The Touch of Infection

Chapter 49: Samples

They walked down to the lab where Carisa would go through a series of tests in order to have a better view of the course of action. Her hands shook a little with every step they took. Marnik had assured her that it would be quick, but last time it took them a while to even get the scanners.

"They already have everything needed in there, with backup so we won't have to wait long." He repeated, seeing stare at the ground.

"What if they find out something else wrong with me..." her sulking figure turned towards him, "If I turn... will you kill me like all the rest?"

She remembered seeing him devour zombies before, how he'd teared them apart. If she just closed her eyes she could see the scene unfold all over again.

"No." His answer was short, leaving no room for doubt, "You have plenty of time, we don't need to worry about that now." He took hold of her shaky hand, "Now, are you excited about seeing Amite, only two days until we meet up."

"A little, wonder what it is she wants us to see." Carisa felt him tug her hand when she'd walk slower, making sure she could keep up, "Do you know what she'll show us?"

"She mentioned it to me. But I wasn't paying attention, I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever it is. It's going to be your first time out of this place in weeks."

It was true, the farther she'd been was walking outside in its perimeter. Going beyond what could be safe was going to be one amazing trip. But then she thought about all the dangers it implied. And she noticed how much this place felt like a town before the apocalypse, she was hidden from reality. Stepping out would mean she'd need to be careful again, listen to everything around her.

Carisa sighed, "We need to be careful."

Marnik saw the fear light up in her eyes, "We won't be traveling alone, Neda and Zareb will come with us. They both trained soldiers, and Neda's really excited to travel with you. She's a little obsessed with you."

"She's just a really nice person."

"Who answers to your every whim... like me." He grinned, "If she's not obsessed then she's really fond of you."

Carisa rolled her eyes at his persistence, "Let's just get to the lab."

They agreed and quickened their pace, upon arriving many Alaois stood around. Somewhere carrying out tasks while others stood up to greet her. They appeared to have been waiting for her a while, having everything set and easy to go. Along with a few zombies tied up around in cages.

"I'll need you to hold still Carisa." One of the men said, taking her hand and sticking a syringe to retrieve blood. All happening too quick for her to even react to it.

Marnik squeezed her hand and turned her face away from it to distract her, "There might be a few more of those."

Admittingly there was, they took various samples of her blood. She watched them all set things around and one came back after a while.

"Alright, I've got a bit of news you both should know." He brought a few papers with him flipping through them, "First off, the infection is still in some of its first stages, not yet developed to the point of one of those things." He pointed at a zombie laying tied in a cage.

"That's a relief." Marnik sighed, he felt a bit of the weight lifted from his shoulders.

The Alaois listened to Marnik before continuing, "The blood samples we took will help create a specific cure for her. It's a possibility that the infection can react differently over time. And all the subjects we've tested have either been from cities of ones who've been dead for months. With that being said the infection in them is slightly different. The city one is more potent... while the carried out one is less potent."

Carisa listened to this carefully, "That's why it takes a week to turn if you're bitten..."

She spoke under her breath but the Alaois heard, "And if the wound is disinfected and the skin around it cut it can take up to two weeks. We've never properly had humans to test this with up close. Just data collected from afar." His eyes drifted to Marnik, "I suppose the commander has spoken with you..."

"Yes." Marnik knew he meant Vasin and the experiments they would make it your Fallyn's knowledge, this was a big risk to keep secret. But all who knew agreed to the process.

Carisa looks up at Marnik, a questioning glanced at him but he brushed off, "Anything else to know?"

The Alaois nodded his head, "We need to take samples of you daily for the next couple of days. I'm aware you're going out, I'd advise against it. But if you are going, then I expect Marnik to take the samples and send them back here." He paused and looked back at the team, "We're doing all we can with what little information we have. If the things go as planned, we would just need a month to create a cure..." he looked back down at Carisa, "But we've been trying to create this cure for the last two years... just because we have a bigger team on it... doesn't mean it'll be possible. I need you to understand Carisa, nothing is for certain."

Marnik stepped in front of her as Carisa's head fell, she knew this was a possibility, but being told about it straight to her face hurt.