"Hello? This is Captain James [REDACTED] of the Invincible II speaking- Ugh.. My head is killing me these days."
"Looks like I've ended up in another reality again- do I..know you? My memories are all jumbled up and a fucking mess, I apologize. It makes it hard to..remember things and people."
"I've been looking for my Head Engineer, do you know where he is? If you see him at all, contact me immediately."
-J
β Mod Info [PLEASE READ]
βIMPORTANT INFO/RULES
[Hello! This is the mod here! So I got bored and I've been thinking about making a blog for James for a few days now, so here it is. I've never done this before so bare with me bc I'ma learn as I go]
[This is purely for fun and for anyone that's been curious on what it would be like to talk to my Captainsona/DAsona, James]
[This is open to interactions with any markiplier egos, other captainsonas, ocs, Iron Lung, and anyone Mark related. Fair warning: there will be heavy themes mentioned and talked about.]
[THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR: WKM, ADWM, AHWM, ISWM, & IRON LUNG]
[Ships and shipping with characters like captaineer, captvictneer, ect. are very welcome, just be mindful. No NSFW, possibly suggestive stuff, it really depends.]
[ I will not answer asks if it makes me uncomfortable, plus just be respectful, it's not hard to be nice and have fun]
[I'll type like this, James will talk like "This"]
For understanding character:
-Captainsona Reference
-Fanfic w/ Captainsona
Tags:
James Asks (any first response to an ask or anon)
James reporting back (replies back to asks or rps)
James Reblogs (anything that is reblogged on this, think of it as James showing what he likes)
James Ryder speaking (if James starts an ask first)
Strange new arrivals (anons & one off asks interactions)
Seeing a reflection (other captainsonas interactions)
βHello, anyone who may recieve this. I am Captain Cas, reporting from the Invincible II for the Multiverse Calamity Research project. If you or your universe has had any odd shifts, large amounts of death, or generally unusual perilous situations, please reach out, if not, I would still like to speak to anyone who gets this.
Regards, The Captain.β
-@the-captain-cas
[hi moot :P]
[James slightly flinched as the main intercom let out a horrid noise as it tried to play out the message broadcast but with most of his ship being down on power, the intercom cut out before it even starts and the message pinged to James's data display on his forearm]
"Another Captain?.. I didn't know there was still others left, hmm.."
[James drew a breath as he shifted in his seat in the main cockpit before he tried to think of what to respond with. Eventually he respond with a written message back]
"Hello, this is Captain James Ryder responding back. I wasn't sure other captains were still around. I don't know how much help I can be but I'll try to give any details you may need."
[Mod: I'M SORRY TO ANYONE WAITING FOR A REPLY, IMA BE BUSY FOR A FEW DAYS SO I APOLOGIZE I'LL GET TO THEM DW. ILY ALL WHO'VE BEEN INTERACTING WITH THIS RAHHH]
This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you might know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.
- @no1bestcaptain
(ooc: π hiiii i promise im not stalking you /lhsilly)
[James flinches slightly at the communications device he has on his person starting to speak out. He taps a few buttons before holding one to respond back]
"Hello? This is Captain James Ryder of The Invincible II, I've received your message."
"You are another Captain, like me. The first it seems that I've stumbled across since getting lost in that damn wormhole that warp core probably caused.. Why did Mark think using something so unstable would be a good idea.."
Greetings, Captain Ryder! It's good to hear from another Captain. It's... a little odd, how few our system has reached... but perhaps there'll be more...
[The Captain starts to sound concerned and more than a little disconcerted as they process the rest of what James said, rustling sounds echoing through the mic as they scrambled for their datapad.]
Anyway, sorry, you- your warp core, did you say it's still operational? That might, uh, explain the discrepancies in your signal...
"I'd say it's good to hear from anyone at this point. It's been a while since I've communication with another person.."
[James started to trail off before clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. He looked around his ship before back to his communication device on his forearm]
"Operational is a bit of a stretch... But I suppose you could say so if it's the reason I've been in this forsaken loop for who knows how long- it seems to still be functioning or at the very least the crystal from it does...which I don't think it's normal for it to be in my hand.."
[James voice had started to distort over his mic while he spoke as he turned over his hand and looked over to the warp core crystal that had burrowed itself into his palm]
[They pause for a long moment, collecting themself before they continue.]
Well I'm glad I can uh, help in that regard. I... I know first-hand the multiverse is a... lonely place. I'm... not sure if I can give specifics, but no, that's definitely not normal. It happened to me, too, but mine has since... uh, gone. If... your crystal is still working, then the warp core is still going too. Do you think you're close to locating it?
"Ha- tell me about it.. I don't know how long I've been through the same thing so far and trying to remember anything, anyone to figure it out..it isn't much help either."
[James let's out a small huff of a laugh but it soon became a short sigh before he continued]
"The warp core..I have no idea. I've been trying to locate where it is, but there's a wormhole of sorts in my path. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the damn thing but without my Head Engineer it isn't much luck.."
[James voice lowered while mentioning his head engineer but he quickly gathered himself and cleared his throat awkwardly]
"I may or may not have lost him in the wormhole after we got sucked in..So it's a bit of a technical difficulty.."
[The Captain says instantly, confidently, only for their tone to turn a little sheepish as they realise what they've said elaborate.]
Ah, as in, not like that, I just mean... just, take it from me, it'll work out. About your loops, though- this is going to sound insensitive, but... have you lost track of how many, yet?
"True.. You're right. It's just a matter of time til I can find him..and I can- fix things.."
[James goes silent for a long moment after he spoke, a sense of deep rooted guilt creeping up as he recalled the last time he saw his engineer and how that meeting when. He looked down at his hands for a second before, staring before shaking his head and snapping his attention back to the other captain. James let out a small sheepish laugh to match the other captain's tone as he heard them quicky try to back track before he responded back, his own voice stumbling a bit before he cleared his throat]
"Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels that way for Mar- HA, I get it, trust me I do...but um, ahem- my loops, I um.. I honestly think so, I don't know how many I've gone through now and trying to remember what happened before is getting harder and more fuzzy."
[There was some shuffling on James end as he started looking for something, cursing to himself quietly before letting out a satisfied hum when he found what he was looking for. His journal log]
"I have some logs in my journal about some of the loops..but looking through, I don't recall when these experiences happened so it must have been a while ago if that helps. Theres even some in here about...other egos? Wait a minute...who the hell was I writing about? I don't remember any of this, at least not that I know of.."
[James was murmuring to himself a bit as he was flipping through the pages of his journal, clearly not familiar with some of the first few logs that seemed to mention stuff about a 'Manor' and some about a 'date' and 'heist']
It, uh. At this point, I think it's inevitable, for all of us.
[They chuckle in reply, flushing a little in a rare moment of self-clarity, and taking a breath to compose themself before they turn solemn again, and start to speak over James' mumbling.]
It's... I understand. My memories are fuzzy, too, and there's stuff I'm missing completely that Mark remembers, or I don't know I remembered it until something reminds me. I...
[They flinch at the word 'manor', but shake it off, seemingly confused by their own reaction.]
A journal is a good idea, I wish I'd thought of that... it seems counterproductive, but if you're forgetting, then... you must be close. Trust me.
"It's definitely inevitable for me.. Sometimes I just want grab that guy and- wait no..scratch that, god I can practically hear him losing his shit over this.."
[James stammered for a quick moment, grumbling at himself and rubbing his face to get himself to focus. Sure he missed that idiot but that's besides that point and totally doesn't have anything to do with anything]
"Yeah.. Yeah I get that. When it started, things were easier to remember, maybe me and Mark thought we had some godly power or some bullshit- But yeah, now things are fuzzy to remember and I think...I think I've done things, bad things I can't seem to remember.. At least not at first, but the memories come back to me sometimes, more so now without Mark.."
[James started to trail off, shifting on his feet on his end while he looked down and raised his hand to fidget with his pendant around his neck. His attention shifted when the other captain spoke of him being close]
"Close to what? The warp core? But that shouldn't be able to affect my memories... To bring back ones I shouldn't be able to remember, and make me..start to forget the ones I should..forget people that I don't want to. It isn't- it shouldn't be able to do that right?"
I... don't know how much I can say... but. Your warp core is already doing things that shouldn't be possible, is that... really so far of a stretch?
[They brush a thumb over their gloved left palm in their own nervous fidget, digging their nail into the leather and the raised scar underneath it.]
The core, the wormhole, the crystal, they... they don't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I... I get it. I've... the loops make you do things that don't make sense, too. You have to... suspend some disbelief, to... cope.
[They slump forward slightly, frowning, their eyes distant like they're remembering things they'd rather forget, too. If they are, though, they don't mention it, just shaking their head slightly trying to keep it together.]
