WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL - OVERFLOW

[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

C-3POverflow (new tag-ins more than welcome!!)

[machinetranslation]

I. how rude an awakening

[It doesn't take much to knock over C-3PO in the best of circumstances, but that's doubly true for when he's powered down and inside a moving vehicle. The harsh jostle of the pothole bump throws his lanky body right to the ground.

Anyone nearby would certainly hear the loud thunk of 75 kilos of metal and wire hitting the floor so unceremoniously. Coming to investigate, you'd see a golden-plated figure (underneath the shirt & booty shorts, that is), face-down and currently struggling to right himself—worriedly muttering in a tinny, clearly non-organic voice.]

[Will you help him get up? Quietly watch? He doesn't seem to be having much luck on his own with the swaying motion of the bus.]

Oh dear, it seems I must have powered down after everything...

II. speaking to the bus manager

[Whenever he does make his way to his feet, assisted or not, Threepio sets out exploring the interior. It's not long before he locates the driver's cabin, intending to ask about where they're headed and if perhaps they could pilot a bit more smoothly.

Knocking and looking through the tinted window, he spots the silhouette of a familiar domed shape.

The knocking becomes louder and more impatient.]


R2?? R2-D2 open this door at once! I should have known this rough flying was your handiwork.

[Knock knock knock

R2? Flying? This golden robot man is shouting some strange things.]

III. wildcard/bully

[Whenever he gives up on yelling at R2 in the driver's cabin, C-3PO will wander around the first deck, chatting to anyone he sees, complaining to himself, and decidedly not attempting to climb the ladder. Feel free to approach him and ask what his deal is, he'd certainly love to tell you.

Hit me up on disco at ikiguy#4890 for any bully requests or ideas!]

III!

[overruns]

[ Dimitri is up on the second deck now, but it's easy enough to spot a flash of bronze-y chrome from where he's walking. He does an immediate double-take, peering down at the first floor and calling out.

Hi, robobuddy. ]

C-3PO? [ Of course it's him, who else would it be. ] You were dragged here as well?

UMP45

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

In my travels I've found that droids take all manner of forms depending on the system and world. That part at least has been quite enjoyable. Meeting so many interesting new people and droids.

[His cheerful prattering is interrupted by a sudden jolt]

Oh dear! In my excitement I've quite forgotten myself. I am C-3PO, Human-Cyborg Relations. At your service.

[Threepio is, of course, polite to droids and organics both! Well, except for one droid in particular...]

[recrypt]

Form and function is one thing. The histories of our respective Earths, on the other hand, is a different thing entirely.

But I might be getting ahead of myself. Designation UMP45.

[ she can rattle off her full serial and model number, but no one needs that. ]

Let's all get along now, shall we?

[machinetranslation]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, UMP-45.

If I might ask, what do you mean by "Earths"? My translation software may be in error. Do you mean "soil" as a way to refer to geographic locations?

[He scans his memory for any system or planet called "Earth" but doesn't seem to have any record of such a place.]

[because I can't help myself, I checked and German does use "die Erde" to mean both!]

Miss Flayn

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

[He seems to take a moment to think]

Given the number of people and the size of the transport, it would seem likely that we were separated after leaving the ship that rescued us.

[He hasn't seen the Princess or Master Luke here, either. And when they'd just been reunited, oh!]

Not to worry, though, Miss Flayn. I'm sure we'll see them when we reach our destination.

[He worries]

[fishingforcompliments]

...C-3PO, do you... remember leaving the ship we left the island on?

[Because she doesn't and that's what worries her most of all.]

[machinetranslation]

[A moment while he thinks, his eyes flickering as things process]

I'm sorry to say I don't, Miss Flayn. Although I'm afraid my memory has been less than reliable as of late, given everything that's happened.

Do you not remember?

Chuuya

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

Oh! My apologies.

It's quite a standard practice. Most common when droids change hands between different owners, as you wouldn't want personal or confidential information to be accessible. Although regular memory wipes are also performed on droids that develop too much [a pause and his tone shift somewhat, not quite sad, but less bright than before] personality, as it were.

