natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-03-27 06:32 pm
Entry tags:

❪ test drive #5 ❫

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.

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 — Regardless of your will, you find your body doesn’t respond to you immediately. Instead, you hear a voice begin to resonate deep within you.

I have seen much... But what I am not accustomed to, is being unable to see.

It was never our wish for those we saved to go through such an ordeal. People... are unpredictable. And you, Refugee, still continue to surprise us. That is why we cannot allow you to die just yet.

Refugee, I no longer have plans to intervene with this world — I have already done too much. Here on out, what happens below... must be resolved by you, its people, and fate. You and your friends before you have proven yourselves. Our eyes are upon you, and our hearts with you.

THE WORKSHOP    
The Natha have become aware of how ill-prepared many of their new refugees are for the hardships below. While Darma has decided against direct intervention, the other Orbiters echo the opposite sentiment. With their homes destroyed and the ongoing trials that await them planetside imminent, they do not want refugees to descend without knowing exactly what they're getting into. Therefore, Roman and Zasere have set out to host a workshop in order to train the refugees for complex environment of El Nysa.

A new area has opened in Thesa Station: the Exhibition Hall. This vast open space has been configured to rival the size of the Hangar Station, with the north and south ends decorated accordingly. Refugees that have managed to return to Thesa will notice that the north end strongly resembles Olympia, while the south is a near replica of Wyver. Upon entering, you're given a goodie bag containing some postcards from either cities. There will be a variety of workshops available throughout this area. Each workshop is held in its own unique training room, separated only by high-durability glass for individual demonstrations to be observable to all in the vicinity. Workshops will focus on a few major topics that refugees should keep in mind when they reach land.


I — A HALL DIVIDED
The north side of the Exhibition Hall is fashioned to look exactly like a small section of Olympia. There are ghost-like projections of its people, seemingly going about their businesses as if to demonstrate their everyday living. There is even enough space for them to setup an example of a typical starter dormitory, and it wouldn't be a coincidence if it reminds you of room displays of the furniture stores back in your homeworld; Roman has been particularly inspired by magazines of various worlds.

Refugees who have been living or have visited Olympia will be highly encouraged to "sell" the Empire to the newly awoken. Until you find someone who is willing to do that, you'll find a fancy brochure inside your goodie bag, highlighting the benefits of choosing Olympia... however, there seems to be an earlier draft of it floating around, also.

Over on the south side is decorated will all kinds of tropical plant-life. Strangely enough, crossing the threshold of north and south, you'll also get a taste of the jungle heat, or is that only your imagination? Regardless, the presentation is to mirror the north: the Wyver people are shown as projections, making the space feel as populated as the canyons of Wyver. The sample living space is quite different here; all around, tents and wooden shacks are built to demonstrate what refugees might expect when living here. Similarly, refugee who are currently residing in the jungle city are also encouraged to talk about life there. The same brochure highlights this for the newly awoken.

On either side, you will be able to grab small trinkets from either cities; samples of food and wines, stickers, pins and buttons, and even photos of some of the more well-known natives. Wait, are those paintings of older refugees? Weird, but it's supposedly what you would expect from a convention for Darma's planet of El Nysa.
II — BLENDING IN
When you deal with natives, it's normal to feel a bit of anxiety. As far as you're aware, the natives don't know that you not only came from space, but other universes entirely. After this crash course, hopefully you will have the confidence to maintain a sane conversation with a native without getting any strange looks!

  • A) One side of the demonstration room shows various scenes from Olympia and Wyver. They seem to be showcasing the day-to-day interactions of regular natives, but you might find that some of the projected individuals in the examples are strangely familiar, even under all the effects and filters. In fact, after taking a closer look, you'll find that these are relatively poor imitations of the refugees that have arrived before you, even though you're assured that they're just a coincidence.

