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

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[suddenlybees]

[ Kano freezes, and stares right back. He tries very hard not to blink. It's a staring contest now, who will win-- ]

[soulus]

[Kano wins, because Rufus breaks the silence with a blink.]

Are you here to cross the river?

[suddenlybees]

Like, specifically here to cross the river? Huh... I guess so! Yeah!

[ He is now! he supposes ]

How 'bout you? Got any river crossing on your plans for the day?

[soulus]

The consideration was there . . . but the way is blocked.

[suddenlybees]

Huh... Really? Have you tried, like, crossing it someplace else? Just sort of, you know, wade across where it's a little more shallow.

[ The river can't be blocked all the way across, that's impossible. ]

I've only seen the bridge, but there's gotta be another way. You haven't given up, right? 'course not!

[soulus]

Since you've made the suggestion, why don't you try it?

[Go, little man. Wade across.]

Of course, I will be watching closely.

[suddenlybees]

Sorry, no can do! Can't swim!

[ He would drown, and that's no fun. ]

[soulus]

[It sounds kind of fun.]

If you're uninterested in learning, I suppose there's nothing to be done.

[suddenlybees]

This isn't exactly the place to learn to swim, y'know? There's, like, no pool noodles? Gotta have pool noodles for swimming lessons.

[soulus]

Have you looked inside the emporium?

[suddenlybees]

What's a emporium...

[soulus]

The market place. There's one in town.

[suddenlybees]

Huh. Hm. Nope, must've missed it! Maybe you can point me there and we can get our noodles?

[soulus]

["We . . . "

He did say that he'd follow.]

This way.

[suddenlybees]

[ We...

Kano shoves his hands into his hoodie pocket and trots off after him, half a pace behind and with a little skip in his step. Going on an outing! Wow! ]

[soulus]

[Oh, yes. It's going to be a very lovely outing.

Without detours, they make it to the emporium swiftly enough. Rufus stops to let Kano enter first. Only then does he think to warn:]

There's a chance that you may not find what you're looking for.

[suddenlybees]

[ The first thing they come across is that lego statue, wowee ]

Aw, well. We'll make do! Hey, hey, d'you think this floats?

[soulus]

What will you do if it does?

[suddenlybees]

I dunno, side saddle it down the river? It's gotta go somewhere, right?

[soulus]

It isn't a bad idea.

[Do it.]

[suddenlybees]

Alright, alright, that's settled, then~ You gotta help me lift this thing, 'kay? I'm not, like, super strong, so I'm going to need the help!

[ where can they get a cart to steal a lego horse]

[soulus]

. . . My services come at a price.

[suddenlybees]

[ Kano digs around in his hoodie pocket and holds out one slightly damp tea bag. ]

[soulus]

[It's damp.]

For that amount, I would find it difficult to even stand and watch.

[suddenlybees]

[ It's damp... ]

But not impossible, right? Man, your prices are high. What's it gonna take for you to sit side saddle with me?