CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT: The TSTO forums will be closed on December 13th, 2023. Read more about the future of the forums here.
***YOU ONLY MOVE NICE: CG GAME DAY EIGHT GAME OVER***
RULES
GAME THEME
Those of you who have seen the film "The Stepford Wives" may notice similarities to this game.
GAME TYPE
Pseudo-traditional.
LEADERSHIP
Your Game Leaders are Lynn & Annette. You may call us GLynnette. (BTW, Annette is ForumNerds)
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Game Day begins Sunday, with a Tuesday voting-deadline. (Then a 24-hour break for night)
Game Day begins Wednesday, with a Saturday voting-deadline. (Then a 24-hour break for night)
Rinse and Repeat.
VOTING
FORCED VOTE: Please vote every Game Day. If you miss voting one Game Day, then you must place a vote ("forced vote" ) on the following Game Day. If you need to be absent, contact Annette (ForumNerds).
Use red and bold font for your votes. (If you dont use red and bold font, dont blame GLynnette if we miss it.)
To place a vote, type it like this: ++lynn
To cancel your vote, type it like this: --lynn
You can switch who youre voting for, as many times as you want. Like this:--lynn ++Annette
Short names or nicknames are fine, as long as its obvious who youre voting for. (E.g., using Lynn instead of lynnmckenz" or annette instead of annettemarc)
Do not vote for yourself.
If you post a vote and want to edit it in that same post, do it quickly, or we might miss your changes. Its probably safer to make a new post with the change in it.
If voting is tied, players will be listed in the order in which s/he received the current number of votes, based only upon the currently tallied votes (i.e. if you remove your vote for a player, it is as if your previous vote never existed).
The player with the most votes will be counted as a "rescue", unless a Special Power is used.
TALKING DURING THE GAME NIGHT
After the Evening Message is posted, dont post in this thread. Instead, make a night-time thread, and you can chat over there but NOT about the game! When the next Game Day begins, you can start talking in this thread again, about the game.
DEAD PLAYERS Ain't gonna be none.
SPECIAL POWERS
Guardians: (aka "The Good Guys") Marge and Ruth. NOT eligible to be robotized. During the day, they help create rescues by vote and discussion. At night, if they have reason to do so, they can shift votes to rescue a different player. If they shift the vote to a player not eligible for rescue, there is no rescue that night.
Inventors: (aka "The Bad Guys" aka "Villains" aka "You Know Who You Are") Scorpio and Frink. NOT eligible to be rescued. During the day, they try to prevent the players from successfully completing a rescue. During the night, target one player to become robotized. If that player is eligible for robotizing, Scorpio and Frink gain a robot. Each night, they send a PM to GLs with switches they want to make in their robots' votes. This power can be used a total of 8 times in the game. The 'final vote count' on the forum thread will remain unaltered.
Glitcher: ("tonguetangler" ) Each night, sends the name of a player by PM, and the description of a tonguetangle.
Firewall: ("protector" ) One-time effectiveness. Sends in the name of a player by PM. If the player named in the PM is targeted by Frink/Scorpio during the night, no robotization takes place. If the player named in the PM is the target of a Marge/Ruth "shift" that night, no rescue takes place.
Patcher: ("healer" ) One-time effectiveness. Sends in the name of a player by PM. If the player named in the PM is targeted by Frink/Scorpio during the night, no robotization takes place. If the player named in the PM is the target of a Marge/Ruth "shift" that night, no rescue takes place.
Binaries: ("lovers" ) Code names: Zero and One. If "zero" is rescued or robotized, then "one" goes along with him/her. And vice versa.
Guesser: One-time effectiveness. Sends a PM giving three names as follows:
Name One: The name of ONE player that the guesser believes is Scorpio. (e.g., Scorpio = Annette)
Name Two: The name of ONE player who has been already revealed as a robot. (e.g., actually listed as a "robot")
Name Three: The name of ONE player who has been already revealed as a rescue. (e.g., actually listed as a "rescue")
IF the Guesser's identification of Scorpio is correct, then the named "robot" is reverted to "normal" status.
IF the Guesser's identification of Scorpio is INcorrect, then the named "rescue" is reverted to "normal" status.
Voice of Justice: (aka "VOJ" ) Acts as the tiebreaker at the end of the game. (The identity of the VOJ is known only to the VOJ and the GLs, until the game has ended.)
WINNING: When all players have been either robotized or rescued, a count is taken. Frink and Scorpio win if the number of robots is greater than the number of rescues. Otherwise, Marge, Ruth and the Springfielders (BeeGees?) win. In the event of a tie, whichever team has the VOJ is the winner.
NOTES:
ONE: In the event of a conflict between PMs sent the Scientists and the Rescuers, the PMs will be processed in the order in which they were received.
TWO: In certain other cases, Special Role powers will be processed in the order they are received.
THREE: In the event of a slew of PMs that all conflict with one another, GLynette promise to spend upward of 2 hours trying to find a logical solution, and if there is no "fair" way to handle it, reserve the right to do something random, such as ask their husbands for advice, or get drunk and fail to show up for the Morning Message. Be assured we will try our best. (To show up, I mean.)
RULES OF BEHAVIOR
REASSURANCE
Conspiracy games are confusing. (At least, GLYNNETTE is sure confused). So dont be shy to PM GLynnette with your questions. If we dont know the answer, well make one up.
DISCLAIMER
If we have left a gaping hole in these rules, we are either going to nobly accept our short-comings and leave it alone, or swallow our pride and admit that we messed up and let you know that we're patching our mistake. We are leaning very heavily toward the latter. (Pride is over-rated.)
We also reserve the right to make the rules more strict if y'all don't behave.
NOTE TO FORMER RTTF PLAYERS
The above "Disclaimer" should send chills up your spine. Remember how many times I changed the rules in the RTTF game?
RESCUES AND ROBOTS:
Day One: barry (Lisa Simpson) RESCUE
Night One: Nobody ((Robotizing Attempt failed)
Day Two: wilki (Luann) RESCUE
Night Two: maryclaire (Miss Hoover) ROBOT
Mid-Day Three : sealley (Frink 1.0) DEACTIVATED
Mid-Day Three: roses (Brandine) PRESUMED DEAD
Day Three: Nobody (Rescue Attempt failed)
Night Three: meinaz (Cletus) ROBOT
Day Four: johnny (Moe) RESCUE
Night Four: skidder (Smithers) ROBOT
Day Five: Juliet (Apu) RESCUE
Night Five: Nobody ((Robotizing Attempt failed)
Day Six: Taco_Belle (Selma) RESCUE
Night Six: stephtog (Patty) ROBOT
Day Seven: leafsfriend (Edna) RESCUE
Night Seven: Sakura (Burns) ROBOT
Mid-Day Eight: moxxee (Scorpio) REVEALED
Mid-Day Eight: josebot (Ruth) REVEALED
REMAINING PLAYERS (alphabetical order)
1. Fastshadow
2. Squirrel
3. Turkey
GAME THEME
Those of you who have seen the film "The Stepford Wives" may notice similarities to this game.
GAME TYPE
Pseudo-traditional.
LEADERSHIP
Your Game Leaders are Lynn & Annette. You may call us GLynnette. (BTW, Annette is ForumNerds)
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Game Day begins Sunday, with a Tuesday voting-deadline. (Then a 24-hour break for night)
Game Day begins Wednesday, with a Saturday voting-deadline. (Then a 24-hour break for night)
Rinse and Repeat.
