thisavrou_log | ( july event log )

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( july event log )

Who: Everyone
When: July 18th and on
Where: Slave trade outpost in the Runoff.
What: The Ingress malfunctions, sending the Moira into a different universe. Some of the crew end up on one of the Runoff’s many slave trading outposts.
Warnings: Sex, murder, kidnapping.

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deep in the murk
"It comes first and follows after. Ends life, kills laughter."

With the outcome of the battle against the Caducans and the Moira having twisted together with their ship to form a strange combination of glass, metal, and organic parts (both across the ship and among the crewmembers), there is still the matter of the Ingress not functioning “properly”. It hasn’t worked correctly since the very first person arrived on the Moira through it, and there is little the Captains themselves know about its functions. However, now, more than before, it’s even worse than that. The Ingress malfunctions yet again. This time, though, it doesn’t simply combine time and space and objects around it—it encompasses the entirety of the ship and sends it far off into a completely different universe. Welcome to:

( click text for a rough map/layout )

This puts the Moira closer to its final destination, and most of the glass has disappeared as the Caducan ship has been left behind aside from small things here and there (i.e., some of the walls in the corridors, random furniture in the rooming decks, the rooms themselves). Even the mess hall has permanently changed. Yet, there is some bad news that comes with this transition. The universe the ship is in is so terrible that it has been given its own name so that travelers avoid it altogether. Even the Captains themselves are aware of just how Bad News this universe is and had originally planned to take “the long way around” to avoid it. Anything shady or unsavory can be found in the Runoff, and while it might not appeal to the majority, it is simply second-nature to those who inhabit it. From arms trafficking to drugs, whatever one might think is illegal somewhere else is suddenly very legal and very dangerous.

Through the transition, some of the crew will accidentally end up on a nearby outpost specifically used for slave trade. It is a covered, temporary establishment used only for this purpose, meaning there are no open markets, hotels, or businesses of any sort. Stalls and tents line dirty streets, and ships litter the space around the outpost. This is a slave trade zone. People come and go but do not stay. Various lifeforms can be found here, and there are many different forms of slave trade happening. The motto “honor among thieves” does not exist in this place either. Crew who end up here will be “free”; however, this means that there is the potential to be taken and sold or kept by those of the Runoff. The Moira will not be close to this outpost, but the signals given from their MIDs will alert the crew to their location. Rescue, obviously, is imminent, but those who choose to help their fellow crewmembers must keep to small stealth missions using transporters or other crafts with one important detail in mind: they cannot bring attention or notice to the Moira itself.

Almost one-third of the crew has found themselves on the slave trade outpost, leaving the rest to plan for rescue. The Captains will immediately divulge all information that they have about the outpost, which is unfortunately very little outside of the stigma associated with the Runoff. The Captains will ask any MID techs or those with skills to create a program that allows person to person location; this function will allow crewmembers to search for those on the outpost via their MIDs. Rescue efforts are encouraged, and all the ships and transporters in the cargo bay will be available for public use. Crew will be told to be careful and quiet, bringing no attention to the Moira’s location, and most importantly, do not stand out. If crew look and act like they don’t belong there, others will notice. Stealth is the name of the game, and blending in is a necessity.

☄ time goes by slowly

The unfortunate crewmembers who ended up on the outpost have now found themselves pursued by those looking to make a profit through slave trade. The standards of hard labor vary from owner to owner, but it is what it sounds like. Rough, hard work that will last as long as the body performing it can endure. If purchased, owners might examine their new property to determine what type of work they’d be best suited for and then split them up into holding areas until they are done with their purchases. Others might have their slaves begin work by cleaning their ship or holding stalls or packing up their tents and gear. The owners, and their needs, are as varied as the universe. Did you manage to escape? Or were you forced to work before you were rescued?

☄ and it seems to last forever

Like the crewmembers taken by general labor owners, the murdersport slavers buy and take whomever they believe can last the longest in the pit. Some take those who appear to be strong or have great stamina, and some take those who are light on their feet or are quick-witted. Some crew are chosen simply based on appearance and how good they’ll look in their gear. If pursued, the slavers will do everything they can to capture the Moirans, and if captured, crew might be taken to a holding stall or a testing pit so that their skills can be witnessed by the public and tested. Some slavers want to show off their new property by throwing them into small roped off areas with other slaves, various creatures, or machines. Some make them stand up in front of groups and simply show them off, boasting that, at the next big event in the Runoff, they’ll surely win the grand prize. What kind of slaver has taken you? Will you be forced to fight before you rescue? Or will you not make it to the Moira before the Ingress pulls you back?

