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!
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Smile)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-04-26 11:29 am (UTC)(link)
"Worry not! Though you may have the same names you do not feel the same, I should have little issue. 'Tis kind of you to teach this other boy to protect himself, if you ever need any help with that please do let me know."

The urge to ruffle Ken's hair one last time is strong but Q'uila holds back, she didn't want to put him off contact altogether, not when he he signalled so strongly to needing positive contact.

"Hopefully our sessions shall give you a bit more to do and I have no issue with you practicing this on your own as long as you do it sensibly, saavy?"
miseris_socios: (ah...)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-04-26 12:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"What do you mean by 'feel the same'?" Something like how Chidori could find them, maybe? "... I know how to take breaks and not overexert myself during practice. On missions are a different thing, but... you don't do missions every day." At least here you don't, and even at home they'd take a few days in between if they'd had a major battle.
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Reflect)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-05-04 08:09 am (UTC)(link)
"Ah, 'tis difficult to describe. So, every living thing contains energy, aether is what we call it in Eorzea, and just like every life is unique so is their aether. Colour, smell, sound, feel...This is what I can pick up on at great distance and use the information to identify who someone is." She taps her chin in thought, "For example, my brother Felih is swirly teal, Amber and gold, the swashing of waves and jingling of bells and the salt of brine. His aether is familiar enough to me that we could be continents apart and I would be able to feel and find him."

Over exertion on missions certainly could happen under certain situations, "Luckily we generally seem to have enough man power here to avoid over-taxing anyone but 'tis good you are aware of the pitfalls." She certainly hadn't been as saavy at that age.
miseris_socios: (Default)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-05-04 08:26 am (UTC)(link)
"... Huh." He scratches his head a little. "That kind of ability to find people is pretty rare where I'm from. I only know one person who can do it - two, actually. I think SEES has one too." Not like he's had discussions with SEES.

"I... don't mind over-exerting myself a little. Especially in a big fight like we had at the end. With some food and rest I'm pretty able to be back on my feet fast." At least to fight with his Persona. Other types of fighting need a little more recovery time, but having access to Nemesis is more important.
dragoonrouge: (Default)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-05-07 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
"'Tis rare to have my level of precision but it is possible to train your sensitivity to aether to create a rudimentary version of the ability." She She smiles, "You are far more sensible than I was at your age. Still, let us call it a day there and we can reconvene in a day or two, depending on when the muscle soreness catches up with you."
miseris_socios: (ugh...)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-05-07 09:01 am (UTC)(link)
He nods and relaxes a bit. "I usually practice every day, so it's not hard to find me. ... I kind of wish there was another floor to this car though, since sometimes there's people around and I prefer not dealing with people around me when I'm practicing." Too many reasons for people to object - to his Persona, to him using a spear, to him fighting at all...