Amnesia: Genetic Roulette, #2

By G.K. Stream

Leading to lost. 

Months after the colonies took Trish we reconnect with Zach, Alex, and Leah. Zach and Leah are adjusting slowly figuring out how to lead the Reestablishment. 

Alex is having a harder time coping with his guilt. He becomes obsessed with finding Trish, and feels he owes it to her to get her back for the Reestablishment. Everyone has stopped looking and have left Alex to his guilt and coping. 

We last left off with Trish being taken hostage, and it has taken a turn for the worst. She's now a fully assimilated member of the Colonies, and she has lost all memory of where she came from. The kicker? She doesn't even know she has lost anything. 

We follow Trish and Alex as they come to discover how deeply they are connected. What is their connection? Why is Alex so obsessed? What will Trish do when she discovers who she really is? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: G.K. Stream
• Release date: Jun 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393164890

G.K. Stream

I have been working on writing these stories for a long time. I first wrote more seriously in 2014, mostly as a challenge to see if I could in fact write a novel.  I wrote anomalies during NanoWriMo, and it felt like a great accomplishment. Over the years I chose to publish the story because I knew that the characters would love to share their story with others. Through this process, I've had some large life changes. All of that, however, has done nothing but fuel my desire to continue writing this story.  I hope that you will read this series and love the characters as much as I do. If you would like exclusive freebies, and insights as things progress with the series please hop onto my website and subscribe to my monthly newsletter. 

Book preview

Prologue

Zach

17 Days later

LEAH AND I HAVE BEEN inseparable as soon as Alex and I returned to meet the team. She refused to leave my side, and I refused to leave hers. She even asked that we sleep in the same room. She said, If I end up losing my memory again, or even having nightmares I know that I can trust you. I'd prefer to not risk it otherwise. I found it rather adorable that she felt the need to give an excuse. But either way I am just glad she is safe.

Alex, Steve, and Pete are working on a plan of attack. Especially after the realization I had in the woods on the way back to the team. Alex had pressed that we needed to figure out what our next move is since they took Trish. The Reestablishment is no longer in the shadows, we can't keep acting like we are, if we do we'll lose more lives. We just found out a couple days ago that they destroyed two of the smaller outposts. Killing hundreds of people. The outposts were so remote that everyone knows the information came from Trish. Which told us that whatever Jameson is doing is working.

I have an idea, I say while standing over the table. They set up in the strategizing room of the main interrogation section of the outpost we are at. No one will like it I state as I put a map down and walk over to a holo screen, and pull up a map, turning to the people in the room. Neil, Nina, and Amber along with Leah and Alex were all standing in the room. Neil was around the same age as Trish. He shaved his head bald and has a narrow face. He looks relatively close to a skeleton with how bony and narrow he is. He is the quiet contemplator out of everyone, and if he agreed the other two would follow suit.

It is weird seeing them interact in person, especially after our last conversation. They didn't seem to be at all on the same level as Trish and yet somehow they were created as leaders.

Amber is short, has a pixie cut, and is terrifying in the sense that her mood swings are unpredictable. Then there is Nina, she is a looker. Alex almost fell on his face when he met her. She is tall, thin, blonde hair to her shoulders and deep green eyes. I don't know what Alex likes about her besides how she looks; she isn't exactly the quickest person I've ever met.

Their characteristic traits just don't point to leadership material. It didn't sit right with me. But I didn't want to broach that subject.

What’s your idea? asks Neil as he crosses his arms. It’s vitally dangerous having us all in the same room, so spit it out. I shake my head, as I look to them. I have been trying to get them comfortable with at least the six of us.

First, we need to know each of your regions. I say pointing to the map. Then we will reassign you to a different position in the Reestablishment. I explain they all look at each other.

What? asks Amber, I tense at her facial expression. There's a small bit of rage bubbling under expression.

Come and mark your regions. I'll explain further. I walk over to the table with a holographic projector. I push down on it and bring my hands up as three faces hover over the table. Neil went up first, as he marks what used to be Japan and the half of Greenland, and the area in Colony 4. Nina walks up and marks where Europe and Russia used to be, and then redrew what it really looks like now. Amber marked what was once Africa and some area in Colony 2.

They turn to the table I am at, Ok Zander and I developed this program. I say gesturing to Zander as he is tweaking with a computer attached to the platform. So each of these are your face. What the program does is create an identity of a person based on your genetic markers and traits. Your current identity is in the system. To choose something you are both skilled at and differs from what you are. The three leaders looked cautiously at one another.

Here's what I am thinking. We use this program, create a secondary identity. It will blend you into your current regions not as the leader but as a living contributing rebel. Then, you still lead but it'll be completely off the record. I say, as I see, they all look a little relieved to hear that I am not doing something drastic.

How do we keep it off the record? We need to sign things, right, or even meet? asks Nina, I shake my head.

