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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! |
Clean Up Crew
I mean, sure, but I don't think we're meant to be socking anything.
[ He begins flicking switches quickly, and the control panels begin lighting up and responding to him. ]
Did you do the simulations? Using them for clean-up is reasonably safe right now but I'd not necessarily rate myself a better teacher than the real tutorials -- and this does require a little bit of trust. Also, I'm not looking to run up a repair bill here.
[ He's just saying. ]
no subject
No, I was just--
[Bad jokes.]
I promise, I'm not trying to do more damage. I saw the, um. [It'd been difficult to look at the images of what had happened and TJ wasn't looking to cause more pain.] I think I understand how it works.
[Mostly.]
no subject
[ John is all about bad jokes, but you've got to be careful when operating heavy machinery like this. He wouldn't put it past someone to climb in with no idea what they're doing. ]
So, since we're about to become best friends -- my name is John Sheppard, and I guess I will be your designated pilot for this evening. Please keep your arms and legs inside the giant mech suit at all times, and voice any concerns before the kick-start system begins.
no subject
TJ Johansen. Did you say your 'allocated tolerance for being on fire'? [Her mind goes (very briefly) to the images she'd seen.] You were there?
[She gives him a look over, as if any outstanding injuries might still be visible.] Should you be here?
no subject
I'm not on fire any more, so, yes?
[ Actually, visible patches of his skin are weirdly... paler than others in splotches. They don't exactly look like burns, just like a weird skin pigment issue.
This is because they were burns until they were healed. Oops? Really he's fine now though. ]
no subject
She's still getting the hang of not actively having to take care of everyone around her, which is odd.]
Sorry. [TJ lifts a shoulder with her apology and turns back toward the console.] Still getting the hang of not having to take care of everyone around-- [She motions between them with a finger.] I came from a place with no actual doctor, just me. [Another look, this time with a smile.] Sorry. But I'm glad you're not on fire anymore.
[Okay, her hands and arms are inside the mech. She's ready.]
no subject
Or something. ]
Yeah I'm pretty glad about that too, it wasn't a fun experience.
[ On the other hand, TJ is apparently also new and... concerned about people being on fire and... that means maybe this is a bad idea. ]
Listen, if you know how these things work you know it's gonna... dump all our memories together, right? There is a chance you will get all my being on fire ones, so... if you're... concerned -- which, by the way, is pretty valid -- I can find you someone else to help you pilot this.
[ It's possible John mostly wanted to do something and hadn't considered the person he synchronised with would... not already have fiery memories if they were new. ]
no subject
Also, she wasn't his mother.
But he was apparently her best bet for a pilot to run the mech and, when it came to sharing memories, TJ had a few of her own that he might not be prepared for - losing the Icarus base, being stranded in space, being shot while pregnant. Still, if he was willing, she was. She felt a need to help where she could and this was it.]
No one's memories are happy all the time. [Her expression is encouraging.] Including mine. It might get a little rough on both sides.
no subject
When you say no actual doctor, just you...?
[ What does that make you, TJ? Nurse of some sort? EMT? Fill in the blanks a little, here. ]
no subject
[She tilts her head.] And you're... a pilot?
no subject
We should probably start again.
[ He moves away from the controls and holds out a hand to her, tilts his head. ]
Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, I flew with the PJs in Afghanistan.
[ Pararescue. This makes him a professional Rescue Ranger. No singing. ]
no subject
[It really is and the fact that she's impressed shows on her face.] I joined the Air Force as a way to pay for medical school which I didn't quite get a chance to do before... [Her gaze wanders around.] All this. The storm.
[Also, the base coming under attack, being stranded on Destiny, never being able to set foot on Earth again, etc.]
no subject
Please, TJ, for everyone's sake. Stop.
He flicks a playful smile, gives her hand a firm shake before letting it drop and shoving his hands into his pockets. ]
You had much nobler intentions than I did.
[ He joined as a form of rebellion, then discovered he actually liked it. ]
On the bright side, I can promise you that medical school fees here are nonexistent so far.
[ So, you know, swings and roundabouts? ]
no subject
It was a means to an end. I've always wanted to help people. Life sometimes has it's own little way of sidetracking us. [And then:] They have a medical school here?
no subject
[ He holds a grudge after that. Which, really, he doesn't think anyone can blame him for. ]
no subject
I'm sorry, did you say they stabbed you? [There's a tilt of her head as she continues.] And followed it up with an attempt at necromancy?
[Maybe she'll just wait on med school. Also, who wouldn't hold a grudge?]
no subject
The dragon used to be dead.
[ That's the necromancy bit. ]
Also, it was my arm. I think they were trying to disarm me, but unfortunately for them I have experience not letting go of weapons.
[ You ever realise your life story makes you sound like a disaster? Yikes. It was definitely not his fault all this happened! Does he need to clarify that, he wonders. ]
no subject
Is that unfortunately for them or unfortunately for you? [She can't help it. After all, he's the one on the bad end of a stabbing. But she gives him half a smile when she asks it because, well. 'Experience not letting go of weapons'?] You are the one who got stabbed.
no subject
Probably both, experience is what got me in the middle of the trouble.
[ He feels tired all over again just thinking about it. ]
There are a lot of... civilians here. The ones who aren't tend to be a mix of different skill sets and all of us are pretty sure we know better than everyone else.
[ So, you know, probably a Thursday for TJ. ]
no subject
[Even with civilians, unfortunately, at least from what she's seen.]
Colonel, how long have you been here?
no subject
This'll be my fourth month now. First month was nice, got invited to a party and everything. Went downhill from there.
[ Into stabbings and dragons, apparently. ]
no subject
As thankful as I am for all this... [A motion to the mech and the mess.] I'm sorry I missed the party.
[Is she kidding? She might be kidding.]
no subject
[ Snacks are still not worth being on fire. ]
Also, very strong alcohol.
[ We're not talking about how absolutely disgustingly drunk he got, unwittingly. ]
no subject
But she quirks a brow, that smile coming back.]
Alcohol and snacks. Sounds like quite the shingdig. [After a breath, she continues her (very light) line of questioning.] Can I ask where you're from?
no subject
[ This is in fact a pretty notable nasally West Coast accent he's got going on, and it seems like it's genuine. ]
Though I've not exactly been back for a while. You know, travelling for work.
[ Being stationed in obscure parts of different galaxies. ]
(no subject)