[video]

[turnsthewheels]

[The video clicks on to reveal a rather elegant-looking young man - his suit's a little wrinkled and his hair's a little messy, but he looks almost posed as he looks intently at the camera.]

Well, that's one thing worked out, eh?

Hello, everyone. I'm a newcomer, I'm afraid, and while I believe I've worked out some of the basics, I could use help adjusting. Any information you could give me would be wonderful. [He gives a small, friendly grin.] Primarily concerning a way out. I'm rather important back home, you see. The call of duty and all that.

For now, if there's no quick way out, I'd also be happy to make myself useful. I'm a roboticist back home, and there seems to be at least one robot here, so if anyone needs anything... [Another nice, friendly grin.]

[Pause] Also, I think someone replaced the bit of food I had with... candy, so I'm admittedly a little worried about that situation. It's not an immediate concern, but.

Thank you for your time, truly.

Comments

[ video ]

[hostage]

You can't eat candy?

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Not with nothing else to supplement it. Protein is always pleasant in the long run.

[ video ]

[hostage]

Ah, you don't gotta worry about the long run. It's probably somebody just messing around with magic.

text

[reassures]

There is no way out right now.

Did you have any specific questions?

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

...Sorry, magic?

[That seems to have made the calm demeanor flicker a little into confusion.]

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Well, that's quite a shame. I'll have to work on that.

Just a general rundown would be lovely, but places to get work and food would be particularly superb.

[ video ]

[hostage]

Didn't pay attention to the greeter, huh?

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

To be honest, I've had to find my own way a bit so far. The first person to meet me tried to mug me - after that, I focused on getting indoors quickly. I might have missed some things in my rush.

[reassures]

[Oh hey. There's a little pause before a reply, because now that she looks... is that a W on his face?

Interesting tattoo choice.]

Did you not speak to a Greeter?

Oh-- That depends, do you cook for yourself, or were you hoping to just get a meal somewhere? The mall has a lot of restaurants, but the grocery stores here have a really wide variety, too.

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Only very briefly. Someone tried to mug me on arrival, my main concern was getting indoors after that. [He chuckles.] I may have missed things, I'll admit.

I can cook for myself, so grocery stores would be lovely.

[ video ]

[hostage]

That blows. At least you made it inside.

Anyway, yeah. Everybody here's got superpowers. If you don't got one already, you'll get one soon.

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Now, that's admittedly fascinating. [His grin is, for just a moment, a little too wide.]

I have a few little tricks, but they're all scientifically founded. I've never had the opportunity to encounter the supernatural. But I suppose if this place pulled me this far, it's not that surprising that there are other oddities as well.

permatext! because lazy

[reassures]

That's awful. Are you okay?

Then... If you're at the Tower Apartments, there should be a grocery store two blocks away. Just go out to the main road and go down the street to the right-- you should be able to see it eventually.

[ video ]

[hostage]

[Dryly:] Yeah. It's kafkaesque.

[Forgive his mood. He's detoxing.]

If you really wanna see some supernatural shit, stay outside after dark. Except don't really, 'cause you'll get eaten.

permavideo in turn, because Wily is vain.

[turnsthewheels]

I'm fine. He wasn't particularly competent, to be fair. [He grins brightly.]

Perfect. Thank you so much for the help, ah--what would your name be?

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Apologies if I came off as flippant. It's hard to break out of the scientific mindset.

[He frowns a little.]

Being eaten is something I'd rather avoid, yes. What exactly is out there at night?

[reassures]

Well, it's good that you're okay.

My name is Nill. What's yours?

[turnsthewheels]

For the moment, at least.

Dr. Albert Wily. Quite a pleasure to meet you, Nill. [Smile smile!]

[ video ]

[hostage]

[He's not actually bothered, so he shrugs.]

Monsters, mainly. But everything kind of rots out there, too. It all just goes bad.

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Something I'll be sure to avoid, then. [Actually looking a tiny bit worried.]

Any other tips on survival?

[ video ]

[hostage]

Don't piss off the companies.

[reassures]

You as well. Should I call you Doctor? Or is Albert fine?

How much do you know about this place right now? I can fill you in on whatever you don't know.

[ video ]

[turnsthewheels]

Not in my plans.

I got the vague sense from what I managed to catch that one of them is scientifically focused? If so, I might even be able to help them out. If they're open to new help, of course.

[turnsthewheels]

Please, just Albert's more than fine.

I know that people develop supernatural powers, that staying indoors at night is a lovely idea, and that there's no current way out.

[ video ]

[hostage]

Yeah, SERO. They pretty much got a monopoly on technology and pharmaceutical shit. They're always looking to recruit Newcomers, but you gotta watch your step you don't end up a lab rat.

It ain't all bad, though. I'm at a SERO rehab facility right now. They're treating me good.