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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Only the presence of the shooter makes him glance aside and up, wondering. ]
I'd say... if you die, it doesn't matter.
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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?
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But I don't really believe in luck.
[ Because it's not luck that made Arjuna's shot find its mark, is it? Mikazuki can say the same of anything else. Like not being hit himself. That hadn't been luck, that'd been this man's aim, the choice he made when he released his attack. It's with an offhanded motion of his shoulders that he lowers his gaze again. ]
Are you?
[ A warrior. ]
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somehow, he doesn't entirely buy that, but he supposes modesty was meant to be a flattering trait. he gives a small noise of interest at his later words: ] Oh? [ not believing in luck. interesting. ]
Then, what do you believe in? [ he fixes the collar of his shirt, fitting it closer to his neck. ]
Me? [ he asks, his head tilting slightly. he seems genuinely surprised in the younger male's curiosity. ] It isn't often that others become so interested in me. [ he says light-heartedly. or as much as arjuna is capable of. still, there's a pleasant tone to his voice when he speaks. much like he's amused by the idea.
but, that isn't yes or not, is it? ]
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Still, he answers easily enough, as if he doesn't have to think on it at all. ]
Strength. [ He looks up. ] Anyway, it's the same for me.
[ No one really looks twice. Mikazuki's gaze slides back down to the creature, which begins to glitch and phase until it disappears in a flurry of projected pixels. He hums, wondering how to explain why he asked. He normally wouldn't. ]
That was a good shot.
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it isn't a bad answer. if anything, it only makes him ponder what circumstances could be involved to produce such an answer. especially from someone so young. though considering his own life, perhaps age was inconsequential. yes, he decides it likely held no bearing in the face of survival. regardless, he gives a surprised hum at "anyway, it's the same for me." ]
Then perhaps it's fate that we've met in this way. [ it's always difficult to discern how serious arjuna's words are, if just because he always sounds a little serious or dramatic. still, there's a brief touch of something pleasant in his smile that suggests that it may have been an attempt at alleviating the tension. ]
I would not be much of an Archer, otherwise. But... [ it's been a while since he's heard something like that. not because he isn't skilled... but well, being around other servants and being paid with a certain degree of expectation, it's more of an assumed standard than an actual question of ability.
which is probably why he finds himself kind of taken by the idea. ] It's not bad. [ the feeling. ]
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[ Mikazuki supposes he's not the biggest believer in fate either, especially when he'd sought to grasp his future so many times with nothing but blood and his bare hands, but he thinks Arjuna might get the gist of what he does and doesn't believe in by now when it comes to fortune. If the shift in his tone of voice is anything to go by, anyway. So the comment earns him a glimmer of something less restrained. ]
An Archer?
[ He repeats, curious. ]
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once more, there's that hint of interest. but, this time it seems a lot more unreserved. a fact that he takes note of. he wonders if archers were rare in his own world. or if like the modern world, they've become significantly less common. regardless, he gives a shake of his head. one thing is clear, he likely wasn't familiar with servants. ]
Yes, that is correct. [ a small pause. ]
Am I the first you've seen?
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[ Though it's something of a half and half. Modern times had made the title scarce, especially when humanity had come to use firearms and eventually, much later in its development, mobile suits. That was just his world though, and he's not used to accounting for that of the others who also find themselves victims of the Storm.
Still, Mikazuki waves away a few errant pixels, the holograms bursting harmlessly against his palm. ]
But you're the first I've seen do something like that.
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someone who shares the same title, but does not necessarily operate in a manner similar to him. the mystery only depends in that regard, he supposes. but, it's still an insight he appreciates. ] I see. [ he supposes every legend also had its own take, and while one commonly associates archery to the common bow and arrow—
it's irrefutable that's not always the case. he gives a small nod. ] I would advise you practice caution around them. [ though, he doesn't state if that applies to himself. instead, he already begins moving. ] With that cleared up, shall we take a walk?
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I will, then. [ A look, both gripping and easy. It's in spite of himself, liking to be at someone's elbow no matter where he is. Taking a walk, huh... ] To where?
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in a world where people often don't speak clearly or forthrightly, it's a little refreshing to see the other male speak to candidly. a fact he takes to with a small hint of humor. ] How do you feel about a brief tour?
I heard the Mell Hall was close to here. [ though, he technically didn't need to have sustenance the form consumables...
he supposed that's also why he hadn't had adequate time to explore that area in particular. still, he leaves the option relatively open. seeing if mikazuki may potentially have somewhere else he'd like to go instead. perhaps a place more crucial that he's momentarily overlooked in the face of inexperience. ]
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[ Or just enjoyed sightseeing the wild appearance of the food Roman serves up, as it's not always entirely Earthling-friendly. But Mikazuki seems to realize something then, canting his head to glance over at Arjuna. ]
You want me to show you around?
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If you would not consider the notion a problem.
[ he gives a small hint of a smile. ] I do not actually require food, so that would likely be more fruitfull. [ though arjuna might go back at a later time he thinks, if just to complete the whole tour and say he's explored everything. he was... pretty particular, after all.
still, there may be more dangers lurking about and in light of that, he remains close to mikazuki.
his gloves already briefly touching skin as he stands side by side. ]
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It's not a problem. [ No amount of danger or boredom usually is, despite himself. ] There's only so many places you can go on a space station.
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he shakes the thoughts out, before: ] I admit, I'm not familiar with space. [ an unspoken, "are you?" in general, that is. maybe even outside of the confines of just the station. ]
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[ Many would consider space beautiful, given its vastness, its mystery. But Mikazuki chooses empty because that's the immediate feeling he harbors towards it. He's used to dust — just because it glitters in space, millions of miles away, doesn't make it any less... well, dusty.
Still, he obliges, starting out of the wildlife workshop before they get charged by anything else. ]