Shift – Writings On The Wall

Continued from scene forty Seven

“Karen, this is Linda. Jill is nowhere to be found! Security footage shows her leaving the tunnel for home right after we all met in my office. No one has seen her since. I had Donnie search the house, and he found clothes scattered across the bed and a small suitcase left in the hallway, causing me to believe she’s fled.”

Standing slowly, with conviction, Karen turned to point at two words on the wall. “Dark Night, that’s why I brought you here; that’s why I wanted Jill to be here. To confront her. To make her squirm at the scratches of a trapped soul who tried to warn us. I think Jill used drugs to flip Kate’s loyalty toward the outliers, which led to her addiction. And she will pay for that If I ever find her. Elysians are family, and I don’t like traitors.”

“Karen, did you copy my last transmission?”

“Christian, tell her I’m going to my office and do not want to be disturbed.”

“Linda, this is Christian; she did. Thank you. She left for her office and does not want to be disturbed.”

“Okay, I’ll wait to hear from her.”

Doc looked at me for a moment, then said, “That’s must be why Karen came here last night with her camera.”

“She did tell me she was troubled by Jill’s answers during their interview yesterday, but still, she had no idea the plan was called dark night until this morning.

“Intuition, I guess. Kate and Jill became close friends after they started hanging out at a local bar. I went with them one night and hated it. She seemed distant after that, and our friendship fell apart. I tried to help her when I found out about the drugs but failed every time, just like I did in this room.”

“You loved her, didn’t you, Doc?” Kate, I mean.”

“Never had the guts to tell her.”

Continued to scene forty-nine

Shift is an online work of fiction.

This is the first draft of my manuscript Shift – Don’t judge a book by its cover. I am writing it online in sections as I go. So feel free to comment, good or bad. If you see mistakes, point them out.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – I’m All Ears

Continued from scene forty-five

The conversation around the table took on a more serious tone as time moved forward.

“Linda, please let the women’s club know how much I appreciate their hard work.”

“I will.”

“Doc, you look tired. Should I assume things did not go as planned?”

“No, we got what we needed. Robert has the highlights. And Nicky will have a complete transcript for you by noon.”

“In that case, Robert, If you’re ready, I’m all ears.”

After taking a quick sip of coffee, he opened his notebook. “Chief, we worked Echo’s memories and placed Mitch under like you asked. Our cyber team is verifying the information as we speak but what I am about to tell you is fact as far as I’m concerned.

Both Borya and Echo were isolated from other Ghost members for well over two years before coming to America. This was done to keep crucial information from being read if captured. In Borya’s case, it worked. However, Echo was a different story.”

“How so?”

“She may be a bimbo, as you said, but her skills of seduction have served her well. While Borya was training for their mission as instructed. Echo was sleeping with a Ghost security officer, who gave up money and memories with every encounter. So it is with great confidence that I tell you over half the tribal Chiefs have aligned themselves with Ghost; twenty right here in the good ole USA. Including our friends from Texas. It appears the doppelganger videos were being used as a scare tactic to get Chiefs still sitting on the fence to join. And finally, with or without the remaining tribe’s approval, “Operation Dark Night” will take place by the end of the year.”

“I have two questions. Were all tribes asked to join the outliers?”

“No”

“In that case, what criteria was used to pick the ones who were?”

“I’m not sure?”

“Linda, Robert, pick up Jill Hanson and place her in Kate’s cell. We’ll meet you there.”

“Kate’s scratches are all over the walls,” I interjected. It’s a hellish place to put someone who was friends with her.

“Christian, I am fully aware of the room’s appearance.”

“Then why do it?”

“Because I want something out of her, she will not give up anywhere else. Doc, are you ready to go?”

Looking up from a fresh plate of scrambled eggs, he said, “Sure, where to?”

“I’ll assume your lack of sleep prevented you from comprehending the conversation we just had in this room, so follow us, and I will fill you in on the ride over. Christian, you drive.”

Continued to scene forty seven

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Mother

Continued from scene forty-four

A hint of bacon wafted through the air as we entered Robert’s office.

“Karen, Christian,” said Linda, “come have a seat at the table. And Robert, there will be no business discussed for the next thirty minutes; Olivia’s orders.”

Robert nodded and smiled as we took our place with the others.

“This meal is for all of us, of course, but Olivia wanted to bring special attention to Christian. The man who she said, and I quote, ‘Saved my son’s life.’ And it’s true. Had Christian not touched Borya at the dairy. Lex and Cathy may have very well been killed. So, without further ado, I give you this plate, Christian, of which I know nothing other than Olivia said you would understand.”

