For those who were situated on the other side of Dr. Landel's office, they would be able to hear something, a strangled cry in a tone that would strike any patient as hauntingly familiar. It was faint, barely loud enough to be heard, but it was still a sign of something.

There was no announcement, no institute-wide broadcast of what happened next. But there didn't need to be.

Any patient who possessed powers would be able to feel it, like a rush of air almost strong enough to knock them over. Like when a train passed by a little too close for comfort.

Something ran through all of them, but then filled them up, returning every lost power that had been stolen from them.

The building's defenses had been weakened. Their powers had been returned. Nothing stood in their way now, save for the hordes of monsters that had infiltrated every part of the institute as part of that last-effort defense plan.

And one man.

The first sign that something had changed in the institute showed on the ceilings and walls. Regardless of where a patient might be positioned, they would notice a strange shimmer that started at the ceiling and then cascaded down the wall. A glitch in the programming; walls had come down.

Immediately after that, a robotic voice blared out over the intercoms.

SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTDOWN. RED ALERT. RED ALERT.

INITIATING EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS.

As soon as the voice faded, a shrill set of sirens started, and went on for a good five minutes. That was the only warning the patients received, but all of the monsters that had plagued them during their stay here were suddenly released from their cages and sent on the hunt.

The building was vulernable, and its guards were free in a way they had never been before. Whether they chose to attack the patients the way they'd been trained, or take this chance to escape and find their own freedom, no one controlled them now.

The monsters weren't the only ones who took that moment to flee into the halls. All of those doctors, who had put countless patients through horrific torture, realized that they were no longer safe and did everything in their power to exit the building. Some of them were even attacked by the monsters they'd helped to create.

True chaos had fallen on Landel's Institute. One of the rebel's tasks had been accomplished, but it would be all for naught if Landel wasn't stopped.

Not too long after, the intercom came on once more, as if that previous announcement hadn't been only a matter of minutes before.

"I'm sure you all received my warning," the Head Doctor started, his tone sharper, darker.

"But let me make it perfectly clear. I'm picking you all off one by one. Soon enough these halls will be empty, filled only with ghosts...

"And you'll all be out there, playing your roles. Enough is enough."

There was definitely a finality in the way that he spoke, like he truly was fed up with this entire enterprise.

The intercom cut off suddenly, and then the lights switched off and the doors unlocked.

After enough time had passed for the patients to have their dinner and chat amongst themselves, the intercom came on once more.

"Mm, mm, mm! I don't think I'll ever get sick of our garlic bread here. Compliments to the chef, wouldn't you say?"

The Head Doctor let out what sounded like a contented sigh.

"Well, we've gotten through another successful day. Rest well, everyone!"

With how the number of patients had dwindled lately, the day passed on without much note, save for one sedation that had happened early on. Which meant that soon enough, the intercom came on yet again, this time to announce the day's end.

"Hello, dear patients. I know a lot of your friends have been sent home lately, and maybe some of you are missing them." Was this a referral to that one patient's outburst that morning? Who knew.

"But instead of worrying about them, you should think of yourselves! There aren't many of you enrolled here right now, which means each one of you gets more of our attention. Before long, all of you will be headed back to your friends and family too. Maybe you can even meet up with some of your fellow patients after you're released -- wouldn't that be nice?"

Of course, Landel wasn't referring to the sort of homecoming that the patients wanted. Nice as it sounded in the daytime, the truth was something far more sinister.

"For now, enjoy some dinner with your roommates! Tonight we're serving spaghetti and garlic bread -- a popular choice, I would think. Have a nice meal."

And with that, the intercom shut off and the nurses gathered up the patients to take them to their rooms.

[ Make sure to check the rooming list, as it was updated prior to this post being made! ]

As the day started, the weather only seemed to be improving, and some patients might even call it warm. Granted, the climate control in the building meant it wouldn't make a difference until someone chose to venture outside.

For now, though, it was time for breakfast, and the intercom came on to wake up all of the patients from their enforced slumber.

