θ 12 - Coup of the Zygons

[bit_impossible]

[This is it. The Doctor's recruited his friends and allies and currently, is fast at work running around the central console while he sets coordinates for the first of many locations. The ride is particularly bumpy, but thankfully for those unaccustomed to TARDIS travel, there are railings to hold onto, as well as a grated floor to cling to should anyone find themselves on the ground. (Hopefully not--but at least they'd be prepared in case things shift and the console room is perpendicular to it's original position.) All the while, the Doctor is shouting instructions as he has a lot to get through before he can let anyone out to their locations.]

Now, this batch of Zygons learnt from their predecessors and hid their ships much closer to populated areas so they could slip in and assimilate faster, thus speeding up their time-frame for the conversion of Earth to a more Zygon-friendly environment. So! They blocked off a few tunnels here and there after kidnapping a few key people who could help them hide their actions better, grew their semi-organic ship structure into the tunnels and whammo, a shelter for the many captive humans. [He pulls a face and wrenches down on a lever.] All right, never saying "whammo" again.

Anyway! [The TARDIS jerks again, but the Doctor is sure-footed as a mountain goat and only vaguely fumbles as he switches on yet another stabiliser which really doesn't do anything, but it's the thought that counts, right?] I'm going to try to get you all as close to the body-print machine tunnels as I can without setting off their sensors. Once you're in, make doubly sure you do not get caught. If any of you do and they take away your communications devices, then I won't have a way to know or help until it's too late. And don't let them touch you either; they could very well sting you if they're feeling up to it and, well, since you're in their ship, chances are very high that they will!

You'll know the body-print machines when you see people standing up with their hands up like they're about to be robbed. Each machine has four valve controllers, and to release each person--and yes, you've got to do it individually for every single person there or else you'll kill both the person and the Zygon linked to it--you need to gently massage and squeeze the ends of the two bottom levers. You'll see the person start to wake up, but they'll be a bit weak and disorientated for a couple minutes. Tell them you're there to help and that you need their help to get the others out. Then--well, you get the idea. The quicker you do so, the easier it'll be on you all. If you hear anyone coming, get them to hide back in their pods, and hide in one yourself. They don't exactly check to make sure they have too many extra.

Now that's the easy part. [The Doctor pauses to run to the opposite side of the console, and fiddles with a few other switches and dials. A moment later, the rocking in the TARDIS slows, the central column churning slower and slower but it doesn't stop yet. This gives him a chance to walk around freely now he's put the old girl into a holding pattern.] The harder part is getting the Zygons to leave their ship, make sure everyone gets out safely, and self-destruct their ship without getting yourselves hurt or drowned in the process. Thankfully, there are only so many Zygons per ship and they usually leave a couple behind to maintain the body-print machines and other systems, so you'll likely only have to lure them out of the control rooms. And since they don't exactly vary their ship designs, the control room should be near those machines in some way or another. Remember those four valve controllers? Hold up something hot like a match or lighter to it to induce a fire alarm. The Zygons should come out and leave it open for you lot to run in and lock the doors behind you. Just destroy the door controls of the door you just came through and that ought to do it. Once you're there, call me and I'll walk you through the next steps. Just be prepared to run when you do.

[And conveniently, that's when the TARDIS engines slow to a stop. He glances at it briefly, and then runs around to make sure everything is off and safe for disembarkation.]

All right, if any of you get in any kind of trouble or can't find what you're looking for, get a hold of me as soon as possible. And... [He trails off, putting on a small smile.] Good luck, and thank you.



[ooc: Time to stop the invasion! Information about Ten's plot can be found here if you missed it. Have any questions, drop me a line there!

For those already involved in the plot: I have four cities (NYC, Paris, Washington DC, and Tokyo, in addition to Birmingham for Oliver and Jamie) that the Doctor's going to drop people off to, and each city will have a comment to start that leg of the adventure. Tag into the city you want to visit! I strongly suggest no more than two people per city (and I'll be interacting with each thread as you need me as the Doctor or as any kind of narration you guys will need to get further along. If we get more people, I'll add more cities, but so far, it works out that everyone on the list will fit into these five, with one of you teaming up physically with the Doctor. (So if you want him, please say so! He'll just come back to that city if he's already left to drop others off.) Other than that, have fun! The Zygons sure will <3]

Comments

New York City

[bit_impossible]

