sexyspace | TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

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!test drive

TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

Introduction

The same siren that had sounded a couple weeks prior to signify the arrival of the portals that ripped through the island fills the air again. While Zenith had seemed to have taken care of these strange space-time anomalies, it appears that they didn't quite contain them all.

"Hello again, volunteers," R.Y.U.O. addresses the public again, thoroughly unimpressed. "It seems we have a second breach to be concerned about. Just as before: mind the edges and you should be fine." He doesn't say much more than that but anyone looking out the nearest window will see what he's referring to.

No matter where volunteers are, the giant triangular portal (approximately 1.75 miles tall and 1 mile wide) that suddenly splits reality off in the jungle faces them. No matter where they walk or what other angles they try to see it from, it faces them. That's only slightly unnerving.

It doesn't take long before the multiversal visitors start to pour through. While current volunteers can't leave, it seems that other people are able to come in through this portal that has converged from multiple access points in the multiverse on this tiny island. Say hello, volunteers, there are quite a few new unexpected faces to greet!

WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS

Professor Quintalian - who the newly displaced might have been informed already is the head of the volunteer program here on Zhautas - is quick to turn this potential PR nightmare into a daydream. People may be spilling through the portal and bringing forth any number of issues without the proper clearance but that's not their fault.

And it isn't Zenith's either, they're quick to say. It's actually because of a deranged space pirate named Hoshiko - here, have a picture for reference! - and you can blame her for your displacement in the multiverse. Please do. Of course, if anyone questions how one person is causing all this trouble Zenith representatives will be quick to say they need to go back to whatever task they had at hand and drop the topic.

Basically, it's not your fault and it's not their fault but you're still here now. So, why not be made to feel at home during your temporary stay? The professor is of the mind that showing these newcomers some good old-fashioned Zenith Corporation hospitality would be more beneficial in the long-term than trying to turn them all away immediately. You can't buy publicity like this! He wouldn't be in charge if he didn't know how to turn things to his corporation's advantage.

TEMPORARY LODGING

It's for this reason that the professor makes the call for the west wing, usually utilized primarily for research, to be turned into temporary lodging for their company. While the makeshift cots laid out aren't as private as the pods of the east wing or bungalows out on the beach, that's alright! It's still a nice, comfortable place to sleep until they figure the best way to get you back home.

They even got everyone who shows up a complementary gift basket. It's filled with cliche "aphrodisiac" foods such as chocolate, strawberries, but thankfully no oysters. They do have those if you're interested, of course, but you'd have to go to the food court for that request. The basket also contains lube (of random, assorted flavors and added effects!) as well as a cheap, plastic bullet vibrator that has the Zenith logo printed on it.

Unfortunately, due to the quality, it's a little finicky. Once you turn it on, you might not be able to turn it off. Don't worry! There's plenty of people around to help. Plenty of people to witness you fumbling with this bouncing, buzzing object and certainly plenty of embarrassment to be had by all. What a good bonding opportunity!

SEXATORIUM

Whatever research that was going on before people started arriving has been suspended for now. One wouldn't know though from how quickly the changed everything around from perhaps what veteran volunteers are used to. One minute there's regular, mundane scribbling onto clipboards and contemplative hums and nods. The next, there's sex on display in no shortage of ways.

The lab spaces have instead been converted to serve a different purpose. The lights are dimmed and tinted a hopefully soothing blue, music plays lightly, and there's the strong scent of sweat and salt permeating the place. The west wing has, for now, been converted into a sexatorium to showcase Zenith's finest attempts at curing this disease and enticing fresh faces to join their cause.

Volunteers and newcomers alike are welcome to peruse this section of the facility until everything gets sorted. Whether it be to watch or demonstrate themselves, Zenith staff is encouraging everyone to take part. They might be a little overly encouraging, honestly. It probably isn't surprising they're under quite a bit of pressure these days from HQ. Show all the multiversal visitors a good time the Zenith way, volunteers!

The glass walls of the research sector have become an exhibitionists' dream. Or perhaps a voyeur's, depending on perspective! Maybe you're taking time to walk through or scurrying to the other side and averting your eyes. If anyone was looking for the head of the program, they can find him here. Of course they can. If you're not into tentacles, that's your loss (according to him), but he's more than happy to talk about the program as well!

