Free The iFactor by R.W. Van Sant

inevitable.
The transit car stopped and he leapt on board, and threw his back against the wall of the vacant cage, eyes searching like a hunted animal as the door slid closed and the car moved along the track. Thankfully, each meter down the track eased the tightness in his chest and he started to breathe easier again. By the time he reached his own stop, he felt like a foolish child afraid of the dark. He stood up erect, brushed his uniform straight, and walked out of the car and down the walkway to his apartment.
Matt’s legs felt as though they could scarcely hold his weight, but climbed the stairs all four levels up to his apartment. He listened to each creak intently. His neighbors, he knew, were most likely asleep by that time. He liked having the hallways to himself. As he turned the door he appraised his apartment door, more specifically, he focused his attention on a small rectangular piece of paper that was placed at eye level. Written on it, in blocky letters, were the words, THEY ARE WATCHING YOU.
Matt inspected the locks for any telltale scratches and sniffed the air. Any electronic lock override device would have to be powerful and might leave the smell of ozone. As far as he could tell, they were all secured. None showed any signs of tampering. Matt pulled the paper off the door and entered quietly, locking the door him. It took several inspections of each room and all the locks before he felt comfortable enough to go to try to sleep. He took the maximum dose of medication the psychiatrist would allow, but got little sleep that night.

Chapter 12
Matt left his psychiatrist’s office with new medications, a new therapeutic game in hand, and a smile on his face. His doctor said that his increase in symptom intensity was due to the new stresses and should quickly subside. Regaining his position, the doctor thought, most likely brought back many of the feelings and memories that Matt experienced when he lost his rank. It made sense to Matt, and he was glad for the stronger medicine. The new pills came in quick metabolizing gel capsules. The doctor promised almost instant absorption, and immediate relief. He took one as he arrived and Matt could feel it taking effect before his session was over.
Trees were dispersed around the park, tall and nearly perfect. Still there was no sound of wind, no waving or rustling and no sound of birds. Jill was right. There was something very wrong in that. He wasn't sure that false bird songs would have enhanced the ambiance, but they could at least turn up the city ventilators to create a gentle breeze. At least he could feel the heat of Sirius Primary upon his face. It almost felt like earth’s sun. He slowly strolled along and reveled in his freedom from anxiety. Jill's face came to mind, not the bruised face of the previous night, but the unmarred beauty of their first meeting. It filled him with an enigmatic joy.
He arrived at work grinning. The balance of the paperwork from the preceding day couldn’t bring him down. He scanned through the screen, signing in the applicable places and then when on to the new work. The chair was comfortable enough and he had a fresh cup of coffee. He was ready to begin delving once again into the Sisyphean piles.
The man who had assaulted Jill was in a holding cell, having pled guilty. His defender was in discussions with the judicial council over penalty. A restraining order was now in effect, so at the very least Jill wouldn't have to worry about him. If he got within ten meters, alarms would go off and an officer would intervene. Matt still promised himself that he would monitor the man, just to be certain.
The next file comprised the data on the rape investigation. The trial for that case was set for the following day. Matt was still astounded at how fast things occurred in colonial security. Although he felt rushed, he looked over each document judiciously; the last thing that he wanted was to let a rapist go on a technicality. Of