Number Six

Number Six

Specimen Number Six. I need to get him—no their kind have no gender that we can discern—I need to get them out of here. They crashed on Earth just a month ago. There used to be six of them. A couple died in the crash and they were promptly dissected and stuffed into jars. The survivors were to be studied. My charge is Number Six, the only one still alive. Aside from their bright, almost neon, aqua eyes, they didn’t look all that different from humans. Maybe that’s why I have such a hard time with these experiments and studies. Or maybe it’s just the look in those eyes that tears my heart in two every day.  The first time they were lucid enough to acknowledge my presence, I only saw fear in their large aquamarine eyes. We are strictly forbidden from interacting with them, aside from the blood drawing and gathering tissue samples and poking and prodding…. But the soldiers don’t watch me all the time. I’m just a tall, lanky scientist. The heaviest thing I can lift is a clipboard, or so they always tell me. I don’t know if Number Six is dangerous. I don’t even know their real name. I only know I can’t stand to hurt them anymore.

The room Number Six is kept in is an all-white, too-bright observation room. There is always a camera on them, but I set it to loop old footage. I was the only one who ever watched it since everyone else only cared about the samples or when they would be able to stuff Number Six into jars, too. When I enter, those fearful eyes greet me as usual. They were left shivering, naked under a thin sheet, so I made sure to bring clothes—army fatigues I managed to steal from the barracks. I set the clothes on the cold metal table we’ve been keeping them on and release the straps binding their arms and legs. I take a step away and turn my back to them. If they want to attack me, I’d understand. I’d deserve it. I should have done this weeks ago.

There’s rustling behind me, and the only attack is a weak tug on my sleeve. Number Six stood mostly dressed, holding the belt in their other hand and the jacket forgotten on the table. Standing, they’re taller than I expected, though still only coming up to my nose. We don’t have much time, so I hope they trust me enough to help. I take the belt and thread it around their waist, their quick, nervous breaths warm against my cheek. I help them into the jacket and, as I smooth everything out to make sure it’s convincing, they whisper something I don’t understand. They repeat it, a little louder, and their voice sounds sweet and soft like the scent of flowers in spring. I smile in response and brush a strand of their messy silver-blond hair from their face as I hide them beneath the cap.

I lead them out into the hall by the hand. They cling to me as we rush through the dreary concrete halls. I hear footsteps and release their hand.

“Dr. Williams,” the soldier greets me. He then turns his attention to Number Six and my heart sinks. “Did you need a guard today?”

“I didn’t, but the Commander insisted. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m in a rush….” I try to sound authoritative and pray he’ll leave us alone.

“You two just came from Six’s room?” I nod. “I don’t really need to go check on that thing then, right? One of those other ones had to be put down because it bit someone. I’m not getting close if I don’t have to.” He shook with an exaggerated shudder and I felt bile rise in my throat.

“…No. No, there’s no need. They were asleep.” With a sigh of relief and a wave, the soldier left us, whistling happily as he strolled down the hall.

I turn to look at Number Six and thank the stars they can’t understand English.

I take their hand again and rush to the exit. Number Six freezes as we step into the crisp night air. Fear slowly gave way to wonder and the smallest smile appeared on their face. They gazed up at the stars for a while. The twinkling starlight reflected in their eyes and their beautiful silver hair shimmering in the moonlight was breathtaking. The urge to pull them close and hold them in my arms was almost unbearable. Instead, I squeezed their hand and reluctantly pulled them away.

No one stopped us as we left the building. No one stops us as we get to my car. No one has noticed Number Six missing.

I give the guards at the gate the excuse of taking samples to an off-base lab. They believe me because it isn’t the first time I had a babysitter. They’d lose a scientist long before they lose any samples.

I drive with no destination in mind aside from “far away and hidden.” I look over to see a pair of aquamarine eyes staring up at the sky as a stream of silent tears flow from them.

I reach over and take Number Six’s hand in mine. For as long as they’ll allow me, I will be by their side.