[in light, shaky handwriting]

Captain,

Are you still here?


Admiral ZEX

TAN AKA, HYZ (HE HEZ?)

Are you both still here?

Admiral ZEX

-

SEX (SKZ? SE SY),

How are you faring today?

Admiral ZEX

-

DON NAA,

Thank you for your assistance last night. I apologize for any odd behavior on my part... as I've mentioned, nighttime brings on... stressful memories for me.

Admiral ZEX

[his writing is back to normal again; shaky and difficult to read]

I may have acted strangely yesterday and for that I apologize to those who know me. I am feeling more like myself today. I'm open to discussing it if you so desire. In fact, TAN AKA, there are some things we should discuss, particularly regarding the day before yesterday. ASH, I hope you do not hold my odd behavior against me. It was, I'm sure, only a momentary lapse in character.


Admiral ZEX ("MAX")

[Max actually makes an attempt to disguise his handwriting here, although it's a poor one]

Is anyone up for a thought experiment?

So let's say, hypothetically, that you know someone who has a friend, and let's say this friend (this hypothetical friend, remember) has maybe sort of kind of started maybe sort of seeing things that might not really be there, maybe. Nothing really huge or horrible or crazy or anything like that (because this hypothetical friend of a friend isn't crazy or anything) and not a fullscale hallucination, but just little flashes or glimpses of weird things during the day, like static and... odd stuff. But it's not all the time and it's not even that big a deal, really, it's very minor but it's just... kind of happening and it's weird.

What do you think this hypothetical person should do? Hypothetically. Should they talk to a nurse maybe? Or maybe a doctor? It's really not a huge problem, but it's not normal, obviously. But I thought the scenario was interesting (it's not real) and I was wondering what other people thought (about this friend of a friend that doesn't really exist).

For the record, let's say this imaginary person maybe a long time ago might have [dots as if he tapped his pen] went on a spirit journey or something so he took some peyote or something like that (totally legally), so could this maybe be a flashback? Is there some way to make it stop?

Hypothetically.

[for those familiar with it, it's still ZEX's writing, although it's uncharacteristically clear and easy to read]

Z X Z Xigbar,

We had plans together yesterday, didn't we? I think we did, but it's a bit hard to remember now. Do you want to reschedule maybe? Let me know, okay?


Teesel, Wally,

Are you guys doing alright? I'm, uh... better than I have been, I guess you could say. I wouldn't mind talking to either of you if you've got the time though.


[his writing is unsure here, unlike his other signatures]
ZEX (Max)
^Admiral

TEE ZEL,

are you available tonight? i may need you. please let me know.

Admiral ZEX



Shofixti, Syreen, Spathi,

are you still alive?

Admiral ZEX

[written cleanly and clinically, with the appearance of having been rewritten several times]

Captain,
I suspect this is pointless and that you are indeed dead, but I feel I should confirm it. If you survived your injuries somehow, please respond.

Admiral ZEX

Captain,

Are you still here? Are you safe? I still have something I want to give you... let me know when you're available.

Admiral ZEX

--

TEE ZEL,

Will we be working together again tonight? If not, I'll make other arrangements.

Admiral ZEX

---

To Those who are not Human,

Some of you expressed interest yesterday in helping me gather materials for our "key" to the doors on the second floor. Were any of you successful? What did you obtain, and in what quantities? Please let me know. Pooling our resources will help things go much quicker.
If you would like to assist, simply contact me and I'll provide a list of the required materials.

Admiral ZEX

[his handwriting is a little better than yesterday's]

VAN, ASH

There are some things I think we should discuss. Are either of you available today?

-

My dear Captain,

I didn't have time to show you my last surprise! I suppose we'll just have to meet again. ♥ Are you free tonight? I could bring it to you, if you like...

-

WAL LEE,

Are you well? I haven't seen you in a while... what have you been up to?

-

Spathi, Shofixti,

Are you both alright? Do you have anything new to report?


Admiral ZEX



---

[This note has now been torn down]

[as always, ZEX's next note is hard to miss, what with all the badly drawn hearts and faily attempts at fancier handwriting.]

♥ TEE ZEL ♥

I just wanted to express my appreciation for last night! I found it ♥ ve♥ry enjoyable ♥, and I hope you felt the same! You were a bit... bigger than I was used to, but I like that about you. ♥ After all, how can one learn without new experiences to draw from? We should really do that again sometime soon. ♥

Oh, and don't worry, you didn't leave any marks on me with your claws! At least, I don't think you did. You're so fierce. ♥

♥ Admiral ZEX ♥

[ZEX's handwriting is worse than usual, but he's putting effort into it]

For Those who are Not Human,

I did some preliminary investigation regarding the doors upstairs. For our newcomers, I believe that these doors could conceal the stairs to the third floor, where I believe either our bodies are kept, or the method with which we are changed from our natural form to a human one is housed. The doors, as I suspected, will not be moved with brute force from any one human or even a group, so that leaves us with two options.

