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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! |
no subject
But, he has learned one thing. Sometimes breaking things gets doors open faster.
So he just sort of...smashes the panel. Which causes the door to open. Right when it looks like it'll close, he pulls Linneus close to him to bring him through the door unharmed.
A look back and he laughs, still holding that small body against him.]
There we are! Safe and free again!
no subject
[there is a startled shout as Rider goes to town on the control panel, startled and jumping back a little. That's... is certainly one way to go about it, and Linneus had never thought to resort to vandalism to get the door open. Not that his fists would have made much of an impact at all, even if he had.
He's too startled to protest as the man brings him through, lifting him easily. On the other side he can't help but laugh a little, his hands coming to steady himself on Rider's shoulders]
Oh- well. That is one way to get out, indeed...!
no subject
But, he does finally put him down because this isn't some stubborn boy who isn't cooperating. He can be gentler about things.]
It is! And it worked!
[Laughing, he gives Linneus a brushing off. Not that he's dirty but it seems polite. He thinks. Some modern customs are so different!]
Let's see. Where were you headed? We can go there now.
no subject
[he worries a little about who is going to fix the panel, because of course he does. His hands remain on Rider's shoulders after he is set back on his feet again, taking a moment to get his balance once more]
I was... looking for a distraction, honestly.
[trying to avoid rattling around in his quarters, to avoid the screens showing the dragon and it's destruction.]
I think I found one, perhaps?
no subject
[Laughing, he rests a hand on that pretty head. The hair is so soft that he already knows it would be something he'd enjoy running his fingers through.]
In that case then I will spend time with you. What is it you like to do for some fun? I think we should go do that together.
[No point in lingering anywhere there might suddenly be those terrible images. Far better to go somewhere they can just be together and enjoy company. It's honestly probably the best way to keep the spirits up for this young man.]
no subject
[too many choices, for one such as him. The life he had come from, he hadn't much scope at all for varied activities, and settled planetside he had had his habits and customs. Work, his home to take care of, errands to run. It's jarring, having none of that to do]
It's a little strange for me, to be at a loose end, and I tend to find myself gravitating toward my usual quiet pastimes. But perhaps I should try something new?
no subject
[One strong arm wraps around Linneus as he starts walking. In what he assumes is the right direction. Honestly he's still learning where everything is and with doors opening to places he doesn't expect that's been quite a challenge.
Still, he's trying!]
no subject
[he's quite happy to walk with this man, though he leans slightly close so they take up less room in the hallway as they go.]
Are you recently woken? I imagine I might have seen you sooner, otherwise...
no subject
[With a reassuring little squeeze, he grins down at him. He's always been the carefree sort, never one to be troubled by things like suddenly arriving in a new location that he doesn't belong in for one reason or another. Far better to make the best of things instead.]
I find this a wondrous place because of this. There are so many magnificent new things to try!
no subject
[a fugitive sort of smile at that, a little shake of his head]
...that is a good way to think of things, of course.
[one he should try to employ. But he is still smarting a little, after losing so much so abruptly once he was finally able to settle.
But his company should help. Just being around such an attitude should help.]
no subject
I wonder if we're going the right way...
[But he shrugs in the end. Even going the wrong way can lead to a new adventure. One shouldn't look down on that simply because it's labelled as "wrong". At least not in his eyes.]
Whatever we find should be interesting for us. Besides, it is sure to be a distraction for you.
[And he winks.]
no subject
[so long as they don't happen on any more of those monitors, Linneus is more than content to wander. It doesn't matter, really, if they miss their destination, or if they haven't one in mind, even]
Might I ask you where you are from? The... world you came from, before you were in this one?
no subject
[Now that he thinks about it though, Linneus might not know of Earth at all. Or what Japan is.]
Where is it that you are from?
no subject
[and a variety of other names - Earth, too. But he's not sure how many of the names he has heard are countries, or islands, or even whole worlds...]
My country's name was Ivore, but it was very small. Not unlike those below - the factions.
[though he supposes they are kingdoms too, of a sort. But of his own planet's name, he isn't sure. He'd never realised such a thing was widely known.]
no subject
[Looking up as they walk, he considers that. It's true that he is still flirting but also he is just making a casual observation. It's not often one finds that much beauty all at once!]
I'm amazed the more I talk with you!
no subject
It's not all beautiful, I don't think. Though I do miss it.
no subject
[Of course he just laughs and gives his shoulders a squeeze.]
You will see it again though. I will add it to my lists of quests for this place.
no subject
I'm not sure there is any place of perfection. But if there is one I should like to see it.
no subject
[He is thinking about that now. Thinking about all the things he does the most and why he adores them. The good things are wonderful but it's the flaws that make them so real. That make him real as well.]
Without flaw there is no shine. Without imperfection we cannot appreciate the wonder. I don't think I'd ever wish to see a place of perfection for that reason.
no subject
[because Rider is not wrong]
Just a peek, if only to confirm those thoughts? That perhaps we are better for our imperfections?
no subject
[Looking down at him now, he smiles warmly.]
I would never be tempted by this. Not even for a moment. Because what is perfection really? What is it to you compared to what it is to me?
no subject
Mmm. It must be nice...
[not to question one's own thoughts - to have such security in them and be able to carry oneself with such absolute confidence. To not be tempted, not even to sneak a peek]
I would look.
[but what that says about him...? Perhaps that's out of a need for reassurance.]