⇨ POLARIS 2.0

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Days 110 - 114
Where: Polaris
What: After a mysterious explosion shakes the station, the staff of Polaris struggle to maintain order while the test subjects fight for freedom with the aid of hidden allies. Productivity info is here.
Warnings: More graphic experimentation.

THEORY & CONCLUSION↴ At the midnight between Day 109 and Day 110, something happens. For most people, it won't be clear what - yet, they are shaken by it just the same. Violent tremors appear out of nowhere, rattling the entirety of the Polar station, violent enough to throw sleeping test subjects off their bunks. The source is unclear, but there is a sudden flurry of activity from staff as power flickers and is lost in various parts of the facility. Subjects, for the most part, will be left to their cells while they try to sort things out. The next morning, the staff are late picking people up. It's more like 6:30AM than the usual 6AM when they arrive to take people to the farm, which is a bit of tardiness that is entirely without precedent. Any questions about the incident the previous night will be waved off with the explanation of 'technical difficulties' that have been 'resolved.' ► DELTA: The three new Deltas will be left in their cells for even longer, waiting to be picked up, instructed that they would be escorted elsewhere instead of to the farm. Around 6:45AM some unfamiliar technicians will arrive and tell them that they are here to begin their processing into Delta. They are led into a previously untouched section of the station, where they are invited into a somewhat more intimate medical room to be asked some cursory questions and given a check up. Then, their suits will be removed, and they will be provided with their new uniforms, which they can apply like normal clothes. Delta life begins there. There will be a top level for the initial parts of their processing to be played out. Ultimately, however, they will end up being given a tour of the new Delta facilities, which amounts to a waterfront area that borders the new apartments they'll be staying in, as well a small supply shop where they can pick up an allotted amount of 'amenities' per day, based on their level of productivity and other achievements. This includes luxury items like food, pleasant smelling soaps, or other hygiene related tools. There are even small things like decorations or pictures of other places available, though they are fairly expensive. The first day will mostly involve the processing, a tour, and some basic training regarding the new tools they will be using, such as the mandatory visors and basic computer access. The next day, observation shifts in the farm will start, as will participation in trials. ► FARMING: The Farm will continue as normal, though it seems like there are fewer staff observing it at the moment. The ones that are there seem a little bit more tense than usual. Power is still down in some places, but the Farm is thankfully still active. Sometimes the productivity turn-in scanners might be a bit glitchy, so try not to panic if it measures fewer points than you're due. ► TRIALS: Trials are continuing as projected, though with the most broad of experiments already under way, they may be more selective. If you have an idea for a trial you can be sure to share it with the staff, and they will take it under advisement! Any information you want to provide is encouraged, they will say, especially if it involves notable traits about you or your fellow test subjects - or perhaps behavioral patterns you've noticed. You might even be rewarded!

Comments

GONGENZAKA

[betheman]

DAY 112 | SEMI-CLOSED

[betheman]

Through the day after Gongenzaka's first dream with the Gilded Mark- not that he got that name from Yuuya in the end- Gongenzaka resolves to do exactly what he promised their unseen ally.

Sort out their 'pieces'. He's already regrouped with Yuuya- he's also spoken (awkwardly) to Syrlya, and hopefully has a better method of 'chatting' with the others on his mental list. He doesn't know if he'll have much more than 'speaking to others, get to you soon' when he does dream again tonight, mind- well, that and the explanations and questions regarding where they are, what their limits are, the fact that oh, by the way, we need all of our stuff...

On second thought, maybe he'll have Plenty to send across before he gets the other list going. Specifically the people he thinks should absolutely know an ally is coming, and be ready. Ready to spread word, ready to act...Ready for anything, really.

Only a few at a time right now- but it's an important few, and for each of them he'll focus on different parts of what's key.

First is Rita- unlike everyone else, he can't really directly approach her for this- though he does pass by and give a sideways glance before disappearing into work about tenish feet away. ...That will be all the warning she gets before there is a slight brush against her soul, like a greeting.

For the others he needs to speak to however, it's a little easier. When he's between tasks, he approaches them one by one. Lambert, Zangetsu, Steven- he approaches and with a low whisper speaks.

"...If I, the man Gongenzaka, could work alongside you for a moment...there is something we must...discuss." Depending on how comfortable with soul nonsense the other is- he's at least talked about his magic with Steven, and Zangetsu assuredly knows what he can do- the words come with a slight brush against the soul, Gongenzaka himself somewhat stiff with focus as he does so.

Fortunately, he looks stiff with stress most of the time, so that's really not too different to anyone passing by.

As it is. "...It is important."

lmk if this works!

