nysalogs | ❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

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❪ event ❫ THE DESCENT: PART ONE.

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

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[He did have to make a whole new set of best friends for life and it was really stressful because he maybe wanted to melt them into goo a few times. Maybe if Snake had been around on some other team, he wouldn't have pushed so hard for that. Probably.

But he likes having Snake here in a shitty alien field more than he'd have enjoyed him in another murder game, so he'll think about that instead. Snake's hand in his hair is... calming? It's surprisingly nice? Keep doing that.]

We had teams this time. [Dryly, this is what he starts with. How fun and exciting: teams.] But there was never any way to get everyone out alive—6 people were supposed to die. It was in the rules. Without SHIFTing, we'd have been screwed.

[Just like all of their other selves they doomed to death a bunch of times!! But that's going to make him wig out again, so he'll skip it.]

Other than that, I guess it was, uh, the same? Find a way out of the room, figure out who Zero is—not Akane, by the way—the usual.

[...] I really hate that we have a "usual" for this crap.

[There's like, a lot left out there, and Snake can feel it. He's smart enough to understand that if six people had to die, and they had to move their consciousness, there was going to be some seeing things probably worse than guts on a wall and a dead dude in a captain's suit. But it doesn't really occur to him that Junpei saw himself die just yet, give him a little.

Instead of asking about any of this, he's opted to brush some hair from a face he can't see. Is it necessary? No, but Junpei hasn't stopped him.]

How long ago did this happen? Was it our one year anniversary? If so, that is a morbid gift.

[Snake... Please make the connection. Junpei doesn't want to have to actually say it out loud himself. He implied it! That's enough!

It's fine for the time being, though, since he's distracted by this whole thing with his hair anyway. It really is pretty relaxing, so don't mind if he just settles in here for copious hair-touching.

Don't call it an anniversary.]

It was right before, you know, this place. [He was just standing in the desert and then wham!! Existential crisis.] So close enough, I guess? Somebody out there thinks they're funny.

[Zero. Zero does. But that's too Complex(tm).]

You... You were only just released from the game when you woke up here? [Things for Junpei are a lot worse than he thought? Now that he's thinking about it, if six people had to die, and everyone got out alive, then-- then Junpei probably died. A lot. Then woke up somewhere else again. Then woke up in a pod where he could die. Oh.

Snake slows in his hair touching. Junpei allowed him to complain about his music when he'd gone through this? Now he's starting to feel as terrible as him.] I'm sorry. If I'd know that, I would not have given you such a hard time. You're very brave, Junpei. I've always thought so.

[Oh- there it is. Junpei's not psychic enough to hear Snake's whole thought process, but he can pretty much guess at what he's thinking when his fiddling with Junpei's hair gets slower. No...]

You always give me a hard time. [...wait, no, he doesn't mean that in an asshole way. Wait.] I mean, somebody needs to give me a good kick in the ass sometimes.

[Anyway, give him a minute to really unpack Snake saying he's brave. He needs a moment. It's different to hear "brave" instead of "reckless self-endangerment," so... huh. Well. What can he say besides "hey thanks," since he already said "hey thanks" pretty much.]

You were, uh, kinda helping when you did that thing to my hair.

[Just acknowledge it and move on. Just continue as normal.]

I don't think you could handle a physical kick from me, so I'll do my best.

[Sign things are getting back to normal: Snake saying things like this. And even better? There's a smile, and though it's much more faint than the last evening they spent together, it's there. And that is enough.]

You know, I used to do this for Clover when she was much younger. Now she cares about her hair so much, I haven't had the opportunity.

[Even if he's just in a cycle of moving hair that will just fall back into place, he's started up again just because Junpei's enjoying it. It's honestly a surprise he hasn't said it's something weird.] I'm very grateful you don't have any regard for what you look like.

Glad you're feeling better.

[Like, actually glad they're inching back toward normal after he dropped all that bizarre murder stuff on him so suddenly. And glad Snake is smiling at him and acting a little more normal - Junpei might have been hyperventilating all afternoon, but he's been assuming Snake is more than a little upset about his arm breaking.

