( 002 » ENSEMBLE ) gravitational.

[reveriemod]

» WHO? EVERYONE
» WHEN? JUNE 1 onward
» WHERE? ALL OVER THE STATION (literally)
» WHAT? Gravity is always on, until it isn't.
» WARNINGS? zero g, paralysis, the vacuum of space, possible asphyxiation, possible character death

0 0 1 » LOSS OF GRAVITY

The outer rings of Reverie Station rotate around the shaft of the station, using inertial forces to simulate gravity. One moment, this works fine — people are walking along corridors, sleeping in their beds, eating in the mess hall or having a drink at the bar. The next moment? In some parts of the station, a crunching sound can be heard, like metal against metal, and shortly thereafter, the rings cease to spin, causing a jolt to go through all rings.

And then what passed for gravity just stops.

Your food, drink or blanket might have floated off after the jolt. Remember to engage your mag boots, if you're wearing them, lest you follow suit. Good luck getting around in zero g.

( ♪ )

0 0 1 . 1 » UPSIDE DOWN AND FLOATING

The lack of gravity may be disorienting at first for those not used to operating in zero g environments. Fortunately, mag boots mean you can continue walking along corridors — though the boots will engage with what used to be the ceiling of the corridors as much as what used to be the floor. No matter which part of the corridor you're attached to, if any, better make sure to collect anything that may be floating around, lest it becomes a dangerous projectile whenever gravity turns back on.

The mess hall and the gym area in particular are in a significant state of disarray. In the mess hall, some cutlery (of the grey, hard plastic variant) has been left unsecured and is floating harmlessly through the air. The same holds true for a large amount of protein powder. In the gym area, meanwhile, the entirety of the dirty water from the pool is no longer in the pool.

( ☺︎ )

0 0 1 . 2 » PARALYSIS INDOORS

One moment, you’re walking — or maybe you’re floating, mag boots disengaged. Either way, from one moment to the next, you become unable to move. Your arms, your legs, even wiggling a toe becomes a thing of impossibility. There’s a heavy weight on your chest, despite the fact that gravity is still not back on. Taking a breath is an ordeal. You can’t call for help, you can’t signal to anyone, you can only stay still.

( ♪ )

OOC: The length of paralysis is up to players.

0 0 2 » TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

It isn't clear why the rotation of the rings has stopped and gravity ceased, but one thing is certain: life on the station is a lot more difficult without gravity, especially for those not used to living and working in a zero g environment. The sensible thing would be to fix whatever is wrong, but in order to do that, you have to figure out what's wrong first.

One way to get an idea might be to put on a suit (if required) and go out an airlock to have a close look at the upper ring, where the crunching noise could be heard the loudest. The objective is to identify the problem and, if possible, fix it — but unless you have the power of flight and can breathe in the vacuum of space, the walk from the airlock to surveying the ring will be taxing in and of itself.

Better not lose hold of the station or each other and whatever you do, do not disengage those mag boots. Hopefully, no debris will come flying at you. The station may be built to withstand it, but you aren't.

( ♪ )

OOC: There are some 20 vac suits with oxygen packs and small thrusters for (weak) propulsion available in the spaces currently accessible to characters; these can be found in various airlocks.

0 0 2 . 1 » FLOATING AROUND

The station may be built to withstand debris, but you aren't — which makes it all the more unfortunate that some debris does catch you. In the side, in the face or in the legs, it doesn't matter: what matters is that the impact is strong enough to disengage the mag boots, which means you are now floating in space.

Did your suit take damage? Do its thrusters still work, or not? Is your oxygen pack still connected properly? If your connection to the station network is still intact, now would be a good time to call for help and hope that someone's close enough to get to you in time before you float too far from the station to still be reached, before your oxygen runs out, before any possible injuries you may have sustained take their toll.

( ♪ )

OOC: With this prompt, the extent of possible injuries, the time before rescue and factors such as oxygen or damage to the suit are all up to players. Please keep in mind that character death is very much a possibility — but that death means relatively little. Should a character die from their injuries or lack of oxygen, they will awaken again. As per the death mechanism outlined in the FAQ, characters are brought back to life (possibly repeatedly, if rescue takes a while), but they lose something. What they lose is up to players as well (a limb, memories, senses, social skills, ...) and the duration of the loss can range from a few days to permanent loss.