[whattaprick]

"Suit yourself, but don't expect any help," Lambert answers, neutrally. He keeps at what he's doing, washing the grime off farm tools. There isn't anything immediately wrong visible with him, save for distinct, rivet-like protrusions along the neck, collarbone, and spine that the bodysuit molds to, and the altered shape of his tail. He's holding himself distinctly stiffly, breathing shallowly, but with a tight control that prevents him from betraying any pain--

The brush against his soul, though? That gets his attention, making his movements pause for a fraction of a second before he gets back to it. But his ears flick in Gongenzaka's direction.

[betheman]

Pain is hard to ignore- harder still when you are working to hide it yourself. His own pains are internal of course- but what few tells he catches have him consciously holding back any pity he would display.

Now is not the time.

Instead Gongenzaka huffs at those words, and the feeling of what is not quite annoyance but instead the sense of someone thinking 'well That's obvious' comes through the connection. "Considering our tasks are not the same, that should be easy. Now..." He sets to work on getting some equipment he might need, voicing a question in the same moment that a few images are broadcast to the other. "How much time do you feel you have here today?" He asks, the words accompanied by the image of a clock and a question mark. "We may not be able to speak for long."

Alongside that statement, there is a sort of hopeful, but questioning feeling- does he understand? Does he understand, how he intends to speak to him right now? If any confusion or questioning comes back from Lambert, Gongenzaka will briefly convey the image of them being watched by cameras and technicians, the sensation of being watched or even overheard floating with it.

It's all for the sake of security, Lambert.

[whattaprick]

"That's up to the technicians, not me," Lambert answers, shrugging, then adds curtly, "I'm not supposed to distract you from working. Don't get me in trouble."

As if he wasn't in trouble enough. But he presses back the image of him frantically juggling a set of farm tools and then dropping them on his foot while a (weirdly caricaturelike and tiny) image of Gon is yelling at him. He can't talk and do this shit at the same time -- running multiple lines of thought isn't his forte.

Is that how this works?

[betheman]

"Well then, we'll focus on what we're doing instead of talking, in that case," Gongenzaka huffs- and considering the reply back is a strangely more 'accurate' tiny Gon scowling, the answer is 'yes, that's how it works'.

As it is.

The feeling of hope and success comes through, and with it a shadowed figure marked with a golden arrow; the image 'expands' a bit, showing her outside a large circle containing Gongenzaka's face, Lambert's, and Ignatius'. (All of them equally simplified. You've started a trend Lambert!)

The idea carried along is that they've got help, from the outside. ...Sort of. He'll get to that.

Only pausing to let the images sink in, Gongenzaka soon lets it shift again; now the Arrow figure is shooting golden arrows, to two people at this point. Gongenzaka himself, and a tiny Yuuya. Paper seems to be attached to each arrow, and when the image shifts to the memory of a note it's pretty clear why.

'YOU ARE NOT ALONE'; the first note he ever got.

Gongenzaka won't speak- he doesn't even look to Lambert as he focuses on his own deal. However after that last note image, he does pass over a feeling of questioning- Is it making sense, so far?

[whattaprick]

Luckily for Lambert, operating a steady spray of water isn't all that mentally or physically taxing, so he can devote some attention to trying to parse out what is being sent over to him.

He inclines his head, slightly, and tries to send an affirmation .. but the note gives him an idea. He's got little idea if this will work as he intends, but he visualizes letters scrawled on parchment, pushes over the question to Gon in his mind along with a general sense of inquiry.

W H O ?

[betheman]

The answer is a Big Fat '?'

Though there is also a mild bit of shock that has Gongenzaka briefly flinch, when he first gets that 'parchment'. He. ....He didn't think of doing that.

That's a bit clunky for his liking though, so he'll stick to his own way. You do you Lambert! (There's a sense that Gongenzaka is Quite Impressed though)

The reply back however is two notes; first, a part of the one Gongenzaka sent when asking the same thing. 'WHY ARE YOU HERE' was what he'd said.

The answer was- 'IGNATIUS. ALSO, ALTRUISM'

Accompanied with Optimism, the next note kind of hammer's Gon's point. 'HELP US HELP YOU'. It doesn't super matter who it is specifically, the point is they got help!

On that point however-

He displays another important note.

[moonfang]

Zangetsu is feeling a lot more comfortable in his skin these days. Some of his powers have come back to him, and he's using that extra strength to his advantage. Cautiously. Can't afford to draw too much attention to himself. But he hadn't realized how tired he had been until he really wasn't any more. Which made the supernatural sleepiness even more disconcerting.

Either way, Zangetsu is in much better spirits than the last time they spoke at length. He's even humming a bit to himself tunelessly as he uses a sharp shovel-like implement to chop off some weird looking pineapples. Gon's soul brush gets a small but noticeable wave of the familiar darkness, all without Zangetsu missing a beat.

He pauses for a moment, then hands Gon the shovel before walking a short distance to get another.

