AUTHOR'S NOTE: Surprise early update! I couldn't wait another day to post this! Enjoy...
Z-Band Check
Wednesday, December 16th. The day had been circled on Zed's calendar for months. As much as he had hoped the day wouldn't come, it still had. Today was his assigned day to have his Z-band checked for tampering and damage and for any available updates to be installed. Normally Zed dreaded this day, but after everything that had happened with his dad last month, he was downright terrified. To make matters worse, Addison had made good on her threat and somehow convinced her father to allow her to be there.
It was 7 am and Zed was pacing nervously around the den as he waited for Addison and her father to pick him up. It was the only bright side to the entire situation. He'd much rather ride in a car with his gorgeous girlfriend than be crammed into the back of the Z-Patrol transport van.
"Son, you're going to wear a path in the carpet if you don't stop pacing," Zevon said as he walked into the room.
Zed stopped and ran his hands nervously through his thick green hair. "Sorry, Pops."
Zevon gave his son a sympathetic look before he wrapped him in a hug. "It's going to be fine. You're young and strong. The chances of anything happening are close to zero." he whispered, trying his best to calm his nerves.
"Pops, I know that, but there's still a chance. And now I've got to worry about Addie being there and..." he couldn't say anything else. Tears began to fill his eyes. As Zed, went to wipe them on his shirt sleeve, he heard Chief Dale's car pull up outside. "I've got to go."
"Son, look at me. Everything is going to be fine. I'll see you back here this evening. I love you, Zed."
"I love you too, Pops. Tell Zoey I'll see her tonight." Zed said as he walked out of the house and towards the car.
Zed opened the rear passenger side door and sighed. "Couldn't talk her out of it, Chief?"
Chief Dale let out a humorless laugh as Zed got into the car. "You try telling her 'no'."
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When they reached the Zombie Containment Center, Zed was surprised when they walked in the opposite direction than he was used to.
"Chief? Um, aren't Z-Band checks done that way?" he asked as he pointed behind them.
"Normally, yes. But you're not going to general containment. I'm not letting my daughter anywhere near there, so we're going to do things a little different today. We're heading over to the medical wing."
"Isn't that less secure?" Zed asked with a slight edge of panic in his voice.
"Gus and I will be in the room the entire time. The hospital beds have all the necessary restraints. We'll have it sitting upright so it's more similar to the chairs in the containment rooms. And most importantly, Addison will be on the other side of the observation window."
"Oh, thank God."
"What?! Dad, that is not what we discussed."
Dale stopped and turned to look at his daughter. "What we discussed was you coming today. You're not going to be in a room with any zombie without a band."
"I completely agree with your dad, Addie."
Addison glared at Zed before turning to face her father. "You both need to listen to me. I'm going to be in that room. Dad, you just said that the bed has the necessary restraints and that you and Gus will be in the room. I know Zed would never hurt me. The last time he was offline without restraints he couldn't even hurt Bucky, and that was before he liked him!" Her eyes suddenly started to fill with tears as she turned to look at Zed once more. "And God forbid something were to happen, I can't not be next to you."
Zed pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Shhhh….Don't cry, gorgeous. Nothing is going to go wrong."
Dale looked at the two of them. He hated seeing his little girl cry. "Fine. But I'm upping security."
Zed gave him a look. "That's not what you're supposed to say! You're supposed to say something like, 'It's safer for you to be as far away as possible from the brain-eating Zombie!'"
Dale let out a small laugh. "Blame the tears."
They walked a little further down the hall and stopped at a security checkpoint where Gus was waiting for them. Dale requested three additional guards and a Z-Band tech meet them in the room.
Once they were in the hospital room, Zed pulled Addison in for a tight hug. "Addison, I love you. No matter what happens when my band comes off, or when it's put back on….I love you. Please know that" he whispered.
"I love you too, Zed. Nothing is going to change that. I promise," she said as she pulled him down for a kiss. She didn't care if her father and several Z-Patrol officers were in the room. She opened her mouth and deepened the kiss, needing to be as close to him as possible.
Zed gently pulled away. "I love you, but I don't want your Dad to throw me in containment."
