RECYCLEDCRAFT: Space Sex Mystery?

[peridexion]

PREMISE (example)

You awaken on a train - or a sleek-feeling spacecraft, or a boat, or even a submarine.
The shape of the craft isn't important, or even immediately apparent - but you are here, a sealed, surprisingly comfortable room with a soft bed, whereas before you were home. If home was even where you wanted to be.

"Good morning, passenger," a voice purrs; you can feel a presence with it, but there's no indication anyone is in the room with you.

There is, however, a comfortable weight along your legs, your arms, your spine... something appears ready to keep you here for a while.

What will you do?

CONTEXT

What is this, exactly? This premise is a smut spinoff of a wider continuity - the 'space'craft your character is on has taken your character from their home. It - any and all pronouns are fine, and if you OOCly have a preference just give a heads-up in your starter comment and we'll go from there - has been through quite a time recently, having lost its crew and the programming that initially determined its purpose. (Some data/facts still remain for basic navigation and specialization - see the next entry!) Nor does it remember exactly how it happened, just that something terrible happened and it has to do things more on-its-own now.

But what it can still do is (A) interpret characters' emotions and respond accordingly, (B) provide safe and sturdy transport plus life support and (C) bond intensely with those now tied to it!

This can be for a one-on-one scenario, a group account, or even joint threading if everyone would like to put in the time to sort things out! Can start with the premise above, or can be time-skipped along to where both parties are familiar with one another.

OPTIONS

What kind of 'craft are you on, anyway?
The Ace - originally a sleek fighter craft, this one was made to take to space and the skies with impunity! Very flexible, good at interpreting orders, and still carries echoes of 'tude from its former crew. And now it's focusing all that energy on you. Think you can take it?

Star-Gazer - originally a solo-craft meant for exploration, this 'craft was built to take someone far, and to provide companionship to anchor someone to reality on the way. It's designed to be cozy, and is not meant to be shared. Maybe it remembers another name alongside yours, but it no longer recalls those memories consistently. But perhaps that isn't a bad thing...

Like the Lightning - this was a mercenary's craft, passed along from generation to generation. With acute knowledge of trade routes and meticulously-crafted stealth routines to take shelter on even the most unexpected worlds, its job is to do the job - but it can't do so alone, and that's where you come in. Such a partnership does come with benefits, as a matter of course.

The Lost One* - a missioncraft, badly damaged, better suited for a group than an individual... but it has found someone, and will desperately work to make sure they are safe. Believes very strongly in doing the Just thing, but now it doubts it knows how to determine that anymore. Appears to have lost everything twice over, and has just enough memory to make it very hard to accept things at face value. Befriending this one is the most difficult possibility, but it is doable - if you wish to sincerely try.

*This IS meant to poke fun at myself, to be clear.

GENERAL SCENARIOS

Introductions - Exactly what it says on the tin.
Visiting a World - Can be just shopping, can be a 'risk of getting caught' sort of deal, or you've caught whiff of Adventure. Each 'craft will have different reactions, of course, but fun CAN be had by all!
Voidstorm* - Traveling through one of these tends to have... unique effects. Usually ones that are temporarily bad for one's sanity, but not having to be alone during them is supposed to help. Or it can just make things weirder; you never know! Don't try to break the windows and go outside, though; that's never a good idea.

*I'm not changing what it's called, because I can't think of anything better to call it. To explain 'from the outside': imagine if sex pollen were a space phenomenon you could fly through, and be directly effected mentally/emotionally. Hallucinations, particularly shared hallucinations, are common. Seeing people you love outside and feeling compelled to go out there is also possible. Other possibilities include seeing emotions as aura colors, feeling compelled to speak and act on one's deepest feelings, and not being able to understand other languages.
You can see why sex pollen wouldn't be out of place here, right?

