THE AURORA was once a sight to see. An impressive mining ship, home to many, it could travel across great interstellar distances while providing all the comforts necessary to those within. Its star-sailing days are over now, as it now is a terrible wreckage, with salvage and dangers for those who come near.
It’s also exactly where the new crew members just showed up. URSULA will be immediately sending the on-base crew towards the Aurora, while those who have just arrived have some time to explore. The Aurora, however, isn’t the safest place to be. There are some large creatures in the water, and they may not be friendly towards the crew…
Below is a timeline of events as they unfold, with some further information!
1000: THE AURORA
While the new crew may have arrived anywhere throughout the ship, many will have found themselves in the common rooms, surrounded by the comforts of those who once lived here. Those who choose to wander further may find many rooms throughout, often in varying states of decay. While there are smaller predators on the Aurora and the danger of a wrecked vessel, an unsettling peace pervades the crashed ship. For now, they are safe.
1030: THE BASE
At 10:30 in the morning, URSULA reaches out to all crew members with an urgent message:
”All crew members please report in immediately! Life signs detected on the Aurora! Please stop all other activities and begin rescue mission. Gather any supplies you need, use the vehicles and help any survivors you find. Devices are near the entrance to track life signals once you're on the Aurora. If they're safe, please remember we need to salvage what we can from the Aurora as well. The supplies will benefit any survivors as well.”
Get cracking, crew! Base and Biome have information on what kind of weapons and defenses your fellow crew have had.
1100: THE AURORA
Thanks to the transportation they had built, the base’s crew is able to arrive in record time. They can help seek out their new crew members, take the opportunity to explore more of the Aurora, or just sulk in the transporter. URSULA reminds everyone that salvaging is a key part of their mission, and they should gather what they can before returning to base.
1200: THE AURORA
The crew however only gets an hour to enjoy itself (?) in the wreckage. At noon, URSULA broadcasts to all present, new and old:
”Attention! Dire warning! Reaper Leviathans! According to what I've salvaged of my database, they're apex predators from the westernmost region of the ocean. One signal coming from the west, two others coming out of the Void from deep below the ship!”
The crew may try to evacuate, but it is probably better to prepare for battle or hiding instead. They won’t get enough time to get out of the way before…
1210: THE AURORA
The Reapers are here. Peering out one of the Aurora's entrances will reveal that they are already circling around the vessel, as if they realize something is inside. One even beaches, its entire, 160 foot body soaring through the air before slamming down into the water. It almost feels like a warning. A threat.
URSULA urges the crew to stay inside where it is safe, but if anyone does insist on charging forward, she advises them to split into teams and take on as many Reapers at once as possible to avoid any group being teamed-up on by multiple Leviathans.
NOTE: To fight a Reaper Leviathan, comment under the REAPER FIGHT THREAD comment below! We ask that you work in teams of two or three for the battle to keep threads organized and minimize the number of fight threads the mods will need to work through. Be mindful that these are extremely fierce, dangerous, fast, giant apex predators, and they are very likely to do damage against those who fight them! By tagging in, you are agreeing to put your characters at risk of injury from the Reapers. As URSULA advised, those who don't want to get hurt should hold back and wait.
1300: EVACUATION
Things are looking grim. While the crew's teams make a good fight of it, these Reapers are durable, and they just keep coming back for more. It seems they're on a mission, to stop the crew, no matter how battered they become.
That's when the bellowing starts. Coming from everywhere, a song like that of the cavalry that disorients the Reapers as a large pod of Reefbacks swim in. Several put themselves between the ship and the Reapers, allowing anyone on aboard to safely get into the transports and into the water.
Others begin to fight. The use the concentrated power of their songs to knock back attacks from the front, powerfully lashing their tentacles like whips to crack against the Reapers. In battle they're surprisingly agile, able to spin around in a moment's notice to alternate between confusing and attacking the Reapers.
But any crew members watching can see the toll it takes on the Reefbacks. One Reefback in particular chooses to guide the crew back to the base by swimming along aside them. Thick, dark blood trails in the water behind it but it beats off any curious smaller predators like Stalkers. But its shell is cracked, its 'face' smashed in, and it gets no further than the Kelp Forest before it settles into a dense patch of creepvines for a final rest. It sends out a final cry that somehow feels like a wish for the crew to keep going on to the base, away from the continuing battle.