[The first of many stops brings the TARDIS into an old subway tunnel that sees little use except by the vagrants who used to gather here against the chill winters that grip New York City. It's difficult to tell from the tunnel in its current humid and dank and cool state, but it actually is snowing above ground. Every nine/ten minutes, the rumbling of a nearby train moving can drown out the sounds within and shake the tunnel, but the structural integrity is sound despite its age. There's a faint glow ahead from the entrance to one of the converted Zygon tunnels, but aside from that, there's no other light once the TARDIS dematerialises. Sorry about that. And for the smell. Not even the iron smell the Zygons give off can cover up the stink of the human filth who previously occupied that space.

A few squeaking, echoing noises can be heard, but other than that, there is silence. For now.]

New York City

[most_feared]

[That lack of authority thing is gonna leave big ol' teethprints on his ass. It's like the New York that he knows, but there's some giant worms he's gonna bet aren't lurking around subway tunnels causing problems.

Kay has his usual supplies, though, and he's ready to try his luck with what they'll be facing.]

I guess one of us is gonna have to start makin' a map. [He mutters it lowly, and it's only half a joke. These tunnels? Definitely not the ones he knows. And it's actually almost a little uncanny valley so far as vague resemblance goes.]

[grip_on_reality]

[New York City is definitely a novelty for Menzies--or it would be, if she could see more of it than this disused tunnel. with that in mind, her reaction to the place is decidedly sour] Ugh, not very keen on sanitation, are these Zygons? [she makes a face at the smell. still, not being one to waste time, she pulls out a torch from her belt, shining it around the tunnel]

Hmm. We could start a map, but I wouldn't bet there's much to see 'round 'ere. Just...wet walls and floors. And a rat. [she glowers at the little creature caught in the light of her torch. it glances back and then scurries off with a squeak] What a charming place!

Down there, though... [she gestures toward the light down the tunnel, fainter from here than the light from her torch but still visible] What do you say we take a look at what's making that light? [she glances at Kay, smirking faintly. it looks like they won't have to search hard for trouble after all]

[most_feared]

Most stuff that lives in the sewer usually don't got the same biological weaknesses as us. Great places for immigrants of that nature to set up shop. But I prefer the ones that are invited in, no matter what the universe. [He nudges another rat out of the way with his foot as he goes by, as rats are notoriously fearless. He looks down at it, almost as if he's expecting it to say something; when he's satisfied it's just a rat, he moves on to stand beside her.

He pulls out a pair of binoculars, looking far ahead with them.]

Makin' themselves real easy to find, aren't they?

[He's suspicious of that, too.]

[grip_on_reality]

Either that or the Doctor knew to bring the--you know what, nevermind. Too unlikely. [she may or may not be serious about that] What do you see down there?

Paris

[bit_impossible]

[The next stop has its occupants venturing out into one of countless underground catacombs winding below Paris, France. This is a particularly wet one, with a couple inches of water at the bottom of the tunnel--though it's for the best as there are many old bones lying around that could be stepped on. It doesn't help this particular catacomb being set so close both to the Seine. How it hasn't become completely flooded and blocked by now is anyone's guess--but for now, the small Zygon ship settled in the Seine and connecting to the catacomb pretty much keeps any floods at bay. The only reason why it's wet now is thanks to the rain coming in through a broken storm grate. A bit of dim light is coming in from there, but it doesn't illuminate much at all. There's better light coming from the odd organic structure that makes up the outside of the Zygon tunnels.

Besides the distance sound of a steady drizzle of rain and occasional plunk of condensation falling onto the pool of water on the tunnel bottom, not much else can be heard now that the TARDIS is gone.]

Paris

[timesbureaucrat]

That's the worst TARDIS trip I've ever been on. [Not entirely the truth, but Narvin never lets a little thing like the truth dictate what he says.] Either your piloting skills are deplorable or your TARDIS's systems are worn beyond repair. I'm guessing both.

[Narvin steps out and grimaces at the water. At least his boots are waterproof, but it's the idea of the thing. Not to mention that all that water will make the floor much more slick and running away without slipping and falling that much more difficult.

But a moment later, the TARDIS, the water, and the Zygons all fled his thoughts. He had expected to feel Gallifrey as soon as he'd stepped out of the TARDIS's dimensionally transcendental space. The faint, barely-there presence of all the Time Lords in the back of his mind. Instead there was a hole, not even an echo, just nothingness.]

