[2/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/22(Wed)14:00 No. 1056786 ID: 52800c
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Inside the door is a very plain and empty hallway leading to a room with two tables and nothing else. There’s something ominous about it...

“Okay, so, this’ll be your wing. So right inside the door here, what I was going to say was that you really need to stay in here for security reasons —”

They’re going to lock me in. Great.

“— but you can use this little, um, I can’t remember what this is called, actually, but you’ve been to a bank before, right? It’s one of those.”

It’s a pneumatic tube. That seems a little dated...?

“Just pull it out, open it up, stick whatever you need in —”

She grabs a blank page from near the bottom of the stack she handed me. At least, it looks blank. Hopefully that wasn’t important.

“— this’ll work — put it back in the hole, push the button, and — there it goes. We just sent, um, a blank piece of paper to Documents.”

What is wrong with you.

“Don’t do that again, though. But anything else, they’ll figure out where it should go. Or if they can’t, they’ll send it back to you, but I’ve only had that happen a couple of times. Oh, the, um, thingy — it’ll come back in a couple minutes.”

It takes me a couple of seconds to realize she means the canister, by which point she’s already moved on.

“Anyway, so when you fill out those forms, you can just put them in here, and they’ll get to the right department. Also, if you need anything, you’re going to want to use one of these requisition forms. They need the paper copy for legal reasons or something, I forget.”

I really don’t understand the mix of old and new stuff going on here.

“If you run out you can also just write ‘REQUISITION’ at the top of a blank piece of paper and that counts. It’ll double as a request for more forms. Oh, but make sure you have your name on it.”

They’re locking me in for security reasons, but I can just... decide a piece of paper is an official form and they’ll take it??

“This is also the backup communication system. Since you don’t have systems access you’ll have to use it for now, but it’s only a little slower most of the time. Oh, but don’t, um. I know this radio says ‘EMERGENCY’ but it, doesn’t, um. Don’t use it. Just, trust me on that one.”

I’m not going to ask and I’m going to try really hard to just forget she even said anything.

[3/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/22(Wed)14:00 No. 1056787 ID: 52800c
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She leads me into the main room. It’s uncannily empty and quiet in here if I tune out her talking, not that that’s easy to do.

... What is this huge door for? Why is it built like this?

“Anyway, so, through this door on the left you have your quarters — for your role, you should be on-site for, um, 90 days at a time? It might be 180 right now.”

They’re going to lock me in for half a year.

“Things have been a little... in transition, lately... so I might have it wrong. Anyway, the beds are, well, they’re good enough. You get used to it.”

They’re terrible. Great.

“Uniforms and the like are already in the dresser there, and there’s a shower through that other door in the corner. You do need to be in uniform at all times once we’re done with this.”

I’m never going to get to wear normal clothes again...

“Nothing too fancy, but it’s better than the last place I was stationed for sure. Um, in here in the middle, these two tables are kind of your workstations, more or less, for when you’re back in this part of the wing.”

Workstations for what, exactly?

“Not much to look at right now, but you can requisition stuff. And then over on the right there’s the kitchen and some storage — there’s already some food in there. You can ask for different stuff if you don’t like it and they’ll have it stocked the next day.”

Wait, are there support staff who come in at night, or something?

“It’s better than you’d think! They’ve got a lot of options. And these other two doors are, um. Normally you’d have assistants under you, but, like I said when you came in, we’re a little short-staffed right now.”

It’s troubling that she keeps bringing that up.

“Um. I don’t know when that’ll change, but based on your qualifications I think you should be okay on your own anyway. Heehee.”

What qualifications do you think I have

“And then, this big door in the middle — you’re actually not allowed to open it while I’m here and I’m not allowed to open it at all, because this is your wing, —”

This is not filling me with confidence!

“— but that’s the main ward area. These are always totally empty to start. Definitely use those requisition forms once you figure out what you need to have in there.”

She’s talking to me as though I just already understand why she’s saying any of this.

“And then around the sides are the subject rooms — I wish I could show you the inside, but you can figure it out. There’s a part in the front and a bigger part in the back — um, Observation and Interaction, I think they’re called, on the paperwork?”

What, is this — some kind of psychology experiment? What?

“Oh, right, speaking of paperwork, you are definitely going to want to be keeping notes on anything you do in there. It’s important!”

Taking notes on what?! What is this job?

“Anyway, not to rush you too much, but I glanced at the Director’s notes for this wing and I think there are already, um, five subjects?”

What does that mean??

“So once I get out of here and you have a chance to look over them yourself you’re probably going to want to get started right away.”

Please stop telling me I’m “going to want to” do things also what

“They’re fresh out of Processing, after all.”

What

“The longer you wait, the worse it’ll get for them. Poor guys.”

What is she talking about

[4/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/22(Wed)14:01 No. 1056788 ID: 52800c
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“Well, um.”

Oh she’s just going to move on without explaining any of what that was, great.

“Ordinarily someone would be here to answer your questions for a while, but I’m not even supposed to be doing orientations. Filling in, like I said.”

I still don’t understand how you end up not having a personnel department!

“I have six more of these to do this morning and that’s not even getting to my actual job, so, um, I can maybe field one or two, and then anything else you can just write on one of those pieces of paper and send it to Documents. So!”

This woman has been talking nonstop for the last twenty-five minutes and I haven’t gotten so much as a word in edgewise.

Which is a problem! I am not the person she thinks I am! I should have said something earlier! I knew something was wrong when they had me get on the train but there wasn’t anyone to talk to until after the ride was over, and it was a really long ride, and I’m pretty sure I’m underground now, and all these forms keep having scary warnings about security clearances and “severe legal penalties” and I didn’t want to say anything at that point, and I thought this was supposed to be a customer support job but she’s talking about “subjects” —

I’m going to have a panic attack!

And then they’re going to kill me!

Art by Slinko.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me make this a reality. Particular thanks are due to Roaway for character design assistance and Hans Woofingon for assistance with the building layout, as well as the group of people I’ve bounced ideas off of and asked for proofing help. Further specific thanks and acknowledgements will appear when they become relevant.

Ask them not to kill your family too.

Ask what the short-term and long-term milestones and deliverables are. This should tell you what they actually expect you to do without letting it slip that you have no idea.

Congratulations, you have faked it til you made it so hard you didn't even know what you were faking! It's time to act competent so they don't kick you even further upstairs.
Ask a question really quick so you'll be alone and you can have a panic attack unobserved and uninteracted with. And when that's done, it sounds like you should take care of subject observation first! That button on the big door probably has something to do with it?
Your question is 'WHERE IS THE PAPER AND PEN?' because you cannot request anything without those and you don't want to be stuck in here with no way to communicate with the outside. You had better be sure to keep yourself stocked with both constantly.

> What's Happening?
So, from what I can tell, the 'Director' is supposed to be you. You're supposed to be researching something, likely to do with whatever's happened to the 'subjects' you've been given. Maybe once the lady's out of your hair, think back to what the precise phrasing of the position you applied for was - it's possible that you're the one who got things confused.

>>1056791
Yeah, asking for your expected milestones/quotas should tell you a lot more about what you're doing without tipping your hand.

Also: "U-um, so you mentioned those 'qualifications' earlier - c-can I ask what's been said about me?" This is totally you being self-conscious about your professional reputation and not you confirming whether they even have the right employee.

Oh, and assuming you don't already know the answer to this: "Where can I find the medical and system-access forms?"

>kill me!
Not if you keep faking it!

Maybe they know you don't know. Maybe this is what they want. Maybe this is some sort of ignorance test where knowledge of what you're to do isn't a prerequisite and you're acing it.

>Questions, field one or two
What would her approach to getting started here be once you get to the, er, subjects?

Or. What... what is her actual job? She must have some experience with alla this since they have her emphatically not showing you the ropes.

Ya, 'Can you tell me a little bit about my metrics?' and, 'It seems a bit, uh, spartan in here. If I'll have limited contact with the outside world, how do I ask for stuff like plants, grow lights, entertainment and the like?'

Also, 'Where are there laundry and lavatory facilities I'll have access to if I'm going to be staying on site for an extended periods of time? How about if there's a medical emergency?'

oh god oh fuck, spill the beans and say you were here for a customer support job and have no idea what the heck she’s been talking about for the last 20 minutes oh god oh fuck

Sign nothing. If you already signed, tear them up.

If they even bother to make you sign non-disclosure agreements, that means they can't just casually off you if you get out of line.

If nothing else, do tell her you thought this was customer support and don't what's going on. Better to panic now that there is a small chance to turn back.

Did they not double-check who you were? Is there some overqualified neuroscientist with a high security clearance getting the run down on a customer service job? Also, when did we get the clearance? I notice out badge doesn't even have a job title on it.

Also, ask if you can get the operating procedures from archives. Surely they have standard operating procedures, right? Unless whoever was supposed to have this job is supposed to make them.

Maybe ask about what kind of leave you have and immediately use it to leave the country before they find out they gave some random person highly classified information.

I imagine things will be fine as long as you are okay with really big or really small people. I'm sure we'll figure out which soon enough.

Surely your new role has documentation somewhere? Time to do some studying!

Also are you sure the subjects being referred to are not the customers you are meant to support?

ask if they have a copy of the training manual on your job, this is your first day after all and you really want to make sure you do things right. Say it's mostly to calm your nerves and double checking the basics never hurts.

>>1056808

The way you ask this is, 'Where are the SOP's and any onboarding guides for this particular position? Or really any documentation at all?'

Ok, you're at a lowish clearance level, so someone in security at least knows you're no big deal. Why not get the biggest worry out of the way? Ask why you were hired over the other candidates. You're very nervous and you want to be reassured that you're the right man for the job.

(this sounds very much like Lobotomy Corporation)

>I’m never going to get to wear normal clothes again...

Think about the upside... if her outfit is anything to go by, the Uniforms must be Pretty Fuckin Rad(tm) at least.

>And then they’re going to kill me!
Clearly, the strategy here is to "Fake It til you Make It", so what if they discover you're probably the wrong person, if you're doing at least half-decently they might just keep going as-is...

>“The longer you wait, the worse it’ll get for them. Poor guys.”
Try not to panic too much, but...

Exactly how *firm* are your morals? How do you feel about Experimentation on People? Kinda seems like Experimentation on People.

"I QUIT"
Faint on the spot

>>1056788
I think you just stumbled into a job at a Biological Science blacksite. You might have to check your morals at the door if you want to survive.

Backing asking about expected milestones/quotas, at least.

I hope you're the world's best bluffer. If not, you're about to get a crash course in it.

>>1056810
(Not gonna lie, I HOPE it's LobCorp-ish. Loved that game.)

That is a lot to consider all at once. Let's pick the aspect that seem to be the most urgent and ignore everything else until the first problem is sufficiently resolved.
I guess that would be the subjects. Don't actually bring they in just yet, first explore and familiarize yourself with the observation room, any mechanisms in there as well as every door controls you can identify. Once you are sure you can operate everything without exposing yourself to potentially dangerous subjects (whatever they may be) bring one in for... we will figure it out.

Oh, and seconding the immediate request for a pen, if they didn't already give you one (you said she already handed you the paper)

How did you end up in this situation anyway?

>>1056788
Take a deep breath and calm down, they got you a tag and a clearance and everything!
Maybe it's not some customer support job like you thought and the whole understaffed thing is worrying but clearly some amount of checks, even if just automated ones, have been done to get you here.

Obviously the short staff thing is why you've been brought in, they clearly need positions filled and are taking what they can get. All the paperwork and whatnot suggests it's probably just some kinda data entry gig right? Even if the site has all the security and data systems clearly transitioning from outdated methods to newer ones, you probably don't need super qualifications to take notes and file papers.

I say just roll with it, besides she mentioned she's doing this for others so you'll soon also have colleagues come in to garner more info from.

Congratulations on your promotion! Don't think about it too hard. Ask about PTO and sick days.

>>1056862

What, is this America or some other similar dystopian for workers country or something? Ask the general procedure for vacation time and what to do of you are unable to work due to illness or family emergency, and which national holidays the place is closed on.

[1/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/24(Fri)14:08 No. 1056915 ID: 9681ef
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>when did we get the clearance?
They had me do that before the train ride.

>I notice out badge doesn't even have a job title on it.
I’m a ... “Behavioral Assistant” or ... something like that.

>How did you end up in this situation anyway?
I’ve been unemployed for four months and I was running out of savings. I saw a posting that seemed to be paying ... a lot more than normal, so I threw my name in just in case it was real.

That was yesterday. They called me this morning and had me go through what seemed like normal onboarding, and then said they wanted me to travel on-site right away. I should have questioned it but I didn’t and now I’m here.

>All the paperwork and whatnot suggests it's probably just some kinda data entry gig right?
That seems really unlikely at this point.

>If they even bother to make you sign non-disclosure agreements, that means they can't just casually off you if you get out of line.
I am at least five hours away from where I live, in a direction I am pretty sure there are no major cities in. Or even minor ones. And I’m apparently in an underground facility on top of that. If they want to casually off me I think the only thing I can do is beg.

>Congratulations, you have faked it til you made it so hard you didn't even know what you were faking!
>I hope you're the world's best bluffer. If not, you're about to get a crash course in it.
Faking it doesn’t come naturally to me! I’m not the kind of person who can just sit there and lie my way through a tense situation!

