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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[soulus]

[Cool blood.

His expression takes a turn from blasé to something like annoyance at the question.]

I was about to kill someone.

[discernments]

[ Thanks for your honesty, Rufus.

Jeanne's expression sharpens, and she frowns. ]

For what reason were you after someone's life?

[soulus]

What will you do with that information? It's no concern of yours. All I did was answer your first question.

[discernments]

[ She shakes her head. ]

Is it something I should do something about? I was hoping to see if there was a pattern between our circumstances.

[ Her gaze is unwavering. ]

I, too, was about to end someone's life.

[soulus]

[The crease in his brow lessens.

That makes two, then.]

Is there a pattern?

[discernments]

Not one that is more prevalent than the others. More people were in danger than not, but it's not conclusive.

[ And she doesn't want it to be the case, but Jeanne showing up anywhere usually means there will be some kind of danger eventually. ]

[soulus]

I suppose we'll just have to ask our hosts when they greet us.

[discernments]

Yes, I hope that's very soon. We would all like some answers, I'm sure.

[ Participants is a little foreboding. ]

[soulus]

The answers might not be satisfactory to everyone . . .

[discernments]

[ Jeanne's smile is a little wan. ]

No answer will satisfy or please everyone, but if it is something we need, it should be heard.

[soulus]

[Need, huh.]

It seems we have no choice.

[discernments]

We didn't have much of a choice to be here.

[ That was already taken away from them. ]

[soulus]

[They had no choice at all. Pity, that.]

What will you do if the answer doesn't please you?

[discernments]

It depends on what the answer is. I intend to listen first.

[soulus]

It won't take long to ask everyone the same question. What are you going to do until then?

[discernments]

At the very least, I won't stand still.

[ What that actually ends up meaning is.... who knows? But she's not just going to twiddle her thumbs. ]

[soulus]

. . . If you observe anything strange, I would like to hear about it.

[discernments]

Of course. Will you do the same?

[soulus]

[There's a beat before he nods.]

Yes. I have no reason to refuse this arrangement.

[And that means it's time to part ways for the sake of productivity. He shifts.]

Then I'll be taking my leave.