I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense either, am I? I wish I could just tell you how to fix everything, but... I barely understand anything myself. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologize.. You aren't wrong, I don't really think there is a right or wrong to this job anymore, just fucked up choices no matter what you pick."
[James takes some notice to the shift in the other captain's voice but doesn't comment on it, he knows from similar experiences that it wouldn't do much to help. James listens intently before letting out a somewhat soft chuckle]
"Heh, I don't either of us have been making sense. But I suppose what we got into never made sense in the first place..and maybe the warp core and the wormhole, all of it won't make sense no matter how much we try to understand and fix it, but we'll still here. That counts for something..it has to count for something.. "
[James had looked back to his pendant, gloved thumb tracing the northern star engraving before turning it to see the 'M' engraving on the back. He let out a deep sigh and let the pendant drop from his hand as it started to ache and tense up from the crystal. James bit back a hiss as his head started to spin and get clouded by [REDACTED] reasons, he cursed and muttered through his teeth while holding his head in one hand]
"Fucking crystal..ugh I'm starting to think this stupid thing is messing me up..unless theres something else doing this.."
We can't give up hope, you can't give up hope. That's what's important.
Don't give up.
[They mutter to themself quietly in a moment of deja vu before raising their voice again, sounding a little more certain.]
I still get muscle spasms and phantom pains in my hand, so it's entirely possible the damn thing is messing with you. Let me guess, you're, uh... you're getting headaches, too?
"Yeah.. I have, but I've had them for as long as I can remember..they're voices o- it's nothing.."
[James shuts himself down, stopping himself from talking about what he's experienced. How does he explain something that started even before the stupid crystal, something even he doesn't understand. James shifted on his feet uuncomfortabl before he raised his hand up to the scar that dragged down his face from his eye, gently feeling the scar before his eyes fell on his bracelets and he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He spoke up without looking away from the bracelets on his wrist]
"You said 'Don't give up'.. You've heard it too then, before all of it, haven't you."
[They raise a hand to their own head like it hurts, rubbing the visor of their helmet as they try to collect their thoughts. Their hand is shaking slightly, but they don't seem to notice.]
What was I... right, yeah. Sorry. I uh, I did. I didn't remember that I'd heard it before you said it, but yes, I... it sounded familiar then, too. Do you know who it was?
"No, I don't think so.. At least, it tends to sound like someone different each time I've heard it. The first time I heard it..sounded like.. Mark."
[James looks at his bracelets for a bit longer, moving his other hand to carefully adjust some of them back into place before a frown falls on his face and he looks away. They were made for someone, represented someone close to him; yet he can't seem to remember them all fully, just voices and blurry faces. James shifts his focus back to the other captain, taking notice of their forgiveness for moment, but out of understanding, he doesn't mention it]
"Who did it sound like to you? Maybe it's different for everyone..it seems that way for a lot of things.."
I don't... no, I do remember. It was...
...Fuck. Maybe I'm more messed with than I thought. I'm sorry, I can't remember who it was, I just know it was familiar. You... maybe it's because you still have the crystal? Or... maybe I've just... got a worse memory or something, heh.
[Their hand drops to rub against their palm again, pressing their thumb harder into the flesh to try and massage away the harsh stinging.]
I'm not being of much help here, am I? Sorry.
If you remember the voice, though, I can't help but be curious about who else, if it's alright to ask? My first loops were... rough. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. But you mentioned others in your journal, so...
"You are fine, I get it.. You don't have to apologize, you are being plenty of help."
[James tried his best to reassure the other captain it was really okay, but he quickly paused when they asked about what he remembers of the others he mentioned in his journal. James shift of his feet and was quiet for a moment, sure he remembered somethings, whatever was lucky enough not to fade or get fuzzy through the past of time; but recalling the memories was like reliving them and some he wasn't sure he should. He let out a deep sigh before slowly sliding down the side of the ship wall with his journal in hand]
"Where do I even start... There's stuff written in here before I was assigned to the Invincible II, and from what it seems there's a few logs talking about stuff from the 1920s too.."
[James traces a finger over a page with his voice lowering a bit, it was dated in later years but talked about a night at a manor and the events that followed with vivid details. Word for word of a memory James couldn't fully grasp, even if he wrote it himself. It was years ago, he had probably remembered it and wrote it does shortly after he had started this journal, which now he couldn't quite remember when]
"I doubt it.. I don't know when it was or how it happened, but I think it happened before all this wormhole stuff.. Which is a bit concerning for me if it wasn't a loop..ahem- anyways..lemme see.."
[James cleared his throat awkwardly as he flipped a few pages to get to the logs that started the day he was appointed to the Invincible II. It seemed the first few were logs were about the ship and the ship's head engineer, Mark. James hummed quietly as he skimmed his old writing for anything of use]
"Hmm.. Besides the first few just talking about Mark and the layout of the ship, there's not much.. At least, not in these pages but I'll keep looking.. Though I'm not sure what I'm even looking for..actually..lemme go back a bit.."
[James muttered to himself as he flipped back a few pages and raised a brow at the contents. It was like reading something you don't remember even writing, only a vague sense of familiarity]
"I think I found something, but I'm not sure it's what you are looking for.. I wrote about doing some heist as some point, if that means anything? Looks like there's a few logs about it, but the memories about these occurrences are fuzzy at best for me..when the fuck did an apocalypse happen?? Was I on something writing this shit or something?.."
A heist...? The apocalypse? I- I was hoping that if you started to read off stuff, I'd remember it too, but... I don't know, it feels like I should recognise it, but...
[They shift slightly in their chair, sounding a little disappointed, before they take a breath and continue.]
Maybe there's a reason why I don't remember... ah, it's alright, it doesn't matter. What was the heist for? Surely it was something important if you wrote it down, right?
[James skimmed the contents of the log before tapping the page at a certain line. James shifted restlessly before leaning himself back against the center console while he read the page]
"Sounds like it was for some relic from a museum, a box I think? It's hard to tell, apparently my dumbass didn't really specify what was in the box...granted it says it was different every time but what the hell does that mean?"
[James lets out an irritated sigh before setting the journal down, open, on the console as he rubbed his face tiredly. His own journal filled with his own personal experiences and memories was proving to raise more questions than answers them]
"I don't understand, how the hell did I write any of this..better yet, why can't I remember any of it..I'm sorry this isn't what you asked for."
A box? ...huh. That's... not exactly what I was expecting. But if it was different every time... maybe that has something to do with different realities? Maybe that's why you wrote it down?
[The Captain slumps a little further forward, resting their chin on their hand as they think, frowning as their headache gets worse.]
Hey, don't apologise, you have nothing to be sorry for. The whole wormhole situation... it fucks with you. Hell, it's still fucking with me, clearly... it's not your fault it decided you're not allowed to remember.
I just wish we could figure this out a little... I keep telling myself I'm probably better off not understanding everything, that it'd drive me insane or something, but... it's also tough not knowing. I just... I feel like I'm missing something, y'know?
"Maybe we are both missing something.. But if anyone can figure it out, it's us. It's you."
[James let out a light chuckle before shifting his weight from the center console he was leaned back against back to his feet. He was about to speak back up before he was cut short by a sharp pain in his palm and looking down to the crystal giving off a blue glow]
"Ugh- fuck-.. Hey um, I know you.. You said something about not having a crystal anymore but..hh..I think I'm having some trouble.."
[James managed to get out through gritted teeth while his free hand shifted over to his now tense and burning one. It was acting up again, he should have know from that ache he got in his head earlier, all that flashing of faces and voices overlapping in his head and now this]
This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you might know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.
- @no1bestcaptain
(ooc: π hiiii i promise im not stalking you /lhsilly)
[James flinches slightly at the communications device he has on his person starting to speak out. He taps a few buttons before holding one to respond back]
"Hello? This is Captain James Ryder of The Invincible II, I've received your message."
"You are another Captain, like me. The first it seems that I've stumbled across since getting lost in that damn wormhole that warp core probably caused.. Why did Mark think using something so unstable would be a good idea.."
Greetings, Captain Ryder! It's good to hear from another Captain. It's... a little odd, how few our system has reached... but perhaps there'll be more...
[The Captain starts to sound concerned and more than a little disconcerted as they process the rest of what James said, rustling sounds echoing through the mic as they scrambled for their datapad.]
Anyway, sorry, you- your warp core, did you say it's still operational? That might, uh, explain the discrepancies in your signal...
"I'd say it's good to hear from anyone at this point. It's been a while since I've communication with another person.."
