Peitharchia

It’s been two months since you began at Pietharchia. Since the [[walls->1.1]] above the sea consumed you. (set: $morale to 0) (set: $money to 500) (print: "Money: $money") <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height: 100%; } </style> <img src=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1224184901398691950/1224218462637785268/title.png?ex=661cb14a&is=660a3c4a&hm=554fa26fb5fe50f1e57ec30b950425e818e91a296600f628a53abfd233e072b1&.png> </div> { (track: 'OA', 'loop', true) (track: 'OA', 'playwhenpossible') }

Glass panes stretch up from the floor as black water hits rocky cliffs. The sky is rarely visible. You migrate from kitchen to dining room, gliding seamlessly across the pearl tiles. The tables nearly clean themselves at this point. You were thrilled to be promoted from busser to waitstaff. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to afford the [[rent ->1.2]] increase.

Still less than the guests pay to stay here! A greater pay means more responsibility, but you’re [[prepared ->1.3]].

You’ve cleaned every inch of this floor. Your knees bear the burden. You’ve interacted with guests. You’re prepared. Still, you find yourself [[biting your lip ->1.4]] as you watch the dining room through the eyes of a server for the first time.

A drop of blood hits your tongue. The first guest of the day enters. Your shift has [[begun ->1.5]]. { (track:'OA', 'stop') (track: 'KA', 'loop', true) (track: 'KA', 'playwhenpossible') }

You have nothing to do with your hands. You step into the kitchen. [[Bodies ->1.6]] in uniform collide with one another, shouting orders. The manager stands in the corner, his ceaseless presence daunting.

Tony slumps over a pot. Tentacles undulate beneath his still body. You don’t consider waking him. Everyone is so busy. The first guest in your section arrives. Your heart lurches to your throat and you swallow dry air. Rachel leads him to his table and hands him the [[menu ->1.7]] of the day.

Cuttlefish Risotto Steamed Monkfish over Greens Raw Beronok Sesame Squid Salad Inquire with special requests [[He ->1.8]] glances at the menu for a moment before setting it down and folding his hands politely over the menu. { (track: 'KA', 'stop') (track: 'DR', 'loop', true) (track: 'DR', 'playwhenpossible') }

He has a trident on his tie. He avoids bending his neck to avoid impalation. His eyesight is weary. His eyeglasses are deep turquoise and make his eyes appear beady. You approach. [[Good Afternoon, sir. Are you enjoying your stay at Peitharchia ->1.10]]

"Yes. Monkfish please." [[Absolutely. Anything to drink? ->1.12]]

"Small glass of chardonnay." [[I'll have that right out. ->1.14]]

Your feet tap the floor with unprecedented rhythm and stride. You relay the order to [[Tony ->1.15]], who is now awake and buzzing from corner to corner. His head bobs up and down rapidly. His cleaver swings wildly.

A few idle moments pass before you have the Monkfish and chardonnay in hand. Alright, here is the monkfish and the chardonnay. [[Is there anything else I can get you at the moment?->1.16]]

The man picks up his fork before placing it back down immediately. His trident gleams as he makes eye contact behind his turquoise lens. { (live: 4s)[ (stop:) [[Tie my shoe. ->1.17]]] }

You freeze. [[Of course ->1.18a]] [[I'm afriad I'm not authorized to do that. ->1.18b]]

You bend down, your knees familiar with the floor beneath you. The scaled boots reach his knees. You knot the laces and stand back up. He places 50 dollars on the table with a wide grin on his face. [[Thank you sir. Enjoy your meal. ->1.19]] (set: $morale to it -1) (set: $money to it +50) (print: "Money: $money")

A scowl touches the corners of his lips and he begins to shake his head. He takes the Fork back into his right hand and begins to eat, eyeing you menacingly. [[I apologize sir. Enjoy your meal. ->1.19]] (set: $morale to it +1)

The [[kitchen->2.0]] finds you with halted breath. The sterile wall meets your spine and you exhale. Tony approaches.

"Look, it’s gonna be fine. Keep it together. Think about how many tips you’ll have at the end of this." You offer a downturned smile and make a beeline back towards the dining room. The manager was [[approaching ->2.1]] to stop the conversation. It’s best to appear busy.

Just as you enter, you see Rachel seating the next [[table->2.2]] in your section. A couple. The man is dressed in a green pinstripe suit and the woman in a blue pinstripe one.

You approach the couple with a smile stitched into the muscles in your cheeks. [[Good afternoon. Are you two enjoying your stay at Peitharchia? ->2.3]]

"Oh yes. It’s just lovely." "Yes, It’s just very lovely!" "Our room is right by the pool." "And we can see the ocean!" "So very exciting." "We’ll be sure to come back." [[I am so glad to hear that. Are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes? ->2.4]]

"I think we’re ready. Honey, are you-" "Yes I believe so. I’ll have the cuttlefish risotto." "And I’ll have the same, please." "And could we please have a bottle of Merlot." "Oh, that would be wonderful. A bottle of Merlot." [[I’ll have that right out.->2.5]] "Thank you very much!"

The rhythm and stride has [[regenerated->2.6]] in your soles. You feel at ease with this table.

After the order has been relayed to the chefs, you feel a firm grasp on your arm. You look to your left to see the [[manager. ->2.7]] The darks of his eyes are blue. { (track: 'DR', 'stop') (track: 'KA', 'loop', true) (track: 'KA', 'playwhenpossible') }

"I have something to tell you." You nod quickly and follow him to the corner of the kitchen. "The couple that just came in?" He speaks with his teeth touching. His jaw is firm and specks of spit fly from his [[lips->2.8]]. "Very. Bad. News."

You don’t feel in the place to ask any questions. "I’ll be watching you serve them. We’ll have to make some adjustments to their order." Your eyes reflexively dart to the dining room. The fog hangs low behind the couple. [[What sort of adjustments? ->2.8a]] [[I understand. ->2.8a]]

"Don’t worry about it. Everything is going to be standard." Tony approaches the two of you wielding two steaming plates of [[cuttlefish risotto->2.9]]. White wine cuts through the air

The manager’s pale face [[apparates->2.10]] near your shoulder. His teeth are more yellow than they were moments before. He wears a grin layered with contempt.

