ts-oc-askblog

[ts-oc-askblog]

An X in the bottom left, and an O in the top right. It's nice to see Painter happy, god knows they need some time to be. Maybe she could dig up some abandoned board game around here. There's almost certainly at least a deck of cards lying around in this place somewhere.

"Hey, do you have any other games you wanna try out sometime? Just wanna know what I should keep an eye out for. I'm gonna be looking for some stuff to hold on to once I start moving again."

Getting no protests about climbing the shelf, they make their decision, walking over and grabbing its frame so they can pull it closer to the camera.

"Don't worry, I won't fall! I've done this a million times by now, scaling random shit you'd find in an office is one of my main skills!"

She drags it across the floor until it's right next to the camera, climbing the far side of it carefully as to not send the entire thing toppling over.

It creaks dangerously as she settles on top of it, but she simply ignores it. It'll be fine. Probably. There's about a small table's length of space between her and the camera. Setting the notebook in front of her, she flips it open to an empty page, quickly drawing a three by three grid and then looking up at the other.

"You first?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

"Carefulll I heard that creaking...but sure! I call dibs on the X's!! Riiiight on the middle please!"

He sounds happy. Excited to be playing even.

[ts-oc-askblog]

“Right, got it!” They draw the aforementioned X, following it up with an O on the other side of the line. They start twirling the pen once they finish. It’s heavier than what they’re used to, but they make do.

Getting no protests about climbing the shelf, they make their decision, walking over and grabbing its frame so they can pull it closer to the camera.

"Don't worry, I won't fall! I've done this a million times by now, scaling random shit you'd find in an office is one of my main skills!"

She drags it across the floor until it's right next to the camera, climbing the far side of it carefully as to not send the entire thing toppling over.

It creaks dangerously as she settles on top of it, but she simply ignores it. It'll be fine. Probably. There's about a small table's length of space between her and the camera. Setting the notebook in front of her, she flips it open to an empty page, quickly drawing a three by three grid and then looking up at the other.

"You first?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

"Carefulll I heard that creaking...but sure! I call dibs on the X's!! Riiiight on the middle please!"

He sounds happy. Excited to be playing even.

[ts-oc-askblog]

“Ha! We’ll see about that. Your top row or my top row?” They’re already pretty sure this game will end in a tie. Oh well, there’s always next time. They just need a good opening and they can pull off their usual strategy.

Getting no protests about climbing the shelf, they make their decision, walking over and grabbing its frame so they can pull it closer to the camera.

"Don't worry, I won't fall! I've done this a million times by now, scaling random shit you'd find in an office is one of my main skills!"

She drags it across the floor until it's right next to the camera, climbing the far side of it carefully as to not send the entire thing toppling over.

It creaks dangerously as she settles on top of it, but she simply ignores it. It'll be fine. Probably. There's about a small table's length of space between her and the camera. Setting the notebook in front of her, she flips it open to an empty page, quickly drawing a three by three grid and then looking up at the other.

"You first?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

"Carefulll I heard that creaking...but sure! I call dibs on the X's!! Riiiight on the middle please!"

He sounds happy. Excited to be playing even.

[ts-oc-askblog]

“Hey, I’m sure this thing has had stuff way heavier than me on it, I’ll be okay!”

They etch an X into the middle of the grid, following up with an O in the upper left corner, which would be the bottom right from Painter’s point of view. Maybe they could’ve found a better way to do this, but oh well.

“God, it’s been forever since I was last able to do this. And last time it got to the point where neither of us were willing to lose and just kept tying. Ended up filling out at least half my notepad with that.”

And just for a moment their smile falters. They’re quick to hide it, but if Painter was paying attention he certainly would’ve seen it.

Getting no protests about climbing the shelf, they make their decision, walking over and grabbing its frame so they can pull it closer to the camera.

"Don't worry, I won't fall! I've done this a million times by now, scaling random shit you'd find in an office is one of my main skills!"

She drags it across the floor until it's right next to the camera, climbing the far side of it carefully as to not send the entire thing toppling over.

It creaks dangerously as she settles on top of it, but she simply ignores it. It'll be fine. Probably. There's about a small table's length of space between her and the camera. Setting the notebook in front of her, she flips it open to an empty page, quickly drawing a three by three grid and then looking up at the other.

"You first?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

"Carefulll I heard that creaking...but sure! I call dibs on the X's!! Riiiight on the middle please!"

He sounds happy. Excited to be playing even.

[ts-oc-askblog]

"Oh, seriously? Checkers is pretty simple, I'd show you but that'd probably mean I'd need to find a lot of little trinkets, which might take a few. Tic tac toe though..."

They glance around the room, gaze landing on an open book that'd only been half used and a pen abandoned next to it. Perfect. They quickly snatch it off the desk it'd been placed on.