KINKS

Anticipated Content: Mindsharing, Voyeurism and/or Exhibitionism, Sense Play, Cuddling (through atypical means), Xenophilia, Mechanophilia, Vulnerability (Emotional, Physical), Light Bondage, Body Worship.
Personal Favorites (Not required for the premise, just ones I like): Biting, Sense-sharing, Orgasm Control, Sensory Overload, Slow-to-Warm-Up, Breastplay, Lactation.
Nos: Watersports/Scat, Bloodplay, Necrophilia.

Any kinks not listed under any of these are open to discussion, as well.

Comments

Khell and Rren | Star Trek OCs | Like the Lightning

[pirate_by_any_other_name]

After their latest adventure, it was no wonder Sæ'sha(Khell) and Rren both needed sleep. Both was a bit strange, admittedly, since Rren had never needed it before. But they'd finally gotten in contact with the Synths, a surprisingly difficult feat, and managed to get their help. So now Rren had a body and they were not at all used to it.

So that Sæ'sha woke up first was hardly surprising. She didn't wake up all at once, there was a moment of confusion first as it dawned on her that the lighting was different and that the walls lacked her shelves full of eclectic decorations from tourist traps across the galaxy. As that dawned on her she turned sharply to reach for one of her disruptors from the shelf by the bed, swearing in a mix of languages. Right. No shelves of her belongings meant no disruptors at arms reach. Fvadt!

She was on her feet in an instant. She didn't need the disruptors to fight if it came to it. "Rren!?" Her first concern. Where she was and how she got there could wait on figuring out where Rren was and if they were okay.

---

Rren for their part, woke up groggily, unsure what had woken them. It slowly occurred to them the surroundings were strange, but it still took a while to actually drag their brain into a reaction. You would think, as a synth, they would actually wake up immediately. And yet here they were.

Maybe they should have been scared, but they weren't, mostly they were... confused? Had they just heard Sæ calling for them? They probably should explore and see if Sæ was in a different room? They rubbed at their eyes, sitting up in the bed so they could take note of their surroundings while they kicked their brain the rest of the way into gear.

(frozen comment) Re: Khell and Rren | Star Trek OCs | Like the Lightning

[peridexion]

The two would not be separated for long; while Like the Lightning had put its rescuees in separate cabins for healing purposes, none of the internal rooms had been fully cut off. Finding better materials beyond basic life-support would have to wait, however; there was basic furnishing and smooth floors, but nothing truly identifying of the mercenary ship for the time being.

The ship listened quietly, taking in live data from both arrivals' tethers in stride. There was strong mutual connection there, one worth monitoring, worth supporting.

While the ship was partly a being of emotion, they were also partly a being of data. Therefore, Rren might be more likely to sense the augmentation - further, that whatever the presence was, it was not hostile and did not mean them harm.

Still, of more importance was Sæ'sha, who would only have to make a few extra turns to find the partly-open door to Rren's room.

(frozen comment)

[pirate_by_any_other_name]

Rren blinked after a bit, definitely hearing Sæ call their name again while they sat there. Adjusting. They... were not worried. Even though they heard the fear(and subsequent anger) in Sæ's voice. "Over here, Khell," they said, hopefully loud enough for her to hear. There was another presence here, and even if it wasn't hostile, it didn't know her well enough to learn that name, assuming it didn't know it already, so for the duration, they would use Khell.

Khell rounded the corner, relief making it into her expression almost immediately replaced by more anger. "Rren. Where in the elements are we?"

Rren gave the faintest of head tilts. "I am uncertain how you would expect me to have an answer." They could not keep the amusement from their voice. "What I can say is we are not in danger."

Khell gave a skeptical snort. "Right."

Rren stood and put a hand on Khell's arm. "Please, breathe and take a moment. I am serious."

Khell looked more irritated than anything at that request, but she did breathe rather than giving another retort.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

The ship preferred to wait, so that Khell could at least have the time to recenter herself before anything else happened.

But, such as it went, things would have to change sooner than later; when Like the Lightning spoke, its voice was carefully neutral.

