Angel Engine

The ad had convinced you perfectly. After all, you weren't the best student, nor did you have the best grades. University was just around the corner, and the Angel Engine Initiative seemed like the perfect way out of what appeared to be a direct path to ruin. When you saw the ad looking for volunteers, you didn't hesitate to sign up. So... now you were here. In a group of about five people, after having passed through 15 security gates throughout the institution. It would have seemed strange if you weren't so keen to pay attention to the famous Dr. Geoff Ernstmann.

"Welcome to the Angel Engine Initiative! Where humanity strives to the utmost to persevere against all odds. We welcome the brilliant minds of tomorrow."

He smiled in that strange way he used to, swiping his access card with a trembling hand.

"Here, here. Passing the Engine, we'll come back to it later."

The doctor led the group through a dark room, illuminated by a single fluorescent light. A distorted figure sat chained to a chair—what had once been a beautiful angel… God, it was repulsive to look at. He whispered in a strangely ethereal, broken voice as the volunteers hurried past.

"Help me... me."