PROTOTYPE

In a world of advanced technology, were robots and humans live as one, a girl at the age of eighteen with sky blue eyes and black raven hair, sat on the streets begging for food. The pain was like a hot shroud. The pain in her stomach was unbearable but the worst of all was the memory of her parents death and being abandoned by her only relative. Rachel Dawn was her name. And she was strong and a fighter, just like her parents.

She walked down the street to purchase food with the little money that she had obtained earlier. She went down a hotdog stand and purchased two of it. After wolfing down the hotdogs she looked down at the empty wrap and felt hungry once more. Nothing was enough to fill her empty stomach but the pain was now a bit bearable.

She looked up at the sky. The sun had gone down bringing golden purple light that bathed the city buildings. It would be dark soon and there had been reports about major kidnappings in that area. She needed shelter, and so she went on looking for it.

She walked down the street to a lonely alley for a quiet place to rest and spotted two men coming her way. Her conscience told her that something fishy and bad was gonna happen and it wasn't all wrong .

Finally deciding to turn back, she saw more men coming straight for her. She was trapped. Trying to run was an awry attempt, for her stamina and speed was no match for those of the heavily built men coming her way.

But she wouldn't give up cause as I pointed at the beginning, she was a fighter.

Rachel tried to run but they caught her before she could take three steps. Struggling with the little strength of force left in her system the men covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, and then she fell asleep.

With haste the men carried her into their van and drove off at break neck speed. A police officer spotted their act of severely punishable crime and gave chase with a loud blaring siren to attract other officers in the area for help.

The two cars raced each other with speed and acceleration that stopping was going to be a hardship, not without causing an accident. Just when the kidnappers thought they had lost the officer, a truck from nowhere jammed the side of the car sending it flying and somersaulting three times.

Leaking fuel spilled to the ground and started flowing to a smashed but slightly lit cigarette. Rachel awoke with a migraine and found herself in an upside down van. She spotted the leaking fuel flowing to the cigarette with a little smoke coming out from the battered door. She didn't have time to waste, she needed to get out.

With the last remaining strength she had, Rachel struggled to crawl out of the battered van. Freedom was close, but the car exploded sending her flying in the air and hitting a street light.

A swarm of people gathered around Rachel looking at her body. Officers made their way through the crowd and spotted Rachel. Luckily for her a man rushed over to Rachel and assured the officer that he was a doctor.

" Is she alive?" The officers asked

.

The doctor checked her pulse, and it was so weak. " Barely," The doctor replied, " She needs medical care now so call an ambulance and give me some space."

" Someone call an ambulance" The officer ordered." All right people, give some space. Come on!". . . . . . . . . . . .

When she awoke in the hospital were she was treated with the most tender care, she then found out the most terrible thing that had happened to her. . . . . . . . . she'd lost her limbs an eye and hands . And could have died. The tremendous pain she felt, not only in her body but also in her mind was heartbreaking. She tried to forget about the accident but every time she moved and discovered a new ache she was reminded.

It was devastating, waking up every time from dreams of her accident knowing that she could never walk see, touch or feel ever again. And her dreams left her shaken and weak. Never had she thought so hard about death, but here she was praying for some angel to take her away but no such luck.

Rachel began to lie to the doctors every time she was asked if she'd felt any pain and hoped that death would take her soon so she could join her parents to the journey of life and eternity. Eventually the doctors found out and had an argument with her.

" You could die Rachel" The doctor that had saved her life retorted.

" At least I'll be free of this suffering," She said" Do you know how hard it is for me to wake up every morning knowing that I can't walk or see or feel. I lost my life when I lost my limbs not that I really had a life. I'm useless, I can't do shit and my only option is to die. So please leave"

The doctor stared at her in shock, and without a word he left the room. When she heard the doctor's residents footsteps she said in deep melancholy once more. A nurse came in with her evening meal and found her in a sulk mood.

" Hey are you OK?" The nurse asked with a wit of concern her." Are you in pain?"

" I'm always in pain. And we both know that I won't survive this" Rachel said in a whisper

" Rachel, my name is Doctor Clarke and I've been watching you. You are strong and you will survive this."

