Phoenix
Author's Notes:
I cannot even describe how full of crap I am regarding the medical stuff in this chapter. It is a little from biology class, a little from anatomy class, a little from the internet, and a lot of my imagination. It is total bullshit but I think it sounded pretty good so I went with it.
Thank you to namu1, 10polarbear1, XxLunerMoonxX, CosmicParadise, and VampbaitInfinity for the reviews. I appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks for taking the time. You guys are awesome! Also, a big thanks for all of the Favorites and Follows.
I hope you enjoy this next chapter. As always, I'd love to hear from you!
Chapter 7
DECISION
It was crowded in the communal area of the cell block. There weren't enough seats at the tables, so some had settled on the railings nearby or on the floor.
"Thank you to everyone for coming. We feel that we all need to work together, as a single group, if you all agree," Rick began. "There have been a number of things happening lately and some decisions need to be made. We need to make them together. I guess I am pretty much the spokesperson for our group, at least for today. I am not sure if you have anyone on your side in that position. Regardless of that, anyone is welcome to say anything at anytime. We all have voices here."
The group from Woodbury looked toward Tyrese and Karen.
"I guess Karen and I are but, like you said, each person has the right to speak his or her own mind."
"Ok," Hershel started, looking around the room. "First let's talk about the bites. We all know that the CDC told us that the longest lasted only 8 hours. Glenn was first and barely got sick. Nadia was second and she lasted two days. Then Daryl and Roger, with Daryl not showing any effect whereas Roger only lasted a few hours. Does anyone have any insight?"
Several people turned to Roger's cousin Rebecca. "I might. Glenn and Daryl were healthy when they were bit, correct?"
"Yes," Glenn said. "Daryl and I were, aside from the malnutrition issues that we all have had since this all happened."
Rick looked at her. "You have a theory?"
"Maybe," she said shrugging. "We're talking about a sickness. I mean, that's what Wildfire is, right? Roger had lymphoma a year before Wildfire started. He was in remission then, but who knows if it had come back. It may have been back or he may just have been weakened because of it. I don't know anything about Nadia, but it may have played a part in why Roger went so fast."
Hershel looked at the group. "That's a very interesting theory and it might have merit. Does anyone know about Nadia?"
"Not really," said an older woman sitting toward the back of the room. "She said she was tired all the time and she was awfully thin, but no one really gave it any thought. I mean, aren't we all tired and hungry?"
"Let's consider this a working theory, then, since we don't know for sure," Hershel said.
"Wherever we decide to go, we won't take the whole group," Michonne said. "We should be careful of who goes. The Governor is still out there and we need to make sure the prison stays protected."
"Agreed," Rick said. "We also don't want to take too many people because there is a risk that the ones sent out won't return. There are a lot of dangers out there, not just from the walkers."
"Let's brainstorm ideas. Anything that comes to mind," Hershel said.
"What about the hospitals?" T-Dog asked.
"They all seemed to be overrun with the sick when this all went down," Rick said. "The one that I left was a disaster. It was nearly destroyed. They are all probably ransacked by now. I wouldn't think that they have the ability to look into something this complex, anyway."
"What about a college medical school?" asked Rebecca.
"That might be worth investigating," Tyrese said. "We'll need to decide where to try and how to get there."
Karen looks at the group. "What about a drug company? They do research and development so they might have more information, if any still exist. My sister-in-law worked for one. I don't really know what went on there, but it may be a start. I was trying to get to my brother when I found Woodbury. I stayed. I had to think of my daughter. It seemed better than wandering around trying to find family that I may not have had anymore."
"Do you know where this lab is?" T-Dog asked.
"It's not in the city so there's probably better chance it's running. I think I remember. I have only been there a couple of times but I'm pretty sure I can find it. I think this might be the best option to try for now. If it doesn't pan out, then maybe go on to the university?"
"Sounds like as good a place to start as any," Rick said. "I don't want to take Daryl or Glenn or reveal where they are until we know more. Are there any volunteers to go with Karen and me?"
