Three failed mission just within the past 24 hours. Berg would have liked to believe that the patients were interested in their well-being enough to fully participate in their assigned tasks, but many of them could be irrationally stubborn. Attempted sabotage he could deal with, though. Failure to carry out sabotage could also be fixed. But what he couldn't tolerate was the idea that they had an unnamed traitor among their ranks. As General Aguilar's soldiers, they couldn't afford to remain divided.

Personally, Berg still had his suspicions about the missing data from #57-2. Those suspicions only intensified after one of his subordinates sent him a copy of one of the messages posted to the bulletin. Someone had tampered with last night's set of drug trials, and now they had yet another security breach on their hands. But with each incident, his list of possible suspects grew more narrow.

They needed to crush anyone trying to hinder this program. That included Marc, and perhaps Doctor Landel himself now that he'd apparently made contact with that damned rebel. Otherwise, their efforts could ultimately be in vain, and then what would happen to this world?

As much as he'd wanted to cancel today's appointments so he could free up more time to research recent events, Berg figured he ought to at least meet with a couple of subjects this morning. Having just poured himself a cup of coffee, he neatly stacked last night's reports and tucked them out of sight. With that done, he couldn't help but glance at his pocket watch. He hoped no one would run late. The officer had enough to deal with, and he didn't feel like having to berate one of his people for throwing today's already-hectic schedule off track.

As his eyes combed over the latest mission reports, Berg let out a small breath in frustration. While mission #57-1 had been a success, the data delivered during #57-2 had mysteriously disappeared. There was no reason that should have happened -- the base radioed a messaged confirming the case's safe retrieval, but now it seemed like no one could give him any straight answers of what ultimately became of it. His first inclination had been to assume that those two girls had done something, but, as far as Berg knew, the discs hadn't been found among their belongings. Otherwise, their retrieval would have been undoubtedly reported to him, and the resulting punishment would have been firm and swift.

As things stood, it appeared the error hadn't been on his end. That was all the more frustrating, because it meant the outcome had rested outside of his immediate control. They would need to intensify efforts to root out every pocket of rebel influence.

"Damn," he murmured with a slight shake of his head. As he turned to tuck the files away in his cabinet, he could only hope that today's set of missions would produce a 100% success rate.

In the meantime, Berg expected another set of subjects to arrive over the course of the shift. One amazing aspect of this project was the way they'd managed to gather such a wide range of people and creatures under one roof. From what he understood, he could expect to meet with two individuals with the potential to revolutionize their respective worlds -- one a willful adolescent girl with a talent for sword duels and the drive to become a noble prince, the other an intelligent young man who possessed the power to bend and shape the will of those around him.

With two cups of steaming coffee waiting on the desk, Berg glanced at his pocket watch. His first meeting would begin at any moment.

Upon hearing the shift change, and Harrington's subsequent announcement, Berg fought the urge to rub at his eyes. While he understood that neither himself nor Aguilar had the time to do something like work the intercom system during the day, sometimes he thought Harrington enjoyed his new responsibility a bit too much.

Well, no matter. The issue didn't bother him enough to look into a replacement. Harrington did his job, and that was the most important thing.

In the meantime, Berg was slated with four more meetings today. Second shift would likely prove just as interesting as yesterday's discussions: a death god with a flair for the dramatic and a thirst for blood, as well as an android (or would "former android" be more accurate?) with a combative personality in every sense of the word.

Berg glanced at his watch. The first subject would arrive at any moment. Two cups of steaming coffee were waiting on his desk -- one for him, and one for his expected guest.

Between yesterday's trip to Doyleton and today's visitation hours, it had initially been difficult to find the time to meet with any of the Institute's subjects. However, the administration under General Aguilar had proved themselves efficient in maintaining order while covering its true identity for the sake of the civilians. Given who was in command, that was hardly surprising, but it also finally allowed him the freedom to speak with some of their charges.

His office was sparsely decorated, with mostly the basic necessities, such as an orderly desk that included a computer, some writing utensils, a swivel chair for himself, and a leather chair for visitor use. However, there were some personal items, such as a shelf containing a few volumes of military history, and medals that were framed behind glass. Nothing hinted at his family or social life, but rather related to a profession to which he'd given his full devotion. As of today, though, his request for a small table had been granted, and it was placed against the left wall. A pot containing freshly-brewed coffee and a bowl of candy sat upon it.

With his back turned toward the office door, Berg straightened the files in his rough hands. He'd personally decided to meet with these men – and, after closely reviewing their information, Berg had to admit he was quite interested in speaking with them. All three came from various backgrounds: a well-educated professor who didn't shy away from danger, a young man carrying on the family business of hunting demons, and the embodiment of a nation with a long history. Of course, within the Institute itself they were all placed on relatively even footing, but that didn't make their skills and expertise any less valuable to the program.

Regardless, as Aguilar's second-in-command, as well as a representative of their cause, Berg hoped to meet with as many subjects as possible. It provided him an opportunity learn about the types of people they were dealing with. Hopefully it would also establish some form of dialogue between him and those within the Institute, which would in turn help them improve their methods.

He glanced at his golden pocket watch, one of the thin hands moving with each passing second, and waited in silence.