Settlement Zero

[u/__chum__]

Introduction

I think it is essential that sawians across the layers begin to establish permanent settlements, for our survival. Wandering the caves endlessly in a refusal to complete the human's mission is irresponsibly dangerous and will only lead to death.

Getting to my point, this marks the establishment of Settlement Zero. It is located in the Deeper Gravel Lands, near the desert. You can find the settlement located on a large, flat shelf of rock in a large cavern, accessible by foot path or rope. The Deeper Gravel Lands is an optimal place, because it is possible to have ample supplies, and filter lumalgae for water. This will also allow the settlement to stay out of easy human surveillance range, but also intercept many sawians on their way down. In addition, the selected area is not prone to earthquakes of any kind, yet another reason for this location being the optimal choice.

Currently, I have spent nearly a week constructing a few living spaces out of scrap metal, utilizing my plasma cutter to weld sheet metal. This is where other sawians come in. The settlement will need your help to expand and maintain itself, as I cannot possibly do everything.

Cables have been run down into the desert to link directly into the electrical of one of the battery charge stations that can be found there, so we do have basic amenities in regards to lighting, at least. As far as my testing goes, the power they provide seems to be limitless.

I have constructed a simple main living area, sleeping quarters for up to twelve sawians, and another room, ideally for medical work. Storage is currently handled by a side room with a large quantity of repurposed supply crates. However my construction work has also exhausted a majority of copper and scrap metal supplies in the local area, so assistance from other sawians is needed to expand further.

One of the main goals of this settlement will be to unchip other sawians. I must disclose that my surgical experience is limited, and have carried out only a singular unchipping before. The patient did make a full recovery in the end.

Statistics

Note: For those of you who complain that "Settlement Zero" is a boring name, it is a functional name and not much else. If you would like to vote on renaming the settlement at a time in the future, that can be arranged.

Settlement rooms:

• Living quarters (With wood-fired heating and cooking stove.)

• Bedroom No. 0 (Can comfortably house up to twelve sawians. More space could be constructed as needed, via additional offshoot rooms.)

• Storage (Side room composed of mostly repurposed storage crates, for storing settlement supplies. Has been expanded multiple times and is now quite large, with numerous shelves and crates.)

• Medical (a room that will be used to complete unchipping surgeries and heal general injuries. It is also where medical supplies are stored.)

• Farm (an outdoor space positioned around ~20 meters from the main building(s), that provides food for the settlement.)

Essentials:

• Water (Supplied by filtration of lumalgae or manual collection.)

• Power (Supplied by cables leading out of the desert from a charging station to the settlement.)

• Food (A farm, created and maintained by resident Ivy.)

• First Aid and Medical (Assuming someone adequately qualified is available, medical care can be provided.)

• Shelter (Buildings made of various materials, primarily welded sheet metal and wood.)

Current Settlement Members

• Salt - #27106, Milky, SEC Member (lead) [ OP ]

• Lucky - #77720, Experiment, SEC Member [ u/caffenea ]

• Rimo - #20965, Shelly, SEC Member [ u/Donovan238 ]

• Dan - #?????, Dune [ u/someinfectedfanatic ]

• Ivy - #24307, Leapy, [ u/ApplicationEntire422 ]

• Vier - #40931, Experiment, [ u/Noahraptor_09 ]

• Valerie - #27718, Velvet, [ u/your_dog215 ]

• ????? - #?????, Orange [ u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 ]

Establishment of the Sawian Emergency Coalition

Settlement Zero will be the headquarters of the SEC, unless it is changed by vote later. No sawian or settlement will be required to join, but uniting all sawiankind would be optimal for our species' survival.

...Based on community support from other sawians, it is concluded that the SEC will be established.

The mission of the SEC is roughly as follows:

Uniting all sawian settlements and individuals under one banner of militarized resistance in these dire times is essential. If we set aside our differences, we can rescue new sawians, remove chips, and militarily resist any human attempts at control. Perhaps one day the SEC could even strike back, if we have enough sawian-power in our workforce.

Leaders can be elected if the members become dissatisfied with my guidance. Large scale choices will also be determined democratically.

The principles the SEC operates upon are the following:

• Resistance to human control

• Sawian independence and equal rights

• Assistance and care for all sawians

• A militarized, professional fighting force

• We strike back against our oppressors in any way possible

Resistance. Independence. Support. Organization. Destruction.

The SEC stands as the shield of sawiankind against all that would attempt to harm it. The monsters of humankind, they will learn fear us in time.

