natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-08-26 01:27 pm
Entry tags:

❪ test drive #7 ❫

YOUR STORY BEGINS    

The Storm came. You remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that.

You don't know how long you slept, but the dreams were short. You remember the expanse of stars and galaxies in your direct view. Every world and solar system ever known to man was present in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You also witnessed the Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. Your Earth and similar planets were assimilated by the Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of your world. That was when she told you what happened. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new. The details weren't clear, but you knew it was a part of a deal with the entity known as Darma - once, you might have been able to speak to her, but now you are only met with silence.

When you awake, you will find yourself in Thesa Station. Your body is still cold, you're hungry, and the halls seem frighteningly bare somehow.

EMPTY HALLS    

Despite the absence of Darma and the rest of the Natha Orbiters, the station is still managing to sustain itself. Those that dig within the station’s log will find that it’s currently in some sort of Energy Saving Mode. While Thesa isn’t at risk of failing any time soon, people will notice that the ship will appear more dim and desolate. Malfunctions will be common, and while none seem to be life-threatening (yet), they are notably inconvenient. Fortunately, it seems the Orbiters were prepared for the worst, and in a potential response to these concerning turn of events, they've prepared some help.

Hi! My name is Yppilc, I will be your assistant on the station! It looks like you just woke up. Did you need help?


The virtual assistant takes a wide variety of shapes, from adorable animals to metal paper clips with googly eyes. Regardless of what form they take, their mission is clear: to help in any way they can. It’s unfortunate, however, that they just haven’t been calibrated properly. Hence, they will appear at the strangest times— in the middle of dinner or an important conversation— sometimes they won’t even offer anything useful. Apparently they were designed after a program that existed once, but who really knows....

However, while they may seem like nothing but trouble at first, there are many occasions in which they can actually help. They are equipped with a whole wealth of information on how to keep the station operational. They can offer tutorials and step-by-step instructions on how to fix various aspects of the station and beyond. Their knowledge is extensive, and if they believe the refugee they're assigned to needs a different kind of help (a lesson in smiling or how to have adequate small talk being some of the many topics they're equipped to teach), well ... they're not against supplying it. Expect some invasive teaching.

The virtual assistants are also all synced together. Meaning, if there’s a big enough problem, they can ping one another and assign refugees to help with certain parts of the ship. The only problem is that prioritizing may not be their strong suit. What seems like a simple issue could be exacerbated into a huge ordeal. What someone thinks is a fire in the main hatch could actually be a plumbing issue near the Mess Hall. They also seem to assign people arbitrarily. One can only hope all the refugees get along.

SEND HELP    

While no specific parts of the station are necessarily offline, a lot of the tasks the station would normally complete on its own will need to be handled manually. Fortunately, the main functions of the station are more than accounted for, however everything else will be up to the refugees. As there is no telling when the Natha Orbiters will return, perhaps it’d be wise to take this opportunity to learn to be a little more self-sufficient on Thesa Station.

1. There are some areas the Station can’t automatically clean without exiting its current emergency protocols. Each of these areas will be marked off on the map provided by Thesa's very own virtual assistant, Yppilc. According to Yppilc, one of the key places that would benefit from a good wash down is the airlock. As a fair amount of foreign matter travels through these doors, special suits will be provided for those cleaning the area. The suits will have a built-in communications system and will also include its own oxygen tank. A helpful feature to have, just in case someone may be swept out into space. Which happens more often than one would think! Cleaning too close to the controls can trigger the doors to open… they’re sensitive. The oxygen tank isn’t equipped to last very long, so you can only help comes soon.

On the bright side, in the event that someone is stuck outside and running low on oxygen, rescuers can easily share some of their air with them. The suits are built to be able to connect to one another like an adhesive. To activate this oxygen-sharing mode, refugees will be required to follow several steps. Hand on one another's shoulders, eye contact, helmets pressed against each other— each suit follows a slightly different set of steps, but they’re probably not any less awkward. While it looks a little absurd and while maneuverability might be a bit of an issue, at least everyone is breathing!

2. Space is unpredictable at times. It isn’t uncommon for the station or its pods to occasionally brush against meteors or asteroids. While Thesa is well-fortified, it doesn’t mean that these asteroids don’t need closer inspection. A lot of rare materials can be mined from them, and while this domain would normally be handled by the Natha, it’s now the job of the refugees to procure pieces of it. You never know when this alternate source of energy and fuel could come in handy, after all! Refugees will be provided two-person pods to go and retrieve these materials. While they can physically descend from the pod once they get out there, they can also control the pods to drill and pick up these materials. Though, the controls are a bit difficult.

