Knothic Towers OOC & IC

[landiek]

The Commander gave several exasperated looks to Xavier. Landi squirmed in her seat as she hated the way citizens were considered lower class. She found most to be friendly and likeable but there were a few that were mainly from a social class that was aristocratic. From what she saw that was hardly true about that young man.

Jenkinslavikca was another type of Dome inhabitants that one hardly outside of their expertise. He demonstrated all the actions of one that would rather be buried in their work. However by the sounds of it, the work was coming with us on the journey. Duplicated weaponery, I'm surprised he doesn't bring the atomic bomb as well Landi thought to herself.

Clark on the other hand was an older fellow. Landi gleaned that from appearences alone. Where as Oates she knew was nearing mid thirties. The other pair she guessed were early thirties but would have her chance to find out personal information along the journey.

When the door opened again she thought that it was someone bringing documents or advanced inventory lists. Instead it was another woman which made Landi sigh in relief. Thank goodness, I was afraid that I'd be the only one.

Once more she quickly turned the scanner on the newcomer. Pulled it back to her and pressed save, reminding herself to get a blood sample from Zarai as well.

When the meeting was over I decided to take advantage of the quick time to get to know them as well as do my blood sample gathering.

I decided to take Jenkinslavikca first. Our chat was short as weaponery was the farest thing I would deal with on a day to day basis. I also gleaned the information that he was a solo worker. After I acquired my sample and placed it in the analizer I learned another secret but after a quick glance decided to keep it to myself.

"Excuse me, Zarai.. can I get that sample from you now? Oh and Mr. Clark... you're next so please don't get too caught up in your usual chatter." Then I glanced over at Xavier and gave him a simple smile. There was something about him that I found inticing.[

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Xavier was more in his element as they left the meeting room and were herded near Dome A's Exit, in the lounge afforded to them. All they were waiting for was Captain Oates.

Xavier was not a shy man at all but he was abashed to be in a group that was from all sides of the Dome's social heirarchy. Whilst they waited, the medical officer Landi took each person's medical readings and a blood sample.

Casually he watched her, finding himself more and more drawn to giving her glances when he thought she would not look, something was very enticing about her. Xavier man! This isn't some summer camp to find a life long partner. Get a grip! He found his mind screaming at him.

And then it happened, he was again glancing at Landi and this time she turned and caught him glancing at her to which she gave him a short simple smile. Feeling his cheeks redden and a heat rise along his head, Xurgen smiled back feeling his heart beats thump like gongs in his ears. She's out of your league man....you're a civilian Xavier...you have no hope, that again was his inner voice.

And all that Xavier wanted to do at that moment was curl up and die. He had never felt as he did ever before. Sure he dated fellow civilian women from the rec commons, but they were after riches and men who could give them that.....he couldn't which was another reason for applying for the Dome Lotto - he could start again.

Looking at the exit door, Xavier knew sooner or later that they would be out of the dome and it's protection and into a world very much changed and cold.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Oates

"..And that's why we are going to promote you to Captain, Richmond," said Commander Asquith. It wasn't very long, fortunately - but even the Commander knew time was against them in this mission and they needed to depart soon enough. The newly-commissioned Captain raised his brow, his breath slightly quivering in nervousness. "Well, Captain? What have you to say," Asquith piped in only about 10 seconds after Oates didn't say anything to which he finally cleared his throat, "Th-thank you! ...Sir!" he said before turning to face the Commander and saluted him. "Dismissed!"

As Richie left the conference room, he seemed to sigh a few times, the anxiety in not knowing what the Commander had to say to him - and obviously, in knowing his control in the expedition now. It was almost 0900 hours when Captain Oates entered the medical and equipment checkpoint with the rest of the group - somebody quickly came after him shouting, "Lieutenant!" He seemed almost confused, had he not just been promoted to Captain? It was then that the individual said, "You might need this..." and handed him the Captain's emblem.

He smiled softly and nodded to the person, who quickly ran off to return to their own given duties. Grabbing his "skull suit" from a nearby locker designated for his use at this end of the Dome, he began to change into it after placing his datapad on top of the locker. It became quite obvious to the rest of the group that Captain Oates was used to having to change with a group of people, as he was used to spending many hours with his company. After only about a couple of minutes, he had changed from the Dome military-issued fatigues used mostly for "leisure" wear - to this "skull" suit.

