TIME: 08:19
DATE: CLASSIFIED
LOCATION: TESTING SITE #3
SECURITY CAMERA #7 (SUBJECTS’ RESTING QUARTERS)

“Hello!” Dr. Picani smiled at them as he opened the door, a covered tray in hand.

They all froze, gaping at him. Subject R-E and Subject R-O paused their screaming match, instead choosing to stare at the new face, stunned.

“Who are you?” Subject V asked, eyeing him warily.

“I’m Dr. Picani.” He told them gently. “But you can call me Emile.” 

“You work with Dr. Berry.” Subject R-O growled, moving to stand in front of them defensively. “What do you want?” 

Dr. Picani frowned. “...I brought food!” He told them, holding up the tray.

Subject V glanced down at the pocket watch in his hands. “It’s not lunch time yet. It isn’t for a few more hours.” He said, brow furrowed. 

“Oh, I know!” Dr. Picani assured them. “It’s just, well, I figured you haven’t had much access to sweets, and I thought that…” He pursed his lips, shifting nervously under their suspicious looks. 

“Sweets?” Subject P asked weakly from his bed. 

“Yes!” Dr. Picani smiled brightly. He placed the tray on a nearby table, removed the covering, and the subjects marvelled at the large cake that resided on it.

“What...what have you done to it?” Subject V asked nervously, peeking over Subject R-O’s shoulder. 

“What have I done to it?” Dr. Picani echoed, confused. “Nothing? Why would you think I’ve…?” He furrowed his brow, before dropping his voice to a low whisper. “What has he been doing to you in here?” 

They didn’t respond.

“Um, I look forward to getting to know all of you!” Dr. Picani told them. “You all seem to be quite the lovely people!”

Subject R-O lowered his guard a bit, but still stood in front of them all. “Why are you being so friendly?” He snarled, glaring at Dr. Picani. 

“Why shouldn’t I?” Dr. Picani asked, frowning a bit in confusion. “Dr. Berry is nice to you all, right?”

Subject R-E rubbed at his wristband, eyes glazing over. 

When Dr. Picani noticed, Subject R-O scowled and shifted so that he was blocking the scientist’s view of his brother.

“Well, uh, I’ll leave this with you.” Dr. Picani laughed awkwardly, pulling out a knife and placing it next to the cake. “Enjoy! And…” He glanced up at the camera, before looking back to the subjects and whispering something that was too low for the microphone to pick up.

The subjects' eyes all widened, and Dr. Picani smiled before exiting the room.