Doc came back very pissed. They wanted to replace her! Her! They wanted to hand the GMNs to someone else. Apparently she wasn't doing a good enough job for them. Who would they put in her place? She really wanted to know so she could kill them! Someone had been telling them what had been going on in her facility. Yes, her facility. She owned the building as well as everything in it.
No matter how she thought about it she couldn't accept it! They thought putting her in charge of the GMN project was a mistake, well it's too late to turn back now. It may be a project to them but they were the key to achieving her dreams. She wasn't about to give up. She maybe a member of the order and a low ranking one but things are about to change. They said they will communicate their decision to her but she wasn't going to wait for them.
On her way back to the facility she had received a phone call from her husband. It seems Silver who always antagonized her had rallied the members to push for both her removal from the managerial post of the project but also her indefinite suspension from the order. When she heard that bit of information, she laughed. She couldn't possibly hate the woman more because her hatred for her was already at its human limit. Things have been moving surprisingly calmly, they seem to have forgotten who she was. She smiled again. The order was in due need of reformation under a new leadership, she wasn't going to lose, not this time, not ever. She wanted it all and she was going to get it all.
Back at the facility the GMNs were waiting for Doc. They had received word that she was on her way. GMN-5 was at the forefront preparing for Doc's arrival. She had a big folder which according to her contains details of what happened in Doc's absence. Who asked her? She was jobless. They were sure she added the details of the work she didn't do like the location of the clone maker. They had finally gotten a location which they hypothesized could be where the clones were made and dispatched from. They had decided to tell Doc so she could send them there. GMN-2 had also suggested they tell 5 and 7 so Doc won't suspect anything. If some knew and some didn't know it might raise a red flag in Doc's head.
While the other GMNs decided to wait for Doc in the common room although some were reluctant to welcome her but had since they were keeping up appearances, GMN-5 waited for Doc downstairs file in her hand.
When Doc finally came into the common room she was red in the face.
"What did she do to Doc?" GMN-6 whispered and GMN-3 shrugged. Maybe she was bothered by other things.
"we were attacked, how did they get past against my security team!?" Doc shouted. For some reason this was the insult to the injury she had received. Her incompetence was going to a stamp she wouldn't be able to remove.
"Ask your security team" GMN-1 replied. Doc looked at her. She was better, judging by her snarky reply but it didn't answer her question. She turned to GMN-3. She knew that GMN-4 wouldn't pay her any attention.
"information around here is strictly on authorization basis" GMN-3 replied. How could she forget? They had made things in that way to prevent them finding out the truth by any chance. Doc rubbed her forehead. She had bigger issues to deal with and now they are adding this!
"what exactly attacked the facility?" Doc asked
"clones" GMN-5 replied
"and how did they get in?" Doc asked and GMN-1 visibly rolled her eyes.
"we were hoping you could tell us when you come back. This breach has happened too frequent for convenience" GMN-2 said. Doc blew out a breathe and tried to moisten her parched lips.
"the box!?" Doc remembered.
"safe" GMN-5 replied like she had been the one in charge. Doc looked at her and then to the rest. She hoped they didn't let her handle anything important.
"did they take anything?" Doc asked
"No" GMN-1 answered and Doc breathed out a sigh of relief. GMN-1 wanted to add 'they didn't find what they were looking for in your office' but it will alert her unnecessarily. Doc nodded.
"good job everyone" Doc said and was about to walk out when GMN-5 literally shouted
"we found the location of the clones!" Doc stopped in her tracks and turned to the rest of them not even the person that said it.
"we?" GMN-6 immediately blurted out and the dog that had been lying down like what they were doing had nothing to do with it barked angrily and then growled at GMN-5. The dog seemed to be sensitive sometimes.
"4" GMN-5 corrected maybe if she gave him credit in front of Doc…
"9" GMN-4 corrected nonchalantly but Doc wasn't interested in that bit of information. Her tech guys were really useless. She had put them to work to give her anything on those clones, anything! And they gave her nothing.
"you found the location? Where?" Doc asked
"somewhere at the outskirt of the next city. State map tells us it used to be a large production plant" GMN-9 replied
This is huge. She had no doubt that one of the Dr. Stones were behind this and very probably Annabelle Stone. Finding the location means finding her and her reserve of GMNs no matter how fake. Knowing her, she would be working on making them better. Doc just hit a jackpot. What to do first? She had to think this through carefully, she couldn't afford to make any mistakes. She looked at the folder GMN-5 was holding.
"this is the summary of what happened in my absence?" Doc asked
"so she claims "GMN-6 replied
"did you go through it?" Doc asked openly to the others and GMN-5 frowned
"like she would just hand it over with a smile" GMN-6 replied sarcastically. Doc just nodded and took the folder from 5 and headed to her office. It was time to wait. They saw the desire to send them there immediately on Doc's face but she hesitated. It was like she was weighing something in comparison to her desire, what could it be?
"doc would be very pleased with your efforts" GMN-5 said to 4
"Deccan didn't come back with her" GMN-1 commented
"they didn't leave together"GMN-4 replied
"that's odd. They usually leave together" GMN-1 said
GMN-5 smiled to herself. it seems like GMN-1 didn't know the answer to everything but she could get the answer. She may not be as good as 4 in fighting but she could get the information he didn't have access to and she would deliver them on a platter of gold. She walked out to go find some answers and GMN-9 followed to find out the answers she was going to find out.
GMN-1 had made sure to fill 5 with information she would relate to Doc that would help Doc make the decision they wanted her to make. GMN-1 looked down at the dog.
"come on doggie we have something to do" GMN-1 said and started walking and the dog even got to the door before her.
"seems to me the dog likes her more than anyone" GMN-6 commented a little sour
"relax, it's just a dog" GMN-3 replied patting her on the shoulder. GMN-4 just turned and headed to the door.
"where are you going?" GMN-6 asked
"kitchen" GMN-4 replied
"why?"
"i promised the chef a new recipe"GMN-4 replied
"how do you even know where the kitchen is?" GMN-7 asked
"since when do you cook?" GMN-3 asked and GMN-4 turned to face them
"just something I've been wanting to try since the dog came" GMN-4 replied and 6 was up in his face by the time he finished.
"i know you have jealousy issues but don't you dare touch my dog!" GMN-6 said
GMN-4 didn't show any emotion. He wasn't angry or upset. He bent to her level.