VOTING
FORCED VOTE: Please vote every Game Day. If you miss voting one Game Day, then you must place a vote ("forced vote" ) on the following Game Day. If you need to be absent, contact Annette (ForumNerds).
Use red and bold font for your votes. (If you dont use red and bold font, dont blame GLynnette if we miss it.)
To place a vote, type it like this: ++lynn
To cancel your vote, type it like this: --lynn
You can switch who youre voting for, as many times as you want. Like this:--lynn ++Annette
Short names or nicknames are fine, as long as its obvious who youre voting for. (E.g., using Lynn instead of lynnmckenz" or annette instead of annettemarc)
Do not vote for yourself.
If you post a vote and want to edit it in that same post, do it quickly, or we might miss your changes. Its probably safer to make a new post with the change in it.
If voting is tied, players will be listed in the order in which s/he received the current number of votes, based only upon the currently tallied votes (i.e. if you remove your vote for a player, it is as if your previous vote never existed).
The player with the most votes will be counted as a "rescue", unless a Special Power is used.
TALKING DURING THE GAME NIGHT
After the Evening Message is posted, dont post in this thread. Instead, make a night-time thread, and you can chat over there but NOT about the game! When the next Game Day begins, you can start talking in this thread again, about the game.
DEAD PLAYERS Ain't gonna be none.
SPECIAL POWERS
Guardians: (aka "The Good Guys") Marge and Ruth. NOT eligible to be robotized. During the day, they help create rescues by vote and discussion. At night, if they have reason to do so, they can shift votes to rescue a different player. If they shift the vote to a player not eligible for rescue, there is no rescue that night.
Inventors: (aka "The Bad Guys" aka "Villains" aka "You Know Who You Are") Scorpio and Frink. NOT eligible to be rescued. During the day, they try to prevent the players from successfully completing a rescue. During the night, target one player to become robotized. If that player is eligible for robotizing, Scorpio and Frink gain a robot. Each night, they send a PM to GLs with switches they want to make in their robots' votes. This power can be used a total of 8 times in the game. The 'final vote count' on the forum thread will remain unaltered.
Glitcher: ("tonguetangler" ) Each night, sends the name of a player by PM, and the description of a tonguetangle.
Firewall: ("protector" ) One-time effectiveness. Sends in the name of a player by PM. If the player named in the PM is targeted by Frink/Scorpio during the night, no robotization takes place. If the player named in the PM is the target of a Marge/Ruth "shift" that night, no rescue takes place.
Patcher: ("healer" ) One-time effectiveness. Sends in the name of a player by PM. If the player named in the PM is targeted by Frink/Scorpio during the night, no robotization takes place. If the player named in the PM is the target of a Marge/Ruth "shift" that night, no rescue takes place.
Binaries: ("lovers" ) Code names: Zero and One. If "zero" is rescued or robotized, then "one" goes along with him/her. And vice versa.
Guesser: One-time effectiveness. Sends a PM giving three names as follows:
Name One: The name of ONE player that the guesser believes is Scorpio. (e.g., Scorpio = Annette)
Name Two: The name of ONE player who has been already revealed as a robot. (e.g., actually listed as a "robot")
Name Three: The name of ONE player who has been already revealed as a rescue. (e.g., actually listed as a "rescue")
IF the Guesser's identification of Scorpio is correct, then the named "robot" is reverted to "normal" status.
IF the Guesser's identification of Scorpio is INcorrect, then the named "rescue" is reverted to "normal" status.
Voice of Justice: (aka "VOJ" ) Acts as the tiebreaker at the end of the game. (The identity of the VOJ is known only to the VOJ and the GLs, until the game has ended.)
WINNING: When all players have been either robotized or rescued, a count is taken. Frink and Scorpio win if the number of robots is greater than the number of rescues. Otherwise, Marge, Ruth and the Springfielders (BeeGees?) win. In the event of a tie, whichever team has the VOJ is the winner.
NOTES:
ONE: In the event of a conflict between PMs sent the Scientists and the Rescuers, the PMs will be processed in the order in which they were received.
TWO: In certain other cases, Special Role powers will be processed in the order they are received.
THREE: In the event of a slew of PMs that all conflict with one another, GLynette promise to spend upward of 2 hours trying to find a logical solution, and if there is no "fair" way to handle it, reserve the right to do something random, such as ask their husbands for advice, or get drunk and fail to show up for the Morning Message. Be assured we will try our best. (To show up, I mean.)
RULES OF BEHAVIOR
-
[li]Do NOT PM any other player about the game (unless your Role PM stated otherwise).[/li]
[li]Dont post anything about anything that GLs tell you in PMs.[/li]
[li]Don't be a jerk.[/li]
[li]Dont tell people your character. Theyre supposed to figure it out. Thats the fun of the game.[/li]
[li]Dont tell people if you have a special role. Theyre supposed to figure it out. Thats the fun of the game.[/li]
REASSURANCE
Conspiracy games are confusing. (At least, GLYNNETTE is sure confused). So dont be shy to PM GLynnette with your questions. If we dont know the answer, well make one up.
DISCLAIMER
If we have left a gaping hole in these rules, we are either going to nobly accept our short-comings and leave it alone, or swallow our pride and admit that we messed up and let you know that we're patching our mistake. We are leaning very heavily toward the latter. (Pride is over-rated.)
We also reserve the right to make the rules more strict if y'all don't behave.
NOTE TO FORMER RTTF PLAYERS
The above "Disclaimer" should send chills up your spine. Remember how many times I changed the rules in the RTTF game?
RESCUES AND ROBOTS:
Day One: barry (Lisa Simpson) RESCUE
Night One: Nobody ((Robotizing Attempt failed)
Day Two: wilki (Luann) RESCUE
Night Two: maryclaire (Miss Hoover) ROBOT
Mid-Day Three : sealley (Frink 1.0) DEACTIVATED
Mid-Day Three: roses (Brandine) PRESUMED DEAD
Day Three: Nobody (Rescue Attempt failed)
Night Three: meinaz (Cletus) ROBOT
Day Four: johnny (Moe) RESCUE
Night Four: skidder (Smithers) ROBOT
Day Five: Juliet (Apu) RESCUE
Night Five: Nobody ((Robotizing Attempt failed)
Day Six: Taco_Belle (Selma) RESCUE
Night Six: stephtog (Patty) ROBOT
Day Seven: leafsfriend (Edna) RESCUE
Night Seven: Sakura (Burns) ROBOT
Mid-Day Eight: moxxee (Scorpio) REVEALED
Mid-Day Eight: josebot (Ruth) REVEALED
REMAINING PLAYERS (alphabetical order)
1. Fastshadow
2. Squirrel
3. Turkey
Imagine there's a signature image here.--Lynn McKenzie
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INTRO
The town hall buzzed with excitement as Mayor Quimby **** his gavel. Gentlemen and, uh, members of the fairuh sex, he began. I know youre all wondering why I called this meeting, so let me introduce our guests, Mr. Hank Scorpio and our very own Professor Frink!
The applause washed over the room in a solid wave, except for Lisa, who furrowed her brow and scowled. Scorpio stepped forward, his polo shirt and khakis pressed and immaculate, his tennis shoes neatly tied in double bows.
Thank you, your Honor. Its a real pleasure to be here in such a friendly town. Youre such lovely people. The crowd murmured its appreciation.
