Read Mutation: Parables From The Apocalypse - Dystopian Fiction for Free Online

stay awake, while I break all ten fingers, I’ll let you go, and go bother someone else. Deal?”
     
    Robert’s face went a little pale, before he spoke. “Patient zero, is in the central lab. Turn left outside my office and follow the signs marked ‘Alpha Tank’”.
    “There you go. That wasn’t so tough now was it? No need for all the secrecy amongst friends is there?”
    Robert pulled his hand back, but Chaz pushed it back onto the desk.
    “Hang on there Robert, we’re not quite done here yet. I need to know exactly what I’m getting myself into. What’s the big attraction with patient zero? Is she what’s attracting all the other freaks to this place?”
    “Other freaks. I don’t know what you mean.”
    “The other freaks and zombies trying to get into this place. You know, the ones that commandeered a tank to try and break down your walls.”
    Robert stared blankly back at Chaz.
    Chaz continued “You do go upstairs right? You do realize what’s going on up there don’t you?”
    “I have my work down here, why would I bother with all those idiots upstairs? Patzy is my only concern.”
    “Patzy? Who the hell is that?”
    “Why patient zero of course. Patzy for short. That’s what I call her.” Robert managed a smile at the thought of her.
    “Exactly how long has it been since you’ve been up top?”
    “Ummm. Not sure exactly. I get my assistants to bring me food from the cafeteria. That’s really the only thing I don’t have down here. I was up there a few months ago … I think … maybe more. I’ve been so involved with Patzy, I tend to lose track of things.”
    “I bet you do. There are hundreds of freaks around the outside walls right now, and they all want desperately to get in. Any reason why?”
    “The outside? I can’t remember the last time I was outside.” Robert’s eyes wandered off as he lost interest in Chaz.
    Chaz grabbed the next finger and applied pressure. Robert immediately turned his head back to face Chaz.
    “Of course, they want in. They want to see Patzy. She’s old, but still so attractive. They don’t know why they’re drawn to her, they just are. It’s because she’s been here so long I suppose. They’re all like dogs with a scent. As soon as one of them found out about her, it just got passed along.”
    “They can’t smell her. How could they possible? She’s three levels underground.”
    “It’s just an analogy you fool. You military types are all alike. She’s infinitely attracting … and intelligent as well. I must admit, even at times I feel drawn to her.”
    “You're attracted to a freak, and you called me a fool?”
    “Just occasionally. It’s her brain patterns we think. Their incredibly active, and unlike regular human brain patterns. Even after all these years, her brain still transmits extremely strong electrical charges. We can detect them, even several levels up. I’m sure, that ones outside the walls have sensed them as well.”
     
    Chaz shook his head. “You're not well, you know that? You should really get some help.”
    Robert just smiled back at Chaz.
    “OK Robert, here’s what I need you to do for me. I want you to stay in your office here for the next few hours alright?”
    “I don’t care what you do to me. Patzy understands me. She can save me. Anything you do to me, she can fix.”
    “Robert … ” Chaz hesitated, searching for the right words. “Look Robert, maybe there’s nothing I can do to you, but I can hurt Patzy. I can blow this entire facility to dust if I wanted to.”
    Chaz waited for a second to let that sink in. Robert narrowed his eyes at Chaz.
    “You have my attention.”
    “I won’t hurt her, I promise, if you just do what I ask. Remember, if I can get to you down here, then I can get to Patzy anytime I want. You’ve already told me where she is.”
    Robert nodded as Chaz continued.
    “You're going to stay here in your office for the next few hours. Give me time to get back to where I belong.