Chapter 11: Taking Chances
Team Scorpion needs to figure out how to stop the canister from releasing the deadly virus. Happy and Toby both have ideas, but they're risky and neither one is comfortable with the other taking a chance.
The team stared in shock at one another, no one knowing what to do or say. They had one hour to figure out what to do. Happy shifted closer to Toby, linking her fingers with his. He looked down at her, the fear of what could happen crossing his face.
"Can we stop it?" Paige finally said quietly, breaking the silence.
Her voice broke everyone out of their trance and they all started moving at once. Cabe was on the phone, talking to Homeland, both to inform them of the possibility of a viral outbreak and to question the scientists they brought in earlier. Sylvester started running the calculations out loud of how much virus the canister held and how many people it could infect. Toby and Courtney started discussing how much of the cure was synthesized and how many people they could save. While Walter and Happy started examining the canister to see if there was a way to shut down the timer.
"Guys?" Paige said quietly, but no one paid any attention to her. "Guys!" she said louder, this time getting six heads to turn her way. "You're all off talking about different things. You all need to work together to figure this out or it won't be done. We're a team and we're stronger when we work together. Now Sly, how many people will this infect?"
Sylvester took a shuddering breath, "Assuming the vial of virus in that canister is around three-fourths the size of the canister, that would be enough to infect upwards of 30,000 to 40,000 people through the air. And that doesn't even include the people who can get infected from person to person transmission. If this virus is released, the whole city of Los Angeles could get infected within less than a week."
"And we don't have nearly enough of the cure synthesized to give to that many people," Toby said.
Courtney stepped forward, "And there's not enough time to synthesize enough either. This stuff takes a week alone to be synthesized and even if we got every lab in the city to make it, we would only be able to make enough for 10,000 people."
Toby turned to Happy and Walter, "So that means the only chance we have to save LA is to stop the timer and keep the virus from being released."
Happy took the canister carefully from Walter. Toby tensed up when he saw her handling it. He hated that she was even around it, let alone having it in her hands. She turned the canister over.
"I think there's a chance I could disable the timer. It appears there's a weak spot right in the center of the canister. If I'm right, I can open the canister there and get to the wires connecting the timer and the release mechanism."
Toby stepped forward and lowered his voice so only she could hear, "Happy, you're not doing that. It's too dangerous."
She looked up at him, her face set in determination, "I have to Toby. It's our only chance."
He shook his head and pulled her by her arm away from the group, "No, Hap. I can't lose you too. I've already lost a friend in Mike. I can't lose the love of my life. You can't do this."
Happy sighed and grabbed his hand with her free one, "I'm the only one who can do this, Doc. It has to be me."
Toby took a step back and ran his hand through his hair, "No, it doesn't. We can get one of the scientists who built it to come in and do it."
She shook her head, "There's not enough time. We've already wasted ten minutes talking through things. This has to be done now. Don't tell me what to do, Doc, you know I hate that."
"Damn it, Hap," he shouted louder than he meant to, "Why are you putting yourself in direct danger? You don't always have to save the world. Sometimes it's okay to think about yourself, think about me."
Happy set her face in stone and stared at him icily, "Funny, I said almost that same thing a few months ago when you decided you knew how to get that drug dealer. But I understand why you did it now. Someone has to save the people, Toby. If you're not going to help me, then get out of my way."
She started walking away, but Toby grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Happy, I'm scared," he admitted quietly, "You mean so much to me and, and-" he couldn't continue, just the thought of her losing him caused him to choke on his words.
Happy's face grew soft and she stepped to him, wrapping her free arm around his waist. "You're not going to lose me, Toby. But if I don't get into that canister, we're all dead and we lose each other. Let me do this."
Toby kissed the top of her head and nodded, stepping back, "Alright, go."
Happy gave him a small smile, then turned and made her way over to a lab bench. Walter brought her a few tools he found around the lab, then stood by her, looking over her shoulder. She didn't like it, it was obvious to Toby with the glares she sent over her shoulder, but Walter was oblivious.
"Hey, Walt," Toby said, making his way over to the two, "Cabe said we need to start informing emergency services downstairs of what is going on. He needs all of us currently not doing anything to help."
Walter sighed heavily, "Then go Toby, I'm helping Happy."
Happy turned around quickly, "No, it's okay. I've got this. Go help."
Walter grudgingly walked away, joining the rest of the team walking down the stairs. Happy shot Toby a grateful look.
"Thank you for that. I was about ready to kill him."
Toby went to stand behind Happy, placing his hands on her shoulders. He gave them a quick squeeze.
"Any luck?"
