Hello! Thank you so much for reading this! I'm sorry I haven't been posting often but it is hard to find motivation. But if this chapter gets 5 reviews, I'll post the next chapter in September! Thank you!
NOTE!: I DO NOT OWN OUTLAST OR THE COVER PHOTO!
Linda looks at the time. It was only 2am. She lays in her bed, her breathing starting to steady. Once she calms down, she sits up.
"I need answers," she says to herself.
She gets out if bed and gets ready. She slowly opens her door, seeing no one in the hallway. This time, this was a good thing. She slowly walks through the halls, peering through every corner and window to make sure no one could see her. She reaches the elevator and puts in her key to start it. It slowly goes down, finally reaching the ward level. She creeps out, looking left and right before walking toward the cells.
She reaches the gate, opening it while earning the loud creak. She slowly walks by each cells, looking into each one like she's trying to find someone. This place is much more horrendous at night. Especially when it's completely silent. Only a few cries and sniffs can be heard time from time. Most of the patients are sleeping, the ones that aren't are either hiding in the corner or under the bed. She finally finds the cell she's looking for. The patient was still awake, calmly sitting on the corner of his bed. He looks up and has a disgusted look.
"Oh lord, what do you want at this time at night?" He groans. She makes a fist.
"I want answers, Trager," she says, not taking her eyes off him.
"Answers to what? Your latest math quiz? I'm sorry, but my expertise is far from that," he jokes. She didn't laugh.
"I need you to explain to me the reasons I can't trust this place and what exactly the engine is," she asks, a firm tone in her voice.
"Oh," he pauses. "That. What makes you think I'd want to explain to you?" he asks, getting up from his bed.
"You've been non stop telling me about it!" her voice raises in annoyance and anger.
"Better keep your voice down, princess. I can guarantee that you're not supposed to be here at this hour, am I right?" he chuckles, knowing well that he was right. He's pretty much only 2 feet away from her. The bars are the only thing separating them. She sighs.
"Just please tell me what's really going on with this place, since you used to work here, once upon a time," she politely asked. He stood there for a moment, considering what to tell her.
"Hmm, are you sure you really want to know this?" he asks, eyeing her down.
"Yes, I'm sure," she states. She had no idea what was going on with this place behind closed doors. But maybe it could explain her terrible dreams.
"Has anyone mentioned the Walrider to you, sweetheart?" he asks.
"Walrider? What in God's name is that?" she asks, utterly confused.
"I suppose no one has," he shrugs. "It's a body made of nanites. Millions of nanoscopic machines that swarm around and possess great strength and power," he says.
"Are you kidding me?" she asks, stumped. He chuckles.
"No, sweetheart, I am not. And this Morphogenic Engine is the source of all this."
"Where is this? This Engine sounds large. Could be impossible not to find," she says curiously.
"It's held in the bottom floor. The basement," he says. "Of course you haven't seen it because you're not allowed down there, aren't you."
"No, I'm not," she sighs, looking at the floor. "But I don't understand why I can't know about this. This isn't all that bad."
"That's where you're wrong," he grins. She glances up. "The Walrider can't be contained or controlled by just a machine, no," he laughs. "Someone who has seen so much death and horror yet somehow still possesses a sane mind, may control it."
"How can that be? Every patient in here isn't sane at all," she claimed.
"Bingo!" He points to her. "That's where you come in, princess."
"What do you mean?" She asks, not understanding him.
"You are the most important lab rat in this shithole. Your job is to help these patients regain their mental state, am I right?" He grins.
"Yes, that's why I'm here. To help them find a state in their minds healthy enough to reenter society," she says confidently.
"Except they won't be released," he smiles. Once they show progress of sanity, they'll be taken to the Engine to begin therapy."
"You're making no sense at all, Trager," she says, stepping back from the cell. Why would this place need something like that?"
"If you'd let me expla-"
"No, you're insane. This place has gotten to you already. I'm supposed to believe in a spiritual-like body made of tiny robots that can only be controlled by a person that is able to? That's ridiculous!" she says, turning away from him and crossing her arms.
"If you don't believe me, go downstairs," he said, his voice now sounding annoyed like he doesn't want to explain something so complex to a child all over again.
