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.”
so_dark_a_road: (the softer side of armageddon)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-14 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin is taken by surprise, even though he knows how resourceful Kaito is. Apparently, part of being an excellent magician is being an acrobat as well.

The yo-yo hits him right in the middle of the back, and the harness straps wrap around him swiftly, pinning his arms.

"One lindusi deactivated," he says with a grin. "Unsnap my harness, and then you can be the dinosaur," he adds.
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-14 04:44 am (UTC)(link)

"WOO CAUGHT!" He fistpumps and then comes forward to undo the harness, before backing away to a suitable distance and clearing his throat.

"GRRRRR!"

so_dark_a_road: (once in a while we lighten up)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-15 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin can't help laughing. Kaito is so enthusiastic.

"OOOOH, YOUR'RE A SCARY DINOSAUR!" he exclaims, still laughing.

And then he flings the yo-yo at Kaito's chest, and the harness forms in a split second and the straps spring out to grab the magician around the body.
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-15 04:36 am (UTC)(link)

Kaito, of course, dodges.

That is the point, no?

so_dark_a_road: (either sexy or acidic)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-16 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Tricky Kaito. XD

Curufin grins and swerves, trying to keep up with the magician. He flings the yo-yo again.
stealsyourheart: (legendary gem)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-16 12:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course~

Kaito backflips, trying to stay far enough ahead of the yo-yo. This is fun!
so_dark_a_road: (amused smile #3)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-17 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin laughs when he misses again.

"You're agile as a mountain cat!" he exclaims. He throws the yo-you again.
stealsyourheart: (legendary gem)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-17 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Why thank you!"

He laughs and twists, this time not quite fast enough to stop his ankle getting snared.

"It's a useful skill!"
so_dark_a_road: (among the contending princes)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-18 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Got you that time!" says Curufin. "But if you're a lindusi and I snare you by the ankle, I think you'd still be able to bite me. Good thing you're Kaito instead!"

He laughs too. "I believe you. Agility must be very useful to you in your life and work."
stealsyourheart: (PON)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-18 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
"Good thing." He agrees and wriggles his leg free.

"It certainly comes in handy! Here too, apparently."
so_dark_a_road: (#218 -- decr sat exact @@^)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-20 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin grins. "I bet it does. Okay, you want to try to capture me this time?" He gives another dinosaur snarl. "Grrrrrrrr! I'd love to chomp me some tasty magician!"
stealsyourheart: (PON)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-20 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Sure!" He grins and bounces to his feet.

"You want to chase me this time, maybe?"
so_dark_a_road: (many secrets of craft)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-20 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"The dinosaur would love to chase you!" Curufin exclaims and leaps at Kaito.
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-21 02:43 am (UTC)(link)

Kaito laughs, delighted, and dodges, scrambling backwards and trying to throw the yoyo at the same time.

so_dark_a_road: (come over HERE and say that)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-22 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
Kaito must be an excellent multi-tasker, because the yo-yo hits Curufin again. WHAP!!! The harness wraps him and checks him.

"GRRRRRRRRRR! Evil magician, you have trapped me again!" he roars, trying not to laugh too hard at the same time.
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-22 05:40 am (UTC)(link)

Kaito laughs and comes forward to untangle him.

"So I have! I hope the lindusi are equally terrible at dodging as you are pretending to be, Curufin-san!"

so_dark_a_road: (you are foxglove)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-22 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"I sincerely hope so!" answers Curufin, letting the harness slide back into the yo-yo. "Why, do you want me to pretend to be as artful as the dinosaurs might be?" He laughs too. He'll happily make the training more realistic.
stealsyourheart: (PON)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-23 07:13 am (UTC)(link)
"I have no clue how artful they are, so that might be a bit hard!" He points out with a laugh.

"For all we know, they're intelligent enough to hide and ambush!"

He has seen Jurassic Park, y'know.
so_dark_a_road: (amused smile #1)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-25 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin hasn't seen Jurassic Park, but in his last world he heard people laughing and shuddering over their descriptions of the creatures in the movie. They seemed particularly entertained by the velociraptors.

"I hear that raptor dinosaurs are quite intelligent, and so it would not surprise me if they ambushed us! Want me to ambush you and you see if you can rope me?"
stealsyourheart: (legendary gem)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-25 06:53 am (UTC)(link)
"Hmm." He eyes the room.

"What about if I turn my back and you hide?"
so_dark_a_road: (many secrets of craft)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-25 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay," agrees Curufin, with a smile.

As soon as Kaito's back is turned, he quietly tiptoes to one of the many tunnel entrances and slips in. A person would have to pass it in order to get to either the kitchen or the sleeping compartment.
Edited 2019-11-25 20:22 (UTC)
stealsyourheart: (Default)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-26 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
Kaito counts aloud to twenty and then spins on his heels, grin lighting up his face when he can't spot Curufin.

"Ready or not, here I come~"
so_dark_a_road: (piratical)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-27 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
Ready! Curufin grins to himself and remains completely silent. He lurks in the passageway and waits for Kaito to come past its entrance.
stealsyourheart: (legendary gem)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart 2019-11-27 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
Kaito walks lightly, more thief than magician, eyes sharp and missing nothing, despite the nonchalance of his stroll, the yoyo flashing though elaborate patterns in his hands as he wanders along.
so_dark_a_road: (#205 -- 1d -- &&&)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-29 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
Curufin waits with a sly smile and baited breath. He can hear Kaito very faintly, though the other man's step is very light. He slinks back into the tunnel so that he is hidden in the shadows.

As soon as Kaito comes near that entranceway, Curufin leaps out and flies at the magician with a dinosaur roar and hands out like claws. "GRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAARH!!!!!!"

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-11-29 06:07 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-11-29 07:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-11-29 08:26 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-01 01:17 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-01 12:44 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-02 01:15 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-02 01:41 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-06 07:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-06 13:40 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-08 11:39 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-09 06:04 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-09 09:42 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-09 12:39 (UTC) - Expand

Want to wrap this one?

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-11 11:22 (UTC) - Expand

sure!

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-11 12:50 (UTC) - Expand

lol yes

[personal profile] stealsyourheart - 2019-12-14 12:59 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road - 2019-12-17 19:27 (UTC) - Expand