In the Deep Dark Hills of Eastern Temba

[heypartner]

WHO: Cobb Vanth & Mining Expedition Team
WHERE: The Mines
WHAT: Mine exploration
WHEN: First Week of Event.
WARNINGS: Cursing. Blood/Injury.



Mining Expedition - for Mining Team

It had been a long time since Cobb had worn the armor he bought on Coruscant. He stood outside the entrance of the mines in the polished slightly gold colored durasteel with no cape. Last thing he wanted was for that to get caught on something while underground. The armor would protect from minor cave ins and small falling rocks but a part of him wanted to take it off. If the ceiling came down, Cobb would honestly preferred to be crushed immediately instead of survive.

A few had happened while he worked underground and he'd been lucky not to get caught in them. He had seen what happened to slaves who had been and those images haunted him as he looked at the entrance to the darkness beyond.

As the little team started to gather together Cobb pushed those thoughts from his mind. He needed to focus to keep all these people safe underground.

"Here's the general plan," he said when they had all arrived. "Drake's probe, Mini, and this guy here will go first. The probe should be able to tell us the air quality which should be your number one concern. Anyone who breathes starts to feel light headed, you walk out immediately. No pretending everything is fine. We're here to map this place and see what needs fixin', not start digging around."

Anyone who toughed it out and then passed out would put them all at risk. Cobb's tone was very stern and grim. This was not a time to fuck around like this was a walk around talk. Luckily, this group didn't seem like the type to do that.

"Second thing to look for is the ceiling. You see it bowing down anywhere that's a good sign of a collapse. Should be even all along the way." That was how it was back home, at least. "And it might get tight in there depending on how the Agrii build their mines. No one goes off alone. You always have a buddy. Any questions before we head in?"

The mine's entrance was big enough but Cobb felt once they got inside and got under they might be in for a tight squeeze.

---

Cave In - for thesepreciousthings

It was surprisingly easy to get comfortable underground again. Cobb was all too willing to explore around with Starling when she asked. Apparently, she came from mining people too. She felt more useful helping out in the mines than exploring the new city.

"I can't tell much of what they were doing down here," Cobb said as they walked down a side tunnel, intending to map it. They had a pretty decent map taking shape with marked spots for the strange place they found and the holes to the surface. "They didn't leave any mining equipment behind so who knows what they got from here? Haven't seen crystals or coal or oil. Not even salt. Just the stone walls."

He was a little bothered by that. This was an extensive mine and clearly served a purpose at one point. There was no real clue what the purpose was however. Not to Cobb's eyes, at least. They had some hope once they understood the panel and all that, it would become clear.

Cobb was about to say more when he noticed something in the glint of his flashlight. A piece of metal hanging down from the ceiling. He had half a second to realize it was a roof bolt meant to hold the roof of the mine in place when a stone slipped.

"Starling!" He grabbed her just as more stones start to slip and the roof broke apart. Cobb dragged her out of the way but they were caught in the fall. Not the worst of it. Cobb pressed her against the wall as what felt like the whole of the earth came down around them. It was his worst fear come to life and it hurt as the stones bounced off his shoulders, his back, and his head while he tried to keep her from the worst of it.

When the rumbling stopped and the air went still Cobb blinked in the darkness. His flashlight was somewhere but they were in complete blackness now with the mine closed in around them. Well. Damn it all.

---

Comments

Mining Expedition

[tyrants_son]

Hardly dressed for summer weather, Felwinter stood however unbothered by this fact, wearing his greatcoat over the rest of his clothing and light armor. He was not a bulky figure at all, narrow-shouldered and of average height. He still wore his strange helmet. Beside him, just over his shoulder hovered his Ghost, her shell the standard design in silver.

The rest of the group was greeted with a nod, but Felwinter remained mostly silent, folding his arms as Cobb went on with detailing out their plan. A probe and...Mini? were to be his company, was it? Although he didn't need to worry about breathing, it wasn't like he didn't care about those who did. A reconnaissance mission. He nodded as he mentally noted keeping an eye on the tunnel ceilings.