'You are aboard Like the Lightning, originating system number 233; I cannot detect any encroaching danger on my sensors. We are in voidspace, with access to the nearest voidplatform for restock and information gathering. You can ask this voidcraft any questions as you choose.'

(frozen comment)

[pirate_by_any_other_name]

Khell and Rren shared a look at that. That did not exactly relax Khell. But Rren spoke up before she could. "I would inquire as to why we are here. Did you or someone else on the ship bring us here? If so. How?"

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

'You were both suffering from direct exposure to the void, and had not yet been dissolved. I do not know what had specifically drawn you outside of your system, but I can surmise it from wider void-derived circumstances. There is no one else aboard this ship, currently.'

There was a detectable pause before the ship continued, 'Tethering functions have remained operational between when this ship was last inhabited and discovering the two of you in the void. There was no standing counterorder against doing so.'

(frozen comment)

[pirate_by_any_other_name]

Another pause. Another shared look. Khell still seemed skeptical, but Rren was Curious and they were not likely to stop asking questions unless she flat out interrupted. "What is the difference between Voidspace and outer space? And what are tethering functions?"

(frozen comment) For Enki | A Certain Un-Named Voidcraft

[peridexion]

After enough time at the void hub base, waiting for its voidtreckers to get better, for the rest to be found, for the limiter to be taken off-

Somehow, it had tired of waiting. It wasn't used to being tired. Hadn't known it could get tired firsthand. (It had learned, or re-learned, very many things over the past two years.)

And so it had left, not paying much attention as to where so long as it was out.

There were downsides to such reckless travel in the void - it had known all of them, and no longer care, or so it thought to itself.

And now, for better or worse (worse), it had crashlanded on a world for which it had not bothered to scan for a system number.

It was alone, partially buried under foliage, but that was fine.

Everything was f;n3.

---

There was an odd resonance, in this part of the woods. An aura, as of someone trying very hard to avoid all notice, but with such force that it left an impression on the surrounding space anyway.

There was hurt, deep hurt, embedded in the very ground. But apart from that, there were no physical effects tied to it. Nothing wilted, or eroded, it was just... uncomfortable.

Quite uncomfortable. Maybe even eerie. And there wasn't anything apparent that could cause it, short of coming close enough to find out if there was something cloaked under the oddly disturbed foliage.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Even before this point, Enki had been struggling with a growing suspicion that he'd started picking on the emotions of those around him some time after he'd been captured. It wasn't a comfortable thought, especially not with the timing, so he kept shoving it back. It was impossible after all. He was Rihan, not Thæs, after all.

Right now, for once, he wasn't getting wrangled into assignments for the Republic. With Hakeev dead and the Tal Shiar scattered in the aftermath, maybe he'd have some time to breathe. He hadn't wanted to be a fighter, or a spy or... any of that. He'd wanted to be a Veterinarian, and one thing he always was, was alert to the wildlife around him. So when he entered a spot that wildlife seemed to be avoiding. He paused. He wasn't sure why they were other than the general impression of hurt, of trying to disappear. Was there an injured predator out here? But getting those feelings without seeing anything was... strange. They hadn't found any animals with psionic leanings on Mol'Rihan yet, but until recently the world had been overwhelmed by radiation, and if species had evolved to eat the radiation, it seemed entirely reasonable that other mutations could have occurred.

He took a deep breath in and out before plunging into the discomfort, grateful he'd decided to take this walk without Roj. (Primarily because the wildlife was less likely to approach him with the Targ at his side, and he wanted to interact with more of the animals here than just the Epohhir.) It meant he didn't have to make her plunge through this feeling too. As he did he started to broadcast, it was a subtle thing, done entirely on an instinctive level that he didn't even know he did. It wasn't words, it wasn't even exactly a full emotions, but rather an impression. He wouldn't hurt whoever or whatever was hurt, he was here to help.

