riverviewlogs | ( closed ) mystery transmission

Entry tags:

( closed ) mystery transmission

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! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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! ]

[ 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!

[ 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.

Pun totally intended and noted.

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

I made enough for thirds, c'mon.

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?

[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.

[ 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.

[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.

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.

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.]

[ 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.

[It's likely the closest thing to living on the frontier in space. This was just on solid ground. Hopefully that wouldn't bother Jim too much.] So maybe we should think about building our house somewhere outside of Quarantine? Granted that's a lot more work than finding an already built house.

[The thought was actually a bit amusing. Of all the things he's done in his life, actually building a home wasn't on that list. But then, he could learn something new.] Worth thinkin' 'bout.

[On reflex when Jim's leg bumps his, he moves a hand to gently rest on his knee.] I'm sure you'd still be pretty in it, so knock yourself out.

Later, we can. [ He nods, taking one last cookie before closing up the bag and tucking it into his backpack. ] Might take a while for anything beyond the wall to be both safe and inhabitable, but we can just rent a place in the Quarantine until then.

[ Not that Jim minds their current place, but like they agreed before, it's not very big and a little impersonal. They can always find another place to settle into for the upcoming months, then plan from there. ]

Of course. I'd look pretty in just about anything. [ He grins, winking at Bones as he rolls onto his side so he can face the doctor. ] Or nothing at all.

Hm... yeah, I think that is a good plan. [Much as he hates to admit it, livin' at Jim's side for all the recent years made him not mind the ever present types of 'adventures' that always pop up. Truth was, he minds them less than he complains.] Just like the sight and sound of it all.

[Turning his head, he the corners of his lips upturn at Jim's less than humble boast. It really wasn't a lie. Jim could look 'pretty' in damn near anything. Everything. And he's not so sure he minds admittin' that.

Well, that is, until he catches that wink and those words that follow it up. Pressing his lips into a fine line, he lets out a sigh then moves his hand to slide it through Jim's hair gently.] I think you already know I agree with that. But you're also a damn tease to put thoughts like that in my head out here.

[ Jim's always had that feeling, really. Not that Bones doesn't often complain with good reason, but Jim thinks over the years he's gotten used to a whole lot, and he eases into a lot of things that would've frozen him in his spot with worry or fear during the first few years they'd known each other. Still, hearing Bones fuss and complain has become something of a habit, for him. If the good doctor is silent throughout one of his more... unusual ideas, then clearly something is very wrong. ]

Mm, I think it's been establish I'm always a damn tease. [ His smile stretches wide and upwards enough to reach his eyes, the corners wrinkling just so. Leaning in, he presses a soft kiss to the corner of Bones's lips, not looking to deepen the contact at all but still not pulling away too soon— nor too far back, for that matter. ]

You know, it's not exactly private here, but no one's going to be watching us. We can at least cuddle and sleep next to each other. Promise I'll do my best not to shove my hand down your pants halfway through the night. [ He's kidding, obviously. ]

Does that come natural to you or does it take work? [A brow rises in pure amusement as his eyes drop to those lips that form a smile. Letting out a soft laugh, he starts to turn away and avoid staring at Jim while they're out on a mission, but he goes still from the feeling of those lips no matter how brief, on his lips.

Letting out a soft sigh, he realizes his eyes fell closed but doesn't open them. Quickly licking his lips unconsciously, he ducks his head a little before gathering himself again. Lifting his head, he angles it a little as he gives Jim a curious gaze.

Leonard wasn't one to do public displays. He never has been. But honestly, he doesn't want to pass up any moment to be close to Jim. And he knows damn well every ounce of that sentimentality and adoration are showing on his face and in his eyes. Something he tries to sweep away quickly with a small snort.] One, I doubt my sleeping next to you is that much of a temptation for that happen. And two? You're a helluva lot more responsible than that when you're leading people than most give you credit for.

[Rolling his eyes, he sank down next to Jim and let his eyes drift back up to the sky.] S'what I'm here for. Take care of you while you are so damn set on takin' care of everyone else.

Oh, it's a natural talent. Definitely. [ In all seriousness, though, so much of what Jim does and is good at comes naturally to him, and even when a certain thing takes a little more work, he manages to pull it off with an apparent ease that makes it look to just about anyone else like he didn't even break a sweat.

