They were alone now. Emma was sitting next to him on the bed, discussing the procedure with Laura. He knew it wouldn't be that bad. He knew what real pain felt like and this wouldn't be close. Real pain wasn't even physical. No, losing something you love, something you valued above even your own life, that was real pain.
Pain that never stopped.
As the two women were talking, he felt Emma's hand slide into his and gave it a small squeeze. She was very close to him, her warmth radiating on to the side of his body, her hand in his....
You're going to make me sick. Holding hands like a love struck kid.
Oh. You didn't leave with the others.
Don't be a smart ass, it doesn't become you. At least, the smart part doesn't....
Well, you're here too then. Feel free to help out whenever you want.
The scientist and Laura seem to get on alright and they both like you, maybe....
Don't be disgusting!
Just don't let the pretty little scientist take your mind from the main game.
Never thought of it as a game.
It is. Just the stakes are higher, that's all. You have to let her and her friend finish off the vaccine.
I know that, mate. What do you think we've been doing for the last twenty four hours while you've been hiding in my head?
Just let her do it.
I will....
He heard his name. It was Emma.
*"So...when are we doing this and how? Obviously I need all my faculties and so does Liam if we're going to get anything done. What are the risks?"*
Hansen didn't think the procedure would be much at all, it was just the women talking medical procedures and getting a kick out of it. Shit, it was only a small transponder the size of a small ball bearing. If he could reach it, he would have dug the thing out himself.
"To be honest, your guess is as good as mine," said Laura, her brow furrowed. "I've never performed the procedure before. Usually people go boom before anyone gets to them in time...situations like this one are rare..."
"Well," said Hansen. "Do we have to do it? The shackles are tiny and under our skin. What harm is there in leaving them there?"
Laura sighed.
"Um....we don't really know, but Victor did say there would be nothing stopping the SPFs from reactivating them remotely once the confusion from our attack comes down."
"Ok, then it's best to get it done?" he said, looking sideways at Emma with a comforting glance.
"I'd think so," said Laura. "Just to be sure."
They were all silent for a moment. Then Laura spoke again.
"So....do you have anything strong, like whiskey or vodka?"
Hansen frowned at her. "You think we'll need to anaesthetize ourselves?" He looked at Emma again, his eyes wider, his look less comforting. "It'll hurt that much?"
"Fuck no," said Laura, "I've never done this before. I need to calm my nerves."
Hansen rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Great."
That's my girl.
Yeah.
Hehehehe.
****
Emma's nerves buzzed. She didn't find Laura's little wise crack very amusing, but it seemed like waiting even just one more day wasn't a very good option. Not after they had made their presence known so loudly. Clearing her throat, Emma stood, leaving Liam to sit and contemplate. His eyes dark and a sharp, just about the same way they were when they had first met and her heart went out to him. Had the medicine worn off so quickly?
With a soft sigh, she reached for Liam's alcohol while Laura seemed to move about his place with ease. As she returned, she noted that the tall blond was digging under Liam's bed, bringing out a small box of supplies. "A good doctor is always prepared."
A twinge of jealous for a moment annoyed Emma. It was so blatantly obvious that Laura had stayed here regularly...as had Bonnie. Hell, she was wearing Bonnie's clothes! Suddenly she longed for her own clean and scuffed up attire, but tried not to be a baby about it. Forcing herself to see reason, she set the bottle of whiskey on the edge of the bench for Laura as she sashayed over and opened up the medical kit. Digging around, Laura's long slender fingers soon found a pair of tweezers and a sharp blade to do her dirty work. Next came some rubbing alcohol, bandages for both of them and a small bottle of anesthetic. "I'll just give you both a small local and hope for the best."
Unable to help herself, Emma let out a little snort. Laura didn't take offense of course and set her supplies up, going to the kitchen to sterilize her equipment. Emma sat down on the edge of the bend and clasped her hands together. While not thrilled, she wanted it over with as soon possible. I'm opting to go first, if that's alright. Because if I don't, you might have to hold me down."
Laura chuckled from behind her. "Take a swig of whiskey!"
Emma smiled slightly, "Not a bad idea...though I prefer coffee with mine."
Grasping the bottle she unscrewed the cap and locked eyes with Liam for a moment, then took a brave swig of the alcohol. It burned all the way down her throat and into her belly. She made a face and wrinkled her nose, shaking her head. "Gross."
"Amateur." Laura teased and came over to get her ready. Cool hands tugged her hair back away from her forehead. "This might be uncomfortable, but I need you to remain still. I'm going to inject a small amount of local anesthetic, then feel around to see if I can get a general location. I'm hoping it's superficial enough that I can feel it, then go right to work."
Emma nodded, tilting her head up and automatically shutting her eyes as her fingers curled around the edge of the bench and took on a death grip.
****
Laura busied herself with preparations and Hansen watched Emma grab the whiskey bottle. He was surprised as he watched her take a swig of the whiskey. He was amused at the way she looked after drinking it. It was....cute. She bravely leant over and gripped the bench and waited for Laura to inject the local anaesthetic.
Hansen reached for his neck and felt the slight bump where the shackle had been shot into him.
Yep, it's gonna hurt.
Thanks for the reassurance.
Hehehe.
You can laugh.
Hey, at least you'll get Laura handling you. It's been a while, shy boy.
Eh?
You know, like she used to.
Fuck off.
So eloquent. Hehehe.
Hansen heard a little groan from the bench and glanced over. Laura was starting to dig into Emma to retrieve the disabled shackle. Again, he rubbed the bump on his neck.
You know, I really am getting tired of you.
Really?
Yes. Really.
Who do you think put me here?
Put you here?
Yep.
You're always speaking in riddles. Put you here. Made me. What the fuck are you going on about?
You'll never find out if you keep taking the drug.
Palazonol?
Yep. You can walk around ignorant for the rest of your life. Or.....you can find out.
Find out what?
Who made you.
There you go again....
And who put me here.
Stop it.
And why.
Why?
I know you're from Australia, but you really have to stop acting like a cockatoo and repeating what I say. Yes....why.
Hansen clenched his jaw and looked back to the women. In a way it was good that he'd been distracted. He couldn't watch Emma in pain, not after all he'd done to protect her, even if was necessary.
Laura stood up from behind Emma.
"There. Done."
