middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

They fall silent again for that one Osiga second. In all that talking, the undertone of pondering confusion lost to something flatter, but not dry. And in the time that Ten-Nank spoke - and, in the time previous - the two energy-sensitive individuals may have been able to recognise the representative as not human, not robotic, but also perhaps difficult to define.

...but there is something like outer space about them, tucked away inside that shell they reside in.

The green lights of Ten-Nank's eyes glow softly.

"Words, words, words. There, excuse me. Sometimes programs better help me to converse. Why don't we keep the discussion to one subject at a time? Us three," they add, already looking between the two. "Then I can ask for clarification, and you two can also. Is this acceptable? There are so many ways that people like to talk, and you are all from different spaces."

Words, words, words indeed. Despite Ten-Nank's statement that she could ask questions, Leia found it far more enlightening to simply listen as they went over answers to Elidibus' many questions. Most of it sounded very reasonable on the surface, though there were parts of it that concerned her. And there was no telling how many layers lay beneath the surface.

She was willing to acknowledge the possibility that she was simply being paranoid. She certainly wasn't getting any sense of deception from Ten-Nank, though that only told her that they likely believed what they were saying. And honestly, she hadn't had any particular doubts about that; it wasn't Ten-Nank's motives she questioned, any more than she questioned Anan's. Both of them were simply trying to do their jobs. But that didn't discount the possibility of their superiors having ulterior motives, or providing them with false information. And it was the upper levels of the Ministry Leia was wary of.

And Ten-Nank themselves was proving to be interesting in their own right. Not a droid, no, but it was becoming clear that they weren't an organic being either. Really the closest thing Leia had to compare it to were the androids from one dimension's version of Earth, or what she could sense from the train itself. Though given how Ten-Nank had described Voidtrains as being programmable, she wasn't sure if they'd appreciate the comparison. Still, it was something to consider as they went.

For now though, they still had a great deal to discuss. "A copy of Void Law would be appreciated, thank you," she said. "Whatever else may happen, it would be a useful addition to our on board library."

"As for our continued discussion, I don't have any objections keeping it to one subject at a time from now on. It would likely make things easier on all of us and prevent any potentially important information from getting lost in the shuffle." She looked to Elidibus, hoping he had no objections to it either.

"It would not be untrue to claim such," Elidibus answers without any rancor on the matter of his importance. There is no conceit and he doesn't show any signs of expecting better treatment because of it.

Whether or not he's seen as high on his own opinion, the Ascian has spent millennia honing a judgement that, even in his youth, earned him one of the most important seats among his people. Even those who did not particularly like or trust his presence would admit he was rarely wrong. Though certainly this doesn't mean he's infallible.

The following response is enlightening. Between Leia and the Ministry official he listens and waits politely for his own turn, though on a few matters, where an answer seems expected or something needs to be clarified, he will respond appropriately.

"How your government conducts itself is beyond my purview. I merely stated it's incorrect to claim the impression couldn't be helped given the technology at the Inspector's disposal. Regardless of the reason such an approach was chosen, there is nothing suspicious about how unwilling people reacted in response to it. A demonstrated cause and effect should be neither opinion nor assumption. As to an official complaint, that would depend on what the Void Laws cover. As my fellow passenger has stated," Elidibus glances toward Leia. "A copy would be appreciated, as well as information on how a complaint should be properly filed."

It would be pre-emptive to file a complaint without knowing the proper procedure or even if it would have any validity. As to whether it is clear that answers are not meant for Leia alone, Elidibus nods in affirmation.

"I have been with the crew a short time. But it's my own observations that I use to form a picture of both the Voidtrecker Express and the Ministry. Though it doesn't surprise me to learn there are many who empathize with the voidcraft. Still, I will listen to what you have to say with an open mind. And to that end, I'm more than willing to handle one topic at a time." Another short pause. "Ah. By sealing, I refer to whatever technology or ability was used to suppress our natural gifts or skills."

Once all that is out of the way- and without exception he had inserted his responses politely- he glances at Leia and Ten-Nank in turn. "On what subject should we begin?"

"Suspicious. I used that word, now you used that word in the context of the false mission. I used it in the context of the apparent inaction of the passengers on the The Voidtrecker Express as a whole. Oh, I see - do you believe my comment was on the false mission? For clarification, again, it was part of our impressions of the craft and crew before that, a factor in why the action was chosen. The crew and craft were considered potentially dangerous, and their apparent inaction to communicate their circumstances was reason for concern. Yes, that makes sense now. Does it? I don't deny suspicion arising from it to be a likelihood among some beings. They're all very different."

