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

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-15 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
Xue Yang frowns, his expression darkening slightly. Glad that Xingchen can't see it. His grip on the bowl of food tightening. He can't forgive Song Lan. He's the one that caused everything to change. If he hadn't shown up perhaps nothing would have gone wrong.

"I'm glad you are doing better, daozhang." He says nothing about the other man. He doesn't want to ever see him again or he might break all the progress he has made..and have another episode like he had with A-qing.
feixuehua: recadreuse (11)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-15 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
But it did went wrong. He has to mention it, because it's important and why it leads to his death. To help him understand and see the errors of their ways.

When he goes suddenly quiet, he's a little worried. "You must be angry on that day. That's what I have been thinking." He felt guilty about it. It seems there isn't a happy ending for them both and the cycle never ends.

"We can continue what we have now and move forward, but first...do you understand what happened to us in our past? And if Song Lan ever shows up on the train, would you be able to let me go?"

The question is a test. He's testing him.
xue_yang: (Angry)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-15 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
Xue Yang sets the bowl down on the ground. "Of course I was angry, Daozhang. I hated you two the most. I lost my hate for you but not for him. He was coming to spoil everything we had."

He stands up and starts to pace, the anger inside of him still not completely dissipated even after all these years. "Why should I have to let you go just because he shows up? Why is that the only answer that exists?"

Because that is simply like history trying to repeat. Song Lan arrives to ruin everything and take Xingchen away.
feixuehua: recadreuse (13)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-15 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
Xingchen is surprised. "You lost your hate for me? That was..." Well, he finds that quite astonishing, but he did wonder if his hate has transformed because he did eventually grew to like him.

But there is one issue, a missing gap, and he has spent much time in self-reflection of his past. And that's past is his friendship with Song Lan.

"Xue Yang, I was thinking about what happened and...I was looking for answers. Now, I highly doubt that Song Lan shows up on the train, but thinking about it, because you didn't explain what happened and I didn't expect you too, I think he was looking for me and you didn't tell me about it." Which lead to his accidental killing of him.

"Because if Song Lan shows up, I want you to tell me if he did. We can save a lot of pain if we just talk about it instead of raising swords."
xue_yang: (You so funny)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-15 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
"The minute he saw he, he tried to kill me! That's what happened!" Of course Xue Yang fought back. What choice did he have? And he wasn't going to just let Song Lan come in and spoil what he had.

"He was going to tell you my identity..the minute he saw me by your side he was angry. So I did the only thing I could...I took his tongue so he couldn't tell you."

Xue Yang isn't afraid to tell the truth but doing so brings that same psychopathic smirk to his lips. His voice almost laughing the way it did when he described things to Xingchen on that fateful day. he can't help it. When he gets worked up, there is nothing he can do to keep his voice calm.
feixuehua: recadreuse (13)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-15 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
Calmly, Xingchen sense he's losing it. While he didn't mean to bring it up, it must be said or he'll never be able to tame Xue Yang's inner demons and this time, he's determined to change the past, he's going to remain calm to steer into the right outcome if he wants to keep him.

"I'm not angry. I just think he tried to kill you because of what you did at the Baixue Temple. Of course, I figured he tried to tell me the truth, that's what kind of man he is."

He can sense his hatred or what lingers and remnants of it. "Xue Yang, you can change. I believe in you now. But if you want to make this work, you have to think about me also...and talk to me first."

He blindly reaches for him or where he thinks he is and he manages to find one of his arms at least and holds him.

"Can we try for peace?"
xue_yang: (Super Serious)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-15 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
He stops pacing when he feels that hand on his arm. He looks down at Xingchen and tries to calm himself down with that touch. He doesn't know what he will do if he ever sees Song Lan again. How could he? Xue Yang sometimes acts on impulse..and trying to control that will be hard.

"I'll try daozhang.." It's all he can do. He can't promise right now that he won't attack. That will take a little more time, a little more change.

He slowly sits back down next to him.
feixuehua: recadreuse (13)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-15 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
He relaxes, "I'm relieved to hear that. That you're willing to try." He tugs him back to where they sit. "If you try, I'll try too. I had enough of the death and violence, and I'm sure you do too."

