The Last Dawn

Chapter 4. Tensions at BioCorp



Logan arrived at BioCorp the next morning to an atmosphere that felt distinctly different. The usual buzz of collaborative energy was replaced by a palpable tension. He noticed groups of colleagues gathered in hushed conversations, their expressions serious and concerned.

Walking through the corridors, he overheard snippets of discussions about increased security measures and changes in access protocols. It was clear that something significant had happened, or was about to happen.

What the hell is going on. Logan thought looking around.

As he approached his lab, Logan saw Dr. Evans, his supervisor, talking with a group of senior researchers. They all looked worried. Dr. Evans noticed Logan and signaled him to join the group.

“Logan, Good you’re here. We’re implementing additional security protocols effective immediately. Access to certain labs and data will be restricted even further. I need you to be aware and comply without question.”

“Understood, Dr. Evans. But may I ask what’s prompted this?”

“There’s been... an incident. I can’t disclose more, but it’s important we all stay vigilant and follow the new protocols.”

“An incident? Is this related to…”

“Logan, just focus on your assignments. That’s all you need to worry about.” Dr. Evan’s said cutting Logan off.

Logan nodded, a sense of unease growing inside him. The vague references to an incident, coupled with the heightened security, only added to his suspicions that something significant was unfolding with the COVID-2193 project.

Throughout the morning, Logan observed more signs of unease among his colleagues. There were more closed-door meetings, and some of his usual lab access points were now restricted. The air was thick with unspoken concerns and unanswered questions.

He knew he needed to stay alert and keep an eye out for any information that might shed light on the situation, all while navigating the heightened tensions and secrecy that had enveloped BioCorp.

Throughout the morning, Logan found himself frequently crossing paths with Dr. Mirov. Each encounter reinforced his growing concern about her involvement in the COVID-2193 project. He observed subtle changes in her demeanor that were hard to miss.

During a brief meeting in the lab, Logan noticed Dr. Mirov’s usually steady hands were trembling as she annotated a report. Her eyes, once sharp and focused, now darted around the room, betraying a sense of anxiety.

“Dr. Mirov, I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time in the high-security labs lately. Is there a new project you’re working on?” Logan asked.

Dr. Mirov looked up at him, her expression momentarily revealing a flash of worry before she regained her composure.

“Just routine research, Logan. Nothing for you to be concerned about.”

Later, in the cafeteria, Logan again saw Dr. Mirov, sitting alone, her lunch untouched. She seemed lost in thought, occasionally murmuring to herself. He considered joining her but decided it might be too intrusive.

Something is really wrong with Dr. Mirov he thought.

His observation was cut short when Dr. Mirov suddenly stood up, abandoning her lunch, and hurried out of the cafeteria with a quick pace, almost as if she was trying to escape her own thoughts.

Throughout the day, Logan’s concern for Dr. Mirov deepened. Her behavior was increasingly erratic and unlike her usual professional demeanor. It was becoming evident that whatever she was involved in with COVID-2193, it was taking a significant toll on her.

Determined to understand the full picture, Logan continued his discreet observation, hoping to find a clue that would unravel the mystery of COVID-2193 and the apparent crisis unfolding within BioCorp.

As the day progressed, Logan found himself wrestling with an escalating internal conflict. His observations of Dr. Mirov and the heightened security at BioCorp had intensified his concerns about the COVID-2193 project. He felt torn between his duty as an intern to follow protocols and his growing sense of moral obligation to uncover the truth.

In the solitude of a small break room, Logan pondered his next move.

What am I getting into? Is my curiosity worth the risk? But then again, what if my fears about COVID-2193 are true? Logan thought aloud.

He thought about the potential consequences of digging deeper. He could lose his job, his reputation in the scientific community, and even face legal repercussions. Yet, the possibility that BioCorp might be involved in something unethical or dangerous made him uneasy.

He remembered his conversation with Dr. Martinez and her advice to be cautious. Logan knew he needed to find a balance between his professional obligations and his personal convictions.

I need to do something. Logan said to himself. I’ll continue to observe and gather information. There’s got to be a way to do this right.”

Logan realized that he would need to be strategic and discreet in his approach. He couldn’t afford to act rashly or let emotions cloud his judgment.

Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Logan returned to his lab. He decided to keep a low profile, carefully watch for any further signs of irregularities, and document everything he observed. He knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to tread it with caution and integrity.

Resolved to uncover more about the COVID-2193 project without attracting undue attention, Logan embarked on a covert investigation. He began by subtly reaching out to other interns and junior staff, casually bringing up topics related to virology research during lunch breaks or in the elevator, hoping to glean any information that might be relevant.

“Hey Josh, have you worked on any interesting projects lately? I heard there’s some groundbreaking virology research going on.” Logan asked quietly.

Josh shook his head, clearly out of the loop. Logan’s attempts with others yielded similar results; most were either unaware or too cautious to speak.

Im not going to find anything out this way. He thought.