    — This is Focket and Warrior 67. They were both refugees that were exiled from Olympia for a quest that resulted in all those involved being framed for a biological warfare attack! Focket and Warrior 67 decided to run off to Wyver where they currently live a peaceful quiet life allegedly. And that's the beauty of El Nysa! If you accidentally commit treason in one city, you may try your luck in another!

    Before long, it becomes very clear that the instructional examples are meant to be the pre-existing refugees that arrived on the station to greet you. After all, there aren't many talking raccoons or white-haired soldiers with visors. Perhaps they're an early-riser from home, or a stranger that you met in the Mess Hall, or even in this very room with you. Makes you wonder where they got this from, doesn't it? At the very least, one thing becomes very clear: The Natha Orbiters weren't lying when they said they were watching.

  • B) While there are ample 3D renders and projections all around the floor that anyone can have access to, you will immediately notice that there is an excess of them in the corner. These are renders that were wrongly coded or mistakenly conjured up, hence... you might notice "Koralle" is looking a little furry, or that one of the Wyvern Shamans look a little more fish-like. Either way, these renders still manage to serve a purpose.

    In this corner you will be paired up with someone. Either you or them will be given a "role," and you must convincingly act and converse as such. For example, if one of you are given the role of "Wyver King," one of you must act accordingly, and the other must treat them with the proper respect. From there, the renders will judge.

    If they give you a pass, you'll be allowed to the exit. If you don't, then you might be here for a while. As a general hint, things that seem to give people extra "performance points" are: mentioning certain landmarks, figures, or other key details relating to El Nysa (see: the brochure). This is a workshop for this purpose, after all.
III — PLANET NYSA EXHIBITION

Perhaps you've heard of this prior to opening your eyes here on Thesa Station: a promise of power in exchange for diligence and loyalty. Show them you are capable of "earning your keep," and the Natha Orbiters may bestow you with powers of your own.

In this workshop, the Orbiters are now allowing refugees to physically test these powers; this time, outside of the comfort of the virtual reality modules. From healing spells to the ability of flight, the sky is almost the limit with these newfound abilities. These powers are temporary, however, and do not last any longer than an hour. You're free to sample as many abilities as you'd like. But, once one is in effect, you cannot gain another without the first one running out its course.

Closest to the exit was the wildlife exhibition, summoning renders of both flora and fauna of Olympia and Wyver. This was meant to showcase the types of wildlife those heading planetside could expect. Don't let the promise of "projections" fool you! These renders are as poisonous, as dangerous, and as realistic as you might expect if you were seeing the real thing. In fact, they have become so unruly that some may have escaped their stations and are running amok, terrorizing everyone (Especially Zasere, who prepared them himself). On the bright side, you've still got those nifty borrowed powers, right?

Monsters aren't the only things you should be worried about. All over, the plantlife that found exposure from the chaos. From the broken glass that once contained them, some flora will have effects that may temporarily ail refugees in its vicinity. Be sure to check their labels if you are caught! Roman has begun handing out gloves and gas masks for this special occasion, being unwilling to destroy the specimen himself. He encourages all to contain them rather than kill!

While most of the flora and fauna have been handled rather quickly, the more agile ones can be seen around the station. One may have found its way to your meal in the Mess Hall, another may be hiding in the bathroom facilities. Wherever they are, it never hurts to practice some caution. Hopefully this gets cleared up before Darma catches wind... but even she would admit this is the most lively Thesa Station has been since that July many months ago.
IV — SOCIAL-LINKED(in)
By miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smart phone. 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!

STASIS UNITS    

Far away from the chaos, you managed to find the massive section on the station 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.

FINAL OOC NOTES    
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. An AC-length thread may be submitted for THREE (3) NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS after acceptance here. Please submit by April 17th. Network threads are not eligible.

