memesofeternity | 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

Feeling inspired to create your own prompt? The power is yours!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Through a series of unlikely events, overly chatty girl joins Barret's party! Maybe?

"Did you see any places that we can get a sandwich, or grilled fish? Do you think they have those around here? I hope so, because I don't know about you but I don't really fancy the idea of testing out what is and isn't edible around here."

"I think I saw a sandwich place down the road when I came in," said Barret, gesturing towards the road. "We'll have to see what's out there for food."

"So just think of it as an adventure!"

She turns to leave, breaking her place in line. Not unexpectedly there are more than a handful of people that are looking at the strange and curiously loud girl. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go see what's out there!"

Barret grinned a little and got up. "All right, let's go."

He followed her, grinning. This felt right to be honest, working with people who wouldn't drive him nuts.

Well, hey, Yuelia is a kind soul but does have a couple of character flaws. For one, she likes to talk a lot and for two she has a tendency to be a bit... simple. "So, Mr. AVALANCHE. What do you like to eat in your sandwich?" Yuelia asked as they continued their way.

"Or, can I call you AVALANCHE? I hope you don't mind, but I've never really been one for formalities."

??? What the... Barret looked at Yuelia and said, "It's Barret. AVALANCHE is the name of the group I'm in. You don't even need to call me Mr. Wallace either, I'd just reckon Barret is fine."

"And I like a lot of meat on mine."

"Oh! Yes, that makes more sense. I mean you do look like a bunch of crashing boulders, but I do agree I did think the name was a little weird. But who am I to judge?"

Despite not knowing where the sandwich shop is Yuelia is leading. Perhaps if somebody pointed out that detail it would occur to her, but for now she's just kind of... heading in the direction she feels food stuffed between two slices of bread would be.

"My name is Yuelia. I'm from the Kingdom of Castele! And they're really known for their beef stew. But they also have an excellent fish salad sandwich that tastes delicious."

"AVALANCHE is just more of a designation really. There's tons of groups out there." replied Barret.

"Nice to meet you Yuelia. I guess this ain't so bad." he chuckled. "A kingdom known for beef stew huh? I guess that's gotta be real good stew."

He gently nudges the direction towards the right way, with the shop in the distance.

Oh, thank you. Though she doesn't comment on being turned around she is appreciative of being discreetly pointed in the right direction.

"Well, its known for more than that. Castele is the Job Capital of Reveria! Lots of people from all over come to try a new Job."

She muses, thinking about that in more detail gives her an idea. "Say, do you think that the asterisk is this world's way of handling Jobs?"

He's still pretty good with kids, just ask Marlene. "So you're from a world like this huh?"

"I dunno what a Job is specifically, but back home we don't get no Jobs," replied Barret, shrugging. "Empowering someone like that takes materia an' a good old fashioned gun. Or sword or martial arts or a stick..."

Probably more "young teen" than child, but she certainly acts young so there's that!

"You don't come from a world where there are Jobs? Well, that might explain why you're confused about what to do after your rebellion is successful." She smiles and turns toward Barret again. Though she is hungry, this is too important for her to leave ignored.

"Have you ever wanted to do something with your Life? Go explore the tallest mountains? Try to catch all the fish in the world? Become a carpenter, a weaver, or a blacksmith?" Her smile widens as a hand raises to her chest. "That is a Job. It is a personal Wish of what you want to see and do and live! And you'll know when it is the one that is right to you when you feel the warmth in your chest that you have made the right choice."

"Regular jobs like cooks and businessmen sure. Not much room for a guy with a gun on his arm other than try to repay his debt to society." said Barret.

"I... I dunno. I'm still smartin' after Corel got blown up, and Dyne and all. I'd have to think about it."

Yuelia nodded. "That's fine. In the older times people would sometimes go their whole lives without ever answering that question. In the end, the answer has to be right for you."

And with that said she takes a deep breath. "Mmm! I smell bread! I don't think I realized until now how hungry I was. Come on, Mr. Barret! A happy belly awaits!"

What he wanted to do when Shinra was gone? He didn't think that far ahead. Not yet anyhow.

"All right, let's get some food." said Barret.

Test Drive Meme III

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