Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 35: A Beautiful Dream

When Connor and Dr. Hayes returned to the Tower the next day, they were met by Ms. Alvarez. She stood just inside the lobby, tapping her foot impatiently while she waited for them to approach. When they were close enough, she spoke, giving Dr. Hayes an imperious look.

"The board reminds you that you have two days until your deadline. They expect you to have something they can work with by then. The board further reminds you that they expect ALL the deviants you've worked with to be transported to the warehouse prior to your deadline." Her face split into a smug smirk. "This includes your assistants."

Through his connection to her wrist device, Connor felt a slight elevation in Dr. Hayes heartrate, but it settled again quickly. Her face dropped into a blank expression, showing no indication of  distress at the words.

Dr. Hayes was quiet for a moment, then her lips twisted into a cynical smile, eyes darkening.

"I understand," she said, voice neutral. "After all, Cyberlife's wish is my command." She gave a flourishing bow. "I'd hate to disappoint them."

A flash of irritation crossed the intern's face. "You're awfully glib for someone walking such a fine line."

"You know me, Maria." Dr. Hayes tilted her chin up, leveling her gaze at the woman. "I aim to please." 

She straightened, giving Ms. Alvarez a smug look. 

The intern gritted her teeth, scowling. She stepped close, getting up into the doctor's face.

"The only reason we're tolerating this attitude," she hissed, "is because there's a slight chance you have something to offer, you disrespectful little b*tch."

She poked a finger into Dr. Hayes' chest, continuing. "But if you don't please the board, it's over for you. You'll be left with nothing. Then we'll see who's laughing."

Dr. Hayes gazed at the intern calmly as she took a small step back, crossing her arms over her chest, and scoffed. "You know, that's still better than whatever you are, nepo baby. I least I know I earned my place. Can you say the same? How many boots did your parents lick to get you in here?"

She raised an eyebrow disdainfully, looking the intern up and down, and took another slow step back. "Or did you lick them yourself? Maybe you licked something else. Had to get the board's attention somehow, right?"

Sensing the growing tension between the two women, Connor monitored both closely, gauging their reactions, ready to intervene should it get out of hand. Dr. Hayes remained calm and steady, betraying no physiological signs of high emotion. Ms. Alvarez, on the other hand, showed clear signs of agitation. Her heartrate spiked, knuckles white as her fists trembled, face drawing down into a sharp glare. She clenched her jaw, lips twitching wordlessly.

"What," Dr. Hayes taunted, fixing her expression into one of mock concern, "did I hurt your feelings? Gonna go cry to the board now? Gonna go tell them the big bad doctor said something mean?"

Ms. Alvarez clenched her fists, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself, but her heartrate and other vital signs indicated increased agitation.