A New Platform [Intro Post February]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

[hashtagparkerluck]

He nods at that, still hovering a little awkwardly.

"Oh. Yeah, 'cause like you're captain America and I'm-you know." From the same place.

[irrationally]

"Of course I think so. I don't say things I don't mean."

And while it's a bit harder than how others may have said such a thing, the sentiment behind it seems genuine all the same. Yes, that really is what Alice thinks.

"You're a kind, caring person. Despite all that you've been through. What more could anyone else expect of you?" Not that Alice doesn't know people's expectations can be ridiculous, but she really can't see what anyone ought to have to complain about when it comes to Dyme. "Wanting to make people happy is just about the purest desire there is."

[irrationally]

"Oh." That's probably the calmest oh anyone has ever uttered at the thought of someone causing another person paralysis of all things, huh.

But Alice contemplates the suggestion as calmly as if someone would have asked her which kind of tea she prefers.

"Perhaps that would be less temporary? Unless someone heals them, of course. There are people with magical healing powers on this train." She's not sure how strange that idea may be to the other. Then again, if she's a droid, she probably should expect some strange things to be true.

[irrationally]

"I'm sorry to hear it."

Alice's tone is.. not necessarily one full of sympathy, since she's really bad at this thing. At expressing what she feels. But it doesn't sound like her tone is totally ingenuine or a lie either. She's more just trying to awkwardly fumble her way through a conversation, despite not being an expert at this.

"At least we're not always stuck on the train?" She offers, as a small comfort of sorts. "Sometimes we get to go on missions. They're dangerous, but at least you can stretch your legs much better on those missions worlds than here on the train. The way this train looks on the inside is quite foreign to me as well." So she gets it, she thinks.

[foxyou]

"I don't believe they exist, where I come from." He appreciates the amount of understanding he's receiving from this girl, having always been sensitive to the slightest hint of censure...not that he's ever been particularly great at avoiding it.

The fox's ears twitch as he considers her invitation, wavering between the risk of staying on this open platform and that of entering an enclosed metal box on wheels. But if she's been living on it, it should be...safe..........

After a few seconds, he nods. "Thank you for the offer - I'd be most obliged if you showed me."

[happyends]

"But-- But of course I'm treating you like a person!"

That comes out more easily. But mostly since it's instinctive, something Madoka has already blurted out before she's really thought about it, her eyes growing wider. As if there's not alternative for her. Treating him like a person is only natural.

But a few moments after voicing those words, she starts to realise why he may have said that in the first place. Maybe he's not used to it - people treating him nicely. Considering everything else he's said..

".. I think a lot more people on the train will do that, sir." Even if people may not have been great to him back home, Madoka knows everyone on the train is great. Or, well, almost everyone. For a fact. She knows she won't be the only one to treat him kindly. "Especially when they realise you're actually really nice."

[happyends]

Thankfully he gives the answer she expected he'd give. Romeo is a good, honest boy, after all. Of course he'd tell the truth, and Madoka knows that no one who knows Romeo would ever want anything but the best for him.

So she pulls back a little. Just so he can see her visible smile.

"See..? Not that it means you have to force yourself to be happy right away.. But it just means she would be glad to know if you tried playing games, or doing something else fun to distract yourself. So.. um.. I guess all I'm saying is don't hold yourself back, Romeo.."

[yondu]

He wants to argue with her. But the truth is there's been a lot of guilt weighing on him what with Ego's kids, reconsidering how he treated Quill, all that mess banging around in his head he probably wouldn't be that much of a jackass to most of the kids on the train. To be honest most of 'em seem to realize that him threatening to eat them or someone else is just him foolin' around, anyway.

Peter just has no sense of humor.

"Don't go givin' me a bad reputation," he jokes. Not knowing that in less than a week the train will be swarming with child versions of the adults roaming around. He'll fuck up his own reputation.

[achickenformylove]

"That is better than I can do without searching. It would be very useful."

In a way, he can understand. When he had to lock his powers in order to protect WuXian, it was not exactly the most pleasant of feelings.

[marvelous_murderbot]

"I hadn't considered such abilities - but I had to consider the idea that such a powerful device as this train might have advanced medical facilities."

"We have - or had, in my universe - beings with strange powers, among them the ability to heal. I suppose I could not rule things out that way."

[marvelous_murderbot]

"They are useful in some regards. But again, it gives direction, and if the target has any sort of energy shielding, it will likely not penetrate - ensuring that retaliation can be swiftly directed."

She shrugs.

"My preference, when I was ordered to kill, was always hand-to-hand for that and other reasons."

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She nodded.]

I am what's referred to as a Human Replica Droid. It gets complicated, especially in my case, but I was designed as the best possible blending of technology and the organic.

I hope that isn't off-putting or disturbing.

[subcircuits]

"Am I freaking out?" He doesn't think he is, but he is actually asking. He doesn't want to make Ken uncomfortable when the poor kid's had so damn much happen to him already.

And regardless of the answer to that, "Most important thing is you're not hurt seriously." He doesn't remember exactly when he'd slid down to his seat on the floor beside the door, but he sits forward a little now. "What would be most helpful to you right now, Ken?"

[agathokakological]

It's not bragging if it's true-- which is what Crowley would empower her with if he'd felt the need to, but clearly that is not the case.

"Don't look at me," he says in reply, "It's not mine."

[dyingpro]

Greater periwinkle...

[He repeats the name to himself a few times, committing it to memory, committing another of his Mother's domain to memory. It may not seem important to Thanatos now, but it is important to him, in its own way.

