dualisooc | TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

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TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

» 01. WELCOME WAGON

Wow, what a bunch of new faces! The city of Dualis hasn't seen anything like this in a long time, and they've seen some pretty crazy things. Chances are you're seeing some pretty crazy things, too, unless you're used to a lot of neon, robots, weird-ass technology, magic, and an omnipresent police force...and hey, if you are, congrats, you're gonna settle in juuuuust fine. But for the rest of you, the Head knows this has gotta be pretty overwhelming, right?

Well, since your quaint individual processing units are probably having a hard time, why not link up with another one? By which the Head means...

Hello, new citizens of Dualis, and welcome to your first monthly Network Adjacency Protocol~!

NAPs are a monthly community networking event similar to the Earth concept of speed dating! Two citizens (new arrivals and old hands alike) are placed at a table together with a handy cue card of queries to help break the proverbial ice. Ask queries and receive results, or ignore the card and yeet yourself straight into a brand new friendship! But don't be too shy, you've only got ten minutes together, and if you just sit in silence for the whole ten, then the Network Admins are likely to come supervise and try to repair the uplink through a mild shock to the ol' central nervous system. You might find yourself saying all sorts of unintended facts about yourself if that happens...probably better to just make friends, right?

» 02. A BUG IN THE CODE

Remember how the Head mentioned that whole plague thing? Well, don't worry, this isn't that.

It is, however, a really, really terrible flu circulating through the residents of Dualis. Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, hallucinations and even in some cases seizures. Bad news, all around. Luckily, this is something the Head knows how to deal with! Time for vaccinations, everyone~

The vaccination process is pretty straightforward: just head to your local clinic and get innoculated! You'll be in and out in less than ten minutes, MedDualis is pretty efficient that way. There isn't even a copay. The MedDroids will tell you, however, that there might be some minor side effects** to watch out for, including physical reactions and odd dreams, but don't worry--those will wear off within forty-eight hours. Nothing to concern yourself about! Of course, if that worries you, you could always run the risk of getting the flu--or passing it on to your loved ones...

**Possible side effects include: Gender or sex change, positive or negative size change, appearance alterations, shared dreams, and mild telepathic links, among others. Please contact your local MedDroid if these symptoms become too severe, or other side effects such as death occur.

» 03. TANSTAAFL

Well, you're settling in just fine, and the basic accommodations and amenities are okay, but maybe you've got a hankering to see that new VR Film: SHARKS IN SPACE 85: BLACK HOLE SHARK DO DO DO DO DO DO DO. Or maybe you want some sweet new duds to wear around town, or even just an actual slab of steak. Sorry, those cost extra, pal, which means it's time for...

JOB HUNTING.

Fortunately, Dualis makes this pretty easy! There's a job fair on this week, down at the Central Hub! Plug your certifications and skills into any of the EmployMe terminals in the Dualis Central Hub, and the computer will auto-generate a currently open job that it feels you'd be best suited for. No resume writing or lengthy application process required! Of course, whether or not this job sounds like the right job for you is another matter...but hey, how could an AI with millions of years of learning be wrong? Time to get started, or try and switch waivers with another unhappy new employee--but be warned, some unforeseen consequences may occur if you try swapping identities with someone else...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It's math. There were records that said Caraway had been married to the singer. Rinoa was Caraway's daughter. The math worked, and Nida didn't think it was some sort of secret. And it helped that the Rinoa he had known and lived with had named her pet after her mother. There had been a few conversations.

But his smile, his warmth, fade a little at 'that sounds like something you'd be good at.' What could she mean by that? Hadn't he lamented the loss of his motorcycle to her before? His need to be taking apart an engine? Strange.

"I don't know, to be honest. Those I do know haven't bothered to fight what they've got. And I'm actually qualified for my job. Strange that a mercenary doesn't really qualify for anything. I was hoping for fitness instructor after the village and all of that. You know how hard I got into instructing at the dojo."