So many different lifeforms, so many different ways of reacting.

"You can pick the subjects, topics, the points of discussion. You-" a look at Elidibus, "-and you." A look to Leia. "If you have titles or names you prefer to 'you' or 'them', do share. Questions, I do well with questions. Assuming what would be important to you, that's harder. But ask questions, for clarification. You have limited knowledge of the void, of voidcrafts, of the Ministry. Pick anything. I will go silent after addressing seals."

Which, they spare a look at Elidibus for.

"Sealing, energy restrictions, shielding, will likely be on a case-by-case basis. Should your energy unrestricted bring harm to the individuals around you and cannot be contained by yourself, we will offer means of restricting it, if available. Some spaces and equipment may have these restrictions regardless: office floors, equipment, structuring... not always sealing on yourself, but what your natural gifts or skills can do to them. A matter of lowering damaging. Unless you're in a room to inflict damage, we have space for that too. For training, for mental health. I have no use for them."

Edited 2021-12-15 11:36 (UTC)

Many life forms, many different ways of reacting. Leia was used to taking such things into consideration, but often times others weren't. Though it did cement her impression of Ten-Nank as some sort of mechanical life form; they often had more rigid and logical minds than organic beings, which could make adapting to complicated new situations difficult. Good for dealing with tasks that required processing large amounts of data. Not so good when that data came from or was about dozens of displaced organic beings from a wide variety of worlds, with a wide variety of opinions on their situation. Ten-Nank's tiredness made even more sense.

"My name is Leia Organa," she said. "The name the Voidtrecker has on file is a somewhat longer, but that's what I go by, and no titles are necessary, though I have had a few over the years. You can call me either Leia or Ms. Organa, whichever you prefer."

"As for topics of discussion, perhaps it's best to start with one that affects us directly and consistently; our tethers. We've been told that they're unstable and have seen evidence of that ourselves, but other than not being able to choose when we board or leave the train, what are the potential consequences of this instability, in both the short and long term? For example, would we be more susceptible to Voidsickness or other negative health effects as a result of the instability?"

"And for that matter, do you have any information on exactly how the Voidtrecker is locating individuals across dimensions and forming those tethers in the first place? As I understand it, tethering usually requires some help from equipment and people 'on the ground' so to speak. Is the ability to reach across dimensions, single out an individual, and pull them into an accessible platform without that outside assistance a standard feature of Voidcraft, or is it something unusual, or even unique?"

With a thoughtful expression, Elidibus muses the official's correction. "I see," he notes and with a nod adds, "Thank you for the clarification." Whether he has a point to debate further on this matter seems moot as he continues by introducing himself.

"I am Elidibus. It is both the title of my office and name, since it's the way of my people to set aside our true names once we accept our seat. For our conversation, pray use it as my name." No formal prefix or suffix is forthcoming, but given the name is his title, there shouldn't be any need for one, right?

Clarification on what to expect on the matter of powers and abilities being bound while in the keeping of the Ministry, if that's the course that's taken, are once again accepted with a polite nod. And again there is no further debate on the matter, instead letting Leia speak first on what topic should be broached. For the moment, he'll wait and listen for Ten-Nank's response though he certainly looks interested in the topic.

They look at each individual as their names and titles are given, but then focus on Leia as she takes the floor for the time being.

"Yes, tethers. For the quickest to answer, do we know how the voidcraft is locating anyone? No, we don't. Is it possible for crafts to create tethers themselves? Yes, it's possible. A voidcraft - or void point - has always been where control of a tether needs to be the strongest. To not break easy. It must have these options, capabilities. Protection of the passengers, and all.

"But, the short- and long-term symptoms, side effects to unstable tethers. There are many: dissociation from one's mind, dissociation from the body or physical anchor once returned to it; difficulty using one's abilities, functioning properly; inability to return to the physical anchor, leaving the physical anchor unusable. Deceased. Eradication of the soul, essence, life, aether of the individual. To become lost in the void. To perish.

"Which is short-term, which is long? The health of the tether depends. It's also difficult to determine the health of a tether without analysing it. Some passengers have disappeared for periods. Returned. But this means nothing for the passengers still on the craft. They can still be in danger. And oh, the voidsickness. That depends on the individuals, really. And the voidcraft. Some can become more susceptible to it, but many factors can help against it."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The Waking of Neran

[3/3] (please let's discuss each point separately if possible🙏)

I will certainly try! X3

:E

it's ok if a few different ones come up, i just don't want to tl;dr you both again ❤️❤️

OK! XD

no subject

no subject