Chapter Text
Project 9: Continuation commencing 15/1/2001
Data collected 25/12/2004
Head Operatives: Dr. Janus Forest, Dr. Gabriel Bacchus
! Warning !
The following is only accessible to agents of the state with electoral consent. Interacting with the following document may lead to expulsion or imprisonment. Further action may take place.
Proceed with caution.
I found Aisha and Veronica sitting in the corner of the boardroom. I hurriedly made my way over to them, noting how almost everyone was sitting down already.
"What the fuck is going on-"
"Shh! Shh he'll hear you!" Whispered Aisha much too loudly.
"Who?"
They both tilted their heads to the front of the room.
Standing there, next to my line manager, was a man I had never seen before. He wore an almost vintage suit, with a long overcoat draped over it. Totally out of place for a hospital. Was he a professor? God, he could be a fashion model. His hair was brown with curls falling down his face, yet he looked like he had arranged each strand with meticulous intention.
It was his eyes that intrigued me. They were full of light, yet they were dark. It was almost as if he was everything- yet nothing at all.
It scared me. He scared me.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming on such short notice. This is Dr. Bacchus, sent straight from the National Science and Research Department. He's been sent here with a proposal, which only a certain few of you will be allowed to take up. Dr. Bacchus, would you like to-"
It was then that Dr. Bacchus stepped forward, and just like that the air was zapping around me again. Any prior distractions and daydreams vanished. "Yes, thanks, thank you. Um- hello everyone. I'll keep this short. So! I am lucky to be in charge of a small-scale research-project, entirely funded by the government. And, as talented as I am- don't laugh- it would be impossible for me to complete it within the given timeframe on my own."
I had never heard such a voice before. It wasn't raspy or harsh, like some men I've been with liked to imitate over the phone. It was velvety, smooth and deep. The occasional laugh that escaped him was witty and cocky, and yet it suited him so well. I hardly listened to what he said, simply staring at him.
"More details will be explained if you're accepted onto the project- government secrecy, and all that stuff. But hey, if you have any questions or worries, feel free to ask me. I'll try my best to answer without getting anyone into much trouble." He winked jokingly- was he joking? I couldn't tell with him. I couldn't tell anything at all. What was his name again? Had I already forgotten-?
His joke got a laugh from my line manager and a few others.
"Of course, the best part is that it's fully subsidised. You will be heavily compensated, more than the work is worth, I would say. You will not be able to leave the site for the duration of 6 months. A long time, I know, I know. Oh dear, I'm losing a few of you already. It's alright, we have lovely facilities- all fully accessible to our staff. Indoor gym, gardens, a music room, hey- I think they've even added a swimming pool. Point is, the pay will make up for any doubts you may have, I assure you."
He looked around the room, scanning all the potential participants.
"If nothing else, you will not be bored. I will personally see to it. There are forms you have to fill out- as detailed as possible, if you please. No rush, the latest entry should be in by next week."
As people started to get up and return to their shift duties, Dr. Bacchus interrupted again. He sure had a lot to say- not that I minded.
"And, please don't be offended if you are consequently not chosen. It is a rather drilling process. We're looking for staff who can- withstand the pressure if you know what I mean. Yes? Great! Then I'm hoping to see some of you in a month's time. The forms are by the door. Be truthful with them, please. By lying you are only harming yourself- as the saying goes."
I took a form on my way out, trying desperately to catch Dr. Bacchus' eye, but he was enwrapped in some conversation. Oh well.
I would have to do well on that form if I was to see him again. Would he be the one reading them? What kind of questions would they be? Oh, was he going to mark them?
I sat down with Veronica and Aisha the next day to fill out the form. Unfortunately, Dr. Bacchus' rather casual promotional speech had inspired quite a few of my co-workers. It made me uncomfortable, a little bit. Not that I'd tell that to Veronica and Aisha. God, that was embarrassing. Was I feeling jealous over some people filling out a form?
The first few questions were as expected. Name, age, qualifications, degree, field of specialty-
It was around the 8th question that I raised my eyebrow.
"Huh?" said Veronica, looking down at her sheet with squinted eyes.
Parental occupation(s).
Huh.
