Title: Snapshots
Author: thewickedquill
Rated: PG
Series: Aegis (See 'The Routine', 'Bargains')
Characters: Max (X5-452), OMC
Note: Thanks to OneBadCat for the beta!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Angel. I just play in the fandom sandbox from time to time.
Summary: Snapshots gives us a glimpse into Max's life in Manticore. Part 1/?
SNAPSHOT #1 : HUBRIS
In which the Assistant Director of Manticore thinks he's got it all figured out.
Assistant Director Parker brushed past a tall, dark-haired male X5 being treated for a knee injury, his focus on the unconscious form of X5-452.
He observed the motionless girl with reluctant admiration. He'd been called in following the most recent altercation. Apparently 452 had taken out half the on-call staff in the infirmary with no provocation.
It had taken three men and four tranquilizer darts to subdue and restrain her. It was almost as though she had sensed their intent and instinct had her react with a strength abnormal for even an X5. He shook his head. That would just be stupid, though. Everyone knew the Transgenics were only as strong as they were made, and this one hadn't even had the benefit of the decade of extra training the other soldiers had undergone.
No, they had her this time and she was weaker than the others. She would be more malleable. The little termagent was going to be easier to control this time around, of this he was certain. And should all else fail, she would be terminated.
Sandeman had always said this one was special, but they knew otherwise. She was no better than all the other animals they'd created and her purpose would be realized - to Manticore's own specifications - when the time was right.
Parker briefly glanced at the medical report on his desk. Gibberish, he decided. There were a number of details regarding 452's exploits on the outside. Something about an implant which he'd had checked out right away to make sure there would be no interference with his plans. And something about her blood and genetic make-up that one of the old directors, Renfro he believed, had made a fuss about. Parker had dismissed most of the woman's notes; she'd been found to be a cult fanatic and none of the scientific findings and corresponding information had been given much credence in the wake of her demise.
Assistant Director, Parker had plans. Big plans. He simply had to bide his time and break 452 in. He would be patient, too. Parker's eyes darkened and a broad, twisted smile curved his lips. He would give the girl her false sense of security, allow Lydecker to play confidante and mentor and let the girl distance herself further from her fellows. She was digging her own grave and would only prove to benefit his long-term goals.
He watched as the small transmitter was embedded at the base of the girls's neck just above the dormant neural implant. 452 was now tagged and marked.
Parker liked to cover all his bases. He wouldn't be caught with his pants down, no sir. Nothing would keep him from the coveted position of Director of Operations and this little maneuver, sneaky as it was, would ensure his success. What Lydecker and the others didn't know wouldn't hurt them.
Shutting the file on 452, Parker crossed his arms over his chest and nodded to an orderly. "Send her back to the barracks. We're done here."