Sir, the testing?

“…I’d…like to apologize to you. I know what happens in this facility and the accident earlier…it should not have happened. With these new hands, things will be different…but…” She reached over to grab the folder with her paperwork in it, flipping through it quickly and glancing at some sections of text.

At the quiet sentence- that she barely even heard- Caroline snatched up the cup and stood to move to the side of the bed. There was more than enough room for her, so she gingerly sat on the edge of the bed and held the cup out. Yet her eyes caught the body language. Slight shaking, arms crossed over legs, protecting her torso and hiding her face. The poor girl looked terrified and yet Caroline could only do so much to ease that fear.

She had to do something other than remain frozen where she was.

When nothing was asked for, she shook her head. “Don’t be shy hun. If you’re hungry or thirsty or just uncomfortable, do tell. I want to make this as comfortable for you as I possibly can. I’m…sorry that there’s only so much I can do though. I don’t really know what you’d like.” At the mention of water though, she stood up and walked to the other side of the room, returning with two cups filled with water. They were sat on the same table as Caroline’s folder of paperwork, though the file was barely given a glance.

The CEO watched, taking note of the little things and trying to figure out logical solutions. It didn’t take long to click that logic would not work here. K2 was a child dealing with a traumatic thing. Right now, Caroline knew she had to be empathic, not logical. It was obvious the new hands were to stop the pain and to allow K2 to continue her work, but right now, it was about how K2 felt about them.

I created this forever ago, and I never posted it. Feel free to reblog/use.

“You were always the quiet one.”

“She doesn’t understand you like I do.”

“Did you enjoy yourself last night?”

“Are you taking his side against me?”

“I want to turn back the clock to before…”

“If you leave now, you lose everything.”

“You make me feel like I’m not good enough.”

“You’re too good for this world.”

“Please don’t argue. You have to leave right now; you aren’t safe here.”

“I’ll find him and bring him home. I promise.”

“Why didn’t he come and talk to me himself?”

“You’ve only heard his point of view. You never asked mine.”

“You were meant to be watching him!”

“Do you ever think we should just stop doing this?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. He told me you were in the past.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to see it through.”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“I just want a nice, easy life. What’s wrong with that?”

“If only I’d just gone over when he called.”

When she got the call that K2-157 was done with the operation, she gathered up all of her paperwork and stuffed it into a folder before grabbing that and a pen and making her way back down to the medical ward. Same as earlier, people parted for her as she strode by. No scientist, doctor, or full-time employee stood in her way. They had joked about her being unfit to be CEO once she took over for Mr. Johnson.

They quickly learned otherwise.

In the recovery room, she had taken a seat next to the bed K2 was in. For a while, she had worked on paperwork. Allowing or denying test ideas. Signing off invention assembly. Checking over plans for the facilities expansion- this one being about test chambers on rails for easy rearrangement and replacement. The moment K2 had any signs of waking up, the paperwork was sat to the side and Caroline’s attention turned to the child. As K2’s eyes opened and finally moved to see the CEO, Caroline gave a small sad smile.

“…Hey there. Welcome back.”

When the glass was empty, it was tossed into the sink beside the counter. Someone else would deal with that later or K2 could reuse it after the operation. Either way, it wouldn’t be Caroline’s current point of interest.

It was quickly noted that the expression flickered into one of terror, K2s mouth opening and then shutting a second later. Caroline knew that she had been planning on arguing. Complaining. Saying that she didn’t want this. Caroline didn’t blame her. “…I’m sorry. These will make your hands stop hurting and then you can use them again. It’ll be over before you know it. …I’ll make sure it goes faster for you.”

Once she reached the door, her hand froze at the doorknob. The quiet farewell had been noted. It tugged on Caroline’s heartstrings more than she expected when she had to leave. “…Bye K2.” With that, she swung the door open and left the room and K2. In the hallway, the doctors prepared to enter and start work, but Caroline stood in their way with a gaze of steel. “You are going to use anesthetics on her and make sure that she is not awake for this. I will not have a child watching her hands be cut off.” A doctor rose his voice to complain and a sharp glare shut him up. After an intense silence, they all agreed to Caroline’s demand. Only then did the CEO step aside for them to enter.

griffin: how many books have you read this year?

sphinx: do you enjoy riddles and puzzles?

chimera: have/would you ever dye your hair? what colour?

dragon: last thing that made you smile?

phoenix: do you believe in life after death?

unicorn: what sets you apart from others?

faerie: is keeping your personal space organised a priority for you?

harpy: do you enjoy playing sports?

gorgon: least favourite colour?

minotaur: who do you dislike the most right now?

mermaid: favourite place to go on holiday?

centaur: which is more important to you: comfort or style?

pegasus: ever had a recurring dream?

basilisk: books or films?

troll: for or against school uniform, and why?

imp: do you consider yourself funny?

banshee: name a definite dealbreaker in a relationship.

kelpie: festivals or concerts?

cyclops: what colour are your eyes?

manticore: picnics or hikes?

werewolf: do you like the taste of alcohol?

cerberus: if you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

redcap: when did you get into your current biggest hobby/interest?

hydra: do you collect/have a lot of anything?

