This is not good. Not good at all. Vert!
Getting stuck on top of a giant, slippery mushroom was not something they had covered in basic survival training. In fact, if any of his commanding officers saw him now they'd probably laugh at his foolish mistake.
But there was no way I could have stopped it from happening! I wonder how many cadets end up like this?
It was a question he wasn't really sure he wanted an answer to. He'd seen the ferocity of Gittern's storms. He'd seen how many mushrooms had populated the planet before compared to after. He didn't stand much of a chance and unlike the mushrooms he didn't just grow back.
He had to figure a way out of this. He did not want his parents to suffer the humiliation of receiving a transmission saying he died during basic training due to getting stuck on top of a three-story piece of fungus.
This wasn't going to be easy. Despite the rapid growth rate he could see happening all over the surface of the planet, no other shorter mushrooms had sprouted nearby. So jumping down was out of the question. The dome of the mushroom he was perched on was far too slicked to safely hang on to the edge to see if there were any grips on the underneath side.
Reuben had managed to hang on to his survival pack but unfortunately it contained no cord or climbing gear. Which mean he was going to have to improvise.
The only tools he had where his pistol and knife. Not much but better than nothing. Setting his pistol to the lowest energy setting, he aimed carefully at a portion of the dome a little bit away from where he was sitting. There was a sizzle followed by an unpleasant smell. Reuben inspected his work and saw that there was a hole large enough to stick his fist in... or be used as a foothold.
He briefly considered blasting a hole straight through the dome to the stalk. But he nixed the idea based on the size of the mushroom and how little damage the low power setting had caused. To cut through the dome would take almost the entire charge of his pistol's power cell.
Aiming again he fired a few more blasts, enough for him climb down the side of the dome and dangle off the edge. The decent was still dangerous, the inside contents of the mushroom were squishy and unstable. More than once he almost slipped right out.
Gripping the edge of the dome as firmly as he could, Reuben took three bracing breaths and then took the plunge. Panic tore through him as he realized that the piece he held on to was not strong enough to support his full hanging weight and the main stalk was too far away for him to reach.
His left hand completely slipped off the dome and he could feel his right wouldn't be far behind. Realizing that he had to act now or never, he reached across his belt and grabbed his knife. Swinging his body once... twice... he heaved himself toward the stalk with as much force as he could muster just before the piece of mushroom he held onto broke off.
For one heart stopping moment he was suspended in air.
He slammed into the stalk hard enough to knock the wind out of him while jamming his knife into it with all of his strength.
The knife sliced through the mushroom's outer membrane easily. Too easily. At first Reuben thought it might not be enough to slow his decent. After plummeting several yards down he finally came to rest. He was still dangling nearly twenty feet off the ground however.
With a grunt of effort he reached for his pistol with his right hand and blasted a few uneven holes for his feet. Using his knife as a sort of climbing pick to steady himself and his pistol to make footholes in the smooth surface, Reuben was managing to climb down... very slowly.
He only had about ten feet left when a familiar roar tore through the sky. He knew that sound. Another storm was about to start. He had minutes, maybe less.
There's not enough time.
Survival Day 7 (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 19
It was the middle of the night and Reuben had been watching the lightning for hours now. At first it had been an exciting spectacle. Now he really just wanted it to stop. He knew that surviving should be keeping him occupied but, quite frankly, he was bored. Bored and lonely. He hadn't realized it before but until this training regiment he had never gone this long without speaking to a single creature. He had always taken light pleasantries for granted. Now he would give just about anything to be able to say a simple "hi" to someone in passing.
The loneliness and boredom gnawed at Reuben, amplifying how featureless the cave walls were and how hungry he was. He was by no means starving. But intensive rationing did not allow for him to eat until his belly was full. If he had been in the thick of action he probably would not have even noticed. But sitting in this cave...
The rain abruptly stopped making the silence that followed almost eerie. Reuben knew he had no time to waste. Grabbing his pack he sprinted out of the cave and straight back to the large mushroom he had tried to start work on before. Fortunately, the rain had made the ground soft. The lack of snow also made digging much faster.
It didn't take long to find the roots. The mushroom was large enough that even the shallower growths were nearly as thick as Reuben's arm. He touched the root and held his finger there for a few seconds. No burning sensation, no allergic reaction... so far, good good.
He pulled his knife out and sliced off a chunk. Nothing oozed out, also a good sign. He bit off a tiny piece and held it in his mouth, his heart hammering in anticipation as he waited for any possible toxic side effects to take place. The root was bitter but not completely revolting. More importantly, it was food.
