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)
goingthroughaphase: (pic#14105706)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-12 10:24 am (UTC)(link)
She manages a small smile. "A little bit," she admits. "It does take up energy phasing through it, especially if I'm using it constantly. But I know my limits. I'm making sure to take breaks so I don't exhaust myself."
flatteries: (it sort of sounds like you leaving)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-13 09:57 am (UTC)(link)
"Good. You're smart."

Is it totally hypocritical of Inigo of all people to say that? Of course. He wouldn't recognize a break if it was dancing right in front of his eyes. But that doesn't mean he can't want everyone else around him to properly rest, right? Especially the people he cares about.

"Please tell me if I can do anything to help. I mean.. obviously I can't phase through things, but if you need someone to bring you a drink or some food while you're at it, I can do that much. You're incredibly valuable to this mission, so you deserve all the help you can get!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#14105706)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-14 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
She shakes her head a little. "No, I'm only helping out like anyone else would do." Even with her powers, there were still things she couldn't do.

"Actually, can you help me with some of these supplies? I'm trying to take as much as I can over to the other side." The crate itself was too heavy for her, so she could only take as much as she could carry. At least having someone with her meant they could take more.
flatteries: (all you need all you need is love)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-14 02:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Inigo nods.

"Of course!" If he's bothered at all by having to carry something heavy, it sure doesn't show. He smiles, seemingly full of energy. "Do you want to get that done right now, or do you need some more rest first?"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971820)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-14 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"We can go now. I rested a bit earlier, so I should be fine for a while."

She gestures to the crate of medical supplies nearby. "Just grab an armful, and we can head over."
flatteries: (but i'm trying harder not to be)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-14 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, that?"

He glances over at the crate, letting out a laugh.

"Don't worry, that's nothing! I don't even need to take an armful if I can just help take the whole thing over, right?" He puffs his chest out in pride, walking over to the crate. And while yes, Inigo does have some muscle from all the swordfighting he's done over the years, he's still not some super beefy dude.

Which means he attempts to lift the crate and does actually get it off the ground and high enough to hold it in his arms.. But he looks like he's really struggling. "A.. Alright, where exactly was this needed a.. again..?"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971654)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-14 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
She frowned as she watched him. "We have to take it through to the other side," she said, pointing to the blocked tunnel. "Are you sure that's gonna be okay? There's not a lot of air in there, so you'll have to hold your breath while we're walking through."
flatteries: (it takes a push and a shove)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-14 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's.. It's going to be fine! Obviously..!"

There's nothing obvious about it. He takes a step while holding it, and then another one, and his legs are already starting to get wobbly..

"I am.. what do they call it nowadays? Peachy keen! Couldn't be better! L-- Let's go!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971787)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-14 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
She can already see that he's wobbling, and having to phase through solid rock while not being able to breathe did not make her feel very confident.

"No, just put it down. If you strain yourself too much, I won't be able to phase you through."
flatteries: (i used to feel it too)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-15 04:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Despite her telling him to put it down, Inigo seems to hesitate on actually doing so for another moment or two. Like it might hurt his pride a little bit too much to give up now. Maybe he didn't realise just how visibly he was struggling...

But then he decides to give in. Especially since it'll no doubt become obvious the moment she tries to phase him through and can't..

"I wasn't straining myself," he lies, an obvious blush on his face. Inigo may be pretty okay with lying about certain things, but sometimes - like now - he's much too obvious. "Carrying that much is obviously nothing too difficult for a strong, amazing man like me!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971949)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-15 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
It isn't so much that she couldn't phase him through while he was straining, and more she as worried about him running out of air before they made it halfway through.

Still, she rolls her eyes playfully. "Right, of course," she says, humoring him. They had more important things to do right now anyway. "Grab some stuff and let's go."
flatteries: (everyone's scared someone knows)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-16 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay..."

Despite his strong, amazing man claim from a moment ago, Inigo sounds remarkably like a reluctant toddler when he gives that answer with a half-whiny tone.

