The Grim Barbarity Of Optics And Designseveranc... -

"We are severed not just from our outside lives," Burt said, his voice barely audible over the HVAC system. "We are severed from the truth of what we do. They use these paintings to keep us from walking across the hall to say hello. Fear is the most efficient floor plan."

"They tell us you butchered us," Irving said, gesturing to the carnage on the canvas. "And they tell you we butchered you ." The Grim Barbarity of Optics and DesignSeveranc...

Burt stepped closer, the light finally catching the silver in his hair. "The grim barbarity isn't the killing, Irving. It's the design. Look at the eyes in the painting." "We are severed not just from our outside

Suddenly, the elevator hummed in the distance—the sound of an "Outie" leaving, a consciousness being switched like a light bulb. Fear is the most efficient floor plan

Burt reached out, his hand hovering near Irving’s. For a moment, the barbarity of the office faded. There were no departments, no refinements, and no corporate legends—only two men, standing in a hallway, choosing to see each other despite the dark.

Irving jumped, turning to find a man from O&D—Burt—standing just out of the light. Burt didn't look like a marauder. He looked tired.