SCP-1428 – "Cortexichildren"
Chapter 20: Ripples
Disclaimers: When I began writing Cortexichildren, SCP-1428 was vacant. It is no longer vacant, but I have no intentions of publishing this on the wiki. This is mainly a crossover fic, not a SCP event log that will go on the site.
Forever reminder that I do not own anything. Fringe belongs to J.J. & co. Each SCP belongs to their respective individual author. The SCP universe belongs to that collective on that site. I do not own anything. I am a fan.
Forever reminder of how I handle alt!characters: Over There: Bob. Over Somewhere Else: Bob.
Author's Notes: I'm sorry this took so long. Like… I just haven't been able to write. You would think that it being the summertime / off of school, it would be easier for me to write. But… I actually work better during my more structured schooling months than I do the summer. When I have SO much time for me, I use it to do everything else BUT writing – because now I have the time to do those things. So I really apologize. The series will pick up now. I'm in a different school with a different schedule, but I think I'll be able to make it work.
AlsoI really do hateworking on SCP documents. Ugh such a fucking pain. Some of the document language is actually taken from the site. Not because I'm lazy, but because I want to stick with the same format. The set-up of SCP-682's documents is not mine; you can find that while you comb thru the main SCP-682 page. I also accepted the Ethics Committee Orientation page into my headcanon & that obviously does not belong to me.
When all else fails, send in O-23 cuz reasons. Check out my scpfringe tag on my tealrallythong tumblrblog cuz reasons~. Because many of you have seen that I've been making graphic sets & that has actually helped me get back in the mood for writing.
Cortexichildren
Item #: SCP-1428
Object Class: Euclid
…
SCP-1428-2 is a white female of average height with blonde hair and hazel eyes. It refers to itself as "Olivia." SCP-1428-2 is the stronger of the two humanoid hosts. Prior to its containment breach, SCP-1428-2's known abilities were: abnormal acute hearing; the power to manipulate certain metals; and the ability to see different outcomes and potential futures. SCP-1428-2 has displayed pyrokinesis, advanced telekinesis, electricity manipulation, and enhanced speed. From Interview 1428-2-G, the Foundation has learned that SCP-1428-2 can see disturbances of [DATA REDACTED]. SCP-1428-2 sees these disturbances as a "glimmer" or "glimmering."
After its encounter, SCP-682 deduced that SCP-1428-2 [and by extension, SCP-1428 and SCP-1428-1] is [DATA REDACTED]. However, immediately after this discovery, SCP-682 attempted to strike an alliance with SCP-1428-2 in hopes of escape. Task Force intervention was necessary. This "alliance" does not threaten the Foundation anymore after [DATA REDACTED].
SCP-1428-2 originally confessed that it lacks adequate control of its abilities, but its incidents with SCP-173 and SCP-682 make the Foundation believe otherwise. During its encounter with SCP-173, SCP-1428-2 matched SCP-173's speed and in some instances, surpassed it. However the sustainability of this speed is debatable. And during its second encounter with SCP-682, SCP-1428-2 utilized its pyrokinesis in a controlled manner, forming a wall between the two subjects and preventing SCP-682 from attacking SCP-1428-1. SCP-1428-2 also, recognizing SCP-1428-1 was surrounded by agents in heavy distress, incinerated all █ agents, leaving only ash. SCP-1428-2 was also capable of forcing an organism much larger than itself repeatedly into the metal barriers of SCP-682's larger containment chamber, inflicting heavy damage on SCP-682. Concerned that the conflict between the two dangerous organisms would escalate beyond the Foundation's control, the O5 staff dispatched O-23 agents who successfully recontained SCP-682 and secured SCP-1428-1 and SCP-1428-2.
