Christina gripped the arms of the faded navy recliner as if another earthquake were trying to shake her from it.
“The photosynthetic E. coli project won’t stop the seismic pressure buildup,” she said. “Even if Bactofuels comes up with enough isobutanol to fuel the petroplague area, the earthquakes will continue.”
“We have to get out of here,” Mickey said.
“Yes, you do,” Christina agreed.
“You?” River said. “Don’t you mean we?”
“No,” Christina said, her voice firm. “Dr. Chen’s antibiotic is the only thing that can save Los Angeles.”
“But you said his work was destroyed in the accident.”
“I know. But there must be, there has to be, something in the lab that can be saved.”
“You’re going back to UCLA,” River said.
“It’s too dangerous,” Mickey objected. “Last time you were attacked on the street and nearly blown up inside the building. Now the place is liable to collapse around you.”
“Forget it, Chrissy. Let’s pack up and leave. Now,” River said.
Christina laughed, a mirthless laugh full of resolve. “Listen to you two, the dedicated social activists. Ready to stand up for what you believe, risk prison, fight for freedom and equality. But when there’s real trouble, not an abstract, existential threat, you turn tail and run. Well, I won’t, not as long as there is something I can do.”
Though it was all true, she expected River to get angry. Instead, she seemed chagrined.
“This is different,” River said.
“How, River? How is this different?”
“Because,” River said. “Because it’s you and not me.”
Christina looked at her cousin, and finally got her meaning.
“You don’t want me to get hurt,” she said.
“Chrissy, ever since we were little, you were the responsible one,” River said, the words flowing with emotion. “Your mom and dad, too. Not like me and my parents. We always had our causes, and they’re important, but they change. I know that about myself. My causes are big and important and exciting, but they don’t last. Your causes aren’t as glamorous, but they don’t change. You’ve always been steady, studious, dedicated to your family and your goals.”
“Don’t forget law-abiding,” she said lightly, taken aback by River’s sincerity.
“That, too,” River said, now wiping tears from her eyes. “I know I don’t always show it, but I respect you. And I hope you respect me. And I’m not telling you to run away because I’m a coward… well, in a way I guess I am. I’m afraid of losing you.”
“Thank you,” Christina whispered, and they embraced.
“There’s no honor in futility,” Mickey said.
“It’s not futile. There’s a chance,” Christina said, releasing her cousin. “I remembered something about the bacteria and I think there may be a source of it still in the lab. I have to find out.”
“Then I’ll go with you,” River said.
“No,” Mickey interrupted. “I will. As a bodyguard, you know?” he said and smiled while he flexed his not-so-impressive biceps.
Christina put her shoes on. “There’s no time to lose.”