Machine Fur Project IC

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen nodded, sighing. She sort of understood him, in a way. Her powers let her on to emotions, among other things, and she often came to love her enemy just before defeat. "I've often wondered if I'm really a Success, you know. The constant fear that I can't do what I was designed to because of how I feel. Or, more accurately, what the other feels. I often find myself thinking of how they lived, and when faced with the decision, if I could do it."

The girl leaned in a little closer, smiling with a hint of sadness. Her eyes began to well with tears. "You're more of a Success than I ever will be. I just get in the way. So please, try not to think of yourself as a monster."

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

Four sighed, leaning back against the wall. He was curious to learn more - especially considering how he saw a bit of himself in the hybrid's statement about losing the Administration's favour. But apparently, it would have to wait. The goat popped a cable out of his fingertip and plugged into the wall, accessing the computer systems. After a minute of loading, a simple tennis-type game appeared on his replacement eye, and he began playing. To most people it wouldn't be the most exciting of things, but it was enough to amuse him while he passed the time. He tilted his head back and forth to the motion of the ball as he waited for further developments.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex listened to her slightly a drift then caught on to her words before he could open his mouth to speak. "There's nothing wrong with not wanting to kill someone. I don't wanna kill people. The difference is I can accept it as a grim inevitability, which is easy for me to say, but you have to feel their pain, regret. I-" Alex stopped lost in her comment. "No, no Thirteen there's no way, I appreciate the kind words but I have only just really mastered my powers and even so they haven't upped the ante really.." Alex stopped and chewed at the inside of his cheek, then sighed deeply. "Thirteen, is there.." Alex turned and looked at her and trailed off then turned away and stared off desperately blotting out even the thought.


"Is there an-NONONO-in y-NO!-fe? No no no focus data, later."

Alex turned back with an apologetic look for the rather violent self censor. "I'm sorry I need to figure something else out first, I need data." The hybrid focused solely on his words and didn't let his mind drift, oh but it ached to and it was so taxing to focus so heavily. "You wouldn't happen to know where One is would you?"

[Lavender_Stripes]

She seemed to wince against the screaming in his head, but shrugged in answer. "Sorry...I haven't seen her or Five around." She rubbed at her head, trying to sort everything out for a moment. An assassin who couldn't kill. What kind of failure is that? She looked at her armband, and then out the window, which was flecked with little white dots. Snow. Her green eyes went wide with wonder. Even though this happened regularly, she saw it as a treasure. A gift from the outside. First snow of the season, it seemed, as well.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be more use." Thirteen turned back to Alex. "I can tell you're still troubled...I wish I could do more. At least take care of yourself, okay?"

[Isoke]

 Two listened as he continued to probe the locking mechanism to the collar until he felt the wire catch.  With a slight twist, the latch gave way and the device sprung open.  “There we go.”  He said before taking the collar from around Three’s neck so that he could begin tampering with it more freely.
 
 “As much of a risk as it is to tell Five, I cannot simply leave him here to die if it comes to that.  Just to be safe, however, I’ll wait until you all have a chance to get out and I am executing my own escape to tell him so he at least has the choice.  If he wishes to join us, then all the better; if he wishes to stay behind and even rat us out… well, I don’t know how much time they’d have to arrange a proper hunt before Ten wakes up.  Either way, the best we can offer the others is an opportunity; what they do with it is on them.”
 
After a few more minutes of tinkering, Two handed the collar back to Three.  “I’ve disabled the electronics within as well as the latching mechanism.”  By demonstration, Two closed the collar then opened it with only a slight resistance from the lock.  “This should keep it from falling off at an inopportune moment, but at the same time allowing you to take it off once it’s safe to do so regardless of whether or not I manage to catch up with the rest of you.”  Two handed the collar back to Three.  “I would still strongly advise you not go on any flights unless the time comes to evacuate.  If the administration catches on that your collar is not working, then our entire plan could very easily unravel.”
 
With that task done, Two made his way to the shower and quickly rinsed himself to give his fur a freshly washed appearance.  He had just finished his task when a familiar chime sounded over the facility’s PA system indicating it was time for Subjects to return to their quarters.

[Suzumibachii]

One was sitting on her bed, eyes closed and legs crossed almost as if she was meditating. Her mind was a maelstrom of thoughts and she needed to calm herself down, barely moving as the PA system chimed, there was no need to move she was already in her quarters and  would eventually drift off to sleep even if she was still seated like that.

[shkkf]

Three smiled a she was given the device. "Aah thank you Two. At least now I can get out without getting some nasty suprise! And it will be a good distraction for the others." He said smiling more, before noticing the other showering.
The feline himself was already wet so there was no use for him to actually do the shower again. He actually didn't like the idea of doing it for a fourth them in one day honestly. As the cat stood up and walked over to his clothing, putting it on after he had dried himself off using a towel. "You know, you can't win if you stay here by yourself even if you wish to save Five. If you like I can easily... well more easily... take care of the skunk and make sure he survives. He might not enjoy it, but at least he'll be alive." As the feline looked at the other Subject before hearing the notice.
 
