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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Sept 6, 2023 0:45:20 GMT
[Chapter 1 - Initiated by Felix]
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 0:53:59 GMT
At some point, Felix would pull Raphael aside. Maybe somewhere outside, presuming it had stopped raining. Or at least under an awning, if the rain hadn't stopped yet.
"Forgive the sudden suspicion, but since you mentioned you worked as a P.I., could I see your I.D.?" Felix asks, his tone indicating more curiosity than actual suspicion, though.
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 1:14:51 GMT
Raphael seemed a bit surprised by the sudden accost as she pulled the cigarette from her mouth, “My I.D.? You mean, my license from my firm?” She shuffled her hand into her pocket to pull out her wallet with the hand not occupied by her cigarette, “I have been doing this work even in high school but once I graduated, I did get my license to do my work officially.” She pulled it out, and held it up to show him, but made no indication she’d let him hold the license.
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 1:55:57 GMT
Felix studies the I.D. before giving a content nod. "It looks real enough to me. Not that I know what a real one would look like, but I can at least usually tell when someone's honest. Thank you."
Felix looks out over the garden scenery. "...Lyric got very close to drawing too much attention to the suspicion, but there's something very strange about this game. And I wanted to see if you share the same skepticism. Something isn't quite right."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 2:49:56 GMT
Raphael put the license away, fidgeting a bit to get it in the wallet one handed before pocketing it. She took a long drag of the cigarette, staring into space as she then verbally dumped the information she was keeping tabs on that was relevant to the topic. She kept her own voice low and light as a feather, making sure he could still hear but making it very difficult for any other party too. “I was tipped off to the oddity of this show when that man claimed to have been kidnapped for the game. When there were so many options of people to choose from, why go through the effort of forcing the participant from one an unwilling party? I was skeptical of the claim until the man on the screen, this Bogota fellow, seemed to unintentionally confirm it with his dodgy answers. Not only that, but didn’t make any attempt to allow him to leave either. But why him, exactly? He does seem odd but there is something, unique about him…“
She got that spiel out the way and continued to the next relevant thing she felt to bring up, “And then, this host, that wasn’t the initial one promised, seemed extremely underprepared as the others have pointed out. Other than acting very odd, his location seemed very unusual and unprofessional for a series of reality shows that normally has an impeccable amount of planning put into it. He said himself he thought he was doing a voice over, which seemed odd he wasn’t briefed to the fact he was being recorded in the first place. Generally, I just found his tone very off putting but that’s more subjective, though he really didn’t seem right.”
She turned over to look at Felix suddenly, as if she wanted to say more, but decided to instead wait for a response.
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 11:16:37 GMT
“I agree. It’s almost like someone else took over this show at the last minute.” Felix nods, looking at Raphael. “Any further insight?”
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 15:11:40 GMT
Raphael held the cigarette up to her mouth, muttering through her breath, “Just a few extra odd things. There’s that strange room that doesn’t fit in with the pristine essence of the rest of the house. The fact there’s a couple coincidental connections such as Jackson and Dae both being here and already knowing each other. As well as Jackson and Anastasio already seeming to know the host, plus the hosts strange reaction to the two of them. Even the irony of there being two people with familiarities in ranching of all things is odd to me, especially with how different the rest of us are.”
She shrugged, “Though that stuff could easily be coincidental I found it important to note for the future.” She cocked her head in his direction, “Now, is there any other specific reason you wanted to approach me about this, or just to confirm your suspicions with someone experienced in the field?”
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 16:04:54 GMT
"Yes, actually." Felix begins, looking between the scenery and Raphael. "I think it would be wise for us to investigate this game further. I have a terrible feeling that something very dangerous is going to happen. Strangeness like this doesn't happen for trivial reasons. I may not be a P.I. like you, but there comes a certain level of intuition and detective work with having to diagnose people behind a computer screen sometimes moreso than the screen itself."