"Are we ready yet, group?" he asked aloud to the others while placing the Captain's emblem on his right shoulder. It was at this point he'd never really payed any attention to the group, other than wanting to know if they were ready to venture out - he wanted to be as punctual as humanly possible. He grabbed the datapad from atop of the locker and looked over his agenda one last time, speaking more so to himself than the group: "Meeting, medical specialist; 09:00 AM"

He began to groan quietly as he looked around then spoke into his comlink on his shoulder, "Base, this is Captain Oates - is there any chance to bring in that medical specialist before 0900?" Again, little did he know that the medical specialist was already there: Landi Kay. Richmond placed a military-issued DD7 laser pistol - one that he had customized its grip, recoil and accuracy - into his right hip holster. Then he slung a much larger weapon over his shoulder, a Dome C "Vigilante" fusion rifle.

 

[Zarai]

Zarai

I was relieved as I settled down into my chair that the Commander was too busy to berate me for my lateness. I looked around the room and studied the people I would be going with, ignoring the Commander's speech. My eyebrow arched slightly as I landed on the civilian. That was interesting. I really needed to pay more attention to the bulletins I received apparently. I put a pleasant look on my face and zoned out during the rest of the Commander's speech, only perking up when he introduced Lt. Oates. My eyes wandered up and down him as he spoke, yes.. he had potential. I squirmed slightly in my seat. While the other senses being enhanced was a great perk, my sensitive skin drove me nuts sometimes, little things that most people wouldn't notice bothered me.. or excited me.

As the meeting was over, I heard the woman, Landi I think I recalled ask me,

"Excuse me, Zarai.. can I get that sample from you now? Oh and Mr. Clark... you're next so please don't get too caught up in your usual chatter."

Sample? What kind of sample did she want? Oh god, was she the medic? Surely they didn't need anything from me.. they had workup after workup of pretty much everything about me. I had this tiny problem which I tried not to share with anyone except specific partners. Pain. Pain didn't bother me in the normal manner, in fact it had a somewhat opposite effect on me. Her sticking a needle in my arm was likely to send me off in search of fun, and somehow I figured my being late to anything else today would not be tolerated. Steeling myself, I was determined to get this over with as quickly as possible. I smiled brightly at her, knowing I needed to work to get along with everyone.. they probably weren't thrilled with my being there anyway. I had seen the civilian.. Xavier I think they called him.. staring at me with an odd look on his face.

Of course, anything to help.

I walked up to her and waited patiently, my skin already tingling.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Finally Captain Oates entered, turning Xavier's attention from the Dome A's Exit Door to the ready Captain Oates. The medical specialist Landi Kay was taking Zarai's blood specimen then it would be Xavier's turn. He looked at Zarai the newest member peculiar, the more and more he looked at Zarai, the more something familiar was taking shape.

"Are we ready yet, group?"

"I'm ready to go," said Xavier anxiously, then he turned to Landi. "How about you take my blood on the way, Miss Kay."

With that said he shouldered his backpack and smiled knowing release from this god forsaken dome was at hand. He was ready to face what was outside the Dome.

 

[Zarai]

Zarai

The woman smiled at me as she came at me with her needle and I bit my lip hard as she slid it into my skin with no hesitation. The tiny prick as it broke my skin exploded into sensation as my sensitivity kicked in. Cursing inside my head as I attempted to quell the feeling, I wished sometimes I wasn't what I was. She was practiced and knew what she was doing and only took a moment before the needed slid out and she thanked me. I nodded, not trusting my voice not to quiver if I spoke and turned to grab my bag as I heard someone ask if we were ready yet.

I turned and headed down the hall after the rest of them, trying to distract myself from my feelings. This was it.. we would really be outside the dome soon. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was looking forward to something different.

 

[IM1_RUASLUT2]

I grumbled having to see the woman but orders are orders. short and quick.. just do it and get it done..

