Entry tags:

may mod plot log

Who: Everyone
When: May 7 to May 31th
Where: Thisavrou + New Worlds
Warnings: none in the description; please label your headers where appropriate!

thisavrou monthly info ( the tmi )

⋆ All information is current as of day 27 (May 7). There are 100 days in a cycle, and the current cycle started on April 11.

⋆ Storm Update: On day 29 (May 9), the typical structure of the storm surrounding Thisavrou seems to shift visually with the clouds and intermittent flashes of lightning forming new patterns. At the same time, Ingress technicians detect a strange energy signature emanating from the facility at low levels, almost like a leak. There is no obvious effect at first, but by the end of the day, that energy begins to flow across Kauto and Chioni with curious results.

Residents of the planet will soon discover that they have acquired strange superhuman (or superbeing, for those who aren't human) powers. Those who are particularly social or who have been around for a long time may realize that these powers resemble abilities wielded by those who have come through the Ingress in the past, or even those who have never set foot on Thisavrou but are from the same world as someone who has.

Effects of the odd energy vary – people may discover they can read minds, cast magical spells, or have become invulnerable. These powers may also replace ones they already have. The level of control is just as unpredictable—someone may be a natural with their new abilities, or be in great need of a tutor!

By day 33 (May 13 OOC), the effect has faded, and the technicians soon decide to restrict the days that the Ingress is active going forward.

[[For more information, check out this OOC post!]]

⋆ While Kauto has always been known for its temperate climate, the slow changes have accelerated as the onslaught of the storm around Thisavrou shifts. A noticeable drop in temperature from the norm finds the planet settling at an alarming 54° F / 12° C during the day. And at night, temperatures fluctuate between this and 40° F / 4° C. All residents who tend crops will discover that some plants and other vegetation have withered without the warmer temperatures. An evacuation of all scientists and researchers on Chioni will be announced within the month due to its incredibly unstable surface temperature of -60° F / -51 C during the day and -150° F / -101° C at night. Access to some of the furthest burgs have been restricted until further notice because of this.

⋆ Savrii Notices:

As recently made public in Deputy TOD’s broadcast, a foreign presence has infiltrated Thisavrou using the bodies of its recent travelers. Presumed both intelligent and hostile, the contaminant has prompted a rapid response from the Savrii. Testing and Decontamination Centers have been established on Kauto and Chioni, and all persons who have traveled off-world in the last two cycles are called to present themselves for examination.

The basic procedure will last about six hours: medical tests, technical analysis, and a high-powered chemical wash designed to “make any stowaways run screaming”. All of this in addition to prolonged questioning as to their recent points of contact both on Thisavrou and outside. Parties who demonstrate cause for concern (including, of course, acknowledged contact with the contaminant) will be flagged in the Savrii’s database and required to return for twice-weekly visits to continue the procedures. Other than the phantom emptiness described previously, characters will feel no side effects of their exposure at this time. They may, however, find casual passerby avoiding them after a visit. Medical secrecy only goes so far against fear of plague, and that chemical wash also stains most creatures a cheery yellow-green.

Whatever its effect on your life personally, the social effects of the incursion are difficult to miss. Whispers and fear turn to paranoia and full-blown fights, and Thisavrou's population centers are packed with heated debates about safety versus exploration-- or sometimes, versus the explorers themselves. A small black-market trade in preventative medicine (real or otherwise) has sprung up, and rumors claim that the full list of infected persons can be bought too: by those who have the right connections and a lot of cash to pay.

Combating this upswing of violence and disorder? Thisavrou's intermediaries. Combination police force and negotiators, the intermediaries have always been crucial to the rule of law on Thisavrou. Recent events, however, have seen them advertising their presence more: some wearing a strip of silver cloth to mark their status and availability to help. If approached by one, characters will experience a supernatural sense of calm. They will find their concerns met with sympathy and understanding... but somehow also the exact right words to talk all parties down. Whether that means persuading your neighbor to leave you out of his conspiracy theories or explaining why you need to report in for testing... well, that depends on you.

