathing uneven. As he walked into the hallway, he heard the unmistakable
sound of retching as he ran toward the men’s room several doors down from
Blair’s office.
A student was standing at the door, undecided on
whether to go in or not, as Jim walked up.
“You’re Professor Sandburg’s friend, that cop,
right?”
Jim nodded.
“He’s pretty sick man. I was about to call someone.
He’s been in there for a while.”
“I’ll take care of him.”
“Good. Half the campus is out with the flu.”
With that the young man left, looking incredibly
grateful to be relieved of the responsibility.
Jim opened the door to see Sandburg, knees drawn up
to his chest, shaking, his head pillowed on his forearms.
Kneeling in front of him, Jim touched Blair gently
on the arm.
“Blair…you okay, buddy?” Ellison could feel the heat
radiating from his partner, judging it to be around 102.
“No.” Blair said, not raising his head. “This really
sucks, man.”
Jim sat down beside him, mentally tuning out the
smell of vomit from the toilet only inches away from them.
“My stomach hurts, my back hurts and my head hurts
even worse.”
Ellison pulled his friend against him, draping his
arm around his waist. Blair laid his head against his partner’s shoulder as Jim
pulled out his cell phone, dialing Blair’s physician.
“This is Detective Ellison. My partner, Blair
Sandburg is a patient of Dr. Swan’s. I need to set up an appointment to bring
him in. Yes, he’s ill; otherwise, I wouldn’t be calling you now would I?
Jim paused as he waited for the receptionist to pull
up her appointment calendar.
“No. I think he needs to be seen today. I told you,
he’s sick.”
Jim stopped to listen again, getting more irritated
as the seconds ticked by.
“His fevers up from yesterday, probably 102. He’s
nauseous and he’s been vomiting.”
“Stomach hurts and I ache all over.”
“He says his stomach hurts and he’s achy all over.”
Ellison set his jaw as the receptionist put him on hold, going off to confer
with the doctor.
He rubbed Blair’s back, as the young man continued
to shiver, wishing he had something to drape around his shoulders against the
chills.
“Just relax Chief. Everything’s going to be
alright.”
Blair nodded against his shoulder, not daring to
raise his head for fear that the room would start spinning again.
“Yeah…I understand. Which clinic? Do I need to call
ahead?
Fine. I’ll have him there in a few minutes.”
Putting away the phone, Jim stood up; pulling his
partner up with him, arm supporting him around the waist.
“The doctor’s sending everyone to the Now-Care
Clinic. Looks like half of Cascade has
the flu and they’re swamped.”
Blair leaned heavily into him, his arm clutching his
stomach as Jim walked him to the truck.
Now-Care Clinic
11:10 am
When they arrived, Jim found what the nurse had said
to be true. The waiting room at the clinic was packed. Finding a quiet corner
chair to sit Blair in, he began filling out the paperwork necessary to have him
seen. As he handed the clipboard back, he leaned over, getting the nurse’s
attention.
“Can you tell me about how long it will be? My
friend’s really ill.”
“I’m sorry sir. This flu’s been hitting everyone
hard. It will be at least an hour. The emergency’s room is packed too, so I
can’t send you there. We’ll get to him as soon as possible, I promise.”
Ellison nodded and walked back to sit by Blair, resuming
the same position that they had sat in less an hour before.
“Can’t we just go home Jim, please. I feel better
now.”
Brushing the hair from his friend’s face, he laid
his hand on the warm forehead.
“Sorry Chief. We’re not leaving until we get you looked
at. They’re running people through pretty fast. Just lie back and relax.”
Too tired to argue, Blair did just that, laying back
against his partner and soon falling into a restless sleep, head pillowed on
Jim’s broad shoulder.
When they were finally called, Jim had fallen asleep
himself. Looking at his watch, he saw that it was 1:30. Stretching, he woke
Blair and walked him to one of examining rooms. As they passed by, Jim noticed
every room was filled with waiting patients.
“Mr. Ellison. You’ll need to wait outside. Just have
a seat back in the waiting room and we’ll let you know when Mr. Sandburg is
finished, alright?”
“No. It’s not all right. I intend to stay right
here.”
“Mr. Ellison…”
Blair touched the nurse’s arm. “Please…. let him
stay. Please.”
The nurse studied Blair for a few moments. Sighing,
the older nurse smiled. “Alright, but stay out of the doctor’s way. Let me just
get your vitals and then you can get into a gown.” She quickly took his pulse,
temperature and blood pressure. Then, handing Blair a gown, she left.
15 minutes later, the doctor lightly knocked on the
door. Walking in, he first shook Ellison’s hand, then Sandburg’s.
Flipping the chart open, he quietly read it for a
moment, and then lay it on the table.
Walking up to Blair, he tilted his head up by the
chin, looking into his eyes.
“Vomiting?”
Blair nodded.
“You’ve burst some blood vessels in your eyes. It’s
not that uncommon really.”
Next he checked for swollen glands.
“Your glands are a little swollen but your chart
says you’ve had bronchitis recently?”
Blair nodded. Jim moved up to stand beside the
doctor.
“He’s only been out of the hospital a couple weeks.
The bronchitis hit him hard because his lungs were compromised from drowning a
short time before.”
The doctor nodded, giving Ellison a strange look
before turning back to Blair.
“Sore throat?”
“Yesterday. Better today.”
Taking out the stethoscope, he listened to both
Blair’s heart and lungs.
“Sounds good Mr. Sandburg. Why don’t you just lay
back for me.”
Blair lay back on the table, shivering slightly in
the thin gown as the doctor began palpitating his abdomen. He grimaced slightly
as the doctor applied pressure to his stomach.
“Stomach ache? Diarrhea?”
Blair nodded. “My back hurts too.”
“Muscles ache?”
“Yeah. I hurt in places I didn’t even know I had
places.”
Smiling, the doctor walked back, picking up the
chart and making a few notes.
“Mr. Sandburg. I’m going to have the nurse take a
blood sample and a swab of your throat before we send you home but it appears
you have a really nasty case of the flu.
I’ve seen over 20 cases myself this morning. It
should run its course in the next couple of days. Drink plenty of fluids, take
Tylenol for the aches and get lots of extra rest. I’ll give you a prescription for
Compazine to help with the vomiting.
“He’s still on a course of antibiotics for the
bronchitis. Why didn’t that stop this flu?”
“Antibiotics have no effect on a virus like flu.
Antibiotics do not cure everything, Mr. Ellison.”
The doctor walked to the door briefly, talking to
his nurse who returned to the room with a blood kit and some throat swabs,
quickly drawing 2 vials and labeling them for the lab. Then just as quickly,
swabbing Blair’s throat with the 2 culture sticks and placing them in a plastic
baggie.
The doctor stuck his head briefly back into the exam
room on his way to the next patient.
“You can call the clinic in a few days for the
results. Usually, we could do it in 2 but with all the extra blood work, I’d
say we’re running about 3 to 4 days behind on results. Just let it run its
course.”
