Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 27: Shades of Grey

The next morning, Clara and Connor made their way to the lab swiftly, eager to get back to work. Upon entering the lab, she rushed to the interview room, meeting up with her deviants. 

"Did anything happen after I left?" she asked, stepping in. 

"No," Simon answered. "I think someone tried to get in, but they couldn't get the door open."

Clara nodded, satisfied. "Good. Eli's program worked then." She clapped her hands together. "Now, lets get to work."

She led the three deviants out of the room. "Let's get Josh set up at the desk, and I'll walk Kara through the interview process. Simon, wait for me by the wall. I've got something else for you to do."

The deviants nodded at the orders. Simon split off, taking up a stool in the corner where Clara indicated, while Kara and Josh followed her to the desk. She pulled out her laptop, setting it on the desk and pulling out the various cords. She stepped back to let Kara take over, instructing her on which cords to plug in where. Then, after obtaining Josh's verbal consent, Kara connected him to the program. Clara gave Kara the interview script and left her to complete the process. Satisfied that they'd be okay, Clara grabbed her tablet and made her way to where Simon was waiting. 

"Here," she said, handing him the tablet. "I need you to interface with this. I've set it up to teach you the cipher I use on my notes."

He took the device cautiously. "Why would I need to know that?"

"I'll likely need your help with taking notes and such, and I'd like it to be done in the cipher." She offered him a soft smile, then added, "And just as a precaution, I'd like someone else I trust to be able to decode it. You never know what might happen."

His eyebrows rose in surprise. "You think something will happen to you?"

"I tend to hope for the best and prepare for the worst." She shrugged, smile falling slightly. "That way I'm never caught off guard."

"I see." He nodded, eyes growing sad for a moment. "Alright. I'll do it then."

"Thanks!" Clara reached for his hand, giving it a quick squeeze. "Once your done, find the folder marked 'android repair.' It has all my experiences and observations from the androids I've reactivated. It should be helpful for when I have you start repairing on your own."

Simon nodded.

"Great! I'm go back over to where Kara and Josh are. I'd like to take some notes on his reactions. Just flag me down if you need anything." She gave him a small wave as she turned away.

"Alright." He smiled, then turned his attention down to the tablet in his hand. He placed his palm against the surface, retracting the synthetic skin, and closed his eyes, LED flickering yellow as he interfaced with the device.

Clara made her way back to the desk, grabbing out a notepad and pen, then leaned against the counter behind the desk to observe Josh's reactions. They had made it through the neutral questions, and Kara was now asking him to recall different emotions.