SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE

[thespaceopera]

THE FALL TEST DRIVE MEME
(Or Spring Test Drive for you Southern Hemisphere folks!)

Got someone you want to try out before you app? Well this is the post for it! Feel free to use anything that fits in the setting of Drift Fleet! Want to play bumper shuttles? Want to go wild in a med bay? Play around with the current plot? Have at it!

Threads from the Test-Drive may be made game "canon" but DO NOT count toward AC!

FOR NEW PLAYERS: You DO NOT NEED an invite to participate in the TEST DRIVE! If you decide to APP into the game, ONLY THEN will you need an invite from a current player!

Helpful Info for Ideas!:

September's Star System

Game Details

Test drives are posted SEASONALLY, so the next one will be in December!

Comments

Matthew Murdock || Daredevil (Netflix)

[echovocation]

.shopping.

[Matt was, is and always will be a city boy, but this assault on his senses is almost overwhelming. All new sounds and smells and shapes to get used to, no comforting routine or quiet apartment he can retreat to when he needs to block it out.

Stop being such a pussy, sneers Stick’s voice in his head, so Matt goes and finds one of the busiest districts he can, locates a bench and parks himself right on it, hanging onto his cane with both hands as he tilts his head and just listens. Some things are similar. The drone of a thousand voices overlapping: if he doesn’t concentrate too hard he can shove that to the background. The pop and sizzle and hiss of food being cooked: the smell is more the problem than the sound, there. Some of it’s God-awful. Someone two establishments to his right didn’t wash their hands before starting.
What he needs is an anchor, a focus. Now that he’s jumped into the deep end of the pool he needs to swim, so Matt ignores the throbbing of his headache and listens for any kind of voice he might’ve heard on the network before, anybody who might be from the Fleet, before pushing himself up and tap-tapping his way indiscreetly over to them. Look helpless, look bumbling; that’s the easiest way to get someone to notice, and his best cover.]

Hi, excuse me, [Matt offers his most winning smile.] I’d like to get something specific while I’m here, but I'll admit I’m a little lost. Do you have a minute?


.exploring.

[When the noise and smells and everything of the cities becomes too much, Matt retreats to the canyon paths and nature walks. Nothing too dangerous as to be suspicious, so Matt decides on Yanti Rock. Carved staircases and steps are much more access-friendly than crumbling limestone caves, so it probably won’t be too strange to see him there.

When he can’t hear anybody nearby Matthew takes the steps without his cane, hopping up them two at a time for the familiar burn in his muscles, slowing down only when he passes by other sightseers and nodding pleasantly. Reaching the top is invigorating and he stops at the overhang, pulling in deep breaths and enjoying the feel of the wind against the sweat at his hairline. If there’s anybody there, he might strike up a conversation about how peaceful it is, what a nice climb that was, or he might just stand there silently and enjoy the atmosphere until someone else says something, leaning slightly against his cane.]


.wildcard.

[ Matt will be around the shopping and exploration areas, as well as near the docks and ships! Please come bug him with anything you’d like; feel free to contact me at gonewithouta for any questions! EDIT: aaaand his powers, since he's a lie detector]

[bestavocado]

[She didn't notice him at first. Of course she didn't notice him, because this is, frankly, crazy, and Foggy doesn't need super-senses to be overwhelmed by her surroundings. She's thinking that coming out here was a bad idea and maybe she should just go find somewhere quieter to have a nice, private panic attack when she hears the tap-tap-tapping of Matt's cane and his voice and--]

Oh thank god, Matt-- [It's not that she's happy he's in this crazy thing with her but she's so happy to see him right now, and moving in for a hug is so instinctive that she doesn't pause to wonder what was up with the wounded duck routine or why he would even bother pretending he doesn't know her.]

[echovocation]

[LMNCFAO OK LADY, you almost got suplexed just now, Matt was about to kung fu all over your ass.

