On The Surface

Chapter 3

Kayla paced in front of the Infirmary desk, waiting for the nurse to come and update her on her parents' condition. It had been three days now, and she still hadn't been allowed to see them.

At last the nurse appeared. Dark bags hung under her eyes and her voice held the strain of fatigue.

"I'm sorry, Kayla, there's been no change." She sighed, pulled off one glove and rubbed her eyes. "I'll be sure to let you know as soon as either of them wakes up." She turned to go.

"Please, can I just see them for a minute?"

"I'm sorry Kayla. Doctor's orders. The risk of infection is too great. Are you having any symptoms?"

Kayla shook her head. The nurse nodded and returned to her duties. Kayla stood, staring for a moment, wondering if there was any way to sneak into the Infirmary. Finally, she walked away, wishing there was something more she could do.

She headed to the kitchen to start her tasks for the day. She moved through the checklist without registering what she was doing. Krista hadn't shown up this morning. Kayla hoped she wasn't ill.

She adjusted her mask and began to set out lunch. The Gathering Hall looked strange with only a handful of people scattered here and there across the room. People were avoiding the communal areas since the outbreak. The empty tables gleamed, the florescent lights reflecting off the shiny white tops and chrome trim.

The PA system crackled to life, startling everyone in the room. It was rarely used.

"Attention Please. There will be a meeting tonight at 7pm. Attendance is mandatory. We will be discussing the illness that is spreading throughout the colony. Dr. Cooper will address the group. Thank you."

Dr. Cooper? Kayla couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Dr. Cooper. He usually kept to himself. If he was coming out to address everyone, it must be serious.

After dinner, Kayla returned home to change her clothes and get cleaned up before the meeting. Showing up with flour in her hair and on her nose was not an option.

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By 6:45 people were beginning to assemble in the Gathering Hall. Clustered in small groups, they speculated as to what Dr. Cooper would say. He walked through the door at 6:55 and took his place behind the podium maintenance had set up for him. He shuffled through some note cards as the clock ticked down to 7:00 pm. He tapped the mike. Silence fell and all eyes turned to the front.

"Good evening, ladies and gentleman. I'm sure you all have plenty of questions and concerns, but if you would, please hold them until after I have finished. As you know, there has been a great deal of sickness over the past week. I am saddened to announce that Mrs. Jameson passed away early this morning." He paused as a murmur passed through the crowd.

"The doctor has determined the cause of the illness to be a particularly virulent strain of hantavirus. We suspect it was introduced with a shipment of rats for the Science Lab. As you know, the symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, stomach problems, dizziness and chills. If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, please report to the Infirmary immediately."

Several people rose and left the room. The remainder sat in silence. Dr. Cooper continued.

"The usual treatments seem to be having no effect on the virus. Patients are slipping into comas and their lungs are filling with fluid. Our medical staff and volunteers are doing everything they can, but this has become an epidemic. The Infirmary is overflowing. As of today, the Gathering Hall will be used for the overflow of patients. Meals will not be served. You may take supplies from the pantry to prepare your own meals in your pods.