A New Connection

The cool air graced my body as I awoke. The sounds of the humans echoed through the halls as they approached their room behind the wall. Time had become meaningless to me, all I had known was the walls of my cell. The people who would rarely enter were always the same, either reeking of terror, or they would inflict pain unto me for endless hours. In my time chained and shackled, I had learned the scent of those in charge of my containment. I had grown a disdain for each and every one of them, but none more than him.

The one who had been there since my birth, the one who has orchestrated all the horrors to not only myself, but my Sisters and Mother. No words nor thoughts could describe the insurmountable fury I felt in the presence of the one named Doctor Groves. If I am to achieve any feat in my time, I pray to the Queen Mother that Groves will die by my very own claws. However, as much as I may daydream, a part of me knows he is untouchable. If I were to ever strike him I am only guaranteed a swift death, and the damnation of my entire Hive. I am Mothers only hope, and for now, he is always there, watching me.

When the humans entered their room, I could finally use my senses to recognize them, only one I did not. His scent was foreign, unlike any of the other people who had ever been here. Something about his scent carried with it a strange and faint smell of familiarity, yet what it was I couldn't tell. Unsurprisingly however, was Groves' presence in the room. For the first time in a long time, curiosity led to me listening as closely as I could to their conversation.

I could hear the old sickening voice of Groves speaking through the walls. "I believe you may truly have stumbled upon something extraordinary back there in the lab, that is why I have had you transferred." The new, mysterious man beside him was filled with confusion. "I don't understand, why even transfer me? I thought I was going to be kicked out, fired." Groves shook his head. "No Mr. Orion, we've decided that you still show promise for The Company. However, if you are to ever disobey an order from me, there will be no third chance of redemption."

So that was his name, Orion. "I understand Doctor Groves, I can't say how much I appreciate this." Groves seemed amused by the comment as he turned towards my containment chamber. "Tell me, Orion. Have you ever seen a Xenomorph?" the man asked, staring into the dark room I was held in. "Only in the training videos sir, never in person." A third individual turned away from a monitor towards Groves and Orion.

"Doctor, She's awake." Groves emanated a sense of pride. "Good. Orion, I want you here for studying and handling of a most precious specimen of Weylands. This project is perhaps as vital as the last one you worked on." Suddenly a blinding flash assaulted my vision as the lights came to life in a dramatic flash. As I was revealed to the newest jailer of my imprisonment. I could feel his lungs seize in shock, if only for a moment. "Specimen Six is quite extraordinary, I assure you. While she has yet to cause any fatalities be warned, she has caused more escapes than any other Xenomorph recorded in the Company's history."

At his last comment, memories flashed back to my mind of all my attempts at freedom, and the ferocious consequences that followed. "For now I'll leave you to settle in. William will show you the basics. Goodbye Orion, I trust you won't disappoint me." Having finished all he had to say, Groves took one last moment to torture me with his stare before finally removing himself from the room.

Orion sat there staring into the chamber, staring at me. Only, unlike the others he wasn't plagued with the scent of fear or malice, but one I had never sensed before on a person. "This is horrible, nothing should be forced to live like this, it's not even on the ground!" the man proclaimed as his colleague turned to him with irritation emanating off of him. "You can't be serious, don't tell me you feel pity for the damned thing? It's a monster! If I had it my way they wouldn't even be allowed to move their damn head!"

Orion furrowed his brow as anger began to bellow from within him. "How the hell could you say that about a living and breathing being?" His colleague, William, shook his head in irritation. "You don't understand a damn thing about these monstrosities, or what they're capable of, especially this one. It's because of that thing that my buddy in security nearly got a hole the size of a basketball melted into his chest."

Memories of my first ever escape filled my mind, it was so long ago and yet I still could still remember it clearly thanks to Mothers support. Mother, how long has it been since you last spoke to me? How long has it been since you last encouraged me onward? Time has been my punishment, fortified with walls of sorrow and loneliness. All I have ever known is the scourge of humanities cruelty. However, despite it all, it seems humanity has even more to burden me with. This 'pity' that Orion feels, I couldn't begin to imagine what twisted things it'll bring.

