( tdm 9 )

[hownkai]

T E S T D R I V E

ABOARD THE MOIRA Whether adjusting to space travel has been difficult or not, there is always something to be done. From working to leisure, the Moira offers a multitude of opportunities to get to know your crewmates a bit better. Exploration of the ship is highly encouraged, but as another planet grows closer to being docked, things start to get a little hectic. You'll notice a slight change in the artificial gravity as the Moira is pulled into a gravitational field; however, more noticeable changes can be found in the overall morale as you prepare to descend. ☄ on your own There are plenty of other communal areas on the ship to explore! Pick a place, and see where it takes you. ( These scenarios can be used as in-game canon. ) C R O M I A While exhibits or museums exist to commemorate people or objects, planets like this are designed as a memoriam for certain eras across the universe. Welcome to Cromia—a one-of-a-kind place set in medieval times. Sort of. Most technology on Cromia isn’t particularly advanced, and the fashion leaves little to be desired. However, one thing is very noticeable about this planet once you decide to explore: there are no organic people anywhere to be found. Cromia is inhabited by a race of intelligent, humanoid robots who tend to and care for the environment as well as live peacefully with one another. Yet, some have been programmed to show a certain disdain for those who are, in some way, living, and their hostility ranges between hurling insults and vegetables to reporting trespassers to the authorities. Besides that, all seems well and prosperous on Cromia. ☄ the emperor’s new servos The Royal Family of Cromia has extended an invitation to join them for festivities, food, and drink beginning when the first sun sets. This night is a way to relax and perhaps romance that special someone in your life with a little song and dance. For those who sample certain drinks, they might find themselves doing just that without being able to help themselves. Or perhaps that delicious wine you've heard so much about is actually a very oily concoction meant for the robots of Cromia. For others, a little cheese or venison might instill the need for fisticuffs. Could the desserts hold the same sort of enchantment? Do you dare to find out? ☄ catch-a-riiiide The fastest way to get around is via carriage in the city, and each city is pulled by a large insectoid cyborg. Their handlers assure you they’re quite tame, especially since their silly organic minds have been implanted with a control chip. They’ll take you to whatever destination you program in without a hiccup! What could go wrong? Except on the way, that ever-so-important control chip happens to malfunction. Your once docile bug-stallion is now running amok down the streets. Do you jump out before you meet a sticky end? Or do you take control and force it to stop? Either way, you aren’t likely to be getting your deposit back from this. ☄ taste the rainbow Archery. Bugback riding. Jousting. These are the typical leisure activities suiting the time period you now find yourself in, which is what you might assume when you see the banners denoting a competition. Anyone can enter. Anyone can win the prizes. When you ask what sport you’ll have to play, they just say one word: skittles. Similar to bowling, this sport is played on a long, flattened field, and the point of it is to use the wooden ball to knock over the "skittles" that are set up in increasingly complex patterns for each round. These skittles are also made of wood, exactly ten feet high each, and the balls used vary from the size of a golf ball to a canon ball (dealer’s choice on ball size). People are usually split into teams, but for the sake of the competition, everyone plays alone. Whoever gets the most points moves forward in the competition, and hope that there are no accidents mid-throw! OUT OF CHARACTER INFO FAQ | LOCATIONS | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS | NAVIGATION For mature or graphic content, please label. For questions, please direct them to the FAQ. As always, be kind and have fun!

Comments

[tearsinajar]

[ Oh Lord. The ring on his finger had to somehow fall in the cracks somewhere he'd been filling in for her. Elena didn't know if that was a good thing or not. She glances sharply at the pair as they casually stroll by, caught by the unintentional interruption and then, again, she looks at him.

Numbly, she nods. Her voice comes out low, hesitant. ]

Yeah... Yeah, I think I remember seeing one just...over there. [ One more side glance drops to his left hand and she moves past him to lead. It shouldn't bother her as much as it does but— it does. Dammit, it does. ] By the way, try not to step on the dress. I don't want to find out the hard way how much it cost.