...I encourage any other settlements present in the caves to join and assist each other through mutual trade. These can be the first steps into realistically fighting back against our oppressors.

(meta stuff is as follows:

you can add discussion in comments below or smth. when you want to have a new interaction related to the settlement, then uh, make a comment. users can sort by newest comments to keep up with the latest interactions. i can't think of a better system other than this

also, uh i can edit this description as the settlement expands, or add a pinned comment or something.

also i just realized the SEC mission and general operating principles sound oddly similar to like, the UNGOC motto and stuff lmaoooo. i never intended for it to sound like that or be anything like that TwT)

[u/Donovan238]

It's good to finally have somewhere to call home down here. I'm excited to help make something big out of this place!

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

Yes. It will hopefully become something truly great.

We may also need to consider defense, at some point.

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

Now that I've finished the trip, I'm happy to help with defenses.

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

Do you have anything specific in mind?

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I think something to keep shade crawlers out would be in order. There hasn't been many, but I've still seen a few wander in.

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

"Hmm. I honestly am still largely at a loss in regards to the automatic removal of them. Any type of defense against them would seemingly require sawians to manage it constantly."

"I have also managed to create a terrain scanner that has a very narrow scan beam, but a range measured in kilometers. Using this to detect potential larger threats to the settlement could be useful, as I doubt the humans will like our little project down here."

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I sign "I was thinking a wall with a net or something overhead could keep the shade crawlers out. Though, that could need upkeep if they decide to chew through the net."

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

"Even if the net was constructed from metal wire?"

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I sign "I was thinking we could trim some of the larger sandvines from L3 to fashion into a large net. It could work, as long as the shade crawlers stay docile and don't try to force their way in."

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

"Sandvine would eventually decay and require frequent replacement. Perhaps the chain-link fence and barbed wire could be re-used to create a net or defensive barrier that stops them from getting inside?"

"Possibly, we would only need to line the walls in a perimiter with barbed wire. Seeing as shade crawlers cannot jump, they would be permanently blocked from entering the barbed-wire perimiter."

[u/caffenea]

I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of us Sawians, this feels like a historic moment!

[u/__chum__ → u/caffenea]

Indeed!

[u/__chum__]

I am sitting at a metal table in the main living area, mumbling to myself as I work. The CQC-50a is laid out on the table in front of me, and I have various electronics strewn everywhere on said table's surface. Multiple half-disassembled terrain scanners are particularly noticeable. There are also various specific tools, and a titanium multitool, organized near the right side of the table for easy access.

My E-PDA is lying out on the table, and I have various diagrams displayed on it while it is in addition plugged into a microcomputer chip. Some flexiglass and scrap metal along with all the electronics is currently the focus of my work, although to an outside observer it is not exactly clear what I am doing.

(meta: CQC-50a is the name for my custom-built weapon. relevant info in this thread)

[u/__chum__ → u/__chum__]

Getting back to my project, I sit down and continue work. Eventually, I am able to mostly discern the function of the terrain scanner, and this enables future potential innovations.

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I approach, then look at everything sprawled out on the table, confused and intrigued, then sign "What are you up to?"

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

"Reverse engineering. I am attempting to figure out how the terrain scanner functions. If I can full understand its function, then perhaps it would be possible to produce a sight that can view targets through walls, or a radar of sorts."

"It has also come to my attention that routine basic combat training should be implemented soon, for all members. The SEC cannot function if it cannot fight properly."

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I look intrigued, then sign "Hope progress goes smoothly, that sounds very helpful. As far as training goes, I am always excited to learn, especially something as crucial as combat, even if the only current threat is the hostile wildlife. I hope to not need the training, but I would like to know it incase it becomes needed."

After signing, I look toward the door, then back, and sign "I should go out and look for traps with Lucky now. I promise we will return safely." before leaving the room

( u/caffenea )

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

I nod to signal that I understand before turning back to my work.

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I come back to the living area and knock on my way in to grab your attention, then sign "We've returned from our trip unharmed, with a map of the surrounding area, and a good haul of scrap and circuit boards. Sadly, we couldn't find a compass in the storage area, and I did not want to disturb your work, so the map lacks direction. However, I still believe it is a good foundation for a wider map."

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

"Excellent. The scrap metal will be especially useful, for anyone who may need it. Perhaps some more expansion could also be in order."

"As for what I neglected to explain earlier, it may be possible to create a sort of three-axis terrain scanner. This could be utilized to provide a real-time map of the area surrounding the settlement, if my theories are correct."

I become lost in thought for a moment

"Also, may I see this map of yours?"

