voidtreckerexpress | 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There was a lot to it. Ple Two was a bit young to try to court a lady like Guri (also a bit too taken) so it was mostly just acknowledgement... not that she had any context for that.

"I'm... Ple Two." Guri was a little too straightforward for her to know how to handle immediately. "...you are new here, aren't you?"

"Ple Two. Interesting. Does that designation indicate clone heritage?"

Something she just drops out there as if that is a completely normal thing - which, in many ways in her universe, it is. Her advanced sensors would have detected another HRD, so she can eliminate that possibility.

"And yes, I am. Wherever here, in fact, is."

"I-oh. Um." No one's just cottoned on to that instantly. This woman is from a world where cloning is likely more commonplace than her own - which is concerning in its own way.

"Very perceptive, yes. I... am the first clone of another girl." It's a complicated situation. "Although on the Void Trecker Express I'm quite happy to be my own person."

"Interesting, I have never met a clone so close to the progenitor being. Though most clones usually have some form of alpha-numeric designation, at least where I'm from.

But the second half gives her pause, as Guri has some rather unique and expansive thoughts on 'personhood.'

"This may be a personal question, but was there ever a time when you were not? You are a living, sentient being, after all."

In short, she would consider Ple Two her own person at all times, not just here, as a matter of common sense.

"There were few of us. The technology is quite unproven in my time and place... although it seems to have worked on me." Well, she hasn't dropped over dead yet!

Ple Two takes a moment of pause as well. "...I was not meant to make my own decisions for myself. I was simply a tool meant to operate a weapon." No automated mobile suits. "Not now. Not any more."

Oh, now that strikes her right in her core, and it shows in her expression, which softens a lot.

"That was my life, too," she said, a smile coming to her face. "I'm so glad that you found your way to freedom."

Guri - despite how odd she feels - seems kind. It's nice to see, and she smiles back. "I hope being here can be good for you too," she says quietly, "and I'll help you if you need anything as well."

...it's nice to find a kindred spirit.

She nods, in thanks and agreement.

"That is a mutual feeling, I assure you."

"So do you have any particular questions? I'm not the expert on our situation, but I've been here for quite a while now." So she at least knows where everything is.

She pauses for a moment, then leans a bit closer, dropping her voices.

"These missions. They will not involve any...assassination? I would rather not do that. Once it was compelled of me, but I have tried to leave that past behind me."

Ple Two looks to the side for a moment. "Mm. There has been combat, but nothing so cold-blooded as assassination." Yet.

She seems to relax, just a little bit.

"Good. I used to be...compelled to do that. I have erased those memories, and I really hope not to add new ones."

It's not like she'd find the equipment to erase them again anyways.

"Even if the task comes up... we won't make you do it. I'll stand up for that." Not that she thinks anyone would force the issue, but just in case.

She nods, gratefully.

"That is exceptionally kind. I accept that, to save lives, taking one may be a necessity sometimes. But something pre-meditated, in cold blood like that..."

She had decided that life was precious. Nobody had programmed that into her, especially. But it was something she'd come to on her own. Either all life was precious, or none of it was. She still killed, when absolutely necessary to survive or to help others - but it was never a first choice. Always the last.

"I would like to be your friend," she says, suddenly. "I believe we...think alike."

Once a decision is made, it is made.

"I feel the same way. I... have killed, and likely will again if I must, but I don't take any pleasure in it now." Although she can still get some satisfaction out of taunting an enemy.

"Heh. This might be the easiest friendship I've made..." Ple Two holds out her hand. "But I agree. I like you already."

She smiles, taking the hand.

"I'm glad to hear it."

And, excited as she is to make a friend, she decides to continue to act as human as possible - out of fear of losing what was so easily gained.

"I like you as well."

A handshake is nice and human. Ple Two has quite a solid grip for a child, too. "...I'm glad to hear it." Strange birds of a strange feather. She's met such an incredible variety of people here, and Guri is among the most immediately interesting.

She's quite happy with this. An actual friend, not just an associate! It is, so far, her greatest triumph on the road to becoming more human. And it shows, a bit, on her face.

"I suppose I should get situated. But I am very happy to have met you, Ple."

Apparently it's just that easy somehow. "Good luck, Guri. I'm sure you'll fit in once you've gotten the swing of things."

A New Platform [Intro Post February]

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And because I never get to use this icon...

oh hey she should do THAT to P2's old master

She might have!

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