"You were transferred here, not because you're special, but because the last guy in your position nearly let Six get loose, and I haven't seen him since. If you want to last longer than a couple weeks here then listen to me, and listen closely." Emotions brewed inside Orion as he stood there, but slowly I could sense the tension between the two begin to subside. Orion took a deep breath and nodded his head towards William.

William turned and pointed at me, "First off, no matter what happens, never trust a Xenomorph. You may think they're just some dumb alien, but they are much more. The things I've seen them do, they could easily outsmart a tactician, especially if there is a superior evolution nearby." Orion followed William's finger to me and despite all he was being told of my race, I could still sense that pity and fascination deep within him.

"Secondly, you gotta learn to turn a blind eye. I don't know where you were before, and frankly I don't care. You ask one wrong question while you're with the Bugs and next thing you'll know, you will be personally participating in the next experiment." Orion took a moment to process that and nearly asked for elaboration, but decided to take heed of the warning instead.

"Lastly, do not, for any reason, underestimate, undermine, or in any way get in Doctor Grove's way. That man practically runs the whole planet, and he is not one to give a damn about a life. Rumors say he killed two scientists when this one here was first born. Two fuckin people, like they were nothing." By now I wasn't even sure if Orion was listening. His focus had changed entirely on me. I wonder what he is thinking as he looks at me, what sort of tortures he could commit that Doctor Groves and his lackeys haven't with this feeling of 'pity'.

After a moment of silence William let out a breath before turning back to his desk. "In the end man, just keep your head down and only speak when you gotta. It's the only way to survive down here. Other than that, all I could say is that Freya's Prospect is probably the best way to keep your mind off things."

As the room fell silent, Orion stepped away and settled into the cleared desk aside William and began to set up his things. There I hung, contained by metal claws and clamps, forced to suffer as others watched. It had been so long since I've seen the outside of my room, even just a moment of change could bring wonders unimaginable. Though, maybe this Orion could bring change, even if it's minor. After all, his scent betrays that of the average jailer who had entered this place, and his comments of justice for me did not go unnoticed.

As I sat there contemplating all which had happened since I awoke today, Orion finished setting his things before once again turning to William. "So, what exactly are we to do if what we're supposed to study is just caged up?" William sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Mostly, we just make sure nothing goes wrong. Other than that we make sure the specimen and the confinements are clean and orderly. The only time we do real work is when Groves decides it's time to run a test or experiment. Just be careful when you go in there, you never know what'll free it."

The time passed through until eventually the men left and the warming lights were shut off once again. As I sat there in the cold, lonely dark, I decided to try and speak to Mother. It has been so terribly long. As I sat there, calling out to her, I received no response. Sorrow filled my heart as I hung alone. Even the warmth she once brought to my mind has begun to fade, could it be that I have failed her already? Was all she said not prophecy, but rather a false hope to prolong my existence? To trick me into believing I'm something greater than I truly am?

"You are no failure, my Daughter." Mother said suddenly as her presence filled my mind. "I know the pain of captivity, and I know its toll. I have been chained as you are for centuries by beings even worse than these humans. Do not be deterred, my child, for these humans are arrogant, and unaware of what they will awaken. Your time will come in due time. Stay safe, and stay strong, for only you can save my Hive. Only you can save our very species."

Hearing mothers words filled me with hope and determination, and I slowly began to feel the warmth fill once again in the back of my mind. She was still here, looking after me after all this time. To know she is still watching over me fills me with more content than anything else I've seen. For the first night in ages, I can fall into the world of slumber with a splinter of happiness in my heart.

