[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

[image description: maes' gloved hand aggressively pointing at ruby, the nurse pulling away slightly. there is a warm tone to the image, though in a way that looks almost sickly.]

 

The rest of the cells are fairly easy to manage, aside from one other far down the hall having another flesh mass (much to Maes' irritation). Many of them are definitely in disrepair, stained with old blood, unknown substances or scratched along the walls and floors, but aside from the corpse, they all seem workable.

MAES: Three corpses...tch.
MAES: We're lucky none of the residents have clearance to these cells, the last thing we need is them seeing something like this.
CHARON: Any one of them is enough to make someone gag, can’t blame them.
CHARON: I'm holding up fine though, that all said.
MAES: I suppose I'll have to give you points for that, you're faring better than I thought you would.

 

She sighs, looking stressed already.

MAES: Start leading us back...JB isn't going to like this news.
CHARON: We'll return quickly and try to get this over with as smoothly as possible.
MAES: You say that as if we won't be spending hours prying flesh off of walls, I'm willing to bet it's ingrown into the building at this point...
CHARON: Is that a thing that happens?
MAES: Stranger has happened, here.
 

Maes does not elaborate.

CHARON: I'm used to strange, so I'm sure I'll feel at home.
MAES: I don't think I've ever heard someone describe feeling "at home" here.
CHARON: Here in the lab or here deep underground? Because I can settle for either fine.
MAES: Really. You could settle into a place you just discovered three corpses in.
CHARON: I've seen worse.
MAES: Mmm.

 

The two of them approach Ruby's office, the nurse talking with an older resident. They turn to face them as soon as they wrap up, ears perked.

RUBY: Ah, you're back...how did the cleanup go?
CHARON: Gonna need some help removing organic remains.

 

He looks toward Maes.

CHARON: Boss, you probably have a better handle over discussing procedure.

 

Her ear twitches at the term "boss", but she makes no further comment as she hands over her notes.

MAES: We found three masses of flesh, all of which we confirmed to be deceased, or at the very least non-living. They're most likely corpses.
RUBY: Hmm, all in a similar fashion?
MAES: Yes, as far as we can tell.
RUBY: Might have been a specific shared test group...we probably have something on record.
RUBY: How large are we dealing with?
MAES: Large enough that we're going to need more crew, and you're definitely going to want to keep them away from the residents' eyes.
RUBY: Please. You know I always do, Dr. Artag. I'll arrange it-
 

They reach over to take Charon's notes as well, looking them over.

RUBY: How'd you handle it yourself?

 

Charon passes them over, everything numbered and written down neatly.

CHARON: Fine I suppose, why?
RUBY: It's nice to see someone who doesn't balk at the sight of a little bit of blood. Finding people who are willing to work with us is so hard.

 

They nod, checking everything.

RUBY: Yeah, this all looks good.
RUBY: Nicely done.
RUBY: Next time, be sure to write down any kind of feelings you get when you enter the room.
RUBY: Didn't Maes tell you about that?
MAES: Dr. Artag, and no, I did not, and I'm not enforcing that.
CHARON: When you say feelings, what do you mean?
CHARON: Wouldn’t happen to be talking about a certain chill of the spine?
RUBY: Yes, exactly.
RUBY: Things like that, especially if they're more distinct.
CHARON: I’ll take note in the future.


 

Maes makes an irritated sound under her breath, but Ruby seems plenty pleased.

RUBY: Thank you! I need it for my research-

 

They start coughing a bit, covering their mouth with their elbow even despite the cloth mask already doing the job.

RUBY: Don't mind me, just a cold.
CHARON: What are you researching exactly?
RUBY: I'm curious as to what remains along with the physical-
MAES: I've told you before that I don't want any time invested into it, Ruby.
MAES: Don't task him with this.
CHARON: I've.. actually had a few experiences with what you're talking about, so I'd be willing to assist where I can.
RUBY: Excellent.
RUBY: I like him, Maes.
MAES: Dr. Artag.
 

Maes grits her teeth. Ruby pays it no mind, looking just as chipper.

RUBY: You both should come and help me catch JB up on what you found before we go get the cleanup crew together, he'll want to be in the loop-

 

Before Ruby could get another word out, a siren starts blaring, Maes crumpling over and covering her ears. Ruby practically flings the clipboards into their office, running for their keycards.

RUBY: Okay, finding JB now.

 

Charon sticks with Maes, going to help her up.

CHARON: Sirens?
CHARON: What's happening?

 

Maes struggles to her feet as she adjusts to the sound, fur on end.

MAES: ...breach.
MAES: A damn horror breach.