The HS Maldua

[thespaceopera]

[Well, it's finally happened. The Maldua has docked and now is your chance to deliver your gumball cargo--regardless of whether or not it's in perfect condition, it would seem.

Multiple ships can dock on the Maldua at once, as can individual shuttles. So whether you're helping, breaking things, or watching others do all the work--interaction can be between pretty much anyone, not just crews.

Here's the event post, for reference. Have fun!]

Comments

[beardstrokes]

Certainly. A lot of people tend not to adapt so well in space. What about yourself?

[grandstanding]

First time. I can't say I'm enjoying it.

[beardstrokes]

I would not recommend this kind of travel. Usually we could go anywhere we liked.

[ To a certain degree, of course. ]

[grandstanding]

Yes, I imagine any kind of travel that isn't linked to imprisonment is much preferable.

[Someone's bitter.]

[beardstrokes]

It's certainly different from the prisons I'm used to.

[ And the torture. ]

You sound familiar with the system though.

[grandstanding]

Not this one specifically, but this isn't my first time being removed from my universe to suit someone else's whims.

[beardstrokes]

Are there any other similarities?

[grandstanding]

[His reply is sardonic.]

Mysterious beings who set tasks for me to do, for their evident entertainment?

[beardstrokes]

[ Hmm. ]

Did those other beings you encountered make their tasks clear though? We've never met the Atroma, though we are aware they exist and I do not believe they have ever told us what exactly they want.

[grandstanding]

Yes. They were always very specific. They did appear in person most of the time as well, so this is different.

[As far as he's concerned, though, they're all equally detestable.]

[beardstrokes]

And what did they ask of you?

[ He's mostly trying to find a pattern. Every little bit helps. ]

[grandstanding]

That varied greatly. But it was always to compete in some manner. That was the basis of the world we were in.

[beardstrokes]

Compete in what sense?

[grandstanding]

It was structured around winning. A number of teams, competing for a prize.

[He reaches out and pries a small gear from the crushed heap, turning it around in his fingers.]

As I understand it, winning is meant to be a goal here as well.

[beardstrokes]

Yes, though there's no way to gauge how close one is to winning.

[ And they only have the word of the Atroma. Sort of. ]

[grandstanding]

Which probably means no one is.

[These things are cut and dry. Either they're getting victories, points, or they're not. He still half-expects this place to erupt into real competition any day now.]

[beardstrokes]

Most likely.

[ Though he can't say for sure. People have left. Whose to say they didn't win and leave. ]

[grandstanding]

[He tosses the gear up, catching it in his fingers before flicking it away to embed in a wall.]

Something to figure out later.

[beardstrokes]

Yes. All in due time.

[ How dramatic. There's little point in rushing these things. ]