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!
fennu: (pic#14689817)

[personal profile] fennu 2021-03-08 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"They must be more complicated," he agrees, nodding his head. Wedding outfits are far simpler than some of the clothing he has worn in the past, even if he might long for his more elaborate Sect Leader fashions.

He hesitates for a moment before he breathes out.

"... Are you comfortable here?"
achickenformylove: (mdzs 13)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2021-03-09 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
He nodded. "A lot of small details. I trust that she would be able to make something for you."

That was a loaded question if ever there was one.

"I am physically comfortable though I would prefer more privacy. The technology is very different than our world and I would prefer what I am familiar with still. The missions can also be quite taxing."
fennu: (cql20391)

[personal profile] fennu 2021-03-11 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"I will speak to her, then. Thank you for the suggestion."

The rest of it, though? Jiang Cheng frowns, not truly able to keep his displeasure off his face. He's not happy about the response, of course - the lack of privacy, the technology - but at least those are things that he can adapt to.

"What kind of missions have you served on?"
achickenformylove: (mdzs 4)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2021-03-13 04:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course. I was lucky as my qiankun pouch had my robes, but it was an odd experience wearing that style."

Especially against his will.

"We have served on an attempted evacuation mission, fighting monsters, discovering what happened to a world, fixing a space station, to name a few. Each team has a different function. Red Team is usually primarily fighting; Orange is investigations; Blue and Purple can be a combination though Blue has had more public-facing responsibilities. If another team's mission appeals to you more, there is nothing preventing you from working with that other team. I used to assist Purple on occasion, but I cannot anymore."
fennu: (007)

[personal profile] fennu 2021-03-14 03:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"I came only with Zidian. Perhaps that was lucky as well."

He's not going to ask why he can't work with purple team any longer - partly because he still doesn't understand everything and also because he doesn't really care - but it seems like where he ought to be. Jiang was always purple and, of course, he's better at fighting.

"I'll go wherever the fight is."
achickenformylove: (mdzs 56)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2021-03-15 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
"I would certainly say it is good."

He also had Bichen and his guqin so he wouldn't object to others having their weapons. Made it easier in a fight to have a familiar weapon.

"Of course. Then Red or Purple would be more likely your choice of teams. Not that you are unwelcome from coming with Blue if you so choose."

As much as Jiang Cheng being on a different team would make it more bearable for both of them, he wouldn't actively discourage him from participating in Blue's mission if he wanted to.
fennu: (jc24)

[personal profile] fennu 2021-03-16 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"I've been told it's possible to recover Sandu, so I will make my attempt."

He does feel a little lost without his sword at his side, but at least he has something to defend himself.

The idea of just going with Blue, however, makes him shake his head.

"Wherever I'm needed. If that's blue, red or purple then it doesn't matter."
achickenformylove: (mdzs 13)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2021-03-17 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
He nodded his head. "Once you have enough points, you can request items from the train. They can be something from home or another item. There is a young man who received his musical instrument from home. I have two rabbits."

Big surprise there.

"Of course. We will receive a mission brief so you can decide which team to follow then."
fennu: (jc-24)

[personal profile] fennu 2021-03-20 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course you have the rabbits."

It's not said cruelly, but he does only just resist the urge to roll his eyes. He remembers when Wei Wuxian showed him the rabbits in Gusu; he remembers Yanli's reaction.

"Great. I understand."
achickenformylove: (mdzs 4)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2021-03-21 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
"They are not from home. They were gifted by the train."

But yes, obviously WangJi has rabbits.

"If you have any further questions, I can try to assist."