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With a sudden start, the radios blarred on, a sharp sound of feedback introducing a nervous voice.

Hey, I'm sorry for being scarce last night. I hope I didn't ruin anyone's plans, but you guys shouldn't rely on me too much, all right? I mean, it's not like I'm infallible...

The uncertainty in her tone lingered, as if the broadcaster wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing. Still, she took a shaky breath and continued.

It's just that last night I wasn't given the go-ahead. I mean, he was...

Anyway, that's not important. You want clues, right? Well, I've got some this time. I can't say they're mysterious enough to make Jack proud, but...

Her voice fell away, as if she had pulled back to say something under her breath. When she spoke again, she sounded a little stronger.

If you're the creative sort, then maybe you'll know where to go! You'll have to do some searching, though.

This morning you were all given a choice, right? Sinner or saint. If you're a saint, then search adjacent and you might be lucky.

And I know some of you learned more about your "real" lives today. Try to learn even more and this time, there might actually be something of interest waiting for you.

That's all, kids. Good luck!

The light static on the radios slowly faded away into silence.

It seemed that the current radio voice was always coming on in a rush these days, as opposed to her more cool and collected predecessor. Her tone seemed to be almost a mix of excitement and fear as she made her nightly greeting.

Hey, everyone! Sorry if I sound kind of winded. I've been pretty busy, and if you were paying attention earlier, you can probably guess why.

There was a sound almost like she was brushing her hair back and then wiping at her face, most likely only audible because of how close she must have been to the mic she was speaking into.

Anyway! While Mister Head Doctor might act like he's got everything under control, you've gotta know that's not the case. We've got him this time, guys, so show him what you've got! Make him sweat!

So, if any of you do actually make it outside - and I doubt it's going to be easy, guys - you should keep in mind that there's no way you can get too far before morning comes and undoes all your progress. I'm pretty sure there's a way around that, though. Jack only hinted at it, but check and see if the monsters you come across in the wilderness leave anything behind once they've died.

There's probably a trick to it, though. There always is, right? Anyway, good luck. I'll be doing my best to keep supporting you in any way I can. I might throw out some more clues later on, but I get the feeling you'll all be busy enough as it is.

The voice cut out then, and any extra static coming from the radios faded away.

The radios all buzzed to life, playing some soft instrumental music. It wasn't long before the female voice cut in, though, cutting to the chase.

Hey, guys. Miss me? Nah, I know you're probably missing a certain someone else and would rather he was talking to you right now, but this is better than nothing, right? To give you an update on that, he's... been properly buried. A few of us did it, and while it was hard, painful work -- in more ways than one -- some words were said and now he's gotten the rest he deserves.

There was a pause, as if she had lost her train of thought or was at least dwelling on something that couldn't actually be said.

Anyway, I guess you're all probably thinking about what Mr. Head Doctor had to say... I can't stop you guys from checking it out, but you should all know by now that anything he wants you to look into has to be dangerous, right? If anything, I can give you some other clues that might be a little more helpful.

So, you all know that big body of water, right? It's dangerous, but it just might be worth your time if you play your cards right. And I don't know if you've checked it out, but the room where those fake letters come in is also one of tonight's hot spots. And...

A second pause came, but this one was much more strained. She took a deep breath and then let it out.

And maybe... if you check out the room where he was being held? Maybe there's something there.

Just like the night before, she ended quickly and the radios cut off abruptly.

After the rushed announcement that had come through the intercom earlier, it was uncertain whether or not the radios would be blaring to life this nightshift. But if the devices were one thing, they were reliable, and as the patients made their nightly journeys, those who had taken their radios with them would get to hear that same voice from yesterday.

There was heavy breathing, and when she started talking her tone was packed with adrenaline.

Well, mission accomplished! I know Landel likes to speak in not-so-plain terms, but some of you probably guessed what was going on. We weren't going to let Jack's body sit in a cold room waiting to be cut apart, so me and a few others broke in earlier to retrieve him.

