My mind floated in and out of a haze, shifting between fleeting fragments of consciousness and the dark abyss of nothingness. Sometimes I felt like I was sinking into the dark abyss, and other times, I was clawing my way back to some semblance of awareness. It was a delicate dance between pain and numbness, and I never knew which one would win.
Pain was a constant companion. It was not the kind that flared up suddenly, but rather a deep, gnawing throb that seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat. It traveled through my chest and limbs like a poison, slowly and steadily, consuming every part of me. My head pounded mercilessly, and even my eyeballs hurt. It was almost unbearable, but it was preferable to the darkness because, through the pain, I was at least vaguely aware that I was alive.
Fragmented memories drifted through my mind, hazy images and sensations that I could barely grasp. My mind was sluggish, and my thoughts felt like molasses, slow and viscous. I tried to hold onto them, but they slipped through my mental fingers, fading into the darkness.
Sometimes, I heard voices, but they were distant and indistinct, like whispers carried on the wind. Other times, I thought I felt a gentle touch, a soft caress against my skin, but when I reached out, my hand found only empty air. It was a frustrating, disorienting experience, but at least I knew that I was still alive.
As more time passed, I felt myself growing stronger, my senses becoming more alert. I was able to stay awake for longer periods of time and was able to take in my surroundings. I was in a dimly lit room, lying on a bed, surrounded by a sea of white. My head still throbbed, and my entire body ached, but the pain was more manageable.
It was during one of my more lucid moments that I began to assess my situation. The room was unfamiliar, and I was in no shape to explore or investigate. I struggled to even turn my head, as my body refused to respond to my commands. The best I could do was open and close my eyes, which didn't give me a very good view of the room.
The ceiling I stared up at was unfamiliar. There were no white ceilings in my temple, not in Khēmeia or Kaledon, or anywhere I could recall. Did that mean I was in the temple of Light? Or maybe New beginnings? Both Celeste and Vēdiovis used white in their color scheme. The pain I felt in my chest was an indication that it was likely the temple of light. If I was in Celeste's temple, I would have been fully healed, because all injuries were healed on resurrection. Plus, if I'd died, I would be in Trismegistus' temple, not Celeste's.
No, I was clearly in the healing rooms of the temple of light, which meant that I had been injured somehow. I couldn't remember how or when, but I did recall something, or rather someone, who had told me to wake up.
I blinked, trying to recall who it was and what they'd said, but the memory was hazy and difficult to grasp. A sharp, stabbing pain radiated from my chest, reminding me that it was not the time for pondering and that it was time to figure out where I was.
The ceiling was not only unfamiliar, but the room itself was. There were no windows, and the walls were a plain white color, a stark contrast to the colorful and ornate decorations and architecture of my temples.
I strained my eyes, rolling them towards the left to get a better look. I couldn't see much, just an empty chair next to the bed, but what I saw beyond it was enough to set me on edge. The room was small, and the bed I was lying on was the only piece of furniture. There was a door, but it was closed and looked like it was made of metal.
However, what caught my attention was the screen mounted on the wall beside the bed. It was a monitor, one that was displaying my vital signs. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more, all displayed on a single screen.
There was no such device in Kaledon.
My mind reeled with the implications. I tried to move again, but my body remained unresponsive. It was frustrating and concerning. The pain in my chest was intensifying, and I could feel my heartbeat quickening. Panic was starting to set in, but I fought to remain calm.
Footsteps.
It took me a moment to register the sound. The door was opening, and I couldn't turn my head to see who was entering the room. My heart was racing, and my breathing was becoming more shallow.
A woman appeared in my peripheral vision. She was dressed in white and carrying a thin black tablet. Her hair was dark and pulled back into a ponytail, and her eyes were a pale blue. She glanced down at me with a bright smile. "Good morning, Miss Greene," she said, not even waiting for a response as she moved around me to check the monitors.
I tried to speak, tried to ask questions, but no sound came out.
She didn't even seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't react. She simply went about her business as if I was incapable of speaking or communicating. Which I suppose I was.
It was frustrating and confusing. My mind was racing, and the pain in my chest was growing worse. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart, and I struggled to breathe.
"Oh, ah- Miss Greene? Are you awake?" The nurse, or whoever she was, said as she looked down at me. She had an almost curious expression on her face.
I tried to respond, tried to tell her I was awake, but no sound came out. Her gaze met mine and I watched her take a step to the left, then the right. She repeated this motion several times, moving from one side of the bed to the other while staring at me with wide eyes. What was she doing?
"Nancy, what are you doing?" a voice called from behind her.
She turned, her expression changing to surprise. "Dr. Phillips, I was just...I mean... Miss Greene, she was looking at me."
The doctor stepped into the room, glancing at me and then the nurse. "That is normal, Nancy. Her implant is able to stimulate her neural processes to a point of basic awareness in order to facilitate bodily functions."
Nancy frowned, looking from the doctor to me. "But, she was really watching me."
The doctor smiled and shook his head. "It's not uncommon, especially with patients who are in her condition. It is a neural reflex, an instinctive response to stimulus. Her eyes were open, so her eyes are tracking your movements."
