voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2020-07-09 04:39 am

Deep Dweller: Start

After the dreams some of the voidtreckers report on day Four of Grasshopper those that have been on the train for a little while will be expecting what comes the next day. Their SCA's glow with the colour of the void and a holographic image will appear.

Preparations and Arrival

As promised the dressing carriage is opened for optional extras. There are flight suits, similar to those they wore into space but without the helmets. There are instead hard hats and some basic climbing gear as well as bags to put supplies in. There are even a few red tents if any of those planning on tackling red's mission want to grab one, they hold six people in two inner compartments and are relatively easy to put up and take down.

They have a few hours of preparation before the announcement comes. Soon approaching system #789327772. Planet Terra. Drop order: Orange, Red, Blue, Purple. Orange to doors. Leaving the void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. A sharp jerk, a judder and the view from the window changes from the void to dark cloudy skies and very red sand.

They land smoothly, and indeed it seems they have landed on train tracks. A few moments later they pull up outside a huge metal and glass building.

Orange Team

Arrival

Jumping down from the train they will find themselves outside large metal gates. Noticable is the spotlights that shine even in the day time, reflecting oddly off the red sand. It is hot and dry outside, a slight breeze sending red dust rolling around their feet.

The gates aren't locked. There is no lock though they will notice devices that are probably security cameras. The doors are glass and inside is light and airy. They enter into a large lobby, a large circular desk in the centre and a glass walled waiting room to the side.

It is empty. No people at all. All the lights are on. Time to explore.

Exploration

Going up two floors and down five the lab is large and full of all manner of interesting things. Scientific equipment, monitoring stations measuring chemical levels in the air, temperature, water levels. Where to even start is a good question. The lights remain on, which might be annoying at night.

Red Team

Arrivals

Red team to doors. The train continues travelling along the train tracks, looking out the windows they will see endless rolling red sand. Factories rising up from the ground, dotted across the landscape. As the train gets close the air outside seems hazier, through the fumes. They may even see in the distance, strange silver floating orbs.

Eventually it pulls up at a station. Just a raised block really, but easy enough for red team to disembark.

The land stretches out around them. Train tracks criss cross the surface but apart from that there don't seem to be any boundaries. No fences, roads or sign posts.

It won't take them long to find the first orbs, strange silvery spheres and seem almost liquid, until they are not.

Night Time

It grows dark quickly after sunset here, which might take them by surprise. Taking them more by surprise however may be the scraping, scuttling noises in the dark. Skittering close. There is no light out here on the surface, they are far away from the research facility that Orange found themselves in.

If anyone manages to catch a glimpse they will see grey, long limmbed creatures. They shy away from light but anyone in the dark is likely to be attacked. They fight with claws and teeth.

When the sun rises they are gone.

Blue Team

Arrival

Blue team to doors. The train continues across the landscape, passing more orbs, just floating there silently. It stops at the entrance of a cave.

The cave slopes downwards into darkness and soon turns into small tunnels. They don't need to go far when they meet the first ground of Gry. A group of young Gry, practising with spears in an wider section of cave.

Despite being very surprised at the sudden visitors no weapons are pointed at the voidtreckers, instead they are met with curiosity. They are soon led further into the tunnels and soon come to the living areas.

The Gry lead simple lives but they are all pretty fascinated to see their visitors and will allow them to look around their home and answer any questions they have.

Night Time

Most of the Gry sleep in a large communal sleeping area and the Voidtreckers are welcome to join them, though the Gry won't be insulted if they choose to seek out a more private area.

If the Voidtreckers awake in fear in the night, after strange dreams they will find they are not alone. Many of the Gry have awoken too and will reassure the Voidtreckers, tell them it is an honour to communicate with The Burrower.

Purple

Arrival

Purple team to doors. The train continues on the tracks and soon enters a tunnel itself. It's a bit of a bumpy trip, this train was clearly not made for warren systems but after some uneasy twists and turns they pull to a stop.

They are at a train station, not that it's easy to see because it is pitch black. But it is clear there are people around, some looking very confused at the very odd train.

Once the last of those going on the mission leave the train it speeds off into the darkness.

The Terran's are large and tower over most of the voidtreckers but they are friendly enough, if a little confused, once it is explained that they are here to help. They will be led over towards the collapsed section of city.

There is a lot of activity. People digging at rubble, others using their sheer size and strength to hold up beams. There is an array of rescue equipment and a group of official-looking Terran's holding large devices that are comparable to a tablet-computer and discussing solutions.

There is plenty to do to help, smaller rubble to clear, injured people to tend to. Worried Terran's to calm and reassure. Those brave enough can volunteer to use their smaller size to help get supplies through to those trapped and those with any scientific know how, great strength or magic can put their skills to good use.