Felix looks towards Raphael. "I have no interest in winning this game, unlike most of the other participants. I was requested to be in this game. Do you think your reasons for being here align enough for us to figure out what's really going on?"
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 16:52:55 GMT
Raphael turned towards the man, “What a coincidence. I was actually approached myself and asked to participate.” She took a long draw of her cigarette, “I have to be honest, I do need that reward money a lot, to gain back…..everything I’ve lost.” She turned away and looked down. “But, I also can’t look away from the increasing weirdness surrounding this competition. So I’m equally willing to keep looking into it. I can’t help but have the same feelings, which is why I’ve been keeping tabs on everything.”
Raphael then dropped the cigarette and stomped it out, “though, how do you think we’d even be able to help in the case something were to happen? What exactly could we do, already being here?”
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 17:07:17 GMT
Felix listens and nods in understanding. "Admittedly I'm not sure. I doubt they were unaware of our attitudes and skills before bringing us in, so we might be rats in a maze right now. But keeping our eyes open is an important first start. I'll let you know if I find anything, and...If it comes down to it, I'll see what I can do to improve your chances of victory."
Felix begins to head back inside before he pauses. "Oh, and by the way, let me know if you want accountability for your smoking. I don't know if you'll be able to replace it with something just as cathartic, but at least I can help you pace yourself. We'll be here for 100 days, after all. Losing your nerve here wouldn't be good."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 18:16:54 GMT
Raphael nodded, “Most definitely, especially since they had approached us, probably for a reason.” She crossed her arms, and strung a finger around one of her locks of hair, “So you’re willing to help me? Due to my own….experiences I find it hard to believe, especially when there’s so much on the line.” She flicked her hair to the side, “Then again I can tell you’re being genuine, or I wouldn’t have let you privy to the information I had been keeping tabs on. Alright, I’ll trust you on that for now. Just know, I’m very observant, though you’ve done nothing yet to give me a reason to not trust you. I’ll let you privy to any other information I come across that’s relevant to the oddities of this place.”
She went back to a more carefree tone as she laughed, “Worried about my smoking habits? Why the sudden offer, do you have any experience with that?” She pondered to herself, “I’ve been unsuccessful quitting before and don’t need those awful side effects interfering with my abilities. I will consider that offer.” She shook her head thinking back to those experiences. “No good alternative yet though, I was hoping worst case that shop could provide some if I run low, if I get the points, though I only skimmed the shopping menu there.”
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 18:53:32 GMT
"As nice as the money may be, truth be told, it would be more of a nuisance for me than anything. Without going into tedious detail, I came into this game already happy with my life. Having to step on other people's goals and reputations for money I don't need would honestly make my life worse." Felix seems to chuckle to himself.
"That said, I trust my intuition a lot, and you seem like someone who can be trusted, even though your past makes it difficult to trust others. I can understand that. I think everyone here is a bit strange, and I'm no exception." Felix seems to stare at an arbitrary spot on the porch before turning back to her.
"Smoking's a tough addiction. I've studied a lot of people addicted to all sorts of things. Read a lot, too. The reason it's so difficult to stop is because there's always more than one reason for someone continuing to smoke. It would be an easy addiction to break, otherwise. We should probably go get our rooms set up, but if we find the time to talk again, we'll want to talk about your smoking habit again. I can see that causing a problem over the course of the 100 days, so finding a suitable alternative or rationing schedule is going to be important."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 21:19:02 GMT
Raphael lifted an eyebrow, “I see, you have your own story then. I have no need to further pry though as of now.” She looked away, “and no kidding we have some strange ones here. I can’t imagine having such a ….civil and down to earth conversation with several of the other members here.” She left out names as she figured the statement spoke for herself. “Though everyone has their story….”
