Chapter 1: Reborn (Part 3)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The garage door buzzes and creaks as it slowly rolls back into place. It is old and rusted and Lisa had insisted that Adam replace it; the replacement would have been in next week. Lisa quickly pulls Carrie’s car into the driveway and rushes into the house telling Ryan to grab anything he thinks they might need. She scurries throughout the house, packing first-aid kits, flashlights, and water... your basic hurricane survival kit. She grabs any money she can find and everything that might be sold for a good profit.

Ryan, however, is a little less speedy in his packing; he still believes that they are going on vacation so most of what he picks up includes some shirts, socks, pants, and of course, his portable media player. When he finishes loading his black duffel bag into the back of the car, he turns to his mom and asks a difficult question.

Ryan
So are you going to tell me where dad is anytime soon?

Lisa
Not yet, sweetie. I promise I’ll tell you everything soon but not right now; just please do what I say and trust me. For now we need to go see grandpa

She drives out of the driveway as she fights back the tears that are trying to escape her eyes.

Lisa
Play radio.

Lisa turns on the radio hoping to distract herself as she turns onto Delaware Blvd. Thoughts are flowing through her mind and beginning to make her head hurt. She is barely able to focus on the road as she passes the several signs to her right; namely the 30 miles per hour sign.

The sound of sirens suddenly begins to outmatch the radio as a parked police car pulls out from its hiding place and speeds after Lisa’s car with its nearly blinding blue and red lights flaring. The only thought that passes her mind is, “Damn it, this must be about the hospital...what do I do?” She floors the pedal in an attempt to escape the officers but doesn’t get very far; she forgot about the remote shut down feature. Her car slips to the side of the road and slows to a stop. Oh no! She thinks as she looks into her rear-view-mirror and sees the officers approaching, guns in hand.

Ryan
Mom, why didn’t you just pull over?

Lisa
Listen to me: just stay calm, don’t yell, and do as the officers say.

Ryan
What’s going on?

Officer
Get out of the car, slowly!

Lisa follows the officer’s instructions, slowly opening the door and stepping out of her vehicle.

Officer
Now put your hands on the car!

Lisa, feeling a lot like she is playing Simon Says, obeys the officer as he begins to search her for weapons. Meanwhile the second officer makes his way to the passenger side door.

Officer
Son, could you please step out of the car for me?

As Ryan opens his door, the first officer places handcuffs on Lisa.

Officer
What’s the hurry ma’am?

Lisa
We’re just running a little late for our flight for our vacation.

Lisa answers without hesitation, but there is a nervousness in her voice which is clear and the officer picks up on it.

Officer
The airport is the other way, ma’am.

Lisa
Well… yes, but my husband is at my father’s place and we need to pick him up.

Officer
Why did you speed up when we put on our sirens?

Lisa doesn’t have an intelligent answer for that. She takes a moment to think.

Lisa
I guess I just panicked. I haven’t been pulled over in a long time. My husband usually drives.

Officer
Do you mind if we check the trunk?

By this point the officer isn’t really listening to her replies; he has made up his mind about what will happen.

Lisa
Not at all. Go ahead and take a look.

The second officer motions Ryan to go to his mom as he walks to the trunk. Each officer takes a bag and looks inside.

Officer
You know there’s a lot of stuff packed in here for just a vacation. Kind of looks like you’re moving.

Lisa
I tend to pack too much.

Lisa laughs nervously and her heart begins to race.

Officer
I’m sorry, ma’am, your story just doesn’t add up. You’re going to have to come with us.

He takes Lisa by the shoulder and directs her to the back seat of the cop car as Ryan follows sheepishly. The back of the car is a mess; there is junk scattered all over the place and even what looks like vomit stains covering the seats. Ryan looks up at his mom with a pleading look as he leans in close and whispers.

Ryan
What’s going on?

His mother just looks back at him silently, head hung low. She slowly turns to the window as tears once again roll down her cheeks; this time she can’t hold them back. The first officer pulls away in the cop car as his partner follows in Lisa’s car behind them. They drive for what seems to Lisa like forever before the officer pulls to a sudden stop.

Officer
What the hell?

There is a small pause before anything happens and he gets out of the car. Curiously, Lisa and Ryan glance out of the front of the car to see a man standing in the middle of the road. He is wearing dark clothing and a hood, his face completely hidden in shadows. Even when the cars stop in front of him, he remains as still as a statue. As the second officer sees his colleague exit his vehicle, he does the same.

Officer
What’s going on?

Officer
This guy is just standing there.

Officer
He’s probably just drunk.

Officer
Yeah, you’re probably right.

He cautiously marches his way closer to the hooded man. With each step that the officer takes, the wind seems to die down more and more until he is standing less than two feet away and the breeze stops entirely.

Officer
Sir, are you alright?

There is a long silence in which neither the man nor the officers move or say anything.

Officer
Sir, are you aware of where you are right now?

