iDENTITY

by Cynthia Kumanchik

  Maggie walked toward the sound and stopped in front of a large metal door with a viewing window. She listened carefully and peeked through the window.

  “I hear scratching and can’t see very clearly.”

  Jaz poked her head in the window and stared. Her eyes popped.

  “Oh no, there’s something in there, but it doesn’t look human. Come here and tell me what you see.”

  Maggie looked closer and focused her eyes on the scene.

  “I see a large cage and some creatures. Hey, there’s a pig in some overalls!”

  “You must be joking. I think you drank too much wine. Let me have a peek. Geez, the pig is coming toward the window.”

  Jaz jumped back.

  “Now I’m really curious. Are you ready for this?” asked Maggie. She yanked open the heavy door. For a large door, it opened easily, but a beeping sounded like an alarm was going to go off. Then a chain rattled and hissed; oinking and grunting followed.

  “I can’t do this, I want to leave now,” said Jaz, but Maggie grabbed her arm.

  “Wait, I need to know what’s going on; it’s my journalistic instinct,” she said, feeling along the wall and flicking on the lights. The beeping alarm continued.

  “Ahh, look at those creatures! They’re half-animal, half-human,” Jaz screamed as the room revealed a large cage with a sheep in pajamas, a horse in a dress, snakes and rats with human heads, and a goat in a business suit. The pig pushed opened the cage and dragged itself toward them.

  “Please help us; we’re trapped here and they hardly ever feed us,” the pig said.

  Maggie moved to protect Jaz, who stood there shaking. She blinked many times and took Jaz’s hand, inching out of the doorway. The beeping got louder.

  “Please, just listen: I was once a man. But that damn Dr. Neilson turned me into a pig. Promised me the world. Punch in 2040 on the keypad to stop that damn noise. The keys are in a box next to it,” the pig said.

  Without thinking, Maggie punched in the code and the beeping noise stopped. She noticed the pig in the overalls coming toward her as she fumbled with the keys. The other animals ran around the cage and some rattled the door, trying to pry it loose. Maggie almost threw up as she gazed at the bloody walls and large tank of green liquid, smelled the stench of excrement, and felt the presence of pure evil. Then she jumped as her watch vibrated. It was Mark.

  “Is that really you? You’re not going to believe what I’m seeing right now,” Maggie said, sending him a view of the basement. Jaz ran out the door.

  Jaz

  Jaz wanted to scream, but all she could do was hyperventilate, her breath in fits and spurts, lungs ready to burst and legs all wobbly like a new pony as she dashed out the basement door. She moved toward the light at the end of the hallway, hoping to find a way out. Her lips quivered and sweat ran down her back from the shock of everything— having been kidnapped, riding in a shaky helicopter, and seeing those creatures. Would she become one of those, too? Was she just an experiment? She dreaded running away and leaving poor Maggie, but she couldn’t stay there any longer.

  She ran down the long hallway, but it soon became a maze, jutting to the right and then to the left with doors on either side. Jaz became confused and disoriented, seeing a light at the end of the long corridor in front of her. Her breathing intensified as she ran faster, swallowing big gulps of air, her legs aching and body dripping with sweat. Then her shoe skidded on something slippery and she fell on her knee. The pain gripped her and she wanted to cry out, but decided to keep going. Jaz glanced up to see mini-cameras at each corner; she was sure they were recording her every move.

  Jaz heard only the sound of her running shoes as they pounded the ground. This freaked her even more because she didn’t know if anyone was hiding around the corner. Nauseated and her heart pounding, she raced around each corner, ready to meet anyone from Optimal. Poor Maggie, now she left her to die. What a coward she was for running away. But as soon as she reached the light, she’d call for help and hoped her mom or Matt picked up the call. She viewed many sites on her phone of her disappearance, watching Matt’s message repeatedly, seeing the pain in his eyes and his quivering mouth as he blurted out this plea.

  “My beloved Jaz was kidnapped two days ago and I’m pleading for any information or clues to her whereabouts. She is the love of my life and I can’t be without her. We’re offering a $50,000 reward for her return and capture of her abductors. If anyone has any information, please contact this number 888-SAVE JAZ,” said Matt as he wiped the tears from his eyes. His message amplified millions of times on the G Net media sites.

