The Collision (Sequel to The Division)

Chapter 10 (Autumn)

Various machines were whirring all around me and those sounds blended with a small collective chatter.

It made me terrified to open my eyes, because if I looked, it would only make me more so than I already was. I already had no idea where I was or what all these people were doing to me, but seeing them would freak me out even more.

Unfortunately, my curiosity was not taking no for an answer.

I open my eyes slowly and cringe, waiting patiently as they adjusted to the blinding white light. The room I was in seemed like it was underground, mostly because it was generally hot and the room didn't seem that large. I notice the wall directly in front of me, metal, which only confused me more.

I wanted nothing more than to stand up and walk around, but the people around me were still carrying on with their conversations, a few of them taking notes on their clipboard. A woman with black rimmed glasses notices that I am conscious and says, "She's up."

Everything sudden goes silent and no one moves a muscle. I stay frozen as I take into account the many pairs of eyes watching me.

"Well don't be scared," a man says. His voice is deep and he has dark eyes and black hair. "We don't bite."

I sit up slowly, unable to form words.

"I bet you have a lot of questions, so just ask away. Whenever you're ready." The man speaks to me kindly, which only makes me more suspicious. I notice that the people around me were all wearing matching white coats, each with a cursive print on the right pocket with their names. His read: Dr. T. Johnson, Ph.D

I try to speak, but the words get stuck in my throat. The man smiles and says, "Okay, why don't we start with introductions? I'm Dr. Johnson." He holds out his hand for me to shake and I stare at it for a moment, pondering if I should shake it back or snap his wrist. I choose the 'morally' better of the two and shake it replying, "I'm Riveara, but you can call me River."

I'll have to apologize to River later about this.

The doctor chuckles, "Aw, Miss Willow, you don't have to lie to us."

I sit up straighter after he says my name, inhaling sharply. This place was officially creeping me out. As I scoot myself over to the other side of the bed, I notice the tube stuck in my arm. I finally snap, "Okay, listen here freaks," I address the doctors as a whole, "I tried to play the sweet, innocent victim, but I'm not sure how much longer I can do it. Now someone please tell me where the hell I am." I try to speak as calmly as I can, but I can't help clenching my fists by my sides.

Dr. Johnson smiles and holds both hands in the air in a mock surrender. "Easy there Autumn, no need to get defensive. We're here to help you."

I scoff, "Oh I highly doubt that. Now tell me the real reason why I'm here, Mr. Smiley."

"Well, you're in this room right now because we have to check your vitals. We're preparing you for the procedure."

"The procedure?"

"A blood transfusion. It's completely harmless, don't worry."

I look at a random female doctor who happens to be looking at me and raise an eyebrow, creating a sort of side commentary, "He really thinks I'm just gonna let him take my blood? That's hilarious."

"Yes, laugh all you want, Autumn. You don't have a choice anymore. President Icas ordered this testing to be done, so it must be done." Dr. Johnson explains.

"President Icas? Who is that?"

"The best president we ever had. He put this country back on track, and we are eternally grateful for it." He says as if he were instructed to say it whenever he is asked that question.