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

[niceguyferatu]

It depends on what this thing is made of. Oh, if only I could pry open the casing and see the wiring inside...

[shiftingwinds]

...it looks a bit too sturdy for that!

[niceguyferatu]

Exactly. Which is why I'll just have to make do with the external photos as is. It might be tricky to figure out, but I'm sure I've built more complex things in the past. It's merely a puzzle to solve.

[shiftingwinds]

Really! What sorts of things have you made before?

[niceguyferatu]

Oh, all sorts of things! My companies primarily deal in computers and security systems, but I've always had a penchant for the scientific, and I've recently branched out into, ah...more paranormal tools.

[shiftingwinds]

Oh, is that so? Could you tell me more about these tools?

[niceguyferatu]

Mostly containment and weaponry. Ghosts have a tendency to wreak havoc on cities if they get loose, so the sooner they can be subdued and removed, the better.

[shiftingwinds]

[


well, he's not wrong.]

Ghosts are common where you come from, then?

[niceguyferatu]

Not really. They're quite rare, generally speaking. But in some places, there are portals that make it very easy for ghosts to cross over to the human world, and there, they are like an epidemic.

[shiftingwinds]

I see... that sounds troubling. The things you make must come in handy, in that case.

[niceguyferatu]

Oh, extremely! I've become the premier provider of defense systems and security against ghosts in the town most besieged by them.

[shiftingwinds]

Good for you! That sounds helpful.

[no,,,]

[niceguyferatu]

Why, thank you! You're right, it is. I've even gone to the trouble of setting up offices there myself--helping to rebuild the town, make new jobs, stimulate the economy...

[shiftingwinds]

Are they going to be okay while you're here, then? Since you've been doing all that important work?

[niceguyferatu]

I help develop and maintain the structures that keep the town safe, yes, but much of the day to day minutiae is handled by my subordinates. I am more than comfortable leaving things in their capable hands for a short while.

Although you are correct, if I were to vanish long-term, the company and the town would stagnate without my innovation.

[shiftingwinds]

...well, hopefully you'll be here just long enough to get what you want, but not so long that things go wrong back home!

[niceguyferatu]

That is the plan!

[shiftingwinds]

Best of luck with your indulging, then!