( 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

[nightmarist]

[Who does he have to kill for some privacy? That's a rhetorical question. The answer is obviously: Jesse Pinkman.

Ronan finishes his prayer and crosses himself, eyes raised to glare at Jesse all the while. It isn't a very holy look, but one that Ronan's little brother would chide him for expressing. Sadly, Matthew isn't here, so Ronan can get away with looking positively murderous.

He picks himself up and brushes off his knees.]

Are you eating fucking potato chips under the sacred tree?

[heisenbitch]

[ Jesse freezes on the spot the moment he realises Ronan is looking at him. Glaring at him, more accurately. And when Ronan climbs to his feet, Jesse, surprised to realise Ronan is actually religious if that sign of the cross is anything to go by, has to steel himself against wanting to take a quick step back while peering up at the huge, imposing kid.

Despite himself, Jesse meets Ronan's glare with a look of his own like he isn't going to be forced to back down that easily. Even though that's exactly what he wants to do. ]

Jesus, unclench. I was just gonna light a candle, yo.

[nightmarist]

[Ronan's more amused by the idea than offended, though it's hard to tell because annoyance is the most prominent emotion on his face. He hates being interrupted during a vulnerable moment, and nothing leaves him more vulnerable than begging God for help.]

Are you lighting it with a funyun?

[heisenbitch]

Yeah. [ Defaulting to sarcasm in an effort to appear way tougher than he actually is. ] Yeah, that's totally what I was gonna do. Set a funyun on fire and then pray to God and tell him to eat a dick while lighting a candle.

[ That unnameable, inexplicable urge to make some kind of offering to the tree is itching at him, so the next moment, he's looking away at those instead and reaching for one. In a more conceding tone that might hold the slightest edge of nervousness to it: ]

Look, I'm just gonna do this, then I'll be outta your way.

[nightmarist]

You're not in my way. I'm done here.

[Ronan didn't quite believe that Jesse was here to light a candle, but now he's standing there and watching with growing curiosity. If it's not for God (since He can apparently eat a dick, in Jesse's opinion), then who's it for?]

[heisenbitch]

[ Jane. That's who. She hadn't been on his mind before he'd entered the gardens, but whatever pull the tree has on people who pass it by had pulled Jesse's thoughts straight to the very thing he loves more in the world: Jane. Maybe if this tree didn't have this pull on him, he'd think he was a sick, disgusting asshole for thinking he has any right to light a candle for her, after what he did to her. Maybe he'll think that later when he's out of the tree's magnetic influence.

He tries to ignore Ronan as he pulls his lighter out of his pocket and crouches down to an unlit candle in front of him. His eyes keep wanting to stray nervously up the kid, but he keeps his focus on what he's doing, even though it makes his skin crawl that Ronan is watching him do something so personal.

That savage sting of guilt and grief that's always buried deep down inside him makes itself known in his chest, heavy as lead, as the candle flickers aflame. He stares down at it for a moment, watching the single flame flicker and dance slightly, wax beginning to bleed and melt around the wick. I'm so sorry, is what he thinks while Jane's face flashes through his mind.

Unable to ignore Ronan's presence, however, he reels all that sick guilt and grief back in and pushes himself back to his feet. He may look several degrees more morose than he did before he lit that thing. His eyes finally move back across to Ronan. ]

Sorry I interrupted you.

[ It's hardly a sincere apology; it comes out flat, almost like glum defeat more than anything. He figures the kid wants nothing more to do with him, so he takes a step back from the tree and starts to head around Ronan to continue on his way further into the garden. ]

[nightmarist]

[It takes about ten seconds for Ronan to realize the candle is a memorial, which satisfies his curiosity to some degree but not enough to get him to look away. He waits there until Jesse's finished, and by the time Jesse's back on his feet, Ronan's own expression has smoothed into something quietly pensive. Loss is no laughing matter, he knows.

Without invitation and without a word, he turns to follow Jesse.]

[heisenbitch]

[ Jesse doesn't even need to hear Ronan's quiet footsteps to know Ronan is following him; Jesse can practically feel his looming, imposing presence. It sends a prickle up the back of his neck as he glances warily over his shoulder at him.

It's probably one of the first times Jesse has seen Ronan without a murderous look in his eye or a menacing sneer on his face. Weird. He looks ahead of him again. ]

I don't got anymore drink left if that's what you're after.

