Page 32 of Knot Their Fated M.U.S.E

Before I can formulate an appropriate response accounting for this coincidental nomenclature, the door opens with electronic precision that indicates security-level access rather than standard entry protocol.

The omega—this "Riot"—immediately shifts posture and affect, adopting institutional compliance patterns with practiced efficiency that suggests prolonged adaptation to surveillance conditions.

"Subject appears to be experiencing sedation effects consistent with pharmacological intervention protocol," she states with clinical detachment entirely absent from previous interaction. "Consciousness fluctuation within expected parameters given metabolic recovery staging."

I recognize tactical communication instantly—warning disguised as standard status report, alerting me to appropriate performance requirements without alerting monitoring personnel to unauthorized information exchange.

Clever.

I allow my eyes to drift closed, body relaxing into apparent unconsciousness that provides cover for continued environmental monitoring through auditory channels. The performance comes easily after years of similar tactical adaptations during previous institutional residency.

"Metabolic indicators?" Male voice inquires with clinical interest that fails to completely mask an undertone of concern regarding asset preservation rather than patient welfare.

"Stabilizing within acceptable recovery parameters," the omega responds, paper rustling suggesting reference to documentation rather than digital monitoring—interesting deviation from standard institutional protocol prioritizing electronic record-keeping over physical documentation.

"Consciousness assessment?" The question carries a sharper edge, suggesting importance beyond standard medical monitoring.

"Intermittent awareness with extended sedation periods," she reports with practiced efficiency. "Confusion consistent with prolonged nutrient deprivation followed by rapid reintroduction of metabolic support. No evidence of permanent cognitive compromise."

Paper rustles again, followed by the sound of pen against surface—another deviation from standard protocol, suggesting deliberate creation of a physical rather than digital record. The implications register immediately—documentation intended to exist outside institutional monitoring systems, a potential resource for information exchange beyond electronic surveillance parameters.

"Continue assigned monitoring rotation," the male voice instructs, professional detachment failing to completely mask relief, suggesting a personal consequence attached to my recovery rather than merely institutional objective achievement. "Accelerated recovery represents significant protocol improvement over previous failure patterns."

"Yes, Doctor," the omega acknowledges with appropriate deference that carries no corresponding emotional engagement—perfect performance of expected compliance without genuine submission to authority structure.

"This assignment represents an opportunity to compensate for previous protocol deviation," the male voice continues, tone suggesting warning beneath professional communication. "Yourintegration status remains conditional pending demonstrated compliance with revised behavioral parameters."

A moment of silence follows—duration suggesting either nonverbal response or deliberate communication pause designed to establish authority hierarchy before verbal acknowledgment.

"I understand, Doctor," the omega responds finally, tonal flatness suggesting practiced rather than genuine acknowledgment. "My attempt to escape was the ill-considered reaction to survival imperatives rather than a deliberate protocol violation."

"Your unauthorized departure from the designated containment area resulted in significant resource allocation requirements and potential security compromise," the male voice corrects with administrative precision. "The intervention of unauthorized external elements further complicated containment and recovery operations."

"I was left behind to die," the omega responds, the momentary breach in professional facade revealing a genuine emotional response beneath constructed compliance. "The teams evacuated without completing designated extraction patterns. My survival resulted from emergency intervention by external assets rather than a deliberate escape attempt."

The clarification registers with perfect clarity despite my continued performance of unconsciousness—this omega somehow escaped institutional containment, likely during the same operational period that resulted in my sister's extraction. Her return, like mine, appears non-voluntary despite different circumstantial parameters.

"Designation as primary monitoring asset for Subject 496 represents a significant rehabilitation opportunity," the male voice continues, ignoring substantive response in favor of reinforcing authority parameters. "Compliance with assignedresponsibilities will result in a corresponding adjustment to integration evaluation metrics."

The numerical designation strikes a discordant note amid otherwise predictable administrative communication—496 rather than 495, indicating they recognize my true identity rather than maintaining sister-substitution pretense apparent in the Omega's initial address.

They know who I am.

The realization carries strategic implications requiring immediate reassessment of operational parameters. If they recognize my true identity, experimental objectives likely differ significantly from standard recapture protocols typically applied to escaped test subjects.

"I'll continue monitoring vital signs and metabolic indicators according to established recovery parameters," the omega acknowledges, professional tone returning as conversational conclusion approaches. "The subject appears to be entering extended sleep phase consistent with accelerated healing protocols."

Footsteps move toward the exit, the electronic door mechanism activating with a distinctive sound indicating security-level clearance requirement for both entry and exit functions. The door closes with pneumatic precision, silence returning to the recovery environment as monitoring equipment continues its rhythmic operation in the background.

Several moments pass before the subtle shift in atmospheric pressure suggests movement within the room rather than departure—the omega returning to proximity rather than exiting with a medical supervisor.

"They're gone," she whispers, voice pitched below standard audio monitoring threshold while maintaining volume sufficient for direct communication. "You can stop pretending to be asleep now."

I maintain apparent unconsciousness for precisely 7.3 seconds—sufficient duration to confirm absence of secondary surveillance protocol while establishing appropriate caution regarding potential monitoring systems beyond standard implementation.

Then I open my eyes slowly, focusing on the omega standing beside my bed with an expression suggesting recognition of strategic performance rather than genuine medical unconsciousness.

"Smart," she acknowledges, approval evident despite minimal verbalization. "Always verify before revealing awareness."

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