A new Platform [Intro post~ October]

[voidtreckermods]

On the train

It has only been two days since they had returned to the train. Not long enough for boredom to set in but hopefully enough time to start recovering from the exhaustion, if not the injuries.

"Good morning passengers, today is day sixteen of the month of Bassoon. Due to your success on Planet #25768 your team points have been updated on the system. The on train shop has unlocked new stock."

Indeed it has, for those who go off to investigate. Alcohol and tobacco for the adults of the train and an option of a random non uniform outfit for those brave enough to see what the train provides them with.

It is a few hours later when the second announcement comes. “Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void imminent.”. By now they should know what that means. They have enough time to find somewhere to brace themselves before the train jerks and exits from the void.

Outside the window is foggy, as usual, but there is also a heavy pattering of rain, they may wish to find their raincoats if they are to go and welcome the new arrivals.

As the doors hiss open they see Manabu exiting from the luggage carriage, rucksack on his back. Blank faced he walks towards the ticket barrier and disappears through it, leaving behind only the sound of rain.

What they may notice, apart from the new arrivals are lots of pumpkins, looking just ready to be picked. On vines around the edges of the platform for any who wish to brave the rain long enough.

On the Platform

At first all they can see if steam and rain. Billowing around them as they come to their senses, dripping onto the hoods of the waterproof jackets they are conveniently wearing. They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on your back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

Five figures stand facing the tracks, two wearing orange, two purple and one wearing blue. The tracks stretch left and right into steam, or perhaps fog. Nothing can be seen to either side. There is a wall around the platform and the only entrance is a ticket barrier. It cannot be open, nor do there seem to be any staff.

What there is, is a train. Jet black and gleaming where it stands on the rails.Voidtrecker Express is emblazoned in the engine in gold. There is a hiss as the doors slide open.

Out step a selection of people, some less human than others, wearing clothes just like those worn by those on the platform.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is 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 not be a good thing.

There is a lot to discover, though it does not seem like there are any new carriages this time. But the train has a gym, a well stocked games carriage and a strange dressing room full of spider webs, among other things.

Each ICP shows the same message and there are plenty of people to answer any questions the new arrivals may have.

The food stores have been filled up, salmon is still the food of choice. The medicine carriage has also been restocked as it was heavily used in the aftermath of their last mission.

New passengers will find their tickets allow 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 and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers and the doors slide shut. For those who boarded two weeks ago they will know what is coming next.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view 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."

Hopefully someone warns you that you really want to heed that warning because a moment later there is 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. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to voidspace.

Comments

[mayp]

May wasn't sure what was happening, she had woken up in a strange place surrounded by pumpkins wearing an orange jumpsuit that she had never seen or owned before. I mean a jumpsuit. Really? There were better things to wear and it looked awfully like prison garb which she didn't appreciate. As the train approached she felt an overwhelming urge to approach it, to board it. She fought it for awhile but eventually she found herself stepping onobard, entering into what looked like a storage area for carriage.

"Hello?" she called out looking around her. "Where am I and what is this?"

[hashtagparkerluck]

Peter was on his way out to greet new arrivals like he usually does on new passenger day. He slept a little late so his hairs still a mess and he's shoving toast into his mouth as he heads out.

But he stopped.

He knew that voice. He'd know that voice anywhere. He nearly choked on his toast as his emotions quickly catch up with his brain.

May!

He pushed past everyone disembarking the train and damn near tackled his Aunt as he threw his arms around her. He was careful to watch his strength of course-but just barely.

"Aunt May! Oh my god! I can't believe you're here!" He'd been so worried he wouldn't get to see her again but obviously he was wrong. For once, it was nice to be wrong.

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony was one of the first heading toward the door to greet the new batch of lost idiots. Why did this keep happening? If it kept doing this every two weeks, what was that going to do to the train. There would be far too many people on such a limited space.

However, as he headed through the last carriage toward the door, his eyes landed on someone he most certainly hadn't expected. At least this one was a welcomed surprise. "Ms. Parker! It's good to see you again." He gave a short laugh. "Most people have to be practically dragged on board and you're on it even before we've gotten off to greet you."

[happyends]

It's the sound of someone calling out that draws Madoka over to the carriage, curiously peering inside. It did sound like someone needed help, after all, and Madoka isn't the type of girl who can just ignore that.

