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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! |
Goro Akechi | Persona 5
[ So you got shot and your world got devoured, but you also got a second chance you really didn't expect and definitely didn't deserve. Now what?
Go exploring, of course, and discover that just because you feel impossibly okay now doesn't mean you're immune to other unpleasant sensations.
Akechi finds himself drawn to the monitor displaying the frozen Ysverai, fascinated despite all of the unusual things he's encountered up until now. This is definitely something new and unique, after all. So he doesn't leave as soon as he feels a 'bug' crawling on him, instead absently brushing it away as he keeps his gaze fixed on the display. But then there are more insects, which demands looking down, which leads to Akechi giving a started jerk when he realizes there's nothing actually there. He ends up rapidly backing away from the monitor, brushing his arm off with alarmed urgency.
It takes a few moments, but the sensation does fade after his focus on the monitor is broken. One it's gone he takes a moment to peer down at his hands, then finally glances at someone else who happens to be standing nearby. ]
Is that... normal?
[ Or is he losing it over here? ]
( b - droning on and on )
[ Akechi may not exactly be familiar with this technology, but he is a teenager from modern times. He knows just enough about video games to
fit in and seem perfectly normal and charmingget used to the controls with a bit of trial and error. Before long he's scooping up bits of debris and navigating back to the garbage heap... not exactly swiftly, but carefully enough to avoid any buildings or frozen civilians.He is curious about those hoops, however, and on his latest return trip he pauses to toss a bit of debris through one and... gets a point? There's a pause before Akechi huffs out a wry laugh. ]
I can't say this seems entirely appropriate...
[ He deson't seem to be speaking to anyone in particular, but that just means he's open to anyone responding, right? ]
( c - dragon quest in space )
[ When Akechi had wandered into the laboratory he'd been perfectly happy to poke around on account of being incredibly nosy. Then one of the slimes, colored a cheery pink color, breathes an actual laser at him and Akechi decides that it's probably time to be done with the lab. Fortunately, the door unlocks right away and lets him beat a hasty escape.
Unfortunately, gravity switches off right as he darts past the door's threshold and Akechi's momentum sends him drifting lazily towards the ceiling before he has a chance to turn and lock the door. This is... potentially problematic. He did see someone out of the corner of his eye as he darted past, however, and he twists around to call over his shoulder: ]
Sorry, but--could you get the door?
[ He'd do it himself, but... you know, he's floating away. ]
( d - wildcard )
[ Write your own starter! Alternatively, PM me or PP
c.
he just came from the other side, and he's close enough to door that he hovers a hand over the lock and locks it. easy enough, but it seems like the anti-gravity isn't easing up in this place either.
he holds onto a latch by the door as he peers back up at the other man who keeps ... floating higher. not sure if the other could see him, he recites the facts: ] I've locked it. Unfortunately... [ there is one slime that made it out. it's a bright green and it seems to be producing strange sludges.
sludges that are slowly rising off the ground. good job, team detectives. ]
omg a detective conan character ♥!
Fortunately, Akechi can see Amuro just fine when he turns toglance over his shoulder - and he can see the slimes just as easily. Ah. Great. One of them escaped. ]
Well, at least it's just one of them...
[ 'Just one' that they have no idea how to safely catch and looks like it may be attempting to replicate itself, but just one all the same. Akechi gives himself a gentle push straight down to the floor, flipping himself enough to land more-or-less on his feet. ]
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with these creatures, however.
thank you for accepting me ♥!
the two blobs now begin to move. the part that's broken off from it, still seems a far cry from the slime that created him, but. ] I suppose you could consider me in a similar position, I apologize. [ but since he's already near the wall, he attempts to look for something to potentially use to usher it back.
... there's are some pipe-like things attached to the wall. they don't seem to be connected for a purpose. maybe aesthetics? maybe spares? still, he picks one up and tosses it over to akechi. in theory. ] Maybe we can use these?
no subject
[ Absolutely no one says that. Regardless, he manages to catch the pole that Amuro tosses his way, and he pushes himself off from the ceiling so that he can try this from the ground instead. So far so good, but... ]
Any thoughts on where we should trap it? I think opening the door will just increase the number of invaders.
a. canon spoilers ig 8')
[ In the spare moments he has alone, and when he happens to pass by one of the monitors, Akira does his best to face the consequences of the last battle—because as unpleasant as the images are, they're a dire reminder that should never go forgotten. (He knows by now not to linger for too long, of course, Ysverai's curse palpable even through a projected image.)
...But this time, there's another unpleasant memory waiting for him alongside the dragon. A face he's somehow avoided since he'd woken to this place, though one he knows he couldn't have avoided forever.
(Their home is gone now, and with it Mementos, Palaces, criminal records and police investigations. But he can feel his hackles raise anyway, remembering this was the boy who'd tried to put a bullet through his skull, and who would've done the same to his closest friends.) A part of him honestly wants to let Goro Akechi fester in front of the screen, but the better half of him knows it wouldn't be right, that returning cruelty for cruelty could never set the world straight—only twist it further.
He keeps his hands restrained in his pockets, voice and expression deceptively soft, benign. The same act he's fed him before. (He doesn't know how much he knows, and either way he can't trust him.) ]
...No. You might wanna step away from there.
[ Hello, good morning, long time no see. ]
no subject
[ One one hand, if anyone else were going to survive some sort of interdimensional apocalypse, it would absolutely be Akira.