"How far should be checked before it is deemed suitable for you to breathe?" he asked, looking around at the others before turning his attention to Cobb. His voice bore that slight electronic tinge, perhaps familiar in some way, but it could very well just be his helmet.

[heypartner]

"Be about ten feet ahead of us," he said with a little shrug. "We don't want to lose sight of you but we want some distance. Ten feet is a good pocket."

They'd have fresh air and it should be enough range for the probe to opperate without losing signal. If the probe worked like ones back home it should have a longer range but Cobb didn't want to lose anyone in the darkness.

He sounded a lot like Mando with a vocoder. But since he didn't breathe Cobb figured the guy was some sort of droid or maybe even an Exo like Cayde. He wasn't human or alien. Sentient but not alive, Cobb figured.

"You got a name, by the way?" Because Cobb hadn't asked before. Hadn't thought to ask while he was juggling the various factors in planning this. Just needed a guy who couldn't breathe to lead.

[tyrants_son]

Ten feet. The Exo nodded. Since Cobb seemed to know about these sorts of things he was inclined to defer to the man's judgment.

"My name is Felwinter," he said, and then he gestured towards his Ghost. "This is Felspring."

The one for me!

[thesepreciousthings]

"Funny thing is, I didn't see anything last time I was down here, either," Starling replied, playing her flashlight against the walls. "Maybe they mined strictly for stone, to build some of the structures on the surface? Stuff's solid enough..."

She followed Cobb's beam up to the loose bolt, and realization dawned on her in the same dark, too-late moment. Before Cobb could move her, a sizeable rock came down on her left foot. Startled by his attempt to sweep her out of the way, she dropped her flashlight with a shriek. It all happened in seconds, but she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, trying to shield his head with her forearms, not about to let him sacrifice himself for her.

The cave-in still echoed in her ears, ringing, and she was all but deaf once it had settled. With any luck, she thought, someone would have heard that, but given all the branching tunnels they'd split up to explore, she wasn't sure.

[heypartner]

"Hey, hey, you with me?" Cobb used his grip on her to find Starling's neck and check her pulse. Yeah, there she was. "Stay here."

The cave darkness was complete. Cobb had experienced it a handful of times in his life when the power failed in a mine. He had to go in the darkness to fix things like that with just a little headlamp.

He kept a hand to the smooth wall of the mine and then found the rubble of the collapse. Listening hard he could hear through it and there was some breeze against his face.

"Good news, we're not buried. Probably a little rubble between you and me and freedom. Gonna take me a minute to clear a path though." Something not much bigger than them to just slip through.

"Check the comms. I know we can get through this rock. Might be our only light. My flashlight is somewhere in this."

[thesepreciousthings]

"Stay - ugh, like hell!" She snorted, starting after him. On her second step, though, she faltered, biting down on a cry of pain. Okay. Maybe she wasn't going to follow him just yet.

"Alright, alright, hang on. My flashlight's probably right next to yours, crackin' jokes about how dumb we both are."

She pulled out her phone and turned it on, immediately going to the settings to adjust the brightness. If they wanted it to last, she needed to turn it down. Their eyes would get used to it soon enough.

"Not much signal down here, in case you were wonderin'."

open;

[sinistral]

Exploring;
The Soldier had decided to join the mine exploration less out of a desire for discovery and more out of the belief that it was entirely possible that the mines weren't as safe as the Agrii professed. He didn't trust them and he didn't trust their repellent. He definitely didn't trust that there wasn't some kind of nasty surprise hidden somewhere. That mindset saw him in his full tactical gear, more complete than he typically regularly wore. He buckled on the mask as Cobb finished the briefing; mentally he pulled into place the skills of the Winter Soldier.

He didn't have much experience with mines, but he certainly had experience infiltrating enemy territory, and he drew on that experience now. Moving as quietly as possible he stayed toward the fringes of the group, looking not only for structural damage to their surroundings but also for signs that they might not be alone. While the Agrii claimed that their gel would keep the rage bugs away, he didn't entirely trust it — and didn't trust that they were the only potential threat.

Pausing, he held up his left hand, fist closed. His head cocked slightly sideways as he listened, but even with his hearing he had to admonish the person next to him. "Quiet!"

