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!

breadmuffs: (there's a spark in me)

[personal profile] breadmuffs 2018-07-17 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
[This time, this time with the teasing, Caleb makes a 'hah' sound that...isn't exactly a laugh, but also isn't not a laugh. At the same time, it's very...flat. Just for a moment, he does try to muscle it open but...

No, it's pretty well-stuck. Or locked.]


I am not a particularly strong man, I'm afraid.

[Easier to not stumble over his words when he's not looking at Anders. But after a moment, Caleb turns around and leans against the door, crossing his arms and rubbing his hands up and down his arms. He's definitely a sight, with his long grubby coat and general unkempt look.]
ayes: (pic#11471765)

[personal profile] ayes 2018-07-17 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
Eventually, she stops crying. She's still sniffling a little, though. You pulls back, dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. "Jeez, like... a bunch of stuff," she mumbles. "It's way different than Uchiura. Some of it's nice stuff, like winter festivals or beach parties, but..."

She shifts, uncomfortably. "Some of it's pretty bad, too. Like there were... guys who kidnapped people because they didn't want there to be peace between the kingdoms, or something."
ayes: (pic#11471766)

[personal profile] ayes 2018-07-17 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
huh
well okay maybe


say what happens to gods when a universe gets destroyed
i dont think they ever really covered that
i wonder if this dragon guy is still around

[personal profile] fiendennor 2018-07-17 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[She sets the book down in front of her, reaching out to grab a small cloth bookmark, and closes it before turning to face him.] I'd be happy to help you find your way, then.

Where were you trying to go?
stuns: ( art by disasterscenario ) (014.)

[personal profile] stuns 2018-07-17 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ juno's rubbing his fingers against his coat. there's a slight sting there from the little electrical explosion from inside the panel, but the worst of the damage is just some blackening on the tips of his fingers, a little bit of a burn. he gets up as she pulls against the door and pries it open...

to reveal a bedroom.

nice.

juno's shoulders drop as he sighs deeply and meets nick at the door, hands deep in his pockets as he makes his way out. ]


Could've been another closet, Nick, we lucked out.

[ but it's clear he sounds less than thrilled as he walks over to explore just a little - mostly devoid of signs of personalization, so at least they weren't in someone else's room about to get caught, at least that he knew of anyways. ] Let's hope this isn't some dumb nesting doll bullshit and get the hell out of here. I knocked my bottle over so I'm gonna have to make another visit to the canteen again.
flask: (that things would always go the way i wa)

[personal profile] flask 2018-07-17 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
True, true.

[She's getting slightly more comfortable with this guy as she spends time with him. Maybe being stuck in a closet together does that to people. Maybe that's what Seven Minutes In Heaven is all about.

She looks over the room for herself as well, letting out a muffled sigh through her nose as she realizes the only doors in here are for presumably a bathroom (which, holy shit, the toilets are fancy and high tech here, and what the fuck is a shower and how can she get as far away from it as possible) and another closet.

But hey, maybe they'll get lucky and the doors to one of those will fuck up too somehow, and lead them back to a hallway or something. Or even the canteen. She's catching onto how this works.
]

Oh, if you want booze, I have whiskey.

[She reaches into her cloak and pulls out her platinum flask, offering it up to him. She doesn't bother telling him it's infinite. He'll figure that out on his own, probably. A hint may be the smug look on her face as she brandishes it at him.

Alcohol is her biggest bargaining chip, this makes it less likely that he'll kill her once he figures out she's a goblin.
]
thedarkbond: (fiercebau)

[personal profile] thedarkbond 2018-07-17 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
[That's a very telling hesitation, but Ren notes it aside without letting anything show. He doesn't imagine Hayame is the sort of person who'd respond well to being gauged for reactions - or asked for details on what's given her such trouble offering a name.

Instead, he smiles slightly and offers a just as slight bow. Polite, but not exactly humble.]
It's nice to meet you then, Hayame-san. I'm Suzugamori Ren, but just Ren is fine.

[He still sounds as cheery as he has for most of the conversation in introducing himself. The problems he has with being here are plenty, but not quite the same as hers.

That said, he raises a hand, half-turning on one heel.]
I guess I should be on my way then, huh? Seems like you'd prefer to be alone.

[It's said with the same vapid obliviousness as earlier, but he has his reasons for putting it the way he has.]
reinerouge: (pic#7699550)

[personal profile] reinerouge 2018-07-17 10:07 am (UTC)(link)
I just need to be around to see that myself. [ It might take a while for her to actually believe that Diva has, and can, change, but that's only because she has been burnt from all the fires her sister started. And, the ones she started herself. ]

She can be... sweet and charming.
reinerouge: (pic#7703983)

[personal profile] reinerouge 2018-07-17 10:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ Can she believe her? It's hard to tell. But, they're not going to get anywhere is the keep running around in circles. Her expression doesn't change much from its serious one because that is basically Saya's default emotion these days. ]

Thank you. [ Now that's out the way, she can relax a little. ]
eaudevamp: (sᴏғᴛ sᴍɪʟᴇ)

[personal profile] eaudevamp 2018-07-17 10:47 am (UTC)(link)
That might be the better choice, seeing her changes for yourself.

