A.D.A.M.

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A.D.A.M. Page 19

by Melissa Caudle


  “You can close your mouth, Adam.” She swabbed the inside of her mouth and secured the sample.

  “As you said, that doesn’t hurt.”

  “I’m afraid the next one might. It involves me taking your blood using a syringe.”

  “Dr. Bradford, there is an easier way.” He fisted his hand as his eyes focused on one of the veins. His blood slowly seeped through his skin. “Is that enough?”

  “Adam, please stop. Let me do it my way.” She took another deep breath as she tightened a tourniquet around his forearm. Cautiously, she thumped a vein, and then inserted the needle and drew his blood. “Now that didn’t hurt, did it?”

  “I felt a sensation; I do not know how to describe this feeling. It provided much discomfort.”

  “The term is pain.”

  His body juddered and vibrated as he winced. He doubled over.

  “What is it, Adam? What’s wrong?”

  “I’m morphing again.” Adam’s body vibrated extremely fast as he aged ten more years.

  Dr. Bradford stepped backward. “Adam, how can I help?”

  Adam’s body slowly stopped vibrating as he drew in a breath. “I believe that is pain.”

  “We’ll stop for now. The other samples can wait.”

  “Please proceed Dr. Bradford. You may not have more time with me.”

  “I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

  “I need to rest. I need to return to the tank to reenergize.”

  “You mean, you need to return to the water?”

  “Without question.” He stood on the table and stripped away his T-shirt and boxer shorts.

  Embarrassed, Dr. Bradford turned around. “I didn’t need to see that.”

  “I understand.” He lowered himself into the man-size tank, closed his eyes, and eventually curled up into a fetal position as he floated in the water.

  Dr. Bradford stood before the tank and placed her hand against it. “What are you?” I guess we found his new hiding place. She grabbed the white sheet and covered the tank.

  Slowly she strode to her desk and retrieved her journal to write an entry.

  “1:00 AM – Today has been full of surprises. Not only does Adam morph, he ages. I can’t explain how or why he does as there has never been anything like him on earth before. That brings me to question everything I thought I knew about the definition of life. He grew out of nothing in a matter of hours.”

  She yawned as she glanced up. “I must continue to gather samples and study him.”

  After placing her journal into the desk drawer, she shuffled over to the cot and sat. Her head nodded as she stared at the tank and then lay down. “Goodnight Adam.”

  CHAPTER 11 - CONFUSION

  Rebecca raced into the news reception area at exactly four thirty a.m. “Where’s Patrick?”

  The receptionist looked up toward her. “I’m sorry, Rebecca, Patrick called in ill last night.” She handed her a pink slip of paper. “You have an urgent message from Stephen Stone Diamond that came in around midnight on the answering machine. He said for you to call him immediately at the radio station.”

  The door opened, and Stephen entered.

  Rebecca glanced toward him. “Speaking of the Devil, I just received your message. What are you doing here so early in the morning? I was going to text you for a meeting place today.”

  “We need to talk in private, now.”

  “Follow me.”

  As they strode through the news bullpen, Henry approached. “Rebecca, you’re solo this morning?”

  “I heard. Wait! Henry, do you mind if I ask Stephen Stone Diamond to co-host today’s show?”

  “He’s radio, not television.”

  Stephen cleared his throat. “Excuse me. I used to be on broadcast television. I’d love to do it, and I am more than capable.”

  “Henry, our fan base expects two anchors. Let Stephen sub for Patrick today. He has some unusual theories. I think our fans would love his approach.”

  “On one condition. Only announce him as a guest on the show and not a co-host. I can’t put the station’s reputation on the line like that.”

  “Agreed.”

  “You both have forty-five minutes to put this show together. So, get busy.” Henry left the bull pen.

  “Stephen let’s go outside to talk. There are too many ears in here.”

  “I’m following you.”

  Once outside, Rebecca leaned against the brick wall. “Okay, what’s so urgent you left a message and came to my work?”