Break;
It didn't matter if it was a break for a meal or a break while the forward reconnaissance determined if they could move on, each pause saw the Soldier prowling around the edges of the space. Part of him kept an eye out for the hazards Cobb had mentioned but the rest of him looked for traces of more familiar hazards. So far they'd been lucky and hadn't encountered anything to provide much setback — threat or annoyance — but how long would that luck hold?

Eventually he did stop, but only because someone thrust something into his face. "What is this?" Chunk of rock? Granola bar? Pickle jar with a stuck lid? Something else?

Wildcard;
I wanted to come up with some really amazing mine puns but it's late and I'm tired so instead of mine we'll use yours instead. :> That being said please feel free to customize the above or set up your own scene. If you want to plot something out gimme a shout and we'll make it happen; the Soldier is here for all your linefacing super soldier needs. And if you prefer brackets please go for it; I'll match your format.

Break

[plate_builder]

If there was one thing that Reeve was really good at doing, it was making attempts at befriending taciturn warriors who had learned to be aloof from the world because of experimentation being done to them. In fact, he had made it a bit of a habit of his back home with Cloud and Vincent. So really, Bucky was lucky to have managed to avoid it until this point.

But this trip was clearly something Reeve thought of on some level as a means of approaching the other man. Not that he'd set out to approach Bucky, but he couldn't help but notice the other man that he had spoken to a few times on the network. Even involved with Poe he couldn't deny that he continued to have a pull toward dangerous, darkhaired men. It was in his blood or something.

"It's food," Reeve said. He'd pulled one of the protein bars from his own bag out to offer over to Bucky. "Everyone should really take a chance to eat. We don't know how long we'll be working down here."

Reeve's main point here, of course, was to serve as their map maker. While the others had purposes for exploration or protection or guidance or something else, Reeve had spent most of the time here with his head down, drawing quickly on multiple pieces of paper, making their complex, twisting corridors more clear. That and being in touch with one of their scouts at all times. But even he had noticed Bucky wasn't really taking the same relaxing moment as the others.

[sinistral]

To say they hadn't spoken much wasn't any sort of commentary against Reeve. The Soldier avoided most of the community as a rule; groups of people just weren't comfortable for him. That didn't mean he wasn't aware of the other man and his contributions; he was. He just preferred to keep his own outreach at the comfortable distance of text messages.

But here they were and distance wasn't entirely an option, though it wasn't for lack of trying. As much as he'd claim reasons of protection and security, he could admit to himself that it was also a lack of social skills. What was the point of small talk anyway? It was why he was taken aback by the approach and offer, especially considering who was behind both. He'd expected Reeve to take advantage of the chance to rest, considering that he'd been documenting their route the entire time, and not spend his break trying to look after someone else.

Then again, the Soldier could certainly understand the drive to keep pushing oneself even in the quieter moments. Perhaps this was somehow related.

"Food," he echoed, taking the bar reflexively but not yet moving to open it. "I don't require refueling yet, if someone else has a need instead."

He could go for a long time without eating if he had to. But he'd also eaten a large meal that morning, just in case.

Wild Exploration Break

[tyrants_son]

They'd for the most part established that the air was safe, but there was no reason to let down their guard. Perhaps it was whatever still crept somewhere between the walls of the tunnels they traversed or the strange goo that was throwing Felspring's radar off, but either way, it made it difficult to really say where things were and if there was something between them and a potential threat.

Not that it mattered too much when you were inherently paranoid. Felwinter said little as they traveled along, and even the silvery drone that floated alongside of him and provided light for the path ahead said nothing unless addressed. Felwinter took point only because he still took his original assignment seriously, even when they'd paired off down the tunnels once they'd split. It'd be difficult ignoring the blue-lit core embedded in the back of his helmet, twitching and flickering like a wild eye- and looking very much like the core of the Ghost who was currently lighting their path. Not at all creepy though, right? Riiiight.

Yeehaw!

[sinistral]

The air was safe but stale in places, breathable but not exactly the most pleasant. Still that didn't matter much; present company didn't chatter on in needless conversation, focused instead on their surroundings as intently as the Soldier. If only everyone was so inclined.

