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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
For once in his life, Gabriel Reyes looks shocked.]
Ana?
[She's older, somehow, and he gets the feeling he's been asleep for a while, even if he's not sure how that would be the case. Missed something, somehow. It's jarring to see her like this, even if they weren't exactly young the last time he saw her--but that was just a day or so ago, wasn't it? How the hell is he supposed to keep track of what's real and what isn't, when this is what they throw at him?
The masked man is a little harder to place, but Gabriel isn't a slouch. The voice is the biggest clue, helping the rest of the puzzle pieces fit. No wonder the fighting style seemed familiar. When he speaks again, it's entirely incredulous, more concerned about the owner of the gun in his face than the actual gun in his face, his eyebrows furrowed together.]
Jack?
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Ana puts her hand on her hip and keeps her sidearm pointed at the floor. She doesn't need to hit anything vital to put Gabriel out again - the leg or the thigh or a little higher will work just fine.
Gabriel's reaction to them is instant. Genuine confusion is a novelty, so much so that she barely has anything to compare it to; even when he doesn't know something, he's good at pretending otherwise. She wants to believe that this is exactly what it looks like, but it seems too easy. There's no such thing as a second chance with no strings attached.
Granted, she did just come back from the dead.
She doesn't remember the last time he said her name or Jack's without that underlying edge of anger and malice. ]
What do you remember? When was the last time you saw us?
no subject
That doesn't mean that he has to be comfortable with it. It's true that Reyes seems genuinely shocked and confused by the situation, not that Jack can blame him. Even in all the years they've known each other, it was rare to see him like this, and that's reason enough to more heavily consider that there's not something more insidious going on. That it's just Gabriel Reyes, from six or seven years back.
It feels way too much like being given another chance, one that he doesn't deserve, and Jack is at a loss for how to deal with it. It's a good thing that Ana's taking the lead with questioning Reyes now, because Jack needs at least a few more seconds to let this all process.
They don't have to tell him what his future holds, though Jack already knows that Gabriel will do everything in his power to find out. He hates not knowing things even more than Jack does.
So he stays quiet for now, visor remaining trained on Reyes as he waits for his response. ]
no subject
Or maybe he does. Reinhardt had been distraught, asking what year it was for Gabriel, claiming that he was dead, and though it was easy enough to write it off as not real, the appearance of Jack and Ana has put it all into perspective.
They should know, however, that interrogating him isn't going to get anywhere. He's angry enough about being knocked out and tied up and questioned that he almost doesn't want to answer Ana's question out of spite. Still, he knows when he's not in a position to fight back. If giving them some kind of answer means they quit this farce and release him, he might as well expedite the process, provided he doesn't tell them too much.]
King's Row. We put down the uprising.
[We, like he needs to remind them that they're all on the same team. It occurs to him that if all of this is real, then who knows how long Jack and Ana have been here? No wonder they seem to think he's some kind of impostor.]
What the hell happened to you?
[He says it as a general question, meant for them both, but his voice is a growl and his eyes are trained on Jack, as if trying to see past the visor he's wearing.]
no subject
That was what, seven years ago? Nearly eight, if she counts their time here in Nysa. Gabriel isn't really that far behind them, but that handful of years changed everything. It puts them in a difficult position; if all of this does check out, and Gabriel doesn't know about the future... There's every reason to keep it from him for as long as possible.
Ana shakes her head. ] It's been a few years.
[ One partial answer for another.
She glances at Jack. She's at a loss too. She remembers asking him, months ago, if he thought that Gabriel had been planning to betray them all along. She supposes they get to find out, now. ]
What were you doing at Jesse's stasis unit, Gabriel?
no subject
Still, Gabriel's given them a courtesy answer, one they haven't earned. If they really are his friends from a few years in the future, they should know that he isn't about to roll over and give them what they want without a little more effort on their part.]
I'm not answering any more questions until he takes off that stupid mask.
[He sounds like Jack, and moves like him, but Gabriel isn't an idiot. Before he says anything potentially compromising, he needs to make sure that the two of them aren't compromised themselves. He needs to make sure that this really is Jack, behind that visor.
Besides, what are they going to do? Hurt him?]
no subject
Eight years. It feels like so much longer than that. Looking at Gabriel and hearing his voice is never going to stop being surreal, like looking into a warped image of the past. Is this the man he'd known? When had he stopped knowing him? When had it all gone so sour? Even now, Jack doesn't know that he'll ever get the answers to those questions.
He's pretty sure that he and Ana will be on the same page when it comes to what they'll tell Gabriel (or rather, what they won't tell him), but it's something they can discuss in more detail later.
Gabriel sets down the ultimatum that he needs to remove the visor, and Jack makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat. Already Gabriel's making demands, though he can guess that there's a practical reason for it too. He isn't going to say anything that confidential without seeing his face. The fact that Ana is here with him should be proof enough that he's Jack, but...
He glances to Ana, exchanging a look. She stares right back at him and lowers her chin slightly.
With a sigh, Jack reaches up to press in the releases on the visor, then lets the front piece drop into his hands, revealing his face. He stares Gabriel down with eyes that are just as blue as always, even if the rest of his face has aged considerably from what Gabriel will remember. The scarring doesn't help. ]
Answer the damn question.
no subject
In what way, he's not sure of yet.
