"Bright Lights, Big Lobotomy Pt. II" By Skeptic_Writefag (https://pastebin.com/u/Skeptic_Writefag) URL: https://pastebin.com/hQcHSjCB Created on: Saturday 25th of May 2019 02:51:56 AM CDT Retrieved on: Friday 30 of October 2020 06:36:22 AM UTC "God what is taking so long?" >Your fervent pacing in this huge room almost made you feel... well normal, actually. >That does not mean standing around waiting for orders for the past 15 minutes helped any >Who is to say what is going on anywhere here? >For a fleeting moment, you pace toward the door hesitantly getting ready to open it. >You haven't gotten up the nerve to do it the past six tries, but this might be the one! "Anon?" >Spinning around with a jump, you face - the same empty room. >The speaker in the middle addresses you again however. "Anon. I've watched you reach for that door switch a few times now. Why would you go where you are not permitted?" >Angela. "Anon, you should understand the importance of every directive the Manager makes. Your role is very important here, in fact we could not very well begin the day without you believe it or not." >You doubted the validity of her statement, but then again, AI had a predilection for being right to 'T'. "Angela," you start, "It's been a while since I've started here, and this is.. my 3rd day here now. How many more times am I just going to be pacing around doing nothing?" "I did say you had the option to do work if it kept your Sanity Points in check-" "- and that's another thing! How are you referencing my mental state as if it can be quantified, and is it bool-" "Mr. Anon," she cuts in, eyes open but locked in a cold, calm grimace, "You will find that the work here at Lobotomy does not always make sense. What most seem to care for when they come here for employment is their payment- and I assure you, that number you read walking is what you will receive at the end of the term of your contract with us." >A pause, that stare unbroken as the stillness in that room at that moment. "In return for your time we also offer services to take care of you, including complimentary meals, stay, and recreational facilities. You have what a lot of your kind strive endlessly for outside these walls." >Her eye shut once more, time seems to resume around you snap out of what felt like a trance. "Rest assured, that if you ask the correct questions, you will learn a thing or two here. That is the essence of growth here." >You couldn't think to get another word in before she took her leave. >and so pacing continued... >or it would have if the door opposite of the room opened - >Humans; at least you think so. >The doors shut quickly behind them - a total of 3 beings clad in strange equipment, covered in eyes and flesh. >It hurt to look at the first in the pack. --------- "So," the lumbering figure bellowed, "Manager still carries around Rank II's." >This got a chuckle from one of the others but the others were going about the room as if preparing to barricade. >The warm touch of flesh grips your shoulder, and the strange leather-like sleeve went up to the third figure. "Confess your sins as many times as it takes," (s)he glances at your badge ".. Anon. Get your guts and steel your nerves. If you ever hope to make it here, you'll want to really grind for it." >You weren't sure what they meant but with a sudden static burst, the intercom came to life once more. "Anon, Report to Information Control immediate--" The audio cuts, and is replaced momentarily with.. >Symphonic Music? >It too is cut short, as the voice in the box returns: "shit.. Belay that order and go to Recruit- NO, Security." >The orders barked show no sign of fear, anxiety, but changes in decision mere moments after making one. >What this 'Manager' knew that the rest of you didn't wasn't on your mind however, as having literally anything happen for the first time was not an opportunity you were going to fuck up. >Doorswitch slapped, you take a last look at your three 'coworkers'. >None of them take notice of your leave as the door shuts, sealing away the only familiar room you've been in for the last few days. Time to Go.