At Night's End

by Benham, Tara

“Decent I guess why?”

  “Micah is good with chemistry too,” Ever suggested. Oh if this was a time for jokes. I giggled but didn’t say anything.

  “Go get him now please. I need to pick brains.” She smirked at my ability to remain calm but ran up the stairs to grab Micah. “I’ll explain what I’m thinking when we’re all down here so that I don’t have to say it twice.” I gathered the research that we had found on the dormant virus from ten years ago, as well as Dad’s cancer research papers and the papers for the air filtration. I had just made it back to the table when I could hear Micah and Ever talking to someone at the end of the hall. I made my way over to them to see what was wrong. Darcy was standing at the doorway.

  “McCaid, you have been down here for four days straight. What’s going on?” She sounded angry and I didn’t blame her.

  “Darce, I’m sorry we are working really hard trying to find stuff to help Dad out with being able to end the epidemic sooner. Really that’s all it is. I promise.”

  “Then why can’t we help?”

  “I think y’all might get a chance soon. I think I may have come up with a way to help and I will need everyone to assist if it works. That’s all I can say for now. Please Darcy, decorate for Christmas, and plan a party. Don’t leave the main house without one of us though okay. With situations outside the fence getting hostile I don’t figure it will be very long before they find out we are self-sustainable.”

  “Should I be scared Caidee?”

  “Not yet, just be alert and smart.” I gave her a quick hug. She sighed but left to head up stairs. She said she’d let the rest of the group know about decorating, and for planning the party.

  “Let’s go sit down. I need you all to tell me if what I’m thinking is even possible. Then, if it is possible, we need to come up with a plan to put it into action.”

  “What’s is it?” Ever would think of this as a “what if” situation which would be beneficial to us. Even though Dad might be the bad guy he made sure to provide us with all the necessary tools to survive, why?

  “Well a few month ago, I heard Dad when he was on a call about a built in control. I figured it was about the fence, but what if it was about the dormant virus. Something dormant needs a catalyst right? So there has to be an inhibitor as well. We need to find the inhibitor and figure out a way to get it out in mass quantities, like say the air filtration systems? Dad said they were using the water systems to pump the steroids so we can’t use that system.”

  “We’d have to do research to see what the inhibitor is and how we would could create it or find it. Also, if we could find it how do we know it’ll work for sure? Say we find out it does work, how do you propose we distribute it?” I knew I could count on Ever to think of questions that I didn’t.

  “Actually I think it could work. We’d need the initial research information.” Micah spoke up.

  “I know someone we can test if we can find the inhibitor.” Johnnie said solemnly. “My wife said my son just started to show symptoms. He’s eighteen so we’d have to ask him, but I’m sure he’d be willing to try if it’ll help.”

  “Johnnie, bring him and your wife here. None of us can contract the virus. In Dad’s research we’ve found where he’s been pumping our water supply with the steroids since the filtration system was put in. There’s living quarters down here, so they can be isolated from us if it’ll make you feel better.” I got up indicating for him to follow. I showed him something I had noticed on the blue prints Dad had given me. There was a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. After finding this room, I knew how Dad and Miss Andersen had stayed down here for so long. There were tears in Johnnie’s eyes.

  “Thank you McCaid.”

  “After the soldiers came to get Dad and Miss Andersen I was going to offer it to you to stay in here anyway so that you could have privacy.” I shrugged. I wasn’t sure how to handle Johnnie’s emotion. He was always a joker, so seeing him like this really upset me. He had become our father figure in Dad’s place these past weeks and months. I gave him a quick hug and headed back out into the lab area where everyone else was waiting.

  “No point wasting time. Here’s all the research I could find on both the vaccine and Dad’s cancer cure.” I handed the papers over to Baxlie and Micah.

  “McCaid. We talked while you were in the room with Johnnie. We think you need a break. You and Ever go upstairs. Shower, hang out with the rest of the group for a while. Don’t come back down for at least a couple of hours.” Micah spoke the orders in his master’s voice. I thought Ever was going to turn into a tomato. I wasn’t sure if it was from anger or embarrassment.