He hadn't seen anything yet, or even any recent prints, but the animal could be avian. There was a spot of disturbed foliage that earned his attention. Maybe? Maybe whatever this was had passed this way. "Hello?" he asked softly, uncertain. If something was in earshot, maybe he could coax it into the open.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

Enki's presence was... not unexpected; it had committed no scans of this world on the way in, after all.

Which meant being alone was not entirely preventable. Further, it didn't want to answer for itself whether it wanted company or not. And so, rather than increasing the negative affect, or dropping the effect entirely and seeing if it could actually be located...

The aura held steady. It was possible to push through it further, if Enki kept trying, but no verbal or physical response seemed forthcoming.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Honestly, if the aura had shifted for the worse, Enki might have backed off. He was operating on the assumption this might be a hurt animal, and one reason he did as well with predators as he did was he paid attention and respected their cues. But since it didn't change, he felt safe enough to continue his approach, heading for the disturbed spot of foliage slowly, speaking softly, not expecting to be understood, but hoping his voice was at least soothing. "It's okay, I just want to help. I'm not gonna hurt you..." It occurred to him this could be a person rather than an animal, which gave him pause, but only for a moment. If someone was hurt it was just as important to help however he could.

He could see... something under the foliage and pushed it aside, shifting pretty rapidly into confusion. He still wanted to help whoever or whatever was broadcasting, but also... "What is this?" he mumbled to himself, distracted from his effort to offer comfort.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

The intent was easier to read than words, in this state; it didn't care to filter by language at the moment.

But one thing that had held on the way in was the cloaking; there was nothing for Enki to see, even as it became apparent that something was exuding that aura, that pain.

It couldn't block touch, however, and if he reached out, there was the sensation of cool metal, apropos of almost nothing.

To this, it tried to withhold all reaction, even flinching.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Honestly a cloaked... something or other was less surprisingly on Mol'Rihan than a psionic aura. He didn't mean to touch the metal, but his hand brushed it as he moved brush to the side and he raised an eyebrow. Not an animal then. Someone's cloaked shuttle maybe? Could they even hear him if they were inside? Maybe not, but... if they could broadcast, maybe they really were picking up his intent right back. So another attempt wouldn't hurt.

"I umm, I know you don't want to be disturbed, and I uh, I'm sorry I did. I won't try to get in." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "But my name's Enki and if you change your mind, I'm here to help."

Konoka Konoe | Mahou Sensei Negima | Star Gazer

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[[Continued from here.]]

"With our energies combined, I believe we can do anything, passenger Konoka."

"Yeah." Konoka was hopeful then. "We can do anything."

--

Konoka began to learn a bit more in time of where she was, more in a general sense than her specific location. The void was more than a dangerous space-like ocean, it was also home to a galaxy of worlds she did not yet understand. In some ways, she felt even more vulnerable and lost than before, accounting for both the lack of familiar faces and the nigh alien way of life (though she also learned this emotional feeling could be exacerbated by certain areas of void travel, and it wouldn't be impossible that she could feel overwhelmed despite things going her way).

But it wasn't the first time she'd been thrust into a whole new world; if she managed it once, she could do it again. As such, maybe Star Gazer was more appropriate as Konoka's partner than she first realized.

They had begun basic lessons, to catch her up to speed with both the world around her and the necessities she'd need to do her part in making sure both of them could survive and explore. A crash course in what the ship actually needed in supplies (and apparently, being horny turned out to be useful in some ways), protocols for contacting other ships and when it would and would not be useful for features.

They would be coming across their first "civilized" world soon, to pick up supplies.

Konoka was staring at a selection of clothes, clad only in her underwear (and the SCA), her lithe form pausing to consider her options. To be honest, she wasn't sure what was appropriate. "Star Gazer... any recommendations?"

