The Aftermath at Mount Massive

Chapter 8: To Deserve to Live

"A lot of companies have a lot to say about owning life. A lot of people seem to throw in their own thoughts about life and how to monetize it, or dictate it. From debates on abortion rights to arguments over companies holding the sole rights to seedlings. Where do we draw the line? When do we decide enough is enough? That a seed is just a seed and corporations shouldn't have their hands in nature? It's controversial to talk about, and I find that stupid on many different levels. But then again, I've never been one to side with companies, and I sure as hell don't back away from controversy. Companies like Murkoff already own most of the things you interact with on a daily basis. Don't let them own the concept of life too." –From Upshur Without a Paddle: The Personal Blog of Miles Upshur.

"We knew We would find you here, Host."

Miles cracked an eye open to find R hovering beside him. "Yeah, I'm not that hard to track down." He was lying on the long horizontal support beam that ran through the new church. The height was something that didn't bother him, he and liked that he could come and go with only mildly disturbing to the activities below.

"Why do you keep coming back?"

"The music is nice." Miles said turning his gaze to the ceiling. He could see the blue sky between the cracks in the boards. "What's it to you?"

R took a seat on the beam next to Miles' head. He hesitated before saying, "We think you've been spending too much time here, and not enough on your research. If we have any hopes of leaving you must finish with that."

"What I do with my free time is none of your business."

"Host We wish to leave here! We have been trapped on this mountain for years and before that We were confined to underground laboratories. You can leave, we should leave."

Miles became aware of the sudden silence that had fallen below them. He groaned and slipped off the beam falling a few feet before rising in the air. "Let's take this conversation outside R, it's clear we're a disturbance now." Once outside he shot straight up in the air. He felt like if he just flew up really high he could escape all of his problems.

But R was quick to follow and catch up with him. "Host you have gotten quite good with flying. Have you been practicing?"

"Actually, I have," he said. "It's the only thing I really like about this situation." In the air he felt free; he didn't feel like a monster. Granted, he didn't feel exactly human either, but he was able to forget his connection to the Walrider for a moment. He wished Mount Massive was a more picturesque mountain. The summit and area around the summit were barren and uninteresting with the forest starting mid mountain. The asylum was positioned on the mountain's middle ground, it wasn't especially high up nor was it close to the base. He didn't dare do a fly over of the local town of Leadville. He wasn't that brave. Up on the mountain there were hardly any people who could look up and see him, he didn't want to risk it by flying over the small town.

"We are glad you found something to enjoy. It would be unfortunate if you liked nothing."

"Considering I'm stuck with you until I die, yeah I'm glad there's at least one thing I like as well." Miles sighed and took a deep breath before asking the unavoidable question, "You really do think we're getting out of this place, don't you?"

"Yes, We can only hope that our leave is swift enough to save you." The Walrider flew closer to Miles and observed him thoughtfully. "The past few days you've been doing better. There have been less slips and you've been far more stable. This is encouraging news; however We would like to suggest that you not take this news as encouraging. You should still be focused on leaving here forever."