A New Platform [Intro Post April]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

[jinlingers]

[ Almost immediately reality came crashing down on him and he can’t hide the twist of pain on his face before it’s gone and he’s pulling back and crossing his arms. All he wants to do is turn and run and the first chance he can without looking like something is wrong he will. ]

I just arrived.

[ Jin Ling doesn’t even manage a totally steady voice. He’d felt so alone in Penance because everyone had left and now he felt so alone because everyone was here and yet they weren’t. ]

I have to go.

[ like father, like son, graceful exit attempts. ]

[deferences]

[too late for that whole ‘not looking like something is wrong,’ sizhui's far too observant to not notice the way jin ling's expression screws up with anguish. oh... maybe catching his arms wasn't the best idea, but he'd only wanted to spare them both more embarrassment.

of course he did. why hadn't he seen him on the platform? probably because he was too distracted with wei wuxian leaving and a-qing introducing him to wen sizhui. (which is still a little odd, by the way!)]

I, uhm, I see. [obviously, gods, sizhui— hold on, did he say ‘go?’]

But, Jin Ling, you just got here? Wait—! [and although he does make an attempt to go after him, one hand reaching for his sleeve, he won't outright abandon the kitchen when he's got something cooking on the stove.]

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling doesn't even realize that the other Sizhui isn't another Lan Sizhui -- just that he had acted strangely. He knows it's cowardly to run away but he needed to get somewhere where no one would see him. But before he can actually get far the other catches his sleeve.

He stops, hands curling at his sides and his jaw tensing not because he's angry but because he's trying to hide and it's not going so well. ]

What?

[ Maybe, if it were anyone else and he wanted to leave he would have been much ruder but even if this isn't A-Yuan... it's still Sizhui. ]

[deferences]

[seems right, given jins, wens and the past they share— but that isn't what's important at this moment. right now, sizhui's somehow managed to catch his friend's sleeve and keep him from fleeing the carriage.

tentatively, he draws the hand back, clasps both of them in front of himself then spares a glance over his shoulder.] You... you came to the kitchen. I assume that means you're hungry, yes? [that's usually the case when people seek out the kitchen, though in a bizarre twist of events for jin ling, there's already another sizhui there.

he smiles faintly, hoping it's enough to convey that they may not know one another as expected, he's glad to see a fellow junior nevertheless.]

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling looks away from Sizhui, fingers still balled up into fists. His feet still want to run, to get somewhere he doesn't have to hide the pain-- to give hiimself a moment to bury it all down deep. ]

Mm...

[ Jin Ling begrudgingly nods. But... he could deal without food. He's not sure how much longer he could keep himself together in front of Sizhui. He'd already made a total fool of himself and that is actually the least of his worries currently. ]

[deferences]

[his own attention momentarily downcasts, fingers fidgeting nervously, lower lip tucked between his teeth while he awaits an answer. after one comes, it's good sizhui looks up or else he might've missed jin ling's nod.

regardless, the fact he hasn't tried to run away a second time already speaks volumes.]

Okay. [sizhui goes to collect a single bowl and spoon, the latter of which he places inside the dish once he's filled it with tomato and egg-drop noodle soup. shyly, he reaches for jin ling's hand and settles the bowl in his upturned palm, making sure it's steady before guiding his opposite hand up to hold the side.] Take some with you. [so he at least knows jin ling might eat if he does take off again.]

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling tries not to react when the other reaches for his hands even for such a simple reason. He stares downward, curling his fingers on the side of the bowl. ]

I'm sorry.

[ The words come out a mumble, barely audible and he just sort of stands there frozen for a little bit. ]

[deferences]

[sizhui's hands lower once more after he's sure jin ling is holding the bowl securely. he considers the other boy before him, inquisitively tilts his head sideways, expression creasing with concern.] For what? You haven't done anything wrong, there's no reason to apologize.

[and if he's talking about the hug? it's fine, don't worry about it, they needn't address that awkwardness just yet (or maybe even never at all).]

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling won't explain. He just shakes his head and looks down at the bowl. It's a little hard to think about eating now with the way his stomach is twisting but he wouldn't want to worry Sizhui either. So he moves to sit and eat.

In the meantime, Fairy decides to nudge at Sizhui's hand. It's much easier for a dog to gain the affection it wants. Jin Ling is a little jealous. ]

[deferences]

[his expression briefly softens, almost to the point of crestfallen when jin ling just stares at his food like it'll offer him answers. (that, or maybe he's trying to decide whether it's actually worth eating?) sizhui doesn't think himself the most capable cook, he's definitely a much better cultivator, but he at least hopes it's edible.

jin ling moving to sit and try says more than enough. while he does, sizhui's attention downcasts to fairy, another small smile brightening his features as he crouches, uses both hands to gently rub the dog's ears.] Hello to you too, Fairy.

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling watches the two from the corner of his eye as he eats slowly. Of course, Fairy wouldn't treat Sizhui any differently and vice versa. Sizhui is the entire reason that Jin Ling got Fairy back at all. The dog is excited and affectionate as it gets attention from Sizhui.

Jin Ling stops looking and focuses on finishing the food quickly. ]

Thank you.

[ He says and it isn't so hard for him to say as it once could have been. ]

[deferences]

[he needn't look to know jin ling's watching them, it's just one of those feelings someone gets whenever it's happening. sizhui keeps right on petting the dog, shifting from her ears to her neck and down across her shoulderblades. she's such a good, fluffy girl, he can't help freely giving her affection. (that, and animals are quite different in this aspect.) it also wouldn't surprise him being the one who helped get her back; the companion is super important for jin ling, after all.

but as jin ling works on eating instead, he casts him a sideways glance, grinning outright at his gratitude.]

You're welcome. [then he averts his attention again, halfway worried that if he lingers too long, the other boy might flee.] There is plenty if you would like more, so help yourself.