COOKING SHOW - 11AM PST - BARiTONES

[idolpro]

[ Your unit-colored kitchen has all the basic necessities for cooking, but strangely, there's no refrigerator. There's just a table full of pebble-sized crystals. . . There are candies available in bins next to the crystals as well.

Though you can technically turn the stove on, you can't actually hurt yourself on it. It's like the flames are illusions. Huh.

Upon entering your unit-colored kitchen, you'll find that you can't see or hear anyone from any other kitchen. You're aware that this whole area is magically sight- and sound-proofed; no other unit will hear or see any conversation you have. ]

Comments

INSTRUCTIONS & RECIPE

[idolpro]

Today, you are making Simple Omelet! You will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs (1 sour, 1 salty, 1 savory)
  
• Cream Cheese (1 sweet, 1 sour, 1 savory)
  
• OPTIONAL: Onions (1 sweet, 2 bitter)
  
• OPTIONAL: Tomatoes (1 sweet, 1 sour, 1 savory)
  
• OPTIONAL: Garlic salt (2 salty, 1 bitter)

(Optional ingredients are there in case people show up late—they will otherwise not affect your score.)

Total Required (not including optional):

• 1 Sweet (happiness/excitement)
  
• 2 Sour (embarrassment/shame)
  
• 1 Salty (sadness/regret)
  
• 0 Bitter (anger/bitterness)
  
• 2 Savory (adrenaline/fear)

On the tables are pebble-sized crystals. Hold a handful of the crystals and share your memory (through talking or memoryshare candies) and the crystals will turn into that food!

Characters are aware that the cooking process will be done with guidance, so all they need to worry about are the ingredients. Tasteless ingredients such as flour and cornstarch will be provided for them, so those ingredients are not listed.

There are no rounds, nor any discussion headers. Please make a toplevel with every new memory/memory discussion. At 4 hours, please turn in the survey.

TURN-IN

[idolpro]

For every shared memory, please give a 1-4 for how open they were about it, with 1 being cagey as fuck and 4 being as open as they could be:

# of candies consumed:

For every unitmate, please give a 1-3 for how much they learned about them/how much they were affected by this new knowledge, with 1 being a little/unsurprising and 3 being a lot/shocking:

<b>For every shared memory, please give a 1-4 for how open they were about it, with 1 being cagey as fuck and 4 being as open as they could be:</b> HERE <b># of candies consumed:</b> HERE <b>For every unitmate, please give a 1-3 for how much they learned about them/how much they were affected by this new knowledge, with 1 being a little/unsurprising and 3 being a lot/shocking:</b> HERE

Re: TURN-IN

[catcalling]

For every shared memory, please give a 1-4 for how open they were about it, with 1 being cagey as fuck and 4 being as open as they could be:
3 for first
2 for second

# of candies consumed:
1

For every unitmate, please give a 1-3 for how much they learned about them/how much they were affected by this new knowledge, with 1 being a little/unsurprising and 3 being a lot/shocking:
Emet: 2
Lily: 3

[failedsafe]

For every shared memory, please give a 1-4 for how open they were about it, with 1 being cagey as fuck and 4 being as open as they could be:
4
4

# of candies consumed:
2

For every unitmate, please give a 1-3 for how much they learned about them/how much they were affected by this new knowledge, with 1 being a little/unsurprising and 3 being a lot/shocking:
Emet: 2
Cat: 3

Re: TURN-IN

[firstworldproblem]

For every shared memory, please give a 1-4 for how open they were about it, with 1 being cagey as fuck and 4 being as open as they could be:
First - 3
Second - 3

# of candies consumed:
2

For every unitmate, please give a 1-3 for how much they learned about them/how much they were affected by this new knowledge, with 1 being a little/unsurprising and 3 being a lot/shocking:
Cat: 2
Lily: 2

Discussion.

[failedsafe]

Seriously.

Re: Discussion.

[catcalling]

Feeling like sharing anything, kitten?

