VIRUS
Chapter 10 - Mrs. Beckett
Echo and Victor continue on their search for Sierra while DeWitt deals with Charles Beckett.
DISCLAIMER: Same as before.....
Claire replaced Tango's file on the shelf. The active medically checked out for the next engagement, which would likely be in a couple of hours. Claire detested these conditions; The cramped schedule due to the virus gave the actives little down time which was essential to their function. Claire and Topher could chemically replicate "rest" in the actives' bodies, but the physiological strain on them had already caused its fair share of problems.
DeWitt was unrelenting in this, despite Claire's argument of quality over quantity. Nevertheless, controlled chaos persisted at the Dollhouse, and the virus persisted with it.
"Dr. Saunders?"
Claire snapped from her reverie. Echo and Victor were standing in the doorway.
"Echo. Victor," Claire greeted. "Did someone send you here?"
"No," Echo answered. "We came to see you—"
"About Sierra," Victor finished for her.
"Sierra?"
"We think she may be hurt," Echo stepped forward, "and we want to help her."
Claire returned to her desk. As far as she could tell, this was a first for the Dollhouse, and this was a place that was generally cautious around "firsts."
"It's nice that you're showing concern for your friend," Claire told them, "but Sierra is in good hands. You have nothing to worry about."
"Did someone tell you that," Victor asked innocently.
"Victor," Claire began soothingly, "Sierra is...being kept safe. She's away from you now because it's safer for her, for you.... for everyone. Do you understand?"
Victor nodded as his gaze fell to the ground.
"Isn't there anything we can do," Echo asked, a confused look garnering her face.
Claire shook her head. "We're doing all we can do."
A slight glimmer of dissatisfaction flickered across the actives' faces, though they said nothing.
A tech from the imprint lab rounded the corner into Claire's office.
"There you are Echo," he said with a broad smile. "Would you like a treatment?"
Echo looked to Victor, then to Dr. Saunders before answering: "A treatment would be... nice."
"I don't like it," Boyd said flatly to DeWitt.
She arched an eyebrow. "Curious. Usually it's Mr. Dominic's job to say that. What's not to like Mr. Langton? This is probably the safest engagement Echo will ever have."
The two entered the elevator, letting it take them to the main atrium of the Dollhouse.
"Safe," Boyd countered. "We're talking about exposing another active to the virus."
"As with any engagement there are risks," DeWitt returned. "Relax Mr. Langton. Echo will be more monitored than she's ever been on this one. After all, she won't be leaving these walls."
Boyd sighed slightly, resigning himself to his superior's message. The doors to the elevator at last opened.
"This man, Charles Beckett," Boyd continued. "Do you trust him?"
DeWitt's smirk faded. "Good God, no, but Charlie Beckett is an easily manipulated man."
"It would appear to me that he's manipulated us. Extorting time with an active with the promise of a cure? Sounds like manipulation to me."
"It would appear that way," said as her smirk returned. "Echo bares a striking resemblance to his deceased wife. She worked intimately with Charles on his neurochemistry studies for Rossum. Soon after, Rossum appointed him as overseer of the London Dollhouse, but his work in neurochemistry didn't stop there. He and his wife were working on a technique to chemically induce a wipe. However, there was an accident. Mrs. Beckett became exposed to a volatile compound they were working. The result..."
DeWitt paused.
"Let it suffice to say that the result was not pleasant."
"So we're flipping this whole thing on him," Boyd asked.
"Well considering he initially asked for twins with Norwegian accents, I would have to say yes."
Boyd stopped midstride. DeWitt stopped as well.
"You showed Echo to Mr. Beckett knowing full well his desires would change," Boyd stated.
"Yes and No," DeWitt answered his remark. "Mr. Beckett came to this Dollhouse asking for something he wanted. That was something I could not abide."
Boyd narrowed his gaze. "So you're giving him what he needs."
"Precisely," DeWitt smiled.
The two continued walking the elevated walkway above the atrium until the reached the imprint lab.
Through the window, Boyd could already see Topher shaking hands with Echo, who was presumably imprinted already.
"Come on," DeWitt said with unexpected cheer. "I'll introduce you."
DeWitt led the way into the lab; Boyd reluctantly in tow.
"Angela!"
Echo – Angela Beckett -- turned to meet DeWitt.
"Adelle!"
"It's so good to see you again," DeWitt smiled as she embraced her "old friend."
"My God, Adelle, it's been ages," Angela responded in a crisp accent matching Adelle's.
Boyd shook his head. Among all the things he had seen at the Dollhouse, this had to rank among the most wrong, the most off.
After exchanging a handful of pleasantries, DeWitt extended her hand to Boyd's shoulder, effectively roping him into the conversation.
"Angela," DeWitt began, " I would like you to meet my associate, Mr. Langton."
Angela extended her hand to Boyd. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Langton."
"The pleasure is mine Mrs. Beckett," Boyd responded objectively.
"Angie" DeWitt interceded once more. "If there's anything you require, please let Mr. Langton know, and we'll be more than happy to accommodate you."
"How about some clothes," Angela asked, indicating the sweatpants and tank she was wearing. "I must say I feel a little embarrassed meeting an old friend in my pajamas."
"Of course," DeWitt answered as she looked to Boyd.
"Right this way, ma'am," Boyd said, indicating the exit from the lab.
"And Angie," DeWitt called as they began to make their way out. "You're husband will be happy to know you've arrived safely, but you see, he already has poured himself into his work. Perhaps you would like to meet him in the lab after you've finished."
Angela shook her head. "Charlie is already into his work? I tell you Addie, the man has no concept of how to spend his free time! He's constantly working, you know him."
DeWitt smirked. "I do."