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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no subject
He's seen plenty care for the people important to them, but Lancelot hasn't had the chance of hearing anyone else's feelings on the fact everything they and the people they know have called their lives is gone. Maybe it's because they have already coped—the ones he knows awake and here have been awake so much longer—but nothing is worse than feeling isolated from your own friends because you can't seem to catch up to their mentalities and adjusting fast enough.
When Lancelot is close enough he doesn't go to interfere, merely moving around behind the stranger and ducking a bit curiously to peek at what he's doing—how he's doing it when he doesn't have the default tools. For now he stays out of the way. ]
I know enough that this is not going to produce the result you want, as much as I would like you to be right and me wrong.
[ he takes note that the man specifically mentions trusting only these people. he can relate to this. he doesn't have all three of the people he trusts with him here, but he has two of them. If Lancelot had woken up first and saw them all like this, his desired course of action would have been no different than this individual's. ]
I assume you've already been told something similar to they are safe but not ready yet to wake up? [ might as well confirm they have already gotten the vague explanation. ]
no subject
But, for sure, he could use more of a toolbox than the trusty knife that Lydia gave him, so many years ago. ]
Yeah, I’ve been given the spiel. Sounds like nonsense to me. These people? They’ve always been more ready than I’ve ever been for all the shit we’ve gone through.
[ Amos is not really the feelings kind of guy, but when it was the truth, it was the truth. Sure, Holden was the one that led us into all sorts of shit and trouble they never asked for, but he’d also kept Amos alive. He’d always been ready to make the tough decisions, to fight for what he believes in. To work for it, too. Idealistic asshole, maybe, but a truthful one.
Don’t get Amos started on Naomi. Talk about being ready for anything.
He looks down at the panel he’s now opened, hands on either side of it as he leans over. ]
Okay, this looks like a straightforward mechanism. The tricky part is opening the right one without hacking the system. [ A pause, hesitating. ] This can’t kill them, can it?
no subject
...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?
no subject
Before, he might have done it anyway. Done anything. But he can hear their voices in his head. Naomi, soft and reassuring in a way she only is with him, like speaking to a brother. Alex, confused but firm, way too smart and skilled for his own fragile, bleeding heart. Holden - Holden, always the hero, making the tough calls. He'd tell him not to do it. To bide his time. One day they'll be together again.
Amos inhales sharply through his nose, pushing back from the console, fingers white-knuckled. He pockets his knife again, and his hands ache when he unclenches them. ]
They are. The only people in any universe I can count on.
[ It's no diss - after all, he is not doing what he set out to do, just because of what this guy told him. But it's the truth. They could have flooded him for all of his mistakes. Instead, they allowed him to grow, to fumble through apologies, and to have their backs, through everything.
Finally, he fully turns around. ] Name's Amos.
no subject
The sincerity demonstrated in this individual's actions towards his crew are unmistakable, though—both in actions before heeding Lancelot's warnings and after. He can respect him, even more with that knowledge taken to heart, for being able to stand down despite having already decided upon walking towards that control panel that he was going to follow through. Even if he still doesn't know anything else, he can respect him because that alone deserves some merit. ]
Then, they will most certainly be relying on you to be here for them when they awake themselves. I would like to think any knowledge you gain in the meantime to be able to directly share will be appreciated, as well.
[ ... Meaning not getting on the bad side of the Natha is a great idea if at all possible and should be often considered, but Lancelot mostly says it hopefully show he has optimism for both Amos's fate as well as his crew's in the future.
For now, Amos's harshest reality is that he must face this world on his own. (of course not literally as plenty will be around to assist him —some even when he specifically doesn't want them to—but it's important to keep in mind how an individual will be seeing things through their own eyes.)]
My name is Lancelot. This is not the best situation to be making new acquaintances, I understand, but it's still nice to meet someone undoubtedly still human in this place.
[ He gives a small pause before he adds:] I'm afraid I have less to offer you than those who have been awake consistently for longer, but feel free to consider any and all of my knowledge concerning our situations yours, as well—now and at any point in the future.
[ basically, he'll answer any question for the other in as straightforward a manner as he possibly can if he has the information. that's about as openly friendly as one can get in terms of acting as a utility. Lancelot doesn't really view this guy as one for making friendly small chat as alternative. ]