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I could see his small smile before he released me.
Roni was grinning like a fool when I faced her.
Molev kept his arm around my shoulders as he addressed Waurlyn.
“It is good to see you.”
“Thank you for your service, Molev. Your efforts are not going unnoticed.”
“Is that why you’re here? To thank me?”
She smiled slightly. “I wish it were. Have a seat.”
I scanned the mess hall, noting all the personnel present. Why a public meeting?
We sat at the dining table, and Waurlyn passed the papers across the surface. When she flipped open the folder, there was a picture of a very muscular-looking man.
“The vaccines based on your blood samples have continued to fail, and the research team has been given permission to try alternative methods. Despite my objections, they will inject this person with a serum that, by all accounts, should prevent his death when exposed to the infection. At least, that’s what they are hoping it will do. However, the serum is derived from the hound’s genetic material, so I doubt that’ll be the outcome.”
Molev slowly shook his head. “They are fools.”
“They understand that you might feel that way, which is why they’ve sent us to speak with you. We need a vaccine, Molev. As I pointed out to Andie, we will not survive without it. Please don’t abandon the remaining people to their fates.”
“I won’t.” He considered her for a long moment. “This is why you’re here? To tell me they are disregarding my warning?”
She nodded.
“You should stay here for the night and return in the morning,” he said.
“Why?” she asked.
“My instincts are telling me something will go wrong soon. Perhaps it’s the tests they will run in Irwin. Perhaps it’s something else.” He shrugged slightly. “I cannot protect you if you leave.”
Waurlyn’s careful mask slipped away to reveal her true emotion. Gratitude showed through.
“I want you to remember this, Molev,” she said. “You will not be able to save everyone. It’s something I acknowledged the moment I came here to take over for Thomas. I knew I would not be able to save the lives of every remaining person. There will be losses. Don’t lose focus on the big picture. We are here to save as many as we can. And because of that, I have to go back. I have to make sure that they are taking every precaution. We don’t want to unleash something even more monstrous than what we are already facing.”
“I understand,” he said.
“Good. I wish I was here to tell you that you’ve earned a few days of rest, but the resources you’ve secured over the last two weeks have proven what a valuable asset you are to have in the field. If you’re willing, I would like you to continue doing what you’re doing. I have identified additional resources. However, it would require a larger relocation.”
Molev grunted.
“I’d like you to go to a temporary forward operating base and continue the necessary supply operations from there. And because the doctor and I still believe you’re the key to discovering the vaccine, I’ve determined that half of the research team will accompany you, along with enough equipment for them to run the necessary tests.
“I will start transitioning personnel if you agree.”
And now I understood why she had wanted to have the discussion in the open. She’d played her part well, publicly persuading Molev to not only continue to support us but to keep working to bring in supplies. No one would question a mass relocation if it meant more food for the survivors.
Molev agreed for anyone listening in the cafeteria.
“Thank you for your cooperation,” she said. “Can you be ready to move in an hour?”
“Yes,” he said.
“Then I will make arrangements. I know this is a lot to ask, but please wait here.” Her gaze flicked between me and Molev, and I knew she was telling him not to run off with me.
“We’ll stay here,” I said.
