damned_institute | Day 25: Intercom, Evening

The intercom clicked on with its usual jingle, the Head Doctor's voice carrying with a bit more authoritative ease than it had earlier.

"Good evening, patients, and I'm pleased to announce that we've finally finished organizing when our new batch of patients will be introduced, and unfortunately, it'll have to be tonight while you're all in bed. Truly sad, that, as I'm sure all of you are eager to see our new faces as soon as possible!

"In any case, the dinner that will be brought to you tonight will be herb-marinated pork roast with buttery corn-on-the-cob and fluffy mashed potatoes. Of course, we have our usual vegetarian salad available to those who request it, along with our regular assortment of drinks."

He paused and sighed. After all, it had been a long day.

"Oh, of course--Some of you may be unhappy to hear that Dr. Crane and Dr. Jiyani will no longer be serving us here at Landel's Institute. For those of you who were scheduled to have sessions with them, we'll be providing a substitute group therapy session in upcoming days. More details on that tomorrow.

"I believe that's all for now. Enjoy your dinner!"

The intercom clicked off.

[ As always, post to this entry with separate threads for each set of roommates. Thanks! ]

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Haku relaxed internally. A good, and honest answer. Bowing his head, he smiled. "I understand perfectly, and I'm glad you told me the truth."

His smile and tone were kind. "You don't have to look of a trained fighter," he said. "And you're honest and kind. It would be an honor to do business with you." He tilted his head.

"Do you accept my offer then? Or are there any stipulations you wish to add?"

"Well if I hadn't told you the truth, I would eventually end up in a very embarrassing situation no doubt. I most definitely don't look like a fighter, I'm sure, and... I don't think you're one I should lie to." His mind cast back to the scalpel.

Artemis smiled and nodded briefly to Haku, "I have no other stipulations I wish to add. I will give you and Mr. Fortune any information you request. If there are any specific individuals or areas you wish me to look into, please let me know."

"At the moment, there are no specifics," Haku said with a smile. "But anything you happen to gain tonight would be a good place to start." He stood up and stretched.

"Now about that first-aid lesson...." His smile was more relaxed and friendly this time around.

"Thank you very much. You have no idea how much this will help me conserve my magic," Artemis smiled back. "I'll make a copy of what I have for you and have it ready by tomorrow evening.

"I'm curious though," He said carefully, "I have no idea whatsoever what sort of weapon would be best for me. Do you have any ideas?"

Frowning in thought, Haku looked Artemis over. Small, light, probably quick. "Whatever you would use would be solely for defense. So..." He made a soft 'hmm' sound and tilted his head. "A simple, light blade, or even something blunt would be in your best interest. Something light and easy to use," he smiled. "While at the same time not weighing you down when running..."

If Artemis did indeed come from a wealthy family... Those with money where he was from often trained for sport or pleasure. Never for life-and-death situations. "Do you have any experience with any weapons at all?"

Artemis snorted, "I did practice fencing for a short while, so I do have some skill with a blade. However many of my teachers grew frustrated with me because I'm left-handed. Apparently I have some sort of advantage over right-handed fencers."

He smirked, remembering some past memory, "I suppose acting superior when I beat them might have helped them on their merry way as well," The boy shrugged, "But I could hardly help it. I was, after all, only nine years old."

Haku smiled slightly and filed that information away.

"That's good though," he said cheerfully. "You have some experiance. I'm sure that Renji-san will find you a good student." He tilted his head again. "A staff, or light blade would be best for you, I'm thinking."

Artemis smiled back at Haku, "I hope that he intends to teach me instead of pushing me around tonight. But I am willing to learn. Evolve or die, right?"

The boy thought for a moment, "I'm not sure how to use a staff. And would a light blade be sturdy enough for defense. But then again, the best defense is a good offense." He smirked, mostly to himself. "Teacher number one said that his first day. He lasted through the week.

"But enough of that. If you feel a staff would be best, would you be able to teach me to use one?"

Haku laughed softly and began to prepare for the night. Going back to the closet, he reached up and tugged free the pants he'd been using for sacks. "As long as the spirit is willing right?" He smiled over at Artemis as he walked back to his bed.

Lifting the mattress, he pulled out his medical supplies and weaponry, each wrapped carefully in a shirt and began putting together a bag for tonight. He made certain to take the paper he'd torn from his notebook.

"I would be happy to teach you to use a staff," he went on. "I'm trained in many different weapons. Not just scalpels."

The intercom signaled the end of day and he stepped up the pace of his preparations.

"The last thing I want is for my friends to become hurt when I could have helped them to defend themselves." He smiled at Artemis and stood just as the mad ranting began.

Tilting his head to listen, Haku made a face. Always with the foreboding and doom speeches. With a smile and a slight bow, Haku wished his roommate good luck and was out the door as soon as it unlocked.

Artemis looked up from listening to Haku as the Head Doctor began to rant. He frowned, reached over to his notebook and began writing furiously. Like last night, he didn't want to miss a single detail.

"Good luck to you, Haku. See you again soon," the boy said before Haku managed to race out of the room. Artemis gave a slightly shaky sigh, then stood up to prepare for the night.

He made sure that Haku's scalpel was still in his left pocket--fortunately it was. His nurse hadn't managed to find it. He dropped his pens into his right pocket, then tied his sweatshirt-belt around his waist (complete with radio), then tucked his second journal into the back of his belt. He picked up his flashlight and crept warily out the door.

"M28..." He scowled, "This is going to be difficult without my map."

Day 25: Intercom, Evening

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