Her eyebrows knit together as she tries to parse out exactly what he's saying. Mercenary she gets. Of course. Because Garden is full of mercenaries. Of a fashion. And some other things that work alongside all of that. Pieces of the puzzle, as it were. But the rest of what he says...

Fitness instructor.
Instructing at the dojo.

She has no idea what any of that means. And he says it as though she should know, which... leads her to the conclusion that while he knows her, he doesn't know her. It puts her into an awkward position. Pretend she knows what he's talking about, which leaves her feeling uncomfortable with the notion. After all, if he says anything to her that she shouldn't know about, she'd feel bad.

"I... er," she begins a bit uncertainly. Rinoa shifts, and unsure of what to do with her hands, she weaves them together. And proceeds to fidget. He may be older, but Rinoa is still somewhere in that late seventeen where she's not exactly the best at carrying herself yet. "This might sound kind of silly, but I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm not calling anything you're saying into question, but... Could it be you have the wrong... me?"

...Is that even possible? Rinoa supposes after time compression anything is possible.

Ah. Nida takes a full step back, immediately opting to get Rinoa room. Can't help the brief wave of disappointment that washes over him.

Why be disappointed, he asks himself quickly. Another Rinoa doesn't mean she's any less the strong, confident young woman who helped you.

"Yeah, it would seem so. Which is a bit more common in these circumstances than you'd think. Former SeeD Nida Nomura, at your service. And even if you're different, I'm happy to see you."

She can see it. But then, this is Rinoa, who has been ever consistently transparent in her feelings. Trying to hide them isn't exactly a forte of hers. Maybe because of that, she at least believes she's perceptible to the feelings of others around her. Or maybe it's that Nida doesn't hide it well either.

Her expression twitches a little. A shame she isn't the same one. She wonders what kind of Rinoa he knows. Or knew. Wonders what kind of woman she grows up into.

"I remember you from Garden," she reassures him with a nod. "I don't think we really formally met, though." In spite of the idea that it seemed like everyone in Garden knew her whether she knew them or not. Comes with the territory, it seems. She pauses a bit awkwardly, but manages up a smile all the same.

"It's nice to see a familiar face," she continues quietly. "Sorry I'm not what you were expecting."

Or hoping for.

Now now, don't judge yourself, Rinoa. In his heart you're the number one lady, one of his best friends, and the source of his fashion. Sort of. It's complicated.

"A pleasure then. And you don't have to be her. You're still a wonderful young woman. "And if you think mine is a familiar face in passing, well... There are some faces here you'll be pleased over."

And disappointed. Seifer's going to start fresh. If Squall even lets her anywhere near the former Sorceress Knight.

"And you're still the lady that helped free my home down, so I'm a fan."

"There's others here then," she begins contemplatively. "Are they... uhm." How does she say it? Motioning to him, she issues a quirk in her mouth. "Do they know a different me as well? Just so I know what to expect."

She's bracing herself for being a catalyst to more disappointment. There's nothing she can do about it, but it doesn't mean she doesn't feel a slight degree of guilt about it. But feelings are never exactly black and white, are they? She'll make the best of the situation. She's pretty good at that.

He continues and as he does, she feels her own tension begin to wane. Suddenly the musician role doesn't seem so important. She gets what he means. Timber's resistance movement against Galbadian control. It seems like it happened so long ago. For him, it seems like it has. For her... Maybe not so much.

"You'll have to tell me what I've missed sometime while I settle in. It seems like we'll all be here for a while." And hopefully Garden won't completely fall apart. Seems like Rinoa's penchant for playing 'Mother' has come into use in the past. Who knows what'll happen if she's not there to nag everyone into submission.

"One does," Nida confirms, and that's the awkward one. "The other? Well, I suppose it depends on you two. But don't worry, you'll be welcomed with open arms. There have been instances of this, before. Trust me. Him and I, the guy that met the other you? He knows this happens."

And they set themselves up for disappointment. Nida had just hoped things were that easy. And they weren't. But the other thing, the 'tell me what I've missed'? That makes him laugh lightly and shake his head. That really isn't going to happen.

