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!
comefadeaway: (Hmm?)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2021-02-07 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
He decided that he liked the pink paper for the cat and he followed along the directions carefully. He only had to refold twice when he didn't quite do it right, but that wasn't too bad. He was still learning and Soldat didn't seem to mind when he stumbled a little bit.

"Do you know how to make a lot of shapes?" He couldn't help but ask, even if he had to look up for the answer.
stopstaring: (pic#7502413)

[personal profile] stopstaring 2021-02-07 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[His explanation is succinct and to the point, and... Questionable, but all things considered, the part she can verify (the train and its platform) appears to be true. Which likely means he's not yanking her around.

Olivia, while wary of anyone she doesn't know, prefers to think the best of people. If she can help it. The world is too frightening if she just assumes everyone is out to hurt her in some way.]


Oh... U-uhm. Well. I guess... that... addresses all of that.

[She nibbles upon her lower lip thoughtfully.] We were picked specifically? I'm no hero, r-really. [She doubts her dancing is going to be saving anyone on a grand scale, honestly.]
comefadeaway: (Hopeful)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2021-02-07 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Yoite considered that and shook his head. "Not much. I can't really feel it." That was a saving grace considering how much of his body had turned black already.

"It's..." He shook his head after a moment, deciding to spare Devero the details. "Anyway. I won't die here. The train said so."
comefadeaway: (Hopeful)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2021-02-07 06:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes. I asked for an outfit." He was more than happy to pull out the next item from the bag, which was a white turtleneck. "Mine at home was thicker, but I had one like this."

The next item was mustard coloured slacks which he wasn't entirely sure what to make of, personally, but there were still several items in the bag.
stopstaring: (pic#7502413)

[personal profile] stopstaring 2021-02-07 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's stopped. Because she stopped. Oh...

Olivia looks a little surprised by the comment. She hasn't made it a habit of singing in front of other people. She tries to avoid it, in fact, as much as she tries to avoid having any additional attention.]


Er. N-not really. I'm not much of a singer! [She can just hear some of the Shepherds arguing that.] I don't think I've had anyone s-sing with me before either.

[Or hum. Maybe Inigo in the future...? She wouldn't know without asking him, though.]
stopstaring: (pic#7997427)

[personal profile] stopstaring 2021-02-07 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[She looks between the two of them again and zeroes in the moment they make mention of Inigo. Not by name, but... Well. They obviously know who she is. How? She's never seen either of them before.

More importantly they know Inigo. Who are they to him?]


Er. I—

[Please excuse her while she tries to... put herself together again. This is a lot to take in.]

You're friends with Inigo? [She motions between the two of them.] He's here? [An obvious question with an obvious answer. They just implied he is, after all.]
adregem: (lofty you say the silliest things.)

[personal profile] adregem 2021-02-07 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
The MaDnuG is observed closely for a few more minutes before he sets it down gently next to him, on the bed. He's smiling still, happy for the recognition. He's not at all bothered that Ken already thinks of that him in a particular way, perhaps more used to it than he lets on regardless of how long he's been on this train. Or how much he's changed.

"I did." He replies smoothly. "I was a big fan of toys and movies. Adults who pretend they're not into this stuff are probably doing it because...they have to look a certain way for work." He chuckles, but there's little mirth in it. "If they look like they're too young, the adults don't seem to take them seriously even if they make sense. So they hide and grow up faster."

If he's speaking from experience, it's not obvious. The only thing lending weight to his sentiment found in the softened lilt of his voice.
subcircuits: (if you're sure...)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-02-07 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Devero releases Koumyou's hands and actually takes a step back, giving Koumyou a little space. This is bigger than some warm words and a smile can reassure, which means he wants to take it seriously.

He half-turns towards his Interface where it still sits on the floor and gestures, shutting off the music, then returns his attention to the priest. "Koumyou, where is this coming from...?"
agathokakological: oh it's you ([078])

[personal profile] agathokakological 2021-02-07 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Crowley's lips turn up into a scowl as Yondu recalls the planet's crimes. "Mnngh... you can't kill kids," he huffs, "Typical."

The deep breath the demon then takes speaks volumes. Crowley has his own issues with the way things had gone on his own planet. The reason he'd fallen from grace to begin with was because he'd asked too many questions, and the heartbreak he'd felt to see The Almighty smite the lives of innocent children in great floods or other disasters was enough to make him feel sick... which probably says a lot more about his character than the word 'Demon' ever would.

