Free Human Again: A Dystopian Sci-Fi Novel (Cryonemesis Book 1) by Moran Chaim Page B

could barely keep them open, and I almost tripped on a rock when I tried to turn around and go back inside. I tried to see if I could spot any buildings on the coast line where Tel Aviv used to be but I got a sand blast to the mask. It felt good to be outside, but not physically. It was like a boot camp in hell. I wanted to drink so badly and breathe clean air. Yet I felt like I accomplished something.
    Then, Viti collapsed on the ground and started shouting and breathing fast.
    “What happened?”
    “…contractions…I'm not supposed…”
    “What's wrong with the baby?” I asked.
    “Take me inside…idiot!”
    She was screaming so loud I wondered if anyone could hear us. I tried to carry her by the armpits.
    “Watch it!” She screamed.
    I dragged her on the ground. She was heavy, and screaming and getting scoured by the Cactus suit. She didn't deserve this.
    “Get me to the Clinic!”
    At least she had mounted the gun already.
    I managed to drag her to the platform and it automatically lowered us. A medical team was waiting with a stretcher on wheels. I guess they saw us on camera. They put her there without removing the cactus suit.
    My lungs hurt. I was bleeding beneath my suit. Rough start.

Chapter 9
    When I got to the clinic, Dr. Manu was there talking to Viti and her husband.
    “Thank you, frosty.”
    She held my hand and started crying.
    “I almost lost him.”
    “You'll be fine,” her husband said. “Everything will be just fine.” He then thanked me, too.
    “I spoke with President Padma. They’re going to find someone else to train you in the meanwhile,” Viti said.
    Manu was smiling at me in a suspicious way.
    “So, I hear you got a job.”
    “I did,” I said with confidence.
    “Good for you. At least you have your luck.”
    He had lost his guinea pig.
    “Sorry I was being a little rough on you,” Viti said.
    “That’s ok,” I replied.
    She wasn't that bad actually. I had it worse during the army training. Way worse.
    “I can do it myself.”
    I looked Manu right in his puffy eyes.
    “Gun tech, you, alone?”  He laughed at my face.
    “Yes. Diagnosing malfunctions is automated anyway. I'm more capable of going outside alone than anyone.”
    “A dangerous proposal from someone who was found unqualified for technical positions,” he said, and looked at Viti, who shrugged. She was too tired to care.
    “Talk to the president. I bet she'll say yes.”
    “I doubt that.”
    Manu looked at Viti for approval again, like I was crazy. And I was but I wanted to get back at him. The chances of me becoming a full time technician were zero but I had nothing to lose. Plus I hated him.
    “He's a fast learner,” she said. “All the information is in the computer anyway. And I can guide him through here for awhile.”
    “You’re both crazy, I won’t allow it. The former gun tech will replace you until you feel better or the new one takes the job. And you…” he looked at me, “You’re just the GTA and that’s lucky enough.”
    “This just made me want to talk to President Padma myself. See you soon,” I said with a fake confident smile.
    I left the clinic proud of myself. If I wanted to blend in I’d have to earn their respect. I must believe in myself first. And I think I just started to no matter what happens.
    Before my date with Shanta I just walked around in circles in the main street looking at people. I had to give myself something to do or else I'd go crazy waiting. I tried to make the best of the situation and to progress my current status. But in most cases you just have to wait for a reaction or a change, because it’s not up to you. So I waited for Shanta.
    She had told me to meet her at a festival in the simulation, but I didn't know what that meant. I hoped it was a type of a date. Since we’d be meeting in a simulation, showering in the real world didn’t matter, nor did changing my clothes. Since I couldn’t bring myself to eat after what I saw in the roach factory,