...Won't be too long 'till spring.

@ask-damien-wkm

+13 askblog for Damien from WKM/DAMIEN! Rp threads and M!As are allowed!

134 posts

❄️[INTRO]🪓

(This Damien is an alter/member of the Xenoverse system!)

*A lonely cabin sat in the middle of white acres, miles and miles of dense snow surrounding said cabin as many of the trees there were chopped off. Inside of the cabin, there seemed to be a light, from a fireplace perhaps.

Inside, there was a man by the fireplace placing some wood to feed the fire that kept him warm, or at least he thought. He sat in front of the fireplace as sighed, frozen breath visible.*

...It's been a tough winter...Hopefully spring is around the corner.

(We are collectively 19 so minors please be aware and don't do anything risky, please and thank you!)

#wkm #damien #wkm the mayor #wkm damien #system #plurality #plural system #alter/member

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

heart--of--frost

"... How have you managed doing this so long? And how is the wood not too wet to catch?" She can't help but wonder about this place.

The wind is cutting, abrasive across her exposed face.

This place is timeless... the gap between life and death.

Nothing makes sense here.

*After a while, they finally reach his cabin. It is lonely and small, with some cut wood on the side.

heart--of--frost

"And you're alone here?" Celci frowned. "That can't be good for you, even if you're... Whatever you are."

She holds onto her sleeve tightly, the cabin making her shiver with an inexplicable fear.

...Yes.

But it's... for the best. You get used to it at some point.

Ghosts tend to be lonely.

I also protect something that's too... dangerous.

...Although I used to not always be alone.

*As they stood in front of the door, Damien opened it for Celci if she wanted to come in.*

heart--of--frost

She entered, not taking a seat. She stays vigilant.

"What happened, then?" Celci is quiet, like someone speaking at a funeral. "If you want to talk about it, I mean."

She looks around, taking it in. It's so cold.

*Damien entered after her, closing the door. He sat in front of the fire, picking on the wood in it with a stick.*

...I woke up.

It was my time to wake up, and so it put her to sleep...

...Celine...

heart--of--frost

"Do you miss her?" She can't help but wonder, after all, that's who he thought she was.

"How long has she been asleep? How long have you been awake?"

...Of course I do.

*He stops picking on the firewood before he just sits there, looking at the fire. It's supposed to warm him up, but it doesn't.*

...Everyday...every week...every year...

...So much time has passed, I... don't even remember anymore...

heart--of--frost

"I hope she wakes up." Celci moves quietly, sitting beside Damien.

"... I... Know the feeling. Not quite the same, but... I miss Earth. It's been months of loops and loops and loops and I'm so... Tired."

She doesn't realize she had started crying.

*Even though the fire may not warm him up, it does help warm up Celci. He sighed in understanding.*

...I don't think she will...

...However... I think I can handle it from here...

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

heart--of--frost

"... How have you managed doing this so long? And how is the wood not too wet to catch?" She can't help but wonder about this place.

The wind is cutting, abrasive across her exposed face.

This place is timeless... the gap between life and death.

Nothing makes sense here.

*After a while, they finally reach his cabin. It is lonely and small, with some cut wood on the side.

heart--of--frost

"And you're alone here?" Celci frowned. "That can't be good for you, even if you're... Whatever you are."

She holds onto her sleeve tightly, the cabin making her shiver with an inexplicable fear.

...Yes.

But it's... for the best. You get used to it at some point.

Ghosts tend to be lonely.

I also protect something that's too... dangerous.

...Although I used to not always be alone.

*As they stood in front of the door, Damien opened it for Celci if she wanted to come in.*

heart--of--frost

She entered, not taking a seat. She stays vigilant.

"What happened, then?" Celci is quiet, like someone speaking at a funeral. "If you want to talk about it, I mean."

She looks around, taking it in. It's so cold.

*Damien entered after her, closing the door. He sat in front of the fire, picking on the wood in it with a stick.*

...I woke up.

It was my time to wake up, and so it put her to sleep...

