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famed & framed
"There will be no prison which can hold our movement down."
The Ingress has pulled you in. Your body experiences several sensations at once: being pushed forward as if a hand is resting on your back, momentary and startling blindness, a gentle ringing in your head. You have difficulty discerning whether it is hot or cold, but where you have been prodded is noticeably warmer than the rest of you. Some may suffer from dizziness while others are perfectly fine. Once equilibrium has been reestablished, you will notice you are standing on a long platform and that the room is filled with a soft cerulean light. It's slightly humid and dark despite the glow around you, and nothing is familiar.
Yet, unlike most new crew arrivals, this one is in the middle of chaos.
Despite more recent events, the planet of Emiri is not as peaceful as it once was. Frederick Link is still missing, and the authorities of Emiri have yet to lift the interplanetary ban they have placed on all space crafts docked at the aerospace. The captains previous held a meeting asking crew for any and all information that might help them locate the Komai, a mysterious group determined to undermine Link'd Inc's work providing flourishing matches across the universe by causing random acts of violence and protest across the three main cities: Harashan, Avelle, and St. Murtel. These things have led to mass arrests as well as an unsettling atmosphere spreading across the planet, and since a previous broadcast, things are beginning to escalate.
A downward spiral of these events begins as soon as new arrivals start to leave the Ingress—an unmarked box arrives in the cargo bay addressed to the inhabitants of the Moira. As per his job, Niko Bellic is the one to discover this box and open it. For some, the contents may be particularly gruesome. Link’s body is inside, clothed in a simple white button-down and pants (no shoes), and it looks as if letters have begun to bleed through the material. Anyone with expert knowledge of torture may note that Link was, in fact, tortured for information, and those letters? The writing itself spells out the name St. Murtel.
The captains, having been alerted of this, make an attempt to contact those at Link’d Inc. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done.
☄ First: MISCOMMUNICATIONSomehow, whether intentional or not, the Komai have once again hacked public systems and networks to brand those of the Moira as the ones behind these terroristic acts. They still use their own name, but the images are different, focusing on familiar faces wearing the ship’s uniforms and traveling to the Aerospace to return to the Moira. Not only that, there are short recordings of Link’s final words that mention a very recognizable name: Captain Thán. The Komai have redirected the blame to the Moira and its crew for their own means, and in response, any and all crew who are captured by authorities will immediately be detained and shipped out to unknown locations. The Captains send a message via MID and request everyone return to the ship to prevent this from happening. Yet, not all messages will be delivered depending on how far away they are.
With everyone’s safety hanging in the balance, the Captains have decided to take things into their own hands and find a way to lift the block on the Moira so they can leave Emiri’s orbit and avoid further repercussions regardless of whether or not any one of the crew wants to stay.
☄ Second: DECOY & DISTRACT After learning that Benjamin Link, son of recently deceased Frederick Link, knows how to unlock the ship so they can leave, the captains ask for volunteers to act as decoys on a mission to the Aerospace in Harashan. Their job is to distract guards and Emiri citizens, leaving the path clear for Benjamin to get to the computers. The captains reiterate that they are to use nonfatal methods as they don’t want a repeat of the events on Caducus Primary. Without his help, the ship won’t be able to leave, making this mission critical and extremely time sensitive. ☄ Third: RESCUEDuring the mission, Benjamin informs the crew that the Komai aren’t incorrect in their claims that Link’d Inc uses unforgivable means to obtain information in order to make their matches perfect. The children the crew dreamed about are just two of many—the offspring of Emirian citizens who had gone missing. It has long been suspected that Link’d Inc was involved in their disappearances, but only recently has the Komai done anything to shed light on these gruesome rumors. Benjamin, after successfully unlocking the ship, disables the security systems in St. Murtel, which will allow the children a chance to escape. They’ll need assistance in getting out of St. Murtel and to a pre-designated area in Avelle where a group of Komai and Emirians will be waiting for them.
