EXIOS, Part 1

copyright comidacomida 2024 

Sebastian kept his Mallard close to the ground; while it was not as maneuverable as most long distance space ships, it met his needs, being of sufficient size for a mobile base of operations, but small enough to go largely unnoticed by any prospective raiders.  Pirates weren't entirely common in the Rho system, but he didn't want to give them any reason to consider him a target and they rarely bothered anything under a freighter in size.

The reports he'd received from his employer suggested that there was a rogue research facility on the planet.  The freelancer was astounded that any science team, rogue or otherwise seeking to keep a secret facility would bother with the Rho system.  Sebastian had grown up on Rho IV in Farlight City, a thriving colony that had been granted independent planetary system status by the corporation that had founded it... the very corporation where he got most of his work.  In the scheme of things, AETHERCorp was about as close to a 'good guy' business as Sebastian had ever seen... and that wasn't just because he'd grown up on one of their colonies.

Ever since 'the event' that took place on Farlight, Sebastian had a certain appreciation for the corporation as well as the people who worked for it-- most corporations would have written the colony off, but the casualties were far less than they might have been due to AETHERCorp's intervention.  Although he wasn't willing to commit to a single employer, he did take at least 80% of his jobs as a freelancer from them and he was only a little surprised that they included incidentals such as travel reimbursement and certain expense fees on top of the wages-- it was a rarity for most corporate employers to treat their contractors so well.

Rho IX was a small, relatively desolate planet with large, rolling hills.  There was a breathable atmosphere but it was thin, which meant he'd do better with an oxygen supplement.  The planet was considered habitable (barely), but he didn't want to spend much time outside.  His scanners weren't able to pick up any sign of an installation but he trusted his contact; if something was happening in the Rho system then Simeon would know about it-- the crazy old monkey had manned the Comm Buoy on Rho IV for as long as Sebastian had been alive, and being on the Geneticon operator's good side had always served the Human well.

Based on the info he got from Simeon, Sebastian set his Mallard down in a clearing not far from some oddly shaped rocky outcroppings.  Finally close enough, his hunch paid off: close range direct scanning indicated that there was a man-made structure built into the rocks and extended down below the surface fo the planet.  Turning off the engine and all but the critical systems, the freelancer grabbed his salvaging gear and a slow release oxygen spray.  Taking a puff of the inhaler, he slipped the container into his front shirt pocket and headed into the airlock.  It took a few seconds for the air pressure to equalize with the atmosphere beyond the ship and Sebastian glanced at his PCD:  240 mmHg-- less than a third of what he kept the pressure at in his ship.

Putting the ramp down, Sebastian made his way onto the rocky soil.  The landscape was barren, but he could see sections of mosses and lichens; there were a few small bushes and his scanners had indicated small warm blooded animals-- nothing that would create much of a threat to him, but he wasn't interested in standing out in the slowly-strengthening dust storm and so he approached the large set of doubled-doors that had been half-hidden by the rocks.  He saw that one of the doors was open, which was both a positive and a negative: he wouldn't have to break in, but there was not likely to be any atmospheric regulation in the installation.

Realizing he would have to make due, Sebastian entered into the facility; he immediately discovered that it was unpowered-- not even the emergency backup was in operation.  Coming to that conclusion, he realized it was for the best that the door had been open, otherwise the atmosphere could likely have gone stale and he'd need to wait for it to air out.  Steeling his resolve, the young man turned increased the luminosity of the light on his PCD and slid it into his shirt pocket, allowing for the path ahead of him to receive the benefit.  Taking a fresh puff off of his inhaler, Sebastian ventured forth.

He spent the next hour searching the top floors but it didn't take much of an effort to see that most of the place had been either ransacked, or else emptied out before it was abandoned.  According to his contact at AETHERCorp the scientists got wind of a potential raid by authorities and chose to flee.  They did a good job with the first two levels but Sebastian was nothing if not thorough, and he continued down to the third floor-- it immediately realized that it smelled distinctly different.  Whether it was because the atmosphere was a little thicker due to being trapped beneath the surface, or something else was at work, he didn't know... but it smelled heavy... laden with an almost animistic funk... or a musk.  A moment later, the man paused when he heard movement to the right.

