“Relax, Twelve.” I leaned back in the metal chair, allowing Jessica to hover over me. I could feel my hard-drive lock into place, connecting my Program to the scientist’s computer. “You should be used to this by now.” She yanked on the leather restraints, securing them firmly around my wrists.
I was used to this. Too used to this. But that didn’t make it okay; it didn’t change the fact that I suspected something was wrong.
“McVeigh just wants to make sure everything is okay.” Jessica smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I promise.”
I closed my eyes, unable to look at her any longer. I could sense that she knew today was different. Something happened during my evaluation. Something inside of me changed. Something that McVeigh didn’t approve of.
“You don’t trust me,” I stated.
“No, Twelve. That isn’t it.” Jessica forced a smile. “We’re just concerned, that’s all. In order to move to Level Two, McVeigh needs to know that your Program won’t malfunction again.”
“Malfunction?” I scoffed. “He believes that my Program malfunctioned? Are your scientists that incapable of doing their jobs?” I tried to hide my anger, but failed. This place, this hellhole, was built on lies. And I was one of them.
“Twelve, I’m going to need you to stop.” Her eyes darted towards the door; as though she were worried McVeigh would come strolling in at any moment. “I’m only trying to help you.”
I ignored her.
“I’m going to leave now, okay?” She paused, waiting for a response that would never come. “Alright then, I’ll see you after your evaluation, Program Twelve. I promise.”
I listened as the door to the room slammed shut. The lights in the room slowly began to turn off, leaving only the glow of the monitors to illuminate the room. I listened to the humming of electricity as it traveled throughout my body. Each buzz sent me forward; a loud scream forced its way through my dry lips.
I could feel the change in my mind, but not my body. The cold steel was on fire beneath my skin. Each volt of electricity clung to my insides. I wanted to break free of the restraints. I wanted to break free from the prison that I had been held captive in for so long.
Something was awakening within me. Everything that I once was - it was slowly coming back to me. In bits and pieces, but it was coming back.
“Program,” a voice echoed throughout the room. “Your caretakers will be here to retrieve you shortly. Please remain seated until they arrive.”
The leather straps loosened on my wrist s , falling off with a clank as the metal buckles slapped the steel armrests. I waited patiently for Jessica to stroll through the door. I could’ve easily walked out on my own; although I was sure I’d be met with McVeigh’s guards. And I wasn’t willing to risk that just yet. There was a reason that my Program had been altered, and I planned on staying around to find out why.
“Twelve?” The heavy metal door opened up, and I could barely make out Jessica peeking her head around the corner. “Are you ready to return to your Pod?”
I didn’t answer.
“Program, your caretaker is speaking to you. Please answer accordingly,” a man’s voice sounded throughout the room.
“Twelve, look at me.” Jessica made her way further into the room, leaving the door open behind her. My eyes met hers, and I could see the panic risin g as she glanced me over . She knew. She knew that something was different. She knew that something changed during my prior evaluation. And she knew what would follow if I didn’t behave as expected.
She leaned in so that her right cheek was pressed against mine. “We both know what will happen if McVeigh finds out about this,” she reached for my hand. “I’m going to fix this, okay? I’m going to try and find a way to help you before he finds out. I just need you to try and remember what is expected of you until then. Can you do that, Twelve?”
“I
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