  She’d been receiving messages from her mom on burner phones so as not to be traced:

  “Help is on the way. Don’t worry. We’ll get u home. Love mom.”

  It made her feel someone was looking out for her.

  A few footsteps and some voices put her on alert; maybe she was getting closer to the entrance. At the sound of Dr. Arno’s voice, Jaz stopped dead in her tracks.

  “Charlie is going to bring the others in for observation and evaluation. Can’t you wait a few more minutes, General?”

  “Just got an urgent message, Dr. Arno. We’ve got to get back to Washington. You understand when Madame President calls… will have to reschedule another time,” said General Burke.

  Dr. Arno sighed.

  “Of course, but I was hoping to get a contract signed today. You know how the investors can be.”

  Jaz stood very still as the group walked out and she heard Dr. Arno’s office door slam. As Jaz got closer to the light, someone grabbed her and put his hand over her mouth. She twisted and turned and kicked her captor, who held her even tighter. She felt the presence of strong arms and turned to see a familiar face, but not the one she expected. Her eyes lit up, but he motioned for her to keep quiet. Now she was safe. Maybe it was all just a dream.

  “How did you get in? You probably missed some military types that just left. We have to find Maggie right away,” Jaz whispered.

  He let go of her and grabbed her hand.

  “Didn’t see them. But don’t worry. I’m used to getting into and out of tight situations, used to be in the Special Forces; the FBI hired me,” said Enrico.

  He crushed the mini-cameras with his fist.

  She barely recognized him out of his suit, in his fatigues and his huge biceps bulging out of his camouflage T-shirt. Jaz squeezed his hand as they headed back toward Maggie and the basement. Her stomach fluttered, wildly attracted to this new savior. Another place, another time; maybe if she survived this there would be something in her heart for Enrico. But Jaz only focused on protecting Maggie.

  “Oh, I’m so happy to see you. I can’t take it anymore. Where is my mom?” she asked, almost collapsing on the ground.

  He clutched her hand and they continued down the long, winding corridors.

  “Your mom knows I’ve been sent here to find you and that she will see you soon,” Enrico said.

  As they got closer to the basement, she heard high-pitched animal screams and the crash of metal and glass. The two started to run, but Enrico held her back.

  “Maybe you should wait here, until I see what’s going on. I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said, advancing toward the chaos.

  She caught up with his strides.

  “No, I left Maggie once and I don’t want to abandon her again. She’s probably in extreme danger.”

  Suddenly the pig in overalls tore past them, making high-pitched squeaks. Its eyes round as saucers, snorted.

  “Lady freed us. We’re free...free!” the pig cried.

  Stunned, Enrico watched him scurry by.

  The door to the basement was still ajar, but Maggie appeared to be gone. Green water sloshed from the tub onto the floor. The jail cage was open and the hybrids were running in all directions. Urine, feces, and food covered the floor and patches of dried blood were smeared all over the basement walls. Mega-spiders and gigantic lizards climbed the walls and ceiling
s, their gigantic feet echoing throughout the basement.

  Jaz cowered behind Enrico. Then she heard some moaning.

  A lion broke through the window, shattering glass down on the large cage. It roared loudly and landed deftly on the ground, its huge paws ready to swipe or attack, its fierce teeth bared. It dropped matches from its large mouth.

  The hybrids recognized it, stepping aside as it stood protecting the area, his loud roars deafening. Armed with matches, many started escaping through the window, scrambling, screeching, and almost trampling each other to break loose from the basement.

  “Maggie, where are you?” screamed Jaz, afraid for her life but determined to find her friend as she ran through the door. Enrico skirted past her and shot a Taser gun at the lion. It groaned, shook off the attack, and sped out the door and down the hallway.

  “Help me, over here, I think I’m bleeding— the creatures charged me. Where did you go?” said Maggie from behind a staircase.

  She lay propped up against the wall, holding a bloody arm and wiping blood from a small gash on her forehead.

  “I’m so sorry I left, but I found Enrico. Let me get you a bandage,” said Jaz, lifting some rags from a bucket in the corner. She wrapped the rags around Maggie’s arm to stop the bleeding, then wiped the blood from her face.

