wcg — Arcology Online

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Vega // // You know that feeling you get, when you and your friends stayed up too late, let the wee hours fade out and caught the sun rise? My favorites were the days when it was just a wall of shades of orange. That feeling, I get it almost every day here.

Stanley // // I started out as an economist (boring, I know) and then moved into a fraud division. It all became repetition after a while, you see the patterns, you know what will happen next. We recovered nearly 90%. I needed a change, and I ended up helping our CEO do some very interesting things with multi-variate testing that became very popular in the industry. I was spent. So I moved here.

Felix // // I remember getting the call. I was at Garry's party. Everyone was in a spot, feeling good. Sun Ra had just come on - I think it was "Concert for Kohotek"? I said yes, of course. What an interesting thing to participate in, and I've never been one to turn down a unique experience.

Gathii // // Every year, I would ask Santa for the same thing - a better world. Even after I knew he was fake, a myth. I woke up here, and everything from Before seems a distant memory. I'm glad to just cook a good meal for myself and whoever comes by, and focus on my studies. Simple.

Sera // // Always were travelers, really. Roaming the countryside, just us. Anyone who could hear the calliope would come and visit. It was so great to meet everyone who came along. When we learned about The Arcology, we signed up right away. It's not travelling, but there is definitely a similar enchantment to it.

Anne // // We were raised on the farm together, it's really all I know. But when Father asked me to help with his big project, I told him this was all I could do. It brings me joy. I check the fields in the morning, prep the yield for the storehouse. The boys learn through pursuing what interests them. Hard as it is to believe, I think he really pulled it off this time.

Lisa // // You already know me. If laughter is the best medicine, I was writing prescriptions all night, all over the city. That was also the problem. You already know me. I can't recall how I'd heard of this place, probably at a party, but the chance to get away from the masses was a welcome thought.

Emely // // It seems eerily normal. People walking up and down the walkways, preoccupied. I say ‘walkways ‘ but really, it’s all built inside this thing. From afar, it probably looks like any old thing, but I've never seen anything like it. Stores, people building things, street art, kids throwing ball, whatever.

Adeel // // I tend to put people in two categories - they studied something that would make them money, or they studied something they were passionate about. The two could be one and the same, but wouldn't always. Being a student is definitely my passion, so I've done both! I've finished up a three-year Architecture degree recently and hopefully soon after will be taking a graduate degree in Urban Planning. That's the money maker. But my true interest lies in the practice and theories behind alchemy. Ironically, that's why they called me.

Marci // // I met them out for dinner, it was like our second date, and amidst all the typical chit chat, they mentioned this place. It almost seemed fake, one of those "utopias" you hear about in old sci fi movies. But I admit, I was intrigued.

Alec // // After practice, coach pulled me aside. He knew I had some eccentric interests. Told me about a thing he'd heard of. I knew I'd never be a star player, and he knew it too. This thing he heard of, sounded like a good opportunity for me. I talked it over with my parents and made the call that evening. Got to The Arcology the next day, and have loved every minute of it.

Ruby // // The stress and anxiety, the demands every night. "It could be worse." HA! Some days, I'd have to come back to the apartment and just sit at the piano (yes I brought my piano up to the fourth floor!). The song that always calmed me down "Ruby My Dear" by Monk.

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Yannick // carpenter // Seems strange to actually be getting ready to do this. I generally avoid any big risks. I have a lot of self-control. But this, it seemed so unique and intriguing that my curiosity got the better of me. Thankfully I also pack light.

Gina // dancer // I've been hired for all sorts of gigs. From cages on stages for rowdy rock shows, all the way to prestigious ballet companies that use words like "terpsichorean." It will be good to make a change, and I'm glad Havi will be there too.

Yuki // yoga instructor // "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Inner Lotus will be closing at the end of the month." It felt strange to write that message out. I didn't want to tell the yogis what those unforeseen circumstances were. I believe in it, but I can see how some may think I'm a bit loony.

