The Last Bastion of the Living (The Last Bastion #1)(41)

“So let Mr. Petersen tell his stirring and patriotic story. Let those men and women in there remember what the stakes are. Let them see how our world almost died and how the last remaining nations of the world did their best to save us all. We stand on the brink of our own extinction. A little patriotism isn’t going to hurt anything.”

Maria gave the scientist a brisk nod. She didn’t like feeling manipulated by the powers that be, but Dr. Curran was right. Even though she was angry at the deception that surrounded her transformation, her feelings seemed petty in comparison to the distress that filled the city. Her death and resurrection could possibly save millions. With or without the rousing presentation Mr. Petersen was giving, she would have volunteered. There was no doubt in her mind.

“For five years The Bastion not only survived, but thrived. The city and the valley were filled with hardworking people who created a new way of life.” Mr. Petersen’s narration was now accompanied by scenes of cattle grazing in lush pastures, fruit laden orchards, and sprouting fields of grain. “The Bastion was humanity’s ultimate success in the aftermath of its worst tragedy.” Mr. Petersen took a deep breath, dropping his gaze for a few moments. Lifting them just as the screen began to show the Scourge rampaging through the idyllic farmland around the city, Mr. Petersen said, “Then the gate failed.”

Falling silent, Mr. Petersen allowed uncensored footage of the slaughter of the men, women, and children who had once lived and worked in the shadow of the city to play out in all its visceral terror.

Maria averted her eyes, unable to watch the massacre, but her gaze was gradually drawn to the appalling images. It was difficult to comprehend the sheer terror that had engulfed The Bastion on that day. She gasped as a news drone recorded the city gate closing. Countless people tried to scramble inside before the heavy steel doors shut, some being crushed as they closed. The remaining people screamed and beat against the doors as the Scourge tore into them. Shots from above killed both the non-infected and the Scourge.

“In one tragic morning, we lost nearly half our population and all our natural resources.” Mr. Petersen rested on hand on the podium, as if to steady himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow citizens of The Bastion, we must close the gate and destroy the Inferi Scourge outside the city walls. We have no other choice.”

“That’s your cue,” Dr. Curran said, tapping Maria’s hand.

Standing, Maria straightened her uniform and ran a gentle hand over her hair, checking that it was smooth and her bun secure. Dr. Curran led the way to a door that she palmed open. Maria followed in her wake, then stepped into the debriefing room.

Immediately she was under scrutiny. Her appearance brought one or two sharp intakes of breath. Jameson’s eyes widened as one or two of the veterans who knew her audibly gasped. A few of the soldiers didn’t immediately recognize her Inferi Boon condition, but when they did she could see the fear in their eyes. A few of the soldiers looked in confusion between her and Mr. Petersen.

“We promised that you would be able to walk among the Inferi Scourge. That they wouldn’t identify you as prey,” Mr. Petersen said in a low, but clear voice. “We were not lying to you.”

“She’s a Scrag!” Jameson exclaimed, the words bursting from his mouth, spittle flecking his lips.

“Yes, I am.” Maria moved to stand at Mr. Petersen’s side. “But I am a thinking Scrag. My mind and personality are intact. I am still Vanguard Maria Martinez of the Constabulary of The Bastion. I am still strong, agile, and able to defend this city and its citizens to the best of my ability. I can walk among the Scrags and kill them with no remorse. I do not hunger. I do not sleep.”

Gideon was watching her intently, his trembling hands tucked under his chin as he listened. Jameson’s mouth remained open in disbelief.

A female soldier with dark skin and black eyes that Maria didn’t know asked, “How do you know they won’t attack you?”

Maria knew that the vid she had helped Dr. Curran edit together was now showing behind her. It would reveal the highlights of her testing, including her standing in a room crowded with Inferi Scourge, untouched by them. “I have undergone a series of tests over the last two weeks. I am the ultimate weapon against the Scrags. Dr. Curran assured me that when we’re done purging the valley of all the Scrags, we will be restored to life.”

Dr. Curran stepped forward as Mr. Petersen abandoned the podium. “I am Doctor Beverly Curran. I am in charge of the Inferi Boon Project. What Vanguard Martinez has told you is the truth. We can restore you and give you an antidote to destroy the modified virus. You will be able to build a new life for yourselves once the valley is free. Vanguard Martinez is our first Inferi Boon Special Ops. She can answer all your questions and alleviate any of the fears you may have about the procedure.” Beverly took a breath as the men and women before her shifted uncomfortably in their chairs and stared at her warily. “This mission still remains voluntary. If you decide to withdraw from the program, you will continue to stay in the SWD facility for the next six months until the operation is over. Consider it an extended vacation, but this mission must remain top secret. Though the city knows that the government has plans to remove the Inferi Scourge from the valley, it has been determined that there will be an outcry if they discover the truth about the Inferi Boon Special Ops. The fear of the Inferi Scourge is deep-seated in our psyche. We don’t want there to be any discrimination or fear associated with your returns to society. Therefore, our cover story is that special armor was used to enable you to move among the Inferi Scourge. No one will ever know about what you had to become to save The Bastion. Before entering this mission debriefing, you were all sworn to secrecy. That oath will remain intact whether or not you’re on the mission. Once the mission is successfully completed, those participating in the mission will be publically acknowledged by the president. Those who decide to opt out will be listed as support personnel. Am I clear?”