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.

arcane: (Default)

[personal profile] arcane 2018-03-29 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
i can't believe you would do this to me
tailorable: (unwin008)

@eggsy

[personal profile] tailorable 2018-03-29 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
could try aksing roman about the tonkotsu
course he might stick some alien slugs in it to add local flavour
wheresmyfingerbones: (i think i have no right to an opinion)

[personal profile] wheresmyfingerbones 2018-03-29 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
(( Never rude, Begging Brothers are nice priests who live in poverty. Or at least that was Davos' experience with them. ))

Sounds a little like Westeros back in the days when dragons did fly in the sky. (( Though Davos might have a little issue on the combat strength part. He's only passable on the sword, and he's gotten on with the years. And less said about magic, the better. He'll never forget Melisandre and her shadows. )) You seem to like Wyver. How come?
panzersoldat: (3)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-03-29 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
He could explain why the little critter zoo was here after they returned this erstwhile lizard. "He probably is like any wild animal. You might be bitten or scratched, but I don't think he's deadly. However, I can give you something to catch him in so that you don't get hurt if you wish." Reinhardt had been trying with his bare hands, mostly because he doesn't care if he gets hurt. He's used to it.
wheresmyfingerbones: (i think i feel weird about r'hllor)

[personal profile] wheresmyfingerbones 2018-03-29 01:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Of the Storm? Yes, it seems like a bad dream. What do you make of it? In particular of that voice before waking up.
ausuben: (pic#11827714)

[personal profile] ausuben 2018-03-29 01:47 pm (UTC)(link)
That is exactly why I came to stop to you. [ Lancelot sounds regretful he has to say it, but if this guy is hesitating on that thought without it even being prompted in conversation, Lancelot guesses this kind of setup may be not as foreign in concept where he comes from.

...Which means, hopefully it will make more sense.
] It's not as simple as we are told and the exact whys and hows are convoluted, but one thing is clear: someone in a unit deemed "not ready" by the Natha can't physically survive outside their pod unit at present.

... It is very unlikely they will actually die in reality should you act on this, but that's only because the Natha respond extremely quickly to violations of these pods being tampered with.

[ Lancelot turns back towards the other man. ] Trusting a stranger even in the same situation as you is not an easy decision to make, but on my honor as a knight; I swear to you that I would not keep you from your comrades if you had even the smallest chance of success to reunite with them in this way.

[ there is a short pause before Lancelot asks: ] These people are your crew, yes?
baldesion: (not at all impressed)

[personal profile] baldesion 2018-03-29 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Grand. Now someone is shouting at her.

It takes but a moment to register the owner of that particular distressed wail. The butterflies are still at their highly offended light show assault (she meant no harm! Really!), and she squints through her fingers at where she imagines Alphinaud stands...unhelpfully far away.]


Will you, then? From five yalms away?

[She sounds less than impressed and continues to be even when the Carbuncle brushes up against her and begins to aid in her efforts to free herself. Alphinaud has hardly grown to his full height at this age, but surely his greater reach and dexterity would prove superior over a Carbuncle's teeth?

By now she has worked out how to shrug out of the flight harness, damned thing, and at last she pulls both cloak and trapped leg free, fair tumbling out of the growth of vines and onto a clear spot.

The Carbuncle hops down to sit beside her and she looks at it, highly unamused and disheveled...and grateful.]


My thanks for your assistance.
panzersoldat: (big beef)

hall divided

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-03-29 01:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Of course he's staring. It's not very often that Reinhardt sees anyone almost his height. He's got 4 inches on Bull, but anyone over 7 foot is a rarity and it makes Reinhardt deeply nostalgic for the Crusaders. They'd all be obnoxiously large. They eyepatch too catches his attention.

He feels a little guilty when he's called out for looking so hard. He knows it's rude to stare.]
Actually, I haven't. But you do look very impressive. I will admit I'm a little jealous. You can get away with going shirtless. If I do, I'm sure one of my young friends will be by to grumble at me.
Edited 2018-03-29 13:53 (UTC)
eggplanting: (it's alright if you do)

[personal profile] eggplanting 2018-03-29 01:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dear legs,
Please work.
Sincerely, Steph.]


