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A.D.A.M.

Page 21

by Melissa Caudle


  CHAPTER 12 - PAIN

  When Dr. Bradford entered the lab, Adam sat on the table waiting for her. “Adam, how did you get out of the tank?”

  “The same way I have always done so.”

  “I locked it.”

  “I have telekinetic powers. I thought you would be pleased. I’m dried and dressed.”

  “Of course, I’m pleased, but what would have happened if someone entered and found you?”

  “I know when they are coming. I feel them.” Adam’s brow creased, and he averted his eyes.

  “Adam is everything all right with you? You don’t seem like yourself.”

  “Very observant of you, Dr. Bradford. I’m afraid to relay I am in pain.”

  “What kind of pain?”

  “I am not certain. I do not know how to describe it as I have never felt this feeling before.”

  “Try Adam. You must try.”

  “Each time you leave, I am in pain. I feel alone. I wait for your arrival each morning, so I may be with you. The pain alters at your presence.”

  “Are you saying you are lonely?”

  “No. I learned what is lonely. This emotion I do not understand. It causes me great pain.”

  “Where is the pain?” Dr. Bradford stepped closer to Adam as he placed his hand over his right heart.

  “My pain is here; and, only here, Dr. Bradford.”

  Dr. Bradford retrieved her stethoscope and listened to Adam’s heart.

  “They sound within a normal range.”

  “I don’t think you can hear this. Do you not have pain here when you think of your son and Dr. Peck?”

  “Are you talking about grief, Adam?”

  “What is grief?”

  “It is a feeling of emptiness after you lose something you love.”

  “What is love, Dr. Bradford?”

  “Love is an overly complicated human emotion. There are many types of love. I love chocolate, but that isn’t painful. Also, yes, I love my son. It is motherly love. I miss him very much and would give anything to have him back. Then, there is love when a man and a woman don’t want ever to be apart. You don’t understand anything I’m saying, do you?”

  Adam looked at Dr. Bradford. He brushed her hair from her face. “That is how I feel about you. Therefore, I deduce I must love Dr. Bradford.”

  “I think what you are experiencing is loneliness.”

  “Cannot one be lonely and still feel love?”

  “This is going to get complicated.”

  Inside the conference room, the General, Agent Morrison, and Jessica sat in a stare-off. The door opened, and Commander Anderson entered. “Miss Newcombe has arrived. It will take several hours to process her onto the base.”

  “Thank you, Commander.”

  The Commander sat. “See, Miss Parker, we are meeting your demands.”

  “Not yet. I want to see Dr. Bradford now, or the whole deal is off. I don’t care if I see a jail cell for the rest of my life. Please take me to see Dr. Bradford.”

  The General stood. “Very well, this way.”

  “What? I win! I’m going to see Dr. Bradford.”

  “This way.”

  The group rose and followed the General out of the conference room and down several long hallways.

  Jessica’s eyes took in every view and every angle. “This must be Stargate Command. It’s real.”

  “Dr. Bradford, I must hide. The General is coming.”

  “Are you sure? Never mind, you’re sure. Hurry!”

  “Do I take it you want me back in the tank?”

  “Yes, quickly.”

  Adam moved as quickly as he could and slithered into the tank and stood; his head remained above the water. Just as she proceeded to inch closer to the tank, General Anbar burst into the lab, followed by Jessica and Agent Morrison.

  Red-faced, the General stormed to the tank. “What the hell is going on? I demand an explanation.”

  Jessica bolted toward Dr. Bradford and wrapped her arms around her. “Dr. B, is it really you? I’m so happy to see you. You’re alive.”

  Dr. Bradford squeezed Jessica and took a deep breath. “I’ve been so worried about you. I’m thrilled to see you too.”

  “Break it up.” The General pulled them apart. “Save your reunion.

  Jessica screamed as if she watched a horror film when she glanced toward Adam. “Is that, that, um that thing alive? Oh shit! Oh, shit.”

  Adam lifted his brows. “Oh, shit!”

  “You finally have made first contact, Jessica.” Dr. Bradford winked at her.

