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

Blanca. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ange.

[He smiles gently.]

Have you ever been here before?

Not ever... it looks very unfamiliar to me.

But then, I have never been outside of London, so my frame of reference is a little small, I think...

[She rubs the back of her head.]

Do you know this place?

[Both brows lift slightly at London.]

I'm afraid I don't. To me, it seems a little dated. I know London. Do you know what year it is for you?

[don't do this to me, anna, there are no dates--]

Oh, yes, of course... It is the year 19XX. [EARLY 1900S, ROLL WITH IT.]

Why do you ask?

[...]

Wait, this place seems dated to you?

[please forgive me, i beg you]

A little. It's closer to 2020 for me.

[A beat.

Two.

...]

That--how can that be?

I'm afraid quantum mechanics is only something I've read in fiction.

[He smiles reassuringly.]

Not to worry, Miss Ange. We'll hopefully find more answers.

[She doesn't even know what that is.]

But we are both telling the truth. You aren't having a joke at my expense, are you...?

Not that you seem like the sort, but... but time travel is just...!

[Ange, your theoretical space physics.]

I'm not. [He holds up both hands and bobs them in a placating manner.] For now, I can only guess at time travel, or magic, and both are only in works of fiction where I am from.

I did not mean to worry you.

Ah, no, it isn't your fault, Mister Blanca. You are just trying to figure out the situation, same as any of us here.

[She's the one who is unnecessarily freaking out!!]

I... need to calm down. There is no point to panicking overly much here...

[Easier said than done but like. She knows it, at least.]

[Oh no, Ange. You're valid.]

How about this: let's take a walk, hm? We can see if there is anything which will give us answers.

A walk... mm, all right. That sounds fine to me.

[DEEP BREATH. She slaps her own cheeks lightly.]

It... would be nice to have company.

[He offers her a reassuring smile as he stands and collects the things to go back into the bag. And then he can motion for them to be on their way.]

Are you use to having company?

I suppose I am, yes...

I live in the dorms at school, so my classmates are always nearby.

[A soft sigh.]

I had no idea how lucky I was that that was the case.

Ah, I see. There isn't anything wrong with missing the company you're use to having.

Have you brought any of that company here with you? Your schoolmates, perhaps?

Ah, no... not that I've seen, at least.

Oh, though...! I did find Miss Dorothy. That was very reassuring.

Ah, yes, Miss Dorothy. I have met her. She isn't a woman you can forget.

[closes eyes]

I'm glad you've found someone, even if the two of you shouldn't be in a situation such as this.

She is quite memorable, right? She is also very dependable, though.

I definitely feel lucky. Have you found anyone here, Mister Blanca?

She was quite charming when she was being serious, I must admit.

[He shakes his head. His smile is still there, but it's a bit hollow.]

I haven't. I'm not sure I would want anyone I'd know here, so perhaps it's better this way.

[... She tilts her head a little, blinking.]

What do you mean...? Surely having a familiar face around would be reassuring?

[He laughs very quietly at her distress.]

It would be a little. I wouldn't feel as crazy, I suppose. But if we are truly taken against our will, then I would not want that for the people I know.

[... Oh.

Oh. She covers her mouth, horrified.]

That--you're right. It... is so terrible to be grateful that other people I care for are here, trapped in this situation...!

[Oh no. He quickly raises a placating hand.]

I believe you can be both, Miss Ange. Grateful for their company, and worried for their safety.

That is true... I believe I will apologize to Miss Dorothy either way. I do not want her to think that I wished for her to be caught up in this.

[He smiles to himself.]

I'm sure she understands you would not wish that on her, if you two are close. But it wouldn't hurt to tell someone how you feel. My unasked for advice is to not waste that chance.

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lecarre - 2020-09-27 01:51 (UTC) - Expand

papasha - 2020-09-27 16:05 (UTC) - Expand