Machine Fur Project IC

[Isoke]

 Two went rigid with dread when Thirteen revealed that she had figured him out.  He instantly berated himself for having been so reckless by not taking the mind-reader into account.  Not that the situation gave him any opportunity to do so, it was still a significant flaw he had overlooked in his tactics.  No more than five minutes into his plan and somebody already had him dead to rights.
 
 Only when she revealed her intentions were to assist rather than impede did the tension in his body start to ebb away.  The accompanying hug put him even more at ease and did wonders to reassure him that whatever was to happen in the near future, he would at least have the support of one of his peers.  Though he did not want to make a scene that would catch the attention of the staff, Two allowed himself to lean into the embrace as a subtle way of returning the gesture.  Thank you.  He thought aloud, figuring that would be the best way to communicate with her.  I still don’t know how everything is going to play out, but I will let you know once we see who else supports this plan.  I will talk to Three.  If you feel that there are others you can trust with this sort of information, let them know that something very bad is going to happen in two days.  That if I cannot figure out how to prevent it, to be ready to take advantage of an opportunity to escape.
 
 With that, Two excused himself from the mess hall and set about addressing the next pressing issue of the day.  The need to bathe.  He was going on day three of not showering thanks to his prolonged vision and was feeling grungy.  Meeting with Three could wait long enough to do that at least. 
By the time he reached the showers, a hearty cloud of steam greeted him upon opening the door.  It took him a moment to identify the lone silhouette as Three, which Two found to be very fortuitous.  Two turned the door’s deadbolt locked with a distinctly audible *clack*.  It wouldn’t be something that could keep the guards out since they would almost certainly have a key, but at the very least it would provide them ample warning to cease the conversation they were about to have.
 
 Two occupied the showerhead adjacent to Three’s, turning it on to add to the din and mist that filled the room.  He allowed himself to savor the feeling of the hot water on his body for a long moment before he realized he was stalling.  Despite his confidence in his read of Three and the likely reaction he’d have of his intentions, it was ultimately Thirteen’s reassurance that gave the fox the push he needed to lay it on the line.
 
 “If I were to tell you that I had a vision of an opportunity to escape this facility in two days’ time, would you be interested in hearing more about it?”  While Two’s tone was casual, a side glance towards Three would reveal a conspiratorial grin on the fox’s muzzle.

[shkkf]

The feline had been enjoying the warm water for a while now. Even as a branded Failure, this was one of them few things they gave to all of the members, simply as cold water was bad for their health. The water soaked his furr completely, as it dripped even to the floor below him.
 
His ears perked as he heard a clicking sound and he looked, buy did not see anything due to the fog of the shower. But as his ears pinpointed soft footsteps more, he became aware that there was indeed someone else in here. He ignored it for now as he began scrubbing his lower regions more properly, making sure his fur was groomed well enough as to not make any knots when he was drying himself off. But he was suprised to hear Two's voice sounding through the fog, as he suddenly saw the other male next to him.
 
He had never showered with the other male before, as he looked to his side, seeing the other enjoy the water as much as he did. Scanning the red furred male's body up and down fully, somewhat chuckling at the eyesight he saw. But that was not as big as the shock that he recieved after hearing what the other propose. At first he couldn't believe what he heard. This seemed to good to be good as he laughed softly. "Hehehe, good one dude..." As he looked at his own feet and shook his head. "Nice try wit that one. Who asked you for this? The administration?" Before he turned to face Two, arching a brow.
 
The male sighed softly, "How can I believe what you say is true? And not some sort of prank or fake vision eh?..." As Three growled a bit at this. "You are a Succes, you get visions that sometimes aren't true or heck could even be implanted." As he grew a bit bold, knowing fully that the Administration knows he dislikes the place. "Heck you should know I dispise this place... You even saw in one of your visions that I would escape. And what happened? For some weird reason my entire plan was known to them... No Two, I would love to brake out. But you know? I need proof... Solid proof."
 
Before he turned around and showed the two scars on his back. "See these?... A little gift the doctors gave me, along with this blasted color." As he extended his claws and scratched at it. "I don't even freaking know what this thing does. Or why they even gave me wings, it took me up untill now to figure out they actually went back into my backside." As the stress and anger in his voice was becomming enough to summon the black feathers out, making him gasp in pain as the feline fell to the floor, cursing.
 
"Aaah.... gawds that hurts!" As he panted and stared upwards at the naked male. "I would do anything to get out of this hell.... anything. But I need proof, something I can grab. And a dammed way to get this color off, cause for all I know it is recording everything I say."

