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Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Sept 6, 2023 14:51:20 GMT
[Chapter 1 - Requested by Rebecca]
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 14:57:08 GMT
Once things had settled down a bit, Rebecca sought out Raphael wherever she was, and struck up a conversation.
"So. You're a smart girl. I'm getting the impression you'll be making it far in this game. It pays to respect your competition, so here I am. Happy to talk?"
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 15:33:39 GMT
Raphael turned over to the woman, holding a cigarette up to her own mouth. She took it out, appearing on guard, though responded in a friendly tone. “I’ve just had a lot of experience from my career. I don’t doubt though you’ll be making it very far yourself. You seem to be on the few people here actually motivated by the prize.” She then put a hand to her hip, “Was there anything specific you needed to say to me?”
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 15:54:31 GMT
Rebecca frowned. "I wouldn't be so sure. $100,000,000? There's no chance that anyone really 'forgot' about that much money. Not unless they're already filthy rich, which... I guess a few might be." She shrugged.
The secretary examined Raphael carefully. She was keeping her distance, perhaps not a fan of the smoke. "In any case, I didn't have anything specific in mind, no. I just figured a talk with you was bound to happen eventually. I would be curious to know more about you, but I perfectly understand if you want to keep your cards close. We are, all of us, enemies here."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 16:27:57 GMT
The burned woman laughed a bit, “With some of our extrinsic friends here,” She gave a slight cock of her head, “Or I suppose Family was term used by our…..host, everyone’s mind seems to be in different places. Though, the cash prize is definitely not something anyone can just scoff at.”
Raphael put her cigarette out quickly to be polite, not making a big deal out of it. “I’ll privy you to some knowledge about me, I’ve lost a lot in life, and I need a lot to get it back - that money, and the notoriety both.” She still kept her answers vague. “That is why I’m particularly motivated- more so than the rest here.” She then side-eyed the secretary, “Though, I can tell you are equally motivated for this competition. You said earlier you were someone who could truly appreciate the value of money. Though, I’m sure your reasoning goes deeper than that.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 16:43:12 GMT
"Hmmm... a story for a story. You say you lost a lot; on my end, I never had all that much to begin with. How's that?" Rebecca replied, smirking a little. She found some amusement in matching Raphael's vagueness. "Perhaps I'm being unfair. My story isn't really anything special, quite unlike yours I imagine." She gestured, a bit redundantly, at the other woman's burned half.
"I'm surprised to hear you want the fame, though. I'd be happy to settle for a peaceful life after this. Weren't you the one who said the resulting fame from a victory here would be a 'pain'?"
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 17:21:31 GMT
Raphael gave another light hearted laugh, finding the conversation amusing herself. “Well I didn’t expect much in the way of a story.” Noting how little information Rebecca had given, “I must admit I am curious now, never had much to begin with you say? I am sure your story is more eventful then you’re giving it credit for. Though, I can see we are both playing things close for now. Touché.”
She leaned against the wall, turning over to Rebecca, as she carefully answered the last part. “Well, I wasn’t lying. That amount of fame is a huge pain. The lack of privacy, mainly, as well as the high expectations. Though, as our lifestyle guide had said, there’s always more to learn in life!” She said sarcastically and turned away and to let that sit for a while, then turned back over, “But really, I just need the connections that the fame can bring. I need access to certain information, and people I need to find…. That man seems to have some himself, which is why I can see myself staying in contact with him after all of this, including knowing that uh….boyband? Member that you seemed to recognize. Now that Dae person seems like a popular guy.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 17:38:54 GMT
Rebecca's gaze sharpened as she listened to Raphael talking about what she needed. "I won't pry, that sounds personal. But I will keep that in mind. Very interesting," she said cryptically.
"But yes, I know of Dae. I... listen to 4*SHORE. On occasion," she admitted. "They're quite big, I'm surprised you haven't heard of them. Perhaps you're from some small, backwater down?" She chuckled at that. "I suppose I just find it hard to believe someone your age could be a PI for anywhere else."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 18:46:26 GMT
“Hmph, As you should, we all should be keeping tabs on the competition after all.” Raphael shrugged dismissively.
