The GOD Box Read Free Page B

expressions, seemingly trying to figure them out.
    Was this awkward? Yes, it was awkward. Gabe thought.
    Gabe conside red the next problem, which was what to do when they are willing to learn, and not just unknowingly become lab experiments. This had only happened once before and whatever trust they gained was lost when Gabe panicked and pulled out his gun. That was what happened the previous time, and let’s just say it didn’t go too well.
    It looked like he was trying to touch the ground with his chin, the way his head hung forward with his neck out. Hands on hips, he looked over to Jonathan who appeared stale and unapproachable, full of angry thoughts and assumptions. Yet, he was waiting like a good boy for Gabe to say anything a bit more conscientious than he could muster – a habit they had both come to accept with however much angst on Jonathan’s part . Words just weren’t his strong suit, or, rather, using them coherently.
    What Gabe was really hoping for was that the two strangers would ask them questions instead. He gave Jonathan a warning look to give them a bit longer to do so. They took the silence as permission and the man asked,
    “ So… Who are you?” He was standing with feet shoulder width apart and one hand in his pocket and the other hanging stiffly to his side, attempting a look of ease. He was around six feet… maybe a little taller. Gabe used to be about six feet tall standing straight, but not only did he hardly stand perfectly straight, but had now shrunk some. The man’s shoulders were not very broad, but he looked like the type of person Gabe never associated with… he seemed to match the posters of rock climbers, toned and very lean. There was no acting in his sovereign demeanor, but surely it was not his common character. Posture was good and steady, yet that stance for him seemed far too uncomfortable and rigid.
    In considering his question, the old men knew it wasn’t so much of a who are you question but a what are you. Gabe let Jonathan take the reins on this one so that he could lie a little, and he did so curtly,
    “We are scientists who lived hundreds of years ago, survived the destruction of billions of people, and discovered a way to come back to life to view the continued progression of the world and hopefully help the human race be more successful.”
    Gabe gave him a sideways glance but ignored trying to give a more honest answer. The real answer was simple enough, but… you know… totally and undeniably crazy at the same time. Whatever . Craziness was definitely what the look their new acquaintances passed between them, now, said. They pointed between each other as if to decide who would ask the questions first.
    “I’d rather not first assume you ’re crazy” May began, “but you need to answer a few questions. Come back to life? As in you’ve died before? And… multiple times?”
    Jonathan and Gabe looked at each other, then both started talking at once. Figuring out who to listen to was awkward. Neither wanted to stop… so, Gabe explained to Dane, and Jonathan “explained” to May. But what Gabe knew, and what May was about to find out was that explanations from Jonathan were sort of useless.
    Gabe said easily, “Our civilization was far advanced. We had lots of science experiments, medicines, technology you wouldn’t understand. By a certain process and having the right materials, we could create life. Including our own… which still works after we die because of some new technology.” The pitch of Gabe’s voice was a little higher than expected for a male, and always had been, but was conscientious and intelligent.
    Glancing over to the other conversation and back to her own, May was wincing like she was in pain, but was even honestly trying to grasp something… or anything from Jonathan.
    “… because of the hemoglobin in the blood, it wouldn’t have worked any other way. It was necessary for us to do so. The prototype didn’t seem to get it.