That's when she spots May standing there. She definitely doesn't recognize the woman at all, but it's mostly important to help this person out if she's new, right?

"Um--!" She speaks up, trying to draw the other's attention. "Are you new, miss..? Forgive me, but you sound a little lost.." At least Madoka sounds like she's trying really hard to be polite, especially to an adult she doesn't know.

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"Well, if this was the place of extremely beautiful women, I'd say you were right where you belong!" The art of ninjutsu was one of stealth, so Edge practically popping up may not have been intentional... "But sadly, it is not, barring yourself. Instead, it's a magic train."

On the Platform

[faithfulsupport]

Waiting on the platform is a tall man with dirty blonde hair and glasses with a calm business like demeanour. Being out here by necessity was different than being out here by choice as Ignis had been before. But he was looking to see if there were going to be any new members of his team and somehow he felt like a school teacher waiting for students in his class.

This was a still a little odd but he was grateful to have this to do. He looked over at the others and then kept his green eyes focused forward to be on the lookout. If anyone approaches him they'll get asked if they need any assistance.

OTA- feel free to threadjack and join these two leader type looking people.

[runs_on_batteries]

[ooc- Feel free to tag one or both of them.]

"See anyone we should be concerned about yet?" Tony asked, coming up to stand beside the taller man. "Peter's Aunt is here." He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Well, he did know but it was a mix of things that he didn't want to deal with right now. It was far better to play it cool and deal with whatever emotions it brought up until later behind closed doors.

[freakyfishdad]

Mako blinks and looks around at the scenery surrounding him, trying to put his mind back in order. The train platform doesn't look like one he recognizes, in any of the places he's been. A touch to his waist makes him realize that Jo-zu's Pokeball is also gone, as is his wedding bracelet-his ring the only remaining item he has. Even his clothes are completely different, now.

"Hey, excuse me!" He'll wave at anyone who looks like they know what's going on. "What is this place? Do you know who brought us here?"

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony noticed the man waving and calling out for assistance. There was an obvious air of authority about him as he approached.

"This is a train platform and that is the Voidtrekker. We've all been brought here from our own worlds and times. We have not met who is responsible for this but we believe it's the conductor to whom we get messages from periodically. No, we don't know how to get home yet but we're working on it."

He took a brief pause before holding out his hand. "I'm Tony Stark."

[myblueskies]

Romeo perhaps wouldn't be the obvious choice of someone who knows who is going on and it is perfectly possible that Mako was indeed waving at someone else. But Romeo skips over anyways, enjoying the way the puddles splash underneath him.

"Hello sir! It's a train platform! That's a train!" He pointed, because the man might not know. It was possible, there were lots of things Romeo doesn't know. "I don't know who brought us here but we live on that train and go to lots of different places!"

Raven--OTA

[azrthmtrnznthos]

Platform
Raven was annoyed--she didn't remember exactly how, or why, she was where she was. The details were all fuzzy. The clothes were annoying, but tolerable--although she missed her cloak and cowl. At least they were dark colors, in black and purple.

She wasn't alone either, as she pulled the hood of her jacket further over her features. Covertly eyeing the others, hands in her pockets. It wasn't Earth, and it wasn't Azarath. Which meant, maybe--her friends were safe. She was safe for now.

She missed her friends, but it wasn't as if she hadn't been lonely ever before. She could be so again. Mostly, none of her annoyance or thoughts showed in her expression or posture; not beyond any other soaking wet uncomfortable teenager in a strange environment anyways.

Cabin
Eyeing the space, she wondered if she'd get in trouble for just taking a pillow and blanket to the Quiet car and holing up there instead. She just hoped her room-mates weren't too loud. If nothing else, she took her time assessing things including laying out everything from the rucksack--and pleased to find her blue cloak and cowl! It probably looked strange over the purple hoodie but it gave her a sense of comfort. Unfortunately it was the only familiar thing from home.

Sighing to herself quietly, she packed it all back up in the rucksack. Tucking that in a cabin, she moved over to the ICP display. Time to try and find some answers and information, before she explored the rest of the train.

On the Train/Departure
Raven blinked at the announcement, and took a seat just in case. Voidspace huh? She couldn't sense anything outside the train, and not much inside of it beyond the other passengers. Then again, her ticket did say 'Voidtrecker Express'...

