Asuka frowned at the faux blonde. "Why would we have to do that?"
"Simple. If we're going to be in this same room for long periods of time, we won't want to have to stay in a rather sterile environment. I don't know about you all, but I don't want to have to look at four institutional walls all the time."
"That's true. But why are they going to have to keep us here for that long?"
"Perhaps they perceive us as a threat," Rei suggested.
"There is that. But there is another reason for it," Ritsuko replied.
"There is?"
"Scientific curiosity. Obviously, they're going to want to know what makes us tick. And considering the fact that we're not longer quite 'human', they're going to want to examine us themselves."
"Understandable."
"But that means a lot of tests," Maya put in. "That would mean that they'd have to run everything that they could."
"I do think that they'll have to be very thorough, which means that they'll likely try invasive procedures."
"Well then, I suggest we get out of here," Misato muttered. "I, for one, don't want to be around when some mad scientist gets into his head that dissection would be a good idea. We should escape before someone takes us apart... literally."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that."
"You don't want to worry about having your body cut up into pieces?!"
"No, that isn't it. I seriously doubt that they are going to run in with scalpels for autopsies."
"You can't be serious," the machine woman said flatly.
"Of course I'm serious. Think about it for a moment. As it stands, we're worth more to them alive than dead. So long as we live, we can provide them with samples. And so long as we are here, I can manage to get access to the best equipment around to analyze what has happened to us on my own."
Maya's eyes widened as a sudden realization showed in them. "You're the top scientist around here!"
"Exactly. Now, if we run without a plan, we'll get the old 'shoot first, ask questions later' treatment, but if we at least play nice for now, we can get some help. Don't you think, Operations Commander?"
"You're right about that," Misato allowed.
"I like it when you say that sort of thing."
"You always did."
"But anyway, they won't try to dissect us for a while yet."
"You mean...." Asuka scowled at the idea. "They wouldn't really do that to us, would they?"
"The Commander would give the order himself, if he determined that we served no other purpose," Rei told her, noting the sudden frown on the face of the sole male there.
"That is not what I wanted to hear."
"We'll deal with that before it ever becomes a problem. On the other hand, we do have some things to do," Ritsuko told them.
"Like what?"
"'Like' putting these beds together."
"Why would you want to do something like that?" Shinji asked, and blinked at the looks that he was getting from the others in the room.
"There are many reasons, like space, comfort, and the fact that it might just be fun."
"It would."
"I think so. There isn't exactly a reason not to do it anyway. So, let's get your bed in the middle...."
"Mine? Why mine?"
The expression that he got back was something that was mysterious and very feminine, but one that most males would have immediately picked up on.
Shinji just began to wonder why he was starting to feel excited and scared, all at the same time. Fortunately, any analyzing of those sensations would have to wait for later, as the door opened, and armed guards stepped inside. Of course, they were likely only for show, given the fact that they'd be ineffectual against the girls and women in the room. But they stood there at attention as others brought in several large cases and piled them nearby. They did their job quickly and efficiently before leaving as quickly as they came.
"What is this?" Asuka asked.
Misato looked over the pile of cases and shrugged. "Looks like our supplies have arrived."
"Really. That's good to hear. I hope that they packed intelligent things in there."
"The only way to know is to check the contents," Rei observed, and kneeled to open the crates. Once she had them open, she started to look through what they held. "Foodstuffs. Physical care products. Reading material. Clothing."
"Oooh!"
"Much of this looks to be basic equipment that would be necessary for a long stay. However, there is one part that does confuse me."
"How so?" Maya said, giving Rei a smile offering help.
"I can not understand the reasoning behind including some of the materials included in the supplies."
"What? The reading material?"
"No. This," Rei answered, and held up a cylindrical object with a rounded tip, as well as a tube of cream.
"Eep!" went the others.
"Is something the matter?"
"Nope! Nothing at all!" Maya's words didn't quite fit with her actions as she reached out and grabbed the items in question.
"Looks like someone had some particular 'ideas'," Misato grumbled.
Rei gave her a questioning look. "What sort of 'ideas' do you mean?"
"Well.... I.... um...."
"You seem to be stressed. Perhaps a period of relaxation will help. There is a container of massage oil that was included, though I am uncertain of its effectiveness on your current body."
"It's always the quiet ones," Ritsuko said under her breath, while:
(Posted Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:21)
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