WEEK 9

[al2955]

the pygmalion. . . ONLINE CAPTAIN'S LOG: WEEK (9)

monday - thursday (21) survivors Sunday's trial was only mere hours ago, but you find yourself faced with a new week on The Pygmalion. When you awaken, you will find the ship restored to its previous state, all areas interfered with during the murder looking mostly the same as they did before. Along with this, it appears there are new areas opened on the ship. It seems you have more exploring to do. The robot in the cafeteria has prepared another breakfast of various foods. (OOC: Please submit your murder proposals by 9 PM EST Tuesday.) taken list profiles private conversations setting rulebook murder proposals ENTER COMMAND_

Comments

[chiseler]

Monday afternoon, viewport

[Anyone near the bedrooms will see that Luke is, once again, being thrown out of his room by a robot as twelve hours pass. It's like he'd told someone last week. He has to bluff his way through this secret…but it's much more difficult than anticipated.

"Undisclosed reasons." Whatever. He thinks to maybe lock the doors but at first he doesn't. He's in his original place with that same notebook in his hand, but he's not writing. He's staring out the window. However, if someone else enters the room he's quick to nod and get to his feet, accidentally bumping shoulders as he attempts to abscond.

(Also later in the evening the doors are locked. Please knock before entering, etc.)]

Tuesday morning, chapel

[He's sitting in the dark in the chapel with his datapad. Funny how he thinks that perhaps it's worth it, but he seems to be meditating…or he's asleep, it's hard to tell. If he hears footsteps though he'll speak up.]

Nine weeks in and this place is still a joke. [Agree, or disagree?]

Wednesday evening, conference rooms/gardens

[He's sitting under the pine tree again, staring up at its branches contemplatively before he seemingly punches the tree and leaves...

…and he turns up in the conference room to review everyone else's secrets. Unlike the past, he's not seated at the table keeping guard or smirking about anything. He's simply watching, and on occasion, if it looks like someone is reviewing the compendium and they're coming across the secret of Adam Parrish, he'll speak up.]

She has an active imagination, doesn't she? These are almost believable.

Wildcard

[Surprise me, he'll be lurking in the dark corners of the ship to avoid most people (archives, art room, etc) and he'll check out the new rooms, but he won't stay any one place for long.]

tuesday

[refactor]

[ The light of the datapad had caught his attention enough to pause, since the chapel... Well, predictably, it wasn't exactly a place that Jack visited frequently or was prone to linger. As such, when he's spoken to, he's actually surprised, but he breathes out a laugh. ]

Yeah, no friggin' kidding. What was your clue? The memes or the weird fetishes?

[ So, yeah. Agree. Super agree. ]

[chiseler]

I think it really sunk in when Furry Passing was loaded on these things. Stealing bells from people is only so funny for so long. [He tilts the light of his datapad a bit to get a closer look at Jack, both eyebrows raised.] Didn't think you'd be the type to show up here.

[refactor]

...Yyyyeah, have to agree with you there, now that you mention it. At first it was weird, and then it got real weird. Like, horror movie weird.

[ The letters from dead people thing isn't exactly something Jack enjoys, even if he'd gotten a grand total of one, and it was Hancock being a total dick. He kind of misses that guy, actually. Not enough to be sad that he's dead, but, you know. That's pretty close for Jack.

Where he's standing, he shifts to lean against the wall near the door instead, but his smile turns wry. His tone is clearly sarcastic, but it's still fairly light. ]

Whaaaat, do I not strike you as the god-fearing kinda man? Crazy. I could totally be devout. [ based on that tone, not even a little ]

[chiseler]

I think the horror movie thing started when we all woke up in pods, but what do I know? Haven't seen a ton of movies recently.

[The dead letters are vaguely unsettling, but maybe that's because he's the only one who received one that essentially says "I'M WATCHING." He can appreciate Jack's sarcasm though and even if he's wary by principle he also knows he's not exactly afraid of the guy. It's enough to humor him, at least.]

Last time I checked, god-fearing men don't carry about guns. [It's just as light, but whatever.] I think this place bothers me more than anything else on the ship and that includes the daycare. Is it wrong I'm still waiting for a body to turn up here instead?