So far SCP-1428-2 has been responsible for ██ Foundation deaths. Yet in spite of this statistic, SCP-1428-2 repeatedly expresses concern for the welfare of innocent people. During the event that led to its containment, SCP-1428-2 was seen trying to calm SCP-1428-1 down from its suicidal state. However, SCP-1428-2 failed, resulting in the deaths of those in the midst of an empathic event. During questioning sessions, SCP-1428-2 is always conscious of threats to innocent life. Prior to Interview-1428-2-G, the Foundation doubted whether this awareness was sincere and believed SCP-1428-2 was putting on a façade with aims of gaining the Foundation's trust. In light of Interview-2-G, the ferocity SCP-1428-2 showcases for the welfare of SCP-1428-1 is not limited to SCP-1428-1 and other potential Cortexichildren. When the lives of innocents are threatened in any way, SCP-1428-2 becomes easily combative and violent to an unparalleled degree. These reactions point to O5-2's hypothesis that SCP-1428-2 experiences heighted empathy in direct contrast to SCP-1428-1, but it still does not provide a firm foundation. Also, doctors and O5 staff alike do not agree on the origin of SCP-1428-2's empathy. x
x : Because of their physical and emotional proximity, did SCP-1428-2 adapt to SCP-1428-1's reverse empathy by developing heightened empathy and consciousness? Was it a reaction that was forced by [DATA REDACTED] to create a humanoid fail-safe capable of balancing SCP-1428-1's reverse-empathy? Or did SCP-1428-2's empathy preexist, causing the two to be paired in the first place?
Note-04: In light of SCP-682 and SCP-1428-2's latest… meeting, research has been halted indefinitely. The Overseer Staff will meet to discuss alternatives and the future of SCP-1428.
Test Log T-98816-OC108/682
Cross-SCP Termination Testing for SCP-682
Due to the highly aggressive, adaptive, and intelligent nature of SCP-682, termination testing has been ordered, with clearance from O5 Command. With major concerns raised about possible developed immunities (due to the failure of SCP-409) and possible adaptations, all tests must first be carried out on tissue samples taken from SCP-682. This step may be bypassed only by O5 Command order.
…
Item: SCP-1428-1
Tissue Test Record:
N/A
Termination Test Record:
SCP-1428-1 introduced with SCP-1428-2 into SCP-682's containment chamber. SCP-1428-2 ordered not to engage SCP-682 in any way; SCP-1428-2 is there only to ensure SCP-1428-1's safe cooperation. SCP-1428-1 ordered to make an emotional bond with SCP-682. Overseer staff would have ordered SCP-1428-1 to spread its suicidal nature to SCP-682, resulting in self-termination. If the situation were to escalate, Task Force personnel were to carry out their directive, following Procedure 329-Laedo – which also calls for SCP-1428-2 to use its telepathy to terminate SCP-682.
SCP-1428-1 experiences a mental breakdown. Class C sedatives administered. However SCP-1428-1's desperation has already spread to SCP-682. An already enraged SCP-682 becomes even more so, shattering the steel chamber holding it and expelling the hydrochloric acid within.
Test is a complete failure.
Item: SCP-1428-2
Tissue Test Record:
N/A
Termination Test Record:
SCP-1428-2 already been used to terminate SCP-682 with catastrophic events – SCP-682 offering a truce and hoping to establish cooperation between the two dangerous subjects. SCP-682 noted SCP-1428-2's presence soon after introduction. Soon after, SCP-1428-2 becomes enraged, refusing to aid the Foundation in terminating SCP-682. Agents forced to stun SCP-1428-2 with [DATA REDACTED], incapacitating it.
SCP-682 breaches its containment chamber. SCP-1428-2 and SCP-682 converse, discussing their prior history and offer. SCP-682 does not enter its "rage" state with SCP-1428-2, but does not spare SCP-1428-1. SCP-682 moves to kill SCP-1428-1. SCP-1428-2 uses its pyrokinesis to block SCP-682's attack, livid at SCP-682's actions. The two entities exchange heated dialogue, with threats issued by both sides. Finally SCP-1428-2 uses its telepathy, smashing SCP-682 repeatedly into the walls of its greater chamber. SCP-682 sustains heavy damage, bleeding heavily from its many lacerations. SCP-1428-2 exerts enough force to remove 60% of SCP-682's teeth, 90% of its epidermis, 60% of its dermis, and 40% of its muscle, with bone visible in these spots. SCP-1428-2 lowers SCP-682 down and readies for another attack. O5 staff order the "test" to cease immediately and dispatch Task Force personnel to secure the SCP-1428 hosts and contain SCP-682.
