Heading back from the gym, Rocky, Jennifer, Iris, and Sasha walk together. They pass a few guards along the way.
Iris overhears one of them mutter. "Lucky guy?!"
Iris whips around quickly. "You got something to say, officer?"
The man looks at her nervously. "No no! I.."
Sasha joins in quickly, leaning towards the guard. "Jealous, big boy?!"
The guard laughs nervously. "I guess you could say that!"
Sasha looks at Iris with a smirk. "You can't blame him. He barely gets any home time. He probably lives in a nearby hotel off base."
The guard nods. "Yes, Ma'am."
Iris continues to glare at the guard. "Keep your mouth shut and your eyes to yourself." Iris then turns and walks away, in a huff, past the group.
"Don't mind her. I sure you will find a very nice woman!" Jennifer says with a smile. "But I will have to ask you to mind your own business. We wouldn't want your superiors to become displeased with your conduct."
The guard bows quickly. "Yes, Ma'am! My apologies, Ma'am!"
The guards then quickly hurry away.
One of the guards, with the name tag Lawrence, smacks the first guard on the back of the head. "I don't need you getting me in trouble with Dr. Collingwood, Jeff!!"
Rocky blinks a few times before speaking. "Wasn't that second officer Dr. Collingwood's boyfriend?"
Jennifer nods. "Yep! He is finally back from his assignment! I am sure Dr. Collingwood is simply giddy right now!" She says with a chuckle.
Rocky looks at Sasha. "Perhaps we should check on the other SCPs to ensure they are setting in well to the.. pacification gifts we sent them."
Jennifer looks at him confused. "What did you do?"
Rocky smiles. "I just set a few of the more problematic SCPs up with a few things with the promise more would come if they behaved."
Jennifer looks around. "Does that mean you will be going to see 682 & 053?"
Rocky nods. "Among others."
Jennifer quickly gives him a peek on the cheek. "I will sit this one out, but you can find me in my room when you are done." She quickly glances at him over seductively before walking away.
Rocky watches with a goofy smile on his face.
"If you are done torturing me with a flood of human emotions, can we get this over with?! I would like to see how the proposal goes!" Sasha says looking at him with an annoyed expression.
Rocky chuckles. "Yeah.. proposal."
As they walk, Sasha glances at Rocky a few times, checking his pockets for the bulge of a small box.
"What are you doing?" Rocky asks.
Sasha quickly stands straight. "Nothing! I.. was just thinking.. how are things going with Jennifer?"
"We are a good match." Rocky says with a glance. "When all of this is over, maybe we can.. I don't know."
Sasha starts walking backwards in front of Rocky, making eye contact. "Maybe you will what? Get married?"
Rocky chuckles. "Right! Where am I going to get a ring?"
Sasha smiles. "I could shrink into a suitable ring."
Rocky grins. "But you have your own plans for the future that don't involve being jewelry till the end of time."
Sasha thinks for a moment. "Maybe.. you can carve one out of the wall.. like you did those boxes?"
"Yea! Cause nothing says romance like a lead ring!" Rocky replies sarcastically.
Sasha turns back around, her nose in the air. "I am just trying to help. You don't have to be an ass about it."
Rocky steps quickly forward, putting his arm around Sasha's shoulders. "Thanks, but I promise I will handle this my way. Okay?"
Sasha looks at him with a smile. "As long as you don't break her heart, otherwise I will drag you to hell with me."
Rocky chuckles. "I will keep that in mind."
Their first stop brings them to SCP-049's room. As Rocky knocks on the door, the sound of surgical instruments can be heard dropping onto the operating table and footsteps quickly approach the door.
049 opens the door in a huff, but his demeanor quickly changes to one of joy. "Mr. *****! And you brought a friend! What can I do for you today?"
Sasha peeks over his shoulder to see 303 standing patiently at an operating table where a class D's body is laying.
"I was just checking in. Everything good here?" Rocky asks.
049 steps aside to show him the room. "Oh yes! 303 and I were just practicing his surgery skills! He is showing great promise! I dare say we will make a fine doctor out of him!"
"I.. am confused. How does this help the facility?" Sasha asks.
049's eyes gleam. "Many of our fellow SCPs would unintentionally harm the doctors if they attempted to treat their illnesses. However, 303 and I would be able to overcome such influences and still perform the task. Example: Say 166 became ill and no female staff was available, 303 would be able to treat her without issue."
Rocky gives a thumbs up. "Very good thinking. Keep up the good work!"
049 nods. "Good day then." He says as he slowly closes the door.
As they walk away, Sasha looks worried. "I don't trust him. He gives me a bad vibe."
Rocky chuckles. "He has that effect on everyone."
Their next stop leads them to 035's cell, where he sits attached to a mannequin. Rocky walks straight from the observation room to the main cell, the sound of Mozart plays softly in the room accented by the smell of a coffee candle.
"How is it going, 035?" Rocky asks.
035 looks up with a smile. "AH! It is paradise on earth, my friend! The foundation has provided all you promised and more, as you can see." He stands and turns. "If only I could keep a body intact for longer, I might start wearing clothes again." He then looks towards Sasha and bows like a gentleman. "And who, might I ask, is this fetching creature accompanying you today?"
