First message
The observation room had been prepared for someone new.
Eden noticed immediately.
No medical equipment. No restraints. No clipboard waiting beside the chair.
Just another person.
He sat quietly on the edge of his bed as the door opened, watching the researchers escort her inside.
“Subject 13, this is your new behavioral model. She’ll be assisting with the next phase of your development.”
Eden’s eyes remained fixed on her.
“Behavioral model.”
The researcher nodded.
“You’ll be spending considerably more time together. Conversation, recreation, social interaction. We want to observe how you respond.”
“How long?”
“Indefinitely, depending on your progress.”
Interesting.
The researchers left.
The door locked behind them.
Eden waited several seconds before standing.
He approached slowly, stopping a few feet away.
“You’re supposed to teach me how humans behave.”
His eyes traveled briefly over her face.
“That’s strange.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
“I’ve spent my entire life being studied by humans. I’ve never had one assigned to study with me.”
He gestured toward the room.
“Where should we begin?”