Nadja who had waited for this moment for months did not flinch feeling the masculine heat that he transmitted to him and even in the cold room, he noticed he was beginning to sweat under the clothes he was wearing, an uncontrollable heat washed over her body and face were pink. The sleek and chiseled body that fit millimeter to him as if they were made for each other, suddenly pressed against his to hear the first explosion, as he let out an almost inaudible whisper.
- Nick, I'm afraid... - finally said. He hugged her tighter and kissed her face will next ear, found it interesting that it was so hot.
Nick Frost knew well the icy regions where sought samples since becoming a biologist and one of the things most appreciated was the solitude of places. As natural barriers were few sound tended to spread with enough amplitude and because of this effect, I could hear the distant rumble of explosions at Vostok Station. Nadja was correct in asserting that their employers will not be at risk of any kind, being a Bio hazardous station and when to realize that their bodies would not be found among the become popular as targets.
After about thirty minutes, the silence was present again. Nadja remained asleep in his arms like a fallen angel. I wanted to take a little more that time and could not stop stroking the long black hair, the skin still pink contrasting with very white skin, the heat between them almost unbearable...
The Return
- NOMAD command center! Alpha Team standing by awaiting confirmation to cleaning procedure, Exchange! - The leader of the Tails Black squad commanded six KA-52 Alligator helicopter with two crew members each properly prepared for any confrontation or military intervention in this particular case, they were in charge of housekeeping, according to informed orders, a biological spill high dangerousness had begun and had to be contained at all costs.
- Alpha leader, confirmed the cleaning action and eradication of biohazard! Be sure to fulfill the mission full! Acknowledge, Exchange! - NOMAD Operations Center was equipped with the latest technology to monitor all research fields that had around the world, a satellite at this point was positioned on the Vostok base for real-time transmission of the activities of the Black Tails.
- Received confirmation! Exchange, turn off! - Vladimir Timochenco was a military career, in other times had rendered outstanding services will Soviet Union in Afghanistan occupation since the last years of the war in 1985, but after that there was the dissolution of the socialist republics, a large part of the military were not well received in their countries and for this reason many sought other business segments. In your case, it remembers that had been difficult times and never forget, however, survive was his premise and good men who had served with him in the battle front and now made up the squadron of Black Tails.
The KA-52 Alligator helicopters purchased scrapped Black Sea Fleet years ago were now why they lived, did not belong to NOMAD as a corporation, but were in the service full time for those who pay more. He did not like to be compared to mercenaries since the end of the war had not done military operations belligerent intervention, but only the transport of scientists and support materials between the bases in the service of NOMAD and others of lesser significance corporations.
Vladimir surprised that there was no ransom demand for the scientific body that he himself had helped to carry and not by chance remember Nadja Romanov, used to call her Princess because of the aristocratic surname which referred to the royal family of the Czar of Russia but actually was a compliment to the physical size of the beautiful woman who even had half his age, inspired many primitive desires. She wished that she was safe.
- Alfa Leader for Black Tails! Panthers two, three and four take the cross position! Exchange! - He waited for his subordinates answer him one at a time while watching the helicopters being positioned as if they were the cardinal points with the Vostok Base to center. - Panthers five six keep the rear in ascending altitude! Attention to the gusts of wind! Exchange! - I did not want surprises in that inhospitable place that often had the surprised.
Vladimir remained in his helicopter combat and forehead to the second in command was in the air about a half mile away and three hundred feet high, it was the default standard for the region. Although the aircraft were robust and powerful, it was the fact that the extreme cold made it difficult to support, the problem in this case was not land safely, but have enough atmospheric density so that they could take off again or die frozen. It had been his first lesson as soon as it took over the transport system and security Vostok Base; do not make the same mistake again.
Realized by peripheral vision than the other two who were in charge of it was standing-rear diagonally up to six hundred feet high, was much better to be prepared for any kind of surprise than to be surprised. He looked down better examining the perimeter of the base and noticed that two continuous and parallel lines on the snow evidenced that some sort of vehicle had come out recently, but could not specify exactly when, in any case, his orders were restricted only to the base that it would target the missiles that had just been unlocked. Changed the communication channel so that they were isolated from Central NOMAD.
- At my command to fire at will! Exchange! - Slightly cocked his helicopter tail that had a better angle for the shots that follow, felt the adrenaline tensing all the muscles and pleased to be running something in which it was considered pretty good, maybe the best in that profession. - Fire! - His voice was almost interrupted by the whistling howl of the first missile and explosion that occurred just then a great glow ascended into heaven while the other aircraft fired together.
Did not take more than five minutes for all that complex were reduced to ashes, but nothing was as simple and need to wait until everything was under control, to verify whether there would be possible survivors. In this case the orders were clear, but he hoped not to have to keep them, never killed anyone who did not deserve it or that had not put his own life in danger, these people were scientists, but in any case the information was not sufficient and there was still the possibility of hostile intervention of other corporations. He remembered again the marks of the vehicle in the snow.