A deep, low octave growl from somewhere in that direction caused Sebastian's bones to vibrate.  As the light from his PCD wheeled around to illuminate the room the Human froze in place, eyes opening wide as he saw the creature in front of him. Early reports HAD suggested the abandoned lab was empty... but those reports were obviously wrong and Sebastian began to wonder if would pay for it with his life

The creature's piecing blue eyes stared intently at him, as severe and laser focused as any predator's.  By his estimation it was almost three meters tall with the width of two doorways.  It was a hulking beast, with arms that were elongated in such a way that it looked as though it could walk as easily on four legs as two, massive muscles rippling beneath its golden-orange fur.  As Sebastian began to backpedal the creature took a step forward, chains shaking ominously with the movement-- and that was the point in which the Human realized that the creature was bound to the floor and wall.

Stopping in place at that understanding, Sebastian brought his PCD around to better illuminate the beast.  It had all the signs of of genetic modification similar to the humanoid animal Geneticon beast folk, only whatever science had been used to create the monstrosity in front of him was not just a matter of creating an amalgam... whatever had designed the massive beast staring him down had created a chimera, combining at the very least wolf, tiger, and likely Human DNA in an unconventional method.  He also saw that the creature was bleeding from wounds caused by the shackles that were restraining it by its wrists, ankles, and neck.  "Oh... you poor, poor thing..."

The Human paused in his half-step forward when the creature's eyes narrowed, growl deepening. Surprisingly, it took a step back, massive paws flexing.  The beast's rumbling tone softening for a moment, before an even more audible, much more pointed sound came out of its chest, then up its throat and, much to Sebastian's surprise, it spoke.  The thing's voice was impossibly deep, but emerged in a guttural croak, as if not sure how to use its words.  "You?  Not know you..."

Sebastian had no idea to react to hearing its voice.  He had no way of putting to words his response to the situation.  It could speak, which suggested that, presuming it were not simply parroting words that it was able to reason, think, and conceptualize.  It was a living, thinking, feeling creature, and it had been stuck in the abandoned base alone and chained up for at least two weeks.  How had it survived?!?  Gritting his teeth, Sebastian fought to keep his thoughts focused; he knew nothing about it and he couldn't let his emotions take control, no matter how much it reminded him of--

The beast's voice snapped the Human out of his memories and brought back to the present. "Eyes... leak."

Sniffing, Sebastian reached up to wipe at the moistness to his eyes.  "You... you've been here a long time?"

The creature grunted, not bothering to confirm with any words.  It observed him, its eyes harsh and threatening, lips pulled back to reveal sharp teeth, as if threatening him if he drew closer.  Despite its fearful visage, it did ultimately speak again, its voice thick from obvious lack of use. "Who you?  Not white cloth."

Despite the lack of words, the beast had provided Sebastian with a useful detail; Human, Geneticon, and Voljoi scientists wore white coats-- neither Gorumn nor Cytkus scientists subscribed to that particular style and, judging by the creature's apparent familiarity with English, Sebastian was willing to bet that the project was indeed run by Humans-- possibly a shadow corporation.  That was nothing he needed to convey to the creature in front of him, and so the freelancer kept it simple. "My name is Sebastian.  I am not a scientist."

The creature's head cocked to the side, eyes softening faintly.  Sebastian wasn't entirely sure, but he thought its eyes grew moist.  A moment later he was sure that it was tearing up.  The beast's massive frame quaked with a violent shudder and it released a low, pained growl.  Chains rattling, it flopped to the floor, a hot, warm breath washing across the ground in a blast of mist; the Human hadn't realized how cold the facility was.

Letting out a sigh, Sebastian clenched his fist as he thought about the scientists, what they were doing to create something like the creature in front of him, and then abandoning it, leaving it chained up to die.  "I knew that the people here were doing SOMETHING, but I didn't realize how.... barbaric it was."

