natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] elnyan2018-06-29 03:05 pm
Entry tags:

❪ test drive #6 ❫

YOUR STORY BEGINS    

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 —

We were mistaken to think we should not intervene. Dangers far beyond what should exist on this planet lurk beyond even our sight. Poor Ysverai's resurrection is only a portent of what threatens this world. El Nysa must remain frozen in time until we have found a way to repair the damage the High Dragon has wrought. But repair it we will. We give you this promise.

We are sorry for leaving you in your time of need. There was greater danger, or so we thought. The Storm, for the first time, had somehow encroached beyond our shields. Blinded to what was occurring on the planet, we believed it safe to turn our sight from the planet… Safe to leave our physical forms entirely, for we needed the energy to ward off the Storm. We withdrew ourselves from our aspect that we call Thesa, and in doing so left you vulnerable. We can only hope you will forgive us.

Still, we must ask your aid, for both your sake, and for all life on this fragile planet. Please, leave the matter of Ysverai's curse in our hands. Ready yourselves to journey to Nadril and find how the High Dragon's resurrection was hidden from our sight. We will do all in our power to repair El Nysa, but you should prepare yourselves well. We fear there is yet greater danger ahead, both from the Storm and from what lies obscured on the planet.

CLEAN-UP CREW    

While everything has wound down significantly from the strife and destruction of battle, the frozen image of Ysverai, the massive, rotten dragon, and the hole he tore in El Nysa's sky, on several screens of the station is a constant reminder of what took place. New and old refugees alike will notice that prolonged exposure to these images will leave them with a disquiet that gradually builds to actual pain. The discomfort starts from a crawling sensation, insects over skin, and gradually becomes unbearable. They will begin to hear the cries of Ysverai’s pain and suffering, first whispers, then echoes, then wails. Even after Refugees tear their eyes away from this footage, a strange itching sensation remains beneath their skin for several minutes.

The dragon isn’t a matter for them to deal with, however. Darma made it clear that the Natha will find a solution. For now, everyone is encouraged to assist in the clean-up of the cities currently frozen in time. However, in interest of the current events and the fact that the refugees still have much to prepare for, they will be offering this help remotely.

Several stations are set up where refugees can remote control drones to map out areas and pick up some of the lighter weight debris. Those more well versed technology are encouraged to assist those who may be having trouble getting started with the unfamiliar Natha tech. It seems like it’ll definitely take some getting used to, though. On the bright side, they’re pretty durable drones so if at first you don’t succeed, press the next button? To keep morale high during the clean-up efforts, one of the Natha have set up large hoops around dumpsites and a scoreboard program in the control room, though there's no sign of any directions or rules to be found. That's right, you can play a mechanized version of… some sort of game while you're helping clean up El Nysa. Just make sure you don't get too carried away with competitive spirit!

For those looking to pilot something more heavy-duty, there are also cockpits set up for remote control piloting of basic mecha. These are very similar to the VR simulations offered on the station. However, they will not work without a partner. To be able to successfully move one of these, two refugees will be required to connect their minds and pilot in tandem. This may be a daunting task, but with the extensive structural damage to the cities, it's a necessary one. Piloting will require trust and cooperation to make it through. The more connected the pilots are, the more agile and powerful their mecha will be. For those who can’t seem to get on the same page, coordination will be a pipe dream.

PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIP    

By now it’s likely clear to all refugees, new and old, that for all that they may appear to be infinitely powerful, the Natha Orbiters have been shaken by the recent events on El Nysa. The details of Ysverai’s revival were somehow obscured from their view, and while they’re focusing their efforts on the planet, certain… abnormalities again begin to arise on Thesa Station.

The most prevalent of the problems plaguing the Station are the malfunctioning doors. Walking through a door that should lead to a bedroom or kitchen (or, for the truly unfortunate, a toilet) will suddenly take refugees somewhere entirely different and possibly even new. And while this may lead to some accusations of breaking and entering, at least these mishaps can be quickly rectified by an apology and a hasty exit. That is, unless the door refuses to open again — the locks also seem to be malfunctioning.