☄ but then it starts to fly ( cw: sex )

As is typical of this universe, slave trade comes in various forms. The most notorious being its illustrious sex trade. Slaves are bought and sold quickly and often, with no notable preference for appearance or species. Buyers come from all over to find slaves to work in their brothels, for personal use, as in-house entertainment, and much more. While the other two most popular type of slave trade don’t care as much about the physical well being of their property, these specific owners usually do. They might try to incapacitate first, so that the slaves aren’t bruised or cut, and if necessary, use binds until they can get them back to their ships or holding stalls. Some owners have their slaves cleaned and dressed in the finest attire, while others shove them into uniforms and tossed into stalls. Were you captured? Did you escape? Or were you rescued before something untoward occurred?

What's more, events of the past always have a way of coming back to haunt you.

Months past, a monster terrorized the crew and left a very literal mark upon those that it touched. Those scarred by encounters with the Ploiatos will find their minds drifting as they work and go about their day. They may also find themselves in a different part of the ship than intended when they come back to themselves. It happens slowly, these small moments of lost time. But both before and after these events occur, one might notice that the scars seem to shift slightly. Where the patterns have been stable for months, suddenly the branching arms of the scars appear to be in a slightly different position than before. More often than not, those who lose time will regain awareness and find themselves in Navigation. When this happens, oftentimes Captain Manasseh will herd them out with a quiet, but undeniably firm, suggestion to visit the infirmary. More unsettling are the moments when they awaken in the I.L.R. standing outside the one door that should never be opened. As for those who were lucky enough to avoid encounters with the creature locked within, they must figure out how to deal with their friends and fellow crew who seem to walk around in a fog with no control of their actions.

( ooc; Please mark all sensitive topics in subject line! )

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[Eggsy's not sure he can handle Bruce putting distance between them again, not so soon after hugging him, not after everything that's just happened. As much as he wants to be alone for a while, he doesn't want to be. His fingers dig into Bruce's arms unconsciously, stepping in even closer when he thinks that Bruce is moving back from him.]

M' fine.

[His eyes snap up to meet Bruce's, immediately falling to stare at the wall behind him.]

Course not. Wouldn't let 'em. [He wonders if Bruce can tell he's lying. He figures he can, and his cheeks flush with a heat that's something between shame and regret.] They touched everyone. Wanted to see how strong we was. Kinda just felt like cattle, ya know? That wasn't so bad. Later, um, they wanted to..

They didn't get far, I swear. But that's cause Billy was there and I panicked. Tried to hit one, was gettin' loud, and they brought me back here.

[He pinches his lips together, the trembling back. The shame of it all. That he'd been scared.]

[ Bruce doesn't go too far, not when he takes the way Eggsy clings to him as a sign he doesn't have the strength to stand on his own two feet. His arms stay as they are, hands cupping Eggsy's elbows as he readies himself to use his weight to stop him from falling if he has to.

There's a quiet sort of rage growing inside him, stronger with each word Eggsy says, brewing like a storm just beneath the surface. He knows better than to give into it, but God, it's so hard not to, when for a change he almost wants to lose control and put an end to all of this in a way that only the Hulk can.

But he doesn't. There's Eggsy, there are others like him, and they need to be helped, saved. Biting the inside of his cheek, he swallows dryly and nods, his breath hitching. ]

It's alright. Okay, that's... Jesus. Look, you're safe now. I won't let them do anything to you, alright? I've got— people with me. I'll take you back to the transporter. [ Pausing, he adds. ] Loki and Wanda went to look for Billy and others. They'll be fine too.

[Eggsy looks down between them, teeth worrying his lower lip.]

It ain't okay. You shouldn't be here.

[He perks up when he hears Loki's name, glancing up sharply.]

Loki, yeah? Loki's here. Wanda, too. They'll get Billy. They'd never let anybody hurt him. He couldn't use his magic, cause they gave him something. He was all drugged up when I woke up. It took forever to get him goin'.

