Welcome to the Program

[airlockedmods]

Good Morning, Champions. In the interest of maintaining healthy sleep patterns, a day/night cycle is in effect. Your presence is expected in the cafeteria in exactly one hour.

[The voice comes through not a large speaker, but through the device that's attached to each Champion's arm. Further investigation of the features of the device will reveal a list of profiles, a mini-map, and a list of rules. The hallways are shiny white and silver, with running lights along the floor and lights on the ceiling, and at the junction of the hallways is a sign with a knife and fork icon and an arrow pointing down the hall.

Welcome to the Excellence Program, Champions. Time to get to know your teammates.]

Comments

[andjerry]

I mean that you might not be safe to be around. Someone who's a general [and not an old scrapyard owner who calls himself a "general" like Thomas had an insane conversation with a couple days ago] might believe that faster than other people....

[wait] I-I don't think you're not safe or anything!

[in4apounding]

Oh. Oh! No, of course not! I would never hurt anyone! ...I mean, unless they were trying to hurt someone else first, then I'd have to stop them. But otherwise I'm perfectly safe, I promise!

[andjerry]

[he's making it worse

but he can't stop]

I'm sure you're just fine. I say a lot of things that don't come out like I mean them. I don't know what this place is, so I'm trying to figure out out...

[in4apounding]

That's all right, I promise! I don't know what this place is and I'm trying to figure it out too. ...I mean, besides being in space. I figured that much out already. But that's it. Please don't feel bad, Mister-

[Wait.]

...I didn't ask your name, I'm sorry. My name is Penny, it's a pleasure to meet you!

[andjerry]

[and he softens a little bit: they're both uncomfortable, and even if it's something he did he needs to put her at ease]

Penny? I'm Thomas. It's good to meet you too, even if I don't think it's the best place to meet.

[in4apounding]

It's actually not that bad? Aside from the kidnapping.

[Spaaaaaaaaaaace]

But don't worry, Mister Thomas! Even here, it's my duty to protect people and I promise I'll help EVERYONE get home safely!

[andjerry]

[penny no it's terrible]

It's your duty? Are you in the army too?

[in4apounding]

I'm training to be, yes! Well- training to be a Huntress, but I'll also join the military as a specialist after graduation.

[andjerry]

[so earnest it hurts]

You started young.

[and he shifts foot to foot, a step or two closer] You think we're all going to need you to protect us?

[in4apounding]

A little, I guess? Normally people enter the Huntsmen Academies at seventeen, but- um. There were special circumstances, in my case. Because of my father's work.

[Not actually lying.]

And I certainly hope not! But if you do, I'm prepared to help.

[andjerry]

I really appreciate it. [seriously he does even though it sounds a little weak] With all of us together, we're going to have to be a team.

[in4apounding]

Exactly! Teamwork is the basis of a Huntress' training. ...Teamwork and weapons expertise. ...And tactical thinking.

[She gives it a second's thought.]

...Teamwork is a SIGNIFICANT PART of the basis of a Huntress' training.

[andjerry]

[He laughs a little at that, as terrified as he is.]

I'm glad somebody's ready to help us be a team, then.