redactable | WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL
(43 remain)

Whatever each character was doing—chatting with friends, going to bed, saving the world—ceases. In fact, it's likely nothing more than a groggy memory now, as they open their eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. Apparently, they took a nap right in the middle of a small town, plopped outside on the paved road. Ow?

Oh, but it looks like they've been given a goodie bag. Everyone likes gifts, right? Inside, it contains:

a single random one of the following headbands

a rock that resembles the galaxy

a single random one of these pillows

Should they boot up the device, the screen helpfully informs them that it's a Participant Help System (PHS). Not much on it, but it does have a few apps, including a memo one for taking notes. There's also a messaging system, though it's only capable of receiving messages, not sending any. As a matter of fact, there's an alert for a new message already. Maybe it'll explain what's going on.

Good evening, everyone. Uh, how are we sure they’re arriving in the evening? Just say “hello”! Or “greetings”! Greetings is fancy, right? Oh that’s true. Greetings, everyone. That’s better? Yes! Except maybe we take out the that’s better part in the final version. Will do!

We’re sorry that we’re not here jklk oh no how do i erase what i wrote. Where is the question mark. Help press backspace. What is a backspace it’s written on the keyboard. Do you even know how to read? right now. There are a lot of things happening that’s so vague? Could we maybe TRY to not be ominous, guys??, It’s going to be ominous no matter what we say, so who cares so we need time to best prepare for you all. We will greet you properly soon, so please make yourselves at home! There are a lot of places to explore, and the kitchen has a lot of delicious food. Please don’t be shy, but also, don’t damage anything. It’s a little inconvenient. They’re going to do it just because you sound so fucking whiny. I’m sorry oh this is how you write somewhere else. Please do not fight or do. We don’t control your life choices. No please do not fight how do i make an exclamation mark maybe we should’ve gotten someone else to write the draft of the message? No offense. I’m sorry Sorry stop apologizing. No one else volunteered. Maybe we’ll luck out and none of them know how to read

Thank you for your time! We’ll see you soon. Also, we promise you haven’t been kidnapped or anything!

Oh dear. I don’t know if this is going to be edited, so if it isn’t, then I do apologize to the participants for our lack of organization. We’re doing our best! Probably.

Er, what? Unfortunately, it seems as though that's the only info they're given for now. In the meantime, why not explore the surrounding area? A number of buildings are locked, and the Planetarium appears to be closed, but there's enough to keep the characters occupied for a day or two. They might even want to get to know their fellow "participants" better, while they're at it.

NAVIGATION

locations ₓ˚. statuses *+:｡ ic profiles :ₓo ic rules ･ﾟﾟ･｡ audience requests
murder proposals ｡✧o private conversations ･ﾟo｡ curfew ･ﾟ✧ memories

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Whichever you prefer is fine, truly...! I am only a student, after all.

[A beat... and she frowns a little.]

That... sounds like a nice dream, Miss Sharon. But that is not the world as I know it. Having that status means your world is entirely different from the likes of me.

[. . .]

[a beat on this end, too]

It seems I must apologize again for making assumptions. [hm] Would you care for something to drink with your meal, Miss Ange?

[... Ahem.]

Would you allow me to make tea for the both of us? I may not be able to cook, but I can brew acceptable tea...!

[And it's a nice olive branch.]

[HMMMM TIME TO NOT TOUCH THAT IN THE VERY FIRST THREAD AND GO BACK TO CUTE AND SHALLOW THINGS]

If you insist, Miss Ange, then I won't say no.

[And so she sets to making tea!

All proper and British-y.

Teaaaaaa.

Soon enough, she sets a cup in front of Sharon, and pours one for herself.]

Here we are.

[Sharon is seated by the time Ange is finished! the three-course meal is prepared and while there are dishes to be cleaned, some sucker in another thread gets to take care of those]

My thanks, Miss Ange. You're awfully kind.

[That gets a quiet laugh out of Ange.]

Miss Sharon, you are the one who made this entire meal for everyone...!

But I am happy I can repay that at least a little.

Are you feeling a little better now?

[less frightened?? less stressed???]

Yes, I am!

[She smiles brightly, holding her cup in both hands to allow the warmth to seep into her skin.]

Thank you again for all of this... it really is soothing to have a good meal with someone else.

It's my pleasure to help in any way that I can.

[LIKE A GOOD MAID. either way she picks up her tea and takes a sip, too. how is it, Ange]

[It is decent tea!!

Decently made, very classically British.]

[SHARON DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A BRITISH IS]

[but she seems endeared anyway]

If you don't mind me asking, may I ask where you learned to brew tea?

[SHEESH SHARON.]

Oh, I don't mind! I learned from Miss Dorothy--she is the dorm mother at my school. She has been quite kind in teaching me these things.

[for timeline's sake she is totally going to meet Dorothy after this thread]

How kind of her, though I suppose that is a dorm mother's duty! I spent a year as a dorm mother of sorts myself.

Oh, you as well? I do not know where I would be without Miss Dorothy's assistance, truthfully... I'm very grateful to her.

I am sure the students you looked after felt much the same way.

[a light giggle, and she presses a hand against her cheek, head tilted]

Oh, I don't know about that. But it's true that I quite miss them.

[in fact, she even looks a little wistful]

[Aw, Sharon...]

When we find a way out... you should go spend time with them! I feel as though being trapped has truly made me realize that I do not want to waste any time.

I need to tell the people who are important to me how much I appreciate them when I get back.

[. . .]

That is, perhaps, a bit more difficult than it may seem. After all, it was about two years ago now that they all graduated.

[Oh...]

Did they all go far?

They did.

[all across Zemuria!!]

As their former maid, I couldn't be more proud.

[but. . . well. perhaps part of her misses them sometimes. although she sees Alisa frequently, and Rean somewhat frequently, Class VII as a group was something special]