Chapter VIII

A Dying Light

"Good morning Six, sorry for having to wake you up so abruptly again." Orion said aloud as the light attacked my senses, once again shocking me awake. He was looking at me from behind the glass of the observation room, he had with him that unmistakable sense of excitement which has lingered off him ever since he fed me that second time. Looking back on that day I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret for my actions.

As my caretaker continued his work from behind closed doors, I used the time to stretch my limbs as best I could. Despite the compassion he showed me, I still am locked inside the infernal restraints Groves put me in so long ago. As I wrestled against the metallic grip, I noticed Orion staring my way with a small tinge of sadness in his eye.

As the door to my room opened, Orion walked over to me while carrying a strange device. In the time since he had started caring for me, he would often bring human toys, nick-knacks, or trinkets in hopes to help my containment be more bearable, or to simply see my reaction. It was a simple gesture, but one that meant more to me than anything else I've ever known. As he got closer, he placed a chair near my containment unit and took a seat.

Orion gave me his smile he would always bring to our meetings. "Hey there Six, I know you haven't liked everything I've brought you, but I really think you'll like this one." Orion looked at the strange box and began to type commands into it. One thing I've learned is how the humans are able to manipulate their boxes to help them with tasks, this being just one of the many other things Orion taught me.

"Lets see here, what would be a good match for you…" Orion mumbled to himself in a low tone. As he fumbled through the device, I couldn't help but think back on everything that has happened since my fateful encounter with Orion. Ever since he began his frequent visits, life slowly began to have more substance to it. Every time I woke up now, it was not dread I would wake to, but rather anticipation for my next moment with Orion. Even my old talks with Mother had all but ended, and while in the past it caused me nothing but distraught to stop hearing from her, Orion helped provide a welcome distraction.

"Here we go, should be great for a first time listener." Orion once again said aloud as he pushed a button on the device. As soon as he did so he lifted his hands in front of me almost as if he was trying to keep me calm. "Just stay calm Six, just listen and enjoy." As Orion finished his request, a sudden static began to emanate from within the device Orion brought alongside him. The sound was jarring and unpleasant, and I hissed to threaten the foul device to stop as it began to blur my senses.

Orion jumped from his seat and quickly fumbled with it, letting out a small nervous chuckle as well. "Sorry girl! Calm down, I'll fix it!" As he frantically fought with the device, the noise stopped as soon as it ended. Putting in a few more commands, he sat back and smiled. "There we go! Now it should work just fine." Finally, he pressed the last button once again.

I braced for the awful sound once more, but instead I was graced by noise far more, pleasant. Light synthetic hums emanate from the device, all in pitches of different lengths and sounds. At first, it all sounded strange and completely random, but as I focused I noticed the pattern the song created.

The smooth synthetic noises became evermore pleasant the longer I listened to them, and it soon began to lull me into a blissful hypnosis. As I enjoyed the wonderful noise, I noticed Orion smiling at me, no doubt finding my reaction comical, as he said he did with so many things. He may be strange, even for a human, but he was no doubt the greatest thing to happen to me.

I continued to listen to the sound as moments passed, but eventually it came to an end. I wanted to listen to more, but due to him not being able to understand me, there was truly no way I could give him my request. "Did you like that? It was one of my favorite songs when I was young. I would listen to it while I studied for school, and I figured if it puts my mind at ease, it might just help you."

Orion paused, and his smile began to somewhat fade. "Can you do something for me Six?" Orion asked. Confused as to what he meant, I looked up at the human as he got up from his chair. "Look, it's simple, I just need you to follow my hand." Upon asking, he extended his arm parallel to the floor, and had his hand fully extended. I tilted my head, still not sure as to the purpose of his request. "Come on Six, please." Deciding to humor him, I looked at his hand. He then began to move his hand above his head, to the other side, and finally below it. All the while, he had his smile plastered on his face as I followed his hands movements to the best of my ability.

