Chapter Two: Off the hook?
Current Cast:
Principal Tribute
Bully The Lone Man
Gamer Sanctum
Contraband Trader 502nd PR
Class President Mewtarthio
Cheerleader pneuma
Library Loner soulwarrior
Plain Jane Experiment626
Snitch D'artagnan59
Hyperion
Monday, September 11, 7:50 AM; Front Loading Zone in the morning
Trader: (sadly) I cant believe I actually came
.
Contraband Trader 502nd PR noted a shifty figure in the distance. Its short shadow slinked across the school grounds towards what seemed to be Dobbin Hall. The figure was dragging behind a large, sinister-looking rolling backpack. Or at least, the backpack appeared to be being dragged, but the mysterious figure was not holding the handle. 502nd PR noticed with a surprised intake of breath that the backpack possessed a small electric motor and a sinister looking blood-red sensor. Dispelling the mysterious figure from his mind, he closed his eyes and shifted his heavy backpack to his other shoulder.
Trader: Well, time is of essence. *starts to walk towards Shash Hall* And Im off! But whats this? *takes a piece of bloody paper* Huh.
*nearby*
Snitch: (bored) *sighs*
*shortly before*
Hyperion: Hee hee! *holds out a piece of homework* and leaves it on the bench.
Monday, September 11, 8:05 AM; Shash Hall in first period free
Jane: Oh
. *clutches his head in his hands*
President: *walks over* Hello, 626! How are you this fine day?
Jane: Ugh
. Homework. Cannot finish homework
.
President: I see
.
Jane:
President:
Jane: I want to sleep
.
President:
Jane:
President: *realizes* Ah! Okay, sorry. Goodbye.
Monday, September 11, 8:30 AM; Near the far plugs of Shash Hall
Gamer: Okay, Cormag. Kill!
Critical hit! Yes! *chants* Valters dead! Valters de-ad!
Cheerleader: *walks by*
Cheerleader pneuma rolled her eyes at the site of Gamer Sanctum. Not only could he not cheer, but he was antisocial! Ewww!
Cheerleader: Like ewww! Stop that!
Gamer: Huh? What?
Cheerleader: Noooo! Dont talk to me!
Gamer: *looks up*
Cheerleader: Ah! Dont look at me!
Gamer: Sorry.
Cheerleader: Zip it!
Gamer:
Cheerleader: Now then. Say like.
Gamer: Like.
Cheerleader: Oh.
Gamer: Oh.
Cheerleader: Hem.
Gamer: Hem.
Cheerleader: Gee!
Gamer: Gee!
Cheerleader: Good. Now think about that for a moment. *walks off*
Gamer: Uh
. (pause) Oh. Like ohhemgee! I said like ohhemgee! Noooooooo!!!!!
*meanwhile at the near entrance couches*
Jane: (covering his ears) Please shut up
.
Cheerleader: *rushes over* Oh poor baby! So unfashionable!
Jane: *sits up* Now I dont Im that-
Cheerleader: Wow! Here I am talking to a commoner. Who would have thought?
Jane: Err
. Yes.
Cheerleader: Its nice talking to another girl. You see. There arent many around.
Jane: Um, yes, there are. And Im not a-
Cheerleader: Oh, but theyre so boring. In fact, theyre just like you. Goodbye.
Jane: No wait-.
Cheerleader: Nuh uh. What would people think if they saw me with you? *leaves*
Jane: Dont go. Im not a girl, but dont go!
Monday, September 11, 8:40 AM; Classroom Period 1
Teacher: Now class, I want you to read-
Loner: Woohoo! Yeah!
Teacher: *sighs* Soulwarrior, at least allow me to tell them what to read
.
Generic Student: Ugh! Hes practically wet himself with excitement! *moves away from soulwarrior*
Teacher: (resignedly) Go to the bathroom, soulwarrior.
Loner: But, but! The reading
.
Monday, September 11, 9:20 AM; Classroom Period 2
Bully: (defensively) I actually did the homework!
Teacher: Then where is it? Hmm? I know you couldnt have
.
Bully: (angrily) Oh yeah? Well, then. Go on? Send me to detention! Just try it!
Trader: (in the distance) Homework for sale! Anyone want it?
Snitch: Well thats odd
. Hey, the Lone Man?
