Chapter 1 The Infectious Agent
Chain of infectionIn order for infection to occur several things have to happen. This is often referred to as the Chain of Infection. The six links in the chain are:
The Infectious Agent –or the microorganism which has the ability to cause disease.
The Reservoiror source of infection where the microorganism can live and thrive. This may be a person, an animal, any object in the general environment, food or water.
The Portal of Exitfrom the reservoir. This describes the way the microorganism leaves the reservoir. For example, in the case of a person with flu, this would include coughing and sneezing. In the case of someone with gastroenteritis microorganisms would be transmitted in the feces or vomit.
The Mode of Transmission.This describes how microorganisms are transmitted from one person or place to another. This could be via someone's hands, on an object, through the air or bodily fluid contact.
The Portal of Entry.This is how the infection enters another individual. This could be landing on a mucous membrane, being breathed in, entering via a wound, or a tube such as a catheter.
The Susceptible Host. This describes the person who is vulnerable to infection.
Infection can be prevented by breaking the Chain of Infection.
Henry pulled up to the lower garage that gave access to the lab under the Innovation Center. This was where the real work happened. It was about 6am when he wanted to check on the experiment they had been working on around the clock. They had been researching how to speed up the cellular growth process so that asset development could happen faster. They were still unsure of average lifespans of the animals and needed to be prepared to create replacements quickly.
Henry also had more private requests for fast growth. Offers that were very lucrative and way off the books. So getting this to work was going to really benefit him overall.
The lab was full and bustling with activity. They looked to be all diligently working to finish. He hoped to start seeing successful results soon so he could implement it with the new assets.
"Good morning all. I came to check our progress." He came in with a smile on his face. "I'd like to update Simon by tomorrow."
"Sir, we're looking at a possible success later tonight. Things seem to be working and at a faster rate than expected. It operates just like a virus and we are seeing remarkable growth. The cells were doubling every hour it seemed. We're attempting airborne transmission to see if it doubles faster than injection." his lead researcher informed him.
"Excellent! How about testing interaction with the original unearthed DNA?" Henry also wanted to test if the cells could regenerate fossilized DNA, hoping to fill gaps with less outside animal DNA.
"We've actually seen stronger interaction with the fossilized samples. Almost like it wants an abandoned host more. We should have the testing completed by midnight." his lab tech informed him.
"Marvelous. I'll be in my office for the next couple hours. Then I have a number of meetings today, so I'll let you finish. Keep me apprised."
"Yes, sir."
With that, Henry left the lab techs to do their work for the morning.
Claire woke up on a Thursday morning at Owen's bungalow. She stretched as she stood up and looked out the window. Owen had an amazing view of the water behind his property. She actually found she slept better here than anywhere. Sleeping next to Owen might help a bit too, she thought. She looked down at him and smiled.
They had been together six months. And she had never been happier. They weren't perfect by any means and they still butted heads quite a bit, but now they used it as foreplay. And the sex was fantastic. As proven by the multiple times last night, she thought. If there was one big sticking point, it was that they hadn't yet been open with everyone about their relationship. Owen wanted to say something. He was tired of sneaking around. Claire was hesitant. As she looked at him, she thought about having the freedom to spend time with him anywhere, without worrying who was watching them.
He must have sensed her looking at him because despite looking asleep he smiled and patted the bed. "Get your cute ass back here."
"I'm enjoying the sunrise." she smirked.
Owen opened his eyes and saw her leaning by the window, wearing one of his shirts and bathed in the light from the sunrise. "Stay right there." He rolled over and grabbed his phone. She had gone back to looking out the window for a moment and he caught a picture of her. "Hey." She turned and saw him pointing his phone at her and she made a scrunched face. He took another one. "I'm making that one my wallpaper." he grinned.
"Don't you dare!" she said, pouncing on him as he kept his phone away and turned it off. He grabbed her around the waist and wrestling her back into the bed as she struggled, giggling the whole time. He leaned down, pulling her into a fiery kiss that immediately rushed through her. Her tongue begged for entrance and he happily obliged. Her tongue dipped and swirled, as they consumed each other. He dragged his mouth from hers and he latched on to her neck and under her ear, eagerly tasting the vanilla on her skin. She rolled her head back giving him full access, writhing underneath him and running her hands along his chest.
