ambidex voting #7

[vivariummods]

A M B I D E X  V O T I N G Chop chop, everyone downstairs to the first floor! You're all done the puzzle rooms, so you know what to do. Well, most of you, but it's pretty basic, just enter any Ambidex Room you like (they're not elevators, you ignorant test subjects) then vote! How does voting work? Very simple! Pick Ally or Betray, and that's it! But with every round, there's always some prizes, depending on what you vote, so here's this rounds: For anyone who chooses Ally, well, if your opponent chooses Ally as well, then 2BP for each of you. You get all that friendship, blah blah, whatever. For anyone who chooses Betray, and gets a Betray in return, your BP doesn't change at all, but you do get two cans of food and 15 coins for each person, what, you have a problem with it being the same as last time? We're busy over here, quit your bellyaching. Now, the best part: for anyone who chooses Betray and their opponent chooses Ally, Calhoun will be very generous with his prizes, again! You'll get two cans of food and a memory! We're switching it up a bit. Also, as usual, those who pick Betray get 3BP instead of just 2. But if you're the poor sap that chose Ally and got stabbed in the back, well, sorry, you lose 2 BP. At least you got stabbed for the greater good, right? And plus, you might get a little something. He'll talk to you later about it. But anyway, happy voting! Calhoun will see all of you later with the results. BASIC INFO ✖ VOTES + FORMS ✖ RESULTS + REACTIONS

Comments

[skyentificmethod]

[she will sit then, leaning in on the back cushions.]

How's the arm?

[skyentificmethod]

That Jake is a loose cannon. A Maverick like that'll never not get Goose killed.

...What do you mean, really need? Like to not be here?

[eeeek]

[Simon's not convinced, but. Again - he's not in any position to argue, and with another nervous glance away from Sasuke he tries to stop himself from looking so tense. It doesn't really work, and he just seems more and more uncomfortable with everything, but he peers down at Heiji, biting his lip so he won't complain.]

No, um, it's - it feels great, I like it. You're really smart, Heiji. [he's overselling it because seriously who likes wearing a splint]

[eeeek]

[Finally, someone who doesn't jump out at him and terrify him to death. Simon tries to curl in on himself in the hopes that Snake would just pass him by, but... he's had experience with someone blind, even if he doesn't remember it. He kinda realizes that wouldn't work.]

U-Um-- Hi, Snake. Are you heading to the Garden?

[detectiveofthewest]

Well, hmm. That had gone surprisingly well, all told. Heiji hadn't actually expected Calhoun to agree to splitting the cost, and if they were getting actual supplies instead of just a box of band-aids or whatever, that actually was worth some change. They hadn't even had to trot out Hershel's poor, ailing grandma (yet).

"Just one more thing... Let's say Hershel wanted to be really disgusting with his teamwork and get supplies for all the test subjects here. Could he do that, or is there a limit on the number of people he can help at once?"

[puzzlinglad]

...are you quoting something at me or is it the concussion again? [who watches movies and shows]

[he shakes his head.] If only it were so simple. He told me for Jake there'd be items like twine for stitching, painkillers, disinfectant, bandaging- he didn't say what would be in the supplies for you but I imagine much of the same. [And his tone goes a bit softer.] He said we can split the cost of the supplies too, if people wanted. We really need to get you these, Ema, you're... you really seem to need it, and soon.

[formicarium]

One batch of supplies per request, one person a person! Doormat Test Subject can get something for one person, anyone can help him split the cost, Practically-Dead Test Subject can do the same now, not to mention Cheating Test subject, that's that! Simple and generous, eh?

[ He hops back. ] Now if you'll excuse me I'm a busy mouse! Some people made a mess in their rooms. Try not to bother me again unless you're ready to make a deal, hmm? [ And off he goes, to cause havoc elsewhere. ]

[detectiveofthewest]

Simon, this was a srs bsns medical question, ok

"Well, thanks, but... I'm serious. Tell me if it gets too tight or uncomfortable, okay? I think you should be good, but be sure and check on it. The way these games have been goin', you don't want it getting any worse." Hopefully, it would heal on its own and there would be no more murder. Oh, who was he kidding?

[puzzlinglad]

Hershel just watched him go before turning to Heiji, still a bit bamboozled. "Well, no one had a heart attack, I'd consider that a little more successful that the practice rounds."

Killing hypothetical old men aside, he sighed. "This... is much better than I was expecting. I suppose 15 BP really needs to be worth the price."

