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

[10billionpercent]

"You wouldn't be alone, is all I mean. Technically my world isn't really advanced, but it used to be at one point." He considered that.

Senku nodded. "It's not that you won't die. You do. At least you experience death, from what I understand. Then you wake up in a suitcase sometime later, a day or so. I asked the train why we come back, and they said the tether makes it very difficult to die permanently. It's new in the sense that most worlds don't have that as a feature, but not new to those of us on the train exactly."

[makeadragonwannaretire]

"Well that's...horrifying frankly." Not just the idea of experiencing death but somehow waking up in a suitcase seemed almost as bad as the death itself.

"Useful I imagine but horrifying." She specified. "This train seems very determined to get what it wants if it's able to defy death in the process."

[10billionpercent]

"I agree with you." At least, he did on principle. "And I don't feel confident we know enough about it because people typically try not to die. But, that has been the case and the train told us that's why."

Senku wasn't sure if he believed it, but so far it had checked out. He wasn't the most comforting person for welcoming, really.

"Fortunately, if you find yourself in a tough spot, a lot of people will probably help you out. There are medical professionals, both magical and non magical, so the treatment could end up as a blend of things."

[makeadragonwannaretire]

She raises an eyebrow at the idea of a magical medical professional, as if that's the strangest thing she's heard all day.

"And between the two, which seems to be more effective? I previously would have never given a second thought to someone claiming to be a magical healer, but I'm on a magic train flying between worlds surrounded all manner of insanity so...I'm open to recommendations."

[10billionpercent]

"Depends really. Mostly we're dealing with injuries, strictly speaking, since my arrival illness hasn't been a problem for the most part. A healer can really cut down on the recovery time, but having been healed it wasn't really that great in the moment. I'm not sure I'd rather not just deal with regular medicine." Senku considered.

"Although dealing with a concussion longer than a day or two would be a real pain. I specialize in a mixture of Western and Eastern medicine, out of necessity in my world, but I can't do magic. I can't make you good as new in an hour. I don't know, a blended approach might be good. Someone who's like me who can deal with the immediate threat, and then a healer to cut down on recovery. Unless you know, a healer's available outright, but considering that one mission, that might not always be true."

[makeadragonwannaretire]

Azula listened intently, making eye contact for the first time in their conversation and absorbing his opinion. This was why she felt like he could be talked to. He had experience and a way to explain things logically. Even if some of it was still vague.

Perhaps everything involving magic was just...vague.

"You've possibly been the most helpful person I've met today." she concluded "I don't intend on needing help but if I am injured I'll attempt a blended method, so long as I'm able."

[10billionpercent]

He quirked a small smile. "I try. Part of my many jobs at home."

He nodded. "It's good that you don't want to be in medical. Nobody intends on it but it's available if you need it, which is about what you need to know on that." Senku hummed.