Alexander was somewhat surprised that the first to speak was not a department head, but an employee. An infected employee, at that. He turned toward her, folded his hands in front of him, and then gave her his utmost attention. Ever so often, his eyebrows would furrow inward as he took in the details of her sudden illness. A firsthand account wasn't something he'd been given yet.

"Miss Kensington, I'm sorry to hear what you've been going through," he said, giving her an apologetic look. Although he hadn't been responsible for things, he was still a caring human being. Despite how he'd come across to most people he'd encountered in his past, he did have a heart. Listening to her symptoms made him think of his wife, who was suffering from symptoms of her own. "I appreciate the fact that you've come here today and stood before us to give the details. You have my promise that we'll not only look into this, we'll solve what's going on and do what we can to help you."



Alexander passed a brief glance toward his new Junior Undersecretary. The man had been instructed to take careful notes and write down every detail given. Eying the man's parchment for a moment, Alexander noted that he was doing just yet. He gave the man an approving nod before hearing another voice speak through the crowd.



Ahh, Magical Law Enforcement. He'd suspected they'd have already been on the case, and as usual, they didn't disappoint. ...and oh, someone from Games and Sports, as well? Well done, new employee. Well done. His eyebrows furrowed even further inward as he listened to the accounts given. "The cafeteria, hmm?" he said to Dacosta. He grew quiet a bit and nodded along as he seemed to consider that option. Come to think about it, the talk of strange occurrences seemed to begin around the same time the food court got good and underway.

Alexnder looked toward Ashburry-Hawthorne and then accepted the list he'd provided. His brown eyes scanned quickly across the list as he read and re-read the provided information. Once, Alexander even looked up to meet the eye of Ferguson, the man's boss. A well-deserved raise is in order, that look seemed to say. "This is very impressive work," he said to Ashburry-Hawthorne.

Then there was the account given by the new employee, who introduced herself as Maroon. "I see," Alexander said, placing the list he'd received in front of him. He wasn't suffering from a shortage of words but rather allowing each piece of information a chance to roll over in his mind as he processed things bit by bit. "Walking into walls, growling, and drooling," he said, again looking toward the Junior Undersecretary. Was he getting this?



...and then came the time for the department heads to chime in, lead by Ferguson, the Law Enforcement Head. "Mr. Ferguson, your department is to be commended for their investigations into this matter," he commented, looking first at Wes and then at his present employees. "I don't see an immediate issue with the temporary shutting down of the food court, and as a matter of fact, I support the decision. Ms. Schirmer," he said, and then stopped as he'd realized he'd hired two of them. This earned a brief scowl from him before he turned toward the Specialty Area head. "If there's no issue with this shutting down, which I don't see where it would be, you'll need to notify your employees immediately. Perhaps Mr. Ferguson and those involved in the investigation might have a few questions for them, as well." This was no vacation for them and if anything, they'd need to present each day of the investigation.

Speaking of Schirmers, the cousin then spoke. Long winded, that one was. He entertained that thought for a bit until he was sure he'd begun inwardly smirking. She'd have a field day if she'd somehow overheard his line of thinking. Back to the meeting, though. He briefly regarded Meriwether before turning once again to Schirmer. He nodded along as she detailed her plans for lab usage and the borrowing of employees. She seemed to have this all hammered out and although his pride would not allow him to properly do so, he should really commend her, as well.

He opened his mouth to move on, but before a thought could even reach his tongue, Schirmer was trucking on. His mouth snapped closed, and he again turned toward her. He passed her a smirk when she mentioned making her Obliviators available for other purposes. "Well done," he said. He raised his hands in a half shrug and said, "There are no questions on my end. I think your plans are thorough, and I can't wait to see the results your team is able to come up with."

His attention turned toward the new Games and Sports head as one of his newest department heads took a turn to speak. "Thank you, Miss Black. We can use any information we can get at this point," he said, giving her a nod.

-----

He sighed to himself as he tried to mentally sort through all the information now floating around in his head. "We've got all departments on board and ready to gather and use any information available," he said, giving the Junior Undersecretary a chance to catch up, "and the upcoming temporary closing of the food court." He looked out over the gathered crowd. "Anybody else?" Because now was the time to speak up if they had thoughts to share, as well.

Shaking his head, when the minister asked if there was anyone else who wanted to add something. The others had covered everything he'd seen, heard and witnessed. He agreed with the temporary closure of the food court too. Whatever it was that was causing these symptoms to occur needed to get sorted and quickly. Hopefully nip it in the bud before it got any worse!

Gazing around he waited to see if anyone else would respond. At the moment? He had nothing.