Whispering, he spoke, "Do you have any idea how goddamn sexy it is to see you in my shirt and knowing you're naked underneath it?" he asked, biting down gently on her earlobe. "And then seeing you standing there, looking fucking gorgeous in that window?" He made his way with his lips down to her chest and began undoing the buttons of his shirt, revealing more and more of her skin. He kissed the inside of her breasts as they were gradually exposed until the shirt was completely undone and he had a full view..
His greedy mouth took bold possession, sucking and licking around her nipple, while cupping and lightly squeezing the other breast. She was digging her fingers into his back as the pleasure mounted. She moved her hands to the back of his head, gripping the hair there tightly, causing him to moan out and tilt his head back.
She could feel his hardness on her thigh and she couldn't help but let out a needy moan in response herself. They had spent hours going at it the night before and he thought he'd be spent. Never the case being with Claire. She'd be able to bring him back from the dead.
He began rubbing against her, practically begging for entry. He returned to her lips as he lined himself up, just tickling the outside of her core. She wasn't about to let him have the control and, catching him off guard, pushed him so he was on his back and she was straddling his hips.
She was wiggling her hips and smirking at him, knowing she was stripping away his restraint. She loved having that power over him and he'd gladly give it to her anytime. She slowly peeled the shirt she was wearing off so that she was once again naked and hovering over him. He reached his hand up to caress her face, "God, your fucking beautiful."
She pulled him in, claiming his mouth again, hungry and intense . She bit down on his lip as she pulled back and moved to his neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark and leaving him ready to burst.
"Collared shirt today." she giggled.
"Badge of honor." he growled before rolling her over onto her back, again taking over. He kissed and nipped all the way down her neck and chest . He made his way down her stomach and over her hip, leaving her moaning and giggling, his stubble tickling her soft skin. He was rubbing the inside of her thigh as he moved one of his hands slowly toward her center. He lightly played outside her entrance before pushing his finger inside. She was already wet and he could feel her muscles clamp around his finger and he added a second one.
"Oh, god, Owen..." She could feel the build as he he pumped his fingers in and out and played with her clit, his lips returning to her breast and sucking hard on her nipple. "Oh...fuck me!" He pulled back just to watch her come undone.
"Soon, baby..." he said intensely. He had every intention of making her scream as he plunged into her, but right now, he was making her crazy and he loved it.
He kept the pace until he could feel her clamping down and she finally cried out her release. "Aahhh...there...yes..yes.." His fingers remained there as here felt her shudder around him. He kept his eyes on her as he slowly removed his fingers, feeling her still quivering as he pulled out.
He finally reached over and grabbed a condom out of his drawer. Claire snatched it out of his hand and ripped it open with her teeth. Looking him in the eye, she slowly rolled it on him.
"That is so fucking hot..." he growled. She circled his hard length with her hand and began pumping him slowly. Knowing he wouldn't last much longer, she released him as he finally lined himself up and thrust into her. He kissed her hungrily as he began plunging in and out of her slowly. She threw her head back as he buried his face in her neck. "Fuck, Claire...you're so goddamn wet..." She arched her back to better accept him as his eyes slid shut in ecstasy.
"Owen...uh...yes...yes" Claire breathed out between pants. She matched his rhythm as she squeezed her inner walls around his shaft. She started to pick up the pace as she wanted him to drive into her more. "God...harder...yesss..." she threw her head back
"Uh...ahh...god, yes..." he groaned as he felt her tighten around him, driving him to thrust deeper, "Oh, fuck baby...so fucking good...oh my god..."
"Owen...umm...ummm...I'm gonna come..." Claire cried as she felt the orgasm building again. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper and harder.
"God...Claire...fuck..." he groaned, dropping his head to kiss her feverishly as he felt her clamp down hard around his cock. He continued pumping until he felt his own release build up.
His stamina was spent from the night before and he was quickly coming hard and fast. He hovered over her for a moment, his breathing ragged while leaning his forehead on hers. He just looked at her, sweaty and glowing with a smile a mile wide, directed right at him. His chest constricted tightly as he realized how much he really loved this incredible woman laying beneath him.
"Good morning." she grinned. He smiled and collapsed next to her on the bed. He had been so close to saying it. The three word phrase he'd been really wanting to say to her for weeks. But not yet. He knew she wasn't ready yet.
