middleofsomewhere | EVENT: Into the Unknown

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EVENT: Into the Unknown

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers of the voidtrecker Express. Today is day twenty two of the month of Symphony. As you are aware we have some guests on board and our next task is to deliver them safely to the void hub. The tethering kits can only keep them tethered to this craft for a short space of time. We will be arriving at the void hub tomorrow."

Until now the scientists have kept themselves to themselves, remaining in their room and rarely exiting out. However after this announcement they emerge more and more, interested in asking about the void hub, the ministry workers and what they might expect from the situaion.

The next morning, just before lunch, the train makes another announcement.

"Approaching Voidbase now. Prepare for docking."

There is no shaking, not leaving the void: instead those who risk looking out of the windows will see a large structure ahead of them. The void turns to metal around them as they enter the structure, and for a moment, there is nothing outside the train but darkness.

"Welcome Voidtreckers." A voice speaks over the ICPs. Not the voice of the train, this is a male voice, sentient. "The filtration process takes a few moments, so please be patient. Meanwhile, I am sending some information about our void base over to your SCA's."

They will receive a small pamphlet on their SCA's explaining about the void base, this is the same pamphlet as last time but will be useful reading for those who are new, or those who didn't pay attention the last month. It explains that the base was set up as a research base and has been expanded to provide living quarters for some of those rescued from system #78961112094711. It explains that they had made the decision to invite the voidtreckers there to further unravel the mystery surrounding them. They would be quartered in ministry sleeping areas, and have free access to the ministry part of the base. Anyone who wished to visit the citizens of system #78961112094711 could do with good reason.

It's not too long before the filtration process is completed, and the doors of the Voidtrecker Express open. This time they are greeted just by the scientists who welcome them back.

AT THE VOID BASE

~ VOIDBASE INFO ~ OOC INFO

SETTLING IN

They are shown to their sleeping quarters first. They are in small suites, which match their room assignments on the train. They will be given time to unpack and rest, and told that their SCA's have been programmed to allow them access to the general ministry parts of the base.

Their time here is their own, And though the ministry hopes that they will help out with the various experiments and research programs they have going on, they do not need to. If they wish to take the time to rest and enjoy the amenities, they can.

1. MULTIMEDIA. There are a few types of lounging rooms, chairs and cushions, tables for sitting at. Slim televisions sitting on walls, a few tables - that can be lowered or raised - joined with screens that can be more privately watched. Shows and movies are available in some rooms, gaming equipment in others. There is also a more quiet room for lounging in, with access to e-books and screen readers for them, audio options also available.

Relax, or get into a multiplayer game -- games that break friendships are available in the void.

2. FITNESS AND SWIM. For those looking for more activity in their 'rest', there's the fitness gym and swimming pool. In separate rooms but nearby, the fitness gym is larger than the train's gym, and more well-equipped. Muscle training, speed; there will be a Ministry worker to show how to use the variety of equipment, so that nobody has an accident.

The same will be for the swimming pool, with a shallow and deep end. Balls, floating pads and more can be grabbed. It's a swimming pool - what's not to love?

3. TRAINING. Beside the pool and fitness gym is the combat gym, where they will find small groups already exercising in a variety of fighting styles. Voidtreckers will be left alone to train if they wish, but any who take interest in partners will be allowed to join in with the ministry training. Magic, energy, weaponry; some of them use special batons, Ministry-issued, and the Ministry workers will show how to use them. If a Voidtrecker becomes well-trained in how to use one by the end of their stay, they can be given one to use on void missions.

The Ministry fighters will also introduce them to a special training tool, the hard- and holographic courses and 'dummies'. Quite a few fighting styles can be set to a holographic opponent, or even one made to mimic a voidtrecker after fighting them - they're surprisingly quick to adapt. The hard-light partner can listen and read sign-language, and will change on command. Want them to move faster, focus on attack, dodging? Now they will.

4. GREEN THUMBS, OPEN AIR. The last room in the relaxation area is a curious one, reading simply 'GARDENS AND SIMULATION' on its front. Opening it will lead to a simple and long corridor, five more doors on each side. Four devoted to gardening, labelled Hydroponics, Hot Houses, Ice Houses, and Land. Entering, each space will be larger than should be possible. But it is, with each an indoor type growing space except for land, which mimics a farming field. There's a sky above, a wind in the air; sometimes, it might be raining when you enter.

It might be a shocking experience for some, the first time round.

The last six rooms simulation rooms are less specific, but with plenty more options. Rooms of prayers, beaches, cities, open valleys; with some time spent learning the menu, people can recreate a realistic area. The rooms can be set to private, but some people may leave the spaces they've created - on purpose, at random, or on accident - free for others to wander into. Sharing is caring, and there's only six of these rooms, you know.

