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

[soulus]

[The weird cat turns around and bounces back to its place beside Jeff—excuse me, Rufus.]

. . . Secrets don't come cheap.

[robopriest]

Of course they don't.

[He half expected that answer.]

But is it true? That you're that old. You don't even have any wrinkles or anything.

[soulus]

That's subjective. I'm still young.

[robopriest]

Compared to what?

[soulus]

I wonder.

[robopriest]

So you're only a thousand years in dog years then. Good for you.

[soulus]

Impressive. You got it.

[Too bad Hansa's applying it to the wrong creature here. Anyway, that still puts him at way over a century.]

[robopriest]

I knew I was on the right path.

[He knows that's not actually the case.]

Well, you're obviously not human. Pointy ears give it away. I'm guessing your species just lives way too long to be comfortable.

[soulus]

I'll neither confirm nor deny.

[Mostly because he doesn't think it's important.]

But that's correct. I'm not human.

[robopriest]

You could make a good politician.

[Just. Saying.]

Hey... [A pause.] You wouldn't happen to be something like a demon, would you?

[soulus]

How funny. You say that when you're the one most suited to the role.

If you have something to say, you should just say it.

[robopriest]

I'm a priest. Politics and I don't mesh together. I barely care for it.

[A long pause...and then he just gives a big shrug, an easy sort of smile on his face.]

Hey, if you're a demon, or something from hell, or whatever...I actually don't mind. You don't seem like the sort who wants to harm people, since you were so nice to let me pet your cat...right?

[soulus]

[Rufus, on the other hand, doesn't pause much in favor of replying swiftly:]

What you think has no bearing on me. Please don't waste my time with nonsense.

[robopriest]

I won't, I won't.

[His smile widens.]

Take it easy. I'm really not here to cause trouble for you. I'll get you what you want, hm?

[soulus]

Let's keep our relationship strictly professional. I have no interest in getting personal with anyone.

[robopriest]

[wow so no rufus smooches :((((((((((((((]

If that's what you want.

[Does he plan on honoring that, though? Hm.]

What else do you like being paid in, if not information?

[soulus]

[Pay up. Tell him one killer's identity per kiss.]

Everything has value. Money, items . . . it depends on the work.

[robopriest]

You're quite the flexible guy. There really isn't anything you wouldn't take in payment?

[soulus]

Normally, I would accept money foremost . . . but circumstances have changed. I have the right to refuse payment that isn't to my satisfaction.