[ A tiny effort to lighten whatever tension was struggling between them, Elena looks out from the edge of her hood and offers a smile. There wasn't exactly any treasure they could attempt to steal and sell for coin here, not that she knew of. She hopes he doesn't try it, either. Her reputation wouldn't be a free Get Out of Jail card, unfortunately. ]

[sketchycharacter]

[Joke's on her, he's already stolen several things he could get some money for. Okay, not anything as high-value as treasure, but it made him feel better. Sharing this information is not gonna improve her disposition toward him, though, so he'll just sit on it.

Nate manages to give her a weak smile back, but his heart isn't in it, though he rallies enough to try and tease.]

Didn't know you were into this kind of stuff. Next you'll be telling me you're a secret renfaire fan.

[Not that he's lacking in garb, but it's different for him. He's got to blend in to be a successful thief. Totally not the same.

Once they find a bench, he plops down in his seat and stares at the ground for a long moment, half hoping she'll say something first, before sacking up and re-starting the conversation.]

So...this is really weird. Just to get that out of the way.

[tearsinajar]

I'm not. I would gladly exchange this get up for a good pair of pants.

[ Elena is dying to get out of the gown, the hood carrying some weight atop her head so it won't fall back on its own. She can't stand the way the skirts drag whenever she walks, missing the freedom that comes with wearing her khakis.

He sits and she joins him, an absent gesture of running her hands over the skirts on her lap following, as if she's stalling on getting things going. Where do they start? Right, the ring business. She eyes his left hand— it's a little strange for her to see it after going so long without. Would it be all right to completely skip over it and go straight into a discussion about this world and what comes next? Thankfully he's the one who goes first and Elena glances over. ]

Yeah... You could say that again.

[sketchycharacter]

[That sounds about right. She's always been happier in clothing she can move around in, even though she looks damn good in a dress. Were they here under different circumstances, in a different time, he'd have shared a joking-not-joking idea about how she could get out of the dress, complete with suggestive eyebrow waggle.

No eyebrow waggles now, just an expression of faint unhappiness and the sensation of something thick and heavy in the pit of his stomach.]

No, I mean—I get that it's weird for you too, getting a vision from the future and all. But it's weird for me because I feel like this is stuff you already know and I'm not sure how to explain it now that it turns out you don't.

Last I saw you, we were on the same page about things, but we didn't exactly have the chance to talk through it all with Sully right there. I figured we would when we got to Lisbon, but then...space happened.

[tearsinajar]

[ If she's going to look good in a dress then it's not going to be what she's draped in right now. Something more skin tight, something that shows her guns and her legs, maybe a tiny bit of cleavage and dips past her shoulder blades. Sexy, classy, provocative. Though she supposes this could fall in that category— back in the far, far day. ]

Lisbon..? Why Lisbon? What did we have there going for us? What 'things' are you talking about?

[ Elena asks this as she looks between him and his wedding ring. The ring had to fall in with said 'things', somehow. If it did, then why did he look unhappy? ]

It's probably easier if you stop trying to act like you're gently breaking the world's biggest new story and just tell me.

[sketchycharacter]

[He sighs, but—she has a point. As usual. It's stupid to draw it out more than necessary, because she can see right through him and he's not actually upset about the story itself.]

We were going to Lisbon because it's as far west as we could get before stopping to refuel Sully's plane and sleep for the night. We were going—home.

[His voice just barely cracks on the last word.]

Together. You and me.

[Like, together-together.]

[tearsinajar]

[ Elena stares at him— what? That can't be right. All of this was making her head hurt. But...she'd asked for it, she had wanted the truth, wanted him to spit it out...and he had. Her breath gets pulled in and held— home. It has so many meanings behind that singular word but if what he's saying is true and it was them, together, and going back to America...

Slowly she reaches up to pull the hood back as she shifts on the bench, gaze only breaking when she blinks. You and me. Did she dare to hope? ]

Like— together-together— you and me. I don't...get it. [ What the hell was so hard about this that she couldn't grasp? She adds then on a soft murmur, throat going tight, ] —why?

[ A harsh swallow. ]

What changed your mind? Wait— [ This is the worst time for this but: ] I don't get hit with another grenade do I?

