Uncommon as it was these days, it seemed that tonight was the night for radio transmissions.

Seeing how this one was being sent from quite a distance and only making it so far because the signal was boosted, the quality wasn't very good and it only broadcasted on the rebel's radios. There was a lot of heavy static, and while Marc's voice came through, one would have to strain to make out every word.

Long time no chat, huh? Well, you guys have been doing great, but I have some more tips for you.

If anyone's looking to make it out of the institute -- not home, but away from the building -- then we've set up a way for you to do that. There's a teleporter on the second floor, in Meeting Room 2. Hope you all know where that is.

Here was hoping that Landel wasn't able to listen in on any of this, though they'd set up plenty of security to see to it that the information stayed safe.

And one more thing. If you know someone who was at the coliseum last night, he's here. He's safe. Relatively speaking.

That's all for now. Keep up the good fight, guys.

And with that, the radios fell silent again.

While the radio normally came on somewhere around the middle of the night, that wasn't the case this time. It was only after the intercom had made its strange announcement two times that the devices finally switched on, though in the end it was only a wave of static with a few words seeping in here and there.

... sorry... still trying... up...

... not much... soon as... more infor...

The voice would be known as Marc's to most patients, but if one was listening close enough they might hear a few other voices in the background, ones that didn't belong to him, both male and female.

...in there!

And with that, the radios shut off, leaving only a ringing silence.

Slowly but surely, the radio came to life, moving from the song that it was playing to a steady static. It didn't take long after that point for a voice to chime in.

So, against all odds, I'm still alive.

It became clear almost immediately that Marc was on the move, if the breaths that he was taking between his words and a vague rustling in the background was anything to go by.

Don't ask me why Landel didn't take me out when he had the chance. Either he thinks I'm not worth killing or this is some sort of weird thank you for the way that he infringed on my space, which...

Yeah, I don't like either option there.

Anyway, for those of you who know what I'm talking about, I've had vague word from Claude and Lydia. We can't communicate that well with each other yet, but we're working on it. And who knows, maybe eventually you guys can be included in that too.

There was a pause, and then a grunt, as if he was climbing something and pulling himself up.

Anyway, for now? I've got to get out. Just because he didn't kill me then won't stop him from changing his mind later.

That won't stop me from communicating with you guys, though, and I've even got some information for you tonight. I know the path through the basement is rough, but in the end, it might actually be worth it. So Lydia and Claude seem to think, anyway.

I'm not asking you all to do it, but if even a few people make it through, it might make a difference.

Good luck to everyone, and who knows? Maybe I'll run into some of you eventually.

After the radio had been completely silent the night before, it might have come as a surprise when it came on fairly early this time around. The only thing that could be heard at first was someone gasping for air.

A few seconds passed with that pattern continuing, and then someone started to speak between breaths.

Finally. Do you know what this is like, having to deal with him constantly?

It was Marc's voice that spoke and unlike the other times that he'd commiserated with the patients, his tone was full of frustration, weariness, and defeat. It wasn't the sort of image he'd likely been hoping to portray to those relying on him, but that clearly wasn't a consideration at the moment.

Well, here's a fun fact for you: Landel does sleep. It only took -- what, two days? But he finally passed out.

That's not what this broadcast is about, though. No, it's about the fact that a good friend of mine was killed last night and one of you -- maybe a few of you -- is responsible.

Now his voice held more than just frustration; it was anger, plain and simple, that was embedded in every word.

I know I can't blame you, not really. But keep this in mind, each and every one of you. What Aguilar is doing, the way he's forcing you to do his little errands? Some of that is affecting me and the people helping me. I know you probably have no choice, but...

I've got my own problems with Landel and you've got yours with Aguilar. If we can just figure out a way to deal with both of them, find those weak points and strike...

Here he trailed off, letting out a tired sigh.

But I'm sure you've all thought about that already. I just... I'm not sure what to try next. I'm out here, in this shell of a town that was stripped down probably years ago, and I have to admit I'm fighting to figure out what the next step should be. I hope you guys have a plan, and if not, I hope I can find some of you and we can work at this.

