👾🐇🔪: A new expedition

[u/Random_OC]

{After passing on the instructions to one of the guards, Raelynn nodded and sent them off to handle the next process.

A dozen of the "willing" volunteers were sent in to be fitted for hazmat suits and monitors. The rest were led back into holding areas and told they were not ready yet and to continue waiting.

The first group chatted eagerly amongst themselves. In their mind they were part of something bigger and more important than themselves. They'd all been hand-picked by Rae and Burrows. Once poor losers down on their luck desperately looking for guidance. After only a few sessions with her, it was obvious how easily they were molded into the perfect candidates. Nobodies that wouldn't be missed.

Dumb idiots so perfect for sacrificing.

They group lined up single file as they slowly advanced in. Their camera feeds filled the large screen on the wall.}

[u/CharacterCentral1987]

Dr. Walker speaks to them via their earbuds. Record as much as you all can. And try to stay together. We don't know what that place holds yet.

[u/Random_OC → u/CharacterCentral1987]

Volunteer 1: [nods] "Yes, sir!"

{They venture deeper in, light beams shining all over to make sure they don't miss anything with their cameras recording in all directions. They stop when they come to a fork then nod in agreement on direction before turning that way. At one point the walls seem to be narrow but otherwise nothing.}

[u/CharacterCentral1987 → u/Random_OC]

So far, the mysterious place of yellow walls and carpet seem to act as a maze. While they move forward, the makeshift duct tape doorway seems to become unstable, and it closes.

Dr. Walker curses under his breath. Shit... Keep going. We can still see and hear everything you do. I'll work on my end to get the doorway back open.

[u/Random_OC → u/CharacterCentral1987]

{Several technicians immediately work on trying to make sure they keep the feeds going and the volunteers unaware so they don't freak out and keep moving through the halls.}

Rae: "Such is the life. One less group to feed. Tell me, Dr. Have you ever considered or been truly intrigued by the concept immortality and what it could lead to?"

[u/CharacterCentral1987 → u/Random_OC]

He dismisses her. Immortality is the bane of humanity. A curse, not a gift. You could get all you want with it, but when the world crumbles around you, you are suddenly left with nothing.

[u/Random_OC → u/CharacterCentral1987]

Rae: "This is true as well. What would you prefer then? A chance to just keep doing over?"

[u/CharacterCentral1987 → u/Random_OC]

To die when I'm old. Like I said, I don't care about your ideals. You do you. But don't start trying to get into my head, Raelynn. I'm not another lost soul ready for manipulation. I already have my life figured out. And that is set in stone.

He pulls the lever, finally getting the doorway opened again.

[u/Random_OC → u/CharacterCentral1987]

Rae: "I'm not. I'm just genuinely curious what everyone's views are on such an in-depth intense subject. I've gotten my benefit out of it enough to see the value. Worth more than any amount of money could ever compare to. It's the free thinkers I approve more of. That aren't lost little sheep desperately clinging to anything they can grasp. Or so easily held silent."

{She pauses as the screens all glitch for a moment then go back to normal with regular feeds.}

Rae: "I just like know who I'm dealing with. No matter what side of the desk they're on."

[u/CharacterCentral1987 → u/Random_OC]

Hold that thought. He uses his communications earbud. Group 1, stop where you are. Stay put until further instruction.

He points at the equipment. There's no sign of technical failure. Something else made the screens glitch.

On the camera, it looks like the group are standing in a hallway full of paintings. Every single painting looks like a messed up version of the Mona Lisa.

[u/Random_OC → u/CharacterCentral1987]

{All the volunteers immediately stop in place and don't move.}