A young man awakens in a hospital bed with no recollection of how he got there or even who he is. Only the ministry of defense can help him discover his past. He agrees to go with them and knows that he was found at the age of 10 in a coma which lasted for 12 years. And so began an incredible journey that will not only uncover the truth of his past life, but will explain the origin of his strange and extraordinary powers. It will involve him in a fight against terrorism and ultimately in the defense of the entire planet against an even greater threat from beyond our solar system. Along the way, he finds friendship in the unlikeness of places. Could he also find love?

LOST IN TIME

By DAVID PROTHERO

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 David Prothero
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-2041-2

Chapter One

It was a sunny September morning. A young man lay in a white, sterile room, tubes attached to his body, wires connected to monitors. The only sound was the constant beep from the heart monitor indicating that he was alive. The room was bare, none of the flowers or cards that usually surround a sick man. Without any notice the young man began to stir; slowly at first, hands twitching then eyelids flickering, his eyes opened into a world full of confusion and mystery. What was yet to come would test the young man's very sanity.

* * *

As I lay there looking around, a nurse walked into the room. she lifted a board from the bottom of the bed and made some notes, walked around the bed and checked the monitors and the drips that were feeding me. As she did, she looked down at me as she must have done so many times before. Shock showed on her face as she realised that I was now conscious.

'My God,' she said, 'You're awake. How do you feel?' I did not answer. She stroked my face with a damp towel. 'I'll fetch the Doctor,' she said as she left the room. A short time passed, and then a doctor walked into the room. He came closer to the bed.

'How are you feeling?' he asked. I tried to talk but, though my mouth moved, no words came out. 'It's all right,' said the doctor, 'your vocal cords are dry. They've not been used for a long time so be patient—you'll be talking in no time. Do you understand me? Just nod your head if you do.' I moved my head slowly, nodding that I understood. 'well, at least he understands us, nurse,' said the doctor. 'as soon as you are moving your head and arms a little more we'll be able to answer any questions you have—maybe by writing on a pad. Is that OK?' I nodded slowly again. 'OK nurse, I think we can start to remove these tubes and the monitors,' he continued. 'I want you to be patient. It will take you a long time to regain the use of your limbs after being in a coma for so long, but we have a great team of specialists here that can help.'

I remember thinking: in a coma, I wonder how long I've been here! as time went by I regained the use of my hands and arms and was able to write. The first shock I experienced was when the doctor asked me what my name was. I paused for a moment, thinking then wrote: I don't seem to know. The doctor said, 'Don't worry, it's normal when you've been in a coma for as long as you have. It's normal to have some loss of memory.' I took up the note pad and wrote: why, how long have I been in a coma? the doctor answered, 'we're led to believe it is twelve years, but you have only been in this hospital for two years.' at that point I felt completely lost and very depressed. Then the nurse spoke.

'We, the nursing staff here, have given you the name of David—if that's OK with you.'

* * *

As the weeks and months went by I regained my speech, then the use of all my limbs but, even after three months, I was still unable to remember a single item of my past and this was quite annoying. Being told constantly not to worry; it's all right for them, I thought, They know who they are!

One day I had a visit from a smartly-dressed, very official looking, man in a suit.

'Good day sir. My name is John Henderson,' he said producing an ID card indicating that he worked for the Ministry of Defence. He pulled up a chair and sat down. 'I believe you have still no memory, David. I may call you David—is that OK?'

'yes,' I replied, 'everybody else does.'

'Has anybody told you of the circumstances in which you where found?'

'No, and it's not that I haven't asked, but no-one seems to know.'

'The reason I ask,' he said, 'is that there have been a lot of rumours going round, especially in the early years after you were found.'

'Found?'

'Yes, you were found—but look, I don't want to discuss this with you here now. I believe that, except for your memory, there isn't much more that they can do for you here. The medical staff say that you are remarkably fit and healthy—that's why we, at the MOD, want you to come with us so that we can help you.'

'Why would the Ministry be interested in me?' I asked. 'What's so special?'

'Like I said, this is not the place to discuss the matter.'

'Hold on there! something's not right here,' I protested. 'I'm not happy about just coming with you, to God knows where, on your say-so!'

'Look, we are trying to help you here.'

'That's what you say, but you're not telling me anything,' I said.

'OK, the only thing I'm allowed to tell you is where you were found.'

'What do you mean found? this is sounding more like science fiction!' I saw a strange expression cross his face.

'Go on then, tell me what you are allowed to.'

He sighed, 'as I was saying,' he said, 'all I'm allowed to tell you is that you were found on a small island close to the Isle of skye in scotland.'

'... yes—and?'

'Sorry, that's all I can tell you at this time.' With that he rose and said if I wished to know more then I'd have to go with him. 'I'll be back tomorrow morning to pick you up,' he said. 'Remember, we are the only people who can tell you what you wish to know.' He left the room, leaving me even more puzzled than I was before.

