Race Against Time: Ongoing Mission

[voidtreckermods]

Once the training is over people can get to work pretty quickly, there is plenty to be done both out in the world and back at the hub for those not too keep on jumping straight in to a strange volcanic planet with creatures that probably want to eat them.

Hub

The underground hub is a centre of activity. It turns out there isn't all that much fuel for shuttles to get back up to the space station so trips are rationed, they will hold villagers and lindusi until they have full shuttles and then send them up. So the hub is busy with scientists, lindusi in holding pens and as the week goes on villagers who may not be too impressed with the evacuation.

There is food, usually large pots of soup that can be reheated whenever people are around. Though some heavier meals are provided at set times the people leading the evacuation are keen not to let any of their helpers, or those they are rescuing, starve.

Sleeping rooms hold bunk beds, usually around eight a room but as the hub fills up space gets limited. Sharing beds or sleeping on the floor may become necessary.

For those hanging around the hub as the week goes on there is plenty to do, small jobs, entertaining village children, logistics, communication. Or they can find a quiet place to rest before going back out on their mission.

Red

The skies are heavy with debris, both from space and the volcanic ash and rocks from the planet itself. The fighter craft are not difficult to pilot but nor are they easy. They cannot be piloted by one person, unless that person has four arms and space in the cockpit is tight for two people.

It's difficult work and it is probably good for everybody that the craft only fly for six hours before recharging, it means they have to work in shifts, and rest when they are not in the sky. The pilots from the world are generally friendly, if very focused.

Purple

Flying bubble pods around what seems like an apocalyptic wasteland may seem surreal and that's before they even get to the villages. The villages are mostly underground, bunkers where groups of people shelter. There are a range of ages. Some villages come easy, some do not. Diplomacy is key.

Watch out for falling rocks, rogue lindusi and angry villagers, all are threats that have to mitigated. As the week goes on the villagers get more stubborn, the earthquakes get more frequent and the villagers that are waiting to be taken off world get more impatient. It's a tough job.

Orange

The lindusi are scattered across the island. Mostly as far away from volcanoes as possible though there are a few that seem too curious for their own good.

The trucks to hold the lindusi in are kept in a central point in an area whilst the groups go out to try and round as many up as possible. The voidtreckers are encouraged to stick together as they don't know the area or threats very well.

Blue

The Blue team are to protect the scientists, both those collecting plants and other life samples and those with Orange rounding up Lindusi. Once they have the hang of the shield devices it's just a case of sticking close by, keeping both eyes open and being quick to activate shields whenever there is a threat.

There are plenty of threats, it's one thing this island has in abundance.

Comments

Raven OTA

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Hub
Raven was at the hub usually long enough to get food, check in, and then find a quiet place to rest. Which meant huddling in her cloak and meditating. And occasionally maybe a nap too. With everyone in such tight quarters though, and all the excitement and fear, her appetite wasn't as strong as her need to relax. Or try to. Herbal tea was her drink of choice, and anytime she was in a crowded area she was keeping to herself so she could focus on actively projecting peace, and calm.

Like she'd done on the train; trying to keep the general ambience and mood from spiralling into bad places. A form of passive crowd-control, although it meant she wasn't as aware of others approaching her beyond not bumping into people or objects. Once they were back on the train, she planned to kidnap a quiet car and camp in it for several days.

Purple

Raven had started to do a rotation of sorts. Flying from group to group with her team-mates, seeing if she was needed for support in whatever way she could. Diplomacy and persuasion in the form of calm words and logic, using her dark energy to prevent falling rocks or reinforce-structures, or helping stabilize people when the earthquakes hit. Even trying to calm a lizard while 'herding' it to where it was supposed to go.

Except for the time-frame, it wasn't too different from some of the stuff she and the Titans had dealt with.

Wild Card
Got an idea? Hit me up.

hub

[happyends]

Sorry Raven.. If Madoka knew you wanted to be left alone, she sure wouldn't approach you. But as she's taking a break from all the defending her team is doing and is back at the hub for a moment as well, she can't help but approach the other girl once she spots her in the crowd.

