Episode 4: Worker Protections

Commotion erupted in nearby areas after the sudden orders. Taking a peek from under the wet, blue tarp, I tried to locate an escape route. There were boots on the ground everywhere, puddles splashing with urgency, as every soul rushed frantically to follow orders. My heart raced in time with their pounding as anxiety brushed against my calculating mind.

'Take a deep breath and use your head. There has to be a way out of here.'

It was easy to spot the military in their uniforms, but the medical staff wore civilian clothing draped with a simple lab coat and standard PPE; like gloves, safety glasses, and masks.

'Seems like minimal protection for something that is easily spread. Maybe I’ll be okay and won’t have to burn everything… '

'Back on track, if I can find a spare coat and PPE to wear, I could go unnoticed. Sneaking out in a disguise, among hundreds of look-alikes, should be easy. Where can I get the stuff–'

The bold letters on the crate gave me a reality check; Supplies.

'Of course! This crate probably has stuff I can use to escape this camp or at least lessen my chances at getting sick. Is it open?'

Wiggling my fingers under the lid, I was relieved it didn't require a crowbar to open. Popping the lid slightly, I carefully peeked inside. Lab coats and PPE greeted me, alongside vials of something and unknown liquids in IV bags.

'I’ll snag the outfit items I need and tuck away some of those vials, maybe an IV bag if the lab coat pockets are big enough. They look like a good lead for later.'

Slipping out the coat from its plastic wrap and the PPE from their various containers, I slipped into my disguise; thankful the mask and eyewear obscured my identity as the coat covered up my jogging attire. Slipping a handful of vials into one pocket and only one IV bag into the other, I was ready to escape. I just needed the perfect opportunity–

The tarp suddenly flew off me and I was face to face with another civilian worker.

“What the hell do you think you're doing? We have work to do. Count your blessings that we’re too busy for me to find your supervisor. Now, stop trying to hide and slack off. Go unload the trucks near the front. We have enough hands over here,” the masked worker scolded as they grabbed my elbow and yanked me to my feet.

“I’m sorry. I partied too hard last night,” I quickly fibbed. “I just wanted a few minutes in the dark for my migraine. I’ll get to work–” As I started to walk off, the worker’s grip tightened on my elbow.

“Hold up, did you open this crate?” They questioned authority dripping from their voice.

'Shit, am I screwed?'

“Um–”

“Look, we’re still gonna charge you for another coat on your paycheck. You can’t just slip one out of supplies when you forget yours at home. You newbies think you're so sly and can borrow it and put it back. We can tell when they’re used,” the worker scolded before offering a solution, and letting go of my elbow. “Just tell your supervisor you took it with Dr. Albot’s permission, and it won’t be a write up, just a standard charge. They can come find me and confirm.”

“I understand,” I breathed in relief, playing along. “I’ll remember my stuff next time and thank you for helping me avoid a write up.”

“You’re welcome. Did you at least grab some of the vials and a bag or two?” Dr. Albot probed. “They have limited supplies at the other entrance and requested our guys to come prepared.”

“Uh, yes. I put them in my pockets, so I wouldn’t drop them,” I replied, lightly tapping my pockets, thankful for a perfect excuse to take supplies and get to the other entrance where my car waited a few blocks away.

“At least, you're competent. Just don’t fall on it. The IV is just a vitamin and fluid cocktail and won’t hurt you, but be careful with those vials,” The Doctor warned. “They are to only be given to the test subjects and if any of it gets on you, get to the decontamination tent immediately. I don’t care if it’s just on your clothes or your PPE. Got it?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I replied.

“Maybe take an extra IV Bag,” the Doctor offered, pulling another IV out of the crate and handing it to me. “One of the team members down there might take some pity on you and administer it to you. It’ll do wonders for that hangover migraine.”

“Oh, thank you. I will,” I smiled, taking the bag from her.

“Get going. I’ve scolded you enough,” the Doctor sighed, waving me off. Giving a quick nod, I scampered off to the other park entrance.

As I traversed the trails, I ran into other lab coat workers, each moving with urgency and carrying the same IV bags and vials. A sudden yelp pulled my attention to a fallen worker, their feet tangled in roots and their vials splattered on the ground in front of them. As I watched the electric blue liquid, sizzled and bubbled on the ground, a yellow gas rising from the sudden spill.

“Everyone, move six feet away from the contamination. I’ll make the call to the decontamination team and watch where you step. We can’t afford to lose more of the vials,” a senior worker ordered, pulling a walkie-talkie off their belt as another worker helped the fallen one to their feet and everyone else moved away from the area.

'Didn’t the doc say these were to be administered to the subjects? What the hell kind of drug does that? What would it do to the patient?'

'I don’t like where this is going… I need to break off from these guys and get out of here, but I can’t make it too obvious. I should at least follow them to their destination. I’m sure I can find another opportunity to escape once there.'