Ofelia rubbed the Band-Aid covering her left brachial vein. The young woman wasn't the best with needles, but had tolerated the blood draw while Alicia held her hand in support.
Blood draws were standard procedure in Arkadia. The blood panel was performed to reduce risk of contamination and to determine if someone carried any significant diseases or genetic risk factors. Or more importantly, the genetic marker that determined if you were one of the Reborn, as they called themselves. Most of the time the test was performed as soon as new prospects to the colony were introduced.
Part of it was a safety precaution, but as they were inspected for bites and scratches, the blood panel was held off hoping Alicia would be awake to give her consent. The test was only mandatory if you wanted to stay, and most people wanted to stay rather risk living outside the safety of Arkadia's walls. You would think that a colony consisting of both Reborn and non-Reborn would have more internal conflict. So far, it seemed both parties held a mutual respect and appreciation. In fact, the Reborn were held in such high esteem they were almost revered. The community looked to the Reborn for leadership and Elyza was the leader of them all.
"So how did you and your daughter get all of this started?" Madison asked as she held the cotton ball on her arm while Dr. Sahel set aside the blood samples.
Dr. Turco snorted and Dr. Sahel glanced in her direction but kept silent. Madison looked between the two doctors as she accepted the Band-Aid and rolled down her sleeve. Dr. Turco finished her last note and handed the data pad off to Dr. Sahel and faced them.
"Elyza Lex is not my daughter," she said firmly. "She was a student in my oncology and neuroscience courses. I was an adjunct professor at her medical school and also one of the head genetic researchers for the CDC." Dr. Turco clarified.
"Elyza is brilliant, one of my best students." She hesitated, and the changes in her voice made Alicia suspect that there was something more to her next words. "I took her on as an intern for research I was doing for a new disease that was emerging in small rural communities in South America."
They looked at each other as the meaning became clear. She had been on the forefront of research for the infection that had decimated the world.
"We were researching it," Dr. Turco continued, "and trying to find a cure before it spread to more populated cities and created an epidemic."
"A lot of good that did," Chris interjected.
Dr. Sahel gave him a dirty look but Dr. Turco continued nonetheless.
"It mutates, quite unlike anything we've ever seen before. It also has a very unique cell receptor for a specific neurotransmitter I've never seen in any living creature until Elyza." Dr. Turco paused searching for words and Alicia could tell that the woman was trying to remain professional.
"There was an incident, and Elyza was exposed."
Elyza was infected. Their eyes widened.
"But she's-" Ofelia began.
"Alive?" Dr. Turco raised an eyebrow. "Believe me I know. We had no treatments, and we waited for her to die and she very nearly did. We observed and waited. Each day I woke up watching my brightest pupil struggle for her life and blamed myself." Her face was tired and her eyes were clouded in memories from the past.
"What happened?" Travis asked.
"She didn't die." Dr. Turco stated simply. "And we discovered that she bore a genetic marker that was completely unique to her, or so I thought. It was later determined that only those with that genetic marker produce a specific neurotransmitter that binds with the receptors found in the infected."
"So couldn't you develop a cure based on this?" Strand queried.
Dr. Sahel shook his head. "It's not that simple. It's lethal to most people and we still haven't developed a cure. Once you're infected, that's it."
"But Whitworth, he thought there was a cure," Travis reminded them of the deranged man, wanting to save the world and create it in his new image.
The two physicians looked at one another and Dr. Turco sighed. "It's not that simple. The only way we've synthesized a potential vaccine is with bone marrow."
"But it's completely experimental at this point." Dr. Sahel added while Dr. Turco nodded and crossed her arms.
"But that's something, at least," Madison hedged.
"The problem is that it requires bone marrow," Dr. Turco explained. "It requires a lot of bone marrow, to the point where it becomes potentially fatal to the person who is donating the bone marrow. And Whitworth had no limits. He was willing to sacrifice the lives of the Reborn to develop the vaccine on a large scale."
"But his people were some of the Reborn as well."
"Precisely. He wanted to create the vaccine and disperse it on a grand scale and kill our people in the process, while protecting his. He was mad. I'm not upset the bastard is dead." She looked to Alicia and nodded in thanks. Alicia acknowledged the gesture and tried not to squirm.
"What we're doing here, is creating the vaccine on a large scale with the bone marrow donated from the Reborn that are willing." Dr. Sahel emphasized. "And that takes time."