There is still no response so the officers move closer to check up on the man. As the first officer reaches forward to remove the hood, as if by reflex, the hooded man grabs his arm and quickly knocks him out. The second officer rushes to his partner’s aid as he pulls out his gun. By the time the gun is taken from the holster and pointed at the hooded man, he kicks the gun into the air. The officer watches his gun fly above his head as the man quickly plants his elbow in the officer’s face, spins around his foot once more, and kicks the officer to the ground. As the officer hits the floor, the man sticks out his hand without looking and grabs the falling gun.

The man turns to Lisa and Ryan as he bends over to pick up a set of keys from the officer. He marches to the doors of the car and swings them open.

Gabriel
Get out of the car, and don’t even think about running.

Lisa and Ryan slowly get out of the car.

Gabriel
Turn around.

Lisa
Oh, God!

Lisa cries as she slowly turns and her eyes water up. The man snatches her arm and begins unlocking her handcuffs.

Lisa
Wh-what are you doing?

She turns her head to look at the man and sees he is taking down his hood. He looks oddly familiar to her; his blue eyes and short brown hair make him look like someone, but she can’t put her finger on it. His shaggy beard is making it take longer for Lisa to make a connection, but her thoughts are interrupted when the stranger speaks.

Gabriel
Saving your lives.

Lisa
Do...Do I know you?

Gabriel
No, but I know you.

The man’s words sent a shiver up Lisa’s spine.

Lisa
How do you know me?

Gabriel
That’s not important right now. Instead of talking, you should be helping me put these cops back into their cars before they wake up.

Lisa
What?

The hooded man starts walking towards the officers. She quickly follows him.

Lisa
Wait a minute, why are you helping us?

He leans down to grab the police officer’s shoulders.

Gabriel
Legs.

Lisa
What?

Lisa is beyond confused by this man and can’t seem to keep up with him. He looks up at her, then down to the officer’s feet.

Lisa
Oh. Oh, uh...right.

Her face is turning red because she has already forgotten what he had just asked her to do a moment ago. She grabs the officer’s legs and helps the man lift the officer into the car. As they walk back for the second officer, Lisa turns to the man.

Lisa
…So?

Gabriel
So what?

Lisa
So why are you helping us?

Gabriel
Well, unless I’m mistaken, it seemed like you didn’t really have the situation under control.

The man snickers sarcastically as they put the second officer into the back seat. He turns to look at an upcoming car closing in on them.

Gabriel
I imagine you can see why we should be saving this interview for a later time.

Before leaving the officers, the man takes out the radio, locks the doors, and throws the keys far from the side of the road. He smashes the radio on the ground and shoots it three times with one of the officer’s guns.

Lisa
Jesus!

Lisa screams since she wasn’t expecting gun shots.

Gabriel
Watch it! Quick, get in the car!

Lisa makes her way to the driver’s seat and ushers Ryan into the back.

Gabriel
No, I’m driving.

Lisa
But it’s my car.

Gabriel
First off, this is Carrie’s car, not yours. Second, I don’t want you to be in another accident. And third, trust me on this, you don’t want this car anymore. And don’t argue with me, there’s no time! Now let’s go!

Lisa is sort of creeped out that he knows this is Carrie’s car and wonders what else he might know, but regardless, she listens. They run into the car and take off just in time to avoid the car they had seen earlier. In their rear view mirror, they manage to see a man getting out of his car and banging on the officer’s window in an attempt to wake them up.

Lisa
So, where are you taking us?

Gabriel
To a safe place.

Lisa
I don’t understand

The man chuckles. Lisa was starting to hate that laugh.

Gabriel
You don’t understand why you need to be in a safe place?

Lisa
No, I mean I don’t understand why you’re helping us. How do you know us? What do we have to do with you? How…

The man figures it would be a good time to stop her before the game of twenty questions begins.

Gabriel
Well, as much as I would love to chat and get to know each other, right now we’re short on time, so instead you’re going to just have to listen to what I say. You’re not going to argue and you’re not going to ask any more questions. Understood?

Lisa
But...

Gabriel
I’m taking you to another car.

The man chooses to disregard that she has said anything.

Gabriel
You’re going to put all your things in that car. The police are not looking for that car. That car is not stolen. That car is going to be the car you will use from now on so no more little hiccups like you going over the speed limit and trying to evade police that can remotely shut down your car...

Lisa
This car has a GPS. They are probably watching it right now.

Gabriel
Don’t worry about that right now. That’s good thinking though. If you’re going to run, you’re going to have to think smart and quickly. I don’t know exactly what your plan is, but if you were thinking of going to your father’s, that is a big mistake.

Lisa
How do you know my father?

Gabriel
I don’t. Now make a call to your father on this phone and then ditch it when you’re done with it. Right now your father’s phone isn’t being monitored, so tell him the situation, say you’ll meet him at a discrete place, and ask for anything you need from him.

Ryan
Mom, what is this guy talking about?

Lisa
Ryan, just let him speak please.

Gabriel
Thank you. Now listen carefully. You will not meet him at this location and you will likely not be in contact with him for a long while, nor will you try to contact him or anybody else you know. Lay low, dye your hair, change your name, and get used to living this way because you will likely have to for the rest of your life.

