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]

Ah, but who said I was upset? All I said was that I found it strange! I have no problem using washing machines--I'm not so far removed from my more humble beginnings that I've forgotten how to, or become too good for them.

[ he is tho. he is a little upset about it. and he is too good for laundry. ]

[holeful]

[Far be it from him to call you a liar.]

Well, in that case, I suppose I'll leave you to it.

[niceguyferatu]

Ah, ah, ah!

Let's not be rude--we haven't even introduced ourselves yet! Please, I'm Vlad Masters.

[ he offers a hand to shake. i am arbitrarily deciding this is the one that's been tattooed, too--a yellow crown. ]

And yourself?

[holeful]

[Of fucking course Vlad is Pride. Anyway, Fukuda shakes his hand, which doesn't have his tattoo, but his other hand is clearly resting on his hip bearing those green eyes.]

Fukuda Tamotsu. You've got quite a powerful name.

[niceguyferatu]

[ Vlad's grin widens and he chuckles. He spots the tattoo on Fukuda's hand and notes it down mentally. ]

Yes, it is a very fitting name, isn't it?

Fukuda Tamotsu...that's Japanese, I take it?

[holeful]

[He considers pointing out that he didn't say fitting but thinks better of it. For some reason he suddenly hears Narihisago's complaining tone in the back of his head.]

It is. I'm from Fukui.
[He doesn't know how well Westerners would know it but, it is what it is.]

[niceguyferatu]

Is that so? Hmm, I'm sure it's lovely. I haven't had a chance to travel there myself, unfortunately.

[holeful]

Where is it you're from, America?

[He's assuming America because you are loud.]

[niceguyferatu]

Yes, although I've travelled plenty as well. Including a few business trips to Japan.

[holeful]

Haha, you might've seen more of Japan than me, then. I haven't traveled much. What is it you do for work?

[niceguyferatu]

I'm a businessman. We have some departments located in Japan, and I've acquired a few Japanese companies here and there. It always helps to put in an appearance in person, I've found--it keeps up morale and boosts trust.

[holeful]

You sound quite successful... I wonder what someone like you could need to wish for, to be in a place like this.

[Are you hollow, rich man.]

[niceguyferatu]

[ why is everyone here so shallow as to assume wealth would give him everything he wants!!! ]

Yes, well, although I am incredibly successful, I have my regrets like any other person. There are some areas in life where I'd like a second chance.

[holeful]

[Maybe they're just assuming Vlad doesn't have the awareness to not think that.]

Aah... are you one of those rich business men who lost connection with his family because he was too busy with his job?

[niceguyferatu]

Mmm, not quite. I'm afraid I...haven't had the chance to start a family. Although that is part of what I hope to get out of this place.

[holeful]

That's a nice wish. Ah, I think I saw a movie once where a business man got to see what his life would be like if he'd prioritized family over work. But you arrived at that regret all on your own...

[niceguyferatu]

In a way, I suppose so. Really, this is just the path in life I pursued after a terrible accident. I'm very satisfied with what I've managed to accomplish, of course, but it certainly isn't where I'd planned to be in life.