by Benham, Tara
“McCaid, what happened to you back there? I know you’ve been trained for situations like that, I’ve seen you get out of them before, why didn’t you do anything?” There was anger and fear both in Henry’s voice. “I watched you almost let yourself die. Do you know how infuriating that is? I mean seriously McCaid, what’s the point of all that training if you don’t actually use it?”
He was pacing back in forth in front of me, and his face was red. He was cute, but I didn’t dare smile. I know he had the right to be angry. Anger came from fear and fear from love, or at least caring about someone. I grabbed him as he was passing and gave him a big hug. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on tight.
“I swear to you with everything I was about to react. Even with all of our trainings, it never said what we needed to do when others were involved. I was just trying to modify what I needed to do to make sure no one else got hurt in the mix. I promise.” I looked up trying to use my best “believe me” eyes that I could. I could still see fear, but his face did soften some.
“Don’t let it happen again. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here. Tonight was too close of a call.” He cupped my face with his hands so that I was looking right at him. He gave me a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s go in and check on Ever.”
Chapter 23
Ever has been resting the last two days. Like I suspected she woke up with a major headache, but what we didn’t expect was that she’d be angry that she didn’t get to see the rest of the action. Each of us had to visit her and retell her the story in our own version. She was out of the rotation for teaching this week, so I was taking her rotation. At the end of the class session, I went up and hung out with her to keep her company.
“Do you know how the boys are coming along with the inhibitor?” Ever asked.
“Not really. I’ve been hanging with you. I assume that if they found out something, they would let us know though don’t you agree?” She sighed and nodded, but didn’t say anything. I told her about the fussing Henry gave me and she grinned.
“You might have sway over Dad and dating Henry when he comes home. Henry and you both have really stepped up, and plus you can tell him we know his secret.” She giggled. I knew this must be the concussion talking, because she’d never say anything about black mailing Dad if it wasn’t for the hit to her head. I shook my head, but grinned.
“You’re silly.”
“I know.”
“I haven’t got to tell you this, but you gave me quite a scare. You’re my best friend. You have to be with me always until we’re old and gray and terrorizing our grandkids, so let’s avoid any more head traumas please.”
“Yes ma’am” She saluted, but raised her arms up for a hug, which I gladly returned.
“I think I’m going to go down to the lab and get an update for your sake. Do you need anything before I go do?”
“Nope, no need.”
I was hoping that they had made some progress, not only so I would have something to report to Ever, but for the sake of the rest of the citizens who didn’t know they were waiting. As soon as we found a mixture for the inhibitor that was successful we could start pumping throughout the air systems. Downstairs I found the guys sitting around eating the supper Denver and Darcy had brought down to them.
“Hey Caid.” Baxlie looked up first. He had a quick grin about him today, it was so contagious I had to grin back.
“Hey Bax. How’s the medicine making going?” Everyone chuckled at my nonchalant way of asking about the inhibitor.
“Well we think we may have found the correct mix of ingredients. We were taking a lunch break, and then Atlas was going to take the mixture. He will take one dose, and then at the end of three days we’ll check his levels. If there’s any improvement, he’ll take another dose. If not it’ll be back to the drawing boards again.” Micah answered me this time.
“How exciting for you Atlas. Are you ready? Are you sure you trust these two dweebs?”
“Dweebs?” Both Baxlie and Micah responded at the same time.
“Yeah, they’re not too bad.” Atlas was chuckling. I snickered and then excused myself to head back up to Ever. Sure she’d be excited to know about the progress with the inhibitor as well as the shenanigans that were happening in the basement. I was still snickering as I got up to the main floor. I was turning the corner into the hallway when I ran into Henry.
“Hey McCaid. What’s new?” He looked like he’d been working in the wood shed all day. Sasha was behind him grinning ear to ear. She too was covered in sawdust from working in the shed. I gave her a quick wave.
“Not much, was just heading back up to visit with Ever. Been in the woodshed?”
“Yes we finished the framing for some more chairs to go into the living room so we Atlas and West have chairs too. Sasha was going to ask Darcy to help her with making seat cushions. She knows how to sew some, but not well enough to make cushions on own.”
“Sasha, Darcy and Denver are up in their room, go ahead up and ask. I’m sure they’d both be happy to help. We have fabric all over in the craft room. Have you been in there?” Her eyes lit up at the thought of a craft room, and ran up to go speak with the girls.
“I really appreciate how well you all have taken Sasha in. She definitely enjoys feeling like she has sisters.”
“Well we definitely enjoy her too, she’s a lot of fun and very silly. I better get up to Ever soon. See you for dinner.”