Lisa
How do I go about changing my name?

Gabriel
Your father will know. Tell him you need a change of life, and he’ll know what you’re talking about.

Lisa
My father doesn’t know anything about this stuff.

Gabriel
There is a lot about your father you don’t know.

Lisa
I thought you said you don’t know my father.

Gabriel
I don’t. I know a lot about him. Just like I know a lot about you and why you’re on the run.

Ryan
We’re on the run?

Ryan speaks in a rather shocked voice. The man spins his head to look at Ryan and then at Lisa, surprised to see she has not told him yet.

Lisa
I know… I will tell him.

Gabriel
Fair enough. Here’s the car.

He points to a silver sedan sitting in front of a tall building, which seemed to be abandoned. Dented doors and cobwebs littered its exterior. The sedan is a pretty basic car, very typical and common; in fact, Lisa’s best friend has one.

Gabriel
Ryan, you can help me grab the bags and put them into the other car. You can call your father and tell him exactly what I told you to.

Lisa
Why should I trust you?

Lisa is unsure if this is real or just a nightmare she will wake up from soon.

Gabriel
Well if you have a better idea in your situation, I’d love to hear it.

The man leans on the seat looking at Lisa, giving her a wide smirk when he sees her start dialing. He opens the doors and starts to walk towards the trunk with Ryan.

Lisa
You know, it will be a lot easier to trust you if I know your name.

Gabriel
You can call me Gabriel.

To be continued...

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Chapter 1: Reborn (Part 2)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Adam awakes lying down, being held where he is. Ceiling lights roll by as the doors on the walls seem to slide behind him. His vision is still blurred and his mind is rattled, he is clueless as to what is happening. The smell of sterile air surrounds him, his breaths keep a very slow and very irregular rhythm. His head pulses with an intense pain that surges throughout his entire body with each motion he makes. Finally, Adam jerks forwards, taking a deep breath to try and catch his senses. A familiar voice speaks from behind him.

Carrie

Adam, please try and remain still. Lay back, everything will be okay.

Adam slowly falls back into his previous position on the stretcher and looks up, trying to determine whose voice it is.

Adam

...Ugh, what happened? Is...Is that you Carrie?

Carrie is an old friend of both Lisa and Adam. She has strawberry blond hair and a light pattern of freckles across her face. She is the same age as Adam and has been deeply infatuated with him since they were in high school.

Carrie

Yes, Adam, It’s me. Listen, you’ve been in a car accident. We’re taking you to the ER now.

The words take a moment to reach Adam, but when they do, they hit him like a tonne of bricks.

Adam

...Ugh ...What? Wait! Where’s Lisa? Is she okay?

The words seem to race out of his mouth, all jumbling together. He is terrified for his wife. He tries to move to get up and look around, but is quickly held down.

Carrie

Calm down Adam. You’re not in good shape; if you exert yourself, it may cause severe damage.

Adam

Where is Lisa?

Adam waits for a reply from his old friend. She seems to stall and it is clear she doesn't want to answer. He starts to get extremely nervous, his thoughts begin racing and his face goes blank.

Adam

Carrie!

Carrie

They are bringing her to a Pod.

Adam

What?!

Adam is in complete terror. As his voice echoes through the halls two more nurses come to assist Carrie.

Carrie

I’m sorry, Adam. You’ll see her as soon as we take care of you.

Adam

No! Carrie listen...

He pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath to calm himself. When he continues talking it is in a much softer and lower voice, almost a whisper, so that Carrie would have to lean in close to hear him and the other nurses would not notice. 

Adam

I know you don’t believe me, but I’m fine. I don’t have much time but you need to trust me. I need you to take me to Lisa now.

The nurse raises her head slightly for a moment and glimpses at her co-workers nervously.

Carrie

No, I can’t do that...

Adam

Please, Carrie. I need you to trust me. Think of this as a really big favour for an old friend.

There is a serious grimace planted on Adam’s face as his dark brown eyes focus on the nurse. Nothing but the three nurses and their patient seems to move in the hospital for a few moments, no sounds except for the squeaky wheels of the stretcher and the constant buzzing of the fluorescent light bulbs which line the halls of the building. Even the off scent of sanitation and various anaesthetics which usually loom throughout the building seem to vanish temporarily as Carrie takes a moment to contemplate what Adam is saying.

She stays silent as she gives her co-workers a quick glance. Carrie is always a play-it-safe kind of person, but she is also an in-love-with-Adam kind of person, and she knows that she has to help her old friend with what he is asking her.

Carrie

How am I supposed to take you there without these two noticing?

A smirk came across Adam’s face, happy that Carrie is going to help him, but he really doesn’t have a plan at all.

Adam

You’re the creative one. Think of something.

