The Virus

by Steven Spellman

  The doctor furrowed his brow at Geoffrey for a moment, then his mouth curled up beneath his unshaven growth of mustache, into a faint grin. “I see.” He eventually said, “And certainly it wouldn’t hurt for you to persuade her in your direction, which would be much easier seeing as how you would be able to know everything she’s thinking, right?”

  Geoffrey chuckled. “And why not? Do you have a better idea? If this girl is anything like you think of her, she could easily make an already complicated situation even more difficult. Unfortunately, you need her to cooperate for this. You can’t sedate her and impregnate her because it would affect the process, and you can’t keep her sedated even if you could impregnate her because the child would be affected by whatever drugs you put into her system, and you need this baby to be a healthy as possible if you’re going to get this cure from its blood. And even that’s a maybe.”

  Dr. Crangler was in better control of himself now, but not so much that he wasn’t clearly shocked that Geoffrey could be privy to information so well guarded that even his own assistants didn’t know it. All it took was a little thought to remind him that Geoffrey was capable of knowing anything he knew, or at least knowing that he knew it. There was no reason to adamantly deny the fact and call the mere assumption utter foolishness, as he would’ve definitely done had it been any other person addressing him like this. There was no need to deny it, though it stung more than a little for him to feel like he no longer had the upper hand. At least it didn’t appear as if Geoffrey was trying to abuse his suddenly-elevated importance. Besides, as much as the doctor hated to admit it, Geoffrey was right about everything including the assumption that there appeared to be no other choice. Dr. Crangler reluctantly agreed to hatch a plan that may finally move mankind’s hope for survival along.

  “Well, you know what they say, Doc, communication is the key, so the first thing we have to work on is…”

  “Yeah, I know.” Dr. Crangler interrupted, “Let’s just get started so we can get this over with. I’m a doctor so I’m much more comfortable with me working inside people’s bodies, than the other way around, so this is going to take some getting used to.”

  “Yeah, I would think so. But don’t think that this is like child’s play or something to me either. This is all very new to me too. But, anyway, like you said, let’s just get things started so we can get this over with…”

  And so they began.

  Chapter 22

  When the two star patients first met, it was a grand event. Geoffrey was excited because he had not seen a woman or anything colorful for several long months now, and seeing both at the same time was a simply ecstatic moment. Delilah was pleased because she hadn’t seen anyone who wasn’t a professional in this strange institution. For the moment, they seemed pleased to see how things played out from here.

  Dr. Crangler began to introduce Geoffrey, “Delilah, this is…”

  “My name is Geoffrey, but most people just call me Geoffrey.” The patient interrupted. Dr. Crangler frowned. He didn’t know what Geoffrey was doing. He could only hope that the other did. He was the mind reader, after all. It didn’t take long before it became evident that Geoffrey knew what he was doing. Though Delilah was elated to see someone who was obviously not one of the professional residents in the facility, she tried not to show it, but with Geoffrey’s completely ridiculous introduction, she couldn’t help but giggle. It was refreshing to have something to giggle about. Afterward, Geoffrey asked the doctor to leave them alone for a while so they could get acquainted. Unfortunately, though, Dr. Crangler couldn’t agree to that idea just yet. Delilah was the personification of a VIP right now, with all hopes of civilization resting upon her well–being. The doctor’s superiors may bend on a few things, but they would raise holy hell if the doctor left her alone, unattended, unprotected, with another patient.

  Every one of the assistants who had come in contact with Delilah at any time had first been put through a battery of tests themselves for contagious diseases or viruses, as well as a full battery of psychological tests for otherwise dangerous tendencies as well as extensive criminal background checks as a prerequisite to working in this top secret facility. Everyone had been thoroughly checked out before being allowed within a few square miles of Delilah, except for Geoffrey. In all the chaos, no one had exhaustively probed his background and mental conditions. If they found out that the doctor had taken such a risk letting Geoffrey near her, heads would fly, perhaps literally. At the very least, it would allow him to transfer this woman’s constant bickering into someone else’s corner for a while. Dr. Crangler gathered his assistants in a far corner of the room where he was sure Delilah couldn’t hear them, and whispered a directive to them. Both of them looked at him strangely. “Are you sure you want him.” One of the assistants asked, warily.

