Evolution Chapter 22

*Happy Hump Day! Well on the bright side at least the week is just about half over anyway. I hope you like the story so far. Feel free to pm me or share your thoughts via review. Thank you so much for reading!

After dinner the eleven participants went through a battery of tests. They ranged from inkblots, to brain wave monitors to mathematical puzzles. Rick walked silently among them, soaking up as much information as he could. He was amazed at the high tech equipment that Inland brought to camp with them. The medical center had its own CAT scan and MRI machines, but Inland had machines that Rick never saw before.

Holly was hooked up to once such machine on the second floor of the medical center. Justin, the young man from the control group was next to her, hooked up to his own. It was essentially a stainless steel seat complete with metal arms. Rick gulped, as it reminded Rick of an electric chair that leaned farther back. Holly's arms, legs and neck were strapped to the structure. Rick noted her apprehension so he went over and grabbed her hand. Trying to keep his face as calm as possible he squeezed her hand and said, "It'll be okay. Just relax." However, in truth, Rick had no idea what was about to happen to her. He approached Cecile as she was adjusting the machine's settings. "What, um, what is this thing?" he asked.

"It's a device that emits vibrations at various levels. We want to gauge the setting in which the Lieutenant and Justin become uncomfortable," she said.

"What do you mean 'uncomfortable'?" Rick asked. "Is this going to hurt them?" he whispered to Cecile out of Holly and Justin's earshot.

"Not to worry," she said, calmly. "When they express the desire for us to stop, we'll shut the machine off."

Rick studied Cecile for a few moments before walking back over to Holly. He gripped her hand this time. "You just let me know when you want the machine to stop and I'll make sure they turn it off, okay"

Holly nodded. "What the hell is this thing?"

"Cecile says it's going to vibrate and she has to measure the level in which you and Justin can't take the vibration anymore," said Rick.

"Awesome," said Holly. "I'm strapped to a satanic massage chair. Sounds relaxing." She looked over at Justin sympathetically.

"Let me know when you're ready Lieutenant," called Cecile at the controls.

"Don't think I'll ever be fully ready so you may as well fire it up, Cecile," she said.

As the twin machines came to life, Holly and Justin closed their eyes. Rick could feel a slight vibration as he held Holly's hand. Five minutes turned into ten and the settings were adjusted higher. "So far so good," said Holly after twelve minutes. Rick switched the hand he was using to hold hers, as the vibration was becoming uncomfortable for him. He couldn't imagine his entire body being strapped to the machine.

After fifteen minutes Cecile adjusted the levels again. Rick noticed Justin begin to squirm and he wanted to pull his own hand away from Holly's as the vibration was becoming unbearable. He watched her intently as she lay with her eyes closed. She had no visible signs of discomfort. He leaned down and whispered in her ear "Hey. You okay?"

She opened her eyes and smiled. "Yeah, I'm good. It's kinda nice."

"Really?" he asked. "Because Justin looks like he's had enough. Are you sure?"

Holly looked over at Justin. The man's eyes were squeezed shut and he gritted his teeth. "Justin, don't be afraid to have them stop," she said to him. He didn't open his eyes and she wondered if he could hear her over his machine. "Rick, maybe you should go to him."

Just as Rick began to walk over Cecile adjusted the controls again. Suddenly Justin started screaming and writhing. "Cecile, turn it off NOW!" hollered Rick. He went to the man and tried to grab his face but when he touched him, Rick sprang back, the vibration so strong that Rick felt like he was just hit with a cattle prod. Justin's eyes were still squeezed shut. Tears flowed down the sides of his face. "Godammit Cecile I said turn it off!" thundered Rick. He tried to remove the mans hands from the straps but each time he touched them he felt like he was getting an electric shock. "Merle!" he cried. "Merle!"

Merle took the stairs three at a time from the first floor and flew over to Rick. "I think you'll be able to take the shock. I need you to get him out of these straps, okay?"

Merle nodded and used his only hand to pull at the buckles for the straps with no apparent response to the powerful sensation at all. He looked over at Holly who, besides her concern for Justin, looked fine. Rick stormed over to Cecile and grabbed her by the shoulders. With fury in his eyes he shook her. "I said turn that thing off! He's in pain! Are you crazy?"

Cecile pulled away from Rick and she cast him a cool glare. She shut both machines down before turning her nose up at him. "He didn't TELL me to stop," she stated.

"That's because he was in too much pain to speak," said Rick angrily. He promptly went to Holly's side and unstrapped her. When she was free they went to Justin. Merle was standing over him trying to get him to respond, however he'd lost consciousness.