Carrie just stares back at him, confused and unsure of what to do. She lets out an unsettling “umm...” as she begins to think. Carrie looks up to see Adam’s room half way down the hall, door open and ready for its newest resident to enter. She knows she has to hurry, but what can she do? She looks around for ideas. Behind her, about ten feet or so to the left, is the floor secretary with phones covering her desk. She has greying hair and a crooked and disapproving frown across her face. The walls are embellished with objects like fire extinguishers, hoses, carts and switches. However, there is something on the walls which snatches the nurse’s attention; it is a small red box with a lever inside; the fire alarm. But should she risk losing her job? There is no time to think about it, as the nurses approach it Carrie slowly extends her arm, reaching for it. Her hand sits there for a moment as she tries to talk herself into it.

Carrie

Okay, on the count of three; one...two...two and a half...

She is interrupted by a loud beep that echoes from the hips of the other nurses. They each reach for their pagers and the two other nurses exchange looks and hurry to the elevators. Adam can barely hear them talking as they walk away.

Nurse

What the hell? Is nobody else available or something? Why are they calling us?

Carrie stays with Adam, however.

Carrie

Lucky us. There is a patient in critical need of care and they needed all the nurses possible.

A sigh of relief is let out as Adam slowly lays his head back and he gives a small smile.

Adam

What a happy coincidence that is.

He turns himself towards Carrie and they each nod as the nurse quickly swings around the stretcher and hastily makes her way to the Regeneration Room.

---

Lisa

Ugh...Where am I?

Lisa awakes to a more-or-less barren room, chrome and grey offsetting walls with thin red beams of pulsing light zigzagging around the entirety of the room and onto the floor leading up to the large white machine in which she finds herself laying in. There are a few other devices scattered about the area, but it is clear the focal point of it all is the Pod she finds herself in. It is warm, and comfortably padded; a nice change for a hospital. However, out of all the equipment and seemingly excessive items spread through her field of vision, all buzzing and each bigger than the last, only the quietest and tiny things in the room grasp her attention.

Adam and Carrie stand in front of the large Pod Lisa is laying in as they nervously exchange glances. Adam is still in his hospital gown which is, as always, a cheery shade of baby blue, no doubt to lighten the mood of the patients as they gloomily await the responses of the doctors. This time, like most, it had little effect on changing the grave looks on the faces of the trio.

Lisa

Wait....wait. No. No!

Lisa has a burst of sudden realization as tears begin to stream down her face. Until then Adam has been very statuesque, not moving since he had entered the room, but when he sees his wife crying he rushes to her side without hesitation to comfort her. He takes hold of her hands; they have that just-brought-back-to-life warm feeling about them.

Adam

Lisa, wait, wait! Don’t worry. It’s alright, you’re alright.

He has a sympathetic yet confident look on his face but that doesn’t seem to faze his wife or even slightly alter her mind set.

Lisa

Alright? I’m dead!

Adam

No. Not anymore. Listen to me carefully.

He leans in closer to his wife, a few inches from her ear. The grip he has on her hand is tightened and each of his breaths begin to grow shallower than the last. Lisa knows that he is about to either do something spontaneous or stupid... or both. Adam is generally a very cool minded man, but when he gets nervous it is obvious.

Lisa

What...are you talking about?

She watches Adam turn his head tensely to nurse Walsh and receive a confused look in turn. He returns his focus to his previously deceased wife.

Adam

Alright, Lisa, we can make it seem like this didn’t happen exactly how it happened.

His eyes have a fire in them. There is no talking him out of whatever he is about to suggest, and she knows it.

Lisa

What do you mean?

Adam

Carrie, how many people know what happened?

Carrie

Um...the paramedics that brought you here, a few in the ER and…

The nurse is cut off by her over eager friend.

Adam

But there is only a small number, right?

Carrie

Well yeah, but I’m sure by now there is a doctor being briefed on it who should be coming to check on the situation.

A moment passes in silence before the nurses eyes flash open, realizing what is happening.

Carrie

Adam, if you’re thinking of what I think you’re thinking of, you can’t…

Again, the nurse is interrupted but this time by Lisa. The couple is notorious for that.

Lisa

What the hell are you two talking about?

Adam

Lisa, think of the situation here. You’re the one who died. By tomorrow you’ll be dead again, while Ryan and I will still be at risk from insane Protesters. But if I’m the one...

He doesn’t even bother finishing the sentence. It takes Lisa a moment to process what has been said.

Lisa

What? No!

Adam

Lisa, please! If I’m gone, The Protesters will not come after you. Ryan needs you. And your father and sister do, too! You’re all that I have and I can’t lose the only person I have left. Lisa, you have to understand, this is the best situation...

Lisa

Adam, I can’t let you…

Adam

You must!

Adam’s mind is made up.

Carrie

No Adam, you can’t

Carrie breaks in. The couple turn to meet her eyes.

Carrie

This plan isn’t going to work. You won’t be able to fool the hospital for long. It might take minutes before someone notices what’s going on and tells everyone so that you won’t be able to leave here.

Carrie is scared of what she might be a part of.

Adam

I thought about that. A few minutes will hopefully be all we need.

Adam’s voice is confident and it is obvious he has put a lot of thought into the matter.

Adam

If they do find out before the 24 hours are up, well, then I’ll still be alive but Lisa will be gone. I’ll try to hold it off as much as I can, but if they do still believe after tomorrow that I’m still the one who died then maybe that’s what they’ll continue to think. If they do find out then they’ll be looking for you. In either situation, you need to run. You need to hide. Change your name, do whatever it takes. Joe will help you.

