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thirstology2018-04-01 12:05 am
futurologists) wrote in thirstology2018-04-01 12:05 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME
FANTASTIC MR. FOX  Welcome to Azeria, a small single-biome planet covered almost entirely by deep, mossy forests. The natives of Azeria, a sapient foxlike species called Vulphytes, have reached out to Hathaway for help in repelling a planetary invasion. Other Vulphyte tribes have sent word of dangerous aliens descending in silver machines and laying waste to the forest, killing and capturing Vulphytes and animals in their wake. Hathaway analysts have calculated that the Merging is to blame for this sudden invasion; before, these two nearly identical universes didn't see each other, but now that they are one, these strangers are suddenly planetary neighbors. The aliens, seeing a new planet, must be searching for colonization prospects, while the Vulphytes are helpless against their spacefaring weaponry. ▸ FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS.On greeting the Hathaway agents, the Vulphytes will initially be very awkward and surprised, or as awkward and surprised as sapient foxes can appear. The Vulphytes speak telepathically, and eventually a spokesfox explains the cause of their discomfort: the invading aliens are humans, just like most of you. ▸ PROMPTS Your mission is simple: protect the Vulphytes, forests, and native animals from the invading humans. It's not necessary to kill all the invaders (unless you want to), simply keep them from taking the planet for their own and do a good enough job to persuade them never to come back. Of course, the invaders are a bit... forceful in their methods, so it's up to you.   The Vulphytes live in a cluster of burrows which are unfortunately not large enough for anything human-sized to visit, but the presence of non-aggressive aliens (that's you!) is enough to get the majority of them to pop out and curiously observe. The Vulphytes are variably black, grey, or red, with fur transitioning to moss along their backs; animals you might see in the forest, including deer, rabbits, and owls, have a similarly moss-covered look. The Vulphytes will take awhile to warm up to anyone who is human (or those who visibly look human), their telepathic tones suspicious as they ask questions about their loyalties, where they're from, and what their homeworlds are like. Those who are clearly not human will receive a much warmer reception, the Vulphytes asking curious questions and the Vulphyte kits trailing behind in fuzzy little rows. When the invaders' silver machines -- spaceships -- become visible in the sky, through breaks in the tree canopy, the Vulphytes look skyward and begin to howl. It's a pre-battle ritual, one of them explains, and characters are invited to join in: howl to the sky, to your enemies, and get ready to fight. TWO ▸ THE INVASION. The silver spaceships of the invaders crash down through the trees, sending animals fleeing in all directions. The Vulphytes stay put, snarling in the direction of the noise and waiting for the invaders to come to them. If you'd like, you can rush forward and head them off -- or stay and fight alongside the foxes. Just as the Vulphytes claimed, the invaders are human. They are dressed in armored space suits, the visors on their helmets obscuring their faces and reflecting the forest all around. Their weapons are various types of laser guns, though a few are holding axes that have laser blades, which they use to start chopping down trees as their compatriots march toward the Vulphyte dens. The invaders are surprised to see people here, but they're not interested in talking: they open fire on anyone they see, not recognizing any of the recruits as their people and thus pegging them immediately as enemies. Though they're aggressive, they're not suicidal; if a single invader encounters too much violence or are outnumbered, they'll run back to their compatriots for reinforcements, so it's best to dispatch them quickly (or prevent them for running for help in some other way). Once the invaders reach the Vulphyte dens, the foxes fight viciously, swarming individuals in a flurry of claws and snarling teeth. Kill the invaders or simply give them enough trouble to make them retreat for good, it's up to you. But either way, look after your furry/mossy hosts; despite their telepathic way of communication, the Vulphytes don't possess any magical abilities, so they'll need to be looked after in the face of laser weapons. THREE ▸ BABYSITTER'S CLUB. The baby Vulphytes are in the greatest amount of danger from the invading humans, being entirely unable to defend themselves and uncertain of what's actually going on. Hathaway has been tasked with rescuing them from their dens and whisking them away to safer areas away from the fighting where they can be cared for until the fighting is over. The only problem is that baby Vulphytes are... well, babies. They're quite upset by all the ruckus, yowling in a way that resembles crying, and aren't exactly happy to be taken away by strangers they don't know. In fact, some of them might try to make a great escape, so you'd better be quick! Those who make it to a safe area will need consoling and, once that's done, entertainment. They'll also need their caretakers to make sure no invaders sneak up on them -- since some are hidden in the woods. It's a big job, but you can handle it, right? FOUR ▸ VICTORY CELEBRATIONS. Once the invaders are finally chased off, everyone gathers together to celebrate. The Vulphytes bow (as well as a fox can) as the team enters and apologize for their uncertainty before; they see now that many of you are nothing like the aliens who threatened them, despite your similar looks. They'd like you all to stay and celebrate, if you have time. The celebrations are... a bit different than most might be used to; it's definitely not a