- Building Better Worlds -

Big things were in motion, by now everybody on this planet could tell. Ever since Doctor Groves was pulled away from the test, security has increased immeasurably. Nearly every soldier from the colony has been transferred here, leading to a rise of crime due to the lack of a proper policing force. Strangely enough however; with the rise of security comes a lack of the masked guards everyone fears so much. Nowadays they are only ever seen in the heart of the facility, turning anyone away that doesn't have clearance, even other guards.

As always, with a new change to the average life, comes gossip and conspiracy. The new changes have led to countless murmurs and whispers of what could possibly be the cause, but now the reason became clear. Just a few weeks ago we got a message that shook the whole facility to its very core, one of the top people of the company was coming to inspect our progress. From the moment that was heard, people began to bust their ass in hopes to gain favor, but I have a feeling it won't matter in the end.

Despite everyone being on edge, there was one who wasn't. Groves. If anything, Groves has seemed to embrace the new atmosphere of work, yet I've seen him less through the past year than I ever have before. Whatever the hell they discovered, I know it has something to do with all of this. However, none of that is important now, all that matters now is the arrival of our grand guest.

Today was the day his ship was to arrive, The Marlow. I recall hearing Vasquez go on and on about the vessel whenever we would hang out on my off days. He's told me numerous stories of the ship and its accomplishments, and I must say it sounds quite impressive. The only problem with it all, is that neither of us can figure out why they would send such a vessel for only one man. The whole thing seemed odd, and it hasn't helped calm my nerves in the slightest.

On the bright side of things, everything with Six has seemed to have gotten a lot better. My plan to let her roam free had far exceeded my expectations. It went so well in fact, that she even began to respond to me again, but I can't stop thinking of that night for a different reason. After Groves was pulled away, I haven't been able to stop thinking of what she told me. Why would a Xenomorph, the deadliest creature in the universe, fear for me of all people?

I still can't decide if it is a good thing or not, perhaps she just fears Groves and the outburst startled her, but what if that isn't it? What if she knows something I don't? I was pulled out of my thoughts as I looked back up to Six in her room. I know the arrival will surely bring a lot of attention to her, so I am doing my best to try to give her some free time before it happens.

As became common with her being out, she was once again running laps around the room. The sight never failed to make me smile, seeing at how happy it seemed to make her. The most amazing thing of all was her stamina, she could run for an exceptional amount of time before ever tiring. Despite our relationship having for the most part healed, I have still decided to only enter when she is actually just locked up. As much as I hate to admit it, the constant warnings from William, and the nightmares that I've experienced have all worked to remind me of just what I am dealing with.

Six slowed down her pace and soon sat down on the floor before looking at me. I gave her a warm smile as she did so to which she responded by tilting her head. She then curled up on the ground and laid her head in her arms. It was a nice thing to see, but time was running out. I toyed with the idea of letting her be out while I was gone, but the risk was too great, especially with the arrival happening in just a few short moments. I stood in silence as Six rested on the ground, and with great regret I turned on the intercom.

"I know it wasn't that long today Six, but time is up. I have to go do something very important. However, as much as I hate to say it, I would expect Groves to come back with me shortly." Six hissed and curled up even tighter, obviously upset about the circumstance, but eventually got up from her spot on the floor. As always, she slowly and reluctantly crawled back into place, and as always, I hesitated to engage the locks again.

With Six once again locked away and secured, I began to shut down the lights and get everything in order for today. As if on cue, the moment I finished, the intercom for the entire facility sounded off. "Attention, all priority staff are to navigate themselves to the central landing pad, all other staff are to remain at their stations." called the automated voice. This is it. With a final sigh, I grabbed my bags and made my way up to the pad. The halls were all but empty, with only a few people around that I saw all walking in the same direction as me.

The walk was long, and it felt endless. Whoever it was that was coming was someone important, someone that even Groves feared. Every step I took felt like I was walking towards my own demise. The halls seemed to stretch on and on, and the facility that I have grown so used to began to look unfamiliar to me. The dread was immeasurable, but the funny thing about it all, was that I still had no idea who I was even going to meet.

My eternal walk through the halls finally reached its end with a sudden turn to a large metallic gate. The space in front of the gate was filled with some of the highest ranking staff and doctors I have ever met in a single room, and at the head of it all was Groves himself. I felt out of place, standing among all the staff, but of them all I was the one Groves seemed to pay attention to the most.

