and from the earth, unbound at birth

independent roleplay blog for Zara, a lore and headcanon based Changeling OC in the star trek universe. Tayli also shows up occasionally. sfw but 18+. follows from helplessnessxblues. written by sparrow.

[goodnightmemes]

SERENITY (2005) SENTENCE STARTERS

❛ People don’t like to be meddled with. We tell them what to do, what to think, don’t run don’t walk we’re in their homes and in their heads and we haven’t the right. We’re meddlesome. ❜

❛ We’re not telling people what to think. We’re just trying to show them how. ❜

❛ Do you know what your sin is? ❜

❛ You know, in certain older civilized cultures, when men failed as entirely as you have, they would throw themselves on their swords. ❜

❛ Would you be killed in your sleep, like an ailing pet? Whatever your failings, I believe you deserve better than that. ❜

❛ This is a good death. There’s no shame in this. ❜

❛ This landing is gonna get pretty interesting. ❜

❛ There’s a little problem with our entry sequence; we may experience slight turbulence and then explode. ❜

❛ We’re gonna explode? I don’t wanna explode. ❜

❛ What you plan and what takes place ain’t ever exactly been similar. ❜

This isn’t fear. This is anger. ❜

❛ So here is us, on the raggedy edge. Don’t push me and I won’t push you. ❜

❛ If there’s fighting you drop to the floor or run away. It’s okay to leave them to die. ❜

❛ I swear to you I will get very choked up. Honestly. There could be tears. ❜

❛ Let’s be bad guys. ❜

❛ At last, we can retire and give up this life of crime. ❜

❛ Boy, sure would be nice if we had some grenades, don'tchya think? ❜

❛ I’ll kill a man in a fair fight… or if I think he’s gonna start a fair fight, or if he bothers me, or if there’s a woman, or I’m gettin’ paid – mostly only when I’m gettin’ paid. ❜

❛ Goin’ on a year now I ain’t had nothin’ twixt my nethers weren’t run on batteries! ❜

❛ Can I make a suggestion that doesn’t involve violence, or is this the wrong crowd? ❜

❛ Do you all know what it is you’re carrying? ❜

❛ Put a bullet to me. Bullet in the brain pan, squish. ❜

❛ Things are going to get much much worse. ❜

❛ I ain’t looking for help from on high. That’s a long wait for a train don’t come. ❜

❛ Remember: if anything happens to me, or you don’t hear from me within the hour… you take this ship and you come and rescue me. ❜

❛ I never thought for a second you’d be stupid enough to come! ❜

❛ I have to say, I’m impressed that you would come for her yourself. ❜

❛ Yes, I’ve read a poem. Try not to faint. ❜

❛ You do that, you’d best make peace with your dear and fluffy lord. ❜

❛ Nothing here is what it seems. ❜

❛ We have every reason to be afraid. ❜

❛ Do we care? Are we caring about that? ❜

❛ I start fighting a war, I guarantee you’ll see something new. ❜

❛ Do you know what the definition of a hero is? Someone who gets other people killed. ❜

❛ You fog things up. You always have – you spin me about. I wish like hell you was elsewhere. ❜

❛ The government’s man, he says you’re a danger to us. Not worth helping. Is he right?

❛ Are you anything but a weapon? ❜

❛ Half of writing history is hiding the truth. ❜

❛ Coming from you, that means almost nothing. ❜

❛ Can’t order me around, boy. I’m not one of your crew. ❜

❛ If your quarry goes to ground, leave no ground to go to. ❜

❛ You should have taken my offer. ❜

❛ Or did you think none of this was your fault? ❜

❛ Do you even know why they sent you? ❜

❛ I believe in something greater than myself. A better world. A world without sin. ❜

❛ So me and mine gotta lay down and die… so you can live in your better world? ❜

❛ I’m a monster. What I do is evil. I have no illusions about it, but it must be done. ❜

❛ I mean to live. I mean for us to live. ❜

❛ This is how it works. Anybody doesn’t wanna fly with me anymore, this is your port of harbor. ❜

❛ There’s a lot of fine ways to die. I’m not waiting for the Alliance to choose mine. ❜

❛ So I hear a word out of any of you that ain’t helping me out or taking your leave I will shot you down. ❜

