vivarium | THE HEART OF THE MATTER

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THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Sometime early in the morning (or at least what feels like it, considering that there aren’t any clocks around), Calhoun will scream into a megaphone to wake everyone up. He won’t explain what’s going on, but he will say that he has a surprise for everyone. What is it? Well, they won’t know until they get up! So, everyone line up by the hallway’s door!

He’ll be calling everyone into a “☆ SECRET ROOM ☆” one by one, and spending a few minutes with them. In this room, it’ll be nothing but a table, two chairs, a metal cabinet, and a lone lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. Anyone who’s seen enough cop shows will notice that this is an interrogation room. Granted, there’s a sleeping pod in the corner of the room (rather similar to the same device that returns memories) and this room is a pretty fictional interrogation room as the real things aren't so hardboiled, but Calhoun is a fan of cop dramas and he only has so much power, so this is what he went for.

Anyway, in here, Calhoun will do one of two things:

1) Reveal an unpleasant secret about them. Of course, it might sound fictional at first, but then he’ll go into his little cabinet and pull out a folder to back up his claims. These reports don’t look fake, and well, just think of what the others might think if they heard of this. Sure, you can deny it all you want, but what about your fellow test subjects? How can they ever see you in the same light again? Even if you attempt to convince them otherwise, this will forever linger in the back of their minds. They might even start turning against you, and while Calhoun’s a pretty nice mouse, he can’t do anything to stop you silly test subjects from doing something dramatic.

2) Grant them the fragment of a memory. What a kind mouse Calhoun is being, giving you a freebie! They’ll be placed in a pod, as per the usual, and given part of a memory. The problem is this freebie cuts off at the worst possible time, and any begging, threats or inquiries into the matter are only going to be met by Calhoun’s snickers. It would be awful if something happened and you could never find out if your dear friend Timmy ever got out of that well, right? A real tragedy. Oh well, too bad for you, buddy.

Once Calhoun has called everyone one by one into this “☆ SECRET ROOM ☆” of his, he will gather all the test subjects up, stand on counter of Calhoun’s Corner and make an announcement.

“Listen up, test subjects! While yesterday’s round of Bingo was all fun and games, it’s time to spice things up around here! This is starting to get really bland, like oatmeal bland, and my Master has given me the go ahead to shake things up.”

“Some of you, I've told you a dark, spooky secret, while for the rest, I've shown you a little memory! Who got what, though, no one knows! But you know who you are and you know what you have to lose.”

“So what was the point of all this? Welllllll, like I've said, it’s so boring here, that I’m giving you the chance to redeem yourselves of this sinful dullness. How, you wonder?”

“Give me a show.”

“I think you all know me well by now, what entertains me and what I like to see. So, give me the performance of a lifetime by the end of the next AB Voting round! Of course sooner is better, because you never know if I’m gonna like these plans of yours, but go ahead, take your time! I mean it’s not like there’s much I can do, excepppppt…”

“I can just reveal those little secrets of yours to everyone! Don’t think you can just shrug it off as something I've made up too. I’ll spread out those reports and all the evidence for everyone to see, and we’ll see how long it takes for them to turn on you.”

“And those with a memory, don’t sigh in relief, because you’re not safe either! I’ll ensure that you will never get the rest of that memory I showed you. You can wonder for the rest of your lives what really happened. If you think it’ll be as simple as just asking around when you get out, think again. You’ll never know the whole truth unless you remember it yourself, since this mouse can get his paws in the outside world’s evidence.”

“What if one of you manages to entertain me? Well, not only will you get your full memory back, but everyone’s memories and secrets will be safe! They won’t be getting anything back, but maybe one day, and you’re the one who did all the work, those ungrateful cads!”

“Well, I think that’s about it. Toodles! You know where to find me if you have any questions or love letters for me.”

He winks at the crowd (looking at you, Zelos), then hops off the counter, back into the safety of his shop.

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[Shockingly Hershel also isn't looking too good. In fact shortly after Calhoun's announcement he tried to slip away to the washroom, pale as a sheet. If anyone wants to catch him in there go ahead, but after a while he does come back out, still pretty pale but less of a flight risk.

He stands around for a few moments, unsure of what exactly to do. Everyone probably looked a little worse for wear, maybe focusing on them was the best option right now. He didn't have any hope that a 'show' to Calhoun could be anything other than violence or betrayal.

Maybe... maybe in the next round, if each team betrayed their opponent who allied, maybe that'd be enough? Would Calhoun really accept that if they all orchestrated it together? It wasn't much of a 'show' if the drama was all fake, at least he doubted Zero or Calhoun would be happy with it. That meant it'd probably have to be as legitimate as possible.

