Reanimated_Terminal Misery

by Jon State

  “No. I touched it, and I woke up in your arms. I do feel drained, though.”

  “Rest a bit, but we have to start up soon. I’m afraid our little square visitor may do more than put you to sleep next time.”

  “At least it happened to me and not you.”

  “Wait, I touched it too, remember? I think it purposefully latched on to you.”

  “Did it do anything while it held me?”

  Sammis stared at the innocuous looking cube. “No. It simply held on to you as if you were a part of it. Can you at least walk? I can carry you for a few flights. I just want to get away from it.”

  “No.”

  “No you can’t walk, or no I shouldn’t carry you?”

  "No, we can't leave it."

  “Why? You saw what it did to you.” Sammis said, his voice echoing beyond the landing.

  “It put me to sleep,” she said softly. If it meant to hurt me, it could’ve easily done so, right?”

  “Or so you pose.”

  Mirra found her legs and reached for the satchel that Sammis had turned into a makeshift pillow.

  He watched her groggily retrieve a bag from it. “How do you plan to bag it? I broke my toe when I kicked it. It must weigh a ton.”

  She breathed in the dark silted air. “Let’s find out.”

  “Do you feel up to it?” he said, raising his hand to take the bag.”

  “I feel better.” She stepped towards the cube, but Sammis stopped her with an outstretched hand. “Mirra?” he cautioned.

  She smiled and said, “Have some faith.”

  “I don’t know about this.”

  Mirra draped the bag over the cube and rolled it effortlessly into the bag.

  “What the freak?” Sammis let out. “It broke my toe when I hit it. How—?”

  “Wait a minute. How did you expect to carry me with a broken toe?”

  “Hell, I was so scared I would’ve carried you with only one leg.”

  Mirra laughed. “That’s why I love you so much. You make me laugh.” She showed him the bag and Sammis took an instinctive step back. She laughed again.

  “Nah, you hold on to our little, spooky friend.”

  ***********************************

  Sammis and Mirra were drenched in sweat by the time they reached the top landing. Sammis limped into the welcoming light first. Mirra followed, toting the bag.

  "I still say we should involve the doctor or at least Malica?”

  “Out of the question. Plus, I think the little box gave me something. A memory or some sort of information. I can't put my finger on it yet, but I feel as if I am more as if something new is occupying my subconscious. It's something hidden, elusive."

  “More?”

  “I said I can’t explain it, but we are to keep this among ourselves no matter what, Okay?”

  “Alright, but under protest, especially when you add that ‘no matter what’ clause.”

  “I ask nothing further of you, Sammis.”

  “We have company.”

  “What’s it doing?”

  They both froze. Their eyes locked onto a large, red shrub which stood in their path. Most vegetation on New Earth moved away from people. If it didn't, it meant one of two things; either it wanted to offer its fruits, or it intended on making you its meal.

  "I don't remember seeing that shrub among those that reside across our plain," Mirra said.

  "I've documented all shrub species, and I don't remember seeing this one. We came unarmed unless you want to take into account our hunting knifes."

  She surveyed the shrub, “I think it’s harmless.” She took a few hesitant steps forward, reliving their previous encounter with the monstrous orchid.

  “You know, you’re too trusting.”

  “And you have trust issues,” she said, smiling slightly over her shoulder. She bowed at the tree, as she’d learned from Mother’s little messengers.

  A long, slender branch furled toward Mirra and remained horizontal.

  “Mirra, look.”

  She turned to see a sizeable hawk-like bird approaching. It landed on the branch, correcting its plumage before settling.

  “It’s you, Mr. Mockingbird.”

  "Yes. Mother sent us," it sang and scraped its beak on the tree's bark.

  “Why has she sent you?”

  “Feel the branch, have a chance, for Mother, to relieve your angst,” it intoned.

  Mirra gave Sammis a puzzled look. He simply shrugged.

  She gradually approached the tree and laid her hand just beside the bird while it cocked its head from side to side as if inspecting Mother's Acolyte.