  “He’s been cleared for the facility,” another assistant observed, “but I’m not sure he’s clear to come in here.”

  “I’ll clear him.” The doctor returned indignantly. He felt as if his two patients were slowly wrangling power from his hands, and he couldn’t bear to have his subordinates doing the same. “Now, just go get him. You’re here to follow my orders, not question them.” He barked. The assistants quickly left the room to complete the errand. By this time, they were well familiar with the doctor’s outbursts, especially when what he was commanding was completely out of the question.

  “That guy is a real dick and somebody’s ass is gonna get chewed, but as long as it’s his and not mine, who cares?” One assistant mumbled to the other as they trudged down the hall. Meanwhile, Geoffrey, back in the room, now alone with Delilah and Dr. Crangler, chuckled to himself.

  “What’s funny?” Delilah asked, assuring Geoffrey with a look that whatever he was laughing at, it better not be about her.

  “Nothing, nothing. Dr. Crangler’s minions are just thinking about how much they truly like him.”

  Delilah’s face furrowed, “How the hell do you know what they were thinking?”

  “All right people,” Dr. Crangler broke in quickly, “here’s what’s going to happen. A colleague of sorts will be here shortly. He’s going to sit here with the two of you for a while, while you get acquainted.”

  “Why?” asked Delilah, with considerable irritation in her own voice. “What are we getting acquainted for?” The heat in her voice rose with every word. Already, she had planted her hands on her hips as she assumed her battle ready posture.

  “Well, Miss Hanson,” the doctor answered coolly “you were adamant about wanting to choose a specimen donor for yourself.”

  “You mean that this…that he…” she shouted.

  “What he means,” Geoffrey interrupted, yet again, “is that I have been brought here to assist you. I am here to help you in whatever way you see fit. Dr. Crangler’s assistants don’t really understand what it’s like to be kept prisoner here, not able to get your hair done properly, not able to get decent skin treatments, why, I bet your feet haven’t been scrubbed and manicured in what, forever?”

  “That’s right. My poor feet haven’t been touched in forever.” Delilah answered. It was amazing to see such a drastic change take place so quickly with the aid of just a few prudent observations. “And you can get me the things I need?” she asked. Her tone was almost pleading now.

  Geoffrey seemed to mull things over for a moment, but in reality, he was listening to unvoiced thoughts. “Well,” he said at last “I’m not excessively experienced with pedicures and tanning techniques and such, but I do know how to serve, and I’m sure I could learn the rest if given enough time—and it would seem that time is the one thing we have plenty of, here.” He smiled at Delilah sweetly, and though it was highly unorthodox for her, she returned the gesture. She was taking to this stranger pretty well, which was saying a lot considering that she spent the last few days preparing for mortal combat with anyone who would make the unlucky choice of crossing her the wrong way. There was something about this guy, something she
couldn’t quite place just yet. What he said, how he held himself, the way he looked at her, even the tone of his voice, it was all so mysteriously on point, like there was some connection between them.

  “Can the proper arrangements be made Dr. Crangler,” asked Geoffrey, turning in that direction, “so I can attend to Miss Hanson here, on a regular basis? That is,” he turned back to Delilah now, “that is, if she’s willing to give me a shot, of course.”

  “I’ll try you out.” She answered politely, then looked abashed as she realized how easily such a statement could misinterpreted. “What I mean is…”

  “No worries. I’m the one working on a trial basis here. If there’s any embarrassment, it’ll be coming from my direction, thank you very much.” The same warm smiled followed, but it wasn’t returned as quickly as before. Delilah was temporarily offended that she had been interrupted, even if it was in the name of modesty.

  “I’m terribly sorry for interrupting, Miss Hanson,” Geoffrey answered, “I’m just a little nervous. I haven’t seen a pretty woman in quite some time.” Delilah smiled broadly. Geoffrey must’ve said something right.