Bully: Yeah?
Snitch: *points*
Bully: Ah! (approaching 502nd PR) Is that? That- thats
. *grabs 502nd PR* Thats mine!
Trader: Hey! *swipes the Bullys arms off* What was that for?
Bully: *takes the homework and leaves* I will utterly destroy you
. *snorts in amusement*
Trader: Oh, shut that ugly trap of yours, you thief!
Teacher: (oblivious) Oh! So you found it, after all. I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. Congratulations.
Bully: *scowls*
Monday, September 11, 10:00 AM; School Meeting in the Gym
Computer Director: And after that rather happy story, I come to you with both bad tidings *raises his arm*
Students: Yay!
Computer Director: and good ones. *lowers his arm*
Students: Aww
.
Computer Director: First, the bad news. *raises arm*
Students: Yay!
Jane: *whispers to soulwarrior* Why are they saying Yay! when its a bad thing?
Loner: Ssh! Im reading. *points to a stack of printer paper.
Jane: Huh? Whatre you-?
Computer Director: (continuing) Unfortunately, most of you have not had your laptops checked and if not checked by Thursday, youll get a detention. Now then, the good news.
Students: Aww
.
Jane: ???
Computer Director: You are all lucky enough to have multiple places where you can have your laptop checked. For instance, in the book store, Room 10 in the Main Hall, and in my office in the Quad.
Jane: Soulwarrior, have you gotten your laptop checked?
Loner:
Jane: I havent.
*meanwhile*
Cheerleader: Im so lonely. The Lone Man hasnt even said hi to me all day! How dare he! Am I that worthless to him?! I am starting to hate him
.
Cheerleader pneuma turned to her right and saw the most adorable thing! It was little baby imp straining to see the speaker as he droned on and on about laptop computers. Just look at him! So cute! Pneuma grabbed the little child and hugged him dearly. Hyperion, however, was not glad at all about this. He began to flail around in pneumas arms, failing to actually release himself from her grip. He made strangling noises and odd wah sounds. Pneuma, of course, thought the child was crying and hugged tighter and tighter, trying to soothe the young prodigy.
Monday, September 11, 11:30 AM; 5th lunch in the Edges
President: I still dont think that it was nice that you thought about games instead of the meeting, Sanctum.
Gamer:
*continues gaming*
President: What if you miss a crucial announcement? Like the laptop check one?
Gamer:
President: *waves his hand in front of the Gamer* Hello? *inhales and groans annoyedly* (twitching and reaching for Gamers throat) Oh. Hey, the Lone Man!
Bully: *stops fuming* What are you-? (pause) And what do you want, Mewtarthio?
President: Well
.
Bully: Well?
President: (offering tentatively) Id like to help you?
Bully: Correct. Help me out in the game. If you do, I wont kill you so soon. *leers*
President: *gulps* Right. Well, Ill see what I can do.
Bully: Ill be waiting, Mewtarthio
.
President: Righto. *gets up and leaves for the kitchen* (Bully demands BW)
Snitch: *walks up to the Lone Man* Well, then. What are you doing out of class, the Lone Man?
Bully: The teacher let me out.
Snitch: (disbelievingly) Suuuure.
Bully: Id like to make you a deal
. If you like spying, youll agree.
Snitch: Im all ears
.
Gamer: *mutters* No doubt about that.
*meanwhile in the library*
Loner: Yes. I agree that your orange soda is good. I also agree that Principal Tribute is abusive. Now then, what is your point? Im eating here! *picks up a book*
Trader: I appreciate your multitasking skills as well as your timesaving nature. But I digress. What I want is a union of students against Principal Tribute. Or at least a petition to end these senseless detentions. (hysterically) My profit margins are falling drastically. Ill never be able to show my face at the trade meetings again! *kneels* Please! You gotta help me!
Loner: Okay.
Trader: Oh. Thank goodness. *hugs soulwarrior*
Loner:
Trader: (shocked) I am so sorry
.
Loner: (explodes) LET GO OF ME!
