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

Blue Team/OTA

[faithfulsupport]

Preparation -

This was simple enough, protect the scientists and Orange team. However, Ignis worried about his tiny team and their safety. He knew a few could handle their own and there hadn't been enough time to get his team fully up to snuff on being combat ready as a unit. That was definitely on his to do list when he got back to the train. And he was determined not to not have anything happen to him so that he could ensure he would be there to cook for them this time.

Getting things ready, he held onto the shield and a tranquilizer gun. The shield put him in mind of Gladio and the gun was more Prompto and Noct also but to a lesser degree. He highly doubted he would use the shield though there had been some practice alone with it.

Feeling a presence near him, Ignis finished getting himself ready before speaking to the person.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help should you need it."


Arrival -

Ignis looked around, green eyes taking note of everything as he walked through the room with the guides. He kept an eye on his team too, worried for one or two of them more so than the others. But he looked around and saw the people approach.

Nodding to the man who identified himself as Jori, his eyes moved to Mira and then to Madoka as the offer for someone to stay behind to help with technical things was offered.

Once the basics are pointed out, he lets out a small sigh. At least there's access to food and rest areas on this mission and radio communication too. Those are definite improvements from the last time.

Turning he looks over at his team. "Are we clear on what needs to be done?"

And should anyone else be nearby, he'll nod at them. "We'll go and make quick work of things."

Re: Blue Team/OTA

[myblueskies]

"I'm clear sir! I think..." He grinned, "At least we get to be trained first!"

Training was important, it meant they would know better what to do. Last time it had all happened so fast, the wolves and the goblins and the wizards. Here looked and felt different than anywhere he'd seen before but all the grown ups so far had been helpful and explained things.

"We can make sure to keep all the scientists safe when they rescue the... lindusi." He said the new word carefully.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis sighed though there was a relieved smile on his face. "Yes at least there was that." It made him feel that the team were better prepared this time around for what they would be facing.

Nodding at Romeo's words, Ignis made a sound of agreement. "We're also to keep an eye on the Orange team members on the ground." This included May Parker and Ignis was taking it upon himself to keep an eye on her. Tony and Peter could use extra help ensuring her safety.

[myblueskies]

"Yes! That's good because Elfnein is orange team so I got to look after her anyways and so it's good that's part of our job!"

Otherwise he would be torn between what to do! He and Elfnein were a team and had been a team for all the time he could remember! But Blue team were a team too and he had to be a good team mate to them as well!

[faithfulsupport]

The dirty blonde head tilted at the unfamiliar name, but Romeo looked enthusiastic so that must be a person he knew. This made him feel better, the more people the boy knew, the more eyes he had so to speak to keep an eye on him.

The more the merrier as it were.

"Alright, so we have to keep an eye on our friends on the Orange team. With the radio communications and a shelter, this mission should go easier. But if there's any wounded, we'll get them fixed right back up."

[myblueskies]

"Okay sir! I'll make sure to bring anyone who is hurt back here! Then they can get better." He grinned, "I am sure we will do really good teamwork and help rescue everyone from this planet?" He tilted his head.

"Have you been near a volcano before?"

arrival

[happyends]

Madoka quickly pays attention when Ignis asks the team that question. She's so determined to do better this time than she did last time - not that that's very hard, considering she literally couldn't contribute at all last time. This time she's sure she has to at least do something, she's practiced so hard for it!

So she immediately nods.

"Yes, I understood the explanation! We're going to make sure people don't get hurt, right?"

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis smiled at Madoka. "Of course. We must keep an eye out for the Orange team and try and protect the scientists again." There was a brief thoughtful look. "Seems like that is our lot like the last time."

Kneeling down in front of the girl, he refrained from reaching out and touching her. "If you find yourself in trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help or to be protected." He felt bad because he'd really meant to get to more of her training before this mission though he had spoken to someone on her behalf.

That someone hopefully would be looking out for Madoka on this mission too.

[happyends]

She nods again, looking pretty serious.. but then after a moment she smiles back at him. It's a small smile, but a heartfelt one.

"Thank you, mister Ignis. Don't worry too much though, okay..? I really did my best a lot with training before this! I asked other people to help me too, so I ended up training with a whole lot of different people.. but I think I can do better than last time now."

[faithfulsupport]

He didn't know what to say. Of course he was going to worry. His team was tiny and his team was capable, but this had some pretty bizarre sounding creatures out lurking and Ignis was going to prioritize his teams safety over the mission. As leader of the Blue Team and as Tony had pointed out, no one got left behind.

He wasn't going to talk about the last mission.

But Madoka's words made him feel a little better. "We'll certainly do more of that when we're done with this task at hand."

[happyends]

There's no way Madoka can know all of the worries that are going through Ignis' mind. She couldn't even imagine. But she does know that he has to be at least a little worried, right? Or even if he doesn't feel worried, he might feel pressured or like he has a lot to do as the leader of the team and all..

