Hey folks! I' m a beta killer. Got the good-bye e-mail this morning. Sorry for the long delay in posting. I had been waiting for input from the beta. That said, I am once more flying sans beta. All mistakes are my own. Thank you for coming back! Hope to finish this up soon as I madly work on the next one in the series. Comments and reviews welcomed! They keep me writing! - CT
Chapter 25: En Route
As he drove, Joe glanced back. Things were just getting worse. Harrison was paler, unconscious, and unresponsive. Iris was struggling to hold another cloth in place as another seizure shook the scientist's body. Pulling his phone out, Joe hoped Artemis was still there. They needed answers. "Artemis, what the hell do we do?" Joe shouted the demand as he navigated the road toward STAR labs.
"To reduce the seizures the implant needs to be removed," Artemis answered instantly
"How the hell do we do that?" Without knowing what the AI was talking about, Joe knew it was probably complicated.
"It will be a difficult procedure. With Dr. Snow's help I can get it done quickly enough that we should be able to repair the physical damages and possibly save Harrison's life. However, this will require that my physical component be allowed into the lab."
"Wait, are you saying that you have a way to move yourself around?" Joe couldn't begin to understand everything the AI said. He just had to hope he was at least getting the basics.
"That is correct. If my physical component is allowed at the lab I will easily be able to assist with removal of the implant as well as repairs on Harrison's body."
"Then get your physical component ass over to the lab, now!" Joe glanced back, Iris was still pressing firmly on the wound. "We need to get in touch with Caitlin. Let her know we're coming."
"I am capable of initiating a conference call if you desire," Artemis replied.
"I thought you were going to the lab," Joe demanded.
"My programming allows to me do that while still maintaining contact with you. I am calling Dr. Snow now." There was a pause of silence and then Joe heard the phone line ringing.
"Joe, what's going?" Caitlin's voice carried over the line loud and clear. "The city is in chaos. Barry just finished diffusing the tenth and final bomb planted by Goldenboy. Looks like the Chameleon has dealt with the situation at the Stadium."
"Yes, I know what's happened," Joe declared. "Caitlin, Iris and I are bringing you a patient. The Chameleon was seriously injured at the stadium. One of his partners is on his way to the lab. You're going to have to help him save the Chameleon's life." Joe couldn't say why he didn't just tell them it was Harrison. It might have saved them all some time, but he wanted to make sure the MD knew that she would be treating the Chameleon.
"Joe," Barry's voice sounded over the phone. "Where are you? I can come pick the Chameleon up."
"We're almost there," Joe declared. "Look, somebody or something named Artemis is coming to the lab. Let him, it, whatever into the lab. He'll need Caitlin's help treating the Chameleon," Joe said. In the back Iris was leaning over Harrison's head. A moment later Joe realized she was doing rescue breathing.
"Joe, I don't know how much I can do for a meta-lizard," Caitlin came back on the line.
"Look, Artemis is confident he has a chance of saving Chameleon's life with your help," Joe informed her. "Please, all I'm asking is that you try to help."
"Alright Joe. Come into the garage. I'll have the gurney there and will be waiting for you."
"Thanks, Caitlin. Iris is doing rescue breathing now." Once more Joe glanced back at his daughter.
"Dr. Snow, shall I also meet you at the garage?" The question was posed by Artemis.
"Is this Artemis?" Caitlin only sounded a little surprised.
"Indeed. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. My mobile component is currently en route to your location."
"Are you some sort of machine?"
"The complete answer to that question is rather in depth and complicated. I would be more than happy to answer it at another time. Please direct me to where I should go in the laboratories," Artemis replied calmly.
"Meeting us in the garage should be fine," Caitlin replied.
"Excellent. I am approximately three minutes behind Joe's vehicle. Please have a space prepared for operating."
"Will do. I have to go get things ready." The second line went dead leaving Joe to drive and Artemis to monitor the situation. In the back Iris had started doing CPR, her mind frantically trying to recall all the first aid classes and CPR classes she had ever taken in her life. Focusing on the road, Joe desperately hoped they would make it in time.