She shook her head, "Not yet, this wiring is more complicated than I originally expected."
"Need anything?"
"No, I'm fine."
Toby leaned down to kiss the top of her head, then started walking towards the stairs himself.
"Damn it," Happy muttered, "Not good."
Toby stopped in his tracks and whirled around, fully expecting to see Happy covering her face or running away from the canister. But instead, he saw her sitting there, head in her hands.
"What's wrong Hap?" he asked concerned.
She looked up, a serious look on her face, "We need to figure out a new plan."
They quickly made their way to the team, canister in hand. They rushed towards the team, their worried faces waiting for an explanation of what was going on.
"The timer," Happy began, "We can't shut off the timer."
"What?" Paige exclaimed, "Why?"
"The timer is tied into the trigger. So if I stop the timer, or cut the wire, the release mechanism will go off and the virus will be spread. They made sure there was no way to stop it once the timer started counting down. It's a lot more sophisticated than any of us thought."
Walter started pacing, "Can we reprogram the timer into having infinite time?"
Happy shook her head, "No. The canister is designed for a one time use. There's no way to reset the time."
Sylvester looked like he was going to pass out, "So we have to get rid of the virus or we all get infected."
"Why don't we let the virus be released? We can evacuate anyone in the deadly range until the virus has cleared up," Cabe suggested.
"No can do," Courtney said, "This virus can live in the air for up to a week. There's no way we could keep people away for that long, not in LA. If even one person gets sick, there will be ten more who will become infected from them. This illness doesn't show signs for 72 hours, which is plenty of time to spread around the virus without knowing you're sick. Even being this close to it for as long as we have is dangerous."
Toby wrapped his arm around Happy, pulling her close to his side. She shuddered against him, burying her face in his chest.
"What can we do? I can't leave Ralph without a mother," Paige said, a slight panic to her voice.
Walter put his hand on her arm, "You're not going to die. None of us are. We'll figure something out. We need to kill the virus. But how can we do that?"
"Extreme heat, like over 2,000°F. That's the only way," Courtney said quietly.
"Fire? Can we throw it into a fire?" Cabe asked.
"No," Sly said, "The average fire isn't hot enough. And even if we were able to get it hot enough, if we throw the canister into a fire, it'll cause an explosion. That'll push the virus into the air before the heat can kill it."
Toby dropped his arm from Happy and started pacing, thinking through everything, mumbling under his breath, "Fire, virus, heat." He stopped suddenly and snapped his fingers, "I've got it, I know how to stop this, but we don't have much time."
Six sets of eyes fixed on his face.
"What can we do?" Cabe questioned.
Toby started barking out orders, "Cabe, you start evacuating people from the building as quickly as you can." He looked at the timer on the canister he took from Happy, "We have twenty-five minutes to get them as far away from here as possible. Sly, you and Walter go up to the lab on the fifth floor and make sure all vents are covered. Paige and Courtney, you two need to talk to the police and get them to evacuate any and all people that are within two miles of here."
Happy stepped forward, "What can I do, Doc?"
"Do you have a blowtorch or anything similar to that in your truck?"
She nodded, "I think I have one, if not, I might be able to throw one together. Let me go check."
Toby gave her a smile and a quick squeeze of her hand before she ran off. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. This plan was going to work - it had to. He finally had everything he had ever wanted in life. He patted his pocket, feeling the square shaped box hidden inside. He instantly felt better. A few minutes later, Cabe came out, directing people to where they were to go. He made his way over to Toby as another agent took over.
"What's your plan, son? Why are we moving everyone away from here?"
"If this plan doesn't work, everyone within a two mile radius is going to get infected within 30 minutes. I need as few people in that range as possible or else it could be a disaster."
Before he could explain what his plan was, Happy came running up, a blowtorch in her hands.
"I've got it," she said with a smile, "This is about half full, so you should be okay for fifteen minutes of burn time." A questioning look came over her face, "What are you planning?"
Before Toby could answer, again, Sly and Walter came running out of the building.
"The lab is taken care of," Walter said, "What else can we do?"
Toby looked at the time again, "We have about 10 minutes left. I need you all to get out of here."
Sylvester looked surprised, "But-"
"Just trust me, I've got this," Toby interrupted him.
Cabe was concerned, "What are you doing, Doc? We can't leave you behind."
"Yes, you can. I'll be fine," he reassured them all, "I think," he added under his breath. He cleared his throat, "The only way to make sure everyone is fine is if we stop this from spreading. As we know, we can't disable the timing device without setting the virus loose. But, the virus can be killed at a high temperature and a blow torch has heat up to almost 4,000°F."