"I hate time loops, Rinoa. I'm not propagating any by saying anything."

Even if it could fix some of the problems of the past. Hadn't Squall learned that didn't work. "But I can tell you about the place I spend the last ten months before I came here. And I can introduce you to some people you'd get on well with."

She supposes he has a point, but...

"Really? You won't even tell me anything about the 'me' you knew?" She pulls a frown, though it's fairly obvious that she's pouting in an attempt to get her way. What's the worst that'll happen? It's not like she can go anywhere to change things from how they were. Although she supposes it's possible that she might change herself based on that information. If she did, would she be her true self, or just the person he knew?

...Maybe they're the same? Rinoa wonders if she believes in predestination to such an extent.

"Regardless, I'm grateful to anything you're willing to tell me. Or to help me with. I'll try not to be too much trouble." Although she suspects that he might not mind the trouble. And it's true that Rinoa has, once or twice, head first into it.

Her mind turns. She seems like she's taking this so easily. She's probably not, but it helps to have Nida here. It helps to hear there are others she'll know. An asshole and an ice wall. She has some educated guesses here. Regardless, it's a lot to take in. Fortunately, it seems she has time to do so.

"Things that won't have a bearing on your life back home in the years between Ultimecia and when I'm from? I'll tell you that you became rather talented when it came to knitting. I wish I had any of the things you... Should I say she? I feel like I shouldn't just say 'you'. Part of how I got through a cold winter was her help. Stupid Timber being nearly equatorial and keeping me from being good with the cold."

Of course, Seifer had gotten good too. There had been such amazing nights, the three of them by the fire, Rinoa and Seifer knitting, and Nida carving knitting needles for them. And then there had been him and Seifer trying to teach her to fight more.

Don't try pouting, Rinoa. His boyfriend is so very much better at it, and he's slowly developing a tough skin to it. He isn't a person that can be taken too far by that, not anyway.

"You're never trouble, Rin. A woman so very, very like you just about saved my life recently. You're coming in with bonus points in my ledgers.

Knitting? That's... an interesting prospect. Even as she's standing there, separated from the woman he knew, Rinoa's obviously considering the merits of pursuing such an art. Sounds relaxing, actually and while she enjoys adventure, she likes relaxation just as much.

"Huh. She sounds kind." It's weird to talk about herself as if she's another person, though the truth of the matter is that she really was another person. Is. Wherever she may be now. They can share a name and memories, but if they're from different timelines, then they're not the same people.

The tension in her frame releases a bit. Leave it to him to reassure her. Her smile becomes a little more sure. "Bonus points, huh? I'll take `em." She shifts again before she gives a momentary glance around. "I'm sure you've got to get to work—" She motions to his toolbox before she continues, "—but is there anything else I should know right away?"

Let's see, what sorts of things can he really give to someone else who is new to being dragged across the universe to a strange place? You've got to buy a lot of things so there are a lot of things going on. And Nida's learned to take it in stride. Interesting.

Well then, let's just get the first set of bits of advice. And with his grin back in place.

"Work can wait a little. I got here quickly, it will save me some time for work. First? When you can, load the maps app onto your phone. This place isn't stable. Things move so much that it doesn't make a lot of sense to do anything else. Roads change, things move. It's... Probably something like the strangeness of Compression in some ways. Second: work your job as well as you can. The stipend we're supposed to get? I've heard people mumble that it didn't come through. You might need it to get by. And third..."

This one gets a far more serious look. A hint of something more emotionally deep.

"Give people a chance. No matter how they look. I've seen things here weirder than anything back home. People that make no sense. People who I knew were dead back alive."

Again, it's a lot to take in at once. The Time Compression comparison she can wrap her mind around. She might not have fully understood it at the time, but at least it's familiar. She doesn't have to get it. She just has to know what to expect. Even the second thing regarding her job makes sense.