"then do well to keep it far away…" he said then turned and left. GMN-6 turned to face them seriously pissed. It wasn't her fault that the dog liked GMN-1 and GMN-1 liked the dog even if she didn't know or admit it even to herself. He shouldn't take his jealousy out on a poor dog who is so open to express its feelings.
"if he touches my dog, I'll kill him!"GMN-6 said trying to suppress her anger. She was already angry enough that the dog liked GMN-1 more but it didn't mean it didn't like her and she didn't like it. Her new companion wasn't going to end up on some menu.
"you can try or you can get rid of the dog"GMN-2 said leaving. GMN-6 turned to watch him retreat. She couldn't believe this. He too was jealous of a dog!? some thing had to be wrong with the males in this place. She huffed and left.
Few hours later GMN-6 met 3 at his lab.
"i need your help" GMN-6 said as soon as she entered. He looked up from what he had been doing
"okay?" he said urging her on
"i need to find out who GMN-1 likes more between those two gorrillas" she said
GMN-3 suspended what he was doing and turned to give her his full attention. He didn't know where to start from with her case. What was it to her? He was sure that who GMN-1 liked, if possible was none of her business. Still…
"why?" he asked. Is there a method to her madness?
"because the guys around here find it difficult to express their feelings. I mean the odds are in favour of us being humans and taking that into consideration, it is okay to like something or someone. Fighting over someone who doesn't know you like her is well, lame" GMN-6 stated
"your point?" He had no idea what to process first.
"since expression is a common problem among the males here, I think it is possible for females to take the lead"
GMN-3 stared at her for a while. Forget the males among them, the females here had more than one screw loose and right now he felt he was looking at a basket case.
"Why would you think expression is a problem for males?" it seems his share today was to be asking questions
"hello!? you like a girl but can't even tell her, instead you fight over her even while she's looking" 6 said like it was something so grievous she couldn't wrap her head around.
"Have you ever liked someone? Come back when you do and know how hard it is to express your feelings" GMN-3 said, turning back to what he was doing. Feelings or not were the least of his problems. He had work to do. Express feelings? Pfff! He rather they go back to the unfeeling monsters they once were. Things were a lot simpler and easy.
"GMN-3, I like you." GMN-3 froze, snapping the tube in his hand. That was so unexpected and now he was going to need to start over. He stopped what he was doing again and turned to look at her and she was very serious. "I like you more than the other males here. You're bright, dedicated, serious, friendly some of the time and very responsible. I like the fact that I can piss you off and get away with it and the fact that you are calm, patient and level headed while I'm not. I like the fact that you care for others even though you don't like to show it. There I've said it! Now can you help me?"
GMN-3 didn't know his mouth was open until she looked at him funny and helped him close it. Forget blowing a fuse in his head, there was a massive power failure.
He still stared and when the power was finally restored to his brain, it began to work over time. How can she drop something like that and change the topic. She didn't even wait for him to say anything, just like in those stupid human dramas she made them watch sometimes. She must have known he didn't have anything to say. He could read most people and could mostly tell when they were lying. She was serious and wasn't lying.
"what just happened?" 3 Finally asked
" I expressed my feelings and it wasn't that hard" GMN-6 replied. He stared at her again and he came to a conclusion. He needed to check her brain scan again, but first he needed to get her out of here so he could think properly.
GMN-6 continued "so if she liked someone, it wouldn't be hard for her" that seemed to put his personal thoughts on hold as he recalled the major issue that led to all these.
"This is GMN-1 we are talking about. How many emotions have she expressed since you've known her aside from nonchalance, indifference, wry amusement and boredom?" GMN-3 asked
"you do have a point but knowing who she'd prefer will stare us in the right direction" she replied
"wait us? When did I get involved in this?"
"when you agreed to help me" GMN-6 said walking towards him. He eyed her warily. Forget a basket, she was a mental case, all her screws were missing!
"how is this even your business?" he asked as she tugged him up from his seat
"let's say if she gets together with one of them, they'll leave my dog alone and besides I'm in the mood to play matchmaker" GMN-6 said dragging him towards the door. He was really uncomfortable with her and the whole thing but more so he was dumbfounded. All these troubles for a dog. He frowned. His own train of thoughts were beginning to confuse him. She noticed, misinterpreted and stopped turning to him.
"i like you doesn't mean you have to like me back and may not mean I will hate you for liking someone else. It's my feelings not yours but that does not guarantee the safety of the other person you decide to like. Be rest assured I won't stalk you, unless I find something interesting." She said then laughed "That was funny. I will stalk you if I feel like but you don't have to feel awkward or uncomfortable around me. I'm not going to treat you any different and you shouldn't." she said then continued dragging him out "now let's go!" he just looked at her dumbly.
Doc had a visitor at the facility and it wasn't Deccan, it was someone they hadn't seen before. A woman who looked friendly but with an underlying shade of danger. They were all in the common room except GMN-1 and the dog when they heard footsteps. It wasn't a familiar footstep nor was the scent. They had smelled her as far as the ground floor. The woman entered with lots of bodyguards and they were instantly on alert although they appeared to be calmly seated. She brought human bodyguards, this keeps getting amusing.
"hello" the woman said but no one replied. She seemed to have expected that because she chuckled lightly. Immediately Doc entered. There was an air of hostility between the woman and Doc but Doc seemed to know who she was.
"i should have know it was you" Doc said no formalities. The woman seemed to be mildly surprised or acted to be.
"oh you didn't know?" the woman asked her eyes scanned around like she was searching for something. Doc followed her eyesight and inwardly sneered. The woman turned to Doc and smiled "won't you introduce me?" when Doc did not reply, she walked forward to the center infront of the GMNs who were seated.
"Hi, I'm Silver." The woman said. The second person to give them a name and they weren't sure if it was real.
"you're the person that has been attacking us and sending those clones"GMN-5 accused and they saw Doc's face drop a little. The woman turned to look at Doc a hint of mockery and amusement in her eyes. Doc stiffened but held her head and chin high as if unaffected which seemed to amuse the woman more. She turned to GMN-5
"i'm afraid I'm not the one although how someone can attack the facility and get away is beyond me" she replied
"she didn't get away. We have a location!" Doc defended
"really?what do you plan to do then?" she asked feigning curiousity but Doc could see right through her. So Silver was her replacement and she was suppose to hand over everything just like that? Pathetic! Doc knew that she had to be smart about things. Silver could easily make her the villian with just one wrong move. She wondered the lie the order had concocted to tell the GMNs and she hoped it wasn't fullproof. Doc didn't answer that question rather she asked
"why are you here!?" she knew if she showed hostility to the woman, the GMNs would be skeptical about trusting her. Silver smiled.
