( closed ) mystery transmission

[winscenario]

who: James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Poe Dameron, Beverly Crusher, Loki
what: an exploratory mission in search of a vessel
when: from July 10th to July 20th
where: abandoned area, along the river, the delta and waterfalls; between the first and second walls
warnings: monster attacks, probably some injuries/blood, don't expect anything more than that; add any needed warnings on your own threads as needed, please!


After a transmission tower in the Abandoned City was repaired following the storm a few months ago, the Perimeter Guard radio center has been picking up a continuous eerie transmission that sounds like a combination of a sonar ping and a staticky voice saying a long series of seemingly random numbers. The transmission has been tracked to its source, which seems to be some sort of vessel that's under one of the many waterfalls in the delta area of the Abandoned City. It is not known if it is easily accessible or if caving will be required to reach it.

The objective is to follow the signal to its source with specialized equipment and find out whether it is a distress signal, an important piece of abandoned technology, or something else entirely. Besides the usual environmental dangers of traveling for several days by land into the Abandoned City, including monsters and other dangers, there is heavy speculation that whatever is sending the signal is super haunted. Additionally, some caving may be required to reach the signal source.

[ ooc: this is a mingle log, so everyone feel free to write up your own top levels and/or tag around as much as you like! ]

Comments

jim kirk ▹▹ ota

[winscenario]

I ▹ WALKING & CAMPING

[ It's not Jim's first time so far beyond the Quarantine walls, which likely shows in how sure he is of the path they're taking, which areas are safer and which spots they should avoid. It makes for a more or less peaceful trip overall, if with a few more dull and quiet stretches of time as they make their way towards the waterfalls.

He's always checking up on the team, though, making sure everyone's keeping up. This time they're fewer, and they all seem to have some kind of training that prepares them for this kind of mission (and, in Loki's case, plenty of powers and abilities that give him a good edge), so Jim feels more at ease, and not quite like he needs to keep an eye on all of them quite as much.

During the long walks, he takes the lead more often than not, though he might just fall back once or twice to greet one of the other team members. He's also open to being approached and having some company while he walks. Late at night, after the sun sets, he helps find them a decent spot to set up camp, and he helps along with getting a fire going, preparing them some food, maybe have a quick bath or wash up on the river if they manage to stay near it. If anyone needs help with anything he'll promptly offer, and later at night, he might be the one taking a lookout shift while everyone else sleeps, or he may not be able to sleep so keeping whoever's on watch company seems like a good way to pass the time. ]

II ▹ SHUTTLE & CAVES (17TH ONWARDS)

[ This is one particular situation where Jim's excitement is nearly palpable. He's been in the Quarantine for three months now, and while he likes to think he's gotten settled in pretty well, one thing that he's been sorely missing, and that often leaves him feeling fidgety and far too tense, is not always feeling his feet so firmly set on solid ground. This, though... this promises a change in that aspect.

It's not a ship like the Enterprise, of course, not by any means. But it's a big enough shuttle that it should be able to break through the atmosphere and have enough oxygen reserve to stay up there for some good hours— Jim can't wait to find out just how many hours, honestly. But for now, that's not a priority. Not just yet.

He's mainly focused on two things: getting the shuttle up and running, and finding a way to get it out of the cave. He doesn't need it at top capacity, just enough energy to bring them back safely to the Quarantine, and once there he can focus on get it back to top shape. As for the cave, well... that'll probably take some digging, he thinks.

After they find the shuttle, he can be found in there more often than not, studying (and stroking) different parts of the vessel, or halfway buried into one of the control panels, surrounded by wires and dismantled parts, and probably covered in random bits of dirt and grease. He'll also be walking along the cave a few times, casting a light along the walls, looking for any cracks through which light seeps in, where it might be easier for them to cave a way out. ]

III ▹ WILDCARD

[ Anything you can think of that fits the mission, from monster fighting to the (slightly bumpy) return trip on the shuttle, feel free to toss it at him! ]

camping, ota too

[ikols]

[ While Jim putters around, Loki prepares s'mores on a log currently acting as a communal table with someone's coat over it. With a row of marshmallows on sticks resting near the fire, he toasts them evenly by twiddling the sticks around and smearing the ploopy lumps on chocolate-covered crackers.

He sets out enough for everybody and licks his fingers, calling people over when the lot is done, and as if by magic none of them have cooled down. ]

Away Team, grub's up!

[winscenario]

[ Since Loki had been pretty keen on taking care of dinner the last time they camped beyond the walls together, Jim leaves it up to him this time around too. He notices Loki setting up the fire and working on some snacks from the distance, but it's only as he calls out that he makes his way over, humming at the sweet and familiar scent that fills his nose once he gets closer. ]

My God— pun not intended, [ He points a finger at Loki before he gets to make fun of him. ] I can't believe you've made s'mores. I love these.

