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!

lednikovyy: CW (Who walks among the famous living dead)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-05 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
It breaks his heart a little to hear it. He'd been a soldier. He'd volunteered to go to war and he'd gone back again even after his first stint as a POW. The risks hadn't been a secret to him, even if the results had been horrifying. She's no soldier, barely old enough to be one even if she'd wanted to be, but he can't imagine she'd wanted that.

He's never really met anyone like him, either. In skills, yes, but not in experience. The other Soldiers had been volunteers, brutal and heartless even before they'd been a part of that program. Bucky had been a good man once. That, he's sure of, even if he's not sure what he is now.

"I won't." He takes his hand back once she lets go, curling it against his front like an injured wing. "I like my privacy, too. Safer that way, right?"
soulmakingsound: (Default)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-06 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
"Lock the door and throw away the key." It's half whispered as she traces her fingers over the articulated joints. Carefully, with the grain, like one might stroke a bird wing.

As far as she knows, no one else escaped The Academy. But it's possibly -- probable, actually, that there are graduates. Those that finished training and were sent out into the world.

Or worse, that it's a different program that does the same thing. "Hollows you out and leaves an empty shell to fill with violence and anger and hurt," she finishes out loud.
lednikovyy: CW (They never had the time)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-07 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
The look he gives her then is unmasked and so very tired. It's something he tries to clamp down on, something he tries not to let Steve or anyone else who might worry about him see, because she's right. Even with his memories back, he's still hallow and there's still so much in there that isn't Bucky and doesn't belong to him and he'd carve it all out in a heartbeat if he could, just wake up with a missing arm and no idea how he'd survived falling from the train.

"And guilt." He whispers. "When you remember what they used you for."

It's more than he'd give away to anyone else, but she understands things about him that he just can't explain, because the words mean vert little when you've experienced it. The words are empty and clinical. It's the reality that's vivid and brutal and that stays with you until you die.
soulmakingsound: (Default)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-07 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
"Sometimes you feel like a real boy. The sun shines and you feel it on your skin. Feel the ground under your feet. And it hurts so much more because you know it'll all go away again once you remember."

She curls inward, trying to hide against his chest. Like if she burrows close enough maybe somehow these two empty people will melt away and become one full one. "I wish I knew the real River. I don't know if I've met her yet."
lednikovyy: CW (Mom and Dad think you'll be saved)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
With a sad sigh, he wraps his right arm around her loosely. There's a part of him thankful that none of his sisters lived to see him like this, but that instinct he'd always had to protect and take care of all of them and Steve, too, is still there under all the extra layers. He wants so desperately to make sure no one else will ever be hurt or used the way he was and he knows he can't do that. Nothing he can say will erase her pain any more than words could erase his own, but she's not alone and he can't help feeling a kinship with her.

"The old Bucky was a good guy." He can say that now. It's easy to recognize good when you've stared into the face of evil and done its bidding. "New Bucky's surviving. You're still real, even if they changed you."

But he gets it. There's still such a distinction in his mind between Before and After. He still has moments of complete disassociation. How could he not after how much they'd fractured his mind? She's just as fractured as he is, but she's surviving, too.
soulmakingsound: ([Simon] My beautiful sister.)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-09 07:06 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. Bucky not only accepts the burrowing, but embraces her in return. It's a nice thing, and she feels safe here, against his chest. "Gēge," she decides. Big brother. Because this protectiveness comes from somewhere. Innate, in his bones in a place that they couldn't cut away from him. And she could use a big brother.

"Sometimes I feel real. I can run and play and laugh. Games of tag until we get fussed at for stomping around." A small laugh there, a little tearful. "Sometimes I feel too much to be real."
lednikovyy: CW (Come on angel don't you cry)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-11 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
There are a lot of languages Bucky speaks. A lot. So many he can't always remember and list them all. Some of them he only speaks a little, others he's fluent and free of an accent. This isn't a language he knows that well, but he understands the word, even if he can't place what language it is. Asian of some sort, he thinks, and he remembers a mission he'd been sent on that had involved working with the Triad back in the 70s.

Big brother. He'd not sure she'd meant him to understand, so he refrains from telling her about his three younger sisters, all long gone now. He'd loved them all so dearly and the thought has his heart in his throat. He can't talk about them.

"Sometimes I feel too little." Like he's not human at all.
soulmakingsound: ([upset] This isn't home.)

[personal profile] soulmakingsound 2018-07-14 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"They say it will get better. We'll heal. That it can't last forever. They can fix us.

They lie. They don't mean to lie, but they do. Because it makes them feel better about the way we are." It feels so good to be able to talk to someone about this sort of thing. Simon gets upset and the others don't understand, but this, at least, helps. Knowing she isn't alone in feeling the way she does.
lednikovyy: CW (They never had the time)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-15 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"They want us to be better." It's part of what had kept Bucky running. Steve's going to figure out that Bucky isn't the same and Bucky's not looking forward to facing that disappointment. Bucky's gotten some memories back, but he's still broken. No memories are going to fix that.

He tightens his arm around her a little. "Some days all you can do is survive, but that's okay. We're doing better than a lot of people, right?"