( 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

[commontype]

[Eggsy's brows shoot up in surprise, though he shouldn't be. If Armin really knows him, he would know about Harry, too.]

He is, yeah? Works as the ship's tailor.

[He swallows, looking away for a moment. It was hard losing Harry, harder to believe that this Harry wasn't a fake or a trick. They'd worked through it, but it had taken time.]

Can you tell me why I wouldn't have? What sort of place are you from, Armin?

[He isn't sure he's going to like the answer, but he wants to know.]

We were. [Eggsy says it almost reverently, like he can't imagine another him that was so happy. He's usually happy here, has good and bad days like most, but it's a work in progress.] Then you can't like seein' me, can you? Lookin' like someone you love, but not bein' him. M' so sorry.

[disarmin]

[Armin wants to stop this conversation - wants to ask Eggsy what he does on the ship, who he is here.

(If he has another lover.)

Armin wants to push the attention away from himself and the happiness which is so clearly in the past.

But there are certain things which are inevitable.]

...It was like a brothel. There were always drugs in the food and drink to make us in the mood. Lower our inhibitions. Make us want to do things we might not normally. If we had sex, the witches who kept us there gained magical power, and they were happy. If we didn't go along with it, or we made the witches angry, there were punishments. They also made us take clients sometimes. [Armin doesn't directly describe the humiliation and disgust he feels at it, but it drips from his voice like acid.] They made it clear we were their property.

[His tone softens.] You're not that different, always worrying about me for no reason. When we met after our first time together, without our heads foggy, you were very concerned for my well-being.

[commontype]

A brothel.

[When Eggsy had first arrived here, he'd been pretty pissed off. He'd wanted to go back home, but over time, he'd come to like it here. He had friends and family on the ship, and he was going to get home eventually, or say they say.

But hearing that his other self had been stuck inside a whore house, being made to fuck and given mind altering substances against his will, makes him sick.]

Then I'm glad you ain't there anymore, even if the me you love isn't with ya.

[If other-Eggsy had truly loved Armin, he knows he would have wanted him away from all that, even if it hurt to be separated.]

I can see it, yeah? Worryin' about ya for no reason. We just met and I already feel that way.

[He smiles lightly, leaning back and stretching his feet out.]

Let's talk about somethin' else. Anythin' you want.

[disarmin]

[Armin hops off the chair, searching around for Liza. She's still exploring the room. Armin lets her, crouching near her to pet her now and then. He feels a little bit better making himself smaller and facing away from Eggsy.] We knew we'd be separated eventually. The truth is I tried over and over again to cut you out of my life, but you convinced me it was worth enjoying it while we had it. I just thought I'd go back to my world, and the war. In that way, it's kind of nice to see you alive and well since I never thought we'd meet again.

[In a way. In a way it hurts so badly Armin is pretty sure he's still at risk of getting physically ill.]

So you take care of animals here? Is JB around?

[commontype]

[Eggsy figures that's enough emotional trauma for the day, even if he has more questions. Hopefully the guy would stick around long enough that Eggsy could get to know him better.]

That's my job, yeah? Ship vet.

[He leans forward again, oddly antsy and unsettled. Probably from meeting someone that knew him, without being able to reciprocate that. It left him uncomfortable and a little bit heartbroken for Armin, for his other self.]

He's here, little thing though. Was he there, too? Or did I just tell you about him?

[disarmin]

I believe he was sent to you as a reward at some point. So long as we remained... on our witch's good side, presents would turn up. Things from back home, like movies and DVDs for you, money and clothes for me. [There's precious little Armin actually wanted from back home aside from people.] I have to admit I didn't really understand why someone would keep an animal just as a companion, but he won me over in the end.

[Armin remains facing away from Eggsy. It's not a real solution, Eggsy still sounds like Eggsy, with that accent that's different from the way Armin is used to words sounding, the funny slang.]

It's funny that a vessel like this has room for a tailor or a vet. Do we encounter many combat situations?

[commontype]

[Eggsy gives Armin a look of disbelief, which quickly turns into a nod of satisfaction.]

Just like JB to win someone over. Bet this one will, too, yeah? He's a pup again, don't ask me how, so I've got to train him all over, but it's kinda nice. Almost feels like m' back home.

[He wants to ask Armin to turn back around so he can see his face. It's still a lot to take in, but he also knows that he's not really the one that matters right now.]

I don't think these rooms were meant for any of that. Guess cause there wasn't anybody here, they just let us do whatever with them. Sort of? Like on planets we get into trouble and there's fightin', and some of the crew fight each other. No real wars or battle though.

[disarmin]

Planets. [Armin has had these described to him before, but it all seems so impossibly large.] That should be exciting, at least. Seeing new places. Where I come from, my real home, humanity is imprisoned.

[Armin speaks in a hush.] Someone is always trying to put us into cages. [A pause.] What is the strictest punishment for insubordination here? Have their been any cases of desertion?

[Armin remains on the floor as Liza pokes around. He seats himself with his back to the wall and a good view of Eggsy and the exits. But he still won't meet Eggsy's gaze.]

[commontype]

Imprisoned? S' that why you were at war?

[Eggsy's always curious to know about the other people that show up here. Very few come from the same place and they're always so different.]

Ah, see that's the thing. People do all kinds of stupid shit here an' the captain's don't seem to care. They only really get pissed if someone kills somebody.

[At that, he tips his head, raises a brow.]

You thinkin' of runnin' off?

[disarmin]

One of the reasons. [Armin does not further explain his situation. He is not looking forward to telling Eggsy about it. He assumes someday they might be good enough friends for that. But Armin doesn't want to relive seeing Eggsy go through all that care when his face is already worn with so many.] War is messy like that.

[Liza goes to sniff at Eggsy's feet. Armin shrugs.]

I don't know. But I won't waste my time here. I've been away from the war too long as it is.

[Armin hates himself for getting involved with Eggsy, falling in love when he knew the risk of losing him. Armin hates himself for caring for someone enough to consider staying in a place like Eros. It's easier to hate himself, to numb himself to the reality of the loss this Eggsy and this new location represent.]

Do the captains like boys? Maybe I should one or both of them a visit.

[commontype]

Hey, there.

[Eggsy stretches down to offer the kitten his fingers, petting her if she allows it.]

Most of us are tryin' to get back home. This place ain't nothin' like I seen and I figure if I were to try and go out by myself, I'd never make it home. I dunno if the captains are bein' honest, but they're offering us a way back.

[He glances up sharply, the word stumbling out of his mouth before he can stop it.]

No.

[Clearing his throat, he leans back, eyes narrowed. He's about to overstep his boundaries, he knows it, but he's always run hot and been more than a little opinionated.]

Well, they might, but that's not what I mean. You ain't gotta do that. I won't let ya.

[disarmin]

[Eliza Mewlittle seems to be warming up to Eggsy a little until he speaks sharply. She darts away, weaving herself between Armin's legs before he pulls her into his lap.]

You'd stop me? Why? We're strangers.

[Armin knows he's made a mistake. He shouldn't have brought up his idea in the first place. Eggsy is always thinking Armin is better than he is, and needs protecting. He's asking a question he knows the answer to. Because this Eggsy may never say he loves him, but he does care. And Armin needs that a little, maybe. Since he's got no one else here.]

[commontype]

[Eggsy feels guilty instantly at sounding controlling and hot-headed. He isn't sure why it bothers him so much, probably a combination of general concern and the fact that he can't shake the idea of his other self, what he'd do.]

Cause there's a me out there that loves you, an' if he were really like me, he wouldn't want you doin' this.

[He huffs softly, folding his arms over his chest.]

This place ain't the best, but it can be whatever we make it, yeah? If you need somethin', just come to me and I'll help get it. There ain't any reason to offer yourself to the captains. Not like that. Shouldn't sleep with anyone unless you actually wanna sleep with 'em.

[disarmin]

[Armin is quiet. He's wrung thin, inhabiting that hollow place that exists after all the tears have emptied out of him. He doesn't know what he should do. He doesn't have a plan. If a titan were to appear right now, he'd shoo the cat and let it eat him.

Eren and Mikasa would tell him to keep fighting. So would Jean. He's lost people before. With the exception of the moment he saw Eren get eaten, he moved on as quickly as he could. Because he knew what was needed of him.]

I'm sorry I said that. I should have considered you'd feel responsible for me after all this. I should have thought of that in the first place before you told me anything. I shouldn't have forced you to accept this insane situation.

[Armin sits back against the wall, closing his eyes. All he really wants to do is to beg Eggsy to hold him, but that seems like an obscene request.]

You shouldn't have to live in his shadow. I'm the only one who remembers. That's not fair to you.

And I don't need your help. I can do this on my own.

[commontype]

But you aren't?

[Eggsy's face bunches up, a mix of frustration and disgust for the situation Armin comes here from. He wouldn't have had to tell Eggsy about any of that, if those people hadn't forced him to do that.]

Y' can't force me to accept anythin', yeah? I'm glad ya told me, would rather know than find out later.

[He slides his jacket off, settling on the ground. Eggsy's not too close, but at a lower level. He adjusts his arm, flexing the metal fingers idly as he thinks of what to say.]

Ain't fair to you either. I may not be him, but this can't be easy.

[Eggsy fidgets before scooting a bit closer.]