" Yeah, thanks. But I don't think so."

Clarke gave her a worried look. Rachel was a teenager, and spending her life in the hospital wasn't supposed to be her expectations. Great expectations was meant to be figured out by people of her age but her condition left her helpless.

" Don't worry, you will."

Clarke needed a private conversation with the doctor that helped Rachel. She knocked gently on the door and entered to see quite a disturbed man.

" Yes can I help you?" He asked taking off his glasses

" I'm sorry to disturb you Mr Jones, but we need to talk. Its about Rachel." She told him.

" Yes you have my attention," He said leaning back in his chair and fixing her with a soothing look.

Clarke took a deep breath and began" OK, Mr Jones, I know you care about Rachel very much"

" Yes I do. I do care about her like I do the rest of my patients." He said to her

Clarke smiled. Mr Jones wasn't a hard man to read. True he cared for all is patients but he had developed a soft spot for Rachel since the past few weeks.

" Yes, I know. But you care more for her like she's your own daughter,"

" Get to the point." He said in a more firm and formal tone.

" I'm just trying to say that there is a way to end her suffering. There is a way to get her limb back. And I think that I have already given it a thought."

He shook his head." Not happening Clarke. I will not allow it."

" This is to save her life" Clarke protested

" You are talking about remodeling her as a cyborg are you insane? Rachel is not some random kid on the street. She is special and different,"

" I know----"

" I don't think you do."

" Trust me I know. But come to think of it. Its not your decision to make. And if you don't allow it, you are sentencing her to death."

Mr Jones just stared at her with a long furious glare. She was right, it wasn't his decision to make.

" Think about it"

And with that she left his office

Mr Jones thought hard on the conversation before he finally decided to give Rachel the that had been deliberately snatched away from her.

Mr Michael Jones called the line that would put him directly with an old rich college of his. Robert Chase. He had asked for a private meeting with him in his office, and to his surprise Robert had time to attend a meeting.

Robert Chase wasn't much of friend though, if Michael had a say. He was much of the busy type, always keeping himself on overtime and getting deep into his business matters.

" Yes, Michael what can I do for you this time?" Robert said to his old friend at the meeting.

" Since you clearly don't have the time for pleasantries-----." Michael began taking in a deep breath.

" Precisely." Robert interjected. His eyes settled on Michael, his gaze at ease, waiting for an answer.

" OK, I need your help with someone." Michael said, quirking his lips afterwards, giving the absurd idea one last thorough thought. He had hoped he wasn't screwing things more than he already had." I need you to ----"

" Turn her into a cyborg?" Robert said laughing and shaking his head. His brows raised as his eyes roamed his face, thoroughly." Oh my. How the winds have turned. I think your last exact words were" this deal between us is over. Never will I give you a patient." Oh and more, should I continue?"

" I get the point Robert. But the only reason for those, and I quote " last exact words" was because the five other patients I gave you just disappeared mysteriously," Michael pointed out, a grimace on his face. Then began to wonder how he'd worked with him without at some point wanting to drown him." And I don't recall telling you its a girl."

Robert laughed at his careful old chap. " Relax." Robert relaxed a bit, leaning on the swivel chair and resting his arm on the handle." I saw her on the way to your office. The door was left open by the nurse. Sheesh, limb and arms all gone. How is she still alive?"

" You forgot to add a missing eyeball." Michael said spinning his pen on his desk." She has suffered a lot and so I am handing her over to you"

Robert nodded."And if she is inside my company I promise that she would be kept under your watch, twenty four seven. Nothing would happen to her. That I can probably promise."

Michael threw him a look." Probably?"

" Fine definitely! I definitely promise" Robert said, putting his hands up surrender style.

" Good. So its a deal?" Michael offered his hand for a shake. Robert stared at the hand, thinking it through before finally capitulating and shaking it.

" Absolutely" He said.

" How much is the fee?" Michael asked ready to face the huge amount of money coming his way.

