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middleofsomewhere2019-07-13 08:02 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in middleofsomewhere2019-07-13 08:02 am
To Climb
Preparation
Just after light on the seventh day since boarding the train everyone’s SCA glows with the colours of the void before showing a message. A briefing for the mission to come. No one gets much time to process this before there is a shaking, like turbulance before there’s a jolt and flash of colour.
”Welcome to Hub World#5739. Our next stop will be Ciyesia in a few hours.”
Outside the windows the void is gone. The train is winding through a mountain range. The mountains tower up around them. The sky is a beautiful blue though every now and again there is a swirl of colour, like the void is trying to break through.
The countryside wizzes by, sometimes you go past settlements, small villages of wooden houses. Sometimes you pass farmers in fields. Sometimes herds of animals, horses, camels, strange animals with six legs and curled horns.
Eventually the train slows. ”Now arriving at Ciyesia. Passengers must wear their Safety Control Apparatus. Please ensure you take all equipment needed for your mission with you when you leave the train and take extra care when you step from the train to the platform. Next stop Ciyesia.”
Arrival
And in a billow of steam the train comes to a stop. The doors hiss open and there is indeed a rickety wooden platform, fallen into disuse. Sat upon it were two children, a boy and a girl who were staring at the train with open mouths.
Before the doors were even fully opened they were off running, “Ma! Ma!”
The platform is in a clearing, surrounded mostly by trees but down the path the children took a building can be seen. If you follow the children you will find it a large homestead, with a sign outside. The Weary Wanderer. The children are on the doorstep talking to a woman and gesturing towards you.
As you approach she smiles, a little nervously. “Well. This is not something I thought I would see in my lifetime. Welcome Treckers, I offer you the hospitality of my inn.”
She gestures them in. Inside is a large common room with wooden tables. There is a fire place but the day is warm enough that it is not lit. At first glance it looks old fashioned to anyone from a modern world, even fantasy-esque for those who would recognise it as such. Indeed her and the children are dressed in simple layered, loose tunics. But then you may notice some of the candles are battery powered and! there’s a coffee machine on the bar.
“Maia can you ask our guests what they would like to drink?” The woman hands the little girl a slate and chalk before she begins rummaging around on the bar for mugs and glasses. “I’m sorry, it’s the quiet season so we aren’t quite guest-ready.”
They become guest ready in an impressive amount of time. The little boy runs off and returns a short while later with a plate of oat biscuits that he begins handing out.
Sheltered and soon to be fed it is time to learn more about this land and plan for your journeys ahead.
(OOC: Information for this event is here and the initial briefing is here
Just after light on the seventh day since boarding the train everyone’s SCA glows with the colours of the void before showing a message. A briefing for the mission to come. No one gets much time to process this before there is a shaking, like turbulance before there’s a jolt and flash of colour.
”Welcome to Hub World#5739. Our next stop will be Ciyesia in a few hours.”
Outside the windows the void is gone. The train is winding through a mountain range. The mountains tower up around them. The sky is a beautiful blue though every now and again there is a swirl of colour, like the void is trying to break through.
The countryside wizzes by, sometimes you go past settlements, small villages of wooden houses. Sometimes you pass farmers in fields. Sometimes herds of animals, horses, camels, strange animals with six legs and curled horns.
Eventually the train slows. ”Now arriving at Ciyesia. Passengers must wear their Safety Control Apparatus. Please ensure you take all equipment needed for your mission with you when you leave the train and take extra care when you step from the train to the platform. Next stop Ciyesia.”
Arrival
And in a billow of steam the train comes to a stop. The doors hiss open and there is indeed a rickety wooden platform, fallen into disuse. Sat upon it were two children, a boy and a girl who were staring at the train with open mouths.
Before the doors were even fully opened they were off running, “Ma! Ma!”
The platform is in a clearing, surrounded mostly by trees but down the path the children took a building can be seen. If you follow the children you will find it a large homestead, with a sign outside. The Weary Wanderer. The children are on the doorstep talking to a woman and gesturing towards you.
As you approach she smiles, a little nervously. “Well. This is not something I thought I would see in my lifetime. Welcome Treckers, I offer you the hospitality of my inn.”
