Wakey Wakey Eggs n Bakey

Summer 2021, Week 3

Thursday afternoon

Riverview Hospital Center, City Centre

Peter Clifford

Peter’s eyes flickered open. Each blink enabling him to see clearer and brighter. He went to rub his eyes, the feeling that there was some kind of irritation.   Raising his hands to perform this action led him to see the pipes and cables attached to his body. Some monitoring his vitals. Others keeping his fluid levels and others seemed to be some kind of pain relief.   The startling sight made him breath heavily. Quickly trying to sit up. He then looked around. Trying to unravel where he was.   A hospital. Of course. Idiot. Where else would he be in such a position? A quick shake of his head followed allowing him to curse himself once more before getting his bearings even further.   Why was he here?   Peter looked for some sort of clue. Yet, he found nothing. Not even his clothes or possessions. Where the hell had he been?   Work. The lab. The last thing he remembered. Working on some sort of mysterious sample his boss had asked him to check into.   It has been a pretty simple request really.... so how on earth had it ended up like this. With himself in a hospital bed.   Then the though occurred. How long has it been? A month? A year? How much has changed!? Peter began to panic. Frantically looking around for a clock, or a phone anything to tell the time. Again, he felt stupid. The clock was straight across from his bed. It had only been two days.   Another shaking on the head and cursing himself.   "You need to calm down." He thought but almost said out loud.   Now he began to. Steadying his breathing to a normal standard. Worrying solved nothing. Only made this worse. Peter then went to stretch his neck to look around. This time he was met with a sharp pain and with it a slight moan. He wasn't healed yet.   It was at that point two nurses entered. The one on the right would've been considered pretty with sparkling green eyes and auburn hair, yet she was carrying a bit of extra weight. Something Peter wasn't really into. Her friend on the other hand was a solid knockout 10. Black hair and eyes of the sea. It was her that spoke first as they entered.   "Well, you've had us all worried to hell and back good sir." She began with her accent a European one Peter had no chance pinning down. "We still cannot explain how you got out of that in one piece!"   "Yeah, you're all bruised up in afraid! Though we're glad your awake" The other added. Her smile showing the dimples in her cheeks. That was cute.   Peter could barely think words yet alone speak. Mind tumbling down every single avenue. It felt like a lifetime of waiting. The black-haired girl spoke once more... clearly it had been that long it was awkward.   "How ya feelin' hun? Still sore? Stiff a little bit?" Though her tone seemed caring her face seemed as though she was mocking him. Her hand went to rest on her hip, and she almost loomed over him.   Peter tried to nod his head. The pain was excruciating. Yet, he powered though. Even gaining the confidence to speak.   "Y... yeah. I hurt all over miss"   The two of them smiles and the larger woman chuckled. It was her that responded.   "I'm not surprised with a leg broken in three places, a fractured hip, multiple trauma wounds to the head and two slipped discs. You're lucky to be alive"   There was genuine care in her eyes. One that Peter was thankful for. Was it really that bad? He couldn't even remember that day for the most part. Wait, he couldn't remember much of anything really. It was then he was slightly worried. Trying his best to recall everything. Parents, home in England, the multiple universities he attended, his first kiss Janet in the bus shelter on a cold Thursday night....   He remembers most but not where this place was. What city this was. Wait, where did he even work?   It was then he began to feel lightheaded. The lights were flickering... no that was you knob head. STAY AWAKE. You’re gunna seem weak!   But it was no good. His eyes closed focused on the pretty girl with eyes like the sea.   In the days following Peter jumped from in and out of consciousness. He heard snippets of life every now and again. Two janitors arguing over who had done more work, a visitor of the next bed along telling the story of how she lost her wallet, a nurse crying due to the death of a resident but nothing more than small pieces he was still alive. Sometimes he would wake up out of the bed. When they were performing tests or scans. He even heard then sometimes. Small snippets again but worrying parts   "I do not understand how he is doing this"   "He should have died. His heart had stopped for too long"   "How on earth did he survive such an impact"   The days passed. It felt like forever when he could finally eat, talk and smile. Yet it had only been a few days.   Even more strangely it was another week before he could walk. Taking his first steps made him feel like a toddler again but he managed. The nurses all gave him a clap. "Miracle" they called it.   All in all, it had been a month before Peter could finally leave. Even then, his memory had never truly recovered. He did his best to hide this though, fearful that they would do more tests on him. Keep him in for longer. Peter felt that there was no more blood left to give. Another test would see him dead.   Finally, though, with the help of a crutch sunlight was seen properly once more. The sliding doors opening a pathway Peter had thought has disappeared for a while. Freedom.   A taxi awaited him. Heading for his small flat in the city. The driver was from somewhere in Asia and his accent made the conversation hard. Even worse to try to talk about medical mumbo jumbo. Peter still relished it though. It was the first human he had spoken to other than the nurses in a long time. He lingered on that now. He did not have many friends here... but surely someone noticed?

