❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

[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 2 will be posted on JULY 18TH and PART 3 on JULY 22ND, at 6 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. 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 QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

Itachi Uchiha | final wave

[yourhatred]

descent: final wave

[The pod Itachi is in doesn't make the smoothest of landings, but he arrives intact nonetheless. He's out immediately when it opens - moreso because he needs the air than because of any enthusiasm toward their mission.

The ninja has been through a great many things. He leaps through trees regularly as a means of travel, but he's never been in space before and certainly not in such a confined vessel in space. Though he does a good job of covering how ill he feels now that he's on solid ground, there's a mild tinge of green to his face that he can't do anything about. He takes in a few deep breaths, letting himself adjust to the fresh air and the atmosphere.

He'll have to hope his insides settle as he goes, because he doesn't have the time to stand around. As part of the last group down, he'll need to relieve some of those who've been here since the first drop. He slings his bag over his shoulder and prepares to get to work.]

campfire

[There's far too much debris, and Itachi's impaired vision causes him to miss far more pieces than he'd like. He eventually settles for picking up firewood, as plenty of that is needed also. His red eyes are quite visible in the dark as the sun passes over the horizon.

When he's gathered enough, the ninja calmly goes about creating a neat little fire pit in the dirt. The wood comes next, stacked in a perfect triangle and ready to be set ablaze. He doesn't rely on matches, though. With a few brief motions of his hands, he channels his chakra and blows out a small burst of flame from his lips. He holds it, every bit the human flamethrower, until the wood catches and burns.

Then he sits back and sighs, allowing himself to relax for the first time that day.]

clean-up

[It's been a while since Itachi's worn anything like the gear he's been given for this mission. He'd stay in what he arrived in, but his clothes are soiled and torn. Being stubborn about this would be foolish.

He moves away from the campfire, slowly removing his dirtied clothing until he's standing topless at the clearing's edge. He wets a clean rag with water from a canteen, using it to scrub some of the grime from his skin. Later he'll be able to get a proper bath, but for now this is better than nothing.

He's pulling on a fresh shirt when something in his chest abruptly tightens and erupts into a cough. The ninja is forced to stop, slightly bent, as the coughing fit temporarily overpowers him.

This is nothing compared to how he'd been before the illness had truly taken him in his own world, and since he's arrived here it's felt as though he's been getting slowly better rather than worse, but he still hates that he can visibly succumb to this. He's quick to recover, returning to dressing as though nothing has happened.]

wildcard

[Need Itachi for something around camp? Hit me up! Ninjas are useful.]

Campfire

[21stcenturyguy]

[Aoi lets out a low whistle.]

That's a pretty bad-ass trick. You some sort of circus performer or somethin'?

[He's assuming the hand signals are just showmanship to conceal a lighter or something, because people can't just make fire out of thin air. That's crazy.

Aoi plops down beside the growing fire, basking in the warmth without even considering that he's a freeloader who just called this ninja a clown.]

[yourhatred]

'Or something', yes.

[Itachi allows himself a slight smile at the young man's actions. He isn't offended. Somewhat amused, perhaps. Ninja like him aren't commonplace here, so he can't expect to simply mention what he was trained as and expect the other refugee to understand.

He lifts a long stick toward the fire, poking at one of the logs so it shifts to allow the flames to spread easier.]

Have you eaten?

[21stcenturyguy]

Nah, didn't really have the stomach for it after that landing.

[That was a low-key way of saying he'd barfed his guts out.]

Can you barbecue with that thing? [Aoi mimics the blowing motion he'd made before.]

[yourhatred]

I could, but it wouldn't be very efficient. The fireball technique is made for combat and it takes energy to release it. I wouldn't extend its use for the time it would take to roast meat.

[Getting a real fire started and using that is acceptable and far more reliable for that sort of task. Still, he's amused by the question and it shows.]

I thought perhaps I could save matches.

[21stcenturyguy]

Yeah, I'm sure that was the most efficient way for you to light a fire.

[But hey, if dude doesn't wanna do the whole dinner and a show routine, Aoi can respect that.

...with minimal teasing.]

If I start throwing stuff at you, could you juggle it?

[Because he will totally go out into the cold and find one of the foraging expeditions that found fruit and other juggable foodstuffs if that's the case.]

[yourhatred]

...No. I'm not a performer.

[Sorry to burst your bubble, Aoi. Itachi can do some pretty crazy things and keeping people entertained with a show wouldn't be beyond him, but he's not going to go out of his way to do it. That's not who he is.