Alicia nodded in understanding. The Reborn were saving the world. That's why everyone in Arkadia was so content to be lead by them.
"But how does that explain your leader?" Daniel voiced.
"Elyza escaped the facility," Dr. Turco commented; however, it was heavily implied that she had set Elyza free without anyone's knowledge.
"As her body fought the infection, it also had the side effect of re-awakening her Reborn memories. She left, gathered those that were trustworthy from her past and prepared for the end of the world. She was looking for particular individuals. She still is." Alicia squirmed under the unspoken suggestion.
"I helped her and kept in contact the best I could. The outbreak was getting worse and the only way to save everyone was to trust her."
"Why trust her though? Didn't you think she was crazy?" Nick shrugged.
"I did," Dr. Turco admitted. "But I'm a scientist and a medical professional. I believe in hard empirical evidence. She remembered me. I tested myself and I have the same genetic marker, not only that but our DNA suggests that we are related, which is impossible unless at one point in time or universe we were related. That's why I'm known as her mother, because I was in my previous life. I'm one of the Reborn."
Silence fell across the room as they all digested the surplus amount of information. It was no wonder Elyza relied so heavily on Dr. Turco. Not only was she her mentor but the woman had also been her mother in a previous life. A mother that Elyza remembered and obviously loved if their interactions were anything to go by.
"Are you-" Ofelia began to question.
"No," Dr. Turco cut her off. "I do not possess my memories nor do I intend to get myself infected. It's practically suicide. The aggression of the bite is the only way the process is triggered. Alone, the infection has no affect on the Reborn, although it kills and transforms a regular person just the same as if they were bit or scratched."
"So Elyza, created all of this, while the world was falling apart?" Nick said, impressed.
Dr. Sahel handed Dr. Turco a newly printed folder with the results of their blood tests. "She's special," she murmured scanning the results. "And it appears that some of you are as well." She looked up from the paperwork. "Do you wish for your results in private?"
They all shook their heads negatively. "Very well then. You may have a copy if you'd like. But two of you have the genetic marker of the Reborn, and one of you is undetermined." She squinted puzzling over the undetermined result. "Are you sure you wish to have these read aloud?"
No one said otherwise, surprisingly. "Very well, Alicia and Ofelia carry the genetic marker, and Chris' results are undetermined."
They looked at one another awkwardly for a minute and Alicia regarded Ofelia with surprise. The other woman appeared uncomfortable under the stares, but she did not seem shocked by the news.
"Ofelia?" Daniel questioned his daughter. "Did you know?"
"What do you want me to say?" she shook her head firmly with a sigh. "I didn't know for sure but ever since I met Alicia, I've felt things." She shuffled, refusing to meet Alicia's eyes.
Dr. Turco nodded. "Specific people can instigate memories or even thoughts and feelings. It won't bring the full change, but we do have documented cases where Reborn people have found each other and felt a connection."
"What kind of connection?" Madison hesitated slightly.
Dr. Turco shrugged and re-crossed her arms. She leaned against one of the counters and Dr. Sahel answered in her stead. "Some people described it as kindred spirits, soul mates that kind of thing. Either way, your status as a Reborn gives you options and status."
"Because we're potential bone marrow donors for the vaccine?" Chris scoffed but there was arrogance in his tone as if he felt he now held the upper hand.
"They are," Dr. Turco motioned to Alicia and Ofelia. "You, however, are not."
"What? That's not what you just said!" Chris stood tall and tense.
Dr. Turco did not respond to his anxious behavior. "Your results are inconclusive."
"Then run them again."
"That's not how it works" she responded patiently.
"Chris," Travis put a hand on his son's shoulder attempting to calm him.
"This is dumb." Chris brushed his father off and left through the hospital doors in a huff.
Despite the obvious threats and tension in the beginning, they had elected to stay within the relatively safe walls of Arkadia for the immediate future. It had been 22 days since they had been rescued and fled the sinking ship lead by the deranged Whitworth.
However, staying had its price. Each of them began to take on responsibilities and learn trades to assist with the community. Alicia and Ofelia had yet to donate bone marrow, which wasn't possible as they were not full-fledged members of Arkadia or completely recovered from their injuries. Either way, the generosity was unexpected after so long out at sea and living in a world where you were constantly looking over your shoulder and expecting the very worst of people.