It has sometimes earned him a few... well, not enemies per se, but certainly disgruntled looks and jealous remarks thrown his way. He was popular back at the Academy no doubt, especially since he was so good at charming and befriending just about anyone, but that also came with a number of people not liking him all that much. Not that he ever cared, back then.

Not that he cares now, either. He's more weathered now, easier to befriend, he likes to think, but if someone doesn't like him, then it's not the end of the world. He doesn't live under the illusion that there's anyone out there who's liked by everyone they meet. ]

Well, you never know. [ He chuckles faintly, draping an arm across Bones's stomach, tucking in close to him. They'll have to fix up the sleeping bags eventually, but that can wait just a bit longer. Particularly when Bones goes and says sweet things like that. ]

I'm glad you're here with me, Bones. [ Out here on the mission, here in the Quarantine... pretty much anywhere they might end up together. He leans in, brushing a soft kiss against Bones's cheek, then resting his head on his shoulder. ] You make me happy.

Shoulda known. [The doctor rolls his eyes, but there is no heat in it. Rather, he did know. Jim makes everything look as natural as breathing. Not that it really bothers him. Maybe once in a while he felt a bit jealous back at the academy, more cause he wanted sleep, but honestly he just found it to be one more facet of Jim's personality.]

Hm... that so? [He pauses and turns his head to look at Jim with amusement coloring his gaze. Reaching up, he can't help but slip his fingers along his jaw. The doctor's other hand shifts to curl softly over his arm as it drapes across his middle. Really, he can't help but stare now with nothing but adoration in his gaze.]

Follow you anywhere, you know that. [Not like he's made it a secret after all. Letting his head tip a little, he presses his temple to Jim's forehead. Those words manage to send a thrill down his spine and he has to take a quick little breath. Soon he's turning his head again to press a kiss to his hairline.] You make me happy, too, Jim. More than you'll ever know.

[ He only bothers humming at the rhetorical question, eyes turned upwards to the sky. It's a nice, quiet moment, a respite from their difficult trek so far. Right now it doesn't really matter why they're here, or what dangers might lurk in the shadows, in the nooks behind trees and bushes. Jim knows better than to feel safe out here, in the middle of the night, but strangely enough, he does. ]

I think I have at least some idea. [ After all, Bones makes him just as happy. It's impossible to measure levels of affection, but really, he doesn't need to, nor would he want to. All he cares is that they make each other happy, and want to be with each other. If they were measuring up how much they give and put into their relationship exactly, then it wouldn't be a relationship; it would be a competition. ]

You could get lost counting the stars out here. [ He sighs softly, a moment of silence before he's reminded of a quote. Apropos of nothing, or maybe not. ] For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.

Probably. [It wasn't the amount. Not really. More the fact that he was the push Leonard needed to believe he was allowed to be happy. Hell, the day he realized Jim was such a source of happiness had been utterly stunning for him. And Jim... Jim made him happy like he didn't think he ever would be again.

His eyes drift to Jim, listening to his words, he doesn't look at the stars. Instead, his gaze lingers on him a moment before letting that quote hang in his mind. He knows who said it. Knows what it means to Jim. And it hurts a little.] I'm sorry you can't be up there in those stars.

[Jim was happier there. In his sea of stars and commanding his ship. And he can't help thinking how it feels to have that taken away. Probably hurt as much if not more than having to accept he likely won't get to talk to Jo ever again. Maybe, he didn't know.] Do you need anything?

[ It's a nice quote, is all. Jim doesn't look particularly sad or wistful, if anything his smile is warm and genuinely happy as he looks to the night sky. He hums quietly in thought at Bones's words, pursing his lips and shrugging. ]

It's alright. There are more important things.

[ To be honest, it's more weird than anything else, the sensation of having his feet on solid ground, of feeling the sun on his face, the wind in his hair. That part's definitely nice... waking up in the morning and feeling sunlight filter through the blinds. Turning around and finding himself curling up to the man he loves. Having breakfasts with real food. ]

I've got what I need. [ He looks down from the stars and smiles at Bones instead. ] I've got you.

Edited 2017-07-27 02:03 (UTC)

[Leonard's eyes linger quietly on him a moment, drifting over his features before flicking back to his eyes. The words leave him curious and something in his chest a tightened, but not in a bad way. Breathing in slowly, he let it out in a soft sigh.]