Because losing? Is not an option.

And then the transmission abruptly ended.

"Hey, I told you not to touch that stuff!"

The radio came on without any warning, with no introductory music; just a burst of static.

It was Marc's voice that spoke, annoyed and bordering on childish. He was bickering. Bickering with--

"What? This stuff?" said a shocking, disturbing, familiar, and all-around dry-witted voice. The radio squealed again, before fading back into a small little ha!

"Yes, that stuff. You're lucky enough that I haven't tried to put a shotgun round through your chest yet. Now get your hands off my equipment." There was the sound of urgently approaching footsteps, followed by piercing feedback and jostling.

"Oh, right, because I became a massively successful purveyor of psychological experimentation due precisely to my carelessness around violent individuals. Try it, if you really want; it won't help your cause much, as far as I can tell."

( Read more... )

The radios come on not too long after the night has started, interrupting patients who might have their own new problems to deal with. Not that the man making the broadcast knew what exactly was going on, but he certainly had a few guesses. The announcement didn't begin with his voice, but instead a song; the chorus continued to play over and over for a few rounds before it faded into the background, allowing the broadcaster's voice to come through.

Or so I'm hoping, anyway! These military guys are kind of tight-lipped, aren't they? But it sounds like a certain someone got the boot. Wonder where he is now...

While the man's tone sounded excited and there was definitely the hint of a smile in his voice, he also seemed nervous at the same time. In a way, that feeling echoed what most of the patients were experiencing as well.

Anyway, I'm not sure what to make of these guys yet. I did my best to listen in on their transmissions, but who would have figured that the military actually used a code that's hard to crack?

He paused, hoping that that joke would go over well. Too bad he couldn't hear the patient's laughs, if they were there at all.

The good news is that the nurses actually are gone, so you shouldn't have any scalpel-ridden ladies coming after you tonight. The bad news? Something funny is definitely going on. All I was able to decipher is that it has something to do with food.

A sigh followed after that; the man was clearly guilty for not being of more help. But he had lent a hand to two patients the night before, so...

I think I'm going to take a stroll again tonight, guys. So head away from the building if you want to chat, okay?

The music continued to play as the sounds of the man standing from a chair and gathering his things were heard.

It didn't take long that evening for the radio to come on, which was likely expected by any patients who had been following the more consistent announcements over the past few nights. There was a song playing quietly in the background, but it faded away into something barely audible as soon as the man's voice cut in.

So, I realize I kinda left you guys hanging. Not my most shining moment, but it was pretty tough trying to figure out what the hell kind of black magic Landel was spinning last night.

To be honest, the guy has more parlor tricks than a circus clown, so he probably combined a bunch of different things to make whatever attacked you guys. Either way, I hope that you made it through one way or another. Pretty sure you're all tougher than that.

Anyway, there's a bigger issue now, isn't there?

There was the sound of the man getting up from his chair and moving around in the small room that only a few of the patients had seen for themselves. The rest would have to be left up to the imagination, but there were a few obvious sounds that came through: him putting on some sort of garment (a jacket?), and the cocking of a gun. A shotgun, for anyone with a trained ear.

I have to admit, I don't know for sure who this Eagle is, but I've got some guesses. I need to talk to you guys, get the full story on what he was talking about earlier today. Sometimes it's hard to put all the pieces together when I've only got his nighttime persona to work off of.

He let out a sigh and then made a noise as if he was stretching.

So it's going to be quiet on the radios tonight -- can't broadcast while I'm out -- but I'll be on the lookout. Don't all stay cooped up, okay?

Finally, there was the strain of a heavy door being opened, followed by the clang of it closing behind him. The song was eventually the only thing that could be heard, playing softly on repeat unless the devices were turned off.

Seeing how the Head Doctor was making his annoucements into a show tonight, it was only expected for the radio to respond. And so the devices all turned on with the buzzing of static, interrupting fights with monsters and supply runs alike.

He thinks he's pretty clever, doesn't he? Jill's tougher than he is, anyway. He always thought he had her wrapped around his little finger, but she's always fighting to resist. Not many people can do what she's done, so don't discount her so quickly. That goes for you guys, too.

