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SPRING TDM.
● ● ● T D M . 0 8
The words ring in your ears as in the darkness of your dream, a teal glow pulses, slowly enveloping you. It is not a feeling of comfort that surrounds you, though — as a distorted voice whispers in your ear, you feel it: cold dread, and a sudden certainty that everything is about to be irrevocably changed.
It is to this daunting realization that you wake, and as your heart slows into something resembling a normal tempo, you notice something you should have noticed immediately: you are not in your bed.
1.0 White walls, clinical yet clean, sparsely-furnished rooms. You may wake in one of three rooms: a room with only one bed, a room with two beds, or a room with four beds. Those waking up in rooms with more than one bed notice that they are very much not alone. Perhaps the other occupants of the room are still sleeping, dreaming the same dream as you just did, or a regular one after returning to the station just a few days ago … or perhaps you wake to the other person in the room watching you.
What you do is entirely up to you: yell in surprise when you wake to someone staring at you? Or maybe you’ll try to sneak away before anyone notices you...
2.0 Those with life-threatening injuries find themselves awakening in the infirmary, in a regular hospital bed. Most of their injuries have been treated, and any lingering illnesses or conditions will have designated medicine bottles on the table next to the bed.
White curtains surround the bed on both sides, giving an illusion of privacy. But is that a rustling sound you hear? Some footsteps? Perhaps you’re not the only one in need of some medical attention... or you've attracted the attention of those with experience in medical aid, and they rush to your bedside, surprised about this sudden new patient.
It is not just for your injuries that you may want some company, but also for leaving the infirmary — you can’t stay there forever, after all, and will have to make your way through the hallways of the station to the living quarters, and claim a room and a bed there.
Once you’re up, you may notice there’s something in your ear: an earpiece that, when you become aware of it, quickly runs you through the instructions for how to use the network, a recorded message by a female voice that explains exactly why you’re here… and leaves you with a map of the station.
So what else is there to do but to explore? Best get to know what is now your new home.
3.0 When trying to decide where yo go, you may find your way to the armory, where you can try to work the machine there to make yourself a weapon — perhaps to replace one that didn’t come with you to the station… or maybe you want to be prepared for the future. The recently-returned team members will surely recommend having a functional weapon with you.
4.0 After you’ve exhausted yourself training, it’s time to grab a bite. For that, you should head to the kitchen, which is equipped with all the basic appliances you might need, and ingredients for most regular dishes.
5.0 A welcome reprieve to the cold, dark space that surrounds the characters can be found in the sunlight room. A skillful illusion surrounds anyone who steps inside the room: you can hear the trilling of birds, feel a light breeze caress your skin as you walk through a grass field. It seems that the illusion reflects the season — the leaves have fallen, a layer of white covers the ground, and the air is crisp and clean. If you follow the path, it leads to where a bridge rises over a brook that has now iced over — but maybe don't try your luck walking on it, as the ice may crack underneath your feet and you'll find yourself plunging into the freezing water.
With an illusion so authentic it may leave you longing for some hot chocolate, it is easy to forget you are in space at all. Perhaps that gives you comfort, or just makes you miss the real nature all the more.
6.0 If you’d rather choose tinkering over nature, the lab is guaranteed to provide you with some entertainment. Glass vials and jars of chemicals sit on shelves in a surprisingly beautiful display of colour on one side of the room, while the other side of the room contains stacks of boxes containing assorted equipment: cords, bolts, panels, buttons, gears, gadgets, gizmos, and thingamabobs. The downside is that the parts available seem to have no apparent method to their sorting. So get digging, and you may just find exactly what you need to make what you’ve always wanted to make!
7.0 As you wander back towards the common areas, you may notice a room off to the side. The room takes up a chunk of the common area, and on its unassuming door is a little plaque that reads, 'The Ximusic room'. Should you enter, you will find a sound-proofed practice room that contains — yes, you guessed it, band equipment that even the most musically inclined should be satisfied with. So pick up an instrument, saunter up to the microphone to belt out your favourite tunes, or take a seat at the side of the room and enjoy others' playing.
8.0 If it’s items you’re lacking, though, some time after your arrival, the earpiece alerts you to a new message.
As you make your way to the platform, you'll see there is nothing amiss in the neat piles of items on it. There’s clothes, shoes, dishware, skincare, books… even a couple of CDs, and a few cute stuffed animals. So sort through what there is and grab what you want, before someone else does!
(CW: POTENTIAL BODY MODIFICATION)
Whether you’re a quick study and you’ve become settled into life on the station, or you want to get the full lay of the land (in a manner of speaking) first, if you decide to explore the hall past the control room, you’ll eventually come across the simulation room.
Step past the threshold and the doors will slide shut with a quiet woosh. Nothing suspicious; nothing to worry about. But before you can really get a sense of your environment (a grey, large-ish empty room, no furniture, no discernable objects to provide markers), the room goes dark, and then … there’s really no other way to describe it: the room transforms.
You find yourself in a club. The music is upbeat, loud, but not too loud. Down a short flight of steps flanking the bar and seating is the open floor with more tables and booths bathed in a warm, dim glow of light, and at the very end of the room is a stage with its bright spotlight showcasing its performers — though, at the moment, the stage is empty.
