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 arenโ€™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. Itโ€™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!
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971677)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2021-05-06 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
Kitty didn't really mind, she still liked the sound of the guitar even without any lyrics. When he stumbles, though, she says, "Something wrong?"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#14105704)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2021-05-06 07:20 am (UTC)(link)
She even has the Southern accent. It couldn't just be a coincidence, but Kitty has to know for sure.

"Do..." She hesitates, trying to think of how best to ask what she needs to know. "Do you...know the X-Men?"
goingthroughaphase: (pic#13971798)

[personal profile] goingthroughaphase 2021-05-06 07:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, there are some pretty good things to watch. You can also binge some shows...there's this one cartoon that's kind of addicting, but it's like 26 seasons long so far, so be prepared if you wanna try watching the whole thing. And as far as new hobbies, you can also buy some things from the shop on the train. That's where I got a starter kit for knitting."
obliviouspatriarch: manhua (pic#14320370)

before the platform (popping in late... oop--)

[personal profile] obliviouspatriarch 2021-05-06 07:36 am (UTC)(link)
Wuxian didn't quite understand it or how he got the points either, not fully at least, despite watching others order from the shop. What he does, even if vaguely, understand was that he needed 80 points to get a weapon and he mysteriously had enough now. And he especially didn't want to be or feel as useless as he had before with only Chenqing, which was in his hands, the tip tapping at his chin as he looks at the list.

"I don't either! But I do know I have enough points for... ahhh... there it is! I'd like to have my sword, Suibian, if you'd be so nice to give it to me train!"

He's half addressing Wen Ning, and half making his order at the exact same time.
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Wave)

IIb

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-05-06 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
Considering her recent reacquisition of her gunblade, Q'uila had become nearly permantly attached to the training carriage in an attempt to get the rust off of her skills with the weapon. Said ridiculous weapon was lying on the floor near the training dummies as Q'uila worked her way through a warm up that was vaguely reminiscent of Tai Chi.

"'Tis the training carriage, friend." She smiled at Kasuga and gave him a little wave, "Feel free to come and go whenever you want and if you would like sparring or train this would be the place to find people."
jeopardyfriendly: (Watching)

Wildcard

[personal profile] jeopardyfriendly 2021-05-06 10:12 am (UTC)(link)
Rose has been on the train long enough to expect some changes on platform days, especially regarding sleeping arrangements. The sudden appearance of double decker sleeper cars spurs her to investigate them sooner rather than later.

The cabin itself hasn't changed, though she's down to one roommate and a new one at that. It's a good chance to choose a bunk for herself, rather than get assigned to the only free berth. She grabs her spare clothes from their cubby in anticipation of a move.

It's probably okay to snag a bunk on her own without it stepping on her new roomie's toes. After all, there's no need to fight over who gets the top bunk when there are only two of them. But wait: do people have a preference for left or right when it comes to beds?

That's how Goku will find her, standing in the middle of the cabin with an armful of clothes.
oncedriven: (from the heart)

[personal profile] oncedriven 2021-05-06 10:15 am (UTC)(link)
Sorry, Futaba, they're always like that. (Well, maybe not, but Asch can't provide quite the same casual ease as Mythra, even if the teasing-scolding comes easily enough.)

"Anything you've heard or even general impressions helps," Asch says. "About the other people here, too."
obliviouspatriarch: manhua (Default)

LATE but Garden, fox meet fox-person

[personal profile] obliviouspatriarch 2021-05-06 10:36 am (UTC)(link)
If he hadn't been host to a Kitsune youkai for the past five or so months now, Wuxian would certainly have stiffened up in fear at the creature as he walks through the garden only to see such a large fox and the familiar woman with it. However being host to a fox, he's not fearful, only curious. She had mentioned something about a 'kyuubi' the last time they'd spoken, was this the creature she was meaning, perhaps?

Carefully, with his own fox's reassurances, he approaches with caution and kneels down not too close but not too far away from the creature.

"Iden'no san, is this the Kyuubi you told me about? The one you mistook me for?"
blitzcheer: (blahblah yippy doggy love you)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-05-06 10:51 am (UTC)(link)
"The train?" It's not helpful, an answer that's as unsure as it sounds, a slight grimace crossing Tidus's face. "I mean, if there's anyone else involved in this, we haven't gotten a clue about it. It's just been this train - it's kind of, uhh... it's got somethin' like an AI. A really basic understanding of people? But really bad, too."

Would this guy know AI? Could he explain it if he didn't? Tidus runs a hand through his hair, that small frown from his earlier grimace not having left him.

"It's hard to explain," he says. Far too hard for him. "All we know is, it or whoever's using something to find us where we are, then connecting us to the train. And then we're here - in different clothes, with a bag, and nothing but one or two of our things. And we're here 'til the connection goes."
yondu: (2 4 6)

[personal profile] yondu 2021-05-06 11:53 am (UTC)(link)
Could figure out somethin' I could trade ya if ya ordered a few books when ya got the spare points.

[He's sure there's something a grim old space pirate could come up with.]
blitzcheer: (falling into pieces)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-05-06 12:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, smart girl. He wouldn't have figured she'd known, but then, it couldn't have been that long that she checked, so Tidus hums when she shares his chore, filing that. Laundry duty??? Eh, probably won't bother with that. Too much of a fuss (unless it's his own laundry).

