Swab

The swab samples did turn up something. Glick presented the results to the chief and Ramoos. "It's basically the same mix of the same trio of drugs and chemicals. Ratios still need to be determined. But, I would say its the same composition found on the hearts." The chief asked, "Anything new on the hearts? Are they still active?" "Yes they are." "Jesus..." "You mean the same compound that's present on the hearts is in or on the zombies?" "Oh, I would say its in them and in their...clothes, for lack of better word. Tattered rags would be more like it." "Yes, we know that..." said the chief "...what's the connection?" "The connection appears to be the unknown toxin...its present in all of the...zombie samples."

The chief asked Ramoos, "What about the stuff Roger turned over?" "The toxin wasn't present in his evidence. Glick was working on that." "Glick responded, "No, it wasn't present in his evidence. But, the drug mix appears to be the same." "Why might that be?", asked the chief. "Well, the toxin appears to be present in very small quantity. So, its probably very potent. It could be a new kind of powerful neurotoxin, possibly fatal in high doses. Its possible that it maintains cellular activity present even though the tissues are inanimate. Based on our observations thus far." "Or not respirating, nor pulsing...like in our friends downstairs..." said Ramoos. "That could be correct. There could be a direct connection - or link - between the toxin and the effect." "Have you tested this?", asked the chief. "Haven't thought of it yet, not until you brought in your prisoners. We'll get to work on it. It may be possible to separate the toxin, but its present in such small quantities it may be near impossible. We might not have enough." "Hmmm..." pondered the chief..."it may not be important...just yet. I'll run it upstairs. But, it is our task to find out where our friends are getting the stuff. You working on this, Joe?" "Hey, I'm just one guy..." joked Ramoos.

"Yeah, I think its time to get you a partner...Ratte just got back from rehab..." mused the chief. "What? That alcoholic cracker?" "Yeah, he might be eccentric. He did volunteer for rehab. But he's effective. He might just be the man for the job." Ramoos just looked at the chief in disbelief.