  Sammis started forward when Mirra remained still and silent. "Are you okay?" She said nothing. "Mirra, are you—?” The words choked in his throat when Mirra turned her head; her eyes were as black as the cube’s surface. “Mirra," he gasped her name, wide-eyed.

  Her corneas gradually returned to their natural state. She released the branch and shook her head. Turning back to the bird, she said, “What happened?”

  “Keep the cube. Mother will cue you, if aliens you must subdue,” the mockingbird composed.

  “The Bisonon?” Mirra asked.

  “Yes." It shook its head and vaulted into flight. The shrub ambled off in the opposite direction like a satisfied bodyguard.

  Mirra backed away, turning to Sammis.

  “What did she say?”

  "I don't know, but I suppose we'll sleep better knowing Mother will watch out for the aliens, and that she has given us a defensive aide, whatever its nature," Mirra said holding up the bag.

  "How about if she contacts us and we can't understand how to use that thing?"

  “I trust Mother, and there’s another reason…”

  Sammis looked at her intently.

  “She took what the cube gave me. I believe it was too much for me to bear, so it was locked away somehow.”

  “Mother took it?”

  "Yes. I think had I opened it," Mirra paused and turned away, her eyes vacillated, "I can only speculate what I felt--My brain would not have survived the download."

  “What now?”

  Her eyes remained lost. “Now we wait and pray those bastards leave us alone.”

  Chapter 53

  Deviants

  Terranova, USC

  August 17, 4067

  “I don’t want to wait any longer, but I also don’t want to oppose Dr. Spencer’s wishes. He and Malica are the voice of the people within the Council,” Kaya said, as she gave Harmon’s arm a gentle tug.

  “My love, you must trust me. I sensed something in the good doctor. He seemed laconic, elusive, and I felt something tangible in the air. It made me uncomfortable. His body language seemed tense, speech pattern tight. His eye movement was queer. I’m not a mind reader, but I truly believe he was not forthcoming. I sensed fear in him, as well.”

  “I trust you and your new gift, but let’s both speak to him and make sure Malica is there, too. Perhaps he is hiding something, or maybe you walked in on him at a bad moment, and his mind was somewhere else," she reasoned.

  “When I left the tent, I remembered a lesson my father taught me about trusting my inner-voice. I felt apprehensive toward Spence.” He looked away, then down at her tiny white-knuckled hands and smiled. He took in a deep breath and smiled down at her. “You know I don’t want you fretting over anything. You deserve your freedom, and so do I, side-by-side like when we scaled the wall and walked among the natural world. I didn't tell you this, but I wanted to stay out there with you, make a place to live away from human prejudice, like Adam and Eve,” he said, brushing her hair from her face.

  “I, the mother of all creation—now that would be something,” Kaya said, squinting and covering her mouth, letting out soft giggles. “We can confide in others like us, special people. We can unite." Kaya had felt relieved when she found out the Dreamers and her were not the only gifted among the regular people.

  “Okay, sounds like a good ide
a, strength in numbers, but I still think you and I, were it not for the dreadful infertility issue, could make a wonderful paradise together, honey. Our children would be more humble than scientists and bureaucrats. I hope we can find a way to coexist with those that have no gifts. We can try to reason with the two Councilors before we reveal what we are.”

  She held his hand tighter. “Thank you. We will find a way. Have faith in Mother and all will resolve itself in time.”

  Harmon stared at her, shaking his head, open-mouthed. "I am grateful for your faith.”

  The door buzzer startled them to silence.

  “You expecting someone?” Kaya said.

  Harmon shrugged and pressed the button on the tent wall. The doors swished open, and two Alphas wobbled in. "Hey, little guys. It’s customary to—” A sharp object struck him and Kaya in the neck, leaving them agape. They crumpled to the floor with a thud. Kaya fainted first.

  Harmon fought the powerful narcotic and began to stir.

  "He is resisting," said Alpha 8, delivering another dose of the anesthetic. Harmon shook and lay still once more.

