A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

Despite whatever Voidtreckers may have learned or how they feel about those revelations - or reminders - of the precariousness of their situation, the train flies ever onward.

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Poi. 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. The weather is dry but there is a chill to the air and a strong breeze." 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. Dairine, Okada Izō, Rapunzel, Satoru and Siebren; 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 thirteen new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours and 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 long with a grassy mound behind them. It is blustery and the air is cold, they will be glad of those hoodies.

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, windy platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

Thirteen figures, 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, with cans of corned beef lining the shelves.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. Those from purple who go to find their prize will find a large box containing a gingerbread train for them to share. Plenty enough to go around, even for the largest team.

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.

Snow Time: Rock Garden

Winter seems to have followed from Osiga and nested in the rock garden. There's a chill that nips in the air and a light snow (real snow) fills the air. A thin cloudy haze at the top of the carriage seems the source. Yet the kaleidoscope of the void will assure that this is no timely world stop.

People might have seen it occurring the night before. Snow falling heavy before tapering off with an odd precision, leaving a heavy blanket over the carriage 'ground'. By morning of Platform Day, a miniature winter has descended, ripe for snowforts, snowballs, angels and snowmen.

It's not just the climate that's changed. Many statues and rock features are missing or moved. Digging below the snow reveals soil now frozen but providing a barrier between the bare floor of the carriage. Keen eyes will see changes are made with safety and available space in mind. The fountain has been emptied but the pond and streams are frozen solid, allowing intrepid spirits to try slide-skating over the surfaces without the risk of breaking through. The mosaics are still around, and enchantments are in place to protect paintings and paper decorations from damp. Any plants have been sent to sleep or taken to safety.

The benches are still around. Paths and bridges are covered with fresh snow, but, as the day goes on, it's trampled down and or scattered. Najaran's woodfolk may be glimpsed near Jingyi's shrine or hiding in the shadows of rocks and statues still present, perhaps even buried in the snow and peeking out. Shy around humans, though those with pointed ears or Hylian lineage may find an easier time interacting.

There are signs on both doors of the carriage warning of the change and mentioning the dressing carriage will have winter gear, and it does: with hats, scarves, gloves and ice skates in a variety of sizes. Dispensers with warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are available in the Games Carriage.

Early the next day, the snow will be gone and the gardens returned to how they once were.

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

Kitty Pryde | OTA

[goingthroughaphase]

To be honest, Kitty had been a bit withdrawn since they had left Osiga. She'd done pretty well not to dwell on her talk with Ten-Nank, just wanting to enjoy her time with people as they took part in the celebration. But since getting back on the train she had a lot to think about.

It was still something she was sorting through when they arrived at the platform. And while she did step out with everyone else to take a look at the newcomers, she didn't make the first move to approach anyone, though was still available to talk to if someone spoke to her first.

Then, as soon as they were able to board the train again, she stepped back on. Though she wasn't exactly avoiding anyone, she did still seem to be lost in thought. After dropping by the kitchen, though, she could be seen with a whole car from the gingerbread train.

"Hey," she said to anyone she happened to catch. "Want some?"

Usagi Tsukino (AU) | Open

[another_moon]

Rock Garden

If you happen to wander through the cars and into the snow-filled Rock Garden, you might find Usagi there watching the sights and taking it in. She was dressed up for the occasion and sipping on hot chocolate.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Usagi said, smiling as she idly spoke. “Just something nice to enjoy…”

Lab Car

“C’moooon…!”

After the revelations told to her over the past month, Usagi had come to a decision - she couldn’t bear to use the powers of the other Guardians any longer. Thus, she had transformed and was trying to dislodge the Crystals mounted on the Moon Forge bracer.

And Usagi being Usagi in terms of strength, was having a poor time doing so.

“You are jammed in there! How do I get you out? What do I do when I do?”

Eva | OTA

[mtsilver_conquor]

Platform
She'd seen his name go gold, but--

"Wha- Satoru?" Eva's moving after him before she can truly process what's happening; that her boyfriend, her Rival, her equal match in just about everything, is leaving. She reaches and grasps for him, trying to halt his departure, but - nothing works, nothing stops him from going where she can't follow. "Satoru? Satoru!"

And then, he's gone, past the barrier and into the void and all she can do is stare after him in disbelief and heartbreak. "No--"

Snow Time: Rock Garden
Later, after she's calmed somewhat, Eva (and three of her pokemon: Dancer, 'Nona, and Princess) can be found in the snowy garden as she tries to work herself into something that's not woefully depressed and or bitter.

