Chapter 18
Asante Rhodes stood in the observation room as he watched Ed. He had been there for nearly two days now and what he saw was not pleasing. He heard the door open and he turned around quickly, "Dr. Marsh, I came as soon as I could." There was a moment of silence, and then he continued, "How is he? I mean, what do you sense from him?"
She approached the window and stood next to Asante, "I don't think he's going to last much longer."
"I was afraid of that, I didn't think this would happen. I was assured that Dr. Tate would not be harmed. I should have realized who I was dealing with," Asante said.
She nodded in agreement, and then she looked at him with uncertainty on her face, "He's very tired. They haven't given him time to rest or eat. They're letting him go into stage five soon to run more tests…he's slipping slowly, losing all mental control," she said as she looked at Asante and spoke to him in a serious tone, "If I didn't know better, I'd say they were trying to brainwash him."
Asante let out a deep long sigh, "He's been lying there for almost three days and going back and forth into quicksilver madness while they run tests, it wouldn't be too difficult to accomplish that. They've ignored him and he probably feels abandoned." He looked at her again, "If he goes into stage five and they brainwash him, with the proper training he could be used as a weapon and a very deadly one."
Tara noted the serious in the words that Asante spoke. She had read about the different stages and what Ed had done during stage three when he returned to the Agency. If Ed had no second thoughts about killing Tom, what was he capable of in stage five? "Are you going to do what we discussed, because if not, then I will do it myself."
He turned to look at her and shook his head, "Yeah, I'm in." They both turned and looked at Ed. The hours of being forced in and out of quicksilver madness was taking its toll on the young scientist and it showed.
"I've delayed in my efforts to clone the gland, but I don't know how much longer I can. They know that the organization Chrysalis was able to clone the gland they removed from Arnaud de Fohn. It's only a matter of time before they get suspicious of me," Tara said.
Asante looked at her with concern, "You be careful…I'll do my part. They're at the funeral today. I'll send them the message tonight." He watched as Tara nodded and then left, he turned his gaze back to Ed. He remembered his confrontation with Dr. Alvarez and Andrea Welsh, a.k.a. the Lady. He had told her that he didn't approve of the treatment Ed was getting and she just shrugged him off saying that it was necessary. Dr. Alvarez had argued if they were going to duplicate the gland they would need all the information they could gather.
Asante didn't believe this, if he had known what their real intentions were, he would never had gone along with it. Now he regretted it and there was only thing he could do to fix that, get Dr. Tate out alive.
~*~
It was a bright sunny morning in Laguna Beach as the group gathered in a room at the crematory. A small ceremony for just close friends and family had been planned for the cremation. The actual internment of the ashes at the cemetery would take place later on in the day and the actual funeral would be at the Church. A large crowd was expected and that was only because of the media hype and Senator Allen who was expected to attend, much to the dismay of Irene and the others.
The priest from St. Mary's Episcopal Church was there to officiate the short service. He came in and greeted the rather large group of family and friends gathered in the room. Ed may have been the only child for Jonathan and Irene, but he had plenty of aunts, uncles and cousins.
The priest opened up the prayer book and began the service, "Dear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Let us pray, then, for our brother Edward, that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God's eternal Sabbath rest. Receive, O Lord, your servant, for he returns to you.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May he hear your words of invitation, "Come, you blessed of my Father.'
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May he gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward.
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brother Edward into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen." The priest turned towards the double doors and nodded. The two men opened the doors and stood off to the side. Darien, Tom, Hobbes, Jonathan and two uncles carried the casket in as soft music played. They placed the casket on the stand in front of the cremation chamber and stood with the group on either side.
Darien, Darcy, Hobbes and Claire stood on one side with Irene and her parents; next to them was, Jonathan Tate, Ed's Grandmother Erika Tate and other members of the Tate family. Across from them was Sloan, Tom, Walter, Ray and his family, the Official, Eberts and members of the Morgan family. Claire leaned on Darien and started crying. Darien wrapped his arm around her and held her tight. Irene nearly fell to her knees but Jonathan was there to hold her up. Matt started crying and wrapped his arms around Ray. Sloan cried and Tom held her for support.
Ed lay on the table and was barely able to keep his eyes opened as another wave of pain swept through his head. A voice in his head spoke to him, "They think you're dead, and they're having a funeral for you right now. They won't be looking for you."
Ed shook his head in defiance, but the voice was relentless. "They won't be looking for you. This happened to you because of the dominants, if they hadn't come along you would still be living and not dead. It's because of them you're here."
Ed closed his eyes and a tear escaped leaving a wet trail down the side of his face.
The priest continued with the reception of the body with these prayers. "With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Edward for cremation and later for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the Giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
There was a brief moment of silence. Then the priest continued.
"Deliver your servant, Edward, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love. Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, in your mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
The priest continued, "O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Edward. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The priest then proceeded to read from Scripture. He gave a short homily and proceeded to say a blessing over the casket.
Ed eyed the man with disdain. The thought of ripping his head off was very pleasant at the moment. He lifted his head and breathed heavily through his nostrils like a bull ready to charge. If only he could break free then he could fulfill his dream.
Dr. Alvarez gazed down at Ed and his blood colored eyes that glared forebodingly back at him, "I see that you're ready for more counteragent. Maybe I'll even piggy back a sedative so that the nurse can clean you up a bit without you giving her any trouble."
Ed struggled in the restraints and slung muffled curses at Dr. Alvarez.
There was a cross on top of the casket and that was handed to Irene by the priest who then hugged her as he gave her his condolences. She shook her head at his words and held the cross to her chest tightly. He then continued with the committal part of the service. This will also be said at the gravesite but in the case of a cremation, it can be said here as well.
"In the midst of life we are in death;
of whom may we seek for succor,
but of thee, O Lord,
who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts;
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer;
but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty,
O holy and merciful Savior,
thou most worthy Judge eternal.
