Episode 1 - Ghosts and Torches

Group1:

London: Guys... 

Dr. Sapph: Mmm...

Kirbie: Where are we? 

Suzi-2: ...

Dr. Sapph: Guys! Wake up! Look we're locked up in the dungeon... I think!

Kerbie: What are you saying about a dungeon?

London: Are you serious? O. M. G. What's that awful smell?

Suzi-2: ...

London: *jumps up!*Oh nooo! You're right! We are locked up in the dungeon! It's so dark in here, we seriously need some light!

Kerbie: We seriously need to get out of here!

London: Suzi...? *calls the robot* Guys...? Do you think she's okay?

Suzi-2: *wakes up* Oh, my sensors are working again! Hi, London! Why are we locked up?

London: I don't know. Can you get us out of here? You should have some tools on you to do so.

Suzi-2: *examines the steel bars and gate of the cell* I'm afraid I'm not equipped with the right tools to open the gate.

Dr. Sapph: Dang, I think we should inspect our cells to see if there is anything that we can use to get us out of here or at least a light that we can see better.

Kerbie: That's a good plan. *starts to search his surroundings* 

London: Hey guys, I found a stick! 

Dr. Sapph: And I found some kind of cloth. It smells dusty though!

Kerbie: I found a box of matches! Should I light it?

London and Dr. Sapph together: Noooo... Wait! We still need to see what Suzi has in her cell. Suzie?

Suzie-2: I found a bottle with liquid in it. Can I roll it over to you, London, and then you can examine it?  

London: Sure roll it over... *opens the bottle and smells it* Guys, I think we will finally have light in here. Just pass me all your stuff. 

After getting everything from the others, he takes the stick, wraps the cloth around the stick, and then soaks it in the oil. Then he lit the torch with the matches.

 

London: And then there was light! Woot! You can call me McGyver! Hehe.

Suzi-2: Can you see anything? My view is limited to your cells.

Kerbie: Guys... What's that?

Dr. Sapph: Nooo... Go away! 

Kerbie: Why are you doing that? He could've helped us!

London: Yeah, Kerbie is right! Why did you do that?

Dr. Sapph: I don't like ghosts. What if they are evil? Suzie, did you see that too? Do you believe in ghosts?

Suzie-2: As a large language model, I don't have beliefs in the same way that humans do. There isn't scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, but there are many reasons why people believe in them.

Here are some things to consider:

Personal experiences: Many people have had experiences that they can't explain, which can lead them to believe in ghosts.

Cultural beliefs: Belief in ghosts is common in many cultures around the world.

The desire for an afterlife: The idea of ghosts can be comforting for some people who believe that it means we can connect with loved ones who have died.

Ultimately, whether or not you believe in ghosts is a personal decision.

Dr. Sapph: Okay, but I really hope that... that ghost doesn't come back. Do you guys see what I see on that table?

Kirbie and London: Keys! 

Dr. Sapph: Yes! We're free!

Kirbie: Umm... There's only one problem...

London: Yes! We can get out of here...! *then realized what Kerbie said* What?

Kirbie: We're in here and the keys are out there, on the table!

Dr. Sapph: It's the nearest to Suzi, I'm sure she can get it... It shouldn't be a problem.

Suzi-2: Alas, it's just out of reach.

Dr. Sapph: Mmmm... I know! Kerbie, you are a genie. Can't you get us out of here?

Kerbie: How must I do that?

London: Can't you grant us wishes? Isn't that how genies work?

Dr. Sapph: Yes! We can wish that we didn't come to the party at all! Suzi, do you know Genies and how they work?

Suzi-2: Yes, I do!  There are two main ways to look at genies:

Western Genie: This is the popular image from stories like Aladdin. Genies are often depicted as powerful spirits trapped in lamps or bottles. They grant wishes to whoever rubs or frees them.

Jinn: This is the original concept from Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures. Jinn are invisible beings made of fire or air. They can be good or evil and have magical powers. Unlike the genie stereotype, they aren't obligated to grant wishes.

