⦻ 3:33am With the Nightwatch | Art & Story ⦻

⦻ !!! MILD EYESTRAIN WARNING FOR THE ART !!! ⦻

Proof for the artwork will be posted separately, along with individual photos and sketches. This was a big project, so I hope It ends up being worth the effort.

The text of who’s talking is intentionally vague. The story I wrote here is meant to mimic the way a found-footage-tape would appear to someone unfamiliar with those featured in it.

Enjoy.

- Lukas Ink

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⦻ { >> Audio Excerpt from Video Log…3:00 a.m. Nightwatch } ⦻

>> “I don’t understand why you have to record these, Jude.” <<

>> “I told you already, Tim; I want to record it for extra safety measures.” <<

>> “I still think it’s pointless…how many times have we been out on Nightwatch without any issues…? Everyone knows to stay out of these woods by now.” <<

[…Camera Audio: Movement Detected, 4.5m southwest…]

>> “Well, I guess it’s working at least…Is that Brian? He said he would be late this time, his mission was going slow apparently...” <<

>> “I don’t think so. He said he’d get here around 3:30 at the earliest, we only just started.” <<

>> “Huh…I guess tonight will be more eventful than usual, then. Wonder what kinda idiot decided to go hiking in here at this hour...” <<

>> “Probably the same thing that happened to me the first night. I assume their car broke down or something...” <<

>> “Ha, I almost forgot that’s how you started here. You’re lucky I ed you from that whole college thing.” <<

>> “Ugh…Don’t remind me, Tim. Feels like that entire saga was nothing but misery for everyone involved.”<<

>> “That’s an understatement and a half….” <<

>> “Should we go after whoever it was? It’s pretty boring otherwise…and we still have at least 20 minutes until Brian gets back...” <<

>> “Ehh…Oh what the hell, why not. I haven’t been out much lately anyways, might as well chase some dumb schmuck around for a while.” <<

>> “I was hoping you’d say that- I’ve been stuck on a no-missions rut for the past week, I’m bored as hell without the action…”

[…Camera Audio: Movement Detected 0m…Long Range Movement Detected 4m…]

>> “I’m shutting this off until Brian gets here. No use in holding a camera during a chase…” <<

>> “Good idea. Do you have a weapon?” <<

>> “Do you seriously think I’d go anywhere without one after the incident?” <<

>> “…you have a point. Alright, just shut it off so we can go- I’m getting too antsy for idle chitchat.” <<

⦻ { >> Recording Paused…Tape Resumed 3:33 a.m } ⦻

>> “[audio unintelligible]…I wasn’t thinking about that, but you do have a point, she’d fit in easily if what she tells him is true.” <<

>> “Right? I’m surprised she hasn’t been recruited yet…” <<

>> “[Laughter] Jude, are you seriously recording again…? You gotta be kidding me…” <<

>> “Ah, knock it off Tim…You can’t blame the guy for being paranoid. At least he’s not posting them online.” <<

>> “Yeah, yeah, i know…Tease me about recording all you want- but one day this is going to save our ass. With how you two banter all the time instead of paying attention to your surroundings it’s a wonder you both hadn’t been clocked over the head before I started shifts with you.” <<

>> “We’re not THAT bad…” <<

>> “Tim, you just spent the entire three minute walk to the clearing debating with Brain on if my batshit cousin is ready to us or not…I don’t think ‘bad’ even begins to describe how often you two yap on missions.” <<

>> “This isn’t even a mission-…” <<

>> “No, but it IS a Nightwatch shift, meaning you two should pay attention at least somewhat…” <<

>> “What’s gotten into you tonight? It’s like you’ve got an extra stick up your ass compared to usual…” <<

>> “…” <<

>> “…” <<

>> “…Judas…?” <<

>> “…I’ll…talk about it later, Tim…I’m just not in the mood right now…” <<

>> “…It was him, wasn’t it…?” <<

>> “…It sure looked like him, yeah…” <<

>> “Then…let’s all just chill out in the clearing for a while, yeah? I don’t think any more intruders will come around, and I need a break anyways. The mission I was on was exhausting…” <<

>> “…Good idea. I could use some calm scenery tonight...” <<

⦻ { >> Recording Paused…End of Excerpt } ⦻

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⦻ { >> Still Frame Captured…Timestamp: 3:59 a.m.} ⦻