I have some exciting news. Its a project Im quite excited about, and I hope youll be just as thrilled. After discussion with His illustrious Honor, Im pleased to offer you Springfielders to be the chance to be a part of my brand-new town, Brookglen! He whipped the sheet from a nearby easel to reveal a large blueprint, filled with buildings.
Professor Frink and I have designed a town that is state of the art in every way and a delightful place to live and work, Scorpio continued, clicking on a laser pointer and indicating spots on the blueprint. New houses, parks, schools
If I may, Lisa interrupted, standing and glaring at Scorpio. An angry buzz began in the crowd, but Scorpio held up his hand, smiling.
Im always open to questions. Go right ahead.
The last time we moved to a town of yours, Lisa said, her voice sharp, my mother developed a drinking problem, Bart was shamed for his academic performance
Lise! Bart interrupted, glancing around in embarrassment.
I developed severe allergies from the flora and fauna, and my dad was given an easy job which made him miserable. Why should I think that this time will be any better?
Thats an excellent question, and Im glad that you asked it, Scorpio said, nodding. Your intelligence has gone up since I last saw you, Lisa. Lisa blushed, her frown fading.
We have prepared for every contingency this time by moving not just your family to Brookglen, but the entire community. Apu will have a fully stocked and upgraded Kwik-E-Mart, Principal Skinner and the teachers will have a new building with ample educational resources Martin Prince breathed a sign of ecstacy while the other kids grimaced.
and Moe will have a clean, sparkling new tavern, stocked with Duff and Fudd."
"Woo-hoo!" Homer cheered.
Hey! Moe exclaimed, frowning. Whats wrong with the place I got now?
Its been condemned by the Health Department.
Oh, yeah, Moe replied.
At any rate, you can rest assured that nothing will go wrong at Brookglen. If there are any problems, Professor Frink and I will eliminate them promptly. Isnt that right, Professor?
Hoyven Glaven! Frink exclaimed, nodding. Itll be like a well-oiled machine!
Erm, yes, Scorpio said, clearing his throat. Are there any questions?
This sounds like a veritable Garden of Eden, Reverend Lovejoy said. Almost too good to be true, in fact. Were you sent here by the devil to tempt us?
No, good sir, hes on the level! Lyle Langley broke in, doffing his straw hat and twirling his cane. All you lazy slobs will get lots of cushy jobs! And well build a monorail! And
Excuse me. Lyle? Scorpio interrupted, shaking his head. Youre in the wrong story.
Oh. Sorry, Lyle mumbled, slinking off into the crowd.
Where is this town? Chief Wiggum asked. And is there a police force?
Its west of North Haverbrook, south of Ogdenville and east of Shelbyville, Scorpio replied. And naturally, theres a place for our trusted officers. Weve built six Lard Lads.
Sign me up! Eddie, Lou and Wiggum exclaimed in unison.
Very good! Quimby proclaimed, taking the mike back. Mr. Scorpio and the Professor have assured me that there will be a place for local government as well!
With plenty of benefits on the side, Scorpio added.
May I call for a vote? Quimby continued. All in favor of moving to Brookglen?
The ayes roared through the room. Everyone wanted a chance to move to such a wonderful town.
Except for one. In a dark corner, an obscure figure lurked, biding its time.
DAY ONE MORNING MESSAGE
Brookglen hummed with the excited chatter of its newest residents, eagerly exploring all the advantages of their brand-new town.
This skateboard park is [absolutely delightful]! Bart exclaimed, doing loop-the-loops through a state of the art course.
I dont have the slightest desire to beat anyone up! Nelson agreed, cruising along beside him with Dolph and Kearney nodding close behind.
This library is magnificent, Lisa whispered, gazing at the rows and rows of brand new books and a gleaming, extensive card catalog. Its so nice to see the Dewey Decimal System again.
Ah, Smithers, I can rest at ease at last, Burns mused, tenting his fingers and looking out the window at the machinery humming below. No more need to worry about safety inspections, with all the precautions built in. And since Hank is supplementing my workers salaries, I can pay half as much and reap twice the profits.
Sir, doesnt that strike you as vaguely sinister? Smithers inquired, an uneasy expression on his face.
Nonsense! Hes a man who believes in the value of subsidizing free enterprise!
Naturally, Smithers nodded, the frown not leaving his face.
A-hoy, a-hey! Frink agreed, nodding as he picked up a welding torch and Scorpio picked up the phone.
Joe? Hank here. Yes, Im thrilled that everyones enjoying it so much. Oh, really? Well, if you have any problems, just call me. Yes. Say, listen, I realized that theres something you forgot . He went on, nodding and grimacing at Quimbys grating Boston accent. No, no need to mention me at all. I know you would have thought of it eventually .
A shocked wave of gasps and exclamations coursed through the room.
Cant we just use the statue of Hosea Brookglen instead? Lenny asked.
Of course not, Comic Book Guy said scornfully. It is important that we maintain the tradition of honoring our ancestors. Just as I honor George Lucas despite his falling away from the Original Canon of the Star Wars films.
Uh, yes, Quimby agreed, giving him a puzzled glance. At any rate, we need two volunteers to go to Springfield and bring back the statue. Anyone?
Everyone looked around uncomfortably.
I cannot leave the Kwik-E-Mart, Apu said, shaking his head. My store is actually crowded for the first time in years.
And my new Moes Tavern is hopping, Moe agreed. Hey, Barn, why dont you do it?
Happy to! Barney agreed, belching, and then fell down in a stupor.
Well, the staff and I are all busy actually teaching the children, Skinner said. Willie, what about you?
Nae, I must get ready for the Highland Bagpipe Competition tomarra! Willie protested, muttering under his breath at Skinner.
Ill volunteer, Marge said, raising her hand. I think its important that we honor Jebediah.
But you cant carry that yourself! Homer said. And I have a bad back!
Ill go with you, Marge, Ruth Powers said. Itll be an adventure.
Godspeed, ladies! Quimby said, banging his gavel. Meeting adjourned!
Why would it? Marge said. Its not like last time. I actually do my own cleaning, but with much better appliances.
You dont think its strange that Scorpio and Frink went to all this trouble?
Hmm well, now that you mention it Marges brow furrowed.
They arrived in Springfield, still talking, and went to the town square. The statue of Jebediah Springfield gleamed in the sun.
OK, Marge, Ive got the block and tackle. Lets get this thing on the roof. Ruth rolled up her sleeves.
Wait! Marge said, pulling a piece of paper from Jebediahs pocket. Whats this?
The two bent their heads over the note, murmuring.
Oh, my, Marge said, looking worried.
You see? I was right! Ruth said, nodding. They do have a nefarious plot!
But why would someone with the initials D.E.M. care enough to leave us a note? Marge asked.
Who cares? At least they warned us about the statue! Come on, we have to get back and warn everyone!
They sped off, leaving the sculpture of Jebediah Springfield behind.
We didnt bring it, Marge said. There was She stopped as Ruth squeezed her arm hard, jerking her head toward the back of the crowd where Scorpio and Frink stood watching.
not enough rope in the car, Marge finished. We werent strong enough to lift it without help.
Thats what you get when you send women to do a mans job, Wolfcastle opined.
We need someone wholl get the statue! Moe shouted. Whos going?
DAY ONE VOTES:
2. Barry - 6 votes (skidder, Juliet, josebot, squirrel, turkey, maryclaire)
1. squirrel - 6 votes (steph, sakura, wilki, barry, fastshadow, johnny)
3. leafsfriend - 1 vote (sealley)
5. wilki - 1 vote (moxxee)
6. sealley - 1 vote (meinaz)
7. sakura - 1 vote (leafsfriend)
Barry reached 6 votes first.