  “Just don’t let it happen again.” She jested, still smiling.

  “So, Dr. Crangler,” resumed Geoffrey, turning his attention to the doctor again, “can you arrange it?”

  Dr. Crangler, who had been looking on curiously, was speechless. He never imagined this fire-breathing female patient of his could be handled so well. He was convinced that cooperation was not something she was ever acquainted with, but fifteen minutes with a total stranger and she was cooperating in a childlike manner that months and months of stressful interaction with the doctor could never produce. Dr. Crangler looked on at Delilah for a long second, trying to decide if the real Delilah, the one that made his life a living hell every opportunity she got, had somehow been abducted, and replaced with an elaborate clone.

  “Dr. Crangler?” Geoffrey beckoned the awestruck doctor.

  Dr. Crangler quickly caught himself and thought about the question at hand. All that Geoffrey was proposing, everything he had just told Delilah, was strictly forbidden in this facility, but then again, many of the things she had in her room while the doctor was occupied elsewhere, were likewise prohibited. Besides, Geoffrey seemed to know what he was doing. If nothing else, he was already having a more profound effect on Delilah than the doctor or any of his assistants. What other real choice did he have?

  “It may take some time, but I’ll see what I can do.” He answered. Just then, the sound of the door lock interrupted the procession.

  “Well hello, General.” Dr. Crangler said to the visitor who was, at that moment, marching through the doorway. He was the largest man Delilah had ever laid eyes on. The man looked like he routinely swallowed normal sized men whole, digesting one at each bicep, another two at each thigh, and two in his neck. He was a mammoth, and though Delilah clearly heard the doctor refer to him as ‘General’, she was sure he was some kind of steroid-binging football player, or celebrity body guard. As far as the latter assumption went, she was mostly correct, because he was here to guard her. Dr. Crangler introduced Delilah and Lieutenant Dan as the lieutenant general extended his hand. Delilah reluctantly extended her own hand, mostly because she didn’t want this guy to think she was scared of him. Even as frightened as she was, her mother had taught her to bow to no man, especially if there weren’t massive amounts of money to be had in the process. Not even the ardent admonition from her dead mother could keep her from wincing in anticipation of the crushing she was sure her hand was about to suffer. Luckily for her, the new stranger apparently knew how to curb his great strength, because he was as gentle with Delilah’s delicate and slightly shaking hand as a man a fraction of his size. His grip was much firmer than any other Delilah had experienced, but nothing like what she feared.

  She was so relieved to have her hand intact once the shake was over, that she wanted to thank Lieutenant Dan, but thought better of it.

  “I will be sitting with you, Miss Hanson, whenever Mr. Summons is present.” Lieutenant Dan’s voice bellowed, though he tried to lower his voice so he wouldn’t startle his young female charge. Delilah nodded that she understood. She was familiar with body guards, though never anyone like him. The lieutenant general marched to a modest wooden chair that Dr. Crangler had set up for him during this brief exchange. The chair was noticeably too small for the lieutenant general, but if he was uncomfortable, neither his face nor posture betrayed it. Palms planted on his upper thighs and elbows tucked tightly to his side, he sat with his back ramrod straight against the chair’s slight backing. Once he situated himself, he gazed straight ahead and didn’t move a muscle. Delilah wasn’t even sure he was breathing.

  Wow, this guy is the real thing. He’d definitely put those stuffy-looking guys in Britain or London or wherever, that guard whatever that place is, to shame. She thought. Just as the thought passed her mind, Geoffrey chuckled, then quickly coughed as if something was stuck in his throat. Delilah thought nothing of it until she looked in his direction to ask him something. She noticed a look just leaving his face that looked like he had done or said something that he immediately wished he hadn’t. Must be that nervousness, she thought, and though she didn’t see it, a look of relief crossed Geoffrey’s face.

  Finally, Delilah asked him the question that was on her mind, “Are you dangerous or something? Is that why this guy is here? Cause if you’re dangerous, you should know that I am in no mood to be screwed with.” She tried to sound as threatening as possible.