He places a small metal object next to you on the prep surface. A [[nail clipper->2.11]]. Undoubtedly from his office. "There you go."

You glance behind you for reassurance. The [[kitchen->2.12]] continues as usual. Rachel stumbles over a stack of dishes. The new busser clearly doesn’t know where to place things. Tony and Steven move their knives expertly, slicing suction cups off of tendrils and gouging eyes.

He eyes you menacingly, waiting for you to [[complete->2.13]] his request. Go ahead!

You clip one fingernail into the dish on the [[left->2.14]]. It falls near a pupil.

The manager nods, encouraging you to continue. You clip another fingernail into the dish on the [[right->2.15]]. It lands near a tendril.

He remains nonverbal. It’s clear you have no choice but to continue. You clip until the skin under your nails is cut [[raw->2.16]]. The plate on the right might have a drip of blood.

He gives you a firm pat on the back and circles back to inspect the other staff in the kitchen. Your mind races. You feel eyes burning into the back of your neck. [[As carefully as possible, you remove the human specks from the dishes.->2.17a]] [[Sweat drips down the nape of your neck. You leave the nails in the dish.->2.17b]]

(set: $morale to it + 1) The plates balance on the tips of your fingers. Too hot on the spots where the skin is inflamed. Pearl tile is far too slick for such contentious moments. You see the bottle of Merlot has already been placed on the [[table->2.18a]]. Rachel must have helped out. { (track: 'KA', 'stop') (track: 'DR', 'loop', true) (track: 'DR', 'playwhenpossible') }

(set: $morale to it - 1) The plates balance on the tips of your fingers. Too hot on the spots where the skin is inflamed. Pearl tile is far too slick for such contentious moments. You see the bottle of Merlot has already been placed on the [[table->2.18a]]. Rachel must have helped out.

I apologize for the wait. The couple finishes their sips and quickly sets down the [[glasses->2.19a]]. "Oh, it’s no problem at all." "Not a problem."

Here is your risotto. Let me know if I can get you anything else? "This should be all." "Yes, thanks so much." Disgust slinks out from the notches in your spine and finds itself in your throat. Of course. Enjoy. You find it difficult to remove yourself from the situation, but your feet find you back in the [[kitchen->3.0]].

Rachel enters the kitchen with a hurried expression on her [[face->3.1]]. Salt forms near her brow You exchange a glance of exhaustion And you enter the dining room.

A [[man->3.1b]] and [[woman->3.1c]] sit on opposite sides of the [[table->3.2]].

His ears lie flat to his head. They’re [[slotted->3.1]].

Her silver hair matches the light reflecting from her [[skin->3.1]].

Good afternoon. How are you two enjoying your stay at Peitharchia? Beaded eyes meet yours, joined in silence. What can I get you two to drink? The small man gestures towards the full glass of [[water->3.3]] in front of him. The remnants of his first few mouthfuls remain on his lips.

She purses her face tightly and moves her purse across her lap. He waves casually across the length of the room to an unknown acquaintance before shifting his attention to the scene at hand. "I have an [[inquiry->3.4]]."

Alright, go ahead. Let me see what I can do. "I need to take a look at the raw menu." We can offer virtually anything raw. "Do you have any tripod fish?" Yes, we caught some just this morning. "We’ll take one." Is that all? "It needs to be big." Absolutely. I’ll be [[right back with that->3.5]].

You hadn’t been to the [[refinery before->3.6]]. Bussers aren’t typically allowed. The equipment can be dangerous. { (masteraudio: 'stopall') (track: 'RE', 'loop', true) (track: 'RE', 'playwhenpossible') }

Though it’s directly below the kitchen, the territory was foreign. Rust colored metal shelving units hold tons of ice and flesh. It’s far too [[cold->3.7]].

Wheels pull lines of rope from wall to wall. Large metal sheets encase the perimeter. The corners are frosted twice over. Beings lie [[still->3.8]]. Clipped to the lines Creatures held afloat by their own dead weight. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height: 100%; } </style> <img src=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1224184901398691950/1224218433009221673/refinery.png?ex=661cb143&is=660a3c43&hm=772d1f12ff56cf3c36b721d5364dbc5c2ed28992d1a2b1b6cc1920e0d36ce1a6&.png> </div>

You were told of a shipment of tripod fish came in And you’d heard the groan machinery haul the net up thousands of meters. But you were having trouble locating their place on the shelves. Darkness in the refinery often proved to be [[ceaseless->3.9]]. A whirring motor disrupted the auditory shade and pulled a new line of fish from the other side of the warehouse.

The thin tissue connecting fin to body changed into a nearly translucent patch of sinew. Beams of light pass through the fish, revealing three long tendrils on each abdomen. You approach with hurried caution. It isn’t polite to make the guests wait. You touch the fish lightly with an open hand, inspecting each of them carefully. You immediately reach for the largest one, but pass it up due to it’s third eye. The second largest will have to do. The elastic flesh snaps from the [[clip->3.10]] and lies firm but limp in your palm. You take the steps up two at a time.

It isn’t your job to plate them. No one ever told you how. But everyone is so busy. You [[throw->3.11]] the tripod fish on a large aluminum tray.

The couple has moved seats at the table. They’re sitting next to each other now, silently watching you [[approach->3.12]]. Your footsteps match the cadence of the waves match the beating of your heart. I apologize for the wait. This one is right from the refinery. { (track: 'RE', 'stop') (track: 'DR', 'loop', true) (track: 'DR', 'playwhenpossible') }

As you set the tray on the spotless tablecloth you narrowly avoid a thick stack of [[cash->3.13]] lounging arrogantly. It looks to be enough to pay your rent. Discomfort pokes your neck. "We have another special request."

How can I help? "We’ve actually just eaten and we don’t want this fish to go to waste." He [[pushes->3.14]] the wad of cash towards you. 100 dollars He blinks sideways.

