Graham was at home on his computer. He was doing research to set up an identity for Christine so she would be able to go to San Medico Institute. Graham thought, 'this is a lot of work consider she has not agreed to go yet, but he figured that sooner or later someone was going to have to go down there and find out what was going on. This would be a major commitment on the groups part and Graham was not sure they would want to go that far. It is better to be prepared then have to rush around later on.' After he had gone through about a hundred pages of medical information, he figured he knew what to put on her resume. He created a surgical nursing resume with good practical and research experience. Graham then had his work cut out for himself. First he needed a hacker and it had to be a good one. Going to the University he went to the head programmer again and he asked,

"I need some private computer classes and for all our sakes they should be kept quiet."

"Are you going to do anything illegal?"

"Illegal maybe but they are very just, and they have to do with the program you found."

"I don't want to know any more do I?"

"No not really. Will you help me?"

"OK, what do you what to know?"

"A crash course in hacking." The head programmer nodded and they got started. Graham was at it for a couple of hours until he got the basics down. Then the Programmer gave him three discs, which he told Graham contained the latest in password busting software. Graham headed home and hacked into the computer at SMI. He got into the employee files and found a file for potential employees. He then created one for Christine and put a work history on it that would make them jump at her. He was at it for about twelve hours. When he was finished she had a resume and it was in the computer at SMI.

He called Christine and asked her to come over. She arrived in no time and he showed her what he had done. She looked at it and said,

"How did you do this?"

"It wasn't hard. I wrote the resume and then I hacked into their records."

"That's amazing. You have created a whole new person."

"So, now will you think about going down there to find out what is going on."

"I don't know, but I will think about it."

"That's all I ask."

At that point the phone rang. Graham picked it up. He talked for awhile then hung up. He turned to Christine and said,

"That was Dave. Betty just called him. It seems Chris and Denise are in jail."

"What? Why?"

"From what I can tell they are being held on some sort of national security charge. Betty is trying to get custody of them, but she is not sure if she can. The other thing is, Denzel is dead. He was murdered. Shot in the head. The gun that shot him was found in Chris's car."

Darren woken up and thought he had not heard back from Betty about her meeting with Ms. Jennifer Boucher. He was worried and so he decided to call her. The phone was answered and he asked to speak to her. He was put on hold. A few minutes later Betty was on the phone. Darren asked her about how the meeting went. Betty explained to him about the car being reported stolen. She went on to tell him about how, when, and where the car was found. Darren asked,

"So, what are you doing about it?"

Betty answered,

"I have been a little busy trying to hold on to Chris and Denise."

"What are you talking about?"

Betty explained what had happened last night. Darren could not believe what he was hearing.

"What can I do to help?" Darren finally said.

"Nothing. I have a lawyer looking into it as we speak."

"Well, call me if there is anything I can do."

They said good-bye and Darren stood there thinking for a moment. The only way he could help them was to find out what was going on and get proof. He headed down to his car and drove to the address that was on Ms. Boucher's license. He got there and found it was an old brown stone near Queen St. He found a place to park where he could still see the house and waited. He was sitting there for about three hours when he decided to go get a coke and use the washroom. There was a small diner just down the street from where he was parked, so he headed there. Walking in he took a seat by the window so he could still see her house.

A striking attractive woman in a traditional waitress outfit came up to him and said,

"Would you like a coffee?"

"No, a coke please." She had a bright shade of red hair that looked fantastic, but what caught his attention were, her bright and vibrant eyes. They were blue, but a blue like nothing he had ever seen before. They almost seem to give off a light of their own. She walked away and quickly came back with his coke. She began telling him the specials and took a pad and pencil out of her apron. Darren waited till she was finished then asked her what she would recommend. She smiled and told him the meatloaf plate was good and very filling. He said that would be fine. Before she could walk away he asked her where the washrooms were. She told him and he headed in that direction. He used the washroom then headed back to the table. As he was watching the house he did not hear the waitress walk up to the table.

She put down his plate of food and said,

"You would be best to forget about her." Darren quickly replied,

"You know her? The woman that lives in that house."

