Elite roleplay: Off station

OFF STATION

Your ship, deep space, anything that is not happening inside the Citi Gateway or Ingaba...

General Roleplay Etiquette:

1. Control only the actions of your own character(s). (AKA: God Mode)
This doesn't matter how small the action is, even if it is as simple as scratching their nose or a direct reaction to something else that just happened. This applies to everything from casual conversation to full blown fight scenes. If you'd like someone to do something specific, PM that person, however keep in mind they are completely within their rights to say no. Especially if said action is inappropriate to their character and/or circumstance.

2. Don't brute force your way into another persons RP.
Approaching with a conversation starter is fine, or indeed some other small action. However charging in, guns blazing and disrupting the flow of another person/pair/groups conversation/arc is about as rude as doing so in real life. If something is going on that you'd like to participate in, be subtle about it. Put out a gentle hook for someone to take, but again, be aware that said hook may not be taken. If you fear it was simply unnoticed, PM the person or people it concerns. Or even leave a message in the OOC forums.

3. Good grammar and spelling is preferred.
We're not asking you to be perfect, but please at least demonstrate willingness. no1 iz gna tak u srsly usng txt spk. There's a wide variety of people here, many who speak English as a second, or even third language. There are even some with varying degrees of dyslexia and/or likely other issues that affect spelling/grammar. We accept them all here. However, people who aren't accepted, are those unwilling to accept polite correction. Remember that even a small thing like the placement of a comma, or the wrong use of there/their/they're can completely change the definition of an entire sentence.

4. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and politely.
If someone spots an issue with your writings, they may wish to help you improve that writing. They may do this through PM or even publicly air their thoughts on the OOC forum. If they have taken the time to be polite and explain what is wrong with your writing, the best way to behave is to respond in kind, using the same manner they have approached you with. It means they have taken an active interest in what you have written and wish to see more. Basically, you have a fan!

5. Don't take the actions or opinions of things done IN RP, to be directly relevant to the writers thoughts or opinions.
Basically, if some ones character calls your character a jackass, it doesn't mean the writer thinks you are a jackass. It's a ROLE they are PLAYING. Watch a movie. The argument between the characters isn't an argument between the actors involved. The same applies here.

6. It's not a popularity contest.
Your RP might be bustling with participants. You have 3 people off station in a fire fight, while another 2 are infiltrating the darkest areas of the station, meanwhile a group of 4 others are tracking your movements in an effort to stop you. Good for you, I'm sure it will be a thrilling read! But you know what? Sometimes the absolute BEST work, comes from two RP characters having a simple heart to heart. Both are valid, both are great, but NEITHER is categorically better than the other. Period.


Inara RP Etiquette:

1. Respect the setting and rules of the universe.
Inara is an Elite: Dangerous 3rd Party Tool. The RP Forums are set in the Elite: Dangerous universe. Elite: Dangerous has rules, as any fictional universe does from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, or Game of Thrones to Star Trek. If you intend to RP within the Elite: Dangerous universe you are bound by the history and rules of that universe. Simply put, this RP forum is bound by the same rules as the game, so if it can't be done in the game, it is not permitted here. This applies to things from a 50Ly Jump Range on a normal, unmodified Sidewinder, to the destruction of entire stations.

2. Respect the characters created by others.
We have a wide variety of characters already here. It's expected that some will be similar, just as it's expected that two characters will be vastly different. Opinions of each persons character will naturally be varied, but all are valid provided they follow the rules of the universe. You are allowed to interact with, or avoid interaction with, any character in the RP forums. But you have no right to belittle others for their creation. You are not an authority figure on writing, nor are you directly affected by another persons imagination. You might not like it, but you MUST respect it.

3. Be caught up on current events before joining in.
You need basic things like character descriptions in order to interact with them. You also need to know what's going on in the surrounding areas. This is simply because the people you are hoping to RP with, might be gearing up to something that you might not want to be part of. Or simply that the most recent post, out of context, could leave a different impression on the goings on than if you gather that context. We don't expect you to read every single post from the beginning of the forums, just enough to get that basic understanding.

