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.

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Comments

[lecarre]

That's a relief...

[At least she hasn't totally made a fool of herself already...!!]

Mister Archer, then. My name is Ange. I suppose since we are in the same situation, it does make sense to get to know each other...

[antaressnipe]

Miss Ange, then.

[Rubbing lightly at his chin]

I do not mind, though I'd be just as eager to get us both out of this situation...

I suppose you don't remember how you got here?

[lecarre]

I certainly agree... the sooner we go home, the better.

Unfortunately, though, no... [She sighs, rubbing the back of her head.]

As far as I can recall, I was going to class... so how I ended up asleep is a mystery.

[antaressnipe]

Class... You are a student, then?

[lecarre]

Yes, that is correct, sir.

[Despite the situation, she straightens a little, because she's!! Quite proud of it!! Not every young woman in London circa 18-something something gets to go to school...!!

But then she deflates again.]

I do not have anything valuable for a kidnapper to want...

[antaressnipe]

That isn't necessarily correct.

[A gentle reprimand as he eyes how she straightens and then deflates as if pricked by a pin]

It's often difficult to judge your own worth, and while the circumstances aren't... ideal, there could be something the kidnappers want from all of us. We will have to ask them to be certain.

[Because she is kidnapped, or simply taken... here... wherever here is.]

[lecarre]

[It's the most strangely optimistic and terrifying thought all at once. What if she does have something a kidnapper would want...!!]

I suppose that is true... jumping to conclusions is dangerous, right...? My teachers always scold me for being too fanciful about what's going on around me.

But until we know the truth, we are only guessing.

[antaressnipe]

[sometimes you don't understand your true worth until you're kidnapped, that's just how it goes]

Do they? Well, there's nothing wrong with a healthy imagination. Often times it's creativity that leads to answers.

[Though his refusal to let her put herself down aside, he does nod at that last part]

But you're correct, of course. I wasn't able to glean much information from the message left on this device, either.

[Ah... give him a second. He has to rummage through that goodie bag still clutched in one hand, before he takes out his device]

[lecarre]

[He's really nice... he's nicer than she deserves, but it's...nice to hear.

She perks up a bit, pulling out her own.]

Oh, yes, I've never seen anything like it before, but it seems quite useful!

It's a little frightening that they have so much information about us, though.

[antaressnipe]

Yes...

[Briefly, his expression turns severe as he glances down at the device in his hand, his tail giving an irritated jerk to the side]

More information than they should rightly have. I'll be curious to know how this is even possible.

[He has Questions to ask]

[lecarre]

... Do you think we will be able to speak with our captors, Mister Archer?

[antaressnipe]

It is a possibility.

[Expression evening out again]

Demands haven't been placed on us yet. And given we have access to food and shelter, I struggle to find a reason why they wouldn't have some manner of contact with us.

There's also the note to consider. It could be an elaborate lie, but as you mentioned before -- we have no way of knowing. Which means there's equal possibility that there is some ounce of truth to it. If so, a sign of goodwill would be to contact us as their earliest convenience.

[lecarre]

Oh...!

[She latches onto that ounce of optimism immediately.]

I hadn't even considered that the may not be able to contact us just yet... perhaps that is why we are in this situation now, but they will attempt to contact us as soon as possible.

[antaressnipe]

It is one possibility of many.

[Though given how he smiles and doesn't truly reprimand her for that line of thinking, her optimism isn't a bad thing in his eyes]

In any case, we have no choice but to wait... and explore. I've checked some of the other areas that we can reach, though most will eventually take us against an invisible boundary.

[lecarre]

I ran into one of them too...

[She rubs her nose, which is in fact a little red, so. Yes. Like literally ran into one.]

I had no idea someone could create invisible walls, but I suppose there were a lot of things I did not know before today that are nonetheless true and real.

[antaressnipe]

[oH NO THIS POOR GIRL. Giving a soft wince of sympathy.]

It is something I'm more accustomed to, where I'm from. Though the scale is daunting even to me.

[The very fact he couldn't just leave... scandalous]

I can only imagine how all of this must be quite a shock to you...

[lecarre]

[She laughs weakly at that.]

At a certain point, I thought I was beyond being shocked anymore.

[But like, then she met a centaur and learned that she could, in fact, still be shocked.]

But in a way, despite the situation, it is a little exciting too... seeing things that I could never have dreamed of.

[antaressnipe]

Mm... it would be to your benefit to remain shocked at the unknown.

[Smiling faintly]

New experiences are enjoyable for a reason. Though... take heed all the same. I don't expect to find another centaur here, but where I'm from, they are considered dangerous.

[Folding his arms, a glance shot around their surroundings]

And we don't know surprises there will be in this town, yet.

[lecarre]

[Right... He is right and she knows it.]

I will... do my best to be cautious. I don't want to cause anyone any worry over me either...

It feels like everyone has more than enough to worry about right now.

[antaressnipe]

[An agreeable hum at that.]

At least we have lodgings for the time being.

[Well. Some of them.]

I cannot get to the second floor, but could you tell me what is up there?

[lecarre]

You cannot--

[A beat.

She glances at the HORSE LEGS and her mouth makes a tiny "oh" motion.]

Um, right, of course. There are simply rooms up there. Um, they have nameplates of constellations! But I didn't notice anything particularly noteworthy otherwise when I went up there.

[antaressnipe]

Constellations, is it...

[...]

Is one of the nameplates called Centaurus?

[lecarre]

[Opens mouth

closes mouth.]

That is...

[She doesn't...remember...

She feels a bit like she's letting him down.]

Um, please allow me to go double check...! [She's gonna scamper to see.]

[antaressnipe]

-- Ah, no, I didn't mean to imply it was impor... tant...

[WHELP SHE'S GONE.

Guess it's time to wait in the meantime]

[lecarre]

[SHE RETURNS.

SOONISH.

Wheezing like a schoolgirl whose only physical exertion is occasionally PE.]

It is... that is... I mean...

[AHEM.]

There is... a Centarus room...