Week 8 - May 20th - May 24th

[cartesio]

Last Week

With the weekend's latest tragedy, a strange mood has descended over Cartesio. What happened was unprecedented, and perhaps that's why the already decreasing hostility from the townsfolk comes to a complete halt. Could it be the strange circumstances? Bolin's desperate plea? Last week's peaceful Wednesday? Some combination? Whatever the reason, it's clear that the Sergeant's iron fist around the town has loosened. While the residents aren't jumping to interact with you, there's no graffiti, no new broken windows.

Cartesio is confused...but open to explanation, for perhaps the first time.

Still, while the town seems amiable, almost accepting again, there's little to chase away the knowledge that the Sergeant's tasks for you are near their end, and that means those without medals are doomed to their fate.

Or does it? After everything that's turned around, is it possible for you to claw your way out of here as well?

Links

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Events
Locations
NPCs
Activity Check

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday

[Welcome to the final week! If you want to contact the Sergeant, please post here!. Also please remember to submit your activity check!]

Comments

SUNDAY - May 20th

[cartesio]

EXECUTION

[cartesio]

There's so little time left for everyone to be in Cartesio, and if things continue happening like clockwork, there's no time for any executions after this one. This is effectively the last execution.

Natalie's the one to perform it, and Bolin is the target. The Sergeant's bringing them to the place where it'll happen. The three walk into the execution room, none of them looking forward to this.

There's a constant feeling of tension, of thick nervousness. Natalie keeps staring at her feet, already carrying the gun as if having it in her hands will help her get used to its, to the weight of both the weapon and the task she was going to fulfill now. Bolin had his chin up, but it wasn't like he was going to try to escape, or even try to attack the Sergeant. He had gotten resigned to his fate ever since the moment he returned to the motel, he knew this was going to happen, and now they're here. He just didn't think it'd be Natalie. Maybe it was better the Sergeant was the one to do this, so Natalie didn't have to sully her hands with blood because of him.

The Sergeant wasn't exactly looking forward to this. When he opened the door, he let them in, without even a comment.

The electric chair still was broken from last time Bolin had gotten there. He hadn't imagined now he'd be on the opposite role, waiting for someone else to take his life. Natalie finally looked up, trying to remember the pointers Kino had given her. She had made it sound so simple, like it was a matter of aiming and pulling a trigger, but the consequence of such a simple action was something she hadn't fully processed yet. In a time like this, she regretted having volunteered.

"...I'm sorry..." she said, as if that was going to be any consolation. Bolin didn't even bother to reply to that, he just stepped towards her, hands up in the air. Would that make it easier for her to aim? If she missed, if she got cold feet, he didn't want to think what the Sergeant could do if she decided to back off.

Natalie's eyes widened, she held the gun up in the air, her hands shaking. She was frozen, staring at Bolin, not understanding why he was approaching. Was it to defend himself, was he waiting her to get her guard down? Pale, she stepped back, her back hitting the wall, and held the gun, shaking.

The blast from the gun was unexpected. She didn't realize when she pulled the trigger, she involuntarily closed her eyes when the shot startled her, she didn't understand it not even when she heard the sound of Bolin falling to the floor. She stood there, still holding the gun up, until finally she opened her eyes, seeing what she had done. It was over? It took so little time? That was impossible! She hadn't even prepared herself yet, Bolin couldn't...

...he couldn't be dead.

She didn't know how much time she spent staring at Bolin, expecting him to stand up. It may have been just a minute, it may have been ten, or an hour. Only when she processed what she had done, she let the gun fall to the floor and walked out of the execution room. The Sergeant didn't even try to stop her, or talk to her.

The final execution wasn't anything showy, or even unusual. In a way, it represented what these two months had been about: inexperienced people being forced to kill others against their will.

That was the last death that happened in Cartesio.

NEWSPAPER

[cartesio]

[Weather: It's dry during the day, a heat wave hits during the night.

As expected, our town saw another murder between the outsiders Friday. This time, the group caused a commotion outside that lodge on the edge of town. Mr. Bolin, who was reported harassing townsfolk a few weeks back, claims the death was accidental, but who can believe that? And if it was, then it proves that death follows the outsiders, wherever they may be.

