Test Subject 17

1. Subjects (3)

Shock and curiosity ring out loud and clear, but I know that's not all. I take a deeper look and see what they're feeling individually. 13 is super excited. Probably because he thinks he'll have a man on the inside or something. Good luck with that.

6 is angry at me for some reason. I wish I was closer, then I could know why she's angry. And 21, she's....disappointed? It's not like I said I was their friend. So I have no clue why she feels this way.

"Are you going to take it? You could find a way outta here 17. Maybe even get us out," 21 says. The look on the blonde's face says it all. I don't need to look at her. She feels hopeful. As if I could help her with something she's been dreaming of for years. Yeah right. I am not about to sabotage my life for some girl. I look down and grin at the floor.

"Still think this is just an act, huh 21?" I look at her and see everything shattering within her. All her hopes and dreams about getting out, or whatever crazy fantasy she cooked up. "It's not. I feel nothing. Not remorse, joy, anger, pain. Nothing. You ever wonder why I'm so good at what I do?" My voice is slightly raised, but I'm not angry. It's been many long years since I've been angry. I wouldn't even know what anger felt like anymore. Or anything like it. Just as blank as ever.

"Why did they send me out so much? Here, I'll tell you. It's because I have nothing. Not a single emotion in me. If I had a contract with a young child, I wouldn't feel guilt for taking their life early. Or remorse for their family as they grieve over their lost loved one." I look at 13, and he stiffens. "You read contraband. Ever read about coldhearted killers?" I ask, staring him down. I can feel the overwhelming fear coming off of them. Like a hurricane overtaking a small island. Sweat begins to bead on 13's face, dripping down onto his lashes. He blinks and tries to avoid my gaze, but I hold him in my harsh stare. He nods slowly. "Well guess what?"

"What?" He questions hesitantly, his voice small. I get closer to him, leaning in closer and closer until he has to take a step back and I'm in his face.

"You live with one.." I whisper. I take a step back, an evil grin on my face as a chuckle escapes me. I can see the color drain from their faces as it finally sinks in as to what I mean. "I am like a knife. I think not of what I cut as I move through life. I am cold, hard, and unfeeling. I cannot be scratched or rusted. Only sharpened. And right now, I'm pretty damn sharp. Watch your path. You might lose a limb or two."

6 stares at me, unfazed. I can still see a glimmer of hope inside. It's not like I've done anything caring towards them. So why does she still hang on?

"17. If you're so stone-hearted, then why do you hang around us? Surely there has to be something in you that cares about us, otherwise you wouldn't be here. You would've pushed us away by now" she says, basically grasping at straws. I bite my lower lip and look at her.

"6," I sigh, dubbing the bridge of my nose. "There's nothing. You guys gravitated to me. I never said anything because I didn't care. You were just someone to be around when I was bored. Sorry that you feel like I should, but I honestly don't. If something happened to you guys, I probably couldn't care less. I'd find a replacement." She bites her lip, nodding as tears brim in her eyes. That's nothing but weak and pathetic. Crying is for the new kids and babies. I stare at her, unmoved by her eye fluids.

"I'm sure you're wrong 17. So sure." She walks past me, bumping into my shoulder, and from that small touch, I get a glimpse at her hopes and fears.

I roll my eyes and look at the other two. 'If she only knew. As 6 walks out, 21 and 13 look back at me, avoiding eye contact. "Would you hurt us if you were told to?" 21 meets my gaze, tears in her own. Another weakling.

"Depends on who tells me. I could snap your neck right now if I wanted to," I shrug. 21 sits on her bed, staring blankly at the floor.

"Can I be alone please?" Her voice is quiet. 13 nods and starts to head out. I look at the girl once again and shake my head.

"Whatever, I don't have time for this anyway. Bye 21." As I close the door behind me, 13 appears again.

"C'mon, man. You really don't mean what you said, do you?" he asks, hope and amusement in his voice. I glare at him and it withers away immediately.

"I do. And if you don't stop bugging me about it, you'll wind up in the medical wing. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a contract to fulfill," I snarl. He looks at the floor and I walk past him to my room.

After entering, I immediately go to the case on top of my bed. The suit is still next to it, lying flat. I strip down to my underwear and pull it on, scrunching my nose at the feel of it over my skin. It always feels funny, like it's suctioning itself to my skin. The suit is almost like footy pajamas but makes absolutely no sound, which is good for these assassinations I do. Don't need the target trying to sneak off before I can even reach them now do we?

I close the case and slip out the door, going unnoticed by my peers. Walking down the maze-like halls, I pass through many security clearances before I'm finally allowed into the darkness of night. The last guard looks at me with a strange look on his face. "Going out again 17?" he asks. I grin at him.

"What can I say? I'm good at my job. Might even work with you one day." He laughs at my comment before swiping a card and opening the door to let me through.

"Yeah, good luck with that kid. Have fun on your trip." I look behind me with a very insane smile.

"Don't I always?"

End of Chapter 1