human party. There are games with handmade balls of packed moss, which the Vulphytes seem to love. In fact, they go crazy for Fetch, a game they were never introduced to before due to their tragic lack of opposable thumbs. They "sing" for the team in howls, a rare example of adults not communicating telepathically. As for the team, they receive a congratulatory message from Imogen on their magitek suggesting they take the rest of the celebration to meet and greet with the unfamiliar faces. There won't be much time to do so back at Headquarters, I'm afraid, she adds. Drakstaden awaits, darlings! FIVE ▸ CHIT-CHAT. It's your standard network option. Make battle plans, chat about how cute the foxes are, or share good hiding places. No matter what, you get one username to identify you and one only -- if you don't enter one, it will default to your real name (for example, Voldemort's would be tomriddle.) Choose wisely... or make it assfarts69, if that's your thing. More information on the jewelcomms can be found on the devices guide. SIX ▸ WILDCARD. Do whatever the heck you want! Go pick wildflowers. Climb a tree. Hunt animals. Loot innocent fox dens, you monster. The world is your oyster. ▸ OOC NOTES Welcome to the second test drive meme of Futurology Season 2! This test drive will function as an optional mini-mission for both new and current characters, similar in feel to the missions we have in-game but on a much smaller scale. Threads on this test drive are game canon by default unless one of the participants would like to retcon it. Current characters may use TDM threads for non-!plot AC proofs. Both test drivers and current characters are welcome to top level! While current characters are allowed to tag other current characters, we ask that you please make an effort to be welcoming to test drivers as well! Since incoming characters currently don't have official specializations, we have no specialized prompts. However, feel free to play as if your character is level 1 of whichever specialization you would like to choose. Questions about the game in general can be directed to the FAQ. If you've been with us before, you might notice things look a little different around here. Make sure you check out the welcome page for the basic rundown of how your character joined up with Hathaway. For further information about the game, the full navigation has all the links you'll need. ▸ Upcoming Events (Futurology runs on timezone UTC): |
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Does it matter? If the Chiss are unaffected by the fall of the Empire— by Thrawn's own demise—]
What of the Empire?
[He does not ask if it still stands, or if that is why Eli chose to slip into Hathaway's service, rather than remain behind in the Unknown Regions. It would be too obvious, and he has trained the man too well.]
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It continues, reports of increased instability.
[And in that second part Eli's motives for being here are all too clear — he has not forgotten his former mentor, amidst the chaos of the Empire and without any knowledge of the future, Eli had chosen to serve in exchange for one single wish.]
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Thrawn's thumb shifts, pinching faintly across the edge of Eli's knuckle, as though words are lacking. As though he is all at once so much younger— the harsh lines of his angular features masked with wild hair and the soft scent of that unnamed world. He has no vocabulary to describe what it is like, when they both seem to know something they do not speak of.
He had always understood that Eli Vanto held potential. Perhaps this is proof of it now: the silence that pervades the forest surrounding them, rather than what might otherwise be Eli's eagerness to take action or confess concern.
Every warrior knows what it is like, that intangible pressure that looms thick in the air when death is near. The Empire is not immune to it, Emperor Palpatine is not immune to it—
The Grand Admiral is not immune to it.
His free hand lifts, clasped tight across Eli's shoulder. A rare smile.]
I have missed having you at my side, Commander.
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That smile makes his insides recoil as he struggles between melancholy and relief —it reopened a wound Eli had thought was healing. Separation, no matter the time between, is raw as if it had been yesterday, but Thrawn is here and Eli is adaptable. He returns the smile, free hand clasping Thrawn's elbow.
Make no mistake, Eli's wholehearted loyalty belongs exclusively to one being across all universes:]
It's a privilege to serve you again, Admiral.
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Perhaps he will tell Eli of it later. Of how truly haunting the future would otherwise be. Of planetary systems erased in the blink of an eye.
Thrawn's voice deepens, shifting lower, defying the translator to speak willfully into Sy Bisti for a communication that is not shared. That is not for anyone else.]
You and I—
[From the underbrush there's a sudden burst of movement— skittering paws and pitched little yips and chirps as the younger vulphyte kits (seemingly now moved to acceptance and curiosity at the sight of Thrawn and Eli standing so close in open familiarity) come rushing over to thread themselves around ankles and through legs. A few stop, sniffing deeply at the foreign scents attached to Eli's trousers and boots, some on their hind paws to reach higher.
Thrawn at last withdraws his hold, but the upturned curve at the edge of his mouth, despite everything, stays.]
They have not seen Chiss before.
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He is, anyway. The bubbling excitement and simple happiness at this reunion, there is nothing complicated to untangle now that understanding has set in. Questions remain but they have time.]
This is a more positive reaction than what you usually get.
