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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RIP
He can't breathe.
He's here and she's here. She has no idea what's happened while she's slept. No idea of what he endured back before Earth and Mars were wiped out. Here too, she has no clue of the hardships he's faced. None of that matters though, not when her teary eyes meet his that are beginning to well up with tears. Both their hands are joined now, in a haphazard grasp. He can feel his fingers tremble against hers. Now that he has her in his grasp, he'll never let go. He can't, afraid she might slip through his fingers.]
P-Princess...I'm so glad...I'm so glad you're awake I-
[I've been waiting for so long...]
You're okay...you know who I am...I-I'm so grateful I don't know what to say...!
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Of-of course I kn-know who you are, Slaine... Why... Why wouldn't I...?
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You...you were hurt very badly, Princess Asseylum...I wasn't sure if you would ever wake up...
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Her final moments flash back to her, bloody and brutal and clear at last. It causes her to stiffen up and gasp. She remembers being hurt. She remembers the curtain of darkness that shrouded her consciousness and the confusion that spun through her when The Storm came. Other memories attached to that moment phase in and out of focus for her; she was trying to save someone, someone important to her... She releases her grip on their hands, Slaine's the only ones keeping them together.]
I... I remember... gunshots... A-And then... I watched Earth... Vers... all the stars, they became nothing...
[She trembles more than ever.]
...And after that, I thought... I thought I would never see home... see you again...
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No wonder she was trembling. No wonder she seemed so vulnerable, tears still flowing. Her gasp startles him as he grips her hand tighter, swallowing hard, before throwing all caution to the wind to reach for her instead. On the contrary this isn't the first time he's shared an embrace with her. A long time ago when he'd been rescued by her, lungs recovering from having been filled with fluid, she'd hugged him once, happy to see the boy she'd saved from a wreck alive.
Her shoulders are narrow, arms thin and soft, but she's warm and so very much alive that he can't help but tuck her head against his chest, his palm against her back as he keeps her other hand in his. A year ago he never would have dared to do something like this, but this is a moment that calls for pushing past titles and pretenses. His own head hangs, blond mixing with blond.
He'd be lying to say he hasn't wanted to do this for quite some time.]
I never thought I'd hear you say my name again...
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Slaine...
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Hearing her say his name again is like a dream. He feels himself being lifted up with the very utterance. All he can do is rub her back, in an attempt to soothe. He'll give her whatever comfort he can, after all.]
Princess Asseylum...it's going to be okay, I promise.
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After her storm, she salvages her composure enough to pull away. When she does, she still keeps her hands perched on his shoulders while she locks her weepy eyes with his. In spite of her tears, she maintains a small smile.]
Everything is so confusing, but... I know that because we have each other, I can definitely withstand whatever comes next.
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They have each other. She's not wrong. He has her, and that, ultimately, gives him the strength to endure anything that's thrown his way.
In one swift movement he scoops up one of her hands in his, getting down on bent knee as he places his other hand over his heart. He'd done this before, sworn his loyalty, sworn himself and everything he had to give to her. It's a renewal of a vow, in a way, now that their lives are going to start anew.]
I swear to you, Princess Asseylum, I'll always be there for you. No matter what. Please depend on me.
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Even just knowing you are here and safe is enough for me. [She takes a quick, thoughtful pause.] Although... I wonder, is it still necessary to treat me with such formality? After all that has happened, I don't think I am really a princess of anything anymore, now am I?
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You're the princess of his heart.The suggestion has him having flashbacks to the first time he'd met Yona, and she had insisted he not call her a princess. He'd settled for Lady instead, stubborn in his own right, but to think of calling Asseylum without her title? It leaves his chest suddenly feeling tight and his gaze trailing off to the side. Could he abandon such a thing? To think of breaking down that wall of formality that had been built up over years and years of conditioning and abuse...it'll take some time.]
There are other nobles and people from royal upbringings here. Some have decided to discard their titles, others haven't...but you'll always be my princess, Princess Asseylum.
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[She cranes in a little closer, hands folding behind her back, a light teasing air exuding from her.]
Besides, and this is my secret opinion, but... I almost don't think you are even capable of dropping the formalities as you are now. I fear you might choke on my name without adding 'princess' to chase it down!
