Self-Locked to 102
[There are a few moments of the sound of papers fluttering, being flipped through and stacked on top of one another. A few envelopes are opened, and after all this sound, there's a sudden silence.] Dr. Archer. [His voice is winter cold, devoid of any shred of humor or sympathy.] It seems that I have overpowered your consciousness. Or perhaps you have yielded.
[He pauses, taking in a slow breath.] Both are upsetting weaknesses. I'm sure you can hear me as I speak, but I would like to preserve this on an audio recording so that you may listen to it again and again at your leisure, for what I have to say to you is enormous in magnitude.
I have here statements from your bank and various debt collectors. You are a smart boy without an ounce of sense concerning finances. [He heaves a sigh, setting down a stack of papers.] Your funding is low. Last month I gave you a solution, and you ignored it. I am very disappointed. [His voice takes on a tone of scorn.] You have the gift of a god, and you waste it on hesitation. I'm disgusted.
[He pauses.] You must use this talent soon if you care about your research at all. Research the residents of this building and choose which one of them will fund your next round of tests. Do it quickly.
[There's another pause, and the scorn returns.] Another thing. I have been reading over this forum, and have seen your disturbing messages to 906. Even tonight you have displayed...worrisome behaviors towards her counterpart. Be careful, Archer. Those forays are meaningless, and will serve only to distract you. Heed my word.
[The recording proceeds for another thirty seconds of simply breathing and the shuffling of papers. Finally, it turns off.]