Where's Gallifrey, Doctor?

[bit_impossible]

Oi, I'll have you know my piloting skills are perfectly fine, thank you! I'd like to see you fly a Type-40 on your own. [He immediately wags a finger at him.] And that isn't an invitation.

[After locking the TARDIS up nice and tight--and momentarily wishing his shoes weren't made of canvas--he slips his key deep into his pocket and turns to his current companion. Right at that point, however, the Doctor notices the change in Narvin's tone of voice--and then it hits him why. And he actually feels sorry for the coordinator. It's odd for him to think about a time when he hasn't felt that empty, gaping hole; the fact that he's gotten used to it is somewhat unsettling.]

Narvin... Do you really want to know?

[timesbureaucrat]

[He whips his head around to fix the Doctor with an incredulous stare.]

Of course I want to know! Why do you think I came on this blasted mission of yours? I don't give a damn about the Zygons; I need to contact Gallifrey.

[bit_impossible]

[He meets Narvin's stare, his look hardened and angry, and goodness, what he wouldn't give to not have this conversation though he knew it'd have to happen eventually...]

Well, you can't. I can't, no one can. Not now, not ever.

[Oh look, a handy door control for the tunnel's not that far away. Convenient for him to notice right then as he uses that as an excuse to start walking away from Narvin.]

Washington DC

[bit_impossible]

[A chain-link fence can be seen in the distance of this particular stretch of a blocked off subway tunnel in Washington DC. Yellow lights atop orange and white wooden barricades sit in front of it, but can definitely be seen flashing even around the signs and tarps covering the front of the fence. So far, it seems to have done its job and keeps the prying eyes of tourists and government workers away. Or so it seems. There's another tarped fence on the other end of the tunnel that leads to where the opening of the Zygon ship should be, but it looks like someone's already been there. The fence door is hanging open slightly, so it's anyone's guess whether or not this is a trap or not... The TARDIS has already left, so there really isn't too much of an option, is there?]

[punkblaze]

[Goddess... this place is just like the underground trains in the city his best friend grew up in. Well, at least it makes it a little familiar, huh? Eesh...

He looks around carefully, trying to get even a vague sense of how things are and/or how they're about to go down. He even lights a little blaze of fire in one hand, just to have some extra light to go by.

He squints ahead at the fencing. He's already pretty uneasy about this.]

... Thaaat doesn't look so great. [He takes a deep breath.] Well, here goes nothin', huh?


((OoC: Feel free to join him! Don't care who I end up with. Let's have some fun! Who wants a redheaded punk of a fire/explosions mage as a partner~?))

[desertdaggers]

"Nothing venturer, nothing gained", isn't it?

[Hawk's not any more settled himself, being completely unfamiliar with subway systems. He gives Eithan a quick smile before focusing on what's ahead them again.]

How would you like to take this?

[punkblaze]

Heh, somethin' like that.

[He flashes Hawk a grin.]

Well, we're supposed to not get caught, right? So I guess it'd be better to try and take it slow. Like... stay close to the wall, or somethin'? [He runs a hand through his hair.] I'm not that great at stealth shit... I mean, if we could afford a distraction, I'd have that covered. But I dunno, what do you think?

[desertdaggers]

My stealth skills could still use a little work… But that's definitely the best way in. Maybe we'll need some distractions on the way out, but I hope it won't be too many. Let's stay close to the wall for now.

Tokyo

[bit_impossible]

[Mysteriously a number of months ago, a supposed tunnel collapse closed off a section of an underground tunnel close to the Arakawa River in Tokyo. Conveniently, it's here the Zygons have set up shop (and ship), and also where the TARDIS has landed to drop off another set of invasion stoppers. The ground at the mouth of the tunnel is mostly filled with rubble, but after the first initial mound of broken stone and cement, the tunnel is pretty much clear. And thankfully, a door leading topside wasn't blocked off completely either. After that, however, the tunnel quickly turns organic, the air smelling of iron and the humidity unusually palpable for this time of year. Kinda gross, actually. And squishy. Just another day in Tokyo--but hey, at least they aren't in Shinjuku.

A moment later, muffled noises can be heard from beyond that Zygon tunnel door...]

