Chapter Two: Plague
"Hey buddy, watch what yer doin!" Larek ignored the large man he had bumped into and pushed past him. Seeing the Crashdown restaurant in front of him, he stumbled forward, holding his stomach, and leaned against the doors. Closed. Damn. He saw some movement in the back and began pounding on the glass with his fist. Jeff Parker squinted his eyes and set his mop aside. "Brody?" he questioned, unlocking the door and letting the man inside. "What's wrong? You look sick." Larek released a cough and sank into a chair. "Max Evans. I need to speak to him." Jeff shook his head, bending down to Larek's level. "I'm sorry Brody, but he's not here. Didn't you know? He's living in California with Lizzie now. All the kids are." "No. He can't be." Larek let out a weary breath and sank back into his seat. Jeff stood, placing a hand on Larek's shoulder. "You stay right here, Brody," he said, "I'm going to call a doctor." With as much force as he could manage, Larek grabbed Jeff's wrist and pulled him back. "No doctor. Tell me how I can get in touch with Max." His grip and the wild look in his eyes frightened Jeff and he nodded, gently prying himself away. "Okay," he stammered, "they're having some trouble with their phones right now, but I can give you the address. So … you just … stay put. I'll be right back." Larek watched him run to the back and squeezed his eyes shut, the pain in his stomach increasing.
Minutes later, Larek shoved a crumpled piece of paper into his pocket and stood on shaky legs. "Do you need some help?" Jeff asked, "I can take you home, to the hospital, anywhere you want to go." Larek considered for a minute. He really wouldn't be able to make it far in his condition. "Valenti. Take me to him." Jeff, more confused than he had ever been, wrapped his hands around Larek's arm. "Alright," he said, "let's go see Jim."
**
Michael wearily rubbed his forehead and sank onto the coffee table. "What is it now?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to know the answer. Max and Liz moved into the room and stood together before the group. Max looked to Liz for support and smiled softly at her nod. He looked down at the letter in his hands. "He sent this from Roswell. Postmarked two weeks ago." "And?" Tess asked anxiously, "what does he want?" Kyle wrapped his arm around her waist. "I'll read it to you," Max told them, unfolding the paper and taking a breath.
**
Max,
You entrusted me with your planet and your people, but I have not been able to live up to my promise to you. About a month ago – Earth time – Antar experienced a great plague. Our scientists and healers are at a loss as to how it started or from where it came. We do know that it is spread quickly and by touch. Those who had come in contact with the disease were immediately quarantined and given the best treatments we had available. Unfortunately, these treatments did nothing for the spread of the disease. I am writing to tell you that your planet, as well as mine and the others in the solar system, have been decimated. The few survivors have already contracted the disease and will die shortly. I managed to escape and 'transport' myself into the body of your friend, Brody Davis, so that I might be able to give you this news. What I had not anticipated was that I would be bringing the plague along with me. I am now ill and dying, as is Mr. Davis. That cannot be helped and I apologize. I do not yet know whether this disease can be spread among humans, but so far there have been no signs of this occurrence.
Max, you and your alien friends, must stay away from Roswell. If you do not heed this warning, you will surely contract the plague yourselves and perish. I will be watchful for the effects on humans as long as I am able. The symptoms are much like any human illness: fever, coughing, a red rash along both arms and on the face, and severe stomach pain. I pray that this plague is merely alien and that I have not brought it here to Earth. Please get in touch with Jim Valenti as soon as you receive this letter. Again, I am incredibly remorseful and apologize for this current predicament.
Yours, Larek