brooches | week 4 | sunday evening

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game: cradle project

week 4 | sunday evening

[ You know, the two don't run in the same circles. They don't hang out together so openly. Any "moment" or "clarity" they had between one another was behind closed doors. Elizabeth wasn't going to feel as if that was purposeful, so she has no problem calling his name down the hallway once the 'retirement' is over. Mr. Jack! Mr. Jack! She waits until Rhys was far away from him to strike.

TIME FOR SOME WORDS.

Elizabeth isn't shy snatching at his sleeve and tugging him into the empty cafeteria, just them among the empty tables and chairs. ]

What was that? Mr. Jack, you almost caused a complete diversion from the true case at hand! How could you have suggested something like that?

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[ Jack is on his way back to his room most likely, since unlike some party people, he actually usually is pretty tired after a trial despite usually seeming otherwise. He never sleeps well on that Saturday night, since he's a bit too paranoid even under normal circumstances to sleep well around so many people. So for most of the people on the ship, he'd definitely brush them off and ask them to wait until tomorrow, but as Elizabeth calls out to him, he does pause. There's a moment's hesitation, since it like he's considering doing that anyways, but he turns to face her more fully. ]

Diversion?

[ That's the word that gets him to stay, and he ends up crossing his arms. It's slightly defensive, but it's also a gesture to convey that he's here to stay for a conversation. ]

Uh, didn't mean for it to be a diversion. It was just one option to take, k- [ A pause, and then, ] Liz.

It shouldn't have even been suggested... [ Elizabeth recalls the entire childish outcry that happened afterward. It was hard for her to look at him, her eyes darting around as if trying to speak back to a parental figure. But, she does raise her voice and sternly scolds him - but with how sweet she is, feel free to laugh at her. ]

There was precious time wasted, someone - someone was spit on, ugh - and that kind of suggestion was nearly encouraged! What if I was up as a suspect? Would you have suggested to slaughter me as well?

[ Jack watches her reaction with an expression like he's confused, though of course that's not quite it. He's not an idiot. He knows exactly where her objection is coming from here, but the fact that it's Elizabeth expressing it is giving him more pause. Most of the people here, he gets it. There's no place in the galaxy like Pandora and everything around it, so it's no surprise that other people would find their particular casual nature about death and justice a little worrying. For most people, Jack can dismiss that easily and move on, because he knows it's not something he'd make any headway on arguing anyways. ]

First of all, that's just Rhys for you. He's- I dunno. He just does stuff like that? Talks himself into trouble. Usually he ends up getting his ass kicked for it, so all things considered, I'm kinda proud of him for doing better than usual.

[ ...Of course, that's important to address first. But with that, he gets to the much more important point, and it's the one that gets him to sigh heavily, even bowing his head forward lightly as he runs a hand through his hair. ]

But listen... I think you's misunderstanding why I brought it up. It wasn't because I was just wanting to narrow our field, otherwise, hell, I would have just tossed Arumat and the rest of them in with the idea of killing them. But Machias? He's guilty, Elizabeth. It might be pretty sympathetic, but he still tried to kill the kid. It was just a gut feeling at the time, but I knew that was the case as soon as I heard it. And so far as I'm concerned? Someone like that, they're gonna kill again.

[ He stands up a bit straighter, then shrugs as he finally answers her question. ]

So, no, wouldn't have suggested to kill you. But that's because you wouldn't be in that situation, would you?

[ Elizabeth wasn't here to entirely damn the man - but even with her interactions from Fiona... what she's seen with Rhys... this is abnormal to them. The whole justice system and the trial - it was less serious to them. How was it any different than her being unaware of technology...? Elizabeth guilts herself to be too strict - to pound at his chest and call him an insensitive monster. ]

We were all suffering from paranoia - I... I can't really defend him as I wasn't there. I truly don't recall the entire context of Machias and his choices or this Lavi boy either. I wanted to find the killer that Alice wanted us to.

[ It was just such a shitstorm, jfc. She recalls how smug he looked during the whole ordeal - how Rhys practically melted for the approval. She doesn't comment on it, but she does look a bit disappointed. ]

If a "nerd" - as so many have called him - could have done something like that, I could very well be next. [ Elizabeth admits. ] First stealing liquor, next attempted murder... who the hell knows what's going to happen this week.