"Oh yes. We use to be good friends. We both grew up around here. She was a nice person until they got their hands on her."

"Who do you mean, They?"

"The people from the computer company. Them with all their money, influential people, and secrets."

"Do you think she is still a good person?"

"I don't know, but I would like to think there is. Now, you should eat something, you may have a long wait. Sometimes she isn't home until very late at night." The waitress turned and walked away.

Darren ate his meatloaf. It was very similar to the way his mother made hers. Darren felt very comfortable in the diner. It had a very homey atmosphere. As he ate he watched the house and waited for Jeniffer to come home. The night passed and finally the waitress, whose name he found out was Angie, came over and said,

"I am sorry but we are closing now. I doubt she is coming home tonight, but she will be home to change before she goes to work tomorrow. She usually leaves about seven in the morning. We open up at six."

Darren smiled at her and paid the bill. He made sure to give her a big tip. He was about to leave when he turned to Angie and said,

"Would you like to go for a coffee?" She turned to him and said,

"No I am...Sure, why not." I don't have to be at work until five in the morning."

Darren helped her clean up and in a few minutes they were on their way. They walked out and Angie suggested a little pub on the corner. They walked in and up to the bar. The bartender was busy but he stopped in front of them and said,

"The usual Angie?"

She nodded yes. The bartender turned to Darren and said,

"And for you sir." Darren ordered a pint. Their drinks were placed in front of them and Darren gave the bartender a twenty. He was given back four dollars and eighty-five cents. He pushed it over for a tip and turned to Angie and said,

"What are you drinking?"

"It is a little known cognac called Hennessy xo. Not many places carry it."

"I can see why. Not many people will pay ten bucks a shot, no matter how good it is."

She laughed and said,

"It is my little self indulgence."

Angie ushered Darren over to a table and they sat down. The place was busy, but you could still hold a conversation without yelling at each other. The conversation started off about work and restaurants but it quickly moved on to a variety of other topics. Darren felt that he could tell her anything and he did tell her a few things he did not normally talk about. He did not realize but the time had just flown by and before they knew it the bar was closing. They were the only ones left. The chairs were all up and the bartender was having a beer. Darren said,

"Oh boy!" Looking at his watch. "You have to be at work in three hours."

"That's okay. I don't need a lot of sleep. I am having a wonderful time. Why don't we go back to my place and have a coffee."

"That would be great." replied Darren. The two of them said goodnight to the bartender as they left the pub. Walking back to the diner they stopped at the door. Darren asked,

"Did you forget something?"

"No, I have an apartment above the diner."

"That could be a drag. Your boss would always know where you are."

"My boss does any ways. I am the boss. I own the whole building."

They walked in and made there way to a set of stairs in the kitchen. Going up the stairs seemed like going through some sort of gateway to another place. It was wood and glass with plants everywhere. The place looked like it belonged in a wilderness setting. Darren was amazed and told her so. Angie said,

"I am glad you like it. You are the first person to see it besides my mother and of course the workmen."

"Oh really. When did you finish it?"

"About eighteen months ago."

Darren felt a wave of emotion run through him, he was in her apartment and this was obviously not something she usually did. Darren kicked off his shoes and walked into the living room. The place just got more and more beautiful the more he saw of it. He asked,

"Did you decorate this place on your own?"

"Yeap. I did it all myself. It took me three years to get it this way."

"Well, it was well worth the investment in time. You did a great job." Angie went into the kitchen and asked Darren if he would prefer Coffee, tea, or herbal tea. Darren settled for herbal tea. When the tea was ready they sat on the couch. Angie asked,

"Why are you looking for Jen anyway?"

"It is a long story and frankly hard to believe." Darren then told her the whole story from the start. She did not interrupt until he was finished, then she asked some clarifying questions. She made them another pot of tea. Then asked,

"What are you going to do when you find Jen?"

"I was going to find some evidence so that I can get my friends out of jail."

"I tell you right now that Jen did not kill Denzel."

