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. If you say so, perhaps it can't hurt to try one.

[Well. She can understand the concept of nuggets of chicken, probably? But she's still looking a little suspiciously at them.]

Can it be you, also, are not a child of the Nine Houses? I didn't realize this decision would bring me so far from home.

[enfangs]

Try it! Try it!

[discover the joys of fast food!]

... Next question—what the fuck are the Nine Houses? You some fancy ass rich kid?

[bonetiddies]

My House has never been rich in coin, but in greater treasures. Power, tradition, reverence.

[That's not really an answer.]

We are the servants of the Emperor, the God of Resurrection.

[enfangs]

Sooooo... a fancy ass rich kid, basically. Never heard of 'em!

[bonetiddies]

I'd gathered. Well, it would be fruitless to correct you.

[She's fancy, but definitely not rich.]

Where are you from, then? What system?

[enfangs]

I don't know what that question means.

[bonetiddies]

[. . . ]

Star system? I'm from the system orbiting the Dominicus star.

[enfangs]

E... arth...?

[bonetiddies]

I'm unfamiliar with it.

[Oh, well.]

We all must have come from farther than I realized.

[enfangs]

Guess that makes you an alien. Wow.

[bonetiddies]

If that helps you make sense of the distance, by all means. But I am a human being.

[enfangs]

I like alien better.

[bonetiddies]

Very well.

[He'll get a tiny, amused smile? Why.]

But if you happen to prefer, I am Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth.

[enfangs]

[a pause.]

That is seriously a fucking mouthful.

[bonetiddies]

[Sigh. Well. . . ]

If it's difficult, Harrow is fine.

[enfangs]

Way easier. You can call me... well, if we're doing the fancy title shit, White, one of the Third Generation of Demans. Though I guess it doesn't really matter anymore...

Anyway, White.

[bonetiddies]

White, Third Generation of Demans. I accept your introduction on behalf of the Ninth.

[Fancy title shit is good, actually?]

Would you tell me what it means? The Demans?

[enfangs]

Kinda complicated, but let's just say we're humans who got powers from God.

[bonetiddies]

Understood. My powers come from God as well. Though I imagine not the same God.

[enfangs]

Pretty sure this god wasn't looking past Earth, yeah. [squints.] What's your god like?

[bonetiddies]

He was once a man, but he became a God, and in so doing resurrected the deceased of Nine Houses. He is the originator of the art of necromancy, and the reason my House practices it.

He is the master of death, and most noble and generous. He tells dreadful jokes.

[enfangs]

So, what, he's God 'cause he can bring the dead back to life? Fair enough, I guess.

What kind of jokes?

[bonetiddies]

Bad ones. [She doesn't want to repeat it. Anyway, somehow what he just said made her look sad. The jokes must be terrible.]

It's a good reason to be God, yes.

[enfangs]

[that truly sounds so sad.]

Are we talking, like, zombies or complete revival?

[bonetiddies]

Only He can completely revive the dead, in body and soul. The rest of us can only affect pieces.