[Four Days Later]

I paced back and forth in front of the entrance to the building. I did everything I possibly could to try to abide by the foundation's standards, however, I refused to take away the comfort of the children, plus 953 since she's most docile when she's comfortable.

Male: "Dr.(L/N)?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin as I turned and saw two figures. One, a man looking about the age of 40, his black hair had hints of grey and he had piercing blue eyes, the other, a female with long brown hair and brown eyes, maybe 20 or so.

Me: "Sorry, I was just lost in thought. How was your trip here?"

Evan: "No complications. Where are my manners, my name is Evan Green. This is-"

Me: "SCP-187. I've read her file."

I turned to the woman.

Me: "How are you today 187?"

She just stared at me for a moment.

187: "I-I'm Okay. How are you?"

Me: "To be honest, quite nervous."

I gave a nervous chuckle.

Me: "But enough pleasantries, please this way."

I motioned to the hallway behind me and began walking.

Evan: "187, any structural damage?"

There was a pause as she looked around.

187: "No. This place is really well kept."

Me: "Thank you. I take pride in this facility... as well as all those in it."

We reached the first door, 191's door. The two guards were much more tense than usual.

Me: "191 is very docile so there's really no need for much security. She's rather pleasant to converse or play games with."

Evan: "I will decide that."

I unlocked the door and stepped inside. 191 was sitting on the floor, as usual, only she had her teddy bear sat beside her as she stared at the laptop in front of her.

Me: "Hello 191."

She slowly turned her head and opened a text file on the laptop.

191: "Hello Dr.(L/N)."

Evan: "187? What do you see?"

She put her hand over her mouth.

187: "Poor thing... who would do something like this... I see a little girl, but it looks like someone replaced her hands with metal claws or something... and half her face is covered in metal."

Evan: "So no noticeable changes. What are the security precautions you take?"

I thought for a moment. What precautions do I have here!? I usually just deal with everything personally and calm things down without force or anything.

Me: "Uh... Well, 191 is very docile, as I said, so we don't truly need any precautions. However, we do limit her interactions with any external systems, such as the internet."

The male nodded and turned around to walk out.

Evan: "Very well, next subject."

Me: "Right."

Just before I followed him I whispered to 191.

Me: "I'll be back to check up on you, I promise."

191: "Okay."

I gave her a smile before I turned and rushed after the inspector. Next was 40's room. This one might be a bit tricky due to her "pets". I opened the door and saw 40 sitting at the small table in the center of the room. She was humming happily as she read one of the books I had gotten for her. She looked up as I stepped in and smiled at me.

40: "Hi Dr.(L/N)! I'm almost done the book you got me."

I smiled back at her.

Me: "Very good. How are you liking it? I thought it would be a good read for you."

40: "It's great! I'm sad it's almost over though."

Me: "I'll be sure to pick something else out for you soon. I think I have another one in mind."

40: "Really!? What's it about?"

I smirked.

Me: "It's a surprise. If you don't know what it's about then you can't predict what's going to happen."

40: "Awww... You're a meany."

Evan: "187?"

187: "She looks pretty normal honestly, the eyes are kinda strange. Does she dye her hair?"

Me: "No. It's the natural color."

Evan: "The other subjects, shouldn't they be restrained?"

Shit... I knew that question was coming.

Me: "No. They are harmless. The quadruped is much like a large dog. And the spherical organism is more of a musical instrument than anything."

Evan just nodded and turned around. I gave 40 a thumbs up as I exited and she gave me a smile. Next was 239. As long as she's calm this will go smoothly. We walked in and saw 239 sitting on her bed watching her teddy bear walk around. Shit, I forgot about the animated bear... then again, if I took it away she would've been in a very bad mood, and that is far worse.

Me: "Hello 239, how are you today?"

239: "I'm good I guess, a little bored honestly. Can we go for a walk later?"

Shit, shit, shit, shit! The kids aren't supposed to be taken out of their rooms for anything but tests! Hell if they knew I take them to the cafeteria once a week I'd be locked in a cell myself!

Me: "U-Uh, 239..."

If I say no she'll get upset if I say yes the inspector is gonna report it, if I even hint at me previously letting them go for walks with me around the facility I'm fucked. I sighed... The children's happiness is my first priority here.

Me: "I should have time later, I'll try to stop by and pick you up before I make my rounds."

239: "Thank you!"

Evan: "187, what do you see?"

187: "I see a small girl, she has blonde hair and... really pretty eyes, they look like they're shimmering."

Evan turned around and walked out. I sighed, this isn't exactly looking good. As soon as we were outside he looked at me with stern eyes.

