Charged~ Electric Book One
Chapter Nine~ Tests

As the sun begins tofall beneath the horizon, it highlights something we haven’t seen much oflately. People; and not just any people. As we get closer, I notice thatthey’re soldiers. My hand flies to my back pocket. I have numerous securitycodes from Dr. Ford. I just hope they work.

Mason looks to me andslows the Jeep down as he does. “What do we do?”

“Just go slow.” I tellhim. I hope it’s the right thing.

The tension in the Jeepis palpable. We have no idea what to expect. As a rule, when I see a militaryblockade, I freak out a little. Call me crazy.

We approach the gateand Mason stops the car. We’re surrounded by soldiers now guns drawn.

“Step out of thevehicle.” One of them commands. We do as he says. Brie holds Baby bear tightly.“State your business.” The same soldier brusquely orders.

“We’re on our way toColumbus to meet Dr. Ford from BioNano. He’s expecting us.” I tell them, tooscared to move an inch. I wish they’d lower their weapons.

I see the soldier touchhis ear then speak softly. I imagine he’s wired to someone who is able toconfirm our destination. “Your name?” He asks me.

“Katarina Greene.”

More murmuring and eartouching. “You have a code?”

I look around me. “It’sin my back pocket. I have to get it out.” He nods and I slowly pull the paperfrom my back pocket and hand it to him.

“I’ll accept the firstone. Don’t use it again. You all have to go through the medical checkpointbefore you can continue. Standard procedure.”

His eyes fall on Brie.“What is that?”

Brie looks panicked.“That’s a baby bear.” I pipe in before anyone else can answer. “He’s aspecimen.” Not really, but I wasn’t giving him up now.

The talking soldierbristles and settles his gun on Brie. “Is he infected?”

“No,” I answer quickly.“He’s perfectly fine. Dr. Ford needs to know why.” I really hope whoever’s on the other end of that headset doesn’t havethe ability to confirm my lie.

“Well, then I guess heneeds to get checked by medical, too. You can drive your vehicle through. Oneof you. The rest of you follow me.”

He starts towards agreen tent. All of us but Mason follow. He drives the Jeep through the spacethe soldiers made in the barricade. I don’t take my eyes off him and hang atthe door of the tent until he makes his way over to me.

The medical staff isnicer than we expect. They examine Baby bear curiously, but ultimately clearall of us for any possibility of infection. Lucky for me, none of their testsinclude electricity.

Once we’re cleared fromthe medical tent, we are taken to a makeshift mess hall. The smell of hot food(something we haven’t had in days) fills the air and makes me realize I’mhungry. From the looks on everyone else’s faces, they’re hungry, too.

Jared, Brie and Masonall nervously talk amongst themselves. I’m too busy eyeing the soldiers aroundus. They’re so somber and controlled; it’s a little intimidating. Though, thisbeing the front lines of this new war I suppose that they have to be. I mumblea quick thank you when I accept my tray of food, and follow everyone to anempty picnic style table.

The food doesn’t lookvery appealing, but it smells good and hot. We all dig in. It tastes betterthan it looks. That could just be because it’s the first real meal any of ushave had in a while.

It feels like it’s beenweeks since we’ve left Becky and Nate with Jack and Mariette. In reality, it’sonly been a few days. I suppose it doesn’t help that we haven’t had a realnight’s sleep since then, either.

The talking soldiercomes up to our table as we finish eating. “We can offer you each a bunktonight, if you would rather wait to travel until the morning.” His demeanorhad softened somewhat, but he still seemed detached in a way.

It’s appealing—thethought of resting outside of the Jeep. I’m too anxious to see Dr. Ford to voteyes though. But it’s not just me, so before anyone else can answer I say, “Canwe let you know in a little bit?”

“Sure.” And he walksoff again.

“What do you think?”Brie asks, her eyes looking a bit hopeful if you ask me.

I shrug. I want to hearwhat everyone else thinks first.

“I think we should go.”Jared says, surprising me. “We shouldn’t wear out our welcome here.”

“I agree.” Mason adds.

“Sorry, Brie.” I say.She groans. “We can be in Columbus by morning. I’ll bet they have actual roomsthere with showers and everything.”

Yeah, it’s low, but Iwent there. The prospect of a shower will be too hard for her to resist. I’mright; I can see she’s caving. “Alright,” she relents, “let’s go.”

