❪ test drive: #2 ❫ THE OVERFLOW

[natha]

ORIGINAL 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

[afairytalename]

not rly

i couldn't wait to get out of there

[ Even if ... she sometimes kind of misses it. A little. Maybe. ]

[quevalry]

I'm happy to hear someone thinks it's true. [ SHE DOES AS WELL, BUT... feelings.

Feeling his hand on her hair, ruffling it up, she giggles in response. It's hard not to when the man is a father-figure of sorts to her. Him and Jack -- that is what the pair were to her and then there was Ana, a mother-figure of sorts and gabe was the creepy uncle. ]

Can't promise I'm a great doc like her, but I've learned to stitch up a couple of wounds here and there.

[afairytalename]

rly?

u do sound kind of distinguished now that i think about it

[defenses]

eh????

which part was bad???

[defenses]

i thought we were really bonding there

[lahaine]

[ She idly seemed to listen to him, finishing up yet another bowl of ramen and pushing her plate aside. He was trying to explain why he didn't need a Master, which sounded a lot like him just trying to convince himself. A roll of her eyes would alert him to just exactly what she was thinking of his rather lackluster reasoning. ]

Ta gueule! [ She finally snapped at him. Her nose scrunching in irritation. ] Christ Archer, did it look like I asked for your-- [ A pause, wait , something he said gave her pause. There was no need for a Master here?

The utensil in her hand would begin to dimly glow, the metal becoming so hot the spoon began to melt. Gauntlets closed around the now nearly liquefied cutlery and she would slam her hand angrily on the table. God damnit! That disgusting, devout trashcan of a man had made it seem like she had no other choice! Of course, it didn't help that her brash nature led her to not actually fact check the reality of this summoning.

Turning her rage upon the Archer across from her, she would bark at his comment. It seemed he had struck a nerve. ]

I do not need a Master, my hatred provides sustenance enough, but in case you are too daft to see that, I can certainly give you a demonstration! [ It was not so far fetched to think that she would lunge over the table and light him on fire for unknowingly embarrassing her. ]

Occassionally transforms to have extra fingers to see if anyone notices, yes

[meinwaifu]

Well, you're more than welcome to stay out here with your mittens if you'd prefer. I think I'll take my chances with the cabin.

[He'll totally lock him out if he even thinks about trying to stay behind tbh.]

[It'll take a bit of effort to pull the door open, the ice having sealed it shut. But once it's open, they're treated to a sparsely decorated cabin.]

[Very sparsley.]

[Like, literally the only thing there is a godawful bearskin rug with a face that goes against the laws of nature, and a sad collection of sticks that look like someone's very poor attempt at collecting firewood.]

Hm. It could be worse... though I can't imagine it would have to go very far to do so.

[laveers]

[ Asha's stomach is as iron as she is, and her first concern encountering foreign food isn't usually an elaborate poisoning plot. Others have asked enough about it that it comes to mind for newcomers. She shrugs again. ]

There is better in the city, but it must be bought.

[ Here at least, coin isn't expected. ]

[laveers]

I have neither, [ she admits, it is a cause for regret. ] I will work on a ship before I captain it, for I must learn their ways.

[ but she senses there's another question there, of what might become of Èowyn herself. ]

Horses are easier to find here. There are mounts in the stables, they will not turn a woman away.

yes, ideal

[fatgun]

Oh, I definitely believe in not freezing to death.

[He's here, he's coming. This cabin is disgusting, but he's peering inside once he stands back and waits for the door to be opened. You're welcome...]

Very rustic. [That rug is probably full of diseases and yet he's thinking about calling dibs on it to crawl under, anyway. Hmm.] It doesn't look like the roof has any leaks, at least. I'll give it... a 2 out of 10.

[meinwaifu]

[Just make sure it's not a flatbear before u get any ideas, Josh.]

I'd say that sounds about right. But it looks like one of us is going to have to collect more firewood--

[...]

Oh, right. It looks like I'll have to go collect more firewood.