  They watched Enrico take off after the lion.

  “Called for help, they’ll be here soon. Hang tight,” he yelled.

  “Please don’t leave us now. Who will protect us and what if Charlie comes back?” Jaz said.

  Maggie and Jaz huddled in by the staircase. They heard footsteps approaching.

  “We’re safe. Have you come to rescue us?” said Jaz.

  “Come with me now and everything will work out. Just get up and go quietly,” said Dr. Neilson, pointing a gun at them.

  Charlie

  “Damn, another message from my aunt. Someone else needs to be evaluated. And you’re next!” said Charlie, now upright on the lounge.

  His hot afternoon turned into the cold reality of his job. Half-naked with sweat running down his chest, he pulled himself reluctantly away from Sydney’s tender embrace.

  “Get in the lab at once. General Burke is here to observe. Also, Walter Scott has been calling from Star Casino. Found Sydney’s bracelet and traced it here. Bring her here now!” said Dr. Arno, her angry hologram even more annoying to Charlie than her real self.

  Sydney sat up, shaking the hair out of her eyes and putting on her sunglasses.

  “Can’t we just leave? Now Mr. Scott is trailing me; he’s worse than your intolerable aunt. I can’t deal with this, except that I’m out of pills,” she said, slipping into her shorts and T-shirt.

  “Where the hell did Jaz and MJ disappear to? Need to find them before…” Charlie said and stopped at the sight in front of him.

  A crunch, a crackle, and trampling like a herd of elephants came from the dense bushes and trees on the ground below. Swish, swoosh— a sudden flap of wings overhead and hundreds of black crows circling above. Howling screams like hyenas crying, birds squawking, insects buzzing in a loud cacophony of jungle sounds. Then a deafening alarm went off, vibrating and echoing throughout the compound. Flames burst from the surrounding foliage, reaching like fingers around the edges of the building as a couple of hybrids threw lit matches at the trees and bushes.

  “What the hell, c’mon, need to run now. Got to stop the flames and madness,” said Charlie, grabbing Sydney’s hand and taking the transporter down to an outside level. A pig in overalls crossed their path, followed by a rat in a business suit, running rapidly to avoid the fire that had grown and covered half of the compound.

  “What was that?” Sydney shrieked and tripped on a vine, falling to the ground.

  She quickly picked herself up and ran to keep up with Charlie. A cramp formed in her leg, but she managed to run. She shivered as sweat dripped down her face.

  Charlie ignored the running hybrids and insane chaos; he had to get to the system controls and contain the destruction. After all, he still planned to inherit Optimal someday if it could be resurrected. A swarm of military space copters circled above him as his eye imprint let him enter the entrance with Sydney close behind him. He heard the wail of the police and fire truck sirens in the distance. He entered the dark building and checked the lights, the invisibility, and security systems— all no longer functioning. Charlie smelled smoke and burning wood; he activated the fire alarms and sprinklers.

  “Hell, this place is going to burn down. We better check on my aunt and Dr. Neilson,” said Charlie.

  Streams of water poured down on the them, once they reached the lab area.

  Charlie noticed the eerie silence, subdued lighting, and more importantly the absence of Dr. Neilson. These were Dr. Neilson’s quarters, where he spent 18 of 24 hours a day, and to Charlie this meant something was terribly wrong. His desk, usually crammed with paperwork, printouts and jars of serum, appeared clean and orderly. Charlie tried to open the drawers, and they were locked. The evaluation screen and monitors were turned off. Procedure stations, tables, and lounge chairs all wiped clean without a trace of sweat, blood, or excrement.

  “Where is everyone? Just want to get out of here,” said Sydney.

  “Don’t know, let’s check my aunt’s office,” said Charlie.

  They followed bloody smudged prints to a large office. Dr. Arno lay flat on the ground, neck and chest ripped open and blood splattered all over her once-clean white linen suit with its pearl buttons. Strands of her hair lay washed in her blood and her violet eyes were bloodshot and dull. A chair laid on its side and fresh scratches marked the teakwood desk. The computer screen showed recent stats and scientific data. A bag of pills and serum took a corner of her desk.

  “No… ahh, can’t look,” Sydney screamed, as she stepped back from the bloody scene.

