Tremble

Chapter 16: Hunted

I checked and double and double checked, this sample was in fact a DNA sample. Only RNA can contain the 'U' (Uracil) in its genome sequence. It was scientifically, biologically impossible. I felt compelled to mess with the machine, discover what this person was messing with, I had a hunch that this experiment wasn't approved by Kart, or any Carbon 14 official.

I was both amazed and horrified by what I've seen, it was strange and foreign; that's saying something considering I can manipulate tremors in the ground. Thinking of that I realized how much I neglected my powers, both due to discouragement from my friends, and fear out of power.

I left and strode down the hall some more and as I made a turn around the corner leading in to the kitchens I felt myself being knocked back flat on my feet.

"Oof!"

I sat up to find Mark, his face half stuffed with a cupcake.

"What are you doing!" He said half laughing, half chocking.

"I'd ask you the same!"

His green eyes seemed worn and tired.

"Can't sleep?" I inquired.

"Seems like after years I'd be used to this place, but..."

Mark still kept quiet about his past and his powers, I have yet to get any information out of him. I figured he may just not want to discuss it, but it has come to my mind that his abilities or past may be shameful for him to openly discuss.

"Same with you?" Mark asked.

I stated how dreary the place could be and he agreed by nodding his head. We then continued through the labyrinth together, I couldn't quite place my finger on it, but when I was with him, his sheer presence calmed me. It was refreshing and new, helped me feel less alone.

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"Liz, Kart needs us in meeting room 10. Now!"

Margret's voice frightened me and a jumped out of my skin.

I checked my alarm at my bedside.

" It is two in the morning, what God forsaken reason does that women have that requires a meeting in the middle of the sweet night!"

Margret left with no reply so I dressed quickly and sprinted down the hall. Having been at the base for a good time now I now understood her importance and status here. She owns this base, takes care if all finances (whatever those may be), and facilitates all actions that we do here. I expected for this to be a rather large meeting, but instead I was alone while walking along the living quarter's doors. Occasionally Kart will organize a large meeting addressing food preservation and security concerns, things that did not directly concern me, but concerned those most in charge.

I walked into the dimly lit meeting room with its large, long table and polished walls of a patchwork of wood and metal. At the table sat Margret, John, Squirt, Mark, Kart, and a man dressed in a sleek navy blue suit and tie whom I was unfamiliar with. The man was older, about midlife crisis age, and he had a dull stare. I slid into my seat awkwardly next to Margret. Thankfully Kart and Mr. Official over there paid no notice to my belated arrival instead they were both examining detailed charts they had splayed before them. I leaned close to Margret and I asked about what was going on, she nodded her head in equal confusion. Everyone, but Kart seemed to be in a zombie like loop of droopy eyes and slump shoulders. Kart suddenly spoke up.

" I see we are all now here, this is my counterpart Mr. Rates, he owns the base roughly two hours from here down in Mercer county."

We all politely nodded and greeted him.

" We are gathered here today to address the current situation at hand." Kart said this whilst gesturing in my general direction.

Geez this lady sounds like she's giving a eulogy.

Here dull tone did get on my nerves. I for one did not feel particularly fond of being the center of attention at such a late hour.

" Can this important matter wait until a decent hour?" John said preceding a long and lengthy yawn, a yawn that slowly spread across the table.

"Mr. Rates is limited on time and has just arrived, now we must move on." Kart gathered a few pages that were sat away from her.

"Miss Maine it seems that the government has gained a lot of attention to your disappearance and they are currently scouring the area for information about you. Mr. Rates was recently at a store near here where they were investigating about your whereabouts. Being a respectable man he carried the information to me, a chairwoman of this institution."

" Don't all of us get attention after going missing, this can't be anything different than what Margret or Preston or anybody here has gone through?"I  pointed out.

Margret gave me a worried glance. Kart continued.

"No I'm afraid not; many of our disappearances aren't addressed in the slightest, the government is paid to give a blind eye, it is unusual for their officials to draw so much attention. The only reason for them to do such a thing is that they desperately wish to find you, more so than others and the base."

I pondered on this for a moment, I expected every one would be half asleep by now, but instead when I looked up they were alert, even John who I thought cared little about anything.

"Have they contacted my family?" I asked

"As far as we know, then no, but it is likely they searched your home and places around you, they are going to the full extent." This time Mr. Rates spoke up.

He then proceeded to open his binder to reveals many different flyers and articles some from areas out of state. I stared in blank confusion.

"Why in the world are they so determined?" I questioned out loud.

No answers.

"Do to this I believe it wise to restrict your going outside of Carbon 14, we have more than enough people that can gather food and supplies. For now we want you to stay here no matter what, as far as we know they have no power that can hurt those around you so it'd be best to lay low." Kart stated in a somewhat motherly tone.

I nodded in agreement despite the fact I approved of any of this.

"The reason I brought the rest of your here was to make sure Miss Maine does not leave the facility considering you all are around her most." Kart paused in recollection of thought. "Thank you Mr. Rates for your attentiveness concerning us of the gene altered, and with that this meeting is adjourned.

We all left eager to go back to bed but as I started down the hall I heard my name. I looked back to see Margret and a sleepy Mark.

"Liz do you understand how big this is." Margret hurriedly whispered.

"Yeah, so what." I said.

"No really from what I've read the government acts the same in finding those who are gene manipulated, this is different they never break the pattern!" Margret said urgently as Mark nodded and agreed.

"Yes, but as long as I lay low and stay in here it will all be fine." I said reassuring not only my friends, but myself.

Margret and Mark exchanged worried glances and we all went back to the living quarters. I felt bothered little, either because I felt safe here in this place, or I refused to see the ugly truth. Whether I wanted to believe it or not I was being hunted by very powerful, skilled people, and all I could do is hide.