( tdm 13 )

[hohnkai]

T E S T D R I V E

my evil twin, bad weather friend "I know someday I'll meet him, but I don't know where or when." ABOARD THE MOIRA The Ingress has pulled you in. Your body experiences several sensations at once: being pushed forward as if a hand is resting on your back, momentary and startling blindness, a gentle ringing in your head. You have difficulty discerning whether it is hot or cold, but where you have been prodded is noticeably warmer than the rest of you. Some may suffer from dizziness while others are perfectly fine. Once equilibrium has been reestablished, you will notice you are standing on a long platform and that the room is filled with a soft cerulean light. It's slightly humid and dark despite the glow around you, and nothing is familiar. Shortly after, you are led out and toward the medbay. Inside this room, you are given a physical scan and offered a contract to sign that states you are now part of the crew of the Moira with a specific job. Any questions you might have would be answered in a straightforward manner as well as an explanation about how the Ingress, the thing that has pulled you onto the Moira, is broken and bringing people here unintentionally. This process also consists of a complete work-up of medical history and current health, and afterwards, you are given your MID, a device that is integrated into your hand or wrist with only the slightest pinch. From there, you are guided out of the medbay and to your living quarters. 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. You may notice a slight change in the artificial gravity every once in awhile; however, more noticeable changes can be found in overall morale of those of the crew. ☄ 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. ) Every day, the ship gets closer to its destination: the Midway Hub. Answers as to how to the fix the broken Ingress and send everyone home are sought there. Your captains, both old and new, have been working together peacefully to make the trip a little easier, though events occur that are well outside of their control. After having made the last cargo supply stop at the Mini Colony, the Moira and its crew are on the last stretch of its journey. The Ingress, for the majority of the time, is left off and only turned back on during testing; that's when new crew and other items come through. It's October on the Moira, and it's been far, far too peaceful.. ☄ older and far less kind get clowned when I come around On one of the ship's many stops, a group of sentient, flying whale-type natives were stumbled upon. They were friendly, although unfortunately hunted for a substance they produce, and the crew paid a group of mercenaries to keep these beings safe. Now, early afternoon, red lights begin to flash, and Captain Ira makes an announcement. A gam of a less advanced sub-species of those gentle giants is in the ship's path, and crew are told to make their way to the Observation Deck, Tower, and anywhere else that affords them a view of space. When the beings move closer to the Moira, the captains send out non-explosive decoys that can be remotely operated by the crew—lead these beings away from the ship so that the Moira can safely pass through. ☄ graveyard smash i was working in the lab, late one night Let's set the scene. It's early in the morning. Those who don't sleep or sleep very little already know what's going on as they've been roped into helping by the Captains. Everyone else wakes to a surprise. Some universes celebrate holidays like Halloween or Samhain, and this one is no different. First Mate Egan's home is known for honoring the dead on October 15th of every year, and after approaching the other Captains, they've decided to celebrate it on the Moira. The observation deck is decorated with candles and lights, music playing in the background. Small gift boxes are left outside everyone's door; a MID message explains that each crew member is to put something inside and then place them on the observation deck. At the end of the day, each crew takes a random box. A device that alters the gravity around a single object is used to make drinks, food, and gifts and float through the air. Everyone is encouraged to relax and have a good time. ☄ section t unfinished business, that's what There are many locations on the ship that are inaccessible, either because they are locked unless crew have clearance or for some an unknown reason. Section T is one of those such areas. Crew are known to get lost in this area, and hear voices, among other things. Having this brought to the Captain's attention, an expedition of sorts ghost hunters in space has been organized, and anyone who wishes to join will be paired up and sent in with their MIDs on alert to track their paths. Not long into the search, it will become clear that something, or someone, is displeased with the large number of people wandering through. Some unlucky crew will stumble across an apparition and those who are luckier won't. It's relatively harmless, and appears to only seek to scare everyone out of Section T. 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

Loki Laufeyson ♚ MCU

[villainry]

GHOST HUNTERS IN SPACE
[There is enough in this whole situation that leaves a bad taste in his mouth. At the behest of orders not his own, in space--a realm--not his own...once had been quite enough. Still, as distasteful as it might be with all these changes he has to learn his way around, there is enough to assuage his boredom.

