[center] [color=87CEFA]"Testing will begin immediately. Maya, I want you to come along with me."[/color] Luca spoke through a private channel, unheard by his escorts. There were several more S.C.A.R.E than there had been in the room with the [i]Right Hand[/i], but an order had been passed down with heavy implications. Luca salivated at the thought, striding through the oppressively sterile guts of the Evadne Complex's lower levels. Footfalls behind him were mixed, he noted; some the heavy march of professional killers and some belonging to his fellow men of science. The device in his ear was silent, for a moment.

 [color=D87093]"Can't, Luca, I'm busy. I'm taking a detachment to investigate another incident over near the Bliss Haven apartment complex. Got reports of a potential Infected."[/color] She sounded irritated, as per usual, but that was hardly a deterrent. He listened closely, beyond her words. Even through the S.C.A.R.E commander's helmet, the sound of the Central Elevator was obvious. She was, indeed heading topside. A disappointment. He had wanted her nearby for the observation of their most recently acquired subject. [color=D87093]"Good luck with [i]whatever[/i] the fuck it is you're going to be doing down there. Wyrick out."[/color]

 The channel was silent, further communication impossible; unless he were to acquire one of the S.C.A.R.E comms. Luca considered it, his languid stride slowing for but a moment; the idea cast aside. He had more pressing matters to attend to. [color=87CEFA]"Gentlemen,"[/color] he began with a flourishing turn to face the group; six S.C.A.R.E and two other scientists. One he didn't remember, a woman; a new addition to their research team. Then there was the V.A.P head, [color=9999CC][i]Doctor Isaac Camphor[/i][/color], a serious and dedicated man that Luca almost had some measure of respect for; even if the two had grated over certain issues in the past. [color=87CEFA]"Tell me what your expectations are."[/color] He turned away, at that, resuming his flamboyant stride; toying with one of his neatly woven locks.

 The hallway they currently tread was close to the cell their new 'friend' had been confined to. It was lined with personnel, busy with analysis and routine inspections. A group of Blackthorne M&M Quarantine Specialists were moving to one of the cells at their left, implements charged and ready. [color=87CEFA]"Seems like there's been a problem."[/color] Luca chuckled, knowing full well that it was but one of many to come. He had heard about the lock-down of New Steel City, perhaps thirty minutes before. It was becoming common knowledge rather quickly. Worrisome, in its own way; exciting in another. Exciting enough to make Luca lick his lips in distant anticipation. Still, those who stood in their way stepped aside at their passage; resuming their business in the wake of the S.C.A.R.E.

 Miasma Containment Cell 42 was about halfway down that dreary hallway, those beyond it unoccupied for the time being. As procedure dictated, Luca pressed his face close to the panel beside the door. A quick scan verified his identity and Clearance Level within the span of a breath. Then, as the door hissed open the S.C.A.R.E moved into the room; weapons free, as always. He followed close behind, hearing a thud and seeing Specimen 42 pressing his hands against the obfuscating Observation Shield. The soldiers took up positions around the room, away from the sensitive equipment, their weapons ahead; just in case there were to be a breach. 

 Luca ignored their ever-present tension, stepping through the room. He stood on one foot, for a moment; using the tip of his shoe and the extension of his leg to slowly drag a chair to the foremost console. For a brief moment, he looked into the Subject's eyes. [color=87CEFA]"So remarkably [i]human[/i] isn't it? The way its eyes hold confusion and desperation."[/color] After he had softly whispered his approval, the Subject spoke. 

[color=7ea7d8]"Hey. Hey! I'm in here! What the fuck is happening to me?!"[/color]

 Luca shivered. Though most might have interpreted the action as one of fear or discomfort, the truth was apparent to those who had come to know the 'scientist'. He was excited. He placed his hands on the console, face bathed in blue and orange; the alternating hues of sensitive equipment and the ever cycling hazard light. [color=87CEFA]"The line is open, I believe, Martin. Can you hear me? If you can, please give me a moment to speak. I know that's difficult in your situation, but I believe it would be beneficial to both of us."[/color] Luca's voice was casual, light, as though he were speaking to an old friend. [color=87CEFA]"Back away, just a little, from the shield."[/color] A hand lifted, a point to the S.C.A.R.E; in turn. [color=87CEFA]"They're the kind of guys and gals who just can't [i]relax[/i]. And in a situation where cooperation isn't given, they technically have command."[/color] He gave the charlatan a soft smile.

 [color=87CEFA]"My name is Luca D. Beake, and I'm a scientist. I believe you recall the [i]incident[/i] that brought you here."[/color] He had always thought it best to be straightforward about the situation and had faith that it would be at least somewhat effective against their newest Subject. [color=87CEFA]"I apologize on behalf of the Special Combat And Requisition Enforcers. They were merely performing the [i]requisition[/i] portion of their job. I intend to begin with mine, now."[/color]

 His eyes drifted to the containment cell's paltry accommodations. The quarantine cell he had spent thirty-six hours in had been much more comfortable. Also far less dangerous. What might not have been noticed by the new Subject were the several hidden ports and vents. Usually, they were used for testing weapons or subduing an unruly Subject. The floor itself could be electrified, with the push of a button. Luca's fingers lingered over a particular set of those buttons; a lupine smile spreading his lips wide. [color=87CEFA]"My job is to ascertain just how far your sickness has progressed. You've been directly exposed to a Miasma carrying organ, given to you by a creature we refer to as 'Smile'."[/color]

 A button was pressed. Hissing, much like that of the airlock opening could be heard from the Subject's cell. [color=87CEFA]"You see, Martin Warrick-"[/color] Luca brought a hand to his chin and considered the Subject, leaning back in his chair, sighing after a moment. Then he leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. [color=87CEFA]"Or is it Martin Margrave? [i]Magnificent Marovio[/i], even!"[/color] He chuckled, a little, at the last line. Then, it was back to his lackadaisical attitude. [color=87CEFA]"Regardless, Martin, you're now host to a very interesting and [i]dangerous[/i] sickness. I told you, before, that I intend to do my job. How painful it is to you depends entirely on your capacity for cooperation."[/color]

 He sat back up, straightening his vest.

 [color=87CEFA]"Now, you're free to speak. So let's start small,"[/color] Luca's eyes bored into the Subject, his fingers moving over a different set of buttons, [color=87CEFA]"how are you [i]feeling[/i] today?"[/color][/center]