Blair slid off the table, picking up his clothes and
walking into the small bathroom to change.
“You’re sure doc?”
“Mr. Ellison. I’ve seen a lot of these cases today
and a few yesterday. It’s all over Cascade. One of my sons has it himself. Both
my kids go the university and it’s all over the campus.
“Blair teaches there.”
The doctor smiled, finally putting it together.
“Ah, the infamous Blair Sandburg from Rainier. He
has my son Mark in his anthro class this year.”
“Infamous, huh?” Jim said, smiling in return as the
doctor turned to leave.
“Pick his prescription up on the way out. I’ll leave
it up front.”
Finished dressing, Blair came out rubbing his arm
where the nurse had taken blood.
“The doctor’s son is one of your students. Mark
Collins.”
“Mark Collins, really? Small world. The kid’s barely
got a C in my class. He’s smart but he can’t seem to concentrate on the work.”
“Come on chief…. let’s get going. The sooner we pick
up your prescription, the quicker we can get you home.”
“I’m so up with that.”
“Thought you might be.” Jim said, hugging his
partner briefly before walking him out.
**************************************************
Part
Three
The Virus
Day 3
14 days after contact
The loft
9:00 am
Jim stretched slowly, being careful not to awaken his partner whose
head was still pillowed on his chest. Reaching his hand around to Blair's
forehead, he was relieved to find that the fever that had been high all night
had finally broken and his breathing had returned to a more normal rhythm.
The Compazine had helped with the vomiting once he had been able
to keep it down, but not before Blair had made several miserable attempts to
bring something up from his empty stomach. The nausea as well as the fever had
left him weak and exhausted.
Finally, Jim had taken his trembling friend into his arms,
pulling him protectively against his chest and wrapping his arms around him.
Blair had fallen asleep almost immediately and he had remained there for the
rest of the night.
Closing his eyes again, Jim decided that they could both use a
few extra hours. As long as Blair was sleeping peacefully, he didn't intend to
wake him.
Across Town
Super 8 Motel
A young woman lay draped across the bed, her body shaking with
convulsions. The fever she suffered from continued to rise, hitting a high of
106 less than an hour ago. Beside her lay a suicide letter, written in he own
hand. According to the terrorist fraction that she belonged to, she had made
the ultimate sacrifice for the good of their cause. To give one's life
guaranteed entrance into heaven for such selfless an act could only be regarded
as holy. She moaned, muttering prayers to her god, as the disease she had
unleashed ravaged her mind.
Cascade Elementary School
As the woman lay dying across town, the principal sat riffling
through the stack of paperwork that had inevitably piled up on his desk in the
last few days. A full 20% of the school was out of attendance due to the flu,
several of which were teachers. Rubbing his forehead, Principal Jackson dialed
the public health administrator for Cascade and frowned as he was re-directed
to an automated voice messaging system.
"This is Steve Jackson, principal of Cascade Elementary.
I've left 4 messages in the past 3 days. You obviously have my number. Please
return my call as soon as possible."
Hanging up in utter frustration, he pulled an empty aspirin
bottle from the bottom drawer of his desk, slamming his fist into the intercom.
"Julie...do you have any more aspirin out there
somewhere?"
"I'll look Mr. Jackson. Give me a few minutes. We're
swamped out here."
"I know. Actually Julie, I can come out and check
myself."
Flipping the intercom off, Principal Jackson got up from his
desk, messaging his aching shoulder as he made his way through the outer office
into the hallway. Heading toward the nurse's office, Jackson almost fell over a
small child who was sitting by the doorway crying. Taking the child into his
arms, he carried her into the office, sitting her gently onto one of the small
chairs and kneeling beside her.
"Emily...what's the matter sweetie?"
Reaching one small hand up and grasping the edge of Principal
Jackson's shirt collar, she pulled him to her, whispering into his ear.
"I'm sick and I want my mom."
The man smiled kindly at the little girl, gently wiping away the
tears from her cheek with the back of his hand.
"Let's call your mom. I'll bet you'd feel better at home,
wouldn't you honey?"
She nodded, biting her lip.
"You just sit right here and I'll go call your mom to come
get you."
He squeezed the small hand reassuringly that was still holding
onto his shirt, feeling the heat radiating from it in waves.
Forgetting the aspirins entirely, he picked up the phone and
dialed yet another parent.
The Loft
852 Prospect
2:00 pm
Jim Ellison sat at the table, flipping through the newspaper as
he sipped his coffee. Skimming the headlines, he saw that the health department
declared a full-blown flu epidemic had hit Cascade in the last 3 days. It
advised that anyone affected should stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink
extra fluids. As severe as the flu was, the health department alleged that it
lasted only 2 to 3 days and usually required no medication.
Furrowing his brow in concentration, Jim listened in on his
partner as the younger man shifted restlessly in bed. Satisfied that Blair was
fine, the fever having broken earlier, he leaned back and dialed his captain's
number,
"Banks." He said gruffly.
"Simon, it's Jim."
"Hey Jim. How's the kid?"
Ellison smiled at the change in Simon's tone as he asked about
Blair.
"He's better. The fever broke early this morning. He's
still a little warm but resting. I guess the doctor was right after all."
"Then why don't you sound convinced?"
"I don't know Simon. Something's not right. I can feel
it."
"You just said he was better."
"He is, but...I can't explain it. There's something not
right. I just can't put my finger on it yet."
"With Blair?"
Ellison hesitated. "Yeah, with Blair, but not just with
him. It's the whole city, Sir. I can't believe you don't feel it. It's
oppressive."
"Look Jim...you've been under a lot of stress lately."
"Simon. I know you don't believe me but I can feel it. It's
not stress."
"Well, whatever it is, it looks to me like you have your
hands full with Sandburg. The kid's pretty high maintenance."
Jim laughed. "He is that, Sir."
"Can I count on you for tomorrow? We have a lot of officers
out sick."
"I'll be there. I'm sure Blair will be back in school by
then."
"Get some rest yourself. We don't need another sick
detective; Rafe's out with it already. I had to send him home today at
lunch."
"Yeah. It hits fast. Sandburg didn't even make it till noon
yesterday."
"Daryl hasn't gotten it yet but it's all over school from
what I understand. His mom’s taking him out of town for a while so maybe he
won’t catch it after all."
"Yeah. Well.... I'll be there as soon as I drop Blair off
at the university in the morning."
"Good. There's a mountain of paperwork on your desk just
calling out your name Ellison."
"I knew there would be, Sir."
Jim hung up the phone and finished the last swallow of cold
coffee from his cup.
Hearing Blair's bedroom door open, he looked up to see the pale
form of his Guide walking toward the table.
"Hey... how you feeling Chief?"
Blair shuffled over and sat down heavily in the chair across
from him.
"Basically, like road kill. How about you?"
"I'm okay so far. Just a little tired."
Jim leaned over the table, putting a hand on Blair's forehead.
"Fever's almost gone. How's your stomach doing?"