>Ask them not to kill your family too.
Now I have a new thing to worry about

>oh god oh fuck, spill the beans and say you were here for a customer support job and have no idea what the heck she’s been talking about for the last 20 minutes oh god oh fuck
>If nothing else, do tell her you thought this was customer support and don't what's going on.
I will die

>Did they not double-check who you were?
I don’t know and I’m terrified to ask

>Exactly how *firm* are your morals? How do you feel about Experimentation on People? Kinda seems like Experimentation on People.
>I think you just stumbled into a job at a Biological Science blacksite. You might have to check your morals at the door if you want to survive.
I don’t want to think about this I don’t want to think about this I don’t want to think about this

[2/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/24(Fri)14:09 No. 1056916 ID: 9681ef
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>Ask a question really quick so you'll be alone and you can have a panic attack unobserved and uninteracted with.
I don’t... want...

Okay. Yes. Deep breath. I just need this woman to leave and then I can panic.

She said I only get a couple questions...

>"U-um, so you mentioned those 'qualifications' earlier - c-can I ask what's been said about me?"
I am not saying anything that would make this woman openly question why I’m here. That seems like a great way for me to disappear or something.

>What... what is her actual job?
Ms. Ontinaz here is, apparently, my direct supervisor, even though she works in a different part of the building. She didn’t explain further and I’m legitimately afraid to ask...

>Ask what the short-term and long-term milestones and deliverables are.
>Can you tell me a little bit about my metrics?
“What are my, um.” My voice catches in my throat. I try again. “What are ... my short-term and long-term milestones?”

... Did she just giggle at me? She covers her mouth and coughs before continuing.

“That’s all in the Director’s notes, Ms. Istsadaiho.”

>Also, ask if you can get the operating procedures from archives. Surely they have standard operating procedures, right? Unless whoever was supposed to have this job is supposed to make them.
>Surely your new role has documentation somewhere?
>ask if they have a copy of the training manual on your job
>Where are the SOP's and any onboarding guides for this particular position? Or really any documentation at all?
“And, um... what are the standard operating procedures for this position?”

... That was definitely a giggle, or else I’m so stressed I’m hallucinating.

“We’re ... in transition, while modifications are made to the old procedures to account for ... certain circumstances.”

That could not sound more ominous if she tried.

“But your position is more about using common sense, anyway. The old SOP was only a couple pages long. Again, just make sure you read the Director’s notes and I think you’ll do fine.”

I’m just ... going to try to get my mind on a different subject.

>Your question is 'WHERE IS THE PAPER AND PEN?' because you cannot request anything without those and you don't want to be stuck in here with no way to communicate with the outside.
>'It seems a bit, uh, spartan in here. If I'll have limited contact with the outside world, how do I ask for stuff like plants, grow lights, entertainment and the like?
“Where are those forms you mentioned?”

“There should be a stack of them on the desk in your quarters.”

Well, that’s good to know, I guess.

>how do I ask for stuff like plants, grow lights, entertainment and the like?
“And I use those if I need something?”

“That’s what I said. Anything you need, or you determine your subjects need, goes on one of those forms.”

>Ask why you were hired over the other candidates.
“Do you know why I was —”

“Hang on.”

[3/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/24(Fri)14:10 No. 1056917 ID: 9681ef
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She abruptly pulls what looks like a very fancy cell phone out of a jacket pocket and checks something on it. Her eyes widen a little bit, though she’s back to her normal expression when she looks back up at me.

“I’m sorry but I’m really going to have to cut this short. So. Take a few minutes to look around the wing if you like, but as soon as you’re done with that, change into your uniform and then go through that paperwork. Especially the Director’s notes.”

“I —”

“Good luck, Ms. Istsadaiho!”

Before I can get another word out she speedwalks back down the hall. The door to outside opens with a beep and then slams shut.

[4/4] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/24(Fri)14:10 No. 1056918 ID: 9681ef
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... Here I am, I guess.

... I didn’t get to ask her about time off.

Well, things don't seem too explorable and there's all those unresolved fears, so best get on instructions and hope for answers or at least closure once they're done. It doesn't seem like you're much in control at the moment.

In-house vacations. Change into your uniform and let's get observing!

Here you are.

Frantically start reading - and if need be filling - documents, so you know what you might be getting yourself into.

> ... I didn’t get to ask her about time off.
That's probably for the better.

Time to get dressed and read the notes and hug Tom, I guess.

Yeah, don't start observing until you at least have some idea of what you're doing. Go find those director's notes and make sure to fill out the medical and system access forms - send the latter two out. Or request them, if you don't already have them.

Then get your uniform - at least those seem pretty baller, if that lady's any indication.

Then cry for a bit.

Then begin passive observation - while I'm sure it's not drastically urgent, you should probably begin sometime today, assuming there isn't stuff you urgently need to do the job you apparently signed up for. This definitely seems more like a "didn't know what you were getting yourself into" situation than a "got the wrong guy" one.

Come to think of it, are you a guy? Also, what qualifications did you claim to have, and what uh... achievements did you tactically leave off and not expect anyone to dig up (and, shock and horror, decided they liked what they saw of the latter)?

Familiarize yourself. Find your workstations and amenities like bathrooms and such. If you're locked in here you need basic living necessities. Once you find the bathroom, have your panic attack in peace. Following that, break down that paperwork stack into related chunks.

Given the giggles, and the short-staffing, and the low clearance level, I'm starting to suspect they KNOW they hired somebody unqualified. ...Maybe not safe enough to rely on, though, so I guess keep your eyes peeled as you read the instructions etc.

>>1056925
Boss lady addressed her as "Ms. Istsadaiho", and in retrospect I notice she has eyelashes.

>>1056918
First priority is reading the director's notes.

I would read those notes. She was really insistent about it and the giggling makes me think she was reading you like a book. You might be where you are supposed to be, despite everything. Read what's going on and get those forms filled out.

Then we can take a look at those subjects.

>>1056918
The Director's notes seem like they'll actually give you some decent information. Look at those and then you can break down.

Well, time to explore. Let's not open the big metal shutter until we read the director's notes and find out what the hell is going on. Also should probably put on the uniform, lest we get written up for not having it on.

Also, yeah, fill out the medical form ASAP, I have a feeling that until we fill that out they won't cover any injuries and if we somehow get injured we're on our own with no medical aid.

>>1056927
I don't know if they know if we're unqualified, more like she knows we're new and asking about official and professional stuff is funny because in reality it seems things aren't very official, especially considering all we've been told. So we will probably be left to our own devices as it seems there isn't a lick of corporate structure.

>>1056918
Check the Director's notes.

I will be pleasantly shocked if they do not degenerate into the insane ramblings of a lunatic.

Okay, let's see who these test subjects are.

Let's proceed to free them and lead an army of mutants and rejects on revolution against the tyranny of science and research!

whelp, time to read what the hell they throw you into and figure out what the fuck you're actually suppose to do around here.

Ya, read the notes, check the forms, take stock of your supplies, immediately requisition some basic multi use supplies incase SHTF that you can reasonably describe as for safety reasons. The search through everything to familiarize yourself with where everything is, including shit people have probably forgotten exists, then go hunting for thise horrible dark secrets that are no doubt about.

Oh right and FILL OUT THE MEDICAL FORMS

fill out the forms then masturbate furiously to relieve stress

>>1056918
Start reading documents and filling out forms

Before anything else READ THE DIRECTORS NOTES as they seem the most likely thing to give you a hint as to wtf you're meant to be doing here.

[1/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/27(Mon)16:52 No. 1057065 ID: 52800c
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>Cry for a bit.
>Once you find the bathroom, have your panic attack in peace.
I am going to keep it together, dammit.

>Also, what qualifications did you claim to have, and what uh... achievements did you tactically leave off and not expect anyone to dig up (and, shock and horror, decided they liked what they saw of the latter)?
>Given the giggles, and the short-staffing, and the low clearance level, I'm starting to suspect they KNOW they hired somebody unqualified.
>You might be where you are supposed to be, despite everything.
>I don't know if they know if we're unqualified, more like she knows we're new and asking about official and professional stuff is funny because in reality it seems things aren't very official
I’ve only ever worked odd jobs! I was pretty honest about it, too! I have no idea why they would have intentionally hired me for a research position... I don’t want to think about it, either. Something’s really wrong here and I can’t do anything about it.

>I have a feeling that until we fill that out they won't cover any injuries and if we somehow get injured we're on our own with no medical aid.
Speaking of things I don’t want to think about!

>Frantically start reading - and if need be filling - documents, so you know what you might be getting yourself into.
>Go find those director's notes and make sure to fill out the medical and system access forms - send the latter two out.
>First priority is reading the director's notes.
>I would read those notes.
>The Director's notes seem like they'll actually give you some decent information.
>READ THE DIRECTORS NOTES
Okay yes I get it.

... There’s no chair in here. I guess I’m going to sit on the floor.

I start digging through the pile of paperwork. There’s some standard employment contract stuff — I read through it pretty carefully, but as weird as everything else is it reads the same as it did at my last job. “Are you legally authorized to work in this country”, that kind of thing.

The medical forms are ... pretty extensive. I’m not sure I know the answers to some of these questions... and then there’s a bunch of consent agreements. I have a feeling I don’t get a choice on whether or not I want to agree to these.

The systems access forms are only a couple of pages. It looks like I need to copy a couple of codes off of the back of a tablet...? Ms. Ontinaz didn’t mention anything about one of those... Maybe it’s in one of the other rooms.

... This stack must be the Director’s notes. I guess I might as well see what I’m in for...

[2/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/02/27(Mon)16:53 No. 1057066 ID: 52800c
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OBSERVATION/INTERACTION/REHABILITATION
SUMMARY AND SUBJECT FILES
CN0129
Primary objective: Aid subjects in recovery from translation process with aim of long-term stability and suitability for future use and research.
Secondary objective: Continue to document behaviors and traits found in subject species.
Projected time to complete: 180-720 days
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

Please begin with Subject 001. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-001

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: 04 “Vakolibol”
Size: Small/Medium
Body: Conventional
Biology: Atypical
Additional notes:
• Encountered in at least four distinct morphs. Subjects claim loose correspondence to biomes on homeworld (unverified).
• High caloric requirements. Budgeting adjusted accordingly.
• Resilient to physical damage due to atypical biology; can often recover without medical assistance. Testing for use in behavioral correction has been completed. Contact Unit Supervisor Ontinaz or Site Director Biotaäl for approval to use this technique.
• Able to sense one another at significant physical distance. Subjects to be housed accordingly. Coordination has not been demonstrated. Some subjects have made reference to technological suppression (unverified).
• Highly susceptible to elevated short-term and long-term effects from translation. Further research ongoing. Subjects generally uncooperative in this regard.
• Generally show signs of depression within 60 days. Research into prevention has yet to yield results. Further research necessary due to frequency with which this species is encountered.

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
Unresponsive upon acquisition, typical for species. Appears to have physically recovered from translation effects. Refused food and water until 13-day mark, necessitating use of emergency protocol. Mental state unverified at this time, but assumed satisfactory with reservations for O/I/R transfer due to time elapsed since acquisition. — K. Itashent, Processing Supervisor
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. If subject remains unresponsive after five days, please contact Unit Supervisor Ontinaz for further instructions. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-002

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: 19 “Teizveri”
Size: Small
Body: Conventional
Biology: Conventional (?)
Additional notes:
• Encountered in a single morph.
• Generally possess thermokinetic and electrokinetic abilities. Unresolved security risk. Easily suppressed through sedation, but resulting state incompatible with O/I/R goals. Partial suppression possible through dietary restrictions without compromising subject health. Further research necessary.
• Lack familiarity with certain well-established technologies. Subjects’ homeworld seems technologically behind ours, though inconsistent.
• Well-suited to O/I/R procedures. Bluntly: Subjects easily swayed without use of negative reinforcement.

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
Relatively lucid upon acquisition. Was convinced to accompany acquisition team voluntarily. Appears to have physically recovered from translation effects. Mental state assessed as highly satisfactory for O/I/R transfer. — K. Itashent, Processing Supervisor
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-003

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: 11 “Fentawerpol”
Size: Medium
Body: Conventional
Biology: Atypical
Additional notes:
• Encountered in a single morph. Subjects maintain that multiple morphs exist (unverified). Differences between individuals of claimed morphs seemingly insufficient when compared to other species. Note that subjects of different claimed morphs often intensely hostile toward one another.
• Comfortable temperature range noticeably lower than standard due to atypical biology. Effects of prolonged exposure to temperatures outside comfortable range too severe for use in behavioral correction. Subject units must be equipped with adequate refrigeration.
• Visual acuity often poor on low end of visible spectrum. No applications yet found.
• Capable of using tails for locomotion. Additional restraints provided on request.
• Greatly heightened auditory sense. Subjects can make use of additional ears for highly accurate triangulation of sound origin. Testing for use in behavioral correction has been completed. Contact Unit Supervisor Ontinaz or Site Director Biotaäl for approval to use this technique.

