N.O.D.E.: Stonelight [IC Thread][Sovereign Charter Only]

[Asgareth]

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This is a Sovereign Charter only roleplay. To post here, you must have filled out an application by the 22nd January and had that application approved by me. The application can be found in the OOC Thread. You can find the dedicated Wiki page here, but please note this may contain minor spoilers.

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Introduction|Stonelight|Location|Rules| OOC Thread

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Introduction

When it comes to exploration, the world has always looked to space. The Myraxian asteroid base. The Iryllian space shuttle. The Winter's Aria. Countless missions, countless attempts to go into space, to explore... discover... conquer.

Yet, the world hasn't even finished exploring itself. The ocean, a mystery to many, has always remained off-limits. A dark, lonely place, filled with creatures fearsome in their own rights, the ocean has been left untouched by humanity, elves and goblins alike.

Until now.

Forty years ago, an organisation calling themselves the Nautical Observers and Discovery Expediton (N.O.D.E.) approached governments around the world, offering to build an international underwater base. Plans were drawn up, and sufficient funding put in place. All was going well. Until suddenly N.O.D.E. vanished. Overnight, the organisation just seemed to disappear. With no funding, plans were shut down and construction ceased. Governments were left answering to their citizens about the sheer waste of resources.

However, five years ago, N.O.D.E. reappeared, and again offered to build the base. With promises to fund it themselves, and build it within five years, the majority of governments laughed at the idea. They agreed, mostly because they did not believe N.O.D.E. could complete the project on time and on budget. Surprisingly, N.O.D.E. managed to complete the building within three, and following multiple successful tests crews were finally selected.

And now, a little less than five years after work commenced, the first crew is about to arrive at the base. Stationed there for a year, they will be in charge of conducting experiments and exploring previously untouched areas of the world.

However, be warned. For not everything is as it seems. Trust no one.

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Stonelight

Stonelight base, named after its late architect, is perhaps the only base of its kind. Found 300 metres below the surface, its location is known to only a few. The base is so deep that there are only eleven vehicles which can reach the base. Nine remain within the base, except when they are out in the field. The remaining two are held at Hub 6, at Port N.O.D.E., in western Asgareth.

Stonelight base is a state of the art underwater base. The first of its kind, Stonelight has enough room for over 300 crew, and over 60 laboratories. With a dedicated command centre, and a limited armoury, the base is equipped for whatever it may discover.

Indeed, the sheer enormity of the base has made many question just how it was built so quickly. Some said there was something peculiar about the project, even going as far as to say it was cursed. Others said N.O.D.E. was not what it appears to be. Attempts to shut down the project and expedition became frequent, but they were silenced almost immediately.

With five dedicated transport hubs, between them containing nine classes of deep sea travel, including a Fast Travel Carrier and two mobile scientific laboratories. The hubs are found underneath the base, and open automatically when it senses a vehicle. As the door opens fully, the hub will flood with water. Therefore, when transports arrive and depart, the hub is closed off until the door shuts, and the water recedes through an automatic flood-control system known as H.O.B.T.A. As a result of the experimental nature of H.O.B.T.A. it is advised that only one hub door is opened at a time. Any more than this may cause the A.I to malfunction.

H.O.B.T.A, the base's A.I., is charged with the day to day running of the base. Completing tasks ranging from the flood control system, to activating transport, through to monitoring the crew's health, H.O.B.T.A. is vital to the success of the base. There are four emergency protocols which can be activated by the highest ranked official within the base.

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Location

Located off the coast of mainland Rusina, Stonelight is approximately 300m from the surface of the Rusinan Sea. To access the base, deep sea transports will depart from Western Asgareth at Port N.O.D.E, unsurprisngly operated by N.O.D.E. It is important to note, that whilst the ship departs from Asgareth, the Asgarthian government is not liable for any death or injury incurred as a result of the expedition. N.O.D.E. is a global private entity, and is solely in charge of the welfare of its crew.

