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: (these are my brass knuckles)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-15 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Curufin turned, saw Elfnein just as she threw her restraining device at him. Still pretending to be a lindusi, he ran toward her and then sprang with a big grin, just in time to get thumped in the chest by the yo-yo. It created the harness in a split second, and the straps wrapped around him, pinning his arms. ]

I'm a lindusi, I'll take anything I can get. But. . . [ He looks down at his completely wrapped upper body, tipping his head like a big lizard, acting concerned. ] . . . I don't think I'll be making a meal of you anytime soon. Good throw. [ Chuckle. ]
alchemists: (:D !!)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-11-17 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)
It worked

[ Success! even Elfnein could throw the device hard enough to capture a lindusi. ]

How do you unlock this though? I don't want to keep you all tied up.
so_dark_a_road: (#212 -- %%%)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-18 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
It certainly did! [ Chuckle. She could indeed throw the device well enough. ]

The catch that releases the harness is located right on the side of the yo-yo, where the straps emerge. Go ahead, give it a try.
alchemists: (Happy :D ~)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-11-20 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A quick button press and the yo-yo's are back to their pre-capture form. ]

You did a good job of acting out the monster.
so_dark_a_road: (among the contending princes)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-20 05:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Curufin shrugs the harness off, smiles and shakes out his arms as though expressing enjoyment of his freedom. ]

Thank you! I like to clown, and what better part to play than an annoyed dinosaur who doesn't want to be corralled and herded off to some confining pen?

[ He tilts his head and makes another velociraptor face, turning his mouth down in mock-displeasure. Then he smiles at her, human-style. ]

I'm Curufin Fëanorion. You'd be one of my new Orange teammates?
alchemists: (look at the happy smol)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-11-24 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The acting got a little laugh out of Elfnein, it was sorta cute in a weird way. ]

That seems to be the case, I'm Elfnein and I recently arrived. It's nice to meet you Curufin.
so_dark_a_road: (flickers of light)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-11-25 03:17 am (UTC)(link)
[ Cute in a weird way would please Curufin as a description of himself! He'd be very amused. ]

Romeo has spoken of you with respect and affection, and I'm pleased to meet you, Elfnein. I told him he is your true knight. [ Smile. ]
alchemists: (Maria why)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-03 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
He really said that?

[ Romeo praising her always leads to lots of blushing. ]
so_dark_a_road: (these are my brass knuckles)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-06 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
He seems to be very happy to be your helper, and he said lots of things that indicated that. I thought it showed true chivalry. So I told him he is a knight. I guess, strictly speaking, you are both knights.
alchemists: (Maria why)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-13 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't put myself on the level of a knight, I'm not strong at all. Romeo's the real knight!
so_dark_a_road: (by the laws of our people)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-13 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
He is the real thing. But it sounds as though the two of you have taken on some very challenging quests. Maybe you're stronger than you think you are.
alchemists: (thinking about carol)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-15 05:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm only able to do things like that because I have Romeo with me, and he's able to follow through on any plan I make for challenging monsters or bad guys.
so_dark_a_road: (flickers of light)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-17 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
If you're the planner, than you're as essential as he is. But it sounds as though the two of you are a wonderful team -- and nothing can substitute for that!
alchemists: (to the other me)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-18 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
That is true, our team work is important and working well with each other is a sign of respect.
so_dark_a_road: (in the unmeasured night #3)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-18 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
You're fortunate to have each other, then. How did you come to be a team?
alchemists: (but I think it's nice)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-22 06:03 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a little bit complicated, we were brought to the heavens as a god and shinki and that's how we ended up meeting and becoming a team.
so_dark_a_road: (Feast of Reuniting -- NOT invited)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-25 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
He used the word shinki, but I didn't ask him to define it. You're a god? Or you were appointed to be one after you arrived in the heavens?
alchemists: (Default)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-25 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
When I arrived I was told I was a god and had a temple and people followed me, I didn't really believe it at first.

[ Elfnein's still not sure that she's fit to be a god at all but there's no room for doubting right now. ]

Shinki are named by their gods and they can fight together and whatnot. It's like a fated partner kinda?
so_dark_a_road: (among the contending princes)

[personal profile] so_dark_a_road 2019-12-26 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
That must have been a surprise, to hear that you're a known god!

[ But if you have to be a god, then someone like Elfnein is probably a good fit for the job. She's kind, intelligent, and concerned for others. ]

A fated partner. It sounds like a good fate for someone like Romeo. He's a natural for the job!
Edited 2019-12-29 05:07 (UTC)
alchemists: (thinking about carol)

[personal profile] alchemists 2019-12-31 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
It's still something I struggle to think is real, but the people that offer prayers and believe in me are very important to me.

[ She wants to be the best god she can be, even if her actions can be somewhat limited.]

I wouldn't want to trade Romeo for anyone else.