FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"TSG 8: TN 7 step forward." A simple formed light yellow cat stepped forward to the desk. "Please register your name." The white functionary firmly stated.

"Nathaniel." The yellow cat said.

"Negative." the white humanoid functionary behind the desk answered abruptly cutting him off. "Please remember all chosen names must be different from you own name, and no average names." There were several snickers from the group behind him.

"Maybe you should stick with your designation little kid." A gruff voice came from behind him.

Nathaniel was only 18 years old and now the youngest ever to allowed admittance in to a T.A.N. Corporation study group. True there was a 19 year old lab worker, and a few young 20(+) year old programmers and technicians but as for test subjects only a few had been under 25 and most were twice that age. [TSG 8 TN 7] his current designation stood for test study group 8: tank 7; although most were calling him kid or worse baby.

"Tanyear" Nathaniel finally spoke.

There was a pause "Tanyar? Correct?" The functionary finally spoke.

Nathaniel/Tanyar now decided not to argue it was close enough. His name was a bet he had made against his older brother that in tenyears -tanyear- this program would be in real life application, not just some back shelf project. Being able to share dreams with someone across the country, continent, or even the world seems like a true fantasy but here he was. Tanyar the youngest test subject in what seemed like a virtual world but was actually a dream link project and he was soundly asleep.

('")

After running a gambit of acuity, agility, and several all around embarrassing tests Tanyar found himself back with the others who were left out of TSG 8 group. They were sitting in a lecture hall waiting for what would happen next. He counted twenty six left of the original forty people and wondered how many would be left at the end of today. A young looking well dressed female anthro cat walked in and stood in front of them. Among a few whispered 'who' and 'wows' and one muttered 'smokin', she introduced herself.

"My name is Kalrena one you should try to remember. I will be doing most of your training and assessments for this week. If you have any problems find me." She gave a quick glance making sure to catch the attention of each person as best she could. "If there is anyone who wants to back out now is the last time for today. You will now be paid a small consultation fee if you leave as long as you answer a survey."

"How much?" came from a power blue dog like form in the front row.

"It doesn't matter." A near black humanoid form stood, "I want out now."

"That is fine, the door at the back will lead you to a hallway, you will get directions there. Thank you for you time." Kalrena pointed to the back of the room.

"That's it?!" the blue spoke again.

"Sun is it?" Kalrena turned to face the speaker.

"Yes Sun and Sky." The dog answered.

"Well Sun yes that is it, although I should let you know now. If all your here for is the cash, you might well be asked to leave before the week is up. We prefer those who are interested in testing the limits of the program not just collecting a check. You are here to see what effects multiple people can have on the system by working together, separate, and against the program. We are trying to find out if there are any flaws or constructions that have to be remade or fixed. You should already know this and more by now, but right now if you wish to continue I need you to sign a final consent form."

With a wave of her hand Kalrena had a tablet in front of each person with a stylus floating above it. "You may all read this but it essentially it says you will spend 15 to 17 hours in a sleep tank. Your other 7 to 9 hours will consist of a meal when you wake up and a physical when asked, which I will add may take up to an hour. After that you will be on your own time as long as you stay with in the compound. We have multiple areas with computers, several within small private kiosks where you will be able to keep track of your life outside of T.A.N. Corp. There is also gym, pool, and sport areas to amuse yourself. Your last hour you will have a meal and briefing if any is required before you return to the tank."

All except for a few had already signed and watched the tablet disappear before them, "You should not have any questions by now but, if for any reason you do please take the back door and ask for a consult or simply for time to think." There were three who stood with that comment and walked to the back door. "Are you going to sign Sun?"

Sun was the last of the twenty two remaining who was taking its time reading the tablet. "I can still leave whenever I want."

"Not quite." Kalrena answered. "If there is an emergency yes but otherwise from this point on you must finish your allotted time before you can opt out."

Sun signed mumbling, "Like you can stop me if I want to leave."

Kalrena clapped her hands as the last tablet disappeared, "Alright training begins!" For the rest of their initial day the new test subjects were trained in basic manipulation of the administration area. Everything from the basic motions to call up a watch to check time, to a rather complicated method of using a tablet to send a message to another person.

"But I don't understand." a fluffed gray haired humanoid figure spoke, "We are here to be trained. There should always be someone to talk to, why should we learn how to message someone unless we are allowed to call others to help us."

"Invites are a different setup and one which we are not using yet." Kalrena answered, "And yes you will usually be with others. This is more if you find yourself caught or maybe you are suddenly walking on the ceiling.."