I don’t start to feelbetter until the barricade is far behind us. I suppose we’re lucky. I can’timagine we would’ve gotten through a barricade on a main road so quickly. Beingaround so many people again is disconcerting. It’s hard to turn myself off ofhigh alert.

Mason and I rest asbest we can in the back of the Jeep. Baby bear cuddles up on my chest to keepme warm. I really try to relax and go to sleep. My mind and body suffer fromexhaustion, despite the energy that remains coursing through me from thismorning…was that just this morning? I’m having a hard time thinking straight.

Eventually, therhythmic pattern of the street lights entrances me, and my heavy lids fall. Mythoughts are incoherent, but I’m too tired to care.

When my eyes openagain, I can see dawn streaking across the sky. I realize we’re not moving andthat wakes me. Maneuvering Baby bear onto Mason, I sit up a little and try toreplace the threat through the window.

“Relax, it’s just a redlight.” Jared assures me. He speaks softly, and I notice Brie sleeping in thepassenger seat next to him.

I relax slightly andreally take a look at my surroundings. It’s far more urban than anyplace we’vebeen since we left home.

“It’s weird, right?”Jared catches my eye in the rearview mirror. “Being here, it’s so…normal.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Ijust hope it’s as safe as it seems to be.”

Me, too.” Jared agreesbefore he gets lost in his own thoughts.

I stretch as best Ican. I’m as well rested as I’m going to get, it seems. I focus on the scenesoutside my window: a neighborhood just beginning to awaken. “We have to begetting close.” I say to Jared.

“We’ll be there soon.”He replies. “We should probably wake them up.”

“Give them a few moreminutes.” I say. They look so peaceful; why force reality on them so quickly?

“What was the addressagain?” Jared asks. I read it to him quietly. He notices the tension in myvoice. “Are you ready for this?”

“I don’t really have muchchoice, do I?” I sigh. “I just hope that Dr. Ford has some answers for us, andsome insight on what to do next.”

“Me, too.” Jaredanswers. Brie begins to stir, and Mason follows quickly after.

“Wow,” Brie’s mouthhangs open. “Where are we?”

“We’re in Columbus.”Jared answers.

“Yeah, we’re almostthere.” I add.

“Cool.” Mason says,stretching. “I’ve had enough driving for a while.”

“I think we all have.”Brie agrees. “Look at all these people.”

Jared turns and smilesat her. “I know freaky, right?”

“Hey, isn’t that thestreet?” Jared turns the Jeep before we pass it by. I have no doubt when thebuilding comes into view that it’s the right one. Another military barricadesurrounds it. Of course we have to go there.

“Ready, guys?” Jaredasks. This time I have the slip of paper in my hand with the security codes onit. “Because here we go again.”

Please, please, pleaselet this have been the right decision. I don’t think any of us can handleanything else at this point.

Jared drives up to thegate and parks the Jeep. I roll down my window behind him. The guard approachesslowly. “Can I help you?”

“We’re here to see Dr.Ford. He’s expecting us.” I tell him.

“Name?”

“Katarina Greene…andguests.” I look at everyone and shrug.

“One moment.” He goesback into his gatehouse.

We all wait quietly andanxiously for him to return. When he does, he buzzes the gate open. “Drive toyour right and park in lot D. Someone will be waiting for you there.” He wavesus through.

The buildings andparking lots are nondescript. Every so often a soldier walks by, looking verybusy, but not really doing anything I can see. Compared to everything we’vebeen through the last few days, the place seems a bit anticlimactic.

Maybe I’m just beingpessimistic. I mean, anticlimactic is a good thing at this point, right?

Jared parks the Jeep inthe appropriated lot, and before we can get out a soldier approaches us. Heseems much more laid back than any of the other soldiers we’ve encountered sofar.

“Welcome.” He smiles.“Glad you guys made it. I’ll bet it was a hell of a trip getting here. I’mJerome and I’ll show you guys around. Dr. Ford is in a meeting for a couplemore hours. We weren’t expecting you this soon. I’ll show you to your rooms andget you some food while you wait.”

Baby bear sticks hishead up, and Jerome notices him for the first time. “Bear?”

I nod. “A survivor, ifyou will.”

He shrugs. “This way.”