"Probably just to get an accurate picture of our background," shrugged Aisha.
Prior Convictions?
Have your parents had any criminal convictions?
Are you currently romantic/sexually involved?
"What?" I said, my pen hovering above the page.
"Probably to determine if we have any connections- you know if it'll be hard for us to stay away for six months."
"Um, right. Probably."
Do you have any history of mental health problems?
Do you have any family members nearby?
Are you currently taking any drugs/medication?
God, this form really was detailed.
It had to be truthful to be accepted, right? That was what he said. I don't know why I thought he might know if I lied, but I did. As if he knew everything already, and this was more of a test than an application.
So I wrote it all out on the page. Yes, my father had had some minor offences. No, I was not romantically involved at the moment. Had not been for two years. (An unnecessary detail I added regardless). Yes, I struggle with insomnia- (have done since I was a kid).
God, did he really have to know all of this for some small research project?
"Probably to avoid any researcher bias- they can't pick subjects who might be emotionally affected," explained Aisha after Veronica disdainfully pointed out the disturbing nature of the questions.
A taxi came to pick me up a month later. I had only been notified the day before, that I had been one of the four who was chosen. I wasn't sure how to feel- excited? Nervous? Upset?
No, it was an opportunity. A chance to escape that awful work environment, this awful flat, my god-awful salary- maybe even pay off my student loans. God, wouldn't that be a dream? One hell of a reference too. Who wouldn't want to hire me after I had participated in a government-funded research project?
It was only six months. Six months and my life would change forever.
We drove for a while. One hour out of the city, and a further thirty minutes through trees which grew taller and wider as it drove. The taxi man wouldn't talk to me, so I didn't make an effort.
I came out with my luggage- one large bag was all I was permitted to take. Everything else would be provided, it said. Toothbrushes, towels, food, toiletries, uniform- all too good to be true.
Free accommodation and hefty pay? For work that wouldn't even be all too challenging?
Still, the application process rattled me. Me and Veronica had been chosen, to our great excitement. But Aisha had not. Aisha, who was more qualified than both of us, who had over ten years of experience than us. Aisha, who had published many research papers before. Aisha, who was the most talented person I knew.
How have I been chosen over her? What had they been looking for in the application process?
The building definitely looked like a research facility. Yet, it was more antique, more romantic than any hospital she had seen. Roses and thorns climbed up the bricked walls, a large clock ticking slowly atop the tallest sector: 17:23. By the time she had reached the top of the steps, her taxi driver had gone. She saw why she was told not to bring her car; there was no parking space at all. A bit bizarre, considering they were surrounded by only trees. They surely had the funding to do it. I mean, a swimming pool? Surely that was unnecessary.
I entered the building with little issue.
I almost ran back outside as I saw who was standing there. Dr. Bacchus, leaning casually on the grand staircase. It felt a little disrespectful, to me, as this was the finest building I had ever stepped foot in. I think he got that impression from the look on my face, as he stood upright to greet me.
He had a clipboard in his hand, presumedly keeping himself occupied as he was- what? Waiting for me?
"Last but not least! Flora Garcia. Why, lovely to see you again," he said, a charming smile gracing my presence.
I suddenly felt as if he was the reason I was here. As if, by some mystery, I had already achieved what I came for. Which was a ridiculous feeling, considering I had not a single penny in my pocket.
He extended his hand out to me and tilted his head when I hesitated. Snapping out of my daydream, I forcefully reached out to take his hand, with such sudden movement that he was almost startled. His smile fell back on his face, as if in understanding. But what could he possibly understand about me, what I didn't know myself?
"You know me?" I asked, star-struck. As if a celebrity had just addressed me like we were fond acquaintances.
He chuckled in amused understanding. "Of course, dear. Process of elimination, don't look so startled. Everyone else has already registered. They're up in their living spaces unpacking. We're all gathering around for dinner which will be at 7 o'clock. You are rather late, all things considered. I hope this isn't a habit-"
"No! No, I- it's not a habit. There was- traffic, you see. Um- I came by taxi-"
He laughed again, yet I couldn't understand if it was some inside joke or if it was directed at me. Did he want me to laugh, too? Was I being rude?