Oh, no... it was time for them all to speak. Derek could feel his heart race and his hands shake inside his pockets. He really hated that. Couldn't he just tell his Head of Department about what he has been researching? Or even, couldn't they just skip this whole meeting and go on with the experiments and researches??

The 25 year-old listened carefully as each person stood up and spoke. Good, people like Kensington, Aron and even Althea were already giving enough details. If they kept talking like that, maybe Derek wouldn't have to add anything! Good! Good!

He did agree with quarentine the individuals, though he didn't think the... infection(?) was contagious. That Wellington woman said exactly what he thought. If it were contagious, most probably half of the Ministry - or more! - would have been infected by now. And clearly that hadn't happened.

So everything seemed to have been covered... food court, symptoms, drool, vomit, DNA. Even the biting was mentioned by Aron. Perfect.

There was this one detail, though, that no one had mentioned and Derek found to be of some importance. He gulped, wondering if he should get up and actually say it out loud. wouldn't it be stupid to stand up to say one sentence??? Uuuurgh, Merlin!

Taking a deep breath, Derek finally stood up. "Derek Meriwether, Potion Identification and Recory Specialist." You can do this, Derek. Calm down. He finally took his hands from his pockets, but... he had no idea what to do with them now, so he put them back inside of his robes. Awkward much? "I have kept in touch with some of the... infected people. I met some of them, like Kensington..." He gave her a quick glance before continuing. "...and Demetrius Clay before the Christmas holidays." Derek didn't know who she should look at. His gaze kept going from one person to the other pretty quickly and he didn't aknowledge any of the people he looked at. Would it be too weird if he just stared at the wall? "They all have gotten much worse now, as Kensington said. A... friend of mine is also infected. Dimitri Burton. He has actually put himself in some... I could say inconvenient situations because of this illness." Not exactly things that could risk his life, but still. "He has walked into walls multiple times while... in trance."

Well, he had said a lot more than just a sentence. That made him feel a little better. Though he wanted to sit down already. He had talked too much already! "I'd suggest that when the infected people are put in quarentine, they get extra protection." What was that? Derek actually caring for the ill? Hm... "Since their magical abilities also seem to be... well, lacking." Not completely gone, though. Or... were they?

Was there anything else he wanted to point out? His thoughts were going through his head ridiculously fast and he just wanted to sit back down. Oh, Merlin, had he just made a complete fool of himself there? He felt like he had more things to share but he couldn't remember now. Uh... yeah, that would have to do. Nodding at the Minister, Derek finally sat down.

How many hours had he been standing up and talking???? MERLIN.

Wait, he didn't mention anything from his tests in the lab! Oh bludger. Well, they hadn't gotten any certain answers yet, so... okay, he was fine. Hopefully. Was the meeting over yet?

As soon as Derek finished and sat, Jade stood up to speak.

"I'm Jade Gemstone, Reminisciator. As my head, Ms. Althea Schirmer, has already mentioned, as a Reminisciator and a former Memory Restoration Assistant in addition to my training in mind healing--I should definitely be able to construct through the...infected's memories how they were each infected and more importantly what it was that infected them. Of course I'd be happy to work closely with your team on this, Mr. Ferguson. She nodded at him in acknowlegment.

I do concur with the suggestion made before about quarantining the known infected. If we do it immediately, there is less of a chance that there will be more cases of infected throughout the Ministry. I also agree with my co-worker, Mr. Meriwether, that we need to provide them with protection both for the infected especially in light of their diminished magical abilities and the people who will be working in close proximity with them.

Thank You." Jade finished and sat down beside Derek.

She really hoped that this meeting would be finished soon and that they decided to quarantine the infected. She definitely felt that the sooner she was able to view the memories in questions, then the quicker they would be able construct an antidote and a vaccine and get rid of this for good.

Isobel didn't really have anything to say. She'd noticed a few of her employees acting a bit strange, but someone had already mentioned Demetrius' name. No need to repeat that. The thing was when Wesley stood up, Isobel sort of missed what he said, becoming a little vacant. She stared off in a fixed direction, not blinking for a couple of moments. Just as Ella finished speaking the mysteries head was a little more aware, and blinked as she glanced around. She was sort of semi-aware that she'd nodded off or something. Hmm. That was odd. She looked around. Had she missed anything important? Oh well. She was sure it was okay.

Well. She would've been if she hadn't started to dribble a little. Oh dear. Maybe she really had fallen asleep. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a tissue, and wiped her mouth. Well, that was a little embarrassing.

Armen wasn't expecting this relatively new employee (at least he thought one that was new) to come up and speak so boldly to him but now that he mentioned it, the department head did recongize the man as one of the people seen flittering around nervously behind the His Largeness, Lord Borr.