Suffer us not, at our last hour,
through any pains of death, to fall from thee.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Edward.; and we commit his body to its resting place; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him , the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him , the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. Amen.
The Lord be with you,"
Everyone gathered responded, "And with thy spirit."
"Let us pray
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, grant that we, who now serve thee on earth, may at last, together with them, be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
There was a silent pause before the priest continued. Sobs could be heard echoing through the room. The private intimate service was over and the priest dismissed the small group with these final words.
"The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
The dreaded needle, as many times before, plunged into Ed's vein again. He felt the rush of heat as the counteragent was pushed through the vein and rushed to his head. He swam in a whirlpool of confusion and fought to keep his eyes open. A voice echoed in his head again, 'You're alone and it's because of the dominants.' He was barely able to shake his head in disbelief at the voice, 'It's not true,' he managed to reply in his mind before his world went dark.
"Rest eternal grant to him , O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
Darien walked up to the casket and laid his hand on top of it, "Rest, bro." Claire was next and she kissed the top where Ed's head was underneath, her lipstick left a mark on the light colored wood. She whispered as if not to wake him, "I love you…" she had wanted to say more but couldn't. Hobbes came up to her and touched her gently on her back. She looked up and broke down in his arms, "I can't…I can't…" she sobbed as Hobbes walked her away.
Irene clutched the cross in one hand as she rubbed the other hand over the casket repeatedly while she cried. Her tears fell on the casket as she repeated, "My baby…my baby…my baby…"
Once everyone had the chance to say their private goodbyes, the casket was slowly placed inside the cremation chamber as 'Amazing Grace' played in the background and then the door closed.
Hobbes stayed with Claire as they walked out of the room, but she kept turning back to look. She didn't know if she could make it through the afternoon service when Ed is finally laid to rest. At least they had a break now and they were headed back to Irene's house for a family gathering.
Irene kept mumbling about her son as she walked with Walter. Jonathan helped his mother, Erika. Ed was her first grandchild and she remembered when she held him in her arms shortly after he was born. She had commented on how happy and content he was, and now she would give anything to have that moment back.
~*~
On the drive back to Irene's, Tom thought back to four years earlier in the Lassen Forest.
Tom half carried Ed in search of water, he could sense that Ed was getting weaker, "How you doing, Ed?"
"Oh just peachy," Ed said through gasps. "Tom."
"Yes, Ed."
"I'm going to pass out now."
"Ed, stay awake for me." Tom stopped to put Ed down and gave him some rest. Tom grabbed him by the collar of this shirt, "You have to stay awake. Do you hear me? Lewis is following us."
Ed groggily sat up using his arms for support, "Tom, I…I…can't. Just leave me."
"No, Ed, I can't do that."
"Damn it, Tom, you're as stubborn as a mule," Ed yelled out with all the strength he could muster.
"So are you," Tom stood straight up and stared down at the disheveled scientist.
Ed looked up at Tom with a serious expression and then started to laugh. He lifted up his hand and pointed a finger at Tom, "You know, you're right, but now is not the time for this. Why should you get caught by Lewis too?"
"Because like I told you earlier, I made a promise to Sloan to protect you," Tom said as he bent down to look Ed straight in his face.
Ed turned away; he couldn't look in Tom's face. He remembered Sloan asking him to do the same for Tom and he had failed. "Tom…"
Tom cut Ed off, "It wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing what was going to happen. But this time, I do. I know that Lewis is looking for us. I won't leave you."
Ed looked at Tom. Could he believe him? Was Tom sincere? He didn't have the instincts to know for sure, but Tom has gotten him this far. He could have left Ed at the wreckage, but he didn't. Ed had no choice but to trust him, his life was in his hands and frankly, Ed didn't want to end up in Lewis' hands.
"Okay, look, we need to find an area with dense vegetation. A lot of plants mean water. Also, we can look for ants or bees going into a tree, there's a sure bet that there's water in there or around the area." Ed looked around, "It's late though and we need to rest. We can wait until morning and gather up the dew that forms on the leaves. The important thing now is that we keep warm until then. Temperatures in forests can drop drastically during the night." Ed closed his eyes.
"Don't you fall asleep; you know you have to stay awake." Tom had to help him somehow.
Ed shook his head, "Yes, I know, when we sleep our core body temperature drops." Ed looked around, "Uhmm…we can cover ourselves up in these leaves and then huddle close together. The leaves and our own body warmth should do the trick and we can get some sleep without worrying about hypothermia."
Tom immediately started to cover Ed up in leaves. When he was finished, he sat down next to Ed and covered himself up as well. He held Ed close to him.
"Uh, Tom…what are you doing?"
"Keeping you warm. You said if we huddle close our body heat will help keep each other warm."
"I did say that didn't I?" Ed paused and then continued giving Tom a stern warning, "Okay, but if you fall asleep and start dreaming intimately about Sloan…one thing here okay, I'm not Sloan. If you kiss me or try anything else, I'm gonna knock your lights out."
Tom chuckled and smiled, "Don't worry, Ed. I won't kiss you or try anything else."
"Good, cause I don't ride that wave, you get my meaning?"
"Yes, I do." Tom smiled.
"Okay, good, glad we cleared that up," Ed leaned his head back and closed his eyes. In just a few short minutes, he was fast asleep. Tom never slept; he stayed awake to keep guard. He was determined to get him and Ed out of this situation unharmed.
"Tom, we're here," Sloan said as she patted him on his arm.
Tom gazed at her and shook his head. He followed everyone inside the house. No one spoke as they settled in and waited for the afternoon to come.