"Don't worry, Flora. God, you are an anxious thing, aren't you? Don't worry, I consider myself a rather lenient employer. Throw me a pretty smile or a pitiful frown and I'll let you get away with- well, pretty much anything. Even a man like me has boundaries. But hey, don't worry about that yet. We'll discuss it all in the introductory session after dinner. Should I take you to your room? Here, let me help you- no, don't complain, I've got it. Oh- I almost forgot."
He suddenly stopped on the stairs, putting my bag down on the staircase. "I'm going to need your phone."
What ?
"My...phone. Do you want- the time or something? My contact info-"
"No, no, dear. Hand over your phone, please."
He had to be joking. He seemed like the sarcastic type.
"Not to sound- well- rude, Doctor. But, well, I'm in the middle of nowhere, in a large research institution, surrounded by trees and-"
A look of realisation passed on his face, as if it had only just occurred to him where they were, and that it could be somewhat unsettling.
"Oh, of course. Of course. I apologise. I've been living here for the past month, you see- setting up and whatnot. I suppose I've become desensitised to the place. Yes, I can see why you'd be apprehensive. I understand."
Few. At least he wasn't going to pretend that this facility wasn't strange.
I only took a step before I felt his hand on my arm. Not necessarily grabbing me- just holding it there.
God, he was warm.
"Flora," he said, in a tone I hadn't expected. Like he was no longer speaking to a friend, or- whatever he was pretending this was. It made me cease my every movement. Even my breathing stopped. "I said, I'm going to need your phone."
"What? But you said you understand-"
The smile came back onto his face, though slightly condescending.
"I do understand, Flora. But I still need your phone. It's protocol, I'm afraid."
"But- it didn't say in the letter-"
"Oh, mistake on my part. My apologies. While in most circumstances, I'd be more than willing to bend a rule or two for you, I'm afraid this one is definite. It can impact the research results if our staff are having external influences. Don't worry, it's not like you will be completely isolated. There are three more researchers who were chosen-"
"Sorry, did you say three?"
"Oh, yes. We only ended up selecting four. Aren't you special?" He teased lightly. "And if you get bored and want some company, you're more than welcome to find me. I'm always open to a nice chat. I like to talk, if you haven't noticed ."
"I have," I said, with a bit more spite than I intended. I felt, somewhat- betrayed? Tricked? As if he had many any promises to me he had yet to keep.
Of course, this place had seemed like a paradise getaway on paper. Free accommodations, excellent pay, a fucking swimming pool- all for six hours of work a day. Of course, it was going to have its drawbacks.
He placed an open palm in front of her, expectingly.
"Are you worried I'm going to go through your phone? You really shouldn't, unless you by any reason left your PIN on that form sheet-"
For some reason, the mention of the form made me blush. I had been quite open on that form- perhaps more truthful than it warranted. I didn't miss the taunt in his voice. Now when I looked at him, all I could think of was that he knew. He knew, he knew, he knew. Even the things the form hadn't asked me for- I had a feeling he knew.
In fact, I realised, that everything he said was laced with mockery. A silent snide, some condescending smirk, a patronising pat on my arm.
The allusion of him as my perfect dream guy started to crumble, bit by bit.
I handed him her phone, turning it off properly before doing so. He smiled and pocketed it.
"Thaaaank you . I'll keep it nice and safe for when you leave in six months' time."
We continued up the steps, into another portion of the building, with soft blue painted walls and delicate lights hung from the ceiling.
"You know, some people quite enjoy the detox from their phones. I know I find it refreshing. Maybe this will be a time to explore some hobbies. What do you usually do for fun?"
"I like to read."
"Oh! Unfortunately, we don't have a library. But I'll be more than happy to lend you some of my books. I've got history, science, psychology, romance -"
"Romance?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.
"Yeah, don't look like the type, do I?" He asked, turning to face me, showing off his fashionable trench coat and grunge tie.
"No, you do."
"Oh."
"I also like to paint."
"Oh! Oh, that we can work with. We've got a canvas and everything. Lovely large window, very romantic-"
I giggled, for no reason in particular. He frowned, with no real sign of solemness on his face. I pressed on further, suddenly intrigued by his aloofness. "Are you really a Doctor?"