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Rules

• Sovereign Charter only. If you are not a member, you must join the region to participate.
• The Application Thread (OOC), will be opened on 7th January 2018, one week before the In-Character thread will open. The OOC thread will be closed to applications on 21st January 2018. When the In-Character thread is opened, the thread will be linked here.
• Players may have up to Two Characters.
• There is a fairly high chance characters will die. Please do not submit characters you are unwilling to lose.
• Applications must be submitted before you post.
• You must post at least Once a week minimum. Characters who are not used within a three week period will become NPC's, controlled by the GM.
• Your character(s) are protagonists. Sure, there can be conflict, but leave the evilness and malice to the GM.
• No auto-ing of either NPC's or other peoples characters. If there is a problem, I'll let you know.
• If you have any questions, please feel free to telegram Asgareth, or ask on Discord.
• Have fun, and work together to create a good story.

[Asgareth]

The base was complete, and appeared to be fully functioning. But it would matter little, if N.O.D.E. could not find a suitable compound to launch from. Compounds were considered in Valyrien and Nocturnalis, but ultimately N.O.D.E. settled on a compound in Asgareth. The proposal was initially rejected by the Asgarthian government, for unknown reasons. A month later however, the proposal was suddenly accepted. Terms of the arrangement remain unclear, but it has become apparent that the Asgarthian government have begun to seriously back the project.

With agreement reached, work swiftly began on assembling a highly advanced compound. A large base, its upper levels provide a magnificent overview of the Rusinan sea, and also act as the headquarters of N.O.D.E. Below, the hub can be found. From here, the crew will depart. Whilst the compound is currently limited to two fast travel submarines, it can launch up to three per minute. The submarines are Class T1.9. Though automatically piloted by H.O.B.T.A., the transports are accompanied by a driver, charged with overseeing the safe arrival of the crew. The T1.9 can carry up to 16 passengers, with 1 driver. The submarine that will transport the crew is the “Greenfire”, and it is currently located in the hub.

Around the compound, a small make-shift town had sprung up. An Asgarthian town, it was of course littered with bars, pubs and breweries. Of course, this was not all the town has to offer. Shops line the street, selling food, clothing and various other items. A rather large hotel had also been constructed, offering the crew a place to stay until the launch. The town is far away from the ongoing war with Iryllia, and with the defences provided by N.O.D.E. is arguably one of the most secure towns in Rusina.

Final preparations have been made, and the ship is ready to launch in the morning. With 18 hours until launch, the base awaits the arrival of the crew members. Crew members will arrive in a small airfield, where they will pass through security before being handed their access badge. With this, they will be able to enter the compound in the morning, and enter the submarine. Once they have their badge, they may enjoy their last night on the surface.

GM Notices:

• With OOC applications being accepted till the 21st January, the transport will be in port until the 22nd. As a result, please do feel free to wander around the port for a post or two. Just make sure you wrap up any plots by the 22nd, as the submarine will depart then. This is a fixed date, to prevent the roleplay from becoming too distracted from its plot.
• As a result of the number of applications, only two more applications will be accepted. As stated on the OOC thread, current roleplayers who have one character are currently not permitted to make another, until 15th January. Anyone who applies today will also be confined to these limits.

[Kermouth]

Having just arrived, as his flight from Kermouth International Airport was delayed due to bad weather, and having had no alcohol for more than 73 hours, he decides to get a whiskey in the bars there as to satisfy his urge for alcohol before the sub departs. Having bought a slice of the richest, most choclatey chocolate cake he had ever tasted, he returns to his room at the hotel and sits down to finish reading his book 'Black Horizon', a sci-fi book by Richard Colin's, a Kermouthian sci-fi author.

[Asgareth]

Zylah Olwarnan had just arrived at the small, unnamed airfield. As soon as she stepped off the plane, two armed guards escorted her to the checkpoint.

“Name?” The guard asked
“Zylah Olwarnan.” Zylah replied
“Olwarnan… O… O… There it is.” The guard produced the badge, and placed it on top of a piece of paper. “Sign here please.”
Zylah glanced at the piece of paper in front of her. “What is this?”
“Just your basic contract for use of the compound. You know, don’t leave the lights on. Don’t access secure areas of the base. We don’t accept liability for death, serious injury or zombification… That kind of thing, you know>” The guard replied
Zylah was momentarily confused. Zombification? Eh, she thought to herself. What could be the worst that happens?

