18:00

54 : Preparation

Pepper huffed, staring at the very end of the table. It wasn't breakfast- the food was fine, and she still appreciated the fact that the hotel serves it. It wasn't the weather either, even if it was still murky outside. Hell, it wasn't even the fact that more objects were going missing by the hour this time.

It was that one of the few times of the day where it would be normal to relax, OJ just had to announce a meeting. And yeah, it made sense why he did, since everybody was already together anyways. And sure, she had already finished eating. But Pepper still made a stiff exhale as OJ continued to talk about the current plans.

"And I know it's still muddy outside," OJ continued, "But we're not going on some huge mission here. We're just checking the area to confirm what we've been told, then leaving once we know where the entrance is. So, just for a quick show of hands, should we go today or wait for the weather to clear up entirely?"

And, just as quickly as Pepper processed his words, she noticed almost every hand at the table go up. In turn, she put up her own hand as well- she might've agreed to go along for this, but with how long it was taking, she just wanted to get it over with.

"...Alright, noted." OJ nodded. "That's it then. We'll go this evening, so that everyone has the time to get ready. I still have a couple people to check in role-wise, but until then, feel free to do whatever you want."

And with a nod, he stepped away, leaving the table alone once more. Pepper subconsciously nodded back, before standing up and pushing her chair in. She took her plate, stepping into the kitchen to put it in the sink.

But as soon as she stepped out of the kitchen, she saw an ever familiar face standing in front of her, and she couldn't help but silently groan.

"Hey," OJ quickly greeted her, a clipboard in hand. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay with your current place in the formation. A couple seconds ago-"

Pepper hastily cut him off, placing a finger to his lips. He glared back for a moment, before moving her hand away, but he got the hint at the very least. "Alright, alright. What do you want to say?"

"What do you mean by formation?" Pepper signed out, a slight look of confusion on her face.

"Ah, right." OJ muttered. "I mean the formation we're going in. I just wanted to make sure you were okay with your spot?"

"Why do we need a formation though? I thought this was just a quick in & out mission?" Pepper tilted her head slightly, an odd feeling twisting in her stomach.

OJ's face straightened in slight irritation, but he replied nonetheless. "I know, but you know how dangerous Test Tube can be. We don't know what precautions she might've taken, so the most we can do is be prepared."

"To this extent?"

"Yes, to this extent. It's not like I have much better to do anyways."

"Don't you think you're getting a little obsessed with this?"

OJ paused for a moment. He looked over Pepper's figure, as if analyzing her to tell exactly what she meant. "...Obsessed?"

"Yeah. Obsessed." Pepper answered. "It's a small mission, yet you're taking so many steps on it. In fact, I don't think I've seen you do anything else besides work on it for the past few days or so. What's up?"

"I'm just trying to make sure nothing goes wrong." OJ said, his eye twitching slightly. "I don't know what you're trying to get out of grilling me on this, but I'd really appreciate it if you just let me do this."

"Don't play dumb." Pepper lowered her eyes. OJ lowered his eyes back, but it wasn't long before he caved in with a sigh.

"I don't get how you guys aren't taking this as seriously as I am." OJ mumbled, crossing his arms. "There's six people trapped down there. Half of them are there for a second time for god's sake! Am I the crazy one for being concerned about them now?"