Stepping in her small center made me feel even more uncomfortable as she poked my finger. I wanted to say something but she wasn't one of my favorite types. The second the machine winked in a series of lights I knew that my endurence of presense was over.

"You're a ..." She started to say but stopped. Did she notice my horrorified look.

"Yes, I am." I admitted and then glanced at the others in the group. I wondered if any of the others knew as well. I supposed that it was something I would deal with as time progressed.

I walked back over to Clark when I was done and nodded at him. "Looking forward to going out there are you?" Pointing at Xurgen and remarking. "Look at him... his face all glowy. I bet he can't wait to exit the dome and be out there in the harshness. Those civilians have no idea what's really out there."

My voice didn't hide the disgust that was building as time passed. I really needed to go back to my center and gather my pack and weaponery before we had our fanfare and celebration by the masses while passing through the archway to the halls that lead to the outside. this nightmare just gets worse. I grumbled silently.

Thankfully at o eight four-five I got to return to quarters for my supplies and weapons. I slammed my hand down on the table as I finished my last details before walking out of this room for eternity. "This freaking sucks and I wish I wasn't such a fucking wimp. I never signed rosters for this duty but it sure fell on my head." I raged for a few moments.

I turned to the reflecting glass and then slammed another fist down. Watching the glass fall and sliced open my shirt. I stared at my disfigured shape and vented in another rush of anger. After three minutes of deep breathes I found a wrap to place over the wound and a fresh shirt. "Well mirror this is the last time you'll remind me that I am not my Father's favorite child." I grabbed my things and straightened my clothing and walked out to rejoin the rest at the archway.

I returned just in time to hear Asquith rattle off some grand last effecting moral booster. It really didn't matter anymore to me. I was the person doing my duty for the greater good for the people in the Dome.

"Jenkinslavikca, reporting Sir." I glanced at Oates and then frowned as he had a few last things to say before we departed and of course the women in our group made me flinch as that ultimate symbol of the weaker sex. I had a two hundred pound pack on my back and I sure as Hell didn't want to wait too much longer.

I had my visor in place and the glare sheild down. I felt goosebumps ripple on my skin as the moment finally arrived. Our group was stepping through the hallway that lead to the outside shield doorway and the enviromental defects of the natural landside.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Xavier was in the last position of the group as they walked down slowly but importantly down the walkway that lead to the exit hub of Dome A.

Around the group as they walked stood both officials and civilians stood watching them leave, many pointing and whispering into each other's ears, others looking solemnly at the group whilst some shouted out goodluck and positive comments to the group.

When the group reached the exit hub they stopped and listened to a last 'Dome pep talk' from Commander Asquith. Xurgen did his best to look interested but the glow on his face belied the fact that he was itching to leave the dome.

And finally with all the ceremony over the exit gates hub opened and a small patch of the forcefield vanished and one by one they left the dome into a wilderness untamed and ultimately dangerous.

With a relieved sigh, Xavier smiled to himself and knew the dome for him was forever gone.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Oates

As the group finally seemed prepped, Captain Oates motioned for them to head toward the exit hubs. They started walking before being stopped by Commander Asquith and his final speech - to inform the population that wasn't aware of this expedition. Richmond bowed his head the entire time, practically tuning Asquith out as he spoke to himself. Gathering his thoughts, he closed his eyes..

It may very well be the last time he ever sees the Dome. He didn't want to think that, but he couldn't help but know it was a great possibility. He seemed to have a great intuition on when to tune himself in and out of certain discussions. Just as he gathered his breath, he raised his head and opened his eyes, hearing Commander Asquith exclaim: "Good luck, Knothic Expedition! May the hopes and prayers of the Dome go with you. Go, now..."

Richmond let his breath seep past his lips as the group began to march outside of the opening exits. He seemed to squint slightly in the bright, late morning sunlight - and lowered a visor over his eyes. "Let's hope all this great technology we have will protect us," he said rather sarcastically to himself. He kept his fusion rifle ready in his arms as they walked, he of course, walked out in front. His hazel eyes kept looking this way and that, almost expecting some vile creature to leap out at them.

"Maybe we should get to know one another a little better," he said aloud. "You know, break the ice, so to say." That was a rather old expression, but still used widely. He paused for a moment, awaiting for anybody to respond, which he got none. It was then that he said aloud, "Xurgen! Tell us, as a civilian... why did you sign up?"

