Chapter 121: Classified
Chapter 121: Classified
Sylvia's pov.
Being left alone, I glanced around the place in awe, not believing for a second that I might be working here and helping to change the world as we knew it.
Not long before Dr Maksim’s departure, the sound of heels clicking the tiles filled the air and a young lady appeared before me, her skin white and pale like she hadn't seen sunlight in days, hair pulled back in a tight ponytail with not a single strand out of place.
The woman introduced herself politely, “My name is Dr Vera and I would be taking over the tour, please, follow me,” her mannerism poise and her head held high.
I followed behind her as instructed, impressed by the way she carried herself.
To my surprise, the more I saw, the more relaxed I became.
Up until then, a small part of me had remained cautious. The facility was isolated, heavily secured, and far removed from the city. But as we walked through the various wings, I began seeing things that reminded me that this was, at its core, still a medical institution.
Patients occupied several rooms.
Some sat reading books while nurses checked on them. Others chatted quietly. One elderly woman smiled warmly at me as we passed her room, and I found myself smiling back, hurrying to catch up with Dr Vera.
“They stay for longer periods, participating in our experiments voluntarily, as some of them depend on these experiments to survive, hence why we need it.”
I glanced back, my heart felt a bit heavy knowing all of them in one way or another are fighting for their lives, depending solely on an experiment that was not a hundred percent sure to be successful.
Mom!!
We moved into another section where large machines occupied spacious rooms. Through a viewing window, I watched as medical personnel prepared a patient for an MRI scan. The machine hummed softly as the patient was slowly guided inside.
"We conduct tests everyday," the guide said with a small laugh. "To watch their progress and keep track of any changes."
I nodded, watching the procedure for a moment longer before following her onward, my interest soaring so high.
No one was idle, it was either they were with a patient or in a lab.
While we continued, I noticed a door, nothing really particular about it though, just a door, no one went in, no one came out.
Unlike the others we'd passed, this one lacked any labels or department markings.
I slowed slightly, my curiosity getting the better of me, "What's in there?"
The guide followed my gaze before offering a polite smile.
"Oh, that's a restricted area."
Restricted??!!
My question must have shown on my features as she continued, “It’s Classified.”
That's it?
I stared in confusion but no more was given.
I guess for a place like this, you'll need a level of clearance.
Staring at the door a little longer, my curiosity only skated, but there was nothing I could do, shrugging I followed behind Dr Vera again.
Eventually we reached a laboratory section considerably smaller than the others. Unlike the larger testing wings, this area felt more personal and academic.
The guide stopped beside a workstation.
"This will be your primary station."
My eyes widened slightly, my excitement returning, taking everything in, a desk, a computer, some materials, drawers underneath.
“You'll be responsible for data collection, analysis and serology, to know if they are compatible, you'll also be taking care of the patients as well. Documentation as well,” the list went on and on and for a second I felt like I should have been writing all of this down.
I should be writing all of this down.
“Assisting with ongoing pharmaceutical studies, Observing and reporting findings under supervision.”
It sounded far more important than anything I had expected, and for a second I felt overwhelmed.
"Don't worry," she assured me after noticing my expression. "You won't be handling everything at once."
I laughed nervously.
“Your schedule would remain flexible as Dr Maksim informs me you are still in school, perhaps twice a week can work, maybe three?”
I contemplated for a minute, weighing the options. "Uhmmm.”
“You don't have to make a decision now, you can get back to me later.”
Relief immediately washed through me, “Alright, thank you,” it seemed like such a big decision to make on a spot.
Before long, the tour came to an end.
After thanking the staff and completing a few administrative formalities, arrangements were made for my transportation back into town.
The drive was shorter, my mind preoccupied, kept drifting back to the research facility and a silver of hope swelled inside of me
maybe—just maybe—it could eventually help my mother.
At the same time I was also nervous, because I would need to carry out an experiment on my own as my mother was a wolf, “If only Donald was here, he would have been so much help.”
The thought stayed with me all the way back to campus.
As soon as I arrived, I sent a message to Ezekiel before heading towards his house.
Unfortunately, the expression on his face immediately told me something was wrong, Annie was also beside him, giving me a once over before her gaze returned to Ezekiel.
I was about to ask what she was doing here, but remembered she was part of Ezekiel's pack.
“What's going on?” The air was thick with tension, seeming like something had gone wrong.
Annie was sure not to inform me but Ezekiel didn't hold back, “It's Amy,” he paused for a second, “We still haven't found her,” he leaned against the kitchen counter, hands crossed over his chest.
His gaze landed on Annie and a silent conversation seemed to go on before Annie released a sigh, “And now we can't find another of ours as well.”
“And you all think this has something to do with the hunters?”
It wasn't as much of a question as I did think the same way. My mind instinctively went to Peggy.