The Neverywhere Inn

>Stand still. Perfectly still.

NAME spends their last pants-less moments in perfect stillness. The memos did warn employees against shaking the machines, after all, and their strange desire to enact violence upon the stubborn contraptions must be held in check.

At the sound of approaching footsteps, everyone turns to the door. NAME, already facing the appropriate direction, simply tilts their head. NAME's colleagues line up beside them according to height: GRETEL and her blackbird friend, DRAK, then MAU.

DRAK
(whispering)
Wait, why are we standing like this?

MAU
It feels right?

GRETEL
I never got my chips, though...

DAKN
What did I say? You should've just had
some meat while it was still available.

GRETEL glances at NAME from the corner of her eye. NAME doesn't have eyes with which to look back, but when they turn their attention to her anyway, GRETEL freezes up. The bird chuckles.

Then, at long last, the MYSTERY SUPERVISOR walks through the doorway.

Character Profile: VesiShow

VESI
Merfolk - ??? - Female
Homeworld: VHVlc2RheSBFYWdsZS1UaW1l
Notes: A shapeshifting sea-dweller from a lost world. She doesn't talk much about her home reality, but shows great interest in others'. Been working for the Neverywhere Inn since its inception.

VESI
Good morning, everyone.

NAME's coworkers echo the greeting.

VESI
Sorry to have kept you waiting. Hopefully
you used this time to sociali...

NAME's distinct lack of clothes becomes a distraction. VESI's golden eyes sweep over them from head to toe.

VESI
Were you not supplied a uniform? You look
rather... under-dressed.

NAME
i have conceded to wearing pants, should
you provide them.

VESI
Delightful. We'll take your measurements very soon.

She doesn't seem intimidated by NAME's height at all.

VESI
Moving on. Welcome to your first day at the
Neverywhere Inn, everyone. No-one likes long,
dragging tours, so I hope to keep your orientation
succinct. Before we begin with our review of the
premises, does anyone have any non-pants-related
questions...?