❪ test drive #4 ❫

[natha]

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. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[micromania]

So you don't want to know why there's an arm on a plate...oh, there's a foot now, [ she hisses under her breath, because this is not good. It's not great, and these cannot, should not, just be her questions.

And yet: she turns around, presses her lips together, and keeps scanning the crowd. ]

They're bringing them from that building at 3 o'clock.

[micromania]

Dirk is definitely one of my best friends.

[godslay]

Then I don’t want to know what you do with your week.

[ She has enough idiots in her life.

At least they’re good idiots.

But the chaos is already breaking out as the priest goes down, and his brand flies out of his grip. Gamora kicks it away, spinning on her heel to look properly at Tony, snapping at him. ]

Give me your wrists.

[ Because she can break those cuffs, and in the moment of confusion that they have, she’d rather get him out before the armed guards swoop in. ]

[godslay]

[ … You know, she’s never heard that one before.

Gamora blinks at Beverly, far more startled by her reaction than her attempt to hide, at this point. Quickly, her surprise is replaced by something less amused. ]

That’s a Terran thing, isn’t it.

[ Her tone is flat, unimpressed. She’s used to Peter making odd references that she has no clue about, so this isn’t too different, but. ]

[semblant]

[But deadly.]

You're going to be disappointed if you think I'm vying to impress you.

[guidetoblivion]

[Riku isn't all to impressed, but at least vaguely confused by that stare that Sora fixates him with – what with first that fixation on his hair, and now his cloths? If Sora remembered anything about Castle Oblivion, he'd understand why he'd be wary about latter at least, but given how things worked out…]

A year back home, and at least five months in here.

[At least that's the time that Riku can vouch for. How long they've been here before he's woken himself… he doesn't even want to think about it.]

But yea… you really ought to stop doing that. I might not always be around to wait till you wake.

[In spite of the fact that the words are not voiced unkindly, that there's a hint of teasing in Riku's voice, he nearly flinches the second after the words leave his mouth. For one, he wouldn't be around if it hadn't been for the Storm… he certainly hadn't planned to be at home, not knowing what it would take to bring Roxas in.

This? This is kind of a miracle, and there are so many reasons why Riku doesn't deserve to make light of it... and why teasing Sora in general might be off limits for him too.

Sora's next question snap him out of that train of thought though, confusion returning to settle on his face because…]

…Who is Xehanort?

[eaudevamp]

[ Deadly Parent-Babysitter. What a mouthful title. ]

were you even thinking of impressing me?
i'm not expecting it out of you anyway.
after all, what do you have to impress me with in the first place?

[semblant]

[Edgy version of The Babysitters Club.]

Why would I?
In the unlikely event you manage to pique my interests, that may change.

[He's not one to gloat nor send empty threats, though the temptation builds and settles in nearly the same instance.]

[eaudevamp]

[ Solomon just needed Amshel to wake up to complete the whole club. Wow. ]

for once, i quite agree with you.
there's no point in us meeting anyway. not unless by chance.

[ Or if Diva insisted they meet, though it seemed unlikely.

And yet for all the sniping comments they threw each other, Reign had to admit that he found Solomon somewhat interesting in his own annoying way. ]

[sharktrash]

[ Squalo's probably too young for that kind of wisdom, as he usually does not deem anything he does not like necessary. Like world peace, or his Familia preferring to support a kind, young heir that would make it a better place in contrast to Xanxus' hell on Earth. ]

[ DOES THIS BRING YOU BACK, SMUGFACE. You've seen one fake arm, you've seen them all. ]

[ And that's just the opening Squalo's been waiting for, immediately reaching toward the other man's head with his real hand, a faint blue aura bleeding from the ring on his middle finger and engulfing his whole palm. Any body part it ends up touching would lose all feeling in it. ]

I'd say I'll send flowers, but I would be lying.

[gekkajuu]

[It's kind of amazing how Chuuya can say these things so easily. Atsushi would like few things more than realizing his own worth, but the word has a slightly different meaning to him than what Chuuya probably meant: he needs to make it real, first and foremost. Every day, he works hard to live his life the best way he can. And he's been doing pretty well for himself, all things considered! He can't deny that.

But he still has a long way to go. Even here, he hasn't escaped his past completely, though he's certainly grown up a bit thanks to doing everything largely by himself.]

All right... This way.

[After finishing his food, Atsushi leads Chuuya to the sleeping quarters, all of them simple and rather impersonal - but clean, and comfortable. The room Atsushi unlocks is a specific one, mostly because... there is a small tiger cub sleeping on one of the beds.

... Or there was. Atsushi starts worrying when he doesn't immediately spot Daifuku, and he looks under the blankets - as if a lump that size wouldn't be immediately noticeable.]

Oh no... Did he run off somewhere...?

[Nope, no it didn't. Daifuku is, in fact, hiding somewhere to pounce their guest.

... His feet. Their guest's feet. Look, it's only a small cub...]

[gekkajuu]

[You come to this planet, and already flashing your kinks for all to see...]

I'M TRYING!

[And he is, he really is, his lungs burning in his chest as he goes to his limits and beyond. It's quite hopeless, though, and not only because this is practically a recording of things that have already happened: the Storm is just too fast.]

[beatupgrass]

[He doesn't know what a Thor is. People hear of Asgard in passing. It's not really a place people go.]

He was a livin' planet. You tell me.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya follows Atsushi without a fuss, too tired to really ask a ton of questions and pleasantly buzzed enough not to care. He can always figure shit out later; he’s an intelligent and resourceful guy, he can make it without someone holding his hand to guide him through everything. Plus, he’s got Atsushi’s number now, so if all else fails, Chuuya can text him or something.