I’m glad he’s leading.Once we enter the building, its maze of hallways offers no type ofdifferentiation between them. It’d be very easy to get lost here. We finallyget to an elevator. When the doors open, people are everywhere. It’s awfullyoverwhelming. Jerome weaves us through; their curious stares do not gounnoticed by us. I can tell I’m not the only one freaking out. Our little groupstays huddled together defensively.

“We only have two roomsavailable, but they each sleep two people.” He looks at us. “I’ll leave it upto you to decide who goes where. The rooms are across the hall from eachother.”

“Thanks, Jerome.” Isay.

“Not a problem. I’llgive you guys some time to get settled. I’ll be back at o-eight-hundred andbring you to the cafeteria to get some food.” He goes back down the hallwaytowards the throng of people.

“How do you guys wantto work this?” I ask. Mostly I look at Brie, it’s really her choice.

“I think it would beokay if Jared and I stay in one room.” She looks at him questionably.

“I’m good with that.”Jared says.

“Alright, let’s meetback out here in an hour.” I say, and we each go into our respective temporaryliving quarters.

It’s nothing fancy, butit has beautiful things we haven’t seen for a while: beds, a bathroom with ashower, and electricity. I put Baby bear on one of the beds and I charge upfirst thing. The need for electricity is greater than I originally thought.Mason looks at me. “How are you feeling?”

“Physically, prettygood,” I tell him. “Otherwise, a little freaked out.”

He laughs. “Yeah me,too. Why don’t you take a shower?”

The idea of one perksme right up, but I don’t want to seem selfish. “Are you sure you don’t want togo first?”

“Nah, go ahead. I’llget some of our stuff unpacked.” He smiles. I can tell he’s relieved to behere.

“Alright, I’ll see youin a few.”

After so many dayswithout a shower this is heaven. I try not to take too long; it’s only fair forMason to have his turn, too. Hmm, the idea of Mason in the shower sends funnyfeelings deep within my gut.

I shut off the waterand grab a towel. I have exactly one pair of clean clothes left and try toremember to make laundry a priority later. I get dressed quickly and towel drymy hair as best I can.

When I go back into theroom, Mason is watching the small TV. He stands when he sees me and throws hisshirt off. “Good timing. I’ll be out in a few.”

Wow. Theshirt-less-ness is a first. Dang. Imanage to snap myself out of it just in time to catch the mischievous grin onhis face. “Ok, I’ll be here.”

I can’t help but grinwhile he shuts the door. Our relationship had only first started when theinfection begun, forcing us into this extreme situation. We’ve been so tense,so on guard. It’s a refreshing change to see playful Mason again, even if it’sonly temporary.

I carefully combthrough the snarls in my hair and wince when yanking through the worst of theknots. Finally, I win the battle and pull my hair back. Putting my comb back inmy bag, there’s a knock on the door. “Five minutes.” A voice calls.

I tap on the bathroomdoor and reiterate the message to Mason. Enjoying his playfulness will have towait until later. My stomach growls, and I’m thinking food is probably a goodthing. With two minutes left to spare, Mason joins me. He shoves his shoes onand pulls a shirt over his head before we go into the hallway together.

Brie and Jared arefresh and clean too. It’s a small bit of luxury we haven’t had, and normalizeseverything just a bit for us. Normal is nice. Weird, but nice.

“I called Becky,” Brietells me. “They’re all doing well. I told her about this place, offered to sendsomeone for them, but they want to stick it out for now.”

“I hope that’s the bestchoice.” Mason says.

“We’ll have to try totalk some sense into them soon.” I say.

“Good luck trying toget Jack to leave.” Jared points out.

Hmm, I’d have to thinkof a way to convince him.

Jerome pops around theend of the hall. “C’mon guys, you must be starving.”

“Got that right.” Briesmiles.

Jerome leads us throughthe maze of hallways—this time into a large, cavernous room. It has aninstitutional feel to it, but the delicious smells that a rational person wouldnever think of associating with institutional food detract it. Marietta’skitchen was the last time anything smelled this good. I boost Baby bear on myhip. His nose and energy are awake because of the smell. This raises my hopesthat the hot food here will be better than our last hot, indiscernible meal atthe barracks. Don’t get me wrong. It was good and I’m grateful for it. I justprefer to not play guess-my-food if I don’t have to.

This hugekitchen/dining area is set up cafeteria style. Jerome leads us to a line andhands us each a tray. “Just point to what you want and they’ll get it for you.”

I point to some eggs aplate is put in my hands. I do the same for the bacon next to it. Yep, thisplace is okay in my book.

