This is where to go if you need to talk to Admin, Doll, or the other NPCs. Be sure to write who each message is for in the subject line! For example, VIDEO | ADMIN or TEXT | DOLL!
They may not answer right away or at all, but you never know until you try!
[His jaw tightens, but Light otherwise schools his face into neutrality — prying neutrality, at least. It’s no surprise that these people know generalized details about his life, in what he assumes is a reference to his connections with the law; he saw many examples of similar instances littered on the network.]
Of course I do. But I don’t think this is a solution to those same problems. What is this supposed to be, then? Forced rehabilitation in the hopes that we meet some nameless standard of perfection?
[Nameless. Invisible. Well, maybe not quite—]
Like a vision filled with perfect people in a perfect city. Right?
[Admin did play that hand heavily there didn't they.]
Mmm. If it was forced rehabilitation, there would be no need for interaction, no freedom; all one would have to do is simply get into your little minds and rewire them to think a certain way. Or just plain torture in order to force a certain reflexive reaction?
Is that why you think you've been brought here? To become part of a utopia?
Now you’re being pedantic. Many here would argue that the inability to leave, or not even being given the choice to be here, is more than enough to qualify as forced.
[He doesn’t particularly like that verbiage, Admin.]
...Am I supposed to believe differently? After what I saw?
Most would say that, yes. That may even be the truth to them.
[Finally they move. They've been breathing and watching this entire time in their cloak, but they bring up their hands, interlacing their fingers...and rest their shadowy head on top of it.]
You're one of the clever ones. That's why you got the mug. So? What do you think the end goal is?
[The mug. Interesting, worth questioning, but they'll get to that.]
You want me to form a theory based on all the non-answers you've given us? ["One of the clever ones"; his pride would swell if that wasn't such a mundane, obvious observation.] You're deflecting.
[But you know, he'll play along. Cast his net wide, see if something gets caught in the middle of it.]
I think you've already shown a part of your hand. A "utopia", you called it, needs model citizens. And according to you, this island is now filled with anything but. [He pauses, taking in the countenance of Admin, but there's so very little he can garner through this video feed alone.] I think you intend to incite some manner of change in us; psychological, probably. I can't know how, or when, but I do suspect it isn't anything good.
[And they listen. And, possibly, Light can tell they're smiling on the other end of the screen.
When Light is done, Admin laughs. It starts off quietly, but ends loud, to the point where they push themselves up, off of their hands, and into a standing position. They need a few moments. When they collect themselves, they slowly lower themself into their chair again- which Light might have noticed is a very expensive one.
Looks like something that a professional gamer, or someone really needing back support would use.]
Ah, sorry. It's been awhile since I've had a good laugh like that. Don't mind me.
[They make a dismissive gesture with their hand, continuing.]
[Oh, buddy. If it’s one thing Light doesn’t like, it’s being laughed at; if there’s one thing Light doesn’t like even more, it’s being laughed at due to reasons he can’t quite parse, as though the joke has flown over his head. It would fly over anyone’s at this point, really — and his guess was just that: an educated guess — but it grates a little at his nerves, regardless.
He lets them laugh, though. It isn’t offense enough for him not to notice the chair. Expensive, well-made, obviously the sort intended to provide optimal support. The Admin must find themselves seated frequently; out of physical necessity, or work, or both, he can’t know yet.]
Did I say something amusing? [Light doesn’t sound amused, maybe tinged faintly with impatience.] I have a hard time believing I’m that far off the mark.
[That better not have been a patronizing “impressive”, either.]
[Sorry Light. Admin's sense of humor is the worst.]
Oh, you hear the same old, same old, you have to laugh, or else...get angry. You've got one thing correct, but I will tell you one thing:
There is no such thing as a utopia. That's why it's such a popular use in fiction, particularly sci-fi. Though if you were to try and make this island into that, I certainly wouldn't stop you.
However, if I were to tell you exactly what kind of change it was, then it will not be fulfilled. It's much like giving for charity for the sake of impressing someone, or to get rid of junk.
Frankly Light, if I wanted monsters, it wouldn't be difficult. What I want is far more difficult, but far more rewarding.
[It's a little dry, a little rhetorical. He doesn't expect a straightforward answer at this point, knowing when someone is choosing not to give it. The shape of their intent will have to do, but even that is frustratingly nebulous.
It strikes an uneasy chord in him.]
If this island is the environment meant to spark change, then you have a twisted way of inspiring motivation.
[His brow furrows. He thinks to the (apparently) new gun shop, with its malformed firearms, and how he had learned (also apparently) that it was wished into existence via the community here.
