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

[handsomefoil]

Ah, so that explains it. Guess he just didn't feel the need to elaborate until asked. Makes sense; he would've done the same.

"They can predict?" He's actually quite impressed by that, so much that he forgets about expressing any curiosity about creative adaptability. Perhaps save that for later.

"So, I guess that begs the question: Can you dodge these bullets?"

[handsomefoil]

[ He's not ashamed of his nerdy hobbies. Everyone's a nerd for something! ]

That's right. Guess that sort of tells enough about me as it is.

[ A clearing of bioluminescent trees catch his interest for a moment, letting a beat pass. ]

Let me guess, you're into guns.

[handsomefoil]

[ More like magic sounds fake af but he's slowly coming around to believing it. ]

I'm glad you think so highly of me. I'd much prefer being in neither of those categories, to nobody's surprise, I'm sure.

[ He doesn't realize how much the praise means, but he'll take it. ]

[handsomefoil]

Yes, they're a rather rare sight as it is. At least, for me.

[ He continues watching the strange creatures for a minute before glancing over at her again. ]

I'm Henry, by the way.

fhsdjnas SORRY THAT was probably confusing....

[handsomefoil]

If that is your intended effect
Then yes it is
Anyway as i mentioned before, there's no purpose
it's just image sharing at its core

im glad noctis allows me to use these icons

[handsomefoil]

You don't take pictures of your interesting catches?
Disappointing

[handsomefoil]

[ Henry helps gather some twigs and branches, trying to keep them as dry as possible despite his soaked skin. While he'd made a habit of carrying a flask of some bourbon while out and about, he didn't go around drinking too heavily in the wilderness. ]

Yeah, honestly? The stuff they try to brew on the ship is watery piss at best. It'd take many drinks to even reach a buzz, and by then, you'll be too full to even enjoy it.

[ He drops each piece of kindling one at a time into the unlit pit. ]

But you're in luck; I received quite a gift upon our return from Gallipoli.

[handsomefoil]

That's way more information than he had intended to pry from him, even if he did his own scan. He sort of watches him as he explains, not sure if any of those categories would be of any use to him as he has no intentions of regrowing his own.

"I see," is all he offers at first, tapping his chin thoughtfully with his pencil. "What sort of data would you need for medicinal usage? Does the BCE scan not provide enough?"

[prizeneck]

He grins, and it’s probably the first time Mamoru has shown a grin like that that isn’t hidden by leather and a old-fashioned plastic air filter. There’s some edge to it, even if it’s not purposeful.

Maybe it’s pride - not of himself, but of the person who made these shades - or maybe it’s the fact that yes, he can dodge bullets, especially in rapid fire. But the grin is still there, even below his hand as he adjusts the object of their conversation a little better on their perch.

“That, and it makes it easier for me so I don’t have to.”

[heilt]

I'm glad to hear it.

( she rests her hand lightly on his arm, offering a smile )

But if it does bother you or something else does happen-- ( unintentionally, she implies ) --then be sure to come back. Even the smallest thing. It's no trouble.

( it was a little sad that she had to encourage people to let her do her job, as if even small injuries were bothersome, but so many times she'd seen something small worsen when it could easily have been fixed )

it's okay!!! i'm happy to see you! :D

[inconstantly]

[John's own face turns in distaste. He doesn't like to to use magic as the only answer to a problem, but it does solve quite a bit of problems. There's no way to sweet talk a bullet into not making contact.]

Seems a bit detrimental for an army to not want its soldiers to use all the tools in their arsenal. But then again I don't make the rules.

[A spark of an idea enters John's mind and his expression takes on a hint of mischief.]

...how often would you say those rules are broken? Hypothetically?

[bloodings]

Well, maybe you'll get lucky.

[ At least she got whiskey out of the visit. ]

Guns are boring, though. You should get a sword. Like me.

[neutronium]

[The offer of a drink was a manipulation tactic--if only to try and calm the other person down. Hux rarely does things out of any sense of kindness.

At the mention of a chip, Hux frowned, shaking his head just slightly.]

I don't know anything about a 'chip'. Though I wouldn't put it past COST to put something on us to track us in some manner.

But yes, there is a group here called COST who is fighting another group called the Regency. We're told that the Regency is terrible, horrible, [He waves his hand like it's all propaganda] and we must help in the fight--and that we agreed to help in the fight against them.

Yet some of us remember that agreement, and some of us do not.

[garbagepilot]

[Oh right, that. She glances back at the water and nods, reaching up to sling her staff off her shoulder.]

I guess there's no point in putting it off.

[She feels a need to get rid of at least her vest and her arm wraps, not wanting to have to take the extra time to let them dry off so she sets off to doing exactly that.]

This isn't something where it's one lesson and you've learned everything you need to know, is it?

[She's guessing it's going to take practice.]

