THE AMAZING BASE.

[agogemod]

WHO? Everybody!
WHAT? Welcome home, nerds.
WHEN? Outside time and space, in the aether between dimensions.
ANYTHING ELSE? There is also a fish. Please warn in subject lines for anything beyond physical violence and move to a personal journal if things go beyond PG-13.

MYSTERY FISH;

question the mystery fish

DEPARTING GALLIPOLI

The order comes the day after the Marie Antoinette sets sail:

PACK UP AND GET READY TO MOVE OUT. WE'VE DONE ALL WE CAN HERE.

DEPLOYMENT: BASE.

WE NEED TO RESTOCK. BE PREPARED FOR MORE TRANSFERS ON ARRIVAL.

STAY SAFE. TIME-STEP EXPECTED TO BEGIN WITHIN THE HOUR.

FOR THOSE OF YOU NEW TO COST: FIND A SECLUDED SPOT AND TRY NOT TO EAT ANYTHING BEFORE THE JUMP.

The Time-Step

The transfer begins like a vibrating heat on the collar bone, just a hum of sensation.

But the vibration spreads. Veteran COST soldiers often refer to this phenomenon as "the buzz". The feeling builds, not unlike standing near a great engine or the wind-rattled branches of a massive tree. There is a long moment of motion sickness and you can't be sure if the world is shaking you from the inside out or the outside in. It may be better to close your eyes against the growing nausea, as the world blurs out of focus.

A star shines in the distance. You may hear the faint rustling of leaves. Some swear they hear voices in this moment, indistinct words echoing off nothingness. Others say they feel a touch of the divine, that the eyes of the eternal look down upon you. Ancient bones rattle just out of earshot, cold and brittle and nothing more than the suggestion of sound. Or maybe it's only an illusion, brought on by the powerful technology grafted into your skin.

One thing is for sure: One moment you are here and the next you are not.

The shift takes you from whatever solitude you could find aboard the Marie Antoinette to the temperature-regulated hallway of what looks like a very poorly put together space station. Droids rush up and down the long hallway, fixing broken bits of machinery or just chattering with each other. A few crows sit on high ledges, looking down and watching. Someone mutters something about a centaur around the corner.

And you might just notice, provided you were in Gallipoli long enough to acquire stowaways, that the parasites lurking on your skin are mercifully gone.

For new arrivals who didn't experience Gallipoli: You, too, will appear in this long hallway, filled with droids and crows and humans (still filthy and clad in ANZAC uniforms, carrying battered equipment from the first World War). And you'll be wearing the minimal COST-issued athletic underwear and holding whatever one item you were allowed to bring. Surprise!

READ THE BASE INFOPAGE.

home away from home

Those who have been to BASE before may find a strangeness to it all: BASE seems...still. The windows show a verdant world instead of the usual aether (though with the typical paranoia), and the halls are bereft of all but a few crows. A man stands at the end of the long hallway you arrived in, waiting for you to get your bearings before he speaks.

Except, you know, he's not a man. He's a centaur.

"It's been barely a week since you left, by my reckoning. But for you, I'm sure, it's been much longer. Still, much has changed. You may have noticed we are...becalmed. This is due, it seems, to an error in our ways. We kept something that does not belong to us, several wild creatures that are meant to be free. They seem to have psychically called out to their home, and their home responded; we are now somewhat stranded.

"But let me explain—the Aether is the nexus between worlds and times, but it is not a dead thing. Creatures live in it. We have crashed onto the back of one such creature, a mighty beast, as large as a small country and entirely undiscovered. We have found why the creature has intercepted us: we have accidentally taken captive some of its children. Shapers, the wild creatures I mentioned, it seems they form a symbiotic bond with the creature, and live happily within its stomach."

He frowns, considering this.

"Shapers, I should mention, are creatures that briefly infested our fair BASE. The issue was dealt with, though we kept some for experimentation. The coelacanth took issue with this, it seems. It can speak, of course; we are stranded very near its head, and if you wish to ask it a question, I implore you to do so. The creature is older than creation—older than me—and only speaks once to any creature it encounters. It's said its wisdom brings kings to their knees."

His eyes crinkle in humor.

"My name is Chiron and I am the caretaker of this place, for those of you whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting. More importantly, I am a trainer and a teacher of some experience; if you wish training or schooling of any sort, do summon me. I will be happy to assist."