Raphael suddenly held her hands up, still looking away, “Woah now, don’t have to call it an addiction. That’s a bit strong a word.” She was becoming a bit defensive but eased up sensing what she felt was good intentions, “Quitting anything is hard. Old habits die hard and all. Though, again, I see where you are coming from. Perhaps we should find the time to get together and plan for those issues in advance then.” She gave him a friendly wave, “It was nice talking to you Felix, and good to hear from someone who has a good head on their shoulders.”
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 6, 2023 21:35:58 GMT
Felix chuckles. "I only call it an addiction because of how powerful it can be. Not that I think any less of you for it. It served you well for when you needed it, and maybe after this is all over, it'll continue to serve you. But I get antsy seeing dependencies get stronger than the people relying on them. It's...it's an awful sight." Felix seems to let an emotion briefly wash over him before he resurfaces. He returns the friendly wave and smiles. "Likewise. Good to know this game is strange, but not insane."
With that, he leaves Raphael to her business and goes back inside.
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 23, 2023 17:52:01 GMT
Hey, would Raphael be down to spend 3000 points, and Felix spend 7000 points to buy a FTE voucher so this can be made permanent? I love the public FTE stuff, but it's rough that it probably ends up stifling other conversations, and I'm down to make this one permanent, since they have stuff to talk about.
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Post by Neotelenta on Sept 24, 2023 22:00:16 GMT
(Just FYI for Nanjo that we're holding off until the next trial to determine point spending. We spoke over Discord and agreed.)
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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Oct 20, 2023 22:18:49 GMT
[Chapter 3 - Renewed and made permanent by Raphael]
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Post by Safy on Oct 21, 2023 16:58:59 GMT
Raphael was sitting in the lounge area of the piano bar, sporting her extremely outdated HP Omnibook 800ct, slamming her head down onto the table. "Damn it seriously....I can't work any of this shit...." As usual, she's been looking really worn out, pulling out another cigarette and going to light it.
Maybe if there was someone more experienced with technology then her that could help...which isn't a high bar at all....
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 21, 2023 17:03:07 GMT
Coincidentally enough, Felix happened to also be in the piano bar a few tables away.
As he hears Raph's head hit the table, he looks over and pauses his work on his laptop. "Hey, are you alright?"
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Post by Safy on Oct 21, 2023 17:23:16 GMT
She suddenly shook her head, changing moods a bit too quick. “Oh Felix…..!” She scratched her head, and held up her brick of a laptop, “I would be better if I could get why this thing keeps freezing on me.” Her non-covered eye twitched a bit, “I was trying to write something…..” She looked away and back to her laptop. “If I’m being honest I just don’t get this technology stuff……” Pretty uncharacteristic for someone her age.
She started smoking, “I don’t suppose you could by chance take a look at it….”
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 21, 2023 18:01:44 GMT
"Ah, is that so..." Felix closes his own laptop and gets up from his chair. He meanders over and gets close to Raphael, peering over her shoulder at the computer screen. His eyes rapidly move, scanning a lot of details in mere seconds.
"Huh. Well, I won't sugarcoat it. This laptop is a bit old, but there are definitely some things we can do. Let me take a look here." Felix will pull up a chair right next to Raphael and turn the laptop towards himself. His eyes were tired, but still burned brightly. The same determination she saw in his eyes when he was making potato salad back in the cabin.
"Alright, buddy. Why are you crying? Let's see what you're carrying." Felix mutters to himself, as if talking directly to the computer. He pulls up the list of startup items, Task Manager, and Hard Drive properties. He coughs a little as the cigarette smoke wafts over to him but his focus doesn't seem to be broken.
"Hm...Alright, well we can disable most of these. That should also alleviate these burdens on the CPU usage...Hard Drive is a bit full, so we can run Disk Cleanup...I hear Windows 7 is going to be releasing soon. But I'll be honest, Windows XP is pretty solid. I hope they don't change much." Felix remarks as he continues muttering to himself.
Felix pulls out a keyring full of USB drives and looks through the labels. "Here we go. This one has an updated table of bloatware software. We'll run a scan and see if anything needs uninstalling." Felix plugs the USB stick in and a small screen pops up asking if it can scan the computer and Felix allows it. Windows close and open as Felix works. He turns to Raphael.