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
In combative state on acquisition. In-field sedation required. Appears to have physically recovered from translation effects. Resumed combative state when conscious and remained in this state until nine-day mark. Mental state assessed as satisfactory with reservations for O/I/R transfer. — K. Itashent, Processing Supervisor
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. Emergency sedation protocols available upon request due to past combativeness. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-004

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: 47 “Bordablat”
Size: Small/Medium (?)
Body: Conventional/Atypical (?)
Biology: Conventional (?)
Additional notes (PROVISIONAL):
• Provisional description. Limited information currently available on this species; few subjects encountered.
• Visual acuity generally poor, compensated by improved sense of smell. Subjects to be housed accordingly.
• Incapable of audible speech. Subjects nonetheless consistently found to be attempting to speak; technological solution devised. All subjects of this species to be provided with speaking devices.
• Difficulty recovering from injury. Research ongoing into long-term solution. Avoid undue injury to subjects.
• Display an unusual pattern of behavior when recovered. Subjects normally behave in mechanical, aimless patterns during processing before eventually reverting to more natural behavior. Currently in trial of sending to O/I/R ahead of schedule for improved results.

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
Proper protocols not followed on acquisition; subject did not fully match provisional description. In-field sedation used preemptively in violation of protocol. Presented significant agitation when conscious; ultimately kept in sedated state. Mental state unverified at this time, but assumed satisfactory with reservations for O/I/R transfer due to time elapsed since acquisition. — K. Itashent, Processing Supervisor
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. Subject appears to be a distinct morph from prior recovered individuals. Existing description may be inaccurate. Further investigation will be required. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-005

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: P-096 (provisional)
Size: Medium (?)
Body: Atypical
Biology: Atypical
Additional notes (PROVISIONAL):
• Subject is first individual recovered of this species. See Subject Notes.

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
Relatively lucid upon acquisition. Subject reasonably cooperative with experimentation to verify basic characteristics. Subject exhibits highly unusual adaptive biology that may present long-term containment difficulties. Assumed to have physically recovered from translation effects. Mental state assessed as highly satisfactory for O/I/R transfer. — K. Itashent, Processing Supervisor
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. As subject is first individual recorded of species, additional care required when documenting all interactions. Status reports to Unit Supervisor Ontinaz are expected. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

—

SUBJECT CN0129-███

SPECIES NOTES:
Species ID: █████████████
Size: █████████████
Body: ████████████████
Biology: ████████████████
Additional notes:
• ████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████
• █████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████
• ████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████
• ████████████████████████████████████████████████

SUBJECT NOTES:
PROCESSING:
████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████████
O/I/R:
Assigned to Kuvusha Istsadaiho. No interaction with this subject is to be attempted without prior express approval. — S. Biotaäl, Site Director

... What ... ?

I think I need some time to process all of this ...

Better check out those extreme sedation protocols in case they're ever needed.

Well, that wasn't as helpful as she implied. Nothing about how you're supposed to do these things.

It did clear something up though: You are specifically named on these forms. It is exceedingly likely you are where you are meant to be.

Interested to see these subjects but probably need to get that paperwork done first.

Also, clearly we need to poke our nose into, presumably, subject 006's area and see what that's about. If we are supposed to be observing behaviors, then surely there is an observation room attached to their areas where you can watch them without them knowing. Should be safe enough.

>>1057066
So my interpretation is that weird aliens are "Translating" into your reality and your new job is to get them to be sociable enough to cooperate with research teams.

From this I suspect they chose you not for your work experience but for expandability and/or some sort of social skills you may not realise you have.

Working hypothesis: these are interdimensional or interplanar aliens, and there's some hidden aspect about you that makes you especially good at interacting with some of them, and some of your memories have been altered, and oh yea you should make sure to never ever ever do anything that stupid characters do in the genres of 'sci fi horror' or 'cosmic horror' genres that gets the characters killed. Welcome to the jungle.

well the good news is that this job is probably going to be a lot of odd work! that might be all the good news.

Completing forms and checking inventory seems prudent, and may give ideas for what to requisition, if we need to get anything soon.

From the sounds of things, you can open the big door and that's probably a big safe empty room with lots of other rooms off of it. Maybe you can see or somehow identify the subjects from there. Subject CN0129-002 sounds like it could be easy to talk to, to try to tactfully get a bit more info about what's going on if there's nothing else obvious to start on.

As others are saying as well; It's likely you were chosen to be a sort of lay-man. To be an introduction into what the average... whatever your species is called, is like.

Requisition a pen, if you don't have one. Get the medical forms filled out. Check on the Vakolibol first, as per the instruction. Do it asap as their conditions apparently gets worse the longer you wait.

O/I/R transfer... observation, interaction, rehabilitation. This is your bailiwick, then.

>process
It’s sci-fi as hell, but you appear to have a bunch of ‘translated’ aliens (whatever that means - sounds like it’s rough on the body and mind, though) you need to take care of and learn more about. All apparently seemingly sapient and possible to communicate with.

>>1057069
Observing something may count. Let’s leave looking at the possibly difficult/dangerous one for last, eh? Or at least do an easier one first.

You should see to the unconscious or seemingly cooperative ones. Presumably they’re just in their cells or habitats or what have you and it’s up to you to resolve when and how to get in touch with them. Don’t request restraints unless you need them. This facility is stretched as is.

Do some paperwork, shunt it off, then settle on a subject to visit to start off with.

... also, how much do you wanna bet this facility is in such a tizzy because one of the aliens has secretly or not-so-secretly taken over?

>>1057066
Aliens. They're kidnapping (or rescuing?) aliens from... either another dimension or another planet. Not sure what O/I/R is but seems to involve rehabilitating them so that they cooperate with the organization.
Hey, did you ever do any odd jobs for weird-looking people? Are you especially compassionate or empathetic? Good with people in general? Fantasized about meeting aliens? Perhaps those would be good qualifications...

Anyway, fill out the medical forms next, so they know how to treat you if one of the subjects lashes out at you.

I guess your job is to talk and learn more about alien (or at least cryptids)?

I...uh, I guess start with subject 1 and work your way down?

>>1057066
Wow, these notes are kinda dogshit, pardon my language. No terminology definitions, no actual descriptions of subjects/features, the most barebones mission statement, pretty much no nothing. What the actual hell. I can't really suggest anything but 'Iunno, go look at subject 001 somehow?' Maybe requisition a local guidebook or something along with a pen. And a desk/seat. This is annoying.

Hope you're a HUGE alien fan.

All those people talking about storming Area 51 to See Them Aliens, and it's your JOB to...

They may be able to stop us all, but they wont stop you :V

I can’t wait to meet these aliens! You can process these notes while you’re processing subject 1. Get your uniform on, find your tablet for note taking and help these subjects integrate! You won’t have long to do so in subject 1’s case.
The tube is how you can ask Ms. Biotaal fir permission to see the last subject. Do that once you’re a couple aliens in as it may take time to respond.
First requisition form needs to include paper and a wheeled office chair. They can’t lock us in here for six months without a damned seat.

> WHAT IS MY JOB?
Okay, so these notes are helpful in a broad "what're we doing" sense - You're supposed to observe, interact with, and ultimately rehabilitate some "translated" aliens. - but they're a bit sparse on the specifics, even if I think we can puzzle it out to a degree. Judging by the statements about "physical and mental recovery," are we to presume that these are aliens that were brought over some dimensional boundary, becoming altered to "conform" to our own reality? That's the vibe I'm getting here.

Congrats; it is we who are the alien abductors in this story! And assuming you were picked on purpose instead of by mistake or default, your role is probably to play the "everyman" example of your species who helps to get these guys acclimated to interacting with the locals - cooperation, social adjustment, working out physiological accommodations (or tactical lack thereof) with them, etc. This is very much like customer support, if you squint! You'll still need to be a scientist, in the sense that this will involve you needing to puzzle out what makes their bodies and minds tick. It's possible that we might be able to requisition biology and psychology specialists and the like to fill out our staff, but directing science is still science, IMO.

> WHAT DO I DO?
For now, fill out the extensive medical forms - A precaution in case we ourselves undergo "translation?" - to the best of your ability, as well as a requisition form for some office chairs and a whiteboard with whiteboard erasers and dry-erase markers in multiple colors, and send those out. Then hunt down that tablet, and use that to fill out the system access form and send that out next. Finally, don that uniform.

Okay. You got this. Watching all those movies. Playing all those video games. Reading all those corny books. Playing that one pen and paper roleplaying game under that one sadistic GM in high school. You totally got this. At some point, no doubt everything is going to go bad, and there's going to be some sort of dimensional incursion with portals opening everywhere, and the lights are all going to go out, and then there will be some screaming and death and blood everywhere and stuff. That's the bad news! The GOOD news is that this organization is probably overstretched in the way that no one will give a shit if you requisition a bunch of weird stuff that helps you and the inevitable lone 'actually friendly' alien love interest get out of this place with your lives. What are they going to do? FIRE YOU? And also you can requisition a bunch of creature comforts and office stuff and furnishings in the meantime. So! Look around this area, and see if any of this stuff is already present, and requisition it if it isn't:

-Printer Paper
-Notepad
-Notebook
-Pens & Pencils
-Clipboard
-Filing Folders
-Tape
-Paper Clips
-Staples
-Stapler
-Playing Cards
-Power Strip
-Extension Cord
-Desk
-Rolling Office Chair
-Small Rug
-Filing Cabinet
-Deluxe First Aid Kit
-Duffel Bag
-Office/Dorm Refrigerator
-Microwave
-Shelf Stable Microwavable meals
-Water Pitcher
-Cups
-Plastic Chair
-Kitchen Utensils
-Water Bottle
-5 gallon refillable jug of water (filled)
-Office Water Cooler
-Hot Plate
-Camping Tea/Coffee set
-Tea/Coffee
-Heavy Duty Aluminum Tactical Flashlight
-Spare batteries
-Paper Towels
-Normal Towels
-Traveler's Grooming kit
-Soap
-Various Cleaning supplies
-Handyman's and Repairman's Kit
-Camping Cot
-Blanket
-Camping Pillow
-White Noise Machine
-Alarm Clock
-Earplugs
-Folding Chairs
-Sleep Mask
-Snack Bars and meal replacement bars
-Briefcase
-Stepladder
-Various Office Plants
-Grow Lights for office plants
-Duct Tape
-Plastic Tarp
-Beanbag
-Emergency Candles
-Lighter
-Strike anywhere Matches
-Emergency illumination flares
-Spare undergarments and socks
-Incense burner and incense
-Scented candles


And for this next one, this is a test if they fucked with your memories, or have crazy weird manufacturing capabilities or if it is an non-sapient system supplying your requisitions. It's also the thing that people in approximately your situation often relied upon to survive if shit hit the fan in all those stories. Just write this sort of thing in whatever way seems the most intuitive to you:

-One suit of powered hostile environment survival and exploration armor custom fitted to Kuvusha Istsadaiho, with spare power supplies, charging kit, with matching underarmor suit

Let's have a look at your quarters

>>1057092

Ya do that first, keeping an eye out for anything MISSING.

Another clue pointing that you are where you should be is that these notes do not call you by a title you don't have.

Fill the medical form as best you can (and be honest when you don't know) and take a look at your work area.

Check out how food/water/etc. is distributed, particularly for sedated subjects (they probably need periodic replacement of perfusion bags).

Assume subject ■ to be autonomous for now and refrain from even passive observation (subject could be cognitohazard) but submit a request i quiring whether that assumption is right.

You should probably start with the medical and systems access forms.
Then go see subject CN0129-001 as requested by the site director, before they starve to death. According to the notes it's a medium to small sized species with atypical biology who comes in four different morphs (with different colors maybe?) based roughly on biome, heals very fast, needs a lot of food, senses other members of the same species at a distance but can suppress that ability with the help of technology, and is distressed for reasons unknown after a while (maybe from loneliness?). I might be mistaken, but it sounds somewhat familiar?

So aliens are getting teleported here and se have to help them adjust?

Well, then, absolutely last chance to turn back.
Sign nothing, play dumb, claim you don't understand anything about anything from the debriefing and the documents and you just want to go back to look for a recepcionist job.
Go to the pneumatic tube and requisition your mommy.

>>1057094

Agree subject ■ is likely a cognitohazard. That level of redaction for someone with a need to know? Yea.

You're going to need a recording device, preferably one you can simply turn on and set on the table/floor. No one wants to have to take notes while interacting with subjects, and seeing you with a clipboard in your hands might ruin your everyman image and turn subjects hostile.

>>1057114

That's a good one!

Also, a stress ball/fidget toy. Maybe some of those toys that are good to play with on a desk. Maybe a Hacky Sack.

[1/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/02(Thu)16:50 No. 1057242 ID: 52800c
File 167780461548.png - (137.57KB , 800x600 , 11.png )

>whatever your species is called
Tridenik.

>Sign nothing, play dumb, claim you don't understand anything about anything from the debriefing and the documents and you just want to go back to look for a recepcionist job.
Who am I supposed to talk to, exactly?

>Well, that wasn't as helpful as she implied. Nothing about how you're supposed to do these things.
>they're a bit sparse on the specifics, even if I think we can puzzle it out to a degree.
>Wow, these notes are kinda dogshit, pardon my language. No terminology definitions, no actual descriptions of subjects/features, the most barebones mission statement, pretty much no nothing. What the actual hell.
The instructions are ... extremely vague. It’s worrying and frustrating.