[sketchycharacter]

[Nate winces a little when she says she doesn't get it, but that's not fair to her. What's to get? Well, a lot of things, from her perspective.]

No. [He sits up straight, looking a little disturbed at the idea. Even with all that's happened recently, Flynn's grenade is one of his very least favorite memories from an adventure.] No, no grenade. You're fine. Everyone's fine.

[Except for him, but he'd been alive, and that was enough. The injuries would heal. And then he'd been space kidnapped and they were healed. But she didn't ask about that, and she's still giving him the most gobsmacked look, so...

Fuck it. He'll stick to being direct.]

It's because I love you. I never stopped. And it's because you are way too forgiving and have terrible taste in romantic partners, not that I'm complaining.

Turns out that a lot can happen in a week to get someone to yank their head out of their ass.

[tearsinajar]

A week? [ She stares at him. He's nuts. Of course he always has been, since she first met him, but now he really and truly is out of his mind. ] My God, you're right— I am too forgiving. I don't know what the future me is thinking...

[ Was that sarcasm? Was she agreeing with him? The weight of her ring brings her focus away from him, lowering down to her hand as his words weigh on her. A deep sorrow sweeps through her, fingers splaying as she looks over her wedding band. How long has she been waiting to hear him say that? ]

But it wasn't enough... [ That's what didn't make sense. If he had loved her like he said he did— or does— then why did he feel the need to walk out on their marriage? On her? All this time the nagging thought that she'd done something wrong or hadn't done enough was at the back of her mind like a dark, heavy cloud, something she couldn't ask when he was never around. ]

[sketchycharacter]

[A week is in fact a very short time to come so far, after months of separation and also considering how very firmly wedged his head had been in his posterior, but a lot had happened during that week. And it had been long overdue.]

I'm a shitty liar to everyone but me, apparently, and I got really good at telling myself what was important. I thought this—[He bats at his chest, where Drake's ring used to hang, a scornful expression on his face.]—was important.

Then I woke up tied to a chair in a shipyard because Marlowe's hired pirate decided to gun for Iram himself, and I went after his ship because he said he had Sully as leverage. It was just a con. After the ship went down [because of course it did] I just kept thinking that I was going to drown there and I'd never see you again, never...

[He drifts off for a moment, visibly unsettled.]

Washed up on the shore. Made it to your place, where I found out they had nabbed Sully but you had a plan. Then came the plane and the desert and Iram.

A week like that...it puts things in perspective really clearly.

[tearsinajar]

Never...?

[ Did she even want to know the answer to that? There was too much meaning behind that one word trailing off; never hold her, never get to kiss her, never get to tell her that he...loved her. Elena's hand reaches for his then as the one thought that had always plagued her thoughts and haunted her dreams returns— no, she wouldn't lose him, she was always so sure she wouldn't in spite of the fear that frazzled her nerves when putting him and any danger together. ]

See, that sounds more like me, setting up a plan to rescue Sully. Even if I had to do it on my own, I would've done whatever it took to get him back. And you... I would've...

[ Elena would've gone to the ends of the earth to get him back, the both of them. The thought of losing them, her fingers tighten in response, brows coming together. ]

...I would do the same.

[sketchycharacter]

[Regardless of how uncertain he is about their relationship now that different points in time have given them equally different perspectives on it, Nate's fingers close around hers when she takes his hand. He doesn't even have to think about it.]

I know you would. I'm just glad you didn't have to.

[As frightening as he knows it must have been—will be—for her to watch him go up in Marlowe's plane alone without any way to know whether he'd succeed, he still believes with every part of him that asking her to stay behind was the right thing. She stayed safe and he survived, and they have a future now, even if it's an uncertain one.

Twisting in his seat to face her, Nate looks her in the eye, his gaze intense and unblinking.]

Elena, I don't know what was going to happen next for us, but I know I was going to do everything I could to make things up to you. I didn't expect to end up in space, but you know me, I'm adaptable.

I know what I want now, here or back home. I want you; I want a life with you. If you just give me one more chance...please.

[tearsinajar]

[ Elena stares at him, silent. She's taking in what he's saying, what he's asking. He's got to be serious about this, that's what she thinks as she lowers her eyes from his to the ring that's been put back where it should've never left in the first place.

Still quiet, her eyes lift back up to search his. Like she'll find any doubt in them for her to latch on to and give her reason to refuse his request. To not believe him. He'd been the to walk away from her and leave the life they'd begun behind. And now he wanted back in. She'll need to choose her words and weigh them carefully. ]

How can I believe that, Nate?

[ Pain and uncertainty— each emotion is carefully laced between each word and syllable. Elena watches him, hand squeezing his. ]

How can I trust you? That you aren't going to jump ship at the first chance you get with some exotic treasure hot under your nose?

[sketchycharacter]

[Every second that goes by feels like a year, and he's aging with each one that passes, more and more certain that he'll be living that time without her. When she finally speaks and doesn't forgive him, doesn't take him back, it's almost a relief.

She hasn't walked away, though. She's still holding his hand, and that has to mean something.]

I don't know.

[His voice is so small and sad even to his own ears, but Nate can't make it sound any different.]

I don't know how to fix this—what I broke.

[He'd spent so long acting like he was the only one hurting, like he was the only one whose feelings mattered at all. But everything he ever did to hurt her is clear now, and he can't see anything else.]

I just know that I love you and I want to prove that you can. Here or back home, I don't care. I'll do it one day at a time, for years, if that's what it takes.

[tearsinajar]

[ It breaks her heart just a little more to hear him say that. He can't expect her to know how to fix this, either; what he had decided wasn't good enough that he couldn't stay to try to work it out with her before making any rash decisions, it wasn't up to her.

Their marriage, it was broken. It was a hard given fact. But he was here now and he was more than willing to do whatever it took to make things right. They'd agreed that— for better or for worse— they would weather through whatever storm came their way, Elena just hadn't expected it to be this. Or to feel like it was coming so soon.

He'd hurt her a lot. He also loved her a lot. What was it with people hurting those they loved the most? He was admitting to his mistakes and while she wouldn't consider this him begging, he sounded like he would go above and beyond to prove that that she could come to put all of her faith back in him again. She could be the bigger person here, she could forgive him, she could take him back.

Elena truly did love him, so... ]

All right... [ Her voice was just a tiny bit uneven, she had to clear her throat before asking. ] What would be your first step? I somehow doubt they have marriage counseling up in space.

So, what do we do?

[sketchycharacter]

[For a second or two there, Nate doesn't think he's heard her correctly. He expected her to give him a look of regret, shake her head, tell him it's too late. And she'd have every right to do so. When that doesn't happen, he lifts his head a little higher, surprise faintly visible on his face.]

Well...we look out for each other here, have each other's backs. The ship, this planet, it's all kinda crazy.

[But that's not what she meant, and this isn't a real answer to her question, and they both know it. Besides, it would be true even if she'd shot him down, just as it had been true in Yemen. Elena Fisher is stalwart right to her core. He thinks she could declare her hatred for him in no uncertain terms and he'd still trust her more than just about anyone alive.]

And maybe we start at the beginning. Let me...I don't know, let me take you out on a space date. It could be fun.

[A small smile plays at the edges of his mouth, but he's not just teasing. They never had a normal first date, so why should it be any different trying again? But it really could be a good start, he thinks. Demonstrate that she can trust him to show her a good time for an evening before she trusts him with the rest of her life. From small beginnings...]

[tearsinajar]

I really don't think it would take an estranged marriage to know that. Married or not, you know I'd have your back. And I know you'd have mine.

[ They could've been mere friends and she would stick her neck out on the line for him. ]

I'm sorry, a— what? A space date? You're kidding, right? What's a space date, we go up to the observation deck and stare at some stars?

[ That sounded kind of sweet but at the same time...scary. It was intimidating up there being surrounded by all that darkness that was never ending, the stars and planets. Elena still needs to get used to it, living on this ship. ]

If we're starting at the beginning, does that mean you want this back?

