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

[discernments]

[ Can a nod be grim? Her nod is grim. ]

It will not stop me from hoping, but I've seen enough in my short life to shut my eyes too much.

[misstrust]

I can't say I'm all that different. Sometimes you don't have to have lived a long time to see terrible things and know to brace for them.

[ Unfortunately. ]

[discernments]

[ Her gaze lowers a little. ]

That this is true for so many is saddening, much more for those who have never deserved it, but it makes those who persevere that much more brilliant.

[misstrust]

I-- [ That's very poetic?? ]

Is that a compliment?

[discernments]

It's my prayer for people's resilience. I don't hope for people to suffer, but their continued fight to live is noteworthy.

[ A small smile touches her lips. ]

Sometimes, all I can do is pray.

[misstrust]

I'm afraid to say I'm not much for prayer.

[ Dorothy's own smile is small, a tad bitter. ]

At some point, it didn't do anything for me. I had to rely on myself.

[discernments]

Sometimes, prayer is as much for yourself as it is for Him.

[ She watches some squirrels run away once they realize she has no food for them. ]

There is nothing wrong with taking action for yourself.

[misstrust]

Good to know He isn't going to judge me for not waiting around for Him.

[ Thanks, God. ]

[discernments]

Sometimes, there is nothing He can do, but He will never turn away from you.

[ That's just life. ]

We all have free will for a reason.

[misstrust]

Sounds like the ideal father.

[ And she idly waves her hand. ]

Well, I'll leave you and your new friends to it for now.

[discernments]

[ She nods. ]

I will pray for your safety and success.