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

[Yes, very.

He's still staring.]

It appears your options as far as escape routes go are limited. Why don't you try this river?

[Glances at the river.

Glances at him.

She presses a hand to her chest.]

I'm afraid I'm not a very strong swimmer, sir...

Can you not defy gravity? The bridge is inaccessible.

Um... I believe that may have been making a little fun at my own expense, if you mean the odd list of skills.

I quite like high places, you see.

[Maybe she can jump off a building and try landing on the other side.]

Then there's no means of crossing the river. How unfortunate.

[Aha...ha...]

Well... perhaps there is another way out from another direction...?

Have you entered the forest yet?

I briefly took a look, though I did not go terribly far in... it did not seem particularly safe to go alone.

Is there something there?

Why not see for yourself?

[It's an actual suggestion, spoken without bite.]

You won't be able to go far.

[It doesn't seem mean spirited, so...]

... I'll give it my best try, then.

[OFF SHE GOES.

... ... .... She's back soon.]

[He's still here, standing on the bridge this time, and not at all surprised to see her again.]

You've returned. Did something happen?

Not exactly... I mean, it did get awfully dark further in, but I couldn't go any further myself.

You've already been there, correct...?

Yes. Like you, I was turned around by the barrier.

... When there are things like that, doesn't it feel as though we are in some...sort of cage?

Yes. We're participants, after all. Until our hosts greet us properly, we won't be able to leave this cage.

[:(]

I suppose that is true... but even so, when you put it like that, it sounds terribly scary.

Does it?

It doesn't sound scary at all to me.

[... she blinks at him.]

... It doesn't...?

You don't think so?

No.

Why do you think so?

Because... we have been trapped against our will.

Is that not a frightening situation?

. . . It's the thought. If you think yourself powerless, the situation will naturally appear frightening.

The... thought...?

[...]

So even in a situation like this, you are able to think of yourself as strong?

What I think isn't important.

More importantly, I have business elsewhere. I have no intention of staying here.

I... see. I won't keep you, then.

[A beat.]

Um, wait! My name is Ange. What's yours?

[If only he can defy gravity out of this entire realm . . . But seeing as he's snooped around by the bridge long enough, he turns away to take his leave. Since she offered hers first, he gives his name freely.]

Rufus.

(no subject)

lecarre - 2020-09-26 03:53 (UTC) - Expand