Cecile watched with detached calm as Holly checked for a heartbeat. "He's got a pulse," she said. "But," she started, seeing bright red blood appear at the corners of his mouth. She looked back at Rick with fear in her eyes. "No," she said in disbelief, gripping his nose and lower jaw, trying to pull them apart. "Merle, please help," she said. By then, the rest of the researchers and test subjects had arrived at the second floor exam room to see what the commotion was about.

"Turn his head to the side," instructed Holly as she and Merle separated his upper and lower jaw. Pieces of teeth mixed with blood fell out onto the steel of the chair, making clinking sounds as they landed. "God, his teeth are all shattered," said Holly, feeling queasy.

Merle took a deep breath before reaching into Justin's mouth, extracting a pulpy red piece of flesh. He cringed and looked between Rick and Holly with a grave expression. "They must've shattered right after he bit off his tongue."

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Holly clenched her fists as she sat in a meeting room with Rick, Cecile and Steven Trotter. "We agreed that no one would come into danger by your people. You broke our agreement," she growled at Trotter.

The man sat across from her with his hands folded and resting on the wooden table. A stunning platinum ring with intricate engravings rested on his ring finger. His face was always a picture of calm and serenity. "Lieutenant, what happened today was an unfortunate accident. Justin will get superior medical care to reverse the injuries he's suffered today."

"An unfortunate accident?" said Rick, incredulously. His eyes narrowed at Cecile. "He was in pain. He was screaming for God's sake! I begged you to stop those machines and you didn't. You let him suffer."

Cecile huffed and looked to Trotter for support. Trotter adjusted his tie. "Rick, I've worked with Cecile for many years and have never seen her show any amount of callousness towards another."

"Then you don't know her as well as you think," Holly spat. "I saw the whole thing. Cecile deliberately ignored Justin's clues that he was in severe discomfort. I think you should pack up this goddamn circus and get out of my camp."

Rick nodded in support.

Trotter looked between the two of them. "Of course Lieutenant. We'll be glad to leave. Tomorrow morning after we take our blood samples."

Holly stood up. "No. Leave now."

Trotter stood as well and his gaze darkened. "We will leave…AFTER we get our blood samples." Holly glared at him. He sat back down, again folding his hands. "I suggest you sit down too, Lieutenant."

"I don't have to do a damn thing you tell me," she seethed.

"Oh no? I beg to differ my dear. You see you're locked in an agreement with me. This agreement is not to be taken lightly, and not easily gotten out of. Not without very bad things happening. Very bad things indeed."

Holly flopped into a chair and rubbed her temples. "No more experiments tonight. Or at all."

"Of course, Lieutenant. Considering the circumstances we will certainly not do any more experimentation. Not on this visit anyway. However, we really need those blood samples. That is non-negotiable. We wouldn't want anything to happen to your people, would we? I mean if you made us leave now without our samples, then we'd have to do something to retaliate with the equal degree of severity. Hmmm…what could we do Cecile?" asked Trotter.

Cecile smiled. "We could always deactivate the walker barrier. I'd say your camp would be getting their first undead visitors within forty-eight hours."

"Excellent idea, Cecile!" said Trotter cheerfully.

Rick gritted his teeth. "You people can't be serious."

"Oh I assure you we are," said Trotter. "Quite serious. So Lieutenant, you decide. An overnighter and a few vials of blood versus your camp being put into danger. Seems like a no brainer to me."

Holly's eyes were glazed with fury as she bit the inside of her mouth. "Fine. Take your blood samples and then go. But you draw the blood tonight. No overnighters. I can't stand to look at either of one of you anymore."

"Glad we could reach an agreement," said Trotter, standing up.

"What happens to Justin?" asked Holly.

"Like I said he'll get medical care. We've got your doctors looking at him now and we'll take him home with us when we leave. He'll be fine," said Trotter.

"Yeah it should be a quick fix," said Rick sarcastically. "Just install a new tongue and a set of teeth. He'll be eating corn on the cob and gobstoppers by next week."

Trotter chuckled. "Oh Rick you are one funny guy. One funny guy." He stepped out into the hall with Cecile.

Holly exhaled. "I really hate that man."

"You're not the only one," said Rick. "Now I know why Stanley was so anxious for you to come back to camp. I doubt he could stand up to Trotter. He'd probably let all sorts of shit go on."

"Yeah," said Holly. "Not that I'm any better. I folded the minute he threatened to take the barrier down."

Rick put his hand on hers. "You're just trying to protect everyone. At least you got them to cease any more experiments for now. And they're leaving tonight."

