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!
deferences: dns (♪ decided)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-04-15 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[good... because there's a very likely chance he won't let go anytime soon. thankfully, they're both alright with the proximity and sizhui is finding comfort in it.]

Really? [he tilts his head questioningly, an eyebrow lifted.] Just the two of you?

Perhaps we should be hoping to find some of your homeworlders instead! I'm sure there are friends you miss.
longforgottenpromise: (listening)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-04-17 02:16 pm (UTC)(link)
There are. [So many people he wished he could see again. People he had barely been reunited with before he had been snatched out of his world once more to come here.

But...]


But they are needed. I would not wish them to be here, it is bad enough I am here and Lord Gyousou is... Wherever he ended up.
deferences: (♪ concerned)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-04-20 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[now see, sizhui completely understands not wanting the people he cares about to come on the train when they are needed too. most times, he wouldn't ever wish such a thing on anyone, but he's torn; a part of him does want to see certain people again.]

Mm, I understand what you mean. [he nods, bites his cheek then his attention is immediately on taiki after that revelation sinks in.] Wait, your friend, he... he left?
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-04-21 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
Yes... [He nodded sadly, looking down at the ground.]

Not this platform, last time. A couple of weeks ago.

[The loss is still painful, it always will be.]
deferences: dns (♪ melancholic)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-04-23 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
[he stops at the reconfirmation, reaching to take hold of taiki's other arm and gingerly tugging him into a firm yet gentle embrace.

at first, sizhui doesn't say anything, but eventually:
] I, I'm so sorry...
longforgottenpromise: (sad)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-04-23 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[He accepts the hug, leaning on him and wrapping his arms around him gently.]

It's not your fault...

[It's this trains, one day they will escape and he will find Lord Gyousou again. He's done it twice, he will do it as many times as he needs.]
deferences: dns (♪ disquieted)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-04-26 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[sizhui reassuringly squeezes taiki after he leans against him, sighing then withdrawing to meet his gaze when he speaks next.] I know it isn't but still, [he insists quietly.] Losing a friend hurts and I'm sorry you ever have to know how that feels.

[damn this train with it's incessant need to give and take whenever it pleases.]
longforgottenpromise: (sad)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-04-27 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[He nodded sadly. Being parted from Lord Gyousou hurt, but it was a hurt he was used to, a hurt he had lived for for a long time before coming to this train.]

I wish no one had to feel like this.
deferences: dns (♪ glance)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-04-30 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
[well, actually— ...no, he couldn't wish this sort of feeling on anyone, not even his worst enemy, because the ache of missing someone might be the actual worst.] Me either, [sizhui sighs.

then, after a pause and him letting go,
] Sorry, we should keep moving.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-05-01 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes. Sorry. [He stepped away slightly, though he reached out for Sizhui's hand.]

Let's go see who has arrived.
deferences: dns (♪ satisfied)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-05-04 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
No reason to apologize. It's more me, not wanting to stand in the way. [gosh, although taiki and he moved away, he can't help admitting he's glad for the offered hand. sizhui takes it, smiling softly as he begins leading them along, a little more enthusiasm in his step.]

Yes, let's!
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-05-04 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
[He doesn't like being in the way either so it is good they are moving, he keeps holding on to Lan Sizhui and lets him lead the way, to see who had arrived.]