natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-01-26 12:27 pm
Entry tags:

❪ test drive #4 ❫

YOUR STORY BEGINS    

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

All you know, perhaps, is that it was cold. You don't know for how long you slept, but the dreams were short, at least. You remember the expanse of stars and the universe that came in view. Every world and solar system ever known was displayed in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You have also witnessed The Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. It was a dark, thick smog — ominous in appearance and ever foreboding.

Your Earth and similar planets were immersed in The Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of it. That was when she told you what happened, and how you could help. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new, even though you never asked for it. The details here weren't clear, but you knew you'd made a deal with Darma.

Not long after, you'll wake at Thesa Station — your body is still cold.

It all felt like a dream, but somehow, you knew it wasn't — now, will you keep that promise you made to Darma?
PROMPT: THE STORM    

CW: death
You were awake on Thesa Station. But at some point you, like many other new arrivals before you, wandered into the Observation Deck. Ordinarily, this is where images of The Storm are replayed to remind Refugees of the fate they have escaped.

The Natha Orbiters' technology has evolved. They are aware of your gaps in memory. You may have doubts of The Storm even existing, or of your world's destruction. Though they do not wish reliving those last moments on anyone, they have created an experience that will do just that. Before entering the Observation Deck, you are warned that what follows will not be for the weak of heart. As soon as you step in, you will find that the walls around you begin to transform and expand.

Welcome to the Planet Cespi, in the Circinus Galaxy. Unfortunately, we were not able to save this world from The Storm's Consumption. These are its last memories.

You are surrounded by blue, grassy hills as far as the eye can see and a pleasant breeze. The atmosphere is thick with a sickly sweet smell. Before you lays the scene of a quiet village, with its residents going about their everyday lives. You aren't alone, either, with an equally confused stranger (or perhaps you know each other?) surveying the scene.

Then the world grows completely silent for a full minute. You and your partner are unable to make a sound, verbal or otherwise. Without warning, a deafening roar fills your ears and forces you to double over in pain. The villagers run out of their homes in a panic, finding themselves in just as much pain and confusion as you do. Where there was no sound before, now there is too much for a normal human body to process.

Look up. An expanding mass of energy is swallowing everything you can see. It consumes the earth, the atmosphere, the depths of space — and it is getting closer.

Your only hope is to outrun it, if you can. The people in the village certainly try to, racing past you. Their fear is very real. Their bodies are very real. You may be able to run from it for a time, only able to catch glimpses of this dark and sinister force swallowing everything and everyone. The earth rumbles and separates beneath you. Electricity surges through the sky, and then through your very body.

You fought hard, but it is impossible to outrun the Storm forever. You too will be consumed. Your death is quick, but not painless. What were you thinking, before you took your last breath?

You awaken back in the Observation Deck, next to your new friend.
PROMPT: TRAINING MODULES    

While it’s all nice and well to familiarize oneself with Thesa Station, it is most advised that new arrivals venture out a bit. Not physically. No one is quite prepared for that yet. However, there will be several virtual reality training programs set for those who dare to be adventurous. For those who aren’t and don’t dare, well — good luck, all the same. Once seated and appropriately strapped in, the system will automatically whir to life.

1. When you enter the Natha's newest program, at first nothing loads. You might think this is an error as you look around in apparent total darkness, only able to see your own virtual body if you look down, but soon enough a voice comes to life as if speakers have turned on somewhere.

Long ago, the lands of El Nysa were dominated by the ancestors of the dragons who now live among the people, tamed. It was pretty dangerous! How about a little history lesson?
And then the simulation comes to life—

a. The lush lands that blossom to life around you all at once are real enough to make you forget you're in a simulation — at least for a moment. Those refugees who have been to the planet in reality before will find themselves in territory as unfamiliar as those who are brand new, as this simulation takes place far back in history. Instead of sprawling cities and civilizations, the most you'll find is scattered villages, many of them no more than nomadic campsites at best. You've been outfitted to blend in with the natives and these simulated people won't react to you as a newcomer, but as a member of their village. Are you a doctor, or perhaps a warrior? Maybe you're even in charge! But they want your help, and they want it quickly: a dragon is coming.