...Celine...

heart--of--frost

"Do you miss her?" She can't help but wonder, after all, that's who he thought she was.

"How long has she been asleep? How long have you been awake?"

...Of course I do.

*He stops picking on the firewood before he just sits there, looking at the fire. It's supposed to warm him up, but it doesn't.*

...Everyday...every week...every year...

...So much time has passed, I... don't even remember anymore...

#reblog #rp #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

heart--of--frost

"... How have you managed doing this so long? And how is the wood not too wet to catch?" She can't help but wonder about this place.

The wind is cutting, abrasive across her exposed face.

This place is timeless... the gap between life and death.

Nothing makes sense here.

*After a while, they finally reach his cabin. It is lonely and small, with some cut wood on the side.

heart--of--frost

"And you're alone here?" Celci frowned. "That can't be good for you, even if you're... Whatever you are."

She holds onto her sleeve tightly, the cabin making her shiver with an inexplicable fear.

...Yes.

But it's... for the best. You get used to it at some point.

Ghosts tend to be lonely.

I also protect something that's too... dangerous.

...Although I used to not always be alone.

*As they stood in front of the door, Damien opened it for Celci if she wanted to come in.*

heart--of--frost

She entered, not taking a seat. She stays vigilant.

"What happened, then?" Celci is quiet, like someone speaking at a funeral. "If you want to talk about it, I mean."

She looks around, taking it in. It's so cold.

*Damien entered after her, closing the door. He sat in front of the fire, picking on the wood in it with a stick.*

...I woke up.

It was my time to wake up, and so it put her to sleep...

...Celine...

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

heart--of--frost

"... How have you managed doing this so long? And how is the wood not too wet to catch?" She can't help but wonder about this place.

The wind is cutting, abrasive across her exposed face.

This place is timeless... the gap between life and death.

Nothing makes sense here.

*After a while, they finally reach his cabin. It is lonely and small, with some cut wood on the side.

heart--of--frost

"And you're alone here?" Celci frowned. "That can't be good for you, even if you're... Whatever you are."

She holds onto her sleeve tightly, the cabin making her shiver with an inexplicable fear.

...Yes.

But it's... for the best. You get used to it at some point.

Ghosts tend to be lonely.

I also protect something that's too... dangerous.

...Although I used to not always be alone.

*As they stood in front of the door, Damien opened it for Celci if she wanted to come in.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

heart--of--frost

"... How have you managed doing this so long? And how is the wood not too wet to catch?" She can't help but wonder about this place.

The wind is cutting, abrasive across her exposed face.

This place is timeless... the gap between life and death.

Nothing makes sense here.

*After a while, they finally reach his cabin. It is lonely and small, with some cut wood on the side.

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

[Finn stood outside of the cabin, shivering in the cold and watching their breath turn into a thick fog in the freezing winter air. One of her anonymous sources had said that there was a ghost in this cabin... or, well- the source didn't say that they were a ghost, not exactly, but Finn assumed that they had to be a ghost if they willingly lived in this freezing weather.]

[Well... only one way to find out. They adjusted their coat and knocked on the door gently, trying to keep a smile on their face even as she shivered in the cold air.]

Hello? Anyone in there...?

*It took a moment for the door to be answered, but eventually heavy footsteps can be heard approaching the door. The door is not fully opened, but rather just a crack. Finn could only see the silhouette of a longhaired man who exhaled cold air.*

...Yes?

@lost-in-gardener

lost-in-gardener

[They perked up slightly at the sight the door cracking open, giving him what they hoped was a polite smile. In the freezing cold, however, their smile looked more like a grimace.]

Hello! I'm Finn Gardener- I work as a paranormal investigator. One of my anonymous sources told me that I would find something- or someone- of interest around here.

[Their shivering hand raised a little business card up for Damien to see, before tightening their coat around their body and letting out a shaky breath.]

Is it alright if I come inside? I don't know if you noticed, but it's a little... fucking freezing.

...When you step inside, I suggest you keep calm and don't try anything crazy.

Take it as a warning.