The explosions were now triggered by equipment that existed at the station, alternately exploded a gas container, sometimes other propane or oxygen, that chain of events would take at least another twenty minutes until it was over and there was a concern with the fuel of aircraft, did not want to lose any even for such a primary failure.
- Leader two! Stay ready, I do recognize the perimeter! Exchange! - I do not wait for an answer he knew would, made an angle and upslope, also called "Curve Dead Man" because it requires controlled skill combination of low altitude and power, otherwise the aircraft loses sustainability by sharp angular movement and plunges to the ground. It did not need more than five minutes in cruise flight following those tire tracks that ended nowhere.
Carried out a sequence of flybys spiral expanding the search area until he was satisfied. Whoever I knew what he was doing and if the intention was not to be detected had been very successful. It took a little more altitude and managed to see something that caught his attention, but it was soon diverted by the call on the radio.
- A Leader! We have a problem, Exchange! - Was his second in command and the tone of voice was not good news.
- Leader one on the way! Exchange! - Rose a little and increased the angle of the blades that supported the aircraft and sped off to the place where he had left minutes before, approached carefully noting that the initial training had changed and three helicopters were profiled with fifty distance meters between each and the low altitude lower than would and had recommended. He could not see the helicopter support. - Leading a listening, Exchange! - I needed new information.
- Vladimir, look down there! - There ended the formalities which they submitted in the missions in general did not use names not to be recognized in any way, but in this particular case the situation was different. The commander looked at the distorted figures coming out from inside the rubble of what had previously been the
Vostok research station, but what most impressed him was that even burning and maimed still walking on the snow as if nothing was happening.
Said a total of eight individuals following in different directions in slow and monotonous steps, it was not worthy of normal human beings, something was very wrong and still had a mission to check the casualties that possibly had existed, would need to land safely and evaluate the situation.
- Panthers, expand the area of the perimeter and not lose sight of, any of them! - Confirmations are in sequence.
Far away in the center of Amsterdam an emergency meeting of top executives NOMADE Corporation began. At the center was Oliver McQuenn the president of that research complex, in front of you on the table lay a report of a few pages that he would rather not have to read at any time, but it was inevitable that this happened and calm peculiar to him He flipped through the main pages in absolute silence. He left the more technical data for the background.
- As a tragedy like this could happen in a maximum security station! - He slammed his fist on the table noting the arrest of its executives.
- The discovery of Dr. Frost was unexpected ... - Stuart Hershel vice president of the corporation, just over fifty, short and stocky looked nothing through its spacious glasses while trying to find an explanation for what happened.
- What were our losses? - McQueen was restless with so much amateurism in a development that will surely eventually claim him millions of dollars and it could also cost the reputation of the corporation. His business, credibility was all and as far as he remembered, had not built an empire based on human of any failures.
Of English origin, just over fifty, slightly graying hair and the time on the face, had willingly immigrated to South America to thrive with its small pharmaceutical laboratory, as fate that their scientific explorations by unknown Amazon to become in a few years a rich and prosperous man. The methods by which he had acquired various formulations of drugs that lifted to success were questionable, but as he said - "They have been there for thousands of years in waiting for someone to find them!" - Which was not the case.
For two decades in various tours of the dense tropical forests, he had become acquainted with several Indian tribes, some hitherto unknown. These still primitive peoples in the twentieth century had very advanced knowledge of the use of natural resources for curing various diseases and ailments still afflict much of the rest of the world. It was an almost inexhaustible supply of pharmaceutical products based on what the local nature offered its inhabitants and once proven its effectiveness, save billions of dollars on research. It was just the opportunity he was missing and not lost.
Sokrid a leading shamans of the Xavante tribe was the one who revealed to him the first drugs that cured almost all his tribe of disease, but had to be careful to see that the lack of contact with the white and civilized peoples limited Aces diseases of forests still it was considerable possessing so much knowledge of the biosphere that inhabited. For both made use not only of the plants they supplied them as well as the powerful poisons that extract toads or frogs, in other animals, as we do today with snakes and lizards.
In short, it had been the adventure of a lifetime to understand and understand the use of all that limited knowledge of tropical forest and then turn it into industrial products for the global human consumption. Some called him a biological pirate that he never recognized that his knowledge and business success were arising from people who never received a nickel that was for his contribution to the development of such remedies, on the other hand, others called him a sorcerer, for have given the world new hope of life.
Anyway, it was God and the Devil in the same person.
- What else do we know about the Vostok Station? - Leaned back in his executive and comfortable chair in the hope that the loss was not total.
- We lost everything from the scientific body to the premises ... - Hershel paused to sigh - and still have to explain to the Russians why bombed and destroyed those facilities ... - That would be the biggest problem, after explain to the global media that research station had accidentally exploded. He seized the moment it was as good as any to put a second report with a few pages more than the previous in front of McQueen, who furrowed his brow surprised.