T-Dog, Tyrese, Sasha, and Rebecca volunteer.
"I think I need to stay here," Michonne said.
"I agree. You and Daryl can be in charge of keeping the prison secure. T-Dog, I think you should also stay."
T-Dog nodded. "If you think that's best, then OK."
They decide to take Rick, Karen, Tyrese and Sasha.
Rick turned to the three. "Just to remind you all, this is a fact-finding-mission only. We are not going to be revealing anything to whoever we find until we know for sure they can be trusted."
All three nod.
Once the decision was made, they decided to head out at first light. Karen would prepare directions as best she could, just in case something happened on the way and they needed to proceed without her.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
Later that night, Karen and Rick approached Daryl and Glenn.
"Daryl, can we talk to you and Glenn for a minute?"
"Sure."
Glenn, Daryl, Rick and Karen walked toward a quieter area of the prison.
"I need to ask you for a big favor," Rick said.
"Shoot," Daryl replied.
"If anything happens to me, will you look after Carl and Judith? I want to make sure that they have definite guardians in the case that we don't come back. I know this is a huge responsibility, but there isn't anyone I trust more."
"Are you sure?" Glenn asked.
"Positive."
Glenn and Daryl looked at each other knowing that they were both thinking the same thing.
"Of course," Glenn said. "We would be honored."
"Thank you," Rick said with great relief.
Karen looked at them. "I know this will come as a shock, but I am also going to ask that you take care of Olivia, too, if Rick and I both don't come back. If Rick comes back without me, he will be taking care of Olivia. She will be able to be with his children and I know that he will take good care of her. But if we both don't come back, I would like you to take her along with Carl and Judith."
Now Glenn and Daryl were shocked.
"We're flattered, but can I ask why?" Daryl asked.
"I know some of the group from Woodbury and we are pretty good friends, but they aren't family or even close friends. I realize you aren't either, but I feel like you are a better choice. Rick trusts you with his children, so that is one reason. Another reason is that I know you love each other and your make-shift family and would hopefully love my child. Finally, the fact is that you're both immune. You will have a better chance of keeping her safe. She will have some stability. With your immunity, you provide a better chance that she won't have to lose another parent if she loses me."
Glenn and Daryl looked at her. "It sounds like you have seriously thought about it," Glenn said. "They might be raised in a nightmare of a world, but as long as we in it, we'll always do everything we can to make sure they are all safe and loved."
"Thank you," she sighed.
"I think we should all go talk to the children so they know," Rick said. "We can let the others in the group know, too. I don't want to offend anyone for not choosing them, but I needed to have a plan in place."
"You know no one will be offended and we'll all work together for kids," Daryl said. "They will always come first."
DESTINATION
The group cautiously approached a small complex of buildings with sign that said "PRD, Inc." They were two story brick buildings, four of them, and they were surrounded by tall fences. The compound was probably secured due to the nature of the work, and that worked out well for them once Wildfire hit. The area appeared to be well defensible and had security in place.
Tyrese and Rick pulled their cars over by some trees where they could see the front gates to the complex and they all got out. They watched for a while to see what the situation was. After watching, they decided that Karen and Rick were going to approach the gate. If anything went wrong, Tyrese and Sasha were to high-tail it out of there and get back to the prison. If that were to happen, they absolutely would not attempt any kind of rescue. Tyrese and Sasha tried to argue, but in the end they conceded the sense of it. They couldn't afford to lose any more of the people who are able to protect the prison.
Rick and Karen pull up to gate and were met with an impressive defensive force. They slowly exited the car with their hands raised.
"We don't want any trouble," Rick called out to them.
"What do you want?"
"I'm trying to find Susan Mason. She worked here."
"Who are you?" was the reply.
"I'm Karen Mason, her sister-in-law. I've been trying to get here for a long time, to try and find my brother and her."
The gate guard looks as her warily.
"Go get Dr. Mason," said the man at the gate to another armed man. The man jumped onto a bike and headed toward the main building.