---

Peter Clifford's Apartment, Downtown

Peter Clifford

It was too late to think now, with his apartments laid out in front of him. Going to pay the driver waved him off. "You deserve a break, kid" he thought he said. Though it could have been anything in truth.   As fast as the crutches could carry him, he was in the elevator. Pressing the magic number 7 for his floor.   It felt so surreal to Peter. Unable to truly believe he was living this life. It had seemed so doom and gloom only weeks ago.   There was only one thing to do when he finally entered his flat. Lie down on his own bed. He quickly did as such.   Now the adrenaline of being out and clear had gone. He slept deeply. Excited for what the next days will bring.

---

Peter Clifford

Peter woke up aching all over still. There was so much to be done in such a little time. He needed a phone, groceries and to find out what the fuck had just happened.   He was groggy waking up. Head pounding like he had the hangover of all time.   Popping a few painkillers which did fuck all he got ready. Hard Rock Cafe T-shirt Black skinny jeans and ruined converse.   He took a look in the mirror. Bar some of the bruising he looked fine. Well more than fine now his hair had been done. Even so, it shocked him. He thought he will still look like death.   Grabbing his keys, he headed down to the understory garage. Pressing the button to unlock his car. His blinkered show him the way.   Before him stood a Mustang. Shelby GT350SE. A gift from his parents when he got his job. His dad was shocked to find just how cheap the cars were in the US. Peter didn't mind. Free car.   He jumped in. Revving it like mad as he exited. He loved the car. Yet there was always a thought in the back of his mind that it wasn't really his.

---

Thursday early evening

Peter Clifford

Text Message

To: Andy
I'm out the hospital. Meet me at work ASAP.  

Andrew Moore

Text Message

To: Peter
Can we meet at your place or smth? The rubble is depressing as hell
 

Peter Clifford

Text Message

To: Andy
Fine. I'm ten mins from home. Hurry.

---

Andrew Moore

Andy knocked on the door to Peter’s apartment, waiting to find out what the hell was so urgent and important that it couldn’t just be solved with a phone call.  

Peter Clifford

Ever since he has arrived home Peter could not stop pacing. He couldn't keep still. How could someone after the month he just had and now this?   There seemed to be no pain anymore. Though that could have been adrenaline. He couldn't tell. All he knew is he had to move. Even his arms and fingers. He had to be doing something.   By the time Andrew had arrived Pete was virtually at the door. Upon the first knock, it swung open. Peter ushered his friend in virtually pushing them to a near stumble. Deadlocking the door his only words were to usher the command. "Sit"  

Andrew Moore

Andy definitely was not expecting this sort of welcome. Peter looked remarkably good for a guy who had just gotten out of hospital. A little too good, actually...   “Right, what the hell is so important you had to practically carry me into your apartment?”  

Peter Clifford

"Okay... okay." Peter stammered mainly to himself. He took some deep breathes but even with them his words came out fast.   "So, like, I thought my event was minor like? You know. Else how the fuck am I alive, right? Everyone said I was, like so lucky but I was alive and only a month? So, I get out. I needed a phone, so I go to the shops and think, oh why not go and see the old place. They must be rebuilding..."   Peter took a second and composed himself once more. Trying his best not to seem absolutely insane.   "But it's all gone. Like all of it.... and I was ground zero. Yet I'm fucking alive? And like this? After a month... oh and then and then and then on top! I started running. I don’t know why but I did. To my car I mean. Then I stumbled but like instead of falling everything went like... slow. Like not super slow but like slow. So, I urgh, looked around for like, I dunno, maybe and evo had helped me, I dunno but like yeah and then I did like this roll automatically and fuck. I'm insane, aren’t I? Or in a comma? Like? Fuck."   Noticing he was sweating and feeling lightheaded he fell down onto the sofa with his friend. Taking in deeper and deeper breaths unsure of what exactly to do.  

Andrew Moore

Staring at Peter, Andy takes a second, and processes the implications of what Pete is saying. Is he saying he thinks he might be an evo? Why is he telling him this? I mean, it’s not the wildest thing to think. That building is nothing but rubble. He hadn’t been able to figure how Pete had actually survived that.   “Well, I can assure you you’re not in a coma. I think. Is that what Coma Andrew would say?” He cracks a smile, before choosing his next words very carefully. “Pete, are you saying you think you’re an evo?  