Daniel had found a job with Arkadia's security and defenses, while Strand had taken well to diplomacy and working with Arkadia's few neighboring communities, most of which were not nearly as impressive but amicable and worthy of trade. Travis had found a routine with the fractured school system that was in sore need of development, and needing an educational structure for over three hundred children ranging from infants to unruly teenagers. Alicia's own mother was offering her services of counselor to the citizens of Arkadia. She even had a simple office and the appointment slots continued to grow until it became a full workday. Madison had been an excellent counselor before, and these days it seemed like everyone was in dire need of emotional support.
Yet, how much could you really recover once you stepped over the ledge? When was a person too far gone? She doubted anyone had the answers. Either way, it was nice to see her mother back doing something that she was good at.
Nick was getting along pretty well within Arkadia. He may have been better adjusted for the craze that had been the unstructured fall of humanity, but he was still adjusting as they all were. If there was an underground drug market in Arkadia, he either hadn't found it yet, or there wasn't one. There was the off hand chance that he was also maturing, which she had been suspect of for quite some time. He was often seen smiling while working as a lab assistant for the two pharmacologists Arkadia had. Nick did have a great deal of knowledge about prescription and non-prescription medications. At first, Alicia was wary that he was stealing some of the more choice pharmaceuticals, but his pupils were never blown and he wasn't showing any other signs of a high or withdrawal. Nick was well liked by the hospital staff overall. He also had a great rapport with the two female occupational therapists, which he flirted with on a regular basis.
Ofelia found solace in giving the occasional haircut and caregiving at the hospital to the few sick that occupied its walls. She was great at it. She was patient and kind as well as stern. She knew when to push and when to lend a supportive shoulder. She had grown so strong over the time Alicia had met her and they spent most of their days with each other when not otherwise occupied.
Chris was working in agriculture this week, after having been dismissed from the last job rather vocally. Out of everyone, he was having the most difficult transition, to put it mildly. He was either overly vocal about his displeasure, or eerily silent.
As for Alicia, her situation was more peculiar than anything. She floated from shadowing Elyza's council members and spending time with the woman herself. It was a decision made out of respect, but she tried to take on some of the more menial tasks where she could, to feel part of the community. When she did it felt rather forced at times and she struggled to remain poised due to the Reborn that did know of her or the other members of Arkadia that respected her because of her blood status or simply the fact that Elyza cared for her.
Alicia could not deny that Elyza showed her preferential treatment. She was always respectful, and often asked for opinions on matters of government.
Government. That was an odd way to think of Arkadia. Yes, they were lacking the three branches of government, but this wasn't America, and this was the new world. So far, what they had was working. There were checks and balances built in (thus the council members) and there were elections for trivial matters, to make the populace feel as if they had some control in their lives. People were happy enough to be safe and know that they were at the forefront of a community that was developing a cure. The heads of state, so to speak, were self-appointed, but people were willing to overlook that because they were all Reborn, and no one was forcing anyone to stay.
It would be interesting to see what would happen or change when the vaccine was fully developed and how Elyza and her people would choose to distribute it. Would they share their secret on how to produce it or would they hold it over their enemy's heads and make them beg?
Yes, for now Arkadia was stable.
"Hey, pay attention." Lindsey scolded her from underneath the carriage of the truck she was working on. Alicia blinked and passed her the requested tool.
"You're a lot nicer to her than you are to me." Eli winked at Alicia in jest.
He was sitting on a large tire tinkering with an old watch. He was her assigned escort for the day, and the two of them had been about to visit Henry for an update on a produce shipment from another community when the truck they were going to use broke down. Lindsey had graciously offered to assist them as she so eloquently reminded them during the entire time she fixed the truck.
"She's cuter than you are."
Lindsey rolled out from under the truck and wiped her hands on her already dirty trousers. She opened the hood and Alicia moved into the drivers seat. At the signal she turned the key in the ignition and it sputtered to life. Lindsey fist pumped in the air with glee. Alicia merely raised an eyebrow at the overt display of enthusiasm.
Lindsey shrugged and cleaned her hands on a rag. "I had a bet going. Dichen thinks this truck is scrap. She now owes me favors, of the sexual kind," she waggled her eyebrows suggestively and Alicia shook her head in amusement.