"There's only been the one." Crowley says quietly in response to the next part. "Things worked out in the end, I suppose." At least, they'd worked out in the sense that the person in question was here, with him, and they were able to express their love for one another without fear of retribution from either side, anyway. This was a silver-lining that made his stay on the train worth it, after all.
happyends: (lies in the palm)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-02-07 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ IT COLLIDES WITH MADOKA'S FACE AND SHE PASSES OUT.

Okay, not really. But for a moment it kind of feels like that might happen, and Madoka looks startled - a look that lingers on her face even as she views the cover of the book, trying to read its title while Della explains. ]


Junior.. Woodchucks?

[ She repeats the word. Judging by the way it sounds, and the cover of that book.. ]

Are those boy scouts and girl scouts..?
adregem: (look forward to tomorrow.)

[personal profile] adregem 2021-02-07 06:47 pm (UTC)(link)
An actual cat is speaking to him. About popcorn and movies.

Oh, you've seen stranger things haven't you? - is what he thinks right away, and so he returns coolly to the conversation as if the thought did not occur to him at all. He's best when he just rolls with it.

And by rolling with it, Roland just offers her a smile and a hand in amicable dismissal. "I don't mind at all. I'm happy for any company. You can ask away too, though to be honest, this is my first time to watch this movie myself. I guess it'll be an adventure for the both of us, wouldn't you say?"

...This would be a great time to introduce himself. Yes. Definitely.

Because he does it so often, he instinctively offers his hand to her paw to shake, like an absolute fool. But he goes through with despite the silly realization because who is he if he doesn't fake it till he makes it!

"My name is Roland. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance...?"

Oh god, he should have more experience with these things! Didn't he go through the same thing with Spark!
miseris_socios: (blankly)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-02-07 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Most adults are liars, if the last two years have taught me anything." He'd been smart even at 9, started to notice how teachers deflect thing sometimes... "I don't know why people lie to themselves so much... if there's something you like or want you should be able to go get it."

Like, for instance, revenge.

"I tried to get a job a few times, but people would just laugh at me. I'm just as capable as a lot of them. I... my team knows I'm into that kind of stuff, but I'm not... people would look at me like I'm a kid."
stopstaring: (pic#13457829)

[personal profile] stopstaring 2021-02-07 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[Olivia's only initial shift is the one that has her leaning against the washer, which is still an annoyingly loud machine that she's not wholly comfortable around. In the face of the reality that Inigo's presence here paints, however, the sound is as nothing in those moments.

His initial response is questionable, until he clarifies. It's been... a while for him then. A while without her. Although considering what she's heard of the future, it's probably been longer than that. To think of herself dead in a future that she knows so little about is an interesting path she doesn't like adventuring down either. She'll have to think about it at some point, though.

Not... now. She doesn't want to think about it now.]


It's just you and me, then.

[She doesn't know if that should make her happy or... unhappy. Having Inigo here, however, is better than being alone, regardless.]

I'm g-grateful you're here. I heard that you were, but didn't know where to begin looking. A lot of people seem to know you. And Lord Chrom... [Although all things considered, she shouldn't call him that. He isn't just Lord Chrom anymore.]

I'm glad I'm not a-alone. Is what I'm trying to say.
its_dad_sanzo: (hands going into sleeves)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-02-07 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Koumyou tucks his hands into his sleeves, tilting his head forward to hide his face behind his long bangs again.

He doesn't have to search at all to find the stain of his blood on the stage. It's faint, but still there.

"I know you said I didn't... coerce you before, but that doesn't mean I might never-- that doesn't mean I can t-trust myself. When we fought, I..."

Really took to heart the things Devero had said. Even though the man hadn't meant them, ultimately, they'd resonated.

"We don't have to do anything to just, be," he repeats quietly, "I don't want to lose you, and I don't want to ever hurt you, either."

The sutra hasn't gone away, but it's dwindled down to only one tendril, which actually just lays on the stage as though forgotten.
firewalled: (I hardly realize what has already rotted)

[personal profile] firewalled 2021-02-07 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"You know you're cheating!" Rich huffs, but at least he's good natured about it despite all that. Otoha is helping him a lot after all, so Rich is more than willing to do the same.

