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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—
2/2
Anyway, you’re too young to retire, brother. And we’re just getting started here! Do you know how many times I coulda used your backup on that last mission? [ There was something forced about his cheer; an insistence to his optimism that he clearly expects to be reciprocated. ]
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This wasn't the time for that conversation.]
Oh yeah? [He leans on his paw, curious.] Why, what happened?
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Oh, nothing. I mean, usual stuff. Monsters, bad guys, etc. Just could have used a stretchy dog, that’s all. [ That’s all.]
And quit changing the subject, we’ve got ground to cover! [Finn gives him a mocking frown of disapproval. There was a lot he wanted to talk to Jake about from that mission. And a lot he didn’t. And a lot he couldn’t. But he needed some time to pick that apart, and figure out his approach. Not right now. Not when Jake had just arrived on the station and all Finn wanted to do was hang out with him and cook, and tell him about all the great people he’d met, and help him settle in. There was plenty of time for talking about everything else later. ]
Well, what about Wei Wuxian? I bet you’ve seen him around…long black hair, pale, very handsome, and very friendly?
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Besides, if Finn wanted to tell him, he would tell him. The kid could take his own time with it.]
Nope. No dice on that dude. [Jake stands, moving to the stove to check on the meatloaf. As soon as he opens the oven door, the familiar aroma that had been filling the kitchen doubles. Tail wagging, Jake pumps his fist in celebration.] Heh, still got it, Jakey. Dried herbs ain't got nothin' on this dog.
WEI WUXIAN
I think you guys will get along! [ he forges ahead with talking, hoping to distract himself.] Wei Wuxian gave me a whole tour of the place when I got here, and he always checks in and made it really easy to feel at home, you know?
[ There was fondness to his tone and it was clear even without stating it aloud that this was one of the people Finn was most comfortable with among the crew. There was no anxiety or hesitation in how he spoke. ]
He’s a fighter…he said he used to use a sword but these days, mostly a bow. And he makes these talismans that do all kind of things…kind of like magic, but it’s not magic? I think he calls it- [ A beat while he tries to recall the exact word.] cultivation. That’s it. It’s cool.
[ There was some mild hesitation now, and Finn taps his fingers unconsciously on the table. Many of his interactions with Wei Wuxian, many of the reasons he’d become such an important figure in Finn’s life here on Ximilia, were things he hadn’t told Jake about yet. And they were related to things he didn’t even know if Jake knew. His regret, his whole reason for being here. ]
I had kind of a hard time with the mission…just personal stuff. He…helped me a lot. Kind of the way you would help me…talking me through some stuff. [ Finn’s hesitance here seemed to again stem from not wanting to overstep boundaries, both with his new friend, and with his brother. It was a strange thing, figuring out how these two separate pieces of his life were supposed to fit together. ] I’m doing some training with him, actually. Learning some different ways to handle things in a fight.
[It was as much as he wanted to say without getting too deep into the glimpses of Wei Wuxian’s personal life that he had seen, small as they were. It was almost more a sense, than a concrete assessment. Like many people here, whether it was age, circumstance or just personality, there was something of a wall surrounding Wei Wuxian, shielding much of him from Finn’s view. It could be frustrating, and at times it made him angry. But it wasn’t unfair, and he was learning to accept that.
He rests his chin on his hand, looking at Jake across the counter.]
I just think…you guys will have a lot to talk about.
1/2
Which makes him standing there now -- oven door open, listening to Finn recount this relationship in perhaps the vaguest terms he's used all night -- all the more notable. The room fills with warmth and good smells and coziness, but Jake just feels worry start gnawing around his guts.]
Heh, yeah. I bet we will. [About you.] He sounds like a good friend, dude. Maybe I'll sit in on a few of your training sessions sometime.
2/2
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[ Finn smiles hopefully, craning his neck to watch.]
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[Trust him, Finn, nobody could be looking forward to it more than him.]
FELIX
Well. Yeah. [ Pivoting back to his conversation, the only thing keeping his hunger at bay. A hunger that was definitely equally dire to his brother’s. ] You should definitely come to some trainings! Wei Wuxian, or- oh!
[Finn sits up straighter, slapping his hands on the table.] Can’t believe I forgot to tell you about Felix! I do tons of training with him, sometimes it’s just me, sometimes with Steve too.
He’s a super cool space marine or something like that, just like in those old movies, and he knows everything about fighting. He’s super tough on us, but…I think I’m really learning a lot from him.
[ In a calculated moment of understanding, Finn keeps much of the exact details of the kind of training that Felix was giving them to himself. Along with the complicated details of how he and Felix had met…maybe of their early interactions. A lot of their conversations. If Finn examined it closer, he might realize there was very little he was actually comfortable telling Jake about, when it came to Felix, and maybe that was indicative of something.
But he wasn’t examining it that closely. Felix was a big fixture in his life here, for better or worse. The counter point to a lot of other kinder, gentler voices, and one that Finn sometimes felt like expected the most out of him. Maybe treated him the most like an adult. Felix never let things slide because he was young, never let him have an off or bad day in training. It was always ‘do it again’, ‘do it better’, ‘do it right’. ]
Just…he can be a little rough around the edges.
