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!

alibabas: (pic#12403589)

[personal profile] alibabas 2018-07-04 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I think they're a different one

How many dragons do you think they have?? Are they all the same level?? Maybe it's organized by like, difficulty...
alibabas: (pic#12403611)

[personal profile] alibabas 2018-07-04 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Rapidly losing patience in 3, 2, 1... ]

A tank, or a DPS. [ She repeats, loudly and more clearly. ] You're definitely not a Support with a sword like that. [ Gesturing at the thing still propped on the wall.

Though speaking of— ]
It looks sick, though. [ She easily passes him to take a closer look at it, her face closer on the big, red circle. ] What's it called? It definitely looks high level...
determinans: bungalows | dw (couldn't bring myself to say goodbye)

[personal profile] determinans 2018-07-04 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes. Hello, my name is Connor. I'm an analytical prototype that was originally designed to work alongside human detectives.

I have to admit that I'm intrigued by your expertise. Do you think that we're compatible enough to exchange data? If you feel comfortable doing so, that is.
willrevile: ( commission / dnt ) (0303)

[personal profile] willrevile 2018-07-04 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Who cooks, when everything comes out pre-made? It's taken Jim months to figure this thing out. Which he ultimately does turn on, leaning against the counter while it fusses and gurgles. ]

You want to talk about it. [ A guess, based on the way she brought up Earth, asked that question. He gets it - they aren't supposed to screw up timelines, and she said she's past his time, which can mean anything from ten years to a thousand. The gap between what someone wants to do and what someone should do is one he's familiar with. ]
unprays: (vqVB (1))

[personal profile] unprays 2018-07-04 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he wonders, and yet his reasoning is faulty: instead of deciding on the why, for her, only the end result matters. whether he did it for himself, or for his House, or for any number of reasons, the fact remains: he did save the people, save more people from being burned to death by a king whose reason had abandoned him, or had perhaps never been there for him in the first place. she won't contest that, will admit it freely. the consequences of one's actions are what matter, as do the actions themselves.

the why is there only if you want to understand the person, and in this case, she doesn't have much desire for that.

but he keeps speaking, and were he to see her face, he would see her confused frown, the way her mouth tilts downward as she tries to understand a story that seems nothing but strange to her. the only way she can make sense of it is... if it's what's happening with Theon, what happened with Stannis. two sets of stories just as true, two sets of Westeroses where they happened.

he'll never believe me, she thinks, someone else will have to tell him.
]

The Hound would never hurt me, [ she says instead, with steady conviction, because no matter the world, it was a truth she was always certain of.

after a pause, a long one that she spends deliberating, she adds,
]

My sworn sword speaks highly of you, ser. And you're right, I don't trust you, but I do trust Lady Brienne. For her sake, I'll believe in you.
nineteenfortyfive: (COSTUME)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Uhhh. Maybe it's no so odd considering the Natha, but her brows lift upwards.]

Aliens, sometimes?
bangleofjustice: (I thought i twas funny)

[personal profile] bangleofjustice 2018-07-04 05:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[Apollo hasn't seen Phoenix in months. It feels like that long as he tries to re-organize his campfire. He still remembers the day he told his old firm that he wanted to stay in Khura'in.

He too has to keep all that emotion at bay when he gets up to shake his old boss's hand.]


Getting used to these new surroundings. I didn't think VR had the ability to get this COLD.
unprays: (2358001 (20))

[personal profile] unprays 2018-07-04 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
They say they're saving them, [ she responds, though her tone is sharp enough that it makes it clear she agrees with Hayame's assessment of the situation: they may claim to have saved all their loved ones, to keep them alive here, to give them a chance to wake up... but in doing so, they are also holding something over the heads of everyone awake. for who could act out, rebel, when they know their loved ones could be in danger for that? ]

I think they mean us to do their job for them, down on the planet. There's something wrong there, a lot wrong there, and we're supposed to fix that. It's not like they're giving us much choice.
unprays: (vqVb)

[personal profile] unprays 2018-07-04 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ she's witnessed enough conflicted emotions to recognize the ones that very, very briefly flit across his face — seen enough on her own face to know how it feels, to want so badly to say one thing, while circumstances force you to say another.

my brother is a traitor, my mother is a traitor, I have nothing to do with them. they deserve to die.

however, what it is that he wants to say, she doesn't know: perhaps he wants to say he can fight and is embarrassed he can't (something supported by the small shrug, the shuffling of his feet, the cast-down eyes), or perhaps he can and for some reason isn't telling her (something supported by... nothing, really, but she won't discount the possibility).

instead of asking, she nods.
]

That's a good start. [ she knows how it feels, wanting to help. ] I'm not really much of a fighter, either. [ she crosses the room over to him, smiling wryly — she knows she looks like the lady she was born to be. ]

Before we go... I'm Sansa Stark. It's a pleasure to meet you, if an unexpected one. [ she holds her hand to him: she's not sure of the customs of his world, whether it's to kiss her hand or to shake it, but she'll take either. ]
notwagging: (57)

[personal profile] notwagging 2018-07-04 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ well, all of those sound like great qualities to have! even Olivia, whose overall countenance has softened from before, certainly has an almost familiar yet unfamiliar feeling about her. something he can't really place a gloved finger on to leave dust upon, until... ]

Olivia. You can dance?

