Edward and Kim were relaxing in a park after a long stint with a particularly nasty virus. Both were tired and feeling in need of a rest. The virus was complex and nasty and had been released on a research facility by a disgruntled employee. It had taken a week for the team to get it under control and now they were all taking a well-earned rest.

As Kim and Edward sauntered down a path, talking about inconsequentialities, Edward felt a sharp stinging sensation on his left forearm. "Ow!" he said, flinching slightly from the pain.
"What's wrong?" asked Kim.
"Something just stung me on the arm." Edward replied, rubbing his forearm.
"Let's have a look." said Kim and added as an afterthought, "You're not allergic to bees are you?"
"No I'm not. Got stung 32 times as a kid with no effect." Edward rolled up his sleeve and there on his forearm was a small red mark. "It's probably nothing. I'll put some cream on it when I get home."
"Make sure you do." said Kim. They gave it no further thought as they finished their walk.

Next morning when Kim entered the lab, Daniel and Edward were already there. "Hi Kim. We're just finishing up the reports on that virus." Edward said, absently rubbing his forearm. There was a burning pain where he'd been stung. Kim noticed.
"How's the sting?"  she asked him..
Daniel looked up from his paperwork. "What sting? What happened?" he asked.
"Edward got stung by a bee yesterday." Kim replied.
"Oh, really" Daniel said, now also noticing Edward rub his arm.
"It's nothing." said Edward, dismissively.
"Well,if it's nothing then you won't mind if I have a look, will you?"said Daniel.
There was nothing Edward could say to this, so he reluctantly rolled up his sleeve. Where the sting had been there was now an angry looking rash.
"Edward, you should have told me about this immediately." chided Daniel. "I want tissue and blood samples from you. Bee stings do not produce this type of reaction. Now, where did this happen?"
Edward described the location while Kim took samples. Daniel called  Michael and dispatched him to the site to see what he could find, then the three of them set to work to try and find out the cause of the rash.

Three hours later they were still no closer to an answer. There was nothing evident in any of the samples and Michael had drawn a blank in the park. Edward, feeling hot and thirsty, offered to make some coffee. He got up and went to the door but just as he was about to go through he was suddenly overcome by a huge wave of dizziness and nausea. He swayed, leaning on the door and raised a trembling hand to his head. At that moment some instinct made Kim look up from her work, straight at Edward.
"Edward, what's wrong?" she asked, getting up from her stool. He looked at her, but before he could respond, he collapsed. "Edward!" Kim called. She rushed to his side but he was out cold. She looked up and exchanged a long silent look with Daniel.

When Edward awoke much later he felt decidedly rough. He was hot, his body ached and there was an intense, burning pain from the rash which had spread up his arm. The whole forearm was inflamed and swollen and hot to the touch. It was also tender. He had to leave his shirtsleeve rolled up as the cloth irritated his skin. He sat up slowly anf had to grip the side of the bed as waves of dizziness and nausea washed over him. It took a few minutes before he was able to stand up and even then his knees felt wobbly.

Edward made his unsteady way back to the lab. Kim and Daniel were still at work on the samples. Almost together they noticed him come in. "Edward, how are you feeling?" asked Daniel.
"How's the rash?" asked Kim at almost the same time.
"I've been better." Edward replied. "And the rash is spreading." He showed them his arm as he made his way across the room. He managed to get onto a stool just as his knees buckled and hoped that no-one had seen.
Kim moved around the bench and felt his forehead. "You've got a fever." she said. "You should be in bed".
"I'd rather be here." Edward replied. "How far have you got?".
Daniel replied. "Michael finally found something in the park." He picked up a vial and passed it to Edward. It contained a tiny dart. "We've isolated a chemical compound that's been made to look like a harmless bacteria. Very clever, and very deadly."  He paused and looked at the bench. "Unless we find a cure I estimate that you only have three days to live. Edward," he said looking up, "I need a list of potential enemies. Anyone who would want you dead."
"We all have enemies, Cassian, but I don't know anyone who would go this far."Edward paused for a moment. "I know someone who could help with a cure though. He's an old friend of mine. His name's John Reynolds and he's a bio-chemist at Swiftec Research. This sort of thing is his speciality. If anyone can find a cure, he can."
"Ok. Michael and I will go talk to him. Kim, you stay here and keep working on these samples. You,"  Daniel said indicating Edward, "need to get some rest. No arguments."  he added as Edward made to say something.
"Whatever you say." Edward said blandly. Daniel looked at him with raised eyebrows. The lack of argument surprised him, it was a good indication of just how bad Edward was feeling.
"We'll be back soon." Daniel said quietly as he left.
For the next several hours Edward stayed in the lab with Kim, helping run tests on the samples. He felt increasingly ill though and his temperature rose making concentration difficult. Finally Kim turned to him and said, "Why don't you go and get some rest? Maybe it will make you feel better."
Edward sighed and stood. "Maybe you're right." he said. He didn't make it more than three steps before he collapsed again.