He's got jokes!

[She grins, the first proper grin, just as bright and sharp as it always is.]

I'm hungry if you're not the one cooking.
wheresmyfingerbones: (i think i feel weird about r'hllor)

[personal profile] wheresmyfingerbones 2018-03-29 01:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Who is in command of all this? The people of Olympia, or of Wyver? I never seen a land that's just divided by two cities with two radically different lands. (( There are castles and their neighboring towns and cities, sure, but nothing this drastic. ))
beknight: ([ jl ] 75.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-03-29 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ nobody will believe steph if she tells anyone Bruce has a sense of humor, so. he wins!! ]

I find your lack of faith disturbing. It could be one of those differences between universes.

[ spoilers: no ]
tailorable: (e21)

[personal profile] tailorable 2018-03-29 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ despite the tightness in his chest and the anxiety twisting his stomach over everything else he needs to tell her, he feels overwhelming warmth and relief flood him at the sight of her in motion, talking to him like she would back home. the eerie blankness of those in stasis unsettles him. even with the gap in knowledge between them, roxy being here is enough. and it's certainly a vast improvement on being alone.

he holds her gaze. no reason to look away, when it's roxy. 'course he knows not all of his news is good news or even easy news. ]


Yeah, yeah, I'm a bloody mess without you. [ he knows that much. as often as he asks himself what would roxy do?, it isn't the same as having her well-meaning chiding and teasing to check him — or drawing on her sharp intelligence and cool strength beside him. his voice softens. ] I missed you, Roxy.

[ 'cause it's worth saying, even if it's a bit too sincere. ]
arcane: (pic#11405549)

1/2

[personal profile] arcane 2018-03-29 02:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ promises of power aren't concepts he's unfamiliar with. though, naturally, as any sane man or servant... he certainly has his doubts to the validity of their claims. for being uninvolved was it really okay for them to grant people abilities. ones that could potentially be utilized to change he course of fate itself? it's why he finds himself curious to what they were capable of. taking it upon himself as a challenge, he decides to test these "powers" the natha speaks of.

unfortunately, the power he's actually granted is ... one he doesn't fully comprehend.

or at least, it's not one he can tell. in reality, he's been granted with the ability to shape shift, unbeknownst to him. regardless, he decides to approach the nearest individual. trying to get a better feel for the power he was given. only, it's here when flagging the closest person...

that he realizes his hands aren't hands and he's been turned into...
]
insist: (15.)

[personal profile] insist 2018-03-29 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
You are right! On Earth, there were a few species with this same ability -- The African Clawed Frog, and the Green Tree Frog, to give a few examples.

[ He's a trivia nerd. ] The changes are often triggered by the environment, or a feeling of stress.

[ Now he just picks up the frog again, staring at it with a fascinated glint in his eye, completely nonchalant to how obviously it wants to be left alone. ] Does this mean I'm stressing it out right now?

[ Then stop doing that, pls ]
furrow: (pic#8630434)

[personal profile] furrow 2018-03-29 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Hi Spoon.
eggplanting: (we gladiate but I guess)

[personal profile] eggplanting 2018-03-29 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Steph squints at him, deeply suspicious.]

If there's a universe where you can cook I want no part of it.
panzersoldat: (old knight)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-03-29 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, the Natha are in charge of the space station. They monitor the comings and goings of everyone. [ He's seen the Adventures of Warrior and Focket. He knows Jack anywhere...it's disconcerting to know that they're being watched so closely and yet nothing is being done to help them when things go tits up. ] They also watch over our sleeping loved ones. It is they who saved us all from being wiped out in the Storm. [ Right now is not the time to mention that they also can bring people back from death. ]

As for Olympia and Wyver... In Olympia, there is the Empress Simwe. And in Wyver there is Shanrian, the King. [ Reinhardt's tone is one of deep condescension, like he only gives the titles because he has to, not because he respects them. He lost respect for them long ago. ] Theirs is an ancient feud that has gone on too long and caused far too much suffering.