And yet, the CEO had barely any idea of how to handle the units tears. She had no kids and was never around any of the scientists kids so the behavior was not something Caroline knew how to deal with. Quickly, the water was set to the side and she decided that setting her hands on K2s shoulders was the best solution she had.

“…It’s alright…I’m here… you’re doing great K2. You’re doing great. I’m…I’m going to help you drink this, okay? You need to get some water into your system. You’re likely dehydrated after all this.” The cup was picked back up and a glance given to the window looking in from the hallway. A few scientists and doctors were congregating there and waiting for her to leave, so Caroline knew she was out of time.

Holding the cup up, she moved it to K2’s lips. “Here. Drink.” With her free hand, while she waited for K2 to drink, she moved to wipe the tears away. Blobs of water and ash were swiped off K2s cheeks with a gentle touch. Once she was done, Caroline peered to look K2 in the eyes, a small smile given.

1: Do you ever wish you were someone else?

2: What is your full name?

3: How old are you and how old do you get mistaken for?

4: Have you ever dyed your hair?

5: What’s your eye color?

6: Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it

7: Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

8: What would you say is your best quality?

9: What are you really bad at?

10: What talent do you wish you had?

11: Are you nice to everyone?

12: What do you think about the most?

13: Things you like/dislike about yourself

14: What is your least favorite word?

15: What is your favorite word?

16: Are you more like your mom or your dad?

17: Would you ever smile at a stranger?

18: A reason you’ve lied to someone

19: Are you lying about anything right now?

20: Have you kissed someone older than you?

21: Do you believe in love at first sight?

22: Do you believe in soulmates?

23: Are looks important?

24: Opinion on relationship age differences

25: Would you date someone off the Internet?

26: Have you ever cried over a boy/girl?

27: Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?

28: Anyone you’re giving up on right now?

29: Have you ever liked someone who your friends hated?

30: Have you ever liked your best friend?

31: How does someone win your heart?

32: What turns you on?

33: What turns you off?

34: Do you get jealous easily?

35: What is your definition of cheating?

36: Do you forgive betrayal?

37: Have you ever been cheated on?

38: Have you ever cheated on someone?

39: How often do you listen to music?

40: First concert you attended

41: Last movie you watched

42: Favorite type of movie

43: Is there something that happened in your past that you hate talking about?

44: Are you good at hiding your feelings?

45: Do you fall in love easily?

46: Do you think people say I love you too much?

47: What’s your favorite holiday?

48: Are you a forgiving person? Do you like being that way?

49: Where’s the most magical place on earth?

Yet she let something slip her mind. She had been cleaning 157 up since the girl had no use of her hands, yet when the water splashed over the two of them, she snapped back to reality. “Ah sh- I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I forgot that…Augh here.” She gently pulled the cup away and sped over to refill it. Once back at the girl’s side, obviously embarrassed about handing a cup to someone with damaged hands, she was going to assist in K2 drinking.

When K2 panicked though, Caroline hissed and set the cup aside, realizing that her choice of words probably hadn’t been the kindest thing to say. She was trying her best to help, yet she had to be more careful. This wasn’t something she was used to doing. Being empathic was something she was able to understand, but responding to people’s feelings in actions, Caroline was much more rusty.

“Nice to meet you. I know that it must be a tad strange that I already know your name, but if you would like to be called something else, please let me know. Alright?” Another smile was given, before she turned her attention to cleaning K2 up. A warning about it stinging was given as she reached out to gently dab away the grime that covered K2’s face. Some spots took some harsher rubbing, but Caroline was able to get most of the ash off to reveal the red, irritated face underneath. Both agitated from the fire and from tears, or so Caroline could guess.

As she worked, the CEO made sure to keep an eye on 157s body language, backing off if something hurt or seemed to make her uncomfortable. Otherwise, it was a fairly quick job. Caroline got up to wash the cloth off and get it freshly wet to get off any remaining dirt, but she turned to look at the window on the door when she heard voices. Scientists and doctors preparing for the operation K2 would soon have to go through. With her hands in the state they were in, they wouldn’t be able to remain connected without causing issues or pain down the line. They were out of time. Quickly, she grabbed a cup to fill it with water, and then returned to K2s side to dab at her face a bit more. After that, the cup was handed over.

