WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[retellers]

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 and sparklers - packets of tea - one unlabeled pill - a rock that resembles the galaxy - if they're of age, a mini bottle of alcohol; if they're underage, a can of Mountain D*w Baja Blast instead - a singular condom - a single random one of these pillows (how did this fit?) - a handheld device 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

Comments

[discernments]

I won't disagree, but it means if there is a predator, there isn't one too close to this town, at least. That's one thing I can be a little relieved about.

[ There must be a silver lining somewhere. ]

If there must be a danger to defeat, it's better deeper in the forest.

[maidforservice]

A fair point. I won't try to argue it any further.

[she finally approaches, steps delicate and small, and then crouches down next to the animals herself]

Have you managed to travel any further into the forest yourself?

[discernments]

[ The critters want some food, but Jeanne has none to offer. Does Sharon? They go to her to see. ]

There seems to be a barrier if you go deep enough into the forest. It's as if we're confined to a specific area around this town.

[ So even if she wanted to search for a predator, she couldn't. ]

[maidforservice]

[she does not :( poor forest critters]

I see. So this truly is a prison.

[she says that a bit. wistfully??]

[discernments]

[ Wistfully? Um.

Jeanne's brows knit. ]

Were you hoping for something like this?

[maidforservice]

[. . . shakes her head]

No. On the contrary, if this is a prison, I'd wish to be anywhere but here.

[discernments]

I also would like to be someplace else.

[ She has something she has to do. ]

Were you taken away from anything important?

[maidforservice]

There is nothing more important in the world than my service to the Chairman.

[a tiny little sigh!]

So in that sense, yes. I was. Goodness, she must be greatly concerned about my whereabouts right now.

[discernments]

[ Her expression softens with sincere sympathy. ]

The more it becomes clear that no one volunteered to be here, the more uneasy I feel. I'll pray that you may return to your Chairman soon.

The concern for you and the others here...

[maidforservice]

[here]