[shortforever]

[Okay yeah, he's angry now.]

That is absolute bullshit! You get your mind wiped because you grew a personality? Who the hell made that kind of a rule? You're a PERSON, of course you're gonna grow a personality!

[machinetranslation]

[The sudden anger takes him aback, and he doesn't quite understand it, but understands that it's on his behalf. Younglings do sometimes get quite attached to droids and have difficulty telling them apart from organics.]

Despite my humanoid appearance, Master Chuuya, I'm not actually a person in the same way you are. Although your passionate concern on my behalf is really most appreciated.

[He pats him comfortingly on the shoulder.]

Miss Stephanie

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

That's certainly a relief. Violence is rarely the solution, after all. Perhaps some light conversation would help.

[vigilantics]

Sure. I love light conversation.

What do you wanna converse about?

Master Magnus

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

[Stopping his banging for a moment, Threepio becomes aware of some very loud, excited footfalls heading directly at him. Hoping to get out of the way, he throws himself to the side against the nearest wall.]

Look out! Oh!

[ruffboi]

[Hurtling straight into the wall and bounching backwards! Oops! Getting right back up.]

Thanks for the warning! I'm still gonna need that arm.

Master Akira

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

That's a relief to hear. Would you like help standing up?

[He holds his arms out to be grabbed onto if needed. Seems sturdy enough...]

Re: Master Akira

[survivaltricks]

Oh-- sure.

[gratefully Akira reaches out to grab C-3PO's arm, using it as an anchor to pull himself upright]

Thanks. Are you okay, too?

Master Asch

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

Oh, you're not impeding me at all, sir! Not to worry. Is there some way I might be of assistance?

I believe this useful pack had disposable wipes which could be used to clean your face.

[He rummages through the fanny pack while tottering alongside Asch]

Re: Master Asch

[getdrekt]

No. You already assisted. Thanks, you can go.

[he's not looking for help!!!

although

hm]

Don't tell me you came from some idiotic murderhouse scenario, too.

Master Giyuu

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

Wise words, indeed, Master Giyuu!

[Clumsily, and with no small amount of stepping on Giyuu (sorry), Threepio finds himself up on the second level]

Oh that was much easier than expected. Thank you, sir!

[baori]

[ he's fine with being stepped on. it's just his face and upper torso that is being stepped on. what's the problem with that? it's totally fine. giyuu has been through worse and today is the start of a new awful journey.

but once he's up on the second deck, giyuu will give himself a brushing and follow suit. might as well get up there too. upon reaching the second deck he looks away for a moment and nods. ]

Find me if you need help between the levels.

Miss Minako

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

Certainly better than before, although the pilot of this transport could stand to take more care in their flying. I swear it's like going through that asteroid field all over again. I do hope we'll reach our destination soon.

[muragas]

[ . . . you know what? she's not going to argue about how this probably isn't a space bus, but instead... ]

Oh, were you able to see the driver? I haven't gone up front to check yet. Notice anything about them?

Master Cecil

[machinetranslation]

[linked from here!]

I'm afraid not, sir. If interstellar travel isn't common there, I assume it's an Outer Rim world, then? Master Luke is from one such place.

I would say it's certainly lucky that Auldrant was spared the reach of the war. [He shakes his head sadly] It's been...dreadful for many systems and the people residing there.

[menially]

...Luke, huh? [weird coincidence. again. hm.] Was he the one who originally constructed you, or just someone you currently service?

As far as the planet goes... really, if there's any reach from any other kind of planet or civilization outside our own, Auldrant has no evidence of it. The concept of space travel was something that was pursued at one time, but had to be abandoned due to massive amounts of cultural upheaval and a reversal of technological progress. We're only now getting back into craft that can fly through the air, let alone make it past the Fon Belt and into space.

Still. I guess it's not a surprise to hear that conflicts like that exist no matter where you go. Sounds like whatever you've gone through has been particularly far-reaching, though.