You are busy working in the lab outside the San Diego naval base. You are thinking about what you could do to try and combat the spread of COVID-19. You write some notes on what you are testing. You let out a frustrated sigh. Your efforts are getting you nowhere and fast. Your lab assistant can see your frustration build.

"Kelsea do you want to take a break? If so I can finish what you were working on," She offers

"Thank you, Jessie, but I don't think I will be able too," You respond. You are so focused on your work. You wish it could be easier but it's only going to get worse. You get a text message. You check it and it's your boss.

"Actually you can take over because the boss wants to see me," you take your gloves off as you get up. Three minutes later you have made it to the office of Jamie Denisov. He is with a navy officer.

" You wanted to see me Boss?" you are a little curious as to why a naval officer has joined you for this meeting.

"Yes, this is Rear Admiral Bruce Gillingham. He has requested one of our top scientists," he responds. You are surprised that you were chosen. You are hit by a flush of modesty.

"What would you like me to do Admiral?" You ask. You pray that you are not going to be drafted. You know the US defence force doesn't do conscription but you pray anyway.

"I would like you to join the crew of the USNS Mercy," Gillingham announces

"As a civilian expert, you could provide an insight that our doctors don't have,"

"When should I join the crew of the Mercy?" You are happy to join since an admiral complimented you.

"Tomorrow you are to report to Captain Trudeau as soon as you board the ship," He responds. He gestures for you to go. You leave. At least it wasn't the type of conscription you were thinking of. Two minutes later you have made it back to the lab and Jessie is at work.

"So Kelsea what did the boss want?" Jessie asks. She doesn't look up from what she is doing. You sit down and you start to write some notes.

"I am joining the crew of USNS Mercy," you start to explain yourself. Jessie looks up from her work.

"The hospital ship?" You can tell she is a little confused. You nod. You finish your notes.

"yes. Do you mind taking over while I'm gone?" you ask. You are glad that you know she will say yes. You've asked anyway because it's only polite.

"I don't mind," Jessie confirms. It is the day after you agreed to help the crew of the Mercy and you are amazed at the ship's size. You are wandering around the halls. You are lost.

"Excuse me can I help you?" An officer asks. He looks like he could be the captain but you are not sure.

"Um yes, you can. Are you able to show me to the crew quarters and then to the captain's office?" you reply. You are uncomfortable being on a ship of this size.

"Yes, I can and don't worry about going to the captain's office because you are talking to me already," You are hit by a wave of embarrassment because you should have known you were already talking to the captain.

"Captain James Trudeau,"

"Kelsea Scott. Sorry about not knowing your rank. I'm new at this," you respond with a light giggle. At least you now have that awkward encounter over.

"It's ok. Follow me miss Scott," he starts to lead you to the crew quarters. Seven minutes later you have made it. You dump your stuff on one of the spare beds. You realise it will be hard for you to adjust to the environment.

"Thank you, Captain Trudeau," you thank him as he leaves. You start to get your stuff organised but you are soon disturbed.

"Excuse me are you Kelsea Scott?" it's your military counterpart.

"Yes that's me why?" you ask.

"I've been asked to show you to the pathology lab. My name is Owen by the way," h responds. You can tell he is not really happy with you on board. He starts to leave and you follow him. You can feel the ship moving.

"Excuse me but can you tell me where we are going?" you are a little confused because you weren't told that you were going anywhere.

"New York," Owen responds. The epicentre of COVID-19 in the USA. Your heart sinks. At least you can hopefully find a cure or a vaccine. Three minutes later you have made it to the lab and you are amazed at the setup. Owen takes a seat in front of some equipment. You are lost in your thoughts about where to start.

"You're welcome to sit down and make a start," Owen snaps you out of your thoughts. You sit in the seat next to him and you start with what you were working on before you left. You are annoyed because you have to start again. You get your notebook out so you know where to start. Owen starts to hover over you and it is bothering you.

"What is it Owen?" you enquire.

"I am watching what you are doing because I was wondering if you were going to do anything different," Owen explains. That makes sense.

"Well am I doing anything different?" You are now curious as to what he has to say.

"Yes, you are working on isolating the virus and killing it using existing medication. Whereas I am seeing if I could make something new for it," He responds as he sits back down in his chair. He is obviously trying to compliment you. He gets back to his work. James walks in. he looks like he wants to check on you.

"So how is the new lab?" he asks. You hadn't really thought about it.

"It's alright but I would prefer to be left alone," You gesture to Owen. you are worried you might say or do something to offend him.

"I am afraid that you two have to work together for the duration of the deployment," he says. You can hear a hint of pity in his voice. You wish he could do something for you.