#tslc gen 1

[unflirtysimmer]

Inside the gym, Mercury quickly made her way to the leg curl machine, setting herself up for the first exercise of the day. The rhythmic sound of the machine’s weights clinking filled the air as she began her sets, focusing on the controlled movement of each rep. The burn in her legs was familiar, almost comforting—it reminded her that she was pushing herself, testing her limits.

As she settled into her routine, she overheard the chatter from Paolo and Ozzy, who were standing a few feet away, chatting in front of the pull-down bars. Paolo was leaning casually against the equipment, flashing his usual cocky grin, while Ozzy stood a little farther back, hands in his pockets, clearly unbothered by the conversation.

Paolo (with a grin): “You know, you really oughta hit the gym more often, Ozzy. Girls love a guy with arms like these." He flexed his biceps, a playful but confident smirk on his face.

Ozzy (smirking back): “Yeah, and girls love a guy who doesn’t spend all his time flexing in the mirror,” he shot back, his tone light and teasing.

Paolo chuckled, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll give you that one. But you have to admit, I’m the one with the real moves.”

Mercury rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile at the banter. She wasn’t sure how Paolo managed to stay so confident all the time, but his charm had a way of rubbing off on the group—sometimes in hilarious ways. Ozzy, on the other hand, was always quick with a comeback, and his easygoing attitude kept the group dynamic grounded.

She finished up her leg curls and moved to the pull-down bars, setting the weight before beginning her sets. As she pulled the bar down with controlled power, she listened to Paolo continue his one-sided conversation with Ozzy, clearly undeterred by the fact that Ozzy wasn’t paying him much attention.

Paolo: “You know, man, you’ve got potential. You just gotta take advantage of it. Maybe I’ll show you how to lift properly sometime. I’m not saying you’re doing it wrong, but…”

Ozzy (interrupting): “Uh-huh. Let me guess, you’re gonna make me follow your expert advice while you check yourself out in the mirror?”

Paolo laughed and shrugged. “Maybe. But at least I’m giving you the tips you need.”

Mercury finished her set and shot a glance over at them, shaking her head with a chuckle. She wasn’t about to join in on their conversation—she was here to work, after all—but she couldn’t help enjoying the energy they brought to the gym. It was these little moments of lightheartedness that made the gym feel like a place she could be herself, even as she continued her mission of understanding Earth and its inhabitants.

[fire-and-sparks]

some skill building

[forgotten-elves]

Playing the Space Legacy by @simsandstrawberries (with aliens of course)

Full screenshots under the cut

[simsandstrawberries]

Mercury: Oh boy, I can’t wait to see what my wonderful husband has been up to on the beach!

The husband in question:

<< | >>

[unflirtysimmer]

Six months had passed since Mercury had been left in the sandy desert town. The days were long and hot, the nights cool and quiet, and Mercury had settled into a rhythm, blending in as best she could with the humans she had come to study. Her luminous features had been cleverly masked with a bit of human ingenuity—her disguise helped her fit in, though her sharp wit and curious nature often set her apart.

Adapting to human life had been anything but straightforward. Without a past, finding work was nearly impossible, and her curiosity about Earth’s darker side led her to the criminal underworld. The job wasn’t glamorous, but it kept her afloat and introduced her to contacts who specialized in obtaining "unofficial" paperwork. Though she questioned the legality of the documents, they worked well enough to establish her as a citizen. With these, she secured a modest house in Oasis Springs, a quiet suburban neighborhood where her neighbors didn’t pry.

To balance her unconventional job, she sought connection. She joined a local fitness club called the Powerhouse, where her natural athleticism quickly earned her respect and camaraderie. The club became her sanctuary—a place where she could blend in, build relationships, and learn the nuances of human friendship.

[unflirtysimmer]

The UFO hovered silently over the sandy expanse, its metallic sheen catching the faint glow of the stars above. Below, in a quiet desert town surrounded by dunes, Mercury stood with her alien parents, their forms glowing faintly in the moonlight. She glanced around, her blue hair catching the light as her luminous eyes took in her new surroundings—a world both foreign and fascinating.