- An explosive or incendiary of some sort

- Finding the keys

My knowledge of chemistry is fragmentary at best, and your atmosphere may be differently composed than mine so what I do know of explosives might not apply here. There is that and I am still unfamiliar with how human locks work. However, I doubt many things could withstand the force of a good explosive, and an incendiary could melt the handle of the door if they function here as I think they do. I've spoken with someone who says they would be willing to construct an explosive as long as they are given the materials. I'm going to be searching for these myself, but things will progress much faster with more people. I'd recommend that if you are interested in investigating the doors on the second floor, you might help with this search (I am hoping that some of you will have more information about human society and materials than I do.)

[Here ZEX copies the list Rude gave him earlier]
bleach, metal pipes, a hot plate/heat source, a battery hydrometer, large steel containers, beakers, a balance to measure chemicals, potassium chloride, glycerin, sulfuric and nitric acid, alcohol, mercury, powdered aluminum, iron oxide, gasoline, glass containers, a snake bite kit, a solar ignitor, wire or string, batteries, sulfur, sawdust, charcoal, electric tape

I believe most of the chemicals (I assume a lot of these are chemicals) can be found in the laboratory areas. I already have a metal pipe, so that is at least one thing. This list may be removed at a later date, depending on how strictly the staff watches this board, so please copy it if you can. If you need a copy, I can make one for you if you contact me.

The keys are a more difficult matter. I do not know where they might be located, or who might have them. Since the staff at times can assume monstrous forms at night, they might still carry them when they are changed. This may be our last resort if the doors withstand a bomb blast.

If you would like to investigate the doors upstairs yourself (particularly if you have some knowledge of human locks), I advise you exercise caution. I would be interested in hearing any new information you may find, however.

Again, you do not have to assist me with any of this as I will try to do it myself if it comes to that, but things can be accomplished faster with teamwork. I would hope that if we share a united goal, we can work together to achieve that goal. I am sure many of you want to be yourselves again, and this seems to be the key to doing so.

I welcome any other suggestions as to how to get through these doors, if you have them.


Admiral ZEX



[ooc: I went and googled up how to make some simple explosives to make a list of stuff Rude might want, so that list should pretty much cover a lot of various bombs and a basic combo that makes gunpowder. I hope it's okay that I went and just threw a bunch of possible stuff together (cause it'd be a bit hard to look for stuff when I don't know what I'd be looking for :O) and man I hope the government doesn't come after me for being a terrorist now]

[the letters are scratched out with more... enthusiasm than usual, and there are a few stray lines here or there that don't quite add up to letters]

My Captain,

I'm afraid we may have to reschedule. When are you next available?

Admiral ZEX

[ZEX's handwriting is still worse than usual, but it's obvious that he was trying pretty hard to make it legible this time]

To the beautiful black-haired female from the second floor last night,

I only wish I knew your name so I could address you properly! Since you've shown me that you're capable of reading and understanding the messages I write, I thought it'd be appropriate to write a note to you personally, rather than have you come across me extolling your virtues to others.

I've been finding the gifts you've been leaving me! Although, sometimes in some odd places... but I appreciate them regardless! I understand that it may be difficult for you to speak with me personally, given the amount of people and staff around during the day, and perhaps it is difficult for you to write with your singular physical properties (I imagine the constant motion of the head would make it difficult). If your hair is how you wish to communicate, then I will scarcely complain! I appreciate your attention either way. ♥

I am glad you're not holding my unfortunate actions last night against me. I assure you, I had no intention of hurting you! I was just a bit startled by... how you expressed your affection, and I responded perhaps rashly. But it is heartening to see that you are still watching me and have interest in me, and continue to leave me evidence of such. I will gladly assume you have forgiven me!

I'm very fascinated by you, and would like to learn more about you. You are one of the most striking humans I've seen here so far... I've never seen another human that looked quite like you! I want you to know that I hold absolutely no ill will towards you in regards to what happened last night, and I would love to develop a more... intimate relationship with you. I believe we have many things we can learn from each other! There may be differences between us, but I believe they can be overcome with determination and resolve, and I have both. Besides, I adore difference, just as I adore a challenge. ♥

Please let me know, in your own way if you like, if you read this message. Perhaps we can see each other again soon!


Admiral ZEX ♥

[his handwriting is worse than usual]

My Captain,

Please contact me.

Admiral ZEX


--

TEE ZEL ♥,

I think you still have my pipe. Should we arrange another meeting tonight so I can get it back...?