LaShawn // welder // I can only assume they'll have all the protective gear they need, right? The amount of ultraviolet exposure I'd be getting on a regular basis would be so risky. Given the way they talked, they might have something even better.

Eivind // forest ranger // I can't lie, I will miss my post. We had one of the most well-kept parks in the area. Every now and then, and it takes a trained eye to spot them not on TV, but I'd spot a celebrity jogging on the west path. I wonder if any celebrities will be there? Seems like it could be a smart way to escape "the life" if you wanted.

Kusuma // video editor // Working freelance, I'm kind of used to the "randomness" of the lifestyle, but there are some routines. Pay up front. Wash all the dishes. Clean linens at the laundromat. Lock the doors when you leave. It will be nice to make my own routines.

Bibi // researcher // I thought about how many people have done this, generations upon generations. My grandparents sought new frontiers, as did theirs. As I went through this ancestral recall of sorts, I came to feel a big sense of importance about this.

Sandy // baker // I hope the kitchen is fully equipped. One of my absolute favorite sweets to make, and I've traveled a bit to be able to share different things from all over the world, is satsuma-yaki, which I'd learned while on a culinary trip to Nara.

Jomo // bartender // One of my last days in the city, just have to finish a couple shifts. As I'm walking to work, I hear that man again; they all call him crazy of course. I haven't paid attention to his ramblings for the past year, but something shook me this time. Just as I got out of mumble distance, he shouted "I Hear a New World!" I could feel a shiver.

Otho // cobbler // Being single made the decision to go easy. Closing up the shop was not. Not the paperwork, that's being taken care of by my bookkeeper. The actual act of flipping the sign to Closed and locking the door for the last time I felt like I was in some bizarre limbo of my own choosing. Knowing my craft, and the pride I take in it, they made sure to tell me to bring my gear.

Dee // teacher // I am sitting in my empty classroom right now with that strange sense of closure that comes at the end of each school year. Only this past year I was on the other side, as the one giving assignments, the one trying to captivate their attention, the one trying to learn as I went along. I slowly took down all the science posters, which drove home the gravity of the situation.

Karl // retail clerk// I found them. Finally, one person I could relate to and have real conversations with, where everything was considered and understood. And I knew I wasn't alone in the world after that, and then it all went from there. Then I met people I could relate to in real life. I finally felt something close to peace.

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Damon // paralegal // I'm still trying to figure out the angle here. I know, I was intrigued enough to agree to come over, but I can't see the benefit, how it makes money, what the end goal is. They have to be operating in the red.

Enzo // veterinarian // They asked me if I would be one of the resident vets, which means really that they knew I was a vet, right? Am I being paranoid? General animal phsyiology is not that difficult, for the basic needs. Would they have sought me out?

Havi // club owner // For the first few weeks, I spent a lot of time in the "city," meeting everyone and figuring out what I wanted to do. I love the concept, everyone is friendly, and I have little worry. I think I'm going to take my skills from Before and apply them here. I wonder if they're expecting that?

Cam // loan officer // After tying up the last of the family matters, I was excited to unpack and settle in to this new place. The room had ample space, plenty of natural light, and was outfitted with all manner of creature comforts. I think I'm going to like it here.

Zola // socialite // I was sad that Thalia said no; I thought for sure she would want to come along with me. I mean, this is brand new, and everyone's going to be paying attention to it. I'm adding to their tally, that's for sure. I wonder if they'll do a welcoming party or something?

Marcus // insurance agent // Once they set me up with my lodging, I inspected the room thoroughly. Everything looked up to code. The brochures described food delivery, leisure options, roles and responsibilities. What's the catch? I'm hesitantly optimistic, but human greed always shows up when a good thing rolls around.

Arrin // counselor // Looks like we have something on our agenda called "role assignment." Ugh, do they know I'm just a counselor? I've done this with so many of my clients, I'd rather be dropped on some forbidden planet than go through it again. I came here to get away from all that.

Luz // RN // My parents told me there would always be a need for health care workers. I took to nursing on their advice; I didn't want to let them down. When I graduated, they got me a beatiful hairpin, gold with a modest emerald inlay. It's the only sentimental item I brought with me here.

