memesofeternity | Test Drive Meme III

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Test Drive Meme III

A. RETRIEVAL

Dreams fade slowly, and awareness returns in increments. The hum of machinery, the smell of recycled air, the murmurs of others waking up around you.

The interior of the ship has been outfitted with cots for those Biggs and Wedge retrieve from the Dream Width. Outside of the makeshift infirmary, windows set into the walls of the worn lounge area offer a view of space.

It’s time to meet your fellow new arrivals who have been brought together on Biggs and Wedge’s airship. The other newly-awakened people have no idea how they came to be here, but now's a good time as ever to introduce yourself to the others on the airship and glean what information you can.

B. CURTI CENTER

The researchers at the Curti Center are not quite so unprepared as last time, but it is still obvious that they are struggling to understand the sudden influx of interdimensional travelers from the Dream Width. "Please step into the lobby for a quick survey. Perhaps there is some common thread we haven't discovered yet..."

The staff will do their best to help the off-worlders settle in. They answer the questions they can, write down all proffered information they can about the arrivals' homeworlds, provide maps and pamphlets about Vaikuntha and the destinations within it, and even guide the arrivals to a neighborhood where housing has been provided for you. Yes, due to the strange influx of arrivals, you’ll be expected to share, but the Curti staff are doing the best they can, considering they are still housing the previous arrivals here on the island.

Experiences like these bring people together. Perhaps you are the only one here from your world, but at least you are not alone in this experience. Others are right beside you, learning the same information, planning trips to visit the same new cities, checking out these Job things, and settling in to their new (temporary) homes.

C. UP IN THE SKY

There’s a whole new world to explore. It’s almost enough to distract from the fact that there’s one place you can’t go- home.

You are on an Airship, the main mode of transportation between the major cities of Vaikuntha. While the majority are owned by airlines, perhaps you hitched a ride with a friend that has their own. You can go anywhere in a matter of hours — One can only hope you don’t have motion sickness.

D. GUILDS

Proud representatives of the Guild are lined up, ready to demonstrate their skills for the new initiates. Make sure to stay behind the designated line, this might get dangerous.

So you want a new Job? You'll have to first travel to the Guilds, sign the papers, go through the orientation and introductory lectures, and get basic training. Afterwards, you can freely chat and practice with your fellow members, celebrating your new powers, and checking out your new wardrobe.

E. LET'S BE ADVENTURERS

Separated from all of your material possessions, connections, and everything you know, and really, what you’re left with is time. Better try to make the most of it.

Enough expository banter. It's explorin' time. Maybe instead of spending every day in your room, you'd rather spend it living it up in the city of Lavode, or betting on Chocobo Races in Sparks Goldsaucia. Or maybe you'd rather go and explore the caves and ruins near Arito. With Airships and Chocobos at your disposal, you can go nearly anywhere!

F. SIDEQUESTS

Maybe you’re telling yourself, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ But wait, you did. At least it pays.

It all started when you checked the Quest Board. All you wanted was a few gil to spend, and here you are in the wild, hunting for a Malboro Vine. Or maybe you are in some ancient and decrepit ruins looking for an artifact. Or you could be asked to be janitor for a week. Consider yourself lucky though, at least you don't have to do that alone.

G. GET A JOB (THE OTHER KIND)

You’ve got a Job, but Claire keeps sighing and muttering about layabout space-people not earning their keep, so it might be time to seek out Employment as well.

There are plenty of opportunities to earn some gil in Vaikuntha, no matter where you choose to settle down. Your iMog slate includes listing for employment opportunities. Hopefully you can find something you can live with so that you can start saving up for an airship or the security payment for your permanent housing.

H. MOGNET

*Ding!* You’ve got Mog-Mail!

