voidtreckermods: (sparkly train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-05-01 07:50 am

A New Platform [Intro Post May]

On the Train

Like clockwork, the Voidtreckers are awoken by a familiar message this morning.

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Llama. Points have been updated on the system."

With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will 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 air is sticky and warm, the windows almost immediately dewing over with the humidity outside.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Azula, Prisoner, Amery Vallet, Dyme Graydon, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Yoite, Piccolo, Bulla Brief, Xie Lian, Kurosaki Ichigo, Hua Cheng, Renee Corbin, and Ran Mouri; all pass through the platform, not looking back before they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

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 find themselves on a platform, rich wood and pale stone forming a natural, tree-like structure overhead. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single set of tracks extending both ways into thick fog. The air is rainforest-hot, and the sound of frogsong can be faintly heard over the drip of the artificial canopy.

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 fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, and seems smaller with twenty-eight figures scattered around, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Then there is 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 pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. 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.

Behind them, the doors close, and the train is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform.

The Train

After a short time, the fog clears and 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 several crates of nori, the ingredient of the month of Llama, as well as all sundries.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. For each member of Purple Team, a small silver box with their name on it contains a glittery cupcake.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, but at least they won't be alone in their confusion - since the sleeper carriages are now double-decker, and experience isn't going to avail the passengers in finding their rooms.

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.

The new double carriage's transfer ICP is active, allowing people to move to a double room should they meet the requirements with another person, though they'll have to move their belongings themselves.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air, and 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!
flatteries: (i could spill my guts out)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-05-17 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"I've noticed that a lot of people here have trouble with being touchy."

Though he can't exactly blame Soldat of all people for it, knowing what they've been through. Hence why Inigo says it as a lightly joking sort of thing, rather than an actual complaint, with a small smile on his face.

"It makes it hard to get by at times for a touchy guy like me. Thanks for meeting me in the middle."
firewalled: (Once more?)

[personal profile] firewalled 2021-05-17 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
You know you don't have to do that. I can... take care of my dad. I'll ask for help, if I need it, but...

[He sits with Otoha's guidance, leaning slightly against the larger man.]

I don't want you to get hurt anymore, either. Not if you can avoid it. Especially not just because you think I'm worth more than you. I don't... know how to explain to you that thinking like that hurts both of us.
forleaving: (015)

[personal profile] forleaving 2021-05-17 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Adam nodded approvingly, focused on the ball. This time, he hit it a little too hard. It definitely got over the net--and then some. "Whoops." He hoped Prompto was quick on his feet.
forleaving: (008)

[personal profile] forleaving 2021-05-17 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
So it was dangerous. Which meant it was kind of sort of right up Adam's alley. "And breaking it helps us how?" Not that he didn't approve, he just wanted to be on the same page as to what the goal was, information-wise.
forleaving: (005)

[personal profile] forleaving 2021-05-17 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it's all left behind, here." Or maybe some of it left with the person, too. He didn't...really know. He just knew that Chainsaw had gone with Ronan, but Chainsaw wasn't a normal pet. He didn't think the raven could exist somewhere without Ronan. "I'm not entirely sure though. I haven't been close enough with too many people who've left to be certain."
forleaving: (015)

[personal profile] forleaving 2021-05-17 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Adam laughed. "That's enough to deck out the entire train with cranes," he said. "And thank you." The compliment made him feel good, even if it was just about folding some paper into a little animal.
sciencegirl: (051)

[personal profile] sciencegirl 2021-05-17 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"Zelda, first of all. She seemed to have a pretty good sense for objects with special magical treatments. After that, I'd ask you if I came across anyone that seems like they might be able to help."

She chirps up, though. "I'm friends with Devero! He's not magically inclined but his boyfriend is, and he's a fast learner."
subcircuits: (run that by me again)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-05-18 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
Devero rolls his eyes, but doesn't contest the assertion. He just holds the priest close as Koumyou cuddles up close, content to sit and enjoy his company for a minute--

What.

"...What do you mean?"
its_dad_sanzo: (thinking)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-05-18 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, like... large dog sized? I saw a really big dog on the train the other day and I don't think he was a passenger."

So that may be the size limit.

"I guess it would be like a... drone? Is that the right word? Could you build a little version and copy what's in here," Koumyou points at the canister beside them on the trunk, "into it and... I don't know. It's probably a bad idea? I don't know much about this stuff."
subcircuits: (all right i'm listening)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-05-18 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
It's a sweet suggestion but misguided, and Devero shakes his head. "Its core programming would need major editing to accommodate a change like that," he says, "and then it wouldn't really be Babysitter anymore."
its_dad_sanzo: (squinting)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-05-18 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Ohh?" Koumyou sighs, disappointed on Devero's behalf, "That's a shame. A baby Babysitter sounds awfully cute."

Ah well, at least it can exist in imagination.

The priest straightens up abruptly, squinting at a package he can just barely make out the name on. "--Ah! One of mine!"

And then he's scrambling to get up out of Devero's lap, with a hasty, "Stay right there! If it's what I think it is, you've got presents!"
subcircuits: (picking up your signal)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-05-18 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
"It would be adorable," Devero agrees, sounding disappointed himself. Oh well.

