voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post June]

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A New Platform [Intro Post June]

On the Train

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

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day sixteen 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. They will be glad, when the doors open to find it is plesantly warm. A breeze flutters through the platform and the sun shines in patches through the fog.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Alleyana Tabris, Asriel Dreemurr, Dr. Otto Octavius, Evangeline A.K. McDowell, Homura Akemi, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Phineas Mason, Riku Replica, Saash, Sam, Shadow, Sherlock Holmes, Steve Rogers, The Doctor; 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. 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 warm and there are some flowers growing in pots near the barriers, bright blooms of colour within the 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 fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, and seems smaller with eleven 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.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds with their new roommates.

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 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!

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Towers are not castles. But when someone speaks up, Elidibus looks around to see who else is keeping calm in this situation. There, admist the flow of aether he's been keeping tabs on lies a truly peculiar aetherical signature. It's enough to cause him to still momentarily and try to get a second, longer study. To be truthful, it was mere fortune he could even glimpse it momentarily, with how a strange Darkness seems to be trying to drown it out.

Elidibus shakes his head as though to clear it. While it is something worth remembering, it is not his job to treat with some outsider in the interest of solving their problem. ...Probably.

He finds himself approaching anyway, rucksack shouldered and question on his lips.

"Would you be willing to give a name to this castle you speak of? My last memory before arriving was of no such structure." Elidibus gives due pause to consider. "...Save perhaps two. Both which the Fae claim for their own."

"Radiant Garden's, of course." Which is not something Elidibus is likely to recognize, but by the way Xehanort speaks, he clearly expects him to. Multiple worlds exist, but that didn't mean he could reach them, therefore this had to be a more mundane thing than world-hopping, and all these people had to be from somewhere nearby.

The idea of finding himself on another without any awareness of a transition is about as odd as finding himself wearing clothes he definitely didn't start the day with. "I don't know how far the radius of my device's reach is, precisely, but it seems it might have been ... a bit further than I thought." Much further. His expression shifts slightly, to one of a tiny bit of guilt. "I do apologize for the inconvenience, I'll do my best to get you back to your home as quickly as I can, once I have my bearings."

There's something else, but he can't quite catch it with the distraction of current events. Something strange, not the sounds he's used to catching on the edge of his senses when dealing with ordinary people.

That is neither 'Lyhe Ghiah' or 'Grand Cosmos'. Though 'Radiant Garden' does seem to fit the requirement for the naming sense or Fae appeal, doesn't it? After a moment's thought, Elidibus shakes his head. "I have not heard of such a castle." He speaks with certainty here. "It appears then we may have been drawn here from different worlds."

Of this he seems... less certain. A small hesitance at least. "While I would not completely discredit this device of yours having aught at all to do with our current situation, there may be other reasons we have arrived here."

There is a pause, mostly to glance around in search of said object of possible cause, "...Do you still possess the device in question?"

If not let us hope it was not the cause after all.

"I'll need more evidence before I accept such a hypothesis." Other worlds! Sure they existed but so far he hadn't seen anything that suggested to him everyone wasn't of the same world. He's not closed to the idea, but ... well, some things require a bit of proof!

Knowledge was knowledge, and he's pretty certain if he returned to the castle with abject proof of other worlds, then Master Ansem would surely be swayed to continue their experiments..

"..Ah." Did he have the device? Answer, by the expression that briefly flickers across his face: no. "It was not... designed to be mobile, and usually only affects inanimate objects." Usually but not always, and anyway everything always reappeared in the castle sooner or later, it was just a matter of finding it. "..But with the proper materials I can certainly rebuild it."

"I am afraid I possess little evidence to present other than my own existence, but I stepped on the surface of many worlds," Elidibus answers. He looks about the platform momentarily, his eyes narrowing with a touch of reflection and study. "Though this place here is no part of any with which I am familiar."

The Ascian's attention returns to regard of Xehanort. One that is intrigued and borders a little upon fascination. "And you. You appear to be no resident of such worlds as I know." ...Unless the almost familiar darkness about the other man is not just coincidence.

He shakes his head after a moment, particularly when Xehanort brings up the absence of what seems to be described as a device which would be very obvious if it were present. "My apologies. Perhaps we should find out if others have shared recollection which match either of our perspectives? It may help to determine whether your device was the cause."

That draws a moment's pause. "How would you know if you've been to an entire world when all you can see of it is this?" The fog obscures all besides the platform and some flowerpots. "Surely there are no worlds so small." He isn't dismissing the possibility but that didn't seem like it would qualify as a world. Worldlet. Not even a worldlet, just a platform.

There's a what-if scenario he could introduce at dinner to give everyone headaches. Rationalize an entire world the size of a platform such as this.

He sighs, when he himself is brought into the equation. "If you recognized where I was from, I would find that more surprising than unfamiliarity. It's an irritatingly ongoing mystery." One that would one day be unraveled, he's sure of it! "One of many."

Well, that's neither here nor there, nor important at the moment. "From an exterior perspective there would be no way of knowing. The subject would merely ... find themselves somewhere else." He frowns, tapping his chin. "While it would NOT explain the change of clothing, I have heard through certain knowledgeable sources that such magics exist as to shroud visitors in the appearance expected of local people and thus avoid a fright."