After Trader 502nd PR left the library, Library Loner soulwarrior contemplated the problems. First, Principal Tribute was holding them for an almost limitless amount of time for detention. Second, this led to different problems per individual. The Lone Man had less money since he lacked the time to take any. Sanctum couldnt finish Fire Emblem, that weird game everyone has already finished. 502nd PR wouldnt be able to sell him any more soda at that rate with his profit margins falling. Mewtarthio couldnt campaign for reelection nor spread his good will throughout the school. Pneuma couldnt cheer and would be cranky otherwise. He himself would be unable to use these people for his own ends. 626 would be late all the time due to her lack of sleep due to the detentions eating into her homework time. And of course, Dart well
. He didnt care about Dart.
But what would he do to stop Principal Tributes madness? Library Loner soulwarrior thought about using force, but what force did he have? Certainly that would force him to hire mercenaries for muscle, but who would do that for free? Ah. He did not want to encounter the Lone Man. No, bad idea.
Surrounding and shouting at Principal Tribute was a better plan by far, Library Loner soulwarrior believed. And if the shouters were integral to Principal Tributes power all the better. Soulwarrior considered the possibilities. It looked to him that he and 502nd PR would need to enlist the teachers.
*later in sixth lunch*
Plain Jane 626 moved closer towards the door, uncertain, for the laptop checking rules had been changed. No longer was one able to passively stand by as the computer technicians invaded ones computer, running command prompt and searching for serial numbers. No. Nowadays, it was much, much more complicated. Now, not only could they do that, but they could look at everything you were working on. But that wasnt all. You had to fill out a form, the same one they used to fill in for you. Yet, still, was someone looking at him?
There were some improvements, 626 considered; the stylish minty green colored ticket was your reward for completing the check. Then again, 626 wasnt so sure that a tracking device wasnt in that ticket
.
626 tapped his feet on the ground, knee shaking uncontrollably. Of course, that was out of boredom. He knew something was wrong, clearly, for what work would have to be done after the student had already completed the form? What was going on? Hmm? Was that a file downloading window? Weird computer guy
.
So this was it, huh? 626 taped on his minty green ticket onto his laptop, wondering if it was worth it. Oh dear, he realized, seventh period is next. Oh, whats that ringing noise? That sounds like the bell. Ah, I love that bell
.
626 slowly exited the room. Stuffing his laptop into his name-tagged case, he yelled forcefully, Poop! Then he ran off.
*at the same time*
Snitch: *stares at 626* I wonder where hes going
.
Cheerleader: *sneaks up behind him* (loudly) Hey!
Snitch: *jumps* I knew you were there.
Cheerleader: Well? Where is he?!
Snitch: 626? I dont-
Cheerleader: 626 is a girl! I said he!
Snitch: Who?
Cheerleader: Him! The Lone Man, who else?
Snitch: (truthfully) I dont think hed want to see you like this.
Cheerleader: *pulls on her hair* Ya think?! *stops* I mean, (enraged) what?!
Snitch: I dont actually know where he is. But I think hes beating up 502nd PR.
Cheerleader: Uh huh. And why do you think hes doing that?!
Snitch: Usual bully stuff (quietly), and I tipped him off
.
Cheerleader: What did you say?!
Snitch: Nothing.
Cheerleader: *cries softly and punches Dart weakly* This is your fault! Get him back! Hes been ignoring me far too long!
Snitch: I dont think I can-.
Cheerleader: Do it! Oh! How I hate him!
Snitch: But really, I dont even know where-.
Cheerleader: I could kill him! But if you dont find him, Ill settle with killing you! *leaps to tackle Dart*
Snitch: Aah! *moves to the side and still gets knocked over*
*nearby*
Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Contraband Trader 502nd PR rushed towards the bathroom when he heard the loudest shouting match ever. Cheerleader pneuma was certainly shrieking her head off to Snitch Dart. But upon coming closer he heard Dart say, I think hes beating up 502nd PR in a high pitched, scared voice. Snickering to himself, 502nd PR realized the implications of the statement. It was soon followed with, and I tipped him off
. 502nd PR cackled madly until he wet himself, only to be chastised by a revolted looking pneuma.
Monday, September 11, 2:45 PM; Extra Help in Room 10
Gamer: Yes, I am here to have my laptop checked. Er
. Hello? Why are you pretending that you cant hear me? Ooh! Is that Fire Emblem?
Laptop Checker: How does everybody know?!
Gamer: Thats how I feel!
Laptop Checker: O rly?
Gamer: Ya rly!