Evan: "239 is a Keter class subject. It is supposed to be kept in a medically induced coma to prevent disaster. This is clearly a-"

Me: "With all due respect Mr. Green, I approved it with the O5 to take her out of the coma. They accepted my request as long as there are no incidents, and there have been none."

Evan: "That still doesn't excuse letting it walk the halls with you. Do you even keep armed personnel with you when you do this?"

I felt my eye twitch.

Me: "No. I don't. Because I know how to keep her calm and happy, that is why she was transferred here."

Evan: "It is labeled Keter for a reason, Dr-"

Me: "SHE is a god damn 8 year old girl, with thoughts and feelings!"

Evan: "And those thoughts and feelings could possibly destroy the entire world!"

At this point Evan and I were face to face and screaming.

Me: "But the girl shouldn't be kept in a coma until the foundation decides to fucking kill her!"

Evan: "If it's for the good of the human race then the death of one subject is worth it!"

Me: "We should be trying to save these children instead of condemning them to a life of containment and isolation! My primary concern here is the safety and happiness of the children here!"

Evan: "They are not children they are threats to the safety of others, and you obviously are too!"

I began gritting my teeth as I felt myself get more and more angry.

Me: "I have run this facility for many, many, years. And not a single resident here has ever caused a problem! You hear me?! 114 years, and not a single incident! If you just treat them the way you would treat your own children then you'd never need to use force!"

187: "Wait... 114 years...?"

Evan: "You sympathize with them because you are one of them and that will only lead to disaster!"

Me: "You think because you are 'normal' that you know better than me?! I have been walking this earth for longer then a human ever should! I have seen things no man should ever see! You believe you know what is best for this world?! I have walked it longer then anyone supposed 'normal' and I know what this world needs... and it is kindness!"

Evan: "Will your kindness protect the world when subjects like that..."

He pointed to 239's door.

Evan: "Make the world cease to exist?!"

Me: "Kindness will prevent it from ever happening! I'll say this once. Get. Out. Now."

I backed away, still angry and seething with rage. I knew if I continued I'd only do something I would regret in the long run.

Evan: "You will not be here much longer. The O5 will not stand for this."

Me: "Report to them all you want. I will protect these children with every last ounce of unnatural life I have. Now get out of my facility, before I throw you out. In fact..."

I looked to the guards down the hall, by 191's room.

Me: "Escort Mr.Green and his guest out of the building please, make sure that they reach his vehicle safely and don't get lost."

They both nodded and began leading them down the hall. I started to turn and walk away but stopped as I heard 187 yell.

187: "Don't make me go back there! Please?! Can I stay here!?"

I turned slightly. Why is she pleading to stay here? If they trust her enough to go to other facilities she should have it pretty well.

187: "This is the only place I have ever been where I've seen everything the way it is now! No ones dead! Nothings broken! Please!?"

Me: "Well... I won't be here for much longer, so you may stay if you wish. Please release the young lady, but please make sure Mr. Green makes it out."

The guards nodded and let 187 follow me as I walked, then continued to escort Evan out.

Me: "Your stay won't be very long. But please tell me if you need anything. I know we have a vacant room, but it's rather bare."

We were silent for awhile as I walked her to the room. Until we reached the door.

187: "So... you said you've been alive for a long time... before I was taken into this place I wouldn't have believed it... but... just how old are you? You look about my age."

I thought for a moment. How old AM I?

Me: "Let's see... I was born in the late 1400's, it's currently 2019. So at least 519 years or so. However I can't give you an exact number, sorry."

187: "What's it like...? Being alive for so long?"

I thought for a moment as I motioned for her to enter, afterwards I followed.

Me: "It is... harder then people would think... seeing everything pass before you... having to learn how to adapt to the change time brings. I learned quickly that I had to find a purpose to occupy my immortal life."

I sighed.

Me: "However it seems that purpose will be coming to an end. I only hope whoever takes over this facility will treat the children as they deserve, after all... they are but children."

She was quiet for a while, then sat on the lone bed.

187: "You know... under different circumstances I would love to get to know you better. You seem like a nice guy."

I chuckled.

Me: "I try to be."

I turned and began walking out of the room.

Me: "As I said if you need me just knock on the door, a guard will hear it."

187: "I will, thank you."

I suddenly remembered something I wished to ask her.

Me: "Tell me, when you look at me what do you see?"

187: "Can you turn around?"

I followed her request.

187: "You're a male with (Hair length) (Hair color) hair, (Eye color) eyes, and (Skin tone) skin. You have a few scars on your face and neck, but they aren't that bad. You always seem to have this smile on your face that says 'You'll be okay.' It's really comforting. All and all, you're actually pretty handsome."

I chuckled.

Me: "I'm flattered, if I was 500 years younger I'd certainly be interested in you, we seem to be similar in some ways."