If that's true, it makes a certain amount of sense. Those uprooted their homes into a potentially dangerous environment would want for security, for a way to defend themselves from the unknown. But the rest-]
This place is supposedly dangerous. We wouldn't ask that for ourselves.
[The indignity, he feels it flaring up again. He tamps it down with the practice of someone who knows it's best to remain collected in the face of scrutinization. That's what this feels like, after all.]
Not me.
[A certainty.]
And likely at least a substantial number of others. The punishment -- this island -- doesn't fit the crime. Just what kind of people do you think we are?
[Maybe it’s the sigh, but it sounds like a tired sentiment to Light. One that lands strangely in his mind for how easily he could dispute it, run it parallel with the idea of being forced into change, or rehabilitation. How it should not apply to all of them here.
He could say it, but then they’d be going in circles, and he doesn’t like lingering on an impasse when it seems like the subject has stretched itself thin of useful information. He’s apt to move it along.]
...You mentioned the mug I found prior. Does it have any real significance?
[There's something that perks up in Admins voice; something not malicious and annoyed.]
You'll find others with this gift; they're special, like you. They're masterminds and detectives, geniuses. I try not to elevate one person above another but...
I understand that it can be lonely up on top. Think of it as...an unofficial club, and a way to find each other even if they're playing the fool in public.
Yes. It changes color and reveals a queen and a pawn chess pieces.
[A novel theme if there’s no deeper meaning than that. Light ignores the bit about loneliness — there are a myriad ways he could argue it doesn’t apply to him — but leashes his tongue on the matter. Garnering connections of this caliber is far more interesting and beneficial, besides. He’s curious to see if these individuals really do qualify.]
You've picked an interesting motif. Fond of chess?
[Or games, he wonders? It would suit the Admin, who Light can only view as toying with the lot of them to a certain extent.
As for the rest, Light takes a moment to turn that information over in his head before replying.]
If that's all you're going to give me to work with, it feels like the expectation is to go door-to-door, raiding cupboards for the sake of uncovering chess-themed mugs.
I enjoy chess. I haven't played a good game in awhile.
[Which...also may be mocking Light and the others when they say that. Whoops.]
I wouldn't say go door to door, nor would I say going to the network and asking about it. Though if that's what you wish to do, I certainly won't stop you.
But...it would be interesting if you used your charm and your wit to find the owners. They may be useful for the times ahead.
[Oh, the network was already a consideration — he might have already been composing the barebones of an draft in his head right now. Innocuous, curious. He imagines it would nab a few bites.]
Arrange a face-to-face, and I’ll play you.
[Someone is confident; but truly, is that a surprise? A challenge in its own right, once more testing his boundaries.]
I’ll figure something out. However, is there one I should avoid?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
upcyclingmod) wrote2020-10-01 07:09 pm
no subject
Of course I do. But I don’t think this is a solution to those same problems. What is this supposed to be, then? Forced rehabilitation in the hopes that we meet some nameless standard of perfection?
[Nameless. Invisible. Well, maybe not quite—]
Like a vision filled with perfect people in a perfect city. Right?
no subject
Mmm. If it was forced rehabilitation, there would be no need for interaction, no freedom; all one would have to do is simply get into your little minds and rewire them to think a certain way. Or just plain torture in order to force a certain reflexive reaction?
Is that why you think you've been brought here? To become part of a utopia?
no subject
[He doesn’t particularly like that verbiage, Admin.]
...Am I supposed to believe differently? After what I saw?
no subject
[Finally they move. They've been breathing and watching this entire time in their cloak, but they bring up their hands, interlacing their fingers...and rest their shadowy head on top of it.]
You're one of the clever ones. That's why you got the mug. So? What do you think the end goal is?
no subject
You want me to form a theory based on all the non-answers you've given us? ["One of the clever ones"; his pride would swell if that wasn't such a mundane, obvious observation.] You're deflecting.
[But you know, he'll play along. Cast his net wide, see if something gets caught in the middle of it.]
I think you've already shown a part of your hand. A "utopia", you called it, needs model citizens. And according to you, this island is now filled with anything but. [He pauses, taking in the countenance of Admin, but there's so very little he can garner through this video feed alone.] I think you intend to incite some manner of change in us; psychological, probably. I can't know how, or when, but I do suspect it isn't anything good.
no subject
[And they listen. And, possibly, Light can tell they're smiling on the other end of the screen.
When Light is done, Admin laughs. It starts off quietly, but ends loud, to the point where they push themselves up, off of their hands, and into a standing position. They need a few moments. When they collect themselves, they slowly lower themself into their chair again- which Light might have noticed is a very expensive one.
Looks like something that a professional gamer, or someone really needing back support would use.]
Ah, sorry. It's been awhile since I've had a good laugh like that. Don't mind me.
