Everyone is silent for a few moments as they all share confused glances and try to process what they’ve just witnessed.
“Hi ‘Mare.” Silver says in shock, giving a slight wave to the spirit before he points at Mark’s prone form. “How long is that going to hold?”
Mare steps back, shaking his head. “Probably not long.” Mark’s mind is strong and it didn’t go down without a fight. And that nightmare is the product of about five seconds and no knowledge of who this fucker is. “Two minutes if we’re lucky.”
The Host rises from his seat, clearly distressed, his usual composed form gone replaced by obvious panic and fear. “The Host suggests we get out of this building.”
“I know somewhere we can hole up.” Mare offers. “It’s not the nicest place but-”
Silver holds up a hand to stop him “If it’s not here, it’ll do. Google.” The droid is zoned out staring at Bing, and Silver frowns as he claps at him. “Google! On a time frame here! Where are the others?”
Google mumbles something about them being in the lab, and Silver slaps the droid, who yells turning to Silver as he holds his cheek. “Tell them we’re evacuating and to grab anything we might need to help Bing.” Google rubs at his cheek, his eyes flashing as he sends a message along the Googles’ private network.
Silver turns to Bim who’s still holding onto Wilford whose eyes are distant and staring at Mark. Clearly, the pink man is checked out mentally. Great. Just great. “Bim, you think you can get people to the hideout?”
“What about the others?” Since the building acquired new residents, namely Chase, Marvin and Anti, the Jims have given up their hovering post on the door. They’re out there but Silver has no intent on leaving them behind.
“I’ll find them. Meet you in the lab in ten minutes. Grab who you can and-”
Everyone screams as Mark shifts, clearly fighting against the visions in his head and trying to drag himself skyward.
“He’s waking up!” Mare warns.
“Out! Everybody out!” Silver shouts, pointing to the door.
Everyone rushes for the door, Bim dragging Wilford, Ed leaping over the table, Google scooping up Bing and following Dr Iplier with King behind him. Silver waits for everyone to leave, before turning to Mare who’s still stood behind Mark.
“Tell Bim to start evacuating people. He may have to make more than one trip. I’ll grab the others and be at the lab soon. Give the Googles a chance to get what they need to help Bing but the priority is that we get out, understood?” Mare nods and disappears, and Silver rushes out the door.
It’s another minute or two before Mark finally stands up, tearing his eyes open, sweat pouring down his brow, breath heavy, mind panicked. He screams Phantom’s name to the ceiling and the deal maker steps from the shadows, clutching his cane close. Mark is mad. That never ends well.
“Stop at least one of them!” Mark gestures at the door. Phantom nods and is about to leave when Mark points at him. “Not Julien. Leave him to me.”
Phantom nods again, snapping his fingers and disappearing from the room.
