A New Platform [Intro Post March]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

Once again passengers are awoken by the morning announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day One of the month of Kazoo. 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 is thick, the air is warm and humid and there are rumbles of thunder, the air heavy with the promise of rain.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Alfredo Martini, Daia, Enna Alchiba, Lord El-Melloi II, Natsuno Yuuki, Nita Callahan, Saku Gyousou, Sakura, V and Wen Qing

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, and seems smaller with twenty-seven 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.

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'). Those not new to the train will note the addition of an eighth sleeper carriage. The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, it seems the month of Kazoo is defined by the tomato and there are plenty of them.

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 as thunder rumbles further and the storm threatens to break. 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

Platform

[thawed_pride]

[Vexen doesn't really care for large crowds, but with Xion insisting on checking the platform, he can't just stay inside. Not with the condition she's in. He's a little surprised to see what, at first glance, seems to be the Riku of a year ago on the platform. He's more surprised to realize that it's his Riku Replica...looking poised to attack the train, because of course he is.

He sighs as he approaches, clad in the familiar black coat over an orange shirt, and crosses his arms as he looks down at the Replica.]

And just what do you expect to accomplish there, boy?

[falseshore]

[In his defense, he hasn't attacked the train yet, partly because of all the people around and partly because it hasn't done anything but sit there. Come to think of it, everyone else seems oddly ambivalent to the train's presence, but that could mean it's even MORE dangerous.

Either way, it's not doing anything for the moment, leaving him to address who's just approached. Someone who's very familiar, and who immediately prompts him to look around nervously to see if anyone else in black coats might be nearby.]

I'm...making sure that thing isn't going to be a threat. [That 'thing' being the train, of course.]

[thawed_pride]

We're fortunate enough to not be cursed with Larxene's presence, if that's what you're checking for.

And 'that thing' is a vehicle. The only way it's going to be a threat is if someone is foolish enough to stand on the tracks.

[falseshore]

[He's skeptical of this claim, but he relaxes enough to banish his sword.]

Oh. Got it. So that's a vehicle and...what is this place?

[thawed_pride]

A train station, meant for boarding said vehicles. This one in particular exists in a form of interspace, and that train you were just threatening travels between worlds.

[falseshore]

[Congratulations science dad, you've said a couple of the words that'll get him to listen to you, those being 'travels between worlds'. He may not have Riku's memories of other worlds, but he certainly has his desire to see them, especially after only knowing Castle Oblivion.]

Other worlds? We're talking 'not in the castle' worlds?

[thawed_pride]

[He can't say he's surprised by that reaction. In fact, it earns a faint smile, and...is that a fond look in his eyes?]

We are indeed. Worlds even I have never visited before. Based upon the information I've found on the usual schedule, we are due to arrive at one within the next two weeks.

[falseshore]

On one hand, the train can't entirely be trusted. Transportation is something of an odd concept to him still, but if this train can truly travel to other worlds...he can make his own memories of them, ones that aren't anyone else's.

Two weeks? Do we stay... [Looking around at the platform and the others on it.] ...here until then? [There isn't much around.]

[thawed_pride]

No, we only stay here long enough for the new arrivals to orient themselves. We will be riding inside the train, which has dedicated areas for both sleeping and eating.

There's also two areas for exercise, so you should have things to expend your energy on other than antagonizing people who wouldn't hesitate to maim you.

Hoboy late tag is stupid late

[falseshore]

[Huff. Don't call him out like this.]

I wasn't--I had good reasons, okay?

[Like 'Larxene deserved it' and 'Sora was obnoxious'. Totally good reasons.]