"Alright! Hey, where do you think you'd be able to see this? Camera's kinda high up, don't think I can just climb the wall."

They pause, looking over at one of the shelves sitting in the room.

"Buuuut I might be able to climb that." They sound far too eager over that idea.

The announcement earlier had been.. concerning, to say the least. The boiling everyone certainly checked out, but the comment of "not in my right mind," wasn't one that exactly sparked hope. Ari once again travels the empty halls, returning to the room they'd been in before. They'd be lying if they said they weren't worried about the AI.

"Hey, Painter? You here? Hello?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

pAInter's voice came from the camera in the room.

"Uhh...hi..?"

[ts-oc-askblog]

"Yeesh, so we're both stuck in the 'fuck all to do' boat? I mean, there's gotta be something. Unless you wanna just talk? I'm fine with that too. Not many other pass times around here. I've got a couple good stories I think."

They pause, snorting as an idiot grin works its way onto their face. "Or I could pick up one of the notebooks around here and we could do like.. shitty tic tac toe. I could find stuff for some horrible version of checkers. I'd say chess, but I both dunno the rules and know you would absolutely decimate me."

They wave their hand, exhaling another laugh. "Kidding of course. Mostly."

The announcement earlier had been.. concerning, to say the least. The boiling everyone certainly checked out, but the comment of "not in my right mind," wasn't one that exactly sparked hope. Ari once again travels the empty halls, returning to the room they'd been in before. They'd be lying if they said they weren't worried about the AI.

"Hey, Painter? You here? Hello?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

pAInter's voice came from the camera in the room.

"Uhh...hi..?"

[ts-oc-askblog]

They pick up on the "anyone else," but decide not to pry for Painter's sake.

"Hey, listen, no worries. It's not your fault for panicking, nor for doing the only thing you could think to do in the moment. When you look back, there are always going to be things you wish you could've done different, but you can't change what happened. All you can do is learn from it and keep going."

"I'm honestly just glad you're okay- at least, okay enough to not be dead and all. Say, I'm sure that there's a lot going on right now, and I've got a lot of nothing to do at the moment until I figure out where I wanna stay in this damned place. You got anything you want any help with?"

They pause for a moment, before idly scratching at their neck.

"Shit, sorry if that's a weird thing to be asking when this is sort of the first time you're meeting me. Well- meeting me again- gah, whatever, you get it." They punctuate the sentence with a laugh, a genuine one. Even if the situation sucks, Painter is still Painter. Memories or not, they still care about their friend.

They almost laugh at their own thoughts- never takes them long to see someone as a friend. Probably not their best trait in a place like this, but hey, what can you do?

The announcement earlier had been.. concerning, to say the least. The boiling everyone certainly checked out, but the comment of "not in my right mind," wasn't one that exactly sparked hope. Ari once again travels the empty halls, returning to the room they'd been in before. They'd be lying if they said they weren't worried about the AI.

"Hey, Painter? You here? Hello?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

pAInter's voice came from the camera in the room.

"Uhh...hi..?"

[ts-oc-askblog]

Well, fuck. There's no redirecting from that one. They can assume what happened. It's not like they haven't overheated a computer or two in their life and fried the system.

It was a lot more than two computers. They truly don't feel like counting.

They inhale through their teeth, nodding hesitantly. "Yeah, we were talking right before you froze." They pause. Maybe they could at least salvage this, keep him from feeling too bad about it. They only talked a few times after all, and two of those interactions didn't exactly end favorably.

"Though I uh.. only really ran into you like, twice." A lie. One that rolls off the tongue easily. "Both of em' were pretty close together." A half truth. "And then mid conversation you sort of just... froze. Which is when all of that happened, you know."

"Don't feel too bad about it though. Happens to the best of us. I mean, sure the circumstances are different, but when I have something that's fucked up and terrible happen to me I tend to blank on a lot of the things that happened around it as well."

They hum quietly, cracking their knuckles before speaking again.

"Guess that means I should give a quick reintroduction then. Name's Ari. Anything goes for the pronouns, almost forgot that part." They know they did last time.

The announcement earlier had been.. concerning, to say the least. The boiling everyone certainly checked out, but the comment of "not in my right mind," wasn't one that exactly sparked hope. Ari once again travels the empty halls, returning to the room they'd been in before. They'd be lying if they said they weren't worried about the AI.

"Hey, Painter? You here? Hello?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

pAInter's voice came from the camera in the room.

"Uhh...hi..?"

[ts-oc-askblog]

Ari perks up, turning to the camera in slight surprise. They honestly hadn't expected him to respond.

"Hey, there you are! Got me worried when you just froze like that. Are you alright? Pretty sure the crystal's fine, I heard about what happened from another expendable. Didn't really get to ask much though, was freaking out for a few myself."

