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

[knifewithnoname]

Preparation

This was her third mission. The second real mission. The last one had taught her a lot, about fighting and war. It had made her see that she had needed more training. It was something she had been working on in the time since.

She is in the standard coach when the message comes up on her SCA. She curled up on a seat and began reading.

There's a lot she doesn't understand but plenty more she does. Another rescue mission. They are so different than the missions she was used to at home. It's strange to be expected to help people and save creatures. She sighed as she got to the end. Protect an evacuation from space debris. Sounded strange, but everything was strange and had been for the last few months.

Once she had read the briefing she set to work. Preperation was important. She grabbed her rucksack and began packing things. Her sleeping bag, her raincoat- very important considering the stupid amount of rain on the last mission, spare clothes, bandages. She wrinkled her nose at her boots, she disliked them but she had to admit they were useful sometimes. As a compromise she tied them to her rucksack. Ready.

Arrival

She stood silently looking round the weird metal hall. It was huge, the biggest room she had ever seen. Even bigger than even some of the grand halls she had spied on. She watched as the figures approached and stayed silently in the crowd, knife ready but un-needed. It seemed they were expected. This was a place where people often turned up on trains?

She followed the group to the... It wasn't a train. Maybe a car? She has no idea but they are getting in it and she finds a seat, people are tying themselves down with strange straps so she tries to copy, pulling the straps and trying to figure out where to tie them to.

Red Training

She had wondered how she was supposed to destroy space debris. It wasn't like she could just stab it. Sadly. But her confusion didn't last long as she followed the red team and Quin.

She stared at the weird metal tube. They were to go in that? Not as strange as it would have been a month ago. But still they were to go in that and fire light at rocks?

She didn't want to look too confused, especially since Quin seemed to think they knew what they were doing. And she would die before she looked afraid. So she nodded. She could manage this, she listened carefully and tried to memorise the controls.

Arrival

[mtsilver_conquor]

"Want a hand?"

It's offered as Eva slides into the seat next to Little One, her own straps ignored in lieu of helping her cabinmate.

Princess, for now, is in his pokeball. It's just easier right now.

Re: Arrival

[knifewithnoname]

She looked up to snap that she had hands and didn't need any help, but relaxed slightly when she saw it was Eva. Eva never treated her like a baby and she thought Eva was the type of person to offer help to anyone. So she nodded.

"I do no be knowing how to be tying myself down." Too many straps. It's a bit worrying as well, what will this not-train do that means they need to be tied to it? She's trying to keep her worry down.

[mtsilver_conquor]

"Want to know a secret?" Eva says, almost conspiratorial, voice a low whisper. "I was older than you when I first flew on something like this." It's true, too. All long-distance travels up until that point had been teleportation and only to Viridian or Cinnabar.

"The way to this is like such. It's ok if you don't get it at first, too." She demonstrates slowly and is willing to do so several times if Little One needs it.

[knifewithnoname]

"Yes." She always wanted to know secrets. They were useful. She tilted her head, not sure why this was a secret at all but she would keep it if that was what Eva wanted. Maybe she wanted people to think she had flown around in metal boxes all the time?

It was a bit confusing but she was soon distracted by trying to copy Eva and fasten the straps. Once she had seen it done it wasn't so difficult and soon there was a clicking sound as they locked into place. "I did be doing it."

Red Training

[enthunder]

Lightning looked supremely unimpressed with the size of the cockpits. Sure, she'd fit alongside most of the others in the training area, but it didn't mean she wanted to. On the bright side, the controls didn't seem difficult. Intuitive, even.

Well, whatever. She stepped forward and tapped the kid on one shoulder.

"Want to be the gunner, or pilot? I'm gonna give one a try."

[knifewithnoname]

She looked up at Lightning and grinned. She hadn't seen the not-a-priestess for a while, but she had known she hadn't left because she would have seen her leave at the last station. So it had been good to see her during the preperation for this mission.

She had been looking at the fighter craft with a dubious look on her face. The cockpits seem very small for two people and somehow these tubes flew in the air and shot rocks?

"I can be shooting the rocks." That seemed a little less complicated. Not that she couldn't handle complicated things, but flying a tube ship was a little daunting.

[enthunder]

"Sure," and she's ducking into the craft. The space isn't cramped, not for one. Compact, maybe. For two? She's already dreading the moment she ends up sharing it with someone who isn't Little One's size. Maybe they can swap in some of the kids and teens from the other teams; she really doesn't see any of the men on Red having a good time in these.

"You tried the sim back on the train at all?" She hasn't - hasn't had time, even. Did it have a shooting section? Can't remember.

[knifewithnoname]

She followed a little slower. It was like crawling into a barrel and she had to sit right up against Lightning to fit in. They were going to fly up into the air in this?

"What do a sim be being?" She hadn't seen any tube flying barrels on the train so she struggles to understand what Lightning is asking. She looks at all the controls, reminding herself of what the pilot lady had told them.

[enthunder]

"Uh- the game. Flying simulation."

She squinted at the controls, the instructions from training vaguely overlapping with what she was now looking at, and hit a few of the options. Dials, one lever that made a satisfying hum as it revved. An orb that warmed when she passed her palm over it and sent lights dancing along the status screens. The craft made a show of doing something that felt encouragingly like lifting off. "Doesn't matter, rocks aren't gonna try and dodge lasers. Just give it your best shot."