"How do you know?"

"They were partners. Denzel saved her life more than once."

"How do you know all this."

"I use to work with both of them. As a matter of fact, when she finds out about Denzel she will be out to get who ever did it."

"Do you know what this is all about."

"No, I have been out for a long time. Why don't you stay here until she comes back and then you can confront her? If that is really what you intend to do. It will be very dangerous. She will probably know you at once."

"Well, what else can I do?"

"Let me think about it for a while. In the mean time let's go to bed." Darren was a bit shocked by her invitation. They headed into the bedroom and she gave him some pajamas. He changed and crawled into bed and turned out the lights. He was getting comfortable when Angie came out of the bathroom and climbed into bed beside him. She snuggled up to him and quickly fell asleep. Darren laid there for about half an hour before falling asleep. Things were moving to fast and more and more into the bizarre. Darren awoke when Angie got up. He said,

"What's up?"

"I have to go to work remember. You stay here and sleep. Come down for breakfast when you are ready. Help yourself to the bathroom, everything is there. See you latter." Then she left and Darren fell back asleep.

Denise and Chris had been in the interrogation room for about ten hours. Betty had finally got permission to talk to them alone. Betty asked,

"What was that all about?"

"The Chinese man who came in, who is he?" asked Denise.

"He is the regional director for security on special projects. Why? What made you guys shut up when he walked in?"

"You're not going to believe this, but he was the one who shot Denzel. Denzel walked up to him like they knew each other. They talked for awhile then Denzel turned to look our way and he shot him in the back of the head."

"You mean Chico killed one of his own men?" said Betty. Both Chris and Denise stared at her and nodded their heads yes. Chris then said,

"We figured out that Denzel was an undercover agent from the Canadian Security Service. That was why he went to the meeting. We let him know that we knew, I did not know that it would get him killed."

"Well, I don't know if I can protect you guys. This is getting beyond my ability to do anything. From what I know, so far, they can not take you out of our custody. However, they do have control of you, meaning no phone calls and they can keep you in here for a year with no charges."

"Oh great. What are we going to do?" asked Chris.

"Forget about that Betty you have to take care of my daughter," said Denise. Betty smiled then said,

"Dave said that would be your major concern. Well it has all been taken care of, she is already with your mother." She paused for a moment then continued, "I don't know, but I am going to have an officer from the station here at all times. At least that way you will be safe." The three of them just sat there in silence. Betty eventually got up and said,

"I am going to see if I can get this cleared up." She left and they were alone. It was Denise who spoke first,

"Chris I can not stay here. I have a life and Jessie to take care of." Chris just put his arm around her and gave her a hug. After a couple of hours they were taken to a holding cell with two bunks. They were brought some food, which they ate, then they slept.

Darren woke up and went to the bathroom and got cleaned up. He found the phone and called Suzanne. He asked her to meet him at the diner and she agreed. He then made his way down stairs. As he walked through the kitchen the cook looked at him, but did not say a word. He was a large black man of about 350 lbs.; he was chopping pork chops and looked at Darren as he did it. Darren made his way to a table as quickly as possible and sat down. He did not look to good and Angie brought him over a coffee. He said,

"I don't think your cook likes me." She smiled and said,

"Oscar is just a little pussy cat, but you are right he is very protective of me." Darren sat there and waited and watched. Suzanne showed up about forty-five minutes later and they both ordered breakfast. When that was done Darren introduce Suzanne and Angie. They hit it off like long lost sisters. Darren said,

"I am going to be at Angie's for a couple of days. I have to find out more about Jennifer Boucher. It is the only way I can think of helping Chris and Denise."

"Okay, I will check in with you once in awhile to make sure your all right."

"I think I will be okay. Angie use to work with Ms. Boucher"

"Are you sure she doesn't still work with her?"

"Yes, I am pretty sure, but even if she did, I have no other choice."

"Well, I think she's okay, if that is any help."

The two of them sat there and ate. Darren could feel energy starting to flow in him again. Angie came over and she sat down beside Darren.