[eeeek]

[By the time Simon finds Hershel, he's got half a fucking trombone taped to his ankle. Well, not really, but yeah he basically does. Heiji and Sasuke helped make a splint for his sprained ankle, and he can already tell what a huge help it is, but. Still. Kinda weird walking around with velvet and brass wrapped around his foot.]

H-Hershel. [His face totally lights up when he sees his buddy - he hasn't really had a chance to talk to him since the whole stabbing incident.]

I-I'm glad you're okay-- it's really-- great that everyone voted... Ally... ah... [And he suddenly looks very, very woozy. He's remembering what he saw the last time they were together. Kuzuryuu. Hershel. Knives. More stab wounds than a normal person should really have at any point in their life.

He wobbles on his feet and faints on top of Hershel. Again. God damn it.]

[eeeek]

N-No, it's good! It feels perfect! For real! I wouldn't say that it isn't good unless it was actually totally good, because then, like, it wouldn't heal properly and I'd need more trombones around my feet even though other people might need them even more than I do so I'm not lying, I swear, it's great.

[He says that all in one short breath, then lowers his head apologetically. Simon's seriously down in the dumps today.]

Th-thank you, though. Both of you. [He chances a grateful glance at Sasuke, but nope he still feels too guilty to look at him so he quickly turns his eyes back down to his ankle.]

[detectiveofthewest]

Heiji nodded. "Yeah, almost sounds too good to be true. But if those two are as bad off as ya say, then there's really not much choice, is there? It's pretty clear who the supplies have to go to."

"But ain't it strange? If more than two people can pool BP, that is. Theoretically, if 9 people had 18BP, they could each just pay 2 and get enough supplies for nine. That's an incentive for everyone to work together."

Sounded just a bit Robbers' Cave, in fact. "...I think next time we ain't dealing with a crisis, we should ask about the other 'prizes'."

[not_that_sasuke]

Sasuke sits back on his heels as Simon and Heiji talk, noting the abundance of guilty glances.

"Heiji's right. Make sure to tell him if it feels like it's cutting off circulation." That's important; they don't need the problem to just worsen.

...Though all of these looks are getting kind of awkward. He flexes his left hand lightly - not enough to really aggravate the wound any, but to show that he still has use of it. "...Look. What happened in the music room looked worse than it is. I'm fine, so you don't have to worry about it, okay?"

[skyentificmethod]

[she frowns; while the cost was high, the ability to be fully stocked for health in one fell swoop seemed too good to be true]

BP are what you need to get out of here. Fifteen BP...it's like the past month never happened. And I couldn't...

[puzzlinglad]

"Absolutely, Ema definitely needs it, Jake does too though I doubt he'll accept the help." Hershel said with a tired tone, rubbing the side of his neck. "I'll try talking to him but I don't know... There's Snake to consider too. He seems better but something like this could really help minimize the damage to his hand."

And he listened- Heiji was right, it was strange that any of Zero's deals or rules encouraged cooperation for once. Definitely different from the norm. "Maybe Calhoun and Zero don't expect people to give up BP for this, even giving up one or two BP does make a big difference. Whatever the case I think you're right, I'm starting to wonder what else the BP rewards entail." He frowned. "Especially the second to last one. What could getting out of death possibly mean?"

[eeeek]

[N-No way! How could Sasuke tell what Simon was thinking?! He's a mindreader!! Simon's cheeks go a little pink, but he doesn't flinch away from the conversation like he might want to.]

Okay. [He pauses, then decides... no, he's totally not letting this go. Heiji's about to get caught in the middle of a really awkward conversation]

Just-- I'm really sorry, okay? For what happened. You know I wouldn't ever hurt you on purpose, right? You're my friend, I don't want-- I don't want to stop being friends with you, I like you a lot. I'm really sorry, it was... I'm really, really stupid.

[puzzlinglad]

Oh, hello Si- [Hershel began, glad to see Simon because considering the last time he did was when he was dragging Simon out of a bathroom, not the best. He had to stop though because what the hell was that.

He stares for a moment.] ... Heiji. [Heiji would steal a trombone, clearly this was Heiji's work. He was going to question this further but then????? suddenly Simon's falling on him and he goes tumbling to the floor too, just like his japanese anime fanfics or whatever. He'd be more flustered about this fanfic if his leg didn't hurt like hell from hitting the ground and jostling the burn on his calf.

It takes him a moment to pull Simon as gently as he can off, brow furrowed.] S-Simon, are you alright? [Just... going to lay Simon down and kneel awkwardly and painfully over him, what the hell did he do??? Splash him with water or something.] Oh dear...