The rest of the pod manages to drive the Reapers back, though they too have their casualties. Still, the Aurora and the crew are safe for now.
Perhaps that was their only wish.
Direct any questions and plotting to the OOC post and have fun!
[Don't even think mean things about Cal! Dirk allows for released hands, as this is for the construction of their stupid pile. He studiously assembles the numerous plushes about, intending to ensure that, for all the more awkward things, there will also be proper cushioning for them. Gotta be comfy or what's the point? He's always keeping a watch on her from the corner of her eyes; he's worried. The dread that hit him seems to be really taking a number on her.
When he's gathered as many of the plushes as possible, he yanks out Geromy and a blue smuppet and also drops them into the pile. The Hello Kitty remains tucked away in his sylladex. Can't spoil Roxy's birthday gift.]
[ Very gladly, Roxy does just that, and even does him one better-- she wraps him up in one of her monster hugs again. The tension leaves her shoulders almost immediately, her mind stops racing a million miles a second, and her hands stop shaking. ]
Thanks for this.
[ Not the first time she's thanked him for all he's done for her, but that doesn't mean she's any less grateful. She'll thank him a thousand times a day if she has to. ]
... You're okay with the pile...?
[ She doesn't think he'd do this just to humor her, but... one never knows. Even if she knew for sure, she's in dire need of some damn reassurance, whether he is okay with the pile or not. ]
{He sees the hug coming, and maybe that's why it's easier to accept it this time. Maybe the fact that they're on a pile of old games and plush toys is awkward enough to give his social skills a freebie. Either way, he shuts his eyes behind his glasses and holds her to him. They are going to be okay. She is going to be okay. They have Rose and Dave here, and they have each other.]
You let me add my puppets. It'd be pretty unfair if I decided this wasn't okay after that.
[It's an oblique statement, he realizes. Not a direct confirmation. Maybe saying it right out would be better?
He makes himself try it out.]
Yeah, Roxy. I'm damn happy to be in a pile of abandoned junk with you. [Dirk's voice is not famously expressive. His face isn't famously emotive. But in the notes and cadence of his speech, he offers a soft sincerity. He is glad to be with her here.]
[ Roxy's so worried about forcing a relationship of any kind on him again, she has to question him just to be sure. He'd tell her if he was uncomfortable with this, in that roundabout and vague way of his. But he hasn't shown even the slightest hint of not wanting to do this (the awkwardness she sensed before the hug doesn't count, obviously).
She rests her cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. ]
Can I make a suggestion? Just totes throwin' it out there in hopes it'll stick, but if it doesn't, that's fine! No pressure from me here for a damn change...
[Oh. Oh, her head against his chest. It doesn't bother him, exactly; actually, it's kinda nice. Dirk may be awkward, but it doesn't mean he doesn't like physical affection. It's very much the opposite. But he still worries about upsetting her. He still worries about what she wants and needs, and what he can't give.
He doesn't open his eyes, and he doesn't move her away. He holds her close. His heart is steady. A calm, reliable beat.]
Throw me that idea-ball, Ro-Lal.
[Dirk. In most sports, the balls do not stick. This metaphor does not work, and you don't understand sports.]
tw: alcohol addiction feelings beyond this point, just in case!!
[ If he's confused about what Roxy needs, she's going to set him straight right the fuck now. ]
Let's make this a regular thing. With the pile?
[ Why does it feel like she's asking him out on a date, though? This is really stupid, and she's stupid for even considering it, but it's nice being with him like this talking about their feelings and oh god, she's turning into a troll. She is seriously sitting here with Dirk Strider on top of a pile asking him if he wants to go on a paledate with her in the future, what has her life become. Why is she like this.
Seriously, though, this distracts her from her cravings, from the anxiety that damn near cripples her when things don't go as planned, which they almost certainly never do. ]
Not to force your hand or nothin', it's not like that I swear, I'll never try manipulate your feelings ever again and you gotta believe me, Dirk. But I...
I don't think I can beat this thing without you.
[ Not anymore. Not when the addiction is so strong, you've considered forfeiting it all for just a goddamn sip, even though you know you'll regret it later but you just don't care. Nothing matters at that point. Not Janey, not Jake, not Dirk, and that brings tears to her eyes. That she'd go so far as to hurt the ones she loved because she just. didn't. care.