Jude // janitor // I've met a lot of great people so far, even though it's only my second day on assignment. One of the ladies I met, Anne, spoke with such a calmness. Gentleness. None of this seemed as amazing to her as it did to me. Does she know something?

Lilith // massage therapist // New itinerary: room assignment, roles discussion, food allocation.
Old itinerary: sailboats, forecasts, and room keys.
I'm not quite sure which one I prefer, but I'm actually relieved I don't have to do so much traveling anymore.

Gil // zookeeper // They told me they were going to have a zoo inside this thing, and they weren't kidding! It's as expansive as I've ever seen. Beijing, Doorly, Berlin can't compete. I'll be meeting the other zookeepers tomorrow, but they've already told me I'll oversee the reptile program. I've worked with snakes all my life, so it's going to be a cakewalk.

Cid // mechanic // There was a questionnaire, asked where I was from and what languages I knew. English, Arabic, Spanish, Farsi. Bet they weren't expecting that from a mechanic! Or, were they?

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Jane // driver // "Discovering Yourself Again," huh? Been there, done that. After the anger fell away, I found the cause of my frustration. It's irrelevant now. I hope we don't have to take one of those sappy tests that tell us what were best suited for. I'm fine thanks.

Karl // retail // When I was a kid, my parents told me I was an "indigo child." New age garbage if you ask me, and probably what messed me up for a while. I wonder if me being "special" is why I'm here, my purpose.

Keychaux // venture capitalist // The event seemed like a pretext for something else. Something I didn't need to be a part of. I came here due to my position; I've got global connections but this seemed like another opportunity to expand on that.

Diana // botanist // There was an event, "Discovering Yourself Again." Sounded a bit cheesy, honestly. On the walk down, I marveled at the variety of palms they have here. attalia, borassis, euterpe, latania, licuala. I really want to go exploring a bit now!

Damon // paralegal // The setup at the event was beautiful; palm trees everywhere, you could hear a stream babbling a ways off. The event itself was a different story. The posters they had up, the brochures at the tables, all looked like just propaganda to me.

Felix // design // This place, it's beautiful! Everything feels so natural. Walking down to the event, there was a beautiful sculpture garden, with an impressive mobile. Now, time to "discover myself again" even though I thought that's why I went to college.

Emely // writer // As I went down to the event, I could hear light chatter in the distance. Running water, it was so calming. Notably, a sound I was used to was missing - there was not a single jet in the sky.

Luz // RN // I was approached by a man; he introduced himself as Father. I'll feel pretty swindled if I just bought into a religious cult... He told me that they'd definitely need nurses here, so he's glad that I joined. I'll admit, I did pack a couple sets of scrubs anyway, they are comfy.

Garry // public relations // I don't need to "discover myself again" I'm sixty seven years old. Reckon I've discovered what I need to. I figure they wanted me here, they know what I do.

Ruby // server // My first boss, always talking about "compassion." It really stuck with me. That's one thing I won't have to "discover" about myself. It's part of who I am now.

Evie // laundromat owner // As I walked down to the event, I saw a good handful of others, I was just too shy to strike up a chat. There's a lot of plants and greenery here, like some alien bog. I wonder what I have to discover about myself.

Anne // farmer // While I don't really know everything he's thinking, I knew me being at this "event" was just show. I was going to be able to keep farming, and provide for everyone here. Help keep the peace, I suppose.

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Cid // After I went to the event, I took my time getting back to my room. The oddest thing though, when I got there my toolbox was in a different spot, and my infrared temp gun was gone.

Kusuma // Guy stops me after the event. Tells me he's part of the group that put this whole place together. I'm trying to settle in, get a flow going for this new life. He tells me he might have a job for me, but I'm hesitant. I don't want to get roped into any treachery.

Havi // I saw Gina at the event! Of all people. Oh, we go way back. Closing up shop, cranking Le Tigre once everyone had left. It was good to see her again. It would make sense that she's here too.

Gina // Of course Havi had the sense to come here too. It was so busy, though, we didn't get a chance to connect. I'll have to find her room and pay her a visit. Just like killing time in the office at the end of the day.

Ruby // Melpomene! I couldn't remember the name when I was there. Had to take a stroll last night and ended up walking past that statue. I remember seeing one at the museum on the trip me and Chav took. Gods, that seems like ages ago.

Kasem // Griph suggested I visit the statue garden today, clear my head a bit. He always seems to know what I need to level out, tells me I've been spending too much time with that "time twister." While I was there I ended up chatting with this woman. Dark skin, shock red hair, short and spiky. Sounds like she misses some of the things from before already, and is looking for someone familiar.

Anne // As I returned to the fields, I passed what used to be a bare spot, now completely covered in clover. We haven't been here that long, I don't understand how it's possible.

Luz // This woman, staring at the field. She looked familiar, so I asked her name. She told me it was Anne. We chatted for a moment, and she did share that her brother was responsible for pretty much everything about this place. I mentioned that I did meet him earlier, and she had a look of slight disgust on her face. Why...

Emely // Spent some time at the park earlier. Needed some space to myself, get some ideas down. This place has me thinking of old cosmogony threads I used to pick up and weave for a while. Maybe I should start again.

Zola // I love this place. The air is so pure, everything feels so new. Familiar a bit, but new too. I'm going to have to set out and make friends, get the dirt.

Bibi // I noticed someone at the park this morning. Calmy sitting there, writing away, as if all of this was completely natural, and we didn't just upend our entire lives with some complete trust in the körper kosmische.

Jomo // When I was on the outside, well, I say outside but I guess I mean before. Before, things were a lot more complicated. This place seems pretty easygoing so far, I think I made the right call. But I do miss watching Stargate.

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Caesar // <When I walked in, they screened me. Then handed me a folder. Inside, a yellow keycard and a one-page job description. No fancy language. Just "monitor the residents". I haven't been one to really ask questions, so I got right to work.

Bibi // I came home and sat down, eager to take note of today's events. I emptied my pockets, and noticed my Clio medallion was missing. I'll have to retrace my steps tomorrow, unless somebody sends it to lost and found.

Luz // >She was rushed over from the club, it looked pretty bad. As we wheeled her to the next room, there was a very bright light, which stunned me for a moment.

///////// // penat mengenangkan awak, saya tertidur

Kusuma // He keeps calling on me, asking for favor after favor. It keeps me busy, which is definitely a good thing for me. Some of his demands seem a bit esoteric though. Truly this is testing my forbearance.

[][][][][][][][][] // Over the intercomm: "Those with all their paperwork completed, it is now time. Walk to the area designated on your form 437, field D, and prepare to depart."

Felix // Everything here has been great, I have no worries and the days are full and fruitful. I wish I was able to tell Kusuma all about it. She'd always helped me out, before. I think I'm going to ask if we can invite others here. That should be okay, right?

Havi // We've all been here a while now, figuring things out. Jomo, Ruby, Zola, Junpei, Gina - I think it's time I pull them together and get this started. I'm pretty sure we can make it work. I'll just need to think of a name for the place.

Cid // I was walking to the shop, and was shocked to see, for the first time here, graffiti! It was all over the city, where I was before I got here. Always felt like home. But this, everything has been so clean! What it said, though, will stick in my head. "Progress, this great heresy of decay." It must be a quote.

Keychaux // The guy running this thing, he tells everyone to call him "Father." Best I can tell, he's [MISSING]. Feels like he's trying too hard, dynasty-level moves. I think he's in over his head.

Kasem // Every now and again, I meet up with Havi and Zola and them for a drink. Seems like there might be a little romance going on there. This place, what a trip. After Griph told me about the upgraded ORBS, I was sold.

Anne // >The crops wouldn't come back. I had spent who knows how long on the orchard, and despite this, only one tree bore fruit. A single, beautiful tangerine. Dream as I could, I wasn't sure we could feed everyone, now... Maybe my brother got it wrong.