WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[gatonina]

ARRIVAL

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PASSENGERS: 41 You know how the story goes by now. One minute you’re somewhere familiar, and the next you’re suddenly somewhere else. Unlike previous times before, the source of your rude awakening isn’t a mystery. A harsh jostle causes your body to lunge forward as a tire jumps over a pot hole in the road. Try as you might, it’s hard to ignore the steady thrumming of an engine and the gentle sway beneath you. The faint scent of gasoline seems to waft from the outside, but as you look around you’ll notice that the windows are locked, tinted, and impossible to see through. Likewise, the door ahead of you appears to be locked as well. Perhaps the scent is your imagination…? Regardless, though the lighting is a tad dim, it becomes apparent that you’re inside a large bus dotted with the occasional seat and amid a jumble of other bodies. The people you were last with may be among your fellow passengers. Perhaps they are not. But worry not; there’s plenty of time to look around and get to know one another on this long, strange trip. It may even be wise to examine the staircase at the other end of the bus. Who knows what awaits you on the other floors? Ah, but before you move too far it may be best to assess the situation. On the bright side, any injuries you incurred have been healed! Isn't it nice to have your limbs in place again? Miracles happen. But...what happened to your clothes? You’re fairly certain you weren't wearing this t-shirt before...and what's with the denim shorts? Maybe you were fortunate enough to get the knee-length version, but for those of you waking up in bootyshorts...well, we're sure you look great! And what better way to tie the whole look together than white socks and tan sandals? At least you'll be comfortable for the ride. Lucky for you, your new threads aren't the only gift you'll receive upon waking up. Attached to your waist is a high-quality bag filled with some fun goodies for every passenger! For those of you who unzip your bag to check its contents, you will find: -Dry shampoo -Wet wipes -Deodorant -Travel pack of toilet paper -Travel toothbrush + toothpaste -Poncho -A stylish travel guide No other items are on your person at this time, even if you were holding onto it as you began your previous departure. That's a bit troublesome, isn't it? Not really; it's still a bus. Be grateful for the extra elbow room, alright? Oh, and one last thing...on the wrist of every passenger is a small, equally fashionable white scrunchie. Not your style? Perhaps it's a good idea to give the travel guide another read. Searching the bus from top to bottom will net zero results in the way of an escape. All of the windows are similarly tinted and locked, and the only exit door appears to be the one on the first level that can't be opened at this time. But hey. You're all old pros at this, right? You know what to do next! Get to know the people around you, trade stories with your fellow passengers, and...well. Buckle up for the bumpy ride ahead.

Comments

[coastal]

[she's probably bruised to hell at this point and she's rubbing at her own shoulder but]

... I've tried every single one on this floor and trying to break something on a higher floor away from the ground would probably lead to a worse injury.

So unfortunately, yes.

[successives]

They never make it that easy.

[Whether she thinks it was admirable to try anyways or not is left unsaid, but she does glance away.]

I'm not seeing a doctor's office around here, so not jumping from a second floor window is probably the better bet, yeah.

[coastal]

If someone's feeling durable enough, we can suggest it to them.

[lili, for all her recklessness, at least will recognize what might fucking kill her. minor injury she can handle, major injury is a no.]

So who do you think 'they' are, this time?

[successives]

...If prior experience is anything to go by, we'll find out soon enough.

[Which is her way of saying she has no idea.]

[coastal]

Then we'll have to figure out the plan of attack.

[because the plan is

definitely

to attack]

[successives]

[After a moment:]

Right. How did that go for you last time?

[coastal]

Not good, but not horribly?

[they didn't seem to hold a grudge against kara]

It was sort of the last requirement to really finish everything off, so. I'd rather have an upper hand in case our captors this time aren't as helpful as the last set.

[successives]

...Wait a second, did you just say that yours were helpful?

[squints]

[coastal]

Mm... They were trying, at least. Though they were shackled every now and then, and gagged from saying everything they wanted to say. They didn't even have all the answers all the time...

I take it yours weren't?

[successives]

[With a sigh:]

There was only one of them, and he thought it was funny every time somebody got killed, so no.

[coastal]

[there's a pause and then - with a considerable amount of venom:]

Disgusting.

Did he get what he deserved?

[successives]

[...]

I could tell you, but you're not going to like the answer.

[So, no.]

[coastal]

[thanks.

she hates it.

given that she frowns more, expression darkening. and compared to the way she was blustering everywhere before, now she seems almost worryingly calm and certain.]

... He will.

One day, he will.

[successives]

Right.

[It's hard to tell whether she just doesn't believe Lili or whether she's uncomfortable talking about it, or maybe both - but regardless, she changes the subject.]

Well, hey. Maybe we'll get lucky and whoever's behind this will be decent like yours were.

[You can practically hear the quotation marks around the word lucky, but.

[coastal]

Being held captive is inherently unlucky.

[SHE'S JUST GOING TO SAY IT]

But I got out of it with the results I've wanted a few times now, so I intend on continuing the streak.

[successives]

I mean, I don't think anyone ever intends to lose...

[coastal]

Probably not - but weak will normally leads to it.

I don't have that.

[SHE'S SO FUCKING OVERCONFIDENT but she seems to be done with the windows, and is now wandering off - but she walks slowly enough that she seems to be fine with nat following her if she wants]

[successives]

[For a few moments, it really seems like she isn't going to follow, but then she starts thinking about the potential injuries Lili could wrack up exploring other areas, sighs, and follows after her. Not because she's concerned or anything!!]

Plenty of other things lead to it, too, you know.

[coastal]

Such as?

[yea she's going to 100% find other ways to get hurt - but for now she's opening every cabinet as she goes, as if they all managed to miss something]

[successives]

I don't know. Insurmountable odds, that kind of thing?

[She watches her as she goes, but she doesn't comment on it.]

[coastal]

They're only insurmountable if you think they are.

[she's horrible]

You'll lose every battle, even the ones you could've won, if you start with a mindset like that.

[successives]

[A beat.]

So if you don't start with that mindset and you lose anyways, would you say it's still your fault for having weak will or whatever?

[coastal]

Probably not.

But then I'd say that even if you lose that battle, that doesn't mean you've lost the war. For as long as you are yourself, and can make your own decisions, then you can keep going.

In life or in death.

[she really seems like she has an answer for everything, but she's going to glance back at natalie]

Do you think about losing a lot?

[successives]

How long did it take you to prepare that speech?

[She shakes her head.]

No. You brought it up, I was just curious.

[coastal]

You asked a question and I gave a complete answer....

[though she does look a little embarrassed]

Then there - that's what I think.