interest check & test drive #001.

[nebulamods]

welcome to nebula station. At some point approximately three to four months ago in your recent past, you were approached by a recruiter for Galactic Exploration, offering a paid position aboard the Nebula Station for a one-year minimum term after successful completion of a short training program. For a reason known only to you, you accepted this offer. Perhaps you were short on cash. Perhaps you were manipulated into it — did the recruiter know about your seventeen unpaid parking tickets, or the interplanetary bounty on your head, or the fact that your ex-spouse is hounding you for alimony that you decidedly don't want to pay? Regardless of the reason, your acceptance of the offer, enrollment in training, and subsequent successful completion has led you here: to a transport shuttle, and to your new life. After a flight of unknown length, you wake to the sounds of people moving around you, the familiar rustling of hands against fabric as your fellow travelers begin to jostle their bags and straighten their clothes after a long flight. Even in space, the urge to be the first one off the plane is still alive and well, and many people are clearly anxious to get moving. As if on cue, a polite, almost cheerful three-tone chime can be heard through the speakers in the wall and above each passenger. "Welcome," the voice that follows intones, all warm vowels and the kind of enthusiasm that can only be paid for, "to Nebula Station. We're glad you're here, and we look forward to helping you get settled. Please take a moment to gather your personal belongings, and when the captain gives the all-clear, head out in an orderly fashion to the gangway, where a member of our senior staff will be glad to welcome you to your new home-away-from-home."

getting settled. Upon first entry to the Station, you'll be greeted by a small group of bright-eyed, wide smiling crew members. These are Circle members — veterans aboard the Nebula Station who've opted to continue on for longer than their initial one-year commitment. They can be easily identified by the faintly glowing purple circle pinned onto their uniforms. Circle members have one primary job today: to activate crew IDs and issue welcome materials, within which you'll find a wide range of pertinent information. Of course, being that the Station is in space and supplies are limited, these materials come in a decidedly modern flavor. First: your ID. Less issuing and more activating, the Circle member assisting you will ask for you to roll up your right sleeve. Why? Because there, in a small purple square on your forearm, is your ID code. Much like a modern-day QR code, the randomized pattern of squares and shading identifies you to any appliance, door, or other feature of the Nebula Station as an active crew member. It also identifies you as someone with (or without) clearance to enter certain areas, such as your own bunk, the captains' quarters, or the brig. The code is a semi-permanent tattoo, intended to last three months' time, after which point you'll be issued a new one by ship medical staff. Please don't try to wash it off. Your arrival guide — along with your housing assignment, working schedule, and any other noteworthy pieces of information — can be found in your Galactic Exploration-issued tablet. Approximately 20 cms by 13 cms of aluminum alloy and hologlass, the tablet is admittedly not the most exciting thing to hold. However, it is extremely useful — and extremely pricey to replace. So don't lose it! Or break it! ("Or spill coffee on it," one Circle member might guiltily add. Odds are good it's happened before.) Once you've received your tablet, you're free to roam the ship. There's a lot to see ... where will you go? ◆ The Housing Bay is a popular first-stop for many new arrivals. As many new faces come in alone and without any connections aboard, it's Nebula tradition for new arrivals to be assigned an empty bunk in one of the Quad Rooms aboard. Like the name suggests, these rooms feature two full-size bunk beds and a small closet space per person, offering adequate sleeping space for four people ... but not much else. You might want to introduce yourself to your new roommates, or at the very least, you might want to claim your bunk. Not feeling the shared spaces vibe? There are a limited number of single, double, and triple rooms available aboard the Nebula, and if you're particularly charming, you might be able to convince the Circle staff to help you change your assignment! ◆ Not in the mood to catch any more Z's? That's okay! The Mess Hall is available for you any time of day, with a wide variety of dining options on-hand to suit your needs. There aren't any chefs, and no one will be around to bus your table, but you'll probably find you don't need them... much. • For those that prefer an easy approach, consider the replicators on the eastern wall of the hall! These can recreate (to... mostly successful ends) any food or drink you can think of. It might not be exactly what you had in mind, but is McDonald's coffee really that different from some single origin Nicaraguan dark roast? Probably not... right? • For those that like to get their hands dirty, the western wall features a small number of system kitchens, where adventurous chefs or the very bored can whip up dishes to their hearts' content. Just like your own personal episode of Chopped, there are both fridges and pantry shelves available with staple ingredients, as well as some strange intergalactic flavors to experiment with, but anything specific might require you to try your luck with the replicators. Have fun! Try not to catch anything on fire! ◆ In the mood for something a little more adventurous? No problem. There's always the Holodeck. Here, you can try your hands at a variety of programmed entertainment. Need to brush up on your skills? Try VR combat training, with options to practice in your choice of atmosphere and gravitational pull, or a more traditional shooting range with an AI coach to provide feedback after each shot. Looking for escape, not effort? Consider a fully-immersive holo travel session, with destinations from Alcatraz to Zulu available to visit for as long as you'd like to stay. The smallest holodeck stations can be utilized by solo visitors, with larger conference room-style stations available for groups up to 10.