Lisa

Adam, this is ridiculous!

Adam

It’s better than the alternative, think about it really hard.

They both know he is right, but Lisa doesn’t want to accept it.

Carrie

And how exactly do you plan to fool them into thinking you died and have Lisa leave this place?

A smirk crosses Adam’s face, knowing full well that he has won the argument.

Adam

Get out your pen and prepare to bring back those acting skills from drama class.

---

Doctor
Yet another case of reckless driving, eh?

The doctor sighs as he pushes open the doors to the Pod room. However, this is different than most of his other trips to the Regeneration Room and he realizes that the moment he sees who is standing in front of him. This time, he is in the presence of a celebrity...well, a medical celebrity anyways.

Doctor
Oh my God! Adam Fields?

He expresses his surprise in a voice of both excitement and displeasure. Adam chuckles.

Adam
Ah, so you’ve heard of me?

Adam isn’t a self centered individual, but he does love knowing that his reputation precedes him.

Doctor
Well what doctor hasn’t? I’ve seen you visit this hospital from time to time since I started here. I was sort of jealous with how well the doctors know you here.

Adam
Well, thank you. Maybe I should have made it a priority to introduce myself to new staff at a hospital I own.

Doctor
Wha-what’s going on in here?

Adam
My wife couldn’t wait for protocol to revive me and the nurse is a very close friend of ours...

He tries to keep a straight face during all of this. All those drama classes with Carrie in high school had really paid off, even though in all honesty he never actually paid much attention to what was happening.

Doctor
Oh boy...This isn’t going to be good.

The doctor is more than a little flustered by what has happened.

Adam
I know, sorry for the trouble, doctor.

Doctor
I, uh...I thought it was a woman who had died in the crash?

A sudden rush of anxiety pulses through Adam. He had known the doctor would have been briefed on the situation, and he had known that he would be questioned on it, but he sincerely hoped against it.

Adam
My wife tells me that she survived the crash and I am the one who died.

He answers as calmly as he can. Adam even thinks enough to place a confused look on his face, sure that it would add an effect of truth to his speech.

Doctor
I see...Uh, nurse, if you don’t mind; can I speak with you for a moment?

The doctor gives a curious and somewhat accusing glance at Carrie.

Lisa
Wait!

Lisa passively shouts in an attempt to distract the doctor.

Lisa
Uh, if you don’t mind… my son is waiting for us to pick him up from school and I need to get him so that he can say goodbye to his father.

Doctor
Why didn’t you revive him after you picked up your son and when we were able to do so? You would have had more time...

Lisa
I know… I just couldn’t wait.

There is a long pause after Lisa spoke, the room is silent excluding the light buzzing of electricity throughout the equipment in the room. Carrie interrupts, satisfied that she is finally the one to break into a conversation instead of the reverse.

Carrie
Actually Lisa, the school was called immediately. They’re bringing your son here now.

Adam and Lisa both turn towards the nurse and the trio exchange concerned glances.

Doctor
Nurse… if you don’t mind, I really need to speak with you for a moment.

The doctor begins nudging his head towards the door, insisting she come with him to talk. The pair slowly walks out the door as Carrie looks over her shoulder to the couple that they are leaving in the room alone.

Lisa
Damn! Now what excuse do I have to leave this place in a rush?

Adam
Carrie has the doctor occupied facing away from the door. You can sneak downstairs, grab Ryan, and go.

Lisa
What are you talking about?

Adam lets out a sigh. He hates when people don’t just take his word for what is saying.

Adam
Just go take a peek out the door.

He raises his hand and fans it towards the door then leans back against the Pod. Lisa slowly creeps across the floor and opens the door a bit to see what Adam is talking about. He is right; Nurse Walsh and the doctor are at some distance with the doctor facing down the hall opposite the elevators.

Lisa
How did you know that?

Lisa is amazed and questioning her husband’s new-found psychic abilities while she is wondering where they had been when she got that terrible blender for her birthday last summer. Adam’s small smile quickly grows into a rather large grin.

Adam
A long time ago when we had that drama class together in high school she had distracted a teacher for me so that I could sneak out of class.

He is happy to see his old friend hasn’t changed.

Lisa
You snuck out of class?

Lisa is shocked to hear her husband is the kind of person who had skipped class in high school.

Adam
This isn’t the time for that. Lisa, you need to hurry!

Adam demands she leaves, not only to allow the plan to work, but to dodge what he is sure would have turned into a lengthy lecture about his hypocrisy towards Ryan skipping classes.

Lisa
Wait, we don’t have a car anymore.

They hadn’t thought about the fact that their car had been destroyed. Adam points towards the keys that Carrie left on the table; he knew she would leave her keys for them.

Adam
Take Carrie’s.

He leans in and kisses his wife one last time.

Adam
Now go!

