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.”
knifewithnoname: (listening to you)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-11 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
"We can only be hoping for that. Peter will have to no be doing anything stupid this time."

She doubts he can manage that. Peter struggles to even last a day without doing anything stupid. But hopefully his stupidity will be limited to the manageable and not things that result in him needing to be rescued.

stealsyourheart: (my first crush)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-11 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
Kaito chuckles.

"Peter-kun is a bit reckless." He agrees. "You know him pretty well, huh? Will you be keeping an eye on him this trip?"
knifewithnoname: (yes okay)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-12 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
"I will be trying. But it do be being difficult." She sighed, Peter really was a lot of trouble. Maybe more trouble than it was worth but also she enjoyed being around him. He was fun and she could mostly deflect his stupid questions. It was easy to make him talk and he gave her food.

She's still not convinced about this friend thing but Peter's the closest thing she has to one. "What does kun be meaning?"
stealsyourheart: (card trick)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-12 07:05 am (UTC)(link)
He grins wryly. "Well, hopefully he'll behave this time then!"

Hah.

"Ah, it's an honorific... like... mm, I suppose European cultures used to use Mr and Mrs and stuff like that. I'm Japanese though. I'd use '-kun' for someone about my age and relatively friendly." He explains. "I'd probably use '-chan' for you, as you're younger." Also a girl. "Someone older, I use '-san'. I mean it's more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it."
knifewithnoname: (yes okay)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-13 06:20 am (UTC)(link)
She didn't think Peter knew how to behave, but maybe this time he would. Maybe...

"I did no be hearing of European or Japanese but I do be understanding." An honorific, she had never heard of that one before but she knew -san. "Eva do be calling mister Stark, Stark-san. But I did no never be asking her about it before."

That had been easier to guess as an honorific, but she had never come across one for someone the same age or even younger than you before.
stealsyourheart: (rose)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-13 07:46 am (UTC)(link)
"Iden'no-san and I are from very similar cultures." He agrees with a nod. "We're a ... hm. I suppose you could say, we're a culture where it's important to be polite, and giving someone honorifics is part of that, coz it tells everyone where you stand, socially speaking, so people know how to be polite to you."
knifewithnoname: (quiet)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-14 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"It do be being important to be being polite." To the right people, in the right way. So you didn't get into trouble. It was useful then, giving everyone honorifics so people knew how to be polite. Better than everyone trying to guess.

"That do be being a good idea."
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-15 03:09 am (UTC)(link)

"I mean." He grins a little conspiratorily at her. "I'm being on my best behavior right now. I'm not always this polite back home. But it is sometimes a very useful thing."

knifewithnoname: (quiet)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-17 02:14 pm (UTC)(link)
She grinned back, "It do be being very useful." She was on her best behaviour too. All the time. Ever since Tony had threatened her and honestly it is getting exhausting but it's almost good to know she's not the only one.

"Do you be being ready for your mission?"
stealsyourheart: (search by moonlight)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-17 03:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"Guess so." He shrugs.

"Won't know til we get out there, right? What about you?"
knifewithnoname: (listening)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-17 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do be guessing not. I do be being as ready as I can be." She shrugged as well. "I do be wondering what the world will be being like. They have both been being very different so far."

As strange as this trip through the void was it was also interesting, to go to different places.
stealsyourheart: (card trick)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-18 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
"That's true - I've only been to one before this one, so you're the experienced one in this!"

He grins at her.

"Should I be following your lead?"
knifewithnoname: (listening)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-18 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
"You can be being if you do be wanting to." She nodded, "I will no be leading you wrong."

She was pretty confident she could handle whatever this mission threw at them. The last one hadn't been great, the battle had been a lot more intense than she had even imagined. But this time, destroying rocks? She could do that.
stealsyourheart: (card trick)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-18 06:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Which team are you on?"

She seems pretty mature, but there's a part of him that feels he should... maybe be helping keep an eye on her????
knifewithnoname: (listening)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-18 09:18 pm (UTC)(link)
"Red." She told him, "So I will be destroying space debris. You do be being on orange, right?"

The passenger roster had pictures, she had most people memorised because there wasn't much else to do on the train.
stealsyourheart: (smile for me)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-19 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
"Yep." He nods and offers her a fistbump.

"So you'll be responsible for all our safety, that means!"
knifewithnoname: (fascinating)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-19 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"It do be meaning that, yes." She nodded, looking at his fist, confused. What was he doing? It didn't seem to be threatening. It was a fist but nothing about his face or his words told her that he wanted to hit her. And it wasn't drawn back. Just. There.

She wrinkled her nose, confused.
stealsyourheart: (card trick)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-20 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah." He notes her confusion, and explains.

"This is a fistbump. Here, make a fist, and then bump it against mine. It's a bit like a high-five, if you know it? It's like... a gesture of acceptance and celebration."
knifewithnoname: (yes okay)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-20 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
Fistbump? She made a fist of her own and brought it towards his, tapping his hand lightly with her own. She had never heard of a high five either but she understood. Acceptance and celebration.

"I do be understanding."
stealsyourheart: (my first crush)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-20 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"High fives are more enthusiastic! Like... we did something awesome. Fistbumps are more... we did something awesome, but we are too cool to be too enthusiastic! But both work."
knifewithnoname: (oh I see)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-24 07:38 am (UTC)(link)
These were very interesting concepts. But she liked the idea. She wondered if Peter knew what a fist bump was, maybe she would teach him next thing they did something awesome.

"I do be liking that. We do no be having that gesture in my world."
stealsyourheart: (rose)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-24 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
He will pay to see her fistbump Peter.

"Really? Well! Something new for you to take home with you." He grins.
knifewithnoname: (heartbreak)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-24 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"It will be." Her smile faded a little bit. But only a little. She doesn't think they will be going home any time soon and even if they are she has no idea who she would share such a gesture with. Many things have changed.
stealsyourheart: (PON)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-25 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
He nods and offers her another fistbump.

"Here's to the spreading of the fistbump then~!"
knifewithnoname: (you're funny)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2019-11-25 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
"Here do be being to that." She fistbumped him again and grinned. It was a pretty good gesture, it even felt good to do.

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