The beast's expression remained tense, staring up at him from its place on the ground. "You here... end it?"

Sebastian wasn't entirely sure that he understood what it was asking but, as he drew closer, more of his PCD's light illuminating its body he could see just how malnourished it was.  If the scientists had abandoned the station two weeks prior to his arrival then it was likely the creature had not eaten anything in awhile.  He saw that there was a mount of excrement in the corner, or as close to it as the chains would likely let the creature move, but there was no sign of food or water for it.  Sebastian found his fist clenching, shaking all the more. "Those bastards..."

The thing looked up at him out of the tops of its eyes, muzzle grimacing into a faint snarl; apparently it didn't like his tone.  Calming himself immediately, Sebastian took another step closer, attempting to identify the maximum reach on the creature based on the chain length in case it suddenly became aggressive.  It had obviously not eaten in some time and, despite being sapient, he had no guarantee that it wouldn't look to him as a possible meal.  Ever-so-slowly, Sebastian reached out, kneeling down so he could hold his hand out toward its muzzle.  "I am not here to hurt you... I want to help."

The creature's big lungs sucked in air with each breath but, as Sebastian's hand grew closer, it began to take quick, short huffs, nose working as it seemed to pick out his body odor.  The Human watched the beast's diamond-shaped pupils expand and contract faintly.  It rumbled softly. "Smell good..."

Sebastian silently hoped to himself that it didn't mean that he smelled good like a hamburger or a steak.  Swallowing his nervousness, the Human slowly stood back up. "So... do YOU have a name?"

He watched the creature warily; he was close to it, and he needed to be ready to react.  The thing's  glowing blue eyes focused intently on Sebastian's hand, his gaze piercing and intense. For a moment the creature didn't move, as if weighing its options.  Then, with a subtle nod, the creature's lips to curled into a grimace, revealing his razor-sharp fangs as he slowly stood back up.  Sebastian was surprised when it thrust its head forward, its mane-like fur between its ears brushing between his fingers.  It made a deep, low rumble in its chest, looking right into his eyes.

The freelancer was confused. "Is... that your name?"

The head pulled back, eyes still on him as its muzzle flicked up and down in a nod. "Yes."

Sebastian tried it; the sound was not made for Human vocal chords and he was certain he butchered it, but the creature's ears rose, eyes gleaming as it looked to him attentively.  "No... not that."  It repeated the sound it made.  "That, I called.  I called... that." and it made the sound one more time.

It was an interesting sound-- not quite intimidating, but hardly peaceful.  If Sebastian had to guess, he would have called it a 'strong' name.  "I have never heard a name like that... where did you get it?"

The creature's ear twitched, and let out a low, rumbling growl, but it was not a threatening sound. Instead, it sounded almost like a response, a reflexive acknowledgement of the gentle question.  He did answer eventually, eyes finally breaking contact with the Humans. "Me."

The one word sentence did not reveal much.  Feeling a little more confident, Sebastian took another half step closer so he could return his hand to the thing's head; it seemed to enjoy the touch. "Do you mean you named yourself?"

Its eyes returned to look at him, boring deeper into Sebastian's, as if searching for something. Then, his voice rumbles low and rough, almost like thunder in the distance, the beast nodded as it said "Yes.  My name."

Sebastian tried to mimic the name again, but he was sure that he'd butchered it even worse.  The creature's  ears perk up, and for a moment, he looked almost... almost like he was experiencing something akin to joy.  The beast's glowing blue eyes flash with an intense light, and he let out a low rumble which almost sounded like a series of explosions.  The Human realized that it was... laughing?

Finally closer to the creature, Sebastian was able to get a better glance at the restraints keeping the beast in place and he inhaled through his teeth as he saw both dried and fresh blood. "Oh god... those chains...."