>So my interpretation is that weird aliens are "Translating" into your reality and your new job is to get them to be sociable enough to cooperate with research teams.
>these are interdimensional or interplanar aliens
>Aliens. They're kidnapping (or rescuing?) aliens from... either another dimension or another planet.
>It’s sci-fi as hell, but you appear to have a bunch of ‘translated’ aliens (whatever that means - sounds like it’s rough on the body and mind, though) you need to take care of and learn more about.
>You're supposed to observe, interact with, and ultimately rehabilitate some "translated" aliens.
>Hope you're a HUGE alien fan.
I’m pretty sure aliens aren’t supposed to exist! There hasn’t been any kind of big reveal on the news that, oh hey, no big deal, but we found aliens. If I’m at a facility that’s hiding aliens I’m super going to get disappeared if they figure out I don’t know what I’m doing.

>Congrats; it is we who are the alien abductors in this story!
Oh gods I’m working at a black site. I’m never going home.

>You are specifically named on these forms. It is exceedingly likely you are where you are meant to be.
There are other people with the same name as me. One of them has to be who I’m here instead of. They seem to think I’m some kind of researcher or something. I’m sure the other Kuvusha they meant to hire is perfectly suited to this job but I am not.

>It's likely you were chosen to be a sort of lay-man. To be an introduction into what the average... whatever your species is called, is like.
>your role is probably to play the "everyman" example of your species who helps to get these guys acclimated to interacting with the locals
That doesn’t make sense. Why would people who can build a remote underground facility and capture aliens hire a random person off the street to do what is apparently some kind of first contact scenario??

>Hey, did you ever do any odd jobs for weird-looking people?
Not particularly weird-looking...
>Are you especially compassionate or empathetic? Good with people in general?
I am neurotic. Even the customer support job I was probably a bad idea but I was desperate.
>Fantasized about meeting aliens?
Not really!

>You got this. Watching all those movies. Playing all those video games. Reading all those corny books. Playing that one pen and paper roleplaying game under that one sadistic GM in high school. You totally got this.
That is a person who is not me. I read trashy romance novels, not sci-fi stuff.

>From this I suspect they chose you not for your work experience but for expandability
... I don’t want to think about that.

>also, how much do you wanna bet this facility is in such a tizzy because one of the aliens has secretly or not-so-secretly taken over?
I want to think about that even less!

>Also, clearly we need to poke our nose into, presumably, subject 006's area and see what that's about.
No no no no no I am not doing that. If I’m checking on a subject it’s the one I have express instructions to start with and very much not the one I have express instructions to not interact with.

>Interested to see these subjects but probably need to get that paperwork done first.
>Get the medical forms filled out.
>Anyway, fill out the medical forms next, so they know how to treat you if one of the subjects lashes out at you.
>For now, fill out the extensive medical forms
>Fill the medical form as best you can
Reading the subject notes raised a lot of questions and “what happens if they hurt me” is definitely one of them. I should get on that ... once I find a pen. Ms. Ontinaz forgot to give me one ...

>Let's have a look at your quarters
Oh, right, maybe there’s something in there ... She said they were through... this door?

[2/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/02(Thu)16:50 No. 1057243 ID: 52800c
File 167780465339.png - (125.44KB , 800x600 , 12.png )

This is ... pretty basic... It could be worse. I have a desk, at least, but there’s no chair. And I really have to use my badge to get in the bathroom ... ?

Oh, here’s some pens. And that tablet, and the requisition forms, too. My uniform is probably in one of these wardrobes.

I guess I can sit on the bed for now ... Why’s it a bunk bed, anyway? Were they supposed to hire two people?

...

...

... There are so many questions.

...

...

...

... Okay, that’ll have to do. Now for this system access form ... Let’s take a look at that tablet.

[3/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/02(Thu)16:51 No. 1057244 ID: 52800c
File 167780468392.png - (74.38KB , 800x600 , 13.png )

... This thing wants a password, apparently. I guess that’s what this form is for.

... And there’s the codes off the back. I wonder how long it’ll take to get it cleared ...

Actually I guess if I’m sending off forms I might as well see if there’s anything I want to ask for.

>Go to the pneumatic tube and requisition your mommy.
I get that this is just a stupid passing thought but I’m honestly not convinced they wouldn’t kidnap my mom and bring her here. Not going to try that even as a joke.

>Maybe requisition a local guidebook or something along with a pen. And a desk/seat.
>They can’t lock us in here for six months without a damned seat.
I have a feeling those notes are all I’m going to get, but I want a chair. Top priority.

>a whiteboard with whiteboard erasers and dry-erase markers in multiple colors
That could be pretty helpful, too.

>You're going to need a recording device, preferably one you can simply turn on and set on the table/floor.
That’s ... a really good idea, especially since this tablet won’t let me in yet.

>literally sixty-five separate items
Okay okay wait no I need to slow down. If I ask for that much stuff all at once I’ll probably just get a single rejection notice and no stuff.

Can I think of anything else? ... I’m stalling, aren’t I ...

Yep, kinda! Get the first five items on your priority list, put on your uniform and go looking for subject 1. Bring pen and paper for provisional note taking.

Check the food, and if there's anything to drink. Check to see that you have bathroom and shower supplies. Does the bed have enough blankets? Where's the first aid kit?

>"Favesik:K.Istsadaiho"
>"Remravlem:"

Either that's a different language, or something weird... Huh.

>Why’s it a bunk bed, anyway?
Fear the thought you'll possibly have a yet-unannounced/picked roommate, for an EXTENDED period of time.

(they may even be hot??? maybe score??)

Before anything, verify that the Bathroom is in fact a Bathroom and not a Closet With A Bucket.

Stress balls / fidget toys

Istsadaiho isn't a surname? I'm pretty sure that's you.

She said you are meant to have an assistant so clearly they were supposed to be locked in here with you.

Hurry up with those forms and start working; just write down anything that comes to mind while watching/talking/interacting with them.

Sixty Five Items! Hey, sometimes inspiration hits! ;)

Well, figure out which of those items is already HERE or in the bathroom or wherever, and in reasonable supply, and then pick two or so things that are NOT at a reasonably supply that you consider high priority! Cmon, you can do this! Make the decision!

> SECURITY
If the bathrooms have a card-reader, take heart in knowing that it's likely due to them being a security risk otherwise because putting cameras in there is apparently a line they won't cross.

> REQUISITIONS
Make it office chairs, plural - there are multiple rooms, multiple desks, and presumably multiple people on your "team." Request for existing materials and observation logs on your subjects' species, where applicable. A clipboard for that loose paper, plus maybe a more dedicated line-paper notepad. First-aid kit and fire extinguisher, assuming you don't find those somewhere in your wing. Shampoo, conditioner, towels and other non-vital toiletries, plus maybe sleep-wear? Food and water are supposedly covered, so that should do it for basic quality-of-life essentials, for now. Anything more superfluous can wait, and if we need something specific for (or against) one of our subjects, or if we need equipment with which to conduct tests, the forms will still be there.

If that still seems too big a list, maybe split it up into multiple forms before sending them out.

>That doesn’t make sense. Why would people who can build a remote underground facility and capture aliens hire a random person off the street to do what is apparently some kind of first contact scenario??
That is the (possible) backstory of 05-13 except he got hired as one of the leaders of the organization.

Employees must come from somewhere, no matter how secretive the organization is, and considering the job seem to involve information the public is not aware of it's possible no qualifying formation exist.

If you want to keep the first request short a chair isn't the most important item. Even if you get uncomfortable you can handle it while dealing with documents. On the other hand if the plan is to record audio the lack of equipment will make your initial interactions different from the ones you will do after acquiring it.
You seem to have writing utensils available, that should suffice for scratch notes. Underlining words or making box would be enough to remind you later to use colorful markers on the revised text. Just check if there is a mobile hard surface to help writing, because if there isn't a clipboard or a hard cover notebook could be justifiable added to your short list.
We don't know how long it takes for the requests to arrive so check your supplies of food an water. If you can't find them available keep the initial request simple both to reduce the chances of rejection and to see how they respond to vague instructions.

So my short list so far is:
-Audio recorder
-Clipboard/Notebook
-Food and water

Hopefully you will receive those items back by the time you finish the paperwork just in time to get to work.
It's better to do the initial interaction sooner rather than later because if you find out you can't bullshit this job the time you would have wasted stalling will be needed to plan and execute your escape.

So... how common is your name? What culture is it from? What's the etymological meaning of it? Are there any famous people you know of with your first or last name?

Outside of a chair or two the only thing I think you need is the passwords to use your tablet. Things that might be nice to have however is a gameboy or some of those trashy romance novels you like so much so you have something to do in your down time.

Though I’m not going to lie if you got placed here by mistake because someone shared the same name as you I am laughing at the thought some scientist type is now stuck doing customer service thinking they need to find the aliens pretending to be normal people.

>>1057242
>Species: Tridenik
Trdelnik it is! https://www.google.com/search?q=trdelnik&tbm=isch

How many sentient species are there on your planet?

Does the tablet have a camera? Obvious mic/speaker holes? The idea for an audio recorder is a good one, but the tablet may cover it. Oh - you don't have your cell phone, do you? Presumably they took that. ...And if not, you should probably keep it hidden for now.

>>1057250
I noticed the image of the cover page of the Notes was written in weird, but was translated in the text, so presumably the same is going on here.

You are supposed to take notes of "subjects". Do you have a way to write standing? Do you have a higiene kit?

Mark the recorder, and only the recorder, (audio-only might do for now, but you're going to want a camera too) as mission-critical and urgent in the requisition: You can do first contact standing up, but you can't do it without recording.

>food and water
Already in one of the rooms, allegedly. But it doesn't hurt to check, or request something more to your taste.

>>1057244
Analog recorder. Tape recorder would be ideal. That way it can't get hacked.

May want to think about requesting some body armor as well down the line.

>>1057367
A digital recorder without any wireless connectivity should be fine and higher fidelity

>>1057380

Ya, digital, not analog. If one of the creatures interferes with digital recording devices or something, then you can get a different sort, but only after encountering that!

>>1057413
Imo it would be better to be safe rather than sorry.

But that's just me.

>>1057418

Well the safe is that you take notes the traditional way and use the digital recorder as backup!

>If I ask for that much stuff all at once I’ll probably just get a single rejection notice and no stuff.
Stick to the basics then, and ask for small portable items. That way they can possibly send more things in one package.

>>1057418
Assuming no wireless capability on the recorder, if something has enough control over electromagnetism to mess with a digital recorder than it also has the ability to mess with the magnetic tape in an analog recorder.

[1/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/06(Mon)16:36 No. 1057689 ID: c27a02
File 167814939557.png - (61.11KB , 800x600 , 14.png )

>How many sentient species are there on your planet?
One. What?

>That is the (possible) backstory of 05-13 except he got hired as one of the leaders of the organization.
I have no idea what that means. Moving on.

>So... how common is your name? What culture is it from? What's the etymological meaning of it? Are there any famous people you know of with your first or last name?
Kuvusha and Istsadaiho are both pretty common as far as names go. I don’t know what Kuvusha means but there were two other Kuvushas in my school classes growing up. I think Istsadaiho is a placename, originally? I’m not really the kind of person who cares that much about what names mean.

>Though I’m not going to lie if you got placed here by mistake because someone shared the same name as you I am laughing at the thought some scientist type is now stuck doing customer service thinking they need to find the aliens pretending to be normal people.
That would be really funny, if I weren’t locked in some black site facility.

>Oh - you don't have your cell phone, do you?
I do not. They said to do a security check on it. ...

... before I even got on the train here ...

... I’m never getting that thing back, am I.

>Fear the thought you'll possibly have a yet-unannounced/picked roommate, for an EXTENDED period of time.
>She said you are meant to have an assistant so clearly they were supposed to be locked in here with you.
>there are multiple rooms, multiple desks, and presumably multiple people on your "team."
She also said, repeatedly, that they were having staffing issues. Which only gets more concerning to think about over time, which is why I’m trying not to.

>Before anything, verify that the Bathroom is in fact a Bathroom and not a Closet With A Bucket.
Shower, sink, toilet. It’s basic but it has what it’s supposed to.

>If the bathrooms have a card-reader, take heart in knowing that it's likely due to them being a security risk otherwise because putting cameras in there is apparently a line they won't cross.
Well now I’m just thinking about whether or not there are cameras in the bathroom. Thanks.

>(they may even be hot??? maybe score??)
What. Ugh, I’m so stressed I’m having nonsense thoughts. I need to focus.

>more suggestions for stuff
I’m not going to really get anything out of a stress ball, unfortunately. Been there, done that. It just hurts my hands after a while.

... And I’m thinking about getting a trashy romance novel, but I’m not leading with that, thanks. For all I know I’m getting judged on what I decide to ask for.

I’m going to go with an office chair, a clipboard, a tape recorder, any existing material on the subject species and a whiteboard with dry erase markers. Depending on how that goes I might consider asking for some of the other things that I thought of.

[2/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/06(Mon)16:37 No. 1057690 ID: c27a02
File 167814942112.png - (135.42KB , 800x600 , 15.png )

And that’s those dropped off. I think Ms. Ontinaz said I’d get a response by the next day ... ? Urgh ...

In the meantime, and just so I stop worrying about it, I check the kitchen.

... Yep, it’s a kitchen. This actually might be nicer than the one in my apartment.

... Okay, the fridge only has bottled water in it right now.