"Better actually. I think the drug's working. Cramps are
gone too."
Jim nodded. "You just take it easy for the rest of the day.
No papers. No laptop."
"Don't worry. I'm not up to that."
"How about a cup of broth and some crackers."
"That sounds good. Thanks Jim."
Blair looked down, avoiding eye contact with his friend.
"Jim...I just wanted to say thanks for taking care of me.
Again."
Jim ruffled the young man's hair affectionately. "You're
welcome. Again. That's what Blessed Protectors are for, right?"
Looking up, Blair smiled.
"School tomorrow?"
"Yeah. I just have the one class from 9 to 11. I think I
can handle that."
"Good. When I called Simon, he said the flu was hitting
hard down at the station and I said I'd try to be in. The paperwork's really
piling up."
"I can help after lunch tomorrow."
"Whoa, Chief. After lunch, I'm swinging you by the loft and
you're going to rest. No work. Just rest. Do I make myself clear."
"Yeah."
"I want your promise...."
Blair nodded slightly. Reaching over, Jim pinched Blair's arm.
"Ow...Okay...okay, I promise."
"You'll take it easy tomorrow and you'll rest when you get
home?"
"Yes Jim. I promise. I'll rest when I get home, okay?"
"Okay."
Jim got up and walked to the cabinet, taking a can of broth from
the shelf. As Jim prepared the meal, Blair wandered over to the couch and sank
down into the cushions. He picked up the remote and quickly flipped to the
Discovery Channel, a special on Aboriginal Tribesman catching his interest
immediately.
In the kitchen, Jim looked back over his shoulder as his partner
drew the throw from the back of the couch quickly around his shoulders. A
shiver passed through Jim's body, as a momentary sense of dread assailed him,
wrapping his heart in an icy hand. The last time he had felt anything similar
to this was at the fountain as he turned on the stairs, looking down, to see
Blair's cold and lifeless body floating in the water.
Blinking back the moisture from his eyes, he swallowed
convulsively, gripping the counter as he willed his breathing to slow. The last
thing he wanted to do was upset Blair. Maybe Simon was right. Too much stress
lately. First the drowning, then Blair being hospitalized 2 weeks after with
bronchitis and now this flu. His senses were definitely on overload. Maybe this
weekend, if Blair felt up to it, they'd take a couple of days for some
downtime. Just to relax.
Yeah. They definitely need downtime. Simon would understand.
He'd have to.
"Jim, you okay?" Blair called from the couch.
"Yeah, kid. I'm fine. You just sit still. I'll bring the
broth out."
Pouring the broth into a large soup mug, he placed several
crackers and a can of ginger ale on the tray, carrying them out to his partner.
"Man, that smells really good. I didn't realize I was so
hungry."
"Yeah? Well, just take it easy, okay. You get better
nutritional value if the soup actually stays on the inside of you, instead of
outside on me."
"Very funny Big Guy."
"Who's joking?"
Laughing, Blair punched Jim in the arm as he shook his head.
"Always the comedy man."
Outside the rain fell heavily on the streets of Cascade as life
went on as usual, it's citizens unaware that a sleeping giant was about to be
awakened. Tomorrow, the day of reckoning would come and nothing would stand in
its path.
**************************************************
Part Four
The Hospital
Day 4
Cascade
General Hospital
10:00
am
Jack Cunningham sat his cup down on the cafeteria table, running
a hand slowly over his face and through his hair, sighing deeply.
Anita Marsh walked up behind him, grasping him by both
shoulders, feeling the tight muscles knotted up at the base of his neck. He
leaned into the gentle kneading as she carefully rubbed the strained muscles.
"Marsh.... you are without a doubt an angel."
"Yeah?"
"Oh yeah. Definitely an angel."
Anita smiled and walked around to sit across from her friend.
"How many hours Jack?"
Looking up, Cunningham smiled at her, his hazel eyes twinkling.
"Lost count."
Anita picked up his coffee and finished it off, making a face
and sliding the empty cup back across the table.
"Nasty. Tastes like the
stuff I put in my African violets."
Jack laughed and swatted the nurse playfully on the arm.
"For an angel you're an incredible smart ass."
"Yeah...that's me."
Leaning over, she touched the hand that still rested on the
empty cup with her own smaller hand. Jack Cunningham may have been able to fool
the world, but he was open book to Anita. He was new to the ER and someone like
Jack let things affect him deeply. Maybe, too deeply.
"We can't save the world Jack."
"No? Then why the hell are we here?"
"We're here to do our best and try to make a difference.
Some days it's the little things that we do that matter the most. There's times
in the E.R. when it comes down to taking away the pain when we can't do
anything further."
"I don't know Anita. Maybe I'm not cut out for the E.R. I'm
thinking about talking to Brantley. I heard there's going to be an internship
opening in surgery."
"That would be ashamed Jack. You're talented, good with
people and you have heart. That's not something a whole lot of doctors today
can say."
Cunningham smiled shyly, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Coming on to me Marsh?"
"In your dreams Cunningham." Smiling broadly, she
patted his hand a final time and got up. "In your dreams."
Cascade General Hospital
Emergency
10:30 am
The ambulance speed up to the entrance of the ER, lights
flashing. The driver ran to the back, opening the doors and immediately
grasping the transport gurney by the back rail, pulling it toward the ground.
Unfolding and locking the wheels in place, Mitchell Sanderson gave his partner
a hand from the ambulance.
"B.P's dropping Mitch."
"They're waiting for us. Treatment room 2."
Jacobson handed her partner the I.V. bag as they hurried into the
hospital with their patient strapped between them.
Cascade P.D.
Major Crimes Unit
11:30 am
Hanging the phone up, Banks looked into the bullpen and spotted
Jim Ellison engaged in an animated conversation of his own. As he walked over
to the detective, he placed his hand on his shoulder, shaking gently.
Jim put his hand over the receiver momentarily and leaned back
in his chair.
"Captain...I'll just be a minute, really. I've got
Forensics on the line."
"Jim. It's Blair."
Ellison quickly hung up the phone and turned toward his captain.
"They have Blair at Cascade General. They said they have
him stabilized but we need to get there now."
Ellison jumped up from his chair, grabbing his jacket and
following the captain to his car.
Cascade General Hospital
Emergency Room
Checking the triage notes carefully, Dr. Cunningham walked
around to the side of the bed, adjusting his mask. Looking at the clipboard in
his hands, he saw the patient was 29 years old. He actually looked much
younger. Possible chicken pox victim the chart noted.
Leaning over to get a better look, he noted the red spots coming
up on the man's face, arms and legs. Somehow, they looked different than the
chicken pox lesions he had seen before. Taking his gloved hand, he pressed down
on one of the more prominent lesions, noting the hardness of the deeply
imbedded maculae. Blair flinched slightly as the doctor lifted his hand.
"Just relax Mr. Sandburg."
Blair pulled away from him weakly, pressing his back against the
rail.
"Where's Jim?" he managed.
