redactable | WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

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

a rock that resembles the galaxy

a single random one of these pillows

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Haha, that's there, the merchant certainly doesn't seem to care for his wares here.

[he'll go and place the shutters on now even though he can see literally nothing now

he smiles anyway]

Do they suit me?

As long as he doesn't have security cameras up, it's not like there's anyone here to call you up on thievery.

[ she

well

hm. ]

... They're quite, um, bright. In colour.

[what is a camera

oh boy he wants a library so bad right now

but regardless he's registering the look on her face and smiling even more brightly]

So they are! I've rarely seen pigments so saturated - I wanted to try them!

[ ... he sounds so enthusiastic. wow. ]

Was this the only bright colour there was?

I believe there were more - in blues and greens, and a few patterns.

Would you like one? Shall we match?

You should take a few then, if you wanted to try them out. It doesn't seem like we're going anywhere, so you can always come back and figure out a payment or something with the owner when they're back.

[ she pauses and then...

y'know. why not? ]

Sure. Which colour do you think would suit me?

Oh! Perhaps I can take some back for my bodyguards as well - it's rare that I travel without them. It would be nice for me to have something to show for it.

[but he'll hum thoughtfully before wandering in the direction of the rack, beckoning alex to follow after him

to the wholeass display of shutter shades in all their garish colors]

Do you have a favorite color?

[ bodyguards...? ] You normally have bodyguards? [ ......... ] Would they wear these things?

[ oh. wow. that's a lot of blinding shades. ]

I don't know.

I'd be happy with whatever though.

I do, I'm a merchant myself. [a beat] They wouldn't normally, but it would be rather funny...

[little shit]

Ah! Then let's see... How about these? [he procures the red pair of heart-shaped shutter shades] A classic, until we find your favorite color.

[ she's thinking of the bodyguards she knows and... she laughs. ] They have to look so imposing and serious. It'd either throw people off in a good way, or... well. Amuse people, I guess?

[ make them a laughing stock. is what she should be saying out loud. ]

Alright then... [ she takes them and puts them on. hm. ] How'd they look?

Ahaha, I believe that we could all benefit from amusement now and again. After all, as long as they are strong enough to do what they're paid to, then it's fine, isn't it?

[why not let people have an occasional laugh or smile

like the smile that he's giving alex!]

Lovely! Though I think your first pair might be more fitting for your image... I think this look is very charming.

They say laughter's a medicine. Not sure if your guards would agree so much, but... you're their boss, right?

[ and the corruption of the hierachical ladder continues ]

Hmmm. [ she takes them off and tries on the other ones. ] Well, these ones actually provide the sort of... tinting effect I'd expect them to. I'm not really sure how the other ones are meant to protect your eyes.

I am their boss. [which he seems pleased about but - ] Ahaha, though I'll try not to push their buttons too much. Just enough. I'd hate for them to grow unhappy with me.

[he's at least not a total asshole probably]

They do seem like they're meant for a certain aesthetic rather than function, don't they? Though I wonder what type of aesthetic it is....

It wouldn't look good for them to place personal bias above your safety though. Especially in terms of future employment and reliability. [ who hires bodyguards who don't guard properly? ]

... A loud one, probably.

[he blinks a few times - before his expressions softens]

You're right. That would be bad - but... I don't think I have to worry about it for the men I've hired.

... which makes it a bit more problematic about why I'm here and not with them, but I suppose I'll just have to receive a report once we're reunited.

... [ there's a good point. ]

Makes you wonder how they managed to grab so many of us -- presumably all around the same time. Especially if, like you've said, you've got a guard most of the time.

[he offers a smile - not delighted, but calm]

There are a number of things I'm wondering about within that scope, yes.

I have a few theories, but nothing that can be confirmed until we meet the people in charge, unfortunately.

I think a lot of us have questions for them. I hope they're ready.

WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

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