|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Apr 24, 2017 13:47:51 GMT
With the Odyssey settled in it's position in high orbit over the Ark, Ace had already begun the preparations to jettison one of the entry pods with the Pokemon to touch down on the surface. As there was no recovery going on at this particular stage of the mission, there was no need for the entire ship to touch down and risk the same fate as it's sister. Tex, when he recovered consciousness, reported no unusual activity with the pair of Golett that remain stowed in the hold.
As the Carnate team unbelted, and took in what it means to be weightless in air, Rosewood cleared her throat softly. "If our Engine operators could accompany me to the live hold, we should make our best efforts to comfort the Pokemon and move them to the jettison point. They have to deal with that a second time unfortunately, but the mechanics behind the system are sound. Conversely, if it's preferred with Vorp's ill temperament, we could take the plunge for them. I suppose it's individual decisions at that point. Eventually we will want to have our twelve hour cycles either running in shifts, or all at once. Ideally, we have eyes on the ground at all times."
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Apr 24, 2017 22:06:53 GMT
The takeoff is something that Evan does not want to go through again, ever - so he is quite relieved that the decision is made to not land the ship itself. That relief is escalated to jubilation as Evan absorbs the weightlessness. He'd felt a little weird while strapped in, but that was nothing compared to getting out of the chair.
It wasn't an unpleasant sensation, but there was something supremely disconcerting about not being planted on the ground. He spends a few moments trying - and failing - to get used to the sensations, before Rosewood speaks. Evan tries his best to maneuver towards the others, but is... only moderately successful. "I guess the biggest question is," he asks, "how likely are the Pokémon going to be to survive the journey down? Because, well, we don't know what'll happen if a vessel dies while we're plugged in, do we? What if we die with it?" He pauses for a moment before continuing. "If the risk is negligible, then I think at least a few of us should be plugged in. Otherwise, I think there's going to be a fair risk of immediate scattering once we reach the surface. Probably best if we get some experience down there first before that happens."
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Apr 25, 2017 4:25:57 GMT
Rather grateful to have handled the extreme events that constituted takeoff, Ulrich, remaining very determinedly near his chosen seat as he explored their gravity-free environment, and eventually answered, "Surprisingly he's not altogether wrong. Especially for the more problematic specimens, notably Vorp and Three based on mobility, preventing any possibility of scattering would be ideal. Not to mention, with Vorp in particular the threat of never returning to the surface will no longer be a means of guaranteeing his behaviour."
Trying (nominally) to keep the irritation out of his voice at yet another one doubting the effectiveness of their spacecraft, he then said, "Provided they - unlike some of us - are capable of handling the takeoff procedure, the risk is minimal enough that even you should be fine, Evan. Say what you will about the Council, they want results, and dead specimens are rather useless for research at this stage." Whether he kept his voice measured or not, the researcher still glared at their colleague as he dismissed such empty worries.
Much less negatively, he then said to the crew at large, "...As well, I think accompanying at least several of them down would present a rare opportunity to test their responses to such extreme stressors."
|
|
|
1,807 posts
|
6 likes
|
Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by birdy51 on Apr 25, 2017 18:10:45 GMT
Hugh growled as he removed the dirty belt around his waist. Hmmph! So he wasn't going down to the planet. At least, not yet. He would deal with that disappointment later. For now, he grappled with his newfound weightlessness as he talked to Tex. "I do not like this 'floating.'"
He shook his head, gripping onto an arm bar for dear life as his rear end drifted to the ceiling. Big men were not meant for such weightlessness. It felt as if he were little not-so-chubby boy again, before he became big, hairy man. This brought up unfortunate memories. Hugh shuddered. "I will get flabby if we remain here much longer. Let us make sure that the Pokémon are not panicking. Then we can enter their brains all we want."
