Patient Zero

Chapter Three - The Interview

After breakfast we line up to get our blood pressure checked. Just like this morning, we wait outside a room until they call us in. I can't stop thinking about John, where is he? I scan my surroundings, careful not to draw attention to myself. Down the hallway there is a large door with guards stationed, they are watching us.

I recognize the one, I see him all of the time. He is handsome, his soft features deter me from the rough-looking guards. I'll have to look into him further. The door beside me opens and Jillian walks past me, he didn't even look at me. His head was held high and he had a plain expression covering his face. 

I walk in.

There is a lounge chair across from two office chairs. This is different. Different isn't good. I stand for a minute, focusing on their barely audible conversation, until one notices me.

"Please, sit." She points to the lounge chair. I comply and take a seat, as do they. 

"My name is Natalie Altaee, I run this hospital. You may have seen me around-" She continues. Of course I have seen her around. I have never spoken to her though, she has short hair and a smooth looking face. The tone in her voice is very intimidating. "-ets get started."

I scan the man accompanying her. He holds a small black rectangle in his hand. It has buttons on the side. He presses one and holds it to his mouth.

He speaks thus, "Oral Interview One: Patient Zero." He sets the device on his lap.

"Don't pay any attention to that." She must have caught me studying the device. "It is only allowing us to record this conversation." She adds.

"Okay." I respond, nervous they are recording what I am saying. I'll try to keep my answers as short as possible.

"My name is Dr. Altaee, I will be asking a series of questions. You must answer all of them truthfully. My assistant will be recording our conversation and his observations. Are you ready to begin?" She asks. I nod my head in response. "You must answer every question orally."

"Yes, I am ready to begin." I respond. My voice shaking as much as my body.

Question One:

"State your First and Last name, in that order."

"Chloe Kay."

Question Two:

"Have you been taking all of your prescribed meds?"

"Yes." I lie. I glance over at her assistant, he mumbles something into the recorder.

Question Three:

"Have you been eating regularly?"

"Yes."

Question Four:

"Do you feel you know your peers?"

"I guess." I respond

"I need you to answer with either a yes or no response."

"Yes."

Question Five:

"Do you know the consequence of committing a crime against our organization?"

"N-No." I studder.

"Anyone that commits a crime against our organization is banished from our compound... Forever." She adds.

Question Six:

"What happens to a person that is banished from our compound?"

"I don't know." I respond

"They die of radiation poisoning."

Question Seven:

"Are you aware that some of your peers have committed a treasonous act against our organization?"

My thoughts race and my head spins. "Wh-what?"

"How familiar are you with your peers, specifically John and Thomas?"

My vision gets blurry, I can barely see. I hear muffled voices, they sound miles away. Until I am overcome by complete darkness. 

Thoughts from the author:

Hey!! I just got out of work, thought I would try and post a few chapters. It's only two days until Thanksgiving!!

Anyone have plans? (I do.... I have to work, fun right??)

What do you think about the story so far? 

Thanks so much for reading!! Much love - Samantha