DAY ONE EVENING MESSAGE
Whos going? Moe shouted.
For the next several hours, the Brookglenites debated back and forth about who would set out to bring the statue of Jebediah Springfield. At first, people seemed eager to go. However, doubts soon set in.
How do we know something bad wont happen if we go for that statue? Krusty asked belligerently. I let my insurance lapse!
Id go, but todays Sunday, Ned explained. We dont travel by car on the Lords Day.
Hey! Krusty yelled. You swiped that idea from us!
And so it went, back and forth. To go or stay? No one could decide which was best.
After a while, a few brave souls began volunteering for the job. The first was Maggie, but since she could only suck her pacifier, no one could understand her offer.
If you want, Ill go, Eddie offered. I cant eat any more donuts, anyway. Five dozens enough for one day.
Says you, Wiggum remarked, stuffing another donut in his mouth.
Ill volunteer, a familiar voice said from the back. I dont mind. Ive traveled around the whole world. When we played at Busch Stadium in 66, it was pouring down rain, and John said
Shut up, Paul! people began shouting. Youre not a real Springfielder, anyway!
Brookglenner, Scorpio corrected politely.
Brookglenese! Akira interjected.
Brookglenian! someone else cried, and then the debate degenerated into which term was the correct one.
So it went for longer than this narrator cares to describe. At last, the Brookglenoids put the matter to a vote, and chose their volunteer.
So long. Youll do great. Youre the smartest one here. Second smartest. With these words of praise ringing through the air, the chosen one gulped and crossed the borders of Brookglen, heading for Springfield.
After some time, the figure reached the borders of the old town and made its way to the park. There, the statue of Jebediah waited, almost seeming to wink in the fading light of sunset.
Well, the chosen one said, taking a deep breath. Ill just
But before anything else could happen, two mysterious figures who had been lurking behind the trees skulked forward, swooping down on the gender neutral hero/ine.
Tune in tomorrow, same Glynette-time and channel, to find out what happens next!
DAY TWO MORNING MESSAGE
Wow! Its good to see the statue of Jebediah Springfield next to Hosea Brookglen! Squeaky Voiced Teen exclaimed, admiring the sculpture as it gleamed in the sun.
Yeah. Good thing nothing happened to [redacted] during her/his uneventful absence, Bart commented, popping wheelies around the statues base.
Hank Scorpio watched the town on his monitors, a beatific smile on his face.
Wonderful. Phase Two implemented without the slightest glitch, he said, nodding. Now we can begin the final phase. Is the machine ready?
You bet your bippy! Professor Frink said, whipping off the cloth cover. Behold!
Wow. Scorpio moved closer, inspecting Frinks creation closely. Thats perfect. Did you test it?
A-hey, a-hey! Frink spluttered indignantly. Of course I did! Not to do so would be a contradiction of the scientific method, and that would just be crazy, ahem ahey.
Excellent. Scorpio crossed the room to a control panel with several dials and needles and a big purple button. Now. Lets see here, a little fine-tuning He fiddled with the dials, then beamed in satisfaction. And here we go. He pressed the button, then stepped back to the monitors, focusing on one in particular. His face darkened.
What? Nothings happening. He whirled on the confused Frink. You said youd tested it!
I did! Frink protested in his whiniest voice. I tested the machines here and the statue back in Springfield!
Well, its not working now. Scorpio snapped off the monitor so hard that the rotating switch broke off in his hand. Darn.
I can fix that, Frink said, snatching the knob.
Good, but thats not what really needs fixing. Back to the drawing board, Scorpio said more calmly, drumming his fingers on the control panel. How quickly can you make another Frinkasonic flamestan? He waited, but Frink was busy trying to replace the control knob. Frink!
Hoyven Glaven! Frink exclaimed, jumping up and banging his head on the ledge of the machine. Ow!
Forget the knob, Scorpio said, grabbing it and throwing it across the room. Build another flamestan, and this time make sure it works before putting it out! Now get going!
Frink disappeared through a side door to his lab. Scorpio sighed hard. Stupid Brookglenners, he muttered. If theyd only remembered the statue in the first place
Good thing we intercepted [redacted] last night, one remarked.
Yes. And good thing we fixed that statue before Scorpio and Frink could use it, the other agreed. Now to implement Phase Two of our nefarious scheme.
Is it really nefarious? the first asked, glancing around with a frown. I dont think I like that.
No, but it makes it sound like more fun, the second said, grinning. Lets go!
Brookglenistines! Jasper croaked.
Brookglenim! Krusty yelled.
Hold it, hold it! Wiggum shouted, his arms full of free donuts that EA (I mean, Scorpio and Frink) had given him. Lets not start THAT again!
How about Bee Gees? Disco Stu said, doing a dance move.
That works for me, Quimby said hastily. Now, without further ado, is everything working all right in our new town?
Excellent! Burns said, nodding; and everyone nodded back.
The statue of Jebediah really looks good in the park, Carl said.
The statueOh, my, Marge commented.
Marge, cant you ever be happy with things? Homer complained, snagging a few donuts from Wiggums overflowing arms.
It just dawned on me that we forgot the Whacking Day statue of Jebediah, Marge explained, her brow furrowed. You know, the one thats so hard to find.
Are you saying that we must send someone else to go get it? Quimby asked in his thickest drawl.
Well, I suppose we dont have to, Marge said, blushing. But Whacking Day is a part of Springfield tradition.
I think Whacking Day is important, Smithers said, nodding.
You would, Burns commented.
Well, whos going to go now? Reverend Lovejoy asked.
Ill go! Grandpa said, and then promptly fell asleep.
Here we go again, Moe muttered.
Who will go to get the statue THIS time? You guessed it, Bee Geesits YOUR call! Pick one person to get the Whacking Day statue! (I promise, next time youll have a different mission!)
DAY TWO VOTES:
1. Jose - 5 votes (juliet, tacobelle (forced vote), maryclaire, sakura, sealley)
2. Johnny - 3 votes (barry, wilki, squirrel)
3. Juliet - 2 votes (josebot, fastshadow)
4. Roses - 1 votes (meinaz)
5. Wilki - 1 vote (stephtog)
6. sakura - 1 vote (skidder)
DAY TWO EVENING MESSAGE
Once again, a lot of time was spent arguing over who should go and who should stay. Some choices were eliminated immediately.
"I'll go," Lisa offered. "I think we should preserve Springfield tradition in Brookglen."
"Uh, Lise, I hate to break it to you, but you're way too weak to carry that statue," Bart said, sniggering.
"I volunteer Bart Simpson!" Kearney shouted.
"Me? Hey, no way, man!" Bart protested. "I can't carry it, either!"
"Ha-ha!" Nelson laughed, pointing a finger at Bart mockingly.
"Orduh!" Quincy shouted, banging his gavel. "There's only one way to do this fairly! We Brookglenners--"
"Brookglenites!"
"Brookglenatrons!"
"--Bee Gees will each put our name in a hat, and then draw one out! That will solve this problem!"
"Seems fair to me," Scorpio declared.
So everyone wrote their names on slips of paper and tossed them into Wiggum's hat.
"All right," Quimby said, taking the hat and shaking it. "Now, then--"
"Wait a second!" Ruth said, raising her hand. "Who's going to validate the slip once you take it out?"
