Frozen Ones

Chapter 6 (Jack)

"We're done for now," Lio said, bowing his head and making a note in the file he had created for Jack. They had spent the last hour taking various measurements, such as weight, height, blood pressure - nothing special. But the boy still seemed very stressed and Jack knew that this was due to the shock he had suffered because of Brian.

Jack wasn't quite sure what to think of him yet. It wasn't that Jack was a huge advocate of justice and peace - after all, he had been working with the mafia for several years and hadn't necessarily taken over the bar legally - but he still thought it was dishonorable to threaten someone who was helpless, weaker and unprepared. And that was exactly what Brian had done, so Jack would have to observe him a bit before passing judgment.

Lio, on the other hand, or more formally, Doctor Stern, was quite pleasant company. He was extremely shy and Jack was able to judge his personality quite well after the short time they had spent together. Lio was very insecure, felt bad in his role as a doctor, wanted to leave the center, hated conducting experiments on others and didn't like needles. On the other hand, there was something that drove him and Brian couldn't yet say exactly what it was. Maybe someone Lio wanted to save or a requirement that he absolutely had to fulfill, in any case nothing that came from within him, more an external pressure.

In summary, Lio made the analysis work very easy and that's what Jack liked about him. Otherwise, he couldn't do much with his character. It was nice that Lio willingly told him everything he was asked, but they would probably be less likely to have real conversations because the young doctor was far too nervous and quickly fled.

"All right," said Jack and stood up from the white padded chair. "What should I do now? Is there any procedure after examinations?"

Lio shook his head. "When there are no investigations taking place, you have free time. So you can stay in the designated rooms." As he spoke, he hastily packed away his files.

"And what are those?"

"All rooms that are not locked. But you can also ask other Frozen Ones about them." Lio disinfected his utensils at the same time, successfully avoiding eye contact.

"How many Frozen Ones are there still here?"

"11."

"And their rooms are near mine?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

With one last look at Lio, Jack headed for the door. His best option was probably to have everything explained to him about this place and analyze the people while he did so. He was admittedly a little excited to meet the other Frozen Ones. Not overly, but a little. And if he ever got bored or saw a chance to make a profit from the whole thing, he would simply contact Roger. Jack was almost certain that he could somehow take advantage of this, if only because it was about immortality. Maybe he could find a way to make Marshmellow an immortal cat.

"Um, Mr. ... Jack?" That was Lio.

Jack turned around with a raised eyebrow. "Just Jack, okay? Anything else sounds stupid."

"O - OK," Lio stammered. "Anyway ... thank you for earlier. You saved me, even though you don't know me at all ... and even though I'm employed here. So ... thank you."

"You're welcome," Jack said, shrugging his shoulders and leaving the room with a wave. Yes, he had expected that. Lio was just the type to thank or apologize for things much later, at least as far as Jack had analyzed him.

Yawning, Jack left the room. He hadn't slept, but he could make up for that later. After a quick trip to his room to collect Marshmellow, he went back down the stairs and entered the common room for the second time. Early in the morning it had been empty, with the exception of Brian, but now three girls were sitting on comfortable armchairs around a table talking - or rather only two were talking, the third was just sitting quietly and didn't even seem to be listening properly.