  “I assure you, Miss Hanson, I pose you no danger. Lieutenant Dan is here because you’re a very important person and a lot of people just want to make sure you’re well taken care of.” He gave another warm smile, “I’m sure you’re used to people being around to make sure you’re safe.”

  “I am,” answered Delilah, as if to say, you’d better believe it, buddy.

  Dr. Crangler was still dumbfounded at Geoffrey’s instant progress with his wayward female patient. She even allowed Geoffrey to assume a seat beside her on the leather couch that she was now sitting on.

  Now, the doctor finally spoke up. “I will be monitoring you as usual, so if I am needed, you can just summon me from where you are.” He said, “Otherwise, the lieutenant general will be here to keep watch over things, and I will return later to escort you back to your room, Geoffrey.” With that, the doctor gestured to the room’s camera and the heavy room door unlocked and opened. The doctor disappeared down the hall as Delilah looked on. Except for the three occupants, the room was empty now, and everyone sat silently, with Delilah trying to make heads or tails of the tree trunk of man stationed to ‘guard’ her, as well as the new stranger that she was apparently supposed to make friends with, and Geoffrey probing Delilah’s mind in an effort to discern what the next move should be. Lieutenant Dan, as unmoved as ever, looked like a stone sentry that could breathe death upon anyone living at the flick of an eyelash.

  Even when Dr. Crangler returned to one of his smaller offices to watch the scene on a monitor, everyone stayed in the same position. “Let’s hope you know what you’re doing, Geoffrey ole’ boy.” he whispered to himself. Only time would tell.

  Chapter 23

  From the first day, Geoffrey’s experiment with Delilah promised to be a wild success. He seemed to have a way with the normally-rebellious vixen that no one else could command. Technically, he didn’t command her; no one, not even a stranger as perfect as this one was, seemed to be able to do that, but if she didn’t respect him as a superior, she certainly saw him as the closest thing to an equal, at least in most areas. It didn’t escape her notice, however, that every now and then, a certain frown or slight smile graced his lips, and always, suspiciously, after a random thought had just crossed her mind. Other than that, everything went smoothly, and even those incidents waned in time. There did seem to be a connection, however vague, but a correlation nonetheless, between how she felt or what she was thinking,
and a corresponding change in Geoffrey’s immediate behavior. It must be all in my head, she told herself. After all, there was no way for a guy to know what was going on inside her. No, she had simply been in this place way too long and it was beginning to weigh on her senses.

  Meanwhile, Dr. Crangler escorted Geoffrey back to his own room late every evening and back to Delilah’s room early each morning. It was during these escorts that the doctor grilled his patient on exactly how things were progressing with Delilah.

  “Well, she’s certainly opening up to me,” Geoffrey informed the greatly-concerned doctor, “and she has already made up in her head that she’ll go through with this pregnancy thing because she thinks it’s her best hope of escape from this place. Other than that, she’s a little suspicious at times, about my abilities.”

  “She knows about the telepathy?” Dr. Crangler’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. When they came down, he was frowning. Aside from Geoffrey, only the doctor knew of his patient’s capabilities, and he wanted very much to keep it that way. If his superiors ever caught wind of what Geoffrey could do, they would certainly want him tested and experimented on until there was nothing left of him but a used shell. Besides the fact that he was a living, breathing human being, and not one of the alien life forms on which the doctor had already experimented on to no avail, he was also Dr. Crangler’s only real hope of progress now. As is too often the case, the people in charge who watch from positions of safety and comfort, demand substantial results at every turn as if those results are simple matters. Dr. Crangler and his associates, the ones in the actual thick of things, knew all too well that such results could not be simply concocted like a magic brew in a witch’s cauldron. There were variables that had to be worked out before any lasting results could materialize, and if anyone found out that about Geoffrey’s telepathy, those variables would instantly increase a hundred fold. If Delilah found out, it would destroy any progress that had been made in that arena, so it was imperative that no one found out Geoffrey’s secret.