She doesn’t need to be told twice. She swiftly makes her way to the door and cracks it open just wide enough for her to slide herself through. She scurries her way around the corner and runs to the elevators. By now there are streams of tears drizzling down her cheeks. She presses the button to call the elevator up to her and then wipes her face dry of all the tears.

Lisa
C’mon, stupid machine...hurry up!

She tries to say this as threateningly as she could to the big metal box she had beckoned. Her right foot patting the ground as she impatiently waits. BING! The turtle-paced elevator announces its arrival. She hurries in and presses the ground floor button. Moments later the doors split open and she marches her way towards her son.

Teacher
Oh my God, Lisa!

A familiar voice barks at her. She turns to see Ryan’s teacher running towards her with Ryan not too far behind.

Lisa
Oh, hi. Thank you for bringing him.

Ryan
Mom, you’re okay!

Ryan is ecstatic to see his mom is alive.

Ryan
They called and said that you had... well...

Lisa
It turns out one more shock to the heart is all I needed.

Teacher
Well, I’m glad you’re okay. Where is your husband?

Lisa
Oh, he’s uh, in the emergency room.

Ryan
Is dad okay?

Lisa
He’ll be just fine. Listen, thanks for bringing him, I’ll bring him straight up to see his father.

Teacher
Of course. I’m just glad you’re all okay. Say hi to Adam for me.

Lisa
I will.

Ryan’s teacher slowly turns around and walks out the doors. When Lisa is sure that she is gone, she grabs Ryan’s hand and takes him to sit down for a moment.

Ryan
Why aren’t we going upstairs, mom?

Lisa
Listen, your father is fine right now. I’ll explain everything to you later, but right now you have to stay quiet and do everything I say, do you understand?

Lisa feels more tears coming on, but she holds them back and gives a serious and strong exterior for her son.

Ryan
But....

Lisa
Ryan, please. Can you do this for me?

Ryan looks at his mother for a moment and knows that whatever is happening is important.

Ryan
Okay.

Lisa
Good, now let’s go.

She grabs his hand and they quickly make their way out of the building and into what would be one hell of a new life.

To be continued...

Chapter 1: Reborn (Part 1)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Caldwell
What do you mean it’s not in yet? We ordered the shipment two weeks ago!

Professor Caldwell is arguing with the drug store clerk over a late delivery that his company had ordered. There are a few people around the store who have stopped what they are doing to stare and watch the conversation; most notable of them all are the two large men in suits who just walked through the door.

James

I’m s-sorry, sir b-but I don’t know what to tell you. The shipment simply hasn’t arrived yet.

The clerk has nervous look on his face because the Professor is clearly more than upset. He can tell he is in for more when the Professor opens his mouth again.

Caldwell

Well then, I demand –

The men in suits walk over to Caldwell and tap him on the shoulder, knocking him off his tangent for a moment.

Saunders

Mr. Caldwell?

Caldwell turns his attention to the men. The one who’s talking is taller than his counterpart with dark black hair, snow white teeth, and sunglasses that hide his eyes. Both of the men are wearing midnight black suits which seemed to assist the sense of mystery that surrounded them.

Caldwell

Yes, that’s me. What do you want?

Caldwell is curious, if not nervous, to know why these men are looking for him. However, the professor is almost sure that it involves the company. The suited man points to his partner to introduce him.

Saunders

This is Agent Bennett...

Bennett is an African-American man who is about six feet tall with broad shoulders. He’s bald and has a constantly stern look on his face; he is obviously the strong silent type.

Saunders

...and I’m Agent Saunders. We work for the government. Now if you don’t mind, there are some questions we wish to ask you. We hope you make this easy for us.

Caldwell

And what, may I ask, do you need to know?

Saunders

This is a private matter and not something we can discuss in such an open place. We apologize for the inconvenience, but if you will come with us we can explain the situation...

The professor lets out a deep sigh and looks over his shoulder with one final annoyed glance at the scrawny clerk standing behind him at the desk.

Caldwell

I will be back tomorrow, James, and the order had best be in when I return.

As he finishes talking he turns his attention back to the agents, snickering at the sound of James gulping nervously behind him.

Caldwell

Okay, let’s go then.

The three men walk to the exit where agent Bennett holds the door for his partner and guest. He slams the door behind him as the trio begins their walk to the black Vector, well-known to be one of the fastest vehicles available, which is parked in the center of the lot. The men pause, however, when they hear the roar of an engine and two bright beams of light cut into their lines of vision. A yellow Archan, an equally speedy vehicle with a more rounded frame, shoots towards them as a figure sticks its head out the window hollering something. At first it is incomprehensible, but as the vehicle draws near it becomes clear the man is yelling.

Assassin

Hey, Caldwell!

When the agents realize what is happening they exchange concerned looks and quickly try to push the professor out of the way, but it is too late. The unmistakable sound of a gun being fired cuts through the otherwise silent night, and a bullet finds its place in Caldwell’s forehead. The professor begins to fall back, not stopping until he hits the floor; his blood soaking into the pavement as the assassin’s triumphant laugh echoes in the parking lot as he drives away.

Saunders

Damn it!