  “Are they resting?” asked Alpha 12.

  “Their heart is in rest mode, but I think we should’ve caught them before they fell. They could have a contusion,” Alpha 8 said.

  “The anesthetic renders them limber. They are unharmed,” Alpha 12 said.

  “Either way, we can take care of their every need. In five days the serum will help them forget their lunacy,” Alpha 8 said.

  I find nothing in my memory banks concerning humans possessing these anomalies,” Alpha 12 offered as he retrieved a thick black bag from a satchel.

  “It is quite intriguing. Let us move with haste—Councilman Greer is waiting.”

  Chapter 54

  Dispossessed

  Terranova, USC

  August 21, 4067

  Mirra stared at the undulating land from a safe perch along the parapet, as if expecting something. She had grown used to the animated scene, and could even get lost in its cadence. At times, she felt as if she could detect patterns in the movement. Two Alphas had asked if she was in need of assistance, as they waddled by on their guard watch, possibly because few people came to experience the so-called vicious landscape. She told them she was only meditating and they left her without another word. The little androids could converse like any human, but on this occasion, they had walked on. She wondered if they truly understood what it meant to meditate.

  “Mirra, Mirra.”

  She looked to see Lisa approaching, her pace urgent, which made Mirra straighten. “What is it?"

  “I know we’ve experienced a delay in our visions, but I just found out Malica, Johnson—and even Aron—have lost their abilities, too.”

  “I knew Malica had experienced some hearing lapses, but not the others. Wait, Aron’s awake?”

  “Yes, and he says he can’t hear anyone in his mind. He hopes it lasts—he told me it was driving him crazy,” Lisa said.

  “I can hardly imagine his plight. Hearing people all speaking at the same time in one’s head is unfathomable. I suppose the Council will have questions for him. Dr. Spencer told us Aron had gone off spying and somehow attracted the creature that assaulted him."

  “He says his mind is blank, save for our original ordeal and leaving the caverns, and I believe him." Lisa became morose. “What is happening? Is Mother angry at us?” she mumbled, her lips trembling.

  “At this moment, no one has any answers. Dr. Spencer and Charlie 4 have run tests, but they’re not sure why our visions have ceased. Well, he did admit they weren’t sure what caused them in the first place. I think what’s truly baffling is that everyone in the city has started to dream, but they’re nothing like our dreams—theirs are fragmented, and no one shares them.” Mirra returned her gaze to the land.

  “We can’t help anyone until we get them back.”

  Mirra smiled sympathetically and put her hand on Lisa’s arm. “You can help elsewhere. There is still a lot to do.”

  “I know, but I felt special with my gift. I've always been the invisible labcoat—of course, that was back in Old Earth. Here, I was helping people in greater ways with my gift.”

  “I understand, but try to see the bright side. I mean, I'm starting to enjoy a full night's sleep. I used to worry about the outcome of new dreams, especially the dark ones,” Mirra said. She didn't mean it, but she wanted to console her friend because nothing indicated their dreams would ever come back.

  “I have slept much better lately,” Lisa admitted, sullenly.

  Mirra’s thoughts strayed to the black box she had stowed away in a secret niche under her bedroom floor. Would Mother show her how to use the cube-like device when the time came? She hoped so because she could not sense her anymore. It was as if Mother severed the connection, but she knew Mother must have a reason for doing so and let the matter ease away from her consciousness once more.

  Lisa watched Mirra gazed at the sky. "It's a lovely day."

  "It is," Lisa agreed nonchalantly.

  Mirra prayed that Mother would soon intervene so that humans could take their place among the land, but she felt empty inside, as if Mother had withdrawn her favor from her. If the enemy came would she return? Mirra could only hope, pray, and wait.

  ***********************************

  “I had something to tell you, but I completely forgot," Specialist Johnson said, shaking his head as if to shake loose the hidden thought.