Following the opening of travel to the planet Deslora, an unscrupulous individual smuggled back clownbee larvae. In the weeks since, the clownbees have become a mildly invasive species in certain areas of Region 3. Victims of clownbee stings report an irresistible urge to smear garish makeup across their faces and the need to consume as much sugar as possible. Citizens are cautioned to listen for telltale sounds of buzzing and honking, and be wary.

An organization that purchased samples from the planet Aueia several months ago is opening an exhibit at a museum in Region 1. Those who participated in gathering objects from the planet, as well as any who care to attend, are invited to attend a small opening reception for the exhibit, where they will be presented with a small gift from an ardent lover of that world's wildlife: a small whale carving made of stone with mild psychic properties. When touched with bare hands, the holder will receive a mental picture of someone who means a great deal to them, with perfect clarity, as if they saw them just a moment ago.

⋆ Mission notices have been posted to TABs for anyone interested in earning a little extra cash. Available missions are listed below:

Day 28 (May 8th) - While recent events have been difficult, the Department of Ingress Contingency Coordination is impressed by the rapid response of all Savrii in coming together to ensure public safety. A few holdouts, however, are rumored to be hiding their conditions-- and thereby putting not only themselves, but the entire population at risk. The department will therefore offer a reward of 100 sencs to citizens willing to report these cases, with an additional 200 senc bonus if the persons involved have been directly exposed to the contaminants. As Deputy TOD puts it, "you're only SAVING EVERYONE'S LIVES".
Day 36 (May 16th) - EN-Line systems throughout Thisavrou have begun to suffer a strange outbreak of mechanical failures that are leaving commuters by the wayside. Rumor claims some of Chioni's insectoid residents might be to blame. The Savrii will pay 50 sencs to anyone capable of confirming the problem, and 300 to anyone who solves it.

ingress travel info

⋆ Signatures are the base reason for traveling through the Ingress (aside from general exploration and monetary gain) and are used to discover the correct world visitors on Thisavrou wish to return to. Every visit through a different Ingress brings the technicians a little closer to finding it.

⋆ Missions are jobs or specific tasks listed on the TAB once new worlds are open for exploration. Be sure to check if Clearance Levels are required to accept some of these missions.

⋆ Clearance Levels are given to visitors for the length of time they have been on Thisavrou (or traveling on the Moira). Each CL offers access to certain things or incentives that others will not have. As of this month, security will be in place outside the Ingress to ensure no clearance violations occur.

⋆ The Ingress powers Thisavrou in every way: economically, socially, and as a literal source of light and heat. However, between the biohazard incident and the recent escalation of the storms, the hazards of free travel can no longer be ignored. As a result, on May 10, the Ingress will be sealed against intrusion.

While sealed, Ingress travel must be directly controlled by the technicians. Instead of directing the open channel of the Ingress, technicians will be opening access to specific worlds, and closing it immediately after. As a result, traveling parties will have certain timeframes to leave and to return. Missing your schedule can result in being stranded offworld until the next travel period comes. Additionally, no new arrivals will be able to appear while Thisavrou's Ingress remains sealed. ((For OOC ramifications, check out the new app schedule!))

* Due to the closure and a recent push for regulation, no new worlds will be opened for exploration at this time. However, travel to established worlds will still be permitted, especially by individuals who have made contact there before. This opens up the opportunity for...

Revisiting Old Haunts

⋆ Although the visit to Escoria was brief, wet, and unpleasant for most, others found new inspiration-- or old ties. A group of Region Four's Gorgóna have spent the last month researching their long and complicated family history and believe they have traced their ancestors directly to a clan of Escoria's more aggressive waterfolk. The Gorgóna are willing to pay 100 sencs to every individual who will assist in escorting them to their lost kin-- and making sure all parties survive the reunion long enough to celebrate. As their last encounter with the Savrii was strictly hostile, this is both a security mission and an opportunity for diplomacy-- and consequently, all travel groups require one member of Clearance Level 2 or higher to come with.