"It's a bug report." Tanyar interrupted, "The system isn't perfect. We're supposed to report problems right?"

"Correct." Kalrena stated. "But it is more than that, with this program you are able to send a message anywhere with in the complex it is the best and most effective communication to reach outside the dream." The training continued for several more hours till Kalrena told them that was sufficient for the day. A large silver arch appeared and the group slowly filed through.

Nathaniel, well Tanyar, took a deep breath and blinked his eyes. There was a hiss and then with a hum the top of the sleep capsule slowly drew back. When the bottom of the lid reached his knees it lifted open allowing Tanyar to sit up. Tanyar, Tanyar he repeated in his mind over and over. They had been told earlier to use there assumed name or designation within the complex to accustom themselves to the new name because it would make it easier to respond to later on.

"Malty, Tanyar, Freena, and Jolty please go to the medical wing directly following your meal. Outside all of you will follow the blue line to the cafeteria." A rather static voice echoed from overhead. There were four white lab coats playing leapfrog down both sides of the tank room. Forty tanks in all split evenly lined the walls of the room, each with its own complex lite up display and controls on the wall behind the head of the tank.

Tanyar after his first day wondered if he was going to lose the bet he made with his brother. This was all far more complex, high tech, and well more like science fiction than what he expected. Ten years now seemed a woefully short time to have anything like this available to the public or even to profitable companies possibly a unit here or there but not yet marketable like their father taught them. He looked around while he waited for the technicians to reach him. Tanyar suddenly noticed he was now the last person on his side. Earlier he was sure there had been someone on his left two if he recalled right but, the three remaining tanks on the wall were sealed and powered down.

Tanyar looked around trying to place names to the now unmasked group he had spent the last day with. Sun could be the mid 30's guy who was just being told a second time to not get out of his tank yet. He tagged the gray haired avatar as the rather elderly woman who was just now walking out the door Diamond if he had the name right.

"Hey Tanyar?" He followed the voice across the room and two tanks to the left, "How come if I'm tank four and your seven, they're working with everyone on the other side. Shouldn't they start with tank one?" Tanyar just shrugged in response.

"No clue." He replied, "Soooo who are you?"

"Freena." the mid to late twenties female answered.

"SUN AND SKY." the shout came from several tanks down. Tanyar looked and noticed an older female with a rather rough voice, wow did he have that wrong.

"Sorry Sun but the computer doesn't register multiple word names if you wish to change your name you will have to go to the applications department or speak with your resourcer." The lab tech stated.

Tanyar's view was blocked as the next person sat up to meet the approaching technician. He laid back down this was going to take a lot of getting used to, Sun was a woman. He wondered if he would be able to get the names right or if maybe he should just concentrate on the study.

He waited several minutes before finally hearing a voice next to his tank. "Everything okay Tanyar? Are you feeling alright?"

"Fine" He replied sitting up. There was an eye check then strangely he was told to hold his breath for 30 seconds as the tech held out his watch to count. He was left gasping for a few second after which the lab coat assured him was excellent. Then after wiggling his hands and feet he was allowed to stand.

"Alright you're fine, go eat. Remember any problems no matter how small sit down and call for help." Tanyar nodded as the other finished talking. They had been told that the cameras would be trained on each of them to make sure they were well cared for and would have immediate help if they needed it. He left quickly not even casting a backwards glance for the three who were still left in their tanks. Following the blue line on the floor he make it to the noisy bustle of the cafeteria where nearly fifty people were eating, alone or in groups, but the noise seemed like twice that number.

He was stopped from going further by a security guard by the door, "This is the main cafeteria everything here is free. If your interested in something special you can head down to the end of the hall where a smaller eating area is, everything there you have to pay for. They can order you pizza, Chinese, and a variety of other things, along with their full menu." the guard pointed and continued, "Grab a tray and start at that end. DO NOT go backwards. If you miss something return to the start of the line." With that Tanyar was promptly ignored as the guard sat back on a stool.

Tanyar stepped up and filled a tray, the meal was a quick affair which he ate alone deciding to stay away from others of his study group. He did have to endure several people staring and pointing in his direction while he ate and he even caught the phrase 'how old is he' not once but twice before he got up and left. Sure he looked a little young but couldn't they see he was at least old enough to be an adult.

('")

He got stuck twice having to ask for the medical wing from people around him before finally walking under a covered path on the west side of the eighty-seven acre property that Technology Applied Naturally Corporation (TAN for short)owned. He passed through two sets of double sliding glass doors in to a small waiting room much different from the one he had been in previously.

