The Divided States of America

Chapter 7

 Erin is back in Neo Angeles, sitting on one of the couches in her father's living room. She wishes Roan was here to have her back but understands he has a state to run. Her father sets down a cup of steaming tea before sitting across from her.

"How is Skye?" He asks, his voice soft.

"She's not doing well. She can't get out of bed on her own; she is always in pain, she's weak, and...the doctor you sent said she's not going to get any better." Erin looks up at him from the teacup. "Please let Skye into Neo Angeles. Just make it better for her, more comfortable, and keep her alive, even if she won't get better."

"I want to, Erin, but there's a lot of risks having someone who is infected here. If she were to pass and turn, it could be an epidemic."

"I understand. But all I want is for her to get better."

Her father takes a deep breath. "I will have to consider everything." Erin nods weakly. "Will you stay for dinner?"

"I'd prefer some time alone."

"Alright." He nods slowly. "Take care of yourself."

"I will try." She stands up from the couch.

----

Erin sits alone in the hotel's bath, curled up into a ball. She's worried about so much, but mostly about her sister and what they'll do without her if it comes to that. She knows Scout tries her hardest to help raise the kids, but she's still a child herself.

Erin looks over to where Roan had sat last time, feeling lonely, but also guilty for wishing he was her because of it. She wipes away tears that begin to fall.

----

Erin steps out of the automated car, looking up at the towering building, unsure of this is where she was meant to go. She walks inside and is greeted by another humanoid robot, which asks her to take a seat and wait a few moments. Before too long, her father walks out, saying he's glad to see her and hopes she slept well.

"I've...had better nights." She admits.

"I understand." He nods. "Follow me." He starts down the hallway he came from. They walk a while before arriving at a door. He types in a long code and scans his hand and eye before the door opens. They head inside the elevator.

"We're going down." Erin speaks up, surprised by that fact.

"What I'm about to show you is top secret." Her father turns to face her.

"Why are you showing me then?"

"I made arrangements and secured you and the kids a place."

"If--if you do that, I would rather give me spot to a girl we take care of, who helps us take care of the kids. She deserves it more than me."

"No matter." He shrugs. "I have a job for you to do. It'd be in your best interest not to think about it too much and know this is what needs to be done."

"I've done jobs like that before." She slowly nods, a pit forming in her stomach.

"You just need to finish this job for us, and your sister and children will have a spot in Neo Angeles."

Erin can feel the weight put onto her as the door slides open. In front of them is a large, sterile-looking lab. It's full of fancy equipment, filled with scientists in lab coats.

Her father leads her through the lab, eventually arriving at another part of the lab. In this room, there are mutant-like creatures, infected looking people, and on the far side of the room, there are young boys all in vats, floating in some sort of liquid. The boys' skin is somewhat translucent, showing their veins. They are also bald.