[Eggsy's mind is running a mile a minute in an effort to clear the fog and process everything that Bruce is saying to him.]

Wait. Take me back to the transporter? You'll take me back to the ship, yeah? We'll go together?

We're not having this conversation again, Eggsy. Least of all here.

[ Bruce has said his piece when it comes to risking his life for the people he loves before, and he's not going to get into it again. If Eggsy wants to think differently then that's his right, but ultimately it's for Bruce to decide who he'll risk his life or safety for. ]

It's fine. It doesn't matter because they'll get to him and rescue him. I trust them to do that much.

[ It's no secret that he neither trusts nor particularly likes them, but he does know that they both care about the people they've come here for, and they have powerful abilities that Bruce genuinely believes no one here can stop. ]

Yes, we... let's go to the transporter, alright? I also brought some clothes with me, so you can change there.

[Eggsy both loves and hates that Bruce would do anything to save the life of someone he cares about, for obvious reasons. He didn't actually mean to make Bruce upset, it'd slipped out. He shakes his head, tightening his grip on Bruce's arm.]

Alright, yeah. Let's go to the transporter.

[He still doesn't move to go anywhere, eyes on Bruce as he tries not to think of a hundred different scenarios waiting for them when they make their way back. Eggsy slides his hand down to Bruce's, squeezing once before lifting their hands and turning. He rests Bruce's palm against the back of his neck.]

Gotta make 'em think you own me and don't like me at all, yeah? You can hold tight, just, don't let go.

[ Bruce isn't upset, not really. If their roles were reversed right now, Bruce would probably have the same reaction, but right now he's the one in better control of his mental faculties, so he needs to be the one keeping their focus where it should be— and that is on getting out of here.

His hand settles on the back of Eggsy's neck, a lingering touch that's even uncomfortable at first, until he accepts that Eggsy's right. It's the easiest and safest way for them to make it out of here without raising suspicion. At least they're not shackles or a leash, like he's seen a few of the other slaves wearing.

Finally, fingers curl a little tighter into the skin, and he nods. ]

Alright. Come on.

[ He starts heading out of the alleyway, guiding Eggsy along so he more or less keeps up by Bruce's side. ]

[Eggsy's not sure, but he thinks he hates the way Bruce's hand feels on the back of his neck as much as Bruce hates putting it there. But the moment he curls his fingers tighter, guiding him along, it helps. For fuck's sake, it helps.

It causes Eggsy to fold in on himself, looking every bit the 'owned' slave that he's supposed to be.

He makes sure to keep his pace matching Bruce's, never more than a step or two ahead, jerking himself back towards Bruce if he starts to get separated by all the people around. The closer they get to the transporter, the more exhausted he begins to feel, his shoulders drooping, steps lagging.]

Fuck, m'so tired.

[He mumbles under his breath, low enough that only Bruce can hear.]

[ Bruce wishes he could slow down or stop, wishes he could offer Eggsy any kind of comfort as they make their way across the outpost. The most he can do is rub a soothing circle over the skin of his neck, though, slow and faint enough that no one would notice it in the middle of the bustle and confusion that reigns in this place.

His breath comes a little easier the closer they get to the transporters. When Eggsy speaks up, the area empty enough that no one else would hear him, Bruce eases up his hold just so. ]

We're almost there. [ His mouth slams shut when they pass a group loading up their own transporter, his other hand quickly landing on Eggsy's arm and tugging harshly— not enough to hurt, but enough to make it seem like he's forcing Eggsy to behave when in truth he's offering some support.

Their transporter is farther ahead, but Bruce doesn't stop or slow down, not now when they're so close. He gets the door open and without preamble drags Eggsy inside, closing it behind them. ]

[A harsh breath huffs out of Eggsy, surprise evident in his expression. His feet stumble to keep him upright, Bruce's grip the only thing keeping him from tripping. Even when they get to the transporter, the door opening and shutting behind them, Eggsy's mind still hasn't caught up.

He could sit, but he just stands there. Eggsy's trying to process everything that happened, everything that he saw, and he's on the borderline of not being able to stomach the guilt he feels for leaving all those people behind.]

Now what?

[Eggsy's eyes are on the floor, unfocused and confused. His shoulders are hunched up defensively.]

What now, Bruce?