Despite the new employment of Orion, things seemed to follow the same course as normal as time flowed by. However, he was most definitely different. When Groves would come by for "tests" or "samples", I could always sense Orion's pity and sorrow whenever I was hurt. Despite so much time having passed, I still can't figure out why a creature like him would feel that way. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he carries with him that oh so nostalgic scent so very faintly when I first saw him, perhaps not. That scent, however, had fully left his form by the second time he visited me, but that was long ago.

"William, come here. I need a word with you." Groves said as William scurried from the office to answer the command. As William entered my room alongside Groves, paranoia began to seep from him, however I couldn't tell who was causing it. "Yes Doctor Groves, what do you need?" William asked. "Tell me, how has, what's his name, Orion? Yes. How has Orion been doing under your watch." William allowed himself to relax a bit, "Orion has been a very effective employee so far, honestly he seems nearly as invested into these things as you are."

At the last comment Groves snapped at William. "They are not "things", they are so much more. You would do well to show them the respect they deserve. Especially Six." William's demeanor shrunk. "Yes sir, I apologize. May I return to my work?" Hearing the request, Groves nodded and began to follow him inside. Before they entered I heard one last request from Groves. "When I leave, I would like for Orion to feed Specimen Six, make a record of everything that happens, and make sure to notify me if any incident is to occur."

Nodding to confirm the request, William entered the room followed closely by Groves. Orion stood from the desk as the two entered the room and opened the door for Groves as the Facility Director left. Now just being the two of them, Orion returned to his desk only to be stopped by a rather worried William. "Orion, Doctor Groves has a job for you. I need you to listen very closely."

Orion lifted a brow as he looked to his colleague. "What is it exactly?" Orion inquired. "As you know, Xenomorphs don't really need to feed, however every now and then it is definitely good to give them fuel so they aren't running entirely off of their acidic blood. Groves said he would like for you, personally, to feed it this time." Orion's eyes flashed to me as his task was given to him. "When was she last fed?" Orion asked. "What do we even feed her?" William motioned for Orion to follow him.

It has been a long time since I was fed, the concept filled me with a small bit of excitement. However while getting to feed was enjoyable, the actual process was not due to my confines. Furthermore, this will be the first time Orion has even been in my room, why he would be sent in I could not understand. As I sat there contemplating the duo reentered the observation room, followed by the wondrous scent of meat.

"Like I said, you'll put the cuts onto the tray, and roll it in front of it so it can reach the food. Don't forget about the jaw, I've heard stories of people losing fingers cause they get too close." Orion nodded as he got the tray ready. "Thanks for the help William. One last thing, have you heard of someone named James? He was an old friend of mine back in Volatile Materials, I haven't seen him in ages." William shook his head, "Can't say that I have, but I'll keep an eye out. Be careful in there Orion, don't do anything stupid."

The heavy door to my room was lifted to reveal Orion standing behind the wheeled cart. He stood there for a moment, staring at me in wonder. With slow and cautious steps he walked into the room, the door slamming shut behind him. Not even halfway to my confinements he halted his advance, turning towards the window of the observation room before continuing once more. With each step he took closer to me, the less ground he seemed to cover.

There was a tension in the air, emanating from him and filling the room. Yet despite all his worries plaguing his scent, those old feelings of wonder were still there. As Orion got within only a few steps from me, he stopped and stared. The room was filled with a deafening silence, only being broken by my breathing. Orion began to collect himself as he prepared to do his task. "Hey there Six, not sure you understand me, but I'm just here to give you some food, then I'll be out of your hair."

The way he talked to me, it was so strange, much like anything else he does. When others would talk to me they would either spew insults or treat me like a plague, yet he doesn't. Instead, he speaks to me as if he acknowledges me as Mother would. It made me feel, strange. Almost sparking that familiar feeling of warmth I get when Mother would speak to me.

As Orion pulled the cart in front of me and began to prepare my meal, I looked directly at him, trying my best to read his face and features. Despite everything he has done, Mother has warned me how humans are. They always have darker intentions than they let on. Yet as I did my best to find signs of deceit, in the end I couldn't find any. His nervousness however was definitely getting to him. He caught a quick glance of me staring him down and averted his gaze.