T.A.N. Corp. had surpassed all others in brain development area; companies, institutes, and schools all were considered second best to the Corporation. They were the leading edge in all brainwave to motion technology and had put out the best most advanced Virtual Reality applications and V.R. remote operation equipment. In fact in the last five years they had become one of the largest most advanced human testing/training grounds. They had to ability to allow more than 800 human test subjects, in various study groups, to be housed on site. With virtually no bad publicity or any serious medical problems arising from testing they were considered the best, maybe even better than that.

"Welcome Tanyar we are expecting you. We have several test set for today so if you'll follow me." The nurse had already open the door and greeted Tanyar before he had even had a chance to choose a seat in the small room. He follow the female down a long hall and took several turns before she opened a door that said M.R.I. Room 2.

"But didn't we just take a full scan yesterday?" Tanyar asked.

"Just a few more today." The nurse sounded a tad to cheery as she bustled him in to a changing room quickly firing off all the warnings and what to expect next speech, like he wasn't here just yesterday. Today though was much faster than the day before, it was barely a half hour before Tanyar was back in the hall being led to another room. He was still wondering about the whole thing as the doctor was calling up multiple images on the computer. He watched the man compare images while he sat trying to decide whether or not to speak out.

The doctor began administering several reflexive and time response tests before he finally asked, "Is there really some point to this?" Tanyar sat listening as the doctor tried to recite some premade excuse before one of the many wall communication units buzzed.

"Tanyar you are the youngest and barely legal applicant we have had to date." Kalrena's voice suddenly sounded from out of the unit. "Understand that a few extra tests and extra procedures will be required of you. They are not just for yourself, but hopefully for any more young applicants that apply. Also there are many people from different departments that insist extra care be given to you. To tell the truth they are just trying to make sure that if some how, something did go wrong, they can blame someone else." Kalrena waited making sure the young adult understood. "If you want to stop at any time just say so."

"No it's not that, I was just wondering what exactly could change in a day." He stated.

"Likely nothing." her voice said from the wall.

"Now that is just not true." The doctor spoke up, "There are already many subtle differences that might show up and.."

"Doctor!" Kalrena interrupted stopping him from continuing, "Tanyar we are asking for a full mapping every two days. We already have that from several people over twenty-five but only one full set from a 25 year old female. We would like add yours to the on site records and to be able to compare them with others both on and off corporate records. We would also like to ask and will pay you for continuing on after this week with a few medical checkups to help show no long term effects."

"Okay." Tanyar stated simply.

"Are you sure about that?" The doctor butted in, "You may want to consider.."

"Doctor!" Kalrena's voice again ended his vocalization. "He and I will have plenty of time to talk later. Please finish the exam and send him out." The doctor stated he was pretty much finished and passed Tanyar off to a nurse who led him out to the main medical waiting room. He now found himself in a much more familiar place. Although the fountain was off and the sky dark above the courtyard outside it was easy to recognize with the shining lamp posted at its perimeter. Off to his left was the path that would lead to the three large dorm/apartment buildings where he had spent the first two nights here prior to starting the actual dream tests. Instead Tanyar moved straight across the courtyard moving along the edge of the silent fountain and took the wide path that would lead him back to the main complex area.

He didn't have a clue as to what the time it was but he wanted to send a message to his brother before he tried anything else out. He found a large computer library, a large hall with wide tables. Each table was filled with multiple computer or interface units with a variety of types and brands. There were several signs hanging from the ceiling over certain areas; GAMING which had people sitting in front of flashing monitors and a multitude of color surrounding the area; in the back he noticed MOVIES on one side and SOCIAL on the other. There were actually sofas and armchairs, along with round tables with coushy chairs. Tanyar grinned when he saw under the movies sign a male stand up with a laptop removing headphones.

Tanyar headed to the wall where PERSONAL was hanging. Here there were several tables partitioned off each section having its own computer. Grabbing the first chair at the corner kiosk he was on and had his email account up in moments, scanning though the inbox for messages from his brother. The first he found was just a check in message; did you get there, was everything ok, drop me a line. The second however was a Martin Special:

Hey little Natty, you being quiet cause you know I won?

Well ten years is a long time to wait to get paid for a bet,

so I decided you gonna owe me for interest as well. We'll

go for say 5%. You can of course admit defeat now little

bro. I'll take your $100 as soon as you get home. Don't

worry I decided not to rent out your room while your

gone. Oh... Dad found out you quit and... well PISSED

is a good word. I told him you wanted some quick cash

and could get it this way. He made several comments

about guinea pigs and stupid 18 year old decisions before

he hung up. I'm not sure but if he wasn't out of the country

he likely would have drove there to drag you away. So drop

me a line when your not busy, let me know they didn't fry

your brain. Later.

