Night 69: Patient's Library

[ninelivesonce]

[from here]

The library smelled more strongly of dust, old leather, and dry rot when it was pitch-dark. Or maybe that was just Taura's imagination kicking into overdrive. Katherine would be at home here; Taura found it quaint, and confining. She juggled the star into her clawed hand without a sound, and pulled out her flashlight, pressing the little button to turn it on.

She could see enough for most things, but a secret passage generally meant a hidden trick, and unless Rita asked her not to look, she wanted to know how it worked.

This was possibly their last safe ground, too. "The healing stone's in my bag, along with the stunner. You just point it and push the trigger. Just in case, you know?"

Comments

[overlimit]

Rita had expected a monster to come charging out at them, or something. But the passage appeared clear so far, and instead of anything coming through there, sounds from the intercom filled the room. IRIS? It seemed to have been triggered by the switch. "That's new," Rita commented, lifting her flashlight to investigate. She kept a tight grip on her weapon with her other hand, in case things took a violent turn.

Slowly, she approached the passage, illuminating the steps leading upward. "This is starting to look like an invitation," she said to Taura. They couldn't relax just yet, though. They had to take it slow and stay on guard. There had to be a trap in here somewhere.

[ninelivesonce]

Identification? They didn't have anything, unless their clothing counted. Or maybe the bracelets? Taura held hers up to where a camera could be mounted, but nothing happened.

"I agree. Let's see what they have to say before we cut ourselves a better Deal, mmm?" They were walking into a negotiation empty-handed, and they knew it. Well, not precisely empty-handed, but a little visible and concealed weaponry was usually a healthy assumption all around; that didn't count. What they had on their side was desperation; having little to lose was rather freeing, if one knew how to use it.

She retrieved her own flashlight, and added its light to Rita's as she ducked through the doorway.

[to here]