robowest | [ WEEK ONE

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game: start

[ WEEK ONE – ARRIVAL ]

ARRIVAL

It's a surprisingly quiet ride. The passenger cart is nothing more than wood and a bit of cotton to cushion the seats but for some reason, even as the train hurtles along down the track, the cart remains silent. It only starts filling with noise when the passengers begin to stir.

There isn't any indication on how you got here. No grogginess, no injuries -- in fact, those who arrive with injuries might find them healed up completely (of course there are others who won't be so lucky) -- but in one blink and the next, you are here, on this train. Maybe you're even sitting next to a friend. Maybe a stranger.

Won't be any time to talk either, the train suddenly slowing down with enough of a jerk to throw its passengers back into their seats. A few seconds later, it comes to a complete stop and with a whistle, the doors open and a voice calls from outside. It's male, with a slight mechanical twang behind it and anyone who looks out the window towards the station can just about spot the portly man out on the platform.

"You might as well come on out, folks. You won't be getting any answers on the train."

Once everyone is out on the platform, the man stands before them taking an assessing look at each person. There is something very off about him, though he looks human enough -- but his eyes are too white, his skin too dry, and his hair is doesn't shine quite right. He is dressed in a flannel shirt, suspenders, and jeans, a cowboy hat atop his head and a badge pinned to his shirt that reads "Sheriff". After a moment, he gives a gruff nod and speaks again.

"Howdy. Real happy to see all of you. Explanations will come... Sunday morning, yeah. Give y'all a bit of time to meet each other. Settle in. Keys are on the table over there, hat and pistol in your room. Don't, er... Don't shoot each other right away but if you do, my office is over there. Go get some dinner, sun's about to set. Wouldn't want any coyote trouble."

And that seems to be... it. The Sheriff tips his hat and turns to head to the building with the large "Sheriff" sign on the front. There is a table nearby, keys neatly laid out for everyone with nametags attached to each one. An owl hoots in the distance and a breeze passes through the group. It's quiet again.

Welcome to game start! Characters will find their items in their hotel rooms and anyone who goes to visit the Sheriff after he leaves will find the station empty. On top of that, rulebooks will not be available to find until later. The Sheriff might be forcing it a little but it seems like the intent here really is to get everyone to interact with each other. If there are any questions, PM or hit up the plurk at

robowest!

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[ When Mrs. O'Leary approaches, Hannibal smiles a bit more as he crouches to be closer to her level. Before reaching out to pet her, he does look up at Percy to first ask. ]

May I?

[ Though regardless of his answer, Hannibal will continue with the rest. ]

Well, the third is at least amusing, since it's anachronistic for what we've been given. For the rest, mildly. I was imagining more than food, but if we're to stay here for a few days, then the idea of being able to indulge in a personal hobby at least satisfies the question of what I might do in the meantime.

[Its easier for him to relax when Mrs. O'Leary doesn't treat Hannibal as a threat and so he nods.] Yeah, sure. She's really sweet, she probably just wants to say hi. [And while that goes on, Percy purses his lips together to think on that point. For a sixteen year old boy who spent two and a half weeks in the Underworld food was sort of a priority whether he wanted it to be or not.]

Have you looked at the town? There are a lot of buildings that look like they're closed up, too. Maybe there used to be more here than there is now. [Hannibal's words aren't lost on him though.] You cook?

[ Once he's given permission, he pets her idly, and with a friendly smile. It seems despite his put-together appearance and how that might give the impression of the opposite, he likes dogs. ]

Somewhat. I've taken to exploring it in full for today, since it seems we will be here for long enough that I may as well. But I did notice that. Considering the Western theme, it's hard to tell if this is for a reason or simply for decoration. [ He gives Mrs. O'Leary a friendly pat on the head to signal that he's done, then stands as he rebuttons his suit jacket automatically. ] Only prying one open would answer that, I imagine.

[ He walks towards some of the counters to inspect their contents at this point, since it fits well with the question posed. ]

I do, yes. I'm quite particular with the sort of food I eat, and a natural consequence means preparing it all myself. But the ritual and artfulness of an excellent meal is something I enjoy. [ He stops at one cabinet to take a look, though he breathes out a laugh. ] Though given what's here, I imagine I'll be thinking of more modest recipes than the ones I prefer.