It was probably the most passionate that Marc had sounded thus far, which was maybe understandable, seeing how someone was in danger. But was there fear in his tone as well? It was hard to tell, especially since the signal wasn't as clear as it could have been.

Anyway, I'm getting some pretty strange readings. Sounds like the building is having all sorts of electrical surges, though I'm sure you guys have noticed that by now. Well...

There was the sound of fast typing on a keyboard, the rapid clicking of a mouse, and even some breathing; the man was concentrating.

There's something more to all this. Something very weird is going on, and if I can just find the source...

Another pause, as if he was thinking so hard that he almost forgot he was broadcasting.

... I'll keep at it. In the meantime, you guys should all be careful. Please.

With that final warning given, the radios fell silent again and the patients were left to fend for themselves.

It seemed that this time around, the radio was not going to remain silent no matter what measures were taken. The static from the device being tuned occurred simultaneously amongst every radio in the institute, buzzing in patients' hands and interrupting fights and expeditions.

Hey all, Marc here!

It was the same voice from the night before, and its owner didn't sound too deterred despite being cut off during his first broadcast.

That was a pretty nasty trick that Landel pulled, wasn't it? I could have patched back in and talked to you guys after the fact, but that would have been a bit unfair to those of you who don't know my language.

Anyway! You know about the rings already, so that thunder got stolen from me. But there are certain things that the Head Doc doesn't want you to know about.

You have to head up, up the stairs. To a place where the nurses hang out when they aren't watching you guys like hawks. There should be some information there, a scrap of paper placed or forgotten. It doesn't matter which. You just need to get there in time, before Landel sends someone to take it out from under your noses.

Watch your back, don't let your guard down, but keep at it. I can't say more than that, or he's going to track my signal.

The voice finally paused, and a breath was taken in. He'd gotten the words out almost without pausing to inhale, as his time was limited.

Good luck.

And the radios fell silent once more.

The static of the radios suddenly coming to life would be familiar to some, but new to just as many. It had been some time since a voice had come through the devices, and even longer since the voice had been male. Still, the one who spoke would be familiar to those select few who had actually encountered the new member of the rebel group face-to-face.

Hey there, all! Well, I'm hoping you guys have heard about me, since if not you'll have to pay a lot more attention. If you don't know who I am, you might remember Miss Jill talking about a guy who was dying out in the woods. Well, that'd be yours truly. A couple of sweet kids came and helped me out, and then I went ahead and hung out in Doyleton for a while.

I tried to help a few of you out with some of those portals last night, too, but I'm not sure how that turned out. Forgive me if I sent you into a dark abyss or something, all right?

Anyway, you guys can call me Marc. No fancy names here. I'm just around to try and help you out. See, Jill was trying to do that, but she had a few things holding her back. I'll explain all that soon, but I figure the first thing you want to hear is how to use those rings, right?

His voice was brimming with excitement. This was his first announcement, after all, and while talking through a radio was a bit less personal than the face-to-face meetings he'd managed thus far, it did make sure that he got the word out to more people.

Sure, you know that if you smash the ring it'll take you somewhere, but how about trying to repeat the process? Well, all you--

But then, almost violently, the static raised into a nasty screech and the broadcast was cut off.

For those few patients who were waiting on a follow-up radio announcement, it wasn't too long before their handhelds started up again. The broadcast came shortly after Landel's talk over the intercom, and Jill started with a half-amused huff.

He's just trying to distract you. I hope you guys are smart enough not to fall for stuff like that. That's always how it is with him, anyway. Stringing you along, but there's no reward for putting up with it.

The voice abruptly paused; there was a shuffling as she readjusted. Then, she seemed to lean in toward the mic.

Anyway, I know where you need to go. Anyone who can, try to get out of the building, over one of the walls, and then to the dense part of the forest. I don't know where, but he's in there... somewhere.

She let out a breath.

He needs you. And you need him, believe me. To anyone who hears me out on this?

Thank you.

The broadcast ended.

