"Yes, that would mean that there is a distinct
possibility that due to his age and not yet hitting puberty, T2's abilities
have not yet fully matured," I said. "It is not out of the realm of possibility
that he will acquire some if not all of the abilities that Em and I share."
Eli and I sat there quietly as we pondered the
possibilities. I then suddenly felt an apprehension build up in Eli.
"Wow! I had yet to consider that as a possibility," I
thought to myself.
"Doc, what will happen when I take the serum?" asked
Eli. "Considering that your formula currently courses through my veins and due
to the fact that I was a genetic template for T2 when I treated him, even
though he had Golden Blood?"
"If you wouldn't mind Eli, I'd like to take a serious
look at you," I stated.
Eli nodded in agreement and I began to peer at him on
a cellular level. My serum had attached itself to all his DNA strands but
manipulated those that controlled Eli's neurological growth. I could see those
on the physical sides lying dormant. Eli also has that same potential as T2 and
JoJo.
"You have absolutely nothing to worry about my friend,"
I said to Eli.
The following day, Eli, Em, Joshua and I put Jamie
through her paces. The more she used her telekinesis, the stronger it became.
She was now able to manipulate 200 lbs. barbells; while Joshua pushed himself
to keep 60 lbs. in the air. Em and I both knew that we were able to manipulate
weights in the tons. Eli recorded the data as he did so many times before.
"Babe, give me your complete ocular consideration,"
said Jamie as she mentally lifted herself from the floor. "To put it quite
simply, I can fly!"
Her control was rough and her ability to pitch and yaw
were abysmal. However, she was oh so happy.
"Wow babe, you'll have to help me to get as good as
you are," beamed Joshua.
And with that, Jamie fell into his arms and
passionately kissed him.
"Did you read my mind, or did you just know that's
what I needed to hear?" she asked.
"It is the God's honest truth," said Joshua. "You now
get to teach and work with me."
The two of them continued with their training as Em
kissed me goodbye to conduct a class with the Raider-ettes: Cicely,
Aisha, Regina, Ingrid and Tanya. They were all quietly ingratiating themselves
into the community by helping everywhere that they could, learning any and
every job imaginable and just honestly being nice young women.
Eli and I decided to pour over the data we had
collected so far. I mentally let Em know that I would share with him everything
that we were discovering about our abilities and how far we had come. She
agreed that he should be bought into the loop. I not only explained to Eli but
demonstrated each new ability. Even a more perfected process of Jamie's "flight",
as I levitated both of us at varying speeds and heights.
"Doc, I've decided. I want my injection after Naomi
gets hers," he said. "And after me, Cicely, Ingrid and Tanya. In addition,
Cicely has convinced me to provide the serum to Aisha and Regina as well. That
will leave me with two doses left."
"Just in case I haven't said it, I'm so proud of the
man that you are and the man that you are becoming, Eli," I said. "You do know
that like Joshua, I consider you something akin to a son, with all due respect
to your parents?"
"Thanks Doc," he said. "You have no idea what that
means to me."
I left Eli alone as I needed to be with Em. I reached
out with my mind and found her with Diane, Jamie, Aisha, Regina, Cicely, Ingrid
and Tanya. They were learning the basics of medicine and triage. She and Diane
were also training them to assist as midwives to help with the delivery of the
baby. Em is amazing as she is now able to teach subject matters she didn't even
have knowledge of a few months ago. As I walked into the makeshift classroom,
our child made me aware that it was learning as well. Em dismissed the girls.
"See you later, Mr. and Mrs. Doc," said Regina as she
and Tanya giggled.
"Later ladies," I said as I unintentionally caught
some of the raunchiest and most indecent thoughts I have ever heard.
"Damn right," thought Em, "and it's all mine!" She
smiled and gave me a hug and a kiss as she slapped and groped my ass.
"Guess what I learned today?" she thought.
"And what would that be, my dear?" I responded.
She levitated a roll of gauze to her hand and then
intently stared at it as it began to glow. I could see that its molecular
composition was changing right before my eyes. Em is now able to move specific
molecules with her mind, thereby changing matter.