  “Right. See you in a few hours.” I really could use the shower, and maybe even real food. I grabbed Ever’s hand and drug her with me. She was mumbling curses under her breath all the way to the steps.

  “Seriously, you know we could be more helpful down there. We’ve been around Dad longer than them. We know how to use the equipment.”

  “Ever, think about the food and the hot water. Clean clothes. We can come back down in exactly two hours ok?”

  “Okay” she grumbled but I no longer had to drag her. She came more willingly.

  Upstairs I could smell food cooking. Which would save us time and energy. We went into the kitchen where Sasha and Denver were cooking. We told them we’d be down in time to eat, but that we were going to take a quick shower. They nodded in acknowledgement but both were so busy with whatever they were making for dinner. I went to Darcy’s bathroom to deal with the ducks, and let Ever have our nice Parisian one to relax in. Denver had brought in decorations for the bathroom when she moved in, so now there were ducks and frogs. It felt nice to get clean and let the dirt and stress wash down the drain. I braided my hair so that I wouldn’t have to deal with it for a while. I had chosen plain grey yoga pants and an off the shoulder sweater. I figured we’d be back in the lab for a couple more days so I needed to be comfortable.

  Downstairs the table was set and everyone was sitting down already eating. Ever and I had come down at the same time. She must have been thinking along the same lines as me, except she chose bright colors that were very Ever-esque. We grabbed the available seats and tried to catch up with the conversations.

  “Sorry, we’re used to only eating with us. We should have waited.” Henry leaned over to me. He had a seats open on either side him I sat on one side, Ever sat on the other side.

  “It’s okay. We’ve been busy. I understand. Micah and Baxlie kicked us out of the lab though for a much needed break.”

  “You’ve been hanging out with Baxlie a lot lately.”

  “Henry. Don’t. I accepted your apology when Ever’s mom died, I’m not choosing either of you. Baxlie has the skills to help downstairs. You have the skills to help the group up here.” He was so close to me, and he smelled so heavenly. I missed being around him. I missed the whole group and the way things were when we were training to please Dad. The thought of Dad made me sad and angry again. I didn’t want to ruin our break so I tried hard to focus on the party planning that was going on.

  “We could cut down a tree this year. Dad’s not here to sneeze the whole time” Darcy suggested.

  “Good idea.” Denver supported Darcy’s suggestion. There was shock for a moment, and then decided I needed to stop judging her. We’d all been through a lot. Maybe she’d changed.

  “First thing after classes tomorrow, we’ll go. I’m teaching this week. Henry will you accompany us to help?” Olive branch presented.

  “Yes, of course McCaid.”

  “That’s settled then. Before Ever and I return down stairs we’ll go up to the attic and carry down the rest of the decorations.”

  “We can help.” I had forgotten about Milo. He’d been quiet lately.

  “Thank you Milo.” Darcy grinned at Milo. Looks like the crushes were still there.

  The rest of dinner went smoothly until Darcy and Sasha told us about the news report from earlier talking ab
out the increased violence occurring. Washington DC had upped its security level. No one was going to get into the CDC building. Apparently they were angry at Dad. Conspiracy theorists had found the same research we had, thankfully Darcy didn’t seem to believe it. I looked at Ever who looked as though she had been holding her breath through the whole conversation. Other compounds had been overtaken. This was not good news, we may have to take arms to protect ourselves. Bringing down the Christmas decorations was made quick work with all the extra help. We stuck around for the required two hours before heading back down to the lab. The guys were all sitting with their heads down looking very intently through the paperwork when we entered the lab.

  “Hey guys. How’s the research going?”

  “I win.” Baxlie grinned, and Micah glared at us.

  “What exactly did you win?” Ever asked

  “I bet that you all would be down in exactly two hours.” Baxlie puffed out his chest, and placed his hand in front of Micah who begrudgingly gave him a ten.