"I haven't visited the cat cafe yet. It seems popular, though. Are there any black and white ones? Those are my favorite."
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Post by Safy on Oct 21, 2023 19:08:08 GMT
Raph jumped a bit, not used to someone getting so close to her, especially when she smokes. If anything people would usually keep their distance from her smoke, with a few exceptions. The feeling of surprise soon faded though as she seemed intrigued seeing him work so passionately.
“Uh huh…..I see………” She 100% did not see or understand anything he was saying, but completely trusted him with her laptop more so than herself. “I am guessing I should probably stop installing so many of those cute toolbars….” She laughed awkwardly, “Though it does give me cool emojis to use…. And I like the aquarium effects add ons….” Her laptop was filled to the brim with adware and bloatware. “Oh, and my lil Bonzi Buddy friend is always helpful….” She must’ve missed the fact the software was discontinued for a reason. It was honestly surprising her old computer could handle that much bloatware without kicking the bucket by now. Anime logic perhaps….
She quickly put out her cigarette, giggling awkwardly. Must be in a good mood. “What you are a fan of the cats too? At this rate they will get all the 10 million points before we can! I think I did see one like that though! We should totally go after this….I would like to return the favor for helping me.” She thought about it for a while, “There’s a lot more equipment in the Cafe than we’ve had before, so I could actually prepare you a pretty good cup of coffee if you want. Or tea, if that’s more your preference…”
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 21, 2023 20:42:56 GMT
Felix chuckles. "There was a time when I really liked the toolbars, too, but they're more hassle than they're worth. We'll make it so your homepage starts with google. It'll be the first thing you see if you need to search anything. I'll leave the aquarium screensaver in here, though. I like it, too." Felix nods, seeing the preview of some dolphins and other sealife swimming across the screen at a whopping 15 frames per second.
Raphael will watch as the toolbars disappear one by one, including Bonzi Buddy in the corner. Felix points to him before he disappears: "This purple monkey is devious. If you need help finding or searching for things, there are better alternatives, I'm afraid."
"Oh, cats? I think they're alright. I actually like birds more, but I agree that those cats will probably get more points each than all of us combined. Maybe I'll get a cat, presuming we're able to leave this place alive." Felix ponders. "...As strange as it sounds, I actually don't know much about brewing coffee or tea. I'd love to have a cup of something with you. But I don't want any caffeine. Which do you like more, ginger or peppermint tea?" Felix asks, smiling lightly.
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Post by Safy on Oct 21, 2023 21:26:11 GMT
Raph watched in awe as everything was disappearing, but happy to keep her screensaver. “Sorry… my old friend…..” She muttered a bit dramatically watching bonzi buddy go, having gotten attached to the internet assistant. “So do you think it’ll freeze less now? Or even run faster….” She tipped her head, bringing a hand to her chin.
“Oh really? It’s a pretty cop out answer but I like all animals…. And critters in general. Before we got uprooted yet again, I did enjoy seeing the many different bugs in the forest.” She got up and stretched, already into the idea of the Cafe, or just probably wanted to move around after sitting for a while. “I am actually a huge fan of ginger in my tea myself, I don’t know if you’ve had it but I can make some chai that’s caffeine free, one of my favorites that uses ginger.”
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 21, 2023 22:34:50 GMT
"This computer is going to make a full recovery. I expect it'll perform much faster and not freeze nearly as often." Felix diagnoses jokingly, but he wasn't lying. The computer already seemed to be calmed down. The fans weren't running nearly as loud, and the computer was much more responsive.
As Raphael explains that she liked seeing the different bugs in the forest, his usual serious demeaner seems to get replaced with a...childish wonder? "Did you see any dragonflies?" Felix asks eagerly.
