( tdm 11 )

[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. ) H A I S T O S Unlike previously visited locations, the sweltering heat of this planet can be felt long before arrival. The surface of Haistos is not a place for those with a weak constitution. It’s in a constant state of low-level volcanic activity as its land masses are dotted with many volcanoes—all of them spewing black ash into the air. Breathing is difficult without the aid of a respirator due to the potential of breathing in ash, and the plant life is stunted, adapted to living in an environment with little sunlight. The weather is unpredictable, and ash-storms will often blow in fiercely, leaving people trapped for a hours at a time before they blow themselves out. But that same ash which chokes everything on this planet is what also provides its livelihood. Haistos’ volcanic resources are a highly sought-after commodity elsewhere in the universe, and as long as gathering the ash is profitable, people will continue to return. Looking closely, etched into the curling paths of ignimbrite deposits that swirl along the base of the volcanoes is a language that is easily translated by the MID, often resembling Latin. Carved over time by visitors and travelers, it tells a tale of fire and stone and power. Some might even say there are mystic abilities associated with these volcanoes, though the rumors and myths behind it seem to be nothing but a warning to those who think to go looking for it. It’s also hard to tell if the words carry any true meaning since there are no natives to question, and all those who harvest the ash can only tell stories. Still, it’s apparent that people from many different times have all added to the scrolling messages. A word of caution: you cannot build here. Stone, metal, and wood all burn, all crumble. Only what is true can survive, and fire will show its true quality. ☄ breathing sparks Despite the haphazard lay of the land, there are things to do. Or, at least, things to see. The rocky terrain often leads to some inactive volcanoes that are perfect for exploring and harvesting the ash that continues to rain down across Haistos. There are step-like structures built into the sides of the volcanic craters, narrow but sturdy. With each move down, the air gets even thicker, and your respirator takes longer and longer to filter the unbreathable atmosphere the deeper into the planet you travel. Yet, the risk of asphyxiation is worth what awaits at the bottom of the staircase. Still warm, the volcanic rocks that are sunk into the deposits are both smooth and clear as crystal. Most of these gems retain heat permanently and can be used to warm small spaces. Gathering too many together in a single place, however, creates a reaction with the limited air supply and can spark a faux volcanic eruption—yes, these rocks are capable of producing lava at an impossibly quick rate. Is it possible to outrun the flow and reach the steps before it begins filling the bottom of the crater? The only thing worse than a sudden swimming pool of lava would be the respirator finally breaking because of the abrupt, extreme heat, wouldn’t it? ☄ under pressure Despite being unable to actually build any structures of substance on Haistos, walking around the planet itself is surprisingly easy. Due to its unusual composition, the ground itself is a noticeable mixture of dark rock and shining surfaces. More than that, each step around the bases of the volcanoes reveals something both amazing and rather fascinating: the ability to create diamonds without much pressure at all. It only takes a single step or even a hand print. Take a break and sit to rest? Diamonds. Wrestling over what pile of ash is yours to claim? Diamonds. Tripping and falling and refusing to get up so that no one sees your embarrassment? Diamonds. Suddenly, moving around on Haistos has taken a whole new turn. Especially when it’s completely possible to keep what you make with your very own body weight. ☄ if you break it, you buy it Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet. At the base of one of the smaller volcanoes, this message is carved into the rock in large, curling script. The volcano is currently inactive and is dotted with openings large enough for visitors to enter through. Stranger than the message is the faint tinkling sound - almost like glass clinking against glass - that grows louder the deeper into the volcano you go. The intricate honeycomb of paths all lead in the same direction—towards the sound and a mellow blue glow. At the center, the sound is loud and the light illuminates a large space. Thousands of crystalline creatures swirl and bump against one another, the source of both the sound and light. They appear to be a cross between a lightning bug and bee, glowing and noisy and harmless. The beautiful sight may, or may not, be dampened by the fact that the cavern is littered with glass honeycombs that have been built up within the bodies of fallen travelers. It’s clear that the organisms didn’t harm them, perhaps the result of too much ash or broken respirators, and the honey they’ve produced is light blue and clear. It’s sweet if eaten, bright and citrus-y, and carries an earthy undertone, making the skin glow temporarily after ingesting. If careful, visitors may harvest the honey, but do not disturb the creatures. Their wings are sharp, and when agitated, they swarm out of fear. 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

[alterplex]

[ Alternates, duplicates, different timelines. Venom listens with the attentiveness of someone who is shelving all of these words in a careful subsection of his mind, set aside to be properly dissected later. It's a lot to take in, to be sure, but he doesn't discredit it or doubt the veracity of Kaz's words— if there's one thing he knows, one thing he can place his faith in, it's the fact that Kaz won't lie to him about something as important as this.

