That was too easy, Eihpos cackled. Come on. We need to get started on the rescue. Now.
“But I’m supposed to go to the basement.” One last chance to escape slid away when the elevator opened and the cart seemed to wheel itself inside. The door snapped closed before Sophie could follow.
“If we don’t gather them and get them out of here the world will suffer.” Eihpos’ words bounced like Sophie’s had before. But these were much more terrifying.
“But they were the monsters of history.” Sophie wouldn’t budge.
Were is the key word. That is it is if you get them out of here. If they stay they will be used to wreak more havoc. The only thing that can stop them is exposure to natural forces.
“But why would they want this?”
It’s not their choice to make. They were twisted by their time and their circumstances. Besides do you really wish them on your world again? Wasn’t once enough?
Disbelief wafted through Sophie and overwhelmed her. Fear was hard to overcome. Even though she had spent little time on studies, there had been stories. “Th…there are so many of them.” How can I get them all out? I don’t even have my cleaning cart anymore.”
The dog was by her side once more. You don’t have to get them anywhere. What you need to do is lead the way.
Before Sophie could think of a way to respond, a crash from the room they’d left rocked the silence.
Eihpos stood at the door, trying to keep it closed. The pressure was too much for her. “Help me,” she screamed. For once the self-contained mirror image of Sophie was out of control. “Help me, I said!”
“I thought you said they wanted to go.” Sophie ran to her side.
“No. I said it wasn’t their choice. You have to get them out of here.” Eihpos moved over so Sophie could help her. Together they pushed their way back into the room.
The cats that had been on the shelves that lined the walls had all jumped down. They gathered together and started to move toward Sophie and Eihpos.
A growl grew in Sophie’s throat. “Stay back” she said.
The felines stopped their forward movement. Eihpos linked her arm through Sophie’s. “They aren’t going to hurt you. They are as eager to get this over with as you are.”
Sophie sighed. How did I get myself into this? she wondered.
You volunteered. The dog put his muzzle into Sophie’s left hand. If you hadn’t Eihpos wouldn’t be here.
“They took your memory of that away, when they cloned me,” said Eihpos
“They did what?” Sophie’s knees threatened to give way. She stepped back to press against the now closed door. It gave her the support she needed while affirming there was no escape. “Who are they?” Dread overwhelmed curiosity.
“You saw the sign?”
“Black Mesa Research. But research is for education.” Sophie knew she was wrong. She felt rather than saw the cats coming closer.