Her father, tall and commanding with an aura of quiet authority, placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "Mercury," he began, his voice carrying the weight of their mission across the still night, "this is where your journey begins. You must learn their ways—their emotions, how they love, grieve, and hope. Study their technology, crude but resourceful. Observe their strengths and their weaknesses. Only through understanding them can we comprehend their place in the cosmos."

Her mother, radiating warmth and tenderness, crouched beside her, placing a small, iridescent charm into her daughter’s hand. "This charm will remind you of home," she said softly, her voice a contrast to her husband’s commanding tone. "Immerse yourself fully in their world, Mercury. Learn all there is to know about life—its beauty and its fragility. When you have understood it all, you will return to us, carrying the wisdom we seek."

Mercury nodded, her resolve firm, though a flicker of doubt lingered in her mind. Would she be able to fulfill their expectations? The UFO began to hum softly, the ramp retracting as her parents stepped back into its gleaming interior. They looked at her one last time, their expressions unreadable but filled with the weight of both pride and expectation.

In an instant, the craft shot upward, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the night sky. Mercury turned to face the distant town, the faint glow of its warm lights flickering against the vast, empty desert. She placed her hands on her hips and smirked. “Well, if they can survive out here, this should be a piece of cake.”

With a confident stride, she started toward the town, her curiosity and determination burning brighter than ever.

[unflirtysimmer]

Space Legacy Challenge

Hi everyone! I'm Bayleigh, as some of you might remember. I used to be all over simblr when I was in high school and started posting my Not So Berry Challenge, I'm A Lover Challenge, Shameless Legacy Challenge, Cliches Challenge, and Midnight Sun Challenge. I even made a very bad legacy of my own called Brooding Teen about vampires. Here is my navigation page if anyone is curious...

That was nearly 8 years ago I think... since then I have graduated college, and with my newfound time that I'm not in school I decided to do another challenge after many years of neglecting my account.

I will be stating the Space Legacy Challenge by @simsandstrawberries

Apparently everyone had the same idea of doing this challenge using aliens?... so I will be doing the same :) I will be posting the first post tomorrow!

[unflirtysimmer]

After the waiter left with their orders, the conversation between Mercury and Travis continued to flow, but now there was a subtle undercurrent of nervousness. Mercury was still trying to strike the right balance between being open and hiding parts of herself—parts she couldn't afford to reveal just yet.

“So, what about you?” Travis asked, his gaze curious but friendly. “You said you like working out... but what else do you do when you're not at the gym or reading?”

Mercury hesitated for a moment, her fingers tapping gently on the edge of her water glass. “Well, I guess... I like to explore different places around town,” she said, keeping her tone light. “There’s always something new to see, whether it’s a park, a hidden coffee shop, or even just a quiet spot to think.”

“That’s cool,” Travis said, nodding. “I think I should get out more. I kind of get stuck in my own world sometimes with programming and gaming. You know, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole world outside.”

Mercury gave him a small, reassuring smile. “I get that. Sometimes, the best thing is just to get outside, even for a little while. It’s refreshing.”

She felt the conversation shift, but still, she remained cautious. She couldn’t give too much away about herself—not the full truth, anyway.

“So,” Travis began, leaning forward slightly, “anything you’re really passionate about? Something you could talk about for hours?”

Mercury’s mind raced, trying to find something safe to mention. “I guess... I’m really interested in how things work. Like, the way systems operate, whether it’s a workout routine or... even the way people interact. It’s fascinating how everything fits together in some way.”

Travis raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “So, like... you’re into problem-solving too?”

“Yeah,” she said quickly, flashing a small smile, “I guess you could say that. It’s the way my mind works, I guess. I like finding solutions, figuring things out.”

“That’s cool,” Travis said, taking a sip of his drink. “Kind of like me with programming. It’s all about breaking things down and seeing how it all fits together.”

Mercury nodded, trying to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. But she couldn’t help letting slip a little quirk of knowledge. “I’ve always thought it’s interesting how... numbers and patterns can be so connected. Like, how the Fibonacci sequence shows up in nature. It’s kind of amazing, don’t you think? How mathematics can be this hidden language, present in everything.”

Travis blinked, clearly impressed. “Yeah, that’s true. I never thought about it that way. It’s like everything has its own kind of code. That’s pretty deep.”