first mission. Getting settled — and getting acquainted — is only the beginning. By the beginning of your second week aboard the Nebula, you'll begin to notice the atmosphere (figuratively speaking; the air's still perfectly breathable) begin to shift. No longer in welcome mode, the staff is instead resuming preparations for the next Station Mission. As a neutral party in galactic politics, the Exploration's various ships and manned stations can be hired for a wide variety of purposes. Some are admittedly fairly monotonous or even boring — requests from distant ruling bodies to collect materials and supplies from their satellite planets or to deliver goods to colonies on the far end of an asteroid belt, for example. Others are exciting, but unfortunately poorly paying — such as a request from a well-known galactic events planner for warm bodies to fill up their next big outdoor festival, where having fun is part of the job but a paycheck might not be. And then there are the morally grey jobs, the ones that seem almost too straightforward upon first glance. The one coming up is a perfect example: a request from a small, but fairly well-off planet to provide hired security for a local mining organization. While not all aboard the Nebula are required to participate in a Station Mission, the main station will be docked in orbit above planet for as long as it takes to complete (or completely fail) the job. Those that volunteer to take part are promised to be paid handsomely for their time and attention. Mission Debrief: ◆ According to the ruling body, a band of guerrilla fighters from a recently independent former colony has arrived within the last few weeks, and their presence has created conflict that makes many of the workers feel unsafe traveling to their posts. While the local police force and government representatives have tried to resolve the situation, it has only led to increasing violence and bloodshed against the planet's own citizens. It's an unfortunate reality that the guerrilla fighters will need to be escorted off-planet — and while the ruling body certainly hopes this can be done without bloodshed, they've offered full immunity for any unfortunate fallout. ◆ But is it that straightforward? Can it be? It won't take any prospective attendees long to research the political atmosphere of the planet — or to discover that the mining organization and its employees are often rumored to be a polite front for a history of enslavement, with everyone from political prisoners to captured enemy forces and even debtors and petty criminals put to work in dangerous conditions. The recent independence of the local colony can be researched too, and those that choose to look into it will find evidence of a battle-weary but determined group that fought tooth and nail to evict unjust slaveowners from their homes. ◆ Those that opt to head down to the surface will have a few choices. Do you obey the request of your employer, the local government, despite the rumors and evidence that might paint them in an unjust light? Do you disobey it entirely, choosing to lend your body and mind to the guerilla forces fighting back against enslavement and cruelty? Or do you opt for something else altogether, a truly neutral third party simply taking advantage of the conflict for your own personal gain? Officially speaking, the Exploration only recognizes actions taken as authorized by the mission brief, but so long as you can find your way back to the shuttle at the end of it all, no one's likely to be any the wiser...

nebula network. Is there Facebook in space? Tinder? Instagram? Likely not, given the wide variety of species and cultures to be found amidst the stars, but where there is man (or humanoid creatures), there's communication. Aboard the Nebula, that communication can be found via the shipnet, or the local network. You'll have the opportunity to select a username of your choice — anything from @apple to @zenon.the.zequel is welcome. Just keep in mind you won't be able to change it without approval from a Station Master, so try to pick something at least somewhat understandable! As for content? The starry sky's the limit! Text, still picture, video, and audio are all supported.

notes & information Zetus Lapetus, y'all! Welcome to our interest check and tentative first test drive. As you'll probably notice if you opt to navigate your way around this comm or the posting journal, this is very much a work in progress. As such, everything is very much in a state of flux — so we're open to your questions, suggestions, comments, concerns, generalized thoughts, and everything else you might want to share with us! We've got a top level below for questions, and we absolutely look forward to answering them for you. If the answer we give doesn't jive with you, let's talk about it! Come back with alternatives, and who knows, we might take you up on them.