The created experiment followed his eyes, pausing as it expected its wounds as if for the first time.  Its expression turned grim, eyes narrowing in what looked like a combination of pain and anger.  His massive body grew tense andhe rumbleed a low growl, the sound like thunder in the distance. The chains holding him captive jingled as he stood up, dropping to all fours as they grew taut.  He strained against them, his muscles bulging beneath his orange-gold fur. The creature's glowing blue eyes bore into Sebastian. "No touch.  Hurt."

Sebastian kept his distance, holding his hands up and out to show that he was no threat, attempting to calm the creature.  "Shhh... shhhhh... I'm not here to hurt you. I... want to help... if you'll let me. Shhh.... it's gonna be alright."

The growl gradually subsided and the chains slowly slacked as the creature's tension eased slightly.  Gleaming blue eyes blinked and the massive body relaxed; the chains gave up some slack as he did so.  Its gaze met him for a moment, as if sizing him up, and then its expression turned contemplative and it simply nodded.  "No hurt."

Sebastian nodded. "I won't.  I'm here to help."

The Human reached slowly into his pocket, retrieving an item at a snail's pace so as not to threaten the creature or warrant a hostile reaction.  He always brought a few medigel cartridges with him when he was on the job and, in most circumstances he did't bother needing it; fortunately it didn't keep him from bring it along anyway and, for once, it came in handy.  He took great care to show the cannister to his companion.  "I'd like to help. This will ease your pain. If you promise to not hurt me, I think I can get those chains off of you."

A deep, throaty growl emerged from the beast as it shied away from him, fur standing on end.  "Know those.  Burn.  Pain... ow.  No touch."

Sebastian was glad he'd been moving slowly; as he suspected, the scientist at the installation had been giving him injectables of some kind and the beast was not inclined to take his well-meaning intentions on faith alone.  He had another idea.  "No... this one is different... here... watch."

Its eyes flicked to the cylinder Sebastian held, nose wrinkling in suspicion, but the Human let the creature watch as he held it up to his own inner arm, put the action nozzle to his flesh, and then pressed the activation button on the other end with his arm. "See?"

A faint beep registered the action, followed by the sound of quick decompression of hydraulics as a single dose was injected into Sebastian's arm.  It was a waste of meds, but at least the small cut on his ring finger no longer bothered him.  More important, the creature watched the device operate, nostrils flaring.  Its eyes went from the device to Sebastian's, then back to where he'd pressed the cylinder against his arm, and then back to Sebastian's face.  It then stated its observation aloud.  "You no 'ow'."

Sebastian smiled.  "That's because this doesn't hurt... it helps."

The Human held it out to the beast, who responded by craning his neck so his nose could get a little closer to it, sniffing the item cautiously.  "Smell... smell like..."

After several seconds of silence, it became apparent that the creature lacked the capacity to come up with a proper comparison, and so Sebastian took another half step forward.  "You're hurt... and I want to help.  This can help.  I can teach you how to use it, so, if you're willing to try, you can use it yourself."

The creature backed up, a soft growl coming out of it. "I no like."

Sebastian remained calm, no longer approaching, but he didn't relent.  Slowly lowering the cylinder to the ground he stood back up and took a step back showing the beast his hands. "I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to do... okay?  But you will feel better if you trust me."

The thing's gaze lingered on the device, his ears twitching slightly as he seemed to consider the offer. His massive body relaxed further, chains jingling softly as he sat down on the floor. The creature regarded Sebastian with a calculating expression, his glimmering azure eyes seeming to assess the Human's intentions. After a moment, it nodded slowly.  Reaching down, it ran its dexterous claw across the injector. "How work?"

Sebastian let out a quiet breath, hoping he was getting through to the beast.  "Just... pick it up... hold it like I did... press that end to your arm... and push the button on it. It will ease your pain-- your wrists and ankles won't hurt.  I just want to help. You don't deserve to be here, friend."

It took five more minutes before the creature finally did accept the help and injected itself.

His massive body trembled slightly, eyes never leaving Sebastian's as its thick thumb pressed the button, and it jumped perceptibly when the injector worked.  The Human watched as the beast noticeably relaxed as the medicine took effect and reduced its discomfort.  "Good... feel good... you help..."  Its pleased expression shifted after a moment to confusion and it eyed him warily. "...why?"

