I hand the bag to him. He heads to the back of the SUV and pops open the rear latch. I make for the back seat of the driver’s side and hop in.
The interior is warm and comforting. I place the satchel in the seat next to me and lower the hood back down. The rear hatch closes with a dull thud as he comes around to the driver’s side. He slips inside and fastens his seatbelt.
We take off, leaving the runway in our wake. I settle in and watch the snow-covered buildings as we leave the small airport. The view from up high was amazing, but being on the ground is something else. I’ve never been in an environment where I felt as though I had been transported to another world.
I watch the bleakness of the stark land pass by, and think of the ice man that has been freed from his frozen grave. Skimming over the initial photos and reports does have me a bit thrilled, but yet, cautious.
As much as I want this to be true, I’m trying to remain objective. I’ve found in this line of work, and life in general, it’s best to be skeptical when evaluating any situation. Let the evidence present itself, and be reasonable with your conclusions.
Try to debunk it if you can. If all checks out, then great. Either way, you’ll get your answer.
CHAPTER THREE
Much like a caged animal, I yearn to be set free. All of the sitting is the one thing about traveling that I do not like. Although I’m spent, and in need of rest, I would still rather be up and moving about. Fortunately, we are nearing our final destination.
The Land Rover crunches over the icy surface. The uneven road sends the bulky vehicle from side to side as we crest an inclined snow bank. I brace myself against the driver’s seat. Both hands grip the warm leather as the research center comes into view.
I’m not sure what I was expecting to see, but find the setup that Vincent has in place extensive. Roughly the size of a football field, the frozen land has been cleared away and smoothed out. Massive mounds of snow create a barrier around the perimeter.
I can see rows of dark, gray prefabricated buildings—boxy steel and concrete made modules that are connected to one another by adjoining enclosed walkways. They’re lined up on a grid of snow and ice.
Satellites and antennas are on top of the roofs. Immense generators are attached to the sides of the buildings. Oddly enough, I notice armed men outfitted in white parkas and pants standing guard throughout the area.
The Land Rover comes to a halt in front of one of the buildings. The driver hops out and opens my door, then moves to the back of the SUV and opens the rear hatch.
I retrieve my satchel, and step out onto the icy plain. He hands me my duffle, and offers a jovial smile as he shuts my door. He slips back into the comfort of the vehicle as a tall, slender Hispanic woman emerges from the building.
She offers a half smile, that looks to be forced more than anything. Her posture seems rigid, with her hands clasped behind her back. I’m unsure what’s colder, the weather, or her personality.
I try not to indulge my intuition, though, considering I haven’t even met her. Afterall, everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt.
“Ms. Price, welcome to the Arctic Research and Development Center.”
Dressed in a black sweater, with a white lab coat draped over top, and thick, black parka pants, she extends out her hand as she walks up to greet me.
“Please, call me Madison.” I shake her hand. “All these formal greetings are starting to make me feel old.”
She chuckles.
“Of course. I’m Nora Sanchez, the lead scientist here at the center. We are thrilled to have you on the team.”
I shiver. My lips tremble from the chilly weather bombarding my face. The wind tries to exploit any openings in my garb. I can feel the breeze sneaking in past the zippers, and the thick brown material from the gloves’ openings. “Let’s go inside and get out of this dreadful weather.”
Nora leads the way.
My eyes cut to the armed men on either side of the door. Their faces are stern and rigid. They offer no such greeting or warm welcome as they peer at me furtively.
“What’s up with all the security?” I inquire.
“Oh, they’re just here to appease Vincent.” Nora dismisses the question with a wave of her hand. “They’re a part of a private security firm that Vincent does business with. He can be a bit overly suspicious at times. Since we’ve been onsite with the subject, he wanted the additional security. Just to be safe.”
Bewildered, I tilt my head slightly. “Safe from what, exactly?”
“His own delusions.” Nora chuckles. “If you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of nowhere. He has a deal with the Russian government to be here, so there shouldn’t be any sort of issues with them interfering, or anyone else for that matter. I tried to tell him it was a waste of money to have them here, but he insisted. It’s his money, and if he wants to waste it, then so be it.”
We walk along the winding hallway. The sound of our footsteps plays off the black speckled linoleum. The walls are a dull antiseptic white with labs that are mixed in every five feet or so.
Nora pauses and turns toward me. “This is the main hub where the research takes place. The entire complex is connected together by adjoining hallways. Living quarters, showers, cafeteria, and storage are on the far side. Medical, research, and communications are on this side.”
“Was this solely set up for the subject?” I ask.
“No. Vincent had this built sometime back. We’ve had a few other finds that have come through that didn’t pan out. This is the first that is looking promising,” Nora responds. “Would you like me to show you to your quarters?”
“Actually, I’d like to see the subject first, if that is ok?”
Nora nods. “Of course. We are currently running some tests on him, so we’ll have to view him from the observation deck. The tests shouldn’t take too long. You should be able to see him later today.”
“That will be fine.”
“Perfect. We can have your bags taken to your room while I show you.”
Nora motions to one of the lab techs standing close by. I remove the satchel from my shoulder, and hand both bags to the tech.