Comments

network / un @cloud.s

[meteorained]

Talk to it instead.

( Because that clears up SO MUCH. )

Angeal Hewley | FF7: Crisis Core

[wingsofhonor]

◆ The Housing Bay

[ There's nothing like staring into the vast bleakness of space to kick off another existential crisis.

Angeal thought he knew full well what he was getting himself into before signing up. Or at least he thought he did. There's just something strangely unsettling about far away from Gaia. The Shinra Space Program often dreamed of getting their rockets into Outerspace but never did due to funding. It feels a little strange for Angeal to be the first man from his world to dive into the sea of stars like this. While it's no achievement of his own, Angeal can't help but think about it. Even so, he shouldn't let his mind wander like this especially not now.

Much like his army days, it seems that Angeal will be forced to share a room with someone. Not that he minds too much but after experiencing some of the simple privileges that came with a soldier of his rank, Angeal misses the solitude. Nevertheless, his new roomie doesn't seem all that bad in his book.

Just a little noisy if anything. ]

Mind keeping it down.

[ Angeal mutters from the top bunk. Of course, he claimed the top bunk. This isn't his first rodeo but even so, Angeal just wants a moment to rest. That's why he's laying up there with his arms crossed behind his head and his eyes closed. Angeal can't drift off to sleep easily but be damned if he won't try. ]

◆ The Holodeck

[ While the Holodeck a little different from the training rooms over at the Shinra building, Angeal manages to get used to it quickly. He's a veteran when it comes down this kind of tech, a seasoned one at that. Angeal would often facilitate VR training in-person to ensure that his students remain on task. So he's a little surprised to find himself in a similar role despite technically being a recruit. Nevertheless, the crew of the Nebula seems content with letting Angeal instruct the newcomers on the basics of VR combat. That's why the virtual coach takes a back seat once Angeal suggests they start with some basic exercise drills first. ]

Ever held a sword before? [ Angeal asks once he tosses the hilt of the virtual broadsword towards one of the recruits. ] If not, you're in luck.

[ He says with a faint smirk. While he's not one to boast, Angeal knows his way with a sword. ]

There's more to combat than just firearms.

◆ The Mission

[ Another day, another war.

Angeal isn't too surprised to be mixed up in this kind of conflict again. The ex-SOLDIER has a long impressive resume thanks to his former days with Shinra. While he hoped to put it all behind him, Angeal couldn't escape the battlefield even if he wanted to. He's too much of a soldier to enjoy a peaceful existence. It makes no sense for Angeal to dwell on it but he can't help but lament just a little during the debriefing. The ex-SOLDIER crossed his arms over his chest as he listened. Nothing about this mission sits right with him. everything about his generous employers screams bullshit and the pseudo-politics at play don't make any sense. Nevertheless, he listens and complies with an unimpressed scowl. While Angeal knows he wasn't meant to live a peaceful life, he can't help but wish he could.

After all, what do angels dream of other than being human?]

This is going to be a fine mess. [ He mutters to himself as he leans against the wall. ] A great way to kick things off.

[ Angeal kept a good distance from the others in the room, content with keeping some semblance of personal space. However, this 6'4 mercenary is hard to miss even without his signature buster sword. while he managed to replace the greatsword with a smaller blade, there's no mistaking those glowing blue eyes or the signature black uniform. Angeal isn't expecting anyone to recognize him but if they do, they'll most likely are greeted with a blade at their throats.

Angeal, after all, doesn't have many friends. ]

◆ Wildcard

( Got something else in mind? Hit me up. )

[noassgardian]

Hey! Will you allow multiples of the same characters? As in MCU Tony Stark, comics!Tony Stark, etc.?

[nebulamods]

Absolutely! We won't accept duplicates from the same source material (so we can't have both youthful MCU Thor from pre-Ragnarok and Endgame Thor), but we'll happily accept duplicates from different source material.

