❪ 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

Comments

♚ poe dameron

[exonerated]

( previous )

[ Because he makes it so easy for others to worry over him... ]

Decently vague enough.

[ He smiles, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders a little tighter. ]

But I will be close by, should you need assistance.

[xwings]

[ he doesn't mean to make it easy for anyone to worry over him. he doesn't mean to make anyone worry at all, really — but it seems that he's good at achieving the opposite result. ]

So long as you don't freeze.

[ poe responds, wearing a smile that's as warm as edmund's, if perhaps a little more amused. the amusement isn't directed solely at edmund but at himself as well. ]

Now all that's missing is a nice drink and some good food and we'll be downright cozy, don't you think?

[exonerated]

The immediate plan is to get there.

[ Heading east, that's what he remembers, and they've no choice but to trust the voice in their head right now. ]

We have some food, at least. Have you eaten any yet?

[xwings]

Yeah, there's a city, right?

[ he assumes that the voice in their heads isn't going to mislead them. why save them only to lead them to ruin? until provided with evidence to the contrary, poe chooses to believe the best. ]

I had one ration pack earlier. [ he doesn't actually remember how many hours ago "earlier" was, and his stomach takes this moment to remind him of that fact. loudly. ]

[exonerated]

You realize that, if you don't want someone to worry, you shouldn't give them any reason to? [ Edmund shakes his head, but he's chuckling a little, anyway. This guy!! ] It's a lesson I'm familiar with, and believe me, I'm usually the one on your side.

Wait here.

[ He stands up and goes to get some food. He knows for a fact that a few people, like a man named John Watson, has kindly made stew meant to feed plenty of people — and he has successfully hunted a few animals that he'd given to those who had volunteered to cook for the camp. So Edmund is able to quickly grab a couple of plates that he comes back with, for himself and for Poe. ]

[xwings]

[ poe is good at many things, but he wouldn't have been that much use during a hunt, so he's glad there are others taking care of that side of things. in fact, he's not sure his skills are the most useful down here right now — there are no ships for him to fly, after all. so he tries to help out in whatever way he can.

seems now it's someone else's turn for a while, and while he sits and waits for edmund, poe finds that he can't bring himself to mind that. he's tired and he's hungry — more so than he'd even realised. ]

That smells amazing.

[exonerated]

Doesn't it? Some people have talents, and in a way, I'm glad a few of them woke up with us because I'm most definitely not a part of that group.

[ Edmund chuckles, handing over the plate. ]

Do you cook?

[xwings]

[ poe takes the plate with a nod of thanks, slow enough despite the insistent and repeated growl of his stomach. ]

Sometimes. I'm not great except at a few recipes, though.

[ those few recipes, on the other hand? he's great at. ]

[exonerated]

Then you're far better than myself. Cooking meat on open fire is simple enough, but once someone mentions seasoning, [ he shakes his head, at himself ] I would be hopeless in the kitchen, which is my I never enter it except when I need food.

[ He turns to his companion, smiling. ]

I'm almost tempted to ask for a sample of your cooking, once we get to a better place than this.

[xwings]

[ poe laughs, warm and amused. ]

I'd be happy to make you a dish from home, if I find the ingredients. [ and once they're at a better place, too. that goes without saying, doesn't it? ]

[exonerated]

I'll hold you to it.

[ And, in the meantime, let's pass the time. ]

Will you tell me a story? Something from home.

[xwings]

What kind of stories do you like?

[exonerated]

Oh, I would listen to any story you think is worth giving. But I do enjoy hearing of other people's battles and adventures. [ No matter how short or how long. ]

[xwings]

Not too many years before I was born, the Empire that had taken over the galaxy built a great weapon — the Death Star — capable of destroying an entire planet with a single charge.

Rebels attacked the Death Star. There was a flaw in the system, put there deliberately by someone [ he won't mention names now, not when jyn is here as well, not when that part isn't his story to tell. ] forced to work on it. They attacked with X-Wings, chased by the Empire's TIE-fighters.

In order to destroy the Death Star, someone had to hit a really, really small opening.

[ he takes a breath, smiling a little. ] I don't suppose you've ever heard of the Jedi?

[exonerated]

[ Poe, you're a terrible storyteller. Edmund's emotions are a roller coaster from start to finish, considering the facts he's been given. A weapon that can destroy an entire planet? Rebels attacking it? X-Wing and TIE-fighters, what are those? And Jedi? ]

No, I have not had the pleasure.

[xwings]

[ it's a lot harder telling this story to someone without the necessary background than he thought. ]

In my universe, there's something called the Force. Jedi can use it to do amazing things - see with their eyes closed, reading minds, influencing them, moving faster or jumping higher than anyone else can, that kind of thing.

They were almost gone from the galaxy, but not entirely, and one of them trained a young man called Luke Skywalker, at least a little, and Luke used the Force while flying an attack on the Death Star. He managed to destroy it.

[exonerated]

Sounds like magic.

[ A special group of people, with a very particular set of skills that no one else has. Though Poe is making it sound as it it's different from it. ]

He destroyed it, and saved the universe. And all was well after that?

[xwings]

I don't really know much about magic. And only a little about the Force.

[ his smile turns a little grim. ] All wasn't well after that, but it was a first step in winning a much larger war.

[exonerated]

[ And Edmund knows little of both, though more of the former than the latter in terms of being subjected to it. ]

The scale of this seems very encompassing, Poe. I'm assuming that the better side won in the end?

[xwings]

It was. [ encompassing, that is. after a beat, he adds: ] It is. A war for the freedom of the entire galaxy.

And the good guys won. For a while, at least. Now there's the New Order, trying to pick things up where the Empire left them.