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!

dealign: (Default)

jim holden | the expanse

[personal profile] dealign 2018-06-30 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
CLEAN UP
( the tech is unlike anything holden has ever seen before, but between the protomolecule and the storm, there's so much he hasn't seen before. dead people coming back as investigator-hologram-whatever-the-fuck-miller's-turned-into, hybrids and all, there's a lot he hasn't seen before that he's been dealing with lately. that they've all been dealing with.

at least this tech, it seems, is being used for good. drones are nothing new, but the mechas and the connection between pilots they require? that is. he thinks about his crew, figures him and naomi would've had the best chance -- but then he remembers how much there is about naomi that he just doesn't know. a whole past he's barely scratched the surface of. he misses her, but does he know her?

a thought for another time, when he's not about to step into the mecha for a first test run with a complete stranger. )


Hi. I'm Jim.


PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIP
( space stations are nothing new, but laboratories with sentient slime? for a long moment, holden only stares, then he turns around and tries to get the doors to open again. except the slime balls are -- friendly.

should someone else walk through the door sooner or later, they'll find one (1) james holden, captain of the rocinante and alleged hero of the entire system covered in slime playing fetch with the slime balls by tossing a slime bubble toward the far end of the lab. he turns, forehead creasing, expression somewhere between embarrassed and -- happy? )


It's not what it looks like.

( it totally is. )


SOCIAL-LINKED
●●●●○ THESA
JAMES HOLDEN
@roci (30), earth

I WAS: dishonorably discharged from the un navy, captain of the rocinante

I'M SKILLED IN: idealism, fighting figurative windmills, giving a shit, lost causes

I'M LOOKING FOR: my crew and my ship

ALSO, I'M: the only child born to eight parents


NETWORK (id: roci)
My name's James Holden. ( that ought to get his crew's attention, if they're awake. the attention of anyone from the same system, really, seeing how his name's made the news multiple times -- which means the rest of this message matters less.

well, except to holden: )
Please tell me there's coffee on this station.


STASIS
( the storm.

holden can't believe it yet, can't let himself believe it yet -- they've all fought so hard, they tried so hard to keep the solar system from annihilating itself, from using the protomolecule to do it. for what? if none of it mattered, if the storm wiped it all out in the end, all of the deaths and sacrifices and losses were meaningless. he failed in the end, because he didn't see this coming at all. couldn't have, probably, but that doesn't seem to matter to the weight that sits on his chest, on his shoulders, bowing his neck.

he failed everyone.

should've stuck to being xo on an ice freighter, keeping his head down and not getting involved, but then life has proven time and again how phenomenally bad he is at not getting involved. in front of the stasis pods holding members of his crew (his family) and other familiar faces, he lingers on that thought. he failed everyone.

and then he turns and goes to find coffee. there's work to be done here, too, and all these people are alive, at least, for all that they're in stasis. one step after the other. he'll get them out of stasis, but he'll help who he can in the meantime, too. )


WILDCARD
( hit me up for ANYTHING i am not kidding all of these prompts are so good!! want someone wearing magboots to tell you how to cope with zero g? berate you for not wearing mag boots yourself? BODY HEAT CUDDLES while the temp is down? i am so here for it. or catch him in the mess hall making orgasmic faces because he's found coffee.

or hmu @ [plurk.com profile] abiosis for something specific )
stargatemedic: (Default)

>> un: stargatemedic

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-09 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
Why were you dishonorably discharged?
dealign: (CREASES.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-09 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I tried to punch a superior officer. He ducked.
stargatemedic: (Default)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-09 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
They threw you out?
dealign: (CROSS.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-11 08:03 am (UTC)(link)
They did. I also disobeyed a direct order.
stargatemedic: (Default)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-13 09:14 pm (UTC)(link)
That'd do it.

What was the order?
dealign: (CREASES.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-14 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
To shoot on an unarmed ship.
stargatemedic: (Up look - Go on)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-14 12:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Was it worth it?
dealign: (WORRIES.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-16 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
( all things considered? ) Yes.
stargatemedic: (Profile)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-16 06:33 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know you, but I'm glad your personal convictions overrode an order like that.
dealign: (DOUBTFUL.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-17 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, me too. I couldn't have lived with myself, being the boot that steps on others.
stargatemedic: (Serious business)

[personal profile] stargatemedic 2018-07-17 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Also good to know.

I'm Lt. Johansen. You can call me TJ.
revver: (Default)

network (id: queen)

[personal profile] revver 2018-07-13 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
I do believe you can find coffee makers evenly spread around the station. I cannot personally attest for the quality of the coffee itself though, I'm sorry.
dealign: (CREASES.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-13 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
That's some of the best news I've had all week.
revver: (lMEBxuo)

[personal profile] revver 2018-07-13 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad I could be of use then. Regrettably I don't really need any external help to be more jittery at the moment.
dealign: (SHITTING.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-14 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
What about tea? That might help with the jitters.
revver: (z3aNSnc)

[personal profile] revver 2018-07-14 05:02 pm (UTC)(link)
If you find any, do let me know.
dealign: (SMILE.)

[personal profile] dealign 2018-07-16 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Will do.