Piles do crazy things to people, like make them word vomit their most intimate thoughts and fears. ]
[How did he ignore this for so long? God, she looks so awful (beautiful as always, he always thought she was gorgeous and that her smile was a goddammed shining diamond of a thing but he never wanted to tell her, was worried about making all of that mess even worse) but there is a vulnerability, a tragic fragility that will never convince him she isn't the strongest of them all. She is strong, he still believes that. But she shouldn't have to be strong on her own.
He holds her tight and still holds back on the affection he wants to show her. Can't push it. Gotta let her set the pace. But this is good.]
We will be all up in these piles. There will be more mounds than in a collection of plush, bulbous rumps. Every time you are worried, a jutting half-moon of soft, miscellaneous objects will be waiting there for you to slip straight into their deep cushioning crevices.
And I'll be right there with them, ready for more feelings jams than there is mayo to pair with. Or peanut butter? The condiment you put on a sandwich with jam.
I'm with you, Rox. Like jam is with that other thing.
[ Normally, Roxy would counter with some sort of rambling tangent (it's the Strider in her), but she's actually at a loss for words. He's rendered her speechless, unable to believe he'd do all of that for her. Maybe, she thinks, it's time to at least try to forgive herself for her past mistakes. Like all things it won't be easy, but she's willing to try, at the very least.
She presses her face against his chest and releases a heavy sigh. With the sigh went the last bit of tension from her body, and with that, the last of the anxiety that had been rattling her nerves.
God, she probably completely fucked up her eyeliner when she started crying. That was really stupid. At least the idea of having off-point makeup in the presence of Dirk Strider doesn't horrify her like it would have once upon a time. He's already seen her at her worst.
Lifting her head to look up at him, her makeup is a right mess, but whatever. She knows she has to say something, but what else can she possibly say besides "thank you"? That would require opening her mouth and speaking, however, and she's not so sure she trusts herself to do that without sobbing like an idiot.
So, instead, Roxy stands on the tips of her toes and presses her lips against his cheek in a tender kiss. Enjoy the black lipstick mark, best bro. ]
[He closes his eyes for the kiss. It's a nice one. It's sweet. He can feel the lipstick smearing across his cheek, a marker of her affection. Bro Property of Roxy Lalonde.
He doesn't mind it at all.
Dirk opens his eyes to see what she looks like. He knows what he looks like. And maybe she isn't a boss fight in, but he sure as hell has just had one, so he knows he isn't having his best day looks-wise. There's only one thing to do.]
We look so fucking amazing right now. We've gotta take a selfie. Commemorate the hell out of this height of togetherness we're displaying.
[Because he has no other camera, he removes his shades from his face. He shifts to have Roxy held up against his shoulder, the pile of junk beneath them, and holds the shades out as a distance. Perfect.]
Smile for the camera, Roxy.
[Dirk doesn't. But his eyes are open, unshaded, and his cheek has Roxy's lipstick on it. That's a smile enough.]
[ This is really fucking stupid. Why is she letting him take a selfie of her when she's a mess like this? Which cruel fucking god allowed this fate to be thrust upon such a tremendously hot and intelligent babe? It's not fair. It's just so totally unfair. ]
You're an ass.
[ She laughs, but smiles regardless. ]
But that's why I love ya.
[ CHEESE and if you share that photo with anyone she'll kill you ]
[PICTURE THOROUGHLY TAKEN. This moment has been eternally commemorated. No getting out of it, Roxy.
He puts his shades back on. With the arm around her shoulders, he gives a little squeeze.] Do you wanna stay here, or should we get our asses exploring? Really Indiana Jones the hell out of this place.
[ Chin in hand, Roxy pretends to think about it. Her face illuminates after a moment, snapping her finger and giving him the double pistols. Pew pew, wonk wonk. ]
We could play Octodad and be the raddest daddest cephalopod this side of the fish bowl? Just for a little bit...?
[ PRIORITIES, what are they. Truth is, she's just not ready to leave the pile just quite yet. ]
[He raises a hand for a high five from his brosis. He is down. Not with the clown, fuck clowns, but he is down with the Octopus Parental Figure. And he is absolutely down with spending time with Roxy doing whatever she wants until she feels ready to get moving.]