[She can picture it now, the face he would make. It's funny, but in a way, she wishes he wouldn't distance her with language when he didn't have to.]
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[When they were kids and first acquainted with one another, that is. Before he realized, just exactly who and how important she was. For the first little while as he recovered from his near death experience, formalities weren't exactly at the top of his list of priorities.
But...this is familiar. He's missed this, so very, very badly. Her teasing was always welcome, even if it left him blushing despite his best efforts not to.]
It's just...the proper thing to do, that's all.
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[And then, she transforms in a brilliant burst of light. Now she stands before him in her flowing white ballgown, the one she left him in on her diplomatic mission to Earth. Afterwards, she giggles, pleased by her discovery.]
I still have the power of Aldnoah coursing through my veins. In that sense, I suppose I'm still a princess, after all.
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His heart begins to beat suddenly in his chest, skipping here and there. She's beautiful. There's no other word for it. He feels stunned for a moment, before a smile is breaking out on his face, despite himself. This is probably the happiest he's felt in months. He's not sure how to really process it at all.]
It seems that you do, not that I ever doubted your ability. You always amaze me, Princess Asseylum.
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[Ah...there goes her dress. As immaculate as she looks in it, he has to say he prefers this simpler look better. It reminds him of the days he spent with her when they were younger, reminds him of when they'd lay with their backs to the floor of the observation deck and he'd try to paint a picture for her with his words of what a sunset would really look like.]
In the hangar of the station they house mobile suits and other forms of various transportation. It's possible that one of the Kataphrakts is housed there as well.
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[If they're Martian, then they would have Aldnoah drives.]
I guess we'll have to find out sometime.
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[But, not now. He just wants to revel in this moment for a little longer.]
How are you feeling since waking up? Are you hungry at all?
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[She's not sure how to put it into concise words. It's as though she's living in a vivid dream; everything makes sense but not for her circumstances; she's not remembering things in pristine detail; she feels like she had just been bedridden or hasn't stood properly in ages; she's disappointed in herself; everything she had been working for was now for a pair of dead planets. It's easier to focus on his last inquiry.]
I don't know. I don't particularly feel hungry, nor do I feel full.
[Just how long has she been in stasis, though?]
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[He gets it. He remembers the sensation of having just woken up, although his experience had been marked by utter despair and the attempt of bashing his own head against Asseylum's pod.]
Well, you ought to try and eat something. I think you'll feel much better if you do.
[He probably would too, in all honesty. It's not like he's exactly been eating very well. Thankfully Asseylum can't see it beneath his clothes, but he is a bit skinnier, even by his standards.]
I think I've got just the thing. Remember when I told you about hot soups? Do you recall when I told you about chicken noodle soup? They've some here in the cafeteria that is quite good. Homemade is the best of course, but it would make Count Saazbaum quite jealous I'm sure.
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Now that you're talking about food, I think I am feeling just a little bit hungrier... [If you're listening, a princess's stomach has just been roused from its dormancy.] Shall we go, then?
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Then I'll lead the way, if you'll follow me Princess.
[With a genuine, small grin on his face, Slaine begins to lead her down the corridors toward the cafeteria. It doesn't take very long, and Slaine wastes no time ordering a bowl of said soup for her and himself. Having ushered her to take a seat, he brings the tray with the bowls over to her. Down it's set before her, as he takes the seat across from her along with his own bowl, eager to watch her eat.]
Be careful, okay? It's hot. Make sure to blow on it first.
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[
Slaine was eager to watch her eat because he's a creeperFollowing his instructions, she blows on it with focus and vigor. Seeing the steam resurface, she blows on it again, getting a bit of liquid to jump out. Embarrassed, she lightens up her pulmonary assault, then stops to take another breath. She sighs it out, flashing a grin up at Slaine.]It smells so delicious... I can't wait to eat it! [Obviously not; she picks up her spoon and dabbles it into the broth, scooping up as many different elements as she can to create the perfect spoonful. Then, she lifts it up and treats it to a soft puff of air in hopes of cooling it down enough to take a taste test.]
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He blows on his own spoonful gently, much more adept at doing so, before he pops it in his mouth. It feels...good to eat. It's so much easier to do so this time, with her as his dinner companion. It's been awhile since he's eaten with someone too, hasn't it?]
How is it?
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