[ Change was hard. But believing that someone was capable of change could be harder. Neither did Reign expect Saya to readily accept Diva the way she was now. ]

She definitely can be! And she has a beautiful voice too.
reinerouge: (pic#7699549)

[personal profile] reinerouge 2018-07-17 12:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Her voice...

[ There's a very faint smile on Saya's lips as she thinks about it before shaking her head. ] It's what brought my attention to her in the first place. Even if it was used as a weapon at the same time.
eaudevamp: (ᴍᴏᴜᴛʜ ᴀɢᴀᴘᴇ)

[personal profile] eaudevamp 2018-07-17 12:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ At that, Reign blinked, trying to comprehend what Saya meant by that. ]

A weapon? How? I mean, I know her voice can be quite compelling.

[ It was one of the reason his perfume business had went so well because Diva's singing lured customers to his shop. ]
hellzone: (SMILE ♪ a genuine smile)

[personal profile] hellzone 2018-07-17 02:07 pm (UTC)(link)
This guy is amazing. Saving her and giving her a tour of the space station? She loves this! Yoshiko gives Reinhardt a nod.

"I'd love a tour! And don't worry, Wilhelm-san. I'll keep the door a secret." She gives him a conspiratorial wink, like property damage is just a little secret between friends.
rosebyanyother: official art by mk buckley (I will remember the words that you said)

[personal profile] rosebyanyother 2018-07-17 03:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Peter just watches him do that, takes notice of his posture once he's done. This isn't exactly what he'd expected their next encounter to be. Perhaps. Maybe he'd expected Juno to be surlier than this. Less uncomfortable. Maybe he'd expected him to turn and walk out the door right away.

In contrast to Juno's behavior, Peter is just...very much himself. Not the overblown, dramatic version of himself, but the calm, composed one. The initial shock passing, he steels haha himself for whatever this is going to be. At least Juno seems to be behaving. For now.]


I couldn't tell you exactly, I don't know how long they kept me asleep. But I've been awake for six months now.

[...It's really been that long, hasn't it? How time flies.]
beknight: ([ jl ] 136.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-17 04:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't bite, [ he says, a little mildly. It's a lie in the way no one thinks to look for one, no one except Barnes. Bruce is probably one of the most dangerous non-powered people anyone could ever come across. The last time, he'd said, I have children, and it'd been understood — whatever monstrosity he was being perceived as, he was worse, because there was something to protect. ] this block.

[ His joints are protesting. He fucking hates it. ]
hellzone: (FUSSY ♪ hey hey pay attention)

[personal profile] hellzone 2018-07-17 04:15 pm (UTC)(link)
And Yoshiko, someone who practically lives life with people looking at her at all times, doesn't mind dancing and singing in simulated snow for Molly's amusement. She starts shuffling around, trying to clear out some of the snow to make a makeshift stage.

"You've gotta remember that there's nine of us normally," Yoshiko remarks, "so if I'm not doing anything, then that means Chika-chan or Ruby-chan might be doing something instead. Normally I don't sing all of the song, but it'd be confusing if I just sang my part so I'll sing the entire melody."

She's shuffled off enough of a stage before Yoshiko pauses and strikes a pose. Then, she starts to perform. It's a little awkward due to the fact that she's in snow gear, she's dancing in simulated snow, and the dance is obviously supposed to have more people than just her, but even though the awkwardness, it's clear that Yoshiko's a seasoned performer and this isn't her first rodeo.
sparke: (🌩 tragedy)

[personal profile] sparke 2018-07-17 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
( his hand stills where it rests on her head at her words, the silent message of shared loss. he resumes his petting a moment later, heart aching for her children and for his people. for her and for him, too. he hasn't let himself process any of the losses he's suffered and now, more have been piled on.

now, her unassuming presence steadying him, he lowers his head and says a little prayer. for his mother, for his father, for his brother, for his people. for her children, too, mind open to her, the words clear as he thinks them, sends them out into space. )
dealign: (DOUBTFUL.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-17 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, me too. I couldn't have lived with myself, being the boot that steps on others.
stuns: ( art by disasterscenario ) (023.)

[personal profile] stuns 2018-07-17 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he really technically doesn't need another drink right now.

but he could always use one. ]


Thanks.

