One morning, Lord Piers called the local newspaper and placed an ad:
"Wanted: Paying Boarders willing to volunteer for new research in Criminology."
And so, I enabled roommate service, but didn't specify how many or what gender. I figured I'd get the max available to start out and weed through them when their usefulness as lab rats--and romantic interests--ended. ...Am I awful?
The game sent over 5 roommates, all adults: 2 females and 3 males. I was hoping more females would show up...for Bunter. But the household received $13,130 for the first WEEK's rent. Niiice. Unfortunately, I needed to furnish a dorm room for them, which cut into profits. Oh well.
After I found out one guy was a Couch Potato, I realized that the manor didn't even HAVE a couch. Not one. Or a TV for the Couch Potato to watch. So, I made a game room.
And a simple relaxation area.
One thing I noticed right away was that a lot more food would be needed to feed everyone! Bunter was a big help. (Notice the freezer bunny that popped out just then too.)
And of course, the roommates didn't always clean up their dirty dishes. Again, Bunter took charge.
As each roommate arrived, I checked them with NRaas. I wanted to know what traits Piers would be examining in the Brain Machine. Leona gave me the most concern. She had the Mean-Spirited trait.
Then there was this guy, Antwon. He was Hot-Headed. Antwon and Leona both had potentially "criminal" tendencies that Piers could need to work with. They'd most likely be his first test subjects.
Now, these two men caused me the most aggravation, not because of their traits, but because of their jobs. More on that next time. (And yes, I know. They all have terrible wardrobe choices! I'm trying to improve those, just a little, as I have time.)
But it was actually this lady, Laurie, who earned the honor of first Roommate Test Volunteer. Her crime? She was a Technophobe.
Which doesn't sound too terrible at first, but upon further investigation, it was discovered that this Technophobe definitely exhibited criminal behavior! ...While Bunter and Piers were taking a break from the lab, Piers happened to hear noises in the test subject room.
He found Laurie using a screwdriver on the Brain Enhancement equipment!
Piers: Miss Melendez! What do you think you're doing?
Laurie: I...I was only trying to upgrade your machine.
Piers: That CANNOT be the case, Miss Melendez. You have no handiness skill, nor does this machine need upgrading! You were deliberately trying to sabotage the device! Is that not correct? ...Well?
Laurie (with trembling lips): I'm so sorry, Lord Wimsel.
Bunter: Now there. No need to cry, Miss. His Lordship will have you fixed up in no time. Isn't that right, m'lord?
Piers (sighing): Unfortunately, I'm due at the Science Center for work just now, but I'll send my assistant Miss Vale up to run the scan in my stead.
Piers (whispering to Bunter): Keep an eye on her, Bunter. Next time, she might use a hammer on the equipment!
Bunter: I'll stay right with her, sir.
(Laurie had changed into her athletic outfit while waiting for Hera to be free. Even her hairstyle changed, but it's the same gal.)
Hera: Now don't be afraid, Laurie. The machine is perfectly safe. We've had no issues. ...That is, unless you damaged the machine with your tinkering.
Laurie: Oh no! I didn't think I'd be the first in the machine! Heavens!
Hera: Well, too late to worry about that now. In you go!
The Brain Machine kicked out Laurie's stats, and Hera was able to locate the offending trait and perform laser surgery to remove it. She then scanned other possibilities for a replacement.
Bunter: Might I suggest the Easily Impressed trait?
Hera: Hmm. Easily Impressed might be a good one. We'll need her to respond readily to direction while she's with us.
Bunter (smiling): Just what I was thinking.
Hera checked the results to ensure the new trait was properly attached.
The proof came soon after when Laurie, Ex-Technophobe and Device Demolisher, sat down and enjoyed a video game on the TV! The rehabilitation was a true success! Well done, Hera!
