Title: Every Time I Die

Summary: The planet, on the brink of extermination, has but one chance for survival. The fate of mankind lies in the hands of a few chosen minds. Unstable, unpredictable, and uncontrollable they are but no matter, all life rests on them.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama, Psychological, Post-Apocalyptic.

Chapter Two

exodus

No lights were turned on in the large conference room. The sunlight from outside was more than enough to light the room. There wasn't too much for me to see anyways.

The only furniture in the large room was the huge, rectangular table and the various chairs positioned around it.

I sat back in one of those chairs, looking across the table at the other people in the room. They all varied drastically in age, ethnicity, and dress. The only thing the people really had in common was why they were there. Well, there were two things they had in common. That and the fact that they didn't know why they were there.

I sigh as I look at my clothes. I silently curse myself for not dressing up a little better. It felt pretty dumb being one of the only people in the entire room dressed in a tight, purple t-shirt and a pair of rugged blue jeans.

However, I was also probably one of the youngest people in the room at only twenty-seven.

My eyes drift to the newest person to enter the room and I sigh. He is a old man and looked like he just rolled out of a coffin with, what I could only image to be, a fifty year old suit. The elderly man took a seat around the table and the man at the head stood.

This man looked somewhat like me. He was younger, although not as young as I, and wore similar dress. He wore a black suit jacket with a white linen shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He was tall with curly black hair and a dark colored beard on his face. The man cleared his voice as he stood and looked over the group.

"Now that we're all here, let's discuss the operation." The man said, getting right down to business. "I would like to introduce myself first. I am Kieth Buchanon. I have spoken with each of you once before, I'm sure."

Buchanon cleared his thoat once more and smiled lightly, "I apologize for being so brief when calling you all here but I wanted to get this operation off the ground as soon as possible." The man looked to his left and motioned for another person to stand.

This man was older with slicked-back, dark colored hair. He was much shorter than Buchanon and wore much fancier clothes. This man stood quickly and nodded, "My name is Shirow Watanabe, the President of the Coalition for Extended Human Life. I would like to thank all of you for coming on such short notice."

Buchanon nodded, "CEHL has been working on this operation for the past month now and we have carefully selected each of you to be part of it."

"As all of you probably know, CEHL has been more a financial aide to life-preserving groups around the world so far." Watanabe spoke now, "The main reason for that is because we have been waiting and watching for our chance to start our own team. This team will be given the majorty of our fundings and concentration, we hope this will all help you achieve your goal."

"You will be given the needed things to perform your research and developement and will be stationed on the outskirts of Tokyo where you will have twnety-four hour connection to CEHL." Buchanon cleared his throat, "So far, research to save the planet has been pretty unsuccessful. The world is beginning to lose morale. CEHL has carefully selected each of you as we beleive you are the people we need to save our world."

My eyes widen as I stare at the two men up front speaking. In ten minutes, I had gone from being a confused researcher to a defender of Earth. The sad thing was that no one had ever even asked if I wanted this responsility.

Buchanon spoke once more, "I know this news is probably pretty shocking but you will be given time to soak it all in as we make the trip from here to our base of operations in Tokyo."

Someone near the back of the table spoke up. He was bald-headed man, probably in his thirties. He wore a black suit and had a pair of black sunglasses over his eyes, even though they were inside.

The man spoke loudly for all to hear, "So, what about those who don't want to be part of this."

Watanabe lowered his head and looked over at Buchanon, who was squinting at the bald man. Finally, the taller male cleared his throat, "Your name, please."

"Judge. Damone, Judge."

"Ah, I thought it was you, Mr. Judge." Buchanon nodded with a smile, "I have studied your research on 'Atmospheric Tamper' and am quite impressed. That is one of the reasons you have been chosen."

Judge nodded slowly and crossed his arms, "And my question?"

"Mr. Judge, you have all been chosen specifically because of your abilities. Each of you are extremly important parts to a much larger puzzle. The loss of one piece could mean the incompletion of the entire puzzle therefore we can not afford to lose a single piece."

The bald man stared at Buchanon for a moment before speaking, "So, we have no choice?"

"If you want to sound pessimistic then yes, Mr. Judge. You have all been chosen against your will. I hope that this will not hinder your involvment in the project."

"That's preposterious!" Shouted another male. This man had to be in his fiftys. He was round and sported a dark blue suit. The man forced himself to his feet and breathed heavily, "We have been chosen against our will?! That's unreasonable."

"This is a unreasonable time, Mr. McCain. Did those four meteors that are coming straight at us ask us if we wanted to be obliterated? No, they chose us just like we are choosing you to stop them. You have a responsibility to the human race that I hope to God you will complete without trouble."

The room grew quiet and the two men took their seats. Buchanon ran a hand through his curly locks and nodded briskly. The smaller Watanabe stepped forward, "If you would all please make your ways outside, there are two buses waiting to transport us to the base."

The room broke into movement as it's inhabitants followed their orders and boarded the buses. I was lucky enough to get a window seat and peered out as the others entered the buses. I never noticed someone sit next to me.

"This is amazing, huh?" The girl next to me said. I barely heard her and turned around to see her blue eyes staring into mine. A bright smile was on her tanned face and her shoulder-length blonde hair sparkled in the daylight. She wore a red jacket over a black shirt and a matching crimson skirt. She finished the whole look off with almost knee-high black boots.