Nancy nodded, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Of course, sir. It's just, this is the first time I've seen her awake, and it's quite unnerving, to be honest. To see her eyes follow you, it's almost like she's... aware."
"Yes, I suppose it can be unsettling. But remember, she's not aware of her surroundings. Her eyes may be tracking movement, but she doesn't actually comprehend what she's seeing. Her body is just following an automatic response to visual stimuli. However, that does not mean she isn't making progress. In fact, I would say this is an excellent sign. She's responding more quickly to external stimuli, which means her implant is learning and adapting. And that, Nancy, is a good thing."
I am aware. I tried to say, but the words remained unspoken. I couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't even blink. But I was still there, still aware. I could hear and understand everything that was being said, but I couldn't respond.
Nancy nodded again, her expression less apprehensive. "Right, yes, of course. I'm sorry," she said, flashing a sheepish smile. "I guess I'm still getting used to the whole her being awake thing."
"That is understandable," the doctor replied, offering a reassuring smile. "It can be a bit strange at first, but it is an important step in her recovery. We are training her body to function normally, and eventually, her brain will be able to do the same. Her body is used to being in a state of stasis, and that is why we must gradually increase her level of activity. It can take some time for her muscles and systems to adjust, but she is making excellent progress."
Nancy still looked skeptical, but the doctor seemed unconcerned. He walked over to the monitor, studying the readings. "Her vitals are stable, and her weight gain is on target. Everything looks good. I want her in the therapy pod for an additional ten minutes today, then you can increase her feeds to the stage B levels." He moved closer to the bed, his gaze not looking at me, but somewhere further down. "How is her incision this morning? Nurse Brandon wrote in her overnight report that the incision looked red and inflamed."
"I-" Nancy stammered, her cheeks flushing, "I haven't changed her bandages yet, I thought it would be fine to change them after I bring her back from the therapy pod. I was going to bathe her after so-"
"Nancy, we have a schedule for a reason." The doctor's tone was stern. "We can't afford to be negligent here, especially with a patient like Miss Greene. Infection is the number one risk factor in recovery in patients who have been in stasis for as long as she has. Their immune system is compromised, and their ability to fight infection is reduced, meaning even the smallest and seemingly innocuous thing can become a life-threatening situation."
'Patient who had been in stasis for as long as she had.' Well... That confirmed it then, didn't it? I wasn't in Kaledon anymore. I was back on Earth, in the real world. It had to be, with medical terms like stasis and implants being tossed about. We didn't talk like that in Kaledon unless we were talking about Earth, which was a subject we avoided if possible.
I knew I wasn’t in Kaledon, but the reality of it didn't truly sink in until that moment. If I could have cried, I would have, but I felt strangely numb. It was like someone had turned the volume down on my emotions. I felt detached, removed, like I was watching the events unfold from afar.
The doctor glanced at the monitor, his brow furrowing. "Her vitals are a bit high," he said, leaning closer to examine me. "It's probably due to the increased activity and stimulation. We will monitor it and adjust her medication accordingly."
I could see his face clearly now, and there was no doubt that this man was from Earth. He looked human, and he was dressed like any doctor or surgeon on Earth, scrubs and a stereotypical white coat.
"Seeing as you have yet to change her dressings," he said, glancing pointedly at Nancy, "I will check for her incision myself."
The nurse's cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head. "Yes, Dr. Phillips," she mumbled, her eyes downcast.
I lost track of both doctor and nurse for a moment, then my world view shifted as my bed was tilted, putting me into an elevated position. I could see a bit more of the room now, the far wall, and the door, which was closed. It was sterile, devoid of any decoration or personality, just plain white.
The doctor leaned over me, his gaze focused on my chest as the nurse worked at my side. I could feel the bandage being removed, exposing my bare skin to the cool air of the room.
"Hmm," the doctor murmured, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's healing nicely. The inflammation is minimal. We'll keep a close eye on it, as even a small amount of infection can cause a huge setback. If we had allowed this to go unchecked, it could have resulted in a systemic infection, and even put her at risk of organ rejection. This is exactly why we have to follow protocols, Nancy, you might be Dr. Janson's favorite, but you're not irreplaceable. Understand?"
"Yes, Dr. Phillips," the nurse replied, her voice subdued.
The doctor nodded and straightened up. "You're still new, and while Dr. Janson seems to think highly of you, there's a lot for you to learn here. Our patients are some of the most high-profile people in the world. They are celebrities, politicians, and businessmen, and they can destroy your career with a single phone call if you don't give them the care they feel they deserve. I know it's not easy working here, even more so when you're green and new to the field, but we have strict protocols for a reason."
The doctor gestured for the nurse to re-bandage the incision. "This is the third time you've made an error in the last week, Nancy, and while we are all willing to overlook the occasional mistake, three is not an acceptable number. Especially when you have patients like Miss Greene, whose recovery is of vital importance."
As the doctor spoke, the nurse quickly finished her task. Once she was done, the doctor turned and looked down at me.
His expression softened, a hint of compassion flickering in his eyes. "Miss Greene has a lot of attention on her right now. We need to be extra diligent, and ensure that we are providing her with the best possible care."