Mercury gave a small, quiet laugh, feeling a sense of pride in having shared something that felt a little more hers than the surface-level talk about games and work. She didn’t mind showing off a little bit of knowledge, as long as it didn’t reveal too much.

“So, uh...” Travis trailed off, seeming to consider his next question carefully. “Tell me something about you that I wouldn’t expect. Something... unusual?”

Mercury’s heart skipped. It was a simple question, but it felt like a trap. She couldn’t just reveal the truth—she couldn’t tell him she was from another world, or that she had been studying Earth to figure out how humans really felt, what made them tick.

She smiled and leaned back in her chair, trying to keep the mood light. “Well, I once spent an entire night getting lost in the city... on purpose. I was trying to see if I could navigate my way out without asking for directions. It was... an interesting experience.”

Travis laughed. “That’s bold. I’d probably get hopelessly lost and end up calling an Uber.”

Mercury’s smile widened slightly, relieved that her answer had passed as quirky rather than strange. “I guess it’s about trusting yourself,” she said softly, leaning in a little as if to emphasize her point. “And realizing you can figure things out on your own... eventually.”

There was a pause in the conversation, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Mercury could feel herself starting to relax again, her nerves easing as the evening went on. She had to remind herself that this wasn’t about being perfect. It was about connecting, even if it was in small, unexpected ways.

Travis smiled and picked up his drink. “You know, I admire that. I’m usually the type to overthink things. I could learn a lot from someone like you.”

Mercury’s heart fluttered a little at the compliment, but she tried to keep her expression neutral. “Well, I don’t always have everything figured out,” she said with a soft laugh. “But sometimes, you just have to trust the process, right?”

“Exactly,” Travis agreed, smiling. “It’s all about letting things unfold.”

Mercury gave him a small nod, her mind turning. She had to admit, she was starting to understand the rhythm of the conversation. It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t a deep, life-changing connection. But it was real—at least for the moment.

[unflirtysimmer]

Just then, the waiter came over, and they both glanced at the menu.

“I think I’ll go with the lobster tonight,” Travis said, glancing up at Mercury. "How about you?"

Mercury looked down at the menu and smiled, feeling more at ease than she had when she first sat down. “I think I’ll try the salmon.”

[unflirtysimmer]

Sitting across from Travis at the small table, Mercury felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. The soft lighting, the faint hum of conversation around them, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the restaurant all combined to create a comfortable, intimate space. It wasn’t what she had expected—she had braced herself for awkward silences or forced pleasantries—but instead, the conversation flowed naturally.

“So, what do you like to do when you're not working or on dates?” Travis asked, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed smile. His fingers absentmindedly tapped on the edge of his glass, as if enjoying the simplicity of the moment.

Mercury thought for a moment. “I like to read... and, well, working out keeps me busy, too. It’s a good way to clear my head.” She hesitated, not wanting to say too much about herself, but the question seemed casual enough.

Travis smiled, clearly intrigued. “That sounds nice. I usually unwind with video games. I’m kind of a tech nerd, you could say. I work as a programmer during the day, but in my free time, I’m deep into games. Sometimes I get into programming mods for them, which is... weirdly satisfying. You ever play anything?”

Mercury’s eyes lit up at the mention of video games. "I’ve tried a few," she said, trying to sound casual. "It’s not something I do a lot, though." She paused, curious. “What’s your favorite game?”

Travis grinned. “Right now? It’s definitely this strategy game I’ve been playing on my computer. It’s all about building empires, managing resources... kinda like a simulation, but on a grander scale. I’m into the kind of games where it’s all about problem-solving and thinking ahead.”

Mercury raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. “Sounds like it takes a lot of focus.”

“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “It’s my way of shutting off the world for a bit, you know? Programming and games are all I really need to feel like I’ve spent my time well. Plus, there’s always something new to learn.”

Mercury smiled. “I can see the appeal. You’re really into the tech world, huh?”

“Definitely,” he replied, leaning forward slightly. “It’s the future, you know? It’s not just about games anymore. Tech drives everything. I love being able to make things work, to find ways to improve what’s already out there.”

Mercury found herself genuinely engaged in the conversation. Travis's passion for technology was refreshing. It wasn’t something she had expected, but it made her realize how much human connection could be about the exchange of ideas, shared interests, and finding joy in things—no matter how different they were from her own.