❛ So now I’m asking more of you than I have before. Maybe all. ❜

❛ I aim to misbehave. ❜

❛ I am a leaf on the wind, watch how I soar. ❜

❛ Can’t be thinking on revenge if we’re gonna get through this. ❜

❛ You really think any of us are gonna get through this? ❜

❛ I’ve always regretted… not being with you. ❜

❛ With me? You mean to say… as in sex? ❜

❛ To Hell with this. I’m gonna live! ❜

❛ Shot me in the back. I haven’t made you angry, have I? ❜

❛ Are you willing to die for your beliefs? ❜

❛ You’ve always taken care of me. My turn. ❜

❛ I’m a fan of all seven. But, right now… I’m gonna have to go with wrath. ❜

❛ You’re fighting a war you’ve already lost. ❜

[sah1x1s-archived]

I have a question for you guys!

My friend and I were talking, and I was wondering how many of you guys are OCs or have an OC on their roster but don't get the chance to actively write as them that often or even write them at all?

Because there might be a server out there, that's meant for OCs only and would be very heavily moderated to keep out trolls, hate, and everything as well as drama, as well as keep it a safe space while making sure everyone gets the same amount of attention.

Would anyone be interested in that?

If you are, please like this post and reblog it so we can reach as many people as we can so we can get a feel of things.

So we're thinking of a server for OCs in a fandomless setting while acknowledging the OCs fandom, Marvel or GoT and what not, so we would be all able to write with their OCs and get them some love and attention.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

Repressing the guilt of separating from their Link so abruptly, Zara followed Odo into the medical station. They observed the easy and casual affection he seemed to have with his servants— the lack of fear, the reverence and authority that still existed but was tempered by genuine comfort.

Tayli stood as they entered the room, briskly returning to her position at their side. "Founder," she said quietly in acknowledgement, lowering her head. As Zara observed Odo's behavior with his own crew, they reached to awkwardly caress her shoulder, a gesture that made her tense up in surprise before relaxing slightly— though far from fully— under their hand.

"We've pinpointed an approximate location for where they're keeping the child. In addition, we've been analyzing their communications for relevant cultural data," Weyoun replied.

Zara rewarded his efforts with a satisfied smile. "Very good. Undercover infiltration may be necessary, and we'll want that data if it is."

A worried look crossed his face as they mentioned infiltration. "With respect," he said shyly, "infiltration may not be the best strategy here. They know of your people from their distant past, they fear you, despite your, ah, great benevolence. If you're discovered, there could be consequences. But as they've had no official contact with the Dominion, they're certain to be unaware of our kind. I would recommend that the three of us be sent down to the surface, perhaps with discreet supervision if one of you are willing."

"What I—" Vanath began, then corrected herself as her eyes darted towards Zara, "what this servant fails to understand is why they've kept the young Founder alive, given their prejudices. Of course, it's certainly a blessing that they have, but there's something that doesn't add up." It was clear that she didn't want to linger for too long on what that something might be.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

Zara was confused, more than anything, by the kind of relationship shown in these memories. The genuine love and kindness that existed within that bond confounded them. It was similar to the one they'd had with Tayli-4, but somehow, Odo had managed to develop that kind of relationship with him even with Weyoun's iron-clad conditioning. They had to restrain themself from asking— What would our people think of this?

They knew what their people would think of it. That it was a violation of appropriate boundaries between a Founder and a servant, that it was an unhealthy response to Link starvation and an unfair expectation to place on such a finite, fragile creature. It didn't matter.

One more memory. One more thing, and then they'd withdraw. He had to understand why they couldn't think about this for long.

They're on a ship now. A small long-range shuttle, not dissimilar to Odo's. And they've just been boarded.

The one who boarded their shuttle is another of Tayli's people— they don't yet know that Tayli's species are called Vorta, or what their purpose is. All they know is that this man seems to know their friend. He bows deeply to them before addressing her.

"We were afraid you'd never come home," the other Vorta says, gently ruffling her hair. "But here you are, and the service that you've provided to our Gods is—"

"Do I know you?" Tayli asks with uncertainty.

"You did, and you will." Avelan said, holding out a hand. "Please, come with me. We need to figure out the extent of your memory degradation, and then we'll discuss how best to proceed."