Seeing the flow of aether has its advantages. The results of which he seems willing enough to share for the sake of the conversation.

"I can discern the flow of energies. That which we call aether," Elidibus supplies. "This place... I would not call a world. It seems more of an existence between what is known as a world, given a form for the sake of those who are drawn here." He may not be completely right. First impressions aren't generally his thing and there may be more beyond even his senses. Still. "This is a place of transition. Though I hesitate to say more without further observation."

What draws his attention away from such musings, other than there is not much more to muse over without evidence or the insight someone with Emet-Selch's level of clarity in regards to aether, is how Xehanort phrases his response to where he came from.

"The Radiant Garden you spoke of is not your place of birth? Or do you speak of a broader sense regarding the world in which this castle exists?" Elidibus does become aware that the questions might not be best asked or answered here. Almost immediately, he offers apology.

"Forgive me for prying." Elidibus looks around himself and at all the clothed people. Other than colors, the attire matches but it does appear to be only the attire. And the SCA device.

"I am familiar with techniques and spells which would change the appearance of attire to suit one's circumstance. And I am experienced in taking a form to blend in with one's surroundings." He doesn't elaborate on the details of that. "Yet the variety of individual species gives me cause to wonder why only the clothes would have been adapted, should that have been the intent. Mayhap it is the colors which are important rather than the attire or person. By my count there are four separate colors."

A place of transition. There was a little time to observe, to see what there was to be seen, and with the thinning fog remaining thick behind some invisible wall, he already knows what he wanted to test. "Aether, is it." An unfamiliar word, in that context. It sounded like magic to him.

There were details of his short life he wasn't terribly inclined to share simply because he's asked, but the apology right afterward.. almost makes it a little better. He did after all, nearly beg questions in return with his own statements. "The world, the city itself, I do not know. No-one does. I merely appeared one day, bereft of all but my name and the clothes on my back." Including memory, but he doesn't clarify that part. "But of all the places to suddenly arrive at, the City of Light is by far surely one of the better options." He was fond of Radiant Garden, there's no disguising that.

At least there's confirmation of McDuck's stories! "Who is to know if all the species we see are their original forms? The place we are may well be host to many intelligent beings." His own world had plenty of weird species! And most of them some manner of intelligent! "It isn't only color, though. Aside from hue, our outfits seem ... rather identical. Like uniforms."

It's magic too, so that works!

"So this is not an entirely new experience for you," Elidibus remarks, though not without some indication of sympathy. He might not realize Xehanort includes the loss of memories in the accounting. But loss is something the Ascian is familiar with in general. "For what it is worth, you have my sympathies for experience upheaval once more."

The matter turns to whether those present are actually in their original forms. "You make a fair point. I imagine it would be possible to determine whether they have been reshaped, though it would require time to devise a means." It would be far easier to ask everyone if they looked different, at least.

"Hmm," a noise of agreement. For the first time Elidibus really takes stock of what his host body is wearing. "I cannot say this is not attire I am unfamiliar with."

Eorzea's fashion sense alone is weird enough, to say little of the other reflections of the original world. "Though it is a far cry from what I last recall adorning this body. Your theory of uniform is likely correct. I noticed the belongings oft emblazoned with a specific logo. And... how I refer to myself."

It dawns on him on the subject of names and name-like designations. "...Have I not introduced myself?"

There's quiet for a time, as he contemplates either the situation or what had been said or even both. There was at least one obvious nonhuman, but species didn't really matter too much did it? The long flexible tail looked like it would be useful as another hand, if necessary.. surely that person's balance would be excellent.

"Not entirely, no. Save this time I recall the world from whence I have come, so there is something at least to compare it to." Which didn't speak well for the platform, the city had been far more impressive.

The idea of introductions, proper polite behavior, draws a brief startled look, and then a glance down at his own orange shirt, which didn't really match flawlessly with his darker skintone. Did he have a nametag?? "No. It seems the propriety of polite society has ... slipped by the wayside for the moment, given the circumstances."

So the loss of memories was part of the first upheaval in this other man's life. To be sure Elidibus can relate and he appears interested. But it doesn't seem to be the time or place to pursue said interest so there is a simple nod in acceptance of the noted comparisons.

But there is something which can be rectified and it lies within the bounds of appropriate topics to address. "Yes, our circumstances may have had need to set aside such pleasantries. Yet allow me to redress the matter." There is a slight pause to consider a matter before the man continues. "I am Elidibus. Upon my world, I am a member of the Convocation of Fourteen."

There are few circumstances where he intends to express a more detailed picture of his office. Yet here it seems appropriate. And perhaps a bit of an experiment in itself, for he seems to become more attentive to Xehanort's expression in the wake of it.

Neither title nor organization are familiar to him, but that doesn't mean it isn't interesting. Then again, everything was. "Who are the Convocation of Fourteen?" One number off. One fragile number away from Xehanort's own destiny in another Organization entirely, likewise shrouded in black cloaks - but fourteen?

