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

[swordflash]

[Of course it isn't good enough. Even if it's better not to endanger others with his incompetence, he's as much of a dead weight in the back as he would be in the front.]

I can't help it . . . Everything is just too scary!

[coastal]

Have you considered just letting yourself get angry instead of scared?

[worked for her!]

[swordflash]

[Come to think of it, he did do that once.]

Does that really work?

[coastal]

Yes.

[just

very certainly.]

When your fury at injustice, or even at your own weakness is at its strongest... it's easy to burn through all the fear that might paralyze you.

Or at least, that's how I felt when they brought me to the gallows.

[please don't say things like this casually]

[swordflash]

The gallows?

[His voice climbs considerably in pitch.]

Why were you at the gallows? You don't look like a criminal!

[coastal]

An enemy country abducted me and put me in a slave camp. I killed a soldier and ran away to protect myself and my friend before he killed us. The other guards found me and brought me back to hang me.

[said as if commenting on the weather]

So I guess I'm a criminal technically....

[swordflash]

[Now he understands why anger worked so well for her. This revelation is driving him wild.]

That's horrible! You must've been so scared! What happened after that? Did you make it out okay?

[coastal]

I got tired of being okay with dying, so I headbutted the soldiers that were leading me to the gallows and told the other prisoners to revolt too. Then the King saved me, so... it's annoying that I still had to be saved, even though I'm obviously glad to be alive.

[she looks... so moody about it....]

But yeah, whatever, I'm fine. Don't look so worried - you don't know anything about me.

[SHE JUST SHARED ONE OF HER MOST TRAUMATIZING EXPERIENCES AND YET]

[swordflash]

[That speaks for a certain strength that he lacks, but he's too horrified to appreciate it right now.]

But you just told me something! How can I not be worried when your life was in danger? Even now, it still is!

[coastal]

Because I can take care of myself, and have other people who can look after me when I can't.

[she loves her swords]

So you should worry about yourself, or other people who need it more.

[swordflash]

[Can he borrow them?]

Does that mean I can stay here?

[coastal]

No.

[she starts walking away]

[swordflash]

[No . . . Come back.]