Re: Discussion.

[firstworldproblem]

Nothing you want to share with everyone else?

[catcalling]

[ She's smiling but there is some annoyance at SHARING EMOTIONS ]

What a good way to get to know each other.

[firstworldproblem]

Well if you truly dislike it, you can ask us all to forget it quite literally after.

[Since the room probably feels like UNSURE x 3 at the moment.]

[firstworldproblem]

I feel as if our time and thoughts is worth more than an omelet, but I suppose that can't be changed.

And if we are aiming to win we might as well get started. Pick an ingredient, and I'm sure I can remember something that will meet it.

[catcalling]

Well I have no shame and kitten doesn't seem like she's having a good time. I say you take care of that ingredient.

SALTY

[catcalling]

[ She's going to take a few of the crystals in her hand before she starts talking ]

Well then, where do I start ... There's this charming little spider back in my world. Very handsome, kind, leads such an exciting life of fighting crime. And I was crime. He even almost caught me a few times, and then I just let him. He was as charmed by me as I was by him so he didn't have the heart to turn me in. Said I could do so much good if only I tried.

So I did try. We had a lot of fun playing together, catching big nasty super villains, doing all the good things good boys and girls are supposed to. But that lifestyle just wasn't for me and my little Spider was a little too good for me. Or for anyone. I don't think there's a single person in the world who can measure up to him.

Matching all that was much of a burden for a simple gal, you know? So I started stealing again. Just stealing the loot from the people we caught together, and then kept it for myself. All good things come to an end eventually and he found out, I left, and just tried a new life.

Then a good job came along and I needed the help, so I strung him along a little bit, told him I had a son and a big bad guy kidnapped him. He definitely thought it was our son. Should have heard his cute worried voice every time he brought it up.

In any case I pulled it off and even after I conned the hell out of him he tried to save me. Not that I needed that. But I do wonder sometimes. How things would have gone if I decided to keep straight, you know? Well. That's as close as a regret as I have.

Re: SALTY

[firstworldproblem]

[It takes him half way through to realize whom she is speaking of is not an actual spider. Though the image of her fighting crime with an eight legged arachnid as tall as her is amusing in itself.]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I wonder if you would still be sharing this memory as a regret with us had you done just that.

[failedsafe]

[lily doesn't realise that this isn't an actual spider and she whispers]

How would a child like that even look like?

Sour Memory #1

[firstworldproblem]

[Y'all getting the candy option, because that is novel and interesting to Emet so why not try it?

Here until about 13:20. You'll also get the exciting encounter with the Viera before hand.

It is embarrassment for the reasons stated in the memory, but moreso for the internal feelings of embarrassment/resentment for starting to get attached to the Scions.]

Well, I'm sure you both find the Viera interesting and attractive.

Re: Sour Memory #1

[catcalling]

Read my mind.

Thought that whole thing looked charmingly old fashioned. Straight out of a book.

[failedsafe]

'Viera'...what fierce ladies! And they caught you?

SOUR

[failedsafe]

[Lily is going the candy route because talking is hard sometimes.]

Alright, here you are.

(There are twins here that look exactly alike, except one has purple eyes, the other gold. Also this is a fancy super advanced looking room)

You have separate quarters, but you both just stay with the other as often as you can, regardless. Alpha is reading at his desk and you’re sitting on top of it, though out of the way, swinging your legs.

He doesn’t look up as he scrolls. “I’m not going with you and you shouldn’t, either. It’s against the rules.”

You throw your arms up and whine. “But how is anything supposed to be done if we can’t seeeee iiiiit!”

“We can monitor everything from here, just fine. There are dedicated instruments and personnel for that.”

“But no one can go too deep and there’s so much we still don’t know about--”

“Enough with the schemes, Beta.”

“I--” You frown, then pout. “Do you really call them ‘schemes’?”