They were a good few miles from the Dome already, as Oates predicted when he turned to look back toward Mr. Xurgen. The Dome looked so odd from outside...

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

When they had securely left the confines of the Dome and were at a distance from it, the Dome's forefield activated around the Entry/Exit hub making Dome A safe again, or so the Dome officials thought. But the other 5 domes thought the same way and now were lost, or worse yet destroyed by an unknown force.

Xavier made sure he walked beside Landi Kay, trying to work out the right words to start a conversation with. With his visor down and the communication device working in his ear, he heard the Captain speak.

Maybe we should get to know one another a little better, You know, break the ice, so to say"

Xurgen felt that it was the best idea and he silently applauded their commander for the mission, from all appearances and action so far he wasn't made from the same molde as that of the arsenic worded Commander Asquith. Good and thank the stars for that, he said to himself.

Xavier almost missed the Captain's comments directed at himself as he was lost in his own thoughts. "Xurgen! Tell us, as a civilian... why did you sign up?"

Biting his tongue for a moment, Xavier answered knowing the rest were listening on the broad band com channel "To get out of the confines of the Dome and I've always been a adventurous soul who believes we need to find out what this Knothic Towers force is and discover its meaning for us. Then and only then can we reclaim our Earth."

With a smile, Xavier knew it was a good and honest answer.

 

[landiek]

Landi smiled at the girl warmly. "I wanted to get a sample for the scanner, just in case we need that data. My name is Landi. I suppose that we will most likely be tent buddies. When was your last check-up? Who did it so I can get the extra information that isn't considered vital classB classified."

She took the pen-like object and tapped it against the girl's arm. Landi knew that Zarai was a Talent by looks alone but knew very little about them other then they were very secretative and hidden away from most of the Dome populus. In fact Landi considered herself extra lucky to actually see one of Zarai's kind. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to work with her on this mission was a chance of a lifetime, one Landi would treasure for the rest of her life.

The results told Landi what she already knew by the stories alone. All results were in the above normal zones, making Zarai in perfect health. "Thank you and you are excused now." Yet Landi noticed the difference in Zarai's actions when the poke took place. How odd. I would think that she was in great discomfort. Is it the test or something else?[/color=blue]

"You're next Mr. Clark." Landi stepped over to the man and reset the pen to gather the new results. "Anything you want to mention? Health wise I mean,"

Landi gingerly took Jonathan's hand as she pressed the tip into the arm. "Looking forward to the trek? Any concerns that this medic should know about your expectations?" She looked the man over once more before their time was done and the results would flash for her records. She felt a little edgy about being in his crowd as that mysterious air was encompassing this tall gentleman.

When it came to the last person, Xurgen she was surprised that he requested to take care of that matter while in route. "Actually I need those results before leaving since I have no idea on the proficency of my equipment when we leave the dome. It will only take a few minutes and I have to see Lt. Oates as well." Also she had to pick up her prepared pack since she had been extra busy with some final details in her work on genetic deformities in cloning.

Landi noticed that her timepiece flashed. "That's odd?" She looked into Xavier's face then smiled again. "Well, it looks like you might get your wish after all. I am being paged urgently." Landi offered him her hand and shook his firmly. "By the way..... I think you should know one little detail. I have no greater status then you do on this mission. I was never interned on governmental so I have no rank. I am simply a necessity in emergencies and because there has to be a medic."

Landi walked away then found the newly commissioned Captain. "Congradulations, Sir. I need a blood sample prior to departure for records."

"You are my o nine hundred meeting." His words were a mix of question and statement.

"Yes Sir. Now may I have your arm for that test before we leave?" She held out her hand and when his fell in hers. She checked his pulse arcanicly then tapped the pen at his inner elbow. The prick was hardly noticeable but she still hated causing discomfort. "By the way have you noticed the ratio on our group?"

Landi waited for the results to appear on the screen as she looked into Oates eyes. His silence made her wonder what the Dome Commander told him privately.