"It's a gonna be me!" Luigi said.
"Faith, I'll do it!" Tom O'Shanter declared back, and then the room disintegrated into a swarm of yells and arguments. In the confusion, no one saw the mysterious figure sneak over to the abandoned hat and empty it, dropping in a number of sheets of paper from its pockets.
Finally Quimby **** the meeting back to order. "We've been wasting a lot of time heyuh!" He declared. "Miss Springfield will validate the name!" He reached into the hat and pulled out a slip of paper.
Miss Springfield took it, and her eyes widened at the name of the one chosen.
DAY THREE MORNING MESSAGE
All right, so now we have the regular statue AND the Whacking Day statue, Selma said, smoking a cigarette in the park by the staue of Hosea Brookglen. Lets hope that Marge doesnt think of any other statues to bring back.
Hmm. We could always send Fatso to get them, Patti said, taking a drag on her own cigarette. Both sisters uttered throaty laughs.
From his hideout, Scorpio watched them, a satisfied smile on his lips.
All right, lets try this again, he said to Frink, waiting by the stanifran. You got the new flamestan out?
A-hey, a-hey! Frink agreed. I put it in the statue of Hosea!
And youre certain its working?
Definitely!
I hope youre right. Scorpio looked over the monitors. Hmm Eeney, meeney, miney, moe That one. The person he indicated was in the grocery store, squeezing a roll of bathroom tissue.
Switch on! Scorpio commanded.
Frink flipped a switch, and the stanifran began to hum.
Here we go. He adjusted a dial, then pushed the big purple button, holding his breath.
To his delight, the person onscreen stiffened, dropping the toilet paper and straightening up as if a rod was in its spine. A blank expression replaced its melancholy smile. Behind its glasses, its eyes glazed over.
Success! Scorpio said, beaming.
Hoyven Glaven! Frink cheered.
All right. Now Scorpio picked up a microphone, addressing the person onscreen. Listen to me. Your will is no longer your own. You have become one of my robot legions. During the day, you will continue as normal, with no knowledge of any changes. At night, you will obey my commands, with no memory of anything in the morning. The person nodded stiffly. Now, continue as normal. The person nodded again, picking up the Charmin and giving it a giant squeeze.
Scorpio clicked off the monitor and turned to Frink, smiling. Congratulations. Give us a hug. He held out his arms, and Frink collapsed into them, crying in happiness. There, there. Thats all right. Im sorry I was cross before. You did wonderfully. Here. He picked up a package and handed it to his assistant. Go on. Open it.
Frink did as he was told and gasped. Inside was a boxed set of Jerry Lewiss greatest films. Oh, gloyven haven! You shouldnt have!
Youve earned it, Scorpio assured him. Take five.
Frink vanished into his lab, and a minute later, the sound of the Paramount theme emerged from it.
Pity the idiot could only get it to work on one person a day, Scorpio mused, watching his newest robot push its shopping cart down the aisles of the Kwik-E-Mart.
Once on the outskirts of town, she hesitated, then ducked behind the WELCOME TO SUNNY BROOKGLEN! sign and down an obscure dirt path. A few minutes later, it went behind a pile of unassuming rocks, a few boards lying on the ground there. She pulled them aside to reveal an opening, and descended, making certain to pull them back into place behind her.
A staircase led to a room, and she opened the door. Inside, Luann sat at a table, staring at an intercom connected to a phone line.
"You know, too?" Lisa asked, taking a seat.
"I found out yesterday, when I was picked to bring back the Whacking Day statue," Luann explained. "Two mysterious figures stopped me and told me what was happening."
"But--" Before Lisa could continue, the phone rang, and Luann pressed the speaker button.
"Are you both there?" a strange voice asked.
"Yes," the two chorused.
"Good. We need to spread the word about what's happening in Brookglen. Scorpio and Frink are going to turn us all into robots if we dont do something fast.
Is it only men who are affected? Luann asked uneasily.
Were not sure, a second mysterious voice answered. We havent found any robots yet.
Then how do you know there are any? Lisa said.
By the note that D.E.M. left us, the first voice explained.
I still havent figured that out, the second voice said, sounding aggrieved. David Mason? David Marr? Daniel Morgan? Donald
Stop it! The first voice shouted. Youve been hashing that out ad nauseum! I told you, it doesnt matter! We have to stop it before it affects our men! And maybe women!
If it only affects men, it could be an advantage, Luann said. We could manage them a lot better if they didn't have minds of their own."
Well, they are naturally slower and less intuitive, so they may be more susceptible to the machines theyre using, Lisa said. But tempus fugit. We need to convince people that theres a danger.
But if we tell everyone, they wont believe us, the second voice said, sounding worried. Well have to go slowly. Just one person a day. And maybe the ones we choose will have some insights that can help us convince others.
"Anyway, let's meet back here tomorrow, same time," the first voice said. "With luck, we'll have another convert. Good luck."
Ruth hung up on her end and looked at Marge. "We'll need it," she finished.
Marge nodded. "Especially after that mix-up with the votes last night. What happened there?"
"No idea," Ruth said.
Somewhere in the distance, D.E.M. chuckled.
DAY 3 VOTES
1. johnny - 6 votes (sakura, turkey, meinaz, wilki, leafsfriend, skidder)
2. Juliet - 3 votes ( moxxee, squirrel, barry)
3. moxxee - 1 vote (stephtog)
4. jose - 1 vote (johnny)
5. sakura - 1 vote (jose)
6. Squirrel -1 vote (maryclaire)
7. Turkey - 1 vote (Juliet)
DAY THREE EVENING MESSAGE
Well, its almost time to turn another Brookglenner into a robot, Scorpio said, folding his arms and contemplating the town on his monitors.
It would have been better if we hadnt chosen Lisa on the first round, Frink said, sounding a bit testy.
Yes, but we discussed this. I wanted to convert her first because shes the smartest one here.
Second smartest, Frink replied, beaming.
Scorpio gave an exasperated sigh. Have it your way. The point is, with her under our control, the rest wouldve been simple. I think someone else must have gotten to her first.
Hayven! Frink agreed. But who?
I dont know. If I knew, I wouldnt have said someone else.
Perhaps you should have let me choose the first one, Frink said. Then wed have two robots, instead of one.
Listen. There was a definite edge to Scorpios voice now. Im the boss, and youre the second in command. Dont forget that.
Well, ahem ahoy, perhaps we should change that! Frink snapped.
WhYoure out of line! Scorpio shouted. No more Jerry Lewis films for a week!
You cant do that! Frink leapt at Scorpio, and then stopped cold, staring down at the jackknife that had been thrust into his chest.
A-hey, a-hey, he said, pulling it out and whirling around. I th-th-th-think I have suffered a serious in-in-in-injury. He picked up a test tube from his desk and walked stiffly back to Scorpio, dropping it on the floor. I thought we were friends. He spun around, jerking back to the desk and seizing another test tube, then returning and dropping it once more. I thought we were friends. Grab, back, smash. I thought we were friends. Smash. I th-th-th-th-thought He froze in place with a loud buzzing noise, his mouth half open. Sparks flew from his eyes.
Well, doggone it, Scorpio said, shaking his head. Waste of a perfectly good model. But, it had to be done. He reached around to Frinks back and snapped the switch off. The robot died with a metallic screech.
Ah, well, Scorpio said, dusting his hands. Back to the drawing board. Whistling a tune, he went to the closet and opened it, where an exact replica of Frink stood motionless.