I stared at him, unable to speak or move. All I could do was listen and observe, while trying not to let the fear and panic overwhelm me.
"Dr. Phillips," Nancy's voice was soft, "do you think she'll wake up soon?"
The doctor glanced at the nurse, his expression unreadable. "It's hard to say. There's no way of knowing exactly how long it will take her to recover. Some patients wake up within days, while others take weeks or even months. The brain is a complex organ, and the human mind is even more so. We're doing everything we can to help her recover, but there's no way to know exactly when or if she'll wake up."
Nancy looked down at me, a sad expression on her face. "What will happen if she doesn't?"
Dr. Phillips sighed and shook his head. "Miss Greene is cognitively intact, and the scans show that her neural networks are healthy and intact. The problem is, her consciousness is not able to communicate with her body, at least not yet. Miss Greene's mind and her body are out of sync. Her mind is fully functioning and aware, but her body is not. That is what makes this recovery so difficult. It's not a physical injury or trauma that needs to heal, it's the disconnect between her mind and her body. We're working to bridge that gap, to help her regain control of her body, but it's not an easy process. In part, because she herself needs to make the conscious effort to do so, and at present, she is not able to do that."
"If she is aware, then shouldn't she be able to talk to us? She's in a simulated environment, right?"
“That is not something we would consider unless absolutely necessary," Dr. Phillips explained. "The patients we are treating have all been in a simulated environment for an extended period, and have developed dissociative symptoms as a result. For this reason, the simulations we use are specifically designed to be devoid of any real stimuli or feedback. The environment is a blank slate, a neutral space where the patients can focus on their recovery and not the details of the simulation. The goal is to help the patient re-integrate with the real world, and if we provide any sort of stimuli in that simulation, it could hinder their progress. In order for the best chance of reintegration, this needs to be the only reality they can interact with.”
The conversation soon turned to other topics, such as the progress of my physical therapy and my nutritional regimen. I listened to it all, my mind racing as I absorbed the information. It was a lot to process, and I was struggling to come to terms with everything. I wasn't in Kaledon anymore, I was back on Earth, and based on what the doctor said, the 'void' I'd been in was likely the simulation he'd mentioned. That meant I hadn't been in Kaledon or an 'inner domain' for that matter.
How long had I been gone? How much time had passed? And what had happened in that time? And how did I go about getting back to Kaledon?
-
The therapy pod was a strange and unsettling experience. I'd been lowered into a water-filled tube, a clear glass enclosure, and submerged in the liquid. The liquid was a cool, gel-like substance, and it enveloped my entire body, encasing me in its embrace. It was almost soothing, right until it started moving.
The gel seemed to be some kind of non-Newtonian fluid, shifting and moving around my body, massaging my muscles and stimulating my nerve endings. It was a painful sensation, which only intensified when the lights began to pulse and shift in a variety of patterns. The patterns were synchronized with the movement of the fluid, creating a visual and tactile experience that was both disorienting and nauseating.
Based on the conversations I'd been listening in on, this was all part of a physical therapy protocol to help my body relearn how to respond and react. It would help build muscle strength and increase blood flow, and a slew of other things. However, the only thing I felt was discomfort and pain.
It was a sensation that I knew would have been even more unbearable if I had been fully aware and able to feel my body, making the experience truly excruciating. As it stood, the pain was barely tolerable, and I couldn't even open my eyes anymore. It felt as though my body had fallen asleep, leaving only my mind awake.
I couldn't see or move or interact with the world. I was trapped in my own body, a helpless prisoner, waiting and watching, unable to do anything but endure.
This wasn't like when I'd been in the void, at least not entirely. This was a different kind of dark, one I couldn't control or influence. I could think and rationalize, but not act.
What exactly had happened? How did I end up here, in a real world hospital back on Earth? Shouldn't I have been consulted? This should have been my choice.
My mind flashed back to the last moment I remembered in Kaledon, my conversation with Trismegistus. He'd known, hadn't he? He'd known what was happening. I could see that now, his quote from the Hermeticum, the way he'd looked at me. He'd known.
And Zosimos... He'd sent me Zos, sent him into that void with me. Why? Because he knew I'd likely have gone insane without any form of stimulation?
Honestly, what were these doctors thinking? Placing me in such an environment, where I was utterly cut off from any real stimulus, it was cruel. What if I had been alone, what if no one had talked to me or checked on me, wouldn't I have lost my mind? Wouldn't I have gone mad? Was that even ethical?
When I got control over my body, and I would get control, I was going to sue the pants off of these idiots.
---
"It's such a shame about your hair," Nancy said as she wrapped a bandage around my head. "I saw some pictures of you in the news, you had such pretty red hair."
My eyes rolled towards the left, where I could just barely see Nancy's face. She had a thoughtful look on her face, her gaze focused on her work.
"I'm sure it took you years to grow it out," she continued, a note of sadness in her voice. "I always wanted to grow my hair long, but I can't seem to keep it from going frizzy. And this humidity isn't helping."
She looked up at me, her expression softening. "I know you can't hear me, but I want you to know that I'm sorry for what happened. It was awful what they did to you," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "What they do to all of them... it's horrible."