She too did not answer the question but turned to the GMNs.
"you must be 4,5,2,3,6,9,7" Silver said identifying them correctly. How did she know? "where is GMN-1?" she asked. No one answered her but the one they called 5 just starred straight ahead. She turned and standing at the doorway was a minature version of Annabelle with different eye colour. Annabelle was indeed a beauty, her daughter more so.
"you must be 1" Silver said with a smile but the girl infront of her ignored her while the dog seemed to growl at her. She smiled at the girl but the girl just stood there looking at her. It was hard to tell what she was thinking.
GMN-1 had been heading to the common room when she picked up a somewhat familar scent. She couldn't exactly place where she had perceieved this combination. A face was flashing in her head and she felt some kind animosity to the unknown person. She was a bit surprised when she saw the unknown face in flesh and blood right before her. She sensed the hostility between the woman and Doc which seemed to have rubbed off the others. This should be interesting. Suddenly the woman was talking to her. She knew her, how?
"i'm Silver" the woman said again. Even the name sounded familar. She looked at the woman and compared her with Doc. She would only be described as pretty compared to Doc or Beautiful when Doc wasn't around. She was not bad but in comparison…
"always second best" .GMN-1 said looking away from the woman just like the metal that bears her name and the woman froze and so did Doc. They both looked at her then at each other.
That was the first thing Annabelle said when Doc introduced Silver to her. She frowned. She couldn't remember if Annabelle had brought her child to the event and neither could Doc because if not she was really her mother's daughter.
"pardon?" Silver gave the same reply as she did when Annabelle had made the same comment. The girl brought her eyes back to her and couldn't look more disinterested.
"the metal" GMN-1 replied and Doc's mouth dropped open. The exact same thing her mother had said after. GMN-1 then crossed her and went to take a seat with the dog in tow. It stood watch beside her.
Silver turned following the girl with her eyes. There was a new found hatred in her eyes that she tried to conceal. All the GMNs narrowed there eyes except GMN-5. GMN-5 knew that look. It meant the woman couldn't stand GMN-1. she hoped she stuck around, it was hard to find someone who understood that feeling around here let alone feel the same. They could be friends, even allies.
"you remind me of someone" Silver said looking at GMN-1 who again didn't reply. What exactly do you reply to that when the person was staring at you barely concealed hatred? Even if there was something, she couldn't be bothered. She didn't care.
The new woman smiled a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"i'll be working with Doc so I thought it best to introduce myself and get to meet you" Silver said with another of her fake smiles. Doc frowned. She was unprepared for this. "however, I won't be starting till next month" the woman said and then turned to Doc and said with a smile. "I just came for formalities and introduction"
Doc just turned and left. The woman turned to face them.
"it was nice meeting you all" the woman said her eyes finally resting on GMN-1. There was a dangerous glint in her eyes and she smiled another fake smile and turned going the same way Doc left. The dog that had been on attack mode relaxed its stance and sat on its haunches. GMN-1 scratched its head and muttered
"me too" then she stood up and the dog made to follow her. "stay!" she said and the dog sat down back looking pitiful. GMN-1 signaled the dog to 6 with her head. The dog wagged its tail and went over to 6 rubbing its nose on her leg. GMN-6 frowned a little.
"We've been busy. He needs a break" GMN-1 said walking out. GMN-2 stood up and followed after her. The rest subconsciously looked at GMN-4 but he was calm, very calm. This couldn't be good. GMN-3 thought. It looked like GMN-2 went after 1 and 4 was seated here very very calm. Was this a good sign or not?
"Remember you agreed to help me" GMN-6 said, turning to GMN-3 who looked shocked and frowned. GMN-4 looked at both of them but didn't say anything. He had noticed 3 had been looking at 6 funny all afternoon but he couldn't pinpoint why. He let it be. He had other things to worry about, like who that woman was and why she hated 1. He saw the dangerous glint in her eyes and knew that she was up to something or more specifically was out against her. He didn't quite understand 1's reaction to the woman and he would bet she too didn't fully understand her own reaction. It was as if they knew each other in some way but they were both unsure, then there was reference to a third person whom she claimed 1 reminded her of. Who was that person and could that person be the link between the two of them. He had long bought the idea of them being human even though 1 was unwilling to accept it. He was more interested in figuring out who they were and what actually happened to them. He couldn't exactly say anything until he found something tangible.
"what is he helping you with?" GMN-9 asked
"girl's stuff. 5 are you in?" GMN-6 replied and the rest raised their brows. 3 was helping 6 with girl stuff and they even invited 5. It sounded weird on so many levels.
"what?" GMN-5 asked. She didn't believe her ears. She wanted to know what she was up to so she could have something to report and maybe used the opportunity to get to know Doc's new partner.
"if you are doing girls' stuff, then why is he tagging along? And why can't I tag along?" GMN-9 asked
"because he's the entertainment" GMN-6 replied and 3 nearly choked on his saliva. He didn't sign up for this and now he was the entertainment? What was she really up to?
"okay, I'm in" GMN-5 replied
"what about me?" GMN-9 asked
"you're with me" GMN-4 said standing up and heading to the door
"how about we swap? Take 3 let me go with them. You work really well with him" GMN-9 voluntered. GMN-4 glared at him and he swallowed and followed 4 out.
"i'm off then. Catch ya later" GMN-7 said exiting
"i really wonder what he does with his free time" GMN-6 replied
"he draws. From landscape to potraits, floor plans, maps even the stars. He can draw accurately from memory just by seeing once. Wait, you didn't know?" GMN-5 asked. It was hard to tell if the question was a mockery or plain curiousity.
"how did you know?" GMN-6 asked mockingly
"please, I know everything. I know that you spend your free time reading books and watching documentaries on disgusting animals like the one you brought back, watching movies and whatever catches your fancy at the moment. He is always in his lab mixing this, checking that, honestly I don't understand what he does there but that's where he always is. 9 is the computer geek, 2 is mentally disturbed from all those psychological books he's been reading. 4 is amazing, always tinkering and making stuff. GMN-1, I don't get. I can't figure out what she actually does. That girl can hide things more than a saint hiding a sin" GMN-5 said, her exasperation leaking out.
"how do you even know all this?" GMN-6 asked while GMN-3 just stared at her, maybe she wasn't as dumb as they thought she was. How did she get this information?
