So I've written bits and pieces for various Signalis characters but I've never written about these two who I've been writing about for over a year now.
In July of last year I wrote what was suppose to be a quick one-off Starch story featuring a Storch named Sophie and a Star named Julie called Nostalgia. I liked writing the characters so much that I decided to continue their story in a trilogy hastily titled "The Soldier's Dream" with the stories being: Nostalgia, Outland and Distant Early Warning.
Distant Early Warning is close to wrapping up and afterwards I'll write a collection of one-off bits exploring more of the characters' past and featuring the pair in more happier circumstances.
Below are OC notes about Sophie and Julie and two additional characters.
Artwork by KennyPyro
Sophie (SCTR 8214) Rank: Captain
Veteran STCR unit whose early postings were as facility security and later promoted to combat squad leader due to aptitude for strategic planning and execution
Place of assignment: Minsk (planet)
Personality: As far as Storches go, Sophie is relatively easy going and has more patience than others in her cadre. Physical violence/punishment is a last resort. Never assigned as an interrogator but, as seen in Outland, she is capable of extracting some information with some manipulation and a few broken fingers.Ā
Sophie does not suffer fools gladly. She values professionalism and expects those that work under her meet those same standards. At the same time she understands the Eusan Nationās bureaucracy, the endless red tape and the insufficient resources prevents some from doing their jobs and therefore will be lenient. This does not extend to the young STAR units placed under her care. Their lack of discipline, disrespect and constant in-fighting creates problems that Sophie has to work to manage, which she does with the aid of Julie.Ā
The one time Sophie comes close to using extreme violence as a disciplinary action is when witnessing a Star sucker punch Julie after the latter won a sparring match. It was only due to Julieās quick intervention that the offending Star didnāt get torn apart.
Exhibits compulsion when it comes to neatness. Maintains a clean and organized living space and office. When Sophie was younger, witnessing a messy work environment caused her distress and annoyance. She overcame this, accepting the fact that it is impossible for the rest of the facility to match her level of neatness.Ā
A habit of Sophieās is fidgeting with small objectsĀ
Sophieās left hand shakes due to PTSD. At first she thinks its mechanical but after the Eules confirm that nothing is wrong with her hand, she doesnāt discuss it and tries to hide it when it happens out of fear of being decommissioned.
Is a bibliophile and expresses interests in book genres outside of history, folklore and fantasy. Actively searches for books in abandoned buildings while on patrol.
Does not smoke but will smoke if offered a cigarette
Appearance: Sophie maintains a consistent, clean outer shell. The tips of her hair are greying. She is unsure to feel about it. Some tell her it is a mark of wisdom while others take to calling her an old hag.Ā
Her shell and armor is always kept in pristine order. Her younger self would endlessly complain if there were scratches or dents on her chest armor.Ā
When out in the field (āout in the shitā as the popular saying goes among Replikas), Sophie manages to ignore the mud and muck that gets over herself and her armor because she is laser focused on her job. A very long shower and cleaning procedure immediately follows upon return to base.Ā Ā
Preferred Weapon: Type 75 Automatic Pistol and EIN-12 Shotgun
Julie (STAR 3286) Rank: Sergeant
An experienced Star unit that is transferred to Sophieās unit to help instill discipline in the unruly younger Stars. She is younger than her commanding officer but far from a greenhorn.Ā
Place of assignment: Minsk (planet)
Personality: Julie is more serious than the younger members of her cadre but she is friendly and goes out of her way to familiarize herself with all members of staff, even Gestalts. Despite this friendliness, Julie does give her cadre too much slack. She makes it clear that they have to work to earn her trust and respect.Ā
Julie openly expresses her opinion when off-duty on matters that would certainly raise eyebrows from higher-ups.Ā
She is known for thinking outside of the box, going beyond the standard internal programming and training. Her unorthodox methods appeal greatly to Sophie who also values her frank opinions.
Highly competitive with the other Stars when it comes to shooting. After gaining the top spot in the leadership board, she guards her position from any potential usurper.Ā
Though she guards her top spot vigilantly, she always finds the time to help out her new Replikas with their marksmanship.Ā
Target practice and weapon maintenance are her main hobbies.Ā Ā
Does not hold grudges. Not even with the Star that sucker punched her. Even Replikas or Gestalts she thoroughly dislikes, she will give them the benefit of the doubt. Though this level of trust erodes over time.Ā
A bit ADHD which makes the task of paperwork and even leisure reading difficult.