"Amazing, simply amazing." He mumbled aloud. "I guess you really can understand me." He paused for a moment after saying that, contemplating something. While the silence began to set in he shook his head and pulled the device from before back out. "Ok then, if you really can understand me, I need to ask you something." I looked back up at him to make direct eye contact, despite my lack of visual eyes. "Let's try this Six, I'm going to ask you a question, simple yes or no. If your answer is yes, nod your head like this." Orion shook his head up and down. "If your answer is no, shake it like this." He shook his head from side to side. "Got it?" He asked calmly.

I took a moment to go over everything he said, but finally I gave him a nod of confirmation. The action shocked him as his eyes grew wide with excitement. I could sense his heart begin to beat faster, despite the fact there was no apparent danger either. Had I not done it correctly? Perhaps I accidentally threatened him in a way, whatever the cause of his spiked heartbeat, there was nothing I could do even if I wanted to.

Orion quickly calmed himself and yet he still had that same expression upon his face. "Alright Six, did you like the music I played for you?" Orion asked. Was that what the noise was called, music? I gave Orion a nod of confirmation and he went to ask me another question. "Alright then Six, last question I'll give you, then I'll let you go back to sleep. Would you at all be interested in having music played in your cell while no one else is here?"

Hearing the offer, I couldn't help but feel excitement at the thought of being able to hear more of that wonderful 'music'. I immediately gave a nod of confirmation, much to Orion's pleasure. Orion pressed a button on the device, and more of the calming music began to emanate from it. "Well then Six, have a good night's rest. See you next time."

Orion turned and walked out of the room, taking the device with him. As I heard the music fade, I felt a tinge of sadness strike. I guess he couldn't leave it in here with me, it makes sense after all, with how protective they are of keeping my cell clean. However, while Orion would normally go to the switch to power off the lights, he instead walked over to a console and plugged the device in. Suddenly, much to my enjoyment, the music began to sound out from the speakers in my room. "Enjoy the music Six, I'll see you tomorrow." Orion said as he walked over to the large switch before finally turning off the lights.

The darkness filled the room, the only source of light now being that of the monitors from inside Orion's observation room. The music provided a wonderful, calming atmosphere for me to enjoy. As I tuned out all my surroundings, except for the music of course, I began to let my mind run into the endless abyss of thought.

I had no idea what to expect of Orion that first day he arrived, only that I thought he could not be trusted, oh how wrong I was. While I am still not sure as to why Orion began to help me the way he has, I can only appreciate all that I have been given. I sorely wish I could tell him, just communicate, if even for a moment, so that he would understand the difference he has made. Ever since that day, he has always been here to comfort me, even keeping the malicious Doctor at bay.

As my mind drifted more and more into thought, I felt the call of sleep begin to dawn upon me. What would I do if not for Orion? Would I still be poked, prodded, and tortured by the cruel Doctor Groves? My hypothetical began to fade as I looked up to Orion a final time. In the end, it doesn't matter what could have happened, all that matters is the gifts I've been given.

Orion paced back and forth inside the observation room, worriedness, anticipation, and a tinge of fear coming off him. He had awoken me just moments before and kept talking to himself under his breath, too quiet to hear all of it but just loud enough to pick up pieces. One word that caught my attention however was "Groves". The mere mention of the man sickened me, and it could only mean he was coming by for another one of his visits.

Every now and then, Groves would stop by during my time with Orion and they would then proceed to talk for extended lengths, a time Orion even entered my chamber and fed me with his hands again, all while Groves watched with sinister intent. I remember that day all too well, while I enjoyed the treats in the past, with Groves there it just felt like I was nothing but a tool for the man. If they truly are all tests, at least they are far more bearable than his old methods.

Sometimes I fear for Orion, for it seems he is ignorant of the dangers the Doctor possesses. Groves was good at many things, but a hidden trait he showed to only a select few was his impeccable deception. I've seen it be used on previous scientists before, and sometimes even guards, but he never kept this charade up for as long as he did with Orion.

