[Delta Green] Operas and Avatars: Tapeworm

[Committed Hero]

"I'll let an expert fill you in on that angle. As far as additional kidnappings inside the office, that appears to have been an isolated event involving an alleged drug ring."

Alleged....everything I've noticed has been pretty strange for dealers. The truck they drove, their general MO. Strange.

 

[Hrothgar]

"Dr. Montague, hello. Jonathan Anderson of the CDC." Jonathan extends his hand. "Dr. Hardiman alleges to have discovered an abnormally large parasite in a John Doe. I am afraid I have not been able to discern the nature of the parasite - only recently have we recovered Dr. Hardiman's autopsy files. If you would be so kind as to direct me to a workstation to review Dr. Hardiman's files, I would be in a better position to answer your questions. However, given Dr. Hardiman's concern over the parasite, I suggest you quarantine the two corpses brought in. I do not know the nature of their contact with the original John Doe or if they shared time in a comprised, parasitic-friendly environment. Best to be safe to minimize any risk of public exposure. If you have a room and table available, I would be more than willing to investigate those men for similar infection."

 

[Gomez]

"Dr. Anderson, I am so glad to have a man of your stature here at this time. Of coarse you can have full use of our facilities." says Dr. Montague. "Which do you want to do first, look over the files or examine the bodies?"

"And Agent Foster, I also wish to extend any courtesy to you in your investigations into this matter as well. We are very worried for Dr. Hardiman's saftey. Do you think she is still alive?"

 

[Committed Hero]

"I hope so. I can't think of any reason to kidnap her only to do something worse. But I don't like the idea of her being held against her will any more than you. I'll work my hardest to find her."

Once he is out of earshot, I'll ask Jon how long his scrutiny will take and if he wants to go with me to Singers Glen.

 

[Hrothgar]

"Thank you, Dr. Montague. I'd like to take a look at Dr. Hardiman's files first, if possible. I think I would like to have an idea what she was looking at before my own examination."

Turning to Marcus, Jonathan says, "Mmmm...I'd say a few hours for a detailed examination. If you want to leave, I can give you a call in a few hours so we can share notes about what we both find." Jonathan smiles and runs his hand through his long hair. "And Marcus, if you do leave...be careful, alright?"

 

[Committed Hero]

What are the chances of me getting backup in as little time?

"Doc, if you don't mind another ride with me, I'd just as soon wait for your company. If you're willing to come. Just say the word and I will seek alternatives, though."

 

[Hrothgar]

"Marcus, thanks. I would appreciate you staying with me. I think what Dr. Hardiman uncovered has relevance for you also." Jonathan starts to follow Dr. Montague and then stops abruptly. "Marcus, you don't strike me as the squeemish type. How about looking at Dr. Hardiman's files with me? Any chance you feel up for observing a medical examination as well?"

 

[Committed Hero]

"If you think it will help, sure."

 

[Gomez]

Dr. Anderson sits down at a computer at checks the contents of the two discs that were found. They contain a audio recording of the autopsy done by Dr. Hardiman on the John Doe killed in the Ice nightclub bust. She notes that the subject is covered with delicate and complicated tattoos, ritual scars and body piercing. Also that he shows signs of extremely poor dental care and malnutrition. He had a gunshot wound to his throat and two gunshots to the abdomen. He died of blood loss from the wound to his throat. She discovered an extremely large worm-like organism inside his lower intestine. The worm, severely damaged by gunfire, was quite dead. It measured one meter in length and approximately 20 centimeters in circumference. Dissection of the worm showed it to be hermaphroditic and able to reproduce at will, although the sex organs of the one recovered were dormant. The worm was still in larval form. Introduction of the organism into its host appears to have been through the anus. Included in the CD's are several digital pictures of the organism. Looking at the worm, Dr. Anderson can tell that it is not tapeworms per say but it looks more like some type of hookworm.

Close up picture of the head of the worm.

 

[Hrothgar]

"Absolutely amazing..." Jonathan says under his breath. "I had my doubts...but if this is real..." Jonathan stares thoughtfully at the computer screen. "Strange...all those tatoos..."

Turning around, Jonathan looks at Marcus and Dr. Montague. "Marcus, have you seen tatoos like this before? Could they be gang related?"

"Like Dr. Hardiman, I've never seen a parsitic worm like this before. Her examination greatly concerns me though. She asserts this speciman was still larval and its reproductive organs where immature. Without detailed examination of the speciman itself, its hard to tell at what point this organism may reproduce. Its entry into the deceased is also of concern. If the parasite was introduced from the environment, then we could have a serious health care concern on our hands." Jonathan pauses. "Not to mention this thing had to have a progenitor. So where is it and what does it look like?"

Jonathan looks at Dr. Montague. "Could we prep an examination room? I'd like to have a look at the deceased that were just brought in. Marcus, will you join me?"