*The long-haired silhouette spoke once more before the door slowly yet fully opened, letting the unexpected guest in.*

lost-in-gardener

[Finn gave him a polite smile, stepping inside the cabin and look around with intrigue in their eyes.]

Nice place, uh...

[She hesitated a moment, glancing at the long-haired silhouette.]

...sorry, I didn't quite catch your name.

*As his guest stepped inside and talked, the man walked up to a single mirror he had and covered it with a cloth. After that, he cleared his throat before he spoke.*

Damien. You can call me Damien.

*He said, looking at her before stepping close to his fireplace, picking at the burning wood with a stick.*

lost-in-gardener

Damien. Well, it's nice to meet you, Damien. Like I said earlier, my name is Finn Gardener.

[They glance at the mirror that Damien had covered, narrowing their eyes slightly with suspicion.]

I was told that there was some supernatural activity going on over here. Would you happen to know anything about that?

Hm...No, not really.

This place is rather isolated. It's just me.

*Once he finished picking on the fire, he maneuvered to sit down on his bed, where the mirror was right across from.

The wardrobe also seemed to be heavily locked.*

lost-in-gardener

Is there a reason for that, or are you just the kinda person that likes their privacy?

[Finn wandered over to the wardrobe, running a finger over the lock and examining it for a moment. For a moment, she wished that they'd learned locksmithing in addition to paranormal studies.]

Maybe people think you're the ghost... you don't strike me as the type of person who socializes with your neighbors all the time. Although, the fact that you don't have neighbors might come off as a little ghostly too.

Well, um...I can assure you that I'm not a ghost. I just live far away from people.

You see me standing right here, beside the fire, in front of you.

*He seemed neutral, yet something definitely seemed off.*

lost-in-gardener

Well, I also see ghosts standing in front of me all the time. I also watched you cover the mirror, in case you think I didn't notice.

[They thought for a moment, before a slightly excited smile spread across her face.]

Wait- Are you a vampire or something? Did you cover the mirror so I wouldn't see your lack of a reflection?

Wh- no.

I covered the mirror because... because of the weather, it freezes all the time.

*It sounded convincing, but not quite.

I'm just... a lumberjack now.

lost-in-gardener

A lumberjack that lives in the middle of a freezing forest with no neighbors? Interesting...

[Finn was a tad disappointed that Damien wasn't a vampire, but that didn't mean their investigation was going to be over quite yet.]

Then you won't mind if I uncover the mirror? If it's just covered because of the weather, that is.

No.

I mean- I rather you don't.

The weather, it... cracks the mirror. It's cold enough to damage it.

*He got up now to add more wood to the fire, grabbing a lot cut in half before tossing it to the fire.*

lost-in-gardener

[As he stood up, Finn took a step closer to the covered mirror and squinted their eyes at it. They didn't want to piss him off and get kicked out of his cabin.]

Well if the fire's going, it's gonna be warmer in here than it normally is, right?

[She grinned and tapped on the surface of the mirror through the cloth.]

Maybe it won't break if I take off the cover for just a moment.

*At this point, if he denied it once more, it would be too obvious that he was hiding something.*

...Fine.

*However, as he allowed for the unexpected visitor to look at the mirror, he stepped away from it, not letting his reflection be seen.*

#rp #reblog #curious visitor

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

heart--of--frost

"Oh! Oh, good, then, maybe you can lead us back?" She turned to him, excited. Good news, finally. Even if it didn't mean terribly much to her, it was something.

To my cabin? Yes. I recognize the trail now. Follow me, please.

*Damien gestured kindly as he guided Celci through the snow. It was so empty of life, and there were so many of the tree stumps, all done by one man.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

[Finn stood outside of the cabin, shivering in the cold and watching their breath turn into a thick fog in the freezing winter air. One of her anonymous sources had said that there was a ghost in this cabin... or, well- the source didn't say that they were a ghost, not exactly, but Finn assumed that they had to be a ghost if they willingly lived in this freezing weather.]

