11 Chapter 10 – Zack – Iteration 144 (1/2)

Zack struggled as he was forced face-first into the tub of water. His hands were cuffed behind his back and rope bound and lifted his feet into the air. There was no way to prevent the inevitable, but Zack struggled with instinctive passion to avoid inhaling the water.

The woman named Erik pressed her knee onto his shoulder blades, forcing his nose beneath the water. With a herculean effort, Zack managed to arch his back and neck enough to pant through his nose. Then a playful tap to the back of his head made him suck down a shot of water.

Involuntarily, Zack's lungs spasmed in a cough. The cough was followed by a gasping breath of water. His body spasmed in a wild attempt to find air, accompanied by laughter from Erik. His exertions triggered the impulse to inhale and Zack obliged his reflexes despite the fact that he was submerged.

Inhalations become an autonomic function once a certain point is reached. Uncertain whether the trigger is determined by lack of oxygen in blood or carbon dioxide levels. Zack recorded everything as an Observer without intending to do anything of the sort. He didn't know if the impulse to observe was another autonomic function or if he was trying to escape the experience through depersonalization. If the purpose was escape, Zack didn't think it was very effective.

He gasped several breaths of liquid and relaxed into the cold water. Death slowly enfolded him, allowing the welcoming warmth of nothingness to engulf him. Zack let it take him away, wishing his death would last this time.

Zack woke wet and shivering on the bathroom floor.

”How did you like that one?”

He turned his head to look at Erik. She appeared pudgy and weak, but possessed a maniacal strength. ”I prefer the chainsaw.”

Erik laughed and clapped her hands. ”Me too! I think we really bonded over that one.” Her false cheer faded, leaving only the predatory aura behind. ”Death doesn't bother you. I need to focus more on the torture.”

Zack shivered. So far, Erik had stabbed him to death, beaten him to death with a golf club, sliced him to death with a chainsaw, and crushed his skull with the blunt end of an axe. The dying really didn't bother him. Time and again, it was a welcome release from circumstances he would give anything to escape.

The other Observers had lectured him, each in turn, when he arrived. They didn't participate in any of the festivities. Erik had been disappointed by her colleagues' restraint, insulting their dedication to the Creator's work.