They see him assure them that he will bring her back to them even better than they left her. They see their reluctant acceptance, then they see themself crouching in front of Tayli, cupping her face with one hand and telling her to trust them, to have faith in them. "I know unfamiliar situations are hard for both of us, but we both need to be a little brave right now, dear. You only need to endure this for a moment, and then you'll be with me again. Can you do this?"

Tayli nods, takes Avelan's hand, beams out, and the memory ends. As does the Link.

"I... I think we should go check on their progress," they said quietly, seeming momentarily much less like the Founder they currently were and far more like the Changeling they had been in the flashbacks.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

Zara deepened the connection, allowing Odo to take refuge within it. It was all they could do to enfold him in themself, their Link becoming less a vehicle for sharing information and more the kind of all-embracing acceptance that, if they were being honest, it always should have been. As they did, they allowed more of themself to bleed through. Things they'd almost forgotten, or simply pretended not to remember.

And then they, along with Odo, were plunged headfirst into a memory of the very distant past.

They see themself sitting on a hill, outside of a city on some alien world. A smaller, Vorta-shaped figure runs after them. Tayli, or an earlier iteration of her at least. "I've been trying to catch up to you for hours," she laughs, notes of exhaustion and playfulness in her voice.

"Gotta wonder why," they hear themself say. "I'm sure there are other people trying to leave the planet."

The lilac-hued creature tilts her head at them. "Well, yes, but I think I should leave with you. There's just... something about you, and I want to find out what it is. If you'll allow."

Distant laughter echoes through the memory. "I bet you say that to all the nonhumanoids."

"No," the past version of Tayli answers, with confused earnestness. "Just you."

It was all they could do to keep from pulling out of the Link completely. This was shameful, this was wrong. It definitely shouldn't be the first thing he learns about them, not when it was something they only rarely ever acknowledged in themself. Rather than retreating, they refocused, providing support to their sibling in his distress.

That wasn't what led me home, they transmitted after they'd put some distance between themself and the memory. Not at first.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

How long had it been for Zara since the last time they'd experienced the Link— since they'd allowed another of their kind to experience them? They longed for that serenity. There were times when individual identity felt like a heavy weight, and all they wanted to do was just— just for a moment, just— all they wanted to do was set it down.

All this is to say that Odo's extended hand looked curiously like a lifeline to them as they reached to take it.

It was difficult to not just immerse themself in the Link, collapse into the union of thought and form until there was no distinction between the two of them. But there was work to be done. They had to show some self-control. So they kept it fairly surface-level (though certainly deep enough to offer both Odo and themself some relief from their isolation) and wasted little time in transferring what they knew.

Long ago, before the establishment of order, our people knew this world. Its inhabitants were one of the many solid species with which we attempted to make peaceful contact, and predictably, we were met with only hostility. Their fear of us caused them to destroy not only many of our kind who attempted contact, but also, many of their own. But eventually, they moved past this conflict. They became a thriving and united civilization, against all odds. And at the center of this civilization, the myth of the shapeshifting demons who turned them against one another all those thousands of years ago.

The images of the early Changelings' attempts at friendly contact, followed by the persecution, the hunt, the escape into the void of space, made themselves visible in Odo's mind just as in Zara's.

And now, they have one of our children, taught to hate and fear their own. The Link is all but convinced that this is a hopeless case. But they are not ready to give up, nor should we be.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

Tayli didn't notice the kiss. Her attention was fixed on the one she served, who was currently making preparations to leave the ship. But Zara noticed, and there was a look of confusion on their face as they did. "Download our research from the ship's computer, Tayli," they ordered her, and she followed the instruction precisely. "I don't doubt that my sibling will want to see it."

Weyoun locked onto their signals. "If you'd be so kind as to alert me when ready—"

"We're ready." Briefly, Zara was miffed about Weyoun's seeming lack of care for proper speech, but figured that it was an adaptation to better suit his Founder's personal preference. Attendant lines did tend to adapt to their handlers' needs in unusual ways. "Beam us aboard."

With the press of a button, the two of them were beamed aboard. "Those who serve here are humbled by your visit, Founder," Weyoun said, bowing low before turning to Tayli. "Founder's Attendant. May I have your name?"

"Tayli," she replied, her voice low and quiet. "Sixth of my line." She was wary, as all Vorta were on joint assignments, but making an effort to be polite. It was neither the time nor the place for petty competition, not when there was a lost child of the Link waiting below.