Removing the cover, a tear rolled down my face as I looked upon a single homemade donut with two eyes and a smile, with the words “I love you” written in chocolate beneath. “Mom used to make donuts like this. Tell Olivia the message was received.”

“I will,” she replied, wiping the tear from my cheek with her thumb.

Nothing else was said for a few seconds as everyone sat silent, most likely thinking about their own mothers. Linda finally broke the silence. “A beautiful meal for us all, don’t you think?”

Doc agreed, and our early morning breakfast continued as Karen placed her hand on mine. “I bet you were a handsome little hero in your superman cape.”

Continue to scene forty-six

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Closing The Door

Continued from scene forty-one

“I’m so thankful Lex is in your arms tonight,” said Karen to Olivia. “And Jeff, I hope you can forgive me for leaving you out of the loop. Had I told you, Echo might have been tipped off.”

“I understand. Would have made the same decision if I were you.”

“It means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Well, we’d like to go home now if it’s okay with you? Lex is exhausted.”

“Of course, we can talk in the morning.”

“One last thing, Chief. What do you plan to do with Echo?”

“Like I said, we can talk in the morning. For now, I would like to have Christian drive you home in my cart.”

Jeff looked over at me and said, “Sure you can find your way around the place, Fortunato?”

“I think so.”

Continued to forty-three

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Interrogation

Continued from scene forty

As we left the room, George Bradshaw’s men were loading Borya’s body onto a stretcher while Cathy stood nearby in hands cuffs. How strange it must be to kill oneself, I thought

“Robert, is Doc in the surveillance room?” asked Karen.

“Chief, he’s here with Nicky.”

“Thank you, we’re on our way.”

The surveillance room was on the opposite side of a one-way mirror, of which Echo stared intently. Her eyes dark with a smile that made you want to kill her right then and there.

As the minutes passed, she began pacing back and forth like a caged animal. Refusing to sit back down until she heard Karen’s voice over the speaker. “Echo, this is Karen Davis, Chief of Elysian. I plan to send you home with a message, but first, I want to know where Lex is.”

“Screw you, and tell his mom the horny bastard was an easy catch.”

Before Karen could respond, Robert stepped up to the window and handed her a note that read: Olivia was able to retrieve Echo’s memories. Lex is alive and well. Jeff is on his way with a security team to pick him up now.

Karen nodded and stared back through the glass. “It’s too bad Borya died instead of you, Echo. A bimbo like yourself has only the skill of a whore with nothing to say.”

“I have plenty to say, Bitch, and your day is coming. Ghosts are not outliers; Elysians are. Who’s your friend, who’s not. You might be surprised to know which American tribes have already sided with us.”

“Sleep tight,” Karen replied as gas filled the room. “Robert, secure Echo in the chair so Doc can make contact. And Doc, don’t walk out of that room until you’re sure there’s nothing left in that trashy brain of hers. Understood?”

Doc seemed as stunned as I with her demeanor.

“Understood. And Chief, what do you want us to do with her when she wakes up?”

“I haven’t decided. Hold her there for the time being.”

Peter was coming in as Karen and I made our way out. “Chief, it was brutal what Borya did to Cathy. Don’t be too hard on her. I would have killed him myself had she not beat me to it.”

Karen studied him for a moment, then moved on down the hallway to a waiting golf cart where she radioed back to Doc. “Put Mitch under hypnosis when you’re finished with Echo. I think he’s had plenty of time to access Cathy’s memories, and I want them all.”

“You got it.”

Linda, I want to talk with Jill Hanson. Go pick her up after you drop us off. I’ll meet you in your office after I close things out with the Wilcox family.”

Office and safe-room were interchangeable underground, every Elysian family had one. But Linda, Robert, and Karen’s have security features that allow them to monitor and control the entire complex. So Jeff, Olivia, and Lex were well aware of Echo’s comments, making our meeting with them a tearful one.

Continue to scene forty-two

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Maze Set

Continued from scene thirty-eight

“I would like to think all of you for coming here on such short notice. Things are changing fast, and we must meet these new challenges quickly. I have been talking….”

As she continued, Robert’s team went into action.

“Door one secure.”
“Door two secure.”
“Safety exit one secure.”
“Safety exit two secure.”
“Where’s Borya Seated?”
“Right side, last row, at the end.”
“Karen, this is Robert; we’re ready to set the maze.”

“Copy,” she replied, turning the key in front of her.

I watched as walls closed off some hallways while opening others.

“Maze set,” reported Karen. “Linda, we’re ready.”

“Like I said earlier, dark times are coming, and we must remain united. So please reach out and hold the hand of the person next to you. Let this room be filled with the love we have for one another.”