Holly looked into his eyes. "Do you really believe what you were saying before? About Inland injecting us way before the walker virus hit?"

Rick shrugged. "Anything's possible. We'll look into it after they leave."

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Just after ten PM, Holly, Rick and Merle stood at the gates and watched the last set of tail lights in the Inland convoy disappear. Holly asked Eric to give the all clear to all of the residents. Rick went off to his office to spend the night. He wasn't ready to face Lori. Holly promised to let Lori know of his whereabouts.

As Holly and Merle were getting ready to say goodnight and go to their separate living quarters, Merle stopped her. He looked down at the cotton ball taped to his arm. "I have something to tell you."

"What's up Merle?" asked Holly.

"While ya'll were meetin' with Trotter and Little Miss Snotty I got to thinkin' about what you said to Justin on the treadmill. I realized that I'd kept somethin' from you, LT. Lied to you is more like it," he said, looking at his feet.

Holly walked closer to him. "A soldier always knows another soldier," she confirmed.

He nodded. "Yep. Army. It was a long time ago."

"Why did you lie to me when I asked you?" asked Holly.

Merle shrugged. "I was embarrassed," said Merle. "I spent more time in the stockade then with my boots on the ground."

She sighed and patted his shoulder. "Merle you have nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Come on Holly, I've been in jail more than I've been out. I thought enlisting would straighten me out but a lot of good that did." He shook his head. "I never set a real good example for Daryl. Between me being in jail or high all the time, I'm surprised he kept his nose clean. He never got into trouble with the law like I did."

"Well Merle, no one is perfect. And to be honest with you, I think you've made a lot of positive changes in your life. You are an extremely important member of this camp and everyone here just loves you. I think you're being too hard on yourself. I don't know what I'd do without you here and I think many others would agree with me," said Holly. "Especially Daryl. I think he's very proud of you and even though he's a grown man I know he still looks up to you."

"Well," said Merle, exhaling the cool night air from his lungs. "I'm glad I told ya. Thanks."

"Good," said Holly. "You can tell me anything okay? I would never judge you."

Merle nodded. "Likewise, LT. See ya in the mornin'. Tell that pain in the ass baby brother of mine not to sleep too late. I need his help with somethin' back at the house and Dale's got a dang waitin' list with all the repairs he's been doin'."

"Will do," said Holly, smiling. "Sleep well, Merle."

Merle walked slowly back to the hunter's house, enjoying the cool fall air on his skin. He thought about how happy he was in camp and how he'd never felt that way in his entire life. However, after Rick's assertions about Inland's activities earlier in the day and considering the incident with Justin, he felt uneasy about the camp's standing.

If Holly and Rick discovered that Inland was doing something shady long before the walker virus got out of control, it might make Holly attempt to renegotiate or even terminate her agreement with Steven Trotter. That would thrust everyone back into the dangerous world outside the camps walls, making the safe, fulfilling existence they'd managed to cultivate a thing of the past.

He turned on his heels and walked back up Greek row and into the quad. This time his pace was brisk. He got to the dorms and nodded a greeting to the two soldiers chatting quietly outside. He got to the fourth floor and smiled when Charlene answered her door. Her long auburn hair rested on her shoulders. Merle had to smile when he noticed that she was wearing one of his shirts. "Hey baby," he said.

"Oh Merle I'm so glad you're okay!" she exclaimed, embracing him. "How did the Lieutenant manage to get them to leave tonight instead of tomorrow?"

"Eh, she's good like that. She's one tough bitch. I mean one tough lady. Sorry," he said kissing her forehead.

She giggled. "Why don't you come on in and stay the night?" she asked in her sugary drawl. "I know it lacks the grandeur of the hunter's house but I think you'll find the bed quite comfortable," she cooed.

Merle looked into her eyes and smiled. "Now baby that is what I call an offer I can't refuse," he said, shutting the door behind them.

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Daryl sat up straight when he felt a hand caress his face. "Not that I don't think you look adorable when you sleep but I figured your back wouldn't like you too much tomorrow for sleeping in the living room chair all night," Holly whispered, smiling.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her on to his lap. He took her face in his hands and kissed her lips softly. "Am I dreaming?"

"No, I got Inland to leave a little early. There's no sense in us spending the night at the medical center anyway," she said. "Zach and his crew will leave in the morning. I wouldn't want to send them out of the walker-free zone in the darkness. So, I stopped in and saw Lori a few minutes ago. I heard you had a full house here for awhile."

