See Ch1 for Disclaimers.

Thanks to my beta reader, Neroli.

Warning: This one is actually a little darker than the previous -- no actual blood and gore, but it will be disturbing.

Chapter 4: Realizations

"What do you mean he's no longer useful?" the suited man demanded.

The technician gulped as he tried to swallow down his fear. "I can't explain it sir. He's stopped responding to any stimuli. We've run multiple tests, but there doesn't appear to be a physiological reason for his catatonia."

The suited man turned to his partner. "What do you think? Should this project be terminated?"

His double paused before answering as he rubbed his chin with his blue-gloved hand. "No, not yet. We'll learn more from the dissection if he's still alive."

***

Simon jerked awake to the sound of his sister screaming. He quickly changed his position so that he was kneeling beside her bed. "River! River, calm down! Your safe, it's okay, mei mei!" His shouts had no effect; in fact her screams seemed to be getting louder. When he reached out to reassure her, River began to struggle and fight against him without pausing for a breath.

"Doctor! Is she okay?" Book asked loudly from the doorway.

"I don't know. I can't calm her down. I need a sedative."

"The Captain is bringing one." Simon nodded absently as he managed to get underneath his sister and pin her into position on top of him. By holding her immobile in a sitting position, he could at least assure himself that she wouldn't accidentally injure either one of them.

Book stepped further into the room when heard footsteps in the corridor. River was totally incoherent; her eyes were wide open, but apparently blind to the familiar surroundings. Her screams brought back memories of the sounds of wounded men who knew the end was near, but that much more pain awaited them before their final release. As Mal ente