Race Against Time: Mission Start

[voidtreckermods]

Preparation

Four days after the newest passengers join the train everyone’s SCA glows with the colours of the void. A message for the mission to come.

There’s a few hours as usual to get prepared before there is an announcement. "Arrival to System #16125 imminent. Prepare for exit from Void. All passengers are to wear their Safety Control Apparatus."

A shudder as the train jerks to the side and judders. "We have arrived on Space Station Delta in system #16125. Passengers should note that due to the adverse conditions of the planet evactuation protocol should not be relied on."

Arrival

With that the doors hiss open into artificial lighting. As passengers step off the train they will find themselves in a vast room of stark metal. A hangar of a ship, the train looks strange next to a move conventional shuttle craft.

Footsteps sound, heavy on the metal floor. Three people approach. A man flanked by two women take in the group silently.

“Voidtreckers. Thank you so much for heeding our call.” The man speaks. “I am professor Jori. I am the lead scientist here. This is officer Mira, head of security and captain Quin. I believe you have some information already and time is short but we have arranged a short induction and basic training for you. A lot of the equipment we use is strange even for us and we know… nothing of your origin world. We will be taking the shuttle down to the planets surface and our base there. If you would follow us to the shuttle we will do our best to answer any questions on the way.”

He pauses and looks around. “I will warn you, the planet is very unstable and not a safe place to be. Even though we are deeply grateful for your assistance we do not wish to take anyone who does not wish to go. If anyone wishes to remain here and help with the technical side of things they may.”

It is just large enough for everyone, though it is a bit of a squeeze and those who are tall, large or spider will find it an uncomfortable ride.

It is a relatively short journey, the craft is small and fast. It has no windows and passengers are strapped into their seats, but apart from a couple of dicey moments the journey is smooth, allowing Jori and Mira to answer questions. Quin is busy piloting.

They arrive at a large camp, except most of the actual buildings are underground. Jori leads them down through tunnels to a surprisingly well lit room where there are a group of people waiting them.

“This is our main rest area, you are welcome to use it as a base whilst you are helping us. There are sleeping compartments at the far end, feel free to use any not in use. Food will be served here too, it is very basic I’m afraid. We have an open radio channel you will have access to for use in emergencies.” Jori explained. “I will pass you along to those who have agreed to give you a quick training course in our equipment and the specifics of the tasks we need assistance with.”

Basic Training: Red

“Those assisting with the clearing of space debris please come this way.” Quin called, before turning and leaving the hall quickly. She led the way up out of the compound to a large transport bay where there were a series of small fighter craft.

“These were donated very kindly by the Gubita people and are the best craft for the job, they can take a hit. A few hits actually and their beams practically obliterate space debris to harmless levels. Problem is,” She grinned, “Gubita have four arms and so they cannot be piloted by someone with two. Luckily they are just big enough to fit two. One person needs to do the actual piloting while the other controls the guns.”

She led them over to the open cockpit of one so she could explain the different controls. She spoke as briskly as she had walked and seemed to assume they all had at least a basic understanding of fighter craft, though she was open for questions if anyone got confused.

“Feel free to test them out. Once your ready then the sky is yours. There’s a group already up there, but they could do with being relieved. Radio is on the left.”

Basic Training: Purple

“Those willing to evacuate villages please come with me.” A young man gestures anyone over and begins leading them out of the main room.

“We estimate about fifty villages, though in reality they are glorified bunkers underground that house groups of people. Some we are in regular contact with and they are ready to evacuate once transport turns up. Others are less… They don’t want to leave their homes and believe that as the world didn’t end last time it won’t this time either.”

He shrugged, “Our aim is to leave no one behind, do what you must.”

He enters a bay that contains some strange looking transport. Best described as glass bubbles. Each has a front bubble, or carriage, with a control panel and then two spheres attached. Each sphere had a ladder leading up to it’s centre and a bench around the side, with thick straps. Metal legs kept the transport up off the ground.. “This is what is left of the public transport system here. But they are our best way of moving groups. Each pod holds ten people. We don’t recommend pulling more than two pods per engine, as it is harder to dodge falling rocks. They travel about fifteen feet from the ground at their highest.”

He took them over to show them how they worked. If they checked they would find the whereabouts of the villages on their maps and their guide was happy to point them out. “Once you have a full load bring them back here and we can shuttle them to the station.”

