❪ 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

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roman | fifth wave

[twofates]

d e s c e n t ||

[ He'd actually been sleeping well for once, so the alarms genuinely startle him, but once it's made clear what's happening, a sense of calm comes over Roman. He's used to chaos, living so much of his life on the edge of it, anticipating destruction at every turn. He's not nervous at all, he's ready. The descent is a bit terrifying, but when the fear seems like it might be gaining too much power over him, he remembers something from his old life, a memory resurfacing.

Pain is a dream.

He's not in pain yet, but it's the same with fear. Fear is a dream, fear is a dream. Nothing can touch him here, in the shadowed corner of his own mind. When he lands, there is pain, his shoulder hitting at a wrong angle, but it's a momentary inconvenience and nothing more. The minute he lands, he's out, moving out of the way and quickly taking stock of his surroundings. He's breathing a little heavy before forcing himself to take a few deep breaths, leaning over and resting his hands on his knees. When he stands up straight again, there's a stoic look of determination on his face, and as he wanders through the crowd of people, he's quiet, seemingly out of place. He's more than capable of gathering up supplies, that's easy, and something that he gets to work on right away. But when he encounters anyone who may be injured or a little scared, he freezes up. How could he, of all people, be any sort of comfort to them? And yet, he wants to try. Maybe he has it in him, maybe he's capable of compassion. So, he speaks four words that are probably a little different from how most people would approach someone in distress. ]

You don't look okay.

c a m p i n g ||

[ As the night has drawn near and things have quieted a bit, Roman's had more time to think, his thoughts lingering on his sister left behind in the stasis pods, wondering if he'll actually ever see her again, and not entirely sure he cares either way. He thinks as well about the people he's briefly met, the ones who seemed so genuine in their concern for him. What must it be like to harbor that instinct and not have to train your mind in that direction? It feels exhausting already, but he's trying to be the type of person others might actually want to spend time with, rather than scaring them off.

At night, he sits alone, and it's then that a painful ache settles into his bones, making him feel stiff, his body just heavy, the cold not helping with that feeling. He's not looking forward to sleeping alone, and he wonders if his frequent nightmares will surface, scaring anyone around him when he screams into the night about the terrible things he's done. It makes him not want to sleep at all, and certainly not alone. He eats slowly, almost unnaturally slow, simply to delay the inevitable. Staring into the fire, he's most certainly lost in thought, but when he hears someone shift to sit near him, he turns to look. He studies them, and it's probably a little unnerving - he doesn't mean for it to be - but he finally thinks to speak. ]

We survived. That's a good start.

[ That's...at least something to be glad about? ]

closed to clark ||

[ Roman does finally decide on a tent to sleep in, though sleep is likely to elude him, he's sure of it. He's cold, and that's bothering him more than anything else about this entire experience, for some reason. He just can't get warm, and he thinks it'd be better to just go sit by the fire the rest of the night anyway, disregarding sleep entirely. But from this vantage point, he's able to watch others, people who seem to be gravitating to each other, and that's enough distraction for now. He wonders if they knew each other before all this, or if they've only just connected today, bonding through a tumultuous shared experience. There are people holding onto each other, for warmth or comfort or a combination of both, and it tugs at something in his heart he didn't even know existed.

There's a stray thought that filters through his mind now, wondering what that would feel like, to really be held. Drawing his legs up to his chest to substitute for the want of human touch, Roman just wraps his arms around his knees, trying to preserve his body heat.

He doesn't want to be alone, he realizes. Not tonight. So when someone passes by his tent - before he can even see who it is, he calls out softly. ]

There's room in here. With me.

descent

[strictdiscipline]

You really know how to compliment a woman.

[ Not that she's actually bothered by his words; she can feel the bruise forming on her lower left jaw from an unfortunate rollover as she hit the ground and there's a steadily increasing pain in her wrist. Sprained or worse, most likely, there are more important things to worry about, such as the safety of the remaining Refugees and their journey to the safe point some distance away.

She sighs. It's meant to dispel some of the anxiety building between her shoulder blades and knotting in her gut, but her jaw stays tight. ]

But unless you have some sort of medical training, I'm not sure there's much you can do.

[ It's not a criticism or rebuke, just the simple truth. ]

[twofates]

[ On top of everything else, he's still recovering some memories from having his memories completely wiped a few months ago, and it seems to enhance the feeling of being out of place, saying the wrong things, not knowing what to say sometimes. So when he responds, it's with a voice that's flat and curious. ]

Was I not supposed to say that?

[ He's not being sarcastic at all, his uncertainty genuine. But when she mentions medical training, he does nod a little. ]

I know a little. Are you hurting?

