Blood on the Water

by Mark Hildebrandt

  “I told you I’m not a doctor.” She answered

  The technician looked up, “Don’t worry. For the most part, it is just standard admission testing. You know the various fluids for chemical profiles and pathogen identification. It’s all standard stuff. In fact, that’s about it.” He unwrapped James arm collected his equipment bowed slightly and left.

  As soon as the Technician was gone, James once again took Cassandra in his arms, but before kissing her he asked, “Do you believe him?”

  “Who?” She asked puzzled by the question, “the technician?”

  “No - Silly, your brother. Do you think he was telling the truth?”

  “I guess so. I really haven’t thought about it. Didn’t you believe him?”

  “Cassandra, I don’t know your brother. I can’t answer. All I know is that you have been angry with him for the last few days. You told me he was hiding something from you. Do you feel he came clean?”

  “Oh James, I just don’t know. It all seems to make sense. The gods know he has been obsessed with this damn virus for years.

  “But at this moment, my mind has more important things to think about.” Her hands went to either side of his face and pulled it to her.

  The ensuing kiss began with passion, but slowly faded, and as it did, Cassandra slid her head to James’s shoulder. The action confused him, he wanted, needed the kiss to continue. It seemed to be the most effective method of exorcizing his fear of hospitals. At least the warmth of holding her did provide some of the relief he sought. He held and rocked her for some time. He wasn’t in a hurry. He didn’t want to rush any of the time they still had together. He would cherish every second.

  His far away thoughts of mountain peaks, swimming pools and the beach were all vanquished when he became aware Cassandra was gently shaking. The shaking was accompanied by sobbing. He gently lifted her face to find tears in her eyes. “Cassandra, my love, why are you crying. We still have time, please let us cherish it.”

  “I’m sorry James,” she said lightly wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

  “Why? I’m not angry, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

  “Well you should be. You were minding your own business taking a long-awaited vacation and I simply plucked out of your world. You didn’t have a choice, you weren’t asked to volunteer, and it was all simply so my brother could have a ‘control sample’. It wasn’t right. I don’t even think it was ethical. I just got so caught up in the science, I never thought about the human consequences. Had I not been so enamored with the theories and mathematics, I may have stopped to think about the human beings that would be involved and taken a different approach.” She slowly moved her head back to his shoulder and the sobbing once again resumed.

  “Well, all I can tell you,” he started but paused to lift her face, and once again look into her dark, tear streaked eyes. “All I can say is, I’m glad your brother needed a ‘control sample’. If he had not, then you and I would not be. And that would be sad because I can say without reservation, leaving you will be the hardest thing I have ever done. I will only be able to manage because finding you was the best thing that ever happened to me.” That seemed to bring more tears, but instead of retreating to the safety of his shoulder Cassandra sought the warmth of his kiss.

  He tenderly led her to the couch, and they slowly sat down still clutched in each other’s arms. James held her while she sobbed. The sobbing was soon replaced with just silence and loving caresses. Once again, a visitor was announced; it was Optio. James left Cassandra and greeted him. He looked around the suite and said, “This looks like a bloody wake. Are you all right Dr. Vespus? Perhaps I should damage James?”

  Cassandra smiled through tear streaked cheeks. “Absolutely not! You leave him alone. You harm him, and I’ll show you something you’ll never forget. I promise you, you do not want to experience my fury.”

  “Okay, okay … I was just kidding after all. I wouldn’t harm James. He is one of the most interesting assignments I have ever had. You too for that matter.”

  “Well, did Josephus relieve you? Did you just come to say goodbye?”

  “He wanted to, but Dr. Vespus and I convinced him we should remain vigilant until everything is done, and the cure announced. I will post a man outside your room and one at each end of the hall. I’m going to track down some equipment. I’ll be back in the morning. Remember one of the guys will be right outside if you need anything, but just in case, take this,” he paused and produced a small device, James took to be a pistol, and handed it to him. “It only holds ten shots, standard Decum defensive weapon, but don’t worry, there will be three men in here before you can fire twice.”

  Before James could thank him, Optio had turned and left. He looked at the weapon shrugged and handed it to Cassandra. “Do you know much about weapons like this?” he asked.

  She took it and turned it over in her hands several times then said, “Sure. I have fired these many times. While hiking in the Alps, when I was in school, I convinced one of the body guards to teach me how to use several weapons, this was one of the first.” She then slid the pistol into her pocket, and beckoned James back to the couch.

  Most of the rest of the afternoon was a blur. James was visited several more times by various laboratory technicians. None of the procedures were painful, which helped to assuage his fear of hospitals, but all he really wanted was for them to be quick. He was much more interested in spending his time with Cassandra than any Lab Tech.

  By the time dinner was served, the two were once again laughing. The twinkle in Cassandra’s eye, the one that replaced the tears, made James happy. He wanted to remember her like this, happy and playful. Dinner was, James thought, excellent, even though he wasn’t sure what he was eating. It was served with a lovely wine that had the wonderful side effect of increasing the amount of laughter.