" I don't know what you take me for, Michael." Robert said chuckling." I don't want your money. Let this just be me helping out and old friend"

" And if you really love this girl I'll give her the best part we have." Robert promised.

" Which is?" Michael asked, regarding him with an eyebrow.

" Nothing really. Just a prototype of some sort. Its made of titanium, so you needn't worry about her losing her legs and arms for the second time"

" Titanium, wow. Must have cost a fortune." Michael said, both his eyebrows raised this time, but don't mistake it for surprise

" A fortune? Pfft didn't even scratch my account to obtain the amount of money used to get it from Wakanda." Robert scoffed, looking out the open window.

" And the amount of money used is?"

" Ehhhh, you could say about..... two million. No biggy."

God help your soul Robert Chase. Michael thought. God help your soul.

Robert slowly got up from the chair." A car will pick her up in an hour, make sure she's ready. No excuses."

" Thank you again Robert. I don't know what I can do to repay you." Michael got up to thank him and see him off. The meeting was over and that was it, another partnership, just for Rachel. Something that he'd promised himself never to do again. But, it was to save her life, and he was glad that he had come through with the decision.

Robert smiled and gave him a friendly supportive slap at his back." There is one thing though."

" What?"

" Get a good life. Get married someday Have children. Don't waste your life. Remember, if opportunity knocks at least open the door."

Michael nodded." Thanks men. Awesome pep talk."

" But trust me, don't marry, wife's will protect you till the end." Robert smiled with a note of sarcasm in his voice." I don't even know were mine hid the pipe I used to have."

" Thank you for reminding me why I decided to be a bachelor." Michael smiled patting his friend gently at his back.

" Same old same old Michael Jones."

.He laughed and put an arm around his shoulder." Come on, I'll escort you out." Michael told him.

Later on after a few minutes, Michael and Clarke watched as Rachel was taken away by a stretcher and into a van labeled " Chase Industries'

" I thought you said that they would arrive in an hour?" Clarke asked.

"Looks like they came in more earlier than we expected."

* * * * * * * * *

The van arrived at the company an hour later. They pushed Rachel into the building. She could hear peoples voices until they reached to a room and kept her on a chair.

A woman was there. She had red hair and turquoise colored eyes. She had a pretty smile and a calm expression.

" Rachel," The lady began."My name is Janice, and we are about to give you a little sedative and when you awake you will be fixed up tomorrow."

" OK" Rachel managed to croak.

This was a new beginning for her. Her and her entire system.

You owe me an apology. I hate you. Why did you have to be so mean. Why can't you be good.

All those words and sentences meant nothing to Rachel. All those words written down had been made by her to her irritating jerks that doesn't deserve to be called her relatives. But still those words stuck to her like an unforgettable harmonious song.

* * * * * * * *

Rachel awoke the next morning, but then the work on her body began. She didn't even eat a thing, the scientists did have a reason for that.

She didn't really remember much of that day. Since she didn't remember anything, she thought that she would either be waking up in the streets or in the hospital with no legs, arms or an eye.

She heard voices. Muffed at least, but still voices. But that didn't explain the weird feelings of her new body.

The voice called to her again." Rachel, Rachel. Wake up."

" What?" Rachel tried to say clearly but her voice could barely come over to a whisper. Her throat was hoarse and dry.

" Hello" Rachel tried to move but her nerves wasn't responding. The fear of not being able to move was frightening." Please, someone help. I- I can't move."

She felt a hand on her head. It carassed her temple and down her neck making her calm. She opened her eye and saw Janice.

" Where am I?" She asked. She heard beeping beside her

" Calm down, the operation was successful but that doesn't mean that you are in the clear. Your body has not yet fully been acquainted with the prototype suit." Janice explained to her with a small smile.

She bit down on her lips confused. She could see with her two eyes and she felt so different. What else am I going to experience, she thought, powers?.

" What did you do to me? Why can't I move my body?" She demanded

" You just need to relax Rachel. Everything will be clear to you soon enough." Janice said in other to pacify her.

" I don't understand, I'm scared."

