It had been a few minutes since he had regained consciousness, and Vance… after the initial overwhelming torrent of memories, had gradually calmed. The lid of the vat had surrounding him had sunken back into the ground, along with the liquid that had been present. Leaving his lone figure amongst his sleeping neighbors.
So here he was, in Shrill's lab. Standing once more. With cold droplets rolling down his frame. His body had never felt better. Even when he was on earth. Ever since he had integrated with Negeim, he had never felt more like himself. More like Vance. More like Negeim. And the very thought itself was chilling, for he no longer knew where one ended and the other began.
But there was no need to think about it too much. Regardless of what had happened, now he was ultimately only himself, and this revelation would not change.
Stretching his body, the difference was immediately apparent. Whatever affliction was present upon his arrival had been fixed, and his form improved upon. Smiling slightly, he began actively inspecting the surroundings. This time much calmer than he had been on his initial arrival. Now, time was a small luxury he could afford. Until someone came for him, of course.
Walking deeper into the interior of the facility, many vital details he had missed initially now seamlessly flowed into his mind. This place was a work of art. From the deathly still liquids in the vats to the prickly scent drifting through the air. Some scientists, and governments from earth would without a doubt start wars, and scheme to acquire some samples here.
Looking at it more deeply now, the suspended animation of what he assumed to be still-alive beings was nothing short of a biological miracle. For he wasn't the only one in here. And upon much closer inspection—
A few pods down past Amy's was a particularly interesting vat. Walking towards it, the cold feeling of the metallic floor sent a jolt throughout Vance's body. Arriving in front of the pod after a few steps.
Not missing any notable body parts, but for sure abnormal in some way. It was that of a boy. Short, small, and frail. His skin hung ghastly onto his bones, almost wrapping around them as if to show the world how defined his bones were. Vance glided his fingers across the glass-like material. Inside was a figure just like himself. This, however, did not look like it was from malnourishment, but instead genetic design.
Even from outside, the boy's rosy complexion could be seen, for unlike the one in Vance's, the liquid he was suspended in was clear as spring water.
How interesting. He continued walking further down the facility. There was not a lot of time left to loiter around—for Shrill, or someone else, would soon be here to retrieve him. Or maybe multiple. Instincts told him his case wasn't as simple as it seemed. And how could it be?
There was no way they would just allow any random patients, if he could be considered one, to wonder around. Chance that even this speck of freedom given to him only served the purpose of further "appraisal."
And no sooner had this thought passed when the familiar sound of a door sliding audibly rang out. Footsteps followed shortly after. Turning to look down the walkway of the facility, the outline of two figures became vaguely apparent. At this time, most of the remnant liquid on his body had already run off under the effect of gravity leaving a bright fluorescent blue when in contact with the material of the floor; two outlines gradually grew in his vision. And just as expected, there was indeed someone else.
Patiently waiting for the duo, Vance turned to completely face the duo, tilting his head downward in the process. His long black hair, slick from the fluid, clung to his scalp with a wet embrace. His situation hadn't improved drastically, but he was in far better state. mental and physical.
And above all else, the time in the vat had completely stabilized his mind. And the reality he saw reflected it. Many of which were gifts that came from the assimilation of negeim's memories, with most in the form of answers to his initial questions. But now was not the time to reflect on them.
Time had not stalled, and the duo had already closed the distance. "Up and about now, are we, kiddo?" Shrill asked, just a few feet away. His frail form, now covered in his white coat, almost towered over Vance's.
This, however, did not draw the majority of Vance's attention. For there was someone else. And from a single glance, he was aware of who was going to have more say on what would happen to him going forward. "Yes, I've been up for a while now."
Shrill's lips curved into a strange smile. The solutions in the vats seemingly glinting for a brief second. "I would like for you to meet Proxy Angst," he gestured besides himself towards a figure even shorter than Vance. "He'll be your proxy, so you'd best be as cooperative as possible."
The proxy's figure was one of incredible small stature, at least a head below Vance's; paired with a body just as small. His dark skin and golden eyes formed a unique contrast that made his completely white suit stand out in a unique way. A medallion with a V over a eagle looking creature resting quietly on his chest.
Looking at the mentioned proxy, the figures disinterest was immediately apparent to Vance. In such a scenario, wasn't he supposed to introduce himself or something? Instead, his small angular face was continuously surveying the surrounding space. As if looking for something. Or… inspecting? Maybe?
Finally looking contented, he looked up a few seconds after Shrill introduced him and responded in a voice so deep it almost sounded grating:
"Hello, Negeim. Or should I call you Vance? Doesn't matter much, does it? Anyways, I'm your assigned proxy from Vanta, and you'll be in my esteemed care for the next two years. Fret not, there isn't a better caretaker in the region."