Yve watched Dylan walk out of the ARC, using helping the others as an excuse for leaving.
She kept her eyes on him as he made his way across the area outside the vessel. Dylan tried to hide the limp, keeping his posture as normal as possible, but the wince that crossed his face with each step gave him away.
Yve raised an eyebrow.
Once Dylan was far enough away, her expression shifted into concern.
She turned and headed back toward the laboratory.
Jenkins was already there, examining the unfamiliar equipment and carefully prodding at one of the instruments with obvious curiosity. He noticed Yve enter. "I could stick a coin between your eyebrows, and it would just stay there."
Yve stopped and looked at him. "What?"
Jenkins pointed toward her forehead. "You've been frowning since you walked in."
Yve touched her forehead, then shook her head. "Dylan's acting weird."
Jenkins lowered the instrument he was examining. "Weird how?"
"He's hiding something."
Jenkins studied her expression for a moment. "Well, where is he? I thought we were going to take his blood."
"He refused." Yve sighed. "Then he left."
Jenkins blinked. "Really?" He glanced toward the doorway.
After a moment, he looked back at her.
"Want me to talk to him?"
"No." Yve shook her head. "I'll talk to him. If he feels pushed, he'll just distance himself more."
Jenkins nodded.
Yve walked toward the equipment and looked over the instruments he had been examining. "Let's exchange information first. If we're going to figure out what's happening, we need to know everything we have."
Jenkins considered that for a moment. "Agreed."
Yve pulled up the relevant data on the nearest display. "Then let's start with what we know." She sat in the chair across from Jenkins and pulled up her tablet. "Let's start with you first."
Jenkins sat down, covering his predatory hand with a cloth. "You already know what I know. There's the blue luminescence that pulses at roughly thirty-second intervals. He walked in covered in scratches across his back, and a few minutes later, they were gone."
Yve looked up. "Anything else? Anything weird? Anything at all?"
Jenkins paused, thinking. "Ah... I'm not sure if this counts as weird, but when I first took his blood, the needle wouldn't go through."
Yve frowned. "What do you mean?"
"There was resistance." Jenkins looked toward the table.
Yve frowned. "So his skin actually resisted the needle?"
"Yeah," Jenkins said. "Just for a moment. I thought it was the angle at first."
Yve looked back at the frozen image. "That is strange."
Jenkins shook his head. "It is."
"I've dissected countless human corpses before," she said. "And it usually surprises me how easy it is to cut through human skin." Yve added
Jenkins stopped adjusting the cloth around his hand. "You dissected human bodies?"
"Yes."
He stared at her for a moment.
"Those scattered around the ocean floor," Yve added.
Jenkins' eyebrows lifted. His fingers paused against the frame of his glasses before he adjusted them back into place. "That is disturbing."
Yve gave him a small shrug.
"Anyway, what about you?" Jenkins shifted in his seat.
"What about me?" Yve stared past him, her attention drifting as she searched through her memories. "Can I ask you a question I normally don't ask?"
Jenkins gave her a cautious nod. "Of course."
"You used to be human. You had human stamina and vigor." Yve leaned forward slightly. "Can you have sex that lasts all night? With little to no rest?"
Jenkins' mouth tightened.
There was a brief silence.
"I wasn't particularly physically strong," he said. "My primary advantage was intellectual rather than physical."
Yve waited.
Jenkins rubbed his thumb against the edge of the cloth covering his hand. "But in terms of sexual endurance..." He considered his answer. "I could manage several consecutive rounds. Maybe an hour or two over the course of an encounter, depending on the circumstances."
Yve blinked. "An hour or two?"
"That would be without any pharmaceutical assistance." He adjusted his glasses. "If I took one of those endurance pills, though, I could probably last considerably longer."
Yve raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Yve leaned back. "And that's you without a soldier's stamina?"
Jenkins' expression tightened. "I suppose."
Yve turned toward the control table. "Nine."
"Yes?"
"With the information we have on Dylan, can you determine whether his physical conditioning would make him capable of unusually prolonged sexual activity?"
Jenkins slowly turned his head toward her.
Yve continued before he could respond. "His height, weight, build, physical conditioning, combat experience, stamina, all that."
Nine paused.
"Not reliably."
Yve frowned. "Why not?"
"Sexual endurance cannot be accurately determined from those factors alone. It varies considerably between individuals."
Yve stared at the control table. "So you can't give me a number?"
"Not a scientifically defensible one."
Yve nodded. "Fine."