The genetically created experiment nodded solemnly, his sapphire eyes holding a strange mixture of hostility and hesitation, but also a tinge of acceptance. The once-menacing growl softened as he responded, his voice echoing through the derelict lab, yet carrying a sense of cautious optimism. "No... more pain?"

Sebastian smiled. "Not on purpose.  No.  People aren't supposed to hurt others."

The creature blinked, cocking its head to the side. "I... person?"

The Human nodded with confidence. "Yes... and people help other people.  I will do as much as I can, friend... I came here to help... I just didn't know I'd find you."

The beast's expression faltered, his glowing eyes flashing with a hint of vulnerability before his face settled into a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. He eyed Sebastian warily, his ears twitching. His massive body seemed to relax marginally, the tension in his muscles easing slightly as he regarded the Human with a newfound intensity.  "How you help?"

Sebastian motioned "Look at your wrist... there, near the shackle."

It looked to where he indicated, the medigel already having done it job to cease the bleeding and a scab had already formed.  The creature flexed its paw, eyeing the wound.  "It not hurt."

The Human smiled. "Right... use it again on your arm... and both legs.  It should have enough charges for that.  If you promise not to hurt me I can see about getting you free."

The creature's ears raised as its eye zeroed back on his, pupils dilating as it questioned him. "Free?"

The fur along his spine flattened and the anxious twitching of his ears ceased. His tail, appearing to be a mix of canine and feline thumped once against the dusty floor, indicating, at least in Sebastian's mind acceptance and relief. The exchange, albeit tentative, hinted at the beginning of an understanding between them-- it was a start.  Taking a step closer, Sebastian kept his hands visible and non-aggressive.  "May I come closer to see what can be done about freeing you?  I can trust you...and you can trust me."

The beast's neon-blue eyes followed Sebastian's slow approach, his gaze unwavering yet not hostile. The experiment's chest rose and fell with a deep breath,  ears folding back ever so slightly. His voice came out low, rumbling, as if the words were being savored: "Trust... you... yes." 

Sebastian held his breath, taking another half-step toward the massive beast.  He watched closely as the tension in the creature's body ease, the severity in his gaze turning more to curiosity.  The Human also noted that the experiment did not shy away and, in fact, offered a slow, tentative nod.  Realizing that getting closer was the same as getting too close so, hesitating no longer, Sebastian sat down on the floor beside the enormous beast.  Although he couldn't ignore the creature's eyes on him nor its large presence, he chose to focus instead on the shackle attached to its left leg.

The shackles, as it turned out, were incredibly basic.  Despite the complexity of the computer systems one floor up and the various security features on the doors (no longer active due to the facility's loss of power), the restraints on the beast were very simple.  With the aid of a bypass protocol from his PCD he was able to disengage the power cell, causing the clasp to immediately open.  The creature moved his leg with a start, shaking out his foot, asking incredulously "Is open?"

The Human nodded. "That's one... four to go."

The beast's eyes flashed with a mix of shock, confusion, and a glimmer of hope.  He remained seated, watching Sebastian's every move as the Human held his hands out. "How about your arm next?  Would you like that."

It nodded eagerly, holding its arm out as much as it could considering it would changed. "Yes.  I like."

The creature jumped as Sebastian's hands gently gripped its paw and he used one hand to hold its arm stable as he used the bypass override again and the shackle popped open as easily as the first.  It pulled its paw close, turning it around to examine its free wrist and then licked at his wound.  After that, it began sniffing its fingers where Sebastian had been holding it.  The Human smiled, waiting patiently to ensure that it was still okay with his presence. "IS that better?  We're almost half done."

Its eyes returned to Sebastian, following the Human as he walked around to the other side of the beast.  Sebastian was pleased when the creature slid its leg to him without having to be asked and, he noticed, the thing's tail beat a one-to tempo out on the floor.  He got to work immediately on undoing that shackle as well.

