VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2021-01-11 05:58 am

Fierce New World- Mission Start!

"Good Morning passengers. Today is day six of the month of Jelly." 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.

Preparation and Arrival

They have a short time to prepare for their mission, enough time to read their briefs, make decisions, meet in their teams and gather anything they may need.

A few hours later there is another announcement. "Shortly arriving on System #2207385. All passengers get ready to disembark. Next stop world #2207385. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

The train judders as it leaves the void, the colours from the windows turn into the blackness of space but quickly white as the train descends into the entrance of the biosphere.

The doors of the train open and passengers can enter the large white-walled holding bay. Currently, they are the only vehicle inside. There are four large doors around the bay each labelled with where they lead. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

The doors open easily, and their SCA’s show a basic route, though the non-linear nature of the sectors mean that obstacles will need to be navigated. While they are in a closed world, there is a day and night cycle: the panels far up above are designed to make it seem like there is a natural sky, brightening and dimming every ten hours.

Red/Summer

Empty Streets

Wide streets divide sealed-off factories and manufacturing pods that tower up towards the ‘sky’. It is hot here, though the fumes from the factories are vented out, leaving the air breathable if overly warm.

Sometimes the pods are not yet finished, empty shells that can be sheltered in. There are also stations for living, with plumbing and basic amenities scattered through the sector. Places to rest as they move towards the center and the Great-Summer that they seek.

Helpmates

Where factories are still being built they will find Helpmates, operating machinery or moving materials.

They will not pause in their tasks for long but are programmed to answer questions so can be drawn into a conversation. Or, if the Voidtreckers are unfortunate, they will find those that are malfunctioning turning on them as they approach.

They aren’t too difficult to fight, but can do some damage with the machinery if they manage to take a Voidtrecker by surprise. They can be fought with weapons or magic, or for those that think to use the panels they can be shut down outright.

Wild Weather

Though warm, the corridors remain a constant temperature that is not too unpleasant for people. For the most part. Unfortunately, due to the malfunctioning state of things routes may become impassable. Boiling air, freezing blasts, electricity crackling across a pathway.

Their SCA’s do a good job of warning them, allowing them to change direction or shelter in nearby buildings.

Purple/Autumn

Exploring

The Autumn sector is the least complete of the sectors, with shells of habitation pods and not much else. No one is expected to live here until nearing the end of construction, and so the pods are unfurnished, many missing doors, some missing internal walls.

Outside the streets are wide and clearly made to be pleasant to walk on; it is airy, bright and spacious, if a bit eerie due to the quiet.

There are panels on the walls, to call Helpmates to appear. Here they are primarily for helping citizens, giving directions and offering aid.

Malfunctions

Since there are more helpmates there is more risk of them malfunctioning. They attack with or without weapons, using any tools they can pick up to attack. They can be fought with weapons or magic, or for those that think to use the panels they can be shut down.

They won’t chase people into the houses, their privacy programming preventing them from doing so.

Turned Around

The roads seem simple, built in a grid pattern around the houses. However, whatever is going wrong here is affecting the very streets themselves. Sometimes there will be a wall where there wasn’t before or roads go in circles. Sometimes they find themselves at a dead end, trapped until structures shift again.

Their SCA’s do their best to keep up but it can take a while for them to reroute and by the time they do, that path might be blocked too!

Blue/Spring

Patchwork Forest

The Spring sector houses the hydroponics and pastoral sections. It alternates between grazing land and more heavily forested areas with rows of pine-like trees in a checkerboard pattern, with empty plots interspersed. Walkways divide each square, but all squares appear able to move about as required, as though on a conveyor system.

There are clear walkways to avoid stepping on any newly growing plants. In the grazing land live flocks of camelid creatures resembling alpacas with blueish wool, on average a metre and a half tall at the shoulders. Helpmates appear here as if on a timer to feed the animals and tend to plants.

Destruction


If the Helpmates here malfunction they attack anyone nearby, cause havoc to any farming equipment and frightening the animals.

