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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!

lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 002)

hello friend!!

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-03 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh no. How did that- did she press something wrong?! She can't stifle the embarrassment threatening to burst its way out of her, and her face feels rather warm. She's suddenly glad Mr. Prim and Proper Dignity can't see her at the moment. ]

Yes, it's me. I didn't write any of that out. It must be a mistake. Maybe someone else's description got mixed with mine.

How do I remove this? I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong impression.


[ And cue her pressing ALL the buttons. ]
pebblestone: ribboneels@twitter (pic#12329953)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-03 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Mixed up with hers....how many Cordelias really into tall blue-haired men exist out there in the universe?

Unfortunate for Cordelia that she's stuck with another technology-illiterate neanderthal barely able to understand the intricate ins-and-outs of modern tech. Even the months spent in JJ's company have done little to imbue him with newfound knowledge. ]


Have you tried pressing the Delete key? That generally removes unwanted letters and images. Or perhaps Edit?

Though truthfully the description doesn't appear inaccurate, perhaps merely...poorly worded.


[ To say the least. ]
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 009)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-05 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ More than he thinks!!!

Or so she wishes was the case at the moment. ]


I don't see a key anywhere.

[ Of course, she's searching for a literal key, and how can a key delete things? Does she have to use it to unlock something that gives her the power of deletion? She's clearly overthinking this. ]

What do you mean it's not inaccurate? I'm not searching for anyone in particular at the moment, and I wouldn't call myself desperate.

[ Did he find her love manuals lying around in the barracks... she thought she hid those really well. ]
pebblestone: ribboneels@twitter (pic#12329953)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-05 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Is that so. Forgive me, you certainly aren't desperate by any measure.

[ Even though he's pretty sure 95% of what had been filled in had been correct. ]

The key should be in the top corner of the bottom half of your device. Is there not a button that says DELETE? Perhaps your device is defective?
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 015)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-07 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, that kind of key. She certainly feels foolish now, and just one press- there. ]

It's gone now. What a relief. Luckily, not many messaged me about it, so that means few had seen it.

[ Or they saw it and weren't interested. Get a grip, Cordelia. That's not a priority at the moment. ]

Perhaps, you can fill me in on how exactly we wound up here and set those other matters aside. I have already scouted the area and checked for any threats as well as other shepherds lost and about. I have yet to find Chrom nor Robin anywhere...
pebblestone: ribboneels@twitter (pic#12329955)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-10 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ In fairness he had no idea how to properly use the space bar for a week. so it's not like he can judge her incompetence. ]

I'm afraid I have little more detail that what you yourself have. I did not bear witness to the Storm that supposedly destroyed all of Ylisse and its neighboring kingdoms, but I have resided in the lands below for some time now.

Perhaps it would be best if we met in person? It would be faster to tell you of all that's happened thus far.


[ His fingers just aren't cut out for tip-tapping away at these small screens. ]
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 005)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-11 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
I am sure we would have remembered the onset of it if there really was a storm. What proof do we have that Ylisse was indeed destroyed?

[ Though he's right. This would be best handled in person as she's not the fastest key-presser at the moment, and she has a lot to ask. She'll master that on her own time, preferring to focus on more important matters at the moment. ]

I am currently outside of the chamber with all the glass caskets if you wish to meet me there. And one more thing- are you all right, Frederick?
pebblestone: frothystars@tumblr (pic#12329930)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-12 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
No proof, it's true, but neither do we have any method of transportation away from here. Unless you've learned to fly one of the mechanical beasts [ he means the gundams ] as well as you do pegasi?

[ If anyone could learn out of their group, it would be Cordelia the Perfect, of that he has no doubt. ]

But I shall meet you at the stasis chamber forthwith, and you can see with your own eyes that I am well and unharmed.

[ Now, just give him five minutes to make it down there— ]
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 003)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-13 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
Mechanical beasts? I never thought I'd hear of such a thing. Now you've piqued my curiosity, but nothing really beats having my pegasus around to fly on.

[ She already feels rather bare without Aurora, unused to spending this much time traveling by foot. Hopefully, her pegasus is here somewhere, but she hasn't seen a stable anywhere. ]

You'll have to tell me more about that and other matters. I'll be here in the meantime.

[ She tries to remain stationed as she waits for Frederick, feeling her nerves more calmed by the familiar face. Hopefully, he really is all right and not simply putting on airs to avoid worrying her. ]
pebblestone: ribboneels@twitter (pic#12329950)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-13 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It doesn't take him too long to reach the stasis unit, and not much longer to spot Cordelia's swathe of bright red hair, perfectly maintained as always. ]

Cordelia!

[ Perhaps it's rude to shout, but if those kept inside the pods haven't awoken from alarms blaring throughout the station, then a little bit of outdoors voice surely won't hurt.

He makes his way quickly over to her side, relief and concern battling for a prominent place in his expression. Is she hurt at all? Settling in well? She'd sounded fine during their earlier conversation, but the little phone devices mask so much... ]


Apologies for keeping you waiting long.
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (。✪ 023)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-17 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
No apologies needed. I am simply relieved to see you and in one piece.

[ Though her eyes can't help wander over his form, doing a thorough assessment for any injuries or missing limbs. He doesn't appear any different than when she last saw him, but that's Frederick for you. Difficult to ruffle and always steadfast in the face of danger. Cordelia certainly envies that attribute at the moment as she's struggling to keep collected and keep her mind on task. ]

I tried to find out what information I could about this place. Is it true what they say... about our homeworlds being destroyed?

[ If anyone would have looked into the matter, it would have most certainly been him, and she values his opinion quite a lot. She wouldn't seek him out for counsel if she didn't, and she hopes there's enough trust between them for him to talk frankly about their current state. ]
pebblestone: kichisu@tumblr (pic#12329882)

[personal profile] pebblestone 2018-07-22 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Another (clueless) man might have taken her wandering eyes for interest but Frederick takes it for what it is: a clinical assessment by one Shepherd of another.

Once she's done and her questions are asked, he waves a hand to his left, as if to say this way. This is something he wishes to show her, and they may as well talk while they walk. Nothing like getting the blood pumping to clear out one's mind. ]


Insofar as I have seen, yes. Of course like you said earlier, there is no proof, though I'm uncertain how they would even be able to present evidence of the destruction of an entire world.

[ A carefully recorded videotape? But then that would make them complicit, and he can't begin to believe the Natha stupid enough to do that, not when they've carefully gone to such lengths to make themselves appear friendly otherwise. ]

Even were Ylisse not destroyed and all this an elaborate setup, we have no way of returning. There is no choice but to wait—and to wait for others to wake.
lancings: all by <user name="lancings"> | please do not take (✪ 029。)

[personal profile] lancings 2018-07-24 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ That doesn't seem like the most ideal situation to be in. What if it takes years upon years for the others to awake. The two of them may be elderly at that point. Not that she had any chance with Chrom anyway what with him being married with a child, but being fifty years older than him would be the last nail in the coffin. Ahem.

Not being able to return to Ylisse is also quite a troublesome ordeal, but if they're all here together then that's good, at least? Yet she can't help remaining unsettled by not being able to see their halidom again, the places they all grew up and protected for so many years. It's their home. ]


And do what in the meantime? Isn't there some way we can rouse them? We can't simply leave them there. What if something were to happen to them while they were asleep?

[ Someone could come and easily stab them or loot their bodies, but the only other option is to stand guard over them which isn't very practical when they need to investigate their surroundings and search for a way to return to where they belong. ]

Have you found anything else out? Just how long have you been part of this crew?