2175

Gorman was gradually becoming aware of the fact that the metal flooring was nearly covered in his own blood. The numbers and words on the screen in front of him began to blur. He was starting to find it difficult to stand. He was sweating, but he was cold. If he stood here any longer, he would go into shock . . .

For a moment, he wasn't sure what he was doing. He glanced around, dimly aware of his hands shaking. He could faintly see the download progress bars growing fuller.

The plans had finished downloading. All he had to wait for now were the records on Jethro. He estimated it would take ten minutes. Did he have ten minutes?

He felt a pulsing sensation throughout his body, and more blood began dripping down his arm as his heart continued to do its work.

The progress bar moved, inching closer to being finished.

"Gorman? What the hell is taking so long?" Towers asked over her headset.

Gorman could hear her, but couldn't respond. Didn't know how to respond. Everything was becoming more and more blurry. His head ached, and felt so light and heavy at the same time. He continued to shiver. He could see two progress bars now . . .

"Gorman? What's going on? Respond, please!"

He couldn't stand. Not anymore. Trying to force himself to continue seemed futile, and his body was begging for the bleeding to stop. Towers's pleas for him to respond were growing faint, and the sound of his own fast but weakening heartbeat began flooding his ears. Fuzzy black spots began slowly swimming across his vision. His contact with reality was severed, and the last thing he was aware of was the sensation of falling. He wondered if he was going to fall forever, like a bad dream, but his consciousness faded when he hit the floor.


2137

Waits let Lissa sit in his office with a cup of coffee before gathering what little remained of his forces in the center of the Bureau. After describing what he had seen, the others were silent, offering no ideas or solutions.

"We can't just let it roam around until the transports arrive. God only knows how long it'll take before they do," Harris said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"And I don't think we want to risk it getting on one of the transports," added Sterling.

"We also don't want the entirety of Sevastopol panicking," muttered Waits. "If they panic, they'll make it difficult for us to catch and kill that thing."

"We need to get it in one fell swoop, mate. Plus, you mentioned it bleeds a very strong acid. How do we kill it without breaching the hull of the station?"

"Good question." Waits rubbed his face, sighing. "We'd have to trap it somewhere the damage would be minimal, and completely seal off the area. The other question is how do we can keep an eye on everyone? We're spread too thin as it is."

"Personally, I think it'll be inevitable that members of the population will panic, regardless if you tell them or not. They'll either be cast off as loons or others will follow in their footsteps."

"Well, I'm not saying a word to anyone. This conversation stays between us. If Ransome were to find out, he'll be the one starting a panic and making my job more difficult."

"If this organism is as dangerous as we think it is, I doubt Ransome would try to stop you from killing it."

Waits stood, casually strolling over to where Sterling was sitting on top of a desk. "Here's the thing, Sterling-" Waits took the safety off his revolver, and put the muzzle against the side of the bespectacled man's head, "I've had a sneaking suspicion for years that you leaked shit to Ransome. Is that true?"

Sterling paled, and his breath quickened. "Yes. Waits, don't-"

"Shut it. I'm not done with you. Did you tell Ransome about what Lingard found during her examination of that woman from the Anesidora?"

"No. I-I gave . . . I did give Ransome an access tuner. Years ago. I only know he said he'd use it if Lingard refused to give him information he wanted. If she sent a message, he was probably able to find it on any computer he had access to. I said nothing, Waits, I swear!"

"You still gave him that fucking tuner."

"I had no choice! Anyone who's been unfortunate enough to deal with Ransome knows that!"

The room fell silent, then the silence was broken by Waits flicking the safety back on his revolver. "I wanna know where your loyalties lie, son. We're about to deal with a dangerous animal. We're about to deal with something that could put the entire population of Sevastopol in harm's way. I want to know that you won't say one fucking word to Ransome about anything we do regarding this."

"I won't say a word, Waits. Promise."

"I shouldn't count on you, but I will." Waits put his revolver back on his belt. "Don't break my trust, or I'll break your nose, got it?"

Sterling nodded, releasing his breath. Color began returning to his face.

"I can only give you so many chances. I don't want Ransome knowing. If he finds out, we're fucked." Waits looked around at the others. "That goes for all of you."

The first part of his plan was finding a place on the station where they could shoot the creature without risking a breach of the hull. Floors and walls might be damaged, sure, but he wanted to make sure there were no fuel or electrical lines in the way.