She gestures them in. Inside is a large common room with wooden tables. There is a fire place but the day is warm enough that it is not lit. At first glance it looks old fashioned to anyone from a modern world, even fantasy-esque for those who would recognise it as such. Indeed her and the children are dressed in simple layered, loose tunics. But then you may notice some of the candles are battery powered and! there’s a coffee machine on the bar.
“Maia can you ask our guests what they would like to drink?” The woman hands the little girl a slate and chalk before she begins rummaging around on the bar for mugs and glasses. “I’m sorry, it’s the quiet season so we aren’t quite guest-ready.”
They become guest ready in an impressive amount of time. The little boy runs off and returns a short while later with a plate of oat biscuits that he begins handing out.
Sheltered and soon to be fed it is time to learn more about this land and plan for your journeys ahead.
(OOC: Information for this event is here and the initial briefing is here
no subject
You'd need to at least go armed in unspoiled wilderness where I am from, too, so I find that eminently sensible. [But that's what Failnaught was for, as she tapped the bow briefly with her claws.] What kind of abilities does he have? Princess, I mean.
[It wasn't as if she didn't have odd names for some of her minions, or her chocobo, so she's not about to judge!]
Threadjacking with permission :D
I think we should talk about these objectives. There are four color sets on here and only three on the train. Should we be expecting to pick up additional passengers?
[It was unnerving that others were about to be abducted like they were. He also doesn't like the idea of some entity giving him orders without knowing every detail about them. Who knew if these were actually helpful goals or there to destroy the culture of the people in this community? But more on that later.. he already asked a good question, in his opinion.]
no subject
[There's a brief nod when Tony interrupts, Eva shifting to include him as well.] It's possible, Stark-san. I can't say if we will here, but I'm not going to say no to more people at the very least. As for what Princess can do... He's a battler by training but it's not a bloodsport as pokemon battles are actually quite safe. If it wasn't, I wouldn't ask it of him. But, I figure he could be of use in either the red team or purple team goals at least, though I'll want him while my team collects the plants, and I don't know what to expect with that. It doesn't sound hard, unlike the rest, but I also thought that when I climbed Mt Silver.
[A quick shake of her head. Back on topic!] But, like Stark-san said, we don't have any blue team yet, so we'll probably have to work together on that at least. I don't know if it's allowed, but I didn't hear that it wasn't. So, the more organised we can get, the easier things will likely be.
no subject
I honestly would not want to ask Princess to do anything you--or he--would not be comfortable with. [Just as Sarai wouldn't want anyone to ask her chocobo to do anything that he'd be unhappy with, were he here.]
I am not certain if we'll pick up extra passengers, though we might? I was planning as Mistress Eva was, to work with others who wished to, on the blue team's objectives. You know, since we haven't any members assigned there.
also threadjacking w/ permission 8>
[ What's up, Lightning slips into the gym, nodding to each of them and finding a good spot near a window to lean. ] What'd I miss?
no subject
She had been staring out the window in wonder when Eva's voice had come through the air. She had never actually seen mountains before in real life. But Eva is right. They have been given a mission to do. By who and why are questions that remain unanswered but she at least understands a mission brief. Honestly being given clear instructions is a relief after days of knowing nothing.
She doesn't speak as she enters, she's not going to interrupt. But she is here because it is a good idea to plan missions, doing missions with no plans is stupid.]
no subject
Before he can say too much, he spies Buttercup coming in the room and his frown deepens.]
Look, I can handle the red team's task myself. Peter and Gwen and I are ideal for getting the flowers as well. I think everyone else should focus on the last two. However, if I'm going to be occupied I need someone to take responsibility for ensuring Buttercup's safety. She shouldn't be included in any of this.
no subject
But as Tony says that Buttercup--she presumes that's the girl's name--shouldn't be included, she shakes her head. They're friends, and she knows Tony well enough to know he means well, but this time, he's missing the mark.]
No. She should be. She's here, I presume, because all of us can carry our own weight. I realize you don't want her to be hurt, but if she's just going to end up where she came from eventually, overprotecting her isn't going to do her any favors.
quick interrupt for conversation flow, ignore in terms of tag order!
Peeling off the main thread to continue this argument.
[His words were more heated than probably this point of their argument warranted, but he was getting mad.]
If she does anything on this mission it should be alongside someone who is very experienced and can fight and protect her at the same time.
any interested parties feel free to jump in!
