❪ 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

[axiomed]

[ Some of the thoughts trickle down to him and Charles schools his reactions carefully, just in case. His demeanor is still unfailingly polite. ]

Not at all. If you can get that, I'd be forever grateful.

[speeds]

[ He's careful with him, putting him in a place that should be shielded from any other landing pods before he reaches down into a section where the chair has been stowed. It only takes a little effort to pull it free (simply because metal has bent around it) and even once it's out, he's already starting to try and put it up for him.

He hasn't ever needed one, but he's visited the hospital enough to see Carlisle that he's probably seen them in action enough time to work it out. ]

Once you're in, I'll see if someone can help you get over to where people are attempting to set up camp as well.

[ Thankfully most of his thoughts right now are about getting him good to go asap. It's hard to think of anything else when there's so much going on already. ]

[axiomed]

I should be fine once the chair is ready.

[ Even though the thought is appreciated, Charles can't help a wince as Edward sets up the chair. Usually Charles can do it on his own and while he gets the need for help and even the impulse to help, he prefers self-sufficiency in this.

He needs to be. ]

[speeds]

[ He looks up as soon as the feeling of this being a step too far becomes apparent, catches the wince and frowns in return. He's barely started, but: ]

Sorry, we just need to go faster.

[ Considering how he's been helping people, he doesn't mind others knowing about how fast he can move right now - not when it's helping. The speed that he sets up the chair up increases, becoming more of a blur though he's still careful with the frame as it clicks into place. It only takes seconds. ]

I'm sure you're a lot more used to this than I am -- just bear with it a little longer.

[ That said and done, he moves to help support him to get him across to the chair, holding it steady while Charles gets back on again - giving him the aid even if he might not like it.

Another pod hits the ground fairly close by, cementing it a little that they should be going fast for this. ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles winces, hearing the voices of the people around them as they clamor. He rubs his temple as he waves off Edward. ]

No — No, it's fine. Help them first. They're not — I don't mind the wait.

[speeds]

There are a lot of us helping, no one will be alone in this.

[ He pauses until Charles is settled, then shifts to squat in front of him. ]

Headache?

[ He can hear it as well though, he's just had 87 years to get used to it. Has a body that can handle the strain. ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles smiles faintly, touched by the concern. Mostly he's worried that his own powers will bleed out. He can survive a few headaches. After all, he has the ability to connect with the entire human race. ]

Just a minor one. It'll pass.

[speeds]

[ ooc: Sorry for the delay I was travelling the past few days! ]

[ It is something much greater than he can do, that's for sure, but he's also hoping that he can get him out of the way before something happens - pride or no pride on the matter be damned. ]

One of the packs the healers probably have hold of may have painkillers if you wanted to take one. I'll walk with you, it looks like we are getting another short break for now anyway.

[axiomed]

I'd appreciate that.

[ He's used to having Hank nearby. Now, away from the school, Charles is not powerless but there are lines he's not willing to cross. ]

But I should introduce myself first. I'm Charles Xavier.

[speeds]

It'll be nice to be away from the front lines for a little while. It's been hectic for a while now.

[ He's used to sticking to himself for the most part, but with this being about saving those still in stasis, he's trying a little harder at the moment. ]

I'm Edward Cullen. This way. [ He nods ahead towards where people have been setting up camp, walking a normal pace so it's easier for them both to get through the destruction the pods have left in their wake. Most have been cleared up, but there are still small craters in the ground from the landings. ]

[axiomed]

Front lines?

[ A curious turn of phrase, especially for someone who appears to be quite young. Still, Charles has no reason to look deeper just yet, not when Edward has been very accommodating. ]

What kind of hectic are you used to?

[speeds]

They might not be soldiers, but the pods can easily crush people if they land in the wrong spot. [ He idolised the soldiers when he was younger to know that it isn't always as romantic as it was made to sound back then, especially after the world wars happened, but it's still some sort of front that is there and a place where people need protecting. ]

Nothing like this, anyway. Wild bears, mostly. My family and I lived in a town near Seattle. It didn't happen often, but sometimes there might be an attack if one comes close enough to the town.

[ There's more to it than that, of course, but it's as much as he's saying right now. ]

You don't seem too perplexed about all of this either.

[axiomed]

I run — ran a school full of teenagers.

[ His tone is dry but fond. Super powered teenagers made for an exciting life too. ]

I had no idea Seattle was so prone to bear attacks.

[speeds]

A Principal? You wouldn't have struck me as one.

[ If only because they're usually older men. ]

Near to Seattle, anyway. I was living in a town a few hours away. There are a lot of forests in those parts.

[ And they weren't really bear attacks, but you know... ]

[axiomed]

I was on an accelerated track in Oxford. Besides, I had the time and money to invest in a school.

[ A very particular school for that matter. Charles runs a hand through his hair as they keep moving. ]

I'm afraid I'm a weak city boy at heart. Never could take care of myself in the great outdoors.

[speeds]

Impressive. What did you study?

[ It's better than asking about his riches, he doesn't want that question to come back on him either. He's never been poor either though. ]

I grew up in Chicago originally, you could say it takes some adapting to, but I think I'm a little less outgoing than I once was anyway.

[axiomed]

Genetics. It's a very small field.

[ Especially in the kind Charles chose to delve in. Though that has changed dramatically since the public eye of mutants has turned more beneficial and open. Thanks to Raven. ]

Do you miss it?

[speeds]

I can't say I've studied it. The closest I've done to that is medicine.

[ That helps though. People always fear the unknown, and it isn't as though he doesn't understand having to keep himself low because people can't know what he is. ]

Not as much as you'd think. I've been happier with my new family.

[axiomed]

Most people don't. It's very dull to most people.

[ But he smiles nonetheless, a trace of whimsy in his expression. ]

Yes. I've always found that to be the case.

[speeds]

That depends on how much free time you have.

[ He has a lot of years ahead of him, he can take the time to look into something new. ]

You have experience with that?

[axiomed]

Plenty these days.

[ Charles pauses at that question. ]

I do. Though I lack any blood relations of my own, my . . . found family gave me some of the best days of my life.

[speeds]

I know that feeling all too well.

[ Though the information about family definitely has him pausing in his own speech. His hand fiddles with the other, wringing them together as he steps over a piece of metal that probably came off another pod nearby. ]

They're the reason I'm still alive, in a way.

[ They don't make him feel alive - it's been a long time since that - but they do make it less lonely. Give him a purpose of sorts. ]

[axiomed]

[ He hums lightly. If he notices the apprehension, Charles is kind enough not to point it out. ]

They certainly have done a great deal for me.

[ Well . . . terrible things mostly. But Charles isn't particularly bitter about it anymore. ]

I hope you find them soon.

[speeds]

[ The better way to be. Just like he can't hate Carlisle for changing him into this, he can still hate himself for being it - that's a better way to go about it. ]

They're still asleep in stasis. [ He doesn't glance back, but part of him wants to. ] It's just a matter of waiting.

[axiomed]

Waiting isn't hard if you know they'll come back.

[ In Charles' case, he would have to wait either way. Neither Erik or Raven will come back to him. Of course, without a world, everything changes. Their motivations, their driving needs, their philosophies.

But they've always been too stubborn at heart. ]