⋆ As many concerns have been brought up about the risks of their own Ingress travel, the Savrii are united in one certainty: that manipulation of the Ingress by other parties poses a far greater risk. A colony buried in the ruins of Thiri has been discovered engaging in their own in-depth studies on the use of Ingress energy. The Savrii consider this behavior to be a threat to the stability of all universes, and as with the Midway Hub, intervention is required at any cost.

A team is being sent to destroy all research data and technology onsite, along with anyone who interferes. As the colony's population is expected to interfere in its entirety, full combat gear will be provided to all volunteers. The mission will be supervised by high-clearance Savrii, and pay 250 sencs to each volunteer. All volunteers must be of at least Clearance Level 3, or personally vouched for by someone who is.

⋆ A year ago (by their local calendar), one of Thisavrou's established trade partners was approached by a pirate ship, one that had stolen from their world before. When the ruse was discovered, they attempted to force out the invaders, and in doing so, suffered a tragedy beyond proportion: the loss of an entire world.

Caducus Primary is no more. The mission announcement also notes that their sister planet, Caducus Secondary, also suffered massive losses in their efforts to force reparations from the murderers. On Day 35 of the current cycle (May 25th), a gathering is being held in the field of shattered glass where Caducus Primary was, to piece together a monument to the fallen. Thisavrou has pledged to send a delegation to assist. The pay will be minimal (30 sencs, to cover a missed workday), but this mission is open to all clearance levels.

[[ooc: For questions, comments, or additional information, check out the OOC post here.]]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The market was great. Intel, mission pickups, and great prices on premium liquors from across the known (and unknown) multiverses, all in one place. If she had the time, she tried to stop by at least once a week.

So it's almost a complete coincidence when she hears the statement behind her, subharmonics tinged with layers of wry irony her ears could never hope to pick up. Turian. Straightening up from the booth as casually as her surprise would allow, she glances sideways — a female Turian.

Hoodie up, she sidles after her mark, curiosity stilling her tongue for the moment.]

[It takes Vetra all of a few minutes to realize someone is following. Someone who looks human out of the corner of her eye. It's hard to get a read on them, even with the visor. Because whoever it is, they seem like they're fairly adept at moving through a crowd after someone.]

[Great.]

[And here she is, without backup. And without the weight of her name and occupation behind her.]

[Her steps slow. Lingering more often at booths. Striking up more conversations. Heading for an even more densely populated area. One where the majority of the populace is somewhere around her height.]

[One where it might be easier to lose this tail.]

[So much for learning anything extra. The woman hadn't taken more than a few minutes to figure out there was eyes on her, whether she knew where from or not. Either Shepard's abilities in stealth had degraded abysmally in the last few months, or she was dealing with someone accustomed to keeping an eye on their surroundings. Pride notwithstanding, Shepard was inclined to believe the second — especially with the tactics now being employed.

So she slows, too. Rather than a aggressive technique, she hunches, and lingers, dropping back into larger groups, sidestepping whenever possible to walk parallel, rather than behind — and sometimes, even ahead — always just out of shot. As inoffensive, nonviolent as possible. After all, at this point, it was just an introduction she was after. If she didn't want to lose her, she'd have to play her cards right.

As they enter the main market centre, and the crowds get bigger (in some cases, taller), she melts away, riding the outer circles of the milling populace. Despite the appearance of a busy centre, there was strikingly few true entries and exits. Ringed with shops, and larger traverses, there was only a handful of side paths, and even then, only one or two covered enough to serve as getaways.

