Two Sides Of A Coin

13~Charles

"Charles? Char-les?" Moira draws out my name in an attempt to wake me peacefully. I allow my eyes to open slowly, and when I finish I see the dullness of the grey ceiling contrasting with the beauty of Moira's head leaning a foot above mine. She smiles her magical smile and leans back. I sit up, and find myself leaning against the wall instead of a headboard. I frown at my discovery, and notice Moira and Erik looking at each other as if they have something to say.

"What is it? What's wrong?" My voice, which I assumed would be weak, sounds strong, and I wonder if they are surprised as well.

"I found out a couple hours ago that the government found your blood and they want me to come in to try to replicate it," Moira answers. She is still sitting on my bed, while Erik is leaning against the wall and in the middle of taking off his jacket.

"Imagine what they could do with that kind of power. This is exactly what I predicted." He says, mainly towards me. Our previous conversation ran instantly through my head, though as I consider his remark further I realize we have had plenty of discussions it could be referring to.

"Well this obviously isn't a good situation, how do we fix it?" Even as I ask, possible solutions are analyzed mentally.

"I'm the lead geneticist working on this project. If we are going to stop them from using it, I'm the way in." Moira states. That's true, that would be a solid way in... Perhaps there is an alternative that doesn't put Moira in danger.

"What are your intentions for recovering the sample?" Erik asks, somewhat rudely. Without reading his mind I know his apprehensiveness towards Moira's plan is lead by his doubts of her, and not his concerns for her safety.

"You did hear what I just said, right?" Moira retorts. "I'm the lead geneticist. I will have full authority over it. All I have to do is exchange it."

"Exchange it with whose?" I ask, still concerned as to her wellbeing when the plan is carried out.

"Mine. And I'll need help from one of you, by the way." She says, looking only at me. The corner of my mouth raises until I hear a snide remark come from Erik.

"Well, then you're in luck, because Charles has a lot of experience with needles." I roll my eyes and ignore him.

"Whatever you need." I speak gently to Moira.

"Perhaps it would be better to just demolish the entire base. That would ensure the destruction of the blood." Erik suggests while shuffling awkwardly by the wall. He can't be serious...

"Now that we know what not to do, what do we need to take your blood?"

"I need a needle and a vial."

"Anywhere we could get those?" I ask, already thinking of possible sites.

"A hospital or clinic would be fine." Moira answers.

"Don't those materials exist at your workplace?" Erik responds with an edge in his tone. "Couldn't you just gather of your blood there?" Seriously Erik, I know you don't spend much time around humans but they don't just take their blood at the drop of a hat.

"How subtle would that be?" Moira retorts.

"So we are breaking and entering? Erik, you must be having so much fun."

"Positively thrilled." He responds to me with obvious sarcasm.

"How did they find out about Charles, anyway?" Moira asks, looking between Erik and me.

"Interesting question, do you want to take that Erik?" To my surprise, he slowly walks towards us while rolling up his sleeve. I notice numerous scars shining on his forearm, and I can tell they extend to past my line of sight. The light colored lines make the small dark numbers of his forearm stand out.