Introduction for Declan, Corvin and Al-Jabbir

Nov 25, 2023 4:09 am
The space sport is decorated nicely for a special send off. While in the past, it is plain and boring, now recently renovations are underway to make it similar to an airport. The rate of space travel is gradually increasing faster, and posters advertising space tourism now is bold enough to show off a 90% discount.

The decorations is not for nothing though, as a red carpet was placed on the hallway leading towards the take off pad, where a humble passenger ship is waiting. A crowd of photographers and fans flank the sides, while a few security guards stand watch. As the passengers are suited up in their Vac Suits in the changing room, they make their way on the red carpet. Some are new staff, who may find this set up silly or impressed that their egos are boosted from the incredibly rare attention. But all know the reason for this gathering: the first movie star is going to space to train for their upcoming film. A couple of questions are thrown at the group, but mostly directed to the star of the attention. Like whether he would be safe being alone in space, or hints of what the new space film will be like. The other passengers are also asked how they feel about riding in the same vessel as Abdullah Al-Jabbir.

As the star looks to the crowd, he can see his manager looking nervous. However, a thumbs up from him shows that he still happy with the deal his studio have made with the government's space programme. This is also as a final assuring gesture that it is believed that Al-Jabbir can handle himself.

As for Corvin, he will be aware of the jealous eyes of the other journalists in the crowd on him. Being the chosen single journalist sent to space can bring that attention.
Very soon, the passengers find themselves entering the entry door to the ship. One by one they climb in, their bulky suits making them take slow, careful steps over gaps and ledges. When the passengers are all in, the door is closed, and the people take their seats as directed by the pilots and crew. As the countdown is initiated, everyone held their breathes in anticipation before the powerful jets of the engines fire away, launching the spacecraft into the heavens and into the void of space. At the signal by the pilots, the artifical gravity is turned on at a comfortable degree, and the passengers are now free to remove their seatbelts to explore the ship and talk amongst themselves...
OOC:
You can RP your interactions. Let me know when you're ready to progress.
Nov 25, 2023 4:17 am
You will be aware that there is 2 pilots, 3 assisting crew, 3 other new colony staff, and you 3.

The ship has the Cockpit, the Seating Cabin, the Mini Pantry, a Washroom, Cryo Sleep Capsules, then the Engine Room at the back.
Nov 25, 2023 1:01 pm
A middle age man relaxes his grip on his chair's arm rest and opens his eyes. They fix on the artificial gravity sign. The man, Delcan, let's out a sigh.

He unbuckles himself and stands, stretching his long frame. A strand of his grey streaked shoulder length hair falls in front of his face.

Brushing it away he looks at the other passengers.
"Some launch, huh? Nice of them to roll out the red carpet for us and all.", he says.
OOC:
Hi all! GP isn't allowing me to change the posting person to the character's name this forum. So, I'll do that later when I'm on a proper computer.
Last edited November 25, 2023 1:09 pm
Nov 25, 2023 1:21 pm
Corvin hadn't shown the slightest concern for the other journalists though he could feel the jealous, to the point of murderous intent radiating from them. He had, taken a position at the right hand of Al-Jabbir. He had taken a step below his "subject" yet even still dwarfed him. Al-Jabbir may have the limelight but Corvin still wore his boxing medal, gold for the American Resource Conglomerate, in the XXX4 Olympics.

If time wore men down, Corvin was the exception that proved the rule. Cords of muscle wrapped the journalist, it was almost cartoonish. Corvin could not have looked less like a journalist, and easily fit the role of a high profile killer for hire, or perhaps an enforcer for an extremely well connected organized crime syndicate. While not enormous in stature, only 1.85m in height, a defect in his ribs had given him an oversized torso for his frame, it was offset by 40cm far too wide and thick for his frame. His thighs and calves, emphasized by the skintight nomax and kevlar jumpsuit showed he never skipped leg day.

His vaccsuit was tied around his waist, the arms and gloves tied off to support the rest of the suit. A natural to extra vehicular activity he sported an industrial grade hardened harness, which boasted an integrated winch, as well as a well outfitted tool belt. There was the outline of an impact driver, missing from his belt. Most people went into space with a weapon - this "journalist" made it clear with his posture that he was lethal - guns or blades would only slow him.

