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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akane tsunemori | psycho-pass
[ Akane is currently standing close to the north-south boundary of the exhibition. she seems completely unfazed by the holo-projections milling around the general area. instead, she seems to have her nose firmly in one of the brochures that she's been collecting on her way around the hall. ]
Dragons? They can't mean that for real, right...
[ whoops, it seems that just slipped out when she reached that part of the Wyver brochure. not loud enough to cause a scene, but certainly loud enough to be heard if you're passing by at the right moment. ]
BLENDING IN (A)
[ Akane barely bats an eye at the projections scattered all over this area; being surrounded by holos is possibly the least weird and out-of-place part of this experience for her. she observes and listens politely and attentively enough to the example conversations on offer... until she reaches the part where the past shenanigans of other refugees come in. at which point, yeah, she may be gaping a little. ]
That sounds like a really serious incident. [ the tongue-in-cheek tone probably means that everything ended up fine in the end, she guesses, but still. ] I wonder if I should be worried that they feel like they need to warn the rest of us about this.
THE MESS HALL
[ she may not be a rookie anymore, but it's impossible to process all this information on a grumbling stomach. so Akane's wandered around until she finally hit the mess hall. she's grabbed a table close to one of the walls where she can sit for a bit and think about her next move over what is frankly an impressively-sized bowl of ramen. an impressively-sized bowl of ramen that she is currently slurping up with equally-as-impressive speed, watching the rest of the room with a thoughtful look on her face. ]
----------------
(( alternatively, pls feel free to wild-card me!! ))
a hall divided; TIME FOR FEELINGS
[...real. Kagari's mouth gets away from his brain for a minute, happy to babble on about the dragons in Wyver to anyone who'll listen; it's probably his number one favorite thing about El Nysa, next to the fact that it's not Japan.
But then everything clicks in his head all at once, and he's scrambling to get a better look at the person who just spoke up. His throat suddenly feels like sandpaper, because even though he's been up here day after day just in case anyone he knew woke up, some part of him wasn't really expecting it to happen. He already had so much in El Nysa, and if his friends woke up, he really would have everything he'd ever wanted, and dreaming that big was dangerous. He'd survived in Japan by keeping his expectations in the gutter, getting from day to day looking for nothing more than having some fun. That way he never let himself get crushed under the weight of wanting things he couldn't have.
It's only when he sees her that he lets go of the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Or maybe -- letting go isn't the right word; it's more like the air gets forcibly expelled from his lungs like he's sparring with Kou-chan and got kicked in the stomach. It's really her. She's really awake.
He feels like he should have a ready joke onhand, some snarky offbeat quip, but he just keeps staring at her like he's in the desert and she's the only oasis for miles around because it just hit him how much he's missed her since he woke up on Thesa Station at the end of November. When he finally manages to get his throat working again, his voice sounds all wrong.]
....Hey, Akane-chan.
i am very late getting back to this BUT ALSO FINALLY READY TO BE DESTROYED
she jumps slightly when he starts talking, a barely-imperceptible movement as her head finally leaves its home in the depths of the brochure. and yet, her reaction seems strangely... muted, somehow. less shock, or surprise, and more quiet resignation.
she hears Kagari's voice a lot, these days. usually in the early mornings, the lonely mornings, when she's the only one left in an office that ought to hold so many more. she doesn't even have to close her eyes to hear him commenting on the latest report she's proofing, the list of candidates for new Enforcers, the sorry state of what used to be his workstation.
she supposes - it makes sense that this would follow her here, too.
Kagari-kun would have loved to be here, she thinks.
her smile is soft, with only a touch of sadness at the corners of her mouth. even though she's well aware he's long gone, she's always glad to see him. ]
Oh-- hi, Kagari-kun.
[ it's strange though. she's grown so used to this now that she notices it right away. usually, the Kagari she sees is the deceptively carefree man she remembers, unheeding of what the actual situation around her is. but now-- now, he's the one who looks like he's just seen a ghost. ]
HELLO let us start the pain party
Some part of Kagari wonders if she even knows he's dead; to his perspective, that was the last thing he remembered before he woke up on Thesa station, from a dream in which he'd been told his world was gone and all his friends were here. It's a thought he decides not to dwell on.
A few more moments pass in that frozen, awkward silence, before the absurdity of the situation finally breaks through his paralysis and he strides forward, plucking the brochure out of her hands and putting his own on his hips as he leans forward, right into her space. He huffs.]
