CALHOUN HOUR - REINTRODUCTION

[vivariummods]

Back on the morning of Day 90, the original group has been given access to a new location, The Library, only after seeing this note: library is open go use it or whatever don't trash it or else!!!!! (♯｀∧´) i got my eye on you!!! brb later ~ ᘛᕐᐷ An Ambidex Round was planned for this day, but instead, Calhoun was nowhere to be seen. He completely disappeared and left the test subjects to do whatever they pleased. It's not until the early afternoon that his lovely voice rings throughout the speakers: "Ahem, aaaaahem!! Okay, so! I'm sure that you illiterate bunch have seen my note on the floor earlier today, which tells you to all go to the library. If you're not there already, then get in there, because I'm going to tell you about a seeeeecret ennnnntranceeee, ohhhhhhh." There's a few more seconds of 'ohhh's and 'ahhhh's before Calhoun moves on. "Normally, I'd have you play Moonlight Sonata on the piano to open up the hidden doorway, but that's too much work, so just get over to the furthest bookshelf in the back and give it a biiiiig pull. I've unlocked it for you already, so it'll just swing right open like a door! Go through it and I'll see you losers soon." The intercom goes silent, but true to his word, should someone pull back the extremely heavy bookcase, a long and dark hallway is presented to them. It certainly hasn't seen much use, as evidenced by the dust and cobwebs, but once everyone reaches the end of the hall, an identical first floor lobby greets them. Every single window bolted shut, and only florescent lights illuminate the room. The security cameras line up in the exact same locations, a row of Ambidex Rooms lined up against the wall, and there's even an identical Number 9 door. It's an exact replica, asides from a "few" details... A large blinking sign hangs up high on the centre of the back wall. It reads "CALHOUN'S PLEASURE PARADISE" and features a large photo of Calhoun with a large wad of flaming cash in one hand, which he holds underneath a cigar super glued to his gas mask. It's unique, to say the least, and there are rows and rows of slot machines line up in the centre. Tables with games such as blackjack and poker take up the sides, and there's even a pool table nearby. One end has a small mini-bar, with all the crab legs you can eat, and loud music blares throughout the entire room. Unfortunately(?), a good number of the machines and tables are being run by your favourite robotic friends, complete with damaged synthetic skin. They don't answer or seem responsive, other than playing on the slots or dishing out cards, and they each have a cigar or two stuck in their mouths, which Calhoun must have shoved in there. Speaking of the rodent, Calhoun sits at a large table with a deck of cards, dressed in a long white dress shirt and a red vest. The cigar glued to his mask, as shown in the sign, still remains, and he adjusts his bow tie at the sight of everyone. "Happy anniversary, test subjects! What's a better way to celebrate this disgustingly heart crushing moment but to go all out with a taste of Las Vegas!" He shouts, but then places a paw to his chin. "Or was it Los Plagas... It was Las or Los something. It's way too hard to keep track of the million places." He looks back up and waves it off. "Whatever, anyway! Go ahead and gamble, drink to your heart's content, I don't care, just do something useful while you're here, all right? And because I know that some of you don't have any coins because you're bad with money management or just really dumb or something, and also because I'm such a kind mouse, I left you all a little baggie gift at the bar." "I better see you gambling those off though! What fun would it be if you don't try to test your luck?"

Comments

[detectiveofthewest]

He laughed. "You and Hershel are just the same. But have it your way." Maybe he'd treat Snake to something nice.

Seventeen to the dealer's 20, a loss. But Heiji wasn't too worried. "I bet he's real cheap, though. I mean, I bet he'll probably cut us off if we win too much."

[not_that_sasuke]

Sasuke starts off with a four from two 2s, a fourteen with the addition of a 10, and eventually stands with a nineteen. The dealer busts with a jack, two, and a ten.

"Hershel doesn't like to ask for much. If you want to get him something, it's easier just to give it to him." It's really more of an observance than any actual advice however, since it's likely just about everyone in the room had figured that out ages ago.

"It's hard to imagine Calhoun giving out favors even if someone was able to get that many coins during the time we have in here..."

[detectiveofthewest]

"As opposed to Jake, who won't take anything unless you leave it out and disavow all knowledge of it. Maybe not even then."

Ace, ace, nine to dealer's queen and an eight -- another blackjack. "Did you want somethin' specific? We could combine coins if it's something good."

[not_that_sasuke]

"Not really. The hot meal might be nice, but I don't know if it's really worth it."

A 10 and a queen for a total of twenty. He decides to stand, and once again, the robot busts. Even though he's betting only five coins a try, he's starting to accumulate some winnings.

"Having the coins could come in handy sometime, though."

[detectiveofthewest]

The robot pulled out a 2, 5, and a king to Heiji's two jacks. Once again, Heiji grabbed his chips, looking quite satisfied with himself. When he tried to make another bet, however, the robot pushed the chips aside.

Heiji pushed them back. "What's the problem? I said I wanna bet 25. I'm obviously good for it."

The robot made a large 'X' sign with its hands.

[not_that_sasuke]

Sasuke was just in the process of finally losing a hand (18 to 20) when he overhears Heiji's predicament.

"...What's it doing?"

[detectiveofthewest]

"I think it's sayin' I can't bet any more," said Heiji, trying a lower bet. His efforts, however, were met with much the same denial.

"I knew it. That cheap rat, he's cuttin' me off!"

Well, to be fair, Heiji would probably clean Calhoun out if allowed to do so...

[not_that_sasuke]

Wow. It had been one thing to talk about it, but...

"Just how many coins did you win?"

[detectiveofthewest]

"Only a hundred!" said Heiji defensively. "I mean, c'mon, there're prizes that're 300 coins!"

GOD what did Calhoun want him to do, save up for it?

[not_that_sasuke]

"He probably doesn't want anyone getting those prizes."

He plays another game on the side - nine and queen, it's enough to win against the dealer again.

"Was there any one you were aiming for...?"

[detectiveofthewest]

"Huh?" That temporarily threw Heiji for a loop.

"No, of course not!" He looked vaguely pink at the suggestion, but of course Heiji kind of did that about lots of things, so. It was probably completely normal and nothing to worry about at all. "...But 100 is still way too low. I bet he just has some kinda grudge against me."

[not_that_sasuke]

Hmm.

Hmmmmmm.

"Well, if you think of anything, I can lend you some coins." He isn't doing too badly, either. Just ignore that bust he just got.

[detectiveofthewest]

"I'm not gonna take your coins," said Heiji, glaring at the offending robot. "Why don't ya buy yourself something nice, like a hot meal with some real food?"

Don't look at him like that, Mr. Ninja.

[not_that_sasuke]

"That would be a waste if I'm only three games away from high quality food." Assuming all allying, but with how things have been going so far, he doesn't see any reason to think someone's about to betray.

[detectiveofthewest]

"If," said Heiji, making a face. Lot of time between games, Sasuke. Lot of time for something to go wrong.

"It's been too quiet lately." Which seemed like a crazy thing to say when just a few days ago they'd been running from robot ghosts, but there you were.

[not_that_sasuke]

"Do you think he's going to try something again?" Granted, that's probably fair.

Hm, they both got 18... Maybe the next hand will be in his favor? --Nope, lost 17 to 20.