The dragon is larger than the mount-sized breeds that exist on El Nysa today — much larger. It's a good six stories in height, bestial, and angry. Maybe it's then that you notice the lands that surround you are littered with scars of scorched earth, some of them several yards across, and there's a reason these people don't live in one place for very long. But don't linger too long on the makeshift grave markers sticking out of the burnt countryside — the dragon is coming.



b. If you're looking for something a little less violent, perhaps another area of the historic simulation will be up your alley. This one finds you on a cliffside, waiting among other villagers for an event the people are talking about in hushed whispers, some of which you can identify as prayer. When the white dragon raises its head up from the depths of the ravine, towering impossibly high over you and the others on the cliffside, it's no wonder most of the natives fall to their knees in awe and wonder. This dragon doesn't attack, only looks at the people on land with an ancient and strange wisdom.

Then it speaks. Not in words, but the low rumbling sound that starts in its throat and becomes a full trumpeting bellow to the sky seems to have meaning, and somehow, you can understand its cry as it entreats the people to praise and worship. The natives around you are already starting to give offerings with their prayers, food and carvings and — blood? Is that someone's arm being offered up?

That's different.



2. Let us now travel forward in time, shall we?

a. The Olympian settlement around you is quiet — until the screaming starts.

Guerilla fighters from Wyver flood the streets, knocking civilians aside and breaking down doors and windows when they find their way barred. They move methodically, advancing toward the nicer parts of town where the politicians reside and leaving terror in their wake.

They're here for the politicians, people say. They're here to punish the people who made the decision to advance into Wyver in the first place. Blood for blood, as the saying goes. Where they'll be taking them once they have them is anyone's guess. A soldier emerges from a building, dragging someone in elegant clothing out by the hair. Looks like they've found one.

Will you rescue them? Make a run for it yourself, lest you be mistaken for one of their targets? Or maybe they've already caught you and some other unfortunate Refugee who's been dropped into this simulation, and the two of you need to figure out a way to escape.

b. CW: branding
You find yourself in the midst of a bustling crowd gathered at the Temple of Thesa. Robed acolytes stoke fires on either side of the altar at the front of the temple, where miserable-looking people who seem to be from a village in Wyver await, bound in ropes.

The priest, at the front of the crowd, picks up a metal brand from the altar and gestures for another acolyte to bring a prisoner forward. The crowd watches with interest as the prisoner is forced to kneel in front of the altar, their arm laid out flat on the marble surface.

Another cry — "For the glory of Olympia!" — and the crest of the city is burned into the prisoner's arm.

The crowd cheers, deafening the cries of pain. The priest ushers forward another prisoner, and then another. Is that a familiar face you see in the lineup, thrust into this bit of history by the simulation's whims? You have to do something. Or are you unlucky enough to find yourself bound? ...Well, hopefully someone else in the crowd has more scruples than this priest.
3. And now, the present.



After all those enlightening scenes, the simulation finally brings you to a more quiet area of Olympia. You are deposited out somewhere in The Outlook, a place the very first group of refugees had to trudge through before they found their homes. You've arrived in the early evening — but sunlight is waning, and soon you'll be under a sky full of stars. Luckily, their old campsites aren't too overgrown.

The intention here is to get you familiar with some of the local flora and fauna. What sorts of plants will you encounter? Do you find yourself under a Verillum Tree, suddenly compelled to be painfully honest and truthful in conversation with a complete stranger? Find yourself behaving erratically in the presence of Whistleweed? Or perhaps you'll have to break the spell of being trapped in a Vena Amoris' vines... with a kiss.

PROMPT: STASIS UNIT    

You have found the massive section of Thesa known as the Stasis Unit. There’s no special access required to enter 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: 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    
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! An AC-length thread may be submitted for 2 NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS after acceptance here. Please submit by February 18th.

We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for REP.

There will be an application cap of 60, and no reserves. Please read here for more information.

almaredemptoris: (Default)

[personal profile] almaredemptoris 2018-02-02 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Jean Valjean does not feel as though he deserves gratitude, being that he acts in atonement for his past evils. This is a debt that he works to settle every day that he lives in God's grace.

The crowd in which they still are enfolded is cacophonous enough to serve as pretext for his not hearing the question, when truthfully he hears it but rather hesitates to answer. He has worn false names as an alibi for fourteen years, yet even these he has learned not to hand out so freely, so as to leave behind less that might be traced back to him.]


Almost there...

[Here at the back of the temple, the mob is thinner; the mouth of the temple which leads back outside is several paces away.]
originallutece: It's not going well (talk; reading isaac asimov)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-02-02 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[She scoffs.]

Please. Nothing so ordinary. I'm a scientist.