Mind sharin' what things are more important or would you prefer I sit and wonder?

[His tone is soft, lightly teasing and not truly asking Jim to answer. If anything, he just wonders. Sometimes he knows Jim as well as himself. Sometimes better. Sometimes not at all. But he doesn't think that's so awful. It's part of learning every part of someone and finding you kinda love all of it.

And it leaves it open for surprises. Like those words that made his heart flip in his chest and beat faster.] Huh... [It takes a moment to catch his breath as a smile spreads over his face as he ducks his head just slightly. Not that he really can. Not with how they are right now.] Guess it's a good thing I don't plan on goin' no where without you, then. So I guess you won't be needin' anything for a good long time.

[ Only Bones to ask that, really. Jim doesn't plan on answering right away, though he huffs a soft chuckle, nudging his knee against the side of Bones's leg lightly. Granted, the chair has always been important to him, and space has been his home since the first time he went up there on a spaceship, but nothing is or will ever be as important as the people he cares about.

Granted, in a way he has space itself to thank for that, too. If not for Starfleet, for his ship, his crew, he wouldn't have met nor grown close to them. But that doesn't make any of it any more important than those people.

He shifts around, propping himself up on his elbow so he can look down at Bones instead. ] Well, I might need a few things, every once in a while. Like... massages, or chocolates. Maybe those flowers you're owing me— I gotta say, that debt is piling up some pretty high interests, too.

[ Winking down at Bones, he leans in for a brief peck to his lips. His other hand moves up, settling at the center of Bones's chest before his fingers trace slowly down the line of his jaw. ]You're more important, Bones. Don't you ever dare doubt that, you jerk. [ Said lovingly. ]

Says you, gorgeous. [How could he not huff a light laugh at that. Oh, he had been working on that. Trying to find some way to truly surprise Jim. Blow his mind and take his breath away. He's been thinking about it a lot. But that doesn't mean he won't tease Jim as well.

But he supposes he does owe him the next romantic gesture after Jim's 'dinner' and dancing. Yeah... that had quite completely swept him off his feet. Even if Jim burned things.] I promise you'll be surprised when I pay that debt, darlin'.

[Settling back to look up at Jim, he tips his head just slightly with a smirk, cause he damn well plans to blow Jim away. Hopefully. That's the plan anyway.

A plan that evades him when Jim's lips find his and his touch equaled it in gentleness. The expression faded a bit, turning to curiosity as he gave him a questioning look. One that faded into awe at those words. God... talk about hitting him full on with that.] You are really terrible at endearments. [When he finally got words out, that really hadn't been what he'd thought he'd say, but sometimes he runs on autopilot and it just came out. Still, he reaches up to cup the blondes face before speaking softly.] I doubt a lot of things in life. So many it's hard to count. But you're not one of them.

[Lifting up, he presses a kiss again to his lips and lingers close. Just the slight tip of his head lets their foreheads touch before he adds softly.] It's the same... nothings more important to me than you and my daughter. Nothing else comes close.

[ Jim does have a feeling Bones would be pretty great at surprising him, all the more so when he knows Jim so well and what kind of things he likes most. Not that it would take a whole lot for Bones of all people to make him happy, but still. He won't lie and say he doesn't like surprises or gifts. Call him shallow if you like, but better that than a liar. ]

Mm, I look forward to it. [ He means that. He knows Bones is serious with that promise and it only makes him more excited to find out what he's cooking up, but he can also be patient, even when it comes to surprises. So he doesn't ask nor push for more details, content to wait and be all the more blown away when Bones finally does it. ]

Yeah, I must be. Must be why you keep staring wide-eyed and blushing whenever I say anything sweet to you. [ Yep, he's definitely calling Bones out on that, and he evidently doesn't take his words as criticism or complaint. He smiles a little softer when Bones cups his face, nodding faintly and settling his hand over the doctor's. ]

I know that. [ Jim's always known Bones to believe in him, to trust him even when he likely shouldn't. The things he fears have never held a candle to how much faith he puts into Jim— that much has always been plain to see. ]

Should set up our sleeping bags so we can get some rest.

( closed ) mystery transmission

jim kirk ▹▹ ota

camping, ota too

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I... sort of. XD

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