But I saw it, and we’d all witnessed it. For a brief moment, there’d been a change.
I twisted back to Dr. Simon. “Did you see that?”
“I did.” He smiled, scratching his chin. “That was amazing. A total break through. It’s something we’ve never witnessed before.”
The pressure in my head grew as the Arvy thrashed about. Maybe it was because I was unfocused.
“Are you okay, Abi?” Dr. Simon asked.
“My head’s getting worse.”
Nodding, he addressed the team. “I think that’s enough for today.”
One of the white coats stood and protested. “She just got here. Her session is set for an hour, and it’s only been fifteen minutes. We can’t stop now.”
Dr. Simon came and stood in front of me. “I’m not going to jeopardize her health to accommodate your experimentation. She’s done more in fifteen minutes than any of us have since we’ve started this program. We’ll add more time as she becomes stronger, but right now she needs to rest.” He leaned over and gently took my arm. “Come, Abi. Let’s go.”
I stood, and as I did, warm liquid dripped from my nose.
“Dammit,” I cursed.
Dr. Simon reached into his pocket and offered me his handkerchief.
“Don’t worry, it’s clean,” he noted.
“Thank you,” I said, pressing it to my nose.
“Dr. Simon,” the white coat warned disapprovingly. As he did, the guard stepped toward us, hand on weapon.
Dr. Simon wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “What are you going to do, shoot our best hope of going topside?” he asked the guard. The soldier stopped, but his eyes glanced toward the white coat for instruction.
“Let them go,” he huffed. As we proceeded to the door he added, “We will be in touch, doctor.”
The pressure in my head subsided and my nose stopped bleeding as we made our way out of the area and headed back to our section.
“Thank you, Dr. Simon.”
“For what?”
“For taking me out of there.”
“I meant what I said, Abi. I won’t risk your health and well-being for some stupid tests. I’ll make sure we go at a steady pace, one you can handle.”
I knew he was telling the truth.
“Are you going to get into trouble for leaving?”
“I really don’t care.” He sighed. “They need us, and if they burn us out, they’ll have waited countless time and resources.”
“When the Arvy calmed down, could you read its mind?” I asked.
“No. I tried, but I couldn’t make a connection. It could be it wasn’t thinking. It was bewildered, not remembering what serenity felt like,” he said. “However, I was able to read you. You did well, Abi.” He patted me gently on the shoulder.
“Thanks. I had no idea what to expect. I was shocked there was even a response.”
“I think it was even more shocked than you were,” he chuckled.
“Oh, here.” I held up the bloody handkerchief. “I’d give this back to you, but I don’t think you’d want it.”
“Keep it,” he laughed, pushing my arm away.
“Do you think I’ll ever be able to be around them without pain or bleeding?”
“I hope so,” he answered. “There is a way to shut it off, so I’ll try to go over that with you in the next few weeks.”
“Do you, Chase, or Chloe ever feel this way when you’re around them?”
“No.” He looked apologetic.
“Do you think somethings wrong with me? Could I have a brain tumor?”
“You’re in perfect health,” Dr. Simon reassured. “I think your brain is just more open than ours is, which is why you’re so sensitive and able to hear more than one Arvy at a time. You’re able to tap into an area, or areas of your brain we are unable to. If we could learn how to do what you’re doing, we all might stand a chance.”
“I would tell you if I knew.” I sighed.
“I know you would,” he said with a soft smile. “We’ll figure it out.”
The rest of our stroll was done in silence, and I was wondering if he was trying to read me. I kept my mind open because at the moment, I had nothing to hide. I wanted to know, as much as they did, why my mind was so different and how I could control it.
Mentally, I was exhausted from the day, and all I wanted to do was shut down. Back in my room, I plopped on my bed and shut my eyes.
In the darkness an Arvy’s face flashed in front of me. I sprung up, gasping; its alabaster eyes haunting me. It was the one I’d channeled earlier.
I wondered what was going through its mind when it appeared to be in its relaxed state. Did my thoughts of peace really work? It looked like it did. I’d never seen an Arvy so calm. It had almost appeared human. Almost.
Maybe I was stronger than I thought I was? Maybe, if given enough time, I could alter their thoughts. Not all, but at least enough to save some lives.
If the serum was expanding my mind, what unrealized power would it unleash? Would I have limits? Maybe it would be nothing but a stronger connection telepathically?
But something was happening. I could feel it working. It was stronger than before. The demonstration proved that through mental transference I could adjust the Arvy’s emotion, altering its behavior and demeanor.
Could their hatred and rage be displaced simply by transferring peace and tranquility? Would we be able to channel these thoughts to more than one Arvy at a time?
I didn’t know. But I couldn’t wait to find out.
Just for fun, I tried channeling the same peaceful vibe into myself to see if it would work.
Envisioning the same beach, every muscle in my body relaxed. Soon, my eyes became heavy, and within a few minutes time, the world around me shut off completely.
HEADING OUT TO THE TRAINING room the next morning, I realized I hadn’t tried to contact Grammy, and made a mental note to try and connect with her tonight.