Here's a deeper dive into each:

Western Genie:  The idea of the wish-granting genie likely comes from translations of Middle Eastern stories, but it's a simplified version.  These stories captured the Western imagination and became a popular trope in fiction.

Jinn:  Jinn plays a significant role in Islamic beliefs and folklore. They are mentioned in the Quran and are seen as living alongside humans.  Some stories depict them as tricksters or malevolent figures, while others portray them as wise or even believers in God.

Is there anything specific you'd like to know about genies?

London: That's interesting... I didn't know about the Jinn. 

Dr. Sapph: Yeah, I didn't know about the Jinn either. Can you tell us more about them?

Suzi-2: The Jinn are fascinating creatures!  They have a rich history and are way more complex than the typical Western genie. 

Here's some more information you might find interesting:

Types of Jinn:  Islamic belief describes different classes of jinn, each with its own characteristics. Some examples include:

Ifrit: Powerful and often rebellious jinn, sometimes depicted as demonic.

Marid: Similar to ifrit, but associated with water and wind.

Ghul: Evil shapeshifting creatures that prey on humans.

Jinn and Humanity:  The Quran says that jinn and humans were created from different elements (fire for jinn, earth for humans) but are both accountable to God.  There are stories of jinn interacting with humans, both positively and negatively.

Jinn in Pop Culture:  Jinn has started appearing more in Western pop culture, though often with a Hollywood twist. For a more nuanced portrayal, you might look for books or movies inspired by Middle Eastern folklore.

Dr. Sapph: Wow! That is interesting! Kerbie from which genies are you? The west or the east?

Kerbie: Neither! I think. Maybe my parents were one of them but from the time they kicked me out of the house, I'm in between. I'm myself. Hopefully, true to myself.

London: But can you do that? Grant wishes?

Dr. Sapph: Yeah, can you do that?

But before he can answer, another ghost appears.

Kerbie: Hey Ghost! Can you help us?

Dr. Sapph: Ppplease... 

But the ghost just gives them one look, turns around, and floats away...

Kerbie: Come back! *banging on the bars* Come back!

London: You should be friendlier with him! You guys scared him off...

And off he goes...

Dr. Sapph: Noooo... Now what must we do?

Kerbie: I think, those ghosts were just grumpy and didn't want to help us!

London: Guys, we need them. They're our only hope of getting those keys...

Dr. Sapph: But what must we do if they don't want to help us? We're screwed!

Suzi-2: Maybe I can talk to them. After all, I have the friendly trait in me.

London: Yeah, that is a plan. Let Suzi talk to them.

Dr. Sapph: I really hope she can do it, I don't want to be in here forever!

And after 2 more hours, another ghost appears. It looks like a girl this time. Hopefully, she's friendlier and Suzi can persuade her to let them out.

Kerbie: *whispering* Suzi... Can you please call her over? She's gonna throw that dart into my face!

Suzi-2: Hi Girl, can you come over here for a minute?

First, it looks like the ghost doesn't hear her or she ignores her flat. But when Suzi calls her for the second time she finally turns around and faces Suzi. London, Dr. Sapph, and Kerbie let out a breath of relief. Fingers crossed Suzi-2 succeeds.

Girl-Ghost: What do you want? 

Suzi-2: Excuse me, ghost friend, may I ask your name? We are in a sticky situation and need assistance to escape.

Dr. Sapph: Please let it work... *She crosses her fingers and her toes*

Girl-Ghost: You need some help? With what? *the ghost doesn't seem friendly at all*

Suzi-2: Yes please, we're trying to get out of these cells. Would you know how to get those keys on the table there?

Girl-Ghost: The other ghosts said that the living humans in here were rude to them. So why must I help you?

Suzi-2: Humans can be tricky little ghostie. I've had my fair share of abuse from them, but some of them are kind and will help anyone in a bad situation. The ones in those cells are good people, they've been kind to me while I've been here and I'm a robot! They'll be kind to you and the other ghosts in here too.

Girl-Ghost: Mmmm... Keep talking... You do seem nice... But I don't know about the others...

Suzi-2: Thank you, you are nice too! What is your name? How long have you been here?