3. Without the Orbiters to operate the the kitchen, the Mess Hall will also experience a steep shortage of food. All the ingredients used in the cafeteria were actually conjured up by the Natha, hence without them— people will discover that there isn’t enough food for the new refugees. Old refugees will be pinged prior to their arrival at Thesa Station and the message is clear: bring and cook food for the new refugees. With the errors on the ship, it seems that many of them woke up hungry. For those that lack confidence in their culinary skills&Mdash; they say food tastes better when you’re starving.

GIFTS FROM THESA    

The Natha have bequeathed their will unto the refugees, the burden of watching over their dear planet not given without a token of trust. Everyone, those newly awakened and those already settled, will receive periodic urging from Yppilc to visit the VR facilities. These messages will grow more frequent, more frantic, the longer they go ignored - for the sake of sleep, it’s best to indulge the request.

Load into the simulation, and the scene is mired by the confusion of battle. You and another stand on a low hanging precipice, overlooking a failing front line. The location and conditions of the fight vary, drawn from the memories and fears of the participants themselves. Olympia and Wyver, locked in a caustic war - and your new home is succumbing. Or your homeland, entrenched in conflict from the past, or from a dreaded future. While the scene laid out before you is chaotic, one thing stands clear; your allies are fighting a losing battle. Comrades fall, innocents flee, and the wounded cry out for help. The program has determined what could best spur you and your comrade to intervene, though the more stubborn refugees may need additional goading from their partners.

Your next action determines more than the outcome of the fight before you. Choose wisely - this message is conveyed mentally in a garbled voice that sounds familiar and ethereal all at once. Jump into action and fight. Save an ally - perhaps even your partner in this simulation - from certain death. Or help those who cannot help themselves. Act, and you will find yourself imbued with a new power. Use it, and the scene will soon come to a close. Despite returning to the reality of Thesa Station, you’ll find this newfound power still within your grasp. A gift from Darma, to aid in the battles to come.

OOC Note: Feel free to give your character any one power that would be classified as a ‘major spell’ on the ACP rewards table. These powers can fall under any category (Unaffiliated, Natha, Olympia, or Wyver), and must be reported by existing characters and new applicants here under the most appropriate header no later than September 8th 11:59PM EST. Please include a brief description of the power you’ve chosen. You will receive a response within 48 hours if there are any modifications required.

SOCIAL-LINKED(in)   
By some miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smartphone. Aside from the expected "Omage" app, there seems to be a new one called Social-Linked. There, you may find a profile waiting to be posted. The app allows for the user to fill it in, but there is also an auto-function! upon pressing it, it will generate a shockingly-honest answer based on the Natha's observation of your history. Roman will be your only friend in this app, with his very own profile:

●●●●○ THESA
ROMAN
@romannoodles (∞), Thesa

I WAS A: Butler! I still am, and I'm happy to serve all of the new arrivals!

I'M SKILLED IN: Cooking, cleaning, anything that involves making your life better!

I'M LOOKING FOR: Consistency!

ALSO, I'M: Not entirely certain if the "auto" profile function is to your liking. Feel free to edit if it is not to taste!

So, have you decided on making your own profile? Perhaps you used the "auto" function on accident? Regardless, once your profile is out there, it's out there. And like the Omage app, it will match you with someone. NOTE: Please use the form below to fill out a profile! Whether it's auto-generated or filled by the character is up to you!

PROBLEMS IN STASIS    

1. The ship’s malfunctions have reached the stasis chamber, a long feared outcome finally dawning on sleeping friends and families. Yppilc will be quick to notify all refugees aboard that the pods will need close monitoring. Whether you’re visiting to keep an eye on things, or simply there to see the face of someone dear, be careful. Bumping a control panel, or drawing a hand along the glass could trigger an emergency ejection. Lights blink and a mechanism hisses, and then the pod is gone. With the pod thrust into space, you’ll be left with nothing but a small screen displaying the chamber’s position. There are ways to retrieve it— such as climbing into a suit from the airlock or following Yppilc’s instructions. Regardless of approach, it’s imperative that you stay calm. One error, and you could eject another pod or cut off the view screen entirely.

