Currently, it has been 3 months since the Department of Anomalous Weapons Development reopened. This reopening was marked by a Foundation-wide recruitment drive by new Director Jimmy Day. To survey and ensure that AWD is steering in the right direction, a survey was done of the new recruits to the Department.
KATHERINE SUMMERS
Dr. Katherine Summers, Parabiologist, 34, she/her. Studied parabiology at Deer College. Recruited into the Foundation in 2016, transferred to AWD in 2025. Previous interviews have shown an ingrained distrust of authority. Lacking in meaningful relationships.
Dr. Akabi Hayk: Good morning, Summers. How have you been holding up since your transfer?
Dr. Katherine Summers: About as well as anyone else, I imagine. Haven't really had any time to settle in, with how restless everything has been.
Dr. Hayk: Would you say you're adjusting well to AWD?
Dr. Summers: "Adjusting" isn't the word I'd use. It's work. There's a lot of it. Keeps me busy.
Dr. Hayk: What kind of work have you been focusing on?
Dr. Summers: Cataloging bioweapon prototypes left over from the old department. Half of them never really worked, and I'm able to transfer most of the working ones over to other sites for better care.
Dr. Hayk: And how do you feel about the direction the department's taking under Director Day?
Dr. Summers: I don't know… Cautious? He's always talking about turning the Department around and fixing it up, but can you really do that for something like this? I mean, come on, our express purpose is to create harm. He talks about "ethical weaponization" like it makes sense. I think he believes it can. I'm not sure the math works out.
Dr. Hayk: Do you see a future for AWD, given those concerns?
Dr. Summers: Oh, there'll be a future. The Foundation'll make sure of that. I just don't know if that's one that we'll be proud of.
Dr. Hayk: And for you, personally?
Dr. Summers: [long pause]… I'll keep doing my job. Someone has to.
Dr. Summers displays persistent skepticism toward leadership but remains focused and productive. Her moral unease does not currently interfere with her duties, but may in the future. Continued observation recommended.
VIVIAN SHING
Dr. Vivian Shing, Entomologist, 34, she/her. Studied in UC San Diego. Recruited into Foundation in 2016, transferred to AWD in 2025. Previous interviews have shown a lack of emotional control. Generally well-liked among peers.
Dr. Akabi Hayk: Good morning, Shing. It's been three months since you joined AWD. How have you been holding up?
Dr. Vivian Shing: Better than I thought. Been meeting new people, and I've been enjoying my work.
Dr. Hayk: You like to hear that. How's the adjustment been so far?
Dr. Shing: Hmm, strange. Everyone's pretending this is a fresh start, but it feels like moving into an old house. The quick paint job isn't helping with that feeling. The people are good, though. Some actually care.
Dr. Hayk: What sort of work have you been doing?
Dr. Shing: Mostly advisory. But I did just have a big project to work on. That was nice. Felt like I did some good.
Dr. Hayk: Do you believe AWD is moving in the right direction?
Dr. Shing: We're definitely moving, but I don't know if it's in the right direction. There's this… excitement in the air, like everyone's trying to prove we're new and improved. I'm feeling the excitement too, definitely. But I don't know if we're really doing all that? I didn't know much about the old AWD, but it doesn't really feel too different.
Dr. Hayk: What makes you say that?
Dr. Shing: The energy's the same. Everyone's eager, a little desperate to justify themselves. There's this constant rush to do something, anything, to show that we've changed. But it all just feels the same. Maybe that's just what this department is.
Dr. Hayk: And how do you feel about that?
Dr. Shing: I'm… fine with it, mostly. I hate myself for saying that, wow. I like my work, and I like the people I'm with. It's just hard to tell if we're fixing something or just helping it put on a facade.
Dr. Hayk: What would "fixing it" look like to you?
Dr. Shing: First of all, I wouldn't be here. I don't feel super comfortable weaponizing parabiology… I think AWD just needs to be more cautious. Being reckless is what doomed the last one.
While showing some uncertainty about the department's direction, Dr. Shing is over all hopeful and positive about AWD. She remains committed to its improvement. Recommendation is for push as a spokesperson for AWD, an example for her colleagues.