The silence was broken by the beeping of her ID scanner. "Oh," looking at the details being transferred to her datapad. "Excuse me, Sir. I need to pick up my bags from my quarters and shall meet back at the archway. My conclusion results will be ready for your review by twelve hundred." Slipping back into her professional persona.

After being excused, Landi walked to her quarters and grabbed the three bags plus her pack. She pulled out the yellow aligner and watched as the yellow light surrounded the bags and shrinking them to 26% mass. Once they had reached the smallest that she need, she picked them up and packed them gently in the pack. Reaching over to a table she grabbed a belt and placed the aligner in the proper spot as she buckled the belt to her suit.

When she returned to the archway, she could hear the Commander extole the virtue of the success of our venture. Landi scooted closer to Xavier who seemed to be unimpressed by these glory-boosters.

"Long ago, those would have called him a blow-hard." Landi reached out for Xavier's hand while the speech was proceeding. She noticed that he was tremmoring and shot a look at his face. "The sample, remember. I told you that I wanted to get it before we pass outside of the sheild."

Xavier seemed tense about something but Landi wasn't sure what that could have been. She wasn't taught about the complexity of emotions as she was raised in the medical labs. Compassion and concern for her fellow man she has a vast knowledge of but his facial reaction was alien to her.

Her answers appeared on screen as she walked down the hallway. In a few moments she was going to be on the outside of the Dome and her nerves started to jolt up and down her arms leaving odd bumps along the surface of her skin. Her suit activated once the outer door opened and she took a deep breathe of what was suppose to be tainted air. However the acclimatizor had altered the levels and it was like breathing the air in the dome. "Now we boldly go where no man has gone before."

I listened as Xavier spoke about leaving the dome. Our Earth

"Yeah that would be nice to have our Earth. The way it was suppose to be for our kind, not ruined by pollution and war." She was thankful that he stayed so close too.

(OOC......sorry about the pun but my maiden name was Kirk.... it was something I felt I had to do. Hugs and Kisses and enjoy the fourth. LCKH)

 

[PVodogaz]

A short palaver into the past....

Humanity had not expanded into space, the technology was there but Earth was still split into Nation-States, each with there own agenda. If someone travelled from 2001 to 2253AD, they would have seen change in the uses of technology but little else. There was constant talk of the nation governments forming one world government but each time someone tried to change talk into action, some group or government would back down and the process would start all over again and again.

But the civil part of the world was always foreshadowed by the militia's, terrorist groups who had their own agendas, that were handed down generation after generation by succeeding groups that fell apart or were re-created under different names but the same ideals and principles.

In 2195, the Russian and American teams in Sakhalin Scientific Research Base under the control of Commodore Tudorov managed to create a vaccine for all diseases. The population of Earth at this time was a staggering 8 Billion, and with this new breakthrough, the population would grow unchecked. Only the Chinese who had once and very unsuccessfully trialled Democracy and reverted back to Marxist Communism in 2204AD had started to sterilise women forcefully after their first child.

It was in this environment that a Middle Eastern militia called the Nabil's Order started to their own research into biological weaponry when 3 Russian scientists and a French scientists went into exile and joined this Order. The Order's leader was on the world's hitlist and wanted for mass slaughter of opposition in their home country, his name was Shayhil Omar Beni Ghassanhi. His hatred for any form of technology and the civil world met with strong support from many parts of the under-developed.

In 2224AD, the United States began to trial their new project called 'The Dome Cities', in which Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Seattle became self sufficient cities cut from the rest of the world by a strong laser tachyon field. This would prove the succession of the human species for in 2253AD on the order of Beni Ghassanhi on his deathbed unleashed the ill named 'Cassius Virus' on Moscow, Paris, Sydney, Madrid, London and New York that immediately killed people, the virus was airborn and had a lifespan of 10 years, meaning that slowly but surely the Virus killed off anyone not in one of the 5 domes.

With only a handful of domes left on continental US and a secluded secret base on the island of Madagascar, humanities story would start anew....until the coming of the Knothic Towers....

 

[landiek]

"What about you, Mr. Clark? What reasons were given when you were chosen?" Landi turned to look his way as her foot settled down into the trail they were following.

