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

[lecarre]

[... Look at all of this???

What?

Ange is definitely peering into the kitchen uncertainly.]

You truly made all of this...?

[maidforservice]

[tee hee]

[she seems to be decorating some petit fours, btw. with cute little frosting flowers]

Of course! This is nothing for a humble servant such as myself.

[she also might be laying it on a bit thick, but WHATEVER]

Once I saw how many people were trapped here with me, I knew that eventually we'd all get hungry.

[lecarre]

Even so, that's very kind of you.

[A pause.]

Miss maid...?

[She's got the same sort of maid aesthetic that Ange is used to seeing from the high class ladies with their maids.]

[maidforservice]

[it is not inaccurate!! Sharon even steps away from the counter to pluck at the edges of her skirt and give a proper curtsey]

Sharon, if you will. And do feel free to help yourself, if you'd like.

[since she has noticed that Ange is kind of hiding behind teh doorframe!!]

[lecarre]

Miss Sharon, then... um, thank you very much.

[She does step inside at the invitation, peering at the food with awe.

....]

This looks absolutely scrumptious, Miss Sharon. You truly made all of this? All on your own?

[maidforservice]

[IT SMELLS DELICIOUS!!! especially the meat skewers, which have been basted in teriyaki sauce]

Does it truly seem so impossible?

[lifts a hand to her mouth, hiding a tiny little laugh-smile]

I have experience in cooking meals for large groups of people. I assure you, it was no trouble at all.

[lecarre]

Ah, well, that's...

[Sheepishly...!!]

For someone like me, yes... I can barely cook eggs without messing it up!

[maidforservice]

[oh nooooo]

As they say, we must all start somewhere.

[lecarre]

You are just being kind to spare my feelings...

[Anyway then she takes a bite.

And just.

Totally brightens.]

Delicious!

[maidforservice]

Perhaps. [oh] But that doesn't mean there isn't some truth to those words. There was a point where I couldn't even boil water to save my life.

[flashes Ange a somewhat sheepish smile as she puts the finishing touches on the petit fours and begins to arrange them on a simple platter]

I'm delighted to hear you like it! I'd say "have as much as you want," but do make sure to share with the others, all right?

[she only made so much!]

[lecarre]

Certainly! I won't take too much. [That would be rude.]

Miss Sharon, what made you decide to cook for everyone like this so quickly...?

[maidforservice]

[well. . .]

I have to admit that my intentions weren't entirely selfless. [oh] Let me answer your question with one of my own.

How do you feel, having been brought here so suddenly?

[lecarre]

[Ange hesitates for a moment, before her shoulders slump and she sighs.]

I suppose there is no point to hiding it... I must admit it's rather frightening to end up in a situation like this all of a sudden.

[maidforservice]

[a solemn, understanding nod]

As for myself, I wouldn't quite say I am "frightened."

[HOWEVER. . .!]

Even so, adaptation begins with calming yourself down appropriately to assess your surroundings with a clear mind. And I have always found the act of cooking to be quite soothing.

[if "soothing" is the word]

[lecarre]

Mm... I suppose I see what you mean, but even so...

[Ange just toys with the bottom of her own skirt dejectedly.]

I cannot help but admire your poise. Here I am, absolutely flustered, and you are cooking entire meals...!

[maidforservice]

I wouldn't criticize yourself for it just yet.

[tee hee]

You still seem quite young. Give yourself a few more years to grow and blossom into the beautiful young lady I'm sure you'll be. ♥

[ARE THOSE NOTES OF TEASING IN HER TONE??]

[lecarre]

[Opens mouth.

Closes mouth.

She flushes, and covers her face with her hands.]

T-that is...! Miss Sharon, please, that is terribly embarrassing to hear!

[maidforservice]

[TEE HEE]

My apologies.

[she does not seem apologetic at all]

And we just met, too. I still don't have the pleasure of knowing your name.

[lecarre]

Oh... right. Forgive me, that was rude.

My name is Ange. It's nice to meet you. [Tiny curtsy!]

[maidforservice]

I took no offense, I assure you.

[ANOTHER CURTSY gosh they are both so polite]

It's nice to meet you, Lady Ange. Our dire circumstances aside, of course.

[lecarre]

Oh, no, please...!

[Wheezes!!]

I'm no lady, merely a student. I don't have a drop of noble blood in my body.

[maidforservice]

[oh no she's easily flustered?? it doesn't exactly remind her of Alisa, who is definitely waaaaay more overtly brazen, but even so. . .! the vague feeling of familiarity is there]

One needn't have a drop of noble blood in their veins to be a "lady," in my opinion. And it's quite rude for one who serves to refrain from addressing those who are served with respect.

[but!!]

If you do insist, then I suppose I can simply call you "Ange."

[lecarre]

Mm... yes, please, "Ange", is just fine...! Even if you are a maid, you do not serve my household, so...

Rather, I do not have a household at all in that sense, so I'm much more comfortable like this. Thank you, Miss Sharon.

[maidforservice]

Of course, Ange-- or even "Miss" Ange?

[seems like, even though she's older, she can't keep herself from being overly formal. . .!]

I don't think you need to be so concerned about "household" and "status" when it comes to demanding respect, however.

[lecarre]

Whichever you prefer is fine, truly...! I am only a student, after all.

[A beat... and she frowns a little.]

That... sounds like a nice dream, Miss Sharon. But that is not the world as I know it. Having that status means your world is entirely different from the likes of me.