[Open] akemi - Christina's World 1948

Ellie Carter

"Anything isn't very odd if it's the afterlife. Do you think this is some weird experiment? What do you last remember?" She pauses, only for a moment. "Also, if you died, do you think you'd go to Heaven or Hell? I'm trying to decide which one this could be."

Emmy | Akemi

"It would certainly be an unethical experiment, if it involves kidnapping random strangers and restraining them in a prison."

She pans.

"The last thing I can recall…I was at home. I certainly don't recall any interactions with any would-be-kidnappers. Not that I can think of any good reasons why this mismatched selection of people would all be worth kidnapping…I am doubtful some of them would be worth a ransom of any sort."

Another pause.

"Not that I believe us to be dead, but if we are, we are certainly in hell."

Ellie Carter

"Fuuuuck, that's crazy. I think I got baptized when I was a kid, you know. Jack shit that's doing me now. What a ripoff."

She runs a hand through her hair and looks around.

"Can't be random. If I'm kidnapped… well, imprisoned, I guess— I know who did it. But I think they probably just shot me. Oh, and I'd be worthless as a ransom for sure."

She moves on quickly,

"You look like a fancy lady though. I bet you'd fetch something."

Emmy | Akemi

"Would this person that wishes to shoot you have the means to orchestrate something this elaborate? I'm doubtful that we have enemies in common, but it is possible that everyone here has some sort of powerful enemy."

She shook her head briefly.

"While I come from money, I am doubtful anyone would be able to find a reliable way to seek ransom for me, unless their plan is to ask me to pay them directly.

Ellie Carter

"Oh, yeah. For sure," she answers without hesitation. "They basically do stuff like this all the time. I think."

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi can see that she likely won't be getting the most reliable information here, but any leads are worth chasing down.

"Tell me about this potential culprit of yours. What manner of 'stuff like this' are they known for?"

Ellie Carter

She gives it some thought before listing some.

"Uhhh, like, MKUltra? Guantanamo Bay? Nuclear bombs? … By the way, what's your name?"

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi narrows her eyes and stares for a few moments, clearly trying to decide if this person was being serious or not.

"I am doubtful that all of us here are somehow enemies of the United States Government and Military. I do not believe they have very high stakes in the field of art criticism, though they would certainly be capable of aggressive relocation and psychological warfare."

She pauses, considering the level of courtesy she wants to extend to this potential Enemy of the State. She opts to hold out a hand to shake.

"Akemi Kuro."

Ellie Carter

So, she's an art critic. Of course she comes from money. When you come from money, that's a job. When you don't, that's just called complaining.

Ellie feels like this woman hates her already, which is really just giving Ellie more energy and power. She thrives off making people who are too stiff to admit it put up with her.

"I'm Ellie. Ellie Carter, I guess," she shares her full name just because Akemi did. It's not a particularly notable name.

Emmy | Akemi

Akemi can feel the judgment radiating from Ellie at the mention of her job. Yet another person who sees it as a useless venture in bitching about colors. Nothing new.

"I see. Well, Ms. Carter, I intend to continue searching for more information on our whereabouts. Perhaps if you come across some demons or brimstone, that will be sufficient evidence that we are indeed in Hell."

Ellie Carter

Ohhh, okay, she kind of is now telling Ellie to fuck off. Boo. But it's clear Akemi isn't going to be much use to Ellie either. She gives Akemi a customer service grin anyway. She's actually rather skilled at hiding those thoughts when she wants to, even if Akemi has assumed she's judging.

"I'll keep an eye out. Let me know if you find evidence that this is all some grand conspiracy, okay?"

Emmy | Akemi

"Gladly." She responds dryly, already turning to resume her search of the main prison area.

If this is Hell, then boy did they choose some of the perfect people to populate it with. Hell is other people, after all.

Ellie Carter

If Akemi wants to avoid her, that's going to be difficult considering the size of this place. Ellie turns to head out and go discover that.