"Yeah. Sure did. But I think Carol and Lori took pity on me because they took Glenn, Dale and Andrea over to their apartments for the night," he said chuckling. "So how did it go?" he asked. "You guys okay?"

"It was fine," she said. "Standard fare." She and Merle had made an agreement not to talk too much about their visits with Inland, but Holly did plan on giving Daryl the full story. However, there was no sense in alarming him just then as he'd probably already had a fitful sleep on the chair. Holly thought of the look in Justin's eyes as he was loaded into an Inland truck and shivered. She decided to offer a quick subject change and reserve any Inland talk for the next day. "I checked on Ian by the way. He's doing really well. Doctor Love thinks he can leave the medical center and have in-home care by next week. I'd like to have him stay here while he recovers. Maybe in Aria's room. How do you feel about that?"

Daryl smiled. "You're asking me how I feel about that? Why?"

"It's your home too. Well your home away from home anyway. I wouldn't just move someone in here without talking to you first," she said.

Daryl was taken aback, but he liked how it felt. He moved in for another kiss and lingered there, gently nibbling on her lower lip before pulling away. "Wow. I'm getting consulted on important household matters? Sounds like it's gotten pretty serious between us, Lieutenant."

Holly grinned. "Funny how these things happen right under our noses."

"So," said Daryl, tugging on her hips so that she straddled him. He ran his hands along the length of her body. "One might say that I'm your boyfriend."

She smiled and nuzzled into his neck, playfully nibbling it. "A logical assertion."

"Interesting," said Daryl softly. "Just for curiosities sake, besides household decisions, what other benefits do I get to enjoy as a boyfriend?" he asked with his eyebrows raised and his lips twisted into a devilish smirk.

She stood up and took his hand with mischief gleaming in her hazel eyes. "Well I'll draft you up a list tomorrow but we can get started on one of those benefits right now."

Daryl stood and gently backed her up against the wall, generously offering kisses to her neck and shoulders. They joined lips, their movements becoming more fervent and intense. Daryl felt his pulse quicken when she slipped her hands under his shirt and stroked his bare stomach and chest. She could feel goose bumps rise on his skin as he pressed firmly against her. His warm strong hands roamed free along her frame before he grabbed her tightly at the hips. "We'd better take this to the bedroom soon," he whispered breathlessly.

She bit her lower lip before taking him by the hand and leading the way.

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Rick sat on the floor of his office and took a swig of whiskey from the bottle. He pulled his knees into his chest. The visit from Inland had offered him a distraction from the shocking revelation made by Shane earlier that day. No matter what he did the image of Shane and Lori couldn't be erased from his thoughts. He took another drink from his bottle, hoping the alcohol would fuzzy his mind enough to forget or at least help him to sleep.

However, it was useless. The booze only made him more emotional and angry. He placed the bottle on the floor next to him and laid his head on his knees. Rick was glad that he'd decided to stay away from his apartment for one night. Emotions were high due to Inland's visit and Shane's departure, so everyone needed a break.

Rick thought of Shane out in the cold, unforgiving darkness and he prayed that the man tried to stay within the safe zone. Despite Rick's feelings of betrayal, it would hurt him beyond reason if Shane was hurt or killed. He had hoped Holly would miraculously allow him to stay in camp but he knew that her punishment was just.

He laid on the floor in the fetal position, his intoxicated mind trying to formulate what he might say to Lori when he saw her. There was a series of stops and starts, as his anger would take over his imaginary conversation with her and things would end on a worse note. He finally drifted off to sleep, murmuring Lori's name in the darkness of his office.

When Rick awoke, he was bathed in the warm sunlight streaming into his large windows. The light cast an invisible, warm blanket upon his skin. When he lifted himself onto his elbows he realized that he had drank more than he'd originally thought. His head throbbed and his tongue felt swollen.

Rick grunted, coming to his knees and finally to a standing position. He peered out at camp. Some already early risers were out for morning jogs or to take their dogs for a walk. Many of the soldiers were stopped, talking to residents about the events of the day before. Besides Rick's monster of a hangover, it was almost as if the day before was like any other.

He turned upon hearing a knock at his door. Praying it wasn't his wife he gulped. "Yes?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

Daryl Dixon turned the knob and peeked his head in. "Hey. You okay?"

Rick sighed. "I've been better."

Daryl stepped into the office, noting the bottle of whiskey. "Lot missin' from that bottle, man."

Rick nodded. "Yeah. My head is ever so politely reminding me of that fact."

Daryl set two coffees down on Rick's desk. "This might help," he said, gesturing to the two steaming mugs.