Perhaps that's why he wants Jack's visor off so badly, though he's not sure what he should be preparing himself to see. He steels himself accordingly, trying to make his face as unreadable as possible as Jack finally complies. It's difficult, once he sees what's under there--undeniably Jack, but older, that poster-boy face ruined by extremely deliberate scars--at least, that's the impression he gets.
He should say something reassuring, or answer Ana's question now that he's received assurance the masked man is Jack, but that's not at all the first thing that comes to mind.]
Jesus, Morrison, who fucked you up?
[He sounds almost disappointed to have missed this.]
no subject
You should see the other guy.
[ Jack murmurs the words under his breath as he fixes the visor back into place, then lifts his head once more. It will be easier to not let on to anything if his face remains covered, now that Gabriel has seen the proof that he needs. ]
You gonna talk now?
[ They still haven't made any move to release him from his restraints, but it's seeming more and more likely that things are exactly as they appear, and this is the Gabriel Reyes from eight years ago. How the hell are they supposed to reconcile that? ]
no subject
This is, as far as she can tell, really Gabriel. Keeping him restrained seems almost trivial - not because he's any less capable now, but because Ana has no idea where they're supposed to go from here.
She exhales softly, and finally raises her own sidearm. ] You can go back to drooling into your collar, if that's what you prefer, but I can't guarantee that we'll wait around for you to finish your nap.
no subject
That is more than enough for his voice to become a snarl.]
I don't know what you think I'm gonna say.
[Why he was at McCree's tank? Why wouldn't he be? It was the first familiar face he'd found after being told the Earth was destroyed. The bigger question is what they think he's hiding--that they think he's enough of a threat, somehow, to tie him up and hold him at gunpoint.]
I should be asking you what this is all about.
no subject
He willfully misinterprets Gabriel's words for now. ]
It's pretty much what you've already been told. Earth is gone. So are a lot of other planets, which you probably guessed based on the sheer number of people in stasis.
[ Jack decides to give Gabriel information with the intent of making him more forthcoming. This isn't anything that other people couldn't tell him, if he asked around. ]
Wilhelm and Oxton are both awake, like us. McCree and Dr. Ziegler were, but they went back into stasis close to a year ago.
[ With nothing said about Reaper's short stint, of course. ]
no subject
If this is sort of thing is the most unexpected part of the day, it's almost lucky. This place plays by rules that we're far from understanding - we have to be sure.
[ It's almost an explanation; a half-truth.
If Jack wants to cut him loose, she's not going to stop him. ]
no subject
[What Gabriel really means is you know that's not what I meant, and his voice is cold. This is not a satisfactory answer, mostly because it's nothing he couldn't have figured on his own. What he really wants to know is why two of his closest friends reacted to his appearance by knocking him out and tying him up, then refused to be forthcoming about why, once they determined he was the real deal.
But he isn't going to make much progress while they're working in tandem. Better to let some of this go and find them separately later, though it's hard not to feel the sting of all this--that Jack and Ana have been compromised somehow, and that Gabriel is unable to trust the only two people he'd want to trust. When he regards them again, there's something dark in his expression.]
I'm not stupid, Morrison.
[It's an explicit warning, one he knows they won't miss. The look on his face makes it evident that he knows they're withholding the truth from him, and people don't hide things from Gabriel Reyes and get away with it. Jack should know that better than anyone.]
I'm a little insulted. Are you gonna untie me?
no subject
It's not like they have any other way to test it, though, and so after a moment of hesitation, he moves over to yank the pipes out of place and give Gabriel the ability to move. Being so close to him makes the hair on the back of his neck stand on end and causes his shoulders to tense, and that's not bound to change any time soon.
He steps back and nods, indicating that Gabriel can stand without risking getting punched in the face or sleep darted.
What Gabriel doesn't know is that months ago, he'd traveled through these halls like a ghost. He can't know, even if that's what would make him understand their caution. ]
For the moment, all of us are stuck up here on this Station. Take the chance to get the hang of things -- it won't be long before we're thrown into something.
[ No doubt Gabriel's already caught sight of Ysevrai. ]
no subject
To clean up someone else's mess, you mean?
[Jack's tension is almost palpable, and Gabriel crosses his arms in turn, nudging one of the bent pipes with his boot.]
no subject
We should get going, Jack. [ They don't really have anywhere to be, but it's clear that the discussion is tabled for now, and she doesn't see any point in all of them standing around posturing at each other. They don't really have any information on Ysevrai that Gabriel can't easily find around the station, and the information about him isn't something they're going to part with - at least not right here and now.
Gabriel might not be willing to be the first to back out of this conversation, but Ana doesn't have any such reservations about defusing the situation. She needs time to take all of this in, and she doesn't doubt that Jack feels the same way. Maybe Gabriel does too. ]
no subject
All right. [ Jack starts for the door, but it's hard not to send a long, lasting stare back at Gabriel as he does so. He knows how confused Reyes must be by how they've handled his arrival, and it feels strange to be cutting their conversation so short, but all of them need some time to process. This is for the best.
Jack opens the door, motioning Ana out of the room and leaving Reyes with his thoughts. He suggests they return to one of their rooms; they definitely need to talk somewhere privately about all of this. ]