Back at Neus, the Warden's chamber was silent, broken only by the soft rustle of papers.
"So, are these are the final results?" Demurc asked.
Across the desk sat a man in formal attire, his expression carried confidence. He handed Demurc a folder, its contents neatly stacked with charts and written evaluations.
He adjusted his glasses before speaking.
"Yes sir, Based on her MMPI results and consistent behavioral responses during the SCID-5 interview, Cynthia meets the criteria for a dissociative-type personality disorder," the psychiatrist began. "The symptoms appear to have developed only after the Oddity incident. Prior to that, her psychological profile was entirely stable."
Demurc leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. "So you're saying the incident fractured her mind?"
The psychiatrist nodded slightly.
"In a sense, yes. She's exhibiting signs of identity fragmentation, intermittent lapses in memory, emotional dissonance, and alternating personality states. It's a classic post traumatic dissociative reaction, likely triggered by whatever she witnessed during the Oddity event."
Demurc sighed, glancing at the report. "Can it be treated?"
"With intensive therapy, perhaps," the psychiatrist said quietly. "But without addressing the core trauma, the alternate personality may continue to surface under stress. It's… protective, in nature."
"What do you suggest on what course of action we should take?"
"I recommend continued psychotherapy sessions under controlled supervision. Regular therapy will be essential in stabilizing her emotional state and possibly preventing further bearer-related outbursts."
"Alright, let's do that." Demurc rose from his chair and extended a hand across the table.
"I'll be looking forward to your results, Dr. Alden."
Alden stood as well, meeting his handshake firmly. "I won't disappoint, Warden." he said before turning to leave the chamber.
Demurc sank back into his chair, a tired sigh escaping him, the kind that carried both relief and weight. The room fell silent again, save for the faint rustle of papers on his desk.
Moments later, a knock echoed from the door. "Come in," he said.
Alice entered, a tablet in hand, her steps brisk but composed.
Demurc gestured toward the chair across his desk, a silent invitation for Alice to sit. She gave a small nod of acknowledgment and took the seat.
"Warden, during the pursuit of Pix at Zekil City, the Eclipse Squad encountered an unknown Bearer," Alice began, her tone steady but tense. "We have no prior records or sightings of her. She aided Pix's escape, it was fortunate they chose not to engage, otherwise…" She paused, then handed the tablet to Demurc. "We managed to obtain footage of the encounter, along with a brief analysis of her abilities."
The tablet displayed a shaky, partially blurred clip of the skirmish. Despite the poor quality, it was enough to discern what had transpired.
"Well, this is troubling," Demurc said, leaning back in his chair. "Have you assigned a codename for her yet? If not, you can give her a temporary one for now."
Alice nodded. "Understood," she paused then continued, "pix did call her Lulu, should we proceed with that as her temporary codename?"
"Alrigh, let's do that then, and as for her tier, leave it as blank for now." Demurc replied.
"The Bearers…" Alice muttered under her breath.
Demurc glanced at Alice. "Hm? Did you say something?"
She hesitated, then spoke more clearly. "Warden, do you think they're searching for something in Zekil City?"
"I'd assume so," Demurc replied, leaning back slightly. "We can't ignore the possibility seeing how they suddenly became active. They're moving with purpose."
"Deploy some agents to patrol the city. Make sure they do not take action against any bearers. Advise them to retreat if they ever encounter one." He added.
Alice nodded.
"So, how is the Eclipse Squad?" Demurc asked.
"They are on their way back now," Alice replied.
"I see." Demurc set the tablet down, fingers tapping once against the desk. "Notify me the moment they arrive. I'd like to meet them personally."
"Understood, is there something you need with them?" Alice asked.
"I do. I'll be taking the Eclipse Squad in for training. For an elite unit, their teamwork needs some serious work."
"I see. Well, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave, Warden." Her footsteps faded slowly down the long hallways.
After a few moments passed, Demurc stepped out of his chamber and made his way to the elevator, descending to the lower levels.
At the isolation cell, several heavily armed personnel stood in organized formation outside.
As Demurc entered, the guards snapped to attention and saluted him.
"Keep up the good work, everyone," Demurc said, and stepped inside the isolation ward.
Inside, the corridor was dark and silent, there were no guards, only a few vacant rooms lined on the walls.
Demurc approached one of the cells and peered inside, spotting Cynthia seated motionless on a chair, clad in a white restraint suit.
He opened the reinforced door and greeted her. "Hello, Cynthia. How are you feeling?"
The sound of the door made her turn her head abruptly.
"Warden..." Cynthia murmured, slowly lowering her head again.
"I've been updated on your current status. At least we know it wasn't you, you didn't do it."
"But still—" she began, but Demurc interrupted her gently.
"You don't have to blame yourself for anything," he said. "That said, we'll have to keep you locked in here. We don't know when your alter might take over, and it's dangerous for you and for the others."
She exhaled softly. "It's okay. I understand."
"Have you been able to eat well?" Demurc asked.
"Ah, yes… but this suit makes it quite a challenge," Cynthia replied, letting out a small chuckle.
"Well, that's good to hear."
"You're really kind, Warden," she said, her hands nervously fidgeting.
"It's nothing, really. I understand your situation. You didn't do anything wrong, but the Oddity, it's cruel."
"I came to let you know that you'll continue with the psychotherapy. The psychiatrist says it'll help," Demurc said softly. "We'll see what we can do to help."
"Thank you, Warden," she replied, her voice carrying relief.