Notes: The difference in SCP-682's nature toward each SCP-1428 host is significant. On both occasions when SCP-1428-2 was introduced to SCP-682, it did not slip into its "rage" state. And yet it was triggered to such disgust by SCP-1428-1's presence, enough to destroy the relationship it had formed with SCP-1428-2. SCP-1428-2 exceeded all expectations against SCP-682, quite easily holding its own… although only for the amount of time observed. If the O5 had not intervened, it is unclear if SCP-1428-2 would have been able to hold the upper hand. SCP-682 has since been recontained and does not seem to show adaptations from the encounter.
Man, I should've been assigned to SCP-1428. – Dr. Kondraki
Transcribed Overseer Assembly 01428-2-XB14-Omega:
O5-8 : I… uh… um…
O5-11 : We were discussing how SCP-1428-2 might be reclassified as Keter a month ago. What about… now?
O5-5 : I don't want to say I told you so. I don't want to be right anymore. I don't even want to talk.
O5-6 : But we have to discuss this.
O5-5 : Discuss WHAT? Discuss that even SCP-682, the organism that our entire Foundation fears, was kicked around like it was nothing?
O5-4 : That was only for a short period of time. I'd hardly call ten minutes of sustained telepathy kicking SCP-682 around like it was nothing. It caught SCP-682 off guard – multiple times. SCP-682 didn't know what to expect. I'm sure if we reintroduced SCP-1428-2, we would not get the same outcome.
O5-5 : You want to reintroduce them?!
O5-4 : I only stated a hypothetical situation. You… you need to calm down. We ALL witnessed an extraordinary event, but that doesn't give you permission to completely lose your sanity.
O5-6 : Exactly the point. If you are unable to maintain calm and collected conversation on events paramount to the Foundation, we will relieve you of your responsibilities. Perhaps permanently.
O5-5 : I… I understand. I'm just… stunned.
O5-10 : Yes, stunned is the correct word.
O5-3 : How do we want to proceed now? Given… current events?
O5-2 : I'm in favor of a temporary suspension of the project – or at least active involvement. We observe the subjects from afar through constant surveillance. We keep actual contact with the two subjects to a minimum until we know what we're dealing with.
O5-10 : But how will we know what we're dealing with if we don't see their interactions with other organisms via direct contact? The applications of SCP-1428-2's telepathy is-
O5-2 : No. It's too dangerous. SCP-1428-2 still has not shown sustained control over its abilities. It is still triggered by fear. And given what has happened, I doubt it will agree to cooperate with the Foundation any time soon. And forcibly drugging it to work on other projects is completely out of the question. I fear SCP-1428-2 would still remain conscious on some level… and a quite dangerous scenario would unfold.
O5-5 : I am also in favor of the suspension. And I vote that we keep the two under heavy sedation. Knowing SCP-1428-2's growing mistrust of the Foundation, it's probably unwise to give it any advantage to breach.
O5-11 : You honestly think it'll attempt to breach again? After all that's happened?
O5-5 : Yes, especially after what has happened. There is no SCP-682 directly in its path. The only reason SCP-1428-2 hesitated was SCP-682. SCP-682 threatened SCP-1428-1 and for that, SCP-1428-2 needed to respond back. As long as SCP-682 was still alive, SCP-1428-1's welfare was directly in jeopardy – and SCP-1428-2 sacrificed its own chance at freedom to protect its other half. But now that SCP-682 has been recontained, it no longer poses a threat.
We should station more Task Force members outside their containment chamber. Flood in the Class A gas just like before. We take no chances. We can't afford to. We have lost too much.
O5-3 : What about the other Cortexichildren?
O5-4 : We can barely deal with the two contained here. And given SCP-1428-2's information… I say the chance of them present in our universe is highly unlikely.
O5-7 : Olivia Dunham is available for questioning. Should we take that chance?