"Would you like to put this money in your pocket tonight?" I’m not sure what you mean, sir. "If you could just eat this fish you’ve so carefully prepared for us we would be willing to give you some of our [[hard-earned money->3.15]]."

You rock on the heels of your feet to avoid your stomach turning to stone. No one ever told you how to do this. I hate to disappoint but I’m afraid I’ve also just eaten. [[Is there anything else I can help you with?->3.16a]] [[That’s very generous. Yes, I can do that for you.->3.16b]]

(set: $morale to it + 1) The man and woman exchange a knowing glance and simultaneously sip their empty glasses of water. Take it back then. No need for a bill. They exit the table. You’re left to wipe the wet spots on the chairs. You've made just enough money to cover [[rent->4.0]]. (set: $money to it - 450) (print: "Money: $money")

Man pushes tray. Woman pushes stack of cash. The dead [[weight-> 3.17b]] of the wet body feels natural to you. You’re finding familiarity in unconsciousness. Your hands no longer shake. It’s been three months.

The [[options->3.18b]] weigh heavily in your mind. To take the fish in bites means to bite through thick flesh. Just hours ago it was under the deepest pressure imaginable.

Are your [[jaws->3.19b]] strong enough? To swallow it whole is daunting. You peer around the table for a knife A fork Anything to ease it down Your vision fails you. No tools are at hand. Just as quickly as you decided to abide by them, you find the tripod fish in your throat.

You don’t want to [[bite->4.0]] down, but it happens reflexively. The ringing in your ears won’t cease - It hasn’t since you woke up. It matches the pitch of the sirens It harmonizes with the lull of the sea. You've made enough money to cover the day's rent and have a little extra. (set: $morale to it -1) (set: $money to it + 100 ) (print: "Money: $money")

The beginning of your shift begs questions. What will you agree to? How many returned from the beach? Is the island still stationary? The widespread double doors, like the mouth of a whale, engulf [[you->4.1]]. Jonah. A lull of momentary calm before the shift. Before the storm.

Tony isn’t upright today. He’s found himself [[behind->4.2]] the main prep surface. His head lies craned back, pressed against the corner in the wall. His knees are open, propping up his elbows splayed every which way. { (track: 'DR', 'stop') (track: 'KA', 'loop', true) (track: 'KA', 'playwhenpossible') }

Tony? Oh. He moves slowly and fixes his eyes on your silhouette. Hey. Time for work? Yeah. Are you feeling alright? I will be in a second. Thanks though. He shifts his weight to his left side and pulls out a small bag of [[powder->4.3]].

Sparkling. The brightest item in the room. Tail of merman? Crushed pearl? Basilisk eye? Whatever it is, he takes a fingerful to the inner part of his [[bottom lip->4.4]].

Breathing. Breathing. He moves quickly, his head [[hitting->4.5]] the wall behind him. Energy restored, he jumps from side to side and cracks his neck with brute force.

"Need some? What is it? "It makes the shifts fly by but you'll have to pay me." I'm pretty strapped for cash "It'll be $125, what do you think?" (if: $money < 149)[I would but I don't have enough [[cash->4.6a]] on me right now] (else:)[Yeah, I guess I'll [[try it out->4.6b]]. [[No thanks.->4.6a]] ]

"All good. Good luck getting through today. I’ve heard some crazy shit about the guests. [[Good luck->4.7a]]."

The powder hits your tongue And bites your teeth Hard. Electricity courses through your brain and mashes into your skull. Hard. Your muscles twitch, spasming with force that you thought impossible. You feel cold tile beneath you. You hear porcelain all around you. Bright white light seeps through your eyes. A combination of all the [[colors->4.7b]]. (set: $morale to it -2) (set: $money to it - 125)

The curtains are open and salt forms on the pillow beneath you. Too cold. More tip money than you’ve ever seen on the nightstand. The day's rent has already been deducted but you have an additional 500 dollars. The clock reads 3am. You drift back to the space [[in between->5.0]]. (set: $money to it +500) (print: "Money: $money")

You pray to a [[God->4.8b]] you aren’t sure you still believe in. You pray that your first table will treat you with [[kindness->4.8a]]. There will be no fingernails. No yellow teeth. It’s a slower night than usual. The moon is more full. A group of four enters the dining room and examines the menu.

Peitharchia, [[Obedience->4.7a]]

Good afternoon, are you all enjoying your stay at Peitharchia? The four old women sit [[politely->4.9]] on each angle of the round surface. Evenly dispersed. One is wearing a dress nearly as blue as the lighting. Two is adorned in a coral reef hat that makes noise as it knocks against the chandelier. Three is asleep. Four is picking her teeth. { (masteraudio: 'stopall') (track: 'DR', 'loop', true) (track: 'DR', 'playwhenpossible') }

It’s been wonderful. Girls trip away from the husbands. Sounds fun. Have you decided what you would like? I’ll just have the sesame salad and water, please. The sesame salad as well. … Raw bronok for me. She’ll have the bronok as well. She gestured at three. That’ll be all. The old women closed the menus and [[handed->4.10]] them over with haste.

Their rings sounded beautiful. Peridot and Amethyst Opal and Pearl Tony had the order ready nearly instantly. Bronok sits in a metal tub of ice all day. The same goes for the squid salad. The raw items are [[easy->4.11]].

You carry it to the table with your lids half-closed, momentarily wishing you had [[Tony’s->4.12]] powder. He’s dancing around the kitchen to the beat of the cleavers. The groan of machinery below.

Ceramic plate meets smooth linen in silence. [[Three->4.13]] of the four women pull their plates towards them and begin to eat. Three is still slumped over. Her eyes are open and a thin line of drool escapes the corner of her lips. Is there anything else I can get you while I’m over here?

One politely pats her lips. "Our friend has a condition." You can think of nothing to do but nod. "She’s going to need some extra assistance. We pulled up a chair for you." It was only then you noticed the extra seat at the table. It was next to Three. Her eyes darted towards it. A [[suggestion->4.14]].