"Weyoun. Seventh... sort of, depending how one counts. It's complicated. I look forward to working with you. Come, I'll introduce you to Vanath," he said, leading Tayli away to give the two Changelings a moment of privacy.

Zara looked on this exchange with fondness, allowing their attendant to depart. "Good, it's just us here," they sighed. "She is an exemplar of her kind, but one does need the company of one's own from time to time in order to be truly rejuvenated. Shall I share with you what I've learned about what awaits us here?"

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[adriftxshifter]

Zara clasped their hands together over their chest in an expression of surprise and delight. "Then we are looking for the very same thing," they answered, a genuine smile spreading across their face that was far more outwardly expressive than most Changelings were willing to put forth the effort to be. "You've heard the rumors about this planet as well, then?"

From his place at Odo's side, Weyoun was beginning to form a clearer picture of what was going on. They're another of the Estranged, he projected. One who returned home, but an Estranged nonetheless.

"If you would like us to, my attendant and I will aid in your search. Consider it our way of making up for the inopportune way that we were introduced." They seemed to pivot from the excitement of a few moments earlier to a more regal and, well, Founder-like mode of expression, almost as if they were unsure which manner to adopt for this interaction.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[constable]

Odo did his best, isolated by necessity as he was, to avoid Dominion ships as a matter of course. It was better to avoid it altogether than to feel the pity that came across the Link when he joined with one of the few Founders who ventured out on Dominion work. But, his people knew what he was doing. They knew he was seeking after the Hundred and the consensus till now had been to let hmm get on with it, but not openly support the effort. After all, it would bd a terrible waste if none of them made it home on their own as planned.

So, Odo had never been accused of interfering with anything while going about his self-assigned mission. He was too surprised to answer immediately.

When he did, after confirming Dominion origins of the other vessel, it was without audio of visual data, at first. All he sent was a code which identified him as a Founder. Then he waited a beat and finally opened a channel. "I was under the impression that the Dominion still had no official interest in my project. In what way am I interfering in yours?" All they'd been doing for the last three days was scanning the historical data of the planet below, hoping for a clear sign of where on the planet to start looking for the changeling he suspected had landed there.

[adriftxshifter]

Tayli's demeanor changed instantly when she saw the code. "Oh," she said, almost closer to a shocked inhale than a vocalization. "This servant had no idea there was another Founder in the sector— a thousand apologies, no disrespect was meant—"

"I'll handle this." Zara stepped forward, allowing their attendant a moment to compose herself. "You'll have to excuse her. She had no way of knowing that she was speaking to another of our family. I can see that there's no interference at all. In fact, would I be correct in assuming that we're both here in search of the same thing?" They tilted their head to the side. He wasn't traveling in a Dominion ship, and he seemed to refer to the Link as if it was a separate entity from himself. This could only mean one thing— he was one of the Hundred, as they were. "Or maybe you are the one I've come in search of, though that's unlikely."

Back on Odo's ship, Weyoun listened intently, more apprehensive than excited to have run into another Dominion presence so far out. "...Is everything all right?" he asked, looking up in concern. He knew that Odo preferred to avoid most of his own people for the time being, and with good reason.

[adriftxshifter]

An Unexpected Encounter

Semi-plotted starter for @constable also ft. my other blog @sixthweyoun

Zara— that was their name, even if it was rare these days that they heard it used— had only been back home for a few months before deciding that it was time to set off again. Truth be told, they didn't want to go home at all, at least not at first. They'd let themself be convinced, after years upon years of playing solid and trying to forget what they were, that forgetting what they were was impossible. So they'd followed that impulse back to the Link, back home, and there they'd stayed for as long as they felt they needed to.

It was... disconcerting to them, at first, just how natural it felt. Not just how natural it felt to be at one with the rest of their kind, but to take up the mantle of Founder, to expect and receive obedience. It felt terrifyingly natural to them to be a god. I will leave again soon, they would tell themself, and then they would forget. When they finally did leave, it wasn't out of disappointment in their people or fear of what they would become if they stayed. It was out of curiosity. They needed to know if any of the others were still trying to find their way back home.

