A New Platform [Intro Post September]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Nebula. 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 doors open. As usual, those who leave first notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. A-Qing, Atem, Beauregard Lionett, Casper LeBlanc Jr, Donatello Versus, Frankie Bacon, Ichiban Kasuga, Kumoko, Lena Sabrewing, Mami Tomoe, Mono, Peter Parker, Reno, Shi Qingxuan, Tobari, Wen Ning; all pass across the platform, not looking back. And then they're gone, disappeared 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. The platform is open to a bright blue sky, speckled with a couple of clouds. It's very warm, enough that they will not want to stay in those hoodies for long. Behind them through the fogs is a set of barriers, set in a brick wall and in front of them is a single set of tracks extending both ways into that same 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 on the foggy, blistering hot platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, but it is enough to hold the 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, perhaps ten minutes or so, 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'). They will also find a bunch of posters around the train and might notice the new clock in the standard coach.

The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, the ingredient this month is a strange meat, yaddon tail.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. There is a box labelled for purple team containing a stick of rock for each member of purple team, including those who are new. Join in your teams success!

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. In most rooms, the occupied beds are obvious, leaving the spotless, empty spaces for the newcomers. 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!

Comments

[identityoftherabbit]

"Nah, it's not that important." Despite that, though, he ends up putting it back in the bag with the other things.

The next thing Elidibus says, though, catches Terris' attention.

"And how's that point system work exactly? Do I gotta be a good little boy scout and attend all the badge courses or something? Don't tell me it's homework." He gives that last bit a snicker.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus might wonder. But not enough to bring it up. He moves on to the question about points readily enough.

"No one is certain how points are distributed. Participation in missions, the train's chores assigned to your team. You'll find many theories. But it is best to consider it a form of limited compensation."

Not a great one given the circumstances for some and the effort required for what the shop costs. But still, some form.

While Elidibus doesn't appear to take the joke about homework seriously, he does admit, "If you can find a way for the train to assign you homework, I'm sure it would be worth testing to see."

Indifferent, but actually with a serious answer.

"You'll find information on the train's screen devices. The ticket you'll find in your possession gives you access to use it. Do not lose it."

[identityoftherabbit]

"Nah, I dropped outta high school for a reason." Between bullies and selfish people. "Unless it's a bajillion dollars, no way am I gonna do homework. Let me know if you test it out though!"

The points system only has theories on how the finances are issued, though? Oh, well. Terris isn't the type to play with theories, really. He can roll with it. He's sure it's no different than how he's scraped by before.

"So, what happens if I lose it, then? Do I get a new one or do they kick me off the train?"

It's more of a joke than a serious question, though one that would probably be helpful to have an answer to anyway.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus is not sure what the value of a 'dollar' is. But he will correctly presume the number is a metaphorical 'extreme' amount. "If I consider it worth testing, I shall." It may be a non-committal answer, but it's also very serious.

"I've yet to hear of an instance where someone has. At best, you would be denied access to your room or the train's terminals and certain privileges." Such as borrowing books from the small library, though he doesn't try to explain what they are in detail. It doesn't appear worth doing so in this case.

There is a thoughtful pause as he reflects on the limited knowledge he has thus far about the scenario. "I suppose the worst case is that you will not be able to board the train when it departs from a location. Given the sense of threat even I have felt, what happens when you are left behind is likely to be very unpleasant to mortals."

Whether Elidibus knows the actual answer about 'getting left behind' or not is also left unspoken.