Next to the superstar, it was impossible not to steal some attention. It was as if Atlas was standing in the shadow of Adonis, and somehow eclipsing him. Declan's own handsome Aquilonian features in sharpest contrast as he was certainly the better looking even compared to Abdullah. Even more emphasized by Corvin's face - which was stoney and very difficult to look at. Bearing no hard lines, but obvious scarring that showed he was accustomed to being punched in the face. Most uncharacteristically he had an enormous mouth, and equally gratuitous lips - full like Declan's larger in fact - but somehow overemphasized to the point of being somewhat disturbing. It gave him a hungry, threatening expression as his resting face, one that was only made more fierce by his enraptured mania at his posting.
Last edited November 25, 2023 10:09 pm
Nov 26, 2023 7:57 pm
Everyone loved seeing Abi everywhere he went. He couldn’t blame them of course. He was gloriously handsome, a superb actor who freely recognized his own genius but was humble enough to always be ready with a smile for any of the little people who asked for pictures or autographs.

This trip was going to be a crowning achievement for him—the most dedicated and extreme example of method acting anyone had ever undertaken. So committed in fact that Abi did not even know when he would be coming back to shoot the movie. Whenever he felt he had inhabited the role enough. Lived it. Become it. It was the most excited he had been for a role in some time.

The only regret he had in taking this trip so far was that his PR team had chosen Lurch from the Adam’s Family to be his tag-along journalist. Someone had to be there, of course, to chronicle all of his impressive exploits, to snap photos while he struck valiant poses and such. But why couldn’t it have been a pretty blonde girl? Everyone liked to stand next Abi and soak up his fame, to bask in his sun. He didn’t mind so much—he was generous after all. But it was nice when he got a little something in return.

Unbuckling from his seat he laughed amiably at Declan’s comment. Don’t get too used to it my friend. That should be the last time anyone treats me as a celebrity until I come back in dirty, proletarian glory to shoot our film!

Say, how about a quick snap shot here Mr Journalist?
he asked, already striking a pose by the port window. Something to let the folks back home know I’m safe and ready to conquer the stars!
Nov 26, 2023 10:41 pm
"Give me a bit of your left cheek, its your best side." Acting must have been infectious, as it seemed he was to play photographer for the rich and the famous.

Hopping from the platform Corvin retrieved his tablet and opened the camera app. He allowed the phone to wory about light balance and took a picture of the larger than life celebutant. "Right, now wave like space is nothing you haven't conquered. Don't think about how a hole in the hull will turn us all inside out. Back to left. Good!" Putting the tablet in boom shot Corvin knelt as the "shutter" clicked away sixty shots per second. "Its okay to be terrified, we are embarking on an intrepid adventure to the unknown." Playing director to someone else's life was more fun than he thought it would be. After advocating how truly real the stakes were Corvin stood to get Abi's profile. "They say without adequate protection the light of a star will cook you faster than space will suffocate you. Better make sure to double check your seals." It was his nature to milk the power to expose, and Corvin's documentary was about the primal element. Now he awaited the perfect shot, capturing the microexpressions of Abi's face as he registered what was told. Cracks in the mask, the real psyche of the actor - what lay buried beneath stage makeup and a well practiced facade.
Nov 26, 2023 11:03 pm
Declan nods at Abi's comment and then raises an eyebrow as he sees the celebrity start posing for pictures.

The sound of camera clicks brings him back to his red carpet days. He was no real celebrity, not exactly, but he was the son of powerful public figures. Smiling whistlefully, he remembers taunting the paparazzi as he jumped from club to club drunk on money, high on life.

"Those days are long gone.", he thinks and sighs.

As Corvin cracks wise, Declan can't help but smile. "Big guy got a bite.", he thinks.

"Not sure if it will cook you faster than the void will implode you, BUT I don't think that's an experiment that you want to run. I saw your last film. Pretty good.", he says to Abi.
Nov 27, 2023 4:45 am
"Wow, that was Artfully stated Declan."