Saunders turns towards the Archan and with a single shot of near-perfect aim, he blows out the rear right tire of the car before it can leave the parking lot. It starts sliding into frenzy until the driver can’t control it anymore and crashes into a nearby warehouse. The agents sprint to the building in chase of the assassin who has already gotten out of his car and rushed inside for a moment to regain his senses.

The agents cautiously enter the warehouse, slowly advancing as they look all around them for the assassin. They stop about fifteen feet in and try to get a better look through the darkness which they find themselves immersed in. Sensing the agents to be vulnerable, the assassin jumps out of his hiding place behind a stack of crates in the back of the building and takes a shot at Saunders, hitting the agent in the shoulder. Saunders falls to the floor and without looking back, Agent Bennett begins to charge forward towards the assassin. Now in fear, the mystery man takes a shot at the agent, hitting him dead center in the chest, but he continues without so much as a flinch. Confused, the assassin pulls the trigger again. Another chest shot, but this time, Agent Bennett stalls for a moment before continuing his rampage, now nearly at his target. The assassin knows it’s now or never and takes his last shot, planting it again in the chest of the agent who finally falls backward onto the ground, now covered in his own blood.

The assassin, thinking his job to be done, begins to turn and run for the second exit, not noticing that Saunders has finally stumbled to his feet. Saunders again takes hold of his handgun, looks at his target, and sends a shot into the assassin’s back, ending the man’s life. Saunders marches to his downed partner who looks up at him as he comes closer.

Bennett

Did you get him?

Saunders

I always get them.

Bennett

I have an idea. ARGH!

Saunders

You idiot! You know you shouldn’t be running into bullets like that.

Bennett

Damn it! I’ll tell you later.

Bennett can barely speak at this point and coughs up blood.

Saunders

Alright, go ahead and die already then.

Bennett

Bring the Protester, too.

Saunders

Damn...my car is really going to stink after this. You owe me though.

Bennett

Fine...

Bennett’s head drops as his eyes close and he slowly stops breathing.

---

Adam

Honey, where’s my blue shirt?

Adam’s wife is sitting across the room packing clothes into a suitcase for their vacation. She is wearing a green dress with her brown hair tied up and a single misplaced strand crosses in front of her glasses.

Lisa

Oh, you know I hate that shirt.

Lisa has a guilty smirk on her face, and Adam smiles as he looks at his wife, now knowing she hid it. Adam is wearing blue jeans and a flower print shirt, which was already more than enough out of style clothing for Lisa’s taste. He has short brown, neatly combed hair, which gives him a nerdy look.

Adam

So that means you won’t tell me where it is then?

Lisa

Not a chance.

Lisa packs away a blue top and a white pair of pants .

Adam

Lisa, I think a scientist should wear whatever nerdy shirt he wants to wear.

Lisa

Unless that nerdy scientist is married and retired, in which case he has no choice.

She puts the last pair of socks in the suitcase and slowly raises her eyes to meet her husband’s. She can tell he is worried.

Adam

Do you think I made the right choice by leaving the company?

Adam’s eyes are heavy and filled with concern. Lisa stops what she is doing and looks out the window for a moment. The wind outside is slowly shaking the branches of the maple tree that sits about ten feet away. Birds are flying in and out of her vision; a robin and a blue jay land on opposing branches and begin watching her as if they are also waiting for her response. She lets out a breath and turns to Adam.

Lisa

Yes dear, I do. Those threats were simply getting too serious.

Adam

Yes, I know they were... but I still feel like I have so much more to offer them and that I’m letting my co-workers down.

His head hangs down low, giving him a somewhat shameful appearance for being scared out of assisting his friends and co-workers in achieving their goals. Lisa tries to find words to comfort her husband.

Lisa

Adam, there are plenty of brilliant minds at the company. I’m sure they’ll do fine without you. Let’s just relax and focus on our family now.

A small smile grows on Adam’s face. He really does love his family, and it has been a long time since they have had a chance to all be together and even longer since he has had a chance to relax.

Adam

Speaking of which, I think I’d like to get some coffee before we go pick up Ryan.

Lisa, happy that Adam is beginning to feel better, turns to him as she zips up the suitcase and stands up.

Lisa

Sure, I just finished packing.

Adam does the same and rises to his feet. A wide smile crosses Adam’s face as he bends over and picks up a plaid blue button-up shirt with a small pocket over the left side of its chest.

Adam

I think I’ll just leave this here.

He throws the shirt on the chair he has just gotten off of as they walk out the door.

---

The car shakes as Lisa drives over the pothole on the center of Fell Street, causing Adam to spill some of his coffee. He usually prefers to drive because he is a better driver and he feels as though her glasses have the wrong prescription, but today Lisa is in the mood to take the wheel and he could never say no to her.

Adam

How long until we have to pick up Ryan?

Adam starts to wipe the coffee off of his jeans with a paper towel that he takes out of the glove box.

Lisa

About two hours. We’ll pick him up right after he’s finished school and go home so he can finish packing. Then we will have to hurry to the airport.

Adam

Do you think we will have time to go to LifeSource? I just need to quickly grab some things I forgot about.

