[@TRES]

Jared raised his eyebrows in surprise. They actually sent someone from the university to investigate the machines? Wonders never ceased to happen. Normally, he would never have admitted a stranger into the factory unannounced, but... This man was clearly a gentleman and a scholar, and had the credentials to prove it. The foreman would probably understand. He decided to go with his gut and trust this arachno... Whatever he'd said.

[color=fff200]I see[/color], he said, [color=fff200]Certainly, Sir. You may enter the premises. I am however unable to leave my post at this hour, but if you proceed to the entrance over yonder[/color], he pointed at a door in the facade, [color=fff200]You will find someone to help you along. Tell them Jared let you in, and ask for the foreman, mister Howe. He can show you the malfunctioning apparatus.[/color]

Jared unlocked the gate and opened it for the professor. He watched as the man crossed the courtyard, wondering what life was like when you were a scholar at the university. Very different was the answer he came up with. More reading, and less drunken delinquents. But that was for fine folks, such as the professor, not people like himself.

Alan soon found his way inside, and was directed to the foremans office by an equally surprised worker. He was let inside, and was greeted by mister Howe. He was a big man, the foreman, with broad shoulders that stretched the fabric of his shirt thin. He was bald, but sported a bushy moustache the color of coal. He gestured for Alan to take a seat opposite him at the desk, a behemoth of dark wood, and then sat down himself.

[color=f7941d]Welcome, Sir[/color], he said in a surprisingly soft and tender voice, [color=f7941d]I am Howe, the foreman. How might I help you this evening?[/color]