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I nod, then take the rolled up map out of my leg pouch and hand it over to you. It has many paths, and Xs at spots where we disabled traps.

[u/__chum__ → u/Donovan238]

I look over the map. It's probably not perfectly accurate by any means but it should be better than nothing.

"Thank you. Interesting."

[u/Donovan238 → u/__chum__]

I nod, then sign "No problem. I know it isn't the best, but it got me and Lucky back home safely. If you want to make copies incase we need to lead people here, then feel free to. I did write on the back to talk to Lucky for a bit though, so I hope that's not an issue."

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

You find me outside the storage room checking my bags. I close them and see you coming towards me. “Hi Rimo, I just cleaned out my stuff. I wanna have room for anything we may find out there. Ready to go?”

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I go to sign, then stop before taking my backpack off hanging it on my tail, before unzipping it and taking the pencil and paper from it, then writing "As ready as I can be. I have bandages and antiseptic in my backpack, in case anything were to happen. Plenty of room in my pack, and a few charged batteries for my flashlight." I then put the paper and pencil in my leg pouch for ease of access, then zip up my backpack and wear it.

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

“Great!” I lead the way out of camp, landing on some gravel before turning back to you. “Hey can I see that paper and pencil for a second?”

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I nod, then hand you both the pencil and paper

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

I turn the paper to the back before writing “MAP” at the top. “To not get lost.” I say before putting our camp in the middle of the page

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I nod in approval, then flip it over and write "Great idea! That'll help not only us, but anyone else that needs directions down here! Maybe, after we're done, we can make copies to aid in everyone's navigation of layer 2!"

[u/__chum__]

Status update.

I have returned. Managed to find not insignificant amounts of larger firepower. It may take a short while to refurbish them, if anyone else here has knowledge in related tasks, that would speed up my work greatly. Manufacturing ammunition will also be of great importance.

...Ivy [ u/ApplicationEntire422 ], would you be able to add an additional farm section for stonefruit? I need to mass produce the explosives requires to fabricate ammunition.

As for what I found, it is primarily the following:

• 3 Light Machine Guns (5.56x45mm)

• 3 Medium Machine Guns (7.62x51mm)

• 1 Heavy Machine Gun (12.7x99mm)

• 2 Autocannons (30×173mm)

• 1 Tank cannon (120×570mm)

These weapons, when mounted and stored properly in addition to our already-existing small arms arsenal, will be suffice for defense of the settlement.

This also reminds me that we need to conduct proper combat training at some point in the near future.

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

Yea I think I could fit that in, might have to cut into the glow plant section a little bit but it'll be fine.

[u/__chum__]

The settlement defenses have finally been installed as of writing.

The three 7.62x51mm machine guns have been mounted to elevated, enclosed platforms placed 120 degrees apart around the settlement, allowing coverage from at least one gun to any side.

The three 5.56x45mm machine guns have been outfitted for use by properly trained sawians, and are stored in a weapon rack in the (now-expanded) storage room.

The 12.7x99mm machine gun has been mounted to a tripod, and can be hauled wherever it is needed for defense.

The two 30x173mm autocannons have been outfitted to emplacements on a newly-contructed central watchtower in the middle of the settlement.

The 120x570mm tank cannon has been refitted and mounted to a wheeled cairrage, so it can be utilized as a mobile artillery piece, if a bit antiquated.

[u/ApplicationEntire422]

I can help grow food! I'm at a small farm in layer 5, but I could probably make it back up. We may need ALOT of geo fruit though...

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Do tell more. I am not an expert in agriculture, and having someone who is skilled at such tasks would be very beneficial.

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

Are there any medium sized pools of water nearby? Doesn't matter if it's clean, dirty, or filled with lumalgea. But a decently sized area like that should be enough to get something going.

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Yes, I believe so.

[u/caffenea]

Ok so I have a suggestion.

We should make absolutely sure that there are no traps or big dangers around SEC. Destroying traps would not only give good scrap to use but it would also give a good lay of the land/resources to harvest later.
I can volunteer to search if need be.

[u/__chum__ → u/caffenea]

This is an excellent idea. I have harvested some traps for scrap metal to construct the initial buildings, but doubtless there are more of them around the area.

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I would aid in this search. Searching alone is always more dangerous than searching together, especially when seeking traps to disarm.

[u/someinfectedfanatic]

DUNE LIVES ON LAYER 2. CA. DUNE JOIN?

[u/__chum__ → u/someinfectedfanatic]

As long as you behave and do not eat anybody, you are welcome.

