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

Itsuki Myoudouin | Purple

[sunbloom]

[preparation]
Itsuki will be the first to admit she's a little nervous; she's read the documentation, she listened to the mission brief, and she still doesn't quite know what to expect. Are they literally just dropping into a random world to provide support? She supposes it'll all be clear soon enough, though; she spends some time in the dressing coach browsing through the supplies and settling on some climbing gear and a smaller bag in case her big bag won't fit, looking everything over critically - not that she's used any of it before - and packing it. A short time later, she's standing by in the seater coach with her rucksack, waiting for the purple drop call and trying not to look too much like she's... well, anything less then composed. It's mostly working? She's not so bad off that she'll miss the call, but she might need a little reassurance.

[arrival]
Vision is hard. This is Itsuki's first observation; sure, her SCA has a flashlight function, but it's going to be rough down here for several days. Not that she'll let anyone hear her complain too loudly. No, there's work to be done, and she spends plenty of her time helping out. She's small enough to sneak into some of the smaller cracks and deliver supplies, and she's... perhaps not the most reassuring person, but she's good at giving people the information they need. She's surprisingly strong for her age, too, so she can help move rocks and support rescue operations. So, in short, she's running around all over the city, only bumping into the walls sometimes (and grumbling but very pointedly not cursing), and trying very hard not to complain. It's fulfilling work, but she's going to have just a couple bruises. Not that those are new for her either.

Her luck doesn't hold out all day - at some point she gets into the crevasse she was trying to deliver supplies to, but in attempting to get back out something shifts and she finds herself stuck in place, hoodie caught and something slightly pinning her arm. She's not in a lot of pain, but she's pretty sure she's not supposed to start pulling, that'll either scratch her or make it shift worse, and then she will be in trouble. The grumbling is perhaps a little louder this time, before she sighs and raises her voice just a little bit. "Can I get a hand over here? I think I'm stuck and I can't see what I'm stuck on."

[rest]
When her shift ends, Itsuki finds it surprisingly hard to sleep, despite having worn herself out working all day. The curiosity of the locals helps her mind from wandering too much, though, and she certainly has plenty of people from the train to talk to, too. Occasionally she can be found roaming the city - flashlight on low - apparently just thinking. If she notices other people around, though, she'll attempt to strike up conversation despite herself.

Re: Itsuki Myoudouin | Purple Arrival

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel heard the voice, but it took him a moment to find her. As he got closer, his light shown into the crevasse, showing him her predicament.

"Looks like you're caught on a root," he said. He didn't tell her to hold still as she already was. He slid into the crevasse with her and shimmied his way to her.

[sunbloom]

Well, she supposes it could have been worse. Itsuki keeps as still as she can manage, pointing her light low toward the opening to help him find her. "I'm glad it's not something worse, even if I'm a little mad I got stuck at all," she says quietly as he comes closer. "Thank you for your help." She's traveling light - her rucksack is elsewhere and she already dropped off her supplies - so once she's been pried free she can just go.

Don't go too fast, 10 exchanges gets us bonus points :D

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel's glow lit up the crevasse once he was in it, though he appreciated the offer of the light. "I'm guessing this is why the Train gave us the jumpsuits," he said as he finally got close enough to reach her, and freed her hoodie from the root.

"Can you move now, or are you caught anywhere else?" he asked.

[sunbloom]

Itsuki sighs, realizing he's probably right. "I'll have to pay more attention next time. I grabbed the supplies, but I didn't think about the clothes."

With her hood free, she experimentally pulls on her arm again, and- "No, still stuck. That helped, but..."

[laurefindil]

"After the wetsuits last time, I'm a big fan of following the Train's lead," he said with a grin.

"Hm, you got tangled up a bit there," Glorfindel said. "Hold on."

He started singing at the roots that held her, to convince them to let her go.

[sunbloom]

Wetsuits? The prior mission... she'd read something about that, but she didn't know enough to say a lot. Instead she hummed agreeably. "That seems like the right idea. I'll have to pay more attention."

Further comment was stifled by realizing he's singing at the roots and it's doing something? Um? More than anything else she's seen on the train before, this signposted magic to her and it took a surprising amount of willpower not to try and crane her head to watch. She could feel the pressure on her arm shifting and let out a breath in wonder. "That's amazing...!"

prep

[blitzcheer]

It's been a while since Tidus has seen the young girl much, but he recognises her when he spots her in seating, walking himself with a purple bag but a red pack too, the tenting equipment meant for Red Team. But he's dressed like a Purple in his train-issued clothing, and regardless, he raises his free hand, goes "Hey!" to get her attention.

And from there, he walks over to meet her; a small nod and a friendly air. "Hey. How you feeling about your first mission?"

[sunbloom]

Freaking out does strange things to one's social calendar; she's spent more time than she expected in her bunk, and the gym. But she's more or less back to normal now, if stressed in the other direction now - there's work to be done and she doesn't want to disappoint. She senses Tidus coming before he greets her but she doesn't address him until he calls out - for all she knows he's in the middle of something and wasn't going to stop.

Her answering smile is a little thin. "I'm a little anxious? I saw your summary of what to expect, and I paid attention to the thing on the SCA, but I just feel like I don't know enough. I'm a little concerned I'm gonna make a mess of things, honestly."

[blitzcheer]

Ah, pre-mission jitters. Really, Tidus knew a mission was upcoming soon after his arrival, but not when it would happen, and as soon as it did; and maybe he suffered some jitters himself then, but he had his mind on disappointing another that distracted him entirely.

But still, the corners of his features soften, a look of understanding coming before the nod he gives.

