❪ test drive: #2 ❫

[natha]

OVERFLOW POST

THE PROLOGUE     Many people in stasis seem to be medically sound enough to wake up, brother. Are the preparations ready to go? Yes, I've long prepared myself for this. Watching them everyday has been truly rewarding. ... Right. Yeah. Okay, let's get them ready to wake up. We should keep their minds active to ease the transition into consciousness. A simple VR program should do the trick, I think. I will boot one immediately. There! All systems are green. Their consciousnesses are linked. However, their minds appear to be too active... They may be over-stimulated, brother. Huh? How can that be...? Can we pull them out safely? Not from my end, no. This may be too large for us to fix alone. Do you think...? Yes, I think so... It will have to be done organically. Can you send out a message to our refugees? Of course, brother. I will send one swiftly. We must be sure to fix this before Darma returns. There is urgency in the Orbiters' request. Refugees currently in El Nysa are asked via mass message to please return to Thesa Station virtual reality area immediately. Zasere tells them that the next set of Refugees are scheduled to wake, but there's been an issue. On Thesa, refugees will find that the people in stasis are still apparently trapped in slumber. Most of them are complete strangers, but there's a chance you may recognize a familiar face or two. Normally, these people would wake up from their pods without issue, but due to a malfunction caused by the unforeseen force during The Descent, they have to go through extra measures to make this possible. Those in slumber require extra stimulation, something to keep their minds active. What better than a simulation of an area of El Nysa? Keeping their minds active requires an extremely involved simulation. Those subjected to the VR (prospective characters) will find themselves completely immersed in their new environment, believing themselves to be native Olympians. To wake up from the simulation, characters must work together to accomplish a certain objective(s) in the icy tundra. Characters in-game will be aware that this is a simulation, but this is good practice for properly interacting with El Nysa natives, isn't it? An AC-length log thread on this TDM may be submitted for Two (2) Natha REP points HERE. Please read the OOC note at the bottom of this post for the terms. PROMPT: WINTER CAME     The wind in the icy wasteland is bitter and frigid. You are wrapped up in a winter coat, but even still, the cold bites at your skin and leaves you yearning for a warm fire. Perhaps you're a merchant from the city, here to make a delivery, or you're a royal guard, sent to patrol the area. Who are you? The sky is the limit. One thing is certain — you won't snap out of your new identity until you finish a task. 1. Due to the vast diversity of the creatures on El Nysa and the fact that new ones are constantly being discovered, an important objective is to carefully chronicle different species. Unfortunately, to research these new species, they happen to need more than just a visual. More than just fleeting glances in over a snowy hill. Researchers are constantly looking for ways to secure... You guessed it! Blood and stool samples. The supplies for the former will be given. Supplies are offered in a small box; one per person. In this box is a small dart that will automatically procure a small touch of blood, and easily shaken off so the creature will be able to securely escape. As for the latter— well, they'll give you a plastic bag if that counts. Look, sometimes to get a job done, you have to get your hands dirty. Specifically, they seek samples from a newly recorded rare beast known as a Klep. Kleps spend much of their time hidden in caves, so hitting them with the darts will be tricky. They are also nocturnal, but you may be able to lure them out of the cave with fish as bait. When struck with a dart, you must grab the dart and escape immediately, as they will charge you, and killing such an endangered species is illegal. As for stool samples, well... Once you find a pile, you will have plenty of sample to work with. 2. It's cold, to say the least. Too cold to continue forward. Whatever you were doing, you must stop and seek shelter. Looks like your goal is clear, at least. Get warm. Not finding a way to sustain heat, whether it be seeking shelter, building a fire, cuddling up, or all of the above, will likely end in serious consequences. 3. You are stuck in a dilemma. On one hand, you are set to work for Olympia. One the other, you're not completely sure what is really expected of you, or who the man who gave you this mission truly is. You and your partner are meant to protect precious trade cargo for them. You were told that these were essential supplies for one of the outer colonies. They assured you it was mostly food. In loading the cargo onto the supplied wagon with your partner, however, you noticed something inherently off about it. The weight and even the sounds of some of the contents inside definitely don't sound like food. Moreover, some boxes are more obviously more concealed— draped in black sheets and reinforced on all sides. You've also caught wind of rumors that you are potentially being utilized to supply advanced weapons and other contraband to Wyver terrorists in the colonies. But what do you do? Refuse to make the delivery, and people in the colony will surely starve. Try to remove the weapons and only deliver the food, and you will be killed on sight for being too suspicious. Make the delivery as-is, and not only will Olympians die at the hands of terrorists in the future, but you will betray your country. Decide quickly... 4. There are many dangers associated with traveling in such an isolated, harsh environment. You must help each other to survive. Perhaps someone has fallen on thin ice, and requires a rescue. Maybe someone is on the brink of starvation, and you must share what provisions you have. When you come to, you will awaken in Thesa Station. All will be explained to you by Zasere or Sael via telepathic link. Your world is no more. The Storm has consumed it. We offer proof in the Observation Deck if you desire it, but it won't be an easy thing to stomach. We offer you a new life, in our planet of El Nysa. We just ask for your help in maintaining the vitality of El Nysa. What can we offer you in exchange for your help? PROMPT: STASIS UNIT     You have found the massive section of Thesa known as the Stasis Unit. There’s no special access required to access this part of Thesa Station, but refugees are warned that it may not be for the faint of heart. Here, in large pods that nearly cover every square inch of the space, are all of the people the Orbiters have managed to rescue. Your loved ones, your greatest enemy, your next door neighbor— you might find them here. These people are in a state of deep cryosleep. Due to the damaging effects of The Storm, their bodies are not yet ready to be awoken. PROMPT: GET REKT     The Orbiters have noticed that some of the refugees really miss their video games. The technology in El Nysa could be much worse, but it definitely leaves much to be desired. Which is why, after expressing relief that everyone awoke safely, the Orbiters have decided to provide a little fun in the form of video game competitions. Anything from old-timey arcade machines to state-of-the-art computers, consoles, and VR headsets (though you may be a little tired of VR right now...) is available, and yes, they have your favorite games! Enjoy PAC-MAN, Starcraft 2, or perhaps Dance Dance Revolution! Teach a friend how to play. Get unnecessarily angry and competitive. Most importantly, have fun. Keep fourthwalling to a minimum, please. Recommended playing: QWOP PROMPT: OMAGE     Upon receiving your mobile phone, you will be asked to set a username. Voila, you can now access the network! You can choose to send a message to the entire network, specific usernames, or you can try out the Orbiters’ service, Omage, which connects you to a random user. They thought this might be a good way for their new guests to make friends with each other... Connecting to server... Looking for someone you can chat with... You’re now chatting with [username]... Say hi! PROMPT: WILDCARD     You are welcome to write any scenarios in Thesa Station! Characters have been granted temporary access to the Observation Room, and are encouraged to study it carefully. FINAL OOC NOTE     Please give toplevel priority to prospective characters! Current characters wishing to thread these scenarios with other current characters are encouraged to create separate logs. However, threads between 2 current characters are not eligible for Natha Orbiter REP. These threads may be carried over as game canon if players choose! Players are encouraged to submit TDM threads as application samples, but they are not required. Please direct any OOC questions to the questions thread below! A TDM thread of AC length may be submitted HERE for 2 NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS. Current players may submit their thread at any time, and prospective players may submit a thread after acceptance. Please note that threads must contain at least five (5) log comments from your character. A toplevel counts as a comment. Network threads are not eligible. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