[ Bruce doesn't even stop for breath, leaving Eggsy to his own devices for a short while as he digs through the things he brought along. There is a fair number of clothes there, not just meant for the people he was hoping to get out of there but also for himself, should he see himself forced to transform at any point. Hopefully there'd be no need for that, but... better safe than butt naked.

Coming back with a clean pair of pants and a loose sweater, he also gets a water bottle and walks up to Eggsy, handing him that first. ]

Here. Take a drink.

[ He needs it, no doubt. Even if it might not do much for the confusion and guilt he's feeling. ]

One thing at a time. Let's get you into clean clothes first, alright? Do you need help changing?

[Eggsy's hand shakes when he takes the bottle, but he gets the cap up and takes a drink without too much trouble. He hadn't realized how thirsty he was until the water hits his throat and then it takes the remainder of his control to stop from chugging it.]

Oh. No, I can do it, yeah?

[He's practically naked anyways, he'll just have to get that off first. Eggsy sets the bottle on one of the seats and tries to undo the knotted fabric at his hip. It's tight and he can't get it and it makes him feel like he's a massive fuck up that can't even handle changing his clothes.]

Got, um, a knife or somethin'?

[ Bruce takes the bottle and caps it again, to avoid any accidents and to not waste any of the water he's brought along. Since Eggsy doesn't ask for help, he doesn't insist, and lets him sort himself out, turning around to give him some modicum of privacy.

It's only when Eggsy speaks up again that he glances over his shoulder, then he turns to make his way over again. ]

Uh... no. Wait. [ He takes a seat next to Eggsy, slowly reaching out. ] Let me do it.

[ Doesn't look like too tight a knot, and once Eggsy agrees to it, he starts undoing it, too worried about his current state to even be embarrassed about the fact that he's pretty much undressing Eggsy right now. ]

[Eggsy tenses at first, but then his mind and body adjust to the fact that this is Bruce helping him undress. His best friend in the all the universes who wouldn't hurt him or take advantage of him. He's completely naked underneath the cloth, but he stops paying attention to what Bruce is doing when the small cuts and bruises catch his eye.

He runs his finger over a cut on his stomach, wincing.]

I can't remember when I did that, yeah?

[He sighs, running his fingers over a bruise on his hip.]

Bet you're thinkin' I'm a right mess. Especially since I'm so spaced out. Feels like I'm high or somethin', and I don't think I am.

[ Bruce too focuses on the injuries as soon as they're uncovered, not really paying much mind to how naked Eggsy may or may not be. There's far too much to worry about now to even be thinking about shame, propriety or anything along those lines. ]

It's alright. We'll take care of those when we get to the ship.

[ Still, he reaches out to that cut on his stomach, just making sure it's not infected. He looks up at Eggsy afterwards. ]

I'm thinking I'm just glad you're alive. That I got to you before they really hurt you. [ If that were the case then they'd be dealing with a whole different problem— one of the big, green and angry variety. ]

You're going to be fine, alright? I've got you. [ He cups Eggsy's face, urging him to look him in the eye. ] No one's going to hurt you now.

[Eggsy watches Bruce as he checks the cut, some of that fog clearing when Bruce cups his face. He trusts Bruce with his life and he knows that the man can protect him, but he can't seem to snap out of it.]

You've got me?

[His vision blurs, and he blinks a few times, face scrunching up as he abruptly pulls away. Eggsy grabs the clothes, movements stilted, roughly shoving his legs into the sweats and tugging the shirt down over his head. He can't describe the feeling that's making it hard for him to catch his breath, but it's the whiplash, he thinks. One moment he was about to be sold off again and now he's within a foot of a man who cares about him and he's safe. By all accounts, he should be happy, at least starting to feel better.]

Bruce.

[Eggsy swipes the back of his hand across his forehead, fingers combing through his messy hair. He turns back towards him with a huff, sitting down beside him. He only hesitates a moment before he leans to the side, into Bruce, eyes shut, arms circling him.]

'M sorry.

[ Bruce pulls away too, giving Eggsy the time and the space he needs to recover. He understands how Eggsy's feeling right now, and he knows why too, even if Eggsy might not. After all, being safe now doesn't take away the trauma he went through before, the pain, the fear.

He's glad he got Eggsy out of there, sure. He's happy to see him safe and in one piece, but he also knows it might be a while for Eggsy to snap out of his state, and to feel like himself again.