He's easy to contact, often found in the library, the training area, his capsule, or elsewhere in the station, attempting to fix what he understands and arguing with crows.

"We intended to spend this time exploring, for this is a rare opportunity to discover more of an entirely uncharted world. I hasten you to see if anything on the coelacanth can be of use, but be careful. Take only what you need, not what you may want. I intend to learn my lessons well; these creatures are not pets. Takes food, water, and any materials of use to us for our survival and perseverance, but no more. We task you with this: explore the coelacanth, and see what of it can be understood. Bring us back samples, but do try to interrupt the natural habitat as little as possible. We are guests here."

He bows and the action shows a slight limp in one of his back legs.

"I would join you, but I am far too old for such activities. Still, do pepper me with any questions you should encounter. I am always available on the network, or in person, within this hulking mass we call home."

And then he leaves you to find your capsules and rest.

CAPSULE ASSIGNMENTS

Once you've found your room and settled in—perhaps taken a shower, collected clothes, and eaten—a droid will approach you with camping equipment and give you a brief explanation of how to access and use the database. It's time to get your gear and go.

Of course, you can decline. You can stay and tend to the fort, maybe try and clean up this patchwork jumble of metal and machinery. But seeing the sights on the back of a giant fish flying through non-space? Who can say no to that?


the undiscovered country.

BASE's airlocks open into a lush valley, vibrant with color and rustling with life that has thrived on the coelacanth's back for millennia. It's a striking shift from the rot and gunfire of Gallipoli, unmarked by shrapnel, bombshells, and never-fresh air.

No, the air here is clean in a way that can leave you breathless, untouched by pollutants and stirred into a gentle breeze. It's a marked departure for anyone used to a more modern Earth or rough equivalent; letting the air sit on your tongue leaves a crisp, unsullied taste behind. And the whole forest feels alive, in a way that reminds you of how small you really are.

A white crow perches in a tree near BASE's exit, too high up to properly engage but a stark contrast to the bright leaves around her. She merely watches recruits come and go with a shrewd eye, feathers fluffed against the light chill. There are other crows scattered throughout the wilderness, some easier to find than others as they flit through the trees, sit on camping equipment, or hitch rides on the hoverbikes.

Besides those brief flashes of black feathers, however, you're left unsupervised.

Try not to fuck up anything too badly.

EXPLORE:INFOPAGE|DATABASE
talk to a fish | destruction report

NAV. NETWORK LOGS OOC MEMES PLURK

Comments

[gerechtigkeit]

[That's the main job of a puppy- kill everyone they meet with cute and adorable puppy things.

A breath escapes him at that, but he shakes his head, finding some amusement in that.]

I can think of a few names, but... they don't quite seem to fit her. ["Hagen" is a male name, and "Kriemhild?" His husky doesn't really quite seem to have the personality like his wife did.] And Springen isn't a good name for a dog.

1b LET'S FAITO

[gerechtigkeit]

Hm?

[Genji's managed to catch Siegfried as he's entered into the gym, his own sword in tow on his back, head tilting at the newcomer. He's definitely not someone he recognizes, but the fact that Genji is easily greeting him and offering a spar has the Heroic Spirit pausing for just a moment. A spar? And he's being asked for it instead of simply expected- it's a nice little thing, and he has no problem with someone offering. His smile is a genuine one when he speaks.]

I don't mind- if you don't mind me asking a question first.

[At that, he unsheathes Balmung, placing the blade against the floor. A brow raises in curiosity, but it's an honest question he has.]

How comfortable are you with someone who uses a greatsword?

[He can adapt to almost any sword, but it's Balmung that he feels most comfortable with. Whatever Genji says, he'll roll with it.]

[dorzalta]

It would be a mystery to them both, what Dorne and the Reach were like. She's been to neither, and likely would not visit in the foreseeable future. But still, there would be time, if she survived.

"I believe so. They'd proffered me gifts the first time I arrived at Base, as well. Jon also received things." She's quiet for a moment, considering Rey's arm wraps and wondering what sort of climate prompted their use. "He'd received his direwolf. You might see Ghost stalking about."

[dorzalta]

Her smile slips the more Rey speaks of its effects... until it disappears completely, replaced by a frown. If anything is that violent to make one hope for death--

There were so many things in her life that might've prompted such a wish. And yet dying was so far from her mind, an impossible thing she could not allow. To have something that would prompt Rey to make mention of it, especially after their time with Kebechet, is enough cause for concern and has her changing the subject.

