*Kzzzzgt* “Ahem. Doctor Samantha Kendricks here, reporting on Incident 1347-15. Incident 1347-15 involved the attempted escape of Patient 1347 from his treatment room while the patient was being dressed by Asylum staff.”

There is a momentary pause in the recording. Dimly, sounds can be heard in the background that almost sound like moaning.

“Patient 1347 has unfortunately racked up a number of disciplinary infractions, of which Incident 1347-15 is certainly the most flagrant as it involved the assault of one staff member, and active resistance against another member. Patient 1347 has had an initial disciplinary period of isolation to reduce his levels of stress and energy back to more manageable levels. In his interactions with staff after this period of isolation, 1347 demonstrated proper decorum within acceptable guidelines.”

Doctor Kendricks sighed into the recording, and the moaning behind her momentarily became a trifle louder and more plaintive before she continued.

“Despite this seeming transformation, 1347 has behaved in a similar fashion after previous isolation bouts. 1347 will continue acceptable behaviour for approximately one to three treatment cycles before once more beginning to resist staff members in the application of their duties. I fear that the patient is becoming caught in a self-destructive loop.”

Another pause, pregnant with possibility.

“Stricter measures are likely warranted.”

A beat. Then two. Then a loud humming broke over the recording, followed almost immediately by a surprised squeal and muffled yelling.

Doctor Kendricks’ voice broke in over the additional noise, clearly carrying the recording device away to a slightly quieter location.

“I have authorized a more stringent form of isolation training, which 1347 seems most responsive to in inculcating the proper attitude and training expected of patients. 1347 will be held in a sealed latex containment unit, colloquially known as a ‘vac bed’, for the bulk of each training cycle with appropriate audio instructions to maintain his training. 1347 will be removed from this unit only for basic hygiene and electrical stimulation to ensure there is no loss of muscle mass or motor skills. 1347 will then be recommitted to the ‘vac bed’ and resume training and treatment.”

Doctor Kendricks sighed again.

“I detest the need for this particular stringency, but Patient 1347’s treatment cannot truly begin until he is more broadly accepting of the need for it. 1347’s self-destructive cycle of escape attempts and punishment must be broken in order to have any chance at curing him of his ailments. As such I will take the regrettable decision to maintain him in this isolation cycle for eight days, after which there will be a reassessment by myself and his regular physician Doctor Hannah Landry. Doctor Landry is presently away teaching a seminar, but has granted her concurrence for this particular step.”

The noises accompanying this had slackened. The humming had finally ceased, though the frantic mewling and moaning had continued for some time. Even now, faint murmurs of it could be heard, as well as the squeaking and straining of latex. After a few beats, Doctor Kendricks’ voice cut back in.

“It is my hope that eight days from now Patient 1347 will have made sufficient progress that this necessity will not have to be continued. Provided suitable behavioural improvement is witnessed, I will feel comfortable returning him to a normal treatment regimen.”

“However, the success or failure of this particular approach will rest entirely with Patient 1347. Doctor Samantha Kendricks, end log.”