Zylah had been a member of the 2nd Asgarthian Ground Forces. She left the forces 18 months ago, as she was bored of how little action she had seen. Ironically, just a year later, the Second East Rusinan conflict kicked off. It was around this time that Zylah heard about N.O.D.E. Applying for the position during a time of war proved difficult. Her former commanding officer initially refused to provide a reference, and with her squadron leader serving in the Asgarthian desert, it seemed less and less likely that Zylah would successfully apply. Eventually, the officer relented, and used his sway to force Zylah onto the shortlist. Zylah passed the physical, mental and medical examinations with ease, and was swiftly accepted by N.O.D.E. as an engineer.

After passing through the checkpoint, Zylah was allowed out into the town. Immediately heading for a pub, known locally as The Green Griffin, she tentatively approached the bartender.
“Hi! Pint of Olwarish Stout, please. And… a shot of Dragnian Vodka… Best make that two!”
The bartender chuckled. “You new in town? Part of that fancy compound?”
“Yep. Part of the crew. So how much will that be?”
“Nothing. N.O.D.E. said they’d pick up the tab for you lot.”

Zylah smiled, as she downed her shots, and picked up her stout, before sitting down in the middle of the pub, looking around she recognised one of the patrons. Though he certainly would not know her.

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Admiral Pefron Lukowi Rendonan had actually arrived at the compound three weeks ago. Some would say he was eager, but Pefron believed he was timely. Having served in the Asgarthian Naval Force for 20 years, Pefron was incredibly meticulous and organised. Preferring order to chaos, civilian life had never suited him. When he eventually left, he soon came to realise life on the land was somewhat boring.

Eager to get back out to sea, the Admiral had had far less trouble applying for N.O.D.E. Using his rank to bypass the referencing system, his mental and physical scores were impressive for his age. A slight heart defect was defected, but a small bribe and fiddling with the result, guaranteed his place in the crew.

Nursing a half-drunk bottle of Adrani whiskey, the Admiral was reading a copy of the Evening Crusader. The government controlled newspaper was not quite to the admiral’s taste, but the alternative was reading the Holy Book of Narvador again. Whilst he didn’t hate those who followed Partiantity, he had long since given up on religion. And besides, he was sure to enjoy the paper’s crossword.

Upon realising there was no crossword, he scrunched it up. “Useless rag” he stated, as he tossed the paper to the side. The pub seemed somewhat empty. One would think the crew would take up the offer of unlimited booze, particularly as it would be the last drink they could enjoy for some time.

[Valyrien]

The ice made a pleasant sound as it readjusted itself in the glass, chilling the whiskey and providing some relief for the warm Valari. A vague smile forming as he saw a blonde woman arguing with one of the guards stationed outside of the plane. The man was Viktor Rômanovf, to keep it short, a man with kind features that were equally as kind on the eyes. Nearing twenty years of official service in the Valarisk military, he has seen and lived enough of that life to be wanting something different. Having requested to be relieved of his former command and transferred to a mercenary company, he joined with the expedition to go on an adventure similar to those described in the literature he enjoyed.

"His highness's paper. As promised.~" The younger woman said with a smirk, adressing the older man as she flung the newspaper onto the shared table, sitting down and making herself comfortable in the same movement by swinging one leg over the armrest.

The brief sigh signaling defeat and the removal/folding of his thin glasses was only to prelong the inevitable as he eventually started unbuttoning his shirt, showing an aged tattoo, the part depicting a winged woman having held up rather well, but the words reading: "FÔR KEJSARINNAN, FÔR IMPERIUMET!" Having started to fade.
"Who's that? And my written Valar is rusty, enlighten me?" A sweeter tone suggesting she was going to enjoy this as thouroghly as she could.
"The woman is the saint of Rin and the words read: 'For the Empress, for the Imperium', Ah, ah, ah! Only one tattoo was included in the deal." He said, seeing her eyeing the other ink partially hidden under the fabric. The woman not hiding her disappointment, but knowing better than to try and argue.

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The flight arrived at the small airfield without any problems, at least of the serious kind. The two passengers recieving an armed entourage as they disembarked the plane and escorted to the checkpoint. The woman pretended not to understand more out of habit than necessity as they were asked to sign the contract. The woman was Hilda Sôdergaarde, a colonial Valari raised in Sôdergaarde-Erdina with a nack for dealing with authority. She'd chosen the life of a mercenary since it was one of the few paths in life avalible unless she wanted to do the harsh work on a farm or in a factory. The danger was higher, but the oppertunities diverse, more frequent and life in general easier as she mainly hunted badly armed pirates or dealt with the occassional fishermen fishing illegally. She has a great deal of respect for Viktor after seeing the straining volunteer work as a doctor he often did for charity.