Yeah, kinda dangerous, but Jack did even ballsier things when he was alive, so I think it's a small price to pay to give him some proper respect. Landel says he doesn't deserve it, but I think he's just using that to cover up how pissed he is that his plans got messed with yet again.

I'm a dead woman, huh? Then why is it that I managed to get in and out with only a few scrapes?

Anyway, I'm not here to talk to him. I'm here to talk to all of you, and I've got some good news. While I was in there, I managed to drop off some helpful items that you can go pick up now if you hurry.

I'm not so good with riddles, so this should all be pretty easy. Go to the room where there is almost always sound other than talking during the day, and you might find something. The place where those monsters that didn't quite make it to the big leagues should also have something of interest.

There was a long pause then, followed by an intake of breath. When she spoke again, she seemed unsure.

And the room with warm and wet clothing... There should be something there too.

The radios clicked off without even a proper goodbye.

While patients might have thought that the radio would never again come to life, that they were now without any form of guidance (questionable as 'Jack' had been at times), the items started up once again and the sound of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' filtered through for a minute or two.

The song faded away into the background after that so that a new, unfamiliar voice could be heard. And this time, it was female.

Hey, guys! Hope you liked that little eulogy I played earlier. I didn't know Jack very well, but he was a good man, and a lot of us respected him. He didn't deserve the fate he got. I guess that's debatable, but I don't think he did, and I'm guessing a lot of you feel the same way. You know what a huge risk he was taking by trying to help you out now, at least.

The voice paused, a throat was cleared. Maybe she was a little nervous.

Well, I guess I should explain. See, Jack wasn't alone in his cause. I didn't know him very well -- actually, I only met him a few times. He was kind of a mysterious guy, but I guess you know that by now. But I'm part of his effort, along with a few others, and we all knew that this day might come. I was the one who was chosen to take over in the event that he -- well, you know. So I'm going to be doing my best to give you guys a hand now, if you'll let me.

I managed to dig up some of Jack's notes. They're pretty hard to decipher since he wrote in code, but I've been puzzling through them all day and night, and I should be able to give you some hints soon. I thought I should make an introduction, though, to make sure you guys didn't lose hope. We're still with you! So please... hang in there.

Oh, and by the way? You can call me Jill. I'll be back on soon to help, so stay sharp!

The voice left then, but the music continued until the song had finished, and then it all went silent.

Surprisingly, the radio did not remain silent. Each and every one suddenly turned on, emitting steady static that only lasted a few seconds before clearing up.

Then, quietly, but growing progressively louder, 'Taps' started to play. For those who recognized the song, they would know what it signified. For those who didn't, the somber sound would give them enough of an idea of its meaning.

A rebel soldier had fallen, and they all needed to feel for him in one way or another.

Once the song finished, the radios clicked off, and all was silence again.

(With a click, all the radios turned on at once, and the familiar scratching voice of the DJ came on. There was no music tonight.)

Welcome, welcome all my little cats and canaries. It's time again for Jack's nightly show, listen up and listen up good. The piper is leading you to your dooms. The tombs are no place for you, not now. Would you scale Olympus with a single rope? Would you challenge Zeus with a pocket knife? Storm the gates of Hades with an air rifle?

If you value your life, my fair-weather friends, you will gather your strength before descending into hell. The boy scouts had it right: always be prepared.

Let me help prepare you.

I offer you what aide I can. No one found that fire-spitting demon of death I left last night. Such a pity, you were so close. I've moved it, you know. It's gone where it's cold, where it's fires are dormant. The demon of hard fire sleeps in the snow. It's children sleep with it.

For those of you with poor memories who need to see what's before you, I offer you this: A polar box, equipped in full, to help you remember those tricky little visions. Look for it among the stacks.

And now a simple reward, one I know so many of you crave. I, too long for that sweet inhalation, that orgasmic exhalation.... Oh how delicious it is. What is a man without his vice? But such a pity. They really shouldn't be kept where they could get so wet. Better hurry, if you want them.

I am tired of warning you. You do as you will, you run willy-nilly across the lands of the damned, never watching where you step. You will fall if you don't rein in, and if you fall here, you never get up.

