"virus brake down over time, They are basically fatty Acids, so UV acidic or caustic environments, too much heat or cold, they break down."
Says Hathway,
Jonathan nods to Dr. Quan to acknowledge the benefits of his control. "If the virus remains forever dormant, then we need cleaners in the lab, the apartments, and potentially wherever that packing material could lay dormant. Hathaway, can you make that happen?"
The kettle sings with boiling water to shadow the tension. The vampire removes the kettle and pours a tea for Dr. Quan. Setting the kettle down, he serves her the mug, which is the nicest cup on the boat. "So to summarize, we have a self described mother of all monsters in a lagoon which hosts underwater plants which can transform humans into monstrous minions. What did I miss which changed the recent dynamics? Presumably, she could have extended her reach centuries ago, right?"
"So, we've got to motivate this mother to return to her position as a large fish in a small pond? Dr. Quan, would you have any suggestions?"
Dr. Quan shakes her head slowly, overwhelmed by the idea. "I don't know anything about monsters. I don't even really believe in them, and somehow I am one! But as for what changed, there must have been some change in the stasis. Organisms don't evolve unless their environments change."
"They call us monsters, Dr. Quan, but I think you will find that humans are the true monsters." She shakes her head sadly. "What Mr. Hathway says is true, but... they can lie dormant for long periods in the right conditions, such as a host."
"These viruses, especially. The more sturdy walls of the plant cells keep them well protected. Still, as you say, fire should destroy them, or something that will break down the cellulose cell walls."
Jonathan leans against the counter in the galley giving Dr. Quan space and looking very British gentlemanly. "So, nothing that you heard from Cassie or the others could have been some change in stasis?"
The last phrase is obviously a repetition from Dr. Quan, probably indicating that it may be the first time that he has ever used those words in that order. But, he is trying to speak her language.
At an opportune moment, after Dr. Quan answers the other questions, Helen brings this up.
"Something just clicked for me. A woman I spoke to at the night market mentioned Dr. West smelled like the yacaruna and the golphino rosa. So she is as exposed to the virus as you are, Dr. Quan. Does this mean she can transform? And she can also speak to the river dolphins, as you have?"
After that question, she pulls out the little fetish given to her by the woman. "Sorry, if you don't mind continuing the interrogation. Do you recognize this? Nanã Buruku? Is she the mother of monsters, or is she its antagonist? Do you know what Dr. West seeks at the Black Water?"
"If we're talking about viruses, perhaps my healing powers can actually cure the problem? Lets find out.
Are you willing to let me try and heal you? I can NOT guarantee the result I'm afraid as this is something I've never seen before.
But I AM the Avatar of a Goddess of Healing. That has to count as something!"
"Healing and Slaughter. Probably best to not mention that part"