"by sticking her nose in other people's business" GMN-1 said from the door
"well you should know that, that is my business" GMN-5 said standing up
"Well you should know that it is your business to stay out of mine" GMN-1 said not moving an inch.
3 looked around. What was going on? He would rather be in his lab. He had enough to deal with than being a spectator in a catfight.
"okay. I was thinking about us doing somethings that girls do or maybe play a game" GMN-6 said
"wait, that's it? That's the girl stuff? I'm out of here" GMN-5 said heading for the door.
"How about truth or dare!?" GMN-6 blurted out before she could stop herself. GMN-3 felt like he rather be anywhere. GMN-5 turned around. It was unusual to see GMN-6 like this. She must really want something.
"what do you want to know?" GMN-1 asked and GMN-6 frowned. Maybe she wasn't as subtle as she wanted to be. In foresight she should have engaged them differently, it wasn't too late.
"just felt bored" GMN-6 shrugged it off. GMN-1 just nodded and turned to go.
"Wait" GMN-5 said "what's in it?" This was more tempting the more she thought of it.
"you either choose truth or dare and go through or drink" GMN-6 replied
"drink what?" GMN-1 asked
"alcohol. I've got some really strong ones" GMN-6 replied and GMN-3 felt his jaw slacken. They were going to drink and he was going to babysit? Have they drunk before? Yes, they all had to check their alcohol resistance among other things and Doc sometimes let them go crazy, why? He didn't know.This wasn't how he planned his day and he couldn't back out now in case something happened. He sighed. In all honesty, he was curious, too curious for his own good.
6 was liking this more. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, having them in a position where they are compelled to say the truth or do what she says or drink in which case the truth would still come out and still do what she wanted. This was a full proof no pressure plan. Shejust had to make sure they got drunk before her. She knew 1 had a great tolerance, good thing she had a spare key to Doc's liquor cabinet.
"ok, I'm in" GMN-5 said
"i'm out" GMN-1 said turning to go again
"afraid of a little acohol?" GMN-5 teased. GMN-1 stopped but didn't reply. GMN-5 continued "a little game and alcohol has you running off, very disappointing" GMN-1 turned.
"i'll get the cups" GMN-1 said heading towards the refrigerator
"great! Meet us in my room" GMN-6 said walking out with 5 behind her and then 3.
GMN-1 went to get the cups. It would seem like they were pressuring her into something she'll rather not do but the reverse was the case. She had been baiting them and reeling them in to do what she wanted. It was just the matter of timing and subtle inclination. They weren't the only one with questions. Although she didn't know what they wanted to ask, the truth or dare was entirely her idea and the added knowledge of GMN-6's alcohol was a bonus. She knew she was being manipulative but chess always interested her. It was just a strategy to get what she wanted. She got the cups and extra cups, going for paper cups rather than regular cups. This was so going to be interesting.
GMN-4 didn't like what they were up to. He didn't expect this turn of events, they were going to play truth or dare. He didn't know whether to be alarmed or intrigued. He would have sounded the alarm but 3 was there but he wondered how he was going to cope. Having all the females together in a room without issues was kind of hard not to talk about when alcohol is added. He knew 6 and 5 had the weakest tolerance. He also knew that when the alcohol hits, 5 becomes loose especially with words and actions, 6 becomes wild but GMN-1 was the unpredictable one. One time she made a chemical explosive, another time she just sat down and started reading. The rest he would rather not remember.
GMN-1 met them in the room, they were waiting for her. She dropped the cups on the ground and surveyed GMN-6's collection and didn't say anything. GMN-6 sat on the ground and motioned for them to join her.
"c'mon, it's more comfortable" she said producing a bottle from the lowest part of her cupboard.
GMN-1 just sat on the ground without further question and no reaction. She propped one leg up bending it at the knee with that foot on the ground and the other leg she bent under the propped leg. She rested her back on GMN-6's wardrobe door looking comfortable and relaxed and somewhat impatient. GMN-5 snorted. GMN-3 dragged out the lone chair and sat down which left only the bed which was way too high. He was the supervisor not that they needed one with GMN-1 and two unreasonable people but whatever the case, this was girls and alcohol and the most potentially dangerous game. He hated to think what could possibly go wrong.
GMN-5 at down on the floor and stretched her legs in front of her then folded them underneath her then unfolded them and sit like GMN-1 but she was still not comfortable and wondered how GMN-1 managed to be relaxed and comfortable in that position. GMN-1 rested her hand on the knee of the raised leg and just watched her. It made 5 more uncomfortable but she managed to rearrange herself in a semi comfortable position.
"so here are the rules. That guy over there is the judge. Why did I invite him here,one because he's going to mostly mind his business, observe and keep it to himself, plus he's going to be impartial and maybe the only sober person among us when we are done. Back to the game, we go in order. 1 then 5 then me. You spin the bottle and get to ask whoever the neck faces. You get?" GMN-6 said
"remind me again the point of all these?" GMN-1 asked rhetorically.
GMN-3 rolled his eyes. She didn't see the point and she was here. He suspected something was up the moment she made it seem like they taunted her to agree. He was at lost on what she hoped to gain. It is not like she shares what she intends to do. Patience is a virtue.
GMN-1 spinned the bottle and it pointed at 6.
"Truth or dare?" GMN-1 asked
"truth" GMN-6 replied. She decided to play it safe first
"where did you get the alcohol?" GMN-1 asked. She knew 6 had alcohol but never got around to knowing from who but she had an idea, she saw a card.
"from B. A. T. bat his initals, my solo mission which happened to be a club"GMN-6 replied and it was 5's turn. She spun the bottle it pointed at 6 again. Well this was her idea. GMN-6 sighed.
"truth or dare" GMN-5 asked
"truth" GMN-6 replied playing it safe with the witch
"are you jealous that your dog likes GMN-1 more than you?" GMN-5 asked and there was a pause. She thought as much. She was a witch. What kind of question was that? Still she answered.
"yes" GMN-6 replied without looking guilty. So she was jealous, what? GMN-5 looked at GMN-1 who didn't show any change in expression. This was going to be interesting. This may work to her advantage. Destroy their trust. She mentally smiled.
It was GMN-1's turn and it pointed at 5.
"truth or dare?" GMN-1 asked
"truth" GMN-5 replied as she expected
"the details of what happened to you on your solo mission" GMN-1 stated and 5 froze. There was no way in hell she was going to tell them and she knew for a fact whatever she made up would sound lame. She didn't know if GMN-1 was just curious or knew she wouldn't want to answer that.
