memesofeternity | TEST DRIVE MEME

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TEST DRIVE MEME

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. None of you know how you came to be here or where you are going, and the door to the cockpit is locked as the pilots focus on navigating the treacherous obstacles of the Dream Width. You might as well take this moment to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers.

B. CURTI CENTER

There’s an almost overwhelming aura of excitement in the tower as researchers rush to document this unprecedented number of interdimensional travelers. Over the commotion, the leaders of the Center struggle to explain, ‘Welcome to Vaikuntha. We don’t know why you’ve been brought here, but this is your new home.’

The staff will do their best to help the off-worlders settle in. They answer the questions they can, provide maps and pamphlets about the world 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 under the circumstances.

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. WILD CARD

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

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[The day was long, but then what else can be said about the first day in a new world after being told where you came from no longer exists? A part of her had hoped that some direction would reveal itself to her about which of these "Jobs" she should try, but for the most part she's still sitting on a bench in the center of town. Frankly, she was exhausted.]

[Her focus was broken by the tuft of white hair in the middle of the crowd. Ah... that was the person that Hunk was talking to after he made the wild shot. With the way Hunk was talking with him, he was both comfortable and also respectful of this person. Could he be--?]

[You know what, figuring out what she should be could wait. How often will she get the chance to talk to somebody like that? Bolstering her courage, the young woman broke through the crowd and soon caught up with him.]

[She tapped him on the shoulder.] U-Um... excuse me, sir. You wouldn't happen to be Shiro-san, would you?

[It has been a long day. Shiro has turned to head back to his temporary housing when a finger taps him on the shoulder. He stops and turns, pivoting in place. He hadn’t heard his name and an honorific used with it in a very long time.]

I am called Shiro. What can i do for you? Hang on. Let’s get out of everyone’s way. [He glances at the foot traffic around them and motions for her to follow him to just out of the way.]

Over here.

[Makoto smiled and complied. She could appreciate the consideration and was glad to see that she didn't take her too far off the road. Though that was a bit of her police instincts kicking in.]

Of course. Let me start over. My name is Makoto Niijima. I'm from... well, I was living near Shibyua. And I heard from Hunk-san that you are a Commanding Officer of the Intergalactic Federation.

[She smiled and gave a polite bow.] I'm honored to get the chance to meet a countryman that has reached such a respectable position in space exploration and knew I had to meet you. Hunk-san especially spoke highly of you.

I see. [It’s a little bit awkward after all the informality of Voltron and back home as far back as the Garrison. He rubs the back of his neck and nods.] It’s a little complicated but I’d see myself more as a captain or an officer. Our commander isn’t here.

At least...I haven’t found her yet. I was just a fighter pilot before everything happened. [Then it all went horribly wrong. He drops his hand back to his side.]

Anyway it’s nice to meet you. If you have any questions about what we’ve seen, or what other planets are like, I’d be happy to help.

Likewise! [Poor Shiro. Unfortunately Makoto is so used to the honorifics that she's not even aware that they could be making him uncomfortable.]

[She also backs down a little bit at the offer for information of planets and the like. She's not sure how this world works, but she doesn't feel any unnecessary knowledge will be a good idea considering what she could bring back and how that would affect her world...]

[Her eyes widen a bit at one possibility.] Actually, yes there is one question. I'm not used to interplanetary-slash-intergalactic-slash-interdimensional travel, but maybe you can tell me: Have you met many worlds like this, that fundamentally alter the laws of how things work and draws in people from multiple locations and time periods?

[She gives a nervous chuckle, crossing her arm across herself and squeezing her arm to relieve the tension.] To be blunt, this is way out of my depth, and any information could be extremely helpful in the circumstances we find ourselves in.

[He crosses his arms over his chest and looks thoughtful. Going back over what knowledge has of other races and planets. Slowly he shakes his head.]

Nothing like this has ever happened in space, no. But from experience with vastly new societies and laws...you have to study and learn what you can as you go. Just remember you’re not alone. All of us displaced refugees are in the same situation.

You won’t get help from everyone. But, I’ll help as I can. [He spreads his hands apart and lets them fall back to his sides. His fingers run over the black and white U that might be a weapon at his hip. He keeps checking to make sure it’s there.]

It seems like the locals are on our side for now. That will do a lot for us. The more allies we have, the better off we’ll all be.

[Wow... even though they just met he is already offering support? She could see what Hunk meant when he was a pretty outstanding guy. Even the advice that he offered was pretty good, especially considering that he didn't know her.]

I see...

If you don't mind the observation, that is pretty sound advice. And you said it so eloquently as well. Can I assume that is based on your experiences up until now, Shiro-san?

[He spreads his hands apart with a bit of a slight smile.] It is. I prefer to think of it as the work everyone has done up until now continuing to help others.

Unfortunately I can’t offer you much else. Like I said, this is far outside of any experience I’ve ever had. I can only offer common sense or observation.