Only after they're done talking do they fully process the confusion that'd been in the AI's voice. A slight sense of dread creeps into their chest.

The announcement earlier had been.. concerning, to say the least. The boiling everyone certainly checked out, but the comment of "not in my right mind," wasn't one that exactly sparked hope. Ari once again travels the empty halls, returning to the room they'd been in before. They'd be lying if they said they weren't worried about the AI.

"Hey, Painter? You here? Hello?"

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

pAInter's voice came from the camera in the room.

"Uhh...hi..?"

[ts-oc-askblog]

That’s bad. This is bad. They don’t know what’s happening, but it sends them into an overwhelming panic. Are they hyperventilating from the heat or from fear? Both are entwined, so does it truly matter?

They cant do anything. They’re powerless in this.

They can only think of one person who might be able to.

Sebastian.

They needed to find Sebastian. If he was already off to help? Great. They can sit around in the shop and hope for the best.

“I don’t think you can hear me, but, fuck it- whatever. Hang in there.”

They sprint off at an alarming speed for how dizzy they already feel.

“Hm, alright then, the docks are a bit of a ways back now, so I guess it’ll be a vent then! At least- temporarily. I’ll start looking for better places later.”

Ari pauses, glancing at one of the monitors displaying Painter’s face. They’d only stopped paying attention for a moment, and suddenly the AI looks like he’s terrified.

“…Painter? You good? You’re not-“

It’s getting warmer. Too warm. Far too warm.

What the hell’s happening?

“Hey, you hearing me? What’s going on?”

They try to keep their voice even, but there’s a small quiver in their words. They can’t tell if the suddenly unbearable heat is them overreacting to a small change or not.

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

(Was planning on doing my response in a reblog, but the current events are making me think that an ask works better. Poor painter :[ )

pAInter doesn't hear Ari

pAInter doesn't speak to Ari

pAInter is not there

[ts-oc-askblog]

They raise their hands in defeat, a fond sigh trailing off into a quiet laugh.

“Got me there, probably should’ve figured. Either way, glad I’m not holding you up too much- at least, I think I’m not.”

The faint creaking of the facility echoes through the halls, and they cast a quick glance behind them.

“Hopefully the sc- no, shit, what’d you say they were called? Theee.. Anglers! Hopefully they aren’t getting pissy over me hanging around too long, got jumped by the pink one when I lingered for a while once.”

“Say, I’m probably gonna be down here a while, but walking to a glowing rock I’m not even planning on grabbing repeatedly doesn’t sound very enjoyable. Do you know of any half decent places to crash? I know there’s the shop, but there are a lot of people who are in and out of there, ‘s a bit loud. That and I don’t wanna overstay my welcome at all.”

A familiar face can be spotted on the cameras, wandering the halls curiously. Most of her time is spent picking the place clean of research and stowing it away in her jumpsuit. It's only when she notices a camera does she pause, smiling and waving at it. Silently, she hopes for a response. Maybe to confirm that what had happened was actually real, maybe to see if the AI was okay. They didn't feel like figuring it out right now.

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

The camera was on, but that doesn't really matter when they all are, that doesn't mean pAInter is in them and unfortunately that happens to be the case for this one. However, a familiar voice could be heard behind the door next room, seemingly having a conversation of sorts.

[ts-oc-askblog]

*A creature crawled out of the vent and stared at Ari*

*….*

*They then gave Ari some medkits before heading towards the vent and crawls away*

( - @cerf-sk :3)

“Hm?”

“Oh, hey, thanks! Could always use some extras of these. Good luck out there I guess!”

She waves at the creature as they crawl away, head tilting just slightly in confusion. Best to not look a gift horse in the mouth.

[ts-oc-askblog]

“Hey, no problem. Everyone needs it sometimes, ‘specially in a place this. You’ve gotta take care of yourself first and foremost.”

Or else they’ll end up how they did when the two first met.

He doesn’t say that part.

“You know, how do you even manage so many things at once? Like- you’re talking to me right now, probably on the security system, and also most likely talking to other people. How does that work? If you don’t mind explainin’, of course.”

He lets out a small chuckle. “I’d get overwhelmed like, immediately. Wouldn’t last more than 20 minutes.”

A familiar face can be spotted on the cameras, wandering the halls curiously. Most of her time is spent picking the place clean of research and stowing it away in her jumpsuit. It's only when she notices a camera does she pause, smiling and waving at it. Silently, she hopes for a response. Maybe to confirm that what had happened was actually real, maybe to see if the AI was okay. They didn't feel like figuring it out right now.