Whistle while you work doo doo doo doo doo doo doo Scorpio sang, reaching around back, then stopping. He turned Frink around and pulled up his lab coat, revealing the switch, clearly labeled.
Yep. Set to Evil. He pushed the button beside it, and Frink jerked to life. Hoyven Glaven! he said, nodding his head. Im awake!
You certainly are, Scorpio said, smiling at Frink 2.0. And weve got work to do. He turned to the monitors, focusing in on one person in particular; then he stopped, his eyes lighting up. This ones not worth converting, he said, tapping his foot. But she might be dangerous unconverted Hmm. He opened a drawer and took out a small figure, whispering into its ear. Go, he finished, and the figure jumped down to the floor and scampered out the door.
Looking into the distance, she saw something scurrying down the road toward her. Automatically, she raised her rifle, then lowered it when she realized it wasnt human. It looked like a rabbit, but it moved like a tiny little person.
In fact, she realized as it ran closer, it was a tiny persona little doll, with funny green hair tufts and a bright red nose. Laughing manically, it jumped up the steps and onto her lap.
Wal, aint you the cutest thang! Brandine drawled, peering at the figure. Whats you-all up to?
The clown grinned, pulling out a butcher knife and raising it high.
[Since this is a PG rated forum, we will let you imagine the mayhem which followed.]
BODY COUNT:
Frink 1.0 = sealley = Inactivated
Brandine = rose = Presumed Dead
Frink 2.0. = ? = Activated
And what of tonight's Rescue? More on that tomorrow, faithful listeners!
DAY FOUR MORNING MESSAGE
For the first time since the Flaming Moe, Moes Tavern was packed. Laughing people clinked mugs and danced to Kanye West, having the time of their lives.
Moe, youre the greatest! shouted Edna, bumping her hips in time with the beat.
Youre the champ! agreed Apu, taking a long drink. And this Duff is top quality!
Three cheers for Moe! Homer said, climbing up on a table and raising his beer mug. The patrons cheered one and all, breaking into a chorus of For Hes A Jolly Good Fellow, whistling and clapping.
At a corner table, Marge and Ruth sat murmuring to each other.
It should definitely be Moe, Marge said, taking a ladylike sip of beer. Hes so popular. Hed be certain to be believed by the rest of the town.
Are you sure, Marge? Ruth asked, chugging her beer and wiping her mouth on her sleeve. Hes not that bright. What about Principal Skinner, or Comic Book Guy? Someone with a few more brains?
I dont know, Marge mused. I think we should try Moe since hes here.
OK, I guess. But do you think hell believe us?
Well Maybe if we get him drunk enough, Marge said, pursing her lips.
All right. Lets do it.
Now? But what about all these people?
Theyre half smashed anyway, Marge. Come on. No time like the present.
Swallowing her doubts, Marge got up with Ruth and crossed the room, squeezing between obese patrons and D cups. Giving one last shove between flesh, they reached the bar, waving to get Moes attention as he drew beer mugs.
Moe! Ruth shouted over the crowd, gesturing to the bartender. We wanted to ask you
At the next moment, there was a loud bang, and all the lights went out in the bar. Screams and shouts of irritation sounded in the pitch black room.
Did you
I cant see. I think
What
Oh, for crying out loud, Moes distinctive voice muttered. Thats it! Everyone home! Were closed for the night!
Wait! Marge shouted over the stamp of feet headed for the door and angry mutters of the patrons. We wanted
OUT! Everybody, NOW! Or I may have to get old Bessie out! Moe shouted, and before they knew what had happened, Ruth and Marge were out on the sidewalk, watching the Bee Gees stream off in all directions.
Wait! Marge shouted again at their departing backs. Just a moment! We
Marge, shush! Ruth said, pulling her away. Its too late! We lost our chance! Theyre too drunk to pay attention to us!
Oh, my, Marge murmured, unhappiness glistening in her eyes.
Now that his wife is gone, hell be in just the right frame of mind for our methods of persuasion, Scorpio said, eyeing Cletus as he halfheartedly pulled a few weeds from his tiny farm. Are we ready?
Good to glaven! Frink said, switching on the stanifran.
AndBingo! Scorpio cried, pressing the purple button. Cletuss spine stiffened, and he jerked to attention, his eyes blank.
Yes! A-hey, a-hey! The two villains high-fived each other, thrilled with their second successful night.
Rescued: Nobody
Roboticized: Cletus (Meinaz)
DAY FOUR VOTES
johnny = 13 votes (jose, squirrel, Sakura, Taco_Belle, stephtog, Juliet, leafsfriend, maryclaire, meinaz, moxxee, wilki, fastshadow, barry)
Everyone else = Zero votes.
DAY FOUR EVENING MESSAGE
Ruth and Marge listened from the back of Moes Tavern, waiting by the trash cans lined up beside the door. Inside, cheers and shouts of Yay, Moe! resounded alongside the music (Taylor Swift tonight, for those who care).
Are we sure we want to pick Moe? Marge said, frowning.
We talked about it, Marge. Everyone loves Moe. Listen to that in there! Wed be idiots to choose anyone elsehes obviously the one everyone wants! Ruth said.
Um. I hope it doesnt give him a swelled head.
He does seem awfully pleased with himself, Ruth agreed. But hes still the best choice.
I guess youre right, Marge said, nodding. I just cant understand what happened last night.
We goofed, thats all. We shouldnt have tried to talk to him in the bar. This is safer. Im sure itll work this time.
I hope so.
They waited, chatting about various things, until the back door was pushed open. Moe emerged with an empty keg, huffing and puffing.
Phew! he said, wiping his forehead with his bar rag. Ive never had business like this! Then he saw the two women. Oh, hiya, Midge. And, uh, whats your name. Whats up?
Well, Marge said, leaning in. We have something important to tell you .
Oh, well, she said to herself, blowing out a stream of smoke. At least the pays better under Hank than Seymour. For a moment, she wondered what had happened to the principal. She hadnt seen him in days.
DAY FIVE MORNING MESSAGE
Smithers pulled the coverlet up to Burns' chin and handed him Bobo. "Ready for your bedtime story, sir?"
"Ah, yes," Burns replied, snuggling into his pillows and cuddling his bear. "Read the one about King Midas again. But be sure to change the ending!"
"Naturally," Smithers murmured, opening the book. He cleared his throat. "Once upon a time, there was a wealthy man named Tr--I mean, Midas. He had vast amounts of wealth, but it was never enough. One day--" Smithers stopped and sat up straight, making a gurgling noise in his throat.
"Well?" Burns opened one eye and peered at his underling. "Go on!"
"I think--" Smithers said, his voice choked and his eyes blank.
"You think? You THINK? I *think* you think! Damn it, Smithers, I want my story!" Burns said, grabbing his pillow and doing his best to whack his aide on the head with it.
Smithers's eyes cleared, and he shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir. Where was I? Oh, yes. One day a strange man came to visit the king..."
Waylon continued to read, outwardly calm. Inside, however, down deep where his consciousness could not reach, his psyche uttered a long howl of despair, knowing he had fallen victim to Frink and Scorpio's evil plan.
"We don't know why, but we assume they have some evil plan in mind," Marge said.
"You believe us, don't you?" Ruth asked, frowning.
"Hey, of course I believe you! Why wouldn't I? I mean, it's not the weirdest thing that's ever happened in Springfield."
"Brookglen."