Tanyar even though he was upset when he first started reading he was at least smiling by the end. He didn't need to worry about dad. T.A.N. Corp. had assured him that as long as he had willingly signed up and agreed to participate his father could not stop his participation. Popping open the reply box he typed out.

Greetings Matty, do you have to keep being an ass and

calling me "little"? Things here are well beyond what I

expected or researched. Your right I think you won the bet

but, not because this is some stupid pipe 'dream'. THIS IS REAL,

so real. The problem is the stuff is like near sci/fi some of

the equipment here well, it will likely be top of the line stuff

in like three years! I just don't see how it could be open to

the public in ten years so you will win the bet.

Later Tanyar.

Let him try to figure that out he grinned leaning back after pushing send. He took a few moments before sitting back up and began the process of clearing out the junk mail from his in box. Since he had the time he opened several opt out links and followed to the unsubscribe. Most of the stuff was junk that he had recently added while looking in on T.A.N. Corp. Checking out online magazines and searching out people who had participated in past study groups. He had wanted to get first hand opinions before he actually signed on board to the Dream project.

Tanyar was nearly half way though the inbox when a loud knock sound came from the computer startling him, there was a pop up window asking if he wanted to accept a video chat with SolarE4. Tanyar was quick to hit accept and watched the loading circle make a few laps before his brothers picture and part of a familiar bedroom appeared in the box. "Hey Bro." He said moving the box to full screen.

"Hmmmmmm........" the pause went on for several seconds, "Quick what's 24 x 8." Martin said.

"What?" Tanyar asked.

"AWW CRAP, they went and fried my brothers brain, what am I gonna tell dad." as the head of Martin dropped in to his hands shaking.

"Verrrry funny. So did you read my message?" He glanced at the time display in the corner, "and what are you doing up so late?"

"Ya I got your message, so you gonna pay up?" Martin asked while Tanyar nodded. "Cool, easiest hundred I ever made thanks bro. So what's this Tanyar thing?"

"That's my name while I'm here, but don't you have to work in the morning?" He asked.

"Ya but I took a nap, I was actually able to talk with a real person when I called today. They said you were in testing and wouldn't be out till at least midnight. So what took you so long to get on and write back, you promised as soon as you could." Tanyar was about to respond when Martin added, "Dad's gonna end up calling again in the morning I think he was almost worried when I told him you hadn't checked in."

Tanyar gave a small sigh, "I was busy they ran lots of tests the first two days. Then even more today when we were inside. Hey Martin is getting several MRI's and CAT scans in one week bad?"

"What do you mean why do you need more than one, that sounds really fishy." Martin replied. "And aren't they like x-rays or something? I suppose it's not bad a few times if it is just this week. I could try looking it up for you if you need me to."

"No that's alright I'll just ask," Tanyar could see his brother shaking his head. "It isn't like that. They want a entire mapping and I guess any changes that happen for the whole week every two days, it's going to go in their records or something. It seems they haven't had any 18 year olds to play with. Probably because most guys my age are in to getting out and having fun, not crammed in some tube then being poked after each day."

"Well I think you had better get a job again when your done like A.S.A.P. dad's ending his trip early by five days and unless you plan on moving out you better have a job. We may pay rent here but dad will kick you out if your not working or in school." Martin concluded.

"Ya I know." Their father had both sons sign rental agreements for the family's other property, a small double bedroom apartment. Rent for the boys was dirt cheap at $500 a month for both to share as long as they kept decent jobs or were going to school full time.

"Hey Martin, do me a favor on my computer desk there's a notebook stuffed with papers. See if you can't give dad some of the information I collected on T.A.N. Corp." Tanyar said. "It's got all my work for last month including the people I talked with about the study."

"I don't know what good that is gonna do, dad wants you to be a success to him that means work or school." Martin replied

"Well this is work, or it might be. I might have to go to school for a couple of years but I could work here easy. Dad always told us volunteer work is pointless unless you have time to waist. At least this way I get to look around and get paid at the same time." He pointed out.

Martin was grinning trying to stop a chuckle. "Oh I'm gonna love smacking dad with that one, even if your not serious. Getting paid to check out a potential company to work for, that's priceless. He sent me to three office sites before I even got an application in or an interview telling me to look around and I never got paid for it."