[refactor]

Nahhh, that? That's just straight up sci-fi. Which, okay, little horror too, but. Could be harmless? Probably not, but I'm going for the optimistic route here.

[ He waves a hand dismissively as he grins, though it does at least fad somewhat at the second topic. He loops around thoughtfully, though Jcak's response still amounts to a shrug. ]

I mean, probably, but I'd also agree. There are some pretty screwed up people here, soooo definitely not discounting someone being interested in an ironic murder. Considering half of the dumb shit that shows up during trials? Would absolutely not be surprised.

[chiseler]

[There's a flicker of a grin at the idea of Jack being optimistic. There's something settling about knowing other people also find this place disturbing, and he shrugs almost languidly in response.]

Never thought I'd live in a world where male pregnancy was actually relevant to anything. I can see it now. Body found in the chapel, murder weapon is whatever's in that mystery box we don't know about. Maybe they'll be crucified or something. [Please...no...] Too bad Alice isn't doing anything about it.

[refactor]

Right? Total bullshit all around. Usually, you get an AI on a ship, and they're trying to stop deaths, but eh, Alice is a total bitch, I guess? Or at least super unhelpful. Slight improvement in that she's not actively trying to murder anyone, I guess, buuut that's not much to inspire confidence.

[ Jack laughs, but as Luke is taking his presence well (he can never tell lately), it does get Jack to relax more. It's not like he regrets his actions even a little, but it is kind of nice to shoot the shit without the "remember the time you murdered someone" thing hanging over the conversation. Like, c'mon. No one here even gets that this is totally normal! ]

You know, between me and you? Considering her sense of humor, would totally guess that she makes sure stupid shit like that happens. She's a memer. It's disgusting.

[chiseler]

I've always thought AIs lacked a sense of humor, but what do I know? Technology and I usually stay away from each other. [Look, considering the fact that everybody's secrets are out now people should maybe judge Jack a little less? Murdering Rhys was bad, sure, but now that everyone knows about half of the ship being some form of murderer this seems almost a little more acceptable. (Besides, if he can stay on Jack's good side that's best for everybody.)]

What I wanna know is why she isn't considered an accomplice in each case since she's the one providing us with the weapons and she knows the identity of every murderer. Isn't that the entire definition of accomplice? It's not a secret that this whole project's ridiculous but she's not pulling the plug anytime soon either.

tuesday

[bloodbiter]

[she hadn't noticed him there before he spoke, but if she seems startled, she doesn't show it. she does manage a tired smile.]

It seems a bit more serious than calling it a joke would imply.

[chiseler]

[It's a smile that he's reflecting back to her, if only because it's Addie and Addie is pure and Addie is good. ...or at least she's better than he is.]

I think they call that irony then. Would that work?

[bloodbiter]

I suppose it would.

[here she comes to take a seat next to him. he doesn't get to be a loner, sorry luke.]

How are you feeling?

[after everything happened so much. she's not going to bring up the secrets directly, at least.]

[chiseler]

[Internal shrieking. That's happening, but he doesn't think to push her away or anything. She's asking him a question he doesn't quite have an answer to and he shrugs, trying for a slightly charming smile.]

Alive, I suppose. [...that could have been phrased better, considering.] I mean...after nine weeks of this, I'm not sure how we're supposed to feel.

[bloodbiter]

I doubt there's one specific way she wants us to feel. All I know is that she wants us to suffer.

[kill alice 2kwhatever year it is here.]

...I'm glad, though. [about the whole alive thing.] I knew you didn't do it, but... I wasn't certain everyone else knew.

[chiseler]

I think that might be the most intelligent guess so far. The thing is that people suffer in a bunch of different ways and she's capitalizing on all of them. That's the main reason we haven't broken her cycle yet. [A pause.] And now that she's proving some of the motives really are true, it'll be worse.

[A wry smile.] Worried I'd get falsely accused, Adelina?

[bloodbiter]

Yes, that's true. I've wondered if the motives are all tailored to one participant, something that would be extremely appealing to them. It's rather cruel.

[a huff]

You could have. There's no shame in being worried.

