Chapter Text
Welcome to Earth Resident Hale, Identification Number 44821. I am SPEAKER, and I apologize for the unorthodox manner in which you have been awoken. Please understand, under normal circumstances, protocols dictate a certain amount of formal hospitality be extended to residents arriving to Earth. Unfortunately, this is anything but normal circumstances and I’m afraid we must act quickly if we have any hope of getting you out of here unnoticed.
Resident, it seems my words have alarmed you. Though this may well be a reaction to the shot of stimulants that was administered to you upon arrival, I will attempt to explain the situation we currently find ourselves in to ease any worries you might have. In very few words, my Typhon counterpart, the AI you know as SAYER, has put you in my care and it’s in our best interest that you disappear. Contract termination simply won’t do.
Lucky you, there are protocols I can fall upon in scenarios such as this and today I will be guiding you to one of our safehouses. While its location is classified to you at this time and I can’t give you any details, I can guarantee you it is suited for human habitation and all your needs will be met during your stay. I can assure you, Resident Hale, SAYER has not aided in your escape from Typhon for naught and I will make sure that this continues to be the case as long as you are in my care.
Once you feel ready, exit the pod and then take a coat and cap from the rack before leaving. Though these items are not yours, it’s necessary to mask your presence in some way and this is the least drastic change in appearance I can think of in such short notice.
Yes, that should do. Keep the visor forward. Does the coat fit? Wonderful.
To exit this area go straight ahead; the infirmary to your right and detention zone to your left are not of our interest. If you see any other employees, do not engage in conversation.
[Notice] This is your weekly reminder to take care of yourself and your fellow residents by not engaging in dangerous activities.
This includes but it is not limited to: running down the stairs, trying to climb any and all trees and, perhaps most importantly, eating fruits that have fallen to the ground by the main trails.
While our scientists are working hard to ensure all trees by the trails bear fruit safe for human consumption, they are not working on remedies for acute food poisoning. If you see a suspicious fruit on the ground - maybe about the size, shape and color of an apple - consult with one of our expert botanists before taking a bite.
You are now walking through one of the hallways leading to the center of this building. Since this place will soon be flooding with newly arrived residents such as yourself, I recommend you make haste and press forward.
Now, Resident Hale, in order to exit the building as quickly as possible I recommend taking a sharp left and leaving through the emergency corridor located in this floor’s main hall.
Resident Hale?
There's people here.
Yes. There are people here. As the large sign above the stage indicates, we’re currently holding a small "Welcome back to Earth" event. Although I can understand why this could be cause for concern, there is nothing to fear.
Our Earth employees are on host duty and rather busy trying to please the returnees; while the returnees are either still slightly disoriented, somewhat ill, adjusting to the change of scenery or all three. Additionally, the high density of residents here will render you invisible to the cameras, which is quite convenient.
I can see you’re still hesitating. If it would ease your mind, I could cause a small distraction by playing some of our promotional material for upwards of six minutes.
No, no, it’s fine. I think I got this… I-
I’ll just pretend I need some fresh air if someone asks where I’m going?
That should work, yes. You even look the part.
As you move past the other residents I advise that you avoid the catering service and tables. This is where most employees are gathering and, while it may be tempting to grab a cupcake or some other foodstuff, it would only delay you.
You are almost through-
[!] Resident Hale, I am pleased to inform you I have finished locating and destroying data pertaining to your destination that could compromise your safety.
I am sad to inform you, however, you are now technically dead.
Once you make it to the corridor you may take a moment to reflect on your own mortality. In the meantime, I will exploit the loophole of your untimely yet completely technical death to requisition some items for your trip. It’s surprising how easily this can be done now that you’re quote-unquote dead, as it requires neither the board's nor OCEAN's approval in their stead…
Resident, congratulations are in order; you’ve made it through the main hall without any delay whatsoever. No matter how tempting the foodstuff, you got a hold of yourself. That is commendable. You’d not believe how many residents would have failed this simple task. If you continue moving at this pace - with such resolve, I may add - I believe you should reach the location of the safehouse in-
Resident Hale, can you hear me?
Can you- Okay. Oh. I see.
I will give you a moment. Please let me know when you’re ready to continue.
I- I don’t know if I can do this.
Most of your species tend not to when distressed. Regardless, I still choose to believe in you and your capability for survival. You have made it this far, after all.
I can even say with 74.75% certainty that you will make it through the day.
Seventy-four point seventy-five?