[James started to trail off before clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. He looked around his ship before back to his communication device on his forearm]
"Operational is a bit of a stretch... But I suppose you could say so if it's the reason I've been in this forsaken loop for who knows how long- it seems to still be functioning or at the very least the crystal from it does...which I don't think it's normal for it to be in my hand.."
[James voice had started to distort over his mic while he spoke as he turned over his hand and looked over to the warp core crystal that had burrowed itself into his palm]
[They pause for a long moment, collecting themself before they continue.]
Well I'm glad I can uh, help in that regard. I... I know first-hand the multiverse is a... lonely place. I'm... not sure if I can give specifics, but no, that's definitely not normal. It happened to me, too, but mine has since... uh, gone. If... your crystal is still working, then the warp core is still going too. Do you think you're close to locating it?
"Ha- tell me about it.. I don't know how long I've been through the same thing so far and trying to remember anything, anyone to figure it out..it isn't much help either."
[James let's out a small huff of a laugh but it soon became a short sigh before he continued]
"The warp core..I have no idea. I've been trying to locate where it is, but there's a wormhole of sorts in my path. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the damn thing but without my Head Engineer it isn't much luck.."
[James voice lowered while mentioning his head engineer but he quickly gathered himself and cleared his throat awkwardly]
"I may or may not have lost him in the wormhole after we got sucked in..So it's a bit of a technical difficulty.."
[The Captain says instantly, confidently, only for their tone to turn a little sheepish as they realise what they've said elaborate.]
Ah, as in, not like that, I just mean... just, take it from me, it'll work out. About your loops, though- this is going to sound insensitive, but... have you lost track of how many, yet?
"True.. You're right. It's just a matter of time til I can find him..and I can- fix things.."
[James goes silent for a long moment after he spoke, a sense of deep rooted guilt creeping up as he recalled the last time he saw his engineer and how that meeting when. He looked down at his hands for a second before, staring before shaking his head and snapping his attention back to the other captain. James let out a small sheepish laugh to match the other captain's tone as he heard them quicky try to back track before he responded back, his own voice stumbling a bit before he cleared his throat]
"Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels that way for Mar- HA, I get it, trust me I do...but um, ahem- my loops, I um.. I honestly think so, I don't know how many I've gone through now and trying to remember what happened before is getting harder and more fuzzy."
[There was some shuffling on James end as he started looking for something, cursing to himself quietly before letting out a satisfied hum when he found what he was looking for. His journal log]
"I have some logs in my journal about some of the loops..but looking through, I don't recall when these experiences happened so it must have been a while ago if that helps. Theres even some in here about...other egos? Wait a minute...who the hell was I writing about? I don't remember any of this, at least not that I know of.."
[James was murmuring to himself a bit as he was flipping through the pages of his journal, clearly not familiar with some of the first few logs that seemed to mention stuff about a 'Manor' and some about a 'date' and 'heist']
It, uh. At this point, I think it's inevitable, for all of us.
[They chuckle in reply, flushing a little in a rare moment of self-clarity, and taking a breath to compose themself before they turn solemn again, and start to speak over James' mumbling.]
It's... I understand. My memories are fuzzy, too, and there's stuff I'm missing completely that Mark remembers, or I don't know I remembered it until something reminds me. I...
[They flinch at the word 'manor', but shake it off, seemingly confused by their own reaction.]
A journal is a good idea, I wish I'd thought of that... it seems counterproductive, but if you're forgetting, then... you must be close. Trust me.
"It's definitely inevitable for me.. Sometimes I just want grab that guy and- wait no..scratch that, god I can practically hear him losing his shit over this.."
[James stammered for a quick moment, grumbling at himself and rubbing his face to get himself to focus. Sure he missed that idiot but that's besides that point and totally doesn't have anything to do with anything]
"Yeah.. Yeah I get that. When it started, things were easier to remember, maybe me and Mark thought we had some godly power or some bullshit- But yeah, now things are fuzzy to remember and I think...I think I've done things, bad things I can't seem to remember.. At least not at first, but the memories come back to me sometimes, more so now without Mark.."
[James started to trail off, shifting on his feet on his end while he looked down and raised his hand to fidget with his pendant around his neck. His attention shifted when the other captain spoke of him being close]
"Close to what? The warp core? But that shouldn't be able to affect my memories... To bring back ones I shouldn't be able to remember, and make me..start to forget the ones I should..forget people that I don't want to. It isn't- it shouldn't be able to do that right?"
I... don't know how much I can say... but. Your warp core is already doing things that shouldn't be possible, is that... really so far of a stretch?
[They brush a thumb over their gloved left palm in their own nervous fidget, digging their nail into the leather and the raised scar underneath it.]
The core, the wormhole, the crystal, they... they don't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I... I get it. I've... the loops make you do things that don't make sense, too. You have to... suspend some disbelief, to... cope.
[They slump forward slightly, frowning, their eyes distant like they're remembering things they'd rather forget, too. If they are, though, they don't mention it, just shaking their head slightly trying to keep it together.]
I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense either, am I? I wish I could just tell you how to fix everything, but... I barely understand anything myself. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologize.. You aren't wrong, I don't really think there is a right or wrong to this job anymore, just fucked up choices no matter what you pick."
[James takes some notice to the shift in the other captain's voice but doesn't comment on it, he knows from similar experiences that it wouldn't do much to help. James listens intently before letting out a somewhat soft chuckle]
"Heh, I don't either of us have been making sense. But I suppose what we got into never made sense in the first place..and maybe the warp core and the wormhole, all of it won't make sense no matter how much we try to understand and fix it, but we'll still here. That counts for something..it has to count for something.. "
[James had looked back to his pendant, gloved thumb tracing the northern star engraving before turning it to see the 'M' engraving on the back. He let out a deep sigh and let the pendant drop from his hand as it started to ache and tense up from the crystal. James bit back a hiss as his head started to spin and get clouded by [REDACTED] reasons, he cursed and muttered through his teeth while holding his head in one hand]
"Fucking crystal..ugh I'm starting to think this stupid thing is messing me up..unless theres something else doing this.."
We can't give up hope, you can't give up hope. That's what's important.
Don't give up.
[They mutter to themself quietly in a moment of deja vu before raising their voice again, sounding a little more certain.]
I still get muscle spasms and phantom pains in my hand, so it's entirely possible the damn thing is messing with you. Let me guess, you're, uh... you're getting headaches, too?
"Yeah.. I have, but I've had them for as long as I can remember..they're voices o- it's nothing.."
[James shuts himself down, stopping himself from talking about what he's experienced. How does he explain something that started even before the stupid crystal, something even he doesn't understand. James shifted on his feet uuncomfortabl before he raised his hand up to the scar that dragged down his face from his eye, gently feeling the scar before his eyes fell on his bracelets and he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He spoke up without looking away from the bracelets on his wrist]
"You said 'Don't give up'.. You've heard it too then, before all of it, haven't you."
[They raise a hand to their own head like it hurts, rubbing the visor of their helmet as they try to collect their thoughts. Their hand is shaking slightly, but they don't seem to notice.]
What was I... right, yeah. Sorry. I uh, I did. I didn't remember that I'd heard it before you said it, but yes, I... it sounded familiar then, too. Do you know who it was?
"No, I don't think so.. At least, it tends to sound like someone different each time I've heard it. The first time I heard it..sounded like.. Mark."
[James looks at his bracelets for a bit longer, moving his other hand to carefully adjust some of them back into place before a frown falls on his face and he looks away. They were made for someone, represented someone close to him; yet he can't seem to remember them all fully, just voices and blurry faces. James shifts his focus back to the other captain, taking notice of their forgiveness for moment, but out of understanding, he doesn't mention it]
"Who did it sound like to you? Maybe it's different for everyone..it seems that way for a lot of things.."
I don't... no, I do remember. It was...
...Fuck. Maybe I'm more messed with than I thought. I'm sorry, I can't remember who it was, I just know it was familiar. You... maybe it's because you still have the crystal? Or... maybe I've just... got a worse memory or something, heh.
[Their hand drops to rub against their palm again, pressing their thumb harder into the flesh to try and massage away the harsh stinging.]
I'm not being of much help here, am I? Sorry.
If you remember the voice, though, I can't help but be curious about who else, if it's alright to ask? My first loops were... rough. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. But you mentioned others in your journal, so...
"You are fine, I get it.. You don't have to apologize, you are being plenty of help."
[James tried his best to reassure the other captain it was really okay, but he quickly paused when they asked about what he remembers of the others he mentioned in his journal. James shift of his feet and was quiet for a moment, sure he remembered somethings, whatever was lucky enough not to fade or get fuzzy through the past of time; but recalling the memories was like reliving them and some he wasn't sure he should. He let out a deep sigh before slowly sliding down the side of the ship wall with his journal in hand]
"Where do I even start... There's stuff written in here before I was assigned to the Invincible II, and from what it seems there's a few logs talking about stuff from the 1920s too.."