[perfectpartner]

[Emil isn't entirely sure if he can do everything the way the Doctor wants it. He wants to avoid conflict at all costs, but he's brought his sword just in case.

He takes a deep breath and steadies himself. In addition to the bracelets he usually wears, there's a watch given to him by the Doctor. He glances at the watch face, then the tunnel.]

... All right. Time to get going.

[darkercalling]

[Riku isn't entirely sure he can manage everything peacefully, either. He's pretty convinced that his track record is essentially prophetic. He'll try, of course, but he always has his blade ready and will use it the moment he needs.

He also... didn't realize he would end up grouped off with Emil. It's not that he's avoiding him! But admittedly, they haven't talked since the one conversation after they...

... yeah.

It's just a little awkward.

But he'll be okay to soldier on with him. In fact, he's pretty sure that they could make a good team. Just ignore the elephant in the room...]

Right. I wonder just how far we'll have to go in there before we find anything.

[perfectpartner]

[It's more than a little awkward, and Emil keeps glancing at him like he wants to apologize again. And again. And maybe more after that.]

I have to admit, stealth isn't really something I'm good at. If we have to fight our way to the captives, then...

[He glances at his sword, then to Riku.]

At least I don't have to worry about protecting you.

[darkercalling]

[Emil isn't the only one that wants to apologize over and over and over again. Riku keeps having to bury that urge, tries to focus on the here and the now. It'll make things easier, after all. Right? Right. Yeah.]

I shouldn't have to worry about protecting you, either. [He offers Emil the faintest of smiles.] I've got your back, though. Don't worry. We'll be fine.

[He tugs at the hood of his coat, like he's debating pulling it over his head... but apparently decides against it and starts forward, into the tunnel.]

I think I hear something coming from the door to the surface. We should go.

Birmingham, UK

[bit_impossible]

[Weird things going on in Birmingham isn't exactly a new thing. The fact that the Edgbaston Reservoir suddenly flooded and raised a couple feet some months back, though, was something of a surprise, but locals chocked it up to the increase of rainfall that year. The consequential closing of the gatehouse was also a bit suspect, but because of the glut of water, it only made sense repairs would need to be made to handle the increase. The team deployed to Birmingham is one of the many smaller teams deployed to test out how well they work in cities that are landlocked and have greatly reduced access to the open expanses of water elsewhere on the Earth. Even the Zygon team disapproves of the juxtaposition of architecture that is hundreds of years old and the modern, glassy kind. (But they'd refuse to believe they'd gone native.)

The TARDIS materialises and inside the lower levels of gatehouse itself, and already, the smell of iron can be detected by a human nose. An odd hum can be heard from beyond a door that says "Staff only - Keep out"; it most definitely isn't the normal machinery housed there.]

[bonnypiperlad]

[The smell here's not as bad as the pungent sulfur smell had been on the planet of the Gonds, but it's enough to make Jamie wrinkle his nose as he steps out from the TARDIS. But there's more important things to worry about other than an unpleasant odor right now, and Jamie is quick to find an out of the way spot to study his surroundings from - and to use to confer with Oliver as well. He keeps his voice down, though. That machinery may be loud enough for them to hear through the door, but it doesn't hurt to be quiet.]

Here, what do ye make of that, Oliver?

[oliverplus]

...ugh. [Oliver also wrinkles his nose upon exit from the TARDIS, but like Jamie, he's been to planets that are worse, so he just starts to look around. when his friend ducks out of the way, though, he hisses:] Jamie! [and he hurries to follow. taking Jamie's lead, he also drops his voice--but he smiles a little, too, glad to see what is quite possibly a sign of their objective already] I think we've found something suspicious. Want to check it out?

[bonnypiperlad]

[Somehow it seems too easy for that to be the objective, but it definitely bears checking out, and Jamie nods, although he doesn't say anything until he checks out the hallway to make sure nobody's coming.]

Aye, we should. Looks like the coast is clear, too. Come on, then, let's go.

[oliverplus]

[these days, Oliver has quite possibly too much faith in the Doctor's ability to land the TARDIS where he wants it when it's important. he nods back in acknowledgement, following Jamie to the door. softly, he says:] See if it's locked. They might be relying on the sign. [he has a feeling that's wishful thinking, but he figures it's worth giving it a go. and if not, it might just be about time for another conversation with the Doctor about the use of the sonic screwdriver...]