"Well," Tanyar said, "he sent me on one too, he said 'let them know your interested before you try for an application'."

"Oh Natty that's so perfect dad's gonna choke when I tell him." Martin sat there grinning.

"Hey bro don't forget for this week please call me Tanyar, and stop calling me 'Little'!" Tanyar could tell there was something running though his brothers head like little Tanny. "And no Tanny either. This is important I'm supposed to learn the name so I can react to it easier later on, in the Dream."

"Okay no problem... Tanyar. So what is it like?" Martin asked.

"Well it's only day one most of it was tests I think they were meant to measure our linking ability or something, then it was all about how to manipulate the Dream." Tanyar had trouble explaining more than just the basics to his brother, "I think it would be much easier to show you than tell you." He concluded.

"Well some of us just can't quit and go trapezing off to dream land." The brothers grinned at each other over the joke. "Anyway it's late I need to get some real sleep." Martin finished. Tanyar thought about what sleep now could mean, wishing to convey how he really felt about what he had been though.

"Matty I didn't lose I only got the time wrong, if we can sometime, I'll show you everything." Tanyar told his brother.

"Okay nite Nath.. um Tanyar?" He nodded to the screen as his brother grabbed his mouse.

"Nite bro." Tanyar said he watched as his brother closed the chat box. He did the same and leaned back in the chair. The voice beside him startled him so bad he nearly fell out of his seat an onto the ground.

"Hey... Oh sorry. I was just wondering if you're, like part of a study group here." Tanyar looked over the gentleman in a full dress suit sitting in front of the alcove next to him.

Tanyar took his time before answering. "Yes." To bad personal didn't mean private.

"Oh. You just looked a little young may I ask your name?" The suit continued.

"Tanyar." He replied turning back towards the alcove trying to ignore the man.

"Tanyar? That is very unusual. My name is Bob.. Bob Riley pretty average right?" Tanyar looked back at Bob several things clicking at once. He obviously wasn't part of the dream project. Besides the name, there was the cloths. Easy loose fitting clothes were near to required as part of the test or at least comfort within the tank.

Tanyar stood and rescanned the room paying attention to the attire this time. There was close to a third scattered here and there that he could easily dismiss from the Dreem group and several he could figure were employees by the uniforms. Looking back to the movie/social area, those all fit the look he was now acquiring in his mind. 'Figures.' he thought to himself with just a few hours out of tank you might want a little more physical interaction, face to face as it were.

"You looking for someone?" Bob asked as Tanyar sat back down.

"Nope just trying to figure out where I sit in the room." Tanyar stated with a little sarcasm. It was obviously enough because Bob finally turned back and started paying attention to his own computer. Tanyar had deleted or spammed the rest of the emails and was trying to decide what to do next when he heard a set of swivel wheels rolling in behind him.

As Tanyar began turning a female voice behind him said, "Well if it isn't the kid. How was your first day in the Dream?"

Tanyar frowned, "Well if it isn't another old lady." The female who looked under thirty stopped. Ass a near five inches from resting in the seat and after a pause she stood back up.

"You know you won't go far being so rude." The female said. Tanyar spun back around as Bob made a quick exit.

"I totally agree so many people in this place are so rude," Tanyar added with as much acid in his voice as he could, "Obviously some test subjects believe they are far better than other lowly or new subjects." He replied trying to think of something to do on the computer. He opened a new draft for an email and began typing 'My first day'.

As he began typing out what had happened after he first arrived several days ago, he wondered if the female would leave. Adjusting his eyes so he could even see her shadowed shape in the reflection off the screen he kept typing. Tanyar kept going paying more attention to the time display in the corner than his document waiting for it to count off another minute.

Click 3:00 Tanyar spun in his chair, "Oh hello there is there something I can do for you on this wonderful very early morning."

"That would depend. Do you mind talking?" She asked finally sitting down.

"As long as I'm not insulted by everyone who walks up."

She watched him for several seconds before speaking, "You don't like being called a kid I take it."

"I don't like everyone calling me kid or baby including those who are only a few years older than me." He said.

"Well you might have to get used to it nearly everyone I know is interested in you and yes they keep referring to you as "The Kid"." She put up both hands crooking the index and middle finger fingers on both to emphasize the point.

Tanyar sighed heavily, "Kid isn't as bad as baby, or Mr. Bob who just left wondering if I should even be here."

"Well you'll just have to deal with it. By the way my name's Tinyrose." She introduced herself.