Corvin immediately pivoted, with such fine control it was like he was using a gimble. He caught Declan candid and took the shot as his comment, and the shock of being caught in that cluster of squid eyes the digital camera used for its viewport caught him in 8k. Smooth and as swiftly as he had before he continued to adjust his field of view, updating the zoom as he closed to a full profile of the action star. Now on equal footing he switched his lens settings to portrait view and held the camera's viewport on level with Abi's throat, taking as many clear shots of Abi as he could in the few seconds he closed the distance.
Last edited November 27, 2023 4:45 am
Nov 29, 2023 1:03 pm
Declan involuntarily reacts to the cameras invasive gaze and squints his eyes.

"Thanks", he mutters as the journalist turns continuing his elaborate dance between subject and camera. The big man moves with the easy grace of a boxer looking for his next opening.

"Wait, do I know you? Everyone knows the great Abdullah Al-Jabbir, but you also look familiar. It's Declan by the way.", he says to the journalist.
Last edited November 29, 2023 1:07 pm
Nov 29, 2023 8:57 pm
There was a dry chuckle from Corvin as he continued his B-Roll. "Well, I'm one of the strongest men in the galaxy, Corvin Dalles former American Resource Conglomerate." He said, but with such sardonic dryness it was as of he was well aware no one else cared. "Took a gold medal for ARC, back when ARC still existed. Otherwise you may have seen my in theater expose 'TerrorIsMe', lotta people watched that. Nominated for a Pulitzer, lost to a fuckin' beauty pageant, but that's life." There was some bitterness there, but mostly determined acceptance, segueing to immediate deflection - Corvin didn't like being the one answering questions but was trying not to hide anything.

"Can't say I know you though. Got that rich kid "slummer" bearing though. Going into the blackest ocean... Must've fucked up pretty good, huh?"
Last edited November 29, 2023 9:03 pm
Nov 29, 2023 10:41 pm
Abi pretended to ignore Corbin’s (admittedly excellent) camera work for the moment. Perhaps he had judged the journalists merits too swiftly. Besides, there were sure to be plenty of women out amongst the stars waiting to be wooed by him, he could afford not to have one attached to his hip.

I’m glad you enjoyed it Declan! When my next one comes out I’ll invite you both to the premier. If we don’t get boiled alive by radiation first…
So, what’s first on the agenda? Anyone know? I need to find a proper pair of space dungarees or something when we land. Dock? Yeah, dock sounds more space-y. Gotta get into character as soon as I can. Get into some real macho cowboy stuff you know? Maybe find a drill or something…
Abi trailed off as he thought about the list of things he would need to acquire. Damned inconvenient to not have a prop manager for this sort of thing.
Nov 30, 2023 12:24 am
"I'd recommend something you can wear under your fightsuit and wash with a toothbrush." This was offered as warmly as the sardonic Corvin could manage. "Cotton ain't it."

Using the rule of 3, Corvin took some pictures of the crowd in focus, then Abi in focus, from over Abi's shoulder. "Alright slick, gonna cheat this shot together. Show the crowd you love them and let's board. I'm starving!"
Nov 30, 2023 12:38 pm
"Something like that, my parent's bouncing baby boy grew up to not live up to their expectations." Declan says with a tired smile.

"I'm sure they'll get you set you up once we land.", he says to Abi then turns muttering, "Right now I just want to freshen up and get into my capsule. Sooner we get to Mersk, the sooner I make money."

"Excuse me, could you point me toward my cryopod?", he says to a passing attendant.
Last edited November 30, 2023 12:39 pm
Dec 4, 2023 8:33 am
OOC:
Btw, the ARC would not be a thing, as "America" itself would become at best a near-forgotten myth. And also, the lore for my setting is that while yes, humanity was galaxy-spanning, but that was millennia ago, as a war with aliens has forced the people of Darst to become isolated and regress technologically. What happened with the rest of humanity is still a mystery.

We could still discuss what is an appropriate backstory for Corvin, no need to rush to retcon.
The attendant is a young man, one who looks more trained as a technician than in hospitality. His name tag shows "Nelson, Onflight Crew Support".
"Ah yes, right this way."He says nervously, avoiding eye contact with the camera.

He showed the way to the small chamber lined with the cryopods. They are coffin-like capsules with buttons and lights around it. He pulled out an instructional manual from a cabinet before turning to his listeners.
"Don't worry about the cryopod. It is perfectly safe, in most cases. But eh, nevermind about that probability of something going wrong. Any issues that come up, the system will know how to preserve living conditions with high probability... Let's just move on with the usage and not worry about the risks, which are extremely minimal.