Actually, we would say you you are all dead. You'd assume these identities. All things you have been regulating will have to shift. Likely to someone you trust in your ranks who has been protecting you. They will sign what you approve becoming an interim leader to the public. I explain, as they all take a breath out, I know this will be the hardest part.

How many people will know about this exactly? asks Neil, as I can see he's thinking over the complications.

The three you choose, and those of us in the room. I say gesturing to everyone standing in the room. Neil nods, as he is taking in everyone.

What would they do if something happened to their 'decoy', or even to them? asks Leah as she walks over to the table where Zander is at.

We would need to develop a code word. Some kind of signal that would simultaneously come to all the others who know. But it would need to be on a hidden frequency like the digital masks were. I say as I see Amber nod enthusiastically, and Neil look at her unconvinced.

Fine, and what if this signal worked, what would be our next preventative measure? he asks, I can tell he's testing me.

Those remaining would need to go underground. So far into hiding that even Leah and I don't know where you are. I state. Neil looks pale as I say this, I knew that it would be something they didn't like. But it is the most reasonable move we could make, no one could know, not even Trish. Which meant that they would have to pick places that aren't common knowledge among the rebellion.

Amber, Nina, and Neil come together to discuss it. Leah walks up with an encouraging look on her face. I think went better than we thought it would. she says with a smile. I chuckle.

Yeah if you think terrifying them and making them choose who they trust more at the risk of their own lives and success. I reach around and pull her into an embrace. Thanks for your support, I know this is a crazy idea, I start as she hushes me by putting her finger over my mouth.

Honestly, I think it's perfect, it won't be what Trish expects. She might guess that they're in hiding in the beginning, but she'd never guess it to all be a ruse. Having them go underground with no information is also unexpected, she says as she looks to them while they are still talking. Alex is helping Zander with the program to put in the right parameters for the leaders.

I nod to her. That's why I said we wouldn't know, if it gets to that. We need to make sure you and I know nothing about where they are in case one of us is captured. I say as I hear them stop talking and see Neil looking right at me. Did you come to an agreement?

Neil nods. Yes w all agree this is the best solution. he says gesturing to the program. But we have a small concern about telling people our new identity, the risk he says as I walk up to him.

Neil there's risk no matter what you choose, this is just outside of your usual procedures. Which is why it needs to happen, because if we do something Trish planned you'll all die? I state bluntly as I see Amber and Nina walk up to us, and Neil agrees. I gesture to the program, as they all went to their designated spot on the screen.

You need to draw up an announcement to all the rebel specialists. They need to know how and when each one of them died. Alex nods and trots out of the room. I turn to the leaders. Have you selected your interim leaders? They nod to us.

We wrote them down, says Amber as they hand me pieces of paper, I open one of them and see Zach, then the next that says Leah. Stunned I looked to Leah, she looks at me confused, as I open the last one and saw Alex.

We... this... no, I say sputtering out my answer to them for both Alex and Leah. They turn to us as Leah walks to see what is going on.

Agreed. They state together. I felt angry as I shook my head again.

You Leah, and Alex have shown your loyalty to the Reestablishment. Not just by finding the leak. But by choosing to sacrifice time and time again. explains Neil as he turns back to the screen to answer Zander's questions.

We could not trust something this important to anyone else, the risk is too high, says Amber as she turns back to Zander. I stood there, and look at Leah who is just as stunned as I am.

I know standing there, that this situation just got a lot more complicated. How can we lead a rebellion and fight for it at the same time? How can we be willing to sacrifice ourselves if we are in charge of hundreds of thousands of people?

I shake my head, as I try sorting out my thoughts. Then I turn and leave the room to get some air. I hear Leah trailing behind me.

Zach? she says, trying to get me to stop walking. What are you thinking?

I stop walking, just as I reach the exit to the tunnel that enters one of the main subway tunnels. I’m not sure what to do. This, I say holding up the papers they gave me earlier. This is too much.

Leah walks up and takes the papers from me. Then who? she asks.

What? I ask, irritated with her.

If we will fight for them, kill for them, and even protect their current leadership. Why would they not see us as their leaders? she asks pointedly. I stand there and shake my head at her trying to ignore the logic she is using.

Zach look, if this is about how you think we are stronger together, who's to say we need to separate? she asks, hoping that would help.

No, that's not the problem. The problem is that... Then I realize there really wasn't a problem, I am terrified of screwing up. What happens if people die? Or what happens if we kill innocent people? Where do we draw the line?

People have already died, sacrificed, so to speak. The last thing I wanted to do was make a decision that would kill even more.

Leah sits down next to me on a platform just above the tracks. We need to, if we don't there's no one else. I nod to her. She is right again. I reach over to her and pull her close. Strawberries and pine, never fails.

Right, two conditions, I say as she looks up at me confused and nods.