Basic Training: Orange

“If you come this way I will give you the rundown on lindusi and how to catch them.” Jori gathered any science types to his side and led them into a side room. There were chairs around a few desks and Jiro gestured for them to sit before turning on a hologram projector at one end.

Large lizard-like creatures are shown prowling around forests, or skittering up mountain sides. “This is the only planet in the system where we have found lindusi. It is an umbrella term for many sub species of creatures but they are all reptilian creatures that don’t just survive in this environment but seem to thrive here. They are predators, preying on each other as well as other creatures.” He grinned as the images moved through different creatures, some small, some very large.

“We have transporter ships read, we just need help rounding the creatures up. You will be given a restraining device.” He help up an object that looked a bit like a yoyo. “You attach the strap to your wrist and throw the device towards the creature.”

One of the scientists stepped forward and Jori threw the yoyo at him, It stuck where it landed and there were three short beeps. “It will detect their heartbeat and their size and create a harness for them.” It did indeed do that, straps sprang out of the cylinder and wrapped around the scientist, restraining him whilst leaving him able to walk. “

We do not recommend trying to restrain a creature more than half your size unless you are unnaturally strong. Larger creatures can be lured into the transporters directly. You will each receive a tranquilliser gun in case things become dangerous but we ask that you only use those in emergencies.”

One of the scientists began handing out the restraining devices. “Please have a practice with the restrainers. They are completely painless so practising on each other is fine. If anyone has any questions now is the time to ask.”

Basic Training: Blue

Mira gathers up anyone left and takes them off to a large training room before handing them a glove with a small disk in the centre. “Shields. Very easy to use, just clench your fist to activate the shield and throw your fist in the direction you need to protect. They will fly out up to ten feet so can be used to block falling rocks. They don’t last long, thirty seconds at best but they will save you from a rock rain or stop a charging lindusi.”

She looked around. “Your job is easy, don’t let the scientists die. They won’t let us actually shoot lindusi, even the ones that try to eat them, so tranq guns have to do.”

She went over to a basket full of small hard balls. “Have a practice with these, make sure you can all activate the shield before you leave. Good luck, I’ll be out there too so just yell on the radio if you need me.”

Comments

Orange Team & OTA

[so_dark_a_road]

Preparation:

Curufin listens to the VoidTrecker's mission information, and then later to Tony's message, and then to the drop warning and the arrival announcement.

"I can hardly wait to wrestle with a velociraptor," he remarks to whomever is near him, with a grin and an only-slightly-sarcastic laugh. "Oh well, I volunteered."


Arrival:

Curufin listens to the short presentation, nods and smiles. He mutters, "Unstable planet, here I come! It's not like I have no experience with fires and earthquakes. The sun trying to wipe all life off the face of the planet with electron-showers will be new to me, though."

He follows Jori, Mira, and Quin to the shuttle and boards. Squeezed in between the other passengers and strapped into his seat, he simply waits and grabs the seat when the ride gets bumpy.

After they land at the camp and enter the tunnels to the underground base, he keeps up his commentary, a habit that has gotten him through many a dicey situation. It's intended to be understood as humor, not as complaining. "Food, a radio, and training for the mission! What could be better."


Basic Training: Orange

He watches the holo-projector presentation and then happily takes one of the yo-yo like objects.

"Anybody want to practice with me? I'll gladly be the lindusi, and you can see if you can restrain me." He mimes clawing with fierce little front feet and grins as though he had big sharp teeth. "Grrrrrrrr! I'm a lindusi. Catch me if you can!"

listen she was asked to be on orange to help keep people safe - basic training: orange

[hibana_incursa]

"Scary" Gwen monotones, trying to keep the twitch of a smirk off her face. She has one of the harnesses in her hands, twirling it idly and humming Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea by Missio to herself. It must be playing in her head because she's kinda dancing to it, too.

"Most terrifying lindusi ever."

Honestly, when she watched the presentation her first thought was Jurassic World In Space. And she loved those old movies, watching them with rapt attention while her mother hovered nearby in case she got scared. And the books were great, too.

"So, come at me, bro," Gwen says, arms outstretched at her sides in typical 'come at be bro' fashion. One foot shifts just a bit, knees bending a tad. Is she going to run? Is she going to jump? Who can say?

Come at her. Bro.

Orange team can definitely use somebody trying to keep them safe. XD

[so_dark_a_road]

"Oh, thank you!" he says, with a grin. "I was trying to be terrifying, and I'm flattered you think I am."