Instead of slowly coming on with a low static, this night the radio almost seemed to snap on, with a loud screech that was certain to get the attention of anyone who was carrying one of the devices with them.

Neutralize? No, no, he wasn't neutralized.

The voice was Jill's, of course, but she seemed far more upset than she usually allowed herself to be. More than that, she was angry, to the point that she sounded somewhat short of breath.

He's badly hurt, though. Really badly. I need to get a hold of him, need to figure out where he is, and then you guys... you need to help him somehow.

Someone has to do this. This isn't just another clue, this is important. He'll be able to do more than I ever could.

Jill let out a breath, trying to control herself and calm down so that her words didn't run together too much.

If you're going to trust me on one thing, trust me on this. I'll let you all know as soon as I do.

Even though her message wasn't entirely clear, Jill left it at that, breaking off the signal as the hallways were drowned in silence once more.

It seemed that Jill hadn't been lying, as the radios did end up coming to life some time after that first broadcast. 'A few minutes' was vague, but she didn't keep the patients waiting for too long.

I didn't want to dump too much on you guys all at once, but I hope you're all ready now! My clues aren't too difficult, so the main thing you need to worry about is getting to these places in time. So, ready?

There was a shuffling of papers amongst the static, followed by a clearing of the throat.

There are two places of worship around here - near and far. The far spot might have something worth seeing.

Similarly, there are a few bodies of water around, right? Pick the one closest to home and enter the storage area nearby, and there could be something hidden among the supplies.

Finally, where does the staff store all of their stuff? There are a few places that might ring a bell, but only one of them is right.

That's all for now! I might be back later, depending on how you all do. On your marks!

With that signal for everyone to get going, the radios shut off and the patients were left in silence once again.

It seemed that the Head Doctor hadn't been lying about the radio signal, since some time into the night the devices suddenly all turned themselves on. A low static came through; a sign that the signal was not exactly at its strongest. Still, even a small sign of radio life was better than nothing.

More than that, a voice came through, female in tone and rushed.

Have you all forgotten about me? I wouldn't hold it against you! Just know that I haven't forgotten about you. I told you things might get hard for me, but I finally made it back tonight.

The voice took a deep, excited, worried breath and then let it out again. Whether she was nervous about the fact that she was addressing a large amount of people or for some other reason was difficult to say.

Jack... he came back. He really did. I didn't get to see him for myself, but it's not like the Head Doc disappeared for a whole day for nothing, right?

Still, it... it wasn't good enough. It didn't work. He couldn't hold the spell, and now I'm back to trying to help you all on my own. I am working on that, though.

I'm not sure how many of you are even hearing this, but please spread the word to everyone else that they should start carrying their radios again. I'm not going to let you down this time.

Even if she seemed out of breath and in a hurry, there was still a certain amount of conviction and rebellion in her voice.

I'll be back on in a few minutes with some clues for you guys. Stay tuned!

The static faded away into slow instrumental music that eventually petered out into silence.

The radios hadn't been getting much use lately, and whether or not patients still carried them around was by their own choice, but the devices found a strange time in the night to come on -- right at the end.

There was no voice, but only a heavy static and a barely audible sound that could have been a human moaning in pain.

Maybe it was a distress call. Maybe it was a warning. But it didn't stop.

Without warning, the radio finally decided to turn on. The sound of the crackling static - somehow different from the intercom - was jarring, and it would be foreign to some of the newer patients.

Please tell me you guys are still alive out there. I'm so sorry I haven't been around. There was something I had to look into, and... well, I was told to keep my mouth shut for a while. I know it doesn't make much sense, but maybe--

She sighed, and there was the rustling of a hand being brushed through hair.

Anyway, for those of you who don't know, the name's Jill. I'm usually here to give clues that would lead you to some really helpful items, but because I've been so busy with other ad-- err, just... I don't have anything for you guys tonight. I just wanted to let you know that you haven't been forgotten about.

Still, it's getting harder and harder to get the signal out, and I'm not sure how much longer...

There was a long, distracted pause.