Full disclosure: we're not comics experts, so we may have to consult with others more knowledgeable than ourselves if it comes down to 616 vs 1610 or what-have-you. (We had to phone a friend to remember the names of those...)

housing

[goons]

[Rude knows that voice without even having to turn to the doorway. He'd hoped his past would have stayed behind in Midgar, but he should have known things wouldn't be so easy.]

What are you even doing here? Don't you have friends, romantic interests, and a terrorist organization to do heavy lifting for back home?

[There's the slightest chance that he's still upset that they never quite finished their unfinished business before Reno called him away to work. He's not sure if it's worth starting another fight over, but it's definitely grounds to be difficult. So he doesn't move from the spot in front of the bunk he was claiming as his own.]

[nebulamods]

If it works for you, it works for us! Space is a weird place, everything is possible.

the mission

[meteorained]

( He recognizes him.

It's impossible not to, and even if he hadn't known who he was, those mako eyes and his posture would have given it away. Cloud's own are downcast for a while, listening to whatever briefing is being given and still not particularly thrilled about any of this. He thought he might have been done fighting, but... it's a foolish thought when he'd been recruited by someone who'd brought him to space. It leaves a cold chill sliding down his spine, the sensation settling hard in his stomach. For now, he remains unarmed, which makes him feel naked, and he does best to ignore it by leaning against the wall in an almost similar fashion as Angeal. After the talking stops, Cloud pushes away from it and approaches slowly, shifting between the bodies crammed together in the small space.

Something about all of this is wrong. He doesn't know what and can't tell exactly just yet, but he doesn't want to arrest a bunch of people without knowing more info—of which he knows they're not being given everything.

More than that... he isn't sure what he wants to say to him. There's a lot of unspoken guilt that's sitting tight in his throat, but it's not like he can just lay all of that out immediately. Angeal might not even recognize him or know who he is. Best to err on the side of caution. )

So they got you too. ( Well, not that much caution apparently. )

[collimation]

damn isn't that always the way?
they're missing the bigger, much more epic picture:
space wars.

[collimation]

oh shit getting deep right off the bat, huh?
i guess the first time or two i went up to the stars kinda felt like that.
but it mostly just made me curious lookin' out there, y'know?
how far's it go?
what sorta places haven't we seen yet?
wound up more curious than anything.

The Holodeck

[ofthe_wildfire]

[There's a distinct sound of impact as Aelin catches the virtual broadsword. It's still vastly, shockingly impressive to her just how real and solid it feels. She hefts it a bit with apparently little real struggle as to it's weight, testing it out as her mind instinctively goes over balancing with it and all. She imagines the blows from any such weapon will feel just as real and solid too, of course.

She answers lightly, still looking at the blade itself.]

Once or twice, yes.

[And then when she looks over to the man more fully, smirk for smirk because that's just how she is.]

I tend to prefer lighter weaponry though.

Matt Jamison | OC

[semicharmed]

mess hall - a hipster prepares (food)

Matt spent approximately 36 minutes trying to be cool in space and not stick out like the ground-based bumpkin he is. Then he found the replicator.

At first he asked for basic stuff. Coffee. Mango sticky rice. And miraculously, in a manner that strains his understanding of matter and energy, it appeared. Matt's so thrilled he's forgotten to eat.

"Okay, okay okay okay, could you do like … as close as possible to a Honeybird Saison from 21st Amendment Brewery?"

There's a bit of a pause.

A pint glass of something beer-smelling appears, but the color is ... off. It's kind of a radioactive pink. Matt hovers indecisively, hand half-stretched to take the unfamiliar beverage.

To drink it, or not to drink it …?

mission - mine, all mine

Frankly, these people lost him at mining. Matt wasn't going to volunteer at all--he figured he'd stay on the station and keep getting the lay of the land--until he learned about the s-l-a-v-e-r-y.

Before going planetside, he asks the replicator for a few fresh Earth herbs, which he stuffs into his pockets. While they're all technically edible, Matt's plans for them are more arcane than gastronomic. He's not totally sure what he's going to do about this evil mining company slave situation? But he's got to do something.

