Mikel pulled to a stop and turned in his seat to address everyone.
"Okay, so what you're about to see might have you asking a few questions. First and most obvious, no, we didn't know this was going to happen. Second, we had a small amount of serum that was allegedly going to protect those we care about. It was meant for the people we were closest to, and we chose you guys. Unfortunately, we didn't get Holly. Jesse and I never even thought about Julia, and that was a mistake, so we apologize.
"Right now, you're thinking, "What the hell?" I'm sure," Mikel held up his hand silently, asking them to wait, "So here's the truth. Jesse and I are journalists, and we do a little snooping around in our extra time for an agency that pays a little better than we could make otherwise. Plus, it has some sweet perks. That's why we're here right now. This place is an emergency supply depot our agency set up. We’re going to fill up with gas and gear, get some rest, and food, and see if there are any updates. We’re sorry we haven’t told you yet, but we didn’t really know how to broach the subject. For now, let’s get inside and see what we’re working with.”
“So, you’re like…a spy? And you put something in our drinks? Then let all this shit go down before letting us know about any of this?” Julie was handing Hope to Sal as she spoke.
“Well, sort of. Short answer: yes.”
"That's…messed up." She whispered, then came over the seat at him, nails ready to cause maximum damage. Byron reached for her, but Mikel was prepared. He leaned to his side and gently restrained her arms, forcing her hands into fists, which he let her hit him with until she broke down into tears. When she stopped beating him, she hugged him and thanked him for saving her.
“You’re still a freaking bastard, but thank you.”
Everyone else in the car lost it. Laughter became near hysteria. Tears were flowing down Byron's cheeks. Sal was complaining that he couldn't breathe. Julie started laughing as well, and the episode seemed to be behind them. After a few minutes, they calmed down and were able to exit the Rover. All five entered the barn, with three of them unsure of what awaited them. Hope was snuggled happily in Mikel's arms.
The remaining people in Jesse’s car followed suit, though Jesse hadn’t given them the same speech. They had no idea they were about to enter a secure site.
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The interior of the barn was clean and well-maintained. Several smaller metal sheds were housed within. The floor had been dug out to accommodate their height, with stairs leading to each, though the large shed in the center had a ramp to drive vehicles down.
Jesse was coming out of the nearest shed as the group entered.
“Hey, everyone. Bathrooms are in here. Showers and fresh clothes for all interested. You should find things in your sizes. Hope I did okay in the fashion department. It was short notice, and Julie only had an hour to go shopping with me. That took care of Byron and Maggie. I think Polly should fit Maggie’s clothes, though. Sorry, everyone. I know this is hard, weird, and probably confusing as hell, but go ahead and take care of what you need, then come into that hut,” she pointed to the far shed, “and I’ll have coffee and breakfast ready. By then, I’m sure you’ll have some amazing conspiracy theories for us to discuss. Please don’t think Mikel and I are here to cause you any harm. It truly is just the opposite. We love you people more than anyone else we could think of. Now go shower. You stink.”
Stevie came up the stairs and looked at everyone, a fresh tool in her hands as she continued to dry her hair.
“I needed that…Oh, and Jesse and Mikel are legit. She also gave me and Polly the same stuff she gave everyone else last week. So I guess if there’s a second wave or whatever, we’re covered. Yay?” She shuffled off to follow Jesse.
“Umm, did I miss something here?” Seth was scanning around the barn with a confused, worried look.
“Sure did, man. Those two are spies that gave us unknown chemicals to keep us from wolfing out, then didn’t mention it until we were at a barn in the middle of nowhere, four freaking days after the world fell apart. Oh, and they got to hand-pick who they gave those chemicals to, and they picked us. I’m still not sure if I should be happy about that or not.” Byron updated Seth on the situation.
“There’s a bit more to it, but it can wait till after we shower. I think there are still pieces of wolf on you, Seth. And you smell like a bowl of yogurt that got left out for three days, Sal. I bet I smell like a wolf that had sex with a dead skunk before jumping into a pool full of shit. We are all a bit ripe. Let’s go.”
Everyone followed him down. Showers ran for the next hour and a half. The hot water kept up, and all the clothes fit perfectly. Julie was impressed.
The breakfast was excellent. Jesse put everyone at ease by telling stories of adventures she and Mikel had gone on in South America and Tahiti. The two answered any questions openly and honestly and probably divulged several state secrets in the process, but who was there to arrest them now? Now, it was finally time to peel back the entire curtain.
"Okay, so you might be wondering how we got into this. Well, let's take a little trip back to 2009. Jesse and I hadn't met yet. I was in college and got an opportunity to travel to Amsterdam to study for a semester. It was amazing, by the way. Space cakes for the win. Anyway, there I was, people-watching at a cafe, and I kept noticing this guy at a table nearby. He had all this paperwork spread out around him, totally disorganized. Kept mumbling, "Damn" under his breath…." Mikel had everyone's attention.