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen smiled, but it quickly faded as she made her way outside, simply laying in the heat of the sun. There was One, but she knew that she may go to the administration. She adored the reptile a d looked up to her greatly, but would she believe her? That something bad was to happen soon? Her tail swished slowly, indicating her deep thought. She wasn't sure what to do. She smiled once again, though, when her thoughts begn to run away with her. What was out there? Would it be like those black and white movies? Big cities with "neon" lights and gambling and fun? She always wanted to visit Las Vegas. To gamble or own her very own casino. She would be great at poker, she thought. She decided then and there that she would help if she got to get out. If she had to go her own way to see Vegas, she would. It'd be worth it.

She turned over, smiling to herself. She would really like to take Two and One and Three with her. She liked them a lot. A lot a lot. She would do anything for them, as long as their intentions were good in the long run. She tended to trust them wholeheartedly, since they usually never thought of betraying her or anyone else. That's something she can't stand. Betrayal. She would kill anyone who was a traitor. She decided long ago, after learning about motives and how to read them. She spent hours on the lawn. Just thinking in the warm sun.

[Suzumibachii]

One kept pushing herself on the treadmill each minute increasing the speed at which she ran, her thoughts not focused on anything other than the occasional thought of why Two was acting strangely. She understood that the prolonged testing did make him a little drowsy and strange but it seemed different this time. He bore a much darker countenance, something was worrying him deeply but One didnt know what. Stopping the treadmill she stepped off, a few drops of perspiration already dripping down the side of her face.

Walking directly to one of the punching bags she swung a few times, simple jabs and hooks. She thought about her training about how she needed to excel now more than ever. Not only was the administration expecting more from her but Thirteen and Five probably expected the same, the last thing she wanted was to disappoint them. Each subsequent attack made a faint crackling noise on impact and the movement of her body produced a soft "bzzzt" noise. One again the more she thought about her emotions the more her ability came to the foreground.

[Isoke]

 Two’s expression went flat as Three vented his frustrations and loosed a few slights that questioned both his capabilities and his loyalty.  Still, he remained passively looking over his shoulder while never once flinching away from the tirade.  The only change to his deadpan demeanor was a slight quirk of an eyebrow in tightly restrained interest as he watched wings tear out of the feline’s back.
 
It was only once Three subsided that Two allowed a long second of still silence to pass before turning to face him directly for the first time since he entered the room.  Nothing in the fox’s demeanor gave away even the slightest nuance of emotion; his steel blue eyes exuded a compassionless coldness that stood in stark contrast to the steam that hung all around them as they looked down upon his prone companion.  In just a few slow strides that splashed lightly on the water laden tile, Two had made his way closer to Three until he was looming over him.  Without a word he crouched down and looped a finger under the collar and began inspecting it in a very clinical fashion while not registering that he was so far within Three’s personal bubble that the droplets from his damp fur were falling atop him.
 
 After a full minute of inspecting the intricacies of the device around Three’s neck, Two finally stood and paced a few casual steps away from the feline inwardly satisfied with his observations.  The foremost of which was that the collar was not bugged and had no way of transmitting his words to anybody outside of the bathroom.  “You can rest assured that the sole function of the collar is to deliver a nasty shock should it be triggered.  A likely safety measure on the doctor’s behalf to ensure you don’t try to use your new appendages to escape…”
 
 “If you wanted me to try to disable the collar, you could have just asked!”  That statement came out as a whip crack that revealed the offence he had taken to some of the things Three had said; a drastic change to the clinically detached tone Two used to deliver his observation of the collar itself.  Two took in a breath to collect himself and reestablish neutrality to his tone.  “What have I ever done to you to merit such distrust; is it me or the armband?  So what if I’m a Success?  It not only makes my life easier, but it also gives me opportunities to make your lives easier as well.  If the price for that is being viewed as a facility lapdog, then so be it.  Regardless of what you may think, I’ve always put the well-being of my fellow Subjects before anything else and would never sell any of us out.”
 
“It’s true; my visions are not infallible since the slightest deviation in fate can disrupt the entire thing.  Even something as minor as me knowing what is to come could alter the timing I do something by a second, which could cause the entire chain of events to unravel.  I don’t know how your plan was found out, but I never told a soul.  If you are trying to insinuate otherwise, feel free to ignore this conversation ever happened because there isn’t enough time for me to rebuild your trust.  Disabling that collar will be a kindness from one friend to another that I will do whether or not you choose to come along.”
 