Nancy's words brought a flurry of emotions, a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration. The memories were still hazy and disjointed, but I could remember the pain, the feeling of helplessness, and the betrayal.
There was a moment of silence, and then she sighed. "If I was you, I wouldn't want to wake up either. This world is a mess."
Her words were a harsh reminder of the reality I'd left behind, a reality I'd tried to forget. I was no longer in Kaledon and no longer in control of my life. Instead, I was back on Earth, a world where I had no power or influence, a world where I had been betrayed and abused by the very people who were supposed to care for me.
It was a sobering realization, and it made me angry. It was an anger I'd felt before, a deep, seething rage that had been simmering beneath the surface ever since the day I'd gotten that damn letter. A day that changed my life, a day that changed everything.
The memory of that day, and the events leading up to it, was as vivid and painful as ever. I'd been so excited, so hopeful. So certain that my acceptance letters would come. That they'd all accept me. That my hard work and dedication would be rewarded. I would have my pick of schools, and a bright future ahead of me. I was so close, so close to getting out, to finally breaking free from the life I'd been living.
Instead, that future had been shattered. One letter had destroyed it all. One letter had turned my world upside down.
"I heard that they are going to start a class action lawsuit against them," Nancy's voice broke through the memories, a note of excitement in her tone. "Can you imagine? Taking those assholes to court? Everlife had so many powerful people on their side, it's crazy. But it's not like they can hide or run from it. They said you're the one who's funding the entire thing, that you're paying all the legal fees, and that you're taking them to court on behalf of all the other victims. Isn't that crazy? I mean, they are saying you're the one who made it possible. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after everything they did to you. I mean, I know you got a settlement out of them already, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. They'll have to pay billions in damages, and all those people they were abusing with those loans..." she shook her head, "well, I can't even imagine what it must have been like for those poor people, being forced to basically live as virtual slaves."
She paused, a pensive look on her face. "I mean, I know there's been a lot of controversy over it, with people saying that the victims weren't really forced or abused, but you can't tell me that what happened to you wasn't wrong."
I listened to her rant, a strange feeling welling up within me. Since when was I some kind of crusader for the poor, oppressed victims of Everlife?
The mention of loans and servitude brought memories of a kitsune man to mind, someone I'd met only briefly, but who had made a lasting impression.
Finnic... I'd promised to help him, hadn't I? I'd promised to help all those people who were trapped in their contracts, forced to work for the Dreadmere guild. It would seem Mr. Davis got my message to investigate the loan issue and had taken the matter to the courts.
Good. That was good.
No one should have to live like that.
Davis would have the situation well in hand, and knowing him, he'd make a lot of money doing it.
Thoughts of the lawyer brought back memories of our last meeting. It seemed like a lifetime ago, yet it was only a few months. So much had happened since then, and yet, I could still remember the moment as if it were yesterday.
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"They'll have to pay billions in damages," Nancy was still going on. "And not just them, the banks and financial institutions that backed them, and the politicians who protected them, it's a big mess. I can't believe they thought they could get away with it. It's disgusting, and everyone's talking about it. Well, everyone who isn't rich and old, anyway. Those people have the whole system rigged in their favor, but this is something that's really hit home with a lot of people. People are finally starting to see the truth."
Hmm. Perhaps I should give Davis a bonus.
Nancy finished her task and stood up. "There, all done," she said, a satisfied smile on her face. "I've got to go on break now, but I'll be back in an hour or so to do your touch therapy."
Touch therapy? What the hell was that? It better not be what it sounded like. I’d endured enough of that during the sponge bath, thank you very much. I wanted to scream at Nancy, to tell her that I didn’t want her or anyone else touching me, but I was voiceless.
"I'm glad I got assigned to you, Miss Greene," Nancy continued. "I mean, it kind of sucks that I have to live in the quarantine section, but it's not like I have a lot of stuff. And the apartment is nice, plus the bonus is great, so I can't complain too much. My boyfriend isn't happy about it, but he'll get over it. I think he's more jealous of the money and the fact that I'm working here. He thinks it's cool and impressive, and he's always asking me questions about the patients. I keep telling him I can't talk about it because of the nondisclosure agreement, but he just won't drop it." She rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I'll be back soon, and I'll tell you all about the new episodes of the show I've been watching, okay? See ya."
My eyes followed her as she walked out of the room, and the door closed behind her. At least she'd been kind enough to leave the bed elevated to a moderate incline. That allowed me to see a bit more of the room, and it was a welcome change from staring up at the ceiling.
However, even with the slight elevation, I still couldn't see much. The walls were blank, and the only furniture was the bed, a chair, and the monitor.
Shortly after Nancy's departure my eyes closed, and I found myself drifting into a light sleep. It was a strange sensation, as my body was asleep, but my mind was awake. I felt disconnected from my body, a strange floating feeling.
As I drifted, my thoughts turned to Khēmeia and its inhabitants. What were Nova and Aeon doing? Were they waiting for me? Did they know I was gone? Would I ever be able to get back?
The voice, the man, the one from the void, his words echoed in my mind. He said he'd let me keep my world, so did that mean Nova and Aeon were safe? Zosimos too?
