Pulling into the mansion seems very normal for her, even though her car does not seem to fit. The over-sized mansion seems to be more fitting a limousine, than her sub-compact electric car. The immaculate brickwork and architecture on the eaves of the roof do not seem to match her simple t-shirt and jeans. The pizza box in her hands is not delivery, but a frozen one from a local grocery store, which seems unlikely to have ever passed through the massive double doors in the back of the house.

 Norra walks in like she owns the place, and while she clearly does not, she is a family friend who has come here for almost her whole life. Her best friend, Elizabeth Peoria van der Walkhaven, lives here when she is not in college with Norra. Elli (who wants a name so long you have to take a breath while saying it) and Norra have a standing pizza and movie night weekly during the summer. Norra provides the pizza, and Elli provides the home theater (complete with a popcorn machine and full bar). The short, brown-haired Norra hears lots more noises than usual as she comes in, but that is not alarming to her. The house is so big, Elli's parents have a full staff of both human and androids to keep it running properly. Her dad hosts lots of events and parties here as part of his job. Some say it is Elli's mom that likes to host the parties, but it is hard to tell who enjoys them more: him or her.

 Before Norra can make it to the main corridor of the house, she feels a hand grip her arm firmly and direct her into a side room. She turns to protest, but sees Elli with a worried look on her face. "Hey, what's the..." Norra starts to say, but Elli "shushes" her until the door is closed in the spacious side room that has no real purpose that can be discerned from here. "What are you doing here, Nor?" Elli asks firmly. Norra regains her composure and holds up the defrosting pizza, "Uh, it's movie night, right?" Elli slaps her palm against her head, and that is when Norra notices her outfit. She looks to be wearing a chef's outfit of some type. She is wearing white pants that are not as tight as she usually wears in college. Her top is like a jacket that buttons off the one side and not in the front. Her hair is slicked back with a pony tail that helps hold up a tall white chef’s hat.

 "No, no, and no," Elli says quickly, "Remember, I told you not this weekend because of my dad's event." Norra tries to recall that while trying to make sense of her outfit, and trying to ignore her wet hand from the condensation from the pizza, which she would like to wipe on her tattered, tight-jean hip. "You know Daddy likes to host his annual live-action board game weekend, right?" Norra nods as Elli continues, "Well, this weekend is the 10th anniversary of that, so he is going back to the original one: Clue." Norra recalls that one. She was young, but remembers Elli spending the weekend with her during it. They had so much fun, she still remembers when...wait, Elli is talking again.

 "...and I noticed your car being pulled around to the back lot by security for weekend storage, and I knew you forgot. Looks like you are stuck here for the weekend. No way you can sneak out now." Norra, trying to catch up, asks, "What's the big deal? Your parents seems to like me, right?"

 "Oh, yes, they love you like a daughter, but this weekend event will have some of the biggest names in business and politics. Security is locking everything down during those times. The only reason you got in is because you came in the servant's alternate entrance, which they are not locking down until..." looking at her cellphone, "5 minutes ago." Norra begins to understand now, that her presence is not only a nuisance to Elli, but a real financial and social problem for her parents. "Oh geez, I'm so sorry...I’m sure you told me, but I didn't even remember it was this weekend. Wait”, suddenly realizing something, “why aren't you leaving?"

 Elli smiles for the first time since Nora got there, "Well, I convinced Daddy that I could play a part in the game, so I'm the Head Chef. I even have lines and pieces of the puzzle for the participants to ask me."

 "Hmm, that does explain the outfit…" Norra says with a grin. Grabbing her arm again, Elli leads Norra away, "Look, Nor, you can play a different game called: hide and seek. We have hidden for hours from people in the past, so I know you can again. Stay away from people, and androids if possible...I'll get you some food when I can." Based on all Elli has just said, Norra has never felt sillier than she does now, holding a defrosted frozen pizza in a lavish mansion while some of the biggest names in politics and social society are all around her.

 After several turns, Norra recognizes this hallway, "This is the servant's area, right?" Elli replies in a much more cheerful tons, "Yep, start here and I'll find you once everyone is in bed. The game will officially start at dinner this evening and go until Sunday lunch. Everyone will be in character that whole time, so it will be exhausting, but fun...I've been waiting a whole year to really help with this." Norra begins to remind her of last year, but Elli holds up her hand, "I don't count holding the sign for one of the slides when they played Chutes and Ladders on the back grounds last year." Norra recalls seeing them building that board game last year...it was a theme park of slides and ladders (which were mostly just steep steps). Elli and her got to slide down them after the weekend was over.

 "Okay, got to go...it's almost time for the orientation. Mommy and Daddy are gonna tell everyone the rules with all of the players and side characters in the Main Parlor room. I have to be there. Stay out of trouble!" And with a quick hug and reassuring smile, she was gone. Norra breathed a heavy sigh, "well, this isn't what I had planned, but it could be fun, right?" Her optimistic question falls flat in the now-silent hallway.