I wondered why he could not tell me here. What do they know? I lay there for a while thinking, then got up and walked over to the window to view the world passing by, as I had done so many times since regaining the use of my limbs. Why couldn't I remember anything that happened to me? My head felt like it was going to explode! Just then nurse Harvey, Mary as I had come to know her, came into my room.

'Hi Mary,' I said.

'Hello David, what's the matter? you look upset,' she asked.

'Oh—it's that guy who came to visit me. He said he was from the Ministry and had information about who I am.'

'Well that's good—isn't it?'

'Well it would be, but he said he wasn't allowed to tell me any more than where I was found. Very strange! What's the big secret? I don't understand and it's doing my head in!'

'OK,' she said, 'where did he say you where found?'

'Near the Isle of Skye.'

'OK, so walk down to the hospital library and log onto the Internet,' she said. 'Oh, I'm sorry David I forgot you've been in a coma for over twelve years. You won't know what the Internet is.'

'Funny thing is,' I replied, 'I think I do.'

'Look, I'll tell you what,' she said, 'I'm on my dinner break now, so come on. We'll go down to the hospital library together and I'll help you to log onto the Internet.' She helped with my dressing gown and together we walked out of the room. I had spent so much time in there, I felt nervous leaving. Mary linked arms with me and that made me feel a lot better. As we walked down the corridor, I noticed a man. He looked familiar. I knew where I'd seen him. He was outside the door when that Ministry guy had come to see me. I'd caught a glimpse of him when he left. Why was he hanging around? Must be keeping an eye on me! God, I'm getting paranoid!

'Here we are David,' said Mary. 'Right, sit down and let's log on. OK, I'll type in "strange happenings on, or near, the Isle of Skye, Scotland—year 1995". Tap on" enter" and see what happens. Here we go—this must be you. Boy found unconscious on island September 1995.' She read on, 'The unknown boy was found completely naked by a middle-aged couple named Mr & Mrs McClain while walking their dog. The boy was about ten years old, but was found to have no identification. It goes on to say that after a year of extensive publicity no-one has come forward with any clue as to the identity of this poor boy. So, that's it David. Perhaps it may be best to let this guy from the Ministry help. Can't do any harm, can it?'

'Maybe,' I said. 'Anyway, I'll sleep on it.'

The next morning I got up, put on some clothes that the hospital had given me, and sat at the small table by the window. I had made up my mind to go with the guy from the Ministry. After all, what choice did I have? Just then Joan, another nurse not as nice as Mary—more butch, I thought!—entered the room.

'Oh good, you're up. Do you want breakfast?' she asked.

'Yes please, and if a guy from the Ministry wants to see me send him in please.'

'I'm a nurse, not your personal secretary!' she snapped, 'Who the hell do you think you are?'

'I'm terribly sorry, Joan,' I said, 'I didn't mean to upset you. Please forgive me.'

'Well, that's OK then,' she said. 'Just remember I'm not your slave—just remember that. Now, I'll go and get your breakfast. what would you like?'

'I'm rather hungry today. I'll have fresh orange, bacon, eggs, toast, jam and coffee.'

'Uh,' she grunted. 'you'll get what I give you and like it!' she turned and marched out of the room. Funny woman, I thought. A short time later, in walked Henderson, the guy from the Ministry.

'Good morning David,' he said. 'It's a fine day out there. Well, have you made your mind up yet?'

'Yes I have, as a matter of fact. I'm not going to be locked away, am I? I will be allowed to go anywhere I want, won't I?'

'Of course you will. We're only here to help you find out who you are, where you came from—all the answers,' he assured me. 'Well?'

'OK, I'll come with you,' I agreed.

'Good, I'll go and make all the arrangements for your release, so to speak—ha ha.' He walked out looking rather pleased with himself. Just then Joan returned with my breakfast—everything I'd asked for. She's not a bad old stick really, I thought.

'Who was that?' she asked.

'Oh, the guy from the Ministry I told you about,' I replied.

'I know him from somewhere—on the tip of my tongue. Oh well, it'll come to me. Now, you eat your breakfast. See you later—got a lot of work to do.' She muttered some more as she walked out of the room.

Saying goodbye to the doctors and nurses, especially Mary, was quite hard. They all wished me well but I felt a little frightened. after all, I had no idea what lay in store for me. At the hospital I had comfort and security, but if I was to find out more about my past this appeared to be the only way. I walked through the large revolving doors into bright sunlight and a warm comforting breeze. as I turned to look back into the hospital reception, I could see Mary with tears in her eyes.

'I'll see you soon,' I mouthed to her. I hoped she'd understood. I got into the back of a large black limousine with Henderson, and we slowly pulled away. I turned again to see if I could see Mary but she was gone.

'So, where are we going Mr Henderson?' I asked.

'Well, first to the airport. We have a small plane waiting for us, and then a short trip to Scotland, and please call me John,' he smiled.

'Are we going anywhere near where I was found?' I asked excitedly.