[strictdiscipline]

[ Honestly, after so long spent around a cadre of men who all have their shit together, being confronted with a reply that's neither flirtatious or sarcastic throws her for a loop.

She blinks once, puzzled, then sighs, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. ]

No, that was fine to say. I'm not used to such things being said for what they mean.

[ Which might sound strange, but the military is, if nothing else, a very tangled web of masks and deception. Constant honesty, while refreshing, takes some getting used to. But she respects it, enough to bring her wrist forward. ]

I seem to have sprained my wrist in the fall. Stabilizing it would be ideal, but it's hard to do with one hand.

[ Also: with no supplies. ]

[twofates]

[ When she says that she's not used to things being said for what they actually mean, he understands that feeling. He's had to doubt the sincerity of both words and actions, living his whole life with a mother and sister who turned out to be liars and manipulators, in the end. ]

I knew a lot of liars once. My family was pretty skilled at it. So I don't lie.

[ He hates it. So much.

When her wrist is held out, he steps a little closer to inspect it, just looking for right now. ]

It's not much, but if we can find some bark, we'll wrap your wrist. Use that for some compression. [ He's wearing a long sleeved shirt and doesn't think much of ripping some of the material off, enough to be able to wrap it around her wrist. ] We'll use this.

[strictdiscipline]

[ —Ah. She hadn't meant to pry on any past history intentionally or otherwise and she feels a prick of guilt, over both his past circumstances and their present circumstances. Her gaze flicks down, apologetic. ]

I'm sorry. No one should have to suffer through that.

[ But if nothing else, the statement ups her opinion of this stranger that she's just met, whose name she doesn't even know. (Camaraderie has been built on less, she supposes.)

She holds her wrist still as he inspects it, then takes the offered cloth and starts wrapping it around. She wonders if there'll be more supplies at the Outlook, or if there'll be doctors in whatever town marks their final destination. Her injuries are minor at worst, but surely there are others more in need of assistance. ]

Thank you. This should suffice for now; we should help others who need it more.

[twofates]

[ continued. ]

descent

[dodgingbullets]

[Jane can be found tugging with her teeth at a ripped piece of cloth wrapped around her right elbow. Blood can be seen dripping down along her arm and her face contorts into shapes of wince at the final pull of the fabric.

She notices the man before he speaks, but she doesn't look up until he does. Her face goes from a serious intensity to a more loose look of empty amusement at his statement.]

And here I was thinking I looked like Christmas morning.

[Her eyes are glued to his face when she gestures to her wound.]

It's minor.

[twofates]

Uh, that's...you're bleeding.

[ He's stating the obvious, he knows, but anyone bleeding could be bad in these conditions. Infection being the biggest concern at the moment, not knowing how long they'll really be out here. ]

We should clean it up, as much as we can.

[ With a lack of supplies, they're limited, but it needs to be cleaned out and wrapped at least. ]

[dodgingbullets]

[Jane shakes her head as she pulls an elastic from out of her pocket.]

Only a flesh wound. [She holds out her good arm and fiddles with the elastic on the tip of her fingers.]

You can help me with this though.

[Strands of hair have fallen to her face, and some have stuck to the small cut on the side of her forehead. She blows at them as she looks at him with the expectation that he'll take the hair tie.]

[twofates]

[ She seems fairly calm about it at all, much like him, which makes him curious about her background. Though, he knows better than to start asking questions like that of people he hardly knows, at least.

As he reaches out to take the hair tie, his eyes flicker to her forehead. It seems just as minor, but internally, he knows he'll keep a close eye on her. Head injuries are a little more risky. Holding the hair tie between his fingers, he's frozen for some reason, looking back at her, asking permission. ]

Do you want me to-?

[dodgingbullets]

[Her head falls forward when she lets a light chuckle pass through her smirk. Her smile doesn't fade when she peers back up at him.] Yeah, yeah. I would but, uh -- [She tilts her head to gesture at her elbow.]

Could you? [She rises in her spot to turn around in front of him and picks up a chunk of her hair to hold it in a half-updo.]

Just... [she lifts up her chin; it isn't in the way Jane carries herself to have her hold her head down for very long,] something to get it outta the way.

[twofates]

[ continued. ]

:*

[monuments]

[ Roman's presence hasn't been lost to him yet. Clark does notice him, but has failed to approach him due to the variety of work he's participated in. It had been enough to know that he's safe, at least. Before he knew it, Roman had already disappeared behind the chaos. He had been to busy to keep track. Just then, he had been working on a fire, knowing this particular spot had been lacking in light and heat. And he can thank the experience he had "seeing the world" for the ability to survive.