Sasha chuckles. "We actually met already, although not formally. My name is Sasha, but you know me previously as SCP-173-1."
035 talks her hand and gently kisses it. "My dear, this form suits you far better." He then looks up. "Forgive me for assuming, but I imagine since you wrapped me up last time that my.. secretions.. would not harm you."
Sasha smiles. "You would be correct. I am completely unharmed, sir."
035 rises slowly. "It is so nice to meet a proper young woman. I would hope you would call again, in the future."
Sasha continues to smile. "I might if your atmosphere remains as pleasant as I see it now."
"I will see that it is cleaned up a bit." 035 nods and then turns to Rocky. "I had a visiter after you left last."
"I expected as much." Rocky asks.
035 frowns. "No fun! How did you know?!"
Rocky smirks. "Just a temporary pawn in my long term plan."
035 glances at Sasha, able to read her thoughts. "Perhaps this is a conversation for another time." He then shrugs. "Regardless, I am very pleased with my new accommodations, and I promise no one will have any trouble from me as long as this treatment continues."
Rocky smiles warmly. "I and happy to hear it! Perhaps 049 will visit in the future."
035 smiles. "I hear he is doing much better, as of late. I think.. perhaps.. I do miss seeing my old traveling friend."
"I will let him know you asked about him then." Rocky says, waving goodbye as they leave.
"Come again anytime!" 035 says waving back.
Heading back down the hall, Rocky and Sasha continue to talk amongst themselves.
"He is quite the charmer, isn't he?" Sasha asks with a chuckle.
"He has his moments of sincerity, but, in the past, that charm has been used to manipulate people. I feel it is wise to warn you that you are not immune to that overwhelming charm." Rocky says in a hushed serious tone.
Sasha nods. "Thank you. I will read his file before we visit him again."
Next on their trip is 106 who, of course, is busy in his pocket dimension. As they enter his room, Rocky and Sasha slowly step down into a pool of tar, entering the pocket dimension. Inside, the screams of the cultists echo like a poorly coordinated orchestra band.
Sasha looks around at the cultists, some strung up in barbed wire, others forced to hang over a burning flame, and the rest nails to poorly constructed crosses. "Shut up you worthless dogs, this is much less than you deserve."
106 turns with a smile, looking at Sasha. "In.. another.. time.. you.. me.. friends."
Sasha smiles. "You are actually doing me a favor. These people are part of the same cult that sacrificed me to make 173."
106 bows. "My.. honor."
"I imagine you are quite satisfied with your company, Corporal Lawrence?" Rocky asks.
106 smiles wider as he stands. "Missed.. name. Yes, boss.. Very.. pleased!"
"Keep them as long as you like, and leave the older one for me." Rocky orders.
106 turns to the cultists. "HELL.. AWAITS.. YOU!!" He laughs.
Walking out of the pocket dimension and out 106's door, Sasha looks back thoughtfully.
"What's wrong?" Rocky asks.
Sasha shakes her head. "Nothing. I was just thinking, had I still been alive, I might have met 106 when he returned from war.. we.. might have been very happy, friends or otherwise."
"Except he never returned from war." Rocky says looking back. "He is still there, every day just him and his demons."
"Thus is the unfortunate fate of many soldiers, even the normal ones. They often do not return the same as they left." Sasha says, looking away with a sigh. "So, who is next?"
"953." Rocky replies.
Sasha groans. "Really?!"
Rocky smiles. "She is not in heat anymore, so it should be fine."
Rocky leads as Sasha reluctantly follows him into 953's cell and past the cages where the dogs are kept. Inside, 953 sits on the floor, her tails gently whipping back and forth.
"I know that smell!" She looks up. "Rocky, darling! How are things with you?"
"Darling?!" Sasha asks.
"Yeah.. it is..."
"It is a term of endearment and nothing else, you nosy child." 953 interrupts.
Sasha instantly glares at her. "Need I remind you who dragged you back here a few nights ago?"
953 blushes. "A night I will always remember, my dear!" She says with a gentle sigh.
"Did.. I miss something?" Rocky asks.
Sasha looks at him annoyed. "Don't overthink it, your brain might get damaged in the process."
953 clears her throat. "I.. would like to apologize for my unladylike behavior." She bows. "I am often not myself when I am in heat.. which I apologize ahead of time should this ever happen again."
Sasha smiles proudly.
Rocky glances between them. "Sasha! What did you do?!"
953 looks up quickly. "I would prefer not to get into details, but I assure you that Sasha was nothing if not kind to me, in my time of need."
Sasha looks away awkwardly.
"OKAY!" Rocky says turning to look around the room at the teapot, tea kettle, and cups. "I see the foundation delivered everything to you.
953 smiles, her tails whipping around happily. "Yes! I am very happy to have a proper cup of tea again. I even shared a bit of the jerky, you sent, with the dogs. They said to thank you."
"You are all very welcome." Rocky says, patting her on the head.
Her ears twitch as she sniffs the air. "I very much enjoy your scent, darling. Perhaps.. you would let me.. have your pillow.. to sleep on?"