[knifewithnoname]

"Oh. I did be playing it with Peter. It did be being weird." She was still unsure about the eye covers that made it seem like you were in a different world.

"Of course I will be doing my best, priestess. I will be shooting all the rocks."

She was sure of it.

[enthunder]

"Yeah?" She tilted the controls, hoping it wasn't configured so that she was about to nosedive them into the docking section, and hit the accelerator. Turned out it wasn't configured that way, though the nose of the craft wobbled for just long enough that her grip tightened. Muttered, "This is going to be weirder."

And much sooner than she'd like, they were out of the dock and into the open sky. She angled them towards the flashing mark on the dashboard, and tilted her head back to look at the Little One's controls. "Shoot a few rounds, get a feel for it."

[knifewithnoname]

Oh. Weirder. Not that that was surprising. Everything since leaving her world had been weird. She noted that Lightning seemed to be confident, she had either played a lot of games or she had such flying barrels on her world.

The ship lurched. She was used to the sensation from the train but she wasn't used to so much movement or seeing the ground sink away beneath them. Honestly her instinct was to enter the emptiness but that blocked out everything and as they continued to climb there was a thrill.

She nodded at the instructions and found the correct buttons. Her first shot arched much wider than she had planned, taking her by surprise. She pulled a face and tried again.

[enthunder]

"How's it feel?"

Without knowing what she'd been aiming at, Light couldn't immediately tell how successful the first shots had been. Until she glanced at the face the kid was pulling, anyway, which told her enough. "I'll keep us on the edge of the debris for now. Just say when you've got it down, and we'll swap in with one of the fighters."

[knifewithnoname]

"It do be feeling alright." She shot another, better this time. Though she still didn't hit anything. It was going to take practice and she was glad that Lightning was prepared to give her time before they went into the debris properly.

She focused, aiming at a rock, the light beam went in the right direction this time but by the time it got there the rock had moved. Stupid rock. Lower perhaps? She aimed again, this time missing completely once more.

She took a breath, her hands gripping the controls as anger rose in her. Stupid light beam, stupid debris.

Arrival

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufn sits down beside Little One. "Pull the straps diagonally around your shoulders and snap them into the slots at the sides of your seat, down low. Like this." He demonstrates with his own harness. "Get it?"

[knifewithnoname]

She nodded slowly, watching him carefully as he showed her what to do and then pulled on the straps, bringing them over her shoulders and snapped them into the slots until they clicked. "Do this be being right?"

She felt tied in. She couldn't move very much. So she figured she had done it right but it was best to check, especially since Curufin seemed to know what he was doing!

[so_dark_a_road]

"Looks right!" replied Curufin.

He then snapped himself in. He felt the same way as Little One did -- tied in, tied down. He didn't like it much, but he recognized the need for safety belts in a flying vehicle.

"So, are you looking forward to the mission?"

[knifewithnoname]

"I do be thinking so. I did be reading everything and I do be thinking we will be able to be destroying this space debris. It did be saying they would be giving us equipment."

She's struggling to imagine what equipment they would need. Swords maybe?

[so_dark_a_road]

"Ah, yes, you're on Red Team. So's my dad. You're going up in one of those fighters craft? I wonder what kind of equipment they will be giving you. I hope it is powerful enough to destroy a meteor, because I hear there are things of that sort falling out of space onto this world. If you're going up, you be careful up there!"

But he figured that whoever she was teaming up with would look after her.

[knifewithnoname]

"I will be being very careful." She's a little worried but she won't show it. She can go up in a fighter craft and destroy space debris and meteors. She can do anything.

"Yes he do be being on red team too and your brothers do be being as well. You do be being the only one in your family who do no be being red."

She wondered why. She has no idea if the colours even mean anything but it is an interesting thing.

[so_dark_a_road]

As Curufin had told Conan, adults often did not understand how intelligent children were. He thought it was possible that Little One could accomplish a great deal for this mission, if she were given a chance.

"Yes, my dad and my brothers are on Red Team. It is a little odd that I was assigned to Orange, but I'm not complaining. I like my teammates, and they and I work well together."

He smiles at her. "But it's too bad I don't have you for a teammate. That would have been nice."

[knifewithnoname]

"It would be being?" It's only half a question. She thinks having Curufin on her team wouldn't be a bad thing. He's smart and capable even if he did defy his gods. There are plenty of strange and worrying people on this train. She can work with him.

"I do be being sure you will be being good at catching these lindusi."

[so_dark_a_road]

"It would be very nice," he repeats, with certainty. He'd have no trouble working with her, either! And it's true he defied his gods, but then, the gods shouldn't always get their way. It gives them an unrealistic idea of their own place in the universe. No being is always right, no matter how powerful. Besides, if he met any of those gods here or anywhere else, he'd try to reconcile with them.

"I hope so!" he says, with a laugh. "These lindusi can't be any trickier than Orcs or hill trolls, and I was quite used to fighting those kinds of beings in my own world. Agility counted for a lot. So I think I can catch these dinosaurs and not get eaten myself." Chuckle.

[knifewithnoname]

She tilted her head at the unfamiliar words. She sometimes felt she needed a book that told her what all the strange words people used meant, so she didn't sound as stupid. But as no such book existed she just had to ask instead.

"What do an orc be being? And a dinosaur?"