"Everybody, as you all know, our guest has finally arrived. I have given you ample time to prepare your divisions for this inspection, and I expect absolutely nothing to go wrong." Groves said aloud, his voice immediately causing the whole room to quiet and snap to his attention. He smiled and once again stared at me, before finally turning around to face the gate. All the people around me began to move into two lines, making a pathway between us all, and Groves stood at the head of it.

Suddenly, the ground began to shake as the muffled noise of engines could be heard outside. Even through the multiple feet of metals and concrete, the force of the rockets was deafening. The whole scene carried on for some time, and the dozen or so people around me began to look around. It was almost refreshing to see that I'm not the only one worried about what is to come.

Finally, it all stopped as quickly as it began, and the ground settled down. A few whispers were shared, if only for a moment, and then a great metallic groan was heard through the hall. The gate began to open ever so slowly, as tons of metal parted way for the grand entrance. It all seemed so over the top for what was happening, just who could it possibly be?

When the gate finally opened wide enough, dozens of footsteps could be heard as a shocking number of masked guards entered the facility, more than I had ever seen in one place. There had to be at least a few dozen of them, and they all marched in perfect unison. It was quite the imposing sight to see. Even more frightening was the firepower they held. From shotguns, to rifles, and to a handful even holding the massive USCM smart guns, it was clear not a living thing would get near what they were protecting.

And then, I finally saw him, the man that warranted all that had happened. His features showed signs of aging, and his black suit gave him a standing presence among all the white lab coats in the room. His receding hairline was that of a fading brown color, and he walked taller than anyone I had ever seen, despite being of an average height himself. Every person in the room seemed as shocked as I was to see him in person, to see him here. Karl Bishop Weyland himself on BG-386.

The CEO of the company that nearly the whole of humanity worked for, the man who inspired fear and greatness from dozens of billions of lives, the man who runs it all. Each step he took looked as though it had its own individual purpose of greatness, and his presence outshined all in the room, even Groves seemed small in comparison.

As he strode through the hall between us, he took glances back and forth between us all. Much to my horror, when he finally got to me he stopped. Just as he did, all of the soldiers did as well in an uncanny singular motion. My heart began to beat faster and faster, and terror filled my heart, why me? He turned just enough to get a look at me, and looked me up and down, like he was sizing me up. With a final look to me, he gave a slight nod and continued marching his way down the hall. Groves followed from behind and gave me a quick glance as well, however unlike Weyland, he didn't stop.

When Weyland finally reached the end of the room he stopped and his guards quickly took their positions around him. He looked around one final time and began to give a speech. "Good afternoon, and as many of you know, I am Karl Bishop Weyland, CEO of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation." His firm, commanding voice emanated power as he spoke, and everyone had their full attention on him as he continued. "This facility here has now been active for nearly twenty years, and I am pleased to say that your success has not gone unnoticed by The Company"

Despite his boasts, they in no way seemed to bring any ease to the people around me. "Each of you here is in charge of some program or project that is vital to our company's efforts, and I have decided to personally come and view your progress for the foreseeable future. I have seen the results of your work, and I know what you're capable of, so I must say I am quite excited to see your coming accomplishments." He paused again and looked around the room and finally to me.

Groves was beside him when he finished his speech. "I apologize for pulling you all from your work for so long, please, feel free to get back to work, there is much to do." As the closing statement was made, all the men awkwardly began to make their way out of the hall, keeping far away from all of the guards around us. The tension was taking its toll on me, and I finally began to move for my escape from this place as well. I was almost out of the hall when much to my horror I saw Groves motion for me to come over to him.

I froze in horror when I saw it, and I winced as if I expected to be hit, but nothing ever came. Groves' stare began to grow stronger with impatience as he waited for me to respond, and after fighting myself, I finally began to walk towards him. With every step I took closer to Groves, and much more importantly Weyland, my mind begged for me to run. While Groves kept his classic cold stare locked onto my very soul, Weyland didn't even bother to look in my direction, and somehow, it was worse.

When I finally got near the Director and the CEO I stopped and stayed silent. Groves looked between Weyland and I, seeming to wait for something to happen just as I did. Weyland stayed silent for what felt like ages, and with every passing moment, I felt my heart race faster and faster. The tension was awful, and I began to worry I would begin to panic in front of him. A single snap of his fingers and I could be shot dead right here, and no one would ever even question it.

"Mr. Orion, I have heard quite a bit about you." He said at last, his deep voice pulling me back to normality. His eyes were cold, calculating, and dark. His face remained featureless, not an ounce of emotion showed itself in the smallest wrinkle. Every aspect of the man gave me a sense of dread and inferiority. He soon continued, "Groves speaks highly of your abilities, and I must say I am quite impressed with what I have read from your reports."