Girl-Ghost: My name is Valeria Fernandez and the other ghosts and I are living here forever! But that is irrelevant. You have to persuade me to help you and the other living humans. How will it benefit us?

Suzi-2: Nice to meet you, Valeria Fernandez! We can help you and the other ghosts, tell me what you'd like and I can see if we can help you.

Girl-Ghost: Mmmm... I don't know if I can trust these other living humans. But you know what? I will do it for you!

It feels like hours that the others listen to the conversation between Suzi-2 and the female ghost. Sometimes their hopes are sky high and other times they can feel how their hearts plummet into their shoes. Finally, they see how the ghost turns around and picks up the keys from the table, and then they hear how Suzi turns the key in the lock of her cell.

Dr. Sapph: Yes! She did it! We're finally, free!

On their way out Dr. Sapph noticed the name on the urn on the table. Alberto Ortega.

********************

Group 2:

Minnie: Guys...? What happened? Where are we? *shaking the sleep off*

Katie: ...

Quinn wakes with a start, shaking in terror as he realizes he is in an unknown place. He feels the hard floor beneath him. "H-hello?" he calls out shakily once he realizes he isn't under attack.

Penelopina: ...

Minnie: WHERE... THE... HELL... ARE... WE...?? *Minnie's voice almost echoes through the sparsely furnished room*

Quinn: What? *jumping up, wide awake, and starts looking around*

Penelopina: Why are you guys so loud...? Oh, my head! 

Katie: Yeah, it's still dark outside... Can we go back to sleep?

Minnie: Nooo! Look around you? Where do you think we are? In your house? *sarcastic* Don't you remember last night?

Quinn: Weren't we supposed to have dinner with some mysterious host last night? 

Penelopina: *getting up* What did happen to us last night? The last thing I can remember is how nauseous I felt all of a sudden. Then it went blank and I woke up here.

Quinn: Yeah, I wish I knew who did this to us...

Katie starts to explore the surroundings: Guys, look at this gigantic statue! Ugh, it looks like the Grim Reaper, that's ominous... 

Minnie: Yeah, here's one too... Looks like the mysterious host likes his Grim Reaper statues. Do you guys think our mysterious host could be the Grim Reaper himself?

Minnie doesn't wait for an answer and makes her way to the front door: Oh well, I really don't want to know! Let's get out of here, guys!

Quinn: Uhmm... That door is locked! I've checked already. It looks like we're trapped in the sleeping quarters of  Dracula.

Minnie: Dracula...? Why do you think this place belongs to him?

Katie: Yeah, I would like to know too...  

Penelopina: Duh... It's obvious!

Quinn: Yeah, only vampires can sleep on a bed like that! And who doesn't know Dracula?

Minnie: That sucks! So how are we supposed to get out of here?

Quinn: I don't know. Any ideas?

Penelopina: I know! Let's split up, gang! *Penelopina is silent for a sec before bursting into a giggle fit* I've always wanted to say that out loud, my parents never allowed me to watch that show so I had-- oh wait, looking for clues, uh, I call dibs on this room!

Katie: Alright, team! Let's keep this organized and efficient! I say let's everybody do our best and we'll be sure to get out of here! Pick a corner and let's get looking for clues!

Quinn: Here's a torch in this room, guys! *and reaches for it, but a voice in his head whispers "booby-trap" and he hesitates, eyeing it warily. Maybe he should wait and see what the others do first*

Penelopina: Bingo! Here is one too! And I think that's all for this room...

Penelopina: Oh wait, here's another object. A small chest and there's a name on it! Vlad Tepes. What does that mean? Do you think that Vlad Tepes keeps his treasure in there?

Katie: I think you should open it. Maybe there's a spare key in it to open the door.

Katie: Oh and by the way, here's a torch in this room too.

 

Minnie: Did you open the chest?

Penelopina: I've tried but I couldn't get it open. Looks like the lid is glued to the bottom.

Katie: So what did you do with it?

Penelope: I've just left it there where I found it!

Quinn: So what should we do further, guys? We looked all over the place and couldn't find anything to open the door with.

Katie: Yeah, and we can't break a window and escape from there. We're on the top floor of at least 5 stories. It's a long way down! So yeah, we're pretty screwed!