Take my gifts and use them well. You'll need them, if you head down to hell.

Peace out my friends, I have much to do this night. I'll be in touch. See you on the flip side.

Jack out.

(The radios went silent.)

(As usual, all the radios in the hospital turned themselves on with a click. The strains of Blue Oyster Cult's Fire of Unknown Origin filtered out of the speaker. After a few minutes, as though timed, the music fades and the smoky voice of the nighttime DJ cut in, low and angry.)

No tips or hints tonight my friends. But I have a message for Big Bad Doctor Man.

This game is old and tired, Martin. You want to destroy me? You want to break me? Then be a man - come for me! Stop hiding behind easy targets, Martin. You are a coward! You are a pathetic, frightened little man who refuses to fight his own battles! You make me sick!

I've had enough. No more history repeating itself, no more lashing out at me with cheap tricks and gutless blows. You disgust me. Terrorists go after the innocent to hit their targets, Martin.

So I say again: if you want me, come and find me. Or I will come for you. One way or another, you false god, I will see you dead. You will pay for your crimes and I will be your judge, jury and executioner.

I'm afraid it may be some time before I walk among you again, my friends. It isn't safe for you. Watch your back, watch the backs of those you love. The stakes are getting higher.

Jack out.

And with that, the music fades and the radios snap off in unison, leaving nothing but silence.

With a pop and a crackle, all the radios in Landel's turn on at once, broadcasting the strains of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Flaming Telepaths'. The music soon fades to the background, and the familiar voice of the nightly DJ begins...

Another night here in hell, I wish you well once more. I hope you have a few minutes to spare, my friends, because this broadcast could take a while.

I know you have questions, and I have answers. Some answers, anyway. No one would want to play if I gave the game away too soon.

I will admit that I was once blind. Man goes blind in the face of power. How many of you can say you were offered godhood and did not falter? At the alter of humanity, all men seek to be gods. But my eyes were cleared, my mind was freed. A man makes many mistakes in his life, you can't say you aren't the same. The big bad boogie man wants me to sound like him - I'm not like him. I found my path through the darkness, I reached for the light, I fight the good fight now.

Mankind is not perfect. None of us are saints. We struggle and we fall, we're tested, sometimes we're bested, the wheel keeps on turning and we keep on learning. I never claimed to be a paragon of virtue, I never claimed I was a perfect man. I'm sure you can all understand. None of you are perfect, none of you have never faltered. We all fall now and again. But that doesn't make us bad men, or evil men, it makes us human.

Now the bad old doctor tried his hand at some poetry it seems. I don't think he should quit his day job, personally. He claims I save to kill? My friends, I don't even know what that means. The only man I want to kill is him, and I have never made that a secret. Mad dogs need to be put down, and even Lucifer was cast down from heaven. I have sinned, I confess, but I have repented.

Now, a few words of advice to help you tonight. Golden gods bleed the sweet wine of life, but be careful where you strike for oil. You won't break the topsoil if you drill from the front. And if you're looking for a little something to spice up your life, you may want to look where the devout kneel. I can guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Oh, and one more thing: I know where those intercom broadcasts are coming from. And I'll say this: you've got a better chance of finding him than me.

That's all for now, my fine cats and kitties. Keep it cool, keep it real, and try not to die.

By the by, you can just call me Jack.

See you on the flip side.

With that, the radios all shut off, going silent once more.

(With a click, the radios of Landel's once more turned on. Immediately, there were signs that this broadcast was somewhat different. There was a fuzzy quality, even to the silence, before the music kicks in. No instrumental tonight, but the beginning chords of David Bowie's 'Dead Man Walking'. The music fads to the backdrop, before the husky and gravely voice of the radio announcer cuts in)

Welcome, welcome, all you new cats and kitties. Enjoy the ditty, it's a favorite. Welcome to the hell called Landel's. Are you scared yet? I bet you are, don't be ashamed. We all shake the same when the night comes in. You'll learn the ropes and abandon your hopes soon enough - unless you're strong. I hope you're strong.