Those in attendance while the outsiders argued with each other as usual have had a strange response, however. A few seem to even be giving them the benefit of the doubt. While some opinions have been middling, this reporter still urges everyone to stay on their toes. After everything that's happened, how can we let our guard down?

_

In Kino's room there are new damages to the wall. Additionally to this new stab marks, there are marks left and right below the words "SAR" and "ACT" that were left previously.

Keith's room has stab marks as well.

And finally there are some marks in Sakura's Room. ]

[clearities]

[ it's Sunday and as always, Sakura avoids the execution. nevertheless, people might be hearing a surprised shriek coming from Sakura's room — don't worry, she's fine, she's just extremely surprised? yikes. it does take her a while to calm down, of course, but eventually she does have to grab a pen and paper because she knows the meaning behind this message. once she thinks over it a bit, she eventually comes up with a possible answer for what the message is: stay strong. it's short and simple, but it means the world to her that someone would say that to her, causing her to smile. tears are starting again, yes, but she's smiling, saying the words a little small: "Thank you." she knows that she can't be heard, most likely, but it's the thought that counts, right? right. after all's said and done, however, she's going to the flower shop - she needs to pick up a few flowers-- some aster tataricus (remembrance) and bluebells (grateful) along white and yellow chrysanthemums. for the memorial in the motel. also said memorial is filled to the brim with cranes. like, a bunch of them. it's not 1000, or even close but there's A Lot -- and the fresh flowers are going on there after making sure that the other flowers she's brought have been taken care of. just in case they're wilting. aaaand after that she's going to be seeking out people? mostly making sure that the others from her group are doing alright - with a heavy focus on seeking out Waver, Rean (why hasn't anyone made a reanfinery pun yet, shame) and Alfin but not necessarily approaching them, as to keep her distance for now, she just wants to make sure that they're unharmed, really. late at night, though, people might find Sakura at the park, sitting down near the pond just gazing up at the night sky instead of... actually doing much of anything. just thinking. ]

Investigation

[cartesio]

[They're all unharmed, but they seem uneasy. It's like they feel something's off about everything -- they don't know exactly what's going on, but they all are aware enough to feel something big is incoming this week.

While Sakura is leaving the park late that night, though, she'll see something...]

park

[protectandselfserve]

[hmm hmm hmm, late night ice cream and a stroll through the park because it's gotten all hot...

oh! There's someone hanging out by the pond.]

Hey, Cherry! Hot enough for ya?

Investigation!

[quickpersuader]

[Kino watches the execution, as she had every time prior. It's nothing pleasant to watch, never is, but it's something she feels personally about witnessing.

Afterwards, she returns to her room to solve the puzzle on her wall, eyes going wide once she has the solution. When she departs from her room for the day, she seems deep in thought, though if she sees someone, she'll go ahead and say:]

...The Sergeant can go to the other side.

[Investigation - Oil Refinery]

[Kino approaches, eyes set on the building. Will they allow her to look for anything strange? Or will she need to talk her way in?]

[Communal Kitchen]

[In the afternoon, she can be found her, grilling up meats and vegetables and making herself a cup of tea. Only herself, unfortunately, but it's fine if you want to make yourself one as well. The meats are unseasoned, so it might surprise characters more familiar with her usual cooking that they... actually look really good? She takes a sip from her tea as she places the now cooked food on a plate, glancing over at whoever may be joining her.]

If you want to use it next, I'm done here.

+1 investigation nakama

[marmoron]

[Why is he somehow ot surprised to see you here looking around, Kino...]

Going inside?

[He's just going to peer around himself. Did they... uh... paint over Clarisse's spray paint dick or what.]

[robitussin]

[After the execution, it's well into the afternoon when Natalie leaves her room again. She heads to the community kitchen first, but... Even though she has ingredients set out on the counter, she seems to be stalling rather than preparing them in any way.