She even looks happy to see her, judging by the smile on Madoka's face.

"Hi..! I'm so glad to see you here!" Granted, Madoka would be happy to see any familiar face. But Raven was so sweet when she helped her out last time that it feels extra good.

Re: hub

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Madoka felt familiar, to Raven's passive empathy; bright and strong. It made one end of her own mouth lift in a hint of smile. Cowl up still so hard to see, but there all the same.

"Where else would I be?" Raven murmured. "I didn't think we were allowed to stay on the train." Not that Raven wouldn't have helped anyways.

[happyends]

"Well, you could've been out there.."

There's a lot to be done by all the teams, after all. And Raven seems so cool and useful with her powers, so Madoka was sure she'd probably be getting a lot done. More so than Madoka herself, who can only do her best without any special powers.

"But now we're here together for a moment! I already couldn't find another familiar face, I thought I'd be here alone while resting up.. But that's why I'm extra glad to see you now."

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Raven was very glad she'd resisted speaking aloud her first thoughts; that all of them were out there at different points. Especially once Madoka continued, and reminded Raven once more Starfire. The same kind of earnestness and happiness, just to be around her friends.

"I need to rest too." Which was true, but Raven was also trying to say she didn't mind the company. A familiar face was nice, as Madoka had already pointed out. "How are things going for your team? and for you?"

[happyends]

That question prompts her to think for a moment. Although at the very least it seems to be genuine thought rather than Madoka trying to think about whether to tell the truth or lie.

"Hmm.. I think it's going okay..?"

It's not exactly easy, but somehow things still feel more manageable than the last time they had a mission.

"Those shield gloves they gave us are really handy..! Even I can use them, so I feel glad to be able to help out this time. How about you?"

[azrthmtrnznthos]

It hadn't been quite what Raven was asking, but that was also her fault for not being more specific. Madoka didn't seem injured though, just tired. A state that was justified for both of them considering how hard they'd been working.

"If you can find Mr. Stark, show him. I suspect he'd want to know about a nice and easy to use gadget like that. Or ask Mr. Scientia to see if we can bring one or two back with us." It honestly was a useful piece of tech, besides just making Madoka feel useful which Raven was also glad for.

"We've had the usual ups and downs of dealing with people. Some are scared and determined, some are just scared. Some are angry, or stubborn, as well as scared. Several are unhappy, but resigned." Which was taxing for Raven because she usually didn't deal with so many people.

[happyends]

"I see.. I guess people must be feeling all sorts of things while living in a world like this."

Mostly not too many positive things either, huh. Madoka can't imagine feeling happy in the face of this planet literally being about to be destroyed. Especially not when it's the only home you've known.

"I hope all those people can realise that in the end it's for their own good to leave this place.."

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"Even when someone knows it might be better to go...it can be hard." Raven agreed softly. "I've been trying to just keep a passive feeling of Calm around me if I can, especially around groups." Much like she had on the train, for Madoka or others. Just a passive-projection and nothing more.

"We're doing what we can though, without having to be mean. So to speak..." A shrug there, before huddling a bit more in her cloak. It was tiring, even if Raven felt it was worth it. The last thing they needed was a panic or conflict between groups.

[happyends]

It really is a benefit to that team that Raven is part of their team, huh. She can't imagine anyone being better suited to having to keep people calm and help them get out of there. Madoka still vividly remembers how the other girl took all her negative feelings away for a while back on the train, after all.

But she also does realise that in some ways Raven is actually terribly suited for it. After all, it's not just that she can help other people with their emotions, but she also feels them so strongly herself..

Which is why Madoka shoots a worried look in the other girl's direction.

"Are you doing okay though..? It must be so tough for you, feeling what all those people are feeling.."

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"I'm managing." Raven had almost said I'm fine, but that wasn't entirely true. She was fine, in a manner of speaking. She had dealt with harsher than this before, and had training to learn how to manage her Empathy and other gifts since she was young. But this wasn't an easy situation, and Madoka did not seem as if she would take an I'm fine when she suspected the other wasn't.