0 0 2 . 2 » PARALYSIS OUTDOORS

One moment, you are walking along the hull of the station. The next, you're frozen. Your arms and legs no longer move and there's pressure on your chest. Even taking a breath becomes an ordeal. You cannot move forward. You cannot move back. You can't even signal or call for help.

What choice do you have but to wait out this paralysis and hope that it loses its hold on you before your oxygen runs out? Better not panic, lest you use up more of it.

( ♪ )

OOC: The length of paralysis is up to players.

0 0 3 » WORK IT

For those who've successfully made the walk across the hull of the station to find the problem, it will soon become obvious what has happened: debris crashed into the station and got lodged between the uppermost ring and the shaft of the station, where it is stuck, preventing the spinning of the ring.

You will need to work together to cut through the debris or dislodge it. It's heavy, and you have little leverage in the absence of gravity.

Keep in mind also that if you successfully dislodge the debris, the outer ring will start moving again. Be prepared, especially if you're still connected to the ring by your mag boots. Inertial forces can be quite strong, so you will need to brace yourself or risk being dislodged yourself.

( ♪ )

Comments

vanessa ives ( penny dreadful )

[possidetur]

( loss of gravity )

( it was a strange sensation. at first vanessa wondered how she was flying but a few more seconds told her that she wasn't moving, just floating.

floating. in the middle of the corridor.

she was trying to think it through, though considering that vanessa knew little about being here or living in space her thoughts came back to a few questions: was this normal, who had done this, what was coming? nothing felt as though this would be a good situation.

what she really wanted was to get down, though vanessa had no idea how to do that. her attempts at moving had caused her only to turn and eventually she stopped, hoping that someone could help )

Is anyone there?

( it felt a little embarrassing but someone would have to come along at some point )

( paralysis indoors )

( maybe you didn't get there in time, or perhaps it's another day and the boots had somehow become disengaged. either way vanessa was floating, and not particularly enjoying the sensation of it. it felt unnatural and strange and even though she didn't particularly have anywhere to go it would be nice to feel as if she could go somewhere.

or to feel at all.

it comes suddenly. she'd been trying to move her arm, to try and turn herself but found that no matter how hard she tried it wouldn't move. vanessa tried again with her legs, trying to kick but they wouldn't move either. where the loss of gravity had simply felt strange this was absolutely concerning )

( take a walk on the wild side )

( vanessa's stood at the airlock, looking out of the small window there to see if she could see anything. she isn't suited up, simply curious. she had heard others mention going outside to see if they could find the problem. looking out of the window doesn't provide vanessa with any answers there but it does give her one concern )

It doesn't look particularly inviting.

( not knowing that there's specific apparatus to venture outside in would do that, though perhaps even if she had known about it she wouldn't find the prospect of going out into space much more pleasant. it didn't seem anywhere she wanted to be that close to )

( paralysis indoors )

[resleeves]

[ it had taken far too long to get himself back on solid ground. the bar was a fucking mess and he was covered in spots and spills from various upended bottles of alcohol. ordinarily, he might consider this a sign of a good night but this had not been good at all.

he's stomping his way down the hall when he comes upon someone in the air who isnt moving. the lack of gravity seems to be keeping her in the air just fine but whoever she is, she's making no attempt to get herself down. ]

You planning on spending the rest of your life up there?

[ didn't seem too smart but what the hell did he know? ]

You're kind of blocking the hallway though. Someone's gonna end up shoving you aside into a wall if you're not careful.

[ if she was hearing his words, there wasn't much of an indication there. huh. it'd been a long time that someone ignored him that hard. he was almost impressed. ]

[possidetur]

( finally someone's there. as relieving it is was to no longer be alone, to perhaps have some assistance, the very fact that she was unable to communicate with him was problematic.

and dangerous. vanessa already couldn't move but breathing was starting to become difficult.

it's why, amidst the panic that is rising, the wonder if after everything that this is how she'll die, vanessa musters all the effort she can.

and it takes a lot of it. all that comes of it is one word, one strained word, but hopefully it's enough )

Help.