[Well... only one way to find out. They adjusted their coat and knocked on the door gently, trying to keep a smile on their face even as she shivered in the cold air.]

Hello? Anyone in there...?

*It took a moment for the door to be answered, but eventually heavy footsteps can be heard approaching the door. The door is not fully opened, but rather just a crack. Finn could only see the silhouette of a longhaired man who exhaled cold air.*

...Yes?

@lost-in-gardener

lost-in-gardener

[They perked up slightly at the sight the door cracking open, giving him what they hoped was a polite smile. In the freezing cold, however, their smile looked more like a grimace.]

Hello! I'm Finn Gardener- I work as a paranormal investigator. One of my anonymous sources told me that I would find something- or someone- of interest around here.

[Their shivering hand raised a little business card up for Damien to see, before tightening their coat around their body and letting out a shaky breath.]

Is it alright if I come inside? I don't know if you noticed, but it's a little... fucking freezing.

...When you step inside, I suggest you keep calm and don't try anything crazy.

Take it as a warning.

*The long-haired silhouette spoke once more before the door slowly yet fully opened, letting the unexpected guest in.*

lost-in-gardener

[Finn gave him a polite smile, stepping inside the cabin and look around with intrigue in their eyes.]

Nice place, uh...

[She hesitated a moment, glancing at the long-haired silhouette.]

...sorry, I didn't quite catch your name.

*As his guest stepped inside and talked, the man walked up to a single mirror he had and covered it with a cloth. After that, he cleared his throat before he spoke.*

Damien. You can call me Damien.

*He said, looking at her before stepping close to his fireplace, picking at the burning wood with a stick.*

lost-in-gardener

Damien. Well, it's nice to meet you, Damien. Like I said earlier, my name is Finn Gardener.

[They glance at the mirror that Damien had covered, narrowing their eyes slightly with suspicion.]

I was told that there was some supernatural activity going on over here. Would you happen to know anything about that?

Hm...No, not really.

This place is rather isolated. It's just me.

*Once he finished picking on the fire, he maneuvered to sit down on his bed, where the mirror was right across from.

The wardrobe also seemed to be heavily locked.*

lost-in-gardener

Is there a reason for that, or are you just the kinda person that likes their privacy?

[Finn wandered over to the wardrobe, running a finger over the lock and examining it for a moment. For a moment, she wished that they'd learned locksmithing in addition to paranormal studies.]

Maybe people think you're the ghost... you don't strike me as the type of person who socializes with your neighbors all the time. Although, the fact that you don't have neighbors might come off as a little ghostly too.

Well, um...I can assure you that I'm not a ghost. I just live far away from people.

You see me standing right here, beside the fire, in front of you.

*He seemed neutral, yet something definitely seemed off.*

lost-in-gardener

Well, I also see ghosts standing in front of me all the time. I also watched you cover the mirror, in case you think I didn't notice.

[They thought for a moment, before a slightly excited smile spread across her face.]

Wait- Are you a vampire or something? Did you cover the mirror so I wouldn't see your lack of a reflection?

Wh- no.

I covered the mirror because... because of the weather, it freezes all the time.

*It sounded convincing, but not quite.

I'm just... a lumberjack now.

lost-in-gardener

A lumberjack that lives in the middle of a freezing forest with no neighbors? Interesting...

[Finn was a tad disappointed that Damien wasn't a vampire, but that didn't mean their investigation was going to be over quite yet.]

Then you won't mind if I uncover the mirror? If it's just covered because of the weather, that is.

No.

I mean- I rather you don't.

The weather, it... cracks the mirror. It's cold enough to damage it.

*He got up now to add more wood to the fire, grabbing a lot cut in half before tossing it to the fire.*

#rp #reblog #curious visitor

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

heart--of--frost

"... I... Hm." Celci frowned, shaking her head.

She stopped at the top of a hill.

"There's a lot of tree stumps out here."

Then we're close! Those are all the trees I cut down for my fire.

*Damien smiled a bit in relief, sighing at seeing the familiar sight.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

heart--of--frost

"It's okay. It's a lot to deal with." She pet his shoulder, continuing forward.

