Challenge One Rules

Author's note: This chapter starts a little retcon I made because I decided the original challenge was going to drag on too long. All lore established in the original challenge remains valid, but I've swapped in this challenge, which I think is more in the spirit of HH stories. Jacqueline and Delia's original experiences on the station will play out in a later chapter.- - - - - -

At the announcement of a challenge, Daisy looked like she’d been slapped. It was only C2's rapid continuation that saved her from slipping into true panic.

“Now, before you all get too worried, since this is a special challenge, which has not been preceded by a date night, I’m not going to eliminate those of you who have accidentally strayed into the negatives. In fact, this will be the perfect opportunity for those individuals to potentially dig themselves out of the incredibly foolish hole they’ve dug themselves into.” C2 clarified. Aaron and the other women did their best not to look at Daisy, who was clearly still reeling from the sudden reality of her situation being presented to her, but most couldn’t help but at least glance at the woman.

“But, before we get to the rules for the challenge, let me show you what you’re playing for.” C2 continued, text appearing next to him.

1st Place: 4 VP + Boon Transformation

2nd Place: 3 VP + Boon Transformation

3rd Place: 2 VP + Penalty Transformation

4th Place: 1 VP + Penalty Transformation

5th Place: 0 VP + Penalty Transformation

6th Place: -1 VP + Penalty Transformation

“I think this is as good a time as any to explain our transformation system. While we at HHI ultimately believe that all of your transformations are for your benefit, we recognize that not all of you share this view. As such, we have divided the available transformations into two different classifications, Boon and Penalty. Most of the transformations you all have received so far, and most of the ones you will receive throughout the season, are Penalty transformations. Both types of transformations change your mind and body in ways that will make you a more unique and compatible member of the Master’s harem and crew. But, while Boon transformations are positive and generally completely under your control, Penalty transformations are those that you would most likely not choose for yourself or have some drawback. That drawback will generally be sexual; this is that kind of show after all. For example, the Master’s options were and will almost always be Boons, and Jenna’s gravity transformation would have been considered a boon if she had total control over it. Basically, a Boon is an enhancement to your mind or body or even a new ability, while a Penalty is a change to your body, your mind, your clothing, or, in extreme cases, your past. But, I’m sure you’ll all become plenty familiar with our transformations as the season goes on. For now, let’s discuss the challenge.”

As C2 continued his explanation, the holographic text was replaced by the image of a golden key card. The card was the size of a typical hotel key card, with elaborate black embossing that matched the strange patterns on the ship's exterior. In the center of each card was a logo with the letters “HHI” on a planet with a simplified rendering of their ship blasting off from the surface and leaving a Saturn-like ring around the planet.

“The challenge is simple: each of you must locate a key card in order to access the ship. The cards have been scattered through one of the station's utility areas. You will have two hours to locate a card and, as soon as you do, you will be returned to this room. Whoever finds their card first will be the winner. Anyone who does not find a card by the end of the time limit will be considered to have tied for sixth place.”

“Of course, I’m not going to drop you into the middle of a strange alien space station and expect you to be able to find these cards with just your eyes. As such, when you arrive, you will each be fitted with a device that will inform you when you are getting closer to or farther from a card. The closer you are, the more intense the device will signal you. It’s not quite as simple as a game of hotter/colder, though. I’ve sent some of my drone bodies in to patrol the utility spaces, and if they catch you, you’ll be teleported back to your start location and receive a penalty. This penalty may include a loss of BP, a detriment in the next challenge, an additional transformation, or one of several hand-picked meta-transformations I’ve created. However, if you catch one of my drones unaware and press the button on the back, that drone will be deactivated, and you’ll receive a reward instead. Rewards may include extra BP, special privileges, or even a few VP. You can receive at most one penalty and one reward. Still, the forced return to your starting position or disabling of the drone should give you enough of a reason to keep an eye out for them after your first encounter besides that, the only rules are not to attempt to do any damage to the drones, the station’s systems, or your fellow contestants, and not to make any attempt to leave the play area, which will be clearly marked. Any violation of these rules will result in punishment.”

“Any questions? No? Good! Let’s get started!” C2 announced without giving anyone any chance to respond. There was another flash of light, and all six women disappeared, leaving Aaron and the robot once again alone in the space.