It was hard to ignore the strangeness of the other man though, especially the twitching of that implant at the back of his helmet. It reminded the Soldier of uncomfortable — and uncomfortably vague — memories of HYDRA's labs, and he didn't want to dwell on those thoughts. He couldn't deny though that the light from implant and floating robot both was useful.

He stopped near a niche in the he cave wall, crouching to examine the floor. In a certain light he thought he saw scratches, of the sort made by claws, but now he wasn't sure. "Come look at this."

Exploring

[ms_unknown]

Natasha didn't trust the Agrii, either. It didn't surprise her that he'd decided to come along on this little expedition for the same reason she did. She wore her own suit, though it felt strange without her Widow's Bites. The Agrii issued weapon was strapped to her thigh, though she hoped she wouldn't have to use it.

When she saw his fist raise, she froze, watching him. She knew he had abilities beyond her so she'd trust his judgement. The admonition got a raised eyebrow. Seriously? What did he want her to do, hold her breath?

[sinistral]

If held breath would get something to appear, he would suggest it. However, he didn't think they were that lucky. As it was, he kept feeling like he almost heard something, like there was something just at the edge of his awareness that if he could just strain a little more—

Of course, it didn't work like that, which he well knew.

The Soldier shook his head; likely his companion would be able to read the frustration in the gesture. Whatever he thought he had heard had slipped away again — if it was ever there in the first place. This wasn't the first time he wondered if it was all in his head. "Never mind."

Expedition - Well Reeve's clearly got a question

[plate_builder]

Oh he had so many questions as they prepared to go in. Not that Reeve was going to ask them all right now, as many of them weren't relevant in this moment. Only one thing he had to ask really needed asked in this moment.

"Do you think it's possible for me to get two buddies? Most of my attention is going to be on making the map, I could easily accidentally leave one behind while I follow the sound of someone else's footsteps," he admits. When he got into working he often found himself, well, lost in it. And the work mattered.

[ms_unknown]

Nat raises an eyebrow at him. "Maybe you just need one who'll actually pay attention to you and not let you run off"

[plate_builder]

"And what is to prevent them from running off without me?" Reeve countered immediately.

BUt he offered her a smile to say it was not meant to sting. It was indeed a real question.

ugh I missed this one

[tyrants_son]

"A map would be useful," Felwinter agrees. "Wouldn't it be easier to have someone keep an eye on you as we go?"

"Alternatively we could tie a rope around your waist," his Ghost suggests as she hovers beside him. She meets Felwinter's look with a shrug of her silvery shell. "What? It'd work!"

[plate_builder]

"I feel it would be best to have someone keep an eye on me. But who then will keep an eye on them when my eyes are on the paper?"

At least Reeve was willing to admit that he was a man who easily got distracted. But the rope comment earned a cheerful and hearty laugh to the Ghost.

"Oh, I would agree. It might well work. I'm trying to suggest that Mini have the same treatment, given he is small and could easily fall in a way he can't get out of."

OTA

[ms_unknown]

Entrance

Natasha clicks on her light, looking around the area as they prepare to enter the cavern. She's all kitted out in the suit she arrived in. The space suit might give her some protection if something caves in, at least. Beyond that, she's got her Agrii sidearm and a flashlight. Here's hoping nothing goes terribly wrong.

She smirks, muttering to herself, "Connected to the last refuge of the scoundrel, no doubt..." Any James Bond fans in the group?

Exploring

As they creep deeper, she can't help but get curious about the tunnels as they pass them. She... might be branching off to go exploring. Hope someone notices before she finds any trouble.

Wildcard

You want to do something else? Go for it. I'm not the boss of you.

Exploring

[tyrants_son]

"There it is again," the little silvery drone says, her light shifting from the path ahead, gleaming off the walls as she turns and looks. Felwinter lifts his helmeted head, looking at his Ghost before turning to look at the options presented.

"Has the direction been consistent?" he asks her.