  “Ohh, damn, not my aunt…”

  Charlie turned to throw up in the wastebasket nearby. His eyes filled with tears and he trembled. Then he knelt down and felt for her pulse.

  “She’s dead! I think I know what happened… let’s go! Find the killer. First, here, take this,” Charlie said, giving the bag to Sydney.

  Running through the maze of hallways, they were blinded by smoke and hit with the smell of fumes and blood. Charlie grabbed Sydney’s arm as she almost collapsed from the heat and stench. The once pristine walls were caked in blood. His adrenaline kicked in as he hurried down the stairway to the basement.

  “I can’t run anymore; I’m going to be sick... please stop.”

  “Almost there—just keep going. Don’t want you to get hurt.”

  He pulled her along gently until they reached the basement entrance, strewn with large pieces of jagged glass, blood, and excrement. Open cages, an empty trough with green liquid surrounding it, a shattered window, and blood everywhere alarmed him. Then he spotted Johnson in a torn uniform with cuts on his hands and arms.

  “Hey man, the place is crawling with FBI and cops and Randall’s gone. Almost captured him until he came here. Tracked him here to the basement. Probably freed all the creatures. Where’s the boss? And who’s the girl?” said Johnson.

  Sydney stood close by Charlie, her eyes wide and gagging at the sight.

  “This is so disgusting. What creatures?”

  Charlie gasped and clenched his jaw.

  “I’ll explain later,” he said to Sydney, then turned to Johnson.

  “This is Sydney, one of our recruits. Dr. Arno’s dead and I know Randall killed her. We’ve got to find him before the Feds do and punish him. What happened to the power? Nothing works.”

  “Dr. Arno dead? How? Everything’s falling apart— someone shut down the invisibility system and now we’re exposed. My team’s out there working to find those things and hunt down Randall. By the way, where the hell is Dr. Neilson?”

  “Cleaned up the lab and disappeared. Not a trace of him— very weird. Have you seen the others— Maggie, Jaz, Lena. I mean Lon?”
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  “Haven’t seen them. We’ve got a crisis on our hands now and the two in charge have disappeared. Got a plan, Charlie?”

  “Can’t leave Dr. Arno here. Maybe we can also save the serum-- start over once this mess is resolved. Let’s go!”

  Charlie pointed toward the hallway.

  Branches collapsed on the roof and smoke blocked the doorway. A beam fell in front them and fire poured out from the ceiling. Smoke filled the basement.

  “You’re crazy, man! I’m getting out of here— this way!”

  Johnson crawled out the broken window.

  “Charlie, help me, can’t see, don’t want to die here,” said Sydney.

  She felt strong arms around her, pushing her out the window. Particles of glass flew in her face. They landed on the ground and rolled away.

  “Look, a wild animal!” Sydney exclaimed.

  Charlie jumped up beside her to observe the current scene and search for Johnson.

  A roar sounded, drowning out the animal noises, fire engines, space copters, sirens and alarms. Shouts and armed men gathered toward the main entrance. Gunshots rang out as the powerful lion bowed his mighty head and fell from top of the black building. The sound echoed as it hit the ground.

  “Finally, justice,” Charlie said with the bag hidden in his jacket.

  They straightened up as the Feds and Johnson approached them.

  Lon

  He ran like he was running a marathon away from the burning building and the horror of the lab. His mind was clouded and confused, but his body operated like a powerful machine once he realized that Dr. Neilson was crazy. It was all coming back to him. He emerged from a bad dream about switching back and forth from a man to a woman to a man. And that voice haunting him— that prick pushing, manipulating, and ridiculing him; it made him very angry. When he woke up, Dr. Neilson was gone. Then he sat up and searched for what he came for— the pills or serum, checking the now-locked desk, the cabinets, the stations, nowhere to be found. He examined Neilson’s computer and punched in user names and passwords. His mind focused and with some hacking he cracked the code, revealing secret files indicating a stash of pills now in a safe behind the back of the monitors. Hundreds of those magical green pills in neat packets… just what he needed to complete his scheme. Again, the miracle pills enhanced his computer skills to a level beyond most hackers. He grabbed them and took off, running through the hallways, out a side entrance.