He charges at her, growling like the scary critter he's supposed to be.

she will do her best

[hibana_incursa]

Gwen is good with timing. She's a trained dancer, after all, so she times her move as best as she can. Once Curufin is close enough, Gwen leaps up (and it's pretty dang high, she did throw all her spider strength into the jump), aiming to go over and to throw the weird harness thing onto his back in the middle of a well timed flip to see how well it works.

It's not webbing. She's better with that. But this was something, and she's going to do her best with what she has. She's not even sure how well her webs will work on this dying planet. She hasn't tested them. So she'll work with what the residents give her.

How's that harness, Curufin?

Arrival

[mayp]

May isn't sure what to think of this. She knows she was chosen for a reason but she doesn't think she has many useful skills in this scenario. She will do what she can though to make sure everyone stays safe. She isn't going to let people be hurt on her watch. "So, here we are," she says turning to look at the person next to her. "Have you been in a situation like this before?"

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufn turns to look at this new teammate when she speaks to him. "Not this exact sort of situation, but last month we went to do some rescue work. I ended up running into burning buildings to pull people out; fighting goblins that were mounted on winged wolves; and pulling people out of a mudflow."

He smiles. "I'm Curufin Fëanorion. What's your name? And have you ever done rescue work before? Well, I guess we're theoretically rescuing reptiles, not people. But this planet sounds very dangerous indeed, so who knows, we might have to save some people as well."

[mayp]

May nods as she listens to him speak. Ï heard about the goblin fighting from Peter and Tony. It sounds like it was an experience," she admitted. Ï dont'think I would have been much help so I hope I'm more helpful this time around. I don't have much experience with this sort of thing."

"I'm May Parker, it's good to meet you, Curufin," she says honestly. At least he has some experience under his belt. Being the Aunt of Spiderman doesn't allow her to have much hands on experience but she will do her best.

Re: Arrival

[myblueskies]

"Not exactly like this miss! But I was on the last mission. That was different though, we had to jump off the train and fight goblins on wolves straight away!"

It had been quite scary in parts. This was a lot more calm though he imagined it would get dangerous soon. He would have to do his best to keep his eye on everyone. Especially Elfnein.

Re: Arrival

[mayp]

"That sounds scary," May replied with a shiver. She knew about the mission and the injuries some of the acquired but she didn't like to think much about it. She knew her nephew attracted danger like he breathed and while she preferred to keep him safe she also knew it wasn't possible so she would just pretend he was safe. "Let's hope this is a lot calmer than that one.

Re: Arrival

[mtsilver_conquor]

"Not exactly, but we will keep you safe, Parker-san."

Eva's are firm, and gone is the smiling woman, easy-going person and in her place is a determined young woman.

If you like, you can stick with me and Princess."

Said clefairy is perched on her shoulder/rucksack. Somehow, he looks less fluffy pet and more trained pokemon ready to take down whatever comes his way.

Re: Arrival

[mayp]

"Thank you, Eva," she says with a soft smile. "I'll look after you too. WE all need people to watch our backs after all," she added. She wasn't going to let any of the children come to harm if she could help it but if they were powered then they probably could hopefully at least look after themselves.

"I'd like that though Peter might join us. I think he wants to keep an eye on me too."

Basic Training (okay, actually in the correct place this time fml)

[shockinglycaffeinated]

Telli watches the presentation from the back of the group and accepts the harness she's handed without word. The lindusi remind her of smaller, less fearsome rancors and she wasn't all that worried about facing them. What she wasn't pleased about however, was that she would most likely have to reveal her Force abilities.

When one of her teammates offered to allow them to test the harnesses on him, she decided it best to reveal her abilities here as opposed to out in the wilds. She steps forward, making it seem as if she just wanted a better look, and she reaches out with the Force to grab Curufin, holding him so that he could not move anything other than his head.

lol, thank you

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufn suddenly finds himself seized by a force he wasn't expecting at all. "What the hell is that???" he exclaims. He's totally immobilized, and it's not easy to immobilize a First Age Elf, not physically and not by any other means. This new teammate must have something special!

"Nice," he admits, with a smile.

Preparation

[deductionrival]

Heiji rolled his eyes during the old coot's speech, but was quick to go find his teammates afterward to get ready. He's helping with packing up the supplies when Curufin makes his joke and he laughs along with him.

"Who would've ever thought I'd get to add 'saving dinosaurs' to my resume?" This place could be very strange and this mission fit right in with that description. "At least we aren't getting evacuation duty this time."