They took a small craft, of the kind often used for diplomatic missions rather than military ones. For their attendant, they selected and activated the sixth iteration of the Tayli line, a line that had served them well in the distant past. And when they were ready, they set off in search of evidence.

It had been a calm, if unproductive, journey for the two of them. Tayli-6 did her work with skill and quiet grace, providing them with companionship when they desired it and leaving them alone when they desired it. But something was missing from the interactions they had with her, even if they couldn't quite place it. You miss the Link, they told themself, it's unfair to expect any solid to provide what you need. To be of use to you is the best that she can hope for.

This sedate and unsettling peace continued until an occasion, a couple of years into their journey, when they ran into another ship that seemed to be going after the same thing that they were.

With trademark speed, Tayli hailed the other vessel. "Unidentified vessel, you are interfering with a Dominion exploratory mission. Please state your intention or redirect course. We do not want to harm you, but failure to do so will result in retaliation. I repeat, state your intention or redirect course."

[soulrph]

𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐋/𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.

as requested by a very wonderful, very dear, very lovely friend! i hope you all enjoy using these as much as i enjoyed writing them! i honestly found these so nice and therapeutic to write tho like oml i cannot get over it! DO NOT ADD TO THIS LIST PLEASE! 

“ oh, i knew you could do it! i’m so proud of you! “

“ i’m thinking of doing a movie/game night at my place, if you wanna join in? “

“ how many mugs of coffee have you had today?! that’s enough, now, you go take a nap before you buzz through the ceiling! “

“ i’ll send you the recipe, if you like! but, in the same breath, you should know that i really don’t mind continuing to cook this for you; it’s no trouble at all, really! “

“ are you sure there isn’t anything i can do to help you in the kitchen? “

“ come on in! take a seat! i’ll fix you up a plate, there’s more than enough to go around! “

“ why don’t you spend the night here? really, it’s no trouble to fix up the guest room, and we have plenty of spare pajamas and toiletries if that’s what’s bothering you! “

“ look, i get the whole lone wolf thing, trust me, i do. but… you do understand that there’ll always be a place here for you, don’t you? that door is always open to you, no matter what. that’s a promise. “

“ why don’t i make you a cup of tea, and you can tell me all about it? “

“ [NAME]? hey, hey, hey, what’s the matter? are you okay? what’s wrong? oh, come here… “

“ jeez, i don’t even wanna know how you got that battle wound there; sit down and let me fix it up, won’t you? “

“ hey, stranger! it’s been a minute, huh? what’ve you been up to? how have you been? hell, where have you been? “

“ now, now, don’t be silly; put that wallet away. i invited you out for dinner, so i’ll pay the bill, right? you can get the next one! “

“ hey, you didn’t order anything! don’t worry about it, huh? here, take half my sandwich; i can never finish the damn thing, anyway, you’re really doing me the favor! and there’s coffee in that flask, so help yourself to that, too! i’ve been trying to cut back, anyhow. “

“ hey, i know it’s really late, but… i didn’t know who else to call. “

“ everything’s gonna be okay, i promise. just tell me where you are, okay? and i’ll come and get you right this second. “

“ well, we have to celebrate your good news! what’s your favorite dinner? oh, and cake! we can’t have a decent celebration without cake, right? “

“ hey, hey, it’s okay, relax. i’m not about to nag you for skipping out on curfew, alright? have you eaten anything? because i saved you a plate, and it’s in the oven if you want it. “

“ now, now, none of that self-hate talk! we all have bad days, right? we all mess up sometimes and make silly mistakes. but it doesn’t matter at the end of the day; it just makes the good days all the better! “

“ guess who has an extra ticket for the concert this weekend! wanna come with me? they’re practically front row! “

“ you’re still coming over for dinner tonight, right? “

“ hey! what are your plans for the holidays? because, if you didn’t have any, i have an offer for you! or an open invitation! “

“ did you do something different with your hair? it looks amazing! “

“ oh my god, where have you been?! i was so worried about you! are you okay? did you get hurt?! “

“ we should go out tonight! come on, you can ransack my wardrobe if you like! i have a friend who’s the bouncer at that new night club, they can get us in for free! “

“ i made you some breakfast, if you’re hungry? it’s your favorite! unless you’ve got a new favorite, in which case… “