Aside from leaving a dry taste in his mouth, nothing seemed to be happening. His tongue still felt like its normal size, there was no itching or swelling on his body and, after checking his reflection on the blade of his knife, no strange spots. It may not be gourmet dining but food was food.
Reuben began to hastily slice off more root sections. Time seemed to be his greatest enemy on this planet. Not enough time to gather and far too much time doing nothing but twirl his thumbs in the cave.
A deep rumble shook the ground.
Vert! Not another storm!
Another rumble. It occurred to Reuben that it didn't sound the same as the storm he had heard before. This noise wasn't coming from the sky. It was almost as if...
The ground started to move. Yelping in surprise, Reuben managed to grab an armful of the roots before a huge dome shaped something began to push its way up right where he had been standing. Reuben watched in awe as a huge mushroom sprung from the soil and grew right in front of him at an incredible rate.
So that's how those things survive.
The soil beneath his boots began to shift again. Reuben shifted the weight of his bundle and started to sprint back to his cave but it was too late. This time the mushroom was faster than he was. It was all he could do to hang on for dear life as the newly formed fungus stretched itself toward the sky.
The loneliness and boredom gnawed at Reuben, amplifying how featureless the cave walls were and how hungry he was. He was by no means starving. But intensive rationing did not allow for him to eat until his belly was full. If he had been in the thick of action he probably would not have even noticed. But sitting in this cave...
The rain abruptly stopped making the silence that followed almost eerie. Reuben knew he had no time to waste. Grabbing his pack he sprinted out of the cave and straight back to the large mushroom he had tried to start work on before. Fortunately, the rain had made the ground soft. The lack of snow also made digging much faster.
It didn't take long to find the roots. The mushroom was large enough that even the shallower growths were nearly as thick as Reuben's arm. He touched the root and held his finger there for a few seconds. No burning sensation, no allergic reaction... so far, good good.
He pulled his knife out and sliced off a chunk. Nothing oozed out, also a good sign. He bit off a tiny piece and held it in his mouth, his heart hammering in anticipation as he waited for any possible toxic side effects to take place. The root was bitter but not completely revolting. More importantly, it was food.
Aside from leaving a dry taste in his mouth, nothing seemed to be happening. His tongue still felt like its normal size, there was no itching or swelling on his body and, after checking his reflection on the blade of his knife, no strange spots. It may not be gourmet dining but food was food.
Reuben began to hastily slice off more root sections. Time seemed to be his greatest enemy on this planet. Not enough time to gather and far too much time doing nothing but twirl his thumbs in the cave.
A deep rumble shook the ground.
Vert! Not another storm!
Another rumble. It occurred to Reuben that it didn't sound the same as the storm he had heard before. This noise wasn't coming from the sky. It was almost as if...
The ground started to move. Yelping in surprise, Reuben managed to grab an armful of the roots before a huge dome shaped something began to push its way up right where he had been standing. Reuben watched in awe as a huge mushroom sprung from the soil and grew right in front of him at an incredible rate.
So that's how those things survive.
The soil beneath his boots began to shift again. Reuben shifted the weight of his bundle and started to sprint back to his cave but it was too late. This time the mushroom was faster than he was. It was all he could do to hang on for dear life as the newly formed fungus stretched itself toward the sky.
Passepid Shield (Weapon)
Creators: Strozzi on the planet Kortholt
Description: A weapon designed for a true warrior. The Passepid is an energy shield that has the ability to change angles. The actual device is a deceptively simple looking wristband that hides extremely complex circuitry. Able to detect impact up to a millionth of a second before it occurs, the Passepid will automatically adjust to the optimum deflection angle.
Young strozzi warriors go through intensive training to master such a device. The complete potential of this shield can only be unlocked if the wielder learns to work with the device rather than against it.
A few tuners have been seen wearing the Passepid. But such sightings are rare since in order to acquire this device, the tuner would have to come to a trade agreement with the notoriously inhospitable strozzi.
Survival Day 5 (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 18
Reuben could hear the roar of fast approaching rain close on his heels as he sprinted back to his cave. His lungs burned as he tried to gulp down Gittern's thiner air. Rain itself was not something Reuben was worried about. But lightning storms and flash floods were definitely something to be afraid of.
By the time he reached his cave, the large droplets had already been pelting him with bruising force. No wonder nothing but mushrooms could survive here. He wasn't even sure he could survive here. Sure, he had had basic wilderness training but all of that knowledge seemed useless when faced with the raw power of nature.
Perhaps that was the point? To make him respect the elements?
Reuben shrunk back into his cave as a bolt of lightning struck the ground about 5 yards from the entrance. Even with the downpour he could still see a few tendrils of smoke rising up. The decision to retreat had been a smart one.