I’m sorry, I don’t think I fully understand. "We need you to feed her for us. We’re awfully busy eating. It doesn’t look like the restaurant is too crowded at this hour? We’ll pay extra, of course." [[We’re expecting a big crowd in a few minutes, so unfortunately I won’t be able to help out with that. Is there anything else I can grab you?->4.15a]] [[I’m happy to help. I’ll just take a seat here->4.15b]].

You sit down between Two and Three. Your elbows are touching. Part of you detests yourself. You move a bronok onto the large slotted spoon, [[careful->4.16b]] not to touch it. Eight eyes on you. More from the kitchen. (set: $morale to it - 1)

We understand. Good luck with your busy tables. The sea calls you. Droning in the [[distance->4.16a]]. The nights you should fear are the ones you hear nothing at all. (set: $morale to it + 1)

The hard shoulder of your manager meets yours in the [[kitchen->4.17a]]. His tie blinks. "Mind coming to my office for a minute?" Not at all.

The lights will never cease to make you sick. Pale. One of the largest windows in the resort lives here. You try not to [[look->4.18a]] out. You’re afraid of what you might find. "Do you remember your first day at Peitharchia?"

Yes. "The training course we had you complete?" Yes, I remember. "I’m sure you remember what we asked of you then." I’m not sure that- "The expectations?" Oh, well yes. "So of course you understand that guests are of the highest priority. Any request they make?" I understand. "How do you think you’ve been doing at that?" [[I think I’ve done as well as I can, considering the circumstances->4.18c]]. [[I understand I've turned down some requests->4.18d]].

"How do you think you’ve been doing at that?" I think I’ve done as well as I can, considering the circumstances. Circumstances? Some of the requests I don’t feel totally able to do [[I suppose->4.19c]].

"But you’ll improve." Yes. "Tell me you’ll improve." [[I will improve->4.20c]].

"That’s all I have." [[Thank you->4.22]].

Your hand hasn’t trembled in weeks. The guests were right. It is the slowest night you've worked. Her mouth is [[agape->4.17b]].

But not wide enough to fit the sea creature. You raise a weary hand to her jaw and [[pry->4.18b]] it open. Prickles of hair. Drops of sweat.

The bronok enters her mouth. Just as the tripod fish had. The bronok goes down easier. It has no tendrils. It slides down without strain. You continue the [[method->4.19b]].

Pry Feed Repeat There’s one echinoderm left on the plate. Sitting in the fluid of its brethren. You move it onto the slotted spoon. And it enters her waiting [[mouth->4.20b]].

With this, her eyes begin to track you. Analyzing your sentience. Examining your abilities. She bites down [[Hard->4.21b]].

On the slimy creature. Fluid spurts near your eye. She [[chews->4.22]]. Rapidly. With sentience. With ability. A small smile meets the corners of her mouth and she belches. It’s determined you are allowed to stand. The money enters your pocket. Thank you. (set: $money to it + 100) (print: "Money: $money")

The day carries on without [[mention->4.23]]. At times you question your sensibility.

The sun has long since set when the last group of the day enters the dining room. It was much busier than you had anticipated, which is usually a good thing. [[Usually->4.24]].

"I’m glad you know that, but how are you going to improve?" I need to say yes more. I shouldn’t be turning things down like this. "And you’ll improve? This will make you better?" [[Yes->4.22]]. "That’s all I have then. Please close your door on the way out. Some of us have jobs to do."

Ten guests enter. You anticipate the automatic gratuity. They eye the menu for a long while before you see them set them [[down->4.25]]. In unison.

Hello everyone. How are you all enjoying your stay at Peitharchia? They exchange [[looks->4.26]] and smile politely. 20 eyes move across the table. Some of them nod. Blue fabric.

The words from your manager ring through your head, [[reverberating->4.27]] your temples. You couldn’t process the words being spoken to you So instead you smile and nod as well. You join back in the middle of your own conversation. The guests are laughing with you.

"Yes, yes. Anyway, we’ll just be drinking tonight." Wonderful. Did you get enough time to look at the drink menu? "Eh, long enough. We’ll get five bottles of sake. And some absynthe." I’ll have that right out. You envy the group getting trashed at 7pm while you have [[hours->4.28]] left in your shift.

The staff at the bar are rushing To get drinks in [[hand->4.29]].

Rachel is working the bar today too. You smile at her, but it’s lost in the crowd of faux politeness. You approach a woman in uniform behind the bar. You’d never seen her before. The days blend so seamlessly. Her patch of red skin is visible on the nape of her neck. At the request of the bottles, she groans. Yet soon enough you find yourself bringing them to the group. Rachel helps you carry glasses to [[them->4.30]].

The jovial bunch claps with glee - Cheering like [[drunkards->4.31]], yet they’ve not had a drop. "Ah, yes! Good day! Glad we left our rooms for this one."

You begin to pour the group small glasses when the woman seated [[nearest->4.32]] you touches your wrist lightly. You’d perceived her to be the leader of the group. She’d been speaking the most. "Would you care for a glass? We’ve clearly got enough to share."

The glass bottles reflect the faces of the patrons before you. Their teeth are longer here. The eyes blink forward, bulging out. It offers solace. You often clutch a bottle at night. You’d never considered doing so at work. [[Yes, I would appreciate that. Thank you->4.33b]]. [[I’m sorry, I’m afraid that would affect my performance. I don’t think so.->4.33a]]

She grabs the glass situated before her and pours a tall glass of absinthe. Shit. Her white nails push the glass forward, nearly tipping it over. [[Drink->4.34b]]! Twenty eyes look unto you, beneath your skin and into your soul. (set: $morale to it -1)

She still holds her hand at your wrist. Are you always so uptight? I’m afraid I can’t. Is there anything else I can help with? Her eyes scan the table of her [[friends->4.34a]]. Their heads shake in unison. A woman has sharks on her ears. The teeth probably gnash in her sleep. (set: $morale to it + 1)

Blues and golds, silvers and pinks. The waves are ceaseless. A load of benthos is being pulled up. That groan is unmistakable. [[Oh, I’m not so sure- ->4.35b]]

"Oh, come on. Loosen up a little. We paid for this after all." At this, your previous lecture returns to mind. You [[down->4.36b]] the glass. Black seaweed wraps around your tonsils. Anise singes your lungs. Your stomach churns, warning ejection. You smile. The table erupts in laughter.

