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!

givingback: (3.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-03 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Bree smiles even as she looks down a little, thinking about that. Maybe it's both in some kind of equal dose, or maybe a lopsided but shared amount.

Reaching into the back pocket of her jeans, she pulls out a faded and worn photo of Claire holding Brianna when she was a baby, showing it to her mother. ]


I always have this with me. I guess...I've just heard of people forgetting someone's face after a while, and I never wanted that to happen to me. Plus, I still like to think I'm more you than anyone else.
nineteenfortyfive: (LISTENING)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-03 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Bree...

[This girl will be the death of her. Claire looks down at the photo, remembering that exact moment as if it were days ago and not years.]

I did leave you several photo albums in the attic, if I recall. [She'd only taken a handful for Jamie, wanting Brianna to have the memories herself.] But it's good you have this. You can show Jamie.

[Something in her smile becomes a tad more playful.]

Or other people, when they begin to mistake me for your sister.

[She's funny.]
givingback: (5.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-03 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She smiles just a little, shaking her head. ]

No. I have a specific way I want to see you in my head. With this expression on your face like you were just waiting to see what I was going to do next or say next. But soft, too, at the same time somehow.

[ It's super specific, maybe a little hard to explain. But she does laugh softly and can't help but tease just a little. ]

Maybe if I dye my hair black.
nineteenfortyfive: (BREE)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-03 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Because even though you made my world a lot scarier, you made it all the more lovely, too. You'll not be missing that look here.

[Christ. It's one thing, to worry about Sansa or Theon, but another thing to worry about her own flesh and blood.]

Dye your hair black and you'll break Jamie's heart.
givingback: (23.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-03 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She laughs softly, shaking her head. ]

Don't worry. I like it too much.

[ She used to wonder growing up, where the red came from in their family. She couldn't figure it out. At least she knows why, now. ]

When can we leave here and go to a place that's at least...kind of like home?

[ As she puts the picture back into her pocket, there's a glint, a hint of something reflecting light against her chest; she forgot she was wearing the pearls. She always wears the pearls. ]
nineteenfortyfive: (ASIDE)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
[Claire takes a deep breath, already an indication that the answer isn't going to be a good one.]

I don't know. That dragon needs to be dealt with before anything else, and there's been a lot of damage. [Naturally, right after she buys a clinic.] After we find someone that knows how to handle that beast, then we should be able to go back to Olympia. If not, we'll find somewhere else.
givingback: (59.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ Does it really matter? All she wanted was to see her mom again, even if she was the one who urged her to go. She's wrestling with how to tell her that 20 isn't as grown up as she thought, and she wasn't ready. Maybe that's not something she ever says out loud. Bree shakes her head and smiles a little, looking up at her again. ]

That doesn't matter. As long as we're together now, right?
nineteenfortyfive: (SINCERE)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Right.

[And, finally, she lets go of Brianna's hand.

It's only to reach for her collar, and the pearls tucked beneath.]


Jamie will be happy to see these.
givingback: (31.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
Just because I wanted you to go, and I wanted you to find him doesn't mean I was really ready to let go.

[ Well, that's how that comes out, then, and she looks down. ]

But the pearls give me a connection to both of you.
nineteenfortyfive: (QUIETLY)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
I know. [Her fingers leave the pearls to instead touch Bree's cheek, eyes searching hers.] But you were very brave for me, and I knew you'd be fine. I don't know if you remember [it's a story she's probably heard more than once], but on the very first day of school, you refused to let me walk you in. You wanted to do it all on your own. I knew then that you were more than capable of standing on your own two feet when you put your mind to it.

[Even if it broke her mother's heart.]

But that doesn't mean you have to. Not anymore.
givingback: (32.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
At the end of the day when I was five, I always saw you again.

[ When she says that, her voice catches, and she does something very Jamie, gets up so that Claire can't see the emotion, closing her eyes and standing with her back to her to keep trying to be strong because she needs to be. She can't go back now and make her mother feel guilty even if Brianna insisted. ]
nineteenfortyfive: (FATHERS)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
[Jamie did always do that, didn't he? He made space when he felt vulnerable, when his eyes burned, even if it was obvious that there were tears in them. Brianna truly has no idea how much like her father she is.

Claire hesitates before standing and stepping behind her to wrap her in a strong hug, easily leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek.]


It's okay, darling. You're with me now, aren't you? I'm right here. I'm right here and I'm not going away ever again. Understand?
givingback: (54.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bree nods, a lump in her throat that she swallows over. They're here together now, she'll never be alone again, and that's good, right? ]

I know, mama.

[ She lets out a soft breath and squares her shoulders. She wasn't ready. But that's obvious now. ]

Did I tell you I loved you when you left?

[ There was so much going through her mind that she just can't remember, and she hates that. Did she tell her mother she loved her? ]
nineteenfortyfive: (CRADLE)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Maybe there's no such thing as being ready. Claire keeps her arms around her, kissing her cheek again, and more than content to just stay here and hold her daughter as long as she can.]

You've never needed to say it. I've always known, Bree. And I hope you know I love you very, very much. More than anything.
givingback: (62.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ She turns then, but only to hug her mother tightly. ]

I know. I love you. I love you so much.

[ They'd had their moments, and Bree's not especially proud of how she behaved in Scotland at the start, but her mother knew she loved her right? She had to know. ]

This isn't exactly where I'd want to be, but if we're together, it doesn't matter.
nineteenfortyfive: (DAUGHTER)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
[How did she ever walk away from this? It was always an impossible choice: the man she loved, or her daughter. Jamie chose for her, once, as did Bree. It's overwhelming to think that now she can have them both. No more choosing.]

You never wanted to be an astronaut? [She teases, feeling a tear roll down her cheek and disappear into Bree's hair.]
givingback: (1.)

[personal profile] givingback 2018-07-04 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ Bree laughs just a little, sniffling. ]

The truth is...I don't know what I want to be. I'm still trying to figure out who I am. But I know I'm going to try and do something good.
nineteenfortyfive: (LOVE)

[personal profile] nineteenfortyfive 2018-07-04 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
There's no rush. [She's dealt with enough identity crises here that aren't her own to know that there's no rushing it. There's no need.]