Matt is lanky, floppy-haired, and possesses the big gentle eyes of someone who probably hasn't seen video game combat, let alone the real thing. That may explain why within minutes of landing and being given instructions, he's pulled some of those herbs from his pocket, whispered a few lines of something that sounds almost like a poem, and disappeared.

If you're good at magic, or you just have good hearing or perhaps a heightened sense of smell, you'll still be able to perceive him. Matt's charm was whipped up too hastily to cover all five senses--it just masks his body heat and visibility. He's sneaking off to the mine entrance; time to get some firsthand intel on these labor conditions.

Fine, so he won't be employee of the year. He's not son of the year either, so that maths out.

wildcard

[ Wilcard me! Aboard the ship, Matt can definitely be found stargazing out any available window, or in a quad room going "oh no there's only one four beds." Other scenarios are more than welcome.

For more info on this helpful disaster creature, you can bop over here. ]

[wingsofhonor]

[ His gaze narrows once he hears the comment.

Angeal was hoping not to run into any trouble but it seems that trouble came knocking anyway. He gives the blond a stern glare as if daring him to take another step. Despite wearing nearly the exact same uniform, Angeal has long cut his ties with Shinra. The youth before him is another SOLIDER, First-Class at that. while the other is unarmed, Angeal doesn't lower his guard. He knows how deadly the Firsts are from experience. Even with the absence of a proper sword, the blond is a trained killer much like him but something feels off.

An odd sense of deja vu washes over Angeal as he stares at the blond. He knows him from somewhere, doesn't he? There are not many SOLDIERS left after the war and even less among the Firsts.

'So, who is this guy?' That's the question that's nagging at him. ]

Seems like it. [ He answers tersely with a frown. ] But you're the first I've seen.

[ Angeal arches his brow as he gives the blond the opportunity to speak. Despite how much he loathes Shinra, he's not about to take it out on this poor guy. After all, he looks so oddly familiar--- ]

[wingsofhonor]

[ To be honest, Angeal didn't expect the woman to catch the sword so effortlessly. It's a pleasant surprise, one that makes the corner of his lips curl upward in amusement. There are no women in SOLDIER but Angeal knows his fair share Turks. While he's hesitant to compare her with one of Tseng's people, he certainly could picture her being one of them. ]

Lighter weapons, hm? [ He questions with a raised brow. ] Like a set of daggers?

[ He almost scoffs at the idea but he doesn't. ]

Daggers don't hold much tactical value in prolonged combat.

[semicharmed]

ohhh

That seems like a good way to look at it.

[ Matt glances out the window that sparked the question. It looks cold out there, and a little frightening, but he tries to peek behind the feeling to figure out why he feels that way. Intellectually, he knows the cauldron of space gave him everything he has--everything he is.

People in myths turn to ash when they see a god's true form, he supposes. ]

ok then ... slightly less deep:

what's your favorite place you've been so far?

[optikon]

hi! how aggressively would you say reps bully/manipulate people into joining up? i ask for reasons of like.. this guy, who's currently dealing with the end of the world and trying to protect his boyfriend/reverse the apocalypse. would they FIND a way to get him there, or would this just not be the right game for someone that reluctant?

thank you!!

[meteorained]

( If Cloud could hear Angeal's thoughts, he probably would have laughed. Shinra and SOLDIER are something he wants no part of, even if youthful ambitions had momentarily gotten the best of him. Right now, though, he's trying to get a feel for the situation. He's no fool thinking that this will be easy, but he doesn't want a fight with someone he knows would be a good ally to have. It's what makes him awkward seconds after, gazing at the other once more before casting his glance elsewhere. Everyone seems to be paying little attention to them right now. )

I haven't seen anyone else either. ( A brief pause, and the tension he's carrying in his shoulders slowly bleeds out. Might as well throw it out there now. ) It's Cloud. My name.

( Sorry his manners really haven't gotten any better, but at least he's not looking to pick a fight or anything like that. Not that he'd want to; it's a little easy to get carried away with the moment, especially with the atmosphere of the room they're currently standing in. )

III. (un: honorable )

[wingsofhonor]

Count me in.

[ If Angeal had any idea this was one of Tseng's men, he would've 'noped' out of this suggestion. ]

I was at the Holodeck earlier. It reminds me of the VR system I used to use to train cadets.