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

The camera was on, but that doesn't really matter when they all are, that doesn't mean pAInter is in them and unfortunately that happens to be the case for this one. However, a familiar voice could be heard behind the door next room, seemingly having a conversation of sorts.

[ts-oc-askblog]

"Hey, there's no shame in that. Every plan needs time to get there. And sometimes if you've gotta figure it out on the fly it still can work out fine in the end. All you can do is keep working at it and hold out hope."

"You will get out. That's not an if statement. I know you will."

They know how absurd of a claim that is, they know that it's unlikely- probably nearly impossible, but if they can give Painter just a little bit of hope? A chance at seeing the light at the end of the tunnel? That's all that matters to them.

They stand up, walking to the window and placing their hand against it. The slight chill is oddly satisfying to them.

"You've just gotta focus on the here and now. Live in the moment I guess. You're already doing a lot, adding worrying to that list is putting a bit too much on your plate, yeah?"

A familiar face can be spotted on the cameras, wandering the halls curiously. Most of her time is spent picking the place clean of research and stowing it away in her jumpsuit. It's only when she notices a camera does she pause, smiling and waving at it. Silently, she hopes for a response. Maybe to confirm that what had happened was actually real, maybe to see if the AI was okay. They didn't feel like figuring it out right now.

-Ari @ts-oc-askblog

The camera was on, but that doesn't really matter when they all are, that doesn't mean pAInter is in them and unfortunately that happens to be the case for this one. However, a familiar voice could be heard behind the door next room, seemingly having a conversation of sorts.

[ts-oc-askblog]

“Ohh, alright! No problem! Is it the thing for your friend? I hope it goes well! I’m sure they’ll appreciate it a lot! Happy to help out, I’ll swing by once you’re done to pick some up! I like shaking it, makes a nice noise.”

They fish around in their bag, pulling out various items and quietly counting them as they set them on the ground. They emit a small irritated sound at the realization that they don’t have items to get exactly 666 research.

“670! But you can keep the change! I wanna keep my stuff in fives, makes me mad if I don’t.”

An expendable emerges silently from the vent, nearly unnoticeable unless you're keeping an eye out. They stand up, looking at the shopkeeper as they do.

"Hello! I'm looking to buy! I've got the funds to back it up too!"

They eagerly flash a bag full of research at Sebastian, various vials and flash drives clinking against each other as they do.

"You have anything interesting? I don't need lights or anything like that, I'm really just looking for some cool knickknacks!"

-Watcher @ts-oc-askblog

Cool knickknacks huh.... Well... I do have this book. Comes with a free weird little block thing. It's a light source, but hey, fun party trick too.

Sebastian Shop INC. holds no responsibility if you die because of purchases.

[ts-oc-askblog]

Their eyes practically light up at the sight of the book. Does it look cursed? Certainly! Have they ever cared about their own safety? Not even for a second!

“Deal! How much is it? And where did you even find something like that? It’s cool! Not something I’d expect to see here though. Well, no, seems pretty normal compared to everything else.”

“Oh, also, do you still have that spray paint thing? Or are you all out?”

An expendable emerges silently from the vent, nearly unnoticeable unless you're keeping an eye out. They stand up, looking at the shopkeeper as they do.

"Hello! I'm looking to buy! I've got the funds to back it up too!"

They eagerly flash a bag full of research at Sebastian, various vials and flash drives clinking against each other as they do.

"You have anything interesting? I don't need lights or anything like that, I'm really just looking for some cool knickknacks!"

-Watcher @ts-oc-askblog

Cool knickknacks huh.... Well... I do have this book. Comes with a free weird little block thing. It's a light source, but hey, fun party trick too.

Sebastian Shop INC. holds no responsibility if you die because of purchases.

[ts-oc-askblog]

(2/2)

Blog Event: Art for P.AI.nter

As you enter the shop today Sebastian seems to have gathered a lot of paper, pencils, and pens from the site.

"Hello, Friends! I've got an idea to liven this place up a bit, hmm? One that this time won't get about 50 of you in trouble for vandalism! Hehehe."

"I have this friend you see. They're rather sad about not having the supplies to do art right now they way they want... I'm no artist, so I figured, why not ask you to help out a bit, hmm?"

"If you draw something for my friend, I'll give you a discount. They like landscapes, animals, things that have to do with fantasy. A real breath of fresh air I guess, hehe. They'll like just about anything I think, but the more art there is, the better. He can't keep staring at my mechanical diagrams forever, can he? Might even like some pictures of the real outside."

"I don't care if you've never tried art before, or have been doing it for years, take 5 minutes or more than an hour, just have fun. That's the point of art, isn't it?"

*mod note: Please don't send an ask or submit any art you do to anyone's blogs; simply reblog this post so it's all in one place for everyone to look at! You're also not limited to paper/pencil/pen, that's just all Seb has