Walter turned on the TV in another part of house to keep up to date on the news. He sighed and shook his head when the major news stations had satellite feeds from Laguna Beach. The reports now stated that the private ceremony concluded and that crowds had already started to gather across from the church and elsewhere around the town. Some were protests against the bill and others were in support of it. Both sides were kept far away from each other to avoid any trouble. It was reported that a larger gathering for both sides was scheduled after the funeral in separate locations. It's expected that the rally in support of the bill will be much larger than then the one against it. This reminded Walter of the protests for the war in Iraq.
Darien joined Walter in front of the TV, "They're really using this to their advantage aren't they?"
"I'm afraid that after today's service, it'll only get worse with emotions running high. What does Irene think of this?"
"She hates it. She blames all this media attention on Senator Allen. She doesn't believe that this is what Ed would want, but Jonathan," Darien let out a sigh, "He wants revenge, and he's for the bill."
"Does he know about you, Darcy and Tom?"
"No."
"We should keep it that way," Walter said as he turned his attention back to the TV.
~*~
Ed's parents, grandparents and Claire rode in the limo in front of the others. Tom, Sloan, Darien, Darcy and Hobbes rode in Claire's SUV. As they drove up to the Church they spotted a large crowd gathered across the street. "All of Laguna Beach must be here and then some," noted Hobbes.
They drove past and the people waved and threw flowers and some pointed. "Here we go," Sloan sighed.
"I can't believe that Ed's death is being used like this," Darien said in anger.
"Ed would not want this," Sloan said as she looked around. Some where holding signs promoting peace and some were even dressed like hippies flashing the peace sign to passing cars. But there were also signs that supported the bill.
"It's the sixties all over again," Darcy retorted.
"Looks like Senator Allen is getting the media attention he wanted for his bill," Tom said sullenly.
"That bastard," Darcy looked around, "Sorry, that was disrespectful at a time like this." Darien patted her on her leg and smiled at her.
"It's okay kiddo, I think you were just expressing how we all feel," Hobbes said as he carefully studied the crowd. The camera crews were also kept at a safe distance and were not allowed on the church grounds so that the family can have some sort of privacy while trying to go inside the church.
"Any dominants in the group?" Sloan asked.
"Yeah, and they know we're here too," Darien replied as he drove into the parking lot. He parked the car and everyone stepped out. There were sounds of boos from the group gathered across the street and they turned their attention towards the street.
Darien watched as a large black limo pulled up to the church with a police escort. People stopped or turned around to see who it was. Darien, Tom and Darcy stared at each other. "So, he did so up after all. Too bad," Darcy said with hatred in her voice.
"Probably wants to gain votes and support for his bill," Darien said as they watched Senator Allen step from the limo.
Even Irene rolled her eyes. She walked up to Darien and the others, "I prayed that he would not show up, but I will not let him turn my son's funeral into a media circus." She immediately walked up to him.
"Some how I get the feeling that Ed didn't inherit his quick temper from his father," Tom said with some amusement in his voice.
"This I gotta see," Hobbes said.
Some of the secret agents stopped Hobbes, but he pulled out his badge, "Back off gentlemen."
They let Hobbes and the others through so they could hear Irene confront Senator Allen. Irene was all smiles when she greeted him, "Senator Allen, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said as she walked up to him and they shook hands. She leaned in to give him a hug, but whispered in his ear, "Now, go away, please," she pulled away and glared at him, she looked at the TV crews across the street and then back to him, "You've turned my son's death into a political war cry in support of your disgusting bill. I did not ask you to come nor do I want you here." She glared at him fiercely, "How dare you use my son's death for your own political agenda," she turned and walked away.
Claire walked up to the Senator, "Senator, I'm Claire Keeply, Ed's fiancé, let me just tell you this. He believed that peace could be achieved, that's what he strived for. You and your supporters are using his death to propagate a lie. You are no better than those dominants who want war." Claire turned and walked away as well.
Walter stood by with his hands in the pockets of his coat. Senator Allen walked up to him, "Dr. Attwood, would you please…"
"Sorry, Senator Allen, but I can't control a grieving mother or Dr. Tate's fiancé. They have every right to be upset. If I were you, I would keep a low profile during the service." Walter turned and walked away.
Next in line was Darien. Hobbes looked at his partner and wondered what he would do. Senator walked up to Darien and they glared at each other, "I know what you are, Agent Fawkes."
"Good, cause I know what you are too. 'Today the real test of power is not the capacity to make war but the capacity to prevent it.'" Darien walked away followed by Darcy.
Senator Allen walked up to Sloan, "I've always wanted to meet you Dr. Parker," he held his hand out.
Sloan glared at him, "Senator, please excuse me, but what you're doing is wrong. This isn't the way and using Ed like this is uncalled for." She walked away with Tom.
Even Mark was there with Shane by his side. Mark walked up to Senator Allen, "You know, Senator, for a human, Ed sure had a lot of friends that are dominants. That should tell you something about the man and his beliefs. You're tainting his good name and using it to start a war that no one will win."
Hobbes was next, "Tell me Senator, what's next The Nuremberg Race Laws?" Hobbes walked away and Darien met up with him as they walked inside the church.
Even the priest greeted Senator Allen in the parking lot. "Senator, I must tell you, that your presence here is troublesome. This is a house of worship and not a political platform. I can't keep anyone from entering this house of God, but I pray that you do understand that this is a solemn occasion for Dr. Tate's family and his friends. I hope that you will show the reverence that is due at this time and refrain from turning this funeral into anything other than that. After all, Senator, separation of Church and State works both ways."
"Pastor, you have my word that I am here to show support to Dr. Tate's grieving family and his fiancé."
"Hmm…as a minister of God, I must refrain from casting judgments, but in this case, I would have to wonder about your true intentions here today. Now if you excuse me, I need to prepare myself," he turned and walked away.
Senator Allen's secretary came up to him, "You don't seem like a popular person here today. Even the Episcopalian priest questions your motives."