[ikols]

Pun totally intended and noted.

[ He waves Jim over, messily munching on a s'more. ]

I made enough for thirds, c'mon.

[winscenario]

You're impossible.

[ Jim says it with something close enough to an amused chuckle, shaking his head as he sits himself down near the fire. ]

This kind of treat also famous around Asgard, or did you just develop a taste for it while on Earth?

I... sort of. XD

[legendary_hands]

[He's actually not against being in the outdoors. He did the camping thing a lot as a kid with his dad. So this? This isn't really the issue. And it does help since he and Jim had gone out this way before. So when he drops down beside Jim after everyone had been tucked in for the night, he sinks back and stares up at the sky.]

You know, when you said you wanted to come back out here for the night, this is not what I pictured.

[He's just teasing, and the look in his eyes is soft and the corner of his lips are tipped upward in a soft almost smile. After a moment, he finally looks over at Jim and hands over a bag he'd dug out of his bag before coming to join him. It's full of cookies he made before they left.]

Here... made these for ya. Figure you can share if you want or hang on to 'em for yourself.

[winscenario]

[ While technically on the lookout himself, Jim's not yet settled in for the night. His bag's resting against a log next to him, his sleeping bag outside and serving as a sort of pillow under his head, but he hasn't bothered stretching it out or crawling inside yet. It can wait, and right now he's enjoying taking in the sight of the brilliant stars up in the sky.

He's not about to say no to some company, though, especially Bones's. He smiles instantly when the doctor lies down next to him, shifting around slightly and accepting the cookies with a delighted hum. ]

Are you kidding? If they taste your cookies, they might just try to steal you away from me. Can't let that happen. [ He picks one cookie out from the pack, taking a bite and humming happily. ] Delicious.

[legendary_hands]

[The roll of his eyes is purely affectionate as he settles in close where their shoulders brush. Leaning back, he stares up at the stars and pointlessly scans them for familiarity. Any constellation... even if he knows better.]

I doubt anyone would try to steal me away just for my cooking skills. But glad you like 'em. [Tipping his head a little, he glances at Jim from the corner of his eyes and can't help the smile that pulls at them as he watches him eat the cookies looking happy like that.]

I do like it out here... Shame it's not settled enough to just live outside the walls.

[winscenario]

Clearly you don't give your cooking enough credit. Or your looks, for that matter. [ Not that Jim actually worries about someone trying to make a move on Bones. It's not that he doubts it could happen, but that he knows the doctor would never pay them any mind. Much like Jim himself wouldn't reciprocate anyone making a pass at him.

Finishing the first cookie, he immediately goes for a second one. ]

Mm. Quite the view. [ He shrugs. ] There's always the abandoned city. I hear there are plans to expand the inhabited area to there too, so you never know.

[legendary_hands]

Is that so? [A smile pulls across his lips as he turns to give Jim his full attention. It takes quite a bit of effort not to just reach out and touch him. So instead, he leans in closer and solidly presses against his side while clasping his hands between his legs to keep his hands to himself.]

It's gorgeous. [For a moment, he forgets he hasn't looked back up to the sky and quickly rectifies that to tip his head back and look at the stars.] Think you'd like that? Something of a frontier life almost?

[He laughs softly at the thought and hums.] The mental image of you as a cowboy is actually kind of adorable. [If not hot.]

[winscenario]

[ The rest of the team's settled down for the night anyway, and they're at a good enough distance from them that they have a modicum of privacy, so just reaching out and sharing a simple touch, something as plain as holding each other's hands or curling up next to each other wouldn't really draw a lot of attention to them. Still, for now Jim doesn't say that out loud, nor does he reach out himself, though the thought crosses his mind when he sees Bones tucking his hands away. ]

I would. I think so, yes. I mean, only once we were sure it'd be safe, but it would be pretty exciting, I think. [ The city's not even that far away from the Quarantine, but it's still new and unexplored territory, in a way. No doubt more exciting than living within the Quarantine walls.

He snorts softly, nudging at Bones's leg with his own. ] Jerk. Keep that up and I'll go and find myself the most ridiculous costume out there.

[dancingmd]

a. campfire
The hike through the jungle has been a tough, but invigorating one. Beverly feels a little less off-kilter out here. Exploring a strange new world is, ironically, familiar territory to her. Besides, she's always loved camping: sleeping out under the stars, the glow of the fire, insects chirping in the distance, all of it. And while she isn’t exactly a spiritual woman, something about it makes her feel a little bit closer to Wesley and Jack both. With them in mind, she smiles softly as she crushes a dead leaf in her hand and tosses it into the edge of the fire pit to watch it crackle. Wesley used to love to do that, much to the annoyance of his father.