They also have plenty of other "experiments" that they'll be running that anyone is free to participate in. They are, but not limited to:

Sex Toy Demonstrations - Ever wondered what state of the art sexual technology is like? Check it out for yourself! If you want it, they likely have it. Not to worry if you don't exactly want to have everything on display, there are rooms that are more private with a black-out option on the glass. It can be toggled on and off or opacity may be changed and filters applied for those who might want the thrill of potentially being seen but not entirely.

Natural Aphrodisiacs - Stepping into one of these rooms will be like taking a step outside. They're full to the brim with plants both familiar and alien as a taste of the larger gardens that Zenith touts. Of note are the coitendrils; they're a pretty touchy-feely species! It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
Strip Trivia - How much do you know about sex? Maybe less than you think! Especially when you start throwing xenobiology into the mix. These rooms are staged like a game show (that outsiders can also view, if you so choose!) and with each wrong answer, you'll find yourself losing a piece of clothing. It could be as minor as a sock, your bracelet, or something as obvious as your entire shirt. Don't worry, your clothes are held in a containment unit just outside the room and it's all in good fun!
Cultural Exchange - It's no secret that many of the cultures and species on Zhautas are sex-positive. Most recently, volunteers visited the country of Nevrione whose specialty is leather BDSM gear with amazing hand craftsmanship. While there don't appear to be any natives to that country (which people are free to find suspicious) there is a sampling of what they have to offer for use. Also, just look at those cute feathers decorating some of the gear... What a nice touch!

AROUND THE FACILITY

The Gym
There is now a large gym after frequent volunteer requests for one. They've dedicated a lot more room recently to get a good work-out in. One of the best ways to relieve stress is exercise! Not that volunteers have any particular reason to be stressed. Everything is perfectly fine. It has a plethora of machines now rather than just a handful. In fact, it even features a rock wall, pool, and track now to suit almost every need imaginable.

A couple of the machines have an emphasis on vibrations. Not to worry, however, as there are plenty more options available that they're easily avoidable.

If the gym pool isn't your speed, you're always welcome to go for a nice swim out at the beach. The local mermaids have since returned back to their home waters, so there's no immediate threat to your well-being. At least, not anything obvious. Let them know if you find anything!
The Holo-Deck
The holo-deck is now up and fully operational. It's the size of a small gymnasium and quite sturdy! Don't worry if you do break anything, they'll fix it in a jiffy! They like to see the limits of their technology tested, after all.

The holo-deck can simulate basically anything your mind can come up with... if you have an implant. So, better make friends with someone who does if you want to experience this feature! Its main function is a relaxation mode that projects soothing landscapes and scenery. They look, smell, and sound so real you almost wouldn't believe that you aren't hiking through the mountains. And despite its limited size, the holo-deck does manipulate perception to make the space seem a lot larger than it really is.

Additionally, it has a combat mode to help keep the senses sharp of volunteers who might be more battle-inclined. They don't want you to lose your edge, after all, and especially not with Hoshiko still at large with no idea when she'll strike next. It's better to be prepared and it also gives the more restless volunteers a good way to work out all that excess energy.
Arcade
Attached to the holo-deck, there's another large room. This one is dimly lit and comes with the archaic colors and sounds that belong to a retro arcade. While the holo-deck can simulate games, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pinball beneath your fingers. Or maybe you just want to whack some moles in order to vent your frustration.

While you can win tickets here, they can't be exchanged for anything but minor trinkets. Most of the prizes to be gathered are sexual in nature (because of course, they are) like boxes of condoms or fancy flavored lubes. There's also the standard plush toys and inflatable contraptions.
Food Court & Vending Machines
This is a pristine, updated section of the facility that serves only the finest of meals thanks to the new cyborg chef in charge. He's a friendly older guy who uses his mechanical enhancements to make food faster than you can blink and, of course, it tastes incredible to boot.