She's still upset, of course, but she's somehow managed to numb her emotions. Somewhat. Sorta. She's lost friends throughout this journey, yet... yet she'd hoped this would be different. That he'd stay. That they'd see this through to the end together. She'd been so happy to have him with her, to see him, to spend time and chat about nothing and everything, and now he's gone--

Into the void. Into darkness and she doesn't-

No. He's gone home. He's gone back to Arkea and the trauma of the Eternatus aftermath and-

She takes a shuddering breath and buries her face against 'Nona, the fox's fur warm as she struggles to keep the tears at bay.

Aziraphale | OTA

[salutosinedelectat]

1.Platform
The angel takes his time leaving the train. With an army's worth of baked goods prepared for when the train departs, he drinks his tea, and, when he figures the bigger part of the crowd has already stepped out, he soon follows.

It's beginning to get quite difficult to actually spot the newcomers. He takes a moment to take in just how many passengers the train already has. As much space as it may have inside, and even if he's lived the last several centuries in busy London, it's hard not to feel a little cramped.

He manages to catch the tail end of the procession of those who leave. He recognizes the blonde young woman the best, it may or may not lead to a small frown on his face. Still, he quietly blesses them, unsure whether his miracles actually traverse into wherever they're all going. He hopes it does.

He stands by the train door, arms crossed behind his back, giving a polite smile and a nod to anyone who catches his eye.

2. Dinner
A lot of the things he does during the bi-weekly stops are, at this point, a sort of ritual. He's fallen into the gentle rhythm of baking an inordinate amount of treats and preparing tea, which he then moves to the dinner car (by miracle, of course, to skip the hassle of taking several trips across most of the length train), with a familiar note, to some, to take as much as they like, and a polite welcome to new passengers.

He takes a cupcake for himself while he's at it, taking a seat near the table for a few minutes.

3. Rock garden
Well, this part is new. He's taking a walk through the train when he steps into the rock garden and is greeted with a somewhat localized winter scene. Which, safe for a quick snap and quicker change of outfit, he does find quite charming.

And he's not the only one, for soon his walking companion jumps right into the car and right into the snow. Ferdinand hops itself into getting stuck in the snow, as its mangle of paws are barely fit for walking on normal surfaces in the first place. It doesn't seem to discourage it, though, as it writhes back onto its feet and jumps around on the soft cold snow.

Aziraphale walks calmly through the path, admiring the scene and wondering where the art pieces have been moved to, when he's suddenly attacked by a small avalanche of snow tossed by several aptly paddle-shaped paws digging furiously at it.

"Ferdinand! Bad--thing! Oh!"

4. Wildcard

[ Aziraphale can be seen all around the train most of the time. Feel free to create your own prompt, ask questions, or PM me in this account or at skree.]

courier six | OTA

[quixotically]

[01 - Prospectin']
Once Elle has a grasp on the situation she's in, and it's settled in enough, her wastelander instincts take hold.

[Pip-Boy Notes: Quests]
- Wake up.
- Find out where the hell you are.
- Explore the train.
- Optional: Take stock of available resources.

... Yeah, that last one isn't exactly "optional" in Elle's eyes. If she's going to be expected to participate in these missions, and contribute in meaningful ways, then she's going to need supplies. Her Pip-Boy is invaluable to her, but without the rest of her gear, she's defenseless. It isn't her first time starting from the ground up, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make her nervous. Still, she reminds herself that she's got time. She'll figure something out.

Her priorities for investigating: the armory and medical carriages, then... Taking stock of their food. This whole... operation, yeah, let's call it that -- This whole operation has obviously been running some time before Elle showed up, and she has no doubt the crew's needs are accounted for. But. Well. She wants to lay eyes on it herself, anyway. She can't even pretend to herself it's got anything to do with curiousity about what kind of strange and new foods she'll be able to find. She wants to know they're going to be okay on food. So, add on the kitchen and food storage carriages to her list, too.

While she explores the rest of the train along the way, too, Elle's high energy is distinctly more focused in these cars. And she does a lot more rifling through available containers -- Right up until she realizes she isn't alone. Then, she'll grin sheepishly -- maybe even after startling a bit, depending on how much she's been surprised -- and offer a little finger-waggle of a wave.

"Um... Hi. Uh, sorry, am I -- I'm sorry if I'm in your way or anything. In case it isn't obvious, I'm... new. Can I ask a couple questions? Do you mind?"

