cradleproject | WEEK 11

WEEK 11 - TRIAL

the pygmalion. . .

ONLINE

CAPTAIN'S LOG:
WEEK (11)

saturday TRIAL DAY ONE

(13) survivors

At 9 AM, a klaxon alarm begins blaring in every area of the ship. The alarm will continue to go off until everyone has gathered in the conference room. Should anyone be running late or avoiding the trial for whatever reason, a robot guide will appear wherever they are and gently but firmly escort them into the room. Once all the living players are present, the conference room doors will lock shut; anyone who wishes to leave for whatever reason will need to ask AL-2955 or one of the robots. Anyone leaving for non-investigative purposes, such as bathroom breaks, will be accompanied by a robot escort.

The large round table in the center of the conference room has been set up to help the trial run as smoothly as possible. Three holographic screens hover above the center hollow of the table, visible from every angle. The first screen displays the pictures and profiles of the suspects and victim; the second displays the autopsy report; the third displays a blank word processor. Each of the chairs comes equipped with a virtual keyboard which can be used to type information directly into the third screen, such as theories and updated information; they can also be set into privacy mode, which will transfer whatever notes someone writes directly into their datapad instead of on screen. There's also a tablet function for those who wish to draw charts or pictures on screen. The keyboards will detect the DNA of whoever's using them and record who's typed what - simply press an area of text and the name of whoever wrote it will pop up.

The area to the right of the table has been temporarily sectioned off with a glass partition and sliding door for hygienic issues. Inside, the victim's body has been laid out on a metal autopsy table, covered by a plastic sheet. Above it is a holographic screen that displays a close-up color photograph of the body when it was found. A hand sanitizer dispenser has been considerately attached to the wall nearby for anyone getting up close and personal to the body.

To the left of the conference table is a display case. Any evidence found during the investigation will be carefully collected by the robots at some point the previous day and placed here before the trial starts. Beneath each piece of evidence is a small tablet where players can type up information, such as a short description or where it was found. There are also empty areas left over for any evidence that may be found during the trial. The shelf at the very bottom of the case has been reserved for an extra rulebook in case anyone needs it.

Food will be served throughout the day by the robots, who will take individual orders whenever you're feeling hungry. The trial will end at 9:00 PM, at which point all players will have been expected to cast their vote.

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[ That all makes sense at first and he thinks Luke had something happen like Dorian did, nightmares and promises. But that makes him pause. ]

What are you talking about? What could you have done? [ It's chiding because he was around Luke all day. He would know if he'd gone to destroy River at some point. ]

[He shakes his head.]

She said that without my power the General wouldn't have realized where "the heart of the guardian lay." [There are airquotes even if Adam can't see them and he swallows.] I...unlocked Gaea. I unlocked that door with Dave and Roxy, it was before we knew what had Dave. I didn't know, and because we wanted to know and we opened that damn door they found where River's power came from and that's how they disabled her. They knew where to go because I lead them right to her.

[ Adam listens to him before sighing in relief. She didn't say Luke was possessed or was trying to get them all killed and that's all he needed to hear. His fingers caress his cheek softly to calm him. ]

Luke. You realize she was trying to hurt you, right? Like you said, she knows us. She knows that you blame yourself for the things that happen and she's using it against you. [ Of course, that all did happen. So he continues. ]

Think about what would have happened if you hadn't opened the door. Would it have been that hard to figure out which room had the power? All the rooms here and on the bottom floor are unlocked, the captain's room is upstairs... If you hadn't opened it, I think we all could have guessed what was in there. Nothing would be different.

[It's weirdly reassuring and there's a slightly needy sound that he's absolutely deny later, but the words themselves hold his focus for a short time. Of course she was doing her best to get to him. It was obvious she'd done it to all of them in her own way even if nobody else could hear what was being said.]

The electric sheep room's locked, too. That was still a one in two chance...[It's a fruitless argument, but still.] We still could have bought time. We weren't supposed to play right to them. Besides, gaea usually isn't a resemblance of power.