Additionally, the vending area has been expanded and the machines have been fixed to no longer shoot out drinks at supersonic speeds. Of course, they still can if you so wish. Some people seemed to have fun making a game out of it so the feature is an option but only if someone selects it from the menu.

The Beach
The bungalows for more permanent residents of Zhautas are lined up along the island's south shore. It's only a short walk from the main facility, no more than five or ten minutes. If you'd rather stay out here instead of using the temporary lodging, that's also an option! They have tents available for use. Don't mind the way you may feel -- no, will feel more inclined to snuggle up - or more - with someone. That's just a standard 'light aphro' feature added to help prompt new volunteers to ease into the atmosphere of the facility.

At night, the beach lights up in beautiful blue luminescence where sand meets sea. Unfamiliar stars and constellations dot the sky as far as the eye can see. It's really rather peaceful. Well, it is if you ignore the giant foreboding portal off in the distance.

The Lounge
This is a begrudingly new addition to the main Zenith research facility, volunteers may have noticed supplies being gathered over the last week or heard whispers of the activity before the building popped up seemingly overnight near the outskirts of the jungle. While approved by the head of the program, it certainly doesn't look like anything that Zenith had a hand in constructing. (They didn't.) It sticks out from the sleek, smooth chrome surfaces by seemingly pulling together more natural elements reminiscent of the buildings in Nevrione, built from mostly wood with a stone foundation. The furniture inside is also crafted from wood, leather, and so on to create a... unique atmosphere full of tables, benches, a bar and stools. In fact, some of the decor seems to be decorated and reinforced with dragon scales.

While alcohol is served here, that's only if someone brings something that can be converted into alcohol via alchemy by resident volunteer Edward Elric. The lounge is advertised as being a place to hang out and get a break from the more modern and high tech setting that the facility has to offer, it is requested that sex does not happen within these walls.

While it touts a calm, unassuming front, with entertainment available such as darts, a pool table, card games and other typical bar games, it's quickly becoming an escape from Zenith's prying eyes and ever alert ears. This might be the place to go if you want to speak a little more freely about your suspicions regarding Zenith.

For volunteers that offer to help with construction or around the lounge once it's built - keeping order among others, cleaning, gathering supplies or various other tasks around the building - drinks will be free (unless another agreement is arranged) as means of payment for their time.

(For any questions about the lounge, please contact Remedy. Thanks for this idea goes to Amy, as it was Garrett's brainchild.)

THE UNDERBELLY

For as much as Zenith is pulling out all the stops, there's no denying that there is a faint sense of unrest teeming beneath the surface. While some veteran volunteers are friendly, there is still an undeniable undercurrent of dissatisfaction that Zenith can't quite completely overshadow. For all the fanfare and attentiveness of the staff, it probably won't be long before you run into at least a few people who aren't exactly shy about their dislike of the corporation.

Things that one might overhear and want to investigate are as follows:

Out in the jungle at night, you might have noticed- No, not the portal, everyone's noticed that. There are red eyes that light up the jungle at night. While they aren't exactly menacing, they are extremely unnerving. Ask anyone and they'll tell you those are demons and they're a product of Professor Quintalian's "personal research" apparently approved by Zenith. While they aren't actively aggressive, trying to infringe on their territory is ill-advised.

Being demon-touched is a terrible thing to experience. They're formless, tarry parasitic creatures that try to consume someone. There's even apparently a chance that you might turn into one. Being demon-touched comes with a host of negative side effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a desire to be "complete," fever, and more. And unfortunately for you, the process to expel any demon essence from the body is just as terrible.

Unfortunately, demons aren't the only concern you'll have if you traverse the jungle. This tiny island hosts a range of creatures both docile and deadly. It also seems like with the portal opening, even more are making their way and finding a space here at the Zenith Research Facility.
Despite initially volunteering, people's requests to leave are met with vague excuses as to why it isn't possible immediately. But then the professor will turn around and say Zenith sent someone home overnight without a word to anyone. While this appears to be highly suspicious, none of the staff seem to want to expound upon how Zenith operates with regards to terminating volunteer participation and, of course, Quintalian is nowhere to be found for any real serious discussion. Call him though! He'll be glad to talk to you over dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

Maybe talk to a resident volunteer about this since it should be worrying to someone who might want to sign-up.