"Wonderful! Just wonderful! You drank it so easily!" Her teeth are brighter now than before. Your feet are heavier now than before. You take a [[moment->4.37b]] to look out the window. You aren’t afraid of what you won’t see.

The wall that you found Tony against is yours now. In a sense, you’re asleep. In another sense, you’re never asleep. Your head balances between the two walls. Between two spaces. A new hire walks by without waking you. He goes towards the door to the refinery. You hear the familiar clang of feet against metal steps. He returns with a large bucket. It’s heavy. It’s leaking. And no one looks [[inside->4.38b]].

That will be all. Thank you. The wall that you found Tony [[against->4.35a]] is yours now. In a sense, you’re asleep.

Your head balances between the two walls. Between two spaces. A new hire walks by without waking you. He goes towards the door to the refinery. You hear the familiar clang of foot against metal step. He returns with a large bucket. It’s heavy. It’s leaking. And no one looks [[inside->4.36a]].

Good evening, are you two enjoying your stay? "Could we please get the cuttlefish risotto? Two?" Absolutely. Anything to drink? "Water is fine." Could we get a few salt packets? I’ll have that [[right out->4.37a]].

The cuttlefish risotto takes longer than the raw items. Eyes make things harder. The salt packets are already on the [[table->4.38a]]. Sometimes they just like to ask for things. The plates are hot. Tony fell asleep at the stove. The bottom of the pot scorched black.

Alright, two cuttlefish risotto. "Wonderful. We’re starving." Before you can ask Is there anything else I can get you two? They begin eating [[ravenously->4.39a]]. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height: 100%; } </style> <img src=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1224184901398691950/1224218408292450354/guest_1.png?ex=661cb13d&is=660a3c3d&hm=d2bcc407e6d9a75caadb16e28d23976e2744baf4f6615610776ff0047062f20b&.png> </div>

Faster than you’ve ever seen. The tines of their forks Little tridents Plunge into the black ink substance Meet mouth Stain teeth. The man sits back in [[relief->4.40]].

The woman [[stops->4.41a]] at once. Fork hit table Black spot Her eyes glaze over Whitecaps peak in the window. Posiedon’s wrath halts for no man.

Before you can ask, Ma’am, are you alright? She’s ripping at her throat with long, uncut claws. Red lines appear on the surface of her pellucid skin. "Can’t… breathe… Someone get a doctor!" Your feet [[continue->4.42a]] to fail you.

You curse your form. She’s writhing around like something out of the refinery floor. Her nails have moved to her face, dragging deep rakes into her cheeks and eyelids. …help Her husband turns to you. Shaking with rage, with questions What the fuck did you put in that risotto! You’re impossibly [[stunned->4.43]].

The other guests continue eating. The kitchen remains unphased. I didn’t- I didn’t put anything in it. It’s just cuttlefish, and- "YOU'RE TELLING ME THERE'S GOD DAMN CUTTLEFISH IN THAT?" The woman falters on the precipice of consciousness. You glance between the two of them until their shapes merge to one. Yes, sir. Let me get- "SHE'S HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO GOD DAMN CUTTLEFISH! GET ME A FUCKING DOCTOR!!" You sprint out of the situation, knocking into Rachel on the way out of the dining room. There are more uniforms in the kitchen than you’ve seen before. No one seems to hear you over the roar. I need the manager! I need the manager! Does anyone know where he went? Please! Has anyone seen- Rachel, have you seen the manager? She offers an empathetic look and gestures questionably towards his office. You knock on the door repeatedly before opening it [[yourself->4.44a]]. You wouldn’t normally consider doing so.

I need a doctor. There’s an allergic reaction. "Take table six. I’ll handle it." With the ease of someone who’s been told their sandwich order is ready for pickup, he stands from his desk with a groan and walks towards the dining room. When you reenter the dining room the table is empty. It’s been handled. [[You take the order of table six->5.0]]. (print: "Money: $money")

Your head spins with the rocking of the island. Soft rain hits the roof. The skylights look nice today. It's a nice change of pace. Things are a bit brighter. You can’t feel your feet. Or face. You look at Tony and smile. He’s biting the suction cups off a tentacle. And spitting them into a bowl. You look down to see the floor in the dining room, unsure of how you ended up there. [[Familiar->4.39b]].

Good evening, are you two enjoying your stay? Could we please get the cuttlefish risotto? Two? Absolutely, Absolutely. Anything to drink? Water is fine. Could we get a few salt packets? I’ll have that right out. The [[cuttlefish->4.40b]] risotto takes longer than the raw items. Eyes make things harder.

The salt packets are already on the table. Sometimes they just like to ask for things. The plates are hot. Tony fell asleep at the stove. The bottom of the pot scorched black. Alright, two cuttlefish risotto. "Wonderful. We’re starving." You don’t even think to ask- Is there anything else I can get you two? Before they begin eating [[ravenously->4.41b]]. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height: 100%; } </style> <img src=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1224184901398691950/1224218408292450354/guest_1.png?ex=661cb13d&is=660a3c3d&hm=d2bcc407e6d9a75caadb16e28d23976e2744baf4f6615610776ff0047062f20b&.png> </div>

Faster than you’ve ever seen. The rate at which they move is faster than your eyes can perceive. The walls move with them. You want to lie down. The [[tines->4.42]] of their forks Little tridents

Plunge into the black ink substance Meet mouth Stain teeth. The man sits back in relief. How long has it been? The woman stops at once. Fork hit table Black spot Her eyes glaze over Whitecaps peak in the window. Posiedon’s wrath halts for no man. Before you can ask Ma’am, are you alright? She’s ripping at her throat with long, uncut [[claws->4.43b]]. Red lines appear on the surface of her pellucid skin.