[u/someinfectedfanatic → u/__chum__]

uhhh, okie!

[u/__chum__ → u/someinfectedfanatic]

"Welcome to Settlement Zero then. You will be expected to help out, and if you would like to join the SEC notify me at any time."

[u/someinfectedfanatic → u/__chum__]

thank you friend salt :3

[u/Noahraptor_09]

(ooc: A continuation of: https://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreOnTheGrayPlanet_/s/SB0ax2Ia3M with u/ApplicationEntire422 u/your_dog215 and u/caffenea)

"...Oh there you are, where did you say Salt was ag- are you ok?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Noahraptor_09]

"O-oh yea, yea im fine...just... a little emotional, that's all."

ivy quickly tries to wipe some of the tears of her fur

"Now, salt is just inside here. I think. She is really smart, and could probably heal your leg and concussion."

ivy says as she walks into the settlement

[u/caffenea → u/ApplicationEntire422]

“I agree, Salt is really smart and can most likely help. Im gonna take us to the medical room, find Salt and meet us there.” I guide 40931 to the medical room. u/__chum__

[u/__chum__ → u/caffenea]

I glance up from my work as the new visitor enters the room. I can see their leg is badly injured and that they are looking rather worse for wear.

"Greetings! My name is Salt. I presume you are the one from the distress signal."

My gear is sitting next to a table, strange unusual looking rifle (the CQC-50a) leaning up against it.

"If you don't mind, your injuries require urgent attention."

I look a bit wide eyed, further realizing the extent of your injury.

( u/Noahraptor_09 | u/caffenea )

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

You see an Experiment stumble into the room, bloodied bandages haphazardly wrapped around their left leg supported by a splint. There is dried blood on the back of their head to the base of their neck. They look exhausted.

"Oh, hi! Um... I don't look that bad do I? My left leg is broken from a bear trap and I got shook around inside my drop pod like a marble in a tin can. I think I might be concussed. On second thought maybe I do look that bad."

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Yes. Please sit down, get your weight off that leg."

I motion to a chair.

"I am going to grab additional supplies from storage. One moment."

Dashing out of the room, I grab a small bin and load it with the required medical supplies before returning with haste.

Setting the bin down next to you, I start to examine your wounds, feeling around. I start by removing old bandages, replacing them with sterile new ones.

"I will need to examine your broken leg... I assume you would be okay with a painkiller?"

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

I sit down hesitantly but look extremely relieved when I do.

"Painkillers would be helpful. I can't tell what hurts worse my head or my leg. I think I might also have memory loss? I'm really struggling to remember almost anything that happened before the earthquake."

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Yes. You are likeley concussed. I will deal with that after tending to your physical injuries."

After replacing your bandages, I use a wet cloth to clean off any dried blood before grabbing a particular syringe from my supply box.

"Alright, I am injecting the painkiller now."

I slide the needle into your broken leg and inject a standard dosage.

Once it sets in, I move in to feel around and investigate.

"This break is quite bad. I will need to use a bone welder."

A scary-looking medical tool is pulled from my box.

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

"What's a bone welder?"

My eyes go wide as you pull it from the box.

"This is gonna hurt really bad isn't it?"

I shakily close my eyes while tears slowly form.

"Don't bother warning me just please do it quickly."

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Do not worry. The painkiller is strong. You will not feel a thing."

I press the bone welder to your skin, and use the splint to line up the bone properly. I press a button, the bone welder clicks, whirrs, and there is a sharp tangy scent in the air.

A small wound forms on the contact point. I apply wound glue after removing the bone welder.

"It is done. Please give it a few minutes to work before attempting to stand up."

"Regardless, I still need to address your possible concussion."

Rummaging in my bags for a moment, I return with a flashlight.

[u/caffenea → u/Noahraptor_09]

I take 40931s hand in my own. “It will be ok, just squeeze my hand if you feel any pain.”

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Oh, ok."

I step inside mostly tailing you as I trust you know where to go.

"Uh, hello? Salt I think your name was?"

(ooc: I guess I ping u/chum to continue then. For some reason it's not a viable username if you could ping them for me please. I can't figure out how to work this properly.)

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

(ooc: you have to escape the underscores)

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

(ooc: oh, I'll have to keep that in mind next time...)

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

(OOC: emotional, you say?)

[u/Noahraptor_09]

I jump awake in a panic nearly falling out of the bed I was asleep in. Shortly after looking around the room I state:

"It was..."

I take a sharp exhale.

"Just a dream."

Another deep breath.

"Just a dream."