Staying seated for just a few more moments, Raven breathed a short sigh of relief and tried to relax. Yes-she didn't know what she was in for, and yes-she missed her friends. But they should be safe because she wasn't on Earth. Or Azarath. Or anywhere He could find her hopefully.

Savoring that sentiment, and hoping it wasn't an illusion, before she got to her feet and moved to start exploring her new home. Secure enough in her concealing blue cloak and cowl over her new clothes, eventually she ended up in one of the quiet cabins to meditate.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis was in the quiet cabin writing. Outside there were too many people and while he could handle them, he preferred not to be bothered. His notes were on the holidays he'd heard of from Reigen and he was comparing the notes he'd gotten from Tony, Renee and Romeo.

His eyes looked up from his notebook when he saw a new face come in. She had on a blue cloak and it made him wonder if she was supposed to be on his team, but he said nothing and continued working on consolidating his notes.

The next thing he knew, he looked up and saw the girl up in the air. Alright now that he hadn't seen before. Ignis wanted to ask, but that would obviously disturb her and staring was rude as he reminded Noctis. So his eyes dropped back to his notes.

Platform

[hashtagparkerluck]

Peter's mood is significantly better now that he has May back but he can't cling to her all day-he doesn't think. She probably wouldn't appreciate it too much and there are other people he wasn't to greet. He glances around and frowns at the scenery. There's pumpkins? That's new.

He glances back towards the train to see Mr Stark has found Aunt May and very nearly walks right into someone. Thankfully, his senses kick in before that happens and he corrects himself.

"Hi!" He greets cheerfully. "Guess you're new huh? I'm Peter. Peter Parker-but Pete's fine too."

Platform

[pleple]

Another teen. Older than Ple Two, still young enough for Tony Stark to complain about all these darned kids he's looking after. He could focus on the ones who needed it anyways.

"Your best bet is to not wait too long." Getting left behind sounds concerning; if not, she can at least settle in before they start moving.

cabin

[happyends]

Madoka manages to spot the other girl trying to use the ICP as Madoka is heading down the corridor past the sleeper carriages. Or, well, she doesn't even realise whether it's a girl or a guy at first - it's kind of hard to tell with the cloak on, after all. It mostly makes this other person look mysterious to her at first, and of course that immediately draws Madoka's mind to think of Homura - she gives off that same mysterious vibe, after all.

But as she approaches, she realises the person under the cloak doesn't look like anyone she knows. Thankfully Madoka is still friendly and helpful enough despite that, and so she speaks up to Raven.

"Um.. Are you new? Is there anything you were trying to look up? Maybe I can help."

Platform

[onehandsomeslickninja]

"You look like you could stand to be a LOT less wet," Edge said, as he wandered pretty much inexorably in the direction of a pretty girl. "And probably a lot more informed, too!"

[forsakenprince]

Platform - Locked to Renee bc we gotta start off on at least half a good foot
Uldren wasn't actually standing, but on the ground, with his eyes closed as he waited for the gunshot. The shot never came, and the silence and tension was soon replaced by the sound of rain. He was so sore. He coughed and then unsteadily sat up with a wince. Everything hurt, but he was still alive somehow. It was obvious to Uldren that Mara was still out there, and she had somehow intervened in his demise. Yes, that was it. That was the only explanation that made any sense. He looked and felt like hell, and he didn't even bother trying to get up quite yet. The thing that Riven sent through the gate really did a number on him, and he would remember that. Riven was a problem that would have to be dealt with... But that was a problem for tomorrow.

The Cabin - OTA, he's just putting stuff away tbh
Renee had helped him get on the train and helped him find his room, a bunk. For a while he can be found just sitting on the edge of the bunk, even after Renee leaves him. Eventually he sighs and pulls his rucksack next to him, looking through it. His expression grew somber as he saw the small pot of flowers within it, his jaw setting as he recalled his sister's reaction to his gift. The flowers were very quickly stowed in his storage compartment, then he resumed going through the rest of his items. It was mostly just stuff to get by on. He stowed those neatly away as well.

He felt as if he moved at a glacial pace, but it was better to take things slow at the moment. He tried not to linger on the thought that his armor, knife, and mark was gone. Not to mention he no longer had The Last Word...