[fakers]

[ at the very least, he's rather used to her overreactions at this point. which is somewhat impressive, considering they've known each other for all of ten minutes (from his perspective, anyway). her temper could probably be easily exploitable in battle... a fact he files away for future reference if things ever actually come to that.

hopefully they won't, but somehow he suspects that they will.

her last reaction is a bit odd though - why would that upset her? if anything, the knowledge that as Servants they aren't bound by the usual rules of summoning here should be a good thing. obviously, she may want to contract with someone for her own benefit, but there's hardly any reason to be upset that they don't need to...

wait, no, there is one possible reason this would irritate her. and the more he thinks about it, the more he starts to realize... ]

...don't tell me. You've already formed a contract with a Master? [ as soon as the words escape his lips, he realizes they're probably true. nothing else makes much sense; through all the bluster, he can tell she's embarrassed. interpreting the true meaning behind a tsundere's words is a skill he's had a long, long time to hone. ]

Rather hasty, weren't you? Though I suppose I wasn't wrong in my assessment. [ even he can't help but give a little chuckle, regardless of how upset she seems by it. ] Isn't your hatred a bit misdirected right now?

[ it's not like this his fault... ]

[terrantrash]

<sub>[Slaine has no faith in humanity.

He's been given no reason to feel that way. If anything, everything he's gone through has made him believe that humanity is beyond saving. People were inherently terrible - Asseylum was the exception, as always.

But Allen is making him rethink this, which really isn't something he wants to do right now, what with the mild concussion he potentially has looming over him.]</sub>

...I'm not going to give up.

_{[He can't, but it's not for his sake, but for hers.]}

[offtune]

[ she can only think of one reason why he'd keep his hands in a fast, and it's definitely not to make this kdrama; it's to keep his fingers from freezing off. luckily, he doesn't say anything about it, so it doesn't occur to her to even ask... she's just mildly grateful that he's warm in the first place. ]

I'm not worried. [ completely deadpanned. ] I just don't want you freeze to death in the process.

[ she sighs, resting herself completely against him now. she'll forgive the teeth clattering, if only because it's for her benefit that he'd removed his armor... ]

Hey, you ever fucked in the cold like this before? [ out of curiosity... ]

[likethelight]

[ Heh.

He can probably guess that. That it wouldn't be for Slaine's sake he says that. Because isn't it similar? Allen says it for everyone he's made his promises to. It's never been about him or living for himself, and maybe someone might consider that sad or empty, but.. is it really?

And isn't this enough?

And for that he gives a nod, seeming, yes—happy at that. ]

Right?

[ That's why we'll be alright. ]

[offtune]

If it kept you warm, maybe...

[ she wouldn't call it fashionable, but there's no room for her to talk. she'll take his over-dressed, hat-wearing style over the the dress she has right now... but just for right now. the cold is really start to grate on her nerves, and it's a shame that she has no one else but this little guy. ]

Tsk. Can't you tell I'm trying pass the time? C'mon, get closer if you want to get warmer.

[ without further warning, she rests her head at the crook of his name, breathing hot breaths against his skin. ]

[offtune]

[ she's not entirely convinced. hell, she probably wouldn't. but still, what he claims does give her a little pause. ]

Oh yeah? [ zero's tone is far too nonchalant for someone who's about to kill. maybe it's because she's too used to it that she doesn't seem to care. ]

If this is all fake, then it shouldn't hurt you too badly, right? [ she brings her sword above her head. ] Any last words?

[offtune]

[ it's the only explanation she can think of. her death plays so clearly in her mind, and it seems as though the rawness of the situation leading up to her arrival here is affection her far more than her expression tells him. still, she looks up from the ground which she stands, and stares into him.

there's solemnness, and perhaps still some anger, albeit it's mostly dissipated by now. ]

Hey, kid. [ there's a small smile on her lips; a forced one, perhaps, but it's in acknowledgement. ] Th—

[ the simulation comes to an abrupt end with a blinding flash of light. ]

[offtune]

[ she thought she'd gotten him there, but the kid is proving to a pain in the ass. zero is strong, but it seems that the boy is too quick, too nimble on his feet for the stubborn swings of her blade. in her final burst of energy, she put all her power into a final blow against his person, thinks that ought to do it, but she doesn't expect him to retaliate so quickly. ]

Wh--!!

[ zero's sent back several feed back as she uses her prosthetic arm to brace protect herself. it's at the expense of her sword, which slips through her fingers as the impact vibrates through her body and bones. she falls on a knee, idly feeling to see if her arm is damaged. ] You won't go down easily, will you?

[ she's slowly getting back to her feet, and before long, she's able to rush forward, grabbing her sword en route and taking another swing at him. this time, it's feigned; she targets his left with the blade, but her free hand reaches out to his mask — wonders which of these two things are more important to him to protect. ]

[gekkajuu]

[Atsushi had meant to transform when they get to their destination, but he's fretting so much, worrying about all the ways things could go wrong, that he forgets to do it in time. Stupid...! He quickly transforms all the same, which makes the box that much heavier, though still not to the degree that it should be if filled exclusively with metal.