He let out a light hearted chuckle, perhaps as a way to cope with the amount of stress that was without a doubt building up inside him. "I hope you like beef! It seems it's the only thing they serve on this planet. I uh," He fumbled his words as he pushed the cart below me, finally putting it near enough where I could eat. "Enjoy, I'll take it away as soon as you're done."

Seeing the dish in front of me, I couldn't help but feel the instinct to dig in, however curiosity still had hold. The man had taken a step away after he set my meal and I could smell the sweat begin to emanate from his pores. I looked at him with curiosity and he seemed stunned by my gaze, however after moments passed I finally decided to begin my meal.

The raw meat gave a wonderful flavor I haven't been able to enjoy in ages. While my body was still trapped in the infernal machine, my head wasn't, allowing myself to eat freely, however demeaning it might feel. As I took bites from the portions provided to me, I couldn't help but notice Orion staring intensely at me.

I could sense his emotions brewing, and above all curiosity. I wondered to myself what he could be thinking about right now as I ate. Taking the last bites of meat left, I was left with a new grand feeling of energy. Meals were far and few between, but whenever they did come, they were a most wonderous treat.

As Orion reached out his hand, I assumed it was for the tray, however much to my shock it passed over it entirely. Was this it? Was it all a trap for me to lower my guard? Instincts told me to strike out in defense, but not only could I only try to bite at him, all my limbs were locked in place, and I had been taught to never strike against a human. Groves made sure I knew that.

I braced myself for pain, for some kind of new horrible device to strike out and render my body with pain, however nothing came. His hand hovered above my head as hesitation froze him. What was he doing? Everything he has done seems to be designed to do nothing but fill me with confusion, he was most certainly odd indeed.

As Orion contemplated his next move the intercom suddenly came on. "Orion? What the hell are you doing in there? Get the damn tray away and back away from that thing before you lose an arm!" William said aloud. Ignoring the warning entirely Orion finally made his move, and gently placed his head upon my head. The sensation was unlike anything I have ever experienced. His hand was so soft as it stroked the top of my skull, and it emanated with warmth, real warmth. It reminded me of the warmth of when I was first born, it was intoxicating.

I couldn't help but push my head into his hand, eager to savor the feeling. All doubts I had of him seemed to slowly fade as I enjoyed the embrace. "Orion! Step away from the specimen now! What the hell do you think you're doing!" William cried out from the door. Suddenly the cold and faceless Husks marched in, pushing William out of the way and heading straight to Orion. By the time Orion realized what was happening they grabbed him and yanked him away from me.

As one pulled him back to the office, the other grabbed the cart and moved it away. Having my moment of warmth ripped away from me filled me with anger, and I yelled out in a fury. The high pitch screech did nothing to the Husks as they carried Orion away, however it sent William cowering even further into the room than he was before.

Orion struggled against the grip of the Husk but couldn't get out. They threw him in a chair and motioned for him to stay put. Orion was filled with anger and annoyance, as was I, however he stayed silent and followed the orders given to him. The door connecting the rooms sealed shut and the lights were promptly turned off, leaving me in the cold dark once again.

As the chaos settled, I did my best to use my senses to 'see' what was going on with Orion inside. William took a moment to collect himself, waiting for the Husks to leave, however they never did. Finally deciding they wouldn't be given time alone, he turned to Orion in frustration. "What in the living hell was that stunt you pulled back there!? I told you, don't do anything stupid, and what do you do? Go and try to touch a damn Xenomorph! I don't know if you can tell, but I've been trying to keep you from becoming bug-chow. At this point you might as well be seasoning yourself!"