That's exactly why she's trying this hard to begin with. If she can do more herself, then Ignis might not have to worry about her as much, and then he might feel a little better.

Or so she hopes, anyway.

"Right.. Thank you." She knows she still has a very, very long way to go with training, after all. "Is there anything I should keep in mind during this mission..?"

Arrival

[dredefulchilde]

Joss is still a little annoyed about being assigned to protect rather than attack, but goes along with it anyway. He's got the stun gun hanging off his belt, along with the stolen dagger from their last mission.

"Just point me to where I'm needed," he sighs.

[faithfulsupport]

He couldn't help but smile at Joss even though he was a bit grumpy. Ignis had really taken a liking to the boy and might have to 'share custody' of this one with Tony.

"You're needed to protect the scientists and the Orange Team. But above all if you stick with Romeo I'd personally be grateful."

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin nods. "I'm not letting Romeo out of my sight," he says fervently. "I made that mistake the last time around."

[faithfulsupport]

"I've no doubt you'll keep him safe above all the others." the advisor replied with a smile. "We need to help other teams certainly, but I prefer to worry about our team first."

The Blue Team's safety was always Ignis' priority.

Preparation

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin is a member of Orange Team and therefore knows that Blue Team has been assigned to protect him, his teammates, and the scientists.

"I'll definitely ask if I or anyone on my team needs help. Someone may need it. Probably not me, as I've got combat skills, but maybe someone. Those velociraptors -- I mean lindusi -- look pretty tough. Thanks for being willing to take this on."

[faithfulsupport]

"It's no trouble at all." Ignis assured smoothly. After all, looking after others was something he did and wouldn't quite know what to do with himself if he didn't have someone to take care of.

Nodding to how Curufin said he wouldn't need help at all, his green eyes spotted a particular person that might not be so good on the battlefield. But then he returned his full attention to the elf.

"I'm sure we'll all be fine." He'd fought bigger and meaner looking things back home but that of course didn't mean these creatures were going to be easy at all.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin nodded, with a smile. "I hope we'll all be fine. I have no hesitation about going into this situation myself, but it certainly is a dangerous and unpredictable one."

He was curious. "What did you do in your own world?"

[faithfulsupport]

"Fortunately we've more fighters than not." Ignis replied, not minding that he was stacking the odds in their favour. The same couldn't be said for the Blue Team itself, as tiny and 'young' as it was. In the end he would make up for the lack no matter what.

Looking over at Curufin now, he paused. Really, what didn't he do? Knowing the elf wasn't asking out of some malicious spirit, it was just hard to break the walls down after having had them up for so long. And only one man had been determined enough to do so.

"Back home I wore many hats. I was a butler, a chef, a driver and could more than handle myself in a fight." Add to that list babysitter, body guard, protector, advisor, chamberlain, the list went on.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin likewise was one of the few fighters in Team Orange, and he felt he had to contribute at least twice the fighting energy to make up the shortage.

Multi-talented people are common in Curufin's world, and Curufin certainly is one. He wouldn't be at all surprised to find that that's true on other people's worlds. And why wouldn't the trains collect such people? -- it would be a great advantage.

"Good for you," he says, with a smile. "Even if all you could do is cook and fight, you'd be valuable to the whole train. I mean all of us passengers, not to mention the train itself. But it sounds as if you can do a lot more than that?"

Preparations (before the teams separate)

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"Funny, I was here to tell you the same thing. I'm able to teleport, although I'd trust that a lot more easily if we had radios with our own. I could find you probably, and Madoka easily."

This is Raven's way of offering help, if he needs it.

"You already know I'm a healer too, right?"

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis understood a little of what he termed 'Raven speak.' He had to translate for Noctis growing up and even at twenty, the king thankfully still needed his help.

"Please keep an eye on Madoka if you would be so kind." If he could get Romeo to watch Joss, and Raven to watch Madoka, things would be looking up from the last mission.

Nodding to her healing question, Ignis smiled. "I don't suppose you could teach Madoka some of your healing skills?"

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"I would anyways, but thank you for asking politely." Raven did appreciate the courtesy, and she respected Ignis. He'd been helpful, and discreet. "I don't know that I can teach her my healing skills, but I can and will teach her some. AFTER I teach her shielding though, for her own protection. That and control."

[faithfulsupport]

The advisor was so thankful to Raven already. "She's going to need it." With the Blue team being so small and retaining that shape, it worried him quite a bit. But he had faith in Raven, who'd helped out with Tony immensely without even having been asked. So she'd had nothing but his respect.

"That plan will work, keeping her safe is of course a priority over everything else."

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Taking a few steps closer, mostly for more privacy, Raven lowered her voice slightly. "I don't know if you can sense just how strong she is. It's...concerning, considering she's untrained." Just so he would be aware of the potential danger too.

"But she reminds me a lot of...one of my friends back home. I'm pretty sure I could teleport to her directly if I needed to, or find her easily with my Empathy as long as neither she nor I are blocked. At least for now."