[unflirtysimmer]

The restaurant wasn’t far—a cozy place with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. It was the kind of spot that felt both casual and intimate, perfect for a first date. As soon as she entered, she spotted Travis almost immediately. He was sitting at a table near the window, looking just like his photos—dressed casually but neatly, with a confident air about him.

[unflirtysimmer]

Mercury sat alone on the couch in her small, cozy living room, her book resting in her lap as she absentmindedly flipped through the pages. The words blurred in front of her eyes, but she wasn’t really reading them. Her thoughts kept drifting away from the text, landing instead on the upcoming date.

It had been a few days since she’d matched with Travis on Cupid's Corner. He was smart, easy to talk to, and they had exchanged a few light-hearted jokes and stories. Tonight was the night they were supposed to meet in person. It was a step toward something bigger—a deeper understanding of human emotions, particularly love and connection. Mercury’s family had given her clear instructions: to understand Earth fully, she needed to experience these emotions herself. Romance wasn’t just a curiosity; it was a necessity. She had to feel what it was like to connect with someone on this level. Only then could she truly grasp the complexities of human interaction.

But romance had been tricky. She hadn’t had much luck with it on Earth. The more she tried, the more it felt like she was performing—getting the words right, but never quite the connection. Despite her best efforts, something always felt like it was missing. This time, though, she was determined. She needed to get it. This wasn’t just another date; it was part of her mission.

Mercury glanced down at her book again, but her mind wandered. Focus, she reminded herself. Tonight wasn’t just about her—it was about learning, understanding, and getting closer to her goal. If she could figure this out, maybe it would bring her one step closer to returning home.

She closed the book and stood up. The house was quiet, the hum of the city barely audible through the window. It was almost time. She walked toward her bedroom, searching for something appropriate to wear. She needed to feel confident, to look like she belonged in this world. She quickly picked out a simple, stylish dress—nothing too fancy, but enough to show she cared about the evening.

As she slipped into the dress, her phone buzzed in her hand. A text from Travis:

"Hey! Looking forward to tonight. I’ll meet you at the restaurant in 20 minutes. Can’t wait to finally meet you in person!"

Mercury smiled slightly. The nerves in her chest calmed just a bit. She typed a quick reply:

"Same here! I’m excited to finally meet. See you soon!"

She grabbed her purse, slipped her phone inside, and headed out the door. The cool night air greeted her as she stepped outside, her mind racing with possibilities. It didn’t matter what happened tonight, she reminded herself. This was just another step toward understanding. But as she walked down the street, her steps felt a little lighter. Maybe tonight could be different.

[unflirtysimmer]

When Mercury got home, she quickly kicked off her gym shoes and headed straight for her bedroom. She tossed her gym bag onto the bed, grabbed her work attire from the closet, and changed into something more suitable for the evening.

With a sigh, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door. The city was quiet as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the street. She could feel the shift in energy, the buzz of the day winding down as the nightlife began to wake up. But not for her—not today.

She walked briskly to work, keeping her head down and her pace steady. The late-night hours at the job were something she had grown used to, but it still left her feeling drained by the end of the shift.

Her workplace was tucked away on a side street, a small, dimly lit building with a flickering neon sign that read “Wright’s Customs.” The business was far from glamorous—just a hole-in-the-wall operation that provided quick fixes and patch jobs for people who needed things done off the books. As a new recruit, she didn’t have the luxury of easy work. She’d been assigned to the back, where all the heavy lifting and less glamorous tasks were handled.

The hours were long, and the work was often tedious, but it gave her the cover she needed. Mercury worked quietly, getting lost in the rhythm of the tasks at hand—organizing files, making deliveries, and sometimes picking up materials or running errands. It was mind-numbing work, but it kept her occupied and helped her maintain the fake identity she’d built over the last few months. By the time the clock struck midnight, the place was nearly empty.

When the shift finally ended, Mercury was exhausted. She rubbed her eyes, the weight of the day’s tasks pressing down on her. There was still so much to figure out, and no matter how much she learned about Earth, it never quite felt like enough. Still, she pushed those thoughts aside, grabbing her things and heading out into the cool night.

The walk home was quiet, the streets empty except for a few stragglers heading to nearby bars or late-night shops. She kept her pace brisk, focusing on the familiar rhythm of her footsteps. It was late, but she needed to sleep, to be ready for another round tomorrow.

