The Life of Jacob Track (Book Two of the 33X Series)

Chapter Eleven

           

CHAPTER ELEVEN

February 20, 2015

Jacob had trouble sleeping, knowing the day had come for the testing to officially start.  He had tossed and turned all night, wishing his brain would quit over-thinking every possibility and outcome.  He envisioned himself fighting the guards, grabbing Zacchya and running to freedom. In his mind, he resembled Bruce Willis from the Die Hard movies: muscular, bloody, and heroic. He also imagined himself slowly losing his mind, turning into a human-like robot unable to remember his own name or how to tie his shoes.  He also could see a million different possibilities between those extremes. The waiting and not knowing was driving him a bit crazy.

            Unfortunately, he knew that even if he did try to eventually fight against the guards it wouldn't work.  He was beyond outnumbered and they'd just restrain him like they had Zacchya.  The depressing daydream of him turning into a human-like robot looked more realistic.  If the time came for him to fight for his freedom, he'd take it gladly. But it would have to be at just the right time or it wouldn't work.  It would take planning and cunning to escape and he had no idea where to start.

            He drummed his fingers nervously against his legs, waiting for the cell door to open and be led away.  The wait was awful.  The cell was insanely quiet and he longed for a radio or TV to pass the time, at least.  He'd rather just get it over with.  He was a patient guy, but his nerves were eating away at his stomach.  Finally, the door opened with Ben and Tyrell entering.

            "Hello, Jacob, how are you feeling today?" Tyrell asked politely.

            "As if you care, let's just get this crap over with please."  Jacob rolled his eyes as he got to his feet.  His stomach swirled nervously, but he tried to hide it from them.  Jacob knew they didn't care about him or his feelings, it was best to just cover them up and move on.

            "Of course, of course, today is the medical part of the testing.  You will be given a run of tests: blood, urine, brain scans, etc." Ben said.

            "I'm ecstatic," Jacob said flatly.

            "Follow me, please," Tyrell led them out of the cell and into a long, gray hallway.  Jacob followed, wishing he had the courage and strength to break away.  However, the place was so foreign to him; he knew he'd be caught before an exit was found.  They turned left passing by Zacchya's cell. She waved sadly at him through the window as he passed. He wished he could protect her from all of it, but knew there was no possible way. They continued, passing numerous offices and doors.  All the hallways looked the same to him, and he was already getting confused and disorientated.

            Finally, they reached Office #4 where they stopped.  They led him inside, and were greeted by a man Jacob knew very well, Larry Rumsfield.

            "Larry?! What are you doing here?" Jacob asked curiously.

            "Have a seat, Jacob. I'll explain everything in a moment.  Thank you, Ben, Tyrell, I'll call if I need your assistance." Larry nodded politely. The men nodded and exited the office.  The office was small, but not uncomfortably so.  It held a desk, which Larry sat behind, a book shelf, and a few cushioned chairs.  It was painted in a taupe color with no decorations.

            "It's so good to see you again, Jacob. It's been a while!"

            "Yeah ... so that means ... you're the one that drugged me, apparently.  I remember your random visits to the bridge." Jacob frowned. The revelations he had gotten in the past few days was wearing on him. His stomach churned unhappily.