  “You mean he is an alien?” Jessica fisted both hands in excitement. “He’s from outer space. I knew it!”

  The General puffed his chest and pressed the emergency intercom button on his lapel. “Security. Code Red in the Astrobiological lab.” Outraged he inched closer to the tank as Adam submerged underwater curling into a fetal position.

  The water vibrated and glowed neon yellow for three seconds. Adams finger and toenails grew a quarter of an inch and curled under as his hair turned snow white. His skin shriveled.

  Jessica’s jaw dropped. “I’ve only seen this in a science fiction movie. Is that alien for real?” Her heart raced as it crashed against her ribcage. “Auh ommm. Auh ommm. Auh ommm.” She pulled air from her nose and mouth.

  “Jessica, stop that at once.” Dr. Bradford’s scolding words interrupted Jessica’s mantra.

  “Yuk. You could at least put some clothes on him.” Jessica squinted.

  Five military police along with Major Dwyer aiming their weapons bolted into the lab. Major Dwyer fixated his eyes onto Dr. Bradford. “No one moves.”

  General Anbar pointed to the tank. “Major Dwyer get that thing out of the tank. I want to examine it myself.”

  Madder than a hornet’s nest, Dr. Bradford stepped in front of the tank. “I protest. That will contaminate the environment. It could kill him.”

  “I demand an explanation. Now!”

  “General, please, I can’t explain.”

  “This monstrosity is a national security risk. You failed to inform me of your findings.”

  “Major Dwyer, remove Miss Parker and Agent Morrison.”

  “I don’t want to leave Dr. Bradford. I’m her research assistant. She needs me.”

  Two of the military police officers grabbed Jessica by the arms and escorted her out of the lab. Agent Morrison followed.

  The remainder of the unit remained with rifles aimed at Adam.

  “Dr. Bradford, remove that thing from the tank, or I’ll have my men do it.”

  Dr. Bradford crossed her arms over her chest as her knuckles fisted. She glowered toward the General.

  “Men, remove that specimen.”

  The men approached the tank.

  “Wait! Let me; I don’t want him hurt.”

  Adam wiggled in the tank and stood. “Dr. Bradford. Please remain calm. I sense your anger and it hurts me.”

  “He speaks.” The General’s brow pulled together.

  “I am calm, Adam.” Dr. Bradford took a deep breath.

  The water in the tank turned murky and glowed a pale orange around Adam. He blinked and then fixated his gaze onto General Anbar.

  “I am Adam, General Anbar.”

  Dr. Bradford rubbed her chin. “He not only speaks, he understands.”

  “Where did this thing come from?”

  “Remember the white-doughy blob. It morphed into this life form. He is amazing.”

  Adam coughed and sneezed. “Dr. Bradford. I’m, I’m ...” His skin turned jaundice as he sank to the bottom of the tank.

  Dr. Bradford rushed toward him. She glared toward General Anbar. “Your presence is killing him. I implore you to get everyone out before it’s too late. He’s dying.”

  “Everyone out! Post five more men outside this door with orders to shoot to kill.” He glowered toward Dr. Bradford. “This isn’t over. Secure that thing and meet me in the conference room.” The General left as did the o
thers.

  Adam now curled up on the bottom of the tank smiled toward Dr. Bradford. She kneeled beside the tank. “Adam, I am so sorry this has happened to you.”

  General Anbar sat at his place at the head of the table, Agent Morrison sat at the other end, and Jessica took her former seat.

  “General, I’m not an expert on national security, but I believe the situation is critical.” Agent Morrison took a deep breath.

  “Agent Morrison, that is none of your concern. We have addressed the issue. Jessica, I’ve met your demands. You’ve seen Dr. Bradford. Where’s the evidence?”

  “Where’s Ms. Newcombe?”

  Agent Morrison pulled out his phone and texted a message --“Strange events here at the base.”

  The General tightened his jaw. “As I have said before, she is on her way. As soon as I get the samples, your name will be cleared of all treason charges, and you can go back to whatever life you had before all of this.”

