Page 103 of Hollow Valley

Fortunately, though, Ripley knew exactly what to do.When Jordy tried to touch me again, this time apologetically and comforting on my back, the lion let out a deep growl.

“Ripley, easy girl, you know me,” Jordy cooed at her.

“I don’t think either of us ever really knew you at all,” I said wearily and I straightened up.

I went over and grabbed her leash, mostly because I knew it would be bad for her if Ripley were caught attacking somebody.

“I’ll leave your stuff at the desk with Anoona,” I said, but I couldn’t bring myself to look back at Jordy.“If you come near me again, I’ll let my lion eat your fucking heart out.Do you understand me?”

In a thick voice, he replied quietly, “Yeah.I understand.”

62

Leila

To: Pyotr V.Popov, PhD, DSc

Pathogen Geneticist and Viral Biologist

Cold Shore Global Contingency

Cold Shore, Alaska Territory

A concerning new supplement has been appearing around Glacier Valley.I have not personally experienced it myself, but I have been able to gather a sample from one of the Shore Guards at the outpost.

Initially, I was concerned that the compound was derived from addictive and corrosive precursors, consistent with other illicit synthetic substances such as methamphetamine hydrochloride or mephedrone.However, the findings were significantly more alarming than anticipated.

The substance known as “grinleaf” appears to be made from several relatively benign ingredients, like vinegar and spruce tips.However, the presence of pronounced elevations in phenylethylamine, dopamine, and most notably, rabidamine, strongly indicates that its principal active component is derived from human neural tissue.

While the properties of rabidamine are not yet fully undersood, current data indicates that it is exclusively present in the tissue of individuals infected with lyssavirus genotype-8.Preliminary findings suggest that rabidamine may be a primary driver of the pronounced aggression and cognitive disorientation characteristic of infected subjects, commonly referred to as “zombie” behavior.

As such, consuming any substance containing rabidamine poses a serious threat to a human.Not only is the source ethically questionable at best, but there is already a precedent of the lyssavirus causing unexpected mutations, with the genotype-8 only being the most notable and catastrophic.Prolonged and sustained exposure to rabidamine is likely to amplify adverse effects and, under extreme conditions, may precipitate “zombie-like” aggression in otherwise uninfected individuals.

Because of all these reasons, “grinleaf” needs to be banned on all Cold Shore premises, by all of the members of our organization.

Considering Dr.Kimble’s strong interest in exploratory research, it may be advisable to withhold details from him about grinleaf and its association with rabidamine until the findings are more conclusive.

I trust you will exercise appropriate discretion when briefing Director-General Haugen on the concerns regarding grinleaf.However, please ensure that the urgency of implementing a consumption ban is clearly conveyed.The associated risks are too significant to warrant further experimentation.

Respectfully,

Leila Lund, Ph.D.

Neuroethologist and Chemical Biologist

Cold Shore Global Contingency

63

Remy

In the weeks that followed, I settled into a routine in Glacier Valley.

Ripley and I spent a few days away from the town, hunting, and whatever we harvested that we didn’t keep for ourselves, we’d trade with Harvey Bonet.He was the proprietor ofGlacier’s Edge, who served food in addition to libations, and he was happy to procure any red meat I brought in.

The next couple days after a hunt, I set about doing any task that Anoona needed atThe Frozen Grave.Mostly, that meant patching up holes in the siding and chasing out a destructive family of squirrels that made a nest in the eaves.Sometimes, she’d send me on an errand, like delivering a letter to the pigeon post, or I’d tend to the mules in the stables.

Jordy took Buck with him when he left, and in the early days of July, I found a trusted porter to take Vince back to New Emberwood.By then, I’d worked enough to ensure the mule had extra oats and supplies on the long journey back.