Audio;

[hohnkai]

[ Open To All ]

Good evening, crew. I have a few announcements to make on behalf of myself and the other captains.

First. I would like to thank our Morale Officer for doing her job to the best of her ability as we have noticed a positive increase in mood through the reports sent to the ship via your MID devices. Thank you for your service.

[Better vitals and increased levels of endorphins show that the crew, as a whole, will start to feel less stressed, happier, and some will be abundantly happy.]

We would also like to thank everyone for their good service. Supplies are being gathered rather swiftly, and we should have everything we need within a few weeks. Now that we are all well on our way to having completed a successful trip, I need to ask for assistance.

Each transporter holds six passengers, and we don't require a large party, so I need five volunteers to go on a small planetary excursion with me.

Thank you again.


[ Closed To Thán's Group ]

[The five volunteers will be asked, via their MIDs, to be on the transporter on the morning of the eighth. They will be strapped in, and the events will be explained as follows by their Captain Thán. The group will be landing a few miles outside of where the Marketplace will be discovered during the first exploratory excursion. They will be taken to a no longer used mining facility, their captain stating that this planet's main resource, Exuo, is a priceless mineral found nowhere else in the universe.

It is mined by the natives and sold in varying forms, rock (natural state), powder, liquid, and its applications are endless; foods, drinks, etc. As the transporter descends slowly to their destination, Thán will tell them that they are here to find some Exuo of their own and that they will not leave until each member of the group has some to take back. He will mention, offhandedly, that Exuo is a tradeable resource that is of high value and can be kept for personal use or traded for almost anything.

As the transporter doors finally open, Thán will lead them out and into the mine, a large and rusty door opening, their only light source the devices on their wrists.]

[ OOC ]

[All members of Thán's group may comment to this log at any time. Here is a top level comment for anyone that wants to thread this excursion out with Thán. It starts on the eighth, but threading can begin whenever.]

[The sign-up list is here, just respond to the first comment if you want your character to go on this NPC guided planet excursion (then hit this post up if you are one of the group). The transporters have room for six, so the first five will be going with their captain. Direct questions here. We would like people to sign up that will relay this information on to other crew members.]

Comments

The 8th; early morning and after

[hohnkai]

[For Thán's group.]

[keelahselai]

[She finds herself idly wondering as they disembark when exactly night falls on this planet - its sun is still casting a bright light down on them that doesn't disappear until they're into the mine, far enough in that the only light anymore is in the small, artificial beams and she's paying far closer attention to the rough, uneven ground beneath their feet.

This is about when she remembers that most of the abandoned mines she's ever been in were only abandoned because all of the workers were killed - and optionally transformed into walking, killing, cybernetic husks. At least, between her mask and the darkness, no one has to see her scrunch her face up in a physical effort to get rid of those thoughts. But it does make her blurt out a question into the dark, as if anybody would know the answer:]

I wonder why the natives abandoned the mine if there are still deposits here?

[Maybe she's just paranoid these days and the answer is just that everybody who works here realised simultaneously that mining is an awful job.]

[prorenataa]

It's lunch time?

[ Adrien remarked in a wry tone as he stepped up beside her. He'd already talked to Niko and seeing Tali deploy on this mission had settled a few of his nerves. Not all of them, if the breathing mask currently sitting across his face, making him look like an idiot, or the hand gun tucked in it's holster, in the small of his back were anything to go by. But at least he felt relaxed enough to joke?

The medical kit was packed in his trusty ole messenger bag, the battered leather bag slung across his shoulder to hip, some things just never changed. ]

A very long lunch hour?

[keelahselai]

[It's too dark to get much more than an outline of his face, but she recognises the voice well enough - she snorts at the quip, and then even when she replies, she's trying to figure out if she should say anything or not.]

Some of the best lunch breaks I've ever taken were...several years long.

[She moves the beam around a little, taking in more of the cavern. Part of her is contemplating taking her mask off to see better without the opaque glass...but it's a very small part. The rest of her is quite happy with a good air filter, thanks.

It's been several days now on the Moira, and she's beaten around the bush with some people, made an idiot of herself with others, trying to figure out who's from what universe - because that's her life now, apparently - and she's tired of making a big thing out of it.] You don't remember a ship called the Neheda, do you?