Despite the way that the helperbot R.O.S.I.E. is described to watch the facility at all times, she's known to get distracted or glitch out from time to time. And with her trying to entertain all these new guests where she can as well as Zenith re-routing efforts to the sexatorium, there's a distinct lack of physical security present. Huh.

Recently, there's been a lot of thumping and bumping up in the ventilation shafts throughout the main facility. If you're foolhardy enough to find the cause, you'll actually be met with one of the resident defensive AIs that goes by the name R.Y.U.O. He's glad you're here, actually. Things were starting to get boring. If you wander too far through the vents into a restricted area (since the barriers in place won't stop those without an implant!), he'll be quick to throw something else to deter your exploration.

This might electric shocks, extreme heat, of even the classic of a swarm of spiders. It's nothing personal, of course, he just has a job to make sure people trying to snoop don't get too far.

EXTRA NOTES

Welcome to the Zhautas fourth wall event! We've added some extra links down below that might be helpful for newcomers.
As a reminder, the timeline is:

Fourth wall begins on Fromb 24th (March 24th).
The portal will close and the event will end on Fromb 39th (April 8th).
The arrival ship will land as scheduled on Fromb 40th (April 9th).
The intro log including this and theft of the arrival ship will be on Fromb 41st (April 10th).
The next OOC Event Announcement for April's event will be on April 15th.

In the case of an unfortunate run-in with R.Y.U.O.'s defense of the air vents, established volunteers, let us know here!
If you have any extra questions about anything in the game, please direct them to the FAQ!
If you have in character questions, those can be directed to R.O.S.I.E. here!

NAVIGATION ♦ FAQ ♦ TAKEN ♦ RESERVES ♦ APPLICATIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I knew she'd come in handy." He might sound a little amused at that. "I did warn you, excuse me for not keeping a catalog of all alien life on the planet." Or being specific enough. The humor faded as soon as it surfaced though, giving way to a more pensive expression. "Guess I lucked out, don't think I ran into any of those."

At the question, he took a seat across from the kid and watched him curiously before responding. "There's going to be problems whether you guys are here or not." It was still incredibly weird to him that the teen was actually encouraging conversation. Besides, he was more worried about how the younger was holding up, even if he didn't say as much out loud.

"You want to borrow a shower or something while your here? Seems a little late to offer you a decent meal." The tone was almost teasing with that delivery, as if he figured clearly the suggestion would be turned down.

Edward just shot the adult a quick, irksome glare at that retort. Don't bring your logic into this, especially when it made more sense than his logic! He leaned back in his chair. "She is handy though. I wasn't sure about using water generated by an animal, but it works." He welcomed her company and had found himself speaking to her not long after wandering into the jungle. Nothing much, just little comments here and there. He didn't care if she understood or listened to him.

Edward raised a brow at the offer, but quickly remembered the first morning he had woken up in Riverview and questioned the guy's hospitality. "That depends. Is this shower located in your place?" Because he wasn't about to use a communal one here. If it meant he'd stink to high heaven so be it. He wasn't exactly looking for approval from anyone here.

He didn't say it, but his face practically had 'I told you so' written all over it. "She makes pretty good company, too." The adult lowered his gaze to the table, he hadn't really expected to be hit with having to let them go all over again, and she was the only constant companion he'd had all those years. All the more reason to prioritize making sure she got back where she came from.

"That a deal breaker?" He smirked, leaning back in his seat. He couldn't really figure the kid out, which meant falling back on teasing, poking here and there to see what results came of it. "There are other options, if you want."

Oh, he sees that expression there. He's going to ignore it because he doesn't want to actual hear those words.

"You're the only one I have any trust for in this damned place. A shower anywhere else is just asking for trouble!" He stumbled upon the sexatorium. He knows exactly what this place is about and he wants no part in it! Perhaps he could get away with taking a shower elsewhere, but he'd do it clothed. And with a weapon within reach. And with the milotic as his guard-snake. Frankly, it didn't seem worth the trouble.