"I will consider it." Rocky chuckles.
Sasha pulls Rocky's arm. "We have one more stop, let's go!"
As she pulls Rocky out the door, Sasha looks back at 953 whose eyes are now fixed on her.
"Come back soon, Sasha dear." She says with a wink.
Out in the hall, Rocky glances at Sasha as she walks beside him. "So.. that night Jennifer and I were alone.. did you and 953...."
"I don't want to talk about it!" Sasha interrupts, walking ahead. "It was all your fault anyways.." She mutters.
They reach 682 and 053's conjoined cell just in time for their daily visitation.
Sasha leans against the outer wall. "No need for me to go in there. I will wait here."
Rocky shrugs, keying up his radio. "Open the door to 053's new room."
"Yes, sir!" A guard happily answers.
Rocky raises an eyebrow, but then choices to ignore it.
A buzzer sounds and the door unlocks.
Rocky walks in and through Sophia's room to find her playing on top of a fully formed 682.
"Papa!" Sophia exclaims as she slides down 682's tail to meet him with a hug.
"How is my favorite young lady doing today?" Rocky asks.
"I am fantastic! The guard informed us that today we have two hours to play before the door has to close!" Sophia replies with a huge smile.
"You have been a man of your word..."
"Rocky."
"..,Rocky. I thank you very much, and return I am in your debt." 682 says humbly.
Rocky smiles gently. "As I said, all I want is your loyalty. Do what you have to where Sophia is concerned."
682 looks at Sophia. "I will guard her with my life.." Then he looks back at Rocky. "And tear any enemy to shreds that would dare lay eyes on her."
"Then we are even." Rocky nods, kneeling down. "I just wanted to check in on you two, make sure no one has been rude to you."
Sophia shakes her head. "Everyone has been very polite. 682 watches them, through the window, whenever they come into my room."
Rocky looks up at a smiling 682.
"I said I would not hurt them, not that I trust them nor intend to let them forget that I am always watching." 682 chuckles.
Rocky shrugs. "Fine by me. If they were to stay over ten minutes I would expect you to terminate them anyways."
682 looks thoughtful. "Is that the time limit? I seem to remember some man staying longer than that."Rocky looks at him questioningly. "Who? What did he look like?"
682's eye narrow. "Dark hair, average height, lightly tanned skin, orange uniform. I have not seen him before, I think he might be new."
"I will look into that." Rocky says with a worried expression.
"Um.. Sir? Their visitation time is up." The guard says over an installed speaker in both cells.
Rocky keys up his radio. "Extend their time due to my interruption of their visitation."
"Yes, sir. The timer is set for one hour if that is okay with you?" The guard replies.
682 and Sophia smiles.
"Very generous. What is your name, if I might ask?" Rocky asks into the radio.
"Lieutenant Lawrence, sir." The guard answers.
Rocky smiles. "Thank you, Lawrence."
Rocky excuses himself, after giving Sophia one last hug, and rejoins Sasha in the hall.
"I assume all is well?" Sasha asks.
Rocky nods. "All according to plan."
Later that day, Sasha, Iris, and Dr. Therman meet in the security room and watch as Dr. Collingwood and Lt. Lawrence walks through the halls hand in hand towards her office.
"There are no cameras in that office, is there?" Iris asks.
Dr. Therman shakes her head.
Sasha looks up at another monitor seeing Jennifer meeting Rocky at her door with a long kiss. "Give me a radio, I will find out what is going on."
Dr. Therman does not think, as she hands Sasha a radio and earpiece.
Sasha talks the radio and runs out, making it to the hallway just as Dr. Collingwood and Lt. Lawrence enter the office and close the door.
Sasha slowly approaches the door and forms her ear into a funnel, placing it against the door. "This is a one-way line, right?" Sasha whispers.
"No one else uses this channel." Dr. Therman replies.
In another room, Dr. Clef sits silently, listening to the radio, on the same channel.
Sasha puts the earpiece inside her funneled ear as the conversation inside broadcasts to Iris and Dr. Therman.
"Lawrence.. I have been thinking..."
The sound of a kiss can be heard.
"I know exactly what you are about to say. We have been dating for a while now, and we now have safer positions with the foundation. So.. while I was out on assignment..." It is assumed, while this pause in the conversation occurs, Lawrence is kneeling down. "I went shipping."
"Lawrence?!" Dr. Collingwood asks happily.
"Doctor Cindia Collingwood, would you marry me?" Lawrence asks gently.
A loud thud can be heard and the sound of kisses. It is assumed by this that Dr. Collingwood threw herself on top of Lawrence and began kissing him.
Lawrence chuckles. "So.. that is a yes?"
"Yes! YES! A million times, yes!" Dr. Collingwood replies.
Sasha chuckles. "Mission successful, returning." She whispers.
Sasha absorbs the radio, her chain body presses against the button, leaving it on. As she turns a corner, Dr. Clef can be seen leaning against a wall, strumming his ukulele.
"Hello, Sasha." Dr. Clef says with a smile.
Sasha gasps. "Clef?!"
Dr. Therman covers her face with her hands. "Oh.. no."