Thankfully, you can instantaneously chat with your friends around the world thanks to you iMog Slate. And unlike old-fashioned Moogle Letters, you can even send messages to everyone in a blink of an eye! However, despite the change in technology, the old tradition of Mognet Strikes have never gone away. Nobody knows any more whether the Moogles have legitimate reasons to go on strike or if they are just lazy. But today, Mognet is down, and to get information you have no choice but going to the public boards or risk message corruption and mishandling.

I. RANDOM ENCOUNTER

The ground trembles, and out of nowhere, something hostile appears! ~~Is that battle music playing?~~

You were minding your own business walking around, and suddenly monsters attacked you! Time to put to use the skills you've learned with your Jobs! Will you try to fight on your own or seek help? And remember, you die in random battle, you die FOR REAL. There’s no shame from running from enemies that are a higher level than you!

J. SUMMER SUN

[insert Sheryl Crow track here]

Vaikuntha offers opportunities for many summer activities. Only some of the beaches hold the risk of being attacked by aquatic monsters, the others are a perfect destination for a day trip on a sunny day. Take a hike up the mountains and relax in some hot springs at the top. Go camping in the woods ~~just not on Friday the 13th~~. Enjoy a refreshing sea salt ice cream bar. Just because you’re here, it doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to a vacation.

K. WILD CARD

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Startled me too at first. [He says with a bit of amusement.] We'll have to warn Allura when we see her. Or Coran.

[He wouldn't want either of them to feel hurt when the Elezen here turn out not to be their own kind. He tips his head back with a dry laugh.]

I promise the physical isn't too bad. [He catches Keith's eye as he says quietly.]

I passed it. No problems what so ever save some bruising. They'll take of what I couldn't heal for you.

[Keith, some day there will be a paladin movie night and your world is going to be changed.

The registration is quick, at least, which maybe means Lance should have done this before deciding he didn't need to bother learning anything about this place before jumping in head first...

And which also mean he pops back in just in time to Shiro laughing and giving Keith a Look. He can't hear what Shiro's saying, but it does get an eyebrow raise from him before he brandishes his slate at them like a weapon.]

It's weird a lot of this stuff looks so similar to Earth tech, huh?

[He was only gone for five minutes but the way Shiro was being quiet has him Suspicious.]

[Is that gonna be before or after you rope him into MnM?]

Or Romelle. [He adds, because, yeah, they sure do have another Altean with them depending on when in time.]

Surprised you didn't put up a fuss. [Or worse, considering. Though before Lance returns, he might just catch the rare glimpse of a softened look of surprise as he too lowers his voice.] None..?

[His eyes widen, but he clamps it down when Lance returns.]

Early tech, maybe. [The slate looks like an early smartphone, but apparently has plenty of bugs in the network the moogle techs are just too lazy to fix.]

No point, they weren’t going to let us out if we didn’t do it. I had a friend who was worried about it too. We took it together. [He nods, none. He turns his head to face Lance and grins.]

Yes, it is like old Earth tech. It has a slew of bugs and glitches too. Find out who your moogle companion is?

[Whatever Keith and Shiro were discussing he seems to have left it behind.]

[s u s p i c i o n]

Better than nothing, I guess. [Even if it's such a downgrade. He will have to learn to adapt, but at least there's a camera option on these things still.]

Well - [There's a moment where the only look on Lance's face is nothing but dread - dread and something deeply, deeply apologetic.] Uh. Yeah.

[Hm!]

Name's...Slav.

[This is happening.]

[Whatever it was Shiro and Keith were talking about, Keith seemed to stand a little straighter, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He's relieved, if a bit curious about this friend Shiro mentioned. One less thing to be worried about.]

We'll adapt. [He knows, and is a bit put out himself. But it's a reminder that Lance isn't alone with having to get used to the lower tech. Who knows? If Pidge arrives, she might have some words for who created these. Might end up with upgrades they don't know how to deal with.

That name, however, gets Keith to stop. And stare.]

...I'd ask if he keeps rambling about other realities, but-

Ah! Zere you are, kupo!

[...Yes, yes that was a deep voice of a moogle, with a Swedish accent. Keith's eyes may also have widened considerably.]

