❪ 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

gali gali.

[sparsity]

[ All of which were good looks for him. As "good" as he'll ever think.

They're all sort of brief interjections of memory on how Mikazuki is at present, anyway. Not even looking like he's about to fly off on some revenge-fueled bender. His brows crease and the temptation to look away is strong, but he doesn't trust anything or anyone else enough to do so just yet. ]

Is there really anything to talk about now?

[ He must know. Accepting his loss isn't as easy as spelling it out. ]

[kimaris]

[ Anyway, he's just leaning a hand on his hip and speaking in an even tone. ]

Maybe. [ Except... he's going to anyway. There are more of you than there are of him, basically. ] But I'd like to know if you'd humour me for a moment.

[sparsity]

[ Now that his type of humor can't physically depend on a mace weighed in one of Barbatos' clawed fists, Mikazuki masks the equivalent weight of his breath coming up through his nose. ]

Go ahead.

[kimaris]

[ Your sense of humour is terrible, Mikazuki... ]

Two years ago, I bore a grudge against you that was beyond what it should have been. My pride had been hurt. [ Not to mention, that part he's apologised for. ] Any lingering feelings I have on the subject, I've set aside in order to pursue McGillis. Now, I can tell you that I won't be looking to start a fight with you.

[ McGillis, though, is another story. But that's just personal. They haven't argued enough n the first day to get anywhere conclusive yet. ]

[sparsity]

[ It definitely is awful.

With everything that had been holding Tekkadan together, scraps and pins and other desperate things long since burned down, Mikazuki can only wonder. Orga's orders will always stand, but alliances mean precisely dick to him, right now. Sorry, Chocolate. ]

For yourself, or for Gjallarhorn?

[ Mostly because he fails to see what an assurance like this is actually meant to do for him. ]

[kimaris]

[ Mika... that just makes all of this easier?! Screw that Chocolate guy.... ]

Gjallarhorn has no presence here.

[ Literally, even. To his understanding, he's the only officer here. But, frankly speaking, there is no real reason to uphold any Gjallarhorn-specific law here. And despite the brutal deaths of two of his closest friends at the hands of a very specific person, he's still here.

(There were bigger fish to fry, in the end.) ]

[sparsity]

[ DEFINE "EASY"

DEFINE "SCREW"

(actually don't do either of those things) ]

So you didn't bring it with you.

[ A weird statement maybe, Mikazuki's way of sussing out what he means by calling a truce he wouldn't even need. Then again, with no where to call its own, Tekkadan had simply stood where they had stood, moved with them as they had moved because they were its only foundation.

He knew Gjallarhorn wasn't like them and never cared to figure out the difference, but

It's quiet here and the difference is the only thing that stands out. ]

[kimaris]

[ Just know that he sucks, even if he feeds you. ]

Not that.

[ There are ideals that he shares with Gjallarhorn, and those that he doesn't. There's complications now that there wasn't two years ago, and there's complications from years ago that no longer remain. That's just how it goes. ]

There are personal feelings that I can't free myself from. [ Doesn't want to, really, but also can't. ] But those that I carry are no longer directed at you.

[ He's prioritised. McGillis is the shithead here, and he's already dealt with him. The feelings that come from having McGillis alive is uncharted territory altogether, and is still pretty irrelevant. ]

[sparsity]

[ but who will pick up this illustrious mantle... ]

Isn't it...

[ Lifting his chin, Mikazuki looks up over the fire, gaze locking on no one point in particular. At least no point that exists here, in this iteration or the world or reality, any number of things he sees no point in thinking about now. This future, the not-so-distance past. ]

...useless?

[ Is that the word he's searching for? ]

Whatever you're carrying, it was Gjallarhorn's win.

[ Maybe not against all of them, but against him. ]

[kimaris]

Whether or not it was a win, that's not for me to decide anymore.

[ He's done. His duty has been fulfilled, and his reason for surviving has been accomplished. Maybe not in the most satisfactory of ways, but there's no room for regret like that. ]

My only reason for surviving was to understand McGillis. Now that I've accomplished that, you're right. It's useless, here.

[sparsity]

[ He realizes he's never called a truce. Never been asked for one, however uneasy or fruitless this one might be in the scope of things. Mikazuki has trouble seeing that far, has no one to spark or stay him, to tell him what he ought to be experiencing personally, too. ]

It was never for you to decide. That's just how it happened.

[ A loss is a loss. Still, a breath heaves through him, cut by his teeth. ]

But to survive just for something like that...

[ Must be nice. ]

[kimaris]

Just?

[ He doesn't sound offended, though. Light, curious, quietly murmuring it to himself. There's a little bit more to why he's still alive now, but he's not going to talk about it unprompted here. There's a soft hm noise before he turns. ]

Now we're here, and I'd choose to avoid fighting with you.

[ His pride used to burn. A lot can change in two years. He doesn't even plan on hunting McGillis down or anything like that.

Just... live. Exist. Until his family wakes up, that's more or less what he's going to do. It's a weird world. ]

[sparsity]

[ It is a weird world. His only goal now is to protect the shards splintered from the whole. Preserve what's still alive in him, however he has to. Mikazuki's eyes are sharp on him as he moves. Searching, more than hunting.

Mikazuki still thinks this is largely useless, but his gaze turn back to the fire. ]

If there's not a reason to fight you, then I won't.

[ A choice for a choice. He could dredge up reasons, but they're a world removed. Remembering versus actually doing something are like night and day...

So for now, this is fine. ]