"Uugh... Locked in our rooms already for the day. This day is getting better and better." And with a soft groaning, Three made his way to his own chamber. He did not like the idea of being trapped, but then again within two days it wouldn't matter anymore. What would happen, would occur. Wether he wanted to or not.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex went to open his mouth to speak to her but stopped and grumbled at the bed time chime. "Don't worry Thirteen, it's not really your fault I'm still troubled and it's not a terribly bad kind of troubled anyways." Alex smiled and hugged her tight and let out a soft purr then walked off to his quarters taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly as he walked away, focusing on the floor as he walked away. Laying in bed he thought of how close it was to the day. Alex truly didn't have time to prepare but here it was, so soon.


Waking up Alex had things that were urgent in his mind. Things he needed to know but the administration seemed to be conspiring against him, keeping him busy all day though he was so urgent he was insanely focused on his work. At one point he thought he was going to have some free time but over the loudspeaker he heard 'Subject 9 report to Dr. Liszt's office immediately. Subject 9 to Dr. Liszt's office immediately.' Grumbling the hybrid made his way there and came in without knocking as he had for quite some time now.


"Good to see you here, Nine. I must say, I've been keeping an eye on your results and let me first say I'm sorry I wasn't being more attentive yesterday. That was uncalled for and I'm glad the guard was taken care of. Now, today's results were absolutely brilliant. You keep this progress up and you'll be shifted to a success in no time."


Alex smiled softly looking at the kind young looking psychiatrist. The shock of platinum blonde hair on his head and his bright blue eyes seemed to happy to deliver good news. "Thank you Dr. Liszt, I must say though, it's not as important to me as it once was. It just doesn't matter anymore." Alex bowed his head slightly and smiled a bit wider. Suddenly he blinked and looked up. "Doc.. I gotta ask, are you gonna be here tomorrow? If so maybe we could talk again?"


The doctor chuckled and shook his head, "As much as I'd like to be. I asked to be part of a new project they were working on but they said they had everyone they needed so I'll be home tomorrow. As to your attitude towards being a success, I hope you haven't lost your drive. Though it seems that the real cause is a renewed sense of self. I trust you've been speaking to Thirteen." The doctor chuckled then looked up to Alex again. "I can be here to talk to you if you want, Nine."


Alex nodded softly and admitted to talking to Thirteen then held back the urge to gasp in horror. "No! I mean just because I don't really have a personal life outside of here doesn't mean you shouldn't." Alex sat back and considered for a moment then stood. "I should get back, it will be bed time soon."


Dr. Liszt looked at him concernedly then gave one last parting comment. "Thirteen is very nice isn't she? Nice people are always in high demand."


Alex sighed deeply and nodded. "I know, goodbye Doctor." Without another word Alex walked back out and the chime sounded telling him it was the end of the day. Alex realised now more than ever that he was not ready, but he'd have to fight nonetheless. Alex did need to at least speak to Two before they were fully out. Looking around Alex loitered in the halls hoping to catch a glimpse of him, not expecting much success.

[K0brA]

Five had gone to his room and gotten a towel and fresh change in clothes, and made his way to the showers. He spent quite some time beneath the shower, at least a full hour, letting his heightened state of frustration wash away as much as it could before he risked bumping into anyone else. With a hand on the wall and the water hitting his head and cascading down over his body, he hung his head, watching it all spiral around and then down the drain, as if taking notes on some metaphorical analogy. Something big was going on and he was being left in the dark. Even when confronting Two about it, he outright denied Fives claim, outright lied to him as far as he was concerned. But Five knew he was becoming a big risk in this state of mind, for the first time in a long time, and watching the water swirling the drain, he knew the safest way to get through this with everyone intact at the end of the day was the same as always. Suppression. After a while, he let out a heavy sigh and simply muttered "whatever..." He couldn't keep stewing on this and certainly couldn't continue trying to pry anymore. The last thing he, or anyone else for that matter, needed was more rejection and lies to strike even more nerves. Eventually things would play out and reveal themselves, and Five was more than capable of handling anything that would be thrown at him, even if this was some big plot against him. Of course he can handle himself, he's the best of the best, after all..

