Chapter 2: The Change
Well how are you doing? Fine I guess, so what do I have to do to get out of the annoying wheelchair? Well for starters try standing up. Ok—I made it, but it feels weird. Yes it will, okay now try to walk slowly to the door but not fast! Sure. So how do you feel? Strange but okay, weird enough I can feel every step. Yes, you mind controls what you sense to feel. Try thinking not to feel with your feet. Sure. (Kelsey tries but can't master the skill) It does not work. Well maybe this will. (Takes out a needle with a blue fluid) What is that? A test. He jabs it into her leg and pain shoots up her leg, but as she can't stand it, it goes away so the pain is gone) I can't feel it. (Pain comes back) Now I can. You see Kelsey to blood feeds to the sensors that feed to your chip it your mind pain, to sensations of putting your feet in cold water. All right—now we understand that concept, try to walk outside. The ground seems uneven. That's all right, it's normal all right here comes the big part, I want you to run to Bay Street KFC, when we get there we will break for lunch. But that will take hours, it will be dinner when I get there—well you better get going.
(Kelsey begins to run, and staggers a little, but gains control. As she gains momentum she begins to go faster and faster, as she reaches KFC in three minutes, Les is not there, but as she turns around Les just walks in with a smile on his face, Kelsey is panting hard to catch her breath. As they break for lunch they talk) So Les why did you choose me? Well that's easy when a person is born they are given a social security number, and the last three letters usually tell the government if you are expendable or useable. The call numbers for this project is EDI, what's your social security number? 84-44-549, there is no EDI. What does 549 stands for in letters? Ah—5 is an E, 4 is D, and 9 is I—EDI—quite impressive, and sneaky. Yes, but useful. So when you had your accident we had to check your birthright card, also Jake requested the procedure. Now in the hospital I ask what is bionic and you told me to wait 48 hours. Well bionic comes from the Greek word bio for life, and nics for man made parts. So you are trying to say is? That you Kelsey had a near to fatal drop and we at the Department of Technology ran a check and you matched, if not well I was also desperate for my job—I was to be shut down because I did not believe destroying life for science, but with you accident well here we are, you're healed and I still have a job. Okay Les I'll play along, but I must have a life—no science testing for studying at great depth. Agreed, but a word of caution you need to recharge the bionics every week and if it is damaged whatever you do—don't get into water—it will hurt! Oh and one more thing—don't tell no one—third world countries won't be thinking in humanitarian ways to claim the technology you have. Yes Les—well it's getting late and I need to get home. Yes I agree, if you have questions please call me immediately!
(Kelsey arrives home as Les drops her off) Remember Kelsey—no one! Yes Les. (Kelsey enters the house) Honey I'm home, oh there you are—are you all right? All right—Kelsey I thought you were dead! I was wounded; I spent a few days in the hospital and was released today. Well it's good to hear that Kelsey, but I just can't handle your stupidity, so I just finished the legal paper—we're divorced. Why? Because of your friends at the CIA told me that if I left you they would grant me 45 billion dollars, and if I stayed with you only 2 billion to our future children if we had any—so I plan to start anew and give up you. And whatever they did to you—I hope truly that your tortures burn in hell for that matters Kelsey! (He walks out. Kelsey sits down and cry's as she looks at herself)