“Please. Follow me.” Nora continues on the guided tour of the facility, pointing out and explaining what each section of the facility is currently handling.
We pass by medical, row after row of sterile white-sheeted beds going toward the back. At the end of the ward is a lone patient.
Separated from the rest of the room, and encased in a thick heavy plastic barrier, is a sickly-looking woman. I pause, and walk over to the glass barrier to examine her closer.
I can only see a small portion of her flush and sweaty face through the narrow opening. She lays motionless on the steel gray bed. Her eyes are closed and mouth slightly open.
“What’s wrong with her?” I inquire.
Nora comes up beside me. “At the moment, we are not sure. She fell ill a few days ago. We felt it prudent to keep her isolated until we have learned more.”
The woman’s lips move as though she’s trying to speak. Her eyes are slightly open, revealing her bloodshot sclerae. Her gaze cuts through the narrow slit of the plastic barrier, and right at me.
I glance at Nora. “Is she going to be ok?”
Her gaze looms in the patient’s direction before responding with a monotone voice. “Dr. Stevens is as tough as they come. We are confident that she’ll make a full recovery.”
Nora’s less than convincing cannon fodder does little to convince me of Dr. Stevens’s potential for recovery. A part of me is anxious at the thought of someone falling so ill in the middle of this frozen wasteland. What if it spreads?
I try to stay the apprehension creeping up my body as Nora offers me a fake comforting smile.
She softly places her hand on my shoulder. “No need to worry, Madison. We have the best medical staff and scientific minds right here. She’s in good hands. Shall we? I imagine you are anxious to see our guest.”
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I nod.
We leave the window of the medical ward and continue on. Nora educates me on what they have found thus far that wasn’t included in my file. I listen with an attentive ear as I examine each lab we pass by. The lights are shut off, cloaking the various technical equipment in a shroud of shadows from the hallway’s lights. Only the glow from the machines’ lights are visible.
Nora stops and turns to a door on her right. She places her palm flat against a square device to the right of the door.
“Where is everyone?” I ask. “A large portion of the labs are vacant.”
“We are currently running on a skeleton crew. Bare bones,” Nora retorts. An illuminated, blue light scans her hand from the top down. The locking bolts of the hefty door retract obediently, followed by the low hiss of expelled air. “Vincent wanted to keep this as low key as possible. So, there aren’t too many of us here.”
Nora pulls open the door and walks in. I follow close behind. We pass through another doorway, and hook a left into what appears to be an observation deck. It’s elevated above the space below where the subject is being kept.
Medical and other technical equipment take space along the periphery of the walls. Cabling runs along the floor, from the various machines, to a large cylinder looking contraption in the center of the room.
I pull the door closed behind us as Nora turns toward me and says, “This is Tak. The chamber he has been placed in is temperature controlled to preserve his body. On either side of the unit are sliding access points for us to be able to reach in and examine him closer.”
Remarkable is the first word that materializes in my mind. Astonished, I step toward the plexiglass window. Like a kid at Christmas, I examine Tak with eyes wide open.
He’s laying flat on his back. Wiry, thick brown hair blankets the majority of his muscular, wet body. Chunks of ice cling to the damp hairs as the scientists continue their work.
His face is huge, with an enormous nose, and the front part of his face pulled forward. Around the cheeks, the skull curves outward rather than being hollowed out.
His forehead is also much flatter. Above his eyes are a pronounced double arch of the brow-ridge that hangs over the rest of his face.
I’ve seen numerous digital mockups and renderings of various Neanderthals over the years. All of this is second nature to me, but seeing this perfectly preserved man from a long-lost era, in the flesh, is almost surreal.
“We know Vincent wanted you here to authenticate the find, even though we are extremely confident in our ability to do so.” Nora seems a bit perturbed by my presence. Her tone a bit standoffish now. My initial assessment of her was pretty spot on. At least I gave her the chance to prove me wrong.
I glance at Nora, who offers me a curt smile. The last thing I want is to give the impression of stepping on anyone’s toes. So, I keep my rebuttal short and to the point.
“I have no doubt that you and your team will be able to do so. I am just here to assist in any way that I can.”
Nora’s eyes cut downward to her watch, then back up to me. “I imagine you would like to get some rest. I know the flight can be brutal.”
“That is true. I could rest my eyes for a bit,” I reply.
“I’ll show you to your quarters. We’ll reconvene after they’ve finished with Tak. Shall we?” Nora holds out her arm, allowing me to take the lead out of the observation deck. We exit the lab, and head back the way we came.
We continue on through the remainder of the facility, passing through the other sections of the center before reaching the sleeping quarters for the base’s crew. My dwelling is at the far end. Room 3B.
“I’ll notify you once we are able to gain entry to examine Tak closer. Shouldn’t be too long. Get some rest and we’ll speak soon. If you need any additional blankets or toiletries, we have them in the storage room just down the hall. There isn’t much currently in there, as we’re waiting to be restocked with more supplies.” Nora offers another smile before excusing herself.
I enter my quarters and turn on the light. The lamp against the far wall springs to life, dimly lighting up the small, compact space.