"Ahh, I do remember you, and advisor during Borr's reign?" he said to ensure he was remembering correctly. "I understand wanting to take leave after he was...resigned." Overthrown by rebels really. He went on much quiter, "The current regime isn't as understanding as in the past." he gave the man a small smile, a congradulations on his return and promotion and a pat on the arm.
"Oh you mean my executive assistant position? It was enlightening. It reminds me why I went to school for so long in order to achieve a position where I work with more competant and qualified people as well as making more Galleons than a person working in a trivial job below my current one." he said with another sneer. Yes, he was meaning her as an employee of MLE running about accusing others of things and sticking their necks out for much less money than a Department Head.

What duffers.
And then there was the new Senior Undersecretary, a childhood friend of the Minister's and a nepotism case if there ever was one.

Armen didn't care for the man and his annoying and bubbly personality especially in such a situation as present. Employees becoming ill with a strange sickness was not an exciting matter and one, other than him, would find it hard to liken it to some Quidditch term or play like he was so well at doing Recard had deducted.
The first of his invited employees arrived and quickly joined him; good job. Recard had at least hired someone with enough sense not to sit with the MLEers.

"Afternoon Rylan, glad to see you've made it. We will need to discuss how Floos relate to this whole ordeal later, surely." he pursed his lips before resting his ankle of one foot onto his opposite knee.
The Transportation Head was glad to see Althea Schrimer arrive, they needed at least another head of reason to combat Wes's curse-first-ask-questions-later attitude and the Minister's Mightier Than Thou beliefs.

He inclinde his head to her as she sat.
How clever he thought he was....

Recard turned his head to look at the MLE department head and just stared before making a rather disgusted face. He didn't say anything, the man was obviously desperate to look good in front of his employees.
And of couse Izzy would say something, although he had expected something more than a boring 'Good afternoon' what with their history. "Afternoon Isobel." He wanted so badly to mention his new girlfriend Gabi but it wouldn't be proper and moreso there was no way to segway it properly.
Armen nodded to Rafa as he entered the room. It was good to see him around, seeing as he was a sympathizer to the Cult's environmental cause. He was given a nod before Recard turned his attention to his other employee.
"Hello Slyvie, glad to see you could make it." He wouldn't have been happy if she had missed it but she was there so he wouldn't have to worry about the what ifs. He had all of his people there so now it was just waiting until the Minister arrived.


Armen couldn't help but chuckle out loud at the arguing employees sitting around Ferguson. They were a pack of overly hyped-up children searching for bad guys under every rock and in every corner and couldn't even sit quietly in a room without fighting amongst themselves.

Good to see Wes at least was embarrassed.

The Minister arrived and Armen turned his attention to him lazily and then decided to let others speak first.

-------------

WHAT?!

Armen couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was an INFECTED in the room with them all right now? What was she thinking? Oh...of course she was in MLE.

After letting her speak and hearing the Minister's comment, he had to interject. "I'm sorry if this comes off as rude but honestly, Wesley, why did you invite her hear and put us all in risk of catching this disease? Do we know how it's spread? I find this very troubling and frankly irresponsible." Yeah, the almighty MLE didn't think this through did they?

Armen sat back down after much thinking of leaving the meeting just then covering his mouth , dragging Rylan and Slyvie with him but he wanted to add his other thoughts and see what comes of the INFECTED one.

Finally the idea of closing the cafeteria was given and more people had spoken. Recard raised his hand and spoke. "Armen Recard, Department Head of Magical Transportation. First off I think that those working the Cafeteria are most likely at fault for either planting this infection or being clumsy with their work and preparing the food incorrectly. Either way the employees there should be reprimanded and at the least all taken into custody for questioning." It was fishy and reaked of sabotage.

Now more about how Transportation could be involved. "My department is more than willing to promote and help keep quarintine areas by closing down floo networks in the cafeteria and others when necessary, also we can work with the department of law Enforcement to help lessen the amount of visitors entering the complex on a daily basis by strengthening security on the entrances and issuing a warning that all non-essential employees and visitors should stay away." It seemed necessary even if he would have to work with level two.

Kensi watched..and listened...and...listened...and...

WAIT.

Hold on.

Like ONE SECOND. While Kensi DIED.

QUARANTINED?!

The word seemed to be a popular one. VERY popular. WHY. She felt something rise inside of her...something familiar lately, but this time..it was worse...panic. Her heart started beating against her chest...and she felt her palms sweat...she was gripping the arms of her chair rather...tightly. So much so that her veins...popped...

Quarantined...