Matters were arranged for the luggage to be taken to their rooms and plans were made to visits the local bar, since it was the place most likely to encounter their (future) fellow crew members, and the notion of a drink didn't hurt too much.
"The tabs on NODE, eh? A round for everyone on me, then!" Hilda shouted once she'd been informed. "Asgerthi Ale for me and a bottle of something Valarisk, whatever." She said dropping off the bottle of Colonial Rum for Viktor and went over to a group, intent on making friends with her rugged charm.
Viktor meanwhile poured himself some of the rum, adding a few ice cubes as he started reading the newspaper he'd ask Hilda to pick up. "The International Inquisitor" a paper masquerading as if being independant, but in reality controlled by sources within the Imperium. Some news about Cardulan stirred some vague interest, but the crosswords on the back, was the main reason he'd asked for it. There were three different crosswords, each in a different language intended for learning purposes, he left the Myraxian Standard one mostly filled with diplomatic phrases and the Valari one concerning military commands and codewords alone and went to work on the one in Rusina Standard with a higher difficulty as it contained less day-to-day words.

Having had a short correspondence with his Pirin colleague in the medical field, Dr. Lagunov, he was looking forward to some stimulating conversation regarding something of a scientific nature instead of the never ending philosophical debattes. They had agreed to meet in the local bar, but only now did the thought strike him that there might be more than one.

[Haja-Mishu]

A solid-colored dark blue jet had landed on a small airstrip. Soon a tall, lithe man walked out. He possessed a thick dark grey beard that extended about six inches below his chin that had a slight lavender smell with a strong hint of alcohol. He slowly approached the closest guard. He explained to the guard who he was and was let through the checkpoint. "Ancestors... I need a drink..." He pulled out his engraved silver flask only to find it empty. Looking around the town he quickly found a bar, "The Green Griffin" he strode in with his characteristic confidence and gentrified grace right towards the barman, "Greetings, bēl could I have a glass of Ancestor's Tears by chance?" The barman gave Elibuk a quick look before replying, "I can tell you are't from around here, are you here for N.O.D.E. by chance?" "Yes." "The N.O.D.E. organization said they'd foot the bill for everything." Elibuk grinned, "Make it two glasses of Ancestor's Tears."

[Myraxia]

Lagunov

"The bar, the bar... " The Pirin man's voice trailed off as he stood in the main street of the town. He'd exchanged correspondence with a fellow doctor, a Valari by the name of Rômanovf, and they'd agreed to meet at "the local bar". There was only one problem - neither of them had accounted for this town being in Asgareth. From where he stood, at least four were in sight, and he was fairly sure he could see the corner of a fifth. His associate could be in any one of them. Straightening his glasses, he picked up his bag and selected one at random, striding in with what he hoped was an air of confidence.

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Jaso

The Tezanaxian had been in town for two days already, making full use of the fact that NODE had sprung for his tab to (thoroughly unsuccessfully) flirt with the local populace. As he nursed a pint of Asgarthian Ale - which he was, to his suprise, developing a liking for - considering his next target, an older gentlemen in a thoroughly stereotypical tweed jacket stumbled in, somehow managing to trip over the doorstep on his way in. (Jaso didn't remember there being any particular step on the door) before standing up straight and looking around the room. His gaze paused briefly on Jaso, or perhaps more specifically the bundled Myraxian-issue field jacket on the back of his char, and he made his way over.

"Ah, you're Myraxian, yes? Although you're certainly the least pale Myraxian I've ever met."
"Well, actually, I'm -"
"Yes, anyway; I'm looking for a Valari man. Name of Rômanovf. Any chance you've seen him around? You military types tend to be observant. "
"- axian. " Jaso frowned, and then spoke whilst the man stopped to breathe, deciding to leave his ethnicity aside. "Rômanovf? What's it worth to you?" he grinned. Unknown to many, amongst the city states of northern Epilo, Tezanos was known for it's people never doing anything for free.