...Hey, Sven.

[Silence. Whatever he'd been about to do is disrupted. He stares straight ahead like a commander about to give an order.

Then walks right out. He makes a follow gesture with his left hand. No words.

Just follow. Wimbledon drifts to him and seeming to sense his mood, just dumps a clipped together stack of papers into his hands. He walks and checks over them on the way to medical.]

Do you want me to go with you when you both get checked over, or stay out here and wait?

[It takes all of ten seconds before it finally, truly sinks in. He had thought it was strange enough when he met the moogle named Slav, who had immediately commented it was so curious how two people from the same reality showed up at the same time, and about the fractions of a percentage that it could have been they were actually from different realities that were different in the slightest ways that still managed to completely change their chances for mutual survival.

But now? Now he knows that he's at least not alone, and that's hilarious.]

Oh, man! [He is only one degree shy of a full on cackle, hands wrapping around his stomach.] Oh, man, Keith, I am so sorry for you.

[He is not. Not at all.]

You should probably stay and keep our new friends company, Shiro. Get to know 'em.

[He can almost feel a vein beginning to twitch at that laugh, eyes narrowing.]

Funny. I was about to say the same for you.

[Except that he'd mean it. At least Sven was manageable. Considering the two Slavs they've met, well... Rest in pieces, Lance.

He motions for Sven to follow as well, the poor moogle rather confused and not understanding what was so funny or why they 'velt sorry' for one another. Keith mutters a response as they walk akin to 'other realities aren't new to us' and keeps moving.

He raises an eyebrow at Shiro's request. Hm, letting him see the marks and closing wounds from that battle or leaving him at the mercy of Slav and Sven...

...

He was going to find out sooner or later.]

I'll be fine, but I won't stop you.

[He takes a breath and thinks about trade agreements and ship repairs. It's a lot easier than thinking of being alone with Slav again. Shiro opens the door to the medical section with a word to Wimbledon to talk to his fellow moogles. People are being seen in separate rooms. The white mages blink at him.]

I'm just here to guide them and sit in. [A nod, and he looks back at his teammates.]

Come on. There's a room in the back that's free. I'll take you there.

[And off he goes again. He doesn't like hospitals or medical anything. Too many reminders.]

[Lance fears nothing and yearns for death, he can handle Slav if it means he has somebody to laugh at.

Buuut he also can't blame Shiro for not wanting to spend some alone time with him. It's a shame, and he does at least offer Slav a quick apology as he sashays after Shiro, though not the most pressing thing right now. The most pressing thing is actually getting through the this exam, and keeping an eye on Shiro and Keith as he falls quiet.

He's not...worried about them, necessarily, but it's incredibly strange. Ever since arriving he's felt adrift at sea, and the fact that something as mundane as a medical exam is a necessity is just. It's strange and almost a little funny if he stops and thinks about it. There weren't any exams to make sure they were fighting fit before they became Paladins, and that was almost a more believable turn of events then turning up here.]

[> Keith will remember that.

...Mostly because he knows how much Shiro dislikes places like this. Though Lance is unusually quiet. It's almost worrying. Keith looks over to him and tries to offer some silent reassurance. He's a little off-put by this physical, too. For more than one reason.

He needs to have a word with him, alone. Find out what's up.]

[The familiar noises of a hospital at work settle over him. He'd thought Lance would fill it with his voice but he doesn't. He glances back at him. Something about the expression on his face is enough he lightly touches the Red Paladin's arm before he opens the door. Shiro doesn't say anything but he offers him wordless reassurance with his own gaze.

Then he slips inside and takes up space on the far wall, he takes out his iMog and swaps jobs, the familiar white and black Voltron armor settling where Dragoon armor had been.]

Don't worry we'll be out of here soon enough. Strip to the waist, you two.

[Wow, Lance is perfectly capable of being silent! He's not always talking all the time!

