Nestled deep within the confines of an undisclosed location, the lab corridor of this underground facility exudes an air of clandestine sophistication. The dimly lit passage is flanked by concrete walls, giving an industrial, utilitarian feel. Stark fluorescent lights overhead cast a clinical glow on the sealed concrete floor, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Along the corridor, a series of nondescript metal doors hint at the secretive experiments unfolding behind each one. The air is punctuated with a faint hum of machinery and the distant murmur of activity, emphasizing the facility’s purposeful seclusion. High-tech security measures, including biometric scanners and surveillance cameras, line the corridor, underscoring the covert nature of the research conducted within. The occasional echo of footsteps reverberates through the corridor, otherwise betraying the hushed atmosphere that pervades this subterranean scientific domain.

Doctors Hall and Vale stood in the sterile corridor of Sector 8, their conversation piercing the monotonous hum of fluorescent lighting above. Dr. Hall wore his usual composed demeanor, but a discerning gaze into his eyes revealed a subtle undercurrent of concern. Despite the steadiness of his tone, there was an unspoken weight behind his words that suggested a worrisome preoccupation. He glanced down at the tablet in his hand before addressing his colleague. “I’d appreciate your presence at the recruitment assessments. You mentioned needing a research assistant, right? I’ll let you have first pick.”

“Excellent. I’ll send the preliminary files your way. Psikorp and the OTF will be observing as well,” Dr. Hall noted with a nod as he stepped through the doorway. “Let’s hope we avoid the sort of complications we had last time.”

Dr. Hall lowered his voice as they entered the elevator. “Don’t be so dramatic, Alexander. They aren’t all that bad. Besides, they’re supposed to be just observing through the cameras this time, so it’s unlikely we’ll even notice them.”