"Good morning, gorgeous." he rolled over and gave her a quick kiss before she curled up on his chest.
"It's gonna be a little crazy today. I may not see much of you." she frowned. It was Thursday, so it was the beginning of the weekend crowd. Plus Karen was coming in to visit with the boys. Plus Owen's Navy buddies were spending their reunion week here. And Simon was here too. It was a bit head spinning.
"Well, I was thinking about something." he started.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I was thinking we should tell Simon while he's here. This morning." he said, hopefully. She sat up to look at him.
They had been talking about going public and he knew she was still hesitant. She wanted to, but she was afraid of the strain that having eyes on them everywhere would have on their relationship. It had been six months and she was clearly happy. He just wanted to spend time with her without having to hide it.
"Look, I know you hate having you life on display. I promise we won't intentionally draw attention. Unless you want to." He smirked and she shook her head laughing. He cupped her face so he could look in her eyes. "But there's a lot going on this week and I want to share it with you. I want to meet your sister and nephews. I want you to hang out with my friends. I want to make them all jealous as hell that my girlfriend is the most powerful and most beautiful in the room. And I'd really like to do it without having to make up some ridiculous fake excuse for you to be there." he grinned.
She smiled. "God, I can't resist that face. It'll be the death of me."
"So that's a yea or a nay?"
"Yea." she sighed and chuckled.
His smile widened and he rolled so he was hovering over her, reaching out to caress her face, "My girl."
It was 11am and Claire had managed to schedule a time slot with Simon's already full schedule. Owen was supposed to meet her and he hadn't arrived yet. Simon would be out any minute. She was more nervous than when she first interviewed for her job.
This wasn't about her work. This was about her. And for Claire, sometimes that was the hardest thing for her to discuss. She hated attention and she especially hated her personal life at the center. But the last six months changed a lot of her perspective on things. She realized she was completely capable on her own, but it was definitely less interesting. Owen made life enjoyable even when she was just pushing her way through each day on autopilot. He slowed her down and made her laugh. And the sex. My god, the sex.
Claire hadn't had that many partners, but the ones she'd had recently were typical egotistical business men. Her needs always meant nothing to them. It was a means to an end and she just went with it, figuring it was better than nothing for her.
Owen wanted her. He wanted her to feel good and it turned him on when she was turned on. They were equal and they always fought for control. It was fucking hot for her and she was practically turning into a little nympho. He could barely keep his hands off of her when they were alone. She smiled just remembering this morning.
But it was the side of Owen that she felt safe and cared for with that meant the most. It's what made her finally decide to go out with him. He was her support system in every way. Except in public.
She, as the boss, had always been concerned about openly being seen together with any man she dated. She never wanted anyone to think she took advantage of her position or to be viewed as a woman sleeping her way around.
But she was ready now. She wanted to spend time together with him and their family and friends. And she wanted to give him the one thing he's been asking about for months. She'd put it off long enough and he'd been amazingly patient with her. But today meant a lot to him.
And she was falling for him. Hard.
As the door started to open, she heard the sound of someone running down the hall.
"Mr. Grady, where's the fire?" Simon chuckled as Owen practically screeched to a halt in front of him.
"Sorry, sir. I promised Claire I'd be on time and I was unfortunately tied up." he said, looking apologetically at Claire. He was on his way out when Hoskins blocked the doorway and cornered him again about field testing options.
She smiled at him as they entered Simon's office and closed the door.
"So what brings you by?" he asked, indicating the seats in front of his desk for them to sit. He watched as Owen placed his hand on her lower back, guiding her over. He allowed her to sit first before sitting himself, glancing at her frequently. Simon knew he might be getting some long awaited news today. But he'd let them sweat it out a minute.
"Simon, I..." she hesitated and looked at Owen. This was awkward for her. "This is not a big deal at all and I don't want to take up your time with it, but it is company policy and I'd I've always been by the book with things, so this is no different..." she started rapidly rambling.
Owen reached over and grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips to distract her momentarily. When he had her attention, he turned and looked at Simon. "Simon, Claire and I are together. We have been for over six months. We wanted to tell you and be open about it." Owen finally said bluntly.
