voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-04-01 06:00 am

A New Platform [Intro Post April]

On the Train

Once again passengers are awoken by the morning announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day Sixteen 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 after lunch. A lunch that may be a bit sparse: between the big eaters and the stress bakers, the stores have been stretched thin the last two weeks.

"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 steam is thin, with blue skies seen above. The sun shines brightly down, warm light pooling on the platform.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Cassie Lang, Glorfindel, Jessie Custer, Olivia, Paddra Nsu-Yeul, S’reee, Thea Queen, Wei Wuxian.

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, open, with a vine-covered wall stretching high either side of the barrier. 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 eighteen 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 doors close behind them.

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'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, including plenty more tomatoes.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. There is a suitcase stocked with spare wash kit items, for those who are running low as well as a box labelled Do Not Use Yet that is full of small 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 who are making the most of the sunshine. 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!
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (with eyes clear and true)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2021-04-04 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ IT'S LIKE WATCHING A BABY PANDA SNEEZE. SHE'S NOT SURE HOW MUCH MORE HER HEART CAN TAKE.

Keep taking deep breaths. Must control... ]


It's nice to meet you, Mono. Welcome to the train!

I know things must seem pretty scary, but you'll make a lot of friends here. Me included, if you want!
cycledsingularity: (Considering)

Sorry Della, he'll come around ;; (with less ANGST I swear. Getting it all out early) You done good

[personal profile] cycledsingularity 2021-04-04 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Friends... Mono's shoulders sag a bit at that. Six. He can't. His vision starts to blur and he fails to supress the sniffle. This has to be some cruel kind of trick... but what choice does he have? Isn't it nice to be tricked? Isn't this better?

No. Mono shakes his head, looking at Della and taking a step back. No, he can't.

Sorry Della. Not yet.]
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (i've been dreaming by the rhythm)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2021-04-04 12:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ OH NO IS HE CRYING?! She flails, entering panic mode. ]

Ack! No, no, no, it's okay! I'm sorry! We don't have to be friends, we don't have to be anything! Shoot, I...

[ She pats herself down, trying to think of what she can give him as an itty-bitty handkerchief or tissue... but she doesn't really carry those types of things on her person to begin with. Thiiink... Oh!

She rolls up her sleeve and plucks off one of her feathers. She knows getting in his personal space now would be a big no-no, so she just blows on the feather, hoping it'll drift in his direction. ]


Here, uh... you can use this to wipe up your face. Or whatever.
cycledsingularity: (Watchful)

You can bet he'll be looking to make it up to her later

[personal profile] cycledsingularity 2021-04-04 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[Mono takes up the feather and looks it over before hugging it close like a pillow. It feels good to have the contact. Maybe it's not quite her intention but it.. sort of helps clean some muffin off?

That's enough conversation for today. Mono gives Della one last silent look before slipping back in under the seat. At least the train will be running soon if the distant horns are anything to go by. Getting him on it was step 1? Progress.]
sos_pilot: by <user name=cupcake_graphics> (i'll bend them all out of shape)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2021-04-05 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Della doubts she'll get through to him much more than that after that big slip-up. She sighs, but knows not to push. She gets up, brushing herself off. ]

... Take your time with everything, Mono. When you're ready, we'll be here for you.

... Enjoy the muffin.

[ With her hands in her pockets, she walks off. ]