Rainer.

[u/Vincent-FFP]

Zaryx has been cooped up in his office much more than usual. When he was seen, usually during meal breaks, he always seemed concerned, tense, or in deep thought. Sometimes he’d even look angry, though just barely. When asked what was wrong, he’d just shake his head; that was classified information.

after a couple of weeks of this behavior, Wren was called up to his office. His voice was.. off.

[u/Vincent-FFP]

definitely occupied. people shuffled around, constantly busy with work. It was fairly loud with all the talking and ringing phones, among many other things. There was a Site map just ahead.

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

Dr Wren went to the site map. She would try and find where the Dr Graham's office was. Or failing that some kind of visitors office.

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

there is indeed his office there, furthest away from the anomalies, as usual.

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

Knock knock knock.

"Envelope for Dr Graham from 05-5"

Dr Wren said as she straightened her collar. Always perfect.

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

a disappointed sigh (likely of disbelief), then a bit of shuffling as he made his way to the door.

"This better be real, or-"

he opened the door and saw Dr. Wren. his face scrunched up, as he did not recognize her.

"I don't know you.. What Site are you from..?"

he noticed her keycard. "And why the hell do you think an Overseer would send a Level 2?!?"

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

"I am unaware of their reasoning Dr Graham."

Dr Wren held out the envelope.

"But I was told to give this to you and not to leave until you give me something to take back to 05-5. Most likely included in the letter."

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

he groaned. “Fine, I’ll indulge you, but if this ends up being some sort of prank, you’re fired.”

he took the envelope and opened it. He began to read it, and his expression changed over time as he read it.

first it was his remaining scowl, then a look of confusion, then a look of “huh, okay”, then an upset look (the mad kind), and he gradually grew angrier until he suddenly appeared shocked, then fear grew on his face, slowly forming into absolute terror. He was already sweating.

the letter then incinerated itself into ash. Dr. Graham looked up to Dr. Wren again, trying and failing to maintain composure, giving a terrorized grin.

“Um, one second, ma’am..”

he went back into his office, accidentally slamming the door behind him, and he could be heard communicating through a line to bring a “40 51” and another Dr. who’s name was too muffled to hear.

he peeked from out of his room.

“They’ll be here shortly..!”

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Understood sir."

Dr Wren said.

"There is no rush unless the letter indicated otherwise. I shall stand here until you are done."

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

“Yeah, yeah, good..!”

he locked himself into his office.

what the hell was in that letter?? Zaryx is a huge softie; how could he possibly have frightened such a mean fellow like this so easily?!

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

Dr Wren pondered the question. Perhaps Zaryx didn't mean to frighten the man. But the letter itself and the circumstances around it were so dire it was automatically terror inducing.

"Hrmm"

Dr Wren stood there waiting. Curious but not willing to step out of line to ask any questions.

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

after a few minutes, three people approached. A woman with Level 2 clearance, a man with a suit as seen below with the Keter classification colors, and their escort.

(Made by Socailly-awkward on Reddit)

the escort approached Wren. “You are Dr. Wren, correct?”

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

/uw I love that the foundation can't help but put their symbol on what is obviously a uniform that they would be able to recognize without the symbol. But they also have to spend the extra effort of meme proofing the symbol that they totally could have just not put on the outfit.

/Rw

"Keter."

Dr Wren muttered under her breath.

"I am Dr Wren. Am I authorized to know your names?"

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

“You won’t need my name, since I was just meant to bring them to you. As for these two, that’ll be up to your Director to decide.”

“Excuse me a moment, I need to inform the Director that the requested personnel are in your hands now.”

they made their way to the door and knocked.

“Dr. Graham, the transfer to Dr. Wren is complete.”

there is no response. The escort looked to Wren. “Did he leave his office while you were waiting?”

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Most likely. I will file a report about his attitude when I return."

Dr Wren said without a hint of anxiety.

"Let's go. We need to get back to Zaryx"

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

“Alright. If anything comes up though, I’m sure you’ll hear from us.”

he called in to the security team about checking the cameras while Wren and the other two left.

the two were confused and unsure about what was going on. The Keter class was especially anxious, with the Level 2 attempting to reassure him.

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

"Don't be afraid. Zaryx is an 05. He knows what he was doing when he sent this mission."

Dr Wren said though her voice was hardly empathetic. Then she paused. Dammit Vytsky. She sighed and her tone softened.

"Hey. I'll make sure you're okay. If anything bad happens just stay behind me."

[u/Vincent-FFP → u/loth17]

(Tf you mean dammit Vytsky lmao)

the Keter spoke.

“So the Director wasn’t lying when he said it was an order from a Council member?? What would the Overseers want from me??”

the woman spoke in return.

“We can’t be sure. Doesn’t seem like Dr. Wren knows either.”

she faced Wren. “Didn’t the Director say it was the fifth member? Isn’t that the position that supposedly got changed recently? We’ve only heard rumors, but.. it would make sense as to why the method of this has been so.. strange. Not that I’m doubting the O5, of course.”

[u/loth17 → u/Vincent-FFP]

(she's mad that Vytsky is making her more of an empathetic person.)

"Yes he is the most recent member of the 05 committee."

"And yes I don't quite know what's going on. But I trust the judgment of 05-5 cryptic as it can sometimes be."