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

[soulus]

[Pointing is rude.

The so-called cat sits straight on the floor, wrapping a fluffy tail around itself. There's a pregnant pause before Rufus answers.]

I don't see a cat here.

[robopriest]

[An amused smile crosses Hansa's face. He just. Keeps pointing.]

Can I pet your cat?

[soulus]

Do you have money?

[robopriest]

[what is this an anime mascot cat cafe]

[Hansa lets his hand fall to his side, letting out a sigh.]

Ah...sadly I don't. Can you take a little pity on a poor priest, though...?

[soulus]

No service comes without a fee. If you can pay, I will happily provide.

[He sounds dreadfully monotonous as he says this. Helpfully, he adds:]

Please be advised that information is also considered a mode of wealth.

[robopriest]

Information, huh...

[Hm. Hmm hmmm hmmmm.]

I can tell you something about the bridge I just discovered, at least. The one that's at the north end of town.

[soulus]

I was there earlier. Did something change?

[robopriest]

No, there's just a quality to it that I discovered. One that could be rather dangerous if used correctly. But I'm sure with your generous nature and nice cat that you're someone upstanding I can tell anything to, right?

[soulus]

My nature has no part in this.

In order to pet, you must pay. That is the condition of our transaction.

[robopriest]

[He lets out a light laugh.]

You're driving a hard bargain, here. Fine, I'll say what I need to say...but who says you'll uphold your end of the deal?

[soulus]

Not to worry. I abide by the terms.

[robopriest]

Okay.

[A beat.]

The barrier across the bridge is unbreakable. If you throw something at it, it goes flying back with force, and releases cute little sparkles. Even heavy things. You won't be able to punch your way out of that one.

[And a Look. CAN HE PET THE WEIRD CAT NOW]

[soulus]

. . . Thank you for your patronage.

[Cued by his words, the creature climbs onto its feet and pads in front of Rufus to look up at Hansa. The broke priest may now pet the cat.]

[robopriest]

Thank you for your services.

[He quips in reply - and then bends down to pet the cat that is absolutely a cat. Who's a cute weird anime cat?? You are!!]

...What's your name? [He looks up at Rufus. A beat.] I don't have to pay for that too, do I?

[soulus]

[The cat that is absolutely a cat obediently accepts the hand. Yes, it is!

Rufus, meanwhile, looks down to lock eyes with Hansa.]

That knowledge is public domain. It's on the device and the plate.

[What a pity, that. Most fortuitously for Hansa, said plate is right in plain sight.]

[robopriest]

Oh, I know that.

[Continues to pet the cat!! He will get as much out of his transaction as he can!!]

Maybe you'd like to be called something different. How should I know?

[soulus]

As long as you pay, it doesn't matter what you call me.

[And because he paid so dutifully, he's being rewarded with all the time in this encounter to pet the cat. What blissful harmony, this is.]

[robopriest]

Oh?

[Please don't tell him that.]

You look like a "Jeff". How much does it cost to call you that?

[soulus]

[He doesn't miss a beat.]

Each time you use that name, I will require information regarding this place.

[robopriest]

Ouch. You're the type of merchant who runs people dry.

[You WOUND him, sir!]

[soulus]

[He's open to being called Jeff. Isn't that enough?]

If you don't like it, you can forgo the name.

[robopriest]

No, I like it. I just need to come up with information for you...Rufus.

[Yeah, he can read. He's not Jared, 19.]

[soulus]

[Be kind to Jared.]

Then I look forward to it.

[robopriest]

[Okay, enough petting the weird cat. He straightens himself, hands in his pockets.]

Say. I just want to say...you look good for over a thousand years old. You have to tell me your secrets.

[soulus]

[The weird cat turns around and bounces back to its place beside Jeff—excuse me, Rufus.]

. . . Secrets don't come cheap.