The Number Project

The bell rang, signaling the start of lunch. The bell had an all too familiar ring. It sent shivers down Rick's spine.

"I see they rebuilt the cafeteria pretty much identical to the last one…" He whispered to himself.

After lunch was over, Rick headed to the break room.

Man, you never would have thought this place got blown up years ago… He looked around, astonished at how well the building was reconstructed.

"Wait a sec," he whispered.

"I'm alone in here…" He quickly got out of his chair and walked towards the file cabinet.

Wonder if they have any sort of new information on Maru-

Before he could finish his thought, the alarms began blaring.

Eh? He looked around helplessly.

Suddenly, over the loud speaker an announcement came on.

"Patient escape attempt has failed, carry on."

Rick stared down at the file for a moment, then gave a sad smile.

"We were the lucky ones, huh Maru?" He whispered.

Then, the doorknob began twisting.

Rick quickly stuffed the file into his bag.

As the door opened, it revealed one of the men that interviewed Rick.

"Oh?" The man looked at Rick.

"I wasn't expecting anyone to be in here..."

"Ya sound a bit disappointed." Rick chuckled.

"Oh...no not at all, my apologies." He laughed.

"I just...need to," he paused.

"Make a phone call." He chuckled nervously.

He then looked down at Rick's bag, which was open.

"Ah..." The man narrowed his eyes.

"A-Ah!" Rick cried out, quickly zipping his bag shut.

"Heh..." He chuckled nervously.

"Mr. Reaper," the man began.

Rick quickly looked up.

"Seems you and I are here for the same reason." He said walking past Rick, to the files.

Rick turned around, to watch.

"Y'know, as one of the elites in this place, you'd think I wouldn't have to sneak around." The man laughed, as he grabbed a file.

"E-elites...?" Rick questioned.

"Ah!" The man chuckled.

"Looks like I've said too much!" He said, turning towards the door.

"W-Wait!" Rick cried out.

"Listen, Mr. Reaper." He said, turning his head. "We both want to atone for our sins it seems." He looked down.

"For their sake..." He whispered, exiting.

Rick watched the door close, stunned.