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.”
deductiongeek: (glasses fall)

Basic Training

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-11 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
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: (a cunning and skillful horseman)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-12 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
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!"
Edited 2019-11-12 19:29 (UTC)
deductiongeek: (facepalm)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-13 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
Seriously, Curufin? This was your solution?

"Or I could just make a target of the right size." Conan wasn't really expecting the y-yo to be of any use to him. Unless there were a great many lindusi less than eighteen inches tall, he would most likely have to look at other options.
so_dark_a_road: (the flaming circle of our days)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-13 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey, better than nothing! It's important to practice.

"You could make a lizard-figurine that is half your size, but it would take time for the construction. Meantime, you'd lose practice time. I'd say, go ahead and try to rope me and see how well it works. If you're going out with the rest of the team, you'll need to know how to restrain a lindusi. Besides, there might be some really small ones out there."

Of course, there's another solution.

"Or you could just stay with the scientists and help them in some way."
deductiongeek: (displeased)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-15 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
"I want to see what it's like first," he says. "Scientists might not want a kid around either."

He stares at Curufin consideringly. "Are you really sure about this."

Unlike some people he wasn't going to start trying to lasso someone without asking first.
so_dark_a_road: (flickers of light)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-15 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, that could be. I'm guessing that sometimes adults don't realize how intelligent you are. It'd be their loss, though."

He looks back, smiling. "Yes, I'm sure. Go ahead."
deductiongeek: (pic#6584045)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-16 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Most of the time adults don't want to hear from me," he says grumpily. It had been true in his first childhood, and it was even more true now. When he knew what he was capable of, but he had to sneak around and manipulate adults into thinking any solution he came up with was their own idea before he could get anything done.

He considers the yo-yo for a moment, then aims and fires in one quick movement.

Unlike many of his acquaintances, Conan (even when he'd been Shinichi) had never learned to fight. He had no interest in it.

But what he did have was really, really good aim with practically anything, whether he was kicking or firing it. A yo yo was no exception. If he'd had a target, he would have just hit the bullseye.
so_dark_a_road: (the softer side of armageddon)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-16 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's because they have illusions about the difference between children and adults. Once they're out of childhood, they forget how smart children and adolescents are. That's why they won't listen. If they did, they'd have to change their opinions, and they don't want to do that."

Not only good aim, but good reflexes! Curufin gets popped in the chest before he has a chance to dodge. The yo-yo throws out it's straps and harnesses Curufin in a spilt second.

"Whoa, good shot, Conan!" he laughs.
deductiongeek: (Default)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-17 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
Conan eyes Curufin consideringly. He remembered that Tony had mentioned his name as someone who could be trusted to know what he was really capable of, and his reaction here was promising.

But until something else happened Conan was still satisfied that his usual method of working from the background without letting know what he was up to was still best.

He peers at the harness.

"Do you know how to take it off now?"
so_dark_a_road: (Feast of Reuniting -- NOT invited)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-18 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin would be pleased to know that Tony had recommended him to Conan. And he's also pleased to work with Conan, as he likes him and is aware of how sharp the kid is.

He grins. "I can't take it off with my arms pinned. But if you can release the catch for me, I'd thank you for it." He nods downwards, indicating the point where the harness straps emerge from the yo-yo. "It's right there."
deductiongeek: (innocent)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-18 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Conan inspects the catch for a moment, then quickly releases it.
so_dark_a_road: (flickers of light)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-20 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin shrugs the harness off with a smile. And then he asks, "Do you want me to attack again and give you some more practice with the yo-yo?"
deductiongeek: (paying attention)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-28 12:03 pm (UTC)(link)
He shakes his head.

"I think I have it. And I'm really not sure whether I'll be able to do anything to help with this part of the mission."

He was more than a little frustrated with this. He'd put so much effort this past year into finding ways to compensate for his reduced size. But... with something like this he just couldn't think of a way around it. This was a task that needed size and physical strength, and he didn't even have any of his tools here.
so_dark_a_road: (these are my brass knuckles)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-28 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you don't think you can rope lindusi, then maybe you could stay at the base and help the scientists in some way? You're smart, and I'm sure they could find some task for you." Curufin has respect for Conan's intelligence and ingenuity.
deductiongeek: (Default)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2019-11-29 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it might be a better place for me."

As annoyed as he was to admit to his limitations.
so_dark_a_road: (in the unmeasured night #3)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-01 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
"It might," Curufin acknowledges. "There will be much to do, to keep track of all the teams, where they are and what they are doing. Not to mention keeping count of the lindusi, assigning them to pens and then to the spacecraft that will take them off this planet. Same for the people who will be rescued. Oh, and then there's handing out the equipment and keeping tally of all of it. And also, minding the radio. I'd be surprised if the scientists didn't give you at least one of those tasks. I don't think there are enough personnel here to do all of that."