[ juno glances down at the offered flask. she'd been clutching at it before, drinking from it even, so juno takes it in his hand, feels the heft of it, and opens it. there's a moment where he looks to her and then to the flask, which he opens and takes a swing from. ah yes. whiskey. the kind that gets you nice and drunk as someone wise probably once said a long long time ago.

it's weird though, because it doesn't actually have the heft of a container that's been drawn on as much as he saw nick drink from it in the closet. it's pretty average-sized as far as flasks go (and juno would know, he's got a few of them rattling around his desk). ]


I'm Juno - [ capping it and handing it back to her. ] - nice flask you've got.
euronvision: (crazy but that's how it goes)

[personal profile] euronvision 2018-07-17 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He laughs. ]

Hard to tell, was it?

[ He seems to be poking fun at the boy, but in truth, he knows precisely what he means. He's stood on that strange, liminal precipice himself, caught between life and death.

He doesn't say as much, but there's something knowing in his smile as he studies that strangely familiar face. ]


I think I've seen you somewhere before...

reek: (pic#11689547)

[personal profile] reek 2018-07-17 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
It didn’t work out the way I'd thought.

[ And it hadn’t. The storm interfered, Stannis interfered, something always interfered. Now no one will give him what he wants, so he just has to exist.

He pulls back, disliking that smile.
]

I was ironborn.

[ In a way, he looks more like Balon now than he ever did before, grizzled and thin. Balon looked as though the sea had worn him away one the years, though. Theon simply looks like a dog who has been starved and beaten. ]

Some of us look similar.

[ Particularly the Greyjoys. ]
stargatemedic: (Serious business)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-17 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Also good to know.

I'm Lt. Johansen. You can call me TJ.
illuminating: (pic#11896770)

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-17 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
(;_; i'm sorry this took me a longer minute than i expected, sweet omo)

[For the most part, she seems pretty settled. What's important is using her very own self to shelter him, but stillness often makes her feel heavier, drowsier than when she's keeping her legs going. Eyes softening, she puffs a sigh through her muzzle contentedly with his finger trailing over her, and lets the wrist of one paw dangle off his lap.

His question lifts her ears, her eyes open fully again. And she lays virtually unmoving a moment or more longer, in deliberation. It's not that she's hiding her name, but that it's been difficult to give away in most circumstances. She wonders if it would hurt anything to do it. She hasn't the one she relied on once here with her to inspire peoples' faith, so would it harm anything to do it herself?

Not brashly, not overtly, but like this, when they've asked, and she has the means to answer. It's not different than hearing an old woman say she wished she had a drying line, and then giving it to her, is it? If a boy asks god what her name is, she should answer, shouldn't she? Wolf raises her head to serenely catch Akira's gaze with her own in quiet contemplation, then she's hefting herself away to set to work.

Beside the fire, she pushes her snout through the soft, fresh snow to carve purposeful lines and shapes into it. Whenever she lifts her head, she shakes it a little with a dainty sneeze to rid what's caught, and proceeds. At some points, she uses one of her paws to work the shape of part of the name she's writing for him into the frozen slush better. Kanji, rather than the English alphabet, because it's faster, and it also gives the full meaning, not just the sound of it: shining in heaven.

He may have to stand to see it fully, but once she's finished she sits at the upper right corner of it,
天照 like little waterless riverbeds in the snow staring up from the ground at him.]
flask: (so dont be alarmed)

[personal profile] flask 2018-07-17 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[She beams up at him as she takes the flask back, though the mask covers most of her face so really the only hint is her eyes, which are very knifecat.jpg right now. She's certain he noticed something weird about the flask, since he tested the weight, but since he hasn't said anything specific she's not going to give away the secret.]

I know. It's made of platinum.

[She takes a small drink herself and then places it back in her cloak.]

So... do we want to try one of these other doors? Or both of them?
illuminating: (pic#7811227)

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-17 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[When his hand avoids her after a minute, her eyes and ears both come alert to try and follow it, and soon she's blinking at it resting over her muzzle. He's being insistent with her. He's telling her to listen, and stopping her physical need to fuss over him.

Don't blame herself. Does he know her this well? Had she spent enough time with him he learned she doesn't know how to not burden herself? There's a piercing sensation in her heart, because she wants to say she's thankful he notices things about her; and she wants to say, but she ought to be more than this. She ought to be capable of more.

All that she's seen, even before The Storm, mother that she is, to ever know she was powerless stays with her. She is good about not lingering over it, about moving forward to focus on what she can do now, or instead, but she lets it live in her as a reminder. As her inspiration, as ammunition, as drive to prove herself. I'm sorry, let me try better is the kind of thing it causes in her.

Her head is weighted in his lap, a deep, drawling whine rumbles over his legs. It's hassling, she won't. She means, she'll try. She means, she needs to be aware of things. Inching closer, she keeps her presence unavoidably close to him, too furred and warm and thumping heart to be ignored. She wants to know, Rocket.]