Still, those that find themselves transported somewhere familiar, though off-limits, should consider themselves lucky. Thesa Station is far more vast than most refugees are aware, and some of them might find themselves wandering into a uniquely sticky laboratory. This area appears to serve no purpose other than to house dozens of slimes. These slimes appear not only in a variety of fun colours, but with a variety of not-so-fun abilities ranging from harmless (spitting bubbles) to deadly (spitting fire). Regardless of what abilities a slime possesses however, they are all relentlessly friendly, and characters will need to be careful not to accidentally bringing one out with them once they manage to escape.

Unfortunately, that’s not the only situation to escape from. Whether it’s in the mess hall or the bathroom, many will find themselves suddenly rising off the ground. … with everything else in the room, too! It seems like gravity control is also on the fritz. Fortunately, most open spaces aboard the station have a small control panel that can correct these effects. The only problem is getting there. Hopefully at least one of you refugees took that anti-gravity safety course.

SUMMER TURNS TO WINTER    

The news that the refugees should begin preparations for a return to El Nysa may come as a surprise given that the planet still remains frozen, but it appears there is one community that has somehow withstood Darma’s intervention: an area known as Nadril where time continues to flow freely. Not much information is available regarding this destination, other than the fact that it is isolated, and, more importantly, that it is cold.

(Maybe characters should consider the malfunctioning thermostat plunging the temperature to below zero in certain areas on the station as preparation for their upcoming journey!)

There are other resources available for those itching to take action, of course. There will be a new supply pack delivered to each room containing gear meant to withstand freezing temperatures — both clothing and storage gear to keep water rations from freezing. Characters will also be alerted to new training programs available in the VR room that are designed to assist with survival in the snowy regions of Nadril.

The training programs will consist of a variety of tutorials that will assist in winter survival. Naturally, there will be courses on how to start fires, find food, and build igloos to withstand the frigid temperatures, but that’s not all. Due to the Natha testing their systems, there will occasionally be strange occurrences. For example, refugees may experience a snowball or two pelting them from out of nowhere, or they may suddenly find themselves being cloaked by a snow yeti costume, amongst many other inconveniences. Hopefully that doesn’t detract from the lessons to be learned here, as some of the training programs can include extreme weather survival, including the perils of snow storms or avalanches.

SOCIAL-LINKED(in)   
By some miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smartphone. 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!

STASIS UNITS    

During this time of crisis, the Natha have done their utmost to ensure the safety of those in cryosleep. However, due to the nature of recent events, they will be asking some refugees to do a quick check on some of the pods in the stasis unit. While they are definitely looking for any damage that may have occurred over these past few weeks, they also seem interested in getting a deeper insight into some of the occupants.

On each control panel for the pods, there's a new application, asking observers to add notes and commentary — the Natha are looking for a more personal understanding of their sleeping occupants. Refugees are tasked with providing evaluations of the sleepers, based on both their knowledge of those from their homes and on what they can observe just by examining them in their repose. The application asks for how useful you think the pod's occupant would be in a crisis, what their skills are, what their best feature is, if you'd take them with you for a long walk on the beach, and so on… And, of course, all answers must be recorded out loud. Anyone passing by could overhear these evaluations, flattering or less than.

FINAL OOC NOTES    
As always, 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.

New players may submit an AC-length thread HERE from this TDM for 2 Natha REP. In addition, old players who have not submitted rep for the Hour of Ruin log may also submit a TDM thread for 2 Natha REP. The due date for submission is July 15 11:59 PM EST.

For this application cycle, there will be a cap of 60 and no reserves. Applications will be open on July 9 12:01 AM EST and end on July 13 11:59 PM EST. Thank you!

impavid: (❖ Try to turn the tide)

[personal profile] impavid 2018-07-09 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! Well. Theoretically he can in fact answer questions about himself, although... John is not always comfortable doing that.

"California!" He answers anyway, "nice place. It's warm, coastal. Good beaches."

Was, he supposes. The tense thing always gets him. It feels weird to use past tense about a place he hasn't really... seen destroyed. Just been... told about. A detached sort of feeling. Something you're aware is real but doesn't quite feel real yet.
lednikovyy: CW (Touched by angels)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ Huh. He'll file that away and try to dissect what it means later. Survival could mean a lot of things. No military training, though. That's interesting if it's honest. ]

Fully functional.