Striding by, Caroline moved medical supplies to the side of a nearby counter, hunting for a towel and soaking it in cool water. With that in her left hand, she then moved over to K2. The few minutes they had shared the room had been silent and filled with tension. Caroline hoped to relieve some of that.

“Hello there K2-157. There’s no need to dry your tears in front of me. You just went through quite an ordeal and if I was in your shoes, I would be bawling.” Caroline bent down to meet K2’s eye-level, giving a small smile to show that she meant to harm and was less uptight than the doctors who had just left K2 alone in the medical ward. Holding her hand up, she showed the wet cloth. “I think you’d feel a little bit better if you were cleaned off some. Would you be alright if I got this ash off your face?”

She knew she was a strange contrast from the rest of Aperture. They were likely cold to the unit, barely even confronting her as a person and more talking about her when in the room. Caroline planned on making sure she was talking with the unit. Asking her permission and not just dragging her through hoops. However, for the time being, Caroline would keep her status out of the conversation. The only thing she’d give 157 to know her was her name.

flower crown: when did you last sing to yourself?

fairy lights: if a crystal ball could tell you the truth about anything, what would you want to know?

daisies: what is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

1975: what is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise?

matte: if you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?

black nail polish: do you have a bucket list? if so, what are the top three things?

pantone: describe a person close to your life in detail.

moodboard: do you feel you had a happy childhood?

stars: when did you last cry in front of another person?

plants: pick a person to stargaze with you and explain why you picked them.

converse: would you ever have a deep conversation with a stranger and open up to them?

lace: when was your last 3am conversation with someone, and who were they to you?

handwriting: if you were about to die, and you could only say one more sentence to one person, what would you say and to whom?

cactus: what is your opinion on brown eyes?

sunrise: pick a quote and describe what it means to you personally.

oil paints: what would you title the autobiography of your life so far?

overalls: what would you do with one billion dollars?

combat boots: are you a very forgiving person? do you like being this way?

winged eyeliner: write a hundred word letter to your twelve year old self.

pastel: would you describe yourself as more punk or pastel?

tattoos: how do you feel about tattoos and piercings? explain.

piercings: do you wear a lot of makeup? why/why not?

bands: talk about a song/band/lyric that has affected your life in some way.

messy bun: the world is listening. pick one sentence you would tell them.

cry baby: list the concerts you have been to and talk about how they make you feel.

grunge: who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say?

space: do you have a desk/workspace and how is it organised/not organised?

white bed sheets: what is your night time routine?

old books: what’s one thing you don’t want your parents to know?

beaches: if you had to dye your hair how would you dye/style it and why?

eyes: pick five people to go on an excursion with you. who would you pick and where would you go/what would you do?

11:11: name three wishes and why you wish for them.

painting: what is the best halloween costume you have ever put together? if none, make one up.

lightning: what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done while drunk or high?

thunder: what’s one thing you would never do for one million dollars?

storms: you on only listen to one song for the rest of your life, or only see one person for the rest of your life. which and why?

love: have you ever fallen in love? describe what it feels like to realise you’re in love.

clouds: if you’re a boy, would you ever rock black nail polish? if you’re a girl, would you ever rock really really short hair?

coffee: what’s your starbucks order, and who would you trust to order for you, if anyone?

marble: what is the most important thing to you in your life right now?

Caroline hated those thoughts.

They were just children. Sure, they had been created in test tubes and were designed to be at peak fitness to fit in different roles and jobs once they grew up, but they had the brains of humans. Emotions and pain. The Control Group didn’t care. Always blabbed on about how these Alpha Units were the first ones to be successful, but who cared if they died. They could successfully make better ones next! The thought made the CEO scowl.

When she finally made it to the medical ward, there was no hesitation as she threw the doors open and moved her way down to the room where K2-157 was being held. A window peered into the room and showed the kid on a table, wrapped in bandages and covered in soot. Even the ash couldn’t hide the pain and anxiety on their face.

“Miss Caroline!” A woman ran over to her- one of the doctors of this specific ward- and greeted her with a shake of the hand. “Good to see you down here! Not often our very own CEO stops in to see all this grotesque stuff! I’m surprised you’re looking at this one though. It’s just an Alpha Unit. It’ll live, but it lost both hands. I’m surprised it didn’t get any more damage.”

“I’m going in to talk to her.”

“…W…what? But Miss Caroline! IT’S just an Alpha Unit! It’s just going to heal and then get back to training. They’re not supposed to be anything we connect t-“

Caroline narrowed her eyes and shot a warning glare at the woman, before pushing past and opening the door to enter the room where the unit laid. Poor thing took PLENTY of damage. Sure, maybe not physical, but you don’t care about the mental part of it, don’t you. She thought that bitterly, but the anger didn’t appear on her face as she approached the girl laying on the bed. Instead, it was sadness for her situation.