YOU'RE THE NEXT CONTESTANT

[sictransitgloriamundi]

WHO: the Captain + You
WHAT: contractually obligated price is right game
WHEN: 11/18, like nightish?
WHERE: Bellona Theater
WARNINGS: N/A, currently

[you've heard the announcement, the sound of Friday's cautious optimism as she spoke it. you've waited all day. now, it's time for the game.

the amount of effort that has gone into this production at Bellona can be safely defined as “minimal.” there are three podiums, with three slate boards and three pieces of chalk. there is another podium, currently empty, next to a plain folding table. there is a tablecloth draped over the table, covering a lumpy, inscrutable shape.

the most remarkable thing is the giant wheel set up on the other side of the empty podium. the slices of the giant circle are colorful, but also completely blank. the Captain actually spends 30 minutes prior to the start of the event simply sitting in front of it, back to the audience, and spinning it, listening to the loud clacking noise pick up and then die down again, before spinning it once more.

clackclackclack clack clack. clack. clackclackclackclackclack.

it's gonna be a long night.]

Comments

[astrogator]

Oh? [Ari's keeping a straight face, staying casual.] Who's the thief?

[konpeito_aji]

Guess.

[Ticks a finger back and forth.] Though I can't be too open about it, so even if you guess correctly, I won't say.

[astrogator]

[How disappointing! She really wants to know. Probably not for reasons he'd like.] What's the point in guessing if you won't tell me if I'm right?

[konpeito_aji]

By logically thinking over who it could possibly be, you will likely arrive at the most reasonable conclusion and be able to act accordingly. What would you do if you knew? Would you treat them differently? This also affords you opportunity to think about it, and decide.

[astrogator]

I know what I'll do when I know who they are.

[If he's set on not telling, she doubts she can convince him, but if he's not sharing information then she won't either.]

You're absolutely right. I'll do that. Work it out logically, and then take action.

[konpeito_aji]

Are you thinking how to thwart us?

[astrogator]

[A quick shake of her head.] Not you. [At least not directly.]

If there's a thief among our number, best to be aware.

[konpeito_aji]

[Yup, there's that Hideyoshi thinking he was concerned about!]

[Just a cheerful hum.] I wouldn't worry too much about it, there isn't much to steal here. But if you ever notice things going missing, you are tasked with putting a list together with other investigators, and I shall do my best to replace or find missing objects.

A good thief is vitally useful when playing opposition to an established controlling force. More Suz Tzu. Harass the enemy and give them no respite.

[astrogator]

[That's even more troubling. Why would he hold himself responsible for replacing stolen items? Playing lookout for a thief could be one of his games, something to entertain himself with much like fighting to the death with Siffleur had been, but this is deeper. He's protecting them.]

Respect for people's property rights is fundamental. Especially under these conditions, when we have hardly any property of our own.

[Ari distinguishes very sharply between taking resources from the Captain, and stealing from fellow prisoners. She's assuming that the thief makes no such distinction, because thieves are immoral. They take what they want, no respect for rights at all.]

[konpeito_aji]

Are you aware of any such incidents?

[He would feel very very seen if he knew her thinking behind it. She's exactly right, of course.]

[astrogator]

You're the one who said there was a thief.

[Yes, she's evading the question.]

[konpeito_aji]

But they're my thief. I only know about their past before here, because I asked, and I keep track of skills I can put to good use. And in case I want to do the heist.

[Also more than one, but only one confirmed.]

[astrogator]

[She sighs.] Well, you know my thoughts on the matter.

[No sense in arguing about it now. She can conduct her own investigation. Maybe set out a trap.]

Did you sign up to play this game? Maybe you'll win something good. Better than thieves could get for you.

[konpeito_aji]

Yes.

I doubt that. [He's way too amused by how seriously she takes it.]

[Sort of like Klaus confessing his criminal/larceny tendencies expecting it to worry Nobunaga in the first place.] Things I treasure most are rarely physical objects so easy to hold onto.

[Did he mention Clarke once tried to run off with his gun? WELL HE WON'T NOW ayyyy.] Did you sign up too?

[astrogator]

Me? No, I'm just here to see how they handle the currency and value problems. I'm inclined to think that signing up for anything aboard this ship is a bad idea.

[Likely to get you killed, or possibly non-fatally bitten by sharks, if Oda's right. Either way, not optimal.]

Tell me then. What do you value most?

[konpeito_aji]

People. Weapons. People as weapons. Information. Candy. Experiences. Words. Poetry. Art in the form of performances.

These things a thief can only help me gain. If they are clever enough to steal hearts.

[astrogator]

[Is he trying to win the argument by shifting it to figurative thieving? Trickery. Never mind, Ari's just going to be encouraging.]

The prizes could be weapons, or poetry books. It's possible. Maybe even konpeito.

[konpeito_aji]

[Eye gleam! VERY DISTRACTED!]

Then I must win!

[astrogator]

Then may probability be on your side today!