This fic sure took a strange turn, but I like where it's going. Also, me me: you will never truly write a slow burn.

Slow burns are wonderful, but I am horrible at them tbh.

xXx

6

xXx

008 looked around the lab as the occupants went about their day. The female scientist brought in a cup of coffee and tea to begin the day and the older gentleman thanked her for it before they went to their computers. It was a slow day, one where nothing was really happening. He ran a hand through his short hair and narrowed his eyes at them, he didn't like the two scientists. Something he was surprised to learn that one of the other cyborgs agreed with. 004 still held some dislike towards the female scientists but she had grown on 003. No one really knew how she had been able to do so either. But they could all agree on one thing, she was starting to look rough.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Gilmore asked and she gave him a nod.

"Yes, it's just a period of bad health, I'll be fine," Genesis said.

She wasn't lying, she knew that she had those periods where her health would be horrible and then she'd get better. As it was, she didn't feel like eating and sleeping was difficult. She couldn't explain it. Gilmore watched as she picked up her empty cup of tea and stood up from her desk, swaying a little to catch her balance. She mumbled something about getting more tea and he watched her leave with a worried expression. There was something seriously wrong with his assistant, and he wasn't sure what it was.

"Good morning, Dr. Uranus," Genesis greeted as she entered the breakroom, "read anything interesting lately?"

"I finally made it through the first Dune book, it was quite the hefty read," Dr Uranus replied as he put his newspaper down, a kind smile on his face, "it's not one of my personally favourites."

"That's all right," Genesis said, smiling back, "while it may be one of mine, I understand that it's not for everyone…which one is your favourite book?"

"I, Robot," Uranus answered, and she gave a weak chuckle at that, "the story of sentient robots has always drawn me in since the first time I read it."

"I agree, I think the three laws are a fascinating concept," She stated as she put on the electric kettle and waited for the water to boil, "I wonder how well it would work, the coding for such things isn't too hard."

"It would have to be done on a smaller robot, something like a cleaning unit," Uranus suggested, and they shared a contemplative look.

"…hmm, that could work," Genesis muttered.

She turned to refill her cup with the boiling water and squinted slightly. The cup kept moving on her, was the base built on the sea? She stopped her actions of refilling the water when black spots began to fill her vision. Oh. She should've paid more attention to her health before it got so bad. Her grip on the electric kettle loosened and Uranus jumped when the glass shattered upon impact, creating a hazard on the metal floors. He turned towards his friend and watched as she tilted to the side and barely missed the glass.

"Dr. Marley!?" He called as he jumped up from his chair and rushed to her side.

He shook her shoulder a couple of times before calling for assistance. He knew that his friend had taken ill, the dark flush to her face was an indicator. He frowned in concern when he heard her breathing. Every breath she took was rattling and seemed like a gasp for air. A couple of nurses came by with a stretcher and he watched as she was taken to the infirmary. He had to inform Gilmore. He left the break room and quickly walked through the hallways. He entered the laboratory where Gilmore and Genesis worked and found the other scientist working on something at his computer.

"Oh, Dr. Uranus, whatever is the matter?" Gilmore asked him.

"Your assistant had to be taken to the infirmary," Uranus explained in a quick manner, he used such terms because he didn't know how much the other man knew, "she collapsed out of nowhere."

"Thank you for the news," Gilmore stated as he got up from his chair, "she has been looking a little worse for the wear."

Uranus had to agree with him on that one. Genesis had been starting to look stressed, those dark circles under her eyes had grown compared to how they usually were. Gilmore headed out of the laboratory and the 00 cyborgs shared a collective look after Uranus followed. Their gaze landed on the desk that was usually inhabited by the English woman, just what had caused her to collapse? 003 closed her eyes and thought about the strangest thing about the other woman, her heartbeat didn't sound right. That might've had something to do with it.

"Is something wrong, 003?" 002 asked her.

"I believe that Dr. Marley collapsed due to an underlying condition," 003 answered before frowning.