Well great, he was looking pale again. If he did try this, whoever he betrayed would be knocked down enough points to not be able to get food. Maybe they'd think it'd be worth it in the long run, but-]

A show... he just wants us at each other's throats, doesn't he? Anything less wouldn't be enough to make them happy.

[This is no time for Colette to be bothering with smiles, not with something this serious baring down on them.]

This isn't right... [Her voice is a creak of anxiety, almost a tremble - but she's mastered her own hurts by now, and her eyes are clear when she looks up at Hershel]

How could they make us do this?

[Hershel shakes his head, unsure of what to even say. He had no idea how someone could do any of what Zero did. It was so beyond him in the scope of it's cruelty, he wasn't sure he wanted to ever understand.]

Calhoun told me once this... experiment, sometimes they needed to change factors to get different results. [He sighs, running a hand through his hair nervously.] We've only had one betrayal so far. I think that upset them, they want more variety. Maybe they don't, maybe they just want betrayal and suffering.

[He says nothing for a moment before looking back to Colette.] How are you holding up? [A pretty stupid question, but she seemed almost beaten down and he was concerned.]

Don't worry, I'm okay!

[It's such an automatic gesture by now, to ward off any concerns directed her way. Hershel is hurting too, she can tell, and really, there's no point in burdening her friend with trivial details.]

Um, does that mean we just need to betray someone and they'll...? [She shakes her head in dismay] It's like they don't want us to be friends.

[He doesn't believe that for a second but at this point who was okay. He gives a quiet look before nodding, it wasn't like there was much that could be said to fix it anyway.]

I... don't know. I think the safest thing we could do that wouldn't involve anyone getting physically hurt is betrayal in the voting rounds. The thing is if we all orchestrated it I'm not sure Calhoun would be happy either. [He glances to the side.] He was delighted when Clive got betrayed, but us all working together and still trusting each other after, I'm sure it would just annoy him or do nothing at all.

I really don't know what we can possibly do. I don't want anyone getting hurt. [He slumped against a nearby wall, feeling defeated in how few avenues they really had to pursue.]

[Which means, if she's following correctly, there needs to be a real betrayal of sorts at the very least. If she had more mettle, maybe she could manage, but the very thought of damning one of her friends turns her stomach into knots.

She sadly takes in Hershel's expression, and after a second, goes to stand next to him by the wall.]

We've got six days, right? [Feeble words, but if he can find a tiny bit of peace in that...] I'm sure we can all think of something together.

... I can... volunteer...

Colette... [It killed him that Colette was probably a good person to get betrayed. She'd be farther from having access to food, right back down to three BP, and Calhoun would probably enjoy that immensely.

Hershel still had to shake his head.] It'd be too risky, if you lost two BP and if Calhoun didn't give us more canned food... besides, he'd probably want someone who'd cause a bigger ruckus about it, right? [He had to try some logic to say no to this idea. Colette starving was far too much.]

If- I don't know, if we can't do it- [He stares ahead, brow furrowing.] Maybe we just... maybe we need to accept that may be the safest course of action for the group at large.

Edited 2014-08-20 00:39 (UTC)

I don't mind. [Starving, she means, though she doesn't have the heart to say it and worry Hershel more than she probably has.] If it will help everyone... I need to do my part.

[Because she agrees wholeheartedly with his last statement - they need to consider what will benefit the group, and if it's a contest between herself and everyone else, it's much much of a contest to begin with]

Um, I can cause a ruckus! And even if I lose BP, it just means I'll have to do better in the next experiment.

[He offers her a smile that isn't there at all.] That statement, about helping everyone, that's probably why it wouldn't work. Colette, if someone ever betrayed you for selfish reasons, could you forgive them?

[He was pretty curious, she seemed like she was the type that could and frankly that was pretty alarming of a trait in a game like this. He wanted to trust no one would ever take advantage of her trust like that but...]

It's true, Calhoun and Zero shall only be satisfied by bloodshed, or worse. [ Enjolras balls his hands into fists, glaring down at the floor. He should be shaken by what he has been shown- he is on some level, but at the same time... ] I refuse to play this game. I refuse to allow this to be hung over my head as a weakness. We are not weak, and though they contrive to put us at one another's throats as a united front we are stronger. If we bide our time- wait for an opportunity- It will present itself.

[ Dangerous thoughts, Enjolras. ]

[Very dangerous, but Hershel looks at him with a firm, if still pale, sort of look.]

I don't... I don't think we should hurt each other for this but- [He glances away.] If we don't rise to the bait they'll try again, and again, likely escalating their tactics. I don't know what we can do... if we sit back we're likely to be put in an even worse situation, if we do what they want-

[He looked ill.]

I am not suggesting we sit back.

[ He gives the other a quiet, but pointed look. ]

I'm suggesting we try something else entirely.

Something even harder. [ But the rewards... if the could do it... ]

We would all need to work together.