"Breakfast sandwiches... how could you not look forward to something like that, dear patients?" Even as Landel spoke, the nurses started peeking into rooms and rousing people from their beds.

"There's plenty to look forward to today, from the recreational field to the greenhouse. I hope that you all enjoy your days and your lunches."

As usual, lunch would be handed out in a paper bag, offering some fruit and vegetables to snack on, along with a sandwich as the main course and pudding for dessert.

"That's all for now!" Though the Head Doctor would be announcing the different shift changes throughout the day, as usual.

--

Mingle log guidelines:

1. All Day Shift 75 threads will take place in the comments to this post.
2. PROSE!
3. Tag under the proper time of day for the thread. You do not have to stick to one thread per shift, as long as you don't try to do a large total number of threads (4 or less is best, but a fifth won't get you in trouble).
4. Subject line of your opening tag: Location (required), shift (optional), OPEN (if appropriate). Putting "OPEN" in the subject line should make it easier for other players to find open threads, and the nature of this log means that you should be able to pick up an open thread that interests you even if you already have something scheduled for that shift. Threads which are not open can be marked the way they always are, with the names of the other characters in small text after the opening post.
5. Each thread should have its own separate starter, just like on any other DS. The format of threads is not changing, only the format of the log post itself, and the fact that you don't have to strictly stick to one thread per shift.

The night had stretched on for quite some time, to the point that it felt like it might never come to that abrupt end that the patients were all so used to. Maybe this one time, the night would progress normally and morning would come?

But no, it was not to be.

The intercom eventually came on, though there was a long period of silence before a voice spoke up.

"Still trying so hard, all of you. You really think that you're getting somewhere. Have you considered that's only because I've allowed it? After all, it's so much more fun dragging someone down when they actually have hope that can be crushed."

The Head Doctor didn't laugh, though, and there wasn't much triumph in his words. With that, the intercoms clicked off and night instantly became day.

As the lights dimmed and the nurses bid their patients good night, the intercom turned on once more.

Given that the Head Doctor had been distracted all day (and had made that panicked the announcement the night before), patients might have been expecting some kind of an explanation.

But if anything was wrong, Landel wasn't going to admit to it.

"So you all still see yourselves as clever," he murmured. "We'll see how long that lasts."

It wasn't much of an annoucement, as if he was going out of his way to keep things to himself for once. The intercoms clicked off and the doors unlocked a second later.

Even if the Head Doctor hadn't been putting his all into the announcements on this particular day, that didn't mean that they weren't as prompt as always. As expected, the intercom system clicked on right as most patients were finishing up their dinners.

For a while, there was only silence, and some quiet static.

"Well, that time has come again, everyone. For the lights to go off, for the doors to..."

He paused, caught himself, and continued. "For the doors to lock. I'm sure you'll all be safe and sound in your beds. We take so much care to watch over you."

It hardly sounded genuine, like Landel wasn't even trying to pass off his words as anything else.

"Sweet dreams," he finished.

The day passed as uneventfully as they always seemed to these days. Some might have seen it as the patients giving in and accepting their fates, but no... most of them were simply biding their time.

The Head Doctor was still somewhat distracted as the intercom came on and he did his self-appointed job. "Hello, all of you. Well... it's dinner now, isn't it? I don't know about all of you, but the day sure did speed by for me! Haha... hah..."

He cleared his throat, there was the sound of papers being straightened by the use of the flat desktop, and then Landel continued.

"Turkey served with gravy will be on the menu tonight, with sides of mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. Enjoy your meals, everyone."

Not nearly as exuberant as usual, he left the announcement at that, ending it with a click of the intercoms shutting down.

[ Put the room number in the subject line, as usual! ]

The silver light of dawn was strengthening in the sky, but that hardly mattered... none of the patients at Landel's had windows in their rooms. They relied on the intercom to wake them.

This morning began like almost every other: with crackling from omnipresent speakers, then the cheerful voice of Dr. Landel booming through the building. His good mood sounded forced this morning, with a manic edge.