O5-11 : I say we wait. Wait until SCP-1428-2's state is controllable. If it were to learn that this Olivia Dunham was being brought in…
O5-5 : SCP-1428-2 would go on a rampage. Perhaps it has a rage state itself? Perhaps that's why the two bonded?
O5-2 : … I think it's much more than that.
…
O5-6 : This assembly will close.
O5-10 : It's still… remarkable… isn't it?
O5 Log 01428-00682-Z5B12-O2-2:
A second incident… I never would have imagined this… even in my wildest drug-induced musings…
I am floored at the power SCP-1428-2 possesses. A month ago, I assumed that we were only scratching the surface of the subject's powers… but now… everything prior to this was a mere dot. And we are working in the scale of giants – of galaxies. Now SCP-1428-2 can create shapes with her pyrokinesis. And her reach with it extends twenty feet. She can will SCP-682, a creature ten or twelve times her size and weight, into a wall repeatedly and with vicious intention. She could most certainly do damage on the world… and that's what the Foundation will rightly fret over. But I'm apprehensive as to what measures Overseer staff will be willing to implement. And how many mistakes will be made in their haste to prevent their XK scenario from occurring.
Because we have made plenty of mistakes. Every decision we have made has been a mistake. And many decisions that I have made personally… have caused so many lives… so much destruction. I am not in denial like Dr. Hendricks once was. I own up to the blood on my hands and on my soul.
And yet despite this destruction, despite all the chaos and death and betrayal, I do not find myself demonizing these subjects – these people. SCP-1428 is not object class Keter, Euclid, or Thaumiel. Because they are NOT subjects; they are individuals. Individuals who have been forced into drug trials by my alternate self in another universe.
Alternate universes exist. This we know. And I also know that I would NEVER force children into trials. Even if it meant saving my long departed son. Even if it meant saving this world. I cannot stomach – I cannot even fathom – making such a choice. And this choice of mine is what makes me different from the Walter Bishop from Olivia's universe. And any other Walter Bishops existing out there beyond even these Cortexiphan hosts' awareness.
These are people. And I have read Dr. Montgomery's personal logs. She kept them very well hidden, [and I have taken additional measures to hide her thoughts, as well as mine, from the rest of the O5 thought police] but I read them all the same. Months before any of my epiphanies, she had her doubts surrounding the humanity of subjects in our Foundation. She had her doubts surrounding how the Foundation operates – withholding humanity and forcing humans into "humanoid" labels, instead of seeing them for what they really are. She found herself incapable of drawing the line between humanoid subject and human with abilities. And for that, she was hideously mocked, with slurs peppered in for disgusting racist measure. But she also took action. She aided SCP-1428-2 in her attempts to breach. Dr. Montgomery sacrificed everything to save Olivia because she saw SCP-1428-2 for what she really is: Olivia Dunham.
Olivia Dunham is afraid. Olivia Dunham wants nothing more than to escape, like O5-5 theorized. No, not even theorized – what he said is the truth. Olivia no longer has SCP-682 in her way; she will do everything in her power to breach and escape.
And I will help her. With Dr. Montgomery at my side. We will have to gain Olivia's trust. It will not come easy, since I have been responsible for her suffering here. And even worse, Nick's suffering. Olivia's attitude toward Nick proves to me that they are MORE than humanoid.
Olivia loves Nick. Dr. Kwon had his suspicions and they were correct. It's not in the same way that I loved my Elizabeth, and still love her, but there is a bond. The emotional elements are all there. Olivia will do ANYTHING for Nick. And he will do the same for her. Olivia could have escaped, but she chose to protect Nick from SCP-682 – who surely would have destroyed him. And she has chosen Nick time and time again over her freedom. The first time she breached, she could have easily escaped. Task Force units were moving to her, not to any of the exits. She WOULD have escaped, but she chose Nick. And she will always choose Nick. And she will always choose others over herself. That is her nature.
I was mistaken to pressure her the way I have during questionings. I was wrong to bring our Olivia Dunham into this. I was wrong to trigger Olivia's rage when I threatened innocent lives in front of her. I was so wrong.