Peter Clifford

"No!" He replied, as if by instinct. Seemingly started by the mere notion. "There has to be some kind of rational explanation, right? Surely? Evos are like born super cool and awesome and shit? Right? Fuck how would you know. I'm sorry about this I just don’t know what to do"  

Andrew Moore

Andrew tries suppressing a laugh and fails spectacularly. “Well, “I survived an entire building blowing up” is definitely not the rational explanation here. But it’s an entertaining one. Also...” He sobers up quickly. He debates putting the phone down, and then takes a deep breath. “... does this look like someone super cool and awesome to you? Cause I’m pretty sure I was more insufferable and awkward than ‘normal’ kids.” He chuckles awkwardly, and looks at Peter, hoping for a decent response  

Peter Clifford

He managed a meek smirk to the joke. Calming him down slightly before the bombshell hit about a full minute after Andrew said. "Damn... I mean you are pretty cool. Though I never guessed that cool" Pete nudged his friend with his elbow slightly.  

Andrew Moore

He nudges Pete back and smirks. "Well, yes. This level of awesomeness is only obtainable by having the most awkward possible childhood. And singeing off one of your eyebrows while trying to work out how a machine works. That last bit is key" He laughs a little. "When you marched me in here and sat me down, and starting rambling about evos, I sort of thought you knew, and I thought the jig was up. Made it to 25 without anyone suspecting a damn thing. The eyebrow thing also helped with that"  

Peter Clifford

This time Pete could just about snigger. He was always an idiot. "Nah, just me having a life defining moment here. Thought I guess this is one for both of us"  

Andrew Moore

He nudged Pete once more. "Well, lucky you decided to pick me to share this life-defining moment with. Any idea what powers you've got? You seem to have recovered awful quick from a building blowing up around you"  

Peter Clifford

The young man stood. Clearly far calmer now. Yet, there were still signs he wasn't fine. "I ain’t got any clues. Like man, fuck. May even be gods work here"  

Andrew Moore

"Well, you seem like slightly less of a nervous wreck now - we can work this out together, or at least get a general idea. We are both pretty smart, y'know?" He kicks his feet up where Pete was sitting and reaches into the front of his shirt for the silver ring he wears on a chain. Pulling it out, he stares at the ring as he starts manipulating the ring into different shapes. It helps him to think. "You survived an explosion that no one else did, so maybe you've got enhanced healing? Or can generate some sort of force field?"  

Peter Clifford

Peter gave a parental look "No shoes on the sofa" The line was meant serious but Peter himself was no clean freak and a month away had not helped. "Force field would make sense as to why I didn't fall... but I did suffer some injuries?"  

Andrew Moore

"Don't give me that look" Andy shifts so his feet are off the sofa, even if everything else remains firmly on the sofa. He turns the ring into a small cross, and then a tiny shield. "Maybe your power is generating a shitty forcefield? You notice anything else odd since waking up?"  

Peter Clifford

he snorts at the remark. Noting that for once his friend did listen. "You're a shitty forcefield.... I honestly have no clue, Andy. Maybe I found out but now I got amnesia"  

Andrew Moore

"Maybe? You probably banged your head pretty hard. You've never had any inklings of having any sort of powers before?" He chucks the ring, now in the shape of a jack, at Pete, partially to see what happens, but mostly because throwing things at him is fun  

Peter Clifford

not surprised by the childlike behavior of his friend Pete easily catches the jack. Smirking afterwards. "You need to work on your throwing arm. But nah, other than my obvious genius like nature"  

Andrew Moore

”I always kind of had a proclivity towards machines and building stuff. I guess maybe that’s not universal though. I still think it’s suspicious how well you’re up and about, though.” He eyes his ring in Pete’s hand and morphs it into a ball. “Now, you can use your throwing arm to toss my ring back at me?”  

Peter Clifford

doing as asked he threw back the jack. It seemed slightly more powerful than he intended.  

Andrew Moore

"I said toss it, not hurl it at me!" He caught it with both hands and morphed it back into a jack. He twirled it around, like a small top, thinking. "Maybe we can go back to the lab - or what's left of it - and see if we can find any clues?"  

Peter Clifford

he smiled. Having not attempted to throw it so hard. "What are we scooby doo and the gang?" Peter replied while also grabbing his jacket.  