Luckily for her he just goes very, very stiff, because while he definitely doesn't know her and she definitely recognized him, she isn't even close to trying to attack him. No tang of metal on the air, no strange lumps on her person to indicate hidden weapons; her heart's pounding, but not with that rabbit-quick adrenaline dump that always precedes a fight. She's relieved to see him.

...shit.

Shit, is she from college or something because she smells faintly familiar but he cannot place her voice for the life of him.]

Uh. [G e n t l y extracts himself.] Sorry for this, but I'm at a disadvantage here. You're...?

[bestavocado]

[Confused. Hurt. Worried. All of the above, right this second, and it's amazing how fast the relief she felt a few seconds ago turns to ice running through her veins. She doesn't fight it when he moves away from her, but mostly because of shock.

Is she sure this isn't a nightmare? It feels like a nightmare.]

It's... it's Foggy, Matt. [She's fighting really hard to sound calm right now, because if he's... hurt or something, if something's wrong with him, then it won't do him any good if she's panicking.] You don't... remember me?

[echovocation]

[Oh, he remembers the name, absolutely, and it's obvious in the way his whole demeanor changes. He even cocks his head to the side a little, listening to her heartbeat-

No, they're not doing this here. He grabs onto her elbow, which might look like a request for guidance but he's the one leading, right into this alley over here where it's more secluded.] Let's talk more privately, [he tells her flatly, maneuvering them and keeping an ear out for any pursuers.]

[bestavocado]

[It doesn't even occur to her to be nervous about being led into a secluded alley by a martial artist with Secrets who may or may not have any idea of who she is because it's Matt, but that doesn't mean she's not concerned, either. Because she is, because he clearly knows the name Foggy but doesn't seem to realize it belongs to her.]

Yeah, sure. [Not that he really needed her agreement, given that he's kind of already hustling them on over. She's quiet until they're semi-alone.] What's going on?

[echovocation]

You tell me. [He doesn't entirely drop the wounded duck routine, not even when he lets her go and steps back to half-block a potential escape route.] Why're you using that name, what's your angle?

[bestavocado]

My angle is that it's my name. [And it would probably be easier to verify that fact if her heart-rate wasn't already kind of erratic for reasons that have little to do with whether she's telling the truth or not. The fact that she recognizes he's semi-cutting off her way out of the area doesn't help either--this is Matt, she refuses to be nervous about what he's doing on principle, but it's not a super-comfortable thing to notice, either.] Seriously, you don't - you don't remember me?

[echovocation]

[M'kay enough of this shit] I've known Foggy Nelson for years and you are not him. So you're either a liar [unlikely] or you're hopelessly confused.

Shopping

[whatisright]

[For Matt, it should be immediately obvious that there is something strange about this man, which may have worked as a tip off that he's from the Fleet. The man wears metal armor which clicks with every movement, but his feet don't make any sound as they hit the ground. More importantly, he never sounds like he breathes unless he's speaking, and he has no audible heartbeat. He doesn't even smell like a human should--there's no smell of sweat, only of the metal and leather of his armor with a tang of something that he's likely not familiar with at all called lyrium.

But he takes immediate notice when Matt tap-taps towards him. He does not recognize this mortal, but he is definitely a mortal. He hears no song of the Taint or lyrium or spirithood--just the gentle but distinct hum that all mortals seem to have.]

You are blind.

[He says it with the tone of someone stating a fact, and who has absolutely no idea that what they're saying could be considered rude. Sorry, Matt, but Justice has the social sense of a cricket.]

What are you searching for? I will guide you, if that is what you wish.

[There is no hesitation there either. He doesn't mind sacrificing his time to help. He'd in fact be quite happy to do so, since helping others in need is the just thing to do.]

[echovocation]

[Buddy, that is why he made a beeline for you. This guy doesn't make the usual sounds a person makes, but that doesn't mean he can't be tracked; the clink of his armor, the feeling of air parting around him, some strangely unidentifiable...feeling in the air, like the hum of powerlines on a humid night, it's all as powerful an indication as a heartbeat, as the sound of a breath.