[unflirtysimmer]

As the sauna session came to an end, Mercury stood up, stretching her arms above her head. The heat had done wonders for her muscles, leaving her feeling relaxed and at ease. The rest of the group was still lounging, enjoying the last few moments of quiet, but Mercury knew it was time to head out.

She turned to Jacob, who was still laying back with his eyes closed. "See you later, Jacob. Don't get too comfortable in here, the gym’s calling your name," she teased with a grin.

Jacob opened one eye, smirking. "You know it, Mercury. I’ll catch you later."

Ozzy, always the last to leave a conversation, waved from his spot, where he’d been half-lying, half-sitting. “Take it easy, Mercury. Try not to overdo it with the work thing. You know, balance and all that.”

“Got it, Ozzy,” she said with a playful wink, heading toward the door. “Don’t miss me too much.”

With a final wave to the group, Mercury stepped out of the sauna, the cool air hitting her as she made her way to the locker room.

[unflirtysimmer]

She had learned early on that the sauna was a favorite hangout spot for the Powerhouse group, a place to relax and unwind after a hard workout. As she entered, the warm, steamy air hit her, and the faint scent of eucalyptus and sweat filled the space.

As Mercury stepped into the sauna, she immediately spotted Jacob already lounging on one of the benches, a towel casually draped around his shoulders. He gave her a grin as she walked in.

“Well, look who decided to join us!” Jacob said, his voice light and teasing. He patted the spot beside him. “I was starting to think you were gonna skip out on the best part of the day.”

Mercury chuckled, settling down next to him. “Nah, I just needed to catch my breath after that workout,” she said with a playful wink. “Besides, I know you guys would miss me if I didn’t show up.”

Jacob laughed, nudging her gently. “Of course, we wouldn’t want to be deprived of your charm.” He stretched out, clearly comfortable in the warm, relaxing atmosphere. “But seriously, you were killing it today. You’ve got some serious moves.”

Paolo, overhearing their conversation, piped up from across the room, grinning as usual. “Mercury’s always showing off. But hey, I can’t blame her, we’re all just trying to keep up!”

Ozzy, who had been lying back on the lowest bench, groaned theatrically. “Oh, please. Let’s not turn this into another ‘who’s the best’ competition,” he said with a smile, half-mocking, half-joking. “We’re here to relax, not give ourselves more work.”

Clara, sitting up gracefully, nodded in agreement. “Exactly, darling. I’m just here to detox and enjoy the peaceful vibes.” She flashed a playful smile. “No need to stress over who's lifting the most weight or showing off.”

Jacob raised an eyebrow at Clara, grinning. “Oh, come on, Clara, I thought we were all here to get sweaty together.”

Mercury rolled her eyes with a smirk. “We’re all sweating in our own way,” she said, leaning back and closing her eyes for a moment, letting the heat work its magic.

Paolo grinned, looking around at the group. “Exactly! This is the best part of the workout. No weights, no machines, just good company and the heat.”

Jacob chuckled, looking over at Mercury. “I guess we’re all here for the entertainment, huh?”

Mercury raised an eyebrow, nudging him back. “Oh, absolutely. You’re all my entertainment,” she teased, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

The group settled in, the conversation light and full of laughter. There was no pressure, no competition—just friends unwinding after a hard workout. For Mercury, it was a brief moment of normalcy in a world that felt anything but, and she couldn’t help but appreciate the easy camaraderie of it all.

[unflirtysimmer]

After finishing her workout, Mercury grabbed her towel and water bottle, wiping the sweat from her brow as she made her way downstairs to the locker room. The gym had a relaxed atmosphere, and the locker room was quiet except for the soft echoes of other members finishing up their routines.

She pushed open the door to the shower area, the cool air inside contrasting with the warmth of her skin. The sound of water running over the tile filled the space as she slipped into one of the shower stalls. She set her towel on the hook, turned the knob, and let the hot water pour down over her, washing away the exhaustion of the workout.

As the water grew colder, Mercury quickly finished her shower and stepped out, wrapping herself in her towel. She took a deep breath, adjusting to the chill air before heading to the sauna where the Powerhouse ended their workout sessions.