After my training session ends, I return to my quarters to rest before the official orientation meeting. The molecular reconstruction took more energy than I expected, so I make a mental note to practice that skill more in private. The small room doesn't offer much comfort, but I manage to get some decent rest on the thin mattress. When my tablet chimes with the reminder, I make my way through Block D's utilitarian corridors toward Common Area 4.

  The common area is a large circular space with worn furniture arrangements and basic food dispensers along one wall. About thirty independents have already gathered, some looking as new to independence as I am, others clearly veterans of this lifestyle based on their demeanor.

  A facility staff member in a simple gray uniform stands near the center of the room, tablet in hand. Unlike Handler Kress and the other personnel from the sponsored sectors, this woman's uniform lacks any decorative elements or rank insignia.

  "Independent assets, your attention please," she announces in a flat, disinterested tone. "This orientation session will cover standard protocols for Block D residents. Attendance has been logged."

  The independents quiet down, though I notice several exchanging subtle glances that suggest this official orientation is just for show.

  "I am Facility Coordinator Elgin," the woman continues. "I oversee independent asset management and labor allocation. First item: your status as independents means you have rejected formal sponsorship while remaining valuable facility assets. This classification comes with specific adjustments to your resource allocations."

  She taps her tablet, projecting a simple chart onto the wall behind her.

  "Nutrition is distributed twice daily at Communal Distribution Center 4. Portions are calculated based on metabolic requirements minus sponsor enhancement factors. Training facilities 7 and 9 are available during your designated periods only. Medical access is available for emergency treatment with priority level 3."

  The orientation continues with Coordinator Elgin mechanically listing various regulations and restrictions that apply to independent assets. Her delivery suggests she's given this exact speech countless times before.

  "Labor assignments begin tomorrow at 1000 hours. These are mandatory contributions to facility operations. Failure to complete assigned tasks will result in further resource restrictions." She scrolls through her tablet. "Questions are permitted at this time."

  The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  A few newly independent assets ask basic questions about schedules and access permissions. Throughout the session, I notice the veterans paying minimal attention to the official information, occasionally whispering among themselves when Coordinator Elgin looks down at her tablet.

  When the questions conclude, Elgin delivers one final statement: "Independent status is not irreversible. Reconsideration of sponsorship offers can be submitted through your personal tablets. The facility encourages all assets to maximize their potential through appropriate enhancement protocols."

  With that, she exits the common area, leaving the independents to themselves. As soon as the door closes behind her, the atmosphere in the room shifts noticeably.

  A man with subtle reptilian features stands and addresses the group in a much warmer tone than Coordinator Elgin's.

  "Now that the official bullshit is out of the way, let's talk about what you actually need to know to survive down here," he says, generating quiet laughter from the veterans. "I'm Weaver. Been independent for eight months. First thing to understand, everything she just told you is technically true but practically useless."

  He points toward the monitoring devices in the ceiling. "We're always being watched, so certain topics stay off-limits in common areas. But there are things you should know that aren't in the official orientation."

  Another independent, a woman with faint electrical patterns visible beneath her skin, joins him. "Independence means looking out for each other when possible. Training resources are limited, so we share and rotate. Food allocations are calculated to keep you functional but weak, supplement when you can."

  Weaver nods. "Labor assignments seem like punishment, but they're opportunities to learn the facility's infrastructure. Pay attention during your shifts, knowledge of the maintenance systems and service areas can be valuable."

  The unofficial portion of the orientation continues with practical advice about navigating Block D, managing with limited resources, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts with sponsored assets.

  Throughout the meeting, I listen carefully while observing the dynamics among the independents. There's clearly an unofficial structure here, veterans guiding newcomers, information being shared selectively, and a general sense of cautious cooperation.

  When the orientation concludes, people break into smaller groups for more casual conversation. I notice a woman with iridescent scales, Iris from the training facility, approaching me.

  "First day's always overwhelming," she says. "Just remember the most important stuff isn't discussed in monitored spaces." She glances meaningfully at the ceiling cameras before adding, "Rest up. Labor assignments start early, and they deliberately make the first day hard for new independents."