Seeing Thanatos actually act like he's overwhelmed is a new one for Zagreus. He's used to Thanatos insisting that he needn't be fussed over, that he doesn't have time to take a break with so many mortal souls to collect. It worries him so much that he finds himself shifting to sit beside his friend, multi-hued eyes glimmering with concern in the dim light. It must be hard for Thanatos to talk about all this, even if he'd already heard all of this from a different source.]

... I know what happened, Than. Or at least the basics of it. Sisyphus had mentioned it before, though I'd never really brought it up to you because... well... I thought it might be unpleasant for you to relive that. He seems to regret it, for what it's worth. Heard Lord Cousin Ares was quite upset about the whole thing, that Hermes managed to smooth it over... I'm sure it must have been tough for you.

[His hand rests comfortingly on Thanatos' knee. The prince can't possibly know how hard it was, but he can sympathize.]

If it's true that we're from different worlds, which I still find hard to believe, because you're clearly my Than... I'm sure you must also know that the Household wouldn't let me stay trapped forever, not in Tartarus, not in Asphodel, and certainly not in Elysium. Nyx would send Achilles, or Meg, to bring me back, since they have authority over the wretches and shades.

[As much as it pains him to admit, he's not sure his father wouldn't leave him to metaphorically rot. But he dismisses that thought for now, focusing his attention on Thanatos.]

That's exactly what happened, the first time I escaped. Father accosted you about me, and I felt really, really bad about that... I changed the terms of Orpheus' pact so he could visit Eurydice... and you and Hypnos have been talking more, which is nice. I think it's good for him. And of course I'm going to give you nectar, Than, you're my friend. That's what friends do for each other, isn't it?

But there's more. I managed to reduce the terms of Sisyphus' sentence so that the Fury Sisters don't bother him as often. They're usually too busy trying to handle me, anyway. I also got Achilles' contract amended so he can visit Elysium whenever he wants, and see Patroclus. They clearly missed each other, so I'm hoping this will make them both happy. As for how many times I've gotten past my father, it's been... well, more than once. [The exact number would probably freak Thanatos out more, so for now, he'll let it slide.]

Could it just be that I'm from later on? In your sisters' tapestry, I mean. That time has moved on for me, but hasn't for you, at least not yet?

[miseris_socios]

"No, I mean... to heal I have to summon my Persona, and when I do that it looks like I'm shooting myself. So I know you'd freak out."

He'd gotten used to it, but it had definitely taken some serious adjusting.

"And... I don't know. I didn't... plan this far." He tries to calm his breathing. "I feel like all my muscles are tensed up, but I'm pretty sure they're not." He's in shock, but he doesn't know it.

"I... don't want to be here... I want to be with the others..." And Koromaru's not here.. he wants to press his face into the dog's soft fur.

[swansongs]

"Right. You know, that's one of the things I really like about you." He appreciated her honesty; it meant a lot to him.

Taking a deep breath, he blinked back some tears. People had high expectations, he was well aware of that, but to know he was doing good enough to at least one person...that also meant a lot to him. "Thank you," he said quietly. He needed more friends like her, honestly. Back home he had his band, and they were always supportive, but beyond that... Alice was something special.

[subcircuits]

The touch seems to surprise him. He's still so, so used to being the one who reaches out, and no one reaching back to him. He looks from the hand on his arm up to Kaiba's face-- and when he sees the empathy there, a startled, grateful smile breaks across his lips.

He covers Kaiba's hand with his own. "I-- I hadn't thought of it like that," he admits. The smile falters a little as he says, "If only she could see me now. She'd be furious."

Sounds good.

[gundamofthedesert]

"Thanks. It wasn't just us. We had Heero and WuFei and so many others behind us. It took a lot of people to bring peace to our world."

Quatre smiled. "I know that you will be able to do when you go home." He glanced once more at the gate before turning. "Come. Let's greet those who just arrived."

[subcircuits]

He's been good. He's been really, really good and has kept his curiosity to himself but it breaks out of him now, he can't help it with such a natural opening. "Does everyone on Shora look the way you do?"

She's purple! And from another planet! That's wild.

"It doesn't have to be complicated," he continues. "All you need to do is address someone the way they ask to be addressed, and respect the authenticity of who they say they are."

[theturksway]

Huh?

Oh, yeah. Uhh. Well, no. I mean, not really. I meant back home. I'm part of the Public Safety Department. We investigate special cases and help keep the peace and all that jazz. [To put it mildly.]

On the train there's not much to go by. 'Cept for what the passengers come up with on their own if you pay attention. [Which some people were better at than others but that was besides the point.] But I guess you could say purple team is best at covering whatever's needed. Like, we help out the other teams from time to time or take care of side quests that don't fall under the jurisdiction of the other teams' usual gig.

Works for me 'cause I like to move around to wherever the action is! That's why I joined Black Squad. Not a train assigned team, obviously, but one someone from my world made up to help out.

[forleaving]

He'd already lied to someone else about this; now he had to keep the train going, so to speak.

He shook his head. "It's what I want to do with my life. Work with children in abusive situations and make sure they get the help they need. I was lucky enough to have a great family, but not everyone is as fortunate."

[xue_yang]

"Guess you'll find out eventually. You will have a chance to go home and continue on."

More then he can say.

[forleaving]

"I don't doubt that." Adam nodded. He might not always understand why people did things, like he didn't understand why Blue got upset over certain things, but he knew enough not to question or poke fun at them, and someone's name was one of those things.

"Sometimes. It helps me learn." Through practice, almost anything was possible, after all.

[subcircuits]

I have to admit I don't know him well. But I got to dance with him once; he was sublime, and yet he kept acting like he had to apologize even daring to perform in front of my eyes.