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!

beknight: ([ bvs ] 34.)

social | un: anonymous

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 07:35 am (UTC)(link)
Looking for a friend?
beknight: ([ jl ] 01.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 07:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ A little shrug, in turn. Playful. ]

You should tell me more, sometime.

[ He likes knowing. He always does, him and his nosiness put to good use with all the networks he used to have. ]
learntthehardway: (Don't you see?)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 07:40 am (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't mind finding some of my friends. Why? Do you know some of my friends?
beknight: ([ bvs ] 86.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 07:44 am (UTC)(link)
I might.
pachintoki: (one more sword)

[personal profile] pachintoki 2018-07-02 07:57 am (UTC)(link)
[He's no stranger to weapons; that reach for whatever she might have kept there at one time doesn't escape him, and he'll yank one more time on her hair to keep her head back away from him. Like, okay, yeah, he fucked up, but she was out of her damn mind.

Maybe she needed this. Maybe they all did, being shoved into this new and pretty depressing reality. But--holy shit, she was rearing up again -- ]


NO! BAD PONY! BE A GOOD GIRL!

[She slams him into the wall, hard, and he doesn't even have time to think of the totally weird dynamics of being pinned by a horse torso while the human half tries to bite him. She could crush his ribcage just with her body weight, so he'll make one last desperate, kinda dirty move - just after she snaps at him, speaking, his other free hand shoots out, wrapping strong fingers around her throat - a throat that still felt slender, like a woman's, more muscular. . .his fingers twitch in some hesitation. Still,the weight on his chest and the wheeze of his breath, her size and strength and anger altogether told him she was dangerous, so he'll give a little squeeze. Enough was enough; he wasn't going to hurt her if she listened, so maybe this will get her attention, growling out in frustration.]

I said STOP.
Edited 2018-07-02 15:51 (UTC)
claudel: (f23)

[personal profile] claudel 2018-07-02 08:17 am (UTC)(link)
But - [ He smiles, if only because it's all he can do right now. He definitely looks as confused as he feels, and he shifts a bit, to try and face Claire a little better. ]

I don't understand how that can be.
claudel: (Default)

[personal profile] claudel 2018-07-02 08:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ Well, Fergus seems to like that answer, because it makes the corner of his mouth turn up and half a laugh leave him. ]

I have never seen a ship like this, so I would not know when it is working right or when it is wrong.

[ Well. Not really. He has gathered that something isn't right, but that's the extent of his knowledge. Truly. ]

I was trying to find the kitchens.
claudel: (Default)

[personal profile] claudel 2018-07-02 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
I have been Fergus for so long, I have forgotten what it is like to be called Claudel. Your friends, it sounds, may prefer to call me by my French name.
claudel: (Default)

[personal profile] claudel 2018-07-02 08:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ The confusion is evident, but after speaking with Claire and knowing that time is a funny thing here, maybe, then, that's the cause of this. In any case, it makes him laugh. What else can one do in this situation? ]

Then we are lucky, huh? Or I am, to meet you not once but twice in my life.

[ But the clap to his shoulder clearly pleases him, and his smile says as much. ]

I am happy to see you well. Even if I am something of a stranger to you.
claudel: (Default)

[personal profile] claudel 2018-07-02 08:24 am (UTC)(link)
Forgive, monsieur -

[ There's apology written on his face, as he puts up his hands - one, the hand one would expect to see on a person, the other wooden - and steps back towards the door. ]

I had meant to find the kitchens, but I have heard others say the doors are not working the way they are meant to.
learntthehardway: (that's cute really)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
And who might you know?
triplerose: (Default)

[personal profile] triplerose 2018-07-02 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, you will find this place to be nothing like Westeros.

[ Thank the gods. Loras pauses a moment. ]

Forgive me, my lord, I realize just now that I had forgotten to tell you that a bastard of House Bolton resides here, as well.
beknight: ([ jl ] 162.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
Good question.

[ aaaand batcrypted now. ]

Are you going to use your lasso on me if I don't tell?
learntthehardway: (And welllllll)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
[So not amused, though she is, but, ugh.]

You are not very funny.
hedonistic: (pic#11568107)

[personal profile] hedonistic 2018-07-02 08:33 am (UTC)(link)
Hah.

[There's an irony to that statement, if he cared to find it. He doesn't; instead, his expression twists into something challenging.]

You gonna make me?

