The motley group of possible fugitives, are now stranded in a self sustaining facility, whose creators have left the world behind. Looking around their now permanent residence, Scott seems to become more at ease while others seem to become more anxious. Beyond the entrance was a stone formed tunnel leading to a stainless steel air locked door.

Scott opens the door breaking the air seal with a, 'Phsssshhh', as everyone files into the chamber. The chamber itself has a port hole window into what can be called the reception foyer. Scott closes the outer door, sealing themselves inside the chamber as Corin finds a hand print security panel which she puts her hand on. The chamber starts pressurizing, lights start turning on exposing the foyer to those looking in.

The room was rather spacious with soothing images being played on the walls, making it appear bigger than it actually was. There were three hallways connected to the room, in front and to the sides. These were similarly lit yet had different for the lack of better words screensavers. The walls inside the foyer, appear at first, to be a bright white before dimming a little as a grassy plain appears.

The other features that stick out is the sitting area with what appears to be polished white, red, green and blue plastic lounges and coffee-tables setup with what looks to be welcome packs for the group. Behind the seating area was an area set up with 4 interactive stations, possibly an information desk like area.

Quickly though the chamber feels like it is getting a bit claustrophobic as restless children cry of bordem and the slight panic attacks of the soon-to-be father Dananel grind away their patience. When the green light is given and the inner door is now able to be unlocked after what seemed to be the longest 10mins of some of their lives.

By now it was clear that some of the group, were finding it difficult to deal with the idea that this 'apparent' means of salvation came at the cost of human lives. It really does not sit well with Doug's ethic code and Hippocratic oath, his apprehension is shared by Corin and Harper. Alice is dead set on looking at the tests, results and experimental documents before coming to a conclusion, while Scott really doesn't seemed all that bothered by it. This seems to have become a dividing factor of the group, with Mike and Claudia forced into the mediator position as both Dananel and Sheryl have other things to worry about at the moment.

“Doc. We can't leave this place, for a very long time.” Alice says as she opens her welcome pack, “You may have qualms about their ethical standpoints as they went about developing their technology, but we have to live here now. I choose to know, the process and experimentation that was done on the 'Volunteers' before I decide what the ethical implications are.”

Alice puts forward her reasoned argument for learning more about what was done, where, how and for what ends. Although she is not a philosopher, there is still an ethical part to the scientific process, so reserved her disgust for when and if it would be deserved.

“Alice, they experimented on humans without any oversight or medical board approval. This sort of thing is a Major violation of human rights and any civilized medical practice. To be here, now, and only just learning this.” Doug replied wary to even sit down on the lounges provided. “I mean even Regi was involved! We worked for these people and they were experimenting on people. Did they use anything we helped them with in these experiments? If so then we're accessories to those acts. It is just a violation, of my... of our Trust.” Pacing a little, back and forth, before taking a seat opposite Alice.

“Exactly. We have worked with them for a very long time, we know they had Doctors who were leaders in their fields.” Scott stats as he moves to the information area. “You have work with a couple when producing that electrolyte bath. So is it possible they had their own internal medical board or what-ever? Plus it was a voluntary position.” Touching the screen, Scott tries to boot what he thinks is a computer. “All I am saying is there is distance between us and them, they were willing to take these risks for what they believed in. Just like the other companies out there doing the same, although I doubt some would be as open and forthright with their test subjects.”

Mike opens his welcome package, taking a look at the contents. There was a tablet of rather old but simple design a few books, some other items that didn't stand out compared to the note. The note read, “With so much tech around people sometimes miss the tactile sensation, these books are a small addition to he extensive library I am sure you will find. However there is also no chance for true outdoors experience down here, and can get rather claustrophobic. So to address this you'll find as part of the air production and biological cultivation area is a tropical jungle like space and meadows. In case anyone is not adjusting very well, you can take them there and it may be more calming. Other than this everything else you'll need to know to access the facilities is on the tablet.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Corin moves her wheelchair over to an uncrowded coffee-table, as Doug responds to Scott's words, “You're not disturbed by this at all? They basically killed people for progress! Not to mention now that I know, I know that those 'Doctor's' I worked with had broken their oath... like it was nothing.”

