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Friday - September 17

Gerald looks at Victor as his lip continues to bleed. Extending his hand out to help Victor to his feet, Victor slaps Gerald's hand away, and says, "Go to hell, Gerald," and pulls himself up, nearly tripping over his own feet.

Breathing heavily, Victor says, "Why didn't we tell her, damn it? Why, Gerald? Why didn't we tell Georgia the truth?"

Gerald stares blankly into Victor's eyes, and replies, "You know why, Victor. It's how he's planned it. He's the one holding all the cards. He's the one, Victor. He's the one."

"Damn him, Gerald! I've lost everything because of him! I'm going to kill that bastard if it's the last thing I do! I will kill that bastard! So help me, God!"

Gerald stands in disbelief as to what has happened. Georgia is dead, Stevens is gone, and the whole cursed plan's going awry.

Victor bends down and carefully places his arms under Georgia to carry her back into the plaza. Gerald sees that he's having difficulty and takes a step forward to help. Victor turns around and tells Gerald to back off, and with all his might, lifts his beloved wife, friend, and lover into his arms, and carefully carries her back into the dark halls of the plaza.

Gerald watches with sadness as Victor and Georgia disappear from his sight. With shaky hands, he takes his cell and dials a number. His conversation is short. "Georgia... is... dead." Confused and in shock, Gerald re-enters the building, unaware that Georgia's death will have more meaning than anyone thought possible.

__________________________________

The captive occupants at the CDC don't have to worry about the shortage of food. The cafeteria is open twenty-four seven, thanks to the lockdown. CDC employees sit among themselves; some speaking softly, others speaking as if the day is a normal day. Yet there are others who want to leave the CDC and be home with their loved ones. Many don't know if their loved ones are still alive, or dead. The number of the dead quickly rises as every hour passes.

Monica and Ted enter the cafeteria to grab some coffee and food to take back to my office.

"Have the reports come back yet?" Ted asks Monica, as he piles his tray with fruit and pudding cups.

"They should be done by now, Ted. Before we head to John's office, let's stop at the lab and pick up the reports ourselves."

"Or... we could call them. Whatever works, is fine by me."

"That works, too," Monica replies.

When they begin to leave the cafeteria, both of their pagers start to buzz. Ted pulls his pager out of his pocket first, as if he and Monica were racing.

"It's the lab. The reports are done."

"Great!" Monica exclaims.

"Damn! Why does breakfast always get interrupted?" Ted complains.

"It does appear to be that way, Ted. Let's get the reports and head to John's office. I hope he starts thinking more clearly about this damn plague. Don't get me wrong, Ted. I know he's grieving over Claire, but he is the acting CDC Director. And what we don't need right now is another director losing it. Ted, am I wrong?" Monica stops, waiting for a response.

Ted looks at Monica, but realizes she's right, and says, "No, you're not wrong, Monica. Let's get the reports."

Ted opens the cafeteria door as he and Monica go to pick up the report

As they walk down the long corridor, Monica hears her name being called. She stops, turns around, and notices a familiar figure. She says to Ted, "Hey, can I meet you at John's office? I need to talk to this person. Okay?"