They can be fought with weapons or magic, or for those that think to use the panels they can be shut down. The panels here are less obvious than they are in the more urban sectors, low to the ground, looking almost like energy panels. But once they know what to look for they will be able to use them to shut down the Helpmates.

Stampede

Frightened animals are likely to flee and unfortunately in this case it means rampaging across the grazing land to the newly growing trees.

They will need to be calmed, returned to their grazing lands and the plants restored. Or it might be that the Voidtreckers can stop the Helpmates before the creatures get too spooked.

Orange/Winter

Exploring

The Winter sector’s primary concern is life support. Huge banks of air scrubbers form artificial cliffs, while other sections are tanks filled with water in varying stages of processing or recycling.

The paths here are a lot narrower than they are in other areas, sometimes requiring moving between pipes or scrambling over layers of railing.

There doesn’t seem to be any easy or straightforward path through the sector, their SCA takes them on wild winding routes through the machinery.

Help or Hindrance

The fluctuating temperatures here are causing problems with many of the pipes, several sections are flooded, others are in danger of being so.

There are patch kits in easily opened panels, designed to be used by the helpmates and indeed there are many helpmates out.

But some are less helpful, those that are malfunctioning are more likely to cause more damage than they are there to fix. They will attack any one who tries to interfere with them. They can be fought with weapons or magic, or for those that think to use the panels they can be shut down.

Patch Job

Once the malfunctioning Helpmates are dealt with the pipes still need to be fixed. The patch kits do not have any instructions but are simple enough that anyone with a basic knowledge of how to fix things should be able to figure them out- though the more knowledge and expertise they have the better the fix!

For those that don’t, many of the jobs will need more than one person and so for those that don’t mind taking instructions they will find an extra pair of hands is always welcome.
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971787)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2021-01-15 07:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ Looking towards him, Kitty then walks over. ]

Yeah, the SCAs aren't updating fast enough to keep up with everything shifting. You okay?
so_dark_a_road: (among the contending princes)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2021-01-15 07:51 am (UTC)(link)
"I agree, you're obviously skilled in this sort of work. I think you've mentioned before that your mom had a lab. Nice to grow up learning useful skills! My mom's lab was a sculptor's studio and my dad's lab was a forge shack. But even in that old Elvish world, I learned a few things that are useful in these modern worlds."

He smiled back. "Purple team does have a lot of warriors, and I'm glad you've come to help Orange Team. We have a few, including me, but we're mostly skilled in some sort of technology or have other skills. And you never know what you'll encounter on these missions, so it's good to have backup. Thanks!"
worthallthis: (ruthless)

[personal profile] worthallthis 2021-01-15 08:00 am (UTC)(link)
This kid sure can pull shit out of thin air, can't she. Thankfully, Soldat is kind of used to that from a couple people in Beacon, and the guns were a good lead-in. They get their reset swing for the arm in, and it reboots sluggishly and does a calibration loop, plates rippling. The shirtsleeve at the bottom is shredded, but it's not like a metal arm needs multiple layers of fabric protection.

"Might need to retreat," Soldat suggests, leveling the current rifle and taking another hologram out with a chest shot through a hole in the ribbons. "Find a panel. Deactivate them."
worthallthis: (Default)

[personal profile] worthallthis 2021-01-15 08:15 am (UTC)(link)
They size up the building, and nod. "Yes. Yes, let's go up the building." That will give them a good distraction, and climbing is more fun than tromping along a walkway on the far side. If there even is a walkway on the far side, this time.

They have one more steadying breath, and head for the wall, prodding at the material it's made of, then giving it a solid punch to verify how sound it is. Seems like it will hold them, good. "Can you do your swinging thing up, or you need a boost?"
storms_eye: (because)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-01-15 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Silvia jumped at the sound of another voice. Somehow she'd missed the fact that she was not indeed, alone.]

Kyaah-!