[He's busy folding his arms over his chest, tucking his hands pretty much into his armpits and shrinking up into a small bundle of Luke Castellan.] It would be different because we could have changed how fate was gonna go. We could have delayed it and maybe got to the Nuwa and changed it entirely, and now we didn't and we lost River and there're still others out there on this ship in this room, probably, and I know why they brought us here, Adam. They have a plan and I don't--

[He stops, though he remembers what he said. "Fuck your fate." Now that he's thinking about it again...how do they escape it now?]

How could you have known? Luke, stop— [ He takes in a breath and watches Luke curl up, then wraps his arms around his shoulders. ]

You think if you hadn't opened one door, all of that would have changed? I know you're used to being the hero and having a prophecy, but it's not all on you. It's not anymore. It's us as a group. It's you and me together. [ The most important part is helping Luke feel better. The plan comes second. But he'll ask. ]

What did she say? What's their plan?

No, it wouldn't have changed because it's fate, but we could have bought more time and maybe figured out a way to break that cycle of fate. Or find another solution to it. [He's shaking his head a little harder.] Us as a group, we're in trouble. We're in trouble and she said they can't do things on their own. She showed me things I don't ever want to see come true. But it's fate. It's the fate they brought us here for and I have to find a way to make it stop and that means me to save us.

[ Adam only gets angrier as he goes on, tensing in frustration. ]

It's not fate. They weren't the ones who brought us. You've seen all the evidence that shows the crew brought us here, not the souvlaki. The admiral herself told us why we were brought here. The queen-whatever was lying to you, Luke. Why are you believing her?

[ He tries to calm down but he can't believe Luke is still talking like this. ] It's not just you anymore. It'll never be just you again. I'm here.

Because it's exactly the same thing! [It's almost-yelled but he manages to remember a low volume about halfway through.] I haven't seen anything to prove why I was supposed to be here. They meant to grab Percy, you know that. They even took Annabeth and I don't know--[No we are not talking about Annabeth right now.] They would have been the perfect set of candidates for this dumb project, whatever it is, and what would I be contributing by being dead?

But we know that this ship was infected, we knows how long the Souvlaki were actually watching before they invaded. They could have watched everything and known everything about our worlds back home, so they would know what I can do and know that I'm the perfect vessel and that's why they brought me and I'm not going back to that fate! [He sits up suddenly as much as he can, alarmed suddenly. Everything is a frantic whisper as to not draw attention, but it's something.] I can't do this again, I don't want this, they need to get out of my head! I want full control, I'm not here to be part of their fate but there are galaxies in trouble and a bigger plan and everything froze and she wouldn't let me move and I destroyed everything and I don't want to go back to that. I want to be in control this time and she's not going to let me if we don't stop her.

[ They can't talk about the Nuwa right now or Adam will lose it, so he's glad Luke keeps going but then it just keeps getting worse. Luke talks about being a vessel and it makes him feel sick because he remembers the feeling of being possessed and he remembers the portion of Luke's secret that he watched. Of course the queen would use that against him, of course she would bring up his greatest fear like that. But how can he make Luke see that?

He grabs his face to make him look at him, focus on only them and not the room or the giant eye lurking. ] You're in control, Luke. I promise. They're not in your head. I've been with you every single day for weeks, it's only ever been just you. They can't get to you if you don't listen to them, if you don't believe them. Isn't that how Kronos got to you? He used your weaknesses and your fears and you believed him but you've learned, right? You know you have to listen to the people around you who care about you.

We're going to stop her and she won't use you like that. I promise I won't let it happen. But you have to stay with me, okay? You have to take care of yourself so we can keep fighting and go home.

[Adam's hand is on his face and he hears the words even if they don't entirely sink in at first.

Promises, promises. He's made plenty of promises in his life and he's equally broken as many promises. He can't help but think back to the Nuwa, think about the girl who he promised to keep as family and think about how he'd broken that promise and destroyed so much. He can't help but think about how that pattern's beginning here with Adam, too, a promise of something much bigger than either of them and a dedication to keep Adam safe and alive and get him back to where he came from. Somewhere along the way though that turned into getting both of them out of here and back to Henrietta for a completely different promise.

