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Chapter 11

Flight to freedom Part 1

A Naval Facility or any military outpost is a twenty four hour operation. Subic Bay is no different. However, the building housing a science lab conducting secret experiments creates its own time clock.

Using his newfound freedom, Michael walks through the structure committing to memory different aspects of the casual strolls.

This is the closest door to the lab. Noting his last walk around the grounds. There are two guards at the only entrance.

A typical cyclone fence stands at the perimeter.

It's not electrified but how can I get her and me out?

As he sits in the TV room pretending to watch the seventy-five inch flat screen, the anxious young man begins to formulate a plan.

After 11 PM, there is only one guard. If I could only get one of those badges those lab guys use.

The marine guard he had a friendly conversation with enters the room.

"Hey, pooper-trooper!"

Michael smiles at the greeting, as his mind begins to go into overdrive.

Maybe after a couple beers I can get this guy to talk.

"My name is Mike." He tell the marine as he points to the unoccupied section of the black leather couch to his left.

"I'm Jeff."

The two soldiers get into a casual and for Michael, an information filled conversation. It drags past midnight.

Inside the Science/Medical Lab

The pair of lab coated nurses stare at the still form in the saltwater tank.

"John, she seems to be drifting." Her words cause the younger man to bring his face to the reinforced glass.

"Toni, I don't know if we should call one of the doctors?"

After 23:00 hours (11 PM), two medical personnel are assigned to the lab. It is to give the scientists and specially selected physicians a time to recoup from an intense day of experimentation.
Their comments refer to Michelle's almost catatonic state. Floating close to the bottom of her prison, the lifeless figure appears near death. An occasional flicker of her eyelids are the only sign of life.

"Doctor Singh is on duty tonight. I'm asking him to check her." Toni tells her colleague. Her head whips a tightly woven braid, as she reaches for the phone.

With John's nose almost touching the glass, Michelle closes her eyes and drifts to the bottom.

Recreation room in the Science building

As a number of military personnel leave for their quarters, Michael and Jeff continue to chat in between measured gulps of their dark colored beer.

"Man, this assignment is sweet," Jeff remarks before finishing his Guinness.

"I know. I never knew Guinness came in a can." Answers Michael.

"Damn paratrooper. Too much landing on your head."

They both let out a round of chuckles at the statement.

Jeff's eyes appear to be closing, the alcohol has started to take effect.

Michael feigns the same reaction, though his conversation never halts.

"You guys work through the night?"
"Yeah," a placid Jeff answers. "But only one of us."

"Dr. Singh, paging Dr. Singh. Needed in medical room."

The PA announcement changes Jeff's expression. He seem to be wide awake.

"That damn secret lab. Are you connected to it?" He asks, Mike.

"Well, Jeff." He waits till the marine finishes off his beer. "I am a bit involved. Do you know what's in there?"

"Nah…you know you look like that guy Singh. Just a little taller." Jeff rolls his head, hoping to revitalize his faltering body. "Damn, I drank too much."

As Jeff pushes himself up from the coffee table to their front, Michael continues to ask questions.

"You mean I look like a damn scientist?"
"Yeah, you Indian?" Jeff's last words as he falls backward on the black leather couch.

Michael stands up and calls to a marine passing the Rec room.

"Maybe you should help him to his quarters. There are so many so called important pains-in-the-ass and if…"

Michael need not finish. The tall redheaded member of the Corp nods and scoops his burly colleague to a standing position.

Mike quickly exits hoping to intercept Dr. Singh. Not quite knowing what he'll do when they meet.

Note to reader:

This is a short chapter. I think you can figure there will be some fireworks with the Navy nurse getting too close to the tank, and an oblivious Dr. Singh about to meet a love-sick paratrooper. I want it to be all in one post.

PS: I can guarantee if there is at least one review or IM about this story or chapter…I bet Chapter 11 will show up in an instant.