Thus, the big man made his way down the hold. To be truthful... He wasn't sure if he liked using the Carnate Engine as much as the others. Being out of body, and in Gunshow's body was a most foreign experience. Yet, here they were. And here they will be. A soldier never backs down from his mission.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Apr 27, 2017 20:26:18 GMT
"I'll go get everything warmed up in the transmission room." Jacob announced cheerfully and with a toothy smile before pushing off of various surfaces and moving along with surprising ease and little apparent alienation compared to the rest. "Think of it like swimming with no resistance Hugh, your muscles accomplish more with so much less effort!" He chided befor rolling his body through a doorway and into the next room.
Rosewood watched him leave, and Hugh similarly disembark for the holding area. "Evan, could I have a word in private? Ulrich we'll be along shortly if you could excuse us.
The Pokemon had been spoken to on the constricting restraints which had, admittedly, been hastily fashioned but had apparently served their purposes. With the exception of Ulrich the Second, who lacked true corporeality and seemed to simply be able to anchor himself in fixed space despite inertia, the remainder were contained in locking padded restraints. Now that the initial thrust was over, Vorp was chafing his pads with those sharpened scales and making an incredible fuss about being contained so tightly. Gunshow was as pleased to see Hugh as ever, a bright-eyed expression on his face as he waved. It had all been so exciting and new. Ulrich the Second watched his predecessor with the same general disinterest he watched everything with, and slipped through the bars to greet his handler.
Running a hand through her bangs, Rosewood's eyes gravitated towards the door where Jacob had left again. "I know you don't really care for people, but I needed someone's council who is completely objective to all of this." The professor folded her arms across her middle, watching Evan's face for a long moment. "Jacob asked me to stop using the Carnate Engine, something about... me becoming dispassionate. We've all noticed little side effects, but I'm not entirely sure if that's something I can agree to, politically, scientifically, or personally." She paused and tilted her head a little, waiting for some sort of response.
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Apr 27, 2017 21:05:04 GMT
"I... don't really know what you want from me here, professor," Evan says, surprised at the fact that she was actually consulting him in the first place. "If you're asking me on what I think you should do... well, that's your choice to make. Unless you're in a position where your actions... or, I suppose, inaction... are causing harm or potential harm to yourself or others, you're the one who can best judge this. In the end, especially as project head, that's your call to make. Just remember, you're the one that much of this project rides on, so try to look at yourself objectively. What I would suggest, is perhaps keep a journal every day of your thoughts. That would probably be the best judge of if something is changing in such a way that you shouldn't continue with the Engine. Because, as I've learned, what people show the world is much different to what's going on inside."
|
|
|
1,807 posts
|
6 likes
|
Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by birdy51 on Apr 29, 2017 17:01:12 GMT
"Truest Gunshow, I am glad to see you are well." Hugh says with a surprising affable grin. He had been anticipating the Gunshow being a bit gun-shy; what with all the firing of the engines and the lack of gravity. But, if anything, Gunshow seemed more confident in his current situation than Hugh was! This was good. Yes. Good.
Hugh pulled himself forward and looked deep into the Fighting Type's eyes with muscular strength; once more engaging in bond that only the most hardened of battle-friends could understand. "Dearest Gunshow, soon you shall be upon the planet. I shall not. I must remain up here and keep these people safe. It will always be my duty to keep these people safe first. Thus, I will not be able to join you on the planet in person."
"But, oh clearest Gunshow, know that I will still be with you. I will be at your side. We shall have to work together and take this planet together for the sake of all of Gol. We will seize it, like the manly übermensch we are!"
"Oh fiercest Gunshow, though we could easily do this task alone, I ask you to keep an eye on our friends as well. They are so weak and puny and bony of arms. They will need protection. They will need our help. In all ways, we must strive to provide it. Weakness. We do not know the word. We are strong men. We are strong mon! Yes? Yes."
Hugh wiped a small, manly tear from the corner of his eye. Oh no. No. Not again.
"Oh, finest Gunshow, it is a terrible day for rain. Be safe my friend!"
And lo, Hugh placed his manly hands upon his manly lips and kissed it manfully, before placing it over the heart of Gunshow. Truly, this was the most bittersweet of partings!
