TEST DRIVE MEME #1

[space_aces]

WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD

Your journey only happened because of your benefactor, so it begets that it starts at your benefactor as well. SUPERBIA, which is as much of a location as it is an entity, is where everyone's search for Fortuna begins.

There's not much of a welcome party: shortly after their fateful encounter with SUPERBIA, in which they swore to join the quest to find Fortuna, the new Privateers will find themselves afflicted by a sudden change in perspective. See, teleportation is a tricky process, so from SUPERBIA's point of view, why not make the target destination none other than itself? One highly disconcerting moment later, and the Privateers find themselves inside the belly of the beast.

The vast mega-structure is shockingly lonely, void of anyone other than the Privateers. Those who look off the metal satellite and to The Network for intelligence (or take a skim at the Space Wikipedia article) will find out that the surrounding space is clear for lightyears; rumors have it that the place is cursed. It won't take long to understand why.

1

Overclocked

The innards of SUPERBIA are that of an impossibly scaled up computer, and the Privateers start right in the middle of it. You are the spider living in the dusty PS4. Literal rivers of coolant, transistors the size of mountains, landscapes made entirely of circuitry. The sky, bounded by a distant metal ceiling, is constantly alight with coursing electricity that cracks the sky with lightning storms. It can be assumed that the Privateers are the first living things to set foot here, because such a place is not ever meant to be traversed by delicate, organic, mortals that worry about things such as "temperature" or "voltage". SUPERBIA needs not lifeforms to continue its operations; why design for them? Traversal itself is difficult: unscalable walls and perilous drops are common to encounter. The only company the Privateers will find are oddly adorable maintenance robots, which sadly seem too occupied by their directives of maintaining the massive machine to offer any assistance (or even acknowledgement of their new guests).

It is immediately clear that the most urgent priority is to get the hell out of here. Before your adventure ends at the starting line.

2

Skeletons In The Closet

If one stays inside SUPERBIA, either by getting horribly lost or losing all common sense, one will notice a peculiar pattern emerge as one gets deeper into the bowels of the mega-structure. Passages shrink and become more level, and the incredible hostility and danger of the surroundings fade away, until one comes across areas which were definitely intended for humanoid organisms to use at one point.

The construction of these areas is cramped, unfurnished, and dreary; they are reminiscent of artificial environments meant to handle harsh external conditions like a submarine or bunker, but they are entirely livable. One can eventually find distinct rooms, but everything in them has crumbled to dust and their original purpose is nigh impossible to discern. Deeper investigation may reveal the few items that have stood the test of time. While it is more plausible for life to have existed here, that doesn't seem to be the case now. What happened here?

3

The Shipyard

In the opposite direction, when one finally reaches the outer edges of SUPERBIA, they will be rewarded with the place to pick up a spaceship and a stunningly beautiful view of outer space. The outside of SUPERBIA has no atmosphere to get between you and the stars, and they shine brightly, like a beacon calling one out into the first steps of adventure.

The shipyard is already filled with countless space ships of every size, form, and function, all autonomously constructed by SUPERBIA's factories over the countless years. What's the harm in taking one or twenty out for a spin? Even if one has no intentions of permanent ownership of the vehicle, it's not like SUPERBIA will miss it. For a Privateer with a more specific vision, however, there are kiosks around the yard which will allow one to design their very own space ship down to their exact specifications. When the process is done SUPERBIA's matter printers will have it out and space-ready right before your very eyes.

If a Privateer has a ship, vehicle, or large item that they intended to bring with them, they will also find them here, neatly parked in the Shipyard. Why didn't SUPERBIA extend this courtesy to the pilot's themselves? The answer is revealed as soon as the owner makes a closer inspection: the inner contents have been rearranged, like a whirlwind was unleashed inside and assorted loose items thrown around. Now aren't you glad your transportation was given special attention, and the same didn't happen to your innards?

