The bone-chilling wind billowed outside as darkness fell upon the institute. But the patients had far more important things to worry about than the weather, and that became all the more apparent the moment static filtered through the intercom, and Martin Landel dropped all daytime pretenses ( Read more... )

The intercom jingle sounded in every room, alerting each patient that the Head Doctor was about to speak again. He sounded particularly bright and upbeat this evening.

"Hello, everyone! Or, I suppose it will be 'goodnight' soon, won't it?" A friendly chuckle. "I'm sure you all must be very exhausted after a day with so many fun-filled ( Read more... )

The intercom jingled at its standard time, with the Head Doctor still in his over-the-top, jovial mood. It seemed not even the evening light could keep down the love he held for his job.

"Good evening, everyone! I hope your soul is filled with music from last shift; I know mine is ( Read more... )

The Head Doctor had at last stepped down from his early morning energy. When he next addressed the patients and staff, the man passed for somber to an attentive listener ( Read more... )

The intercom jingled a minute later than scheduled, but the Head Doctor seemed as happy as ever. Fortunately for his audience, he kept all melodic tendencies away from his announcement ( Read more... )

The intercom chimed at its usual time, with the Head Doctor sounding far more jovial than he had in his previous announcement. (Not that he wasn't jovial enough to begin with, mind you.) He hummed a tune and rustles a few papers before composing himself long enough to address his audience ( Read more... )

When the intercom jingled at the crack of dawn, the tension and the estranged atmosphere seemed to have vanished overnight, replaced by an almost familiar burst of energy. The nurses began their routines with a hum and a spring to their step. The orderlies were offering smiles to staff and charges alike. Overall, the staff seemed settled ( Read more... )

With such turn of events, one might have expected some explanation to accompany the fact. What came at the intercom's click, however, was a familiar voice--quiet and foreboding. A tone accentuated by unfiltered anger. Here was a man who had been robbed, though of what remained unseen ( Read more... )

Only a few minutes passed before sharp alarms blared through the night air, shattering what little quiet was left. They were loud enough to shake a person to the core. But if that wasn't enough, a female automated voice suddenly spilled from every intercom in the building.

“Emergency. Emergency. EmmEERrrgencyyy....

Initiate CODE RED. Initiate ( Read more... )

Once the sun set, each patient door unlocked with an audible click. That was the only fanfare marking the shift's beginning. The intercom remained silent.

For now, at least.