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

[legacy_blade]

[That was... weird to watch. But Zack doesn't mention it. He just watches his friend with a bit of concern. That's all he can do. Because even that is better than catatonia. And the answer? It makes him smile.]

Good. For a moment I thought you were judging me for thinking you'd go in for caramel. Good to know that sandy flavor and texture hasn't ruined our friendship. I mean, if that were to happen I'd hope it would be over muffins at the very least. Lemon poppyseed by the way.

[legacy_blade]

[Man, it's nice to see his friend grown up and mature but still, you know, him. Zack can't help the happiness that is spreading in his chest. The guy really had done it. He'd gone on, he'd lived, and he's happier for it. That's what Zack's seeing anyway.]

See, I knew I was the best influence on you. If you'd been Kunsel's friend you'd do something blasphemous, like bran muffins.

[He leans back and takes up his cocoa to take a sip. Yeah, he doesn't mind the mint flavor. Better than his mom's.]

Could stand to have some cocoa with chili, though. Not enough heat. As for how long? About two hours. Did some clothes shopping. There's a place here that has SOLDIER uniforms. It's weird. But hey, not like I'm used to wearing anything else.

[legacy_blade]

[See, they're still bonding over being from the middle of nowhere. And he just likes this. The ease with his best friend, back with no effort at all.]

Wow, you really think I have to have EVERYTHING spicy? Some things are nice if it's not. Like ice cream.

[Still, the 'how did it get you?' It has Zack tilting his head curiously.]

I don't know, man. Things just happen, right? You just gotta adapt. Move with the situation. That's what Solder's about, right?

[legacy_blade]

[It's not selfish. He's got new life, Cloud. And he can be here to share it with a friend.]

No, I haven't tried it. But ice cream is sacred, man. It's not something anyone should make light of. Not even you, Spikey.

And yeah, I'm happy too. Though I wish you were back home. Then again, looking at your build, seems like you've put some serious strength on. So maybe you're not doing too bad here.

[legacy_blade]

[Probably best that never comes back. This is more fun. Seeing his friend as he could be. Even if some of the body motions... seem off. Zack knows the kid well enough to know something's seriously changed. Clearly his death affected Cloud. But... it's almost like a mirror in some ways.]

Now now, you know I wouldn't. I'd take you with me for ice cream. That's what friends do. And don't worry, you'll make my level. I know you will. I have faith.

[legacy_blade]

Oooh, briefing time!

[Zack offers his best ‘serious soldier about to be briefed’ face.]

Lay it on me!

[legacy_blade]

[Interesting. Zack is attentive and his face grows darker the more he hears. Until at last he just looks tired. So tired]

Well, that sounds fun. Not. At all. Geez. This is a bit worse than ShinRa in that regard. And I think we’re out on time. Are... we allowed to skip these? Like have me take out out and find some curry or something? Catch me up on what you’ve been doing since Nibelheim?

[legacy_blade]

Ouch, bad comparison.

[Still, Zack doesn't care that much for what people tell him to do. So he just gets up and holds his arm out in a loop for his friend. What? Playful jokes like this are absolutely his speed.]

Your chariot awaits, Spike.

[legacy_blade]

Dude, don't forget, I'm great at robot management. But when I say so... run?

[He smirks because he knows they can handle it. And they do get outside, before the iterations can intercept them. Which leaves Zack smiling once they're outside. See, victory through confidence.]

Didn't I teach you, Cloud? You've gotta act like you've got every right to do what you're doing. Then it'll all be okay.

[legacy_blade]

Geez, Cloud, get paranoid in your old age?

[But he smiles and lets Cloud tug him along. The guy is more spirited in some ways than Aerith is. Oh well. He can do this too.]

Chill out, Cloud. Even with all you said, these things aren't really all that intimidating. I mean, they aren't a Guard Crab or anything.

[legacy_blade]

What, you think Angeal didn't teach me how to handle myself in a hand to hand fight? Cloudy, give me some credit. I've kicked G-Copy asses with only a beach umbrella.

[What? He's a badass.]

But come on, give me the details. I can handle it. This place can't be worse than the shit Shinra put us through.

[legacy_blade]

[That's an understandable sentiment. Last time Cloud saw him, he did kinda stand against a whole unit of the infantry to try and save Cloud's life. At least he managed that last part. Still, it's interesting to watch Cloud like this. Not used to the kid not looking at him. Maybe he hasn't been forgiven for dying. For putting so much burden onto him. But at least from the look of his arms, his country buddy had been working out with the Buster Sword. Good. Angeal would be happy about that too.]

Geez, looks like we've got ourselves into quite the situation here, haven't we? Good thing I'm really good at stuff like this. But before I figure out if I'm helping this 'terrorist' group, I wanna know if you think it's worth it. Or if we should try doing things on our own.

[Wait... Tifa, that name sounds familiar.]

You're right, I don't know a Vincent, or those other people from that other world. But Tifa... that was your childhood friend, right? From back home? Yeah, I'd love to see her. And your other friends. You never had enough in Midgar. I'm glad you're making new buddies here. And any friends of yours are totally friends of mine.