The strangeness does help him hold back a playfully sarcastic quip at that observation though, and Matthew just laughs a little and ducks his head.] Bedsheets, actually. Soft ones. I'm a little bit spoiled on that front. [Also, he wants to follow this guy around a little bit and get a better feel for how he moves, how he smells, how he sounds. Most of the people in those ships have heartbeats and footsteps, and Matt's not going to let anybody who doesn't take him by surprise.]

[whatisright]

[The man with red glasses laughs, and Justice isn't sure what he said that was funny. Or perhaps he said nothing funny at all. Kristoff's memories tell him that mortals will laugh at many things, though it's usually associated with amusement.]

Bed sheets. Very well. I saw a stall up the road with many linens and bolts of cloth that may suit you. The merchant there is honest.

[He knows the merchant is honest because he touched the cloths of many colors and he felt her character radiating from each stitch, along with the character of every weaver in her employ. He had warned her that one of her weavers was skimming off her inventory and selling at marked up prices behind her back.]

I can lead you. Would you prefer to use the cane or my arm?

[Normally he'd assume that the cane is fine, but there is a thick and churning crowd. Is it hard for a blind man to stick closely to someone with people pushing and shoving all around him, unable to see who he's meant to follow? Justice does not know. He feels he should offer the choice, at least, even if he's still not entirely sure what to do with mortal touching.

As Matt listens, he may notice that Justice's voice at first sounds stern, like he's getting ready to scold someone, but it quickly becomes clear that that's just how he sounds. He emphasizes and emotes little, preferring to get to the point, but that means that what inflection does make it into his voice is significant.]

[echovocation]

[Taking his arm might be a better idea, but-] Oh, cane is all right. I'm used to crowds. [Not that he's going to say he could follow this guy from a block away, but that powerline hum is weirding him out a little and he'd rather not touch it. He can't even get a read on this guy's voice, for crying out loud.] Please, lead the way. Appreciate the help.

[whatisright]

Very well.

[On the surface, he may sound just as blunt and stern as he has for this entire conversation, but there is the tiniest lilt of relief tinting his words, subtle enough that only those who know him--or, perhaps, one with heightened sensitivity to voices--would be able to tell. It's subtle not due to any conscious attempt to hide his emotions, but because he just doesn't know how to express them.

He is relieved that the blind man won't take his arm. He would have gladly tolerated it had the blind man needed it, but Justice is still hesitant about touching even those few he's grown affection for. It would be strange to touch a stranger for an extended period of time.

The tint of relief is gone when he speaks again.] I am walking forward. I will stay to your right. [And with that, he starts walking again. His pace isn't as clipped as before, but it's not meandering either. He keeps an eye out to make sure he's not losing his new companion, and Matt may notice that some people seem to give Justice a wide berth. Not everyone, but enough to indicate that Justice's appearance may be off-putting for those who can see it. Justice, for his part, doesn't react.]

[echovocation]

[Even though people usually get out of the way when they see a guy with sunglasses and a cane, there's always at least a few who aren't paying attention bumping into him or his walking stick...not this time. He'd already known just from the sounds and smells surrounding him (or the ones he lacks) that this guy wasn't some average human...but apparently he looks the part, too. Good to know.

He's accommodating though, and Matt hums his thanks at the directions even as he splits off his attention to listen to the whispers of people as they pass by for details of what this guy looks like. His voice is flat, nearly emotionless, but there's definitely some change in there. It's extremely subtle but with some time, Matt's confident he can figure it out. He just has to keep him talking.

Not hard. He's a lawyer.]

So, could I ask your name? I'm Matthew.

[whatisright]

I have no name. [He says it like it's normal, another fact as simple as Matt being blind or the citizens of this planet being orange.] If you wish for something to call me, then you may call me Justice.