And what about Kaledon? My friends? My brother? Did Marcus know about this? Know I was brought out of stasis? So many questions, so many unknowns.
Stop.
I had to stop, or I'd go insane with all the questions.
Plan action. I needed a plan of action, a task, a goal to focus on.
First things first, I needed to regain control of my body. And then? Well, I wasn't sure yet. Contacting Davis was a priority, but I'd need to be able to communicate, and I wasn't sure how feasible that would be at this point. Based on the state of my body, there was a chance my vocal cords had atrophied, but then again, there were other means of communication.
Yes. Once I had control over my body, then I could think of the next steps, but for now, I needed to focus on getting the basics down. With my plan of action in place, my mind seemed to settle. The sense of disorientation faded, and the panic that had been building subsided.
How does one regain control over their body? Well, for starters, they had to have some level of awareness, and I was there. I was aware. I could think, and reason, and that meant I was making progress.
Next step, I needed to focus on physical sensation. That was the only way to test whether I could actually control my body or not. So, what did that entail?
Well, it meant feeling, and I was certainly feeling a lot of things, none of them pleasant.
The pain was always there, a deep ache spreading through my body. A bone-chilling coldness seeped into my limbs, leaving them numb. I felt an unrelenting weakness, a weariness that drained every ounce of my energy. And beneath it all, there was fear.
No. No fear, no panic.
Focus on the positive, on the things I could feel.
Yes, the pain. The pain was the most prominent, but it was also the most manageable. The pain was a physical sensation, and that meant I could feel my body. I could feel my lungs expand as I breathed, and I could feel my heart beating.
Heart beating. Lungs expanding, chest rising and falling. It was a strange sensation, feeling your body function, feeling your heart pump blood through your veins, and your lungs expanding, but at the same time, feeling disconnected from it.
It was a paradoxical sensation, one that was difficult to explain, but it was real. I was real. My body was alive and functioning, and I could feel it. I could feel it.
I could feel it.
The next time Nancy came in, I focused on that feeling. On the sensation of my chest rising and falling, and my heart beating. I focused on that sensation, and I willed my fingers to move.
Nothing happened.
I kept trying, focusing all my attention on the smallest movements, but my fingers remained still. It was frustrating and discouraging, but I refused to give up. I needed to move, to show them that I was awake and aware in here. I needed them to see me, to see that it wasn't a neural implant doing this. It was me.
"Oh, you're awake," Nancy's voice interrupted my concentration. "I thought you were scheduled for a rest period during this time?"
She walked over to the monitor, checking the readouts. Her brows furrowed as she studied the screen.
"Your vitals are elevated," she said, her tone concerned. "Your heart rate and blood pressure are both high."
I willed my fingers to move, focusing all my energy on that small movement. Nothing happened.
"Seraphim, please page Dr. Phillips."
Seraphim? Who the hell was that? Was there someone else in the room with me?
"I'm here," a male voice said, and a second later, Dr. Phillips appeared at Nancy's side. "Seraphim already notified me of the spike in her vitals, I was in the next room." The doctor walked over to the monitor and studied the readouts. "This is unusual," he mused, his brow furrowing. "She should be in a sleep cycle right now, based on her schedule."
He looked down at me, a contemplative expression on his face. "Seraphim, can you pull up her neuro-implant data? I want to see if there was a malfunction."
An androgynous voice, presumably Seraphim, responded. "There is no indication of a malfunction. Miss Greene's neuro-implant is operating within normal parameters."
Dr. Phillips frowned and leaned closer to examine the monitors. "Hmm, this is unusual," he muttered, his eyes scanning the screen.
I concentrated on my hand, willing my fingers to move. Nothing happened.
"Seraphim, is there any indication of anomalous brain activity?" Dr. Phillips asked, his gaze still focused on the monitors.
"No, Doctor," Seraphim replied. "Miss Greene's brain activity is consistent with her state of awareness."
"Awareness?" Dr. Phillips repeated, a surprised look on his face. He leaned over me, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes, Doctor," Seraphim replied, their tone matter-of-fact. "Miss Greene is currently conscious and aware."
Dr. Phillips's brow furrowed, then a finger appeared in my field of view, hovering in front of my nose. I watched as it moved from side to side, and then back again.
"Miss Greene, please look left." Dr. Phillips said, while moving his finger to the right.
I did as he asked, my eyes rolling to the left.
"Good, now please look right." Dr. Phillips said, while moving his finger to the other side.
I ignored his finger, following only the verbal instruction.
"Seraphim, run a full neuro-implant diagnostic. I want to check the connection between the implant and her brain."
There was a moment of silence, then the androgynous voice replied. "Diagnostic complete. There is no indication of a malfunction or error. All neural pathways are functional."
"Thank you, Seraphim," Dr. Phillips said, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Miss Greene, are you able to move your fingers for me?"
I concentrated on my hand, willing my fingers to twitch. They remained still.
“Miss Greene, can you blink?”
I was already blinking, just not intentionally. It was as if my eyelids were operating on a set timer, closing and opening on an unyielding rhythm. One… two… three… four… blink.The doctor knew it too. I could see him counting, his gaze intent as he waited to see if I would break the cycle.