Well, I just hope someone who's better at this than I am can take over someday. I don't mean to, or, well--

She sounded tenuous as she struggled with words that she apparently couldn't get out. Something was wrong, and there was no more of that resistant confidence left in her tone.

I'm sorry.

The broadcast ended.

With a sudden start, the radios blarred on, a sharp sound of feedback introducing a nervous voice.

Hey, I'm sorry for being scarce last night. I hope I didn't ruin anyone's plans, but you guys shouldn't rely on me too much, all right? I mean, it's not like I'm infallible...

The uncertainty in her tone lingered, as if the broadcaster wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing. Still, she took a shaky breath and continued.

It's just that last night I wasn't given the go-ahead. I mean, he was...

Anyway, that's not important. You want clues, right? Well, I've got some this time. I can't say they're mysterious enough to make Jack proud, but...

Her voice fell away, as if she had pulled back to say something under her breath. When she spoke again, she sounded a little stronger.

If you're the creative sort, then maybe you'll know where to go! You'll have to do some searching, though.

This morning you were all given a choice, right? Sinner or saint. If you're a saint, then search adjacent and you might be lucky.

And I know some of you learned more about your "real" lives today. Try to learn even more and this time, there might actually be something of interest waiting for you.

That's all, kids. Good luck!

The light static on the radios slowly faded away into silence.

The radios switched on with a fizzle, the static barely noticeable tonight. It seemed that things were going smoothly on Jill's end.

So, how are all of you doing tonight? Okay, I hope! Though probably not, since this is Landel's, and I don't think anyone can really do too well.

Anyway, I guess I should cut to the chase. I don't have too much information on the outside, so I just want to tell you all to keep at it! Like I said, those barriers wouldn't have been there in the first place if you were meant to get out. There's something surrounding the institute that Mr. Head Doctor doesn't want to be found. Good luck! I'll be doing my best to search, too.

In the meantime, I've got some clues for those of you who don't want to brave the outside just yet. You know the drill: three clues, three rooms, and you might just get lucky.

There's a place you're all always trying to go, but sometimes you're so focused that you bypass good chances. And you wonder how those nurses and orderlies get so strong, right? There's got to be a reason for that. Look for that reason and there will be a reward in it for you.

Finally...

There's those creatures made up of bits and pieces, body parts melded together in ways they shouldn't be. Sometimes human parts, even. Find the place where something like that could be done - where bodies could be taken apart and put back together - and your luck might turn.

Good luck, everyone. Whether you're trying to get out or looking for the prizes, I'll be cheering for you.

The radios fell into silence again.

Once again, the radios clicked to life. But again, like the night before, there was a spill of garbled static. This time accompanied by the whine of feedback. The transmission was broken and weak, the voice beneath the static barely audible in fits and bursts of sound….

…….the left side…..*static*…. blood tasted like anger….*static*….had my way….*static*…you all shot. Beyond….*static*…..outside the wall…. *static*….will die….

After that, there was nothing but fading static until the radios went silent once more.

It seemed that the current radio voice was always coming on in a rush these days, as opposed to her more cool and collected predecessor. Her tone seemed to be almost a mix of excitement and fear as she made her nightly greeting.

Hey, everyone! Sorry if I sound kind of winded. I've been pretty busy, and if you were paying attention earlier, you can probably guess why.

There was a sound almost like she was brushing her hair back and then wiping at her face, most likely only audible because of how close she must have been to the mic she was speaking into.

Anyway! While Mister Head Doctor might act like he's got everything under control, you've gotta know that's not the case. We've got him this time, guys, so show him what you've got! Make him sweat!

So, if any of you do actually make it outside - and I doubt it's going to be easy, guys - you should keep in mind that there's no way you can get too far before morning comes and undoes all your progress. I'm pretty sure there's a way around that, though. Jack only hinted at it, but check and see if the monsters you come across in the wilderness leave anything behind once they've died.

There's probably a trick to it, though. There always is, right? Anyway, good luck. I'll be doing my best to keep supporting you in any way I can. I might throw out some more clues later on, but I get the feeling you'll all be busy enough as it is.

The voice cut out then, and any extra static coming from the radios faded away.