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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
I would rather be thorough and not leave any body un-described. Then others may forget they are here and not tend to them.
[ And she would hate to see any of these bodies forgotten simply because no one recognized them. What if whoever is in charge decides to abandon them altogether? She can't have that weighing on her conscience. ]
No, I can do this. We can at least supply some basic descriptions. This one looks a bit like Vaike but with lighter skin and a bit of stubble.
[ She jots that down dutifully before glancing at Henry. ]
If we split up, we can get the entire section done, though it would be more efficient if there were more of us.
[ Where did everyone else go? Is she the only one apprehensive about shirking off her duties? Besides, busy work keeps her from panicking about their current situation. ]
no subject
[Cordelia's reason for remaining steadfast with the task at hand resonates with Henry somehow, as though he's on the verge of understanding the importance of the job to her or to somebody. It's so much easier seeing these people as just people that should eventually get the recognition from the right person in time, none of his business, but what about those who will be overlooked? Henry looks down the row. And beyond.
...Yeah, it's easier to keep in his own easygoing mindset. Thinking about it the way Cordelia does is a bit much, but he'll humor her ambitions. At the very least, Henry notes the sheer weight of the burden she's tasking herself with and resolves to help.]
Are you sure about doing this...? [Henry stands on his tip-toes to look at the Vaike-lookalike, then allows his gaze to skim the row again.] Because that seems like a LOT of work. I mean, it would go by twice as fast if you had a helping hand, but it's still a huuuge undertaking. Have you SEEN this place?
no subject
[ This is her first time walking through here, after all. She hadn't quite gauged just how far these strange caskets stretch onwards, though now that she tries to peer around them, she suddenly realizes how daunting the task is. Certainly too much for one person, but she doesn't want to force anyone to work with her, especially if they have other preoccupations. Just how many of these can she go through in a day? ]
If I start now, I might be able to finish in a few weeks, but who knows how long we'll be here?
[ She can't be the only one concerned with those in slumber, but she doesn't see anyone else lingering close by, taking vigorous notes. ]
No, I can't be discouraged. Even if it's just me, it won't get done otherwise.
[ And she can't think of herself at a time like this. She's far from the only one who's been spirited away from her homeland, and others might be relying on these notes to find their loved ones. ]
no subject
You asked me if I'd seen any of the others when I first saw you. Don't you wanna find them first? You're getting in over your head, if you ask me.
[He doesn't really need to ask. Even he would rather find a familiar face: Tharja, Virion, Miriel, Ricken, anyone would be one more person accounted for. To find them all takes commitment, but he's up to the task. He can only imagine how badly Cordelia would like to find those who she's close with. So he'll play the devil's advocate.]
We could just go on a little tour, see if we can find some of the Shepherds, then get back to taking notes on people's cool scars and fascinating features. Hey, I'll even help you! But I think that while some folks would really appreciate the work you're doing, nobody'd mind if you took a moment to look for the people you care about.
no subject
You're right. I should worry about our friends and comrades first and work on this later. I guess I do have a habit of focusing too much on the minor details...
[ And missing the bigger picture. Considering how she'd lectured others on priorities, she should know better, but this is no time to be kicking herself down. ]
Come on, let's keep looking for them. I think I saw someone who looked a bit like Lon'qu a few rows back. Same scowl, same shaggy hair.
[ Still no sign of their leader, but she's clinging desperately to hope at the moment while trying not to appear as though he's the first one she's looking for out of all of them. ]
no subject
[Henry's glad she came around, not only because it means that she'll get to do some looking for herself, but because it means he can go hunting for people he knows all while remaining in the company of Cordelia. Triple bonus! Looking around alone starts to get lonely and dreary, seeing unfamiliar faces row after row. He nearly skips at her side.]
So Lon'qu, few rows back. Roger. Hey, how are we supposed to keep track of all of these containers, anyway? If we find Lon'qu once, what if that's the last time we ever do because this place is sooooo huge?
no subject
[ Just not complete which is a problem. She can't sleep well knowing the others aren't here with them and might be in some kind of danger. At least, if she were to find them here, she'd have some peace of mind that they're alive in some fashion even if she's not quite sure how these strange beds work. ]
And I believe that's what the notes are for. So we can identify them and be able to find them again as much as we need to.
[ She pauses near another stasis unit and cups her hands around her eyes. ]
Is it me or does this look like Anna? Or perhaps one of her sisters...
[ How can she even tell? They all look so much alike that she could never pick out the subtle variations that Anna claims they have, even with her own keen observation skills. ]
Or maybe that's Anna... how many sisters does she have again?
no subject
That's definitely Anna. [A pause.] I think.
[Annas are a perplexing issue, one he doesn't want to dwell on for too long. He knows best the Anna that joined the Ylisseans, and the rest of them all just deny being her. But at the same time, shopkeepers and traveling merchants who also bear the same name claim to be just sisters, yet are so strikingly similar! Same love for money, same peppy attitude. If only they could just ask her, Henry thinks, just to get some clarification on the matter... Suddenly, he jolts back from the window and bounces excitedly.]
