In the morning, Oleg woke up with a ringing headache. It was a little past ten, but their work would not start until noon. Aljovich was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Last night seemed now very distant to Oleg, but the unnerving feeling returned as he begin to recall the trip back from the restaurant. Aljovich did not remember anything about the journey and was as cheerful as ever. They returned to Oleg's apartment after noon. Palmer arrived there shortly after them.
-Okay, let's see if we can get some real results today! Not just playing with small change anymore, Palmer rubbed his hands together and began to unpack his briefcase.
-Great, so do you already have a target and a plan? Oleg asked, stretching his stiff neck from side to side.
-Indeed. Have you chosen the track you want to sleep into? The idea is to aim about five or six years ahead. We will aim longer by the end of the week with small steps, Palmer explained, spreading a pile of notebooks, a camera, and a computer on the table.
-Right, can I go first? Aljovich asked.
-Please, go ahead, Palmer said and made room for Aljovich.
-Now Aljovich, try to see yourself with your father. He tells you about the army's actions. Try to focus on both the details and getting a broader picture of the world. Can you do that, Aljovich? Palmer explained, tapping the camera on, and then handing the black disc-like item to Aljovich.
-I'll read the instructions for the recording first. 'You must immediately report: if you see something that does not belong to this world, see death or accidents, the dream is oppressive, or there is something wrong in a way you do not want to experience in real life. In these situations, we must immediately interrupt the experiments for everyone's safety,' Palmer read the list from his notebook and then gave a thumbs up to Aljovich.
-I think I can manage. At the same time, I can check the day's lottery, Aljovich chuckled and lay down, squeezing the disc in his hand. Palmer scowled at him and jotted something down in his notebook. Aljovich winked at Oleg and then placed earbuds in his ears. A few minutes later, Aljovich was fast asleep.
-Then we wait, Palmer said. Oleg noticed how Palmer tapped his pencil on his notebook and kept glancing out the window. Oleg had noticed him doing the same during the last experiment as well when Aljo was asleep.
-Are you expecting someone? Oleg asked. Palmer was slightly startled, stopped his movement, and then cleared his throat.
-No. I just noticed that it has cooled down since last week outside.
-Does it affect the experiments?
-Not really. I just don't like the cold. You see, my knees start to ache easily.
-It always aches on the coast, but the sea also keeps the worst frost at bay. I kinda like it here.
-I hate the sea. If we succeed, you will most likely have to move to Europe or maybe the United States.
-Mmm... I don't know if I like that. On the other hand, I'll probably soon see where I end up.