Aradia wakes quietly, without stirring. She lies on the floor of the compound with her eyes open, assessing the situation from where she lies. She hears nothing. She doesn't even hear her own breathing. Panic grips her but she does not move, cannot move. The nothing continues, a roar of silence that she fears could drown her. Has drowned her, before. This is too similar to being dead, way too similar.

She sucks in a breath, a deep one. She hears that, and the sound triggers a flurry of action. She rolls over, now aware of her stark, metallic surroundings. She's next to a bed. There's a long knife underneath it, which she takes. There's also a small USB stick. Excellent. She's spent enough time with Sollux to know this could be useful. She pockets the USB, holds the knife by her side, and leaves the room.

"Hello?" Her voice is bright and loud. Loudness is better than that deafening silence. It's time to meet some friends. Time for an adventure.

computer lab

Her expedition thus far has led her to a room full of nothing but computers. Perfect. She's no hacker, but she knows she needs to get into these computers somehow. She sits at one of them, typing away, hoping that eventually, she'll get it right.

And who knows? Maybe someone will be along to help her.