![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
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 —
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! |
i'm amused bc she knew the prior noctis for a bit but old noct looks different
[She has some idea of what he's really asking, which is as much a relief as anything else has proven today.]
For some time, no one has woken. That it's happening again is probably good, or better than expected in the face of everything else.
maybe he'll shave at some point
I guess... sometimes better than expected is... all you can ask for.
[He doesn't sound thrilled about it.]
It... none of this seems real.
[The storm, the pods, the dragon, any of this. He's trying not to think about it too much because it feels too much like failure, but it's hard not to.]
no subject
[It still doesn't feel all the way real for Krile, despite some recent and very real danger.
Something about him rather feels melancholy; she looks up at him with a more open consideration, and less scrutiny of the cunning sort.]
Even under the best of circumstances, knowing you can't go home again is rather impossible to just give in to believing.
no subject
He finally had gone home. Well... to what was left of it. He tried so hard to save it. He did everything that was asked of him, and still...]
... yeah. I guess.
[His voice is thick and unsteady. He doesn't want to believe it.]
no subject
Her eyes are clear, but a bit distant, studying his face.]
You did everything right. And for what?
[Then, with a soft shake of her head, she seems to break free of it. That hasn't happened in a while.]
no subject
Are you --
[reading his thoughts? No, she's probably just really insightful. Maybe. Maybe she is psychic. After everything else today, he wouldn't be all that amazed. It's just... surprising in the moment.
Noctis swallows and looks away again.]
... yeah.
[For what, indeed? Even if she vocalized it, he can't quite bring himself to. It's too near and too painful, especially in the shadow of that pitiful dragon and the destruction that apparently was almost wrought here too.]
no subject
And she has no patience for them, either.
Krile clears her throat with purpose and crosses her arms.]
So that's it? Give your all for your world and wither when it seems like it was for nothing?
[She has the best of intentions. This man seems made of sterner stuff than many others she knows who have patched the holes in their hearts and managed to go forward. Krile included.]
It isn't easy to have nothing left behind you but looking at what's left before you is a good start.
no subject
But no one's depending on him anymore. Not really. And even if they were, he didn't fail - at least, not that he knows of - at what was asked of him, at what he was born and chosen to do. It's just... what was asked of him was apparently not enough, and he can't help the shock and bewilderment and the loss. To die painfully for hope only for that hope to turn out to be hollow and to be brought back from that edge and thrust into this strange, new world and then be told not to look back...?
Resentment bubbles up in his chest, while grief swells behind his eyes, and he clenches his jaw and his fists, broken fingernails digging into calloused palms. The childish part of him wants to rail about how unfair it all is. He swallows down that whining at least, but he can't help the bitter pain that laces his words when he does respond.]
And what's left? Another half-ruined world that some asshole tried to destroy out of spite? It's just more of the same. What's going to make this any different?
[He doesn't want to see somewhere else be destroyed. He doesn't want any more lives lost that don't need to be. No more sacrifices. No more deaths. But here they are, with that wretched thing keening int heir ears.]
no subject
She knows better, really.]
Sorry. [And apologies aren't easy to get out of her, but it might not take any whispers of the soul to see how torn up he is.] If that isn't the same question we've all been struggling with these last days.
[She had a hard time coming to terms with the loss of Hydaelyn. Hells, she's having a hard time still.
Krile shakes her head and clears her throat a bit.]
Turning each other into enemies would be a terrible start. [So she bows just a little and offers a hand.] Krile Baldesion, who has just soundly put her foot in the problem and made it worse.
no subject
Still, he hesitates a moment before reaching down to take her small hand.]
It's... fine. Um... Noctis Lucis Caelum, who just... needs some time.
no subject
[Pleasure, Noctis, says her inner voice, but, what?]
Noctis? Are you sure? The Noctis who's friends with Prompto?
[And yet...now he's said it, it is rather undeniably him. The eyes are his, for certain. Gods. What happened, then? That he should look so burdened, and come in here with thoughts of the end of the world as though it was a foregone conclusion?
The dragon's whispers seem to pick up in intensity and Krile flinches, very nearly turning to the screen again.]
What...what say you to a bit of a walk? [A hard, dry swallow.] Somewhere not here.
no subject
She... knows him?
This is going to get awkward fast if it keeps happening. First, it was Prompto telling him he'd been here before, and Noct is still reeling a little from all of that information. And now actually meeting someone he doesn't know that apparently he does know and
does the beard really make him look that different?
He's very glad she suggests they move, and he nods mechanically.]
I - uh. Yeah. To both. All of the above.
[She'll have to lead though because he doesn't remember / know his way around here yet. ]
no subject
And it isn't really the beard. Not by itself. He looks less untested. Harder things have happened to him than to the person he was at Prompto and Alisaie's wedding, for example.
Krile nods to cement her decision to leave and makes haste for the exit.]
Have you spoken with Prompto yet, by the way? He's about here somewhere. [Her hand comes up to touch her chin in thought.] He ought not come in here and experience Ysverai this way, though.
no subject
Yeah. We had lunch. He got me kind of caught up and then left to find, uh, his... wife.
[Damn that is so weird to think about still? Weird and cool? And Noctis wants to meet her, especially after Prompto gushed about her.
Anyway, and then Noctis tried to follow Prompto's pointer about where he should go to meet them, and he got lost on the way, but he leaves this part out.]
no subject
Alisaie.
[The smile quickly turns a little fierce and a little affectionate tease as they finally clear the awful observation room.]
I was just as surprised. Apparently it's been building for an entire year.
[She looks up at Noctis with a soft sigh.]
He's been through quite a lot recently. I understand you know him better than anyone else.
[So, while she won't go into too many details, he at least ought to know that Prompto is struggling with big things.]
no subject
He's my best friend.
[Noct would do just about anything for him, but in the end he doesn't really know what would be helpful. He supposes it's his turn to stick by Prompto's side.]
... I wish I could remember this place. He told me some of what's happened, and I guess I was there for some of it but I...
no subject
[She actually looks just a touch sheepish.]
It isn't something I know much about. My world lacks such technology, and even if it exists somewhere, I've not had the exposure nor the chance to study it.
[Though she would not put it past the Garleans to look into just such a thing, or the Allagans to have invented it ages ago, and have it buried along with the rest of the fallen empire. Truth be told, she dislikes the stasis room most of the time, both for the plight of her friends and the shadowy memories it stirs.]
Perhaps it shall come back to you after some time passes.
no subject
[He lets out his breath in a heavy sigh.]
... I guess, even if not, at least Prompto has, like, a billion pics.