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.
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I suddenly realize that Allura will have a thorough understanding of brothels by the end of the TDM
I see. [She does not.] And they do not offer these services in Wyver?
[She may have read up entirely on both cities by now.]
explaining unfortunate topics to unknowing princesses is Duo's unfortunate lot in life.. ask Mipha.
Uh... honestly I'm not sure if they do. Never went looking... [ He hadn't had the time or the prerogative, honestly. Probably too young to pass in to the district in the first place, and even if he was legally... that absolute baby face and small frame would've precluded him from being taken very seriously. Not that Duo minds - he finds it all kind of awkward and, really, being from L2 made redlight districts seem like something tame.
L2 problems, truly.
Duo's eyes flip between the brochure and Allura for a moment, rapidly figuring out that she.. probably still doesn't know what any of this means. ]
I mean.. you do get that it's not exactly a merchant selling clothes or .. fruit, by now, yeah?
:'D
I am capable of putting two and two together, I believe.
[She closes her eyes, thinking,]
Perhaps they are selling less... scrupulous services? [Getting warming...] Like mercenaries? [Colder.]
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[ Ah, yes.. this song and dance again. Duo takes a cursory look around, as if looking to keep her dignity in tact as much as she does, before he tries to kind of.. delicately push forward. He's been through all of this explaining strip clubs to Mipha at one point, and what the hell is his luck, right now? ]
I'm sure you can I just don't... know if they have.. that kinda thing.. where you're from? [ It's nigh on impossible, but who knows. He's had a run in with literally satan, anything is possible here.
Duo is thankful that he's not drinking as she mentions 'mercenaries', his mind immediately thinking something dirty to say that Howard would probably be proud of. Mercenaries of Insert-Indelicate-Term-for-Some-Kind-of-Genital-Here deal, etcetera. ]
I mean.. I do mercenary work but I don't do sex work. [ Okay, that's it, there's that little laughing smirk inching across his stupid face. ]
Not that it's bad it's just uh.. not my gig..
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Oh] O-Oh.
[Despite her relative innocence, the concept of such… businesses isn’t entirely alien to her. Surely they exist in some corner of some world in her galaxy, but Allura is so far removed from it that it barely registered as a thing that exists in any concrete way.
In any case, she’s missed 100% of everything that he’s said in the last few ticks. She folds the brochure closed, then one more fold in half, for good measure. The first few attempts to speak come out in a sputter, then she swallows, and tries again,] Well. That is… [Although, perhaps she misinterpreted? Once more for good measure:] You are saying that there are people who exchange money for… [Then, quietly, delicately,] personal services?
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[ Duo can't help but be amused watching the process, nodding as her face goes red, as if confirming. Of course he's trying to not be incredibly crass about it, as it wouldn't be totally right to do but..
How is this his life now? He goes from piloting a giant robot and being a terrorist to explaining redlight districts and strip clubs to young (looking) women as if it's just the most normal thing to do in the entire world.
This is his life now. ]
Yeah, that exactly. [ Duo shrugs. ] If that's how they enjoy making money though, who's the one losing out? Don't think it's them, honestly.
[ Then again Duo is from a slum so he might have a unique view on things. ]
You gonna make it? [ An easy smile slides across his face rather easily, hands tucked in his pockets in a casual motion. ]
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And she can’t really argue, it’s more the topic than the morality of it that has Allura’s face burning. Just as finding out that humans milked other mammals, the whole concept struck her as more strange and weird rather than morally reprehensible.
But one doesn’t explore all reaches of the galaxy without coming face to face with norms that you don’t understand from time to time, and at Duo’s prompting, Allura nods her head, clearing her throat.] I will be fine.
[She folds the brochure one more time. It’s getting pretty small now. Shock over the information is settling into just embarrassment that she approached a total stranger about it. Alteans did not so… casually talk about such things. Especially a princess.] My apologies. I was just… caught off guard.
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Good.. or a minute I thought your face was gonna combust. [ There's a low laugh as Duo takes a look around, a bit more edgy about the people around him than he was when he'd first arrived. It's thanks to recent events more than anything Allura's done - kind of happens when one is taken hostage and tortured not long before one people show up. He's thankful that he'd been healed up and could at least blend in -
No use in garnering sympathy from a bunch of newbies. ]
Like I said, it's not a big deal. I figured if you had an idea you wouldn't be asking since it's a little.. mmn.. risky seems a bit much but that's the only word I can really think of right now.