As Ricardo and Turner looked over a map, Waits went into his office to check on Lissa. She was still there, quiet, holding a now-lukewarm coffee. "How're you doing?" Waits asked.

"Not sure," Lissa replied. "Shaken."

"That's understandable. Look, I . . . I think it might be better for you to stay here while we take care of that thing."

She nodded. "I heard you out there. I saw it. I don't . . . I don't want it hurting anyone else."

"Yeah. You'd be safer here." Waits's thoughts turned to Lingard. "I . . . have some personal business to attend to. I'll be back in a few hours. Just do me a favor and don't touch anything on my desk, OK?"


There were usually people walking around the transit platforms and malls this time of day. Waits was a little baffled to see the platforms and malls were dead silent. Sure, there were less people on board, but he typically saw one or two. A familiar feeling of dread began twisting his stomach.

It was a similar case at San Cristobal, except everyone was gathered outside the hospital, in beds, some awake and some asleep. They paid no attention to him.

Lingard was measuring a liquid medicine of some kind into someone's IV drip. She glanced at Waits, but then tried to pretend he wasn't there.

"I need to talk to you for a minute," Waits said.

"I'm busy," Lingard replied.

"It's important, and I need to tell you in private."

"How important?"

"Like 'life and death' important."

Finishing the IV drip, Lingard hung the bag over someone's bed, and led Waits into the hospital. Once the doors were shut, she slapped him hard across the face. "That's for questioning how much I love you!" Tears filled her eyes. "Honestly, Waits . . . you're . . ."

"An ass. I know." His left cheek stung. "Look, I came to apologize for what I said earlier. It wasn't right, you know, for me to question your loyalty to me, or your devotion to your job. I mean, people have done that to me in the past, and I should've thought about that before opening my big fat mouth."

"But you didn't."

"I didn't. For that, I'm sorry."

Lingard kept looking him in the eye, then she nodded. "Alright. I forgive you."

"And, even though I probably shouldn't, I'm not gonna get upset with you over buying supplies on the black market. I know why you did it. Just . . . when we get to Gateway, don't do it again."

Lingard yanked on Waits's cap. "Thanks. I just hope I don't have to resort to that on Gateway."

"I don't think you will, honey."

"OK. I highly doubt this is a life-and-death issue, so what else is going on?"

"Well, it turns out . . . that worm-thing that came outta that woman's chest is all grown up now, and it ain't pretty." Waits described to Lingard the incident in the maintenance tunnels under the habitation towers, how the creature likely killed Lissa's husband, how it bled acid when he shot it. He finished with, "You cannot tell a soul. We can't risk having a mass panic, and we can't risk Ransome getting in the way."

"You think Ransome is vengeful enough that he'd prevent you from killing this thing, even though it could very likely kill him and everyone else on this station?"

"I don't want to take that chance."

"I think he'd actually side with you for once. He's . . . not nice, but he's not insane."

"Again, I'm not taking the chance. The other thing is . . . I don't think you and Morley should stay here. I don't know where that creature is going to show up next, but I don't want you two getting hurt."

"Waits, we still have patients here."

Sighing, Waits struggled to refuse to argue. "Alright, then . . . I'm going to teach you something that could save your life. Ever shoot a gun before?"

Lingard shook her head.

"OK." Waits took out his revolver. "This thing definitely isn't made for beginners, but it's all we have. Anyway, when someone hands you a weapon, always make sure they're not pointing the muzzle at you. Only time in the universe anyone should give you something butt-first."

"Waits!"

"Oh, come on, we need a little humor here. Now, when you take the revolver-go ahead, take it-make sure you keep it pointed away from people, unless you intend to shoot them." Waits got alongside Lingard, gesturing to the cylinder holding the six bullets, and pushed it open. "It's loaded, so, be careful. This is where you put your bullets in. Just push it back in when you're done loading." He gently put his hands on hers, and moved her thumb onto the safety. "Pull back this when you're ready to shoot."

"OK."

"I don't recommend you shoot it now. I'm not quite sure how you're gonna handle the recoil. Probably not that great, but not as bad as if I had given you a shotgun."

Lingard nodded. She aimed the revolver down the hall, pulled back the safety, then put the safety back on before handing it to Waits.

"Think you got it?" He put the gun back on his belt.

"Yeah."

"Alright. I'll go grab one from the armory for you, plus some ammo. May as well get one for Morley, too." Waits kissed Lingard's cheek. "I have faith in you, sweetheart."