"As for a meal, I'm not going to say no to something better than the stuff I've been smuggling out of here. I've had your cooking before. You're pretty good."

He's lucky the adult is merciful and kept it to himself, then.

Golden eyes blinked as the word 'trust' escaped the teen's mouth, but he didn't have a moment to process how to react to such a statement from someone that - not only had he just met but - had basically tried to beat the shit out of him last they saw each other, before the teen was moving on.

"Yeah- we share them, but it's just me and my roommate and the door locks. You'd be fine. Maybe you could get a nap in too on an actual bed if you're feeling really adventurous."

Somehow, he didn't think the kid would turn down a decent meal, they were essentially the same person when it came to some things, least. The last part was what left him a little dumbfounded, though. It was still a new and unsettling experience for someone to know him without knowing them. He'd never been on the other side of it before, not like this, and he didn't really like it. Which made him feel kind of bad for everyone he'd known who had to experience it before, when he had no context for what it was like at all.

"You don't think that's a little premature?" There was that teasing tone again, "Your roommate there has probably had some more time to perfect his technique." Since he was dying of boredom in a relatively peaceful city while this version was constantly on high alert for the next thing to happen.

Ed actually looked thoughtful at the mention of taking a nap. "That sounds pretty nice, actually." After sleeping in the jungle full of unfamiliar sounds that made it difficult to sleep? Yeah it did.

That next joke got a glare though. "You're the one who offered! Did you really thing I was going to say no to a hot meal that didn't attract wild animals?" Because he was pretty sure the smell from his food did, even though he had yet to see any try to take anything yet.

At the outburst, he just laughed. "Of course not, I'm just saying you probably shouldn't get your hopes up it'll taste as good. When I was in the Quarantine I was making meals for other people a lot more often, I don't have that time to kill around here."

The version that the teen knew liked cooking, this one hadn't taken time to actually enjoy anything in months. "You can charge your phone there, too."

Ed immediately yanked his phone from the charging port and stuffed it in his pocket. "What are we waiting around here for then? Let's get the hell out of here!"

He gets up from the chair and waits for the adult to show him the way. He's looking forward to that shower and hot meal. Of course, that wasn't the only thing on his mind.

This guy had been a lot easier to get information out of than the one he knew in Riverview, and he had had some time to think while he was in the jungle. Maybe he could get some answers to things that were bugging him.

Well, that was abrupt. He stood with the teen, moving to lead him out of the facility. "I'm in bungalow 13, in case you need to find it on your own later." That shouldn't take much effort, a number of them were missing after the portal fiasco.

It was a short walk to the beach from the research building, but still long enough to be awkward in total silence, which meant he took the time to warn the teen about the first thing that came to mind, knowing he'd be around more of the volunteers. "Chances are you'll run into some people that know me around here..." There wasn't really a delicate way of telling the teen not to punch anyone that flirted with him, with his level of self-restraint. "Just try to be careful." He might be considering texting everyone he knows a warning.

"Got it." Thirteen, huh? Ironic, considering how unlucky this guy was.

Ed tilted his head in confusion at first, but the meaning sunk in pretty quickly. He scowled. Whoever this guy had relationships with and what he did with those people weren't his business and Ed planned on keeping it that way. Alright, fine. If anyone came on to him, he'd tell them to knock it off. If they kept pushing then they only had themselves to blame. "I'm not making any promises." The adult's idea of texting his friends was probably a good one.

"You mentioned a roommate. Anything I should know about them?"

Randomized housing is fun like that.

His eyebrows rose at the scowl, he didn't like it any more than the kid did but it was that or let him figure it out on his own and the latter seemed like the worse option. "Just tell them you're not me, that should get them to back off pretty quickly."

As for the roommates... "Erik's pretty distant, we've talked a few times, but he probably won't really bother you. He, uh... Can manipulate metal, so you might want to make a point of staying on his good side if he does talk to you." Yeah, their first meeting had left an impression Ed wasn't soon to forget. "There's a new guy, I don't know him yet. Those two share a bathroom across the hall."