After a few minutes, a vehicle approached the gate. Dr. Mason got out and slowly approached. When she saw Karen, she ran to the gate yelling for them to open it. As soon as the gate was open far enough, the women ran to each other and embraced, both crying.
"Is Craig here?" Karen asked. She saw Susan's face and knew immediately that her brother had not made it.
"Oh my God?! Karen, where's Olivia? She isn't…?" Susan asked.
"She's fine. We're fine. We are staying in a place that is safe for now. I was afraid to bring her with me. She is with good people."
Susan sobbed with relief. The women embraced again. Karen pulled Susan to the side.
"Susan, I need to know. Are we safe here? You need to be honest. You have no idea what we've been through. There are very bad people out there. Please tell me now if we should leave. You don't need to be obvious about it, but we need to know truthfully."
"You can stay. We have all been here since the beginning. We have all worked together for years. I trust these people with my life. You can, too. I swear."
Karen nodded. Karen filled Rick in on what Susan said.
As the gate was opened further and Rick, Karen and Susan entered onto the grounds, Rick signaled Tyrese and Sasha to stay put for now.
WHAT WE KNOW
Karen and Rick followed Susan to a two-story building. As they entered, they were greeted by a tall, middle-aged man.
"Dr. Harrison," Susan started. "This is my sister-in-law Karen and her friend, Rick Grimes."
Dr. Harrison shook Karen's hand, followed by Rick's.
"Welcome. Please call me Kevin. It's been a while since we've seen any friendly faces," he said with a warm smile. "I am very glad to hear that Susan has found a family member, or I guess actually a family member found her."
"Thank you. We're glad to be here," Rick said.
"Let's go to my office where we can talk," he said leading the three others down a long hallway.
As the four settled around a conference table, a younger woman came in.
"This is my daughter, Jenny," Kevin said. She nodded and smiled to the group.
"Dad, I heard we had visitors. Do you want me to bring any drinks or snacks?"
"That would be great, Sweetie."
He turned to the group. "Would you like something to drink? We still have some coffee and I think we have some iced tea. Or something else?"
"You have iced tea? Cold iced tea?" Rick asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, we do," he said with a smile. He turned to Jenny. "How about some iced tea and some of those cookies you made yesterday?"
"I'll be right back with them."
While they waited, Kevin and Susan gave them a brief overview of the company. PRD, Inc. is a drug research and development company. Their facility did medical research to find drug solutions to any number of illness and infections. They have fully functioning chemistry, biology and medical facilities.
They have solar power and generators, although so far, they really haven't had a need to use the back-up generators. They have been running nearly 24 hours a day since the spread started. They had a full staff when things started to get bad, but a lot of people left to try to get to family members. Few came back. Some who weren't here, like Susan, made it here. A few arrived with family members, but most did not. Karen and Susan looked at each other. Kevin said that they were really lucky to have some truly valuable researchers with them and they have been working virtually non-stop to figure it all out.
Jenny returned just a couple of minutes later with four iced teas and a few cookies on a plate.
Rick and Karen sampled the tea and both their faces showed such joy it was hard for Kevin to keep a straight face.
"Good?" Kevin asked with a smirk.
"You have no idea!" Rick replied with a blissful smile.
They all settled in and started sharing information.
"What do you know?" Susan asked Rick.
"Not much. We know a little from what we got at the CDC before it blew up," Rick began.
Susan and Kevin looked shocked.
"What do you mean it blew up?" Susan asked.
"Just what I said. It was set to do a full decontamination and we just escaped before it happened."
"Oh my God," Kevin said.
"That explains any lack of communication," Susan said. "We have been trying to establish communication with anyone who may still be out there."
"I hate to break it to you," Rick said to them, "but, you might be it."
"Wow. So did you find anything out?" Kevin asked.
"The only things we found out is that we are all infected and that the longest period to turn is 8 hours. That's pretty much it. It wasn't long after Wildfire began, so I don't think there was much time for anything else to really be discovered about it."
Kevin nodded. "That's what we also figured out."
Rick looked at him. "You have a lot more information that we have. Can you fill us in on what is going on?"
