voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2020-11-13 04:28 am
Entry tags:

Not with a Bang Start and Ongoing

"Good Morning passengers. Today is day seven of the month of Imagination." The voice echoes through the train as passengers wake up in their beds. Not long afterwards their SCA’s glow with the colour of the void and a holographic image will appear.

Preperation

They have about an hour to prepare, a little less than usual but perhaps expected, given the urgency of the task.

The cupboards in the dressing room are open to reveal rows of tents, in all four team colours as well as some basic camp cooking equipment. They are in bags that should be easy enough to carry.

"Shortly arriving on System #6416. All passengers get ready to disembark. Next stop world 6416. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." The train rocks and lurches, bright colours of the void filling the space and then fading as they fly downwards towards a very green landscape.

Arrival and Initial Task

The train lands in a clearing, curving round in an attempt to fit. Once everyone who wishes to disembark has done it flies back into the air, vanishing from sight.

The air is heavy and humid, though it is not currently raining. The clearing is open to the sky and looking up will reveal a worrying sight. The sky is an angry red colour, colours shifting as if the clouds themselves were on fire. It's an unnerving sight.

Their SCA's show three points, one Orange, One purple and one that is half blue and half red. The three control centres. Each are a few hours treck through the jungle and it certainly feels like there is no time to waste.

Those that don't want to treck through the forest can start setting up camp, though the darkening sky might be a little distracting. As time goes on flecks of fire drift down, though they extinguish before hitting the forest floor.

Orange are to travel to the north, Purple to the south and Blue and Red must travel together to the west. Each route takes them through thick and unrelenting jungle. Flying is difficult here unless you can get up past the canopy layer, which means vision of the ground is severely hampered.

The control stations themselves are half buried in vines and require cutting into. If voidtreckers are unlucky they will meet their first security robots here, firing on the intruders. They might even meet their first giant Armadillos, the creatures are curious and may wish to investigate. They are not helpful or constructive to trying to power up the stations and prevent the destruction of the planet.

The control stations are simple enough to operate, but there's quite a lot that needs to be done in way of repairs and clearing. It will take a team effort to get it in working enough order to activate the shield.

The shield itself, when it is activated, is mostly invisible but there is a loud humming sound. The meteor, which has gotten more visible throughout the five hours, hits the shield and splinters, fire enveloping the whole sky. It is visibly terrifying, but no fire falls to earth, no rocks get through, the planet is safe.

Ongoing

Once the planet is safe the voidtreckers deserve a rest. But once the next morning dawns it is time to start with their next tasks, to make sure that this planet stays safe from future threats.

Red

The robots at the control stations are not the only malfunctioning security robots around. They roam the jungle, or are more often stranded in the jungle, powering up only when faced with a new threat.

Some are benign, terraforming machines whose only crime is using up precious power. These need to be dismantled so that power can be saved for the shield system. Others are security robots that will attack the intruders to the planet.

Though the machines are scattered they are often obvious, emitting warning alarms or flashing lights. Their SCA's will show some areas where there are larger clusters but machines can be found anywhere.

Purple

Their SCA's are filled with hundreds of purple dots, each a solar stations that needs cleared and brought back online. It's not the most glamourous job, the stations are deep in the jungle, the treck is difficult and most of the work needed is weed clearing.

But once the weeds have been cut away they will need to patch up the station, doing basic maintenance to get it back online. In some cases wires need to be patched back together but it shouldn't take any great feats of engineering to get the stations up and running.

They may run into some of the security automatons, needing to fight their way into the stations before they can begin the clean up operations.

Orange

Like the red team their SCA will show areas where there are clusters of the small insectoid automatons that need to be rescued and restored. However they can be found anywhere throughout the jungle, they are not too suited for the terrain outside of the stations and so they have gotten tangled in vines. They can be found powered down, stranded and in dire need of maintenance.

Tools and spare parts can be found in many of the solar stations that purple team have been locating. Actually repairing the robots takes some engineering knowledge but once they are restored they will go about their tasks in the stations. They will need help getting to the further flung stations as well as the main control centres.

They are very basic in design and follow pre programmed instructions rather than being able to hear and listen to orders. But once in the correct place they are very effective at their job.

Blue

Once the shield is up there is a faint humming that can be heard throughout the jungle if they listen closely and find it among the sound of rain and insects. But once they hear it, it is obvious where it is louder and more prominent.

Their SCA will pin point some of the larger control boxes but there are truthfully too many to show on a map. Not all of them have attracted Violet Pandas, but many of them have.

They are curious creatures, both of the power boxes and the voidtreckers. They are protective of each other but not so much of territory and therefore it is not difficult to move them on. Keeping them away is another matter, the power humming is interesting and they will unearth wires and chew through them. It doesn't seem to do them much harm, there is clearly safety stops in the system for such eventualities. It does however cut power off to entire solar stations and require a lot of patch work.

Good luck voidtreckers!
10billionpercent: (Satisfied)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-11-21 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ He grins. ]

"There's nothing you can't do if you try." That's what my dad used to tell me.