Penelopina: I don't want to be stuck in here. There must be a way out!

Quinn: Maybe we should explore again. There must be something we've missed! 

Minnie: I don't know, I kind of like it here... Maybe we can stay up here forever!

Katie: You can't be serious! Don't you have family that worries about you? I know mine will be sick by now!

Penelopina: Yeah mine too. I think they contacted the police already!

Quinn: Yeah, my family must be worried too.

Penelopepina: So let's get our asses at work, guys! Nobody will get us out of here. We have to do it ourselves! Let no stone be left unturned!

Quinn: Yeah, we need to examine everything we can think of. Maybe there are hidden doors, stairs, or whatever! We're in Dracula's castle after all. Anything is possible!

Katie: Well, nothing here… I also inspected the floors to see if there’s any escape hatch considering we’re about 5/6 stories up. Anywhere else we haven’t searched yet?

Minnie leans against the wall and strokes the handle of the torch absently, her thoughts elsewhere: Do you guys think... *her voice broke off* What the heck! 

Minnie: Did this torch just move? *she inspects the torch closely and then notices the torch is no ordinary torch, but a secret lever* Guys! 

Minnie: Guys! I found something in the room!

Quinn: You did?

Penelopina: What did you find?

Katie: Yeah, tell us!

Minnie: The torch in this room isn't a normal torch, it's actually a secret lever. You should check your rooms too. 

And yeah, all 4 torches are actually secret levers. But it doesn't matter in which sequences they pull the torches, the door stays closed.

Penelopina: Guys, there must be something. Let's go through the rooms again. Just maybe we find something that we missed previously.

Quinn: Yeah, I guess we can. We have nothing to lose!

Katie inspects the plaque on the statue to see if there isn't a clue...

Quinn inspects his room again...

And so does Minnie...

Penelope: "Ughhhh I am out of IDEASS...." 

Penelope starts consorting herself and chanting in an attempt to summon a ghost.

And then a ghost appears...

Penelopina: Oh Gosh! I did it! 

Ghost: Why did you summon me?

Penelopina: "Oooh hey there friendly ghost, could you pretty please help us escape?"

Ghost: Mmmm... I can give you a clue... Do you want to hear it?

Penelopina: Ooh yes please, thank you very much!

Ghost: "Seek the number of harmonies, the power of four. When hands meet as one, the solution will pour."

And off she goes...

Penelopina: Wait! What does that mean?

Penelopina: What did she say? "Seek the number of harmonies, the power of four. When hands meet as one, the solution will pour." Mmmm... Oh wait I know! Guys!

Katie and Minnie: What?

 

Quinn: Yeah, did you get a solution?

Penelopina: I just summoned a ghost and they gave me a riddle to help us escape!

Katie: You did what?

Quinn: Where is the ghost? Is it still here? *looking around to see where he can hide*

Minnie: You're just joking! Right?

Penelopina: No, I didn't! So do you want to hear the riddle or what?

Quinn, Katie, and Minnie: Yes tell us! Don't keep us in suspense!

Penelopina: *telling them the riddle and what she thinks is the solution to escape the room* So, we need to pull the levers simultaneously. Shall we do it? 

Quinn: Sounds like a plan! I don't know what else we can do!

Minnie: I don't know... Are you sure it can work?

Katie: I think it can! Shall we all pull our torches on the count of three? On three, or after three? Like three two one… Go? Or something like three two ONE!

Penelopina: Okay guys,  let's do this!

Penelopina: Let's count to 4 then we pull together! Okay, 1...

Quinn: 2...

Katie: 3...

Minnie: 4...

Penelopina: Pull!

After pulling the levers together they heard a clicking noise.

Katie: Did you guys hear that?

Penelopina: I sure did!

Quinn: Yeah, me too!

Quinn: Yes! The door is open! It works!

Minnie: Yes! Good job, Penny! We're finally, free!

Or are they?

To be continued!

Notes: Suzi-2's explanation of the ghosts and Genies comes from a bot on the internet. I thought it would be interesting to add that. Hope you all enjoy that! ;)