'Tinyrose?' Tanyar thought while saying, "Tanyar." and offering his hand.

She shook the hand and asked, "Can I see?" He wasn't sure what she was talking about so she gave his chair a nudge pointing to the computer. He turned back as Tinyrose squeezed in beside him closing the email and opening a icon off the desktop. After two clicks a search box appeared and she typed down 'tanyar' when he nodded she hit enter.

His avatar picture was displayed on the left half of the screen while the right had a small synopsis of the days activities in the dream, along with the time in and out, at the bottom was a side note stating Medical. "Ya it's sad each batch they keep getting more and more simple. Wanna see me?" She asked.

Tanyar nodded and Tinyrose clicked on the search in the corner adding her own name and hit enter.

A slightly less basic antro appeared, blood red in color with a large tuft of fur below the neck, and ear tufts with long thin top hairs on each ear. "Not really flashy but I've really grown to like it." she told him.

Tanyar took control flipping through pages of logged activities and notes every so often looking back at Tinyrose herself. She stopped him before he got back to her first week admonishing him not to try and cheat in some way. Asking what she meant she explained the more grand plan.

The testing lasted only a week but she had been here for almost a month. The tests were two fold, to check the system and to see if there were good candidates who would further help out the project. There were usually a few from each group that were asked to stay on the project as participants and she was one of those.

"That would be so awesome!" Tanyar interrupted her, "Really, really awesome."

Tinyrose grinned at his enthusiasm, "Listen just do your best don't ever treat it like a game that is the best advice you can get."

"I DON'T! I wouldn't. I did far to much research and careful planning to get here." He told her. She watched his excitement realizing "The Kid" was probably far more ready than anyone realized and much more so than the average subject. She checked the time and realized how little left she had.

"Listen, check my logs when ever your out and see if I am too. Do you know how to find someone here?" Tanyar shook his head. "Well I'll try to watch out for you but if you want to find me ask someone how to use the tracking system." She stood up. "You can be a bit prickly and rude you know but I think your alright -kid- just kidding Tanyar. I'll see if I can't spread your name around instead. Bye."

He watch Tinyrose till she had left the hall hoping he really had made a real friend before he turned back to the computer and tried various names Kalrena's first. The computer showed a pink anthro feline in a nice long buttoned down lab coat, with the short bio about her current projects and teams, TSG 8 was at the bottom.

Tanyar played with the search engine finally typing in 'Dream test, subjects' this gave him a list to scroll down, one on top of the next each with a picture name and latest tank times, highlighted near the bottom was Dream for those who were currently sleeping. As Tanyar scrolled down he realize most were in there tanks.

He paused here and there trying to memorize the more unique names or avatars before he decided to try a different way and scrolled back up to the top. In the search box typed 'Employee, Dream program' the screen went blank. Well not blank but a dull yellow color.

Tanyar spent several moments tapping keys, the space bar, and the escape key, he was deciding on weather to flick the power button when the display came back with the same info as before. With a little frustrated grunt he typed employee dream again only to have it switch to a blank no results. He spent several minutes thinking typing and erasing before finally deciding on 'Dream project, list, all users' and hit enter.

The screen flipped back to solid yellow, as he decided to give up he realized there was a small loading circle in the middle. Upon waiting what seemed like days finally there came a full screen display with pictures and names in each box. Hovering over a box enlarged it so you could clearly see the picture and name. Tanyar smiled with his success with this at least he could start memorizing avatars with names. With a quick glance down the list after counting five boxes across he scrolled counting as he went. A quick estimation was that there were just over a hundred lines, a bit rough but five hundred seemed like a decent nearly accurate number if he was trying to include everyone. With that number he started a closer study; there were six blood reds including Tinyrose; twelve near solid blacks.

Tanyar was to involved in the screen to notice the person behind him till he received a solid tap on the shoulder and heard chair wheels move. "Don't you think that is more information than you need kid." He suppressed the urge to want to turn and deck who ever was behind him. Although he couldn't concentrate now he kept slowly scrolling back to the top of the list, losing the stack of name and faces he had started at the bottom.

"Obviously you don't care as much about the project as I do." The last insult had gained him a possible friend and he figured on seeing if it worked again.

The hand that was placed on his shoulder was firm and heavy, "You can turn around and explain or I can just cut your access now." The hand gave a pull that began to spin Tanyar's chair and he didn't resist. The man sitting in the chair behind him was very gruff; stubble for a beard, thick arms, and a tank like middle but definitely not fat, he sat quietly staring at Tanyar.