"I spoke to the admitting nurse before I came in. We
couldn't contact Mr. Ellison but we got your captain on the phone. He's
probably on his way right now. Just relax Mr. Sandburg and let me examine
you."
"What...how did I get here?"
Pulling up a chair, the young doctor sat down close to his
patient, stopping his examination for the moment.
"You passed out during your class as I understand it. One
of your students called 911."
"What's wrong with me?"
"Well. You were incoherent when you were brought in. One of
the students told the paramedics that you had some sort of seizure but we
haven't seen a repeat. You are severely dehydrated. We have you on a drip now
and
we're going to be monitoring you very closely for a while."
Blair raised his hand to look at the tubing attached there.
"Man, I hate IV's."
"Maybe so, but you need this one Mr. Sandburg."
"Blair."
"Blair it is." Cunningham said, smiling. “I’m Jack.”
Picking up Blair's hand, he turned it over, looking at the red
raised spots starting to form on the palms.
Suddenly frowning, he got up from the chair and pulling the
covers from the end of the bed, checking the soles of Blair's feet.
"Mr. Sandburg..a..Blair..." he said apologetically,
"Can you remember if you had chickenpox as a child?"
"I think so. I was so sick mom kept me at home for a whole
week. Oh man did they itch."
"Did your mom take you to a doctor?"
"No. Mom didn't do doctors, ya know."
"Yeah. Well. Let's assume you had chickenpox as a kid and
go from there."
"I've got chickenpox?"
"I'm not sure Blair. It's possible that you had them as a
child and your body just didn't build up enough natural immunity, but I don't
really think that's the case. You have a few spots coming up that definitely
look like some form of pox though."
"I just got over the flu. I was at the hospital 2 days ago
and they said it was flu. Maybe I'm allergic to the prescription they gave
me."
"What did they give you."
"Compazine. I was pretty sick."
"I doubt you'd have a reaction from short term use. Especially
not this rash."
Blair lay back and closed his eyes, willing himself to relax.
"We're running some blood work on you now. We'll know
something by this afternoon. I put a rush on it."
“You do that here?”
“No.” the doctor answered curtly and left it at that.
At that moment, Jim burst through the door, pushing past the
doctor and taking Blair's hand.
"Jim."
The doctor stepped between them immediately, pushing Ellison
back a step from his partner.
"You need to leave right now."
Standing his ground, Jim refused to release Blair's hand.
"I'm not going anywhere, that's my partner."
"Jim listen, the doctor thinks I may have chickenpox. I
don't want you getting sick too."
"Blair. Think about it. We're together all the time. We
live together and eat together. Don't you think if I was going to come down
with them, I already would have."
Turning his attention back to the young doctor standing beside
him, Ellison relaxed slightly.
"Look doc. I had chickenpox several years ago. Whatever
Blair might have, I've already been more than been exposed to it. We're
roommates."
The doctor nodded.
"Okay for now, Mr. Ellison, but I'll need you to stay here
until the blood tests come back in."
"No problem. I just need to talk to my captain and let him
know what's going on and then...."
"I'll fill your captain in. Please stay in this room until
we have a definite diagnosis. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to
get the blood tests back. I’m sending it to Atlanta for identification. You
wouldn't want to risk exposing anyone else would you?"
"Of course not. I'll be fine right here."
"I'll go talk to your captain now and I'll be back around
to see you as soon as they get back to me."
Blair nodded, looking worriedly at Jim who had moved closer,
sliding the chair up beside the bed, still holding firmly to his friend's hand.
"You okay?"
"Better now."
Holding up his hand with the IV trailing from it, Blair flexed
his fingers gingerly.
"I always get a huge bruise from these things. Why does it
always have to go into my right hand? Hurts to type."
Shaking his head, Jim leaned forward in the chair, taking a
closer look at his Guide.
"I knew it was too soon for you to go back. When am I'm I
going to learn to listen to my gut."
"Jim. I felt much better this morning. I really did. It
isn't the flu; at least, the doctor doesn't think it is. I just started my
class and the next thing I know I'm here."
"The nurse said something about a seizure."
"The doctor said I was really dehydrated. It screws with
your body chemistry, messes up your sodium and potassium levels."
"You been watching ER again Chief?"
Smiling, Blair shook his head. "Chem class."
Smiling in return, just glad to have his friend safe and in one
piece, Jim sat back slightly but held onto the hand still gripping his.
"Why don't you get some sleep? I'll be right here."
"Sounds good." Blair said, yawning.
"Just enjoy the downtime, junior. The captain has plans for
you as soon as you get your lazy butt out'ta here."
"Yeah, yeah. Reports that you have stacked up to the
ceiling. I don't know how you ever made it ....before... I came along."
Blair said, sliding into an exhausted sleep.
His expression turning serious, as a feeling of dread crawling
along his spine, Ellison leaned forward once more and laid his hand gently on
his Guide's forehead.
"Neither do I Chief...neither do I."
Across town
Cascade County Morgue
Jessie Harding, assistant medical examiner for the city of
Cascade, un-zipped the moon suit as he carefully packed it in protective
sheeting, effectively sealing the top of the bag and placing it in the
biohazard bin.
Walking into the outer room and locking the room behind him,
Harding proceeded to take a shower scrubbing down in a chemical agent provided
for them recently by the CDC, 'just in case.' Well, the 'just in case' scenario
was about to play through. The autopsy on the young woman who was brought in
yesterday was positive. She had died of encephalitis and severe brain
hemorrhaging brought on by advanced stage exposure to the variola virus.
Variola major. Smallpox. At least it sure looked that way.
Dressing in fresh scrubs, the pathologist sat down in his
office, startled as the associate medical examiner stuck his head in the door.
"What ya' got Jessie?" he asked, as he sat himself
down in one of the chairs placed by the desk.
"I have one, as of yet, un-identified Caucasian female,
approximate age 19. Appears to have died of encephalitis as a secondary
infection from variola."
"Oh my God....did you say variola?"
"That's what I said. We placed the body in limited
quarantine as soon as it was brought in but we had no idea that this is what we
were dealing with. I called the deputy chief and he should be here within the
hour. I have the unpleasant duty of informing the CDC. Carl. You, my friend,
have just been appointed to the, oh-so popular, ground zero team.
Hands shaking, Dr. Harding picked up the phone to call in the
experts from Atlanta. After many years away from the church, tonight he instinctively
knew, he'd be on his knees.
Holt residence
211 Buchanan Street
Cascade
Danielle Holt held her crying daughter in her arms.
The fever had come and gone over the last couple of days
but tonight she saw a rosy, raised rash beginning to appear on
her daughter's small hands and looking closer, she also noticed some of the
spots on her face.
Picking up the phone, Danielle dialed the physician that over
saw their HMO. Getting the service, she left her number and asked that the
doctor call her immediately. It looked a lot like measles to her but she'd made
sure Maggie had all her shots. Could it be chicken pox?
"It's okay baby. I'm right here. Mom's here." She
crooned into the baby's ear as she rocked, stroking her hair gently and
whispering. "Mommy's here."