4. Either subscribe to, or frequently check, the Roleplay: Q&A and OOC forum.
People may be discussing something relevant to you there, or even discussing you directly. Perhaps someone asked what the general consensus on the existence or non-existence of a certain object. Or we're just chatting about random gibberish. Either way, be aware of it and use it. If you're unsure about something, such as how guns would look and or behave, or even the music selection, use the OOC forum to ask. We don't have all of the answers, but the collective knowledge and logic usually allows us to overcome an issue and come to a decision on what should be allowed. Frontier Developments, and even David Braben himself, don't have the answers to every possible question that can be asked.

5. Large Scale events exploding out of nowhere are a complete no go.
We get it. Everyone wants their character to be noticed and for people to be tripping over themselves to interact with them. In some audiences, an introduction involving you blasting in for landing in a fiery wreckage of a ship, before cart wheeling out and sword fighting 35 Ninjas before whisking off with the local celebrity for a glorious night of passion, is in fact, cool. This is not one of those audiences. It is generally considered better to build your character up slowly over time. Eventually, you might even have a legitimate excuse to fight those Ninjas. Maybe even with other RP participants by your side.

6. Perfect characters are boring.
The point of a character arc, is that it is in fact, an arc shape. One who is morally unquestionable, fully kitted out and an infinite fountain of knowledge, cannot go through an arc. Give your character flaws. Be it a tendency towards befriending the wrong people, or a bad knee that frequently gives out at inopportune moments. It gives readers something to latch onto and empathise with. You can give your character exceptional capabilities at something, but it requires balance. She's a damn good pilot with no equal, but can't drive an SRV for peanuts. It can lead to some very interesting moments between characters, be it heartfelt or comedic.


Other Notes:
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to these points. For example, good grammar when a character is speaking is actually rare. Few people in real life actually speak with perfect eloquence after all. Or previously arranged actions during a fight scene, such as someone stumbling back after a punch. What's key to remember is context.

All in all, remember this is purely for fun. We have some seriously talented writers here, and others whose writing history starts and ends at high school. But many are willing to help out in whatever way they can. All it takes is that you ask nicely.

Also keep in mind that many people who RP here, also have logbook stories related to the character, or characters, they portray. If it looks like there's an "in joke" going on that you're unsure of, it's probably in those.

In fact, some users have even gone to the trouble of creating "alts" to RP with. If you read back far enough, it's usually pretty clear who has and hasn't, and which ones are the "alts". It's therefore not unheard of to see the apparent seizing of control of other characters. If you do spot one, point it out in the OOC section. If intervention is needed, it will be sorted quickly and (hopefully) politely.

Most, if not all RP participants here have Logbook stories pertaining to their character(s). These are for the reading pleasure of anyone who wishes to do so. While it can be useful to read them in order to gain a bit of backstory on a character you wish to interact with, it should not be assumed that your character shares that knowledge. Within the E:D Universe, these Logbooks either don't exist, or are private diaries kept by the characters. Either way, without explicit statements to say otherwise from the writer, your interactions should reflect that your character is in the dark about any information you, the writer/reader, have gained from reading the stories.
30 May 2024, 8:57pm
“Both good reasons to prefer a short way over a long one. I'll be back at the stairs in a jiffy.“ I replied.

I reached the door I had come through earlier and peeked around the corner. Nothing. So I made my way to the stairs and went down. As I arrived at the corridor, I was about to turn towards the server room when the door to the toilets opened not far from me.

"What the...?"

I turned my head to the side where the voice came from. In the door stood a young-looking man in uniform, sans headgear, and took a step towards me. His eyes briefly fell on my coat and then lingered on my helmet. He visibly paled and saluted.

"Beg your pardon. I wasn't expecting a senior officer."

I was so surprised by the situation that I kept silent while possible courses of action raced through my head, including reaching for my weapon. My silence was soon interpreted. Still in a stiff posture, the young man continued.

"I also apologize for not being at my post. May I speak?"

My experience from serving in the Imperial Navy, even though it was a long time ago, told me that the young man mistook me for a superior - probably because of the logo on my helmet - and was trying to excuse some wrongdoing. Following a spontaneous impulse, I nodded silently.

"I'm aware that the central station must be constantly manned and you surely expected to find me there, but we're hopelessly understaffed here..."

Well, I thought - that's something that exists in all armed forces regardless of their allegiance, always shifting the blame to the circumstances.

"...that's why I had to order double shifts. May I ask if you're here to take over the position of my recently fallen superior?"

I smirked under my helmet and spoke to Kasumi who overheard everything that had been said.

“I’m inclined to play along instead of murdering him. What do you say?“
30 May 2024, 9:16pm
"Hm ..."