That was the only information that the French woman gave them, she wanted to be sure of her information before saying any more. She looked towards the door and nodded at the other's as they went into their places. Dr Teufel had come in to look at them, something he often did. His expression was hidden behind his sunglasses, but it was easy to tell that he was contemplating something. She didn't like it.

"Sorry for worrying you," Genesis quietly said to Gilmore as a doctor left the room, she was in.

"It's all right, I gather you aren't used to someone caring," Gilmore stated, and she looked at him in shock before gaining an uncomfortable expression.

"I suppose that is one way of saying it," She muttered before sighing, "what would you like to know?"

"Just what caused your condition?" Gilmore questioned and she tilted her head to the side.

"I was born like this, but it was never this bad," She truthfully answered, "oddly enough, it only got this bad after I graduated from primary school…I don't remember much from that time, it's strange but it feels as though I'm missing a full year of my life."

That was something she'd never told anyone, not even her brother. That hole in her memories worried her, but there wasn't anything she could do about it. She'd tried so many "remedies" for memory loss, and none of them had worked. She nervously plucked at the heavily starched blanket covering her legs and frowned before stopping. Gilmore was giving her a look of sympathy before he brought a hand up to his chin in thought.

"I wonder what could cause you to lose a years' worth of memories," He stated, and she gave him a tiny smile.

"As do I," She said, "as it is, there isn't much I can do about it except hope that they someday return to me…I should be all right, I'm used to strange things happening now."

"Will you be able to perform the test today with the cyborgs?" He questioned and she gave him a serious look.

"Yes, but I'll have to be a lot more careful about how much I move around today," She answered frowning slightly, "I think I got a message that stated they wanted 004 to join in as well, they want to see if his body can hold up with the newest technology."

Gilmore nodded his understanding and that was how Genesis found herself outside, in a heavy pea coat watching as soldiers got test robots ready for the cyborgs to track and attack. It was cold out. Genesis could feel that her cheeks and nose had already turned red from the icy breeze blowing in from the sea. She looked towards the cyborgs and noticed that it didn't seem to bother them that much.

"003, this is your chance," Genesis softly muttered knowing the woman could hear her, "even if you aren't able to get a full analysis of the surrounding area, you tried, and that's all that matters."

003 paused for a few seconds and sent the other woman a speculative glance. She had misjudged her completely and felt slightly guilty for doing so. A soldier ran up to the scientist and she narrowed her eyes in response. Genesis seemed annoyed by something the man said.

"005…it seems as though they want you to use the boulders to fight," Genesis informed him as she walked up to the cyborgs, "I'm sorry."

"You can't argue with them?" 004 questioned.

"This seems to be an order from up top," She answered sighing quietly, "it's above my head…I really am sorry."

"It's all right," 005 said and she gave him a tired smile.

"Let's get this started, I'm all fired up," 006 stated and she shook her head in amusement before turning towards 004.

"It's best to get it over with," He muttered, and she nodded her agreement at that before stepping away and waving towards one of the soldiers to start the machinery up.

003 was able to give precise timing and details of attacks through the wireless radio in their heads. She was also able to start making up a mental map of the area as well. She watched as her comrades ducked and fought the machines and heard a worried sound escape Genesis as 005 had to duck under an attack aimed for his head. She turned her attention back towards the landscape. It wasn't long before she had a complete picture of the area.

004 couldn't help but feel a bit…bored as he fought the machines. They were set at a lower level to see how 005 and 006 could move and use their abilities. For him, it was like a walk in the park but not one he enjoyed. He spared a glance towards 003 and Dr Marley. 003 was looking around the field and directing them and Marley was writing something down on her clipboard, a slightly nervous expression was on both women's faces. He knelt and released one of his rockets and both women flinched in unison.

"Not a fan of explosions, Dr Marley?" One of the soldiers asked.

"It's the noise," She stated in a cold voice, not liking the condescending tone the soldier used, "it's good that 004 is able to move after using the rocket launchers. Seems as though the upgrades work perfectly."