[ Maybe that's not what Alan had meant, but Bucky's feeling literal. ]

Were you one of those survivalists? Got a bunker under your backyard full of guns and canned food?
beknight: ([ jl ] 119.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-09 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ He didn't have to be honest, but Bruce has never seen himself on the same level of soldiers, never mind calling it a war on crime, on pain, on despair. ]

[ Deadpan, ]

Only one? You insult me.
lednikovyy: CW (We'll love again)

no worries! <3

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
The controls aren't terribly difficult and Bucky figures them out and activates the program without too much trouble. He hopes so, anyway. He can't imagine that that much can go wrong with a simulation program, so he follows the other man's lead and grabs his own helmet.

"Should be ready to go."

He has no idea how this works or what its capabilities really are, but he's about to find out. It should be an interesting learning experience and he's expecting something as impressive as the rest of this ship.

His eyes are closed when he pulls it on, but when he opens them again, he's surrounded by an impressive blanket of white.

"Still with me?"
lednikovyy: CW (And we're all dead now)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
I think I might be too overwhelmed to know what my questions are.

[ He chuckles a little. It's mostly true. He's already gotten some answers, but what else is left to ask? ]

Do you trust them?

[ Because that's one that everyone might answer differently. Maybe those aliens have actually earned trust from some people. He doesn't know, but he's curious to find out. ]
lednikovyy: CW (And never again and never again)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bucky just stares at him as he rambles, uncomfortable as hell, but it just keeps going and Bucky has to laugh, because this is ridiculous and the exact opposite of what he'd expected. ]

Ned has good taste.

[ He shakes his head, still laughing a little. This is ridiculous. People are writing book reports about him and they're defending Peggy and Steve's still running around in a slicker version of that ridiculous uniform. How is this his life? ]

Who's your favorite?
expiable: (051.)

[personal profile] expiable 2018-07-09 11:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ Nat echoes the laugh. There's something thrilling in a shared private joke. ]

They should. Those heels. [ which isn't a problem for either of them, undoubtedly. After a moment, her expression shifts, more serious than it has been otherwise. ] Are all the refugees accounted for?

[ Evacuations rarely constitute a clean break. ]
expiable: (056.)

[personal profile] expiable 2018-07-09 12:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ ah, when this place has a planetside downstairs to match the orbiting upstairs. the brochure may be glossier than reality, but it seems to cover the topography truthfully. with the addition of a wintery locale on the horizon, natasha is intrigued to see the new world for herself. ]

Natasha. [ sad easily, without hesitation. she made a snap decision to go by her true name here, in a place without the sokovia accords. anyone who recognises her will know better than to engage. ] Is your son around?

[ it's a natural follow-up, begging to be asked even if the answer isn't entirely pleasant. ]
expiable: (062.)

[personal profile] expiable 2018-07-09 12:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Her observations are accurate — and balanced, the mark of someone clever. ]

Total randomisation. [ she agrees easily, with a tip of her head that suggests it doesn't bother her. The past hour or so has been spent searching for patterns, clues to where each door leads. ] I assume it's the station malfunctioning.

[ Alien technology is unpredictable, after all. Her other theory is that a powered individual is struggling to keep their abilities stable, but that theory isn't for sharing. ]
directives: (┅ ℓxxxiii.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-09 12:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ reasons why the last time janeway's writer saw that episode all the way through, it was 1996. some things, you just can't bring yourself to rewatch. ]

Food shortage, power shortage — sometimes both. The final frontier isn't always the most welcoming or friendliest of places, though I'm sure I don't have to tell you that.

[ he was one of the original explorers of the unknown, after all. going into command school off her original science track, she never thought she would find anything in james kirk's career useful, and yet his archived logs were among those she listed to the most, especially early on in their journey. perhaps lately she'd taken to listening to reports made by the likes of a different enterprise crew, given their experience with the borg, but kirk's were always worth revisiting when she found herself in a bind.

many of the precedence for exploration, after all, were built on the backs of the foundations he and his crew set. ]
directives: (┅ ℓiii.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-09 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Janeway. It's a pleasure to meet you, Dutch.
thedarkbond: (karma collector)

[personal profile] thedarkbond 2018-07-09 12:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ren certainly can't blame her for dozing off, as someone who's been known to nap with his cats on a whim. If she'd been doing it long enough, he probably would've just laid down with her and whoever else required this corridor could just deal with it.