"Smart man," Dale laughed as he walked over to them.
Addison glared at her father, "he wouldn't dare..."
"Let's not push it too much," Zed laughed as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. Dale and Gus escorted him to the hospital bed that had been adjusted to a seated position. Zed took a deep breath as they secured the restraints around his chest, wrists, and ankles. Addison pulled one of the chairs to the foot of the bed and sat down. Dale and Gus were positioned at the head of the bed, with the one guard at the door and the other two standing a few feet behind Addison.
As the tech began to remove Zed's band, he kept his eyes on Addison.
"I love you."
Addison watched as his eyes darkened and the veins in his neck and arms became more visible.
Zed felt his senses sharpen, he could hear her heartbeat from across the room pounding in his ears.
"I love you too, Z."
Zed felt himself tense and pull against the restraints. "I love you," he said again through gritted teeth. He fought back the instinct to break free. He took a ragged breath and concentrated on Addison. "Keep...talking...gorgeous," he managed to get out through heavy breaths.
A large smile broke out across her face. Zed was completely offline but he was still being his usual charming self.
"You're doing so good. Keep looking at me, Zed. I love you."
Zed's breathing began to normalize. "I...love you...too. Please...keep talking."
Addison smiled, wider. "I know this might be crazy, but did you hear the story?"
"I think I heard...it vaguely...A girl and a zombie."
"Oh, tell me more boy. Sounds like a fantasy,"
"Oh, what could go so wrong with a girl and a zombie."
"You're from the...perfect...paradise, and I'm living on the...darker...side."
"Ooh, I've got a feeling, if you get to know me,"
"Right from... the start you caught my... eye, and something... inside me came to... life."
"Ooh, I've got a feeling, if you get to know me,"
"Someday,"
"This could be, this could be ordinary."
"Someday,"
"Could we be something extraordinary?"
"You...and me...side by side, out in...the broad daylight."
"If they laugh, we'll say,"
"We're gonna be someday."
Gus and Dale exchanged a look of amazement at what they were witnessing.
Very slowly, Dale moved towards his daughter. Zed's head automatically snapped towards him as his breathing began to pick up once more.
"Addison," her father whispered slowly. "Keep talking to him."
Addison shook her head. "Zed, look at me. I love you."
Zed looked back at her, "I love...you...Addie."
Dale put his hand on Addison's shoulder. Zed growled.
"Zed, it's okay. It's just my Dad."
"Hey, Zed," Dale said with a smile. Zed looked at him once more.
"Hey...Chief...sorry about that."
Dale smiled wider and shook his head, letting him know there was nothing to apologize for.
"Zed," Addison whispered with tears of joy starting to fill her eyes, "Yeah we could make these two worlds ours, I'm rooting for us,"
"Two lonely...hearts meet in the...dark. Imagine it now...they start a spark."
"You got my attention. What happens next, then?"
"Movies...and long walks...in the park...hanging out anywhere...we want."
"I like the way you're thinking, I can almost see it," Addison sang as her tears began to fall freely.
"Don't cry...gorgeous. I'd hug you...but I'm sure that would...be frowned upon...in this...establishment," he said throwing her a wink
Addison wiped her tears and laughed, blowing him a kiss.
"Zed, this is fantastic. Are you feeling up to answering some questions?" Dale asked.
"Sure...shoot..." Zed replied through ragged breaths.
"How would you feel about not having a Z-Band?"
Zed's eyes immediately found Addison and he shook his head. "No...too dangerous."
"Zed, you're dating my daughter. Do you think I'd endanger her in any way?"
Zed raised his eyebrow and glanced back over at Addison.
Dale let out a laugh. "Again, you try telling her 'no'. Besides, if she hadn't insisted, we might not be having this conversation."
Zed gave him a questioning look.
"Let me explain. There have been a lot of improvements to the Z-Bands in the last decade but they still present the same problems. Getting the proper electromagnet voltage correct can be challenging, and well, we all know the dangers."
"You could say...that..." Zed mumbled under his breath.
"We've been working with lead researchers from around the country to find a safer alternative. And we've found one."
"Really Dad!" Addison exclaimed.