The Train/Departure - OTA, he's not gonna punch The Wall
By the time he'd packed all of his things up in his room he was more or less used to the pain he felt and was able to move almost as normal. He still took it a bit slow as he moved through the train, looking things over. He seemed to be less than impressed by what the train had to offer.

As the train took off he found a place to sit, wincing in pain as the lurch jolts through him. He was just going to sit here for a little bit and let that wave of pain subside as he stared out the window at the light show beyond the glass.

[ He'll be about on the train, feel free to catch him literally anywhere. ]

for me??

[afterburner]

Renee had just stepped off the train when she heard a cough and thought she saw a figure in the mist--but low to the ground. She stepped closer slowly, but lowered herself into a crouch when she saw the guy down.

"I'm pretty sure I know the answer already, but are you all right?" After all, he looked like he'd just gotten the shit kicked out of him.

She hoped whoever it was had at least bought him dinner first.

Train

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis had gone through the train as was his custom to check on his team. He moved now to go back to the dining carriage to see about getting a cup of coffee and saw an unfamiliar man in blue sitting there by himself. He was wearing blue as well so he knew he was part of his team.

The other man almost seemed as if he wanted o be left alone and the advisor wasn't one to pry. However, as the blue team leader he could at least make an effort and if it was rebuffed, Ignis would let it go. After all, disturbing others was impolite.

Stopping in front of the other man, Ignis nodded. "I'm on my way to the dining carriage. Can I get you something from there?"

Departure

[runs_on_batteries]

"Are you alright sir?" Tony asked. He'd gone to the standard car where most were gathering to get through the jolt- not that they knew that was the situation. He was scanning the room for anyone who may have ended up with an injury from the train's jump into the void.

Naturally, his gaze fell to one of the newcomers who seemed to wince as they were thrown about. He moved closer, a hip against the row or two ahead of the stranger. He wanted to make it clear he was there to help while not actually invading the man's space.

The Cabin: Aka I'm Sorry In Advanced That He Has to Sleep Here

[filmnotyetrated]

Wade sat up, yawning and stretching and trying to come to life. The chance to nap whenever he wanted was just one perk of being a prisoner on hell train. Another perk was the endless slew of randos provided for him to annoy. Speaking of....

There was somebody unfamiliar in the room and man he looked like a downer. Wade leaned over the side of his bunk to look at the newcomer.

"How now, brown cow, why so glum? Did hell train get you while you were busy? That's a bummer. My name's Wade, or Deadpool, or hey you, whatever. Hope you don't mind the mess, I've just been throwing shit wherever. I'll try to keep it outta your way, but enough about that who are you? What's your favorite color? Do you like long walks on the beach?"

[myblueskies]

Romeo had finished saying hello to the new people he had seen on the platform when he returned to his bed room. He saw on the screen before he even opened the door that there was another name! Uldren.

He used his ticket to open the door and skipped into the room happily. "Hello sir!" He smiled at his new roommate as he clambered up onto his bed. There wasn't much room in the cabin so it was best to stick to his bed so he wasn't in the way too much!

[schrodingersghost]

On the Platform:
Danny puts together the train platform, the new clothes, and the fact that he had absolutely no idea how he had ended up on some weird train platform and comes to one very unwelcome conclusion.

"Oh, great," he says aloud. "Yet another working vacation."

And he'd had an English test scheduled for today too. He was definitely flunking that now.

Cabin 2C:
Danny drags his bag into the room and looks around for an empty bunk.

Departure:
So he might still be annoyed at the situation, but at least the scenery was cool. For the first few hours after departure Danny can be found with his face plastered to the window, staring at the void's display of colors and wishing that he had somehow managed to bring his telescope along.

[afterburner]

"You have a lot of those, champ?" Renee...is on the train. There'd been some dude (who she later found out was a ninja!) hanging out on it. So she is, unashamedly, stealing a page from his playbook. She may be trolling, a little, but it's decidedly unintentional. He might notice the faint red glow that denotes Renee using her powers around the edge of her boots, too.

Simply wouldn't do to fall off, now, would it?

Platform

[hashtagparkerluck]

Peter's making rounds, talking to the few new people and notes there doesn't seem to be as many this time. He can't help but hear that comment about vacation and really can't help but chime in-

"Dude, you ain't seen nothing yet. This is like, a working vacation, working vacation-two working vacations in one!"