[WORLD TWO | INTRO LOG]

[spellbindmods]

Who: All coven members
Where: In and around the new world’s apartment building where the coven is staying
When: Day (the calendar isn’t syncing for me hELP)
Open/Closed: Open to All

You’re in a room. It’s pretty bright — blindingly so, even. There’s something very stark and very clean about the place, and also the person you’re sitting in front of. You’re sitting? You’re sitting. There’s also a pane of very powerful plexiglass separating you from the uniform-clad person who is now speaking to you. It’s impossible to transcribe what they say verbatim, but here’s the gist of it: - You’re being welcomed to a city called Shehui. Depending on who you are, the level of technology may be light years ahead of you or child’s play. - There’s a very strict policy about magic. While there are measures put in place to prevent magic from happening, this is still something that they reiterate over and over. They don’t want to take chances. - Crime is also frowned upon. Small infractions will result in credit deductions, while major crimes will get you banned. Antisocial behavior is also looked down upon. You’re locked in the city for your initial eight weeks. You can leave afterwards, but trying to break out of the city or cause social unrest will result in monitoring and a potential ban. - This city is supposed to be somewhat relaxing. Is it a free pleasure cruise? No. Is it a self-contained society that runs on community and indulgence? Yes. - You’re being given an allotment of credits in order to stay in the city, which is what the economy there runs on. This goes on for quite some time. - You’re being moved to a housing location. Despite the slotted speaker in the middle of the plexiglass, the only time you have a chance to ask questions is when a small slit opens in the bottom and a package is slid towards you. - What’s in the package? There’s a credit card-like apparatus that has apparently taken a picture of you. It contains a place to write your name, an identification number and barcode. It also has a thin strip near the top that has scrolling script floating by. It states “WELCOME TO SHEHUI. YOUR ID WILL UPDATE WITH COMMUNITY NOTICES AND PERSONAL PINGS FOR JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO YOUR INTEREST.” It’s a lot to take in, but that’s the long and short of it. Have questions? The person will reiterate a few times that there are information desks around the city. That’s all for now…now you’ll be traveling to your next destination: your new home. The floor slowly lowers as if you’ve been in an elevator the whole time. It connects to several other glass containers, much like your own, all suddenly clanking together in a chain. After a short wait, the chain begins to move — quickly. Faster, maybe, than you’ve ever gone before. It’s hard to even make out the scenery when you’re zipping past everything so quickly. Where does this trip lead you? The ground floor of your new apartment building. The plexiglass cases open up and you’re in a hotel lobby. There’s a flashing board on the wall — NEW ARRIVALS, COME HERE. A ▢ So now’s the time to get settled into your new digs. Your name is on the board, and there’s a promise that your things — which, by the way, were mysteriously taken — will be located in your room. No need to fight over bedrooms; those also hold name placards that are digitally installed. Maybe everyone else is already there. Maybe you’re the first person there and need to find a way to stake your claim on the fridge or a bathroom. B ▢ Maybe you don’t want to fuck with anybody right now and are busy exploring the apartment building. You may encounter some aliens, some strangers, some ice machines. There IS that floor that’s nothing but recreational stations. If you’re overwhelmed, the garden is a good place to start. The sport court is pretty empty right now, if you want to have any regrouping meetings.

The apartment building is locked up tight for three hours in order to let new arrivals get their bearings. After that, the ground floor lobby doors open into the city of Shehui. There’s a lot to take in, but let’s cover the biggest bases: C ▢ Right outside this communal apartment building is a large, digital job board. The list of available jobs and credit opportunities are constantly flashing by. Want to pick one out? Just hold up that ID card you were given and the instructions and location will be sent to the ID’s text scroller. D ▢ You’ve got 500 credits to blow on clothes, food, strippers…whatever you’d like? Right next to the apartment complex are tons of local businesses, from bistros to outlet malls. A movie theater, an arcade, a video game store…and the best thing about Shehui? Most everything is dirt cheap. Where are you shopping? What are you buying? Enquiring minds would like to know! E ▢ Right next to the shopping area is a wooded park. It’s akin to a nature trail that’s similar to Yellowstone in scenery and topography. If you’re more comfortable someplace less…tech or modern…then this may be exactly where you’d like to be. F ▢ Wildcard! How will your character interact with this new and unusual world?