"Well, now that's done we can make our last visit for the evening." Lindsey raised a single eyebrow in disbelief at his statement. Eli stood at the sound of galloping hoof prints that made them all turn in unison.
Marie and Ricky slowed their horses as they neared. The pair had been scheduled to accompany them outside the border along with another handful of armed soldiers. Ofelia was riding behind Marie and slid slowly to the ground with a little assistance.
"Wait, you're saying princess is going to let her one true love outside the castle?" There was strong disbelief in her tone. Lindsey ignored the newcomers and Alicia couldn't help but glare in her direction, no matter how much she enjoyed the other woman's company or admired her.
"I'd stuff it if I were you," Marie commented patting her horse. "No one talks about Heda like that, especially in front of Elyza."
"Heda is right here," Alicia grumbled. Ricky grinned and took out an apple and tossed it in her direction. She pulled out a switchblade from her pocket and began to slice the fruit handing Ofelia slices in between eating her own. "If I regain my memories, I'm going to exude enough authority that there will be plenty of groveling."
"Very fierce," Ofelia laughed cleaning the juice that had run down Alicia's chin. The others stiffened at the affectionate display and it did not go unnoticed by the others.
Alicia awkwardly moved away feeling as if she had done something wrong.
"I don't think I'd want to know who I was before," Ofelia admitted after a pause. "I have this feeling that something tragic happened." Her eyes were lost in thought for a moment and when she sobered her face was calm. "I'm a different person and I've been given a second chance." The others nodded respectfully and looked at one another. "The memories happen randomly right? How did yours start?"
Ricky and Marie looked at each other somberly. They were immersed in the past for many moments until Ricky laced his fingers with his wife's and spoke.
"They can happen all at once or slowly. Ours were immediate. You don't remember everything. Just bits and pieces, and usually the emotions more than anything. We were each other's triggers. I was studying to be a nurse and my car broke down when I was heading back for the new semester. I took it to a garage that Marie was working at."
"I was really glad I decided to be a mechanic that day" Marie said with a wistful smile.
"Well you should have been the one fixing the truck instead of me wasting my precious time. I could be building something actually important" Lindsey grumbled.
The two women bickered companionably for a few more moments.
"But don't you have to get bitten?" Ofelia asked in curiosity interrupting the easy atmosphere.
"Yea," Ricky looked at Marie.
The group silenced until Lindsey huffed and unbuttoned her pants. She pulled down her pants and flashed them her heavily scarred left thigh. The skin was puckered and lined with thick scar tissue of various unnatural skin tones. Once she deemed they had gotten a good enough look she hiked up her pants.
"I was working at NASA HQ when shit hit the fan. Dichen was one of the security guards. We'd been secretly screwing for a few months, but I was trapped and she came back for me. We both almost died in the process."
"You don't just go asking people," she advised Ofelia. "If they're Reborn and they've got all of their memories, then they've been infected aka bit, scratched, whatever. Besides, if you haven't noticed, a lot of us have some serious issues and trauma and don't like to remember certain details."
"Elyza was my trigger," Eli said breaking the tense silence that had descended upon them. "She found me cornered in an abandoned school yard surrounded by infected and killed every last one of them. My parents were long dead before then." He stood up and entered the truck closing the driver's side. Marie and Ricky both put their foot in their harnesses and sat tall on their horses once more.
"You better go, before the offer to explore the outside expires." Lindsey opened the passenger door and Alicia jumped in and closed the door. Eli took the truck out of park and started out of Arkadia.
Alicia and Ofelia shared a glance. "Be careful," she whispered as Alicia nodded. She watched Lindsey and Ofelia step away from the vehicle in her rear view mirror.
"There's some protective gear in the back, and a firearm. Just because we get along with a few people outside Arkadia doesn't mean it's always safe."
Alicia did as instructed while contemplating their stories. The more she heard the more she wanted to remember. If only there was a way to go about it that wouldn't get her killed in the process.
The gates opened. Alicia loaded her weapon with satisfaction. The horses grunted as they galloped alongside the vehicle. Arkadia's gates grew more distant as they left the safety of their borders.
AN: This isn't the best chapter. Lot's of explanations and I hope it is not too confusing. Just remember everything won't be perfectly plausible. Did y'all enjoy The Walking Dead episode last night? Also, I'm always concerned about the how the chapter views. Is the format ok? Thanks Sadie for editing.