James Rodriguez

Rapid-onset neurotoxin, Sarah concluded, packing her medical supplies with mechanical precision.

Her clinical demeanor provided stability in the chaos from adsorption through the skin.

Nothing in our medical kit could have countered something that aggressive.

We needed to contain the situation, secure David's body, document everything.

Preserve evidence.

I assign tasks with detached efficiency, falling back on protocols when emotions threaten to overwhelm rational thought.

Thomas Scott, establish a perimeter around this collection area.

Market is contaminated.

Emily, document everything before we move anything.

Sarah, prepare the body for transport back to the beach side.

Robert stood slightly apart, arms crossed tightly across his chest.

This wasn't in the contract, he muttered.

None of this was in the contract, I replied.

We constructed a stretcher from tent poles and canvas, wrapped David's body in a sleeping bag, documented the exact location and circumstances with photographs and GB's coordinates.

procedures provided structure purpose better than dwelling on a fact that someone who had been excitedly collecting samples 30 minutes ago was now dead.

By 1600 hours, we had transported David's body back to camp and secured it in a separate tent.

The team gathered again under the command canopy, faces drawn, movement stiff.

We need to notify Wilson, Emily said.

I checked my watch.

Three hours until scheduled.