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.

victim

suspects

Character Statuses
Setting
Rulebook
Voting

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

You're the one who made me lay here though. [Adam, come on. But the argument's pretty low and instead he snorts to himself.] So I smell flammable? That's good to know. Sorry not all of us can smell...Parrish-ish.

Not like this. [ By which he means being a blanket. Well, now he is. But semantics. ] Are you saying I smell good?

I am not saying anything about it. [But considering he's sort of headbutting Adam's shoulder somehow that should say it's not exactly a negative answer. This is probably fine.] I'm drunk, are you really gonna listen to anything I have to say right now? [To be fair he's not even that drunk. Not at all sober by now, no, but Luke is enough of a control freak in his older age now to know most of what he's saying and doing. Part of him figures Adam might know that. Part of him also doesn't care that much.]

I always thought being drunk made people more truthful. [ He doesn't know. But he also has no desire to find out for himself. The idea of not being fully in control of himself is terrifying. ]

Or are you saying this has all been a lie? [ His free hand moves to the back of Luke's neck to get him to stop headbutting. There's a challenge in his tone, daring him to say that this hasn't all been heartfelt. ]

Dunno if that's true. I never really had alcohol before being locked on the Pygmalion. [Kinda didn't have time and all that. Not being in full control is both good and bad right now. It's bad because he hates that, but it's good because it's Adam and right now everything's a little uncertain.]

...you've slept in my bed and now you're asking if all of this is a lie? [He can't help but laugh to himself.] Man. We've gotta work on your timing. [The hand on his neck does work to still him though.] Gimme something to work with. What do you really want me to say?

[ That makes Adam move slightly to look him in the eye. He hadn't known that about him, that he hadn't drank before coming here. It's a little sadder that way. ]

What does sleeping in your bed have to do with anything? [ But he smiles when Luke laughs anyway. ] How about we test my hypothesis? Tell me something you wouldn't tell me while sober.

Just how many people do you think I like and trust enough to do that? C'mon. [He rolls his eyes, trying to think but drawing a blank.] At this rate there's not a lot I probably wouldn't tell you? Who knows. [But the smirk on his face says he's just making this difficult on purpose.] Be more specific.

[ That's fine, he can be difficult too. He returns the smirk and it probably looks a lot like Luke's now that they've spent so much time together. ]

So tell me that. How many people do you like and trust enough for it? Am I special?

[That's a scary thought, and yet at the same time it means Adam's getting a little more confident and that alone is a good thing. So, he hums to himself before letting his eyes drift toward the ceiling and shrugging, fingers tapping on Adam's ribs one by one.]

The amount of people I've trusted like that at all could be counted on one hand, I think. [There's a disgruntled huff though.] And don't be an idiot. You already know that you're important to me even without me saying it, otherwise you wouldn't be as bratty as you are sometimes. [Adam knows he can get away with it. Luke knows it, too.] ...I wonder about you sometimes. Wonder how you don't get that sometimes you leave way bigger marks than you think you do. You talk about Ronan and Gansey and all of the things they've done and the kind of people they are. I'm not interested in that. Ronan and Gansey aren't the people that've stuck it out for months here...well okay, Ronan's been on Nuwa but I bet he's fine. He's on ship with Annabeth. Bet she found him and everything, she's good at finding dumb teenage boys.

[...what was the point? Oh.] Anyway they're not the ones who've made and kept promises to people they just met. It takes an insane amount of bravery to trust somebody like that and it's not just me trusting you. [He settles with his chin to Adam's shoulder again, words a low mumble.] ...you gave me my life back. Did you ever even think about what that would mean?

[ He knows logically he's important to Luke, but he never really thinks about it that way. This has just happened and he never really cared about what this specifically was. He expected maybe some kind words before an insult, but it's completely different to hear these things come from someone.

His initial reaction would be to squirm away from all of this, flustered and uncomfortable, but he doesn't. Things have changed, maybe Luke has changed him. His face still feels warm and his gut twists like he's sick, but he listens instead of trying to escape. Bravery. He likes the sound of that and he thinks he's earned it.

What he mumbles is more of a shock. He takes it literally at first. Of course he didn't revive Luke or anything, but even metaphorically... he has no idea what that means. His hand moves up from Luke's neck to settle in his hair without thinking. ] What? No, I— [ But he doesn't want to sound stupid. ] How did I do that?

WEEK 11 - TRIAL

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