When I entered, Chase and Chloe were already sitting at the dining table. Their faces beamed with excitement at my arrival.
“We heard about your encounter with the Arvy yesterday,” Chase blurted.
“Oh yeah?” I laughed. “What’d you hear?”
“That you managed to alter the Arvy’s emotions.”
“What’d you do?” Chloe asked.
“I just did what Dr. Simon asked. He wanted me to try and channel another word into the Arvy’s mind. Instead of the word kill, I thought of ocean waves crashing on a shore, and wind blowing through trees. With those images, I sent a calming vibe, along with the word peace. The effect only lasted for about two seconds though. As soon as someone in the room made a noise, the Arvy snapped back into the kill mode. It was screaming and growling like it never happened.”
“Even if it was for two seconds, it happened. And that’s pretty damn cool,” Chase admitted.
“Yeah, I guess it was,” I said.
After breakfast, the white coats entered with our doses of serum, and Dr. Simon received his shot first so he could help monitor us during our sessions.
Standing from his chair when he was finished, his hand flew to his chest as he gasped for air. Before anyone could react, his eyes rolled back and he fell to the ground. The white coat was too late to break his fall.
“Dr. Simon!” I called.
He started to come to, and then tried to get up.
I ran over to help him. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Just a little dizzy,” he said getting to his feet, straightening himself out. “That dose was a bit stronger than I’m used to. Were there any changes made to the serum?” He asked the white coat who administered his shot.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Our orders are to administer whatever they give us, no questions asked.”
Dr. Simon shrugged it off. “Maybe I’m just getting too old for this.”
“That could be it, old man,” Chase said, patting him on the back.
I bent
over to pick up a few instruments that had dropped to the floor, when Dr. Simon whispered. “They must have altered it. Something’s changed.”
“What do you think they altered?” I asked, looking at him.
“What?” His brow furrowed.
“You just said they must have altered it. I was just wondering what you think they did different.”
“Dr. Simon didn’t say anything,” Chase puffed.
“Yes, he did.”
I glanced over to Dr. Simon and he shook his head.
“You didn’t say anything? I swear I heard you—”
“I didn’t say anything, but I thought it,” he said, his eyes smiling.
“Really?” I gasped.
“You were reading him, Abi,” Chloe exhaled.
“Whoa,” I breathed. “I don’t even know how it happened. It sounded so clear.”
“You’re getting stronger,” Dr. Simon noted. “Soon, we’ll all have to watch our thoughts around you.”
“Ah crap,” Chase snickered.
“What?” I huffed, rolling my eyes. “Just teach me how to shut it off, ‘cause there are some minds I don’t ever want to be in.”
Dr. Simon chuckled. “We’ll talk about it later, I promise.” He addressed the group, “Alright you three, hop in, it’s your turn.”
“Are you sure this serum is safe?” I whispered, concerned after watching his reaction to it.
“I’m feeling better already,” he said. “I think I might have stood a bit too fast.”
“I just don’t want to take the shot, and wake up looking in the mirror at a mutant,” I added.
“That won’t happen. They have the best and brightest working on this serum.”
“And they didn’t with ARV-3?”
“The ARV-3 vaccine was rushed. The scientists didn’t have time to test the results, and because of the widespread rioting, they needed something to help calm the masses. ARV-3 was a ray of hope in a desperate time. It did help to calm most down, but ultimately, no one expected there to be survivors.”
“I understand, but you can’t blame me for feeling a bit apprehensive. These were the same scientists who created the very monsters we’re fighting against for survival.”
“Yes, but keep in mind the ARV-3 serum was a genetic modification drug which was supposed to strengthen human DNA and help it resist against extreme radiation. The serum we’re being administered has been tested safe. It’s simply to enhance the abilities we already possess, not to alter our DNA.”
I exhaled loudly.
“I understand your concern, Abi. Believe me when I say I wouldn’t take these shots if I wasn’t sure they were safe. There are side effects that could occur in each person, but nothing fatal or gene altering.”
Chase and Chloe were already in their chairs being strapped down; it didn’t seem like Dr. Simon’s episode affected them.
“All right.” I proceeded toward my area. At my chair, the same white coat who administered my injection the last time was standing there waiting with his arms behind his back. His face looked a little bothered, probably because he just wanted to get it over with and leave.
“How are you doing today?” I asked, trying to be nice.
Avoiding any eye contact he answered, “Fine, thanks.”
“I’m trusting you with my veins.”
“Well, your veins are in the best of hands,” he answered.
“I do have to admit, you are pretty good. I didn’t feel anything last time.”
He pushed his circular glasses back on his nose and the corners of his mouth turned up.
“That’s good.” His grin lingered but he stayed focused on his task.
I tried to relax as I felt the band tighten around my arm, followed with the pressure of my veins expanding. A few seconds later, there was the sensation of cold fluid being pushed into my arm.
Waiting anxiously, I wondered what kind of craziness my mind would conjure this time.
“How are you feeling, Abi?” Dr. Simon’s voice spoke quietly. He must have been standing right next to me.
“Fine. Nothing’s happening yet,” I replied.
