The room being used to examine Visette’s mental condition was a small office. It was decorated with a bookshelf and a certification hanging behind the desk which took up the center of the room. There were other things such as potted plants and a painting depicting some plain landscape but other than that it was dull. That’s all that could describe the psychiatrist's office Visette was in.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Eliza Brendan.” A brown-haired woman in her early thirties spoke clearly. Her eyes moved to take in all of Visette's features in order to find out whatever she could. Even the clothes people wore could offer a small yet valuable insight into their mind. In this case, Visette wore a plain windbreaker with jeans and hiking boots, an outfit common for those who lived outisde of the cities.
“Hello,” Visette replied in a monotone voice.
“Visette, do you know why you’re here?” Dr. Eliza asked in a friendly tone.
“To examine my mental state in order to understand whether or not I am dangerous,” Visette answered.
“That’s certainly correct...but I want to ask if you think you’re dangerous, Visette?” Dr. Eliza inquired.
“Only when it is beneficial,” Visette replied.
“...And when do you think it’s beneficial?” Dr. Eliza was no stranger to people who thought the same as Visette except those people were all hardened soldiers rather than young girls.
“To keep others from obstructing my goals or to deal with those designated as enemies. Those are circumstances that would cause me to act.”
Dr. Eliza took a few notes:
Speaks in a pragmatic way.
The possibility of being raised to be a soldier highly likely.
There's a chance that she could be copying language and phrases she's heard from others. Could offer a clue to her origins.
After she finished writing she spoke, “It sounds like you see yourself as a tool and not a living breathing person.”
“I can not understand the need to see myself in any other way. It will not help me achieve my goals any faster.”
“Just what are your goals, Visette?” Dr. Eliza asked.
Seeing Visette unwilling to answer, Dr. Eliza added to her notes.
Unwillingness to speak about her own personal goals. She could be untrusting of others or perhaps something else. Extended observation is extremely recommended.
“I’ve been told that you’ve killed people but I understand that during the evacuation of a town people are forced to defend themselves. Since that time have you experienced any intense emotions?”
“Intense emotions?” Vis repeated.
“Guilt, fear, rejection, excitement. It’s common to experience reoccurring mental trauma following after such an event. Have you felt anything like that?”
“No.”
Dr. Eliza looked at Visette and what she saw was a young girl with a doll-like expression. Even the faintest movements of her facial muscles were unable to be seen. She clicked her pen and began writing once more.
Visette's reaction to the death of other's could be a problem. Abnormals with extremely high intelligence often fail to connect with others and there are cases of them treating people as data. Additional examination will be required to ascertain whether or not she's a danger.
“Visette, how would you describe your childhood?” Dr. Eliza suddenly inquired. Her question drew a reaction from Visette as the latter seemed to be slightly puzzled.
“I…” Visette searched through her memories. Her “childhood” was spent being grown in a pod so there were no significant events that took place other than the moment she received the Blue Swan implant and when she was released. “I did not have a childhood.”
“What do you mean by that?” Dr. Eliza sought to go further but Visette became silent once again.
It went without saying that Dr. Eliza began to take down notes again.
I would advise investigating further into Visette's past. Interesting to note that the times where she would be expected to lie she instead remains silent. It's a biting flaw that could help us find out where to look if it is approached correctly.
“...Well, I’m sure we can find the answer over time. In any case, today was just an introduction so we can learn more about each other.” As Dr. Eliza finished speaking she wrote a few things down and then smiled politely before standing up. “I’ll inform Lyn so she can escort you to your next destination.”
Dr. Eliza left her office and entered a waiting room only to see Lyn tossing an old cigarette into a potted plant.
“I’ve told you about smoking in here. I’m tired of finding used cigarettes in places they don’t belong,” Dr. Eliza said while furrowing her brows angerily.
“Yeah, I’m sorry,” Lyn said insincerely. “So, what’s the verdict on the brat?”
“Please call her Visette and as of right now I think she may be suffering from some mental disorder. She doesn’t appear to be in touch with her emotions which may be the result of her repressing some sort of traumatic event. She seemed hesitant to speak about her childhood so I’m guessing that’s a possible source.” Dr. Eliza was clearly intrigued and worried about Visette but she was nowhere close to the truth.
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“So do we have to worry about her?” Lyn asked bluntly.
“My short answer is no, but again, this was only an introduction.”
“The long answer?”
“Visette appears to be a highly intelligent girl but she's severely lacking in several areas. For example, her speech patterns, when Visette talks she rarely uses contractions like you or I would.”
“So?” Lyn shrugged.
“So, the way she talks makes her seem unaccustomed to speaking. It could offer us further insight into her origins or the environment she was raised in at the very least. I wouldn’t be surprised if she copied her speech patterns from someone else. In fact, I'm starting to doubt that human traffickers are the ones responsible since she didn't actually confirm it.”
“What does this have to do with her risk level?” Lyn interrupted.
“I was getting to that,” Dr. Eliza said with a sigh. “I’m nearly one hundred percent certain that Visette won’t do anything dangerous unless she’s provoked by some sort of stimulus. From what I’ve seen so far she’s only been reacting to whatever situation she’s put in. I don’t think she’s taken any actions without something causing her to.”
“Are you saying she’ll be nice and passive? I was looking forward to beating some sense into her when I get to train her.”