[James traces a finger over a page with his voice lowering a bit, it was dated in later years but talked about a night at a manor and the events that followed with vivid details. Word for word of a memory James couldn't fully grasp, even if he wrote it himself. It was years ago, he had probably remembered it and wrote it does shortly after he had started this journal, which now he couldn't quite remember when]
"I doubt it.. I don't know when it was or how it happened, but I think it happened before all this wormhole stuff.. Which is a bit concerning for me if it wasn't a loop..ahem- anyways..lemme see.."
[James cleared his throat awkwardly as he flipped a few pages to get to the logs that started the day he was appointed to the Invincible II. It seemed the first few were logs were about the ship and the ship's head engineer, Mark. James hummed quietly as he skimmed his old writing for anything of use]
"Hmm.. Besides the first few just talking about Mark and the layout of the ship, there's not much.. At least, not in these pages but I'll keep looking.. Though I'm not sure what I'm even looking for..actually..lemme go back a bit.."
[James muttered to himself as he flipped back a few pages and raised a brow at the contents. It was like reading something you don't remember even writing, only a vague sense of familiarity]
"I think I found something, but I'm not sure it's what you are looking for.. I wrote about doing some heist as some point, if that means anything? Looks like there's a few logs about it, but the memories about these occurrences are fuzzy at best for me..when the fuck did an apocalypse happen?? Was I on something writing this shit or something?.."
A heist...? The apocalypse? I- I was hoping that if you started to read off stuff, I'd remember it too, but... I don't know, it feels like I should recognise it, but...
[They shift slightly in their chair, sounding a little disappointed, before they take a breath and continue.]
Maybe there's a reason why I don't remember... ah, it's alright, it doesn't matter. What was the heist for? Surely it was something important if you wrote it down, right?
[James skimmed the contents of the log before tapping the page at a certain line. James shifted restlessly before leaning himself back against the center console while he read the page]
"Sounds like it was for some relic from a museum, a box I think? It's hard to tell, apparently my dumbass didn't really specify what was in the box...granted it says it was different every time but what the hell does that mean?"
[James lets out an irritated sigh before setting the journal down, open, on the console as he rubbed his face tiredly. His own journal filled with his own personal experiences and memories was proving to raise more questions than answers them]
"I don't understand, how the hell did I write any of this..better yet, why can't I remember any of it..I'm sorry this isn't what you asked for."
This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you might know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.
- @no1bestcaptain
(ooc: π hiiii i promise im not stalking you /lhsilly)
[James flinches slightly at the communications device he has on his person starting to speak out. He taps a few buttons before holding one to respond back]
"Hello? This is Captain James Ryder of The Invincible II, I've received your message."
"You are another Captain, like me. The first it seems that I've stumbled across since getting lost in that damn wormhole that warp core probably caused.. Why did Mark think using something so unstable would be a good idea.."
Greetings, Captain Ryder! It's good to hear from another Captain. It's... a little odd, how few our system has reached... but perhaps there'll be more...
[The Captain starts to sound concerned and more than a little disconcerted as they process the rest of what James said, rustling sounds echoing through the mic as they scrambled for their datapad.]
Anyway, sorry, you- your warp core, did you say it's still operational? That might, uh, explain the discrepancies in your signal...
"I'd say it's good to hear from anyone at this point. It's been a while since I've communication with another person.."
[James started to trail off before clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. He looked around his ship before back to his communication device on his forearm]
"Operational is a bit of a stretch... But I suppose you could say so if it's the reason I've been in this forsaken loop for who knows how long- it seems to still be functioning or at the very least the crystal from it does...which I don't think it's normal for it to be in my hand.."
[James voice had started to distort over his mic while he spoke as he turned over his hand and looked over to the warp core crystal that had burrowed itself into his palm]
[They pause for a long moment, collecting themself before they continue.]
Well I'm glad I can uh, help in that regard. I... I know first-hand the multiverse is a... lonely place. I'm... not sure if I can give specifics, but no, that's definitely not normal. It happened to me, too, but mine has since... uh, gone. If... your crystal is still working, then the warp core is still going too. Do you think you're close to locating it?
"Ha- tell me about it.. I don't know how long I've been through the same thing so far and trying to remember anything, anyone to figure it out..it isn't much help either."
[James let's out a small huff of a laugh but it soon became a short sigh before he continued]
"The warp core..I have no idea. I've been trying to locate where it is, but there's a wormhole of sorts in my path. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the damn thing but without my Head Engineer it isn't much luck.."
[James voice lowered while mentioning his head engineer but he quickly gathered himself and cleared his throat awkwardly]
"I may or may not have lost him in the wormhole after we got sucked in..So it's a bit of a technical difficulty.."
[The Captain says instantly, confidently, only for their tone to turn a little sheepish as they realise what they've said elaborate.]
Ah, as in, not like that, I just mean... just, take it from me, it'll work out. About your loops, though- this is going to sound insensitive, but... have you lost track of how many, yet?
"True.. You're right. It's just a matter of time til I can find him..and I can- fix things.."
[James goes silent for a long moment after he spoke, a sense of deep rooted guilt creeping up as he recalled the last time he saw his engineer and how that meeting when. He looked down at his hands for a second before, staring before shaking his head and snapping his attention back to the other captain. James let out a small sheepish laugh to match the other captain's tone as he heard them quicky try to back track before he responded back, his own voice stumbling a bit before he cleared his throat]
"Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels that way for Mar- HA, I get it, trust me I do...but um, ahem- my loops, I um.. I honestly think so, I don't know how many I've gone through now and trying to remember what happened before is getting harder and more fuzzy."
[There was some shuffling on James end as he started looking for something, cursing to himself quietly before letting out a satisfied hum when he found what he was looking for. His journal log]
"I have some logs in my journal about some of the loops..but looking through, I don't recall when these experiences happened so it must have been a while ago if that helps. Theres even some in here about...other egos? Wait a minute...who the hell was I writing about? I don't remember any of this, at least not that I know of.."
[James was murmuring to himself a bit as he was flipping through the pages of his journal, clearly not familiar with some of the first few logs that seemed to mention stuff about a 'Manor' and some about a 'date' and 'heist']
It, uh. At this point, I think it's inevitable, for all of us.
[They chuckle in reply, flushing a little in a rare moment of self-clarity, and taking a breath to compose themself before they turn solemn again, and start to speak over James' mumbling.]
It's... I understand. My memories are fuzzy, too, and there's stuff I'm missing completely that Mark remembers, or I don't know I remembered it until something reminds me. I...
[They flinch at the word 'manor', but shake it off, seemingly confused by their own reaction.]
A journal is a good idea, I wish I'd thought of that... it seems counterproductive, but if you're forgetting, then... you must be close. Trust me.
"It's definitely inevitable for me.. Sometimes I just want grab that guy and- wait no..scratch that, god I can practically hear him losing his shit over this.."
[James stammered for a quick moment, grumbling at himself and rubbing his face to get himself to focus. Sure he missed that idiot but that's besides that point and totally doesn't have anything to do with anything]
"Yeah.. Yeah I get that. When it started, things were easier to remember, maybe me and Mark thought we had some godly power or some bullshit- But yeah, now things are fuzzy to remember and I think...I think I've done things, bad things I can't seem to remember.. At least not at first, but the memories come back to me sometimes, more so now without Mark.."
[James started to trail off, shifting on his feet on his end while he looked down and raised his hand to fidget with his pendant around his neck. His attention shifted when the other captain spoke of him being close]
"Close to what? The warp core? But that shouldn't be able to affect my memories... To bring back ones I shouldn't be able to remember, and make me..start to forget the ones I should..forget people that I don't want to. It isn't- it shouldn't be able to do that right?"
I... don't know how much I can say... but. Your warp core is already doing things that shouldn't be possible, is that... really so far of a stretch?
[They brush a thumb over their gloved left palm in their own nervous fidget, digging their nail into the leather and the raised scar underneath it.]
The core, the wormhole, the crystal, they... they don't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I... I get it. I've... the loops make you do things that don't make sense, too. You have to... suspend some disbelief, to... cope.
[They slump forward slightly, frowning, their eyes distant like they're remembering things they'd rather forget, too. If they are, though, they don't mention it, just shaking their head slightly trying to keep it together.]
I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense either, am I? I wish I could just tell you how to fix everything, but... I barely understand anything myself. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologize.. You aren't wrong, I don't really think there is a right or wrong to this job anymore, just fucked up choices no matter what you pick."