It was here I think the normal person would be excited to hear the most powerful man in the galaxy boast of their accomplishments, yet now I can only feel worry of what was to come. "I will be going to your laboratory later today. For now, I expect you to get all things in order for a show of all that you have accomplished with Specimen Six." I felt as if he had just grabbed my heart and closed the valves, all I could do was look between him and Groves. Groves seemed to notice my freeze and raised his eyebrows as if silently yelling at me to respond.

Finally getting it together I nodded my head and responded. "Of course, Mr. Weyland, I'll get right on it." I stood still for another moment until he finally gave me a slow nod of confirmation. Taking my chance, I turned and walked out as quickly as I could. When I finally turned the corner and got out of sight, it was as if a mountain was lifted off my chest. I took a moment to lean against the wall and get myself under control.

As I leaned there in the metal corridor, my mind raced at what to possibly do. By now, I have learned how to keep Groves happy, how to keep him from prying too much into my work like he used to, but Groves isn't Weyland. There is something about him that is just inhuman. The way he stands, talks, looks, everything about him says there is something more, something greater, I've never been more terrified of anyone in my life.

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I decided I needed to focus on what is most important, my survival. Fixing myself, I quickly began to walk as fast as I could back to my room in order to get prepared with Six. All my old worries of the Xenomorph seemed to have all but disappeared, and have now been replaced with a much greater threat.

When I finally got to the room, I stopped in front of the door. My mind was still racing, and I sat there thinking of dozens of ways of how I would tell Six of what was to come. Most important of all, I knew I couldn't let myself look weak or worried infront of her. If I looked worried, then who knows how hard it will be to get her under control. With a final deep breath, I cleared my mind and marched right into the observation room.

"Hey there Six, you awake? We have a lot of work to do!" I said as cheerfully as possible. As fast as I could, I practically ran around the room turning on all the systems I would need and finally flipped on the lights. Six was wrestling in her containment unit when the lights illuminated her form, signaling that she was still waking up. I decided to give her a few more moments to fully awaken before I continued.

Before I talked, I took another deep breath in an attempt to hold my fragile confidence. "Well Six, I have bad news. Very bad news." I finally said, and as a response Six shook her head to the side and looked at me again with a confused tilt. "I know I warned you that Groves would likely be back today, and I was right. The only thing is he won't be the only one." It was with that sentence that I seemed to have grabbed Six's full attention, and all other movements of her body immediately stopped as she stared at me, listening intently. I can't even imagine what she must be thinking right now.

"You see Six, someone important landed today, some very, very, important. If you thought Groves was bad, thought that he was a threat, then you can't even imagine how much worse this man is for us. Worst of all Six, it seems the main reason he came here was because of you." As I explained the situation, Six stayed deathly silent the entire time. The EKG monitor however betrayed her silent and stoic demeanor, as the longer I explained the faster it began to read.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes with my hands, frustration overtaking me as I thought of the dozens of ways this could go wrong. "Look Six, he wants us to show him everything we've done together. The feeding, the questions, and most of all, I am certain he wants to witness you go back in your containment unit first hand." Six released a low upset rumble from her chest, obviously upset at what she was hearing.

And now for the worst part of all. "I know I ask a lot of you, Six, and I know I have constantly pushed you out of your comfort zone, but please, I need you to work with this man. Just, whatever he says, whatever he commands, I need you to follow through with it, do you understand?" Six stayed silent for quite a while after I asked her what may be the hardest question of her life, until she finally answered with a slow, reluctant nod.

The past few hours were used to prepare Six the best I could. I went over all the important records I made, and together warned her of the most likely tests he would want to see. All together, we both knew it would be a very long night. By now the clock read that it was almost midnight, and still no word from Groves or Weyland. I now sat there tapping my foot impatiently as my mind ran rampant, all the while Six stayed locked in her restraints waiting for him to arrive.

The clicking of my heel against the cold metallic floor of the observation room sounded off as a metronome of anxiety. I couldn't stop moving, even my eyes darted around the room as worry filled my heart. Finally it came, the impending doom that I had long awaited, the hydraulics on the door have been unlocked. The moment the light on the door turned to green, signaling the locks being opened, I shot to my feet and froze at attention.

Weyland walked into the room, flanked by Groves and a contingent of guards. The guards quickly took their places around the room as Groves walked to me and Weyland walked to the glass. His form was concealed by the light rushing in from Six's room, showing only a silhouette for me to cower from. Groves patted my shoulder and gave me a smile before whispering to me. "This is it Orion, I am sure that you won't ruin this for me."