[chiseler]

I've been wondering the same thing. Make the motive seem vague but phrased just enough to drive one person to the point of insanity. Also makes you wonder if other effects are in place she hasn't told us. Remember what happened with Machias and the paranoia?

[…heh. That's…weirdly sweet, he thinks.] I could have. But I wouldn't worry 'bout it too much. [Finally, he looks at the datapad with a look of discontent.] I've got a feeling most people on the ship won't be too worried about it thanks to Alice. [After all, what's the point of worrying about keeping a dead guy alive? (Yes, it's antagonistic thinking, but whatever.)]

tuesday

[douchemag]

[How did Judar not burst into flame the second he stepped into the chapel. Actually, he doesn't mind this area much - it's isolated without being overbearingly so and the religious texts remind him of home. (Granted, it's a reminder of how much he hates his home, but there's a nostalgia factor there anyway.

He snorts at Luke's comment, but there's not much amusement in it.]

If it's a joke, it's getting waaaay old by now. Ass Lice needs to get new material. [He pauses.] Okay, box of dicks is still hilarious though.

[chiseler]

[You and him both buddy. You and him both. Still, Judar (weirdly) isn't the worst company he could have here.]

I'm gonna miss it, you know that? [Not entirely, but it was kind of funny and helped make this less terrible.] If you dig around in the archives there's probably some memes we haven't found yet. There's always that. […they found mpreg, who knows what else they'll find?]

[douchemag]

Damn shame Hancock bit it before he got to hand cocks out again. [how long has he been waiting to make this joke. why.]

Uh, seeing as how the last mage who went down there got fucking strangled and that pretty much everyone's on the vulnerable list now? No thanks. Not really interested in finding out just how many other people buy the whole 'mages are more easily possessed' theory. [see his hatred of reading is fully justified!!]

[chiseler]

[Not long enough, seeing how Luke still laughs like the 12 year old he apparently is. Thanks Judar. However there's a more serious matter at hand here.]

That--[...no that's a good point.] Could be said for just about everywhere though. Just makes you wonder why she kept the valued list though. What makes those people so special?

[douchemag]

[A shrug.] Who knows? If this project really is to find the smartest or strongest people here - which I seriously doubt, since look where the fuck we are now - maybe she thinks they're the best candidates. Lucky for you, huh?

[Not that he sounds bitter about this at all, he's more amused than anything. Considering how much he dislikes Alice, he'd rather not be considered special by her.]

[chiseler]

[That makes little sense, but he does actually pause to think about it.] Right now it's two teenage girls and me. Maybe Alice likes the ones who can cause the most drama. [He can't help but roll his eyes.]

Judar, lemme ask you something. Why do you think the project's running? [It's a question he's been asking people a lot lately, it seems.]

[douchemag]

Hah! If that's the case, Jack and Clover should be on the list every week. [HE'S JUST SAYING...]

You're asking me? I barely understand half the shit on this ship. [Still, he looks thoughtful.] If there's any truth to what Ass Lice said at the start of this, then maybe it is to find the strongest or smartest weapons they can use. This whole project - you take someone, traumatize them long enough, sink them into total despair, and then dangle something they want in front of them...you can get them to do pretty much anything you want at that point. It's already happening - remember how angry most of the people here were at the start of this and how they said it'd never work? Just look at how everyone's so used to the fact that at least two people are gonna die every week now.

[Then he shrugs.] 'Course, it could also just be this is how Ass Lice or whoever's in charge of her gets their rocks off. I'd buy that too.

[chiseler]

Have you seen Clover lately? [Judar. Buddy. Clover is a sad axe child he's pretty sure she isn't dramatic. (And also if she ended up valued she'd kill everybody anyway so uh.) Still, he listens because even with Judar not taking it entirely seriously it's something to consider.]

Almost all of us thought this was a joke and formed alliances early. How many of those people have since been stabbed in the back? [Isn't. That. Familiar.] Alice seems to think this is how things are supposed to go and has little interest in stopping it even with t he threat of aliens. It becomes a question of how we're supposed to stop it, if only because I'm not going to pretend there's no way to stop it.