The Last Bastion of the Living (The Last Bastion #1)(36)

Maria fidgeted nervously, trying not to pull her hand away from the startling warmth of the scientist’s hand. “I’m doing my job. I believe what I’m doing is right.”

“I know you do and it gives me such hope that the others will follow in your footsteps.” Dr. Curran withdrew her hand and tapped her stylus on the pad.

The last of Maria’s restraints retracted.

Startled, Maria sat in silence staring at her unencumbered limbs. Slowly, she raised her eyes and said, “You’re not afraid of me? Even though I’m Inferi Scourge.”

“You’re not Inferi Scourge, but Inferi Boon. You’re the answer to the hopes of The Bastion.” Dr. Curran was positively glowing. It was rather troubling. “You’re going to be escorted to your room now. Please shower and change into your dress uniform. It’s time to show the upper echelon our future.”

Maria slowly slid her chair back and stood. Her balance was a little off, but she adjusted her stance and found her center. For the first time she noticed her boots had been set near the door. Dr. Curran rose and watched as Maria quickly donned her footwear.

“I know this has been difficult for you, Maria. Though I sympathize with your predicament, I cannot imagine what you’re going through. Your strength of will is inspiring.”

“The perfect test subject?” Maria arched an eyebrow at the scientist. She had been unable to hold back that stinging comment.

Dr. Curran nodded. “I won’t apologize again for calling you that. The reality is you’re our test subject. You’re the first of your kind. You’re our salvation. You and the other volunteers will give humanity a chance to live and thrive again. I am sorry that we were not forthcoming with the truth of the procedure, but I am proud of the success of this endeavor. I am proud of you.”

Maria set her feet apart and tucked her hands behind her back. “I won’t lie, Dr. Curran. You and Mr. Petersen are not my favorite people in this world. But I will do my job to the best of my abilities for the citizens of The Bastion.”

“Of that, I have no doubt,” Dr. Curran answered, smiling.



*



After all the time spent in the testing rooms, Maria was relieved to finally take a shower and have a little bit of time for herself. To keep her from fading into torpor, the wristlet emitted a pulse every few minutes to keep her senses stimulated. It was a little annoying at first, but she soon became used to it. After scrubbing her body and washing her hair, she stepped out into the small room and stared into the mirror.

There was a slightly bluish shadow around her eyes and mouth, and her irises had a strange cloudy appearance. Otherwise, she looked like herself. If only she felt completely alive again. The faint numbness in her limbs was unnerving.

Glancing at her makeup bag, she pondered using concealer to hide the strange discoloration around her eyes, but opted not to. Let them see what she had become to save the last of humanity.

She braided her hair then knotted it on top of her head before starting to dress. Checking the time on her wristlet, she was surprised to see that it was only just past dinner time. It would be a few more hours before she could contact Dwayne safely and discreetly. Despite the many breaks during the testing, she was aware that it had been a very long day.

Mr. Petersen retrieved her from her room. She regarded him coolly as she stepped into the hallway.

“You’re very presentable,” Mr. Petersen said, and flashed a smile that didn’t reach his cold eyes.

“Thank you,” Maria answered, her tone slightly wary.

“Considering everything you have endured for the last two weeks, I have to say you look remarkably well. Strong, lucid...almost human.”

“Two weeks?” Maria lifted her eyebrows at him as they walked down the hall.

“Yes. Two weeks. They did tell you, didn’t they? That you have been being tested for the last two weeks?” There was a cruel light in his eyes and his smile was downright serpentine.

It took all her willpower not to fully reveal her shock. She kept her features as neutral as possible and slightly shrugged. “I don’t have to eat or sleep,” she answered blandly.

His smile faded around the edges as he studied her face. “That is true. Since you’re dead.”

As they stepped into the elevator, Maria graced him with a broad smile and said, “Oh, not dead. Inferi Scourge.”

She enjoyed his discomfort as the elevator door slid shut.




*




The sun descended behind the mountain range that ringed the valley The Bastion was nestled within. Dwayne hurried down the crowded street, ducking around the vendors packing up their wares and the few pedicabs carrying government officials home. It always saddened him to see the makeshift rickshaws attached to old bikes making their way through the streets while the monorail stations remained silent.

Dressed in civilian clothing, he blended in with the rest of the people trudging home. His coat, sweater, and pants were all reconstructed and his boots had been resoled many times. The old battered hat on his head was a gift from Maria. She thought he had looked rather rakish when he had tried it on during one of their shopping trips in the bazaar. This evening he kept the brim tilted downward as he rushed toward his appointment, his chin tucked low to avoid being recognized. He was uneasy about meeting Lindsey at her small flat, but she had been insistent. The last thing he wanted to do was draw unwanted attention to her.