Rest Time

Throughout the day people are rescued and other parts of the tunnels stabilised. There is more work to be done but the Terran's seem to be working in shifts and they will encourage their surprise allies to rest as well. They will offer to host them.

They live in large groups and will happily invite the voidtreckers into their homes. They will be curious about the voidtreckers but will also answer questions. Telling them about the strange storm and the collapse of the tunnels. They are urged to sleep early and the next day it will be back to work.

(OOC: Information is here)
bloomingdespite: <user name=UsagiSquared site=plurk> (Small Smile)

[personal profile] bloomingdespite 2020-07-16 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
"I hate to sound like a fortune cookie, but..." Wester sighs, smiling lopsidedly. "It's because humans are better than they think they are most of the time. Even though we'll constantly complain about how scary things are, we almost always have the courage to face it if it really matters most of the time."
so_dark_a_road: (many secrets of craft)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2020-07-16 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"Heh. Sometimes it takes a while to figure these things out." He scratched his head in humorous puzzlement. "I used to chase both men and women, and occasionally I'm still attracted to women. I was married to a woman for a brief while, and we had a son who is long since grown up. But after that, I mainly looked at men."

Curufin grinned back. "I think we will. We do seem to have the same motto. Interesting, isn't it, how some things are the same across time, space, and the multiverse?"
happyends: (if we want to)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-07-16 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Madoka is quiet for the slightest moment.

".. Yes. It's the same for me," she then admits. She isn't too sure if that will help or not in this situation, but Madoka sure hopes it helps. Maybe it will help Ple Two feel slightly less like she's different from others in her age range.
serrata: (otayuuri006)

[personal profile] serrata 2020-07-16 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Everyone's been saying that. Oh dear, now I'm wondering if I don't look white as a sheet. I don't look like I'm about to keel over, do I?

[ She laughs lightly, dismissing it as a concern the moment she brings it up, of course. ]

Really, though, I'm doing fine. I certainly have it easier here than the people who are working they way through the ruins and saving people. It sounds tough out there.
happyends: (i'll explain all i know)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-07-16 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
She slowly nods.

"I know.. You always do your best." If there's anything true about Mami in her mind, it's that fact. Even though Madoka has seen the weaker parts of the other girl briefly, they just make Mami more admirable to her. Even though she's hurting, she's still always trying her best to do what's right. What's necessary.

That's very impressive.

"But.." Madoka whispers, then stops, hesitating before slowly starting again. "Do you.. Do you maybe want a hug right now..?"

Madoka feels like she could use one. She's not sure if Mami could, but it might be nice to share one when things feel so uncertain anyway, right?
thebiggestguy: (pic#13249169)

[personal profile] thebiggestguy 2020-07-16 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think if it shifts..." Dread frowned, working out some calculations in his head. Most people tended to think of a guy his size as a musclehead; they might be surprised to know his first adventuring profession was that of arcanist, and all the crazy mathematics and formulae that required. "That side will shift downwards. If we can get it to fall to the left, the rest will come free instead of piling up."
thebiggestguy: (pic#13249158)

[personal profile] thebiggestguy 2020-07-16 08:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dread chuckles, letting the globe spin freely for a moment.] That's appropriate. This is Sharlayan astrology, after all.
stillnewatthis: (victory)

[personal profile] stillnewatthis 2020-07-16 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh! That was remarkably effective!

"You do appear to have identified their weakness!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971809)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-16 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Biting back a giggle, she grabs an armful of her own and leads him over to the blockage. Grabbing his sleeve, she turns to him.

"All right, hold your breath, and keep pace with me. We can't be separated, all right?"
blitzcheer: (bluh bluh dad sucks)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-07-16 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"Just lightning," he says with a tone already resigned to trying it, and so comes--with Tidus taking another step back--the same small build up and the same hand thrust, a bolt crashing from somewhere above the small sphere and lighting it up.

And that's it. Still it lingers, as mysterious as the rest afterwards, no different.

"Great. So magic does nothing, but you can just scoop out a piece and make a mini-sphere."

This was already making a load of sense.
only_one_wei: (You sure about that?)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-16 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, nice guy, very talkative, " Wei Wuxian said, grinning.

If asked, Wei Wuxian would be very concerned and confused about someone from outside their team leading Blue.

Not having a military background, Wei Wuxian frowned. "I think you're describing an Assistant Leader. Like who the Leader delegates work to, but doesn't share all the responsibilities?"
only_one_wei: (You sure about that?)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-16 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"No, no. I was just thinking it was a little more than a kitty could be expected to handle on their own. Do you need a lift too, or do are you okay walking in my shadow?" Wei Wuxian asked.
so_dark_a_road: (green army jacket)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2020-07-16 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"I guess it's up to Blue Team to decide how it should work, now." Ignis might have had his own policies, but that didn't mean that his team had to follow them now, even if they had known all of his thoughts about such matters.