Jenkins looked at her. "Why are you asking this?"
Yve turned back toward him. "We had sex for eight to nine hours."
Jenkins froze.
The cup in his hand tilted dangerously but he caught it before it spilled and placed it on the table. "Damn." He said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Even I can't last half of that."
Yve nodded. "Exactly." She began counting on her fingers. "Increased stamina. Enhanced healing. Thicker skin."
Jenkins studied Yve for a moment. "You didn't find it odd that he lasted that long?"
"Of course I did." Yve shrugged. "But I wasn't going to say anything. It might ruin the moment."
Jenkins blinked.
Yve continued, completely matter-of-fact. "Besides, I was genuinely enjoying it. I mean, would you stop and ask your partner, 'Why are you unusually energetic tonight?'"
Jenkins opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
He adjusted his glasses and looked away. "Fair enough."
Yve leaned back in her chair.
Jenkins remained thoughtful. "Maybe you did something to him?"
Yve raised an eyebrow. "Did what?"
Jenkins hesitated. "Don't get offended by this, but... maybe there's some kind of... I don't know, magical link between you two?"
Yve stared at him.
Jenkins continued, trying to construct the thought as he spoke. "And perhaps you somehow gave him your endurance and stamina?"
Yve covered her face with one hand. "If you're not going through this..." She pointed toward Jenkins, then toward his cloth-covered hands. "Right now, I'd smack you in the head."
Jenkins winced. "Apologies for that." He adjusted the cloth over his hand. "It was just a wild guess. I don't know how this... this works."
Yve lowered her hand. "Good point." She glanced toward his covered hands. "Ah. You've got years ahead of you to study it."
Jenkins looked at her.
"And no, I did not have some magical link that provided him with that stamina." Yve picked up her tablet. "Well, back to the topic at hand."
She connected the tablet to the main monitor. The display flickered before a holographic interface appeared above the control table.
"I also ran a scan for potential matches to the ten percent anomalous genetic material I found in Dylan's blood. This is what I got."
The hologram displayed the results.
"Three biological matches based on characteristics associated with the anomaly," Yve explained. "Nine found them."
Jenkins stepped closer to the display. He raised a hand and touched the holographic interface. With a small movement of his finger, he swiped to the next entry. His eyes moved across the information.
"Aurexian Metabolic Disorder." He swiped again. "Pseudomonas aeruginosa." Another swipe. "Selaginella lepidophylla."
Jenkins returned to the second entry. "Pseudomonas aeruginosa..." He studied the information. "That's a bacterium."
"Yeah. I know."
Jenkins moved to the first entry. "What's Aurexian Metabolic Disorder?"
"Some kind of Mayan-specific disease. You wouldn't know it."
Jenkins nodded and returned to the three entries.
Yve folded her arms. "We need to study the relationship these three have with Dylan."
Jenkins considered the information for a moment. "I'll take Pseudomonas aeruginosa."
Yve looked at him. "Why?"
"It's within my area of expertise." He tapped the entry again. "I have a PhD in Virology and Cellular Pathogenesis."
Yve nodded. "Alright. I'll get an herbalist to study the plant, and I'll take Aurexian Metabolic Disorder."
Jenkins gave a firm nod. "Works for me."
The two of them stood.
Before leaving, Yve turned and said. "Ask Nine to help you prepare whatever equipment and materials you need."
Jenkins nodded. "Will do."
Yve started toward the exit.
Jenkins followed her with his eyes. "Where are you going?"
"To get Saige and Dylan." She stopped near the doorway and glanced back at him. "We've got work to do."
~~~
Ethan knocked on the door of the artillery room.
Inside, Ava was busy taking inventory. Guns, ammunition, magazines, knives, spare parts, and whatever other weapons they had managed to collect were properly organized on the shelves as she recorded each item on a sheet of paper.
Ava looked toward the door when Ethan stepped inside.
"Finally found you," Ethan said.
Ava nodded. "Didn't know you were back."
"Yeah, well..." Ethan shrugged. "I went straight to the big spaceship hovering above us, so..."
A faint smile appeared on Ava's face. "Yeah... that's so you."
Ethan smiled before looking at her more carefully. "So... you alright?"
Ava stopped what she was doing and looked at him. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Ethan casually whistled, accepting the answer without pressing further.
Ava returned to her inventory. "You guys bring back any guns with you?"
"Yeah." Ethan reached into the bag he had brought with him. "Found this pistol in the police station." He placed the pistol on the table along with several boxes of ammunition.