[Kagari's sense of decency is anything but common; his own society had decided so when he was a child, writing him off as nothing more than a dangerous beast to be caged. But that doesn't mean he's doing this to be an ass. Or, more precisely, that he's being an ass because he doesn't care or can't be bothered to leave.

It's more that...well, that he can empathize with that sort of wounded animal desperation. He's been there, in the darkest days of the isolation facility. Kagari knows well what it's like to have no control over a situation, to be utterly adrift among powers that could decide your fate. And here was a perfect opportunity for her to take back some of that, at least for this particular interaction. He could choose to leave now, but it would smack only of pity, wouldn't it? Instead, she could chase him out herself.

Perhaps it's a somewhat twisted means of being kind, but Kagari never exactly had much experience with kindness in his life, either. He always protected himself with anger as his armor, and without the tools to reach out to Hayame like a better person could, he can only do this.]
Edited (meh, didnt like that ending) 2018-07-02 08:34 (UTC)
beknight: ([ jl ] 156.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 08:34 am (UTC)(link)
That's the first time you've said so.

[ He's made her laugh and smile on several occasions. So he's very funny, excuse!! ]

Care to take that back?
learntthehardway: (At those ocean eyes)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 08:42 am (UTC)(link)
Really?

[Sadly, she doesn't know about all of those times yet. Last time she heard from him, he had sent her the picture of her, Steve Trevor, Sameer, Charlie and Chief. But there's likely to be times in the future he'll make her laugh and smile.]

Maybe, but first, how long have you been here?
beknight: ([ jl ] 133.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
A year.

[ A full year. He doesn't pause to let that sink in. ]

There's a lot to fill you in on, Princess.
learntthehardway: (side eyes)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 08:50 am (UTC)(link)
A year?

[She was going to ask how that was even possible, but yet, so many things that she hadn't thought possible were.]

Yes, I suppose there is. Where are you? I think filling me in should be done in person.
beknight: ([ bvs ] 92.)

[personal profile] beknight 2018-07-02 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
Stay put. I'll find you.

[ Give him two minutes to track down her phone, thank God she's kept it on her. He approaches from behind, quiet in the corridor despite his hulking size, hair and beard streaked with white. More white, but half of it is for show, to get people to underestimate him. ]

Diana.
expiable: (070.)

[personal profile] expiable 2018-07-02 08:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Emma tells her so much in a short span of time: She's observant enough to take stock of new arrivals, she's not a new arrival herself, and, of course, she's a mother.

Sour skittles (kids these days) has her brows back up as she closes the brochure and sets it on the table, dropping her feet to the ground. ]


That obvious? Ouch. [ but it's said good-naturedly. She gestures to the rest of the open sofa, an invitation for Emma to join her. ] It's my first day. [ tipping her chin up. ] You come here often?

[ to the space station at the end of the world. ]
expiable: (097.)

[personal profile] expiable 2018-07-02 09:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her features lift, eyes and brows up, as if to say: Do I seem like I play World of Warcraft to you? The most gaming she gets in is on phone apps during transatlantic flights. She drops her feet to the floor, a slight shift away from her hyper-casual set-up before his arrival.

She pours herself a small glass, although she can easily hold her liquor (she's Russian, after all, or she was; and she knows her limits after countless evenings spent casing marks in hotels and bars). A sip later, she answers his question. ]


I'm interested in your take.

[ so, no, she doesn't need a debrief, but she isn't set, either. Whether he gives her good or bad intelligence is of interest. He knows her reputation for selling and sniffing out lies. ]
dancerefresher: (Pretty eyed)

[personal profile] dancerefresher 2018-07-02 09:12 am (UTC)(link)
[It made Olivia relax! That's a job well done. And a hard job too, considering.]

I...maybe? I don't think I should be the one to do it.

[She waves her hands, but she's smiling. Not a bad thing!]

Maybe Maribelle. She'd whip anyone into courtship shape.
dancerefresher: (seamstress for the band)

[personal profile] dancerefresher 2018-07-02 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
We can rebuild, if there's something to go back to. Right?

And I...I would rather protect myself. I don't want peoples attention to be distracted protecting me, when they should be protecting themselves.
learntthehardway: (all the smiles)

[personal profile] learntthehardway 2018-07-02 09:26 am (UTC)(link)
[She's not even surprised about how quickly he's found her. She should be, but this is Bruce Wayne. She turns slowly to face him and her eyebrows lift a little in surprise. There is more white than when she had last seen him.

But, he's also been in this place for a year and she has no idea what all he's been through since being there.

She smiles though and takes a step towards him.]


Bruce. It's good to see you.