[James takes some notice to the shift in the other captain's voice but doesn't comment on it, he knows from similar experiences that it wouldn't do much to help. James listens intently before letting out a somewhat soft chuckle]
"Heh, I don't either of us have been making sense. But I suppose what we got into never made sense in the first place..and maybe the warp core and the wormhole, all of it won't make sense no matter how much we try to understand and fix it, but we'll still here. That counts for something..it has to count for something.. "
[James had looked back to his pendant, gloved thumb tracing the northern star engraving before turning it to see the 'M' engraving on the back. He let out a deep sigh and let the pendant drop from his hand as it started to ache and tense up from the crystal. James bit back a hiss as his head started to spin and get clouded by [REDACTED] reasons, he cursed and muttered through his teeth while holding his head in one hand]
"Fucking crystal..ugh I'm starting to think this stupid thing is messing me up..unless theres something else doing this.."
We can't give up hope, you can't give up hope. That's what's important.
Don't give up.
[They mutter to themself quietly in a moment of deja vu before raising their voice again, sounding a little more certain.]
I still get muscle spasms and phantom pains in my hand, so it's entirely possible the damn thing is messing with you. Let me guess, you're, uh... you're getting headaches, too?
"Yeah.. I have, but I've had them for as long as I can remember..they're voices o- it's nothing.."
[James shuts himself down, stopping himself from talking about what he's experienced. How does he explain something that started even before the stupid crystal, something even he doesn't understand. James shifted on his feet uuncomfortabl before he raised his hand up to the scar that dragged down his face from his eye, gently feeling the scar before his eyes fell on his bracelets and he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He spoke up without looking away from the bracelets on his wrist]
"You said 'Don't give up'.. You've heard it too then, before all of it, haven't you."
[They raise a hand to their own head like it hurts, rubbing the visor of their helmet as they try to collect their thoughts. Their hand is shaking slightly, but they don't seem to notice.]
What was I... right, yeah. Sorry. I uh, I did. I didn't remember that I'd heard it before you said it, but yes, I... it sounded familiar then, too. Do you know who it was?
"No, I don't think so.. At least, it tends to sound like someone different each time I've heard it. The first time I heard it..sounded like.. Mark."
[James looks at his bracelets for a bit longer, moving his other hand to carefully adjust some of them back into place before a frown falls on his face and he looks away. They were made for someone, represented someone close to him; yet he can't seem to remember them all fully, just voices and blurry faces. James shifts his focus back to the other captain, taking notice of their forgiveness for moment, but out of understanding, he doesn't mention it]
"Who did it sound like to you? Maybe it's different for everyone..it seems that way for a lot of things.."
I don't... no, I do remember. It was...
...Fuck. Maybe I'm more messed with than I thought. I'm sorry, I can't remember who it was, I just know it was familiar. You... maybe it's because you still have the crystal? Or... maybe I've just... got a worse memory or something, heh.
[Their hand drops to rub against their palm again, pressing their thumb harder into the flesh to try and massage away the harsh stinging.]
I'm not being of much help here, am I? Sorry.
If you remember the voice, though, I can't help but be curious about who else, if it's alright to ask? My first loops were... rough. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. But you mentioned others in your journal, so...
"You are fine, I get it.. You don't have to apologize, you are being plenty of help."
[James tried his best to reassure the other captain it was really okay, but he quickly paused when they asked about what he remembers of the others he mentioned in his journal. James shift of his feet and was quiet for a moment, sure he remembered somethings, whatever was lucky enough not to fade or get fuzzy through the past of time; but recalling the memories was like reliving them and some he wasn't sure he should. He let out a deep sigh before slowly sliding down the side of the ship wall with his journal in hand]
"Where do I even start... There's stuff written in here before I was assigned to the Invincible II, and from what it seems there's a few logs talking about stuff from the 1920s too.."
[James traces a finger over a page with his voice lowering a bit, it was dated in later years but talked about a night at a manor and the events that followed with vivid details. Word for word of a memory James couldn't fully grasp, even if he wrote it himself. It was years ago, he had probably remembered it and wrote it does shortly after he had started this journal, which now he couldn't quite remember when]
"I doubt it.. I don't know when it was or how it happened, but I think it happened before all this wormhole stuff.. Which is a bit concerning for me if it wasn't a loop..ahem- anyways..lemme see.."
[James cleared his throat awkwardly as he flipped a few pages to get to the logs that started the day he was appointed to the Invincible II. It seemed the first few were logs were about the ship and the ship's head engineer, Mark. James hummed quietly as he skimmed his old writing for anything of use]
"Hmm.. Besides the first few just talking about Mark and the layout of the ship, there's not much.. At least, not in these pages but I'll keep looking.. Though I'm not sure what I'm even looking for..actually..lemme go back a bit.."
[James muttered to himself as he flipped back a few pages and raised a brow at the contents. It was like reading something you don't remember even writing, only a vague sense of familiarity]
"I think I found something, but I'm not sure it's what you are looking for.. I wrote about doing some heist as some point, if that means anything? Looks like there's a few logs about it, but the memories about these occurrences are fuzzy at best for me..when the fuck did an apocalypse happen?? Was I on something writing this shit or something?.."
Oh wait the warp core doesnt work? Thats new, tho i Guess it make sense for one of the "walk into the light" endings...
Do You know is the warp core room is free now? Since i don't think theres any any reactor to explode...
"This... Ending? Wait..you are that one creator person, yes?"
[James glances around the dark seemingly powered down ship before down to to his hand with the crystal embedded within it. He taps it a few times before letting out a huff]
"Yeah no, it's stopped working.. Stupid fucking thing- oh the room? I don't think I've checked it.. But the ship doesn't have much power anyways, I'm not sure if anything in that room would work. And to be frank, I don't think I could fix it if does work somewhat... That was Mark's expertise and I'm not great at it.."
Ummh, i can't really explain to You the ending thing- god am awfull at this... And yeah I Guess You can call me that haha
Yeah that makes sense...wait, is the Wormhole Even "on" anymore? I know You have been "making" them, but i don't see much other options besides asking that chip portal for help, but i doubt You can get to them...
"You could say that.. I don't exactly know how I 'make' them, if it was my choice I wouldn't but yet it happens."
[James murmured unenthusiastically before looking above his head where he remembered the strange person with the portal dropping items onto him. It was a rather odd interaction, but it was nice and they seemed harmless so he didn't mind it]
"Oh right, I remember them..they had dropped some stuff on me and then gave me a briefcase.. It was certainly..something. I think they had there fun with me, so I don't think I can get much help from them."
[Mod: you are good, my responses are gonna be so late bc of work so don't worry about it]
Oh wait the warp core doesnt work? Thats new, tho i Guess it make sense for one of the "walk into the light" endings...
Do You know is the warp core room is free now? Since i don't think theres any any reactor to explode...
"This... Ending? Wait..you are that one creator person, yes?"
[James glances around the dark seemingly powered down ship before down to to his hand with the crystal embedded within it. He taps it a few times before letting out a huff]
"Yeah no, it's stopped working.. Stupid fucking thing- oh the room? I don't think I've checked it.. But the ship doesn't have much power anyways, I'm not sure if anything in that room would work. And to be frank, I don't think I could fix it if does work somewhat... That was Mark's expertise and I'm not great at it.."
"I'm starting to think my ship is empty in this reality.. My crew isn't here and it's dark."
[James taps the warp core crystal in his palm frustratedly before huffing a sigh when nothing happens. No weird wormhole dragging him elsewhere or strange blue glitching that makes him go elsewhere, just nothing.]
"And this damn crystal won't work anymore so it can't get me out of here.. Ugh, my head is starting to pound.."
This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you might know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.
- @no1bestcaptain
(ooc: π hiiii i promise im not stalking you /lhsilly)
[James flinches slightly at the communications device he has on his person starting to speak out. He taps a few buttons before holding one to respond back]
"Hello? This is Captain James Ryder of The Invincible II, I've received your message."
"You are another Captain, like me. The first it seems that I've stumbled across since getting lost in that damn wormhole that warp core probably caused.. Why did Mark think using something so unstable would be a good idea.."
Greetings, Captain Ryder! It's good to hear from another Captain. It's... a little odd, how few our system has reached... but perhaps there'll be more...
[The Captain starts to sound concerned and more than a little disconcerted as they process the rest of what James said, rustling sounds echoing through the mic as they scrambled for their datapad.]
Anyway, sorry, you- your warp core, did you say it's still operational? That might, uh, explain the discrepancies in your signal...
"I'd say it's good to hear from anyone at this point. It's been a while since I've communication with another person.."