2. The newly awakened won’t find a moment of respite. The errors that pervade over the rest of the station have altered the contingencies for resuscitation in a majority of the pods. Some may awaken with gaps in their memory, or an old injury yet unhealed. Some may be afflicted with new ailments, such as loss of a sense or severe nausea. Anything could happen, with the computer systems processing so inconsistently. Interfacing with Thesa in any way, from entering the VR simulator to accessing the medical facilities, can cause the same range of side effects, so even established refugees should take caution.

FINAL OOC NOTES    
As always, feel free to wildcard prompts within Thesa Station!

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.

Players may submit an AC-length thread HERE from this TDM for 2 Natha REP. The due date for submission is September 16 11:59 PM EST.

For this application cycle, there will be a cap of 60 and no reserves. Applications will be open on September 2 12:01 AM EST and end on September 4 11:59 PM EST. Thank you!

impavid: (❖ He's a victim of the times)

Stasis pods

[personal profile] impavid 2018-08-28 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
John should have guessed that with Darma gone, the ship would begin to misbehave again. It's a small blessing that this time, they've at least left behind a helper system.

Even if John, after Nadril, is sick to his back teeth of helpful AI's. Still, he's dressed down in his black BDU pants and a plain black t-shirt -- and unzipped light hoodie on to keep out the stronger air conditioning in this area as he tries valiantly to follow directions from Yppilc.

It looks like you're experiencing elevated stress levels, the small robotic dog Yppilc has taken over says. John resists the urge roll his eyes.

"Really? You know, I have no idea why that might be. Nothing to do with the irritating little voice following me around, right? Look can we just -- stick to the plan. Which pods am I checking on?"

Common signs of elevated stress -- headaches, high blood pressure, lack of desire--

"Alright, alright, can we focus on the pods for --"

John rounds the corner and nearly collides with Carolyn. It's easy to spot someone who has recently woken up, simply from their disorientation. He grabs for her right away, trying to get her steady.
Edited (html) 2018-08-28 12:25 (UTC)
shipoftheseus: (why this)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[God, there really are humans all over the place here. Phos' eyes slip sideways to peer at the stranger without pulling their face away from the window, eying with probably less subtlety than they think. Their staring doesn't linger for too long, at least -- it's kinda weirding them out to look too closely at these people, an Uncanny Valley effect of something that looks kind of like a gem but wrong in too many subtle ways.

Sighing, they gesture around vaguely, towards the pinpricks of starlight outside, the dimmed artificial lights inside, wherever. They're feeling too lethargic to be specific.]


I mean, if someone can make the lights in here brighter, I'd settle for that, too...

[It's not as good as actual sunlight, but they could at least trick themself into feeling more energized that way, maybe. It's kinda worked with the jellyfish lights before.]
shipoftheseus: (yosh)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
["Big age", wow. Excuse you, they are the baby of the rock family.]

yes!!
you know dia?
they said they've been making friends with all the humans and i'm not surprised but there really are a lot of you here.
conqueredhearts: (Most Glorious Smile)

[personal profile] conqueredhearts 2018-08-28 12:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[When you're surrounded by mortals all the time that's a big number okay!]

Well I'm not human but yes! I know her! She is wonderful!
I am Iskandar. Welcome.
shipoftheseus: (100% okay seriously)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[That's...wow. A lot. Months isn't really that long, not by their standards, but it probably felt very different not knowing when anyone would wake up again. And has Dia ever done winter duty before? Phos at least got used to working alone for a while, but...]

...No wonder you started making friends with the humans.

[Phos probably would have too, if left all alone with them like that. And Dia's always been a social butterfly, too. They kind of feel bad about shittalking the humans now, just a little.

Almost apologetically, they let go of Dia's hands just so they can gently pat the older gem on the head. Poor Dia.]
Edited 2018-08-28 12:54 (UTC)
smithsonian: (Smug - arms crossed)

[personal profile] smithsonian 2018-08-28 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
No, you don't have to- [She mimics the motion, whistle and all, before shaking her head.] I could use a tour guide, especially one who doesn't mind theatrics. Mine, not his own.

[She brushes herself off for good measure, the clothes not really conducive to long walks (or even short ones) at first glance, but she's done more with less. Her expression falters slightly.] Unless you're busy. Some other person to welcome to. Wherever exactly this is?
shipoftheseus: (bruh)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
you're not human??
then what are you?


[Not a gem, certainly. It's hardly as if there are so many of them that Phos might not know some.]
conqueredhearts: (You Can Count On The Big Guy!)