The snow crunched beneath them, Celci sliding her goggles down to see ahead better.

The cryo pods started thinning out, becoming more sparse, giving way to more and more snow.

*Damien followed her, pretty calm within all the snow and freezing temperatures.*

Hmm...at least the snow reminds me of home... but less lonely.

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

heart--of--frost

"... Is... Celine one of them?" Her voice was quiet, as if trying not to scare away a baby deer.

Celci retracted, moving to put his freezing fingers in her warm hands.

"... Why don't you tell me once we get you home?"

*He was tearing up, the tears freezing on his skin as they fell before he nodded in agreement to both confirm that Celine indeed was one of them, and that he's up to telling once he's home.*

...I-I'm sorry, I should keep myself together...

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

heart--of--frost

"It couldn't sustain life any longer. I guess you haven't heard. I'm sorry, I know it's a lot to take in." Celci sighed, stopping her pursuit for a moment.

She turned to him, hesitantly offering a hug.

...I'm not from this time.

My time was...so much simpler...

Speeches, get-togethers, poker nights...

...The manor with my friends and family...

*He hugged Celci with such a weak embrace. He was cold, unnaturally cold, and not a single beat of life came from him.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

heart--of--frost

She stopped in place, exasperated. "... Yes, and?"

Celci scoffed, continuing. "Look, nothing's going right right now. I'm surprised you can even call Earth home, it's kind of a dead end."

It's what?!?!

W-what happened with it?! Oh God, and everyone in it- Oh God...

*He stopped as well, a bit more in shock, as his grip on his on his own arms hardened.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

heart--of--frost

"You got in here, you can get out. It's not like the walls closed in on us." She stepped further and further into the fog.

"Standing around doesn't solve anything, Damien."

I- wait!!!

*He followed her through the fog, unsure of what to do.*

I-I know there is a way, but before I found you, there was a window. I looked out from it, and um, it doesn't look like we're anywhere close to Earth-

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

heart--of--frost

"... You need to go. Now." Celci's voice was stern.

She picked up a wrench from her toolbox, and activated the snow tread function in her boots, leading the way back towards where Damien came from.

"If it's anything like that damn thing, it needs to be protected before it gets into the wrong hands."

H-how?! I-I may not be human anymore, but that doesn't mean I can get anywhere I want to!

*Damien scratched the back of his head, trying to think of something as his fingers of his other hand fidget together.*

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

Far enough out into the snow, where fog hung in the air like drapes, a woman worked at a console. The fade was gradual, far and subtle enough not to notice. Cryo pods were spread out, half buried in the snow banks, before becoming more uniform closer to her.

She was too busy to notice that something was wrong, and her face was much too familiar for comfort.

-@heart--of--frost

*The longhaired man stumbled upon the freezing yet modern place he found himself in. He was confused, especially as to how he was out of the white acres without feeling as weak.

His steps could he heard, not flinching a bit at the inhumane low temperature of the room, not spotting the stranger who worked in this area yet.*

heart--of--frost

She was muttering complaints to herself, some snippets of her voice more clear than others. "Nitrogen-" "Mark." "Can't believe -"

Celci ventured further into the cold to try and find the leak to repair. Comms were down, in a frustrating turn of events.

She spotted a silhouette in the fog, waving her arms for their attention. "Hey! Are you okay out here? You should evacuate until the leak is repaired!"

Eh?

*The man turned to look at the stranger. He looked so calm within the freezing temperatures as he attempted to approach her. Why did she sound familiar?

The closer he got, the more define his face became.*

I-I'm okay, just kind of lost. This isn't my cabin.

heart--of--frost

"... Cabin? Oh-" she paused. "Mark? Mark, I think you were dreaming again. Can y-"

Celci blinked, examined Damien closer.

"... Very funny." She rolled her eyes. "Look, when you're done with this stupid prank, can you help me fix the leak?"

...Mark?

