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

[exercisms]

Dead?

[That definitely does alarm him! Why would you think that? He doesn't get it at all.]

I'm sure they aren't dead. And even if they are, they might belong to someone else.

[stillnot]

[ Most people are dead. Don't worry about it. ]

Uh, alright. Well, if they are alive, I think they would just be happy that someone still cared enough to want this stuff.

[ ... Through her own weird lens, she's genuinely trying to encourage him to take the stuff he wants. She's just bad at it. ]

[exercisms]

You think so?

[He is going to hold out the keychain, which says 'Ritsu' on it, and also pink and green souvenir hats with little frogs on them.]

I don't need them, so it's okay. I can wait and see if someone comes back. I just wanted to do something nice for everyone while I was here.

[stillnot]

That's... Sweet. But I don't think anyone is coming back.

[exercisms]

I'll put it back for now. There's time to decide later.

[Putting back the keychain and the hats, then.]

Um. [There's a long pause, like he's trying to think of something to say.] Do you know where this is?

[stillnot]

If you say so.

[ Putting something off sounds like a gamble to her. But she shakes her head at his question. ]

No clue. It seems clear, though. [ Not that 'clear' necessarily means 'safe'... ]

[exercisms]

It's clear?

[He thinks she means she understands what's going on.]

I lost my phone somewhere. Do you have one I could borrow? It's fine to wait around, but I'm getting worried about everyone.

[stillnot]

Yeah, like, no walkers. Muertos. Whatever you call them.

[ Haha! She has no idea what's going on! ]

Your... Phone?

[exercisms]

[He doesn't either, and since he doesn't, he just assumes she knows more and doesn't say anything about it.]

Mm. It fell out of my pocket. I need to call someone to come pick me up.

[stillnot]

[ Cell phones were only barely a thing before the apocalypse so she is just confused. ]

... I don't think phones don't work anymore. No one is coming to get you.

[exercisms]

They don't work?

[That's crazy but considering how gullible he is plus recent events at home, he takes it at face value.]

Ah - I'm not sure what to do. I can't even sense anyone nearby.

[stillnot]

[ She is brushing past the confusion surrounding him 'sensing' people, because that is what they are doing with their questions apparently. ]

I think we're just waiting, for now. For whoever brought us here to show up and explain themselves.

[exercisms]

[Nodding.]

Okay. Well, I can wait for a while if we have to.

[stillnot]

You should find a weapon while you can.

[exercisms]

[He's getting progressively more concerned by this girl?]

No thank you, I'm all right.

[stillnot]

[ she just shrugs. he's not her responsibility, so she won't push it... ]

[exercisms]

[He doesn't know what to say, exactly, but. He tries to think about what a confident person might say.]

Um. Are you in danger from somebody?

[stillnot]

I assume whoever brought me here is dangerous, so - yeah.

[exercisms]

[Continued here]