voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-02-01 06:00 am

A New Platform [Intro Post February]

On the Train

Three days after the Voidtreckers return to the void after their adventures on the biosphere world, they are awoken by a familiar announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day Sixteen of the month of Jelly. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed, and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train for a while will also be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform. The fog seems thicker than usual and as they step out onto the platform they will find it is cold, very cold. Icy fog sticks to their clothing, makes it hard to see very far; the atmosphere is dark and gloomy.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Alexis Rhodes, Elfnein, Itsuki Myoudouin, Ken Ichijouji, MT, Neku Sakuraba, Nike Lemercier, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Rainbow Dash, Rei Saotome, Taichi Yagami, Tsubomi Hanasaki, Yuri Tsukikage and Zechs Merquise all pass through the platform, not looking back before they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours, in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam, billowing around them as they come to their senses. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, glass and dark stone rising in sturdy arches around them. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single track extending both ways into thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze; then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large with sixteen figures scattered around, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. To both the left and right, tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out step a strange assortment of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple, though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

The Train

After a short time, the doors hiss open again. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there's anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would lead to something terrible. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, including several crates of avocados, the ingredient of the month of Jelly, as well as all sundries.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches full of spare blankets and pillows.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers braving the freezing fog, and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady itself. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!
irrationally: (Default)

[personal profile] irrationally 2021-02-09 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
She casts a quick glance over at the other girl, just to check out the colour she's wearing, and-- ah, yes. Red. That team does always seem to pick up a particular subset of people, now doesn't it..

Though she doesn't mention that thought out loud, instead turning to look at her teapot once more.

"From what I've heard, a lot of people on your team have that problem." Alice herself is wearing her team colours too, making her easily identifiable as a member of the purple team. "So since you're not the only one, I doubt anyone is going to be upset with you personally. You might be best off finding whoever is good at cooking in red," if anyone is, honestly, "and sticking by them as long as they're a tolerable presence."
flatteries: (you don't gain a single thing)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-02-09 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
There sure is no protest against physical contact ever when it comes to Inigo. So he gladly accepts the touch. Quietly, at first, since maybe he doesn't want to disturb the silence with words when Nita herself clearly isn't saying a thing yet.

He just lets her touch his hair, the only silence here their soft breaths, the evidence they're still here.

It's probably only a minute or two at most, but it feels like an eternity before he speaks up again.

"All the broken hearts in the world still beat, you know."

Somehow. Even when it feels like they're not. When they may never beat again.

".. We'll be alright."
happyends: (so it's now or never more)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-09 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'll tell you too, sir. I promise."

And as for the rest - a while ago she may still have been shocked by him saying something like that. Like there's something about her that makes her good at making mean people a little softer. But Madoka has experienced it often enough in practice now. There were so many people in this place she was utterly terrified of upon first meeting them, but they all turned out to be really nice people. (In their interactions with her, anyway.) .. Thinking about it, some of them had scars too, huh..

.. But thinking of people she was at first intimidated of immediately makes her think--

"Also, you.. should talk to mister Piccolo sometime. He's also with the blue team, and he's also.. um.."

How to say this in a sensitive way. Madoka doesn't want to be rude, especially when this mister is being so nice to her!

"Well.. I'm sure you've noticed a lot of people here.. um.. look.. like me..?" She means humans with human skin colours, unlike this blue he's rocking. "But mister Piccolo is green, he's an alien! And he also seems kind of scary, but is really nice.. And he's on the blue team too, so maybe you'll end up working together! So.. I think he may be a good person for you to know!"

She sounds kind of enthusiastic there, but as always with Madoka, it quickly deflates into a bit more of insecurity. ".. maybe? I think?"
happyends: (that has been plucked)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-09 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
It makes her smile at the boy, and a moment later she's angling the alpaca so it's more between the two of them. Even if Alfredo gave it to her like that, she still wants them both to be able to enjoy it! They both saw the alpacas back there during the mission, after all - so they both know how adorably fluffy those things are.

"I guess I kind of owe you one now, huh..? I'll have to think of what would be a good present for you..!"
happyends: (so it's now or never more)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-09 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Senior.