If you want only to have a standard sleep, you just have to strap yourself into the pod with the internal harnesses.
If you want to get into cryosleep, please key in the length of time you desire to be put in suspension for. If you are suspended for too long, the crew will release you upon arrival. If you wake up too early, and if you find all the crew to be in cryosleep, please follow the manual to perform the safe release procedure.

As for how suspension works, you will wear your air supply mask, strap yourself in, and the door will automatically close. From there, you will be sedated and a special freezing liquid will enter the pod. Your body won't be frozen solid, more like slowed into a non-lethal stop. If something goes wrong, you could press the emergency button, and the system will proceed to ping the crew. Um, any questions?
Dec 4, 2023 11:33 am
"No, I think I got it. Ah, well maybe, yeah. How long till Mersck?, Declan says running his hands over the cryopod. "I want to be in that thing as little as possible.", he thinks.
Dec 8, 2023 4:06 am
"Well, based on calculated trajectories by HQ, it would be about 6 weeks. Our Accelerator engines won't need to be used, so we could reduce costs by taking our time this way."

Rolls

travel estimate - (1d4+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Dec 9, 2023 4:19 am
Corvin just chuckled shaking his head. "Six weeks. Great just don't let it get frostbite on my jock. Guess I'll skip eating then - that's a long time to be under and I'd rather not taste what double freeze dried rations are like." Bold as ever he was skillfully recording - everything. A slow pan to those gathered in the cryobay, capturing the emotions of the bad news. "Don't worry guys, there are worst ways than going to sleep and never waking."

"How about we say something in case this is the last moments of our lives. I'll start."

Taking a beat he turned the camera on himself and looked it dead center. "Amos, if you hear this - I banged your mom and she loved it." There was a playfulness in the cruelty of his grin - he must have been addressing a close friend. "Who's next?" Another slow pan to Abi, who Corvin was certain had something to say.
Dec 9, 2023 3:57 pm
Abi quickly turned his blanched, slightly worried expression into one of self-assurance and calm as Corvin panned the camera to him once more.

I’m doing my part! he said, certainly not commandeering lines from old scripts, And so can you! The stars are waiting for mankind to conquer them. With brave men and women like you, we can make that dream a reality! Just look at me, I’m living proof!

Abi gave a wide grin and a thumbs up, flashing his perfectly white teeth at the camera before moving into his cryopod. See you in six weeks!

When he thought Corvin had finished he poked his head back out of the pod. This isn’t…you don’t think this will really, you know, freeze it off do you? he said worriedly.
Dec 10, 2023 12:42 pm
"Don't worry stuff like that only happens like a third of the time. and if something does fall off, I'm sure you can find someone to reattach whatever has.", Declan chimes in as he enters his own pod, clearly joking.
Just before he lays down he says, "Give the camera a rest."
Dec 13, 2023 9:40 am
Everyone easily get themselves ready for cryosleep. The procedures is carried forth. Everyone climbed in, get strapped in place, before the sleepy drugs knock them out slowly. They won't get to feel anything as their body processes gets slowed to a stop...

And soon, dreams start to come upon them. Random imaginations from being put in a coma, or perhaps a vision of the future...
OOC:
I'll assume you all continue. You can react before the scenes progress if you like. I'll later use AI to generate secret images for each of you.
Dec 13, 2023 11:55 am
Declan breath slows.
"Next stop, Merck.", he thinks as the world fades away.
OOC:
I'm going to continue. Looking forward to the secret image!
Last edited December 13, 2023 4:32 pm
Dec 13, 2023 10:50 pm
Turning off the tablet, and stowing his gear. The ritual for space travel complete. Corvin climbs into his stasispod and relaxes, slowly exhaling as he stretched out and closes his eyes. "See ya on the other side boys."
Dec 13, 2023 11:52 pm
Looking side to side to make sure no one was looking, Abi covered his nether regions with his hands. Just in case. Darkness descended…
Dec 17, 2023 9:20 am
RoAries sent a note to RoAries
RoAries sent a note to microtheMacroBear
RoAries sent a note to Jomsviking
RoAries sent a note to Honor_Over_All
OOC:
Sorry about the bad picture links. I'll figure it out soon.
Edit: Got it as links to imgur. You may share your interpretation, or keep it secret.