Except now that memory is mixed with another, of revelations by the fireside with Jean-Luc. Preferring not to have to think about that, she picks up a stick and pokes at the fire, then says to her companions, “Too bad we don’t have any marshmallows.”


b. cave entrance
Sigh. Of course it had to be caves. Caves are never a good sign. Especially when you have to rappel down a dark, seemingly bottomless pit to get into them. Not that actually seeing how high up they are would really settle that uneasiness in her stomach. But as always, she does her best to ignore that feeling and most importantly, not let it show to anyone else. The only sign of nervousness is in the way she swallows as she hooks up her carabiner.


c. medical care
Look, it’s only inevitable that someone will need medical attention in the course of this journey. Possibly multiple someones. Possibly Beverly herself, in which case she will be trying very stubbornly to wave you off and take care of herself because it’s just a scratch (the monster wasn’t that big and besides it’s gone now).

Anyway, if someone in the party has gotten hurt, Beverly’s right there with her medkit and tricorder, patching them up with a firm yet gentle hand and calming voice.


d. wildcard

Be it monster fighting or shuttle flying, Beverly's ready!

c

[winscenario]

It's inevitable, and also not the least bit surprising, that Jim ends up being one of the people needing said medical attention. Most times Bones tends to hover and treat him quickly, even when it's just a small scrape or bruise, but this time Jim comes upon Beverly first, sporting a cut underneath his eye and a few scrapes on his hands.

"Tree fell on me," he offers with a faint grin. No need to worry her about wild animals anyway, especially when this one had been fairly harmless. It was just... fast.

[dancingmd]

Beverly hums skeptically as she takes gentle hold of his hands to examine them. "A tree with claws, it seems. That's something new." An eyebrow goes up. "Did it have teeth too?"

[winscenario]

"Well, this is a brand new alien moon. Who knows what kinds of weird plants they've got around here," he shrugs, pursing his lips a little. Yes, he's going to stick to that story, thank you very much. "Think you can just close up the injuries for me?" Preferably before Bones sees them and starts worrying too much over nothing.

[dancingmd]

Oh, she's hardly going to let it go that easily, though it's clear she's more amused than anything, judging from the twitch at the corner of her mouth. So as she sets to work fixing him up, she says, casually, "I'd like to see this tree - I have a great interest in plants, you know."

[winscenario]

"Really? Should meet my helmsman. He's got a thing for plants, too," he says, remembering a moment later that she does probably know the name. Vague and avoidant explanations aside, he shoots her a curious look. "I take it you have at least heard of Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu."

[dancingmd]

Look, she knows they agreed to follow the rules, but she can't resist. "I don't know of a Lieutenant Sulu, but I have heard of a Captain Sulu."

group log ▹▹ caves ▹▹ jim → bones → poe → beverly → loki

[winscenario]

It's not a particularly long trip until they reach the waterfalls, at least not as long as the last one. It helps the group is smaller and everyone has both experience and energy to spare, and both he and Bones have made this same trip before, so they know the terrain and the quickest paths all too well. It's also a fairly peaceful trek, with only smaller animals crossing their path, and not a lot of injuries to tell the tale.

Jim's pleased and excited both when they reach their destination, with energy to spare as he uses his scanning equipment to slowly find their way closer to the source of the signal.

It's not easy, though. There's a lot of interference and they end up walking along the rocks around and above the waterfalls for a couple of hours, trying to pinpoint the source. It seems to come from right underneath the falls, though, so eventually they have to spread out and look for another way to get in there. Without a signal to serve as a beacon, they end up looking around blindly, relying on luck more than anything, until they come upon a large hole on the rocky floor a good distance away from the waterfalls, but not yet close to the forest. Not much can be seen when they peer into it, though; it's pitch dark and even with their flashlights, it seems impossible to see whether there's a bottom or how far down it is.

"Think we'll have to climb down there. It's the only way for us to know if it'll take us closer to the source of the signal." And Jim's not about to let this little hiccup stop him, not now when he's come so close. "I'll go in first. Someone else should come with me, just in case something happens. Everyone else can join us once we determine that it's safe."

Oh look a big dark hole! What should we do? Jim: JUMP RIGHT IN! Yep. XD

[legendary_hands]

For the most part, the trip was easy. Too easy. Well now he knew why. It was savin' up the crap for just that moment they found that hole in the ground. A literal gaping black void that oddly made him think of space and the vast expanse of a whole lotta nothing. His jaw is set in that 'god damn it' sort of way as he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at it.

And really, long as he's known Jim Kirk, he should've seen the 'let's jump in guys!' comin' from a country mile away. Cutting a look at Jim, he held one hand up in a flick of 'sure why not' sarcasm before frowning. "Right. Looks cozy. I think I'll jump right in."

