This Blood Kills

"Thanks again for coming out all the way from London to help out with our expedition", Cheerfully said Richard, the plant and insect expert of an American wildlife biologist research team.1

"Oh it's not a problem at all", said Joanna in a cocky but some how soothing British accent, "I'm happy to help out the American scientific community".2

Richard put his arm over Joanna's shoulder in a friendly gesture, "Well it's not just the American scientific community Joanna, this discovery may very well benefit the world... Oh and by the way, thanks for offering to be the teams medical help". Rich looked back at the other two researchers following behind him, "Regina and Kyle have no medical experience, they would be no real help if something terrible were to happen".3

"Pshhh! Like it takes any experience to apply a bandage", Regina whispered to Kyle.4

Kyle Chuckled, "He just invited her along to come to Panama with us cause' she's got some nice assets if ya know what i mean". Though, in the back of his mind, Kyle knew he wanted Joanna the minute he laid eyes on her. As for Regina, she was just jealous because she could tell Kyle wanted her and she had a thing for Kyle.5

Richard was leading the team through an ocean of palm and vine known as the Panama Land Bridge Rain Forest. He took his team through thickets of fern bush, elephant palms, and around the many sorts of large rain-forest trees in search of one newly sighted insect. Not many people have seen the rare bug, and only one scientist has gotten ahold of the bug. It's is said that the insect escaped during research and as for the scientist... Well no one seems to know what happened to him. Small portions of his written research were recovered though. One of the found pages stated that the insect was carrying a micro-bacteria that has characteristics that could help cure major illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. That was what made finding the insect so important, it would be a benefit to the medical sciences of the world.6

"It's just over this hill", Said Richard as he lead through the maze of palms, "A whole nest of them!"7

A faint smile grew on Joanna's face as she excitedly said, "Wow, I never thought this would turn out to be such an exciting adventure". Joanna, who was followed by Kyle and Regina, followed Richard down the hill and over to a large mahogany colored tree. At the top of this tree was the hive like nest that guarded the treasure they trekked through the jungle for.8

"Well this is it right here team", said Richard, "Joanna, I'm gonna need you to spot me as I climb up the tree's trunk... Just in case I fall". Richard then pulled out several stakes and a mallet from his olive green equipment bag. He moved closer and looked up the tree at the nest that was somewhat clumped around the extending sticks and branches, "Well, it's now or never". One by one Richard hammered the stakes into the sides of the trees, creating something of a ladder as he moved upward, closing in on the nest. When he finally got close enough for his arms to reach out to it he balanced himself, holding a jar in one hand and a probe for instigating the insects out of the nest in the other hand. He opened the jar, held it under the nest and then inserted the probe through the hive entrance, jiggling it slightly. 9

Sweat began to roll of of his face, his heart raced, and you could see the nervous fear through his eyes.10

Even with his thoughts of screwing up and letting the insect once again elude the biological science, everything seemed to be going smoothly. Smoothly that is, until he nearly lost his balance on the stakes and accidentally tore a chunk out of the nest with the probe. This sent out a swarm of about 10 or 15 of translucent, wood colored buzzing insects. He quickly started to climb downward, but was met up two steps down by the needle like proboscis of one of the insects.11

"ARGHHH!", Richard let out cry of pain as the insect sucked the life giving blood from a vein on his neck and he lost his footing. Everything seemed to be in slow motion as Joanna, Regina and Kyle watched Richard fall from the tree's trunk and plunge 45 feet to the ground. Joanna sprinted over to him, her heart sounding like the beat of a bass drum and her strawberry blond hair flowing behind her, as she kneeled over next to him and brush the sweaty mess over november orange hair out of his face.12

"Kyle, hurry over here and help me get him up", Joanna commanded. Kyle nodded and rushed over to help. He brushed back his thick brown hair and helped Richard up. Richards right arm rested over Joanna and the left over Kyle as they brought him back to base camp. They trekked back throughout the jungle, retracing their steps until finally reaching there camp, which essentially was just a few portopoties, an emergency phone, and an barrack sized tent and another large tent for research that was all set up for visiting scientists.13

He was brought inside and Joanna helped over to a barrack style bed. As the team appointed medical help, she took the responsibility of examining Richards injuries. "That was a pretty high fall to the ground Richard, I'm just gonna see if you have any Major injuries, broken bones and things of that sort", She said as she unbuttoned his khaki collard tee and pulled it off. His chest seemed for the most part fine, just some bruises and cuts so she worked her way down. She was about to remove his army green shorts and examine him below the belt when she had noticed the insect still latched on to the skin of his neck. Joanna saw this as a huge save for the team, despite Richards slip up with the nest they still got ahold of the oh so precious insect. Without any hesitation, she dug her tweezers. The insect wiggled and squirmed and quivered in her tweezers as she brought it over to a jar, unscrewed the lid and dropped it in, being oh so carefull as to screw the lid back on and poke air holes in it. She then hurried the jarred bug over the research tent and sat down to observe it.14

