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"Not at all," Clarice answered, giving Robert a narrow look that quickly transferred to Reine. "We aren't here for interrogation, that's in a separate wing. And we're also not here for debating moral values, either, we all have a fair idea of exactly what we're capable of when push comes to shove." She held up the scanner, "What we do in here, is observe and collect the unspoken data. This is a FEAR scanner. It measures FEAR intake and how much is currently being used. To use it, simply press the greenlit button on the side, and sweep the subject. Try to be within a foot of their body, and maintain a consistent distance." The light on the scanner turned blue, "When the light changes colour, you're finished with the scan. The information is then sent to our database. There's another, less accurate scanner in the room that gives a steady reading, but at least several times a day, we'll be asking you to perform a more accurate scan."

Pocketing the scanner, she brought out a thermometer-like item, "Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with these, correct? Let me explain their intended use." She turned to Conquest, "Say ahhhhh."

Carefully placing the thermometer in his mouth, Clarice refrained from telling him he was a good boy or giving friendly headpats. But it was hard. "Now, this also reads FEAR but in a much different manner. The characteristics of FEAR, once absorbed by the body, alter and shift according to their core. Those of you who haven't read the Scareling's Primer are recommended to do so, as it explains the core or soul, of Halloween creatures."

The thermometer gave a soft chime, "This reader scans and analyzes the make up of their FEAR giving us a certain amount of insight in regards to that core, and in addition gives us something to compare to other subjects. Once again, the information is being set to our database."

She turned to the trainees, "This is the extent of what's expected of you as trainees, right now. But for long term studies, it's best to maintain a reasonably polite relationship with the subject. If they ask for a book, feel free to bring them one. If they seem hungry, we have a number of food items from Halloween that you may take them. Feel free to chat, but do avoid provoking them."

Len listened along quietly as Clarice began to explain about the various scanners and items used to measure the subject. being of the Life branch, information like this seemed almost vital to himself and any other future activities, after all it did look like something that would fall in his squads semi capable hands.

"In case they were provoked in our care, or for whatever reason they become hostile." Leon asked sternly to the senior. "Do we have a way of contacting for assistance, or better yet, is there someone monitoring the data for any substantial rises in their fear levels?" It was always nice to be prepared for an emergency and if it had to be himself to ask about the protocol in such a situation, then he was glad to bite the bullet.

"So we keep them comfortable but remind them that they are still within our control more or less, is that what you mean Ma'am?"

At Clarice's look the life trainee nodded, acknowledging her mistake. That had been uncalled for, admittedly. Instead, she listened to Clarice's explanations, noting the instructions for the devices they might need to use.

FEAR. She'd heard it before- mentioned by Jordan, but she had no idea what it actually was, and the prospect of being able to possibly isolate or otherwise study FEAR was extremely appealing. It seemed she'd need to get to this 'Scareling's Primer', stat- mildly embarrassed at not having read up, Reine made a mental note to finally visit the library.

Before that, Reine really couldn't make any judgment about this 'FEAR', but perhaps Clarice might allow her to assist in laboratory work. Things like 'soul' had always been an abstract concept, but if this 'core' Clarice mentioned could be extracted and studied.... ahh, the possibilities.

Invictus's sharp attention turned to Leon when he made his inquiries. 'Provoked'. Ah ha ha ha...provoked..... Every damn word they said was provocative, it was simply out of his own will he wasn't fighting against those shackles to rain hell down upon them. That, and he was unsure of how the other three were. Yes, he would leave them to their own devices, but he was also above wrecking havoc at their expense.

"I have already been quite provoked. Does that surprise you? That I have been provoked and I did not react violently?" he hissed the words, obviously angry with the assumption. "I'm sure I'm playing much nicer than the girls are." he purposely refrained from calling them 'his' girls. That would have given them undue power over him. Though they were his girls, no matter who Eris might have been smooching on in her room. Silly human boys, getting their kisses from his War, or his Death, or even his Famine. They were his, he was theirs. Mutually delightful benefits, really.

"If I was going to fly off of the handle..." he reached out with one hand, as he had earlier with Robert, clutching it into a fist as the air around it grew heavy, as though it was trying to draw things in towards it, even as the electricity surged into him, leaving burns where the shackles touched him. His eyes burned, the civility being replaced by ...something else, it was hard to place, really.

Robert got punched by the tiny Horseman. Hard.

All with a deadpan expression on his face.

"OWWWWWWW, WHAT THE ********!" Robert rubbed his cheek where the little boy had punched him - that was NOT the force of a little boy's fist, however. More like.. a horse.

Oh. Ahaha. Robert laughed at his own joke, which no one would get because it was all in his head. So really, Robert was just laughing at nothing at all.

He sobered up quickly enough when Clarice tried to scold him again, and he opened his mouth to protest, but she was quick to continue. When she was done, Robert grumbled under his breath.

"Was just offering him a goddamn book. What's he got against reading, don't they read in monster land?"

Someone had missed the point.

Invictus's attention turned to Tori and her question about food. "Don't bother worrying about that. I haven't eaten anything in a long time." It was his way to not worry about food, regulating his own existence quite effectively even without it. Food and eating was a habit of wasting time on frivolities which were better spent in use with important company.

Nobody present there was.. 'important'. Never the less, Invictus looked at his fist, seeming more interested in it now that he'd gotten the knee-jerk reaction of punching Robert out of the way. Hmmm.....