RONI
The cold winter wind blew me away. It's not snowing yet but the low temperature of the atmosphere made it feels like. When I opened the sliding door to the balcony, my feet immediately felt cold. I hugged my rose gold silk robe tighter before stepping out in the open. Can't believe we'll be having a blood moon for a week starting tomorrow. I placed my mug on the round table and sat at the hammock. Does it feel cold in Mount Alphanium like the city do? Will I be able to conclude my research then? But there's something that I must check on first. And if my conclusion is true then I have to delay the expedition. I sighed at this dilemma. Everyone's looking forward to this and my condition is a hindrance and there's no way that we're going to have the same opportunity as this if I declined.
I went inside and called Jelly for the result. I had undergone a series of tests and there's this feeling that I'm a hundred percent bearing. Jack would also halt this research for this. Is it worth it? There's nothing to be afraid of, right? In fact, no one said that it's dangerous. My call was directed to her voicemail. It might be too early to call her. She had a night shift and am pretty sure she's sleeping in the lab. I should call Andrew. I was about to but Jack's name shifted on my dial screen. He's up early too.
"Hey." He muttered when I answered the phone call. "Did I wake you up?" He asked. "I was up early too. What's up?"
He usually calls me around eight in the morning when I'm having breakfast. It's still six, is he excited for the expedition that he woke early?
"I just miss you." He husky voice made it clear. He just woke up and the first thing he did is to call me. "You almost call every minute, every day. Yet you still miss me. Aren't you a little overreacting Mr. Avery?" I teased. I can almost imagine him pouting like a cute little baby. "We haven't seen each other in two weeks! Of course I'm missing you. It's different."
I smiled. Due to the preparation for the Lotus operation. I'm currently working in the morning shift and he work for night shift. Because of the heavy schedule we all haven't seen each other. But "I miss you too. Won't you come over?" I asked, hopeful. We'll take off this afternoon at three so I guess we still have a couple of hours to spare. Besides, I want to discuss something with him. "You sure you want me to come over? You had a deadline with the research right?"
"I've submitted the documents already but if you don't want to come over then guess I'll see you later then."
Reverse psychology. Works every time.
"I'll be there after an hour. Let's grabbed breakfast together." I laughed and said goodbye after. He really does miss me huh.
I immediately took a shower and changed to a denim shorts and an off shoulder flower printed top in pastel blue and sky blue. Though the weather's slightly cold, the unit doesn't. I wore my pink feathered slippers and head to the kitchen. Jack will be here in an hour. That's enough to make a breakfast for two. Ever since high school, I learned how to cook for myself. I've been living alone and since then I've been raising my own self.
I fried some sunny side up eggs and six strips of bacon. I'm a rice type of person so I decided to cook a shiitake mushroom fried rice. Jack also loves to have a coffee in the morning so I bought this coffee brand that he likes the most. My phone rang right after I turned the stove off. Finally, Jelly's awake.
"Doc, good morning." I answered the call and put it on loud speaker while I arranged the utensils on the dinning table. "I suggest you decline and postpone the expedition. You're six weeks pregnant. Strenuous activities should be avoided."
I momentarily sat on one of the chairs and massaged my temple. This is not a really great timing and if I tell anyone about this, they'll halt everything. "But there's nothing dangerous at Mount Alphanium and I'm sure I can manage walking and hiking even." I lied. Jelly sighed on the other line. I heard some pages being flipped and a background music at the end of the line.
"Look, Veronica. I am not telling you this because you are my superior but as your comrade, I won't let you go. Though the decision is still yours but let me remind you life is more important than anything in the world. You always tell me that. So please, think about your condition. Haven't you remember what Archie told us? There's something out there. Far more dangerous."
I know that but I have to go and having this really isn't a great timing. "What's my score?" I asked. She sighed again before answering. "You need to drink ferus sulfate once a day since you not only need it for the hemoglobin count but you're also anemic. Then folic acid. Every after meal."
I grabbed my notebook and jot down my prescription. The OB/GYN must've left the result on my desk today. I have also asked Archie to fetch my laptop and documents in my office, he's accompanying us on the expedition. I would've like to bring Jelly but I needed her to stay and monitor my subjects.
"Thanks, Jelly. Sorry for worrying you like this but don't worry. We'll be back after a week. Since then, keep an eye on the progress of my subjects. Don't let anyone know about this. Consider it confidential and don't let any of it escape."
I submitted the research but I didn't put on the real conclusion. I can't trust the higher ups with this, not until I discover the truth as to why they gave me this project. Jelly and I found a secret passage to the boardroom and the basement surprised us big time. That's also why I need to go to that bridge. The only answer lies within that Mountain.