A dream? Can’t… breathe… Someone get a doctor! Your feet continue to fail you. You curse your form. You curse your reality. She’s writhing around like something out of the refinery floor. Her nails have moved to her face, dragging deep rakes into her cheeks and eyelids. "…help" Her husband turns to you. Shaking with rage, with questions What the fuck did you put in that risotto! You’re impossibly [[stunned->4.44b]].

The glass of absinthe you just consumed is crawling out of your gut. It mixes with the raw squid you’d eaten off of a discarded plate. You can do nothing but nod. You can do nothing but run. You find porcelain around you. Water drips from the ceiling or seeps from the pores in the [[floor->4.46b]]. Black tile.

This is not the dining room. This is the bathroom in a new capacity. Your stomach retracts any thought your mind may offer you. You continue to vomit green bile. And think of the woman struggling to breathe in the room just next to you. When your stomach has no further offerings for the bowl beneath you, you [[stand->4.47b]]. You exit the stall and face the mirror.

The woman is gone when you reenter the dining room. A black spot of ink is in her place. Her husband is standing on the balcony, staring at the sea. { (live: 5s)[ (stop:) [[Posiedon’s wrath halts for no man->5.0]]. (print:"Money: $money")] }

You drift awake on the fog of your breath. You’re sure it’s only been a few minutes, Maybe an hour Since you first laid your head to sleep. Moments later, a distant horn bellows. Without words, it threatens: Good Morning staff. You know better than to stay in bed past the sound of me. You know it is right. Time for work. You need the money. Bad. You always do. You find it much harder to getting yourself to work today than usual. You arrive and are immediately ushered into your manager’s [[office->5.1]]. Fluorescent lighting clashes sickeningly with the pale green of the day. The resort’s beach, the bay, and what’s visible of the sun behind all the fog are in full view behind the office’s floor to ceiling window.

Staring at the waves, a large dorsal fin, large enough you see from hundreds of yards away, emerges. It’s pale and rigid. The way it glints in the light makes you wonder if it might be a tooth. Your boss walks in. Before you can coax a hello from your early morning voice, he’s just inches from your [[face->5.2]].

"Good morning." Good morning, sir. He turns to face the window. The only sounds in the room are your breath the dizzying hum of the lights The lurch of the pier’s supports as they’re stuck by the [[waves->5.3]]. You’re nauseous.

He speaks. I’d like to offer you the opportunity to earn some extra cash if you’d like it. Uneasy, you gulp. You’re hungry. You haven’t been able to [[afford->5.4]] a real round of groceries in weeks. You need the money.

What might that be, sir? "It’s simple. I just want a little extra help from you this morning in preparing a special delicacy. We have an elite client coming in with a large party. They’ve asked for something exotic." You gulp. "It will take a couple of extra steps in preparing. The entire floor is booked. We’re going to be extremely busy. Normally this is the kind of work we ask from the prep cooks, but I figured you’d be more than willing. I’ll throw in some extra cash if you get the job done clean and quick." Your manager’s expression only heightens your nerves. His brow is sewn into a deep furrow. He stares at you, [[unblinking->5.5]].

What do you need me to do? Have you ever been downstairs? To the refinery? No. Below that. I don’t think so. Well, there is a first for everything. At the end of the hallway you find the refinery freezer off of, there’s another set of stairs. Take them all the way to the bottom. That’s where we keep the live tanks. Live tanks? Live tanks. Special Requests. You can’t miss them. The tanks are labeled on a grid system. He grabs a slip of paper and hands it to you after scribbling a quick note. [[E7->5.6]]

Tank E7 has the catch you need today. You’ll need to go down and retrieve it. Alright. There’s a bit more. Ocean currents ripple through the room. As I mentioned, the kitchen staff is going to be overwhelmed this morning. They have enough on their plates without this specialty order. I’d like for you to take on the first step in preparation to alleviate some of the heavy lifting of the prep cooks. Meaning? He opens the small metal cabinet next to his desk, producing a metal pipe. Something halfway between a police officer's baton and a miniature baseball bat. He hands it to you. [[Exasperated->5.7]].

"You’ll be responsible for the extraction and slaughter of the order. Find Tony. He can help. Go." You take this cue to exit the office. You find Tony waiting for you immediately upon exit. You’re still holding the [[metal pipe->5.8]].

Hey, Tony. "Gonna earn some extra money?" Guess so. Gonna train me? "Looks like it." You can tell he took his powder for the day. He grinds his teeth between [[words->5.9]].

You follow him closely as he walks through the kitchen Towards the refinery. He opens the heavy door and it groans as you pass through. So you’ve never been to the live tanks? Not yet. They’re starting you off with a big one then. Just know that thing is just a fish. They all are. He [[laughs->5.10]]. { (track: 'DR', 'stop') (track: 'RE', 'loop', true) (track: 'RE', 'playwhenpossible') }

Your existence feels like a punishment. You enter the refinery with Tony. There are bags meant for the transport of the meat from the basement to the kitchen hanging on the walls of the tank room. He speaks loudly to compensate for the groan of machinery. You walk towards the back hallway. "Kill it as soon as it’s out of the water and toss it in there. Boss gave me 500 dollars to hand to you when you get the job done." He pats his pocket. "I’ve got prepwork, so I’ll leave you here. [[You got this->5.11]]."

The droning machinery of the refinery no longer startles you. You find yourself walking through the hallway that houses the large freezer. Alone. Before this chat with your manager, that was all you knew it to hold. You pass the freezer door, turning a corner. Spotting a rusted metal threshold, the smell hits you long before you can reach it. Opening the door brings a suffocating gulp of hot, piscine mog. Salt. Fish. Blood. Rot. You almost gag. You move your shirt over your nose as you begin your descent, metal club in hand. You can see the lighting fixture only illuminates the first thirty or so steps. The stairs are made of a thin rusted grate, treacherous as best and far too short to step on perpendicularly. After ten, maybe twenty steps, any sounds previously discernible are engulfed in the churning, bubbling hum of a hundred distant [[aquariums->5.12]].

In complete darkness, you stopped counting steps at seventy five. Minutes later, out of breath, the palms of your hands raw from the rusted grit of the staircase’s bannisters, you arrive upon a door. You pass through it. The [[smell->5.13]] is somehow one hundred times worse.