The word brought fear to her heart. To her core...it made her disease sound ALL too....serious. And fatal. Like...uncurable. And so they all just DIE with each other...and as long as they didn't spread it outside of the confines...no one would CARE..

Yeah, she had been watching WAY too many muggle zombie movies lately...

That COW that Wes had glared at....started talking..and it set Kensi on FIRE. A fire as RED as her HAIR. She raised her hand furiously, and stood up, her panic evaporating as she GLARED at Recard! "FIrstly," she turned back to the minister, and the room at large..."THe disease is NOT contagious...or else more people would be infected...so-so quarantine us...that would be NO GOOD." She NEEDED to get that out there. Her voice sounded a bit shaky...but only because...she did not WANT TO BE CONFINED.

No.

NOOOO!

Turning back to Recard, she narrowed her green eyes at him..."SECONDLY, " she cleared her throat, sending Wes a look before looking back at him. "HE is NOT irresponsible..." keep your anger in check...this is an OFFICIAL FLIPPING MEEEETING! "I am HERE because He wanted you all to hear FIRSTHAND accounts...I HARDLY count that as irresponsible...because he wanted everyone to know what it's been like for me? What all of the ill people are doing? Because he wanted people iNFORMED?!" her voice was SHAKING. She didn't want to say anything unprofessional...so she sat back down, not taking her angry EYES off of the transportation man...her hands shaking...trembling...from anger.

Wes. HE DID NOT CALL WES IRRESPONSIBLE.

Rafael smirked faintly at Ella in response to her words before his dark eyes drifted around the courtroom. He was of course looking for the pair he'd invited to this meeting, and was glad to see both Gibby and Marina sitting close by. He inclined his head to the pair, and chose to tune out the... misbehaving adults. Not why he was here.

Where was... ah. The minister.

He listened to everyone take their turn and speak, absorbing all the information, but also pulling out a notepad and quill charmed to take notes for him. Glad he was a good distance away from the infected, he listened to everyone speak.... eyes on one of the infected who was... loosing it, before adding in his small piece. "In my department, Environmental Regulation and Protection, my Botanists are working to see if they can come up with some sort of temporary botanical cure - as it will be impossible to completely cure without knowing the cause - or something to... suppress the more extreme symptoms. Any information you could supply Gilbert Shepard, one of my Senior Botanists," He motioned to the man near him. "Would be greatly appreciated. I also have employees out in the field working on similar assignments, and my Recycling Commissioners will be making their rounds to our ministry bins soon. Emptying them so anything contaminated won't linger in the building. If there's anything you'd like to pick out of there for the investigation I suggest doing so soon." Because he too, didn't want this spreading into the wizarding world. Or his department.

Pursing his lips, Rafa's eyes cut over to Armen and the infected woman, and he added before sitting again, "I don't think we need put all our energy into punishment just yet. Or laying the blame on anyone.." Lets get the infection out first, yes?

Despite his department being directly complimented by the Minister himself, Wes' eyes still narrowed to slits when Armen Recard stood up to speak, and by time the scumbag was finished, he could feel his heart racing and the blood pounding in his ears. It was a wonder his wand wasn't already in his hand, as he was THISCLOSE to hexing Recard's fat, pompous, empty, good-for-nothing head off. Then he was planning to announce to the Minister that he couldn't possibly work with the Department of Magical Transportation, considering that they were Head-less, all puns intended, when...

...well, Kensi channeled her anger in the right direction for once. Wes was impressed by her attitude despite her sickness and even more impressed that she'd decided to defend him and herself. That didn't happen nearly enough especially not when the person defending him was a woman. Regardless, Wes had to speak again, and so he stood. Again.

"There's no need to explain yourself, Whitworth," Wes stated in an impassive, but clear, tone. He looked at Armen and shook his head in a mock show of pity. "We live in a free country, where all idiots are entitled to speak their opinion, even if said opinion --- and allegiances --- try to tear down the very people protecting their rights, liberties, and safeties. We can take it, Whitworth, because we are the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and we are going to do what is necessary to protect all of Wizarding Britain, even if it means protecting some people from themselves."

He patted her on the shoulder again, albeit not as gently this time, so that she would take a seat. It was time to get back to the evidence and the plan of action, which were the ONLY reasons he would sustain being in a room with Armen Recard.

"If there are no further objections," he looked straight at the other Schirmer, the one who hadn't spoken up yet, "we will be quarantining the infected individuals in the holding cells on level two, and will be shutting down the Ministry Cafeteria ASAP to investigate the potential cause of this outbreak. Any interested employees, regardless of department, are welcome to work in conjunction with the MLE on this investigation. Just meet up in the cafeteria after the meeting. We'll be sending teams of two around to relocate the infected to the holding cells on Level Two while their DNA samples are tested in the labs on Level Three. Rest assured that the infected will be treated with the utmost hospitality from level two and will be provided the finest security, as always."