In a way, it's a little overwhelming to think about in conjunction to all of the things he thinks he might have just screwed them out of, everything he knows that is and isn't true and even while he's trying to sort them out in his head he blinks rapidly and lets out a shaky breath before he closes his eyes completely and a few scattered tears drip over Adam's fingers. It's dark and it's Adam. He's pretty much given out of fucks to give.]

...home. Right. [It's a concept he's still wrestling with even after all this time. It's been a few weeks since the idea was presented and a few weeks since he'd agreed with Adam that he wants to head back with him and try to circumvent his true fate. He wants to stay alive. Now that he knows there's something more and now that he's guaranteed some kind of happiness whenever they figure out how to fix all of this, selfishly he doesn't want to let go.

Adam Parrish is...something. It's hard to describe if he's asked to describe it because he and Adam have never needed to describe things. Adam had started as nothing more than a protege, someone Luke used to tease and taunt because he found him to be far too serious for someone his age. Adam had started as someone Luke promised to train to fight and now...

"I've been with you every single day for weeks, it's only ever been you."

"You have to stay with me, okay? You have to take care of yourself so we can keep fighting and go home."

And maybe this really was all he'd wanted. In a way he realizes it's pathetic, wanting something stable and solid again after the destruction he'd created by aligning with Kronos. He kind of deserved that, didn't he? Annabeth had told him he was a hero after all. Chiron had told him he used to be a good hero before Kronos corrupted him. And now here he is with a second chance to lead the good path and he's…been trying, hasn't he? He'd tried by taking on the challenge known as Adam Parrish and somewhere along the way he realized that Adam was more than a protege. Adam was a kindred spirit, someone fighting the same fight but better, someone who needed guidance but someone to act as a grounding point, someone wise beyond his years to keep Luke in line but someone young enough to give Luke someone to protect and fight for, something he knows he's good at when he's on the right path. He knows Adam doesn't need him to protect him but at the same time he refuses to stop. He refuses to let the world hurt someone like Adam when he's already experienced more heartache than any eighteen year old ever should.

Sometimes he thinks about how or why he and Adam became as close as they did. Is it normal? Probably not. None of the situation is normal and here they are among people they've only known for three months' time, people they care for and in some cases people they'd die for. It's a life or death situation, but then again for people like Luke and Adam constantly living under the threats of the outside world everyday is a life or death situation. The difference, Luke thinks, is that one of them lived and the other died. Two sides of the same coin as it were, two people who understand the innerworkings of another person without needing to explicitly say so, two people to leech comfort and security and stability off of without needing things in return. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that way. Adam doesn't expect more from him than what he can give and vice versa. He's never quite sure how to describe Adam Parrish, but he knows Adam Parrish is a boy that resembles something that Luke wants for himself, something coveted and sacred and something Luke sometimes wonders if he's worthy of really having after all this time, something to keep safe until they can get back to a world where Adam's loved and Luke…will figure it out. It's an intense sort of relationship that he doesn't quite know what to do with, but then again most of the most important relationships in his life happened fast and hard. Why should Adam be different?

It dawns on him shortly after all of this thought rushes straight to his head that he's still silently crying because he realizes the difference this time. He'd been stubborn and childish and reckless the first time, broken by bitterness and frustrated that no one would help him. Looking at it from the other side now, he realizes that maybe he was just too far gone for most people. Annabeth never gave up on him…and Adam, it seems, won't either. It's enough. Adam is more than enough and…]

I'm listening. [It's all he says for a moment.] This time, I'm listening. I can't go back to that but I don't know how to block her. She could control me from here, I don't know how to make something like that stop. [It's terrifying, really.] I'm not leaving anybody behind, but…I don't want to be left behind this time either. Please. Lie if you have to but tell me that's not gonna happen this time.

