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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[ That glare remains, the sharp edge that almost dares Ryuji to try and feel sorry for him again. ]
I wonder, did you buy it even for a moment, or were you aware of my intentions from the beginning?
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Or how far Akechi truly remembers. The detective was smart. A hell of a lot smarter than Ryuji ever would be. He only made it as far as he had because of Makoto and Akira and Futaba doing most of the hard work. Ryuji just had to keep his mouth shut and play along.
And now he's stuck here with Akechi alone and he can't even rub the smug little jerk's face in his failure or risk getting shanked.]
We coulda' been though, yanno. ....But you weren't really interested in that, huh? [He frowns, a little disappointed.] Probably still aren't.
[Akechi is focused on removing obstacles and that's all the Phantom Thieves ever were to him. Ryuji sighs and drags a hand along the back of his neck, tilting his head to one side.]
It was the pancakes. We didn't think it'd get as bad as it did, but...well, we knew you weren't being on the level with us.
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[ Sure, he let go of his pride in those final moments. He knew that if he couldn’t make Shido pay for the crime of his miserable existence, then the Thieves could. They had been stupid enough to extend an olive branch when they should have killed him, but even then, they were only ever a means to an end for him.
But now? He can only assume they did what he asked. Joker is a lot of things, but Akechi doubts he’d be the type to renege on their deal. Now the need has passed, and he doesn’t want them looking at him like a failure. He dreads seeing pity in their gazes. He worked so hard to get where he was, only to have it all crumble beneath him in a matter of moments. ]
Pancakes?
[ It takes him a moment to figure out just what Ryuji is talking about, harkening all the way back to their very first conversation. The realization is so absurd that he can’t help but laugh, the sound too loud in the quiet space, bordering on unhinged. ]
That damn cat. I should have known.
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Did it really even matter?
Ryuji sighed and let his annoyance take over. Why feel bad about someone who'd rather shoot you than talk to you? Especially when they decide to start laughing like some crazy psycho-killer. Suddenly, Ryuji really regretted running into Akechi first when all he had was a marker and a bunch of stasis pods around.]
Whatever, man.... [He lets out a huff, trying to cover up the nervousness he feels at being cornered.]
I guess you'd rather just keep on being alone and workin' for Shido. I don't see why you follow that asshole when we coulda worked to bring him down together.
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If you don't understand by now, then you never will. Frankly, I don't need your approval or your understanding, one way or another.
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If he was working for Shido, he had to be behind them all. And he'd come trying to destroy them and almost succeeded.
Ryuji could feel sad that Akechi chose to keep working for that jackass Shido, but that didn't mean he had to forgive him after what he did to Akira.]
Yeah, you don't. And it doesn't change the messed up shit you did either.
[Ryuji grits his teeth and steps forward feeling a surge of anger rise in him.]
But if you try anythin' with Akira or anyone else, I'll punch your ass to the ground, you got it? I don't care what your reasons are. You don't hurt my friends.
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[ If Ryuji is looking for regret, he'll find none here, outside of the regret that everything ended the way it did. He believes, and has always believed, that he did what he had to do. The world never did him any favors, so if he had to step on a few corpses to get to where he wanted to be, that was only fair. It was only just.
As to that last bit, however, he lets out a derisive snort, apparently unphased by the other boy's mounting anger. ]
And what makes you think I have a reason to do anything in the first place? The world is gone, or did you not get that memo?
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Ryuji doesn't make any effort to hide the displeasure from his face. Akechi has no regrets, no problems with anything he did. His lacking moral compass is what separates him from the real Phantom Thieves, but also what scares Ryuji the most about him.
Back with Kamoshida, even Ryuji considered letting that jackass die. How easy would it have been to just kill him and then skew his entire justice system the wrong way. But he hadn't and after seeing what happened with Haru's dad...he doesn't think he could ever do it.
But Akechi could and did. ]
You freakin' shot him, you asshole! Just because the world is gone, do you honestly think I'm gonna just forget about that?!
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[ The only desire he really has now it to find where his father still lays, frozen and unmoving in a stasis pod, and to pull the plug. It's the only justice he could hope for in a world where his reputation means nothing, but the Natha have already denied him that request.
For now, he can only hope the man never wakes up again for as long as he lives. ]
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[Maybe they weren't meant to be friends because they knew from the beginning that Akechi was planning something. Maybe they couldn't be great buddies because they had begun their relationship on a threat and blackmail.
But that hadn't stopped Akira from trying. They'd been on pins and needles around Akechi, but they'd always been kind to him. Ryuji had wanted to punch his smug face in 99% of the time, but he'd still been kind to him.
It hadn't mattered. Akechi, for the sake of his own selfish goals and Shido's grand master shitstorm of a plan, had still shot Akira.]
Reasons or no, it's not like I can just take you at your word.
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[ Come on Ryuji, it's not that hard. ]
Then don't. See if I care.
[ He doesn't care. Because he doesn't need any of them. But the fact remains that everything he has ever worked toward went out in the flashing red of emergency lights, in the heavy slamming of the bay door. In a final, thunderous crack of gunfire.
That the Storm claimed their world and erased it from existence is only the icing on the cake. ]
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people die when they are killedRyuji growls at Akechi's response. Why did Joker have to die is what he meant, but whatever, Mr. Fail Detective.
It is taking every ounce of willpower Ryuji has not to sock him in his perfect little psycho face and he clenches his fists at his side so hard he thinks his fingers might break.]
You're gonna have a hell of a time here with that shitty attitude, Akechi.
[Not that he probably cares. The guy is being a class A a-hole and that's on top of their history, which says something.]
Your crimes aren't going to go unpunished forever.
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[ It's almost a dare. He'd have to be blind to miss the tension in Ryuji's frame, the way his fists clench, white-knuckled, at his side.
Ah, maybe he really should not have engaged, because now he's just angry. Goading Ryuji into a fight is probably not the smartest move he could make, but for the moment it's the most satisfying. ]