“What else are they?” Your brother sets his tablet aside, stands up, and ticks off his fingers with an almost violent pointedness. “The Academy’s crystal aside, there was the time with the outage, the fireworks, dyeing all the uniforms, and the crazy carnivorous flowers. Oh, and not to mention that fiasco with the bees--”

“Hey! That was only two times!” And you totally apologised.

You continue with a small puff to your cheek. “Anyway, all those times worked out, in the end! Including the bees. And no one got hurt--”

“NO ONE EXCEPT YOU!” he shouts, stunning you into wide-eyed silence.

“--I don’t care what the results say and how you recovered, you still got really hurt and you could have been terminated!” As quickly as it came, the flare of anger dissipates and anguished tears take their place.

“Do you want to leave me alone that badly?”

You’ve suffered inconceivable agony, but nothing hurts half as much as seeing your brother look like this.

You climb off the desk and hold him as he starts to sob, immediately clinging to you like you’ll slip through his fingers. You pet his hair, his back, and rub soothing circles. Even after he grows quiet, he shows no signs of letting go of you anytime soon and you do not rush him. Eventually, he does pull away a little, and you wipe his tears and kiss his cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” You say, despondent and guilty. “I didn’t want to hurt you like that.” The point of being the one to take in that information was so he wouldn’t be, but he ended up very upset anyway, so what does that even matter?

“Okay.” You take a deep breath and hold up a fist. “No more schemes, plots, whimsies, or pranks. Only model behaviour from now on.” And you mean it, you really do. You seal it with your secret handshake and he smiles finally. You smile, too.

Re: SOUR

[catcalling]

Someone's got a knack for trouble.

SAVORY

[catcalling]

[ This time, she's going the candy route as well, just to check what'll happen. And though she expected the memory shared to be more in line with adrenaline than fear, it's one that encompasses both.

from 13.23 to the end, the fear is definitely for THE SPIDER rather than herself ]

Sneaky little candy.

Re: SAVORY

[firstworldproblem]

There is no shame in being worried about others.

SWEET

[firstworldproblem]

[Candy seemed to work fine last time, but the 'happy' memory he was expecting didn't exactly pop out. So the ladies get to witness the proposal and how ridiculously enamored he is with Five.

Probably get to see him blush, too.]

Re: SWEET

[catcalling]

[ The memory itself is a little funny, though certainly sweet, but it's Emet's reaction that takes the cake ]

Look at that. Someone's in love.

SAVOURY I'M SORRY IT'S LONG IM SO SORRY IT'S ALL I GOT 1/2

[failedsafe]

You’re in a place you’re not supposed to be.

“Um, I don’t think we’re supposed to be in here…” says your astute brother. There are only minor differences to distinguish your appearance, the most striking being your eyes. His are gold, but your hair parts and beauty marks are mirrors of each other. You otherwise look exactly the same.

“Says who?” You say easily.

“Says the door. Authorised personnel only.”

“Must have missed that.” You did not miss that.

“And the walls...and the vocal warning--”

“What could be more authorisation than living here?” You reason.

“Having direct access?”

“They shouldn’t make it so easy to open, then.” You shrug dramatically, as though it could not be helped. You hacked it and it wasn’t even that hard.

“It’s against the rules!” He insists with a whisper.

You wave a dismissive hand. “Oh don’t be such a scaredy-bee.” Your voice hits several pitches higher and you make fearful buzzing noises as you wiggle fingers in his face. “Bzz bzz bzz!”

That gets him to pout and ball his fists to his sides before he decides to swat your hands. “I-I’m not a s-scaredy-bee! Hmph!” You swat his hands back and it just dissolves into a slap fight for a few moments. He smiles smugly and you let him think he’s won before you poke him in the side where he’s ticklish.

“Eek!” he squeaks. You giggle devilishly. You should get back on track, but you’ll always make time to tease him.

“What do you want to do here, anyway.?” He doesn’t know because he was looking for you while you embarked on your most important mission. But you grin, eyes bright. You take his hand and start moving deeper into the area.

