The cold of the examination bed lingered on Jasen's skin long after he had dressed and left the medical wing.
He left the examination room, and walked the corridors in silence, bare feet padding softly against the polished floor as the facility swallowed him again. The doors hissed shut behind him, sealing away the room. That was a experience he never want to have ever again. If that's what animal feels like, then he will become a vegan to never have that happen again.
Kline and Yelara looked at the monitors, from the measurements numbers that had reduced Subject 13's deeply personal into data points and projections. For project Ascension.
Kline began to read 13's data. "Ten inches flaccid with 3 inches wide. Eleven and a half when hard. Blood test show subject 13 is Fertile. A Viable mate for subject 12.
Subject 13 kept his face blank as he walked, but his mind churned.
They weren't subtle anymore. For years they had tested his strength, his mind, his biotics, his endurance. Blood draws, scans everyday, reflexes, neural mapping. He had accepted those as the price of survival. But this—this was different. This crossed a line he hadn't been able to articulate before, but now felt with absolute clarity.
They weren't just studying him. They were preparing him, and Jasen new he was no one's breeding stud. Not to mention once's they get what they want, then they have no use for him. When that happens death is the only answer he saw.
Jasen reached his quarters and sealed the door behind him. He leaned against it for a moment, breathing slowly, grounding himself. His heart rate normalized. His biotics stayed dormant, curled inward like a coiled spring. He needed to get out of this facility and off this island soon as possible. By next month he knew he had to leave by then.
Next month, Kline had said. That single phrase echoed louder than anything else.
In Dr. Kline's office, the lights were dimmer than usual.
She sat at her desk, fingers steepled, amber eyes fixed on the holographic image hovering above the terminal. The image showed a young girl, red hair cropped short, fair skin, eyes lowered. Her posture was rigid, but controlled.
Kline activated the secure channel. The terminal chimed once before the image shifted, replaced by the familiar face of Captain Stone. He was slightly older now. Lines at the edges of his eyes. Civilian clothing instead of uniform. But the posture remained, straight-backed, disciplined.
"Dr. Kline," Stone said evenly. "It's good to hear from you again."
"Yes," Kline replied coolly. "It is."
Stone's expression softened slightly. "How is Subject 13?"
"Advancing exactly as projected," she said. "Faster, if anything."
Stone nodded once. "And subject 12?" Kline glanced at the image again.
Stone nodded. "She's beyond ready, she adjusted well to the new environment. Integrated with the locals without incident. If you wanted she could be running this place."
Kline exhaled quietly. Relief flickered across his face. "Good. She's… stronger than she looks. But she needs to hide that well."
Stone hesitated. "Phase Two begins next month, then?"
"Immediately," Kline said. "No delays. The others besides Yelara are to be handled as planned, and the brief window will be opened."
Stone's jaw tightened. "Understood. I'll inform my people, and insure subject 12 no her role."
"Good," Kline said. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "One more thing."
Stone looked up. "Yes, Doctor?" Kline's gaze drifted back to the image on her desk, and thought of Subject 13. The boy who goes to the roof top, staring out at the ocean. He was her key, and a weapon for the Illusive Man. And a bridge to something greater for humanity and the galaxy.
"Make him work for it, I expect it to be real as possible." she said calmly. Stone studied her for a moment, then nodded. "As you wish Doctor."
The call ended.
Kline leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping once against the desk. Her pulse had quickened, not from doubt, but from anticipation. You're almost there, she thought. Both of you. Soon he will notice you and acknowledge your existence.
Jasen stood beneath the shower, hot water cascading over his small muscular shoulders as he stared at the tiled wall.
His thoughts returned to the rooftop. To the city lights on the horizon. To Korgath's words, and Vorath's warnings, to Yelara's lessons, and Kline coldness. Not to mention Ela's smile, and that eerie feeling she gave off.
He could tell something was moving. Shifting and aligning in the background. For the first time since waking up in this place, Jasen felt it clearly, not fear or confusion, but resolve to leave this place.
They thought they were preparing him for their own plans. They had no idea what they were actually creating. But soon they will.
The water shut off. Jasen stepped out, dried himself, and dressed with deliberate care. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, Light brown skin, amber eyes, a lean but muscular frame, his facial expression unreadable.
Next month, he thought.
He looked back to his visions. Whatever Phase Two was… It wouldn't go the way they expected. He didn't spend the last few years doing nothing. He was getting a lay of the facility. He even snuck into certain floors and rooms. Thanks to a few sleeping scientist, he also made use of the ventilation ducts. while he was still small.
By next month he will escape from this place without anyone noticing. And if they do, he will let lose all his pent up frustration, and blow this place sky high.