"I don't think she is going to be home today. Why don't you go home and get some clothes. That way you will be prepared for a long wait."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Can I give Suzanne your phone number so we can keep in touch?"

"Sure, Suzanne you are welcome here anytime." Then Angie got up and started back to work. Darren paid the bill and they left. He went home and packed a bag, then headed back to the diner. His routine over the next week was sitting in the diner until it closed then the two of them would go to the pub. Even though they were spending twenty-four hours a day together they still found lots to talk about. They also found out that besides having a lot of things in common, they also had a strong physical attraction towards each other. They started to explore their attraction towards each other the second night he stayed there.

Graham had been working that week on getting into different areas of the computer at SMI. He got into the computer and set up Christine to be interveiwed at the end of next week. She would finish school soon and could go down there to find out what was going on. He set up their computer so their personnel department would notify Christine. While Graham was in there, he tried to get access to some of the other areas. Most of the projects were password protected. The programs he had would not break the password protection on most of the programs. He tried a different way to get information. He looked at the budgeting information but he still could not get much deeper into the system. Then he tried the maintenance records. It seemed Project Zombie had a lot of high tech equipment that needed a lot of maintenance. From the maintenance records he found that the equipment was mostly electrical. That still did not tell him much. There was one thing he did notice though; they had quite a few life support systems. He decided not to press his luck. He quickly printed up the pages and got out of the system.

He thought for a while, 'How was he going to find out about this stuff?' He got on to the web and entered the topic of life support systems into the search program. It came back with a couple of articles. The first was far too technical for him. He then started to read the next article, but it was also to technical. He made his way down the list, but they were all the same. He then went back to the first one and started to print it out. He shut down his computer and started to decipher the meaning of the article. It took a while but he eventually figured out that the machine at SMI were not really life support machines. Well some of them were, but the ones that really interested him were monitoring machines. They were used to translate chemical electrical energy to electrical impulses a computer could read. It is reported to be the medical tool for the twentieth century. Okay, he thought to himself. It makes sense to have one, but what does it have to do with Project Zombie. He decided to stop there for the time being. As he was very confused and needed time to sort it all out.

Chris and Denise had been in jail for five days when an officer came to there cell. He opened it and said,

"Move out."

"What! You're letting us go?" Exclaimed Chris with a defiant sarcasm to his voice.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. If you will just follow me."

They were lead out and told to sign for their personal possessions. Then they were taken to a van and told to sit in the back. Getting in they noticed they were separated from the driver by a glass division. There was a speaker system set up, so they could be spoken to but that was it. The van moved out and the two sat together holding hands. Chris could feel a relief at being let go. The burden of the situation was just falling off his shoulders and he started to relax. Relaxed he noticed Denise had snuggled up against his arm. She looked more relaxed then he had seen her all week. They both closed their eyes and breathed a deep breath. They both fell asleep almost instantly. The van drove for about a half an hour until it got to a large house with a big wall around it. The van pulled in and the officer drove up to the door. He honked the horn and got out. Four men came out of the front door and made their way towards the van. They got Chris and Denise out of the van and half dragged them into the house. They were taken up stairs and thrown onto a couple of cots in a large room. The men left and the door was locked behind them.

Chris and Denise woke up with a couple of headaches they would never forget. Denise got a little hysterical and started banging on the door. She was at it for a couple of minutes when they heard a key enter the lock. She backed away from the door and stood next to Chris. She grabbed his hand and they waited. The door opened very slowly and the China man walked in. Denise said,

"What are we doing here?"

"Well that is very simple. I am going to explain everything to you and then you are going to see it for yourself." said Chico.

"You can't do this to us." said Chris.

"Oh yes I can and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it."

"So what is going to happen to us?" said Denise.

"You are getting an all expense paid trip to La Paz Bolivia. Once there you will be taken to SMI. At the hospital you will be helping mankind jump into the next age of it's existence. The only problem is that something's have to be sacrificed for the greater good. Now the only question is are you going to go willingly or do we have to make it uncomfortable."