"It leaves me a little drained and with a slight
headache," she thought. "I was having a philosophical discussion with the girls
about healing and Cicely was relaying a discussion she had with Eli about
matter manipulation to be used for healing. I'm not ready to try this on living
tissue yet, but I think it is not only plausible but possible."
"Babe, maybe you should start slowly like trying to
change the state of a compound like water into ice or into steam," I said. "It's
still H20, but in a varying state."
She kissed me passionately as she lifted me from feet.
We were interrupted by the twins, Ricky and Robert.
"Whoa! Get a room you two," said Ricky.
"I think it's a little late for that." said Robert
referencing the pregnancy.
"Yeah, I think you're right, brother," said Ricky.
"What's up fellas?" I asked. "What can we do for you?"
"Well Doc," began Ricky, "we know we're not council
members, but why weren't we considered for the serum?"
"Yeah, we've been here longer than most and believe we
have more than proven our loyalty," said Robert.
"Those decisions were made by the council through
lottery," I said. "Did you two submit for the lottery?"
The twins looked at each other and then at me, and
then back at each other.
"Oops! Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Doc," said Ricky. "We
thought you were the one choosing who got the serum and who didn't."
"Yeah! We didn't even know there was a lottery," said
Robert. "Who do we need to speak with?"
"Wait just a moment," I said as I telepathically
reached out to Andre.
"Andre, was the lottery to decide who receives the
serum held for the council only?" I projected.
"Well Doc, it was decided that the council would bear
all of the risk in determining whether or not is was safe or not before opening
it to the rest of the camps," he responded.
"I just spoke to Ricky and Robert and neither knew how
to go about volunteering for the lottery for the serum," I projected.
"Doc can we meet up somewhere? I'll call a few other
members of the council so we can discuss this properly," he responded.
Em and I met Andre, Fred, Leon, Gerald, T and Joshua
in the main conference room. The psychic chatter was constant with the
bickering on who has the right to make decisions.
"Okay, we all know that the serum makes you more than
you were," thought Andre.
"Sorry to interrupt, but can we use our words?" I
said. "Those who have yet to receive the serum find it rude and uncomfortable
when we carry on complete conversations telepathically.
"As I was saying," continued Andre, "The serum makes
you more than you were. We just think that with our advanced thought processes
that it should be up to us to decide who gets the serum."
"That's not what we agreed upon when we earmarked the
30 dosages to the council," I said. "The general population is already
beginning to feel uneasy that only council members, family members and loved
ones have received the injections. There are only 10 council members, but Em
and I were removed from the equation for obvious reasons. Five of you have
received the serum so that leaves 25 dosages left. Even if the remaining three
receive injections, there will still be 22 doses remaining and those should be distributed
fairly through a lottery system through those who want it."
"I disagree," said Andre.
"Do you speak for the council now?" I asked.
"Of course not Doc, but I do think we need to properly
vet anyone who might be considered a candidate for the serum," he said. "What
if they are some mad person with delusions of grandeur?"
"Andre, we are all telepathic," I said. "It would be
pretty difficult to get that past us. But I do see your point. If you all are
up for it, I would like to try something."
"Can T2, JoJo and Jamie report to the main conference
room?" I projected.
After a few moments the three young adults arrived.
There was apprehension aplenty in the conference room.
"Present, we have everyone who has been subjected to
the benevolent mutations of the serum," I said. "When you were going through
the procedure Andre, Gerald, Em and I somehow linked our minds together and it
allowed the sum to be much more than its individual parts. We became something
of a hive mind where personalities and personal agendas fell to the wayside and
logic took over. With everyone's permission, I'd like to attempt that now."
Everyone looked around the room with a look of
confusion and trepidation. I opened my mind to allow them to see that I had no
malice. Everyone agreed.
"Before we begin, I want you to understand that you
will be stripped bare of all that you are, feel and think," I said. "Everyone
in this room will share one mind. I other words, don't think about anything you
don't want to share. Just know, what you are about to learn about the people in
this room is nothing personal, just who they are and that we will accept that.
I need everyone to solemnly promise that whatever is learned when we connect
will not be used for pettiness."