Pulling out his pistol, he blasted a few more holes in the ground to increase the size of his makeshift basin. At least his water problem was solved for the time being. He had been careful to ration out his food intake. But he was going to be in trouble if this weather didn't let up soon....
By the time he reached his cave, the large droplets had already been pelting him with bruising force. No wonder nothing but mushrooms could survive here. He wasn't even sure he could survive here. Sure, he had had basic wilderness training but all of that knowledge seemed useless when faced with the raw power of nature.
Perhaps that was the point? To make him respect the elements?
Reuben shrunk back into his cave as a bolt of lightning struck the ground about 5 yards from the entrance. Even with the downpour he could still see a few tendrils of smoke rising up. The decision to retreat had been a smart one.
Pulling out his pistol, he blasted a few more holes in the ground to increase the size of his makeshift basin. At least his water problem was solved for the time being. He had been careful to ration out his food intake. But he was going to be in trouble if this weather didn't let up soon....
Survival Day 4 (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 17
Sleep was impossible as the raging winter storm continued to howl outside so Reuben resigned himself to light dozing. The thermal blanket he had pulled out of his pack seemed almost useless against the below freezing temperatures. But something was better than nothing. Gritting together his chattering teeth he pulled the thin fabric even closer. He had to remember to look for fire fuel when he got the chance.
Snow was accumulating in thick sheets but at least the deadly ice storm had stopped. Reuben could deal with snow. Any minute now the winter weather should start to slow down and give way to spring... whatever spring meant.
Reuben blinked his tired eyes. He had to stay somewhat alert. He had to watch for his chance. On a planet that changed hourly, every minute counted.
With startling suddenness the sheets of snow stopped. Reuben sat up and checked his chronometer. A little early for the new season but he didn't have time to waste. Double checking the fastenings on his jumpsuit and the ammo level on his pistol, he trudged out into the waist-deep snow.
He knew already from his walk to his cave that there had been no usable resources. At this point it would be best to attempt another direction. He had only made it a few yards from the opening of the cave before stopping to think. What were his priorities? He needed food and water. Snow was water. Clean water at that which is something he might not be able to find elsewhere.
He was going to need a container of some sort...
Heading back to his cave he turned his pistol up to the highest setting and in three powerful bursts he had drilled a hole out of the bedrock floor. Not a perfect solution by any means but if it gave him just a day or two of extra water without having to tap his rations it would be worth the spent ammo.
After carrying several large armfuls of snow to his makeshift water basin to melt, Reuben resumed his quest to find food. He knew that Gittern had native mushrooms but that was questionable. He vaguely remembered from school that many types of fungus were poisonous to humans. The roots of some of the larger growths might be a better bet.
Trekking through the frozen buildup was slow going but at least it was easy enough to see where he was going. Most of the younger mushrooms had been destroyed or buried. Only the largest ones remained. He stopped at the foot of one such growth and dropped his pack to the ground. Reuben had just started to make serious headway shoving aside snow with his bare hands when a distant roar made him look up.
He had never heard the like before. Was it an animal? Peering off into the distance a black cloud loomed on the horizon. Lightning sliced flashed and an almost solid wall of rain was rapidly moving toward his general direction.
Spring was here. He looked down at his progress and back at the approaching storm. There wasn't enough time. Picking up his pack his sprinted back toward the cave.
Snow was accumulating in thick sheets but at least the deadly ice storm had stopped. Reuben could deal with snow. Any minute now the winter weather should start to slow down and give way to spring... whatever spring meant.
Reuben blinked his tired eyes. He had to stay somewhat alert. He had to watch for his chance. On a planet that changed hourly, every minute counted.
With startling suddenness the sheets of snow stopped. Reuben sat up and checked his chronometer. A little early for the new season but he didn't have time to waste. Double checking the fastenings on his jumpsuit and the ammo level on his pistol, he trudged out into the waist-deep snow.
He knew already from his walk to his cave that there had been no usable resources. At this point it would be best to attempt another direction. He had only made it a few yards from the opening of the cave before stopping to think. What were his priorities? He needed food and water. Snow was water. Clean water at that which is something he might not be able to find elsewhere.
He was going to need a container of some sort...
Heading back to his cave he turned his pistol up to the highest setting and in three powerful bursts he had drilled a hole out of the bedrock floor. Not a perfect solution by any means but if it gave him just a day or two of extra water without having to tap his rations it would be worth the spent ammo.
After carrying several large armfuls of snow to his makeshift water basin to melt, Reuben resumed his quest to find food. He knew that Gittern had native mushrooms but that was questionable. He vaguely remembered from school that many types of fungus were poisonous to humans. The roots of some of the larger growths might be a better bet.
