"Dr. Kinney, this way please."

She followed the man down the hall. Dr. Kinney had been approached for other projects by various organizations, but their ideas weren't groundbreaking enough for her to consider. But when Martin Sutter told her of a mutant whose mutation had been further enhanced by outside forces, her interest was piqued. It wasn't a surprise the military would want a way to bolster their defenses, but to consider mutation? She supposed she could take a flight to Canada and stop by The Facility to see it for herself.

Dr. Kinney walked into the grey room, "I see. Now where is this mutant you've been talking about—?"

She was startled by a sudden growl and the sound of chains being pulled. She took in the appearance of the man—if he could be called that—in front of her. He had unkempt dark hair and she could see with him being barely clothed that he was muscled. Dark eyes focused on the group of scientists in the room.

SNIKT

Three long claws appeared between the knuckles of each hand. Sarah narrowed her eyes as she watched the mutant strain against his restraints before being shocked and falling limp.

"Is this really necessary?"

"Necessary? Just look at him!" the blue-eyed man raised his arm gestured to the chained mutant, "He's a monster!"

"Zander," Dr. Sutter put his hand on his shoulder, "I'd appreciate if you would show the rest of the genealogists more of the facility. I need to talk to Dr. Kinney for a moment."

The scientist shot a glare at her before exiting the room with the horde of white coats in tow. She walked beside Dr. Sutter in the opposite direction of the group until they eventually made their way back into his office.

Dr. Sutter turned to Sarah after opening the door in his office for her, "You'll have to excuse our surgical head. His father was killed after Weapon X's rampage a few months ago. Zander has been taking his father's place as surgical head. I can assure you he's just as knowledgeable about the bonding process."

"I'm not here for family drama, just the science."

"That's what I'm counting on Dr. Kinney. So, I'll cut to the chase: I need you to see if there's a way to recreate the mutation seen in Weapon X."

Sarah was quiet as she skimmed the file, "He has multiple mutations listed here: enhanced smell, bone claws… Well, I suppose those are no longer bone," she abruptly sat up, "advanced healing. Am I reading this correctly? Is his age really—?"

"The claws," he interrupted her, "That's what I'd like you to work on. The healing factor is already being worked on by another group."

"The mutations in his DNA are perfect as is. Have you considered cloning? It would be simpler."

"Not an option. We don't want to end up with that in our hands again."

"I'll see what can be done."

He appeared satisfied with her answer, "As the head of genetics, everything you request for the project will be granted. It's only appropriate for the woman who has advanced mutant research."

"I'd like to have access to Weapon X himself, not just the file."

"I can have a security detail with you whenever you stop by his cell."

"It shouldn't be a problem if he has those electrified bracelets on him."

Martin's jaw tensed, "Dr. Kinney, Weapon X was responsible for the massacre of nearly the entire working personnel. Our lives are in danger whenever we enter that room."

"Just one guard should be fine if they're armed," she paused, "It didn't seem like there were security cameras around Weapon X."

"Weapon X is quiet when there are no humans to kill. Those bracelets, as you like to call them, are enough security since they're remote-controlled. They don't let him get past a certain point in the cell. We have a constant guard stationed nearby if somehow, he broke through," Dr. Sutter unclenched his fist, "That monster isn't worth looking at 24/7. You'll have to sign multiple liability waivers if you insist."

Sarah raised an eyebrow, "I thought I already signed those."

"That was for being in the same building as Weapon X."

"I see… When's the earliest I can get back in his cell?"

Over the next several days, Sarah found herself repeatedly back in his cell without an escort. She read through his file and slowly strode in front of him. With the way they treated him, she couldn't believe he was a soldier. It was strange seeing a strong man in an invisible cage. He couldn't move past a certain point just because someone said so.

"And they didn't give him clothes," Dr. Kinney sighed as she closed the file shut, "What did I expect from people who didn't even know how to properly sedate someone?"

Weapon X noticed her approaching and had his claws drawn out. A clear line was marked in front of her. Sarah wanted to go further but she waited for him to settle down. She sat on the floor with knees touching the line red tape. Last time he swiped at her, missing by a few feet as dictated by the tape, but she'd remained there as she watched him fruitlessly repeat the motion. She slowly stood up before continuing to walk forward. His growling quieted as she strode forward, careful to not let her heels click too loudly against the floor. Her heartbeat thudded along to the click of her heels as she stood face to face with him.

She was well within his range and at this point, there was nothing she could do. This time, he made no move against him, only standing still. So far, her hypothesis was right: Weapon X only attacked when provoked; it seemed obvious based on their handling of him. The tension from his body seemed to relax as she reached her hands out and gingerly touched his face.

Sarah slowly ran her hands through his damp hair and mused, "They must've showered you recently."

Her fingers glided along his neck before they made their way down past his chest. He was truly impressive in all aspects. She scanned the room: a soundproof cell with no way to look in and no cameras. 'What a recipe for disaster,' she mused. Dr. Kinney made it this far; she was curious to see what she could get away with.

She cooed, "You poor thing, this probably is your only source of comfort."

"Alright, alright," Sarah murmured, "Settle down."

Sarah watched his body tremble against her hand. He leaned against her, shaky breath in her ear.

Sarah guided him onto his back before carefully removed her lab coat, making sure it wouldn't be completely crumpled; she wouldn't let it get dirty in their tryst. He reached for her waist, but Sarah reached over, brushing her lips against his held palm before putting it back.

Sarah sighed as she stood up to adjust the side zipper of her skirt.

"Maybe I should've started by taking this off. It shouldn't be too noticeable if I wear it differently."

She headed to the nearest bathroom and pushed open each stall before settling on the final one. She pushed the stall open, locking it behind her.