[And because she's Tali, and can never just shut up:] If you don't, I've got a really weird story to tell you sometime. Just promise not to think I'm crazy.

[hohnkai]

It is curious, is it not?

[Thán has spent enough time among these stars to know that the planets, and their people, are never quite what they seem. Often they are kind, and often they are generous, but sometimes they are not. Cruelty and selfishness know not one specific group and he's met it enough to greet all excursions and all new people with a heavy awareness and a large dose of caution.]

As we explore this planet, and soon find ourselves what we need, we might learn more of why the natives have left this place. Especially if this mine holds what I believe it to.

[keelahselai]

That's one word for it, sir. ['Suspicious' is another, and it's one she likes a little bit more. She doesn't quite know what to make of Thán yet - as one of the ship's captains, she'll defer to him as naturally as breathing, but that doesn't mean she understands him.

Nowadays, it doesn't mean she trusts him, either.]

You mean something apart from mineral deposits? Are we looking for something else as well?

[forwardmomentum]

[ tali is the only person miles actually knows on this trip, so he's hanging at her side for the time being, automatically quickening his pace to match her longer-legged stride. he peers up at her -- or rather, at the scant light reflecting on her helmet -- and grins uneasily. ]

Probably a question we should've asked before we came down here, eh?

[keelahselai]

[She slows down a little automatically as soon as she notices Miles there trying to keep up with her - she has enough 6' something friends (and the odd 8' krogan one) that she knows the feeling of having to run to keep up.]

Maybe the mystery was supposed to be part of the fun. [Tali has habit of sounding totally guileless when she's at her most sarcastic. It fades quickly, though, as she looks around, motions slightly jerky and clearly a little nervous.]

I'd feel a lot better if I had a gun. Or two. [Don't mind her - she comes from a universe apparently owned by the space NRA.]

[realitywarped]

For Thán

[Sneaking on board the transporter is easier than he expected; a little spell of misdirection, a very carefully worded magic of "I'm entirely normal and expected here just look right past me", and timing gets him on board and leant carefully against a wall out of the way. He doesn't expect trouble, really... or being caught. Perhaps that was a mistake.]

For other people

[He looks... well, rather ashamed at being caught out, honestly. It's not meant to happen to the god of mischief, being caught, and it's very embarrassing it has. But he's here now, allowed to tag along (which stings his pride a little, but as it's what he wanted he can't complain too loudly), and if there's valuable space rock in these mines he intends to pick a little up, at least. He's rather intrigued at the suggestion it's used in food, actually, even aside from the chance to actually put together some way of buying his supplies next time.]

This is a very large mine to just abandon. We're all quite sure there's no danger? They didn't perhaps delve too deep?

[hohnkai]

[He's not upset, or angry, but he is curious as to why Loki refused to volunteer, and yet here he is.

Thán chooses to ignore him as the transporter disembarks, he doesn't address him as they land and exit the ship. He ushers the other inside the door of the mine, and then turns back, gesturing with a flippant wave of his hand.]

I'd prefer if you made your presence known to the entire group.

[So there wouldn't be any extra surprises in the darkness that awaits them in the mine.]

[realitywarped]

[He looks around expecting someone else behind him, but he can't see anyone. He's unused to being seen when he doesn't want to be, so he hesitates as he turns back to the captain of this little expedition and then points at himself, eyebrows raised as high as they'll go.]

Ah- you know I'm here?

[Well, that's... concerning.]

[theoldmansback]

[Jadzia isn't too surprised that they've brought along a stowaway, although she is surprised that he hadn't been detected sooner. It made her a little worried about security...something she'd maybe mention to whoever it was who was in charge of that.

As it were though, extra hands would probably be helpful for a resource gathering mission like this, and she gives the "newcomer" a wry smile, hitching the bag on her shoulder as she does.]

What's the matter? Not up for a little adventure?

[forcefulgift]

for Thán

[Ade had signed up for the mission the moment it became available, ship life was just a little too cramped for him. Then again the ship could be the size of several football pitches and still find it too cramped, it was just because the damn thing was closed off in every possible way.