  “I’m not stupid. I want to see the paperwork with your signature on it that clears me of all crimes.”

  “Jessica, you’re making more demands.”

  “You must really want those samples, or I’d be dead. They are the ace in my pocket. You don’t get what you want from me until I get what I want from you. That’s how we’re going to play this game.”

  “General, if I may be bold, I believe Jessica is serious in her demands. You don’t have to do this, Jessica.”

  The door opened, and Commander Anderson escorted Rebecca into the room. Both the General and Agent Morrison stood. Jessica bolted from her chair and hugged her sister.

  “I see another reunion. Welcome to Fort Huachuca Miss Newcombe. I’m General Anbar.”

  “Let me remind you I am here as a journalist. The pleasantries can stop. May I sit?”

  “Please do.”

  “Sit next to me.” Jessica tapped the spot to her right.

  Rebecca placed her camera case onto the table and opened it. “It won’t take me but a minute to set everything up. Then, I’ll proceed with the interview.”

  Adam, aged to an eighty-year-old man, lay on the cot as Dr. Bradford sat on the floor beside him.

  “Adam, how are you feeling?”

  “Not well, Dr. Bradford. My electrical pulse grows faint.”

  “I’m doing everything I can for you. You’re aging at an increased rate.”

  “Incorrect assumption Dr. Bradford. I am dying.”

  “Not if I can do anything about it.”

  “Dr. Bradford, what is it like to die? Does it hurt more than to love, pain, or anger?”

  “I don’t have that answer, Adam. That is one of many life questions we as humans face. As we grow older, our body slowly declines, and then we die. Many people who have a near-death experience say it is blissful. Some say they even came face-to-face with God.”

  “Dr. Bradford. I believe I do not have much more time in this form.”

  “I’m doing everything I can.”

  “I am certain you will fail. There is nothing more you can do. I must go somewhere else.”

  “Are you saying there is an alternative place where you will live?”

  “I must return to the point of origin.”

  “You mean Mono Lake?”

  “I have no certainty of this. However, it is probable if freed from this form, I will not decompose.”

  “I must find a way to free you.”

  “If you release me, then wouldn’t I be dead to you the moment you set me free?”

  “No, Adam. I think you would be able to live.”

  “I would not be in your presence, Dr. Bradford. If I’m not in your presence, then I am dead. Wouldn’t that bring you pain?”

  A tear traveled down her face.

  “Refrain from your saline flow, Dr. Bradford. That brings pain to my heart. The same pain when you are not here.”

  “I never meant to hurt you, Adam.”

  Adam’s body juddered as his hair fell from his scalp and frailness took over his eighty-year-old body. “My energy is not enough to sustain me for much longer.”

  “You must. I’ll get you out of here. I promise.”

  Adam barely breathed as his breaths shallowed. The water in the tank vibrated and turned more orange. He forced a grin. “Thank you for giving me life. Where will I go when I decompose? Will I be with your God?”

  “Like I told you before. You first must believe in God and accept his son as your savior.”

  “Adam is like God.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “One must believe in Adam to accept me. I am the son who will die so others may believe in my existence.”

  Dr. Bradford sniffled as her muscles tensed throughout her body. “You’re not going to die.”

  “We will see each other again. Have faith, as you have faith in your God you cannot see or touch. Please tell the General I have moved the asteroid, and it will not hit the earth.”

  “Asteroid?”

  “Adam wanted to save you and all carbon units.”

  “You’re not making any sense.”

  “No time to explain. Help me back into the tank. I need to rejuvenate.”

  “Of course.” She struggled to lift his now ninety-pound frail, emaciated body and shoved him into the tank.

  His eyes closed as he curled into a fetal position and within several minutes he gradually dissolved in the shimmering water and transformed back into a microorganism.

  Dr. Bradford stormed out of the laboratory.

  The video camera on a tripod captured the interview between Jessica and Rebecca. General Anbar rested his head against his chair and exhaled while Agent Morrison and Commander Anderson sat quietly observing.