We all agreed and centered ourselves as each mind
reached out and linked to each mind. Everything was laid bare, with exception
of Em and I. It seems that our minds could control our neural pathways and
shield our memories: They found out about Andre's insecurities of his feelings
for Diane; about how Em and I fills each other's entire heart romantically;
about how T now feels his life is complete with Naomi, T2 and JoJo; about how
T2 now feels he now has the family he always wanted; how Leon can now deal with
his asexual preference; how Fred wants his hand back; Joshua and Jamie's
commitment to one another; Gerald's attraction to Diane; JoJo's feelings of
sexual frustration; and a feint thought of why is the world like?
All their inhibitions were stripped away as the Great
Mind contemplated who, why and how. Those loyal to the community should be
given first right of refusal. Diane, Tim, Von, Jason, Ernesti, Ricky, Robert
and Rodriguez all should be given an opportunity to take the serum. The
remainder doled out via lottery with each potential subjugated to the scrutiny
of the Great Mind. It was also decided that this would be the most efficient
way to conduct decision make for those truly pertinent decisions for the council.
We disengaged from one another psychically as hurt
feelings and embarrassment crept into those assembled.
"Remember our oath to one another," I reminded
everyone. "We must ensure that our logic and wisdom rises above the pettiness
that we still feel."
There were disapproving glances and psychic quips, but
for the most part everyone parted amicably. We left now knowing how to proceed.
The following day, was the day of Naomi's scheduled
injection. We would discuss our decisions about the serum with those affected
after her "ascension" as the process is becoming known.
T consistently reassured her as she was prepared for
the serum. I think Naomi is the most nervous of any of those who have been
prepped. We were about to begin when Eli pulled me aside.
"Doc, I need you to look at Naomi in that way,"
he said.
I peered at Naomi at the cellular level and there it
was, dormant sickle cell.
"T! I need to speak with you now!" I yelled
telepathically. "Why didn't you tell me about the Sickle Cell?"
"Tell you what, that my baby wasn't eligible for the
serum?" he said as he shook his head. "That I would outlive her possibly a
thousand times over?"
I breathed in deeply and explained her condition. But
I did not see it as dour as it might seem. True, we could not proceed with the
injection as is, as her hemoglobin could not support the attachment of the
proteins and would most likely burn out. However, there was a possibility. I
asked T to bring Naomi to the main conference room. I also mentally reached out
to Em, Joshua, Jamie and JoJo to meet us there as well.
"Naomi," I said quietly, "do you trust me?"
"With my life Doc. But more importantly with the life
of my heart right here," she said as she motioned to T. "What's this all about?"
"Naomi, did you know that you were a sickle cell
carrier?" I asked.
"Yes, I did," she responded. "But I thought the potion
cured everything."
"Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way," I said. "It
only enhances what is already there and I'd rather not chance enhancing your
disease."
"Are you saying I can't become like my baby?" she
asked frantically.
"No," I said. "What I'm saying is I'd like to attempt
to repair and remove the sickle cell before we give you the serum."
"I thought you just said there was no cure for sickle
cell Doc," she said.
"There were a lot of things that couldn't be done
until recently," I reassured her. "While I would prefer to wait until Eli has
taken the serum, I am more than confident that the talent in this room will be
more than adequate. I asked for this particular group for their respective
abilities to manipulate matter."
I explained how the mutates present would link their
minds to share our medical knowledge while boosting our ability to interact
with her blood on a cellular level in order to remove the disease and repair
any damage it has done. She agreed to the procedure as she and T held each
other's hands.
We formed a circle around her and like before, each
mind reached out to each mind as the medical knowledge was shared, as was the
ability to see and manipulate cells on the molecular level. Each blood cell was
smoothed out to a healthy round cell from that of a sickle shape. We also
enriched each cell with oxygen to "scrub" it of any impurities and
abnormalities. The entire time, Naomi's breathing remained calm and focused. We
calmly and slowly withdrew from the shared mind as each member of the circle
slumped down on the floor as we had never attempted such a feat.
I suspended Naomi's injection until after we could do
another complete blood workup. Eli was okay with waiting to see the results to
determine his injections. The wait was completely pedestrian, as I had already
determined that the procedure was a success.
The next day, Eli withdrew blood and there was no
trace of the sickle cell. He was astounded.
"Doc, I don't know what you did, but at some point,
you will have to explain it to me in detail," he said.