Chris replied,

"Can you give us a couple of minutes to discuss our options." Chico nodded and left the room.

Chris looked at Denise and said,

"We have no option but to go along with this. If we help them we may get out of this alive one day."

"That is easy for you to say. I have Jessie to think of. She is probably wondering where I am already."

"I am thinking of her. If we fight these people they will kill us. If we cooperate we may get out of this alive."

"Do you really think they would kill us?"

"I don't know, but it is a distinct possibility. After all, look at Dean Wagner and Denzel and they were part of there team."

"Okay, I will go along with you, but I don't like it, and I will look and take the first chance I have to escape."

Chris moved to the door and knocked on it. He moved back and Chico came in again.

"So what have you decided?"

"We will cooperate but only if you promise we will be let go after you are done."

"I will do what I can and that is the best I can promise."

"Okay, so what happens now?"

"You will have to stay here for a couple of days, but you will have the run of the house, though you can not leave. We will then take you to SMI when we are ready."

"What will happen when we get there?"

"You will participate in Project Zombie. That's all I can tell you right now. Why don't you go down to the kitchen and get something to eat."

Nothing really happened over the next couple of days. Chris and Denise just rested and waited.

Betty had come back to the station to find the guard was gone. She called the duty sergeant and asked,

"Where is the guard who is suppose to be watching the prisoners?"

"They were reassigned when the prisoners were moved."

"Moved! Where?"

"Let me check the paper work."

He left and came back a couple of minutes later and handed her some papers. She read through them and found they had been transferred to a metro station down town.

"Sarge, see if you can find out where they are and if they even showed up down town."

The sergeant hurried away. Betty moved to her desk and called Dave. He was just leaving for work. She told him what had happened. They made plans to meet that night.

Dave went to work and found Graham, Suzanne and Christine all there. Dave explained to them what had happened to Chris and Denise. It did not really make any sense. They could not really do anything they were all working both the day and the night shifts. During the day all sorts of ideas were brought up, but they still could not do anything. The shift seemed to go on forever. When it was finally over they met up at the bar. Betty had spent the whole day trying to track down Chris and Denise. They did not show up at the police station down town, so she searched all the metro holding cells. It was a futile effort.

At the bar she explained all of this to everyone. She told them she was going to keep looking into the whole thing. Then Suzanne told the group about what Darren was up to and all about Angie. Dave and Graham looked at each other when Suzanne described Angie. Dave said,

"Lucky Darren." Betty hit him and said,

"Dave be serious." Graham signaled Christine and she said,

"I have a chance to go to SMI to work after graduation."

"What?" said Betty. "It is very selective. How did you get in?"

"I sent them a resume and they replied. We have been talking for awhile. I did not say anything before because it was not for sure."

"I don't think you should go," said Betty

"Why not? We have to find out what is going on."

The group discussed it for awhile and decided that if she went someone should go with her. They had it narrowed down to Suzanne or Graham. Suzanne said,

"I think I should stay and keep an eye on Darren."

"Well, I could do that just as well." Graham said with a little wink to Dave. "But I would love to go to Bolivia with Christine."

So it was decide. The two groups would call each other at least once a day. They were not leaving for a couple of days so they could still figure that out. The rest of the night was spent having fun because no one knew when he or she would get another chance.

The fourth night, in the CSS's safe house as they called it, Chris and Denise went to bed like usual. They did not know it but they were drugged. They slept while their bodies were transported out of the country. First taken to the airport and put on an air ambulance. They were flown to Mexico City where the plane refueled and then they went on to La Paz, Bolivia. There was no customs check for them. They were put right into an ambulance and driven to the San Medico Institute. When they woke up they found they were in a hospital room. Chris got up first and found the door was locked. He then noticed they had no clothes. Denise got up and looked out the window. The view was beautiful, very tropical and they were in the mountains or close to them. Denise said,

"My god. We are in Bolivia at SMI. Chris we have to get out of here."

"Calm down we have to think about this first."

"Chris the glass is thick and the door is locked and I am about to freak out. We're trapped."