"Do you think they would return with me to Base?" she asks, gesturing to one of the Dragokeets. "I can't imagine the creature we stand upon would be happy about that, but I'm curious to see how large they'll grow. Or if they can even breathe fire."

She steps closer to the hoverbike, skimming her fingers along its metal side.

"I think you would enjoy riding a dragon."

[latrodectus]

[ Ah, this guy. She's seen him before, of course. Big guy, not quite Captain America, but believable as a gym rat. Wears sunglasses indoors— and while napping, apparently— which answers a few questions she didn't realize she had.

She takes his pointing with a curt nod, moving to the corner with the weights. Sure enough, they're the set she likes. But instead of lifting them precisely, she tilts her head. ]

Are you any good with that?

[ The sword, she means. ]

[neutronium]

I'm a General, yes--though not for COST. [In other words, where he comes from.]

It was a turn of phrase. I wasn't implying it was something that was law. [He needs to let it drop.

Moving on--]

Are you some sort of wizard, then?

[latrodectus]

Who, pray tell?

[ She isn't planning on eating the fruit right away, instead putting it in her bag. ]

[mylawn]

[76 should probably be worried about that, but despite a lifetime of caring about everyone and everything else, he knows he is far too old to get into it anymore. She'll learn her lesson eventually, and he has to tell himself that it isn't his responsibility to mitigate any of it.

He offers something of a skeptical noise in the back of his throat, but leaves it at that, going through the rest of his things, confirming that there are not, in fact, any toys.]

Depends on your definition of toy.

[He holds up a bottle of indiscriminate brown liquid, uncaps it, takes a sniff to determine what kind of alcohol it is, and then offers it to her. Does she like to drink? He supposes he's about to find out.]

Anyway, beats me. They're probably still in the drawer.

[fessus]

[ It takes him a moment to even figure out who it is with such poor visibility, only having time to duck out of the way when he hears his voice. Oh. Fantastic. ]

Hey... Shoes off quick and try to drip over on that side if you can; I don't wanna' get my stuff too wet. [ A pause. ] You okay?

[inconstantly]

[Thor's comment about John's parentage only serves to further put John at ease. He'd rather not get anything from his father, but that was another item for another day and John isn't about to be as pedantic as all that.

When the hammer practically leaps into Thor's hand John lifts his eyebrows and purses his lips with interest. It was admittedly pretty cool.] I know a little something, yeah.

[John withdraws his lighter from his pocket, holding it flat on its hand as he whispers a directional spell. The lighter lifts his hand and spins on its axis in the air before pointing directly at Thor. Or more specifically, one of Thor's arms. Who was a mere mortal to argue with a magic compass? He snatches the lighter from the air and follows the direction indicated before touching Thor's arm with curious fingertips and quickly backing away.] Mind if I take another crack at that hammer?

[inconstantly]

Yeah? [This should be good.] And what exactly is that personality type then? Seeing as how you're collecting us you ought to have a large enough sample.

[bivariant]

[ even wounded, she harbors no illusion that the beast before them could seriously harm them. perhaps even kill them, if they're not cautious enough. the plan that he offers her is acceptable, considering they are only two. she's seen him move, and he's a far faster runner than she, if he needs to get away from the herd. ]

Don't look directly at the, [ she gestures to the top of her head, meaning the "crown" part ] It will make you sick.

[ slowly, she shifts to the side, preparing to move through the brush to the cliffside in order to scale it. ]

I'll signal you when I'm in place.

YES!!

[masque]

[quickly swallows before turning his head, and he wonders how he only reunited with siegfried just now. large and... marked as ever. but this time armed with a puppy.

makes him miss his cat.]

When did you get a puppy? While I was gone? [brushes off his knees while he stands.] Cute.

[masque]

[designation...]

then i'll go with nines. it sounds pretty cool. i haven't met you before, though, so you must be pretty new?

how're you liking COST?

[masque]

yeah, i steal. best occupation, imo.

i don't really mind, it means i'm here with MY best friend. it works out. why'd you join COST?

[latrodectus]

[ Natasha doesn't get there in time to stop Hux from asking an obnoxious question, but definitely arrives with plenty of time to witness the asking. Still a few feet away, she observes the scene, and says: ]

Her name is Liho.

[ After a slavic spirit of misfortune and evil fate.