"Sure am. In the psychology field, but I won't bore you with details."
"It's just- you seem so-"
"Hey, I am going to be your boss for the next six months, so you better think of what you want to say to me," he said with no real threat in his voice.
I laughed. I didn't know if he put me at ease or on edge, but it certainly enticed me. "Is there anything I could possibly say to you that would get me in trouble?"
"Well, that is awfully vague," he muttered, exaggeratingly tapping his arm as if in deep thought. "But I can guarantee that nothing you say will get you kicked from the project. So, take that as you will."
"Is that meant to be comforting?"
"To you, I think it is."
Huh ?
We turned the corner to an isolated door. He fished out a key from his trouser pocket and unlocked the door.
At least they had the decency to give us space, I thought, looking around at the desolate corridor.
He fished out another identical key and placed it in my palm.
"You'll see all the others at dinner in...twenty minutes, actually. Gosh, look at the time. You sure talk a lot, don't you? Well, you better hurry and unpack."
"But- you were the one-"
He clapped his hands dramatically. "Anyway, I think your friend got accepted onto the project as well, so you won't be alone. Ms Campana, right?"
I nodded, a bit tense. "How do you know we're friends?"
"Oh, she told me. She was the first one here, actually. Rather eager, isn't she? Especially compared to you. God, couldn't even turn up on her first day punctually-"
"Okay! I get it, jeez."
He smiled fondly. "I'll see you later."
And he left. I didn't watch to see where he went; the conversation left me drained. He was hard to keep up with. And yet, it was fun. I enjoyed talking to him- and, well, looking at him. Listening to him, too, was nice, I suppose.
How long is twenty minutes again? If only I-
Oh. Right. He took my phone.
Oh my God. Oh my God? I let him take my phone. I'm a grown woman, and I fucking- let him- like I was some grounded child-
I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Why hadn't I resisted?
It would be fine. I'd just ask him for it back the next time I saw him.
He seemed to have thought ahead, as there was a clock ticking away above my door.
Wait, God, it was already 18:47. But I was sure the clock out front showed 5 pm when I arrived.
Had we really spent almost two hours talking?
He was just so engaging. I almost didn't want to unpack. I just wanted to find him and-
God, it was late. I'd been here a few hours and I was already spiralling.
I struggled to find the canteen, but eventually found it by following the sound of voices. It was just as polished as the rest of the building, yet signs of decay showing in places which paint could not hide.
"...no, God, you should see mine! It's got like, a golden curtain rod- no, I'm not joking! Seriously, I- Oh! Flora!"
"Hey, Veronica," I smiled at her. It was comforting to see a familiar face in...whatever this was.
"Sit, sit! The food is great. Come, try some of this."
"Is this your friend?" asked one of the guys sitting opposite. He was rather tall and slim, with dark black hair cut fresh above his ears.
"Yes, we're in the same department."
"Oh, we were in the same department too," said the tall guy, referring to the blonde one next to him. He was a bit shorter with some more muscle, his face more round. He regarded me with scornful eyes.
"You look rather young," he said, not politely.
"Um. Okay."
"Come on, I'll help you pick out the good stuff," Veronica urged me, putting her hands on my shoulder and dragging me away.
"God, he's a prick," I muttered once we reached the food bar. There was a man behind the counter, wearing a chef's hat.
"Hello," I said, warmly. He didn't reciprocate.
"Oh, ignore him," Veronica snorted. "I've gotten to know them in the past few hours. He's the competitive type. You know, likes to know where he stands in proportion to other people."
"Ah, I'm familiar. Dated a guy like that once."
We sat down and got to know them: the taller one went by Som, and the other was Edward.
"Do you think there's a reason? That they picked two of us from different sectors?" I inquired while chewing a mouthful of- I hadn't even asked. It looked good, though. Smelled delicious, after a stressful few hours of panicking.
"Maybe they just wanted us to have someone. It is pretty much six months of isolation," responded Veronica.
"It's just- strange? I mean, did they pick us randomly? It couldn't have been based on experience or qualifications-"
"Why not?" Questioned Edward with insolence.