Eyeing the most likely option, she moves carefully, setting herself up for brief sightings everywhere but the final option alleyway — then doubling back, sight unseen, to disappear down the route herself. Either her Turian would be careful enough to fall for it — or rash enough to see through it, and follow.

If Vetra does venture down the "right" path, she'll turn the corner to find one Commander Shepard, hoodie down, seated informally atop a crate. Leaning on her knees, empty hands folded between them, she nods a greeting.]

[Shit.]

[Whoever this is, they're good. They've done this before. Maybe a lot more often than she has. No matter how many groups she ducks into, there's that flash of the familiar hoodie. She lingers for a while at a crowded booth, trying to wrack her brain -- which human has she pissed off the most lately? Someone from Kadara? One of Sloane's?]

[Shoulders are too big for salarian, definitely not krogan, didn't move like angara... legs are all wrong for it, too. And for turian. Could be an asari. But she can't think of any asari in particular she's crossed either.]

[Unless this has to do with Peebee's friend? Ex. Whichever.]

[A glance around shows the coast is relatively clear, for now. Which means it's a good time to duck out. Through the closest archway. Even if her hand strays idly to where her gun is.]

-- shit!

[And there's Hoodie. Right there. As she's drawing her gun and taking a long step backward. Halfway ready to activate her power armor and prep for a fight, even if this figure doesn't immediately seem dangerous.]

Have we met?

[Clipped and terse. Braced for anything.]

[The gun isn't exactly a surprise — rather, it elicits another nod, this time of wry approval. She'd definitely deserved that.

But she does take a good, solid second to give Vetra a thorough, poker-faced once-over. Then, slowly, so slowly, Shepard brings her hands up to shoulder height, palms towards the Turian, shaking her head just as deliberately. It was a risk, exposing herself like this, but if worst came to worst, she could probably swallow the shot. Or two. Maybe three to five, max.]

Not even once.

[Her "female Turians actually met" count was... low. One good look at Vetra was all it took to confirm what she'd already suspected.]

Think I'd definitely remember it. [There's another pause, and a subtle shift.] My apologies for before — got a little ahead of myself.

[By all accounts, there might have been something to be said for just walking up and saying "hi".]

[The barrel of her rifle doesn't waver. Expression set in stone -- even for a turian. Though she can't keep herself from baring her teeth a little. Just out of habit. Thanks, Drack.]

[Then, very slowly, she lowers it. About the time the human -- this is a human, after all -- raises her hands.]

Then why follow me? [Something in her expression shifts. A lot more skeptical than on-guard. An expression she's had so much practice with, lately.]

["Got a little ahead of myself."]

You don't say.

Edited 2017-05-16 02:19 (UTC)

Because you're the first person from my own galaxy I haven't recognized, and I wanted to know who I was dealing with before I started making introductions. [And the last Milky Way import — another Turian — had been Saren. It was a stark reminder that not everyone coming in through the Ingress was necessarily to be welcomed.] It was my mistake, but it wasn't malicious — and I'm sorry for startling you.

[Exhaling through her nose, she gives an almost imperceptible shrug.] Not a hell of a lot of Turians hanging out here — wasn't sure if I'd get another chance.

[Hands still raised, she stands up carefully, each movement pointedly broadcast. It's only when she stands that Vetra might catch a glimpse of Shepard's own sidearm — an M-77 Paladin, strapped to the small of her back, still snugly holstered.]

How about this: I introduce myself, you choose if you want to, and then I'll answer any questions you have about this place, or me. Anything at all.

From the Milky Way?

[It's an important distinction. Honestly. Especially considering this doesn't seem like it's Milky Way or Heleus Cluster.] You probably would have, if we didn't start shooting each other, first.

[The more she listens, the more she's sure she's heard that voice before. Seen that shadowed face before. Her attention, of course, flicks to the weapon. With her mandibles flicking against her jaw.]

Yeah. You go ahead. I want to see if I'll win a bet with myself.

[It's a significantly lighter tone than before. If this is who she's starting to think...]