9.0 When you take a step forward, you’ll feel a presence gently push at your chest or your shoulder — a tall and jovial man resembling a well-dressed bartender from the top up (the rest of him appears to move along wheels) approaches with a tall flute glass in hand. Its contents are sparkly and blue.
Will you proceed? Please respond ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.”
There’s something a little strange about his voice, a cadence that doesn’t sound quite natural even when the simulation is so realistic otherwise. Once you’ve given your consent, the bartender continues.
10.0 It seems the bartender wasn’t lying. Once you’ve allowed the drink (tasty, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, effervescent, with light notes of your fondest childhood memory) to settle in your stomach you might experience a myriad of effects on your body, ranging from a change in skin colour (pink? green? blue with spots?), an additional limb or two (or three), a tail or wings, or cybernetic parts such as lie-detecting eyes or a tongue that can uncover truths and lies in others. If you happen to find another Orber within the room and both of you have consumed the offered drink, you might find yourself experiencing a full bodyswap.
None of the changes are painful; if anything, they might not even be noticeable until you look into a mirror, look down at your limb-in-question, or your companion points it out.
11.0 The moment you approach the stage, a performer will appear as if out of thin air and begin to sing, her voice strong and smoky and melodic. Her enthralling performance could put you into a trance, but you have an orb to find and a personal task to accomplish, so it’s time to put your best foot forward and do a little investigating.
Talking to some of the patrons might prove fruitful as some of them are convinced that the stage has never sounded or looked so good, like there’s something giving performers that extra oomph that no one can explain. It might be wise to wait until that last performance before you sneak up there — or maybe you want to do a little snooping around now, you know, while everyone’s distracted. Strategize with your fellow Orbers and uncover the location of this hidden orb.
● ● ●
N O T E: The effects of the drink and the level of changes your character experiences is entirely up to you. Patrons of this fine club won’t bat an eye if you look a little like them.
Additionally, there are three personal tasks provided to each character as they enter the simulation. In-game, each character will be given one task. For the purposes of the test drive, we’re leaving it to players to pick a task for their character and run with it.
A Say the opposite of what you mean during the simulation.
B Create a scene with an unsuspecting teammate.
C Get up on stage and put on a performance during the simulation.
F Y I
• TDM threads can be used as samples for apps. In fact, we encourage it!
• Reserves open February 19!
• Apps open February 24.
• For any questions regarding TDM, please direct them here. For questions about the game, please refer to the FAQ.
FOR SOME FUN:
Have a clue about the upcoming mission—
no subject
[He had plenty of examples to chose from out of his very shitty life. The day his mother died, the last day he and Ortez fought on Reach during the war, the last day of his life... all perfect examples of how a shitty day could turn even shittier. And those were just the worst of the worst. He could probably think of plenty more if he tried.
His stance shifted slightly onto one foot as he stared impassively down at Carolina in front of him. At least, he would like to think he did a good impression of Locus's impassive face during this moment--but truthfully he was grateful for his helmet covering up whatever he may have been missing this time around. His tension was at peak and, god, he just wanted to scream and throw himself at this bitch and kill her. As much satisfaction as that might bring, it wouldn't do him much good. He needed more than petty revenge; well, he wanted that too but only after he got his life back and back on track. Then he could afford revenge on all the idiots that put him in the grave.
His hand didn't leave the hilt of the sword though. He wasn't going to pretend to be that friendly with her. It was just good practice to be cautious and keep a hand on a weapon when facing the unknown. And he wouldn't hesitate to defend himself. Maybe wished a little that he would have to.]
You know, I don't expect an answer but I have to ask: what brings you here? Because you're one of the last people I'd ever expect to see on this station.
no subject
She could toss a piece of armour and reach for her knife. A good stab would slow him down enough. Carolina knew that, still bore the scar from where the knife had gone into her. Reach for the gun... It was that calculating expression, eyes narrowing as his posture altered, but he didn't make a move to come closer to her. Oh, she was so very aware of the situation and the threat that it held, but she also didn't let it show.]
Then you're not going to be disappointed when I don't answer. You thought- let me guess. Not dead?
no subject
The bolt of tension that shot through Felix's body was apparent. He stiffened and his fingers twitched along the sword hilt. For two seconds it was a coin toss on whether the mercenary would draw his sword and rush forward into a frantic fight to the death, or calm his shit down enough to continue to hold a semi civilized conversation to save his life.
His life won, if just barely.
Beneath the helmet, his teeth were bared in a feral grin that could be heard in his voice.]
I thought: 'What a bitch,' but that's life for you. Just when you get a second chance at it, a wrench gets thrown in the works. But like I said, I'm used to days going from bad to worse. And out of all those times only once did I not survive. So I'd say my odds are pretty decent. What do you say?
no subject
But there was that moment. Would he break his cool? Would he act on those feelings that he was no doubt feeling?]
All it takes is that one time.
[She was no stranger to close calls. Her own life had been riddled with them in Freelancer, culminating with her A.I. being ripped from her and being tossed from a cliff. Not that it had been smooth sailing thereafter, but that event had certainly left it's mark on her.]