[ He frowns deeply. ] And while I am positive there must be other cities, other countries in this world, I haven't been able to really explore. My duty has been to the people that those rulers and their priests have mistreated and forgotten.
diplomatie: (2483720-50)

[personal profile] diplomatie 2018-03-29 02:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Look, it's not his fault he was recently put through a bunch of ice-based torture and now he needs to make sure his body can recover properly and fully. (Though it's hard for him to keep his nose out of affairs for very long, which is what led him about here in the first place.) But he definitely doesn't want to be talking about that, considering how much of a shot to the pride all that has been, so ...!

He's glad Carbuncle could get the job done for him. He would've absolutely jumped in if he were needed, recovery be damned. But this is best case scenario here. And he makes his way over to her, reaching a hand out to help her up. ]


My apologies. I only thought it more logical to use Carbuncle in such a situation. [ No, he was trying not to put himself back in the hospital through over-exertion. But shhh. ] But what matters is that you are safe.
arcane: (pic#11463755)

patrick is necessary... he's me back up...

[personal profile] arcane 2018-03-29 02:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ excuse?

there are a few brief seconds where he actually needs to step back and reassess her words? what would this be an excuse for? leisure? simple curiosity? he desire to role-play to simply role-play? in the end he doesn't catch onto her implications, and instead:
]

Think of it however you'd like, but it's inarguable I need you.

[ to cooperate. to reach the exit.

still, it's a relief that despite her question, she gave her hand up.
] Naturally, [ almost robotically, he recites the words from the pamphlet. ] We are meant to forge a bond. That's it. [ what is she going on about? was there an element he was missing? he looks at his gloves, before turning back up towards her. ]

Should I remove them?
akron: (TEASE.)

[personal profile] akron 2018-03-29 02:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Clearly. [ the comment earns him a grin, quick but no less genuine for it.

she's still missing something -- between the flash of disappointment on his features earlier and the sincerity behind his i missed you, she's definitely missing something and it has to do with her.

for a moment, she narrows her eyes. thinks to push it, spit it out, eggsy. but no, there are more important things right now. this isn't something that seems to immediately affect his physical or emotional well-being to a significant degree and so it gets set aside. ]


Tell me about this place.

[ two months. that's enough time to have compiled intelligence, to be able to give her a brief of -- well, not the mission, but close enough. ]
arcane: (pic#11405448)

[personal profile] arcane 2018-03-29 02:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ not a bad conclusion, actually.

which is why it receives an exhalation of mild humor.
] Perhaps, that is not incorrect. [ a loss was a loss, regardless of how brilliant the battle. or maybe that thought was simply of comfort to him as his own tribulations. ] But, it seems luck is smiling upon you today...

[ though, since mikazuki's hardly flinched, it makes arjuna wonder how accustomed the other male was to being in this sort of situation. though, something in his stance does tell him he's more comfortable in these halls than he is. or it's overthinking on arjuna's part.

which is why he asks and shoots straight.
] And you're... a warrior of some sort?
sakabroto: (Default)

ryuji sakamoto | persona 5 (ota)

[personal profile] sakabroto 2018-03-29 02:24 pm (UTC)(link)
1. Guess Who's Back
A.
[He's back... How weird is this? He barely remembered going to sleep and now he's groggily barely remembering waking up. It felt like one moment he was awake and then he just awake back on Thesa and apparently a lot of time had passed. Ryuji wandered the "exhibition hall," staring at the renderings of people he knew and people he recognized. It was weird seeing these slightly off versions of people like Soldier 76 and that weird talking raccoon and even Allura and was that Mipha? He's so taken in by the renditions, that he might not notice someone coming up to him as he frowns at the ghosts of his friends.]

Man...how do I even say I'm back? It's so weird...