"Eli, after your injection, I won't have to," I
responded.
Again, we readied Naomi for her injection. Those
present at the sickle cell eradication were also present for her injection for
moral support. T gave her a loving kiss, as Eli and Joshua led her into the
chamber. Joshua administered the injection and Naomi peacefully fell into a
deep sleep.
I monitored her vitals at a cellular level and could
see that there was a benevolent mutation occurring, but it was different from
the rest. The electrons in Naomi's atoms were producing more energy than the
neutrons could dissipate. As the days went by, Naomi's musculature and mass
increased as did her height and her absorption of ambient static electricity.
On day six, small arcs of electricity began to connect from her body to the
metal in the chamber. On day seven the arcs became larger, as if Naomi was like
a human Tesla coil.
Naomi began to yell from her nervousness as she awoke
to the arcing electricity. Before I could even reach out to T, he had already
extended his Antithesis Field to dampen Naomi electricity.
"I always knew there was electricity between us," said
T as he flashed his signature smile and placed a big wet kiss on Naomi. "Say
something baby."
"That scarecrow dude gave the Pythagorean Theorem for
an Isosceles Triangle instead of a Right Triangle," said Naomi with a smile
equal to T's.
I looked at my hand and willed an arc of electricity
between my thumb and middle finger.
"Humph! Will wonders never cease," I thought to
myself.
I projected to T that he might want to stay with Naomi
until she gets a better handle on her ability. In the meantime, I mentally
asked Fred if he could do anything.
The next morning Fred, Em, T, Naomi and I met in the
dojo. Fred gave Naomi a belt with what looked like rechargeable batteries on it
and instructed her to put it on.
"I apologize for the crude design," said Fred. "But
this belt should allow you to accumulate a static charge for up to 24 hours
before you will have to forcibly discharge the built-up energy. I'll work on a
much more stylish and efficient model once Rodriguez and the Raiders get back
with the materials I requested."
"Thanks Fred. As always, I appreciate your genius and
the speed in which you utilize it," I said as Fred exited.
"T, I'd like to show you and Naomi something," I said.
With that, I levitated myself from the floor and "flew"
around the dojo. T and Naomi stood there in stunned silence.
"What the...wait...how the...FUCK ME! You can fly?!"
shouted T. "I knew about the telekinesis, but I had no clue you could fly."
"That's not all, bro," I said as I forced the stored
static electricity in my body to arc from my hands.
"Damn, bro. What can't you do?" asked an amazed T.
"Well for starters, the only ability I can't duplicate
is yours," I said. "But I think you, Em and I can help Naomi gain control of
her ability. I think when we "scrubbed" her blood, it allowed it to take on
additional electrons and somehow stored them to bursting."
"So, we did this to her?" asked T.
"No, my romantic interloper. You did this for me,"
said Naomi. "I've never felt power like this. So, Doc, you are saying that the
electrons in my atoms store ambient electricity to be discharged at my whim?
But until such a time as I am able to control said discharge, it may continue
to elicit uncontrolled burst?"
"Exactly Naomi," I said. "I think as you begin to
increase your ability to center your chi, you will also be able to harness this
power in a benevolent manner."
"So, the lack of my martial training has caused a
deficiency in my ability to center and control?" she asked.
"Yes," I countered. "I think with T, Em and I helping
you, along with Fred's belt, you will be able to harness your power in no time
at all and eventually do so without the belt."
As Naomi put the belt on, T backed down his Antithesis
Field. The energy arced and crackled around Naomi. She sat with her legs folded
and the crackling energy subsided. She smiled and opened her eyes.
"See babe, I did it!" she said as she jumped up and an
arc hit one of the swords on the wall.
"Naomi, I want to show you something else as well," I
said as I pulled out one of the air pistols with the metal BBs.
"Is Doc going to regale us with an exhibition in
marksmanship?" asked Naomi.
"In a manner of speaking," I responded. "Pay attention
to the paper target Em is setting up on the other side of the room."
I took aim and hit the paper target dead center. T and
Naomi looked at each other.
"Bro, we already knew you could shoot," said T. "Um
the one who taught you."
"Keep watching," I instructed.