I blink a few times as I stare at her, "Uh, yeah. Sure is."

The girl chuckled a leaned back. She was about my age, maybe a few years younger. I stare at her for a moment then smirk my award-winning smirk. I extend a hand to her.

"Hirosota Kamino."

The girl looked back and flashed a equally beautiful smile. She shook the hand politely, "Yoko Atai. Please to meet you, Hirosota."

"You can call me Hiro." I said with a off-handed laugh. I lean back and smile once more. Now, I'm not exactly a arrogant guy but I'm usually pretty good with the ladies. It's a gift, really. I was born with jet black hair which I wore near my shoulders and a pair of magnificent green irises. I stood near six foot. The only real bad thing about my body was my slender build but I could hide that easy enough with the right kind of clothes. Add my looks with my academic talents and it's a home run.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Hiro." She laughed a bit.

"Same to you, Yoko." I cross my arms, "So, you don't exactly look like a scientist."

"I could say the same about you." She smield brightly, "I'm actually a meteoroligist. I guess they're looking for one of everything for this little operation."

I nod slowly, "My specialty is research."

"I see." She nods as well, "Well, it looks like we're the youngest on this whole bus."

"How old are you?" I ask politely before stating mine, "Twenty-seven here."

"Twenty-five." She answers and sighs, "I guess I should re-state that. I guess I'm the youngest person on this whole bus."

I laugh and shrug, "Guess so. You from around here?"

"Uh, I'm from a smaller place up north but was working with a CEHL-funded group is Brazil when I got the call. You?"

"Tokyo, born and raised."

"So, this won't be much of a change for you then, eh?"

"Guess not." I shrug a bit and glance out the window, "It'll be wierd living with people though. Wow, I don't think I've lived in the same building as someone since I was a freshman in college."

Yoko laughed a bit, "That's just the opposite with me. I can't remember the last time I slept alone somewhere."

The two of us laugh over the comment and enjoy the rest of the ride.

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The drive to Tokyo took longer than originally estimated. The buses got stuck in traffic at least twice although not many of the people noticed, most slept the majority of the ride.

The sun had set when the buses finally pulled up into the parking lot of a large, dome-shaped structure on the outskirts of the city.

It looked abandoned with no cars in the large lot and no lights on inside. The dome was surrounded by countryside, no building in sight.

The buses unloaded and the group was sled inside. There, they walked through the dark, blandly-colored halls for a moment before arriving in a very large auditorium. It was almost pitch black with the only light coming from the transparent cieling. The stars shone overhead but there was no moon.

Suddenly, the lights clicked on and the large auditorium was illuminated with light. Everyone coverd their eyes and blinked at the sudden rush of light.

Finally, Kieth Buchanon spoke over the group. "I would like to welcome all of you to your new base of operations: Netzach."

I nearly doubled over in laughter over the title. Whoever had thought up such a dumb sounding title for the building had to be a complete moron.

Buchanon continued, "This room is the auditorium. The western side of Netzach is the living quarters. Each of you have been assigned rooms. Full-time cooks will be profided so there is no need for any of you to worry about the kitchens. The eastern side of the building is for research. There are special rooms for storage and research time. I will allow you all to explore that area in your own time."

"CEHL Personnel will be on-base at all times so any complains or problems should be brought up with them. Also, if there is any need to contact us then simply tell a member of personnel and you will be given a direct connection to either I or Mr. Watanabe." Buchanon paused and checked his watch, "It is getting late and I'm sure you are all tired from the journey. Room assignments are posted on the wall behind you. I wish you all a good night."

A thought popped into my mind and I spoke up, "What of our things."

Buchanon looked at me for a moment and laughed akwardly, "No worries." He said and scratched the back of his head, "They will be located quickly."

"You mean you don't know where they are?!" Shouted a women in the group.

"No, of course not." Buchanon's face began to redden a bit, "It's just, in our rush we didn't really worry about your things..."

The crowd let out a groan and Buchanon took a step back with arms raised, "They will be found quickly. Don't worry, just try to get some sleep and I'll contact you all tomorrow to give some more information."

Finally, the crowd calmed down and made their way to their indivudal rooms. My room was number 109, located in the third hall of the living quarters. On the walk to my room, I finally realized just how tired I really was. I finally located my room and turned the doorway with a sigh.

"Night, Hiro!" Shouted someone from behind me and I turned around quickly to see the girl from earlier smiling at me from across the hall.

I smiled back and nodded, "Night, Yoko."

My room was a bit chilly. I clicked on the lights and sighed at the small cot sitting in the center of the room. I removed my shirt and climbed into the bed without even removing my shoes. The sheets were nice and cool and felt good against my tired muscles.

Sleep overcame me as I thought about the events of the day and about how different life would be now that I was working for the goverment. It was kind of depressing but then there was that little bit of me that was somewhat anxious to see just how the rest of my life would turn out.

Whatever happened, it was guaranteed to not be boring.

To Be Continued.

Author's Ramblings

This chapter was pretty boring and a lot more light hearted than my usual work but I'm really just trying to move the story along and introduce some new characters and stuff right now. No worries, I'll get deeper into the plot in a short while. Anyways, please review. I need the criticisms. Seriously, I went to the doctor today and he said that I had Lackofgoodreviews Syndrome and if I don't get some good constructive criticism soon then I'll die. No lies!

Anyways, please read and review.

Ilze