Sebastian noticed it watching him as he worked, not that there was much to see.  He was surprised when it asked "Security... default setting... backup power... override?"

The Human looked back up at it as the seal popped and the shackle opened.  He was dumbfounded.  "Yes... that's EXACTLY what I was doing... how'd you know?"

It offered a shrug as a response and held out its arm to him.  He noticed that it continued watching him and his actions; whether it was out of curiosity or something else, Sebastian didn't know, but he resolved to maintain course and try to continue helping it-- he was already committed, and he had to believe that it meant him no harm.  Even so, he tried to keep reassuring the beast.  "See there, big guy? I really AM here to help."

As he waited for his override protocol to reboot, the Human very slowly raised his hand.  He waited for the creature to sniff it before moving it to the top of the beast's head.  It's body stiffened, almost pulling away, but not quite.  Once it grew used to his digits on it, Sebastian slid it around to behind the enormous experiment's ear... and began to softly scratch behind it; he was surprised with its leg started twitching and its tongue peeked out of the corner of its muzzle.  It practically crooned. "Oh!  Is good... good touch..."

Sebastian smiled, watching the thing's nostrils flare, its chest chest rumbling with a low growl, but it was not one of aggression—rather, it was a gentle rumble of pleasure. The thing leaned into the touch, his ears folding back slightly as it melted into the attention, fur standing on end.  Sebastian set his PCD against the shackle, only half paying attention to it as a sound emerging from the experiment caught his attention: it was an unmistakable sound.  The Human chuckled. "Is... is that a purr?"

Eyes still closed, the beast shrugged.  "Not know... first time I make."

As the shackle popped of of the creature's wrist, Sebastian set his PCD aside and move dhis other hand to cradle its massive chin fingers rubbing along its underside as well.  The freelancer stood slowly but it didn't seem to mind as his attention went to the metal clasp attaching the beast's neck to the wall.  He was just about to inspect it when his eyes caught sight of something inside the experiment's ear-- it was a tattoo.  Sebastian mumbled what he saw aloud. "Exios?"

The beast immediately went rigid, eyes widening, inching back from him. "What?"

To the Human, it looked as though the creature had just been struck.  He quickly attempted to put its concerns at ease. "Just... your ear.  You have something... written inside of it.  It looked like it spelled Exios."

The beast growled softly.  "E-Eleven-0-5."

Sebastian winced; it sounded like a batch number, and he let out a breath, shaking his head.  "We can worry about that later... for now, we should get you the rest of these chains off of you and get out of here."

The beast nodded.  "Yes.  Free..." it paused, glancing toward Sebastian as it leaned back toward him. "What Exios?"

The Human began to work on getting the binding around its neck open but it was a different kind than what was on its arms and legs.  "The tattoo inside your ear... an E, the roman numeral for eleven, and then a zero five, so it looked like-- never mind."

The electric-blue eyes remained laser focused on Sebastian as he tried to figure out the best way to open the final restraint.  Apparently the creature wasn't willing to let the idea go. "You call Exios... is me?  Is name?"

Sebastian considered that for a moment; if all the beast had ever known was an experiment number then technically he didn't have a name.  Considering it a reasonable compromise, the Human nodded. "Sure.  You can be Exios."

Exios' gaze lingered on him for a moment, and then it looked away, ears down softly, tail beating out a gentle beat against the floor.  Sebastian continued to try for several minutes to do something with the clasp-- he was so close to getting the creature free, and yet that single  remaining restraint was preventing his success.  He was surprised when Exios spoke up again. "You... different.  Not like men in white."

The Human nodded. "I'll take that as a compliment... they sounded like right pricks."

The creature's ears went up,  head turning at an angle. "Pricks?"

Sebastian let out a sigh.  "Never mind..." He put his PCD away, realizing he'd need a less complicated, more brute-strength solution.  "Exios?"

It looked to him immediately. "Is me?"

The Human nodded.  "Yes.   If I can find something to fit between the chains if your collar do you think you can twist it?  We should be able to get the metal to warp enough that we can break you out."

