TDM 001. WELCOME TO THE CITY

[headandhand]

» 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...

Comments

[axiomed]

[ a faint pout. ]

It cannot be all that hard. I have enough people skills to get by.

[magneticfields]

[ This is rapidly becoming amusing enough to make the indignity of his assignment worth it. ]

Of course. You'll do fine.

[ It's not that Charles is incapable of learning the skills necessary. Erik just expects he will chafe at the role sooner rather than later. ]

[axiomed]

[ charles gives him a side-glance. ]

That did not sound very convincing.

[magneticfields]

Well. Optimism isn't exactly in my skillset, is it?

[ He snorts and turns away from the computers. ]

Did it tell you where you were to be a receptionist or just "receptionist"?

[axiomed]

[ charles squints at the note briefly. ]

What is the difference?

[magneticfields]

I wanted to find this bar I'm supposed to tend, thought we could take a look at the office you're assigned to while we're at it.

[ Of course they'll be doing this together. He could have included that part. ]

[axiomed]

[ charles eyes him briefly before shrugging. ]

Why not? It's important to get a lay of the land, so to speak.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik returns the look, all but daring him to say something. And then relaxes slightly when he accepts. ]

Does it say anything about what type of business it is? Dentist? Entertainment mogul? Hair salon?

[axiomed]

[ charles touches the back of his neck idly. he no longer misses the presence of hair but when it's brought up, his mind wanders. ]

No, actually. Perhaps I am allowed to pick where I am stationed at.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik's gaze follows that subconscious gesture. As much as he liked Charles hair (which is a lot), he finds that baldness suits him. Or maybe he's just biased that way. ]

In that case, what sort of place would you choose?

[axiomed]

Hmm, perhaps a library. That would seem less stressful and I do enjoy the company of books. Honestly, I look forward to some . . . quiet.

[ after raven and jean's death, charles is hoping for . . . peace? not quite, but some form of contentment he cannot fully name. ]

[magneticfields]

[ Erik frowns, thinking. ]

Do they have receptionists at libraries? Or do the librarians take care of the phones.

[ He doesn't really know. He looks at Charles, his eyes soft. He wants to give him that quiet. Whatever else he wants. ]

I'm afraid that sort of thing might be in short supply around here.

[axiomed]

Some do, to answer queries. Responsibilities are delegated. Or I will just settle for office work.

[ which he's not too bothered about. or charles isn't thinking it through. granted, his mind is wandering, unfocused. there's no school, no intrinsic motivation that had him going for decades. it's just himself in his own head. ]

Either way, I'm not particularly fussed.

[magneticfields]

You would know better than I.

[ Erik concedes the point. With no formal education, he definitely has had less experience with libraries than Charles has. ]

Should we see if there's any bars within spitting distance of the library? We could walk to work together.

[axiomed]

[ charles smiles brightly. ]

That would be lovely.

[magneticfields]

[ Even after all these years, Erik still feels his heart lift when Charles smiles at him. The back of his neck grows hot as he answers with his own, bashful smile. ]

Might as well see if we can share an apartment. It would make that easier.

[axiomed]

[ his heart stutters at that because it's been years, years of charles dreaming of possibilities, hoping and to hear it so plainly has him a bit agog, as if he didn't quite hear that correctly. it takes him a very visible moment to collect himself. ]

I — Yes. Absolutely. That would be. Ideal.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik isn't entirely sure about that. He hasn't had a roommate in some time. He almost mentions his habit of casual nudity in his private quarters but then realizes that probably wouldn't count as a "con" in Charles' book.

He'd find out soon enough, anyway. ]

If it's not, they don't seem to be too fussy about leases.

[axiomed]

[ charles hums. ]

That's true. I'm sure we can find something that works for us.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik can't help but laugh. ]

You're downsizing. Considerably. And gaining a roommate. Do you ever carry an umbrella or do you just expect to walk in eternal sunshine.

[axiomed]

[ the last time he held an umbrella, it was during raven's funeral. his fingers twitch against his arm-rest, but other than that, charles lets nothing else show. ]

That's fine. I imagine it'll be good for me. Broaden my horizons somewhat.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik doesn't know about that, because he wasn't invited. ]

Not too far, I hope. You have old friends here, after all.

[ He's teasing. And not at all keenly aware of how much more personable and charismatic Charles is than he could ever hope to be. ]

[axiomed]

[ do you even have phone service in genosha. charles keeps his smile up, albeit tremulous. ]

That depends on them, I think.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik pauses, and looks at him, frowning. ]

They brought us here. They know what we are. Do you think we'll be facing the same prejudices as we do at home?

[ Is he the more optimistic on this point? What a strange and unusual feeling. ]

[axiomed]

[ he starts. ]

What? No, no, of course not. This place seems like a healthy mix of individuals and unique properties.