001; [VOICE]

[antiseptic]

Greetings, everyone. I'm Jade Curtiss, Ranger, part of the Survey Corps. As I'm sure we've all heard, the Union is in need of an iron mine. That is why the Rangers are putting together an expedition to the Caverns in search of one, to be led by me.

[He's less than enthused at the prospect of leading so many people, but it doesn't show as he continues to elaborate on the details of the expedition, brisk and informative:]

Unfortunately, there's not much information about the Caverns, or the Pokemon in them. This is why we'll need people with the ability to locate iron deposits, people able to communicate with Pokemon, and people who are able to fight, although we'll do our utmost to avoid battles in the interest of saving time.

[Did he just sound faintly sarcastic then? Who knows.]

The expedition will likely last for two days, perhaps more. It'll take at least half a day to reach the Caverns, and possibly much longer before we locate a mine - if we can. Therefore, I'd suggest that everyone pack wisely. If you're feeling lost, the staff at the Outpost should be of assistance. Funding will be provided upon request.

If you're interested in participating, or would like to field any inquiries, please respond now. If all goes well, we'll be departing from the city gates tomorrow at six in the morning.

[ooc; Hello, everyone! This is the network post that will kickstart the expedition to the Caverns, which is a player plot that has now been mod-approved! A log post will go up tomorrow for the expedition itself.

Due to my wonky timezone I'd appreciate having someone to help with writing out NPC encounters/events in order to keep things moving! Please PM me if you're interested.]

Comments

[makeitquick]

Me- [ wait, too eager. This guy's a superior ranger ] I'm in. Melaka Fray, muscle.

[antiseptic]

[Melaka Fray. The name is familiar, although it takes him a second to remember that one of his colleagues had mentioned she had an interest in joining the Rangers. Well then, this will be a chance for her to prove herself.]

[In the meantime, he'll have to make sure he knows the full extent of her abilities.]

Do you have much experience with combat?

[makeitquick]

I've been fighting my whole life. Comes to me naturally - it's one of the things I'm good at. Plus I heal fast.

[ But she hasn't ventured that far from the City most of her life, either. ]

[indy_wannabe]

Ezreal here with the Delvers, this is right up my alley. I'm in.

[antiseptic]

[A Delver? Good, he had been hoping to get some of that group onto the expedition. They'll be used to working underground, unlike most of his rangers.]

Excellent. By the way, would you happen to have any experience with locating iron?

[for_realsies]

I can do you one better than just communicate with Pokemon! I can see in the dark. Which means all the wild ones that get all spooked by our bright lights and excavation gear can talk to me on their terms!

I'm stunning at conversations. Everyone tells me so... okay, maybe not Grimers, but they are really picky!

[antiseptic]

Then let's hope we won't encounter any Grimers. [Her skillset would be useful, and while her attitude seems quite casual, he doesn't particularly mind as long as she lives up to her words.]

We'll be glad to have you with us. [A hint of amusement enters his tone, barely noticeable:] However, I'm afraid I'll require your name first.

[outtahere]

There was a woman who was looking to organize an expedition the other day. Did you talk to her?

Anyway, I'm Banzu, I work at the labs. I can tell if you've found metal or not. I'm usually looking at scrap and salvage and checking what they're made of, but I've been reading up on stuff since I talked to that woman and I should be able to tell you what kind of ore you've found. Won't be able to tell you the purity without the equipment in the labs though. No way in hell I'm lugging all that shit around.

[antiseptic]

Ms Zarvora Cybeline, correct? Indeed I did; we've decided to pool our resources for this expedition.

[It'll be good to have someone with practical experience on board; although Jade had been busy with research the last few days, books can only take one so far.]

Your help will be very valuable to us. However, you're aware that it could be quite dangerous to venture outside the Union, correct?

[Really, he'd rather just take Banzu along and hope by the time he has regrets about coming, if he does, it'll be too late for him to return to the Union safely on his own and he'll continue on with the rest of the expedition. But, it is part of his duties to warn civilians of the risks in venturing outside.]

voice;

[stahlflugel]

S-survey Corps... [the admiration in Eren's voice is overwhelming.]

So, anyone who can help, they can sign up?! Even if we're not part of the Rangers yet? I mean, I'm helpful, I can talk to Pokémon! And I have a friend who's a... pretty huge nerd. He'd be able to tell you all about the rocks in that cave, for sure.

voice;

[antiseptic]

[The admiration does not bode well... Jade rubs at his temples, taking a moment to decide how best to respond, especially when the yet implies they're prospective Rangers.]

