❪ 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

[mcgillis]

[Oh.................

That's relieving news. At least Gaelio hasn't forgotten much en route to...uh...wherever this is. Specifically.]

Perhaps.

[After all, he doesn't know this place from a hole in the wall. That being said, he's partial to fantastical stories of make-believe.]

Your sister, Almiria, should be dormant there at any rate.

[kimaris]

[ He's not going to be forgetting that anytime soon.

A nod. He's seen some of them, including who he thinks may have been Almiria. His father. Friends—it's almost, almost funny that he says your sister. Not that she's not his sister, obviously, but she is at least connected to the both of them. ]

If these people are to be believed, that is. [ ...which, naturally, Gaelio kind of does. ] Even then, we'll have to until we can get back up there.

[ ...he's looking like he's got something else he wants to ask. ]

[mcgillis]

[Listen. He's being polite.]

Right.

[As much of a backstabber shitstain he is, it's hard for him to delve into conspiracy theories so early on...which may or may not be odd, but if these aliens were preparing to double cross them in some way, they shouldn't have gone through the trouble of saving them.

But the stasis unit could definitely be a means of blackmail. Future blackmail. Or something used as enticement...

But anyway, Gali, what the fuck do you want.]

[kimaris]

[ Gaelio is pretty much thinking enticement. Do x for us, because we clearly need help, and your sister can live in goo for awhile longer...!

That said, he's finally feeling toasty and informed on the WikiHow of making fire, so he's getting up, pulling his sleeping bag up with him.

He stares at him for a moment. There's a moment where his fingers twitch, almost into a fist, and he smooths them out. ]

Don't stay out too late. We don't know what the wildlife is like here.

[ That's the weirdest offer he's ever made to someone, but look. It's been a long day. He can probably survive sleeping in the same room as McGillis. ]

why can't i write anything serious

[mcgillis]

[He'll glance up and over as Gaelio stands and gathers his...stuff. He does think to bring up the fire -- that they should enjoy it for a bit longer, but refrains. His brows furrow at the cautionary word..do they? Should they? Certainly if anything were to come at him he could use the fire to his advantage.

And possibly spur a wildfire in the process, but, whatever.]

Thank you.

[He's still unmoving, refocused on the flames, spending time with them and his askew sleeping bag. Like a drunken homeless man.]

here feel better

[kimaris]

[ You've already set your life on fire McGillis, don't make it a habit... Gaelio figures that he's probably fine on his own, or that maybe he shouldn't care so much, and tosses his sleeping bag into the tent, following it inside.

He sets the bedding up. It's a pretty big bag, even for a giant like Gaelio. Soft.......... warm.......... not that he knows that yet, because he's stripping out of his sweaty clothing and into a fresh shirt instead.

In the distance, an animal howls.

Nearer than that, someone farts. ]

thank you

[mcgillis]

[It's symbolic, that's why he likes it.

He'd almost all but forgotten Gaelio's warning. He'd been starting to doze off, even, when there's a faraway, animalistic cry. It could've been a product of his sleepy brain, but he's alert once more, only to hear a secondary, closer rumble.

Hm. Ok.

Gathering himself up onto his feet, he'll spare a casual moment to pat his butt of any debris, then collect his own sleeping bag. The fire...it should fizzle out, or keep bogus animals at bay for a bit. He doesn't truly intend on sleeping, even with that near-slip.

He says absolutely nothing in entering the tent, sets his own sleeping bag off to the side as a GIANT ONE's already taken over the floor. He's nonchalant about the whole thing; just two old pals sharing a tent on a sketchy planet.

He'll be removing his socks and shoes to prevent tracking mud all over the freakin place. In the meantime:]

Feel free to get the zipper.

[Unless Ein's coming in too....the trifecta of awkward.]

[kimaris]

[ Ah... he didn't think McGillis would actually do it. So he pauses in the middle of pulling the corner of his sleeping bag open. He stands straight, head bending the top of the tent like an untucked erection...

But he doesn't say anything, just bends over and zips the tent shut, nudging his bedding over with a foot. He's then crawling into it, putting his back to McGillis. Something about how you shouldn't put your back to your enemy lingers in his mind, but... he's doing it anyway. ]

[mcgillis]

[Ah yes, Gaelio's weird tent slouch has him thinking of an untucked erection....

Minus the fact that he's not paying attention to him. Not really. He eventually busies himself with removing his flight suit -- unconcerned, occupying the furthest corner of the tent. He should've had something prepared in advance to change into...and probably does, but Gaelio's been monopolizing the clothing and he'd rather not cross hairs at the moment.

So he's just gonna strip down to his fuckin underwear. Cross the socks from the previous post cus I forgot he's wearing boots or whatever the fuck. What the fuck.]

[kimaris]

[ Sleeping in your underwear is a bad idea, Mackey... the night is cold, despite his amazing campfire and the sleeping bags Gaelio has provided.

Gaelio's not sleeping, either. He'd given up on it long before McGillis had crept in with him, and now it's just more obvious than ever. Frankly, the wounds are still fresh and bleeding; and, if he's honest, he's not about to fall asleep in the vicinity of a face that haunts his dreams often enough.

So he lays there like a fool, eyes shut in some valiant attempt at rest, as the temperature creeps lower and lower.............. hm this might not actually be warm enough to ignore. ]

[mcgillis]

[This is a god damn emergency. Someone just sharted outside and McGillis was too busy angsting to play dress up earlier.

Besides the cold and the fact that he's sharing a tent with a sociopath, Gaelio probably wouldn't be able to sleep with all of his moving about -- though he's keeping it to a minimum, his flightsuit is has become a cumbersome onesie, between the blood and the rips and whatever else; it's immediately relieving once he's out of it. Should've done this sooner.

Renders him in his undies, temperature notwithstanding. He's got EXP in this, which doesn't diminish the chill any...but it's fine. He'll kick his sullied suit off to the side and settle rather close to where his tentmate's lying, legs drawn to his chest.]

You were correct about the wildlife.

[3hrs later]

[kimaris]

[ At that, he's leaning up onto an elbow and looking over his shoulder at him. He could gloat. He could ask him if that's why he's in here, because Gaelio is not privy to that fart. But he's not, and is instead just watching him curl up.

And then he's turning to face his direction. Before he gets any idea about sharing warmth or clothes or whatever, he's got something to point out: ]

You called me insane for this.

[ He doesn't exactly sound mad at the reveal of the port on his back, but tired. Mentally and physically. Why are you like this, McGillis... ffs... okay he's a little mad, as usual. ]

[mcgillis]

[That was circumstantial. And to a very specific end. Half of McGillis' time with Gaelio was complete bullshit. Even sharing a tent half naked feels like utter bullshit.

But his head's turned toward him, studying Gaelio by his side. He looks pretty angry -- a little angry. In turn, McGillis looks exasperated; surviving death isn't easy, scurrying around here doubly difficult. His fingers are cold when they make contact with Gaelio's scalp, catching that longer strand between his index and middle, lightly combing it from his angry gaze.]

You're not?

[There's an attempt to fold it off to the side to create a sad version of that swoopy loop Gaelio favored before his ac...cident. It's a bit too pathetic for him to work with, however.]

[kimaris]

[ Half is honestly less than Gaelio's been expecting, man. He pictured like, three fourths complete bullshit.

He watches him touch his face, his hair, and waits a second before wrapping his fingers around his wrist, scowling. ]

I'm not. [ His hair is a victim to the McGillis Fareed Thing. He still doesn't care about it. ] Haven't I proven that yet?

[ Winning through the power of friendship clearly proves sanity... and not hypocrisy. ]

[mcgillis]

[Break his fuckin' wrist dude.]

Sane individuals don't have to prove otherwise.

[Speaking of insane, it's cold and he's gonna go ahead and start sneaking into Gaelio's sleeping bag rather than spreading his own out and crawling into that. This is easier. His sleeping bag is already taking up a ton off space, and it'll be warmer here rather than there.

He'a also making zero attempt to pull his arm back. It's fine.]

[kimaris]

[ DON'T VIOLENCE THIS IT'S CUDDLE TIME. He's tenderly, but firmly, holding his wrist, though he gets moved a bit as McGillis ... joins him, apparently.

What the—okay well he's moving back, mostly out of shock, giving McGillis the most conflicted look in the world. Shock, because being in people's spaces was his thing, shock x2 because his frenemy is still here, and... well no, the shock has at least punted out the anger for ten seconds. ]

Unless you're calling yourself insane as well, you're being hypocritical.

[ ...this is a far cry from having a sleepover. ]

[mcgillis]

[He's turning from him, whether Gaelio wants to hold onto his wrist or not. It's as though they've always shared a bed, or gone on camping excavations regularly. It's like he wants Gaelio to punch him in the Alaya-Vijnana.]

You're making the mistake of lumping us together.

[So, maybe his approach with reforming Gjallarhorn and Bael was kind of off, but he's still steadfast in his idiotic beliefs.

Too Soon.]

[kimaris]

[ He's not going to punch him in the spine... today. He's also not letting go, but he is gripping him tightly, pulling their hands up so he's not spooning him. Also, it's a means of trying to force his attention back on Gaelio. ]

What part of that is a mistake?! [ Whoever's in the next tent... sorry about this relationship drama. ] You couldn't pilot Bael without it, is that it? And I couldn't defeat you without the same thing.

[ ...there's a scoff, and he's falling back against his bedding, his grip loosening. It's a halfassed cuddle, now. RIP. When he speaks again, he's just... exhausted again. ]

If anything, I'm starting to believe that it's fated to be like this for us.

[ Because death certainly doesn't seem to work in either of their favours. The secret here, though, is that Gaelio is considerably less put out by the fact that McGillis is alive than vice versa should be. ]

[mcgillis]

[The next tent people are probably the ones having a sharting contest...]

Wasn't I specific enough?

[Arguing with Gaelio on top of un-dying has arguably been one of the most triflin' things to happen to him. This is just an instance of two people are talking about the same thing, but one of them decides to get 2deep when in reality it's not deep and instead, deliberately, unnecessarily whiny instead.]

Don't squander your new opportunity.

[And now he's already trying to flay him. At least he's not talking about Bael at length. Too soon.]

[kimaris]

[ He's exhaling, letting go of his wrist, arm dropping down so that only his elbow is nudged against McGillis' back. ]

New opportunity.

[ He's just talking to himself, quietly. Finally not just biting at McGillis. ]

You're right about that.

[ He could be mad and ask who really has the opportunity here, but he's not going to. They both do. And while he's not about to think too hard about it now, while sharing a freaking sleeping bag with him, he will... eventually. Gotta get himself into shape if the pod people will ever wake up, etc etc. ]

glad this never sent on thursday bc captcha

[mcgillis]

[He'll take that back then...casually, folding his arm in front of himself. At least he's occupying as little of the sleeping bag as he can.

Which is still a fucking LOT. He's already justified the sharing thing a short time ago; there are too many unknowns out and about -- not that he's actually worried or frightened, but he'd rather keep close to the devil he's aware of.

Though, that phrase may be more applicable to himself....

He's quiet, at least, ceasing the backtalk, seemingly interested in settling down for realsies. We'll see....]

[kimaris]

[ He can at least be certain that this devil isn't just going to kill him over nothing, and probably won't fart in his general direction. He only kills McGillises when they try to kill him, so they're at an even right now... for murder, anyway.

But this chapter in their drama is coming to a close... sort of. He doesn't plan on falling asleep, just resting, but he does so anyway. Lightly, thankfully not a fitful sleep this time; there are far too many subjects to dream about tonight, so he's spared from a nightmare subjecting him to McGillis again.

The important part is that he's shifting a little, into a half spooning position several hours later. A nose into the back of McGillis' hair, shoulder pressed up against his back. Even breathing, not even a single snore. Good night. ]

[mcgillis]

[The only reason he's drifting off in that silence is because he's utterly spent. But, at this rate, the purple bags under his eyes will end up lingering for an eternity. He stirs just as soon as there's warmth against him. It's not the typical bedsharing warmth either. Even with Gaelio lying opposite him, there should've been a sliver of space between them.

But he's being spooned at. On. Sort of. It's good couple of hours at least before such a vulgar gesture wakes up. Apparently they're sleeping in shifts tonight.

He doesn't protest, at any rate. Gaelio's definitely tired and the alternative is for him to go sleep outdoors which, he's far too indecent to entertain the thought, and, there are serial sharters wandering the shadows. While he's not physically opposed, he's...

At a groggy loss. What is cuddling? Why is this happening. A hand comes up, hesitating midway, but it ultimately finds the back of Gaelio's head, sifting carefully through the back of his choppy hair, not even sure if he's...conscious or what. This is fine.]

[kimaris]

[ There's hair there, obviously. It's probably longer than it was when the """accident""" happened, and he's just let it grow out awkwardly. He certainly doesn't care about it now. But there's also that port there, cold and solid. A connection to Ein that, frankly, shouldn't be working here. He's kind of wondered about that.

Conscious is a strong word for it. He shifts a little, eyes just cracking open briefly before falling shut again. ]

McGillis?

[ From his sleepy position... if you don't shit the bed he'll just go to sleep and this thread will be over. ]

[mcgillis]

[Comb ur goddamn hair.

His hand goes still at the voice -- not because he's been 'caught', but he may've just woken Gaelio up....which...was...kind of intentional, but he was more or less just trying to see if the near-cuddle was a deliberate thing. Technicalities, even in sleep...

Gali does seem to be aware of who he's lying with, even still.]

I apologize. Rest.

[And he's folding his arm back in front of himself HE'S NOT GONNA SHIT THE BED?]