Awareness formed on Happy's face, "Doc, no."
Toby smiled at her concern, "If it works, everyone out here will be safe and that's all that matters. I am going to take it to the lab, which is the only room I know of that is windowless and is now completely airtight. As this is going off, I'm going to torch it, killing the virus instantly," he paused, "hopefully."
"But why does it have to be in there? Away from everyone?" Cabe asked.
"I don't want to take any chances. If something goes wrong, no one will be exposed to the virus-"
"Except for you," Happy interrupted him, a slight anger lined her voice.
Toby ignored her, "and it will be concealed in the airtight room until you can figure out a way to destroy it."
Walter nodded slowly, "That sounds like the most logical thing, but I don't like this. There has to be another way."
Paige spoke up, "Why do you have to go in? Couldn't you just throw the container in there?"
Toby sighed, "I wish. The air tight room is just a precaution in case this doesn't work. There has to be someone in there to torch it. And if I were to just throw it in there until we can figure something out, there is a chance it could still get out. The plastic will only keep the virus out of the vents for a certain amount of time. Really torching it is the only way to get rid of it."
"Given the amount virus you have, you will have enough propane," Sylvester stated, "This has a 97.8% chance of working. But-"
Toby smirked and interrupted him again, "See, I'll be fine. Now you all have to leave."
The team turned to leave. All except Happy that is. She stood firm in her spot.
"I'm staying with you."
Toby turned to her as the team continued moving toward the van, giving them space. He put the canister on the ground, then reached out and grabbed her hands.
Quietly, he tried to convince her to go, "No, Happy, you are going with them. This will work. The virus will be gone and all of these people will be safe."
Happy looked down and blinked back tears, "Doc, I have a bad feeling about this." She looked up and grabbed his shirt, forcing him to look at her, "Why are you doing this? Risking your life," she swallowed hard, "again? You were just trying to get me to not do something dangerous. Why, Toby? I can't lose you."
He wrapped his arms around her as she buried her face in his chest. "Someone has to do this, Happy. You said so yourself. We don't have time to figure out another way. Please, let me do this." He kissed the top of her head.
Happy sniffed, then looked up, unshed tears in her eyes, "I hate you, Doc."
Toby chuckled softly, "No you don't, babe."
She shook her head, "I really don't." She leaned up and gently kissed him.
When they pulled apart, Toby had a serious look on his face. "I love you," he whispered.
All of a sudden, Happy felt nervous. The nerves causing her heart to race, "Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye?"
Toby took a deep breath. He appeared nervous as well. "Listen, Happy, there is a chance-"
"Toby, you only have 5 minutes," Walter called out.
He nodded and called out, "Got it." He looked back down at Happy, a sorry written across his face, "I have to go, Hap. Stay safe. Remember, I love you."
He turned to walk into the building, but Happy stopped him by pulling on the back of shirt.
"Wait, what were you going to say, Doc? I don't like this." She gripped his arm tightly, hoping to keep him in place.
Toby pulled out of her grasp, "I have to go, Happy." He looked up to Walter who had made his way over, "Can you make sure she leaves and stays safe?"
Walter nodded, "Always."
Walter and Cabe each put a hand on Happy's shoulder to lead her away as Toby started running towards the building. Happy began to struggle against their strong grips.
"Wait, Doc," she called out after Toby's retreating figure, "Don't do this." She looked towards Walter, "What's going on? Why does this feel wrong?"
Walter didn't say anything as they forced her into the van.
"Walter, stop," she yelled out, "Let me out. I need to be there with Toby!"
Through their comms, Toby spoke up "Calm down, Happy. They will tell you everything you want to know when you get to safety. Just calm down."
Happy was near the point of tears by now, "Don't tell me to calm down! You all are hiding something and I want to know now."
Toby's voice remained calm, "It's ok, babe." He cleared his throat, "Walter, I'm here. The virus is set to release in 55 seconds."
She grabbed Walter and started shaking his shoulder. Between clenched teeth, she got out, "What. Is. Going. On?"
Sylvester finally spoke up, not liking seeing Happy like this, "There's a 97.8% chance Toby will kill the virus, but that lab is full of flammable chemicals, that when exposed to extreme heat or fire, can cause an explosion. Once Toby kills the virus, the heat from the blowtorch, along with any residual virus, will cause the lab to go to automatic shut down. It's the building's way to contain damage."
Happy whirled around to stare at Sly, "What? We have to get him out now! Why is he doing this? I should be up there with him."
Courtney put a hand on her shoulder, "He would rather sacrifice himself than see you hurt Happy. It would kill him if something happened to you."