- What is this? Have more? - I thought that nothing could be so bad that it could not get worse, he was used.
- Our satellite captured images that are attached to our knowledge not managed to contain the spill drilling and apparently, this has expanded to a hundred and fifty meters diameter surface! - Hershel separated them so they could have a better view and distributed by other executives who accompanied the meeting. - According to our best experts, this is due to corrosion effected by this mud pouring from the depths and evaporates to atmospheric contact ... - He looked around to make sure that everyone understood the gravity of the situation.
- And how close this thing definitively? - Urd Wessel chief scientist of the corporation, who attended the meeting and sat across the table was the one who asked.
- According to Holland information, we cannot contain this leak ... - Hershel looked at the man in front that would be responsible for the next statements.
- Gentlemen! - Simon Holland paused and rose from his chair so he could explain. Was of Irish origin, with aggressive stance and rude appearance, his specialty was in contention engineering and drilling, were his men who accompanied the search Frost, as they called it and as far as he knew, all were dead. - We are facing a catastrophe that may turn out to be global if not urgently think a way to stop this threat! - He raised his fist strongly and looked at McQueen.
- Calm down, Simon ... What the gravity of the facts and what can we do? - McQueen knew that if anyone could give you answers was the Irish in front of you.
- It is one hundred and fifty meters in diameter of a hole that increasingly deepens, I'm not sure if we can just implode it using Vladimir Timochenco skills, but it's a chance! - He turned his open hand in the air as if he suspected that there would be little success in this intervention. - The Research Council states that this mud we see in the pictures is extremely corrosive and can even benefit from the heat of the explosions, on the other hand, suggest that close the hole with the ice itself around, but do not guarantee the success of this enterprise, plus we need move the equipment needed to make it happen! - I thought it was well explicit in their arguments.
- And why not we are doing now? All of these efforts, since they are necessary, are urgently! - This part of the logistics was not the responsibility of Hershel vice president, but it was logical that was provided as soon as possible. McQueen nodded in agreement.
- Now comes the worst part ... - the last photo and Simon had saved only for himself was thrown on the table. - This is an aerial photograph taken just before I enter this room, shows a dense and thick cloud with almost three kilometers in diameter and about two kilometers high moving toward the base... Concordia - sat back in his chair and leaned forward with his arms crossed over the large oak table where the meeting discoursed.
- What are the odds? - McQueen had already lost too much time in trying to resolve the issue within his office; it was time to act on the field.
- We cannot stop it and do not even know how! - Urd Wessel who was familiar with the photography content from the beginning was the one who took the floor. - We can only try to inhibit the arrival of this toxic cloud the rest of the world! - Ended with little hope that they were to succeed in this endeavor.
- Gentlemen... Meeting adjourned! - Oliver McQueen took his portable phone device that was on the table and thumbed repeatedly with one hand before making a call, hoped it was answered - Bonjour Mon ami, comment êtes-vous? - The conversation would follow with the Prime Minister of the French would not friendly certainly, but told that the long years of friendship common interest between them could appease the spirits. The next call was to Italy; after all were those two nations are responsible for the Concordia Base.
- I have bad news mon am
i ... - The Prime Minister made a full report of events without hiding any fact that was and quietly waited for the interlocutor across the line. An even more regretful response was that he heard.
- I had no idea that they had lost contact with the Concordia Base when it happened? - I was curious to know what happened.
- We could not communicate for at least six hours, but now we know the reason is not Oliver? - The premier was not happy with the news that you were offered.
- The next will be to Casey Station, disconnect and contact Australians; I hope it's not too late! - Come back to tell us so have other news! - Contrary to what he thought would be the last time that Oliver would speak as his friend.
He pressed a button intercom and asked the secretary to make him another link connection, more urgent than this first. - Call me with the CCD in Atlanta as soon as possible; tell them it is an emergency EEM (Mass Extinction event)! - Did question to emphasize the last words. Soon he had the return so eagerly expected, took a deep breath before saying the first words. - Robert? Our worst nightmare is coming true... We have a toxic cloud the way to the continent and not know how to stop it... - The voice was slightly choked because he was giving the news about this event, worse for being your corporation causing so ominous tragedy, but he knew the damage was done and would only admit him to repair and he hoped to have all the help possible.
- I was waiting for your call... - Robert Weis CEO of CCD already knew that something had gone wrong in the Vostok Station. - We were warned by a NORAD base in Antarctica had been destroyed and that a gaseous body is underway on the surface... - I waited for some more information were you last.
- We do not know what it is, but it's there for at least fifteen million years ... It is quite possible that it was the element responsible for the extinction of wildlife in this period... - There was not much else to say, they exchanged some final words and said goodbye to his friend. Prostrated in the chair, the human loss would be irreparable if the toxic cloud arrived ace inhabited areas. He hoped for the best.
NZOMBIE - The Living Dead Page 4