[ Adam doesn't realize there are tears until he feels them on his hand. It occurs to him then that he has no idea how to comfort someone. It feels like he's been lying to Luke all this time about knowing how to be kind and gentle and a good friend. He's awful at all of that but somehow Luke still confides in him, still expresses his true self.

He's never had the chance to comfort someone because he's always had to look out for himself instead. He remembers when Ronan's mother died and Adam could say nothing at all, but he still stayed with him all night in his BMW. They didn't talk once but he likes to think maybe it helped a little, just having someone there. That's what he can do for Luke.

Meanwhile, Adam has always had to comfort himself. No one has ever done it for him. He's acknowledged for some time that he and Luke are overly similar so maybe the same tactics can work here, as long as he takes out all the self-hatred and blame because Luke is—different. He's similar to Adam but not quite. He can see so much good in Luke that he has a hard time seeing in himself, but it makes him hope that it really is there deep down. Luke is good like Ronan is good, that layer of bravado that's meant to protect how deeply they love and care and feel.

In both of them, he's seen times where that bravado has shattered and leaves them like this, defenseless and raw. He can't stand it. He doesn't know when, but at some point Adam developed a need to protect the people he cares for, to protect people who are like him, the same way he did with Opal. He cannot allow Luke to feel unloved or abandoned or worthless, not the way Adam always felt until he found people who made him realize he wasn't. He's more than happy to be that person for Luke, so he isn't scared away by the display of emotion. Things would have been different for them if they'd had someone to do this a long time ago.

He wipes at Luke's tears as they fall, waiting patiently for him to speak if he wants. If he doesn't, they can stay in silence. At some point, he presses his forehead to Luke's because it's dark but Luke has to know that he's right there and not leaving. ]

I wouldn't lie to you. I'd never make you believe something that wasn't true. So I'm telling you, you'll never be left behind again. I'm not leaving you no matter what happens. You're going back with me, or... I'm not going back at all. [ Which is the first time he's said something like that. It's strange coming from him. All he wants is to make a good life for himself back home, but can that ever happen if he knows he left Luke behind? If he has to remember everything that happened between them and know he betrayed him like that? ]

Maybe she can control you, but she isn't now. This is all you. [ Maybe it's only been a few months, but doesn't it seem like they've known each other forever? Probably because they both have those scared little boys inside of them, the same fears and needs. ] There's a reason she isn't doing it now, right? Why she isn't controlling all of us to do what she wants? I think it's because she can't. She's showing you the things you fear because she wants to weaken you to where she can. But you won't let her. You're stronger than that.

[Later, probably in the morning when he's potentially hungover, he'll try to deny that he needed this and that he'd fallen apart. He wasn't meant to fall apart, that's not what he wanted to happen with Adam but at the same time maybe he did? Ugh, it's confusing, all of it. It's all confusing when he's used to dealing with everything himself and reaching out to people too late.

He would have been okay with silence. He's more startled by the fact that there's a hand brushing at his face and Adam's forehead is to his and it's enough. He's never been big on crying, more the type to scream. Screaming isn't an option here and this...isn't the end of the world really. Adam is here and Adam still needs him to pull himself together. The rest of the survivors need to be together. He can't allow himself to pity himself or even tempt the wayward path again. But knowing he's not by himself this time helps. It bothers him when Adam sees himself as less than he really is. Doesn't he get how important he is? But if he doesn't believe it yet, it's all the more reason Luke has to stay to make sure he gets it someday.]

...pretty sure the world wouldn't be too happy if you never went back. [The world of course being Adam's real family and friends. There's a short sniff and a sigh like he's trying to decide what to do. But he's also not pulling away either.]

Together. I know, I know...same tactics, different monsters. But it just seemed so real, I guess. I only let go because she made me. [Let go of Adam's hand, he means.] Paralysis from afar. She managed that at least. What makes you so sure I'm stronger than she is?

[Other than he fought off the Titan lord to regain control but. He's kind of just a mess right now.]