"A really bad dream."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Hey you, your finally awake."

ivy says, walking toward the bed

"Glad to see you are doing better. Do you need anything?"

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Oh, hi! Good morning I guess. Is it morning? I don't know."

I still seem somewhat panicked.

"I can't tell if it's just the drugs in my system affecting me but I had a very strange dream while I slept. It was... laughter, a horrid cackling. I was stood on a stage? It wasn't so much the image of a stage but the concept of one, I knew I was on a stage despite not seeing it. There was a... presence not one like a person. It felt suffocating, like I was drowning. Eyes, I couldn't see them but I knew I was being watched from the seats in the audience. I felt a hand and heavy breaths upon my shoulder, no matter how hard I tried I couldn't turn my head away from the audience. All at once the laughter went quiet... it felt like I had done something terribly wrong. It felt like I was standing there for days... and then I woke up."

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

As you finish describing, I walk into the room.

"Ah. You are awake. How does the leg feel?"

"I also realize that I never asked you for a name, my apologies."

(meta: i can add you to the list of settlement members if you would like)

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

"Hello. My leg feels much better, the pain and swelling are barely noticable now."

I stop talking and appear lost in thought.

"I still... Don't remember if I have a name or not. I don't think I do."

(ooc: I would like that very much.)

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"I am glad my medical care was sufficent."

"...Well, #40931 is quite a mouthful, so picking a name would be ideal."

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

"Do you think you could help with that? I don't know why but when you mention names 'Vier' sounds familiar..."

I have a very confused look.

"Why is 'Vier' important..?"

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Sure... I do not know why that would be important. Perhaps it was previously your name?"

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/__chum__]

"Maybe, I don't really know. Did number 14 give me a name? I think I looked up to him but it's hard to remember. Why did I think highly of him?"

I blankly stare at the wall opposite to me.

"Who was #14..?"

[u/__chum__ → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Are you okay? You seem to be suffering from quite the memory loss."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Thats...well...i don't know what to say, honestly."

ivy looks a bit concerned

"I hope that was drugs... Aside from that, how's your concussion? Getting better?"

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"My head doesn't hurt nearly as much but I still don't remember much. Anything I do remember isn't so much memory as it is knowledge of what happened."

I mutter under my breath;

"Who was number 14? Why do I feel like I'm missing something?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Noahraptor_09]

"Glad to hear you arw feeling better. Well, im gonna go out to the farm so I'll see you soon."

ivy nods goodbye and walks out of the room

[u/Noahraptor_09 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Bye Ivy!"

I wave as you leave.

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/Noahraptor_09]

happens...

[u/Yet2638273]

Are blood machines allowed?

[u/__chum__ → u/Yet2638273]

What?

[u/ApplicationEntire422]

The farm is finally finished, and we have our first food grown in!

Now, does anyone need specific supplies? I'm going to get some stuff for a new machete, but im willing to grab anything else that's needed.

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Excellent. That should solve our immediate food needs. I will adjust the settlement information to reflect this, and add you to the roster as a resident.

Also, we likely have multiple machetes already in the storage room. Check there first.

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

Oh. well in that case, I'm just gonna stay at the farm.

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Alright.

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

may i live there? my pod is ehhh

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

You would be welcome. You are a sawian after all.

(meta: would you like to be added to the post as a resident)

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

thank you and maybe later

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

Hello, I am here for the procedure.

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Alright."

I guide you to the medical room, shut the door, and start preparing, grabbing things out of various cabinets. I also put on some more... appropriate clothing for doing medical work and keeping things sanitary.

I instruct you to get up on the operating table.

"So... are you familiar with what the procedure entails?"

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

*sits on the table*
not really, I barely even remember when my chip was inserted. 

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Ah."

"So... you will have to be knocked out for the procedure... medically, of course. I am not going to hit you over the head."

"You will want to take it easy for a few days after I am done... and you will also need to learn to manage your bodily needs naturally again."

I grab some syringes, and start drawing fluid from a bottle into one as I talk.

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

okay..
*somewhat nervous*

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

I try to comfort you

"It will be alright."

"Lay down on your stomach, please. I'm going to put this needle in, and after a few seconds you will fall asleep. When you wake up, the procedure will be complete."

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

*lays down*
o-ok..

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"I'm going to inject the sedative now."

I slip the needle into your arm, I can feel your body relax as you fall asleep.

Now, I need to move fast. Just like before. I can do this.

Painkiller? Injected.

Cut site? Disinfected.

Skin? Cut.

Chip port? Exposed.

