Free The Antarcticans by James Suriano Page A

began. “I spoke with Dr. Cristofari, who indicated that Joshua is cooperating with the testing. Unfortunately some of the scans and probing can be quite invasive and uncomfortable. But the end will justify the means, and Joshua seems willing and able to walk over the coals to salvation.” Lucifer raised his glass in a toast. “To our new son, Joshua.”
    “ Our son?” Noila said.
    “Yes, Ms. Pennings. You’ve joined our family now, and we take care of our own. But there are other concerns of the world that need attention, and I was wondering if I could garner your support for them.”
    The headwaiter led his team of five waiters to the table to bring the first vegetable course. When they were each standing behind a guest seated at the table, they set the food on top of the chargers in front of them. The headwaiter announced, “ Bon appetit .”
    “Ruftan, could you share an update on your project?” Lucifer asked. “Your work is so close to my heart.”
    “Yes, of course.” He turned to Gavin and Noila. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the recent viral outbreaks in Malaysia.”
    “How could I miss it? It’s the top story on every news report. It seems they just keep coming, one disease after another, killing thousands every time,” Gavin said.
    “Concerning, yes? Every time they stick around a little longer and kill more people. I’m a biologist by training, and Lucifer has funded a project, the aim of which is to find the next virus before it strikes. We’ve been tireless in running simulations. If we can predict the next virus before it even comes into existence, then we can build the cure, and eliminate the threat before the world ever hears the name of the virus. Our team has been spending most of our time in Antarctica, on the Viking , our small research ship. The name makes it sound much more impressive than it is.” He laughed. “The melting ice shelves eventually will give way to the land beneath, which is sure to contain organisms that we haven’t encountered in millions of years and that we’ll be completely unprepared for. Noila, I understand you’re a marine biologist?” Ruftan looked at her for confirmation.
    “Uh, yes.” She looked over at Gavin quizzically.
    “Where did you study?”
    “I completed my PhD at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I did my postdoctoral research in adaptive mutations in marine species.”
    “Oh? Very impressive. We could use you in our work. Would you have any interest in joining our research? We’re lacking someone who understands the sea, which is so intimately intertwined with the life on Antarctica. We keep in close contact with the Dragon through the use of our holographic projection technology, so you’ll be able to monitor Joshua’s progress as if you were right here on the ship with him.”
    Noila looked at Gavin for an answer. He said no with his eyes.
    “I’ll need some time to consider the offer. I’m involved in a project at the Southeast Marine Institute, where I work, although I asked for a short leave of absence due to Joshua’s illness. I’d need to check in there before I made any decision. How long are you suggesting?”
    “A month at most. I’m sure we could make a donation, which would put them in a position to hire someone to replace you,” Lucifer said.
    Noila shook her head. “I don’t think that’s necessary. The work sounds worthwhile and interesting.”
    Gavin gave her a surprised look.
    “How noble. In that case they’ll get more than they could have imagined when they first hired you. It looks like a win-win for everyone involved. I just love that.” Lucifer clenched his fist in the air and pumped it, then stopped and looked at her face. “You don’t look convinced.”
    “What’s the security situation there?” Gavin interjected.
    “Safer than where you’re living now,” Lucifer quickly replied.
    “As interesting as it sounds, I’m not sure how much I can help on the project,” Noila