Five finished up his shower and got dressed, not more than half an hour prior to when Two and Three would make their way in. He was running late for dinner time, but couldn't  be bothered. He wasn't hungry right now after all this, plus he knew others would be there, and he still wasn't willing to deal with any of them. Instead, Five just made his way to his room for the night, laying back in bed and reading some more of his book, hearing the PA chime signaling time to call it a night. He stayed up in his room reading for another hour or so before putting the book down and rolling over in his bed. The next day would be bound to be a bit awkward, seeing as he wouldn't be going out of his way to avoid people then, and certainly wouldn't be in any mood for friendly chatter having this scenario still lingering over him. If anyone confronted him, he wouldn't hesitate to give them a bit of attitude back. Not enough to be offensive, but enough to show that he was not happy with what was going on around here regarding him. Eventually Five finally drifted off to sleep..

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen trudged her way to her room, her mind racing. No no no. The day was drawing closer, and all she thought about was Five. She couldn't leave him behind, even if he may foil the plan. Even if he risked her death if she went back, she couldn't leave him. She couldn't risk a life lost in her Unit. She had climbed into her bed expecting a night's rest, but instead she had gotten torturous nightmares brought on by the Unit's collective tensions. First thing in the morning, she resolved, she would speak to Five. Even if he wouldn't receive her well. But first, she had to devise a way to stop waking up in cold sweats. By the time morning came, her pillow was soaked, and she had gotten so little sleep that it started to show in her. Her posture was slumped, and her eyes were sunken and a bit bloodshot. But what did it matter? They were just dreams, right? After all, she wasn't Two.

[Fitzwilliam Jinglesworth]

Four was so engaged in his game that he almost didn't hear the chime, but he still was able to tell the time by the shuffling of feet out in the hall. Reluctantly turning it off and unplugging himself from the wall, he got to his hooves and headed back to his quarters, throwing himself down on the bed.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex sighed and turned, walking through the door and letting it close behind him quietly.


"Everything is going to change now. Everything is going to be real. Can I survive?"

Drifting off into a troubled sleep he seemed to be in the perspective of a spark rushing through a circuit and then suddenly everything got bright and when the light faded he was standing at a terminal. The lights were dim and there was shouting and then he was rushing off down a hall. Suddenly Thirteen was ahead of him and looked back and said something he couldn't hear, it was just the pulse in his ears. "Why did you wait?" Alex felt his mouth form the words but did't hear himself speak. Out onto the lawn-the cold air burning in his lungs. Somewhere ahead of him Thirteen caught up to the others and then his ears twitched and there was a voice calling behind him. Turning back his optics zoomed and he was staring down a gun barrel. Zooming out quickly the bullet it fired almost beat his zoom out. The world slowed down and the bullet zipped closer until it whisked up over his muzzle and just as it touched his forehead he awoke and immediately shoved his face in his pillow to scream.


Sitting up he found his pawpads sticking with sweat as he panted quickly. "God damn.. maybe I shouldn't.." Alex shook his head and layed down and went into a dreamless sleep that was only interrupted once he opened his eyes to the sounds of morning. "It's time.." Alex stood and blankly got dressed, gathering little things from his room.

[Isoke]

 Two awoke after a night of restless tossing and turning.  The day had finally come that would decide the fate of everybody he knew; whether a catastrophe could be averted, the evacuation takes place, or they perish in a gout of psychic fire, they would all know in a matter of hours.  The previous day had been productive, having spent much of it to figure out the key code that would grant him and One access to where the generators were housed.  He just hoped that the others were as prepared for the Plan B if it was needed.
 
Pulling himself out of bed and changing into his training clothes, he made sure the contents for his bailout bag were handy.  With as cold as it had gotten, Two wanted to make sure that he wouldn’t freeze to death out there while they looked for shelter or civilization.  With that detail checked, he left his quarters intent on coming back for it once he met up with One to tend to the generators.  For now, he was on his way to the cafeteria where he would be sure to eat his fill.

[Lavender_Stripes]

Thirteen pulled herself up, rubbing her head and making sure her own things were in order. A heavier jacket and some rations she had snuck from the cafeteria. She nodded, stretching herself out before heading out to the cafeteria. She was tense, and desperately needed to see Five. She looked around, but didn't see anyone but Two yet. She got her food and filled up quickly, the tensions habit reached a peak, and she could hardly hear herself think. Her finger drummed the table, her leg shook and her eyes darted about from sheer fatigue. All she could think about was everyone else. Making sure they would be okay.

[AJ Fawxe]

Alex walked into the cafeteria realising that he'd need to smuggle some food out and decided that the best way would be to take somewhat small size platters and set bits aside then go back for more and repeat. When he went to sit down with his first tray he saw Thirteen looking erratic and anxious and realised that everyone must be driving her nuts at this point. Taking a deep breath he focused on the plan and turned everything into formula. Slipping into the mechanical mindset of Nine, the living breathing supercomputer, was easier than he'd liked. It did help him process and make sense of things, though. There were many variables so he wasn't too comfortable with his figures, never mind that they kept shifting, but it calmed him enough that he felt comfortable enough to sit next to Thirteen. "Need a break from the noise?" Alex looked over and smiled at her