At least he's actually listening to what she's saying and grabbing some stuff from the crate. Still quite a lot of it, but it seems like this is much easier for him to carry. He doesn't look like he's straining himself this time, at least.

"There, I got it."
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?"
flatteries: (nobody here is perfectly fine)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-20 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
Inigo wasn't too apprehensive about this whole phasing idea. He trusts Kitty, and clearly - judging by her confidence - she seems to have a good handle on her powers.

But then she just has to say that last part. It's just enough to make the uneasy feelings creep up on him.

".. You really are sure that this is safe, right?" The last thing he wants to do is explain to people how he got injured in some dumb and bizarre phasing incident..
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971960)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-20 08:53 am (UTC)(link)
She nods. "As long as we remain in physical contact the entire time, it'll be fine," she reassures him. "I've phased people through before, no problem."
flatteries: (i don't know how to word it)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-20 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well.." There's still some slight hesitation, but then it fades. Instead Inigo smiles more confidently - securely. "I trust you."

And that's true. It's not just false bravado. Kitty wouldn't lie to him about this, Inigo fully believes that.

"Let's go then." Especially since she's already holding his sleeve.
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971820)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-20 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
With a smile of her own, she nods, and keeps a firm grip on his sleeve as she leads him into the rock wall in front of them.

"Remember to hold your breath," she says just before stepping into the rocks completely.
flatteries: (but the red on the rest of)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-20 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Inigo may not be the brightest crayon in the drawer, but he's at least good at listening to people in important situations. Like right now. He holds his breath before they enter, and he makes sure to keep pace with her. The only thing worse than a freak phasing incident gone wrong would be one that was caused by nothing but his own idiocy.

It's.. weird, phasing through the rocks like that, but Inigo manages to be good and hold his breath the whole time all the same. Even though it means having to surpress the - very natural for him - urge to make surprised sounds the entire time.
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971945)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-21 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
She keeps a swift pace; not enough to wear them out too soon, but just enough to get them through to the other side fairly quickly. Once they're both safely and completely through the debris, she releases the breath she's holding and lets go of his sleeve.

"See? Not so bad, right?"
flatteries: (it sort of sounds like you leaving)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-21 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
It's the first thing Inigo does as well once he's safely back out on the other side. He releases a very deep breath - not quite able to hide the bit of worry there was in it, though he does smile again afterwards.

"Not bad at all." You huge liar, Inigo! You were definitely worried! "And certainly a lot faster than trying to get all those rocks out of the way first to be able to get here."
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971945)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-22 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
She definitely could tell he was nervous, but decides not to comment on it for now. "I've found it's been pretty useful so far," she replies instead with a grin.
flatteries: (it sort of sounds like you leaving)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-23 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"It sure seems like a convenient coincidence, hm? You appear on the train, and the first mission right after it involves having to get through a bunch of blockades."

Not that Inigo means it in a bad way though. He's smiling as he says it.

"Who knows what we would have done without you around!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#14105706)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-23 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a touch of shyness in her smile, even as she shrugs. "I'm sure people would've figured out a way without me," she replies. "I'm glad I could help, though."
flatteries: (if there's a hole in your heart)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-07-24 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
He tries to lightly nudge her in the side with his elbow - or, you know, as well as he can with his arms full of supplies. He's trying.

"You aren't trying to downplay yourself, are you? I won't have any of that while I'm around!"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971956)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2020-07-24 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
She laughed a bit, despite herself. "I'm not," she insisted, even if she kind of was. "I'm just saying, I'm sure people would have managed if I hadn't been around."

(no subject)

[personal profile] flatteries - 2020-07-26 17:54 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase - 2020-07-27 08:52 (UTC) - Expand

wrap, maybe?

[personal profile] flatteries - 2020-07-27 19:30 (UTC) - Expand

Sounds good!

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase - 2020-07-28 07:28 (UTC) - Expand