"drink!" GMN-5 said and 6 signalled to 3. Now he was pouring drinks?
GMN-1 fixed her eyes on GMN-5, never wavering or blinking. This made GMN-5 uneasy as if she knew. The uneasiness made 5 down the drink in one gulp then winced. This was some really strong stuff. It burned straight through her throat. She tried not to cough. They had heightened senses including heightened taste buds. When 6 had said she had alcohol, she had honestly been expecting a couple of beers or redwine.
It was her turn to spin the bottle. It pointed at GMN-1.
"truth or dare?" GMN-5 asked
"truth"GMN-1 replied
"How did you know that it wasn't the real GMN-4 that came to get you after that mission?" GMN-5 asked
"he was friendly" GMN-1 replied. That was a vague answer at best. Friendly how? Was it something he said or did? Gesture?
It was GMN-6 turn. She spinned the bottle and it pointed at GMN-1. GMN-6 had a wicked glint in her eyes and although GMN-1 had wanted to choose dare she had learnt not to be the subject of that look.
"truth" GMN-1 said before 6 asked. 6 looked disappointed and 3 smiled. GMN-6 looked at him and frowned then deemed her eyes at him as if she got a brillant idea.
"between 2 and 4 who would you rather take for a mission?" GMN-6 asked
"4" GMN-1 answered without a pause and they all starred at her. Was this a revelation of some sort? She just shrugged and added "you said for a mission"
That put them back in square one, for those that were interested anyway. This could mean that for a mission, she would prefer 4 while preferring 2 generally. On what basis was her preference? She just complicated there judgement!
6 wished she had worded the question differently but she was constantly reminded that 5 was here. She needed to take out the extra unwanted audience now she had served her purpose of making 1 agree.
GMN-1 just spun the bottle not paying attention to the rest. She didn't know what and why they were over thinking. It was a straightforward question on her preference for a mission and they were behaving as if her answer was cryptic.
The bottle pointed at GMN-6 who was still contemplating something.
"truth" GMN-6 replied absentmindely
"What did you tell him today that has him acting weird?" GMN-1 said, pointing at 3. GMN-6 eyes widened in surprise. How did she know? He didn't talk to 1 and hadn't seen her much today. 6 knew because she had been with him.
"drink"GMN-6 said and collected a cup.
"guess it's my turn" GMN-5 said spinning the bottle and it pointed at 1
"dare" GMN-1 said and they all looked at her surprised. She had really been keeping them alert.
"i dare you to… I dare you to…" she had a lot of things to dare her to do, most of them she wanted to do herself, most of which would increase the hate towards her. hmmm.
GMN-1 just starred at her while she made up her mind. She knew whatever she was thinking would be detrimental but she could always back out if she wanted. She just wanted to know the kind of things she could come up with, for future reference.
"I dare you to go to GMN-4's lab and pour water on him and turn back with no explanation" she finally said. GMN-1's eyes deemed a little that it could go unnoticed. Was that the best she could come up with. Apparently she revolved around GMN-4 and for some unusual reason it was starting to piss her off. Why was she concerned, it was their business. She stood up with a determined glint in her eyes. Then chanced a glance up at the clock, 6 so favoured.
"drink?" GMN-3 offered hoping to draw her attention to reality but she walked out. GMN 5 and 6 eyes widened. Then GMN-1 came back again, maybe she reconsidered. Fat chance! She dragged GMN-5 up and out of the room. She took her to the common room and got a cup of water and then dragged her towards the lab with the rest behind them. They entered the lab and only saw GMN-9 who stared at them from the desk closer to the door. He removed the headphones he was wearing because he felt he needed all his senses fully alert.
"He's not here" GMN-1 said, letting go of 5 and drinking the water in the cup. The others released the breath they didn't know they were holding. GMN-1 turned on her heels and headed out and the rest followed leaving a confused GMN-9. He had been eavesdropping on their game and heard the dare. He had thought she wouldn't do it but the strain in GMN-3's voice when he had offered her a drink said otherwise. Then they had showed up, he thought she was going to wait but she just turned as abruptly as she came. Did she plan this?
That was the same question in GMN-3's mind but he couldn't have mistaken the glint in her eyes. He shook his head.
GMN-4 was surprised to see the people exiting his special room but he didn't show it. He was very curious about the empty cup 1 was holding.
"any problem?" he asked them or more precisely her. She just shrugged and crossed him while 5 looked somewhat uncomfortable. GMN 3 and 6 looked relieved. 6 dragged 5 who had stopped awkwardly and headed the same way 1 went. 3 stopped in front of him and patted him on the shoulder like he just avoided something unpleasant and continued on his way.
That was weird. GMN-4 though entering his lab. Gmn-9 was pretending not to notice him which made him a bit more curious but he didn't push.
Back in GMN-6's room, GMN-1 sat down like nothing happened and in her opinion nothing did. Did she plan to pour water on GMN-4 and he was saved by a stroke of luck or did she know her timing so well? The answer to that was amusing even to her but she was a master of disguise and looked indifferent.
GMN-6 wasn't sure she wanted to continue the game, things had taken an unexpected turn. She was playing the game with one deranged female and one dangerous female, she didn't like the odds.
"Your turn" GMN-1 said, passing her the bottle, she sighed and spun it. It faced GMN-1
"dare" GMN-1 said before the question was asked and 6 swallowed.
"i dare you to tell me who you like best in this facility" GMN-6 said and waited and she didn't have to wait long.
"the dog"GMN-1 replied without second thoughts.
GMN-9 who had been eavesdropping choked on his saliva and had to cough furiously to clear his throat. He looked up to see GMN-4 looking pointedly at him and swallowed.
"what is it?" GMN-4 asked.
You just got passed over for a dog which might go missing, but he didn't say anything and went back to what he was physically working on with the computer in front of him. GMN-4 observed him for a while then went back to what he had been doing. There was something going on but it would have to wait till he was done with what he was doing.
GMN-3 hoped 4 didn't hear that or the dog might indeed end up on the menu and he had no doubt 4 and 2 would relish such a meal.
"i said who" GMN-6 countered after some time.
"I clearly stated a living being and considering you named it GMN-10, I stand justified"GMN-1 replied spinning the bottle and it pointed at 5.
"i think that's enough game for one day" GMN-3 said
"for once I agree with you"GMN-5 said. GMN-1 raised a brow and pinned her with a stare. This wasn't good, GMN-3 thought. The next words he heard proved that fact.