What other kind of occupations?
assisfriend: (concern)

The Storm & Aftermath

[personal profile] assisfriend 2018-02-02 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Todd comes out of stasis with more memories of the end than he expects. Perhaps it's because of those moments behind the fabric of reality with Amanda. Or maybe he remembers just as much as the next person. Regardless, he's keen to leave the more intimate sense of it all on a shelf somewhere instead of exploring it further.

Unfortunately for him, there isn't much choice in the matter. Todd feels a deep, sinking, feeling in his chest at the idea of having to experience any of it again - much less the entire thing in real time. He needs to find his friends, needs to find out who is awake and who is in storage, so many needs. Perhaps that's selfish but Todd never was great at thinking of forests before trees until he considered things a second time. And so, upon that second time, he'll realize he really owes it to himself, the rest of the universe (and possible other universes?), and especially Amanda, Dirk, and Farah, to go sit through the virtual simulation of the end of all things.

For his rational decision, he's rewarded with finding one of those he seeks almost immediately, though it's not until they're 'in the world' that he realizes it. Many traumatizing minutes later, Todd's sat with a thump on the floor while the simulated effects wear off. Todd is trying very hard to keep his heart rate even but it's not going too well.
]

Yeah. Yeah. I'll be. ...Fine. In a minute. [His eyes cast up at Farah though he doesn't make any attempt to move yet. He's already told her in the simulation how glad he was that she was alright. The smile he offers now is far more faint and he's forgotten to repeat the sentiment again in real life, though he meant to.] What about you?
happylocksmith: (pic#12054840)

Bwahaha

[personal profile] happylocksmith 2018-02-02 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
[Wow, rude elven man from medieval fantasy land, didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to stare?

Apparently no one told the same thing to Sora because he's just going to gawp a bit at the intricate designs across the stranger's face, but then he blinks and nods, his face breaking into a broad smile.]


Yeah, I'm fine. No harm done.

[He hops to his feet and starts to brush the dirt off himself, patting down his pants until he's satisfied he's not covered in dust and detritus from the forest floor.]

Guess I should be paying more attention to where I'm going, huh. Are you okay?
inacan: (013)

[personal profile] inacan 2018-02-02 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Should he? Should he go for the you read my mind joke? Are they there yet? ...Maybe not. Even for him, that wound is still pretty fresh and he's not prepared to touch it, even in his usual dismissive way.

So instead he just offers Wanda a faint half-smile and waves her in the direction of the exit. ]


I'm hoping they have something better than freeze-dried astronaut food.
inacan: (007)

[personal profile] inacan 2018-02-02 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
Possibly. Depends on the total population they have in stasis, what the biosphere of the planet is like, what the current population of the planet is... lots of factors.

[ Tony shrugs, almost thoughtfully. ]

If I had the stats I could run some simulations but I don't think they're offering up those numbers. Super shady.
beknight: ([ bvs ] 49.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-02-02 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ He nods, accepting it in turn. Bruce is familiar with enough soldiers, and even if he wasn't, it's nothing personal. ]

I'll be seeing you.

[ Keeping an eye on him. ]
almaredemptoris: (Default)

[personal profile] almaredemptoris 2018-02-02 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
[There is something to be said for the stranger's good cheer, which is not quite so bright so as to be jarring in this gloom and thus is not unwelcome. Jean Valjean allows himself to be ushered along the corridor of sleep-painted faces, carefully marking in his memory the precise position of Cosette's resting place.]

She is called Cosette. And I, Fauchelevent.

[He hides his hesitation well in giving this name. Although it is but an alias, it is still a thread that connects to him, to whom secrecy is dear.]
braidedwonder: (I live to destroy)

[personal profile] braidedwonder 2018-02-02 04:18 am (UTC)(link)

I don't know if you'll be useful to an escape or if you'll just scream the whole time. [ He says it as if it's a plain as day fact, still leaned back against the wall, casual as ever in sawing at these ropes and restraints. A successful escape is what he wants, of course, even if it's a sim and he won't actually Die if he doesn't manage it - residual gundam pilot behavior which means failure is not an option, he thinks.

The rope finally falls away and he stops with the knife momentarily, seeing if the knot will unwind itself if he tugs a little. ]


Besides, how're you learning about escape if I just let you go?

[ ... he may or may not be teasing at this point. ]
trample: (493)

[personal profile] trample 2018-02-02 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
Like hell they don't. You only wanted me to intervene because you felt bad for the dude.

[ His eye twitches at her offer of assistance, but because he's not so terribly rude as to refuse, he takes it. ]

If that's not the point...

