Chase slept well that night, only being disturbed twice.
The first time, he was still in a sleepy haze, but he had no trouble hearing the soft footsteps of his siblings and their quiet conversation before they climbed into their capsules. If they had said anything of significance, Chase didn't know about it; he was too delirious to make out individual words, much less even half a conversation.
Anyhow, the event passed without excitement, and Chase wandered among his dreams once more within minutes of being awoken.
The second occurrence was of more importance than the first, and this time Chase was thoroughly shaken from sleep. He came to full consciousness to a familiar tingling sensation, and when he opened his eyes, he saw that his capsule all around him was glowing. He couldn't help the small smile that crept upon his face – it was working.
He felt the still familiar sharp pain in the back of his neck, and he winced. Just because it was familiar didn't mean that it was pleasant in any way, shape, or form. It's not meant to be pleasant, Chase reminded himself, watching as slowly his capsule dimmed again. There's a reason that this was made to be painful.
His entire being was buzzing and he now had a splitting headache, but the feeling of peace about what he had just done prevailed. I would go through that a thousand times, if only to keep my family and friends safe.
With that last thought, extreme fatigue overcame Chase, and he soon succumbed to his waking dreams for the third and last time that night.
AN: Yes, that is it for this chapter... and yes, while the previous chapters are two thousand words, this (not including the AN) is only two hundred words. And yes, I meant to keep you all in the dark just a little longer... mwahahaha *cough cough*.
Thank you for the kind reviews, I'm blown away by how many of you read this and like it. Every time I come on here, I can't help but grin - you're all awesome!
Anyways, stay tuned for chapter four (questions will be answered)!