  “We have news. It’s apparently getting pretty violent out there.” Ever told Johnnie.

  “Yeah that’s what my son said. He and his mother are on their way here.” Johnnie’s faced seemed more relaxed than it had for a while.

  “Good. We’ll head up again soon to make sure to greet them. Tell me about progress with the research?”

  “We think we’ve found out how to make the inhibitor. We just need a few things. I don’t know if there are any just lying around here.” Micah said.

  “Give me a list and I’ll check what we have. Dad kept a lot of stuff in that locked closest for when he was testing things here.”

  Micah made a list of everything that was needed. Baxlie was showing us the research they had found as well as some of Dad’s notes that he had made that were more helpful than the research. Baxlie said they had done a full search on the computers and found video messages as well about the different trials he’d conducted with Miss Andersen. I asked how that was helpful and he explained that by knowing what didn’t work they could skip a few steps and try to find what would work. Micah gave me the list and took the keys to the cabinet for me and Ever to search. We found almost everything that we needed except for a few essentials.

  “We can do a recon on the local pharmacy and see if we can find the few remaining items.” Micah suggested.

  “Recon huh?” Baxlie looked amused and a little more excited that he should.

  “John, what do you think?” Micah had always had a respect Johnnie due to the built in expectations of ranking from the years in the military. John sounded so formal, but it was a big step.

  “I think if you feel you must have these….”

  “We must” Both Baxlie and Micah insisted before he could even finish.

  “Then you must come up with a plan, and you will take Ever and McCaid. They have spent years training for this, they’ll be your best bet.”

  “We should probably take weapons.” Ever almost whispered. We were all trained with using the weapons now, even Baxlie and Milo, but none of us were overly excited at the thought of having to use them ever, especially on another person.

  “Not that I really want to, but I agree. After hearing about the news from the girls, I think it’d be in our best interest. Oh, we need to go up so that we can meet your family at the guard post.”

  We decided we all needed the break so we headed upstairs to go meet Johnnie’s family and to discuss the trip with the rest of the group. Darcy would probably again be mad that she couldn’t go, so I had already told Ever we needed to word it like we needed her to stay here and guard the house and those that stay behind. She agreed that that would probably be for the best. Upstairs Sasha, Denver, Darcy and Milo were sitting at the table doing homework, and Henry was watching the television for news reports.

  “Guys, we need to have a family meeting, but first let’s go as a group to the guard post to welcome Johnnie’s family. His son is sick, and will be staying in the apartment that is attached to the lab downstairs. Remember please to be kind and that we are not susceptible to the virus so there’s no need to avoid them intentionally.” I eyed Denver specifically, but if she noticed she didn’t let on.

  Everyone stated their understandings and we went to the post. When we got there, Johnnie’s wife and son were already standing in the decontamination cell. Even though they weren’t contagious we brought robes for them to put on so we could let them burn the clothes that they had on before entering. We didn’t know what other illnesses were being spread now without any medical care being provided. They were compliant and were more than willing to do anything we asked.

  "This is my wife West and my son Atlas. West, Atlas, this is McCaid, Ever, Darcy, Denver, Milo, Baxlie, Henry, Micah and Sasha.” We took turns shaking each of their hands and providing welcomes. Atlas looked sick but he was still a nice looking guy. He was a younger version of Johnnie, but with hair. His hair was brown and floppy, and he had light brown eyes. West was absolutely beautiful, but she looked young. She had wavy blond hair and kind green eyes. They both looked tired so I suggested we take them in and get them settled. I sent Denver to grab some food and drinks for them, and Darcy some toiletries for them. Once everyone was settled, we sat down with Johnnie so he could explain in detail our plans to West and Atlas. They both seemed hopeful, but understood that we were a ways off from having anything for him to try.

  “Right before you came, we were going to have a family meeting to plan a recon on the local pharmacy to look for the remaining items. We have money if they’re accepting, but from the news reports we weren’t sure how things were outside of here.” Johnnie explained.

  “They’re bad.” His wife was really softly spoken. “I’m betting that most of the pharmacy in the US have been ransacked. It’s not the safest out there. Since Dr. Dobbins released the information, most of the soldier’s that were patrolling the cities were moved back up to DC for protection. Those that weren’t either don’t care, or get over taken by the masses. We were able to sneak away fairly easily, but only because there’s only two of us and because we could stick to the woods for the most part. We had to walk though. Cars are confiscated or stolen quickly, especially those with gas.”

  “So it looks like we’ll be walking then huh?” Baxlie sighed.

  “We need a current map, we may be able to make it to the pharmacy walking mostly through the woods.” Ever sat down at the computer to do a quick map search of the area. We found that using the new lands that Dad had purchased we could be on our property all the way to the pharmacy until the last mile.

  “What about the fence?” Micah asked

  “We have our bracelets that will allow us to pass through without an issues, and no one will be able to follow us without the bracelets either.” Baxlie had been paying attention during training.

  “Do you all know how to identify the items you need?” Atlas asked quietly. “I was studying to be a pharmacy technician before all of this started. I could help. I just need to rest for a little while to build my strength back up.”

  “Atlas, I’m not sure you should do that.”

  “Dad, seriously. I’ll be fine once I get some rest, and I need this as much as anyone. If I can help you need to let me.”

  “Johnnie, let him. He’s done really well caring for us while you were here.” I don’t know if she was being accusatory towards him or not, but the guilt trip worked he simply nodded in agreement.

  “Mrs. Long,”

  “West, please.” She smiled pleasantly.

  “West. I understand it must have been hard for him being away, but please accept my thankfulness that you let him come stay. He’s really be very helpful while my dad has been away. He’s been the only adult really around for months.” Micah scoffed a little but covered it by turning it into a cough.

  “Child, please. There’s no need to thank me. It was his duty and one I was proud he willing to take. I just wished we had known sooner that it was safe for
us to come stay too.”

  “Me, too.”

  Chapter 22

  At the family meeting we told them our plans to search the pharmacy for medications. We told Darcy she would be in charge of the household while we were gone, and that everyone was to listen to her. She had the most training of everyone in the group. No one seemed to think it was odd that I would put a fifteen year on in charge, because everyone had noticed how poised and mature Darcy had become. She had really been stepping up lately. She was in charge of making the schedules, she was helping with the classes, and controlling the group while we were in the basement for long hours looking for ways to stop the virus, and possibly save Dad’s name.

  “I’m going with you.” Henry’s statement didn’t leave much room for arguing.

  We had already decided that Johnnie would stay and spend time with West, as well as leaving an adult here just in case the government came for any reason. We had planned to leave tonight once it got dark. We had hoped to make the trip there and back before morning. We were all dressed in dark clothing, including Ever which made her look totally hot but ridiculous. Micah had been staring since we had reconvened in the foyer. Henry on the other looked out of place in such dark colors and a gun.

  “Does everyone have their bracelets?” Ever went into commander mode.

  “Yes commander.” My reply caused more than a few snickers, including one from Ever.

  “Atlas, do you have the bag for the items?”

  “Yes Dad.” Sighed Atlas. Johnnie had said Atlas was eighteen. I wondered how come we hadn’t ever seen him when we were in high school. He didn’t seem shy, and he was fairly handsome. I was sure one of the four of us would have recognized him, but if any of the others did, they hadn’t said anything. As for Atlas, he hasn’t acted like he knew any of us from before either.

  “We have our maps, flashlights, bracelets, Atlas has the bags, and we each have a weapon and spare ammo.” I ran over the check list with Ever and Johnnie. Then I turned to Darcy. “Darce, I know you have this under control. Just remember to keep the fences up, and the monitors up so you all can keep an eye for us when we’re returning to make sure no one is following us okay? Also, I love you.” I gave her a quick hug.