riverviewlogs | ( closed ) mystery transmission

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( 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

[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.

Shut up. [He rolls his eyes, but it doesn't hide the blush that colors his cheeks and face still. Hell, he may as well resign himself to the fact Jim will always get him to turn red as a damn tomato. There are worse fates, that's for sure.

'Sides, he liked Jim being sweet. His fingers spread a little to let Jim's fingers settle between them slowly. God knows he'd do anything for this man and he knows it.

Which was why he doesn't feel the need to add anything to that comment when Jim says he knew already. Not like Leonard ever made an effort to hide it.] Yeah, you're right. I suppose you plan on sleeping out here then?

[Not that he minds either way.]

Edited 2017-07-29 23:42 (UTC)

[ He presses his lips thinly, doing just as the doctor asks him. Of course that doesn't stop him from grinning or chuckling softly in amusement, which he does. The blush looks too cute on Bones, so of course he doesn't mean any of it as more than a playful poke at him. Besides, it's an aspect of him that Jim is all too glad to keep all to himself.

Leaning in to press a soft kiss to Bones's cheek, he hums with a shrug. ]

Sure. It's warm out here, and I don't feel like setting up our tent.

[ He can keep an ear out for any unusual sounds nearby too, though he hopes it'll be a peaceful night. Pulling away finally, he folds his legs and sits on his heels, pulling out his sleeping bag and waiting for Bones to do the same, so they can zip them together into a larger one. ]

Lazy. [The word is said softly with full affection as he sends Jim a small smile. He allows his hand to brush Jim's cheek with that kiss before watching him pull away to open up the sleeping bag.

It only occurs to him when Jim seems to wait for him to move that the other man wants to combine them. Where not expected, he still smiles and finally moves as well to unroll his own bag and unzip it. He didn't expect Jim to want to do that, and honestly, he's happy for the surprise.] So that mean I'm allowed to end up curling around you?

[He doesn't plan to completely latch on to Jim. He wouldn't at all actually. Not while awake. But sleeping next to Jim with nothing between them meant he was pretty much going to end up wrapping around the other man. It's long become a habit.

Reaching out, he starts the zipping process before looking at Jim fondly.] You know, you never cease to surprise me.

[ Jim nearly laughs at that, because seriously, of all the things he's been called in the past? Lazy's definitely not one of them. He has times where he can barely sit still as it is, like pure energy surges through him and runs through his veins like blood.

Matching the sleeping bags seems like a pretty obvious choice to Jim, particularly since he'd bought these ones with that particular feature in mind. It occurs to him, as Bones speaks up, that he probably should've made it a little clearer. Still, he only smiles now, pursing his lips a little like he's contemplating an answer. ]

Well, it would help conserve body heat. So long as we manage to get some rest, I don't see why not.

[ Honestly, he doesn't think he'd sleep as well if he didn't have Bones next to him anyway. He's too used to it to make do without at this point. ]

That so? [ Once they finish zipping up both bags together, he stretches them out across the floor, patting them lightly before taking a seat so he can pull his boots off. ] All because of some sleeping bags, or am I missing something?

Conserve body heat, huh? [Leonard laughs at that, shaking his head softly. Once he lowers down on the other side of the sleeping bag next to Jim. Pulling off his shoes, he set them aside before looking over his shoulder at Jim.

Turning at his waist, he leans in and kisses into the hair at the nape of Jim's neck lovingly. Resting his chin on Jim's shoulder, one hand moves to slide into the slight curve of the other's side.] Mm, 'cause of the sleeping bags but well... cause you find the damnedest little things that just make me stupidly happy.

[The doctor takes his hand away and goes back to settling himself in the sleeping bag. His eyes trailed up to the sky again, his arm curling under his head to prop it up a bit.] Just not used to it yet.

[It's not like anyone else ever went that far for him before Jim.]

( closed ) mystery transmission

I... sort of. XD

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