“ don’t forget to take an umbrella! “

“ let me know when you get there so i know you’re safe, okay? “

“ i watched that show you recommended last week! it was so good! can you believe that season finale, though? “

“ rough night, huh? i know that feeling. here, help yourself; the coffee is fresh, and the waffles are pretty damn good today, if i do say so myself! “

“ i knew you’d forget yours, so i brought extra. go ahead, help yourself! “

“ you’re welcome to stay for as long as you like. what’s mine is yours, okay? you don’t need to ask permission, just take whatever you want. “

“ you should get some sleep, okay? my room is just down the hall if you need anything. “

“ you don’t need to be so polite around here, you know! help yourself; i don’t bite! “

“ hey now, never apologize for feeling emotions, okay? humans are meant to feel all this stuff, no matter how good or bad the feelings are. besides; shoulders are built to be cried on! “

“ you should keep that sweater! it looks much better on you than it does on me; brings out your eyes! “

“ i never realized you could cook! the apron suits you very nicely! “

“ if you don’t have any plans this weekend, we should do something together! “

“ remember, if you want to leave early, just call me and i’ll come get you, okay? “

“ would you come on in inside out of that rain?! you’ll catch your death! “

“ don’t worry about it, okay? no apologies necessary; just breathe, everything’s good. “

“ it’s okay! no use crying over spilt milk, am i right? fetch me that mop and i’ll clean it up; you should find a clean shirt in the third drawer in my room, too! “

“ here, grab a plate; i made your favorite, and there’s more than enough for you to have seconds and take home a tonne of leftovers, too! “

“ would you mind setting the table for me while i finish up in the kitchen? “

“ you want some hot cocoa before you go to bed? i’m more than happy to have one with you; not to praise myself or anything, but my hot cocoa is the best in town! “

“ you did it! oh, congratulations! quick, i’m gonna fetch the sparkling cider, and then i’ll book a table somewhere fancy; we’re going to celebrate in style! “

“ oh god, you’re burning up a fever, you poor thing! here, lie down, let’s get you some water and a nice cool cloth, huh? “

“ how are you feeling? i thought you might be hungry, so i made some tea and toast. “

“ i thought i might find you out here… this must be your favorite spot, huh? it’s nice! “

“ how are you? and be real with me, now; i can tell when you’re not being honest with me. you’ve got a tell. “

“ figured you might be needing an extra blanket in this weather. you mind if i sit with you for a while? “

“ let’s go for a walk, huh? i know this place that does the best coffee you’ll ever have! “

“ i can’t believe you’ve never seen this movie before! we have to fix this immediately; you get the popcorn, i’ll order in the pizza and get the tv set up. “

“ wow… that pun was so awful, it actually became good again. nicely done! “

“ i know you have that meeting today, so i thought i’d come wish you luck. and give you my lucky socks! “

“ hey! i hope you’re hungry, i spared you some waffles and pancakes from breakfast this morning! “

“ maybe you’re not ready to talk just now. but i want you to know that, whenever you are, my door is always open to you. understand? “

“ i’m not here to say i told you so, don’t worry. i’m not that cruel. i’m just here to comfort my friend. “

“ you’re here so often, i figured it was about time you had your very own mug! “

“ do you mind if i put you down as my emergency contact? “

“ you should move in with me! i have a spare room, the rent is cheap, it’s closer to work… i mean, only if you want to, but i’m very much in favor of this! “

“ i know that things haven’t been easy for you lately, so… i was thinking, maybe we could plan a little vacation together? “

“ pull the car over, alright? you can get some sleep in the back seat, and i’ll take over the driving. “

“ woah, woah, woah… slow it down a few miles, huh? what’s going on? where’s the fire? “

“ do you want a hug? i give some really good hugs; i nearly got voted the best hug-giver in the continent, once! come on, you know you want to! “

“ hey! so i’m after having a really crappy day. you wanna get take-out and watch a movie at my place tonight? “

“ i remember you saying you didn’t like this ingredient last time, so i fixed you up something else. “

[empathicstars]

   If we don’t have a thread going on, like this and I’ll write some fun away mission stuff with you! 