He gave only a second's pause before narrowing his gaze. "Are you serious? Are you out of your mind? Are you not gonna at least try to figure out how deep it is before we plunge someone into darkness or were we just gonna wing it when the rope ran out and there was no bottom?" Okay, he knew he was bein' irascible, but really? Just jump right in? Sometimes Jim made his blood pressure sky rocket. "Look, do we have one of those glow stick things or somethin' we can drop in and see if there is a bottom to the abyss?" Before they try an' find out if hell exists. He'd prefer that.

HELL YEAH WE'RE GONNA JUMP IN you're such a square bones

[followhim]

Poe's been taking everything in around them as the journey through the caves, trying to make mental notes. For the most park, the trip had been nice. It reminded him of camping trips his dad used to take him on as a kid. He'd been outside the walls of the city a bit as a member of the perimeter guard, but not this far out.

And definitely not into the caves and in front of this gaping hole.

"I don't have a glow stick, but I'll go with you if no one else has one. Or any better ideas." So quick to volunteer as tribute. He doesn't really give anyone else a chance to.

Bones is about to reach the realization that someone else across universes exists who is just as reckless and impulsive as Jim Kirk exists and that person is Poe Dameron.

this is why you need two doctors smh Bones why do we put up with this

[dancingmd]

As for Beverly, this is her first time beyond the walls - and so far, she's been enjoying it immensely, lingering every now and then by particularly interesting plants to make note of them on her tricorder to study later. Maybe she'll stop by the hydroponics lab again later - no doubt Iris would be excited by some of the stuff out here too. Even beyond her botanical interests, it's the familiarity of exploring an unfamiliar world that takes her mind off of worrying about home more than anything else has so far.

Her enjoyment of the expedition, however, comes to an abrupt halt once Kirk announces that they are going to climb down into a dark, mysterious hole of questionable depth. Like Leonard, she's nervous about this plan. Getting as close to the edge as she dares (which, given her fear of heights is... not very close at all), she runs several scans on her tricorder before shaking her head in defeat. "It's too deep for the tricorder to get a solid read on, in any case." She looks over at Loki hopefully. "Do you have any um... spell or magic that could help?"

She has no idea how any of that works, sorry Loki.

[ikols]

"For giant gaping nothingnesses in the ground? Not really."

Flight was always more Thor's area.

Loki has been enjoying the social aspect of the trip more than anything else, currently munching on a packet of wine gums that he definitely didn't have a half-hour ago by the waterfalls. Mostly keeping to himself, he has so far made himself handy providing snacks to anyone who was thirsty.

Lodging a boot on the edge of the abyss, he peers in and drops a gummy, seemingly listening for the sound before scientifically concluding, "That's super deep." The godling does however take a break from his snacks to wave a hand and conjure a floating green light, sending it down into the pit. "I can't see the bottom within a safe jumping distance, even for the heroically inclined."

[winscenario]

"I'm not going to jump in," Jim shoots back at Bones, almost huffing as if the suggestion alone is absolutely preposterous. He's not that crazy anymore, alright. "I'm going to rappel down the hole and see if I can get to the bottom. Not like looking down will get us anywhere closer."

He's tried with the several scanners to get a read on the depth and what might be down at the bottom, but estimates is all he's gotten. Seems to him they've reached the point where they'll have to lean a little more on faith.

There's something of a huffed chuckle at Loki's assessment, though he says nothing to it, even as he raises an eyebrow at the god. Don't mind him, though, he'll just dig out all his rappel gear from his backpack while you all talk science, looking around and finding a decent enough boulder. It's not too big so he doesn't need to waste a lot of rope, and it's got a good enough size while being firmly set on the ground that the rope won't slip off, nor will the boulder move out of place with someone's weight.

"I'm likelier to get a better look if I go down there, at the very least. It's probably not that far down anyway, just... dark."

[legendary_hands]

He pressed his lips together in a thin line at Jim, not that he didn't expect some answer like that. And really, he had to give Poe a rather sour look as well. Great. Two of them. A matched set. "So glad there are two of you to bravely throw themselves into the abyss." He grumbled something to saying hi to the devil when they got there, but thought better of it and kept it to himself.

Still, he's glad someone understood the idea he was getting at as well as the concern when Beverly turned the question to Loki. And god, sometimes he really wished he could be as carefree as these people seemed to be about everything. Arching a brow slowly at the 'god', he rolled his eyes at the deduction. "No kiddin', Sherlock."

Shaking his head, he did at least feel a bit thankful to see the light created to go down into the dark hole and illuminate some of it. "Fine. But if you get down there, and you can't see the ground still? Don't do something stupid and let go of the rope in some stupid leap of faith, ya hear me?" Which he had a feeling Jim would just cut the rope if he hit the bottom and still didn't touch ground. And the idea sent a chill up his spine in worry.