4

Hot Crewmates in Your Area

But how will a single Privateer man an entire space ship? No worries: when one steps into a ship, the strangely endearing maintenance robots will suddenly take acute interest. The robots will follow inside and immediately start assuming the duties of a spacefarer, eliminating the need for extra hands on deck.

Even still, there's just no eliminating the want for a human touch, though. Thankfully even that dilemma has a contingency plotted by SUPERBIA.

Communication devices are easily available on every space ship. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from huge stationary consoles to portable smartphone-like screens. But whenever a Privateer attempts to access the Network, a pop-up will appear, obscuring the whole screen.

Tell me a little about yourself. Are you a LEADER or a FOLLOWER? What is your best feature?
The device will be rendered unusable until one relents to the pop-up's demands and provides answers to its questions. What will these be used for? The mystery will be solved when a social media app mysteriously installs itself on the same device, with profiles preemptively made for every Privateer. Each Privateer's profile consists of their given answers, paired with embarrassingly candid photographs. SUPERBIA has eyes in many places it seems.

Comments

[fourhope]

It's my family name, yes.
A combination of philosophy mixed with my own lived experience. Someone who always insists upon being the leader, isn't someone I'd trust with the position. Would you agree?
I'm not intending to lose, but I suppose it's a rare occurrence that someone starts a venture knowing it would fail..

[astrogator]

Peace and prosperity to you. I'm Tayrey. Lieutenant Arilanna Tayrey.
I'm not sure if I agree with you in all circumstances. If a person is in a formal leadership role, then that's their responsibility, and they shouldn't abdicate it. Fulfilling their duty doesn't make them untrustworthy. In other circumstances, though? More flexibility is needed.
Probability says that most of us are going to lose, and that maybe all of us are going to lose. But we're all still here, so we all think we have a chance. I'd prefer to win, but I don't mind losing honestly. Just like a game of cards, right? It's all a gamble.

[fourhope]

And to you as well.
A formal leadership role still means knowing when to defer leadership to someone else if a given situation calls for it. Though someone being in a position doesn't always mean they deserve it or are capable of holding it. Just because someone is supposed to lead, that doesn't mean they should.

[A pause.]
It appears I have a lot on my mind on the subject of leadership. My apologies, Miss Tayrey.

Probability is a fickle thing.
Regardless of what the future brings, I wish you good fortune.

[astrogator]

Thank you.
A leader should know his or her own limitations, and when to take the advice of experts in particular fields. They still maintain ultimate responsibility for the outcome, and so they still have to lead. If someone is incapable of leadership, they shouldn't be in the position in the first place.

It's fine, honestly. I like a good debate. But it's Lieutenant Tayrey. Or Citizen Tayrey, if you want to be Rican about it - or just plain Tayrey, I don't mind.

[Rica is a planet in her sector whose inhabitants deliberately reject the use of any and all ranks and titles, save citizen. She's trying to be as sensitive and accommodating as she can, just in case.]

You're very kind. I'll wish for probability to shine upon you, too. [But on her just a little more.]

[fourhope]

I wish that were so, but someone being unfit for a position does not instantly remove them from said position. History is full of unfit leaders and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon sadly.

I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with what being Rican is, but it's clear that the manner of address we are accustomed to is very different.
If you insist, then Citizen Tayrey it is for now.
Seeing as your organization isn't here. Any meaning that title held where you're from means very little here I'm afraid and as I'm not from your organization referring to you by a title of authority would feel insincere on my part. As I do not recognize you as having any at this time. You understand.

[Given his history as a rebel fighting against a military organization, his refusal makes sense in a way. It's not personal. He'd have the same reaction to anyone who insisted upon such a thing right now.]

I do try to be kind, when I can.
[Not agreeing or accepting her decision. Very carefully so.]
We might be in opposition, but opposition does not mean I wish ill things to befall you or anyone else.

