Note from author: once again, hello. Oh my, what a long chapter. It was onlt supposed to be a short bridge but I had quite a lot of information to convey. This is 001's bit for this fiction apologises to all the 001 fans out there but he will be 'speaking' a lot more throughout the fic. Again this is somewhat dark but it's how I imagined it. Hope ya like it!!

Inspired by the song 'What's going on' by A Perfect Circle

Bridge 001 - conundrum of time

The room is silent for the other four. The news hit hard for 002, 003 and 004 and 005 is empathic enough to sense this. He tried to fill us in with the patches of history he knows but it wasn't really much of a help. Now they are all sat in silence; minds racing.

They all know they can never go back to their old lives even if we all somehow manage to escape; or at least, they're realising it. They've known it ever since they woke up; it was simply that they were in a state of denial up until now. The food on the table is untouched and unnoticed by them.

Myself, I find it hard to get any emotion out of this whole problem. Yes, time has changed, but my father is still alive, I saw it in the back of his head. I can't really express my feelings to the others; they aren't ready for any more surprises.

Was he telling the truth? Says 002. I mean, couldn't this be a trick to try and control us? How do we even know if this Gilmore guy is even one of their scientists? Back me up here kid…

He's trying so hard to think of a way for things to be normal.

I'm sorry 002, I tell him, choosing my words carefully. I could see it in his mind, he was telling the truth. Besides, I saw him before they froze us; he was a lot younger then. I wish I could tell you that you're right but I can't. Time has gone by without us… I'm sorry…

You're lying! He says. It can't be true…

He already knows it's true. 003 buries her face in her hands and murmurs something about the noise being too much.

Silence descends once more. 002 keeps telling himself it's not true but too little effect. The silence is shattered with a crash. 004 is on his feet within seconds. It is simple really, a glass of water, smashing in 005's hand. His new strength takes a little getting used to.

003 sighs and pushes her glass over to him, then her plate of food. Then, I see it in her, that little spark, small, but dangerous; it could escalate into something very bad.

003…

She looks down over to me, face set in stone. She picks me up and sits down on her bed.

It's nothing petit, she says. I'm just not hungry, at least, not for that food…

We both know that's a lie 003, I tell her. Don't do this to yourself…

Ne t'inquiéts pas petit, she whispers. I'm fine…

Before I can argue any further she glances over to the door and nods at the other three.

It's Gilmore, she whispers. He's coming back, alone. He, he's scared…

002 sits down on his bed and complains loudly.

I tell ya man, he half-yells. Fifty-five goddam years and they can't even make the goddam food any better. Lousy bastards.

The door opens slowly and Dr Gilmore walks in, peering left and right. He then walks in.

I, um, you, um, is this a bad time? He asks.

Since when did you give a damn? Asks 004. From your recent show of events you're not really winning any points here…

I am aware of how wrong this is, Stammers Gilmore. But you must understand…

No, 003 says, cutting him off. You really aren't aware of how wrong you are. You toyed with forces that should never have been touched, you took us from our homes and you've completely mutilated us! If we weren't being watched right now I'd let 004 riddle you with bullets…

I see it then, the guilt and anguish that's been slowly knowing at his mind for the past twenty years. This is a drive for forgiveness, for redemption.

Please understand, Gilmore says, gaining little confidence. I know you all may never forgive me but, I and my fellow scientists want to make things right. We, we want to get you all out of here…

004's gaze falls on me.

Is he on the level there 001? He asks.

I let my mind go blank, I see what he sees, feel what he feels, and yet, nothing. All I can see is the same guilt from before.

Yes, I tell them. He was tricked by them into this. We can trust him… For now, anyway…

Gilmore nods, looking slightly relieved.

You got anything in the way of a plan yet Doc? Asks 002.

Alas, no. Sighs Gilmore. But, we'll think of something once we've rallied more cyborgs to our cause…

004 stands up and walks over to the Doctor. Then, without warning he picks Gilmore up by the front of his shirt and speaks, half yelling into his face.

A word in your ear, Doctor, he says. If this is some sort of trick or experiment then now is the time to tell us. If any one of us finds out that this is a trap I will make it my personal mission to kill you. Don't forget, we can see and hear you no matter where you go, we can read your thoughts and we can kill you with ease. So think carefully before you go making any promises; you'll regret any mistakes. Am I clear?

The doctor falls to the floor, slightly disorientated. He looks wildly around the five of us for some sort of argument to stop 004 but finds none. He stands up and nods.

Very well, he says. I will ensure you all escape here but on one condition.

You're not really in a place to be making demands, says 002. I have to say I'm on 004's side on this one…

This is simply logic, protests Gilmore. I need you all to act like you're actually giving up or else they'll suspect us all. If the men at the top think you're nothing but test subjects they won't go to all the ridiculous measures to keep you in. Do you understand?

I hate to say it but he's right, says 003. We'll have to play along for now…

Then, 003 nods to us again.

It's that woman, she says. She's coming this way, is she in on it?

You mean Rita? Asks Gilmore. God no, she loves this kind of power.

With that Dr Gilmore changes his tone of voice as the door swings open.

As I was saying subject 002, he says. You are due for a test fight against our new subject, number 006. You are to come along with me immediately for briefing. Come along.

002 stands up, looking moody. He nods to each of us before walking out with the two doctors. Once the door closes the atmosphere changes. Too small to be hope, but close…

TRANSLATIONS

petit - small (in french) (but it can be used to call someone 'little one')

Ne t'inquiéts pas - Don't worry (in french)