[sixthweyoun]

RP muses I'd like to try my hand at, maybe on a multimuse:

Gwen Cooper (Torchwood)

Simon and River Tam (Firefly) (I've actually written River before in Discord RPs but it's been a hot second)

Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Gabriel Gray (Heroes)

Elle Bishop (Heroes)

Jenny, the Doctor's Daughter (Doctor Who)

Ned the Pie Maker (Pushing Daisies)

Antonia Samarana (Bene Gesserit OC, Dune series)

[seafoamsthetic]

what is your muse’s eye color?

put it in the tags!

[adriftxshifter]

[Unplotted starter for Jack Harkness @galacticforces]

Zara didn't know where they were. Or when they were. Human history wasn't their strong point, but they were fairly certain that the humans by which they were currently surrounded were nowhere near the level of social or technological development they'd later reach. All they knew was that a few moments ago, they were trying very unsuccessfully to play mediator in a drunken argument between a pair of Andorian cargo haulers, and now they were here. Wherever "here" was.

A poster on the side of a building confirmed the date and location. Cardiff, Wales, 2006. Great, they thought to themself. Time travel. You know, one normal day would be nice.

They noticed, as they examined their reflection in the glass of the window, that they still appeared Trill. This wouldn't do, not so long before first contact. Covering their face with their hands, unwilling to risk someone seeing them shapeshift, they willed the distinctive spots to fade.

That's much better.

Now, all they needed to do was lie low until they could figure out how they'd gotten into their current predicament, and how to get back home.

[galacticforces]

Jack was a little disappointed, honestly, to have that story cut off. "Oh, no, I was following. This is the twenty first, if you hadn't gathered that yet, but I'm from the fifty first. You're not breaking any timelines by talking to me." That was quite a jump though, to come through so unscathed. He frowned, then retrieved a pager from his pocket and instructed Tosh to start looking up what few records they had of 24th century species. He had a good memory, but it wasn't perfect.

"You're right though, Zara. Unfortunately getting people back to where they came from isn't easy. Isn't even always possible. So. If you'd like to talk about what options you do have, you can come on back to HQ with me. Maybe you can tell me the rest of that story, too." He gave them a charming smile.

[adriftxshifter]

"I gathered," they replied simply. "Sure, I suppose I can come along. Doesn't seem like there's any harm in it." They expected to be more affected than they were by the knowledge that they could most likely never go back to their proper time or place. But when Jack said it, they found themself more accepting than anything. What did they have to go back to, anyway? The Link? A life of safety and oblivious comfort while the forces of the Dominion blazed a path of conquest in their name? Not a chance.

This train of thought was derailed a bit by the instruction he gave his coworker. Shit. If they had a database of 24th century species, that could mean they knew about Zara's people. And if they had information on the Founders, Zara's status would go from that of a harmless curiosity to that of a threat very quickly. They had to distract somehow.

Most people, in Zara's experience, were easily distracted by opportunities to talk about themselves. "So what happened to you? Rift get you too, here on business, or do you just like slumming it in the twenty-first century for no reason?"

[adriftxshifter]

[Unplotted starter for Jack Harkness @galacticforces]

Zara didn't know where they were. Or when they were. Human history wasn't their strong point, but they were fairly certain that the humans by which they were currently surrounded were nowhere near the level of social or technological development they'd later reach. All they knew was that a few moments ago, they were trying very unsuccessfully to play mediator in a drunken argument between a pair of Andorian cargo haulers, and now they were here. Wherever "here" was.

A poster on the side of a building confirmed the date and location. Cardiff, Wales, 2006. Great, they thought to themself. Time travel. You know, one normal day would be nice.

They noticed, as they examined their reflection in the glass of the window, that they still appeared Trill. This wouldn't do, not so long before first contact. Covering their face with their hands, unwilling to risk someone seeing them shapeshift, they willed the distinctive spots to fade.

That's much better.

Now, all they needed to do was lie low until they could figure out how they'd gotten into their current predicament, and how to get back home.

[galacticforces]

Jack couldn't help but sigh. Rift alert, and right in the middle of the day, so it was going to be hard to be subtle about it. Still, he rolled up off the couch, leaving his novel behind, and checked the monitors. And there they were. Their displaced visitor was some kind of alien, apparently with a cloaking technology of some sort, based on how quickly they changed their appearance to blend in.

Or, possibly, built-in camouflage. Still, based on what he saw before they left the sight of the CCTV, they seemed more lost than violent, which was a good sign. He waved off the rest of the team, grabbed his coat, and set out after them.

