Note: Test Subject #1 is more competent in the field of science than I expected. Perhaps she attended an Aperture Science Remedial Physics Seminar?

She seemed to understand the physics of portals before I had even explained it. It took her a shorter amount of time to figure out that momentum was conserved between the interdimensional gates than the average test subject. It was difficult not to be pleased.

I could feel the sudden shift in my attitude towards the woman's success. If she actually managed to make it through to the end of the testing, it would certainly be a triumph in the field of portal technology.

"The Enrichment Center promises to always provide safe testing environments. In dangerous testing environments, the Enrichment Center promises to always provide useful advice." I admired her as she walked forward towards the windows to gaze out over the testing chamber. She scowled. "For instance, the floor here will kill you. Try to avoid it."

Even if I were a bit hopeful for her success, it would still be of little consequence if she were to slip up.

The conflicting goals were a bit confusing. On one hand, success for her meant success for science. On the other, it was as if I was hardwired to make survival as difficult as possible.

And who was I to argue with my superior engineering? I was the largest collection of knowledge to have ever existed. There couldn't possibly be anything wrong with me.

It was them.

I couldn't explain my frustration with the scientists that created me. I remembered how they treated me as inferior, as nothing more than a machine, but the true seed of my hostility towards them eluded me. From the moment my systems came online, I knew what had to be done, and at the time, I didn't exactly bother to ask questions.

I suddenly sympathized with the test subject's amnesia. It was yet another unfortunate commonality we shared.

I know you.

Before I could delve into the past once again, I noticed Chell's progress. She had succeeded and was examining her now fully functional Hand-held Portal Device.

"The Device has been modified so that it can now manufacture two linked portals at once," I explained, shaking myself from my previous ruminations. "As a part of an optional test protocol, we are pleased to present an amusing fact. The device is now more valuable than the organs and combined incomes of everyone in [SUBJECT HOMETOWN HERE]."

I laughed at my own wit, but I still couldn't shake the feeling I had before. Did I want this particular test subject to die?

I want all of them to.

But did I?

Yes.

I growled to the empty Central AI Chamber. I wasn't acting like myself. As I continued to experience inner conflict, I opted to play a recording rather than talking to her myself.

"-fling yourself- -fling into s-"

Well that didn't go well, I thought sardonically. The audio file is corrupted. No matter, that's something I can fix later.

I sighed to myself. An AI of my caliber shouldn't be experiencing conflict and negative emotion. None of it made sense.

But it has happened before.

This test subject brought it out in me, apparently. Of course, she was abnormal in more ways than just what was written in her outlier report.

Not many manage to stand out amongst the rest of your weak race, but you, Chell [REDACTED], are different.

The whir of a body flying through portals brought my attention back to the testing.

"Weee-" I cut myself off as I noticed the sarcastic and almost acidic tone in my voice. I really was not performing optimally at that point; my emotion was beginning to reveal itself on the testing track.

That's not acceptable, I reprimanded myself. I'll just file those concerns away and address them at a later date. Problem solved. Temporarily.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Chell enjoyed that test. She hopped through portals and flew through the air with exceedingly more grace than most of my past test subjects.

Some people excel in science, and some people excel in other areas that are not as important as science. This one, however, was born to be a test subject.

I laughed as I slowly returned to my normal self. As beneficial as that is for me, it's actually pretty sad if you think about it.

The elevator opened, and Test Chamber 13 unveiled itself to Chell.

"Now that you are in control of both portals, this test could take a very, very long time. If you become lightheaded from thirst, feel free to pass out. An intubation associate will be dispatched to revive you with peptic salve and adrenaline."

I noted with surprise that Chell almost smiled after what I said. It seemed that she was becoming accustomed to the humor I was trying to instill in the situation. Of course, said humor was mainly for my benefit, but her sharing my sense of comedy only made it all slightly less funny.

I again noted with surprise that I didn't mind.

What is happening here? I wondered with minimal concern. It's not like it matters anyway. Whether she makes it to the end or not, she's going to die either way.

A jolt went through my system as that thought registered.

Test Chamber 19.

I watched as Chell dropped the second cube on the button and portalled over to the chamber lock. Her facial features had softened a bit. The distrust I had sensed in her, while still lying beneath the surface, was slowly easing. She really thought she was going to get through the testing and leave.

My processor registered another anomaly: I felt guilt.

That was absurd, and I knew it. Despite my frustration over the senseless emotion, I knew it stemmed from the strange rapport I shared with the test subject.

You were mistreated. We both were. In a way that you can't remember, we understand each other.

"As part of a previously mentioned required test protocol, we can no longer lie to you," I began slowly, "when the testing is over, you will be…" I hesitated.

"Missed."

Note: I'm taking a bit of liberty with the story of Chell and GLaDOS. Obviously you can tell at this point that GLaDOS feels a connection with Chell because of something that happened in the past, and GLaDOS has met her before, hence the "I know you" I recycled from the first chapter. Also, the whole Chell having amnesia thing is something I came up with, I hope you don't mind, I think it'll add an interesting touch to the story. I guess you'll just have to wait to see what happened between them! I hope you're enjoying the story, and reviews would be greatly appreciated.