[center][h1][b][color=red]A[/color][/b][/h1][/center][sub]Interactions: VV-[@Estylwen], D-[@WayWard][/sub][hr][indent]A stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading over her, washing away the grime and tension of the day. She closed her eyes, letting the steam envelop her, but her mind remained alert, replaying the events that had led them here. The surgery room had been cold and sterile, the bright lights glaring down as the workers did their usual. The administrator’s smirk had been unsettling, a silent threat that lingered in her thoughts. What she wanted from them or else. Or else end up like Pia and the others. 

She resisted a shudder, drying off and slipping into the new skin suit. Right then and there, A made a decision. The snug fit of the suit seemed to bolster her resolve, reminding her of the protection it offered. She needed to gather more information about their mission and the true intentions of Umbra Corp. The thought of being in the dark, manipulated by unseen hands, was intolerable. She would have to be cautious, but she couldn’t afford to be passive any longer; action was necessary.

As she rejoined VV and D, A’s mind was already working on a plan. She scanned the room, noting every detail, every potential source of information. She would keep her eyes and ears open, looking for any clues or opportunities to learn more about their situation. And if the chance arose, she would find a way to communicate with her fellow test subjects, subtly coordinating their efforts.

Or so she thought….how naive. 

They were like floating insects. Floating insects in space. 

The vast expanse of stars and distant planets stretched out before her, a breathtaking and daunting sight that made her feel both insignificant and awestruck. She had always assumed they were underground, like VV had,  confined to the sterile, cold facility with its harsh lights and clinical walls. The revelation that they were in space was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, shaking the very foundation of her understanding. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications of this new reality, as the beauty and vastness of the cosmos enveloped her.

“We’re in space,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else as she entered the escape pod. 

[hr] 

The pod’s descent had been smooth but tense.

A’s heart pounded as the emergency red lights flickered on and the escape pod’s overhead hatch opened. The suffocating density of dust in the air hit her immediately, and she quickly pulled out her rebreather mask, attaching it to her face. The abyssal energy compartment lit up, providing a small comfort in the chaotic situation.

“Everyone alright?” VV’s voice cut through the tension, her eyes glancing to D and A as she carefully unbuckled herself.

A nodded, unbuckling herself and standing upright in the overturned escape pod. She watched as VV pulled at the ledge below the escape hatch, extending a small rung ladder. VV gave it a test step before being the first out of the pod. A quickly followed, climbing up the ladder and peering out of the hatch.

A’s mind raced as she took in the scene before her. They were outnumbered and outgunned, but she couldn’t let fear paralyze her. She glanced at D, then back at VV. “Stay calm,” she whispered, her voice steady. “We need to assess the situation and look for an opening.”

She slowly climbed out of the pod, raising her hands to show she wasn’t a threat. Her eyes darted around, taking in every detail of their surroundings and the menacing figures that encircled them. She needed to find a way to communicate with VV and D without drawing attention, to formulate a plan that could get them out of this alive.

“Alright,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “We’re coming out.”

As she stepped forward, A’s mind was already working on a plan. She would use her Blood Sense to gauge the health and positions of their captors, looking for any weaknesses or signs of hesitation. If necessary, she could use Hemorrhage to create a distraction, buying them precious seconds to act.

But for now, they needed to play along, to bide their time until the right moment presented itself. [/indent]