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

[najaran]

"Oh! Thanks! I lost track of the time."

She slid down Gargoyle's stone looking front and bounced off his legs onto the ground. "I'll call them all back and gather the dirty dishes and head in. Thank you for coming to check on us!" she said with a bright smile.

[stardustofdawn]

With a nod, "It's easy to lost track of time. Myself included."

He smiles back, "Are those your friends? By magic? I'm only curious."

[najaran]

"Hm? Yeah. That is Gargoyle and Wall of Stone. They were from Kigi's deck, and they're with us now. Knight who has been with me practically forever." She was pointing to each as she introduced them. "Edolon and Gremlin went back to the train. That's living Weapon, and that is Cait Sith. And this is Goligan, of course. Thunderbeak is the one gnawing my head," she added as the dragon started chewing on her.

[stardustofdawn]

He nods empathetically, listening as he watches the dragons nips and plays. "This is interesting that you can summon them from your cards. Do they help you on the battlefield too when you need them to fight and protect you?"

[najaran]

"Yep. A lot of Cepters only use their Cards to fight, but I think that's just mean. They work hard, they should get to experience other parts of life too. That's why Knight and the smaller ones help me with chores and stuff."

"And here I was, thinking that's just because you're lazy," Goligan drawled, rolling his eyes.

She ignored him. "And on platforms I try to make sure everyone gets some air and exercise."

[stardustofdawn]

"A cepter? Is that what you are? I'm afraid I'm not familiar. In my world, my magic is based on qi deviation or the use of spirit energy." But he nods, it must be nice and useful to have monsters to help with chores. "It's good to see your monsters as friends and companions."

"Yeah, being out on the platform, it's the only time we could get out. We don't get out much until mission." He waited a few moments longer, a beat. "When you're ready, come back on board. If you like, I can make coffee or tea." It's a polite offer, but he meant it, knowing it's his way to make friends.

[najaran]

"Yep. I'm a Cepter." It was so weird to have to explain it, but also weirder that it got no reaction beyond confusion here. She'd never had to say the woords while living on Gilman Island, because that was just her and her Master and Goligan and the Cards. And then her first time off the Island, her first mission, that had been to Soron. Where people bet on Cepters. It wasn't until later that she understood that most of the world hated and feared Cepters. That she understood why she and her dad had spent s much of their time on the run. That she started to understand what could have twisted people into the likes of Zenith.

"Sure, I'll join you in the kitchen car? I have to go there to wash the dishes anyway!"

[stardustofdawn]

Even if she takes the time to explain it and he wouldn't understand it, to him, she's a colleague and a friend to him and would accept her as she is.

"Yes, you could join me in the kitchen car. I was about to make lunch for everyone and make coffee and tea as well."

Seeing she's all right and is okay, with a nod, he's heading back to board on the train. "I'll see you later on board, Lady Najaran."

Time skip?

[najaran]

"Lunch!" she said happily. "Okay! See you soon!"

Sure! Or seems like a good place to wrap up if you wish!

[stardustofdawn]

After the train departs and lifts off, he'll be waiting for her in the kitchen, fixing lunch and serving tea, and this is where she can bump into him for company. She'll find her lunch and tea on the tray, all prepared and served, and for her to take.

I am pretty much always up fpor continuing!

[najaran]

She wound up talking to a few others on her way in. So it took her a bit. But then she dropped off the plates and utensils and whatnot she had brought outside into the sink and dropped into the seat next to him with a bright smile. "Thanks." Goligan was on her hip attached to her belt, but her other friends were nowhere in sight at the moment.