Ava immediately picked it up.
She set aside the paper and board she had been using and began inspecting the weapon. She checked the chamber, examined the sights, tested the trigger, and looked over the general condition of the pistol before checking the ammunition box as well.
Ethan watched her for a moment before his attention shifted to the object hanging around her neck. "What's that?"
Ava glanced down. "Ah... just a compass."
"That's cool. Can I take a look?"
Ava stopped and looked at him for a moment, assessing him before setting the ammunition box down. She removed the compass from around her neck and handed it to him.
Ethan turned it over in his hands, examining its strange design. "This looks antique."
He opened it.
The needle immediately spun wildly inside the compass before coming to a stop.
"Cool... it works." He turned his body around, then shifted in another direction, watching the needle as he tried to figure out where north was. It remained fixed in the same direction. "Awesome... thought North was on this side, though."
Ava glanced at the compass again.
Her eyes narrowed.
The needle wasn't pointing north.
It was pointing straight at her.
She looked at Ethan.
He was still turning the compass around, completely unaware of what he was holding.
Ava's expression softened. "Oh..." Her lips parted slightly, and for a brief moment, a small smile almost reached her lips.
Then Emily crossed her mind.
The smile vanished.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table. Then suddenly, she reached out and abruptly took the compass from Ethan's hands, startling him. "Give me that."
"Oh... okay..."
Ava placed the compass back around her neck and tucked it beneath her shirt before picking up the pistol and ammunition again. "You need anything else?"
Ethan shook his head. "No. I was just... checking up on you."
Ava looked at him for a moment before returning her attention to the weapons. "I don't need you to check on me, Ethan. I'm not a kid, and I'm busy... now, if you don't mind."
She gathered the pistol and ammunition and turned toward the empty slot on the shelf, leaving Ethan standing behind her.
~~~
At the same time, Yve found Dylan helping with the reconstruction of the physical therapy room. He had been helping clear out the furniture and equipment, carrying pieces toward the hallway while the other residents worked around him.
Yve walked over and called out to him. "Dylan..."
Dylan stopped and turned around. "Hey..." He looked at her. "You need anything?"
Yve bit her lip for a moment. "Yeah... your blood."
The room went still.
Several of the residents stopped what they were doing and turned toward them. A few exchanged uncomfortable looks, while one of the women stared at Yve with an expression that suggested she wasn't sure she had heard that correctly.
Yve looked around.
Then she realized exactly how that sounded. "Ah!" She waved both hands in front of her. "I meant for scientific research."
The tension immediately disappeared.
"Aah..." one of the residents muttered, nodding in understanding. Another sighed in relief before returning to work.
Dylan stared at Yve for a moment. "Nuh uh."
Yve blinked. "Seriously? You let Jenkins take your blood. Why can't I do it?"
Dylan turned back toward the room and continued moving the equipment. "Just don't want to."
Yve's eye twitched. "Too bad. You're coming with me anyway."
Dylan scoffed, his expression taking on a smug look as though he had already decided he wasn't going anywhere. "Can't make me."
Yve stared at him, her teeth clenching.
Then she walked straight toward him, wrapped both arms around his hips, and lifted.
Dylan's feet left the floor and his eyes widened. "Whoa!"
Yve held him against her as though he weighed almost nothing, while Dylan's arms instinctively moved to keep himself balanced.
The residents stared.
Then someone laughed while another resident covered their mouth, trying not to laugh as well.
Dylan looked around at everyone, clearly realizing what this looked like. "Yve!"
She continued carrying him toward the exit. "Stop complaining."
"You can't just pick me up!"
"Apparently I can."
The laughter around the room grew louder.
Yve was a relatively small, slender woman who looked almost fragile beside Dylan, yet she was carrying the hardened man across the room without any visible effort.
Dylan glanced down at her. "You find this funny, don't ya?"
Yve gave him a smug smile. "Maybe."
Dylan sighed. "Unbelievable."
Yve kept walking. "Now you can give me your blood."
"Fine... fine. I'll give you my damn blood. Just put me down."
Yve finally lowered him back onto the floor. They were standing in the hallway now. Dylan straightened himself and adjusted his shirt while Yve sighed and brushed her hands together.
"Tell me the reason why you don't want me to take your blood."
Dylan didn't answer. He simply looked at her for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh. Then he turned and started walking down the hallway.
Yve followed. "Dylan."
He kept walking.
"Seriously. Why don't you want me to take your blood?"