Logan decided to utilize the library and archives under the guise of researching for his current project. He spent hours combing through digital archives and research journals, looking for any references to COVID-2193 or related studies. His search was meticulous, but he found nothing directly linked to the project.

“It’s like they’ve wiped any trace of it. This is more than just confidentiality. It’s total secrecy.” Logan said aloud to himself in frustration.

Despite hitting dead ends, Logan refused to give up. He started paying closer attention to the lab schedules, particularly the usage logs of the high-security labs. He noticed unusual patterns in lab access, especially late at night, which aligned with Dr. Mirov’s recent behavior.

Late-night lab sessions, increased security... whatever they’re working on, it’s happening behind closed doors.

In his workstation, Logan carefully documented his findings, keeping a personal log of anything unusual or out of the ordinary. He knew he had to tread carefully, aware that his investigation, if discovered, could be seen as a breach of trust or worse.

“I’m walking on thin ice here. But I can’t shake the feeling that something’s not right. I need to keep looking.” Logan whispered to himself.

As the day drew to a close, Logan’s thoughts were a mix of determination and caution. His covert investigation had just begun, and he realized the path ahead would require patience, subtlety, and a keen eye for detail. The mystery of COVID-2193 was deepening, and Logan was more committed than ever to uncovering the truth.

Late in the afternoon, Logan was reviewing data from recent lab tests when he stumbled upon an alarming discovery. He noticed a series of irregular data transfers and unusual access logs that were not in line with standard protocol. These records hinted at the covert movement of research materials, possibly related to the COVID-2193 project.

Why would these materials be moved? He thought. They must be doing this at night.

He cross-referenced the dates and times with Dr. Mirov’s schedule and found a correlation. It seemed Dr. Mirov was directly involved in these activities. The nature of the materials, flagged as high-risk, added to his concern.

This isn’t standard procedure, what are they moving? He thought.

The discovery raised more questions than answers. Logan felt a growing urgency to understand the true nature of the COVID-2193 project. He knew that such covert actions within a research facility like BioCorp could have serious implications.

He decided to expand his investigation, planning to discreetly monitor the high-security areas during the times indicated in the logs. He also contemplated reaching out to a trusted senior colleague who might have more insights.

There’s something big going on here, and it’s not just academic curiosity. This could be a matter of safety for people.

As Logan packed up his things to leave for the day, his mind was racing with the possible ramifications of his findings. He knew he was venturing into potentially dangerous territory, but the scientist in him was driven by a need to uncover the truth, whatever it might be.

The next morning at BioCorp, Logan was reviewing his notes when an unexpected announcement came over the PA system.

PA Annoncment, “Attention all staff, this is a drill. We are initiating a lockdown procedure effective immediately. Please remain at your current location until further notice. I repeat, this is a drill. Do not be alarmed.”

The sudden announcement caught everyone off guard. Colleagues looked at each other in confusion as the sound of doors automatically locking echoed through the hallways.

Something’s up. This isn’t a coincidence. A lockdown drill? He thought to himself.

He glanced around the lab. Some of his colleagues appeared unconcerned, assuming it was a routine safety exercise, but others shared Logan’s sense of suspicion.

“A lockdown drill? They usually schedule these things. Why the surprise?” Josh asked.

“I’m not sure, but I have a feeling it might be related to... recent events.”

“What do you mean?” Josh asked.

“Some kind of incident in Lab 4, I don’t know maybe its related.” Logan said reluctantly to give up any information.

As the drill continued, Logan noticed increased activity on the security monitors. Guards were positioned at key access points, and there seemed to be a heightened sense of urgency in their movements.

“Hey Rachel, you ever seen a drill this intense?” Logan asked leaning over.

“No, this feels different. More like a real lockdown than a drill.” She replied.

After about thirty minutes, the PA system crackled to life again.

PA Announcement “The lockdown drill is now complete. Thank you for your cooperation. All clear.”

As the doors unlocked and staff began to move about again, Logan’s mind was racing.

He returned to his workstation, his thoughts consumed by the lockdown. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but the picture they formed was unclear and troubling. Logan knew he had to remain alert. The events at BioCorp were becoming more unpredictable, and he felt that the discovery of COVID-2193′s true nature was imminent.

Later that day, while Logan was compiling data in the lab, he noticed a sudden flurry of activity near Dr. Mirov’s office. Glancing over, he saw Dr. Mirov hastily gathering papers and personal items from her desk. Her movements were rushed, her expression tense and worried.

Logan discreetly moved closer to get a better view, his curiosity piqued by her unusual behavior.

Whats going on? Is she leaving? He thought.

As Dr. Mirov rushed past him, her eyes met Logan’s for a brief moment. There was a flash of something unspoken in her gaze fear, urgency, maybe even a plea for understanding. Then she quickly looked away and hurried toward the exit.

“Did you see that? Dr. Mirov looked really shaken up. I’ve never seen her like this.” Rachel whispered.

“Yeah, something’s not right.”