And the cupboards ... “Beans and Rice”? “Lentils with Salt”? This is looking pretty desperate.

The best thing in here is probably “Chicken Flavored Noodles”, ouch. Hopefully they’ll let me upgrade the menu. I’m kind of glad I’m not hungry yet, but the thought that the reheated frozen food I ate on the train is better than anything I’ll get while I’m here is ...

... I’m definitely stalling. I don’t think I can really justify doing anything else besides putting my uniform on and heading out there, at this point ...

Take off your uniform and head out there. You let them keep you on the back foot all this time. You have to pull a power move to make them take you seriously.

You've verified that you've got the basic necessities to survive being locked in here. Nothing else left to do but get to work!

whelp, time to put on the last suit you'll ever wear, and get this thing started.

>>1057690
Time to get your uniform on and hit the button that opens the wing. Let's pray these idiots didn't let all the aliens out.

>>1057690
Then it's time to stop stalling. Just remember:

No matter what, you CAN make it through this. Stand strong, and remember, if the answer of 'do I do this or not?' is either 'live' or 'die', do what you have to to LIVE.

Requisition for tomorrow: extra towels and a backup uniform.

Get changed.

You did say the job listing was suspiciously well-paying. I strongly think you are in less danger than you are imagining.

Anyways, move on with your work.

>>1057690
Probably right, don't forget to take notes and pick whichever sounds least threatening

>>1057705
Clearly CNO-129 is the least dangerous.

Be sane and go to the first!

>>1057690
Don't talk shit about beans and rice. That's the best thing in there.
Let's check out our guys, just start at the top

002 sounds easiest to talk to for a start.

You were instructed to do 001 first, weren't you?

>>1057719
Beans and rice are great for being filling and surprisingly nutritious but they're boring as shit without proper seasoning

>>1057764

Is there a filled spice cabinet??

You were asked to start with 001, so make sure you start there.

Well, put on your uniform, and get to work on some first-blush passive observation. Start with 001 - if it turns out they might be in critical condition, we need to act quickly.

Unless it looks like an emergency, I recommend sticking to passive observation until the recording device comes in the mail.

Of course, unless the observation bay is suitably one-way, you may also be spotted by the subjects and need to jot down their reaction anyway.

[1/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/09(Thu)17:24 No. 1058047 ID: c27a02
File 167841145947.png - (139.11KB , 800x600 , 16.png )

>Don't talk shit about beans and rice. That's the best thing in there.
It’s a perfectly good side dish but it’s not dinner.

>Beans and rice are great for being filling and surprisingly nutritious but they're boring as shit without proper seasoning
That too.

>Is there a filled spice cabinet??
There are over a dozen cabinets in here. I’m just going to hope the answer is yes and leave it for later.

>Take off your uniform and head out there. You let them keep you on the back foot all this time. You have to pull a power move to make them take you seriously.
That is how I get shot or something. No.

>Let's pray these idiots didn't let all the aliens out.
I shouldn’t even joke about that.

>You did say the job listing was suspiciously well-paying. I strongly think you are in less danger than you are imagining.
I am not following the logic here and I don’t want to puzzle it out either.

>time to put on the last suit you'll ever wear
>Time to get your uniform on and hit the button that opens the wing.
>Well, put on your uniform
Okay. I can do this.

... I mean, I absolutely cannot do the actual job but I can at least put the uniform on. Back to the quarters and ...

...

... I guess they’re probably in —

Oh, this wardrobe just contains a whole bunch of these. ... At least they gave me more than one.

...

... Without the coat this doesn’t feel quite as stylish as what Ms. Ontinaz was wearing. I guess that’s another thing I don’t get at clearance level 2, huh.

... I’ll just leave my clothes on the bed for now.

[2/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/09(Thu)17:24 No. 1058048 ID: c27a02
File 167841147737.png - (144.88KB , 900x600 , 17.png )

Well ... here goes.

The big door opens pretty fast for how —

...

Why is this room so big? This is the size of a gymnasium or something. And there’s absolutely nothing in here. What the hell ... ?

Oh, so I guess we are finding out now that the aliens are probably going to be big at some point.

Odd left, even right. Charmingly residential. Check the door behind you in case you're prisoner 0.

This is just the antechamber! Hopefully those numbers up top correspond to the subjects, so start at 1.
I wonder if the door at the end can be opened? Test that first.

Also, you look snazzy. Time to get to looking at #1 if you really are too chicken to even peak in #6.

>>1058047
>It’s a perfectly good side dish but it’s not dinner.
Yeah you're right, gotta put sausage in it too.

>>1058048
My guess is that it's so big because they don't know how large the aliens are going to be. Better to be too big than too small.

Let's see what's behind door number 1!

I think this is what you were told to expect. You're free to fill up this space how you deem appropriate, I think. It's probably safe to assume the numbers correspond to the subjects. I *think* Ontinaz said the doors lead to an observation area for each subject but that was less clear.

Doesn't seem like there's anything to do here so let's proceed to 1 (after gathering yourself to see or possibly meet an alien in the next room).
... you brought pen and paper or stuff for recording, right?

Wait, I don't think anything about the far door(?) was mentioned. What's up with that? Probably can't hurt to take a quick look at it before going to 1.

It's time to check out your wiggly lads. Hopefully at least one of them is wiggly at least. Let's get to know them. Except the one you aren't supposed to mess with. Don't mess with that one.

>Without the coat this doesn’t feel quite as stylish as what Ms. Ontinaz was wearing.
I like it. Cat suits and similar are kind of cool on their own.
And you do look better than her. Look how prettier your hands are than hers: Your thumbs even point to the right direction.

I hope this corredor isn't the observation area. I was expecting a room with secure glass separating you from the subjects.
Those garage doors are huge. Do they transport the entire cages?
Check the controls for each door but don't press anything. Look for written instructions on how to operate them. In their absence locate a door for a less dangerous room with similar layout to experiment. If none exist chose the subject that sound like the least dangerous for your first attempt.

Oh no, this is a science facility! I suck at science! But I’ll still try to help out anyway. Let’s go see the aliem you are most comfortable observing. Also, I think you look really cool; like you are about to participate in a deadly digital game to save the grid. But that would be silly. Anyway, Aliens!

>>1058047
Well, I think you look good in it. Though it does suggest movement and action - tight fitting, no flappy bits, one piece. Guess we'll find out if that's intentional and important, haha.

To door #1!

>>1058048
Door Number 1 is probably dangerous, so you should go for Door Number 5 to be safe.

So... uh... the suits that movie stars use that look like that tend to have maaaaajor mobility issues. The space activity suits that astronauts use that look like that have a lot of really weird features for expansion and compression of appropriate joints to enable actual mobility. What... uh, what seems to be the design here? Did... did they get a super precise scan of your body at some point?

Oh! Actually - you were instructed to begin with subject 001, but that MAY not be in chamber 1. Look for any other labels or signs - but failing that, yeah, try door 1.

We’ll start with door 1 I guess and see what happens

>>1058047
Is that the type of onesie that can have boots, gloves, and a hazmat hood/mask attached to it? It looks like it. It would make sense for them to have it. You probably will need to requisition the rest of the ensemble.

>>1058079
Admit to yourself that this suit accentuates your curves nicely. Could use the self-confidence.

> Without the coat this doesn’t feel quite as stylish as what Ms. Ontinaz was wearing.
Honestly, your outfit could use the reverse instead - get yourself a science smock or apron to cover up the unfortunate crotch seams while leaving the snazzy sleeves and collar on display.

> What Do
But yeah, head into Subject 1’s observation chamber first. (I assume it’s in Chamber 1, but check any additional signage just in case.)

Well, time to peek at door number 1. Unless you want to try the back door first.

>Why is this room so big and empty?
It's as she told you, it's your responsibility to requisition appropriate furniture once you know what to ask for.
...This may include cubicle walls.

>>1058079
Thinking more on the subject, you should probably request multiple types of PPE. Things like hard hats, ear protection, safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, work gloves, flash goggles, along with things like inert polymer gloves (lab gloves), splash goggles, aprons, and probably scba sets along with the hazmat stuff.

Better to be prepared since who the fuck knows what hazards may end up present. Most labs worth their salt will have these things on site.

>>1058114

Or the sci fi scientist explorer's hazard suit thing mentioned earlier!

>>1058121
Assuming you are referring to the post I think you are, I suggested that. This would be in addition to that since different hazards require different equipment. Hazmat helmet won't necessarily protect you from lacerations, abrasions, thermal hazards, or bright flashes. Filters also won't protect you from all gaseous or particulate hazards, while self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA, similar to the more widely known underwater version, SCUBA) will, but tanks are rather heavy and need switched out.

>>1058133

Eh, I'm not sure you suggested something analogous to an HEV suit from Half Life or a Hazard Engineer RIG from Dead Space? You know, the really over-the-top stuff that uses strange sci-fi technologies to be kind of 'all in one for all of those things you mentioned and oh yea it's combat armor too and is implausibly light and easy to move in' kind of things!

>>1058146
I misunderstood then. I am not sure anybody suggested that, but you did now, so now it is on the table.

Only issue I forsee is that stuff may not exist.

>>1058197

Look at the bottom of the original list of 65 items.

>>1058202
Got it. To me, that seems more like something like the macross suit or space marine armor rather than what you are saying.

To be clear, I think all of these ideas are good.

Looks like these subjects are going to be giant.

>>1058218

'Powered' rather than specifying 'power armor' or 'very light mecha' meaning it has active electronic features, not necessarily strength or mobility enhancement.

>>1058282
ugh, this is getting tedious and feels like we are getting caught up in semantics. Idek what we are even trying to say at this point. You know what?
I am going to stick with my ppe suggestions, and the hazmat suit suggestion (honestly, a powered environmental suit is basically just a hazmat suit with a vitals monitor and a hud, which we also should have).

I am also adding an exo skeleton or power armor to my suggestions.

I don’t know about power armor. But some sort of hazmat suit would probably be a good idea. We don’t know if we’ll be working with radioactives though. Are our new friends radioactive? Do we need to get them hazmat suits too?

[1/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:56 No. 1058557 ID: aa23a8
File 167883817491.png - (93.63KB , 800x600 , 18.png )

>you look snazzy.
>I like it. Cat suits and similar are kind of cool on their own.
>Well, I think you look good in it.
I didn’t say I didn’t appreciate the look, but I really was hoping for one of those jackets. At least a little bit.

>Admit to yourself that this suit accentuates your curves nicely. Could use the self-confidence.
Ahem.

>Is that the type of onesie that can have boots, gloves, and a hazmat hood/mask attached to it? It looks like it.
... maybe?

>the sci fi scientist explorer's hazard suit thing mentioned earlier!
I’m really hoping the fact that I wasn’t given a suit like that means I won’t need one, but the more I think about it the more worried I’m getting.

... Thinking about something else now.

>Did... did they get a super precise scan of your body at some point?
At this point I wouldn’t be surprised.

>it's your responsibility to requisition appropriate furniture once you know what to ask for.
Right, right, she did say that. Ugh.

>Check the door behind you in case you're prisoner 0.
It’s unlabeled, like the far door.

>I wonder if the door at the end can be opened? Test that first.
>Wait, I don't think anything about the far door(?) was mentioned. What's up with that?
... this room has to be at least two hundred feet long. I don’t really want to walk that far just to find out that my badge won’t even open the door. If I don’t get killed by one of the subjects or something I’ll go look at it later.

... okay, no, I don’t even want to joke about that, actually.

>if you really are too chicken to even peak in #6.
I’m not going to do the thing they expressly told me not to do.

>you should go for Door Number 5 to be safe.
Again, what? No.

>Those garage doors are huge. Do they transport the entire cages?
I have no way of knowing that!

>Oh, so I guess we are finding out now that the aliens are probably going to be big at some point.
At this point I’m more concerned that they’re going to be radioactive or something.

>My guess is that it's so big because they don't know how large the aliens are going to be. Better to be too big than too small.
... that does make a certain amount of sense.

>Check the controls for each door but don't press anything. Look for written instructions on how to operate them.
There’s a badge reader next to each of the big doors and another one next to the small doors set inside them. I assume it works the same way as all the other doors in here.

[2/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:56 No. 1058558 ID: aa23a8
File 167883819702.png - (89.24KB , 800x600 , 19.png )

>you brought pen and paper or stuff for recording, right?
I...

... ah crap.

[3/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:57 No. 1058559 ID: aa23a8
File 167883822108.png - (95.03KB , 800x600 , 20.png )

... Well, at least I remembered to go back for this before meeting a subject.

>Look for any other labels or signs - but failing that, yeah, try door 1.
>(I assume it’s in Chamber 1, but check any additional signage just in case.)
There’s just the big “1” above the door. It would be pretty weird if the numbers on my paperwork didn’t match the numbers on the doors.

... I say, about the job that I’m still not convinced didn’t mix me up with someone else. Uh, anyway.

>We’ll start with door 1
>Let's see what's behind door number 1!
>Time to get to looking at #1
Right, okay. I guess I should get this over with. Maybe it won’t be that bad. Maybe it’ll be a ... nice alien ... that’s trapped in a box and apparently traumatized or something ...

... No, thinking about this isn’t helping. I just need to ... open the door.

I hold up my badge and the door slides open. I walk inside ...