"I don't need to. It's none of my business. My job is to keep patients from losing their minds," she turns back to him. "Including yours. So whatever this place is hiding from me, could be for a good reason. But I know it isn't something as crazy as that." Trager just gives her an annoyed look.
"Suit yourself," he says, rolling his eyes. "Oh, and by the way, princess, expect me to tell you I told you so when you figure it all out."
"Go rot in hell," she snaps back. Linda then storms off, hearing Trager's voice in the distance.
"I'm looking forward to our next appointment!" he shouts after her.
"What a disgusting animal, he is. He's trying to scare me out of this place for a laugh," she says to herself. It wasn't even 3am yet and there was still time before people started to wake up. She decided to try and do some research on more patients to help decide who she should start with today. She arrives at her office and sits in her desk chair. She groans. She's lost with no one to turn to. Not even her own friend. She's not even sure if she can trust anyone in here at this point. She shakes her head to bring herself out of her deep thoughts and pulls out her patient files.
Case Number: 136
Patient: CHRIS WALKER
Consultation Dated: 2013.05.28
Initial Date of Patient Consult: 2011.01.28
Mental Disorders: None
Patient Age: 32
Gender: Male
Observing Psychologist: Dr. Linda Hart
Reason at Mount Massive: Has murdered patients and coworkers while working at Mount Massive.
NOTES: Chemical and physical restraints are highly recommended. Has been having self-inflicted mutilations.
"He used to work here too?" she thought. Seems like many people here cant take whatever is going on. She remembers what he is like. Tall and greatly large. Seems really strong as well, since he needs to be in a reinforced room with a bullet proof window. This makes her nervous. No one can handle someone of that size and strength if he somehow breaks out. She needed more than the two guards and it wasn't safe for him to be anywhere but his cell. The decided to have an appointment with Chris. Although it seemed like a terrible idea, at least he wasn't as insane and dangerous as Trager. Even though she never kept him in his cell during their session. She continues researching patients until finally she hears the door knock.
"Come in," she says, not taking her eyes off the papers. It was Jeremy once again.
"Good morning, I see you're up early. I checked your room earlier and you weren't there", he said, sitting on the large lounge chair across the room.
"Jeremy, it's not even 4am yet. Why would you need me that early?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Because I needed to apologize for the secrets I was keeping from you," he said.
"Oh, well I forgive you," she smiles. She then continues to focus on her files.
"No, I shouldn't have done that to you. You deserve to know what's going on here," he said, getting up to walk over to her.
"I already do," she said. Jeremy pauses, his sight not leaving her.
"You do?" he asked, swallowing back the anxiety.
"Yes. No one has been caring for these patients. They're given strict rules to follow and are brutally punished if broken," she lies. If she was going to find out the truth, it wasn't going to come from Jeremy. "These patients fear for their lives and are hurting themselves and no one here was doing anything." He releases a sigh of relief.
"You're right. And the reason there are no females here is because of their delicate nature and minds. I figured this place was too harsh for people like that. And the reason you're here is because I've known you for so long, that I know you're not as delicate as most." He stands beside her and puts a hand on her shoulder. She looks up and smiles.
"Thank you, Jeremy," she says. He smiles back.
"Well, please continue with your work. It's really paying off." He leaves the room. Hours go by and she's still reading the files. She carefully studies each individual patient in order to figure out how to cooperate and learn the best ways to help them.
It's finally 6am. She closes the files and lets out a small sigh. She's been running the same idea in her head the whole morning, knowing how terrible it is. She knows Chris is dangerous. Especially in the state he is in now, but she can't help but feel that she really needs to have a session with him sometime today. The guards greet her in her office.
"I would like to have a session with Chris Walker," she claims. The guards look at each other in confusion and slight fear.
"I'd also like two additional guards in the room. We will be having this session in his cell," she adds.
"Alright, fair enough. He has to keep his restraints on at all times, as well," one of the guards said.
"Of course," she smiles. Soon, two other guards joined them before finally leaving her office to make their way to the male ward. Even more people were giving her looks because it looked like she was getting a presidential escort.
When arriving to the Male Ward, one of the guards opens the gate for Linda, gesturing her to go in first.