Let's make this the dadliest adventure of all time.
[ Roxy usually prefers to play vidya on top of her cushy pile of WIZORDS, but the pile they've created more than fulfills their needs for the time being. In fact, she would go as far as to say it's the best damn pile she's ever crashed on, hands down, and there ain't a goddamn soul alive or dead in paradox space that would disagree with her, it is that awesome. ]
Shit yeah, allow me to do the honors. [ She pulls out her phone, which she... oddly hadn't thought to check since she awoke here? Isn't that strange? If she didn't know any better, she'd swear she fell off the wagon again and forgot about it. Her memories are kinda hazy when she thinks about them too hard.
She turns on her phone and peruses her apps until coming across Octodad's squishy, bulbous head nestled between Nix and Pesterchum. She leans back against him, resting her head on his chest. She hopes he doesn't mind her snuggling up against him-- she's a little sleepy after such an intense feelings jam.
Before starting up the app, she says: ]
Yanno, it's kinda selfish of me if we keep doin' what I wanna do, especially after I just vomited a whole bunch of retarded feelings on you like I always do. We never talk about how you feel, Mr. Mis-strider-erious. I know you like to keep all that shit looked up tighter than Fort Knox, but dude. I got two perfectly good good ears that are totally open 24/7/365 for all your emotional purging needs.
[Dirk easily adjusts his arms to let her nestle up against him. It's a perfectly comfortable position, strange only the way all nearness is strange. He likes it, though.
His eyes flicker down to her as she speaks. He wants to kiss her again (a soft press of mouth to the top of her head) but again he decides not to. Take time. Let Roxy set the pace. Try not to ruin another relationship because you don't understand how people really feel about things. Instead, he settles on expressing his gratitude with a light squeeze of his arms.]
Can we call that an open offer? I'm not feeling ready to go full concert mode on the feelings jamming myself right now. But... [Ah. This is hard. But no, he wants to do this.] It'd be pretty cool if we could talk when I get a brutal case of the feelings. Since we're making these piles a thing.
Aight, but when you're ready, don't you hesitate none to go right ahead and blow up my phone, or my ear, or whatevs.
[ What kind of person would she be if she pushed him? The same kind of person that pushed him for years and years. And she vowed to never be that person ever again.
Roxy fires up Octodad, and waits for it to load. ]
... You ever wonder, though... what it's like to be a real dad? A real parent, with real kids. [ Even if he prefers the same sex, that doesn't mean he can't have kids! Dave and Rose, despite being genetically related to them, were both basically adopted by their pre-Scratch counterparts. Who's to say it couldn't happen again? ]
Okay so I realize I've asked you that question a million fuckin' times in the past, but I don't mean with me! Just in general. Because I have, and even if Rosie and Davey and I are the same age...
I kinda like the idea, regardless. Of being their mom, I mean. Is that weird?
It isn't weird. It suits you. Not sure how, but it does. [There's just a little curve, the smallest suggestion of a smile...] I think you'd be fuckin' phenomenal. Godtier Mom Lalonde.
[Because Roxy is selfless and caring. Because Roxy wants the best for others, and has so much genuine love to give. Because he thinks that being responsible for another life would bring out so much of the best of her.
As a father himself...
It's something Dirk isn't sure he can talk about with Roxy. At least not yet. Dave has only confirmed what he always thought, but Dirk still worries that bringing it up is too close to saying things Dave isn't ready to say himself.]
I don't think I'm equipped to handle the responsibility of someone being that dependent on me. Just make me the cool Uncle.
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subnautica2016-05-01 12:35 am
no subject
When he's gathered as many of the plushes as possible, he yanks out Geromy and a blue smuppet and also drops them into the pile. The Hello Kitty remains tucked away in his sylladex. Can't spoil Roxy's birthday gift.]
Are we good?
[IS SHE READY FOR THE PILE.]
no subject
[ Roxy studies the pile, and she puts on her most scientific face to do that, whatever that looks like. Hmmmmmmmmmm. ]
It could stand to be taller... but short of raidin' peoples' rooms for all their junk, we'll just hafta make it work with what we got.
