Zak and Aidan

Zak has known Aidan since long. After some years of distance they meet again at the Welcome Habitat. It seems that they don't share a lot of common interests anymore.

Aidan suffers from an autoimmune disease. S/He feels a deeper longing to understand the essence of suffering and the potential beyond surface-level actions. S/He eloquently shares insights gleaned from their extensive reading. Zak complains, frustrated with Aidan's seemingly borrowed ideas and lack of original thought. 

Feeling attacked, Aidan starts to doubt themself. S/He wonders if s/he truly has anything of value inside them or if s/he is merely regurgitating others' ideas. Perhaps s/he needs to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration to find their unique voice and purpose.

Zak finds solace in the unknown.

Aidan develops an inflated sense of self-importance and paranoid tendencies. S/He is preoccupied with the idea that people are out to get them or harm them in some way.

Zak finds Charamaynne

standing on the rooftop of a dilapidated building, overlooking the Welcome Habitat below. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the towering structures and busy streets. Their minds have expanded, and they have grown more conscious of the world around them.

Charamaynne sips from a large coffee cup, taking in the aroma as the wind brushes against their face. Zak stares into the distance, lost in thought. 

"You know," Charamaynne says, breaking the silence, "It's like we're very different now."

As they continue their conversation, they are interrupted by a series of voices echoing through the air. The disjointed phrases echo from another realm, overlapping and repeating.

Both Zak and Charamaynne look around, trying to locate the source of the sounds, but there is no one else on the rooftop. The voices persist, growing louder and more chaotic. 

They feel a strange sensation.

A life form appears draped in shadows. It's as if the very essence of the voices has materialized into a physical form. The life form's voice is an eerie amalgamation of fragmented phrases.

"I am the embodiment of the illusions that cloud your perception."

As the last words leave the life form's lips, it starts to fade, its form dissolving back into fragmented echoes. 

Zak stands at a crossroads,

unsure whether to forge ahead or confront the illusion that seems to imprison them. As s/he navigates through the bewildering reality, Zak ponders what other revelations might await in this world constructed on deception.

The Welcome Habitat is bustling with people, each one seemingly lost in their own thoughts and routines. Zak can't help but feel like s/he is wandering through a web of lies designed to keep everyone subdued and compliant. The feeling gnaws at them.

As s/he passes by familiar landmarks, Zak notices the signs of the Welcome Habitat's manufactured reality. An encounter with a street vendor sparks a moment of contemplation. The vendor shares stories of distant planets, but Zak senses that the illusion is not confined to their Welcome Habitat.

In the midst of the chaos, Zak encounters a mysterious life form who hints at a deeper understanding of the illusions. This enigmatic visitor speaks in riddles, challenging Zak to question their perceptions and beliefs. The encounter leaves Zak with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

Pap Smear

Zak wakes up in the Memory extraction facility, the metallic hum of machines surrounding them. The memories of their previous reality is still fresh, a new awareness settles within. S/He knows that their entire existence is a meticulously constructed illusion.

"I've had enough, enough," Zak mutters to themselves, trying to make sense of the profound experience they've just been through.

As s/he contemplates their newfound perspective, someone enters the room. 

The life form seems excited and insists on showing something to Zak. S/He unveils a strange item, a Khloe Kardashian pap smear, claiming it was procured from the lab where s/he works in Hollywood.

Zak gazes at the cloudy substance, a mixture of intrigue and disgust. The life form explains that it's like a connection to the real Khloe Kardashian, offering a unique and intimate experience.

Despite their enthusiasm, Zak politely declines the offer to buy the item. Zak, aware of the illusory nature of their reality, knows that acquiring such an item won't provide any true connection to the celebrity.

"I'm pretty broke, though," Zak responds.

Zak prepares to leave. The life form seems disappointed that Zak didn't show more interest in the Khloe Kardashian pap smear. Zak mentions the fragrance seller from Bhopal, who might have a keen interest in the unusual item.

Zak heads out to meet Charamaynne, feeling a mix of emotions after the experience s/he just had. 

The remnants of their former existence persistently plague their thoughts.