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

[chevaleros]

[ they probably have, though she still kind of just. stares at all this food he's getting, looking a little more tired than before. ]

Are you planning to feed all of us, or is that for you this time?

[dotcom]

Oh. I just want to know if this tastes good.

[ this time it truly is pure curiosity ]

[chevaleros]

...I see.

[ well, she'll start carefully unwrapping this cupcake then. ]

Please let me know what you think. I'm curious if a machine could create a palatable meal.

[dotcom]

It's not too uncommon, although I'm not used to one having... so many options.

[ japan is vending machine central but uh

they're not usually this varied. ]

[chevaleros]

I think it's safe to assume this place is more technologically advanced than most of our own homes.

[ it is most certainly that way for her, anyway. ]

Perhaps it's because we're meant to indulge in food as well.

[dotcom]

Well, that one is simple enough...

[ there is like, enough sex stuff around that it's not too hard to figure out what the implication is here. ]

[chevaleros]

[ she sets the unwrapped cupcake down for him to enjoy whenever! ]

...Is that a preferable sort of indulgence for you? [ she can't completely hide her amusement. ]

[dotcom]

Anyone can eat.

[ until he runs into the robot i guess ]

[chevaleros]

[ she selects two slices of apple pie from the machine. ]

Yes, though I suppose any ordinary meal wouldn't really count as indulging, hm?

[dotcom]

[ ugh ]

No. It would have to be more decadent.

[chevaleros]

Ah, how terrible.

[ she says, over her dos slices of pie. she gets a fork to gesture at him, and also to eat with. ]

If this is all it takes to attain our desires, then I shan't complain.

[dotcom]

If only things were always that simple.

[ he would win this game so hard if all you had to do was eat sweets all day tbh ]

But I guess we'll see.

[chevaleros]

[ mukbang videos are the solution here, not murder ]

That's right, we haven't been told of very many specifics at all, have we? I wonder if it's really something as simple as enjoying ourselves to the fullest.

[ she's smiling but sounds doubtful? ]

[dotcom]

Considering they talk about potential death and ways to see justice for it, it's likely not.

[ hmmm. he doesn't sound too pleased about that. ]

[chevaleros]

[ hm! well, her expression goes a little more muted, neutral at that. ]

I assume it's to discourage us from getting carried away. But it does sound foreboding, doesn't it?

[ she's going to order some tea for them in the meantime... ]

[dotcom]

... I think we should at least try not to be surprised if this turns out to be more than eating sweets all day.

[ sugar and death, maybe, ]

[chevaleros]

Yes, I'm bracing myself for it. I expect a storm.

[ she says ominously, with a smile, gesturing to a cup of tea. ]

Would this suit you? [ to go with his cuppycake. ] Or would you rather have something else?

[dotcom]

It's fine.

[ but, he'll go and get

more sugar. ]