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
Anyway. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Bev, but he's definitely usually more of a backstage sort of guy. (Usually. Certain namesakes excluded.) He snorts at the idea of Richie taking offense to someone else providing the hack material with his face on it. Or...something close enough to his face. Sounds about right.]
Sounds like you've had the pleasure. [Of the type...or even the man. (He'd figured her for new, but—maybe not.) Couldn't really blame him, though. Considering.]
Doubt they'd bother asking, anyway.
[That's creepy of them and a halfassed theft of brand, probably. So, y'know, double shame on them.]
no subject
[ It's true, if Richie (and this is definitely Richie) takes pride in anything, it's his brand. No matter how shitty the jokes might be, they're his and his alone. Beverly folds her arms, lets her lips twist in a scoff, ] Fair use is a pain sometimes.
[ The full implication of the display is, admittedly, lost on her in the whole grand scheme of what the hell is going on here she's been dealing with today. Perhaps it'd be creepier if the man in question didn't strive to be a walking parody himself. If it was a straw Big Bill stuttering away up there, things would feel a lot more skeevy. But back up, ]
I've had the something of knowing him before he was all that. [ She grins now, a great deal of love in there somewhere no matter how rude, but she shoots Boxer a quick glance. ] Sorry—do you know him? Not him, but...
[ You know. He'd said it reminded him of someone, and it's got to be painfully obvious if he does (about as obvious as it is that she sounds hopeful now), but maybe they're just talking about comedians in general here. ]
no subject
Anyway, the relative creep factor is pretty fair. (Probably for the best he's put a wide berth around him and Blue from upthread.) He disregards the show to give her his full curoius attention at the before. Carefully, since she's getting specific—]
Who, Rich?
[Actual Richie, not mock-Richie. Just to be sure they're on the same page before he starts reading too far into that fond admission and she starts sounding too hopeful about old friends. He'd figured it was likely she recognized him from the station. The odds on that seem a lot higher than the alternative. But—now he's definitely not so sure.]
no subject
[ The ridiculous display had been a good distraction for the eyes, but at the mention of the name, they can't help seeking out his own at last, blown wide in surprise and disbelief as her mouth goes agape. Don't get ahead of yourself here. ]
Yes, Richie, [ she blurts, already getting ahead of herself here. ] Er, Richard Tozier.
[ He'd been missing out of those space pod things, and by all logic, with the rest of them there, that should mean he's already up and nosing about, especially if they've got enough on him to make up a mockery like this. That... that's starting to edge back towards creepy. Not as creepy as the thing lying in cold sleep in Richie's place she had almost convinced herself had crawled inside and eaten him up before someone thought to close the door on it and put it back to bed... ]
[ She shakes it off, or tries, but at least the looming thought is enough to dampen her sudden rush of elation into something a little less desperate-sounding as she searches for recognition in his face, eyes alight. ] Is he here?
[ Awake? ]
no subject
Yeah, sure. If he's not around the station he'll be down planetside.
[He hesitates a moment, after that, watching her carefully. But might as well be clear—]
...First you've heard of it, I guess.
[Prodding, if not demanding. Not much of a logical leap, anyway. It's not impossible—their own household is plenty proof of that. But from the impression he's gotten from the refugees at large, those who've caught some familiar faces are fewer and further between.]
no subject
Well, god, I haven't seen him anywhere up here, where can I get Scotty to beam me down?
[ It's more joke than anything, there's a good part of her that doesn't even want to ponder just how they get down. Space travel was no cakewalk back home, but maybe it's just that in the 25th century... And maybe she just hasn't been looking hard enough. ]
I guess, [ as her voice falls again, so do her eyes. ] I thought—
[ She doesn't want to think about what she thought. Their circle was already one short. The closer she'd looked at what all was left, Eddie looked a wreck, Mikey looked like he had one foot out the door, and Richie... Richie's still here. Somewhere. She lets out a breath she hadn't noticed she'd been holding before she finds his gaze again. ]
Thought he might've missed the train, you know? That Storm was a hell of a thing.
[ Literally how 'bout that weather, huh. Her smile for that is weak, but the relief in it is palpable, above all the what if what if what ifs. But listen to her, pawing at this poor man for whatever information he's got and she hasn't even greeted him. Quickly, she offers a hand. ] I'm Beverly, by the way.
no subject
He gets it. Lets her vent it out all one-thing-after-another with a little muted bemused note in it until she's figured out where she wants to land. But land she does, and he reaches to take her hand easy enough. Bigger than hers, wrapped in bandages around the knuckles like he's prepared to make use of them. Speaking of which—]
Boxer's fine. [Pleasure's all his, et cetera. Releasing her hand, he casts an experimental look over his shoulder, as if to try and spot someone in the crowd.]
Don't think I can help you skip town early, but... I know my way around, if you feel like taking a walk.
[If Richie's up here, there's only so many places he can be hiding. It'd be a little bit of a stretch to say any friend of Richie's is a friend of his, precisely. But still, he'd hate to leave her hanging. Besides, impressions are pretty solid, so far.]