Orion's pacing slowed to a stop, but he was obviously still deep in thought. Suddenly, he raised his head and looked my way. He walked to the observation window and waved to me, forcing a smile upon his face. "Six, we have a special guest today, yet a part of me thinks you already know." Orion said aloud on the intercom of the room. In response, I let out a deep rumble from my chest, signaling that I did in fact know. However, Orion, still oblivious to my communication, merely shook his head. "Look Six, I know how you act around him, and it's clear that you don't like him, but you gotta listen to me. I need you to cooperate today."

Cooperate? With Doctor Groves? Hearing Orion's request did nothing but make me feel even more anxious for the arrival of the man. All I responded with was a growl of irritation. Orion's form shrunk ever so much and he sighed, "I get it Six, he's why you're here, but you gotta trust me! Please! Think of all I've been able to get for you! If you just put your feelings aside for even a moment, I can guarantee that I will pay you back for it." Orion paused, "If he doesn't like the results, I can't guarantee what'll happen to me."

I ignored what he said, at least until the final comment he made. It didn't make any sense, why would Orion be punished for something I did? A part of me asked myself if Orion was lying, just trying to get me to listen by any means necessary, yet another part of me knew that Orion had never once proven himself as dangerous or dishonest.

As much as it pained me to do, I gave a slight nod of understanding. Orion's body immediately eased as tense muscles went slack. For a moment a small grin graced his features and he placed a hand on the glass. "Thank you Six, I can't tell you how much you're helping me out here." Orion said before returning to his desk.

Time seemed to move at horrid speeds as we waited for the arrival of Doctor Groves until he finally arrived. He entered swiftly, flanked alongside the armed Husks. "I apologize for being late Orion, I was delayed by some rather important deeds." Groves said. Orion shook his head to the side and let out his pleasing atmosphere while doing his best to stay professional. "It's really no problem Doctor Groves, I understand. During your absence I have used the time provided to get everything in order, all that awaits is for you to give me the go ahead."

Groves nodded his head and walked to the window. "Tell me, how is Specimen Six today? Has she been awake long?" Groves inquired. "I woke her roughly 45 minutes ago, sir, she is fully coherent and should be fine for the experiment." Groves gave an encouraging nod before faking a smile and turning to Orion. "Well then Orion, time is money, let us get started."

Orion walked to a keyboard near him and imputed several commands before finally heading to the door of my cell. He paused for a moment, something he hasn't done in ages, before finally marching in. The stench of fear emanated from him ever so slightly as he walked towards me, however for once I do not believe I was the cause. Perhaps Orion truly is aware of the true nature of Groves after all.

Orion turned to the Doctor who was still behind the glass. Orion gave a thumbs up before turning back to me. As he did so he lifted his mask and goggles to cover his features, a procedure he only ever conducted within the presence of Doctor Groves. Having finished readying himself for the experiment, he lifted a small cylindrical device towards his mouth and began to speak into it. "This is Nathan Orion, primary researcher for Specimen Six of Project Astraeus. The current time is twenty three fifteen on the eighth of January, twenty two eighty four." He continued his drab saying as he always did before starting an experiment for his superior.

"Today marks the sixteenth anniversary of planet BG-238's colony, and nearly the two year mark since I have been put into this position." Orion paused and looked at me directly, "Specimen Six has proved to be the most capable specimen ever seen and captured by the company. The specimen has proven themselves of higher intelligence and problem solving than ever thought possible by a Xenomorph drone." Hearing Orion comment on me like I was just another lab rat felt almost like betrayal. With every use of the word specimen I couldn't help but compare him to Groves, if even for a second.

"With this recording, I will state and record all my findings made through my time with Specimen Six, I will then close it with a personal demonstration for Doctor Groves." As Orion finally finished his introduction, he lowered the small microphone to the side and walked back through the door. I know I had agreed to help him, yet I couldn't help but feel disgusted at the thought of doing tricks for the Doctor. Orion had better told the truth when he promised to pay me back.

Orion soon returned, with the wonderful music playing box at his side, as well as a few other boxes as well. He laid the items out on the floor and then took a knee near me. He gave me a subtle glance as he got his devices ready. "Just bear with me for a moment Six, the better you work with me, the faster this is over." Orion said in a hushed tone. After whispering to me, he stood up and turned to Doctor Groves.