And the Foundation is wrong. Everything is wrong. How can a person exist in one universe as a person, and stripped completely of their humanity in another? And stripped completely of their identity individualizing them from everyone else? And individualizing them from every alternate self that exists? Olivia Dunham is Olivia Dunham; she is not SCP-1428-2. In her universe she has a job. She has duties and responsibilities. She has hopes, fears, and dreams. She has loved ones and family members. She loves and hates. She experiences and thinks. She is her own person; she is not simply a humanoid with sentience and aggression. I completely understand Dr. Montgomery's disgust with this Foundation. I am starting to experience it myself.
If this ever ends… I would like to leave. And start anew.
A perk of belonging to Overseer command was relative anonymity. The O5 were forever shrouded in shadows; no one knew your face.
So he could walk around Site 19 rather freely. Yes if security chose to delicately comb through the databases, they would see that Dr. Walter Bishop was not on their staff, but he had covered his tracks for the time being. It would suffice. And his forged keycard and identification were passing with flying colors. He would be fine. He kept repeating that to himself over and over again – 'I'll be fine.'
Dr. Bishop should have known better than to check the break room. Dr. Montgomery had been alienated from her colleagues ever since she started working at the Foundation. But now, given the past month and a half, why would she further associate herself with people she truly despised? Why would she dine with people that upheld such a problematic system?
But Dr. Bishop did not know better. After the break room, what else was there? There were too many rooms at the site to check in a single day. And with questioning and interaction with SCP-1428-related objects restricted, she could be anywhere. But even with her reduced involvement with the project, she was still listed as a doctor in Project Cortexiphan. She had not been moved or demoted. Everything seemed stable, but where was she?
Dr. Bishop randomly approached a doctor with purple eye shadow. "Excuse me. Are you familiar with Dr. Montgomery?"
The woman turned around, puzzled at the request, "Yes, I am. We went to high school together."
"Oh." Dr. Bishop's face lit up. "Excellent. Do you by any chance know where she is now?"
"I'm on my way to meet her right now… or sort of right now." She gave a sheepish smile as she waved a blue folder filled with papers. "I need to take care of a few reports and then we're going out to dinner – to celebrate my promotion."
"That's wonderful. What's the promotion, if you don't mind me asking?"
The woman's black eyes lit up. "I don't mind. I've been putting in my time…" Now she hesitated. "I…"
Dr. Bishop took her hand and led her into a neutral room – a room he knew did not have any cameras. "What is your name?"
Her eyes widened. "I-I-I-"
"You do not need to be afraid of me. I am a colleague of Dr. Montgomery. I am not going to turn you in. I am not here to report you. I am not here to hurt you. I just want to know your name." Dr. Bishop gave her a gentle smile, hoping to calm her. Hoping to prove that he was not the enemy. But what if he was?
"Diane. Ta-Takahashi." She swallowed loudly, her voice getting stuck in her throat.
"And what was your promotion?"
"To…" She was shaking. She closed her eyes and spat it out, "To the Ethics Committee."
Dr. Bishop's eyes widened.
"They… they've been disgusted… with the decisions that have been made by the Overseers. They've promoted me and four others. We…" Dr. Takahashi opened her eyes and looked around, worried. "We have to deal with the SCP-1428-2 incident in particular. There have been too many deaths. Too many careless decisions. Too much overstepping of boundaries. We need to correct what has occurred."
Dr. Bishop swallowed. Could he trust even a committee dedicated to ethics to make the right decision? Could he trust this individual in front of him? Could he trust anyone at all, apart from Dr. Montgomery? "I see. Tell me…" Dr. Bishop licked his chapped lips. "I must speak with Dr. Montgomery. It would be best before you both went out to dinner. Do you know where she is?"
"Room 12-A." Dr. Takahashi's features, which were so animated before, were now very stiff. "You must excuse me."
But Dr. Bishop stopped her before she left. "Do you know?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Dr. Takahashi's once warm tone was now ice cold.
