Premonition 2: The Battle for Earth

Chapter #3: Pep Talk

Keiji was at a loss for words. He had failed his team – again. In the span of a couple of minutes no less. It was as if Stryker had all the luck on his side. Unsure of whether he should still be calling the shots now, Keiji decided he needed a pick-me up.

“Guys,” Keiji said as he addressed his team. “Give me 5 mintues, I need a breather…”

“Are you alright, Keiji?” Duke asked.

“Yeah, I just need some time to think,” Keiji said.

“You got it mate,” Ricky said. Keiji nodded and turned tail down the hallway and out of the hospital. As soon as he left, he noticed his chest had been tight and breathing shallow. Trying with all his might to calm down, there came a crackle on his communicator.

“Take it one breath at a time,” said Sarah’s voice through the communicator.

“I’m trying, but my chest is tight…” Keiji said.

“Just breath slowly, concentrate on that. In and out. You might be having a panic attack,” Sarah said.

“Great….” Keiji said. Focusing on what Sarah said, all Keiji did was listen to his hampered breathing. Another minute or so passed, and Keiji’s breather returned to normal. His heart rate, decreased back to regular beating and he was sweating less.

“What’s got your knickers in a twist bro?” Sarah said.

“Damn Stryker….I was played, Sarah. Played and manipulated easily. I don’t think I can outmaneuver him…” Keiji confessed.

“It’s ok bro, you haven’t lossed yet,” Sarah said.

“Haven’t I?” Keiji said incredulously.

“No,” Sarah said with confidence. “You haven’t. Here’s why. Based on his last sentence, Stryker thinks you’ll give up by now. But he doesn’t know us. He doesn’t know the Duranheim’s. We don’t give up, do we?”

“No…we don’t…” Keiji said.

“That better be a no, Keiji. Because if there’s one thing, I do know about you, it’s that you don’t give up - so you better not,” Sarah said. There was a tingle down his spine, as Sarah’s last sentence echoed in his head. Keiji’s body straightened up, and he relaxed himself. His sister was right, now was the time to not give up. In fact, it was the time to push forward. Keiji’s resolve finally returned and he took a grasp on the situation.

“I think I know what do to next,” Keiji said with a bright light in his eye.

“Then, go for it,” Sarah said. Keiji nodded, and reentered the hospital, a plan brewing in his head.