EXPERIMENTING

A lot has happened since they were last here and the scientists of the base will be happy to share their news as well as here reports on what the voidtreckers learned in their last mission.

PROGRESS They have done a lot of research into time and they think they have managed to replicate the Voidtrecker Expresses' ability to respond to catastrophes, they currently have a test crew on a new voidcraft furthering that experiment. They also believe they have found a way to stabilise the tethers of the Voidtreckers enough to loop them to the void base, this will give them an extra level of protection should anything happen to their craft. They are also very interested in speaking to the scientists found on system ##3721010010.

They will once again take any help in research or experiments and will be very interested in doing health checks on the newer voidtreckers.

2. REACHING OUT. At the top of the void base is an area with a clear domed roof, allowing in the light of the void. Here voidtreckers can attempt to reach out, to strengthen their connection with the train and through it try and find those that have left the train.

For those that did this last time they will find it easier now, practice and a lot of atuning make it feel easier to do, easier to reach out towards those specs of light. Those who put in a lot of work feel like they can almost touch them now, just a bit further and they could reach out and pluck them from the vastness.

It is still very hard work. It's easy to get lost in the void, though the room has ministry workers who are highly trained and will be able to help anyone who needs it.

They do say it might be easier to go in pairs, to meditate together and help guide each other, using each others tethers as a touch point. Anything is worth a try.

OOC NOTES

~ Questions.
~ This part of the event runs until the 19th August (Day 25)
~ Part Two will go up on the 20th August

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

As the days go by the four scientists venture out of their room a little more. They are always friendly when approached but keep themselves to themselves. When it is announced that they will be heading towards the void base they make more of an effort to approach others.

A friendly nod and a "Is this seat free?" Is a tentative start to a conversation.

"It is," Kaiba nods, letting the poor scientist sit. He knows they're taking them into a stressful situation, but if he can help...he'll try.

"We didn't have much time to explain what's happening before. So...on the base, they're researching a number of questions. I'm sure they'll be ready to listen to you."

simulation: mountain

Kaiba has been told off for working himself into the ground on this mission repeatedly. He's promised to take some time off from the struggle, and so he decides to venture into the simulation room. After a moment of thought, he sets the display to a place where he'd feel at peace: a mountain in the morning. There's a stone slab here where he sits, slightly hunched over as he breathes in the simulated air...and yawns.

"I oughta take this VR tech for myself...later...."

Yup, he has to rub his eyes. Someone was up late.

reaching out part 2

This part, at least, Kaiba feels a little more confident about. He jumps right back into this work, smiling a little more than is natural for him as he takes in the familiar room. If he sees anyone who looks newer at this or less confident, he'll walk over to invite them.

"Want to join? I know it'll feel like a lot of nothing at first, but finding the tethers can actually help. Believe it or not."

wildcard
[ The rest of Kaiba's time not eating or sleeping will largely be spent going through health checks and trying to learn more about the scientists' work. Feel free to stop him anywhere. ]

"Yes."

Taiki was fealing... Perhaps cautiously optimistic. He knows people have returned, it had happened in the past but there had been more this time. Was that because of their efforts?

He would like to think so.

"It's easier to go together anyways."

Less likely to loose themselves.

"Alright, let's go."

Kaiba's excited and that's not stopping any time soon. He's glad for the company. He takes Taiki's arm and pulls him over to a comfortable spot, that little smile still on his face.

"Is there someone specific you're looking for?"

1. Training

[After arriving at the void base, Masumi heads for the gym to sneak in some practice. She's pushing herself today, setting a hologram to mimic her particular fighting style in order to give herself a challenge.

The best moment to talk to her might be when she stops for a breather, stepping back from the hologram to take a quick break before continuing. Or just watch, she'll probably ask what's up once she hits her break.]

2. Reaching Out

[Eventually it comes time to go see about the meditation efforts. Masumi hangs about the edges of the room, wanting to join in but uncertain of the fact that she'll need to strengthen her connection to the train to do it.

Given she wants to go home at some point, strengthening that connection would not be ideal, even if the attempts at reaching out are important.]

Training Room

Usagi can't help but immediately head for the Voidbase's training area. She had so much fun the last time training here, she had to go again. Once more transformed into Sailor Moon, Usagi went at it with her holographic self, testing herself against an opponent who knew everything she knew.

There was a little bit of herself that enjoyed such an act and she wasn't afraid to admit that side of her, no matter how odd it was.

Simulation Room

Usagi had got curious and wandered into one of the various Simulation Rooms offered. She blinked in confusion as she saw the room she was in - a strange obstacle course with two paths. One path seemed dangerous and treacherous, filled with various pits and traps. The other seemed... playful? Filled with ball pits and other things.

"Huh. Seems like someone wants to taunt us..." she mused.

Taiki can't help but smile in return. How could he not? When Kaiba was so enthused.