One We find Trish and destroy the current leadership in Colony 1. She smiles at me. As I turn toward her.

Let me guess, you'd replace them with rebels? Leah asks teasingly, as I nod matter-of-factly, and bring her hand to my mouth and kiss it.

Yes, but slowly, I state thinking about my next condition.

And two? she says with a curious look on her face.

Two: We never separate. I say as Leah hugs me tightly.

I don't think I'll have a problem agreeing to those, she says, smiling just one change. I look to her, with a small smile on my face. Instead of just destroying the leadership, can we kill Jameson? she asks coyly. I laugh hysterically at her face and the question.

That’s implied. But yes, I say as we stand up and start back to the meeting room. I know in this moment that everything will change. I know that Leah and I will change, and that we are definitely stronger together than we are apart. I could feel that we would need to be strong, for each other, and the hundreds of people we would be in charge of. Mostly though, I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment as I look at Leah's profile. This moment, right here, would be perfect to pause.

Chapter 1

Alex

Months Later

DAMMIT! I SAY AS I throw my notebook across my office. Get out! I yell at the young man standing in my doorway as he ducks and leaves while closing my door. I walk over to the map on my wall, as I stare at the longitudes and latitudes mapped out, I turn to pick up my notebook and write the cities on a map as I hear the phone ring on my desk.

I turn and push the speaker button. Hello? I say as I continue mapping out a theory.

Lieutenant Collins tells me you just threw him out again, Alex, stop this, I hear Zach’s voice come over the loudspeaker.

Zach, I think I just figured something out, you and Leah need to get down here. This isn’t speaking. This is true honest findings. Get to my office, now! I say as I hang up and go back to writing out my theory.

Several minutes pass, as I hear my office door open, Alex, I hear Leah’s voice as I gesture for them to sit, as I finish up my notes.

Alex, you need to stop this obsessing. It will drive you crazy, says Zach as I turn to him. My hair is crazy I have a beard coming in from not shaving for several days, and I probably smell since I don’t remember the last time I saw my shower. But at the moment, that is the least of my concerns.

I know that, I say as I walk toward them, but you know why I’m still doing this? I ask him, as he looks up at the ceiling muttering something under his breath, If I’m right, then Trish has been sending us a message this whole time.

Alex, that’s based on nothing; It’s a theory. Which means, you could find answers in anything you look at, Zach says as he takes a step toward me. Months ago I told you, that it was a great avenue to take, to pursue the possibility of Trish still being the same person. But she’s massacred thousands of rebels. She’s told them strategies we use for training and the colonies have used some of them. She is gone. Zach says with a finality to his tone.

That’s just it! I believe they have brainwashed her, manipulated, or whatever. Just because she has been manipulated doesn’t mean who she is completely gone. If you rewire her to believe that the colonies are good. You have just painted over what she believes about the rebellion with the colonies. The picture looks different, but it's still has the same undertones. I explain, So the core of her beliefs are still there. Those are what I needed to understand, why I’ve been reading over her journal entries, and combing through files. I say as I hand them both identical files, yes the paper kind they go back a way, with everything I’ve gone through. In this time I’ve discovered something, a protocol that was removed before she went out into the field. Look in the blue folder, I say as they both pull out a thin blue folder and open it to the papers I placed in there.

What is this? asks Leah confused as she looks to Zach and then.

That, Leah, is an archived file that the core leaders signed a long time ago, before they could digitize everything. It states that if any of them were abducted, or taken hostage by the colonies, they would use an agreed upon code to send a message. You can see there they’ve listed several codes to look through, I say as I gesture to the paper, and Leah looks down.

Zach looks up. Please don’t tell me you’ve been spending the last few weeks going through these? he asks me, as I shrug it off and continue. It’s been more like the past week, but he need not know that. It would lead to more questions I don't have time to answer. 

I contacted Neil, he told me they removed this protocol because of the risk involved in delivering it. It was too high for them to pay so they removed and tabled it for a later revision. But that if possible, he was confident that Trish would use this old protocol because it would look like she was helping the colonies. I say as I turn to them both, So, does this look like she’s helping them? I point to the map behind me, that’s marked with the six different rebel posts that have been destroyed.

I can agree to that point, it does, says Zach, as I see Leah nod with him.

Then, tell me Zach. Do you think, that Trish would willingly do this? I ask again, knowing what he’d say. He might know her. But I know her better. But what he knows of her is enough for him to tense his jaw in frustration at me.

No one would willingly hop into this situation, he pauses, although, I think Trish is an intelligent strategist. She knew what she was getting into when she sacrificed herself, said Zach. I take note in how he avoided answering the question directly. Tricky, but to no avail. He tilts his head to the side and asks, Did you find something in all of this mess? he asks, as I see him catch up. He gets this look when he realizes I have the bone I've been chasing. That he can't really argue with me. Few people can