Felspring twitches in the air. "Generally," she admits. "But not enough to be conclusive..." Her shell bunches up at the top, mimicking a furrowed brow. "...hang on, picking up something on my radar- someone's gone off on their own." They both glance back towards the last opening that had gone off from the path.

[ms_unknown]

Yup. She did. She's good at that.

Nat has her light and is trying to get away from the group so she can listen and focus. She's not used to crowds anymore, so she needs some space. She's not making any attempt to hide, so she'll be easy to follow.

Now introducing...

[dr_riley]

OTA

The breathing mask and safety goggles
Accentuate your eyes

Drake stood a few feet within the entrance of the cavern, a small figure in a slightly oversized flight helmet, combat boots, and a tactical vest crammed with as many survival tools as he could fit. His head was bowed over his tablet as he clicked and swiped at the surface, occasionally looking up and over at a large, boxy looking device on hefty treadmills that twitched and turned on cue. Its most prominent features were a satellite dish, a camera, and a long, jointed arm. He had removed a few redundant or unnecessary instruments, added a few that he thought would be more useful on an expedition, and carefully stenciled 'D.R.E.A.' on both sides.

"Right!" He finally said with a grin, "I think we're ready. DREA should give us minute-by-minute updates as to air quality and a video feed of the terrain. Good luck, darling." He gave the device an affectionate pat before it trundled off into the darkness.

A minute later, a faint light briefly flared as the probe's white light headlamp clicked on.

"Receiving telemetry." A little box in the corner of Drake's screen showed a black and white feed of a floor and walls and a gaping black hole. Occasionally, parts of Felwinter's armored body flashed into view.

"Testing audio. Felwinter, this is Riley, do you read?"



I'm lost each time I try
To leave you behind

It felt like they'd gone a few miles in before the main tunnel finally narrowed. Drake had noted that DREA came to a wall with a small opening and couldn't make it any further. Catching up to the probe confirmed that most people wouldn't fit through, much less the golf-cart-sized probe.

Without so much as waiting for a go-ahead, Drake took a penlight from his vest pocket and stuck his head and shoulders through to have a look. The way his lower half moved suggested stretching and turning and trying to see every angle of the new space before he finally pulled himself back out.

"It's much bigger on the other side of this wall." He said, already working off his backpack and vest. "There must be another entrance. This one looks like it just eroded through. I think I can fit it if you'll hold my gear." The items were held out and when they weren't immediately taken, he shook them impatiently.



Time, truth, and hearts

Wildcard! Have a chat along the way. Get lost. Have a cave in. Call for help if you've been in a cave in. Pester him for some snacks. Whatever tickles your fancy!

Breathing

[tyrants_son]

The thing looked terribly cumbersome, but Felwinter wasn't about to question it if it would provide the necessary readings for those of the team who were flesh and blood- namely everyone but him. His Ghost wasn't terribly impressed, but like Felwinter, she kept her opinions to herself as they ventured into the darkness, providing her own light from her core.

"I hear you," Felwinter said, wincing a little within his helmet as he glanced at the thing. Ah, yes. DREA. "It's a bit loud. If there's anything in here, I'd rather not be drawing extra attention."

Re: Breathing

[dr_riley]

"Good point." Came Drake's tinny voice. "Switching to IR; I'll let you know if I see anything." The probe went dark, leaving the light from the Ghost the only visible illumination.

Outside, the image on the tablet went black and white as it transmitted thermal imaging instead. So far, readings for air quality were good and no creepy crawlies were registering, but he was only in a hundred feet or so.

"We should be good to follow him pretty soon." Drake frowned at his tablet. "But I'm not detecting the energy signature that the Agrii mentioned."

Since you have it here- Lost

[tyrants_son]

"Definitely coming from this direction," the little drone floating by Felwinter informed her companion. They both looked at Drake, and then at the items that he abruptly held out as he spoke.

"..." Felwinter took them more out of confusion than the actual request, looking towards the opening. It was definitely a narrow squeeze, but he wasn't all that bulky. His Ghost seemed to be considering the option as well as she looked between him and the opening in question. Felwinter gave her a nod towards Drake, and she looked incredibly dubious about accompanying, but drifted over towards the odd little man anyway.