Logan contemplated following her or trying to ask where she was going, but he decided against it, realizing it might draw unwanted attention or put Dr. Mirov in a difficult position.

Instead, he watched as she quickly exited the lab, her departure leaving a wake of whispered speculation among the staff. Logan stood there, a sense of concern growing inside him.

Dr. Mirov’s sudden departure only deepened the mystery surrounding the COVID-2193 project and heightened Logan’s sense of urgency to uncover the truth. He knew that whatever was happening, it was escalating quickly, and Dr. Mirov was a key piece of the puzzle. Logan resolved to keep a close eye on the developments and to be more vigilant than ever in his search for answers.

Intrigued and concerned by Dr. Mirov’s sudden departure, Logan sought out more information. He remembered a lab technician, Mia, who occasionally worked late and might have insight into the recent unusual activities.

He found Mia in one of the smaller labs, organizing equipment.

“Hey, Mia. Have you noticed anything odd going on in the lab lately? I just saw Dr. Mirov rush out like there was a fire.”

“Logan, it’s been weird around here. Dr. Mirov has been really on edge. She’s been acting like she’s on meth, jerking her had back, scratching her arms. And then there’s this whole lockdown drill today...”

“Do you know anything about an incident in the lab? Something related to COVID-2193?”

Mia glanced around before responding, ensuring they weren’t overheard.

“I’m not supposed to talk about it, but there was an incident a few nights ago in one of the high-security labs. I heard it caused quite a stir among the top brass.”

“An incident? Do you know what happened exactly?”

“Not much, they’ve kept it tightly under wraps. But it was serious enough to warrant these new security measures. Some are saying it might have something to do with a new project, but no one knows for sure.”

“Thanks, Mia. If you hear anything else, let me know, okay?”

“Sure, Logan. Just be careful, alright? Things are tense right now.”

As Logan walked away, his mind raced with this new information. The incident Mia mentioned must be connected to COVID-2193 and Dr. Mirov’s recent behavior. It was becoming increasingly clear that whatever was happening at BioCorp, it was significant and potentially dangerous.

Determined to uncover the truth, Logan knew he would have to delve deeper into the mystery, balancing the need for discretion with his growing sense of responsibility to understand the full scope of what was happening at BioCorp.

Back in the quiet of his apartment, Logan sat at his desk, staring out the window into the night. The city lights twinkled indifferently, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. The day’s events at BioCorp played over in his thoughts. Dr. Mirov’s sudden departure, the lockdown drill, and his conversation with Mia.

He reflected on the snippets of information he had gathered. The unauthorized night access to the lab, the mysterious incident, Dr. Mirov’s erratic behavior, and now the heightened security measures it all pointed to a critical situation developing around the COVID-2193 project.

“I’m piecing together a puzzle without knowing what the final picture is supposed to be. But I can’t back down now. I need to understand what’s at stake.” He said aloud.

He thought about the ethical implications of his investigation. Was he overstepping his bounds as an intern, or was he right to pursue the truth, given the potential risks involved?

Logan, pondering aloud “If COVID-2193 is as dangerous as I suspect, then it’s not just a matter of company policy or my career. This could have wider implications. What’s my responsibility here?”

The weight of the situation lay heavy on him. He knew he had to be careful, to gather more information without raising suspicion. But the more he uncovered, the more he felt compelled to dig deeper.

“Tomorrow, I’ll continue my investigation. I’ll be more observant, ask the right questions, and maybe find someone else who knows more.” Logan said aloud.

He scribbled down some notes, planning his next steps. The path forward was fraught with uncertainties, but Logan was determined to shed light on the mystery surrounding COVID-2193.

With that resolve, Logan headed to bed, the events of the day replaying in his mind, fueling a restless anticipation for what the next day at BioCorp might bring.

The next morning, Logan arrived at BioCorp to find an anonymous note tucked under his keyboard. He glanced around, but the lab was bustling as usual, with no indication of who might have left it. Unfolding the note, he read the hastily scrawled message:

“Stop digging into COVID-2193. You’re out of your depth. This is your only warning.”

A chill ran down Logan’s spine. The warning was clear and its intent unmistakable. Someone had noticed his inquiries and was trying to scare him off.

The threat unnerved him, but it also solidified his conviction that there was something significant and dangerous about the COVID-2193 project. Someone was going to great lengths to keep it hidden.

Despite the warning, Logan felt a surge of determination. He knew he had to be even more cautious now, but he couldn’t let this threat stop his investigation. The stakes seemed higher than ever.

I need to be smart about this. Maybe it’s time to involve someone I can trust, someone with more authority. Logan thought.

He pondered reaching out to Dr. Martinez again or possibly finding a way to alert external authorities. The warning note had raised the gravity of the situation, and Logan knew he couldn’t handle this alone.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Logan tucked the note into his pocket and began his day at BioCorp, his eyes and ears more alert than ever. The mystery of COVID-2193 had just taken a darker turn, and he was more determined than ever to uncover the truth.


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