"Good morning, patients! I trust you slept well? It's time to greet the day--and the excellent staff here--with smiling faces! We have delicious waffles with real maple syrup and all the other fixings waiting for you in the Cafeteria, as well as all our usual sides and beverages, and your nurses will be along any minute to--"

The announcement was interrupted by a brief loud clatter somewhere near the microphone: half metallic, half plastic. It was followed by a mutter of frustration, then a soft scraping sound. Maybe Landel had dropped a heavy pen on his desk and was scrambling to retrieve it.

"Ha, ha, clumsy me. Your nurses will be along any minute to help you get started. It's cloudy out there today, but the temperatures are... just fine." The announcement ended on a flat, awkward note.

Landel continued to announce shifts in the usual way through the day. Second shift was in the Sun Room, Third was the free shift with bagged lunches that had become the usual in recent days, and Fourth was in the Music Room. Therapy wasn't mentioned... maybe these patients were doing well enough now that they no longer needed individual attention, or maybe they were beyond hope.

Only one element was notable: every time he spoke, the good doctor sounded distracted, as if making the announcement had been an imposition on his time.

--

Mingle log guidelines:

1. All Day Shift 74 threads will take place in the comments to this post.
2. PROSE!
3. Tag under the proper time of day for the thread. You do not have to stick to one thread per shift, as long as you don't try to do a large total number of threads (4 or less is best, but a fifth won't get you in trouble).
4. Subject line of your opening tag: Location (required), shift (optional), OPEN (if appropriate).
Putting "OPEN" in the subject line should make it easier for other players to find open threads, and the nature of this log means that you should be able to pick up an open thread that interests you even if you already have something scheduled for that shift. Threads which are not open can be marked the way they always are, with the names of the other characters in small text after the opening post.

Edited to add: To clarify some confusion: each thread should have its own separate starter, just like on any other DS. The format of threads is not changing, only the format of the log post itself, and the fact that you don't have to strictly stick to one thread per shift.

Hours had passed since Landel had last spoken over the intercom. He had been angry before. Now, even though his tone retained its customary arrogance, it had also become ragged and menacing.

"I see you all, running around, putting your little rat noses where they shouldn't be, getting into hot water." He paused for a nasty chuckle, venomous and low in his throat, then took a deep breath.

"You think you've accomplished anything, any of you? You think that little present they left you in one of the meeting rooms will do you any good? You're too insignificant to see that no matter how far you go, no matter what you do, you'll always be in the palm of my hand.

"Remember that I can use it to crush you."

With that, the night ended.

It wasn't often these days that Landel interrupted the nights when they were still in progress, but there was very good reason for it this time around.

Except that he wasn't addressing the patients for once.

"All hands on deck, we need everyone to head for the second floor stat. Those pesky rebels are trying to sabotage my equipment!"

The Head Doctor's voice was sharp as a whip, filled with rage and maybe even a hint of panic. He had been usurped before and the rebels had taken him by surprise here and there, but this was unprecedented.

"If you see any member of the rebel force, shoot to kill. Don't let them get away!"

And with that forceful message delivered, the intercom cut off.

It was only a matter of minutes later, after the nurses had taken away the patient's trays and bid them good night, that the intercom screeched on again.

"Or... until tonight, I should say." The smirk could practically be heard in Landel's voice.

"I hope you've all been making good progress with your attempts to track me down. Honestly, I'd be impressed if anyone ever pulled it off, but your efforts are all in vain.

"Still, that's what makes you interesting, isn't it? You just keep trying. You're as persistent as cockroaches."

He let out a mock gasp. "That wasn't very nice of me, was it? Still, I think you're all thick-skinned enough that you'll manage. Have fun running your little obstacle course tonight."

And with that thoroughly condescending message delivered, the intercom shut off.

The intercom came on to the sound of the Head Doctor clearing his throat and smacking his lips.

"I have to say... I know that it's not the best thing for you, but tempura is just too good to pass up, isn't it? I'm sure you all agree... we really do have top chefs here working on your behalf. I hope that you're all respectful of that."