[People who like dogs can't all be bad, right? Even the ones who started out kind of bad turned out to be okay. He can accept this and he leans back against a shelf to watch closely.]

I'm still hoping we're leaving tomorrow and that's why the sheriff's coming back. [He doesn't make any movements but it's evident that he's easing into the conversation anyway.] It could be decoration...I haven't been to a lot of ranches or western towns before. Makes about as much sense as everything else. [Like why they're here at all. Mrs. O'Leary trots back to Percy and he shifts the pop-tarts from one hand to another.]

The ritual? [He doesn't mean to sound amused, but he kind of is.] I think that makes it a little more than a hobby, dude. But you have one-up on me. [A gesture to the pop-tarts again.] My mom usually cooks in our house or the ha--[No.] Hired help in the summers do.

[Smooth.] The hotel has a kitchen so it's not too bad, but I'd still kill for a decent cheeseburger.

[ He cants his head lightly to the side as Percy speaks about the sheriff, and it seems that Hannibal isn't quite as sure about that. He's actually not sure of a lot of things here, like he's even alive, but... Well. He doesn't need to get into that, because in truth, he doesn't find that topic very interesting. ]

Nor have I. It's certainly an interesting choice in decor, though not one I would have picked. The aesthetic leaves something to be desired.

[ The fact that this man just used the word "aesthetic" seriously might at least give a hint of what the rest of his answer is going to be, though. He laughs, and it's a pleasant and friendly one, since he's amused by the observation. ]

I suppose it is. I love serving people, so my meals often turn into more elaborate affairs.

[ He sees a bottle of olive oil on the shelf that he picks up, since he'll definitely take that with him. It's kind of a staple for cooking, and he might just hoard all he can find. Maybe. He looks back to Percy, though. ]

But if you would like, I'll be in the kitchen for a while, I imagine. Making a cheeseburger would be easy enough. [ He adds wryly as he tips the bottle lightly towards Percy: ] No killing required.

[Look Percy's kind of already gone in the circle of "what if we fucked up and we're dead" so this is a much nicer and more socially acceptable line of thought for a stranger. He can freak out to Annabeth in private later if he doesn't get answers he wants. He's not happy with the lack of answers, but....they had agreed to talk to as many people as possible. Get as many answers as possible.

There's an awkward laugh at the use of the word "aesthetic" because man, really?] I'm starting to get an idea of what you would pick.

[It's not really meant to be rude but. Come on. Percy's current image of Hannibal is a dude who has fancy dinner parties and wines and dines his guests and probably hangs out with people who sneer at kids like him.]

If we're still stuck here that long, maybe there's time to figure out how to make canned fruit or something elaborate. [On the other hand, he pauses and thinks that over. Considering the fact the last time someone cooked for him that someone was, you know, an actual giant, that's maybe something. Natural suspicion seems to be ruling here but he'll keep it in mind.] I appreciate it. I might need to check with...someone, but maybe.

[ Hannibal glances over at Percy briefly at the somewhat snide comment, but he's able to let it go easily enough. He cants his head to the side lightly as if to quietly agree, because, well, he can't be insulted at the idea. He carries himself in such a way that it is fairly obvious. ]

That long? It hadn't occured to me that the stay may stretch on that long, but if so, I hardly disagree. It's not my forte, since I prefer my food fresher, but I do know how to preserve it if we do find that it's needed.

[ Though the idea of that isn't one that Hannibal particularly likes. He's not a fan of preserved food at all unless it's used purposefully in a dish for some reason. The idea of it being his entire diet is a bit souring. Though, technically speaking, he's personally not exactly hurting for what he would consider food here like others may. But if it comes to that, they'll learn. ]

A friend? I would be happy to cook for both of you, if that is what you're concerned about. I'm cooking for a friend of mine as well, so it's no trouble to add another.

At least somebody does. [Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Hannibal. Still, Percy can only nod along because it's still better than what he can do. He refuses to believe they'll really be stuck that long but at the same time he knows how to prepare himself just in case they do. The best way to do that is by getting to know people and your surroundings.

When Hannibal calls him out on the last piece though, Percy grins slightly.]