"There's no signal inside that mountain parameter but you'll have one bar on the bridge. I'll send you updates after. Please be careful." I smiled. Jelly is two years younger than me yet she sometimes act more like five years older than me. "Jelly." My voice almost cracked. "If all else fails. I mean, if something came up unexpected with this trip, please burn the documents that I had hidden on my drawer." I whispered.
"What are you saying?"
I can imagine Jelly with a creased forehead, a little confused. I sighed. "The vault's combination is my ID number. Make sure the management won't see it, Jelly. Uh, it's hard to explain through phone but I organized an e-mail for you which will be sent two weeks from now. Just in case, something came up."
I peek on the window after pulling the sating curtain to one side. Jack's car pulled inside the ground floor and I hurriedly went back to the dinning table. "I need to hang up." I whispered, afraid that Jack may open the door a bit sooner.
"I'll take care of your belongings, don't worry but please tell Dr. Avery. I think he deserves to know even just about your pregnancy." I nodded and crossed my fingers tightly. I'm sorry Jelly, but I don't think I'll tell him. Not for now though but maybe if we survive. If.
"You're spacing out." Prim nudged me a little on my shoulder and I averted my gaze away from the ground to her. She's standing right in front of me with a confused look. I haven't noticed her. "Hi." I greeted. We're already here at the runway, waiting for our chopper. Everyone's already here, including our own staffs with baggage filled with the various tools which are essential for later.
We are expected to land an hour from now and since the mountain is located at a deserted island, we need to travel through air to arrive before nighttime.
"Is something wrong, Roni? You look pale." Prim said as she touches my forehead. "You're not sick, are you?" She asked. I smiled and shook my head after. "Been up late to finish my team's presentation." I answered. Half true. I've got tons of work to do and I'm going to leave it on Jelly's jurisdiction and the rest of the team, that way, the management won't suspect.
"The head of the operation is pretty busy." Arturo butt in. "Are you sure you're going to leave some of your projects?" I shrugged. "I trust my team, Art. Besides, this is more important." I answered. "Well, please take care of us then."
Prim and Art bowed their heads down causing the others to notice. I chuckled before crossing my arms. I felt like a senior leading a pack of juniors to a field trip.
"Jack's higher than the rest of us. I think you bowed at the wrong person." Lauren jokingly punched Arturo in the arm. Matt and Jack joined us too.
"So, what kind of junk foods did you bring Matt?" Prim raised her left brow at him. Lauren snaked her arms from the back, showing a little affection to Matt. "I ain't going to share." He stuck out his tongue at her and Prim did the same too. They were both like this since we've met. At first, I thought they'll end up with each other. The more you hate, the more you love mantra.
If it weren't for the loud sound of the chopper, they both won't shut up. Art seems irritated as always but I'm enjoying their bickering. I don't know why but it reminded me of how Jack and I first met.
"I'll take that." Jack said as he carries my bag pack and placed it inside the chopper. It's quite big but the ride was huge more like an army chopper kind of. I am the last to get inside and before closing the door, I glanced at the city not so far from the runway. See you soon, home. While we're on the way to the island, I felt a little dizzy. I don't have a motion sickness but this feels new. My stomach curled as I stare at the ocean ahead of us.
"You okay, Roni?" Lauren asked. I'm sitting on her right side and adjacent to Jack's. "You look pale." Matt noticed. I smiled at little and waved my hands at them. "Feeling dizzy a little but I'm okay." I softly muttered as I grabbed my shoulder bag and opened the zipper. I quickly drank from my tumbler. I had prepared a tea to ease my headache this morning but it only got worse.
"Roni?" Jack called. My eyelids felt heavy and though my vision starts spinning, I spot Jack in front of me with a bottled water on his right hand. "Hmmm?" I feel lightheaded too and if it weren't for the seat belt, I might've fallen to the floor, head first. Prim opened her kit and rushed to my side. She's checking my pulse and blood pressure. Lauren massaged my forehead and it helped me to stay awake.
"Is this because she's anemic?" Jack asked. "Art, can you please pass my bag." Prim ignored Jack for the mean time. She focused on pinching my arm to let me stay awake and she opened the white flower bottle and brought it to my nose. "Didn't she bring her meds for that?" Lauren asked, worry is evident on her slightly strained voice. Though my eyes are half closed, my other senses are attentive enough.
"Maybe she's just tired." Matt uttered.
"When did she last fainted?" Prim asked. "Weeks ago." Jack answered immediately. Prim sighed as she removed her stethoscope from my chest. She pumped and I felt the cloth tightened around my left arm causing me to jolt upwards. I tried to opened my eyes wider but it only made me feel worse.