[neutronium]

[Hux actually smiles; it's very small, a tiny thing, but it's there just the same when Liho starts to purr. He moves to brush his fingers along the top of her head, then back around to her chin again.

Speak to no one of this.]

Mmm...yes. They can be a nuisance as well, but they are more wild, inquisitive creatures, which can get into everything. [He doesn't sound like he's saying 'nuisance' like he's interested in exterminating them.]

I've never known anyone to keep one as a pet, however. Though I suppose if one was caught as a baby, and raised to be docile, it would be possible.

[inconstantly]

I'm not typically one for kittens. Or trees.

[And ugh, from the sound of it "worthy" seems like a lot of work and a constant measurement. That didn't sound sound like it was worth the effort for a minor curiosity.]

But perhaps I can try again after the next mission. [a shrug] Might be worth something.

[Without asking for permission John flops down onto a seated position next to on the bed, curling his legs under him and resting his forearms on his knees.]

Is your heart more just than most, then?

[He's not entirely sure if he believes it, but the answer is likely to be revealing.]

[neutronium]

Taking out his torch, Hux flicked on the switch, shining the light around his feet as he walked. He would prefer not to use it at all, but keeping sure footing was important--he'd rather not slip in this place, even with someone who might be able to help him out, or heal him. Still, by keeping the light down, the strange dark beauty of the place was still visible, the dim light filtering through cracks and open areas where the ceiling had fallen through.

"It's so strange, that this is all on the back of a creature."

[duskmeadow]

[ The tone is heeded. Vax lets it settle as he considers how to turn the conversation. Vex was always better at this part. Vax is charming, but it doesn't come as naturally to him as it does to his sister. And it especially doesn't in circumstances like this, when he's so far out of his element with so much weighing on his mind. ]

How did you come to be here? Do you remember?

[ Blunter than Vax had meant to broach the topic, but he had to start somewhere with it. He may as well start here, with someone he'd lived through a battle with. That afforded Chiron some measure of trust, at least. ]

[handsomefoil]

Henry laughs. He can't help but think he's heard a quote similar to that somewhere, but he can't quite put his finger on it. The grin is almost proud, he thinks, with the answer that follows and he recognizes it well.

"You're not a very normal human being, are you?"

It sounds like a question, but it's more of a statement. Most people can't dodge bullets even if given the means to do so unless they know way in advance. They just don't have the speed or reaction time for it. Dodging out of sheer luck, maybe, but once that gun goes off it's not easy to react to the sound alone (given the shooter has good aim, anyway).

To think those glasses of his could provide him with such a means, it's fantastical.

[dorzalta]

That kind of mannerism is because she does not know him--not well, at least. More than that, however, is that she fainted at all. It stings. Not something allies should witness.

"It wasn't a kind mission." Not like the others. "I don't believe any amount of training would have properly prepared most for it."

Upon his questioning, she shakes her head. Where was she going?

"Wandering. The capsules remind me too much of the cell we were held in." Not that the cell itself was problematic, but that such a small space made her more prone to jerking awake, expecting the light to shine bright in her eyes. Only belatedly does she look at him more carefully, asking: "Why are you up this late?"

[neutronium]

[Hux notes the 'wizard' choice, but he suspects it was just being used to make a point. That was fine. Still, at least he knows a name now. He isn't one to use first names always how surprising, but he can use that last name.]

Constantine would be fine, then, if you don't mind. I prefer to be called Hux. [He knows this man wasn't with them during the last battle, but he suspects he'll still be correcting people regarding the 'Armitage' use for some time going forward.]

Were you born with your gift, or was it something learned?

[prizeneck]

"Not at all," he replies the same. Both accounting for normal or a decent human being, anyway.

He jerks his head at the... tube-like device Henry holds in his hand. "They also give me a lowdown on what type of weapon a person is holding. But I'm getting a NO DATA from that."

[horsepowered]

The specifics? I can't say I do, and I understand that such a situation is not unique to myself.

[But for Chiron, it has never been a bother. Well, it was initially, but upon learning who the second in command was, he had simply rolled with it. Anything that a version of himself was working for was doubtlessly the right choice.

Perhaps he put too much trust in that fact, but it was far better to do that than to sit and be suspicious endlessly.]

Am I correct in guessing that you have a similar gap?

[horsepowered]

"Strange, yes, but I think a small miracle as well."

Chiron moved slowly behind Hux, keeping a half a foot or so between them. It was meant to ensure that if he fell, there wouldn't be a domino effect. That with his centaur form was bad for everyone involved.

"Who might have ever expected this, after all. And we should be so lucky to see even a fraction of what has come to be in this unique ecosystem."

[desynched]

Chiron's smile gets a full-on proper smile from her. A little bit of friendliness is all of the encouragement that she needs.

"Afternoon. I'm Lena. I'm a new recruit, but you probably figured that out."