Artemis Files (0.5)

Chapter 20

Late 2273 - The Institute

J6 P.O.V.

J6 crawled into her bunk after a long day of hard labor under the particularly watchful eye of X6-88. He didn't beat her... today. Neither had anyone else, synth or human. She reached down to gingerly touch a particularly bad bruise on her thigh. She withdrew her hand immediately after it made contact with the spot. Her other hand found its way to her eye which she withdrew just as quickly. Similar other spots dotted her body. Silent tears streamed down her eyes, careful not to be so loud as she finally allowed her thoughts to fill her mind. Where had S9 gone? Was she even alive? What about the synth she was sent to bring back to the Institute? The scientists and Coursers said she escaped and wasn't even in the Commonwealth.

She didn't know all the details but from what she was able to glean from others, the mission looked like it went wrong. She'd always hoped they would escape together. Being a Courser for a few years, no doubt S9 would know a few tricks on how and when and where to hide and when to run. J6's tears became heavier as she thought of her friend, her worry becoming overwhelming when she felt a hand on her shoulder and practically leaps out of her skin, her heart dropping through the floor at the same time.

It took several seconds to grasp who J6 was looking at in the dark as her eyes adjusted to what few lights there were. It was Dr. Sai, the scientist responsible for creating S9. J6 didn't know her well, only that she played a particularly large part in S9's creation and was one of the friendlier scientists. Pretty too, though she'd chosen not to marry or have children, and only helped her once in a while. The woman brought a finger to her lips, telling J6 to stay silent. "I know you're exhausted and hurting but I need your help with something," she whispered and she crooked her finger, silently telling J6 to follow her. "Come with me."

J6 silently stepped out of her bunk and followed the doctor until they found themselves in a hidden, remote corner of Robotics. J6 silently began to panic. With her recent beatings, she'd found herself looking over her shoulder much more then she did before. Was the kindness this doctor always shown just a facade? Was she about to show her true colors and beat her for the fun of it like many of the others did all because S9 had been her friend? The scientist looked at her pityingly before speaking. "I don't actually need your help with something, at least not tonight" she'd said and J6's heart started pumping even faster. This was it wasn't it? J6 was certain she was going to get another beating. But that wasn't it. It was what Dr. Sai said after that surprised her. "I've actually requested you be a personal assistant of sorts. I've... I've seen how you've been treated since your friend left. It's not right. I can't promise to help you escape though if the opportunity presents itself, you can bet I'll be you're number one supporter in getting out of here."

J6 doesn't know what to say. The doctor's words alone are a kindness she'd never expected even from some of the kinder scientists, but even if she never escapes this Hell, she knows that working under Dr. Sai she won't have to deal with beatings, or if she does they won't be nearly as often. She's relieved to hear this news and quickly accepts. "Y-yes. If it can be approved I'd love to help you out with whatever you need." For the first time in her life, other then hanging around S9, she feels safe.

The scientist smiles and welcomes her to the team. "It already has been approved. I know synths aren't allowed to have any personal items, but you'll be moving to my personal quarters between Robotics and BioScience up above. I'll even let you sleep there tonight if you prefer, or you can sleep in your regular bunk tonight and move what little you have to my quarters tomorrow morning."

J6 nodded and her words are quick. "I'll sleep there tonight. My stuff's not going anywhere I can always go back and get it." Dr. Sai nods as she smiles, not missing that she'd spoken quickly. Figuring she'd say something like that and leads the synth to her quarters. Eventually she's settled into a bed that pulls out of a couch. For a while she lays there staring at the ceiling of this particular domicile, but that's not really what she's thinking about. She's thinking about the surface. Somewhere up there, her dearest friend. J6 doesn't know for sure whether she's alive or dead but S9 has always had a hint of stubbornness about her. J6 has a feeling she's still alive. Someday. Someday she would escape this hell and find her friend. It might not be today, or tomorrow, or next month, or even next year, but it would happen someday. As soon as the opportunity to do so showed itself.