It's not really that, but the offer's appreciated. [There's no polite way to tell a stranger that when you're them it's very hard to trust people.] I'll run it by her. You came in on the train with someone else you know?

[That's important. That's the first time he's hearing something like this.]

Of course. It would be rude of me to speak of my cooking and to not offer.

[ He makes it sound casual, even wry, but there is an element of how he phrases it that's attuned to Percy's worry. It's not his specific worry, but it's natural for someone to be suspicious given their situation. He's seeking to soothe them. After all, his offer is purely innocent. For now. ]

I did, yes. A very good friend, so I would say that I'm lucky in that respect.

[ He nods to Mrs. O'Leary ]

Like yourself, he is a lover of dogs. I imagine it won't be long before you meet, if you haven't already.

[It definitely works. It's something in his head now, something he'll talk to Annabeth about and also it means keeping an eye on Hannibal and feeling him out a little more. The man seems polite enough and while everything is exhausting sometimes people being nice to him is enough to get him to waver a bit.

So, there's a non-verbal thanks in the form of a smile but he's still curious about this sudden mystery friend.]

A lot of people had dogs waiting for them from what I've heard. I wouldn't mind meeting him. [Because again, people who like dogs can't be that bad.] But you guys are the first ones I've heard of who knew each other prior to coming here. Were you together before the train, too?

Is that so? Yours is the first I've met other than Will's. Perhaps the sheriff is an animal lover.

[ There's a amusement in his tone that makes it clear that this is a joke, but he does find that genuinely funny, in a way. Will will certainly be happy. It's perhaps the best way for him to be social, since interacting with someone's dog means also interacting with the owner. That, or Will might steal the dog. He's known to do that, but Hannibal assumes he wouldn't be so bad as to take one so brazenly.

Hannibal sets the olive oil on the counter as he continues to look through things, and he'll just amass a small pile of cooking ingredients as they speak. ]

We were. Were the two of you?

Maybe. Somebody else I met this morning had one, too. [Constantine is a cute dog but Barnham has zero chill.] The sheriff could have at least asked before dognapping these guys though.

[Dognappers are clearly the worst. The amusement doesn't escape him and he finally openly grins. All right, we're at the joking around phase. That's acceptable. Percy should continue shopping around himself but he's busy watching the pile grow instead. He doesn't know what to do with about half the items, but it's nice somebody does.]

Will. [It seems out of context, but it's just for himself. He knows a Will, but that's a fleeting thought. He's committing the name to memory for whenever he meets this mysterious dog-loving Will.] We were...it was just us, but we were on our way to meet our friends somewhere else. [It's close enough to the truth that he can say so without fumbling over his words or tripping over his tone.] I don't even know what happened to them since yesterday.

As well as kidnapping the people. But I imagine the response in both cases would have been "no." Kidnappers don't tend to appreciate that response.

[ Which might be a bit of an odd thing to say, but Hannibal relays it so smoothly that it feels like a natural part of the conversation. His expression and his busy work of assembling a store of ingredients for himself (and for Will) doesn't falter in the slightest, at least. ]

It is the same for us, funnily enough. Whether that is coincidence or purpose, I couldn't easily guess. It doesn't seem to be the case for the other people I've met, however. [ He breathes out a small laugh ] A shame. We were just about to take a trip by sea, but somehow the train became the preferred method.

Edited 2017-01-15 05:49 (UTC)

Kidnappers aren't that great at listening either. [Sometimes you just gotta deal with weird shit like waking up in places without remembering how you got there. Why this has happened to him twice in eight months nobody knows. At least one person besides Percy and Annabeth is taking this whole thing in stride.]

A lot of people that were with their friends showed up here alone. I don't get why they would have brought us and you and Will together. It makes even less sense for us since we were in a place trains can't even reach. [And then, weirdly sincerely:] Sorry about your trip.

[Just because he's worried about the fate of the world doesn't mean he can ignore other people's nice and normal plans that were messed up.]

No, they do not tend to be. I suppose he fits in that regard, disappointing as it may be.