You don't have to, though. If you don't want me around, I get it, and I won't come round. But you don't have do this on your own, I can help. Wanna help.

reference to canon violence

[disarmin]

[Armin tells himself repeatedly to be calm. He shouldn't stare at Eggsy's prosthesis. Eggsy wouldn't want him to make a fuss over something like this, any more than Armin would. But something happens - and Armin is back on that rooftop in Trost, helpless, watching as the titan snaps Eren's arm off in its teeth so violently the limb goes flying, dripping gore and the bone sticking out, the scent of torn flesh somehow stronger than the death and mire all around them. Armin thought his own heart stopped beating. Didn't realize he was screaming until he stopped, his throat raw.

I couldn't stop it.]

Your arm... Eggsy...

[The room seems so much smaller, threatening to encase them.]

I'm so sorry. Did the witches - no, no...

[Armin struggles to find context, to understand, and he just keeps seeing Eren's arm snapping off. And he remembers Commander Smith, too, how pale and near death he was. He's confused, having trouble breathing right. He spent all this time assuming this Eggsy was safe, and taking solace in it, and yet...]

We had a deal with Perdita. Nothing was supposed to happen to you! Nothing was supposed to happen...

Didn't I work hard enough?

[commontype]

[Eggsy glances down at his arm in confusion, is about to shrug it off, because all that's behind him now. Thinking about it reminds him of Bruce, the falling glass, and dying. All things he's tried to move on from.]

Oh, this? It ain't noth-

[He shakes his head, more confused, and unsure how he's supposed to proceed. They've just met, but this guy knows him so well, loves him, and maybe that's what's wrong. But then he's saying things that don't make any sense, that Eggsy doesn't understand.]

It weren't any witches. Was an accident, yeah?

[Eggsy scoots forward, twisting around until he's on his knees beside Armin, hands outstretched. Perdita? What deal? Work hard enough? That sick feeling in the pit of his stomach almost collapses in on him. He's out of his depths, doesn't know what to say or do, doesn't know what his other self would do.

Then he thinks of Harry. Of what he'd said to him when a similar situation had happened between the two of them, Eggsy waking from a nightmare, and confused. Yeah, it might be a mistake, but it worked for them.]

That's enough now. [His voice is firm. He reaches out and places a hand on Armin's shoulder.] I got hurt during an incident on one of the planets. Nobody did it to me, yeah? Captains patched me up and here I am.

None of that was your fault, and I won't be hearing any more of this.

[A deep breath, you've got this, Eggsy.]

Now we're going to go have a drink and think about something else.

[disarmin]

[Armin's mind overflows with images, threatening to drown him. He tries to hold on to what he sees in front of him, but in this fragile state it's impossible for him to accept the dissonance of Eggsy being here and trying to comfort him yet being a complete stranger.

How can he be certain all of this isn't one of the witches' games?]

Whiskey, if you have it. [Armin breathes. He's still very agitated, pale. He's shaking when he takes Eggsy's hand. If he gets to his feet, he'll stumble.] And I - I don't suppose you have cigarettes?

[commontype]

It ain't whiskey. Sort of though.

[Strong alcohol that could take the edge off, but it definitely wasn't anything like the stuff where he's from.]

I do, actually, but they ain't in here with me.

[Eggsy had taken up having a smoke sometimes, usually when the nightmares got bad.]

S' in my room.

[disarmin]

I'm sure a few shots would go a long way to help. And a cigarette or two. [He could probably chain smoke a pack with his nerves in this condition. Armin is still feeling weak and unsteady, and everything around him seems slightly the wrong color. Armin is ashen, but he tries to perk up and look brave.] I... I think I just sort of... you don't know anything about me, what I've seen... I saw my friend lose his arm right before he was eaten. I - I can't stop thinking of it now. I'm sorry. [Armin takes a long b reath through his nose.] You told me once that it's a thing soldiers get, a real disease, when too many bad things happen. In your day and age, you have doctors who specialize in it, even. You said it might help to talk about it, and... I wasn't weak for being anxious or anything, even when I freak out over nothing.

[He takes Eggsy's hand, hoping to be helped up. It's a change in him that allows him to accept the help.]

[commontype]

Let's do that then. You ain't gotta apologize to me, yeah? I didn't know and I'm sorry bout that.

[Eggsy reaches out and pulls Armin up. He doesn't quite let his hand go at first, curious if he might remember him now, even though he isn't sure things actually work like that. It makes him feel like shit, honestly, because he'd hate for someone he loves to not know him.]

PTSD is serious. It ain't a joke and it can make livin' hard. You said you was a soldier, that you've seen horrible things. That sticks with ya. It can help to talk about it, but it has to be on your terms.

[He smiles lightly, looking down at Armin.]

Doesn't make ya weak. There's people on the ship that specialize in this, can listen if you want 'em to or you can just talk to someone that knows what it's like. There's plenty of that goin' around, unfortunately. Harry, he'd be brutally honest, but he'd listen and be polite about what he says.

[Or Eggsy, but he doesn't want to make things worse.]

Wanna see JB? And, um, got two micro kittens and a giant alien pup.