“Borya just got up. He’s headed for door two.”

“Let him go,” replied Robert. “Karen, unlock door two.”

“Why is Terry Cole walking toward Borya? I thought he was working tonight.” she quickly responded.”

“He is; Matt met with him earlier today.”

“Could it be Echo?”

“Not sure.”

“Arrest both of them right now.”

“Stop!” yelled Robert.

Borya turned quickly to escape, running head-on into Terry and the knife he held in his hand. “I will be the last person you ever rape,” he said, keeping eye contact with him all the way to the ground until his soulless life faded into obscurity.

Mick Turner pulled him off as he shifted to his original. It was Cathy, no tears, just anger.

“You would have done the same thing,” she mouthed off toward the stage, thinking she was talking to Karen.

“Donnie, move in on the Wilcox family; something is going on over there,” said Karen through his earpiece.

“Lex,” said Jeff in anger, “why did you pull away from your mom when she reached for you? I don’t know what’s got into you lately.”

Placing her hands on Lex’s shoulders, Olivia tried to ease the tension but screamed franticly. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY SON!”

Shifting into a mixed martial arts body, Echo began fighting her way toward the exit. Several Elysains quickly shifted to match her strength.

“Let her go, said Karen through the PA system as she unlocked exit one.”

Seizing the moment, Echo shifted to a runner’s body and fled through the door.

Continue to scene Forty

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Yes Chief

Continued from scene thirty-five

The ride over to Doc’s required another text as Robert feared Echo might unknowingly be tipped off. He wanted every team member to meet ASAP.

Upon our arrival, Nicky took Cathy into the examining room while the rest of us went below to wait.

Forty-five minutes later, the team was in place. “Alright, have a seat, so I can start the briefing. Karen, do you have anything to say before I begin?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Okay, first, I want everyone in this room to shake hands with three other people and confirm you are looking at the original. Karen and Nicky excluded.”

Chatter filled the room as members reached out for one another while Karen and Robert looked on. Satisfied with the results, the meeting continued.

“As you are well aware, we have spies among us. A clear violation of tribal rules. A threat we can not take lightly under the current circumstances.

“Christian feels Borya has an accomplice by the name of Echo Komarov. And there may be others, so talk to no one about our plan.

“In just a few minutes, Karen will send a message to all Elysains, calling for an emergency meeting, to be held in the auditorium at nine o’clock, to discuss the latest tribal talks. A security officer will visit those who can not make it due to work.

“Our goal is to flush out the outliers and locate any members who may be suffering in a box of their own. So don’t get careless. Their lives may very well depend on your actions tonight.

“Cathy, do you have anything to add before I turn it over to Karen?”

“Standing up, she said, the Ghost tribe picked the right name for themselves because they have no soul. They do not deserve our respect when captured. Those bas—”

“Thank you,” interjected Karen, cutting her off.

Cathy sat down reluctantly.

Tonight we must confirm the identity of every Elysian. And we must capture those who have broken our trust. Please be safe as we do not know what Borya’s team is capable of. But I want them alive. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Chief,” was said in unison as Robert whispered into Karen’s ear, after which she motioned for me to follow.

Continue to scene thirty-seven

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – The Box

Continued from scene thirty-four

Chapter Seven

“What time is it, Donnie?”

“Ten-o’clock.”

“Peter, you heard from Mick?”

“Yes, Sir. he’s with Darrel and Borya trying to round up the cows that got loose just as planned.”

“Christian, any last-minute memories of Borya and Cathy’s interactions before we go in?”

“Remember the girl from Borya’s hometown? I think she’s here with him. Her name is Echo.”

“Matt, did anyone come in or out of Cathy’s house last night.”

“No, sir.”

“Then we’ll have to assume she’s embedded herself at another location. Let’s move. I can’t stand the thought of Cathy being locked up in there for one more night.

“Christian, is the window unlocked?”

“Christian!”

“Sorry, Robert. I kinda blanked out there for a minute.”

Robert, Matt, Peter, and Donnie, were all part of Elysian security. Mick on the other hand was hand picked by Karen for is trust worthiness. He did not know it now, but she was looking for another team member and this would be his first test.

“Christian, give me a lift so I can get through the window.”

“Dang, Donnie, you need to lay off the buffets,” I said struggling to get him in the air.

“Come on you puss, put your hear into it.”

Grunting harder my eyes began to flash and Donnie went flying through the window.

“Damn, son,” he yelled from inside the house. “You just about broke my neck.”

Looking out with his hand on his head, he said. “You could of told me you were going to shift.”

“I would have if i had know,” I replied.