After speaking to me, Groves took his place by Weylands side and began to whisper something into his ear. Weyland nodded his head and then finally turned around to address me. "Mr. Orion, I believe it is time that we get this underway. If you would, please feel free to take command and begin the procedure with Six. I trust that you saw the document with everything I would like to see today?"

I answered him with a silent nod and took a step forward. As always I began the procedure to begin an interaction with Six, an official one at least. "My name is Nathan Orion, primary researcher for Specimen Six of Project Astraeus. The current time is O' two thirty on the eighth of August, twenty two eighty six. Today marks the fourth year of my research, and it also marks the date of our first inspection, led by Karl Bishop Weyland of the Weyland-Yutani foundation."

As I paused to prepare the next portion of the procedure, Weyland lifted a hand and spoke. "Please, Mr. Orion. While I do commend you for following the complete procedure, I believe our time is running short for such formalities. Consider this an official pardon." Seeing the CEO of the company command me to disobey such vital steps in the project shocked me to say the least, however I guess whatever he says goes. He owns the planet after all. Literally.

I gave him a nod of acknowledgement and walked to the door of Six's chamber. Taking a deep breath, I unlocked the door and entered the room. The first thing to do was to go and grab a piece of meat. I walked over to an open section of the room I had set up to hold any necessary items, this one being a fridge. I opened the door and pulled out a large chunk of beef that I had picked specifically for this moment.

I made sure not to pick a large piece, as to make it all move faster for Six, but I also added some seasoning earlier to hopefully make it taste a bit better for her. "To start things off sir, I would like to show you just how docile and kind a Xenomorph is truly capable of being." I took a step close to Six and then brought the food close to her. She turned her head to me, as if looking for reassurance, and I gave her as bright of a smile as I could muster.

Finally, she reached out and opened her mouth before finally going and taking a bite. As always, she took it slow and made sure not to snip my hand. She chewed her piece with care, and made sure to exaggerate her caution for the sake of the test. Instinctually, I reached out a hand and laid it on her forehead, feeling the scorched scar of the letter six on my palm and fingers, before I started to stroke her long head as she ate.

"As you can see, despite our previous experiences and theories, the Xenomorph species is indeed most capable of showing caution when necessary. From the way she gently takes the food from my hands, to the way she allows me to even touch her, it is clear they understand that not all species are prey, or even threats to them." My explanation seemed to please Weyland as he gave a silent nod, however not once did his expression change. Not even his eyes seemed to show a spark of wonder.

Deciding that was enough for now, I collected what remained of the food and quickly put it back into the fridge. Now it was time for the part I was surprised he was interested in at all, music. I walked over to a desk that was set out by the fridge, and picked up an ancient device that I managed to purchase with my salary. It was from hundreds of years ago, yet many folk like to keep them as a sign of the past. While most would take discs, I managed to jury rig this one into playing music straight from my datapad.

I swiped through my songs and quickly started playing the first song I even showed Specimen Six. As it began to play, I walked back to her and began to give my explanation to Weyland. "In human history, art and intelligence is something that has always seemed to coincide. People like Leonardo da Vinci and Mozart can be considered prime examples of this. Both shared deep and influential views that impacted the world for generations, and it led to my belief that for one species to show an appreciation of art, is to prove themselves capable of greater thought. Specimen Six seems to have a deep appreciation for art, in this case being music, and seems to gain much enjoyment from it as well."

My explanation drew on and on, but all the while Weyland seemed to continue to stare with grand interest. I'm just glad I don't seem to be boring him. Finally, I began to move on. "It was music that led to my greatest discovery, if you can call it that. In truth, it is more of a realization." I looked to six and gave her a wink, as for whatever reason, it seems to comfort her whenever I do. "We've always known that Xenomorphs are capable of having extremely high intelligence and advanced problem solving skills, but many were also still determined they were nothing more than another animalistic race, like wolves or birds, but I have proof showing otherwise."

For once, Weyland finally seemed interested and changed his posture ever so much as his eyebrow twitched. I turned to Six and gave her a nod, to which she responded. It was a simple gesture but something I talked with her prior to the test; a way to make sure she was ready to go on. "You see, Six understands us, and not in the way a pet might. No, she not only understands us, but comprehends us. She thinks, acts, and feels like us as well! For years we've been ignorant of this, yet here we are! Still keeping them in cages. Allow me to show you."

