Night 64: Quarry

[tasteoftruth]

[From here.]

Badd frowned as they approached the mouth of the pit. Looked like a quarry, hopefully abandoned, but who knew. "Looks like we're not the first ones up here," he grumbled, inspecting the rocks below him. "That means we're not off the map yet. No idea if this is Landel's work or someone else...I don't know what Landel would need with a bunch of rocks but then again Landel never made any sense."

If it was abandoned and the institute didn't know about it, that meant they might have a chance of escaping detection.

Night 64: Intercom, End of Night

[damned_intercom]

Static poured into the hallways, alerting those aware enough to hear that someone was about to address them. Unlike most nights, however, the Head Doctor didn't deliver a long-winded rant or some cryptic riddle. The newer patients likely wouldn't notice the difference. For some people, his brevity may have been a relief.

But for others, the change in routine would signal a darker omen of things to come.

“Good night,” the Head Doctor breathed into the intercom. And then, as if he were a god controlling his own little realm, Nightshift ended right on cue.

End of Night 64: Head Doctor's Office - 3rd Floor

[head_doctor]

While it wasn't uncommon for patients to black out at the end of Nightshift, a select few would have a wrench thrown into their normal routine. Rather than waking up bright and early in their typical bed, they would find themselves propped up in a comfortable leather chair.

The room itself looked like an office straight from the 1950s – almost cozy, in fact. None of them would recognize the oak table in the middle of the room, or the two bookcases, which were neatly arranged with all kinds of texts and books. Between those bookcases, though, was a picture of the Institute, framed with wood that perfectly matched the rest of the room's décor.

The knickknacks scattered across the bookcases -- staff photographs, a golfing figure made of business cards, and some prestigious-looking awards – didn't seem out of place for a regular office, either. The desk itself was the centerpiece, and was obviously well-used. That wasn't to say it was messy, exactly, but the inbox and outbox resting on top of the glass-paned surface were stuffed with a variety of paperwork and envelopes. Though most of the room looked old-fashioned, the keyboard and two flat screen monitors contrasted with the rest of the office.

These things would probably escape the notice of most of the people visiting this evening, though. After all, anyone who woke up in this office would be treated to the sight of a man peering through his oval-rimmed glasses as he leafed through some folders. Although his face was distinct enough for anyone who'd had the opportunity to see the Head Doctor in person, the small microphone sitting just inches away from him said volumes about who he was.

As soon as the patient awoke, the man looked up, offering an unexpectedly amicable smile. After closing the folder, he set it down next to the outbox and leaned back in his seat.

“Ah, good evening,” he greeted as he pulled the glasses from his nose. “I've been expecting you. You've been brought here because I thought you might be interested in making a deal, so let's discuss things like gentlemen, shall we?” Nodding toward the newcomer, he chuckled. “Take a moment to regain your bearings if you need it. I realize this must be a bit disorienting.”

Day 65: Intercom, Dawn

[damned_intercom]

The intercom jingle signaled a new day. Although clouds blocked a good portion of the sun, making the cold morning seem that much colder, the Head Doctor's voice was as cheery as always.

“Rise and shine, everyone!” he greeted, and those listening to him could hear the smile in his voice. "We've got a scrumptious breakfast waiting for you all – french toast! Doesn't that sound delectable? Or maybe that's because I'm really, really hungry right now..."

The Head Doctor gave a self-depreciating laugh. "Anyway, we have a few new patients here with us today, so be sure to give them a nice, warm, Landel's Institute welcome when you see them! Ta-ta for now! Enjoy your breakfast."