Like a lot of Stars, she likes to smoke though she limits herself while around Sophie, who doesnāt care for the smell of nicotine.Ā
- Appearance: While overtly or deliberately messy, Julie has a scruffy appearance typical of Star units. She learns that some of her habitats bother Sophie and she makes a conscious effort to change some of them. This includes not using the bed for gun cleaning or polishing body armor and maintaining a clean work environment.Ā
- While sporting the typical Star bob haircut, Julie is inspired by Sophieās grey hair tips
to dye her own hair tips red, which the latter admires a lot.Ā
Preferred weaponry: Einhorn Revolver and FN FNC-80 Assault Rifle
Relationship: Sophie and Julie had an easy-going platonic relationship right from the beginning with the former happy to have an experienced Star help with the younger, uncooperative Stars and the latter who was surprised to be working under a more mature Storch. While their differences in personality led to some awkwardness and some Odd Couple like situations, they eventually understand each other and are able to work together.Ā
Julie is the more progressive one in the relationship. She develops feelings for Sophie early on but keeps it to herself not knowing how the Storch would react. These efforts are doubled when she learns that Sophie did not have an easy relationship with her mentor Star.Ā
Sophieās Star mentor was named Ramona and she hated her with a passion. Ramona knew of Sophieās compulsive behavior and addiction to cleanliness and used that against her as punishment. After Sophie finally stands up to her and the relationship between them cools, Ramona instigates a brief physical relationship much to Sophieās surprise and delight. But it is short lived. Almost immediately Ramona rejects her again, sending Sophie into a depression. Eventually, Sophie recovers and closes off her heart, becoming cold. When Ramona is unexpectedly decommissioned, Sophie doesnāt react but the whole ordeal tears her apart internally and itās not until Julieās encouragement that she lets it all out.Ā
Because of the ill-fated romance with Ramona, Sophie is reluctant to get into a relationship with Julie. But after coming to terms with the fact that Julie is far removed from Ramona and that what happened with Ramona was a toxic relationship, Sophie overcomes these fears.
Julie loves to flirt and will do sneaky actions to get the normally stoic Sophie to blush or react. She is often successful.
Sophie grows to like flirting as she knows that a combination of low voice, an expression and a slight touch will make Julieās circuits melt.
Julie is, as the Eules describe it, ādown bad for Sophie.ā She will time her morning and evening showers at the same time as Sophieās so she can stand close by and stare. Sophie is oblivious to this and takes the time to discuss operational matters. Eventually she catches on and will continue to engage in serious talk while teasing her Star.
Sophie loves to refer to Julie as āmy Star.āĀ
When their relationship becomes physical, the two find it hard to keep their hands to themselves. Sophie has a bit more control over this than Julie. The two quickly work out the best places in the facility when they wonāt be observed by security cameras. Nosey Arar units remain a hazard.
Julie knows about Sophieās hand shaking and holds it everytime it happens.Ā
Because of her hand shaking, Sophie stops going to the gun range out of embarrassment for her diminished marksmanship. But Julie works with her to overcome this.Ā Ā
The two can safely vent to each other. While Julie is very open about her feelings and opinions, Sophie is much more guarded. Being able to vent her frustrations and let out her emotions, provide a much needed psychological and emotional relief to the Storch.
Julie loves it when Sophie reads to her.Ā
Sophie was never interested in facility gossip but with Julie it becomes entertaining.
Julie is delighted when she gets Sophie to laugh.
Sesbian Lex:
They switch. Occasionally they like to engage in a bit of role play where one dominates and the other submits. This does not involve any physical and verbal abuse. Even when restraints like handcuffs are used, foreplay remains playful and consensual.Ā
Sophie is especially playful following a shower/bath. Late night trips to the shower facility quickly become the norm.Ā
Sophie and Julieās relationship is the worst kept secret in the facility.
Past Incarnations
Sophie: Sasha (Gestalt)
Julie: Christa (Gestalt)
Both died during the Eusan Nation's assault on the city of Carcosa. Psychological profiles were taken and registered for future Replika use beforehand, which the subjects were unaware of.
Last words exchanged:Ā
Sasha: āRemember our promise. If we get separated, find me.ā
Christa: āIāll come running.ā
Additional Characters / Replika Types of Note
Marian (EULR 5119): Former combat medic, now chief physician of AEON FACILITY M-25 ORION II.