~*~
When Ed woke up, he found himself in a room lying on a mattress that was covered by a sheet. Ed groaned as his head throbbed, he tried to sit up and was hit with nausea. He lay back down and his whole body broke out in a sweat. Ed lifted his wrist to check his tattoo, but his wrists were bandaged and they hurt, including his ankles. He pulled the dressing down to take a peek at his tattoo and nearly gasped at what he saw. The days of being strapped down and struggling had caused injuries similar to leather burns or rope burns on his wrist. He was sure that the same had happened to his ankles as well. He was able to get a good look at his tattoo and from what he could tell, he was half full, "Great," he mumbled softly.
He tried again to sit up, he managed to half way up and that was as far as he could go. He decided that he would just stay like that for awhile until he could move again. He wasn't going anywhere anyway. As he gazed around the room he noticed that the only piece of furniture was the mattress he was on. Nothing else, no sink, no toilet, nothing. The mattress wasn't even on a cot. The walls were concrete and the door was metal with no handle or knob on the inside. There was a large mirror centered in one of the walls and he knew what that was for. He studied the ceiling and saw a camera with a little blinking red light on it, 'Smile, Tate, you're on candid camera,' he smirked to himself.
Ed leaned his head up against the wall and drew his knees up close to his chest as he wrapped his arms around his legs. The voice that he heard earlier haunted his thoughts. 'They're not looking for you, they think you're dead, you're dead and buried, they won't come for you,' Ed shook that voice away in his mind and spoke softly to himself, "No, I won't believe you."
The sound of the mechanical lock shook Ed from his thoughts. He gazed towards the door and watched it open. A young woman stepped inside carrying a tray of food. "My last meal I assume," Ed said mordantly.
"No, Dr. Tate," Ed recognized the woman and he drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, "They have you delivering meals now?"
"I wanted to talk, that's all," Tara kneeled down and set the tray down on the mattress.
"Well, I'd offer you a chair to sit on but 'Ethan Allen' hasn't delivered them yet. Yeah, I ordered this really nice dinning room set, living room and a bedroom set but all they sent me was this mattress. I mean, what kind of service is that?"
"Ed…"
"Ed what!?! Stop being sarcastic? You tell me how I'm supposed to react to being torn away from the woman I love, my family and my friends!" Ed glared at her, "You don't have any idea what I'm going through!"
"You're right, I don't know what you're going through. But I can sense the pain you're in."
Ed shook his head, "Damn you and everyone else here! You torture me and now you want to talk…how about you give me counteragent and not that fake stuff and…and not strap me down to a cold metal table. How about you let me talk to my fiancé, and then we will talk!" Ed said in a demanding tone as he pointed to her and then back to himself.
Tara looked at him in shock. Ed noted the expression on her face, "I'm sure even you know what fiancé means."
"I had no idea," Tara looked down at the floor.
"Don't you realize how you've ruined my life…MY LIFE!!" Ed hollered. He paused and looked around, he turned his gaze back to her, "So what happens to me now?"
Tara turned around to face him again, "I can't answer that."
"Just f…great," Ed ran his hand through his hair in frustration, "Okay, is there anything you can tell me?"
"I can't tell you anything that concerns you," Tara said.
"Okay, well, then, I uhhm…guess you can leave and take this prison garbage with you," Ed pushed the tray towards her and then he turned his head away from her.
"You have to eat," she refused to take it and looked at Ed sternly.
"Why? Who cares if I starve to death, I'm already dead remember?"
"You haven't eaten in days. You need your strength," Tara pleaded with him.
Ed turned to face her again, "Need my strength for what? More tests? So I don't die on them before they can fix the mutation in the gland?" Ed paused to see what her reaction would be and then continued, "Let me tell you something, I'm not leaving here alive, I know that. Once the mutation is fixed, it's harvest time, you're looking at dead man walking here, Dr. Marsh, so don't feed me any lies. I'm gonna end up in some unmarked grave or my ashes scattered somewhere while some stranger lies in a grave marked for me." Ed's eyes welled up, "Just go…please."
Tara got up and headed for the door, she took one last look at him, "I left your dinner just in case you change your mind."
"They want me to go stage five don't they?" Ed said with a hint of trepidation in his voice.
She looked at him and then at the window and camera, "I'm sorry, Dr. Tate, I know it's hard for you to believe, but it's the truth." The door opened and she walked out.
Ed turned and stared at the tray for a minute. He picked it up, studied the contents and promptly tossed it at the window as he told whoever was on the other side what he thought about them using extremely colorful metaphors. The tray made a loud crash against the unbreakable glass and the food made a messy trail down the mirror to the floor.
A few moments later, the door unlocked and a rather large soldier came in with a lady carrying cleaning supplies. The soldier walked up to Ed, "You get to clean that up."
"Go to hell, GI Joe," Ed responded harshly as he leaned up against the wall.
The soldier smiled and used a cattle prod on Ed. Ed gripped his chest and lay on the mattress in pain. The soldier leaned over Ed and told him again, "Get up and clean up that mess or this will go where you don't want it to."
Ed watched him as he hit his hand with the cattle prod. 'Tate, don't get yourself in anymore trouble, just do it,' he thought to himself as he struggled to stand up. Ed didn't move fast enough and was rewarded with a shock to his back.
"Move faster!" The soldier barked out his order.
He glared at the soldier menacingly as he struggled to stand up. He reluctantly took the mop and other cleaning supplies and began to clean up mess.
"Do a good job and another meal will be brought to you, do a bad job and it's shock treatment time." The soldier stood indolently as he watched Ed clean.
Unconsciously, Ed was putting all the faces of the people who have mistreated him to memory and on top of his list, the Lady, followed by Dr. Alvarez and then GI Joe.
TBC…
Asante Rhodes stood in the observation room as he watched Ed. He had been there for nearly two days now and what he saw was not pleasing. He heard the door open and he turned around quickly, "Dr. Marsh, I came as soon as I could." There was a moment of silence, and then he continued, "How is he? I mean, what do you sense from him?"