[astrogator]

[If she knew his history, Ari might have been more understanding. As it is, she feels insulted, although she realises the importance of being diplomatic and not making immediate enemies.]

You're right, some leaders are unfit. In that case, people will not choose to follow them, and they won't last long.

Citizen Tayrey is perfectly adequate, but let me clarify. I'm not intending to claim any kind of authority over you. You're not a Tradeliner, you're not under my command. That's not how it is, no more than when I address the foreign captains here as such, I'm saying they're my captain and I'll take orders from them. It's courtesy.

As for its meaning? I'm a certified lieutenant of the Tradelines, no matter how far from the lines I am. I worked for it, I passed the examinations, and nobody can take that from me. There are others here with accomplishments far greater than mine, and I'm not going to dismiss them because they're far away from home, either.

[fourhope]

[Oh, this is absolutely Quatre being a rude little shit. He's just being a rude little shit with pretty, polite language. Duo'd be happy to be the rude little shit with non-polite language if she'd like some variety in her teenage insurgents. He can certainly arrange for it.]

Historically something that can be proven untrue far too many times I'm afraid. Leadership, positions of rule, often come with a power that's hard to topple.
Not impossible mind, but many times in history people have settled for the bad that's familiar over the unknown or the risk of fighting.

[Oh dear, it does feel like he's hit a nerve. How clumsy of him. Maybe time for a smidgen of damage control.]

I have offended you. That was not, ultimately, my intent and for that I apologize.
Perhaps it is, indeed, a title earned as you say. But as I would not insist people here address me as many would consider befitting my own station, I feel it only right to have the courtesy extended in kind.

[astrogator]

[His own station? Oh, now that makes Ari think she knows what he's up to. Rich brat who thinks everyone else is beneath him, most likely. But so long as he's polite, she's not inclined to do anything about it. It is, after all, beneath her own dignity as a lieutenant of the Tradelines to get into petty arguments with random civilians.]

You might want to rethink that. There's an arrogance in presuming that because something is true in the history of your people, on your homeworld, that it must be true for every other civilisation in the universe, isn't there?

I accept your apology. I'll take no offense so long as it's a matter of general principle for you, and not a personal rejection of my particular credentials.

[In other words, if she spots him using anyone else's title, she won't be very happy about it. She doesn't care that much, so long as she's not addressed inaccurately, or with the intent to belittle her. If she cared, she'd be introducing herself with her full name, as a Company daughter, not a relatively unimportant spacer lieutenant. But one status she'd been born with, and one she'd earned, and that makes her value the latter more.]

[fourhope]

[That's a cover story he could.... absolutely hate, but learn to live with. Maybe this little miscommunication might work out in his favor in the long run.]

I apologize if I gave you that impression. It'd be foolish to always assume the worst case scenario, just like it would be to think it always worked out in the end. Sometimes people who shouldn't lead are removed from their positions. Sometimes they are not. Would you agree with this assessment of the universe at large?

[This is starting to feel like a comedy of errors. How did it get like this? It's a good thing Duo isn't currently around to read over his shoulder, because the other pilot would be howling with laughter.]

I have made assumptions again. I think I'm beginning to understand. Your title, I am mostly familiar with it in a military sense. Is that not the case on your world?

I'm afraid inter-universe diplomacy is new to me. I will work on adjusting my mindset in the future.

[astrogator]

[Gave her that impression? He flat-out stated it. Ari's rolling her eyes at that, but she plays along, and taps out her answer.]

Yes, I'd say that's an uncontroversial assessment. I suppose it makes it a bad idea for any of us to make generalised statements about leadership.

[Those next messages are just plain confusing. She's going to have to pull it back to first principles.]

It's a military rank, yes. The Tradelines defend the freedom of the colonies, protect their people, and facilitate trade up and down the lines. Being military doesn't mean it was just handed to me along with a fancy uniform. I had to work hard for it. It also doesn't mean that anyone using it is putting himself under my command or conceding that I have some authority over him. My authority is limited to a certain sphere and I have no interest in exceeding it. I hold liberty as the highest of values.