Admiral ZEX

--

[this note is addressed to no one in particular]

I would be very grateful if some of you would be kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

First,
Has anyone encountered a humanoid creature on the second floor, near where the Sunroom opens up? She looks something like this.
( a badly drawn sketch is tacked up here )
My apologies for my poor rendition, I'm not an artist and my arm isn't cooperating today. She had long black hair, wide beautiful eyes, and did not speak, although I believe she was sentient. She also had the ability, somehow, to only appear visible to certain parties, and become immaterial at will. Someone described her as a "ghost", although she seemed alive enough to me, and she left behind evidence that she was there. Has anyone else spoken to her or encountered her? I would love more information, since I believe I provoked her unintentionally when we last met, so we weren't able to have a meaningful discussion...

Second,
Have any of you found any keys that have not yet been matched to a door? I would be interested in borrowing them to see if they can unlock the doors on the second floor, if you'd be willing to lend me them. They will be returned.
If you have found keys, where did you find them?

Third,
Can anyone tell me what "Ecstasy" or "LSD" are? I believe they are some kind of psychoactive substance. Do they have side effects? What do they do?

[ZEX's handwriting is poor, as always, but there's a bit more effort put into making it readable this time]

To Those who are not Human (in that when you were brought here, you were changed into a human body),


I have reason to believe that our original bodies and the method that was used to change us from one form to another are located on the third floor of the Institute. Some of you may already know or suspect this, but some may not, and that is reason enough for this notice in my eye.

From the maps that have been posted up here, it seems that no one has been able to gain access to the third floor of the Instititute thus far, judging by the lack of maps for that area. From what I've heard, attempting to reach the third floor from outside the facility will not work - the windows will not break, and the flying creatures will harry your progress. That leaves finding access from inside the facility itself. There are some locked doors on the second floor that I believe have yet to be opened.

[Here there's a badly drawn version of a certain section of the 2nd Floor]

I apologize for my poor rendition, but I'm not an artist, and hands are still difficult for me. You can see that I've circled (or attempted to) three doors south of the railing overlooking the Sun Room... as far as I'm aware, no one has found a way through these doors (if you have, please contact me). Since stairs seem to mostly be located in the southern parts of the building, it is possible the stairs for the third floor are hidden behind these doors.

It's safe to assume that, if these doors do indeed lead to the third floor, they will most likely be locked and guarded, and probably will not open without a great deal of force. Someone suggested using explosives to open them in this case, which may be the best option. If anyone has succeeded in creating explosives of this magnitude, I, and others I'm sure, would be interested in obtaining some for this purpose.


If you have more information regarding the third floor, please let me know.

If you are non-human, have been taken for Special Counseling, and were returned to your own body for that night, I would be very interested in hearing what you can recall of the experience.


Admiral ZEX

My Captain,

I haven't heard back from you yet! I still have something rather important I want to give you... are you still here? Are you alright? Please let me know so we can arrange a meeting.

Admiral ZEX




[almost as an afterthought]

Shofixti, are you still here?

TEE ZEL ♥

Thank you very much for your company last night! ♥ I think we really accomplished a lot together, don't you? I think it was a rousing success, despite our few... setbacks. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to spending more time together in the future! I haven't had much experience with humans that are so... big. ♥

Admiral ZEX

---

ASH

Are you adjusting alright? If you ever need assistance, please feel free to ask! I would love to spend more time with you. ♥

Admiral ZEX

---

My dear ♥ Captain ♥

I have something of yours that I think you'll be very interested in! But it's not something that should really be discussed here. Perhaps we can meet later? ♥

Admiral ZEX ♥

---

FWI FFO [a bit shaky... he's unsure about the spelling]

Are you doing alright? I haven't spoken to you in some time! I actually had some questions I wanted to ask you... I don't suppose you're free sometime today?

Admiral ZEX

---

W A LLY [with some difficulty... he's trying to remember how it was spelled]

I hope you're doing well! We haven't seen each other in some time, have we? We should fix that. ♥ After all, our last meeting was so pleasant! If you are available, let me know...

Admiral ZEX

---

MAA RIA,

Are you alright? I hope we didn't cause too much trouble for you.

Admiral ZEX

[Careful, labored writing... ZEX is trying very hard to get this right]

MEL L O

Where are we going to meet for tonight's expedition?

TAM AKI,

I would like to thank you and your associates for your assistance last night. It was greatly appreciated. I was not in the best state of mind when we met, but hopefully if we meet again in the future, it will be under better circumstances.



ZEL LOS,

I don't think I had a chance to properly thank you for your very informative lessons about human anatomy the other day. I did so enjoy your demonstration... I hope to put such information to good use! If you would be willing to discuss such things further, please let me know...



ZIG BAR,

I am still very interested in your offer for a more... personal discussion. There have been some minor... complications, however, as last night was not entirely kind to me. I suffered some minor injuries, nothing very serious, but they do... somewhat impede the use of my legs, just a small amount (a barely noticable limp, really). You are the more experienced of us both, as you told me... I do hope such a minor detail won't spoil what you had in mind.
Please, let me know what time would be most convenient for us to... talk.



Admiral ZEX

How many of you were not human before you came here?

How drastic was your change?

Do you think it will, or even can, be reversed?