Though a bit on edge, Claire continued toward the man who gently waved to her. “Hi there. I’m looking for Dr. Hall or Dr. Vale?” she inquired, her voice barely rising above a whisper in the hushed confines of the library.
“Well, I’m Dr. Vale. Dr. Hall, unfortunately, is dealing with yet another containment breach a couple of levels below us. Third one this month. It’s no wonder we’re in need of new recruits again,” he replied, shaking his head with a gentle, feigned disapproval.
For a moment, she stared at him, her features caught between confusion and amusement, trying to discern if he was joking. “Oh, um, nice to meet you. I’m here for an interview?” she queried, still assessing his demeanor.
Dr. Vale broke character, letting out a laugh and nodding in confirmation. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Wilson. My apologies for the joke. Just a bit of facility researcher humor. I know it’s late, and you’ve just arrived. Let’s wrap this up so you can get some rest for tomorrow,” he said, attempting to put her at ease.
A hint of laughter escaped her lips, signaling a relaxation of her initial tension. “Ah, yes, that’s correct. Okay, sounds good,” she replied, maintaining her focus on him.
Dr. Vale began his line of questioning, feeling a sense of monotony settle in as he repeated the same inquiries he had posed to countless candidates in recent days. “Have you ever hunted for or attempted to destroy anything classified as a cryptid?” he asked.
“I’ve joined a few ghost tours, but never embarked on any Bigfoot expeditions or the like,” Claire replied, shaking her head.
“Can you accept keeping secrets, even from your close family?” he asked, scrutinizing her intently. He observed not just her answers but her reactions, studying every aspect of her demeanor with meticulous care.
Claire responded with a nod. “Yes, I can. Not my favorite thing, but I understand the need for such precautions.”
“Have you ever partaken in any rituals, particularly those involving a sacrifice of life?” he continued.
“No. Well, I have been in some group things, like drum circles and communion rituals. No sacrifices though,” she replied, her scrutiny of his features and tone intensifying as if attempting to read into his deeper intentions.
“Have you ever dabbled in anything overtly psychic or mystical, like telekinesis or communing with spirits?” Dr. Vale inquired, again referencing the Agency’s questionnaire.
“Reading tarot cards for friends at gatherings is about the extent of my supernatural endeavors. I do have an understanding of things like witchcraft, though I haven’t actively attempted that sort of thing since high school,” she responded.
“What made you stop?” he asked, maintaining his scrutiny of her.
Claire regarded him with curiosity for a moment before her expression turned somber. “Honestly, it’s the revelations. Sometimes you uncover things you’d rather not know about those around you. Or worse, you stumble upon their deepest secrets, ones they never intended to share. Once that knowledge is out there, the dynamic of your relationship changes forever. They never look at you the same way.”
“If you’d left it behind, what made you take the step to come here?” he inquired curiously.
“Curiosity mostly. It seems like something went through the trouble to put it in front of me, so I may as well have a look,” she offered with a one-shouldered shrug.
Dr. Vale smiled as he nodded. “Have you ever attempted any kind of direct telepathy?”
Claire continued to watch him closely as she softly shook her head. “No, I haven’t.”
“Before we proceed with the next test, I want to assure you that if you feel even the slightest discomfort, physical or otherwise, you can tell me to stop, and we’ll halt the test immediately,” he said, offering reassurance in his tone as he extended his hand toward her. “Take my hand and allow your mind to wander. Think of something random yet specific enough to avoid easy guessing,” he instructed.
Claire nodded in understanding and cautiously took his hand as directed. Her hand just rested in his, their palms barely touching. Despite her mind appearing busy, anxious, and scattered, a connection was established almost instantly.
The hair on both of their arms stood up, as if there was an electrical charge in the air around them. Despite this, the feeling between them was extremely calm and almost euphoric as their minds reached out to one another.