  Dinner and desert finished, and the utensils removed, James smiled and asked, “Do you think there is any way to lock the door?”

  The twinkle in Cassandra’s eyes once again returned, “I think I can handle that. Just give me a minute.” And she got up and left the room. Returning a few minutes later she announced, “That should take care of that. I physically threatened the head nurse, with severe body damage should anyone interrupt before seven in the morning.” Then moving close to him on the couch, and staring into his eyes continued with, “Now what exactly did you have in mind?” She whispered with that seductive chuckle he had come to adore.

  It didn’t take long for either of them to find the solace they were seeking. They made love several times during the evening, and each act seemed to be more intense than the one before. Finally, just before sunrise, James kissed the forehead of an already sleeping Cassandra, smiled and thanked God for such a wonderful experience, laid his head on the pillow and fell asleep.

  ◆◆◆

  James was awakened a few hours later to find Cassandra dressed and opening the door for another Lab Tech. “Good morning Dr. Woodman” the young female technician said. “I need to collect just a couple additional tissue and fluid samples before you eat, then Dr. Vespus should be in to see you after breakfast.”

  As soon as she left James showered and dressed, finishing just as breakfast arrived. Once again it seemed Cassandra had fallen prey to her solemn mood, so the two ate in silence, while he tried to think of a way to break the spell.

  Marcus arrived, just as food service was picking up the breakfast trays. He smiled, but it was obviously forced, his expression conveyed a problem. “Good morning, Cassandra … and James. I trust you had a pleasant evening?”

  Cassandra jumped before the words were finished, “What the hell is it Marcus? I can tell from the look on your face there is something wrong! Let’s have it!”

  “Easy Cassandra. Don’t bite my head off. It’s nothing we can’t handle.”

  “Marcus, I’m going to slap you if you don’t tell me what the matter is! Just say it!”

  “Very well. Jam
es has contracted the Virus.”

  Chapter 33

  - Check -

  Marcus studied the reaction on both Cassandra’s and James’s faces. Clearly Cassandra was enraged, almost to the point of striking out. He was certain the only thing containing the rage was the uncertainty of where to direct it. James on the other hand almost seemed relieved, and that was something Marcus would never have expected. Sensing it would be better to release the pressure slowly, Marcus reverted to some of his earliest medical training involving grieving patients, and spoke slowly, calmly and quietly, “We have a cure. There is nothing preventing you from honoring your commitment Cassandra. We can make James completely virus free in time to send him back.”

  Her expressions softened slightly, “Okay - if you are sure of the procedure, then I suppose we must, but Marcus, how did he get it?”

  “We still have not determined how the virus is transmitted. The studies on James tissue cultures have been inconclusive.” Fortunately, the answer did not generate what Marcus feared would be a more difficult follow up question, instead Cassandra just nodded acknowledgement. “I have already begun the first step in the treatment. This morning I had fluid and tissue samples collected to quantify the viral concentration. Once that has been documented, we will be able to determine the amount of phage to administer. We simply monitor him during the treatment to insure complete eradication, and he can go.”

  “How can we be sure?” Cassandra asked and continued before Marcus could answer, “Because if there is any trace of the virus, I cannot send him back. That would be the death sentence for billions of people, and I won’t live with that.”

  Marcus continued talking only to Cassandra. “The one thing we have developed during our long research is the ability to identify any traces of the virus. Besides a very calculated excess amount of phage is administered. That insures all the virus is destroyed.”

  “I see, so how long …”

  “Wait a minute!” James snapped. “You both are talking like I’m not in the room. That is frustrating, but not half as much as the fact you are talking about treating me, as if I have absolutely nothing to say about it. Now our worlds are much different, but the roots of medicine are the same in both, and since I’m a person, and not either of your experiments. I expect you to speak to me, and not about me concerning this treatment.”

  Marcus was taken aback at James outburst. True he and his sister had been discussing the affair as if James was a laboratory animal, a product of a scientific experiment, unfortunately James just didn’t realize that he was. But he was also right; he was a human being too, and that meant he had to be treated accordingly. Marcus reached back and turned on his very best bedside charm, “Of course James. I apologize for both my sister and me. This must be your decision.”

  “That’s better,” James said calmly. “Now I don’t know if your sister told you or not, but I’m not very comfortable around hospitals or for that matter doctors. I haven’t minded you taking samples. Your collections methods are far superior to those of my world. Even so, taking samples is a lot different than filling me with engineered bug killer.” James paused, looked at Marcus then turned and smiled at Cassandra. “I gathered this treatment is new, even though you have been talking like it was perfected decades ago. That leaves me to believe, you have added a dash of unjustified bravado to your description of the treatment.” He once again paused, and this time just glared at Marcus. “Now I was never very good with science and math and as a kind of internal defense mechanism, I have developed what I call a ‘scientist bullshit detector’. I use it every time I work with one of my colleagues from one of the physical science departments. It is remarkably accurate at detecting when someone does not know the answer but tries to hide behind scientific nomenclature in hopes of not being discovered.