When Eggsy sits back down, Bruce reaches out with little thought to it, a hand settling on his arm, just above the wrist. A simple gesture to let him know he's not alone, not anymore. Then Eggsy leans into his space and Bruce shifts too, wrapping his arms around Eggsy instead, his frame feeling unusually small. ]

It's fine, don't... don't say that. There's nothing to be sorry for.

[Eggsy's breath catches, and his arms tighten, fingers pulling at the fabric of Bruce's shirt as he tries to steady himself.]

There is, though.

[He starts to tremble, cold and coming down from the adrenaline all at once. Eggsy knows his body's too exhausted to do any good but the idea of not being able to help or do much more than curl up against Bruce and pass out is too much for him.]

I can't do nothin'. I can't. [Each breath is a little heavier, shifting him closer.] I know my limits and I'm done. If you wanted to go back out there, I couldn't help ya any.

And that's something to be sorry for?

[ Bruce huffs a little, a mix of worry and frustration and relief all at once. His arms curl tightly around Eggsy, hands pressed into his back, keeping himself as steady and solid a presence as Eggsy needs right now. ]

You were captured, Eggsy. You were kept against your will, hurt, pushed around— [ He can't even think what else. Jesus. ] You're only human, and you've already handled a lot, more than most people could. You need to... you need to recover now, alright? Not worry about what you should be doing.

[ He lifts a hand up to Eggsy's head, fingers curling around his nape in a far gentler and more soothing gesture than before. ]

I'm not going anywhere right now, anyway. I won't go until you're safe again, I promise you that.

[Bruce's warmth starts to seep into him, his hands warm, the embrace filled with understanding and compassion. Eggsy knows that what he's saying is true, he does, but can't seem to quite get it to sink in. He still feels guilty, because he's safe, so safe right here with Bruce. Yet there are other people that deserve it more.]

Ever feel like all this is a dream, Bruce?

[He's mumbling now, eyes drooping shut as a different kind of fog creeps around the edges.]

The ship. Livin' here. Knowin' each other? Thought maybe I'd died or somethin'. [He huffs out a soft breath.] Fuck, 's only way to make sense of anythin'.

[ There's no one else who deserves it more, as far as Bruce's concerned. That's just Eggsy's mind being cruel to him, like Bruce's own often is. He's all too familiar with the feelings Eggsy's experiencing right now— sadly, there's nothing he can do to make them go away. Only with time will he overcome them. ]

I hope not. I hope it isn't.

[ He pulls Eggsy close to him, more than prepared to handle the whole of his weight if he happens to pass out or fall asleep. ]

I know everything seems horrible right now, but I'm— I'm glad for the people I've met here. I'm glad I got to meet you. [ And despite how awful things are at this particular moment, Bruce has been very happy here, and he hopes to continue to be. ] I'm not sure I could take all this being a dream.

[He blinks lazily, licking his lips as he tries to say what he's thinking without blurring the words together.]

I'd miss you. Even if I couldn't remember nothin'. Still miss not havin' you 'round.

[Eggsy's shoulders slump, and his face slides down Bruce's chest. He doesn't notice.]

My mum and sis need me. [His eyes fall shut, too heavy.] Don't wanna go back anymore though.

[Exhaustion gets the better of him, his whole body and all his weight slumping onto Bruce abruptly.]

I'd miss you too, Eggsy. I'd miss you so much.

[ And he's lost people before, even other friends he made here, so he knows how that feels. Even if he were to somehow know for sure that Eggsy would be back in his world, safe and happy, it'd still hurt terribly to lose him. ]

That's fine.

[ He catches Eggsy's weight when he slumps against him, repeating the words, holding him. It's a terribly dividing feeling, Bruce knows that. Having to leave, wanting to stay, and the guilt that comes with it.

Sadly there's not much he can do for Eggsy on that front. For now what he can do is lay him down across the seats carefully, rolling up some clothes and tucking them underneath his head as a makeshift pillow, then finding a small blanket to cover him up with. It's not much, but it should be enough for him to get some rest, and he sticks around for a little while longer too, sitting on the floor next to Eggsy, holding his hand. ]

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( july event log )

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better safe than butt naked is my favorite line ever

one of my crowning RP moments

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