I had to think on that for a moment... it was equally risk and opportunity.

"Why... not. But it will look strange if you, don't know access codes. And I am curious what he means by 'fallen superior' ..."

Most importantly, how he had been killed. Or, at least, died.
31 May 2024, 1:04pm
The young soldier’s salute lingered in the air, a testament to his discipline despite the evident strain. I could see the gears turning in his head, trying to place me within the hierarchy he so rigidly adhered to. His stance, rigid with military discipline, betrayed his anxiety over the unexpected encounter. I let the silence linger a moment longer, a tactic to gather my thoughts and assert control over the conversation.

"At ease. Your discipline in these trying times is commendable." I began, my voice steady and authoritative. "I am here to assess the situation after the… unfortunate demise of your superior. Tell me, how has the loss of your superior affected the morale here?"

The young man seemed to relax a little, the stiffness in his posture easing as he spoke. "Thank you. If I may be so bold, the loss of Commander Valtor has been a blow to us all. He held this place together. When the anarchists hit us, he was on the front lines, trying to protect the civilians. Took a blast meant for a group of kids. His fall during the anarchist raid has left us reeling."

I felt a twinge of something unexpected — respect, perhaps — for the fallen commander. But I pushed it aside. "He sounds like a brave man. And now you’re filling in his shoes, organizing everything. That’s commendable."

He straightened up at the praise, and I knew I had him. "Thank you. I’m just trying to do my best under the circumstances."

"You mentioned being understaffed — how has this affected your operations?"

He hesitated, then divulged, "We’re stretched thin. Double shifts have become the norm, and with the chaos in Cartier City, we’ve had no reinforcements. But I don’t know much more, command keeps their affairs close to the chest."

"Double shifts are a necessary evil in times like these," I said, my voice carrying the calm assurance of command. "And what of the ship on the landing pad?" I asked casually, as if it was just another item on a checklist.

"The... the Black Flight vessel?" He hesitated, then continued, "We’ve been ordered to stay clear of it. It came back damaged from a mission. They say it encountered the anarchists in space - some even say it’s cursed and that this ship is the reason we were attacked by the anarchists in the first place..."

I nodded, my mind racing. This was the opening I needed. "You’ve done well under these trying circumstances. As for the ship, it is imperative that I review its mission logs. The security of this settlement depends on it. But I need someone I can trust. Someone like you, who understands the importance of duty."

His eyes widened, the gravity of the situation dawning on him, while his chest swelled with pride. "Of course. The logbook has been copied and stored in the central station, only accessible to high-ranking officers. I can arrange for you to have an encrypted copy."

"See that you do." I replied, my tone softening. "Your loyalty in these dark times will be remembered. Azimuth values those who stand firm against the tide of chaos."

As he hurried off upstairs to fetch a copy of the logbook, I allowed myself a small smirk. The young soldier had no idea that the 'senior officer‘ before him was nothing more than a scoundrel in disguise.

Then I spoke to Kasumi in the Gullveig. "Looks like we are making progress, Kasumi. I just hope you will be able to decrypt this thing."


Last edit: 31 May 2024, 1:11pm
31 May 2024, 1:38pm
I shook my head at the pretending to be Azimuth, before I answered.

“You are a lot better than I would be, at pretending to be one of them. And… I think I can, get it unlocked. Once I have it back here. But, that will make things, a lot simpler. And you may not have to go poking down there.”

That was all I had to say on this, as it was right now. And I had nothing to comment on the repeated insistence of Azimuth to call opposing forces “anarchists”… they probably even saw it as a compliment.
31 May 2024, 2:20pm
"A few years of service in the Imperial Navy help with the task at hand. Basically, the process is probably similar everywhere: if you know one hierarchy, you know them all. Besides, I prefer not to run my head through the wall if possible... but to use the pretty thing to think occasionally," I replied as I waited for the young man to return with a copy of the logbook.

Which wasn't too long in coming. The young soldier soon returned, a data pad in his hands - the copy of the logbook. His steps were measured, his face a mask of solemn duty. He offered the pad with both hands, a gesture of respect to the rank he believed I held.

"Here is the logbook." he said, his voice betraying a hint of pride at fulfilling the important request of a senior officer.

I took the pad, my fingers brushing against his in a feigned moment of camaraderie. "You've done well. Your actions today exemplify the virtues of our forces - loyalty, diligence and strength of character. Commander Valtor would have been proud."