"When we're back on the train, I might just spend a day or two in one of the quiet cabins on my own, but I'm taking care of myself as well."

[happyends]

Madoka slowly nods. That answer sounds logical, even if it still isn't ideal. She wishes Raven wouldn't have to deal with feeling this many - and mostly not positive - emotions at once, but then again, what can be done about it..?

"Would it help if I stayed here with you for a bit and tried to be extra calm? Would you maybe then not feel everyone else as much..?"

Yes, she even sounds a little desperate to help. Because Madoka - with the way she is - immediately feels guilty for not being able to do anything for the other girl otherwise.

[azrthmtrnznthos]

The offer was and wasn't expected; mostly the part about trying to be 'extra calm'. It made Raven's eyes widen a bit, and a hint of what was almost a laugh escape. Then she was ducking her head, reaching up to adjust her cowl.

"It's...not quite that easy, Madoka. When we get back to the train, I plan to hermit a way for about a day or so. Thank you though." A pause, perhaps a bit awkward as Raven looked to meet the other's eyes. "...you do help though, already. Just because you're a familiar presence and face, who's a friend. That on it's own kind of can help as an anchor, if you think of being surrounded by it all as being on the sea or ocean."

Purple

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"Hey!"

Edge waved cheerfully from down below, even as he urged the last of a small group into the bubble pod. Once the door closed, he leaned against it heavily, running one wrist over his forehead.

"How're things with you?"

Re: Purple

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Dealing with the ninja on a mission so far had proved to be far more tolerable than their first meeting. At first Raven had thought the wave might be signalling her for help, but coming closer it was clear enough he had the situation in hand for now.

Still, she took a moment to come down and check. And maybe take a small break. "Busy, but it's not going too badly yet." Yet being the operative word. "You seem to have things in hand here."

[onehandsomeslickninja]

Edge lesson #1: always wave to a cute girl.

"Of course! They can't resist my charm and charisma!" He laughed, thought it was tired enough that his boast couldn't be entirely believable. Getting people to go along was a lot of hard work.

"Makes me wish for a monster-hunting assignment again," he added after a moment.

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Raven wisely kept herself quiet; Edge was, rarely in her opinion, charming--but mostly it was when he wasn't trying. Something she'd seen only flashes of so far. Still, he was at least a people person.

"I'm sure Mr. Scientia wouldn't mind if you helped out Blue Team for a bit. Their assignment was protection, if I recall." Encouraging, as Blue Team was easily the smallest of them all and could likely use the help. "After a rest though; how long have you been at this?"

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"People need help though," he said, slapping the side of the bubble pod as he stepped away so it could ferry its passengers to safety. "I don't know, morning? I've lost track of time."

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"Sounds like it's time for a break for you. At least take an hour. Rest, have a snack and drink."

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"Sure, once I make sure everyone's safe." If Edge had a strong point, it was moral conviction; he knew what needed to be done here, and that there'd always be time later for self-care. "The day I can't handle a little talking hasn't come yet!"

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"Even talking and persuading stubborn people can be exhausting in it's own way." Raven countered; and she did understand. Firstly, she'd been partnered with Robin on the team for way too long and he was a work-a-holic and then some.

"But you won't be any good if you drop from exhaustion."

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"A little tiredness is a long way from dropping!" Edge said, giving his chest a whump with one fist. "This ninja's got more than enough in him to get the job done!"

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"A little tiredness can also become a lot of tiredness easily." Raven countered, then sighed. "Just don't overdo it, alright? And in case you're thinking it, I am not the kind of girl who's impressed by acts of bravado."

Not that Raven really wanted Edge to flirt with her, but he'd seemed to flirt with all the girls. If she could use that to help make sure he didn't hurt himself? Well, she wasn't above it.

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"I don't think you're the type of girl who'd admit to being impressed by anything," Edge said, waggling a finger playfully up at her. Hey, he still had that much energy!

[azrthmtrnznthos]

"Clearly you're going to be fine then." Raven quipped back, albeit not unkindly. He was right, but Raven had no intention of letting him know that. "I don't do romance, or flirting, or anything along those lines."