Just, you know. Usually talking. He usually has something to say, but that doesn't mean it's weird. Besides, what would Keith know about how Lance usually acts anyways! He left them and only came back after finding out how much of a monster Lotor was.

But it's fine.]

I'm not worried. [Not about the exam, anyways.] It's just a little cold in here.

[Or maybe it's just the atmosphere. Regardless, he sheds his shirt, and there's a moment of hesitation before he crosses his arms over his chest.

He's definitely not self-conscious about being shirtless in front of two people who are both in way better shape than him. Nope. There is no muscle-envy or shyness going on here.]

[True, he doesn't entirely know how much Lance has changed since he left. Yet he's seen glimpses of it in how he's acted around him since he returned, and part of him wonders just how much they've all changed since then. If Lance actually said that aloud, he'd probably argue that he was likely going to come back after the mission he'd initially left them to be on was over. Alas, he isn't a mindreader. So it all goes unsaid...

Along with all the other reasons he came back.

He raises an eyebrow as they enter the exam room, but doesn't question it. Instead turning around as he removes the chest armor.]

Usually is. Might as well get it over with. [He says, before removing the undershirt. Because, unlike Lance, he has no shame.

...

Okay, maybe one shame. Because that sure is a lot of bruising that was hidden underneath the armor, decorating his back and sides. Most of it's faded or appears far older than they are now thanks to Shiro, but... still there.]

[He casts a disbelieving and concerned look Lance's way. But Lance doesn't seem that banged up and he makes a small noise of relief. Only to choke when Keith removes the chest armor.

In the past, his friend had been fit and slightly smaller than Lance. He'd been lean and built for speed and endurance. The man pulling off his undershirt (dear god) is only a few inches shorter than him, broad-shouldered, and corded with muscle particular to the very strong.

He glances at Lance again. Thinner, but clearly stepping up in training there are the signs of changes there as well but. His eyes are back on Keith and the bruising. He could walk over and touch him, pour the light into him again but the white mages will handle that.]

Keith. B-both of you, have changed a bit. I can tell you've been working hard. [So long as he focuses on that he won't think too hard on what his clone did. He hides a small pang of relief when the white mages step inside. For once he's so grateful.

His eyes flick to Keith again, taking in all the changes again without Paladin armor in the way.]

[What the fuck is this? This gay shit? This gay shit happening right in front of Lance's eyes?

What the fuck?

Actually, more pressing than that, what the fuck happened to Keith? Those bruises are...nasty, to say the least, even if looking at them means he's looking at Keith's chest. (Why did Keith spend two years on a space whale and then come back so...ripped? How is that fair? He spent a year in space and he's still the same as he was before!)]

Keith- [Why is Shiro acting like this???] What happened to you? You look like you got hit by a truck.

[As he shoots a glance over at Shiro, as if he'll somehow have answers or somehow be even less of a disaster.

There's a moment of hesitation, before he clears his throat and tries to push aside his concern. (It doesn't work.)]

Uh- [Wait, Shiro couldn't have been-- No, no way.] You really think so?

[That's nonpossIBLE.]

Edited 2018-07-28 07:40 (UTC)

[Keith glances at Shiro's way just before he started stammering, raising an eyebrow. Uh, you okay there buddy?

Now that he thinks about it, the clone did that too. Weird. He's about to say something when the white mages step in, see him without the armor on, and immediately turn to him first and begin casting healing spells.

Correction: He has two shames.]

Certainly hit like one. [He starts to say "and yeah, you have" to back up Shiro's comment, when one of the mages looks at the scar on his face and the old one on his right shoulder. He has to rein it in when she tuts at him. "I can heal many things, but I'm afraid both of these have left their mark," and "Had you been found sooner..." are drowned out because he honestly does not care. She soon turns to Lance to make sure he's completely fine and then signs off that both of them are in good physical condition. It's not even five minutes by the time the two leave.

Enjoy the sight of that chest without all the bruising, Shiro. He's still completely oblivious as he moves to put the undershirt back on.]