If took longer than he'd expected, to track them down, even tracing the rift energy, but when he did, he was all friendly smiles. "Hey there, I'm the welcome party. Captain Jack Harkness. Sorry if you had a bit of a rough landing."

[adriftxshifter]

Squinting, Zara tilted their head in confusion. "Zara," they said simply. "And I don't think I landed, so much as blinked into existence with no warning. What exactly was that, and how do you know about it?"

They surveyed the "welcoming party" with vague suspicion. Whatever had happened to them, it was apparently common enough that there were systems and protocols to deal with these occurrences. That could either be very good or very bad. Until they had a conclusive answer about which it was, they would assume the latter, and default to an attitude that was cooperative but not overly helpful.

"You mentioned that you're a captain? Have I done something to warrant an official presence?"

[galacticforces]

"That's not nearly as bad as it is sometimes!" he said encouragingly, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Long story short, the Rift got you. I'm here because it's rarely a good idea to let people wander around on their own when they've just been dragged through time and space." He paused for a second, then put his hands comfortably in his pockets, deciding to trust them. "Time Agency, Torchwood, the Rift's cleanup crew. Take your pick of authorities, but you're not in trouble. When and where were you, before you were here?"

[adriftxshifter]

The Changeling relaxed a bit at the statement that they hadn't attracted any negative attention with their sudden arrival. That was good, at least, and this stranger seemed friendly enough (though possibly a bit too friendly, in that way that solids often were. They made a mental note to keep their distance.)

"Uhm. In a bar," they said. "Mid twenty-fourth century, out on the borders of Fed space. It's actually kind of a funny story, there were these two Andorians and one of them thought the other had stolen his shipment of–"

They stopped abruptly, with a self-deprecating laugh. "Hold on a second. Why am I assuming you have any idea what I'm talking about right now? As I understand it, official first contact won't happen for your species for another century at least." Though he did say Time Agency, which they supposed could be interpreted to mean he had some knowledge of what the future held.

[adriftxshifter]

[Unplotted starter for Jack Harkness @galacticforces]

Zara didn't know where they were. Or when they were. Human history wasn't their strong point, but they were fairly certain that the humans by which they were currently surrounded were nowhere near the level of social or technological development they'd later reach. All they knew was that a few moments ago, they were trying very unsuccessfully to play mediator in a drunken argument between a pair of Andorian cargo haulers, and now they were here. Wherever "here" was.

A poster on the side of a building confirmed the date and location. Cardiff, Wales, 2006. Great, they thought to themself. Time travel. You know, one normal day would be nice.

They noticed, as they examined their reflection in the glass of the window, that they still appeared Trill. This wouldn't do, not so long before first contact. Covering their face with their hands, unwilling to risk someone seeing them shapeshift, they willed the distinctive spots to fade.

That's much better.

Now, all they needed to do was lie low until they could figure out how they'd gotten into their current predicament, and how to get back home.

[galacticforces]

Jack couldn't help but sigh. Rift alert, and right in the middle of the day, so it was going to be hard to be subtle about it. Still, he rolled up off the couch, leaving his novel behind, and checked the monitors. And there they were. Their displaced visitor was some kind of alien, apparently with a cloaking technology of some sort, based on how quickly they changed their appearance to blend in.

Or, possibly, built-in camouflage. Still, based on what he saw before they left the sight of the CCTV, they seemed more lost than violent, which was a good sign. He waved off the rest of the team, grabbed his coat, and set out after them.

If took longer than he'd expected, to track them down, even tracing the rift energy, but when he did, he was all friendly smiles. "Hey there, I'm the welcome party. Captain Jack Harkness. Sorry if you had a bit of a rough landing."

[adriftxshifter]

Squinting, Zara tilted their head in confusion. "Zara," they said simply. "And I don't think I landed, so much as blinked into existence with no warning. What exactly was that, and how do you know about it?"

They surveyed the "welcoming party" with vague suspicion. Whatever had happened to them, it was apparently common enough that there were systems and protocols to deal with these occurrences. That could either be very good or very bad. Until they had a conclusive answer about which it was, they would assume the latter, and default to an attitude that was cooperative but not overly helpful.

"You mentioned that you're a captain? Have I done something to warrant an official presence?"