"I think I had some caffeine-free chai at one point, but it was really cheap. I would love to have some chai with ginger, though. I don't mind strong teas." Felix says, looking pleasantly surprised at this new knowledge. "Anyways, I think that should do it. If your computer runs into any more issues, let me know, but I think you'll find it running a lot better now."
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Post by Safy on Oct 22, 2023 0:07:58 GMT
Raphael gave an exceptionally bright smile, grabbing her laptop back, “Perfect, thanks Felix! I’ll let you know if anything else comes up….”
She whistled, “Well! I would say I did, but why say when I can show….! I mean I took a lot of photos….” She nodded to herself, “I can grab my camera from my room and meet you at the Cat Cafe, I actually took quite a few photos. It’ll be quick to fetch!”
She had ran off without a response seeming unusually energetic, going to also put her laptop away, figuring she would probably finish what she was writing later.
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 22, 2023 1:06:25 GMT
Felix smiles back, his excitement barely veiled. "Alright, sounds like a plan! I'll meet you there." he says, giving a light wave as she left, not sure if she heard her, but he didn't worry about it.
He makes his way to the Cat Cafe.
Eventually, when Raphael returns, Felix is sitting at a table, and he seems to be talking to a slightly older American shorthair black and white cat sitting politely next to his chair. "Yes, she's quite nice. I don't know if she'll make you tea, though. You might not like it. I know it's a shame to hear, but you must understand, Mr. Whittaker..." Felix talks. The cat meows at him, not understanding a single damn thing.
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Post by Safy on Oct 22, 2023 1:59:40 GMT
Raphael made her way to the Cafe, peering in, “Oh! I see you already made a friend while I was away……” She smiled and went over to pat the cat on the head, holding her fairly dated Olympus c720 camera, and she had actually brought her laptop back. “Wouldn’t you know, I guess I need to uh put the memory card in here to look at the photos.. I actually didn’t normally take photos before this but I brought a camera with me for the show…kind of sounds dumb in hindsight but I did think the experience on TV was going to be worth capturing memories of….” She sighed as her eye looked over the side and she laughed awkwardly at her own gap in technical knowledge in front of someone whose whole job it is.
“Erm, I’ll put the memory card in…well I guess you could just do it yourself if you wanted, the password to my pc is….password1….. oh but first let me make the tea! But trust me I did take some good photos, if you enjoy uh bug and nature shots!” She set her stuff on the table and went to start on the tea. Her hands are a bit shaky, but she has undeniable skill in crafting the tea.
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Post by Neotelenta on Oct 22, 2023 3:13:01 GMT
Felix's eyes watch Raphael with endearment and he smiles gratefully as she laughs. "You know...you're pretty cool, you know that?" Felix says, before he accepts the camera and gently removes the SD card, connecting it to the computer, which thankfully had a built-in SD card slot. His smile doesn't leave his face, even as his focus adjusts slightly. He loads up the pictures and starts looking through them slowly.
His eyes seem to widen occasionally as he looks through the pictures and he peers closer at the screen before leaning back and continuing. The pictures were enjoyable to look through as he waits.
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Post by Safy on Oct 22, 2023 3:34:36 GMT
As he looked through it’s just photos of the surroundings of the forest they were at previously, as well as various bugs such as spiders, ants, centipedes, dragonflies, a lot of variety, usually taken at very awkward angles and a few had a bit of a motion blur. There’s usually no one in the frame, but in one photo it looks like there was a slight metallic object in the corner in that resembled the metal from A-SH.
Raphael seemed surprised by the comment he made to her, “Oh, hahaha…. Well if you say so! I wished the people back at home thought so….” She muttered a bit awkwardly thinking about her hometown before coming back towards the table with the tea. It smelled strongly of spices, notably one being ginger. “Hope you enjoy! And uh, I’m no professional Photographer so sorry if some photos are uh, hard to make out……” She seemed a bit antsy as she sipped her tea, “Oh, I think it turned out pretty good..!”
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