"Well, honestly? No matter what, we're all going in knowing the same as each other. It doesn't matter if you've been here a week or the entire time this train's been running--we're all on the same page! Only difference is what you've got to go in a mission with."

Whether you managed to get some equipment over time, or nada.

"Who you going with? Purple?"

[sunbloom]

"I guess that's true..." Nobody would have an information advantage, so that's not really a fair complaint. And she definitely has an equipment advantage, not that she's advertising that.

"Ah, I think I'll be good on the purple mission. It's the best place for my skill set. I'm strong for my age, too," she can't help but add.

[blitzcheer]

He laughs lightly at the added point.

"I believe it. You look about the same age as a girl who I travelled with along with some other friends. She was quick on her feet--knew how to make something out of nothing too."

And she would be great to have around to do just that to get them better equipped, but Tidus wasn't sure he wanted her whisked around on some dumb train ride with him and Yuna just for that.

"But you'll have a good group with you. I know a few guys going--you want some names? They've been 'round longer than me. You can always talk to them if you need anything."

[sunbloom]

Itsuki blinks at the description; that kind of reminds her of Erika, but she shakes it off after a second. Hopefully Tidus didn't have to deal with anyone as rambunctious as that. "She sounds like a handful," she says anyway, because it doesn't seem like he got off that easy.

"Some people to keep in mind as last resorts might be a good idea," Itsuki adds after a moment's thought. "You can never be too prepared for something like this, I think."

preparation

[happyends]

Blue and purple just happen to be the last two teams to be dropped this time around, which is why Madoka - despite being dressed in blue rather than in purple - has a chance to talk to the other girl before they have to get off the train.

Especially since Itsuki.. kind of looks like she could use it? Not that Itsuki looks panicked or anything, but there's something vaguely uncertain about the other girl, Madoka thinks. Although she does know she could just be projecting..

So she makes her way through the crowd of people waiting to be dropped off until she's by Itsuki's side.

"Itsuki-san." She waits until she has the other's attention and then smiles. "This is going to be your first mission, right? I'm sure you're going to do well!"

[sunbloom]

Itsuki is occupied enough that it takes her a second to notice the other girl settle next to her, but once she does, she smiles, even if it doesn't entirely reach her eyes. "Madoka-san," she greets softly. "I hope so. It feels like it's important work, and I don't want to mess up. It feels like the other teams are doing more involved work, too. I don't know, I'm just... unsure?" Her expression is complex but largely neutral.

[happyends]

"That's okay," she replies, trying to make her tone as understanding as possible. There's no doubt Madoka has grown pretty used to these missions, considering this is already her fifth or sixth mission or so.. But it can still be scary sometimes even now, and she very much remembers how overwhelming her own first mission felt.

"I think everyone feels that way before they go on their first mission.. But it'll turn out okay in the end. Everyone is working together, after all! Even when you're confused, or worried about something.. you can just ask someone else for help, and I have no doubt that they'd help you right away."

[sunbloom]

Madoka's certainty is reassuring, and it helps her a little, but she's still not entirely convinced. "I'm hoping it goes that well. I'm just worried, I guess. Going off on adventures at home is one thing, but this is something else entirely," she admits. "But if we're all working together, it might be okay. I'm probably just panicking over nothing... maybe. I've gotta watch out for my friends, too."

[happyends]

She quietly listens to the other, just slightly nodding along.

"You're right though that it's something else entirely. Um.. I mean.. I'm not sure what kind of adventures you had back home.." Madoka is honestly thinking more of regular kid adventures rather than anything actually involving action or fighting. Like exploring some forest near town for fun or something like that. "But they probably didn't involve monsters, right..?"

[sunbloom]

Hmm. Well, a lot of what she did at home is declassified, so to speak, but given the new environment, how much to reveal...? "Well, sometimes they did. Home was a strange place sometimes. There was a certain organization that wanted a power found in people's hearts. So... they would attack people. They got me, once. It was a bad experience and I'll spare you the details." Read: even if she were revealing everything, she still hates talking about that, and she shivers now saying that much. "But they had monsters of several sizes. They had a lot of little ones to throw around, but one-on-one they weren't so tough." Even now, she's convinced she could handle a single Sunacky untransformed. Just one, but when you couldn't find a safe place to change, being able to do anything made a huge difference.

"So if it's anything like that," she goes on, "I'll be able to help, but I'll leave the big stuff to someone more... qualified." Which does, at the end of the day, include her! Just. Not in this form.

rest

[sos_pilot]

Della spots the young lady wandering around with her flashlight, and got curious.

"Hey, you looking for something?"

[sunbloom]

Itsuki checks at the figure speaking to her for a moment, before shaking her head just a bit. "Not really. Just having a hard time winding down tonight, and I didn't want to keep everyone else awake. What about you?"

[sos_pilot]

"Eh, my sleep schedule is all kinds of messed up." She shrugged one shoulder.

[sunbloom]

Itsuki hums in understanding. "That's rough. All this time underground probably won't help me either, but that's a problem for later, I think." She pauses a moment. "I don't think we've met? I'm Itsuki."

[sos_pilot]

She sticks out her hand for a casual handshake. "Della Duck. Good to meet you, Itsuki. And I'm sure it won't affect you permanently. We'll only be here a little while, not, say, ten years."

[sunbloom]

Itsuki takes the offered hand and shakes it; she's gotten somewhat used to that over time, even if bowing is still reflexive from home. "Mm, nice to meet you! And no, I get that, I'm just supposed to be-" Her mouth snaps shut with an audible click. Nope, not talking about that even if she's dancing around it. "-a morning person, up with the sun and all. It's how I've been for a long time."