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]

Currency is always a favorite, but trinkets in exchange are so much more interesting.

[still he just offers a little bit of a laugh at 'not kidnappers']

Should we make a running list of questions for them? Question, demands, requests... and determine their character based on how many go answered? I do hope they majority of them are amiable.

[there were

so many warring voices on their welcome message]

[papasha]

I wonder if they will even be able to answer if we consider how uncoordinated their efforts had been with the first message.

[But he gets it.]

Do you believe they will listen to demands?

[1/2]

[recrowns]

Well, in-fighting and internal struggles on their end might play out in our favor.

[a tilt of his head, contemplative]

But given the power it must've taken to bring us all here, I imagine demands will only be adhered to if they come with appropriate stakes and wagers of our own.

[recrowns]

[another smile, the tension sliced with a butter knife]

Perhaps we'll end up bartering after all! I hope it's fun.

[papasha]

[kowaii]

I'm sure we will, but I don't know if you will enjoy the stakes they may set if the "kidnapping" is anything to go by.

[recrowns]

Even if I don't find myself contented with the price, perhaps the act will still be enjoyable?

At the very least our common goals are clear - it sounds like many do not want to continue to be here, so we'll have to see about securing an exit from our captors.

[papasha]

[SOO-WON]

I would like to ensure that happens without any casualties. But yes, finding a way to leave would be preferable.

[recrowns]

[ah - there is a pause there]

You think it would come to casualties? Perhaps if it were a hostage situation...

[though it seems like that possibility hadn't crossed his mind before now, even with all the oddities]

Mm. I would rather not see anyone harmed at all.

[papasha]

[Hm.]

I have not heard of very many kidnappings ending well, if that is what this is at all. I suppose we shall have to hear what the ones who left us the message have to say.

I did not intend to sour the mood, Mister Won.

[recrowns]

[ . . . ah - he lifts his head at that and offers a soft smile, a little rueful a little amused]

No, it's nothing - you're right to be honest. In fact, I appreciate it more. I've been told that my head can be in the clouds now and again. Thank you for bringing me back to earth.

But if I may offer a counter - I've seen a few kidnapping end well, where the lost are recovered and the wrong-doers are punished.

Shall we see which of our experiences win out?

[papasha]

[He smiles at the challenge, but it's a bit tight.]

I would warn you against using our lives to hopefully prove a point, but... I don't believe we have much of a choice but to wait and see.

I hope you're correct then.

[recrowns]

I hope I am too.

[though he seems to linger on a different statement thoughtfully, before frowning ever so slightly]

.... I'd like to hope that none of us have to use our lives for anything that we don't wish to, in the first place. This place has already trampled a bit on free will...