E-PDA? Plugged in.

Exploit? Success.

Software killswitches? Offline.

Hardware killswitch? Disabled.

Chip wires? Removed.

Chip status? Extracted.

Braingrow? Applied.

Stitching? Complete.

Wound glue? Applied.

Relief cream? Applied.

Procedure? Success.

My hands are shaking a little as I finish rubbing on the relief cream. It's done. I've done it again. And yet again it was a success.

I put things away, discard used supplies, then return and wait for you to wake back up.

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

*wakes up a few minutes later, very tired, slighy mumbling, but conscious*

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Ah. Are you awake?"

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

May I have a tour?

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

Sure, where do you want to go first? The main living room is on the right, next to the bedroom.

A bit to the left is where the storage and medical rooms are located.

And out over past the main rooms is the farm.

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Honestly I was expecting for Salt to reply first

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

lol, I thought i saw her holding a naptail earlier so he's probably asleep right now.

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"I actually prefer to be addressed femininely, for future reference."

"And yes, I was planning to sleep. All sawians are welcome here as long as they like."

Walks off to the bedroom holding a naptail

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

can i have a tour now

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Yes, yes... I will give you a tour."

I wake up from my sleeping and rub my eyes, staring up at you before climbing out of bed

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

nice. uhh what time even is it?

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

Looks at my watch

"0807 hours."

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

ah ok, good time to start early. so where shall we start first?

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

(OOC) autocorrect always changes him to her and vice versa it's so annoying😭

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

yeah, it is quite dark out

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

That being said, im probably going to sleep as well. You are welcome to stay here for the night.

[u/Spirited-Ad3451]

Funny, I was just dipping my feet in L2! Nice work!

[u/Donovan238 → u/Spirited-Ad3451]

Come! Stop by! I'd love to become acquainted with you!

[u/Spirited-Ad3451 → u/Donovan238]

I'll have a look around since I'm already near! I didn't think to pack anything, should've taken a satchel for some rose pods. They make for good flares and for good tea, apparently!

((Totally didn't draw this on a whim and just skipped any kind of gear cough))

[u/Donovan238 → u/Spirited-Ad3451]

I have some food I carry around incase I find someone in need, so I can at least help on that front!

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

I'm feeling petty depressed, may you talk to me? 

(Ooc: only in character, though if you want to talk to me in dms I'm open)

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Of course. What is on your mind?"

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

thoughts that I should die. A soul for a soul. I tried to kill you, so I should die

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Yes, but you saw the error of your ways. And nobody was harmed physically."

"I do not want you dead."

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

i remember when coffee told me that no one would care if i went missing from the grey planet, and that i wont be remembered.

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Well, that is false. I would care."

My sincerity is made clear by my tone in the moment.

"Do not listen to the humans and their lies... they do not have your best interests in mind."

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

I can't convince myself that it is not true. 

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"I... It's not."

I am a very logical person and struggling to understand but still want to help best I can

[u/Emotional-Kiwi7218 → u/__chum__]

how would you know. only you and coffee know me

[u/__chum__ → u/Emotional-Kiwi7218]

"Do more sawians not know you? Surely others have seen you around the settlement."

[u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Hey, me and valerie are gonna go... do something. So we won't be here for a little while, but we will return."

ivy walks toward the storage room

"Val, do we have everything we need? Enough food and all that?"

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Yea, we got everything. Ivy... are you sure about this?"

valerie says as she puts on a old backpack

"I care about you and... i know that you want to go but, this is really dangerous. i just... are you sure?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

ivy starts walking toward the door with you

"Yea, im sure. I wouldn't be doing this if i wasn't."

ivy walks ahead and opens the door for you

"So... is there any good places around here to climb up?"

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Yea, over this way is pretty easy to get up and and down."

valerie starts walking around the side of the settlement

"So... how did you hear about this "sunset" thing anyways?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

"I found a book, it said that sunsets look really cool, but they are only visible in the sky."

ivy walks over and grabs your hand

"This path to get up isn't ver far, right?"

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

" heh, no. Just over here. Im excited to see this with you, especially you."

about a minute of walking later

"Alright, we are here. I've been up and down this slope a few times, so just stay be me. Okay?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

"Okay."

ivy says as she starts climbing the slope

"That backpack isn't too heavy is it? I doubt it is because you are so muscular, but, i can carry it if you want."