"Has she told you about Olivia?" Dr. Bishop was playing with fire and he knew it. But he had to ask. He had to know. "Was that what tonight really was about? Not you and Dr. Montgomery celebrating your promotion, but perhaps a potential last dinner? Were you going to give your wisdom, ironically as an incoming Ethics Committee member sworn to protect the moral integrity of the Foundation?"
Dr. Takahashi first threw him an equally icy glare. And then approached him with such energy that he backed himself into a corner. "How do YOU know?"
"I need to talk to her," he stated smoothly.
"Why?" Dr. Takahashi fingered her blue folder furiously. "Why do you need to talk to her? And what about?"
"I understand her. I understand her side and I want to help her."
He could see the wavering in her black eyes, but she wasn't going to give in yet. "But HOW do you know?"
"The less you know… the better." Dr. Bishop walked to the door. "It won't be long. You can still have your dinner." He opened it and placed a foot outside, "And congratulations on your promotion."
Dr. Takahashi began to protest, "But-"
He was gone.
Parts of the complex had been remodeled. And yet, it had been ages since Dr. Bishop had walked the floors of Site 19. Not since he had been promoted to O5 personnel. Since then, it was absolutely necessary that he maintain indirect contact with all affairs of the SCP Foundation. Due to the sensitive nature of his position, of course.
But everything seemed so very different. Hallway forks were wider, reaching out into so many directions. The textures of the walls had changed, becoming more detailed and more real, for lack of a better word. The lighting and the feel of the place seemed less sterile and more organic. As if the place was its own living entity.
Dr. Bishop had no time to immerse himself in the scenery. He was fast approaching Room 12-A – a multi-purpose room that always had an information station for professional use. When he opened the door and peered inside, Dr. Montgomery was furiously typing at that station. Her head snapped up to face the intruder.
"What do you want?" She looked to be reaching for something from behind the desk.
"To talk." Dr. Bishop carefully stepped in and shut the door. He held his hands up to his face, palms facing her and open. "I mean no harm. I am not armed. I am not tapped with any recording device. I am merely here to help you."
"Help me with what? I'm not quite sure I understand your intent, sir." She needed to protect herself. And that was good that she was keeping so vague. She had learned a lot since the time she sweated under the lights of the Foundation, watching Olivia from the panel of doctors, pale as a sheet.
Dr. Bishop scanned the room for any recording devices. It appeared to be clear, but he couldn't take any chances with Dr. Montgomery and the sensitive topics they would be discussing. "I can assure you that my intentions are true. You can trust me." He procured a grey box from his coat pocket. "This device will keep us safe. It will temporarily jam the signals of any device in the room. And it will later allow us to access a certain individual you're fond for."
Dr. Montgomery continued to breathe even breaths. Her voice was calm and collected, when she was anything but inside. "I don't quite follow."
His voice lowered, almost ominously. "I know about your involvement with SCP-1428-2, Dr. Montgomery."
Her face began to pale. "I can assure you that I have not done anything-"
Dr. Bishop realized that he had put on his "Overseer voice." Conversing with his fellow operatives required that he have a commanding presence at all times. It had been years since he had spoken to anyone beneath him, especially about such delicate matters. His intentions were not to frighten her. He gave her a gentle smile and said, in an almost delicate tone, "Wrong? Immoral? You haven't, Dr. Montgomery. You had the best interests of the subject at heart. And I commend you for that."
"I don't-"
"You did the right thing, Dr. Montgomery. You disobeyed Foundation protocol to unspeakable degrees, but you answered to a higher purpose. I found your actions admirable. Despite being pressured to adopt the Foundation's cold, theoretical definition of humanoid, you maintained your own sense of humanity. You saw that SCP-1428-2 was never SCP-1428-2; she was always Olivia Dunham. And you will never rest until Olivia Dunham and Nick Lane are able to return to where they truly belong."
"So you… you know everything." Dr. Montgomery's gaze drifted downward. "I… I…"
"Let me assure you that I want to help both you and Olivia." He leaned in closer. He practically whispered to her, "I can get you to her."
