Shift – I’m All Ears

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.

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 – 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 – Something Special

Continued from scene forty-three

Picking up the radio, she responded, “I am. And please tell me you have good news.”

“Afraid not, Doc and I want to meet with you as soon as possible.”

“Can it wait until after breakfast?”

“Already have that covered. Linda is on her way with a basket full of food courtesy of the Woman’s Club. And tell Christian Olivia made something special for him.”

“I will.”

“What to you think it is?” I asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine”

On our way over, I felt like a kid consumed with thoughts of an unknown gift.

Continued to scene forty-five

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Breakfast

Continued from scene forty-two

Chapter Eight

Karen stayed in her office overnight, talking with tribal leaders. All claiming to be allies, never knowing, she knew better. It had become a game of wits and primal instinct at this point, with no clear winner by morning, but one thing was made clear. While the spies, one dead, one alive, would be sent back home. The same courtesy would not be extended to others, regardless of their tribal affiliation. The meeting with Jill Hanson had also proved disappointing. Skin contact revealed nothing, and her answers were troubling.

“So you believe she is hiding memories via a hypnosis technique. How is it even possible?”

“Christian, Look at it as a redacted memory, stored within her DNA.”

“Can you do it?”

“I know of the technique via my ancestral memories but have no idea how it is done. It was only in the realm of a few who used it to their advantage, just as they are today.”

“So the Chief of Ghost has a pedigree in this realm. And actively used it against us.”

“I like the way you think, but no. Denis is not pure in any way, shape, or fashion. He is a terrible excuse for a man and a pitiful chief.”

“Then how did he ever become chief?”

“How does any weak man, or woman, for that matter, become chief?”

“They––.”

“They don’t. Denis is just a puppet. The puppet masters, I do not know. Now If you don’t mind, I would like to change the subject. After all, this should be a joyful time for us, but here we are, having to deal with outliers and a possible blackout. It’s a lot to take in, and truthfully, I can’t believe you haven’t fled. You’ve only had five weeks of sporadic training in a world that’s falling apart as we speak. And I’m afraid there is nothing I can do to stop it.”

Placing my fingers over her lips, I replied as her knight in shining armor, “I’ll stop it for you, my fair lady.”

Laughter filled the room before the last syllable left my tongue. It continued as we tried to kiss without success.

“Karen, this is Robert. Are you awake?”

Our moment of ease was short-lived.

Continue to scene forty-four

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 – Locked In

Continued from scene thirty-nine

Sensing trouble, she turned back. But it was too late. A wall had already moved into place, trapping her inside. With no other options, she slowly made her way through the maze as the eerie sound of sliding walls closed from behind. Reaching the killing room, she resigned herself to the moment.

Back in the auditorium, the Wilcox family waited in a panic state for information about their son’s whereabouts. “Have they caught her yet?” asked Oliva.

“I’ll check,” replied Karen, who stood by them, along with Linda, Donnie, and myself.

“Robert, Give me an update.”

“Chief, She’s locked in.”

“Jeff, you and Oliva go with Linda to my safe room. You can observe the proceedings from there. Christain, Donnie, wait for me by exit two while I address the others.”

Karen’s words were not as commanding as before. And the crowd was not as receptive to them. The sudden realization of spies among them had everyone on edge.

Continue to scene forty-one

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 – Tension

Continued from scene thirty-seven

The room, hidden behind the stage, was small, and I could feel the tension in Karen’s hand as she released from mine. Over the next few hours she sat quietly, so I amused myself with the security cameras, scanning the entire underground complex.

Linda stepped in around seven for a last-minute meeting, and we ate supper.

Soon after, the auditorium began to fill, and we watched as Carol Jenkins made small talk with Linda, who was now on stage in Karen’s body. Donnie remained seated behind her, trying to avoid everyone.

“Doc,” said Karen into her microphone, “go up on stage and strike up a conversation with Donnie before someone takes notice of his nervousness.”

“You got it, Chief.”

When the clock struck nine, the room fell silent, and Linda began to speak.

Continue to scene thirty-nine

Shift is an online work of fiction.

The story centers around shapeshifting.

I’m currently working on chapter Ten.

Shift – Who’s Who

Continued from scene thirty-six

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“To a safe room. Robert feels it’s too risky for us to be out in the open.”

“You’re not going to address the tribe in person?”

“Linda has agreed to stand in as me, and Donnie will shift into your body. We will be able to view it all, and they will be wearing earpieces should we need to talk to them.

“I’m starting to feel like a VIP.”

“You are,” she replied with a soft rub to her belly.

Continued to seven thirty-eight

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.