Senior.

It's like he just said the magical world. Or flipped some switch. Because the moment that word leaves his lips, Madoka's eyes grow wide, surprised. Then her back straightens a little, and some of the insecurity and shyness of a moment seems to leave her. It's obvious that she's still fumbling a little, but at the same time, it's like she's trying really hard to look a little more like she's got things together over here.

"Ah, that's.. that's right!" She is his senior, right? That means she's got to be reliable, not some nervous young girl! "I've been here on the train for a really long time.. l-longer than most people, actually. So if you have a question, or need help, or.. um, just need someone to help you buy stuff with points.. please feel free to ask me! I-I'll do anything to help!"

Just like a proper senior is supposed to!!
happyends: (that can break)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-09 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
She doesn't hesitate much at that silent agreement. Madoka reaches out, and then slowly, but gently, wraps the other up into an embrace. Her arms around his back, holding him close for as long as she needs to.

Her hands even start rubbing gentle soothing circles onto his back.

"There, it's okay.." She softly says.
happyends: (lies in the palm)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-09 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
You are?

[ Note that this isn't a sceptical question at all. Madoka wouldn't think of questioning Della! No, this is more curiosity than anything else when she asks: ]

How? [ While they're on a train traveling through nowhere! Surely no scout group could actually reach them here! ]
bodyoftheseus: (r u srs :()

[personal profile] bodyoftheseus 2021-02-09 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
The kitten was content with this and was starting to zone out, maybe fall asleep, until Rich suddenly moves back. The kitten's fur poofs out on end as it clumsily scrambled to all fours and darts back to V, who crouches and out of habit pets the kitten, but his attention isn't on the cat. He's distressed at the response of the kid at the scan and, the way he's stumbling through his words, he'd accidentally hit upon a trigger of some kind.

Under his breath: "Shit."

More audibly: "No, no, no. I'm sorry, kid, I didn't mean to do anything. It's just a scan." If his distress wasn't clear before, his voice certainly is thick with it. The last thing he wanted was to upset him. "Shouldn't activate anything, just tell me if you got any cyberware or not, that's all. Doesn't even tell me what, just if."

V allowed himself the look of guilt and regret that he felt. Whatever the kid had clearly had some kind of response to the scan and clearly the kid was scared by whatever it was. "Really kid, I'm sorry. I didn't think anythin'd happen with it."
hisblueskies: Blond-haired boy looking off stage left, smiling. (fond)

[personal profile] hisblueskies 2021-02-09 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Alfredo impulsively alters his gentle grasp on the alpaca so he can hug Madoka as well.

"It's no worry, I promise. That, and it'd be better if you really surprised me, don't you think?"

He winks. He didn't do this to expect repayment in any way, after all!

That wasn't really his kind of thing.
unfavorableinstigation: Nita working with a Kernel (Wizardry Is Kid Stuff)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-02-09 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita's response to that is a thin smile as the hand on her face drops, a nod of acknowledgement.

She sighs once more, moving her hand through his hair in soft strokes.

/... We will./

Saying it in the Speech helped, in its own way; one couldn't lie in it, after all.

Even if Nita has a hard time imagining when that truth will be. Such is the nature of the beast.
unfavorableinstigation: Nita looking directly at the viewer, mouth slightly open, as if she's in the middle of an important or unamused expression. (Focused)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2021-02-09 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita's mood shifts; something calculating about her expression takes shape. Memory indicates something isn't quite adding up...

"I mean, I think so? It's when the train seemingly conducts repairs and changes itself, yeah. But - you weren't here then, but after that one time with the breach, it was able to repair itself. And I don't think we'd stopped at a void platform during that time."

Unless those platforms were a lot more frequently-situated than it first appeared.
yondu: (1 3 7)

[personal profile] yondu 2021-02-09 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, Terran colored. Qu-" He pauses, then changes his tune, because he just accepted this and he might as well own it. "My boy that I took in is Terran, so I'm used to what y'all look at. There are a few other species that come in different shades of brown, so I ain't all that surprised."

The hair is new, but whatever.

"I hear people mention that guy a lot. Y'all sound like he made an impression." Either it's the 'he's green so he stands out' or he's actually good at his job. Maybe it's both.

"I'll probably meet 'im sooner or later."
pleple: (Default)

[personal profile] pleple 2021-02-09 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll be well prepared for you.
theimpatientone: (Default)

[personal profile] theimpatientone 2021-02-10 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
It's... kinder than she would have expected. It's kinder than she's experienced. But it also keeps them comfortable and cooperative. And she's seen that, before.

"I'd like to see this game," Merwen says. "Soldat... this other Merwen you knew, did she share much about her time as a Valan prisoner?"

It's an abrupt shift in topic, but it follows logically for her, and the idea that a stranger might know of something she hardly speaks about at all, to anyone, to her family, is a little worrying.
secretmakesawoman: (Because high on the mountain)

[personal profile] secretmakesawoman 2021-02-10 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Vermouth glances towards the door at the sound of it slamming open, and suddenly her smile immediately drops. Angel. Of all the times for Ran to show up!]

[She needs to keep Ran out of this. But unfortunately, Sera seems incapable of telling what's a bad idea to openly share right now. Vermouth might have given her some hints a moment ago. "We couldn't let you get involved." Sadly for Masumi, now Ran is the one who cannot get involved, and that means shutting this conversation down.]

Oh, nothing much. As you can see, I'm being accused of outlandish things.

[Her tone is remarkably breezy, as if this happens frequently. And it does, in show business. (And also the Organization.) Then, much colder, to Sera:]

Whatever answers you seek, I'm not the one to give them to you.
foxyou: (food???)

[personal profile] foxyou 2021-02-10 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
The young fox is drawn to the sound of that familiar instrument, ears twitching as he pokes his head curiously out from amidst the greenery. No words are spoken - he simply listens, squinting slightly as he stares at the blinding orange stranger.

A fellow cultivator? But not one he recognizes....he hesitates to approach any closer than this, and so stays where he is, letting himself relax ever-so-slightly as he listens.
thawed_pride: (Nort-Why am I still here?)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-10 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
"And how does that measure against the opportunities lost from the lack of input, or delays in reports due to general indifference?"

He shook his head.

"It's one thing to do what you can despite lack of support, but an absolute unwillingness to cooperate merely holds one back. Perhaps they will come to see that, but you are correct in that trying to force them would be counterproductive."
theimpatientone: (Default)

[personal profile] theimpatientone 2021-02-10 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
"A silkplant is more practical than a finite amount of silk," Merwen says.

She sips her tea, wrinkling her nose a bit while she considers the taste, then goes for a second sip. "I would have to see the Greenhouse, of course. I suspect it's different than the branches of a raft tree, but something could be managed."

A project... might be nice.
foxyou: (food???)

all the threadjacks!!

[personal profile] foxyou 2021-02-10 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
The boy's not wrong about there being a lot of questions - but Shen Qingqiu was never a particularly talkative person, so he's choosing to sit through the whole explanation and sort out which questions he wants to ask at the end. His tail thumps softly against the bed as he listens, but otherwise: Silence, and the occasional tiny frown or furrowed brow.

Allergies and tempers he mentally sweeps aside, the idea of an object with its own conscious spirit isn't particularly new either, but the rest! "What is an elf, or an angel? Are they different species of demon?" And why would anyone want to glow like the sun--wait no that's not important. "And is there any explanation as to why we cannot look at the void without adverse effects?"

Because if not, he wants to investigate....
theimpatientone: (big smile)

[personal profile] theimpatientone 2021-02-10 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
"It shows we know ourselves. To know yourself well enough that you can identify something about yourself that you aren't proud of, to admit to it, to show you're trying to not be that anymore, this is a mark of wisdom and maturity. It shows humility." She smiles. "And yes, sometimes you might be reminded of your own name when you behave foolishly. I certainly have been. In naming myself the Impatient One, I remind myself to be patient. I am a better person for it."
singlefaith: sovale on Plurk (determined)

[personal profile] singlefaith 2021-02-10 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
She's still not liking the look in Sera's eyes. She knows that look -- rage, someone willing to attack.