After his response Landi nodded and looked back at Xavier. "I made the first positive reply to the rumors. My co-workers aren't very adventurous outside of the medical labs. I told Captain Lewaverde that I was raised on stories of life outside the dome before the wars and the virus. Culture of primative tribal clans became a second hobby besides finding a vaccine for the abnormality gene that causes many genetic birth defects. My parents said that Native clans had a special advisor that would teach each generation through stories the history of their people, thus passed from generation to generation, never to be forgotten or lost from the destruction of books and historical files."

She grinned at Oates adding. "Catching fish with nets that fed the clan with leftovers that were hung over smoky fires to cure the meat to make it last longer. Does that sound appealing to you? Being able to catch a fish from a stream of rushing water that is clear enough that you can watch the very actions of everything that moves in the aquatic realm!"

 

[IM1_RUASLUT2]

I moved in a sweeping pattern ahead of our little group. Watching the landscape for any signs of movement, other then our own. I reset my visor's radar for any non-human readings and pulled the K4 lazer rifle from it's holder.

I glanced ahead then moved at a quicker pace to do advanced foresight. I moved up on a dusty sandhill that overhung a strange looking mist of green. Springing up from the mists was unusual trees, if that was what they truly were. It looked like a growth experiment gone insane as the vines tangled around what looked like warped and mangled blockes of wood that was another ten feet into the fray. The smog hung thick over the ground giving a depth check negative readings. Inches above the ground. That can hide a number of insectual creatures or serpetine ones I grumbled again.

I could hear the chat on the com and interupted. "Sir, thirty meters south east. I found a vegetation growth, the ground is misted with green smoke. My scanners are unable to pierce for depth. Awaiting further orders."

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Oates

As they walked, Richmond smiled softly from underneath a breath filter over his mouth and nose, in case any hazardous toxins in the air penetrated his nervous system or prevented his breathing in anyway - his facial features could tell anybody he was smiling, though. He listened to the others talking, telling of their own background and why they had joined among the ranks of the Knothic Expedition.

"Sir, thirty meters south east. I found a vegetation growth, the ground is misted with green smoke. My scanners are unable to pierce for depth. Awaiting further orders."

Captain Oates stopped dead in his tracks, as most of the group passed him by, maybe one or two stopping just before or after him. He took a moment to take in what was just said over the com, his ear ringing slightly. Those hazel eyes of his squinted slightly, his teeth beginning to grind together.

One half of him didn't approve the fact that a part of the group had dared to trail away from the rest. The fact that they weren't very far from the Domes, was slightly comforting to his mind - in case they needed to make a beeline to safety, it was there. He didn't feel like Ms. Kay reporting a casuality so soon into the expedition, because they felt inclined to scout ahead.

The other half of himself, however, felt embarassed. So soon, it seemed and they were already running into a sign of vegetation - and he most likely wouldn't have noticed it until they were almost there. This early detection can provide them with a couple options: they could either travel around it, or they could examine the growth and prevent any hostile creatures from stalking them.

His comlink was briefly disconnected from the group as he sighed quietly, his gaze falling to his feet as he shook his head. Then, he quickly reconnected his signal to the others and looked up toward Jenkinslavikca's direction, he paused slightly before speaking. "Very well...hold your position. Xurgen, you've had experience in research, no? Prep yourself for a scan of the vegitation ahead, as indicated."

Then, Oates seemed to gaze around to the others in the group. His eyes fortunately concealed behind his lens visor, as he seemed to suddenly grow unsure of himself - should he reprimand Jenkinslavikca for sneaking off like that? The thought had crossed his mind... after all, he was the commanding officer in this group. He would want to maintain a type of control. But then again, they were out in the wild now... no longer were they in the comfort of the Domes. They would need to rely on each other for the smallest problem.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Xavier walked side by side with Landi Kay, feeling comfortable with her the more they talked, it was the same for the rest of the group, luckily Xavier thought to himself, that this wasn't dome leaders in the group, or Xavier would have gone mad by now.