Learning of a sealed off portion of the ship is enough to pique his interest. Receiving clearance enough to feel his way around the area? Even better: it raises less suspicion.

Or it would have, perhaps, were he not shackled--in metaphor only, but as unfortunately real as any physical chain--to this "partner." Calling them dead weight feels too kind. What an asshole.]

This would be easier were we to split up.

[It's worth a shot.]


WILDCARD
[Hit him up around the ship.]

[lunella]

I don't think so, buddy.

[Lunella rolls her eyes, feeling her way along a wall so she can try to look for any hidden paneling where something interesting might be lurking.]

I let you go and do your own thing, then you end up doing something stupid, and we'll both be in trouble. We've got to stick together, and that means you're helping me find actual useful things and not just some ghosts.

[If they're even real. She'd be calling bullshit on that one, if she was allowed to even think the word.]

crying currently

[villainry]

[Did he just get told by a child? He has to try very, very hard to resist the roll of his eyes that threatens at the girl's insistence, but the small, quiet sigh that follows is not restrained. Can he be blamed for trying? (Yes. Is that not how the story always goes?)

Loki raises his hands in mock defeat.]

And what, pray tell, is your definition of useful?

that's the only reaction to have here

[lunella]

[She side eyes him a little longer, making him wait before answering. When she ticks off each sentence, she holds up a finger like she's making a list that he might struggle to keep up with if she didn't use the visual cues.]

We've been let into a place that they usually keep locked up. We've got to find all the best secret places, first thing. Second, we're gonna find any parts and pieces I can use to build my own Ingress here. One that will work better than that hunk of junk that pulled us all in. And last -

[She arches an eyebrow as she looks up at him, holding up three fingers.]

Any place that doesn't use money means information is power. So we've got to see if we can find out anything to make it easier on us here.

bless

[villainry]

[How does this sound so sensible? How is this happening? Technical nonsense about building another wretched machine aside--that she seeks to build something akin to the Bifrost is ridiculous--the rest of the answers she gives are things he's thought himself, but never answers so succinctly.]

And you think we can do that, obvious targets that we are?

[It's still a better idea to split up, and he knows it. Even if she is oddly keen for a Midgardian. (That's always the most troublesome sort.)]

[lunella]

[Oh no. He didn't just ask that. She places both hands on her hip and fixes him with a look.]

Watch who you're calling an obvious target, mister. My name's Lunella Lafayette, and I don't give a hubba bubba about what you think we can't do. I'm finding secret places and getting information, and I won't share any of it if you don't pull your own weight.

[This is why Lunella was never allowed to be in charge in group projects in class. No 4th grader should be as bossy, stubborn, or short tempered as she was.]

If you want to be like all the other sheep-people here, go on ahead and do that.

[villainry]

Sheep-people. Well, we can't have that. [He gives her the grace of a small chuckle. He may not like any of this, or her, but she has a spark that even as a child, he has to admit there's something admirable in it. Fine. To mutual benefit, if she's so determined. For now.] Consider me reprimanded.

[justice_from_above]

[Pharah casts him a sidelong glance. She's not exactly happy with the pairing either, but given her previous experience on this ship, she knows it's better to have someone watching your back.]

That would make it easier for either of us to become lost or compromised. I am here to make sure you make it out alive as much as you are doing the same for me.

[Pointed look, you do have her back, Loki, in case shit gets real?]

[villainry]

[No, he doesn't. He's content watching his own back, there's little mutual benefit here, as far as he sees it. She seems useful enough as a shield, and one that comes with the bonus of no ties back to anyone or anything he's ever known. Why precisely should he care?

Instead, he just smiles.]

Right, of course. [Not.] Though I must admit, you seem to fit the role of stalwart protector far better.

