The men almost expected that there would be dozens of their own people sick. Instead, everyone was in the cafeteria, enjoying the evening meal. The table of medical professionals looked as if they’d just been on the front lines of the worst war in history. And maybe they had.
“How many today?” asked Max, looking at his wife.
“Thirteen new admits, two deaths,” she frowned. “Thanks for getting Bix to send along their research. It was pretty much what we already had but it at least confirms we all looked at the same thing.”
“Yes, but we still don’t know who the first patient was and whether they lived or died,” said Trak.
“No, we don’t,” said Lena, “but we’re working on it. If they lived, they could tell us something about a vaccine or cure. If they died, it would require exhuming the body to determine how or why they got the virus.”
“We were able to bring in contract nurses to cover the night shifts. We’re exhausted and can’t keep up this pace. Amelia is taking tonight. She prefers night shifts since she’s fresh off doing so at her old job,” said Gabi.
“They’ve all been a blessing,” said Kennedy. “We’d have to shut down without them. Thanks to all of you, too. You’re supposed to be retired. We didn’t expect to have to call you all back so soon.”
“That’s why we’re here,” smiled Riley. “Always happy to come back and help when needed.”
Gaspar walked into the room and the others waited to see if he’d found out anything from the animals.
“Well?” asked Lucy.
“Nothing. The animals all seem to be fine although they don’t like that it’s been so quiet.”
“None of them are sick?” asked Sniff.
“Sniff, I’m just now getting used to talking to the damn animals. Please don’t ask me to do a therapy session with them.”
“I’m not asking that,” he smirked. “I just want to know if the animals feel okay.”
“They feel just fine, or at least they said they did. There is one thing everyone needs to know about. The litter of kittens that Semu adopted aren’t kittens at all.”
“I’ve been meaning to get out there and look at them,” said Claire.
“Yeah, well, don’t bother. It’s pretty evident that they’re cougars. Not kittens.” The others only laughed, shaking their heads.
“Gabi? Riley? Why aren’t we all sick?” asked Miller. “Is it the pond?”
“That’s the only thing we can think of,” said Gabi. “It’s why we sent out the notification that everyone needs to be in the pond at least twice a week until this is over. We can also use the pond on the other island so it doesn’t get too crowded.”
Sly, Pigsty, Code, Hiro, Ace, and Tanner had their heads together, staring at several computers, mumbling.
“Are you guys going to tell us what you’re looking at?” asked Nine.
“Data. We created a spreadsheet of all the patients. Name, address, age, gender, meals eaten before and after, symptoms, all of it,” said Sly.
“And?”
“Nothing. Nothing makes any sense at all. These patients have absolutely nothing in common.”
“We just have to keep trying,” said Riley. “There’s something that connects these people that will help us to determine the start of all of it.”
“We’ll keep looking,” nodded Ace.
“I know you will, honey. I didn’t mean to sound harsh. We’re all just tired,” she said shaking her head.
“Let’s get all of you home,” said Zulu, taking his wife’s hand. “Rest and get back at it tomorrow. You’re not doing anyone any good by being exhausted.”
“Zulu’s right,” said Ghost. “Y’all get your rest. We’ll be on call if the staff needs help.”
The primary medical team walked away and the others worked on a schedule to ensure that the hospital was fully staffed at all times. Every man or woman on the property, had a cursory knowledge of medicine and certainly knew what to do for the sick.
