Project

1.2: Spencer's questioning.

"Okay... how about these: Are you a robot? Are you alright? Is the answer you gave me the actual reason why you called yourself Project? What is the Project that you mentioned? Why do you hide so much info from us?"

"Well, that's a lot of questions, but I'll answer accordingly. First, no, I am not a robot, though I wouldn't mind being one. Second: If you're alright, then I'm alright. Don't worry about me, worry about yourself, I don't want you to get mixed up in my problems. Third, yes, it is the reason why I name myself Project, but you'll have to look deeper to find out the specific answer. Fourth, Project is, as I've said before, my masterpiece. Maybe you'll get to see it one day! If that's the case, I don't want to spoil it. And finally, I never really thought I hid info, I just never heard you guys ask me." Questioner again took notes, and realised the calmness in the writing, how professional they spoke to one of their friends, and how it seemed non-concerning to them the worries their friends have for them. He looked at every answer, realising how purposely vague they were, except for the question of their existence.

Questioner then realised the time gap between this message and the next one Spencer sent, thinking about the wonders and confusion he was going through after reading them, and trying to figure out what it all meant. However the reason why Spencer could never figure it out was because of the lack of information he had first received.

Questioner continued to view the messages:

"First off, it does seem like you're hiding info from us, as whenever we ask, you drop the subject or go eerily quiet. And what are these problems?? I really want to know, as a friend."

"Have you ever imagined what it would be like for you to merge with three others?"

"What? I wouldn't say so, why?"

"Then you wouldn't know what I was going on about, even I don't sometimes, heh. But I don't want to worry you more than you seem to already be. Is everyone else worried like this?"

"Of course, you're our friend"

"Then I shall adjust accordingly."

"What do you mean by that? Are you sure you're not a robot??"

"I mean I shall adjust to make sure you all seem happy and satisfied, without making it seem as though I am too 'mysterious'"

After reading this Questioner paused, he was confused by it all. The calmness in Project's messages seemed to have turned into a more threatening tone, daring them to push further and see the consequences. The conversation seemed to fall back into normality, and there were then only certain slip-ups that Project left amongst the pile. Phrases like "See, the word 'if' is such a powerful word..." when talking about why they make certain choices, "I wouldn't say I'm a predictor, more like a planner, for everyone's outcomes. All of the outcomes..." when answering why they wanted to know more about everyone, "I would never say someone's mad! I mean, look at me, there are obviously different ways one can go about saying 'mad'" when talking about another friend, Samantha, and "If I had told you everything about me, I would have to not only speed up my plans, but also make sure you didn't do anything rash..." when asked again about their aura of mystery they dragged around him.

Questioner finally looked at it all in shock, and tried to take it all in. This Project person, he thought, they really are a tough case, and seem to be one to plan ahead to make things go their way, are they a manipulator? Questioner kept thinking these queries over and over, trying to find a pattern, but they didn't believe that they were a manipulator. If so, why would they say not to worry about, or even think about, them? He finally decided to bring his queries to Spencer, as it seemed as though Project may have found it easier to tell him certain quirks and answers. "Did Project ever seem like someone who would manipulate others to do what he wished?" he asked.