I'm not Mark, as if I looked like him, I-

*When he finally had a closer look of her face, his eyes widened in shock.*

...Celine?

heart--of--frost

She had her arms folded, not impressed. "Oh yeah, then who are you then?"

She scoffed. "I don't have time for this. Help me or go do whatever you do. Blow something up, I guess."

She knelt, digging in the snow for something. Celine... Celine. That's not her.

... that's not her.

Celcionna F. Kelvina. Head of Cryogenics. Top student in her class.

"This is a bad joke, Mark. And you already did this one, anyway."

...It's not you.

I swear, I'm not Mark!

My name is Damien Doom, I'm a mayor.

Well, was...

I don't know who you are or where I am. I'm completely lost, okay?

*Even though the strange man had a winter jacket on, it was worn out and not enough protection for the cold.

Yet he looked just fine in it...but also a lot more pale than a human.*

heart--of--frost

"Mhm." She responded dismissively.

She gave the toolbox a hard tug, falling back as it came loose. she sat up, putting up a hand as if you stop him from saying something.

She disappeared back into the fog for a moment, and a much thicker jacket broke through the air, hitting him squarely.

"Put that on before you get frozen, I'm not in the mood to treat frostbite today."

He was a good actor, she did have to admit. 'Damien' was... Believable. But believing him last time was a mistake she refused to repeat, even with her doubts.

She may never understand why he does that sort of thing. Putting on an old red smoking jacket, or a silly pink mustache. Passing for just a moment, flitting past and disappearing. Probably some game he's playing with Gunther that she'd never understand.

Can you- not think I'm joking?!

I genuinely don't know where I am or who you are or what's going on!

*He looked at the jacket before looking back at her.*

Tell me something.

Is this Mark you mentioned dead or alive?

*That was an odd question... Did he even look like he was breathing?*

heart--of--frost

Celci stopped dead in her tracks. She looked at him long and hard.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She returned to her work, pushing her goggles down and hiding her face. She didn't want to think about that, let alone talk about it. Maybe if she ignored whoever this was he'd just leave and things would be normal and she wouldn't have to think about it.

I ask because whoever you talk about, he has a pulse, doesn't he?

He has warmth, his heart beats, doesn't he?

*He started to step closer.*

Well, I don't.

heart--of--frost

"I'd like to wake up now." Her voice is unsteady, face red. "Please."

She stayed still, trying to make it happen. This is the worst part of the nightmare. Who's dead and who's alive. And how long until it resolves?

She sat down, curling up. She pulled up her hood, trying to wake up.

But she knows better. It's not a dream. It's the shared Hell the crew must endure. They must feel it too. They have to.

...Are you okay?

I'm sorry- I shouldn't have come off so harshly-

Erm- how about we take some deep breaths? A-and I don't know anything about this place but um- I could try to help you with whatever you need.

heart--of--frost

"I don't need anything. Nothing you can give me, anyway." She lifted her goggles just enough to wipe at her eyes.

Mourning solved nothing.

"You should probably find your way back, you don't want to be in the loop. Mark and the Captain are god-knows-where, probably doing something reckless like fleeing the ship. You should escape now."

... That's what you won't understand.

It's... too late for me.

And I... don't know how to get back.

*There was an honest and melancholic yet soft tone coming from him now.*

heart--of--frost

"Okay, you're dead. I don't understand how, but I'm working with that. But you don't want to be in the loop. Turn around and go back where you came from. You entered, you should be able to leave."

What loop?! I-I don't underneath- I-

... Oh God, the crystal-

*Damien seemed very alerted by now as he held onto his own arms, eyes wide in confusion and frustration.*

heart--of--frost

"What? What do you mean? The Warp Core?" Celci's eyes are wide, concerned with why he's panicked, and why he knows about the Crystal at all.

"You're going to have to communicate for me to help you."

I-I don't know what a Warp Core is, but I'm guessing it's one of the crystals.

I protect one of many. I don't remember how many there were.

Now that I'm here, it's back in the cabin with no protection whatsoever...

#rp #reblog #you look familiar

...Won't be too long 'till spring. @ask-damien-wkm - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag