\\**//CLICK\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
NoooOOOOoooOOoo! Don’t tell me thiiiiiiIIIIiiiiiiIIs thing is broken again!
**thunk**thunk**thunk**
\\**//STATIC\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
–oney I’m home.
(Mrs. Cortex) **in the other room** Welcome home dear, how was work?
**sigh** It was–
(Mrs. Cortex) **in the other room** Was what honey?
Nothing! It was fine. **quiter** I wish I could tell you.
(Mrs. Cortex) **in the other room** Dinner will be ready in 5.
**Phone rings**
(Mrs. Cortex) **in the other room** Hello? Mr. Who? Slewfoot?
Honey, that is for me! I’ll take it in the study!
**30 seconds of trotting**door opening**door closing**boop**
Slewfoot, you weren’t supposed to call me at home. I don’t know how connected he is, that is why I contacted you. You’re a pony who can find things out–discreetly.
(Slewfoot) **over the phone** Sorry, Yes. I’m working a lead. Meet me in a few days–Friday–Ponyville Park–5pm. I’ll have what you need.
**phone hanging up**
**deep sigh**
\\**//STATIC\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
**distorted howling wind slowly righting itself to sound normal**sand spraying against wooden structures**
**growling**thunk**thunk**thunk**rip**rip**peh**peh**
Work!
Please work–
\\**//STATIC\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
**cut in abruptly to quick trotting**
Vial, a moment of your time please. Screwloose asked for her sister. Please find it in your heart to grant the sick mare’s request. Her sister visits so rarely.
(Vial) You can keep asking. It isn’t going to happen, Dr. Cortex.
Why not?
(Vial) You make the mistake of getting attached. She is nothing more than a test subject.
You can’t keep her away from family.
(Vial) That is where your wrong. These are ponies nopony cares about. They have been left to rot in this joke of a psychology ward. Not long ago ago this place was about to be shut down. Green-Med saved it, we saved your job if I recall–even after you so rudely turn me down. Lucky for you the board was more amicable. Green-Med owns the hospital. In essence we own these “patients” you are so fond of. We can permit and no permit what we please. Good day.
No it is you who is wrong. Ponies still care about these ponies. Honey Dew has a kid living with her folks in Fillydalphia, Seeker’s Father just went off to fight this Celestia damned war, and Screwloose has her sister and mother. Each and every pony in our care has ponies who want to see their loved ones get better. How can you be so cold?
(Vial) Fine. Screw-for-brains can meet with her sister. *receding hoofsteps** Now don’t ever say I didn’t do anything nice.
(Gruff sounding stallion) **farther down the hall** Sir, we have a situation we need you to look into.
\\**//STATIC\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
–ere is Slewfoot? He should have been here 10 minutes ago. That stallion is usually more punctual.
**phone ringing**boop**
Slewfoot? Where are you?
(unknown pony) **over the phone** I’m sorry but Slewfoot is not available right now. Can I take a message?
V-Vial?
(Vial) **over the phone** Yes, Dr. Cortex. You didn’t think I’d notice somepony snooping into my past?
I–
(Vial) **over the phone** Don’t speak. I see 2 options here. 1. you go running to the pinks, tell them everything, the MoM investigate Green-Med, me, and Ponyville Hospital. Maybe I get arrested. 2. You don’t. We forget this little issue ever happened and I don’t spill the beans on the whole Bedside Manner Scandal.
How did you know about that? The board would never speak of it. Neither would I.
(Vial) **over the phone** Recorders, such primitive pieces of technology. Though, Dr. Cortex, if you intend to delete recordings, you really should. You never know when a curious pony like myself might find them and listen.
You slimy little bastard!
(Vial) **over the phone** You flatter me Cortex. So which choice do you pick? End me and I end your career, or we go back to being co-workers.
You win. I’ll stay silent.
(Vial) **over the phone** Now that is what I like to hear. See you first thing in the morning. The MoA, MWT, and the MAS just signed a new agreement with Green-Med. We test combat drugs at dawn.
**phone hangs up**
That no good son of a mule! Fuck.
\\**//STATIC\\**//
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//STATIC\\**//
YoooooOOoooOoOoOOOOoou finally functioning. I think I fixed the problem with some duct tape I found behind the bar.
Anyways I think the storm is winding down. I’ll have to work on clearing the rubble from the door before I can head out again. Of all the buildings to take shelter in it had to be the one that would collapse.
\\**//SILENCE\\**//
I’m ok though, you–
You were touch and go for a while there. You seem fine now.
I hope.
\\**//FEEDBACK\\**//
\\**//CLICK\\**//