“People die for progress all the time, think about the government sanctioned wars. Even though it is not something the people of our country may want, they act in their best interests for the reason of 'Progress'... “ The screen infront of Scott lights up, as he continues, “Think back on history, where was all this grief when the Middle East was Nuked during the China/Nth. Korea vs US/Russia war. Not to mention all those innocent people killed in order to kill singular targets, all the name of 'National Security' and to protect the people. What does history say about us, and our country that we let these governments do what they want to out of fear, don't forget their actions reflect on us as a people. Yet we generally didn't care about any of that, it's only when it is in your face, like now, that you'd react.”

Alice looks a little horrified at Scott's rebuttal, “That will not help Scott! That way of thinking is just... Broken! People die for progress, it is true. But there are people like Marie Curie, who died because of what she studied yet due to this and other similar deaths, the community was able to learn about the dangers. From that they were able to develop ways to prevent such occurrences in the future.” Turning back to Doug she continues, “However the biggest issues were when there was interference by external interests in blocking inquiry and denying negative results as fear mongering. This is why I am reserving my judgment on the ethical qualms until I have read and understood the research.”

Harper and Corin, clearly disturbed by Scott's contribution to the discussion appear somewhat shaken. The events he was talking about, were over a hundred years ago, the landscape of the world changed drastically after that. Governments basically became puppets of the corporate sectors they operated in and money, or more correctly credit, won out in the end.

The room had become somewhat silent, even Dananel stopped fussing over Sheryl, Harper quickly shuffled the twins and April onto Jordan and Lindsey asking them to take them looking for some candy. As Scott is still typing on the screen in front of him, Mike is trying to calm down an almost ready to explode Doug, while Claudia is stareing daggers at him. Corin looks to be visibly shaken by this, as it is a touchy subject for her.

“How could you compare the situation we are in now to that! That is just plain wrong, what happened back then was done by the China North Korea Alliance, it was pure evil!” Corin shouts as she slams her wheelchair armrests with an angry fist.

Silence still permeates the room, only broken by the sound of the 'bips' and 'boops' of the computer Scott is using.

When finally, “The nuke had nothing to do with the China North Korea alliance, it was ordered by the US Government because they didn't want to be fighting on two war fronts, not to mention they were afraid that the terrorists would join up with the CNK alliance. I had suspected it, but it seems that the CAC actually found the evidence.” Scott says finally as he spins the screen around to reveal a few documents and images he found on the topic in system.

Scott continues to look over the group, who didn't think they could be shocked anymore. “By the way Corin, if your interested, there is some research here that seems to suggest you walk again.” Clicking another window he displayed another document, “I have found what I was looking for, so I am going to go claim a room and get some sleep, it has been a long day.”

Complete taken off guard the group is somewhat disgusted at Scott's behavior as he grabs a welcome pack and walks away, “There is no good or evil, only what is beneficial or detrimental to ones own narrative, remember history is always written by the winners. We have already seen it in action.” He said as he leaves them to do whatever they want to do.

Corin on the edge of breaking down, tears in her eyes, “No... I don't believe this.” Harper hugs her from behind, as Corin starts crying. “They killed them... For convenience! This can't be right!” She shakes Harper off and wheels over to the screen that Scott was using.

Mike walks up behind Corin, “There is a place with some space if you need to think, it's down that way I think. But you may want to get something to eat first.”

“I will prove this is a fake, just another conspiracy theory that holds no water. I will find the TRUTH!” Corin says, ignoring Mike, as she swipes the windows left revealing the documents on the war. Copying over on to her own tablet she leaves the group and heads the direction Mike pointed out, the opposite direction to Scott.

Mike looking drained address the group, 'It has been a hectic and crazy journey, I am tired. I know some of you are too, how about we, 'Claim', a room and get some rest. There is a lot here to process.”

Harper looks to the direction that Corin went, “I think she needs some time alone, but I don't want to sleep just yet. Guess I'll take a look around abit, unpack and look after the kids, unless they want to sleep.”

“Thanks Harper, I could use a drink right about now, but a chance to take 'this' all in would be great.” Doug confesses. As the Dananel, Sheryl, Mike and Claudia nod in agreement. Alice however is engrossed in the computer, looking up various pieces of information that interest her.

April comes running back in, and up to her mum excitedly, she says “Mummy, there's Cake and sweets! Plus some bubbly drinks that Jordan wouldn't let us drink.” pouting finish.

“April get back here, I want to try that too! Don't hog it all!” Kyle's voice is heard coming up the hallway.

“Don't tell Kyle which way I went, he wants my sweets.” April says as she runs down the same hallway Corin went, eating a piece of cake.

Claudia sighs a bit, “Well at least they're happily adapting for now. Wish I could be that carefree, I hope they remain that way.”