But as for her question, he waves out a hand once. "Sure! I love trying new things. Used to cook back home for fun as a hobby. So trying the food we get here's always interesting to me. And something personal to you?" He nods once, smiling. "I don't wanna miss that!"

He looks then, a glance to the recipes and then about the kitchen, before returning to her.

"You know what you're gonna pick?"
yondu: (1 4 7)

[personal profile] yondu 2021-05-06 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"Admittedly we don't get the big choices, but we got that one." He shrugs. "I don't always feel like my skills are the best fit," as he's pretty much a murder-machine pirate, "but I stick with Blue."

Because he might be a murder-machine pirate, but he's still a protective dad and Blue has a lot of kids.
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ”ฐ 08)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, that definitely sounds better. "You're right, that does sound like a good place. Thanks for the rec." She smiles. "I'm Jaisyn, by the way."

The machine signals that it's done, and while she shifts to turn her attention to it, she doesn't turn away completely from Raven just yet, not wanting to be rude. "All the Purples know each other by now, I'm guessing?"
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ’  36)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's fine. I'm not..." She yawns. "Actually sure. I thought this was the only one that wasn't occupied."

It takes her a moment to realize that this roommate of hers... doesn't look human. She blinks repeatedly, before scooting to the edge of her bed. A tiger... person? This is exciting. "Hi. Sorry I'm not very helpful. I just got here too."
badassfreakingoverlord: (so confident and slick)

[personal profile] badassfreakingoverlord 2021-05-06 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
It'd probably be kinda handy for you that I have my own space in the garden, too. Since I... am difficult to ignore.

[Look, Zetta came close to admitting he's loud and obnoxious and demands to be the center of attention all the time!]

You know I wouldn't mind being in the same room as you!
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ’  19)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
He looks like she's spooked him that she can't help, well, laughing. How had he gone from being so full of flattery to flat-out terrified? "I'm sorry, I didn't... I didn't mean..." This has certainly been quite the awkward conversation.

She shakes her head, but she's now smiling. "Forget what I said and let's start over?" She'd rather not be remembered for suggesting someone to scoot over in a tightly spaced carriage, anyway. "I'm Jaisyn. I'm new, obviously."

She's not terrified, but she's flustered enough that she falls back into old habits and asks, "Wanna hear a joke?"
forceshadowed: (โš”๏ธ 13)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
The first name makes Jaisyn blink. Oh, the green and knows about the Jedi Tidus told her about during the meeting, before she'd slipped away and retreated into her cabin, having done her duty.

The second name has her eyes grow wide. She shouldn't be surprised, really, that her sister is famous, but now that she's learned from her mother that alternate dimensions are a reality... well. "Sister," she answers. "Twin sister." She doesn't acknowledge how Jaina is the older one, not when she doesn't have to. "It was 32 ABY for me. Yours?"

Yeah, best to just orient themselves with numbers and be done with it.
forceshadowed: (โš”๏ธ 07)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, now Jaisyn had so many questions.

"I have so many questions." She gave Leia an anxious smile. "But somehow I feel like we should be inside and sitting down." Because why weren't her parents together now? Did it have something to do with her leaving? Had something happened while she was far, far away from everyone? Why hadn't anyone sent word? Why hadn't Jaina?

And other sorts of questions. Places like this? Taking from a time and place? How did Leia know these things?
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ’  81)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Jaisyn has been so used to just being able to do more things than most of her peers โ€” even among the Jedi โ€” that the compliment actually catches her off-guard. "Thanks." Saying anything more feels weird, especially to someone she's only just met, and while she does have a good chunk of her father's cockiness, she's been humbled by her realizations during the war. Or at least some.

She gets to her feet and gives Beau an easy smile. "Deal. Though if you're hanging around, maybe we could trade stories for a bit?" She could learn a thing or two, and, well, given that several Purples have already come across her in the laundry room, she's started to ease back into her more outgoing nature.
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ’  01)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's okay, I was just waiting for mine to be done." She pats the machine like it's a friend, and for a moment she's reminded of her astromech droid. Hopefully Neufie's okay, wherever she is now?

"Do you need help with yours?"
forceshadowed: (๐Ÿ’  15)

[personal profile] forceshadowed 2021-05-06 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Jaisyn." She watched him load the machine like he's been doing it for quite a while now, after which she got to her feet and leaned against the machine she was using. "Have you been here long? I just got on the last stop."
pleple: (Turning us into fire)

[personal profile] pleple 2021-05-06 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do. It's hard not to, as... aggressively friendly as she is." Ple Two didn't seem put off by this though. Della was a bit much, but she was appreciated all the same.
helborn: (Default)

[personal profile] helborn 2021-05-06 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, she's... I didn't really meet them, but I heard a little about them." Sort of. "It sounds like you guys have a rough situation in your world right now..."
Edited 2021-05-06 14:52 (UTC)
katzenpfote: (taunting)

[personal profile] katzenpfote 2021-05-06 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"EH..." He's not totally sure what that means, so... "No. It is not as if we don't have showers, it's just... I am more used to it being water poured over yourself."
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Wave)

IV

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-05-06 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Over her many years as an Adventurer Q'uila has developed something of an eye for those who would make excellent sparring partners and what she sees of Beau as she enters the training room ticks practically all of them.

"Hello there!" Q'uila calls across the room, "Are you a Monk per chance?"