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

[chanteuser]

[ she looks like she absolutely, completely and sincerely believes him* ]

Someone pointed out that if they've gone to the trouble of giving us messaging devices, we may hear from the people who left that greeting message again.

We could put together some questions for them.

[ * she does not. ]

[riegan]

I wonder how forward our captors might be.

(He's not too optimistic.)

Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask. We have nothing to lose from trying, right?

[chanteuser]

The worst they can do is tell us they're not answering questions.

[riegan]

Exactly.

(Or lie. That would be pretty bad. But shhh.)

Got any questions you're dying to ask? Besides the real big ones.

(The who the why the where.)

[chanteuser]

[ she marks them off as she speaks: ]

Where are we? Why are we here? How do we get home? Can you let us go?

You get the idea.

[riegan]

Between you and me, I'm pretty curious about how much I'm worth.

(He's valuable!)

Wouldn't want them to lowball it. I'm worth at least a fortune.

[chanteuser]

[ blink. ]

You think we're being held for ransom?

[ ... ]

No, I don't think so.

[riegan]

Isn't that what usually constitutes a kidnapping? Typically, there's a ransom involved.

(Usually.)

[chanteuser]

... I'd be a poor choice of person to hold for ransom.

[ blunt, but true. ]

Sometimes a kidnapping is for other reasons.

[riegan]

(➵ THIS WAY)