Oi, oi, oi, don't be rude, Akane-chan. I've been waiting months for you to wake up, y'know.
allllllllllll aboard the pain train
if it's a reaction Kagari was looking for, well, he's sure got it now. Akane freezes stock-still as soon as he tugs the brochure out of her hands. in the moments that follow, the colour slowly drains from her face. his words sound muffled, like they come from underwater.
or maybe she's the one who's under. Akane doesn't know. all she can think is he touched me, over and over like a mantra; her palms itch from where the brochure was just pulled from them.
her hallucinations have never been this real before. she's heard of people suffering breaks in reality this bad, but her mind has always been aware - Akane has always been aware - that she's the one making this up, that even as she talks with Kagari, or Yuki, or old Masaoka, that there is a stark, solid line between where they begin and reality ends.
she's seized with the sudden irrational reflex to check her psycho-pass, but she knows with searing clarity that it's useless. even if the Sibyl system did exist out here, her hue would probably still read a clear powder blue.
so there's only one conclusion.
this is real. her breathing hitches, becomes unsteady as she thinks it. he's really here.
it can't be possible, but a lot of things that she'd thought couldn't be possible have happened already today. her voice cracks when she finally finds it again. ]
I - Kagari-kun--
[ Akane had thought she'd cried all the tears she had in her by now. she thought wrong, apparently; traitorous drops of moisture start gathering at the corners of her eyes. ]
Wait, I'm sorry - [ with one hand, she wipes furiously at her eyes; with the other, she reaches out to him, her hand finding his upper arm, warm and solid and undeniably alive. ] This is real, right? I'm not dreaming?
CHOO CHOO
Two: she didn't think this was real before. It causes an uncomfortable twist in the pit of his stomach. If she's hallucinating on the regular, does that mean her psycho-pass is ruined? Did he turn her into a latent criminal? He hadn't really thought ... that he meant that much to her.
It's not the time to ask, he decides, and he bites the inside of his cheek until it hurts enough to let him stop looking like a sadsack. He slings his free arm around her shoulder, forcing himself to put on the stupidest grin he can muster.]
I'm flattered you dream about me, [HE WINKS. OBNOXIOUSLY] but dreaming about planets and galaxies being destroyed is a little dark for a wholesome girl like you, isn't it?
no subject
and oh, she's missed it. ]
M-maybe, I guess. [ she laughs in spite of herself. it's a watery thing, shot through still with shock and disbelief - but genuine. she can feel the weight of his arm around her shoulder, and if she looks close enough, she can see the strain behind Kagari's smile; there's no way her mind could come up with something this detailed. ] We both know I don't have a vivid enough imagination for that.
[ it's nice of him not to draw attention to the fact she still feels about one step short of crying all over him. ]
no subject
That's why you were the inspector, eh?
[He responds to her laugh with one of his own, reaching up to gently rap on her skull with his knuckles.]
No dangerous thinking~
[It's a little bit of an ugly joke, given their circumstances, but he's free now. Sybil is gone, and it's never coming back.]
no subject
Oh, quiet, you. [ she sniffs, swats half-heartedly at his hand as she says it-- ]
[ --except, Akane can't hold back the sour feeling rising in her throat at his joke. no dangerous thinking, huh? she supposes that's true. even the minds inside the System had said as much.
it crosses her mind - not for the first time since she woke up here - that the System doesn't matter a damn bit anymore, ever, but she's still not really ready to process the enormity of that. not yet, not on top of Kagari-kun being here and alive.
she's seized by the sudden and overwhelming urge to hug him, and given the circumstances, she doesn't really see any reason to fight it. ]
It's so good to see you again.
[ without any further warning, she wraps him in a hug that's surprisingly fierce for someone her size. ]
blending in
[Have a very awkward smile - and that only because worse incidents in much more recent times have made the biological warfare attack in question seem like a walk in the park.]
El Nysa is a wonderful place, especially Olympia. But I'd be lying if things didn't get dangerous from time to time.
sorry for lateness!
Well, I'm used to danger, in my line of work. But something on that sort of scale would be considered so rare and out of the ordinary back home that nobody would even think to put up warnings about it.
[ she has the unpleasant thought that the lack of transparency back home is down less to the rarity of it, and more down to a calculated plan to keep people as deep in the dark as possible. ]
no problem!
[Or he could take it literally and presume it was meant as encouragement to just try your luck elsewhere if you get in trouble. But he likes to think there's at least a small amount of actual concern in there, as well!]
"In my line of work"... May I ask what work you used to do?