"Since I have been on this project, I have decided to experiment with Specimen Six using a variety of devices, tools, and even toys to see the effects it would have on the specimen." Orion said into the device as he opened a small box. "One of the first items I ever used was a chemical which carried with it an extremely potent scent, mostly used in modern perfumes but usually watered down. The Specimen seems to have a strong disdain to being near it, helping emphasize proof of their incredible sense of smell."

I recognized the bottle almost immediately, and turned my head away as much as I could to avoid it. That awful vial, for its small size, released awful fumes which clouded my senses. I hissed as he went to open the vial, causing him to stop in his tracks. "As you can see, she remembers it quite well, even threatening me for just trying to open it." Orion spoke as he gently put the vial away, filling me with relief.

All while Orion ran through all that we had done in the past, Doctor Groves stood behind the glass, eyes locked onto my form. The bindings holding me here could never match the feeling of helplessness I felt when he looked at me, and now, even Orion's presence didn't help. Orion soon reached into another box, however this one was releasing cold air as he opened its seals.

Orion reached inside and revealed a small piece of steak, a personal favorite treat of mine the man no doubt knew. "In my first ever interaction with the Specimen since I joined the program, I fed it a piece of steak by hand, and while the action was admittedly idiotic at the time, Specimen Six proved its ability of empathy by cautiously eating it from my grip, making sure not to cause injury to me in any way."

I don't believe Orion ever did record the other feeding sessions judging off his statement, especially due to the fact it is how he has fed me ever since. He lifted the cut of meat up to my jaw and the rich, savory scent caused me to drool. As degrading as it felt to eat merely for the record of Doctor Groves, I couldn't help but at least take a bite of the dish.

Gently as possible, I took a bite of the steak, my razor sharp teeth easily cutting it off the main portion. The wonderful flavor graced me as I savored the bite. While his mask covered his face, I could still picture his childish smile that he had when he first fed me by hand. Mimicking the past even more, Orion reached out his hand and stroked my head as I finished my bite, before putting the leftovers back in the cool box from whence it came.

"Specimen Six is living proof that not only are these creatures so much smarter than we first initially thought, but that they are capable of deep emotion and understanding. My last item I have here is a speaker system connected to a playlist I made myself, specifically for Specimen Six's enjoyment." Lastly, he pulled out the wonderful device he had used before and hit a button on it, granting me the pleasure of hearing the beautiful waves of calm, synthetic sounds once again.

Like always, the sound filled me with feelings of calming and relaxation, however with the presence of Groves, I refused to allow myself to become fully entranced by the music. The Doctor's eyes ran wild with thought as he stared at me, his body showing signs of all kinds of feeling, yet one I had felt through this whole ordeal shined above the rest, anticipation.

"Tell me Orion, why did you feel the need to introduce music to Specimen Six?" Grove's voice asked through the intercom. It seemed to startle Orion as he turned around to face the Doctor. "Well, to work and see how Specimen Six, and hopefully future specimens as well, would work with people, I wanted to first get a grasp at how they could conceptualize art. I figure if she- it, could understand music, then it acts as even more proof of the specimen's ability at complex thought." Groves stared for a moment digesting the answer, before finally giving Orion a slow nod.

Orion's heartbeat slowly began to quicken as worry began to falter his concentration. He paused the music, much to my disdain, and began to return the items back to their place. He walked back in front of me before continuing his log for the Doctor. "Other experiments have shown the extent of Specimen Six's senses, including one I stumbled upon the same day I introduced the specimen to music. It seems they are vulnerable to extremely high frequency sounds, much similar to old mammals of the past, such as dogs."

What was Orion talking about? I thought back to the other night when he played music but for the life of me I can't remember, unless… Orion tricked me? A memory flashed in my thoughts of when he first tried to play the music, and the awful sound that came out instead. Could it truly be that he did it all as a ploy to find a weakness from me? Not Orion, it can't be him. It just can't be! Why would the one who has done so much for me look for potential weakness?

