Free Mass Extinction Event: The Complete Fourth Series (Days 54 to 61) by Amy Cross Page A

Wouldn't want to find out that you've come down with something nasty. And this sweet little thing -”
    He reaches out to touch Katie's hand, but Melissa turns away from him.
    “See you around,” Luke adds, as he and Bobby make their way back toward the tents.
    “I told you,” Melissa says, still holding Katie as she turns to me, “it's already started. This is exactly how it was with Jacqueline. Everyone thinks I'm sick, and that means I'm going to be next!”

Elizabeth
     
    “It's looking good,” Doctor Kennedy says as she examines my foot. “I think we might have some success with this one.”
    Forcing a smile, I stare down at my right foot and try not to throw up. Ever since she removed the bandage, I've been shocked by the sight of my ankle and foot, which are still smeared in some kind of regenerative gel that's apparently supposed to be encouraging the skin and bone to knit back together. One side-effect of this gel, however, is that my whole lower leg looks strangely gray, and the pain-killers I take every two hours are only dulling the agony. I still feel as if I might pass out at any moment.
    “Will I be able to use it properly?” I ask. “Eventually, I mean.”
    “You'll be able to put normal weight on it,” she replies, getting to her feet and grabbing a fresh set of bandages. “Functionality of your toes might be a little difficult, but I don't see that as a huge drama. It's better than -”
    Before she can finish, the lights flicker for a moment.
    “It's better than having no foot at all,” she continues, rolling her eyes as she starts re-dressing my ankle. “Once you get to Boston, make sure they apply a new bandage every twenty-four hours. I know how it goes sometimes, people like to skimp on things and other doctors have their own ridiculous opinions, but it's vital to keep airing your foot. In fact, it'd be great if you could rest up entirely for a few days once you're there and just keep the foot out in the open.”
    The lights flickers again.
    “For God's sake,” she mutters, “can't they keep those generators running smoothly?”
    “At least you have power,” I point out. “A few days ago, I thought I was never going to see an electric light again.”
    “You're right,” she replies. “I guess we should be grateful for small mercies.”
    “Where's the power coming from, anyway?”
    “A plant about fifty miles away,” she tells me. “I don't remember the details, but a few old plants have been brought online, although most of them can only manage about ten hours' service at a time. I'm told that things will get better, which would certainly be nice.”
    “Thank you,” I reply. “For everything.”
    “You're welcome,” she says with a smile. “It feels good to be working on something like this for a change. I'd almost forgotten what human contact is like.”
    “What else do you do here at the base?” I ask.
    “Oh...” She pauses, suddenly seeming a little uncomfortable. ”Nothing much. Just little side projects, you know?” She eases the main part of the bandage over my foot. “Your father can be something of a task-master. Ever since he took charge of the recovery program, we've been working non-stop, but it's worth every second. I think we're really starting to make some breakthroughs.”
    Hearing someone at the door, I turn and see that General Patterson has entered the room.
    “How's the patient?” he asks.
    “I'm just getting her ready for her journey to Boston,” Doctor Kennedy replies. “I hate to think how those savages will deal with her foot. I'm going to write a proper note for them, I just hope they read it and pay attention.”
    “Did you send someone out to look for Toad?” I ask.
    “Actually...” Patterson pauses, and I can see that something's wrong. “I was about to deploy a group of men, but they were reassigned at the last moment. Orders from the top. I'm sorry, my hands are tied.”
    “Orders from the top?” I reply. “You mean