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.”
tinkerheart: https://eldamaranquendi.tumblr.com (son)

[personal profile] tinkerheart 2019-11-16 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
Is it the tone of his voice? Or is it that Fëanor can practically hear his son's heart thrashing against his ribs? It doesn't matter. What does is that his son needs him and this time? This time he can, he wants to do something. And just like that, all the anger leaves him.

"Nelyo" he starts "You don’t have to go." He reaches up to brush away one loose strand of hair from Maedhros' face. He smiles even if it's a faint smile. "You were always the fiercest protector of your younger brothers. You were always there for them when I wouldn’t. But now I am and I’d be there to watch over them. So you don’t have to force yourself to go there if that’s too difficult."

Fëanor takes his son's good hand in his. Of all his children his eldest was always the strongest and the most determined. He was the shield and shelter for his younger brothers. As much as he wants to keep them all from harm, as much as he worries, he can't make decisions for them. I didn't end well for all of them when he did.

"But if, if for whatever reason you want to go, I won’t stop you." He continues, his voice unusually quiet and calm. "I would worry and I will check on all of you more often than it’s sensible but I would not stop you. You're my son and I know you will accomplish anything you set your mind to."
castintoflames: (✧ and the kindest of kisses)

[personal profile] castintoflames 2019-11-19 08:53 am (UTC)(link)
When he focuses on his father, he can forget his fear. But that realization cements something dark in his mind. He would be a liability. Fëanor would seek to protect him and what if one of his brothers fell into harm's way as a result? His father and his brothers will be swifter, safer without his fears dragging them down.

It hurts to admit. It feels like he is tearing his fëa into pieces, but he would suffer far worse for them. They needn't even ask.

"...no. I'll stay behind." his fingers curl around Fëanor's hand and he leans forward to rest their heads together, "Be swift, Atar. Guide my brothers through the fire and see them to safety on the other side. I will be ready to patch you up and celebrate your triumph."

This must be how his mother had felt. Poor Nerdanel.

tinkerheart: (minë)

[personal profile] tinkerheart 2019-11-21 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Liability is the last word that Fëanor would use to describe any son of his. The very thought that his eldest could possibly be a burden has never crossed his mind. Never will. He'd be greatly saddened if he knew those are the words Maedhros uses for himself.

As he does not know the only thing he feels is relief.

"Thank you."

Were that any other world, any other danger, he wouldn't insist. They're all skilled and strong. They can handle a lot. It is not about the danger. It's the way this danger manifests.

"Swifter than the wind. I will bring them back safely."

Even if he had to stitch together the ground of this dying world under their feet by sheer force of his fury, he will. They deserve this and a lot more from him.
castintoflames: (✧ moving up to higher ground)

[personal profile] castintoflames 2019-11-22 11:23 am (UTC)(link)
Harsh terms are normal for him; he has had no cushion, no comfort for years beyond counting. He has no desire to make his father or anyone else sad, but maybe that is inevitable? Their lives have been sad.

The relief is noticed and Maedhros smiles regretfully.

"I wish you need not go at all." he will only be selfish this one time - before the battle begins, "One of you is worth more than the entire planet."

Especially since it is covered in volcanoes. Clearly that is a creation of Morgoth.
Edited 2019-11-22 11:24 (UTC)
tinkerheart: (atta)

[personal profile] tinkerheart 2019-11-24 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Fëanor, being selfish most of the time, thinks Maedhros could use being selfish more often.

"So do I but if doing those errands keeps me out of Mandos' prison and lets me spend more time with you, I'd take my chances with the errands."

That's what he missed most. Company of his family. Long were the years of his seclusion with not even enemies to speak to. Their shadow hangs over him even now, making him cherish every moment he is not alone. Every minute he spends with his sons is a treasure.

"Yes, and yet your brother thinks they're worth saving."

Another truth. Curufin channels all his recklessness and thrill-seeking instinct into helping those in need. He doesn't question if they are worth it like his father often does.
castintoflames: (✧ I'm not calling you a ghost)

[personal profile] castintoflames 2019-11-26 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
There should be a balance to all things. Clearly that lesson didn't take hold with Fëanor and his sons.

"Depending on how long you reside in those Halls, you and I may cross paths again."

He agrees that they should do their best to remain here, however. Living is better than accepting the grey shadow of death and he has always loved his family.

"He rarely gives thought to his own well-being. That is my duty and I ask you to drag him back by force if necessary."

Maedhros has no trouble grabbing his brothers by the collars of their tunics or robes and bringing them into safety.
tinkerheart: (minë)

[personal profile] tinkerheart 2019-12-01 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
What is balance? They were always all in or not at all. There was never a middle ground for him. No restraint, no holding back the fire that fuelled him.

"We may."

Even as he says this, Fëanor does not believe it. They said they won't release him. The words might have been different but the meaning. The meaning was clear enough.

Not until the world ends.
Not until he repents.
Not until...

Not often a change of subject was as welcomed as this.

His fate, shall he ever get sent back from here, is not something Fëanor wishes to dwell on. To redepmtion said Tony Stark. Fëanor does not know what the man needs to redeem himself from but what he does know is that Iron Man is a hero in his world. Avenger. Celebrated and respected.
Fëanor in his is not.

"So he does." It wasn't always so. They both know why that changed. There's no need to say it out loud. "I'll just sling him over my shoulder if he'd try to be obstinant. I'd recruit help if I'll have to."

While he might consider asking for help a little beneath him most of the time but there are exceptions. A few notable exceptions. Safety of his sons takes priority over personal pride. Finally. Like it always should have...
castintoflames: (✧ to fall to fall to fall)

[personal profile] castintoflames 2019-12-01 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
His guilt is nothing compared to Fëanor's. Whereas Maedhros carries the burden of his actions and the fact that he did not protect his brothers, Fëanor must think about all of his sons and the life they could have lived if -

The mission, their present (or, rather, future) danger takes a backseat to the pain he senses radiating from his father. He has no idea how to soothe him. Maybe that is the point. Fëanor must face what he has done and what he failed to do on his own.

Still. "I love you, Atar." no matter what. And he will wait to see him in the Halls or out. After all, his fate has yet to be decided. Will he be Reborn or will he be imprisoned like his father?
tinkerheart: https://eldamaranquendi.tumblr.com (son)

wrap?

[personal profile] tinkerheart 2019-12-08 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
The pain, or the echo of it, will always be there with him. It will surface from time to time as a reminder of what he did. Of what he caused. Fëanor knows cannot unmake it. He can only try to do better by them now.

"I love you, Nelyo" Always did. Always will. For all his pride and anger and blind arrogance, he never stopped loving his family. Nothing can change this.

"Just don't do anything reckless before I come back."

He's not asking to never do anything reckless. That would too harsh a demand for any son of his, and for himself as well. Impossible one too. Just that he wait until they're all safely back at the station.