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

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

The voidcraft did not immediately acknowledge the attention, even with his intent to calm at the forefront.

More emotions flashed through, violent colors in an internal storm. Memories of hatred, confusion, disgust, all directed towards it.

Over actions that were not its fault.

Over actions that were its fault, but as controllable as a mere function of existing.

If Enki looked closely at these memories, the being would take notice in turn... but if he refrained, it would feel more like watching fireworks in a prism: loud, colorful, but not directly dangerous.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki wasn't exactly trying to pry. He was Rihan, he respected privacy. But he had his own memories wrapped in hatred, some from others, some from himself. So that tiny bit of connection kept him there, drew him just that bit closer to see the memories for what they were without meaning to.

I'm sorry. A whisper of a thought. Not an apology. Sympathy.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

This time, there was a hiss.

Anger

Betrayal

Violation

The source of which was part memory, part here-and-now.

NOT TO BE TOUCHED.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki pulled back from the memory as soon as he could, even without the hiss, the moment it started he knew it was something the being hadn't meant to share. And he wouldn't have consciously tried to view it. It left him rattled and the reaction just made it worse.

"I crossed a line. I-I'm sorry." And he was, that feeling of remorse coupled with resolve not made it over with the thought. Now that he knew, he could avoid watching for too long and getting pulled in. He certainly wouldn't want a stranger viewing his memories, much less ones tied to that level of fear and pain.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

Unfortunately, one memory called to another, and even without Enki trying to look, it couldn't make itself look away.

From every disparagement, every punch to the engine wall that had been in vain, every time its perspective was badly mangled or interpreted, every time it had tried- tried - to help.

There was a maelstrom of feeling going on, now, one that it could not seem to stop - and without anyone to tether to, with the ability to tether taken from it, it felt altogether too much like drowning.

Instead of hissing, the not-noise transitioned to something more like crying.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki didn't look at any memories, didn't let himself, and it took some level of effort not to. But he couldn't avoid the feelings coming off the being.

What he could do, however, was offer his own back. He'd already confirmed that the being could pick up from him. So he continued his effort to broadcast comfort. Some was pure emotion. He wouldn't pry further, even accidentally if he could help it, but he would be here. But also, memories, vague, more hints of them, sensations like warm sun, leaning against an animal who trusted him, even hugs from friends. More than that, he could be stable, maybe he wasn't always, but right now, the being seemed to need something stable.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything you've been through. I can't understand it all, but I am here. I'm not going anywhere."

And if the being kept spiraling, he would give a mental Tug. He didn't doubt it was risky, but he didn't know what else to do.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

The sense of want, the craving, crashed right up against the fear and self-hatred.

It was at war with itself, and this time, there was noise: a train horn blasted, once, and in its echo there was silence as it had taken itself by surprise.

In the wake of that shock, it slowly spread its awareness out again.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

That noise broke Enki out of meditation, and he covered his ears, sucking in his breath and holding his hands there for a moment as he recovered from the sound.

"Are...are you alright?" Even though he spoke aloud and didn't resume meditating, he continued wrapping the words in emotion and intent as best he could.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

There came a much softer noise, a hiss of steam - what good was keeping quiet now, after that outburst - but no words followed.

It was easily enough read as a sigh, and a sign of tiredness as well.

I am alone.

I want to be alone.

I don't know how to be alone.

That simply wasn't how it was built to function.

Enki would get the sense that, even if it wasn't in the mood to speak, it wasn't going to go anywhere in a hurry.

That aura of hurt had shrunk a little, however, which was as much a sign of progress as any.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki was quiet for a moment at that. "Do you want me to leave? I can if it's better. But I'm also willing to stay and just give you some more space or to listen."

He couldn't help but worry. With what he had glimpsed and the spiral into pain. He didn't know if being alone would even help. Maybe this wasn't his concern, but he was... not good at turning away from someone or something in pain.

(frozen comment) This is going to be a multi-day effort! (People will ICly come looking, but not for A While.)

[peridexion]

The still-invisible shape seemed to almost sink into the floor of the woods - but something held it back.

Would prefer... some time, before next interaction.

It could try cutting down the radius of the aura in the meantime.

'Try' being the keyword.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki considered that and then nodded. The physical gesture might not carry over, but hopefully the intent would. "I need to exercise Roj anyway, But I'll be back later, ie?" He wasn't entirely sure about leaving the being on their own, but at the same time, he kind of doubted most others would disturb them. It wasn't like this was particularly close to the settlement being worked on.

There was the matter of the earlier whistle, which had been loud enough others had likely heard it. But he could tell those most likely to investigate that that he was working on it. He didn't know if any of them would make it past the aura, but better to save them and this being both the discomfort of the attempt.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

While the name 'Roj' held no significance to it, it could understand that Enki understood what it had been trying to convey.

For now, though, while voidcraft could not sleep, it would at least try and rest.

