voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-03-01 05:44 am

A New Platform [Intro Post March]

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!
storms_eye: (You)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-03-02 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
Ah- but you wouldn't want to hear about all that.

[More nervous laughter was accompanied by a few rapid hand waves in an attempt to swiftly move past this awkward subject]

Oh- uh the Garden Car? I come here fairly often, sure. [Looking around at the carefully maintained space, and it's water features.] I think it's pretty relaxing, and it's one of the few places with transparent windows so you can just kinda stargaze if you want.

[Or ... did this person mean the train itself?]
famtastic: (let's go)

[personal profile] famtastic 2021-03-02 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
I want to hear about anything.

[she wraps her arms around her knees and looks up]

It's beautiful up there. Not any stars I recognize but lovely. Who takes care of this place? The Garden Car I mean.
storms_eye: (You)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-03-02 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
You must be of an inquisitive nature, then.

[Smiling a bit more easily at that, and not offering anything about herself or more specifically her problems readily]

None that I recognize either, but there's just something magical about them. [Tapping an index finger to her lips, she considered the question] I'm not really sure- it's just always been like this as far as I know. Since we're cooped up inside like this- I think it's important to have spaces like this.

So... are you new? [There were so many passengers she didn't know that she didn't want to just assume]
Edited 2021-03-02 06:34 (UTC)
famtastic: (I know)

[personal profile] famtastic 2021-03-02 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
People have said nosy. [a faint grin though. She looks around, reaches up to touch a nearby leaf]

It's good to have growing things. Reminds you of a slower pace of life. [she usually prefers fast paced but sometimes its nice just to slow down]

Yes. Hallo. [she wiggles her fingers] I'll try to keep out of trouble but I doubt that'll happen.
storms_eye: (Thank)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-03-02 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Before she could prevent herself, that granted a light chuckle] Well- I mean, some people can be pretty rude.

Mm, they do. [You know aside from all the other benefits they provide like oxygen production, and sometimes sustenance.]

[In a way it was a comfort to see someone taking this all in stride.] I think it would be hard to avoid for the average person, but you seem like you might revel in the experience. [Feeling a little pang of envy. Both this woman and this alternate version of herself definitely seemed like more adventurous types than her. Uncurling from her position she adopted a more relaxed stance] I'm Silvia by the way, you are?
famtastic: (snicker)

[personal profile] famtastic 2021-03-03 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
There needs to be bees. [she'll make it her next project] I love a good bee. [maybe she can make some. At the girl's assumption she grins]

I do usually. There's something brilliant about getting into trouble and back out of it again. Sometimes it's painful and once... I ended up in prison in a sun for a few decades but then who doesn't?

[a smile and she extends her hand]

The Doctor. Pleased to meet you.
storms_eye: (ugly)

[personal profile] storms_eye 2021-03-03 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I mean they would help for pollination.. [.. but she was unsure of having a stingy insect in such an enclosed space. Silvia knew there was a need for insects but she wasn't super keen on them..] Some of them are pretty cute. [The fuzzy ones]

Really? I kinda.. try to stay out of trouble whenever possible. [Realizing this probably made her sound boring.. she sighed.] .. not that I'm always successful. [She also wasn't trying to say that her way was any better. People who liked to get involved seemed freer somehow] That's uh... that sounds like it would be absolutely miserable. [If you could survive it] I haven't..?

[Taking the hand she gave it a shake]

Pleased to meet you too Doctor. It's just the doctor? [No surname?]
famtastic: (doctor)

[personal profile] famtastic 2021-03-04 08:16 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah! I bet we could lure some in! And maybe crickets too. Fireflies. Tuppips. Useless but cute.

And it was pretty miserable yeah. Got a bit attention starved after a while but it's not the worst place I've ever been in. [and she would prefer a hundred years in a sun to two thousand years in a confession dial]

Just the Doctor. That's all I need. Makes things simple. Gives me an air of mystery, right? [she bounces her eyebrows]