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!

shashka: (ghostdad genes dominate)

[personal profile] shashka 2018-07-02 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ now he's actually laughing out loud. oh, this was downright fun. ]

So no matter what someone says, you'll learn something about them. But, if the other person is particularly observant, they might learn something about you too.

[ it looked like it was just learning all around for the both of them. but as for that "honest" answer... ]

The dragon's just one part of everything. It is what it is, and nothing more.

[ no, it was just a tool that a particularly foolish man had decided to use for his own means. and as far as Ocelot was concerned, it was only one piece to the puzzle that made up his current concerns. ]
soulmakingsound: ([other] Who do you think is in there?)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-02 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
Potentially. [Food is sometimes a problem. Especially in new places. If it doesn't look right, or the texture is wrong, or it's on a gorram string, she can't it eat.]

Have you ever tried to eat an ice planet?
beknight: ([ jl ] 120.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 05:35 am (UTC)(link)
I should hope not.

Have you?
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:39 am (UTC)(link)
Oh.

I would have thought those people would have meant more to you. I suppose, then, it would be fine to round up them if you do not mind it? After all, it is as you said, that is the task we have been given.

And it sounds as though I am a little more proactive than you.
panzersoldat: (7)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-02 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ A very large hand rests upon one of those slumped shoulders. It engulfs the whole of it. Though it's heavy due to the size of him and the strength behind it, it is also gentle. As soft as his smile.]

It was not a foolish question and you should not be sorry for it. None the less, you are forgiven. [ The forgiveness is sincere and heartfelt as the rest has been. This is a man that truly wears his heart out of all to see. ] That, that is all any knight can hope for. To die for a cause they believe in. There is nothing more noble than that. Still...I might be at my limit today.

[ He can admit that much. He can admit that he's not yet ready to stand in it's presence for long as he might wish. But it also means he'll be back again, standing before this image. Again and again. As many times as it takes before he can just take whatever pain he feels from it. As it's not the physical pain that hurts him. Or the sorrow. He's lived a long time with both of those. They are old friends to him. Its the dark negativity. The doubt, the anger, the fear. That's what gets him most. ]
soulmakingsound: ([other] Sure. I got a secret.)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-02 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
Ice cream. On a string. Exceedingly problematic.

It kept trying to escape.
almaredemptoris: (Default)

[personal profile] almaredemptoris 2018-07-02 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
[She appears to be seized by a storm from within, lashed by winds he cannot feel, struck by lightning he cannot see, jolted by thunder he cannot hear. A storm of the heart. He does not presume to know the substance of the thoughts and feelings that pelt her, but he does know how it feels to oscillate at the precipice of the unknown. How fearful the darkness! How clamorous the doubts for all you have ever known!

He does not purpose to touch her again, although within him surges pity and compassion for this creature and thus the urge to comfort. Instead, he remains rooted to where he stands and offers comfort through his words.]


It may take time to know your answer. That is all right.

[For forty-seven years he had been ignorant as a stone. For nineteen of those years the only answer he could come up with was hatred - to hate everyone and everything in a world he thought cruelly indifferent.]

You are young yet. You have time.
beknight: ([ jl ] 103.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
I have chocolate, in a wrapper. I can't vouch for it not escaping.

[ He smiles, brief but true. ]
panzersoldat: (23)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-02 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
They do. The only thing worse is that American Light Beer. That is a sin that should be eradicated from the face of the earth!

I look forward to it, Iskandar!
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ He smiles warmly at the laughter, seemingly pleased with the response. ]

I would hope that they would learn something. Indeed, it would be unfortunate if I am the only person gaining something from the conversation, after all. [ It isn't that he hides anything about himself, but that his thinking and ideals are generally so esoteric from others that no one can glean anything as to who he is. ]

Just one part of everything. [ Kirei repeats the words carefully, thoughtfully. ] No hope, no despair. It merely exists to be part of the next step for what needs to be done for this world, is that right?
soulmakingsound: ([happy] It's coming.)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-02 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
Chocolate does have a tenuous connection to reality, and must be eaten swiftly. [It feels good to smile back. A brief moment in time where happiness is achieved to be stowed away and kept in her memories for when she forgets how to be a girl again.]
directives: (┅ ℓxxviii.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-02 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
Sometimes it's necessary — medical reasons, less than ideal environmental conditions — but I wouldn't be so quick as to recommend going into the abduction business. It certainly didn't end well for those who stole Earhart and the other 37s away from Earth.