After a few moments of nothing, Dr. Phillips spoke. "Miss Greene, please look right for yes and left for no. Do you understand?"
I looked right.
Nancy's voice filled my ears, brimming with excitement. "She's looking right!"
"Yes, she is," Dr. Phillips said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Miss Greene, do you have control over your body?"
Left.
"Can you feel your body? Feel any sensation?”
I looked forward, then left again, then right.
"No and yes?" The doctor clarified.
Yes.
Dr. Phillips sighed. "I see. That is unfortunate, but not unexpected. Your brain and body are out of sync, and it can take time for the two to synchronize. This is a common occurrence in patients who have been in a simulated environment for an extended period. We will continue your therapy regimen and increase your sessions to help speed up the process. You are making excellent progress, and we will do everything we can to help you regain control of your body."
That's it? That's the best you can do? How about you connect me to a computer or something so I can talk!
"Seraphim please page Dr. Kwon," the doctor continued, directing his attention elsewhere in the room. "He will need to be informed of this development. Dr. Lazar as well," he added, then looked over at Nancy. "We will need to adjust her nutritional regimen and therapy schedule. If her mind is active, that means we can begin accelerating her recovery."
I watched as the nurse made a note on her tablet, her expression serious, but her eyes were bright with excitement.
"I knew she was watching me," Nancy murmured, her gaze focused on the tablet.
Dr. Phillips looked away from the nurse, looking down at me. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Miss Greene-" he paused, as if unsure what to say. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. I want you to know that we are going to do everything we can to help you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are going to make sure you get there."
The nurse's expression softened, a small smile appearing on her face. "We're going to get you back on your feet in no time," she said, her tone filled with confidence. "You just hang in there, okay?"
I looked right.
I couldn't do anything else.
----------------------------------------
"How long has she been awake?"
"Not long, a few hours at most."
"What was the cause?"
"Why wasn't I notified sooner?"
The doctors clambered around me, their voices echoing in the sterile hospital room.
"I told you to page me immediately if there was any change." A woman's voice cut through the hubbub, sharp and impatient. The woman, a tall, thin woman with blonde hair pulled into a severe bun, leaned over me, shoving her big nose in my face. "Are you sure she is aware? Has she passed the cognitive tests?"
If I could have recoiled, I would have. The woman was rude, her voice clipped and cold, her eyes devoid of emotion. She was an older woman, with deep lines around her mouth and eyes, and her skin was sallow and waxy. Even worse, her breath was stale and smelled of cigarettes and she was breathing that stank all over me.
"I have performed the basic cognitive tests, yes," Dr. Phillips said, not even bothering to address me. "She is fully aware, which means we can move forward with the accelerated recovery plan. I want her in the therapy pod twice a day, and I want to increase her sessions to a minimum of thirty minutes. Her physical therapy will have to wait until she is able to move, but we can work with the therapist to design a program to maintain her muscle mass and-"
Someone cleared their throat, cutting off the doctor. "Lucille, please move away from Miss Greene, you're not letting the patient breathe."
My eyes rolled towards the owner of the new voice, an Asian man, presumably Dr. Kwon, judging by the badge clipped to his coat.
The blonde woman scowled, but straightened, moving back from the bed.
"Now, then," the new doctor said, a polite smile on his face. "Miss Greene, my name is Dr. Kwon, and I'll be the one responsible for overseeing your recovery. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I'm going to need you to do your part. Can you do that?"
I thought Dr. Phillips was the primary, not this guy? And who was the woman? She didn't seem to have a badge.
"Excellent," Dr. Kwon continued, despite my lack of a response. "Now, can you wiggle your fingers for me?"
My eyes rolled to the left.
"Left means no," Dr. Phillips supplied helpfully.
"Ah," the Asian man replied, his tone understanding. "Alright, that's okay. I want you to concentrate on the sensation of your hands. Can you feel your palms against the mattress?"
No.
"Okay, let's try this," the doctor said, pulling a pen from his pocket. "I'm tapping the end of your finger," he explained, his voice calm and soothing. "Can you feel it?"
The pen felt like a feather, a light, almost imperceptible touch.
I looked right.
The doctor nodded, his expression serious. "That's a good sign. We will do some more tests, but for now, I'm going to ask you a few questions. Are you ready?"
I looked right.
"Good. Let's start with the basics. Do you know who you are?"
Oh, so now they think to ask that question?
I looked right.
"Very good. Do you remember what happened to you?"
In what context? Because I could remember a lot of things. I rolled my eyes, then looked left, then right.
Dr. Kwon frowned, his brows furrowing. "You're having difficulty remembering?"
No. Yes. Maybe? I looked right, then left. It depends on what you want me to remember.
"Okay, let's try something else. Do you know where you are?"
Another vague question. Did I know I was on Earth? Yes. Did I know where on Earth? No, because for all I knew, I could be in another country or even a different continent. I was in a medical facility, that much was clear, and based on the technology, I was definitely on Earth. But that was about all I could figure out.
I rolled my eyes again.
"Alright, we'll come back to that one later. How about this one. Do you know what year it is?"
Oh for...
