Ghost Fleet (The Pike Chronicles Book 4) by G. P. Hudson

at her. She wanted to speak, but could only whimper at the pain caused by the vice-like grip. He stared at her with cold eyes, and when he spoke, it was in a quiet, even tone. One word. “Why?”

Chapter 10
     
    The noises had returned. So many voices. Colonel Bast heard everyone on the ship again. He knew what systems were available and which he could interface with. His body continued to fight off the effects of the anesthetic, but he knew he was otherwise in perfect health. The brain chip had returned. Looking up at Doctor Ellerbeck, trembling in fear, all he could think was why. Why would she put that chip back into his brain?
    “Tell me why,” he demanded. But she didn’t answer. She merely stood there shaking, tears welling up in her eyes. Looking down at her arm, where he held her, he noticed the discoloration, and realized he was hurting her. In reality he could’ve broken her arm if he wished, but he didn’t want that. He didn’t want to hurt her at all, but the anesthetic caused him to misjudge his strength.
    Loosening his grip he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”
    Relief washed over her face, and she yanked her arm away, rubbing where he had grabbed her. It was already turning purple. He shook his head and sat up. The Doctor took a step back. Bast frowned, but he understood her fear.
    Colonel Bast , came Lieutenant Jarvi’s voice over his implant. You’re back. Was the procedure successful?
    Was it successful? How should he answer that question? The chip is back, if that is what you are referring to , Bast replied.
    Yes, Sir. It was.
    Then you have your answer. Bast set his chip to reply to any communication request that he was not to be disturbed, and turned his attention back to Doctor Ellerbeck.
    “Do not fear me, Doctor. I mean you no harm. The anesthetic clouded my judgment. I was unaware of the pain I caused you. I apologize.”
    Ellerbeck shrugged, wiping a tear from her cheek. “It’s okay. How do you feel?”
    “Disappointed, but otherwise healthy. What happened?”
    “What do you remember?”
    Memories. So many memories. They all suddenly rushed back, except they were now somehow detached. He saw himself from a distance, like an observer rather than a participant. He remembered the power the memories had over him. Thunderous power, full of sadness and rage. Too much power. He remembered how they overwhelmed him. How he drowned. Whereas now they stayed at a safe distance. His brain chip had erected a dam. The torrent was contained.
    “I remember my childhood. My mother. Father. I remember being taken. And I remembered being overwhelmed by it all.”
    Ellerbeck nodded. “You had suffered a psychotic break. I had no choice but to reinsert the chip. I’m sorry.”
    “As am I, Doctor.”
    “What will you do now?”
    “Now?” Ever since they had rebelled against the Juttari, their overarching goal had been to remove their brain chips. That was the only way to guarantee their freedom. He had never considered what would happen if the removal didn’t work. This was a setback, but was it permanent? “Doctor, would you say that removal of the brain chips is impossible?”
    “No, not impossible. There must be a way. But you have to understand. This is the first time any of this has been attempted.”
    “Yes, it wouldn’t be like the Juttari to make things easy.”
    “The procedure did yield a lot of data, however. We now know much more about how the brain chip works. It brings us one step closer to a solution.”
    One step closer to freedom . “Then the experiment was worthwhile. I have confidence in you Doctor. I know you’ll find a solution.” Bast lowered himself off the table and looked down at the medical gown he wore. “Please bring me my uniform.”
    “Colonel, you really need to rest. I’d like to make sure you’re well.”
    “That is unnecessary. My brain chip has already performed its own diagnostic. I am fit for duty.”
    Doctor Ellerbeck