[ So yes, she sounds like the embarrassing parent type. ]

He sounds pretty impressive. Is he the kind of guy who thinks outside the box? That's really what gets you places sometimes.
10billionpercent: (Default)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-11-21 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
He glanced over at the tree Tidus picked out. "That one's fine if that's the one you want to cut. It's not a problem. It's kind of just an ordinary tree."

Senku hummed slightly. "As long as you're not going to wreck your sword doing that, but I suppose we could sharpen it again when you're done. Just need some water and a stone."

A proper whetstone was better, but he could improvise in a pinch.
10billionpercent: (I Sense A Plot)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-11-21 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, it's good to know a people person, especially when you aren't one." Senku chuckled lightly.

"I know what my faults are."
sendiintheclown: (casual)

[personal profile] sendiintheclown 2020-11-21 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
"I think the hard part will be in not bringing back one of the pandas as a pet. They sound adorable." And if he got the chance to cuddle one, he was going to go for it.
zechs_isonfire: (curious)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-11-21 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
Which was why Zechs lay out those weaknesses just like that, especially the more odd abilities he saw from those on the train. He glanced at his current companion with curiosity.

"... All of those weaknesses are at your disposal?" Zechs asked, eyebrows slightly raised.
zechs_isonfire: (contempt - manga)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-11-21 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Zechs yanked his blade out of the robot forcefully, and then flicked off some of the oil that'd collected on the sword - or was it hydraulic fluid? - in a decisive swipe.

"A little," Zechs admitted dryly, looking at the other man in a new light. "You've got an exceptional ability in combat."
its_dad_sanzo: (ha ha Ukoku you're awful - no really)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2020-11-21 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, I'd certainly better," Koumyou shook out his hands, which were deeply bruised from all the robots he'd been punching on this mission. And now tingly, from all that electricity he'd just channeled.

"Maaah... I don't suppose you smoke?"
zechs_isonfire: (06 skeptical)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-11-21 02:30 am (UTC)(link)
Which was appreciated. Zechs wasn't exactly used to fighting in this terrain, but he moved through the brush quickly all the same, eyes sharp and mindful of any returning fire. But it seemed as much as Rieper couldn't get a good hit on the robot due to the flora - neither could the machine.

There's first a solid slice against one of its legs to unbalance it, cutting through where he'd judge bracing and hydraulic lines would be. Then, he stabbed upward into its center chassis. Hard to say if he hit anything vital on that strike - but center of mass was usually a good bet for any enemy.
namethattune: (My own self-fulfilled prophecy)

[personal profile] namethattune 2020-11-21 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
[...the cost. And the way Ken holds Wormmon when he says it-]

[Had he hurt Wormmon?]

[It seems unthinkable given their bond, but...this had been years ago, Ken had said, and things can change drastically over the span of years. Siebren knows that all too well.]

[But Ken had been helped. Manipulated by some and helped by others. There is- there is something to that, Siebren thinks, as the melody gets louder and pushes back against his thoughts. It is not unlike Siebren himself, correct? He- he has not been manipulated, only held- but- but he has been helped as well, hasn't he?]

[The melody swells, ever present, ever pushing, subsuming his mind-]

[Hasn't he?]

[Hasn't he?]

[He-]

[He...he has lost the thread, again. Lost himself.]

[He has been staring into the middle distance, blinking but unseeing, lost again in that ubiquitous melody-]

[He shakes his head as if to clear it and hopes neither Ken nor Wormmon have said anything in the interim. Sometimes things do not need years to change, only seconds, and he has completely missed the past few.]
zechs_isonfire: (honest)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-11-21 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
Zechs nodded. "I might. It depends on how alien the system is. We were able to get the shields going well enough - if it's similarly laid out in a logical manner, I should be able to manage."

"If not," Zechs pointed out, "we have the comms. And I can be walked through what's needed to be done. Either way ... I suspect we have a lot of machines to fight through until we reach one of those buildings all the same."
xue_yang: (Evil but Cute)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-21 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
"These almost seem like compliments. And you are even thanking me. Are you feeling alright?" He laughs as he stops in front of her. He slides the swords back into the pouch concealed beneath his robes. Not only does he get to enjoy this mission with weapons, but it feels more natural being in the robes the spider gave him. He's been feeling more like himself then he has in a long time.

xue_yang: (Listening to you)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-21 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
"What happened in your town?" Xue Yang doesn't particularly care about other people's stories but that doesn't mean he can't have a healthy curiosity about the other worlds that people get brought in from.
xue_yang: (fire and brimestone)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-21 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
He brings out one of the swords concealed in the pouch under his robes. Once in his hand he lets lightning spark around the blade..which then changes to fire, then water and finally ice. "I choose which element I want it to be strengthened by and use it against them."

Xue Yang has worked very hard to make sure he could handle the two swords he keeps stashed away with all their new power.
deferences: dns (♪ interject)

[personal profile] deferences 2020-11-21 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
“Oh!” Wow, that really is good timing, isn't it?

He regards what Senku's doing right now with another head-tilt in the opposite direction, both hands momentarily clutching his elbows before he releases the left one, now freed hand motioning over the large branch. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
deferences: dns (♪ thrilled)

[personal profile] deferences 2020-11-21 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
Should that become an actual survey, let's consider how it might be worded? Because it shouldn't be like that for goodness sake. Right now, that and keeping people hydrated is the focus.