She answered back with a lack of shame, “Well I wouldn’t call it backwater, but you have it correct. I am from a very small town, with a very tight knit community….too much so.” Then started scratching her head, “Well, I have always been more a fan of alternative rock, or metal. I suppose this band didn’t end up on my radar, since I tend to follow those scenes. Though…..to hear they’re that big a deal, I am surprised that one of their members would apply to be on this show…..to a fan that must be a dream come true, right?” She added jokingly, though started thinking to herself that he may be interesting to approach in the future. “Anyways, I suppose you must be a city gal then, you certainly give the vibes.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 19:43:09 GMT
Rebecca waved the comment about Dae aside. "Garry's shows have always been a big deal; I went into this expecting at least a few celebrities." She couldn't quite hide her excitement about this one, though.
"But yes, I live in a big city at the moment. It wasn't always like that, though. I moved around a lot in my childhood, due to my father's circumstances. Honestly, I'm jealous of you. I never got to be part of any small-town community growing up, though I'd always fantasise about what it must be like." Her eyes were a bit distant, but then she snapped back to the present and smirked. "The grass is always greener, huh? You don't sound like you had quite the same experience I'd dreamed of."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 21:51:11 GMT
Raphael grinned, noticing her excitement but not commenting on it.
She adjusted her mood to the moment, giving a more thoughtful look as she heard Rebecca out. “Not being able to settle down in one place can be very difficult emotionally. I can tell it is pretty personal though so I won’t pry further.” The mention of family does make look off into the distance herself before waving a hand, “Yeah trust me it’s really greener on the other side…..I…. Well let’s just say, things can get around fast in a judgmental small town like that. It might have its perks, but it also has its downsides.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 6, 2023 22:58:36 GMT
"Once I have $100,000,000 in my pocket, I won't have to bother with people like that," Rebecca said wistfully. "Hmmm, but you said you're a PI in your hometown? So you're still stuck there, surrounded by assholes? If it were me I'd have done everything I could to get away from my shitty past. Well, I would say that: that's exactly what I did."
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Post by Safy on Sept 6, 2023 23:29:11 GMT
Raphael laughed awkwardly, almost a bit too hard as she coughed a bit, “It’s difficult to explain. Despite my…. Hard work…I can’t say I am highly regarded back home…. No matter how hard I try.” She slumped a bit and muttered, “trust me, I wanted to get out. But I couldn’t leave without answers…. Well, I guess, until now. I thought I’d be able to get them through here….” She rambled a bit then stopped. “But I see….. you have something you’re running from then? Well, it’s as I said before, we all have our own stories. I can’t judge too harshly. Not when we will be together for 100 days regardless.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 7, 2023 9:11:39 GMT
Rebecca shook her head. "I'm not running: I've escaped! It's nothing all that dramatic, though. Like I implied before, I didn't have much growing up; not even companions, with how much we moved. But now I've made a life for myself, and I've dedicated everything towards living how I want. I've left the past behind. That, I think, is the main difference between you and I." She looked Raphael up and down, a familiar smirk appearing on her lips. "I was a little worried earlier. I got the impression we had similar worldviews. I thought, if this girl is so much like me, she might think like me too, and that would be pretty dangerous. But now I don't think I have anything to worry about."
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Post by Safy on Sept 7, 2023 17:39:00 GMT
Raphael looked away, “Well, that doesn’t sound like a compliment.” She shrugged nonchalantly, “Not that I expected any. That is impressive though, how you have managed to make a life you wanted for yourself, as you say, even though you are here for money. I suppose to improve that life of yours you’ve made for yourself.”
She turned away, then looked up at the sky, “You’re right, I never gotten proper closure, therefore, I simply can’t leave my past behind just yet. I am motivated even by the fact. Yes, it isn’t something to be proud of.” Raphael gave a bit of a side eye, “but it is something to be scared of……”
Then laughed. “Joking….joking…. Lighthearted competition after all you know.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 7, 2023 19:37:48 GMT
Rebecca shrugged. "I'm very dedicated. I get what I want. It's sad to hear you haven't yet." She paused, considering. "You're too soft," she decided, nodding once. "I saw you earlier, making nice to everyone, even trying to set Ava straight. It's no wonder you've not gotten anywhere with that personal quest of yours."