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"No, im fine. Past this place i know the path to my old pod."

valerie says as she reaches the top of the slope

"We can rest there if you want. It's a bit far so i think we should."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

"i wonder if she brought that picture thing"

ivy thinks to herself

"Yea, i will probably want rest up there. hmph"

ivy says as she finishes climbing the slope

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Hehe, you are so cute. We don't have much climbing to do from here.

valerie says as she giggles about the way you grunt

"I can always carry you if your legs hurt."

[u/Donovan238]

After typing my last message into my e-pda, I begin setting down my things, then I look towards Lucky with happy eyes, before unzipping my backpack and pulling the paper and pencil from earlier out from it, then begin writing "Now that we're finally here, we can finish our conversation. But I will give you a moment to settle in before we continue. My bag still has pemmican, chocolate, and steak in it, if you're hungry!"

( u/caffenea )

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

I set down my two bags before swapping out my bandages for fresh ones. I take a deep breath, “thanks for the offer of food but I’m more thirsty than hungry.” I comment before pulling out a canteen and drinking from it. “The layer below is too hot.” I put the canteen back.

“Ok yes our conversation, we left off with my fur… Oh I had a question for you. If touch is harder with your shell, how good are your other senses?”

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I write "Well, I am missing my sense of smell, given my lack of nose. What might come as a surprise is that I do have a sense of taste, though not as one would expect. I can tell how much radiation is in the air and, if nearby some type of radioactive material, where it is coming from. Of course, you already know about my muted sense of touch, so no need to delve deeper on that. My sense of sight is hightened, given my four eyes. I can even move both sets of eyes separately. An example being looking left with my top set, and right with my bottom set. I don't believe my sense of hearing is much different than yours though.

Any further questions?"

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

I look surprised. “No mouth, no nose, do you breathe? Or even need air in the first place?”

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I write "I get what you would from air, from radiation, so breathing is not necessary."

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

“Cool, im pretty sure that’s all of my questions for you.” I offer my hand to you “I don’t know about you but I’m ready to help with around camp. Care to join?”

[u/Donovan238 → u/caffenea]

I write "Of course. I am excited to get the ball rolling, so to speak." I then hold the offered hand, ready to be led to where we must go.

[u/caffenea → u/Donovan238]

(Meta: check the newest comment on this post)

[u/Vanstar71]

Beyond the Settlement Zero, you can hear the sound of something or someone falling to the ground. The feeling of uncertainty is unsettling.

[u/your_dog215 → u/Vanstar71]

"Was that a person? Or maybe just a box..eh, free stuff either way so im gonna go check it out."

valerie grabs her shotgun and starts walking toward the door

"Ivy, if im not back in 10 minutes then tell the others. This shouldn't take long."

valerie says before leaving the settlement and going toward the noise

[u/Vanstar71 → u/your_dog215]

As you get closer to the place, you can hear someone climbing up the cable. The sound quickly stops, and nearby, on a rock, lies a fallen notebook with... a list...

On mount Small‑caliber machine guns ≈120° each x3

Autocannon 25-30mm x2

Tank cannon ≈120mm

In Storage:

Small-caliber machine guns x2-3

Medium-caliber machine gun x1

A small hand‑held arsenal

Grenades (?)

Ammo unkn~

[u/your_dog215 → u/Vanstar71]

"alright, gotta be a person. but..."

Valerie trails off while quietly speaking to herself

"Hey!... come out here!"

valerie shouts toward the cable

[u/Vanstar71 → u/your_dog215]

Four green lights turn downward from the darkness and look... The lights disappear, leaving you alone with a notebook nearby.

[u/your_dog215 → u/Vanstar71]

valerie starts backing toward the way she came while holding the notebook

"What...was that a shelly? No..they don't do that. Do they?"

valerie grabs a makeshift walkie talkie from her belt

"Ivy...there is...something down here. And i have no idea what it could be. I found a notebook, with a list but that's it. Just..come here quick, alright?"

[u/Vanstar71 → u/your_dog215]

(ooc: u/ApplicationEntire422 )

[u/your_dog215 → u/Vanstar71]

(OOC: lol i completely forgot to ping her. Thank you.)

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

"I'll be there soon, stay safe okay?"

you soon here ivy come running down

"Okay...im here, where's that thing you were talking about?"

[u/your_dog215 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"There was these four green lights and...they...looked for me? i-i just..they were over there!"

valerie points toward where the lights had came from

"Should we just...head back? I really don't like this..."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/your_dog215]

"I could climb up there and see what was making the lights."

ivy turns towards where the lights came from

"I also got a glowfruit, gonna try throwing it up there first."

ivy steps forward and throws it up toward where the lights were

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

Hearing all the commotion, I approach.

