Creatures of God

Someone Who Used to be Dead

Dr. Berman and Elliot watched as rapidly changing numbers and waveforms flew across the monitor screens, like comets streaking through the sky, racing toward an uncertain future. Lights flashed and alarms sounded, demanding attention to their subject's plight. Despite the commotion, Dr. Berman moved with caution, approaching the observation window slowly. Through the smoky scene next door, he saw it: their latest test subject -- an unknown adolescent -- breathing.

"Look!"

The clear oxygen mask on the subject's face became foggy. His skin color changed from a dusky blue to a tinctured rue. His bare chest rose and expanded.

Elliot stepped to the observation pane and placed a hand on the window.

"That's impossible... "

He felt his heart skip a beat.

"Professor, does this mean... you'll need help with -- "

"Not now, Elliot," Dr. Berman interrupted. "Come on!"

The two scientists entered the room with their hoods drawn and masks fitted. Dr. Berman lumbered toward the forefront while Elliot deferred to the other side.

"Hello? Hello, there!" Dr. Berman shook the boy's shoulder with vigor. He pulled a physio-scanner from his suit pocket and handed the triangular device to his assistant. "Get to work, Elliot!"

The two men labored as they gathered different points of data; Elliot recorded vital signs and medication levels, while Dr. Berman performed a body scan and obtained blood samples. Check after check, the two scientists monitored for changes in the boy's critical status.

An hour passed.

Dr. Berman stood from a crouched position and stretched his back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment, he noted the time from a clock on the wall. He stepped out from the immediate exam area and removed his hood and mask.

"The boy's preliminary scans are normal," the elder scientist said. "I was afraid he was going to bring some old world tuberculosis or leprosy to us."

Elliot followed his mentor's lead and stepped away from the test subject. "I can't believe he's alive... " he muttered.

The old man thought for a second. "Watch the boy closely now, Elliot. Adjust the drips and gas flows as necessary." He turned to make his exit.

"Wait, where are you going?" Elliot asked.

"I have a staff meeting, remember?"

"W-well, what about the lect-... I mean, umm, what do you want me to do?"

"What do I want you to do? I just told you to monitor the boy! Haven't you ever had to babysit before?"

Elliot gulped and glanced back at the patient. "Not someone who was supposed to be dead," he said under his breath.

"Just continue to observe, alright?" the senior doctor barked. "I'll be back later!"

"Maybe Dr. Tomas or Dr. Wilem can help?" Elliot called out. The question was a perfectly timed arrow that stopped the Professor in his tracks and spun him around.

"Help? With what? That's why you're here!"

"But they probably should know that we... "

"No, no! No!" Dr. Berman said, waving his arms. He stormed back and put his hands on Elliot's shoulders. "Don't say anything to anyone yet, alright?"

Elliot's eyes grew wide. He stood and stared, listening and yet, not hearing anything at all.

"Don't do anything stupid!" the Professor said.