*A man introducing himself as Kayden arrived in town a few hours ago, introducing himself as a treasure-hunter in the area for his next expedition. He’s a man of middling height in his late twenties, and on the skinnier side with a charming face. His expression and posture seem weary, but his eyes shine with excitement... or greed. The self-proclaimed treasure-hunter wears a grey sports jacket and jeans, and probably hasn’t shaved in a few days, but it give his face a ruggedly handsome look.
Kayden explained he needed a guide and some able bodies to help him carry loot out of the laboratory he planned on hitting, in exchange for 50% of the profits. No danger at all, just easy money. He also asked you tell as few people as possible that he had arrived, and especially not anyone in charge. Considering Mayor Kyler’s stance on outsiders, you agreed this would be for the best. In the end, you and three other young adults took him up on his generous offer.*
Kayden scans the keycard with bated breath, praying that their surroundings won’t explode. Some facilities did that to deter intruders. Mercifully, the door that more resembled a vault swings in silently. Inside is a long hallway, immaculately clean and brightly lit. Floor to ceiling glass windows run down the length of the hallway, periodically broken up by closed doors. Behind the glass are desks, computers, and workstations, with apparatuses of unknown purpose strewn about. It looks as if people had stopped working just moments before.
~A pleasant feminine voice chimes from all around you.~
“Greetings, visitors! Welcome to Fervor Corp. Laboratory Y-02.” The voice pauses, apparently waiting for something. Nothing happens.
“Dr. Nadim doesn’t seem to be present... But I’d be more than happy to conduct the tour myself!” A
bright yellow disc-shaped object, about a foot wide and a few inches high, falls out of a nearby ceiling vent and clatters noisily to the ground before the group. Now coming from the disc, the voice chimes
“If you will, please follow me!” The robot starts moving at a slow amble. Kayden frowns and looks back to shrug at the group before following.
The
painfully yellow disc stops and turns to the window on the right.
“Dr. Isana doesn’t seem to be present... but I’d be more than happy to conduct the tour myself! If you’d direct your attention to your right, we have Dr. Linus and Dr. Milan working on--” The robot trails off into barely intelligible sciencey language. As the four young adults have been homeschooled by unqualified individuals at best, the words fall on deaf ears. In addition, beyond the glass there is a clear lack of anyone present.
Oblivious to the disinterest of her audience, the robot finishes speaking and resumes moving down the hall. To the collective horror of the group, the disc pauses and turns once more.
“Dr. Tzion doesn’t seem to be present... But I’d be more than happy to conduct the tour myself! To your left, we have... *unintelligible science gibberish that continues for several minutes*” Gritting his teeth, Kayden calms himself with happy thoughts of selling whatever he’s about to steal for a fortune. The voice eventually quiets and the crowd continues onward. The robot pauses to give one more informative monologue before they reach the end of the rooms.
Pausing before the large, sturdy metal double doors at the end of the hallway, the robot rotates 180 degrees to address the group.
“I hope you have all enjoyed your visit for far! Dr. Miodrag and Dr. Bence don’t seem to be present... But I’d be more than happy to finish conducting the tour myself!” The set of doors at the end of the hallway slide open to admit your group, revealing the large space beyond. A richly carpeted floor extends to the left and right, ending against wood paneling. Powerful spotlights are affixed to the high ceiling, illuminating the ten marble pedestals on obvious display. Upon each pedestal is a small object of some kind--able to be held in one hand--and protected behind glass walls. Kayden and the others filter into the room, struck by a collective sense of wonder.
Each oddity gives off a unique sensation as one draw near.
Looks like... a blue pixie. You feel a drifting crispness about it.
A rose red egg inset with 4 large rubies. It has an atmosphere of anticipation and impatience. Your mouth abruptly feels dry.
A winged sandal. You smell static and suddenly feel fidgety.
A gleaming, intricate steel spiderweb. You sense motion and placidity all at once.
A black leather glove, unisex. It gives a off a dextrous, powerful feel.
A set of purest white angel wings float suspended. It has an unyielding air about it.
A triangular pyramid made of glass, with the hologram of a golden shield suspended within. Looking at it makes you feel safe.
A silver eagle claw, poised to tear apart the skies. You get an impression of sharpness.
A quartz crystal gleams in the light. You feel warm and fuzzy inside.
A sword hilt sits blade-first in the marble pedestal. It emits a menacing, sinister air. Tortured souls scream inaudibly in your mind.
“If you’d like to personally test out our newest advances, please choose a sample. There are more than enough for you all, so please, only one per person. Once you’ve all decided on what you’d like, I’ll lower the glass. Lightly touch the sample with your hand, and our technology will do the rest!”
vanovick