The Iso-Stasis Experiment (The Experiments) Read Online Free Page B

called out softly, her voice cracking.
    Cal was surprised at the tone and raised her eyes from the dresser that she was polishing with determination. “You sound weird.” She smiled at Joyce.
    Joyce cleared her throat. “A . . . a messenger just showed up.” With a frown she handed the envelope to Cal. “It’s from that research institute.”
    Cal was shocked as her hand reached for it. “No shit?” Excitedly she took it and sat on the bed ripping it open and dumping out the contents. She found the cover letter and read it quickly. “They want me.”
    “And this is a good thing?”
    “Yes it is.” Cal lifted the quarter inch bound manuscript flipping through the pages. “This is the information about all those who are going. I’m going to learn this inside and out.”
    “You’re really going?” Joyce asked.
    With an ‘of course’ look, Cal glanced up at her friend.
    Joyce nodded her head and backed up. “Great,” she said, sounding less than enthusiastic, “just great.”
    Not really paying attention to Joyce’s demeanor, Cal continued to sift through the contents of the folder.

    ^^^^

    With ease Jake hurled himself over the ten foot wall of the obstacle course. There was no hesitation as he landed and sped forward to the end of the course. Chuck clicked his stop watch as Jake passed.
    Clad in a sleeveless sweatshirt and shorts, both drenched with his sweat, Jake made his way back to Chuck and checked out his time.
    “Damn it!” he made a pivot and an irritated stomp. “Sergeant Owens still has me by a second and a half.”
    “The nerve of him,” Chuck said sarcastically. “But remember, Jake, Owens also has you by a good ten years. I believe he’s only twenty-six.”
    “Fuck that. I don’t care.” Ready to try it again, Jake stopped when he saw a corporal approaching, actually running their way.
    They hid their amusement as the corporal tried to look official, attempt to catch his breath, and salute the two officers all at the same time. He received the signature ‘at ease’ nod from Jake, and then after a quick wheeze and a hand to his chest spoke. “Major Graison, sir. Colonel Roberts needs to see you in his office ASAP.”
    Jake looked down to his watch. “Let me change and I’ll meet the Colonel in his office in fifteen.”
    “Sir, Colonel Roberts needs you there stat. He said he expects you as you are.”
    Jake shrugged. “All right, let me grab my gear and I’ll head over.”
    “Thank you, sir.” The Corporal stepped back, gave a firm salute and trudged quickly away.
    Not really knowing what Colonel Roberts wanted, and not really caring, Jake knew he still had to go. He retrieved his things and headed to base.

    The Corporal opened the Colonel’s office door for Major Graison. “Colonel Roberts. Major Graison, as you requested, sir.”
    Colonel Roberts peered up from his desk. “Thank you, Corporal. That’ll be all.”
    Jake stepped into the room, snapping to attention as he did. “You wanted to see me, sir.”
    “At ease,” Colonel Roberts said and motioned with his hand. “Shut the door, Major.”
    “Yes, sir.” Jake leaned back pushing it closed.
    “This is between you and me, Jake, man to man. Have a seat.” Colonel Roberts pointed to the chair across from him.
    “What’s going on?” Jake asked as he sat down.
    “Son, I pull up to my house this morning after a great round of golf, shot an eighty-four, pretty good game. I’m not even at my front door when a messenger arrives with this.” Colonel Roberts pulled out the envelope. “It was addressed to me as your CO; it’s your orders, son. You have been selected to participate in that research project.” He handed the envelope to Jake.   “All of your arrangements are in there. But that is not why I wanted you to close that door. I want to talk to you about this. I would like you to consider changing your mind.”
    “I don’t understand, sir,” Jake said and tapped the folder against his