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

[survivaltricks]

Could've, should've, would've.

[still amused]

There are video games here, so maybe you'll have the chance now. And yeah; they are.

I have a pretty retro gaming set back home.

[menially]

...



You think the operator would kill me on the spot if I opened up the one on the second level for a minute?

[guy]

I'd have to get creative, but--

[survivaltricks]

I doubt the operator will.

[. . .]

But the other people here might.

[perpetual boredom is a crime]

[menially]

Damn. Tough crowd.

I'd put it back!

[Eventually.]

[survivaltricks]

[LAUGHS]

Yeah, but how long would it take?

[menially]

Hey, you can't rush the exploration of true craftsmanship. [Nods genuinely.]

The answer is "not long enough to get my head on a stake".

[survivaltricks]

Then as long as you're careful about it. . .

Should I get calling you Mr. Technophile?

[menially]

Wh--

No! Come on, it's not like that.

[survivaltricks]

Ah. The dulcet tones of denial.

That just makes it seem even more like it is.

[AKIRA YOU'RE DATING A ROBOT]

[menially]

It's a passion! Don't deny a man his passions, you'll break my heart.

[bullied by a child over machinery, the continued story of guy cecil]

Come on, you can't look at that galactic translator walking around and talking to people and not have SOME admiration.

[survivaltricks]

[s-snorts]

Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't.

[HOWEVER]

But don't forget that even if they're made of machinery they're people, too.

[menially]

Of course they are. That's part of the beauty of sentience, right? Just because something else might have made them doesn't mean they stop being important or worth treating with just as much respect and dignity. [He has FEELINGS about this topic]

We had a few of them, back at the temple. Lots of technical buffs like me as well, so of course we were all curious and tried to get involved. But it's disgusting to have a perfectly intelligent, beautiful robot, one that you've been having conversations with, observing and learning from, and just scrapping her body for spare parts when she dies like some sort of scavengers ripping apart a rusted fon machine.

[UGH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!]

[survivaltricks]

[Akira ALSO has feelings about this topic (for understandable reasons), so!! hearing Guy talk like this helps him relax]

Mmm. . .

[his own expression hardens a bit, turning distant and thoughtful. like he's thinking about someone specific]

. . . it sounds like you're talking from experience.

[menially]

Unfortunately.

She was one of the first ones to die. I don't think we ever figured out who did it, or why. Maybe they figured she was easier on the conscience. [The words are sour on his tongue, but it's a moment here and gone, tossed away with a sigh as he props up his head with one hand.]

It's nice to see I'm not entirely by myself in that regard. Don't tell me sentient robots are common back home, too... [Said with just a slightly pathetic tinge to his tone. DONT MAKE HIM JEALOUS.]

[survivaltricks]

[wow, well. Akira's expression-- for a brief, lightning-flash-of-a-moment-- shifts into something completely derisive. his brows furrow, mouth curving back into an almost-snarl, and if Guy is paying attention he'll notices that he curls his hands into fists so tight his knuckles are white]

[. . .]

[a deep breath. . . and he relaxes]

"Easier on the conscience." What bullshit.

[he breathes that to himself, and he thinks of Luna-- Luna, the kindest, sweetest, hardest work and most deserving person back at the mansion-- and how unfair it is that people like that would only add to her personhood issues]

[. . .]

. . . I wouldn't say "common." [har] But there were at least two of them back at the mansion. 45-- who is here, by the way-- and. . . [another breath, his voice softening when he says this other name] Luna.

[menially]

Couldn't have said it better myself, honestly.

[Thankfully, Guy isn't the type to point that kind of little crack of emotion unless it's needed. He'll just stay appropriately quiet, letting Akira collect himself again before hopping right back into the conversation like nothing had changed.]

Wait... we have more than one robot? Ah, no, no, besides that...

Wild guess, but she wasn't the tiny little girl with the red collar and huge blue eyes, right?

[Because Luna, while fascinating, was also frightening.]

[survivaltricks]

-- what?

[giving Guy a bewildered look, because. nope, that doesn't sound like his Luna]

No, not at all. She was tall, with red hair and blue eyes. She looked more like a mature woman than a little girl.

You knew a Luna who wasn't human, too?

[menially]

Yeah... Pretty obvious in her design, too, unlike a couple of the others. She definitely wasn't tall, though. [He kind of vaguely holds his hand up palm-down near his ribs, despite them being on the floor and this not showing a good sense of scale, but. Nah. Luna was Small.]

Huh... It's a small world, I guess. Or... well, a small assortment of worlds.

Anyway. [Just kind of waves a hand, dismissing himself.] I interrupted you. Sorry.

[survivaltricks]

Huh. . . small assortment of worlds indeed.

[his mouth twitches a little bit]

And no, it's okay. I didn't have much else to say beyond that. I didn't know 45 too well, but she did a lot to save lives back at the mansion.

And Luna-- [breathes out. the fond note in his expression and voice are back] She was a doctor, so she treated us when we were hurt. She also did her best to save lives. . . [a pause]

And she is extremely important to me.

[menially]

[Oh.

Ooooooh.

Yeah, okay, he can guess where this is going, but he'd be dumb not to take the chance to play along.]

Good to know about 45. I'll have to keep my eye out for her. She sounds like she could be an interesting character.

...


Soooo, are we talking "really good friend" important? Or...

[Y'know.]

[survivaltricks]

She is an interesting character. And a lot softer than she might try to act, too.

[he HAS YOUR NUMBER 45, HE KNOWS YOU'RE A GOOD PERSON]

[as for Luna--]

She's my girlfriend.

[he says that so easily and happily that it's kind of disgusting. what a sap]

[menially]

[claps unironically]

[survivaltricks]

[turns a little pink]

I don't. . . I don't know if that's worth clapping over.

[menially]

Sure it is. Love's always a great thing.

Besides, it's just nice to hear that a sentient robot was able to find someone like you to really appreciate her.