He's quick to let Koumyou go, so the priest can get up, blinking after him in bemusement. "Presents?" he repeats, watching the priest retrieve a package. In flustered-- protest?: "Koumyou!"
its_dad_sanzo: (<3)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-05-18 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
Koumyou descends on the package and opens it just enough to see what's inside, and slip one of the three books up his sleeve and into his ARMs band without letting Devero see it.

He might see the motion, but not the cover of the book. That one's not ready yet! Koumyou plans to write all over the inside of it, first.

The other two, though. He bundles them back up in the packaging and then trots back over to Devero with it. "Close your eyes and hold out your hands!"
hanabibloomingatthegates: (Kira Kira Smile)

[personal profile] hanabibloomingatthegates 2021-05-18 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
Do you think you could show me the sights? I know if I keep walking forward or backward I'll eventually see everything, but it's a lot more fun if I do it with someone else.

[C'mon, Alice. Can you say no to those adorable puppy-dog eyes?]
subcircuits: (amused)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-05-18 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
"Really?" Devero asks, but it's with a delighted chuckle. "Very well, my Sanzo." He does as he's been bid, holding out his hands palms-up as he obediently closes his eyes.
hanabibloomingatthegates: (Default)

[personal profile] hanabibloomingatthegates 2021-05-18 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
Not exactly. It's more the, "getting yanked across time and space to help with some kind of emergency before getting sligshotted back home."

So yeah, the train really is business as usual.

[After three years of this kind of thing, you get used to it.]
partofthecrowd: (Dressed Down Neutral)

[personal profile] partofthecrowd 2021-05-18 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
She blushed lightly. "I...well, you have a point." She let out a loud sigh at that and shook her head at herself.

"Ugh." Rui made a face and tugged at the orange shirt. "More like this? But it's so ugly."

She couldn't help it, that was quite the blow. "Can't I at least wear what I want?"
its_dad_sanzo: (sometimes sugar is the new sugar)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2021-05-18 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, really!" Koumyou waits for Devero's eyes to be closed before he pulls the two poetry books free of the packaging and places them facing up onto Devero's hands. "Ta-da! You can look now."

And they are indeed books of poetry. Love poetry, specifically. One's fairly silly and goofy, and the other is very serious.

Only once Devero's re-opened his eyes does Koumyou add hesitantly, "I know you don't like paper books so much, but... that's how they are where I'm from."

And these are from his version of Earth.
azurebichen: ᴄʜʀᴏᴍᴇsᴛʜᴇsɪᴀ @ dw (22)

[personal profile] azurebichen 2021-05-18 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, it's different and I missed everyone too. But eventually, we all go home and..."

He paused, a beat for a thought. "Remember we have a family back home. Uncle, brother, the disciples, Sizhui, and Wei Wuxian. I think...when the train is finished and decide to return us, we all meet at the same point in time wherever we left off. You and I are maybe an anomaly but even the universe has law and balance, and we'll return home someday."

Thoughtfully, "My wish for you is to return to Wei Ying and Sizhui safely. Always."
chocobosnap: (pic#12045178)

[personal profile] chocobosnap 2021-05-18 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
Prompto laughed and caught it easily, clasping it in his hand. "Uh okay, is that like ten points then since you totally missed the table?"

He giggled and offered the ball back to Adam.
subcircuits: (heart-hands)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2021-05-18 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
Devero opens his eyes and for a moment remains absolutely bemused as he takes in the objects in his hands. Books? Analog books, books of-- oh.

He looks from the books up to the priest, his expression going positively gooey. "Oh Koumyou," he says, gathering them up to his chest, "thank you."
azurebichen: ᴄʜʀᴏᴍᴇsᴛʜᴇsɪᴀ @ dw (22)

[personal profile] azurebichen 2021-05-18 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
Madoka has a good idea and her idea is a good one, if not, very sweet and mindful in thought. He smiles softly, "It's strange and different. I think it's an anomaly of the universe of mine and his, and the train picked up us. But I think we're the same kin. Like a twin brother from another universe. And yes, we're helping others on the train and each other out. I like the idea of harmony and working together. Either way, it's better to stay on the same goal with the train and save worlds."
deductiongeek: (Default)

[personal profile] deductiongeek 2021-05-18 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
His suspicions just keep growing. She definitely seemed to be enjoying this.

"Is it as well behaved as Princess?"
melodiouspacifist: (pic#9862635)

[personal profile] melodiouspacifist 2021-05-18 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
"Alright, let's see, I hope it's good!" He said with a bit of a grin. He trusted Lea at least to pick out a decent movie, not that he'd seen many of them. He couldn't actually remember having watched a single one.

Oh well. Who cared?

As soon as the score started, he was already intrigued. He wondered if some of the music books he'd gotten had been to musicals.
melodiouspacifist: (Aw We Do Too Have Hearts)

[personal profile] melodiouspacifist 2021-05-18 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Tell me about it." Demyx groaned loudly. "I can't get a decent outfit to save my life. You should see the stuff it gave me."

He leaned forward on Arpeggio a bit, turning his head to look at Reno.

"It gave me one that was even more orange than the crap I'm already wearing!"