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on Apr 29, 2017 20:38:50 GMT
Ha! Leave it to Doctor King to find humor in this situation, Ulrich thought, impressed as ever with their younger researcher. Well, he was right, no sense in being overly timid about things, they would all learn how to maneuver in time. Nodding in acknowledgement of Rosewood's request, Ulrich followed along after the first two, rather eager to see how the specimens were adapting to zero-gravity.
Apparently, they had taken to it at least as good as their human operators. Unless their minimal experience from so long ago had such a profound effect, it was most likely due to innate ability... Rather amazing, the difference between them. As he opened his mouth to remark on Gunshow's optimism, his verve leagues above the humans, Hugh launched into an impassioned speech toward the humanoid. It... would be fine to let them be so excited, he figured.
So, tending to his own vessel. It would take more than a rousing speech to stir you into such a state. Ha... Right. "It appears you found the launch fine? Good, good... Your journey isn't over yet, though, so come along." More important matters awaited, and so after that curt message to Ulrich the Second, the First asked, "Doctor King, how did Vorp find the first half? Do you think he'll cooperate for the final phase?"
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 1, 2017 2:33:17 GMT
"I don't feel any less inclined to pursue my goals just less..." What was the right word here? "Emotionally reactive? I've felt more placid in these last weeks, what should have been some of the most stressful in my life, then I have at any other time in my adult life. Jacob might not like it, but the idea of Rosebud returning to the surface and it's potential dangers as a prey animal does cause me no small amount of stress." Delilah gauged both Evan's words and her own. "Thank you Evan. I will talk with Jacob again, could you look after Rosebud when you get to live containment?"
"Macho." Declared the Gunshow, fists anchored to his hips, body rippling with power and strength. The 'littles' he would gladly protect, they had been abducted together from their homes. Poked and prodded, suffered much! It was nearly over, the humans had promised, and the Pokemon had seen their home again through the windows in containment, from far far above. The blues and greens Gunshow remembered well from his talks with Hugh!
At the mention of rain, he seemed confused, and began examining the ceiling.
Vorp gestured with a claw at his harness, which had been warped, scoured, and mangled. The floor behind the dragon had suffered damage from it's tail. The deftness of the gesture made it clear just where Jacob was at that given moment. There was a bit of an indignant snort at not having been released yet as well.
Ulrich the Second took up position flanking Ulrich the First at the shoulder, those piercing, unblinking eyes watching the human's every little motion. Though it made no noise of affirmation, no noise at all for that matter, it seemed to be complying. Unsettling as always.
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 1, 2017 2:41:42 GMT
"Well, it could be something to keep an eye on," he says, still trying to adjust to the awkwardness of even 'standing' around. "It doesn't seem to be problematic yet, but, we'll see, I suppose, if you choose to continue. It's good that you're able to recognize it, though."
"Yes, I'll do my best in looking after him," he agrees, before beginning to head to the hold. "It might be best for one of the others to do it, though. I'm certainly no expert in Pokémon."
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on May 1, 2017 16:56:37 GMT
His gaze straying to his 'partner', just out of the corner of his eye, Ulrich suppressed a shudder, a sudden chill as his most curious specimen followed his request. "Ha...ha, good... It won't be long now. Ah, perhaps avoid crowding Vorp, though."
So saying, Ulrich took note of the cue, and disregarding the usual ferocity of the beast set about disengaging that poor, poor harness which had suffered so much. As much as he might have trusted the Doctor, he didn't offer a retort to the indignant King operating the king. Better to release him, and let the operator do his job.
|
|
|
1,807 posts
|
6 likes
|
Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by birdy51 on May 3, 2017 1:01:48 GMT
Hugh turns away, unable to stop the torrent of tears that graces his unfortunate face. Oh no. Oh no! The rain begins to fall in heavy salty drops, his eye muscles unable to stop the river of salty flow. Strength means nothing against the feelings of quiet kinship that he felt with Gunshow. To lose him now, felt… Wrong? Yes. Wrong.
It felt abnormal. Wrong. And yet, somehow, right. It was the kind of parting that was both salty and sweet. That he could be strong, but somehow, weak. It was new. And terrifying.