Andrew Moore

Andy hopped up off of the couch "Well, we're missing two girls and a stoner, and a van, but we've got a leader and a talking dog, so that's a start" He smirks and gestures to indicate he's the leader, and Pete the talking dog.  

Peter Clifford

rolling his eyes, he went to grab his keys. "You couldn't lead a kiddy fiddler to a primary school. Now come on, your shit bucket or my car?"  

Andrew Moore

Walking over to the door, he laughs "Not gonna lie, I don't think there's space in my car for you. I really need to clean it. Guess we can take yours, then"  

Peter Clifford

Smiling he signaled them to leave with a whistle and a flurry of his hand in a circular motion. At least if they were heading to the rubble, they would get there fast.

---

Canfield, Victoria Field

Peter Clifford

The duo rolled up in the mustang. Dust from the debris being left scattered by the car. Tires squealing as the wide smiling Peter brought the car to rest. In front of them was the old laboratory. Now a measly pile of bricks. Even as they both shut their doors, rubble clamored down from the top. There were still parts standing however, with most of the third and fourth floors gone but the other two seemingly okay. Peter led the way inside. Carefully treading with each step to determine the load bearing of the structure. Each time warning Andy to stand back just in case in a protective way.  

Andrew Moore

”Pete, I am not going to fall through the floor and die, I promise. I’m mildly offended you think this is the first abandoned building I’ve been in.” The building is a sight for sore eyes. The idea that Pete survived the explosion that took out the top two floors is unfathomable. When he heard there had been an explosion at the lab, there was a too-long period of time where he didn’t know that Pete was alive. The fact that he’s walking back INTO the building this soon is a miracle. Testing the floor in front of him, he steps ahead. “They got any idea what caused this, yet?”  

Peter Clifford

Chuckling his eyes dart to Andy unsure of how this man, who was clearly quite intelligent, could ask such dumb questions "You okay mate? How the hell would I know? I just got out of hospital and feel like I have goddamn amnesia." Pete walked into another section. Trying to keep his eyes sharp for any clues or something useful. "Surely you would know? Haven't they sent out a letter or some shit?"  

Andrew Moore

"Nah, they pretty much just said "Don't come into work, work doesn't exist anymore". Found more shit out via the news than I did them useless bastards, except the news won't tell ya who's dead too quickly." He kicks a bit of brick out of his way and moved towards an empty section. "We'll probably find more useful stuff wherever you were when this thing blew. You remember where you last were?"  

Peter Clifford

Useless bastards aren't they. Wish they would've listened more. Perhaps things would've been better"   Pete then followed the lead of his friend. The question rattled in his mind. Every time he thought it seemed like his own thoughts fought back. An agonizing pain. Consistent and concentrated. As though the memory itself hurt. Maybe it was trauma from the damage, perhaps his body wished to forget the awful pain. All he knew was he could not stand it any longer. Pete had to take one knee. Palm fixed to his temple. Groaning lightly, he shook his head.  

Andrew Moore

He turned around at the groan, and, as quickly as he could while still moving carefully, made his way over to Pete "Hey! Are you ok? You don't look so good." He looked around for a safe place to for Pete to sit down, eyeing a few areas of the open room, free from too much debris  

Peter Clifford

Peter threw his hand out in rejection, pushing his friend away. "Keep looking. I'll be fine." He took a breath. Punching his head with the side of his fist. He went to stand finding his feet after a few steps.  

Andrew Moore

He rolls his eyes. “Yes, I’m sure punching your head is a great way to deal with pain. Best idea you’ve ever had, genius” Not one to push care, he leaves Pete to himself, and heads over to a doorway to a room he hasn’t explored yet, while still keeping an eye on his stubborn friend  

Peter Clifford

Shaking off the pain he followed into the room. Scouring he finds some useful parts for potential projects in the future. Entering the old design room, he looked out across relatively untouched schematics lying about still. Unclaimed by anyone it seems. Intrigue peaked Pete and soon he was monitoring the designs. Trying to understand them to his best abilities. Calling over Andy, he did it take his eyes off them. "You know man, with all this shit here we could make some of these. Dish em out? You know? Be our own boss"  

Andrew Moore

He walks over, and glances over the schematics. “Dude, we could make millions with some of this shit. What were they even planning on doing with some of this shit?”  

Peter Clifford

“No clue. Some of this shit is military gear... but, what do mean make some of them?”  

