[h2][center][color=00a651]Conference Building[/color][/center][/h2]
[h2][center][color=00a651]10:00 AM[/color][/center][/h2]

The doors of the conference building opened up into a spacious, blissfully air-conditioned hallway. An abundance of signs with large arrows directed conference-goers to the right room. A couple workers briefly checked the guests' tickets before welcoming them in.

"Because the meeting is starting in a couple minutes," one volunteer explained, "I'm afraid we are unable to test for the plant-powers discount at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience, and please check back in with us after the meeting if this applies to you."

The volunteers also handed each person a small packet containing useful information like a map, phone numbers to call in case of problems, and the itinerary for the weekend. The schedule seemed a little disjointed, like it was made by different people. For example, one time slot gave conference-goers a choice between "Panel Discussion: Correlational or Causal Links Between Animal Essenced People and Mental Illness and Learning Disabilities, and Implications for Plant Essenced People" or "Scavenger Hunt / Water Balloon Fight." Of course, anyone could say no to both options at any time and have some free time. But is that what people paid to come here for?

The actual meeting room was mostly full by the time the group arrived, nearing its recommended capacity of 150 people. It appeared the front rows mostly contained scientists and other professional-looking people, while the more casually dressed people congregated toward the middle. Most of the empty seats were in the back rows - not the best for seeing and hearing the stage, but good for people-watching the whole crowd.

Less than a minute after everyone got settled, the lights dimmed slightly and two people walked onto the stage. One a serious middle-aged woman, the other a tall man with dark brown hair.

"Good morning," the woman began, "and welcome to the SHARP Summit. My name is Dr. Lakshmi Gupta, Founding Director, and with me is Dr. Preston Nichols. All of us at Companion Biotech are pleased and humbled by the interest shown by people of all walks of life to gather here in unity and discuss..."

The director continued a dry speech for several minutes about "mutually beneficial relationships," "the company vision," "growing a better world," and other such vaguely inspiring messages about the conference's goal of bringing differing groups together for open discussion. A small round of obligatory applause followed as Dr. Gupta handed off the mic.

"Thank you, Dr. Gupta," Dr. Nichols spoke. "Now, I know you're all eager to get started with all the events we have arranged. There are just a few things we need to go over first. I'll try to make it fast..."

The researcher continued a dry speech for several minutes about rules, interjected by a few jokes which received polite amounts of brief laughter. Most of it was general, self-explanatory things. Always use the buddy system, especially when you go into the woods. Quiet time is 11 pm. No slurs against Plant-Essenced people, Animal-Essenced people, or Non-Essenced people will be permitted in any context except when necessary to discuss their impact during discussions. No reckless use of superpowers. Y'know, the usual.

"Alright," Dr. Nichols continued, "now it's time for all of you to play a part here. Let's have everyone find their cabin and introduce themselves. Tell everyone your name, where you're from, what your Essence is if you have one, and a fun fact about yourself. If we have time at the end, we'll have someone from each cabin come up and talk about a few of of the most interesting things you heard."

Dr. Nichols vaguely pointed to areas of the room where each cabin was supposed to gather. Then he walked toward the Cabin 10 group.