Simon sat there at his desk, leaning on his elbows and resting his forefingers on his lips, looking thoughtful as he looked at them. Not saying anything, he got up and walked over to his large window and looked out at the busy park.
"Simon, I promise it won't interfere with our work, and this isn't just a fling for us. I promise we won't cause any unnecessary embarrassment." Claire hopped up to plead to him, hoping he would understand.
Finally, he turned with a giant smile on his face and opening his arms. "Well, it's about time. It's been going on long enough." Simon chuckled.
"Simon!" Claire said, shocked. Owen just burst out laughing.
"What? You think I'm blind?" he chuckled. "But I appreciate you finally deciding to tell me. And now I have a good reason to start having both of you at my investor dinners. Starting tonight. 6pm."
Owen frowned and now Claire burst out laughing. "You wanted to tell him!"
"Look, Simon, any other night and you could probably convince me to go with some complaining. But my guys are here. It's first night and there's about forty of them here tonight." Owen pleaded. He really didn't want to sit through a business dinner in general, but especially tonight.
"I'll make you a deal, my friend. You come to this dinner tonight at six and I will shut down the lagoon bar and make it private for your guys starting at nine. Open bar all night." he offered.
Owen pondered the offer for a moment. He thought about having to wear a monkey suit and make nice with corporate assholes. Then he thought of how hot Claire would look in her cocktail dress. And free booze for the guys all night? "Dammit! Fine! I can't turn down the open bar for the guys. I will be the sacrificial lamb for them." he grumbled.
"I'm sorry my presence won't be enough to ease you burden." Claire rolled her eyes at him.
"Your beautiful face is the only thing that will keep me from running for the door." he grinned.
"Good to know. I'll notify the hostess to block the exits." Simon chuckled. "Now I will arrange everything at the lounge. I want to make them feel welcome. I might even pop by and visit."
"That's because you want to recruit them." Claire pointed out.
"True." he grinned. "What time are your sister and nephews arriving?" Claire had notified Simon weeks ago that her family would be coming and he immediately approved the time off. It was part of the reason he was here on the island now. To help cover for her. He wanted her to relax. Now knowing Owen was in the mix too made him immensely happy.
"The 3pm ferry. Should be here for check-in. I believe it's the same boat Owen's Navy friends are coming on." she smiled. As much as she was nervous, she was also really looking forward to all the activity over the next few days. And having the time with her family, who she never gets to be in the same room with very often.
"Perfect. Owen, I'll be bringing the investor group over to the paddock in about an hour. If we could please get a demo of your training session. Some of these gentlemen are considering some continued funding for your project specifically. I'll make sure we're done in time for you to get to the docks. Call Lindsey, our head concierge and tell her I've asked her to assist your group." Simon reminded him.
"Understood, sir." Owen responded as he got up. He couldn't really say no to any of that. Money meant food and upkeep for the raptors.
He reached for Claire's hand and assisted her getting up as well.
"I will see you both at Winston's then." Simon said, escorting them to the door.
"Thank you Simon." Claire nodded as she stepped out.
He watched as they left down the hall. He noticed how Owen never released Claire's hand as they walked. No longer hiding, they stayed that way as long as he could see them and, he assumed, until they parted to return to work. He smiled as he closed his office door.
Kelly Turner was a graduate student working on the island with Dr. Wu. She had been working in the lab for the last year and she was well aware of protocols. She watched as her supervisor, Mark, went into the chamber in his protective gear to take the next round of readings.
They had spent weeks prepping and running this attempt at expedited cellular growth. This was the one they were hoping for. It had already shown the best results across the board. Dr. Wu had been checking daily, increasing the overall value of the experiment. Nothing could go wrong or it would be weeks or longer to get here again.
She was currently observing and taking necessary notes as Mark was collecting the data. Once he was done, he stepped into the outer chamber and waited for the vent to finish cleaning him and the air around him. Once he had gone through the sequence, he stepped out and took off his gear.
"The kill rate is increasing on the living cell samples. But now, it's looking like after those cells die, the agent then rapidly rejuvenates the growth. It really likes an empty shell to rebuild." Mark reported.
"Not necessarily what we were looking for, but interesting to say the least. What do think Dr. Wu will make of it?" Kelly asked.
"I'm not sure. But we keep going as planned."