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Chapter 42

Dressed in a blue Security uniform, Richard stood inside the entrance of Security Headquarters with his heart in his throat. The building had an industrial design – lots of concrete, glass and steel. People buzzed around him, moving on autopilot. Despite a now famous face no one noticed his presence. He was sure it wouldn't stay that way for long.

Sands refused to hand over a more elaborate disguise – citing a love for things hiding in plain sight. He believed the masses were too self-absorbed with their own lives and duties to detect a fox in the henhouse.

This made the effort feel like a suicide mission. Common sense begged him to stop. He was a changed man. His perspective on life had shifted. Yet something drove him forward – there was a tickle in his subconscious – a growing desire to get his body back despite knowing it might be impossible and was certainly illegal.

This was the onset of being Homesick - a term coined by Malcolm Chandler for a condition that affected anyone who stayed outside their body too long. It could begin at different times – anywhere from a few weeks to months. No one knew the how or why. Science and Psychology had ideas but nothing concrete. One side felt it was similar to a transplanted organ slowly rejecting its host. The other believed a psychosis developed due to the nature of consciousness and a connection to the brain it was born into.

No matter the cause – it was controllable. Drugs were the answer and timing was important. If they weren't administered within a day or two of diagnosis an obsession would begin, resulting in extreme anxiety and paranoia.

Having been on the run for days with no access to any of these drugs, Richard was starting to feel Homesick. Death, the Trench and everything he'd lost were fading concerns. A singular purpose was rising. His mind had begun to fixate on its old home – due in large part to Sands unexpected offer.

Before leaving the Lab Morris gave him a bag. Inside was a silicone glove with a handprint on it, a Comm device, an electronic map and a small white tube with a red button on top. Its function was vague – use it only in an emergency and stand very still when you do.

Despite the mystery Richard paid it little attention. He was too preoccupied.

The first destination was a polished steel door opposite the main entrance. There was a hand scanner on the wall beside it. Getting through would give him access to the Science Unit – this housed various Medical Divisions and the Morgue.

With great effort to appear casual, Richard slipped on the glove and moved toward the scanner. Halfway across the lobby he began to sweat. Anticipation was high - along with anxiety. It felt like all eyes were on him.

He arrived without commotion and placed his palm against the glass surface. The machine blinked on – the pad glowed white. A red light appeared in the top right corner. It flashed for what felt like an eternity, then turned green. The door swung open.

Richard wanted to slump against the wall in relief - but that would give him away. Instead he strode forward with the most confident manner he could muster.

On the other side was a wide hallway with coloured lines on the floor. The one he wanted was green – that would take him to the Morgue. The other two colours – red and yellow - led to a Laboratory and Hospital.

"Excuse me," said a female voice from directly behind. "Please identify yourself."

Richard froze. Only a few hundred feet into the building and he was busted.

"I won't ask you again, sir," said the voice. "If you don't respond I'll notify Central."

He turned slowly. The woman behind him was petite. Her head was shaved and she wore a Security uniform.