But a food adventure is a more than okay alternative in his book, and Amaterasu's prompt response to the notion of food has him satisfied that it was a good suggestion. He only takes a little longer to stand up himself, stretching his arms in a somewhat exaggerated manner and dusting down his half-skirt so it sits straight.]


Do you know where it is? I might just get us lost if we go looking for it, though that's its own kind of fun. [Somewhat less fun when he's already hungry, but he hasn't had a dull moment on this space station yet.]
directives: (┅ ℓii.)

aw, thanks! i'll be looking forward to this cr if i get in ❤

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-09 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Fascinating, [ she breathes in earnest. ] How remarkable.

[ what a unique approach to immortality, however lonely it may be at times. but who is she to ruin an upbeat moment with a downtrodden comment? ]
stargatemedic: (Medic - working - investigating)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-09 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's a very quick learner on top of everything else, but speaking of voicing concerns--]

TJ Johansen. Did you say your 'allocated tolerance for being on fire'? [Her mind goes (very briefly) to the images she'd seen.] You were there?

[She gives him a look over, as if any outstanding injuries might still be visible.] Should you be here?
impavid: (❖ Until love can find me)

[personal profile] impavid 2018-07-09 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ummmmm. ]

I'm not on fire any more, so, yes?

[ Actually, visible patches of his skin are weirdly... paler than others in splotches. They don't exactly look like burns, just like a weird skin pigment issue.

This is because they were burns until they were healed. Oops? Really he's fine now though. ]
thatgoodnight: (31 you guys... are the best)

[personal profile] thatgoodnight 2018-07-09 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That's Luna's voice. And that's Luna, much as he remembers her. And at first, Noctis isn't really surprised to see her.

Before the storm, Noctis had heard Luna's voice sometimes. Seen her, floating in the murky blue of the space beyond life. He'd never been entirely sure if it really was her - or, rather, her spirit - still with him or if he had just been going a little crazy. He'd never spoken much to his friends about it, about her. Of course, there hadn't been time on the train and after, and then ten years later... So close to the end, the veil between here and the beyond was so thin, she had always felt as though she were with him. And so it follows that here in this strange new place that he still isn't quite sure is real and not just some strange fever dream brought on by blood loss and hypoxia to the brain, here it wouldn't be odd to see her.

So he just looks at her for a long moment, drinking in the sight and letting himself linger. He still regrets failing to keep her safe, failing to save her, and he still wishes they had more time. (Noctis almost will have to laugh... or cry... if this place turns out to be real. To think that everything they did, everything that was sacrificed, everything that was lost was for nothing... maybe the pitiful dragon wails because it too mourns things that will never come to pass.)

His lips twitch in a faint smile because in spite of all of that, he is happy to see her, even if it hurts. Maybe especially because it hurts, and he treasures even the heartaches now because he does not want to be numb.]


I guess even the Astrals don't have all the answers, huh?
stargatemedic: (Grins)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-09 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[Look, it's what she does. She's used to taking care of absolutely everyone and people who openly admit that they've been on fire are going to be subjected to scrutiny. Especially if they appear to maybe have actually been on fire recently.

She's still getting the hang of not actively having to take care of everyone around her, which is odd.]


Sorry. [TJ lifts a shoulder with her apology and turns back toward the console.] Still getting the hang of not having to take care of everyone around-- [She motions between them with a finger.] I came from a place with no actual doctor, just me. [Another look, this time with a smile.] Sorry. But I'm glad you're not on fire anymore.

[Okay, her hands and arms are inside the mech. She's ready.]
impavid: (❖ Said they'd never fight again)

[personal profile] impavid 2018-07-09 01:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Okay TJ, but you're not his real mom. He can be on fire as many times as he wants to be!

Or something. ]


Yeah I'm pretty glad about that too, it wasn't a fun experience.

[ On the other hand, TJ is apparently also new and... concerned about people being on fire and... that means maybe this is a bad idea. ]

Listen, if you know how these things work you know it's gonna... dump all our memories together, right? There is a chance you will get all my being on fire ones, so... if you're... concerned -- which, by the way, is pretty valid -- I can find you someone else to help you pilot this.