He realized right away that flippant remarks were only going to make it worse he asked, "Am I doing something wrong?"

"That depends on why your requesting information, is this a prank, personal, or are you just goofing off?" The man said ticking off each topic on a finger.

Tanyar decided to treat him like his father when he was being unreasonable. "Are those the only options Sir, or can I offer an answer of my own." He kept his voice firm but polite.

The change was slow but the man definitely 'eased up' he crossed his arms leaning back more on the chair. "I would like to talk. So please answer the question as best you can."

Tanyar copied the move exactly crossing his arms and leaning back, "The short answer would only be that I am curious. The long answer is I'm trying to memorize names and faces even if I only get fifty or so it's a one in ten chance of knowing anyone I might meet in the dream."

"I see," the man slightly nodded, "and is there some point to that?"

Tanyar couldn't stop himself, "Oh! I don't know, maybe," and Tanyar spaced out each word, "I hate everyone calling me KID!" He glared at the man making sure that he was included as part of the problem.

"So you want their names to catch them off balance, or to cuss them out?"

Tanyar simply said, "I don't usually cuss."

"Very well then." The male said pushing back the chair while standing, he offered his hand out and said, "My name's Hummer."

Tanyar took the hand and answered, "Tanyar." More pressure was applied and Tanyar's hand strength was rendered useless. Hummer had a perfect grip, tight enough to keep the hand immobile while not actually causing more than a little discomfort to Tanyar it felt like his hand was encased in concrete.

"You caused a bit of a problem, had several people scrambling trying to decide if you were spying or something. Also they were trying to figure out how much information to actually offer you." He stated before finally freeing the hand.

"Well I got exactly what I needed no tank times or bios, just a name and a face. Although a body might be better some faces are just so bland."

"Listen next time you might do better asking instead of random searches. There is a black circling question mark at the top of the icons. You can type any question there and get a fairly fast answer." Hummer finished turning to leave. While walking off he added. "Have a good time.... young one." Tanyar didn't bother to respond or watch him leave, it was going to be an uphill climb no matter what he did.

He spent more than two hours studying the register that had been updated a few minutes after Hummer had left. It now had been split in to three sections: teachers, workers, testers, also there were now seven pictures across in a row each box being longer and narrower. They now showed a top half of a picture with the name overlaid at the bottom. Each box still enlarging when he hovered over it giving a much better look at the avatar.

He was finally interrupted again by a pop up dialog box stating he had a half an hour before he was to report to the cafeteria. At the bottom there was a countdown timer saying time left to tank and the display was reading just under ninety minutes left. Tanyar worked to try to close the box and failed it didn't come up under the programs either. Wondering why it persisted he decided to see exactly how close he was being watched. With his hand above his head he waved it and then gave a thumbs up sign and watched as a little 'x' button appear to close the dialog box.

"Figures." He muttered to himself. Sadly had long since lost the stack he was working on and decided to call it quits. Tanyar closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair names and pictures were slowly swarming though his head. He sat gently rocking back and forth trying to get everything settle. It was probably close to ten minutes before he was able to allow his brain to wander and listen to the now busier background noise. Sitting back up he closed out all the programs still open before wondering if he should leave.

Looking at the black '?' he decided to click on it. A box opened up stating 'What is your question?' in the open field Tanyar typed out 'Thank you very much.'

The reply was instant. 'You are most welcome Tanyar. Enjoy your day in the dream.' He smiled as the box closed itself, who ever answered had been very nice. He was tempted to open the box again and repeat the thank you but instead got up and headed to the cafeteria. He was ready so start his second day and hopefully even more prepared than yesterday.

The cafeteria was busy. It seemed like nearly every table and chair was occupied except two long tables with benches against one wall. The fact they were mainly empty and he recognized three of the five sitting there he assumed that was where he was supposed to go. He ran though the line with a tray grabbing a sandwich and fruit instead of all the breakfasty stuff. He could still see several people that watched him as he crossed the room and sat down at the end of the second table but it seemed that in the bustle of the morning crowd he blended in a little better.

"Good I'm glad some people do not need to be told where to go." A female voice came from down the table. He stopped sandwich in hand half way to his mouth to stare at the speaker. Standing between the tables was a young woman maybe 25 in loose fitting outfit of shirt and shorts both with T.A.N. Corp logo and blended the companies brown and silver colors.

"Kalrena?" Tanyar asked and he received a nod. He ate slowly watching his instructor as she waved, greeted, or called drawing her group to her asking them to sit at the tables.

