Day Three,
Morning:

As I had done the previous day, I brought Number Six breakfast. I also brought her a clean dress; one that wasn't covered with dirt, and her blood. I placed it on the table next to the food. She stood up from the bed and picked up the dress, then waited for me to turn around. I was a bit hesitant as I was uncomfortable knowing my back would be to her, and she could easily snap my neck before I knew what was happening. But I turned around, listening to her movements as she took off the dirty, blood-stained dress and put on the clean one. And I also was listening for movement in my direction.

NUMBER 6: You can turn around now.

ANON: I hoped it would fit, since it's the largest size there is.

NUMBER 6: It's fine.

She then sat down and began to eat. I sat opposite her, waiting for her to finish. She didn't hurry, but she didn't dawdle either. When she was finished, she slid the plate, cup and spoon over to me. I picked them up and set them next to her dirty dress, which she had folded up, next to the door. I tapped on it and a guard took away those items and another one handed me a pitcher of water and two cups. I went back to the table and sat down. I then bought out a small cassette tape recorder and placed the microphone between us.

ANON: Do you mind if I record these sessions? I like to make sure my facts are accurate.

NUMBER 6: No, I don't mind.

ANON: Before we get started, I want to reiterate that this is NOT an interrogation. So if there is a subject you'd rather not talk about, I would prefer that you just tell me, rather than lying to me and saying you don't know.

NUMBER 6: I can do that.

ANON: Okay. First off, I was wondering if you had a name. "Number Six" is rather awkward.

NUMBER 6: I have no name. The only Sixes who are named are the ones who were assigned to live among the humans.

ANON: Would you mind if I named you? Or would you prefer to name yourself?

NUMBER 6: [shrugging] I don't know anything about naming myself. The other Sixes were given their names by…. [a hesitation]

ANON: That's all right, you don't have to tell me who named them. Is there a particular name you like?

NUMBER 6: I always liked the name "Stella." It almost sounds like ''stellar.'' And I like looking out at the stars. Something I miss doing in here.

ANON: Okay. "Stella" it is. So, Stella, if you don't mind, I'd like to start out talking about the "models." As I understand it, there are – twelve of you? And I am going on the assumption that each of you were modeled on specific humans. Is that correct?

STELLA: Is which correct? The number of models? Or who we were modeled after?

ANON: Well, both, I suppose. Which would you like to answer?

STELLA: The first – yes. There are twelve of us. I can only assume the second is correct.

ANON: Now, we have gradually discovered the names of many of them, and even which number they are, except for five of them. I have heard rumors of a "Final Five," which I suppose are the higher numbered models. But there is an anomaly. You are Number Six, and Sharon is Number Eight. So what about Number Seven? Is there anything you can tell me about that particular model?

At this point, Stella became very uncomfortable – her breath became faster, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

ANON: I see this is a subject you don't wish to cover. So then I can presume you'd rather not talk about those other, Final Five, models we have no information on?

STELLA: It is forbidden for us to talk about them.

ANON: All of you? Forbidden? Forbidden by a specific model? Or is it programmed into your consciousness?

STELLA: No one speaks of them. It is – like an unwritten law.

ANON: And what happens if you do?

STELLA: I'm not sure. Perhaps we might be boxed.

ANON: Okay, that is a term I haven't heard before. Just what is being "boxed?"

STELLA: The consciousness of a model is downloaded into a central computer when it dies. And it is then reinstalled into a new body. But in certain extreme cases, the entire line can be boxed, and that particular model is no long active.

ANON: Interesting. So every time one of you is resurrected, you have all the memories of all of the models?

STELLA: No, we only have the memories we had before we died. But if we wanted to, we could access memories of others of our model. Then we would have two sets of memories.

ANON: I see. Very interesting. Do you think Number Seven could have been boxed?

Again, Stella became uncomfortable, and uncommunicative.

ANON: Well, I'll tell you what. Rather than continue this now, how about if we take a break, and I'll return when I bring your supper?

STELLA: Whatever you want.

ANON: Alright, then. I will see you this evening.

Day Three,
Evening

When Stella heard me come into her cell, she got up off the bed and sat in her chair. As she ate her supper, I brought in the pitcher of water and a cup for myself. And I set up the tape recorder. After she ate I took her plate and spoon back to the door of the cell.

ANON: So how was your day?

STELLA: Boring.

ANON: Well maybe I can have a book or two brought in.

STELLA: Before we start, can I ask you something?

I turned on the recorder before I answered.

ANON: What is it?

STELLA: Are your questions coming from you cold, or have you been getting information from others? You seem to know more than you should know. Things that Adama or Roslin wouldn't want to be public knowledge.

ANON: From others, such as….

STELLA: Gaius Baltar, or Number Eight?

ANON: I have talked to them. But I don't know how much I trust what Baltar tells me. Some of his information is what I have asked you. It's hard for me to believe, but I trust you more than I do him. And I have asked Sharon things. But she is not very forthcoming. It's like she doesn't want to admit to being a Cylon.

STELLA: She wants to be human. She thinks that if she doesn't think about it, she will be human.

ANON: Well, both Sharons – Boomer and Athena, did fall in love with humans. And according to Baltar, Caprica-Six was in love with him.

STELLA: It never should have happened. Cylons have no business forming romantic relationships with humans. Even when … undercover.

ANON: So what about Athena, Number Eight, being impregnated by Karl Agathon?

For a long time Stella was silent, it was obvious she had opinions about this. But when she finally spoke -

STELLA: I have nothing to say about that.

ANON: Alright. We'll table that discussion, for now. But since you brought it up – what about romantic relationships between Cylons? As I understand it, there are three female and four male models, discounting the unknown Five. Have any of you ever fallen in love?

STELLA: Not to my knowledge. Maybe our programming prevents it. But we do have sexual feelings, so sex between different models isn't unheard of. I haven't, personally, had sex with another Cylon.

ANON: Have you ever had sex with a human?

Another long hesitation.

STELLA: I have. But I won't say who.

ANON: What about female and female Cylons, or male and male?

STELLA: Not to my knowledge.

ANON: Not even between different models?

STELLA: As I said – not to my knowledge.

ANON: Okay. Well, it is getting late. And I have many notes to transcribe, so I think we will call it a day. I will ask the admiral about letting you have something to read. Do you have any favorite books?

STELLA: I don't know any book titles. I suppose anything will be fine, or nothing at all.

ANON: I'll see what I can do. So until tomorrow morning, goodnight. Sleep well.

Stella drank a cup of water then lay back down on the bed and closed her eyes. For all I knew, she immediately fell asleep.