The furnishings are adequate and plain, boasting nothing more than a twin-size mattress, slightly elevated off the ground, with a night stand off to the side.
To my left is a gun-metal gray desk with a brown top that is slightly worn. A video conferencing phone is stationed toward the right corner. A black desk lamp is clamped to the desk’s left edge. A small, black task chair completes the arrangement.
My duffle bag and satchel are resting on the floor in front of the desk. I shut the door and remove my parka.
It’s warm, but not overly hot. I sling the bulky jacket over the chair’s backrest and plop down on the bed. I don’t bother changing. My body just wants to rest.
I bring my legs up, and lay flat on my back. The mattress has little to no padding. The springs poke and prod my spine. I shift my weight slightly to gain some comfort. It does little to no good. Oh well. It’s better than trying to sleep in a chair or moving car.
My arm falls across my face as I exhale a spent breath. I don’t even bother with turning off the light. Although my mind is still contemplating what’s to come, I fall fast asleep.
CHAPTER FOUR
A few solid hours of sound sleep can make a world of difference.
Despite the wafer-thin mattress’s attempt to steal my slumber, my spent body prevailed. The bed did manage to place a knot in my lower back, but it was worth the tradeoff, I think. I want my mind clear and rested for Tak.
After all, Vincent didn’t fly me around the world for a half-assed assessment. Speaking of, I need to check in with him.
The video phone rings, the screen flashing and coming online. I get to my feet, pull the chair out from the desk, and plop down on the razor thin seat. Guess I found an area where Vincent does skimp on the luxuries.
Nora appears on the screen as I try to gain some comfort.
“I trust you slept well, Madison.”
“I’m rested. I’ve been up for a few minutes now,” I respond.
“Good to hear. If you’re ready, we can examine Tak now. They have removed the remaining ice from him,” Nora informs.
“Perfect.” I check the time on my watch. “I can meet you in the lab in say, twenty minutes?”
Nora nods and smiles.
The screen turns off.
I punch in Vincent’s number, and press the call button. Sending flashes on the light blue screen as the phone tries to connect. I glance back down at my watch again, wondering what time it is in New York. I’m still off from the time change.
The phone clicks, and connects the call, but the screen remains its light blue hue. “Madison! It’s good to hear from you.”
I don’t recall ever speaking with Vincent, and him not sounding as though he’s on cloud nine.
I glance over the controls on the unit’s base, trying to decipher what the issue may be. “It appears we are having some connectivity issues. I’m not sure if you can see me, but I can’t see you.”
“I can’t see you either. It’s probably just a connection issue. Happens more than I’d like, given the region and all you are in,” Vincent responds. “How are things going so far? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our find.”
“I’m actually getting ready to examine Tak with Nora here shortly,” I answer.
“Excellent. Nora is one of my top scientists there. I’m confident that between the two of you, we’ll be able to verify and validate Tak.”
“Yeah. She seems as though she isn’t too thrilled to have me here,” I mention.
“Did she say something to you?” Vincent inquires.
“Not directly, but she comes across as though she is not pleased with my presence,” I respond.
“Much like you, she is a strong, smart, confident woman,” Vincent says.
No need to continue flattering me. I’m already here.
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��She did mention that her team could handle the verification process, but I insisted. If you run into any issues, please let me know.”
“I will, but I don’t think that will be necessary,” I retort.
“I imagine it won’t be.”
Static overcomes Vincent’s voice before the line falls silent. The screen goes blank, and back to its dark gray hue. That’s comforting.
I stand up from the uncomfortable chair and make for the door.
Making my way to the lab to meet up with Nora, the eerie silence of the complex plays on my nerves. My eyes shift from left to right at the darkened labs. My arms fold across my chest as the ether of each space bleeds over to the next. It feels as though I’m on another planet, completely cut off from civilization. Extremely unsettling.
The medical ward is still vacant except for Dr. Stevens who still remains quarantined. Curiosity gets the better of me. I stop.
Through the clear plastic barrier that encompasses the ill patient, I can see a doctor standing next to the bed. I hone my gaze through the narrow opening, and find Dr. Stevens looking right at me.
Her wrists are bound to the steel frame of the bed she is confined to. Her right palm is bandaged, wrapped in white gauze. She tugs and pulls against the restraints as she stares at me with her wide, bloodshot eyes. She moves her mouth in such a way that I can’t tell if she’s speaking or growling.
Becoming more irritated and, dare I say, vicious, Dr. Stevens arches her back off the bed. She leans toward the doctor, but I can’t make out what she is doing. The plastic has distorted her movements.
It appears as though she is trying to... bite him?
“Did you get lost?”
Startled, I flinch.
Nora stands off to my left.
“Oh gosh, you scared me.” I was too consumed by the disturbing imagery unfolding before me to hear or see Nora approach.
Nora stares at me with a bewildered gaze before she looks inside the medical ward. “Her condition is deteriorating much faster than anyone had anticipated. We had to restrain her to keep her from hurting herself or any of the staff. She hurt her hand in the process. We are still trying to pinpoint the exact cause of her ailment, but have been unsuccessful thus far.”
Dead State Box Set [0-5] Page 2
