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.”
faithfulsupport: (Really now..)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-10 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
He didn't know what to say to his lover's way of protecting him, he really didn't. Ignis was the one who did the looking after though the other three lads of course looked out for him too. His own main focus had simply always been Noct. Turning the tables on him rubbed him the wrong way a bit but the advisor returned the sentiments. Tony had a big heart too, and that's what had drawn the younger man to him. And his own way of guaranteeing someone's safety was to actually be there.

"I understand." It was really all he could manage to say because he felt lips on his. Once they pulled slightly apart, there was such a soft look in those brown eyes about pairing up that Ignis had to lower his head and smile. Leaning his face into the hand on his cheek, his hand moved their combined hands onto his stomach. "Don't think that I won't be looking out for you at night if I can't keep my eyes on you during daylight."
runs_on_batteries: (outdoors what)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-11 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
Tony was aware of Ignis' past. He knew he was rewriting the rules on him and there was something of an unfairness to how Tony kept turning his world upside down. However, he didn't know any other way than this to love someone. He had to protect them, even if that need infringed on their freedom or self-reliance. After all his years with Pepper, he'd still never figured out how to balance the need to protect vs the need for happiness and freedom. He always erred on the side of caution- much to Pepper and Morgan's frustration, and now Ignis'.

They could talk more about it some other time. Right now, he just needed Ignis to do what was necessary to keep Tony from losing his mind on this mission. "You'd better," he agrees, with a grin to those terms. "Even if I'm asleep when you get there, I want you to wake me up so I know you're okay."
faithfulsupport: (On my way)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-11 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
"So what you're telling me is to kiss the princess awake?" Of course Ignis was teasing here, but he would do as was asked. "And if that is indeed the case, I shall certainly expect the same in return." Fair was fair in his book.

He didn't know how much rest he would get, but he could cut back on cooking duty since food was available. However he knew that he would be needed for both healing and fighting. To that end, he'd worked and worked on his healing potions.
runs_on_batteries: (Default)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-11 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
Tony laughed. Leave it to Ignis to put it in those words, but Tony couldn't find fault. "If I see you asleep, I promise, I'll simply crawl in bed with you wherever you are." He pressed a kiss to Ignis' nose.

His teasing faltered as a fresh wave of worry slips into his mind. "Promise you'll make it back to me every night." He could still see so clearly the way Ignis looked unconscious and alone next to the tower. He'd been so afraid he'd find a child there but to find Ignis.. it would've messed with his head no matter which he'd found, but he wasn't over it. He was mending, but he had too much PTSD already on his psyche to get over the last mission very quickly.

He pulled Ignis into a tight hug, wishing he could make everyone stay behind and take on this threat alone. At least they would be safe that way. Obviously that couldn't be and there were countless reasons why, but he still wished it was an option somehow.
faithfulsupport: (Eyes closed)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-11 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you crawl into bed with me darling, there won't be anyone left to keep us a secret from." His head tilted, wondering if Tony would be alright with that. Plus the advisor wondered if everyone didn't already know about them anyhow, much as he himself played the relationship down.

His hand unclasped from Tony's, lifting it to lightly trail his fingers down the side of his lover's face. "I promise I'll be fine. You just focus on coming home to me every night." It wasn't home but the meaning was definitely the same. And the advisor found that he liked saying those words.

Getting pulled into the embrace, the smile returned to Ignis'
face. This was perfect, holding on and being held, protecting and being protected. Letting out a contented sigh, green eyes slid closed and he silently thanked whoever was listening for the wonderful loving man in his arms.
runs_on_batteries: (Default)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-11 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Tony was just warming up to kiss Ignis more when the young man made that comment. He raises an eyebrow. "I don't give a shit about that. Do you? I hate to tell you but me waking up naked and then having to come fetch my ticket and my pants from your room might have given it away already."

Just to make an even bigger point, he goes over the the closest hallway and opens the door. As loudly as he can, he shouts, "I'm with Ignis if anyone cares!" Then he looks back at his boyfriend and shrugs. "See? No one cares but us."
faithfulsupport: (Look right)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-12 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
"I was only trying to.." And then Tony's voice cut anything else off. The green eyes rolled and a sigh came out as the older man yelled his proclamation.

While of course nothing changed, Ignis still felt a little shy about people knowing, even though they'd received nothing but support save from one person.

Keeping his eyes narrowed, Ignis shook his head. "Do that again and I'm going to be forced to give you something else to yell aboit."
Edited 2019-11-12 01:53 (UTC)
runs_on_batteries: (smirk)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-12 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Tony tilted his head to the side and gave Ignis a wide grin. He came back up to him and slid his arms around his boyfriend- one hand sliding down to his favorite spot. "You, Tiger, are a prize and I'm proud to be with you. It's not my fault I find it necessary to remind all others that this.." He squeezed Ignis' ass tightly in one hand, "Belongs to me and they're to keep their paws off. Shall I announce it in every room you go in, just to be sure they know?"
faithfulsupport: (On my way)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-12 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
"A prize that I highly doubt is as coveted and sought after as you always make it sound." Ignis shook his head. "I'm surprised with how busy you always are, that you still seem to find time to imagine that others want me."

He didn't believe it for a minute except again in one case. Letting out a sigh, the advisor looked into Tony's dark eyes. "And you know full well that even if that were the case, that I am certainly not interested."
runs_on_batteries: (kissing Pepper)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-12 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Tony reaches up and brushes Ignis' bangs to the side, before leaning in and kissing him with a sweet smile. "They're all fools if they aren't wanting you." His fingers slipped back down against Ignis' cheek. The man was really too beautiful for his own good.

His smile turns humored at that last statement. "I'm not worried about that at all. I know you're mine. So don't spend another thought on that." He pulled him down for another kiss, this time longer and full of heart. He didn't want to leave Ignis' side. He knew this whole conversation was a version of procrastinating getting back to their teams and the mission, but he wanted to enjoy his boyfriend for just another few minutes if he could.
faithfulsupport: (I've got something to add)

[personal profile] faithfulsupport 2019-11-12 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That small simple and gentle gesture of moving his bangs aside was just so very sweet. If Ignis could melt from such a gesture then he definitely would have and his eyes searched the other's in wonder at it.

It took him a few moments to find his voice due to that too. "There's only one man I care about wanting me." The kiss was always welcome and his eyes closed at the tenderness of Tony's fingers.

Letting out a small sigh, green orbs teporarily opened back up at his lover's words but closed again with those kisses. Ignis lifted his hands to genty hold the older man's handsome face, placing their foreheads together. He too knew they'd have to part and was uncharacteristically putting it off.

For several heartbeats he stood like that, just enjoying their closeness. It was something the advisor found that he couldn't ever seem to get enough of. So after a bit and very quietly Ignis spoke, while locking their gazes. "I love you."
Edited 2019-11-12 16:40 (UTC)
runs_on_batteries: (warm smile)

[personal profile] runs_on_batteries 2019-11-12 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Tony smiled, basking in the warmth of Ignis' embrace, foreheads together and hearts so comfortably in the other's hand. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve finding this precious gift twice, but there was no doubt in him that's what he'd discovered with Ignis.

He returned that gaze but softer and with a warm, easy smile. It grew brighter both on his lips and the light in his eyes hearing those words. "I love you too. Go give them hell, Tiger." He gave Ignis' hand in his an affectionate squeeze and then pulled away. He knew he had to and he was willing to make the first move so Ignis wouldn't have to. Turning, he headed out to join his team, expression turning serious and focused.