He nodded again, and feeling like he was forgetting something or someone sat back down again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachieRu

Isobel didn't really have anything to say. She'd noticed a few of her employees acting a bit strange, but someone had already mentioned Demetrius' name. No need to repeat that. The thing was when Wesley stood up, Isobel sort of missed what he said, becoming a little vacant. She stared off in a fixed direction, not blinking for a couple of moments. Just as Ella finished speaking the mysteries head was a little more aware, and blinked as she glanced around. She was sort of semi-aware that she'd nodded off or something. Hmm. That was odd. She looked around. Had she missed anything important? Oh well. She was sure it was okay.

Well. She would've been if she hadn't started to dribble a little. Oh dear. Maybe she really had fallen asleep. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a tissue, and wiped her mouth. Well, that was a little embarrassing.

"I hate your ex," Wes whispered not as softly as he probably should have, considering a few eyes were lingering on him. He was so caught up in the meeting and in his enemy just a few feet away that he didn't even notice the way his wife was dabbing at her mouth...

Dacs looked over at Kensi with a smirk as she said what probably anyone else in the room was thinking, including herself. Then Wes stood up and spoke. She agreed with him. She knew more coffee, black, no sugar was going to be needed. DMLE would be doing most the investigative along with with A&C. Speciality would have to in on it as it's there area that would be shut down.

Wanting to get back to work, she started jotting down things, plans, tactics, steps everything that would be needed to make this as tidy as possible. There was an invitation for other workers to join in that portion and that meant briefing. This was ministry wide and things were just about ready to climax.

As she told Wes, it was just the tip of the iceberg of something really scary. They were just about submerged enough to see the size of the monstrosity ahead.

Why does Zach had a feeling that Recard thinks he supports Borr? To think, that time he wasn't for or against the big fella. But anyways, let him think that. He gave him s nod and a smile.



Zach listened carefully to every word the Minister said, sometimes enchantments really help a lot, like right now. He noticed that the Minister is looking at him, must be checking how is he doing. When Zach caught the man's eye, he smiled and nod a little, a gesture of saying hello.

He continued writing everything that is being said by the Department Heads and some other employees, encircling some points that he thinks are a bit questionable.

Victoria tried to keep up with the meeting. Everyone throwing different things around. Then the sick woman seeming to get upset over being told she might need quarantined. Victoria wasn't sure what to make of it all. What did she get herself into coming to the ministry to work at a time where something was going around that could harm her and possibly her son, if she spread it to him. Trying to hide all her anxiety and feelings, Victoria moved a bit in her chair and crossed her legs. She wanted to be fully focused on everything, but now that she had spoke about what she had seen, she wasn't sure exactly what else she needed to do to help this meeting.

Alexander turned his attention to two of the Accidents and Catastrophes employees who'd shown up to share their expertise. First was Meriwether, who shared his insight as to what the infected were going through--dazes, walking into walls, and the such. Alexander nodded as key points were brought up and occasionally glanced over at the Junior Undersecretary to see if the man was keeping up. He seemed to be. Good.

Then there was Gemstone, who talked about studying the memories of the infected and finding out how and when this all began. Alexander cleared his throat and folded his hands in front of him. "I agree to the quarantining," he said, casting a glance toward the Whitworth woman. "We've discovered the infection isn't contagious, however...what we have discovered is that it often times causes its victims to go into daze and put themselves in a danger of being injured. I won't make a decision that causes any of my employees that sort of immediate danger."

Suppose they were in a situation where an injury wasn't as mild as walking into a wall? What if it was falling off a broom or the such? "...and Ms. Gemstone," he continued, "I look forward to hearing about your findings." Well done, Accidents and Catastrophes. This is what he liked to see. Employees on the ball, ready, and prepared.



Alexander adjusted his position and turned back to the group as a whole. As he did this, he happened to catch site of another department head, who appeared to be daydreaming so much she was starting to drool. Drool, though... Hmm. His eyebrows furrowed inward as he made a mental note to pay this one a visit later on.



"Recard," Alexander said, in that don't-make-me-make-a-gopher-out-of-you-again tone. He stared at the man with an expression of complete annoyance before addressing his speech. "First off, you'll do well to remember that these are human beings we are speaking of. Wizards and witches--our own kind." Of course, the gopher always did think he was better than the rest. Borr's boy. "Their situation has been around for quite some time now and in this very building you've worked in nearly each day of the week. You'd have been drooling yourself by now had she been in that sort of danger to us."