Now he has to focus on grounding him and calling him back to his side, sensing his fear. "It's something I was worried about. How you'll react. You still have me."
xue_yang: (Default)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-15 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Xue Yang is still the most familiar with death and violence but that doesn't mean he doesn't crave the calm life that they had together before. There was something nice about that, that he had never expected.

Relaxing and reaching over to pick up that bowl of food again, Xue Yang continues his meal.

"I don't think any of us know how we will react to certain people showing up, until they show up."
feixuehua: recadreuse (08)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
And they can have a calm life here and it would be better, but requires working together to make it work. It could work, they're able to pull off more happy days than sad ones.

Sensing he's calmer now, it worked. "I don't think my old friend will show up anytime soon. But I think if he does, I'm more worried about you."

Either way, he has figured out what is Xue Yang's stance and he knows there's some battle he can't win, he chooses to not fight and he's hoping to bring a measure of peace that he needs. "I'm glad you are trying. I believe you, Xue Yang. And a while ago, when you're laughing...are you actually afraid?"
xue_yang: (Default)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-16 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
"If he shows up it will be harder for you, Daozhang. You're the one who will have to somehow convince him that he shouldn't kill me." Because depending on what the man knows..it might be just like when the Nie sect leader showed up. In some ways he deserves the death that would come his way.

"I'm not afraid of anything." Xue Yang huffs in a kind of childish way, not ever going to admit to being afraid.
feixuehua: recadreuse (08)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
"I know there's a difference between the you now and the you then. You are trying hard." To the best that he can. "It will be hard, but I'm prepared to explain to him on your behalf should a day comes."

He was quiet at that. "I don't wish for you to die, and I'm not leaving you. No matter what people say about you."
xue_yang: (Evil but Cute)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-16 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Meng Yao had to protect him from the Nie's anger. It's a little annoying that he might have to rely on Xingchen to protect him from Song Lan's. He isn't used to being the one needing the help.

"That makes me happy, Daozhang." Those words give him hope.
feixuehua: recadreuse (13)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
Well, Song Lan isn't around, so it's hard to tell. For now, he has Nie to worry about, which is a long withstanding feud.

"Mm, so try not to do anything reckless? You had me worried even if you're out on a mission. Did you have something to eat and drink?"
xue_yang: (Evil but Cute)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-16 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
"I just finished eating." He sets the empty bowl back down. "You don't have to worry about me. I've been on a lot of these missions. You're the one that will have to be careful."

Xue Yang is on a different team so he won't be able to protect Xingchen unless he switches teams. And if he does that then he is going to miss out on the most fun part of the mission. He figures there are plenty that can keep an eye on the man, plus Xingchen is fully capable of taking on things himself. He knows the man is even stronger then a lot of people who can see.
feixuehua: (03)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
"That's good. I gotten a little better at meal prep." He said with a smile, so Xue Yang is eating his food makes him happy.

"I think I'm on a team where the focus is on helping the animals and non-combative, and also to keep watch on camp supplies and maintain communications." So, strategically that's one less worry and burden for the others who do fight, and Xue Yang doesn't have to worry about protecting him.

"Are you going to take a rest for a while? You could take a nap in the tent and I can wake you up later on and let you know when you're needed."
xue_yang: (Default)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-16 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
"I should get some sleep. If this is like the other missions then the real excitement will start soon."

He pushes himself to his feet. Xue Yang wouldn't mind staying and keeping Xingchen company for longer but he also knows he has a few things he has to do before he can fully settle. This will be his first mission with the new swords and he wants to do a couple tests before he gets to actually using them. He isn't going to worry Xingchen with that kind of information though.
feixuehua: recadreuse (11)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
"You should. I'm close-by if you need me." When he hears the movement of his feet, Xingchen has much to think about, usually on his own alone.

"Sleep well, Xue Yang."
xue_yang: (Default)

[personal profile] xue_yang 2020-11-16 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
He turns and heads towards the tents, "Good night, daozhang." He is sure that he will encounter the man again before their teams go their separate ways.
feixuehua: recadreuse (08)

[personal profile] feixuehua 2020-11-16 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
He most surely will as the fixed stars in the red sky, because a few hours later when he wakes up for the next mission when he's being called for, he is there on the campsite doing tasks and doing all right. He is doing well and he is fine.