{Pathfinder Log: 23.04.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 165}
{Dimension: Bridging Base Camp Dimension 001 (BBD-01)}
Took almost a month, but the Waystation is now complete. Slower than I would like perhaps, but the time was needed in truth;- between only two of us to work on, all while training Janet in the basics of systems, and pathfinder protocols. That was important if we are to succeed. Hence the investment into a proper Waystation as a base camp, with it being roughly two and a half floors in size. This is largely due to the irregular nature of the design – having had to build into the caves and dig floors into the ground to make everything connect to my liking. And, yes, Sasha, should we ever meet again – yes, yes, I did line the walls to look civilized, not like some damned elf's hovel!
That aside. I have built into the mountain where there was a water source, and then ensured that a suitable false front was created to hide the Waystation as per the rules. I think I've done a rather good job of that, even without the boundary field anchored atop it that shouldn't be easily detected up close. Have full camera coverage of the surrounding area to the two entrances, and of the sky, in the security-room/armoury, even if, right now, all I can see is snow. Lots of snow, darkness, and clouds. Blizzard blew in, another one. Colder world, perhaps in an Ice Age as it an Earth variant?
It puts a stop to doing much for a few more days, and that is needed, for Janet especially as she sleeps now after several days intense training. She cursed greatly, but would have passed the basic at home I feel, and she calmed after a dip in the now finished hot springs. Yes, I built a hot springs, just like at home, if artificial between the filter system and then the heating system. This is my Waystation, and there is nothing against such it in the protocols or training manuals – anyway, there was a whole water pool there, just waiting to be used!
Just had to disinfect it, install the filter systems, ensure said systems kept out native parasites and beasts, and then heat it up. Oh, and ensuring the pool had a nicely circular finish with smooth cuttings and steps rather than jagged rocks. I'm quite pleased with it. Set up the shrine in the centre of the pool, planted several flowering plant seeds from the Compass Inventory, that are nocturnal based. Consecrated the ground, then; Bling-bang-boom – Healing Pool!
Of course, installed a separate cleaning room and lavatory. Damned cleaning and cycling system were a nasty bitch to install there, but its done, just like the security system was. This isn't normally my damned job! Training and doing it in the field, easily, are too very different things dammit!
Regardless, there is now a kitchen area, bedding areas for us, though one is bit sparse on decent look furniture I find. Cheap human variant-earth junk doesn't quite feel right, even when it's large enough for me. Even the beer isn't great. So, setting up a still when I can as I now have both a smithing workroom and an alchemy bench setup. Oh, yes, and of course there's a larder setup, with butchering table, refrigerated and freezer areas, and nano-forged enough parts to have a safety sensor installed. Whole thing's powered, for now, off one of the spare suit fusion drives from the Survival Pack, and while that should last decades…
Well, that pack is a suit power back-up, and who knows how draining it'll be in combat to get back. A more permanent system is needed, but that'll take time and parts (I don't have) to achieve. So, for later, therefore suit fusion cores it is. The human comps from the last plane are relatively low power, so cobbling together a system from them hasn't been too difficult, and it is sufficient in the current role. Even if they aren't combat-grade, the Waystation is as shielded as I can manage, and, really, they only serve as a watch and record system, along with secondary storage and entertainment…sooo….acceptable?
Acceptable as can be. Survival manuals have been a help in working with low-grade comp materials, especially for adding in ways to view non-corporeal entities that such tech wouldn't detect normally. Added in a few parts from the remaining medical sensors to compensate, along with a software analysis support. Not ideal, but sufficient on the testing earlier today and yesterday. Now, I must rest. Pathfinder Log, end.
--
{Pathfinder Log: 26.04.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 168}
{Dimension: Bridging Base Camp Dimension 001 (BBD-01)}
As hoped, the natural energies have recovered in the area to make more attempts easier. Yes, barely finished the Waystation before making another travel effort…
But, hmm, well we're both feeling cooped up, and the weather has cleared just a little. The summoning location is about a league's walk from the Waystation as well, so we've discussed making another effort in the coming day, assuming the weather stays somewhat clear. Plan is to scout the other side, as there's a potential 'feeling' with my Compass on a 'Route'. We shall see how it looks, and senses, then decide to enter through or not. After we've placed some supplies at the Portal location of course. Has to look like the primary, as well as having some gear just in case of emergencies.
Hmm, send through drones first I think?
Map out what's on the other side, study energy readings, then decide about entry?
Yes, we'll go with that method I think, with perhaps a scry if I have the energy and the ritual circle.
Hmm. Yes, tomorrow. Tarvek out.
--
{Pathfinder Log: 28.04.165 PLF}
{Days Since Contact Lost: 170}
{Dimension: Bridging Base Camp Dimension 001 (BBD-01)}
Initial Analysis:
We've a naturally active beacon location ahead. Breach is in a ruined human cityscape, likely Japanese based upon signage drones footage presented. Potentially post-apocalyptic, relatively high rad count in atmosphere; not dramatic, but indicating some heavy usage of such weapons, or of planet leakages, at some point in the short-medium term I'd guess. Damage to the city doesn't indicate that though, and it is a large city as the immediate area around the portal. No signs of humans, though there is plant growth, and sufficient wildlife to indicate regrowth from whatever disaster hit.
More importantly…it is a dimensionally active location. Multiple breaches at some point if I'm reading the Compass correctly. Not recent, but there's enough residue to indicate there is a dimensional tear across these lands. If that wasn't obvious to me from the ease of the breach from my side. Good and bad with that – it is a ruin location, which means its own dangers, and now an active breach spot. Ideally, we can move through very swiftly, jumping 'over' it to whatever the next location is that brings us closer to home. Just because there is not much indicated by the drones does not mean there isn't dangers hiding within those ruins.
Therefore tomorrow evening, here, it'll dawn on the other side it seems, we'll enter through after resting and gathering up our gear. I've got Janet's protective suit to a decent level for light scout armour…I think. Problems of using sub-standard parts and having to make my own adjustments to make it work ad-hoc, and that my spellcrafting is not at the levels needed for higher level gear. No matter, it's vastly superior to anything her Stargate Command could create, or the previous earth humans could, and she can at least use the light scout rifle effectively now.
There are number of large, tall buildings, 'skyscrapers', present, and my drones have located on where we can shift the portal too that can safely support my suit's weight. That will serve as a decent point to survey the surrounding city, and scan for signals, as the range of the drones was bare sufficient. Not dramatically tall versus other such structures I've seen, but tall enough and well built too. Ascending to the top can see if there are signals from beyond the ruined city, and to seek out the superior breach locations within the city as safely as we can manage.
Secondary Notes:
Hmm, well, there was another potential, but there was a worryingly high level of signals coming through indicating high-tech and surveillance-high civ-signs. Not even going to risk these low-end drones in such an environment. Immediately closed the breach and did a ritual sealing. It was less dimensional active than this current plane I'm choosing to investigate anyway, so several reasons not to investigate further as per the manuals and guidelines. After the Asgard, then the Not-Asgard, and the worm-parasites…
Haaa….I'm less inclined to go anywhere near such a society, good or bad. Too many risks, and I count us lucky so far with dealing with them. Similar to high arcane or divine, though we haven't encountered those as yet, and can only hope to avoid as much as the other side. That and psions. Many things to avoid, and today's scouting remined me of that thinking. Now, best to get some rest before venturing forth once more. Once more into the breach, leading the way.