❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE -- the overflow.

[natha]

THE PROLOGUE     Your sleep on the night of the 15th is not a restful one, unfortunately. It’s unclear whether you are in a state of half-wakefulness, or dreaming. The voices you hear certainly sound very real. What is it, Sael? —Is everyone asleep?! Every one, yes. Sael, it appears you do not have good news to deliver...? N-No! I don’t know how it slipped past us, but there’s something powerful coming this way. Something hostile. I can barely keep the core systems online! ... I don't know what to do... I see... and we cannot protect Thesa and Alria in addition to transferring the Refugees to Olympia. This force, they waited for this moment. They knew I have been Intervening, and that I have become weak from such Interventions— ... We've been had. It cannot be helped. To save the Refugees on the Stations, we must eject the awoken unto El Nysa. My remaining energy shall go into shielding Thesa— left defenseless, every being we have saved on this station will perish... Sael, where is the ideal location for the landing? Hmm. There aren’t any people within a ten mile radius of The Outlook, and there shouldn’t be any for a few more days. I think that’s the best location right now. Very well. Instruct Zasere and Roman to begin preparations for an emergency eject. This is the only way we can save everyone. I am counting on you to ward off the enemy on the space front. The rest... is up to our Refugees. The alarms are blaring. It shouts against your eardrums, calling you to wake again. This time, you are in new pod, strapped down completely and cushioned tightly against the walls. In truth, you had no idea when you’d gone to sleep, but it is reminiscent of when you had been saved from the force of the Storm. A voice greets you when you come to, while the conversation between Darma and Sael is still fresh on your mind. Despite their voices playing like an old tune in your memory, you still know it is something that happened. Something has gone terribly wrong. You hear Darma speak, her voice loud in your head. Fellow Refugee, I wake you with regrettable news. A force equal to our own is attempting to engage Thesa, no doubt to steal the souls contained here. My energy is near depleted with this last Intervention, so I cannot send you to the grounds safely as originally intended. However, there is hope yet.This power shall instead shield Thesa and Alria — and believe in me when I swear no one shall be hurt. Your loved ones are safe with us. —Unfortunately, that is at your expense. Your descent will not be an easy one. This pod that contains you shall pierce through El Nysa's atmosphere and land you on an island west of Olympia, simply called The Outlook. Travel east. Find the West Outpost, then continue east until you find the Olympian North Gate. There is a method to this madness. You shall be sent in waves. The inhumanly strong shall be first. The parachute will soften the landing, but I am aware of all your capabilities. The first wave will survive the drop, and will work tirelessly to secure the others. Find your bearings, and ensure the safety of the second wave. They are the healers and medics. Catch their pods, ease their landings, make certain that they shall not be harmed, because you will need them for your wounds. The third wave are your strongmen. They shall help clear the debris and take people to safety, making way for the fourth wave, those can conjure magic to help. Bring everyone to a safe distance. A supply drop will follow soon after; it shall contain tents and tools that will be useful for the long night. The fifth and sixth waves are largely vulnerable humans. With your combined efforts, you shall survive this great misfortune. Forgive us, Refugee. Leave the Moons to us, my promise to you is still in tact— focus on what you can do for others like you. Helping at least two (2) Refugees will earn you one (1) Natha REP. Threads must be AC length to qualify, and can be submitted HERE by JULY 31st. THE DESCENT     FIRST WAVE. The instructions are clear. Those who are a part of the First Wave should be equipped with physical strength and fortitude to survive the drop or the power to regenerate and heal their own wounds. While the pods are already designed to cushion some of the impact, as this is the first group, it will likely to be the most jarring. In all of the waves, some of the pods will malfunction and offer no cushion at all. They will be expected to quickly find their bearings. Their mission isn’t simply just landing, after all. The first wave will be expected to help the next wave, and the wave after that. Whether through their abilities or brute strength, they will be expected to help soften the landing for those who are falling. They will also be expected to pry open hatches, carry people to safety, and to just... survive. It’s not always easy being first. SECOND WAVE. Within the next hour, it’s time for the Second Wave to make their descent. You were selected based upon your aptitude for healing and/or being able to administer first aid. Perhaps you can help the tired and weary. Maybe those who have landed have have strength, but no stamina. Either way, it may be unwise to exhaust all their abilities at once. The night is long, and you may want to conserve their energy for the next waves to come. At least you’ll have help in getting settled. THIRD WAVE. Akin to the First Wave, the