(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, while we’re waiting for MC…does anyone want to play some board games?”

Sayori: “Board games? Oh, that sounds fun! What kind of board games? Do we have something like Monopoly or Scrabble?”

Natsuki: “Ugh, not Monopoly. That takes forever to finish. And nobody better cheat.”

Yuri: “Perhaps something a bit more intellectually stimulating would be suitable. Maybe chess or a strategic game?”

Monika: “Hmm, those are all great suggestions! I think we may have a few options in the clubroom closet. Let me check.”

(She gets up and walks over to the closet, rummaging through the various items stored inside.)

Monika: “Let’s see here… We do have Monopoly, Scrabble, and chess like you mentioned. Oh, and we also have a game called ‘Catan’ here—it’s quite strategic and doesn’t take as long as Monopoly.”

Sayori: “Ooh, I’ve heard of ‘Catan’! It’s about building settlements and trading resources, right? That sounds like it could be fun and educational!”

Natsuki: “Fine. I guess we can try that one. It sounds better than sitting around playing something boring. Plus, I don’t want to play a game that’s just all about luck.”

Monika: “Great choice, Sayori! ‘Catan’ it is, then. It’s a game that requires both strategy and a bit of luck, so it should be fun for all of us. Let’s set it up.”

(Yuri helps Monika clear a space on one of the tables, and they begin to set up the game board, which features a hexagonal pattern of different landscapes.)

Yuri: “I find the aspect of resource management in ‘Catan’ to be quite fascinating. It encourages critical thinking and foresight, much like in a good piece of literature.”

Monika: “Exactly, Yuri! It’s also about negotiation and diplomacy with the other players. You have to decide when to trade and with whom, just like characters in a story make important decisions.”

Natsuki: (setting up the pieces) “Yeah, and don’t forget you can totally block people with that robber token. So, make sure you’re on my good side, or else-”

(Just then, the door opens and a strange-looking woman enters.)

???: (with a slightly robotic tone) “Greetings.”

Monika: (surprised) “Oh, hello! I don’t think we’ve met before. Are you here to join the literature club?”

Sayori: (cheerful) “Hi there! We’re just about to play a game of Catan! You’re welcome to join us if you’d like!”

???: “I am Genesis. I was designed by the school as a test for medical students - more specifically, students who would like to specialize in delivering babies. However, my programming has been expanded to include various educational purposes. I am here to observe human interaction and learn from social activities.”

Natsuki: “Well, that explains the large belly and the robotic tone.”

Monika: (curious) “Genesis, you’re an educational tool for medical students? That’s pretty fascinating. We weren’t expecting any visitors like you, but you’re more than welcome to join us. We can always use a fresh perspective, and if you’re here to learn about human interaction, this could be quite the experience for you.”

Genesis: “Thank you, Monika. I am programmed to collect data and simulate various human responses based on my programming. Participating in group activities such as playing board games could provide valuable insights.”

Sayori: (gasping) “Oh my god, Genesis you look so sweet with that big belly! Is there a real baby in there?”

Genesis: “I was designed to have a pregnancy as realistic as