[ Though he supposes he might as well ask - ]
What do you think so far? About Thesa and all?
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It... will take some time to get used to. [Unlike some, Allura isn't nearly as out of her element with technology and worlds beyond her own, but Thesa is not her Castle-Ship.]
Someone put a lot of thought into this display though. [She gestures to the entire arena around them.]
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Yeah... I've had the same thoughts myself.. [ Of course he was also mad that his mobile suit hadn't been brought along, a personal Voltron of sorts, but that's a whole other odyssey. The furthest from Earth he's ever been is Mars, to be fair, but technologically, and so far as traveling in space?
It's all pretty normal. ]
They like to uh.... really show the places off... [ Though, now that he thinks about it - ] .. Just, you know.
Don't fully form an opinion on a brochure, mn?
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I thought as much. [Holograms and pamphlets are easy way to spread disinformation, or sway opinions. Even if not meant in malice, nobody wants to print about the seedy underbelly of a prosperous city. (Then again, they did brag about this Red Light district…)]
You are not a new arrival, correct? Which city did you choose to live in?
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I've been here for .. I don't know. Going on six months now? [ He's not exactly sure, but that count seems correct. Wild to think about in all fairness, as it hadn't seemed like that long with all that was constantly going on but here he was, doing the math and sort of finding himself disbelieving of how much time had passed. That is, if the time lined up exactly from his world to this, but, anyway - ]
I stay in Wyver. The people are a bit rougher around the edges but I like 'em that way .... [ He pauses, and the amends, with the past couple of weeks in mind - ] .... most of the time.
Didn't help that I arrived and shortly after a dirty bomb went off in Olympia and got a lot of people sick. They moved us all to Wyver and I just sort of... never left.
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That’s terrible. [Her expression darkens. It seems like no matter where she goes, war and tragedy can be found at all edges of the universe.] Was the perpetrator who set the bomb off found and brought to justice?
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Yeah. Never thought a half a year could go so fast either.. [ More time terms she probably isn't that familiar with, but the more he says it the more shocking it is for him as well. He'd just gotten past a war, only to come in to this. Not all that surprising honestly - of course it would make sense for a gundam pilot to be hauled in so far as he could tell, but it still wasn't what he was aiming to do with his post-war time.
If anything he'd factored in a lot more relaxation time. ]
Mmhmm.. Not hard to do when you're an amateur who likes to show off about it afterward. [ That's a bit of elitism soaking in there, Allura. ]
At any rate, they got rounded up. Now though there's a big rivalry between Olympia and Wyver that we're all forced to contend with, so... Not ideal. Just... wanted to warn you when you're 'deciding.'
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Are they competing for land? Technology?
[Even thousand-year intergalactic wars like the one with the Galra boiled down to lust for power, and competition over resources.]
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It's.. hard to figure out. Both sides are, naturally, pretty proud of their history and whatever but on the same coin... When I ask villagers about their ancient history, about things I've found out in the woods that are ancient and worn down it's like they don't.. remember? [ He flicks a hand out in frustration, a grimace flicking over his features. ] It sounds stupid but I don't get the vibe that they're just hiding things from me because I'm a refugee.
It's like they just don't know. Which is pretty damn weird at the base of it all and concerning as hell on the upper end.
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That is odd, [She crosses her arms over her chest, shifting her weight from one leg to the other as she thinks. Every culture has some way to record their history, whether in written word or through their technology. Even the Alteans, who had all but been wiped out thousands of years ago, had their influence scattered across the galaxy.]
Even if the common populace aren’t educated on it, what about their leaders? Their historians?
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I'm not really the scholarly type. [ Duo gives one of those easy, sideways smiles - it's a bit of a misleading thing to say, really. He's smart, has a bit of a picture memory, and could build something from scratch when he wants to, but hadn't actually attended any formal schooling since maybe elementary school. As such it's easy to say he isn't really a book smart kind of person, shrugging and laughing about it. ]
Kinda prefer to just stick to talking to regular people.
You get all the good, down low stuff like that. [ Duo puts his fingers through his bangs, casually flicking them to the side as he does it. ] And, well. Stuff that makes ya mildly nervous about all this, where that's concerned.