Hugh hated it. He wiped the tears from his eyes with reckless abandon. No more womanly weakness! He looked to Ulrich and glared with manly fervor. "We must begin prepping the subjects for their arrival upon the planet. We're losing daylight."
Yes. That was sufficiently manly. Perhaps, later, when no one else could see he could allow himself to fill the void in his heart with tears and quiet reflection. For now, he needed to be as he were. Stoic. Strong.
Alone…
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 3, 2017 12:37:54 GMT
Ulrich got one of Vorp's sharp, smug smiles as Doctor King started up the hallway towards the lower decks where the landing craft were kept. It was as much thanks as he was likely to get from the beast even tempered by Jacob's good natured charisma.
Gunshow agreeing wholeheartedly with Hugh, for who had been better guidance then his friend in these times, squeezed the big man's shoulder, and using his incredible powers of observation and opposable thumbs, set about releasing Rosebud and Three. They carried on a short but apparently positive conversation, and started after Vorp with little ceremony, Ulrich the Second in tow. It seemed they were all ready and eager to go home. The group encounters Evan in the hallway, lightly supervised, and seems a bit lost for direction with Vorp having gotten out of sight.
A firm impact to Hugh's shoulder draws his attention to Tex, who had been observing in case he was needed. "Hey, I know the briefing said the other two were to help us keep things fixed around here, but knowing the white coats there are good odds that they're testing to see if they go berserk. Think we should ship'em down with the others?"
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 3, 2017 18:31:21 GMT
Evan does a bit of a double take upon encountering the free-floating Pokémon. "Well, uh... I guess there's really no point in me going to live containment now..." he says, mostly to himself. I really should have taken more time to get familiar with the layout of this ship... he reflects, upon trying to remember where everything was supposed to go. The Pokémon were probably supposed to head to the deployment bay, or whatever it was called. Orienting himself (with some trouble) in the direction he thinks they're supposed to go, and says, "Okay, I'm pretty sure it's this way. Let's go." He envies Three a little bit, as the snake is able to basically swim through the air, wings coming in handy for once. Meanwhile, he's still trying to wrap his head around it not mattering which way is up... seeing the Dunsparce flying upside down is disconcerting enough. Intuition to figure out which way to go: 30
|
|
|
1,807 posts
|
6 likes
|
Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by birdy51 on May 6, 2017 12:35:17 GMT
Hugh waits for Evan and the horde of floating Pokémon to get out of earshot before he responds. "Operations will proceed as planned." He says curtly, lips tightening into a smooth sheet. But even he could realize that really wasn't much of an answer, and that Tex needed a better answer than that. So he obliged.
"Should those things go berserk on landing, I want to shut them down myself. Despite all of our testing, we've not yet had a single sequence for testing our combat capabilities. This left us unprepared for the parade and I refuse to be left unprepared for any further events."
He bit his lip a little. "If these Pokémon are going to be our hands and eyes, we'll want to know exactly how they work with a potential enemy we understand. Future circumstances we will not be so lucky."
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on May 7, 2017 2:51:53 GMT
After freeing Vorp and receiving a smile more unsettling than he was willing to admit, Ulrich remained in the hold until after the dragon was out of sight. Jacob could guide himself to the jettison point.
Gunshow having freed the other two was a rather interesting development, though. With how strong the biped was, it was always somewhat amazing to see it accomplish such feats of dexterity... and maybe restraint? Perhaps Hugh had had the right idea, with his many talks towards Gunshow... Well, at any rate, the protectiveness it displayed would no doubt be very beneficial once the specimens were on the surface.
Unvoiced and unrealized respect for their chief of security's methods or no, Ulrich didn't stay in the hold long after the specimens left. Vorp might have an operator, and Gunshow could be playing nanny, but letting exceptionally powerful creatures roam about on the ship was not on the itinerary. So, slightly delayed, he took up what may or may not constitute the rear of the procession. Or the start of a procession of one, trying to put Doctor King's "zero-resistance swimming" advice into practice.
|
|
|
6,670 posts
|
92 likes
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on May 10, 2017 14:52:54 GMT
Tex shrugs, and glances back towards the section of the hold which remains sealed with a small viewing window. The area where the two 'Golett Mk. II's' are being held. With their lack of biological needs, there was no reason to let them have run of the ship. "Alright, your call Beef, but I'm keeping a close eye on the creepy little fucks. They do one thing that seems off, and they're out an airlock." The guard makes his way to the door, glances in with a little shudder, and puts his back to the door setting himself up at his station.