Third Wave will possess some durability, and some manner of strength, making you a reliable ally. Especially in a time of crisis... Or so we hope. While the landing is tough, and some of you may need first aid. As soon as you’re all healed up, you’ll have no time to dawdle. Your help is required. “Please help those still trapped in pods. Carry those unconscious to safety. Lift debris, and rescue all you can.” May be a vague message still stuck in the back of your head. Something whispered to you while you were just waking. Well, might as well roll with it. It’s the best shot you have, after all. FOURTH WAVE. Those in the Fourth Wave, as Darma projects, were selected due to the versatility of their abilities. No one expects one man to do the same as the next. Rather, that’s precisely the point: to be different. To be able to accomplish something unique. While one individual may be blessed with powers that assist in putting out fires, another may have the ability to shield those from oncoming debris. Maybe one even has the ability to channel all of these. Regardless, it’s up to you and your quick wits to see what tasks are open. It’ll take some coordination, especially as there are more people mixing into the fray, but, you can do it, can’t you? FIFTH WAVE. If you are in the Fifth Wave it is likely that you have a specific power or ability. One that isn’t easily channeled or called upon. Or, perhaps, you were merely placed here for insurance. Whatever the case if, your expertise will presently be put to the test. Maybe you’re quite proficient in survival skills, and you’re already eyeing the supplies that were dropped between the Fourth Wave and now. Goods all ready to be salvaged. Okay, maybe some can’t, but as they say, “it’s the thought that counts.” Besides, the injured from earlier certainly need a space to rest, and camp isn’t going to make itself. Regardless, maybe you feel more comfortable joining in the efforts to assist those who still require it. Whatever it is, you are sure to find your place and use. Darma obviously held the same faith. FINAL WAVE. The Final Wave is fortunate in a variety of ways. With Thesa Station a bit more stabilized, Darma utilizes the last bit of her powers in insuring that these last remaining pods are met with the softest landing, right beside the fifth, that is. The fragility of life is nothing she is unfamiliar with, after all. Still, that isn’t to say nothing is expected of you. Most of the individuals that have dropped earlier will likely be exhausted. An hour stretched between each one, makes several hours for the first couple of waves. They'll need a place to relax. You will act as the final group of helpers. Settle into whatever role feels best for you. Are you an excellent cook? Great at rationing supplies? Perhaps, you have a secret skill in ______ that might come in handy here? Or, maybe, despite the gentler landing you still managed to get hurt. The sky's the limit, and you got this! Meanwhile, in the distant kingdom of Olympia, the Empress and her loyal subject discuss matters late into the night... I’ll have the results of that dragon toxin study ready for you soon, Your Highness. I just need a few helpers to— oh wow, is that a meteor shower? Oh yes, it appears so. How beautiful.. hehe. Let us thank Thesa for this blessing. GATHER YOUR BEARINGS     All in all, the descent lasts for nearly seven hours. After the deployment of the last wave of refugees, it’s only natural that you may be feeling pretty worn out. A. Within the remains of the pods, Refugees will find basic camping supplies such as small tents, sleeping bags, and compasses. Not all of the supplies remain intact, thanks to the impact of the crash. But, sharing resources will ensure there is enough for everyone to rest for the night. Can you really in good conscience leave that stranger next to you without shelter? B. Although you may be tired after such a life-threatening ordeal, there is still work to be done to ensure your survival. Fortunately, it works out because now there are plenty of empty hands. There are stray debris and metal parts that should be collected and disposed of. There's firewood that needs to be collected, and campfires to upkeep. The nights in the Outlook are particularly chilly, and so it will be imperative to keep warm! C. Your clothes are tattered or too bloodied to sleep on with comfortably. Fortunately, Darma thought ahead. There will be various types of clothing provided, mostly robes that resemble her own in earthy tones, all to help them camouflage you for your next big adventure. FINAL OOC NOTE     This INTRO event will be broken up into three parts! Please keep this in mind when plotting your threads/tag load. PART 3 Will be up on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. We will not provide an additional CAPTCHA for this overflow. Players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals in the event this overflow gets close to CAPTCHA. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. The NETWORK is currently down, as Sael must concentrate all of his efforts on warding off the invading force. Characters may still message each other's personal IC inboxes. Submit two (2) AC-eligible threads from this log for one (1) Natha Orbiter REP point here by JULY 31ST. Recommended Listening: Alex & TOKYO Rose PART ONE | PART ONE (overflow) | PART TWO | PART THREE QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