After his answer, the others one by one answered the Captain's question that was posed firstly on him. Then came Landi's turn and he listened enraptured by her comment, it was interesting, very much so, he mused;

"I made the first positive reply to the rumors. My co-workers aren't very adventurous outside of the medical labs. I told Captain Lewaverde that I was raised on stories of life outside the dome before the wars and the virus. Culture of primative tribal clans became a second hobby besides finding a vaccine for the abnormality gene that causes many genetic birth defects. My parents said that Native clans had a special advisor that would teach each generation through stories the history of their people, thus passed from generation to generation, never to be forgotten or lost from the destruction of books and historical files."

From that moment on, as he looked at Landi, he built and felt a new repore build for this medical officer and a beautiful woman. He smiled at her through the visor.

It was then that the gruff voice of Jenkinslavikca bore through their comlinks. "Sir, thirty meters south east. I found a vegetation growth, the ground is misted with green smoke. My scanners are unable to pierce for depth. Awaiting further orders."

And now as Xavier's eyes looked toward the place Jens had pointed out to, he saw the smoke. He stopped walking two steps further and looked more. He awaited Oates' orders, as the sound of static momentarily filtered through the commlink.

"Very well...hold your position. Xurgen, you've had experience in research, no? Prep yourself for a scan of the vegitation ahead, as indicated."

"Yes, Captain, will do," answered Xurgen.

Xavier moved ahead slowly towards the clump of vegetation, observing for signs of danger. Taking from the side of his backpack a biological and chemical scanner he walked to the vegetation that was thick and unkempt in this wild environment. He half expected something to jump out and get him....he was aware of the dangers that this kind of research posed.

The scan's came back with no hidden dangers hiding in the vegetation. He made his report to the group and Captain, turning up his commlink. "Captain it's safe to proceed, this vegetation is to thick to penetrate I suggest we go around it, the vegetation is a mutation of what were berry shrubs and pinewoods, the berries on the flower ends are deadly however to us humans. Done, Captain."

As he finished he looked again his face hidden behind his visor at Landi, admiring her figure as he slid away for another time the scanner.

"All scan results are uploaded to Dome A datalink and our own commlinks," he finished off.

 

[landiek]

Landi heard the report and glanced at Xavier. Half of her belly did a flop at the chance of getting to find something exciting already.

She moved close enough to scan the misty cover and then watched as her own scanner checked for any toxic levels. Yet is was a valued sight for her own stories that she would leave as a legacy for the generations to follow.

"It just stretches out as far as the eye can see." Landi looked to the left and right. She was amazed how quiet it was as well dispite the alluring factor that was presented as well. She had learned that certain colors can lower one's guard. Green has a peaceful effect on one that is stressed and faint scents can play of the mind to relax as well.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Xavier stood aside as Landi came over to investigate with her scanner, he smiled at her but also at himself. She was scanning for toxicity levels of this shrub like vegetation.

"It just stretches out as far as the eye can see."

He nodded and chuckled before he answered;

"I know doesn't it? It's a optical illusion that has no scientific bearing....I hope....Captain, this vegetation has to end somewhere. I think we should follow it northwards....Up to you."

To Landi he said; "So true about the colours too."

 

[IM1_RUASLUT2]

M. Jenkinslavikca

"Yes Sir." I responded and then stood guard to watch the expert to his job. I noted Clark's and the perfect's responses to the new surroundings.

My eyes were constantly scanning the area in front of us. Anything could come out of those mists and I was ready for anything.

I grumbled when I heard the medic make an obvious remark. Of course it would seem that wide. After all this was the wilds and everything would have an illusion to it. "Just how old are you, Kay? I mean I really get the impression that you are basically just a youth under 25 maybe?"

I stood silently as I felt my verbal slur wasn't taken well by the Captain or the civilian. Well, I am not going to babysit the little girl. I have my own duties to worry about and she is NOT one of them.

 

[delphicRENDERER]

Captain Oates

Richmond could merely keep smiling at Xavier and Landi's reaction over the scans and the biology of the vegetation. Jenkinslavikca then made a remark to Ms. Kay's own comment regarding the vegetation, to which he slightly frowned. "Easy does it," he warned, casting a quick glance to Jenkinslavikca before looking back toward Mr. Xurgen and Ms. Kay. "Some of us can't contain our excitement, I suppose."