[A smirk and then Eli is placing one hand on Thrawn's arm to keep his balance as he leans down to offer his hand waiting patiently until there is permission granted before picking one up. He shifts, bringing both arms to cradle the vulphyte as it sniffs at Eli then turns to Thrawn.
It chirps and lifts its nose peering at the Chiss.]
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[He remarks coolly, his expression unchanged as he pauses only briefly to scan the treeline for any other signs of life (none visible, not even faint flickers of heat— which is enough to satisfy the dull ache of learned caution lingering at the edges of his mind).
When his attention drifts back towards Eli, he instead finds a vulphyte with its ears pinned cheerfully back craning its neck towards him. A few glacial fingers lift, then hover in midair— he is not certain how best to initiate physical contact with such a species. At least not as keenly as Eli Vanto seems to be, already covered from his shins down in barking pups.] But you are not wrong. These creatures are significantly more affectionate than most of the species I have encountered over the years, and much less deceptive by nature.
[A beat, and then, sincerely:]
They deserve to keep these lands.
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[Heat crawls up from the back of his neck. Eli has never lost his capacity for flushing at any given opportunity where his feelings slip; it is like landing on ice and trying to find footing, unsuccessfully.]
Just, tap the head, it won't bite.
[Before Thrawn can, however, the creature has lifted its cold nose to press against those outstretched fingers.
Eli is silent for a few beats at Thrawn's declaration, then his mouth curves upwards and something in his posture just radiates pride.]
They do, we've got this though, sir. With you here, there is no way we could lose.
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His fingers slip across that damp little nose, then up across its muzzle nestling behind one mossy ear. Strange, how relaxing it feels despite everything else.]
Listen to me, Eli. Not all who serve Hathaway are our allies. [All those years of training, honing them both by the second, the minute, the year; to say they are unprepared for the task ahead would be a lie. His lips thin, he then corrects:]
Not all who serve are my allies.
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The type of sentiments Thrawn aroused in people. Distrust, confusion, envy.]
I understand, tell me what I should know.
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His thumb slides behind the creature's ear, scuffing at it gently.]
It is possible that my habits of communication and my loyalties have inpired discomfort...and malice.
['It is possible' he says, knowing full well he invoked Kylo Ren's wrath without apology. That he continues to incite resentment and anger, like ripples pooling outwards from disturbed water.
Thrawn u little shit]no subject
Possible. [echoed, amused and fond and exasperated at once. a combination of states that should be impossible and yet is managed well by eli vanto.] We can do something about the habits and the discomfort. Malice, however — [He trails off, concerned.] — that I'm not so sure what we can do about.
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[Thrawn shakes his head, conceding his own limitations, still letting the little fox lap affectionately at his hand before it turns to settle comfortably across Eli's chest— yawning wide enough to flex teeth.]
In truth, I believe it may be too late to undo the damage that has been done to my reputation over the course of the last four months. Yet that does not mean that you must suffer the same difficulties.
You are not visibly affiliated with the Empire— aside from your direct association with me, of course.
[There is the thread of a thought, there. A suggestion left openly for Eli to seize, as always, if he is so willing.]
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Eli tilts his head slightly, one eyebrow raised in incredulity. The answer is there, shutting down this suggestion before it even takes root. It is not an option and the spark of anger in his tone says as much:]
I'm not going to do that.
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And it's punctuated now by what Thrawn exhales effortlessly to meet it, authority still set tight across his shoulders:]
Then you will stay with me.
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[Eli grins, making him seem younger. Much like the cadet that had first encountered Thrawn on an unknown planet in the Outer Rim.]
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[There is a flicker of exceedingly rare (and sincere) surprise that scrawls its way across Thrawn's features this time, his browline tightening, then lifting by only a handful of degrees. Always he had been the one to initiate their arrangement. Always he had pressed Vanto into service at his side, and now— having been so freed from it— Thrawn had expected there to be at least a narrow adherence to that prior pattern.]
There was not?
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Eli knows this is a mission, and he is serious about it, despite the smile that seems to grow incrementally brighter with each passing moment.]
No, there was not. [a pause and Eli is handing over the kit to Thrawn, careful not to wake it too much.] I'm going to scout ahead.
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Instead, he does not.
Trust is a rare commodity. An earned one, and there is no one else more fitting to possess it than Eli Vanto, who had managed to deftly surpass his peers.] Very well.
[There is a lightness to Thrawn's grip when he takes the sleeping creature (almost awkwardly, though Chiss movements are never quite so unappealing even in distress), focusing briefly on attempting to ease it back into the crook of his arm. Glowing eyes flick up, still seeming to be committing his companion's features and heat signature to memory. A careful study.]
Success to you in your hunt, Eli.
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A nod, Eli takes a few steps ahead before he turns back and gives a playful salute before disappearing into the mist.]