Three vans poured into the center of Fairhaven, all of them
with the BioCore logo embossed on the side. Residents went on about their
normal routines, unaware of the dangers that lurked nearby. A hose was shoved
through the sliding door of one of the vehicles aimed at the park where several families
had gathered for the Fairhaven Round-up. It was an annual event that hosted
competitions ranging from bull riding to pig wrangling to ‘roping’ or lasso
techniques. There was even a petting zoo for the kids and a mechanical bull for
adventurous adults.
Several charities were on hand hoping to rouse a few new
donors for their cause. There were even booths set up for Girl Scouts to peddle
their cookies and homemade friendship bracelets. The sun shone above like a
radiant gem in the sky. For the middle of summer, the day was cooler than usual.
The slight breeze fanning through the mix of maple, oak and fir trees provided
a level of comfort that made the day absolutely perfect for this event.
Stopping just at the edge of the square, the driver put the
vehicle in park and waited. The canister concealed in the back of the bed
whirred to life, choking out a thick, odorless, tasteless liquid into the air. The
mist fell down like rain. Several people ran for cover while others, children mostly,
played beneath it in sheer delight. It lasted for a few minutes before the
spout recoiled back inside the vehicle and the BioCore vans drove out of the
area.
