Quoted By:
Plugging Denise’s noise hole with your finger, you lead her over to the <span class="mu-g">MAINTENANCE PASSAGE</span> and shoulder your way through the door. Unlocked. Sloppy!
“<span class="mu-i">I-I d-don’t th-think we’re supposed to be in here, Stanley…</span>” The scientist blubbers from behind your finger as you make sure the coast is clear. Relax, you grunt, you’re <span class="mu-i">technically</span> a maintenance worker! Besides, you shrug, what are they gonna do? Put her in jail again? Denise recoils at the thought!
“<span class="mu-i">M-maybe we sh-should go…</span>”
You <span class="mu-i">will</span>, you hiss, but not before she answers a question or two… <span class="mu-i">off the record</span>, that is! When she raises an eyebrow in confusion, you surreptitiously point a finger towards the ceiling–they’re <span class="mu-i">always</span> watching!
“<span class="mu-i">Errr, qu-questions? I can d-do that…</span>” She nods, staining the floor with a fresh coat of sweat. <span class="mu-i">EW.</span> “<span class="mu-i">W-what’s on your mind? I-Is this about th-the CHEMICALS? I sw-swear, I didn’t mean-</span>”
No, you frown, this is <span class="mu-s">BIGGER</span> than that! You wanna know about <span class="mu-g">’TALBIE’,</span> dang it! And <span class="mu-i">HER!</span>
A goofy grin forms on the scientist’s perpetually-trembling face. “<span class="mu-i">H-heheh… M-me and Talbie…</span>”
You get her back on track with a flick to the forehead. Yea, dork! What’s their <span class="mu-i">deal</span> anyways? She acts like they’re ‘<span class="mu-i">chums</span>’ or something!
“<span class="mu-i">W-well you c-could say that…</span>” Denise nods, cradling her reddening cheeks in her hands. “<span class="mu-i">T-Talbie w-was the only one in th-the lab who was ever n-nice to me, you know…</span>”
Stanley pokes her head out of your coat just to exchange a confused glance with you. Wait, you mutter, shaking your head in disbelief, she’s saying that <span class="mu-g">TALBOT,</span> obnoxious, meathead, punk Talbot, was <span class="mu-i">NICE</span>?! To <span class="mu-s">HER?!</span>
“<span class="mu-i">H-heh heh… J-jealous, a-are we?</span>” The scientist replies with a coy grin. <span class="mu-s">NO WAY,</span> you sputter, barely holding back another forehead flick! Y-you just don’t believe her, is all! She’s <span class="mu-r">PRIME BULLYING MATERIAL–</span> why wouldn’t he go for easy prey!?
“<span class="mu-i">W-well,</span>” She begins, “<span class="mu-i">It’s a l-long story…</span>”
Then tell the <span class="mu-s">SHORT VERSION</span>, you hiss, or you’re giving her a <span class="mu-r">WET WILLY!</span>
“<span class="mu-i">EEEP! O-OKAY! SHORT VERSION!</span>”
That’s <span class="mu-i">better</span>!
>CONTD.