What's the last thing you remember, Lance?

Y-yeah. [He can't seem to get himself in order. He struggles with himself as the mages fuss over Keith and handle what little injuries Lance has. He glances at him to make sure he's alright. He's not sure how he handles hospital settings.

But like gravity, he's drawn right back to Keith. Without the bruising, in the way, he's really... He jerks his head up and leans against the back wall.

Nope. He's going to just stay quiet and let Lance have a talk with Keith. He crosses his arms over his chest and glances at his best friend one more time.]

[Are you fucking kidding him? Is this a joke? Is Keith- is this really happening?

Keith, buddy, pal, friend. Are you seriously fucking asking what Lance remembers now? Can you not read the mood??

Oh, who is Lance kidding. If it's something he can pick up on, that means it's something that's going to fly under Keith's radar, which is rare! But it does happen.

Like it's happening now.

But there is also the fact he doesn't want to talk about what he last remembers with the Shiro-shaped elephant in the room and Shiro himself.]

I...The last thing I remember is fighting with Lotor. In the quintessence field, and. [He waves a hand, pulling his shirt over his head to like. Spare himself?] Yeah.

[No, no he's not. What are you gesturing at him for, Lance? You know he doesn't-

His eyes follow where he last glanced at and of course, it's the Shiro-shaped elephant in the room. He blinks, actually looks at him, and is suddenly relieved that he still has to slip that undershirt on because, um. Yeah. It just clicked. He sighs.]

I already told him on the airship.

[Well, part of it. The rest will have to wait until later. In private. Where there aren't others waiting to get checked out. ...Not that way, but it's a relief he won't have to explain too much.]

Shiro's clone led me away from the fleet. We fought.

[No, that really isn't a faint hint of red on the back of his neck, what are you talking about?]

[The topic sobers him right up. He stares up at the ceiling and puts all his thoughts in order.]

Yes, I know. I saved Keith after the fight. Allura pulled my essence out of the Black Lion and put into the clone body.

[Relax, Lance. He knows what the hell happened to him. It scares him but he can deal. Shiro pushes away from the wall and checks his iMog briefly, sending off a text.]

Okay, once you're both dressed we need to head to the airships. I booked with a friend to get us swifter passage than usual. [He heads for the door.]

[Well, at least that...clears that up.

Sort of. Hopefully Keith can feel the Look Lance is shooting at him, because seriously? You seriously told Shiro he died??

Why????? WHY DID YOU TELL HIM WITHOUT CONSULTING ANYBODY???]

Yeah. [Though, surprisingly, it doesn't get him to relax.

But at least it's something to focus on besides how terrible Keith and Shiro are being to Lance, specifically.] So you already know the castle's gone, and...all of that.

[Time to hustle his way through any sort of residual guilt!! No guilt here, not at all!!]

So, uh. How long is this trip...going to be?

[How long does he need to deal with The Gay Shit, is the real question.]

[Surprisingly, yes, he does feel the Look. He looks over his shoulder with a slightly helpless look. He got cornered while trying to eat a sandwich. What else was he supposed to do when it's the one guy who could, well, see right through him at a glance? Most of the time. Apparently the gaydar is broken.

They've known each other too long. He's doomed. Save yourself, Lance.

He finishes putting on the armor and sighs. Had he known Lance was here before, he would have waited to talk to him first. Maybe. Who knows. What he does know is that he's going to let Shiro answer that one as he moves to follow.]

[Shiro pauses at the door to glance back, focusing his attention on getting what needs to be done, done.]

Yes...yes I do. Hunk's going to ask what happened to me. We were investigating it and I wanted to be...ready to help him. [He shouldn't have gotten so distracted. He looks at them both uncertainty and heads into the hallway. He mentally kicks himself about being so distracted and adds.]

It will take a few days. We need to pick up what Asterisks you decided on as we head for Arito. If you're not sure, we can talk about it on the ship.

You need to get them as soon as you can. Things get a little crazy here.

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