[She nods once in affirmative to "Milky Way", before settling into a comfortable stance, quirking an eyebrow at the "bet". Hell of a breezier tone, too. A part of Shepard suspected that if struck a pose like that damn stupid recruitment campaign, she might not even need the introduction.]

The name's Shepard. I was a Lieutenant Commander with the Alliance military, and CO of the Normandy SR-1 and 2.

[beat;]

How'd the bet go?

[She leans back a bit, arms folding as she slips the gun away, finally. Yeah, that tracks. And she shakes her head -- incredulous, almost.]

Looks like I owe myself a drink.

[Immediately more at ease. Everyone knows Commander Shepard -- hero of the Citadel, first human Spectre, etc - etc. Hard to believe, really. If she hadn't fallen off a mysterious dock on an ocean planet, when she should have been covering Ryder's shenanigans on Eos.]

[She shakes her head.]

You're supposed to be six hundred years behind us. But, then again, I'm supposed to be on a desert planet.

At this point, I think I should be the one buying. [As the gun goes, she lowers her arms, slowly, crossing them instead, an overall relaxed posture.

It's only the last comment that quirks her eyebrow, a shade of bemusement crossing her features.] I was out for a few years, but not that many. Six hundred?

Hey, if you're offering. I'm not going to turn down a drink.

[Especially not from this source. No from Commander Shepard.]

[She tilts her head, expression something like a raised eyebrow.] Andromeda Initiative ring a bell? Maybe? Taking the Heleus Cluster by storm?

Or trying to.

Wouldn't exactly blame you for turning down drinks from your stalker — but if you're game, so am I. Tab's on me.

[It really is the least she can do.

But

Andromeda Initiative...............]

The civilian exploration program attempt?

[The bemusement deepens, brow furrowing.]

Used to see ad banners for it on the extranet all the time. Thought it ran dry of funds?

Hey, sometimes your stalker turns out to be Commander Shepard. Who's gonna pass off on that?

[She's not. Because the vids and photos didn't really do her justice in... several ways. Ahem.]

If it did, then I'm having one hell of a dream.

A six-hundred year dream. They pulled it off.

[Jesus Christ. She blinks, an external action that doesn't accurately convey the swirl of emotions caught up internally. They pulled it off?

There's another beat, and she's shaking her head, waving her hands in front of herself.]

Okay, not another word. I'm definitely going to need alcohol for this. You fine with starting early?

[It's 6 o'clock in some universe]

[She considers that for a moment, tilting her head with her mandibles flicking lightly.]

Yeah. They have anything dextro on this rock?

[Drinking with Commander Shepard. Hell yeah.]

They do. I know a place.

[She gestures Vetra to follow her, continuing down the alleyway that had served as the stage for their confrontation. Shepard is certainly seems comfortable enough, here, weaving around boxes, cutting down side alleys as they go.

Eventually, they pop out back on a main street, the entrance to the alley here choked with crates of bottles and commercial-size drink tetrapaks — all empty. Stepping smoothly around the assortment of rubbish with the same kind of footwork she'd shown in a the crowds, Shepard pauses to give Vetra a moment to extract herself, then heads into the bar itself.

It's not as seedy as its accumulation of garbage made it seem — on the contrary, it seemed like it had some kind of tiki hut theme running through it. As soon as she walks in with her Turian companion in tow, the bartender flips up two menus, smiling. One dextro, one levo. How he knew seems a mystery, but it's all there.]

Just the usual, Chyx. [Their attendant alien bartender, Chyx, nods, and pulls a bottle off the wall, already half-empty. As he pours a serious measure of it over a chunk of ice, a label is visible up the side of the bottle, reading "SHEPARD".] And anything she wants, on my tab.

[She inclines her head, in a "lead on" gesture. Falling into step behind Shepard. Easier to keep an eye on her this way, just in case. Granted, she probably doesn't have anything to worry about here, but hey -- hard not to be a little cautious, at least. Force of habit.]