The soldier stood taller, visibly buoyed by the praise. "Thank you. I will return to my post and ensure that the central station remains manned."

"See that you do, I will now go back and fulfill my own task," I replied with a nod and saluted.

With a final salute, the soldier turned on his heel and departed upstairs. I watched him go, the data pad's weight in my hand a tangible symbol of the information I had sought.

Then I turned around and went down the stairs to the next floor, where the quarters with the hatch were and where I had left my helmet and backpack under the bed.

I turned to Kasumi again. "So far, so good. I'll try to return the same way I came in. Are there still any of the containers near the loading hatch? If not, please order some more goods and secure my exit."
31 May 2024, 2:27pm
One of my hands had gotten wayward. The “poking into big breast because of nothing to do, with distracting sensations on the mind” kind of wayward. The renewed transmission, however, pulled me out of that. For now.

“I think …”

I peeked at the displays.

“Well… I thought I had ordered some more. But… a few more power generators it is.”

Because the existing ones were definitely in by now. I hit the confirm button on an order I’d set, earlier, and then kind of forgotten about.

“There has not been much more activity, since you left. Everything is still operating ‘normally’… and I did not break or play with panels. But I would like to go before they start to ask, why we are not leaving, already.”

Whatever we were going to do with those generators later. Definitely not for Azimuth, that was for sure. And… the wayward hand kind of went back to what it’d been doing, absent-mindedly.
31 May 2024, 3:07pm
"As long as you keep the deliveries coming, hopefully no one will get suspicious. Maybe they’ll just think we’re comparing prices forever to make as much profit as possible," I said, swaggering down the corridor to the hatch room with a satisfied, wide grin.

Reaching the door, I flung it open, peeked inside - not a soul in sight - and promptly shut it behind me, engaging the lock with a satisfying click. I tossed the data pad onto the bed and fished out my gear from underneath. Shedding my coat first, I hung it back on the wall where I’d found it, stashed the data pad in my backpack, and slung it over my shoulder with a thud. The last thing I did was to replace the helmet, again adjusting the frequency in one helmet and misadjusting it in the other, which I then left in the locker.

I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea that I might’ve been parading around in a dead man’s gear. But hey, at least I didn’t have to off anyone, which might’ve made the old chap’s spirit a bit more agreeable, considering he’d given his life for others.

Next, I double-checked the fit and seal of my helmet, then popped open the floor hatch and started down the ladder towards our ship. The trek back was just as taxing as the way there, but uneventful, so it didn’t take me too long to reach my destination.

"Should be there shortly," I quipped over the helmet comm. "Nice to know there’s still a ship to come back to and you haven’t taken apart the panels or whatever." The little joke eased some of the tension I’d been carrying.
31 May 2024, 3:17pm
“They have stayed in their position… since they snapped back.”

Which was more than I could say about one of my hands. And it was quite difficult to get it back under control… especially when I was still all alone, for now. A ping caught my attention… effectively, announcing that the cargo delivery had arrived and was being loaded.

“The robot is here with the power stuff. What will we do with it, when we are done?”

Whether “done” meant ‘Here on the surface’ or that - presumably - still planned excursion to the Musashi, I wasn’t too sure. Either way, hopefully I’d get the unruly hand back to somewhere more appropriate before then… or, especially, before the other misfit that was meant to be on the ship returned. It would have been a lie to say I wasn’t just as much of one, in… wildly different ways. And sizes, too.
31 May 2024, 5:08pm
“We could sell the goods, or just blow them into the void of space - unless you’ve got a better idea. They’re just a smokescreen, anyway.” I replied, as I approached the spot where I had climbed into the passage under the landing field, shielded by some containers.

The goods that Kasumi had ordered before had been delivered to our ship in the meantime. I made my way out of the underground, shielded by the stacked containers. A few minutes later, I was back on the landing field and headed for the cargo hatch of the Gullveig.

“I’m coming on board now.” I announced, to avoid being shot by my passenger at the end. You never know.

Shortly after, I entered the ship through the already opened cargo hatch and made my way to the cockpit, while I slipped the backpack off my shoulders on my way through the cargo bay, already eager to see if we could make heads or tails of the data pad nestled inside.
31 May 2024, 5:31pm
“I think, just… do what you would like with the cargo. As long as it does not end up with Azimuth, or some less behaved pirates, I may not care.”