 Avoiding being seen is not hard, when you know the schedule. But the schedule this weekend is not normal, so Norra runs into Ahybara within 5 minutes. Ahybara is the head android for the household, so she knows everything that is going on this weekend (she might even know who the "killer" is). She is the tallest android Norra has ever seen, well over 6 feet tall. Her dark skin tone contrasts with her white suit. She is wearing what appears to be a white tux with a blue bow tie and cummerbund. Her suit looks somewhat shiny and creaks slightly, so it is probably a form of leather. It is tight enough that you see her curves, making sure you know she is female. Her stern facial expression rarely changes, and her eyes seem to stare right through you, so you know she is an android and means business.

 Norra does not belong here, but she is thankful she dumped the pizza in a trashcan several minutes ago. When Ahybara questions her, she has to think quickly. The good news: Ahybara made an AI assumption based on the context clues, which gives Norra an out. "Android, there should be no one down here at this time. What is your designation?" Norra gulps, still surprised she got caught so quickly, but then replies something from her almost-forgotten memory, "N0884." This is the "designation" she would give herself when Elli and her would try to fool the android staff when they were younger. Back then, the head android was an exceptionally tall, and equally dark skinned, android named Antonio. He was never fooled by Elli, as her appearance was well documented as a family member. Norra could get away with it for a while, which made for some fun between the two friends. She remembers the time when...

 Ahybara processes her reply and interrupts her thoughts, "Ah, from extended storage, that makes logical sense that you are lost. You will need to be reformatted for the weekend. Follow me." Ahybara puts her index finger under Norra's chin. She can feel a slight pulsing, reminding her of...follow Ahybara. The head android has certain properties others do not, like the "leash protocol" used to get androids to their proper place or moved for repairs. As it turns out, this can work on humans to a certain degree.

 Norra (or N0884) follows Ahybara like a leashed dog wherever she is led. Ahybara walks slowly but purposefully to the maintenance room. Stepping in, she activates the autocloset for androids. "Your software will be updated as will your outfit. You are to report to the Main Parlor once you exit the autocloset." Norra replies in a monotone, "Unit N0884 complies with instructions." With her finger still under Norra's chin, Ahybara backs her into the autocloset, removing her hand just as the door closes. The solid sound of the door closing and locking clears Norra's head. "Wait, how did I get..." Her thoughts are interrupted as the machine begins to remove all her clothes to prepare this "android" for the live-action board game.

 Norra is not an athlete, but she works out a couple times a week with Elli. However, her body must not be quite up to what the autocloset expected. The weird looking catsuit that she was forced into pulls her stomach in like a corset, pads her buttcheeks and hips slightly, and perks her chest beyond anything natural. The suit was a skin tone, of sorts, but it was paler than her normal skin color. As she looked on her new rather-curvy, yet color splotched body, she did not notice the visor that came down over her head. While the autocloset begins to even out her skin tone with some type of spray, the visor locks onto her head and begins showing her images in fast succession. She cannot even process it, as it goes so fast. She tries to close her eyes, but she cannot help but stare at the crazy movie going in front of her.

 When the autocloset door opens, she hears, "Dinner Guest #7, activate weekend personality and report to the Main Parlor for instructions." Norra blinks her eyes and holds her hand up to her forehead, trying to process why she...she..."Unit N0884 complies. Activating personality." Android N0884 stands up straighter then steps out of the autocloset. With a purpose and rather sultry walk, the android moves to the door and makes its way to the Main Parlor.

 "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 10th annual live-action board game event!" Mr van der Walkhaven pauses for a moment as the people sitting around the room clap. His build is thin, like a person who should eat more at meals but chooses not to. His suit is a fabulous deep green that costs more money that an average person makes in a year. His confident mannerisms and voice make one believe whatever he says without question. As the clapping dies down, another voice adds, "It is hard to believe it has been ten years, as it feels like it was just yesterday we were here like this for the first time." Mrs van der Walkhaven stands near her husband, a rather short woman who might be considered full-figured, but still in good shape (the phrase said of her is “she wears her weight well”). Her purple dress is tight in all the right places, and she "looks like a million dollars" but might take offense to looking that cheap (she usually gets a laugh from that joke).

 "Like the actual game, you are trying to solve the mystery. To do that, you will need to interview the players around the room. On the left here, we have our human players." Everyone follows his hand gesture to the long line of people standing off to one side of the expansive room. They are all dressed differently: the head butler, the head chef, the gardener, the head maid, other dinner guests, etc. "These are the ones who will hold more information about what is going on around here. They will be in character all weekend, so do not try to ask them modern day questions...this is full immersion." Some people chuckle at that, because he knows some of them will try and break that immersion, just for fun. But, Mr van der Walkhaven only employees the best actors and actresses for this, so he feels confident that no problem will arise. And truth be told, after a few hours, everyone relaxes and starts truly playing the game anyway.

 "And on the right, we have our android players." Everyone turns to see an even longer line of maids and butlers and cooks and party guests, standing stiffly on the shiny marble floor. Each one stands at attention, making little to no effort to move or acknowledge anyone. Towards the end of the line, there is a female android, dressed in a full length, electric blue leather dress. Her pale skin is a good contrast of the dress color, and her jet black hair may hold a bit of blue in it, but it is hard to tell. The spell of the autocloset having worn off, Norra says to herself, keep looking forward...no expression...you're an android, remember that. "Now, these participants will be of some help, but not as much as the human ones."

