voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-10-01 04:51 am

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

On the Train

The train continues its journey

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day sixteen 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. Asch, Ayumi Uoshida, Cleopatra Selene, Della Duck, Ghost, Hanuel Min, Jaisyn Solo, Jonathan Sims, Martin Blackwood, Nie Huaisang, Vermouth; 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 four new faces. Wearing hoodies, three in purple one orange, 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 relatively small, a brick wall behind them and cracked flagstones on the floor. It is cold, icy cold but the wall at least shelters them a little.

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, freezing 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 four 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'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, including yadon tail, 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. 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!
blitzcheer: (full blast blush bro)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-10-01 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Wh-whoa, uh?

"Uh-" He's taken off-guard by the sudden hug, brain blanking, even though it manages to figure-- she's? upset? She needs a hug? Lots of people like that, don't they?

(She'll really fit in around here.)

Tidus gives her an awkward pat on the shoulder, eventually answering- "Well, uh... it needs help finding some people, its old crew. And we get dragged into helping it out? People from all over."

He sounds more confused than he means to, but also, that's what happens when you suddenly get hugged by a stranger.
silver_eyes_rose: (pic#14217772)

[personal profile] silver_eyes_rose 2021-10-01 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
“Finding its old crew?” Ruby asked, looking up at Tidus. “What happened to them?”
silver_eyes_rose: (pic#14217777)

[personal profile] silver_eyes_rose 2021-10-01 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Ruby wandered into the cabin, looking over it and her small bunk, sighing a bit. Not the top bunk, darn it.

But, there’s a mission?

“What’s this mission? What’s going on?”
fivemilesdeep: (A good idea)

Shopping

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-10-01 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Ryo had been heading to a terminal to do some shopping himself when Caleb flags him down, and he stops and greets Caleb with a bit of a smile. "Hey. Is everything okay?"
katzenpfote: (annoyed)

[personal profile] katzenpfote 2021-10-01 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"I... yes and no. I need some... expensive items for a spell, but I'm just shy." HE frowns, shaking his head. "Or for half of them. I should have expected this, given that the person is bigger than the last one I used this spell for..."
fivemilesdeep: (A good idea)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-10-01 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, what do you need?" He's already stepping up to the terminal. He hasn't bought anything big recently, so he's fairly certain he's got enough points to cover whatever it is.
katzenpfote: (Default)

[personal profile] katzenpfote 2021-10-01 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"I... erm." He coughs a little awkwardly. "Two hundred pounds of clay."
blue_ice: (blinded)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Seto listens to the words with a pang of guilt. He'd never been good at that. Working himself to the bone is what he does. But that keeps from enjoying life with his crew, doesn't it?

He holds Ken tightly and nods.

"I'm trying. I promise. It's just been rough lately."

He pulls back, though one hand remains on Ken's shoulder. "Easier when I'm around you."
dragoonrouge: (Default)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-10-01 07:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[Q'uila offers her hand, either for a handshake or a more Adventurer-style.]

Q'uila Sunrise, nice to meet you! I've been here for about three moons, though I was elsewhere before appearing on the Platform. Is this your first time Travelling?
fivemilesdeep: (But if we try this)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-10-01 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Ryo simply pauses, one hand lifted in front of the terminal, and looks at Caleb. "What?" Wait, no, wrong question. "Why?"

For a spell, yes, but given that the previous spell purchases Ryo knows of are 'beads' and 'pearls', this one requires a little explanation.
controlsthedie: store art of Thanatos from behind with hood down (ごめん、失礼しますが)

Thanatos | Red | OTA

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-10-01 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)

Platform

Once more, people are leaving. Thanatos watches Della go with a strange detachment. He'll miss her. He hopes she finds her way back to her children. She deserves to be happy after everyone she's helped.

Thanatos knows he should feel sad, that he should be devastated that another close friend has left. However, there's just a resigned numbness, a growing feeling that it's still his fate to be alone. All the emphasis being placed on him becoming more of a person instead of his role, feeling instead of remaining unswayed... it's becoming less and less worth it. What's the point?

There are no new Reds either, so as soon as he's able, Thanatos returns to the train. He doesn't look back.

Train

If he's not in the kitchen making toast sandwiches for his train chore, Thanatos is in the flower-darkened quiet booth working on some ideas for Keepsakes and a new Chthonic Companion. There's currently a pile of starry midnight feathers on the small table as Thanatos works to pluck enough from his wings to use as stuffing when he does start to make one.

Wildcard: Choose Your Own Adventure

[[ OOC: Got an idea? Write up a starter or plot something out. Feel free to contact me by journal DM, [plurk.com profile] aviekokyre, or Discord: aviekokyre#3411 ]]
katzenpfote: (gazing up)

[personal profile] katzenpfote 2021-10-01 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"... There's someone I am helping. His... appearance is not what he wants it to be. It is very important to him to be what he considers 'normal' again." That's... probably the best way of saying that without going into too much personal detail.
miseris_socios: (standing proud)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"I know. That's why I'm reminding you." He smiles slightly and puts his hand on Seto's. "I can drag you out to make sure you eat dinner, too. You wouldn't be the first person."

Looking at you, Vexen. "... I know it's hard losing people. It just means you have to look at how you spend what time you've got, right?"
controlsthedie: game art of keepsake Pierced Butterfly (Gotta know ain't it so)

2, Last Words

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-10-01 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanatos works on a few keepsakes and prepare to make another Chthonic Companion... whenever he thinks of what form it will take. One wing is folded behind him while he works on pulling feather from the other. One by one, the feather pile on the table grows.