Oh, I know! Maybe we could go out and earn loads and loads of cash and leave it in front of her, like an offering, and see if that wakes her up. The sweet smell of coin would surely do the trick, and she'd be fighting for freedom quicker than Risen summoned by a Reeking Box. Then, we could ask her who she is! Genius, right?
no subject
[ She didn't exactly come here with an arm load of supplies, weapons, or materials. As it is, she just has a few vulneraries, none of which would fetch that high of a coin at the moment. Not enough to wake their sleeping comrade. ]
I suppose we could sell our services? But that doesn't seem like something Chrom would adhere to. He always wanted the Shepherds to serve and protect the people of the land without any recompense.
[ And she'd sooner give her left arm up than go against his wishes, but she does have another plan- ]
Did you bring any coins with you? If not... we can simulate the sounds of a full coin purse and jiggle it by her casket to see if she stirs.
[ It's not the greatest of plans, but it's the only one she has at the moment. How else are they going to get their friend out of there? ]
no subject
[The pendants on Henry's shoulder piece are something metal, but as he moves, they don't seem to make the right sound. He makes a lopsided face, one pinched in thought.]
Weeeell, so we can't protect people for money, according to Chrom... But what about doing other things? Like... say, Cordelia! You knit a mean scarf. Remember the one you gave me? [He points to himself, excited.] I bet people would pay money for those. It doesn't HAVE to be serving as someone's personal body guard for it to earn your keep.
no subject
That would take quite a lot yarn and time to make. We have more pressing matters to address at the moment, and where would even find that much wool yarn on this vessel?
[ She hadn't seen any sheep casually loitering around anywhere, so spooling her own wool yarn is out of the question as well. ]
I think we would simply have to find someone with a full coin purse from their own world and ask to borrow it to test out our theory.
[ And she stresses the word borrow because she knows where Henry's mind will jump to first. That Gaius is a bad influence all around. ]
no subject
How many people do you think are going to let some strangers borrow their savings, especially with the tale we have to explain ourselves with? Unless we chance upon some gullible type, not many. But I like the idea, and I'm sure I could make it work with some... creative problem-solving. I'd just need a small clipping of their hair, that's it.
[Henry contemplates the ways he could come to an Agreement with an otherwise disagreeable but rich shipmate.]
They couldn't say we tricked them when they snap out of a curse with their money totally accounted for, now, could they?
no subject
How about we leave hexes as a last resort?
[ They don't know how long they will be here, and she wants to cause as little trouble as possible. Besides, there's no telling what people here are capable of. ]
I doubt you're the only one with any mastery of magic aboard this vessel. You may end up the one being hexed first.
[ But that brings them back to not having a plan to rouse Anna. She doesn't want to feel defeated so soon, but what more can they do with limited resources? ]
It may be best if we find those in charge and make a case to have our comrades release. They'd undoubtedly be a great contribution to their cause.
no subject
Looks like we'll just have to jot this container down on your map and call it a day for this mysterious Anna. I mean, until we either get loaded with gold, oooor until they release them in an act of goodwill.
[Henry pauses for a moment before turning back to Cordelia.]
Say. Why do you think we were picked, and not... I dunno. Chrom, or someone like that?
no subject
At least, with Henry, one could argue that his skill in magic is vital even if he's not the most responsible with it nor the soundest of mind. Still, she does trust him, and others will come to do so as well with enough time. ]
Who could say what their intentions are? But if they wanted suitable warriors, they would have taken us all. Chrom would never recruited anyone into the Shepherds that he didn't personally believe in.
[ Even from the humblest of villagers to the most seasoned of veterans. She doesn't think either of them have more worth than the other. ]
Maybe we were simply the ones who woke first, and the others will come to join soon. At least, once we note down where all of them are, we can return to check on them regularly and wait for them.
no subject
That's good enough for him. He nods.]
Then I guess we'd better get to work on taking note of our sleeping comrades! There's, what? At LEAST thirty-five more of us? [He does a vague tally in his head, but by no means an accurate count. That's just too many people to count for the sake of conversation. He sighs.] Sheesh. That's a lot of bodies to discover in this not-graveyard... It really is gonna take a while to find 'em all.
no subject
[ It's better than pushing him if he's all out of sorts due to their current circumstance. She understands that feeling too, barely holding it together and trying to keep a brave front for the sake of her comrades.
However, in the absence of their leader, someone has to keep everyone on task. Well, someone that's not always Frederick, and that means knowing when to keep going and when to rest. She has the energy to look through a few more caskets, so she'll power through then return to exploring the rest of the station. ]
Will you be all right? I know you don't like to admit your troubles and prefer to get creative with solving them but don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
[ Advice she should take herself more often, but it's too late. It's out of her mouth. She beat him to it. ]