lukas | fire emblem echoes

[excelled]

winter came.

[ Having been trained all his life under the heavy authority of his father, from dusk 'til dawn, he is prepared for whatever mission is provided both physically and mentally—at least that's what he'd like to believe. Admittedly mountainous territories were beyond his areas of expertise but, as a soldier, he knew better than to complain; if he learned from this then he would undoubtedly grow, and surely learning to survive through harsh weather would come in handy for both himself and the people depending on his help.

The storm approaching has them hurrying for shelter inside a cave, and with temperatures dropping he's the first to offer going to collect wood. ("Stay here, I'll return shortly." Which turns out to be a promise because thank the gods he didn't die.) Returning without an armful of what he could find useful, and without so much as hesitating he's quick to make a fire.

Blankets could only do so much, after all, and of course when he realizes the thinness of the fabric Lukas is quick to wrap his around the person accompanying him. ]

Please, use this. [ His voice is stern, yet there's a certain warmth to it. A genuine care for the individual and their well-being, hands carved from battle and red from the bitter cold covering their shoulders. ] From the looks of it the weather is only going to worsen as time passes.

get rekt.

[ There is no such thing as video games in Lukas' world, but the entire station was built with technology that was far beyond what he was accustomed to. It's a bit overwhelming, but he certainly seems to be adjusting well considering he's only expressed his surprise with wide eyes and raised brows. For the most part he seems relatively calm for a person whose concept of a "fight game" is a quick spar.

