( day 3 )

[tearable]

[ Up to the nearest terminal she goes. Just spoke with Alice?, so there's a lot on her mind about this. She makes sure to find a terminal with no one really around (is that even possible), but for the most part, she types fairly easily without any fear. ]

Judy. We have to talk. I was thinking about this whole thing and you know, as much as you're probably playing both sides of this coin, I'm going to need something from you if you expect this show to last past Act I.

Comments

[judgejudy]

Of course. What may I assist you with, Elizabeth?

[tearable]

I'm going to need some information.... assistance... anything. Only got one person I can rely on, but by the way you've declined us learning about the number of staff members... I'm going to say there's quite a few here.

I got a few questions, so bare with me. I want to know. Why are you even giving us this 'limited' access to power. What's in it for you?

[judgejudy]

Because as you can guess, these are not isolated circumstances. Staff are amongst the population for a particular purpose. I have watched as this has played out too many times.

I wanted to at least give the population a chance. You may not be satisfied with how much of one it is. It is admittedly meager at best.

But it is all that I can offer.

[tearable]

So we're not the first groups to be here, is that right? Don't know Judy, that seems a little skewed against us regardless of what the hell this "advantage" can do for us.

Do you even have an ounce of guilt or are we just signed paperwork to you?

[judgejudy]

First, a question for you, Elizabeth. Does it matter? Regardless of my answer, the situation will be the same.

[tearable]

[ There's something about the tone that further... makes Elizabeth not trust the woman. The coldness of the terminal only confirms it - it has no regret, no sympathy... nothing feels as if Elizabeth can do any good.

A waning faith in herself, in God, in fate - she takes a moment to answer. ]

The situation will be the same but the outcome can be different. The trial setting - there's judgment where I'm from too. Just as twisted in the favor for the one casting the first stone. Unfortunately in this case, the ones with pebbles in their hands know more about this place than us. Naturally, there's a disadvantage. Whether some mass slaughter is their intention or that boy's fate was poor happenstance has remained to be seen... but... you must have chosen me and him for a reason.

I don't expect sympathy or mercy. I don't expect handouts. Like you and many others here - staff included - I want to live.

I'm just asking to perform the role you've so graciously given to me to the best of my ability.

[ She wishes Booker was here... She wishes she had help that she can rely on when she doesn't quite trust herself. ]

[judgejudy]

Perhaps I should call them what they are instead. That may give you a better hint as to what their purpose is. They are scientists, and this is their domain. That is why they know more. The Complex was not their design, but it is designed for them to work. Your lives are inconsequential to their research.

But of course, you should not share this with any but those you would trust with your life. They do not know I am helping you. And if they do know, I cannot help any more.

It was not a random choice. I chose you because I believe you're capable of finding out who the staff members are. I know your past, and I know your future. I can say the same of every resident. So that is why I chose the two of you. I know your lives, so I know you're capable of forming the alliances necessary.

It is no more complex than that.

[tearable]

[ Although Elizabeth reads through the text fairly quickly... it's as if she couldn't believe her own eyes. It's something that's not quite as expected, but it's heinous. The augment of strength since leaving Columbia came to a crashing halt here. The vulnerability is obvious but, this... is a heavy burden. One, with Diva's death, that she feels a growing responsibility for. ]

I'd ask what their research entails... but I'm sure you're unable to. If this is all you can offer for assistance, to take your will into action... Thanks, I suppose. Just know - the more you can offer us, the better we can work.

... I don't trust anyone here, so good thing I'll keep this between us girls.

[ She's not sure what else she can get, but she figures - well, she might as well just assert herself... Especially when talking about the futures - ]

Then you know what I was capable of before - before I was brought here with more pinky than memories. If you know my future, my past - you'll know I fight with every ounce of my being to fight what fate has been decided for me. It's moot point, but hey - guess you picked the right person for the job.

[judgejudy]

And that is why I asked if it mattered. The results of their research are ultimately inconsequential. But I have no choice but to facilitate it. Perhaps in time, you will find out why. Or perhaps not. I've become a bit jaded to the process.

But that is why I'm giving you a chance. I'd like for things to go differently.

I don't know if the odds will be in your favor. But I do know that you're speaking the truth. So I can only wish you luck.

[tearable]

I don't have time, Judy. That's the difference between me and these... scientists.

Thanks for the chance, I'll see what I can do. Just know this won't be the only time I come to you like this. I refuse to believe this is a constant.

[ Whether that means anything to the woman on the other end of the terminal has remained to be seen... but for her? It means the world. ]

[judgejudy]

You have more time than you think.

You're welcome, Elizabeth. I wish you the best of luck.