But be careful. If anyone is recognized as part of the crew, they will be placed under arrest for treason and possibly never heard from again. ☄ Fourth: BREAKING OUTNow that the computer systems in Harashan’s Aerospace have been used to release the Moira, the entire crew are being called back via MID for an expedient exit from Emiri. Crew will be asked to assist other Moirans in getting back to the ship as quickly as possible via transporters or other small crafts as leaving is their only option at this point. In the escape, Emiri launches an attack on the Moira in an attempt to stop them. The ship’s previously unused defense systems activate, and those assigned to those positions are required to man their posts. Perhaps even those who don’t have the clearance are needed. Either way, it’s time to leave. ☄ Fifth: REFUGEESNow that the ship has finally escaped Emiri’s orbit, the crew will notice a group of stragglers in the main hall. During the crew’s quick exit, about fifty Emirians have taken refuge aboard the Moira, and the captains have agreed to take them to the closest planet so they may start again or live a life free of Link’d Inc “rule”. The captains ask the crew to help get them clothes and food for their short stay, no longer than a day at most, and to occupy them as best they can. Tell jokes, sing songs, bring up the kittens so that everyone can attempt to wind down after this series of unfortunate events. Light entertainment won’t be provided, but on request, some crew members may do just that.
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hownkai) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thisavrou_log2016-02-01 11:09 am
no subject
...I let him go.
[He's almost ashamed to admit it, because he didn't really feel any better. Not worse. But not better. Just that he didn't kill someone else in front of his pacifist cousin.]
Second time I had a chance for revenge, I went for it.
I don't know, I cam out feeling a lot of the same. I guess I am lucky in that I am not really a paranoid guy, just when someone I trust fucks me over, I am not too forgiving. I give everyone a fair chance first.
no subject
[ Even if Niko had eventually done the deed, which is what he seems to be implying. It turns out that Snake's theory had been right: it usually doesn't change much, getting revenge. Forgiveness isn't always easy either, though. There are definitely people in Snake's life who he could never forgive, although the list probably isn't as long as some would think. ]
A second chance is one thing. But when you deliberately ruin someone's life...
[ Snake trails off and shakes his head. Killing is not a sport, it's not something anyone should enjoy, but there are times when it's necessary. The way he sees it, better he dirty his hands than someone else. They're already covered in blood. And Niko probably feels the same way. There was never another chance for either of them. ]
no subject
Even if that person was a complete assholee.
[He glances over at Snake, mouth pursing up a little. He has that sort of understanding that comes with a man that's had to do things he regrets.]
Do you still do it? ... You know, when we're not moving big boxes and shit? Back home? Or did you get out?
no subject
As for Snake, that was never even an option, so at Niko's question he shakes his head. ]
There's no such thing as getting out for someone like me. The difference is that I'm fighting for my own ideals now, rather than carrying out someone else's orders for their agenda.
[ It might seem like a small distinction to someone who hasn't been in Snake's shoes, but for him it's huge. ]
no subject
[Seems like a simple wish, doesn't it? Sounds like Snake has everything going the way he wants. Niko's almost envious.]
The only reason I've been okay with this job is that it gives me more control over when I want to fight. On the other ship I was on? There was no choice.
no subject
At the mention of Niko's previous ship, Snake goes to sit down on a supply crate and eyes him, curious not just because of the potential information but because he's gotten close enough to Niko to genuinely want to know more about him.
That's always a strange feeling. ]
What did they force you to do?
no subject
[There's absolute revulsion there, disgust he can't hide.] Had a system worked out where if you refused them, then they take your planet to destroy. If you resisted them, then they take your planet to destroy. You do not do what they want well enough? They torture you, maybe kill you to make a point. You kill yourself, you're breaking contract, they get your world. Your best luck was to die by accident.
But to tell you the truth, it just looked like a lot of what I already knew, except on the scale of whole worlds.
They had destroyed two places by the time I was brought here. In comparison, this isn't so bad. But even if we didn't have a choice... There are five of that crew on this ship now. I hope they don't come looking.
no subject
Five of them are here? The Moira is definitely an upgrade, but Niko's probably right to be paranoid. ] What were you told when you were transferred? Or was it sudden the way that my arrival was?
[ If the captains here had taken Niko away from that situation, then Snake could understand why he might feel indebted to them -- or at least not dislike them as much as Snake does. ]
no subject
I am getting a little tired of being monitored against my will. I look forward to being free again. Maybe then I can get a better idea of how I want to use my skills.