[James started to trail off before clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. He looked around his ship before back to his communication device on his forearm]
"Operational is a bit of a stretch... But I suppose you could say so if it's the reason I've been in this forsaken loop for who knows how long- it seems to still be functioning or at the very least the crystal from it does...which I don't think it's normal for it to be in my hand.."
[James voice had started to distort over his mic while he spoke as he turned over his hand and looked over to the warp core crystal that had burrowed itself into his palm]
[They pause for a long moment, collecting themself before they continue.]
Well I'm glad I can uh, help in that regard. I... I know first-hand the multiverse is a... lonely place. I'm... not sure if I can give specifics, but no, that's definitely not normal. It happened to me, too, but mine has since... uh, gone. If... your crystal is still working, then the warp core is still going too. Do you think you're close to locating it?
"Ha- tell me about it.. I don't know how long I've been through the same thing so far and trying to remember anything, anyone to figure it out..it isn't much help either."
[James let's out a small huff of a laugh but it soon became a short sigh before he continued]
"The warp core..I have no idea. I've been trying to locate where it is, but there's a wormhole of sorts in my path. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the damn thing but without my Head Engineer it isn't much luck.."
[James voice lowered while mentioning his head engineer but he quickly gathered himself and cleared his throat awkwardly]
"I may or may not have lost him in the wormhole after we got sucked in..So it's a bit of a technical difficulty.."
[The Captain says instantly, confidently, only for their tone to turn a little sheepish as they realise what they've said elaborate.]
Ah, as in, not like that, I just mean... just, take it from me, it'll work out. About your loops, though- this is going to sound insensitive, but... have you lost track of how many, yet?
"True.. You're right. It's just a matter of time til I can find him..and I can- fix things.."
[James goes silent for a long moment after he spoke, a sense of deep rooted guilt creeping up as he recalled the last time he saw his engineer and how that meeting when. He looked down at his hands for a second before, staring before shaking his head and snapping his attention back to the other captain. James let out a small sheepish laugh to match the other captain's tone as he heard them quicky try to back track before he responded back, his own voice stumbling a bit before he cleared his throat]
"Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels that way for Mar- HA, I get it, trust me I do...but um, ahem- my loops, I um.. I honestly think so, I don't know how many I've gone through now and trying to remember what happened before is getting harder and more fuzzy."
[There was some shuffling on James end as he started looking for something, cursing to himself quietly before letting out a satisfied hum when he found what he was looking for. His journal log]
"I have some logs in my journal about some of the loops..but looking through, I don't recall when these experiences happened so it must have been a while ago if that helps. Theres even some in here about...other egos? Wait a minute...who the hell was I writing about? I don't remember any of this, at least not that I know of.."
[James was murmuring to himself a bit as he was flipping through the pages of his journal, clearly not familiar with some of the first few logs that seemed to mention stuff about a 'Manor' and some about a 'date' and 'heist']
It, uh. At this point, I think it's inevitable, for all of us.
[They chuckle in reply, flushing a little in a rare moment of self-clarity, and taking a breath to compose themself before they turn solemn again, and start to speak over James' mumbling.]
It's... I understand. My memories are fuzzy, too, and there's stuff I'm missing completely that Mark remembers, or I don't know I remembered it until something reminds me. I...
[They flinch at the word 'manor', but shake it off, seemingly confused by their own reaction.]
A journal is a good idea, I wish I'd thought of that... it seems counterproductive, but if you're forgetting, then... you must be close. Trust me.
"It's definitely inevitable for me.. Sometimes I just want grab that guy and- wait no..scratch that, god I can practically hear him losing his shit over this.."
[James stammered for a quick moment, grumbling at himself and rubbing his face to get himself to focus. Sure he missed that idiot but that's besides that point and totally doesn't have anything to do with anything]
"Yeah.. Yeah I get that. When it started, things were easier to remember, maybe me and Mark thought we had some godly power or some bullshit- But yeah, now things are fuzzy to remember and I think...I think I've done things, bad things I can't seem to remember.. At least not at first, but the memories come back to me sometimes, more so now without Mark.."
[James started to trail off, shifting on his feet on his end while he looked down and raised his hand to fidget with his pendant around his neck. His attention shifted when the other captain spoke of him being close]
"Close to what? The warp core? But that shouldn't be able to affect my memories... To bring back ones I shouldn't be able to remember, and make me..start to forget the ones I should..forget people that I don't want to. It isn't- it shouldn't be able to do that right?"
I... don't know how much I can say... but. Your warp core is already doing things that shouldn't be possible, is that... really so far of a stretch?
[They brush a thumb over their gloved left palm in their own nervous fidget, digging their nail into the leather and the raised scar underneath it.]
The core, the wormhole, the crystal, they... they don't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I... I get it. I've... the loops make you do things that don't make sense, too. You have to... suspend some disbelief, to... cope.
[They slump forward slightly, frowning, their eyes distant like they're remembering things they'd rather forget, too. If they are, though, they don't mention it, just shaking their head slightly trying to keep it together.]
I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense either, am I? I wish I could just tell you how to fix everything, but... I barely understand anything myself. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologize.. You aren't wrong, I don't really think there is a right or wrong to this job anymore, just fucked up choices no matter what you pick."
[James takes some notice to the shift in the other captain's voice but doesn't comment on it, he knows from similar experiences that it wouldn't do much to help. James listens intently before letting out a somewhat soft chuckle]
"Heh, I don't either of us have been making sense. But I suppose what we got into never made sense in the first place..and maybe the warp core and the wormhole, all of it won't make sense no matter how much we try to understand and fix it, but we'll still here. That counts for something..it has to count for something.. "
[James had looked back to his pendant, gloved thumb tracing the northern star engraving before turning it to see the 'M' engraving on the back. He let out a deep sigh and let the pendant drop from his hand as it started to ache and tense up from the crystal. James bit back a hiss as his head started to spin and get clouded by [REDACTED] reasons, he cursed and muttered through his teeth while holding his head in one hand]
"Fucking crystal..ugh I'm starting to think this stupid thing is messing me up..unless theres something else doing this.."
We can't give up hope, you can't give up hope. That's what's important.
Don't give up.
[They mutter to themself quietly in a moment of deja vu before raising their voice again, sounding a little more certain.]
I still get muscle spasms and phantom pains in my hand, so it's entirely possible the damn thing is messing with you. Let me guess, you're, uh... you're getting headaches, too?
"Yeah.. I have, but I've had them for as long as I can remember..they're voices o- it's nothing.."
[James shuts himself down, stopping himself from talking about what he's experienced. How does he explain something that started even before the stupid crystal, something even he doesn't understand. James shifted on his feet uuncomfortabl before he raised his hand up to the scar that dragged down his face from his eye, gently feeling the scar before his eyes fell on his bracelets and he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He spoke up without looking away from the bracelets on his wrist]
"You said 'Don't give up'.. You've heard it too then, before all of it, haven't you."
[They raise a hand to their own head like it hurts, rubbing the visor of their helmet as they try to collect their thoughts. Their hand is shaking slightly, but they don't seem to notice.]
What was I... right, yeah. Sorry. I uh, I did. I didn't remember that I'd heard it before you said it, but yes, I... it sounded familiar then, too. Do you know who it was?
"No, I don't think so.. At least, it tends to sound like someone different each time I've heard it. The first time I heard it..sounded like.. Mark."
[James looks at his bracelets for a bit longer, moving his other hand to carefully adjust some of them back into place before a frown falls on his face and he looks away. They were made for someone, represented someone close to him; yet he can't seem to remember them all fully, just voices and blurry faces. James shifts his focus back to the other captain, taking notice of their forgiveness for moment, but out of understanding, he doesn't mention it]
"Who did it sound like to you? Maybe it's different for everyone..it seems that way for a lot of things.."
I don't... no, I do remember. It was...
...Fuck. Maybe I'm more messed with than I thought. I'm sorry, I can't remember who it was, I just know it was familiar. You... maybe it's because you still have the crystal? Or... maybe I've just... got a worse memory or something, heh.
[Their hand drops to rub against their palm again, pressing their thumb harder into the flesh to try and massage away the harsh stinging.]
I'm not being of much help here, am I? Sorry.
If you remember the voice, though, I can't help but be curious about who else, if it's alright to ask? My first loops were... rough. I understand if you don't want to talk about it. But you mentioned others in your journal, so...
"You are fine, I get it.. You don't have to apologize, you are being plenty of help."
[James tried his best to reassure the other captain it was really okay, but he quickly paused when they asked about what he remembers of the others he mentioned in his journal. James shift of his feet and was quiet for a moment, sure he remembered somethings, whatever was lucky enough not to fade or get fuzzy through the past of time; but recalling the memories was like reliving them and some he wasn't sure he should. He let out a deep sigh before slowly sliding down the side of the ship wall with his journal in hand]
"Where do I even start... There's stuff written in here before I was assigned to the Invincible II, and from what it seems there's a few logs talking about stuff from the 1920s too.."