Re: Konoka Konoe | Mahou Sensei Negima | Star Gazer

[peridexion]

What helped, in part, was that many worlds that used the void were still slowly adapting to other worlds and ways of life at the same time, themselves; being different and confused was anticipated, even expected in part.

Back in the moment, the SCA screen flashed; the Star Gazer thought to herself about how to best handle the rasher of options ahead of them.

"In the system we are approaching, full-body covering is recommended. There are no specifications for color, or a required number of layers. Atmosphere is within normal habitable parameters for you, so once we dock you won't have to bring the space suit."

Then she tapped Konoka gently through the link, akin to a shrug for her. "You are in no danger of unwanted attention here, Konoka. May I suggest wearing you something you like the feel of wearing?"

This, paired with the impression of a lighthearted smile.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

There was something fascinating about having a sense of what emotions Star Gazer was conveying without seeing her face (and as far as body went, Konoka was inside her, wasn't she?). She didn't dwell on it though, now that she'd been with the ship for a day or two now.

"Alright," with that understood, Konoka had an easier time narrowing down what she wanted. Part of her wanted to be a little more trendy, but being in a strange world with no clue with what was popular, or if she'd even like it if it was, she decided she wanted something comfy for herself.

"I'll go with this, then," she lifted an outfit, which was a long skirt and a frilly blouse. "It's the most comfortable lookin' if I shouldn't expose (too) much of my body. I've worn stuff like this at home, and it feels nice."

With little preamble, she slips on the top. However, realizing that the SCA was underneath gave her a bit of pause... not out of concern, but curiosity.

"Are you travelin' with little ol' me?"

[peridexion]

There was a light chuckle as Konoka made her observation.

"A part of me is always with you, Konoka; that is part of what being a voidcraft and passenger of one means."

Still, perhaps there was something deeper involved here.

"That's not a problem, I hope?"

While there was insecurity in those words, the Star Gazer also knew better than to put too much weight on it.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

"Not at all," Konoka shook her head. The bit of worry in that question was enough to get Konoka desiring to ease the ship's worry. "I mean, I'm still wanderin' in a whole new place by my lonesome, and I could always use the company. But does that mean you'd be hoverin' outside the planet, or does it mean you'd be with me through the SCA? How will other people react to me wearin' one of those?"

Part of her worried about that, though she remembered that Star Gazer said it could reduce the presence of the device.

[peridexion]

At that, she outright laughed, though not unkindly.

"This is a void-active world we're arriving at, passenger Konoka. While the wider part of the population won't have an SCA, they've been aware of the void long enough not to be shocked by void travelers."

A light pulse came through the link, like a hug.

"As for when you're on-world, yes, I'll only be with you through the tether, and that means the SCA too. But they'll only be as aware of that as you like, dear."

The Star Gazer took care not to stress the word - but she was fond of Konoka, and perhaps some use of nicknames was in order, to help her keep calm.

For Konoka:

[peridexion]

It was another few months before the fateful message came in; the first Konoka would know of it was a sense of scorn.

Oh, what irony. A missioncraft started it all! And one from the planet that headed the Ministry's ethics committee at that...

Konoka would be able to dig up more, if she asked what the Star Gazer was looking at or did her own digging: a few short years ago, a crew specializing in limited time travel had gone back in time twice, over the same period of time. Given the nature of time travel and the void, them causing their home system's destruction was inevitable, and in their particular case one of the two void active worlds was composed of a very high density of void metal, enough to cause a frightening cascade effect as soon as the surviving crew had tried to anchor that world - a cascade effect that eliminated all life in that system, and additionally erased all memory of that system. The only being to survive had been the lone void craft assigned to that mission, but broken and pulling in hundreds of people, all from non-void-active worlds.
All this had been the case until a week ago, when the time loop had been closed by a ragtag fraction of those untrained, mostly unwilling void travelers.

Some time later that day, the Star Gazer began conversation by saying:

"Konoka... I remember my former captain, now. Would- would you prefer to hear about them?"