[ He glances to Percy with a clear, but small amount of genuine surprise at the sincerity, but it easily shifts again. His attention returns to his work, but there's a little more of a smile. ]

It's quite alright. It was an impulsive trip in the first place, so I can't be too bothered that the destination ended up being different than expected. It is not what I would have picked, that said. The sea would be far better.

[That earnest expression is still there. Percy might have a lot of issues and a lot of things that he's done but he's still a good kid whose concerned about all of them being here and putting their lives on pause. He's actually pretty pleased by that reaction.]

The sea's always a better option. [Says the completely unbiased child of the sea god, but nobody needs to know that.] Some of us were thinking about walking out of town to see where our boundaries are. How do we know we're not anywhere close to a body of water?

[He's. Being a little optimistic, forgive him.]

Ah, I can already tell you that we are.

[ Hannibal smelled it, actually. His sharp sense of smell had brought him traces of their town from the dust to the coal mine to the lake. He's yet to even see it, but from smell alone, he can tell enough about it to be able to make it seem like he's been there. ]

It's no sea, unfortunately. Though I would be quite amused if this dusty place were surrounded by the ocean. It is a lake, but I did not venture out into it to see if it was a boundary.

Wait really? [He suddenly looks very interested in that, possibly moreso than most things.] Any idea how far it might be? I'd like to see it.

[...but.] We're never going to know how far we can go until we look, that's all.

Not far. Just beyond the farm.

[ He does look to Percy with a slightly quizzical expression, since the interest surprises him slightly. He doesn't think the lake is anything particularly extraordinary, or he doesn't imagine it to be. ]

I do agree, though I also tend towards pessimism. If it were that easy, I would be surprised. But I will certainly not discourage exploration.

[He ignores that! He's good at ignoring things like that and instead meets the expression with another small smile. Nothing to see here.]

I never said it would be easy, just that we should check it out. [He nods down at his dog.] Mrs. O'Leary and I were going to go for a walk to see how far we could get before the sun sets. But if there's a lake that's probably our first stop.

Then I wish you the best of luck. Either way, the answer to that question would be quite useful to know.

[ He opens his mouth to say something, but then seems to remember something. Hannibal laughs, then shakes his head lightly before he turns to face Percy fully. ]

Forgive me— I've just realized, all of this, and I've yet to introduce myself. Hannibal Lecter. It's a pleasure.

Thanks. I hope I can find some good news to bring back. [But he definitely doubts it.

He tilts his chin up when Hannibal introduces himself and...there's zero recognition of the name. Well, no, that's not true, he recognizes the name Hannibal but it also belongs to a war elephant. Given the way he grins it's obvious he's thinking about said-elephant, but he can push that aside.]

Percy Jackson. Kind of wish there were better circumstances but nice to meet you, too. There's a lot of us but I'm trying to get to know everybody who's here.

[ He introduces himself casually for a reason, because even though he gives his name easily, he's looking at Percy for a reaction. There's no extra interest in Hannibal's attention that makes it notable, but he's waiting for recognition. And yet, it doesn't come.

Just barely, his smile twitches upward, but it's perfectly in time with Percy giving his name. ]

So indeed. If the numbers in our rooms are identical, then there are forty of us. Forty-one if you count the sheriff. It's no small number, and at least from the faces I've seen, I have difficulty imagining a commonality between us all. It's very odd.

Edited 2017-01-16 07:20 (UTC)

[And thus Percy remains oblivious for one day more. He actually looks happy since Hannibal answered a question he's had since they all arrived (and he didn't think to actually count the rooms, too anxious to get out and explore), and in a way that helps him think they're on the same side in all of this.]

I didn't even think to check that way, but that's still way too many people for this to be a huge coincidence. But I don't know about that. I think we can all agree that the sheriff's a jerk. That's something we have in common, isn't it? [That is to say he hasn't found a pattern either and he thinks it's weird. He and Annabeth are already looking into it but so far no dice.]

Rude, to say the very least.

[ Which sounds mild, but that's a grave insult in Hannibal's book as well as one that's lightly threatening to anyone that might receive it. He has a certain bias against rude people. But! He nods all the same. ]

So, that's true. I doubt anyone holds a very positive opinion of him, though if that's the point of connection, it might as well be random. But at least for now, it brings us together. It's just an especially odd community.

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i'm so fucking sorry

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