Then again, six months on a spaceship could have changed the guy. Somehow, Venom doubts that more than he doubts having 'been here before'. ]

Sounds impossible. [ Despite the surface reading of his words, this is Venom's way of saying 'got it'; a dry, but ultimately understanding assertion of assent. ] But as for the rest of it...

[ Laconic as he is, he chooses the fewest words to say everything he means. ] I know who I'm meant to be. [ Answer enough for Kaz, he hopes. That statement comes and goes, like an errant breeze, as he inspects Kaz's face with a tip of his chin. ] Good to see you too, Kaz.

[warandpeace]

They got pretty good healthcare here.

[He considers, before he takes off the glove to his right hand, holds it out. The hand is obviously a play of light, solid that's an illusion. Like a hologram in science fiction movie. But isn't everything here? Translucent fingers wriggle.]

Actually feels, too. Works like a normal hand. Doesn't do more than that. [But all he wanted from it is to feel again, anyway.] Got talked into it. [Getting a prosthetic, that is.] Needed to be able to keep up.

Yeah uh... been talkin' to the person you're meant to be, too. Turns out we're not the only ones. It gets real complicated. [As everything here tends to be. But with this particular Snake, there's not too much reason for him to hold back information. It's important for them to get by.]

[alterplex]

Looks like you've been busy.

[ The way Venom lifts his brow is a silent indicator that he wants to take a look at that hand, and he holds out his own flesh-and-blood version of it for Kaz's approval. Six months may not be enough to fundamentally change Kazuhira Miller, but apparently it was enough to persuade him to get a prosthetic.

He should probably ask if Kaz's need to "keep up" is a warning regarding the type of things that happen here, but. One at a time, he tells himself. ]

...He's here? [ This is a vital clarification that needs to be made. The question of Him, the pivotal individual in both of their lives. The look on Venom's face doesn't stray from anything other than neutral, save for a fraction of a furrow that dents his expression in consideration. ] That's definitely gonna make things complicated.

[ The whole point of him is to be a shadow, after all. His gaze flickers to Kaz, asking for counsel. ]

[warandpeace]

Sorry. [He says of everything he's just said. Not that it's not untrue, not that it doesn't need to be said, and not that there's not more. He's sorry for it because there's just so much that exists. Politics. Dangers. Arguments among crew, ones that often turn violent.]

[It's a lot of information and he's sorry that Snake has found himself in the middle of it.]

It'll be fine. [He assures him. With no further explanation as to why it would be. Just "It'll be fine". He extends his hand and rests it palm up.] This is a duplicate of my left hand, just inverted. Disturbing the surface simulates actual skin sensation. The pain hasn't gone away, but because I can still feel it takes the edge off, distracts from it. Don't think I would have gotten one otherwise.

[Took a hell of a lot of talking into, and basically being surrounded by other amputees with only him flaunting his stubborn refusal.] He's... not the only one here. [He goes back to the previous subject.] We'll just work it out one at a time. No rush. Picked a hell of a time to debrief you, didn't I? [A small jab at his own expense. But hell, the man would do it when he was fairly fresh from having parts rended from him. Why not on a planet where the weight of his ass landing on the ground could yield precious gems?]

[alterplex]

[ 'Sorry'. As if Kaz really needs to apologize for any of this, as if an apology is what Venom wanted from his tired-looking friend with the strange new appendages. Kaz has a tendency to shoulder, and it looks like he hasn't broken the habit.

He inspects the new development in his hand, runs a thumb gently over the length of that phantom limb (ironic denotation intended). Must have taken a lot of persuasion, he thinks. It probably wasn't easy, accepting it. Especially not to someone as prideful as Kazuhira Miller.

The look he levels on Kaz after letting go is sharply attentive— I'm keeping an eye on you, is what it seems to say. I see you. ]

Speak up if it ever acts up. [ He knows you, Kazuhira 'Bottle' Miller. Venom tips his head to the side in subtle scrutiny, making sure that the self-deprecation is in good humor, before continuing. ] And I'm guessing that this place is as good a place as any for conversation.

[ Half of that statement gets lost in an eruption from a distant volcano. Venom blinks, and almost, almost, smiles. ]

—On second thought, the ship might be better.

[warandpeace]

[His fingers twitch a bit, as if the touch to the palm actually tickled. It had. Still hadn't gotten used to that, but it does feel better, just having the less sharp sensation drown out the occasional pang. Only problem being he still has to turn the thing off to sleep.]

[Admitting that it has helped has been its own hurdle. The only open acknowledgement being the guitar.]