He sat down comfortably, close to Kaiba, their legs touching.

"Lord Gyousou." Said without hesitation, he will always be the first in Taiki's mind. "But there are a lot of others as well..."

Kaiba nods. Of course...they'd been close. He doesn't remember as much about the man, but he can do his best.

"Could you tell me a little about him, to jog my memory? I know what that's like. My list's a mile long too."

The Doctor is aimlessly wandering around before finding a spot to sit and look out from The Void Base, "Yes! Hallo, who are you?"

[Sometimes? It's just nice to watch another woman fight. There are no lies in someone's fighting style, no pretense - well, there can be, but if there is you're likely a very dead fighter, very quickly - it's a simple honesty.

And it's well worth just enjoying, for a little while.]

Fitness and Swim

Bless their little socks, there's a pool. If there is one activity she enjoys above all other things, it's getting to swim. There's a freedom to it she never imagined before getting to try it at stops the train has made since she arrived here. So, she grabs the first swimsuit she can that she finds aesthetically pleasing - she likes purple, and goes with a purple two-piece - and dives in like a porpoise.

She opts not to do laps so much as gentle movements, and can be found floating on her back, blond hair spread out underneath her in the water, a look of contentment on her face. Whatever else is coming, there can be this moment.

Training

In retrospect, her request to the computer to conjure an opponent that could match her was an error.

Namely because of the inordinate processing time it takes to comply, which she's sure must be aggravating to someone. Worse still, after all that, what appears is a let down - she's pinned the construct in thirty seconds. As the combat ends, she waves to it. She doesn't know if what they create here are sentient or not - but she is who she is.

"You did your best," she says before the construct is gone. "Next time will go better."

What she could do with now is a flesh-and-blood opponent who might actually put her to some trouble, she who is almost good enough to defeat Jedi in hand-to-hand.

Reaching Out

She will be on hand to try, certainly - though it's an open question, to her at least, whether or not she can achieve the state necessary. Quite frankly, being able to do so is a test to her: of just how real her brain is. She feels like she's closer to humanity than she ever has been, fully confident in her personhood. But there are still questions to be answered.

Amaya is a bit reflective these days, sitting on a bench and just...watching people, for a time. All of what's going on is at a level of technology so far beyond her she's just accepting it as she does magic in her world.

But she's good at accepting, and nods in a friendly way when approached.

Green Thumbs, Open Air

It takes her some time to figure out how to do what she wants, but it's worth it when it happens. She's been training hard, which is nothing unusual for her - but she also hangs a descriptive, welcoming sign (that does specify it's for everyone and to wear something for everyones' comfort.) outside the room because she's more than willing to share the space with those who - like her - work hard and need good relaxation.

What she's recreated is a winter area - with a large, cedar sauna house inside of it. She herself is warmly ensconced within, wearing a two piece bandeau swimsuit. She's just pouring some water on the hot stones, to create a bit more steam in the lovely hothouse she's created, before sitting back down, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

Just the thing for put-upon muscles. It's one of the best ways to be sweaty in the world, really.

Reaching Out

She'd avoided this the last time, in large part because it didn't make any sort of sense to her - a lot of what they do is beyond her, so she has to just take what they say on faith. But this time, given the stakes as she now understands them...it feels important to try.

Choose your Own Adventure?

[Happy to do custom starters if you want something specific!]

Bulma tends to approach things head-on, as a starter. Their rescued scientists holing up in their room instead of mixing in with them after being rescued... it isn't surprising, necessarily, but she would have thought that they might at least be a bit more social. And let's face it - Bulma wants to know what these scientists were working on, maybe trade a little bit of theorem or something instead of waiting to see when they would come out of hiding, so to speak.

She's working away on some bit of equation for an invention in progress when the question comes, blue eyes turning up to see who's speaking to her.

"Oh, sure." A little, careless gesture to sit follows with a smile. "I don't mind."

If there's another mind she's learned to trust here on the train, it's Kaiba's. Of course any advancements they can find are nothing short of fantastic to see and learn about, she's curious what other long-time train residents have to say about all of this. About what they've discovered or learned, and better yet what they had Void Trackers may be able to dig out of it that may be of use to them.

So when she stumbles on him on her way to grab a snack... Bulma's easily distracted away from food.

"You have any thoughts on this work? Find anything interesting?"

> SWIM

Though she isn’t necessarily a beefy self-trainer like her husband and son.. Bulma does like to participate in a little bit of gym activity. One does not become Bulma Briefs as she is known just sitting around. Making wishes on dragon balls has helped, of course, but in the absence of her more magical help.. she’s had to go back to gym training.

At least part time, anyway, when she isn’t snacking or sitting in the lab and a bit too buried in that ever stuffed journal full of plans to fuss with it.