'Yes,' he answered, and then changed the subject commenting on how nice the weather was. I remember thinking how this guy was not going to give anything away until he had to.

After about half-an-hour we arrived at a small airport with armed military personnel guarding the gates. We were halted by a burly soldier. Windows were wound down and ID cards were shown. He looked straight at me and asked,

'Is this the gentleman we're expecting?' Heads nodded. 'OK you're clear to proceed. Your plane is ready for take-off.' He backed away and waved us on. At that point I started to feel nervous. Why all this fuss? Limousine, private jet, armed soldiers—not much I could do about it now, I supposed. The car pulled up alongside the plane. Our driver got out and opened my door. I got out and walked up the steps of the aircraft.

'Sit anywhere you want David,' said John. I sat at the back by one of the windows and fastened my seatbelt. The doors were closed by a well-built man in a smart suit who sat down himself as the plane started to move. 'Just relax David, we'll be there within the hour and then a lot of your questions will be answered,' he added. We took off and were soon in the air. The man who had closed the plane door asked me if I would like anything to drink.

'Yes,' I said, 'I'd like a Jack Daniels and ginger ale.'

John turned suddenly and asked, 'How do you know you like that particular drink?'

'Do I?' I replied, 'I don't know, I just know I do. Does this mean my memory is returning?'

'Could be,' answered John, 'could be.' I was handed the drink and took a sip –mmmm, I thought, nice! I relaxed back into my seat and before long I fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Two

MMM—that's the best sleep I've had for, well, ages, I thought. Hang on, where the hell am I? what happened to the plane I was on? what time is it? Hey, where's my watch that Mary gave me? as I looked around, all I could see was a plain white room, no windows, and a crease in the wall which I presumed was the door. I got up, feeling a bit groggy. I thought, the swines must have drugged me! wait till I get my hands on that Henderson, I'll teach him—the toffee—nosed pratt!

'Hey!' I shouted, and banged on the door. 'Hey, let me out! Come on, let me out!' the door opened suddenly, and in walked Henderson with another man.

'Calm down, David,' he said. 'This is ...'

'I don't care who this guy is! what's the meaning of drugging me?'

'I'm sorry, but it's protocol,' said the other man. 'You've been brought to one of the most secure installations in the country and we thought that the best way was to induce sleep so that you would not become a security risk if we were unable to help you.'

'Well you could have told me. Anyway, who are you?' I asked.

'My name is Jones, and yes it is my real name,' he answered.

'So where am I?' I asked. 'Oh, you can't tell me—how stupid of me!' I added sarcastically.

'Look, all we can tell you at this time is that the complex you're in is several hundred metres underground, but everything you could want is here. Now, you are free to roam the complex—well most of it. Relax—no-one's here to harm you, only to help. When you're ready to learn what we know about you, just ask anybody you meet to show you to my office and we can get started. OK David?'

'Yes, I suppose so, but I'd like to get started right away.'

'That's fine, how about in an hour. Go and have something to eat. Oh, and here's your watch back. In an hour then—in my office. Remember, just ask.' With that he and Henderson left the room. I followed them out of the room, but as they turned left, I turned to the right. Walking down the corridor, I came to what I can only describe as a shopping village. God, this place is massive; it just goes on and on! seeing a sign saying 'Café', and feeling a little hungry, I decided to go in and eat. Might as well, I thought. As I sat down at a table, some people glanced at me as though I were no-one special. Well, I supposed I wasn't, really. A young waitress approached me and, smiling asked,

'Yes sir, what can I get you?'

'I think I'll have a chicken salad, bread and butter and tea please.'

'Very good,' she smiled, 'won't be long.'

After enjoying a nice meal, I left the café assuming that the bill would be met by the people who'd brought me here. After all, I had no money! I walked for a while, trying to take in the scale of the complex and remembering that it was all under—ground. Deep in thought, something suddenly dawned on me. Why was I here? why was I that important? I knew that I'd been found unconscious and naked on an island in Scotland, and that I'd been in a coma for twelve years. That much I did know, but that alone. Unusual as that may be, though, surely it wouldn't warrant this amount of attention—and to be brought to a complex as top secret as this! Funny how it hadn't occurred to me before. I supposed I was just glad that someone was going to help me regain my memory.

'Sorry Sir!' a voice shouted. 'This area is restricted!' I turned to find a heavily-armed, uniformed man standing there.

'I'm sorry, but I feel I have to go this way,' I responded.

'Not without the highest authorisation, you don't! now, please turn back—now !'

'Sorry, I didn't mean to do anything wrong!'

'It's OK, officer,' said a voice from behind. It was Mr Jones. 'He's our guest.'

'But Sir, we have rules. This gentleman doesn't have the appropriate authorisation. I have a job to do ...' Just then another officer, of much higher rank judging by the number of pips on his shoulder, whispered in his ear:

'This is the man we've been waiting for.'

(Continues...)

Excerpted from LOST IN TIMEby DAVID PROTHERO Copyright © 2012 by David Prothero. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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