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Post by Safy on Sept 7, 2023 19:46:30 GMT
Raphael smiled, “You don’t know what my personal quest is. Nor do you seem to know the value of connections.” She waved her hand back and forth, “I’ve been a loner for the past few years, but even I know how to play nice. You might actually benefit from trying to make a few connections with the others here yourself. You say you don’t want to make friends, but you don’t know what can or can not get you further in the game.” She nonchalantly shrugged, “Then again you’re a stubborn person and I can’t say I’m not myself, so I don’t expect to convince you of anything. The banter is nice though.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 7, 2023 20:11:19 GMT
"Hey, you're the one who made it sound hopeless, like winning this competition was the only way to find closure," Rebecca replied, unconcerned. "As for me, you'll find that I'm actually brilliant when it comes to forging connections. Usually. It's vital for my job, after all. Here, though..." She shook her head, with a barely-perceived hint of sadness. "You know how this show ends. I walk away with $100,000,000, everyone else leaves with shattered dreams. I can't befriend people I'm planning to trample into the dirt. I don't want that weight on my shoulders."
She was silent for a moment, examining Raphael again. Then she continued in a quieter voice, "You were really a loner before this? You sure made friends with everyone quickly. An... enviable skill, I'll admit it. I can't even begin to imagine being in your situation and still trusting people so readily."
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Post by Safy on Sept 8, 2023 5:00:16 GMT
Raphael taking pride in her usual extensive knowledge, found herself a bit stumped when hearing about the secretary’s job, not having envisioned it to be too social, “Is that so…. Well…hm I suppose I am not too familiar with all the ins and outs to what your job entails, I’ll take your word for it then…my firm was never able to find a secretary…. I erm manage though.” She shuddered a bit thinking about the papers sprawled all over her desk haphazardly. “I always manage fine on my own.” She recovered from that flashback quickly. “A-Anyways, that is quite empathetic of you. I suppose you do care at least a little about our new little ‘family’ here.”
Raphael scratched the side of her face, “I wasn’t exactly a loner by choice, I used to make friends fairly easily. I suppose….that isn’t something you easily unlearn from some years of forced social isolation.” She crossed her arms, “Well, I wouldn’t call it trust, it’s better to keep things cordial and fun, but still give a few parts of yourself enough to maintain a relationship, while keeping your wits about you, on guard.” She waved one arm to the side, “though you definitely seem like the type to not give in the slightest bit to people… if your reasoning though is to preserve our feelings here after your so-called victory, then I’m sure you’re quite the social butterfly at home?”
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Post by Panda on Sept 8, 2023 9:11:18 GMT
"Hmmm... I was right about you being one of the smart ones," Rebecca concluded, crossing her arms.
"Though you're wrong about one thing. It's for my feelings, not yours. The less I know about those left in the dirt, the better. That much is true both in here and out there. I might form connections, but..." She shrugged. "Not friendships. Other people will just bring me down. I won't let anyone get in the way of my perfect life."
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 2:49:21 GMT
Taking in what the woman was saying, Raphael put a hand to her chin, thinking about something she said, for a bit, cause her player was out all day.
“Well, I can’t disagree, people are… unpredictable, and can let you down….. though, I actually am a bit curious…. What does this perfect life entail for you?”
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Post by Panda on Sept 9, 2023 9:56:30 GMT
"The complete freedom to do as I like," Rebecca readily answered. "You know what the first thing I'm going to do with the $100,000,000 is? Buy a strawberry cheesecake. It's a promise I made to myself, after I wasn't allowed one as a child. Money is... everything. Those who say it doesn't matter have never had to worry about whether they'll even have a meal waiting for them in the evening. I've lived that life, and I'm never going back."