How to put the rest delicately. "I share a bathroom with Marco, so he's probably the one you're most likely to run into. Make sure you lock the door when you're in there." A breath, "He will flirt with you if you're not upfront about not being me from the start." That said, the adult glanced away uncomfortably. "I know it's asking a lot, but I'd prefer it if you didn't ruin things with him before you get out of here." That's as direct as he was going to be about that relationship.

"Yeah, yeah. You really think they'll believe me enough to cut it out?" Sloth definitely didn't. Not at first anyway, and she and his counterpart had a history. Then again, the other people stuck here would probably be more familiar with parallel universes.

He still wasn't going to make any promises.

Ed reflexively held his automail in his left hand and shot over a rather alarmed look at the adult. "What do you mean, manipulate metal?" It was a rather vague way of explaining it. He couldn't afford to have his automail break down. For one thing, it'd be a lot more difficult to defend himself if he needed to. There was also the fact that there wasn't a mechanic he could go to (and get a lecture from) in Riverview to get it repaired.

The fact that the adult stressed Ed not to screw up any relationships he had built up so much and even named someone who he was apparently close with was a big enough signal to the teenager that it was really important to him. He did have to deal with the consequences of this whole portal thing after all. "Look, I'll give them a few chances to back off. It won't be my fault if they do anything stupid after that."

"Once you open your mouth?" In a word, yes. He didn't say that part out loud, though.

At the alarmed look, Ed only shrugged. "I mean he picked me up from across the room with some power he has. It was pretty obvious he was using the automail to do it, I didn't exactly ask questions."

The adult smirked when the teen said he'd give them a few chances. "Some of them have duplicates of their own here, so they'll get it. Marco's not stupid, he'll probably work it out pretty quickly on his own." Hopefully before touching the kid.

"Hey!" Way to prove his point, kiddo.

If the explanation was supposed to make Ed feel better, it failed miserably. He was probably thinking too hard about it, considering that the adult was speaking so casually about it. That didn't mean he wanted to really run into the guy who could easily toss him around if he just happened to feel like doing so. "Good to know," he let out dryly.

"I guess we'll see." If he even ran into the guy. So far he hadn't run into much trouble aside from avoid eye contact with anyone when he was inside the facility. ~~There was Sloth, of course, but he was busy keeping that to the back of his mind since he had yet to come up with an idea on how to handle her. He also had to consider that he was too late for it.~~ Still, it probably wouldn't hurt to expect it, just in case. "What's he look like?" Better to know who this guy was before they bumped into each other.

It's not his fault the teen makes it so easy for him.

He was definitely thinking too hard about it. Ed and Erik had peacefully cohabitated for over three Zhautas months, even if things had gotten a little tense more than once, they were level headed enough for it not to escalate. Of course, he couldn't say as much for the kid, so maybe it was better he stayed wary.

~~As for Sloth, the adult wasn't going to bring that up if he didn't. Probably for the best.~~

"Marco?" He could have been asking about Erik, better to clarify. "He's the youngest, dark eyes, black hair..." All of Ed's roommates were pretty slim, he wasn't sure how else to put the rest. "Kind of smaller frame, I guess, narrow shoulders. He wears really colorful clothing."

Ed just nods. He figured he'd probably meet the roommate upon his arrival to the bungalow. If not, all the better. "Got it."

As they walked, the pokemon followed alongside them, the miltoic gliding gracefully across the ground while the vulpix trotted along. They had waited outside the facility while Ed had gone inside to charge the phone and had joined the two on their way to the bungalows.

Now that it was just the two of them and they had put a bit of distance between themselves and the crowded facility, "Hey, can I ask you something? Or a few somethings I guess."

That seemed like a loaded question.

"You can ask whatever you want, doesn't mean I'll have an answer." Considering the last thing the kid asked him got his face nearly punched in, he wasn't certain he wanted to give him too much information. Especially with the knowledge that it wasn't just between the two of them, and the third might be keeping quiet for a reason.

It probably seemed loaded because it definitely is.

Ed looks at the milotic. "First thing is just about her. I've never seen her do that thing when we were in the lounge." And he didn't like it, even if it had resulted in getting the teenager to back down when he needed to. They were his emotions, damn it. "I'm pretty sure she wouldn't if she was able, but is she capable of making people feel anything other than calm?"

