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 ([oslo @ ij]113)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-05 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He sits carefully, a little quirk of his lips in thanks. After two years on the run, anything clean feels nice enough to him. The station is sterile, but that doesn't bother him, either, even if it reminds him of some less kind times in his life. ]

I'm okay. I woke up a few days ago.

[ And he'd like to think he's adjusting well enough. As good as can be expected of him, really. The rug's been pulled out from under him enough times in his life that he's maybe a little too ready to accept that his life will never be the same again.

It's fine.
]

Have you been awake for a while?

[personal profile] krasnaya_vdova 2018-07-07 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
[She nods in silent acceptance, a slight touch of a smile. Honestly, she's just glad that he's back. She doesn't bring it up because for the moment at least, it feels like one of those conversations that she doesn't really know how to have. She nods, accepts his claim that he's okay.]

Mm. A few months. Well- I actually first woke up almost a year ago, but I ended up back in cryostasis for a while.

[There's a slightly uncomfortable shrug of her shoulders. It still doesn't quite sit well with her, but it's truth, so she offers it to him. She kept her memories, but not everyone does.]

But I'll tell you anything I can, if you have questions about all of this.
lednikovyy: CW (And we're all dead now)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-09 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
I think I might be too overwhelmed to know what my questions are.

[ He chuckles a little. It's mostly true. He's already gotten some answers, but what else is left to ask? ]

Do you trust them?

[ Because that's one that everyone might answer differently. Maybe those aliens have actually earned trust from some people. He doesn't know, but he's curious to find out. ]

sorry this is so late!!

[personal profile] krasnaya_vdova 2018-07-16 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
That's fine; the offer'll stand.

[And then at the question that he does ask, she quiets and considers. It takes her a moment to work out the answer.]

Sort of, I guess. There's a lot of weirdness that goes on, and they're not the most forthcoming- but I haven't seen anything that makes me think they're lying about the Storm. But when they send us back to the surface, I wouldn't assume we're getting all the pieces. They had some investment in this planet before the Storm, but I don't know the scope of that just yet.

[She sighs, shrugs her shoulders a little, and her voice softens, low words like it's hard to talk about.] Not everyone's memories are the same here. They say it's about- different universes, damage from the Storm.
lednikovyy: CW (Default)

it's okay!

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-18 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ He appreciates what feels like an honest answer, at least. It's seemingly balanced and observant. He can't expect much more from a stranger. If he has more questions, at least he has someone willing to try to answer them. ]

Sure or maybe they messed with all of our heads.

[ The shrug he gives her is casual, but he feels anything but. The idea that they might have played with his head is more than a little alarming to him. ]

[personal profile] krasnaya_vdova 2018-07-18 07:30 am (UTC)(link)
[She's quiet for a moment after those words and she sighs, her fingers fidgeting softly. When she speaks, her voice is quiet, a little rough and she pulls her knees up under her chin, looks at the wall instead of him.]

I know, I've thought about it myself. It's-- there were people that did that sort of thing back home. They'd take your memories to keep you from questioning.

[This is personal, not something about Bucky. She wouldn't share it with just anyone, but she knew him, even if he doesn't know her.] So I know it's not impossible. But with the Natha it is impossible to verify.

[Back home she'd only realized once she started to remember.]
lednikovyy: CW (Some other way to continue)

[personal profile] lednikovyy 2018-07-19 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Great.

[ He internalizes the reaction he has as much as he can, face managing to stay fairly neutral, but it's all a little too close to home for him and she not the only person here who's alluded to experiences like that, so he has no reason to question it, really. ]

So we might not be able to trust our own memories.