I focused some of the electricity through the gun and
into one of the BBs. I again pointed at the target and fired. This time the
target exploded in a small burst of blue electrical energy. Naomi slowly walked
over to the target and turned in amazement with her mouth agape.
"So, through mental discipline and stoic practice, are
you saying I will be able to infuse ambient electricity into the bullets of my
gun thereby creating an electrical burst like you did?" she queried.
"I think if we get with Fred and modify a weapon; yes,
you should be able to duplicate my efforts," I said.
"Of course, I'll have to learn to cast ammo as I'm
sure lead would not be an efficient conductor for stored ambient electrical
impulses," said Naomi.
"Y'all done turned my baby into a nerd like y'all,"
said T. "And I love every word of it."
For the rest of the day, T, Em, Naomi and I laughed,
trained and practiced growing ever closer. Just before we departed for the day,
Naomi and I each gathered the ambient static electricity in our respective
bodies and concentrated it into a ball in our respective hands and allowed it
to dissipate into the ether.
"And that is how it is done," said Naomi.
"Have I told you how proud of you I am baby?" asked T.
"I love you too, babe," said Naomi.
The next day, Joshua and I prepped the lab for Eli's
injection as Jamie recorded the ascendency. Eli wanted Cicely present for his
injection. JoJo and T2 were there as were Ingrid and Tanya. JoJo was displaying
an unusual stoic sensibility as he snubbed Ingrid's attention.
"Hi JoJo," said Ingrid with a flirting lilt in her
voice.
"Greetings and salutations," responded JoJo in a
monotone voice as he paid no further attention to her.
"I was wondering if you'd like to train with me when
the ascension is completed for Eli," she said.
"That would not be advisable as your ability is well
beneath mine," said JoJo in a condescending manner. "It would be congruent with
a flea asking to train with you."
Ingrid's entire disposition altered as her posture
changed from one of confidence to one of defeat.
"You know JoJo, you can be such an a-hole sometimes,"
said T2.
"What has caused me to incur your wrath my younger
sibling?" asked JoJo.
"And you can stop with your Master Leon impression
too," said T2. "When he does it, he does it earnestly. With you, it is forced
and pedantic. It causes me to lose respect for you, especially when a pretty
girl is at least making an attempt to get to know you!"
"You... you think I'm pretty?" asked Ingrid nervously.
T2 immediately realized that he was talking not only
out loud, but about a girl in front of that girl. He blushed and swallowed
hard.
"Y-yes," he stammered. "I think you are not only
pretty but smart as well. And if you would like to train, I would be happy to
train with you."
Ingrid reached out and grabbed T2's hand. I felt T2's
heartbeat and hormones elevate. He began to smile.
I looked at JoJo and I realized that this entire
display was for T2's benefit as he winked at Tanya. Despite his mutation, he
was still a loving big brother.
Cicely sat in the chamber with Eli and held his hand
as Joshua and I prepped the injection.
"We're ready to begin," I said as Cicely exited the
chamber.
Joshua administered the serum as Jamie began to take
notes. Joshua and I exited the chamber and we locked the door. I peered at Eli
and saw as the dormant proteins on the physical controllers of his DNA sprung
to life as his physique began to tone and broaden. His muscle tone and mass
increased as did his height. Eli shot from a 5' 2" to a 6' 2" frame and a 140
lbs. to 235 lbs. body. This was in the first few minutes when usually this
process would unfold over the course of a few days. His ascension is much like
Joshua's was as it is happening all at once.
At that very moment, Eli sat up and his eyes opened
and glowed. His neuro-pathways were restructuring themselves. His musculature
was also being redesigned as well. Eli was in essence recreating himself. His
clothing began to rip as he grew and developed. His eyes closed and he fell
into a prone position on the gurney.
The entire process happened over the course of an
hour. Eli stood up from the gurney and assured me that his ascension was
complete. I peered at him and saw that his cells were stabilized. He walked
over to the door and asked to be released.
"Doc, open up! I'm good," he said as he held a blanket
wrapped around his midsection.
I opened the door as Cicely struggled in an attempted
to cut open a pair of scrubs for Eli as she sliced her hand with a scalpel. Eli
dropped the blanket as he reached out for Cicely's hand. His eyes glowed again
as did the cut on her hand as the tissue stitched itself back together.