Anyone who read rumors about this particular S-ranked missing-nin might be disappointed to find him a lot more boring than expected in person.]

Please don't waste supplies.

[21stcenturyguy]

[Aoi's shoulders slump. Laaaaame.]

Wouldn't be wasting if you caught 'em. and juggled 'em.

[He grumbles as he eyes the camps beyond Itachi's.]

I can go see if anybody's got extra food they'll lend us. You got a preference, Cirque du Soleil?

[yourhatred]

Itachi.

[He's sure the other man is just joking around, but he offers his real name nonetheless.]

And no, that's not necessary. I asked you because getting a meal won't be difficult.

[He's not going to ask for scraps from other camps when he's fully capable of feeding himself. If his new companion here isn't hungry then he'll wait and it isn't an issue.]

[21stcenturyguy]

I'm Aoi.

[Hey, if he lobs something at Itachi's head later, the other guy has been duly warned.

...he guesses it's cool the other guy's gettin' dinner, though.]

So you set up camp and now you're cooking? You're a pretty handy guy. I guess I could eat. What's on the menu?

[He's kinda confused why this stranger's being so helpful. Maybe it's just Aoi's natural charm and charisma.]

[yourhatred]

[To overflow.]

campfire

[knitpick]

[The red eyes are, oddly, comforting. She's reminded of her darling brother, even seldom as he ever actually took his goddamn shades off so she could see them.

Rose has been all over the place trying to help get everythhing organized, because she can't help but butt in and take charge at least a little. But it's been a long, exhuasting day, and she's now taking a moment to just sit, glad to let someone else deal with a task like getting a fire going. She watches Itachi quietly at first, content to just sit in silence and let him work while she rests a little. But then he lights like a human dragon, and Rose's eyebrows arch up.]

That's useful. Any other tricks up your sleeves that happen to be convenient for camping?

[yourhatred]

I mostly make do with what survival skills I've learned over the years.

[He prods one of the logs with a long stick to make sure the fire spreads evenly before turning toward her, his smile faint and wry.]

But I thought I might save us a match or two.

[There's been surprisingly little use for his skills today, as he'd arrived in the last group and most of the refugees that had arrived before him had already been attended to. He had little in the way of healing skills - just some basic first aid and what he'd needed to tend to his own illness.]

[knitpick]

Reasonable enough. Save the matches for people who can't simply spit literal fire themselves.

[Her tone is dry as a desert, but she looks faintly amused and impressed so maybe that's just her default manner of speaking.

The fire certainly gets going quicker this way too. She savours the heat it gives off, watching the flames quietly. Her own eyes are strikingly purple, clashing significantly with her bright orange hooded tunic, which itself clashes with her dark lipstick and heavy eyeliner. It's all a very odd combination, but she still maintains an air of cool confidence.]

Is that normal where you come from?

[yourhatred]

For a ninja.

[It's a basic elemental technique as well, so even those who don't specialize in fire can pull it off. Your everyday citizen wouldn't be capable, though.

As for how she looks, he doesn't think much of it. Everyone here has their own style and there are plenty of strange ones in his world alone. The color does remind him of another blond - one he entrusted an awful lot to. He should be the one taking the hero role in this situation, but fate deemed it necessary to drag Itachi back from the grave once more instead.

His own nails are painted a dark purple out of habit.]

Have you eaten?

[knitpick]

[(His nail polish has been noted and it is appreciated.)

But. Lord. Ninjas. She's beyond questioning anything the universe throws her way at this point, but she can still arch an eyebrow at that. Still, there are worse and less useful things the Orbiters could have chosen to bring in.]

No. I've heard some people had some success in hunting, but unfortunately my survival skills are limited to what was learned in a brief and ill-fated stint with the Girl Scouts.

[yourhatred]

[While he isn't sure what "girl scouts" are, he can make a reasonable guess. Not everyone is the woodsy type, just as not everyone wants to be a ninja. He can understand that.

Fortunately for her, hunting isn't much of an issue for Itachi, no matter how poor his eyesight has become. He motions to a sack not far off his left-hand side.]

Dig around in there. I gathered up some wild onions and mushrooms while I collected wood. It isn't much, but it should do for flavoring. Do you eat meat?

[Wouldn't want to offend a young, animal-loving individual. He's not a fan of red meat himself, but he's not a vegetarian. As he asks, he gets to his feet. A kunai is drawn from a pouch at his waist.]

And if so, would you prefer wild bird or small furred animal?