Laptop Checker: Oh dear! Well, do you have your form?
Gamer: Yup. *hands it to the laptop checker*
Laptop Checker: Excellent. Here you go! *hands him a green ticket* Just fill that out and tape it on your laptop.
Gamer: Thats it? What about ClientKey?
Laptop Checker: That spying software?! Dont be ridiculous, you wouldnt want it!
Gamer: Well thanks, then. *leaves*
Laptop Checker: Heh. GG noob.
Gamer Sanctum turned to the right and walked a bit further down the Main Hall, turning right to face a long hall. Striding purposefully, he entered the library at the far end of that hall and saw a few things he expected and another which he did not. Sitting by a round table was the expected soulwarrior. However, curled up in the fiction section was none other than a certain new child. Sanctum felt rather attracted towards the new kid, hopefully, they would have some fun adventures together. Sanctum had no idea how wrong that thought was.
Moving to the other side of the library, Gamer Sanctum unpacked his newly checked and ClientKey free laptop to an afternoon of quiet, uninterrupted gaming. But he soon noticed the small figure waddling towards him. Aha!, he said. I have not seen you before! I am the mighty Hyperion and may all bow down before me. Sanctum laughed inwardly at the odd nature of this new student. Hello, Hyperion, responded Santum quietly. Are you by any chance aware of how loud you are? yelled Library Loner soulwarrior from the other side of the library.
Library Loner soulwarrior as quite agitated. Gazing enviously at Gamer Sanctums laptop, he sighed. What a shame that laptops were required. He did not have one just yet. In fact, why not rely on previous technologies. Computers were unreliable, unlike printing presses and typewriters. What nonsense. No. As long as he was going to make a stand against Principal Tribute, he may as well not check a laptop.
*meanwhile in Shash Hall*
President: Please, desist. I cannot tolerate any more!
Snitch: *invades Mewtarthios space* Well? Do you know where 502nd PR or the Lone Man are? Hmm? Hmm?!
President: *pushes* Go away! Im going to turn claustrophobic!
Snitch: *makes funny faces at Mewtarthio* A-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh. De-bleh-
President: (extremely annoyed) SHUT UP!
*meanwhile in Dobbin Hall*
Trader: And it was really, Dart who took your homework.
Bully: I dont get it. Can we go again?
Trader: *sighs* Okay. So. I found your homework.
Bully: So it was you! *grabs 502nd PRs throat*
Trader: (calmly) No. It was Dart.
Bully: Huh?
Trader: Okay. I may have found your homework, but it was Dart who took it from you.
Bully: I dont get it. So who do I kill then?
Trader: You kill Dart.
Bully: And youre sure about this?
Trader: Yes. Now run along.
Bully: Okay, mother. *leaves*
Trader: *rolls his eyes* Stupidhead
.
Monday, September 11th, 3:45 PM; Start of Detention in Principal Tributes Shash Hall Office
Tribute: Why hello my advisees! I have sorely missed you over our very long weekend.
Bully: Its been two days.
Tribute: Nevertheless, it is time for me to unveil the computer-
Gamer: -which has already been shown to us multiple times-
Tribute: -but in a way never seen before by the human-
Trader: -but rather alien-
Tribute: -eyes. Today we will embark on a journey that-
President: -wastes good campaigning time and-
Tribute: -will determine everyones futures-
Cheerleader: -though some of us already are predestined for success.-
Tribute: -Thus, I reveal to you-
Loner: -what I could probably read in a book somewhere-
Tribute: -a prodigy so complete-
Jane: -that hell annoy the heck out of us-
Tribute: -Hyperion,
Snitch: -the most annoying-
Tribute: -one who will surely play a large role in your lives, heh-
Hyperion: -heehee hahahahaha *snort* *cough* *cough*
Tribute: Yes, well, evil geniuses aside, Hyperion does not plan to take over the world. Hell simply be making repairs on the computer were using. You may notice a slight format change.
Gamer: Like all the ls are switched for rs, and all the js are switched for ys?
Tribute: Exactly. (excited) So instead of Sanctum, youll be
(disappointed) Sanctum.
Cheerleader: So the Lone Man will be the Rone Man? I feel so Japanese!
Gamer: Ugh
I think Im going to be ill
.
