"Switchback"

Staniek leaned back in his seat on the coach and observed his fellow passengers. Fans decked out in various Chicago Bears regalia and merchandise. Many singing and shouting about their forthcoming victory over the Packers in Green Bay.
Thankfully he had managed to get a seat to himself. Singing in front and behind he could put up with, but next to him, right in his ear would have been too much. Still, he mused, why not let them enjoy themselves? They had only one life each.

He looked out the window and watched the scenery pass by. Endless greenery on each side. It reminded him of the old country. Back when he had been a volunteer soldier, before he discovered his abilities as an assassin, and before he discovered his Immortality. He turned away from the window and listened again to the hoarse voices singing.

Victory over the opponent. He could identify with that. Closing his eyes he reflected on the events of the previous days.

Elliot - Mead Centre for Epidemiology, Toxicology and Virology, Chicago.

"A long weekend Vanya, a long weekend."

Marco Cudicini clasped his hands behind his head as he leaned back in the chair. "God knows I need it. It's really taken it out of me these past few weeks. Time to relax and recharge the batteries. Things been going all right with your teaching?"

Staniek nodded. "Yes. Better than expected. They've really warmed to me. You've a fine crop here Marco, a real fine crop. The young lad Winston, I forget his first name, is a find. He has the potential to become the finest in the field. He could be after your job."

Cudicini chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere. You're too modest though. You're a better scientist than I. I agree, he is good and he has what it takes to make it. I've seen him in your lectures. He devours your every word like it was Manna from heaven. He's in complete awe of you. You're something of a hero to him, a legend in your own lifetime as it were."

Staniek cocked a finger and pointed it at him. "You'd better believe it Marco."

The door opened and Mikael Petrov entered. "Marco, Vanya." He sat down. "Well the weekend is practically here. Have any plans Marco?"

"Taking the wife to see the Grandchildren in Minneapolis. It'll be good to see my son again. A few beers on the porch, then a great meal cooked by his wife. She does a mean steak that one. Saving it 'specially for me he said. You?"

"Probably head to my cabin on the far side of the lake. Do a little fishing, some reading, and some writing on my book."

"Your book?" said Staniek, his interest suddenly piqued.

"Yes. 'A process of elimination,' a new work on dealing with epidemics. A lucrative contract, big up front bonus, plus the usual perks. Signings, massive publicity and so on."

"Nice if you can get it."

"Of course. Listen, why don't you come up this weekend? I could definitely use some input from someone as esteemed as yourself. Nice fat contributor's cheque too? Tempted?"

"I'd love to, but I'm off to Green Bay for a few days, watching the football, and visiting an old friend up that way."

"Well ok. But if you reconsider, there's a ferry crossing between here and Green Bay. My cabin is five miles above the landing point on the far side of the lake. Head north for three miles until you see a side road into the woods. It's unmistakable, because unlike the others, it's tarmacked. Follow it 'til you reach a junction box. I'm directly off the box. Mine is the only cabin for a mile and a half or so, so you can't miss it. Anyway, I had best be going. See you all Tuesday."

"I'll be off too. See you later Vanya." Cudicini rose and followed Petrov out the door. Staniek raised a hand in farewell, then sat back.

That hadn't been in the file Krannix had given him.

An isolated cabin in the woods. Perfect.

Lake Michigan

Leaning on the rail he enjoyed the sensation of the spray whipping against his face. Invigorating. Stimulating. He turned and glanced towards the front of the boat.

The densely wooded Michigan shore loomed large ahead. Staniek marvelled at the sight. The vast expanse of greenery, contrasting sharply with the deep blueness of the lake. It reminded him of the old country. The similarity between here and the Niemen foreshore was startling. Not that he missed it. His professionalism allowed no time for sentimentality or nostalgia.
Gripping the rail with both hands he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling. Concentrating. Focussing. Meditating. He repeated the process.

A tugging on his sleeve disturbed him. He looked down and saw a small boy staring back at him.

"Excuse me Mister. You're not going to puke are you?"

Staniek smiled. "No I was just relaxing myself."

"Oh. My mommy does that when she's going to puke."

Staniek could not suppress a grin at the kid's lack of guile.

"What's your name?"

He paused for a moment. "Molot. Dr Molot."

"A doctor? A real doctor? Do you make people better when they get sick?"

"No I'm not that kind of doctor. I study why people get sick so they can get better."

"Oh. I'm Danny and I'm six. When I grow up I'm going to be a fireman."

"Danny! Danny, what have I told you about talking to strangers?"

"He's not a stranger Mommy. He's my friend. His name is Dr Molot, but he doesn't help people when they get sick. He finds out what makes them sick."

"That's great. Sorry he disturbed you Dr Molot."

Staniek looked at her. She had flowing red hair, and deep blue eyes. He found her very attractive. Her eyes told him it was mutual. "Not a problem I assure you. Ah, the impetuosity of youth, so pleasant. Weren't we all young once?"

"A long time ago."

Longer than you know, he said to himself. He crouched in front of the boy. "If you want to be a fireman, most importantly, don't give up on your dreams. Work hard in school, do your chores, and eat your greens when Mommy tells you to."

"Must I do the last part?"

"Especially the last part."

Danny grinned and nodded. "Ok I will."

Staniek stood up and ruffled his hair. "Good boy." He turned to his mother. "He's a great kid. Take care of him."

"Thankyou I will. Danny say goodbye, we'll be getting off soon."

"Goodbye Dr Molot." He waved.

Staniek waved back. "Bye Danny."

"Thankyou again Dr Molot, and goodbye."

Staniek smiled. "You're welcome. And goodbye…?"

"Sara." She offered him her hand.

"Sara." Lifting her hand he lightly brushed it with his lips. "Enchanté."

She reddened. "Farewell Doctor. Come on Danny."

Ludington harbour, the boat's destination was clearly visible ahead, the end of the journey, and the point of no return. Reaching into an inside pocket, Staniek removed his spectacles and put them on. He looked once more at the lake, then at the shore. Time to get to work. Picking up the shoulder bag he turned and went below decks.