Right. Left. I didn't know how much time had passed since I was taken from Kaledon and placed in the void, so how could I know what year it was?
Dr. Kwon nodded. "Alright, let's move on."
"Do you remember the names of your parents?"
Yes. Donovan Greene and Hemera Cole.
"How about a sibling?"
Yes. Marcus Greene.
The doctor smiled. "That's good. Do you remember why you were put into stasis? Into the simulation of Kaledon?"
I looked right. Yes.
"Do you remember what happened before you went into stasis?"
Yes.
"Are you aware that you suffered severe physical and psychological trauma as a result?"
Psychological? Who was he to judge my mental state?
I rolled my eyes before looking right. This would be so much easier if they would connect me to a computer. Based on the conversations I'd overheard and the fact I was in a virtual reality simulation, I still had a functional neural implant, which meant I could interact with the technology around me. If they gave me a tablet or computer to connect with, I could type out my responses and save us all a lot of trouble.
"Dr. Kwon, this would go a lot faster if you gave her a tablet to communicate with," Dr. Lazar interjected.
"I disagree," Dr. Phillips said, his tone firm. "If we allow her to use a computer, or any sort of external interface, it could overstimulate her mind and hinder her progress. She needs to re-establish a connection with her body, and using an external device will only confuse and distract her. We need to allow her time and space to adapt and recover. The stimuli I am approving is-"
"Stimulus, not stimuli." Dr. Lazar corrected.
I watched the doctor's squaring up to each other, noticing how Nancy moved a little further away from them.
"It doesn't matter," Dr. Kwon cut in, his tone exasperated. "The point is, if we give her access to a computer or a tablet, we could end up doing more harm than good. We need to keep her environment as controlled and stress-free as possible. She's already dealing with enough, and we don't want to overload her."
Dr. Lazar crossed her arms, a stubborn look on her face. "I need to be able to-"
"Miss Greene is our patient, and it's our responsibility to ensure her recovery is as smooth and successful as possible," Dr. Kwon said, his voice rising slightly. "And I will be the one who makes the decisions regarding her treatment plan."
"I'm her doctor as well," the blonde woman interjected, her tone haughty.
"No, you are not," Dr. Phillips said, his voice taking on a sharp edge. "You are the government appointed liaison, and your role is strictly to report on the progress of our patient. You are not a medical doctor, and your input is neither necessary nor welcomed. Miss Greene is under my care, and it will remain that way until such time as Simon Davis or someone with legal authority over her estate and medical care deems otherwise."
The woman's eyes flashed, and her lips pressed together in a thin line. She opened her mouth, no doubt to unleash a scathing retort, when a shrill beeping cut her off.
"Dr. Phillips, the patient's blood pressure is elevated," Seraphim's calm, even voice spoke. "I have taken the liberty of adjusting her medication."
The doctor nodded. "Thank you, Seraphim."
"This conversation is over," Dr. Kwon said, his gaze locking on the blonde woman, "until such time as the patient's condition stabilizes, you are not permitted in this room."
The blonde woman sputtered, her cheeks flushed with anger. "You can't-"
"Yes, I can," Dr. Kwon said, his voice cold. "And I will. Miss Greene is my patient, and it is my responsibility to ensure her safety and wellbeing. That includes protecting her from undue stress, and I will not tolerate you or anyone else putting her health at risk. Now, unless you wish to be escorted out by security, I suggest you leave."
Without another word, the blonde woman turned on her heel and stalked out of the room, her heels clicking loudly on the tiled floor.
Well, that was informative. It seemed my medical care was being overseen by the government, or at least a representative of the government. That wasn't surprising, given the situation, but it was still disconcerting.
The rest of the meeting was uneventful, and once the doctors finished arguing over the details of my care, they dispersed, leaving me alone with Nancy.
"I know it's got to be frightening for you," she said, as she checked my IV. "Being in here, and not being able to communicate. But don't worry, I'll take care of you. And Dr. Kwon is amazing. He's one of the best doctors I've ever worked with, and he really cares about his patients. He'll do everything he can to help you get better."
She kept talking, her tone bright and cheery. "Dr. Phillips is a bit harsh sometimes, but he's actually pretty nice. He's always bringing treats and stuff for the staff, and he's really passionate about his work. You couldn't be in better hands. And Dr. Lazar, well, she's..." Nancy's voice trailed off, and she glanced at the door, as if expecting the other doctor to reappear. "She's kind of intense," she continued, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "She's always trying to get into areas she's not supposed to, and she keeps pushing the boundaries of her role. She's not technically a doctor, she's some sort of government official, and she's always asking about the patients, like you, and trying to get access to their information. Everyone's always on edge around her, and no one really knows what she's doing here. But don't worry, Dr. Kwon won't let her bother you. He's really protective of his patients, and he's not going to let anyone get in the way of your recovery."
I listened to Nancy talk, taking in every word. Analyzing and processing it. She was a font of information, and I was determined to learn everything I could about the situation.
I wasn't sure if it was due to the medications, or perhaps just the exhaustion, but after a while, my eyelids started to droop. It was strange, as I was barely even aware of my body, yet there was still a sense of tiredness, a weariness that was impossible to ignore.
"My shift is over now, Miss Greene, but Kelly will be here to take over soon," Nancy said, her voice taking on a softer, more gentle tone. "She's a bit of a hard ass, but she's a good nurse, and she'll take good care of you. She's been working here longer than anyone, and she knows her stuff. She'll be in soon, and if you need anything, just let her know."
I watched her as she made a few last notes on the tablet, and then she smiled at me, her expression warm and reassuring.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm so glad you're awake now, it's like a dream come true."
With that, she turned and walked out of the room, the door closing behind her.
Who's dream? Certainly not mine, that's for sure.
---------------------------------
After Nancy's departure, I found myself drifting off again, despite my best efforts. The fatigue was overwhelming, and I was unable to prevent my eyes from closing. As I drifted in the darkness, I was vaguely aware of other people coming and going, checking on me, asking questions, but they seemed far away, their voices echoing and distorted.
I slipped in and out of consciousness, unable to fully rouse myself. I had no sense of time, no idea how long I'd been drifting. The room was quiet, and the light had dimmed.
A woman's voice, soft and gentle. "Seraphim, status update."
"Miss Greene's condition is stable," Seraphim's monotone voice replied. "She is currently resting, her vitals are within normal range."
"I was informed she regained consciousness," the woman said.
"Yes, Miss Greene became aware of her surroundings earlier today," the AI confirmed. "Her cognitive abilities are functional, but she has not regained control over her body."
"I see," the woman mused. "Is she awake now?"
"No, Miss Greene is in a rest cycle," the AI replied.
No, I was not.
"Has she returned to her simulated environment?" the woman asked.
No.
"Not at this time," Seraphim answered. "Miss Greene is currently unable to interact with the simulation."
Why did that voice sound so familiar?
"Is there a malfunction?"
"No," the AI replied. "The simulation is operating normally."
"I was under the impression the simulation was linked to the neuro-implant, and she could return to it at any time."
"That is correct. However, Miss Greene is currently unable to connect to the simulation."
"Has she been disconnected?"
"No, the connection is active and operational."
"Then why is she unable to connect to it?"
"Miss Greene has not yet regained control over her body, and until such time as she can manipulate her physical form, she is unable to interface with the simulation. So sayeth his supreme awesomeness, the all-knowing, the-"
"Enough, Seraphim. You do not need to recite the whole list."
Until such a time I could manipulate my physical form... I could return to Khēmeia if I had control over my body. If not, I'd be stuck here, in this sterile room, trapped in a shell of my former self. Trapped in my own body, unable to do anything but lay here.
Open. Open you eyes, open your mouth, move your fingers, do something!
A wave of frustration swept over me. How was I supposed to regain control of my body? What was I missing? Focus!
I concentrated, forcing my mind to focus. There had to be something, some way. My brain and body were out of sync.
I had to sync them.
How? How did you sync up two things that were out of sync?
Synchronicity.
The concept of synchronicity. When two things occur simultaneously, or in a similar way. The theory was based on the belief that seemingly random or coincidental events may actually be linked by a deeper meaning or underlying cause. It was the idea that there was a connection between two things that appeared unconnected or unrelated.
A connection.
A link.
A connection between two things that were out of sync.
A connection between the mind and the body.
A link between the neural implant and my brain.
I could almost picture it. A bridge, a conduit. A connection.
A neural bridge. No... A neural network, a web. A transmutation array. Yes. That was it. I knew how to do it. There were arrays for controlling movement, for programming golems, and for animating the inanimate. This was different, but the principles were the same. My body was the golem, my mind was the source of animation, and the neural implant was the transmutation array. I had to build the link, the bridge, and then the rest would follow.
I could see it in my mind, a series of concentric circles, each one overlaying the next, a latticework of interconnected nodes, a complex network of pathways and connections. I could feel the energy, the mana, flowing through the array, linking the nodes together, creating a unified whole.
I concentrated, drawing on my mana, channeling it through the array, infusing the construct with my will, my intention. I could feel it responding, the array activating, the nodes lighting up, the energy pulsing through it. I focused, directing the mana, guiding it through the pattern, feeling the connection solidifying, the energy flowing more smoothly, the network coming online.
It was working. I could feel it, the link between my mind and body. I could feel the power, the energy, coursing through the network, the pathways connecting and energizing the nodes, the whole system humming with potential.
The energy, the mana, flowed through the array, the pattern etched into my mind, the connection to the network established.
My body responded, the mana flowing through my veins, the network energizing and animating my form. I could feel it, the sensation of movement, the tingling of nerves, the awakening of muscles.
I opened my eyes, the room coming into focus, and with it, the face of a woman. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, it was as if we were the only two people in existence. Her green eyes held an intensity that was almost tangible, and the weight of it was crushing. I felt as if I was drowning, and her gaze was the only thing tethering me to the world.
"Μητέρα," I choked out, the word little more than a soft plea. 'Mother'
The connection faltered, and the array destabilized, the mana surging out of control. I fought to regain my grip, but it was too late. The energy surged through the network, the nodes overloading, the pattern shattering. The array collapsed and with it, my grasp on reality.