[They make a dismissive gesture with their hand, continuing.]
Still. Most impressive!
no subject
He lets them laugh, though. It isn’t offense enough for him not to notice the chair. Expensive, well-made, obviously the sort intended to provide optimal support. The Admin must find themselves seated frequently; out of physical necessity, or work, or both, he can’t know yet.]
Did I say something amusing? [Light doesn’t sound amused, maybe tinged faintly with impatience.] I have a hard time believing I’m that far off the mark.
[That better not have been a patronizing “impressive”, either.]
no subject
Oh, you hear the same old, same old, you have to laugh, or else...get angry. You've got one thing correct, but I will tell you one thing:
There is no such thing as a utopia. That's why it's such a popular use in fiction, particularly sci-fi. Though if you were to try and make this island into that, I certainly wouldn't stop you.
I'd cheer you on.
no subject
[Again, he senses purposeful rhetoric. Is Admin referencing the suspicion flung his way back home? He doesn’t like it — he doesn’t appreciate it.]
If you know me as well as you pretend to know all the others, that won’t come into question.
[...]
The psychological change part was correct, then.
[Was it?]
no subject
[The Admin hums. They really are the worst.]
Not exactly. People do change due to their environments and what they're presented with. You are close though. Very close.
no subject
Then be blunt and enlighten me.
no subject
However, if I were to tell you exactly what kind of change it was, then it will not be fulfilled. It's much like giving for charity for the sake of impressing someone, or to get rid of junk.
Frankly Light, if I wanted monsters, it wouldn't be difficult. What I want is far more difficult, but far more rewarding.
no subject
[It's a little dry, a little rhetorical. He doesn't expect a straightforward answer at this point, knowing when someone is choosing not to give it. The shape of their intent will have to do, but even that is frustratingly nebulous.
It strikes an uneasy chord in him.]
If this island is the environment meant to spark change, then you have a twisted way of inspiring motivation.
no subject
[That'd be too easy. But the last part...that offers a dry chuckle.]
Oh Light.
Who said we were causing the change?
no subject
If that's true, it makes a certain amount of sense. Those uprooted their homes into a potentially dangerous environment would want for security, for a way to defend themselves from the unknown. But the rest-]
This place is supposedly dangerous. We wouldn't ask that for ourselves.
no subject
no subject
Not me.
[A certainty.]
And likely at least a substantial number of others. The punishment -- this island -- doesn't fit the crime. Just what kind of people do you think we are?
no subject
I think...that you're the kind of people who are-
[And the Admin. Stops. Sighs.]
You are the kind of people who are able to learn from your mistakes.
no subject
[Maybe it’s the sigh, but it sounds like a tired sentiment to Light. One that lands strangely in his mind for how easily he could dispute it, run it parallel with the idea of being forced into change, or rehabilitation. How it should not apply to all of them here.
He could say it, but then they’d be going in circles, and he doesn’t like lingering on an impasse when it seems like the subject has stretched itself thin of useful information. He’s apt to move it along.]
...You mentioned the mug I found prior. Does it have any real significance?
no subject
[There's something that perks up in Admins voice; something not malicious and annoyed.]
You'll find others with this gift; they're special, like you. They're masterminds and detectives, geniuses. I try not to elevate one person above another but...
I understand that it can be lonely up on top. Think of it as...an unofficial club, and a way to find each other even if they're playing the fool in public.
no subject
[A novel theme if there’s no deeper meaning than that. Light ignores the bit about loneliness — there are a myriad ways he could argue it doesn’t apply to him — but leashes his tongue on the matter. Garnering connections of this caliber is far more interesting and beneficial, besides. He’s curious to see if these individuals really do qualify.]
Who are the others?
no subject
[It's one of those small details that Admin enjoys. As for that...]
A few people around your age, here and there. Though there is one that may be bad for your health...
But there is at least one young man who's been here since the start. He lives in a Cottage.
no subject
[Or games, he wonders? It would suit the Admin, who Light can only view as toying with the lot of them to a certain extent.
As for the rest, Light takes a moment to turn that information over in his head before replying.]
If that's all you're going to give me to work with, it feels like the expectation is to go door-to-door, raiding cupboards for the sake of uncovering chess-themed mugs.
no subject
[Which...also may be mocking Light and the others when they say that. Whoops.]
I wouldn't say go door to door, nor would I say going to the network and asking about it. Though if that's what you wish to do, I certainly won't stop you.
But...it would be interesting if you used your charm and your wit to find the owners. They may be useful for the times ahead.
no subject
Arrange a face-to-face, and I’ll play you.
[Someone is confident; but truly, is that a surprise? A challenge in its own right, once more testing his boundaries.]
I’ll figure something out. However, is there one I should avoid?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)