[4/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:57 No. 1058560 ID: aa23a8
File 167883824029.png - (70.83KB , 900x600 , 21.png )

Neumono belong to Lagotrope.

...

What —

[5/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:57 No. 1058561 ID: aa23a8
File 167883825542.png - (94.82KB , 800x600 , 22.png )

No.

Okay, no no no no no no no no.

I can’t do this.

I can’t even deal with this.

That bed is taller than me, let alone —

I need to get out of here and get home somehow I’m not going to get killed by some alien in some black site where no one will ever find me I bet they won’t even notice anything happened until my term is up I need out I need out I need out I need —

[6/6] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/14(Tue)16:57 No. 1058562 ID: aa23a8
File 167883827218.png - (145.42KB , 800x600 , 23.png )

“P... p-please, whoever you are, d-don’t ... don’t leave me here alone again ...”

I can’t —

It’s talking to me.

It sounds ... terrified.

What —

What do I do

Okay, just being here is what he wants, so just be here for him while you take a deeeeeep breath... maybe five of those. You don't even have to look at him while you do this. Try looking at him again. He's clearly as scared as you are, and there's a lot of glass between you two.

>>1058562
Take a breath, countdown from 10 and open the door. Say hello.

Triangle. Triangles are the most dangerous and aggressive shape. Clearly this alien is the largest threat currently in the facility. Triangle. Don't approach triangles. Remain for now but be ready to flee.

>>1058561
>That bed is taller than me
Didn’t your notes claim that subject 1 is supposed to be a size Small/Medium?! How the fuck is this considered Small?! Just imagine how big the other subjects are supposed to be!

>>1058562
>What do I do?
I guess talk to them?

I think you were told that you were suposed to be aiding them in recovery from whatever the translation process is, while also documenting behaviors and traits found in their species.

>>1058562
Note: subject displays fear of isolation.

Introduce yourself. You're here to get to know him and find out what he needs to live comfortably.

Figure out where the button that lowers the glass is and be mindful of it. You understood what that alien said, so ask him what already knows. It's okay, you're here now. That's the first step in... being so big I guess.

Resolve to requisition some food for this giant ASAP, so you never need know if they’re hungry (for youuuuu).

In general, maybe it’s a solid idea to try to stay on the GOOD side of these giant aliens you’rd going to have to interact with for the foreseeable future.

So swallow your fear. Introduce yourself. Ask what they understand of their situation.

Look, this is a being that CLEARLY either evolved or was designed or modified to mimic the sort of thing you are. Bilateral symmetry, bipedal stance, two eyes, two big ears, nose, mouth, two hands, tail, two legs, fur. Large, expressive eyes. THE EXACT SAME SORT OF BODY AND FACIAL LANGUAGE YOU HAVE! They are a only slightly funny looking person, who, through whatever process, can speak the same languages you do.

Further, it has clearly indicated distress!

Do honor to your species and your family and whatever divinity you venerate and show some empathy and sympathy and compassion for this creature!

Say hi! Introduce yourself. Ask politely that it try to not trigger your panic response via aggressive body language or showing it's teeth or moving quickly. Ask it's name, preferred pronouns, species name, cultural identity or nationality name, if it has a title or honorific or class or caste or sex or family or similar designator or something that's polite to refer to it by, and build some rapport! Ask what are some of the things it needs to be more comfortable!

You are BOTH in a shitty, shitty situation here! And have information and benefits to offer each other! For example, you can ask for it's story of what it knows about this place and how it ended up here, and you can offer the same for yourself too.

Your job is to interact with him so you have to interact with him. No need to go any further than you have, though. He can't do anything to you through a glass wall.

The notes said this is a "small" one, right? That makes future prospects exciting!

Work on getting comfortable enough to enter their area. It's going to be something you'll have to do eventually.

Why are you so BIG? ... that's a stupid question...
How do you know my language?
.
.
.
Hi...

good lord you are small

huh, well... uh, I guess (once you calm down a bit) ask them who they are and how they ended up here and hopefully by the time they finish they're life story you'll have figured out a way to bullshit your way through doing your job.

Just talk to him. Would you want to be locked up in a room like that with nobody to talk to? Unfortunately he doesn't look like any sort of wiggler.

I KNEW these guys looked very mouse-like!

Um, I suppose you should tell him you are new here and ask who and what type of being this guy is.

And maybe let him know you are really lost as well right now.

Contemplate how his claws are the length of your head.

Okay, fumbling at a card reader in panic is exactly how you get it to not read the card. Next time, no matter how panicked we are, try to do it calmly and slowly so we can actually open the door.

Now, take a deep breath, turn around, and remain within arm's reach of the door. They're stuck behind glass, so we're safe but just stay near the door just in case. Say Hello, they seems to speak the same language as you. Maybe ask who they are? Probably should ask them to recount how they got here, partially because it'll give you context and information and partially because it'll help calm them down.

>>1058573
In addition, think about how nice it must be to be cuddled like a plushie. You have the opportunity to experience what that would feel like!

>>1058595
Contemplate how his dick is the length of your torso.

>>1058606

How do we know it's not a girl? How do we know, if male, it has external genitalia? How do we know it has two sexes, rather than 1, or 3, or 4? Please. Try to do better! What's odd here is how *similar* it is, despite the scale difference. Maybe it uses some sort of super-materials for it's bones and connective tissues? Shouldn't creatures that mass and volume not have the same sort of, yaknow, body layout as you? Is everything here going to maaaagically ignore the square cube law?!

How large has anything organic that walks on two feet and stands upright gotten on your world, ever, to your knowledge?

Close your eyes.
Breathe in.
Count to the smallest two-digit number.
Breathe out.

Take another look. Yes, it's big. Very big. So why hasn't it broken out? It can't. If there were any way it could break or damage the glass, it would have done so already.

There's a reason it's desperate. It's trapped. It can't get out. There's nothing in the cell besides its bed. You're its only chance to get information, or entertainment, or even the necessities of survival.

Help it, Kuvusha Istsadaiho. You're its only hope.

I’ll be honest, I’m getting sick of seeing these guys! I was hoping to see someone actually “Alien” in the literal sense of the word. At least we have a lot of experience with this species Kuvu, so just keep them company. They hate loneliness, as they are empathic and share a link with their hives. They might be severed, which to them is like you being in this place without actually wanting to be there, so try to empathise with them they can understand what you are feeling. And yes, requisition a LOT of food for them, they have huge dietary requirements due to their (kinda op) metabolism and regeneration.

>>1058609
Two distinct sex is a common evolutionary result of the adoption of two related mechanisms: the recombination of pairs of genes and the meeting of gametes. The gene recombination increase the development and spread of adaptations and also allow for sexual selection which usually promove beneficial traits for natural selection. The combination of gametes among multicelular organisms have the problem of those unicelular structures from different individuals meeting, as a solution multiple mobile gametes must be releases to increase the chances without fecundating themselves, so two kinds of specialization is a logical resulte. All eukaryotes produce gametes and two distinct sexes evolved convergingly multiple times in different species.
For complex organisms assexual reproduction is possible but unlikely because it's a competitive desvantagem. For evolutionary pressure those species usually have either two sexes or are hermaphrodites.
More than two sexes never occurs because it's unnecessarily complex, doesn't bring additional advantages compared to two and increases the disadvantages like the proliferation of detrimental recessive genes.

As for the square cube law:
There is the problem of brain mass but like in every story about different intelligent species let's ignore that and assume they have comparable intelectual capacities.
Temperature regulation must take more effort for the big guy but simultaneously retaining heat must be harder for our small gal, so if their day/night cycles are similar she must have a faster heartbeat than him to produce more heat. The blood pressure and weight must mean he will feel tingling from lack of circulation much faster than her, won't be able to stay still or stand up for as long as she is theoretically capable of.
Obviously his consumption of food will be absurd for her standards, but compared to the consumption done by several members of her species with the combine body weight equal to his he should be eating less than them. The same is true to the air he breaths, let's hope his cell have a good ventilation system.

Kuvusha can't correctly assume he is male, she can just make wild guesses based on the visual and auditory similarities to gender signifiers from her species, as absurdly coincidental as they may be.
The square cube law is a problem for the existence of comparable giants in relation to us. The assumption here is that her specie is small, because it's already established the range of sizes for neumonos in relation to humans.

Pat yourself down, check your pulse, straighten your uniform, and
Well, first you should make sure the door opens.

"You're scared? You're scared?! You hit the jackpot! You landed on an entire world of tiny talking technologically-advanced aphids! Millions of civilians are going to worship you! I'm the one who needs to be freaked out, and not because you could smash this standard regulation bureaucratic nonsense glass window like a movie sugar wall. More of your species' adventurers will come, and when they do, we won't have enough firepower to hold back against any who want to enslave us and literally stuff us in their computers!
Which is why my first few questions must be about your combat and survival abilities
from way over here
behind these military-grade security doors
which is where I should be when encountering a live Tank-class unittank more like battlemech am I right."

>>1058616
Checks out. This is a very big boy.

>>1058614
Did you seriously think from that document it was going to be anything else? Saw it from a mile away. Those other specimens are probably cameos too. Take it or leave it.

So yeah. This is probably going to break you further Kuvusha, but it's likely they aren't big, but your species is just very very small. Note this guy was marked down as small to medium sized. Also this definitely confirms you're on a blacksite of some corporate entity that has the capabilities to find and abduct sentient species from other worlds. It might even be possible this blacksite is owned by an offworld entity and they simply keep the knowledge of the outside universe away from your society!

This guy is probably more terrified than you right now after what happened to him. If you want to survive you're going to have to try to fake it until you make it.

If it makes you feel better, it doesn't feel you were put into this situation as a mistake. It seems too easy to have let in a spy or saboteur if that was true.

>>1058562
Okay it's big, really big, and that makes it scary buuut. Observe how it's behaving, it isn't a slavering monster trying to claw it's way to you, it's a person calling out for help. Focus on that, focus on the empathy, this is a person not a creature.

or it totally does want to eat you and is smart enough to lure you close first

>>1058616
Not sure why you keep invoking the square cube law in relation to intelligence. While there is of course a miniumum amount of neural tissue you need for intelligence that can easily be achieved by having much wrinklier brains. Think of how smart crows and keas are despite their tiny heads. Something the size of our protagonist could easily fit sophont level intelligence in a head that big.

>>1058562
If this thing is on the smaller end of the scale... Clearly you need to leverage its obvious need for social contact i order to make it emotionally dependent on you so that you can use it to protect you from other potentially less friendly aliens.

Ya know some people would really be into this kind of situation, like sexually, in several different ways.
Think about how great it is that you'll probably never have to deal with anybody like that ever again.

Perhaps you should reconsider the stress ball and consider getting him one too

>AAAAAAAAA
Welp. Well, time to collect yourself and start talking through the glass.

>Huge "small/medium"
That's interesting. Either the director specifically used alien standards of size, or your species and culture is self-awarely tiny, probably from size comparisons with your homeworld's flora and fauna.

>>1058625

Not in relation to intelligence. Just as a general observation on their freaking size. Also, panicked minds often make leaps from topic to topic as they try to 'think fast', and observe everything that might be relevant, as it were.

Oh my god you are so small, that is adorable!

Ahem, momentary lack of professionalism aside. Calm yourself, Kuvusha, deep breaths, and look at the situation. That glass is thick, even for a creature relatively much larger than you, that's not possible to break. Hell, unless there's a hidden intercom, I'm surprised you can hear them. You are safe. Listen to me, despite how things look, you are safe.

Calm? Ok, now just- talk to them, anything. Introduce yourself. You're scared, they're scared, and you both know very little about this whole situation. You have common ground. So just, talk.

Well turns out you're tiny and adorable, giant aliens trying to pick you up and/or pet you is definitely going to be a workplace hazard.

Have you ever seen anyone that freaked out or lonely? He's desperately asking his new captor to please not leave him alone. How long has he been alone now? He's at least as worried and scared as you are, probably more. Sit and talk with him for a bit, and if he isn't hostile or aggressive maybe even offer a small hug, if only to build trust. He was listed as non dangerous right?
Also you're in charge of him it looks like, you probably need to make sure he's actually okay and getting enough food and not slowly going crazy from loneliness or boredom.
Plus let's be honest, you could probably use a hug right now yourself.

If you're scared, keep in mind he's trapped in this part of the facility until the higher ups clear him. Sound familiar? How would you want them to behave in front of you? Do that.

>>1058623
I’m very slow on the uptake, but you’re right. I just didn’t put it together. Also Kuvu, you are so tiny!

So what do we think the other ones are, from the clues, then?

>>1058660
One of them requires cold temperatures to thrive and has multiple ears.
CN0129-003 sounds like an Avali, but the tail locomotion throws me off.

>>1058562

Oh god it can talk!

... wait, if it can talk, what's it doing here??

>>1058666
They all seem to be sapient beings.

I think the moral high ground at this facility is non-existent.

Personally, given the names of the species are written completely differently, I think there's still a chance that the descriptive and visual similarities are a trap on Slinko's part, to trick us into making bad assumptions. Even if they aren't, Kuvusha doesn't know about them, and shouldn't make assumptions anyway. In any case, let's quiet down with the meta-discussion now.