But it turns out for the better, in the end. If it's just a matter of unloading, it seems the terrorists don't mind a little help. Either they presume that the delivery man is more or less in on things, or they're just confident that they could handle him if need be. This is their turf, after all: they have every reason to be confident - which would also explain why they comment openly on the weight of the box.

Atsushi's heart is racing. It's a little worrying, not being able to see where he's taken, but it's not far, as is to be expected with this kind of heavy cargo. There are light voices at first, women and children eagerly collecting the delivered food to spread it around town. They must have been desperate for food, indeed, because it's over in no time - and then the other crates start getting opened, one by one.

Is Reinhardt still there..? Atsushi has no idea. He can only wait until his box is opened, bracing himself - and then, when it's opened enough, leap out and knock down four terrorists in the process. He's ready to fight, but he's focused on incapacitating people, not killing them. Apart from anything else: it might be worth it for the authorities to interrogate them later.]

[emblazes]

[B/c he's Galra scum.]

Not long -- a bunch of us showed up at the same time a while ago. A couple of months, at least.

[Which may mar his reputation as a royal guardsman in the sense of...he...hasn't had more than a month's experience with the job. It's fine. He's fine. He's doing fine.]

You?

[To be formal...'formal'.]

[competing]

[ if any of his current injuries were anything to go by, then no, the simulation definitely didn't stretch as far as their own bodies. he still wore his own clothes, still had the same (regrettable) human physique. he eyes the sword she wields so easily, and knows that despite her looks, he definitely can't say the same of her. ]

...If I let you hit me, will that prove to you that I'm telling the truth? Why else would I be so willing, right? I've got nothing to lose in begging for my life otherwise.

[defenses]

[ at least he can theoretically take one lethal blow....

he waves the jerky a few times in cain's direction. almost as if to solidify he ... merely had it. before, he quietly pockets it. if anything, this was likely a symbol they were on the right track to something. it meant that people had likely traversed through this tundra, and one would hope ... not too long ago.

but, more than logic. this was simple intuition or a gut feeling on vane's end. one that cain seems to confirm when he first happens upon the sight of the cabin. vane's excitement is probably all too transparent. not that he was trying to conceal it, but still. while the cabin overall appeared rather shabby and worn— it'd definitely do. ... besides with this sort of weather, who could blame it for being a bit worse for wear?

still, at cain's words he gives a firm "you betcha" sort of grin, his free hand giving a solid thumbs up.

when they arrive, he permits cain in first, prying the door open with force. with the cold, it seemed like the lock was frozen in place. still, once inside, he makes sure to shut it and bolt it, keeping the cold air locked away. ] Phew... [ he releases a sigh of relief, as his eyes scan the darkness of the cabin. ]

You should take that blanket there. For now, I'll try and see if we can get some fire going. [ there was a small pen outside meant to house firewood so he could only presume, there's be a fireplace here. ... and a method of getting it going. still, it's here he involuntarily shivers. before, looking back at cain with a lop-sided smile. ] After all, it's still pretty chilly in here too, after all. [ ... ] Ah! Not that I'm complaining!

[defenses]

[ always, babe.

regardless of any verdict she may have given him, he's already in the middle of nodding in agreement. so it's fortunate it actually ends up being the appropriate response. ] A novel, huh? That's good, right? [ he seems to be inquiring more to himself than her. still, he gives a laugh. only...

halfway through this laugh he almost chokes because... a date?? he's never been on dates ... at least, not like this before. he half wonders what really constitutes as one and he decides, he... should place it aside. he should... probably answer her. lucky for him, she makes it very easy by continuing the conversation. ]

But, that's what the fire is for, right? I don't know, but ... it's kind of nice to be out like this. I get tired of being cooped up in the city all the time. [ probably the one single positive thing out of this, really. he tries. ] What about you?

[ about feeling restless in the city, that is. about not taking on jobs and keeping it moving. ]

[competing]

[ the chair is definitely all wet, but he is in no position to move the couch right now.... and that's definitely more of a two-person kind of job anyway.

so he stays put, hunched over in his sad little chair, all wet from his butt.

when she comes back though, he lifts his head again, sniffles loudly, and peers at her. ]

You speak Spanish?