[Then that eye cuts right through him, like he knows about all the guilt and stress and occasional moments of inadequacy-feuled idiocy he's been going through in Snake's absence. Always did look at him like he just knew. Had a pretty good bead on his emotional state at any given time, most importantly those few times when it mattered to Miller to hide it.]

Yeah. Probably. Taking a swim in lava was never my thing. And I'd like to get the respirators off.

[Afterward he's returning a more meaningful look, one of appreciation, one that manages to seep through his thickly tinted lenses and their concealing sheen. But following that?] Give me a moment.

[And he ducks down to grab a bunch of those diamonds. Give him a moment he'll be right up in a second.] Never know when these will come in handy.

[alterplex]

[ Okay, this time, Venom actually manages an exhaled laugh— something that would sound like a sigh under that respirator if not for the subtle softening of his one eye to give the sentiment away. ]

Started a burger business here, too?

[ He says, without missing a beat. Almost offhandedly, without even looking at the person he's gently jabbing with his words; he's also too busy crouching down to pocket a few more diamonds of his own.

That's what Kaz gets for trying to keep secrets from him, tbh. ]

[warandpeace]

[Kaz had just taken off his beret. Actually taken it off, just to grab a few extra, and then he stands up as straight as can be at being caught. Or rather, the far belated realization he'd been caught.]

[Of all the secrets he's kept, covert things and clandestine meetings and even the occasional illicit affair, somehow this is the worst one just because it was about hamburgers. No greater good. No ideology. No honor. Just. Hamburgers.]

[He clears his throat, returns the beret to his head (which he's chosen to wear with his uniform anyway; the dress code apparently permits him his nostalgia) and starts towards one of the large transport vehicles as if that tiny little segment of conversation hadn't just taken place.]

Luckily their transporters are pretty reliable. Where the ships can't fully dock, at least.

[alterplex]

[ The world calls for wetwork, and he answers with burgers. No greater good. No just cause.

Venom watches as Kaz eases right back into second-in-command mode, his posture straight and his words as convincingly steady as he can manage. No comment about "Miller's Maxi Buns", of course. Not even a backwards look at Venom, who follows his friend without interruption.

He wonders if Kaz is embarrassed about it. It's not like Venom would have turned down a good burger. ]

Kaz. Relax. [ This is Venom's first day on an alien planet and he's the one telling the six-month veteran of space travel to take it easy. Amazing. A hand falls on Kaz's shoulder as Venom presses forward to mosey on over to the transport vehicle first. ] I'll learn.

This is the most serious shit I've ever typed

[warandpeace]

[A little. Because to be honest, he did have some ridiculously high hopes for those burgers to do something profound. And he might have thought to invest more effort if he hadn't gotten so angry. Pax Hamburgana died with his urge to follow Big Boss without question.]

[Among the sins that came with that discovery? A value meal that every hungry person in search of the greatest hamburger was deprived of.]

[He nods at the comment, huffing a pleased sound at the hand, the reminder his friend was here. Back? Maybe not back, but in another capacity. Whichever. He's here and that's one less thing for Kaz to worry about.] Yeah. You always have been pretty quick to.

[And paid more attention than Kaz would have expected. He doesn't know whether to be impressed he was caught or not.]

this is the kind of quality meta i'm here for

[alterplex]

[ It's a bit strange, being so candid about the fact that he had to 'learn'. The question of his identity warrants careful handling, probably. Like holding a landmine, or dismantling a bomb. Despite the delicate nature of the truth, Kaz points out the ease with which he took on his given role, and Venom isn't sure whether to be flattered or find it somewhat troubling.

In the end, he knows that Kaz only means well. He doesn't let his split second of contemplation show in anything but a quiet moment of reflection behind his eye, as quick to pass as it came. ]

Don't have much of a choice, when you're thrown into the fray.

[ That's not a complaint, just a mild joke at his own expense. He can manage that: he's not sensitive, after all. ]

I'll trust you to keep tabs on the finer details.

[warandpeace]

[Well, Kaz was chosen for a reason, or so he suspects. Miller was the one they were following to get close enough to Big Boss, Miller was the one familiar with how Naked Snake worked in action. He was the one that would be able to tell Venom Snake what missions to go on in the way most befitting of the real McCoy.]

[But in this case, Kaz genuinely does just mean his knack for picking up almost anything and settling into it. To him, it's been less like this man is a blank slate with the bare minimum of replicated information and more like this man was simply extremely talented. Both are very true.]

Don't worry about it. I have it under control.

[As much as a mouse can control an elephant, but he'll pretend as hard as he can. He ushers Snake up onto the transport with a hand on the back of his shoulder until they're settled.]

Any other big questions I can help you out with. [That don't involve hamburgers.]