Meets Sophie in āOutlandā, reasons for which wonāt be listed here for spoiler reasons
Like Sophie, she is an older Replika unit
Burnt out and very cynical which causes friction between her and the other Eules. After having seen the death and destruction on battlefields, she canāt stand to be surrounded by her cadreās upbeat attitude and constant partying. The Eules think of her as being standoffish but eventually realize that Marian is troubled by the events she witnessed. They become more understanding and open to her.Ā
Frequently consumes alcohol
Sophie and her have a brief romantic relationship as kindred spirits who find themselves cast to the āass-end of spaceā. When Sophie secures a way to reach Julie, Marian is a little disappointed to see her new friend depart but understands how deeply Sophie loves Julie. Sophie feels bad leaving Marian but the latter insists she goes as she has a āpromise to keep.ā
Refers to Sophie as āSheriffā
Sophieās tendency to get hurt annoys her
Sleeps in her office
Loves New Wave music and likes to dance in her office when no one is around
CROW (KRW) Units
Replika units typically used as pilots
While valued for their aviation skills, their personality traits proved to be problematic as more than any other Replika unit they were not motivated by loyalty or national pride to do their duties but more as an exercise of their own egos. When banded together, they are usually the loudest and most obnoxious ones in the room.
Crows keep to their cadres while at the same time constant squabbling with their own kind. Despite this, Crows will band together if there is any physical altercations between one of their kind and another Replika unit. They believe in strength in numbers and will fight dirty.Ā Ā
Known thieves and hoarders, valuing material goods above all else.Ā
Due to all the factors above, CROW units are wildly unpopular outside their work as pilots.
Additional addendum: Crow Jokes as told by other Repika types
āWhere is a Crow when itās not flying? The stockadeā
āWhy was the Crow decommissioned for petty theft? Because it pickpocketed its interrogator while pleading its innocence.āĀ
Wren: a Crow unit who is sympathetic to Sophieās situation and will fly her a dangerous blizzard to reach the facility where Julie was reassigned. Her price: a cigarette lighter.Ā
Sophie knowingly exploits Crowsā addiction to shiny objectsĀ
Outside of her hot-shot piloting skills, Wren proves to be quite cowardly but is easily persuaded by Sophie
Loosely based on the character of Jeremy from The Secret of NIMH
@cherry128 asked: This sounds super interesting! I love tarot readings!!! May I request a reading with seventeenās mingyu (Aries) and myself (sagittarius) thanks so much!
**DISCLAIMER** This is strictly for fun! Not a professional reading!
Card #1 - Is there sexual chemistry between us?
Your Card - Eight of Chalices
Interpretation:
perhaps thereās a bit of stress surrounding you, him, or the circumstances regarding the relationship
it could possibly mean that you or him is in the process of or have left a relationship that was not serving youĀ
it could be a friendship, something dealing with family or work, not just limited to romantic relationships
this also means that one of you (or both) is ready for a deeper level of intimacy
ā¦and sex~~~
Card #2 - Would I enjoy it?
Your Card - Strength
Interpretation:
youāve been exhibiting patience and growth from life lessons
this will definitely pay off for you in the long run
you may feel bored with the ordinary and run-of-the-mill
you are developing a strong sense of self and self-confidence
itāll be enjoyable as long as things donāt get too staleā¦you may thrive with lots of variety
Card #3 - Would he enjoy it?
Your Card - The Fool - Reversed
Interpretation:
this is a great card that symbolizes new beginnings
with a blank slate, he would definitely be open to learning, doing, and trying
heās probably more free sexually than he lets on
this seems to match up very well with your need for variety
Card #4 - What would our sex be like?
Your Card - Knave of Chalices - Reversed
Interpretation:
you guys would be powerless over the attraction you have for each other
you will be very in love
and the sex would represent that
very passionate
lots of orgasms
both of you would be push-overs to the other, only wanting to gratify each other
idk whyā¦but iām seeing a lot of oral???
conversely, be careful for feeling trapped or like your partner is needy
Card #5 - Will we end up having sex?
Your Card - Three of Chalices - Reversed
Interpretation:
when you first meet, one of you may be in a relationship
however, the encouragement of good friends and repeated run-ins in social situations will endear you to each other
your patience will come into play here
iād give it a thumbs up lol
Things They Might Say During Sex
āLetās try it with you on top now.ā
āDid you bring your vibrator?ā
āI hope you donāt think weāre done yet.ā
āDonāt start something you canāt finish, love.ā
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
The final chapter of Outland
Epilogue: Oceans Apart
Story: Sophie, a Storch unit, has been reassigned to Orion II, a deep space mining facility. Upon arriving she finds that she is the only Protektor unit and that a number of workers have died in mysterious accidents. She is determined to discover the true cause of these deaths and to find out what happened to her lover Julie, a Star unit.
Chapter Summary: The case is solved, the Imperial threat neutralized and a Falke unit has been dispatched to take charge of the station, Sophie faces her most difficult task yet.
The story will continue in "Distant Early Warning"