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Lagunov

It was Lagunov's turn to frown. Was this Myraxian really going to try and extort payment out of him for this information? That said... he didn't really want to keep a future colleague waiting. Especially not a Valari. "Fine, I'll give you... five rublyn. Ought to buy you a drink. "
The Myraxian grinned again. Yefim was really starting to hate that grin. "Would if NODE wasn't footing my bill. I'll take it, though. Come on, I'll take you to him. Valari tend to hang out in one place. "
Yefim balked. This man was employed by NODE? The same scientific organisation that had approached him? Takes all sorts, he supposed. "Very well. Let's go."

[Asgareth]

Zylah watched on as the admiral crunched up the newspaper. She chuckled nervously, which gained the attention of the older gentleman.
“Can I help you?” Admiral Pefron asked.
“Oh… sorry… no… er… sorry.” Zylah looked down before she looked back at the Admiral. “Actually… You’re Admiral Pefron, aren’t you?”
“The one and only. And to who do I owe the pleasure?” Pefron replied.
“Oh… Zylah Olwarnan…. Corporal.. Zylah Olwarnan, that is. Oh… may I join you?” Zylah asked, pointing to the empty chair.
“By all means, my dear. So Corporal, hey? Ground Forces?”
“That’s the one. 2nd Ground Forces. Engineering corps, you know?

The admiral nodded, only half-listening. He’d had more of his share of fangirls, which was surprising perhaps given his age. Zylah continued to talk on, but the admiral swiftly lost interest. Pouring out the last glass of whiskey from the bottle, he placed it down loudly, grabbing the attention of the bar.
“Another!” he bellowed, cutting off Zylah.

No sooner had the next bottle arrived, had the bar door opened again.
Three armed men entered the bar. Wearing N.O.D.E. uniforms, the men began to scan the room.
“I.D cards please, everyone.” The lead guard stated. He approached the bartender who instantly produced his I.D., before his attention became focussed on Elibuk. Another began to walk towards the patrons already seated, whilst the third stood at the door, blocking anyone else entering, or more importantly exiting.

Zylah looked at the admiral, who did not look in the least put-out by this dramatic entrance.
“Just standard security checks, my dear. Nothing to fret about. You have got your identification card, right?”
A quick check of her right pocket and Zylah nodded. Assuming this was just a standard check, she would be fine.

[Kermouth]

"Wait, what?" Colin mutters as he knocks his glass of whiskey over in surprise.
Realizing it is just a regular check, he produces his I.D and passport, for good measure. After that, he went to the many shops in the town and bought himself a loaf of bread and other general groceries. Walking back into the hotel, he makes himself a BLT and has a short nap.

[Haja-Mishu]

"Ah, of course." Elibuk quickly retrieved his I.D. from his dark linen pocket and handed it to the guard who checked it. Elibuk decided to actually put on his I.D. this time for convenience's sake and went back to nursing his drinks. After a while he finished up his drinks, he had worked up an appetite. "Hey bēl, I'm going to need some fried cod with a side of asparagus." Elibuk got his surprisingly nice meal quite quickly and went to town on his food while still appearing quite proper and dignified. Once Elibuk finished and gave back his spotless plate, he sat back down, he knew a bunch of the N.O.D.E members were Rusinan and he wanted to meet them, and naturally, a bar was the best place to meet them, because as everyone in Shuraya knows, all Rusinans are chronic drunks, especially Asgarthians.

[Iryllia]

Alexsandrya Volskjä walked into the bar, slapped her ID down on the table and yelled, loud enough to be heard across the bar, "Right!" She exclaimed. "What'chu got!" She grinned at the bartender, who simply slipped a menu across the table at the weird accented girl. "Right!" She exclaimed, loudly pointing behind the bar table "Gimme! Five of the vodka shots! Two schnapps! A double whiskey and coke and..." She looked around at the other patrons and shrugged. "Make it two Jaeger bombs, 'cause why not!" She giggled, obviously already drunk at this point. The bartender simply rolling their eyes at this obnoxious girl making them work so hard. Shot glass by shot glass appeared in front of this person and just as quickly they disappeared down her gullet. First the vodka was done with a laugh. Then the schnapps disappeared, the whiskey was chugged and the two Jaeger's simply disappeared down her throat. The last of the liquid vanishing before everyone's eyes.