But that's as much as he'll bring that up unless Snake wants to talk about it. He's got a sensitive ego, that guy.]

It's not like there's anyone I need to impress with my hairdo. [He looks like such shit right now it's unbelievable, but the simple pleasure of Snake playing with his hair is much more important than where his bangs are actually going. So.] You're welcome, I think.

[There was a time Snake thought about bringing up his own Personal Feelings, but it's passed now. And as much as he likes Junpei's company, he's not so sure he'd really know what to say. He said think about saying "hey thanks" twice now, so talking about the crushing fear of suffocating and dying without his second arm? Nah. Naaah.]

Thank you, I think. [So, on a not serious note, because he doesn't need serious talking to, he doesn't know Junpei's not been eating his great dinner.] How is your muffin?

["Hey thanks" is a perfectly acceptable conversational... thing. He could totally handle it if Snake had Personal Feelings in his direction. But fine.

Crud: the muffin. Junpei pauses, feeling around on the ground without moving his head so he can grab the muffin without giving himself away. Or giving up hair touching, also important. God, there's dirt on it.]

Uh, it's good. You didn't eat anything. [He sees!!! Eat.]

[Junpei did it. Snake's none the wiser about how he dropped it on the ground because he's distracted by the fact he too stopped eating his muffin, thanks. He'll take a bite as he continues this hair touching, because really, he won't stop until Junpei says something.]

I ate some of it. [See? This is his second bite.] ... Junpei, are people just very into roleplaying here, or am I going to have to accept things I'd rather not?

[Yeah, he's not going to say anything? He pretty much asked for this in all ways except the literal, so just. Do it. He'll be here, picking the dirt-touched parts of his muffin off and flicking them away so he can eat the rest.]

I'm gonna have to go with... both. [He's seen some weird shit today himself, but also, he's pretty sure at least some of these people are LARPing 24/7 like it's some kind of lifestyle.] Something actually weirded you out? What was it?

[He's amused... stop this.]

Well, there is the fact that supposedly these were procured out of thin air. A man I spoke of the series Property Brothers suggested that they tend to their wounds by having a wizard heal them off set. A robot took me back to camp, where a man talking about a magic axe sat down next to me and completely missed the fact I did not believe him.

[He has to take a breath, here. He's holding his muffin so tightly that it's crumbling on his robe. Thankfully, it's not Junpei's hair.]

Oh, and a man yelled at me over a giant snake.

[Junpei just eats his magic muffin through this whole explanation of events... Snake's day sure sounds more wild than Junpei's day of mostly lying around miserable and covering himself with lily pad paste. He'll skip that part.]

They're not bad for magic muffins. [It's so much easier just to accept these things as real. Also, he's literally a time traveler, so things could be weirder.] I met that axe guy. He let me swing his magic sword around.

[are you having fun yet Snake]

[snake's never going to have fun again, it's just over now]

It's just a sword-- No, no. We are done. I am not having this conversation. [With another bite of his muffin, Snake is pushing Junpei away by his hand so he can sit up properly. He only has one hand, so he just leaves the whole muffin in his mouth as he picks up the piece Junpei was holding. Muffled, he goes on:]

Lesh oo thish, pease.

It was on fire. I got to name it. Help name it. [He's still talking about this because Snake made a big deal out of it and pushed him away so rudely! This is his consequence. Still, a muffin and talking to Snake have renewed his confidence in putting up the damn tent, so after he shoves the rest of his own muffin in his mouth, he's sitting up to then get up and go over to the tent supply pile.]

This is going to take us all night.

I don't want to know what you named it. [Snake says, belatedly, after he swallows his muffin. Snake is just holding one of the rods without really knowing what to do with it, so he feels around for the tent fabric. And in a brilliant attempt, he just sticks the rod in the dirt and lays it over it.]

It best not take all night if you insist I not sleep in.

[What... what is this boy doing...? Junpei comes up to stand beside him, just so Snake knows he's here and judging the shit out of him.]

Really? This is your contribution? Go eat another muffin.

[Look at this, it's pathetic? Junpei can take over from here, doing his very best to follow what scant directions came with this tent kit. He's going to require Snake to hold stuff in place a few times so don't actually go off to eat muffins. This is all happening now because rping putting up a tent with one idiot and one blind guy is just pointless.