  Rebecca rubbed her forehead. “Jessica, let me get this correct. You were with Dr. Peterson and Dr. Bradford when they first discovered the possibility of a new life form.”

  “That is correct. I was with them. Wait! Stop the press. Is anyone but me concerned that there is an alien from outer space on this base?”

  General Anbar raised his hand. “Jessica, I assure you the situation is being handled. This interview was your demand, please answer Miss Newcombe’s questions.”

  Rebecca nodded in agreement. “Jessica, back to the question and what happened when you discovered the microbe. Tell me about the process.”

  “I didn’t discover it, Dr. Bradford did.”

  Dr. Bradford burst into the conference room followed by Major Dwyer and Sergeant Merritt who grabbed her to pull her away.

  “It’s all right. Let her through.” The General rose.

  Dr. Bradford broke her hold and stormed to the General. Her fists pounded onto his chest, and then she slapped him. “Adam’s dead. You killed him. You contaminated the environment. I’ll kill you for this. I’ll kill you.”

  Agent Morrison positioned himself between the General and Dr. Bradford. “Dr. Bradford, please, this isn’t the way.”

  She slapped Agent Morrison across his face. “You’re in on it too, so don’t have the audacity to tell me what is appropriate. None of this has been appropriate.”

  Jessica stood. “No! Dr. B, he’s trying to help us.”

  “Like Hell, he is.”

  Rebecca adjusted the camera to catch the action between General Anbar and Dr. Bradford.

  Dr. Bradford’s cheeks turned crimson. “What is she doing here?”

  Jessica stepped toward Dr. Bradford. “She’s here for us. I agreed to turn over all our evidence if I got to see you, and if Rebecca filmed it. In exchange, my treason charges will be expunged.”

  “And you believe they will let us go free, just like nothing ever happened? Adam is dead. They don’t need me anymore, and they certainly don’t need any of you.”

  General Anbar cleared his throat. “All of this will be cleared up in due time. Excuse me; I have an urgent matter. Commander, please come with me. Dr. Bradford, please be seated. Sergeant Merritt and Major Dwyer, don’t let them out of this room.” The C
ommander and the General exited the room. When the door closed, the electrical locks secured the room.

  “Auh… ommm.”

  “Not now, Jessica! I’ve got to think. Turn that damn camera off Rebecca, now is not the time.”

  “I’ll tell you what. I won’t tell you how to do your job if you don’t tell me how to do mine. The camera stays on.”

  “Fine, I don’t give a damn anymore.” Dr. Bradford sat.

  From the ventilation vent, a fog drifted into the room. Everyone choked and gagged as they bolted to the door.

  Dr. Bradford hurled a chair against the observation glass window. One by one, they dropped as the room filled with fumes.

  CHAPTER 13 - COLLISION

  Three Weeks Later

  Spike drove the black SUV west on Dr. Bradford’s street glancing toward Agent Turner who sat in the front passenger’s seat and then in the review mirror. His eyes met Agent Morrison’s who was seated next to Dr. Bradford gazing out the window; her face bruised with several scabby lacerations on her face.

  Agent Morrison flashed a smile toward Dr. Bradford. “I bet you’ll be glad to sleep in your bed tonight.”

  “It beats that hospital, by far.”

  “We’ll see that you get into the house safely.”

  “Thank you; you didn’t have to do this.”

  “We wanted to. We’ll feel a whole lot better once we have you at your home. I think you’ll love the at home-health care nurse the agency is providing.”

  “Is that necessary? I’m weak, not disabled.”

  “Remember you’ll still need twenty-four-hour care. You are recovering.”

  “I am still not clear. What happened?”

  “You, your sister Jessica, and Rebecca were in a head-on collision on your way to a press conference.”

  Agent Turner turned to face Dr. Bradford. “The driver of the other car was killed on impact. The three of you were incredibly lucky ladies not to have the same fate.”

  “Who is Rebecca?”

  Spike grinned sinisterly out of view of Dr. Bradford.

  Agent Morrison took a deep breath. “The news reporter.”

 

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