In her heart, she knew that it wasn't anything as simple as
chicken pox or even the measles. She closed her eyes as a single tear ran down
her cheek as she held desperately onto the child.
Cascade General
Emergency Room
Jim sat, dozing lightly off and on throughout the afternoon as
his partner fitfully slept.
Several times, Jim had soothed his Guide as Blair had woken up
confused and disoriented only to fall back into a restlessness that made Jim
increasingly uncomfortable. The doctor had not been back but had sent the nurse
in, fully gloved, gowned and masked to check on them several times.
Looking at his watch, we saw that it was almost five pm.
Getting up and stretching, he walked over to the window as he
heard a helicopter come in from the east, preparing to land on the roof. Using
his sight, he zeroed in on the logo on the chopper's tail. It said CDC-Atlanta.
Jim watched as the copter circled once and than sat down beside the waiting
personnel who greeted them, both wearing full, level 4 Hazmat moon suits.
All at once, the feeling of dread he had experienced for the
last week, hit full force almost knocking him to his knees. Right then and
there, Jim knew where they were headed. He remembered the seminar they were
sent to a year ago in Cincinnati. The
thing everyone had feared but no one wanted to face. The threat of an all-out
epidemic caused by either natural occurrence or by bio-terrorism. Either way,
the results were still the same.
Ellison wandered back over, sitting beside his friend and once
again taking Blair’s hand in his, squeezing gently.
Leaning over and bringing their joined hands up to his forehead,
Jim Ellison began to pray.
**************************************************
Part 5
Darkness Falls
5:00
am
James
Ellison had given up on sleep. Worry and a deep-seated sense of foreboding
settled on his shoulders as he sat next to the sleeping form of his partner,
Blair Sandburg.
Blair
lay curled on his side, knees drawn up, sleeping lightly.
Since
they had been told of the diagnosis, Sandburg had been quiet and withdrawn,
sleeping most of the afternoon and into the morning. Only once did he awaken,
crying out at the nightmare visions that assaulted him. Jim had easily stilled
him, as Blair slipped back into a restless sleep.
Now,
as the light pushed through the drawn shades, Ellison began to see the results
of the disease, as it advanced rapidly, enlarging and spreading the lesions. Blair’s
face was covered in the angry red bumps. They were more solid looking today,
raised far above the skin’s surface and his face had again taken on the reddish
flush of fever on the rise. The doctor from the CDC, who had told them of the
quarantine procedures, also warned them that the symptoms get worsen by the 5th
day and usually peak by the 8th.. If the person survives this
period, then they have a good chance of beating the virus. However, this form
of the disease had not been specifically seen before. They believed it to be a
mutated form, genetically altered in the lab. As with any altered virus, the
effects and duration were undeterminable without further study.
Jim
rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling the first signs of a headache coming on.
Then, he rubbed his arm where the smallpox inoculation had been given. The
doctor said that the VIG (vaccine immune globulin) may help shorten the effects
of the disease on Blair’s system and may actually prevent it from spreading in
his own. At this point, Ellison cared very little about what effects the
disease would have on his own body. If Blair died, he would be lost because a
man could not exist with only half a soul.
The
streets of Cascade were deserted as the town was put under Marshal Law. The
army had come in quickly, mobilizing the local law enforcement and virtually
shutting down the whole town. The town was sealed off, end to end. All airport
and bus access was shut down immediately. The malls and casinos, along with the
schools were closed. The military worked fast, commandeering churches and empty
warehouse space. Armed troops were placed on each street corner with curfews
being put into place and any citizen caught on the streets after 8 pm would be
arrested. There were standing orders being broadcast on both radio and local
television channels. The local public access channel, as well as the university
cable studio, was locked down for future use by the military if needed.
Nothing
went in or out of Cascade except military or medical personnel and then only
those cleared by the CDC.
The
Storm Warning Contingency Plan, put and held in place by Executive Order of
each president from Nixon on, was designed to deal with any problems of this
sort arising from the use of stockpiled biological and chemical weapons. The problem was, no one actually thought
this could happen. It was unthinkable. Yet, as the sun set over Cascade, the
unthinkable had indeed become reality.
12:15
pm
The
temporary containment overflowed as Cascade General was now filled to capacity
and beyond. The army had set up isolation and detainment facilities all over town,
yet persons affected by the disease in varying stages of development kept
pouring in.
Jim
Ellison sat on the edge of the hospital bed, leaning over his partner and
brushing the damp hair out of the way, laying yet another cool rag on his hot
forehead. Blair moaned in pain as the muscles in his back contracted painfully,
pulling his knees tightly to his chest. His fever had spiked suddenly less than
an hour ago, hitting 105. The doctor had ordered a cooling pad be placed under
him, in the hope that the fever would rise no higher. Leaving the rag on his
head, Jim rung out yet another to cool his arms and chest.
A
wet, convulsive cough rocked Blair as Jim turned him gently on his side,
bracing him against his own chest.
“Easy
Chief. Just relax. Breathe.”
Through
fevered eyes, Blair looked at his friend. “Jim… go.”
“No
way kid. We started this together and we’re gon’na get through this together.”
Weakly
Blair shook his head, only moving slightly against Jim’s chest.
“What?”
Blair
closed his eyes for a moment, gaining strength. “Not this time Jim.”
“Chief….
you’re not going anywhere without me.”
Another
fit of coughing racked Blair’s body as Jim held him, rubbing his back
soothingly.
“You
just relax. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. We’re gon’na get through this
together. I promise.”
Jim
held his friend close as Blair fell asleep in his arms.
Danielle
Holt sat holding her young daughter, sobbing uncontrollably.
Reassured
by her physician yesterday that her daughter Maggie would be fine and that it
was almost certainly a touch of the flu that had been going around the city,
Danielle had relaxed. In fact, the phone call had left her feeling like an
over-protective, first time mom. The doctor down played her fears, saying that
the flu would run its course slowly, but surely.
That
may have been true, if it had indeed been the flu.
But
in reality, Maggie had stopped breathing and now lay dead in her mother’s arms.
She was the second fatality, her small body marking the spread of the disease
among the population of Cascade.
**************************************************
Part Six
The Virus
Day 6
5:45 am
Cascade General Hospital
Temporary Morgue
Much like pathology departments world wide, the hospital morgue
at was located deep in the bowels of Cascade General. The CDC had moved in,
sealing off the entire lower level and parking deck of the hospital to
non-essential medical personnel. Most hospital staff and the patients on the
lower levels had been transported to containment facilities after being given
doses of VIG (vaccine immune globulin).
Walking through the swinging doors that led to the morgue
entrance, CDC virologist Jason Myers, stepped into the temporary air
containment room that had been set up as part of the quarantine.
Sealing the door behind him and zipping the clear plastic liner
shut, he began to undress as a fine mist filled the small cubicle. Placing his
street clothes in a large bag and sealing them in, he changed quickly into one
of the bulky moon suits that he had come to know so well over the last couple
of years. Hooking up the air tubing to his suit, he punched the code in the
door's touch pad and pulled it open.