I think you’ll do fine here. You sought out possible help and recruited allies. That will take you far. [It isn’t a lie. Anyone willing to build a network of aid and information could survive in a strange world.]

From your experience, what steps do you feel you need to take right now?

Well, if I'm honest... my encounter with Hunk-san was when he was in a slightly compromising position. [He was airsick, puking his guts out, and lamenting the loss of a calzone.] But I think that things worked out well in the end. He's very enthusiastic.

[She straightens up and raises a hand thoughtfully.] Well, for right now there is a lot of things we do not know. There are big things, certainly, like the force that drew us to this world and the threat that destroyed the worlds. I have never heard of anything with that much power. [Well, she could think of ONE...]

But there is also other things that we don't understand. This world has its own rules. Magic, monsters, gods, demons, we don't know what we're dealing with. And, of course, we don't know how those rules affect what we can and cannot do. So my plan was to start there. To find a job that I think fits what I want for myself and to improve myself so that when I have a bigger goal in mind I would be in a good position to see them through.

Don't forget to get a second job. It will have a modifier skill that helps the first and boosts it in one area. For example I took Paladin, my secondary is Dragoon.

Paladin gives Dragoon a little better defense. Dragoon makes it easier for me to see everyone around me while I'm supposed to be protecting them. Just an example of things to consider. Other than that, good job. You've narrowed the problem down into objectives you can tackle in the present.

[He's not surprised Hunk was sick. He'd been sick himself when he first woke up. Just...not enough to be sick over the side. Had to be something wrong with the transition?]

Oh yes, I saw the modifiers but I didn't quite understand them. [She reaches into her purse and pulls out the manual. AN observant eye would notice that hers is full of notes like "+ damage" and "- speed." Her manual is a pretty far cry from the mostly pristine thing that it started as in the beginning of the day.] So we can pick two? I was under the assumption that we needed proficiency before moving on to something else.

[She'll consider it later.] And yourself, Shiro-san? What do you see as your priorities for you and your team?

[She realizes herself.] Um, that is if its not something you mind discussing.

I don’t mind discussing it. It’s not that different from your own goals. Gathering intel to understand where we are and just how everything works. For all we know this world could be at war with its self and that is vital to whatever anyone decides to do.

[Simple as the goal is, it has a lot of parts of it and can be built on from there.] And yes we can pick two.

Anyway that’s enough of a priority for now. We’ll help people along the way.

That is a possibility, but it seems hard to think with how things are now. Then again, that could be just the surface. There may be problems and people that need help that even the people that live here may not realize. [She's seen too much of that to know that its true.]

I... noticed that you didn't mentioned finding your team as a part of your priorities, Shiro-san. Which I just realized I didn't mention as well. Not including myself, there are nine people that are of the upmost priority to find.

[She smiles.] Is it not the same for you?

It's my responsibility to find them. But, all I can do is listen out for them and study this Dream width. [He can't burn up all his energy on trying to find them. But he can make a foothold in this world for them.] There's something off about that space.

It didn't feel right. ...until then I can work towards a better understanding of what's going on. The more I know the more likely I'll be able to locate them and anyone else that needs rescued.

Right, so I propose a deal. [She reaches for her bag and pulls out a cell phone. She flips it on and it has this for her wallpaper.]

The two in the back, that's Ryuji and that's Ann. They are my friends. I'm also looking for... [She flips to her photos and swivels it around as she introduces them:] "Morgana" and "Haru".

If you could look for my friends, then I will help you look for yours.

Edited (html o9""") 2018-03-26 02:04 (UTC)

[He studies the images. She hasn't brought up any specific terms to look for just faces and names. Finding them will be a little harder but, finding anyone specific will be difficult.]

Alright. Unfortunately I don't have access to my usual means to share information. So, you'll need to write down names and descriptions. I'll start when you're ready. [Once she's ready he starts, his voice level and precise.]

I'll start with my second in command, Keith. He should have his armor on, it will be exactly like mine but red marked. We're all color coded unless we're out of armor.

Keith, Lance, and Pidge. [He'll search for the Princess and Coran himself. He knows better than to bring up the Marmora. It would damage their trust in his ability to keep their secrets.]

That's the rest of the Voltron team. They should be in their armor, white and a color, with a V on the chest and shoulders. If they're not - Pidge is short, with sandy blonde hair, and round glasses. Lance is dark tan skinned, brown hair and tall, thin build. Keith...violet eyes, black hair, and almost as tall as Lance. He'll either have a blade on him or be doing a search himself. If you're confronted, tell him to contact me.

In fact, tell them all that if you find any one of them.

[No sooner did he mention writing down the names had already reached into her purse and pulled out a notebook and a pencil. She wasn't student council president for nothing!]

So its Keith, Lance, and Pidge. If Hunk-san was anything to go by, they probably aren't going to respond to honorifics. [She closes the book.] If I see them I'll be sure to mention that you are looking for them. Is your name enough, or is there anything else I should know that could earn their trust easier?