He stayed quiet through most of the transportation phase of their mission until the ship lands. He approaches his so-called captain quickly and suddenly, a bag slung over one shoulder.]

Take it you want us to get as much of this shit as possible mate, yeah? [His voice drops.] And take it you know just how much a bloke like me might be able to carry, too. [Hence the bag. It was full of rope and folded sacks he'd stolen from the kitchens. If they wanted this mineral, he'd get them some.]

For everyone/anyone else

[He kept quiet during the voyage down onto the planet, but breathes an audible sigh of relief when they land and the doors open. He walks confidently out onto the planets surface and stretches, his spine popping. From one pocket he withdraws a small box full of hand rolled cigarettes, the spoils of the last time he'd been on an excursion. From another pocket he pulls a small silver cylinder that he squeezes, producing a flame on the tip. It was a very modernized version of an earth lighter, but it does the trick and he lights his cigarette, sucking on it and breathing out a cloud around him, smiling faintly around the butt as he turns to the person beside him.]

Bloody good show we got brought along, innit? Been itching for an excuse to get off the ship. [The smell off the cigarette is just like regular tobacco, which he was happy about. Part of him had been afraid that space tobacco had some pretty fucked up qualities. He just hikes the bag he was carrying further up on his shoulder and scans their surroundings, not making off towards the mine just yet.]

[hohnkai]

We shouldn't take too much.

[He blinks, slowly, too slowly. Thumbprint sized smudges under his eyes, a distantly curious expression marring his features.]

Each member of this group will only take what they can carry and then what they have taken is only for themselves.

[Thán looks at the bag, then back at Adrian.]

Do you understand? We aren't coming here again, and what you've taken is only for you.

[hohnkai]

Come.

[Thán can find a use in almost any person, and Deimos' ability to move around quietly without drawing attention to himself is invaluable to the captain.

He nods towards the mine, gesturing for the man to follow or stay close enough that they can speak.]

Volunteering for something unknown takes courage. Are you brave, Deimos?

[realitywarped]

[After his third or so sidetrip to poke something interesting and being followed, he has to admit to a spot of irritation. He can take care of himself, after all. He's not used to people following him to make sure of it, more used to people keeping an eye on what he's doing from (okay, perhaps warranted) suspicion and it puts him on edge, wondering what his silent shadow wants or expects of him.]

I'm hardly going to steal a wall, you realise? There's little point checking up on me so often. Besides, from what our gallant captain has said, whoever was here isn't going to mind anything going missing.

[forwardmomentum]

for thán

[ sitting on someone's lap for the short duration of a transporter trip is not the worst humiliation miles has had to endure by far, but that doesn't mean he enjoys it. he refuses to show his embarrassment, though, sitting straight-faced on thán's lap and, uh...dismounting? as gracefully as he can once they've arrived. miles coughs politely, busying himself with dusting off the front of his uniform -- newly altered, not perfectly, but they do at least fit him now. he's had some embarrassing experiences with commanding officers, but he's fairly certain he can file "sat on captain's lap in transit" into his mental folder of new experiences. he's starting to suspect that thán has an odd sense of humor. ]

So, [ he clears his throat. ] how are we supposed to mine this stuff? Did we bring any tools?

for the crew

[ miles is easily the smallest of the party -- the only one who had to sit in thán's lap, of course -- but he's happy to be back on his feet. back in the field, too, so to speak. a week holed up in sanitation had the effect of making him go a little stir crazy. but this -- this is much more his speed.

of course, the further they get into the mines, the darker it gets, until there's nothing but the lights of their MIDs to guide them. miles squints, trying to make out any signs of the mysterious mineral they're supposed to be harvesting. ]

Does anyone else feel like we should have brought a light?

[theoldmansback]

[Jadzia reaches out to touch one of the cool walls as the move further into the mines, curious about the composition. There were minerals and trace deposits that she didn't immediately recognise, and the dim light from the MIDs wasn't much of a help under the circumstances. She smiles at the question.]

Oh, I don't know. At least this way if there are any creatures with big teeth and a taste for people, we won't be alerting them of our presence too early.