[ There's a shift in Jack's expression that's muted, but certainly noticeable as she speaks about the paranoia. He doesn't say as much, but from that expression, it's pretty easy to guess that he was definitely effected by it too. Granted, that's obvious considering Alice's explanation, but the fact that his expression shifts now implies that perhaps it had been a little more severe than he'd like to speak to. Perhaps also because of that, he reaches up to run a hand over the back of his neck, and there's a heavy sigh. ]

You could be, yeah.

[ He doesn't deny it at all, but his voice isn't judgemental, cold, or condemning. It's stated as factually as if it were obvious, but also as if there was nothing particularly shameful or horrifying about it. ]

That's kinda the point, so far as I'm concerned. Any of us could be the killer. Otherwise? We wouldn't have the motives. I— [ He shrugs, seeming frustrated with how to explain this, but ends up setting his hands on his hips. ]

It's all about stabbing someone in the back. And, y'know, I understand that all things considered, I don't exactly give the impression that I'm someone that cares about the how of a murder, but I do. A lot. Hell, that Lavi kid? Would have had a lot more sympathy if he'd just come clean. He knew what happened the whole time. He was just trying to pin it on someone else. And that? That's the kind of thing I can't stand.

[ Everyone here could be the next victim or culprit - there's no denying it. Alice had made special mind to give incentive, to skew her results and incentivize survive of the fittest. She doesn't take offense to it - she knows people are far more willing to "trust" their friends from 'home'. She has no one in that regard and she blames none of these strangers, honestly. ]

And Lavi certainly fell victim to his own guilt. To his own deceit. But Machias... what do you suggest we do to him? Toss him in the holding cells for horrible judgment?

[ She's not sure what compromise they had. There was so much about the last case that confuses her - that makes pity and understanding so hard to achieve. She tries, though. Elizabeth thinks of what Machias must be feeling and she has no choice but to kinda defend him...? ]

We have to work together to find the truth and it sounds - I understand how damn stupid it sounds. How stupidly childish it sounds... but please. Do you understand why that kind of reaction your suggestion causes?

...Y'know.

[ Jack actually listens to her seriously, though his expression is fairly serious and slightly intense in a way that's probably fairly intimidating. Yet even so, as he speaks, he shifts his weight on his feet, and he ends up glancing away briefly. ]

Was thinking it the last time we talked, but, yeah. You remind me of someone I know.

[ It's said casually in a way that it could be easily dismissed, if not for the calm in Jack's voice. He's an animated person, but all at once, this topic seems to make him more subdued. Even so, it's hard to pick something up from his expression or tone beyond that, since it seems like he's probably intentionally tempering both. Whoever this person is, they're surely important to him. But, still, he moves on quickly, barely giving Elizabeth any time to question that comment. ]

I get what you're saying here. I get why my point of view pisses you and other people off. But it's probably just the kind of guy I am, but I can't just look at these motives week to week and trust someone to not take them. So I'm not working against you here. I'm working on finding the truth just as much. But I'm also willing to do what it takes on the way to that. I'm not gonna push it again, since, I mean, I'm not gonna push my luck here either. Just think it's an option worth considering. I don't think anything about that rulebook is unintentional, so I doubt Alice included that caveat without a reason for it.

[ Internal screaming.

Except not really. She listens to his words, her fingers resting in a clenched position against one another. It's hard to get a feel on him - men especially. It was much easier to deal with things straight forward, she things. Idealistically, actually. He seems to understand where she comes from and puts the blame on him - his culture, she thinks? She hopes. He hasn't... done anything besides throw a tablet and show a bit of viciousness in his words to other.

She's quiet while he speaks and he can hear the gulp she has - but no true nervousness brimming on her features. ]

It's something to consider.... but we can't toss it out like that. [ ??? She sounds more level-headed... or at least, trying to subdue his logic and make it productive. ] My concern with a suggestion like that was the results - everyone was rowdy, time was wasted, bridges were burnt before they were built. People who aren't use to being contained within four walls can go stir-crazy, Jack.

[ No Mister, with this. ]

We had a week of paranoia, we don't need it to extend.

[ She sounds stern, wise beyond her years, but there was a softness in her voice that follows. ]

I don't know if my opinions are worth considering... but that's... that, I suppose.