>... wait, if it can talk, what's it doing here??
In this facility in general? Not sure, but probably to hide the alien presence from the general public.
In this wing in particular? Well, as the director says, physical and mental trauma. This is an unqualified "medical" wing. Not much to fear for the aliens here, but what happens after they're healed might be another story.

Wait, maybe Kuvu isn’t tiny at all. Maybe this person is just very big. They can get pretty huge from what I’ve seen.

>>1058703

Well, unless you're speaking in multiples of planck length, their meters might not be our meters, so... hmmm. Has there been 'a creature that used it's small size to help in hiding from predators' in their recent evolutionary history?

>>1058705

And by their I mean the sapient species of their planet. Also, were there other likely sapients that got out competed and died off at some point? What did they look like?

>>1058703
while Neumono are typically depicted as having a rather large size variance that's usually more like 1-3 meters tall while this guy would have to be closer to 10 meters tall in order for Kuvu to be human scale

They can talk? Their first words weren't hostile, they seem like they've really suffered from the isolation. Try to talk to this giant lagomorph.

Talk about your situation

https://questden.org/kusaba/questdis/res/139280.html This exists now if you would like.

Once you start talking, this is an important question: "What are some of your basic physiological needs that aren't getting properly met, and what can I do to help meet them?"

[1/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/17(Fri)14:58 No. 1058860 ID: aa23a8
File 167909028965.png - (111.72KB , 800x600 , 24.png )

>Triangle. Triangles are the most dangerous and aggressive shape.
what

>I KNEW these guys looked very mouse-like!
I don’t understand

>Contemplate how his claws are the length of your head.
my head is spinning

>think about how nice it must be to be cuddled like a plushie
I can’t think straight

>I’ll be honest, I’m getting sick of seeing these guys!
everything’s going through my head at once, I can’t

>You landed on an entire world of tiny talking technologically-advanced aphids!
I can’t focus

>While there is of course a minimum amount of neural tissue you need for intelligence that can easily be achieved by having much wrinklier brains.
I don’t even know where some of these are coming from, I

>Ya know some people would really be into this kind of situation
it’s too much, I

>CN0129-003 sounds like an Avali, but the tail locomotion throws me off.
I can’t

I can’t I can’t I can’t I can’t I can’t I can’t I can’t

I can’t ... I ...

I ...

...

...

[2/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/17(Fri)14:58 No. 1058861 ID: aa23a8
File 167909032452.png - (137.25KB , 800x600 , 25.png )

...

>take a deeeeeep breath... maybe five of those
>Calm yourself, Kuvusha, deep breaths
>Close your eyes. Breathe in. Count to the smallest two-digit number. Breathe out.

...

I’m lying on the floor. I don’t ... I didn’t even notice it happening. ... Did I black out?

... My cheeks are wet ...

>How the fuck is this considered Small?!
>If this thing is on the smaller end of the scale...
>The notes said this is a "small" one, right? That makes future prospects exciting!
I ... can’t think about that right now.

>Look, this is a being that CLEARLY either evolved or was designed or modified to mimic the sort of thing you are.
He ... it ... looks familiar. I don’t know if I can rely on that ...

>He's clearly as scared as you are
>Note: subject displays fear of isolation.
>It's trapped. It can't get out.
>it has clearly indicated distress!
I’m in distress. I can’t ...

... The alien got off of his ... off of its bed ... and is crouched down by the glass. As close to me as possible. One of his hands is flat against the barrier, like he wants to reach out for me.

... And he’s staring at me. If ... if his expressions are anything like mine ... he was scared before, but now he’s ...

... Is he worried about me?

“... Are you okay? I-I don’t know if you can understand me ... I-I’m sorry if I scared you ...”

He’s worried about me.

We locked him in a cage and he’s worried about me.

“I-I just don’t want to be ... alone again ...”

I have to at least talk to him.

[3/3] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/17(Fri)14:59 No. 1058863 ID: aa23a8
File 167909037068.png - (128.29KB , 800x600 , 26.png )

I take one more deep breath and stand back up. I’m still afraid, but I ... think I got something out of my system. I hope.

>there's a lot of glass between you two
>He can't do anything to you through a glass wall.
>If there were any way it could break or damage the glass, it would have done so already.
I have to assume that’s true. I can’t worry about it otherwise.

>Your job is to interact with him so you have to interact with him
>So swallow your fear. Introduce yourself.
>Just talk to him. Would you want to be locked up in a room like that with nobody to talk to?
I walk back up to the glass. If I act like I’m confident I might actually be a little bit confident. Right? That’s how I get through job interviews...

I can see his eyes widen a little bit. I try as hard as I can to not think about how big they are. He’s ... a person. If I think about him as a person, I might ... I think I can keep myself together.

“I’m ... okay. I think. I’m not going to leave.”

“... y-you can understand me?” He’s surprised. So am I, honestly.

“I’m not really sure how, but yes.”

“Please, I ... I-I haven’t had anyone to talk to since ... I mean ... w-who are you? What are you? Where are we? What’s ...” For a second I’m worried he’s going to be the one to panic now, but he takes a deep breath. Like a person would. What even is this situation.

“Um ... one thing at a time. I’m Kuvusha. You’re ... ?”

“Orro.” He has a name, even. Again, like a person would. I just have to focus on that.

“Well, Orro.” I can’t quite pronounce it the same way he does. “I’m a tridenik, but ... I’m guessing that doesn’t mean anything to you.”

“Not really ...”

“From my perspective you’re some kind of alien. I think. Which I guess means from your perspective I’m some kind of alien.”

“I-I ... I guess?” He seems a little confused. I’m not completely sure why I said that.

“It’s ... um, it’s not important. Um. Anyway. We’re in ... sort of a facility. I guess. I —”

I almost start telling Orro about how I don’t really know where I am or what I’m doing, and how I think I’m here by mistake, but I catch myself. I really don’t need to tell him any of that. I have no idea how I would handle him panicking like I did.

“— um, I’m supposed to study you.”

“Study ... ?” He seems like he’s processing that for a bit, and doesn’t say anything else in response for a while.

This is probably as good of a time as any to think about what else I want to tell him, and what I want to ask him. I don’t know how long the adrenaline will last ...

Ask him if he thinks Pit and Qiurill could or should fuck. Saying something completely incongruous and out of the blue to trick someone's brain into processing that instead of current stress is a proven technique to snap someone out of spiraling.

It's like getting to know each other, but I write things on a clipboard sometimes. I'm... new here, so while I don't know much about my bosses I can assure you that my intentions are friendly.

Now that you've both calmed down, you should take the plunge and enter the cell to shake hands with Orro. This job is very sink or swim, and you're going to have to deal with your subjects without a glass pane between you eventually. It's like diving into a pool, only the pool is full of soft fuzzy fur!

> I’m not completely sure why I said that.

You said that for your own benefit. You're still processing this.

A reasonable start. No need to dump what you are worried about on him while he's having his own panic attack. You are in a much better situation than him, all things considered.

No need to talk about things you don't understand. If you don't know anything about a topic, don't bother mentioning it. Honestly, you might have given him all the information you reasonably can at the moment. Answer his questions as he asks to the best of your ability. Keep answers about things you don't know short. Maybe ask him questions about himself and how he got here. It'll give you more information about what this facility is doing and give some insight into his perception of things.

I think you should work your way up physical interaction, even if that may be left for a later session. Can you see a way to enter Orro's room? Also, is there maybe a way to open the entire glass wall, as well as the garage door so that they might join you closer to your quarters? It might be useful later.

Also, for later, note down something to the tune of: "Subject responded with surprise upon entering the observation room, followed by panic at my initial reaction to meeting them. Subject desperately requested my company. Subject reacted with empathy directed towards me."

Also also seriously consider that plushie thing. It would be adorable.

We are not going to share too many insecurities or lack of knowledge. If any difficult topic comes up excuse yourself saying that you are not sure how much you are authorized to tell him.

To explain your dramatic reaction share that you just got here and wasn't informed he was so big.
Also mention that you are locked here for six months minimum with accommodation not too dissimilar to his, so even though your previous panic may suggest otherwise you don't have the option to run away.

You have many questions about who and what Orro is and I'm sure you are allowed to clarify some of his doubts, but before that you need to know if there is anything essential for his accommodation lacking. If he needs something urgently you will make a request and hopefully it will be approved and arrive by tomorrow.

>>1058863
Find out if he remembers how he got here

Quick! While you're having a Mental Breakdown.

What does "Lil Cal" mean to you? Any horrifyingly (rad) creepy dolls in your wrinklespace?

>>1058875
Also this.

And do consider becoming a plushie, even.

Probably cozy as hell...

>>1058863
Get those thoughts of the alien picking you up and handling you like a toy out of your mind.

Clearly neither of you know how to open their cage, so that's impossible. All you have left is to talk, so talk.

Did the instructions come with any questions you're meant to be asking?

Maybe ask him what he does for a living? You may be able to bond about both having a job, work am I right? Plus it may give some insight into both him as an individual and his species. Who knows, talking about how work sucks could be therapeutic!

>>1058879
This is a good idea! Plus, talking about jobs is a good way to break the ice. Let’s get to know Orro a bit more. But let’s play ball too, if he asks any questions about you be sure to answer them. So long as you are comfortable doing so. But he just seems to want company and conversation, so I can’t imagine he will ask anything too personal. Also yeah, he’s a person. It’s likely all the subjects here are. Remember that for the future.

"Sorry, I'm new, I was just... your file said your species was on the small side! It's... It's just a lot to take in, okay? This is real..."

"I don't have an audio recorder with me, so I shouldn't go too in-depth for our first meeting... But aside from the whole 'social isolation' issue, are you doing alright in here? Any other needs not being met?" Remember your notes. "I uh, I just got my hands on your file today. It's pretty brief, but it mentioned you refused food and water for 13 days? Which isn't great for most creatures, but I assume would be especially bad if its claims about your species having a 'high caloric intake' are true. Were you just wary of anything they were offering you, or was there something else wrong with it?"

>>1058863
Ask him what he remembers about the events that led to him being here.
Ask him what he eats and drinks. Does he need any kind of additional furniture to feel more comfortable? What were his living arrangements at home?

well from what I got from the "SOP" it sounds like for some reason people get brought her for reasons we've yet to understand (I mean you sure as hell don't know so technically not a lie) and when found they are brought here both for the protection of your people and the protection of the individual who showed up here. From there it is the job of this department to study these individuals and try and figure out how they can be intergraded and if do so is safe for all parties. I mean kind of hard to have someone hang around people if something about them cause the others to suffer from a fatal allergic reaction to some mundane part of their body like fur or something or to find out that they have the allergic reaction to others.

Now, I guess we should start from the beginning, Ask him if he knows how he came to be here. As in how did he go from his home to being brought to this facility?

Remember the Vakolibol notes indicate that he's been a bit out of it since arrival (a common side effect of the translation thing?). The notes also indicate he's on about a 60-day timer before he gets A LOT out of it, straight up depressed. Figuring out how to mitigate or prevent that is probably part of your primary task, and you should - for his benefit and yours - try to work on that.

These people might have some sort of extraordinary sensory power to be able to detect one another from far away - so perhaps they're a very social species and it's just the isolation alone is what's actively harmful to them?

>Hold a conversation - but first, provide a disclaimer
To preface things - in addition to the study thing he can probably think of you as his current liaison with this place. Having been brought in recently for the job you only have a very basic understanding of the circumstances of... most things.

He said 'not to be left alone - again', was it? You're not sure what the initial events of his arrival were, but you don't think the intent was to leave him alone for long,so you'll just have to apologize - there's been... a staffing issue? You should be by regularly from here on though!

>What to tell
To be clear, WHY and HOW he's arrived here is beyond you atm - it may be beyond your paygrade or it may be you can find out and be permitted to inform him, but this is literally your first day and he's not even the only... person of curious nature you're supposed to check in on either.

Explain that the main purpose of your studying him is to aid in his - and others' - recovery from, you suspect, whatever phenomenon or effect brought him here. You do know he's not the only Vakolibol - sorry, that's what you call his species - in this facility. The, um, program that is running this show wants to ensure they're not dangerous, and ideally also wants to make friends, before moving on to... whatever will come next. You'll probably find out what that is, together. May end up influencing it, even.

>What to ask
How long has he been up and active? How long until he started feeling isolated? Has he been fed? Is he feeling off or unusual compared to what he'd consider normal given the extraordinary circumstances he's in? What did he used to do before ending up here? You've been... a bit of this and a bit of that, in your time. He ever consider a job change, if one's offered? (Maybe you could use a friendly giant assistant wrangling the other aliens...)

Oh right - you have the awesome power of request forms. Is there anything he feels like he needs? You might look into getting it for him.

It is time to think about this rationally. This being is no threat to you. That glass is obviously either thicker than it seems, or not normal glass, or both, so it has no way of harming you. Further, it importantly has no intent to harm you. Relax. Talk. Just mention whatever is on your mind. Ask it questions. Encourage it to ask you questions, and answer it! As far as the massive size thing, you'll totally be able to figure out LOADS of information about what is probably going on based ONLY on what you know and what you've seen so far, once you can write stuff down and take some time to ponder it in the other room. But now is NOT the time for that yet. Get some basics across, for both it and you, you know? Name, species name, gender, social status, recent events, needs, pressing concerns and the like! Politely ask it to sit or lie down a little aways from the glass, and to try to not show it's teeth or claws overly much, and to look slightly away from you, to help minimize your panic reaction.