[ both ears perk up in interest, his tail twitching from the base down to the tip. ]

What kind of dancing!
decathlons: (☢ magically vanishing earbuds)

[personal profile] decathlons 2018-07-04 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah.

[ the concept would be weirder to him if he hadn't been, like, 10 for the chitauri. ]

There was this big alien invasion in the city when I was a kid. [ more...of a kid ] And then they came back right before the Storm.
illuminating: (pic#11727973)

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-04 06:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[She is beside herself. In this moment, she no longer knows the meaning of holding back. Whine after whine, in rapid succession, swirls out of her like invisible music notes connected at their ends. It's an exultation that's wafting out of her, and she pushes passed his hands to lick and lick and lick his face. Her ears folded in love, her forgetting herself, forgetting to wait for an obvious indicator he'd be all right with this, also born of love.

Belly on the ground she worms up to him, still crying, still doting on his furry head, her tail thumping the ground viciously, making snow powder in the air behind her. Inch by inch she moves closer to fuss over him, trying to nudge him with her heavy head so she can truly nestle. She seems to be telling him Finally, finally and Hello over and over, as if she doesn't know what else to convey, as though she can't believe her eyes.

And then it dawns on her: this is... virtual reality. What would stop them from challenging her by what she presently wants to see most? Someone questioned her authenticity in this place, and her head darts up, she snorts short, and pins her ears on him with a suspicious squint. She scoots back to stand, hanging her head to begin a half circle around him, her nose working warily.

It's not the least bit threatening, but it is facial expression and body language that's practically screaming: You're not a made up Rocket, are you? I'm only reserving that kind of greeting for him.]
illuminating: (pic#7828653)

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-04 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Her ears prick at his question, as though she's suddenly become aware of him once more, and she cants her face. Not grow— Oh! Never mind that he doesn't realize. It's not her place to burden, and it makes her happy that he'd reassure her over his little tiger not growing.

After a soft whimper, tail wagging again, she leans in to lick the bridge of his nose, and place a paw on his leg. For no other purpose than a gesture of being present together. An apology for letting herself drift like that. She glances around him, then, as if expecting Daifuku to come tumbling out from around a corner, seeking his person.]
ayes: (pic#11471758)

[personal profile] ayes 2018-07-04 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Instantly, You feels like she's being a little unfair to her kouhai. After all, what Yoshiko wants is really the same thing that You wants herself-- the other seven members of Aqours to be awake and with them.

"Maybe it is," she relents, "but I still don't know where we can get any incense. If we were still down in Olympia, that'd be one thing, but up here?"
illuminating: (pic#11896770)

why are you bullying him with that username tho

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-04 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[No, not even Slaine is exempt from her tendencies to visit. With ears like hers, she may as well put them to good use. Though, it is true that she can't make people talk to her, they decide that on their own, in their own time. Some won't; some do after a short time, some take longer. And despite reuniting with people she remembers from before, she's still wants just as much to meet new faces, to somehow establish herself with them as someone dependable.

Whatever that may mean for them.

She's so unhurried in her leisure pace, he spots her when she's mid-yawn. When it finishes, she shakes her head lightly, and then, still strolling, glances up at the stars through the window briefly. Although she hasn't gone to him quickly, to keep from being alarming, she makes it to him short progress. A look like that can make her hesitate, however.

So down her ears go in passivity, that telling I-won't-hurt-you indication, and she leaves a little space between them, tries to stretch her neck over it to let her nose reach one of his hands. Gently, she waves her tail. But she won't intrude on him too badly until some tension is broken.]
monya: (byob-22)

[personal profile] monya 2018-07-04 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ cats can do whatever humans can, it's a known and proven fact. heck, sometimes cats are even more efficient? plant in an ugly pot? knock it to the ground. annoying goldfish swimming around wanting to be free? nom nom nom. ]

Akira, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, and Haru. Then there's me.

[ and this is when he immediately leans in and gives both of her knees a hug. ]

And now there's you.

[ perhaps if this was a different time, he'd be more apprehensive in showing such quick affection? but no... he's glad to see her. she might be the only one he'd allow to squeeze and pull his cheeks.

maybe. ]

[personal profile] ayes 2018-07-04 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
idk how it works like
if you mean the mechanics or whatever
i dont know if magic has a laws of physics

but i just sing and people can hear it from far away and it like heals them and gives them energy?
morbide: ᴀʀᴛɪsᴛ: pixiv member id=116039 (have some death!)

[personal profile] morbide 2018-07-04 07:02 pm (UTC)(link)
What's that? [Henry turns his head at the sensation of movement so that he can get a better look at her expression, an easygoing, effortless smile on his own as he rests his cheek on her side. That was quite a reaction she had to his musing aloud, and her offense is noted. Henry grows excited.]