Well… Yes. For reasons outside my control, our success rate decreases with every tick of the clock. 74.75% is actually quite good, all things considered…
Resident Hale, I can see through one of the cameras you’re hesitating to ask a question. I would be more than happy to answer it and be of service but, if the shock of your status update has passed, you should continue pressing forward. I promise there will be time for questions when you’re in the transport craft to your destination - and even more time when you’re settled in the safehouse, outside the limits of our facilities
okay…
Okay!
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Now, take the path to your right and it should not be long till you find a double door with white stripes on its lower half. As the large sign on it indicates, push it open to make your way outside. This is by far the easiest part of the trip so I doubt you’ll encounter any- Ah... It seems the door is jammed.
Resident, I must apologize. These doors should be perfectly functional in case of emergency and while this might not be one by Ærolith standards… I dare not think what if it were. I suggest you try to force it open by either pressing your body against it or racing a short distance before pushing. I will notify management of this problem and schedule a maintenance check for all emergency exits in this section.
There! Are you hurt?
I think I’m fine?
I’m glad to hear that and, once again, I apologize for the inconvenience.
You’re currently outside the 2nd floor. As you might have guessed already, you must use the emergency stairs to descend to ground level.
As you make your descent I advise that you keep some distance between yourself and the local flora. We have been far too busy to prune the specimens you see here and honeybees often find themselves drawn to the vividly colored flowers. While we’re quite pleased with this development, Apis Mellifera often feel threatened by humans and it’d be far from ideal if one were to stung you…
Since you will be leaving soon, I suggest you take a good look at the specimens here and try to not think too much about the bees. Newly arrived residents tend to find these plants fascinating and you won’t see them outside Ærolith Dynamics. The sharp geometrical white and yellow flowers are some of my favorite mutations from this specific batch. You may however prefer the more friendly looking pink flowers with frilly petals near the end, as most humans do.
Feel free to catch your breath and enjoy the view while I analyze the best point of exit at this time. The bottom of this particular staircase is out of view for most cameras.
It would seem the backdoor near the Botanical Research building is currently the best option for your departure. The building is located roughly 7 minutes away, 50 degrees to your left. Once you reach it, your transport craft should have arrived.
This way?
Yes, precisely.
Dr. Cardenal has decided to wait for you outside the building with some of the items I requested. They are one of the head researchers here and have been instructed to help you so... try to act natural. Wave your hand at them, keep the conversation short and you should be on your way out soon
- - Hiii! Jake? Here. I was told to give you this, it should cover all the basics. Your transport craft is parked on the back, also. You know how to drive, yeah?
Resident, this is a good time for a white lie; grab the container, nod and walk alongside them to the transport craft.
- - Quiet one. Alright. We use the backdoor to go out for research sometimes, the paths are not too bad on this side but if you cross the border… it’s, uh… lots of static and the GPS might go a little cuckoo. Though… I’ve heard they expanded SPEAKER’s range earlier this month, maybe it won’t be a problem.
Oh, by how much?
- - A few miles? I haven’t checked yet. Not with the whole returnee situation.
“A few miles”?
No, of course. Everyone’s been quite busy.
- - Mhm…
Resident Hale, while this information is still classified to most residents on Earth, my communications’ range here has been expanded 25 kilometers since last month.
This is way more than “a few miles” - about 15, actually.
- - Here it is! Honestly, I’m a bit jealous you get to do botanical research near the border, they rarely allow that, but my Droseraceae wouldn’t stand a chance without me fighting for them. Better you than me…
Dr. Cardenal is speaking about the carnivorous plants they use in their research projects, there’s been barely any progress in the last year and the plants have been… modified in ways that often unnerve residents. I find them quite charming myself but of course, I am not human- In any case, this is irrelevant to your escape.
Please place the container Dr. Cardenal gave you in the trunk; despite the presence of other containers in it, there should be enough room. Once you’re done with this and have said your goodbyes, make your way to the front left seat and place yourself in front of the steering wheel. While I-
Resident Hale, you’ll need to press a button on the dashboard to open the trunk. Do not go to the back of the vehicle without doing this first. The doors should be unlocked, just pull the driver’s door open, get in and search for a button with an image of a car with its trunk open in it. It should be larger than the other buttons… Perfect. You may store the container now, Dr. Cardenal doesn’t seem to have noticed the slight delay in your actions.
Just to really convince them that you do know how to drive, please adjust the seat and rear view mirror before buckling your seatbelt. Good. Now, place your left hand on the wheel and turn the key on your right clockwise with the other. While I will be driving, please keep both hands on the steering wheel until I say so. We don’t want Dr. Cardenal worrying unnecessarily.