"How?" Her gaze shot immediately up, eyes wide. "How?! That's impossible. You can't possibly have that kind of power. This is a joke. I can't possibly trust-"
"Believe me when I say that I have the power. It's best… that you don't know that power's extent." He eyed the device. "We're running out of time. If you don't trust me, I don't blame you; I'm just a simple man that you've never seen before at this site, promising you the impossible, assuring you that you are a good person who will always do the right thing. If you give the word, I will take my leave. I will not hold any ill will toward you."
She hesitated, but finally settled on, "No. I don't necessarily trust you… but you know everything. Almost too much, but you know… the truth. And if your promise is sincere… you'll save two innocent lives. I can't NOT take that risk." She stood up. "Lead the way. The longer they're trapped in here, the heavier the load weighs on my conscience."
Dr. Bishop nodded, stood, snatched the device, and opened the door in what seemed to be one fluid motion. "Follow me."
"I thought you said you could TAKE me to her. As in directly to her? What exactly are you doing?" Dr. Montgomery was livid. As if she was a centimeter away from destroying the entire room. "For all I know, you could be writing me up for some report, streaming this to the entire O5 Command. I'll be decommissioned and-"
Overseer Bishop would have snarled at her for her insubordination, for questioning his plan of action, and for showing so much emotion in line of duty. But Dr. Bishop merely chuckled and continued to type away at the panel, "I can't get you to her face-to-face. It's too risky. Not even I can do that without getting caught. Actually," he paused to think, "If I were to do that… it would be obvious that it was me."
She pursed her lips and eyed him up and down, "Do I even want to know who – or more importantly what – you really are?"
"No." It was stern and powerful. And he hoped that she didn't recognize his voice. It was a wonder she hadn't. But Olivia had. Olivia had reacted in sheer terror. But Olivia was perceptive, gifted, special… but so was Dr. Montgomery. "I've done many unspeakable things," he muttered, hoping to hide the confession under the sounds of his typing.
But she heard. "We all have." She put her hand on his shoulder and repeated, sincerely, "We all have."
He laughed. There was nothing else he could say, unless he wanted to dive into disgusting specifics. If Dr. Montgomery knew the sort of man that he really was, or at least in his past, she would bolt out the door. And he wouldn't blame her. In his logs, he had judged the Walter Bishop that had subjected children to Cortexiphan, but how better was he? There were childlike entities in this very facility. He couldn't vouch that all of them were human, but they were certainly humanoid. And Dr. Montgomery would argue that all of them possessed souls, and certainly the capacity to suffer. He had overseen many experiments on these childlike entities – these children – just like the other Walter Bishops. He was no better than them. Perhaps, with all his power, he was worse. And that was a chilling thought. Out of every Walter Bishop to exist… he was probably the worst of them all. Was this really about Olivia Dunham and Nick Lane or was this a cleansing of his very soul? Or perhaps both. He would like to think both. But selfishness was in his nature.
"Yes, yes we have," he finally, and reluctantly, agreed. Many in the Foundation had committed more sins than others, but Dr. Montgomery had already been disenchanted by the Foundation; she didn't need her worldview to be further compromised. "But to answer your question, I'm patching us into her containment chamber. I'll also be isolating our feed from the others gathering information on her."
"But won't they know? Won't they hear her talking to us?"
"I have a pre-recorded audio and visual loop that I'll be broadcasting for their signals. We will be untraceable."
"You promise?"
Dr. Montgomery was in no position to be caught, and neither was he. Especially him. Or perhaps she was still? The more he thought about it… their titles and ranks blurred into irrelevancy. The Foundation was never color blind, and given the hostility the Foundation already gave those who challenged its directives… she would be a poster child for something more. And yet when they found that he was a man with such power, influence, and knowledge… when they found him conspiring with her… what would they do? He knew what had happened to Hendricks and Winters. He had bestowed upon them their fates. And he predicted a grimmer still future for himself. Given to him by those who once trusted his opinion no less.
His "Yes" was steadfast steel. If he was sealing those fates for himself then so be it. Perhaps he deserved them. Perhaps he deserved them and more.