damned_institute | Day 60: Intercom, Evening

The intercom jingled at its standard time, with the Head Doctor still in his over-the-top, jovial mood. It seemed not even the evening light could keep down the love he held for his job.

"Good evening, everyone! I hope your soul is filled with music from last shift; I know mine is."

There again was a stretch of silence. When the Head Doctor continued, he sounded marginally disappointed.

"But now it's time to wind down the day with a bit of dinner. Tonight, we'll be serving turkey breasts and quality gravy, with sides of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, grilled asparagus, and a small salad. For dessert, we will be having pumpkin pie with optional whipped creme. As per usual, we will have our vegetarian alternatives and a wide selection of drinks available. Turkey lovers, be sure to take advantage of the food; it'll be an entire week before you can have this delectable meat again."

He chuckled at the statement. One might have labeled it as dark.

"Anyway, enjoy! I will wish you all a good night momentarily!"

The intercom clicked off.

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Ema's trembling voice distracted Aigis from her dinner plate. She turned in her chair, watching the profile of the other girl as she sat at her own desk, not eating.

"I see..." Aigis' voice was soft and empathetic. She remembered Shinjiro back home, lost to them in a terrible accident that October night.

"I did not realize that... I am sorry." Aigis didn't have words of solace for her roommate. Ema deserved some sort of comfort, but Aigis didn't know how to give it. Much like with her friends, she was at a loss as to what to say to make things better. Perhaps there were no words that could accomplish that.

Ema did her best to give Aigis a reassured smile. Even if the simple acknowledgement and words of sympathy weren't much, quantitatively, they still meant the world. "Thank you." After a deep breath, she continued. "I don't know what's worse. Him having to die, or him dying and then everyone pretending that nothing's wrong. It's an insult to him. He deserved better than this.

"Which is why I want to get out of here, more than ever. It's what he would have wanted, and it's what I want." Despite not having too much of an appetite, she took a bite of her broccoli, chewed, and swallowed with as much defiance as she could muster. If she was going find a way to get out, she needed physical strength just as much as she needed mental resolve.

"I'm still glad you're all right. And that you have..." She paused, trying to recall the name. Something mythological. "Arachne?"

The death was definitely weighing on Ema quite heavily. However, from the set of her expression and the resolve in her voice even Aigis could tell that Ema was already on the fast rode of recovery. She was indeed a strong girl. Aigis envied her that strength.

"I am currently pursuing a route that may lead to a way of escape," Aigis explained between a bite of turkey and mashed potatoes. "If there is any value to the rumors then I will let you know so that you may fulfill that wish." Aigis wouldn't have left the institute without first informing all of her friends and as much of the patient body as possible about the escape route. However, mentioning it out loud seemed to be necessary in this instance.

The name was not familiar to Aigis, but based on their previous context and Ema's gladness over the fact, it wasn't difficult for the android to put the two together. "Ah, Athena. Yes, she is a great asset to me." Aigis smiled, giving Ema a slight bow of her head. "Do feel free to inform me if you are ever in need of my assistance. Other than healing, Athena is also quite the fighter. Tonight I have plans, but do not hesitate to ask in the future."

Day 60: Intercom, Evening

\o/ Indeed! The slowest of fails that ever failed!

Awwww yeah \o/

/o/ It's a party up in here! \o\