She just hopes she can figure out exactly what her job is, so that she can work it. Even if begrudgingly. And she hopes it's something she'll be good at. She doesn't want to find out what the consequences are for not being effective. Or practical, she supposes. In a place like this? It's quite possibly nothing good. Especially if he's comparing it to Compression in some ways.

His last point makes her eyebrows raise again and she wonders what he means. "...I... see," she manages to reply, considering that she doesn't really have an alternative. There doesn't appear to be a 'won't do this' option. Eventually, she'll want a more... thorough discussion, but in terms of what she needs to know, everything Nida's said seems to satisfy her immediate curiosities. Rinoa nods.

"I've got it. When you're not rushing off to work, I'll have to borrow you for some clarification, I'm sure. Or one of the others you mentioned. But what you've told me so far is fine for now. It's at least a direction." And truth be told, it's all she needs. Rinoa hasn't always been the independent person she's wanted to be, but this is a time and place in which she can put that into practise.

Nida offers a deep and clearly formalized bow at the request. Of course he'll brief her on anything he can. And it will give him something to think about today.

"If you're in one of the dorms, let me know which and where, and I'll help make sure that you're up on everything I can tell you. That you should know."

It's just easy, standing there with her. Can't help the fondness.

"Is it okay if I call you Rin? It's... you make me feel like I'm home again. With my most well-adjusted sibling."

She nods to him, wondering where exactly she'll be put. Or whatever kind of residence she'll be able to get her hands on. Fortunately, she's not exactly expecting luxury, though it seems possible that working might get her a little closer to that idea. It'll be a challenging road ahead of her regardless, it seems.

"Yes, of course," she replies with the same sincere turn of her mouth. "I'll let you know as soon as I'm fully settled in."

I still feel like this is a lot to take in, she wonders as she eyes him. And now there's the idea of another me. I wonder if that's a consequence of Compression.

He captures her attention once more with his other question and after a moment's consideration, which is quite short, the features in her face soften. "I'd like that," she agrees with another short little nod. "Are we siblings then? If so, I guess that makes me your little sister now."

"Well, she was definitely a little more like a sibling," Nida agrees. "A younger sister who always made sure I took care of myself, helped me get the confidence to let myself fall in love, and who refused to let anyone act like she couldn't handle herself."

And all of those things were things this Rinoa could do too. She's strong, and Nida's always known how strong she was.

Rinoa can't help but smile. It all sounds like her for certain.

"Listen to you," she begins, evidently brightened by his words. "Talking about falling in love. Sounds like something I would do. If not playing matchmaker. Good to know that it sounds like we aren't completely worlds apart."

Not that she's suspected they were. Even a Rinoa from a different time would surely share core concepts with the one in the present at question. She eyes Nida for many moments before she continues, "I guess that means I better be looking after you and making sure you take care of yourself." In short, no different than she would be were she back in Garden. Seems like she feels at her best when she's looking after those close to her. She didn't have the opportunity to be close to Nida before. It's presented itself and there's no good to be squandering it.

"Or I guess it's better to say we'll look after each other."

"Oh, I actively had to forbid the Rinoa I knew from trying to set me up on a date," Nida assures her, laughter in his voice, worn happily on his face.

And she has no clue how hard won that openness, that joy, was. Or how big a role that a woman that looked just like her and lived with her name was in that regard. Like he said, she had a lot of bonus points in his book. After all, his boyfriend had been a close friend of hers, and she had seen the affection building in them both, had encouraged it. She and Seifer had been a right pain in his ass about it.

But Nida? He knew how to break it up a bit. To respect this woman for who she is, not who the woman he had known was.

"Oh dear, you're going to have your hands full with making sure other people take care of themselves, Rin. I'm doing somewhat okay. At the moment. Not that I would mind some extra seeing to from someone who actually knows how to people. But I don't mind helping you out as well. If you want, I could see about being 'lost' for a little bit and show you to wherever your job as assigned you to. Or the dorms."

She chuckles. That sounds like her, too. She has a penchant for meddling in the affairs of others, especially where she really shouldn't. "Sounds about right. Better to set some ground rules down for me, even if I normally think rules were made to be broken. Otherwise, you don't know how much trouble I'll cause for you."