"Thank you," she says, walking past. This made the other guards displeased.
"Dude, what are you doing? Are you desperate or something?" The second guard asks.
"What? No! Just being nice!" The first guard snaps back.
"Well, it definitely looks like you're trying to get in her pants, bro," the third guard says.
"Have you guys lost your minds? How long has it been since you got busy? Months? You're losing it," the first guard rolls his eyes. "I have a wife and kids waiting for me at home and I don't want to be forced to stay any longer, so she's all yours."
The guards end their middle school argument and catch up with Linda, who's patiently waiting in front of Chris Walker's cell door, which is slightly dented from him continuously slamming into it.
"Well, are we ready to start this session?" Linda asks, gesturing for one of them to open the door. They look at each other like deer in headlights before one of them steps up, cowardly inserting the key into the door while the other three hold their tasers to the entrance. Linda steps back, noticing their sudden increase in security. As soon and the key clicks the door unlocked, there was barely any time before the door slams open, with Chris Walker charging out towards the three guards. They all shoot their tasers at him, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground, passing out instantly.
Okay, how long will he be out for?" Linda asks, trying to keep her cool.
"Based on his size, a few minutes. So we better get him restrained to a chair or something before he wakes up," says the second guard. They haul him back into his cell, and restrain him to a chair. Two guards stand behind him, while the other two stand behind Linda. Chris wakes up, slightly disoriented. Linda begins.
"Good morning, Chris, I'm Dr. Linda Ha-"
No time was wasted before Chris Walker violently fights against his restraints, making all four guards hold him down until he calls down.
"I know this must be pretty difficult for you, Chris. But I'm only here to ask you a few questions. This won't take long at all," she continues. Chris doesn't reply, breathing heavily while giving her a look that would make even her feel threatened.
She clears her throat, "Have you ever been to a psychologist before?" She asks. No answer from him.
"Okay. When did this behavior start?" She asks, receiving no answer yet again. She sighs.
"Look, Chris. I know you don't want to be here. I know you don't want to have this session with me. But if you communicate, I can guarantee this won't be as bad as you thought. And it may make this bearable for you," she assured him. He looks up at her, before letting out a defeated grunt. Somehow, this shocked all the guards, confusing Linda. As though Chris Walker has never willingly communicated with anyone until now. Gladly, she continues on with their session.
About 30 minutes roll by, and Linda has made a bit more progress. Only hearing a few grunts as his responses, but it means he listens. She proudly ends the session, leaving with the guards. She allows two of them to leave, while the remaining two assist her with the rest of her patients.
The day turns to night, striking 8 o'clock and Linda is already feeling exhausted from being awake since 2am. The guards escort her to her office. She thanks them for their services and goes inside, shutting the door out and letting out a large sigh before sitting in her chair. She flips through her files, knowing she's already read through them all. She reads them again, keeping her mind busy, not ready to go to sleep yet.
10 o'clock hits and everyone has turned in for the night, except Linda. She decided to take a walk around the building before going to bed. While wandering the halls, she crosses Jeremy Blair's office. She stands there, debating if she should go in and see if he's still working before giving up and continues walking. She ends up at the elevator. She gets in and presses the down button to get to the floor of the bedrooms. The gate opens, allowing her to get off, but she hesitates. Many thoughts and emotions run through her mind. But none of them beats her curiosity. She presses the down button once more. The elevator creaks as it takes her down hundreds of feet below the building. The wooden walls around the elevator turn to stone as she descends deeper until reaching the bottom floor. The gates open and she steps out, watching the elevator retreat back to the top.
She observes her surroundings. The halls are much different, with marble floors and plastic walls. The halls are empty, making Linda walk on her own, guiding herself down the many halls and tunnels by herself. Most of the rooms are locked or lights are off, so she doesn't waste her time on those. After almost 10 minutes of wandering, she stumbles upon a large laboratory with computers and a whole wall of glass on the other side. Most of the room is dark, only the computer screens lighting up the areas around them. She cautiously walks to the windows, gazing into the room on the other side. She sees a silhouette of an enormous machine, surrounded by glass spheres large enough to fit a person.