It was then that Captain Oates began to step toward the vegetation to get a closer look at it before looking ahead to the horizon. He hummed quietly to himself, as he pondered the possibilities before standing upright and looking toward Xavier. "I agree with you, Mr. Xurgen. We're on a northward course, anyway - I don't see how this would lead us away," he said with a few blinks of his hazel eyes.

An afterthought made him clear his throat, "Unless the path of this vegetation is merely an optical illusion? Can we confirm that it is not while we journey alongside it?" he said aloud to nobody in particular as he began walking.

 

[IM1_RUASLUT2]

M. Jenkinslavikca


I shot back one of those oh sure take her side looks but unruffled my demeanor. I also had to take care to not rile our medic as I had noticed that she hadn't mentioned anything to him privately since we left the dome.

"so it seems." I replied as I checked the area for any other surprises.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Before the Medical specialist adjoining the expedition could reply to his comment that Jenkinslavikca replied with a retort that for some seconds quietened everybody.

"Just how old are you, Kay? I mean I really get the impression that you are basically just a youth under 25 maybe?"

Xavier turned and stared through his visor at Jenkinslavikca with a look almost approach distaste. He reigned in his emotions. Ah, it seems we bring our 'dome mentality' out in the open with us, he berated himself. Sometimes I wonder if the virus in some form infected some of the Domites.

He bit his tongue to stifle a retort feeling the traces of blood augment his mouth.

It was then that the form of Captain Oates came over to him and Landi Kay.
"I agree with you, Mr. Xurgen. We're on a northward course, anyway - I don't see how this would lead us away,"

Focusing on the Captain's comment, Xurgen sent Landi a supporting look before turning to Oates. "Yes Captain, I feel that whatever we seek is up northwards and I do think that this vegetation shrubbery is here for a purpose."

Who knows what's on the other side of this line of vegetation, he again internally said to himself.

"Unless the path of this vegetation is merely an optical illusion? Can we confirm that it is not while we journey alongside it?" The Captain asked.

"No illusion Captain. All scans show that its real. Even if you touch, it feels real," Xurgen replied.

He heard Jenkinslavikca reply a positive. Xavier pointed northwards. "That's our course." But Xurgen didn't expand on the fact that soon the force behind or of the Knothic Towers would show itself.

 

[landiek]

Landi grinned at Xavier's comment about colors then mouthed an O as she realized that she hadn't mentioned that verbally. Before saying anything she just shrugged it off to the possiblity that he was thinking along the same lines.

She turned her head towards Jenkinslavikca and frowned. "I doubt age truly has anything to do with my duty's. However just for the sake of your mental wellbeing, I am twenty-six."

"Unless the path of this vegetation is merely an optical illusion? Can we confirm that it is not while we journey alongside it?" The Captain asked.

"No illusion Captain. All scans show that its real. Even if you touch, it feels real," Xurgen replied.

"I also would recommend skirting the vegetation rather then accosting the growth. These are unnatural to us and eventually cause us to lose sight of our purpose." She stepped to shift her weight as she still found it beholding to know that this could be more common then she would have believed.

 

[PVodogaz]

Xavier Xurgen

Xavier had never told anyone of his special ability, an ability that if it had been detected in his childhood would have been absolute and immediate banishment from the dome. Early on in his life, he had realised he could read people's thoughts, before they could say them. Only in Xurgen's case, he thought he was the only one but was surprised when he realised Landi had been thinking the thought about colours and had actually not said it out aloud.

He would need to discuss this matter with Landi at a later time, for now they had to gather their wits as a group and journey on, on their first day outside the dome.

"I also would recommend skirting the vegetation rather then accosting the growth. These are unnatural to us and eventually cause us to lose sight of our purpose." Landi Kay had said.

Through the visor, Xavier nodded. "I agree Captain," he smiled again.

 

[IM1_RUASLUT2]

M Jenkinslavikca

Even though I never said anything specific I felt inclined to agree with the pair. I would rather see what is coming at me then trot into the mists that hide or mask the unknown.

I glanced over my shoulder and wondered what the other two thought of our discovery as they seemed extremely quiet.

Too quiet for my blood... which is why I preferred to work alone... less people to be paranoid against.