Riddle 001: Where am I?

[questionauthority]

[Edward groans blearily and rubs his eyes, having fallen asleep in a squashy armchair in the corner of his new bedroom. He looks around, briefly. His eyes slowly go wide as he's bombarded with thoughts. This isn't my office. He looks down at himself. These aren't my clothes. He glances up at his desk, which feature pictures of a group of young children, a young woman, and... himself?! That can't be me. He pushes himself up, heading over towards the window. One peek outside and his eyes go wider. This certainly isn't Gotham!

He darts out of his bedroom and starts searching the house for a computer, a phone, an exit, something. He moves quickly, unsure if he's been abducted by anyone. Finally, he comes across an old rotary phone. Compulsively, he reaches for the phone, dials a number, and speaks into it with an urgent, hushed whisper.]

Gotham City Police Department? This is Edward Nigma, get Commissioner Gordon on the line! This is incredibly urgent.

Comments

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

For now.

It's really better not to assume anything here. They change the rules all the time.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He nods, taking a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator and closing the door. He glances around the kitchen, quickly finding himself a glass and pouring himself a drink.]

The woman on the phone said something along those lines, too.

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

I'm sure anyone else stuck here would tell you the same.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He takes a swig of OJ.]

Tell me something. You said something about a mayor, yes? And an Officer?

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

[Sipping at her water.]

Yeah. We don't see them around very often, and when we do it usually means trouble.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I see. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them, then.

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

Be careful though. If you break any rules or go snooping too much they brainwash you.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He almost chokes on his orange juice but manages not to. Raising a curious eyebrow.]

How do you mean?

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

There are people around here who weren't kidnapped. We call them drones. They act like everything around here is perfect. When they think you need some punishment they make you act just like them.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...permanently?

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

Not usually. Sometimes it happens to people permanently, but our theory is that it isn't them anymore. Just a drone in their place.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...I see.

[He tries to pass himself off as nonchalantly as possible, but Alice might still be able to spot a bit of a twitch as he pulls his hand up to take another sip of his drink.]

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

[She does notice, but is polite enough not to draw attention to it.]

We hope the permanent cases have actually gone home.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He nods, sucking a bit on his teeth before speaking up, the detective in him taking over.]

So, allow me to sum up the facts. All the residents of this town have been taken from different places. Nobody knows for sure exactly how they got here or how to get out.

The town is run by a suspicious mayor, along with questionable law enforcement. Their leadership is inconsistent, and they often change up the laws of this town. Generally, though, they expect the townspeople to group together as nuclear families and act as though nothing is amiss in this so-called "utopia."

If anyone acts out of line, they are punished, be it via poisoned milk or brainwashing. Although it's possible that those who have succumbed to permanent brainwashing may have ended up getting back home via unknown means.

...is there anything important I've missed?

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

No, I think that covers all of the important bits.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Good. I've found myself investigating some strange circumstances before. Maybe not this strange, but... As I've said before, there's bound to be an answer. And I intend to find a way out of here. There's no riddle I can't solve.

[Is that a bit of a mad gleam in his eyes? Might be.]

[not-oflegend.livejournal.com]

Mm.

[She's going to have to keep an eye on this one, isn't she?]

Well, feel free to have a look around then.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Certainly.