Oddly enough, Landel almost sounded like a chiding teacher in that moment, addressing a group of students.

"Anyway, it's going to be lights out soon, so get settled into your PJs and start to wind down! The storm seems to be letting up, so you won't need to worry about being kept up by the sound of thunder. Lucky for all of us, isn't it?"

Was it genuine concern or just one big act? It was impossible to tell. "Good night, dear patients. Until tomorrow!" But everyone knew that was a lie.

As much fun as some patients might be having in the Game Room, all good things had to come to an end. So it was proved when the intercom clicked on, as always, for an interruption by everyone's favorite Head Doctor.

"What a wonderful way to wind down. I'm sure you're all having a great time in our Game Room, but we need to make sure you get your three square meals a day! You'll be needing that energy, won't you?

"So it's time for everyone to head back to their rooms for dinner with their roommates! Chicken teriyaki and vegetable tempura is what's on the menu tonight. My mouth waters just thinking about it!"

As much as everything else about this place might be deplorable, at least the food held up.

"So enjoy your dinner and have a good night, everyone!"

[ Please make sure to check here for new room assignments. And also check this post to see if your character received a note from the rebels! ]

By the time that the intercom came on again to announce the end of the lunch shift, the storm that was raging outside was so bad that the sound of thunder was actually making it through the thick institute walls.

"This came out of nowhere, didn't it?" the Head Doctor started. "Don't worry, everyone! We'll all be staying warm and cozy inside here -- specifically, in the Game Room. Isn't this kind of weather the best time to break out a board game?" He certainly seemed to think so.

"Let's hope that this eases up before night rolls around, hmm?"

Oddly, it seemed to be said in an almost knowing way.

"Enjoy your last shift before dinner, everyone!" And without another word, the intercom clicked off.

Even when it came to the relative quiet of the library, the ding of the intercom turning on and the sound of Landel's voice were still employed, breaking through that silence suddenly.

"There's nothing like curling up with a nice book, is there? I just hope that none of you get too drawn into those fictional worlds. I think you've all had enough of that already, haven't you?"

It might have been meant as a joke, but there was no denying the way that it fell flat, and it was difficult to tell if Landel's awkward laughter was feigned or not.

"Anyway, it's lunch time now! Which means that you'll be given a sack lunch with a tuna sandwich, some string cheese, some baby carrots, and a piece of fruit!

"The activity rooms and the courtyard and rec field will all be open for use. Enjoy your lunches, everyone."

The intercom clicked off as the nurses went about rounding up the patients.

Breakfast went by without a hitch, as it did most of the time these days, and so eventually the intercom chimed its way on as the patients were finishing up their meals.

"Now that you're all feeling satisfied after a nice, hearty breakfast, why not let that digest while reading in the library? Of course, you're allowed to chat amongst yourselves too -- we would never dissuade you from being social with each other. Just remember to keep your voices down!"

It was rather remarkable, how the Head Doctor could manage to sound like an admonishing teacher.

"Nurses, if you could escort all the patients over to the library as quick as you can..."

He trailed off for a moment and cleared his throat.

"And don't let them snoop around too much."

When the light of day rolled around once more, it was thanks to a sun unobscured by clouds, granting the patients a bright morning. It was calm and quiet in all of the rooms until the intercom interrupted that silence, and Landel's chipper voice only added insult to injury.

"Sleep well, everyone? Our beds are far more comfortable than what you'd find at most institutes, so I'm going to bet you did! But you've all had more than enough sleep now, I imagine... so it's time for breakfast! And what's on the menu today?

"Well, we've got little pigs in blankets for you! And there are sides, of course -- fresh fruit, cereal, toast, the whole nine yards."

The Head Doctor laughed, but it was more of a chuckle, far too similar to the way he'd laughed at the end of the night. It was the sort of bleedover he usually didn't slip into.

"The nurses will escort everyone to the cafeteria now. Enjoy your meal, everyone!"