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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
[He couldn't help but smile, a hand resting on his hip as he looked over Apollo curiously.
It was absolutely amazing. The kid hadn't changed in the slightest. Of course, the feeling couldn't help but fill him with a wave of emotion. But he held himself back, instead of upholding his usually calm demeanor.]
Glad you're all right Apollo. Wasn't sure I'd be running into you again, even back home.
You handling yourself well all things considering?
no subject
He too has to keep all that emotion at bay when he gets up to shake his old boss's hand.]
Getting used to these new surroundings. I didn't think VR had the ability to get this COLD.
no subject
[Making his way over, he smiled as, instead of taking Apollos offered hand, he reached out to ruffle fondly atop Apollos head.
Just because you're some infamous big-name attorney now doesn't mean he's going to be treating you any different kiddo.]
And look at you starting fires like a pro. Surprising me with those little tricks of yours every day. Didn't take you to be the outdoorsy type.
no subject
Phoenix ruffles Apollo's hair, and it feels both embarrassing and nostalgic at the same time. But you're still messing up his spikes, Mr. Wright!!]
I spent most of my childhood outdoors, Mr. Wright. The fields of Khura'in were my playground. Of course it never got this cold, just sort of chilly.
no subject
So you used to do this a lot as a kid huh?
[How very resilient. Not that he didn't expect it from the stories he had heard and the pictures he had seen. Still, it was the exact opposite of how a city-kid like him had adjusted to things.]
Hey. You mind showing me?
no subject
Sure! But I warn you that I'm not super familiar with the equipment they gave me, so I went with the old-fashioned way.
[A bizarre-looking lighter vs some alien flint and rocks. He's already gathered and arranged some kindling, so he starts striking his rocks together.]
We want a few sparks so the dry parts can catch fire. These thicker branches will keep it going.
no subject
[And considering the fact that his last attempt to build a fire from scratch ended absolutely miserably, this was probably the best moment he had to learn how to do it.
Squatting down next to Apollo, he looked over the supplies curiously.]
So here's a question. Where did you get the wood? This place is covered in snow, right? Did it come with you when you started the simulation?
no subject
[Apollo continues to strike, and soon the dry leaves and smaller branches catch fire. He gently starts to fan it.]
Don't let it burn too fast or you could lose control. If that happens, we'll have to dump snow on it quickly and start over.
no subject
[Amazing. Where he had spent hours bartering people for dry wood and help in order to get a fire going, here Apollo had one up in no time. In the middle of an ice storm no less!]
Guess I still have quite a bit to learn despite how long I've been on Nyssa. Although... It's reassuring...
no subject
Don't worry, Mr. Wright. I'll have you covered for your outdoor needs.
[Just as his fire starts to sputter out. Of course. Apollo starts striking his rocks together after adding more dry leaves.]
The wind isn't making it easy!
no subject
[Well, to each their own learning curve, Phoenix guessed. Although watching Apollo struggle a little was entertaining in its own right.
Hang in there kiddo. You'll get it.]
Still, this is good. It'll probably be much easier for you to acclimatize to El Nysa than it was for me. Now that I think back on it, this sort of simulation was pretty similar to the one I went through my first time here...
[And with that another strong gust of wind blew past, enough of one to knock the kneeling lawyer over onto his back.]
A-Ah!!
no subject
It's good they give us an idea of what to expect. We can adjust as needed!
[Finally, the fire is up and holding well against the random winds.]
You okay, Mr. Wright?
no subject
[Rolling back up, he rested his hand upon his lower back. Rubbing at the sore spot of his sacrum while at the same attempting to brush some of the snow off his back, he peaked a single eye open only to see the small flicker of light before him.]
Ah. You got it.
Good job!
[And with that he grinned. As if the fall a second ago hadn't even happened.]
no subject
Thanks, Mr. Wright.
[And of course Apollo can't help grinning just like his boss, his twin bangs springing to life as he rubs his head.]
It's a simulation, but I'm still glad I was able to pull it off.
no subject
[That's what these rooms were for, right? Preparing them all for situations they would endure while on El Nysa?]
Although truth be told, I really haven't experienced a climate like this before. Even though the simulations I went through were pretty much the same. Olympia, the country I'm staying in, is a much more temperate climate. Like, it snows in the winter but it's never this bad.
No mountains either...
[And, upon thinking of how cold it was, did he begin rubbing his hands together. Breathing into them as he scooted closer to the warmth of the fire.]
You're right. Even Khura'in it wasn't this bad.
no subject
[Watching Mr. Wright sidle up to the fire is kind of amusing. Apollo stirs the fire, increasing its size just a little.]
Do you need another coat, Mr. Wright?
no subject
[....Crap.
Shuddering a little he rubbed at his own arms before looking around.]
Maybe I could do with another layer...
[He grew up in LA. This extreme cold weather is stupid.]
no subject
So Apollo takes off to find someone willing to trade a small blanket for firewood, and he returns to cover his old boss with it.]
There. It's lined with some kind of animal fur. Actually I don't think I've ever seen-a-A-
AH-CHOOO!!
[Great. Apollo might be allergic to the wildlife here.]
no subject
How are they both so darn susceptible to these holograms?]
Ah.. T-thanks...
[Oh h he really was hoping that he wouldn't get sick from all this... Again. Which was perhaps why he was quick to take the blanket from Apollo (and not at all because the kid was sneezing up a storm) and quickly wrapped it around himself.]
Man, We're both kind of hopeless with these sort of things I guess...
In the end, I suppose our lives here are nothing at all like how our lives had been back home.