WEEK ZERO: INTRO MINGLE

[probe]

POPULATION: 37

There's the soft, chiming ding of an elevator as you slowly grow conscious. You remember the sound of a voice whispering in your ear, and then a very gentle, easy darkness as you fell asleep.

Then the elevator jolts, and you promptly ram into some of the thirty or so other people also waking up from their nap. Time to trample people on your way out! Be careful not to rip your flattering outfit with light up furry ears of an animal of your choice. On this elevator there are a total of 10 buttons and they're all lit up! But they don't work. A shame. The elevator doesn't go anywhere else.

In any case, once you exit the elevator, you'll find that you have a decently wide area to explore. There doesn't seem to be any sort of exit to the outside world, but that's okay. You didn't want to leave without what you came for, right? Besides, it's wonderful here: the temperature is perfect, every surface is as soft as clouds, and the atmosphere is so, so inviting. The base itself is low-lit in fluorescent neon colors which shift and pulse over time, and there's a soft, reassuring humming sound under your feet. It would be comforting if you didn't feel like you were being watched every time you walk along the hallways.

But hey, don't worry about that! Maybe you should be more concerned with the phone in your pocket! The phones have a few functions, as well as a low pixel camera. Pictures are in black and white, so no brightly colored selfies for you. Oh, and while you're taking those selfies, you might notice the symbol of your Avatar tattooed and glowing faintly on the back of your hand. Hope you're fine with impromptu body mods.

Eventually during your wandering, you'll find your room with roommates included! On the floor of your room, there is a big gift box with your name on it. Upon opening it, you will be absolutely obliterated with glittery confetti. But once you manage to get past that, the gift box contains the following:

✦ your item from home
✦ a pair of boxer-briefs labeled "ball hammock"
✦ a stress ball that looks suspiciously like a boob
✦ a rainbow bath bomb
✦ a Polaroid camera with 10 instant film
✦ a frozen steak in a vacuum-sealed pouch
✦ a blue and pink dual flashlight; one end has a normal white bulb, and one end has a blacklight bulb
✦ a tiny crown

Welcome to your new home. Take some time to look around, talk to your fellow indulgers. All of you can see each other's symbols on the back of your hands - maybe it'll strike up a conversation. After all, there's no better way to get to know each other than talking about your sins on the first date!

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Comments

[bonetiddies]

Hmm.

[She's not ready to talk about her own motivations, so he'll just get that noncommittal response.]

It must be either of those. Either confidence in the offer, or desperation such that you would accept any offer, no matter how remote your likelihood of success.

[toyska]

Haha, I'd agree that that's the majority. [On a surface level, anyway.] I'm sure we've a few comrades who are just here for the fun of it.

[There is definitely at least one person here who's just fucking around, he has no proof but he is positive of this.]

I should hope that everyone puts forth a fighting effort, though. Even if only out of spite.

[CONSIDERING THEY'RE ALL NERFED...]

[bonetiddies]

I should hope not. Surely there are less suspicious bargains one could make to accomplish that.

[Hmm.]

You want to see everyone else succeed, then?

[toyska]

Perhaps, though I admit I'm familiar with a few people who might find the clear sense of a trap appealing.

[Clearly neither of them are stupid enough to not see how suspicious all this is, but apparently they're both stupid enough to be here anyway, so. Handweighing motions. It's fine. He smiles!]

I suppose it's more that I prefer to be a good sport. [He shrugs one shoulder. HE'S STILL IN THIS STUPID OUTFIT I hate this.] It seems an effort's been made to put us on a level playing field, so I can only hope everyone realizes it would be a waste not to put up a good fight.

[bonetiddies]

That's a noble attitude. But why do you think they wanted to level the playing field that way? After all, it's not as though abilities make you able to "indulge" more.

[They're both sexy Ariana Grandes. It's fine.]

[toyska]

Haha, I suppose "for the fun of a challenge" wouldn't be a satisfactory answer.

[Would he have willingly agreed to be nerfed... hard to say...]

It's difficult to say for certain, though. What do you think?

[bonetiddies]

I think they expect us to be at each others' throats soon, don't you?

[toyska]

Hmm... I can't say it's an unreasonable assumption.

[Especially given what they'd established as the sorts of people who've likely come here.]

Are you prepared, if it does?

[bonetiddies]

I am, but I find the possibility distasteful.

[toyska]

Mm, fair enough. [Someone save the few good beans who got lost and ended up in clown crime town] I wouldn't say it's inevitable, though. There's always the possibility that they weakened us to prevent such a thing.

[bonetiddies]

Optimistic. It's possible. I'm certain there are those among us who, if they had their full power, could make a lot of mayhem.

[toyska]

[stares at the blown-up microwave and the missing knives

yeah]

Haha, I suppose a balance of personalities is the best we can hope for.

[bonetiddies]

[That's nothing!]

A balance of personalities is more what I'm afraid of.

[toyska]

Oh? Why's that?

[bonetiddies]

Some of us will have preferences and strategies that clash with others.

[toyska]

Haha, that's a fair point. It seems it's always the case when you have a large group. [Especially one with people from such a wide variety of places, though he doesn't yet know that there's nobody else from Teyvat here. He sighs, tilting his head to get his bangs out of his face.] I can only hope none of them are like those I've had to deal with back home.