They rushed to add, "I still prefer being with you, wherever you want to go. But... I suppose it is better to remember than to be forced to forget."

There was sorrow in its voice, a sense of contrition... but still a great deal of love for Konoka herself, same as there had been for some time now.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Growing used to her time inside Star Gazer, Konoka could pick up when Star Gazer's mood changes. The shift to scorn was enough to put Konoka on alert, so she began to look up the files as soon as she was able, with just a thought. She wasn't nearly as quick as a computer, but familiarizing herself with their link meant that she could recall things quickly.

What she learned filled Konoka with dread.

Time travel was not unheard of. A genius that once attended her class had achieved as much, using energy within the academy's grounds to achieve her aims. But she had to use a rather powerful artifact too. What these guys did, she couldn't be sure of, other than the fact that it had wrought some terrible devastation. She'd be leaving some notes at home for that.

She didn't know for sure whether the Star Gazer would remember back then, but she wasn't surprised when that turned out to be true. Konoka was admittedly curious, but Star Gazer's self may not have been at its healthiest. But ultimately, that was a judgment Star Gazer itself would have to make.

"Please," Konoka spoke slowly. "Tell me more. That is, if you think it'll help you."

[peridexion]

For a moment, it would be hard to read the ship at all, as it thought about what to say, and how.

"The name of my captain was Shandra Thundera. We were of System 380, a system that specializes in voidcraft design though not manufacture."

As she spoke, pictures of the captain displayed on the main screen; Shandra and their 'craft on various worlds, taking in the sights. The Captain was of moderate stature and tan skin, well-built, someone who exercised for enjoyment and didn't care who noticed.

They looked young, though not as young as Konoka herself.

"My captain had a small fortune at their disposal, and took great care in organizing my construction."

And, it seemed had had quite some affection for their 'craft, if certain ornaments Konoka now possessed were any indication.

"I... remember liking them. A great deal. But now they are gone."

The Star Gazer's mood came across as a deep, profound blue.

"I cannot even say just that I miss them - it was a disregard of safety that swept them away from me, and Captain Shandra was often brash - but all the same, I... I feel that I should. Do you understand?"

Part of it - part of her - thought that such didn't necessarily make sense, but such was emotion.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Konoka watched quietly as Star Gazer displayed her old captain. As it was, this woman was a part of Star Gazer's life at some point, only for her to be taken away. Captain Shandra wasn't much older than Konoka herself, but she clearly had more experience before the fated day where she was killed, and Konoka now took her place.

Part of her felt like she had a lot to live up to.

But another said that this was her life now. Wasn't this about how Star Gazer's life had disappeared before her, such that this realization was too distant for her to appreciate now? Neither Konoka herself nor her ship were beholden to the ghosts of the past.

So she said as much. "Those memories were taken from you when she died that day. Now that they're back, they're yours to do what you will. I don't think you have to feel that emotional weight if you don't want to. I'm definitely not the same girl that she was, so all I can ask is that you stick with me, however you go through."

[peridexion]

"Yes..."

The Star Gazer's voice wavered, then strengthened, paired with a surge of affection through the tether.

"You will not need to ask otherwise of me. I shall be with you, for as long as you desire the same."

Sensation passed through the link - a gentle touch, along Konoka's shoulders and spine. The thick purple bands, if Konoka was still wearing them, pulsed with encouraged warmth.

And... I remember you once asked if we could have a coordinated flight.

A dance, from a certain perspective.

Were you still interested?

This question was projected, not voiced aloud. A more private idea.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Konoka still had to concentrate to pass back something mutual. Now though, she found it a little easier when she touched something solid on the ship. It was the least she could do for the ship that had helped her survive the harshness of the Void.

Upon getting that invitation, Konoka smiled. Her answer was thought back.

You bet!

While there was no need for real privacy given it was just the two of them in the Void, this extra step of intimacy was a marker of how close they've grown together over these several months.