Lisa

Well, that depends on how long Ryan takes to finish packing. Play radio.

Lisa tries not to let Adam see that she doesn’t want to go to Lifesource because she knows he is thinking about going back. Her thoughts, however, are interrupted by a familiar voice from her youth coming from the satellite radio she has just activated.

Lisa

I really can’t believe that Justin Beiber is still making music.

Adam isn’t in the mood for music.

Adam

Play news.

Almost instantly the station changes to the local news station. It starts playing mid-sentence.

Radio

...agreeing to talks, but the President says that the chance of making an international deal for the use of the technology is unlikely...

Adam’s face is cold and upset in hearing what the news has to say.

Adam

Can you believe that? I know LifeSource would gladly give the Pods to other countries if the government wasn’t preventing them. Sometimes I think...

Adam is unable to finish because of what he is hearing on the radio as the host continued.

Radio

Speaking of LifeSource, police have identified the body of a man killed in a drive-by shooting downtown yesterday. The man is George Caldwell, a scientist at LifeSource Technologies and Pharmaceuticals. He has been with the company since its beginning thirteen years ago...

The tension in the car seemed to grow with each word the announcer said.

Lisa

Oh my God...

Lisa looks to her husband, at a loss for words. He is in shock, looking at his shoes, unable to think clearly or face his wife.

Adam

George is...dead?

He is not completely sure of what he has just heard. All he can do is silently listen to the radio.

Radio

...What is even more shocking is this news comes just days after founder and CEO of LifeSource, Adam Fields, stepped down due to threats made against him, his family, and the company. Police believe the suspect may be someone who possibly could have made those threats or is involved with parties wishing harm on the employees at LifeSource. The group of individuals against the use of the Pods, who usually refer to their organization as ‘The Protesters’, are notoriously known for being non-violent individuals who are mostly of strong religious backgrounds. The organization was big in the early years of LifeSource but has died down to a small number ever since laws were put in place regarding the use of the Pods. This incident is the first time that an act of violence was made by a Protester. Other Protesters have come forward expressing their disgust in the suspect. We interviewed one individual who talked to police. ‘I didn’t see the shooting, but I was nearby and heard the shots. It is very disturbing to think this man claims to be a Protester and then does this. We already have a bad image from the public and this just makes things worse. We try to voice our message without violence. Some people think we are anti-life; that’s far from true. We believe it is not up to us, the government, or LifeSource, to play God. It is up to God. People die when it is their time to do so. These machines defy the work of God.’ The remaining few core Protesters believe the 24 hour law is not good enough. ‘It makes you think, what are we doing to their souls? Or do they still have souls when they are revived? When you say your goodbyes, it might not be to the same person you knew your whole life...’

Adam is shaken by these words, becoming more annoyed with each syllable until he can’t contain himself any longer.

Adam

Oh, come on! I can’t believe these idiots! How could anyone believe this?

Radio

Two FBI agents were seen talking to Mr. Caldwell before he was killed. They reportedly chased down the man, but he escaped. The two agents declined to comment except to remind everyone to be on the lookout for a dark-haired Caucasian, about five foot nine with a cross tattooed on his forearm. Lionel Sabatelli, the new CEO taking the place of his close friend Adam Fields, released a statement an hour ago. ‘I just learned about what happened to George. He is a very dear friend of mine and he will be missed. I am still in shock over this and so are my fellow employees. I am taking immediate action on this to provide the safest work environment for my employees, and we are going to be offering grief counselling. I will help the police with the investigation as much as I can and encourage everyone at LifeSource to be extra cautious when leaving their homes or their work. I also wish anyone working at a hospital where the Pods are active to do the same.’

The couple exchange looks, unsure of what to think or what to do. Suddenly, Lisa snaps back into reality and notices the red light in front of her just fast enough to slam on the breaks, bringing the car to a screeching halt. She lowered the radio so she could speak to Adam without the distractions.

Lisa

Now do you think you made the right choice in leaving the company?

She waits for Adam to answer for what seems like hours, and just like at her home, she once again looks outside the window. Finally, when she can’t wait any longer. she once again speaks.

Lisa

Do...do you think we are safe?

Her voice is coarse and filled with fear.

Adam

Yes, of course.

Adam answers as comfortingly as he can.

Adam

What good am I to the Protesters now that I left LifeSource? I don’t think we’re on their radar anymore. I’m just worried for everyone at the company.

He tries to sound as assuring as he can, but he knows there is no guarantee. Another silence, but this one doesn’t last as long. The streetlight, as if reading the mood of the car, changes from foreboding red to a gracious green. Lisa slowly lets out a sigh as she lets her foot lightly drop onto the gas pedal.

Lisa

Well, we should be cautious just in case.

Adam looks at his wife, trying to make his brown eyes sparkle with reassurance. He reaches out for Lisa’s right hand, which is resting on the stick shift, as he speaks in a soft voice.

Adam

Honey relax, there’s nothing to –

He is cut off, but this time not by the radio. A truck, traveling at full speed, collides with the driver’s side door of the car.

To be continued...