Episode 5: March to the Hospital

Racing forward, following the worker crowd as I looked for an opportunity to flee, but every time I neared the edge of the group, a person in a blue lab coat would shout at me to keep closer to my co-worker’s, so I wouldn’t stray from the path and trip like the last person.

'I think those blue coats are supervisors. Looks like I’ll need to wait until I’m at the destination to find another escape route. Trying again will bring way too much attention to me. I don’t need them to realize I’m not one of the newbies.'

As sweat began to bead on my face from the urgent pace we kept, we came up to the main entrance of the park and shock hit me. I had left this area maybe twenty or thirty minutes ago, max. Yet, it had transformed into a circus of white tents surrounded by a high chain-link fence that should have taken hours.

Furthermore, the fence had been fully obscured by a thick blue tarp, zip tied at every necessary spot, and was fiercely guarded by armed Privates, dressed in full combat fatigues. It was obvious that they didn’t want anyone to get a peek at this strange set up and my escape plans had become that much harder.

'I see the military works fast, when it actually wants to. I wonder if those soldiers know what’s happening to their brothers-in-arms? What orders were they given? Did they try to protest or find out why they were here? Would they care about the critically sick man I saw; Private McCullen, I believe his name was?'

The light flapping of a corner of the tarp in the wind gave a small glimpse of Police Cars and Military Jeeps outside the fence, but it was impossible to tell if there was a crowd gathered there still or not.

'Are the nosy neighbors still there? Are any news outlets setting up camp? If there are, I need to be careful not to be spotted, but they can also make for an excellent distraction to escape.'

Still following others to the various tents, I tried to get another glimpse at the craziness behind the tarp, when a thought struck me.

'Wait, didn’t a few of my college buddies get some jobs at local stations? If any of them are in my group of friends, I can find out what the stations know later… Or maybe they can help me ditch this circus–'

“What are you standing around for? We have work to do. Find a supervisor and follow their orders,” a loud voice bellowed in my direction. Turning my attention toward the voice, I found a stout older woman glaring at me.

“Ah, yes Ma’am. Sorry, I’ve never seen so many military men in one area,” I sheepishly replied.

“Honey, they may look nice, but the life of a military wife is full of sacrifice. You’ve made it into a prestigious company after years of schooling. Don’t throw that away for some eye-candy. Now, get to work,” the old woman grumbled and then shuffled off.

'Maybe, I can build off that excuse and flirt my way out of here– No, too risky. I can’t let too many people know my face or voice when I might need to go undercover later. Let’s just find a tent close to the fence. I’m sure I can figure out my next steps after that.'

Scampering off to a tent at the edge of this set up, and near the makeshift fence, I tried to fall in line with the four other workers headed in this direction. They paid me no mind and focused on the dangerous vials, handling them with the utmost care… And the slowest footsteps, to my annoyance.

I mean, yes, they're dangerous, but only if they break. Everyone was running here fine, until that worker tripped, and it broke. They weren't going to shatter by just breathing and existing on the way to the tent…

'I’m being too judgmental… I really need to correct this bad habit. But I don’t want to think about how crazy this is and freak myself out. Just take a second and relax. Be patient…'

Entering the tent, we were met with frantic workers scurrying about the makeshift field hospital. Before we had time to process, orders were barked at us.

“We have one team in the field, dealing with a subject that cannot move, but we have gotten reports that other subjects are on their way here; still mobile, but quickly deteriorating,” the frantic doctor instructed. “Choose a station, take all the supplies you have and get them ready. There are trays and tables for your convenience. You will be their bedside nurse. I know some of you don’t have the right training for this but ask your neighbor for help and don’t let them expire.”

'Oh, fuck. This is really serious. If I leave, I can make a clean escape with limited exposure to whatever this is and get started on my scoop, but… I could stay and help. I’d get more direct info and…'

Private McCullen’s pale, sweating face appeared in my mind, full of pain and fear; twisting my stomach and banging against my heart.

'Will all of them end up like him? Will he survive? Will these incoming soldiers survive? Is it really okay for me to dip right now? I know this isn’t my job, but these are real people with families… That soldier’s friend even mentioned a newborn…'

A mixture of adrenaline and determination bubbled in my veins as a stubborn resolve cloaked my fearful heart.

'Fuck it. I may be a reporter, but I’m also a human with a heart. If I have the chance to save a life, I’m going to. If I work hard, I’m sure I can remain undiscovered and leave with the people taking over.'

'Everyone has a shift change at some point. Just might be awhile, the medical field is notorious for those crazy doubles and triples. I’ve heard so many nurses at my coffee shop complaining about sixteen- and eighteen-hour shifts… I wish I had a shot of espresso in my coffee earlier.'