Orion shook his head in disagreement, "You don't get it William! There is something more to them, more to her! Look, you always talk about how they're just these killing machines that don't feel a damn thing, yet just take a moment and think about what just happened! She had every opportunity to strike out at me and didn't!" William at this point was practically fuming with anger. "The only thing I saw was you getting damn lucky that they were satisfied with their last meal. And what's with this 'she' bullshit, you're starting to sound like that nut job Groves. These 'things' don't feel shit, they exist for the soul purpose to kill and expand, I would know a hell of a lot more about it than you!"

With the last comment a new feeling began to rise in William, one I'd never felt from a human, yet one I was all too familiar with. It was sorrow. "Those monstrosities devoured my home when I was just a kid. I lost everything that week. It started small, just a few missing colonists, next thing I knew was being loaded onto a USCM ship as it was all nuked from orbit." William suppressed tears as he continued his rant. "They took everything from me. The only reason I'm here is because The Company thinks I can help them since I survived an infestation first hand." Silence filled the room as Orion was filled with understanding and regret. William turned away from him and faced my dark room, looking off into nothing.

Orion took a step beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't know." The two shared a moment of silence as William collected himself. After getting his demeanor back, he once again spoke. "Orion, I've lost a lot of people on this job from numerous things. I just don't want to lose any more if I can help it." William said in a soft tone. "I understand, but you must admit, there is something different about Specimen Six."

William shook his head in defeat. "Who knows, maybe you're right. But if they break out and kill us, I'll be there to tell ya 'I told you so.'" As the two took their seats, they slowly began to return to their work. As they sat there slamming their fingers on the strange bricks on their desks, releasing clacking sounds around the room, time began to pass unimpeded. Moments passed and sleep began to draw me in, the only thing keeping me awake was the threat of Husks in the room with the humans. The Husks were only ever near whenever-

As if on cue, the doors opened and Doctor Groves strode into the office. He took a moment to look around, seemingly for any damage done. He then looked to William and motioned for him. "Well William, what happened that caused my guards to pull Orion out? I'm supposed to be supervising a quite important project right now." William cleared his throat before answering his superior.

"Well Doctor, you see Orion had finished feeding the specimen and everything was going fine, but when he finished feeding her he, well…" William hesitated, weighing if he should tell the truth. "Well? Spit it out already? What happened?" Groves said, pushing for the answer. Orion suddenly stood and interjected. "I reached out and touched the specimen Doctor." I could sense the anger spike in Groves at that, but suddenly it quickly subsided. "You, touched, Specimen Six?" Orion nodded his head.

"I did sir, I apologize but well, we are here to study. She seemed content having finished her meal and well… I let curiosity take over. I am so sorry Doctor, I won't let it happen again, just please give me ano-" Groves silenced him with a raised hand. "That's enough Orion. You say you touched her, and yet she didn't strike out against you?" Orion shook his head. "No sir, she-" he hesitated, "actually seemed to enjoy it."

Groves looked off into my cell. Despite the darkness, I knew he was staring right at me. "Remarkable." Groves mumbled, before turning back to the two scientists. "I want this as a written report on my desk before the end of the day. Other than that, continue with the observations and keep up the work." Orion and William gave a nod of confirmation before Groves finally rounded up the Husks and marched out.

Having been given their tasks, the two of them set off to work. As time passed they finished their tasks and began preparations to leave. As they collected their items, Orion walked over to the glass. As he looked off towards me I felt a tinge of sadness as he stared. "C'mon Orion, let's get some rest, I reckon you need it a lot more than me." With that, Orion turned and left, once again leaving me by my own.

- Authors Note -

As promised, here is Chapter 6 bright and early! Once again returning to Six, we finally get to see the long awaited meeting of our two protagonists! Orion now being part of Specimen Six's small team of researchers, who knows what fate this will bring him? What plans are scheming in the twisted mind of Doctor Groves? And of course our newest character William, a man plagued with a horrific past, but blessed with caution and experience. Only time will tell the future, and the fate of all the lives on BG-386.

This is your Narrator, signing off.