[Moving through crowds is nothing new to her, either. Being tall enough to see over most heads is an advantage. But she does take her time, watching the way they come in. Noting the landmarks. The other stores.]

[When she ducks inside, the sudden inclusion of a dextro menu gets a tilt of her head.]

Guessing you come here often. [Yeah no shit. That's not even a real guess.] With a friend?

[Unless Shepard suddenly likes drinking things she can't process.]

Correct on both counts. [She accepts the drink from her tender, letting it rest in front of her while she waits for Vetra to order.

It was hard not to wonder at the "600" figure. That was new tech — state-of-the-art, military tech. What were civilians doing with that? It was merely one of a million questions Shepard had, roiling around. It was honestly hard to know where to start.

Tracing the rim of her glass thoughtfully, she walked herself through it. Big to small. Wide shot, then zoom in on the details you want.]

First things first — I still don't know your name, and while I love mystery, I'd really hate to have to address you as "tall Turian lady", or worse, "you", next time I see you.

Lucky friend.

[Because they're drinking with Shepard or for some other reason, Vetra doesn't say. She just orders -- it's something simple. No frills. Just how she usually is.]

[But her expression shifts to something more like a grin at that last comment. A short laugh, as she picks up her own drink.]

I really can't complain about "tall turian lady". [That grin turns to Shepard, before she extends her hand.] Vetra Nyx.

Jane Shepard. [Reaching out, she takes her extended hand, giving it a strong, firm pump, trading her smile for smile.] Nice to meet you officially, Vetra. [As she lets go she brings her glass around to her companion's, clinking them against each other in one smooth motion.]

Cheers.

[And that's half a glass of straight liquor gone in a heartbeat.

Letting her glass rest again, she gives Vetra another careful once-over, before very gently asking:]

So.

Andromeda.

[Big first.]

Nice to finally meet the famous Spectre.

[There's no trace of irony whatsoever. Or anything other than genuine amusement, appreciation and the like. Vetra doesn't knock back the glass like Shepard, she just sips at it.]

[The better to keep her head for longer. Even if it's not a hard liquor.]

So, Andromeda.

[Actually yeah let's take another drink.]

Not everything the vids made it out to be. Not by a long shot. [She shakes her head.] What part do you want to hear first? The murderous alien species? The space anomalies ripping ships apart, or the planets ending up being completely inhospitable?

[There's an exhale of amusement at the "famous Spectre" bit, ironic or otherwise. It had been more than a year — two, if you counted their lost year on one planet — since she'd heard anyone vaunt her title.] Not here. Just regular Shepard. Turns out, Spectre privileges don't extend across multiple universes. Who knew?

[And boy, those are some big categories, all right. Leaning in, she takes another drink of her own, at a more reasonable sipping rate.]

Wow. Not exactly living up to the brochures, was it? [Shaking her head in disbelief, she muses on it.] Wait, before I start — I mentioned the Initiative running out of money. I remember hearing it on the Citadel. Do you know what happened?

What? You don't say.

[It hadn't really mattered in Heleus, either. Sure, most people knew what being a Spectre, or ex-Spectre meant, and it afforded them a lot of respect. Just look at Avitus. But... here? It's like being plopped down on Aya. With no Jaal to smooth things over.]

[She snorts.] It was six hundred years of cryo, so that much was true.

[A shrug, and Vetra shakes her head.] No. All I know is, they found some new backer. Pushed everything through to launch. No clue who it was.

And once they woke us up, there wasn't any time to ask those questions.

[There's a nod, and another sip, brow furrowing gently.] Okay. What was the size of the entire Initiative on departure?

[And after a sudden realization:] When did you... leave? Feel like I would've heard... something. Anything.

thisavrou monthly info ( the tmi )

ingress travel info

Revisiting Old Haunts

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