-⩤ Melocania ✧LOCUS✧ ⩥-

[SHIVERS]

 

▶ The First Embassy
corru works

A light flashes along your eyes, causing you to flinch.






"Hold still."
The vehicle hits a bump, but your escort holds the flashlight firmly.











You instinctively try to look out a window,
only to remember they're all shaded in the back so as to be opaque.
"At me."
Your eyes flick back to them.











The light is starting to hurt.














They pull away, turning the flashlight off.
"...Good.
I'm sure you're fine, the tests showed as much, but it doesn't hurt to be thorough.
Everything's responding well?"

You squeeze your hand.

You nod.



"Perfect.
As a final measure, I'll be going over some questions with you.
We should have time to finish before you arrive.

...Better we make absolutely sure you're lucid before deploying you on a job."




They sit back in their seat,
looking you over.

Inspecting you, as one would a collectible headed for the auction.
No marks, no blemishes.
Perfectly in order.









Apparently satisfied, they fold their hands into their lap.

Their eyes don't turn away from you.

"Ten questions.

Ready?"
You nod.














(1). "Easiest first.
What do you call yourself, and what pronouns do you use?"
- "Chime,"
- "Just,"
- "Midway,"
- "Venice,"
- "[MAKE SOMETHING UP],"

- "...she/her."
- "...ae/aer."
- "...they/them."
- "...he/him."
- "...[MAKE SOMETHING UP]."



(2). "What is your current species. I don't need every detail, simple is fine."
- "A gesabott; one of the 'classic' models meant to resemble older tech."
- "A blank body. Fairly standard, I think, though the tail is prehensile. I'm still not used to it."
- "I think I'm a mosquito. I don't know the exact species."
- "Some kind of snake. Possibly a cobra? My... hood ended up unfolding earlier, when I was stressed."
- "I don't know. I haven't seen anything like it before. What did you say the name was?"



(3). "As you should be aware, this isn't your original body.
How did you lose yours?
You should be able to remember, if the procedure's gone well. We want you to know why you're here, after all."
- "A car wreck. I was driving recklessly and swerved through a guard rail."
- "I was bitten by a severely-venomous animal. Not much of me was left by the time I was found."
- "I was at work, and the building collapsed. I was the only one injured at all."
- "...it was personal. I don't want to talk about it."
- "...[MAKE SOMETHING UP]."



(4). "Speaking of, what were you before?"
- "A ruffneck."
- "An amerveille. Canvas morph."
- "A pockitt. Roo morph."
- "I don't remember."
- "It doesn't matter."



(5). "What are some traits you would use to describe yourself? Try to say three of them. Your best guess is fine."
- "Honest, Curious, Clumsy."
- "Loyal, Articulate, Petty."
- "Easygoing, Spiritual, Reckless."
- "Considerate, Odd, Reflective, Sensitive."
- "This is stupid, how is anyone supposed to describe themselves?" (Determined, Blunt, Stubborn)



(6). "The memory-blocking effects are temporary, but for now you'll be unable to remember certain things in their entirety. We need to double-check that they're working, though.
Can you describe an especially emotional, traumatic, or important memory? As best you can.
Keep in mind, the emotional component especially will be dulled, and you'll likely only remember scattered sensations from it."
- "A boat, rocking side to side. Clear, deep blue sky above. I felt sick to my stomach, but I don't think I get seasick. I think there was a bad smell, but I don't remember what it smelled like."
- "The backroom of a library. The dusty smell from old books with dark purple covers. I felt the rush of knowing I wasn't supposed to be there, but I don't remember what I was doing."
- "A big hole in a field, one that I helped dig. The itchy sting of having brushed against some irritating plant. A clump of dyed, yellow-green fur in my hand."
- "A red hallway that seemed like it stretched on forever. Letters on a wall. A voice I don't recognize talking about an 'oscillating clock'. Broken glasses on the floor."
- "...I can't think of anything like that at all."



(7). "Do you believe you're qualified to handle this job? Why or why not?"
- "Absolutely. I've been in plenty of fights before and traveled a lot, I'll be fine."
- "Yes. I'll handle whatever I need to."
- "Well I sure fucking hope I am."
- "I've literally never done anything like this. I'm going to die."
- "Is that a trick question? What do You think? I barely know how to use my body."



(8). "Given the amount you're being paid, you'll likely have plenty left over afterwards.
What will you be spending it on?"
- "I'm moving. I can't stand the region I'm living in."
- "Not having to work another goddamn customer service job."
- "The therapy I'll need after all this."
- "It's personal. I'm not sharing."
- "I can't even think about that right now. I just want to focus on what's in front of me."



(9). "How do you feel about the job ahead of you?"
- "It's interesting. I don't know what I'll see."
- "A little excited. I want to try new things."
- "It's not like I had anything better to do."
- "Terrified. This place is supposed to be dangerous, isn't it?"
- "The fact that I'm legally obligated to this is ridiculous."



(10). "Do you feel ready?"
- "Yes. I can handle it."
- "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
- "Does it matter? I have to do this either way."
- "No, how could I be?"
- "Please stop talking."





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