[personal profile] conqueredhearts 2018-08-28 12:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I am a Spirit! I may appear human but that is simply because my body once was one. I have not been one for a couple thousand years now.
hellzone: (NEUTRAL ♪ i get this now)

[personal profile] hellzone 2018-08-28 01:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Then you should clarify your name better. What about HOLDER of the immortal Iron Fist?
quintessent: (My heart is a weapon of war)

[personal profile] quintessent 2018-08-28 01:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Though her physiology is similar to a human’s—she stood at an average human height, and all of her limbs were in the right proportion—there are a few notable differences that Moira would notice upon a quick study. Most obviously are the pointed ears, markings under her eyes, and white hair, but there’s subtle differences too, like the way her unnaturally teal eyes were punctuated by a pupil that appeared more lavender than black.

The woman speaks and immediately Allura’s posture becomes more at ease. Raised in the royal court as she was, there’s familiarity in manners. Her eyes widen in surprise at the purple hand, but although she wears her thoughts close to her face, she makes no comment, instead focusing on being a good host.
]

Ah! The sandwich, it’s… [A contemplative hum as she tries to remember what the people in the kitchen had called it,] The humans called it egg salad?

[Said dubiously, like she doesn’t exactly understand what about it qualifies it as a salad, since the whole thing is just egg and egg yolk mixed with oil. Human food remains a mystery.

But coffee! Allura perks up,
] There is coffee! Shall I fetch you a cup?

[Even at the end of the world, there would always be coffee.]
tellmehowthisfeels: (Handsome in a suit)

[personal profile] tellmehowthisfeels 2018-08-28 01:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[She may not be one to study the mind but she still notes the way the other relaxes after she speaks. It's always nice to see someone respond well to politeness. Really there are so many out there who are so crass that it's almost barbaric. Some manners could go such a long way.

Still, she doesn't bother to hide a certain displeasure at the idea that this is an egg salad sandwich. It looks as if whoever prepared it has done the most unfortunate things to the eggs to create it. An utter crime if one is to think about it.

And don't think she hasn't noted the mention of humans as if this woman isn't one. How fascinating.]


I will start with a cup, yes. Perhaps you could tell me more about yourself? Since I imagine that you are not human yourself?

[It would explain the ears and eyes. Apparently those aren't simply genetic modifications but rather genetic trains. Which does mean there's potential for more intriguing qualities that she knows she has an itch to study.

It's really quite impossible to silence the scientist in her.

And she'll figure out the food matter in a moment. Priorities.]
quintessent: (and they have no say)

[personal profile] quintessent 2018-08-28 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[She nods, both in confirmation and agreement, quietly pleased. Not the she wouldn’t want to be confused for a human (she wouldn’t, no offense), but she has a great deal of pride for her people and her culture, and the Alteans were a scientific people. Curiosity was meant to be sated,] You imagine correctly. I am an Altean. My name is Princess Allura.

[Another nod, this time a polite greeting. There may be something odd about a member of royalty taking a position of servitude in offering to fetch this or that, though Allura is certain her late governess would agree that traditional Altean politeness comes paramount to displays of status. Besides, it’s been a long time since her title meant anything other than a designation of lineage.

She gestures to one of the tables nearby,
] Please, you must be tired.

[Stasis did little to curb the need for sleep, as Allura was well aware.]
tellmehowthisfeels: (Casually chatting)

[personal profile] tellmehowthisfeels 2018-08-28 02:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I see. I hope you will not mind if I ask more about your lineage, Your Highness. As a scientist, I am intrigued by that which I have no encountered before.

[Of course not all approve of how she applies that knowledge but Moira isn't here to discuss morality and the application of it. No, she wants to know more about these Alteans to see what she can use to apply that to her own research. Perhaps this princess will be so kind as to allow her a small sample for study as well.

Well, that is a matter she will attend to after she has had some coffee.]


It is not the first time I have felt this way but sitting will be welcome. Thank you.

[Nodding her head politely, she goes to sit down. Of course she pauses on her way.]

I am willing to trust your judgement for food. Coffee is best consumed when one doesn't feel that they are on an empty stomach.

[The last thing she needs is to give herself caffeine with nothing of nutritional value. She has to keep herself in top condition if she wants to continue to study the experiments she's done on herself.]
shipoftheseus: (sensei stop lying)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 02:08 pm (UTC)(link)
huh
how does a human turn into something else?
like a butterfly?
conqueredhearts: (Interesting Words)

[personal profile] conqueredhearts 2018-08-28 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Well in my case it was by dying.