Anyway, Tekken sure is a thing. It also seems that he'll need someone to play against, so... awkward eye contact obviously means it's time for conversation. Hello new, possible friend. ]

Pardon, would you like to fight?

[ That's it. That's all he says. He probably should clarify that it's for the game but that seems obvious? ]

omage.

Connecting to server...
Looking for someone you can chat with...
You’re now chatting with soldierlukas... Say hi!

wh

a

t
??

.

[ He's trying. ]

wildcard.

( punch me. punch him. honestly hmu with anything and i'll roll with it!! )

omage.

[remask]

[ somewhere, conrad is laughing as he reads this. come on guy, these devices are weird but they're not that hard to use. ]

You're now chatting with masked knight...

block me

[excelled]

[ Shut up he's three years older and not as hip? ]

w hy?
W

Is This Pudding?

blocked

[remask]

Im not certain
but it seemed apropate

if its puding it mst be delcious

[excelled]

a p p r o p r i a t e

...

Are ou hungyr?

[remask]

nO










perhps a litle

1/2

[excelled]

that wood explain a few thhings .

i too am hung

(riza will in fact) get rekt

[strictdiscipline]

[ Give her a moment while she studies the scowling men - why only men? - on the screen. Riza's as much of a neanderthal as Lukas is when it comes to dabbling in the finer details of video games, but the whole thing looks harmless enough, and gaining some knowledge of how this game works might not be such a bad idea.

Decision made, she nods once. ]

Very well. Though I've never played before; I may not be as good as your usual opponents.

[ Her competitive spirit will flare up soon enough, but for now... ]

[excelled]

[ That earns a small chuckle if anything, which comes of as extremely hollow despite his best efforts to come off as genuine. ]

On the contrary, I've never seen something like this a day in my life. I predict that any sort of victory on my half will also be far off.

[ So they're both going in blind. Which is probably terrible.

He takes a step back, one hand gesturing to the game. ]

Please, feel free to choose first.

[ He saw a bear... he's gonna pick the bear unless she does. ]

[strictdiscipline]

[ Lukas 'dead inside' [no last name]. (Thanks, Fire Emblem.)

Her face scrunches some as she steps up and scrolls through the characters, all with no defining features save for a slew of overly dramatic names and outlandish outfits. (Why are all the women dressed in such revealing tops and bottoms? Hardly practical for battle.) She settles, after a moment's consideration, on one of the female characters, hair in two neat buns on each side of her head.

Stepping back, she waves for him to pick. ]

This would be a decision better made if there were any information on any of these characters.

[ She hates going in blind. >:c ]

[excelled]

[ Listen, Lukas respects women and so he likes to believe that what they lack in clothes they make up for in lovely personality and strength to kill a man. And a bear, supposedly.

But it's fine. They're fine.

Once she's chosen her character he chooses his own: The Bear. ]

True, I'd honestly like to know where this bear comes from. Is this what he does when he comes out of hibernation?

>small>[ ha... ha... ]

[strictdiscipline]

[ A valid question, even if it's said jokingly, and she actually gives it some thought. ]

It would be a good way to stretch its limbs.

[ Though whether or not the bear has any energy left after such a long sleep is up for debate. But perhaps there'll be some exposition in the middle of all the fighting, there's only one way to find out.

After her opponent's chosen, she steps up and takes her place by the controls, a strange combination of buttons and sticks as the announcer voice counts them down. ]

Good luck to us both.

[ Seriously, they both probably both need it. ]

winter came

[ofhyland]

[ thank you Lukas, for not dying outside in the winter storm and also returning with firewood. It stops Alisha from recklessly plunging into the storm after him, thankfully. Instead, she busies herself with sweeping out some of the snow that's fallen inside the cave and checking their supplies.

She's been on similar expeditions for flora and fauna, but only ever in the capacity of a researcher. She's just grateful for having a partner who can keep a cool head in a situation like this. Despite assuring herself that Lukas would be fine in the storm and not get eaten by a bear or something, the sheer relief on her face at his return reflects just how much she was worried. ]

Oh no, I couldn't possibly -- [ her voiced protest is weak. Alisha shakes her head as the blanket settles around her shoulders, fingers instinctively clutching onto the material. ] That's all the more reason for you to keep yours, Lukas. I can make do with just mine.

[ For all of Alisha's enthusiasm for research and traveling, she's never been on a journey this arduous before. A part of her is ashamed that she couldn't come better prepared, and the other is just genuinely grateful for Lukas's kindness. Still, she's going to attempt to stick that blanket back around Lukas if he lets her!!! Friends don't let friends heroically give up their own blankets for other friends, alright. ]

[excelled]

[ He tries not to die. Sometimes you gotta wonder if he lives off of spite.