[ She smiles and hops on, ushering in a chorus of squeaks as the pile settles underneath her. Her hands reach for him. ]
Good pile. Best bro. Ca'mere.
no subject
[He extends his hands towards Roxy. Obligingly, without hesitation. Yank him into the pile, you big nerd.]
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Thanks for this.
[ Not the first time she's thanked him for all he's done for her, but that doesn't mean she's any less grateful. She'll thank him a thousand times a day if she has to. ]
... You're okay with the pile...?
[ She doesn't think he'd do this just to humor her, but... one never knows. Even if she knew for sure, she's in dire need of some damn reassurance, whether he is okay with the pile or not. ]
no subject
You let me add my puppets. It'd be pretty unfair if I decided this wasn't okay after that.
[It's an oblique statement, he realizes. Not a direct confirmation. Maybe saying it right out would be better?
He makes himself try it out.]
Yeah, Roxy. I'm damn happy to be in a pile of abandoned junk with you. [Dirk's voice is not famously expressive. His face isn't famously emotive. But in the notes and cadence of his speech, he offers a soft sincerity. He is glad to be with her here.]
no subject
She rests her cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. ]
Can I make a suggestion? Just totes throwin' it out there in hopes it'll stick, but if it doesn't, that's fine! No pressure from me here for a damn change...
no subject
He doesn't open his eyes, and he doesn't move her away. He holds her close. His heart is steady. A calm, reliable beat.]
Throw me that idea-ball, Ro-Lal.
[Dirk. In most sports, the balls do not stick. This metaphor does not work, and you don't understand sports.]
tw: alcohol addiction feelings beyond this point, just in case!!
Let's make this a regular thing. With the pile?
[ Why does it feel like she's asking him out on a date, though? This is really stupid, and she's stupid for even considering it, but it's nice being with him like this talking about their feelings and oh god, she's turning into a troll. She is seriously sitting here with Dirk Strider on top of a pile asking him if he wants to go on a paledate with her in the future, what has her life become. Why is she like this.
Seriously, though, this distracts her from her cravings, from the anxiety that damn near cripples her when things don't go as planned, which they almost certainly never do. ]
Not to force your hand or nothin', it's not like that I swear, I'll never try manipulate your feelings ever again and you gotta believe me, Dirk. But I...
I don't think I can beat this thing without you.
[ Not anymore. Not when the addiction is so strong, you've considered forfeiting it all for just a goddamn sip, even though you know you'll regret it later but you just don't care. Nothing matters at that point. Not Janey, not Jake, not Dirk, and that brings tears to her eyes. That she'd go so far as to hurt the ones she loved because she just. didn't. care.
Piles do crazy things to people, like make them word vomit their most intimate thoughts and fears. ]
no subject
He holds her tight and still holds back on the affection he wants to show her. Can't push it. Gotta let her set the pace. But this is good.]
We will be all up in these piles. There will be more mounds than in a collection of plush, bulbous rumps. Every time you are worried, a jutting half-moon of soft, miscellaneous objects will be waiting there for you to slip straight into their deep cushioning crevices.
And I'll be right there with them, ready for more feelings jams than there is mayo to pair with. Or peanut butter? The condiment you put on a sandwich with jam.
I'm with you, Rox. Like jam is with that other thing.
no subject
She presses her face against his chest and releases a heavy sigh. With the sigh went the last bit of tension from her body, and with that, the last of the anxiety that had been rattling her nerves.
God, she probably completely fucked up her eyeliner when she started crying. That was really stupid. At least the idea of having off-point makeup in the presence of Dirk Strider doesn't horrify her like it would have once upon a time. He's already seen her at her worst.
Lifting her head to look up at him, her makeup is a right mess, but whatever. She knows she has to say something, but what else can she possibly say besides "thank you"? That would require opening her mouth and speaking, however, and she's not so sure she trusts herself to do that without sobbing like an idiot.
So, instead, Roxy stands on the tips of her toes and presses her lips against his cheek in a tender kiss. Enjoy the black lipstick mark, best bro. ]
no subject
He doesn't mind it at all.
Dirk opens his eyes to see what she looks like. He knows what he looks like. And maybe she isn't a boss fight in, but he sure as hell has just had one, so he knows he isn't having his best day looks-wise. There's only one thing to do.]