Regina, who was in a cheerful mood because she finally felt like she was getting some were with Kyle, had just walked in the room to see Joanna sitting at a tan wooden table studying the insect.15

"Hey, is that the bug?", Regina asked with a hint of interest in her voice as she pulled back her hair of of tan shoulders.16

"Mhm!", said Joanna amiably, "I found it on Rich's neck, it is quite the save"17

"Sure is, looks like things are starting to work out for all of us", Regina walked over by Joanna and peered at the insect, "So... You need any help with this thing?"18

"Well sure, but do you think you could go finish examining Richard for injuries, or go fetch Kyle and have him do it? Believe it or not, but I was just about to check out his bollocks"19

Regina laughed lightly, "oh really now, Well i guess I'll fetch Kyle for that". Regina left the research tent and Joanna got back to studying the insect.20

"Hmmm, interesting", Whispered Joanna softly to herself, "It has the body structure of a flea or possibly a tick even and the back end of a tsetse fly of sorts". She gazed at the strange insect, watching as it flew straight into the glass towards Joanna as if it had no idea that it was surrounded by a glass prison. "Yes... It's is definatly showing signs of aggression". She began to note these things down on a small note pad for Richard in high hopes that he'll give mention to her at the unveiling of the magnificent species. In fact, that's the only thing that ran through her mind, that oh so glorious recognition, and possibly being seen as one of the important scientific minds of the 1980's.21

Once she had finished scribbling down all the notes on the insect she grabbed a special storage container for flying insects. She flipped the jar over so that it's opening would be facing the other container's. She carefully screwed open the jar, shook the insect out and into the other container, and closed it immediately to keep the bug from escape. She was finally done with her work, she was now off to go read in the peaceful nature outside the camp. She had her book in hand and was headed over to a hammock when she was taken from her relaxation by a call for help.22

"Joanna! Get in here quick", Kyle cried, "It's Richard, there is something wrong!". Joanna dropped her book and sprinted over to the scene were Richard had Regina's hand clinched tightly in his and were Kyle was trying to dry his profuse sweating.23

"Oh dear god what is wrong with him!?", Said Joanna with panic as she rushed to the side of the bed.24

"I don't know but he's exhibiting weird symptoms, he's in some severe pain and he is sweating like a pig in the freaking Sahara desert", Kyle explained with nervosity. Richards veins then started to bulge indicating a dangerous rise in blood pressure and the level of panic in the room jumped. A gurgling sound projected from his throat as he let out two coughs, the first one spurting saliva and the second one spurting a mixture of mucus and blood.25

"Oh god! Everyone hold him down he is going into shock!", Joanna shouted as Richard began to toss and turn and then escalated into thrashing back and forth like an animal trapped in a snare. He opened his jaw, showing his teeth and let out violent high pitched rasping. He was like a man turning savage, he threw his hand up toward Regina and yanked her down to his head. Regina let out an intense cry of pain as Richard had bitten into her and his teeth tore into her shoulder. She pushed and jerked her self away from him and stumbled backward, falling against the wall. Joanna and Kyle could no longer hold Richard down with out the help of Regina. He sprang up off the bed and took off towards her, his mouth dripping with her blood. Regina watched in a silent fear, her eyes teary as Richard reached his blood soaked hand out towards her and was just then struck in the back of the head. After he had fallen over unconscious, Regina saw Joanna standing behind him, brandishing an aluminum foldable chair and panting intensely.26

Joanna and Kyle quickly lifted Richard up onto the bed and, using their belts and some rope, tightly strapped him down.27

"What in the world came over him!?" Kyle asked, still coming down from a mood of panic.28

"I don't know but i'm thinking it had something to do with that insect bite", said Joanna, "Now im gonna help out Regina, i want you to go over and call for an emergency airlift out of here"29

"Right away Joanna". Kyle then rushed out of the tent and Joanna kneeled down over by Regina.30

"Regina, sweetie, Kyle is gonna call for an emergency airlift outa here to a hospital", Joanna spoke softly with her strangely calming accent. "That's a real nasty bite you've got there, would you mind if I got out the first aid kit and cleaned up all of that rubbish about you?". Regina nodded and Joanna got out the first aid kit. She got out some neosporin, gauze and a tan colored wrap. She adjusted Regina's olive green wife beater tank top and applied the neosporin. She pressed the gauze to her shoulder and firmly wrapped it, the wrap going over her shoulder and around her opposite side several times.31

