Phoenix
author's notes:
Woo-hoo! Two chapters in two days (even though this is a short one). I'm on a roll. As outlined right now, it looks like it will be 16 chapters total, but that may change as we go along.
Thank you again for all of the reviews, Follows and Favorites. I love any feedback I can get.
Now, we continue…
Chapter 11
PUNISHMENT
Upon his return, the Governor summoned Dr. Kendall and Victor to a meeting. He gave them the information he had on the capsules and the immunity that they provide.
"Doctor, where did you go to school and do your residency?" the Governor asked.
"Emory," he replied.
"I take it they have advanced laboratory facilities."
"Yes, they do."
"Then that's where we'll be headed, but first, join me in a little demonstration."
The men go out into the large main area. The three remaining groups of captives are in the room along with the Governor's men. Daryl and Michonne are still missing.
The Governor signals to one of his men who grabs Beth and drags her to the front. She is turned to face away from the audience. Her hands are tied above her head and her shirt is cut down the center of her back.
"This is what happens when you lie to me."
The snap of leather strap left a long, angry, red line across the smooth white skin. Her scream echoed off the walls. The action was repeated four times before she was cut down.
All the hostages were then tied and blindfolded for transfer to the new location. No one in the group of prisoners was told anything.
INCENTIVE
Once at new location, the group is once again assembled and the Governor began his speech.
"Unfortunately, my errand to PRD did not yield an encounter with Rick and his little band of merry men, or women as the case may be. However, it was a very productive venture, nonetheless. I have already filled in our esteemed doctor and his assistant on what I discovered and I am going to share some of that information with you all.
"From what I have learned, the virus has made an interesting mutation allowing for some immunity from the bites of the infected. I have tasked my medical personnel to figure out the details. They have a lot of work ahead of them. There will be a lot of exciting things happening. I expect a great deal from Dr. Kendall and Mr. Hertz. I expect a great deal from you all, loyalty being one of the most important."
He has Maggie, Beth and Carl brought to the front.
"To provide incentive, I have come up with a reward system for those who please me. Now, both of these lovely ladies have a bit of damage. They are marked up a little. Some of you may actually find that to be an attribute rather than a defect. Take Miss Maggie here. She could be considered used goods but could also be considered to be 'broken in.' Little Beth…I'd bet my other eye that she's a virgin. She will need to be saved for something really deserving. And last, we have young Mr. Grimes. He may be a just reward, depending upon the personal preferences of the recipient. There are probably a lot of 'first times' to be had there. And, last, but certainly not least, we do also have a pool of other women and children, depending upon the proclivities of the winner of the reward."
The doctor does not like the look that Victor is giving Beth.
Maggie leans forward and spits on the Governor. "You sick fuck!"
The Governor backhands her then turns to his men.
"Lock them up. I want them and the old man in four separate rooms with no chance of any communication between them." He turns to what's left of the Woodbury women.
"Put them in the section by the laboratories. It is fortuitous that I did not kill you. You have become useful to me as test subjects as you are all expendable." The women looked terrified and some began to cry.
"Put the children in the pediatric area. Her," he said pointing to one of the women. "Put her in with the children to keep them in line." He turned to her. "Which you will do or I will find someone who can." She nodded her understanding, just grateful that she may escape the fate of the others, at least for now.
The groups were removed to their respective areas at gunpoint.
MISSION
The Governor turned to Dr. Kendall and Victor.
"You will use the Woodbury traitors as needed for testing. If you run out of the women, move on to the children. Do not use the prison group, including the baby. Also do not kill Daryl or harm him any further than absolutely necessary. I have plans for all of them."
Dr. Kendall looked at the Governor. "Even with the new information and the proper facilities, if the others haven't figured out how to make the capsules, I don't know how we'll be able to."
"Oh, you misunderstand me," the Governor stated softly. "I don't want to create the capsules. I want you to find a way to destroy them."