[Her tone is light hearted, an obvious joke, but she's inclined to agree. A little better preparation probably would have done them well. She already feels somewhat at a disadvantage without her still-missing tricorder. Taking "readings" the old fashioned way was always an experience but it certainly left a lot of...unknowns. She was feeling somewhat naked without some kind of weapon in hand either. Again, the unknowns.]

[hohnkai]

[Thán isn't fussed in the slightest to have the man on his lap. He isn't heavy, not that he'd mind if he were, and he's not uncomfortable with having him there. It's not something that bothers him, typically. He gives the man a soft smile, blinking slowly as he watches him straighten his uniform.]

We won't be able to mine it. We will just take what is ready.

[Whatever might be lying around. He tells everyone to exit the transporter, Miles included, and it takes several of them to push open the door to the mine. Which is unlocked.

Then he comes up next to the man who had just recently been warming his legs, and the two of them lead the group inside.]

If there is anything.

[realitywarped]

[Loki can't quite resist showing off- and magical light is the easiest and simplest of spells, one he could manage even with most of his magic absent.

Of course, being Loki's, it leaves a green tint to everything, but it burns evenly and bright enough to light up a few feet around them, hovering in the air a couple of inches above Loki's hand.

See, he can be helpful. Sometimes.]

I forgot mortal eyes might not see quite so well in the dark. Better?

[prorenataa]

[ Messenger bag, full of medical supplies, secured across his chest and against his hip, Glock secured in it's holster at the small of his back, Adrien disembarked and moved a few feet away from the transport. He stayed close enough to be within it's shelter but was out of the path of the others.

Looking around at their landing spot, he felt a sense of mounting disquiet move over him. There was a stillness about the area that was somehow ominous, rather than peaceful; or perhaps he was just too paranoid for his own good these days.

Speaking of paranoid.

Reaching into the messenger bag, Adrien pulled out one of the breathing masks he'd packed from the Medbay. Sliding it over his neck, he glanced around at the others. ]

I brought down breathing masks. If you don't want to put it on just yet, that's fine but I strongly advise everyone to come get one.

I'd rather not have to treat you for whatever strange, microscopic organism could crawl up your nasal passages.

[ Dr. Sunshine, at your service! ]

[hohnkai]

[Nodding, Thán reaches out to take a mask from the doctor. He's not particularly worried about a microscopic organism, but he's aware that anything is possible.]

Thank you.

[He hooks it around his neck the same as Adrien, but doesn't cover his mouth.]

When you are finished passing them out, and are ready, we'll continue inside.

[innovention]

For Thán;

[ Howard is, surprisingly, quiet for the entirety of the briefing. He's familiar with valuable minerals, and the potential properties of this Exuo are enough to pique his already-significant interest. He doubts that it's anywhere near as useful as vibranium - most of the detailed uses seem to be with food - but hell, if it's as valuable as Thán claims? He might just be able to do some decent trading on this planet's market. ]

Any technological uses to this stuff? [His head is cocked, thoughtful, as he watches the captain. Any use, really. He'll be saving a few samples anyway, to study on the ship.]

For the group;

[ It's dark and dusty and uncomfortable in the mine, and the dim lighting from the MID does nothing to help Howard's unease. There's sweat prickling under his collar - from the heat and stale air, he tells himself, but the familiar curl of claustrophobia is ever-present at the back of his mind.

He's been careful not to wander too far off the beaten path, but this side-shaft looked promising: the shadows the MID throws on the walls are hulking but angular - machinery. Which means, hopefully, abandoned ore. Scuffing the floor, he steps forward until the light bounces of something shiny and metallic. ]

Hello, sweetheart.

[ He runs a hand along the side of the machine, squinting against the darkness. Hard to make out what exactly it is, but he'd put good money on it being an extractor, which means--]

There you are.

[Chunks of unrefined, freshly (well, for a given value of 'fresh') mined space-rocks, scattered along the far belt of the machine - along with, he notes, an assortment of hand-tools. Huh.]

Almost like they just walked away.

[hohnkai]

Technological?

[Thán shifts forward, adjusting the man in his lap so that he can lean closer to Howard as they speak to one another. He didn't mind taking on the extra passengers, but it was inconvenient.]

I don't believe I've heard of any technological uses for it, but that would be something interesting to look into. I am curious as to what you would do with it.