“Christian, that’s going to be a problem if you can’t get it under control. Flashing eyes are one thing, but a involuntary full body shift is unacceptable.”

“Sorry, Robert. I’m still feeling a little light headed.”

“Well get it together, Cathy’s life is in our hands right now.”

Just then, Donnie, opened the back door and Robert turned his attention toward him, “Stay her and stand guard.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Moving to the basement stairs we all funneled down one by one, And one by one we began to gag. The smell was becoming overwhelming at this point.

“Rub this under you noses,” ordered Robert, “Unless you want to clean up your own vomit before we leave.”

As we rubbed the Vicks in, Donnie picked the lock without a hitch. The relief on Cathy’s face when we opened the soundproof box was overwhelming. She had been in there for over a week. Only receiving food and water once a day, along with a diaper; the old ones thrown out in the exchange.

“Thank God you found me. Did you kill the son of a bitch?”

“No, we need time to flush out his accomplice, so let’s go. Peter is going to shift and take your place, so he doesn’t get suspicious.”

“You can’t do that to Peter. I’ll stay; just make sure you get him.”

“I can’t leave you here. You’re too weak, and Doc’s waiting on you. So go behind the curtain with Peter and exchange clothing.”

“I can’t do this to you, Peter, my cloths are a mess.”

“It’s okay, Cathy, I will be alright, he replied softly.”

Stepping out, Peter asked. “What do you think, Robert.”

“You don’t match. Cathy has lost weight. Make contact with her and update.”

A shifter’s database of bodies remained the same as when touched. Only growing older when the body is used. Mick had not made contact with Cathy in months. Taking her hand, he made the adjustment, and the switch was complete.

“That’s better. Now get in; we’ll be back after the meeting.”

Cathy cried at the sight of herself being locked in the box. A frail body mirroring her own.

“Christian, send an encrypted message to Karen telling her we are on our way.”

Continue to scene thirty-six

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Snap

Continued from scene thirty-two

Doc’s methods were similar to the ones used on Kate, so I knew what to expect. And hearing him say when I snap my fingers almost made me laugh as it was so cliche.

“Doc, I know you mean well, but my mind will not go under so easy.”

Laughter filled the room as I opened my eyes to see Karen standing in front of me with the same grin she had in Georgio’s Pizza.

“What?” I asked.

She ignored me and walked into the other room with Doc.

“Robert, do you want to tell me what the hell is going on?”

“Nope.”

“Donnie?”

“You’ve been under for over an hour, mister Lore.”

Robert chuckled again as he left the room to join Karen and Doc.

“Let me help you up, mister Lore. You might feel a little dizzy after being under for so long.”

“Seriously, an hour?”

“Yes, sir. Would you like to see the recording?”

Taking his phone, I watched as one memory after another spilled out for all to hear. Borya was twenty-nine, single, from Russia, and a member of призрак, meaning ghost. An outlier tribe determined to bring down the technocracy. After which they, themselves, will rule over their land using fear and deception.

He was here to spy on Elysian and other American tribes to see how responsive we may be to a total world takeover. One in which shifters governed at the expense of all others who would be relegated to peasant status, serving tribes under a feudalistic system.

There was more, but it was all I could take for the moment. “I need to go lie down. Tell the others, will you.”

“Sure thing, mister Lore.”

Continue to scene thirty-four

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – The Tour

Continued from scene twenty-eight

In pursuit, I caught up with him as he flipped a switch causing the entire tunnel to come alive for as far as I could see in both directions. Astonished by its length, I lost track of my tour guide, who hid snickering in the distance.

“You know I can hear you.”

And with that, the lights went out.

“Funny.”

“Is it,” he said from behind.

“SHIT—you just about gave me a heart attack.”

“What if I had been Montresor and chained you to the wall? How would you escape this old fool you took to be unread?”

“Scream like hell, you crazy bastard.”

“Really? That’s what you want me to tell Karen when I drop you off. ‘Yep, said he would scream like a girl.”‘

“You make the “Girl” reference, and we’re both going to be in trouble.”

“You got a point, but seriously, what would you do?”

“I don’t know?”

“If you were Fortunato chained tightly to the wall, you would be screwed, But you’re not. You’re a shifter with survival skills and the ability to switch from thick to thin. So scream like a girl if you will, but your hands will slip free.”

I felt like a fool standing there in silence. Jeff was right, and I needed to start thinking like a shifter. “Lesson learned, my friend.”

“Then we shall have another glass of wine?”

“Wine?”

Okay, maybe not wine,” he said, pouring from a flask. “But the day is long, and our nerves need calming.”

“You think?”

Continue to scene thirty

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.