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Entry tags:
❪ test drive #6 ❫
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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! |
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Still, after a beat or two, she does smile — however slight or bemused it may be. ]
I am, yes, [ she confirms lightly, setting her lipstick back on the desk and crossing the room to him. ] And this happens to be my room. I think it's safe to say we're from the same place, though not necessarily the same time if I haven't got to introduce myself. Although I don't believe we've met, Mister...?
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there's a beat where he almost wants to introduce himself as spider-man. even though that's stupid? she wouldn't know the name any more than she'd know peter parker. plus, you know, secret identity. but spider-man is a superhero, is someone, and peter is -- well. ]
Peter, [ he says, as though blurted out. ] I'm Peter. Parker. Whoa, are you saying time travel is real?
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I haven't personally experienced it, [ she almost sighs. Remember when she used to be surprised by this sort of thing? No, she doesn't, either. ] But I wouldn't rule it out entirely. No, it's simply... [ How to phrase this? ] You aren't the first person I've encountered who seems to know who I am without prompting.
[ Strange, to be a historical figure before you really set any of that history in motion. ]
Although I imagine I'm not nearly as old as I ought to be. [ Was that a joke? There's a glimmer of it in her eyes and it doesn't quite carry over to her smile. She extends her left hand to shake; her right is currently bandaged and in a brace. ] It's a pleasure, Mr Parker.
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[ he goes to shake her hand -- grip firm and maybe at odds with his appearance, but not crushingly so -- and wonders if he could get away with never washing this hand again?? he's shaking hands with peggy carter?? somehow??
but she's given him a lot to chew on, and he's thinking fast, parsing through it all. ]
It's seriously amazing to meet you, Miss Carter. [ everyone he knows is going to be so jealous!!! ] So you mean you've met other people from, like, my time? Which is your future? Whoa.
[ he'll ask about who in a minute, wonder if it's anyone he knows, but the crazy time-space ramifications are at the front of his mind right now ]
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Most men in her time would never admit to looking up to a woman. She knows she commanded the respect of her colleagues at the SSR and the Commandos, but that was proven and earned in combat. So this? She isn't sure what to do with this, other than smile, shake her head as if brushing it off. She hasn't done any of the things he likely knows her for. As she told Rumlow: the woman he knows is not who she is. Not yet. ]
Not at all, [ she says, releasing his hand. Then: ] And I have. As far as I'm aware, anyone from our world is usually quite firmly rooted in the 21st century. I'm the only one decades behind. [ Said with wry quirk of her lips. But then another thought occurs to her and her gaze flickers to the door to make sure it is indeed closed; she looks back to him and asks, a little more evenly, ] But if you could humour me for a moment, what exactly do you know about me?
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(but still weird. huh.)
he's tempted to ask if cap is also around -- mainly because of the shield -- when she beats him to another question, one he mulls over. ]
I know you co-found SHIELD, [ he volunteers, shrugging. ] And, um, that you were a codebreaker and stuff during World War II. And that you knew Captain America, obviously, and were like -- wait, am I spoiling you about your future? Is that going to break time or something?
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Time doesn't seem to behave the way we think it does, not here. If the Natha are to be believed, we've all been plucked from our homes before the Storm, which means — [ And here, her voice softens a little; he is a child, after all. ] — there's no going back. What I know about who I become, or became, is of no consequence.
[ She already knows that whatever future exists after hers, whatever year Steve Rogers is from, she no longer is. That's a hard thing to swallow. ]
That said, [ she continues after a moment, ] I would appreciate it if you kept my war record and profession to yourself. No one here knows — apart from Captain Rogers, of course — and I would prefer to keep it that way. Do you understand, Mr Parker?
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a storm in time and space. or. or! or. alternate universes. technically, ms carter could be from a universe very, very similar to peter's, only it ended back after world war ii. so they'd be basically, effectively, from the same world -- but not quite.
which is totally insane. oh man, that's going to keep him up at night.
(a lot like there's no going back. but that is a meltdown he can save for another time.) ]
It's a secret? [ but it's not like he isn't keeping his own secrets, so -- ] Yes. Yes, I understand. I won't tell anyone, promise.
[ then -- ]
So Captain America's here too?
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It's a secret? asks this young man and Peggy nods, taking in his earnestness, accepting it for what it is. If Peter knows the whole of her story, that she is an intelligence operative, then he knows that her life must be kept classified. Entrusting such a thing to a teenager (what is he, fifteen? No more than sixteen, surely) isn't ideal, but she hopes he's true to his word. She's built a network here and she can't jeopardise it. ]
He is. Not that anyone is aware of the name. [ Said with a rather pointed glance, but somehow still kind on the edges. ] Are you a fan?
[ SORRY, STEVE. ]
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[ captain america was famous even back during world war ii, almost, as far as peter knows, back from the moment he took the super soldier serum. growing up on the name, it's impossible to image a world without it.
are you a fan?
he is, of course. he's been more of an iron man fan since he was a kid, but he's always thought cap is pretty awesome. but -- but, his uncle was a real cap fan. his uncle would tell him stories about captain america back when he was little, back when he'd visit with his parents, and after too -- after, when his parents were gone. when he moved into a new place, and everything was different, and the floorboards creaked in ways he wasn't used to and scared him, and he couldn't sleep at night, and captain america was a boy from new york too. he grew up and become a hero, and so can you. ]
Yeah, yeah, you could say that. The Avengers are cool. [ actually, ] Do you know about the Avengers?
