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

a

[robopriest]

Oh, I've learned a lot.

[Says this man with an eyepatch, who just seems amused - he holds up his own device.]

You're definitely already showing off your skill at "being disappointed at people". That's nice of you.

[arkitect]

When given reason to, yes.

[The dry tone implies this might be often.]

One might suspect you to be busy employing the first of yours.

[robopriest]

Oh, me? Exercising that? Why, I just say what I mean, and mean what I say.

[A gesture to the device.]

Learn anything interesting, there?

[arkitect]

It would seem that someone, at least, knows much about everyone here, which is perhaps the most interesting part. But I take it you refer to the data itself?

[He scrolls further, skimming over profiles with mild disinterest.]

Much less so.

[robopriest]

Mm, it doesn't seem like a random kidnapping. They knew who we were in advance...or at least have a way to get that knowledge.

[He smiles, lightly.]

I guess everyone would be pretty boring to a 13,000 year old guy, huh.

[arkitect]

They are rarely any different, from one age to the next.

[So that would be a yes, probably.]

Though I suppose there is usually at least some diversion to be found in them.

[robopriest]

So you have fellow 13,000 year old people who bore you, too? Wow. That's kind of impressive.

[Emet-Selch, just....forever bored.]

And what diversion is that?

[arkitect]

I was referring to others, but yes. Yes, there are.

[sometimes you look at your coworkers and suffer a little.]

Though some are still capable of being entertaining, in spite of their ephemeral lives.

[robopriest]

I guess you have to find something to appreciate if the rest of it just doesn't suit you.

[Makes sense, really.]

Anyways, maybe you'll find someone who isn't that boring. I can't say if I fit that, but I'll be happy to be disappointed in people along with you.

[arkitect]

There are worse starts, I suppose.

[Too early to say if he's of much interest, but well. There's that in common, and he prefers it to pleasantries.]

[robopriest]

Indeed there are.

[He stretches out a hand.]

Hansa Cervantes. Though I assume you already know that from the profile.

[arkitect]

Just as I assume you to be aware of my name.

[He doesn't take the hand, just giving him a slight nod instead.]

I will give it this: it removes the need for unnecessary pleasantries.