Slightly annoyed, Alexander turned away when the boy took his seat. Oh, no, though. He wasn't done yet. Was Armen Recard ever really done? Alexander drew in a sharp breath. "We have not reached the point of pointing our fingers at anyone yet," he said. Honestly, who had hired this one?! So quick to judge! Alexander could feel a bad mood creeping up on him. At least Recard ended his speech with something helpful to the cause, earning him a quick nod of approval from Alexander before the Minister moved on.



"Miss Whitworth!" Alexander exclaimed. He glared at Recard. He'd caused this. He wanted to reprimand the woman, but really, should he? When one of his department heads had driven her to this point? "Miss Whitworth," he said in a calmer tone. "We do not believe you to be contagious, nor do we wish to put you in anymore danger than you seem to already be in. I wish for you to understand, though, that a quarantining is needed. There are reports of people going into a daze to the point where they are walking into walls and putting themselves in an immediate danger. If we quarantine this group of people, we can not only keep them out of danger, but we can work on healing them faster and more efficiently."

It was the likes of Recard who'd made this sound like an imprisonment.



Alexander nodded along to Belmonte's words, agreeing with both his plans for testing within his department and with what'd he'd said about Recard's ideas for punishment. Good. Very good. So he could still trust his department heads to come up with something valuable to add to the table. After Recard, he was starting to wonder.



"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," Alexander said, sensing a tense feeling in the general atmosphere of the room. Yeah. Thanks, Recard. He was considering calling the room to order when things started to settle down on their own. He rubbed his forehead with his finger and thumb, trying to ease the tension of a headache coming on, and then stood again.

"We have each of our departments on board with working together for a cure, most of which have already got a plan hammered out and ready to put into action," he said. "We will be quarantining the infected on level two, so as to not punish them but to help control their illness and heal it at the same time. The Food Court will soon come to a temporary close to allow investigation inside to commence."

Anyone else? ...because he thought it was time to put their talk into action.

Zach listened faithfully to the bunch. He was rather curious as to what caused this infection, as they call it. After all he was a healer and very fond of researches.

...

The Mr. Recard character is really interesting too. In a normal sort of way, but Zach thinks there is more to him that being the Borr kid.

...

When the Minister spoke, it sounds like he wants action now. Zach raised his hand and said "Minister, do you want me to send owl to St. Mungo's for advise and help on the matter?" he said looking pretty confident but deep inside unsure if he should've done that.

Elizabeth silently stepped into the courtroom with a tray full of cookies, milk, tea, hot chocolate, coffee, browines and other delicious things. She sat the tray down and in a barely audible voice said, "Treats from level 5." She stepped away and started to turn to go when she spotted Kensi. Her hand automatically went to where the zombie lady had bit her. Eliza grimaced and started to leave.

Nodding to Thea, Abilene sighed, preparing herself to take speed!notes. Just moments later, the Minister had stepped into the courtroom, causing a pause in the conversations around where she sat...It was a good thing. For one, there seemed to be tension in the packed room...(Something that had Abi on edge)...and she was slightly claustrophobic.

Nerves weren't being her friend, either.

None of that matter, though. Abilene still looked fantastic...and that little fact was somewhat comforting. Especially in the room full of her peers.

As Mr. Greingoth began talking, she put on her excited face, jotting things down here and there...The main focus clearly being on this 'disease' taking over. Yes, she'd had a mini-panic attack at orientation. Too many muggle movies about zombies...Not to mention her late husband was a fan of that genre of film.

Many people were standing up to offer insight and opinions, all things she mentally picked apart and noted...One of her fellow DH's appeared outraged by the presence of the one infected person...and adding to her thoughts earlier...Tension. Angry tones weren't exactly needed here, dear. BUT there were positive's...Like the MLE's head. Mr. Ferguson, he'd been called...He'd made several valid points...and was speaking to her directly. Ahem. Lowering her parchments and quill, Abilene nodded. "Naturally, the safety and welfare of our employees remains a first and foremost priority." If there was evidence, as he'd mentioned, then by all means...Who was she to say 'No'. Not to mention the Minister had also agreed...

"Minister, myself and my team are prepared to assist in whatever way we can." Might as well say as much...Even though he'd already said to do so..."...If we think it's a 'food issue', I can give the go ahead to start pulling meats and other food items, send them down with Thea to get checked. Perhaps we'll find the source...It it's a 'food' contamination issue."

In case there was more to it than just germs. Was it something coming in from outside the Ministry? Had they considered as much? Or had she just lived too long as a muggle?