[Yes, by joining the military she's giving up a good deal of her own to protect other people's. That's how it goes.]

Now, I mentioned the Ricans to you? They're a society in my sector, and they don't believe in the use of titles of any sort. So you can be a lieutenant, a doctor, a director, a king - and on Rica you're just plain citizen. If that's your philosophy, I respect it, and I'll support your right to it. But if you've just decided that my particular title is meaningless in your eyes, even though you know nothing about me or my people, then yes, I'll be offended. You needn't be a trained diplomat to see why.

[fourhope]

[No, that's just what she inferred from what he said. Nothing he's stated says 'I think I'm better than everyone else because I'm rich'. That's all on her. He's said nothing of the sort and wouldn't say anything of the sort, because that's the most ridiculous concept he's ever heard.]

I will strive to be clearer in my communication in the future.

[Honestly, this entire conversation is frustrating even for someone as usually calm and unflappable as Quatre. One miscommunication after another and he's still not sure how.]

So I wasn't incorrect. I'm afraid I'll have to ask for your forgiveness again. You see, my father was a very devoted Pacifist - as is my entire family, and I've a complicated history with military organizations. It's nothing personal against you, yours, or your people.

[astrogator]

[ooc: just a little note - she never mentioned her guess/misconception about him being rich or thinking he's better than others, she just thought about it - so she'd have no reason to think he was writing to her about that. She thought 'I apologize if I gave you that impression' was about the universality of the history/bad leaders being difficult to oust issue. I'm enjoying their little culture clash, just don't want it to get frustrating ooc for anyone, so thought I'd clarify :) ]

Look, communication over datanet with strangers is tricky, and that's before we factor in coming from very different sectors with different customs. Don't worry.

[Ari has no problem with pacifists, either. She doesn't rightly understand why being a pacifist would make someone react quite the way he has to her, but it would seem unkind at this point to press him on the matter. He's not a diplomat, and he hasn't had the sort of training she has.]

Everyone has the right to their own values. I respect your family's pacifism, even if I don't share it. I don't mean you or your people any harm.

[fourhope]

You're too kind. I'm glad we could resolve this amicably. I'd hate to develop bad blood with someone so soon. It'd start the journey off on a sour note.
I would prefer avoiding that if possible.

Likewise. While I don't particularly wish for you to succeed in your endeavor for personal reasons, i don't wish you any bad happenings either.

[The caveat is he said his family is pacifists. Didn't say anything about his own beliefs. That'll be a fun conversation one day, because odds are he's going to end up having to rely on a decidedly un-pacifistic skillset before this is all over.]

[astrogator]

Trust me, it takes far more than that to really upset me. I like a good debate. Maybe they're just better done in person. Hopefully I'll see you around sometime, Citizen.

You never know - if I find Fortuna, maybe I'll use it for a purpose you'd approve of! But of course we all want to win.

[The trouble is that if Ari ever did see him taking decidedly un-pacifist action, she might just think he'd been forced by circumstance to compromise his principles. She might even feel sorry for him!]

[fourhope]

A good debate is lovely, but most certainly better when not reliant entirely on reading the tone of text for sensitive subjects.

I won't ask what you'd use it for, as that seems far too personal.
I wish you well on your search.


[See? That's beautiful and means he's now got a great cover. The tactician in him would approve greatly. Or, who knows, maybe they become allies and he'll actually reveal his actual life and situation to her at some point. Though his plan for Fortuna? That's another matter.]

[astrogator]

My thoughts exactly. Maybe over a drink someday, then.

[There's some useful information. It's a personal question to him, so his own plans must be personal. She'll make sure not to ask. At this point, she really does want to stay on good terms with everyone, even if she knows that likely won't hold up forever.]

Thank you, and I'll wish the same to you. Safe skies!