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]

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?

[starcharted]

There isn't much I do know yet; only that no matter when a person is killed they wake in their beds the next morning as though it had been nothing but a fleeting nightmare.

[decideformyself]

Intriguing. Very intriguing! If what you say is true, we're essentially immortal!

[starcharted]

Unless it's decided you're more of an asset dead than alive...

[decideformyself]

In which case it would be laughably easy to dispose of us.

[ He idly runs a hand along his collar. ]

Then it would be in our best interests to prevent ourselves from being seen that way.

[starcharted]

It would be, yes, though I'm not too keen on the idea of sitting back and leaving mysteries unsolved either.

[decideformyself]

Nor am I.

We're meant to serve as entertainment, correct? In that case we should strive to be as entertaining as we can, so as to maximize our value.

[starcharted]

I would be inclined to agree if in most cases that didn't lead to someone being hurt.

[decideformyself]

Is one not better off hurt than dead?