![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
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 —
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: 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! |
b
Which would make a great excuse for why he's just walking through the snowy white expanse, absolutely no supplies or base built to return to. The system had been kind enough to provide him with appropriate attire, in the very least, but even with the hood pulled up he's still left shivering.
Really, he's just been caught in one of the malfunctioning doors, dropped in the middle of ice tundra hell on his way back to his room from an indulgently somber star viewing.
The sun will set soon; by then he'll need to find a way out of the simulation. Death in these things isn't real, but that doesn't make the frostbite any less unpleasant.
In his wandering, Takasugi has come across a few camp fires. He'd passed them all by, flickers in his eye soon extinguished as he continues his trek in search of an exit. The large man's isn't any different; he walks past, not ten feet away from the camp.]
no subject
Or so he hopes.
But his musing are interrupted by a traveler--a traveler! The first one All Might has seen while he's been in training. The smile on his face only grows. It seemed that the claims that there could be multiple users in one simulation were correct.
He stretches to his full height, fists resting against his hips in a practice pose that has become more natural than performed. He offers a smile to the passerby.]
Hello, traveler! I hope this weather hasn't treated you too roughly. Have you been getting along fine?
no subject
The snow has begun to soak through his tabi, thick wool only a buffer against the elements for so long. Stopping now would do nothing but delay his extremities freezing.
And...
What the hell is he supposed to do with such a friendly greeting. Takasugi's step slows, head turned entirely towards the man for just a moment. Long enough to stare. Blink, as the wind picks up and whips his eye.
Nope.
He turns away and continues walking, a gust howling at his back.]
no subject
The fact that he's been ignored doesn't bother All Might on a personal level. He's dealt with people who's hated him and his career his entire life.
What does bother him is this traveler's seemingly disinterest in cooperation. This was a training routine, right? Wasn't it better to work together to come to the greatest possible outcome for all?
Not only that, but the people he had a chance to interact with have been few and far between so far. All Might needed answers, and inaction wasn't going to get him any.
So he stretches his legs. Limbering up his ligaments before...]
I said...
[...he moves. Faster than most could ever hope to follow with their eyes. It's enough that the air around him cracks with the sudden displaced pressure. And now he's in front of the traveler, a smile still on his lips.]
...have you been getting along fine?
[It's definitely overkill, sure. But he wants to make sure this person knows he's serious about having a conversation.]
no subject
Takasugi's step halts.
He could circumvent the man, though with this sort of tenacity he doubts he'd get far without another interruption. The sound still reverberates, dampened by the snow but maintained by the few jutting cliff faces around them.
Disappointing, that there's no avalanche to follow.
But an escape from this man isn't what he's looking for any longer. Not when faced with speed he's encountered in others. A force he's felt himself, once. Takasugi looks up, smile spread wide where there had been nothing but dull concentration before.]
Aa.
I'm fine. [He says, lips darkened red, hinting purple.]
You seem to be playing along well. [A glance to the abandoned camp site.] Comfortable?
no subject
Questions rattled through All Might's mind--was this man also new here? Had he been awake for a while? Did he know more about the situation they were in? He wanted to ask so many, but figured it would probably be better to start slow. After all, it had took some unconventional convincing to even get this far in the first place.]
Comfortable, indeed! I have made good leeway on the objectives this training has put upon us so far. What about yourself? Looking for supplies? Or perhaps a better place for camp?
[He glances at the setting sun. Hopefully this man wasn't thinking of straying too far without finding some place to rest.]
It's getting late though, my friend! You may want to find a place to settle down for the night!
no subject
[Slipping into this man's campsite would be easy - may be compulsory, in fact - but Takasugi makes his aim clear.] This simulation has some tears at its seams.
I'll find one, and rip my way out. [Always the violent approach, but he hadn't volunteered for this entire endeavor in the first place. He's been through dire straits that were very real enough to know he'd survive.
Not for an expansive repertoire of relevant skills, but sheer determination.]
If you've completed the objectives, why stay the night? [Come with him, strong and fast guy, and rip that hole in the simulation yourself. Just in case something goes wrong - you look like a great meat shield.]
no subject
[If this man had paid attention to any of the simulation training, he would know the most important thing to do in these situations was to find shelter.]
Surely there would be an easier way to leave than forcibly tearing your way out. For example, properly finishing the training would allow you to leave with no strings attached! [Which, all things considered, was not a hard task if you actually applied yourself.]
I'm staying the night myself to experience the full picture of what we will be up against when we find ourselves on the planet. How could I know how could the nights can get if I don't experience one for myself! How could I know what people are dealing with if I don't walk in their shoes?
[All Might may question this man's motives, but he also wasn't going to allow for someone to walk a path of suffering if he could offer and hand.]
You're welcome to take refuge at my fire for a moment to at least warm yourself before you continue on your way!
no subject
There's no hiding that fact.
Even with his posture - more rigid than usual - cloaked mostly by the layers of clothing he's wearing, Takasugi can feel the sting of winter chill. It's disseminating through him, like a venom. One that slowly paralyzes, until the victim is left lethargic and soon perishes.
A real risk, planetside, but in the simulation, Takasugi doesn't feel a shred of urgency.
Rather than knowing what a frigid night in the wilderness feels like, or gleaning a false sense of empathy for the people local to such a region, the real use of staying a night is ending the simulation. He hadn't gotten the chance to read the situation's parameters, but it'd make sense if living through the night was the goal.
Which would be easier than searching for a rip in the reality of this place.
He lingers, casting another glance to the campfire. The only thing stopping him now is the sheer depth of his desire to be obstinate.]
Heh. Camping out for one night won't prepare you for what's down there. [If he's going to accept the offer, he'll need to be contrary about something else.
All while moving closer to the fire, feet throbbing with cold now that the inevitability of heat has been introduced.]
no subject
[He follows after the man, a comfortable distance away as to not encroach on their space.]
No simulation could compare to the real thing, young man! I am well aware of that. [All Might upturns a log for himself to sit on (crouch on? It was comically small for him) and leaves the camp chair by the fire for the newcomer.] But anything is better than walking in blind! You have to use the resources in front of you if you want a better chance at succeeding.
[A bit of rummaging in his pack has All Might pulling out a kettle. He fills it with fresh snow before setting it on the fire to boil. A warm drink to do both of them well. He had only wished that the supply pack had provided him with some tea.]
You may call me All Might. What should I call you, young man?
no subject
No need to exercise moderation.
Though notice of a comfortable place to sit seems to have passed him by, Takasugi does watch with a sidelong stare as the man makes easy work of a bulky log.
Strength with a body like that isn't surprising, but it pushes the boundaries of humanity.
And leaves a smile on his face.
He crouches, offering his exposed hands forward to the fire for warmth, curling his fingers slowly.] Tani.
What is it you're looking to succeed in, Mr. All Might?