Welcome to the Program

[airlockedmods]

[Each Champion is awoken by an alarm ringing from a machine attached to their non-dominant arm. Whatever they were doing, whatever state they were in, they're in a bed now, in good health. And maybe a bit different since the last time they looked in a mirror.

There's a text note on the device attached to their arms.]

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

[Your surroundings look like your normal everyday space mall. But if you look at the functions of the device on your arm, there's Not-so-familiar profiles, some rules, and a mini-map that'll show you the layout of the mall.

You are free to explore at your leisure...For an hour, at least.]

Comments

[everylittlesecret]

Maybe you'll get lucky. This place does have some neat things to offer.

[Right???]

Mysteries.... they've become too predictable for me, so I tend to know the ending before I'm halfway through the book.

[neverheardofhim]

Confusing things, more like. You seen that Universe store? I don't understand half of the stuff in there.

[Varric looked almost offended. Almost.]

Guess you've never read one of mine, then?

[everylittlesecret]

That stuff? There's... surprisingly few things I don't get in there. Some stuff I've never seen, but I can use it? Does that make sense?

[Sorry, Writer.]

Probably not... But if you have a copy, I'd give it a read.

[neverheardofhim]

Not one bit. [He flashes her the most toothy grin he can manage.] But thanks for trying.

[He looks a little disappointed now, though.]

Sorry, must have left it in the other "mall" I got trapped in.

[everylittlesecret]

If you ever need help with any of it, I'm probably one of the few that can help effectively. This Millennial got a knack for tech like that.

[NO DON'T BE SAD DWARF DAD]

Bummer... you could always write something new while you're here? Maybe about the mystery of this hell hole?

[neverheardofhim]

Honestly? I'm not sure what you just said. But sure, I'll come to you for help.

[Good news, Nari being nice has perked him right back up.]

Seems like it might be a bit much. Too many characters to deal with, for starters.

[Maybe if they got methodically killed off?]

[everylittlesecret]

Don't worry, people from my world over the age of 40 would be in the same boat as you.

[Yay! Kindness wins!]

Well... why not pick a set party, and everyone else is an expendable NPC?

[neverheardofhim]

Yeah, do me a favor? Never mention my age out loud.

[His feathers are very ruffled. He's not an old man.]

... What's an NPC?

[everylittlesecret]

Hm? What? You're 40?

[Sorry about that little guy.]

Non-player character. Someone in the background only needed for maybe a bit of information.

[neverheardofhim]

Me? No, never. Twenty-nine years young, thank you.

[He's probably not fooling anyone.]

That's an idea. But say I start off now with... [He clicked his tongue in thought.] Arianna and Togami. I spend hours writing about them, only to find that something horrible happens to say... what was his name? Cathedral?

I'd have to change everything up.

[everylittlesecret]

Looking good for twenty-nine.

[Oh my god...]

Church. But close enough. He might get a kick out of Cathedral.

[neverheardofhim]

Heroes don't have time to sit around and grow old.

[Big shrugs]

Maybe. He said he liked Temple and Chapel. Cathedral's a bit of a mouthful, but considering the fact that his ego is the size of one, it might just work.

[everylittlesecret]

Wouldn't know. I'm not a hero.

Yeah, but his ego is a little endearing, too. At least to me. People who know what they like and are comfortable with themselves are great.

[neverheardofhim]

Neither am I.

[Is that a sad note in his voice? Maybe just a little.]

I haven't had much time with him but... I think I'm inclined to agree with you.

[everylittlesecret]

I'd be an awful one to being with.

[Good! More Church appreciators are needed!]

If he gives you a nickname, I'm assuming it means he likes you.