"Be careful with that stuff," Jaylin said nervously. "You don't want to get infected."
She had done plenty of research on how the infection was spread, what the symptoms were, and how long it took to fully become a zombie. She made sure to stay a fair distance from the petri dishes, just in case.
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Before taking anything out of the bags, Pollux took a disposable mask and put it over his mouth and nose. He slid the first slide under the microscope, struggled with it a few minutes, and then started to get it into focus.
"I see something here," he said, "Maybe this is it."
"What is it? A spore? A microorganism?" Jaylin asked, still saying a good five feet from the microscope Pollux was using.
"I think it's some kind of virus," Pollux replied, "That's why I needed such a high-power microscope to see anything. Hm… actually looks kind of similar to a rabies virus in a few ways. Of course, that's not what it is, though."
Jaylin suddenly wished that she had payed more attention in science class.
"How similar? Could the zombie virus have originated from the rabies virus?"
"It's… possible it came from some mutation of the virus, yes. The structure is similar in shape- not completely identical, but close enough. It would explain a lot though- how it's spread through bodily fluids and not airborne, how it leads to aggression… There's definitely something to it. Hey, could you grab my phone and try to get a picture through the microscope?" Pollux replied.
His thoughts were moving very quickly now. He hoped he'd explained everything alright.
Jaylin found Pollux's phone and cautiously handed it to him. "I'd rather not get too close to the virus without proper protection." She told him, eyeing the microscope.
Pollux sighed and rolled his eyes. “Okay, so I guess I’ll have to go back and disinfect everything after I’m done.”
He took the cell phone, pulled up the camera, and snapped a couple of pictures. They weren’t perfect, but it was the best he could do with a phone camera. Pollux places the phone on the counter, far away from the samples, and he moved on to the next one.
“Alright, so you see these slides I have here? They’re all samples of bodily fluids from the same infected person. We’re about to find out which ones actually transmit the disease. Blood certainly does, and saliva too. That’s why people are falling ill when they get bites.”
He continued to switch out the samples from this person and for the slides that came up negative for the virus, he examined second samples he had from a different person to confirm his findings. He had a notepad out and was jotting down his findings in blue ink.
“So, this disease… it spreads through saliva. But I’m pretty sure that’s the only way the rabies virus can actually spread. This one is much more contagious. I have reason to believe it is also spread by blood, vomit, and mucus. However, it seems that waste samples come up negative, which is a good thing for us, because it means this disease isn’t waterborne,” he explained, tilting his notepad so Jaylin could see.
Jaylin nodded, taking a few seconds to process everything Pollux had shot out at her.
"Alright….so we know how it's spread. Is there anything that shows you how a cure can be made? An obvious weakness in the virus? I don't know, I'm not the best at science."
"No, it doesn't work like that. A lot more experiments would have to be run to find its weaknesses. A look under the microscope isn't nearly enough," Pollux replied.
He sighed and started to pack up his samples.
"Honestly, I'm not sure what I expected. I'm no genius."
Then, he threw away his gloves and went to the sink to wash his hands, only to realize the water wasn't working. The faucet only dripped. He rubbed some hand sanitizer up his arms instead, then took off his mask and pulled his jacket back on. Pollux took a handful of gloves and masks, and he shoved them into his bag.
He started walking out of the room. He was beginning to feel a little bad again, but he shrugged it off, not wanting to use any more medicine until he was certain he was going to have enough to get him where he needed to go.
Jaylin followed Pollux out of the room, looking back at the microscope once more.
"You may not be a genius, but you did figure out how the virus is spread. That alone could save tons of people if it became public information." She told him, taking out her phone. Jaylin opened her notes app and began jotting down the information Pollux had shared with her.
"I think I did," Pollux replied tersely, "I'm sure some real scientists already have this figured out in much more detail."
He started down the staircase, and by the time he was at the bottom, his breathing was a bit rough again, but at least now, he could go see if he could find more medicine. Pollux stopped about halfway down the hall and had a short coughing fit. Once it let up, he kept moving, but he wasn't feeling any better- actually, he was a bit worse.
"Hey…are you sure you're alright?" Jaylin asked Pollux, walking next to him. "You keep coughing and you look like you've run out of breath."
"Yeah…" he murmured, "It's more uncomfortable than dangerous at the moment."
He debated whether or not to say anything. There was a chance she thought he was infected or something, and he didn't want to leave her with that worry.
"I'm going to go see if they have what I need at the pharmacy… Otherwise, I'll probably have to rest until it decides to work itself out," he said, "God, I wish this whole zombie apocalypse thing hadn't happened when the weather was like this. Makes matters worse, honestly…"
(hey, I might have to drop out of this. I don't think I can keep up with everyone, sorry)
"Well then, let's hope that you find whatever you're looking for." Jaylin said, deciding not to question him any further. If he needed to tell her, she trusted that he would.
"And while we're wishing," She began. "Let's wish that this apocalypse hadn't happened ever."
(hey, I might have to drop out of this. I don't think I can keep up with everyone, sorry)
(That's okay. I'll see you around!)
"Yeah, honestly," he agreed, "This whole apocalypse thing sucks."
Pollux went up to the pharmacy counter, scanning the area for Logan.
"Hey, I'm looking for some medicine while I'm here," he called hoarsely, "Surely you don't mind?"
He leaned over the counter.
At the sound of a voice, Logan kicked the shelf she was looking at to propel the swivel chair she was sitting in once again towards the counter, coming to a stop with her feet on top of the wood, one leg crossed over the other. "Depends on whatcha need there, friendo."
Pollux took a shaky breath, reached into his pocket, then discreetly slid his inhaler onto the counter.
"Please tell me you've got another one of these," he muttered, turning his head away, "I'm almost out."
Logan raised her eyebrows. It wasn't often people needed actual medication when they came to her. "I have them if you have cash."
"Honey, I'm a college student. bold of you to assume I have-"
He started coughing again, but this time he decided he was going to milk it and threaten to die in front of her if she didn't give him what he needed. If that didn't work, he of course had other aces up his sleeve, but he hoped he wouldn't have to go there.
She rolled her eyes but scooted back into an aisle and searched for a minute before bringing him what he needed. "I expect you to pay me back or I'll be coming after you."
"I have money." Jaylin cut in, not sure what Pollux was actually trying to buy. She assumed that he needed whatever it was, though, so she took out a crumpled twenty dollar bill out of her pocket.
Logan plucked the bill off of the counter. "Pleasure doing business. Feel free to stay here overnight."