And though the fact that Sera is a strong martial artist in her own right, Ran has been given every indication that Vermouth isn't to be underestimated either. Not to mention the fact that she'd come upon this whole scene with Sera on the ground, looking very much like she'd fallen.

With all this in mind, Ran finds herself stepping forward, reaching for one of Sera's forearms -- both to dissuade and and in the hopes that the touch will help call her friend out of it.

Her eyes flick towards Vermouth at her words, discerning . . . and not buying them. After all, just before she'd come in, she'd heard the older woman speak of secrets. Reasons. Those wouldn't be mentioned if Vermouth were truly being accused of outlandish things.

But to say so aloud would likely seem like she's diving into the fight herself, and that's not what she wants to do. Her primary goal is to get Sera calmer, not looking as though she's about to attack . . . because that can't end well for either of them.

"Sera-chan." She tries to pull Sera's attention back to the moment. "Please . . . . don't. Wait."

. . . From the sounds of it, Sera certainly has reasonable potential reasons to be furious, but this isn't going to get her the answers she wants.
wisdominshadows: OoT: The dark age will end! (twenty four)

[personal profile] wisdominshadows 2021-02-10 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
Well, it isn't as though she might have a not-dissimilar problem one day, theoretically...

"Very much so," Zelda nods, surprised and a little amused to see someone stepping forward in the face of a plant that would eat him if it got the chance.

"It's usual prey is small forest creatures- rabbits, squirrels, mice and the like. A full-grown Baba could probably kill a child in three or four solid bites... fewer if it was fortunate in where it struck. See?"

She moves forward, grabs the base of the Deku Baba's head firmly, and presses the head so that her questioner can get a better look at its teeth. Charming, aren't they?

"Come, touch if you like; this one won't be full-grown for a few days yet. A trained adult won't find them so troublesome, though nothing is entirely certain. In the wild, some Babas grow in groups and among other types of dangerous creatures. That can be tricky to navigate."

Zelda keeps her eye on the newcomer, still marveling at his enthusiasm. "I confess, I never expected to be asked if someone else could feed it. Whether I was mad for bringing it on board, certainly, but not that."
thawed_pride: (Nort-This is far too close for comfort.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-10 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
What in Light's name had Axel been teaching this girl? A mixture of terror and anger flooded his shadow of a heart, as he envisioned Lea coming at him with Keyblade in hand, and Xion lunging at him from behind as soon as he dared to try to defend himself. His face went pale at the thought, and it took him a moment to realize the other two were moving.

He followed hesitantly, eyes darting between Xion and their surroundings. If she would back Lea in an attempt to murder him...he could only imagine how much she must have hated him. Axel's sadistic smile, the satisfied 'goodbye' that had been the last thing he heard before overwhelming pain had obscured everything, hovered at the back of his mind, fueling his imagination as to the kinds of things the assassin might have said about him. Even worse that they were almost all true. And now they were leading him into an enclosed space, where Axel was evidently waiting somewhere. A whisper of doubt in the back of his mind wondered what if this was a trap. Axel had been manipulative and conniving, attacking him while he was still weak from fighting Sora. What if he had told Xion to lead perceived enemies to him, so they could ambush potential threats in tandem?

It took almost a minute for him to find his voice amidst the tangle of emotions and worries, and he stopped just shy of stepping onto the train.

"Before I enter...first, promise me this: that you are not leading me to Axel. I shall not allow anyone to lead me to a second execution, not even you."
subcircuits: (thanks for the sucker punch)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-02-10 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
"Seems to me like the start's the only place to start," he says. "...That does sound nice. Probably a healthier way to deal than getting high or hitting the booze." Or the gym, or the training field with Babysitter, or staying at the machine shop late into the night with Morraine, anything to distract and occupy him until he's so exhausted or intoxicated that his mind shuts down. Can't run off on itself if it's in standby mode, now can it?
its_dad_sanzo: Burial-era (well it's not that bad)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-02-10 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes," sorry Devero, but yeah. Yes. "Anything in excess is bad. Even meditation, but one has to try pretty intentionally to over-do that."

Speaking from experience. What had he been doing in the stores room the day after their fight? Not existing. Waiting for the next mission, or for the train to move him again so that he could repeat the trek to the front of the train once more.