Ryo is lightly speaking to a closed door to a quiet booth. That's why Thanatos is in there, to give his senses a break from all the activity of the train. Not hearing as much noise is the point. But luckily not all the flowers and leaves block the light from the window, and Thanatos sees a shift. Something or someone is at the door.

With a small sigh, he gets up and sees who it is. "Ryo?" his voice is calm and even. He opens the door further to let Ryo inside if he chooses to.
Edited (Things and stuff) 2021-10-01 20:46 (UTC)
blue_ice: (defective water bottle)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yugi will murder me if I don't eat, and he won't be the only one," Seto mutters, the hint of a smile appearing on his face. No matter how terrible this loss feels, he's not alone.

"Actually, speaking of him...there's a favor I need to ask you. Are you free for a few hours on the 19th?"
miseris_socios: (huh?)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Good, because I can only pull so much." Seto's skinny, but Ken's not sure if he could physically drag his brother.

... Huh. It's strange how easily the title slips in to his thoughts.

"Um, I should be. Why?"
blue_ice: (hands)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well..."

Seto's hand reaches for the chain of his locket, where the ring hangs. He wraps his fingers around it for a moment. Expanding his family, even now with the void left behind. Especially now.

"Yugi and I are getting married. We're not planning anything elaborate, but we'd love if you would join us."
miseris_socios: (haha!)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
He looks at it and then looks back up at Seto.

Married, huh... "I... of course I'll be there. You should have let me know sooner, I would have gotten you a present." He smiles a little sheepishly at the other. It seems... so strange, but...

... But this is family.
blue_ice: (richer than god)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm sorry. Yugi proposed before the mission, and between the fight and..."

He glances back at the barrier. Della is long gone, but the gaping hole in his mind still remains. It always will.

"It slipped my mind. I've just been reminded that I actually need to plan."

He manages a small chuckle at the slip, and pulls Ken in for one last quick hug. "Having you there is all I need."
another_moon: (Default)

Usagi Tsukino (AU) | Purple Team | OTA

[personal profile] another_moon 2021-10-01 09:34 pm (UTC)(link)
The Train

Another two weeks, another stop, another exchange of passengers. Usagi watched from inside the train, only stepping out to help Kiyori after Ayumi left.

While the train had stopped, Usagi opted to head for the kitchen to make a quick snack before it would start up again and throw everything around.

“I really wish the train was softer…”

Departure

Once the train was back on the move, Usagi disappeared back to her favorite spot: the labs. Sure, she was certain people would complain about how she would constantly disappear in there, but she felt… at home.

She sighed as she looked over her brooch once more. Something from the last world altered it so that her power down slowed down more. What did it do and how can she improve it?

“I need to figure this out… but how?” She grumbled.

Wildcard

(OoC: I’m open to be at other places - training in the gym again, relaxing in the cabin, whatever!)
catti: (hmm)

[personal profile] catti 2021-10-01 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
K'zeka Tia, same.

[He'll offer a fistbump, because why not? The worst that'll happen is she'll decline.]

On the train, aye. [A nod as well.] There was Norvrandt...
Edited (Werds) 2021-10-01 21:58 (UTC)
fivemilesdeep: (But if we try this)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-10-01 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
He moves as the door opens, pulling his head away from the door and looking up at Thanatos. He answered. He's giving Ryo the chance he'd wanted to apologize.

And yet, for a moment, he still almost leaves. There's a part of him that doesn't want to face this at all, doesn't want to risk adding more pain on top of the grief that's already drowning him, but he pushes that part down and enters anyway.

He doesn't take time to let his eyes adjust to the gloom, doesn't look around to see why Thanatos is in the quiet car in the first place, doesn't even sit - just closes the door behind him and turns to face Thanatos. "I'm sorry." It's out before he thinks about it - before he second-guesses himself again. "I'm sorry I got mad at you, and I'm sorry I yelled." He's trying to keep the tremor out of his voice, and he's not succeeding. "You- you don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I just needed you to know."
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Thinking)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-10-01 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Q'uila is more than happy to reciprocate with a jaunty fistbump when a big piece of the puzzle falls into place.]

You're the Warrior of Light. [It is very much a statement, not a question.] Now I know why the edges of your aether brush so familiarly against my senses, I would know Ardbert's aether anywhere.
jan_ken_hacking: (she's gonna B LO W)

WILDCARD

[personal profile] jan_ken_hacking 2021-10-01 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[For all that Kiyoiri feels like shooting a wall with Ayumi's rifle until she's magically spent and passed out, she still has chores to do. Chores are important. Also, it's not like Ayumi is dead. She should really buck up, or something. Figure out how to handle herself. So on. So on.

...

-thud-

Red Team's job this month is cooking. Cooking these...chewy tails, into various dishes. It involves a lot of meat prep, so a good distraction is, ultimately, preparing the meat for when it's time to be cooking later.

...

-thud-

The knife meets the cutting board. The tail, slowly, becomes something that isn't a tail. She's not really paying attention to much else though.

(Takechirou, perched nearby, might- but he doesn't make a sound.)
]
fivemilesdeep: (But if we try this)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-10-01 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh.

It's enough context for the request to make sense, but not so much that it hurts the other person. It's a very healer sort of answer, where the information is necessary but the details are private; Ryo can appreciate that.

"Oh," he says simply, turning back to the terminal and typing the request in. "Well, I only have enough for one, so we'll probably need to find someone else to buy the other one. I'm guessing the person the spell is for also doesn't have enough points?" He places the order and turns back to Caleb.