Tribute: What? Dont like raw fish surrounded by dried sea growth and sticky grains that may or may not have rocks in them still?
Gamer: *cringes* Yes. Thank you for detailing everything I hate so much.
President: Well, I, for one, think its natural that you of all people would discriminate that way.
Tribute: *clears throat* The game
.
Tuesday, September 12th, 7:50 AM; Shash Hall before school
Snitch: Hello.
Jane: (coldly) Hello. *turns away*
Snitch: I thought you might enjoy my company.
Jane: *falsely smiles* (cheerfully) No company is better!
Snitch: Youre dead tired, arent you?
Jane: (moaning) Shut up already. *takes out his laptop*
Snitch: Ooh! Hey! Green
.
Jane: (sarcastically) Yes, a green magic ticket.
Snitch: Magical
.
Jane: Go away!
Snitch:
antilaws!
Jane: What?!
Snitch: I havent checked my laptop. And they have a new procedure. I dont get it. (hysterically) Oh help me please!
Jane: Hmm, okay.
Snitch: *moves really close to 626* (innocently with watering eyes) Really?!
Jane: Yeah okay. Lunchtime. Go to room 10, and Ill meet you there.
Snitch: 6th lunch, right? Great. I can get in some spying in the library.
Jane: Dont wanna know. And, by the way, shouldnt be going to class?
Snitch: Now, I want you to shut up for some reason
. *leaves in a rush*
Jane: *laughs and collapses asleep on the couch*
President: *walks by* Note to self. The student body wants more couches. *notes the laptop precariously balanced on 626* And some fire extinguishers. *takes the laptop and sets it next to 626*
Tuesday, September 12th, 10:50 AM; Shash Hall Class Meeting
Tribute: Many of you may have noticed, but your class dean has retired.
Students: Yay!
Tribute: So now, I will be taking care of the class of 2008, you juniors, you (quietly) make me laugh.
Students: Cheers for Principal Tribute!
Cheerleader: Yes! Cheers! Whos the one that will lead our class? Principal Tribute can kiss my-.
Tribute: (innocently with watering eyes) Really?!
Students: Yay!
Bully: No!
President: No!
Jane: My eyes!
Loner: You should watch those fingers of yours, they dont belong near eyes, you know.
Tribute: Just kidding. Now, then, I am quite sure our class can beat the seniors
.
Gamer: (monotonously) If I had class spirit. Im like, the antispirit. I said like again. Whoopee.
Tribute: And dont forget to nominate some class princes and princesses. Homecoming is in about a month or 5 weeks.
Tuesday, September 12th, 12:00 PM; Start of 5th lunch in the Edges
Trader: So you see, well be taking action!
President: I suppose that is one way to get rid of tyrannical rule. Though, surrounding and shouting at someone is a bit unusual. How about the more normal tarring and feathering? Or the public denunciation speeches? Or even suing?
Trader: Geez, those cost time and money! You see, youve got to pay for the tar and feathers. The public speeches require you to set up the time and location, and suing, well, I dont have to explain, do I?
President: I agree, lawsuits are such a waste of time.
Trader: Saying that wont get me to vote for you, you know.
President: But I wanna be a prince!
*later in 6th lunch near room 10*
Snitch: Okay. Ah, there you are 626!
Jane: Lets just get this over with.
Hyperion: *jumps up to them* Aha! A cute couple! Kissing, are we? Plotting to commit acts that I cannot even think about yet, eh?
Jane and Snitch: Ew! With him!
Jane and Snitch: Hey!
Jane and Snitch: Not that theres anything wrong with that!
Hyperion: Look there! An angry bull approaches! Im happy!
Bully: *breathes in and out loudly* Target found. Must kill
. *tries to hit Dart but misses wildly*
Snitch: Woah!
Jane: Yeah, Im outta here. Boolean. Lunch greater than weird people. Boolean. Boolean equals true. This.go lunch.
Hyperion: Shes turned Java.
Snitch: Shes male.
Hyperion: Trying to trick me, eh? Shes male! I dont think that makes sense. (to nobody in particular) Does that make sense to you? That makes no sense to anyone.
Bully: *still swinging wildly* Kill homework stealer!
Hyperion: My, my. Rather violent over a piece of homework. I should go.
Snitch: I didnt take it!
