View source for Comm-Link:A Human Perspective - Episode 9

The gamut of Charl’s life experiences surfaced unwillingly from the depths as the Banu mind ripper stirred his memories. Rendered helpless by its strange neural technology — as well as who knew how many relaxing injections — he experienced it as if from afar, a spectral witness to someone else’s chaotic dreams.

As this went on, his exterior sensations were virtually nonexistent. On a base level — perhaps it was his survival instinct — he craved any stimulus from outside his troubled mind. For the longest time he got no relief, but eventually he sensed there was an ebb and flow to the process. Like a fish in the sea, he dove into deep depths for a while, then came closer to the surface where he could — barely — see the sun and sky beyond.

Uncertain of his own perceptions, even of his own will, he concentrated against the waves of unbidden memories, and on each subsequent ascent he forced himself closer and closer to the surface.

''Shapes and sounds.''

Swept deeper, Charl lunged toward the light.

''Faces and voices.''

Emotionally exhausted, he mustered his last reserves of strength.

“Charl-Grissom regaining consciousness.” Charl blinked several times and saw as if through a fog. He choked a bit and that gave him an idea. He forced himself to choke harder and harder, which not only brought him further into consciousness, but got the attention of the Banu techs.

“Charl-Grissom in distress,” one said, coming nearer. Charl feigned raspier, deeper choking and tensed himself as if he could no longer breathe, writhing desperately against his restraints. “Charl-Grissom danger of suffocation!”

The Banu tech began to unstrap him so he re-intensified his act. The only other tech came over with a syringe — ''something to calm him down, he wondered?'' One strap was undone, then another. The moment his arm was loose Charl grabbed awkwardly at the tech with syringe in hand and managed to plunge it into his throat. The Banu gurgled and collapsed onto the floor. By the time the second tech figured out there was a problem Charl was fumbling with his other straps.

“Alarm!” The tech tried to restrain him and the two struggled until Charl managed to get a strap around the Banu’s neck and pull it tight. The tech writhed but could not scream, and after a moment Charl let his blurry victim fall lifeless to the floor. He had thought his military years far behind him, but apparently his body retained its discipline.

He was alone now, shaking his head to clear his mind. He undid strap after strap until he was free. Unable to stand, he flopped onto the floor and crawled to put his ear to the door. Hearing nothing, he opened it and stuck his head out into an empty hallway. He dragged himself quickly into an open wet room across the way and closed its door behind him.