[Around them, presumably out of earshot of Justice but not out of Matt, there's the occasional whisper of a person asking another 'is that man sick' or joking 'looks like the undertaker lost something' or even one whispering 'are they both blind?'. Despite the implication that Justice may be sick and that something's wrong with his eyes, he appears to have no trouble going exactly where he wants to without a stick.

Justice, for his part, is curious. He's always curious of mortals. This mortal is different from what he's used to, because he wears dark, undoubtedly expensive spectacles despite having no vision, and he has clothes that Justice has never seen before.]

What sort of world are you from?

[Here, his tone shifts again. Once again, it's a small shift, but not as subtle as before. He's not asking in order to make polite small talk, but because he is genuinely interested in hearing the answer.]

[echovocation]

[He's kind of trying to block out most of it, still working on finding his footing here and only in letting enough to keep from losing the guy, but he can't deny his curiosity. There's a lot of information to take in and this so-called 'Justice' isn't exactly hiding anything about himself. It's too great a temptation to pass up.]

Oh, well, that, [Matthew laughs, cane tip-tapping just a pace behind Justice as he keeps up with only the occasional misstep for appearances,] I'm learning that's a pretty complicated question, here. I imagine it's very different from yours.

[He sighs through his nose, giving the question honest thought.] It's, um. Crowded, noisy. For every person there are at least ten opinions. More ideologies and religions than I could possibly ever count, but the variety is...comforting. Affirming.

You?

shopping

[outstandingbalance]

[Is Natasha's voice familiar? It's certainly distinct. Even when all she's doing is asking a vendor about her fried food, there's something cool and wryly professional. Matt will catch her just as she's decided she doesn't need the grease bomb, however tempting.

She takes him in with a glance, silent just a second too long before she responds to his question.]

Yeah, sure. [There's a note of surprise in her tone, maybe something like curiosity. It's not every day someone she doesn't know asks her for help on the street.] What are you looking for?

[echovocation]

[Some of the Avengers are much more public than others (looking at you, Tony), and Natasha isn't really one of them. Everybody knows about the 'incident' regardless of where they live, but Matthew- well, let's just say he paid special attention. The sirens and screams, that night- He hadn't slept much the nights after the near-invasion, which left him plenty of time to listen to coverage over and over.

...but still. Matthew's head tilts slightly as he listens and he hesitates; maybe not so obvious to your everyday Joe or Jane, but definitely telling.] -ah. Well, don't laugh, but...bedsheets. Silk, or something like it.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha notices it. Nothing to draw conclusions from, least of all considering the situation, but a detail to mark and file away with others against future need.

She also doesn't laugh. Luckily he can't see her raised eyebrow.]

Bed sheets. Gotcha... Well, that shouldn't be to difficult to find. I'm not sure about silk, but I imagine we can find you something.

[echovocation]

[Maybe she'll just think he thought she sounded hot? Her voice is a little bit smokey. Nice. Soothing.] I don't mean to inconvenience you, but I'd really appreciate it. It's pretty busy here. [He holds out a hand inquisitively, as if to curve it around her elbow without yet touching.] Would you mind guiding me? It's easier than the cane with all the feet around here.

[outstandingbalance]

[That could be it. It's possible this is all an elaborate come on.

Silk sheets? Really? He doesn't seem quite that unselfaware.]

It's all right. I wasn't doing anything that can't wait a little.

[She takes his hand, guiding it the last little space to her elbow. If he hadn't stopped short before, they might be having a different conversation]

Had to get some shopping done myself, anyway.

[echovocation]

Oh? [Holds onto her arm, just resting his hand in the crook of her elbow as he hefts up his cane to carry it closely in front of him.] Looking for anything in particular, Ms...?

[outstandingbalance]

Natasha. [First names are better. On the off chance he does know her, if they're from the same world or similar ones, then it keeps her from being identified so easily.] I'm on the Vanquish.

[echovocation]

Matthew. [Leans companionably into her before leaning back out, smiling.] Is the Vanquish lacking in your own brand of creature comforts?