She approached the window and stood next to Asante, "I don't think he's going to last much longer."
"I was afraid of that, I didn't think this would happen. I was assured that Dr. Tate would not be harmed. I should have realized who I was dealing with," Asante said.
She nodded in agreement, and then she looked at him with uncertainty on her face, "He's very tired. They haven't given him time to rest or eat. They're letting him go into stage five soon to run more tests…he's slipping slowly, losing all mental control," she said as she looked at Asante and spoke to him in a serious tone, "If I didn't know better, I'd say they were trying to brainwash him."
Asante let out a deep long sigh, "He's been lying there for almost three days and going back and forth into quicksilver madness while they run tests, it wouldn't be too difficult to accomplish that. They've ignored him and he probably feels abandoned." He looked at her again, "If he goes into stage five and they brainwash him, with the proper training he could be used as a weapon and a very deadly one."
Tara noted the serious in the words that Asante spoke. She had read about the different stages and what Ed had done during stage three when he returned to the Agency. If Ed had no second thoughts about killing Tom, what was he capable of in stage five? "Are you going to do what we discussed, because if not, then I will do it myself."
He turned to look at her and shook his head, "Yeah, I'm in." They both turned and looked at Ed. The hours of being forced in and out of quicksilver madness was taking its toll on the young scientist and it showed.
"I've delayed in my efforts to clone the gland, but I don't know how much longer I can. They know that the organization Chrysalis was able to clone the gland they removed from Arnaud de Fohn. It's only a matter of time before they get suspicious of me," Tara said.
Asante looked at her with concern, "You be careful…I'll do my part. They're at the funeral today. I'll send them the message tonight." He watched as Tara nodded and then left, he turned his gaze back to Ed. He remembered his confrontation with Dr. Alvarez and Andrea Welsh, a.k.a. the Lady. He had told her that he didn't approve of the treatment Ed was getting and she just shrugged him off saying that it was necessary. Dr. Alvarez had argued if they were going to duplicate the gland they would need all the information they could gather.
Asante didn't believe this, if he had known what their real intentions were, he would never had gone along with it. Now he regretted it and there was only thing he could do to fix that, get Dr. Tate out alive.
~*~
It was a bright sunny morning in Laguna Beach as the group gathered in a room at the crematory. A small ceremony for just close friends and family had been planned for the cremation. The actual internment of the ashes at the cemetery would take place later on in the day and the actual funeral would be at the Church. A large crowd was expected and that was only because of the media hype and Senator Allen who was expected to attend, much to the dismay of Irene and the others.
The priest from St. Mary's Episcopal Church was there to officiate the short service. He came in and greeted the rather large group of family and friends gathered in the room. Ed may have been the only child for Jonathan and Irene, but he had plenty of aunts, uncles and cousins.
The priest opened up the prayer book and began the service, "Dear Friends: It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Let us pray, then, for our brother Edward, that he may rest from his labors, and enter into the light of God's eternal Sabbath rest. Receive, O Lord, your servant, for he returns to you.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe him in his heavenly wedding garment.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May he hear your words of invitation, "Come, you blessed of my Father.'
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May he gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward. May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother Edward.
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brother Edward into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen." The priest turned towards the double doors and nodded. The two men opened the doors and stood off to the side. Darien, Tom, Hobbes, Jonathan and two uncles carried the casket in as soft music played. They placed the casket on the stand in front of the cremation chamber and stood with the group on either side.
Darien, Darcy, Hobbes and Claire stood on one side with Irene and her parents; next to them was, Jonathan Tate, Ed's Grandmother Erika Tate and other members of the Tate family. Across from them was Sloan, Tom, Walter, Ray and his family, the Official, Eberts and members of the Morgan family. Claire leaned on Darien and started crying. Darien wrapped his arm around her and held her tight. Irene nearly fell to her knees but Jonathan was there to hold her up. Matt started crying and wrapped his arms around Ray. Sloan cried and Tom held her for support.
Ed lay on the table and was barely able to keep his eyes opened as another wave of pain swept through his head. A voice in his head spoke to him, "They think you're dead, and they're having a funeral for you right now. They won't be looking for you."
Ed shook his head in defiance, but the voice was relentless. "They won't be looking for you. This happened to you because of the dominants, if they hadn't come along you would still be living and not dead. It's because of them you're here."
Ed closed his eyes and a tear escaped leaving a wet trail down the side of his face.
The priest continued with the reception of the body with these prayers. "With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Edward for cremation and later for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the Giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints.
There was a brief moment of silence. Then the priest continued.
"Deliver your servant, Edward, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love. Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, in your mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
The priest continued, "O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Edward. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The priest then proceeded to read from Scripture. He gave a short homily and proceeded to say a blessing over the casket.
Ed eyed the man with disdain. The thought of ripping his head off was very pleasant at the moment. He lifted his head and breathed heavily through his nostrils like a bull ready to charge. If only he could break free then he could fulfill his dream.
Dr. Alvarez gazed down at Ed and his blood colored eyes that glared forebodingly back at him, "I see that you're ready for more counteragent. Maybe I'll even piggy back a sedative so that the nurse can clean you up a bit without you giving her any trouble."
Ed struggled in the restraints and slung muffled curses at Dr. Alvarez.
There was a cross on top of the casket and that was handed to Irene by the priest who then hugged her as he gave her his condolences. She shook her head at his words and held the cross to her chest tightly. He then continued with the committal part of the service. This will also be said at the gravesite but in the case of a cremation, it can be said here as well.
"In the midst of life we are in death;
of whom may we seek for succor,
but of thee, O Lord,
who for our sins art justly displeased?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty,
O holy and most merciful Savior,
deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts;
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer;
but spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty,
O holy and merciful Savior,
thou most worthy Judge eternal.
