Ioneil Orbital Station

A few days before the event in question, the station begins to get oddly, almost unseasonably hot and humid, as much as the station appears to have seasons at all. Around the same time, posters start appearing, magnetically tacked to the walls, proclaim the upcoming festival, sponsored by the Crimson Star corporation.

But chances are that whatever you expected, it wasn't this. Even as much as the Station is usually sensual, the festival has transformed it into a quite literal red light district - all the lighting dyed in shades of crimson, gold, and other warm colors in honor of the sponsorship. And the people...

...Well, the people certainly seem to be into it. In contrast to the normal work clothes over bodysuits, everyone in the Station seems to have come out to strut their best - and their best often leaves either little to the imagination or a lot to the implication. Even those of other companies have jumped into the fun, and many of them have adopted red-feather rosettes on their hair or clothes to signal their participation in the festival. (A bowl of such rosettes can be found in the common room the first day of the event, for those so inclined.)

The single rule of the festival seems to be age-old wisdom - look, but don't touch. And while many people's outfits hover just shy of revealing what they shouldn't (which seems largely to mean 'genitals,' though you'll find more women with covered chests than men, it's hardly an absolute thing). Burlesque and various sorts of robes, artfully arranged to hang off the shoulders or too short to hide more than the bare minimums, seem to be the most popular fashions, and vibrant colors - not just red and gold but the full spectrum of the rainbow, though, as is often the case, company colors predominate - overtake the streets.

Those who have been waiting and saving up to buy themselves some real clothes will find that, for an appropriate definition of "real clothes" for the festival, almost all of it is on sale. Stock Up on Stockings, proclaims one sign, while other advertise robes, lingerie, corsets, flashy heels... Hair, nail, and makeup products are also on sale.

And once you feel you're at your best, it's time to take to the streets. Because the Crimson Star corporation isn't just fashionistas - they're performers, and for the four days of the festival proper, they are out to perform. Glittering beneath the lights, dancers, acrobats, and singers in particular take over the red-trimmed stages that have been set up in many of the open spaces between buildings and in the city's parks.

And if you're willing to take to the stages yourself, you might manage to catch the eye of someone very interesting indeed...

" - So thank you for your participation in our program!" finishes the holographic projection's chipper voice. The androgynous figure of a Fortune employee in uniform bows. "The rest of the participants will be gathering in the central lounge shortly. Please enjoy your stay at Ioneil Station!"

And with that, you're left on your own as the hologram cuts out, nothing but a body suit and a number of informational pamphlets to your name. One of them includes your housing room number and the name of your roommate - and since evidently you can't stay here, you'd better go out and meet them.

The elevator you enter automatically takes you down to the lounge in question - a wide-open room with minimal decoration and plenty of posh, comfortable furniture. And there's a dozen or so other people coming - enough for things to be interesting, at least.

Your rooms are down a low hallway - space is cramped, so you'd better get used to close quarters... Unless you're ready for close quarters of an altogether different kind, after all.