Back from the grave

Always a struggle, how's the paperwork treating you? Or have you not bothered legally un-dying.

Im not bothering with it. If I did I'd be forced back into sticky situations, I'd rather not. Besides, I got my lovely wife back.

When working for any of the megacorps on this so-called "corporate frontier", I'd argue that is the one thing we all grow intimately familiar with.

I used to be a hero, and was killed while I was working. It'd be too much of a public scandal if I came back.

How was hero work?

Always a struggle, how's the paperwork treating you? Or have you not bothered legally un-dying.

Im not bothering with it. If I did I'd be forced back into sticky situations, I'd rather not. Besides, I got my lovely wife back.

When working for any of the megacorps on this so-called "corporate frontier", I'd argue that is the one thing we all grow intimately familiar with.

I used to be a hero, and was killed while I was working. It'd be too much of a public scandal if I came back.

Always a struggle, how's the paperwork treating you? Or have you not bothered legally un-dying.

Im not bothering with it. If I did I'd be forced back into sticky situations, I'd rather not. Besides, I got my lovely wife back.

Always a struggle, how's the paperwork treating you? Or have you not bothered legally un-dying.

Im not bothering with it. If I did I'd be forced back into sticky situations, I'd rather not. Besides, I got my lovely wife back.

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.

Oh, yeah. That would be horrible. I think drowning would also be bad. What was being a ghost like?

Being a ghost... wasn't too bad. I guess. When things got too much. Like I was overwhelmed, I just... turned into mist. I could see other ghosts, too. But the living couldn't see me unless I really wanted to be seen. I don't think it was the permanent after life. Just a place for souls to stay before they're ready to go. I think.

Are there a lot of ghosts here?

I'd say so. But not really any malevolent ones. Big emotions just lead to breaking. Most are people sticking around with their loved ones. Waiting for their partner, or just watching the family.

That's sweet. Even in death, love prevails. Ooooh, I could be a poet! Heh.

Can you see them?

No, I can't. Well- there was a ghost in the place i came from. But I think that was a different sort of thing. I can't see the ones here.

I see. Literally and metaphorically, heh. What was the ghost where you were from like? Im guessing vengeful, scary, blood dripping from the roof kinda ghost?

This was before all of my world hopping happened, and before I died.

Yeah, dying can really throw a wrench into things. I was in a terrible situation before I died, death took me away. But now im just avoiding going back.

How'd you get a job at this place? Do they know who you are 'n stuff?

Oh- no. They know I cant be paid legally. The owners are just two old ladies, they cant run the place much anymore. So they pay me and I run it for them.

Back before she died, we ran a cafe. We'd take turns baking and maning the front.

I should probably get going. I hope this place works out because I like you a lot, but ill throw my name towards a couple of other spots in case it doesn't. Thanks a million, Joel.

*He gives a thumbs up.*

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.

Oh, yeah. That would be horrible. I think drowning would also be bad. What was being a ghost like?

Being a ghost... wasn't too bad. I guess. When things got too much. Like I was overwhelmed, I just... turned into mist. I could see other ghosts, too. But the living couldn't see me unless I really wanted to be seen. I don't think it was the permanent after life. Just a place for souls to stay before they're ready to go. I think.

Are there a lot of ghosts here?

I'd say so. But not really any malevolent ones. Big emotions just lead to breaking. Most are people sticking around with their loved ones. Waiting for their partner, or just watching the family.

That's sweet. Even in death, love prevails. Ooooh, I could be a poet! Heh.

Can you see them?

No, I can't. Well- there was a ghost in the place i came from. But I think that was a different sort of thing. I can't see the ones here.

I see. Literally and metaphorically, heh. What was the ghost where you were from like? Im guessing vengeful, scary, blood dripping from the roof kinda ghost?

This was before all of my world hopping happened, and before I died.

Yeah, dying can really throw a wrench into things. I was in a terrible situation before I died, death took me away. But now im just avoiding going back.

How'd you get a job at this place? Do they know who you are 'n stuff?

Oh- no. They know I cant be paid legally. The owners are just two old ladies, they cant run the place much anymore. So they pay me and I run it for them.

Back before she died, we ran a cafe. We'd take turns baking and maning the front.

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.

Oh, yeah. That would be horrible. I think drowning would also be bad. What was being a ghost like?

Being a ghost... wasn't too bad. I guess. When things got too much. Like I was overwhelmed, I just... turned into mist. I could see other ghosts, too. But the living couldn't see me unless I really wanted to be seen. I don't think it was the permanent after life. Just a place for souls to stay before they're ready to go. I think.

Are there a lot of ghosts here?

I'd say so. But not really any malevolent ones. Big emotions just lead to breaking. Most are people sticking around with their loved ones. Waiting for their partner, or just watching the family.

That's sweet. Even in death, love prevails. Ooooh, I could be a poet! Heh.

Can you see them?

No, I can't. Well- there was a ghost in the place i came from. But I think that was a different sort of thing. I can't see the ones here.

I see. Literally and metaphorically, heh. What was the ghost where you were from like? Im guessing vengeful, scary, blood dripping from the roof kinda ghost?

This was before all of my world hopping happened, and before I died.

Yeah, dying can really throw a wrench into things. I was in a terrible situation before I died, death took me away. But now im just avoiding going back.

How'd you get a job at this place? Do they know who you are 'n stuff?

Oh- no. They know I cant be paid legally. The owners are just two old ladies, they cant run the place much anymore. So they pay me and I run it for them.

Back before she died, we ran a cafe. We'd take turns baking and maning the front.

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.

Oh, yeah. That would be horrible. I think drowning would also be bad. What was being a ghost like?

