Checkup

You sit in a chair nearby to observe, and Lili curls up in your lap. You gently stroke her hair as she lays against your chest, but your attention is focused on Emi and Sam. Emi is laid out on the couch as Sam examines her, poking and prodding, but not saying much at first. She has a laptop out that she refers to occasionally, and you’re curious as to what she’s referencing, but for now you let her work.

Paying special attention to the scars on Emi’s face and neck, Sam’s brow furrows. “Emi, how long were you in the facility before you escaped?”

Emi thinks for a moment. “I…don’t really know. Time as a concept was difficult then. We never saw the sun, or had any point of reference for the passage of time, beyond sleeping. I do know that I was one of the first, though. That’s why I’m so damaged. They did a lot of things to me.”

There’s a slight quiver in Emi’s voice as she speaks, and Sam lays a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry that happened to you. You’re safe now, though.”

Emi smiles, glancing at you. “Oh, I know. Andy saved me. I’ll be forever grateful to him.”

Sam smiles, nodding. “I’m glad. However, I’m asking because there’s some differences between what I learned about Hybrid anatomy and what I’m seeing in you.”

You lean forward, disturbing Lili’s cuddles and drawing an annoyed sound from the harpy. “What do you mean? What’s different? Is it bad?”

Sam shakes her head. “Not necessarily bad, just different. I wonder if that’s why Emi is so different from Lili. Some of the glands they add to Hybrids restrict the growth of intelligence, and Emi is exceptionally smart.”

Lili giggles. “She’s super-super smart!”

Sam smiles at the excitable harpy. “She is indeed. But there’s more. The way she’s become attached to you, Andy, it’s…different. It’s a deeper connection than I was told to expect.”

You look between Emi and Sam. “How so?”

Sam gestures at Lili. “Well, Lili adores you, but it’s more of a fawning, subservient adoration than a deep and genuine love.”

Lili huffs. “Hey! I love-love Andy! He is everything to me, yes-yes!”

Sam shakes her head. “That’s not what I meant, sorry. If you’ll excuse the comparison, it’s more like the love from a pet, albeit with a more physical component. It’s given quickly, and unconditional affection is immediate.”

She looks at Emi, who is listening intently. “Whereas with Emi, it seems closer to human love. Sure, it happened fast, but you bonded as a rescuer and rescuee, something that brings out a lot of emotions in anyone.”

You nod. “That makes sense. And you’re saying there’s biological reasons for that?”

Sam nods. “Yes. As I said, there’s glands that they’ve created that regulate certain brain functions. I don’t know how they work, but we’re told how to locate and check them. The majority are along the collarbone, and they’re not present in Emi.”

You go back to stroking Lili’s hair, and the harpy snuggles against you once more. “So, what does that mean for her?”

Sam shrugs. “I’m not entirely sure. If I could hazard a guess, though, I’d say that Emi is somewhere between human and Hybrid. Without access to her records, however, I can’t be sure.”

You nod. “And that seems like a tall order.”

She laughs. “To say the least. I’ll do some more research, and see what I can dig up. As for her cough, I don’t think it’s a problem yet, but I’d like to get a blood sample and some cheek swabs, if that’s okay with you, Emi.”

Emi nods. “You’re the doctor. And I trust you.”

Sam smiles. “I appreciate it.”

Sam takes the samples she needs, carefully packing them in an insulated bag for transport. She packs away her things, and helps Emi sit up. When she finishes, she stands up.

“I hate to just disappear on you, but I’d like to get into the office when everyone is gone so I can check this stuff out. I’ll let you know when I get more information. Maybe we can make a night of it then? Say, dinner, all four of us?”

You’re a bit surprised by that, but you nod. “Of course, that sounds great!”

Sam smiles. “Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you again!”

You smile back. “Likewise!”

You lead her to the door and say goodbye. The girls say goodbye as well, and Emi even gives Sam a hug. When you close your door, you turn to see both of them grinning at you. It’s Emi who speaks first.