"Oh, yeah. Here, either." Moe pounded his fist into his hand. "Lemme get a torch and let's go storm their lab!"
"We can't do that!" Marge said, grabbing his arm. "We need to convince everyone, first!"
"Aw, really?" Moe looked disappointed. "I always did like me a good riot."
DAY FIVE VOTES
Juliet = 9 votes (jose, johnny, meinaz, wilki, sakura, barry, maryclaire, squirrel, skidder)
turkey = 3 votes (Juliet, leafsfriend, moxxee)
Taco_Belle = 3 votes (stephtog, fastshadow, turkey)
DAY FIVE EVENING MESSAGE
Marge and Ruth sat around the table in their secret hideout, trying to decide whom to choose. (Yes, that is grammatically correct.)
I heard several different people saying that they thought things were kind of funny here, Marge said. Maybe one of them would be a good choice.
Mm-hmm. Edna was asking where Skinner was, and said she was sick of all the kids yelling, Ruth said. If we chose her, maybe she could persuade Skinner once we find him.
But she might not be Skinners girlfriend anymore, Marge said. So she might not be a good choice.
Right. Well, Apu was saying that he was worried about all the vegetarian options in his new Kwik-E-Mart, and the fact that all of the food was dated properly, Ruth said.
Yes. And there were some others, too. I almost asked Selmaor was it Patty? I cant remember. Anyway, I heard one of them complaining about the lack of new eligible men, so I guess it was Selma. I thought if we chose her, she might be able to persuade Patty.
Just because theyre sisters doesnt mean they think alike, Ruth objected. You dont think like your sisters.
No, I suppose not, Marge said, looking sad. Who else?
Well, when I asked Lisa and Luann and Moe, they all had different answers. I dont know what to think.
All right, Marge said. Well do the secret double axel coin flip fizzbin card toss. Thatll give us the answer.
Ruth nodded, and they cast the cards and flipped the coins. The answer surprised them both.
DAY SIX MORNING MESSAGE
Youd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs Scorpio sang under his breath, gazing at the Bee Gees through his monitors. Ready with the stanifran, Frink?
A-hem, a-hey! Frink agreed from the other side of the room.
All righty, lets see Eenie, meenie, chili beanie How about you. The monitor he had chosen showed Edna Krabappel on the school playground, having another smoke break during recess.
Switch on! Scorpio commanded, adjusting the dials.
On, Tebbs! Frink cried as the machine began to hum.
On, Tebbs? Scorpio thought, then dismissed it. Activating! He hit the purple button, then glanced back at the monitor. To his surprise, he saw nothing there but a pile of leaves.
What Frink! He slammed down on the button twice more, but there was still no sign of Edna. The pile of leaves rustled in the wind, but that was all.
Whats the matter NOW? Scorpio shouted, whirling on his robot assistant.
Ahem, ahey, Frink said, observing the screen. It would appear that the leaves that the subject is rolling in appear to be blocking the eminations.
Blocking theWhat kind of nonsense is that?
The only kind that I can explain to you, Master Scorpio, the Frink robot said, stammering a bit. I report the news. I dont make it.
Oh, great. Scorpio switched off the screen and crossed the room to his favorite couch, sinking down on it in a petulant mass of elbows and knees. Twenty-four hours until my next shot. Another chance wasted. He sighed. Frink, get me a Sprite. Please. He turned on the remote, sinking back and staring with glazed eyeballs at Duck Dynasty.
Glm! Rthr **** msmthfl? Martin choked, trying to express the deciduous growths.
Ah. Edna smiled in bliss. How I love leaves.
Marge sighed; always the same thing. I keep telling people, we can only persuade one person at a time, she said.
If only we could get two people who were linked somehow, Ruth said.
It doesnt seem likely to EVER happen, Marge said, shaking her head.
DAY SIX VOTES
leafs = 12 votes (squirrel, barry, Juliet, moxxee, meinaz, Sakura, Wilki, turkey, johnny, fastshadow, skidder, maryclaire)
stephtog = 1 vote (Taco_Belle)
fastshadow = 1 vote (josePH)
Taco_Belle = 1 vote (stephtog)
DAY SIX EVENING MESSAGE
All right, everyone; who should we try to convince today? Marge asked the group of conspirators, seated around the table in their secret lair.
Well, I think it should be Edna, Apu suggested. She seems like a good person to have on our side.
Any other reasons? Ruth asked.
Shes close to Skinner, so maybe she could convince him, Luann suggested.
But hes vanished. No ones seen him around for the last few days or so, Lisa objected.
I got a feeling that hes not going to be noticed for a while, Moe said.
How do you know? Marge asked, frowning.
A little bird told me. Look, we gotta choose someone, and Im thinking Edna, too. She dont put up with stupid gab from nobody.
Lets vote on it, Ruth said. All in favor?
Almost everyones hand went up.
OK, well do it. Night, everybody, Ruth said, banging the gavel. Once the room was empty except for Marge and her, she turned to her friend. What do you REALLY think?
Umm, Marge sighed. I dont know .
DAY SEVEN MORNING MESSAGE
Mom, where are you going? Lisa asked, falling into step beside her mother as they walked through the gleaming streets of Brookglen.
Ruth and I are meeting someone, Marge said, not looking at her daughter.
Ooh, Lisa said, understanding immediately. May I come?
Well I suppose so. But dont say anything, Marge replied, flicking her gaze at one of the unobtrusive cameras which followed their every movement.
At the corner, Ruth joined them, and they walked several blocks to a group of apartment buildings. Lisa began to grow uneasy at the sight.
I didnt think Does Mrs. Krabappel live here? she asked, looking around. I thought she was
Were not going to see her, Lisa, Marge said, pushing the fourth floor elevator button.
Were not? Then who Lisa gasped, realizing. Aunt Selma? But why? Didnt we all vote for Mrs. Krabappel?
Ssh! Ruth said as the bell dinged and the elevator door slid open. We have our reasons. Now be quiet.
Lisa obeyed, a hundred thoughts spinning through her confused brain.
Not so loud, Selma, Marge whispered. We dont know if these apartments are bugged.
Hmm. Well, thats pretty far-fetched, but if Lisa believes it, thats good enough for me. But why are you telling me this?
We thought you could persuade Patty, Ruth said. You two are so close.
Heh, Selma laughed, taking another drag of smoke. Not anymore. We got in a fight yesterday. She moved to the other side of town. Were not speaking to each other.
Oh, my, Marge murmured, frowning. Well, maybe shell listen to all of us.
Heh. If you say so, Marge. But I wouldnt hold my breath.
Same room number, even, Selma commented, shaking her head. Huh. No originality.
Come on, lets go, Ruth said as the elevator door slid open.
Lisas thoughts were still whirling as they rode up. Aunt Selma and Patty, fighting? And Mom and Ruth deciding for no good reason to talk to Aunt Selma instead of Mrs. Krabappel? She didnt understand any of it.
All right, Marge said as they stopped at 404. Let me do the talking. She rang the buzzer.
To their surprise, the door opened at once, and Patty greeted them with a smile on her face. My beloved sisters! And my niece! Come in, come in!
Me too? Selma said suspiciously, standing on the threshold.
Of course, Selma, Patty said, seizing her sister around the waist and giving her a rib-cracking hug. Im so sorry. It was all my fault. If youd like me to move back in, Id be glad to. Or you could move in here.