Something comforting, though...It couldn't have been airborne. As the Minister had mentioned...They'd all have it, if it were. So, it'd have to be something directly consumed...

"Good thinking lad!" Ian said patting him on the back, after coming out of the weird daze he was in as he listened to all this... Infected. Was he infected? No... He didn't think so. This never happened at his other ministry.

...Creepy.

Through the random chitter chatter going around the room, Alexander was able to pick out his name. He turned in the direction of the sound. Ahh. The Junir Undersecretary, asking if St. Mungo's should be contacted.



He grinned at Ian as the Senior Undersecretary responded. "I think we have a great team of employees here who are already conducting some experiments and testing some samples," he said, looking toward the MLE and Accidents and Catastrophes employees. "Keep in contact with them and make the decision to contact St. Mungo's jointly."



...and then treats were brought in, which sort of earned a raised eyebrow from Alexander. They'd just started to point fingers at the food court, and now treats from...likely...that very same place were being brought in. They were from level five, though, so Alexander trusted that his department head had checked things out ahead of time. Nevertheless, he wasn't too sure how many people would actually take them up on their offer.

Even still, he gave the employee a nod of appreciation before turning to another department head.



"Very well then," he said, nodding at Schirmer. "I think we've got a solid plan of action then, and we can adjourn and get started. Departments, you each seem to have an individual plan, and I encourage you to work with other departments for as much information as you can possibly gain." He stood, smoothed out his suit, and looked over the crowd.

"If you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with a second foreign minister. Rest assured that I, as well as my office, will be doing everything we can to help the matter, as well," he said. With another sweeping glance around the room and then a signature nod, he turned and left the room.

Isobel had heard his comment, but hadn't replied to it straight away, concentrating on the meeting first. As soon as Alexander had left Isobel turned her attention back to her husband to firstly settle the opinion about Armen, and to ask if he needed any help with getting people up to level 2. She had numbers down in mysteries that could help. "I pretty much hate him too..." She murmured, looking at him. She didn't exactly look normal though, her eyes pretty blood shot at the moment. "Do you need any help rounding the infected people up?" She asked with a smile.

Then her mind wandered over to the babies. "Hmm...I'll just send my sister a patronus, make sure the boys are okay." She smiled, pulling her wand out, and performing the patronus charm. Or attempting to. "Oh..." She frowned, finding that it didn't work. "That was odd."

All right, meeting adjourned, and it seemed the Other Schirmer was with them too. Excellent. Wes prepared to stand up and start giving out directions when his wife tugged his attention away. And she was always his priority. Always.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachieRu

Isobel had heard his comment, but hadn't replied to it straight away, concentrating on the meeting first. As soon as Alexander had left Isobel turned her attention back to her husband to firstly settle the opinion about Armen, and to ask if he needed any help with getting people up to level 2. She had numbers down in mysteries that could help. "I pretty much hate him too..." She murmured, looking at him. She didn't exactly look normal though, her eyes pretty blood shot at the moment. "Do you need any help rounding the infected people up?" She asked with a smile.

Then her mind wandered over to the babies. "Hmm...I'll just send my sister a patronus, make sure the boys are okay." She smiled, pulling her wand out, and performing the patronus charm. Or attempting to. "Oh..." She frowned, finding that it didn't work. "That was odd."

"I do, yes, if you can spare any...." Wes murmured, his gaze distracted by the way Isobel's beautiful blue eyes suddenly seemed redder than normal. "Are you all right, dear?" he added as she got out her wand and then failed to do whatever she was trying to do with it. Was she really not able to conjure up a simple patronus charm....? This didn't look good, not in front of some of the most important people in the Ministry... Wes glanced over his shoulder at Dacs and gently tugged Izzy's wand away from her, hiding it up his sleeve for the moment.

"Dacs, Kensi, Aron... return to level two ASAP. Meet in my office. I'll be right up." He needed to speak to them specifically first about their general behavior in the meeting, and then he had work for them to do. "Send a patronus to Hogsmeade while you're at it, and get Dorian and Roxanne back here." That direction was mostly for Dacs. "Have Esme finish processing the scene. Whatever she doesn't finish..." Well, they'd just have to deal with another time, when Ministry wasn't on lockdown.

"Also, Aron..." Wes subtly cleared his throat and added in a softer tone, "I need to borrow one of your drool sample kits. Now. Please." It was paining him to do this, but it had to be done. Excessive drooling, bloodshot eyes, inability to perform simple magic... Mrs. Ferguson was turning into one of the infected right before his very eyes.

Dacs knew Wes was gonna haul them in once the meeting was over. She stood up and nodded at his last directive. With that she headed out of the conference room. Not that she thought her behaviour was bad or good. She just knew her boss was not having a good day either. So, she inhaled deeply and blew out a slow cleansing breath.

