Deep Dweller: Start

[voidtreckermods]

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)

Comments

Sleepy Ash (Maru) - Blue Team - OTA

[sobothersome]

Mission Prep: "Will I need to be climbing rocks?" Maru wondered, looking at the clips in his hand from the rock climbing gear that had been with the jumpsuits.

Personally he didn't think he'd need it so much. He could jump pretty high when he wanted to. But maybe they'd be needed for someone else? He sighed to himself. It was so bothersome thinking about other people, he didn't know how others did it without giving themselves headaches or anxiety attacks all the time.

... Still. He shoved a few things in a pack and held it on his lap. He sat on a bench, legs crossed, just waiting.

And no, he hadn't put on one of the jumpsuits. He had on his own jacket, hood up, black fluffy hem looking like cat ears atop his head.


Arrival: Maru had been promised underground. No sun.

So of course he just steps off of the train without thinking. He hops down and lands with a little puff of dust... than soon turns into a bigger puff of dark smoke as he shifts from human into a kitty in a heartbeat.

The small, black cat would flop onto the ground, looking for all the world like he's sulking.

The sun... is not kind to vampires.


Night time: Once they were underground, Maru had been able to return to his human form. He was able to walk along the tunnels just fine for the most part, though he had to hide a snicker when a couple of the taller ones bumped their heads...

Generally he stayed away from most of the interactions. And when the strange creatures they were supposed to be helping turned in for the night, everyone else did as well.

Maru could see well enough in the dark. Perks of being a vampire he supposed.

He sat on a rock for most of the night, near the opening of the cave, just watching...

Arrival

[sizedoesntmatter]

Yugi stared for a moment or two. They had just gotten off the train and then there was a puff of smoke which caused the young ma n to wonder just what happened?

When he saw the cat it was enough to give him paused and wonder just who it was, or more importantly who the cat actually belonged to.

So for the time being he moved to kneel down. "Do you need help?"

[sobothersome]

Maru didn't seem happy in the slightest. His tail swished in irritation as he slowly pushed himself up to his feet, then sat down... and started to dust himself up with his little paws.

"... I don't like the sun." He mumbled with a little pout. Then he looked up at the one who had talked to him... then at the pack he'd dropped when he poofed... and moved to grab it with a little paw to drag it through the dirt to the cave entrance. "... Have to get outta the sun."

[sizedoesntmatter]

"Want me to make a makeshift umbrella with your backpack. That might help" At least he thought with thier size it might work at least to keep him in the shade anyway.

Is that how it would work? "If not I can and think of other ways."

[sobothersome]

"I'll be fine..." He said as he slowly dragged his pack, creating a nice trail in the dirt behind him. "... The sun... is bad for vampires." He muttered and tilted his head up to cast a glare up towards the sky.

[sizedoesntmatter]

"Ah, yeah. Stories do mention that, but usually, it affects them much worse in those ones. So we should really quickly find you some shelter and maybe wait it out."

That seems logical at least, right? "I assume you have someone who usually takes care of you as well,. right? I can go find them."

night

[magicurls]

Mami approaches once she's been woken by an odd dream. She's wearing a simple green nightgown, an egg-shaped yellow gem cupped in her hand. It's less bright and disrupting to the others than her SCA's light.

The familiar face is there at the entrance, watching. She nods.

"On guard again. Have you heard anything?"

[sobothersome]

He blinked at the change in light. Even as dim as it was, it took a second for his eyes to adjust.

"I don't hear much... Just the wind. It's so dark out there." Even the sky was clouded over. Sometimes he thought he saw a star but not often. And sometimes he thought he heard something but he couldn't be sure... He didn't want to worry Madoka's Friend though.

[magicurls]

"It is...it worries me. That there's something lurking here that will catch us all off guard."

Mami vowed she would fight that. She'd be strong no matter what.

"How long were you going to keep watch? Is there someone who's taking over?"

[sobothersome]

"It's an alien planet. If there isn't something lurking in the dark, we wouldn't be here." Only one mission in and Maru had learned that lesson well.

He tilted his head at the question and then shrugged. Naps were his thing, sure. And he always looked tired. But he could go days without sleep and not suffer any ill effects. So he shrugged.

"I think there's a couple others doing rounds. I've seen the big guy and the spiky haired kid walking about. I'm just sitting here." And watching the outside while they all watched the inside.

[magicurls]

Mami had to reluctantly accept that fact. "I remember...you've always been so worried about her. You're better equipped than most of us, but you know you can call us if you need help, right?"

She clenches her fist. "I don't think I'm quite so helpless to fight back this time."

Re: Sleepy Ash (Maru) - Arrival

[only_one_wei]

Wei Wuxian looked down at the pathetic looking black cat, collapsed near the entrance to the caves. "You need a hand there?"

[sobothersome]

"............ If you can block out the sun, that'd help." Maru muttered and sighed, sending up a puff of dust that made him cough.

[only_one_wei]

"How is that going to help?" Wei Wuxian asked, dutifully standing so he cast shade on the small cat.

[sobothersome]

"Just shoot it down... I dunno..." Maru sighed heavily and slowly eased himself up to standing, and then sat on his rump. "... Vampires don't like the sun, you know?"