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Yes, strange to be in a world that doesn't know that symbol of hope and strength. They just see a refugee with a ridiculously star-spangled shield.
Peggy chuckles at the question, brief and soft but genuine. ]
I do. In fact, I've met some of them. [ Tony and Thor, namely. ] Although most have returned to stasis by now. That happens, I'm afraid, and there's no rhyme or reason to it. [ She looks him over, brows knitting faintly. ] Speaking of, you've only just woken up, haven't you?
[ It isn't obvious, but the nature of his questions does imply it. ]
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there were children, even before peter was born, who grew up on the name. children who heard the stories of the star-spangled man who'd defended their country with his life, who'd gone from a scrawny kid from brooklyn to the best soldier in history. children who learned how important it is to always do the right thing, no matter what the cost. how anyone with the integrity can be a hero.
peter's no world-saving avenger. but he's also a kid from new york city trying his best, doing whatever he can to make peoples' lives safer. ]
Returned to stasis? That can happen? [ that makes?? no sense?? ] And, um -- yeah. I just woke up today.
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Good Lord, [ she says, her ramrod posture somehow straightening even more at that. She suspected he was new but not that new. ] I didn't mean to just...
[ Drop the weight of the end of the world and the mysteries of stasis on his shoulders. She clears her throat softly. ]
Yes. Yes, people can return to stasis sometimes. Something to do with being affected by the Storm and needing to recover. It's never happened to me so I can't say for certain, but I know people who have returned only to wake back up after a few days. Sometimes weeks. [ Sometimes not at all, but it wouldn't do to overwhelm him. ] I know this is a lot, but if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Would you, er, like to have a seat? Or...
[ She gestures with her bandaged right hand towards the doors, suggesting he might want to explore elsewhere rather than stand in her room. ]
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[ he says, and he means it. he'd rather discuss the mysteries of stasis, even the weight of the end of the world (fractures in space-time??), than -- than dwell on what's happened. he'd rather be moving, doing, and until darma and those other natha send them to nadril (or whatever), this is something else to focus on.
he'd kinda like exploring, but he'd a little afraid he'd walk out of her room and straight into, like, someone else's, so he's okay with sitting. first, though, he pauses, and asks, ]
What happened to your hand?
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Oh, that, [ she says, as nonchalant as ever. Peggy leans against the edge of her desk. ] Had a bad fall on the planet. You'll have heard about the dragon, Ysverai? Rather hard not to, he's the reason we're all stuck up here.
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I've seen those video screen things around. You mean you were down there when that monster was destroying everything?
[ open awe? open awe. ]
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Honestly. ]
I was. [ It's mildly said, but there's a grim set to her jaw. ] I'd never seen anything like it.
[ One would think, with the war... No, destruction and carnage on that scale is never easy to stomach. And she'd only seen the photos in the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Peggy looks at him and adjusts course a little; he's young, likely alone. It won't do to dwell on that. ]
But I'm certain the Natha will have everything sorted by the time we return to the surface.
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Yeah, but aren't they asking us for help too? With finding the original refugee person and getting answers.
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Yes, [ comes her slow reply. Were she not half-seated, she'd be setting a hand on her hip right about now. ] They haven't told us much beyond that. No one's heard of Nadril, let alone gone to visit. And up until last week, I thought my group was the first wave to arrive.
[ There's a pause, then she inclines her head, amending, ]
I had my suspicions that we weren't, of course. Statistically, it's impossible, not to mention arrogant. But I thought whoever came before us would have lived lifetimes ago or assimilated with Nysan society and never thought to make themselves known to us. Apparently that's not the case.
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Olympia and Wyver, right? I heard most people were staying in one or the other of those two. [ it makes sense that there'd be more than two cities on the planet down there, but he guesses those were the main two to take people in. ] Maybe they had to, like, lay low. Or maybe they didn't know about you guys either.
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[ She exhales, gaze flickering to the ceiling for a moment. ]
I doubt we can pretend we're locals after the Natha intervened. I'm not sure how different things will be when we return, but make no mistake, they will be different. [ Peggy looks over at him, then gestures for him to take the seat at the opposite desk; this room was meant for more than one person. ] Do you have any questions about the cities? Steve and I made our home in Olympia, as did most people. It's the most similar to any major city on our Earth.
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settles for, ] What's it like?
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What is it like? Utterly foreign and somehow vaguely familiar. Archaic in some places, futuristic in others. Medieval royalty, modern politicking, magic and mages, the world on the brink of war, people simply trying to make a living in spite of all of that. Secrets. God, so many secrets. It's dangerous. Olympia follows some rule of law, Wyver not nearly as much (but it has some governance, it can't function without it). What's it like? ]
Just when you start to think you've got it all figured out, it surprises you. In that regard, it's not unlike New York or London. [ There's a pause, then she exhales, almost amused. ] And to be honest, our world was never quite the same after Captain America came to be, was it?
[ She's heard what's come in the decades after. The strange occurrences, people with abilities, aliens, heroes and villains. ]
It will be an adjustment. But perhaps it won't be entirely alien to you. [ Beat. ] Pardon the pun.