Rolls

First roll - (3d3, 3d3)

3d3 : (132) = 6

3d3 : (333) = 9

First roll(correctly) - (1d3, 1d3)

1d3 : (1) = 1

1d3 : (1) = 1

Corvin? - (1d2)

(2) = 2

Dec 17, 2023 12:02 pm
As light return to your eyes, you feel a cool liquid dripping off you. The crew have checked your vitals, and they are clearly healthy for you to leave the capsules. It takes a few moments, but you found your footing with the artificial gravity after pulling yourselves free from the pods.

Outside the small windows, you can see the grey planet of Mersk approaching. Soon, the ship descends gracefully into its cloudy atmosphere, and the destination of the colony complex comes quickly into view. The docking bay opens up, ready for the new arrival...
Dec 17, 2023 12:14 pm
"Cryosleep dreams can be crazy, huh? You would have loved mine, Corvin. Some sort of party I think? At any rate, it felt like one of those old surrealist movies.", Declan says as he stands on the edge of the docking bay door. He takes the step through and looks around.
Last edited December 17, 2023 11:42 pm
Dec 18, 2023 5:42 am
As the doors of the ship opens up, the passengers can see the expected buzz of activity by the technicians and dock workers. As everyone steps off the small set of wheelable stairs, they will see an elderly man in a business suit waiting for them. Two men in security uniform is standing besides him.

"Welcome travellers, to our wonderful Colony Gamma! I am the Head Communications Officer, Jurgen Muller. It is a pleasure to introduce our first celebrity to our home away from home. While we had a rock star recently come by, I don't believe noisy music would be as effective to display the beautiful advances we are making, ah ha ha!"

Meanwhile, a young man in office wear nervously walks up to Jurgen.
"Excuse me, Muller sir, but I need to bring these people to meet your assistant. As was arranged-"

Jurgen cuts him off.
"What does that woman know of treating important guests? I bet she will make our movie star run around doing pointless chores for her. Hardly meaningful to someone as talented as-"

The man cuts his superior off this time.
"I really don't enjoy working for her, but she did manage to stop the crisis of our colony. It is she that found something was wrong and got the new comers to risk their lives to stop local gangs from causing more harm and distress with our work."

"Sigh... at least let me accompany them for a while before they enter into our dear heroine's den of trouble. Would you mind if I accompany your journey, Abdullah Al-Jabir sir?"
Dec 18, 2023 6:23 am
Earlier:

Corvin was in deep contemplation of his dreams in cryosleep. "I had a dream about something I only ever experienced on huge doses of psychedelics. Something about ascenscion. I dunno it was my birthday in the dream. Something about it seemed more real than reality." Shaking his head he tried not to look at the tablet that he had set to wide shot recording the three in the cryorecovery area. "I remember a golden circle, like the ones you see in old occult films. Had some glyphs in it. I couldn't move from it." The color drained from his face. "It felt like ego death. But, there was some entity there. It wasn't me. Like a spirit quest or something."

Presently:

Corvin continued dutifully recording everything focusing on the emotional tension between Muller and his subordinate. He wondered at the number of Nordic people he had encountered. He had always been a minority wherever he roamed. Something seemed so fitting that his kin had spread through the stars. He couldn't help but smirk, maybe the Voluspa was still relevant after all these thousands of years since it had been prophesied.

He pulled back the frame and slowly stepped back squatting to get a powerful angle that included Declan, Abi, Jurgen, and The Unnamed Junior. Centering the shot on Abi who currently held the power at the negotiation. Making sure to capture the beautified port of colony Gamma in the wide angle, before configuring to a narrow focused frame. The AI on his tablets software adjusting its lenses automatically to read the facial expressions of the group.
Last edited December 18, 2023 6:28 am
Dec 18, 2023 3:39 pm
"Interesting. Trouble in paradise, huh?", Declan thinks as he watches a flash of annoyance spread on Muller's face. To the man's credit, he recovered quickly.

Declan looks directly at one if Corvin's cameras and raises his eyebrows as Muller addresses Abi.
Last edited December 18, 2023 3:57 pm
Dec 19, 2023 7:51 pm
Boy, it sounds like that cryo-goo comes with built in magic mushroom dreams Abi laughed as they stepped off the ship and into the hustle and bustle of the colony port. Abi had dreamed his own strange dream of a girl, almost an animate doll, asking him not to reveal the secret of her existence. It was just a dream, yet somehow he did not want to break the little things trust and speak about her existence out loud.

