[network] @ASolomons; audio, morning of 127 [open]

[devoutish]

[When the morning comes and Watson is gone, it's not really a surprise - Alfie had woken him up in the middle of the night for a "discussion" at scalpelpoint, after all. He figures that Watson had snuck out as soon as lockdown ended, purposefully not waking Alfie. That's fine. Alfie has warmer clothes now, and better shoes. He needs that far more than he needs company.]

Good morning. How's Kesara's tunnel coming along? 'Cause I'm headed in that direction today.

[And aren't you all just thrilled about that.]

Yeah, I should get there in four or five days. Big discovery like this, I'd guess there's a lot of people in the area, and I thought it'd be a good idea to talk a bit more with all of you - find out who's digging, and who's staying where. Because the thing I do not want, right, is to walk into a pileup - five, six, seven people trying to cram into one house for the night. I would like some confirmation of coordination.

[And he talks, he's heading for the door, giving the little room a quick once-over with the tablet light to make sure he's not leaving anything behind.]

I'm seeing on the map there's two houses very close by, and a few more that are only a bit further. Might I reserve myself a spot in--

[But he cuts himself off, because he's tried the door, and it's still locked. He double-checks the time. It's definitely after lockdown is supposed to be over.

There are a few explanations here. Two stand out to him as being the most likely.]

Right - bit of a problem here, yeah; I'm having a bit of an unexpected issue. Either lockdown has been extended and Dr. Watson has been spirited away in the night, or he's found a way to lock me in. So I ask you - are any of the rest of you experiencing this, or should I be considering it a punishment for my very naughty misdeeds?

Comments

[seekthelight]

His name was Charlie. I think he was pretty new--I had never talked to him before we got locked in together.

[devoutish]

Yeah, I've never heard of him either, mate. He leave anything behind that might tell you what happened? Any sign of a struggle?

[seekthelight]

No there's nothing. All of his stuff is gone, it doesn't look like there was a fight or anything. [Sora's worried, even if he barely knows the guy.] He didn't seem to know a whole lot yet about this place yet. I really hope he didn't do something he shouldn't have.

[devoutish]

It's doubtful. Whatever it was got Dr. Watson too, and he's knowledgable about this place.

I'd guess an anomaly attack, but that doesn't explain the locked doors.

[seekthelight]

I'm guessing this sort of thing hasn't really happened before? People disappearing in the middle of the night like this?

[devoutish]

Couldn't tell you. I've been here not even two weeks.

I know the anomalies do snatch a person away, and leave the rest.

[seekthelight]

Oh! Sorry I just--I assumed you'd been here longer. Most people I've talked to have been.

Wouldn't I have heard something if that was the case, though?

[devoutish]

You would think. Yeah. Could be quiet ones. I'll give the anomaly guide another read-over.

[seekthelight]

Great. Just great.

I'll see if I can find any sorts of clues around here. Maybe I missed something.

[devoutish]

Share if you find anything, yeah?

[seekthelight]

I will!

[devoutish]

And who are you, Kingdom Key?

[seekthelight]

Oh--right. I'm Sora.

[devoutish]

Sora. First name or surname?

[seekthelight]

First name!

[devoutish]

You got here a few weeks ago, then? Or a few days ago?

[seekthelight]

A few weeks ago.

[devoutish]

Me, too. One-fourteen - January 14th.

Seems longer, eh?

[seekthelight]

Same for me.

And yeah...a lot longer. I keep losing track of time.

[devoutish]

I'm making a point not to.

[seekthelight]

Something happened, because of a dream. I lost a couple days because I was just running blindly.

I'm going to try not to let it happen again.

[devoutish]

You might not have a choice, mate.

What did you dream?

[seekthelight]

I know. That part kind of scares me.

...A friend was turned into a monster and tried to eat me then he..he tore himself apart. I couldn't stop him. [Cue his voice wavering a bit.] When I woke up I thought--I thought I had died and was in the wrong body.

[devoutish]

Whose body?

[seekthelight]

Just the wrong body. Everything felt really weird. I couldn't feel things normally and my vision was too bright.