luministi | ◌ 017 ◌ What is behind door number two?

[Sara turns to the door when it slams as well, her mildly-pleasant expression slipping to a suspicious one] It seems we are at that... But how many of us?

[raises an eyebrow at them both] I'm terribly sorry, Miss Hououji, but I don't think that's how this game works. I must be here for a reason, and you must have come in for a reason. What would you like to talk about? Because it seems, for once, I may be meant to answer.

[Fuu's eyes glance over to Ms Sara at her whisper. Could it be that the others trying doors are in danger of being trapped as well?] Can you try to warn the others?

[She regards Miss Osculia for a long moment, turning over what she'd said in her mind. Her face grows serious.]

So this is a 'game' - another deadly challenge like the statues and the nanobots and the quizzes.
Miss Osculia, I can't believe for one moment that you don't know what I would want to talk about. Indeed, there is so much to cover that I hardly know where to begin.

Are you here in order to answer my questions fully and truthfully?

[smiles faintly at Fuu, a twinkle in her eyes] Maybe we should see if it requires a warning first.

[nods at Fuu's assessment of the situation] I'm assuming so.

I don't know. [smiles faintly] Which is, ironically, the full truth.

[Fuu feels uncomfortable with the idea of someone being trapped in a room with the Sheriff, but slowly nods to Ms Sara. Besides being locked in, nothing bad has happened-- yet.]

[She for once does not return Miss Osculia's smile.]
I'm glad for the truth, however how did you come to be here without knowing why? Clearly this room is made for you.

[gives Fuu a reassuring smile before she turns to Miss Osculia. it seems like a good idea to let her answer Fuu's questions, for a start, so Sara reserves comment for now]

[doesn't look terribly bothered by Fuu's lack of a smile. in fact, she sounds just as brusque as usual] I was told to wait here, so I did. The moment I entered, the door closed and locked--much as it did for you. So no, I really don't know why Constantine wants me to be here.

[Well, that saves her having to ask whose orders she would so blindly follow, and shows that she's trapped, but it doesn't explain the peculiar decor. But why the room is decorated like this is further down the list of her questions.]

All right. Well, like you said, it at least gives us time to talk.
Perhaps we could start at the very beginning.

Who is the man who brought us here? A tall man dressed in a black suit, a black hat, and holding something. Please tell me about him.

[softly, content to observe more than to participate] Not to mention how he did that.

I'm afraid I don't know that either. You'd have to ask Constantine.

[Fuu keeps her face impassive, but reasonably wonders if it would be faster to have her tell them what she does know.]

If I ever get to see the Mayor face to face, I will do that.
Is he the only one who would know?

Yes, of course. [smiles faintly as though amused, but its tinged with bitterness] He likes to keep everything that's important very close to his chest.

[Fuu gives her a small, compassionate smile.] Which would make your job very difficult, I'm certain.

[And "everything important" are the things Fuu would like to know about.]

What about the application forms that we supposedly filled out to come here? Is it the truth that you have them, or can you not show them to us because they don't really exist?

[continues watching, content to let Fuu ask the quesitons for now. after all, she seems to be asking the right ones. and judging by Osculia's clear bitterness, they just might be able to get a few answers]

[snorts] A bit difficult, yes.

Miss Hououji, knowing what this town is like, do you really think he would have asked any of you before bringing you here?

[Fuu frowns. She's not one to be overly emotional, but this-- She can't help her voice from being choked with frustration and sadness.]

No. But I was hoping against hope that it was true. Because then my family would at least have some idea that I was all right, and not missing for nearly three months!

[Looking away for a moment she gathers herself. Now is not the time for this. Dabbing at her eyes with her sleve she takes a deep breath and looks back to Miss Osculia.]

Please, don't answer my questions with questions. There are plenty enough of them without you adding to it.

[puts a hand on Fuu's shoulder but keeps her attention focused on Miss Osculia]

What can you tell us about how we got here?

[her expression softens slightly--it seems she didn't intend to upset Fuu] Yes, there are too many questions. You can ask another, if you'd like.

[to Sara] But I told you, I don't know. The process is scientific, but that's everything I know about it.

[Grateful to Ms Sara for her support she gives her a small smile, which fades as she turns her attention back to Miss Osculia. The woman might not have meant to upset her, and it might not even be her fault, but Fuu had to remain serious and focused. Perhaps there would be time for reconciliation later, over chocolate.]

What about the selection process? Why us?
The video that the Mayor sent me very well could have genuinely attracted people to Luministi. But for us to be here, against our will, why?

[gives her a gentle smile back, keeping her hand on her shoulder. it seems like Fuu could use the support right now. she turns back to Miss Osculia, stern again, her gaze echoing Fuu's question]

You met Constantine's specifications. He wanted subjects from different universes, but I'm not sure what else he was looking for.

And do you think any people would want--[stops herself. pauses, reaching out a hand to smooth her skirt, and adjusts what she was saying] I imagine because no person in their right mind would want to be in a town that subjects them to tests like what you've all been through.

[Fuu's sternness yields a bit as Miss Osculia changes what she had been about to say - seems that she is sincerely doing as Fuu had asked.]

'Specifications', ne? It's nice to be wanted, but this is a bit too much. You're right. Not just anyone could go through what we did. And none of us here are particularly 'common'.

So then, what is the reason for this town that administers such tests? It's not just for the sake of 'new blood' and 'new skills', is it?

But it's certainly for the sake of something. From what I've heard, it's far too organised to be random.

[scowls bitterly] Of course it's not just for that. Constantine is far too ambitious to be satisfied with any "small pleasures" in life. He would never waste his time running an actual paradise of a town.

[gestures at the room around her] This is all for his grand project. He wants to find out how you cope under different stressors--testing your endurance, problem-solving, teamwork... Many different areas. Now that he has you here, he'll get all the data he can, no matter what it requires.

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