Evan guides his entourage of floating, excitable critters through the halls and holds in the belly of the Odyssey. Arriving first at the drop pod, Vorp waits to one side. Rosebud anchors himself to anything available using his vines, a motion Gunshow seems to follow as they pull themselves along. Three is heartwrenching to watch, the serpent seeming the happiest Evan has ever seen it, flapping it's wings as it pushes off from one wall to another. There is no concern for gravity or orientation, for the first time in it's life, it can fly!
Ulrich, with Ulrich the second in tow are along shortly, and the procession comes to a halt while Ace opens the doors to the pod. "Alright, I've got all the safeties engaged, get'em strapped in and we'll get moving." He comes on over the speaker.
|
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on May 11, 2017 1:17:07 GMT
It's with a heavy heart that Evan (awkwardly, because of a lack of gravity) helps strap Three in. After the safeties come off down on the planet... flight will no longer be a possibility. Buckling the Dunsparce in, he whispers softly, "I'm sorry."
He also does his best to help strap in Rosebud, in accordance to what Rosewood had asked of him. Much better, in his opinion, than having to deal with Vorp, Gunshow, or Ego the Second. They all worry him in wildly different manners...
|
|
Member
|
Post by ThRevanchist on May 11, 2017 21:11:16 GMT
Priorities. While Doctor King was operating Vorp, it would be most prudent to seal him in. After all, based on the state its first set of locks were in, their king had not enjoyed it... So, no sense giving it a chance to resist. "Vorp, to your space, we'll need to strap you back in."
Since Hugh had already parted with his apparent comrade, and Evan was (surprisingly) hard at work fastening the others, next for him came Gunshow. Assuming that one hadn't already secured himself. He was quite the copycat, perhaps worried about being left out? If he was delaying, though, the same request went out to their Machoke. He would most likely cooperate...
And, simple enough, "You. Just... Anchor yourself somewhere, and avoid alarming the others on the way down," went out to Ulrich the Second. Inscrutable as the Yamask was, even Ulrich felt better providing clear instructions for it to follow. Especially given the influence it seemed to have when acting on its own... A containment cell was one thing, but this pod was far, far more valuable.
Debating checking the other two, Ulrich opted to trust in their... extra lab-hand to know how to secure his specimen, and instead made his way out after they finished. That done, he reported back to Ace on the situation. It might have been an exciting situation, one might even say the culmination of their entire project thus far, but the researcher was trying to project nothing but calm and control. Or, failing that, even just control, an insistence that everything would go according to plan.
|
|
|
1,807 posts
|
6 likes
|
Apr 27, 2024 14:22:13 GMT
|
Member
|
Post by birdy51 on May 12, 2017 13:19:59 GMT
Meanwhile, Hugh opted to wait for the scientists before messing with the creepy things. They were their responsibility, right? They were the one's requested to put the damnable things onto the shuttle, not Hugh. But, as much as Hugh would have liked this to be true, it was not true. None of the lazy scientists showed up. Such lazy scientists! Was Hugh to do everything himself? Hugh sighed. Hugh was to do everything thing himself.
He entered their tiny enclosure and unsecured them from the vessel. "Out, tiny creatures. It is time to shoot you into the planet."
Hugh didn't wait for them to understand, pushing them gruffly towards the door. Presuming he could get these silly things to go in the right direction, he would lead them down the halls and into the their designated place, where Hugh would secure them manfully with all benefits of security pride. Then, he would say goodbye to Gunshow and- Oh no, Hugh. No tears now! The manly goliath only ever allowed himself one cry a month. Any more would be truly unmanly!
|
|