"No, it's okay if you need pointers! I was cooking for myself since I was like 10 or so? I've got it down pretty good by now. At least the quick stuff, which I think is what people are looking for."
bakegarasu: (little child be not afraid)

[personal profile] bakegarasu 2021-02-07 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Probably." He chuckles and looks over at her. "It's okay. ... People are helping me realize that it's okay to ask for help sometimes. ... And you have a personality, so you're a person, even while you're a city."

He glances over at Rich. That's right, sin't it? He needs a reality check on this one.
firewalled: (Watching like this for how long?)

[personal profile] firewalled 2021-02-07 07:02 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, actually, I don't know about that? I've kind of just met someone who apparently came right back out of there. I've heard stories of people returning to their worlds, and then coming back here, too. So... I don't know if it's impossible for the people we lose to come back, but I still wouldn't push my luck."

He gives her a bit of a sympathetic look.

"Listen. I know how much it sucks here. I was trying to kick down every door I saw when I ended up here. Was kind of a mess too, kinda got dumped here from the hospital. So... I guess what I'm trying to say is it's okay to be upset. But I'm working to find a way out of here, okay? Lots of people are."

If he can get a package delivered here by the train, then hopefully the answers will come sooner rather than later, and this person won't have to feel so distraught. Speaking of... Rich holds out a hand towards her with a careful smile.

"By the way, I'm Rich. Rich Goranski. What's your name?"
springforth: (pic#13529953)

[personal profile] springforth 2021-02-07 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"The small kind. I still have some crystal flowers I snuck off the planet, off in the greenhouse."

She's a plant thief. Which is to say, there's more than just one sort of non Earth plant in her collection and she's not exactly the only one.

"Well all of those skills will certainly come in handy," She grins at his joke, "Especially the fashion model part. We've been needing one of those for ages."
springforth: (pic#13529952)

[personal profile] springforth 2021-02-07 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, this is all she wanted. It's so cute, settled down with the leaf. She watches it until Merwen speaks, her gaze shooting up to meet hers. This is always the awkward part of every interaction on the train, the inevitable explanation. And it doesn't feel like this one where she's going to get away with the blanket statement.

"I'm a goddess. Goddess of spring. So plants, flowers, I can create them or just make them grow. Which comes in handy when the train decides you get one main of ingredient a month and they pick something like bacon." She's trying very hard to remain still, so the clickfly doesn't wander off.
comefadeaway: (Hopeful)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2021-02-07 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Yoite nodded a little bit. "I saw them last time. They can talk."

He paused a moment. "Did that cat talk to you?"
reluctantjinrou: (Sleepy)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2021-02-07 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I got a new coat." Natsuno said, spreading his arms a little bit so she could admire it.

"I picked some random outfits since I didn't know what I wanted and I got this coat."

He didn't say it, but isn't it great, Alice?
reluctantjinrou: (Default)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2021-02-07 07:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think so." He grumbled. "Told me it wouldn't let me off because it would be irresponsible. I hope it breaks soon."

Unfortunately for Ken, he'd found someone who was not a huge fan of the train and openly hostile to it.
reluctantjinrou: (Glancing Around Corners)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2021-02-07 07:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not particularly." Natsuno said with a bit of a shake to his head. "You're just the third new roommate in two weeks, that's all."

He was just a bit tired of it, it wasn't Guri's fault.

"You should know I'm a vampire." He stated outright, just to get that out of the way.
flatteries: (and let out a sigh)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-02-07 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Trust him, huh. Thankfully that's not a hard thing to do for Inigo, and he decides to interpret it as him just being allowed to do whatever he wants, without it getting in the way of Roland pulling off his move.

That works well enough for Inigo, and he quickly raises his blade to block Roland's own as he comes in for the strike. It's not too hard, as experienced with this as he is, and it allows him some room left for thought inside of his head - wondering what Roland could possibly be up to.

Then Inigo puts a bit more strength into the force behind his sword, like he's trying to push Roland's sword away.
bodyoftheseus: (math meme)

[personal profile] bodyoftheseus 2021-02-07 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
V blinked at him a few times taking that information in.

"Uh, no, just meowed like a cat. Some other guy thought he was somethin' called a... Flerken?"