So long as they understand you know they're Paladins of Voltron and to contact one of us, that should be enough.

[Keith is a skeptic but he'd check out a mention of his name or Hunk's.]

Should I let your friends know you're looking for them or just alert you that they're around?

Paladins of Voltron, got it. [Makoto was a bit of a skeptic herself, but so far she's found Hunk's appraisal of Shiro to be what she'd expect. She's glad for him having an an adult leader that believed in his recruits so much.]

[That thought caused her to pauses at Shiro's question.]

Yyyees... [Try as she might, she couldn't see a strange adult evoking a positive reaction from the Phantom Thieves.] ...sorry. Its not anything personal, but there have been a few authority figures that did not have the best intentions for... well, all of us to some extent.

But if you tell them that Joker and Queen are looking for them, they should know what that means. [She pauses as a hint of a smile forms on her lips.] And should Ryuji stammer "Queen" as a question, do feel free to acknowledge his stammering.

[He holds up his hands, nodding once.] It's fine. It's good to be skeptical here. None of us really know each other and the world itself is an alien place.

I'd be more worried if people blindly trusted one another here. We're all from very different realities. To be honest with you, I was shocked to find anyone who recognizes Japan as a country.

[He lowers his hands and crosses his arms over his chest.]

In that case, I'll stick to letting you know they're here. ...and that brings me to a point. If anyone else mentions Voltron but doesn't match the descriptions I told you don't approach them. Note what they look like and send me a text message. Don't risk them over hearing you.

My universe is at war. That's my responsibility and I won't let you come to harm because of it.

[With those words, Makoto's face drops and her stance shifts away. Her eyes focuses on Shiro quietly and with more scrutiny.]

I... see. So you were aware of me approaching you? [A part of her did feel as though he was guarded. The revelation that he was not only a space explorer but a space combatant was definitely something to mull over.] Not that I would blame you. If your combatants are somebody that can threaten somebody on a universal scale, than you would probably have plenty of reasons to be wary.

[Still, he agreed to help her at least in this small thing as well as this important piece of information. She should at least reciprocate for now to find out more about this new potential threat.] Is there anything else I should know about these enemies of yours? A... type of species? Perhaps a uniform? Have you seen any of them already? I don't need to know everything, but the more information I know about what to look for, but the better able I can be on the lookout.

I can’t show you the uniform but if you hear mention of Galra contact me. There are good and bad Galra, and I can confirm which they are based on the symbols on their armor. They’re purple and usually furred or have some other beastial characteristics.

[He pauses and lowers his voice to a gentler tone. Her shift of stance hadn’t gone unnoticed.]

I did notice you coming but I didn’t know who it was and as a Paladin it’s my job to help others. So I waited to see in what capacity I was needed. ...and it’s been nice to hear about home. I haven’t seen it in a few years. Thank you.

Edited 2018-04-04 14:33 (UTC)

[With Makoto’s shift in mind was her expectations. Once she knows there is a potential dange—especially one she had no idea of previously—she is ready to commit her focus on that until a plan was devised. She was summarily surprised when Shiro responded by dropping his, even a little.]

Y-yes. [She took the second to reorganize her thoughts.]

I think... I can provide support to help you find your friends and watch for your enemies, Shiro-san. But I don’t want to rush into a conflict that I don’t know about. Maybe sometime you can tell me more about everything and I can look into what I can commit. [There was much too much she did not know...]

[She tried to put a happy smile, but in reality her mind was racing. She even debated if this Voltron group might be the dangerous ones but...] You and Hunk-kun have been really considerate. For your sakes, I will do what I can.

[He shakes his head and holds up both his hands.] I'm not asking you to rush into or commit to our conflict. I'm warning you so you aren't pulled into it. Whatever you decide about it, even knowing about us Paladins puts you at risk.

If you'd rather back away entirely, I understand and will still let you know if I see your friends. But I can't in good conscience tell you about us and not explain the risks.

For all we know I could just be too cautious and nothing will happen to that end. [It never hurts to be prepared. He drops his hands and rakes his hair back out of his face. The more people know about them the more people he has to account for and shield if they need it.]

Especially when you've been willing to help and been as considerate as you have been.

[She nods. Rather than simply think on her next thought, she decided she would say it out loud.] Right. Like I'm sure you are aware of the responsibility a person can have on the people they know. I'm responsible too.

[And her posture shifts again as her defensiveness drops.] I may not know about the Galra or Voltron, but I can see the thoughtfulness you have for me and us, Shiro-san. I have also seen the kindness of Hunk-kun... san! Hunk-san! Um...

[She takes a moment, kneading her hands together as she recomposes herself.] That's why I feel comfortable helping you in this way. For now. Who knows. Maybe we'll find out we'll have the same goal in the future.

[She smiles.] I will be hoping that they do.

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