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

[machinetranslation]

Oh, how regretful. [he clasps his hands to his chest and his tone is the perfect level of empathetic sorrow] Even though it was some time ago you have my condolences, Miss Escha.

Did your caregiver have a name? What manner of droid were they? Childcare droids are typically quite specialized, but somewhat outside my purview.

[applechemist]

Thank you. It was a long time ago, so...

[ ... Anyway. ]

Yes, her name is Clone. But I wouldn't say she's specialized... At least, not for taking care of people. She's actually meant to look over the city itself, and to take care of the orchard.

[machinetranslation]

[huh, this all sounds highly irregular and certainly not part of any official guideline for proper childcare]

The orchard? So this Clone was an agricultural or some type of operations droid?

[applechemist]

Something like that.

[machinetranslation]

How fascinating. It must have been quite difficult for them to adapt to such a different function, but to have done so must surely mean they're quite well-programmed.

Did you also assist at this orchard? You also mentioned you currently do work as an..."alchemist" did you say?

[applechemist]

[ Escha doesn't quite get it, but ] Yeah, she's great! We've even been working to make her speech patterns feel more human.

[ And - Escha nods. ] I'm pretty busy with my alchemy, but I help out on the orchard when I can. I did a lot more around there when I was younger, though.

[machinetranslation]

You seem to have a diverse set of skills, Miss Escha.

What type of work does an "alchemist" do? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the field.

[applechemist]

That depends on what department they work for.

I'm in R & D, so I do all kinds of stuff. Exploring ruins, gathering and synthesizing materials, making repairs around town, making medicine... We just do whatever is needed.

[machinetranslation]

That sounds like incredibly valuable work, Miss Escha! One imagines that alchemists must be quite important members of the community in your culture, then? I should very much enjoy accompanying you in some work if I ever had the chance.