Exios nodded in acknowledgement.  "Yes.  Metal.  Twist.  Force open.  Free."

Sebastian began searching the room for something and, as he did so, he heard the metal chain shift.  A moment later a loud metal-rending sound pulled his attention back to the beast; Exios had the chain pulled free and, the Human noticed, one of the creature's claws had popped free, revealing a cybernetic metal claw blade in its place.  The Human let out a deep breath. "They really did stuff to you, didn't they?"

Exios blinked, eyes narrowing and his tone growing dark. "Humans torture.  Cut.  Break. Take apart.  Put together.  Take out.  Put in.  I... not like."

Making sure his breath remained steady despite the severe rage he felt at the scientists responsible for Exios' torture, Sebastian managed to keep his cool.  "Well, they're gone now, Exios... and they won't be coming back. Even if they did, though, I'm getting you out of here. I promise."

Reaching up, the Human gently pat the enormous creature on the side of his furry muzzle.  "You ready to go?"

Exios remained where he was. "Go where?"

Sebastian turned to regard the beast, then paused when it snarled, and sprang forward at him.  The Human didn't have time to even put up a defense when the thing collided with him, wrapping its arms around his body as it spun.  He felt Exios convulse before the two hit the ground and the beast let him go immediately, yowling and howling in pain as he writhed on the floor.  Sebastian kicked himself away and rolled back, getting to his feet to figure out exactly what happened-- a moment later he realized what it was:  there was a backup security system, and it was equipped with an electrical discharge system for riot control... or for putting down a rampaging experiment.

Sebastian realized in that moment that Exios had pushed him out of the way-- and the shocking had not ceased.  The creature continued howling in pain, thrashing and spasming on the floor, and the Human realized that, without a computer system to regulate the security device it wouldn't stop shocking until it ran out of power-- Exious would likely be dead by then.  He remembered, however, than the particular iteration of automated anti-riot systems had a specific security feature that would stop the effect if one or both electrodes were detached from a target.

Gritting his teeth, the Human prepared or the worst. "Fuck... this'll hurt."  He launched himself forward at the wires-- a searing shock of pure pain lanced up his shoulders; his fingers felt they were on fire, and he saw white... then blackness.

Sebastian realized he was only out for a few seconds, but he awoke to the sound of a soft, plaintive whine, and the feeling of something warm and slick brushing across his right hand-- a tongue?  The touch hurt.  "Ow..."

The moment he shifted he felt a pair of huge paws help him to sit up.  A pair of two huge, bright blue eyes were staring at him with obvious concern.  Sebastian realized, he could see little else aside from those eyes-- his PCD's light was no longer on-- likely a casualty of the electrical charge.  Looking up at Exios, he offered a faint smile. "Hey."

The eyes narrowed in worry. "Bastian hurt?"

It was the first time it had used his name, albeit, only two syllables.  "Just my hands... I'll be fine."

As he attempted to stand he ended up slipping again but two huge paws steadied him, Exios moving to stand next to him. "I help."

Still weak from the shock, Sebastian managed to navigate the halls out of the installation with Exios' help.  The creature seemed to have little-to-no trouble in the dark and so, after about fifteen minutes the Human was glad to see light from up ahead; they were near the exit.  As Exios continued to assist him, letting the Human lean on him for balance, Sebastian had to consider next steps. "Exios... we're almost free."

"Yes.  Free."

He tried to figure out how he was going to word what he had to say next. "I know others... many others who will want to help you... if you will accept it."

The beast huffed, snorting as his eyes narrowed. "Have Bastion.  No more help.  Don't want."

Sighing, Sebastian realized that he still had a long way to go with the creature but, in that moment, he was more concerned with getting back to his ship, replenishing his medigel, and using enough of it to make sure that his hands stopped feeling like they were burning. "Never mind... we'll worry about that later."

The beast didn't seem to mind.  Walking alongside by the Human, Exios lowered his head, burying his muzzle into Sebastian's hair and, taking in a deep breath, smiled, tongue hanging out the side of his muzzle. "Okay.  Is good."