Introduction

A lucrative opportunity....

That's what he called it, at least. You met Mr. LeBlanc while working as an intern at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Delving into the occult, mysterious sides of history has always interested you, and Mr. LeBlanc had always been very helpful when it came to teaching you more about cultural research. That's why when LeBlanc told you about a well-paying, full-time position with the Philadelphia Zoo overseeing their new exhibit, you were excited, but a bit confused.

You didn't really know much about animals, though Mr. LeBlanc assured you that this project would be right up your alley. He seemed tight-lipped about the details of the job, telling you to go to Philadelphia to find out more for yourself, but you suspected that he knew more than he was letting on. However, as a college graduate working in an unpaid internship, you weren't exactly in a position to turn down an opportunity like this.

The zoo covered your flight and hotel, and put you in contact with a man named William Corliss, who was to be your supervisor. Corliss seemed nice, if a bit strange. Like Mr. LeBlanc, he was also short with details about the job. The first call at your hotel was especially vague.

"Now, I hope you've been able to sign the contract we sent to you. We can't really move forward if it isn't signed," he said.

"Yes, Mr. Corliss, everything should be good to go," you replied. "Some of that stuff on the contract was kind of weird though. I mean it seemed like a lot of, I don't know, effort? Especially for a zoo exhibit."

"Well, this exhibit is quite a large investment, and the state insists that it's kept under wraps until fully completed," Corliss said. "It's supposed to be a huge draw for tourism, and the state doesn't want to risk losing the surprise. You haven't told anyone about this, right?"

"No sir," you said. "But, I mean there's really not much to tell peo-"

"Good! That's good," Corliss said. "I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about. That's all just stuff for the legal department. You know how lawyers can be. They'll make you sign an NDA for tying your shoes if you let them."

"Yeah I guess," you replied. "But sir, I'm mainly just worried about preparing for this job. I mean, I still don't really know what I'm going to be doing, and I'm not really a zoologist so-"

"You know, I really appreciate your enthusiasm!" Corliss said quickly. "How about you come down to the zoo today and I'll give you a little tour around the facility and explain a bit more about the job? It really is a bit difficult to explain over the phone."

"Uhh, yeah, sure, that sounds great actually," you said. "One more question: the contract told me to not use my name on anything. Am I going to be credited for the work I'm doing? I'm really trying to buff up my resume a bit and I just-"

"Lawyers, right?" Corliss said, chuckling a bit. "Just come on down to the zoo and I'll explain everything."

"Yeah....lawyers," you said. "Okay, I'll be right over."

You left your hotel to report to work, arrived at the zoo parking lot...and that's all that you can remember.

Now you're lying on a cold, hard floor in a dark building with no windows. Dim lights creep under the door of the otherwise dark room you wake up in. Behind you there is another door with a sign that reads "NO EXIT." You instinctively try to check your phone for the date, but you find it is missing. Instead, lying next to you is a walkie-talkie, the faint light of its screen illuminating your hand as you pick it up. Static crackles from it as Mr. Corliss' voice rings out into the silence.

"Hey there! Glad to see you're finally awake! You doing alright?"

You groan as you stand up from the floor. Your head is pounding.

"Whoa now, you might want to take it easy a bit," Corliss says. "You've been out for about an hour or so. This is the exhibit you'll be handling. It's still under construction, so I apologize if it's a bit rough around the edges. I did tell you that I was gonna give you a tour of the facilities, so just consider this your orientation day!"

(Continue in the Twine Story below)