Dylan glanced back at her. "Why'd you want it anyways?"
"To find out what that bluish glow is."
Dylan stopped for half a second. "Ah... right." He continued walking.
Yve frowned. "Seriously... what's going on with you?"
Dylan didn't respond. Instead, he looked ahead. "Sirens are immune to the virus, right?"
Yve's expression changed. "Yeah... as far as I know."
"Good."
Yve stared at him. "Why are you asking?"
Dylan shook his head. "Just curious."
They reached the stairs. Yve stepped onto the first step and turned toward him. "Come on... please. Let us examine your blood."
Dylan followed her. "Jenkins still workin' on a cure?"
"To my knowledge…no." Yve paused. "I asked him to prioritize your condition. If whatever that is turns out to be a bad thing, we're going to remove it."
Dylan just nodded, a short, sharp jerk of his chin.
After a few steps, he glanced toward Yve. "Still got the music box?"
Yve glanced at him. "Yeah... it's beside my bed. Why?"
Dylan gave a small nod. "Good."
Yve stopped. "Dylan, why are you asking?"
He kept his eyes on the stairs ahead. "Just makin' sure it's safe."
Yve studied him. "What's with all the questions? It's odd... for you."
Dylan shook his head and reached for her hand, his calloused fingers wrapping around hers as they continued up the stairs together.
By the time they reached the rooftop, Yve was still watching him. "Are you worried?"
Dylan stopped.
Yve stepped closer. "Hey... we're gonna figure out whatever's inside you, alright? You have us. You have me. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you."
Dylan turned toward her. For a moment, he simply looked at her. Then he reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "I know…"
His hand remained against her skin.
Yve stared into his eyes, the concern a knot in her stomach.
Dylan's gaze didn't waver. "Stay with me tonight."
Yve blinked, caught off guard. "I can't... I have research to do."
Dylan simply caressed her cheek. "Research can wait. I want more time with you…"
Yve's resolve softened. She nodded, but her eyes stayed on him.
Dylan gave her a weak smile. "You know... you're it for me, right?"
Yve's emotions rose to the surface. She tried to hold back her tears, but her voice caught in her throat. "You're scaring me, Dylan... What's wrong? Huh? Please tell me..."
Dylan chuckled softly, but it was a hollow sound. "Just wanted you to know."
"I already do..." Yve's voice trembled. "But…this. This feels…like a goodbye."
Dylan's expression changed.
For a moment, she couldn't say anything.
Then the pieces began coming together.
The questions. The music box. The way he'd been acting all day.
Her eyes widened.
"A-are you...?" Her voice broke. "Oh heavens... are you dying?" She grabbed his shirt. "How? Why? What happened? Huh? Talk to me, please!"
Dylan immediately pulled her into his arms. "No, no, no... I'm fine. You're overthinkin' it." He held her tightly, trying to reassure her. "Just sayin' what I should've said a long time ago."
He patted her back, hoping to calm her down.
It didn't work.
Yve's worry only grew. Tears finally escaped her eyes as she clung to his clothes, holding him tighter as if letting go might somehow make him disappear.
Then she pulled back.
She couldn't stay there.
If Dylan wasn't going to tell her what was wrong, she would find out herself.
Yve took his hands. "Come on."
She led him toward the stairs leading up to the ARC. Dylan followed without protest, his expression subdued as he walked beside her. "We're doing this now..." Yve said, her voice still trembling. "I need to know what's happening to you."
They climbed the stairs and entered the ARC. Yve didn't stop until they reached the laboratory, where Jenkins and Saige were already discussing the research.
Jenkins looked up as they entered. "Finally..."
Yve guided Dylan toward one of the seats beside the laboratory table. "Sit."
Dylan sat down.
Yve remained in front of him, still holding his hands. "Stay here..." Her voice cracked. "I'm begging you, Dylan. You're scaring me."
Dylan looked at her.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then his fingers tightened gently around hers.
Yve noticed.
She swallowed hard and forced herself to steady her breathing. She couldn't let her fear take over. Not now.
She turned toward Jenkins. "Jenkins... take his blood."
Jenkins nodded. "Alright."
He retrieved a syringe and prepared the equipment while Yve remained seated beside Dylan.
Dylan extended his arm.
Jenkins positioned the needle against his skin and pressed it forward.
This time, the needle pierced without resistance and blood entered the syringe.
Yve watched the vial fill, her hand still wrapped tightly around Dylan's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's Note;
Whewwwwwwwwww.....🫠🫠🫠