  “I spoke with Jessica on the phone yesterday along with the President of the United States. What is going on?”

  “Did I hear your correctly? You spoke with Jessica and the President?”

  “Yes, Jessica made me verify that she was actually talking to President Corbin.”

  “That sounds just like her. What did they want?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to find out. Jessica gave me an encrypted message about the Millennium Falcon.”

  “Sounds like her. She’s an avid Star Wars fan. What was the message?”

  “I think she was trying to tell me where the samples are, so I searched through the contents she sent and found a picture of the Millennium Falcon taped to a sticky note. Beneath it, a clue that I have no idea what it means. Does the words tick tock, tick tock goes the clock mean anything to you?”

  Rebecca shook her head. “I’m clueless. I think that message is meant for Dr. Bradford and she’s hoping you’ll give it to her. They speak in code all of the time.”

  General Anbar sat postured in authority in the conference room. The red phone rang. “Good Morning, President Corbin. What can I assist you with today?”

  “Do whatever it takes to get Miss Parker to reveal the location of the samples.”

  “Does this mean I have the authority to transport the news reporter to the base?”

  “If that is what it takes, then order it done. This must be completed immediately.” He placed the receiver back into its cradle right as he heard two taps on the door.

  “Enter.”

  Commander Anderson escorted Agent Morrison and Jessica into the conference room.

  Jessica huffed. “We’re back. Now what?”

  “I have good news for you, young lady. After having a good night’s rest, I’ve decided to bring Rebecca Newcombe here in exchange for your information.”

  “Why the change of heart, General?”

  “Let’s say, if I cooperate with you, you’ll have to cooperate with me.”

  “That’s not how this is going to work. I insist on seeing Dr. Bradford and Rebecca.”

  “In due time. Commander, return Agent Morrison and Miss Parker to their quarters until further notice.”

  Agent Morrison cleared his throat. “Excuse me, General. What is the purpose of this?”

  “To allow us time to bring Rebecca Newcombe to the base. Dismissed.”

  Jessica waved her finger toward the General. “Excuse me; you can’t just dismiss me.”

  “Miss Parker, if you don’t like your quarters, I’m sure I can put you in a jail cell.”

  “I’m dismissed.”

  Reveille blasted from the base’s compound speakers causing Jessica to jump, and her heart to race. “What the Hell is that? Are we under an alien attack?”

  Reveille blasted throughout the base as Dr. Bradford lay asleep on the cot. She swatted the air as if to silence an alarm clock. “Shit!” She bolted up and glanced around the room as if dazed and confused. “It’s not a dream.”

  Sergeant Merritt, in the hall, tapped on the door sending Dr. Bradford bolting to it. “Hold on!”

  “It’s time to return to your quarters for breakfast. General’s orders.”

  Her stomached growled. “Give me a minute.”

  She strutted to the tank and peaked beneath the sheet. She nodded as she took a deep breath. “Please stay this way. I’ll be back in an hour.”

  From beneath the sheet, the water gurgled as Adam s
poke. “I won’t reveal my carbon unit while you’re away.”

  She smiled and then headed for the door. Her hand trembled as she grabbed the doorknob, and a burning sensation filled her chest. Momentarily the room went in and out of focus.

  Tap, tap on the outer door. “Dr. Bradford, please open up.”

  Dr. Bradford shook her head and pulled the door open.

  “Is everything all right, Dr. Bradford?”

  “Yes, I’m hungry and didn’t get much sleep.”

  “I’m sure the General wouldn’t mind you resting this morning. I’ll make the inquiry if you’d like.”

  “That won’t be necessary. After a quick bite to eat and a morning shower, I’ll be back to myself.”

  “This way, Ma’am.”

  “There is one thing you could do for me while I’m out of the lab.”

  “What would that be?”

  “I want the television working in the lab and my quarters. I miss the news, and my guilty pleasure show.”

  “I’ve never heard of a show called Guilty Pleasure.”

  “No, I like to watch Survivor. I’m addicted. Then before I sleep, I always watch reruns of Frasier. That’s the only way my mind rests.”

