Alls Quiet on the Western Front

"Add insomnia to the list of side effects to sample #346932."

"Can we get two more test subjects for the Veltruzum trials?"

"They're pulling our funding for Kilyon, but we're so close to a breakthrough, I can feel it."

Gecko creeped through the R&D labs, trying in equal measure to not be seen but not be out of place. It wasn't as hard as it sounded, he was a frequent 'visitor' to R&D, one of their favorite Guinea pigs for experimentation.

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he slipped into Storage 2, the more infrequently used lab for **** samples... namely Compound V, which he was looking for.

It seemed strangely empty given the time of day, he'd prepared to have to secret it out somehow, but no one was in the room, all he had to do was grab the vial and go.

PPSSH

Of course, it couldn't be that easy as Nick walked in, a bored look on his face, and clipboard in hand as he jotted away at something.

"Oh, hello Gecko, what are you doing down here, I wasn't aware we'd called for you today?" He inquired, Gecko not at all fooled by his calm voice, his reputation preceded him, with low moral fiber, and high inquisition, he was the worst person to have staring at you.

"Nothing, I was just grabbing a few samples for Carl, a few samples of # 6629. I'll leave you alone!" Gecko said hurriedly as he slid the vial of V into his pocket.

"Hmm, Carl didn't mention any trials over there, I'll have to have a talk with him. Here, I'll walk with you since I guess we're headed in the same direction." Nick muttered, his tone bored, but promising suffering for somebody.

"Oh no, that's no worry, I've been here before, I can find him on my own." Gecko wheedled, the door opening as he backed out.

"I insist." Two simple words, but the weight behind them froze Gecko in place, a chill racing down his spine as he nodded feebly, Nick following him out of the lab.

The R&D labs, while complex and busy, weren't massive, if you knew where you were going, you could reach anywhere inside the labs within minutes, so Gecko needed an excuse fast.

"Hey, are you okay?" Nick asked, placing a hand on Gecko's shoulder, a false tone of concern audible.

"No, I'm terrified of you because I lied, Carl didn't mention any samples ne needed." Gecko hissed; eyes wide in terror as he grabbed at his mouth with both hands.

"Oh, but why would you lie to me. Don't worry, I won't hurt you, you can trust me." Nick voice seemed to echo in gecko's head, making him feel woozy.

"I stole a sample of Compound V for... a friend." Gecko mumbled, barely having enough mindfulness to not sell out Annie.

"Don't worry, I won't mention to her that you gave her up so fast." Nick assured him as Gecko gulped, something beyond terror running through him.

"What'd you do?" He managed to ask as Nick smiled.

"I think Carl will be running a few tests today, why don't you go help him with whatever he needs, and we can forget all about this." Nick suggested as Gecko nodded rapidly, racing off, only to be stopped dead by Nick hand on his shoulder.

"The V if you please, I'd hate for you to... lose it." Gecko complied instantly.