Slam! the class cracked on the surface of the table to a disapproving look from the bar tender. A primal noise emerging from the woman that consumed it. "Right!" She yelled. Yet again drawing attention, unwitting or unwilling onto her own self. "Who wants the next fucking round!" She laughed obnoxiously before ordering half a dozen beers from the now incredibly exasperated bartender

[Kermouth]

Arriving in the pub, Colin walks up to the drunk woman and says, "Go to your hotel room. You are very drunk. Also, stop shouting." He orders a glass of whiskey, pays and sits in the corner, reading a book and occasionally sipping his drink. "Nice whiskey, but not as food as authentic Kermouthian whiskey.". He thinks as he downs the last of it and goes back to reading. As the pub was full of Rusinans, he knew they were bound to get drunk. And he didn't want some drunk nonce telling him to fuck off home. Also,
A insectoid like colin+drunks= Fighting.

[Valyrien]

Hilda began with showing the I.D card as asked by the guards, slightly annoyed over the sudden interruption in the conversation she was having with her new found friends. The interruption did on the otherhand allow her to see a strange creature walking up to a Valari and overhear it's words. The sight of an insectoid creature might've surprised her a few months earlier, but with the recent arrival of the greenskins she was used to outlandish sights.

The sound of rather heavy military boots against the bar floor from Sôdergaarde making her way over with a slight balance problem, was followed by a voice that was used to barking orders under heavy artillery fire:
"Oi, ye better watch your grotesque mouth!" The angry voice of a Halfv-Blodt Valari shouted, the comment being directed at the instectoid.
"If ya got a problem with my Valari sister, you've got a problem with me! Go fuck off back to where ever you came from, freak!" Hilda had by now slung one arm around Alexsandrya's neck and was gesturing with her pint of Asgerthian Ale in the face of Colin.

[Asgareth]

Zylah became a little flustered as she showed her I.D.
“Olwarnan… Z… Hey, you aren’t related to the Potelian sisters are you? Man, they were great!”
“Yeah. I’m their sister.
“Hmm. Adventure must run in your blood. Everything appears in order. Admiral?”
Pefron swiftly handed over his I.D. and was cleared.

As soon as the guards left, a loud commotion could be heard from the other end of the pub. A woman began to shout loudly, offering the next round on her. Then suddenly, another began to yell, again offered a round. From his corner of the pub, Pefron watched as the insectoid attempted to order the loud Valari around. He began to chuckle as he witness how fruitless the endeavour had been.

Laughing as he approached the group, he spoke to the insectoid
“I’d advise you not to attempt to take a Valari’s alcohol. Were you never told that they are the biggest set of alcoholics in the world? I once met one face down in a barrel of fermented fish and eggs. Don’t ask. The smell was revolting.”
The admiral smiled at the Valari, before speaking again
“So, looks like the rumours were true. N.O.D.E. have decided to accept anything, not just Rusinans. They really must be desperate.”

Pefron walked away before the Valari, or the insectoid for that matter, could respond. Looking around the bar, he saw a man sitting by himself. Normally, Pefron would leave him be, but having finished this third bottle of whiskey in an hour, he had become far more adventurous

He approached Elibuk, and sat down without an invitation.
“You boy, go and ask the bartender for another bottle of whiskey. And while you’re there, get yourself an ale. On me, of course.” Pefron smiled.

Zylah meanwhile, had abandoned her table and made her way towards the Iryllian, who had so proudly offered a free round.
“Typical Iryllian” She stated, staring right at Alexsandrya. “Can’t handle your alcohol. Still, you seem to be having fun. Fancy a drink with me? Course you do! Twelve more shots of whiskey for me and my new friend, please bar!” She called.

With the exception of the small row between the Valari and the Insectoid, the bar was surprisingly harmonious, given the number of Rusinan nations. Certainly, the flow of alcohol helped, but the crew did seem to be getting along.

[Haja-Mishu]

Elibuk smiled at the man who approached, "Certainly, bēl barman, I get get a whiskey and some of that Asgarthian ale?" Elibuk handed the whiskey to Pefron and had a sip of his ale, "So, do whom do I owe the pleasure?"

[Kermouth]

Returning to his hotel room, he packs his bags, as he was told the sub would launch today. Or he might be mistaken. "Whatever. Better safe than sorry" he says as he stuffs his autographed copy of Black Horizon into a bag. Walking out into the street, he stops at a cafe and buys a milkshake. "These Rusinans sure know how to make a darn nice little town"

[Asgareth]

The Greenfire was currently situated in Hub 6 of the N.O.D.E. compound. Throughout the night, several drunken crewmembers had either staggered, or been carried in. Others had successfully made their own way there.