Suffer us not, at our last hour,
through any pains of death, to fall from thee.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Edward.; and we commit his body to its resting place; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him , the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him , the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. Amen.
The Lord be with you,"
Everyone gathered responded, "And with thy spirit."
"Let us pray
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
O Almighty God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, who by a voice from heaven didst proclaim, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Multiply, we beseech thee, to those who rest in Jesus the manifold blessings of thy love, that the good work which thou didst begin in them may be made perfect unto the day of Jesus Christ. And of thy mercy, O heavenly Father, grant that we, who now serve thee on earth, may at last, together with them, be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
There was a silent pause before the priest continued. Sobs could be heard echoing through the room. The private intimate service was over and the priest dismissed the small group with these final words.
"The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
The dreaded needle, as many times before, plunged into Ed's vein again. He felt the rush of heat as the counteragent was pushed through the vein and rushed to his head. He swam in a whirlpool of confusion and fought to keep his eyes open. A voice echoed in his head again, 'You're alone and it's because of the dominants.' He was barely able to shake his head in disbelief at the voice, 'It's not true,' he managed to reply in his mind before his world went dark.
"Rest eternal grant to him , O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."
Darien walked up to the casket and laid his hand on top of it, "Rest, bro." Claire was next and she kissed the top where Ed's head was underneath, her lipstick left a mark on the light colored wood. She whispered as if not to wake him, "I love you…" she had wanted to say more but couldn't. Hobbes came up to her and touched her gently on her back. She looked up and broke down in his arms, "I can't…I can't…" she sobbed as Hobbes walked her away.
Irene clutched the cross in one hand as she rubbed the other hand over the casket repeatedly while she cried. Her tears fell on the casket as she repeated, "My baby…my baby…my baby…"
Once everyone had the chance to say their private goodbyes, the casket was slowly placed inside the cremation chamber as 'Amazing Grace' played in the background and then the door closed.
Hobbes stayed with Claire as they walked out of the room, but she kept turning back to look. She didn't know if she could make it through the afternoon service when Ed is finally laid to rest. At least they had a break now and they were headed back to Irene's house for a family gathering.
Irene kept mumbling about her son as she walked with Walter. Jonathan helped his mother, Erika. Ed was her first grandchild and she remembered when she held him in her arms shortly after he was born. She had commented on how happy and content he was, and now she would give anything to have that moment back.
~*~
On the drive back to Irene's, Tom thought back to four years earlier in the Lassen Forest.
Tom half carried Ed in search of water, he could sense that Ed was getting weaker, "How you doing, Ed?"
"Oh just peachy," Ed said through gasps. "Tom."
"Yes, Ed."
"I'm going to pass out now."
"Ed, stay awake for me." Tom stopped to put Ed down and gave him some rest. Tom grabbed him by the collar of this shirt, "You have to stay awake. Do you hear me? Lewis is following us."
Ed groggily sat up using his arms for support, "Tom, I…I…can't. Just leave me."
"No, Ed, I can't do that."
"Damn it, Tom, you're as stubborn as a mule," Ed yelled out with all the strength he could muster.
"So are you," Tom stood straight up and stared down at the disheveled scientist.
Ed looked up at Tom with a serious expression and then started to laugh. He lifted up his hand and pointed a finger at Tom, "You know, you're right, but now is not the time for this. Why should you get caught by Lewis too?"
"Because like I told you earlier, I made a promise to Sloan to protect you," Tom said as he bent down to look Ed straight in his face.
Ed turned away; he couldn't look in Tom's face. He remembered Sloan asking him to do the same for Tom and he had failed. "Tom…"
Tom cut Ed off, "It wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing what was going to happen. But this time, I do. I know that Lewis is looking for us. I won't leave you."
Ed looked at Tom. Could he believe him? Was Tom sincere? He didn't have the instincts to know for sure, but Tom has gotten him this far. He could have left Ed at the wreckage, but he didn't. Ed had no choice but to trust him, his life was in his hands and frankly, Ed didn't want to end up in Lewis' hands.
"Okay, look, we need to find an area with dense vegetation. A lot of plants mean water. Also, we can look for ants or bees going into a tree, there's a sure bet that there's water in there or around the area." Ed looked around, "It's late though and we need to rest. We can wait until morning and gather up the dew that forms on the leaves. The important thing now is that we keep warm until then. Temperatures in forests can drop drastically during the night." Ed closed his eyes.
"Don't you fall asleep; you know you have to stay awake." Tom had to help him somehow.
Ed shook his head, "Yes, I know, when we sleep our core body temperature drops." Ed looked around, "Uhmm…we can cover ourselves up in these leaves and then huddle close together. The leaves and our own body warmth should do the trick and we can get some sleep without worrying about hypothermia."
Tom immediately started to cover Ed up in leaves. When he was finished, he sat down next to Ed and covered himself up as well. He held Ed close to him.
"Uh, Tom…what are you doing?"
"Keeping you warm. You said if we huddle close our body heat will help keep each other warm."
"I did say that didn't I?" Ed paused and then continued giving Tom a stern warning, "Okay, but if you fall asleep and start dreaming intimately about Sloan…one thing here okay, I'm not Sloan. If you kiss me or try anything else, I'm gonna knock your lights out."
Tom chuckled and smiled, "Don't worry, Ed. I won't kiss you or try anything else."
"Good, cause I don't ride that wave, you get my meaning?"
"Yes, I do." Tom smiled.
"Okay, good, glad we cleared that up," Ed leaned his head back and closed his eyes. In just a few short minutes, he was fast asleep. Tom never slept; he stayed awake to keep guard. He was determined to get him and Ed out of this situation unharmed.
"Tom, we're here," Sloan said as she patted him on his arm.
Tom gazed at her and shook his head. He followed everyone inside the house. No one spoke as they settled in and waited for the afternoon to come.
Walter turned on the TV in another part of house to keep up to date on the news. He sighed and shook his head when the major news stations had satellite feeds from Laguna Beach. The reports now stated that the private ceremony concluded and that crowds had already started to gather across from the church and elsewhere around the town. Some were protests against the bill and others were in support of it. Both sides were kept far away from each other to avoid any trouble. It was reported that a larger gathering for both sides was scheduled after the funeral in separate locations. It's expected that the rally in support of the bill will be much larger than then the one against it. This reminded Walter of the protests for the war in Iraq.
Darien joined Walter in front of the TV, "They're really using this to their advantage aren't they?"
"I'm afraid that after today's service, it'll only get worse with emotions running high. What does Irene think of this?"
"She hates it. She blames all this media attention on Senator Allen. She doesn't believe that this is what Ed would want, but Jonathan," Darien let out a sigh, "He wants revenge, and he's for the bill."
"Does he know about you, Darcy and Tom?"
"No."
"We should keep it that way," Walter said as he turned his attention back to the TV.
~*~
Ed's parents, grandparents and Claire rode in the limo in front of the others. Tom, Sloan, Darien, Darcy and Hobbes rode in Claire's SUV. As they drove up to the Church they spotted a large crowd gathered across the street. "All of Laguna Beach must be here and then some," noted Hobbes.
They drove past and the people waved and threw flowers and some pointed. "Here we go," Sloan sighed.
"I can't believe that Ed's death is being used like this," Darien said in anger.
"Ed would not want this," Sloan said as she looked around. Some where holding signs promoting peace and some were even dressed like hippies flashing the peace sign to passing cars. But there were also signs that supported the bill.
"It's the sixties all over again," Darcy retorted.
"Looks like Senator Allen is getting the media attention he wanted for his bill," Tom said sullenly.
"That bastard," Darcy looked around, "Sorry, that was disrespectful at a time like this." Darien patted her on her leg and smiled at her.
"It's okay kiddo, I think you were just expressing how we all feel," Hobbes said as he carefully studied the crowd. The camera crews were also kept at a safe distance and were not allowed on the church grounds so that the family can have some sort of privacy while trying to go inside the church.
"Any dominants in the group?" Sloan asked.
"Yeah, and they know we're here too," Darien replied as he drove into the parking lot. He parked the car and everyone stepped out. There were sounds of boos from the group gathered across the street and they turned their attention towards the street.
Darien watched as a large black limo pulled up to the church with a police escort. People stopped or turned around to see who it was. Darien, Tom and Darcy stared at each other. "So, he did so up after all. Too bad," Darcy said with hatred in her voice.
"Probably wants to gain votes and support for his bill," Darien said as they watched Senator Allen step from the limo.
Even Irene rolled her eyes. She walked up to Darien and the others, "I prayed that he would not show up, but I will not let him turn my son's funeral into a media circus." She immediately walked up to him.
"Some how I get the feeling that Ed didn't inherit his quick temper from his father," Tom said with some amusement in his voice.
"This I gotta see," Hobbes said.
Some of the secret agents stopped Hobbes, but he pulled out his badge, "Back off gentlemen."
They let Hobbes and the others through so they could hear Irene confront Senator Allen. Irene was all smiles when she greeted him, "Senator Allen, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said as she walked up to him and they shook hands. She leaned in to give him a hug, but whispered in his ear, "Now, go away, please," she pulled away and glared at him, she looked at the TV crews across the street and then back to him, "You've turned my son's death into a political war cry in support of your disgusting bill. I did not ask you to come nor do I want you here." She glared at him fiercely, "How dare you use my son's death for your own political agenda," she turned and walked away.
Claire walked up to the Senator, "Senator, I'm Claire Keeply, Ed's fiancé, let me just tell you this. He believed that peace could be achieved, that's what he strived for. You and your supporters are using his death to propagate a lie. You are no better than those dominants who want war." Claire turned and walked away as well.
Walter stood by with his hands in the pockets of his coat. Senator Allen walked up to him, "Dr. Attwood, would you please…"
"Sorry, Senator Allen, but I can't control a grieving mother or Dr. Tate's fiancé. They have every right to be upset. If I were you, I would keep a low profile during the service." Walter turned and walked away.
Next in line was Darien. Hobbes looked at his partner and wondered what he would do. Senator walked up to Darien and they glared at each other, "I know what you are, Agent Fawkes."
"Good, cause I know what you are too. 'Today the real test of power is not the capacity to make war but the capacity to prevent it.'" Darien walked away followed by Darcy.
Senator Allen walked up to Sloan, "I've always wanted to meet you Dr. Parker," he held his hand out.
Sloan glared at him, "Senator, please excuse me, but what you're doing is wrong. This isn't the way and using Ed like this is uncalled for." She walked away with Tom.
Even Mark was there with Shane by his side. Mark walked up to Senator Allen, "You know, Senator, for a human, Ed sure had a lot of friends that are dominants. That should tell you something about the man and his beliefs. You're tainting his good name and using it to start a war that no one will win."
Hobbes was next, "Tell me Senator, what's next The Nuremberg Race Laws?" Hobbes walked away and Darien met up with him as they walked inside the church.
Even the priest greeted Senator Allen in the parking lot. "Senator, I must tell you, that your presence here is troublesome. This is a house of worship and not a political platform. I can't keep anyone from entering this house of God, but I pray that you do understand that this is a solemn occasion for Dr. Tate's family and his friends. I hope that you will show the reverence that is due at this time and refrain from turning this funeral into anything other than that. After all, Senator, separation of Church and State works both ways."
"Pastor, you have my word that I am here to show support to Dr. Tate's grieving family and his fiancé."
"Hmm…as a minister of God, I must refrain from casting judgments, but in this case, I would have to wonder about your true intentions here today. Now if you excuse me, I need to prepare myself," he turned and walked away.