"Is this the engine that Trager told me about?" She asks herself, not taking her eyes off the massive machine.
The only way she can enter is by the door needing a key card access, which she doesn't have. Desperate, she searches through drawers and cabinets to hopefully find a key card. She finally finds one at a computer desk. She slides the card and the keypad light turns green, releasing the lock. She opens the door, and she's greeted by a cold breeze. She immediately gets a bad feeling from being in there but remains in her spot. She gets a closer look at the engine. It seems so complex and large. What would they want with this? What is their purpose? Her thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of the lab door opening. She hides behind the engine. Two scientists walk through the door, talking. One seems distressed. She tries to listen to their conversation.
"I don't care if he's still under therapy. Mr. Blaire wants him in the Engine as soon as possible!" Yelled one of the scientists.
"But sir, he's not stable enough yet. This could risk us losing control of him and the Walrider! He must understand how crucial these details are!" Begged the other scientist.
"Walrider?" Linda thought. Remembering Trager mentioning that.
"Whatever. Make that new psychologist work with him every day. What was her name?"
"Dr. Linda Hart. She's a close friend of Mr. Blaire."
"I want her to start with him tomorrow! Notify Mr Blaire at once."
They both leave, clueless that Linda was there, listening to everything. She gets up and rushes to the elevator. Careful to not get caught, she makes her way to her room, and closes the door behind her.
"Good evening, Linda," says a voice behind her. She freezes and turns. It's Jeremy.
"Oh, you startled me! What are you doing in here, Jeremy?" She asks, trying to not sound suspicious.
"I tried seeing you in your office, but you weren't there. So I decided to wait for you in your room. I hope you don't mind," he says, not taking his eyes from hers.
"Oh, sorry. I decided to go for a walk before going to bed," which was half true.
"Oh. And where did you go?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Just uh, around the building. By the offices and the rooms." Her heart starts climbing to her throat.
He sighs and stands to his feet, "I know you're not telling me everything, Linda," he says calmly.
"I own this company. Therefore, I have access to every system and device in this facility," he slowly steps closer to her, causing her to step back before being stopped by the wall.
"Including all cameras."
He knows where she went. Or at least he's letting her know that he will find out in a few moments. No matter what, she's trapped. She has to tell him now. She's practically pinned against the wall. She can't run. He'll know where she is. But will he do anything? They've been best friends for so long. He, at least, has to have a heart. Her voice swells, preventing her from speaking. Almost like the feeling when someone's hand is around her throat. Blaire frowns, upset with her lack of communication.
"Fine. I can see your tired. Got some rest. I want you to report to my office first thing tomorrow morning. Understand?" He backs away, giving her more space. She looks to the floor and nods.
"Have a good night, Dr Hart," he says, walking out her door, leaving her no time to respond. She stands there, not knowing what to do next. He see
ms so different now. He seems so cold and doesn't care for her safety or even her concerns at this point. She can't even sit down. Her body still frozen. Is he going to fire her? Or remove her from her current position and place her in a cubicle and do what everyone else does? Or will he give her a slap on the wrist and say never do it again? That last one seems highly unlikely given the current circumstances. It seems like this morphogenic engine is a pretty big deal. Not even Blaire wants her to know about it. But why? Why can't she know about this?
She begins to calm down. Jeremy won't terminate her. She shouldn't be worried.
"Will Dr Linda Hart please report to Mr Blaire's office," says a voice over the small intercom above her head. Her stomach sinks.
"Why does he want to see me now?" She panics. She starts to doubt her belief that Jeremy will be kind about this. She makes her way down to his office, seeing no one in the halls. What time is it? She's been asking herself so many questions recently and hasn't gotten any answers for most. Before she realizes, she's in front of his office. She hesitates, taking in her last moments and knocks, inhaling deeply, like she is about to ever a shark tank.
"Come in," says his voice. She opens the door slowly.
"Have a seat, Linda," he gestures to the empty seats in front of his desk. She sits, looking at the ground. Nerves pulsing through her veins.
"I know where you went," he says, getting straight to the point. She tenses up but says nothing. Why does she feel like something bad is about to be said?
"Tell me, what are your thoughts about the engine?" He asks.
"What?"