 Two let that hang in the air for a few moments as he went back under the showerhead and allowed the warm water to wash over him once more.  He spoke after a few moments of massaging the water into his scalp, this time his tone was softer and somewhat haunted as he kept his back to Three.  “Of all the visions I have ever had, this is the one that I would give anything to be false.  The doctors are playing with fire; they are about to perform a procedure that will create a Subject that they won’t be able to control.  In truth, my intention is to prevent the power outage that will give us the opportunity to escape for the sake of stopping the birth of a monster that has haunted me for weeks now.  If I prove to be unsuccessful in that endeavor, then I want to do the next best thing and get those that I care about out of the monster’s path of destruction.  For that to happen, they will need to be ready with the knowledge that there may be no opportunity to escape in the first place.”  Two looked over his shoulder to Three.  “I can take care of that collar, but the only physical proof I can offer you is the smoldering remains of this facility and everybody within should my vision come to fruition.  Of course, by then it would be too late to be of much use to you…”

[shkkf]

Three gulped as he saw Two comming closer and inspecting the collar that was set around his neck. The male tried to stay still, not liking the intrusion in his personal space too much. but he let Two do his job, if the other was so interested in how the collar worked, perhaps it was indeed worthwhile for him to see it. Three looked at Two and just thought about what he had said before, he had been acting on impulse and rubbed his temple with a paw for a moment.
 
When Two was done with the inspection, the other feline listened to what the psychic had to say to him. And he lowered his ears a bit in shame and annoyance of what he had done. He had been indeed acting like a kid, more so he had insulted the other in a few ways, if unintentionally. If what Two said was indeed true then he had a chance to escape! An actuall chance to get away from this horrid place and get a life that was worthy to live.
 
Three looked at Two when he was showering again and had spoken his words. The cat extended his hand and placed it upon the other, sighing a bit as he did. "Two... I am... sorry." As he let his head hang low, with his tail between his legs. "I did not mean to insult you, it has just been a few rough days for me you see." As he let a wing move to the other, so he could realise that that is what was bugging him. "These wings, this collar... How One has been acting towards me. Even Thirteen at a point. I am just at a breaking point dude." As the male almost began to shed a tear, normally he was so confident and strong and now he was breaking down.
 
"Look, I'll help you... If it means we can get our freedom... get away from... THIS... I'll be happy to help." As he turned to face the other and stared in his blue eyes. "I despise this place with all my heart. So you can bet your furry naked redd behind that I'll help you."
 
The cat growled a bit and looked to his side. "What would you like me to do then? I might be a failure, but I know where the guards are stationed. As well as their rosters... It is a bit too easy to hack their systems if Four has been giving you information at times." As Three grinned. "If you can get this collar off... And provide me with a link to their system. I will do what I can."

[Isoke]

 Two shook his head remorsefully.  “Three…  I only offer a chance for an opportunity to make an escape and only as a plan B.  The priority objective is to do what we can to prevent the blackout so the doctor can control over their experimental Subject, even if it costs us an opportunity to escape at this time.  The simple math of it is that if we get out, then that… thing also gets out and a lot of people will suffer because of it.”  Once again his mind recalled the horrific deaths Ten unleashed upon those around her and the glee that was shown in her feral eyes upon doing so.  “I don’t want innocent blood on my hands if I can prevent it from happening.  If I can find a way to get you out and allow them to leash their Persephonian, then I promise you I’ll do it, but I don’t think that is an option…”
 
 “Leave it up to me to figure out how to prevent the blackout.  I want you to use your familiarity of the sentry routes to get you and whoever you trust as close to the perimeter walls as you can.  If I fail, then that means the power will go out.  No cameras, no electrified wall, no automated traps.  You’ll have a five minute window to get out and clear of this place undetected so long as you can avoid the occasional patrolling guard.  Just make sure to get as far away from this place as possible; if Ten gets out, you will want to avoid her at all costs.  It’ll do my best to catch up, but do not come back for me.  Worst case scenario should I get caught during my own attempt to get out is I’ll lose my Success status for all of the few hours remaining before Ten reduces everything around to a smoldering crater.”  A bittersweet smile spread across his lips.  In all of his years of using his tactical insight, this had been the first time actual lives were at stake, and certainly the first time his own was in the column of acceptable collateral damage.  The notion was sobering to say the least, even if it were a worthy sacrifice.
 
 “I will need to scavenge some tools, makeshift or otherwise, but we can reconvene here tonight an hour before lights out.  From there I will disable the collar and enable you to take it off at your leisure, though it goes without saying that it is best to leave it around your neck until you’ve made good on your escape.”

