Title: Numb

Chapter 3: Time

Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment purposes only. The characters herein are the property of J.J. Abrams, Touchstone Television, and Bad Robot.

This chapter is dedicated to RACH2503, Thank you for always coming back!

When the doctor opened the door the next morning he found her on the floor, dressed athletically, counting off the crunches.

"I count this as foolish." She didn't even look up at him she had known he was there before he'd ever even opened the door. When she didn't respond he continued. "Well, you are fit, that is for sure. Very much like the master."

Her head snapped up at that, eyes narrowed. "What can I do for you Doc?" But he was ignoring her now, setting out more medical instruments much as he had yesterday and Sydney started to wonder if last night was meant to trick her into complacency so he could come in and torture her some more. As if he was reading her thoughts he gave her a warm smile.

"I just want to change your bandages if you'll let me. Don't worry, no needles, nothing evasive. I just want to reapply the Neosporin with the bandages if I may." She nodded and moved from her position on the floor to the bed and got comfortable.

"How long have you worked for Sark Dr. Rahiq?" He looked up again, regarding her for a moment.

"Please, Miss Bristow, call me Tovah." She smiled at him then, feeling oddly fortunate like she may have made a friend, even if it was all Sark's doing.

"Tovah, how long have you worked for Sark?" The older man sighed, contemplating, doing the math.

"Since he was born." This left Sydney reeling.

"So you knew his parents, then." Her statement seemed to hit close to home and he went back to working over his bag.

"This may sting a little." And then Sydney realized that he knew. He knew who killed Lazaray and he knew it was her. His kindness was all Sark's doing and she was not one to be fooled.

"The master says you may go exploring the compound when you wish. Just please be on time for dinner. The staff goes home at night and he likes to get them out promptly at 10:30."

Sydney wanted to say something, apologize maybe? Instead she sighed.

"Thank you Tovah." He bowed and was gone without another word.

Changing clothes, mindful of the wounds that seemed to be pulling on her lean muscles she cringed as she lifted the sporty top above her head and dropped her arms quickly once it was off and sighed once the muscles could once again relax. She stripped off the rest of her clothes just out of view of the cameras and as the water kicked on she heard the door open. Spinning, she could see Sark's shocked face.

"I…" He cleared his throat. "I assure you I knocked." And then, as if remembering himself, he turned his head away while she hastily grabbed a towel. She heard him breathe out a breath and then she felt the embarrassment sink in of what had just happened and anger at herself for being caught off guard.

"What do you need?" He still hadn't turned back to her but he tilted his head in her general direction.

"I was wondering if you'd like a full tour, I was going to show you where there was some equipment you could use since Tovah said you were exercising when he came in to check on you. I just assumed that you had gone back to your routine." She huffed out a breath, leave it to Sark to completely disarm her.

"Let me get dressed and I'll come with you." Her tone came out extremely petulant, and still he didn't turn. He must have been as embarrassed as I am, she thought.

"Even though you are my guest, I want you to feel you have your privacy here." He didn't have to constantly remind her where he was. This was not just a bad dream. Here indeed she was.

"I did knock, Sydney." His voice was soft and quiet as he started for the door. One foot out the door he turned to her and continued. "It won't happen again, I assure you."

She simply nodded and after the door had shut she went about getting dressed, glancing longingly at the shower every few seconds but she was far too curious to pass this time alone with Sark up.