[justice_from_above]

It is a role I know well. I will not expect you to match me, but if you could keep an eye on our six, that would be appreciated.

[She didn't know - and therefore, didn't trust - this stranger. For all she knew, he was a simple civilian. Perhaps they had been paired together for just that reason; she to protect him as they searched the area.]

[villainry]

I'm sorry, our--what?

[From context, he understands perfectly well what she means. But a self-admitted protector is not the kind of person he's about to make anything easy for. Especially not when she's using absurd Midgarding vernacular for something that already has a perfectly serviceable term.

In short? He's an asshole.]

[justice_from_above]

Our backsides. If we imagine we are standing on a clock, twelve O'clock is forward, six is behind us. It is easy shorthand to alert threats. If I say 'target three o'clock' you would know to look to your right, for example.

[She's taking him at face value right now, and takes his question as further evidence that he is little more than a civilian.]

[villainry]

[He makes the motions of a soundless "Ah," and shrugs in mocking defense. With any luck, it looks more pitiful and self-deprecating than ill-mannered.]

My apologies. [He's not remotely sorry.] We've little use for Midgardian standards of time, where I hail from.

[Which is actually true of both realms, for whatever she'll take the statement as worth.]

oh man let the ride begin

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin clamps an unnaturally strong hand on Loki's shoulder.]

HAHAHAHAHAHA MAN, YOU'RE REALLY FUNNY.

MY SIDES ARE SPLITTING, THAT'S HOW FUNNY YOU ARE.

I MAY HAVE TO STICK WITH YOU BECAUSE OF HOW HILARIOUS YOU ARE.

THE VOLUME OF MY VOICE IS IN NO WAY INDICATIVE OF THE FACT I'M TERRIFIED PLEASE TELL ME MORE JOKES.

[This is gonna go swell.]

:D

[villainry]

[...He wants to kill this whelp already. Unfortunately, not even that voice is enough to make the inconvenience of being caught doing so remotely worth it.

Pity.]

At such striking volume, it's a wonder you've not drawn every presence in the room straight to us.

[How was that for a joke?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Good, the faster we deal with whatever's down here, the faster we get to leave.

And no going off on your own. We do this as a team or I will haunt you forever.

[villainry]

That's your plan? Hack through it blindly? Stunning.

[He scoffs, the disdain for this situation now wholly plain. At first, this had been annoying, but sufferable. His patience for this, however, is steadily declining.]

Somehow, I doubt you've the stamina for "forever."

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Yeah? Maybe you're wrong about me. Maybe I'm a hell of a lot stronger than you think.

Either way, what's your plan, pal? Aside from trying to ditch me here.

who you gonna call?

[seeingscarlet]

[This place has been bothering Wanda since she and Bel first tried to check it out months ago. She has some resistance to whatever-the-thing-is, but not the immunity she would think conquering the Mind Stone would give her. It's unsettling to say the least. What power level must the Thing be on to win a mental battle with her?

And of course she's been partnered with a Loki (because if it's not one, it's the other), and she's not sure how she feels about it. Of course Wanda would rather have the other one - her friend who she mostly trusts - but at least he won't be dead weight if something happens. Only an idiot would try to take both of them on.

So of course she shakes her head when he suggests splitting up. Been there, done that, didn't even get a crappy tee-shirt.]

Whatever is here affects people faster if they're alone.

[Her fingers are already contorted, but no scarlet's summoned yet. It hasn't been dangerous so far, but who knows? She miiiiiiight be counting on Loki being the more obvious threat. Maybe she can stop him if he starts wandering off before it gets its claws in her mind, too.]

It will try to get in your mind, make you forget, and you won't have help by yourself.

[villainry]

[And what makes her think he needs help? He isn't keen on it. He doesn't trust it when he doesn't know what to make of her--an idiot he can always trust to be what they are, bleeding hearts like Thor as much so--and as a result, the idea that this is for his own good as much as it is hers is laughable. Even were he inclined more to charity, it would still be ridiculous.