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 19:21:07 GMT
Raphael turned to Rebecca genuinely surprised to have gotten a non evasive response to her question. “Strawberry cheesecake? Delicious …I can see the sentimental value in that action.” She then turned to face downward, “So that is why you said you can appreciate the value of money. That’s experience must’ve been…. Hard for you…. Though I am sure you don’t want my pity,” She crossed her arms, “That worry was something I do remember well from my experiences in the foster care system…so my understanding does come from a genuine place.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 9, 2023 19:59:38 GMT
"Oh yeah, it fucking sucked. I didn't even get a chance for a proper education, with how often I was changing schools. That's why forming connections is so important for my career: it's an excellent substitute for a fancy degree." Raphael might have noticed that Rebecca had slightly raised her voice as she told this story. Perhaps she was hoping to garner some sympathy from the audience.
"It does sound like things weren't great for you either," she continued. "I don't suppose your injuries are related to being stuck in foster care?" she asked bluntly, watching Raphael intently. There was a gleam of curiosity in her eyes now.
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Post by Safy on Sept 9, 2023 23:08:40 GMT
She gave a bit of an ‘eh…?’ Expression noticing her raised voice but made no comment, “…. I bet. Being able to build your career through networking alone though, impressive.”
“…. And I wouldn’t have thought you didn’t receive a good education, you seem fairly sharp,” She muttered the last part quietly, not wanting to feed her ego more but credit where credit is due.
Not expecting the personal question, she gave a strange expression then answered in her own blunt tone, “Yes, both my parents died in the same fire that scarred me, and no one else in my family could care for me. Was tossed around in the foster care system until I was never adopted and aged out.”
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Post by Panda on Sept 9, 2023 23:46:52 GMT
Rebecca frowned. "Yeah, I doubt any prospective parents wanted to deal with the burn victim. Adoption's a more selfish process than it might sound. Yet there's nothing a child can do if their guardians are the problem." She paused, considering. "Yet you went from that, to a PI? At such a young age, too. Impressive. It's no wonder you got selected for this show, in spite of everything else."
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Post by Safy on Sept 10, 2023 4:52:29 GMT
“Well….I couldn’t blame them, between the intensive care stay, skin graft management…. I was having a hard time adjusting too, mentally, to what had happened which definitely didn’t help…and I was just turning 14 so well…. It was always a lose lose situation….” She looked down, “Right….I had the chance to learn some investigative techniques from my mom…. until she passed. That and all the knowledge I got from my constant reading, staying in the public library all day to not go to back to those ‘homes’…well I was able to use it to my advantage. Even in high school I did small cases for people for money on the side. Made it easier to prepare for my license right after graduation.” She scratched her head awkwardly, “Erm thanks….?” Not sure nor asking what in spite of everything meant.
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Post by Panda on Sept 10, 2023 9:26:52 GMT
"You were really put through the wringer, huh," Rebecca said, shaking her head. "So, your mother was also a detective of some kind? Tell me about her. I never really knew mine, she died a little after I was born." Now the conversation had been going for some time, she found a nearby seat to take. Her eyes still had that curiosity as she eyed Raphael, waiting for her answer.
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Post by Safy on Sept 10, 2023 18:25:36 GMT
“I wasn’t expecting so much interest in my story,” Raph raised an eyebrow seeing the woman get comfortable. She seemed visibly content though to talk about her mother. Perhaps they were close before she passed. “She was a police officer, detective, and eventually was promoted to Captain before she passed.” She instinctively went to reach for a cigarette before stopping, realizing she was still trying to be polite. “We spent a lot of time together, my dad was usually busy working as a nurse. Well my mom we usually busy as well, she just made more time for me, and wanted to teach me productive skills….” She looked down, thinking back to those times.
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Post by Panda on Sept 10, 2023 19:55:37 GMT
"I enjoy collecting gossip and the like," Rebecca replied, shrugging. "I'm a bit of a hoarder in that regard, if I'm honest.
"Still, a police officer and a nurse? Very community-minded. It's no wonder you turned out to be so kind. Yet, interestingly, without the usual naïvety I'd associate with that. Very... formidable."
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