"I think it is down to you now, Gladio. You and Bucky, if he's available for a consult. I'm not sure how Orange Team began their process, since I didn't arrive until after the first team leader was chosen. That was Eva Iden'no, of course. Kumoko was helping her or was a co-lead, maybe. And then Eva vanished for a while, and Tony asked me to take her place. I told him I'd do it, but if Eva returned, as people sometimes do, I'd ask her if she wanted the position back. When she came back, she said she was fine with my continuing as a co-lead, which I happily accepted. So we ended up with three co-leaders, Eva, Kumoko, and me. I think there's a strong chance element in these kinds of decisions. I don't know anything about how the other teams got their first leaders."
Edited 2020-07-16 22:56 (UTC)
sos_pilot: by <user name=noimpulsecontrol> (if you could use)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2020-07-16 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hey, they need us as much as we need them. I don't think they'll abandon us." Still, she picked up the pace just a bit.

"We're all in this together!"
only_one_wei: (Ooh!)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-16 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Wei Wuxian looked duly impressed. "So, if you are able to stop the dragon, you can stop the dead? At least, in theory?"
only_one_wei: (Questionning)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-17 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, I was on the inside and Lan Zhan was on the outside. It took two of us," Wei Wuxian said. "It was trapped there, but didn't want to die, so it fought us hard."

"The cave was bigger than a house. Maybe the size of a small family farm?"
only_one_wei: (Default)

And 10th comment for the win.

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-17 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
Things were never straightforward in Wei Wuxian's life. He gave her a wry smile. "Yeah...."

"I like your optimism. Good luck out there," he said with a grin.
only_one_wei: (Questionning)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-17 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
So no letting his brother stab him...again. Got it.

"What if we run into a more bludgeon-y monster?" Wei Wuxian asked, his eyebrows raised.

He scrunched up his nose. "Oo,that's a weird feeling. Like that, huh?" But, at least there would be feeling. Dying sucked and he didn't want to do it again.
only_one_wei: (Flute)

And wrap?

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-17 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Same here," he said with a quick grin.

He went back to playing the flute, hoping the Song of Clarity would help her, and maybe some of the others.
only_one_wei: (Questionning)

[personal profile] only_one_wei 2020-07-17 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
Elucidate. Thankfully, due to the translator, Wei Wuxian knew what that meant. "You talk like someone quite smart," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "I'm sure they will be glad to have you."
iamnotgod: Webmind projecting a smile. The robot is wearing an orange hoodie. (A smile!)

Fair to wrap?

[personal profile] iamnotgod 2020-07-17 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
That's what you get when an Internet's first conscious reading material is all of Project Gutenberg!

"The same to you, Wei WuXian," Webmind replied, and gave a graceful bow.
achickenformylove: (mdzs 4)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-07-17 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
WangJi nodded his head once. "That sounds exactly like what I saw."

He frowned.

"That is far from a coincidence. Something is reaching out and trying to get someone to hear."
achickenformylove: (mdzs 1)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-07-17 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
"I am the second master of a cultivation sect, Gusu Lan. It has become our specialty to train in music, not just for fighting. We have a song called Inquiry where we can channel spirits and we can ask them questions and they answer on the guqin. It is one of our most difficult songs."

If it weren't for qiankun pouch, WangJi wouldn't be able to take his guqin off the train for something like this. At least flutes and other instruments were portable.

"Then we will arrange it. It seems we are going to speak with Gry and assist them."
gundamofthedesert: (hiding)

[personal profile] gundamofthedesert 2020-07-17 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah... there doesn't seem to be a clear answer here. From what I've seen so far of the information, there's nothing I can figure out that would cause someone to flee like this. But we are also looking at it as outsiders so it may mean nothing to us, but something to them."
luckydragonsfoot: (stare sadly into the middle distance-)

[personal profile] luckydragonsfoot 2020-07-17 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, it did somethin' f'r me anyway righ'?"

There's a light nudge, and while he does grimace a bit as the ponyta stands to help others, he determines it's better than nothing.

...Kiddo... He frowns a bit, but doesn't remark on that, instead focusing on the tunnels. "Yeah, there's tha' I guess. Makes it kinda hard t' figure out how far someone or somethin' actually is though when y' think abou' it. Seems hard t' sleep 'f everyone's havin' nightmares all th' time f'r tha' matter," he mutters, only to pause.

...Now that he says that, that is weird isn't it. "...Hey, y' think th's normally happens here? With th' Gry?"