On the other hand, Akechi clearly hadn't realized it was him before turning to address him, and is plainly shocked to find himself face to face with his.... what? Rival? Enemy? Friend?
... Probably not that last one, actually. Akira doesn't look happy to see him - or like he feels much of anything at all, which means there's no telling what he's actually thinking right now. And while that's also not a surprise it isn't quite what Akechi was expecting, either. ]
... I see.
[ It's far too little and far too late, but Akechi manages to force his shocked expression back to one of mild neutrality. Now no one will suspect a thing. ]
Thank you. I'll be more careful from now on.
[ ... This is awkward, isn't it? Akechi isn't exactly used to the sensation. ]
no subject
Akira shifts in place, ready to leave and reluctant to expose his back. He diverts the other boy's attention to the dragon instead with a short nod. ]
It's even prettier in person.
[ (It's not.)
But no need to stand around here; Akira gestures again with bob of his head for them to relocate, even if just a little further down the hallway. And since it's probably safe to assume Akechi's just woken up, ]
...How're you feeling?
no subject
I'll take your word for it.
[ Regardless, the invitation to relocate it a welcome one and Akechi doesn't hesitate to take Akira up on his offer. Having Akira ask after his health is a little strange, but Akechi responds all the same. ]
Truthfully? Disoriented.
[ It's not honest, of course - or rather, not entirely honest. He's definitely disoriented, but it's probably the least of his worries right now. ]
Even with the Natha having explained everything, it's a lot to take in. [ He pauses, then: ] Though you already seem rather familiar with everything here.
no subject
It is.
[ A lot, he can agree on that. A new world, a new life, a new beginning. (Though his ties to his confidants is anything but, old bonds that anchor him to the shared and lost fragments of their past.) ]
...I've been awake for a while.
[ He shrugs lightly, not bothering to elaborate. (He's never been the chatty one, anyway.) ]
no subject
You have?
[ 'A while' is vague, but a surprise all the same. Even if the matter of memories being muddled and 'timelines' seeming to not line up has been explained to him, it's still strange to think that Akira hadn't arrived just before he did is strange. ]
How long ago?
[ He's trying to gather information, certainly - but mostly, it's nothing more than simple curiosity that drives this particular question. ]
no subject
Over half a year.
[ More than six months to question Akechi's motives, or, admittedly, moreso to forget. So much has happened in this new world that he hasn't often had the luxury to think so fully on home. While the memories never fully escape him, they often slip from his attention, little shadows in the back of his mind.
Facing his 'rival' now, he remembers the last they'd met—in a glitzy casino, as Joker and Crow. ...Not in that interrogation room, though sometimes it strangely feels as if he'd stared down the barrel of his gun in person. (Neither forgiven or forgotten, but not held at the forefront of his thoughts, either. He's moved on, as the rest of them have had to here.)
...The question, then, is where Akechi stands in all of this. ]
no subject
[ Normally Akechi has a decent pokerface, but there's no hiding how surprised he is to hear that. ]
I saw you just a moment ago. It's really been that long?
[ Even if he's already aware of how much time can pass between two people's awakenings, it's still strange to think of it in terms like that. They've barely even known each other six months. ]
no subject
...'just a moment ago', he says.
Was it before he pulled the trigger, or after?
Akira simply nods, with a quiet sound of affirmation. ]
Yeah.
no subject
Is it just us here...?
a!
If he's sure about anything, it's that Akechi Goro always manages to make things complicated. He approaches quietly, shrugging. ]
That depends. If you think the apocalypse is commonplace...
[ After the Storm, maybe this level of destruction is normal? Speaking on the giant dragon on the screen and all the oozing rubble underfoot, that is. As for whatever he's experiencing—sure, maybe that's a little weird. Despite everything, he addresses him easily enough, tone placid. ]
Are you feeling unwell, Akechi?
no subject
Well, I've already managed to survive one apocalypse. [ 'Survive'. ] Discounting the possibility of a second one out of hand seems a bit presumptuous.
[ You know, kind of like talking to Yusuke in a calm, friendly tone, like absolutely nothing dramatic or dire has occurred between them. ]
I'm alright, but I'd suggest you don't pay too much attention to the monitors. It seems they can cause feelings of unease after a few moments.
[ Somehow. After a beat, Akechi adds: ] I do appreciate you asking, though.
no subject
[ Yes, all's clear here, absolutely Nothing Wrong™. Vague pleasantries all around, though even that much is easier when there's no long con running in the background, no Phantom Thieves versus Ace Detective narrative to guide them.
In a way, it's liberating—on the other hand, it's directionless, and all he really has to go on is some bad blood, left to gauge whether or not it's worth lingering on in the face of everything else. If he's made a decision, it doesn't show, expression staid as ever. ]
Naturally. You'd do the same for any of us, wouldn't you?
[ They're co-conspirators, after all. 'Comrades.' It's largely rhetorical—he glances at the screen for himself as though to be contrary. ]
Unease is understating it. You've chosen an unfortunate time to wake up, I'm afraid. [ Or maybe he's a harbinger of the end times. Haha. ]
no subject
[ If it were anyone other than Yusuke, Akechi would wonder if that comment was sarcastic. As it is he's still not totally sure, even if he is sure sarcasm isn't in line enough with Yusuke's aesthetic for him to ever use it. ]
Naturally.
[ It might even be true this time. ]
It certainly sounds as though I missed something momentous. Even after everything else, I can't say I expected dragons to get involved.