The room is vast, so vast you’re confused on where its volume is contained within the structure of the building. Is this carved out into the cliff? Is the warehouse underwater? The space is entirely void of any windows. When your eyes adjust to the fluorescents, you see why. There hundreds of tanks, all with varying dimensions within the room. Near the door, their oddities are simple. Extra eyes. Elongated fins, Two, Three heads. These types of things don’t throw you anymore. You start to [[wander->5.14]].

The first thing to really catch your eye is only due to the sheer size of it. It looks to be an average tuna The size of a short bus. Before you realize what you’re doing you’ve been stopped, staring at its massive eye twice the size of your head. Your reflection lays over it on the surface of the glass. You make yourself keep walking. [[E7->5.15]].

You’re paying attention to the labels on each tank, but their order seems completely uncorrelated to their position in the room. The distracting nature of their contents does little to aid in your search The room is stocked to the absolute brim with things. Fish, yes, but more. Some of them seem more like birds. Some of the tanks aren’t filled with water, but only have a small pool of it. The air is sulfurous and wet. Each breath tastes like iron. Several of the fluorescents above the tanks are blinking. You’re [[dizzy->5.16]].

Wandering still, you come upon something almost mammalian. In a short, narrow tank, a fleshy creature the size of your fist lies in a humid, steaming terrarium. It’s a sickly pink, and covered in a fine layer of wet hair. What catches your eye isn’t the creature itself, but rather a collection of squirming masses erupting from its trunk, wriggling in an unsynchronized dance. You think it has something wrong with it. Tumors, perhaps. Closer inspection reveals each mass to be an infantile version of the creature itself. It’s nursing. You step further. Deeper. E7. [[Where is E7->5.17]]?

At the end of an aisle of taller enclosures, you’re surprised to see what looks like a head of long human hair. You stop, moving closer to investigate. The tanks inhabitant must hear your steps, as it quickly twists to view you. For a moment you lose your breath. A human face, at least the looks of one, is staring back at you. A woman, a very beautiful one at that, stares. She looks to be about your age. She looks normal too. Not human looking like the guests or your manager are. She looks like you. Only, she can’t be. When she twists to view you, the motion of her hair makes it abundantly clear she is entirely submerged in water. You can see her [[breathing->5.18]].

You’re not sure how long you wander. The concept of time, your job, everything else you’d known before these oddities, this menagerie of flesh, scale, feather, fin, talon, and bone has faded away. It isn’t until you see it, the label E7, that you’re once again possessed with any sense of [[objective->5.19]].

The tank is large. No where near the largest in the room, but whatever dwells in it is given far more space than the majority of its bunk mates. The dimensions are roughly that of an above ground swimming pool, with an open top like one as well. All this space becomes more puzzling when you spot the creature. The creature you were sent to kill It’s laying on the bottom of the tank, tucked in the corner, folded in on itself. It’s small. Bundled as it is now, it’s about the size of a basketball. It appears to be some sort of squid or octopus. You figure you’ll [[sneak up->5.20]] on the thing.

There’s a small, wheeled ladder on the side of the tank, presumably left for what you are about to do. As you begin to move the ladder in place to snatch the creature from above, you’re halted entirely. From where you stand now, you see the face of [[the thing->5.21]].

It looks like a baby. It has eyes and a nose and a mouth like a baby. A human baby. Yet where face should turn to jaw should turn to chin, the creature’s only melts into a slick matrix of fleshy tentacles. Where forehead should turn to billows of flowing hair lies only the fleshy membranes of an octopus’ mass. It’s sleeping, face pressed against the side of the tank you’ve just crossed over to. Its eyelashes flutter in its dream state. Its lips move as though it's snoring slightly. It appears entirely at [[peace->5.22]].

You claim the ladder, leaning over the tanks edge. You spot the shape of the creature through the waters surface, preparing to plunge and grab it. You inhale, steadying yourself. Before you’ve had time to process, you’re submerged in the tank with your prey. As you’d leaned in to snatch the creature, the ladder slid from your foot. It takes you several moments to assess [[what has happened->5.23]]. When you open your eyes and know where you are, the creature has already begun its trek to you.

The water is only up to your neck as you sit in it, wading. If you were to stand, you’d only be in up just past your knee. It moves towards you tentatively, but towards you nonetheless. You should be terrified. Your mind screams. Your body, however, is inexplicably possessed by a sense of calm. You stick your face into the water, and are met by the creature's stare. Its eyes are massive. Far larger than would be expected with the proportions of its other features. Despite this oddity, and the horrific nature of the sight of it, its surroundings, and the circumstances of your seeing it, you find it [[beautiful->5.24]].

It stares at you, blinking. It wraps its tentacles around your arm. It condenses, squeezes and pulls, kneading the flesh of your arm. You’re unsure if it's hugging or tasting you. The cold of your wet uniform on your skin reminds you what you came here to do. You prepare to pull it from the tank. Its environment And you hear the chatter of the kitchen above. You quickly scan the room for the bags, knowing the pipe has remained in your hand the whole time. [[BIOHAZARD WARNING: RAW MEAT->5.25]] Hanging in a neat line on the back wall.

You count down from three, and immerse your arm in the water once more it comes willingly, excited to explore the alien textures of your hand again. The moment you pull it from the surface of the water, however, its fighting. It’s face contorts. It looks somewhat like a baby still. Only somewhat. It’swails. The sound is piercing. It’s like the crying of an infant in unholy unity with the shrieks of a seabird. It’s so loud you move to cover your ears. Only one hand is available, as you grip the slimy, wriggling body of your catch. It wont stop [[screeching->5.26]].