Curiosity is a compulsion all its own, though. The need to know an ever relentless drive. Without any negative or positive connection, it's only interesting.

Manners!

"...Ah. I am Xehanort, of no particular organization save my service to the King of Radiant Garden." When given a name, it's good to provide one in return! It's the only name he knew, whether or not it was his, and certainly far less important sounding than being a member of this very closed-membership Convocation.

"Those who..." Elidibus trails away for a split second before beginning again.

"Amongst our people we were tasked to stand above and make decisions for the greater good of our people, when such choices were called for." The simple explanation could have stopped here. Though he quietly continues with one additional point.

"Those chosen to hold a seat of office were bestowed a great honor and took upon themselves a heavy burden." It is as if he is not driven by pride, but a need to impart the gravity of the position they held.

Looking up again, the Ascian falls silent as Xehanort presents his name. Not a style or a name Elidibus is personally familiar with. But that is hardly difficult given all the variables at play.

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Xehanort." Polite, with no particular weight that indicates he sees the importance of Xehanort's position and greater or less than his own. The man before him is no fragmented piece of soul from Elidibus's Star.

And whatever that means, it is far too soon to tell.

"I feel I should soon take my leave and begin speaking to others." Or standing on the sidelines and mostly eavesdrop with a few small conversations, as it would turn out. "And take further stock of the situation we find ourselves in. What are your plans?"

"How are the members of the Convocation chosen?" Well now Elidibus has just opened up a whole can of worms, Xehanort's curiosity is endless, and answer one question he's sure to have several more. "Is it hereditary, or a republic style system?" Maybe they bought their way in. There were countless ways to pick leaders, most of them disastrous! "On what scale are decisions for the 'greater good'? Rebuilding roads and homes, or international policy?"

There will be a point in time where Elidibus is simply going to have to stem the tide, because on its own it's not likely to end any time soon.

It is clear after a moment, that he doesn't really have plans beyond the moment. Then the young researcher jerks a thumb backwards. "I think there's a shield around this platform, the fog moves strangely around it. I'm intending to find out, to see what's hidden on the other side. It can't all be fog." A reasonable assumption, but he's not getting through.

Ah, a curious soul. Elidibus won't judge, though he has mixed feelings about the subject. It is a part of a lost past. Yet it is also nice to be able to answer in the first place with the memories he regained. The latter is what wins out for the time being.

"Names are put forth," were put forth. "Based on their merits and ability they are approached. Some refuse the seat. Others do not."

On the matter of scale, the Ascian pauses a moment to consider. "Those matters which would impact a significant portion of a populace. Of the world around. I am not certain if your perception of what falls under this significance would match what we considered of import, however. "

He does not say this with arrogance. Experience has taught him that matters considered best left be would not rest easy in the hearts of modern mortals. And he doesn't know the standards of the world Xehanort comes from.

Such as 'probably deciding to let a volcano destroy a settlement around it when something could have been done about it'.

"Forgive me. It is a difficult topic to discuss at this time. Perhaps if we are here long enough, we can discuss it in a more comfortable setting?" Half true, half an attempt to gently end the questions for now.

"I believe you may be correct." Elidibus offers. An edge of the platform is looked toward. "And I would not be inclined to try and penetrate it without knowing what waits on the other side." IF he could.

"It makes me wonder if these colors will determine the nature of our cages, should it prove we were summoned, rather than misplaced by accident."

Edited 2021-06-06 03:17 (UTC)

"Tell me and find out if they match," is the easy response. Something on a global scale, something on the power scale of stopping a volcano or letting nature run its course are not things out of the realm of probability or even Xehanort's estimation, volcanos simply aren't a problem his world contends with. A small world by necessity has smaller-scale problems, but those alone could be devastating.

But there's a pause as it seems, in spite of all sense of the feeling of dark in the area (of which there is much, more than he would have assumed possible for such a small gathering, of which would never happen in the brilliant confines of Radiant Garden..), that such talk is unpleasant.

Maybe Elidibus didn't actually maintain such a station and had been removed from it, and the sting of rejection lingers. It's not Xehanort's place to question that, specifically.

Just everything else.

"Very well." The phrasing of cages earns a brief glance, such is surely hardly an actual concern.
"..If the barrier prevents us from knowing, then the only way to know is to get through it in some fashion." Which he really has no problem putting to the test - safely, if possible. "Do you get summoned about and then put in a cage often, that such is a concern?"

There is the sound of a train approaching. And with it will come the brief parting of fog and the spill of veteran and rookie passengers alike onto the platform with all it entails.

"Ah, it seems this conversation may need to be put on hold." About the past, the near past and the present. Was it a welcome interruption or just a matter of practicality that Elidibus lets himself be distracted by the train's arrival? Perhaps both, though he will not leave without extending something that sounds like an invitation.

"I will take my leave for a time. I will look forward to the opportunity to speak again, Xehanort."

Any last minute pleasantries may happen here, but once finished, the Ascian turns to depart, to mingle and find a place to observe the growing crowd.

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A New Platform [Intro Post June]

Pre-Train Arrival!

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