"what? You're afraid of a little dare?" GMN-1 sounded so disbelieving and taunting that it had GMN-5 sitting down back.
"fine, dare" GMN-5 said hauntingly
"i dare you to drink half of the contents of that bottle and two cups from the other, supposing you can" GMN-1 said with a slight tilt of her head.
"i don't think that is a god idea" GMN-3 voiced
"then stop thinking!" GMN-5 said and stood up. She grabbed the neck of the bottle and chugged half the content of the bottle at one go then dropped it staggering a little from the swiftness of her motions. She then proceeded to pour the content of the other bottle into two cups which she filled to the brim. She gulped down the first cup and winced at the change in taste. She gulped the second one even though GMN-3 tried to stop her. She burped, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. She was flushed as the alcohol began to take effect.
"My turn"GMN-5 said, staggering a little to her previous spot and slumping on the ground with no decency. She spun the bottle and it landed at GMN-6.
"dare" she said somewhat unsure and regretted it.
"i dare you to hit GMN-1 on the face" GMN-5 said a bit aggressively. GMN-6 looked from 5 to 1. They wanted to use her as a weapon in their personal vendetta. She wasn't stupid.
"drink please" GMN-6 said. She rather be an alive drunk than dead sober. She gulped down the drink and GMN-3 shook his head. The females in this place weren't normal but then he would have to know what normal is to judge them. He shook his head again.
"my turn" GMN-6 said and spun the bottle it pointe at GMN-5
"truth or dare?" GMN-6 asked
"Does it matter?" GMN-5 said groggily and GMN-6 looked from 5 to 1 and back to the 5 who attempted to stand but failed. "Did any of this matter in the first place?" She said and hiccuped.
GMN-6 turned accusing gaze to GMN-1 who was very calm.
"i guess the game has official ended" GMN-1 said drily
"oh shut up! I'm tired of hearing you talk." GMN-5 said seriously looking around as if to find where the voice had come from. GMN-3 looked at GMN-1 and sighed so this was what she wanted to achieve all these while. He wondered whose idea this was in the first place.
"i guess it's best if we ended it here" GMN-6 said getting up and was stopped by GMN-5's harsh words
"pathetic. Your dog likes her more than you and she likes the dog more than you and you're still courteous, polite and even like her. You are unbearable, she's unbearable, you all are unbearable" GMN-5 ranted as she tried to sit straight.
"I think the alcohol has done something to her brain" GMN-6 whispered to no one in particular and GMN-5 squinted her eyes as if it would make her see clearly. From the way she was swaying even while sitting it was obvious seeing clearly was becoming a problem.
"i hate putting up with you, all of you especially her!" GMN-5 said aiming for GMN-1 but ending up pointing in a random direction. "I hate the fact that she is so good. She's beautiful and can fight, smart and the fact that two guys are fighting over her but she doesn't even know. So much for being smart!"
"okay that's enough!" GMN-3 made his way to her in haste before she said more and made things really awkward. He could bet she had said more than enough and GMN-1 will very well decipher the rest without help. Things had suddenly gone down hill. GMN-1 grabbed his ankle as he made his way to 5 nearly tripping him. Her grip was firm and prevented him from moving forward and GMN-5 continued. Men will she regret when she becomes sober that is if she remembers. He read somewhere that some people do not recover memories of things said or done when heavily inebriated.
"You know that's a lot of grudges to carry around" GMN-1 said indifferently.
"grudge? Hmm! Grudge? I hate you! Everytime I look at you I can think of a million gruesome things to do to you. The picture perfect image, oh ask GMN-1, 1 what do you think? Any ideas? I grew up hating you. Yes! Hating you and I didn't even know you. Why can't you be like her? Just look at her, well now I am and you know what I'd prefer you dead!" GMN-5 ranted
Everyone just starred at her. She must really hate GMN-1. GMN-6 thought. She hadn't seen that much hate even in movies, it was dripping off her. GMN-6 couldn't help feel that 5's hate went far back, the girl said she grew up hating GMN-1. if the whole human stuff was real then 5 knew 1 since and the hate was more than just a carryover. She turned to look at GMN-1 her face was plain like someone in front of her wasn't wishing her dead.
GMN-3 looked from 5 to 1 and back again. Forget things going downhill this was a catastrophe. He couldn't stop 5 because 1 was holding him and he had a feeling that things would definetly explode if he made the wrong move. He couldn't exactly tell what 1 was thinking because as usual she was wearing her poker face that gave nothing away.
"i'm not sure Doc would be happy to know that you hate your fellow teammate" GMN-1 said
"Doc? Like she cares. Please she only cares about keeping you in line and her power plays. You think she'll care if I threw you off a roof or wait she might because you are her ticket. You're the most coveted piece on their chessboard." GMN-5 said with a humourless laugh
"what do you mean?"GMN-1 asked her voice taking on a dangerous note
"i think we better end this here. I'll take her to her room"GMN-6 said getting up. She actually thought this whole thing was her idea but now she wasn't very sure. The meticulous way everything played out.
"sit down" it was cold and GMN-6 subconsciously shivered and sat back down.
"well well well. You don't know? I wish I could frame this moment, a moment where I know something the perfect GMN-1 doesn't" GMN-5 gloated. At the mention of perfect there was a slight crack in GMN-1's expression but it was covered in a second and went unnoticed by 6 and the drunk 5. "don't worry I'll tell you and you can take my word for it because obviously I'm her right hand. She's aiming for some position but too many people are standing in her way so she's taking them out one by one and there's more than Doc or so I heard. Eavesdropping on a phone call with clipped conversation is really frustrating. Bottom line is she's just using us but you. You are a dime. Everyone she communicates with wants a piece of you." GMN-5 said
"what else do you know" it wasn't a question and the others just stood by torn between saving the day and wanting to know.
"She has safes in her office and Deccan is not coming back. Apparently he ranted her out to their bosses. I guess that's why Silvia is here. Deccan somehow knew but it took a while after I saw her and her interaction with Doc to put the pieces together." GMN-5 said. Alcohol really made her loose.