Granted, the idea of something else inside of his head rankles. It is a mistake made once, too desperately. A mistake he would defy Fate itself over to avoid it becoming a trend.

Which leaves him with little by the way of options. He can stick with the girl, suck up the distaste, and suffice with whatever that affords him in the meantime. Or, he can give into the distrust and split off anyway, which is like to offer more by way of finding something interesting, but there's no telling if she fancies herself on a heroic standard like Thor and his insipid "friends."]

I do not need help.

[He has to make this point clear, before any other. It's untrue, and the lie rings sharply in his own ears. He's always needed it. Detested the fact in its bare simplicity, asked for it when he'd had no other choice, and had been left for dead in the vastness of space because of it. Deserted, forgotten, unmourned, mocked, all for admitting the truth in one brief moment.

No. He does not need help.

But he gives pause for a moment, sizes Wanda up, and sifts through her words once again, to a small hummed "aha."]

...You know what lurks out here in the dark, don't you?

[Of it, at least. That much is certain. And it's already more information than they'd been given at the start of this...whatever this meandering is.]

[seeingscarlet]

[In some ways the two Lokis are not so different - despite how kind the other one had been to her, even he had turned cold when she tried to help him after the Caducan incident. In the end, Wanda proved to be more stubborn, and this time, she knows she's right. He can thank her later (or more likely, never) when she peels whatever-it-is out of his mind.

She's not even going to waste her breath addressing that point this time.]

More than they've told us. I heard it.

[And it's not the only place on the ship where she hears voices, but it's certainly one of the more problematic ones. Whatever's on the observation deck seems shy and harmless. This...maybe not so much. But for all that Wanda's said he'll need help, she doesn't look afraid or nervous. It's a little creepy, sure, but she was fine last time. And she's certainly survived worse.]

[villainry]

Heard it.

[In one small affirmation, Wanda has just made herself far more interesting than he'd have taken her for otherwise (frail, helpless, grasping at straws: what else makes a Midgardian a Midgardian but that sad desperation for strength and purpose to little avail?)

He stalls for a moment to peer at her, interest piqued. The sizing up isn't subtle, but he doesn't wholly care for it to be. Whether or not she's overvaluing her own abilities, or even importance (likely the case, as far as he sees it), is not his concern. At least not entirely. She has a use. For now.]

It concerns you, and still you come. Why?

[seeingscarlet]

[Little avail? If only he knew the truth...

Wanda does not flinch under his gaze, accustomed as she is to being looked at like a weapon. He doesn't frighten her.]

You don't want to know what it is? [Just because it's been a less immediate issue doesn't mean Wanda particularly enjoys having a potential Ploiatos Part 2 lurking in the lower levels of the Moira.] Everyone is looking. Sooner or later someone will find it.

We will be all right. Someone else...maybe not.

[democratically]

[Action is something that Padmé is used to, which can be considered as strange, given that she has been a Senator. It is hardly what one could consider to be an eventful profession. Most of the time, people would consider it to be boring and dry, although Padmé does thrive on the political aspect of it. For her, it is lively and engaging and something that she loves.

Although within the ship, her attire would be considered more for planet-side. Rather it is because of the nature of the request that she doesn't don the gowns that she might otherwise wear, knowing that it would hamper her more than anything.

Glancing over at her current companion, Padmé does move to pull the veil back, letting it fall from her face, a face that may be familiar to Loki, but that he doesn't know.]

Less wise though.

[toopolite]

[Sif still isn't certain that she hasn't fallen in to some form of Hel, or at least some place of dark sorcery. He is dead, after all, fallen at Jotunheim, according to Thor. Her Prince's word is not something that she would question, unlike the one who is next to her. Yet here he stands, seemingly hale, and as vexing as always.

His suggestion is met with a dry and disapproving look. As loathe as she is to be within his presence, it is better here than causing whatever mayhem he might otherwise get up to. She trusts him as far as she can throw him- less, likely.]

I think not. Together we have been placed. Together we will remain.

[For now, anyway, where she can keep an eye on him. The mischief stinks of him anyway.]