[ Her other hand looks painfully lonely, and he doesn't like leaving people hanging, so on a whim, he takes that one too, and once he's off his ass and standing on one foot, he continues holding both in a manner that's, well, awkward. ]

Then what is?
ukase: (Dangerous mind)

[personal profile] ukase 2018-02-02 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
[This guy was both familiar and unfamiliar in mannerism. Reminded him of people he used to work with who were undercover in more risky businesses. They always had something to hide, sometimes even from themselves.]

If you're lucky. Or unless my heart explodes ruining myself in simulations.

[He waved the other guy off, returning to his own business.]
micromania: (Default)

[personal profile] micromania 2018-02-02 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Farah nods and let's her hands settle on her hips instead as she takes slow, even breaths in and out. One. Two. One. Two. She closes her eyes and concentrates. In the nose, out the mouth. ]

I'm glad that... [ Wasn't what happened to us, she almost says. Her fingers itch for a method of notetaking, a way to keep her initial thoughts recorded instead of just bouncing around in her head. ] I know we said it already but I'm glad you're okay. Here. Awake.

[ Fairly certain that sounded at least half idiotic, she thins her lips together and gives a little nod. ]

Take the time you need. [ Down there, on the floor. She'll stand here and keep watch. ]
icingonthecake: (shook)

[personal profile] icingonthecake 2018-02-02 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
[What in the goshdarn hecking Disney-censored swearwords is going on.]

You're glad to see me? [Did he miss something??

[It's the next words that pop up on the screen that send Axel's blood running cold, though. Not out of fear, really, as he's pretty sure Sora isn't the sort to really hurt anyone unless they give him a good reason to; no, this is just pure, unadulterated shock. How does Sora even know that name?]


Where did you hear that name

[See, now look what you've done, he can't even punctuate.]
vulpining: (pic#12011190)

[personal profile] vulpining 2018-02-02 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
That's such foolishness.

[ Her nose scrunches up. She's not cruel but there is definitely a time and place for her to show such tenderness. She tugs him up, steadying him with a surprising amount of strength. ]

The point is that there are barriers in all simulations. Where I'm from... no, where I was before here, it ran similarly. I merely wanted to test if the "history" they provide here is set in stone.

[ A beat. ]

... These people aren't alive and even if my heart would normally feel pain for them... they're merely a reflection of what once was. I suspected there was no undoing.
almaredemptoris: (Default)

[personal profile] almaredemptoris 2018-02-02 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
Indeed I did

[What remains of the country he cannot say, but the land itself holds no sentimentality for him; it is for her people that he is aggrieved.]

In Paris
assisfriend: (consider)

[personal profile] assisfriend 2018-02-02 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Todd doesn't need to hear Farah's completed sentence to guess at what she might have said. There's a few possibilities and all of them are pretty terrible. He sighs, wishing he could do more to comfort her, whether she might want it or not, but there are more pressing things to attend to.

His hands are shaking as he pats down his front but there's obvious relief when he shoves his fingers into his right pocket. Thank the universe the medication he refilled in Seattle made it here with him.
]

Me too. I mean. I'm glad you're okay. [Smooth as ever, Todd.]
micromania: (f21)

[personal profile] micromania 2018-02-02 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's not until she hears the rattle of the pills in the bottle that Farah's reminded of her concern over Todd's medication, over what might happen if he has an attack and the natives on the planet's surface find him suspicious, or dangerous.

Granted, she's also worried that Todd or Dirk will open their mouths and say something with the exact same result.
]

I hope Dirk didn't watch this, [ she says not exactly to Todd but mostly as a bit of commentary, extending the concerned and somber mood to those that aren't with them in physical form but always in spirit. It's a little hard to kick the habit of being worried about him when he's not around when she's worried about them all even when they're right in front of her. ]
assisfriend: (shit)

[personal profile] assisfriend 2018-02-02 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Shaking hands are never a good sign with Todd, sure, but that could just as easily be attributed to the fact that they'd just experienced (again) death. Or, worse, the apocalypse of all things, not just their own death or the death of a few people they loved. Farah is just as anxious though, he tries to tell himself. Which isn't a great sign either, all things not with standing.

For Todd, suddenly having so many things contextualized at once is anxiety-inducing enough, forget the component of a potential pararibulitis attack. Which, try as he might, Todd is really struggling to forget.