“The Academy of Essential Antiquities is the single largest repository of humankind’s history. It’s really, really, really big. They’re bringing some stuff over for Sylvie. It’s why she’s in maintenance. She’s being updated. Sooo, I was thinking. If you’re supposed to help, and if I’m going to help you, why not learn more, too?”

Your emphasis is calculated. In some ways, you are night and day, but you both share intense curiosity. You’re just more...adventurous about yours, but like smooth compiling, he falls into line, his reluctance leaving him.

“...I guess I can understand that.”

“Because it’s a great idea!”

You make it into the centre. People mill about on the floors before you. While you get down on your belly, your brother looks over the railing before you tug him down to the floor before he’s seen with a roll of your eyes. Amateur. The pair of you crawl to the edge and grip it. A distance away, a sphere rises from a woman’s palm and it shifts and spins constantly, constantly changing shape and growing larger and larger until it becomes a glowing globe of crystal, beautiful and serene.

“Whoa…” you both say in wide-eyed unison.

2/2

[failedsafe]

You focus your hearing. The adults mention running some final checks elsewhere, but you won’t have much time. With a tug, you both get down to the platform and stare with vast and innocent curiosity at this world within the world.

“How much data is even in it?” He asks, but you can already tell he’s analysing it.

“I dunno, a lot?”

At your answer he starts to frown, suddenly uncertain. “Maybe we shouldn’t...it’s so much, do we even have the capacity for it? Maybe we should do a system check...or just take a bit at a time, just to see. Sylvie’s one thing, but she’s made to hold all this.”

“We should have the room, you’re high-performance, and I have the same specs. It’ll be fine! Besides, this isn’t going to stay here forever, I don’t know when we’ll have another shot.” It’s all right here, you can’t possibly pass it up. “Anyway, you’re not going to, first.” You don’t mind doing this, and you’re so excited to, but if there’s even a chance of this going wrong, you’re not about to risk your brother.

“I should go first.”

“No way!”

“I’m older.” he starts and you can’t help but make a sort of exasperated and frustrated growl. Not this again!

“For the hundredth-and-forty-second time--”

“What are you two doing in here?!” A tech reappears and is shocked for a moment before shouting.

Now or never. “Whoops, hands slipped!” You smile with shameless excitement to your brother’s surprise and press your hands to the globe and initiate a data transfer and--

You see everything. Everything. It’s being burned into your memory, into your bones, into your being. What feels like infinite bits of data. Inside your mind flashes faces, concepts, feelings, tools, smiles, buildings, currencies, languages, experiments, dreams, fears, discoveries, violence, promises--

Everything.

Outside your mind, your eyes glow electric blue but it intensifies to a white in the centre as more and more data surges into you, more than you can hold, more than your mind can keep up with or make room for. What was first a swift current that you were riding becomes a flood of lightning bearing down on you.

Warning lights flare across your consciousness. Alarms sound in your ears. Your nose starts to bleed. But you can’t stop, you can’t think to stop.

But even in the stream, you can still Hear.

“--might--destruct!”

“Let--continue. The data--useful.”

The Professor is here.

Your brother is being pulled away, but he’s reaching out for you.

Your eyes roll back into your head, and then.

Blissful darkness.

Cooking

[failedsafe]

[lily is doing the thing.]

Honestly, I would totally love to see either of you take a crack--[she cracks an egg at the same time]--at this.

Re: Cooking

[firstworldproblem]

But you are doing such an excellent job, dear.

RESULTS

[idolpro]

[ You made a Simple Omelet! While it isn't 10000% perfect, it's also full of heart and emotion; ultimately, it's a little more on the tangy side—more sugar and salt would have made it tastier for sure—but most importantly, it gets you a 31/10 score!

. . . That's not how scores work but whatever!

You can head to endgame, though maybe some of you might be coming back for an encore. While you're going, you can take some of your food with you! ]