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin, who is also swiftly packing up his supplies, grins at Heiji.

"I guess we'll see about this 'saving dinosaurs' gig. Hopefully, they don't find a way to eat us instead of being saved by us." Chuckle. "Evacuation duty had its moments, but chasing large hungry reptiles sounds unbeatable as a duty! Besides, its always nice to have varied experiences to boast about on a resume." Another chuckle.

Basic Training: Orange

[kumoko]

Ah, this is just like... well, every hunt she ever did in the great labyrinth, actually, dinosaurs and all, so at his invitation she winds her yo-yo thingamajig around two limbs and then spins it out. Special Attack: Meteor Spider! Adapted Non-lethal Version!!

Wow, this weapon is not the same weight as her webs at all, it'll be a miracle if it hits. Good thing, really, because she didn't give him any warning at all.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin suddenly finds himself zapped by someone else's yo-yo. Must have been a miracle. Meteor spider strikes again!

He looks down at the harness that has suddenly sprung from the cylinder and wrapped around him so quickly that he didn't even have time to laugh. "Good shot, Kumoko!"

Basic Training

[internetsexsymbol]

"Hmm...try to get in the head of a lizard more. You're way too friendly looking." Reigen is joking, of course, who knows lizard psychology anyway? He fiddles with the new yo-yo device that he'd been given, as if trying to be certain it's properly attached, before looking to Curufin again.

"So I just throw these, right? Can't be that hard!" Hopefully the lindusi are only on a similar level of intimidating as his buddy Curufin (training with Curufin sounds less terrifying than with his dad, anyway).

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin grins and laughs. "Thanks for the feedback. I'll endeavor to look less social and a lot scarier." He lifts his hands again and grasps the air with them, trying to make them looks even more like claws. "Grrrrr, grrrr, grrrrrrrrr. I'M A LINDUSI. FEAR ME." Not that that's necessarily any better than the first try, but if Curufin has anything to say about it, it's at least as funny.

"Yes, you just throw that thing. It's suppose to stick where it hits, so pick your target. My chest or back is probably best, since it'll be quicker for the device to encircle me with the straps, and more effective, if its not my foot or my little finger." Curufin hopes along with Reigen that the real lindusi aren't any scarier than clown-Curufin is. (Fëanror would probably pretend to be a Balrog or a dragon and roar with real fire, lol.)

Basic Training

[deductiongeek]

Conan picks up one of the yo-yos and inspects it skeptically.

"According to the instructions I should only use this on lindusi half my height," he points out dryly.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin agrees, "Right, I forgot about that. Well, how about this?" He hunkers down, thus lowering his head to possibly just below Conan's head-height. Then he scrunches himself down even further, and 'walks' forward, knees bent almost double and feet seeming to grasp the floor with each step, holding his arms and hands like a velociraptor does. He actually gets the body language right, for a stalking lizard about to spring.

"Can't make myself any shorter that this, so if you're going to harness me, better give it a try!"

Basic training

[alchemists]

[ Elfnein knew how to use yo-yos, after all they were the main weapon of one of her friends back home. ]

Take this!

[ There was an attempt to get the string to wrap around but Elfnein didn't really have the strength to get it very far. ]

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Curufin turned, saw Elfnein just as she threw her restraining device at him. Still pretending to be a lindusi, he ran toward her and then sprang with a big grin, just in time to get thumped in the chest by the yo-yo. It created the harness in a split second, and the straps wrapped around him, pinning his arms. ]

I'm a lindusi, I'll take anything I can get. But. . . [ He looks down at his completely wrapped upper body, tipping his head like a big lizard, acting concerned. ] . . . I don't think I'll be making a meal of you anytime soon. Good throw. [ Chuckle. ]

Re: Orange Team & OTA

[unholyandbroken]

[Arrival]

A tiny smile slips out of Jessie, Curufin's running opinions is keeping her from a flare. "Don't think I'll have to break out the Latin" going for humor.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin gives Jessie an equally small smile. "No extinct languages needed here, right? Colloquial speech can perfectly well describe our situation and that of this unfortunate planet."

He likes his roommate and would cheerfully donate his running commentary if it will help her.

"So, what are you planning to do? Go with Purple Team and risk your life, or stay here in the base and help the radio operators, or whatever else they need to do to keep track of us and the rescued citizens and the dinosaurs?"