Rick smiled despite himself. "Thanks." He took a long pull of the dark liquid and nodded appreciatively. "You made this," he asserted.

"Yes sir," said Daryl, smiling. "Don't tell Dale."

Rick laughed. He had always preferred the way Daryl made coffee, especially when they were camping outside of Atlanta, where a good cup of coffee was thought to be extinct. Dale would occasionally brew some for everyone when Daryl was on hunts, but the group would all graciously take a cup and promptly pour it out as soon as they got out of Dale's line of sight. Rick didn't know how Daryl managed to make old or even previously used coffee beans and make it taste like it was fresh brewed, but Rick and the other campers certainly never complained.

"Take a load off," said Rick, gesturing to one of his chairs. Daryl did so, taking a sip from his mug and looking around the room.

"So I take it you want to discuss Inland's visit yesterday," said Rick.

"Eventually. I really wanted to just come and check on you about Shane. How you doin' with that?" asked Daryl.

Rick rubbed his bleary eyes. "Um, well…as good as could be expected I guess. I'm worried about him out there by himself."

"He's smart. Resourceful. I think he'll be okay," said Daryl. "But, um…I just need to ask because I feel like you and I have become pretty good friends in the past few months…you don't feel pissed off at Holly or at me, do you?"

Rick was taken by surprise. "No, of, of course not Daryl. I know that Holly could have done a lot worse to him. I think she did the right thing. I respect Holly so much and you as well. No, I have no ill will towards either of you."

"Good," said Daryl. "I just wasn't sure, I mean he was your best friend and all. I know how I felt when Merle got left behind. I was real angry with all ya'll for awhile. Especially Shane. He made it sound like Merle wasn't worth the effort. It was you that had to remind him that my brother was a human being, good as any other person. You did the stand up thing, you know? I'll never forget that."

Rick nodded. "We've been through a lot together in just a short time."

Daryl studied Rick. The beginnings of a rough beard had little bristles peppering his face. His eyes were red and dark circles outlined his lower lids. "Rick, what about Lori? When will you speak with her?"

Rick looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Don't be pissed man but I know what happened between her and Shane. I could tell by the look on your face that you figured it out yesterday, too," said Daryl.

"How did you…?" started Rick.

Daryl put his hand up. "I won't pain you with the details. We lived in a small camp where I was always lurkin' around the woods. I saw and heard all sorts of things from all the campers. That's all I'll say on the matter. Are you goin' to talk with her?"

Rick sighed. "I'll probably go home today."

"Well, if you do, have Carl come over to our place. That way you guys can talk in private," said Daryl.

Rick put his head in his hands. "I have no idea what to say to her. One minute I love her and I'm glad she's with me. Next I hate her. God, I just can't get the image out of my mind. Her and Shane. It makes me sick."

Daryl leaned forward. "I'm not the first one to step up and defend Walsh but I do really like Lori. I think she truly believed that you were dead. The Lori I knew before you got to camp wasn't the same after you arrived. That woman loves you and she's on your side no matter what. I think you know that too. Come on man, people do all sorts of things when they're scared or sad or grieving. Maybe she just turned to Shane because he was the only thing familiar to her anymore. I'm sorry man, I'm not tryin' to excuse her actions but just givin' you somethin' to think about before you go talk to her."

Rick lifted his head and considered Daryl's statements. "Have you been reading the psychology textbooks in the library Dixon?"

Daryl chuckled. "Naw, come on now. This ain't no psychobabble shit. It's just redneck wisdom. No muss, no fuss."

"Well I appreciate what you said. Thank you," said Rick, standing up. "Maybe I should head home now."

"Not to pull the wind from your sails Rick, but Holly, Z, Eric and that friggin' goober Stanley want to meet in the conference room in about ten minutes. Merle and I are comin' along too. Sounds like we have a lot to talk about when it comes to Inland," said Daryl.

Rick picked up his coffee cup and led Daryl out of his office and into the hallway. "I'll keep that bottle of whiskey in my office at the ready, Daryl. I have a feeling we all might be passing it around after this discussion."

Daryl shook his head. "Great."

"Oh, and by the way," started Rick, with a tiny glint of amusement in his eyes. "Have Carl come over to 'our place'"? He said chuckling.

Daryl's face reddened and he punched Rick in the arm. "Yeah, yeah. Thought you caught that little slip. Let's not share that little tidbit with Merle, okay? I'll get my chops busted into next year."

"Okay, deal," said Rick, giggling. He patted Daryl on the shoulder as they made their way to the conference room.