  “Retrace your steps,” Dr. Spencer said, smiling. He’d worried about any adverse effects the water would have, but so far he faintly noticed some lethargy and a few forgetful periods. Everyone seemed more at home than ever. Even fear had diminished substantially, especially toward the gifted, since many were starting to lose their powers. Others said they could not get them to awaken. If they only knew how true that statement was. Malica, on the other hand, felt grateful her gift had disappeared, and this meant the world to him.

  "Yeah, I'm too lazy to retrace my steps. My Mama used to say it was probably a lie anyway,” he smiled.

  “Your mother was a funny woman.”

  Johnson took a seat next to Charlie 4’s mechanical arm. “Oh yes, and she loved to eat. The doctor would tell her something about her weight, and she'd say, ‘At least I’ll keep the grass green at the cemetery. They’ll be daisies and daffodils—heck, flowers will fight over my lump'a dirt,’ Johnson mimicked, deepening his tone to sound like his mother. “If she only knew.”

  Dr. Spencer chuckled, “I’m glad you have such humorous memories.”

  “You know, it’s kinda funny, cause for a while, I didn't want to think about home or those I left behind—but now I can. The memories don't feel like they did before, you know, painful, anyway, now I visit my memories all the time, and I feel proud to have lived them, shared them with those I love. Sure, I still miss all my family, but I guess I’m learning to accept what’s happened.”

  “Any luck levitating things?” Dr. Spencer asked nonchalantly while running some tests.

  “No. I don’t even know how I did it in the first place and I don’t mind that it’s gone, either. Funny, huh?”

  “This place is funny,” Dr. Spencer said.

  “Fa’real. It’s as if everyone just got the memo that we’re here and very much alive. I’ve had folks volunteer to help in the lab. My two closest neighbors want me to meet a nice girl.” Johnson shrugged, confused. “I’m still talking to Adiana, though.”

  “I’m glad things are working out for you, Johnson. Whatever it is, hands down, I’ll take it,” Dr. Spencer said, sincerely. He had to admit; more good had come from the tainted water than he'd expected.

  One day he was forced to drink the water because Malica offered it to him. Thankfully, the effects were short lasting. Ever since he carried a full bottle of shower-water everywhere he went.

  “I’m going to let this algorithm run its course. I’ve decided to start jogging in the mornings like I did before th
is whole thing happened. Interested?”

  “Haven’t you heard the early six a.m. cadence from my squad? LT thinks were back at boot camp. My granddad ran for UGA on a scholarship and my dad did so too. I think they sucked dry my running, jogging, and sprinting genes.” He smirked, adding, “The Council said they’re setting up a gym. I’m looking forward to a little basketball. You play?”

  “Unfortunately, basketball requires some rhythm, and I was born flatfooted." The doctor smiled, turned around and reached for his running shoes.

  “I thought flatfooted people couldn’t run?”

  “Dr. Spencer smiled. “With the right shoes, it’s not a problem,” he said and withdrew from the med tent.

  He breathed in the early morning air, his chest rising with the effort. He’d gotten used to purposefully taking in the blessed air. Old Earth’s atmosphere was foul compared to that of Terranova. He noticed a couple walking on the newly paved street. Alphas worked on the future hospital in the distance. That's when he saw a group of people heading in his direction. He recognized them, but something in their pace made his skin prickle.

  “Spencer, there’s been two murders,” Lt. Pierce called out first.

  “Who? Where?

  “Harmon Deloria and Kaya Sola. We found them on the street nearest the Main gate. Manas and Efrem are on site. You and Mathew can analyze their findings,” Lt. Pierce said.

  The doctor spun towards the med tent.

  Lt. Pierce followed him in and watched him retrieve a few medical bags. The lieutenant handed the equipment to the men outside.

  “I need to know how bad it is?” Dr. Spencer asked, holding up a red bag.

  “Brutal Doc… They’re dead.” Lt. Pierce said, shaking his head.

  The doctor dropped the bags and removed an orange case from another shelf. He gave the lieutenant a sad look and said, “I’m ready. Was it some animal?”

  “Looks like it. Ben has sent out a vid alert concerning the incident.”