[Feeling foolish she pressed a hand to her forehead, then turned to look at him. It had been months since she'd last seen him, other than maybe in passing on the train but she still remembered talking to him. Talking to a guy- something she'd had to get used to ever since she got here. Admittedly she thought she'd improved, maybe that would come across. Wait. What had they spoken about before? What was his name?! Did he remember hers?! Oh Geeze]

[Laughing a little nervously]

I- I'm sure I can ... figure.. out something. You don't have to.. if .. you... were in a hurry or anything.
storms_eye: (they)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-01-15 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
Oh- ok.

[Not sure if he was trying to seem impervious or if he was being truthful about how insignificant the strike had been. Keeping her eyes trained down the corridor, this felt very peculiar- holding a conversation in this manner]

[Holding up? What, does he think I'll crack in a second? Or that I already have? Do I seem like I'm that insecure? Can he tell?! Really, she would have benefitted from a costume car so she could have pretended to be like.. an ace mechanic or something. How hard could it be to fix those panels?]

Yes.

[Meanwhile, biting her lip to keep from saying too much on that subject]

I haven't really been attacked yet, if that's what you mean.
voidtreckernpcs: (Default)

[personal profile] voidtreckernpcs 2021-01-15 11:28 am (UTC)(link)
"The alpacas of #2207385 may allow you to touch them, but only if you take care," the Helpmate advises kindly. "Allow them to approach you instead of the other way round, as they're a shy species, much like other variants of their breed. But they can be curious, the younger especially, and if they take an interest in you, they will warmly welcome being itched on their neck."

It pauses, then extends a lithe arm out in a friendly gesture.

"Would you like our aid in seeing the alpaca up close?"
blitzcheer: (star light shine bright!)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
Romeo calls out, and the room calls out louder. A loud echoing that rings against the walls and lasts for a few seconds, and probably gets a few looks sent their way too.

Not that Tidus is paying any attention to anyone else. He lets out a small appreciating chuckle, then cupping his hands around his mouth.

"HEY!"

HEY! Hey! hey! hey!
blitzcheer: (extreme talking icon)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
'The designated centre for the Great-Season of Autumn can be f-found in the middle junction of the sector.' The being twists with a hiccup in their movements, a small pause that it doesn't acknowledge as it turns to its panel. A map appears on the screen, zooming out as a dot appears.

'F-for the e-e-e-e-easiest route-'

Their form flickers, and so does the map, the rest of the controls. Smooth lines of its figure spiking out, and the soft colouring shifting into deeper, darker, murkier hues. One arm stretches into the shape of a wide block, and the Helpmate turns to the pair, takes a step forward. Tidus puts an arm out in front of Xie Lian, will nudge him to move with him, if he hasn't already yet.

"Whoawhoa, you keep back! Shut off! Shut down!"

The Helpmate speaks in a garbled mess, but does nothing of what it's asked. Instead it extends its les chunkier arm, as if reaching out to grab at them.
blitzcheer: (HUUMMM)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 12:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"No big show of the skies going red or anything showy like that?"

She is reminding him he didn't catch anything about any dreams this time... which didn't mean they didn't happen, but hey. He's curious, even if he can't really recall if that other dream Zelda and Curufin shared having actually meant anything useful.
blitzcheer: (wibbly wobbly)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 12:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"Nice!" Tidus makes a fist. "There could be spaceships and funky space rooms! And maybe even one of those rooms you can float in!"

...guess who's been watching space movies lately...
voidtreckernpcs: (Default)

[personal profile] voidtreckernpcs 2021-01-15 02:17 pm (UTC)(link)
The Helpmate had set its sights on Conan, and continued to advance until it hit the ground with a loud thump under Nita's weight.

The gentle image distorted further, the outline seeming more jagged as it wiggled beneath her, arms thrashing.

The Helpmate's voice, which was normally helpful and monotonous, sounded just as distorted and broken as the image. "Hrnslgrdalldanbawa."

Whatever response it had to Nita's question was indecipherable and nonsensical.
stillnewatthis: (my purpose)

[personal profile] stillnewatthis 2021-01-15 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then we shall fight together, and I will keep you safe!"