[ It's still very hard to read Jack's expression, though that's almost strange in comparison to how open he usually is about what he's feeling and thinking. It's actually the problem here, since his lack of filter is apparently more of a lack of caring about that filter, because now his words and actions both are much more careful and deliberate.

Though, interestingly, his brow does knit together slightly when she calls him simply "Jack." It doesn't seem like he likes that, but he also doesn't correct her on it. ]

Yeah— That's- They are.

[ Jack takes a step closer to her once she's finished explaining, and if she'll allow it, he'll place a hand on her shoulder. She can easily refuse or pull away, since he's not looking to be invasive here, but the gesture is more like one of comfort or one to convey sincerity. ]

I'll keep it in mind, if nothing else. I can't make promises, since, hell, I'll admit I'm pretty damn set in my ways. But- You've got a good head on your shoulders, I'll give you that. I get pretty focused on an end goal, and I kind of forget the parts in between. So. I dunno. I'll keep it in mind.

[ He repeats that part and then draws back if he was able, then shrugs with a soft laugh like he's trying to diffuse some of his own worries here. ]

Because, yeah, point taken? I'm all about making sure as many innocent people survive as possible. Might be taking "guilty" a little too harsh here because I friggin' hate- What? There's no really good word as a blanket term. So we'll just call 'em "bad guys" for the sake of this conversation.

[ Elizabeth in a brief moment thinks she made a terrible mistake. As if her safety was on the line. Being close to someone was new, confronting them - that could be deadly. She doesn't fight him as the waning authority in her voice is evident. Elizabeth tenses up at his touch, looking up to him.

His words are so much different than she expects. He compromises and in that moments, it clicks: why he has gotten to where he's gotten. He seizes moments, showing compassion when needed and ruthlessness when needed. This trait can teeter a leader to a dictator. She's seen it herself. ]

...I can see why you were successful in your leadership.

[ She's not sad, or mad, or anything really. Her voice is a little dull. Dry. ]

Charisma goes a long way. People gravitate to those who make sense or at the very least, seem confident they make sense. It's a powerful tool to have in your arsenal, actually.

[ He has to know, but she doesn't sense anything horrible on his end. A hothead is as far as she goes, but she lectures - all while blanketing herself in this naive viewpoint.]

I'm sorry for coming to you this abruptly, I was heated and - [ She cuts herself off, awkwardly looking away and shrugging her shoulders a bit. ] I wasn't wrong in my concern, but I shouldn't have added fuel to a fire.

[ There's a moment where Jack's brow knits together at that dullness in her voice, because he doesn't understand where it's coming from. While it's a compliment that he's grateful for, that tone doesn't match up with how he thinks it should be said. In a way, while that lack of understanding isn't quite what pushes Jack towards dictator, it is what makes him such a terrifying one in a way no one here but Rhys and Fiona would understand. That makes him the sort of dictator that believes so fully in their cause that there's no doubt at all, no room to think that such a statement could come with anything but admiration (or maybe sarcasm).

But the confusion is momentary, perhaps something to think on later, because Jack picks up the conversation without drawing to much attention to that slight falter. Instead, Jack smiles widely, and he laughs as she starts to apologize. He reaches out again, but this time it's to give her shoulder a more friendly tap. ]

What? No, I mean, you feel something that strongly, you say something! Hey, I'm glad you did, because heated, to me, just means more honest. Honesty's real important to me, so, well, it's appreciated.

[ He crosses his arms, but it's not quite so defensive this time around so much as it seems like he's relaxed. ]

Seriously, I think especially given the circumstances? It's better to just speak your mind. So don't worry about it, Liz.

Well... I'm glad you value integrity and truthfulness. Virtues that bring you closer to -

[ God? She shakes her head, not wanting to really finish her sentence. People here had different beliefs and she tells herself she doesn't want to offend anyone or need to explain. However, it's mainly due to her questions. Her recent disbelief of God - unsure of why God had allowed her to suffer alone in her tower. Why his eye watched over her always but cast blindly when she prayed for her freedom.

It was irrelevant and she didn't tread on that water.

He's showing... friendliness and she nearly can't keep up. The way this man recovers from something like that was headspinning and she does try and keep up. There's an awkward laugh on her end. ]

I'll try not to as long as you try not to stir up mobs with torches and pitchforks.

[ We do have a Frankenstein here, after all. ]

I'll leave you to your business, Mr. Jack.

[ Oh... it's back to that, back to manners. ]

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