"An aptitude test..." Gaunt said distractedly.

He was still taking in the latest bit of unusual surroundings. He supposed he shouldn't really be all that surprised by anything he came across in this place, but he couldn't help feel a bit off-put by how normal everyone seemed to act.

"I've always felt quite confident I knew precisely what my aptitude was. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, I believe you mentioned something about asking questions. I do have a few if you are able to answer them."

Gaunt gestured to the countdown watch.

"Most pressingly, I would very interested to see if you know what significance this countdown holds. Unless it's our own personal time ticker to New Year's, I haven't seen many countdowns that lead to good things. At best I can guess that whatever it means isn't exactly widespread public knowledge since very few... erm... ordinary citizens seem to be going about in anything other than normal day to day business. Still, the group of us arriving here and this countdown almost have to be related. It simply can't be a coincidence. More to the point," he continued brightly, "I simply don't believe in them."

"My other question should be much easier for you to answer: I would like to know what this establishment is all about. You seem to have some personal knowledge of us and possibly are interested in recruiting for something. knowing more about your purposes and intentions would be quite helpful."

"And of course I leave the floor open for my fellow traveler to add in any questions of her own, if any."