[nightmarist]

Don't worry. I made my own.

[Because of course he did.]

[heisenbitch]

[ That has Jesse casting another wary glance over his shoulder at Ronan again. Yeah, of course he did. Why wouldn't he dream up his own booze? Hell, Jesse would be dreaming up all sorts of shit if he had that ability. ]

Pretty sure I ain't got anything you'd be interested in, then.

[ In other words: why are you following me? ]

[nightmarist]

[Ronan knows perfectly well what Jesse's trying to say, but he's going about it in a fashion Ronan simply can't abide.]

Are you trying to say "fuck off"?

[heisenbitch]

[ Jesse seems to hesitate in his step, keeps walking, and then comes to a stop with his shoulders slouching slightly. He turns on the spot and looks back at Ronan. ]

Is that your way of asking if you can hang out?

[nightmarist]

I never ask. People don't say no to me, which makes the whole thing kind of pointless.

[heisenbitch]

[ It's easy to see why. Scary ass, intimidating kid. That's not Jesse's reason for giving in, though. Honestly, Ronan has been on his mind ever since the other day. How the hell could he not be, after everything Jesse witnessed? Knowing that Ronan is really just a kid, too, burdened with a crazy, incredible gift. And maybe, just maybe, Jesse is kind of used to being around intimidating, scary assholes.

It's so evident in Jesse's body language, with his slouched shoulders, that he's not going to argue if Ronan does keep following him. His eyebrows raised like he's saying "seriously?", though. ]

You know what's pointless? Following me like a creep. I mean, y'know, don't pull a muscle flexing those social skills too hard or anything.

Also, heads up? You might wanna rethink that tactic. Y'know, if you actually wanna stay on the ship and have some chance of getting home.

[nightmarist]

[Ronan's social skills have driven people to suicide, and yet he's not about to stop now. He knows exactly what effect he's having on Jesse, but it serves him, so there's no need to soften it.]

Don't hide behind the guys in charge. If you don't want me here, tell me to leave.

[heisenbitch]

I'm not, yo. I'm just telling you. As a general piece of advice.

[ No mention of telling him to leave. ]

[nightmarist]

I'm not afraid of anyone on this ship.

[Which, you know, is easy for him to say. Seeing as he's some kind of god-like entity. It's probably not going to help Jesse's ability to stand up for himself, either. Poor Jesse.]

And I don't think they're about to kick me off for being kind of an asshole.

[heisenbitch]

But you're gonna want people on your side the next time serious shit goes down. Even if you think they're a useless piece of shit.

[nightmarist]

[Breezy and knowing:]

I have you already.

[heisenbitch]

[ Breezy and knowing - and, to Jesse, still managing to sound entirely ominous. Not to mention the implied condescension. Jesse meets that remark with a sarcastic look. ]

Wow. Think that's gotta be the sweetest thing you've said to me yet.

[nightmarist]

[Ronan meant nothing by it except what he said: Jesse is clearly someone who will tolerate a good amount of abuse and still come through in the end, no matter what's asked of him. He has complete faith that Jesse's kept his secret, even knowing that Ronan and his power are both extremely dangerous and others likely deserve a warning about them.]

Don't let it go to your head.

[heisenbitch]

Sure. Whatever. Guess we pinkie swear now or something.

[ Sounding so sarcastic. There's a part of him, the part that's been worn down from Mr. White eroding away at him over time, that knows deep down what Ronan is doing. Unfortunately for Jesse, that's piled on top with all the reasons why he hasn't told Ronan to fuck off yet. Ronan's assessment of Jesse is completely accurate.

With a shake of his head, thinking, "Asshole," to himself, he turns around and continues leading the way through the gardens. ]

[nightmarist]

[Jesse is pretty fascinating in all his spinelessness. Ronan's left marveling at how fucking easy it is to push him around. It's no wonder, though, is it? Jesse's just an ordinary, regular guy with no connection to ley lines or magic or Welsh kings. And this ordinary guy witnessed him doing something extraordinary, which no other ordinary guy has ever been privileged enough to witness. And maybe that makes Jesse rightfully terrified, as Ronan is a mysterious and powerful creature.

He feels suddenly very Other.]

Where are we heading?