[shkkf]

Three understood the isseus all too well. "Alright then, I will make a deal with you Two. You help me with this dammed collar tonight. And I will do what I can. However... Nobody will believe me." He said a bit annoyed and looked at the other as a result. "I'll make plans anyone willing to join can follow... But I will not share them unless they are trustworthy." He said and spoke in a soft caring way. "You also better make it out alive or by my furry fur, I will come in there and drag you out!" Before winking and grinning as he started to wash himself fully this time.

"Could you perhaps arrange a few guns?! You know just incase of an emergency."

[K0brA]

Five rolled his eyes as he ate his breakfast, just keeping his gaze towards his own tray of food as Thirteen made her outwardly and openly secretive seeming comment to Two just a couple seats next to him, waiting until they had both left to mutter to  himself 'Hey, sure, don't mind the person sitting right next to you while you whisper little conspiracies..' Five just as quickly shrugged off the whole scenario just as quick, though, finishing the last of his food, turning in the tray for cleaning, and departing the room as well, apparently one of the last few to leave.

Figuring a shower sounded good about now, Five headed to the showering room, only to find the door to be locked when he tried the handle. It was obvious at least one person was already in there from the faint muttering voice as well as the sound of running water. "Really? Locking a COMMUNAL showering room? Someone is really THAT self conscious..?" He growled a bit at the inconvenience of someone on the other side of the door, then sighed and figured he'd just get a breath of fresh air and relax outside like he did the evening before. Along his way, however, he heard the sound of someone using equipment in the rec room, so he made a pit stop out of curiosity, peaking in to see One at one of the punching bags again. He decided, with nothing better to do, to take a few steps in and lean back against the wall just next to the doorway and watch for a bit, his arms folded across his chest. He watched one beating on the bag for some few minutes, figuring she must have something on her mind again as her powers started to shine through just a little more as the swings continued. Finally he made his presence known to her.

"You're not going to burn that one down, too, I hope..." He said with an amused smirk on his face.

[Suzumibachii]

One stopped her assault on the bag that still had electricity arching over the suface from the built up static charge in it, the charge around her body slowly fading as she looked at Five. She blushed slightly and smiled under her mask ."Five...No...I I didnt realize I was using my ability against it, I was just practicing my punches, warming up you know." She scratched her head before wiping some of the sweat from her scales. "So it was nice seeing Two again, but hes always so... distant or distracted. I guess that comes with being able to have those visions right?"

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen made her way back in after a long while, rubbing her eyes and knocking on the door to the showers. Locked. She shrugged to herself before making her way to the rec room to find One and Five together. She froze for a moment, sensing Five was on to her just a tad. She relaxed soon enough, however, and smiled warmly at the two before hopping on a treadmill. She decided to stick close to a select few. She had to know what they were thinking. Then Seven popped into her head. Yes, she thought, he wouldn't rat them out. He could be trusted. Only...where was he?

[Oedipus Rex]

I eventually grew tired of standing around in the cafeteria, and exit it. Heading down the winding corridors of the complex, I make my way to the failure training room and eye over the equipment. I eventually decide on the combat trainer, and head over to it. The machine starts up and begins to throw punches at me with it's padded arms. I block them in quick succession, hardly even thinking about it. Instead, different thoughts fill my mind. Thoughts of Two, and his sudden attitude change. The male was a weird one though, always having visions of what was to come. He isn't on my list of the most trustworthy people, but he's not bad.

The machine takes one final swing at me before I hold it's arms down while I turn it off before heading over to the drinking fountain and having a bit of a drink.

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen stopped after a short while, excusing herself to the adjacent room. She needed to find Seven, and here he arrived. She knocked on the door before peeking her head in at the mantis. "You have a minute?" She offered a tentative smile.

[Oedipus Rex]

I look up at find Thirteen standing in the doorway. Wiping my mouth with my foreleg I head over to the door, addressing her. "Yeah, what's on your mind?"

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen glanced over her shoulder, sensing no dark motives within Seven. She stepped in, guiding him to the back of the room, where they couldn't be seen. Nobody ever cared enough to check inside the failure room. She seemed tense, looking at Seven with earnest eyes. "Something bad is going to happen. Two saw, and...he says if he can't stop it, our only option is escaping. I trust you a lot, Seven. This is our chance. But you can't say a word, okay? If someone seems trustworthy, then you can let them know. Three knows as well." Her voice was barely a whisper, ensuring only Seven would hear. She blinked, not taking her eyes off of him. "I trust Two. He's never lied before, and I didn't sense anything false about his words. If something is going to happen, it'll be bad enough to get out."