By now, he's put on his glasses, reverting back into his "Clark Kent" self just before he hears a man call out to him. Clark recognizes the voice right away, setting down his armful of firewood down. The fire is going strong, he wont need to feed the fire quite yet, so he can settle down for a little. When he's close enough, he finally breaths ] — Roman? Roman! Hey!

[ The suggestion is still fresh on his mind, but he settles down next to Roman, not too close. Remembers how tense he had been when Clark looked, so he opts to keep a little distance between them for now. ]

Yeah, thanks... I was wondering where I'd sleep.

[ There's dark smears dirt and smoke on his cheeks, and his clothes are battered up despite having found a long sleeve shirt on the supply drop. Having seated now, he heaves a breath, the exhaustion catching up with him at last. ]

That was - that was something, huh? How are you doing?

[twofates]

[ It's not Clark in particular who makes him tense, but people in general. It's irrational, perhaps, but there's a feeling inside of him like every terrible thing he's ever done must somehow be on display; that catching someone's eyes for just a moment will reveal to them that he's truly terrible, that he should be avoided at all cost. And yet, Clark has spent some time with him and he hasn't run away yet. He doesn't know everything, of course, and that's what scares him; if he tells him, he'll lose someone who's been...kind, comforting, someone whose presence right now makes him feel like he can breathe easier.

And yet, to not tell him everything feels like a lie, something he loathes. There's the benefit of knowing that isn't a conversation they need to have right now, though. Selfishly, he'll just enjoy this while he can. ]

I made it. [ There's just a hint of a smile, but he folds his hands and leans in a little, examining Clark's clothing. ] Were you hurt? [ He finds himself worrying about that, unable to tell, knowing there could be internal injuries he's hiding or not even fully aware of yet. ]

[monuments]

[ Clark doesn't mind keeping distance regardless of Roman's inner turmoils. Of course he has things he can't tell; Clark does, too— he can't tell the man that he's been working tirelessly all night to ensure no one is too far gone. With his disguise, no one recognizes him as the Superman that has been doing much of the work. It helps that he's among others like him, at least, who can handle the high endurance, strength, and stamina of catching whole pods falling from the sky. But he's tired, and he can't possibly tell Roman why. There's just a hint of a suggestion that he's been helping out a mere man.

He feels swelling in his arms and knuckles as he relaxed further, wishing he can lean his back against something, but he just shifts until he's just a little more comfortable, his shoulder slumping. ] You made it— good... me too, I guess. I'm glad we didn't trade places.... on the stasis pods, I mean.

[ Referring back to their first conversation: would he trade places with his sister? He'd never want his mother to go through this. That about answers the question for him. Clark looks at his clothes; thank goodness it's just regular wear. His old clothes have now been discarded and used for campfire, irreparably stained. It's when he'd found out that he does bleed here, but his wounds are healing. Roman doesn't need to know that. ]

No, not badly. I was sent on the last wave. [ It's a lie. ] I think I got lucky this time. — hey, do you need another shirt? I grabbed an extra one from the drop in case anyone around might need it, but it looks like people are settling down already...

[twofates]

[ continued. ]

Camping

[poolhall_killer]

[This is Venom's attempt to at least try to mingle with potential new allies. He usually tries to keep separate from people he doesn't know, mainly due to being such a private person. Here, it might not be a good idea to do that since he's not sure how long they're going to be part of this. All he knows is that he's going to protect his beloved master and allies that are still locked away.

He turns to the other man and nods.]

It is a good start.

[He's trying to build conversation the best he can despite the awkward pauses.]

It's a bit colder than I expected.

[twofates]

[ continued. ]

camping!

[scarecrowed]

[ Truth be told, Lucas doesn't take a seat near Roman with the intent of striking up a conversation with the stranger. Roman just so happens to be sitting by one of the many campfires dotted around that have been started. Lucas simply wants the heat from the fire, nothing more...

But he feels a pair of eyes on him and yes, it's a little unnerving, but it'd be more unnerving if the man never said anything. Thankfully he breaks the awkward silence and Lucas sends him half a smile. ]

Survival is key to seeing our loved ones again. [ Lucas points out their reason to keep living, assuming the man has loved ones... Perhaps a bold assumption to make. ] Let's hope it's not short-lived.

[ It's odd, he shouldn't feel lonely with so many others in the same situation as him, yet without his usual three companions - a woman, a dog and a young witch - he feels a lot more alone. He tries not to dwell on the feeling too much - talking is a good distraction. ]

Something tells me we have a long journey ahead of us.

[twofates]

[ continued. ]