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 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!
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.
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.
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poe | altered carbon
@THERAVEN (old!), Earth
I'M SKILLED IN: Providing full guest amenities including but not limited to: food, drink, light entertainment, private entertainment for any and all personal tastes, guest protection services, VR suites, personal data security and privacy guarantees, and mail delivery.
I'M LOOKING FOR: Friends and companionship, after the untimely demise of my esteemed establishment.
ALSO, I'M: Deadly curious as to what manner of bar you have around here.
wildcard?!
will it blend A
To be fair, the projection doesn't look all that happy either.
But whereas her expression is one of quiet fury, that Rosalind just looks torn between boredom and irritation at having to talk to people. So it's really quite accurate, she supposes, and how lovely that would be if she didn't bloody well loathe it.]
Oh, there's no flattery involved.
[Her voice is terribly cold.]
It's a message.
don't be grumpy
Still, it's not as if this woman's in particular is grossly exaggerated or given some ridiculous name like Focket, so pardon Poe's completely innocent surprise at exactly how cold and angry she sounds. He glances at the holo-Ros again.]
To you from them, with love, or so one would think... [no?? surely. maybe that is just him.] What, then, does it mean?
that's my secret babe i'm always grumpy
[Absently, the holo-Ros brushes her left thumb over the ring set on her fourth finger. It's a pretty thing, a silver band with a small emerald set in it, and it matches the one the real Rosalind wears.]
I have very few personal habits, save that. And consequentially, she has few personal habits. She doesn't shift her weight or bite her nails. She just does that.
They're watching us. Every hour of every day.
i see... it's working
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loot haul
[ a part of him does find this all a little unsettling. after all, human will should only be nurtured by humans. AI isn't exactly something he's particularly fond of, at least the version that he's used to back where he comes from. ]
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I suppose that's one way of looking at it, if a trifle pessimistic. There's beauty in legacy, but is there not beauty in knowing the man for the man? Of course it matters. You really don't think so?
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[ now's as good of a time as any to get philosophical. it's been a while since he's had one of these talks. ]
Sometimes you might play a part for the world, and only show your true face to one person. Everyone else knows you as the legend. So, when you die, and when that one person dies, is it the real "you" that lives on? Or is it the image that you presented to the world?
[ but then, he shrugs. ]
Just something to think about, that's all.
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Loot Haul
Who cares.
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They remain frozen in time here, while their lives continue on down there— ah, or do they! Perhaps these are the less fortunate, those for whom death is not only abrupt, but real... Does this really not interest you at all? This could be you, one day.
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That ain't gonna be me, you got that.
[ A clear refute. Like hell he'd let himself die so quietly. His death would be something grand, an explosion that would rock the very earth and be talked about decades later. ]
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loot haul
Who gets a sidelong glare when he stops to admire the who-gives-a-shit, because Tak clearly has better places to be and things to do.]
They're nobody. Poe you need to stop with this Christmas tree thing. You're embarrassing yourself.
omg hello
Nonsense. I love Christmas, Mr. Kovacs, [he says idly, sidestepping around to look at the projection from another angle.] And I am showing my enthusiasm for the circumstances we have now found ourselves enveloped in.
[Which actually kinda blow, but he gets to go outside and that is great.]
Am I embarrassing you?
hello stranger
Wait, that sounds wrong. Guest. He means guest.]
Could you show it less loudly? [Wary eyes dart around before settling back onto the top of the stupid poet's head. He's not embarrassed, per se. Just cautious. Overly so, perhaps, but being out of time, out of place and frankly out of his own mind tends to do that to people. Obviously Tak could have just spat out a defensive no?! but the hotelier gets the insufferable sigh instead. This is why you can't be his sidekick, Poe.]
What do you think?
best b u d d y
poetic torment you mean
poetic license? poetic best friends forever??
plis no
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stasis | I'M YELLING I LOVE POE
No, no, no. All still asleep. But she comes across one individual on her way out and she's drawn into conversation with a question that has her raising a sharp eyebrow. ]
That's terribly personal for a perfect stranger to ask.
[ However, Peggy's style may very well be to Poe's tastes — she may be living in Olympia, but she's held on to her 1940s sensibilities: hair, lipstick, clothing. She's not in tip-top shape, her right hand is heavily bandaged and speaks to trouble on the planet (or perhaps her ability to attract it), but she undeniably carries herself with elegance and confidence. ]
Why do you want to know?
shouts back!!
To make conversation? I guarantee you I bear no ill intentions toward any of the people here or otherwise, in or out of their lonely slumber, but rather that I am simply... curious.
