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

[recrowns]

Ah, that's true.

[said slightly resigned....]

I wouldn't suppose you've found any leads on how or why we're in this situation, miss?

[misstrust]

Not at all. Merely a bunch of locked areas and very confused people.

[ It's not helpful. ]

[recrowns]

There's also food in the inn?

[still not helpful]

[misstrust]

Yes, it seems they'd prefer us not to starve before they tell us why we're here!

[ How kind. ]

[recrowns]

Indeed! And despite the fact that no one made a conscious choice to be here, nor do they recall how we arrived, we are most certainly not kidnapped.

Nothing alarming at all.

[misstrust]

Good sir, your sarcasm might be showing.

[recrowns]

Oh, please forgive me, how rude of me.

[he actually seems a little taken aback]

[misstrust]

[ ... And for that, he gets a surprised laugh. ]

Why are you apologizing? I'm hardly offended!

[recrowns]

[ah - he laughs a bit in return]

Reflex, perhaps...?

I'm used to being chastised if I were to even play a little bit.

[misstrust]

I can't say I'm any different... but I've learned to tune it out more often than not.

[ More fun that way. ]

[recrowns]

Then I really ought to take a page out of your book - it sounds like a more enjoyable way to live.

[misstrust]

I can't say I've found anything regrettable about it! I'd be happy to lend you a page or two.

[ Dorothy, don't encourage people to be capricious. ]

[recrowns]

I'd be happy to take it!

[let him be more capricious]

Though I'd like to give you something in exchange if I could...

[misstrust]

Oh? I won't say no, but I wonder what you'd even have to offer?

[ Look, equivalent exchange is fine with her. ]

[recrowns]

That makes the two of us - I'm not sure if I'm boastful enough to know what to offer in exchange...

[he's not really an arrogant person who's like YES take after me,]

[misstrust]

You're free to think on it, of course. We can consider it an ongoing arrangement.

[recrowns]

You're very kind, miss.

Though if we're to participate in an exchange, perhaps we should trade names as well? I'm Won.

[misstrust]

Dorothy. Circumstances aside, I suppose I can say it's nice to meet you.

[recrowns]

If the circumstances didn't exist, we likely would've never met, so depending on what we learn in the coming days perhaps it will have been worth it?

Speaking optimistically.

[misstrust]

That's very optimistic, but if nothing else, we can hope that we'll come away from it with valuable experiences.

[ ... Yeah, she's amused. ]

[recrowns]

Hmm... Well, things are a bit dull right now... but so far we have shelter and food. It's just a little aimless.

But we get to meet each other without censor - so perhaps that's a net positive?

And we'll just have to hope the trend of positive aspects continues, but prepare as if it won't.

[misstrust]

We haven't been here all that long. I suppose we'll see what changes.

[ But she'd like to know what that will be sooner rather than later. ]