B. [The floral exhibit running amok is a good chance for Ryuji to stretch his legs and get back into the swing of helping people. It goes well at first, but then he finds himself pierced through the hand and being dragged toward the nearest person. The soprus vine has him and until he makes nice with whomever he's being dragged toward, he's stuck.

And suddenly so is this person.
]

Ow! OW. What the eff is this?!


2. Frozen Here in Time: Stasis Pods
A.
[He used to come up here a lot back when he was here before, so it's natural he's gravitated back again. He's found her pod - his mom - and he's standing in front of it, hands in his pockets. She did so much for him and here he is, unable to give anything back yet again.

He reaches out to touch the glass that separates them and then slowly curls his fingers into a fist, thudding it against the side of the pod.
]

God dammit!


B. [In juxtaposition of earlier, Ryuji has found a black permanent marker and has found another pod. This one he's not standing in front of to look sad. This one he's busy drawing all over. There's so much on it that you can barely see the person inside.]

Take that, you jerk.


Social Linked-In
●●●●○ THESA
RYUJI SAKAMOTO
@SKULL (16), earth!

I WAS A: high school student, ex-track star

I'M SKILLED IN: running, thinking up cool messages, serving up a face-full of justice!

I'M LOOKING FOR: some friends

ALSO, I'M: PERSONAS


[Wait, crap how does he edit this stupid thing???]

Omage
[Just in case, he has to make sure all of his friends know he's back. So he posts up on the network.]

Hey, so I guess I went back into the tubes, huh? Well, I'm back!



Sorry for leavin'.
insist: (45.)

[personal profile] insist 2018-03-29 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He doesn't even know Rohan's name yet, and they're immediately being bitchies. ]

I can't disagree with something that's common sense. Of course, for me to admit to being wrong, I actually have to be wrong.

[ And he believes he's right 99.9% of the time, okay. ]
disassembling: (WS - Emotions are only good for bleeding)

[personal profile] disassembling 2018-03-29 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[He stared at her, disliking the questions that were being asked of him immensely and thus willing to rush his way into an answer. When the last orders were the only aspect of a life that he had lead for who knew how long, they were precious to cling to as the only source of stability. They allowed him to focus on something other than the confusion of his predicament, over the lack of familiarity, the ease of routine that was deeply instinctual by now.

He was less than twenty-four hours post-wiping, his nerves still raw and numbed at the same time. He wasn't as impressionable to anyone but a set of particular people who were deeply ingrained in his psyche as absolutes. She wasn't one of those people, though she spoke with even measured tones, a reasonable disposition like someone who was an absolute. The red of her hair was much more intense than his too, but she wasn't him.

So did the orders matter. Yes. They were all he had left, the last bits and pieces of clarity in an otherwise confusing and harrowing change of pace.

However, he already have the impression that his answer would only preclude more questions, testing his loyalty and his willingness to cling to the last order in words only. After all, on the other side, he had been about to walk away from it all. He had already decided to stand aside from the order, but this situation... it was turning everything on its head too much, too fast and without his feeling any sense of control. That made him dangerous, and he knew it. He knew more that her pushing questions at him was going to put him in a corner he was going to fight his way out of.

So the second statement was one he focused on because it was so odd. His eyebrows knit together as he considered it, thinking back on if he had seen a file with her name on it, a report at all. There had been little to know communication between himself and the STRIKE teams on the move. There had been a brief static debrief of information on the quinjet radio, something he paid little attention to in the brief flight.]


You're... [He sounded very much like he was searching for the words, guessing even.] Black Widow? [Then the title clicked. Hard. His words came in a grunting growling rush.] Soviet KGB agent turned rogue and leaking Soviet secrets to SHIELD, which you have now also double-crossed.
ukase: (Dangerous mind)

[personal profile] ukase 2018-03-29 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Even if individual hopes can and will step on the hopes of others.

There doesn't seem to be a punishment fitting enough for dissuading being naughty.