For hours she sat, staring down into the hole at the monster below as it staggered around, unaware that she was watching it. Her mind was teeming with thoughts, but none of them made sense. Fear was devouring her.
Irina considered leaning forward, plummeting into the hole and taking her chances with the creature she helped create, but she didn't have it in her to do so. She was scared, knowing there was more going on around her, more than she should know. Her issues compared to his – whatever they might be – were deemed irrelevant. It all confused her, and yet, she wanted to know.
She deserved this much.
Heisenberg needed her to assist him, but she had no idea why. Perhaps if she learned about what drove him to this madness, her mind could rest. She doubted that there'd be any way her conscience could accept the horror he was asking her to participate in, but her determination to leave this village was much more compelling.
And so, she waited.
Irina hummed; she paced in boredom and tossed rusted bolts in the hole at the creature until Heisenberg woke and came into the room.
"Are you still fucking here?"
He raised a brow. Did she even sleep?
She turned and nodded, despite the answer being obvious.
"I wanted to ask you some questions," she admitted.
He grunted in annoyance. "Not interested."
Sauntering over, he grabbed her by the arm and led her to the door.
"Besides, you have errands to run."
More?
Irina buried her fingers into the fabric of his undershirt. "I will, but once you answer my questions."
"This isn't an interrogation," Heisenberg barked. "And it's none of your damn business."
His grip became rough.
Irina groaned. She jerked her arm from him and narrowed her eyes.
"No, it's not, but I need to know. It's the least you can do."
Heisenberg groaned. Where the fuck was this coming from? He didn't have the time or the patience to deal with her, but he doubted she'd stop asking. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he motioned for her to follow him.
"I'll answer a few of your questions, then I expect you to leave me the fuck alone so I can work," he barked.
She grinned and followed him as he grumbled about her under his breath, leading her deep into the heart of the factory. Above, rotating on the production line, Irina noticed the creatures she had seen before. There weren't many, but there were more than she had expected.
"What are they?"
Heisenberg hummed and glanced over his shoulder at her. Irina leaned against the railing, staring at his creations as they passed through, going from one station to the next. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes gleamed with curiosity and unfathomable fear.
"I call them Soldats," he explained, staring at them in admiration.
Irina recalled seeing their name on the note near the film board.
"And there are different types?"
He nodded. "A few, but as you can see, there are not nearly enough."
Enough? How many did he need? And why?
One question at a time, she reminded herself.
She took a deep breath.