Today finds a motivated Bulma finishing up on her latest bout of laps, pulling herself up and on to the poolside to sit and catch her breath. She’ll spot someone looking a bit indecisive about hopping in and assure them cheerily :

“The water’s pretty warm!”

> SIMULATION

Walking in to the simulation room from the others outdoors may be a bit of shock, once Bulma’s gotten done with the one she’s in. A little bit of fancy finger work and here she is, settled in to her living room at home, in West City’s Capsule Corp home base. Those new to the architecture will no doubt take note that things are.. well.. very round in this home. The ceilings are high and soaring, with many windows to let in all the natural light.

It's a place that’s as rich as it looks, with only the best if everything from the couches to the rugs, even the rarely-used kitchen that sprawls across from the living area, purposefully large for entertaining guests and their rather large and boisterous ‘extended family’ of Z Fighters.

Bulma’s settled cross-legged on a teal toned couch, a blanket spread over her lap, quietly soaking it all in.

“I haven’t been home in I don’t know how long…” She notes to anyone that wanders in, and sighs. “So I thought I’d just make it, for a little while.”

> MEDITATION

Bulma’s biggest road block in anything to do with training has always been, and will always will be, meditation. The requirement to be still, both in body and mind, has proven immensely difficult for her no matter how often she attempts it, Vegeta’s pressing or Trunks’ encouragement. Even now, with much practice, she finds it difficult to settle in, her always racing mind finding it hard to reach stillness.

But here she is, showing up to attempt reaching out anyway, though she looks less than thrilled to be there, sighing loudly.

“Well… Let’s see what we can get to today.”

> WILDCARD

Obligatory wild card! If there’s anything you want to play I haven’t set up here, feel free to smack something up here. If Bulma isn’t with Trunks or Vegeta she’ll be found hounding for snacks or working away at her latest equations for inventions.

Settling in
Training in the Combat Gym
To no one's surprise, Trunks can easily be found once again at the combat gym. Once more he is engaged with his sword out, against two beings who look, for all purposes, human. Except in their eyes--their eyes are inhumanly cold.

Or he might be engaged against a different and far more alien looking being. He's pushing himself, and pushing the combat simulators. Be careful, but do feel free to interrupt or ask questions.

Lounge
Far more rarely, he actually can be found in one of the lounges. Taking a break, possibly even with an E-Reader. He also occasionally poking his head into the Gaming Room. Someone's earned himself a break, after all.

Reaching out
Trunks was one of those they tested last time, so he'll check in briefly--but then see about helping out again. This time by reaching out for other void-treckers and other tethers in general. He's not afraid to go it alone, even though it's recommended they do so in pairs...

WildCard
Got an idea? Hit me up.

Edited 2022-08-16 01:07 (UTC)

"Want some company, or would I be intruding?" Trunks had been surprised to sense his mother's ki there. But he knew she found this difficult, and maybe she'd like some encouraging company?

"The construct not enough for you?" Trunks asked, albeit a bit shyly. He and Guri had interacted--how could they not on the train? But neither ever seemed to find a chance to do more than just the usual pleasantries. "Want a partner?"

To start with, Cassie is just watching from the sidelines. Taking a good, hard look at these things she's heard so much about. Burning them into her memory.

If looks could kill Trunks would have nothing to worry about.

Kaiba greets Bulma with a quick smile and nod. He's always glad to work with her, and...well, maybe they can remind each other to eat. Science has a way of getting in the way of that.

"They said they're learning to send other crews to respond to catastrophes. The way crises seem to be escalating....it's a good idea. We're a small crew now, we can't handle everything or be everywhere at once."

Not without causing a time paradox, at least. "Have you seen anything interesting?"

She sits, looking a little uncomfortable still but also smiling. People here have been friendly for the largest part and though she doesn't really understand what is going on, she believes they have their best interests in mind.

"I hope so. Kaiba was it? Is this base where you operate out of?"

Unusual for it to be in the void itself.

He gets a smile before she sits, slipping into the chair opposite him. "Hello. I am Mistli, what is your name?"

She watches him with an intensity, taking in his appearance and his mannerisms.

They sit down next to her, letting the silence sit for a moment or two. After all there is no rush, and she does not seem so eager to talk.

They were not going to ruin someone's quiet contemplation, so they sat quietly as well, after giving a friendly nod in return.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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EVENT: Into the Unknown

Rescued Scientists

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seto kaiba | orange | ota

reaching out

Re: reaching out

Masumi Sera | Purple | OTA

Usagi Tsukino (AU) | OTA

Re: reaching out

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1

Guri | Team Purple

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General Amaya | Team Purple | OTA

no subject

Re: seto kaiba | orange | ota

Bulma Briefs | Orange Team | OTA

Trunks Brief (Future) | Purple | OTA

Meditation

Training

Training Gym

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject