126 Odes To Science
The alarm clock beeps resolutely. Why doesn't Carol turn it off? My head hurts like someone was trying to drill the front half of it loose. My tongue is a wooden, dry block and my throat is too dry to swallow. Did I get seriously hammered last night? Must have been one hell of a night if I can't even remember it. CAROL you lazy shit, get up and TURN THE ALARM OFF!
Now, this is ridiculous. I must have tons of goo in my eyes since it's really difficult to pry them open. A blinding beam of light manages to push through and the pain forces me to squeeze my lids shut. The alarm continues to hammer fiery spikes into my head. I feel sore from head to toe. Am I coming down with something?
The second attempt at opening my eyes is more successful. The light still hurts, but I can see the bulbs on the ceiling forming a circle. These are not my bedroom lights. Maybe I was so drunk I passed out on someone else's house. They look more like bathroom lights with all the white roof tiles.
The alarm goes on and on. I can't move. What the hell? A soft hum and an unpleasant, pungent smell linger in the air. It reminds me of the time when I visited my mom after her rejuvenation surgery. Hospital. I'm in a hospital. Was I in an accident? How long have I been out? The alarm. It isn't an alarm at all but some kind of heart monitor beeping away in a steady, bored rhythm.
Footsteps. Footsteps and low voices approaching. Hey, I'm awake! I'm here! Two persons, dressed all in white with transparent face shields check the monitors and completely ignore me. Hey you incompetent bastards, I'm here, awake! Come and check ME, for goodness sake. Finally, the other one bends over me and I try to catch his eye.
”Dr. Higgins? I think I see eye movement.” Yes! Yes! I'm awake!
”Don't be absurd Rob. That's impossible.” Impossible? But I'm here! I try to blink but my lids don't want to co-operate. Rob straightens his back and starts to turn away. No no nonono... I concentrate and use everything I have to make a sound. A small pathetic growl. But it works!
Rob immediately turns back and I think Dr. Higgins dropped something. And then they both hover over me, troubled, checking my breathing, eyes, heart monitor. Finally, I'll get some proper treatment. First thing I'm going to ask them is to send Carol to me. I can't believe she's not sitting at my bedside.
”SHIT, shitshitshit!” Dr. Higgins exclaims and stares at the ceiling, exasperated. Is something wrong? What's wrong with me?
”I was so sure this one would work. Fuck. We can't use that now. I have to tell the board. Chuck that into the waste disposal and get the new embryo ready.” What? What's happening? NO, I'M HERE! I'm ok!
Dr. Higgins stomps out of the room whereas Rob continues to unplug the monitors. Soon there is only silence. Rob presses a button on the desk and starts recording.
”Mark 3884. Ode 126 proves to be unstable. Residual brain function still remaining. Will have to start an investigation on how that is possible. Commencing clone 127 into use at this date. Ode 126 will be terminated.”
Terminated? What are they talking about? No, don't wheel me anywhere! I have rights! I'm here! I want Ca....