After filling ourtrays, we replace a table. Jerome sits with us and explains different areas we’llbe seeing. He also tells us the few ground rules. Simple, logical thingsreally: no theft, no violence, that sort of thing. It’s the last rule thatraises my hackles a bit. We can’t leave without permission. Not crazy aboutthat one stipulation.

Even though taking ashower was wonderful and the food rocks, I’m still overly anxious to meet upwith the good doctor and get some answers. I turn to Jerome. “Do you know whenthe doctor will be available?”

“When we’re done here,I’ll take you to his office.” Jerome answers.

I nod and eat a littlefaster.

Dr. Ford’s office isreally quite bare. There are no diplomas on the walls, or any other personaltouches. Tan walls, a desk and some chairs, but not much else.

I look at Mason. Hegives me a small, reassuring smile—no doubt sensing my nervousness. Brie andJared go off with Jerome to explore and take Baby bear with them. Mason insiston staying with me. I’m glad he does, even if I knew he would.

The anticipation’skilling me. Just when I think I can’t stand one more second, the door opens.Dr. Ford’s familiar face is now somewhat haggard. He smiles when he sees us.“Kat, Mason, I’m so glad you guys made it safely.”

“Thanks, doc. Us, too.”Mason shakes his proffered hand.

“Hey, doc.” I say,shaking his hand when Mason releases it.

“I’m not even surewhere to begin.” Dr. Ford sits across from us behind the desk. “What’s it likeout there?”

I shudderinvoluntarily, but it’s Mason who answers. “Not good.” He says quietly.

Dr. Ford rakes a handacross his face. I can see the tension in his eyes. “Did you see manysurvivors?”

I shake my head. “Wedidn’t see any. One family but only their daughter was infected, no one else.”Except that one group, my conscious sneers at me.

“What happened?” Thedoctor asks, “Did they all succumb to the infection?”

Mason answers softly.“Kat saved her.”

Dr. Ford’s eyes grow aswide as saucers. “Hmm. Maybe we should continue this in the lab.”

“Hey, doc?” Mason asksas we get up. “We can keep Kat’s, er, abilities to just us for now, right?”

“Of course.” Dr. Fordassures him. “This way.”

The lab is just that, alab. Lots of white and things I’d probably break on contact. I sit on a stool:a safe place away from all of the equipment.

“May I start with ablood test?” He asks me.

“Okay.” Needles are notmy favorite thing, but I figure this is part of the package.

While I focus on Mason,Dr. Ford draws the blood. The process is quick and surprisingly painless No wayam I watching the needle.

“Good, I’m going tohave some tests run on this. As soon as I know the results, I’ll let you know.”Dr. Ford smiles, “Now, onto the next step; let’s see what you can do.”

“Um, I think we needsome more room.” Mason says.

“Yeah, doc. I don’twant to hurt your lab.” I say.

“Oh, right.” He lookssheepish. “Good point. Follow me.”

A couple of elevatorsand a stairway later, Dr. Ford opens a door. Sunlight blinds us and we replaceourselves on a roof. Dr. Ford points down to an unused mostly dilapidated,basketball court. “Let ‘er rip.” His excitement is almost overwhelming.

I look at Mason, whoshrugs. All well, here goes nothing. I motion for them to stand back as Icreate the now familiar energy sphere in my palms. Dr. Ford’s eyes almost popout of his head. I throw it at the one remaining basketball hoop and watch itsobliteration.

When I turn back to Dr.Ford, his mouth is open along with his eyes. “Th-that is just incredible! Neverseen anything- can you do it again?” He sputters” He sputters.

I throw one more that’snot quite as strong. We all watch as it pops in the court below. Suddenly, thedoors next to the court fly open and five armed guards step onto the court. Ishrink away from the edge and out of sight. Mason follows my lead. To ourshock, so does Dr. Ford.

“Um, shouldn’t you tellthem it was just a test—that everything’s okay?” I ask.

“Nah, they could usethe excitement.” Dr. Ford says before leading us back towards the lab.

He’s all business whenwe return. He asks question after question. I answer honestly. Mason begins todoze off a little. Dr. Ford keeps at it until there’s a soft knock at the door.I giggle when Mason almost falls out of the chair.

It’s Jerome, informingus it’s lunchtime. Dr. Ford leaps up with one final parting question. “If I canreplace something to get a sample into, can you give me one of them? A smallerone, perhaps?”