[Sarai isn't angry at all--not yet. She does understand Tony's viewpoint--she isn't certain, they've not talked excessively, but she does realize on some level that where he was taken from was a dark point in time for him. So she can't hold that against him. She won't.]
I would gladly take her with me, if she would like. But I am not going to have her sit back and do nothing, if so. I would be doing her a disservice. [She glances over at Buttercup, and gives the girl a nod. In no way will Sarai pretend the girl hasn't got a voice due to her youth. Buttercup would make a fine tribesdaughter, had she grown up in the Azim Steppe.] I know she can pull her own weight, I've seen it when we first arrived here. I won't show her dishonor by treating her like a helpless baby. It's not right.
Endgame spoiler!
[Never mind the number of times he or the Avengers have gotten out of situations that seemed impossible.]
And no, mine doesn't need me anymore. I either succeeded at what I was doing and traded my life in the process or I failed and my whole planet has now been destroyed and the sole survivor is Peter.
[He runs a hand across his goatee and looks towards Buttercup.]
I'm showing her honor by not taking any chances with her life. She's too valuable and too young to risk one of those animals severely hurting her. After this, I'm not comfortable leaving her in your care if you're going to take her safety so lightly!
And exactly when did you see Buttercup getting attacked by a psycho goat and survive on the train?
no subject
[Typically she'd tell the pair to take it outside. But this?
Like hell she's staying silent.]
And deciding for her without even asking what Buttercup wants is also showing her honour? I understand she's a child, and I want to protect her as much as you both do. Yet I also understand that she's more than likely going to want to help -even follow us- if only because kids that age tend to like helping adults. I was close enough to Buttercup's age when I helped in my first police sting against Team Rocket -a criminal group.
[Not that she'd wanted too, but at the time, she had no other choice. Her voice never once rises either - nor will it. Never. It's firm, level and calm. This is the person she is even though she's standing straighter, arms crossed.
It's not arrogant, just matter of fact.]
We should let Buttercup make her own choices and support her as much as possible, even if we don't agree with them.
no subject
My sister is younger than I, and Irves would follow me out even when she shouldn't have. [Like following her into Aurum Vale, for one...]
My mother left our tribe when I was young, and Irves even younger. We had to help our father by hunting and gathering, or we wouldn't eat. I know Buttercup is a child...but I know what a child her age is capable of, if needed. I did it myself. I would not ask her to do anything I did not do at her age. But I also value her opinion. [Which is why she hasn't been trying to ignore her through all this, either, giving her little nods and gauging her expression. Sarai would understand if the girl told her to go to hell--but she wasn't divulging what she'd seen on the platform, either. Buttercup's secrets were hers to tell, should she choose.]
I agree with Eva...I think I was taking the long way about it, but...even though we're trying to protect her, we're not really her parents or her guardians. She ought to have a say. Whether we adults like it, or not.
no subject
Whether it should or not, it stings when Sarai points out they aren't Buttercup's parents or guardians. Was he trying to replace Morgan with Buttercup? He didn't know.]
But there's no reason for her to take that risk here and now. Sarai, please. You had to do it to survive. This is a completely different situation. There's very little benefit to a whole lot of dangers.
Can you both honestly say children of that age are smart enough to know when a situation is too dangerous for them? No. I don't think so. They don't have enough experience to know. I think they're overly confident and will underestimate a situation and get themselves hurt.
no subject
Of course they are smart enough and quite frankly, I think you're being patronizing and entirely unfair on how children even work. I trust that any child knows their limits and wants to expand said limits especially if it is in the company of an adult. How else would they know if it was too dangerous if they don't tag along in the company of adults? How else would they learn and grow if not by watching us adults and emulating us? Would you say a child couldn't climb a tree because they might fall? Would you rush to pick them up as soon as they started crying, thereby teaching them that as soon as they cry the world will be right there too make things better?
[A shake of her head a sigh. maybe she's reading too much into this, but she has a pair of baby sisters. And the idea of not letting them -or any child really- tag along in anything is anathema to her.]
That is what you're saying, Stark-san, even if you don't think you are. It does a child no good to be coddled and protected or told they can't do what everyone else is. It means they don't get experience in what they can handle and those limits change with experience. That doesn't mean you allow her to climb the tree alone or anyone to climb a tree alone ever. It means you're there, watching, ready to catch them if they fall and ready to pick them up if they need it.
