Why the Caged Core Sings-3

Wheatley soon became accustomed to having a flurry of scientists swarming in, asking him questions, taking notes, sometimes going to their little computers and running a few tests on him, and swarming out. He would usually try to talk to them but it seemed to him that they didn't really listen, they just continued with their tests and left.

     The only one who would listen to him and actually talk back was Nola. He wished they would send her in more often, she was kinder and sweeter and always laughed, a sound which he grew to love. He supposed the other scientists didn't appreciate it as much because he heard them complain that it was too loud. He didn't know why they didn't enjoy hearing it, it was a hearty, musical sort of laugh but, then again, she seemed to be the only one who ever smiled.

     "Miss Lynde, please report to chamber 259," a loudspeaker exclaimed above him.

     Wheatley was happy. That meant Nola was coming to visit him today.

     A few minutes later, her small form appeared at the glass wall surrounding him and Wheatley felt a surge of pleasure as he observed her typing in the code needed to enter.

     He had never forgotten what she looked like. Nola had long curly hair that was somewhat between orange and yellow and always pulled back in a clip. Her pretty little eyes were an interesting light green and they always twinkled at you. She had some freckles on her nose and a few on her cheeks but for the most part, her skin was a mildly dark golden tint. She always wore glasses, she always leaned forward on her chair, and she always threw her head back when she laughed.

     Today, her pert mouth was curved in a smile as she exclaimed excitedly, "Guess what? You're going on a test run, Wheatley! Isn't that great?"

     Wheatley was confused.

     "A test run for what?"

     "We're going to plug you into GlaDOS today. Remember? I told you about it!"

     "Will it hurt?" Wheatley asked as a slight pang of fear made itself manifest.

     "Of course not, love! We're just going to see if you can handle controlling her for a few minutes. This is what everyone's been preparing you for and now, this is your day!"

     Wheatley felt slightly frightened at the prospect of being plugged into GlaDOS. After all, wasn't she a bit of a psychopath?

     Nola gazed at him for a moment and added, "Wheatley, you were designed with the intention of making sure that she doesn't hurt anyone. People's lives are depending on you. Please, I'll be right there with you."

     Wheatley looked back at her and realizing that he would do anything to make her happy, replied in a chipper way, "Well then, let the games begin!"