Farah is smart to bring up Dirk. Distraction, the fact he's also someone they need to track down, numerous reasons.
]

Oh man, you don't think he has, do you? [A pained look of concern.] He'll be the first to think he's destroyed the universe.
Edited 2018-02-02 04:56 (UTC)
kissintime: (charisma)

training module 3

[personal profile] kissintime 2018-02-02 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
Hm?

[ ermes was walking through the simulation to mostly observe, not so much do anything either, and so ram catches her just as she's debating picking some of the blazeweed for a good time. she listens quietly to her request and then darts her eyes to the basket, mouth curling into a frown. ]

Uh, I think those probably will kill me. Anyone ever teach you not to eat random shit in the woods? That's how all the hikers die if not for bears.
originallutece: don't tell anyone but i'm kinda into this whole cyndi lauper business (talk; shit that's mildly catchy)

[personal profile] originallutece 2018-02-02 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
[She watches him with cool blue eyes, observing each spare movement.]

Any other questions?
micromania: (f33)

[personal profile] micromania 2018-02-02 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Farah lets out a breath, glances around the room, and decides then and there to just...sit back down. Crosslegged, next to Todd. Because, really, knowing Dirk? He'd be damn near compelled to witness this, driven by the universe or just by his need to try and help people. Also, the universe is occasionally the worst sort of asshole to Dirk (in particular) causing him suffering, injury, and abandonment.

She can't imagine he hasn't seen it. Or even just been told of what it details.
]

We should find him. Well. We should eat, I think, or at least get something to settle our stomachs and get our bearings a bit, and then find him.
heraldsdawn: (Best frand)

coincidentally as im going through my millionth play through of kh1

[personal profile] heraldsdawn 2018-02-02 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hey at least facial tattoos are a little less jarring than gravity defying hair.

Lavellan still remains quiet, surveying the boy as they dust off. He had to be the most outlandish looking person he has seen yet, and he's seen some pretty wild things here so far. If the hair wasn't one thing, it's the oversized shoes. But, his attention is taken off of the bizarre looking clothes when the boy finally stats talking again.

There's a smile he gives and just a small nod.]


I'm fine, it'll take more than just a few people running into me to hurt me.

[ Still, he figures he may as well get the obvious out of the way first; ]

You're new here, aren't you?
assisfriend: (concern)

[personal profile] assisfriend 2018-02-02 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[The more Todd thinks about the threads of the universe he saw with Amanda, neatly interwoven though he didn't really understand what he was seeing at all, the more his heart feels heavy. To imagine that storm barreling through and the only people who could save it were scattered to the winds, possibly lost to time? Who knew if all the holistic people were even saved. What if others, from other worlds were needed to, given how many had clearly been brought here?

Suddenly things felt even more hopeless than they did when trying to save a world born from a drawing.
]

I don't want to leave him on his own for long. He barely gets by on a regular old Earth planet. [Translation: Todd is worried, Dirk is incompetent, Farah please make things better. When she sits, he's glad they don't actually have to do anything for just a minute though. It's all just a bit... too much. He leans against her side a heaves a great breath, trying some of the exercises she's taught him since they went on the run.] This sucks.
Edited 2018-02-02 05:17 (UTC)
happylocksmith: (pic#12054841)

[personal profile] happylocksmith 2018-02-02 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Ask Nomura dude]

Sure I am, why wouldn't I be? You DID just save my life after all. And you're OK, so that's something to be glad about too!

And you told me, remember? I mean sure, it's going to take some getting used to because you were Axel when we first met, but you're Lea now. We'll get used to it.


[Sora sees absolutely nothing weird or funny about this. It's just another friend here, and darn it all if he's not going to hunt down ice cream at the very first opportunity that he gets.]
micromania: (f35)

[personal profile] micromania 2018-02-02 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
We don't know how much time has passed between the Storm eating our universe and...now. He might already be awake and on his own. [ Alone is implied but she doesn't say it. It would be one of the worse case scenarios, assuming he'd been struggling on his own without them already but...this is kind of their lot, isn't it? Worse case scenarios get downright weird, and this is all pretty weird to begin with.

Later, she'll have the chance to hyperventilate about Lydia and Patrick and maybe her father all sitting in chambers like strange dolls that aren't exactly part of the world, but right now? Right now there's Dirk to worry about, and more immediately Todd, who's breathing is not impressing her on any level. Not that it's his fault. Her's isn't impressing her either.
]

We'll sort it out, step by step. [ Step one: put her hand on Todd's back and rub in small counter-clockwise circles. ]