Comments

[apatheia]

... I was considering it. [She folds her arms, thinking. Why would he be sad about it?] A room like this isn't necessary for me anyways.

[talim]

But you had a room back on the Hub.

[ does she really not want to live with him that badly? maybe things were less okay than he thought they were. ]

... I'd be happy if you stayed, you know. I think it'd be fun to be roommates. And 9S can come visit.

[apatheia]

[She considers mentioning that she'd gotten along fine without using her room on the Hub for a while anyways, but that's not really the point here.]

It wouldn't be uncomfortable for you?

[talim]

[ jude shakes his head fiercely. ]

Not at all! Like I said, I think it'll be fun.

I mean... I guess I was a little apprehensive at first, but thinking it over, you're 2B. You're my friend. Besides, who else can I trust to keep us safe if someone decides to break in?

[ that little addition is more for her benefit than anything else. ]

[apatheia]

Hmm.

[That addition is definitely working at least. Periodic rest is important for her to maintain optimal functionality, but she's an android. She needs it much less than humans do. While Jude and the other (presumably) human occupant of the room slept, she'd be able to keep them safe.

Satisfied with the reasoning, she nods.]

Alright. I don't know how much fun I'll really be, but I can keep you two safe. [a beat] I'll be able to make sure you're getting enough sleep, too.

[talim]

[ oh no. jude didn't consider the fact that he can't be reading at all hours of the night without 2b knowing he's up. ]

I mean... you don't have to babysit me or anything? Don't worry. I'll make sure I maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

[ a lopsided smile. he did this to himself. ]

[apatheia]

And I'll just make sure of that as well.

[Not saying she doesn't trust Jude to take care of himself, but at the same time, she remembers him saying he'd fall asleep right on top of books he was reading!! He needs to sleep properly!!! What kind of android and friend would she be if she let that happen?]

But that won't involve babysitting you, I promise.

[talim]

[ he sighs. heavily.

but... he really is glad to have 2b here, and his childish pout is soon replaced with a warm smile. ]

I'm glad you're staying, 2B.

[apatheia]

I'll try to make it fun. [Not that she has the slightest idea on how to do that, but it'll be... nice, probably. She doesn't think it'll be a problem for her at least.] This is the first time I'll be having roommates like this.

[Some units had shared rooms back on the Bunker, but she wasn't one of them, and even in the room Anemone had given to her and 9S, they didn't spend all that much time there. Back on the Hub, they had separate rooms too, so this is a new experience for her.]

[talim]

Excluding living with Alvin back on the Hub, it's mine, too. I didn't share a dorm in med school. It'll be a new experience for both of us.

And I'm sure it'll be fun.

[apatheia]

... You must have some varied ideas of what fun is.

[Then again, he did seem to enjoy himself that time she just. Walked around surveying Aimintas, so she's not too surprised.

Although she realizes that she doesn't have many ideas on what fun is anyways, so it's hard to judge either way........]

[talim]

They're not weird. You just don't have enough ideas. Now I'll just have to make it my own personal mission to encourage you to have more fun in general.

[apatheia]

I'll admit that I don't have many ideas for pastimes and hobbies, but you don't need to go so far as to make it a mission.

[Because that mission might never end.............]

[talim]

Too bad. Operation "Let 2B have Fun" has already started. Accept your fate.

[apatheia]

[For a moment, her lips just barely twitch into a smile. He's so oddly determined about this, it's kind of endearing.]

It's not a bad fate to have at least.

[talim]

I would hope not.

[ his smile is much wider, but don't think he didn't notice hers. all it does is brighten his. ]

[apatheia]

[Smiling wider just because she smiled too... Jude really is something else, she thinks. There's a soft exhale, just short of a small laugh, but it's there.]

Tell me what your first step on this mission will be then. You need to have a proper plan if you want to achieve your objective.

[ADVICE SHE HAS NEVER TAKEN TO HEART HERSELF but Jude doesn't need to know that.......]

[talim]

That's sound advice. What do you say we start by getting some fresh air and taking a walk? It'll be nice.

[ platonic date with 2b? platonic date with 2b. ]

[apatheia]

Alright. Lead the way, then.