Inadvertently or unintentional.

Weaving her hands together, she beams, feeling less in unfamiliar territory and more like herself, as if the happenstance was more in her favour. "It's a good thing I'm really good at nagging."

At his offer, she pauses thoughtfully. "You won't get in trouble for playing hooky? I won't turn down the company if you're offering."

Rules? Made to be broken? Never. But he likes that about her, and offers a true chuckle at that. Damn if the world doesn't feel a lot more comfortable with Rinoa in it. Even if he is sad that she doesn't get to just be back home with people she loves.

"Oh, your nagging is going to be needed around here. There are a lot of idiot men who need nagged to behave. Myself included. As for hooky, well, I'm normally such a very good boy since getting here. I think one instance of being slow can be okay."

"OH, goody," she begins. "I do love to nag."

It's kind of a joke. Sort of. It's not that she actually gets enjoyment out of it. It's more like she's just so damn good at doing it. And it's effective. Rinoa can almost always get her way if she nags someone until it happens. Maybe that's just a testament to how much other people don't like it.

But then she'd cave too if someone nagged her. Exceptions apply.

Rinoa chortles once more. Nida is full of so much life. Has he always been like that or is it that his experiences have made him like so? She can't tell, wouldn't be able to considering she didn't know him very well to begin with. But if this is how he has the potential to be, she makes a note that once she returned to Garden, she'd like to seek out the Nida from her own time.

"Well, let's play hooky for a little. If anyone asks, you can say you had an emergency to attend to." She pauses a moment for effect. "A cute emergency." Get it? Because she's cute. That's the joke.

"Hooky sounds amazing. And you are an adorable little emergency."

One that he would absolutely get in trouble at work for. What? He's loyal to her in ways that are hard to put into words.

Though, for her own sake, he hopes she doesn't go back and just assume she's going to easily handle Nida back home. He knew that he was a closed off, reserved, and definitely not fun guy back then. But he didn't doubt that him from then wouldn't try. Provided he didn't have to deal with Angelo.

Yes. Yes, she is. Rinoa's grin from ear-to-ear almost seems to imply that this observation is an undisputed fact. And... knowing her, it quite possibly is. Her head tips, pleased with his response, though having not wholly expected it.

"So you said you're gonna look at my dorm with me? I haven't even seen it yet. I mean, I guess I stepped in and right back out again to be looking at this job stuff, but that was it. It's not like they exactly gave me a brochure with sights to see and what not." Although she has to wonder if anything like that exists here. This probably isn't exactly the kind of place people want to go for a vacation, though. That's just a hunch.

"Maybe you can explain this map changing thing to me again on the way. And the other people we know who are here, how long you guys have been here, and so on."

"Yeah, those are all on the 'Net," Nida explains. He's seen a few people online who posted 'travel guides for new arrivals' and it had been rather nice to have that available.

"Going that far might require me to get off of work, but I'll at least get you to the door if you want. The rooms are comfortable enough, I suppose. Well, unless you have a troublesome roommate. Like me. Pro-tip, don't room with your boss."

So there you go, first confirmed person she would know that is around. Seifer... he'd rather warn Seifer before that.

She raises her eyebrows and eventually manages to wear a smile. She doesn't expect him to do everything for her. The truth is that he's done more than enough, especially considering she wasn't exactly a bearer of positive news.

"You don't need to take the entire day off," she reassures him with a smile. "Just to the door is fine. I don't expect you to stop everything in your day for me."

Issuing a bit of a laugh, she continues, "I'll keep it in mind to be careful about who I'm sharing my space with. Is that something I get to choose or am I going to get assigned one? Not that I'm particular. I'm sure whoever it is will be easy to get along with."

"Oh, it's assigned. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be rooming with your boyfriend."

Nida doesn't even like the idea of it. He needs more space than he has.

TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

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Sorry; I got eaten by Fire Emblem and life!

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Seems a good close?