The cat is friendly, however, and makes a small "mrrp" noise, angling for her chin to be scratched. ]

[masque]

[... that's his solution to both? watches him quietly, a little in awe, not expecting this guy to make it look so... easy. he's skilled, he's done this tons of times, he's pretty sure even sojiro can't skin a fish like that.

what the fuck!!]

How is the BCE supposed to know that? [guess who doesn't have the app. guess who doesn't know it exists BUT starts mumbling to himself, he's seen his mom make it several times, so from memory—] Flour, egg, soy sauce, sugar, cold water... soda water? Regular water? [uhh..]

I wish I could make curry. [still talking to himself. but he does as told, quietly asking the robots for what he needs and hoping it's at least feasible. he doesn't trust this black block gunk.]

[bivariant]

[ Well, that's a reaction she wasn't expecting in the least. He's even more to the point than she is.

In answer to it, she points to her left and indicates the room in that direction. ] I'll take this one.

[ It leaves him with the other room, and Cheris easily gets out of his way, starting for the ladder up to the second layer of the capsule quarters, as she knows the kitchen is there and wants to take stock of everything. Halfway up, she does turn back to him, looking over her shoulder as though trying to figure him out. ]

You... weren't at Gallipolli, correct?

[horsepowered]

I'd hardly call it collecting. Just frequent contact. [But Chiron did start the comparisons, so he's going to roll with it.]

Within the magic system I was summoned by, there's a lot of paranoia and secret keeping, as well as an emphasis on family legacies. It seems to me that if I move into other systems, the concern to paranoia is still present, but it is coupled with much sharper tongues.

[horsepowered]

[Chiron follows where 76's finger is pointed, and he nods in understanding.]

Start your bike then, it's hardly fair otherwise. We'll go by my count.

[northerndragon]

If they weren't so exhausted, both of them, it would be easy to fall into those kisses, and when she pulls back and makes the simple gesture of fluttering her eyelashes at him, it strikes at his heart in a way he wouldn't have expected. He feels it low in his stomach.

In all, he thinks that their alliance may save everyone, but their love still sometimes frightens him, casts him adrift in something much bigger than he's used to. Even if it were a smaller thing, he still wouldn't be used to jealousy. Very little of the envy he'd ever felt before meeting her was related to a woman.

"I missed your face," he murmurs, not bothering with the mind ravens. "I missed you."

But the next thing she says drags him back to being thoughtful, and reluctant. He may not like another man being in her head, but he thinks of Chiron as more of a friend than not... a friend who'd needed help. A friend who had protected her in battle... but isn't holding her up now, and won't be sharing a bed with her. One who Irriella doesn't refer to as Lord Father.

"No. Do what you want." He sounds a little begrudging, but it's a conclusive statement on his part nonetheless. "Do what you think is right. If we can help each other... all of us... it's not too much to ask. Any more than that might be."

[inconstantly]

[It didn't take long for Dorian's arrogance to show. It's almost charming the the way he sets himself up to be talented at pretty much everything, including something as simple as leading the way down the hall. John doesn't mind the walk, and in fact it feels good to be walking somewhere with a purpose instead of an aimless wandering.

Even he had been told of the hart it was still jarring to see the animal. It was just... there. Nesting. John attempts to give the hart a wide berth as he steps around it into the capsule's entrance, yet it's not wide enough as he can still feel the hart's gaze as he walks past. John's never been particularly adept at looking not-suspicious.

When he steps in to the capsule he notices that it appears exactly the same as his own, albeit with different belongings. Oh well, makes things easier to snoop through in the eventuality that he becomes curious later.

Now that he's inside John once again kicks off his shoes, immediately making himself at home.]

Now I believe you said something about wine.

[handsomefoil]

On the contrary.

[ Being over-prepared never bothered him, unless it was counter-productive in some way. The idea of having both his saber and this weird looking sci-fi rifle is pretty much what he'd expect. Don't worry, 76. He has a long range option for sure. ]

What sort of ammo does that thing use?

[handsomefoil]

Not interested in the Great Outdoors?

[latrodectus]

( absolutely fine! )

[ Natasha stretches her arms behind her, frowning. ]

No. There is… a lot of it. Most of it very secret.

[ There was more magic in her world than she knew about, probably. She'd read the files, when she needed to, but she knew that the truth was rarely found here. ]

But it's not what I do. [ She pauses, exhaling. ] Usually.