"Dig up the plants after I harvest the pointless bullshit," he says, cheerfully (and loudly), "Then I can put in more seeds. Whatcha think... Pumpkins? I'm feelin' pumpkins. Walk with me."

He continues his work, but his ears are pointedly turned directly toward Gon, and his soul feels open -- receptive.

[betheman]

"If they are indeed pumpkins," Gongenzaka snorts, following all the same. The feeling of haste comes between them despite his actual pace- he will keep this brief. "Let us make certain to focus on our work, aah?"

The image of a leaf with the word 'shh' comes to mind. Easiest way to convey silence of the voice. Only soul chatter for this, got it?

[moonfang]

"If any of these things are what they say they are," he says with a slight laugh. But then, no more talking. Because he has to focus on...

... soul charades? Really?? That was what Gon had up his sleeves? He can't stifle his groan. Then again, without access to his sword form, he isn't sure he could enter the inner world at all. This will have to do, these vague inklings of concepts and ideas and images.

A leaf? Why a leaf? But the implication is clear enough. A finger, brushed against lips. Shhhh. Then, questioning. What is it you need to say?

[betheman]

Yes yes whatever. While they get started on their work, there will be a sense of exasperation and annoyance- Please, this is serious!

As it is.

He first conveys the idea of themselves- stuck in some...Box. Then, of something on the outside, a shrouded figure that carries the idea of warmth, and heat.

The figure fires golden arrows- they enter the box, landing near himself, and near Yuuya as well, with notes attached.

The image changes to the notes...or at least, to a vision of how Gongenzaka saw the notes in his dream.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

There is a sense of hope, and excitement, the feeling that something out there intends to offer aid. And then with a push of clarification, of the idea of why such a presence could exist-

IGNATIUS. ALTRUISM. Those were the reasons this unknown fae gave for contact.

[moonfang]

There's a flash of annoyance from Zangetsu. Why Gon -- why Yuuya? But he's having a hard time getting the visuals from Gon. He can tell there's more than just the emotions, but it's a bit like trying to make out images from the static snow on a television.

He stops, making a show of stretching and adjusting the shovel. In reality, he's closing his eyes and focusing on something unseen -- picturing the souls around him as ribbons.

He can see them, the reiraku ribbons of each of the carnival members on the farm, brilliant white and run through with streaks and hints of the colors of their souls. Gon's is the closest, and the most intense, and the easiest to grab.

And he does physically grab it. For a split second, a flash of white is visible in Zangetsu's fist, then it is gone. Gon will get the sensation of... well... what do they call it? "Someone walking over your grave"? It's eerie, but reassuring all at once.

He wraps the concept of the ribbon around his wrist and goes back to work in the physical plane. Ah, there. Like jiggling the rabbit ears on an old TV set, the reception is much much clearer.

A clock. The passage of time, the sun passing over the farm and darkness rising. A question. When.

[betheman]

Wow thanks buddy the shock nearly got him doubling over. Jerk.

Another note- 'NEED A TIME, A DAY'

Beyond that, yet another note on what they need. 'A PLAN', 'AN OBJECTIVE'. Their allies have their pieces ready, but they of the Carnival need to gather theirs into something cohesive.

To that end, Gongenzaka conveys the image of a war room of sorts- the very map he was sent, and the image of themselves and unknown others discussing a plan of attack.

They need a plan. Which means they need to spread word- the idea of letters and notes discretely passed hand to hand comes to mind- they need to gather themselves, as people who won't rush into danger.

A large 'X' over Strange comes to mind. Sorry, but he's just. A good example of what Not To Do.

The emphasis of how few chances they have is there- they have one shot.

They need to make it a good one. So....

Questioning. Imploring, even.

Any ideas? What's Zangetsu got?

[starseedling]

"Oh, okay," Steven says, going along with him. He doesn't question it for a minute. He already knows mysterious shit is happening, and anything more he can learn about it is a bonus.

"What's up?" he asks, as a moment later, mostly just to fill space. It's less suspicious than saying they are going to talk and then saying nothing at all, right? Provided Gongenzaka is going to try using magic.

[betheman]

Excellent- they just need to find a good, monotonous task that doesn't require much thought, and they can settle in. "Auuh...it has simply been a bit tense, I am finding," Gongenzaka coughs, looking for something to do. Let's seeeeee...

Aha, weeding. He gestures toward a nearby field, and starts to slowly make his way over with the other. "So I am checking in with those I know." That's what Gongenzaka says. What it comes with however is a sense of importance, and trust. A small image of himself holding a finger to his mouth in a 'shh' motion- followed by some tin-can telephones.

The feeling of questioning- does what he's 'projecting' make sense?

[starseedling]

Steven is used to doing sort of psychic stuff, so it feels fairly intuitive. Still, he tries to think extra hard when he imagines a little picture of himself nodding and giving a thumbs up.