[When he does respond, his voice betrays no hint of his exasperation.]

First of all, do the two of you have any experience with being out of the Union? Also, is your friend aware that you're volunteering him for this task?

[Voice] I'm going to assume this conversation happens on the 14th.

[alwaysfaithful]

Chris Ramirez with the Delvers, sir.

Considering my own investigation isn't exactly working out, I would be happy to assist if you'll have me. I can talk with Pokemon and am able to fight should the need arise.

[Voice] Fine with me! Also, I hope you're fine with him being aware of his parents

[antiseptic]

[Ramirez, now that's a familiar name. But there's no reason to treat him differently from anyone else, except to note down that he should have at least a passing familiarity with how Rangers operate.]

Your assistance will be appreciated. Would you mind telling me where you had investigated so far?

[Although he's focusing on the Caverns currently, it helps to have an idea of what people have done so far.]

voice;

[myfedorarocks]

Jade?

It's been a long time since I've heard your voice.

voice; is Dr the right title...? let me know if it's something else and i can edit

[antiseptic]

[He's momentarily taken aback.]

Ah, Dr Flemming. [Now that's a voice he hadn't expected to hear.] I trust you've been well?

[Except no, the Engineers may be affected by the shortage more than the rest of them.]

voice;

[ladyofluminosity]

Might I tag along? I may not have knowledge of mining, however, I am actively working on a catalog of the various Pokémon in this area. It may not be much, but I can help illuminate the work area, as well as take sketches for future reference, if nothing else.

voice;

[antiseptic]

[Although he'd rather the expedition be focused on mining, he also understands the value of collecting any information on Pokemon that they can, and it may be difficult to amass another expedition of this size in the near future.]

[At least her ability to provide light will come in handy. The Outpost should equip people with torches, but it's best to be prepared in case their power runs out.]

Of course. Do you have any experience being on the field?

[Voice]

[choseneutrality]

[So an expedition was to go under way soon?]

I can understand Pokemon. And if there is an instance where battle is unavoidable, I can defend against attacks.

[Voice]

[antiseptic]

[That should prove helpful; although Jade is keen on preserving the peace, having more combatants will prove helpful.]

Very well. I trust you have experience with going beyond the Union's walls?

[voice]

[reborn_love]

Sir! I'll be on hand, if you need me.

[Loyal subordinate, if there ever was one.]

[voice]

[antiseptic]

Hello, Elly. [Although he sounds just as professional as he does in the rest of his replies, there's a touch of genuine warmth in his voice.]

Your assistance will be appreciated. By the way, their seems to be quite a number of people coming. We'll need to separate into smaller groups to avoid disturbing the Pokemon there too much. Will you be willing to lead one of those groups?

[Think of it as a test towards becoming a member of the Survey Corps.]

[distortional]

[There is one problem about posting to the public network, Jade. It means you have to deal with this assclown.]

Jade!

[Dist's voice sounds somewhere between overjoyed and irritated. He's thrilled to hear from his old friend, of course, but he hasn't spoken with Jade in forever and that's just plain rude.

After a moment of silence (while Dist is thinking over what to say in regards to Jade's message), he finally speaks up.]

Hmm, an expedition to the caverns? I imagine you'll be plagued with all sorts of newcomers who will be fundamentally useless. Who wouldn't want to go exploring to help the city?

[That sounds fairly sarcastic though. Another brief pause follows.]

Very well! I - the beautiful and elegant Dist the Rose - shall accompany you to assist in your quest for iron!

[...Sorry, Jade.]

[antiseptic]

[Oh sweet lorelei Saviour, why didn't these Warp Bands come with a block function? Jade rubs at his temples, wondering if he can simply ignore Dist. But no, chances are he'll show up at the city gates and trail along the group, disrupting everything the whole way through.]

[He'll have to get rid of him some other way.]

On the contrary, I've been gathering some people with quite useful talents. [Well, maybe some of them are irrelevant talents, and he has doubts about some of their abilities, but he's not about to let Dist know that.]

I'm afraid there's simply no more space for you to come with us.

[stardunes]

...Ah. [Well, what do you know.] Are you still in need of people who can communicate with Pokemon? I possess the Verdant Forest's blessing, though...no combat experience.

[antiseptic]

We have a few people possessing that ability, but more would always be appreciated.

[Having no combat experience, however, is rather troubling.]

However, you are aware it's quite dangerous outside of the Union, correct? Particularly at this time of the year.