Each contestant was selected because of some aspect that made him or her unique – something that would stand out from all the plain Janes and typical Joes in the ViewNode.

For some, it was their body-mod. For others, it was the crazy name their parents or growers bestowed upon them, just to stand out from the crowd.

Of course, being selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was now fueling the “I’m more special than you” ego-self-stroking in which everyone in the dormitory was presently engaged.

Painted skin, pierced flesh and bio-adds were de rigeur for the affair. Ribo took quick stock of the competition, stifling a semi-shocked laugh at the cat/woman who modded the tip of her tail for something obviously put to use with a bit more privacy.

After an hour of mingling, flirting and sharing life stories, Ribo, sick and tired of the one-upmanship, scanned for a quick exit…until there he was.

The incongruity.

The one that was not like the others.