So here I am again with a new piece. Not sure how long it will be but probably a decent length. It's a sci-fi-light modern AU. This story does feature a main female OC as well as supporting cast OCs, all very necessary for the plot, but…I think you all know me well enough by now to know my shipping preferences. Anyway, I hope you find the dynamics of all the relationships interesting and original. As for: How dark is this? Probably on par with my other long stories. Dark but not horror or over the top. Redemptive, definitely. Hope you enjoy the prologue and first chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of The Phantom of the Opera. Everything belongs to Gaston Leroux. Phantom is owned by Susan Kay.

"I hope we're making the right decision."

Gabby Giry leaned across the table and squeezed his shoulder. There was nothing but sympathy in her green eyes, no sign of deceit or manipulation. That made him feel a little better. "Can you think of a better decision, Nadir?" she asked.

"No." He had already thought about this for many sleepless nights. He would sit in the tattered armchair in the middle of his one bedroom apartment while reruns of Seinfeld played in the background. He would debate the ethics in his head, a glass of cold milk in his hand. The milk would grow warm, but he would have no other answers. "No. The choices are this, prison, or death. That's always been clear."

"Exactly," she replied. "This is a wonderful opportunity. For Erik, most of all. There's nothing better than this for that poor, damaged man."

"Let's be honest. He's created most of his own problems," Nadir gently protested. "If he were nothing but a victim, this would be the easiest decision in the world. But you know what they'll say. They'll say he doesn't deserve this chance."

"Who's they?"

"I don't know." Nadir waved his hand to the side. "Tough on crime types. Justice over mercy types. I can just see the commentary all over the Internet. Psychotic murderer allowed to go free."

"Well, they won't find out, right?"

"Right," Nadir replied, glancing to the side. With more conviction, he again said, "Right. Of course not."

Gabby nodded. "Where is he?"

"A very secure holding cell. This was his decision, too. He had to be willing for it to work. But there was always the chance that he might change his mind and run away. I don't think he will, though. He practically turned himself in."

"Do you know why?"

"He says he heard a voice," said Nadir. "And that he couldn't stay here after that."

"What?" Gabby gave a confused laugh. "Like what sort of voice? The voice of God?"

"Something like that. The voice of an angel. That's what he said." Nadir rubbed his eyes. "Ugh. He was probably on hallucinogens." He shook his head as a pain gripped his heart. "I hope this works, Gabby. What if he's too…I don't know. What if he's too far gone? Are you sure he's the right candidate?"

She leaned over and hugged him. She smelled of cheap perfume but felt warm. "He's not too far gone. And this will work. I feel it in my heart. This is Erik's second chance." She drew back and stood, looking more her down-to-business self. "We should start getting him ready soon. We'll ease him into it, make him as comfortable as possible. Erik is a patient here. Not a criminal or a prisoner."

With a deep intake of breath, Nadir nodded and also stood. The decision was made, and there was no going back now.

It was a good decision. It was most definitely the right decision.

He just wished he understood why he felt so damned sad.