Though the field only guarded against ranged weapons, and one of the helpmates had a big ol' hammer. Orisa focused her fire on it as it approached.
firewalled: (Mayday)

[personal profile] firewalled 2021-01-15 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"...Just don't like these things," Rich offers as an answer. "Look too familiar."

When they don't have many human features, it's easy to project other ones on them. He signs and turns away to look for more busted pipes.
hisblueskies: Blond boy smiles, hand in fist over heart. (Default)

[personal profile] hisblueskies 2021-01-15 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Alfredo nods twice - first at the explanation, which sounds quite promising actually - and, after looking again at Madoka to check, at the question.

"I think that sounds just fine."
hisblueskies: Blond-haired boy, mouth partly open, stares slightly off-center. (Doubt)

[personal profile] hisblueskies 2021-01-15 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Alfredo keeps running - first away from the Helpmates, then around them...

They're not very well fooled by his tactics, but at least they're engaging him, which is better than the alternative.

"Shell!"
badassfreakingoverlord: (how you doin'?)

[personal profile] badassfreakingoverlord 2021-01-15 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh boy was she right about the edible comment. Just his wicked grin ought to confirm that, especially the way it lasted through a berry bonking him. "I could have a minion carry you around. That'd count, right?"
blitzcheer: (stare from a distance)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"You meant to go with Orange?" Going to take a wager here, unless he's found a way to shed himself entirely of his beautiful Orange-designated clothing yet.
badassfreakingoverlord: (adrift in a sea of nothing)

Re: Preparation

[personal profile] badassfreakingoverlord 2021-01-15 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"'Cuz you're a shinki. This is the first time something like this has come up, right?" If it had before, no one had told him!
hisblueskies: Blond-haired boy, eyebrows mostly straight with a serious expression. (Focused)

Sure! I can set up the toplevel for that.

[personal profile] hisblueskies 2021-01-15 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Alfredo hummed in agreement.

"To the kitchen first? And then - maybe we should go looking for sturdy coats next."

Not just the rucksacks; any form of clothing that used pockets could provide an advantage!
unfavorableinstigation: It is dark, but Nita is inside reading a book. (Dark)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-01-15 03:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita winced. Gonna have to make this up later...

When the danger was over, anyway. And-

"Conan, can you get to a control panel?"

She reached for some of the most familiar spell-words in her repertoire; a shield spell, meant to trap her in with the Helpmate.

At least for now. /Go!/

That was for the spell, not Conan, but it was as good a cue as any if he felt he could keep moving under his own power.
blitzcheer: (def not wrestling an 8)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-01-15 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Well...it's not like he hasn't been here before... good thing he's not scared of heights!

"Just drop me where you see someone! Or one of those wall panels! I'll try getting a map on one!"

Will it work? Who knows, but he knows his old route just got totally wrecked!
unfavorableinstigation: Nita Callahan kneeling in the woods, drawing a glowing blue diagram on the ground while reading from a book. (Drawing a Spell Diagram)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-01-15 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita's shields have faced a lot worse than angry hardlight; frown deepening, she holds it fast.

"No problem," Nita says absently.

Moments later-

"If those overseers don't have some kind of override, I'll be shocked. You got it-?"

Aaand Nita does not know this person's name. Whoops! Introductions can wait a moment or two, though, she's pretty sure.
unfavorableinstigation: It is dark, but Nita is inside reading a book. (Dark)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-01-15 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
The Helpmate freezes, another good bout of glitching passing through it-

Nita sighs in relief, shoulders slumping as the rest of the piping cooperates.

"Just a few more seconds..."

Can they hold out that long?
unfavorableinstigation: Nita working with a Kernel (Wizardry Is Kid Stuff)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-01-15 03:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"I just wish I knew how much work went into scoping this star system out..."

The idea of something being trapped in that Dyson sphere was horrifying - or if the planners had picked the wrong star outright, the destruction could be catastropic!

That said, she still manages a small smile.

"I think the train would be happy to hear that. Not many do trust it, and all."