"Incoming!" A soldier yelled and Genesis looked over to her left to see one of the machines going haywire.

It was the product of a burnt-out wire, her mind supplied. It didn't allow for much else as she dodged behind a nearby boulder so she wouldn't get incinerated by the laser it wielded. A boulder came flying at it from 005 and she flinched at the impact sound. The metal let out loud creaks as it bent from the sheer force behind the throw. Her eyes widened slightly as 003 joined her behind the boulder.

"It's like one of the wires burnt out," Genesis informed her, "one way to shut it off would be to hit it in its weakest point."

"The head," 003 confirmed before looking towards her comrades.

006 let out a short stream of fire before heading down the hole it made in the ground. Genesis hadn't been aware that he could do that. She was brought out of her surprise when the machine blasted at the boulder the two women were taking cover behind. 003 let out a surprised sound and eyed the machine in distaste. She sent a mental message to the three cyborgs still in the field to watch out for the beam.

"Is there anything you can do?" She quietly asked Genesis.

"If I could get close enough to the control panel, I might be able to stop the simulation and confuse it to the point where you guys could take it out," Genesis stated, she let out a strange breath and 003 looked back towards her, "sorry for not being much help."

003 didn't get to say anything as the beam hit their hiding spot again. A few chunks of the boulder came careening off and dust rained down on them. 003 brought hand up to block some of the debris, her eyes squinting as she flinched again. She waited for an impact that never came. She heard a very quiet whimper and looked towards Genesis. Some of the debris was floating around them, inches from their heads. The scientist was fearfully covering her head and had her eyes shut completely. 003 was brought out of her shock by 004 appearing beside them and shooting at the machine.

"What the…" He muttered as he noticed the debris just floating around them.

"Doctor Marley?" 003 questioned and the woman snapped to attention and opened her eyes, the debris falling to the ground as soon as she did, "Are you sure you can stop the program?"

"Huh? Yeah," Genesis confirmed as she got her bearings, "the soldiers can't fight me on this because the test has become a hazard to their numbers. If I can get to the terminal, I can stop the program."

"I'll make an opening," 004 informed her and she spared him a quick glance before nervously nodding.

He may not like her, but he knew that working together was the best idea. Genesis gathered that he was a natural leader, but refused the position. It was such a strange occurrence. She was brought out of her thoughts when he launched a rocket at the machine. It gave her an opening to rush towards the terminal. A beam shot towards her head, and she ducked down, the smell of burning hair reached her nose and she winced slightly. Genesis had to ignore it so she could reach the terminal. She slammed into the metal podium and quickly pressed a few buttons and lifted a lever.

The testing machine broke out into sparks, and started to twist and turn. The burnt wiring was causing it to go into a melt down. 005 tossed a boulder at it as 004 shot at it with his hand. 006 popped out of the ground and shot his flames. The three of them were able to bring it down and Genesis sank to the floor in relief before turning towards the soldiers with a serious look.

"We're sorry, Dr Marley!" The soldiers chorused in fear of her expression.

"When the bloody hell was the last maintenance for the testing machines?" She calmly asked and they all came to the same mental conclusion.

It was scarier when the person angry at you was calm. Genesis's calm demeanor put them on edge as her eyes seemed to blaze with anger. 003 almost smiled at the sight of a woman who was unable to stand, staring down a bunch of soldiers. The female scientist slowly got to her feet and sighed quietly.

"Get this all cleaned up while I take the 00 cyborgs back to the lab for maintenance," She ordered, and the soldiers all jumped in unison before scurrying around to do what she said.

003 motioned towards the others to follow her as Genesis turned to look at them. It didn't take long for them to gather and soon they were walking back into the slightly warmer base. The four cyborgs had questions, but it couldn't ask them. Not while there was a chance someone could overhear them. They watched as Genesis winced for a few seconds before smoothing her expression out.

"Well, I heard there was an accident on the testing field," Edward said as he stepped next to the shorter woman and walked beside her.

