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

Chapter Fourteen

           

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

February 27, 2015

Zacchya was still asleep when they entered the cell.  She heard the familiar click of the lock opening and knew what was coming next.  She had been through it day after day, every time she refused to do the testing. They'd restrain her, some days she would fight back, sometimes she didn't have to.  She was always glad for the days she didn't have to fight back.

            "Zacchya, please get up," Tyrell stated as he came into her cell.

            Zacchya pushed off her blankets and sat up.  Tyrell was accompanied by Ben, and another man she'd never met, a dark-eyed, powerful looking man.  She said nothing as she sat up, but stared at them intently, hoping for a non-fighting day.

            "Zacchya, this is Magnus Cain. He is the leader of this facility.  He has something very important to tell you," Tyrell said, nodding to the large man beside him.

            Zacchya's stomach dropped, afraid of bad news.  Magnus was a large man, but not fat. He was very muscular and towered above her.  She couldn't help but be a bit frightened.  Magnus exuded power in a way that made her feel very small, child-like even.  She didn't like him and she didn't want to hear a word he had to say to her. It couldn't be good. 

            "So, you have been our problem child, I hear.  This testing is of the utmost importance.  There is almost nothing I wouldn't do to see it succeed.  I will give you a proposition and we will go from there," Magnus spoke, his voice deep and professional.

            "I'm listening," she replied.

            "Good. You will be given the opportunity, starting today, to be willingly tested.  You will be asked at the beginning of each day, like you are now. However, you will no longer be restrained if you choose to not comply," Magnus paused. "This will go on for one week, that's all.  If by the end of that week, you still choose to be non-compliant, things will change.  I will make sure these tests are done ... with or without your consent. I can assure you, sweetie, you don't want that."

            Zacchya stared at him, afraid to respond.

            "I will use excessive force if necessary. I do not wish to harm you, but I must move this process along.  It would be easier if you cooperated with us.  We do not wish to harm you."

            Zacchya sat silently, letting the words sink in.  Her time was almost up.  She had pushed the limits, but the bad guys would win.  Her time left as herself was almost gone.

            "Do you wish to comply with the testing today, Zacchya?" Magnus asked politely.

            She stared at him towering over her.  Panic began to creep into her mind. The hamster wheel was turning and they were looking at her to be the hamster. 

            "No," she replied softly.

            "Then we will see you again tomorrow." Magnus frowned, lingered for a moment as if he wanted to add something, but didn't, and then they were gone.

            Once the door locked shut, the emptiness of it all came crushing down on her shoulders. She had a week left of freedom to grasp onto.  There was no knowing what they could make her do once the testing started. Would she have to kill someone again? Kill herself? Would they make her incapable of taking care of herself and she'd become some mindless vegetable? The possibilities were truly endless with a mind control drug, and it scared her.