My eyes dart towardsJerome and I’m glad that Dr. Ford kept his question vague. “Sure, doc. Anythingto help.” Jerome eyes me curiously but doesn’t say anything.

“Oh, Jerome,” Dr. Fordsays, “There was an incident of sorts on the old basketball court. I’d likesomeone to get me a sample.”

I see Mason suppress asmile. “Sure thing, Dr. Ford. We’ll get someone on that asap.” Jerome answers.

“Thank you. I’ll seeyou two later.”

“Bye, doc.” Mason and Icall as we follow Jerome.

Brie and Jared arewaiting for us and hold a table. They didn’t get their food yet, which I thinkis sweet. It makes me happy that even in all of this insanity, Brie and Jaredfound each other.

Lunch seems much tooquick: tasty, but short. As soon as Jerome gets up, I know he’s bringing Masonand I back to Dr. Ford. I promise Brie to talk later and head back for roundtwo of testing.

Measuring the level ofDr. Ford’s excitement, it doesn’t surprise me that he has something set up totest my energy. I give him smaller, less powerful spheres and a larger onebefore I feel the need to recharge again.

He loves this almost asmuch as the first demonstration. It makes me feel awfully self-conscious, butit’s in the name of science, right? Can’t let my bashfulness stand in the wayof possibly saving the world.

After an hour or so ofanalyzing data, Dr. Ford turns to Mason and me. “It’s utterly remarkable.”

“Um thanks, I guess?”I’m not quite sure what the appropriate response is for such a statement.

“No, really. It’s anorganic energy, something like lightning. You’ve mutated it and adapted it toyour body.”

“What about when itruns out?” Mason asks quietly. I know this has been bugging him for a while now.

“We’ll have to run somemore tests to determine that.” Dr. Ford answers, not quite meeting my gaze.

Testing fills the nexttwo days. It’s redundant, therefore rather boring. Dr. Ford insists it’s allnecessary. Mason remains dutifully by my side, throughout every grueling step.I miss Baby bear, who spends his days with Brie and Jared and only bunks withus at night. I’m beginning to feel as though I’m stuck in some sort ofnever-ending, test-filled purgatory.

After what seems likeforever, Dr. Ford finally turns from his computer and puts his glasses down.

“Enough for today,doc?” Mason asks hopefully.

“Well, yes and no. Youguys were very patient through the question portion, and I assume that’sbecause you’re anxious to get to the answer part.” Dr. Ford pauses. “We’re atthe part where I have some answers.”

Oh. I guess that’sgood, right. Yeah sure, answers are good. I’m not sure why the butterflies inmy stomach seem to disagree.

“Kat, this energyyou’ve harnessed is part of you now. If you use too much of it, it will drainyou, but you are able to replenish it on your own without an external source.This just takes more time.

“As to how it affectsthe nanobots,” he continues, “they were set on replication. We don’t know whatglitch happened to make them to go out of control. It reset something in them.It seems this new form of biological energy you have completely reboots them.”

“That’s all good news,right?” Mason asks.

“Yes, all good news. Myconcern is the rate of which we’ll be able to use this to slow and ultimatelystop them. Poor Kat will not be able to stop them alone. I have to replace someway to duplicate this energy.”

Haven’tI sort of already been though? I thought they were fallingback: slowly, sure, but back nonetheless.

“What do you mean?”Mason asks him. “I thought it was already working?”

“I see I’ve kept youguys a bit cut off in here the last few days. The latest maps do show a declinein the advance of the infection on the path you took to get here. The problemI’ve found is that the rebooted ‘fixed’ nanobots are still succumbing to themutated ones.”

“So they’rere-infecting the fixed nanobots?” Mason asks quietly.

“Unfortunately, yes.”The doctor sighs. “If we could get enough of Kat’s new organic energy, we canstop them. Unless I can replicate it, we will only be able to keep a small areacontained and uninfected.”

“Can you do it, doc?Replicate it, I mean?” I ask, replaceing my voice.

“I’m not sure. I’mgoing to try, though. Why don’t you guys go explore the rest of the facilitytoday? I’ve monopolized you enough. If I need anything, I’ll have Jerome replaceyou.”

“Alright, doc. Goodluck.” I say.

Mason echoes my goodbyeand we head in search of Jared and Brie.