"Really. It's being called a Z-Ring. It a durable titanium design and it looks like a standard silver ring. There's a catch though."
"Of course there...is."
"Z-Bands administer a continuous pulse of the same voltage. Z-Rings continually measure natural bioelectricity and external stressors and adjust the electromagnetic pulses as needed."
"So what's the...catch?"
"There are two pieces to the Z-Ring. The external ring, and an internal implant."
Addison turned and looked at her father. "What do you mean?"
Dale let out a small sigh. "I think I should call Dr. Anderson in. He can explain it much better than I can.
Zed, do you think you can stay in control if I bring him in?"
"I honestly don't know...how I'm managing...now. No promises."
Dales smiled at him and then to his daughter. "I think I have a good idea how. Gus, can you go get Dr. Anderson?"
A few minutes later a balding older man walked into the room.
"Zed," Addison said softly. "Keep looking at me. It's Dr. Anderson. He's here to talk. I love you."
"I love you too...Thank you."
Dr. Anderson cautiously walked up to them. "Chief, what is this all about?"
Dale smiled, as he introduced Dr. Anderson to his daughter and Zed and explained to him what was going on.
Dr. Anderson's face lit up. "This is fantastic! He's the perfect candidate!"
"That's what I thought you'd say," Dale said with a chuckle. "Would you mind explaining the Z-Ring to Zed in more depth?"
"It would be my pleasure, Chief," Dr. Anderson smiled. He slowly grabbed a chair and set in down next to Addison's in front of Zed. "Zed, the Z-Ring is comprised of an external silver titanium ring that continually measures your body's bioelectricity as well as outside factors such as temperature, activity level, and stress. It communicates with an internal implant that releases precisely the right amount of electromagnetic pulse that is needed. It completely eliminates the dangers of Z-Band surging. It has been through 2 years of rigorous testing and is now beginning to be offered to zombies who meet the requirements."
"Dr. Anderson," Addison asked, "What are the requirements?"
"Well, to even be considered, the Zombie would have to be in peak physical condition and under the age of thirty. So, check and check. But most importantly they have to be able to be offline and in moderate control for the thirty-minute implantation procedure."
"Can you tell us about the procedure?"
"Absolutely. We start with an IV so that medications and fluids can be given during the procedure. A mild sedative is given to help with relaxation, but you will be awake. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your neck. A short, hollow tube, called an introducer sheath, is inserted through a small incision and into a blood vessel in the neck. The Z-implant is inserted through the sheath with the help of a catheter and threaded to the right ventricle of your heart. X-rays are used to make sure it is positioned properly. Once we know it is properly placed, the catheter and sheath are removed and firm pressure will be held over the area to stop any bleeding."
"Well, that sounds...fun," Zed grumbled under his breath.
"Are there any side effects or dangers?" Addison asked.
"So far there have been no reported side effects and the only dangers are the same as can be expected with any run of the mill human procedure. But in all the tests and the few real-world cases so far, it's been a resounding success and has been described as liberating. Not to mention, it's much less bulky than a Z-Band and annual check-ups only require an X-ray."
"Z?" Addison asked, reaching over and holding his hand.
Zed looked down at their connected hands before looking back up and into her crystal blue eyes. "Let's do...this."
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Things moved quickly. Before Addison could even comprehend that Zed had agreed to the procedure, a flurry of activity broke out around them and Zed was being prepped. She could tell he was becoming more agitated by the second, but still somehow remaining in control and not fighting against the bed restraints. Addison had made sure she was sitting as close to him as they would allow. Dr. Anderson had worked quickly and Zed was now hooked up to several monitors and an IV was now in place in his arm.
"Zed," Dr. Anderson asked, "how are you feeling?"
"Like I've been running drills...for a week straight...I'm wide awake...but exhausted."
"That's completely normal, that would be the sedative taking effect. We're going to go ahead and get started."
"Addie?" Zed called out.
"I'm right here, Z," she said as she moved her chair closer to his side and kissed his cheek softly. "I love you."
"I love...you too...so much."
As Dr. Anderson made the incision into his neck, Zed let out a loud growl. "Chief...do me...a favor?" he asked through clenched teeth. "Cover...Addie's ears."