She walked Regina outside and over to the helicopter landing circle, which was basically just a huge red circle drawn on the ground with an H in the middle. There was a helicopter stationed not to far from their location for just such an occasion and it arrived to the scene not much longer than an hour. As it landed the wind from the rapid spinning blades blew dust all about the surrounding area. As the dust filled air finally cleared out Joanna watched as two paramedics wheeled Richard on an ambulance bed into the back of the chopper. Behind Richard came one more paramedic who had Regina in a wheelchair and she looked at her, her skin now pale when it was once tan, and her once vibrant eyes now dull with reddish colored bags under them.32

"Excuse me, but what hospital are you taking us to?", Joanna shouted over the noise of the rudders to the paramedic as he was about to pass her with Regina.33

"The M.M.R.V.D.", the paramedic replied, "It's the uhh... United States Military/ Medical Research Center for Virus and Disease. What ever you guys seemed to stumble apon may well be a government issue, classified of coarse". Joanna simply stood there, blank faced, as she watched them wheel Regina into the helicopter.34

"Why would this be a government issue?", She thought to herself, "and more importantly why would this in anyway be a military issue?". She was concerned and suspicious, she knew something must be up if the military is getting involved.35

"Are you coming?", asked Kyle as he passed her, heading toward the helicopter.36

Joanna snapped out of her stream of thought and said, "Huh? Oh yeah... I'm coming". Joanna followed Kyle into the chopper, it was one of those longer passenger designed ones with turning blades on each end. She slid her hand against the military green metal shell of the helicopter as she walked up the 3 steps and inside the cabin. Regina's wheelchair was strapped to some chrome metal railings towards the back and she was also seatbelted in. Next to Regina was Richard who was still unconscious and strapped to the ambulance bed in the back section of the chopper and was attended by all three paramedics. The Pilots directed Joanna and Kyle to take their seats and buckle up. Joanna sat herself down in the row of seats farthest from any of the pilots or paramedics on board as possible. Kyle slipped into the seat facing hers and gazed upon the blank expression on her face, the kind of expression that says so much but so little at the same time. Joanna looked back at him, she had a question in her head to ask him but she hadn't yet found the words. when she finally fished the words from her head she opened her mouth to speak. "Kyle... What did you tell the people on the emergency phone", she asked as the helicopter left the ground and started into the sky.37

"Just the details of what were researching and the details of our emergency situation... You know, the basic stuff", Kyle rested his cheek on the palm of his hand, "Why do you ask?".38

"Oh... No reason", said Joanna, in the back of her head worried that she was in the midst of some kind of conspiracy. She looked back up at Kyle and asked a second question, "Well... They didn't bring that awful insect on board did they?"39

"Yeah,I saw the person in the co-pilot seat wearing the white lab coat get off and then come back with the bug in the container like a minute later", Kyle once again responded. The answer choked Joanna up, everything in her head seemed to be adding up, something seemed funny to her. Despite her worries, though, She tried not to perplex and bedevil them in her head. She blocked out the thoughts until they finally passed into the states and landed atop the roof of their destination. She thought she was in California, or some southern state, she wasn't entirely sure, the pilots weren't allowed to speak the location when she asked.40

Richard was beginning to wake back up, still in his crazed state, and as he began to thrash and struggle the paramedics rushed him into the facility. Kyle walked out with the paramedics Wheeling Regina, and Joanna was asked to come with the lab coated man and give him the details of the incident and the insect. He brought her into a bland laboratory room, white tiles on the floor and it had white painted walls. 41

"Alright, i've got the specimen in my tweezers, i just want you now to take that needle and withdraw some of the blood it had drank", said the white coated man. Joanna nodded and grasped the needle in her hand. She carefully pressed in into the balloon like blood bubble attached to the insects back end. She withdrew the blood and handed the needle to the man. "Thanks, now im just gonna have a look at this under the microscope, after that im just gonna ask you a few questions about the incident and anything you've observed of the bug". He then proceeded by putting a drop or two of the blood on a slide and pressed a cover over it. "Hmmmm... Interesting, I don't think I have ever scene anything like this for a long time", He said, "The specimen I found didn't have any human blood in it's pouch, but that was long ago, and now we have a new one... Would you like to take a look".42

Joanna hesitated to answer, "Could this be the original scientist to get ahold of the specimen, no one knows what happened to him", She thought to herself.43

"Well?", the man once again asked.44

"Oh, yeah I'll take a look", Joanna said, snapping out of her stream of thought yet again. As she peered through the microscope she noticed a weird behavior in the blood cells, they seemed to shift around violently, as if they were boiling in water, and they would expand rapidly and then retract like a lung inhaling and exhaling.45