I began to spiral down a range of emotions, however the two that lingered most were the feelings of betrayal, and rage. I looked up to Orion as he talked to Groves and couldn't help but squeeze my clawed hands in anger. I wanted to strike out, yell at him, even strike him, however a part of me screamed at me to calm down. The voice of reason was quiet, but just loud enough to help me come back to my senses.

As my mental battle began to subside, I once again heard the voice of Orion call out. "-And now I would like to show you the reason I called you here today, a presentation of sorts." Orion said to Groves as he turned back to me. "I believe I have found undeniable proof of consciousness in the Xenomorph Species. I've long argued this but lacked any proof to back my claim, until now."

As Orion finished his sentence he looked down at me and winked. "When I introduced Specimen Six to music, I made a request, from which they responded. I was curious at how quickly they responded to the action and made me ask myself, "Can she understand me?". I then proceeded to show the Specimen how to respond yes and no by shaking her head. With absolutely zero training what-so-ever, she began to answer my following questions flawlessly, some even without hesitation."

Orion took a moment to allow Groves to collect his thoughts, who while physically standing as straight as ever, had his range of emotions flying across the room. "After a few short questions, I then asked Six to do a task for me, the same task I would like to share with you, Doctor Groves." Orion turned back to me and looked me in the eye. "Six, could you please follow my right hand?" As he said this, he lifted his hand to his side and began to move around, just like before.

Groves looked on in wonder, alongside a strange sense of jealousy. Having finished the show, Orion lowered his hand before turning back to Doctor Groves, only to see him walk into the room with us. Groves kept his eyes on me as he addressed Orion, "Truly amazing work has been accomplished here Orion, truly amazing work indeed." Groves said as he walked towards me.

His presence in the room filled me with the rage from before, only this time directed towards him. Had these restraints not been on, I would rip him limb from limb right here. What worried me most however, was that Orion just stood and let him get closer. Groves had never walked inside with Orion, was this more deception being revealed?

"Orion, do you think I could attempt the same feat?" Orion motioned my may before speaking, much to my horror. "Of course Doctor, you are in charge after all." Groves gave another nod as he walked near me, his sickening smile dawning his features as always. "So Six, have you been able to understand me all this time? Things would have been so much better for you if you simply cooperated." Groves said with spite.

It seemed to have taken Orion off guard as worry began to take over his form. "Doctor Groves? What are yo-" Groves cut him off. "Not now Orion, I'm having a conversation." Orion took a step back, leaving me defenseless with the cruelest being on this awful world. Groves returned all his attention to me. "Now play nice Six, follow my hand, just like you did with Orion." the man said as he took a step back and raised his hand.

I ignored his request completely as he moved his hand around, making a fool of himself. He bared his teeth in irritation as he talked to me again, this time in a harsher tone. "It's simple Six, follow my hand. I'm commanding you." Groves said. Before he even moved his hand this time I growled as loud as I possibly could, something I haven't done since my youth. Shock and rage filled Groves' eyes at my threat to him.

"How dare you address me like that Six, I thought I'd beaten that out of you long ago." Suddenly the Husks marched into the room and flanked Groves' sides. Orion at this point began to panic at the unfolding scene. "I'll have you beaten till you bleed for your actions, just like old times…" Groves said with more malice in his voice than I'd ever heard before. His comment did nothing as well but bring up those horrible memories.

As one of the Husks walked up to strike me, Orion suddenly stepped in the way. "Wait! Doctor Groves please! I understand your upset but don't do this!" Orion's interjection seemed to freeze the room as everything came to a halt. Seeing Orion step in the way to save me immediately began to help mend my thoughts of him. Perhaps I came to make a conclusion too soon.

Groves went to speak as Orion stood there who was obviously terrified, but still standing his ground. Before the Doctor could speak however, Orion continued. "Please Doctor Groves, I've worked so hard to make the Specimen work with us! If you do this, it could jeopardize two years of work!" Orion's words seemed to provide enough reason to make Groves step down. The old Doctor gave me a final look before making a move to leave.