Susan started. "When this all first started, we were looking for any explanation or information we could get. Originally we were looking in order to create a drug solution. Then we were just looking for any information to help us understand this enough to survive."
"And?" Karen asked.
"We decided on laying out the facts as we knew them," Susan said. "We had come to the conclusion that everyone seemed to be infected. Everyone who died was reanimating. Those that weren't bit but had died were changing along with those who were bit. Because of the reanimation, we began looking into the brain and nervous system."
"Here is what else the lab has learned or hypothesized," Kevin said. "It seems to only infect neurons which are the cells of the central nervous system. These cells don't reproduce. The majority of the neurons were formed before birth and aren't replaced. If they die, they're gone. We don't make new ones to take their place. This virus is in our central nervous system cells but none others. That is why it doesn't spread or get worse; it just is there. It doesn't activate until the person dies."
"When a person is bit," Susan continued, "something in the bite along with the virus already in the nervous system causes some kind of reaction. It seems that the bite activates something that allows the virus into the skin cells. This combination sends the virus into overdrive. Because we lose skin cells constantly, the body is creating them in large numbers. The sheer number of reproducing, now infected, skin cells overwhelms the body. The person dies and then the virus in the nervous system reanimates them."
"How were you able to determine what cells were infected?" Rick asked.
"We started sampling them," Kevin said. "We started researching on those who were deceased, through autopsy and lab tests. What we really needed was the ability to sample cells from living people. There was a way that was developed as part of some research into schizophrenia where sample of brain cells were able to be take using a needle through the nasal cavity. That is what we have been doing. Just to make sure you know, we don't force anyone. They have all volunteered, including me. It isn't painful and everyone here understands science and all want to help."
Rick and Karen nodded.
Kevin looked at the group. "Now, here is where things got a lot more interesting. We started to see something else. We started to see some people that didn't react like everyone else. Someone who was bit did not change. He appeared to be immune to it. We tested him. His skin cells showed no signs of the virus. Even though there was a bite, the reaction had not occurred. We then sampled the brain cells. Instead of the visible virus within the cell, all we could see was some sort of capsule around the virus."
Susan took over. "We started retesting everyone. About half of those who originally tested with the virally infected cells, now showed cells with the virus encapsulated. We continued to test the living and each week a few more showed the capsules. We, unfortunately, had two of our people die in an accident while working here. One changed and the other did not. The one who changed showed viral cells and the one who did not change showed encapsulated virus."
Kevin continued. "After time, a capsule is created around the virus in the cells. It looks like it is actually the virus that creates the capsule, not our immune system. Once the capsule is in place, the virus is essentially dormant. A bite cannot react with the virus so it doesn't have any effect. If someone who has active virus dies, they will reanimate; however, if someone dies with the encapsulated virus it looks like they won't. We don't assume though. We don't know if the capsule will break down or what will happen, so we still need to take care of them."
Rick and Karen looked at them absolutely stunned.
"Wow," Rick said. "We had no idea. So this means that there is hope, right?"
"We don't know," Susan said. "We don't know if the capsule is permanent. It may degrade over time or the virus may trigger something to dissolve it. There is just so much we don't know."
Kevin looked at the group soberly. "It is not a natural occurrence for something to kill itself, especially a virus. It seems this virus may be designed to only last for a short duration; to have a devastating impact and then stop."
"What do you mean by 'designed'?" Karen asked.
"I believe, based on what we know, is that this was weaponized."
"Biowarfare," Rick said.
"Yes. I think this is man-made…that we created this."
They all considered this for a few minutes.
"Our priority now is to find a way to speed up encapsulation," Susan said.
"If it stops itself, why do we need to worry about it? Why do we need to come up with a way to treat it? Won't everyone eventually be immune?" Karen asked.
"It could take years before natural immunity develops, if at all. Some may never develop natural immunity, for whatever reason. The sooner we stop it from spreading, the fewer people will die from it. That translates to less danger for all of us. Also, just because we can't be infected, doesn't mean we can't be lunch."