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Rogue

[song_of_ice]

[Her name was strange, but not as odd as her level of informality. While it existed at the Wall, it wasn't often he came across a woman who spoke to him so freely right away. There was one, but...no, he wouldn't think of Ygritte. Not now and not here in the open.

He manages a crooked smile, uncertain but glad to see her so willing to talk to him, as an equal or otherwise.]

I don't think the shock has worn off.

[For most at least. She was managing rather well, smiling and offering affectations.

The taste of the meat reminded him of something, but he couldn't quite place it. Not chicken, but not horse either. Whatever it was, it was tasty enough that he helped polish off half of her plate.]

I keep waiting to hear wolves in the forest. I wonder how long it will take to grow used to this place.

[theycalledmeacurse]

[ Once he gets to know her, Jon will probably think everything about Rogue is strange, and she wouldn't disagree. She's well aware she's never been the typical woman, not afraid of speaking her mind or standing up to those stronger than herself while still being the picture of politeness she'd been brought up to be. And in these ways, at least, she relished being different and surprising. ]

I don't know that I'll ever be used to it, but at the same time it doesn't bother me.

[ It's an honest statement, and when Jon knows her better, he'll understand that it's not so much that she's been managing well, but that she's learned to put up a strong front and hide her pain and struggles. She's lived her entire life this way and she's about to become a burden to others now with her tumultuous emotions and fears. Things were going to be better here, she'd make sure of it.

She looks at him before glancing away, turning her gaze to the flames. ]

My world was at war, before-- all of this. It was destroying itself. Cities were burnt to the ground, people were... dead, for the most part. [ There's a little shrug then, as if she were trying to physically shake off the memories of those years. ] Seeing so many people alive in one place is-- kind of overwhelming, actually. But it's better than the alternative.

[song_of_ice]

[He wishes he can come to term with it that quickly or easily. The loss of his world and his failure only put a further strain on his guilty conscience. There was a time he was willing to walk away from everything, but that had been put to rest and he was committed to the fight...only for that fight to be ended by outside forces.

He rubbed his hands over his eyes, giving a long sigh.]

You make it sound so easy.

[How could anyone not be bothered? He couldn't understand, but he suspected there was more to this than she cared to reveal. He wouldn't press or pry, but hope that maybe he could at least find a measure of peace as she had.

She could be describing his world as well. Even without the Long Night, many villages had been destroyed...and the disturbing news about the Sept...]

I understand.

[He looked at her, seemingly aged beyond his years.]

It seems like this world will be no better. Another battle to fight, another war to wage.

[theycalledmeacurse]

[ It would honestly surprise her if many others were able to so quickly accept the loss of their homes and move on from it. The loss of an entire world, the places they'd known all their lives, of course it would take a toll on anyone. She's the exception, as always, and it's everything before that loss that still weighs on her soul and likely always will.

She turns to face him more fully, taking in that look he suddenly had, one she knows so well. She's worn it herself for years, after all. ]

If it's a war worth fighting, that's all the matters.

[ Her war shouldn't have happened. Her people shouldn't have been hunted, murdered for merely existing. Wars for territory, for resources? Those were pointless and shouldn't happen at all, in her opinion. Wars for the sake of saving lives? Those are the ones worth fighting.