[resleeves]

[ oh goddammit. this wasn't a case of someone just taking up space because they could. whatever was going on, it wasn't voluntary and kovacs huffs. he can't just walk by and leave here especially after she'd uttered that one desperate sounding word.

he can't exactly tell what's wrong with her while she's up there so the first thing's gonna have to be to get her down. kovacs steps closer and reaches up, snagging a hand around her ankle and pulling her down towards him. ]

I'm helping, I'm helping.

[ poe would be so proud of him. that fucking ai loved people, whether he was putting them up in his hotel or killing them. this would have been a job for him.

Once she's close enough, he crouches to get her boots engaged and stuck to the floor before he steps in front of her, bending to catch her eyes. ]

What's wrong? You cracking up or some shit?

[possidetur]

( it's a good thing that he's still got a hold on her as vanessa can't keep herself upright, making her a shaky presence in his touch.

though somehow, as if that touch was all that was needed, it starts to come back to her. her breathing feels easier again, and the small, subtle movements begin to return. as he crouches her eyes move to look at him, her entire being starting to feel a little steadier in his hands )

Thank you.

( her words are quiet, voice low )

I was unable to move.

( and she doesn't need to add that she doesn't know how it happened )

[resleeves]

Well, that's fucked.

[ doesn't sound like it was her choice to be like that either. he keeps a hold of her shoulders to make sure she doesn't end up collapsing into a puddle at his feet. she won't float away, that's one good thing, but she does not look steady at all. ]

That ever happen to you before?

[ he doubts it. probably had something to do with the fucking gravity going out but he wasn't a doctor. maybe she had some weird space disease that he didn't know about. ]

Or was that a brand new experience for both you and me?

gravity.

[oddbod]

Oh! [Clara shuffles over in her (luckily engaged) magboots, and reaches up as if to grab Vanessa's dangling foot.] Hang on, I've got you.

[... Okay, no, hold on. Surely if she stands on her toes- ] Can you lower your leg, or something?

[Clara is Very Short.]

[possidetur]

( it sounds a strange request if the context of the situation were missing, though vanessa's grateful for the assistance, lowering her leg. surely enough she feels the grasp of clara's hand on her leg, pulling her down )

I'm relieved you came when you did.

[oddbod]

Well, [ she starts, gripping onto Vanessa's ankle, ] a lot of people seem to be needing a hand today. Figured I'd just wander around and look for them.

[Clara tugs gently until she can reach Vanessa's second leg, and it becomes a lot easier. In moments, she has the woman back down in reach of the floor.]

[possidetur]

Thank you.

( she hears the click of the boots as clara gets her down, and there's a small frown at it before she looks back at clara )

Though I find it strange that we were suddenly floating.

( or that she was, anyway )

[oddbod]

We would be all the time if it weren't for the ship's gravity system. Something must have interfered with it.

[She reaches down to her jumpsuit, and tugs a loose thread free of one seam. Letting it go, she watches as it floats right up towards the ceiling.]

w-w-w-wildcard

[reposing]

[While sorting through the mess hall -- since everything is floating that isn't bolted to the floor -- Alucard had come across some particularly useful things. Actual medical supplies.

It wasn't much, but it was thrilling to know he'd have something beyond what they currently do.

Among the findings, to his surprise, are also tarot cards. He hasn't seen any in awhile, much less cards like this.

Alucard holds The Moon in his fingers, idly twirling it thoughtfully.]

[possidetur]

( waking up and finding the box on her desk gave vanessa a pause for thought. it could be nothing, though vanessa didn't believe it. finding it empty meant that simply the box could have been brought here, though someone would have had to take the effort to empty it first. vanessa never left it empty.

though the cards themselves were not anything concerning, not if someone found them before she did, they held a special meaning for her. they felt an extension of her power, a use she'd given to it, but also they were from one of the few people that vanessa had cared dearly for. if only for that reason did she wish to see them safely back in her possession.

sadly she doesn't know where to begin, leaving her to search the entirety of the station. again. it had been only days since she'd traipsed it in search of a library, something that still eluded her. hopefully, the cards wouldn't do the same.

after most of the day spent searching vanessa is all but ready to give up, at least for today, thoughts wondering again whether it had simply been the box that had arrived, or if someone else had found and claimed them. walking into the mess hall changes that thought. she's almost relieved and cautious all at the same time. they were here, and someone had found them.

she steps closer before speaking anything, the sight of the card in his hand making her pause, remembering one thing it meant to her )

Where did you find them?