"Oh, and I was having such a good day too," She stated, "is there something important you had to say, or is it more of your megalomaniac ramblings?"

004 looked to the side at that, easing his brows under his fringe. Genesis wasn't holding back, not while she was still angry at the soldiers outside. 003 felt a little relieved that they were there with the scientist so the man wouldn't think of trying anything. She didn't trust him, and that was on gut feeling. She had thought the same thing back before Black Ghost had captured her, but had still foolishly gotten into the car. She stood up a little straighter and kept her face impassive as Edward looked at them with disgust.

"I don't think I've ever had a pleasant conversation with you," Edward stated, and Genesis gave him a look at that.

"Would you like me to make you a PowerPoint as to why that is?" She questioned, her posture relaxed even as Edward leaned forward and got in her face.

"You seem so brave due to those cyborgs, if they weren't here, you wouldn't even speak up," He informed her, and she simply raised a brow.

Genesis turned towards the cyborgs and nodded at them. They turned a corner and headed back to the lab. Edward stopped at the corner and watched them. He felt as though something was going on, and he didn't like it. He would have to keep an eye out on the 00 scientists. He narrowed his dark eyes before smirking slightly, he could always go the black mail route.

"I don't trust him," 003 mumbled.

"I don't blame you at all," Genesis mumbled back as she opened the laboratory door with her staff card, "something about him rubs me the wrong way."

003 gave a slight smile at the small frown on the woman's face as the door closed behind them. Gilmore looked over towards the door and gained a look of disbelief. How in the world had they gotten injured? A nervous expression was on Genesis's face as the cyborgs looked straight ahead. He sighed and motioned towards the operation tables in the lab for maintenance. Once the four cyborgs were situated the two scientists grabbed their tools and took a spot next to one of the cyborgs.

Genesis was working on 004, seeing as he had taken some damage during the fight. She grabbed one of her tools and looked at his hand. It was the best place to start. She had hoped that the wiring for his fingers would hold up better, but it hadn't. In fact, she was sure that the strain he had put it through had burned a few of them. She grabbed a couple spares from one of the cabinets. She placed them down on the table and started to gently remove the destroyed ones.

003 couldn't help but watch, her damage just being slight scrapes. 004 had started out disliking the two scientists the most, but he had warmed up to them. The German cyborg was watching as Genesis fixed his hands. She sat back after replacing the wires and motioned for him to flex his hand. His fingers snapped. His reflexes were faster than before. He tested his hand a couple more times as the burnt wiring was placed into the proper receptacles.

"Must've been faulty wiring." He heard Genesis mutter as she turned back towards his legs and double checked the joint.

"Is he all right?" Gilmore asked and she blinked slightly.

"Yes, I'm just double checking that some of the remaining original wires weren't still there, they burned out in his hand," Genesis informed him before looking towards 004, "I'm sorry I hadn't noticed it was the original wiring."

He looked to the side in discomfort with how genuine her apology was, and how similar it was. Grief flashed across his face for a few seconds before it returned to normal. He watched as the female scientist finished patching him up before putting all her equipment away. She sent him one last tiny smile before heading to her room door the day.

Genesis sat in front of her door with a strange expression on her face. She thought back to the test and frowned slightly. Had she been the one to stop the rocks? It was fuzzy, she couldn't really remember. All she could remember was being scared and not wanting to die. She tried thinking harder and brought a hand up to her head when pain exploded in it. She got flashes of people that seemed familiar, but she couldn't place. An old man who was kind and answered to Ji-Chan, a woman with bright red fiery hair that allowed her to call her kaa-San. Genesis's hands began to shake as tears traveled down her face at the last one.

It felt as though someone had reached into her chest and pulled out her heart. A gut wrenching cry of grief fell from her mouth, and she felt worse when she realized why. She couldn't fully remember the woman, but knew she had been important. She had to be for her to call her mom. Genesis wished she could, maybe then it wouldn't hurt so much. She curled up into a ball on the cold metal floor and clutched her shirt where it rested against her chest.