Happy fisted her hand, "I'm going to kill him."
Toby chuckled through the comms.
Walter tried his best to reassure Happy. "We can override the shut down, but it will take a minute to hack the system. As long as Toby is careful with the flame, he should be okay and will get out in time."
Sylvester couldn't help but add, "But even with being careful, there is a high chance he will hit something that will start a fire. I would say there is a 17.3% chance of him not starting a fire."
Happy felt her heart drop to her stomach, "Toby!" she yelled out, "You have to get out of there! Now!"
"I wish I could, Hap," Toby said sadly, almost regretfully, "But it's almost time. Just remember, I love you and I'm sorry for any hurt I have caused. You'll be okay." His voice grew serious, "Walter, get your computer ready, I'm going to be in a hot situation."
Sly started counting down, "5...4...3...2...1"
"TOBY!" Happy yelled out as Sly got to one.
Everyone in the van sat quietly, waiting for news. The only sound to be heard was the blowtorch going and Walter furiously typing away at his computer. A few minutes later, Toby spoke up.
"We're safe. The virus is gone."
Happy sank back against the seat in relief, "Toby, are you okay? Talk to me."
"Not good," he responded nervously.
The whole van perked up.
"What's going on?" Sylvester asked.
"There were some papers on the counter that caught on fire and I have no way to extinguish it. The fire extinguisher and sink are on the other side of the lab. The papers are leading to a gas tank. Get me out of here, Walter!"
Walter furrowed his brow, "I'm trying, but there is a rolling encryption key that is proving to be difficult to hack." He paused, "Shit," he muttered.
Happy's heart started racing, "What happened Walt? We need to get Toby out of there!"
Walter's eyes didn't stray from the screen in front of him, but he explained what happened, "I put the building in lockdown mode. Everything is down for 15 minutes. There is nothing I can do at this moment."
As Walter was saying that, Happy jumped out of the van. She saw a car across the street and quickly picked the lock, hot wiring the car when she got inside.
"I'll be there in two, Doc."
Toby gasped, "Happy, no. Don't risk yourself."
Happy scoffed, "Too late, you're too important to me."
Toby tried to remain calm, but the fire was continuing to grow and get closer to the gas tank with every passing second.
"Walter, buddy, have you figured anything out yet?" he asked nervously.
"I'm trying to trick the system into thinking enough time has passed. I think- there I've got it! The door should open in 3...2...1"
The door to the lab popped open and Toby sprinted through it as flames lapped at his feet. As he ran to the stairwell he could feel the fire getting closer. He turned to see how far away it was and as he did so he tripped over a chair.
"Ah," he yelled, falling to the ground.
"What's happening, Doc?" Happy yelled out nervously, "I'm almost there."
Toby laughed at himself, scrambling up, "I just tripped. It's okay. I'm fine."
He finally reached the stairwell, throwing open the door, trying to get to the ground level before the fire hit the gas tank.
"I just got here. Where are you?" Happy said frantically.
"I'm on the-"
But before he could tell her his location an explosion threw him down the stairs. He landed hard and then continued to fall.
"TOBY!"
"Happy-" Toby whispered before darkness lulled him in, the smell of smoke filling the air around him.
Happy started to race in, but arms encircled her, stopping her pursuit.
"Let me go, Cabe," she struggled against him, "I have to get to Toby!"
Walter stood in front of her, "Stop it, Happy. The only way to help him is if you start thinking with your head, not your heart."
"He's right, kiddo. Walter and I will go in and see if we can find him," Cabe said, letting her go.
Happy didn't like this, so she tried to argue, "But-"
Cabe shook his head, "You need to stay here. You're too small to pull him out if he's hurt."
Happy nodded, looking wildly at the burning building, "Just go!"
Sly walked up behind them, "Based on the blueprints, there should be a stairwell across the lobby on the right side. That is most likely the route he took to get down."
Walter and Cabe nodded before running off. Happy started to go after them, but felt Sly put his arms around her, keeping her in place. She started to struggle against him.
"Sly, you don't understand, I have to get in there. Toby needs me. What if they need me to make something or what if Toby needs medical care. I have to get in there!"
As she was talking, her voice gradually took on more of a panic tone, almost to the point of hysterics. Finally, she struggled enough that Sylvester had to let her go. As she started to run towards the building, another explosion rocked the building and it started to collapse.
"TOBY!" she yelled, taking quick breaths. Blood started rushing to her ears and she started to get dizzy, the world going black.
Before unconsciousness took her though, she heard Paige whisper, "Oh my gosh."
