Anna's Ether - Chapter 6 - Flight

William regained consciousness and found himself in a vehicle with armed men on either side of him. "Captain, he's coming to," one of them said. "Keep him calm until we get to the base," the Captain replied. "Yes sir," Lt. Robson answered. William was feeling a bit seasick and asked the men if they were on a boat. "I'm Lt. Robson, William is it?" Robson asked. He gestured to shake William's hand. William found his hands were secured to his seat with handcuffs. "I'm sorry, let me take those cuffs off. We weren't sure how you'd react," he said. While taking Williams cuffs off, he explained that they were not on a boat, that in fact, they were traveling by air. William instantly had a million questions rush into his mind about the aircraft... He had worked with other gentlemen scientists on using steam-power for flying machines, with limited success. Lt. Robson uncuffed Williams right arm from the chair, leaving his left still secured. He gave William a firm handshake and pointed out the window. "Take a look, we are cruising at 5,000 meters. That's the coast of France in the distance," Robson said. William leaned over and fought the panic attack he was now experiencing. He soon calmed down and marveled at the beauty of the vast English Channel below as the occasional puff of cloud passed by. As he stared out the window, he once again remembered the explosion at Martin's camp. These men wore the uniform of those he saw on Martin's wall, yet these men did not seem like suicidal killers. Wouldn't they have simply killed me while I lay unconscious on the floor?

Robson went to the front of the aircraft and returned with some food for William. "You're lucky we found you when we did," Robson said. "You've been chipped. I've disabled it to prevent tracking", the other soldier said. "William meet Doc Engel, he'll be running some tests," Robson said. "Chipped? Tracking? What do you mean?", William asked. "Martin is not who he appears to be William. I'm sure he characterized us as suicidal maniacs bent on destroying mankind. The truth is, he was sent here for just that purpose." Robson said. "What of the images of war he showed me? The forces causing all the destruction were wearing the same uniform as you", William said. "Clever technical trickery, I assure you. Besides thought-based communication, Martin can project images into your mind that can seem recorded or even feel as real as you and I having this conversation right now." Robson said. "How then can I be sure Martin is not projecting you and this aircraft into my mind right now?" William asked. "You cannot. When we arrive at our base you will be presented with proof that Martin is your enemy as well as ours," Robson replied.

William was astonished to learn the aircraft was powered by a 300hp electric motor. The skin of the craft transformed sunlight into electricity, charging a lightweight, yet extremely efficient battery. The aircraft began it's decent towards an island just off mainland France's west coast. The plane touched down on a long runway where a car was waiting for them. "Our base is located in an underground fortification that was built by the Nazis in the last world war. There are several on the Channel Islands that survived the nuclear blasts", Robson explained. They arrived at the entrance to what looked like a tunnel in the side of a low hill. A guard opened the blast doors and guided the car to park just inside the entrance. As they walked through the tunnel William asked about the last world war and learned about the Nazis and the development of the first atomic bomb.

"Dr. Engel will need to check on the chip Martin's people inserted under your skin. I'll be back to escort you to the briefing room where I hope we can answer any questions you may have," Lt. Robson said. William followed Dr. Engel into a small lab and laid on the hospital bed. "I will need to remove the chip from the back of your neck, just a small incision will do, a very simple procedure." Dr. Engel said. William ran his hand over the back of his neck. "How big is this chip you say is under my skin? I cannot feel it." William said. "No, you would not. It is microscopic in size. Here, I will show you." Dr. Engel picked up a small device and pulled a monitor into Williams view. He ran the device over William's neck and the display showed every detail of anatomy of his neck, the muscles, cartilage, arteries, veins, etc. Then as the view increased in magnification, even blood cells could be viewed moving through the veins. Finally, a bright red line moved across the screen and encircled a square object just below the base of William's skull. Zoomed in, it was obviously not organic. "Do you see it?" Dr. Engel asked. "Is that how Martin could communicate directly with my brain?" William asked. "Yes, and track your location among other things. This implant is only a prerequisite for The Ritual. Once that procedure is finalized, Martin has complete control over you. We got you out of there just in time" Dr. Engel said. "How did you know I was there? Why rescue me?" William asked. "That's beyond my pay grade, you will be briefed soon." Dr. Engel replied.

Next week: Chapter 7 - Briefed
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