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Turning on the heat on low, Jake waits for the bacon to start to sizzle. He glances back over at Finn with, laughing at that final description. They had a lot of friends like that back home.]
How many teachers you got here, bro? Starting to think this whole place is a floating school.
GWEN
It was strange, really, going from really having very few teachers or mentors in his life (and certainly none trying to teach him the kinds of things he actually wanted to learn) to suddenly having his pick of people to learn from. To look up to. Almost too many. Everyone he talked to seemed to have advice, and experience, and opinions. It could be hard to know just who to listen to. Surely they all said what they thought was best, what that believed to be true; each of them with their own lives and unique experiences informing their worldview. Maybe informing what they expected of Finn too.]
I guess there’s just…a lot of people here with stuff to teach. Experience. [ Had he told Jake about all of them? No. Especially not if you included the people teaching him other things…cooking, laundry. Tracking. First aid. Little things. Maybe a floating school wasn’t so far off. ]
There’s Gwen too…she’s like, a real hero back home. She’s…kind of mentoring me on like, general hero stuff. Or what means to be a hero. She’s… [ For all of Finn’s talking, his almost constant stream of words about the people on this station, he suddenly seems to hit a wall, a strange embarrassment gripping him. ]
She’s just, really…cool. [ Finn rubs his face, slinking lower in his chair, agonizingly aware of all the words he could think of to describe her, and the praise he wanted to assign her and how quickly Jake would see right through him. ]
1/3
He still had an ear on Finn of course. Lots of people, lots of experience. Lots to process, as was often the case with Finn now that he was in his late teens. For all Jake's distraction may make it not seem so, he did care. He did. Hunger clouded how much he could express that caring, but--]
2/3
3/3
Jake turns around completely now, knowing grin already plastered across his face. He could've drawn a picture of Finn without even looking at him, shoulders drawn up nearly to his ears. It was transparent. And sweet. And ripe for making fun of.]
Oh yeah, bro? [He cants his head to the side, relishing it.] How cool is she, bro? Are there any other temperatures you'd describe her as, bro?
GWEN, CNT’D
[ Shooting him a long, hard look across the table, Finn takes a breath, swallowing some of his embarrassment. Or at least pushing it down for a moment.]
Okay, listen, she’s just a…really awesome person, who like… [Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath through his nose] Okay, we’ll get it out of the way: she’s also extremely pretty, SURE. And she plays the drums, which is also admittedly, so freakin’ cool, and also she kicks butt and is absolutely the chillest person on this crew. Just like, effortlessly cool.
[Finn sighs, realizing he was digging himself into a hole that might as well have had “JAKE COME MAKE FUN OF ME” signs posted all around it. He knows, his heart heavy, his face red, that the only way out…is through. ]
And yes, that is all very attractive, BUT. [He raises a finger emphatically. ] She also totally had a birthday right when I got here, because the universe wanted to remind me “Finn…Finn she’s too old for you, mind your business”. And you know what, universe? You’re right. And I’m working on it.
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Gee, Finny. [He keeps his feet planted by the skillet, but his neck and arms stretch toward the table. Elbows braced against the top, he cups his chin in his hands in delight.] Sounds like she's pretty cool.
[Finn's grumbling sigh in response was entertaining, sure, but it was also kinda sweet. Jake didn't tease Finn because he thought he was ridiculous, or silly, or stupid. It was sweet. Jake was all-too ready to become Fwenn's #1 fan. Unfortunately, history and its repetitions had a way of killing the vibe. At Finn's final declaration, Jake is looking more sympathetic than gleeful.]
Awww, man, what? How old is she?
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Twenty-two.
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Dude. Shut it down.
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[ Finn’s shrill shout could probably be heard as far as the sunlight room, his frantic insistence echoing through the kitchen. The harrowing experience of being a teenage boy. ]
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It’s…not that bad, anyway. I’m kind of like. Mostly over it. [ It was a truthful statement, although, Jake would understand the complexity behind it. ] I don’t want to be annoying, or weird. I just want to be her friend, you know?
[ He felt both annoying and weird even having to say it. Sighing, Finn rests his head in his hand. ]
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Yeah, buddy, I know. And I bet you will be. [He cranes back to look at him, trying to inject a little enthusiasm back into the kid.] Just gotta get outta your head a little, do something fun!
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[ That was always the problem, wasn’t it…getting out of his head, the overthinking and anxiousness that followed it. Finn frowns, letting his gaze fall back on his collection of paper birds, each one slightly better than the last, but still not perfect. He takes a fourth napkin, folding it diagonally, carefully.
Anything to avoid catching Jake's eye.]
...There is this one other girl. We've been kinda hanging out, I guess?
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Oh?
[Unlike before, his curiosity is more sweet than sinister. Finn's obvious anxiety about Gwen put a bit of a damper on the whole thing. ... Only for the time being, obviously.]
Go on, man.
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ZIGGY
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2/2
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ITACHI
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