[Have a confused, albiet somewhat hopeful, look.]

Mr. Enjolras, what are you thinking? [Even felt like there was something a little dangerous here, though he couldn't quite put it into words.] If there's anyway I can help...

[ He glances around, because he knows that someone is probably listening. That's the hardest part, thinking things like this- making plans where they won't be understood, overheard. ]

I do not know how yet, but- I am suggesting if we can, we change the status quo. We are not pawns to be played with, we are not like that rat, to be caged and poked and prodded and used.

They underestimate us. They think we are docile because of these. [ He holds up his wrist, with his BP counter. ] I would like to find a way to show them we are anything but.

[Yes, that was dangerous. Very dangerous. Hershel's eyes widen and he can't help but feel a little afraid. No one had openly suggested anything like this yet, maybe small offense here and there but something to actually test the cage they found themselves in...

He was afraid of that, he didn't want to die with Calhoun snickering over his corpse. Still, if Calhoun told his secret, worse, if his secret was true, then... frankly Hershel wasn't sure he could ever forgive himself for something like that. The worth of his life-

He glances around too before he looks more closely at Enjolras. He swallows, fidgeting with his sleeve.] I... I would too, but-

[People getting hurt. Enjolras getting hurt, it still felt so unacceptable.] Is there really anything that could be done that wouldn't just make those trying it martyrs? We all- we need to walk out of here, together.

I am not saying that I don't agree with you, Hershel, but the truth of the matter is that if we do nothing at all we cannot hope to succeed in achieving our freedom. If we do nothing, people are simply going to continue to get hurt for their amusement. I for one am not willing to stand idly by and allow this. If it is within my power- I will fight back.

[ his features are grim, his jaw set and his eyes blazing. He's a boundary pusher, and he is not afraid of an oversized mouse. ]

I do not yet know what exactly we might do to fight back, but I will find a way, even if I must do it alone.

But... what if you're killed doing something like that? That's probably what Calhoun wants. [And example would be just greeeeat.

Still, he falters.] ... I don't disagree with you. I just- I don't want anyone to get hurt.

Then I suppose at least we know more about what limits this place imposes upon us.

[ He says it simply, matter of fact. He knows that his life hangs in the balance, but all their lives do. ]

It is only a matter of time, going as we are that someone will be seriously hurt, if not killed. We cannot continue to stand by and simply do nothing. I have no wish to see anyone harmed either, Hershel- but this is the gravity of our situation.

We must chose. Do we admit defeat and carry on as we are with no guarantee of seeing life upon the other side, or do we fight? We cannot simply continue to do nothing.

[He made some good points, and Hershel's quiet for a few moments before he sighs.]

Well... what are you thinking of doing to um, protest? [Still so unsure, so very unsure, but maybe Enjolras was right.]

Something that bends the rules, but most certainly won't break them. I do not want anyone to be harmed who does not wish to participate. [ Hahahaha.]

Something like that has happened before, Snake tried to bring food to Clive. He was... hurt for it but he wasn't killed. [So uncomfortable sounding.]

I intend to do something far more rebellious than simply sharing food. [ He doesnt know what it is yet, bit he is definitely starting to get an idea. ]

If Calhoun and Zero intend to keep us long term I want to make the experience of doing it as difficult and uncomfortable as possible.

That's what concerns me... [He didn't want you to get really hurt or die, dude, he liked you. Still, he's a doormat and could pretty plainly see Enjolras wasn't going to listen to 'hey don't get yourself hurt in possibly pointless rebellion' so he stifles a sigh and regards him closely.]

If there's anything I can do to help... I can't say I like the idea of you getting into this kind of trouble by yourself. Maybe if more than one person is involved it will make more of an impact.

Actually, I had hoped that since you are generally well liked by everyone, you might help me in speaking with the other's.

[ He knows how he can come across, sometimes- but Hershel on the other hand... well, everyone seems to like him. The same cannot always be said for Enjolras, for how strongly he knows he comes across, but in the heat of the moment can not seem to temper himself; to quiet himself down. ]

This is what I hope for. That all of us are able to come together. [ He doesn't really like touching people, or being touched in return- but this, he knows, is necessary. Or at least, he sees it as necessary. He reaches out, placing his hand upon Hershel's shoulder. Establishing connection. ] In solidarity we may persevere. We might all go home.

[Hershel looked a bit surprised at that. He knew he wasn't really disliked, besides by Clive, but 'well liked' made him want to correct him. He decides to just listen though.

Enjolras was right, Hershel believed the same, so he can't help but nod.] I believe the same thing... Alright, I don't know how much I can do but I'll help any way I can, Mr. Enjolras. I hope everyone will see it this way too.

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THE HEART OF THE MATTER

first day!

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