She hoped she could keep it all together. This situation was a nightmare. She was off to level two, her domain, their domain. Then she looked back at Izzy and promised herself she would talk to her later. She was surrounded by man and female friend was needed sometimes.

As she went, she sent out a patronus to round up the others who were working the Talone case.

Pffft. Armen was not going to just sit there and let some mere employee (especially one from level two) who was INFECTED with Merlin knows what yell at him as if he were some child. She was the child, he had been at the Ministry for more than a decade and she was going to lecture him on something? I don't think so!

Just as the Transportation Head was going to speak up and tell her just where she could take her little diseased butt, the Minister spoke up and called them to order. Siigh. He eyed her nontheless.

The meeting was now over and Armen was ready to get the heck out of there to go snoop out more INFECTED employees to turn in. Surely none of his level six workers would be dumb enough to catch it, besides they were much cleaner than MLE. "Come on Slyvie and Rylan, we have work to do." The man stood up and made his way to the door stopping by the Fergusons. "I'll send you a memo about the transportation security later Ferguson." That was directed to Wes and then he shot a confused look at Isobel and her drooling?

....

He would look into that later but now he had work to do.

Seeing that the meeting had come to an end, Jade turned to her co-workers, Derek and Althea.

First she addressed her head.
"Althea, If that is okay with you, I will start immediately on collecting all the necessary memories. If you are going to hold a meeting in the A&C just let me know alright?"

Then she turned to Derek, "I'll try and get the memories as soon as possible. Do you have some idea for anything particular that I need to look for. Anything you found with the samples would be helpful."

Waiting for their replies, She noticed that the Fergusons were having drama of their own. Jade inwardly groaned. They had definitely waited too long if more cases were being presented. She would have to put a rush on it. Maybe she would do a detour to the Environmental Department to see if they were successful with their precaution measures. Jade definitely did not want to get infected while she was gathering the memories.

"I'll have a look through the rota and see who's working." Isobel nodded, mentally thinking about what was going on. She could spare a couple of people, some projects and research could go on hold for now. It was the midle of a crisis, her department would understand. Then Wes was asking if she was okay. Isobel frowned, biting on her lip as she stared at him. "I'm fine..." She mused with a shrug. Sure she was dribbling a little, but she put that down to the fact that she was really tired. Maybe she could take the afternoon off and have some sleep. That would work.

She frowned as he tugged her wand away. What was that for? "Wes...give me my wand back..." She stared up at him, not impressed. Why was he having her wand? She needed it to get back into her office. She folded her arms as he talked to his employees. Her mind glossed over the fact that she didn't have her wand anymore, concentrating on what he was saying to his employees. Drool kit? What did he need for now? "Who's sample are you collecting?" She murmured, glancing around. Everyone looked fine here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachieRu

"I'll have a look through the rota and see who's working." Isobel nodded, mentally thinking about what was going on. She could spare a couple of people, some projects and research could go on hold for now. It was the midle of a crisis, her department would understand. Then Wes was asking if she was okay. Isobel frowned, biting on her lip as she stared at him. "I'm fine..." She mused with a shrug. Sure she was dribbling a little, but she put that down to the fact that she was really tired. Maybe she could take the afternoon off and have some sleep. That would work.

She frowned as he tugged her wand away. What was that for? "Wes...give me my wand back..." She stared up at him, not impressed. Why was he having her wand? She needed it to get back into her office. She folded her arms as he talked to his employees. Her mind glossed over the fact that she didn't have her wand anymore, concentrating on what he was saying to his employees. Drool kit? What did he need for now? "Who's sample are you collecting?" She murmured, glancing around. Everyone looked fine here.

"You're not fine," Wes muttered, clearing his throat as soon as he said that and delivering several pointed, dirty looks to the lingerers still in the room. No need to stare, A&C people, or we'll actually give you something to stare about. Call it an 'accident.' Whups, my wand slipped. Etc.

Wes took the drool kit from Aron and turned back to Izzy, shielding her from sight as he fiddled with the kit. "I shouldn't have neglected your symptoms... or allowed you to chalk them up to stress..." he murmured, removing the swab and leaning in as though he were going to give her another kiss. Instead, just when he got close enough, he stuck the cotton tip into his wife's mouth and then tugged it out again, quick as a flash.

Yeah she wasn't going to like that, but oh well. Evidence. Wes leaned back and tucked the sealed tube away into his pocket, offering his wife a sad but patient expression as he crossed his arms. "Izzy, you're going to have to come with me to Level Two."