  “I’ll remind the General.”

  “While you’re doing that, remind him I won’t continue my research unless he grants this. Understood?”

  “Clearly. Now shall we proceed to your quarters?”

  Spike slapped Patrick’s cheek. “Wake up! Patrick, are you with us?”

  Patrick moaned and tossed his head to the left as Dr. Gilbreth stood over him.

  “Patrick, do you hear me?”

  Dr. Gilbreth injected a syringe into Patrick. “This ought to help.”

  “What kind of drugs are you giving him this time?”

  “How dare you question me? You do not have that authority.”

  “He won’t be any good to us if he overdoses.”

  “He’s fine. Slap him again.”

  Spike slapped Patrick one more time. “Wake up!”

  Patrick’s eyes opened. “What is she doing here?”

  Dr. Gilbreth stepped forward. “I’m your handler. You obey my orders, and no one else.”

  Patrick rubbed his eyes and then stood. “I obey only your orders.”

  “That is correct, Patrick. I have a mission for you.” She glared toward Spike. “Notify the General he’s ready.”

  “Patrick, sit, please.”

  He instantly sat and stared straight ahead.

  On the KWNC What Matters stage, Rebecca and Stephen waited for Henry’s hand signal.

  “You’re on the air.” His hand dropped.

  “Good morning. Welcome to What Matters. I’m Rebecca Newcombe and will be anchoring the show solo today. Well-wishes go out to Patrick, my co-host who is under the weather. Although I may be missing my co-host, I do have a surprise in store as I have secured a special guest who will be at my side for the remainder of the day.” She glanced toward Stephen and smiled. “It is with immense pleasure I share today’s show with celebrity radio host Stephen Stone Diamond. Shall we get right to today’s topic?”

  Stephen nodded. “You don’t waste any time here in television land.”

  “No, we don’t Stephen. Welcome to What Matters, because if it matters to you, it matters to us.”

  “Thank you, Rebecca. We have a lot to discuss today.”

  “Yes, we do. From the arrest of Jessica Parker to the disappearance of Dr. Bradford, there is a great deal to discuss. Stephen, let me begin by getting your opinion on the arrest of Dr. Bradford’s graduate assistant.”

  “I don’t believe for an instant she’s guilty of treason.”

  “What evidence can you offer to prove her innocence?”

  “I don’t have specific evidence; it’s only a gut feeling.”

  Rebecca chuckled. “In television Stephen, we can’t go on our gut feeling. We have to obtain evidence.”

  “What a pity. I’ll put it to you this way. I know for a fact the government is trying to cover their tracks. I was visited last night by SWAT who rifled through my apartment for no specified reason.”

  “Now this is something I want to discuss, but it’ll have to wait as we take a commercial break. Don’t go away. We’ll be right back with more.”

  “Great opening.” Henry nodded in approval as he approached the Desk. “Stephen, try to refrain from bringing up conspiracy theories.”

  The receptionist bolted into the stage area. “Sorry to interrupt, but two military policemen just hand-delivered this for Rebecca. I was ordered to give it to her immediately.”

  Rebecca took a deep breath as she glanced at Stephen. “I don’t like the way this looks.”

  “This ought to be good. I get SWAT, and you get a letter. Whatever happened to equal rights?”

  Henry waved his hand. “Well, what are you waiting on? Give Rebecca the letter.”

  The receptionist briskly made her way to Rebecca and handed her the envelope.

  After flipping the envelope over to see if there was a return address, she bit her lower lip. “There isn’t a marking as to who this is from.”

  Stephen leaned in close to her. “Be careful, what if there’s anthrax in there? It could kill us all.”

  “Are you kidding me? First, it wouldn’t have been hand-delivered. Secondly, what you’re implying would involve a conspiracy.”

  “What are you waiting on? Open the damn letter.”

  She gently opened the envelope and removed the contents. She stared at an itinerary. “It’s an airplane ticket. General Anbar invited me to Fort Huachuca to cover a story. The Congressman must have arranged this. The geezer came through.”