“Let me know if anything does start to happen.”
“I will.”
As I relaxed, I knew I was back in my mind. My arms were free and when I raised them, my veins were glowing neon blue. It must have been the last dose of serum.
In the darkness, tiny iridescent flakes fell, just as the last time. They were close to what I imagined snowflakes would look like, light and feathery. As they neared me, I reached out my hand and caught one. It absorbed into my skin. I caught another one and watched, in complete wonder, as it seeped into my veins causing them to glow even brighter.
Soon, I found myself running around trying to scoop up as many flakes as I could before they touched the ground. This was a lot more fun than the suffocating bubble.
But as I twisted, I observed a huge glowing wall of what looked like water in the distance. It appeared to be growing in size, at least fifty feet high, and was quickly heading my way.
“Abi, what’s happening?” Dr. Simon asked.
Then it hit me. “There’s a tidal wave headed toward me. Get me out of here!” I screamed.
“Abi, it’s the serum. Don’t panic,” he urged.
Don’t panic? How the hell was I supposed to stay calm with a monstrous wave heading toward me? I couldn’t contain my rising fear.
“Help! I want out,” I screamed. My heart and pulse were racing so fast I thought I was going to pass out.
The wave continued to grow.
I sprinted away, not even sure where I was going. I was blind, running in the darkness of my mind. This was madness.
In the hive, from what we studied about tidal waves, I knew they killed people and completely devastated cities. Death by drowning was one of my greatest fears. Yes, this was all in my mind, but the bubble incident felt real enough. How the hell was I supposed to hold my breath while a hundred foot wave swallowed me up?
I continued to run as fast as I could, hoping to find a hole that would drop me out of my mind and back into safety. Why the hell did I need to be in my mind to experience these things anyway? Why couldn’t I keep my eyes open in the real world? Were they trying to get us to deal with our greatest fears? Whatever this was, it was sick.
“Abi, you need to relax,” Dr. Simon urged.
I glanced back.
The freaking wave was right behind me.
This was it. I was a goner.
I sucked in my deepest breath and the wave slammed into me, thrusting me forward with an immense force. I was completely at its mercy, tumbling over and under, back and forth in this massive iridescent wave.
“Abi?” I heard Dr. Simon’s voice clearly, but I couldn’t respond.
I was holding my breath and my air was running out. I didn’t know how long I was able to ride this serum wave, but this dose was a whole lot stronger than the last.
I couldn’t fight it any longer. I needed air and I prepared myself for the end. They were going to kill me, and I hadn’t said goodbye to my family. To Finn.
I let go and took in a deep breath. Air filled my lungs even though I was tumbling inside the serum wave.
What the hell was going on?
As I continued to breathe and relax, the wave also calmed down.
Was it mimicking my emotions?
Then, my skin acted like a vacuum, sucking up the shimmering water around me, making my body glow prismatically.
The wave was soon gone and I was standing alone. My body hummed with energized matter from the newly absorbed serum.
I closed my eyes tightly and wished for this to be over. When I opened them again, I was back in the chair, and Dr. Simon was standing directly over me.
His brow was deeply furrowed. “Abi, are you okay?”
“Yes,” I panted, covered in sweat.
“Do you see that, doctor?” the white coat asked, staring directly at me. His eyes were studying,
but also befuddled.
“Yes,” Dr. Simon replied.
“What? What’s wrong with me?” I asked, trying to get out of my seat, but my arms were still harnessed to the chair. “Answer me. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, Abi,” Dr. Simon soothed. “You’re just fine.”
He walked over to his desk and came back holding a mirror. “It’s nothing to be alarmed about, and I’m sure it’ll fade.”
Oh God. All I could think of was I’d turned into a mutant, and that something happened to my face. I held my breath as he raised the mirror; my heart thundered against my chest.
When I saw my reflection, relief washed over me. My appearance hadn’t changed, except for the outer rim of my irises again. I leaned closer to see an iridescent ring glowing and this time it was brighter. As I moved my head, it changed colors, just as my body did in my mind.
“What’s happening to me?” I questioned.
“It’s the serum,” Dr. Simon answered.
“I know it’s the serum, but why are my eyes like this and not yours?”
“I don’t know. Like I said before, your brain reacts differently to the serum than ours does. How are you feeling?”
“Stressed,” I answered, still not able to move. “Could you please remove these straps?”
“Yes, of course.” He nodded to the white coat and my binds were immediately released.
“Do you think we should take her to medical?” the white coat asked.
Dr. Simon held up his hand and looked intently at my eyes. “How are you feeling, Abi? The truth. Are you experiencing dizziness or head pain? Would you like us to take you to the medical facility?”
I gave myself a quick assessment. “No. I feel fine.”
He nodded to the white coat. “She’s fine. Just watch her close for the next ten minutes.”
The white coat sighed, but he nodded back and started putting away his medical instruments.
“I’m going to check on Chase and Chloe,” Dr. Simon said, patting my arm.
“All right.”
As he walked away, the white coat scribbled on a piece of paper and discretely placed it in my hand.