That night Edward was plagued by horrific nightmares. He awoke several times screaming, from something he could not remember.  Fever raged within him, his skin burned with a fierce intensity from the rash which had spread across his chest and stomach to his other arm. He tore his shirt off, unable to stand the irritation it caused to his skin. Finally, exhausted, he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

During the early hours of the morning, his heart stopped three times.

Daniel Cassian stood staring out of a window, absently twisting his wedding ring. He had just been given the worst possible news.
"There has to be something we can do." Michael said, a tinge of desperation in his voice. They were standing in a laboratory in a remote wing at Swiftec Research. Across the bench from them stood Dr. John Reynolds, one of the best bio-chemists in the field. He was a medium-sized man with thick hair, greying at the temples.
"I'm afraid, gentlemen, there is nothing. Even if I could manufacture a cure, it would not be in time to save Edward." Reynolds said, looking from one man to the other. He liked Edward and trusted him, and the thought of what was happening left him feeling empty and sick inside.
Daniel swung towards him. "Come on, Doctor. You created this thing, you must have an idea for an antidote."
"It was taken away from me before I had a chance." Reynolds said unhappily.
"Taken away by whom?" Michael enquired.
"He didn't give his name, just said he was from the government. I remember he had a strange tatto on his hand though." Reynolds replied.
Michael and Daniel exchanged a long look. "I'll need a full description, everything you can remember." said Michael.
"I want one of your teams guarding this place day and night." Daniel said to Michael. Then he turned to Reynolds. "Doctor, I want you to put everything you've got into finding a cure. Lose sleep if you have, but find it."

Later that afternoon, as Michael made his rounds, the Dawn attacked the research facility. They came in two waves, one from the front and one from the roof. Each wave contained four men, and while the group at the front occupied Michael's men, the group on the roof went in through the ventilation shafts. They made it to the lab, neutralizing Michael's guards in the corridor. Reynolds, realizing something was wrong, locked himself and his work in a high risk room. The raiders burst into the main lab and, spotting Reynolds through the windows lining the front of the room, opened fire. The bullets impacted on the glass with vicious cracks, but didn't break through. Reynolds knew it was only a matter of time though. The glass was specially made to contain high risk experiments that went wrong - it was not unknown for enthusiastic young chemists to cause explosions - but it would not last long under fire from high caliber weapons.
The first cracks began to appear and widen when Michael and one of his men entered the room. They separated, each taking out a man as they went. Michael went forward into a rolling dive and coming up in a crouch took out another man. "Try taking him alive!" yelled Michael as his man took aim on the remaining raider. The gunman, realizing he couldn't win, turned his gun on himself before the other two could stop him. "Damn!" swore Michael, softly. He briefly examined the two bodies, noting the tattoos on their hands. There was no other identification, but then Michael had expected none. He sent his man back out into the corridor and indicated to Reynolds that it was safe to come  out. "It's over, Doc. You can carry on now." Reynolds stood flabbergasted. His was a world of petrie dishes and microscopes, he'd never experienced anything like this before. Michael, seeing Reynolds' expression, apologized. "I'm sorry. I realize this must come as quite a shock but I need you to keep on working. Edward's life depends on it."
"Of c-course." stuttered Reynolds. Trying not to look at the bodies, he went back to work.

Next morning Daniel arrived back at the center to find Kim asleep at her desk. She had spent the night at Edward's side, watching over him and trying to keep him alive. Daniel woke her gently. "Kim, why don't you go and get some sleep. If there is any change in Edward's condition, I'll let you know." Kim agreed sleepily and went off to find a bed. Daniel meanwhile went to check on Edward.

Edward lay on the bed, extremely pale and drenched in sweat. His body was covered in angry red welts and his breathing was uneven and somewhat labored. Daniel quickly scanned his charts, then went over to him and placed a gentle hand on Edward's forehead. It was hot. At Daniel's touch, Edward opened his eyes. He focused blearily on Daniel and spoke. "Cassian." Just the one word, but even that seemed forced.
"Edward." Daniel replied. "You gave us quite a scare last night. We thought we'd lost you."
Edward smiled weakly. "You don't get rid of me that easily." he said softly.
"Well, I'm glad to hear it." Daniel replied lightly, although that was far from how he felt. "Now,"  he said, "I want you to get plenty of rest. And Edward," he paused momentarily, "if you try to get up, I will have you restrained." He smiled briefly his tone light. Then he turned serious. Placing a hand on Edward's shoulder he said, "We're doing everything we can to find a cure, but you have to hang in there."
"I'll do my best." Edward's voice was so soft Daniel could barely hear him. He struggled desperately to remain conscious but it was an unequal battle. Daniel watched as he passed back into oblivion.

Edward's condition steadily deteriorated over the remainder of the day. His breathing became increasingly labored and his heart beat irregular. It faltered several times, but prompt action by the staff prevented it from stopping again. Eventually, as evening drew on, they had to put him on life support.