  Dr. Bradford entered the lab carrying an arm full of towels, and a clean T-shirt. She stopped in her tracks as she stared at Giles who stepped down from a small ladder beneath the television mounted high on the wall. “Good morning, Dr. Bradford. I’m all finished here. You now have satellite television, as you requested.”

  Her eyes darted toward the tank. “Miracles never seem to cease in this place.” She placed the towels onto her desk.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’ll put it to you this way. I thought it was going to take an act of Congress to get this done. It seems it only took a threat.”

  “When I leave here, I’m setting up the satellite in your quarters.”

  “Another miracle.”

  The water in the tank gurgled alerting Giles; his eyes diverted toward it. “What was that?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I’m not sure you mean that. I’ve learned when a woman says nothing; it means something.”

  “That’s only in a relationship.”

  “If you say so. I’ll leave you to your nothingness.” His lips formed a sneer of obvious sarcasm.

  “Thank you again, Giles. You’re the nicest person here on this base. I appreciate everything you do for me. Now that I think about it, I enjoyed the crepes you made for breakfast.”

  “Thank you. I’m making shrimp etouffee for your lunch and fried shrimp for dinner.” He picked up his tools and headed for the door. “I’ll leave you to enjoy your work. Have a wonderful day.”

  “You too, Giles.”

  Giles closed the door behind him.

  She glanced toward the tank that glowed beneath the sheet. She took a deep breath as the faintest hint of a grin formed. “I’m coming, Adam.” She strode to the tank and removed the sheet.

  Adam’s eyes opened, and he grinned as he floated in the tank. The water vibrated and turned neon yellow as he blinked.

  She reached into her pocket for the key to unlock the tank. “Wait! I brought reinforcements.”

  His brow creased as he pursed his lips.

  “I brought towels and clean clothes for you.” She quickly grabbed the reinforcements from her desk and returned to the tank.

  He grinned at her as bubbles from his nose rose to the surface.

  She opened the tank.


  Adam stood; his head above the water and the tank’s ridge. “I am rejuvenated. I am ready to proceed with the tests you require.”

  “Only problem, how am I going to get you out of there?”

  “I believe I have the solution. May I have your hand, please?”

  She extended her hand. “Now, what?”

  “Don’t let go. I need to absorb your energy.”

  “Understood.”

  Adam pressed his feet against opposite sides of the tank, and his other hand on the top ridge.

  She felt an electrical sensation through her body as her hair raised with static. “This is strange.”

  He spider-crawled up the tank, over it and stood on the lab table naked dripping wet as his manhood remained almost eye level to Dr. Bradford’s eyes.

  She averted her eyes. “Can I let go of your hand now?” A flush of embarrassment filtered her cheeks as they turned carnation pink.

  “That is acceptable.” He tilted his head. “What is that I sense from you? Such a strange emotion. I have never sensed this in you.”

  She handed him a towel. “Here, dry off. It is called embarrassment. Your naked and dripping wet.”

  “Wetness does not offend me. I came from it.”

  “That has nothing to do with it. You need to dry off before you get dressed, and please cover yourself.”

  He glanced at his penis and frowned. “Are all carbon units embarrassed by their protrusions and find the need to cover them?” He placed the towel over his genitals.

  “Not all, Adam. Some of us carbon units are nudists, but I’m not one of them. Please dry yourself and get dressed. While you do, I’m going to sit at my desk and distract myself with the news.”

  He nodded and flashed a silly grin as she strode to her desk.

  She shivered as she sat. Her eyes located the remote. “Adam, have you ever watched the news?”

  “I do not know if I have or not. Please explain so that I may clarify my answer.”

  “That means no.” She pressed the red button on the remote and the television powered to the end of a Geico commercial of a man inside a hot-air balloon crashing into a car.

  “Because we know a thing or two.”

  The voice-over artist voice startled Adam. “How are they so small?”

 

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