[only_one_wei]

"Really? I don't know that I've ever met a vampire before. I've met a few cats though. They declined to talk." Wei Wuxian grinned down at him. "Need a lift?"

night time oh my god i'm so sorry i'm like all over your inbox

[happyends]

Honestly, Madoka was already telling herself that she'd make sure to not sleep the entire night once she knew that Maru was out there keeping watch. If anything, she was kind of determined to stay up with him, but all these new experiences and people around are just a little too much for a poor fourteen year old's mind. Madoka was just too exhausted to not sleep at least a bit. She told herself she could just wake up after a quick nap and join Maru so he wouldn't have to be by himself out there--

But she doesn't even have to wake herself up. The dreams do it for her. Madoka awakens with a gasp, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She makes a grab for the kitty that usually sleeps with her out of sheer instinct only to remember that right, Maru was keeping watch.

It's that thought and the instinctive desire to seek comfort with him that gets the girl to stumble from the spot she was sleeping closer towards the opening of the cave. Her legs feel shakey, and the nightmares managed to kick her flight response into full gear, but she just has to see Maru right now. It's all Madoka can think about.

"Maru.." She calls out in a shakey voice once she's close enough to spot his form. Honestly, it's at a moment like this that it's apparent just how young Madoka still is despite her mature moments at times - she looks very much like a kid who just woke up from a nightmare. Because she is just that, really.

[sobothersome]

Maru had just been listening to the odd sounds around him. It had taken him a good hour or two to learn to filter out what was normal and what wasn't. The sounds of people sleeping, most restlessly, the sounds of rocks settling as they cooled with the night. The wind. The sounds of distant machinery from the factories, sounds carried by the wind. It took him a while to narrow it down to sounds that were kind of... off. But he didn't know why. He couldn't see anything.

He heard movement behind him before he even heard Madoka's voice.

He'd been sat on a rock listening, but now he unwound from his position and hopped off of the rock, moving silently and quickly to the sound of Madoka's call for him.

"I'm here." There was no hesitation. He'd scooped her up and turned to move back to the rock he'd been keeping warm. There he sat, Madoka in his lap, arms around her.

"I'm here." He repeated quietly. "... What happened? Bad dream?"

[happyends]

Maybe she should be more used to this by now. It's not like it's the first time he's suddenly just picked her up like that, after all. But the afterimages of the nightmare still linger, and it combined with the dark and everything else makes her yelp just slightly as she's scooped up.

There's no resistance though, it's just surprise. The moment she realises he's sitting down with her on that rock and that she's on his lap, Madoka is already moving to wrap her arms around his shoulders, leaning against him. Her head is leaning against him and all tucked in too - clearly she's still sleepy, even though she doesn't want to go back to sleep.

"Uh-huh.." She softly replies. It feels a little childish to admit that, but.. she trusts Maru. He would never judge her over anything, so it's easier to admit to him than it'd be to anyone else. "But something about it felt.. strange."

[sobothersome]

He waited for her to get comfortable, his arms were around her to keep her steady, but loose enough not to constricting should she want to leave his lap suddenly. Maru didn't want to make her feel she was forced to stay.

And no, he didn't judge her. Bad dreams were never a nice thing no matter what age you were. Sometimes he had them himself, and he'd been alive for hundreds and hundreds of years.

"... What do you mean?" He asked, unable to look down at her with the way she's tucked her head under his chin. All he could do really was rest his own chin atop her head.

[happyends]

"It wasn't like my usual nightmares.."

It's not like she has them every night - just a regular amount of nightmares compared to most people. But she does know what her nightmares are like. Since it's Maru she's talking to, there's only the tiniest moment of hesitation before she continues.

"Usually they're.. um, more personal.. They might be about bad things that happened to me, or things I'm worried about.. But this time I just-- I dreamt about fire everywhere, burning everything. It was scary, of course, but.. I've never been especially afraid of fire.."

Not moreso than anyone would be, anyway.

Maru Prep

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel smiled to see Maru sitting there, looking so bored, waiting for the Blue Team to disembark.

"Hopefully not, but you are going underground," Glorfindel pointed out. "You aren't changing into the jumpsuit?"

[sobothersome]

"No... I need this." He looked down at himself and his jacket, the tails of which dangled off of the bench and onto the floor. "... Helps me fight." Which he knew was an odd thing to say, but it was also very true.

[laurefindil]

"I see," Glorfindel said. "Can't you wear it over a jumpsuit?"

"How does it help you fight?" he then asked because curiosity was a thing.

[sobothersome]

"It's be a pain... I like it like this..." He thought he looked good, as well. That helped some.

And at the question, well, it was okay to give a small demonstration, right? It wouldn't hurt. It'd take more energy than it should to do it without Madoka around. But it was fine.

With his hands in his pockets, Maru took a step back and when he did a blue glow surrounded the tails of his jacket as they lifted, and then extended. They turned black, became spiked as they lifted up behind him. Like tails strange wings. He didn't extend them all the way, there wasn't room for that. Nor did he activate an attack.

"Like this. I can launch attacks from these."