Amongst these more successful members was Admiral Pefron. Having arrived at the sub at 6am, some 4 hours early, he had instantly set to work assisting the ship driver with his duties. Surprisingly, Pefron’s interference continued to annoy the driver, Dave. Indeed, eventually, Dave had become so fed up that he had had to ask three armed guards to escort Pefron away from the ship until 9:45.

“Everything alright up there Dave?” Pefron asked
“Aye. Just gotta flick on the lights, give the sleepers a startle, and then roar on the engines. The command can clear our departure.”
“We got an ETA?”
“Sure! 3 hours. Would have been 2 if I’d been allowed the T1.9, but that’s in for repairs so we’re stuck with the .6. You might wanna close your eyes for a moment, by the way. It’s about to get very bright.”
With that, Dave reached below and flicked on a switch which immediately illuminated the sub.

Zylah awoke with a start. She had been asleep on the metal floor, until the lights startled her, which also alerted Dave to her presence.
“Ah, you’re conscious at last! Hello. I don’t suppose you remember last night, do you? No, they told me you wouldn’t. Well, you got drunk. You passed out. They carried you on board. Said if you didn’t wake up before I dropped you lot off, I was to harvest your organs.”
Zylah looked worried for a moment, before Dave burst into laughter.
“Only joking. So yes, welcome on board the Greenfire! Great little sub we have here. Doesn’t let in water, you know? Just what you want in a sub!”

“That’s… reassuring.” Zylah stated, as she looked at the crew around the ship. Some she recognised from the bar, whilst others felt familiar but unknown. Her eyes fell upon Pefron, who she immediately approached.
“Oh, you made it! Great! You looking forward to our arrival?”
“Well of course, young lady. I would hardly have signed up otherwise.”
Zylah smiled politely, before turning away. Pefron would be a difficult one to deal with.

The engines roared to life, and Dave began to speak over the intercom.
“Attention! Attention, one and all! I am your… pilot today. My name is Beliavinaneivin Pakvolnaiuys Benokaloan Pertnian. And yes, you must address me as such. Only joking. Dave’s great! Why Dave? Well, when your parents go and give you the alphabet for a name, I’m sure you would want something simple as well. So, I’m your pilot. We are due to depart at exactly 10:00am. The current time is… hmm…. Well, my watch says 9:47 and the sub’s screen reads 9:48. Regardless, we’re departing soon. Please buckle in until the seatbelt light is off. Our eta is 1300 hours. There is a strong chance of some tuna out there today folks, so we may have to go a little slower than usual. Apart from that, I’ve been Dave and thank you for sinking with N.O.D.E.”

Dave’s laughter boomed around the sub, surely waking up anyone yet to gain consciousness.

[Kermouth]

Waking up slightly startled, Colin mutters "who what when where how- oh, I'm on the sub. last thing I remember was falling asleep. Well, at least I have my stuff packed." He slings his trunk onto his bag. "Is alcohol allowed on Stonelight base? Because a crew of Rusinans without alcohol spells disaster." He eats a bread roll he had in his bag.

[Valyrien]

"Bellend Phallus Boner Priapic, was it? Dick was alright, right?" The near-dead body of Hilda shouted and started to shift under the pile of military coats and whatever blankets and fabrics she'd manage to make a nest of. She sat upright, the rogue locks of hair standing on end as she crawled around looking for a package of cigarettes. To her delight, a package was handed to her by Rômanovf, who'd taken them for safe keeping. "Are we there yet!" She started, stepping semi-carefully through the sleeping people towards Dave. "Who cares about tuna, a decent sub can handle it..." She complained a little too loud in Dave's ear and blew a puff of smoke.

The man had folded his newspaper and gave Hilda a similar look a parent would've given their child in similar circumstances. "Be considerate of others, not everyone smokes." He said half-hearted, knowing all too well Hilda thinking it was a myth he was trying to fool her with. He whipped the paper gently into shape and continued where he'd left. "Hmm..." Viktor mused as he scratched the newly developed stubble with a fancier pen, frowning as he considered the crossword. "Highest mountain in Myraxia... Starts with a K."