Waiting for him inside the autopsy bay was the head of the CDC's
Virology department and Cascade County's own Deputy Medical Examiner, Rich
Willis.
"Jason. I'd like you to meet Dr. Willis. He pretty much
heads everything here is Cascade."
Willis extended his hand to the younger man, smiling.
"Everything pathology wise anyway. Nice to meet you Dr. Meyers."
Shaking the offered hand through the bulky gloves, Dr. Meyers
then walked over to the glass separating the makeshift outer room and the
actual autopsy bay, looking through at the cadaver lying beneath the sheet.
"Virus?"
"To be honest Dr. Willis, I'm not sure. That's why you're
here. Please follow me."
The three men walked into the bay, dragging the cumbersome air
hoses behind them as each took up a position around the body of the newest
victim.
Willis stepped forward, grasping the sheet and pulling it down
past the face and shoulders of the corpse, stopping just short of the genital
region.
Having rolled up an instrument cart, he then pulled the
microphone down from the ceiling. Speaking loudly enough to test the voice
link, he then switched on the recorder.
"Preliminary autopsy findings, John Doe #676895."
He deftly began to palpate the neck and face regions. Picking up
the arms in turn, he checked them for needle marks, noting the dark ulcerated
lesions on both limbs as well as the man's face. Turning the palms over, he
indicated the lesions there as well.
"Gentleman I think it's fair to say this man was clearly
exposed to the virus, however I don't believe that's what killed him. See how
the lesions are in the pock stage. They have already dried and have started to
crust over."
"Typically, I'd do a Y incision but I want to see the
corpse opened up a bit more."
"Dr. Willis picked up a large scalpel, running it down Doe's
chest from throat base to pelvic bone. Making a second, deeper incision, the
doctor cut through muscle as blood began running down into the runnels at the
side of the table.
Although having been present at several autopsies in the past,
Dr. Meyers blanched slightly at the sight of the exposed organs, long loopy
coils of intestine shimmering in the harsh lights. Quickly making an incision
across the top and the bottom of his work, Willis opened the corpse like a
cereal box slit with a utility knife. Dropping the knife back on the instrument
tray, he picked up the bone cutters and began to open up the ribs, crunching
easily through cartilage and bone. Pulling up on the breastbone, he easily
broke the ribs in sections, exposing the man's internal organs for them to
examine.
The virologist leaned in closer, studying the enlarged
appearance of the organs in front of him. Reaching his gloved hand into the
corpse, Dr. Willis expertly excised the spleen, quickly scooping out the organ
as he placed it in the tray to get a proper weight.
"Spleen's enlarged and looks like a lot of internal
bleeding too.
Check out the liver. It's twice the size it should be."
Manipulating the liver slightly so the others could get a better
look, Willis nodded at the head of the corpse. "I'll section the brain
later, right now we need to get blood samples and find out what really killed
this guy."
Moving the spleen back to the table, he sliced it neatly in
several thin sections, deftly placing it in an organ collection bag. Turning back
to the corpse, he drove 12 neat staples into the chest, effectively sealing the
gaping wound back together with the big industrial staple gun.
"We'll stick him in the cooler for now and rush the blood
work. Then, Dr. Meyers, that's where your expertise comes in, I believe.
Whatever the hell killed this man, it was not smallpox. Yes, he
was infected, but it wasn't the cause of death. Those lesions are practically
healed."
Temporary Isolation
Cascade General Hospital
Third Floor
Jim Ellison sat in the corner of the room watching as the doctor
worked silently over the body of his partner while Blair struggled for every
breath.
Earlier this morning, Blair's temperature had risen to 107,
necessitating the use of iced cooling packs along with the pads. As his temp
hit 108, they were forced to cool and re-circulate his own blood as the
seizures started.
Shortly after, the fever had begun to drop slowly but steadily,
leveling off at 101, but not before Blair's brain had suffered a severe trauma.
With the onset of the febrile seizures, the doctor had warned Ellison that some
degree of brain damage was almost certain.
Jim leaned forward in his chair, covering his face with his
hands, his shoulders visibly shaking. Quietly sobbing, Ellison turned toward
the window, staring at the drawn curtains.
The doctor walked over, placing a hand on Jim's shoulder.
"I'm truly sorry Mr. Ellison. We've intubated him and the
machine will take over from here. I'm afraid that there isn't much we can do from
now on. We can try and make him more comfortable. The oropharygeal lesions have
moved into the mucus membranes of his mouth and nose, ulcerating and releasing
large amounts of the virus into system.
We've started him on Cidofovir. It's a very strong
Antiviral drug we've had good luck with before. The side effects
can be severe in certain individuals, but at this point, I'm afraid it's our
only option in Mr. Sandburg's case. If we can stop the virus from reproducing,
we may actually be able to weaken and kill it. It's the only chance he has.
It's slim and I don't want to give you false hope to hang on to, but it's the
best we can do at the moment.
"Thank you for all you've done." Jim said, without
raising his head.
"Let the nurse know if there's anything you need, Mr.
Ellison. The CDC has brought in the top virologist in the country to try and
sort this out. I'll be contacting him this afternoon and maybe he will have
some suggestions that we haven't tried."
Patting Jim on the shoulder, the doctor walked out, leaving him
alone with only the quiet hiss of the respirator.
Walking over to the side of the bed, Jim lowered the rail and
knelt down. Taking Blair's smaller hand in both of his, he lay his head down
beside his partner and began to cry in earnest, giving in to the hopeless and
desperate feelings that had plagued him from the start.
Outside, the rain fell unendingly, as death hung like a curtain
over the deserted streets of Cascade.
*************************************************
Part 7
Trials of Life
Day
7
Cascade
General Hospital
Temporary
Isolation Wing
6:30
am
Jim
was awakened by voices far down the corridor. Dialing his hearing up significantly
to compensate for the heavy plastic containment sheeting that had been erected
all over the wing, Jim focused on the 3 men he heard talking as they sat in the
doctor’s lounge.
One
was obviously, US Army, the other two he presumed to be doctors from the
terminology they were throwing around.
“Gentleman.
What we have is a CHINOOK alert. As part of the Storm Warning Contingency Plan
put in place by Executive Order, we have instituted Marshal Law and now have
containment camps set up within the city limits. DIA has tracked and contained
the wild card cases that were original contacts from the first 326 cases that
were at the university lecture. 5 contactees had left town but were quickly
tracked and intercepted. All 5 are now in containment as we speak. No one is
getting out of this town except by body bag.”
“My
God…you’re talking shoot to kill orders.”
“Willis.
This is need to know only, understand. Since your Deputy Medical Examiner here
and have been cleared through the CDC, you’ll be keep somewhat in the loop on a
need basis but don’t expect the world. The contagion has been contained. We
have Ranger Units and USCCA stationed at the containment facilities all over
Cascade. We’ve sectioned the survivors into detention category ratings based on
the degree of symptoms displayed. The CDC has been given authority to run the
show.”