Although what... Are you some sort of shitty ass zombie now?
no subject
No, but I haven't bitten anyone yet so if you're volunteering to find out I'll be happy to rip out your throat.
[He sneered then, the expression crinkling his eyes marginally, and then suddenly the opaqueness snapped back onto the visor.]
That's just the way things work here: mysterious and whimsical. You don't like it, you can always leave.
[That would make his new chance at life a lot easier, kthxbye.]
no subject
She didn't let many emotions show on her face. It was easy enough. Resting bitch face was pretty common for her anyway.]
Sorry. Sadistic and self-serving aren't my type.
[Not that she would never resort to biting but she'd rather use a knife.
He remained. There could be a number for reasons for that. For starters, he wasn't a corpse being eaten by maggots... And it was clear there was something that he wanted, just like her.]
You'd like that, which really just makes me want to stay all the more.
no subject
There were truth to those words that Felix denied despite all the evidence to the contrary. Well, he denied on an outward level. He supposed to knew the truth of the matter. He didn't really care about anyone or anything else but himself, because surviving was his number one priority and that meant not trusting, not believing, not relying on anyone else. Doing those things just got people killed when they least expected it.
Like it got him killed for doing it. Payback wasn't a bitch, it was a traitorous bastard who heel-turned at the worst of times for the stupidest of reasons. Felix could and would seethe over that for the rest of time.
Unless they stripped his memories when they put his regret out of his misery; wouldn't that be nice. Ignorance was bliss and all that. If he never knew, then he could keep Ortez and all would be right in his world again.
He wouldn't dare to hope for that kind of happy ending though. He wasn't so naive to wish for it. He'd settle for simply being alive and getting a little bit of revenge. The rest would just have to fall into place after that, one way or another.
His eyes narrowed at Carolina. Of course she'd see right to the heart of the matter.]
Your choice, but don't say I didn't warn you.
[That was was when he decided to make his move. He closed the distance between them with a few solid steps. His body was as tense as a coiled spring ready to act out at a moment's notice. He wanted to. He wanted to plunge his knife, his sword, any weapon into her chest and watch her breath her last, but he kept his actions as civil as he could manage under the circumstances. He needed her to make the first move if he was going to kill while on this station. Self defense was the only way he could make it work.
He stopped before her and looked down on her and her scattered armor. How simple it would have been. Her life, his life, on a hinge. He leaned forward to address her.]
I'm not leaving anytime soon so don't get your hopes up. But I'll make a deal with you. A truce. You don't want any trouble, I don't want any trouble. There doesn't have to be any trouble! Leave me and mine alone, I'll leave you and everyone else alone. Comprende?
no subject
It was the slightest of pauses at his warning, cocking an eyebrow. But he was quick. One moment there, and the next moving. Her own hand reached for her knife, yet she didn't strike. Once, maybe. Acting before thinking. Stubborn. Torn. Bullheaded. Paranoid... She had settled, even if retirement was not something that she was easily adjusting to, but she was with her friends, her family, and that alone meant she would try.
Her eyes narrowed, tension through her body. Words. All it was were words. Carolina didn't trust his actions or his words, but she also wasn't going to go insane and just start killing. Not anymore. Revenge hadn't gotten her anywhere.]
You and your right - left?- hand can do whatever the hell you want. You start something, I'll be there to finish it. Otherwise I don't give a shit what you do or what hole you die in again. Comprende?
no subject
His hands closed into loose fists and dropped back down to his sides as the seriousness returned to his body language. He took a moment to reply as his mind weighed her words versus her demeanor and what he knew about her via personnel file, the Counselor's views, and his own experience. A part of him wouldn't put it past her to ruin his fucking life here, but another part of him might have been a little hopeful.
Hope was for the weak. He'd rather have a sure thing.]
So, I don't start any trouble and you keep your pretty little mouth shut.
[He hated saying it out loud. Like it might give her ideas. But he needed clarification, and an assurance. He wasn't certain her word would amount to much, honestly, but 'good guys' always tried to be honorable or some shit, right? It was all he had at the moment so it would have to do.]
You don't and I won't guarantee what'll happen to you or anyone else who gets in my way. [With a tone shift:] But hey! I'm just here to have fun and see the pesky orbs gathered for endgame. No one has any objections to that...with good reason.
no subject
Her own posture remained, not giving an inch even as his shifted. A monster. Yet those hadn't been her words. She'd been on the wrong side, had done the wrong thing, but she had least had thought it had been for the betterment. For the good. She gave a small snort. He might fool others with his words but Carolina had been fooled once. Never again.]
Don't give me a reason. Don't give me any reason.
[Because if he did start something, Carolina would kick herself if anything happened. Once had been enough, and her group had paid the price. Church... She wouldn't let that hurt show, how deep that cut had gone. He might not have been a living breathing person but that didn't make him any less. She knew better than to just write off second chances, although Carolina didn't really think he fell under that category.]
I know you're stupid, but you're not that stupid. Don't go cutting off your own nose to spit your face. After all, you've got to live here, just like apparently the rest of us.