187: "How so?"

Me: "We both were just dealt the wrong hand in life. And both of us would relinquish these abilities if we could."

She nodded.

Me: "Anyway, I'm off. I need to start doing my rounds. After I'm done it's time for lunch so I'll come get you afterwards."

She refused to make eye contact and nodded. Honestly she looked fairly malnourished. Due to her precognition food disgusts her because she sees it either rotting or already processed by the body.

Me: "Don't worry, I have an idea that might help with the problem."

She nodded again as I turned and exited the room.

[Time Skip]

As I walked my rounds, and 239 happily walked beside me, I knew I was going to miss these blank halls. I had grown fond of them, as well as those within. After finishing up the check in with 706 I instructed 239 to return to her room. I trusted her to make it there without wandering off. My final check in was with 953, which I really didn't want to have anyone with me. Once I got into the room I saw 953 sitting on her futon looking at a magazine.

953: "Hello."

Me: "Hello 953, how are you today?"

953: "Fine, I'd like some new entertainment though, maybe a TV or something."

Me: "I certainly will try to get you one before-"

I stopped myself. I'm not sure how she'd react to being told I'm going to be removed from this facility. She stopped looking at the magazine and looked over to me.

953: "Before what?"

I sighed. I might as well get it over with. I motioned for her to sit up, then I took a seat on the floor.

Me: "There was an inspection today."

953: "And?"

Me: "It... did not go very well."

953: "So what? Are we gonna have to have more restrictions now?"

I sighed.

Me: "No... I'm going to be... removed from this facility, most likely permanently."

She stared at me for a moment, unmoving. She may be sadistic and absolutely indifferent to all human life, however I know she had grown fond of my company which is only natural after a century of being near one another. She finally stood up and walked circles around me.

953: "So... You're telling me, after at least 100 years, the only human I have ever had even the slightest bit of fondness towards is going to be removed from my company entirely?"

Me: "That is the gist, yes."

She stopped in front of me and stared at me.

953: "No. I refuse. If you are to leave this place I shall come with you. You are not to leave me alone."

Me: "953, that isn't going to happen. I will be put in my own cell and be given my own number. It would be a miracle if they let me out at all."

953: "Then you won't be leaving at all."

Me: "You can't stop their decisions and neither can I. When the council makes a decision that's the end of it."

953: "We'll find a way. You are a clever man after all."

Me: "A compliment? Huh, it might start to rain cats soon."

[Time Skip]

After my talk with 953 it was time for lunch. After helping 191 "eat" I moved on to 40. After serving 40 her food and talking for awhile about the books she's been reading I moved on to 239. 239 had asked a few questions about Evan Green, as well as 187, but I kept my answers as vague as possible and mentioned nothing of the outcome. After delivering kaolin and some ordinary food to 706, I delivered the liver, water, and plum wine to 953. Finally I decided to take 187 to the cafeteria for her lunch. I instructed her to sit down and close her eyes, she did so hesitantly. I went to the kitchen and prepared a few different things I had made beforehand. I had made sure to give each dish a very pleasant and potent aroma. I learned to cook around the 1800s as part of my quest to find purpose in life, but it just wasn't exactly exciting to me. However a few hundred years to refine a skill makes you quite good at it. I set the dishes in front of 187 and she sniffed the air.

187: "Wow... I don't think I've ever smelled something so good. What is it?"

Me: "One dish is something called pressed duck, it's almost like baked duck however it's not as dry. It's an old recipe that evolved through the ages. Another is called Fahsa, one of my favorites, it's a stew made with lamb. The last is simple enough, vanilla bean cheesecake."

187: "It smells great and all but... I don't think I can eat all this..."

Me: "Don't worry, I won't make you eat it all, I just want to show you that having to be blinded while eating isn't always a bad thing."

I sat down beside her and cut a piece off of the presses duck, then held it to her mouth.

Me: "Open."

187: "I-I can feed myself! You don't have-"

Me: "I insist, this is part of my idea to show you the joys of trying different foods."

She sighed then opened her mouth. Once I had her eat the piece of duck I spoke as she chewed.

Me: "You see, when your eyes are closed you tend to heighten your other senses slightly, this includes taste. Try to focus on the flavor, the juices of the meat and the seasoning on it."

She nodded and swallowed the duck.

187: "It's really good... who made it?"

Me: "I did."

187: "Really? You don't seem like the type to cook."

Me: "Well, I was really the only one who could get my little sister to eat some days."

187: "You have a little sister?"

Me: "Had. Yes. She wasn't like me. This is also not something I was born with."

187: "Really? Then how did you... you know?"

Me: "I believe it was a curse... something given to me by my late father. But that's a story for another time. Please, just focus on eating."