Transparency || Peter Ballard X Reader

Chapter Six

As quickly as the dark look appeared on Dr. Brenner's face, it was replaced by the ever-present confident smile. The one that reads a clear message that everything is in perfect order. The sentiment of the smile was always true. When I looked around anywhere in the building, everything was meticulous. Every wall was spotless, the floor was always clean. Even in the maintenance rooms, the machinery had no rust. Dr. Brenner smiled that way when everything was okay.

I tried to let that thought ease me, but something in the back of my mind still gnawed at my conscience. These meetings had never been spent discussing other adults. That would be a waste of both of our time. This is what put a small pit in my stomach.

But really, even if Peter had been talking to 011, it still wouldn't warrant any sort of punishment. At the very worst, someone would scold him in a tone slightly above the normal talking volume. 

It wouldn't even be Brenner doling out the words, because he allowed people to make mistakes up to a certain degree. He followed the doctrine that as long as an action did not harm one's self or others, it did not warrant punishment. Giving someone encouraging words could hardly achieve either of those things.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Dr. Brenner moves on to the next note. The moment of mutual reflective silence passed, and we picked up discussion on the toddlers.

"Speaking of little ones, how is our newest student acclimating?" Dr. Brenner asked, his tone inquisitive and conversational. His face read excitement, the same look he had when we were all introduced to the baby. Nobody could be cold to that precious face, the older ladies had even moved to squeeze her hand. Everyone loved a cute baby, especially when it was a super human.

"She's doing great. She wasn't irritated, overall she is outstandingly calm," I observed. "I apologize, it escaped my mind that I should have been taking notes."

"Nothing to apologize for. I put you on the task because I wanted 016 to feel welcomed, not supervised," Dr. Brenner states. His face takes on a sympathetic frown for a second before he opens his mouth to speak again. "You've been lonely, haven't you?"

It was a rhetorical question. Of course I missed my days as an orderly. Who wouldn't feel lonely when they only got to spend an hour a day with the children they used to spend a majority of the time with? Yes, I am lonely.

"Sometimes, but I'm very happy with the jobs I have now," I say, collected.

The Doctor sits and considers me for a moment. I felt uncomfortable under his scrutinizing gaze, but there was no malice at all in the look. Only a friendly concern.

"I really want you to bond with 016. Not only can I not afford for her to develop improperly, but I also want you to be happier," He says sympathetically. Leaning back in his chair, apparently not waiting for my response, he finishes the discussion abruptly. "I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Dinner in the laboratory is very similar to breakfast. All of the children congregate in the Dining Hall while a few staff members supervise the meal. I have only ever been put on this duty a few times, as I typically supervise during breakfast time.

When six o'clock rolls around, I only spend about fifteen minutes in the dining hall. Eating dinner alone every night makes for a very quick experience, so I am retired to my room before the clock is half past six almost always. I sometimes wish that I would find myself on dinner duty, just to break up the critical boredom of evening time in the lab. Unless Dr. Brenner devises an evening activity, everyone is left to their own devices for the rest of the night. One lucky staff member is made to check that all of the children are in bed at night, but that is really the only job.