[eeeek]

[Hmm? A few seconds later, Simon's opening his eyes and gazing blearily at Hershel, like the two of them are sexy latino poolboy lovers waking up from an afternoon Sunday nap that they took in the rich housewife's toolshed even though they were supposed to be working. That is exactly what this situation is like.

But then he snaps to his senses and realizes Hershel probably ripped open all his stab wounds. Simon, somehow, landed with his ankle completely unharmed, which is a very lucky coincidence, but Hershel might be bleeding and superdead forever.]

I-I'm-- are you okay?! Hershel!! I'm sorry!! Ahh!! You're-- your stab wouhuhoouuunds... [And he faints again, hitting his head on the floor. This is a fucking disaster]

[not_that_sasuke]

Awkward indeed. Sorry, Heiji, but it's probably better if this gets cleared up sooner rather than later.

"You aren't stupid. And it was just an accident - I don't hate you for it or anything." His voice is patiently calm. Seeing Simon beat himself up about this is tough to watch... "It isn't your fault, so you don't have to apologize for what happened. Really, I'm alright."

[puzzlinglad]

[Hershel just leans over him, concern in his eyes like he was about to gently touch Simon's face and whisper no, Simon, stay strong, they were going to get out of this together and see how beautiful the night sky in their hometown was again. Instead though his little beady dot eyes widen, idk how that happens I guess they just get bigger or something, and he scrambles to try and calm him down before-]

Oh, Simon, no, I'm alright, you- [-he faints again. Hershel tries to throw his hand under Simon's head so he wouldn't crack it or something, but probably misses. He stares a moment before sighing and letting his head flop. This. Could be going better.

He pulls off his vest and wads it up to put under Simon's head, a ha yes now he won't hit his head if this happened in an endless loop, prepared for that nonsense.]

[eeeek]

[There's a lot more that he wants to say, a lot of things he wants to apologize for - but with a cursory glance at Sasuke, he just nods his head and holds his tongue. There'll be time incompetent sniffling later. For now, he's just happy his buddy doesn't hate him.]

O-Okay. Just - let me know if I can do anything, okay? I feel like... like I owe you, or something. Heiji, um -- I owe you a lot for all of this, too, the splint, and.. and you really didn't have to do all this for me, I don't... um...

[Simon's totally tearing up over here what the hell this is stupid. He's really tired, so all his emotions are getting to him, but - still. He's tearing up, wiping his eyes on the sleeves of his jacket. This is really getting kinda awkward.]

Y-You guys are so-- awesome! You know?! I didn't-- I didn't think I'd make any friends when I woke up here and now Sasuke's being all nice to me even though I'm a jerk and I don't deserve it and Heiji's helping me out even though I'm useless and totally not worthy and you guys are just, like, really awesome!!

[puzzlinglad]

[He says nothing for a moment before answering quietly.] Ema... do you honestly think Zero is going to let us leave when we get 63 BP?

[eeeek]

[Okay. Okay. He's good. Simon opens his eyes again, and it's like the world awakens before him. The first thing he sees is Hershel's 10ft radius afro eclipsing the light of the warehouse much like the moon eclipses the sun, and though the planets of their love have clearly aligned, Simon is so dazed from his injuries that he fails to grasp how lucky he is to be in a teenage professor's arms.

His head hurts. This sucks. At least he doesn't have to tie up the trombone again. He takes it easy this time, letting consciousness drift back to him slowly so he won't rush to stand up and pass out again. He just lays there, using a vest for a pillow apparently, and when his vision clears he frowns at Hershel.]

A-Are you okay? [He just asked that, but seriously, Simon's probably used to this, but Hershel likely isn't.] I-I didn't-- I didn't mean to hurt you, I'm really sorry if I hurt you.

[puzzlinglad]

[What a magical evening this has been. Hershel very tentatively puts a hand on Simon's shoulder, as though he's afraid doing so will throw them into an endless time loop of these last five minutes to be lived out until Madoka frees them with god power or whatever the hell happens in Kagepro happens.

When the world doesn't end he relaxes a little, unaware their tragic love timeloop story has passed them by.] No, you didn't it's quite alright. You gave me a right fright, is all.

[He offers as reassuring of a smile as he can.] You look well though- besides the ah... trombone. I assume that's Heiji's handiwork? Are you alright?

[skyentificmethod]

[she--sags, head sinking and palms dropping limply to her lap.] But...

[there isn't much else to say. even she won't blow off the need at this point. it's just so much though. The thought that these weeks of cold rooms and rotten puzzles and being periodically gassed and assaulted by various dolls--the pain and the hunger and the grime and the waiting, all of that had been for nothing...] It's intentional, the cost. They just want us here, stuck forever...