S.M.A.R.T. (The Subject of Mind Altering Research and Testing)

Chapter Twenty-one

Michael's head was ringing from the fever and putting his body so close to death. He felt more sick than he ever had before in his life. His headed pounded and throbbed, and he could feel his blood pulsing through his forehead. As soon as he heard the sound of the door shutting and knew the General had left, he collapsed on his bed. He felt like something was behind his eyes, trying to press them both out of his skull. He pushed them back in with his thumbs, to the pressure for a second, but when he let go it came right back. It was late at night now, the day had seemed a blue. He rubbed his temples, and pressed his head down to the pillow to try and sleep. He was almost dozed off when he heard the door open again. Who is it, now? Let me suffer in peace.

It was Doctor Reid. Michael figured either him or Hall would be there to check up on him, just not in the middle of the night. They would obviously not understand what had happened and would want some sort of explanation.

Reid looked shocked that Michael was actually there, alive on his bed. "Michael... What the hell?" He asked with a petrified look. Michael looked away.

"It was nothing, I had a bit of a headache." Michael said, pressing his fingers against his eyes again.

"A bit of a headache? You were on fire, and frothing from the mouth. By all rights, you were dying. You were convulsing, and you nearly bit your tongue off on top of it all." Doctor Reid answered.

"I know..." Michael looked admittedly guilty. He felt his tongue sting. He had forgotten about it over the pain in his head. "I did it to myself, if it's any consolation. I knew I was taking a risk. I heard every word you said while I was out. I'm sorry if I shocked you. I needed to do it, though, for reasons I'd rather not explain."

Reid looked disappointed. He didn't understand what could be so important that Michael would put himself through the agony he thought that he must have felt.

"Did it hurt?" Reid asked, baffled. He was a good doctor, but no doctor would have been able to explain what had happened that afternoon.

"It didn't while the effects of the pill were still in me, but it does now." Michael said, and rubbed his temples again. He wanted to sleep.

"That is incredible..." Reid muttered, bewildered. He gave Michael a look, like he thought he was divine, and then snapped out of it. "I'm surprised you're alive, let alone can function." Reid said. "You were able to just pull yourself right out of it?"

Michael nodded. Reid looked at Michael in amazement.

"Why would you do that to yourself?" Hall asked. "What could be that important?"

"I wish I could tell you, but I can't. My life depends on it."

"Your life could have depended on that stunt too." Reid argued. "I hope you know, Michael. I am on your side."

Michael didn't know what to think. He seemed sincere, but how was he to be sure. He wished he could read minds with the little pill, then he would know who he could and couldn't trust, but he couldn't, so he decided to trust his gut, instead. He believed him.

"How much on my side are you?" Michael sat up. He had an idea.

"As much as I can be... Why?... What do you need?" Reid could tell Michael wanted something. He wished he could read what his brain was thinking up. He knew Jim had gotten something for him, but he didn't want to bring that up. He suspected it was an escape plan, and if Michael could do what he had witnessed the day prior, he believed in him getting out.

"I need blueprints, to the whole facility." Michael said. He knew it was a lot to ask, but he didn't have time to start small.

Reid stepped back, and turned around. Michael thought maybe he had gone too far, but Reid turned back to him.