[ It's possible John mostly wanted to do something and hadn't considered the person he synchronised with would... not already have fiery memories if they were new. ]
botw: (5)

[personal profile] botw 2018-07-09 02:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ supernatural abilities? honestly, Chuuya doesn't look too much different than a Hylian. the ears are a dead giveaway. maybe that's his supernatural ability! or not. still, Link isn't going to back up anytime soon, staying close just in case... ]

I have. Except, the chuchus were a lot more aggressive and didn't have mouths. Just eyes.

[ they didn't like anything and absorbed elements which made Link's adventures a lot more annoying. ]

Could you try one more? It's pink.

[ a creamy pink, to be precise, and it's the last one in his hand. ]
botw: (3)

[personal profile] botw 2018-07-09 02:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ is it that obvious that he's shaken? perhaps the second time in a coma has weakened his ability to hide that slightly cracked facade? still, he can let himself relax with that squeeze. she's here. he should be more happy and less nervous. ]

Researching... if only the Princess was able to assist us. [ more fretting, now over the person he felt the most responsible for. someone who could actually do something with enough time. he never doubted her even after being fatally wounded, knowing that somehow things would be okay.

but their current circumstances are pretty much the definition of not okay. ]


But with you and Urbosa, I am sure success will be soon to follow... and I am sure you have found plenty of friends.
notwagging: (75)

[personal profile] notwagging 2018-07-09 03:08 pm (UTC)(link)
How'd you know I might eat it?

[ wow! is she psychic or what? though to be honest, he'd probably just let it hide in his tailfur until he could find a safe place to deposit it in his room, or just... let it live its buggy life without fear somewhere in a corner. ]

I was told we were up in the stars, in space, and I didn't believe anyone until I was asked to pilot this weird ship. In space! With my brain!

[ actually his emotions also he's pretty sure Percival is still wary re: him. ]

Isn't that weird?
guidetoblivion: (♞ 005)

[personal profile] guidetoblivion 2018-07-09 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[Riku just tilts his head slightly, one eyebrow elevated – really, does he look like he'd joke about something like that? He certainly has no reason to lie either… though he can figure why Roxas might not consider him a trustworthy source of information.

He nods at what Roxas tells him – he and Sora have never talked about what happened in the future, not really, because Riku has no idea how to talk about what he knows, what he is certain will come to pass – what sacrifices it takes (took?) to wake Sora.

(He just knows that Sora won't take it well, not from him and not that other existences have to be sacrificed for him – Sora could never make a choice like that. But things being as they are… well, there really is no choice at all.)]


I didn't know… but I figured that that's what would happen, even before I left to confront you.

[That's exactly why he had taken precautions, why he had asked Mickey to guide Sora, Donald and Goofy… because the three of them would certainly need it and Riku wouldn't be in any position to help them, not while wearing Ansem's face.]

For what it's worth… I am sorry.

[Not about having to do what he did (was going to do?), but that it had to happen. Roxas and Xion… neither of them had deserved the cards they'd been dealt.]
guidetoblivion: (♞ 021)

[personal profile] guidetoblivion 2018-07-09 03:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad to hear it. Not everyone finds their close ones awake when they are woken.

[Riku hadn't been that lucky.]
guidetoblivion: (♞ 084)

[personal profile] guidetoblivion 2018-07-09 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Strange, but in some sense reassuring – light and darkness are a balance after all. If one realm were to be consumed while the other remained… well, Riku doesn't quite want to know how agitated the Heartless would become in that case.

He nods slowly, trying to recall that days after Terra had visited the Islands… there had been a woman then, he knows this, a woman from the Outside World.]


No… I think I remember, just a little.

[He might have been young at the time, but seeing her now… he knows they have met.]

You came just a few days after Terra… and I think you made Sora promise something.

[For what exactly… he can't remember that. Anyway, that's not important now,]

You are his friend, aren't you?
guidetoblivion: edit by <user name=twilitfall> (♞ 033)

[personal profile] guidetoblivion 2018-07-09 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Riku may or may not look just a bit alarmed at that conclusion.]

Why would anyone want to breath petals?

[Never mind why the Natha would want them to; and Riku certainly doesn't. It doesn't accomplish anything and there are safer ways to practice magic than to breath it. Unless you are like. Used to that already.

In any case he doubts that that's what the Natha are trying to accomplish here.]


I think it's more likely that they are precursor to some kind of weapon…

[At least to Riku they seem easy to weaponize… once the wanting-to-snuggle-people-glitch is worked out of them.]