[A breath, but she's not yet done. She has so many feelings about this.] Without experience or trial and error, no one grows to know what they can or cannot handle. And really, do you think any of here wouldn't be keeping an eye on Buttercup to make sure she's safe if she chooses to come with us?
Honestly and bluntly, if you think yes then you clearly don't know how adults even work.
[And yes, her voice is still calm.]
no subject
[She couldn't count on both her hands, how many times a child came up to her at home telling her something was wrong. 'Red Kojin are attacking and they cornered my sister before we could both get away.' 'Miss, it's my father, there's something wrong.' Sometimes they couldn't put it into strict words, but they knew. Her tone is more musing, but whatever anger she might have felt has simply drained away. Beyond anything else, she knows Tony's heart is in the right place.]
Honestly, if she came with me, Dread would probably be there too--we tend to work together. We wouldn't let Buttercup come to harm. But if she wanted to try to pull her weight? We'd let her. I suppose that assumes you'd trust us, now, though.
no subject
Of course I'm aware of what I'm saying. I'm the one who said it. That's exactly what I think. Children should be protected. Children can't tell their limits and they get in trouble if you aren't helping them. And then they spend the rest of their lives with a memory they can't forget. They can get themselves hurt or killed. Have you met Peter? I've had to bail him out several times or he would've died and he's not exactly a normal kid.
[There's some pain on his face, along with anger. He didn't know Peter when he was ten but god, if he had...]
And what kind of parent doesn't come when their child cries? You don't have kids do you? I do. And if I hear her cry, I come. And if Peter calls in distress, I'm there.
[His gaze shifts to Sarai. And he takes a breath, trying to calm some of his anger.]
Yes, if she goes with you and Dread I'd be okay with it. I know you aren't going to let her get hurt. I didn't mean it earlier when I said I didn't trust you to watch her. She's smart, she can learn watching you two. But.. we don't let her go off by herself and our goal is to protect her over protecting these birds things. Not that we won't do our best, but if it comes down to it. Agreed?
no subject
She hates the fact they are all arguing about her. Even with the nods in her direction it makes her feel small and helpless. She's not helpless and if she's small well that's something she's working on.
But Tony says she's valuable and Sarai and Eva say she is capable. She's heard adults argue before, obviously, but not over her. She is aware they must discuss her but they have never done so in her presence.
She doesn't need protection, not from these light addled idiots who would turn and kill her if they knew one piece of the truth.
She wants to tell them she's not a stupid kid. She wants to tell them that she has done missions before. She wants to tell them but she can't because it would lead to too many questions.]
I do be being smart and I would no be being here if I did no be being useful. [And she would prove it to them.]
no subject
There's time after all of this to argue, but I'm here to talk about Ciyesia, and the fact that we're finally gonna see what's outside this train.
[ she reaches over to flick the ICP over to the mission briefing. ] Red. Two days, single target. Purple, three days, monster cleanup. Blue, three or four days, escorting noncombatants. Orange, three days, gathering plants. Go.
no subject
[Eva says with finality. Whatever else she wants to say, that could wait until later, until after the missions.
Or at least until after the more important things.] We need to plan. I don't doubt any of us could do things single-handedly, but we are, for better or worse, needing to work together.
[It's with a steadying breath she yanks her mind back to them.] Red sounds like it can be done the fastest, and if we split into two groups, we can likely do both simultaneously. That is, assuming everyone on the train wants to work in large groups. If not, then we can adjust and do what we can as best we can.
I know for one I wouldn't mind help with collecting the plants and I do want to bring as many as we can back onto the train. From the sounds of it, they'll be extremely useful to have for emergencies. I'm also willing to help with any of the other missions - as I was saying before all this started, Princess is trained to fight and he is quite powerful. He also knows Sing -it sends you to sleep-, but that's more a defence mechanism of the pippi as a whole.
no subject
Sarai, is she going with you?
[He's angry and irritated and has decided everyone here is stupid. Don't worry, he's concluded that multiple times about the Avengers too when they've had arguments.]
That's a great idea for our teams, but make sure you have a Plan B for when there isn't anything left for you to do for the Red mission.
[This was an incredible waste of time and he's done with it. He spins on his heels and heads back out of the gym.]