Chief Dale did as he asked.
"ZIRRUGAZO! ZEUG GAZPNAZ ZOC GOZET! ZTERGOGE!"
"I'm sorry, Zed," Dr. Anderson said softly, "That was the worst of it."
Thirty long minutes later Dr. Anderson was finished.
"Alright Zed, only one thing left to do," Dr. Anderson said as he picked up the silver Z-Ring from the tray. "Pick a finger. Any finger."
"No offense..Doc...but there's only one... finger I want to give you right... about now." Zed growled out through clenched teeth and ragged breaths.
"That one will work," Dr. Anderson laughed as he placed the silver ring onto Zed's middle finger.
Everyone in the room watched in amazement as Zed's appearance instantly reverted back to its normal state. Zed let out a relieved breath as he felt himself return to normal.
"Excellent!" Dr. Anderson exclaimed. "We're going to have to keep you here overnight, just for observation, but the restraints can come off and we can move you into a recovery room."
"Sounds good," Zed sleepily said as Addison kissed his cheek.
Chief Dale and Gus worked quickly to undo the restraints. The second Zed sat up, Addison threw her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could.
"Zed!" she suddenly exclaimed, pulling her head away from his chest and looking into his eyes. "You have a heartbeat!"
"What?!"
Addison placed her ear back to his chest and laughed through a fresh set of happy tears. "You have a heartbeat!"
Dr. Anderson smiled at Zed's confused expression. "It's the implant in your heart. That beating means it's working."
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A few hours later, Zed awoke in a darkened room. Sitting up, he remembered that he was in a recovery room.
"Oh good, you're awake," Chief Dale said softly as he put Zed's chart down.
"How long have I been asleep for?" Zed groggily asked.
"A few hours. You exerted a lot of energy earlier. I'm surprised you're awake already. How are you feeling?"
"I'm still a little tired, but other than that I feel great." Looking down at his wrist, he smiled. "It feels really weird to not have a Z-Band on though. Where's Addie?"
"Downstairs on the phone with everyone you two know," he said with a slight laugh. "She made me swear that I'd call her the second you woke up. But if it's okay with you, I thought we could talk for a few minutes before I make that call."
"Sure Chief. Actually, I wanted to talk to you as well. But, you go first."
Dale sat down on the edge of the hospital bed and looked at Zed. "So, I couldn't help but notice something today when Dr. Anderson was placing the electrodes and leads before the procedure... How long have you had my daughters name tattooed on your chest?"
Zed swallowed loudly. "Is this when you tell me you're locking me in the deepest depths of containment for the rest of eternity, never to be seen again?"
Dale let out a soft laugh. "If I hadn't witnessed what I did today, that's absolutely what I'd be saying right now. But, seeing the two of you together like that today..." he let out a sigh. "I know you love my daughter."
"I do. That's what I want to talk to you about," he sat himself up a little straighter and took a deep breath. "Chief, I love Addison and I want to ask her to marry me. I know we're young. But, she's had my heart since she punched me in the face the first day of freshman year. I know I'm not the type of person you would have wanted for her. But I promise you, if you would give me your blessing, I will love her unconditionally with every fiber of my being for the rest of my life."
"Zed, all I've ever wanted for my little girl is for her to be happy, safe, and loved. You are exactly the type of man I would want my daughter with."
Zed smiled cautiously. "Is that a yes?!"
Dale let out a chuckle. "I guess so."
"Yes! Thank you, Chief."
"I do have one request," Dale said holding up his finger.
"Absolutely. Anything."
"Just wait until after graduation to ask her. Let's at least get one milestone out of the way."
Zed let out a laugh. "I think I can live with that."
AUTHOR'S NOTE:Ok, I'll admit it, the Z-Ring was totally made up to incorporate Milo's silver rings into Zed's character! I pulled 90% of the science stuff out of thin air, the actual procedure part is how they perform a heart biopsy (in case anyone wanted to know).
So Zed has a "heartbeat" now and he has permission to ask Addie to marry him! *Squeeeee! Let's see if he can actually wait that long! Next up….Christmas Break...and the return of some *ahem... steamier interactions...