[He glances sidelong at a stasis pod. Surely letting people wander among these is not the safest method of... storage. Hm.] Chilling, isn't it?
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Positively.
[ Dryly said, but only just. Something in the tone of voice, or maybe her expression, softens the whole thing somewhat — but being here in the stasis unit does that to a person, and it isn't reassuring to note it bears more similarities to a cemetery in that sense. Peggy glances askance to the pods, the sleeping faces under frosted glass, and exhales. ]
I've seen people wake up and return to stasis more times these past few months than I'd like, every time without warning. [ She looks back to him, expression quiet. ] Did you know that was possible?
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a little loot haul, a little will it blend
[ Cain's caught sight of the whole changing bling thing, and he's finding that a lot more interesting than the exhibit himself, but... He, too, is a lover of history and he can't help but answer a question helpfully when it's posed to him. Even if he's finding the actual presentation of information to be a bit inaccurate. And somewhat flamboyant and over the top.
And more like a tourist trap than a real museum, which is why Cain has also been enjoying himself and is decked out in his own fair share of con swag. He can't wait to show his friends the pictures of their life sized models he's found. ]
This isn't a history exhibit, it's one about modern life down on the planet right now.
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rimshot.mp3]
Oh. Is it? Although I've been led to believe that I must exercise caution when meeting those native to this world... It just isn't the same.
[Why can't he ask every single person a load of questions?? Woe. Anyway,] No one else has taken to the accessories as readily as you, stranger.
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[ Yes, that's totally why Cain's got three of everything. Because he has plans for it. Plans involving leaving embarrassing postcards of all the people he knows in their bedrooms, and giving them out as gifts for birthdays, and all sorts of other great ideas.
Besides, it wasn't like anyone else really seemed to want the stuff. Well, besides his new friend here. ]
The natives aren't exactly the friendly type, though... Some of them, at least. [ He waves his arm, indicating the bandages peeking out from under his sleeves. ] Some of them are warming up, but it's kind of iffy still, so caution is probably a good idea.
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will it blend A
[Yukina is a little surprised that she has a projection at all, but there she is. ...she really does look a little out of place among the people of Wyver, doesn't she? She never really noticed that before, until she was able to watch herself like this.]
...I don't think they meant to disturb us...
[Did they? But why would they?]
Do you think there will be one of you, in a few months? If they do this again for the next batch of people who wake up?
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They would let me participate? [Is that-- exactly-- no, it's not, he wants to be part of the exhibit actively. Big dreams.] I would love to be a guide to the weary and travel-worn. Is there an avenue through which I can volunteer?
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stasis
he's about ready to take off for greener pastures, or anything else, when he spots a older looking man looking intently at two of the pods. he knows that look. it's the same kind he'd seen in his days in the military and on killjoy missions when someone's seen a familiar face. it's not a fun feeling, or one that should have an audience to bear witness to it.
d'avin tries to get away, hoping to offer the man a moment of privacy, but those hopes are dashed by a simple sideways glance. he sighs deeply, shrugging his shoulders. there's a lot to say and he's not too sure where to begin.]
I'm not the storytelling type, but fine. I'll bite. I've got a brother. Pain in the neck, but we're close. Likes comic books.
I wish he wasn't on ice.
[d'avin takes a deep breath before he shares too much and clicks his tongue before steering the conversation away from himself.]
You have anyone else hiding here?
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So tell him more about brothers and comic books, about these relationships that exist only worlds away for someone like him. He will keep wiggling his eyebrows helpfully if he must.]
No. Yes. Somewhat. They do, and as such, so do I. [This, with a nod at the pods he's been staring at. He can't deny a little prioritizing, as fond as he is of a few other people in stasis here. Favoritism is a hell of a thing.] Were it such that I could speak to them, now...
[Hmm.] Perhaps your brother will wake up soon.
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stasis | WHAT
So it shouldn't be surprising that when she comes around a turn, there's someone mourning his loved ones or whatever. She just was hoping she could come back to herself and figure out what she's missed before she has to deal with other people.
She yawns again, loudly, covering her mouth with her arm, and staring blearily at him, missing for a moment that he even spoke.
She was just behind that same glass.
Ugh.
Another, smaller yawn. She debates just continuing on.]
That's awfully optimistic of you, y'know. That you think everyone awake here has someone they care about in these pods, and not just a whole lot of enemies.
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It occurs to him a moment late, then, that she's probably, definitely criticizing him, and he frowns slightly. Oh.]
Should I refrain from making conversation...?
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