Senator Allen's secretary came up to him, "You don't seem like a popular person here today. Even the Episcopalian priest questions your motives."
~*~
When Ed woke up, he found himself in a room lying on a mattress that was covered by a sheet. Ed groaned as his head throbbed, he tried to sit up and was hit with nausea. He lay back down and his whole body broke out in a sweat. Ed lifted his wrist to check his tattoo, but his wrists were bandaged and they hurt, including his ankles. He pulled the dressing down to take a peek at his tattoo and nearly gasped at what he saw. The days of being strapped down and struggling had caused injuries similar to leather burns or rope burns on his wrist. He was sure that the same had happened to his ankles as well. He was able to get a good look at his tattoo and from what he could tell, he was half full, "Great," he mumbled softly.
He tried again to sit up, he managed to half way up and that was as far as he could go. He decided that he would just stay like that for awhile until he could move again. He wasn't going anywhere anyway. As he gazed around the room he noticed that the only piece of furniture was the mattress he was on. Nothing else, no sink, no toilet, nothing. The mattress wasn't even on a cot. The walls were concrete and the door was metal with no handle or knob on the inside. There was a large mirror centered in one of the walls and he knew what that was for. He studied the ceiling and saw a camera with a little blinking red light on it, 'Smile, Tate, you're on candid camera,' he smirked to himself.
Ed leaned his head up against the wall and drew his knees up close to his chest as he wrapped his arms around his legs. The voice that he heard earlier haunted his thoughts. 'They're not looking for you, they think you're dead, you're dead and buried, they won't come for you,' Ed shook that voice away in his mind and spoke softly to himself, "No, I won't believe you."
The sound of the mechanical lock shook Ed from his thoughts. He gazed towards the door and watched it open. A young woman stepped inside carrying a tray of food. "My last meal I assume," Ed said mordantly.
"No, Dr. Tate," Ed recognized the woman and he drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, "They have you delivering meals now?"
"I wanted to talk, that's all," Tara kneeled down and set the tray down on the mattress.
"Well, I'd offer you a chair to sit on but 'Ethan Allen' hasn't delivered them yet. Yeah, I ordered this really nice dinning room set, living room and a bedroom set but all they sent me was this mattress. I mean, what kind of service is that?"
"Ed…"
"Ed what!?! Stop being sarcastic? You tell me how I'm supposed to react to being torn away from the woman I love, my family and my friends!" Ed glared at her, "You don't have any idea what I'm going through!"
"You're right, I don't know what you're going through. But I can sense the pain you're in."
Ed shook his head, "Damn you and everyone else here! You torture me and now you want to talk…how about you give me counteragent and not that fake stuff and…and not strap me down to a cold metal table. How about you let me talk to my fiancé, and then we will talk!" Ed said in a demanding tone as he pointed to her and then back to himself.
Tara looked at him in shock. Ed noted the expression on her face, "I'm sure even you know what fiancé means."
"I had no idea," Tara looked down at the floor.
"Don't you realize how you've ruined my life…MY LIFE!!" Ed hollered. He paused and looked around, he turned his gaze back to her, "So what happens to me now?"
Tara turned around to face him again, "I can't answer that."
"Just f…great," Ed ran his hand through his hair in frustration, "Okay, is there anything you can tell me?"
"I can't tell you anything that concerns you," Tara said.
"Okay, well, then, I uhhm…guess you can leave and take this prison garbage with you," Ed pushed the tray towards her and then he turned his head away from her.
"You have to eat," she refused to take it and looked at Ed sternly.
"Why? Who cares if I starve to death, I'm already dead remember?"
"You haven't eaten in days. You need your strength," Tara pleaded with him.
Ed turned to face her again, "Need my strength for what? More tests? So I don't die on them before they can fix the mutation in the gland?" Ed paused to see what her reaction would be and then continued, "Let me tell you something, I'm not leaving here alive, I know that. Once the mutation is fixed, it's harvest time, you're looking at dead man walking here, Dr. Marsh, so don't feed me any lies. I'm gonna end up in some unmarked grave or my ashes scattered somewhere while some stranger lies in a grave marked for me." Ed's eyes welled up, "Just go…please."
Tara got up and headed for the door, she took one last look at him, "I left your dinner just in case you change your mind."
"They want me to go stage five don't they?" Ed said with a hint of trepidation in his voice.
She looked at him and then at the window and camera, "I'm sorry, Dr. Tate, I know it's hard for you to believe, but it's the truth." The door opened and she walked out.
Ed turned and stared at the tray for a minute. He picked it up, studied the contents and promptly tossed it at the window as he told whoever was on the other side what he thought about them using extremely colorful metaphors. The tray made a loud crash against the unbreakable glass and the food made a messy trail down the mirror to the floor.
A few moments later, the door unlocked and a rather large soldier came in with a lady carrying cleaning supplies. The soldier walked up to Ed, "You get to clean that up."
"Go to hell, GI Joe," Ed responded harshly as he leaned up against the wall.
The soldier smiled and used a cattle prod on Ed. Ed gripped his chest and lay on the mattress in pain. The soldier leaned over Ed and told him again, "Get up and clean up that mess or this will go where you don't want it to."
Ed watched him as he hit his hand with the cattle prod. 'Tate, don't get yourself in anymore trouble, just do it,' he thought to himself as he struggled to stand up. Ed didn't move fast enough and was rewarded with a shock to his back.
"Move faster!" The soldier barked out his order.
He glared at the soldier menacingly as he struggled to stand up. He reluctantly took the mop and other cleaning supplies and began to clean up mess.
"Do a good job and another meal will be brought to you, do a bad job and it's shock treatment time." The soldier stood indolently as he watched Ed clean.
Unconsciously, Ed was putting all the faces of the people who have mistreated him to memory and on top of his list, the Lady, followed by Dr. Alvarez and then GI Joe.
TBC…