Eventually, they have a tent. It's lopsided, but only Junpei has to know that.]

Edited 2017-07-19 07:44 (UTC)

[Snake has since wrapped himself in one of the two blankets he brought with him and complained about how long Junpei was taking about ten times now. He is a big, useless burrito that makes too much noise again. That's both their lives now.

But since they have finally have this tent, he's shut up about it. For now.] Remember when you said you weren't looking to impress someone with looks? You're probably very lucky I cannot see this.

[Why is this the way Snake chooses to be? He doesn't need to complain when Junpei is trying his best. It's nostalgic but not in a good way!! Still, Junpei is satisfied that he made a tent that will actually stand, and that's all that matters because Snake is rude.]

I usually am. [Whatever tools he's still holding he just drops to the ground, now. After he tosses the other blanket, whatever other weird robes Snake picked up, and Snake's arm (he gently places that one instead of tossing it) inside the tent, he comes back to drop his hands on Snake's shoulders. Come, whiny burrito. Into the tent.] Come on, it's freezing out here.

It's not... [Snake is in the middle of what probably is another attempt to make fun of Junpei, but his yawn interrupts him before he can get a word out. Instead he just sighs, placing his hand over Junpei's to ensure he's following closely behind. Or, really, it's just habit.

He feels his arm as he makes his way in, sighing as he sets it aside so he can lay back. Snake doesn't stare at the night sky, he just kinda fake looks at the tent ceiling for a little before he clears his throat.] It's not so bad, but I'm starting to miss the spanish guitar...

[While Snake fusses around and looks at the tent sky, Junpei does his own fussing, which is mostly taking off his sneakers and trying to cover his entire body with this blanket at once. Maybe he should keep his shoes on because it's freezing? But they're dirty. He's doing great with the blanket in the way that he's actually not.]

You put up the tent next time, then you can make fun of me. I could hum. [He's not going to hum. Give it some time... then,] I'm still freezing. I thought this would help.

[He thought a flimsy tent with no central heating would be warmer automatically? Yes.]

Well, yes. Tents are not made from materials made to contain heat. They only protect from rain and other weather, and there is no sun to provide us warmth. Assuming they're made of something so flimsy like polyester, we wouldn't do well if we came under attack, either. [Snake says, because it's the logical, unnecessary response, and also he's still rude. Give him a minute to make a more helpful conclusion.]

We'll both just lie under both blankets. [There he goes, sitting up to sacrifice his burrito. Once he's untangled himself, he moves to lay it out over the both of them.] Our combined body heat should keep you from freezing tonight. Unless that makes you uncomfortable, you will be fine.

[He's just talking, again. Junpei is too cold to object, but also too cold to really listen. He just lies there miserably until the actual, real suggestion, at which point Snake will be treated to the sounds of Junpei yanking his own blanket to the side and then just flinging it over Snake's blanket. It's working. He helped.]

What's that, Snake? You want me to kick you out of... tent? [Genius. Give the boy an award. He's only not scooting closer to get some of that sweet sweet body heat because he's lazy, so:] Well, come on.

[Get over here, you big jerk.]

I think not. [He's not laughing at that. Nothing about this boy makes Snake even remotely want to get closer, now. He responds only in an exasperated sigh, dragging himself over to lay on his side face to face with Junpei. Hey.]

You know, I didn't imagine we would be sleeping together after so little lunches, Junpei. [Someone else can make terrible jokes. Who regrets this more, now?]

Uh huh. One of these days we'll have three real meals in a single day. No more muffins for dinner. [That was Snake's doing, even, so he's not allowed to complain about powdered donuts anymore. Not that Junpei expects to see a powdered donut for the next who knows how long, now that they're down in the alien boonies. Point stands.

Food pettiness aside, staring at Snake up close while Snake doesn't stare at him isn't enough body heat. He's made a commitment here and he intends to see it through, which means Junpei is the one to wiggle an arm around Snake and really, uh, get in there. Because he's cold.

This is another one of those times he's lucky Snake can't see him.] Just be quiet and go to sleep.

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