The room looks rather simple and cozy, and while Chuuya kind of misses his luxurious bed back home, this will do just fine.

Chuuya raises an eyebrow as Atsushi looks around for something; is he talking about his roommate or something?]

What are you -

[Chuuya is immediately cut off when a ball of fuzz pounces his feet, and he glances down to see a tiger cub staring back up at him. Chuuya blinks a few times, figuring he might’ve just confused a cat for a tiger cub, but when he kneels down to get a closer look he sees that it is indeed a tiger cub. And oh no, it’s adorable...]

The hell? Why do you have a tiger cub?

[He asks, as if that’s the weirdest thing that he’s seen in his short time here. He reaches out to pet the little guy, rubbing right between his ears with as an uncharacteristically soft smile tugs at the corner of his lips.]

Trying to pounce me, were you?

[...Okay, he might be taking his glove off just so he can feel that silky soft-looking fur...]

[dianano]

[ He obviously lived to tell the tale, but if she wants details... ]

We killed it - I teamed up with a man who enhanced my gun with magic as well as read the serpent's thoughts. [ These things he learnt right in the moment. Good thing he's good at staying calm under pressure. ]

...You meet some interesting people here. [ And by 'interesting' he means superhuman and supernatural. ]

[tricksune]

[ He definitely notices, though he seems more curious than baffled by the fluttery little things; can he really be weirded out when his own soul pokemon is a kabuki monster? He lets out a slow, thin exhale as his eyes dart right back ahead, considering the simple question with some serious thought. ]

It's likely we'll be overrun.

[ For whatever reason, his weapons aren't here, and this is a poor match for him as far as magic goes. Nevermind that the captives are too frightened to help their benefactors, skittering off as soon as they're free. Still, he sounds mostly even-keeled. ]

Unless your spritely friends can outmatch flame.

[almaredemptoris]

[The way he has conducted his life over the last dozen years, Jean Valjean has always sought what things he might show gratitude for, rather than what things he might complain for. He had been blessed in that since gaining Cosette by his side, he had everything to be grateful for and little to lament. The shadows that lingered, always reaching for him from the murky past, were all but pushed from his mind by the dazzling light that the little girl gave. Even now, he only thanks the Lord that Cosette too was salvaged from the world when the darkness laid waste. The sharp sorrow of her absence while she sleeps will come later: for now he holds tight to that scrap of hope as if it is a rope. He bows his head in gratitude as they pass through the door.] I would much appreciate it, monsieur. It is my daughter whom I seek...she cannot be far from the place where I first awoke, the direction of which I still remember well.

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign waited with a kind of bated breath for Chuuya's verdict, smiling wider to know that the sample came out well. ]

Really? Well, I'm planning to maybe give out a few samples when the time comes. An advertising technique, if there ever is one. Should be enough for a couple usage.

[ When Chuuya handed the bottle back to him, Reign tucked it in his jacket pocket again, before holding his glass up in a kind of toast. ]

Don't worry! I'm sure there are jobs here you would be well suited for, and you can easily earn money. If you like, you can be one of the few selected to try out my experimental scents whenever I come up with a new one.

[catfident]

[ The words go in one ear, take up residence in her mind. She'd rubbed elbows with nobility once upon a time, and learned to hold herself with poise and decorum. But that had been ages ago, literal centuries, and whatever obligations had chained her at the time are now long gone, broken by exile and rejection.

Well, fine by her. She'd never much liked the stuffy attitude most of them carried around with them anyway. Hopefully this guy - this king - won't be as awful about it either. ]

A king, huh? There won't be any palaces here for you to live in, or servants to cater to your every whim.

[ Though no doubt he'd be able to find someone willing to take on that role. ]

In fact, no one will care what you do, if you find yourself deviating towards a few 'unseemly behaviors'.

[playingfetch]

[By now he's mostly relaxed, staring into his device in casual conversational mode, propped up on his hand. At least right now, he doesn't look like a man in the middle of a war. But sometimes that could describe him when he is in the middle of one.]

I ain't the only one here, but there's no war going on. More like a bunch of mismatched Masters and Servants thrown together trying to figure all this out. I'm not about to go looking for any Holy Grail in this place myself.

[exaomori]

the natha prefer olympia as far as i can tell

it's all fine

[revlon]

Different from what I'm used to. The political climate is tense, bad blood between two opposing factions and us caught in the middle and drawn to pick sides sooner rather than later. There's magic, technology that is both incredibly advanced and positively medieval, and people can wake up or go back to sleep with little warning.

I've met some incredible people, but it's certainly a lot to take in. Even after months of being here, the nuances of this world are still a mystery.

[revlon]

I think they mean for us to create a life here and however we choose to go about it is up to us.

[ Peggy raises her brows at him. ]

The Natha aren't pushing us to choose sides; it's the people on the surface that will likely ask it of us sooner rather than later. It's already begun. The winter gala a few weeks ago had us selecting pins at the entrance as a show of loyalty, I suppose, for whichever faction we considered — home. [ She shakes her head, exhaling softly. ] Quite honestly, Mr Stark, I'm not sure how long any one of us can remain neutral without consequence.

[unluckoftheirish]

It is not cowardice.

[She bristles defensively, shooting him a glare. It's... a very predictable response from her.]

It's practicality. I don't expect a dragon to be a pushover, but I will give my best effort.

[unluckoftheirish]

[Confused, Bazett looks down at her own hand, making sure that the command seal really is gone... but of course it is. She glances back up at Cu, brow furrowed.]

...I see. Well—I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that it's within their power.

[Hmm. This is a little awkward; more than she would have expected. She doesn't have any other Master to be jealous of, or compare herself to. But now where does she direct her feelings of inferiority??]