D'AWW, hang in there, you two! Be strong, you can do it! *manly tear*[spoiler]

>>1058866
I agree with the first part:
>It's like getting to know each other, but I write things on a clipboard sometimes. I'm... new here, so while I don't know much about my bosses I can assure you that my intentions are friendly.

The second part, about, "Time to enter the cell!" seems a bit hasty. I think it SHOULD happen eventually, but I don't know if Kuvusha is stable enough for that yet. (Instructions: ) Until you feels like you can mentally manage that, or even THINK about it, focus on absorbing the fact he's a person. He can speak, you can understand him, it SEEMS like your facial expressions and inflections and mannerisms all translate. He's a person, same as you, and seems like a GOOD person to boot, just really big.

I agree that we should avoid (yet) revealing how little we know - for both our sakes. [spoiler]While I still suspect they knowingly threw a normie into the deep end and are having a giggle, Kushava seems resistant to the idea, and it's probably safer not to COUNT on that being what's up.
>>1058874
>If any difficult topic comes up excuse yourself saying that you are not sure how much you are authorized to tell him.
This is a good diverting tactic. Do try to tell him what you can when you can, so you're not a complete black box.

Questions for him, after your own brief explanation.
1. Do you have any immediate needs that need addressed before we continue the discussion?
2. What do you remember about how you got here?
3. And how long have you been here? The documentation doesn't say.
4. In general, what needs do you have that are not currently addressed? Furniture, books, puzzles or something? I'll come by to talk with you periodically if you'd like, even in addition to what's required by the job.

That might be enough for now, but later conversations (or this one, if he really doesn't want to end the conversation) could talk about where he comes from, what he did, what he likes. You could say some of that, too - redacting parts that reveal your inexperience.

If you're still having trouble dealing with his presence,
>>1058901
>Politely ask it to sit or lie down a little aways from the glass, and to try to not show it's teeth or claws overly much, and to look slightly away from you, to help minimize your panic reaction.
these seem like good ideas.

Haha, this update seems to be generating unusually long suggestions.

Ok, study- can have some connotations of- invasiveness. Clarify. Tell Orro you mean, more- watching, talking to, interacting with- try to understand, that sort of thing. It's not an issue if you flub some of it, just apologise and stay you were kind of dropped in the deep end, it'll help build rapport, and well- it'll be difficult to hide being in over your head after your breakdown. He's in need of a friend, so present yourself as someone who's capable of being one, you're both capable of empathising with each other after all.

That out of the way, questions: The basics for now. What does he remember about how he got here? What does he eat or drink? After that, social questions probably, build rapport.

Also, an observation: I don't think you need to worry about how much these subjects will eat. Look at his uniform, it's in the same style as yours. This facility must have a lot of resources and fabrication capabilities if it's capable of making a uniform for a person that size.

>>1058878

No, to all of these things.

Wait... Ask him if you are the first erson he can understand.

If so... did the people in charge know? Is this why they sent you here?

We should also ask him what he is and where he is from, obviously.

>>1058940
Also a good question to ask. There is also the possibility they have been ignoring him until they got someone specifically with people skills. Ask him how long he’s been alone, and tell him you work here so he can have somebody to talk to from now on.

Say. Uh. Has Kuvusha Istsadaiho heard voices, uh all their life? Often giving good suggestions, but not always? Not just... one singular internal 'voiced' mental monologue? Varying 'speech' patterns, as it were?

>>1058944
Her being here wasnt a mistake, I'm telling you.

Start by asking about the strengths of his species. The things that they are both known for, and take pride in. Do not ask about other species directly. You'll learn more about their preconceptions if you let them gush out their personal feelings and then cross-reference with the other subjects.

Then ask about social needs. Does his species have a dependency on numbers, and can it be with any other species? You should consider allowing him to interact with the other aliens. Get an impression of whether they are supposed to know each other, see if the worlds they come from are all connected, probably not connected, or alternates.

I’ve been calling you Kuvu this whole time, but is that ok with you? Your full name is kinda tricky to remember, but I’ll make a effort to if you don’t want me calling you Kuvu. I just think Kuvu is cuter.

Think of it as, some kind of foreign exchange program. You've been assigned to learn about the other's life and skills. What their culture is like.

Huh. Is he actually speaking your language, or are you just hearing it that way? As he talks, look at his mouth - do his lip movements match the words he's saying?

>>1059077
Good point if you can somehow understand aliens without a translator it would explain why you were hired despite your apparent lack of qualifications.

Your not expendable you're just psychic and didn't know it

Subject 1 is responsive and cooperative - write that down.
Notes mentioned caloric requirements and budgeting. Ask how much food Orro wants, and of what types. Might need to define common units of measurement first. Water, too, along with anything else it'd make sense to requisition. Maybe a few 40' shipping containers full of tree trunks, rope, and plastic sheeting as "nesting material."

Let's ask some of the essentials. Like if they have enough food and water.

[1/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/21(Tue)17:14 No. 1059206 ID: aa23a8
File 167944404165.png - (136.55KB , 800x600 , 27.png )

>do consider becoming a plushie
>seriously consider that plushie thing
>It's like diving into a pool, only the pool is full of soft fuzzy fur!
Why do I keep thinking about this? No.

>you should take the plunge and enter the cell to shake hands with Orro
>I think you should work your way up physical interaction
I’m not doing that. I ... even if I don’t think he wants to hurt me, I only met him a few minutes ago. I have no idea if I can trust him enough for that, and if I’m wrong, I’m ... probably not getting back out of the cell.

>Get those thoughts of the alien picking you up and handling you like a toy out of your mind.
That’s terrifying to contemplate.

>Can you see a way to enter Orro's room?
>Clearly neither of you know how to open their cage
There’s a badge reader next to it. I’m guessing that’s what it’s for.

>it sounds like for some reason people get brought here for reasons we've yet to understand
Yes, we’re apparently abducting aliens or something. That’s another thing I don’t want to think about ... but I’m guessing I can’t really avoid that one as easily.

>The notes also indicate he's on about a 60-day timer before he gets A LOT out of it, straight up depressed.
I’m not bringing that up to him, for obvious reasons, but I’ll keep it in the back of my mind.

>These people might have some sort of extraordinary sensory power to be able to detect one another from far away
There was something like that in the subject file.

... Orro looks at me like he’s expecting me to say something. Oops.

[2/2] Kuvusha Istsadaiho 2023/03/21(Tue)17:14 No. 1059207 ID: aa23a8
File 167944405850.png - (91.38KB , 800x600 , 28.png )

“K-Kuvusha?” He has an easier time saying my name than I do his, apparently.

>To explain your dramatic reaction share that you just got here
... I guess it’s probably safe to reveal some of my situation.

“... Um, sorry. I’m ... very new to this job.”

>Politely ask it to sit or lie down a little aways from the glass, and to try to not show it's teeth or claws overly much
... That’s not a bad idea. I pause, thinking of how I want to phrase it. I know he asked if I was scared a moment ago, but at least for the sake of keeping him calm I ... probably shouldn’t openly say he’s intimidating.

“... Can you, um ... I promise I’m not going to collapse like that again. You don’t need to be right up against the glass ...” I think that’s indirect enough ...

“... O-oh, um, sorry.” He backs up a little bit, though he’s still pretty close.

“It’s alright, Orro. Now —”

>Explain that the main purpose of your studying him is to aid in his - and others' - recovery from, you suspect, whatever phenomenon or effect brought him here
>Tell Orro you mean, more- watching, talking to, interacting with- try to understand, that sort of thing.
“— to try to phrase it better ... I guess I could say that my job is to interact with you. Like getting to know each other, but I write things down sometimes. And hopefully help you recover from ...” I pause again. I don’t actually know what he went through. I don’t think calling it “translation” is going to help either of us, either.

“... f-from?”

>Find out if he remembers how he got here
>Ask him what he remembers about the events that led to him being here.
“... What do you remember about how you got here?”

He doesn’t immediately respond, and looks away from me for a bit.

“... I-I ...”

There’s a long pause.

“... I-I’d ...” His voice is shaking a bit.

... This may not be a good question to start with. I give him an out.

“If you don’t want to talk about it right now, you don’t have to.”

“That’s ... y-yeah ...”

I’ll have to come back to it, I guess ...

>Name, species name, gender, social status, recent events, needs, pressing concerns and the like!
I know his name already, at least.

“So, Orro ... what kind of, um ... what are you, exactly? They gave me a file on you but it was ... lacking.”

“O-oh! I’m, um, a numono.” Unsurprisingly, I’ve never heard that word. “A male one. We, um ...”

He pauses, presumably thinking. ... I guess I’d have a hard time coming up with an answer if an alien put me on the spot and asked me to explain what a tridenik is. I was right about him being male, at least.

“... w-well, um, the other species we know of say we eat a lot and we’re kind of clumsy. And we’re, um ... t-tough. On average. I-I don’t think I’m very tough.” There’s another pause. “Oh! And we have, um, ‘empathy,’ that lets us sense each other from a distance, and read our emotions a little bit. A-and we live in ... ‘hives’ ...”

He trails off a little. He seems to be using some words in a weird way ... I’m not completely sure how we’re able to understand each other, but maybe it has something to do with that?

>Is he actually speaking your language, or are you just hearing it that way?
He's speaking my language. Somehow.

I’m about to ask another question when he talks again.

“... I-I’m not going to get to go back home, am I?”

“I ...” I think he’s right, but I don’t think I want to tell him that. “I don’t know, Orro.”

He breaks eye contact and turns to one side, staring at nothing in particular. For a good minute or so, he doesn’t say anything, looking positively forlorn. I’m just about to try to move to another topic when he starts talking again.

“Numono live in hives. T-they’re sort of like ... a family or a tribe or something, but ... m-more ... ? It’s ... hard to explain to other species. There’s this sense of ... belonging coming from everyone around you, and it’s always there. M-my hive is called Daystar ... t-there aren’t that many of us, but we’re doing pretty well. We do, um ... a-accounting, and that kind of thing, for bigger hives that don’t want to spend that much time on it ...” He pauses again, and sighs.

“... This is the longest I’ve ever been away from them. I-in my entire life. I-I don’t know how many days it’s been, but even just the ones I remember ...” His voice is weaker as he trails off.

“I-I ... I don’t know how to deal with being alone, Kuvusha ...”

... What can I possibly say to comfort him?

Well for one, we don’t know for sure he’s never going home. Unlikely yes, but I’ve always been optimistic. As for comforting him, get his mind off his homesickness for now. Bring up your favourite movie, book, play etc, then ask him about his. Ask what kinds of things Neumono do for fun so you can compare. You might have something in common, and that will calm his nerves a little.

You're not alone, starting today. Together we'll find out where you belong.
Write down all words used in unusual ways. Establish trust by performing exercises where you fall backwards and let him catch you.

Sounds like losing their sense of belonging may be a reason they get depressed over time. Weird the species research note didn’t point to this obvious possibility. Maybe the other Neumono were less helpfully informative.

>cold comfort
... you could mention that your files indicated there were other Neumono somewhere in the facility. You do not know if any of them are Daystar ones, nor their current status, but you could ask around. That should give him something to think about and wait for.

You could also mention that for whatever reason, there is... an injunction against keeping numono together. Whether that is a justified precaution or base paranoia on the part of the facility, you don’t know. But whatever he can tell you about this empathy ability might help you get that injunction lifted.

Would being near any other Numono help, or does it have to be one from the same, er, family group?

And is there anything else he knows that could be done to alleviate his sense of isolation? You’ll be here, but you don’t know to what degree you can even begin to substitute. Is there any way to maintain or reinforce the, er, emphatic bond, somewhere in his people’s knowledge, despite being isolated from his hive?

If he has any ideas, you will try to help. It begins with him, though. Your starting point on how to help is whatever he tells you, at least until you can review whatever data has been collected from the other numoni. Numonae?

Tell him you will recommend Neumono be housed in hive groups.
Also take notes of all the stuff that was missing from the report, like the correct species name, the missing hive terminology, and details about empathy.

Ask more about empathy, how far away can he sense other neumono? Also ask how he spells his name, and the species name as well. Can he quantify how tough his species is?

Offer to let him hold you

Physical interaction is a category of interaction and so is an eventuality. Plus hugs could help you and the subjects out in feeling comfortable. Work your way up towards feeling okay about being in physical contact with the subjects. That does not mean you need to start immediately.

Looking for other neumono in the facility to provide some company for Orro is not a bad idea but I imagine the organization isn't going to go for it. Doesn't hurt to ask. Also, make sure neumono of separate hives won't just hate being in proximity with each other.

Barring other neumono, it is possible the other subjects may be okay to let into the main room so they can offer each other company. Maybe we need to go and find an appropriate playmate for Orro. Notes mentioned 002 being easy to work with. Maybe you could meet and convince them to help.

So if HE has empathy powers, that means that weird mind powers are possible. Maybe YOU have some sorts of mental powers and that's why you're in this position?? That kind of thing would be a massive asset for this sort of job! You should spend some time meditating on the topic when you get back to your room. Maybe get out a paper and try and do some automatic writing, try and open yourself up to these weird thoughts you seem to be having without rejecting them out of hand, and do so while in a safe and controlled environment, and see what happens!