Chapter 3 the Awakening

Chapter 3 The Awakening

Trauma, being what it is, distorts time. Minutes become hours, and a day, can be interpreted as years. The fathomless abyss called death, cares not when or wear it overtakes us. For time, is but one of deaths many consorts.

Words: of a blind artist.

When Joel awoke a day, week, or a month later --he couldn't tell which-- he found himself sitting at a table with a mixed bag of beings that ranged from average to extraordinary. Though he was awake, Joel faded in and out of consciousness, catching snatches of the speaker's words. But try as he may, Joel could not wake from this dream.

Eventually he came to understand the parameters of his paralysis. He was able to move his head and he still had control over his bowels, but nothing more.

"Now we get to the reason for you being here," the speaker said, part of his words breaking through the fog in Joel's head. "You have been selected because of your unique skills and talents. From every branch of Earth's Government's Armed Forces, you have been selected. Many have applied, but only you have been chosen," the speaker paused, to allow the gravity of his words to sink in.

"You have been chosen, because you possess many of the following abilities: extraordinary speed, agility, and physical or mental strengths. As your former commanders informed you, this privilege and opportunity to become part of Earth's Government's Elite Forces comes with much responsibility and at great cost. Prior to your induction into this organization, you have all met with unfortunate accidents. For all intents and purposes, the life that you once knew and to all those who have known you; you no longer exist. You have ceased to be. If you ever decide to visit the land of the living, to connect with your former lives, your conditions will be made more permanent."