As they were met by the Communications Officer, Abi listened to the arguing while trying to hide the bemused expression stealing over his face. When they were finished he broke in. That’s very kind of you Jurgen, but those sorts of odd jobs are exactly what I’m here for. I want to get the feel of life here, he gestured broadly, really blend in with the community. I know it’s impossible to stay unrecognized even all the way out here, but I works appreciate it if from now on you would just treat me like anyone else.
Dec 27, 2023 7:21 am
Queue Ambient Backdrop

Corvin used his press credentials to give limited access to the local CCTV. He showed it all in realtime, allowing Abi's voice over to carry over the shot, before returning to a close up of him requested to being treated like everyone else. Then, he slowly zoomed back, and panned to closeup on Jurgen. Holding his breath as to not let the vibrations of his respiration cause interference with the delicate shot.
Dec 28, 2023 3:40 pm
Declan looks forward and tries to ignore Corvin, who seems to be doing something important. Well, suddenly went still, so Declan assumes it's important.

He faintly hears music start to swell from Corvin's general person and thinks, "Wait, is he playing classical?".

He listens to Abi's reply then says with a beeming smile, "You think we can walk and talk? Not trying to be rude, but the sooner we have our meeting, the sooner we can eat."
Last edited December 28, 2023 3:43 pm
Jan 4, 2024 8:13 am
OOC:
Alright, enough putting off and delaying more. Time to go!
Jurgen shakes his head in disappointment.
"Sigh, while I do admire your infamous confidence, I do hope you would reconsider what you are about to get into, Mister Al-Jabir. If ever you need emergency help, know that you can rely on me and my subordinates. It would be unfortunate if an accident were to scar your perfect face. But I better not slow you down any more, you got a lunch to go."

The Junior speaks again, offering to shake hands with not only the movie star, but also the other new accompanying arrivals.
"Good to meet all of you, the name is Theo, an Administrator here. Now, normally I don't do greetings, but since Samantha is busy at the moment elsewhere, I have to be the one to bring you to her. Come, let's not waste any more time. You will know why this is so when you see her."

As he is turning around, Jurgen makes a gesture to one of his bodyguards. That uniformed officer then pulls away to follow after the group.
"I will keep an eye on you too! My assistant can't be too trusted. Not accusing her of anything, but she does seem to be too successful at solving our problems!" The Head Communications Officer yells out with a smile that slowly drops away into a sour scowl once the group is out of sight, as caught by the cameras.
Jan 4, 2024 8:38 am
The group make their way through the corridors filled with bright tube ceiling lights, and filled with passing workers in various uniforms and casual wear. Most of them don't bother looking at the new people much, but a few seem to stop and stare as if recognising the movie actor.

Passing through a hub filled with plants and trees, the group will see that an indoor garden park is impressively maintained here. At this point, Theo turns around to glare at the bodyguard that is stalking behind the group, but that didn't deter the guard from ceasing, only leaving a little more distance.

In time, the path of connecting corridors and hubs lead into one that is a double-story hallway full of office rooms. Climbing up the stairs, the group stops at a door where Theo knocks on...
OOC:
You guys can now join in with the main thread.
Or post a reaction here before the next scene if you want.
Jan 4, 2024 10:24 am
"There is so much juicy potential."

Corvin had his tablet mounted on a gimbal, pressing his shoulder into the door. Held shoulder height in much the manner one would expect a marine might hold a pulse rifle. He had shouldered past Theo for his shot. He pulled the autofocus to facial recognition and switched the lense to tightbeam. Corvin took several steadying breaths. Mentally rehearsing his advance to the left hand sector of dominance. He would pan the room while he strafed. That would be the exciting shot that could pull awards.
Jan 4, 2024 4:40 pm
Declan stands behind Abi, watching Corvin out of his left eye. He puts his hands in his pockets and smiles. "Here we go!", he thinks.
OOC:
Do you want us to post in the intermission thread or are we waiting for a new thread to be made for the next scene?
Jan 5, 2024 8:36 am
OOC:
Yes, go ahead and post in the intermission thread.

You do not have permission to post in this thread.