So you're a visitor, just like me? Really? That's great news!

[If Henry could get excited about anything other than practicing a deadly curse, this would be as authentic as it gets. He nuzzles her with his cheek affectionately.]

That means that once we get outta this thing, you'll be there, too! Truth be told, the only thing I figured I'd get myself up to was more battle and whatnot, but I'd do ANYTHING for you.

[Dramatic indeed, and easily won over.]

Do you have a name? Mine's Henry.
cuchullaim: (No I don't like you)

[personal profile] cuchullaim 2018-07-04 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't that why you wash them?

[He just wants to know. He blinks though, and bemused, offering a nod and a grin.]

Sure. I'm sure we'll find one around here.

Or maybe they'll have some if there's a store around here.

[Oh, wait. He thinks about it for a moment.]

You have friends here right? Why don't you put out a call to one of them? Ask if they know anyone who can make lotion? Then they can give it the scents you want.

Maybe.
illuminating: (pic#7829646)

[personal profile] illuminating 2018-07-04 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's more than fine. Bowing too much or kneeling has never been something she would demand of mankind. They began it on their own, and though it alarmed her, she grew to understand it was their way of being appreciative. The fact of the matter is that she had never intended for this eventual development. There was once when she was the only god, before she had to plummet to earth, dragging a demon with her, and back then, man suddenly began holding her in higher esteem than she would've expected.

It's not that gods are better, they're only different. They're supposed to be connected, everything, everyone, a family. And, while she's of the sun, makes it climb the sky, then set, encourages plants and food out of the ground, will warm and dry clothes on a line. Though once she had the capacity to imagine a reality and existence and then paint it into being, she could've never managed any of this without the prospect of faith. First from plants, then from animals, next humankind. Whose belief falters the most, who she has to try most to convince and protect, because they're so prone to waywardness.

But as much as they may have depended on her, she depends on them as well. It's mutually beneficial. She's no more or less, and she believes this, even if she has a showman's tendency to gloat over her abilities.

It doesn't bother her a bit that he doesn't give more, and she has no reluctance in bumping delightfully against his offered hand, as if trying to get it onto her head herself. In fact, she feels in wonder of him, her appreciation hasn't died down a smidgen, and this is easily known by her slipping down to him. First head and shoulders falling near his feet, a blow through her snout, the rest of her dropping without ceremony, and she rolls onto her back in humility. She's grateful. Some can see her, the truth of her, but it's as if he's seen even beyond this.

And it hadn't dawned on her until her lowering to him that it had abolished some of her own private loneliness. Before she had Issun, who knew who she was, who would demand people to respect her while she admonished him in a way only he could hear. She had Waka, who stayed with her and the Celestials back home. She wonders if people take for granted when someone recognizes the center of them, the who that's housed in the quiet beyond bone and blood.

What would I need a name for? she'd asked the Celestials once. They laughed and said, Of course you need a name, Mother.

Now, she understands. She's loved it since they gave it to her, but now, she truly, without a single doubt, understands.]
morbide: ᴀʀᴛɪsᴛ: Kozaki Yusuke, <user name="kymg" site="twitter.com"> (now that's a reputation!)

[personal profile] morbide 2018-07-04 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I love birds, too! How'd you and the parrot meet? I'm used to the crows, myself. Don't know what it is about me, but if there is a murder of crows, I become their perch. Not that I mind, since they have the darndest things to say. Real jesters, they are. And super smart.
fiendennor: (15)

[personal profile] fiendennor 2018-07-04 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
If you had no other acceptable options, you don't consider that being forced? I would.

So you can break curses as well as set them? I think that would be a better use of your time here.
My primary focus for magic is my wand, not a staff. I suppose it's a degree of scale, though.
cuchullaim: (in the nick of time)

[personal profile] cuchullaim 2018-07-04 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
There may be one or two, around here.

Maybe so. But sometimes it's better to learn a little at a time.

Even if I AM someone who's really interesting, I don't know anything about you! Other then you're from a world of science.
cuchullaim: (in the nick of time)

[personal profile] cuchullaim 2018-07-04 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[If you can't open the door, poof through it, it's the Servant way!

...or in Iskandar's case SMASH THE DOOR OPEN

Cu doesn't scold. Instead, he laughs as they head into the doorway.]


I'm doing the next one!

[Yup. Yup. This is why they should never hang out. DAMAGED PROPERTY.]
dancerefresher: (Default)

[personal profile] dancerefresher 2018-07-04 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's so perky with all of his tail wagging! But then again, she's pretty happy, knowing that someone she knows is here. It means that she's not alone.]

Oh yes! I'm a dancer.

[She doesn't realize that she might be tugging a few memories but...still.]

I know most of the sacred, Ylissan, Ferox, and Plegian dances. I try to learn any dance I come across.

Do you think I could learn more here...?