[James traces a finger over a page with his voice lowering a bit, it was dated in later years but talked about a night at a manor and the events that followed with vivid details. Word for word of a memory James couldn't fully grasp, even if he wrote it himself. It was years ago, he had probably remembered it and wrote it does shortly after he had started this journal, which now he couldn't quite remember when]
5, yayyyy! im so glad you got a 5 and not like, a 2. the mental image of him eating that slime will stay with me forever... ugh.
*another wormhole appears in front of you, much bigger than the other ones, and a hand wearing a bright green glove reaches out of it, holding a briefcase. the briefcase contains a rubber duck, a plastic pot of macdonald's ketchup, two share bags of cool ranch doritos, and a high-quality, wallet-sized printed photo of your favorite memory, whatever it is, even if there were no cameras present.*
and hey, theres nothing wrong with questions, but just dont think about it too much. bye thanks for the science see you later!
-π
"I-... Oh okayy...um, thank you?"
[James tilted his head to the side as he took the the briefcase and opened it to see all it's contents. He raised a brow at the plastic pot of ketchup and the rubber duck, seemingly the weirdest items in the bunch. James slowly set them aside on the computer console along with the two bags of Doritos, his attention then shifting to the photo. He carefully picked up the photo and inspected it, eyes softening at the reconciliation the photo brought to him]
"Heh.. I remember this, it was some time during my loops and it was before me and Mark had gotten split up.. It was a somewhat peaceful loop before I was dragged away from it..um.. Thank you for this.."
[James kept looking at the photo: it was a picture of him and his head engineer, arm in arm with drinks and what looked like a celebration in the background. He remembered this specific memory vividly, it was a reality where things didn't go so wrong and he has been the captain of the Invincible II for one full year, Mark had been so happy for James that he planned a party to celebrate having James there for a full year. In retrospect, James figured Mark just wanted an excuse to throw a party and spoil him, which he did. They had drinks and whatever party favors they could muster up on the ship, and then Mark had given James a gift for being his captain. The pendant he now wears around his neck, which he refuses to lose. That loop was a fond memories he had, even if it didn't last forever]
"Thank you..."
[Mod: Love dropping lore in this, it's so fun fkzmsk]
Reasons... science reasons. you like science, right? i like science. its weird, you ask more questions that the other ones. sooooo what number did you get?
-π
"Right... Sure, I like science too..is asking questions a bad thing now??"
[James leaned over and picked up the dice to see what number it landed on, it seemed like it was 5. James let out a small content hum at the number result. It was a prime number, and James liked counting with them, 5 was his favorite]
"It landed on 5, my favorite number.. Funny"
[Mod: Totally not also his favorite bc he's close w/ 5 egos, having 5 bracelets for them, then two for just him and Mark, which also is a prime number RAHH]
what, massive spaceship and you dont have a random number generator? alright, well, here.
*another small wormhole appears and shoots out a wooden 6-sided die, the numbers on it an oddly unsettling shade of vomit green. the die hits you in the head with force, but its small enough to not do much damage.*
oops. still working on that.
-π
"I- wha- ow.. What the fuck man.."
[James frowned as the small wooden die fell and bounced off the top of his head, leaving a slight ache where it landed. James rubbed his head slight and glared up at the other small wormhole that appeared, not exactly thrilled to have things falling on him. He murmured to himself before picking up the odd looking dice, inspecting it before walking over to a computer panel and rolling it]
This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you might know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.
- @no1bestcaptain
(ooc: π hiiii i promise im not stalking you /lhsilly)
[James flinches slightly at the communications device he has on his person starting to speak out. He taps a few buttons before holding one to respond back]
"Hello? This is Captain James Ryder of The Invincible II, I've received your message."
"You are another Captain, like me. The first it seems that I've stumbled across since getting lost in that damn wormhole that warp core probably caused.. Why did Mark think using something so unstable would be a good idea.."
Greetings, Captain Ryder! It's good to hear from another Captain. It's... a little odd, how few our system has reached... but perhaps there'll be more...
[The Captain starts to sound concerned and more than a little disconcerted as they process the rest of what James said, rustling sounds echoing through the mic as they scrambled for their datapad.]
Anyway, sorry, you- your warp core, did you say it's still operational? That might, uh, explain the discrepancies in your signal...
"I'd say it's good to hear from anyone at this point. It's been a while since I've communication with another person.."
[James started to trail off before clearing his throat and shifting on his feet. He looked around his ship before back to his communication device on his forearm]
"Operational is a bit of a stretch... But I suppose you could say so if it's the reason I've been in this forsaken loop for who knows how long- it seems to still be functioning or at the very least the crystal from it does...which I don't think it's normal for it to be in my hand.."
[James voice had started to distort over his mic while he spoke as he turned over his hand and looked over to the warp core crystal that had burrowed itself into his palm]
[They pause for a long moment, collecting themself before they continue.]
Well I'm glad I can uh, help in that regard. I... I know first-hand the multiverse is a... lonely place. I'm... not sure if I can give specifics, but no, that's definitely not normal. It happened to me, too, but mine has since... uh, gone. If... your crystal is still working, then the warp core is still going too. Do you think you're close to locating it?
"Ha- tell me about it.. I don't know how long I've been through the same thing so far and trying to remember anything, anyone to figure it out..it isn't much help either."
[James let's out a small huff of a laugh but it soon became a short sigh before he continued]
"The warp core..I have no idea. I've been trying to locate where it is, but there's a wormhole of sorts in my path. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of the damn thing but without my Head Engineer it isn't much luck.."
[James voice lowered while mentioning his head engineer but he quickly gathered himself and cleared his throat awkwardly]
"I may or may not have lost him in the wormhole after we got sucked in..So it's a bit of a technical difficulty.."
[The Captain says instantly, confidently, only for their tone to turn a little sheepish as they realise what they've said elaborate.]
Ah, as in, not like that, I just mean... just, take it from me, it'll work out. About your loops, though- this is going to sound insensitive, but... have you lost track of how many, yet?
"True.. You're right. It's just a matter of time til I can find him..and I can- fix things.."
[James goes silent for a long moment after he spoke, a sense of deep rooted guilt creeping up as he recalled the last time he saw his engineer and how that meeting when. He looked down at his hands for a second before, staring before shaking his head and snapping his attention back to the other captain. James let out a small sheepish laugh to match the other captain's tone as he heard them quicky try to back track before he responded back, his own voice stumbling a bit before he cleared his throat]
"Glad to see I'm not the only one that feels that way for Mar- HA, I get it, trust me I do...but um, ahem- my loops, I um.. I honestly think so, I don't know how many I've gone through now and trying to remember what happened before is getting harder and more fuzzy."
[There was some shuffling on James end as he started looking for something, cursing to himself quietly before letting out a satisfied hum when he found what he was looking for. His journal log]
"I have some logs in my journal about some of the loops..but looking through, I don't recall when these experiences happened so it must have been a while ago if that helps. Theres even some in here about...other egos? Wait a minute...who the hell was I writing about? I don't remember any of this, at least not that I know of.."
[James was murmuring to himself a bit as he was flipping through the pages of his journal, clearly not familiar with some of the first few logs that seemed to mention stuff about a 'Manor' and some about a 'date' and 'heist']
It, uh. At this point, I think it's inevitable, for all of us.
[They chuckle in reply, flushing a little in a rare moment of self-clarity, and taking a breath to compose themself before they turn solemn again, and start to speak over James' mumbling.]
It's... I understand. My memories are fuzzy, too, and there's stuff I'm missing completely that Mark remembers, or I don't know I remembered it until something reminds me. I...
[They flinch at the word 'manor', but shake it off, seemingly confused by their own reaction.]
A journal is a good idea, I wish I'd thought of that... it seems counterproductive, but if you're forgetting, then... you must be close. Trust me.
"It's definitely inevitable for me.. Sometimes I just want grab that guy and- wait no..scratch that, god I can practically hear him losing his shit over this.."
[James stammered for a quick moment, grumbling at himself and rubbing his face to get himself to focus. Sure he missed that idiot but that's besides that point and totally doesn't have anything to do with anything]
"Yeah.. Yeah I get that. When it started, things were easier to remember, maybe me and Mark thought we had some godly power or some bullshit- But yeah, now things are fuzzy to remember and I think...I think I've done things, bad things I can't seem to remember.. At least not at first, but the memories come back to me sometimes, more so now without Mark.."
