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

i.

[lecarre]

Oh...

[Ange pauses from where she was tentatively poking at her gift bag to blink at Homura.]

Do you think that is what it meant...? I thought we were going to be the ones helping, but maybe that was too optimistic.

[horologia]

I would have thought that 'Participant Help System' meant 'help, for the participants,' but ... given how the people who wrote that message sound maybe I wouldn't be surprised if it really was just 'help, from the participants' instead. Or something like that...

[ a pause, slightly longer than her so far hesitant pace, ]

They sound like they need it.

[lecarre]

[Ange just rubs the back of her head.]

Yes... they do. I'm not entirely sure how someone like me could help, but...

[Well!!]

It would be nice to think we were brought here to help, instead, wouldn't it?

[horologia]

I... the same for me. I don't really have any particularly noteworthy skills, I'd think...

[ there are so many better choices out there for conscripted help than a japanese schoolgirl. ]

Either way, it would be nice if that really is why we're here, but... You don't really think that's the case, do you?

[lecarre]

To be honest... I do not know.

[Ange just shakes her head, shoulders drooping a little.]

But even so, I would like to hope for the best, I think. For as long as we are able to.

[horologia]

Well, I- it's not wrong to have hope, I think.

[ people say she's a bit gloomy or pessimistic sometimes but the least she can do is not make other people sad with her-- ]

Hopefully their best... soon, whenever that is, is a little more promising than what we know so far?

[lecarre]

Yes, that is exactly it!

[Ange tries to offer the best confident smile, which is... not that confident.]

Let's not lose hope too soon, all right?

[horologia]

[ well, it's probably better than homura's. ]

Right. If we lose hope before we even start, then... there'd really be no point, would there?

[lecarre]

[Homura...]

Right...! So... miss, please don't worry. I am quite certain we will make it home soon.

[horologia]

[ we're over here now ]