Knowing my pilot was about to arrive back on the ship, I finally managed to stop my hand from fumbling around the nice-feeling chest spot… but those sensations still refused to get out of my head. Definitely something to be ‘taken care of’ once I was all by myself again, and somewhere private.

I spun around with the seat - or ‘throne’, as some would have been inclined to call it - when she arrived, kind of forgetting I still had the pistol on my lap. Turned out, when gravity was low enough, and you had big enough thighs, things on it were quite easy to not notice after a while.

“See… it is all still, in one piece.”
31 May 2024, 6:34pm
“Well, maybe some settlement out there could use this stuff. Let’s just get it on board for now,” I said while handing Kasumi the data pad I’d pulled from my backpack.

“Here’s something to toy with before you get the itch to break some stuff out of sheer boredom…” I said with a wink and went on, “Let’s hope this thing can be decrypted… otherwise, this whole caper wouldn’t amount to much.”

I stowed the backpack securely in a compartment and settled into the pilot’s seat.

“I reckon we should blast off as soon as the cargo’s loaded. Everything’s gone smooth so far, but let’s not jinx it with a nasty surprise at the end...”

I buckled up and started prepping everything for takeoff.

“Got any thoughts on what’s next? Head back to Abode, or swing by Musashi first? What do you think?”
31 May 2024, 6:42pm
"I don't know.", I replied. "What do you think would be better? Because this ..."

I held up the data pad.

"Will not have as simple of an encryption, as standard Azimuth comms. Breaking it, may take some time."

With that said, I threw one of my programs at the job, and also let EDI poke at it.

"It could also turn out... useless. So, if we do both, better chance that something good, comes out. Passes the time, too. And ..." I paused a little for 'dramatic effect. "I maybe trust you to do it right. And you would like the keeper of treasures to live up to his name... right?"

I couldn't help but add a toying wink to the end of that, not so hidden, tease.
31 May 2024, 8:28pm
"The keeper of treasures is female because it's named after a goddess. But you're right - I'd prefer her to live up to her name. Whatever treasures you mean..." I replied and laughed.

"Sure hope whatever we get out of that data pad thing isn't useless. But while you're programs are working on it, we can use the time best having a look at the Musashi. And it's not that far away."

I waited for the loading of the goods into the Gullveig to be completed. Then I closed and locked the cargo hatch. Next, I programmed the course to the mega ship.

"I think you will be more challenged on this mission. Let's see how well the Musashi is secured. Ready when you are."
31 May 2024, 8:48pm
I threw a silly look at her.

"Oh... come on. You know, which treasure I mean." Then, I switched to a playful teasing tone. "Unless, there is more than one treasure onboard ..."

That tone was accompanied by a matching look, far from being flirty, just.. messing with someone else, and a teasing reference to calling my body shape a treasure, when the name of the ship was a subject. That short scene was as much of that as I dared put on, though, else there was the likely risk of it being misunderstood as a different kind of interest... or so I thought, anyway.

"I do not know much about mythology... or, the less obvious ones, anyway. I did not even realize, they had named the Titans after gods of thunder... until someone else mentioned. And, go ahead, we can leave. We have our cargo... and don't want to give wrong ideas. Unless you would like to dump it over their heads, as we fly off."

An idea which I didn't really find particularly amusing. Not for power generators, anyway, and there was the possibility of us finding a practical use for them... maybe. Had it been biowaste, I might have suggested it in a slightly more serious tone.
01 Jun 2024, 6:33pm
"As naughty as you are today, that's probably enough for a whole treasure fleet.." I said with a laugh.

Then I opened the cockpit shutters and established comms with the local tower.

"Control, this is the Gullveig requesting clearance for takeoff."

The tower responded promptly, "Gullveig, this is Control. You are clear for systems check. Proceed when ready."

I moved my hands with practiced ease over the console, my gaze focused on the array of lights and data screens. "Systems green across the board, Control. Ready for departure."

"Copy that, Gullveig. Disengage landing protocols and initiate thrusters. You have the green light for takeoff."

Our spaceship vibrated gently as it detached from the landing pad. "Landing protocols disengaged. Thrusters are go. Taking off now."

"Safe journey, Gullveig."

The tower's voice faded into the background as our ship ascended, leaving the landing pad and then the planet behind, setting course for the Azimuth mega ship.

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