My friends, I wish I had better news. It's no fun always singing the blues, choosing what you want to hear, but I fear I must be blunt with you tonight. The big bad doctor man doesn't always lie - 'we're breaking in the new boys, deceive your next of kin'. Some sins are real. But don't let him break you! - if only you knew what I know. I'd show you, if I could.

Maybe I will, before the night has died. Shake pride to its foundations, rip away the veil, the pale horse rides but not for me. Would you like that? I bet you would. Well then, stay tuned all of you fine young things in Landel's Land. I've got so much more to say, when the time is right. Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, my time right now is borrowed I'm afraid.

Stay tuned, you'll hear from me again. Same hellish time, same hellish channel.

Peace out, my friends."

The song finishes, the fuzzy background static returns, and the radios all shut off at once.

With very little warning, for the second time that night, the radios in Landel's clicked on. There was no music this time, just the sound of breathing.

Well, well, well! The self-styled, so-called god has shown his mortal side! I hope you were all paying attention, my friends. See how far the mighty can fall! See the scourges of human pride! Listen well and remember: there is no man who is without weakness! There is no man who is made of stone! Not even your puppet master, your caster of nets, your pompous jailer sailing on his wave of self-importance.

Remember well, my fine cats and frisky birds, while you fret and fuss in your man-made maze. Remember what you've heard.

And keep your heads down in the morning, if you know what's good for you. Don't rock the boat, don't cause a fuss, if you must I can bet you'll regret it. I've heard hangover's are a real killer.

Morning's coming soon, so I've gotta blow. Keep it real, my friends, and I'll see you all next time Mr Sun has gone to sleep.

If you're still around.

And with that, the radios all went silent.

With a click, all radios in the building turned on. The strains of some fast paced, heavy jazz instrumental burst forth immediately, loud and resounding before fading to background noise. Then came the smoky rough voice of the nighttime DJ...

Good evening my fine, fine fettered friends. Did I get your attention? How is life treating you tonight? You’ve rested well, I hope. You have been busy little bees. Brings a smile to my face. I’m early, I know, but there are things you need to know. I have a lot to say so listen well before you're on your way.

The charlatan speaks with forked tongue. His lies are the lies of the devil, he is the Satan of the mind. And if you follow him he will lead you to a deeper hell than even this. I am no preacher, I am a teacher but I know the face of evil when I see it. And I speak to you not from books, I offer no rhetoric I speak from the heart, every part of what I say. And remember this: the scholar makes no false claims. I have no need to lie, and no one lies so boldly as the man who is indignant.

The big bad boogey man thinks he can find me. His eyes can’t see me, no matter how hard he looks. I can walk in his places but he cannot come close to mine. I am a shadow, a ghost, I move in ways he cannot comprehend. I am one single diamond in a sea of shattered glass. And you have more important things to do than chase after ghosts or a needle in a haystack. Take my help and use it well, but the man behind the curtain must stay there. This is no call-in-show, take what I give and use it well.

But maybe if you've got a request for some tracks, I'll see what I can lay down for you.

The little white doctors are coming tonight, with their flasks and caskets and vials. They come to cut and change and paint their ideals on canvases that are not blank. They are the true madmen, the loons, they bay at the moon and crow their own pride and little do they know….

Well, they don’t know what I know.

No treasure hunt tonight my friends. No need to spill your blood for my prize - enough was spilled last night, I think. Those critters are nasty, aren’t they? That’s what happens when man thinks he’s God, when man thinks he‘s the big man in the sky, Zeus on his mountain with his lightening and thunder, looking down at men who are playthings. Man must not tread on holy ground, man cannot make what nature never intended…

But I’m preaching to the choir, aren’t I? Man never learns. That is his folly, that is his failing, his pride and his self confidence that he is master of all and sundry. But man is nothing in the face of natural design! Empires fall, the mountains crumble, and man cannot rebuild. Man should not rebuild, for he has been judged and found lacking! Nature takes care of itself.