[James started to trail off, shifting on his feet on his end while he looked down and raised his hand to fidget with his pendant around his neck. His attention shifted when the other captain spoke of him being close]
"Close to what? The warp core? But that shouldn't be able to affect my memories... To bring back ones I shouldn't be able to remember, and make me..start to forget the ones I should..forget people that I don't want to. It isn't- it shouldn't be able to do that right?"
I... don't know how much I can say... but. Your warp core is already doing things that shouldn't be possible, is that... really so far of a stretch?
[They brush a thumb over their gloved left palm in their own nervous fidget, digging their nail into the leather and the raised scar underneath it.]
The core, the wormhole, the crystal, they... they don't make sense. Nothing makes sense. I... I get it. I've... the loops make you do things that don't make sense, too. You have to... suspend some disbelief, to... cope.
[They slump forward slightly, frowning, their eyes distant like they're remembering things they'd rather forget, too. If they are, though, they don't mention it, just shaking their head slightly trying to keep it together.]
I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense either, am I? I wish I could just tell you how to fix everything, but... I barely understand anything myself. I'm sorry.
"Don't apologize.. You aren't wrong, I don't really think there is a right or wrong to this job anymore, just fucked up choices no matter what you pick."
[James takes some notice to the shift in the other captain's voice but doesn't comment on it, he knows from similar experiences that it wouldn't do much to help. James listens intently before letting out a somewhat soft chuckle]
"Heh, I don't either of us have been making sense. But I suppose what we got into never made sense in the first place..and maybe the warp core and the wormhole, all of it won't make sense no matter how much we try to understand and fix it, but we'll still here. That counts for something..it has to count for something.. "
[James had looked back to his pendant, gloved thumb tracing the northern star engraving before turning it to see the 'M' engraving on the back. He let out a deep sigh and let the pendant drop from his hand as it started to ache and tense up from the crystal. James bit back a hiss as his head started to spin and get clouded by [REDACTED] reasons, he cursed and muttered through his teeth while holding his head in one hand]
"Fucking crystal..ugh I'm starting to think this stupid thing is messing me up..unless theres something else doing this.."
We can't give up hope, you can't give up hope. That's what's important.
Don't give up.
[They mutter to themself quietly in a moment of deja vu before raising their voice again, sounding a little more certain.]
I still get muscle spasms and phantom pains in my hand, so it's entirely possible the damn thing is messing with you. Let me guess, you're, uh... you're getting headaches, too?
"Yeah.. I have, but I've had them for as long as I can remember..they're voices o- it's nothing.."
[James shuts himself down, stopping himself from talking about what he's experienced. How does he explain something that started even before the stupid crystal, something even he doesn't understand. James shifted on his feet uuncomfortabl before he raised his hand up to the scar that dragged down his face from his eye, gently feeling the scar before his eyes fell on his bracelets and he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. He spoke up without looking away from the bracelets on his wrist]
"You said 'Don't give up'.. You've heard it too then, before all of it, haven't you."
[They raise a hand to their own head like it hurts, rubbing the visor of their helmet as they try to collect their thoughts. Their hand is shaking slightly, but they don't seem to notice.]
What was I... right, yeah. Sorry. I uh, I did. I didn't remember that I'd heard it before you said it, but yes, I... it sounded familiar then, too. Do you know who it was?
"No, I don't think so.. At least, it tends to sound like someone different each time I've heard it. The first time I heard it..sounded like.. Mark."
[James looks at his bracelets for a bit longer, moving his other hand to carefully adjust some of them back into place before a frown falls on his face and he looks away. They were made for someone, represented someone close to him; yet he can't seem to remember them all fully, just voices and blurry faces. James shifts his focus back to the other captain, taking notice of their forgiveness for moment, but out of understanding, he doesn't mention it]
"Who did it sound like to you? Maybe it's different for everyone..it seems that way for a lot of things.."
[Mod: absolutely updated the fuck out of the pinned post, so we now have special tags yippee! I have only a few for some egos I hope to interact with. I'm also having a lot of fun with this ngl]
[β’β’β’β’β’ appears, not really in a "materialezes into existence" way but more in a "pop up that just was send to You" way, i'm front of James, tho they arent fancing him]
"God dammit creator" she growls at seemi, showing their sharp teeth clearly way too sharp for her mouth "Ive told You that- How am I Even speaking right now!!??"
[they seem to notice the captain, to what she stops and turns to face him, their teeth and nails being way shorter and with a more light face]
"James!" They Say, smilling "I havent seen You in-" she stops and seems to remember something "Oh wait do You remember me right now?" They ask, not really bothered by the posibility, more so just checking to see if she has to reintroduce themselves
(couldnt resist, HAD to make this two interact)
[James had took a step back as βββββ just poofed into existence in front of him, letting out a small noise of surprise]
"Woah- hey...how the fuck did you get here?...um- I would say no.. Not at the current moment. You seem to be well acquainted with me though, so I'm throwing the guess out there that you must be someone my memory is just foggy about right now."
[James looks βββββ up and down, taking a mental note of their appearance in hopes he'll remember them again the next time they meet. He let's out a short laugh and looks off to the side, a bit embarrassed his memory is as bad as it is]
"Heh.. I do apologize for not remembering, after so much time has passed things tend get.. Fuzzy and lost."
"Meh, is ok" They Say, she seems...used to the people they know not remembering her "You would be suprised of how many people i know that tend to get fuzzy and Lost, is chill tho, i don't really mind"
"Guess all I can do is introduced myself, or more so trying to do so" they correct themselves, rather annoyed "My name is-"
[She makes a pause, as if they were trying to think how to Say the words.]
[When they, hesitently, open her mouth, the next noise that comes out of it can only be described as TV static mashed with screams in agony. They don't Even seem suprised, just frustrated, like when You try to properly Say a Word and is the third time it comes out wrong i'm a row]
"Oh come the fuck om" she murmurs, as her fangs and claws get bigger and sharper "This isnt Even My universe"
[James seems taken back and surprised by the fact that βββββ was able to make a sound that isn't exactly humanly possible straight out of their mouth. Plus he wasn't exactly use to seeing people with really long nails and teeth, so that alone was also a shock to him]
"Um... So..I'm not entirely sure what the fuck that was, but lovely name regardless? Maybe we should figure out a nickname, because I don't think I can say that...and it's probably best I don't attempt to try to.."
"No no i get it" they said, getting some of her composure "That isnt Even really My name, is just what he Made come out of My mouth when I try to Say it" the Word 'he' came out of their mouth like Venom
"Oh, a Nick name?" She said, rather suprised "wellll i don't have anyone that calls me by anything anymore" they had an expresion of annoyence mixed with a bit of hurt, like she was used to this, but it didnt stop bothering them "Closest thing is 'Vessel' and i'm not exactly thriller by that 'name'" her expresion went back to full on annoyence and frustration
"I mean, Where I come from, the only person I can talk to that i don't want to kill or actually keeps a thread of whate we are talking about- is, well, You" they seem to get...lighter, as if they were remembering something...Nice "And You normally called me 'fellow attorney' and stuff like that like a placehorder"
[James spoke the words carefully, like he was testing how it fit as he looked to βββββ with those dark eyes of his that have been long dead for centuries by now. Despite the lack of life in his eyes, he seemed rather satisfied and content with the makeshift name for the time being and gave βββββ a light smile]
"It will do well until I can come up with better option..friend."
[James was starting to recall bits and pieces of his past meetings with βββββ, but it was all a mixed up mess and disordered so it was hard to decipher in his head alone]
"How's that..ipod working out for you? It was an iPod, right? For music.. I think I remember."
[β β β β β eyes light up like a lighthouse, as if their hollow iris where opening up in to the white in them]
"Yes it was!" She says with more excitment that they seem to have hold in a long, long time "and they are working great, is wonderfull having something to litsen to in the void"
[She stops as they remember something, she reaches to their pocket and take out a bracelet with James's name]
"Good" they say under they breath while looking at it "it came here too" they turn to face back to her fellow captain, smilling "I still have both bracelets, neither this nor the aroace one can make it with me to adventures, tho, but is a nice memento"
"I'm glad it still works,though I think it's about time I put new music on it for you, heh it was a long while ago when I first made it.."
[James let out a light laugh at βββββ getting excited about him remembering the iPod from ages ago. He tilts his head to the side like a curious dog when they dug into their pocket and pulled out a bracelet with his name on it, his eyes softening at it before his lips quirked into a smile]
"I remember when I made those, god it took me forever to find letter beads.. No one tells you but beads are not common like anywhere apparently- I was lucky Yancy had som-"
[James paused at himself, like he was surprised he was able to recall that memory and his old cellmate Yancy too. Sometimes it wasn't all bad and he was able to remember things again, and for that he was grateful]