I went up to our room to find Ever sleeping again. I decided not to wake up her, and went over to the desk we had created with our tables. I pulled out the air system plans and starting reviewing them to see if I could find a way to put the inhibitor into the working air system. The more I studied the blueprints, the more hopeless I got. From the research we had done before I knew almost every government owned building at the filtration system in them, but unless I could get the entirety of society to enter these buildings during the release, those at home wouldn’t receive the medications. I also knew from recent news reports that most citizens wouldn’t take a new medication because they were skeptical of the government after Dad’s announcements a couple of weeks ago. Dad and Miss Andersen had both been suspiciously quiet since that news broadcast. We had given up a lot time ago that he would try to call us to check up on how we were doing with everything. Darcy believed he was keeping his distance to keep us safe. Somewhere inside of me I hoped that was the reason too, but the side that Dad spent years for educating knew it was more likely out of shame.
“Caid?”
“Yes Ever?”
“Can you get me a Tylenol? My head is hurting again.” Her voice was soft and groggy sounding.
“Sure.” I handed her the Tylenol and a glass of water. “Do you want to hear what I’ve found out or do you want to wait until you’re feeling better?”
She peeked at me with one eye. “Tell me now.”
“They think they’ll have the first trial for Atlas later today. In three days they’ll recheck his vitals and blood samples, if he’s improved they’ll give him a second and final dosage. If not they’ll have to try a new mixture.”
“That’s good.” She sat up long enough to take the pills and then laid back down. “I don’t think I’m going to go down for supper. Do you care to bring mine up to me later?”
“Will do. I’m going to go ahead and head down so I don’t wake you. See you later.” She was back asleep before I got out of our door. I made sure to quietly close it so not to wake her up. I was lost in thoughts about Dad, the medicine, supper and the air system. I thought about asking Darcy in privacy if she might have an idea about the filtration system since Ever was currently out of commission. I’m sure she would be excited about being a part of the planning that we had tried very diligently to keep her and Denver out of recently.
The kitchen was buzzing with voices when I entered. Denver was sitting on the counter teaching Darcy and Sasha how to make chocolate meringue pie. There was flour and sugar ever
ywhere and on all their faces. I was envious that they could still find joy in something during these times. I was happy for them though too, because they didn’t need to have the stress for as long as possible. I leaned against the door frame and watched them.
“The innocence of age.” West came up behind me while I was still standing there unnoticed. I gasped in response from being startled. “I apologize sweetie, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was coming to find you to see if we could speak alone.”
“Yes, let’s head down to Dad’s study at the end of the hallway.” I lead the way and she followed. “What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?”
“Before Atlas and I were invited here, I was sure I was going to have to bury him. I wanted to thank you for your help.”
“Please, West, of course.” She interrupted before I could finish my statement.
“Let me finish before I lose my confidence, please. I want you to know I really do appreciate the help. Because of your help I feel I need to tell you something that you cannot tell anyone else. I was a member of a group of people that were trying to locate your house to overtake what you have to help them with surviving as well as a way to punish your dad. There were a few of us that knew before he made any announcements that what was going on was due to government control, and we knew you’re dad had played an integral part. I, obviously knew where you lived, but I did my best to keep this location a secret. I trusted Johnnie and he said that you all didn’t know anything about your dad’s work. However, I fear we may have been followed when they found out we were leaving because Atlas was sick. I feel it my duty to warn you so you can be prepared for what might be an attack, and soon. Know that I am now completely on your side, but I will understand if you do not wish to include myself or Atlas in any family meetings.” West bowed her head and was heading for the door.
“I will call a family meeting tonight after we eat. You and Atlas both will tell everything you know to all of us. Including the younger ones. I think it’s time everyone knows everything. If there is going to be an attack each person needs to know why, and what we are fighting to accomplish. After you both are finished. I along with Baxlie and Micah will explain what we have been doing as well. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to wake Ever. I believe she will want to be a part of this meeting.” I was angry at the situation, but thankful she came to tell me.
“You are very strong, and smart for your age McCaid. I believe you when you say you’ll do everything you can to get the inhibitor out to the citizens. If there is anything I can help you do, please let me know.” I gave a quick nod, but I didn’t respond for fear of saying the wrong thing.
I went into the kitchen to let the girls know to call everyone to the table as soon as they were done making supper because we would be having a family meeting afterwards. They must have seen how serious I was because they switched from having fun to quickly finishing the dessert. I went upstairs to tell Ever what West had just told me. She was astonished but agreed with my decision to tell everyone everything. I helped her get up and get to the shower. She decided that a shower might help with decreasing the pain and with waking her up more. When she came out she was wearing clothes that screamed Ever. I smiled. She had on neon tights and a long purple tank top. Her messy curly red hair was hanging loose around her. She looked beautiful, but in pain.
“I feel a lot better than I look I promise.”
“I didn’t say anything.” I looked at her sheepishly.
“You didn’t have to, I can see it on your face.” She grimaced and then gave a slight grin. “Let’s away!” She made a grand gesture with her arms. I caught up with her and headed to the kitchen.
Supper was filled with tension. Each person had been informed that I had called a family meeting that would begin immediately after we finished eating. Atlas seemed more relaxed than his mom, and Johnnie seemed confused by West’s avoidance of eye contact with him. Sasha looked closed to tears. She was the youngest and the least trained, so her fear was understandably greater than most. Darcy kept stealing glances at Milo, who kept shrugging to let her know he wasn’t in on anything. Milo had been quiet lately, sticking to his classes during the day and actively seeking extra training during the evenings. I hadn’t had much time to speak with Darcy lately, so I wasn’t up to date on their current situation. However, I know that Henry had been supervising the school age members of our group when the rest of the adults were downstairs and I assumed if something inappropriate was happening he would have let me know about it. Everyone seemed to rush through dinner in anticipation of getting the meeting started. When everyone was finished, Sasha and Milo got up and cleared the table for everyone, as it was their turn according to the schedule Darcy had become responsible for making.
“This afternoon there was some information brought to my attention. I feel it is now time that everyone knows everything. I know the adults have been keeping some things to ourselves lately, but with this new information I think we could benefit from working together as a team, and pulling our talents together to get through whatever may happen in the upcoming weeks. I will let West and Atlas tell us what they know before I explain the rest of the information to everyone. West?”
“Thank you McCaid. I came to McCaid earlier with this information with no intentions of sharing with everyone, but she decided it would be of our best interest to know everything. Before coming here I was in a group researching the government’s involvement, as well as your Dad’s in the use of biomedical warfare for population control.” She glanced over at Johnnie. I looked at him too and he looked both angry and disappointed. I couldn’t tell if it was because she was telling us about her involvement, or because he didn’t know about her research. “Atlas and I were the ones who discovered your father participation in the making of the drug. Because Johnnie worked here and our faith in him was true we kept the secret of your locations. However, I feel like we may have been followed when we came here to begin receiving treatment for Atlas’ illness. Which is where I stop, and McCaid begins her part.”
“Before I say anything, could you answer a few questions? Why didn’t anyone try to get the information out? Why tell us now, after you had been here for a while, because we found the inhibitor?”
“I had to work on my courage to say something. I was going to tell you even if no cure had been found. No one can get any information out. The Martial Law has strict control on what is being broadcasted. Now without electricity, you can’t even get on the internet.”
“What other information did you all find out about the vaccine and the government’s control of dispersing it?” Ever spoke up this time.
“We found that that vaccine with the dormant virus wasn’t given at random. It was given to those prone to certain illness or weaknesses perceived by the government. Those who were in cahoots with the makers had a list of illness that would be beneficial to completely eradicate from the gene pool, such as those prone to hemophilia, cancer, schizophrenia as well as a few select other diseases.”
“Atlas why were you given the virus then?” Baxlie asked him directly.
“I apparently have a gene for hemophilia, even though I don’t have the disease. I’m a carrier, so my children could end up with it.”
I was stunned into silence. I had had an entire speech planned about Dad’s participation and how assumptions should not be made and that we should focus on coming up with the right inhibitor and how to distribute it to everyone. Now I wasn’t sure what to say. As I sat in silence, I could feel everyone watching me waiting for me to stand up and finish the meeting. Ever leaned over and whispered encouragement and told me to stick with my original speech whatever if had been. I was still in a daze when I stood up.
“I had an entire speech planned. I was going to stand here and defend Dad and tell you not to make any assumptions. Now I’m going to go with, let’s not deal with Dad at all. Let’s focus on finding the best inhibitor mix possible, as well as finding a way to distribute it succes
sfully to every citizen. I believe that each person has a right to live, and that the government should not have the right to decide who gets to live and who gets to die. In the basement we have been scanning through and putting together all of Dad’s research. We found that the original vaccination had an embedded dormant virus that when presented with a catalyst, and in this case the second vaccine last summer, would become active. This active virus attacked the immune system killing any of the body’s ability to fight off diseases or infections, causing death at varying rates. We have found a formula for an inhibitor that should deactivate the virus returning it back to its dormant state. Once in the dormant state, patients should become receptive to antibiotic and antiviral medications. The steroids that have been pumped through our water systems, and now are being pumped throughout the country water systems included the inhibitor as well to help with continually building up the immune systems of those of us who are still healthy. Baxlie and Micah believe they have found the correct mixture and will be administering the first dose to Atlas tonight in hopes that when he is checked again in three days there will be some improvements. I am trying to find a way to use the air filtration system as a way to distribute the inhibitor when the correct dose and mixtures is found. I am having problems with finding a solution that is viable. What I need is ideas, even ideas that don’t include the filtration system.”
“If the inhibitor is in the steroid, why doesn’t already stop the virus?” Darcy asked. I was impressed with her intelligent question, and I’m glad the training we had been receiving was really sinking in.
“We believe that it’s because it’s simply not the right dosage, or maybe the mixture. Our finding shows it’s just made for the steroid so as to keep those of us healthy from being able to contract the virus.”