Well, aside from the distraction from the aforementioned cute little ghibli rejects, since they are doing quite a great job at diverting Sizhui's attention from their current predicament of crashing meteors. One would almost think he was holding an actual something in his hand with the way they all come rushing to greet him, which Sizhui can't help smiling at, despite the slight shame he feels for making them abandon their important tasks. They don't have much time to spare, after all, but maybe... maybe it's okay for just a few minutes.

And besides, how can he just yank his hand away when they're all coming up to give him tiny high-fives? He's disciplined, but he isn't a monster, gosh! His smile widens into an actual grin, a delighted little flush pinkening his ears as he holds steady for them. Unsurprisingly (or rather, it's a surprise to Sizhui, but not those who know him), his pure heart is probably what allows him to hear the voice, and if it isn't that, then surely there's some magical ability that's doing it. “O-Oh!” he exclaims with emphatic surprise, somewhat taken aback, though no less eager about befriending the creatures. “Thank you kindly, my friends.”

Meanwhile, Tidus's comment recaptures Sizhui's attention, has him glancing over, the faint blush on his ears spreading down the sides of his neck. “My apologies, master Tidus, I didn't mean to...” Wait, what does he mean, sweeten Inigo up?

“Mmn,” is what he manages, then he inclines his head rather than try and explain himself further, another half-smile curving his mouth again at the adorable tiny gestures.
longforgottenpromise: (serious)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2020-11-21 06:25 am (UTC)(link)
He senses the magic and smiles at Tidus with gratitude, even if he automatically feels guilty. Tidus should not have to waste energy protecting him. Taiki should have stayed away.

The protection doesn't help the fear, the knife twist of horror at the scene in front of him. His fear is never for himself but the injuries of others, the smell of blood, the knowledge that lives are being taken.


This fight isn't as bad as many, mostly because they are fighting robots and the robots don't bleed, nor are really alive... It's still hard.

But he keeps his face stoic and waits for Tidus to return.]
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2020-11-21 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
"I had to be able to fix basic parts of the... war machine that I was meant to operate." Just basic rewiring inside of panels, nothing complex - that was for the peons. "...that might be a valid concern, too."
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2020-11-21 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Taiki's heart lifts to hear Inigo say he didn't mind taking him anywhere. He still worried every day about being a burden to his friends.

But mostly he is still worried about Inigo, especially with his words. Used to going without...

He stepped closer, to take Inigo's hand.]
You should rest as well, so if I come with you whatever you need to do will be finished quicker.
blitzcheer: (making a choice)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-11-21 06:41 am (UTC)(link)
"War machine?" That conjure a few images in Tidus's mind, but he says sympathetically, "Sounds like things are tough back home. Is it any calmer, being on the train?"

It's a small hope, isn't it? That even with the missions, maybe she was getting something of an easier time being away from apparent...war.
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2020-11-21 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not an expert on alien biology, but I believe so." Earth pandas are technically just very lazy omnivores, though!

"...but keep trying that too."
blitzcheer: (READY TO BE A DUMB?)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-11-21 06:50 am (UTC)(link)
Do everything Roland is doing now, and successfully goad Tidus even more into anything. There may be the jungle heat over them, but that becomes less than a secondary concern than the itch that Tidus gets in his feet. Oh, you want him to run, Roland?

Tidus is absolutely running from the call of go. He's going, the uneven terrain slowing him in spots, but he's nothing if not speedy, if not reflexive to his surroundings and anything that may stand in his way.

THE BOYS, THEY BE RUNNING, THEY'RE GOING FOR THE GOLD. ROLAND CAN EAT THEIR JUNGLE DUST.
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2020-11-21 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
"I imagine most people would." Ple Two as well. "I hope the tents were designed with this climate in mind."
pleple: (The street desire)

[personal profile] pleple 2020-11-21 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
"There's a great enough variety that it's difficult to pin down the purpose." Let alone what a child soldier mostly out of her area of expertise is good for.
pleple: (But it won't be long)

[personal profile] pleple 2020-11-21 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
Tidus's imagination is probably a lot more clanking, and gears, and bright colors. "It's much nicer here, for me," she says honestly. "I'm not sure... what future I could've had."
blitzcheer: (mrhrhrhrhrhgghgh)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-11-21 07:30 am (UTC)(link)
There's the ringing of commotion from the others with them, passengers who have taken up their own weapons, making waste of the extra sentries that had apparently been around. Where they came from and when, Tidus doesn't have time to ponder as he surveys his immediate surroundings; seeing no danger, but he hears the rattling of stiff metal as the gate into the station is broken, creaking and stuttering on being banged opened wide.

Tidus circles around to make it to that entrance, and maybe he'll catch Zechs - give him the quickest of nods, go in and to see just what's waiting for them. Which will be more of the greenery of flora overtaking technology, ivy smothering every surface, from simple storage closets to the actual consoles they'll need to use.

"I'll look around and see what I find!"

Because like heck does Tidus know what to do with potentially repairing a planetary shield.