[ She holds up her left hand, wiggling her ring finger. Maybe they could have a space wedding, too, while they're at it. ]

[sketchycharacter]

I mean, we could, but it doesn't have to be that. We're in space, we've been space kidnapped—any date would count as a space date.

[For a moment, his expression grows thoughtful, although it's anyone's guess whether that's genuine or a put-on.]

I hear this thing visits planets, too, though. I'm not sure if those would count. They could be planet dates, I guess, but that's kind of obvious.

[His face gets serious but also softer when she displays her ring, though. Nate takes it in his, looking down at it and tracing his thumb over the band, before looking back up at her and resting his palm against her cheek.]

Nah. You keep it. It looks good there.

[Any other day, any other context, and this would be the ideal moment to lean forward and kiss her. It's not right, though. This will have to be enough.]

[tearsinajar]

[ For a second Elena begins to unconsciously lean her cheek in against his palm. It's an almost natural thing for her to do, something she wants and has missed— his touch, those tender gestures from him. She catches herself, however, and turns her head off to the opposite side, chewing at the inside of her cheek. Denying them both that tender moment, as much as it pains her to do so.

It's played off as if she'd heard something, hand squeezing his in mute apology. Hand touching, maybe even hand holding, she's okay with that. Though when it comes to face touching, a little more time is needed for her to process everything. He's been gone for roughly a year, possibly even more than that. Finding that foothold again might not be as easy as it looks. ]

So...what if we get kidnapped by aliens on one of these space dates of yours? What then?

[ Bring the focus back to the dates, that's the way to do it. Elena looks back over to him, her hand still resting in his. ]

[sketchycharacter]

[He knows that Elena didn't hear anything. There wasn't anything notable to hear. And it hurts, yeah, he's not going to pretend it doesn't. But he can deal with a little pain. God knows he's caused her plenty.]

Oh, that one's easy. I break out of wherever they put me, come to save you.

[His eyes are sad, but the smile on his face is real. Funny how those two things can happen at the same time.]

Find out you were doing just fine and didn't saving. Then we fight our way out and steal a spaceship. Simple.

I WARNED YOU ABOUT YOUR MISSED WORD.........

[tearsinajar]

[ She wishes she could take away the sadness in his eyes, somehow make it all go away. Unfortunately it isn't up to her to set it right, but if only she could. It just isn't that simple.

Where's the damn switch for her to flick? ]

And if they spit acid? Come equipped with some crazy tentacles? We're kind of screwed then. No spaceship for us.

....DID YOU?

[sketchycharacter]

We'll handle it. We always do, right?

[He believes in that much, at least. No matter the danger, no matter the crisis, the two of them as a team will find a way through. Nate never wants to see her in danger, but if it happens, there's no one he'd rather have on his side.

He wishes he felt the same certainty that they'll find their way back to what they used to be. But if true belief is a little beyond him, he does have a lot of hope.]

But we could just stick to safer places, like this. Walk around and talk and stay away from pissed-off aliens.

I DID. BEFORE YOU PASSED OUT....

[tearsinajar]

I don't know, Nate. Ripley's crew didn't do so good against them. We don't know what we're going up against here.

[ Elena skims the side of his hand with her thumb, absently stroking. An old habit. She has a lot of those with him. It's going to be hard to not want to give in to them, to take this slow and see if it's real and he means business. ]

If any place is safe, I guarantee it's the ship.

[ But look how well that worked out for Ellen Ripley as well, all of the four times. ]

I do not recall this whatsoever

[sketchycharacter]

If we're in Ripley's position, that means you're the badass who's going to survive it all. I'm the token male who might be in trouble.

[Her thumb on his hand is a good feeling, an old feeling, something so nostalgic it almost makes him heartsick. How is it that any sign her feelings for him haven't completely withered away can twist him up like this, especially when it's what he wants?]

But if you think we should stick to the ship, we'll stick to the ship. Whatever you want.

S I G H

[tearsinajar]

You're right. You might just end up being the first to die.

[ She looks down to their hands as she catches herself falling into the old habit. Getting touchy feely, it's dangerous. It does things to the heart. But this is a one step at a time process. ]

Oh, so now it's whatever I want?