 One fellow butts in, "You're probably just saying that to throw us off." The others nod and laugh at that. Mr van der Walkhaven replies with a smirk, "True...but I paid for the human participants much more than the androids, so you do the math. With that said, I do not want you ‘cornered’ by an AI trying to be human, so if you feel the need to maximize your time, a direct, logical command to an android participant should release you. For example, saying ‘enjoy the view’ will start a subroutine that will allow you to sneak away. However, saying, ‘isn’t the view lovely’ will just continue the conversation." But pressing onto more important matters, he continues excitedly, "So, you each have a bracelet to let you know when it is your turn. All doors to all rooms of significance have been locked. Only you can open them when it is your turn. The main and common areas are available to anyone, including the kitchen. You can step outside, but all gates are locked and cannot be opened until your turn, but the main exterior grounds is quite extensive without it being your turn. All staff will be in character and performing their duties, so we will have meals and entertainment, just like an actual party. The one difference: someone will be "killed" after dinner, and it is up to you to figure out who that is by Sunday lunch. Each of you have been given instructions on your part and your piece of the puzzle. You get one ‘accusation’ for the entire weekend, so make it count." Those around the room murmur as they start to play off their part of the weekend. "can't remember much...don't ask me...I get things backwards all the time..." to which Mr van der Walkhaven grins slightly, the deception has already begun...let the game begin!

 Mrs van der Walkhaven knows that smirk, so she adds, "Just a few final things before we move to the dining room to eat. There is nothing in this weekend designed to injure or hurt anyone. I know you all have work waiting on you Monday, so this is a fun, safe environment. At any time you feel there is an emergency, talk to the head chef...she is the only one, and I do mean the only one, allowed to break character and can help you. The emergency word to her is: pomegranate." Everyone turns to Elli, as she waves slightly. "And as to strategy, we have designed this for those of you who think they need to talk to everyone, or talk to no one, or to just enjoy your time off. Your bracelets have more than just turn information updating on them...we truly want an engaging, fun experience. But, make no mistake, there will be a winner at the end, but how you get there is entirely up to you. Any questions?"

 Most of the attendees have been to this type of weekend before, so they had read the rules and background information weeks ago, and then again this week, poring over any possible hints to help them. Many of these "important people" have waited 363 days from the last one for this to come around again. Admittedly, this one is more complicated than some of the others like Sorry or Chutes and Ladders, but it was hard to fault the overly-simple weekend of Candy Land...the sight and sounds and tastes were amazing. However, there is always that need to beat someone by strategy, so Battleship was definitely a fun favorite (especially when the retired-Admiral-now-Senator's aircraft carrier was sunk while he was on it by the President's teenage daughter...the sight of him splashing in water up to his knees while in full uniform was comical to say the least), but none have compared to Clue and Catan for sheer competition. Mrs van der Walkhaven spends a great deal of money to keep the press away, so this weekend can be fun and safe: physically, emotionally, and more importantly to some, socially and professionally.

 One hand goes up in the back, a young man who seems too young to be playing this weekend. "This is my first time here, and I wanted to clarify one detail that is important to me." Everyone turns to face him as he asks, "Who are we allowed to ‘get it on with’ over the weekend?" The men chuckle and the women frown at him, well at least some do. He holds up his hands, "It seems like a fair question, especially if this is supposedly a safe (holds up two hands to air quote) environment." Mrs van der Walkhaven nods, but her husband answers, "All participants are in character, so if it is within their character's personality to do so with you, they will. You can ask, but no still means no, even if it is an android." Norra breathes a sigh of relief at that. Now, she thinks with a sigh, Tom Dessinger is quite handsome, so I wouldn't mind having some time alone with him, but I sure don't want to go all the way with Mrs Beardha, who is known to dump her own mistresses to court her husband's mistresses.

 "Well, if there are no other questions...staff, you are dismissed to prepare for dinner. All others meet in the main dining room in 5 minutes." And with that, the van der Walkhaven's make their exit, and the room is a buzz with talking. Norra starts to walk out, when she hears a buzzing in her ear, like an annoying bug that won't...Dinner Guest #7 personality activated. The blue-dressed android puts her left hand on her hip and holds out her arm to a nearby gentleman. Her electric-blue gloved hand is but inches from his face, "I wonder if there is a man who would escort me to the dining room." The man, who is probably twice Norra's age, clears his throat and stands up. He takes her hand in his and says, "Mr Mann, at your service. Allow me, Mrs..."

 “Gatsby...Miss Gatsby...so nice to have someone so kind and good-looking to help me find my way on this mysterious night." As Miss Gatsby is slowly led out of the room by the man, he asks, "Mysterious?" She nods her head, "Well, I'm sure you have heard of our host's financial woes...it seems unlikely they could keep the lights on, let alone feed us all tonight." And with that...the game begins for everyone invited, and for the one person who wasn’t.