T E S T
D R I V E
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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 ownThere 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 SUnlike 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 sparksDespite 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 pressureDespite 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 itOut 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.
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JUDY HOPPS | ZOOTOPIA
A. OBSERVATION DECK
What in the wo-
[She can’t even finish. The sight leaves Judy momentarily speechless, breath catching in her throat as she steps onto the observation deck. Stars. More stars than she’s ever seen, even when she was just a little kit, camping out in the dark, dark forest where there wasn’t a single light for miles and miles.
She spins, craning her neck to look up above her, trying to take it all in, but knowing there’s just no way. A smile breaks across her face, sincere and unselfconscious.
Wow. Wow. This is...incredible!
B. MESS HALL
She loads her plate with greens, cherry-picking through the salad offerings with the finesse of a farm girl, but not sparing the portions, her appetite deceptively large. She feels like she hasn’t eaten in a week.
Finding a table that doesn’t look too overcrowded, she makes her way over, the loss of a leaf of romaine or two behind her going unnoticed. Maybe you’re looking for company, maybe you’re not, but as soon as Judy catches your eye, stands up a little straighter, her tone friendly as-can-be.]
Oh, um. Would you mind if I sat here with you? I just got here, and I don’t really know anyone yet.
[She gives her best winning smile, tray gripped very tightly in her hands as she waits.]
☄ HAISTOS
C. BREATHING SPARKS
Crouching down she holds a hand above the small, gem-like stones that radiate heat. That have a strange beauty to them, although she thinks for the moment it might be best not to disturb them.]
What do you think these are?
D. IF YOU BREAK IT, YOU BUY IT
[Judy taps her foot as she reads the inscription aloud, arms crossed.]
Is it supposed to be some kind of riddle?
[She might be talking to herself.]
B.
When she does spot Judy she returns the bright smile in turn. Judy has picked a particularly friendly table mate it seems.]Of course, dear! Make yourself comfortable.
I know the feeling, I had no idea where to sit when I first arrived.
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[She sets the tray one the table first; taking a moment to hop up and situate herself on the seat. At least she can see over the top of the table, which is something she can't even say about everywhere back home.]
I have to say, it's nice to see a more familiar mammal. Everyone around is...oh. Well you know. [She's not quite sure how to politely put it.] Someone explained to me that we're all from different worlds. It's hard to believe, but there are so many people and things here that are really nothing like what I've ever seen so it really must be true.
[She shovels a large bite of her meal into her mouth, hoping she doesn't sound too out of touch.]
I'm Judy, by the way. Judy Hopps.
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Toriel does sympathize with the young woman though, smiling back in kind, revealing her fanged teeth in the process.] It is quite a shock to take in. I will admit I spent a good time up in the aft just trying to collect my own thoughts.
It is very nice to meet you, Judy. I am Toriel. Have you had a chance to look around just yet?
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Some. I have to admit I got a little caught up on the observation deck though...
['A little' was something of an understatement. She'd probably spent a good hour just gawking.]
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I would suggest visiting the garden as well. My son works there, so I know it is very well maintained.
B.
Not at all!
[He gave her a bright, genuine, if somewhat nervous smile. Putting down a small dented coffeepot, he reached out an arm to scoop the various bolts, screws, and washers scattered across the table back in front of him to make room for her.]
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[He tone is sincere, although as she hops onto the seat she has a somewhat guarded expression. She glances at the scattered hardware and back up at him, unsure.]
Are you...working on something?
[Judy also wanted to ask what he was but...that would just be rude. She was trying to take all the strangeness of this ship one step at a time.]
B
Her request to sit together makes Alphys freeze up in apprehension. She didn't come to the mess hall to talk to people... she just wanted a place where she could watch Heavy Metal Chef Requiem and pig out on food with little effort. And maybe now this bunny is going to interrupt that. That level of social spontaneity is just too much.
But saying no is too much, too. She's aware of how selfish it'd be to turn her down, especially if she's new. How terrible for her first thought to be so negative and unwelcoming. God, she's garbage.
This mixture of thoughts flashes through her head within the few seconds of awkward silence that follows Judy's question, until finally, Alphys answers. She has a contorted look on her face.]
Uh... uh... yes?
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[Judy smiles brightly, clanging her tray on the table as she takes a seat. She gives her generous tablemate a briefly quizzical glance, but tries not to stare. There sure were a lot of completely hairless animals on this ship, but she was taking in stride. It wasn't exactly the strangest thing she'd ever seen...not even the strangest thing she'd seen today.
Instead she picks up her fork, tossing her greens and trying to think of a good conversation starter that wasn't 'what in the world are you?'.]
I hope I'm not interrupting. Everything on this ship is still pretty strange to me, and uh...well it's just nice to have someone to talk to while I try and get used to it all. [She takes a small bite, chewing thoughtfully.] So, have you been here long?
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[She glances longingly at her DVD player before unceremoniously shutting the screen and turning it off. Social interaction is happening, despite her best efforts. Time to just... roll with it.
Alphys looks back at her food, which had been sitting unattended since the newest episode started, and picks up her fork. It's a cup noodle. The soggy paper top is pulled back only halfway.]
Um, I've only bih-been here a month myself. [She stirs the noodles with her fork.] It is p-pretty crazy, right? M-Most people find it really jarring?
A
[Once Nick catches sight of Judy, he doesn't waste any time in rushing over.]
Judy! When did you get here?! You wouldn't believe the things that go on on this ship, I dunno how anyone survives here!
[Is he being dramatic? Maybe.]
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Nick! [She practically jumps at him, wrapping her arms around his waist in a very aggressive hug, just to make sure he's real. If her eyes are a little wet with tears it's just because she's so relieved to see a friendly face.] Oh, Nick, I'm so glad to see you...I thought I was gonna be the only one from home! Everyone here has no fur!
[She wipes her nose, caught somewhere between a sniffle and a laugh.]
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[Despite his obligatory, needlessly smarmy commentary, he hugs her right back.] Aw, c'mon, starting with the waterworks already?
[If he's trying not to sound too excited to see her, he's honestly doing a terrible job.]
A
This is your first time in space.
[He sips his latte. It's not a question. He's seen that reaction before... in a naive young boy who dreamed of seeing the stars and visiting each one.]
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Oh, yes, um. It is! [After a pause, she smiles sheepishly.] ...I'm that obvious, huh?
[You could take the girl out of the country...]
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Just a little.
[If by 'a little' you mean 'a lot'.]