"You are right Orion, it's good of you to protect the program, however I remind you to remember your place." Groves said before moving to leave the room for good. Before he walked out he paused and spoke a final time. "Your work here might just be the largest step we've ever seen in this program Orion. Continue this and you will not be disappointed with the results." With his final words spoken, Groves marched out with his Husks by his side, and Orion sat on the floor, exhausted by the whole experience.

Orion removed his goggles and mask and gave me a look of pity. As he looked at me, a part of me enjoyed it, but the words he said in the final confrontation rang in my mind. "Make the Specimen work with us", "jeopardize two years of work", it seems I was right after all. I'm nothing to Orion than just another test subject for them to manipulate.

Orion reached out a hand to pet my head, but I bared my teeth and hissed at him. The response caught him off guard and he jumped back. Seeing him now did nothing but fill me with a scornful feeling, I couldn't stand to even look at him. "Six, are you all right?" He asked aloud. I ignored him, merely keeping my threatening gaze locked onto his form while I released a long growl.

He seemed to start to understand what I was saying as he went back closer to the door. Pain filled his eyes and sorrow plagued his scent as he stumbled back to the door, hands up close to his chest. "I'm sorry Six. I'm so sorry for what happened to you." Orion said in a hurt tone. It didn't matter what he said, who knows if he is even speaking the truth. I gave him a final warning with as loud of a hiss as I could manage before he finally went back to the observation room.

He looked to me from beyond the glass, his once happy demeanor was shattered, and his old smile was gone, replaced by a look of abandonment. He walked to the switch to shut off the lights, but gave me a final look. He went to speak, to perhaps defend himself, but paused just before he spoke. He shook his head and looked away in silence. With a loud click, the lights shut off all around me, and I watched Orion pull out his device and set up the music, despite all that had happened, despite how I had just treated him.

As the synthetic tunes began to sound out through my cell, it only felt like a melancholic song to me now. What once filled me with content and warmth, now only sparked memories of when I thought I had a true friend, something I never thought any of my kind could have. The feeling I felt now was worse than any before, yet it caused me no physical pain. This unbearable sadness weighs me down as the once calming tunes carry me to a restless sleep.

- Authors Note -

On the hollowing tones of Six's broken trust, the Eighth Chapter of this story comes to a close. Groves begins to show more and more of his true colors to Orion, and Six doesn't seem the only one here broken from this encounter. This chapter marks not only a new low for both our characters, but also marks the longest chapter I've written yet! This is my first ever chapter to hit over 5k words, and I plan to only expand them from here. As much as I hate to salt wound, I bring some bad news here as well. Chapter Eight marks my most current chapter I have written, and I such I have no more in reserves. Normally, this isn't a problem, but due to finals and many other factors as well, I have had less time to write. I am currently doing my best to finish Chapter Nine as soon as possible, but I must let all you wonderful readers know there may be a delay of a week or so. I am very, very sorry for this inconvenience, just know I will not abandon this story! Thank you wonderful people for spending the time to read my story, and if you haven't done so feel free to let me know what you think! Have an amazing night!

P.S. - In response to DarkLight3456; in the bio for this story, "Adult Themes" is above all else for the depictions of gore, violence, and swearing in the story (it just says adult themes because I ran out of characters honestly), however, to answer you next question, there is a very real possibility of some more 'sexual' events later on. I have never written anything like that however, and I don't want to add it unless I feel it would work with the flow of the story. For your next question, I generally like to leave the appearance of characters up to the readers, as I feel it grants them more freedom to imagine the world I paint for them, but for the Xenomorphs, Six especially, I personally picture as looking like a Xenomorph, not anthropomorphized. In the end though, how they look is for you to decide! Part of the fun of fiction is the filling in the gaps and letting your brain design the world that you are granted information about! I would really love to talk further depth into these matters with you, but I would much rather do so in private messages as to not put blocks in the way of chapters. Please feel free to reach out and give me a message so we can talk, I always look forward to talking with anyone who is interested! (this goes to everyone, not just DarkLight).