[Then he shifts the subject, not wanting to dwell too much on the Nehada, the feeling of hopelessness he had. Because, to be honest, this is the most hopeful conversation he had in a long time. That maybe his violence, his ability to wreck things, wasn't entirely a force for terror.]
What's your real name, by the way? I have to think you have one.
...Mine is Nikola. Niko is a nickname. It means "nobody". Is okay, I like it. And some people call me "Nicky" or "NB". I'm good with those, too. But my real name is Nikola.
no subject
[ Even if their antics on Emiri might have gotten the locals worked up, the captains of the Moira hadn't had much to say about it. They can still make use of their skillsets here.
At the question about his name, Snake's gaze dips down to where his hands are clutched together in his lap. It's probably more of a shock that Niko didn't ask before now. He deserves to know, especially since he offers more insight into his own name. ]
My real name is David, but... a lot of the time, Snake feels more like my actual name. [ He shrugs and then glances up, a wry smile appearing on his face. ] You don't mind that your name means "nobody"?
no subject
[Though Niko's got a bad habit of asserting himself even when he shouldn't. He doesn't know how many interrogations he's gotten out of by being a smart-ass.]
My brother, when he was alive? He was a very smart guy and read a lot of books. So when I was being called "Niko" as sort of a mean joke, he pulled me aside and told me there was a normal man once who blinded a cyclops. When this big pissed off cyclops yells to know who did this to him? The guy says, "Nobody did." So then the cyclops runs off to tell all his asshole friends that Nobody blinded him.
And it's kind of true. I take down pretty important people. One after another after another. Men that thought they would be unbeatable. But they keep saying some dumb immigrant or peasant asshole did it. But it was just me. [He thumbs at himself.]
[A nobody.] And if you want to piss on some big man's grave, that is the way to do it.
no subject
It makes sense, though. If people forget about you, if they can't even remember your name, it makes it that much easier to get the job done. The best thing is to be underestimated.
After a pause, Snake bows his head and makes an admittance: ] I'm kind of jealous, actually. Where I'm from, people know my name. [ A beat. ] My codename, anyway. They think I'm some kind of legend. Makes the whole stealth thing a little more difficult.
[ It's not something Snake usually talks about, since the whole idea is enough to make him uncomfortable. Kids like Meryl and Raiden, they believed in his legend, and he can't figure out if he's done right by them or not. Still, it had been appropriate to bring it up here. ]
no subject
I always hated it. I mean... it is pretty obvious sometimes that it bothers me, that I don't like when people look down on me. But sometimes I wonder what real respect would feel like. I guess in ideas as well as how good I can kill people.
I can see how it would make things pretty shitty when people have made everything to expect for you. [That's something like English.]
You seem like a pretty normal guy to me.
[Normal to a Balkan psychopath.]
no subject
It's refreshing.
That last comment from Niko causes Snake to cross his arms over his chest and shrug. He's never been one to brag, so if that's how he comes across to the other man, then he won't complain. ]
It probably depends on your definition, but yeah.
[ He may have taken down a tank and a helicopter on foot, but who cares about that? ]
no subject
You like beer and darts and music and things. That is normal. You maybe like fighting, but you don't like to kill people. I think that is pretty fair.
Kill normal people, anyway.
[He thumps Snake on the back roughly and appreciatively.] Hey. I think I had a full day for now. Let's fuck off early and go get something to drink. I think I could use something strong and a friend so I don't look like an asshole for drinking alone.
[Actually he hates drinking alone. Reminds him of his father too much.]
no subject
Snake has spent most of his life wondering if that's really true. If he really didn't like it, he would probably stop doing it, but he finds himself with someone else's blood on his hands time and time again. He shouldn't let Liquid's taunting get to him, but it's hard not to.
That thump on his back jerks him out of his thoughts. The suggestion isn't one that Snake can argue with. It's not like they're doing much here anyway, and he doubts any other bodies are going to be delivered to their doorstep. Hopefully.
They're going to have to deal with whatever is going on down on Emiri eventually, but that can probably wait until tomorrow. He and Niko are just two people among this whole crew, after all. It doesn't have to all be on their shoulders. ]
Sounds good to me. [ He starts for the door that will take them to the rest of the ship. It's definitely better not to drink alone -- he's done far too much of that in his life. ]