The following scene is the beginning of what I've dubbed the Craftsman Arc... I'll explain a bit more of that when I post about The Craftsman themself (and when I'm not on mobile, lol), but tl;dr The Craftsman is a Spiral Avatar inspired loosely by a puzzle game series called The Room.
Also, the first written appearance of Alan Parker, the Foundation's actual Head Archivist. He's far better at delegating his job than he is at actually doing it, so he often hands projects he's supposed to be doing to his assistants, as seen here.
Door opens enthusiastically
ALAN
Valerie! Just the person I was looking for.
VALERIE
Well, you found me. Here. At my desk. Is this important? I was kind of in the middle of something...
ALAN
Yeah, so, there’s a lady out front wanting to make a statement, and I was wondering, since you’re doing such a good job handling the recordings, if you wouldn’t mind collecting it from her? I’d talk to her, but I’ve got that department heads meeting in about 15 minutes, so...
VALERIE
Sighs. Sure, just let me finish this up.
ALAN
Great, I knew I could count on you. I’ll tell her to head right on back here.
footsteps as Alan leaves
VALERIE
Alri... wait, I... Okay, guess I’d better grab a chair...
Footsteps approach, door opens
KIA
Hello, are you Valerie?
VALERIE
Yep. Alan said you wanted to make a statement?
KIA
Yes. So, back in May, I think? Although it felt like...
VALERIE
Hang on, I need to get something set up. What was the date and location of the incident?
KIA
May 30 of last year, at Puzzles by Gaslight in Leesburg.
VALERIE
Okay then, let me just... Usher Foundation Statement Designation VA-0515-0416. Date Collected: April 12, 2016. Collected From: [to Kia] I need your name and town of residence.
KIA
Kia Epplin, Fishers, Indiana.
VALERIE
Subject: [to Kia] What’re you making a statement about?
KIA
A trip to Puzzles by Gaslight Escape room.
VALERIE
Statement collected directly by Valerie Silverton, Archival Assistant on behalf of Alan Parker, Head Archivist. Statement proceeds as follows:
