"I'm not sure it's that bad," says Riley. "The divider makes it kinda hard to peep as long as you're not literally showering at the same time, and plenty of gyms have showers like that. You squishy feelings people get so embarrassed about your bodies."

"Um, I second the desire for privacy dividers," Claire says blushing heavily.

"Yeah but like, gym locker rooms are usually not co-ed. It's kind of different."

"We can manage until we figure it out, but most people are going to be a lot happier if we figure it out quickly."

"Fair enough," Riley agrees.

"Oh good," says Claire.

"One of the stores has kayaks, I wonder if there's anywhere to use them," comments Emily.

"There's a deep water warning symbol. So I'd say probably."

"I think I'm going to do this job application for the janitor position now, unless anyone has any objections?"

A few moments pass but nobody objects. "If you're going to try that, I think I'm ready to try for the Medical tech position; if you're alright with that Anna."

"Mmkay, as long as I can assist you with things and learn things about the system too."

(Linda gets started on the application process.)

"Of course, second opinions are always useful."

The first screen displayed again warns that using notes and other forms of cheating are strictly prohibited. Then it launches into a test with questions about cleaning agents, teleporters, types of stains, the various symbols used around the complex and a number of more obscure topics like how to care for a swimming pool.

Linda was paying attention when reading about cleaning and teleporters and such and has a reasonably good memory. Drawing out the important symbols helped with those. (The sheet itself is kept dutifully out of sight for the duration) She has never previously needed to know how to care for a swimming pool.

Well then at the end of the test it will pronounce her mostly competent and award her the position of Janitor (Section Black, Provisional) As part of her responsibilities as a Provisional Employee she is required to spend at least half an hour a day in training to close the gaps in her knowledge. The interface notes that she now has the ability to control the lighting and environmental systems, unlock doors, conduct diagnostics on the doors, and control elevator-type teleporters in areas under section black jurisdiction. It also notes that further abilities will be unlocked after further training is completed.

"Awesome," says Riley on completing her own test. "It says I have to spend half an hour a day in training, but I was planning to spend more than learning about the clinic anyways."

She writes that information down.

"Yeah I've got to spend half an hour a day in training also. But I think I'd like to do something else right now."

"I guess we could make a list of stuff we need and then go explore the mall for a while if people want."

"I kinda want to go to the clinic and start fiddling with stuff there if you're interested Anna. But I'm open to working up a list of supplies instead. I poked around the clinic a bit before you showed up and there's no first-aid stuff there, that should definitely be on the list."

Emily looks up. "We need clothes. We should also get markers, there should be a sign in the lounge for newcomers."

Alex walks over staring at the textbook he's still holding. "Whoever built this place has a better understanding of physics than anyone I've heard of. Assuming this textbook isn't complete nonsense. I think I can mostly wrap my head around the equations but I have no idea what all the applications would be. I can definitely believe teleporters are one of them though."

"We're not on Earth anymore, are we?" asks Claire in a small voice.

"I'm interested in fiddling around with the clinic but I think it might be more important to get stocked up on things first. It's more urgent anyway."

She looks at Claire awkwardly, "Yeah, I don't think so."

"Is there anything I can do to help? Do you want a hug?"

"I um, Emily?" Claire looks at her friend.

"What? Oh." Emily gets up and gives her a hug.

"I'm on some medication. I um, I should talk with one of you if we'll be here for a while." She looks between Anna and Riley.

"It looks like there might be other treatments for a lot of Earth medical conditions, but we can probably get your existing medications if that makes you more comfortable. We can talk in private when you feel ready, I think if you only want one person to know it might have to be me."

Claire nods slowly. "I think I would want it to be in private, but maybe later."

"Whatever makes you feel comfortable of course."

Anna nods.

"Thanks," says Claire. "I appreciate it."

"I promise not to break your confidence or to hold anything I learn against you," says Riley.

"Thanks."

"Can we get pretzels?" asks Emily, "One of the stores sounds like it has really good pretzels."

"I think most people like pretzels. We can totally add pretzels to the list."

She tears a page out of her notepad and starts the list.

"We should get posterboard and tape to make a sign, that's a good idea Emily. And index cards to mark the bedroom doors. There's fruits and vegetables in bins in the greenhouse. I don't know what all is in the kitchen.. Speaking of food, Emily, were you going to try and apply for the gardener job?"

"We should look at solutions for the privacy dividers but I cannot immediately think of a good one."

"Some of that might be in the arts and games room. Might make sense to check there before we go searching through the mall," says Riley.

"There's a games room?" asks Emily.

"Yeah, it's a couple doors over on this level," Riley replies.

"There's a TV room slash movie theatre and a gym too. Quite a variety of stuff. We won't be bored at least."

"I don't think any of us were too worried about that," says Alex.

"What kind of games?" asks Emily.

"There's a pretty wide variety but nothing electronic," answers Riley.