[nebulamods]

Recruiters won't force anyone to join — that said, they might offer things that may seem impossible, make high and grandiose promises, or strongarm characters into making deals they have no way out of. For example: offering a promise of protection for a character's loved ones in exchange for enrollment is an option you could go with!

It's up to you, but we're happy to help brainstorm.

[collimation]

endless space just means endless opportunity, that's all.

[ this is about the deepest he gets, so congratulations on reaching that point ]

now see that's a tough one.
i like places with busy ports.
marketplaces with angry sellers yelling over each other.
seedy bars filled with different faces every night.
that kinda thing.

[semicharmed]

[ Matt found that insight pretty helpful, and now views Janus as a space philosopher. Yay and/or whoops! ]

aha I see

seedy bars have good music, when they have it.

So do you like busy marketplaces in spite of the fact that there's yelling, or BECAUSE there's yelling? Also, bar fights: y/n?

[collimation]

oh because of the yelling, for sure. everyone's easily distracted through there.
and yes.
absolutely yes.
ever start one and then run while everyone fights about who started it?
glorious.

[meteorained]

( It's not like he asked for this either. Cloud's expression twists, and he frowns the second he notices exactly who's taking up space in his room. )

I don't see why you care. ( Cloud has to resist hard not to roll his eyes. He lifts up his wrist to flash the tattoo. ) They assigned this one to me. Find somewhere else to sleep.

( He thinks he's being polite, but does a Turk demand politeness? Doubtful, though Cloud is trying to extend the benefit of the doubt to him right now. Considering everything that's happened, there has to be a reason they're both there and in the same room, and he's going to get to the bottom of it before he gives on surrendering the one bed to him. )

[wingsofhonor]

[ Angeal averts his gaze once someone passes by them but the second they're gone, he focuses on the blond again. It's a good thing that no one noticed the tension between them. His stay upon the Nebula has been uneventful at best. The last thing he needs is for the past to creep up on him now, even if his prolonged existence is nothing short of a mockery.

While he can't do anything to undo what was done, Angeal at least has the opportunity to hope for a better future. ]

Cloud?

[ He blinks his eyes in surprise once he hears the name. Even in this day and age, such a name is quite unusual but it helps to jog his memory. ]

You're Zack's friend, aren't you?

[ Finally, he has a name to a face. His memories are coming back to him slowly but surely. ]

No wonder I recognize you.

[ His gaze softens somewhat. While he doesn't remember much about Cloud, he does remember him being one of Zack's many friends during that whole ordeal much like Kunsel. ]

Though, I don't remember you looking quite like this.

[ Since when did Cloud make it into SOLDIER? ]

arrival

[meteorained]

( this reminds him too much of his stint in the army, and frankly, it hadn't been a very pleasant time for a number of reasons. the uniform, the layout of the station, the shared quarters— it's all things cloud doesn't want to have any part of, not again. so, he isn't overtly friendly when he steps into the room and realizes there's already someone there on one of the bunks. his eyes – that sharp mako blue color that could be seen even in the dark – make a quick sweep of the place, narrowing on his roommate and trying to figure him out before he even enters the room fully. he should try to be friendly, but mostly, he's tired and all of this is just too exhausting. )

Not by choice. ( sorry he's a little prickly. ) I'm Cloud.

( come on, strife. breathe and be nice. it's not like this guy has done anything to him just yet. )

Which one's yours?

[goons]

[Rude waves a hand dismissively at the notion that he would waste any sort of effort caring about Cloud or his circumstances in any serious detail. That wasn't anyone's business but his own, so he'd let it go. For now.]

They assigned it to me as well, so perhaps you'd better find a Plan B.

[He's not going to undress just to show the temporary tattoo.] The door was locked until mine unlocked the door, so clearly you're mistaken.

[It's entirely possible that it was just a mix up. Just because they were clearly scientifically advanced didn't mean the people in charge weren't capable of mistakes. He considers voicing that reasonable explanation, but doesn't think it'll be worth the effort.] Just find somewhere else, Mr. First Class. [Also why the hell was he getting the single? There's no way he'd leave and lose out on not having to deal with room mates.]