Later on, she can be found in the library, sitting at a desk with a stack of books in front of her. There doesn't seem to be any unifying theme between what she's reading... Or trying to read, at least. If she sees anyone approach, she'll put the book down and glance their way wordlessly.]

community kitchen

[clearities]

Natalie? [ hi, Sakura's here and avidly curious about what she's doing here ]

[marmoron]

[She didn't want him to stay and watch the execution, but that was never going to happen. It's not something he necessarily wants to watch, but it's something he feels he has to watch. He doesn't know what's harder to take in -- the fact that Natalie's so obviously terrified or that Bolin, even in his final moments, is trying to make it easier. When the gun does finally go off, he doesn't look away, but it's clear that he's looking past what's going on.

Sentiments like this shouldn't even be fucking happening are the norm for Cartesio really, but it's always been something that was blanketed in rage. Something that could be dealt with by making vengeful promises nobody asked him to make. Watching Natalie stand there frozen though... part of him is angry all over again that she took it upon herself to volunteer for this. An even bigger part of him just feels bitterly helpless.

She leaves and he leaves with her, not knowing what to say. Eventually though...]

You shouldn't dwell on it.

MONDAY - May 21st

[cartesio]

NEWSPAPER

[cartesio]

[Weather: It's sunny during the day and clear during the night.

Who is the Sergeant?

[What follows is a rather short article talking about the Sergeant and what they know of him. It's...rather sparse in details]

The police states they're considering this person is responsible for several of the crimes that have hit this town. This reporter believes such statements require much more investigation.

For the time being, we have to remember a truth: guilty until proven innocent.]

[marmoron]

around town - all day
[Today Keith will be approaching any visitor he spots hanging around with a video camera from the records store. Looks like it's time for an idea.]

Making a video. There anything you want to say to the ghosts? Can't use words or sound, but I'm sure you can think of something else.

Millium's room - afternoon
[He's in here with the Marmora dagger, carving in another message on the wall Kino style.

GOT IT.

TUES. 5PM. BAK'S RM.]

TUESDAY - May 22nd

[cartesio]

NEWSPAPER

[cartesio]

[Weather: It's windy during day and night.

An anonymous message sent to our office has reminded us of a theory we raised several weeks ago: the possibility that the outsider Millium Orion is the mastermind behind the events that have affected our once peaceful town.

You may remember how Millium Orion was found deceased. However, there's no official certificate confirming her death. There's a possibility she's currently alive and out of sight, commandering the rest of the outsiders into causing havoc in the town! The paper sharks she made long ago was a way to taunt us all. Her childish demeanor was a facade hiding a calculating and cold mind. Until we see an official certificate stating she's currently deceased, we can't take for granted those who are said to be dead are actually dead.

If you see Millium Orion anywhere in town, please contact us. We offer a sizable monetary reward in exchange for any information.

This reporter admits this theory isn't likely, but given what we know, it's one we can't discard. Stay vigilant, residents of Cartesio. We can't let ourselves fall into complacency.]

TUESDAY MEETING

[clearities]

[ early in the morning - yeah, Sakura's gotten kind of used to waking up early without an alarm clock so people are getting a note underneath their rooms, written in Sakura's all to familiar handwriting: ] Meeting at the motel lobby at 1 PM. I want everyone to be on the same page, and I think now's the best time to get our information together before the end of the week. Oh, and there'll be food too! ❀ Sakura [ because everyone definitely needs to eat, especially given the lack of Diner after it got... burnt to the ground. so around that time, there's going to be quite a bit of food made for everyone from pancakes with blueberries and some syrup, bentos with onigiri, tamagoyaki, cute little rabbit wieners (i'm not joking) and some vegetables and other fruits to finish things off. ] Thanks for coming, everyone. [ she's smiling a little bit ] So, um... I think we should talk about what happened on Thursday since we haven't talked about that in a meeting yet, and things that we learned since then, and what we're going to do moving forward.

WEDNESDAY - May 23rd

[cartesio]

NEWSPAPER

[cartesio]

[Weather: polluted during the day, clearing during the night.

It's Wednesday. Although everything has been calm, this reporter implores all of you to stay safe. Lock your doors, avoid public places, and don't put your lives in unnecessary danger.

Mrs. Mitchell left the hospital recently. She declined to accept an interview with this newspaper, her only comment was that she was going to spend the rest of her life resting and trying to protect what she has left. Despite the loss of her diner, she's as optimistic as ever, and doesn't seem to hold as much of a grudge towards the outsiders as she should.

