CML - Custom Made Lover [Slow Updates]

CML - Custom Made Lover, Chapter 4

The distant sound of seagulls and waves crashing in to the surf filled Caleb's consciousness; his mind rolled forward and back with the waters of the ocean. He perceived himself from a distance, laying on the wet sands of a beach he hadn't seen before. Mind's eye turning around to look at the surrounding area he knew rather than saw the city that lay beyond the sands; it was New Dallas, of sorts. Visually nothing changed around him; his quiet form lay still on the sand, seemingly sleeping.

There was a swirling cloud of thoughts and emotions around the scene which occupied his mind, casting everything beyond the small patch of sand on which he lay in a gray veil. Without being able to get a grip on what was going on Caleb knew rather than understood that a lot of information was being processed; his subconscious was looking for something, or rather someone. The search continued for what seemed like hours as the scene changed seamlessly to Caleb driving an old fashioned automobile through the dark streets of New Dallas, buildings seemingly leaning in. He felt like he had been here many times before and had always driven down this road without once having reached the journey's destination. Behind him, in the backseat, he felt a presence. Just as all the times before he was unable to turn his head and see who it was. The being, voiceless and silent, watched his moves intently.

Caleb steered the car this way and that, turning corners, overtaking other traffic users and trying to read signs; it made no difference. No matter how many turns he took, how much he sped the goal remained at approximately the same distance from where he was. Then, suddenly, he hit someone as he unwillingly ran a red light. Shocked and frightened he tried to stop the vehicle to see if the person was alright, but it would not stop. As though controlled by an unseen force the car kept on going, sticking to its trajectory. Caleb felt certain the authorities or someone would be coming after him to bring him to justice. Just as his panic and desperation reached their peak everything went dark and all he knew was a dull, throbbing pain.

The memories of the dream slowly retreated back in to his subconscious, leaving him grasping at straws. He felt like something important had happened but the more he tried holding on the further away it slipped. All that remained now was blackness and a searing pain which forced its way to the forefront. Groaning in aggravation he tried making sense of it all. He cracked open an eye and, in what little light came through the small window at the top, he noticed he was completely naked.

“Oh...”, he muttered as he recalled where he was and for what purpose. He moved a hand up to rub at his temples as he had developed a splitting headache. It wasn't the only source of discomfort; everything about him seemed to hurt. Once, on holiday as a child, Caleb had spent too much time in the sun leaving him with severe sun burns. The sensation was very similar.

A soft knock on the top of the pod made Caleb lower his hand and try to peer through the small windows.

“Mr. Jones? Are you awake?”, came the muffled voice of Dr. Stevens. Caleb groaned softly, willing himself to generate enough energy to partake in the conversation.

“...Yes, I am...”, he replied, hoping his voice was loud enough to be heard. A clicking sound followed and then a rush of cold air. Caleb hissed as it cooled him down quicker than he liked. The lid rose slowly, sucking in more air from outside of it. Becoming suddenly aware of the fact that he was still naked he panicked a little.

“Uhm...”, he tried as the lid rose higher. When he was able to he made sure to sit up thereby hopefully shielding his private parts from view. Luckily Dr. Stevens wasn't next to the pod; she still sat at the control panel with her back toward him. Somewhat relieved he made to get out of the machine.

“How are you feeling?”, the doctor asked, still facing the other way. “I should note that skin irritation and redness is unfortunately part of the process. Not to worry, however, as these symptoms usually disappear within the first day or two. The redness alone should be much less noticeable within an hour.”