Being a ghost... wasn't too bad. I guess. When things got too much. Like I was overwhelmed, I just... turned into mist. I could see other ghosts, too. But the living couldn't see me unless I really wanted to be seen. I don't think it was the permanent after life. Just a place for souls to stay before they're ready to go. I think.

Are there a lot of ghosts here?

I'd say so. But not really any malevolent ones. Big emotions just lead to breaking. Most are people sticking around with their loved ones. Waiting for their partner, or just watching the family.

That's sweet. Even in death, love prevails. Ooooh, I could be a poet! Heh.

Can you see them?

No, I can't. Well- there was a ghost in the place i came from. But I think that was a different sort of thing. I can't see the ones here.

I see. Literally and metaphorically, heh. What was the ghost where you were from like? Im guessing vengeful, scary, blood dripping from the roof kinda ghost?

This was before all of my world hopping happened, and before I died.

Yeah, dying can really throw a wrench into things. I was in a terrible situation before I died, death took me away. But now im just avoiding going back.

How'd you get a job at this place? Do they know who you are 'n stuff?

Oh- no. They know I cant be paid legally. The owners are just two old ladies, they cant run the place much anymore. So they pay me and I run it for them.

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.

Oh, yeah. That would be horrible. I think drowning would also be bad. What was being a ghost like?

Being a ghost... wasn't too bad. I guess. When things got too much. Like I was overwhelmed, I just... turned into mist. I could see other ghosts, too. But the living couldn't see me unless I really wanted to be seen. I don't think it was the permanent after life. Just a place for souls to stay before they're ready to go. I think.

Are there a lot of ghosts here?

I'd say so. But not really any malevolent ones. Big emotions just lead to breaking. Most are people sticking around with their loved ones. Waiting for their partner, or just watching the family.

That's sweet. Even in death, love prevails. Ooooh, I could be a poet! Heh.

Can you see them?

No, I can't. Well- there was a ghost in the place i came from. But I think that was a different sort of thing. I can't see the ones here.

I see. Literally and metaphorically, heh. What was the ghost where you were from like? Im guessing vengeful, scary, blood dripping from the roof kinda ghost?

This was before all of my world hopping happened, and before I died.

Yeah, dying can really throw a wrench into things. I was in a terrible situation before I died, death took me away. But now im just avoiding going back.

*He'd gotten this job a few weeks ago. Yes he technically doesn't have the proper paperwork, but nobody has to know the old couple running it are just paying him cash under the counter.*

Does this city have a job center, or something similar? Or like- a bulletin board advertising help needed? I can do manual labor.

Oh- okay. That may be- cough -useful.

If you wanna take a seat somewhere, feel free.

I'm Taurtis, by the way.

Got it. Call me Joel. Uhm... how good are you with organizing, or computers?

I'm great with computers. 'Did a lot of work on them in my free time back home. Building, coding, all that.

What kind of education do you have? Like, I do have a bachelor's degree, just not in anything library or book related.

*He fidgets with his headphones nervously. After High School, he had intended to get a degree in computer science. But then he had woken up in Evo, and his plans were messed up."

How long do you think you'd work here?

No! No. Sorry- I- I wouldn't do that if I were you- hah- terrible work life balance.

Wouldn't want a bad... work life balance...

*Joel chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.*

M'kay. I'll stay away from that, then. Thanks for the warning?

*Bro is still feeling so on edge but hes gotta play it cool.*

What do you like to do in your free time? Like I like to bake or spend time with my wife.

Uhm... how much do you like books?

I assume you're... a cool guy. But in case youre some sort of government official or police officer, just forget I said anything. Everything is FINE!

But uh... what do you want to know? I can try to answer.

Maybe we can chat about that in a less public space. Its just- the place I'm from doesnt quite work like this place. Everything is magical, and not quite in a good way.

Could we- uh, moved this inside? Sorry, I've had some bad interactions and don't like to let people know of my 'origins'. Again, sorry. I can leave. I shouldn't get you all involved.

Oh- uh- sure. I suppose. I don't know what I'm getting myself into, do I? Hah.

I'm glad I ran into you, out of everybody in this city. You have your background, I have mine, I wont ask.

Would you know how to get some sort of ID? Or passport? Do you guys have passports here?

*Joel shrugs. He'd tried to get one, but he'd rather not be known. Even if that means struggling for a while, its better than getting caught again.*

I was here initially, made some... regrettable actions. Left against my will. Returned, and am just kinda... lost. So I get you.

Well you see- thats actually kinda the least of my problems.

Wait- did you come from Evo too? Are you dead from that too? Do you know how you're unliving?

What I did isnt normal here, by the way. I wouldn't go around telling people you're undead.

Isn't normal where I'm from either. I should probably shut up.

Do you really know nothing of what happened to you?

I had a unhealthy high school experience, to say the least. I don't know exactly how I died but I have a few suspicious. I have no memory of my death though. I didn't come back injured. Not sure if this is even my original body. I mean, I crawled out of the ground. Classic zombie crap.

Do you still need to do stuff to live? Like eat, sleep, breath?

I don't breathe or sleep, but I eat a bit. Not too hungry ever. Meat is really the only appealing food now.

Ah- but yeah. I'm similar. Don't breath or sleep or eat. I could if I wanted to. I dont know if I can be knocked out... but I dont think I have a heart. At all.

Is that how you died? Heart cut out? Thats... not great.

Nope. My heart was replaced before it, it just didn't come back with me. I had my throat slit. Would not recommend. 2/10 stars.

Holy... god. Wow. I'm glad I don't remember, then. I'm sorry, dude. You're a really nice guy, that shouldn't have happened to you.

Yeah it's really not fun. Only thing worse than it is probably... burning to death. If I had to imagine. It at least did make it easier for the living to see me while I was a ghost.