During that afternoon Michael checked in briefly. "Everything seems to be quiet, too quiet. I don't like it." he said.
"Stay on your toes, Michael. I don't want to lose two of my team." Daniel replied.
"Don't worry. I've got all the bases covered." said Michael.
"How's Reynolds doing?" asked Daniel.
"He's not making any progress, so far. I'll let you know as soon as he has something." replied Michael.
"Do that. Cassian out." As Daniel terminated the link, Michael looked thoughtfully in the direction of the lab. He thought of checking on Reynolds but decided against it.
"Let the man get on with his work in peace." Michael thought to himself.

Daniel paced restlessly across the lab. He felt trapped and helpless, feelings he was not accustomed to having. Edward's life hung by a thread and there was nothing he could do about it. It all depended on Reynolds, and upon Edward himself. Daniel knew Edward wouldn't stop fighting but how long could he last? Tough as he was, even he couldn't cheat death. Daniel sighed in frustration. The strain was beginning to tell on all of them.

Reynolds looked away from the microscope and rubbed his eyes. He'd been at it for so long the images were  beginning to blur. He knew there was something he was missing, something obvious but he just couldn't see what it was. He was beginning to feel desperate - the clock was ticking away and he was no closer to a solution than when he started. He stood and made his way over to the coffee machine. Maybe a generous supply of caffeine would help stimulate his mind. He regretted ever having created what he called the 'Satan Bug', but it was part of his contract. Reynolds had never thought about the implications of his work before, but now that it had struck down a friend he thought perhaps he ought to. He knew this was not the time to start moralizing, but his mind was a complete blank as far as his work was concerned.  He went over to a window and looked out into the night hoping for some inspiration.

It was early in the morning and Michael was walking his rounds when there was a yell from the lab. He rushed in gun at the ready, expecting an assault of some kind. Instead, he saw an excited Reynolds. "Mr. Hailey! I think I may have found a cure."
Michael let out his breath and lowered the gun. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"Well, I can't tell for sure that it will work, but all the tests are positive." Reynolds replied. "Besides, Edward has very little time left. It's this or nothing."
"Right." Michael said. "Pack everything you need, we're leaving."  He turned and spoke into a comlink, rounding up his team and preparing them for imminent departure.

At that moment, the Dawn attacked again. This time they came in force but Michael was ready for them. While his team held them off,  he and Reynolds escaped down a service tunnel. Unfortunately someone on the opposing team found the tunnel and they came under fire before they could get away.  The raider pinned them down, calling for backup. As Michael tried to do the same, the raider shot the comlink out of his hand. Michael swore, shaking his hand in pain. He looked around, searching for something he could use to distract the other man. Just then sounds of gunfire erupted at the mouth of the tunnel. The raider looked around giving Michael his chance. He took quick aim, squeezed off a shot and got his man in the leg. The raider yelled in pain and raised his gun, but before he could shoot Michael hit him again, this time killing him.  Cautioning Reynolds to stay put, Michael made his way to the entrance of the tunnel. There was no-one around. Sounds of fighting came from somewhere to the left but the route to the vehicles seemed clear. Indicating that Reynolds should follow, Michael made his way forward. Reynolds, looking decidedly ill,  came after him. They made it to the vehicles without further incident and headed off to the center at breakneck speed. Behind them, Michael's team were mopping up the last of the Dawn raiders.

Kim stood despondently at the foot of Edward's bed. He looked so helpless lying there, just as Alan must have looked before he died. Emotion churned within her. Edward was her last link to Alan and now she was losing him too. "It's not fair." she told herself. "Not fair at all". Tears rolled down her cheeks as grief welled within her. Edward stirred briefly then went still again, almost as if he sensed her pain. She turned to leave then stopped suddenly - Daniel was watching her from the door. He made as if to say something, then turned and left as silently as he had come.

Daniel was on his way back to the lab when he heard a commotion. He headed for the sound and was confronted by Michael coming around a corner. "Reynolds may have a cure". Michael said without preamble.
"I'm not sure if it will work, but it's all I've got." said Reynolds from behind Michael.
"Then it will just have to do." said Daniel. "This way, gentlemen." Daniel spun on his heel and headed quickly back to Edward's room.
Once there, Reynolds filled a syringe with a dark colored fluid and injected it into Edward's arm.  "This is going to take time to work, if it works at all. He is so far gone we may not be able to bring him back."

So the waiting began. It took several hours, but gradually Edward's condition changed, becoming stronger. All in all it was twelve hours before he regained consciousness and even then it was only briefly. His condition improved rapidly after that, but it was still another three days before they let him get up. Bored and fractious, Edward proved to be quite a handful.

Daniel moved through the complex on his way to a waiting car, when his cell phone rang. "Cassian." he said. An ominous voice answered him.
"You were lucky. This time. Next time, one of your people WILL die." Then the phone went dead. Daniel stopped as though he'd run into a brick wall. He stared at the cell phone as a surge of emotions washed over him. How could he protect his people? They were safe enough in the complex, but in the outside world? A muscle twitched along his jaw as he considered the implications. He would have to talk to Michael about this.