"Matt, can you please bring some snacks here? The team also got a folding bed, can you get it Jack? I've got a separate medicine kit on my bag pack Art, please bring it to me." Prim requested. I heard their sighs before the muffled steps went to the same direction. They must've obeyed Prim.
"Open your eyes, Roni."
I obeyed too and a blinding light overwhelmed my sight. She check on my eyes if I was conscious enough. Lauren touched my neck down to my collarbone with soft hands grazing my skin.
AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My body shivered as those images haunted me again. That horrible look and sharp fangs made my arm hair stand. The blood and claw marks on the girl's chest jolted me awake.
"You're awake. Thank goodness." Lauren clasped my hand and I unconsciously touched my chest. My heart is beating so fast and it feels like I've been running. Sweat dripped from my face. "Are you okay? Wait, I'll call Prim."
Lauren unzipped the tent and went outside. I'm in a white makeshift tent and lying in a folding bed with steady arms. I caught a glimpse of the outside and noticed how dark the surroundings are. I might've slept the whole time and just woke up in time for dinner.
My right arm has a dextrose connected to the oxygen bag which slung on a metal stand. My left arm has a tape and bandage wrapped around it. My feet felt cold along the night breeze so I pulled the blanket closer to me. My bags and other things are placed on the floor below the plastic table that I guess the team assembled when we arrived here.
I massaged my temple as pain struck my forehead again. Jet-lag or lack of sleep or whatever the cause is, I need to check the outside. I don't want them to do the job for me. I gently pulled the tent and looked around. There are a lot of tent on the outside just like mine and on the left corner, a group of people surrounded the bon fire. It must be the team, cooking dinner. I have to at least help. I pulled the needle out causing me to wince. My arm bled a little but it didn't opened much.
There's a trench coat hang on the railings above the table. I grabbed and wore it before stepping outside. Immediately, the cold wind brushed my face. I pulled the trench coat tighter to myself and slowly walked to their direction.
"We'll be dividing you guys into three teams. Seven of you will be under my call and we're in charge of the aquatic resources together with Dr. Lauren." Art muttered to them. Everyone started to sit beside their assigned teams and most of the assistant scientists carried long books and some writing materials.
Prim glanced at my direction and she hurriedly came to me. Lauren followed a second after. She checked my arm and then my pulse. Though our breathing hitches because of the strong wind, my pulse stays normal. They both became silent for awhile, giving stares towards each other.
"I need you to be honest with us." Lauren began to talk in a lower voice. I felt nervous all of a sudden as Prim's eyes stare at my stomach. "Are you----"
"Hey, the dinner's been served. Art reserved a seat for us." Matt came from behind Lauren and bear hugged me when he noticed my presence. That made me sigh in relief. Matt came at the right timing. I don't think I'm ready to tell them the truth. Let alone Prim. "Way to go, Matt." Lauren uttered in sarcasm. She rolled her eyes at him and even clapped her hands once.
"What?" Matt looked around and stare at me with a confused look. Prim sighed before holding my hand. She pulled me away from the two and started walking towards the bonfire. I heard Lauren and Matt arguing at the back but they followed us through. I saw Art and Jack arranging some utensils on the wooden table near the cave (the temporary laboratory we've decided yesterday) and some fold-able plastic chairs. If the decision was up to me, I wouldn't bring unnecessary things. We could've just sat on the ground with a blanket or something. But the management wants us not to be burden with other things.
I smiled when Jack finally sees me. He immediately put one arm around me, keeping me to himself. I leaned on his chest while watching the night sky filled with glowing stars.
When Matt returned to the table with a huge bowl on his hands, we all started to eat. We're all silent at first, probably too hungry to talk until one of the scientists handed me a serum. A blue liquid inside a small tube. Antigen was written in all caps at the masking tape attached to the cap of the tube.
"Corpus?" Lauren asked. I nodded slowly at her. "Thanks." I uttered to the girl who handed me the serum. She bowed first before returning to her team's table.
"What's that for?" Art asked. "Don't tell me you're oblivious to that serum?" Prim scoffed at him. "I'm not dumb. Of course I know what Corpus is. I am curious as to where will she use it." He answered. I gently put the serum on the side pocket of my trench coat and stare at them. This was supposed to be a surprise but guess I have to tell them now.
"Corpus Achilles, a rare genetic modification. A vaccine against viruses." I uttered nonchalantly. I took a deep breath before continuing. "Also can reactivate cells and can increased genetic mutation."
Lauren look confused. Art and Prim stare at each other. Matt is in deep thoughts and Jack's arm tightened around me. I can feel him tense a little. They've fall silent for a second. "So.. where will you use it?" Art asked again, finally breaking the ice between us. "For my other project. I've been assigned to this certain virus." I looked down and fidgeted. I lied. The serum is supposed to be used for my alternative universe research.