[Myraxia]

Jaso

He shielded his eyes from the sudden light, blinking away the glare before searching his gaze around the interior of the sub. He had no recollection of arriving on the submarine, but judging from the people around him that he recognised from the night before, it was evidently the right place. To his left, an older man, doing his crossword. Jaso remembered seeing him in the bar the night before - Valari, with an air of authority; probably either command or security for NODE, and a man who Jaso wouldn't have a problem following. Some officers were... not worth following. This Valari didn't seem to be one of those.
The Pirin academic he'd been talking to the night before, though... he'd be surprised if the man didn't crack after a few weeks deep underwater.

Lagunov

"Kyrashi, is I believe the answer to that clue. Is your fellow Valari always this... loud? "
Yefim rubbed his ear where Hilda's complaining echoed through the sub. "Is there anything around for breakfast, do you know?" addressing the question through the sub.

[Haja-Mishu]

Elibuk had arrived in the submarine the young hours of the morning. While Dave was babbling on the intercom Elibuk had his head in the refrigerator, checking out what there was to eat. "Huh. Not bad. I didn't expect this much variety." Elibuk heard Lagunov's question and replied, "There's some breakfast burritos in the fridge, they've got string cheese too!" Elibuk made himself a cheese sandwich before sitting down at an aluminum table connected to the wall and eating.

[Asgareth]

Dave chuckled as the Valari woman spoke.
“Evidently you’ve never heard of the Great Tuna Whale Beast Thing, my dear. We call her GTW for short. She’s massive! 50ft, or so, the boys say. With teeth the size of your arm, and great wings, capable of pulling a sub into the sky. I’m surprised you’ve never heard of her. Then again, I was always told the Valari were uneducated pigs.” Dave smiled at Hilda. “All I’m saying dear, is if you see her, you’re going to die. So please, enjoy the ride, sit away from me, and shut up!”

Dave’s attention was then caught by Yefim. “Yeah, should be some in the refrigerator. Looks like one of our company has already started helping themselves.” He stated, motioning at Elibuk. “Typical Archon, no doubt. So yeah, we’ve loads in there, help yourself!”

Watching the action unfold, Zylah buckled herself in next to Pefron, who looked a little displeased at her seating choice. Noticing this, Zylah asked “Want me to move?”
“Well, if it would be no trouble.”
Zylah happily complied, moving to the seat on the other side of Pefron, infuriating him more.
“Ah, that’s better. So what part of Asgareth you from? No… Don’t tell me. Basconi! So why’d an airfield baby join the navy?”
Pefron shrugged. “I am better at sea, than I am in the sky.”
“Fear of heights? I hear you. Well, actually I don’t. I love flying! Did you know you’re more likely to die at sea than in the air?”
Pefron huffed, but was prevented from responding by yet another message on the intercom.

“The time is now 9:58. Please ensure you have fastened your seatbelt and await the greenlight, which should hopefully light up in exactly 1 minute and 47 seconds. Our current travel path should take us past some magical parts of the ocean, but chances are it will be too dark to see anything. On-board entertainment consists of a pack of cards, a game called twister, and an organised seahorse kickboxing fight. There is a refrigerator at the back of the sub, where you will find plenty of food and drink. No alcohol is permitted on board the sub, and I am allowed to confiscate, and swiftly consume, any alcohol I see. Older people, and children should ensure they have gone to the toilet prior to departure, and please make sure you wash your hands afterwards. Please do not come within 5 metres of me. I hate humans. It’s nothing personal. Just, the lot of you stink. Now sit back, and relax as I take you to your doom… I mean your new home.”

No sooner had Dave finished speaking, had the light gone green. “Ah shit! I’ve gotta get this show on the road!”

The engine roared to life, and swiftly the sub detached itself from the hub. The headlights flickered on, and Dave slowly moved the control stick forward. The sub began to move forward, slowly at first, before it began to pick up pace. Dave moved one of the thrusters forward, and the ship fell into a dive, at an alarming speed. It soon levelled out, however, and the seatbelt light was switched off.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning and welcome to Greenfire Tours! My name is Dave, and I am your tour guide this evening. The tour is expected to take approximately three hours. Now, if you look out your window you will see some water. Well, you probably can’t see it. It’s pretty dark. But keep an eye out those windows, and you may see some fish soon enough. I bet you’ve never seen a fish before. If you have any questions, please do ask. Otherwise, sit back and listen to my relaxing voice.”

Zylah rolled her eyes, as she listened to Dave. This was going to be a long trip.