Read Online Pulse: When Gravity Fails (Pulse Science Fiction Series Book 1) by John Freitas - Free Book Online Page A

to better up Brother Carter by saving a dirty Russian, Captain Michael.”
    Michael tied the cord off and tested the sticks. He continued wrapping the cord higher on the splints. “No, not trying to be better. Maybe just as good. He is a firefighter. He saves people every day. I thought maybe I should do it at least one day.”
    “I picked the right day to meet you then,” Roman said.
    “Why did you help me?” Michael asked.
    “You saved a dirty Russian in a smooshed tower, man. I owe you.”
    “No, but you still didn’t have to risk your freedom by running with me. Why are you sticking with me?”
    Roman looked away. “My mother is Jewish.”
    Michael stared at Roman for a moment. He went back to tending the ankle. “Are you trying to be better than your mother?”
    Roman laughed. “Not possible, man. Well, she was nice to our family. She could be mean to others. But still. We had trouble with people and she kept her secrets. She wanted democracy like in Israel or in America, but for Russia. She thought Russia was empty democracy. One thing on the outside, but nothing to it inside. She made my father lose his hair with all her talk. Our family got in trouble and I was sent out here. I was too unimportant to really punish, so I only got this half punishment.”
    “So, you helped me for democracy?” Michael asked.
    “I learned English and Yiddish because my mother loved what those countries had – America and modern Israel,” Roman said. “I learned English better. America is more flashy. I like the TV, man. When you helped me, it was like all the American hero men in the TV shows. Like all of the men your brother Carter is, right? It stopped being flashy for me and felt real – like something on the outside and the inside like my mother always wanted, but never got while she was alive. It is probably still a mistake to help you, Captain Michael, but that is why. This is all the fault of my Jewish mother and Brother Carter.”
    Michael laughed and tied off the end of the cord. “Okay, does that hurt?”
    “No, it is side to side that hurts.”
    “Let’s try to stand up,” Michael said and pulled Roman to his feet.
    He pressed down on his ankle. “Feels good. Brother Carter could have done no better if he were stranded in Russian wilderness.”
    Michael took Roman’s arm over his shoulder. “No wilderness hopefully. Just the big city of West Memphis. Let’s see if we can find a spot to hide.”
    “Oh, wow, Brother Carter lives in Elvis’s town. He has it better than you right now, Captain Michael.”
    Michael nodded. “Elvis was the other side of the river, but close enough. Yeah, he does have it better right now probably.”
     
     

11
     
    Dr. Paulo Restrepo – Marlo-Pitts Observatory, Colombia
     
    Data was pouring into Dr. Restrepo’s e-mail and file server faster than he could organize it. It was as if he was the only one asking the questions and observers around the world were dying to tell someone. Paulo swallowed as he scanned through the images and partial reports. Maybe I’m the only one who is listening , he thought.
    The director spoke behind Paulo and startled him as Dr. Restrepo had forgotten he was even there. It had been so long since he had spoken as he stared over Paulo’s shoulder. “I’m suspending all other observations until further notice. You have all the hard drive space you need. Call me again when you know something.”
    Paulo answered. “I know we may be in serious trouble.”
    “I surmised that. I’m going to set up some calls. When you are ready to present to authorities, let me know.”
    Paulo did not look, but heard the director walking to the door. “Which authorities? Which governments?”
    “All of them, Doctor.” The director closed the door leaving Paulo alone with his thoughts and data.
    He opened a separate Internet connection to search details on the earthquake near where his daughter lived. She had assured him more than once that everything was