1st lookup | voice

[decideformyself]

I must admit that prison is turning out to be a much more interesting place than I had expected. I can't say I'm enthusiastic about these brutal, sadistic public displays or the necessity to scrounge up money to keep myself alive on a weekly basis, but I suppose I'll have to tolerate it for the time being.

I am looking forward to learning more about prison life and survival. Does anybody have any tips?

Comments

[decideformyself]

That's a good question. Let me think.

[ he had actually never considered that before ]

White. And yours?

[starcharted]

Royal blue, but I also like red.

Your turn to ask something now.

[decideformyself]

How long have you been in prison?

[starcharted]

Since the 8th of this month. Still roughly four years, eleven months and two-ish weeks to go.

If you could have a superpower for one day what would you pick?

[decideformyself]

[ Lucky. ]

I suppose... The ability to obtain any information I desire, whenever I choose.

Where are you from?

[starcharted]

That would definitely be useful.

Cardiff! Which is in Wales, by the way. Have you ever been there?

[decideformyself]

I haven't. [ Well, he assumes he hasn't. It's probably a safe bet. ] Were you arrested in Japan, then, or sent here after being prosecuted?

[starcharted]

Afterward. I've actually never been here before otherwise. I'd always wanted to visit, but not for quite this long.

Are you from around here, then?

[decideformyself]

Probably.

[starcharted]

Just probably?

[decideformyself]

Japanese is the only language I know. I would be surprised to learn I was from anywhere else.

[starcharted]

Oh. Yes, that would make the most sense.

I believe it was your turn again.

[decideformyself]

What are your hobbies?

[starcharted]

Oh, I like lots of things. Traveling primarily. Anything adventurous. A bit more conventionally I also like reading and making gadgets, but as you can imagine several of my hobbies have been put on a bit of a hold.

Okay, what about your hobbies?

[decideformyself]

Reading was suggested to me by another inmate. It sounds like a worthwhile hobby to pursue.

[starcharted]

I've got a friend working in the library who could probably give you some ideas of what to read if you decide to go. Joan is her name.

[decideformyself]

I'll speak with her.

...I can't think of anything else to ask.

[starcharted]

There's a few others who work there as well but I don't exactly know them. Joan's shift is in the morning so that's the best time to go.

That's all right. We could talk about something else if you'd like.

[decideformyself]

Very well. I have little else to occupy my time with.

From a quick reading of the manual, it seems that even working and attending school seven days a week would not be enough to cover the basic cost of living; that is to say, purchasing candy. How much of a payout do performances provide?

[starcharted]

Depends on how risky they are. The more that's at stake the more you're going to be rewarded if you make it to the end.

[decideformyself]

How fitting. Should I assume that the inmate turnover rate is quite high?

[starcharted]

Well.

[ This would be hard to explain. ]

The people here who end up dead -- they don't exactly... stay that way.

[decideformyself]

Meaning?

[starcharted]

I know it sounds impossible, but -- they come back. Not sure how, mind you, but it has happened more than once and I have no doubt it will again. I'm trying to figure out how.

[decideformyself]

This merits further investigation. What else can you tell me about this? How long does a typical resurrection take?