Um, Aunt Patty? Is this your apartment? Lisa asked, gazing around in wonder. It was spotlessly clean and neat. The table tops shone with wax, and the windows sparkled, crystal clear. Instead of cigarette smoke, the air smelled like Lemon Pledge and Pine-Sol.
Patty laughed, and Lisa noticed with even more surprise that she had styled her hair. Of course, sweetheart! It was a mess. I scrubbed it top to bottom. In fact, I was just about to start recleaning it. The carpets filthy. She reached down and picked a microscopic piece of lint off it, scowling.
Oh, no, Marge said, her eyes widening.
What? What is it? Ruth said, looking confused. Selma and Lisa stared at Patty as she hummed a Gilbert OSullivan tune, taking a feather duster and attacking the knick-knacks on a shelf.
Marge spoke in a hoarse whisper. I think were too late.
Is there some reason for all the house cleaning? Scorpio asked idly.
A-hem, a-hem. Well, Im not too sure, Frink said, staring at the monitor, but I think its a side effect of the changes to the subjects brain chemistry. Would you like me to try to alter it?
No, no, Scorpio said, smiling. Its nice to see a woman who knows her place.
Rescued: Selma (Taco_Belle)
Roboticized: Patty (Stephtog)
DAY SEVEN VOTING
leafs = 10 votes (barry, meinaz, sakura, squirrel, Juliet, johnny, maryclaire, moxxee, stephtog, wilki, jose)
sakura = 3 vote (Taco, fastshadow)
Squirrel = 1 vote (leafsfriend)
DAY SEVEN EVENING MESSAGE
All right, everyone; who should we try to convince today? Marge asked the group of conspirators, seated around the table in their secret lair.
Well, I think it should be Edna, Apu suggested. She seems like a good person to have on our side.
Any other reasons? Ruth asked.
Shes close to Skinner, so maybe she could convince him, Luann suggested.
But hes vanished. No ones seen him around for the last few days or so, Lisa objected.
I got a feeling that hes not going to be noticed for a while, Moe said.
How do you know? Marge asked, frowning.
A little bird told me.
At that moment, a large box on an upper shelf slid loose, and a cascade of pebbles rained down upon Moes unsuspecting cranium.
Ow! He shouted, jumping up and rubbing his scalp, where a large bump had formed. Miniature cartoon birds circled around his head, twittering sweetly.
Are you all right? Marge said, jumping up to examine his wound.
Yeah, yeah. I'm OK, Midge. Moe shook his head to clear it, tossing aside the box labeled LUNAR SAMPLES. Look, we gotta choose someone, and Im thinking Edna, too. She dont put up with stupid gab from nobody.
Did a little bird tell you that, too? Apu asked.
Yeah, INo. Moe glanced up at the ceiling, shuddering. I just think it might work.
Lets vote on it, Ruth said. All in favor?
Almost everyones hand went up.
OK, well do it. Night, everybody, Ruth said, banging the gavel. Once the room was empty except for Marge and her, she turned to her friend. What do you REALLY think?
This is strange, Marge said, her brow furrowing. I feel like we've done this before.
[/quote]
DAY EIGHT MORNING MESSAGE
Edna, please listen and take us seriously, Marge pleaded, looking into Edna Krabappels smirking eyes. Hank Scorpio and Professor Frink are turning everyone into robots.
She braced herself for a resounding denial or argument; but to her surprise, Edna threw back her head. Ha! I knew something was going on!
You did? Marge exclaimed.
Of course! Ive suspected things werent right since Seymour went missing. At least for the past three days or so. Why didnt you tell me then?
Marge and Ruth looked at each other. Its complicated, Ruth said.
Well, what are we going to do about it? Edna asked.
We all need to get together, Marge said, squaring her shoulders.
Right, Ruth said, nodding. Things are about to get wild.
Yes, sir! Miss Hoover said, standing at attention and saluting.
Cletus? Sorry about your wife, Cletus, Scorpio said, patting his shoulder.
Sir, yes, sir! Cletus responded with a salute.
Waylon Smithers?
Yes, sir, Smithers said, sketching a decidedly half-hearted salute.
Patty Bouvier?
Yes, master! Patty replied, curtseying and simpering in a lace apron and high heels.
Last but not least Montgomery Burns?
Present, Burns replied, a look of distate on his already ugly features.
Now, now, Montgomery, Scorpio remonstrated. Its not that hard. A simple Yes, sir, will do.
Mr. Burns whispered something only audible to himself. Scorpio chose to ignore it, raising his voice.
Robot legions! I have assembled you here to prepare for the Great Battle about to ensue! Today is the day in which we shall triumph or go down fighting!
All present shouted Hurrah!, except for Frink, who was engrossed in The Nutty Professor on his Android tablet.
DAY EIGHT MIDDAY MESSAGE
Everyone milled together in Brookglen Park by both statues of Jebediah Springfield and Hosea Brookglen. Both sides were on edge, not knowing where, among the crowd, their foes lay.
Only one remained to choose as either robot or Springfielder. But which? Which one?
What should we do? Marge said aloud to no one in particular.
Suddenly a loud humming noise sounded throughout the sky. A moment later, a spluttering noise echoed over the town.
Testing, one, two, three This is D.E.M. speaking. I have taken pity on you poor confused souls and have decided to throw you a bone. In your ranks, unnoticed, are four leaders. I shall reveal two of them as a reward for your hard work.
Oh, my, Marge thought, before wondering once again who on earth D.E.M. could be. Then the voice sounded again, and two spotlights clicked on from nowhere, illuminating Ruth and Scorpio.
Here are the two leaders, D.E.M. continued. And their names are
Revealed:
Scorpio = Moxxee
Ruth = Jose
Am I correct in thinking that we are not voting to eliminate? The challenge seems to be to vote someone into a special role? Am I correct? It certainly appears as though we're all going to be in the dark until next Sunday.
Please don't expect tonnes of posting from me. I should have said this sooner, but my exams begin this week, so I'm sure you'll understand that my focus is with them. I'll pop in a couple times a day, but please don't go for me because of my inactivity
:P
No lynching!? Darn... :twisted: Maybe I should read the instructions too...
@Wilki I hadn't thought about it being a vote for a special role, good theory - although even if it is I'm guessing they won't tell us!
The above "Disclaimer" should send chills up your spine. Remember how many times I changed the rules in the RTTF game?
I do remember you changing them once or twice :shock:
Looks like this will be the usual first few days of confusion.
Patience, young Padawans.
The game starts today. Think of this week as Phase One.
Think of next Sunday as the start of Phase Two.
During Phase One, the storyline will gradually reveal where things are going ... the Sunday Message will give final confirmation and clarification of what you will learn between now and then. There are things that must transpire in the game during Phase One so that Phase two can make sense
The game mechanics (like disclosing how-to-win-the-game and distributing the special roles) can be put off until then without affecting the game.
While it is true that your task for Day One is not the traditional "lynching", we have made it clear what your task IS. Your tasks for following days will not be the same as your task for Day One. In Phase Two, we will return you to your comfort-zone. Well, sort of.
If nothing else, you could go through my messages looking for moon rocks.
Edit because I actually went and read the rules for once (and I wonder why I'm not good at these games
That's a really good point...I think you might have something there
I would assume that to be the case....Or could it be that the person who goes to Springfield actually meets a grisly end?
EDIT: You also MAY be depriving yourselves of useful information later on.
And now, I'd better shut up, because I may be talking too much.
Oh I am going to vote...defintely....Just not sure who for yet..lol