Lingard turned to throw her arms around Waits's neck, hugging him tightly. "I love you."

"Look, if things get bad here, come to the Bureau. You'll be safe."

"OK."

A dull ache came over Waits's heart. He wished he could convince Lingard to go with him now. He didn't want to see her hurt. "If anything happens, I'll come for you. I promise. Just call me. I'll always respond." He held her tight, pressing her against his body. He gave a quiet sigh. "I know we're not married yet, but I'm making all those promises now."

He didn't want to let go, but he had to. He had a job to do. He had to kill this creature, before it killed anyone else.


Waits's plan was to go with Sterling, Turner, and Garcia, all armed with shotguns and equipped with motion trackers, to find the creature. There were several places around the station that wouldn't be missed if damaged by acid. They just couldn't be salvaged when Seegson broke Sevastopol down to sell for scrap. The issue was that Waits didn't want himself and his team leading the creature. Using themselves as bait.

He had to do it, though. There was no other way.

They would go down at night, when everyone was up in their apartments. So far, no one was reporting anymore disappearances. For the time being, Waits had to make a delivery to San Cristobal.

He put two revolvers in a secure case with plenty of ammunition for Lingard and Morley to split evenly. As he headed to the platform, he felt a chill move down his spine. He felt like he was being watched, and there were no people around.

Waits looked around, until he saw something curled up in the tubes and pipes running along the ceiling. The creature shifted, and began crawling out of the pipes. It dropped to the floor, turning to face Waits, then opened its mouth, revealing a second set of teeth. Thick, clear saliva dripped from its jaws, as it began slowly moving toward Waits.

It pained Waits that he couldn't kill it here. He didn't have the power in his revolver to take it down in six shots. He didn't know what was under that platform, and whether it was vital or not.

From the corner of his eye, Waits saw the transit doors opening. The thing could likely sense them as well. He didn't want to take his eyes off it, lest that pissed it off.

Then it turned its long head to look at the transit. Waits bolted, getting as far back into the car as he could. Screaming, the creature tried to follow. It tried using its clawed hands to force open the doors, but they shut, trapping the creature's claws. It gave a scream of pain, and Waits picked up the case holding the two revolvers, grunting as he swung the case and smashed it on the creature's hideous fingers. It continued to scream. Waits bashed its claws again with the case, and that finally forced the creature to withdraw, just as the transit pulled away.

Even though the creature couldn't see it, Waits flipped up his middle finger in its direction.

When he arrived at SciMed, Waits noticed only Morley was tending the patients outside San Cristobal. Lingard was nowhere to be seen. "Hey, Doc. Where's-"

"She's in her office," Morley replied. "Do you need something?"

"Yeah. I brought some weapons for you. Just in case. And enough bullets for you both."

Morley nodded. "Thanks, Waits."

"You know how to shoot?"

"Yes."

"Alright." Waits handed him one of the revolvers. "All yours. Please, keep it. Don't know why Hazelton thought these were a good idea."

"As long as it serves its purpose," Morley said. "Have you heard anything regarding the transports?"

"No. Wish I have." Waits wished he had gotten Morley alone, so he could tell him what that worm had turned into. Perhaps Lingard had already told him. "Can I . . . just go and see Lingard?"

"Go ahead."

The hospital was at its darkest and emptiest. Waits headed right for Lingard's office, and saw her sitting in front of her computer, head down with her hands in her hair. "Hey, sweetheart. You doing OK?"

Lingard nodded.

"Got a revolver out for you, and ammunition. Already gave Morley his." Waits set the gun on the desk, studying Lingard's body language. "Are you sure you're OK? You look . . . upset."

Lingard sat up, sighing. "I've been up for about thirty-five hours. I . . . I needed to step away for a little awhile. Almost fell asleep."

"I've been up about the same time as you, and, yeah, I've been . . . been almost falling asleep, too. I have to go out with some of the other guys to hunt the son-of-a-bitch down when I get back."

Lingard looked at him, eyes half-lidded with tiredness. "How much time can you spare?"

"No idea."

"I know we both really need to get back to work, but I think it'd be good for us to do something to keep us going, at least until we can sleep again."

"And what are you suggesting?"

"Just a snuggle. That's it."

"Honey, we both can't fit in the chair."

"Then I'll sit on your lap."

Waits closed the door. "Fine." He sighed and went behind the desk to pick up Lingard.

