voidtreckermods: (train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] middleofsomewhere2019-11-08 06:52 am

Race Against Time: Mission Start

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.”
pleple: (Turning us into fire)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-10 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
Madoka is a good girl, or else Ple Two might have just chucked the ball at her head to teach her to be wary of her surroundings. Instead, she just tosses it in her hand a few times.

"If you're here, you should be ready to make the most of it." And hopefully she has a decent aim with the tranqs, Ple Two doesn't want to do all the hard work here.
happyends: (people carrying their bicycles)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-10 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"O.. Of course!"

Even though she still seems a little shakey, at the very least there's a whole lot more determination going on with Madoka right now. She felt so useless last time, and she's absolutely determined to not be useless this time, no matter what may happen. So the girl nods, trying to steel herself the best she can.

"Here, let.. let me quickly put on the glove, then we can practice..!"
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-11 03:32 pm (UTC)(link)
This seems like a less mentally trying task than bloody battles to the death - even against inhuman opponents. It's all about a rescue mission, and on their end about saving dangerous wildlife. That should appeal to a person like Madoka, she thinks.

"Be quick about it." And now she's thinking of testing Madoka. By being moments away from chucking the ball at her head if she takes too long to gear up.
happyends: (disheartened)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-11 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Why does Madoka keep making friends who aren't even slightly close to being on the same mild level as her.. Why is this her fate.

She's quickly getting to work, but Madoka is a little clumsy - especially when her nerves start to play up, like right now. So it takes her two of three attempts before she fully slides the glove on right. "O.. Okay, it's on!" Please don't hit her.
pleple: (Vitamin souls)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-12 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
There aren't actually enough girls like that to go around, so they need to be spread out. There are other Madokas going through the same ridiculous experiences.

Ple Two is very slowly winding up, giving Madoka plenty of time. Lots of time. She raises an eyebrow as Madoka finally gets it on - she's going to need to keep this girl alive, isn't she?

"Ready!" And now that Madoka's had it on for a few seconds, she just... gently lobs the ball at her.
happyends: (people carrying their bicycles)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-12 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey, at least Madoka isn't totally useless. She may not exactly be a top notch fighter, but she can at least follow instructions when they're given to her. And Ple Two's gently thrown ball isn't too much of a challenge, even for Madoka, so when she throws out her fist like the instructor told them to. It forms a shield, and the ball bounces off it.

".. Wow..! Look, it works!"

Not that she didn't believe Mia's story, but it's one thing to hear the explanation, and another to see it happen in person.
pleple: (It's all desire)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-12 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Madoka isn't totally useless - she's smart and she's not particularly weak, physically, for her age. A little uncoordinated, a lot unconfident, but she's picked up how to work the dang thing, so they can make this work.

"I'd hope so, or else we would be in a lot of trouble." Although she could probably just dodge the rampaging reptiles herself.
happyends: (place here)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-12 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Do you really think this could even stop rocks, though? Those are a lot bigger than these balls.."

And probably a lot more deadly to get straight to the head, but let's not think about that. Madoka would really prefer to not think about that too much.
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-13 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
"You could try running into me." Madoka weighs as much as a deadly rock, right? It doesn't take much weight.
happyends: (is it worth the pain)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-13 01:17 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a moment where she just stares, as if it hasn't fully dawned on her yet.

Give her a moment. Or 3. 3, 2, 1...

"Eh?!" Madoka's eyes widen in surprise. "I have to pretend to be a rock?!"
pleple: (Didn't mean to)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-14 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
"It won't be the same, but it would give us an idea of the kind of mass it can deflect." Greater than her own - she's smaller than the already petite Madoka. "Although I don't think it's actually a very good idea, depending on how hard it bounces you."
happyends: (disheartened)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-14 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
She does look like she's considering it for a moment, but then - as if sudden determination comes over her - she quickly shakes her head.

"N.. No, it's alright! I was just surprised..!" And sure, it does seem kind of dangerous, judging by how easily her shield bounced off that rock. But it seems important to figure out before they're out in the field and actually in danger. "I'll do it!"

Madoka wouldn't be Madoka if she wasn't way too willing to put herself into harm's way for others.

"I'll try to run at you, so you just use the shield, okay..?"
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-15 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
It wouldn't do to injure anyone needlessly here, of course, so she's not actually sure she should go with this. "Are you certain? Do you know how to land?" That's not something Ple Two actually knows either, so it's a bit difficult to help her as well.

"If you really are sure..."
happyends: (forever waiting)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-15 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"O-- On my feet!"

Well.. she isn't technically wrong, right. That is how you should land. It's just.. not a very detailed plan. Maybe it'll turn out okay somehow. Maybe Madoka will be lucky for once. At least she sure isn't lacking in determination for once now she's made up her mind.

"I'm ready if you are..!"
pleple: (i ran out of lyrics)

[personal profile] pleple 2019-11-17 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
"That's not... incorrect." Madoka isn't ready no matter what she says, but this is one way to learn.

"I'm as ready as I can be."
happyends: (she is the tiniest light)

[personal profile] happyends 2019-11-17 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Thankfully (or.. not, considering the situation) there's much less hesitation than there usually would be when Madoka is involved, considering she's already scraped together all her determination for this. So when Ple Two says she's ready, all Madoka does is nod and add--

"Here I come..!"

And then a moment later she's already running straight at the other. Madoka is clearly no Usain Bolt, but it's also obvious that she is putting all of her 14-year-old-tiny-girl speed into it.