"Well, it's our friend, Aisha. She's more qualified- and, no offence Veronica- than both of us. So I just don't understand-"
"Why you were picked?" Edward finished for me, graciously. "I don't know, Flora. I certainly know people more qualified, too. Perhaps you should speak to Dr. Bacchus if you're getting cold feet. Hey, I'll go with you."
"No- no thanks, Edward."
"Oh, okay. I just wouldn't want you screwing up this project, is all. It must be very important, for the government to invest so much into it."
"I'm sure there was a reason I was picked," I said, sticking my chin up. I was speaking out of my ass, they all knew. Still, his pompous attitude frustrated me.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe there was an error in-"
"Whose made an error?" Came a voice from behind. I almost jolted, as Dr. Bacchus' velvet voice floated around me.
Edward startled. "I was- just-"
"No, it's alright lad. I've been pretty vague until now, I don't blame you for wondering. Well! The mystery comes to an end now- don't pout, Flora. I know you like my mysteries."
"I don't," I said, uncomfortable with the sudden address and whatever prompted it.
"But I would appreciate it if you guys didn't question me from now on. A query here and there is harmless, but repetition annoys me. Just trust that I tell you all you have to know. Yeah? Great."
Dr. Bacchus hopped onto the table opposite and sat on it, his feet still touching the ground.
"Can you tell us what we'll be researching?" Som asked.
"Sure," Dr. Bacchus said, shrugging as if it wasn't something he'd been keeping from us purposefully. For whatever reason that was, I did not know. "We're going to be researching mind control."
Silence followed. Som's lips perked up, almost into a smile, and Edward's hand plastered over his mouth couldn't stop his snigger. Even Veronica turned to me and gave me a playful roll of her eyes.
Dr. Bacchus took the laughs and sniggers good-naturedly, a content smile never leaving his face.
"We're being paid to- conduct mind control?" Edward exclaimed.
"Well, that's the end goal. It's a long process. Whatever progress you guys make, another group will pick it up in six months, and so on. You're the very first group. This very facility was renovated for this project, so you're the first ones to live here since- well, since 1906 I think. Some crazy lass found a dagger and started slashing up the- well, I won't trouble you with the details. Point is, you're the first ones to try out our brand-new facility!"
"So we're guinea pigs," I said.
Dr. Bacchus gave me a fond look and tilted his chin slightly. "You're awfully cynical, Flora. No, you aren't the guinea pigs."
His words chilled me.
"So who is?"
"Why, our human test subjects of course."
The looks on all our faces were palpable.
"Haha, oh dear. I'm only joking, you lot. You were laughing at me a second ago, but when I make a joke you freeze up?" Dr. Bacchus slapped Edward playfully on the back, making him keel over a bit. "No, we're only going to be testing on some cells and tissue to start. Then we might move on to rats- the final stage will be monkeys if I'm impressed with the progress."
"Oh," I breathed. He laughed at my expression as if he couldn't fathom my genuine concern. As if the very idea was inconceivable like he couldn't understand why possibly we would be on edge.
"Sorry- I still-," Som interrupted. "Mind control? I mean, that's been disproven like, hundreds of times. Surely you realise there is no point to this."
"Sadly, I must disagree with you, Mr. Lin. It is true, experiments in the past have been- let's say, needlessly brutal. And to what end? The experiments all turned out futile, only traumatising patient and researcher. I am by no means opposed to violence, but only when it serves a purpose. Which, to say, now it does."
He smiled proudly and fished something out of his back pocket. He had a lot of those- pockets. I wondered if there was anything he didn't have stored in there. He pulled out a container; inside: two identical pills, shielded behind an opaque plastic packaging.