"you knew all these and didn't tell us?" GMN-6 was incredulous. They may have an idea of what was going on but she knew the whole gist and kept it to herself away from them but then again she was GMN-5 which begged another question "Does 7 know about all these?" GMN-5 gave a dismissal sigh before saying
"he tried to double cross me. You see everyone wants to take GMN-1's position but then suddenly he wasn't so interested. Maybe he found at some and backed out. I couldn't be happier, less hurdles for me. I mean I'm invisible and smart, he's invisible and dumb with no ambition. I'll definetly knock him out and that was why Doc chose me. She knew I'll be willing to go the extra miles just to get what I want which GMN-1 seem to be in the way of, so we made a trade. I get dirts on you and keep tabs and Doc gives me her pedestal although right now I'm considering switching camp since power has shifted. I have a feeling I will get long with Silvia because we have one thing in common. You want to know?" GMN-5 asked
"not interested" GMN-1 said letting go of 3 and standing up
"rude and nonchalant as always but I will tell you. We hate you. Hating you will be our favourite past time and we may even graduate to tormenting you." GMN-5 said with a laugh.
To 3 and 6 this had made progression from awkward to weird to full blown hate speech. They needed to uncover the secrets fast before things really get out of hand.
"tell us all you know" GMN-6 demanded and GMN-5 laughed like it was hilarious.
"and why would I do that, besides even if I do tell all, I'll still find out more that you don't know. Let's face the fact. I'm the information hub. I can get information your precious GMN-1 or even Sandra can't get" GMN-5 boasted
Who's Sandra?
"i'll tell you something though. We're all pieces in a chess match. Doc's phone calls might be weird but I've heard enough to know that she's not the ultimate boss. Funny right? They are using her and she's playing them an exciting game no?" GMN-5 laughed again and GMN-6 reached the conclusion that something was really wrong with her head. How could she find something like this funny. GMN-1 knew that this was a demonstration of how she felt about the whole thing. An amusement, a game. To GMN-5 they were pawns and she was on the sideline because she knew. She wasn't one to butt into people's business but she was equally curious and loved solving mysteries and playing games as much as she loved creating them. She had wanted to let all lie but GMN-5 had begun to seem alarmingly off, now she had an inclination why.
"how long is this supposed to last?" GMN-3 asked. 5 was supposed to be out by now according to what he knew.
"you do know she can be hyper active"GMN-1 replied and 3 wondered what it has to do with anything.
"interesting"they heard from the door and turned to see GMN-4. Well 1 and 3 saw him already. GMN-5 heard the voice and turned.
"there he is, the cherry on top" GMN-5 said with a certain slur.
GMN-9 slid past 4 and entered the room and they could see 2 hovering on the side. They had assembled when 5 began talking about Deccan not coming back but kept quiet. GMN-9 looked at 1. For someone who got an update on hate speech she looked so calm, serene even. He didn't know if it was a good sign or not.
"her two favourite GMNs are finally complete!" GMN-5 was now talking like a lunatic, dripping hate with every word. "she would probably try to breed with you two just so she could have control of your spawns! yeah I heard her talking to herself, imagining having little GMN-1's or 4's or a merge maybe 14 or 41. disgusting!"
This has taken another turn. GMN-1 walked towards 5 who retreated
"don't touch me!" GMN-5 yelled as she struggle not to succumb to darkness
"not planning to, just one more thing. Who is Willams?" GMN-1 asked and GMN-5 laughed yet again and then switched to a serious face like she wasn't the one just laughing.
"your brother"she said and was out like a light bulb. Everyone was silent and then turned to look at GMN-1. for someone who just got dumped with an unknown family member, she was still calm. She turned to GMN-3.
"since you're on babysitting duty get her to her room" GMN-1 said flippantly
"wait let me get this straight" GMN-6 said standing up. "the game was my idea right?"
"get to the point" GMN-1 said impatiently
"you used me. I thought the game was my idea but the more I think about it, why would I have an idea that involves her!" GMN-6 said angrily gesturing to 5 with her hand.
"That's not very nice" GMN-1 said in a patronising voice. It seemed to escalate GMN-6's anger problem.
"i don't think that's a nice approach"GMN-2 said from the door.
"you think! She used me!" GMN-6 shouted
"You're not drunk" GMN-4 stated
"yeah! Defend her!" GMN-6 just added fustration to her anger.
"you helped me. I just didn't tell you plainly. She knew things and now we do too" GMN-1 said in a gentle voice then shuddered like she couldn't believe she just did that.
"did you have to make me invite her then get her drunk?" GMN-6 asked
"yeah" GMN-1 said not guilty at all. "it was either that or the serum"
"you're insane!"GMN-3 muttered
"what serum"GMN-2 asked
"something she made in my lab never mind that. We need to get her back"GMN-3 answered.
"why his lab what happened to yours?"GMN-9 asked and her eyes dimmed a little before she said
"you ask too many questions" GMN-1 said walking past them and heading down the hall with GMN-3 carrying 5 behind her.
"that was weird. Scratch that this whole episode was worse than weird" GMN-9 said. GMN-4 just stood there a while then turned and left and the rest left leaving only 6 in her room. She turned around to clean up that was when she noticed the other bottle with alcohol was gone. She sighed.
GMN-1 made it to 5's room with 3. Some people would think what she did and was doing was wrong on many grounds and she was trying very hard to feel remorseful but it wasn't working. Both of them had different agenda and it has long passed the point of who was wrong and who was right.
GMN-1 entered the room while GMN-3 deposited 5 on the bed. She looked around, holding the bottle in her hand and didn't find anything. As she suspected, GMN-5 didn't keep tangible evidence. Everything was in her head. She turned and left the room waiting for GMN-3 outside. 3 came out and closed the door behind him and they headed the way they came.
"what are you going to do with that?" GMN-3 said referring to the bottle
"self meditation" GMN-1 replied offhandedly. GMN-3 slapped his head hard. He really wanted to hit his head on something till he passed out so he could have mental peace. With the females here, one could go perpetually insane.
"i wouldn't advise that" they heard GMN-2 say and they turned a corner and saw him and GMN-9.
"Neither would I but the females around here hardly listen to me, especially her" GMN-3 said, looking at her as if she was the ringleader of a band of pranksters.
"no matter how I look at things, you're a bad person. No matter how much I try, I never see it coming."GMN-9 complained looking at 1.
"you bugged me and my room and you're still not satisfied?" GMN-1 asked like she was supposed to be concerned but couldn't.
"great! She knew! 4 was right"GMN-9 sulked and rest rolled their eyes at his expression.
"your body is a weapon. It would fight anything unusual and you want to down a bottle of one of the strongest alcohol?" GMN-3 said
"Why are we still having this conversation? It's not like I haven't drunk before"GMN-1 said, walking past them and they followed her. Lives were at stake not just hers.