After a moment of hesitation, she reaches over with her free hand to gently touch his shoulder, a light weight she hopes will offer a small measure of comfort. ]

Nothing's ever as easy as it sounds, Jon. If something's hard, if it hurts, just let it. It takes terrible circumstances for things to not hurt, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[song_of_ice]

Is it?

[He couldn't be sure. He had been fighting ever since he left Winterfell, so many of them unnecessary. There was only one war that mattered and it had never come. The world was destroyed by a different storm, one that Jon couldn't have anticipated or prepared for.

Now he was left with this. A war that didn't involve him, save for the promise he gave for the sake of others.]

We are here to fight in exchange for our loved ones being kept safe. That is the only cause I have to raise my sword.

[He is uncertain at her touch, glancing down at her hand hesitantly. Very few offered him comfort in that way, perhaps only Sansa since his resurrection. Never someone he just met, but it was kind and needed.

Her words touched upon so much he struggled with and tried to come to terms with. Loss, letting the hurt settle in his heart and mind, and simple acceptance. It was something he still struggled with.]

What were your terrible circumstances?

[theycalledmeacurse]

[ It takes a moment for Jon's question to sink in and the realization of the answer to wrap around her like fingers on her neck, but when it does she pulls back, her hand hovering over his shoulder for a moment before placing it carefully in her lap. Her entire demeanor changes, every action and expression subdued and almost distant. When she answers, it's almost as if she's talking about someone else. ]

Being abandoned by the people I trusted most. I was captured during the war, and I-- They knew where I was but they left me there. For years.

[ It hurts even to say it. ]

[song_of_ice]

[Betrayal. It was a bitter taste in his mouth, even without being the subject of it. While he had been hesitant for her to place her hand on his shoulder, he didn't show that same wariness in placing his hand on hers.]

They left you there? Why?

[It was something some of his Brothers might have done. They had made it clear that they would have preferred he never returned to the Wall after being held by the Free Folk. There were some who might have come for him, if he hadn't returned.

He can hear the hurt in Rogue's voice and shares it.]

I'm sorry.

[theycalledmeacurse]

[ It's one thing to reach out herself and offer comfort to someone else, but for Jon to do the same for her... Her throat tightens and she has to clear it before she can speak, the gesture unexpected but so very much appreciated. ]

Thank you. [ She pauses, then looks off into the dark distance with a tiny shrug, not enough to dislodge his hand but rather just conveying her feelings of disconnect from this part of the matter. ] It was too hard to get to me. I guess... maybe they didn't think it was worth trying more than once.

[ She honestly doesn't know, and she's not sure she really wants to. It's why she's shoved Bobby's psyche to the back of her mind, because it hurts too much to even think about what reasons might have been good enough to leave her to that fate. ]

[song_of_ice]

These were your friends?

[There was little he could say to comfort her. Anything he tried would sound false or insensitive. He knew how deeply it could cut to have those you trusted turn against you. They may not have wielded actual knives, but they had stabbed her just as sharply with their betrayal.

After a moment, he lets his hand fall away as he stared into the firelight. They were in another world, but that darkness still found its way here. The questions and the frustration would never diminish. As long as they were given a moment of peace, their thoughts would drift back to the past.]

That won't happen here.

[He might have failed to save his world, but he wouldn't fail the rest here, those he fought alongside.]

If you are captured, I will come for you. I promise.

[theycalledmeacurse]

[ His words take her by surprise, though they really shouldn't have. They've only known each other for a few minutes, but she can see his heart already, she knows the sort of person he is. That's what comes from having hundreds of minds within your own -- you become quite good at reading others.

And oh how she wants to believe those words. Wrapping herself up in the safety of them would be so easy, letting herself drift in the calm security of knowing that someone cared enough to do that simple thing. But she can't. He doesn't know her, has no idea what she's been through, what she's done and been made to do. He doesn't have any concept of the baggage she carries and the burden she'll be to others if they let her. But he doesn't need to know she doesn't believe, so she smiles softly, with genuine affection, and simply says ]

Thank you.