[02 - (Accidental) Attempted Theft]
Elle has never seen so many intact books in one place. This becomes less impressive when you consider she's only got about a year's worth of memories, but still, it means she finds it incredibly exciting.

The biggest library she'd seen until now was that big one in the fake high school, back in Big MT. But it was still in the wasteland, so many of the shelves were messy and barren, the books still there were heavily damaged, and... When she thinks about it, Elle isn't really sure how many of those books would've been real, anyway. It was actually a training facility, after all. And after that, the runners-up would be... hmmm. Mr. House's personal library, probably? Yeah. And then the Followers' collection, from when Julie let Elle hole up there for a while and learn from the doctors...

Anyway. Point being: library. Books! Excitement. She barely knows where to start, and spends some time zipping around between the aisles, just seeing what's available and getting distracted by her discoveries.

Eventually, Elle has plucked out a collection of books that stood out to her the most. And she's packed them neatly within the little rucksack she found herself holding back at the platform, the one her Pip-Boy was in. There! Now she's ready to leave with them. [Intelligence 4/5; failed check.] This is public access, and all, and there doesn't seem to be anyone in charge for her to ask about borrowing them, so it's probably fine for her to just... walk out with them, right?

BEEEEEEEEEEEP. BEEEEEEEEEEEP. BEEEEEEEEEEEP.

Apparently not.

A horrible alarm goes off as Elle tries to leave -- She yelps and stumbles away from the door. And she looks around her, a little frantically, because her first thought is that... She's tripped some kind of trap. And she has no idea how she could've missed it.

"I -- uh -- " The alarm is still going. And she doesn't know it, but it's going to be running for a full ten seconds. But right in this moment, she just knows she's fucked up. "What -- What do I do?!"

[ooc: Here's the mods' reference for the alarm. Warning for really loud and high-pitched alarm shrieking.]

Thrawn | OTA

[art_of_war]

Platform
It seemed like in one moment he was on the bridge of the Chimaera in hyperspace then the fog was obscuring his vision. After a moment of blinking then rubbing his eyes with his fingers, Thrawn was bewildered to first see that he had some sort of bag on his back and he was wearing some very strange clothes. It did not occur to him to do so but the cooler weather would only have encouraged him to take off the hoodie instead of hunch against the wind. But at the moment the color of his blue skin clashed with the red hoodie and made him stand out. When the fog cleared enough for him to be able to see the train many others might have been alarmed, but Thrawn was mostly intrigued. Initially, he went toward the engine with the intent to study it but soon found himself to be getting on board the train instead.

On the train
Sleeper Lower 3, Cabin C
His height was already problematic and he often felt that his head was grazing the roof. In the hoodie's pocket, he had found the train ticket and from it he found the sleeper car it listed. Even here it felt like his head was grazing the ceiling. The tight quarters were not helping with the feeling of claustrophobia he had. Sighing to himself, Thrawn put his bag on one of the top bunks.

The Garden Car
This was the first time since he had boarded the train that Thrawn was standing comfortably and as such, he lingered. Some of the leaflets that were sitting on the sleeper car's low table were folded in his pocket, but first Thrawn was too fascinated by the car's indoor weather. He caught some of the snowflakes in his palm, where notably they did not melt.

"Fascinating."


Wildcard
[ Have another thread idea in mind? Let me know! ]

🌙 Koumyou Sanzo | Saiyuki | Devero prompt + OTA Wildcard

[its_dad_sanzo]

Devero

Wherever Devero happens to be about fifteen minutes after the train leaves platform... suddenly, there is a Lady Wiggles. The teleporting, sapient demonic monster presently in the form of a lanky house-cat (give or take some proportions) pops into existence in front of him.

This has happened before.

Will it ever not be alarming?

And she drops a note from her mouth, before turning and... trotting away?

Not just poofing?

Suspicious.

The note is in Koumyou's handwriting, of course, and all it says is:

𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽 𝓂ℯ

Wildcard!

( Here in case anyone wants to snag Koumyou for a thing, whether ICly intentionally or not! K can be found pretty much anywhere on the train at pretty much any time, but has particular fondness for the garden, greenhouse, and cinema car. )

[Locked to K'zeka]

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila is normally fairly relaxed, in fact she would normally be relaxing and getting ready for a nap right about. Instead, her blankets are in disarray and she's scowling at the bunk opposite her like it has personally slighted her.

She is not a happy bunny.