Joanna was interrupted from her look through the microscope by a cry of pain, followed by yelling from two voices. "That sounded like Kyle!", she explained as she pulled her eyes from the microscope and took off out of the lab room. She ran down the hall and turned a corner and kept on, following the yells until she reached the room that was the source of the yelling. She stepped in to see the terrifying scene. Regina seemed to be now crazed as is Richard and was latched onto the back of a female nurse who's name tag said "Palmer, Amanda". Kyle and another white coated man, who had a name tag that read Dr. Kyo, were both pulling on Regina in a desperate attempt to get her off of Amanda the nurse. Regina then sank her white teeth into the neck of Amanda, staining them red. Amanda let out a sharp, painful scream just as Kyle and the doctor pulled Regina from her back. The backlash sent Kyle stumbling against the white colored wall and Kyo stumbling to the ground, Regina landing atop of him. Joanna, who couldn't handle the brutality, stepped out of the room as Regina had one thumb nearly gouging into Kyo's right eye and her left hand holding down his arm. She lowered her jaw down to his should and began to tear into his white coat and then into his flesh until Kyle took a surgical tray and smacked her across the head.46

Joanna was against the wall outside the room and breathing heavily, and she was on the verge of crying. Then she heard another cry of pain, this one being more masculine. Out of a room just up the hall stumbled a man holding a rag against his bleeding side and behind him was Richard who was running out after him with blood smeared all over his cheeks and mouth. Richard was followed by another employee who was dressed in green colored scrubs who was apparently bitten in the chest and was now also crazed. Both Richard and the man in the green scrubs tackled the man with bleeding side against the wall and continued to bite away at him. Kyle yelled for Joanna as he stumble backward out of the room, pursued by Regina and then Kyo and Amanda who were now also crazed. He shoved Regina over and the others fell with her like dominoes and then yelled for Joanna to follow. They sped of around the corner while the mass of crazed still stumbling over themselves. They wanted to keep going but they couldn't go on, it was game over, they were too distraught and they had experienced too much. Joanna slumped down in the corner of the next hall and Kyle debated with himself over if he should keep going and leave her behind or stay with her. His brain told him to keep going and save himself but his morals wouldn't let him.47

"Joanna, we have to keep on moving, this place has just become a danger zone",Kyle pleaded, "C'mon, you can't just sit there!"48

"No Kyle, it's bloody over... besides I don't know if you noticed but whatever those people are now they aren't coming around this corner"49

Kyle sat himself next to her and gently grasped her hand, "I don't want to die...".50

"Were not gonna die yet, not unless they find there way around the next two corners. Kyle, we just need to sit here and wait, they told me they were making this government business, so if big brother is involved in all this rubbish then he's ought to do something about this predicament". Right as Joanna finished her sentence a repetitive, blaring alarm began to go off. It was the kind of noise that, if repeated, could drive a man insane, but to Joanna and Kyle it sounded like salvation. Their escape from terror came in the form of a quarantine squad. Five men all dressed in white biohazard suits and brandishing automatic came storming into the hall were all crazed, zombie like people were gathered.51

"Dear lord, these people are hurt", said the squads rookie as he walked over to Richard, who at the time was nibbling on his own hand like a rat with cheese. Richard gazed at him with pupiless eyes as he said "Come on pal, lets get you some medical attention". As the rookie reached out his hand, Richard sprang upward, grabbed onto his arm and bit down on his wrist. The biohazard man moaned in agony as the rest of the the rest of the squad cocked their weapons and aimed into the hall.52

"Alright men!", said the squads commander, "this is a code 7-1-14, prepare to open fire". The team of white suited men already had their guns trained on the infected and on that command they pulled the triggers of their guns and mowed down any moving thing in the hall. Richard was caught in the line of gun fire first and the rest of them were shot down promptly after. Even the rookie who had just been bitten was shot and killed, there was no second guessing, there was absolutely no mercy. While the rest of the team scanned the bodies, double checking them for any amount of life, the second in command scanned around the next corner, and then around to were Joanna was all huddled up next to Kyle.53

Joanna opened her eyes wide, she thought rescue had come until he slung back his automatic and pulled a Beretta from the holster on his leg.54

"We've got a few more infected persons back here", He shouted as he took his handgun of off safety and cocked it, "permission to open fire captain?".55

"Permission granted", commander responded. His answer pounded fear into Joanna's heart, her eyes teared up and she all of the sudden felt abandoned by God.56

"No wait, no one has bitten us! Please don't shoot." Joanna begged with tears streaming down her face. "We're not infec...", Joanna once again pleaded to the quarantine solder, but as soon as she stood up to her feat to show him that she was still sane, that she was still human, the man fired two shots. The first one through Joanna's heart and the second through Kyles head. Their escape from these horrors was ironically... death and Joanna realized this as she lied next to Kyle, dying in a small pool of red.