Any donations for Mrs. Mitchell are to be sent to this address:

[There's an address that's presumably for her home]]

[quickpersuader]

[Hunting Store]

[Today, Kino is stocking up on other supplies - a large and sturdy backpack for one, and other things that are great for traveling in particular. Although after she completes her purchase, others might see her lingering at the store, staring down at her card.]

This still has unlimited money until the end of the week...

[Hmmm...]

[Hardware Store - NPCs and PCs welcome!]

[After she puts away her new belongings, Kino marches over to the hardware store and places her card on the counter.]

I noticed you have blueprints for all of the buildings in town - that means you should be able to rebuild the diner, right?

Go ahead and charge me as much as you need upfront. You can even take extra if there's any uncertainty about costs. If there's any leftovers, it can just be donated to Mrs. Mitchell.

[marmoron]

laundry room - morning
[Fun story, when your space wolf gets bored during the night and you accidentally leave the clothes drawers open... you wake up to a headache in the morning. As such, Keith can be found grumping around in the laundry room of the motel bright and early this morning in only his underwear. He's sitting cross legged on top of an unused dryer, spinning a knife in his hands while waiting for the laundry spin cycle to be done.

Should anyone come talk to him or peek inside the laundry room to check out if he lives up to how chiseled the statue is... well, he's just got one word for you.]

What.

ice rink - afternoon
[Also a fun story. When the dryer mcfreaking breaks down on you and the only thing you have left to wear while all your clothes are air drying is a fancy black suit that you got weeks ago from the casino and left to collect dust hanging in the closet. He's looking pretty uncomfortable in that thing, despite looking presentable and dapper for once in his life.

He's at the abandoned ice skating rink today, just watching Cosmo goof around on the ice.]

You're not supposed to lick the ice, buddy....

[He;s very faintly amused.]

THURSDAY - May 24th

[cartesio]

NEWSPAPER

[cartesio]

[Weather: it's cloudy day and night.

[There's a rather short article this time -- rather unusual for the dutiful journalist in charge]

The townspeople of Cartesio are gathering together to discuss what to do with the visitors. The current rumor is that the police have gotten a breakthrough in their investigation, and they want to act based on it.

This reporter will investigate further.

------
All the mock week characters residing in the town are nowhere to be seen today]

NPCs welcome!

[relieable]

[May 24, Osomatsu's 23rd birthday. and, also, his brothers' birthday.

he wakes up in the morning and stares at the ceiling of the room he's been sleeping in for the past two months. so much has happened, good things, bad things, unexpected things. he doesn't feel like he's a totally different person, but he's definitely been subdued while he's been staying in Cartesio. he's changed while he's been here.

that is why, today, when he gets up, he decides to do something that will make him happy, like he's used to doing at home. he starts off in the bakery. you'll see him picking out an extravagant cake, for himself, and to share with anyone who wants to celebrate with him. the cake's expensive, but it's not his money he's using.

he'll stop by other places, the hardware store, the ice cream parlor, the abandoned clothing store... he sets up a large table outside the motel, and makes a big sign.

Free cake and ice cream for everyone! that includes townspeople. he also found a casual suit in the clothing store, and there's a video camera in place to film the festivities, as well. he wants this get-together to be relaxed, to not talk about the bad stuff that's happened. this is a time to remember the friends that they've lost, and will hopefully get back. he wants to cut through the tense atmosphere and just enjoy himself]

...Wish I knew where t'get some balloons.

investigation?

[clearities]

[ today, Sakura's visiting the library, if only because there's a few books she wants to check up on before the end of the week, although she's honestly kind of sad that the section that she'd like to look at is kind of... well. you know. but it's then that she realizes something is obviously off. so, basically! you'll find Sakura at literally any location, staff already in hand with a Release! because SHE IS PANICKING, THIS IS NOT GOOD, SHE IS ABSOLUTELY WORRIED ABOUT THE OTHERS. she's prioritizing the flower shop and the refinery most of all, just to see if any of the people in Cartesio are acting any differently to how the people from Sakura's initial group are just. you know. gone. ]