On the screen Two watched Six as he settled at the cafe table. The waiter came over and there was an exchange. How alone Six made himself. Even in the crowd he was isolated. He sought no connection with the people around him. Number Two leaned out of his chair and tapped the tip of his cane against his shoe. Trust was the element they could not cultivate in Number Six. Every encounter was regarded by him as trap. A ploy to rob him of his precious secrets. He would condemn himself to a life of solitude rather than risk confiding in an enemy. The cane tapped faster. The man was far too comfortable in his own company.
Six sipped his coffee and watched even as he was being watched. Always on guard that one. He believed himself to be unique in the universe. A wolf surrounded by sheep. But he wasn't unique. The thought stopped the unconscious tapping of Two's cane. Seven, she was like him. What does a man hunger for more than anything but to find a kindred spirit? He leaned his chin on the cane, watching Six. They may yet coax him out of his shell. He felt a flutter of what could only be fear. He might already be too late.
He grabbed up the yellow phone. "Get me Number Forty Eight, immediately."
The doctor's face appeared on the screen like a child called in from his play. "The patient is prepped." he made little effort to conceal his annoyance. "I was just about to begin."
"Stop the procedure."
The doctors face flushed. "By who's authority?"
"Mine. I need her intact."
"For what purpose?" The Doctor's voice rose to a petulant whine. "She's combative. Uncontrollable by conventional means. A perfect candidate for the procedure."
"Must I remind you of your place Doctor." Number Two said dangerously.
"No Sir." The man looked properly abased. "I merely wish to understand."
"Of course," Two's tone was now placating. "This girl's temperament, while not suited to our present purpose, is I believe a unique asset regarding our special project."
"Number Six? I fail to see how that would be at all beneficial. Giving him access to another malcontent will only encourage him."
"As you say. You fail to see."
That ruffled the doctor's feathers. "They share a remarkable similarity in nature," he said indignantly. "I should think contact with her would only strengthen his resistance. He would surly view her as an ally."
"Precisely, Doctor."
"I want to be on record as opposing this." The doctor said, "I see it as both dangerous and reckless."
"Noted Number Forty Nine. Be so kind to Have Number Seven returned to her room."