  “Now I’m not sure what your treatment is, or even how it works. I have no doubt about your sincerity, and I do think you believe in the work, but I have to say, my ‘bullshit detector’ is going crazy. I just don’t know why.”

  Damn, Marcus thought, perhaps he had underestimated this man. He should have known better, clearly Cassandra had seen something special in him, and that was a rare occurrence. Time to try a different tact, “You are correct James. It is a new procedure. I did not mean to imply anything to the contrary. I will say; however, it has been one hundred percent effective in killing the virus. All the virus has been eliminated on every test patient.”

  James was still clearly puzzled and just stared at Marcus, and in turn Marcus just stared back. The contest was broken when James said, “But?”

  “But what?”

  “Look, Marcus, I can tell you are leaving something out. I don’t know what it is, but you do. Now do you want to finish the story? If you won’t, then let me talk with one of the patients who has been through the treatment.”

  Damn he is persistent, Marcus thought. “I don’t know what to tell you, but you cannot talk to any of the test patients.

  “And why not?”

  “Because they have all passed. You see we cured them of the virus, but they were all in what we call the tertiary phase of the disease. The patient is undeniably terminal in the tertiary phase, and that is the problem, all the internal organs were destroyed beyond repair by the virus.”

  James took a gulp of air and sat back on the couch. Clearly Marcus thought, this next part would be the most difficult, and his mind had kicked into high gear trying to figure the best route forward. “You see James, you will be the first person to be truly cured. You will be responsible for saving the entire human population in this universe.” From the look on James face this wasn’t working. Apprehension was painted all over it. Marcus cursed himself and thought, what next.

  James was just shaking his head, he finally said, “I think I would prefer if you get someone else to be first. I’ll wait for a while. As I understand it, the onset won’t be for twenty or more years yet. That should give you the opportunity to perfect treatment on non-terminal patients.”

  Marcus maintained a placid exterior, while inside he was screaming at himself. The internal rage had the disquieting effect of making it impossible to concentrate on the problem at hand. As he stared at James and James in turn stared at him, from somewhere in the distance, just barely comprehensible over self-induced noise in his head, Marcus heard, “I’ll do it. I’ll be first.” He and James both turned to Cassandra as she said once more, “I’ll be first.”

  Before Marcus could voice his opposition to the idea, James spoke, “No Cassandra. You don’t need to do that. Your brother can find someone else to be first.”

  “That’s not exactly true James. It sounds reasonable, but we don’t have time. The dimensions will line up in two days. You and I will take the cure, and then I can keep my promise and send you home. If Marcus says it will work, I believe him, and we will make the window.”

  James had turned on the couch and was holding Cassandra’s hands. Marcus could see the strong bond that had formed between the two as he listened to James’s words, “You said the dimensions are like waves and periodically align with this one. Surely, we can wait, let Marcus finish his work, and I’ll go home at some future alignment.”

  Cassandra was shaking her head as a tear ran down her right cheek. “No, I can’t do that. I have set aside all the strength I can find to see me through the next two days and send you home. If you don’t leave this time, I won’t be able to do it the next time.” She then turned to Marcus, “Is that okay? We both take the treatment.”

  The commotion in Marcus’s head had subsided and he quickly contemplated this new situation. He was comfortable; the phage would not cause any other medical problems. There would be no danger to Cassandra, and he would not need to tell anyone outside of his team that he had experimented on a citizen. All he needed to do was report James results. This might be the best possible solution. James would listen to her, and he would clearly do what she wanted. If she was in no danger, and yet was able t
o provide him a compliant patient, the only patient on the planet he could legally use to test the phage, and the only patient on the planet whose results he could publish, then there were no losers. He had everything he needed. The line of reasoning completely drowned the clamor and brought on a new felling of calm. Marcus smiled and said, “Of course it’s all right to take the treatment now. You will be taking it eventually, so might as well get it out of the way.”

  Marcus picked up is data pad and beginning keying instructions. “I have ordered the titer testing to begin immediately. If you both agree, you can remain in this room for the treatment, which we should be ready to begin later this afternoon.” While he spoke, he continued to type instructions. He sent a note to Aeliana to add another person to the temporary file started for James. Under no circumstances, should she use a name or CPN, simply add an A version to the quality control code they were using for James. That should make it relativity easy to insure the results would vanish if the wrong people started digging, he reasoned.

  While he rapidly sent instructions to all concerned, Marcus had not noticed James and Cassandra talking quietly to each other. James finally spoke interrupting his concentration, “Marcus, why it this illness just referred to as the virus? I may not be a medical expert, but if I’m not mistaken there are millions of viruses. In my world viruses are named. Ever since I got here, everyone has simply referred to this at the virus. What kind is it? Is it like the HIV virus, or some high supper powerful avian flu virus, there is one in my world that has been worrying scientists for years, I think it is called the N1H5 virus?”

  Marcus stopped entering data, “Oh no, nothing like either of those. This virus is referred to in the literature as the HHV-9-b virus. It is a member of the Herpes family. There are at least twenty-five different herpes viruses, and about nine are known to infect humans.