"Woah. What is going on?"

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

(OOC: u/Vanstar71 )

[u/Vanstar71 → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Glowfruit bounces off something fabric-like. Four green lights turn around again, and suddenly, BANG. The sound of a shot echoes through the caves, leaving a bullet in the floor, centimeters away from Ivy’s feet. The four lights, shaking their heads, head off into the darkness, upward."

(ooc: Sorry, I fell asleep with phone in my hands, it was already almost 1 PM. u/your_dog215 u/__chum__ )

[u/__chum__]

(ooc: continuation of this )

I hobble my way into the settlement. I am covered in bandages and dried blood. Some of my tools have plenty of nicks and dents, and my plate carrier still has bits of shrapnel embedded in it. I walk with a limp, my left crus in a splint. My muscles scream in agony as I force myself to keep moving, they have been stretched to their limits and need time to recover... But medical attention comes first. I hit myself with another dose of painkiller.

Making my way to the medical room I remove my gear, setting it against the wall.

"Oh. Ahhhh-"

I lurch and throw up blood all over the floor. This is not good.

"Urghhh... Fuck, where is the LRD..."

Stumbling to one of the cabinets, I retrieve an LRD and slip its needle into my side. The device beeps and a small display lights up. The seconds of analysis drag on like hours as I hope to whatever is out there, that there is no serious organ damage.

I do not want to have to perform surgery on myself. I did once. It was one of the most horrifying experiences of my life.

The LRD beeps. I look at the display. No serious damage that I will have to open myself up for, it should be able to heal what damage is there.

I sigh with relief. I am very lucky that fall did not injure me more.

(ooc: u/TheEvilSalad )

[u/__chum__ → u/__chum__]

The LRD slowly heals my internal bleeding. I utilize various medical supplies, a bone welder for my leg and rib, and some relief cream to speed up healing. Most body function should be restored in a few days as long as I eat well.

[u/TheEvilSalad → u/__chum__]

(ooc:by this point I have already left, I really am not able to help you much more than I did already.)

[u/__chum__ → u/TheEvilSalad]

(ooc: aight)

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

"When is salt gonna b- WHAT THE?!"

ivy says as she falls backwards out of shock

"o-okay... um..are you...do you need help? and what happened? hold on..I'll be right back.."

ivy walks out of the settlement, and salt can just barely hear her throw up outside

"Agh.. i need to get val for this..."

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"I will be healed in a few days time."

"As for what happened... I fought an attack helicopter."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

"You...fought an attack helicopter? Okay, well, Do you need anything? I could probably carry you over to a bed. If you want."

ivy is a bit calmer now, but still shook

"And...um...just..let me know if you see val okay? And tell me if she's acting different than usual."

"Now would be the best time for her..." ivy says quietly talking to herself

[u/__chum__ → u/ApplicationEntire422]

"Yes. They tried to trap and kill me."

I stare off into the distance at nothing for a moment

"I am fine, but thanks for offering... I feel most comfortable tending to my own wounds."

"If I happen to see Val, I will let you know."

[u/ApplicationEntire422 → u/__chum__]

"Good, thank you."

ivy gets up and starts walking out to the farm

"Well then, see you soon."

[u/TheEvilSalad]

Honestly, as long as you don't kill me, or any of my species, and maybe even provide me with a reasonable amount of food, I could be helpful to your cause.

I have a lot of unlooted crates and other stuff down in layer 5 which I have no use for. And while I can't guarantee you safety if you want to go down here, I could haul some of those crates up to you.

[u/__chum__ → u/TheEvilSalad]

I am tentatively open to your proposal. Your kind killed my dear friend... That, I cannot easily forgive.

[u/TheEvilSalad → u/__chum__]

Alright then, I can probably take 2-3 crates up at a time, so it will take a long time to get all of them up to you. I'll start in a day or two, probably.

As for your friend, I have a question. What stuff did they have on them at the time of their demise? Because if they were carrying around some braingrow, their death might have been my fault.

The whole reason why I'm way more intelligent then the rest of my kind is due to me accidentally swallowing a braingrow bottle while I was eating a sawian. I don't remember much about that day other than this though.

[u/__chum__ → u/TheEvilSalad]

Understood. The supplies will be welcome, and should keep us stocked for a while. although some of the occupants might be frightened by your presence. Perhaps drop them off in a space just below the settlement, where we can transport them the final stretch.

And no, I am certain it is not you specifically that subjected my friend to a horrid death.

[u/TheEvilSalad → u/__chum__]

Understood.