"Yeah? How did that go? We've come painfully close to total annihilation for the most time." GMN-2 said
"You've been on a rough patch lately.We don't know how your body will react and I would rather not find out with blood thirsty bulls breathing down my neck." GMN-3 said and 9 laughed then stopped when he figured out the situation wasn't funny in the least. "They've already booked the dog for dinner and I don't intend to join it" GMN-3 said and made to grab the bottle and she removed it from his reach. He perceived 4 and 6 coming. He thought 4 would go back to his lab. Why did he come back? This wasn't going to end well.
"there has to be another alternative, you don't really need it" GMN-2 began. At GMN-1's look he added "or you could take less than the actual quantity you wanted to before"
"seriously?" GMN-3 said. If anything happens he was the one that would be in a hot seat trying to make her better while fearing for his life if something should go wrong and he was compromising for her. He knew 2 liked her but this was a dire situation. She was really stubborn and smart in finding loopholes to get what she wants and get away with it or just play arrogant and nonchalant, whenever it suits her.
GMN-1 looked at them. She knew they meant well but they were fussing too much. She wanted to use the alcohol to see if in a semi-comatose state she could remember anything. She was afraid of falling into deep sleep which she was unsure she could wake on her own but they were losing time. Doc was being replaced. Forget all the feigned sweetness and friendliness, she felt Silver's hatred. Things might not be as easy as it is now. She thought it was better to revel in ignorance, what was unknown was better left unknown. However not knowing now was driving her insane. She was still getting bits and pieces that looked unrelated. She was missing vital parts and it seemed like something was preventing her from accessing them. She was 85% convinced they were humans but she needed to find the remaining 15%. She hoped the alcohol would help her bypass whatever was stopping her by making her consciousness numb.
The strong smell of alcohol made them hurry up and soon they were faced with 4 who was half dragging a drunk 6. What happened?
"Don't ask!" GMN-4 said. They looked from him back to the drunk 6 who was struggling to stand on her own.
"i don't feel like saying anything so why was she talking so much?" GMN-6 tried to push 4 away "what is your problem! Stop holding me!"
"i don't know if things just got more interesting or worse" GMN-9 said folding his arms
"why didn't you take her back to her room?" GMN-2 said in a condescending tone but 4 ignored the tune.
"she said she was looking for someone and I wasn't in the mood to hear her scream or whine" GMN-4 replied moving forward and dragging 6 who was trying to pry his hand on her arm away. He stood her in front of them and 6 looked up from the hand holding her. She registered GMN-1 and the bottle then 3, 2 and 9. She looked at GMN-1 again.
"silent psychopath. Always detached. Always indifferent. You played me and I didn't know. You play everyone. Sick! You're sick, I'm sick, we are all sick" GMN-6 said, looking straight into GMN-1's eyes. Then she laughed
"alcohol has made you poetic" GMN-1 told her and 6 laughed again then sniffed.
"I like you and I show it. You lock your emotions and bury them. Always blank. Blank blank blank. Poker-faced plastic doll!" GMN-6 said angrily then turned sad but the expression of the person she was talking to didn't change. The rest quietly observed. GMN-6 noticed the bottle again. Unlike 5 she didn't really appear drunk or stagger around, she just seemed easily distracted and very vocal.at least she wasn't flying off the hinges. She looked at GMN-1 like she was looking behind her or into her. She stood still because she knew 6 wouldn't see anything.
"let's dance" GMN-6 said suddenly
"i think it's time for a nap" GMN-1 said looking at 3 and 6 shook her head making herself dizzy, GMN-1 reached out and steadied her.
"no, no, no. You are not taking me serious. There's a party tonight. I can't go to bed" she sounded like she was about to throw a tantrum. She understood why GMN-4 had brought her where she requested.
"you will go to bed but you can choose how you get there. He can take you or I'll knock you out" GMN-1 said seriously and 3 was on the move before 1 acted on her second option.
"let's go puppy" GMN-3 said grabbing 6 by the shoulder. She giggled like a child that had all of them looking at her with raised eyebrow but she didn't seem to notice. She removed his hand and hopped on his back.
"charge!" she said tapping his shoulder. GMN-3 rolled his eyes and nodded to the rest before moving.
"how cute" GMN-9 said and it was his turn to be looked at. "what? She's kind of cute when she's intoxicated and they look good together" at their blank stare he added. "just saying"
"you've got a serious problem" GMN-2 said
"what!? Anyway two down one to go" GMN-9 said gesturing to 1.
GMN-4 immediately turned and snatched the bottle before she could get it out of reach.
"not happening" GMN-4 said
"Give it back!" GMN-1 said. First time she was caught off guard.
"No" the finality in his voice brokered no argument and she knew there was nothing she could say that would get her that bottle and she could not physically obtain the bottle cause he'd just break it. She turned to GMN-9 who took a step back then another seeing the intent in her eyes.
"calm down. You don't want to kill me. Guys! Little help here!" GMN-9 called out.
His big mouth just ruined her plan. She would have been out and down at least half of it's content. Was she angry? No she was pissed and a little upset but she wasn't going to kill him but she wouldn't tell him that but she was going to seriously injure him test that pain threshold.
"don't you have somewhere to be?" GMN-4 asked
Shoot! She almost forgot. 9 would have to wait. She turned and glared at 4 who didn't seem in the least bit fazed but rather found it slightly amusing. It was hard to get a reaction out of her and being responsible for any…
GMN-3 had to prevent 1 from taking that alcohol. He raced there to see GMN-4 holding the bottle and a slightly pissed 1 who looked like she would murder 9 in the next instant. He looked at 1 again, was that emotions? He looked at 4. That guy seemed to grow bulkier and more intimidating everyday. He was the only person that can make GMN-1 do otherwise when she was being stubborn and in turn she was the only one who had the spine to challenge him even when he looks scarier than the devil. They seemed to have some sort of mutual understanding coupled with the fact that he likes her but could still tell her no. He looked at 2 and really felt sorry. He somehow knew that 2 too had noticed. There was an extent to which he and 2 would willingly challenge 4 but 1 would go all the way, she was crazy. Smart, brainy, mischievous but crazy. The girl was like a whirlwind, the annoying fact was she could be whirling in one end and destroying things in another. She didn't want to remember because she felt she was better off without. Now she wanted to and he couldn't help feeling she was right. What if they'd be better off without. He couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom