Fifth Rider of the Apocalypse

Chapter 6

Jacob stood in the middle of his lab with one hand pressed to his forehead. It had been over two weeks since he had come into work and the changes made him dizzy. Numerous students tapped away at new laptops while others wearing bright new white lab coats were carefully opening boxes with latex gloved hands to remove old manuscripts and lay them out on the work tables. A technician was installing lights overhead and a delivery company was putting together backlit tables along one wall. It was everything he could have ever wanted from the university and a dream come true for any historical preservationist.

As far as he was concerned, it was the worst thing to ever happen to him.

"We have gone through all your past requests over the last few years for equipment and lab upgrades and I don't think that my staff missed anything. But if you think of anything additional that you need, you just say the word and I will get someone on it right away."

Jacob stared at the department head and wiped his nose with an overused Kleenex. His cold didn't seem to be abating in the least. If anything, it seemed to be worsening.

"Look, the lawsuit with the actors hired by the university for the publicity stunt has been settled. The actors were happy with the settlement and the university is no longer mad that you brought in your own crew to set things up. No one is looking to take action against you any more." The department head assured him.

"For the last time, I didn't hire andy actors." Jacob said through his tissue.

"It's all water under the bridge." placated the man. "Revenue for both the town and the university is up twelvefold, enrollment has skyrocketed and you have a new, ten year contract." The man hesitated, suddenly uncertain. "You did sign the contract, didn't you?"

"Yesth." Jacob hadn't much choice. Alex was adamant that his work at the university was the key to stopping the end of the world. When the new contract had been delivered, the dashing soldier practically held the pen for him.

The department head brightened visibly. "So everyone is happy, bygones be bygones and all that, right?"

"Yeah, sure." Jacob swiped at his nose.

"Good." The suited man clapped him on the shoulder. "I have been given an open ended budget to accommodate your needs here in the lab, so you just say the word."

Jacob eyed the man. "I say this is overkill."

The department head laughed heartily. "You were always the kidder."

"I'm not kidding." Jacob sneezed. "Get rid of dem."

"We can't do that, they are part of the new college of restoration developed by this university."

"I can't manage a staff and continue my worg." Jacob searched his pocket for a fresh kleenex. He wasn't even certain he could get at one of the new computers, let alone search for some means to stop the riders.

"If you can't fulfill your duties, you would be in breach of contract." The man adjusted his suit. "I'm sure you'll figure something out. I think when you start feeling better you will see things in a different light."

Jacob sneezed into his rapidly disintegrating kleenex.

"You really should pick something up at the drugstore for that cold. It sounds pretty nasty."

"Yes, very nasty." Rachel joined the two men. There was a wicked gleam in her eye.

"Drugstore should have something to help." suggested the department head. "And don't worry about using up sick days. Your new contract has a healthy clause, so take as many as you need."