It's a valid concern, ok? He should probably know if she was capable of setting off anything within the vicinity if he did something to make it angry at him. This was himself he was talking about. If anyone could piss off a creature seemingly made from the essence of calmness itself, it would be Edward Elric.

When the teen addressed her, the milotic lifted her head to look at him pointedly without breaking her pace. "I haven't seen her do it since the day we met." He would have liked to keep it that way, which was written all over his face.

"I'm no pokemon expert, kid. You can look up information about the species on your own, you'll probably learn more. From what I know they prefer to keep the peace, but I never thought to question if it was all they can do."

As they approached the bungalow, Ed motioned to indicate the one he lived in, moving up the steps once they reached it. "We're here." Whatever other questions he had could be asked inside.

Ed pouted at that response. A simple, 'I don't know,' would have been sufficient. Clearly the version he was rooming with in Riverview had spoiled him with how much effort he put into being polite.

He looked over at the milotic, which was looking back at him as if she understood spoken language.

...

Could she?

Maybe that would be something to test later.

In any case, Edward followed the adult into the bungalow. It was a nice enough place, not as luxurious as the complex in Riverview, but he wasn't expecting it to be. If it wasn't for the fact that it was in Zhautas, it seemed like it would be a nice place to live. Knowing his other questions would likely result closer to how it went down in the lodge than how composed they were now, Ed decided to take advantage of the shower now. "Which way to the bathroom?"

Use the technology you were granted in this hellhole, you might learn a thing or two. To say the kid benefitted from the other Ed's state of depression might sound cruel, but well... This version had too much going on to wallow in his own emotions about things.

"I think you offended her." He'll just answer that question right off.

Once inside, Ed moved straight to the kitchen to work on getting some food made, barely even acknowledging the teen spoke except to answer over his shoulder, "second door on the right." At least the place seemed empty for now.

Ed's head snapped back to the serpent, giving her a once over before awkwardly mumbling, "I'm sorry." He hurried down the hall.

He took his time in the shower. It was nice to have the hot water relax his muscles and ease some of the stiffness from sleeping without a bed. The milotic offered some physical comfort, but it wasn't the same as a decent mattress.

His clothes could do with a wash, but he wasn't about to wait around for that so he just threw everything back on after drying himself off. It felt strangely similar to his arrival in Riverview, where the adult had taken him to his place much like how and let him take a shower. He had been covered in blood then from the whole Gluttony disaster. At least this time he wouldn't have to transmute himself another shoe.

He back into the kitchen while tossing his damp hair back up in a braid and took a seat at the table.

When he returned from the shower, the milotic was coiled up contently on the floor, the vulpix and eevee making themselves at home on the couch. All seemingly perfectly happy to get comfortable in the presence of this Ed as if they were home again.

The adult quirked a brow when he sat at the table. "I could have gotten you clean clothes to change into. There's a laundry service here, we get everything taken care of." The perk of volunteering, all your needs were catered to in exchange. Just don't mind the horror bits.

"You're probably sick of stew by now, I could make you a burger or something." He didn't know this kid all that well but he knew himself and stew was enough of a staple for him in the Quarantine to assume it was no different with the version living there.

"Don't worry about it." Maybe the dirt and the stink will deter more people that way. If it got unbearable he could just come back here and ask to use it or something.

"I'm not picky," he said as he pulled out the phone from his pocket. He had almost forgotten about it, but it was plugged in and charging up now. "As long as it's not boiled leather boot, I won't complain."

Huh. He didn't remember actually telling that whole story to his counterpart in Riverview. Maybe he should. Whether he laughed or gave him one of his incredulous looks, it was bound to be entertaining somehow.

Okay, he'll just stop short there because what? "What kind of world do you live in where you have to even consider that an option?" Maybe it was a figure of speech. Please be a figure of speech.

Either way, "Burgers it is." It won't take long to make, at least. Getting a pan, starting up the stove and pulling some things out of the fridge, he paused. "You said you had more questions." Maybe they were all about the milotic so his initial answer kind of covered that he didn't have the information the kid was looking for.

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