"Waits, please be careful, sweetie. Please be-" She gave a startled scream when she slid from Waits, landing on the floor between the chair and the wall.

"Well, don't move, then," Waits said.

Lingard glared at him while sitting on his lap and putting her arms around his neck. She lifted his chin, then pressed her forehead to his. "I love you," she whispered.

"Flaws and all?" he asked.

"Yep."

"Thanks."

She grinned and tugged his cap. "A year from now, we'll be living in a nice apartment on Gateway. Either married or getting ready to get married."

"Probably still engaged. Takes forever for brides to pick their damn dress."

"And I've been through this before. I'm beyond caring how fancy the dress is. Getting you to dress up will be a hassle, though."

"Then I'm going to surprise you with actually getting all dressed up. Might surprise my family, too."

They were silent for a minute or two. Lingard hugged Waits and nuzzled his face. His pulse in his neck throbbed against her arm as she tightened her grip on him. She listened to his breathing, then stroked his hair. "I wish we could just sit here all night."

"Yeah." Waits kissed Lingard's cheek. "Kiss me like you did on the day we started dating."

"When we confessed in my apartment, or when we were in the mall?"

"In the mall. Our first real kiss."

Lingard smiled a little before kissing Waits's forehead. He kissed hers, and they touched noses, gently nuzzling each other before kissing. Waits's heart beat faster. He did not want this moment to end. Not now. Not ever.

Then they pulled apart, breathing hard, a multitude of emotions flooding them. They both knew they needed to get back to work, but one more kiss wouldn't hurt, right? Drawing in another breath at the same time, they kissed again, and squeezed each other tighter.

They pulled apart one last time, staring at each other. Waits realized his eyes were filling with tears, as were Lingard's. As they began to roll down her face, Waits gently wiped them away with his thumb. "This'll be over soon. I promise."


Waits's thoughts turned back to the creature as he boarded a transit car to return to the habitation towers. He hoped the thing wasn't smart enough to remember him, because it was probably still pissed about him smashing its fingers in the doors of the car.

The car slowed to a halt when it entered the tower. Waits's blood chilled upon seeing how dark it had gotten since he left; the lights must've been turned off while he was gone.

The silence was equally chilling.

The doors opened to let him off. Waits could hear his heart pounding, hear blood rushing in his ears. He stepped off, and looked around in the darkness. He could hear nothing but the functions of his own body. It had been a long time since he had ever been this scared.

He decided not to wait. He pulled his radio from his belt, saying, "Sterling, grab Garcia and Turner and come down to the transit platform."

"Right, sir. Is everything OK? You said you'd meet us up here," Sterling replied, his voice breaking the eerie silence.

"Yeah. Just . . . change in plans-"

Waits was interrupted by a sudden, long screech. The creature lunged from the darkness, nearly catching Waits in its claws. Without any second thoughts, Waits began running. Shit!

He hadn't run like this in a long time. He was in much better shape the last time he had to run so hard. It seemed fear would propel him forward, regardless of how soft he had gotten over the last few years.

The creature was behind him, running, stomping on the metal floor. Waits found himself in the lower mall, nearly all its stores abandoned, including the grill he and Lingard loved going to so much. At least the owner had been kind enough to tell them they'd be going to Gateway and setting up business there, and the two would be welcome whenever they managed to come.

At any other point, a pang of longing would have pierced through Waits's chest. Not now. He couldn't run forever, not with this angered monstrosity chasing him. He glanced around frantically, and then dashed toward the bars separating an empty convenience store from the rest of the mall. The space between the bars was sizable, but Waits would have to really suck in his gut to get through. He cursed and cursed as he tried to fit through. He cursed every extra helping he took whenever Lingard had him over for dinner, and he knew now she was right when she did his physical and told him he needed to lose a few pounds. Such a selfish, idiotic part of him was slowing him down while this creature came after him.

Finally, he pushed himself through the bars, falling to the floor. His belly was sore from him forcing his way in, but he ignored the pain as he disappeared into the darkness of the store, hiding in the maze of shelves. Waits crouched in the back, looking at the entrance. The creature stormed up to it, and gave a frustrated growl when it realized it had lost its prey, and couldn't get to it.

But it stayed. It knew Waits was there. Waits stayed perfectly still, hoping it would go away at some point. The other Marshals had to come soon. His heart pounding wildly, Waits squeezed his eyes shut, and prayed.


Question: How do Gorman and Waits express determination differently? And similarly?