Know this, as you scramble and fight and search for weaknesses and the gifts I so humbly offer - there is more to see than what these walls contain.

But it’s not a pretty sight.

The jazz returned, bursting to a climatic crescendo before the radios clicked off.

With a static click, the radios turned on. Static gave way to the mournful wailing of a saxophone. The smooth voice the mysterious man who seemed to control the airways soon overlapped it.

“Well, well, well, it’s nighttime again and I see we’ve got another crop of birds and daddies. Welcome to that place where hope runs dry and terror runs high. Watch your step, the troubles creeps out like the shadow when the lights go off. I am the light that guides your way, the sole beacon in this stormy dome. I am the king hep cat, my boots are on, I am the alpha and omega of the walls that trap you. I know all and see all and I tell you what I can. Remember cats and kitties, you are always being watched.

“Forget holiday cheer and fake joy, you know by now this is all fake. A farce a front a fantasy of macabre proportions. Nothing is real, not in the way you know it. Not one of you can comprehend the evil that surrounds you, the danger, the depravity… do you ever wonder about those who fall by the way? I wouldn’t, if I were you.

“But enough doom and gloom, my friends. It’s time to get Mr Big Bad Intercom Man all het up. You know the drill. I’ve got the skinny for you, the real down low. Here’s your tip for tonight: the dead speak. If you’re willing to listen, that is. And let me tell you, the dead know where it’s at. And the number of the dead is six and one.

But be careful. The dead draw a crowd. A dangerous crowd.

That’s all for now. See you on the flip side.

If you survive.”

The strains of smooth jazz begin to filter out from the radio, quickly fading to background music....

Hello out there in Landel’s land! Chiming in early tonight with the low-down for you, we have got the real scoop. And don’t worry, you won’t get any seasonal sensationalism from us. We don’t need to make up scary stories to have you shivering in your slippers.

The nights are getting worse my friends. New nights, new horrors, new monsters under your bed. They don’t need dark places to hide, they are out and they will come for you. Don’t let them catch you off guard, it’s hard to avoid them, harder to destroy them, step lively now, how else do you think you’ll survive?

Lucky for you, we've got a couple of tips. Just a few pointers in the right direction.

If you’re in need of guidance, might I suggest turning your eyes to the sky? Look heavenward and you just might find a guiding light you couldn‘t reach before. If you don’t feel like stretching for that pie in the sky, I know where you can find yourself a little bit of warmth on this cold and lonely night. Just look for the buddha in the woodpile. You’ll find it to the east of the sunroom.

And for those of you missing your lost little friends, don’t worry. They’ll be fine and dandy when the sun comes up again.

More or less.

Suddenly, without warning, the strains of ‘Ride of The Valkyries’ filters out from the radio. The militaristic sounding instrumental seems out of place and awkward in the dark of the Landel’s night. The music quickly fades to the background, overlaid with a smooth, scotch-and-cigarettes soft voice.

Welcome all you new cats and kittens. Are you scared yet? You will be. This is one crazy fun house, and there ain’t no easy way out. And the Big Daddy up top is out to keep you running in circles. But don't worry, we're here to give you the down low on everything we can.

There is a pause and a soft chuckle.

Now, we thought we’d give all you new cats and kitties the what's what now . Now there’s some special players on the field tonight, dig it? I’d keep away from the bright places, unless you want to meet a real classy chassis with some serious heat. Of course, there’s still a crazy cat with a whole mess of odds and ends that’ll total anyone who’s not watching their step. And the little lady by your cells… well, I guess no one ever told her that sharp sticks can poke your eye out. But I guess that some of you don't mind playing with fire. Some of you cats have guts.

And that’s not the worst. Man oh man, not by a long shot. See, Big Daddy got himself a hep new pet, one I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark hall. Or outside, for that matter. When it comes to baddies, this cat is the most. And I mean the most. Keep on your toes, keep your eyes open, and never let your guard down. Things are getting kicked up and there’s nowhere to hide.

See you on the flip side.

The music resumes, then fades out to nothing.