Trekking through the frozen buildup was slow going but at least it was easy enough to see where he was going. Most of the younger mushrooms had been destroyed or buried. Only the largest ones remained. He stopped at the foot of one such growth and dropped his pack to the ground. Reuben had just started to make serious headway shoving aside snow with his bare hands when a distant roar made him look up.
He had never heard the like before. Was it an animal? Peering off into the distance a black cloud loomed on the horizon. Lightning sliced flashed and an almost solid wall of rain was rapidly moving toward his general direction.
Spring was here. He looked down at his progress and back at the approaching storm. There wasn't enough time. Picking up his pack his sprinted back toward the cave.
Survival Day 3 (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 16
A chuck of ice large enough to render a man unconscious struck the ground near Reuben's feet with brutal force. He dove for the cover of his cave with mere centimeters to spare. The winter on Gittern had settled in full force and what a force it was to behold. Reuben had never seen anything quite like it before.
The entire planet was being decimated by the violence of its season. Only a few a few of the larger, sturdier mushrooms were managing to survive the onslaught of ice and electric storms. It made even the coldest winters on Reuben's homeworld, Tabor, pale in comparison.
A chunk of ice roughly half Reuben's size hit the ground outside the cave causing a few deadly shards to explode off of it in every direction. Reuben moved deeper into his temporary home to avoid being struck by the shrapnel. At least his choice of shelter was a good one. The cave was at the base of a large hill and it seemed to be holding its own.
Reuben shivered and he recalled his briefing. The days on Gittern lasted about eight standard hours and each season lasted for three of Gittern's days. If he was going to survive this he was going to have to become acquainted with these seasons fast.
Another huge chunk of ice sailed by the cave's entrance.
When he had been dropped off by the shuttle the weather, though not welcoming, had been more or less temperate. If this was a Gittern winter Reuben was not fool enough to think that the other seasons would be any better. But it made sense that there had to be lulls long enough for the native fungus to grow.
Winter was going to last another day. It was a risk but as soon as he saw the storms let up a bit, Reuben was going to have to head out and see if he could find a source of food before the next season settled in.
The entire planet was being decimated by the violence of its season. Only a few a few of the larger, sturdier mushrooms were managing to survive the onslaught of ice and electric storms. It made even the coldest winters on Reuben's homeworld, Tabor, pale in comparison.
A chunk of ice roughly half Reuben's size hit the ground outside the cave causing a few deadly shards to explode off of it in every direction. Reuben moved deeper into his temporary home to avoid being struck by the shrapnel. At least his choice of shelter was a good one. The cave was at the base of a large hill and it seemed to be holding its own.
Reuben shivered and he recalled his briefing. The days on Gittern lasted about eight standard hours and each season lasted for three of Gittern's days. If he was going to survive this he was going to have to become acquainted with these seasons fast.
Another huge chunk of ice sailed by the cave's entrance.
When he had been dropped off by the shuttle the weather, though not welcoming, had been more or less temperate. If this was a Gittern winter Reuben was not fool enough to think that the other seasons would be any better. But it made sense that there had to be lulls long enough for the native fungus to grow.
Winter was going to last another day. It was a risk but as soon as he saw the storms let up a bit, Reuben was going to have to head out and see if he could find a source of food before the next season settled in.
Viala Fighter (Ship)
Creators: Strozzi on the planet Kortholt
Speed: 5
Armor: 5
Maneuverability: 6
Description: As with their weapons, the strozzi value versatility when it comes to combat. The superior warrior wins the fight, the weapons she uses are merely tools. Compared to the others of its class, the Viala is neither the weakest nor the strongest ship. Originally designed for planetary combat, it was adapted for space flight a mere 100 years ago. It's maneuverability was increased slightly with later models.
The only notable feature about this fighter is the reinforced armor in the front. Essentially, it has the ability to ram its targets provided the pilot is experienced enough. Through trial and error, it has been found that this feature is best used when not in outer space.
Speed: 5
Armor: 5
Maneuverability: 6
Description: As with their weapons, the strozzi value versatility when it comes to combat. The superior warrior wins the fight, the weapons she uses are merely tools. Compared to the others of its class, the Viala is neither the weakest nor the strongest ship. Originally designed for planetary combat, it was adapted for space flight a mere 100 years ago. It's maneuverability was increased slightly with later models.
The only notable feature about this fighter is the reinforced armor in the front. Essentially, it has the ability to ram its targets provided the pilot is experienced enough. Through trial and error, it has been found that this feature is best used when not in outer space.
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