"Alright that's everybody but one I will be back in just a moment to brief you for the day." She told them before walking away. Talk was quite as the food was eaten at the cramped tables. There were ten people squeezed at each table with a man on the far end from Tanyar sitting in a chair.

"So what do you think we have to do today?" The question hung over Tanyar's table the voice had been male but he wasn't sure who spoke.

"Probably more of the same weird tests and things." The middle aged lady replied who was sitting at the far end of the bench at the other table. Tanyar had strained to hear her quiet response.

"Do you really want to know?" Tanyar asked loud enough to reach both tables causing nearly everybody to stop eating and look over at him.

"Oh yea the little baby know what's next, wouldn't that be a surprise." One of the four males sitting with Tanyar spoke rather snidely.

"V-12 right?" He asked receiving a nod. Tanyar remembered him talking about cars before they had been tanked the previous day. "V-12 light gray pattern almost white. If you paid half as much attention to yesterday as you do with cars you would already know what today holds. And no it won't be more tests nor will it be more learning although there might be some." As Tanyar wiped his hands off on a napkin he continued, "There are several options and things that we might do today but I assure you it won't be sitting down."

"Well that's so helpful." V-12 remarked nearly spewing sarcasm.

"Actually that should be quite helpful." Kalrena surprise the whole group with her quick reappearance. "Here is the last one so we can begin." She waved and the bodies shuffled down the bench to make room for Freena who had just arrived. "So Tanyar care to put the knowledge you have been studying to work?" She asked gesturing to the group. He was looking a little lost so she added, "Name the group."

"Oh." Tanyar stood looking up and down the table. He wasn't really ready yet but he did want to try to impress Kalrena.

"Just start down the line, if he gets your name wrong just tell him." She added to everyone else.

"I can start across right?" He asked and received a nod from Kalrena. "Velva at the corner then Pathona, 'they had introduced earlier' then comes Chopper and V-12, 'the two had a short argument on cars' umm Crios."

"Wrong" the man said.

"Skip then for now, next is Freena and at the next table is Jolty, 'Tanyar guess with the spiky yellow hair' and Malty, then it is Vash?" Tanyar question and received a nod. "Pass for the next so at the end is Miros?" nod again, that had been a 50/50 shot between the two woman he didn't know, "Then there's Alross on the seat and Fried,"

"Wrong" the older man spoke, likely the second to oldest of the group.

Tanyar noticed a smirk from the man sitting across the table, the one he had just passed before and he felt he had nailed the last few. "Okay going back, Starbit is the gentleman I first passed at my table, then Fried the second pass sitting next to Vash, the older gentleman on the end is Crios, then Studly 'of course total letcher', Sun is next, Criton. That leaves Mantoo and Bigleg I'll guess Mantoo is on that table, then the first here is Diamond 'the elderly woman', then Bigleg, I know the next is Laery, and last next to me is Windier."

"Excellent!" Kalrena stated, "You will be the leader of the first team today, and Sun you will lead the second team today. I believe since the tables are even you are now each split in to two teams."

"Wait a minute." V-12 tried to stand, Starbit had to grab his arm preventing him from toppling backwards. "Why do I have to follow him?"

"It seems you have some problem V-12 care to tell me what it is?" Kalrena suggested.

"Ya we're supposed to be testing stuff and shown how this works, not following some kid around." He stated.

"Jolty," Kalrena said, "do you mind changing?"

Jolty the next youngest tester in the group after Tanyar, and who looked to be at least 23 or 24 nodded. "It's fine with me."

"Good choice," Kalrena said, "I would gladly follow a leader who did his homework before coming to T.A.N. Corp. Especially one who spent the last few hours studying on, not just his group, but everyone who he might meet in the Dream." The whole group was now watching Tanyar who felt uncomfortable enough to start blushing. "He has been far busier than the rest of you even though he is a young adult, he shows much promise."

Tanyar caught Kalrena's wording and suddenly felt ecstatic if he shows promise maybe he would be asked to stay on. "So..," Tanyar swallowed, "Is today a game day then?"

"In part, I want everyone to finish up we have less than fifty minutes to get you all in and we still have several tank rearrangements to complete." Kalrena stopped placing a hand on Freena's shoulder, "Are you ready for today?" She gave a short nod. "Then," Kalrena addressed everyone else, "is everyone ready for the second day, no backouts?"

The group looked at each other across the tables. Tanyar who was still standing grabbed his tray and headed to the garbage can. "I'm ready!" and with that he left the cafeteria heading back down the blue line towards his next session in the Dream.