“Once more Isambard looked completely terrified. Twice in one night! This was going to be a diary entry for the ages.”

“I stepped free of Isambard and shoved Michael in the chest. I caught him off guard. He tumbled to the dock, and rolled into the water with a splash. "I hope there are zombie sharks in there and they bite you and you die!" I screamed.”

“I decided that my initial survival strategy would involve declaring my complete ignorance of what was going on. This would not,naturally, be terribly hard to do.”

“The doc watched her go, and then said, very softly, "don't let it happen.""Sorry?"Samedi yanked his head back on, and once it was in place, looked at me very seriously. "Just...don't let it happen."He shuffled off into the other lab then, leaving me to stew in his words.”

“I was a moron-a complete moron. A loser of the highest caliber.”

“Anyway, the sickness kick-starts the brain, reanimates the body after death. I could go into more detail,but you know, we have these great visual aids out here, which would really help me out...""Nice try."I heard him chuckle. I willed myself not to like the sound. And I undid one of the locks.”

“She nodded and reached out to take my hand again. I turned to look at her fully, I didnt want to say it, but I felt I should. I'd never had a chance to say it to my sisters, to my mother and I'd always regretted it. "Just in case", I said, leaning down. For once the Laz remained respectful. It didn't want her. I wanted her. Knitting my fingers into her curls, I kissed her forehead. I limited myself to one word this time. "Goodbye.”