Ma Tsawke

Chapter four

In the link room, Grace stands over Jake's link, slapping his face with urgency as Norm and Max anxiously await his awakening.

"Come on back, kid, that's it." Grace ceases her attempts to rouse him when his eyes move slightly under his lids before finally opening.

"Wha-? Oh." He looks around, blinking as the reality crashes in, he's back in his real body. Despite the conscious desire to return, an unexpected wave of disappointment washes over him. The touch of Grace's hand on his knee, though visible, is devoid of sensation, serving as a stark reminder of the limitations of his physical reality.

"Damn, you were dug in like a tic." She assists him in sitting up, her frown deepening as she observes his dampened demeanor.

"Is the avatar safe?" She locks eyes with him after checking his vitals. Jake shakes his head, breaking free from his thoughts.

"Yeah, Doc and you're not gonna believe where I am." He grins, his gaze scanning the room before he begins recounting the events that unfolded. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of relief, curiosity, and anticipation as they delve into the unraveling story.

The next day at breakfast, he finds himself encircled by other drivers and scientists, engrossed in their discussion about his extraordinary experience. Grace takes the lead in retelling the tale.

"So the kid's out there one night and he's got Queen Bitch herself offering him the spare room and the car keys. Unbelievable." She concludes, a sense of disbelief evident in her tone, despite having been there firsthand when he woke up. The recounting of the events carries a mixture of awe and incredulity, creating a charged atmosphere around the breakfast table.

"It's not something you can teach." He grins, savoring his oatmeal and receives hearty claps on the back from other scientists in congratulations.

"That's awesome, Jake." Max grins back, a sense of pride in his words, while Norm chomps on his breakfast, a silent fury evident. He had dedicated years of his life into training for this achievement and yet Jake, a dropout with no prior experience, effortlessly claimed the glory that Norm had long sought. The contrasting emotions create a tension among the scientists, a mix of simmering resentment.

"For reasons I cannot fathom, the Omaticaya have chosen you. God help us all." Grace shakes her head in disbelief, a heavy weight settling in the air as they finish breakfast. The mysterious and foreboding choice of the Omaticaya hangs in the room, leaving a sense of uncertainty and slight concern.

You and me both, bossy.

In the main area, Jake enthusiastically retells the story to his higher-ups. Quaritch, previously gazing out at the wall of forest, turns with a feral grin in response.

"Jarhead clan?" He echoes in disbelief, genuinely surprised at how stupid they had to be to believe such a story.

"And that worked?" Oblivious to the glint in Quaritch's eyes, Jake continues.

"Yeah. They want to study me. See if I can learn to be one of them." He shares the news with a triumphant grin. For the first time since losing his legs, a sense of purpose surges within him. Now, armed with a way to achieve their objectives, he feels a renewed commitment to the mission.

"That's how you seize the initiative. I wish I had ten more like you." Quaritch claps him on the shoulder, a gesture of both approval and acknowledgment. He then folds his arms, nodding with determined intent, fully prepared to capitalize on the opportunity presented by Jake's unique position. The moment is charged with newfound purpose and strategic anticipation.