“What
about FEMA?”
“FEMA’s
taking back seat on this one I’m afraid. Any involvement they have will be
later on. AMCCOM’s in charge of the containment, FEMA’s left with cleanup.”
Quiet
settled over the room as Dr. Jason Meyers, the virologist brought in from the
CDC stood up, walking over to flip a switch and turning on the slide projector.
Back
in his room, Jim was momentarily distracted as Sandburg shifted restlessly in bed,
moaning slightly as the respirator scraped the back of his raw throat. Leaning
forward, Jim stroked the sweaty curls from Blair’s forehead, thankful that the
fever was down to a manageable level.
“Easy
Chief…. you’re okay. Just go back to sleep. I’m here. I’m here.”
Blair
calmed at Ellison’s touch and immediately fell back to sleep.
Turning
his attention quickly back to the conversation of the 3 men down the hall, he
was surprised at the accusing tones he hear coming from the room.
“You
have no right!”
“Dr.
Willis. No matter what you may believe personally, there are things that we do
in the defense of our country that gives us that right.”
“You’re
playing God with these viruses. Those are innocent people out there that are
going to die and thousands more that will be permanently disfigured.
You
have no idea of the long-range effects of this virus. You don’t have any data
available to support your claims except the incident at Fish Springs. How about
South Wendal? Letting the AMCCOM into Cascade is like opening the door to the
devil. You can’t dance with the devil and expect to win.”
“Dr.
Willis, AMCCOM cleaned up South Wendal way back in ’81. The town was contained
as well as the population. They kept a lid on what could have been a press
disaster.”
“Press disaster! They murdered 54
persons! Government sanctioned murder, that’s all it was. Of the 42 survivors
that were airlifted out, none were ever heard from again. That small town of 96
persons snuggled into the California mountainside, just ceased to exist and all
because of a government cover-up.
AMCCOM is practically a private army.”
Stepping forward, Dr. Meyers clicked the
first screen to life as he killed the lights.
“That’s all fine and good guys, but this
is what matters in the present. This little guy is our killer.” He said as he directed his laser pointer at
the screen.
“Stolen from the Dugway Proving Grounds
from their own testing facilities.
The virus, in its original form was
variola major. As the Colonel here can tell you, this virus is far more complex
than that of smallpox. True, it’s a killer very similar with the same DNA
tagging but with the exception that it has a piggyback latent bacteria
engineered in. It’s really quite brilliant; the original virus kills the host
in about 95% of the cases, a much higher kill rate than variola major. Then it
mutates into an endosporic state until the spores are triggered.”
“How long can it remain in the spore
stage?”
“They’ve found mammoths frozen in Siberia
with endosporic bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts.”
“So what do we know about this piggy-back
bacteria?”
“Well from the information that the
military has shared with us in light of recent developments, it looks as though
the bacteria is some sort of a genetically manipulated Staph infection. Dr.
Willis, take a closer look at the slide and you will see the subtle differences
brought about by the piggybacking effect. The body identifies this virus, as
variola major, but in true terms it is not, so the body cannot defend it’s self
against it.”
“As of today, we’ve had 90 confirmed
virus deaths and all were traced back to the original lecture hall at Rainier
University. The teacher, Blair Sandburg, I know. He works with the Major Crimes
Unit at the police station.”
“Your first confirmed plague victim?”
“Yeah. He’s currently into the viral
stage of the variola cycle. What avenue the disease takes when the bacteria is
released into his bloodstream is anyone’s guess.”
“The bacteria are designed to attack
organ systems in the human body destroying the oxygen carrying cells.”
“How?”
Scratching his nose, Meyers shook his
head.
“The stuff is insidious. It finds and
attaches itself to healthy blood cells, virtually leaching out the salts and
then they rupture causing severe internal bleeding, usually within the organ
itself.”
Willis became quiet, sitting down in the
chair beside the Colonel and focusing all his attention on the next slide as it
became visible on the screen.
“Small pox is mostly spread aerobically,
with a small incidence of being transferred as Blair Sandburg contacted it.
Everyone at that lecture hall was infected aerobically that day. They were
breathing that contaminated stuff in by the lungful. Then going on about their
day, they infected others and those in turn affected their contacts. So far,
only the original 326 cases have become affected with the core virus. The
secondary bacterium, which piggybacks and lays latent until the spore stage, is
the cause of the secondary infection. So far, no one survived the core stage of
the viral infection and actually moved into the bacterial stage. Sandburg would
be the first.”
“He’s close. If he survives the next 24
hours gentleman, you will have your first live subject fully infected with the
bacteria.”
“Of course, when the bacterium cultures
to a certain point, he will have to be disposed of.”
“Disposed of? We’re talking about a human
life.”
“If he indeed survives into the bacterial
stage, and I have my doubts about him making it through the night, he would be
able to infect anyone he came into contact with.”
“We don’t know that for sure. You data is
sadly lacking Colonel.”
“It was only in the experimental stage.
It was never meant to be released into the public.”
Jim jerked back as if slapped. Breathing heavily,
he closed his eyes; letting all the information he had heard sink it. Laying
his hand on Blair’s palm, being careful of the IV line, he squeezed
reassuringly.
“Don’t worry Chief. You’re safe.”
Blair weakly returned the pressure on his
hand.
“Just get better. I’m right here.”
*************************************************
Part 8
Small
Victory
7:00 am
Outside Containment Facility
One:
By 7 am, the skies were overcast, as
oppressive clouds circled widely overhead. Distant thunder rumbled, heralding
yet another of the frequent storms of the season. The wind began to blow,
picking up speed as it raged relentlessly through the empty streets and alleyways
of Cascade.
As the rain fell, a lone figure stood
watching the hospital from his discreet vantage point outside the hastily
erected wire fencing surrounding the facility. Pulling the hood over his head,
the man reached into his pocket and brought out a small black leather pouch.
Mindful of any watchful eyes, the man lit his cigar and walked slowly back into
the gloom.
9:30
am
Cascade
General Hospital
Temporary
Containment Wing
Jim stood to the side, quietly murmuring
words of encouragement as he gripped his partners’ hand.
The doctor unhooked the tubing from the
respirator, tilting Blair’s head backward slightly as he opened his airway and
slid the tubing out.
Blair
coughed weakly, his lungs aching as his breath came in shallow; panting gasps.
Elbowing the doctor out of the way, Ellison sat on the edge of the bed,
stroking the wet hair from Blair’s forehead.
“Jim?”
Jim
smiled, his whole face lighting up at the sound of his friend’s raspy voice.
“Blair.
Don’t try to talk buddy…just relax.”
“Don’t….
leave.”
He
squeezed Sandburg’s hand as relief flooded his whole being.
“I’m
not leaving kid. I’m right here...just relax…breathe.”
The
nurse came over with a small cup, handing it to Jim, as she moved over to the
side of the bed and started checking vitals.