Even a new day arising could not erase the troubles on its mind, however.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

When Enki returned, he came better prepared to spend some time there a bit more comfortably, food in his bag. He left Roj behind again, deciding not to subject her to the aura long term. He didn't need to deal with a grumpy Targ on top of trying to help this being.

His friends didn't even ask, they guessed he was helping an injured animal that wouldn't do well brought to the settlement for treatment. Enki... opted not to correct them, it meant that while someone might call him, no one was likely to try to come find him.

He didn't speak after arriving, just set up a somewhat more comfortable place to sit. He tried to give an impression of 'I'm here.' If the being chose to acknowledge him he could go from there, if not, he'd stay quietly on hand.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

To be fair, 'injured animal' was both accurate AND inaccurate in describing the situation.

Enki would get a greeting; while still hungry, it 'felt' less like it was drowning.

Though there was another problem: now that it had chosen to be stationary, it was beginning to regret that. It was, at its core, meant for travel.

Still choosing not to do a full scan, to find out what system number this place would have (void active or not), it sent Enki a non-verbal inquiry.

What is this place? How much is out 'here'?

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki felt a bit of tension ease out of their shoulders at being addressed right away. It might not be much, but it felt like a good sign to him.

"This is Mol'Rihan. It's the third planet in the Dewa system." As he spoke, he pictured a lot of things in a bit of a tangle, not exactly intending to share, but between the nature of this being and his own lack of control telepathically, some would probably leak over.

People starting up the settlements on the planet, exploring, learning about the world they planned to call home, and then the Dewa stars orbiting each other with the planets orbiting them. There were a lot emotions tied to it all, but a strand of hope tied it all together. "I... am not really sure where you're from or if any of that even means anything to you."

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

It sent back the impression that, while it understood the underlying concepts - seeking refuge on or colonizing a planet, star systems and so forth - it could not place the more particular names whatsoever.

It shunted its own thoughts on seeking refuge to the side, for now. Those wouldn't help.

For how long has life been here? Was the next impression. Whether Enki interpreted that to mean the colonizers or how long it seemed this planet had been capable of sustaining life, was not a priority.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

A pause. "That... I umm... I'm not really sure. At the very least, a couple hundred thousand years? Probably a whole lot more for animals and the like, even if the civilization we've seen signs of were colonists like we are."

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

Established, then; that didn't change anything, but it concluded it was worth learning anyhow.

It transmitted a sense of thanks, then shuddered again.

Energy crash should not be this severe...

But then, the final number of people who remained tethered to it was far lower than it was used to - and for a voidcraft designed for large groups like itself, far lower than it should have had to begin with.

If not for-

For-



Enki would be able to tell it had gone quiet again, its mind unwillingly retreating into memories once more.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki frowned and went quiet, situating himself and then shifting into meditation. Now he at least knew that looking at any memories might pull him in. He could avoid that and hope he didn't get pulled in otherwise.

He didn't plan to meditate all day, but he could ease into that state periodically to see if the being needed a hand. To make it clear he was still here and that he cared what became of them, even without really knowing them.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

Out on the edge as he was, Enki wouldn't have to see any subsequent flashbacks to literal planetary destruction. Or the sensation of being too overloaded that came along with it.

It wasn't quite hyperventilating, but its stress levels were just shy of that degree.

There came a soft noise, much softer than something its size would otherwise be thought to make. An echo of some of the melody Enki had hummed the other day.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

The bit of music caught Enki off guard, and he opened his eyes for a long moment, too stunned to react. He... hadn't realized the being had actually been listening.

After recovering from that he picked up humming again, continuing with the random series of snippets, but transitioning it into a full tune, opting to veer into the structure that offered. It was worth a shot to see if maybe it could help ground the being as they dealt with their memories. Even just a little bit would be good given how close to the edge they seemed.

(frozen comment)

[peridexion]

It was one thing to hear the void sing - something better attributed to certain populations from voidmetal-rich worlds than to voidcraft themselves - but it was another to gather songs like this, and share in them.

And while the occasional note was off, or silenced before they could become an externalization of mental sobs, for the most part it kept up with Enki's improvisations quite well.

(frozen comment)

[under_the_raptors_wings]

More than trying to help, Enki actually enjoyed the being's accompaniment as he hummed, and while he wasn't the most skilled at the instrument, he still made a mental note to bring his ryill with him the next time he came to visit.

But for now he continued humming and keeping track of the being's mood. Occasionally he shifted into singing little snatches of one song or another when he was more focused on listening than on keeping his humming steady. But each time he caught onto that he eased back to a hum.

(frozen comment) In which this train absoLUTELY purrs you can pry this from my cold dead hands-

[peridexion]

The subtle approval was itself encouragement, albeit one that didn't quite register consciously for it.

Instead, it was just... easier, to sink into song, than into what it had carried with it from the home that no longer existed.

After a few notes ending out more minor than intended, though, it fell silent again.

There came a different noise, an attempt to reassure itself; while most engines purring didn't normally do so with emotion, this one was still sad.