( her voice is low, gaze on the card rather than him )

[reposing]

[The voice is of no surprise, not when he'd heard the familiar sound of magnetic boots snapping into place against the floor. For Alucard's part, he does not use them, calmly floating and in control of his personal space.

Flying for him is nothing new. The lack of gravity only makes it easier.

He turns, not recognizing the woman. Instead, he offers one of the cards to her.]

Here, among other belongings.

I've no need for readings, but if they are yours, then I will help you gather the rest. I only need the medical supplies here.

[possidetur]

( vanessa takes the card from him, thumb running absentmindedly over the image of the wolf for a few seconds, her focus on the card before she looks back to the man. he wasn't interested in trying to claim them, which relieved her. to lose a possession that she dearly treasured-- )

Thank you. My name is Vanessa Ives.

( if he was helping her they may at least be introduced )

[reposing]

Well met, my lady. [Politely, he bows his head.]

Call me Alucard. If you would like, I can help you gather the rest.

gravity loss

[onlydoubts]

[ Having managed to get down and get his boots engaged, Bodhi is not floating - though the sensation that everything else seems to be, and that he should be is... jarring. Either way, he keeps his head down as he walks down said hall, occasionally trying to pull something down if he could reach it - and oh. Didn't seem to help if it just floated back up when he let go.

Sigh.

The woman's voice is cause for concern and he rounds the corner as quickly as the boots allow him to go. Bodhi reaches out towards the woman - recognizing her from an earlier meeting. ]

Hey, hang on. Um, can you grab my hand?

[possidetur]

( she's relieved first by the assistance and then by the familiar face. vanessa reaches down to him, at first not quite meeting his hand. she doesn't pull away, almost urging herself to inch closer until she feels his hand on hers )

I'm relieved to see you again.

[onlydoubts]

Nice to see you, too. [ Looks like he picked the right time to walk down this hall. Bodhi stretches to meet hers, and once he has it, gently begins to pull Vanessa back down to the floor and back onto her feet. ]

You alright, there?

[possidetur]

( there's a small nod, a confirmation when bodhi brings her down, though vanessa finds that she still can't seem to keep her feet on the ground )

How are you not floating?

( help her, bodhi wan, you're her only hope )

[onlydoubts]

It's the boots. They're magnetized for this reason. See? [ He gestures down to his, lifting his foot up briefly and demonstrates - ] Lean back on your heels when you take a step, it should engage them.

the wild side;

[wingstosee]

[ venus makes her way to the window slowly, not wanting to cause any alarm. she doesn't really recognize the other woman, after all - and she's well aware of what her appearance says to anyone unfamiliar with her! but she does want to meet her, at the very least. so she says, softly, in her high tenor- ]

It really doesn't, huh? [ she gives a small giggle. ] Honestly, I don't think we were ever really meant to go all the way out here. But... I guess that didn't stop us.

[possidetur]

No, it didn't-- ( there's a momentary pause as vanessa catches the reflection of the girl in the window. wings, eyes. it doesn't seem right, and perhaps she's been staring out for too long.

though when vanessa turns she sees that those windows are still there. she can't help but stare for a moment, caught by the sight of them. she'll be thoroughly embarrassed in a moment )

[wingstosee]

[ venus waits for vanessa to finish, but only for a moment. it's easy to see that she's faltered, after all - she has dozens of eyes to pick up on it. she stifles a soft laugh behind her hand. ]

Don't worry! I don't bite, haha. [ she brings the wings back behind her, both creating more space and letting vanessa get a better look. ] And... you can look if you want to. I don't mind.

[possidetur]

( when vanessa's attention finally returns to venus's face there's a small smile, embarrassed. though vanessa does look at the wings it's only briefly before she answers venus's question )

I had never considered that coming to space was ever possible. No one has before.