[ If Luke isn't pulling away, that probably means it's alright. He remembers doing this after Dave's trial when they were both panicked after seeing people die. They should probably be even more panicked now, but it's... calm, in a way. It gives Adam a bit of a ledge to stand on, a reasonable place from where he can comfort Luke.

He is sure, of course, that the world would not mind if he ever went back. It's a silly thing for Luke to say but it's nice. Luke has been complimenting him subtly and sparsely and it's not like Adam hasn't noticed. He takes each word to heart, but he also appreciates that Luke does it in a way that's easier for him to accept. He wouldn't know how to respond to something more direct. Luke must feel the same way. ]

I know. [ He knows that Luke wouldn't let go unless something happened. But he didn't know if it was paralysis from her or fear—the fact that it was from her makes it more terrifying. ] Because you've dealt with this before. You know, it'd be pretty stupid of the souvlaki to choose someone who's shown that they can overpower being possessed by a titan through pure will. You're better suited for this than anyone.

[ Including Adam, who never stopped his own possession. It just left him when it wanted to try another way to kill Ronan. ] She's strong, she's powerful. But if she could control us right now, she'd be doing it.

[He's weirdly comfortable here even though it's probably going to be uncomfortable the longer he pushes his forehead to Adam's but hey. It's fine. It's almost more oddly intimate than a hug but still delivering the same sort of impact, a focal point in the eye of the storm, if you will.

Granted Luke's used to causing his own chaos so it's still different to him. He knows better than to try and outright tell Adam he's important. He knows Adam wouldn't believe him, watches the way Adam gets when people here compliment him, knows where it's born from and how to redirect it. And again it's just funny how well they know how to handle each other without directly saying so. If he's noticed, surely Adam has, too.]

…good point. [He finally manages to crack a smile because yeah, he sure has been prepared for this.] As long as I can stay me I should be able to stop her from hurting anybody else. We saved Dave and Elizabeth from those things. Whoever's left? We'll find them and purge 'em out.

[He finally pulls back and scrubs at his face, staring at Adam in the dark for a quiet moment.] Wherever I go from here…are you going to follow?

[ Adam can both see and feel his smile and it's an immense relief. He didn't think he was capable of helping, but if he managed that, it feels better than anything. It makes him feel like he has something he can contribute even though he's weak and not much help against aliens. He smiles back and lets Luke pull away... for now. ]

There's more of us than there is of them. [ Despite how strong they are. He's trying to remain optimistic because Luke makes him feel that way. Luke is strong and a hero and Adam fully believes he can do this. ]

Of course. Everything you do, I do. But I'd really like to keep on living, so I'd appreciate it if you tried to keep that in mind. [ Because even if he does something reckless and horrible, Adam's going along with him. It's too late now.

But they've lasted long enough. Adam's going to grab his arm and tug him to lay on the floor. ]

We hope there's more of us than them. It's what we've gotta believe for now. Nobody else's blood showed parasites though so that's something. [It's like Luke told Yuno earlier. Adam is a secret weapon. Adam is extra ammunition to push him forward and pull him out of his own head. That's more important than Luke will ever be able to say.]

I'll definitely keep it in mind. I've come to find I kinda like living again, too. [There's a smirk.] We'll be fine. I'll probably only do a handful of dumb things this week.

[That's all he gets to say though before he feels Adam grab his arm and he's sliding his way down to the floor almost sloppily, shifting around to effectively lay against the wall and loosely drape an arm around Adam's torso. No really, good luck moving anytime soon.] Remind me to try and break into one of the rooms and at least get some blankets. If we're stuck camping out we should try to at least be a little comfortable. [And there's a lull of silence…before his nose bumps into Adam's cheek.] …and thanks, by the way.

[ He's positive there isn't much left for the queen to do. There's no way she'd do all this if she wasn't desperate.