The creatures appearance is markedly different above the surface. What appeared as fluid, amorphous appendages now show the self’s filled with jagged, undulating bone popping and cracking beneath flesh. It’s shape is ever changing, despite what looks and feels to be a solid skeletal structure beneath its surfac\. Writhing, it continues its attempt at escape. You grip down harder. Amidst the mass suction cups and tentacles engulfing your arm, you feel a slight pinch, and suddenly a sharp joilt. Your not sure if it’s scratched or bitten or impaled you, but its certainly drawn (if: $morale > 0)[[[blood.->5.27]]] (else:)[[[blood.->5.27b]]]

OA: https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/jCcEXUdn7FrS065A4HJMsL9NN2WXAWCw.mp3 KA: https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/bt4yxwI3yK9BtwQkPGAu3g0TOJmFlEpG.mp3 DR: https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/L1ap7JM8yqePFtzTDcfIgGCYHdh3P8p7.mp3 LT: https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/tr563B2OYULFIsMWDClm2ZzfaHErLqGG.mp3 RE: https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/jAPm2dwtMqntDTkKvPFQO7LFb6DVYarK.mp3

You grab it with your free hand, prying it from your arm Fuck you, damn thing! You squeeze down on its body. Hard. It’s comes our garbled at first. Mixed in with the shrieking, at first you can’t tell what its doing. Soon however, you realize the creature it parroting you. Voiced in an unnatural blend of your own tenor and the creatures screech, over and over again, occasionally stuttered by your choke, the creature [[whines->5.28]].

Fuck….You….Damn…thing Damn…..thing…. Fuck… You.. Disturbed, tears begin to well in your eyes. Something about killing this creature feels incredibly wrong. Moments ago it looked like a sleeping baby. It can generate what sounds like a human voice. This thing, whatever it is, is more than a fish. You didn’t come down here to make a friend or practice mercy. You’re here to kill the thing. You need the money. Plus you dont know what the alternative might be. You look into the eyes of the creature as it continues to scream. You’re unsure if its just water, but it looks like its crying real tears. [[Fuck you damn thing->5.29]]

You stare into its eyes. All at once, you realize can’t kill the thing. It’s monstrous. Hellfish you call it. The sound of its screams alone are enough to inspire hatred. Still, You just can’t do it yourself. You figure if you can just get the thing upstairs, someone else can help. Maybe Tony. Maybe killing this little demon will be easier with a spectator. You remove its suction cups talons teeth and shreds of flesh From your arm And stuff it into the bag, wailing. [[BIOHAZARD WARNING: RAW MEAT->5.30]]

It’s angry. Its more than difficult to carry it properly. The feeling of wet canvas atop the bony, pulsating form nearly makes you retch. It’s screeching still. Though slightly muffled by the bag. You spend what feels far too long wandering the aisles of tanks, looking or anything familiar to signals the way towards the door you came from. The bag drags behind you, leaking a thick iridescent pus. At last, you find your way to the door. You begin the trek up the stairs in darkness. The bag thumps on each step, delivering a hearty ‘thwack’ that makes the stairs resonate briefly Upon the impact of most of these thumps, the creature releases a [[piercing imitation->5.31]].

The strain of lifting the wet bag and its contents is painful. Your back is killing you. You want to curse, to scream and yell. You stay silent. You know any noise you make will be spit back out at you. After a hundred or so curses from the beast, You’re once again at the top of the stairs. Its been only seconds Or maybe hours But you’re back in the main room of the live tanks. A fish with a large beak lies dead on the floor. Bone exposed Tongue lolled out to the side [[Dry->5.32]] You hadn’t seen it before.

A furry eel housed in a murky tank is banging its head on the glass. Your spine can’t harbor more shame. You continue to walk. You open the door to the refinery and start back towards the restaurant. You’re prepared to face the wrath of your superior for not following orders. You don’t even care about the cash at this point. Once in the refinery, you can clearly hear the kitchen above. The creature is still screaming Still writhing in [[pain->5.33]] Louder than before More rapidly { (track: 'LT', 'stop') (track: 'RE', 'loop', true) (track: 'RE', 'playwhenpossible') }

You twist the bag tighter as a feeble attempt to shut it up, but this only makes matters worse. You’re so close to the steps. You long for home. The closer you get to the door, the louder the beast sings. Screams out for help Just as your arm stretches out towards the handle, it swings open. [[Tony->5.34]].

Hey, man I need some help- "You didn’t kill the thing? " He slams the door behind him, trapping the two of you on the stairwell. It’s deafening. You’re both yelling to compensate. I couldn’t- It’s "This is really fucking bad." His jaw shakes. He slowly walks down the steps, forcing you backwards towards the [[refinery->5.35]].

"Why couldn’t you just do the one thing he asked you to do, man?" He’s jumping from side to side. You’re ducking beneath lines of fresh fish. Salt. Water in the air Air in the water You’re avoiding machines, still walking backwards. "If anyone heard that thing, you’re cooked. We’re all cooked. You could have cost me my job." "[[You think I can afford to live without this job?->5.36]]"

You find no moment to speak. You’re spinning the bag wildly, hoping the force will knock it unconscious. He’s backing you towards the door to the live tank room. Your back is against the door. Tony, look, it’s fine. I’ll explain- He shakes his head and smacks his ears with his [[closed fists->5.37]].

Veins in his neck bulge out and his pupils take up the entirety of his eyes. "It’s been done It’s been done" He inches towards your face. The pressure of your bodies The three of them Against the door causes it to fall open. You’re in the tank room The noise stops. The silence consumes you. Tears well in your eyes. [[You long for home->5.38]].

Tony snatches the bag from your hand With a strange force And walks towards the back of the room [[BIOHAZARD WARNING: RAW MEAT->5.39]] He empties the contents of the bag The flailing tentacles The wretched beast Back into its water Where it resumes its prior form It turns back into what it has always been Flowing hair partially covers a cherubic face It swims through the brown water peacefully.

Tony throws the wet canvas bag against the wet pavement With a strange force. His shaking hand grabs your form He’s stronger than you could have imagined The tank is warm. It’s silent. It's done. <style> img { max-width:100%; max-height: 100%; } </style> <img src=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1224184901398691950/1224218559622811648/sardine.png?ex=661cb161&is=660a3c61&hm=815afee21eac8a87795f3179d817a280ee5b33df2c8a54e652381e617ff0e8f3&.png> </div>