I turned away from Weyland and looked at Six. "Six, do you like it here?" I asked in a calm tone. Six shook her head to the side to show her response. "Do you feel that you are in danger here, that it is not comfortable?" She nodded. I knew there were risks to these questions, and I know the risk I am taking, but these are sure to gain attention, much more than any others would. "Six, would you ever wish harm to me?" My final question sparked hesitation, and honestly while I feel I shouldn't be surprised, a small part of me was terrorized at the thought. She eventually shook her head no.

When I turned around, I was shocked to see Weyland with a grin on his face, the first time I have seen him show anything but his scowl. Groves, however, looked furious after the questions, but stayed quiet since they seemed to satisfy the true leader here. "As you can see, not only does she understand the questions, but even thinks on some of them, there is so much more to her kind than we know." Weyland moved and activated the intercom. "I must say Orion, your reports don't do the Specimen justice, please, continue. You have my full attention."

Heeding his command, I looked back to Six and nodded once again, gaining her confirmation. Once she nodded, I began to talk once more. "Now for the commands for the Xenomorphs. Due to their high intelligence, mental complexity, and ability to understand us, I am able to ask Specimen Six questions, as well as I am able to ask her to fulfill specific tasks." I raised my hand parallel to the floor. "Six, would you please follow my hand as I move it around the room?" As always she followed exactly like she did every other time.

Upon finishing the last of what was needed in the room, Weyland finally encouraged me to move on to the final event, and the one he most anticipated to be the greatest, the free roam exercise. By the time I got into the room, I saw that he stepped aside from the center of the glass to allow me to access the console. As I took my position, I looked to Six one final time, to which she nodded her head. We are so close. Just a little longer girl.

"Finally, we will close off the events for tonight by providing Six the opportunity to roam freely in her room for an allotted time, during which her vitals will be monitored and requests will be issued." Finishing my statement into the microphone, I opened the glass case on the console and unlocked Six's restraints. As each one clicked and turned green, she quickly began to crawl out of her containment unit. This was one of the first times she was out while Groves was in the room, and I felt like a fool not realizing until now.

My heart began to quicken as I saw her begin to stalk us through the window, or more specifically Groves. She crawled slowly, staying low to the ground, and looked as though she was about to pounce and try to strike him through the glass. I gave her a worried look and shook my head to the side, trying to signal her not to. She proceeded to look between Groves and I, before finally she seemed to heed my pleas.

Thankfully, Weyland kept the commands basic, only ever telling her really to run around the room so he could see her stamina. By now, everything had been going on for just about an hour when I finally got the word to recontain her. This is it. This would make or break everything. If Six actually, willingly, crawls back inside her containment unit, then I am certain Weyland will be pleased, but if she doesn't. Well. I would rather not think about those consequences.

I looked at her as she sat in the middle of the room, looking back to us through the glass. Worry filled my mind, but I didn't let that stop me as I spoke the final command. "Thank you for your cooperation today Six. Now, please reenter your containment unit so that we may end this test for today." The air seemed to grow thick as Six simply sat still. Groves began to look around, moving his eyes of deception between Six and I. It was so silent I think I could even hear my own heartbeat.

And then it happened, something that seemed to surprise us all. Six got up and moved to her containment unit. As she crawled inside, Groves looked on with a mixture of shock and wonder, and I faintly heard him mumble to himself, "Incredible." Even Karl Weyland himself looked on with a new expression, however somehow his seemed to be so much darker, as if even now great plans brewed in his mind for ways to abuse this companionship I have found alongside Six.

With a final press of a button, Six was once again secured and I began to shut everything down for this very, very long day. In the time I was working to secure all the test materials, and prepare the room for the next day's tasks, Weyland and Groves spent their time talking by the main door to the facility. I overheard a few things, but one that sparked my interest was that they kept on mentioning a place below the facility. The thought intrigued me to no end, yet I knew better thanks to William than to seek forbidden fruit, so I did my best to purge the information from my brain.

When I finally finished, Weyland approached me alongside Groves. For once, he actually wore a grin, however he failed to provide one that seemed genuine in any way. "Mr. Orion, I must say that I am quite impressed with your work. You don't seem to be the ordinary researcher I have grown so used to watching over, however you don't have the most ordinary specimen either." Weyland said, as he motioned for me to follow him to the glass.