“Don’t take any unnecessary actions when dealing with her, Lyn. Visette is more than likely an abnormal with multiple high-level traits based on the information given to me. I’d like it if you didn’t cause a confrontation until we know more.”
“Whatever.” Lyn clicked her tongue. “I’ll go get her.”
“Oh and Lyn.” Dr. Eliza stopped her from moving further.
“Yeah?”
“When do you plan on attending an appointment? Commander Wakefield strongly recommends you visit me but I won’t force you to. What you were forced to witness was terrible and there is no need to be ashamed of any lingering fear.”
Lyn clenched her fist and glared at Dr. Eliza. “Mind your business.”
Dr. Eliza seemed reluctant but she nodded, “I understand. Feel free to come by whenever you’re ready.”
Lyn walked into the office and returned with a handcuffed Visette moments later.
“I look forward to seeing you next time, Visette.” Dr. Eliza smiled.
Visette simply looked at her at lightly nodded before being pulled along by Lyn.
“Let’s go.”
…
After a few minutes, Visette found herself in the backseat of a large SUV with black tinted windows. Due to the car being powered by a Novidium battery, there was very little noise. Thus, the two sat in silence until Vis spoke.
“Where is our next destination?”
“Armory,” Lyn answered curtly.
Visette wasn’t affected by Lyn’s rudeness and went back to being silent while looking at the passing scenery. New Mayhall almost resembled Visette’s implanted memories of a modern day earth except there was less variety in the buildings. Goods that weren’t necessary were seen as a luxury so special shops could be found near the upper-class section of the city.
Lyn made a few turns before stopping at a red light. She looked into the mirror and could see Visette’s empty expression which made her think back to what Dr. Eliza said about Visette’s upbringing. Lyn opened her mouth as if she wanted to speak but struggled with what she wanted to say next.
Eventually, she found her words. “When you were younger did you…” Or at least she tried to.
“What I’m trying to say is…” Lyn looked into the mirror and made eye contact with Visette’s apathetic brown eyes and thought it was Vis' way of saying she didn't care.
“Forget it,” Lyn huffed angrily.
Lyn wanted to inquire about Visette’s circumstances and speak about her own since they may have had something in common but it was easy for her to think about than to articulate verbally.
They arrived at the armory and Lyn hurriedly exited the vehicle and grabbed her sword while bringing Visette with her.
“Yo, Lyn.” A man at the counter waved his hands. His hair was greying and he seemed to be in his late sixties but he was extremely lively. “Need anything for today?”
“No, I’m to let her select some weapons.” Lyn gestured toward Visette.
“Oh?” The man raised his eyebrow at the young white-haired girl in hands cuffs. He glanced at Lyn but she didn't show any signs of explaning. “...Well, my name’s Smith and I’m the Chief Gunsmith.”
Smith laughed as if he found his introduction funny but Lyn shook her head painfully and Visette remained stone-faced.
“Ehem, anyway do you have anything in mind uh…” Smith trailed off.
“Her name is Visette,” Lyn spoke up.
“Ah, do you have anything in mind, Visette?” Smith gestured to the various swords, knives, pistols, rifles, and shotguns on display.
Visette found herself thinking back to the Corrupted and their resistance to small arms and low caliber guns, especially the Variant she faced. It was safe for her to assume that there would be different types of variants just like the human abnormals had different traits.
“A high-caliber weapon,” Visette finally replied.
“How about the good ol’ Anti-Material Rifle? We got one in the back that can take down anything from planes to people.” Smith laughed.
“That will be acceptable,” Visette responded causing Smith’s grin to fade.
“No I- That was just a joke. Most abnormals can’t even handle the recoil so it needs more work done. Plus, the ones we have on hand are just prototypes. If you were to hold it upright it would be almost twice your size in length, I really don’t recommend it.”
“As long as it is capable of functioning without issue there should be no problem,” Visette said.
“Just mark it down for as her field equipment.” Lyn shook her head at Visette while thinking of the outcome. Even strength-based Abnormals could barely handle the recoil of the AMR prototypes. Shooting it wrong or unprepared led to fractures and just shooting it normally caused bruising when shoulder the recoil.
“Get her a revolver and a tac-knife for her non-service equipment.”
“Are you sure? If she’s military personnel she’s entitled to a semi-automatic pistol.”
“Just get it.” Lyn ignored his words.
“Fine.” Smith wrote down the types of weapons on a piece of paper and folded it up. “I’ll let requisitions work out the rest because I don't want anything to do with this situation.”
“It was Commander Wakefield’s orders to let her select a weapon so don’t blame me.” Lyn shrugged and then nodded to Visette. “We’re leaving.”
Visette said nothing and followed behind Lyn. Inwardly, Visette was contemplating the characteristics of a Corrupted Variant. Her mind recalled even the smallest details of her fight. If the AMR was as powerful as Smith made it out to be then she would easily be able to win without struggling.
“Where is our next destination?” Visette asked as she finished processing the new information she received.
“Prison,” Lyn replied.
“I do not understand,” Visette said with slight confusion.
“Sure you do, when you’re not training or having your mind picked apart by Dr. Eliza, you’ll be staying a cell especially created for dangerous Abnormals. Think of it as your new home.”
Visette then nodded as she thought it made sense. Though it went without saying that if a Psionically enhanced individual like Vis wanted to escape there was nothing that could get in her way. Visette decided that if the training given to her was lacking in some way she would break out and flee New Mayhall. That meant killing anyone who tried to stop her without a second thought.