Hyperion: (to self) So he thinks you took it
. (loudly) Well, bull looking person.
Snitch: His name is the Lone Man. *dodges a swing*
Hyperion: The Lone Man? What a weird name. Dart didnt take it.
Snitch and Bully: What?
Hyperion: Yeah. He didnt take it. Ive been watching him all yesterday. He didnt take it. But he may have been wrong about 502nd PR taking it.
Snitch: Creepy as that is, I didnt.
Bully: Huh? So confused. 502nd PR lied? Kill! *runs off*
Snitch: But thats not a proper conclu-
Hyperion: (cheerfully) No need to worry; youre safe now. *goes off to the library*
Snitch: Did he mean to
save me? *enters room 10*
Hyperion: Step 1 to conquering the world. Gain peoples trust
.
*meanwhile in the Edges*
Loner: So this is where people eat lunch. Disgusting. The filthy freshman fail at putting their plates away. And why are the chairs so dirty? Ugh. Cant eat here. Hmm
.
Library Loner soulwarrior turned left into the Faculty Dining Hall. Wow, it was clean in there. And so much space! How nice. But he also had a mission to complete. With many minutes of convincing, most teachers had joined soulwarriors protest campaign. And they would rebel afterschool. Funny, how all the teachers readily accepted the idea theyd lose their jobs if they didnt help.
Tuesday, September 12th, 3:00 PM; 8th free in Shash Hall
Bully: There you are! Me kill! *leaps at 502nd PR*
Trader: Hold it! *sticks hand out*
Bully: *collapses on the floor* Ouch.
Trader: Youre coming with me.
Bully: (dazed) Oh?
Trader: Were off to gather teacher recruits and our detention group.
Bully: But kill?
Trader: No time for that! Come on now. Come on. *leads the Lone Man out of Shash Hall*
*later after school ended*
President: I am so sorry, Sanctum. I didnt respect your beliefs enough and judged you harshly.
Gamer:
*continues playing*
President: I promise in the future that I will keep an open mind.
Gamer: Im not voting for you.
President: Darn it.
*even later near Principal Tributes Shash Hall office*
President: So I got annoyed.
Snitch: Okay. Sure.
President: And Im sorry I shouted.
Snitch: Everyone does.
President: So will you vote for me?
Snitch: Yes!
President: (excited) Really?!
Snitch: *smiles* No!
Tuesday, Septemer 12th, 3:40 PM; Right before detention, the confrontation
Group: Cease the detentions!
Tribute: Okay, I acquiesce. Now what did you want?
Group: Cease the detentions!
Tribute: My, my. What a delegation. And you all seem to be shouting the same thing. Whats that?
Group: Cease the detentions! Cease the detentions!
Tribute: Ah right. Oh dear. What was that again?
Group: Cease the detentions!
Tribute: Im sorry, you mustnt shout. Just like when you smell things, if the odor is too strong, you cant smell it! But whatever it is, Im sure I agree.
Group: Yay!
Teachers: We keep our jobs!
Students: Yay, we get our afternoons back!
Hyperion: *enters the office* Yay! What are we talking about?
Tribute: I appear to have agreed to cancel all future detentions.
Hyperion: *wacks Principal Tribute over the head* Dont be silly. Thisll be fun!
Tribute: True, well have to go a hunting.
*later*
Cheerleader: There you are!
Bully: So confused.
Cheerleader: Oh dear. Youre hurt. Where?
Bully: My brain.
Cheerleader: We can fix that. *slaps him* Thats for ignoring me.
Bully: Kill!
Cheerleader: Wah!
Bully: Gotcha.
*later*
Plain Jane 626 reflected on the extreme luck they had received. She really had to thank soulwarrior. No more detentions! Hurrah. That meant more homework finished earlier. Longer rest periods. Higher grades. No more lateness. Well, maybe not the lateness
.
Tuesday, September 12th, 4:45 PM; Principal Tributes Shash Hall Office
Tribute sighed happily at the days events. Simply having detention every day was boring and hard work (for me, as the writer too). It would also be a great challenge to catch everyone for detention sessions. And with Hyperion helping to fix the computer, things couldnt be better. They now had more time for repairs, and he could always get them later. Besides, the goal wasnt finishing the game; it was finishing the experiment.