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Danny kept his eyes closed and tried to let himself drift away, but it was nearly impossible. Everything hurt.
These latest sessions had been to test his regeneration. He hadn’t even known he’d be able to regenerate, but apparently he could. He wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse.
They had started small, cutting off a finger. But when the smaller tests worked they’d gone for his hands and feet, his limbs, his eyes.
They’d started checking how different injuries and methods of removal would affect the regeneration time.
At least they usually let him listen to space documentaries afterwards.
And Agent E was kind, he’d run his fingers through Danny’s hair and carry him instead of putting him in the cage. He’d only used the shock collar once this week, and it had been Danny’s fault. He had tried to resist being taken to the next test. He’s trying to be better, but it’s so hard to remember when he’s in so much pain. Agent E had been understanding, but had still needed to punish him.
Danny understands. He needs to be good because when he’s really good and doesn’t resist Agent E will put on space documentaries and sit by his cage so he isn’t so lonely.
They’d taken off the suppressant cuffs, so Danny knew this session was going to be bad.
He bites back a whine as searing heat cuts through his arm. Tears come to his eyes and they roll down his face, but he tries to be quiet.
The scientists prefer it when he’s quiet.
—
“I got it!”
Tucker’s shout jolted Sam awake.
“What?”
“I found it! Transfer of specimen G52H2 to facility Delta.” he read off of his computer.
“How do you know that’s him?” Sam asked, coming over.
“There’s a mention about acquiring this specimen the same day Danny disappeared, and the location mentioned is Amity Park. It has to be him.” Tucker continued, typing rapidly on his computer. HIs eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, Sam wasn’t much better.
“Where’s the facility?”
“Iowa.”
Sam cursed. “How are we supposed to get there, especially with the GIW keeping anyone from leaving Amity?”
“I don’t know.”
“He’s been with them for over a month, Tucker! We need to find him!”
“I know! I know, Sam.” Tucker said, visibility trying to call himself.
Sam let out a wordless shout and kicked at the wall, before slumping to the ground.
Tucker heard her sniffle.
“We need to find him.”
Tucker closed his eyes and sighed. “We’re doing everything we can.”
“It’s not enough.”
“No, it’s not.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes.
“What if… what if we tell the Fentons? Or Valerie?”
“They hate Phantom.”
“I know, but they like Danny. And we need more manpower. We need more people on our side if we want to get Danny out.”
Tucker didn’t say anything for a while, just stared at his computer screen. “Let’s try Valerie first. And… we should tell Jazz what we know.”
“Are you sure? She’s already worried enough as it is.”
“Yeah, but I have a feeling that she knows more than she’s letting on. And I think she’d be more willing to believe us and still support Danny than Val will be.” Tucker pressed his palms into his eyes. He was so tired, but they had to get Danny out and somewhere safe. Then he’d rest. He looked over toward Sam. She was sitting on the ground leaning against the wall. It looked like she was fighting not to fall asleep. They needed help. As much as he and Sam didn't want to admit it, they couldn’t do this on their own anymore. They had to risk telling someone.
“Okay.” Sam sighed. “You tell Jazz, I’ll tell Valerie.”
Tucker nodded. “Okay.”
Sam pulled herself to her feet and Tucker stood up.
“For Danny.” Sam said.
“For Danny.” Tucker echoed.