As we both looked on at Six in her shackles, he continued. "I was there the day she was born, and it was then I saw her potential. She was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I am glad that you are finally providing results to a long-thought hopeless endeavor. Without the constant work from Groves, Six, and yourself, I feel we would still be running behind." Hearing the CEO talk so highly of my accomplishments felt strange to say the least. For a moment I almost wished I hadn't grown to despise The Company so much so I could enjoy this.

Weyland turned to me and looked me dead in the eyes. The stare was petrifying. "I know you will continue to provide results Orion, that is why I am moving this project to the next step. Starting this week, I want you or Doctor Groves to begin introducing live subjects for Six to deal with." Hearing his demand, hearing his choice of words such as 'deal with', hearing his supposed complete disregard for anyone that could be hurt, it struck shock and horror into my heart.

I should have seen this coming! From the very beginning, I should have known this would eventually come. I was only here because of human testing! Yet, after all this time, I have continued to ignore the inevitable, only now there was no ignoring it. I stood there motionless, unable to say anything as Weyland kept showing his disgusting grin. The man eventually turned and walked away. "Goodbye Orion, I look forward to our next meeting."

And with that, he was gone. I stood there, still in the same spot, shaking at the thought of sending people to their deaths. All I could think of was the face of that man. The man who I watched bash their own skull in because of what we did. My heart beat faster and faster, and then I pictured him again, only this time not killed by his own hands, but by the hands of an alien, by the hands of Six.

I couldn't take it. Everything that has happened, all the stress, the lies, the dangers. It has all built up inside me and I just can't take it. I fell onto my knees and began to let myself breakdown. I tried to hold back tears to no avail as they began to leak from my eyes, and then let gravity take me down as I slumped defeated on the floor. Rage, sadness, hopelessness, all were emotions running through my mind. In one final fury, I screamed as loud as I could and brought my hands to my head before smashing my fists onto the floor. Of anything that could have happened, why this.

As I sat there shaking in anger, frustration, and more, I heard a commotion from Six's cell. I took in deep, trembling breaths, but finally I arose from my spot on the floor. I walked over to the glass and I saw Six looking straight at me. Her monitors showed that she was distressed, and for a moment I was confused. It didn't take long for me to think of why though, and in a gentle tone I asked her my assumption. "Are you worried about me Six? Is that why you are acting so, well, distressed?"

She slowly nodded her head, and let out a deep rumble from her chest. I stood there in silence, thinking of what to say, but decided it best to just talk for once, and not think. "I'm going to be honest Six, bad times are ahead. I know it. You are going to be forced to do many things and well…" I paused, barely able to even finish it. "I- I am not sure I'll be able to be there for it." She tilted her head and a noise, almost like a whine, emanated from her. It did not help my guilt in the slightest.

"Six, I know you, and I know that you are capable of unimaginable good, but they don't. I've been blind, I've been a fool, but now it is too late. They never cared for you or me. They never cared for the good of either of our species! All they cared about was getting another weapon." As I talked, my hands clenched into fists at the thought of what they would do with such a weapon like Six. It was then I made my final decision.

"Just do what they say, do what it takes to stay alive, to survive. Mark my words Six, I will make sure you don't die here, locked up like some beast. This Company has done harm for longer than time can remember, but I won't let them harm you any longer. I promise." My mind began to run rampant with ideas, each crazier than the last, and all of them certain to end with me executed for treason.

I looked at her again and put my hand on the glass, just as she did when she was first released. My cheeks were still wet from my tears and my hands were red. I closed my eyes and pictured all that could be, and all that has. Finally I opened them again and looked at Six one last time. "No matter how long it takes Six, by the time I go, I'll take this whole fucking wall of lies with me."

- Authors Note -

WaBam! As promised, the second chapter! (When I went to finish it, it was still sunday, so let's just say it's on time. It'll be our little secret ;p). I am very happy to say not only was I able to post this while still having multiple days of work these past few days, but that this is also my longest chapter to date, hitting over 6k words! Everything here seems to finally be falling into place for our protagonists as tensions are higher than ever, especially with the arrival of who may just be the greatest threat in the galaxy. Karl Bishop Weyland. Just as Orion said, big things are in motion, and a lot more is to come in the following chapters, so stay tuned and look after our protagonists as they begin to face challenges they never before have imagined!

As always, a special thank you to everyone leaving all those wonderful reviews. I assure you that I read every single one, and that they all mean so much to me! Getting to read them just makes me so happy, and I absolutely love getting to see y'all write theories in them as well! Thank you all for sticking with me through the past 11 chapters, and I wish you all a great night! This is your narrator, signing off.

P.S. - Do you guys like these Author Notes or no? If not I will stop doing them.