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]

... ... ... So it is a mean prank... I thought glasses were supposed to improve vision, not worsen it.

[A beat.]

... Somehow, though, they do not look terrible on you...

[recrowns]

[ok he laughs]

That is either a compliment to my demeanor or an insult to my aesthetic.

[he doesn't seem insulted]</small. Regardless, thank you.

[lecarre]

[Aaaaah.

She clasps at her cheeks with horrified shock.]

I--I did not mean to be insulting, sir...! I--um, I should have kept that to myself...

[HNNGH.]

I was just amazed that something so gaudy could be made to look a little more natural... [Is she helping or hurting her cause]

[recrowns]

[LMAO

OH NO

he's just outright laughing now, even wearing his big stupid shutter shades]

Ah, that is truly amazing! Thank you for your honesty!

[lecarre]

[She's just kind of sinking a little.

Like she wishes the ground would swallow her whole...]

Um, I'm... I'm sorry...

[WHOOPS.........]

[recrowns]

You needn't apologize.

[and he does remove the shades at that, canting his head to the side]

I don't find a great number of reasons to laugh lately.

So if anything, I should be giving you my thanks.

[lecarre]

[oh no he's charming.]

Ah, um...

I'm just glad that you aren't angry... My classmates are always telling me that I need to learn when to close my big mouth...

[WOEFUL SIGH.]

I'm lucky you are so kind.

[recrowns]

[there's just a little laugh at that]

Ah, on the contrary, my bodyguards always tell me that I must stop being so whimsical - so perhaps we are both a bit chastised by those closest to us?

But who can we be but ourselves?

[lecarre]

Mm... that is true. I don't believe trying to be anyone but myself would go very well for me.

[A beat.]

... Bodyguards...? [???] Are you an important person, sir?

[recrowns]

Ah, nothing to that extent. I'm merely a traveling merchant and the roads can be treacherous now and again, so I employed help to assist me.

[easily!]

Oh, but if I'm here and they aren't... perhaps I'll have to dock their pay....

[as if he is just realizing this]

[lecarre]

A...traveling merchant...?

[???]

Like a salesman?

[recrowns]

Likely so.

Is my terminology so outdated? How funny.

[lecarre]

You do speak a little differently from what I'm used to, but... that isn't to say that it is bad.

And admittedly, I do not know very much of the world outside of school myself, so... I may be a poor judge of that.

[recrowns]

Well, I would hope that what they're teaching you in school is correct.

... but I just as easily understand that you might want a little bit more practical experience outside of that. Did you intend on traveling?

[lecarre]

... In truth, yes. I would love to travel, dearly. You see, it was my brother's wish to see more of the world.

[... She smiles a little then.]

I believe if I travel, I can learn so much that he always wished he could know.

[A beat, and she shakes her head.]

... But first I must finish my studies! I mustn't get too far ahead of myself.

[recrowns]

[ . . . ah. his expression softens at that.]

Mm! You'll have to complete your studies and then travel to your heart's content, so you can learn more from not only books but others who would write them.

Maybe you'll learn so much you could write a few of your own some day.

[lecarre]

Write books of my own...?

[She looks a little dazzled by the thought, honestly.]

I hadn't even considered something like that possible... but you are right! If I learn enough, someday I too could teach it all to others.

It sounds rather nice, doesn't it?

[recrowns]

It does!

When you write your books, I'd like to read them. I'm a very large fan of travel myself, you know, though I move about too much to sit down and take to writing.

Or at the very least, I'd like to hear of your travels.

[lecarre]

I will have to take this very seriously, then, if there is already someone who wishes to read my books...!

[But then she smiles, shaking her head a little.]

But it sounds as though you are already traveling a great deal, instead of just daydreaming about it. I would much rather hear about your travels.

[Since, you know, they're real. Instead of just imaginary.]

[recrowns]

[there's a bit of a smile at that - ]

Oh...? I'm happy to share them, though I feel as though I ought to warn that they are not always happy stories.

[lecarre]

Oh, that's all right, sir! A lot can be learned from sad stories as well as happy ones...

Though I am sorry you have lived through what must have been some difficult times, then.

[recrowns]

I think we all carry stories like that with us, whether it's because of travel or otherwise.

I just wanted to make you aware of the variety because you're right - even sad stories have their meaning, I think.

[lecarre]

[She smiles a little, expression soft, dipping her head.]

Thank you for agreeing to share. I'll be looking forward to hearing them... when we have the chance.