[ the people had revolted and an entirely new human society was born. she had an unsubmitted report on a planet in the delta quadrant populated by human beings sitting in voyager's databanks. but of course, that was the way with all of her reports, wasn't it? she wrote them, she catalogued them, but until they returned home, there was no way to send them. writing them was perhaps a waste of her time, but it was piece of protocol (and a sense of normalcy) she refused to let go of. ]

A curiosity? Oh no, she had the potential to be far more than just some museum exhibit. And besides, there have been other displaced individuals who've found themselves a niche in the modern world. People like Dr. Taylor and— [ captain montgomery scott.

stuck in a transporter buffer for seventy-five years, he'd joined up with the starfleet corp of engineers following the salvage of his pattern. she'd been present for a lecture he'd given at starfleet command while voyager was still in drydock. ]


Starfleet classification systems aren't as universal as some would you like to believe, as I'm sure you well know.
beknight: ([ jl ] 139.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
Well, don't wait for me.

[ Out of a pocket on the belt comes a wrapped chocolate bar, offered to her freely. ]

I'm a cookie person.
smithandwesson: (he cant believe he's listening to this)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2018-07-02 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
You know, you seem to have a really bad time getting a grasp on this whole "people are not mindless beasts that can be herded" thing.

Don't tell me you're some sort of cultist.


[At least that would make it an interesting sort of creepy.

Still creepy though.
]
panzersoldat: (baewatch)

[personal profile] panzersoldat 2018-07-02 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
Reinhardt stands there holding the door like a doofus. Mostly because he doesn't know where to put it now that he's got it. He can't just drop it on the floor and putting it back would be silly. He peeks past the door, looking like Santa on steroids, and gives her a little smile before he decides to just place the door against the wall, carefully.

"Ja. I did." He'll turn around and flex one arm. His bicep is likely the same size as her whole everything. "One hundred percent German Power. But you are safe to come out now, Fraulein." He'll even step aside a little more to give the little girl (little to him, he's old) a safe pathway out.
directives: (┅ xxxii.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-02 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
If there's one thing I've learned in my field, [ science, not command ] it's that limitations are only as limiting as you allow them to be. Impossible is just another way of saying yet to be figured out.
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
Not at all.

Though, I do think some people view my religion as a cult.
soulmakingsound: ([neutral] She doesn't comprehend.)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-02 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[She breaks a very precise piece off of the corner and nibbles at it, clearly pleased. Sweets were in short supply, unless they'd just done a particularly lucrative job, and she wonders if she should save the rest for later, just in case.]

Is there much chocolate, in Gotham?
directives: (┅ xv.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-02 05:57 am (UTC)(link)
Let's just say that sometimes the diplomatic approach doesn't always go the way you intend it.

[ of course they'd count her dealings with the Q among the "skills" worth mentioning. ]
smithandwesson: (Smoke Break)

[personal profile] smithandwesson 2018-07-02 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
Saying it's not a cult but people think it's a cult is really not helping your argument.

Not that I can't understand that there are those out there who view all forms of organized religion like that.


[Hell, he practically agrees with them.]
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ For his part, he keeps his expression neutral as soon as he sees the movement of the hand coming to rest on his shoulder. Very few people actually want to touch him. The air around him always feels so heavy that few feel they can "trespass" into his personal space. There is a lack of malice and hatred in the atmosphere around him, but it merely feels like no one should pass into it. And yet, this man easily ignored those cues to rest his hand on his shoulder and tell Kirei that he is forgiven. ]

You're right. There is nothing more noble than to die for what we believe in. [ His one is easy, conversational, and somehow almost bored. But interest piques at the end. ] You certainly look as though you are about ready to collapse, Reinhardt Wilhelm. There is no reason to put on airs for my sake. [ That was a joke, of course. Kirei already recognizes that the man puts on airs for no one. Reinhardt Wilhelm puts on no show and everything is as it is with him; an honest and true face.

It will be interesting to see it fall to ruin. Kirei believes, too, that there is nothing that he needs to actively do to corrupt the Crusader. The armor has already shown to have weaknesses in it; eventually, poison of the world will seep in and the image of a hero will shatter. Reinhardt Wilhelm will die a hero and what will be left cannot be called by the same name. ]
morbide: ᴀʀᴛɪsᴛ: Kozaki Yusuke, <user name="kymg" site="twitter.com"> (i just want to be friends!)

[personal profile] morbide 2018-07-02 06:00 am (UTC)(link)
Wow! YOU'RE the doggie? You even know how to write! Good boy! Color me impressed. You must be very smart!
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-07-02 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
It is the doctrines and rituals, I think.

People dislike the idea of feeling like they have to prostrate themselves to be offered any sort of redemption or salvation. They believe that in doing so it makes them weak and cattle-like in thinking. But it is meant to cleanse the mind and spirit. It's meant to hone all those thoughts inside of you to a purpose and cause.

But I am speaking very much to the choir, so I shall stop.
beknight: ([ bvs ] 34.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
There is... but I'm not sure if it's more or less compared to where you're from.

[ He breaks off a small piece for himself, just so she's not eating alone. ]
directives: (┅ xix.)

[personal profile] directives 2018-07-02 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't expect you to, [ the captain says easily, turning to face the other woman. ] Not everyone hails from the same world, let alone the same version of the universe. A name that went down in history for one society is just a name to another.

Didn't expect anyone else to be down here.