Relics of the Past - Chapter Eight

The security chief went to the control room. It was a simple procedure to locate where everyone in the output was located. Everyone was in there own room except for Security Chief, a few Security Personnel and Mark. John was found in a storage container and was taken to the medical bay and strapped down to a table. Mark went back to his room.

The doctor performed a brain scan on John. The scan showed that the part of his brain responsible for violence and irrational behavior was highly active. The doctor compared this scan with the scan taken when John first arrived and noticed a huge difference. John’s brain had been altered on purpose by somebody on the outpost and was used as the murder weapon. The doctor concluded that it was unlikely that John could have prevented himself from taking action even if he was aware he was being used. The question was how somebody other than John could even contemplate wanting the director dead.

The next thing the security chief did was check the security logs. John was locked in his room and somebody had to let him out. He couldn’t have gotten out by himself. Once the security chief checked the security logs, he checked the logs for the food dispenser in John room. He discovered that the same person that let John out also tampered with his food. A compound was added to John food to make him more violent and less reasonable.

Once the person who was responsible had been identified, the lockdown was lifted and everyone gathered for a meeting. Once the evidence was presented to everyone, there was a debate about the motive for the crime. Everyone’s opinion was considered and after some time had taken place, a conclusion was made. The sentence that was decided upon was that John would have to have his brain altered. If he were allowed to retain the ability for violence, more people would be at risk. It was not only for the good of the community, it was also in John’s best interest to be free of the pettiness and selfishness and greed that he now harbored. Mark was chosen to give John the verdict because He was the one who John was the most comfortable around.

Mark entered the medical bay where John was still strapped down. He was awake now and disoriented. “How are you feeling?” Mark asked.

“What happened? Why am I strapped down like this?” John asked.

“It’s for your own protection.” Mark responded.

“I’ve heard that before” John insisted, “You going to change my brain aren’t you?” John asked, knowing the answer.

“Yes, it’s what’s best for everybody, including yourself” was Mark’s answer.

“But I won’t be myself.” John protested.

“I know.” Mark said, “You’ll be better. You’ve been through a lot in a short amount of time and soon you’ll be free of all your frustrations.”

“Tell me what happened?” John pleaded.

“You murdered the director.” Mark replied.