Though the lady speaks and he doesn't make any effort to reject her offer. The cold bites through the fabric of his clothes and if it were not for the company of the fire he never would have offered the blanket to begin with. However he is stricken by her kindness, offering a small smile in return. ]

I thank you for your kindness, Lady Alisha. [ Though it's still a little concerning... perhaps he should casually wrap an arm around her? He's read that sharing body heat can sometimes save a person's life, perhaps that could be the most important factor.

Well he's doing it. ] Could I trouble you to come closer, then? Unless it is true strange. I have learned from previous tales that staying close in situations such as this is necessary.

[ofhyland]

[ lukas has been through a lot huh.......

it's a good thing Lukas speaks up here, since Alisha was debating something like starting another fire (which would probably roast the both of them alive). His is a suggestion that would normally fluster her, except then she hears the magic word 'tales' and her eyes immediately light up. ]

That's true! Those sorts of scenes come up in all the adventures I've read as well. Amidst the darkness and cold and despite the hopelessness they feel, the heroes find strength in themselves and each other, all while taking comfort in each other's embrace...! A true bond forged under the most dire of circumstances!

[ that sounds suspiciously scandalous. but if there's one thing to take from Alisha's weirdly enthusiastic expression, is that she probably means that in the most g-rated of ways.

anyway, she gives a quick nod and steps closer to Lukas, holding out her hand for him to??? shake????? ]

I would be honored to foster such a bond with you, Lukas.

[ only to express it in the weirdest way possible, probably. let lukas live, alisha??? ]

[excelled]

[ There's nothing scandalous about it in his perspective, but that could just be because Lukas too has an innocent view on it. He offers up the idea simply because he wants to keep the both of them alive, even if behind his calm composure he is a tad bit embarrassed with having to get into close proximity with another person. However he is quick to brush that aside considering this is all being done with a genuine care of Alisha's well-being. ]

The feeling is mutual. And hopefully this bond is what keeps us alive throughout the night, haha. [ It's said with a smile, taking that hand she extends to him and giving it a gentle shake.

And as if this situation doesn't get any more awkward he's just going to casually guide them to the wall of the cave, still relatively close to the fire. Taking a seat and placing his back against the wall before gesturing she do the same. All while holding her hand... yes... yikes. Welcome to cuddle town. ]

[ofhyland]

I will endeavor to do my best!

[ It's not until Alisha puts her back to the wall and then looks down at her hand in Lukas's that she realizes how weirdly awkward this situation probably is... That's.... strange.... The books never talked about that part....

Maybe it's just her. It doesn't seem as if Lukas finds it weird here in cuddle town??? maybe?? Alisha can still feel the prickling of embarrassment up her spine and neck, which also means her cheeks are reddening.

Which also means heat. So, after a prolonged silence -- ]

I think I understand now. [ She says, very seriously. ] It's not only the body heat we're sharing, but also any embarrassment we feel that will also make us warm.

[ wow. what an epiphany. at that, she inches closer to Lukas, close enough to touch shoulders..... it's working, it's totally working. the longer she mentally says 'oh god' the warmer she already feels!!! ]

omage; un: altea

[juniberries]

[not the sort of message she expected, but...]

Do you need help?

[excelled]

No
.

Per happen?
Perhaps

Apologies. I'm not used to this.

[juniberries]

Have you never used this form of communication before?

[excelled]

I am more accustomed to ink and paper, yes.

This hoe ever is different.

...
h o w e v e r

omage.

[cajolery]

You’re now chatting with ibegyourpardon... Say hi!

Lukas?
Is that what you are called?
LUKAS?
IS IT TRULY YOU?

[ She may have hecked up her capslock button again in her excitement. And okay, maybe she's getting a little ahead of herself, but she's d e s p e r a t e for literally anyone she knows from home. ]

[excelled]

[ One look at that username along with the message makes it far too obvious who this is. Which thank god it's obvious because he doesn't wanna be playing a guessing game. ]

Clair?

yes . It's The Lukas.

[ He's a baby at this... save him. ]

[cajolery]

OH, LUKAS!

[ Wait... she's got this. There! ]

My goodness! I am simply overjoyed to see you about.
Did you recently awaken?
How do you fare?
Oh, but this is no medium in which to have such a conversation, no?
Do tell me where you are located, and I shall come to you.

[excelled]

( continued here! )