Being trapped isn't so bad, anyway. He shifts to make himself comfortable and leans his head over to use Luke as a pillow. He closes his eyes to just listen to Luke, at ease and glad they're still doing this together. They can make it as long as they have each other. ]

Didn't do anything I didn't already promise. [ It's not something that deserves thanks. He's just doing for Luke what Luke has been doing for him for weeks. When he speaks again, it's a little sleepier, like this is a pre-bedtime conversation. ]

I dunno if people would agree to it, but I'd like to check on more blood samples. Before the trial. You mentioned a General? So the General can't have minions attacking us.

[He's fine with being a pillow even if his thoughts are bouncing around about the queen and about Adam and about the other people in this room and the fate of the ship. "Fate." Still a stupid word. They're comfortable on the floor and he idly thinks about the fact that at least Adam's warm enough for now.

Through the haze of his alcohol-clouded brain he recognizes that shift in Adam's tone, leaning his chin into Adam's hair a little.]

Yeah, I know. [It's said softly, but he's interested in the rest, too.] I don't think it's a bad idea. After what we saw nobody really has a reason to say no. She told me about the general but I have no idea what that meant. It's someone still alive here though...if we can take out their minions, sure. Good idea. We can figure it out in the morning, too.

[ They do have a reason to say no, and it's what happened to Judar and Fiona. Maybe it's not entirely logical, but it he couldn't fault anyone for being wary. Of course, that wariness would only cause suspicion. There's no winning here. ]

Take out the minions, don't let them isolate people... Though, you know, I'd risk it to be able to get back in our room. [ Because being around a lot of people while sleeping doesn't seem entirely safe... But he also has Luke here. He's pretty sure it'd be hard to stab him and avoid Luke. He smiles. ]

You mean this isn't lulling you to sleep? You're gonna feel awful tomorrow, you know. You should stay on your side but also not barf on me.

Mm...we can try that tomorrow, too. [He lifts a hand up in front of Adam's face and wiggles his fingers a bit. Even if everything's broken, maybe he can still use his abilities. But he's had the same thought and it's partially why he's caging Adam in. He's against a wall so it's harder to get to him. If he's bracketing Adam in with his arms, Adam's much harder to get without risking getting to Luke, too. It's a fool-proof plan. Or at least that's what he's convinced himself.

There's an amused snort.] I think you're underestimating me just a little big, Parrish. M'not gonna barf on anybody and I feel fine. [For now.] Besides it's still kinda early for sleeping don't you think?

[ Adam lets out a soft laugh and grabs Luke's hand, pulling it back over him like a blanket. He is basically expecting Luke to play the role of both pillow and blanket. He can appreciate how lucky he is to share a room with a lockbreaker so it gets him in a good enough mood to stop talking about possible deaths. ]

Kind of hard to tell the time when all the lights are out. [ He could probably ask something like, why are they doing this when Luke isn't planning to sleep, but. ] You're not going to drink more, are you?

I can sort of guess. [The time, he means. He could argue, but...eh. His movements are loose and it's easy for Adam to control his limbs when Luke allows him to and thus he's apparently human bedding. On the other hand, he can't help it when his voice sounds more amused, a little more dragged out than usual.]

You took away the bottle and you took my hand. I'm not really sure how I'd do that even if I wanted to. [He wonders where the bottle went but he has no true desire to go after it for now.] Bother you that much?

[ Because of that, he will keep his hand if it means Luke's not going to drink more. It doesn't really bother him. Ronan drinks heavily, Gansey drinks, everyone else in the room is drinking—Adam's the weird one. But he knows the more he drinks, the more it's going to hurt in the morning. ]

No. But you're going to be useless tomorrow if you keep it up. Think I once told you how I'd definitely target a drunk person if I had to. [ A pause. ] Plus, it makes you smell.

You've definitely told me that, but I know you wouldn't target me 'cause you like me too much. [It's hard to believe that moment ago he'd just been crying into Adam's hands but the fact that he's still wrapped around him like a protective shell should say enough.]

...and take that back, I'm always going to smell great.

Not really. [ While keeping Luke wrapped around him. It's kind of weak, so he turns it back. ] You're the one laying here when you're not tired.

[ Even though Adam's not letting him go anywhere. ] You smell like alcohol and fire.

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