[Iskandar...you don't just casually say things like that to people.]
nanamari: (explaining)

1

[personal profile] nanamari 2018-08-28 02:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Her list of reasons for coming up here only seems to grow by the week. Reinhardt and Bruce have gone back to sleep, and while she doesn't linger with them too long - they wouldn't want that - she still comes to see them, along with a few others, when she visits Fareeha.

She stops beside a stranger; at any other time, she might have given him some space, but the stasis chamber in front of her holds Fareeha.

When the man beside her turns, Ana can't shake the feeling that something about his face is vaguely familiar. She dismisses it, though - if she knew him, it must have been a long time ago. ]


I don't mean to interrupt. I'm here to see my daughter. [ Her tone is calm and even; in a place like this, she can't really take offense at people being a little short-tempered. ]
Edited 2018-08-28 14:13 (UTC)
deadthenred: (9 ))

[personal profile] deadthenred 2018-08-28 02:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Thirty-one.

[ That seems… pretty accurate? ]

Not counting any time spent in tubes.

[ Now it is even more accurate. ]
errantdetective: (Don't get caught.)

[personal profile] errantdetective 2018-08-28 02:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Toby may not be familiar specifically with goblins, but she certainly is familiar enough with the Fae that she isn't about to take someone's appearance at.... well, honestly, face value seems generous in this case. She opens her mouth slightly to taste the girl's heritage. It's... not something she knows as intrinsically as the Fae from her world, but it's certainly not human.]

I think you have bigger problems. Can you not spin illusions?

[They aren't Toby's greatest strength, but her ears are currently rounded and her eyes and facial construction more all around human. It's a basic skill, one necessary to the survival of the fae, and this girl seems to have completely skipped it.]
errantdetective: (Or just foolish little tools?)

text;

[personal profile] errantdetective 2018-08-28 02:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Honestly, it's a little weird that you find bleeding weirder than accidentally deposing rulers.
shipoftheseus: (is this shit for real)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, in this case it's probably one of the better people to say that to...?]

ehhhh

[It sounds a little familiar, like they must have talked about this subject before with someone. Who...? Rutile, maybe? They're probably the most knowledgeable about how organic creatures work and all that, after all...]

i don't really get it.
how does that work exactly??
conqueredhearts: (Totally Bought The Game)

[personal profile] conqueredhearts 2018-08-28 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Magic! Due to my great deeds in life the Holy Grail saw fit to bring me back as a Heroic Spirit.

[Because that makes sense obviously.]
quintessent: (or worse just a man?)

[personal profile] quintessent 2018-08-28 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[That is awfully brave—while Alteans are leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to scientific expertise, they fall woefully short of humans in the culinary arts. Aside from questionable egg salad, anyway.

But Allura dutifully fetches the coffee, along with a package of dried fruits and nuts. It’s perhaps not as eggciting exciting as mysterious salad on bread, but it’s reliable. Items in hand, she makes her way over to the table where the older woman sat.
]

Normally there is a more appetizing selection, but supplies are low with the station as it is. Things should improve once we’re back planetside.

[The cup makes a soft clink as she sets it in front of Moira, then takes a seat across from her, hands folded politely in her lap, but her eyes are shining with curiosity.]

You said you are a scientist? Are you from Earth? [There’s a surreptitious glance at the woman’s hand once again. Allura thinks she appears human, but not all humans come from Earth, as she’s learned since coming to this place.]
shipoftheseus: (why this)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[Not that any of that really made any more sense to them, but...]

i meant dying.
but i don't really get this part either so i guess it's fine.
smithsonian: (Glance)

[personal profile] smithsonian 2018-08-28 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Thirty-one is a good age.

[Watching him, he gets a curious look.] Do you spend a lot of time in tubes?
shipoftheseus: (yosh)

[personal profile] shipoftheseus 2018-08-28 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yeah, there's...definitely gonna be some culture shock once they get down there.]

It's Phosphophyllite.

[They nod enthusiastically, clearly appreciative of the thought, and it takes them a few moments to think to return the courtesy somewhat.]

Uh...who are you?

[It's not like they could really be as helpful in return, or as if there's any need for it when there are so many humans here anyway, but it's polite to at least ask, right?]