Blair
swallowed painfully as Jim fed him shaved ice from the small container.
After
a few mouthfuls, he held up his hand as Ellison sat the ice on the nightstand
beside the bed.
Stepping
up beside Blair, the doctor gently pulled back an eyelid, checking for any
signs of intracranial pressure.
Looking
around in confusion, Blair attempted to pull away from the doctor’s touch.
“Mr.
Sandburg…please…just relax.” “ Do you know where you are?”
Blair
tensed, “Jim…”
Ellison
laid a hand on Sandburg’s shoulder, gently holding him in place.
“Easy
Blair. Just relax. The doctor just wants to know if you’re okay.”
Sandburg’s
heart rate slowed as he closed his eyes, leaning into the touch, shoulders
shaking slightly.
“It’s
alright…. just relax.”
Keeping
his eyes tightly shut, Blair reached out his hand and gripped Jim’s arm.
“Chief…do
you know where you are?”
“Hospital?”
Jim
closed his eyes briefly, squeezing Sandburg’s hand.
“Yeah…you
know what city?”
“In
Cascade.”
A
wide smile once again lit Ellison’s face as he slowly let out the pent up
breath he had been holding.
Leaning
over, Jim touched his forehead briefly to his partner’s before pulling back to
let the doctor examine him.
“Mr.
Sandburg…do you think it would be okay if your friend sat down over there for a
few minutes? I’d like to examine you,
if I could.”
Blair’s
eyes darted nervously around the room, fear clearly showing in his expressive
eyes.
“It’s
alright Chief…I’ll be right over there if you need me. I just need to back off
a little so the doctor can work. I promise I won’t go far.”
“You
promise?”
“I
promise.” Squeezing Blair’s hand one final time, Jim laid it down on the bed,
moving back toward the window. He positioned himself where he could clearly see
what was going on, keeping a watchful eye on the doctor.
Jim
sat silently, watching him as he examined his partner. Seemingly satisfied for
the moment, he motioned for the nurse to take the blood samples out and walked
over to where Ellison sat.
Sighing
heavily and rubbing his neck, the doctor sat down beside him.
“Well,
Mr. Ellison. I don’t know what to say. Your partner pretty much surprised us
all.” He said, shaking his head. “He’s tough, I’ll give him that.”
“What
about brain damage?”
“Mentally…he’s
a little confused, but that’s understandable with a trauma such as this. I
don’t see any real indication of brain damage except the slight slurring of his
speech. Again, I think its just trauma but it’s a little too early to tell for
sure.”
“How
about physically?”
“We
won’t really know much until he’s stronger but preliminarily, I’d say he made
it through pretty well.”
Jim
sat forward, rubbing his hands together in an impatient gesture.
“Doctor….
I’ve heard talk about what the military has in store for Cascade and I can’t say it makes me feel
comfortable.”
“I’m
not with the military Mr. Ellison. I’ve worked at this hospital for 14 years as
a civilian and I intend to keep it that way. We’re being used as little more
than grunt labor, I’m afraid. You probably know as much as I do.”
”What about the virus? Why am I not affected?”
The
doctor shook his head.
Jim
leaned to the side, looking around the doctor and seeing an exhausted Blair
sleeping soundly.
Sitting
back, Ellison studied the man’s face, gauging his heart rate and respiration.
“I
truly don’t know. We’ve been told very little.”
Leaning
over and wiping his hand across his face, the doctor looked at Jim, tears
clearly visible in his dark eyes.
“I
have a wife and a 6 month old son out there somewhere detective. I don’t even
know if they’re still alive. Like I said, you probably know as much as I do at
the moment.”
The
doctor stood up, stretching and walked toward the door. Turning, his expression
softening, he paused just short of the airlock.
“He
jumped the first hurdle, you know. He’s
the first one of the group to survive the full blown virus.”
“What
about the bacteria? I heard one of the CDC guys talking about a piggyback form of
bacteria somehow attached to the virus. Was that what Blair and the others were
exposed to?”
“Honest
to God, detective… I don’t know anything about that. All I know is that
whatever the hell is loose out there, it’s man made and more dangerous than
anything I’ve ever dealt with before. That Meyers guy from the CDC is
supposedly the top virologist in the country. He’s been in South Africa for the
last couple of years dealing with the Ebola Virus.”
“How
many are dead?”
“Last
count I heard, 312 people as of today. All are core victims from the university
lecture. Of the 14 left alive, all are infected at some stage but still alive
at this point and none are even close to the stage your partners’ in.”
“What
about the victims that were all over the clinics and the hospital? They were
having the same symptoms as Blair.”
”No. They only resembled the same symptoms as Mr. Sandburg had. In actuality,
it seems that there really was a serious flu epidemic hitting Cascade at the
same time. Coincidence maybe? I’m not sure. Whatever… it’s water under the
bridge now. I only know that your friend is far from out of the woods but he’s
definitely beaten the variola, so there’s still hope. The army’s got their head
so far up their own ass, I’m not sure if they even know the effects of the
bacterium themselves. What I do know is that before their deaths, some of the
core victims passed that bacterium on to other contactees. That’s where your
partner comes in.”
“They
want Blair for a guinea pig and I’m not about to let that happen.”
“I’m
not sure you’ll have a choice. For that matter detective, I’m not sure any of
us will.”
Jim
Ellison nodded slowly as the doctor walked out, sealing the airlock behind him.
Walking
back over and sitting on the bed, Jim gently stroked his friend’s cheek,
careful not to awaken him.
He
could clearly see the pustules were drying up and turning a bluish-purple.
Deeply imbedded under the surface, the scarring would be severe and lasting.
That was the least of their worries for the moment.
Careful
of the IV line still attached to his partner’s hand, Jim slowly moved Blair
over toward the railing, getting in beside him and settling him against his
chest. He smiled as Sandburg’s head instinctively went to nestle against his
shoulder.
“Jim?”
“Yeah
Chief. It’s just me…go back to sleep. I’ve got you.” Wrapping his arms around
his young Guide, Ellison relaxed himself, feeling the tension draining from his
body.
Blair
raised his hand, draping his arm around Jim’s neck as the Sentinel smiled down
at him.
“Just
rest. I’ll take care of everything.”
“What’s
going on? I heard you talking….”
“Don’t
worry. I won’t let anything hurt you. You just have to trust me.”
“I
do…I do trust you Jim…with my life.”
“Then
go back to sleep…. I’ll be right here to watch over you.”
Blair
nodded against his shoulder, eyes already closing as his breathing evened out
into a restful sleep.
Jim
tightened his grip around Blair, rubbing his back soothingly.
“Just
go back to sleep. I’m here to take care of you and I’ll be here when you wake
up.”
Moments
later, the sound of helicopters caught Jim’s attention. Cocking his head, he
clearly picked up the sound of 4 distinct motors. 4 Huey Cobras it would seem.
Jim
closed his eyes, laying his cheek against his partner’s curly head.
Today
they had won a victory but tomorrow the battle would begin again.
End of Parts 1-8