We look so fucking amazing right now. We've gotta take a selfie. Commemorate the hell out of this height of togetherness we're displaying.
[Because he has no other camera, he removes his shades from his face. He shifts to have Roxy held up against his shoulder, the pile of junk beneath them, and holds the shades out as a distance. Perfect.]
Smile for the camera, Roxy.
[Dirk doesn't. But his eyes are open, unshaded, and his cheek has Roxy's lipstick on it. That's a smile enough.]
no subject
You're an ass.
[ She laughs, but smiles regardless. ]
But that's why I love ya.
[ CHEESE and if you share that photo with anyone she'll kill you ]
no subject
He puts his shades back on. With the arm around her shoulders, he gives a little squeeze.] Do you wanna stay here, or should we get our asses exploring? Really Indiana Jones the hell out of this place.
no subject
[ Chin in hand, Roxy pretends to think about it. Her face illuminates after a moment, snapping her finger and giving him the double pistols. Pew pew, wonk wonk. ]
We could play Octodad and be the raddest daddest cephalopod this side of the fish bowl? Just for a little bit...?
[ PRIORITIES, what are they. Truth is, she's just not ready to leave the pile just quite yet. ]
no subject
[He raises a hand for a high five from his brosis. He is down. Not with the clown, fuck clowns, but he is down with the Octopus Parental Figure. And he is absolutely down with spending time with Roxy doing whatever she wants until she feels ready to get moving.]
Let's make this the dadliest adventure of all time.
no subject
Shit yeah, allow me to do the honors. [ She pulls out her phone, which she... oddly hadn't thought to check since she awoke here? Isn't that strange? If she didn't know any better, she'd swear she fell off the wagon again and forgot about it. Her memories are kinda hazy when she thinks about them too hard.
She turns on her phone and peruses her apps until coming across Octodad's squishy, bulbous head nestled between Nix and Pesterchum. She leans back against him, resting her head on his chest. She hopes he doesn't mind her snuggling up against him-- she's a little sleepy after such an intense feelings jam.
Before starting up the app, she says: ]
Yanno, it's kinda selfish of me if we keep doin' what I wanna do, especially after I just vomited a whole bunch of retarded feelings on you like I always do. We never talk about how you feel, Mr. Mis-strider-erious. I know you like to keep all that shit looked up tighter than Fort Knox, but dude. I got two perfectly good good ears that are totally open 24/7/365 for all your emotional purging needs.
no subject
His eyes flicker down to her as she speaks. He wants to kiss her again (a soft press of mouth to the top of her head) but again he decides not to. Take time. Let Roxy set the pace. Try not to ruin another relationship because you don't understand how people really feel about things. Instead, he settles on expressing his gratitude with a light squeeze of his arms.]
Can we call that an open offer? I'm not feeling ready to go full concert mode on the feelings jamming myself right now. But... [Ah. This is hard. But no, he wants to do this.] It'd be pretty cool if we could talk when I get a brutal case of the feelings. Since we're making these piles a thing.
no subject
[ What kind of person would she be if she pushed him? The same kind of person that pushed him for years and years. And she vowed to never be that person ever again.
Roxy fires up Octodad, and waits for it to load. ]
... You ever wonder, though... what it's like to be a real dad? A real parent, with real kids. [ Even if he prefers the same sex, that doesn't mean he can't have kids! Dave and Rose, despite being genetically related to them, were both basically adopted by their pre-Scratch counterparts. Who's to say it couldn't happen again? ]
Okay so I realize I've asked you that question a million fuckin' times in the past, but I don't mean with me! Just in general. Because I have, and even if Rosie and Davey and I are the same age...
I kinda like the idea, regardless. Of being their mom, I mean. Is that weird?
no subject
[Because Roxy is selfless and caring. Because Roxy wants the best for others, and has so much genuine love to give. Because he thinks that being responsible for another life would bring out so much of the best of her.
As a father himself...
It's something Dirk isn't sure he can talk about with Roxy. At least not yet. Dave has only confirmed what he always thought, but Dirk still worries that bringing it up is too close to saying things Dave isn't ready to say himself.]
I don't think I'm equipped to handle the responsibility of someone being that dependent on me. Just make me the cool Uncle.