Day 55: Intercom, Evening

[damned_intercom]

Snow doubled in number as the day transitioned into the evening hours. Unfortunately, none of the patients were allowed the time to enjoy the weather changes. They were instead greeted by the telltale jingle of the intercom, signaling their cue to return indoors

Comments

M50

[unheroed]

It was truly amazing that Harvey had actually been left alone during that final shift, and that fact on its own was enough to bolster his mood. Being ordered around by people who thought they were somehow better because they carried machine guns and reported to a man who was a general was a thorn in his side, but forgetting that, the day hadn't been so terrible

Re: M50

[herr_inspektor]

As he was returned to his room, Lunge tried not to let it bother him that his initial assessment of Lana had been so suddenly derailed by a single bad joke. It wasn't as though a sense of humour was incompatible with the profile he'd built, or as though he'd overlooked a major source of motivation, or something vital- but it still introduced that uncomfortable little sense of uncertainty he'd done so well to avoid for all of this time

[unheroed]

The consistency of the gruel was different from what he'd been drinking this whole time. A bit thicker, but still no problem to work to the back of his mouth and swallow without any chewing required. That was what he really needed in the end, and the fact that he could now use a utensil somehow made a world of difference. It meant he wasn't a complete invalid.

The taste, on the other hand, was also different, but not in any way worse. It had the same feeling of being something that got him what he needed in terms of nutrients but made no effort in appearance or flavor to be more than that. It was bland and maybe a little bit unappetizing, but he wasn't going to be gagging on it. It would do

[herr_inspektor]

Even if Lunge didn't particularly feel like eating, it looked as though Dent was willing to brave the non-taste for whatever reason. A busy night? It seemed likely. He'd eaten at lunch himself, so he didn't feel particularly pressed to do so again. In truth, he was still thinking about the tainted food from the night before. It was highly unlikely that tonight's meal would be poisoned- it had been as punishment before and they had nothing to be punished for this time, and everything pointed to Aguilar being the sort to follow procedure rather than petty sadism- but the reminder had rather killed his appetite

[unheroed]

Lunge had it about right. Things had changed, but they hadn't at the same time. They were being punished like they were soldiers and wearing the uniforms to match, but they were still being called the wrong name. They were no longer treated like they didn't know who they were, though, which was what stood out. Why even bother with the name, if that was the case? Maybe it was one lingering part of Landel's rule that they hadn't been willing to let go for some reason, even though it didn't quite fit in with the new pattern

[herr_inspektor]

That’s not quite… well. Yes, in a sense,” he answered, brow furrowing a touch. “Under both Aguilar and Landel we are still clearly in mortal peril. Patients will still be attacked and killed if they don’t take the proper precautions. But I can’t help but feel that Landel had a more obvious sadistic streak- one that leaked into his attacks, his words. As much as he came to claim that this was for a ‘greater good’- which, by the way, I don’t doubt that he believed for a second’- I still think a great deal of his work gave him a degree of pleasure, either in the control or in the act.

“If the same goes for Aguilar, though, he isn’t making it obvious. So far, his actions speak more of impartiality and practicality. That isn’t, of course, to suggest that he isn’t also a sadist or a megalomaniac, but simply that he isn’t so overt with it. Business over pleasure, or perhaps pleasure in the business.” Lunge stopped, thinking that one over. They’d only heard the man once and already he was attempting to plot out the man’s personality, a line

[unheroed]

Maybe Lunge had a point. It was true that all they had was a matter of two days and one announcement to judge on, but there hadn't been any gloating or theatrics thus far. Everything had been efficient, controlled, and carefully planned. Granted, Harvey didn't believe that Landel had just stumbled through what he'd done to them by any means. Still, he'd certainly taken more liberties with his so-called leadership. He doubted that Aguilar would change his persona based on night and day, for instance