Meanwhile, he gets busy on pulling some weeds. At least the suit means his hands don't get cut up from doing this.

"Um... yeah, that's good," he says, obviously distracted by the soul chatter part. "I'm okay I guess. How about you?"

[betheman]

"As well as I, the man Gongenzaka, can be considering circumstance. I feel as though perhaps I may have something of an advantage... ...enough to avoid the 'trials' of this place, certainly," he mutters, pulling a few out carefully. For Gongenzaka, distraction via soul chatter means somewhat blank, honest speaking- the sort that trails off in parts with a daze.

In his mind he focuses first on the idea of hope, and escape. Of an unknown source of help 'outside' of where they are. His best attempt at it is the image of themselves, inside some sort of box- a shrouded figure on the outside, waving a golden arrow.

"I, the man Gongenzaka, am remaining optimistic, at least..." More 'on the nose', he displays an image of the first two notes he ever received- complete with the memory of his Dream Thumbs holding each one.

'YOU ARE NOT ALONE'

...

('IN A GOOD WAY')

[starseedling]

Exclamation mark! A sign of recognition. Steven will indicate familiarity with that concept, while imagining an image to Amethyst speaking to him.

He knows what Gon is talking about. In fact...

Steven will imagine the shape of the sigil mark from Gild, and a picture of him and Amethyst holding hands. He's got one of those!

[betheman]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

It's a shame this doesn't come with sound.

While he manages to keep his excitement to twitching ears externally, there's a lot of eager excitement internally. For a moment the flow of questioning sensations is entirely indecipherable- he didn't expect this! He thought only Yuuya was dreaming of this with him! (Yuuya's face is certainly prominent in the string of messy thoughts as a result)

He manages to calm himself however, and after a sigh, the communications resume- with the image of Steven sleeping, and golden arrows appearing in a cartoonish 'dream cloud' above his head. A questioning feeling presses over it; has Steven received notes from the fae yet? Or did he only just today take the mark?

[anti_nonsense]

Since returning from her initiation into Delta, Rita has had a few shifts observing the Farm. During these periods, she behaves much like the Technicians do, standing stoically to the side, approaching no one, and at times, seemingly occupied with whatever she's looking at through her visor.

It's unclear if Rita catches Gongenzaka's glance, as her own eyes remain hidden, and her hands, motioning as if utilizing a display only she can see, don't stop.

That is, until she feels something peculiar afterward, which does give her pause. At first, she wonders if it's just her imagination, but there's a faint glimmer of hope. Something touching her soul... Like Ignatius. Even as she resumes her observing, showing no outward reaction, she tries focusing, listening, to the source of this connection.

[betheman]

Just for precautionary purposes, the idea of secrecy is pressed over the line. A sort of...Caricatureized version of Gongenzaka's face makes a shushing motion, the image carried alongside that feeling. Hello hello- it's Gongenzaka!

The idea of importance, and hope- the image of two people 'speaking', but not with their mouths. It's followed by a feeling of questioning- does she understand? He needs to tell her something.

[anti_nonsense]

Gongenzaka... So that's what that look was about. Yuya mentioned he had some kind of soul-conversations with this guy before. Looks like he's acquired enough power to start doing it again.

Rita's only similar experience was with Ignatius... but maybe she can try approaching this the same way. While mentally focusing on Gongenzaka, she tries to push a distinct sentiment in his direction: affirmation. She understands.

[betheman]

Excellent! Alongside a feeling of elation comes a thumbs up, before he gets right to the point.

He sends a sort of...donut shape, various tiny figures (including himself, Yuuya, Ignatius, Rita, and notably a random technician) held within. Outside however, is a shrouded figure that he tries to convey a sensation of warmth and kindness. A...summery feeling one could say.

The figure waves, and shoots a pair of Golden Arrows: one hits himself, another hits Yuuya, both seemingly asleep... and yet both caricatures immediately appear to be reading notes once struck.

Before sending the questioning sensation of 'understand?' along, the entire thing is replaced with the clear image of someone's hand written note: 'YOU ARE NOT ALONE'

Understand? A feeling of elation soars, and with it hope. Understand? There is an ally, out there!

[anti_nonsense]

An ally, reaching out to them as they sleep...? So that's Yuya's secret.

Rita can hardly believe it. She didn't think anyone would come for them. But then... if that summery feeling is any indication, it probably isn't them they're looking to help, necessarily.

After processing that revelation and allowing her surprise to subside, Rita tries pushing forth an image of her own. A woman, with long hair and a golden crown resembling a halo, looming over a number of other figures, one surrounded with roses, another with purple nightshade flowers. The Summer Court. Is this 'ally' with them? She wonders, cautious, uncertain.