" Hush, now. You don't need to be scared. You'll be fine just breath for me and calm your nerves."

Rachel took a breath and Janice smiled.

" Attagirl." She said

Rachel tried to nod but her body refused to comply." I can't even nod, Janice what is happening?" Rachel said almost tears.

" Shhhh, don't cry don't cry." Janice tried her best to calm Rachel down.

The beeping began to intensify. It got faster and faster and faster. Janice kept talking to Rachel and looking at the side the beeping came from." Rachel, calm down please."

" Breathe for me Rachel. Breathe for me." Janice touched Rachel's face and smiled." Calm down, your nerves are reacting to your emotions, you need to relax them."

" Please," Rachel sobbed.

" I don't want to remain this way." She cried out.

" WHY CAN'T I MOVE!!!" Rachel screamed trying to move her body." SOMEONE HELP. HELP ME!!!!"

Tears ran down her cheeks as Janice yelled, " SEDATE, SEDATE HER. NOW!!!!"

She gasped at the sharp and painful prick at the side of her neck.

" Sleep" Rachel heard, before she blacked out.

* * * * * * * *

" Rachel, Rachel. Wake up."

Rachel could hear her name echoing in her head again. The sweet sound of Janice voice followed her. Soon her eyes fluttered open.

" Janice?" Rachel whispered." Its you, and you're hear."

Janice smiled." I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here."

Rachel looked around the room." Where am I? What kind of hospital is this. It looks. . . . . . expensive and weird."

Janice smiled." This is not a hospital, Rachel."

" You're doing a lot better this morning." Rachel heard a voice say.

She saw a Chinese looking man in glasses. His lab coat sparkling white and awfully long. A wide smile spread across his face.

" Who are you?" She asked.

" Rachel," Janice began." This is Eloise. He is my partner, and he is going to help with taking care of you."

Rachel began to remember the last time she was awake. She remembered

all the commotion that she had caused." Did I really give you trouble, Janice?"

"What? Of course not." Janice smiled." You were just scared and I don't blame you."

" I'll try to be more calmer." Rachel promised.

" Here." Eloise held up a small plastic cup up to her lips." Drink this."

" What is it?" Rachel asked not opening her mouth to take what he offered." Is it some medicine of some sort? I hate medicines, please don't make me take it. Janice tell him."

Janice and Eloise laughed.

" Why don't you try it first." Eloise suggested pushing it closer to her lips.

Rachel shook her head." I can't risk it."

" Hey." Janice felt her cheeks " Trust us."

Rachel hesitated before drawing the liquid from the the cup. It tasted cool and refreshing. It was sparkling water." Mm mm," Rachel smiled." I needed that. Thanks Elis."

He chuckled." You're welcome, oh and its Eloise."

" OK Rachel." Janice said." I need you to tell me if you feel anything."

" OK."

Janice ran her smooth fingers down Rachel's face and then down the neck to her shoulders and then. . . . . . finally down her arm.

" Oh yes. Yes, I can feel it." Rachel yelled gaily.

Janice looked at Eloise. They both nodded and Eloise wrote something down.

" Ok Rachel, I need you to try an move your arm." Eloise instructed.

Rachel tried to move her robot arm up but it refused." Dang it." She cursed

" Its okay, don't rush it." Janice warned.

Rachel tried again and this time both of her hand shot up in the air." WOW!!" Rachel screamed in intense excitement." I can move my arms."

Janice smiled. Rachel did her best to sit up without being told. She wriggled her toes and kept them on the floor where they should be.

When she tried to get up Janice stopped her." Whoa, kid. Don't try and get ahead of yourself okay? Just. . . . . . one step at a time."

Rachel looked at her worried face and gave her a hopeful smile." I'm fine Janice, I can do this. Besides, what's the harm in trying to stand?"

Janice thought for a moment with hesitation." Fine. Just, be careful."

Rachel nodded and pushed her self off the bed and stood." Wooohooo, that was intense." She said and tried to take a step but then she fell down.

Well, what could anyone say. Sometimes one fall, but it was just a matter of time before one gets up.

And Rachel, was a new her.