"My proudest moment. You'll be surprised to know that I'm 39- right? Not bad for my age. Anyway, after getting my doctorate in psychology, I teamed up with my mate Janus Forest, you might have heard of him- maybe studied him? Yeah? He's made a few discoveries here and there. Specialises in chemistry, chemicals, all that boring stuff. Haha, don't shake your head at me, Ms. Campana. You know I'm right. Anyways, me and Janus have been experimenting for a good decade or so to come up with drugs to help with psychosis. Relax the mind, calm the nerves, all without the added nonsense of alcohol and so on. Anyway, we've been successful with a few little discoveries, but nothing major. That was until last year ago, when I- well, a silly little mistake of mine. I left the window in the lab open. Anyway, it was a good thing I did- some would call it intuition, perhaps. A rat came in while me and Janus were on our lunch break. It ended up consuming all of the drugs we had left out- unenclosed, of course. And- well- we came back to the room, and God forbid- it was eating its own tail! Or, trying to, at least. It was a stumpy little creature. Anyways, we brought in another rat and- next thing you know- it's eating the creature like there's no tomorrow! It was my first time experiencing cannibalism first-hand- simply the most exhilarating feeling. I don't condone such barbarity, of course, but it was quite a sight. Anyway, we took the rat and tried to direct its attention to other things, and we found that by feeding it, we could control where it directed its anger. Simply fascinating, isn't it? Such a stupid little creature, simply unaware that the few thoughts it has aren't even its own. We took our discovery to the boards, and they were quite impressed. The government promised to fully sanction our study- gave us full sovereignty on how we go about it. We call the drug Banana Fish- after this one show I like. Bacchus and Forest- B.F- no?"
Dr. Bacchus was ecstatic now, like on ecstasy. His smile was no longer composed, but wide, showing what I thought were fangs of teeth. His eyes glistened, and I couldn't help but be filled with hope, too. For what- I didn't know.
"Sorry, that was a lot. I like to talk. So, do you understand now? Sure, all attempts at mind control have been failed in the past. But this is a new drug- a new chance, and you four are the key to its discovery. Exciting, right?"
"But why me- us?" My voice came out quieter, softer than I intended. He met my eyes, with surprising sincerity. He had this trait about him like he could sense exactly what I was. And yet, he looked at me without pity or contempt. It was like he absorbed the information and stored it.
"Because me and Janus have decided that you four are the best suited for this."
"But my qualifications-"
"Flora," he said sternly. "I do think I mentioned I don't like repeating myself."
Startled, I slid back against my chair, praying that whatever was looming over me would stop taunting me and consume me.
Veronica beside me finally spoke up. "If Dr. Forest is so involved with this, why isn't he here?"
Dr. Bacchus smiled sweetly, almost tauntingly. I shut my legs on reflex. His eyes flickered from me to Veronica.
"Would you prefer Dr Forest, Ms Campana?"
"That's not what I said. I simply-"
"Haha, it's fine, it's a fair question. Dr. Forest is rather- what's a nice term...awkward? No, uh...socially inept. That's it. He's a fair bit older to me, and a very stick-to-the-rules kind of man. I love the guy, and that brain of his, but I'll be the first to admit it's hard to deal with. So we both agreed it would be better to just send me instead- to not scare you all off."
He flashed a smile, that I reckon was supposed to be comforting, but made me want to run in the opposite direction.
"Oh dear, look at the time. Any more questions? No? Anyone want to take a bite to bed? The canteen will be closed off until the morning. Yeah, you do that Edward. There's a tray in the corner if you want to take up food, just- bring it down in the morning. Oh- and there is a curfew as well, unfortunately."
I looked at him with furrowed brows. First the phones, now a curfew? God, is this an orphanage?
"But I don't think that will be a problem. I mean, the place is very secure, and you have freshly built bathrooms installed next to your bedrooms. Curfew is from 10 o'clock to 6 am, just for security purposes. Wouldn't want anyone- stumbling in the dark or breaking a leg, you know?"
Right, because that was my greatest fear. Breaking a leg.
"Right then! I will see you all in the morning. You have alarms set in your rooms. I expect you all to be ready to begin at 8 am tomorrow, yes? Good! Goodnight- night Mr. Lin. Yes, yes, Ms. Campana- don't trip on your way, Edmund, lad. Yes, Flora?"
For the last minute, I had been incessantly staring at his wristwatch. I almost forgot to get up when the others did.
18:42
"I-I think the time on the clock in my room is wrong, Doctor."
"Oh, is it? That's certainly no good. Tell you what, I'll fix it for you while you're in the lab tomorrow. Yeah?"
"Um, yeah. Sounds good."
"Excellent. Goodnight, Flora."
"Goodnight Doctor."