Andrew Moore

”Well, we’d need more supplies and shit, but while you’ve been out of commission, and old job site was, y’know, gone, I started a small business. I’m pretty handy, you’re pretty smart, we could go big”  

Peter Clifford

Pete started to nod in agreement before smiling “Aye, yeah... get dad and his mates to give us some capital. Though we need to be careful. I don’t want the military to get a hold of some of this shit. Or those government evils who take it up the arse to get a pack on the back... unless... what if we used this stuff?”  

Andrew Moore

He grinned, looking through a few more of the plans. “I’m down for that. Always wanted to be a ‘superhero’. As long as I get to blow something up every once in a while”  

Peter Clifford

“Jesus man... let’s focus though. Get some backing for the company. Sell basic shit. Like processing units, mobile tech all that shit. Make Apple scared. Hell, you got any plans cus we can make that shit in our sleep with all the stuff here."  

Andrew Moore

”I got a few things dreamed up; don’t you worry. We should look around a bit more, though, and see if we can find any more blueprints or shit” With that, he walks off, towards the next room  

Peter Clifford

Andy stopped almost as soon as he entered. Peter has no idea why and barged passed him with a throwaway comment. “You scared of a spider, naw bless”   Though his laugh soon died down after the sight he witnessed after moving in front of his friend. The room was a laboratory. Slightly small for a company this size. It had remained mostly intact and unchanged. With all kinds of tools and equipment scattered about the place. Most covered in blood. All seemed to have been dropped in haste. In the sides there was all sorts of test tubes all of which had some degree of liquid inside. Peter could not distinguish what, but with his science know how came it the conclusion they were all similar as though they were tests.   None of that really mattered however, as placed in the center of the room was the reason for Andrews’s distress. There before them was a surgical bed. Laid on said bed a woman. Naked, pale and split open in numerous ways. In her were several tubes and one needle he assumed had been stuck in her before the accident.   “What the fuck.” Was all Peter could manage  

Andrew Moore

He turned around and walked out of the room, fell to his knees, and threw up.   “That.... that’s worse than fucking spiders, mate. What the hell were they doing here?”   He spared a glance behind him, only to see Pete standing stock still, white as a sheet. It was a mild reassurance that he wasn’t in on this  

Peter Clifford

Peter turned on what he called his “Doctor Head” doing his best to ignore the awful sight. It was telling that even someone as accustomed to medical testing as he was, is as disgusted by this as he was.   Peter diagnosed the room. Looking at the type of testing that was being done, the formulas he found in the test tubes as well as checking the equipment for their uses.   The results he found made him truly worried, but he did his best to try and not show it. Instead, he came up with a lie for the time being.   “This woman was an Evo. They were testing her immunities to several diseases and attempting to turn these into cures. Fuck.”   Peter had always known he was being kept in the dark about some parts of the department yet this? This was something more than just a secret.  

Andrew Moore

He took a few deep breaths, refusing to look back into the room. Pete apparently had managed to compartmentalize but even he sounded disgusted, and slightly unsure of what he was telling him.   “That sounds like a load of bollocks. That.... that doesn’t look like any sort of medical testing. That looks like torture.”  

Peter Clifford

“Hey, if you wanna go on about 10 years of schooling in order to become a doctor of biomedical sciences then go ahead. Then I’ll take your opinions into account.” Peter tried to sound as mean as he could to take Andy’s mind off of the scene. “Look, you go search for more shit. I’ll continue here”  

Andrew Moore

”Fine by me, I need to get the fuck away from here.” Andy stands up, still nauseous and a bit clammy. Pete’s not telling him something, but at this rate, he’s pretty sure he doesn’t want to hear it right now.   He walks over to the next open room, entering much more cautiously this time. No body this time, just walls full of damaged cabinets, with various metals in plastic containers . Identifying some rare metals, he grabs them, using his shirt as a basket  

Peter Clifford

After some time, the duo had collected all they could. Car loaded and ready to head out. A new destiny was coming for the pair of them.  

Andrew Moore

That was quite a haul they got from Canfield. It was like no one has bothered to come through to even check for survivors after the explosion ”Should we tell someone about the body? That doesn’t seem right, especially not to leave here there”  

Peter Clifford

“If you want to explain to them, one why we was there, two where all their shit went and three how we found a dead body in there... then urgh go ahead”  

Andrew Moore

"You've got a point. It still feels so wrong, though. She was a person; she had a family"  

Peter Clifford

“I know. But if we’re going down this path we need to think of the greater good. No point us two being behind bars when we can do much more for other people outside of ‘em”  

Andrew Moore

”Still feels wrong. I hope someone else finds her soon”  

Peter Clifford

"You know I agree. Come, let's get the hell out of here"