Page 48 of Perfection

“I’m not sure. It has to be a threat from whoever is behind this.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Well, do you think this virus just happened on its own?”

“Oh my God. I can’t believe anyone would do this intentionally.” Kindra threaded trembling fingers through her hair. “To children? I can’t possibly develop a cure in time.” Gripped in all-out panic, she felt her heart race as her face filled with heat. “What are we going to do?”

“First, we need to stay calm.” York stood and paced. He cracked his knuckles. “Let’s review the facts. As far as we know, the first case developed in Isabelle. The transfer of the virus had to have come from something the child interacted with. But not just Isabelle. All these other children came in contact with it, too.” He hesitated. “Comp Nine, can the virus spread from child to child?”

“Yes. It is not an airborne pathogen, but it appears to spread through direct contact with an infected person or an infected surface.”

Kindra slid her hands down her legs as if trying to rid them of moisture. “I need to consult my medical journals. It’s been so long since we’ve dealt with any sort of illness that I can’t begin to solve this.”

For her, fear no doubt hindered her superior problem-solving abilities. For him, it was do or die, as the old saying went.

“Wait. Let Comp Nine do the work.” He came to her and stood so close he could feel her body heat. “The other day…with Isabelle, you said…if only…”

Kindra met his gaze. “I know it’s a virus, and I can’t do anything about it yet.”

“No, but you said if only you could freeze her.”

Comprehension struck, her eyes brightened. “Cryogenics. I should have thought of it right away.” She paused, shaking her head. “Yes, if we put the children in a cryogenic state, it will give us more time to develop a cure.”

“It’s the only way.” York felt a glimpse of real hope.

“We’ll need to get Director A-Isaac to issue the order. Nine, please locate the director,” Kindra instructed.

* * *

Director A-Isaac was in the men’s room adjacent to his office. When he exited, Kindra and York halted him. Kindra filled him in on the situation.

A-Isaac shoved his hands into his pockets as his shoulders drew up. “This isn’t going to bode well for Seville. The stock will fall. Employees will be let go.” His expression went from impassive to concerned. “This is going to look bad for the both of us,” he said consolingly.

She blinked and lifted her chin. “Don’t worry about me.”

He nodded.

“We’ve developed a plan,” York said.

Kindra rushed to explain. “We can place the children in a cryogenic state until a vaccine or cure is developed.”

“Cryogenics. No. There are too many children. Hell, the expense alone! Seville couldn’t possibly foot the bill for that.” He glanced from Kindra to York. “It can’t be done.”

Kindra stepped closer to Isaac. She wanted to pound on him, pummel his rigid chest until he saw reason. “I have people on this around the clock. Analysis is running as we speak. But it won’t happen soon enough for these kids. You know that.”

“Director.” York clenched his fists. “We need the time.”

“No.”

They could have been in the Grand Canyon given the way the single word echoed off the walls. Of all the times for A-Isaac to go on a power trip. The timing couldn’t have been worse.

The director smiled confidently. He was a very handsome man, in that cold, controlled sort of way. Was that how other people saw her? As a scientist to whom only the facts mattered?

Sadly, up until a few days ago, she wouldn’t have noticed. Reflecting on the fates of the children—including Brianna—plus York’s opinion of her, she knew something inside her had changed, ripping her out of her own precious world and throwing her into…humanity.

She swallowed hard. “You’re just going to let them die?”

“You’re so smart. I’m confident you’ll find a cure.” He turned to leave.