VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am
Entry tags:
- alice liddell (am) [ou],
- allen walker [crau],
- clu [au-crau],
- devero [ou],
- elidibus [ou],
- esteban drake [ou],
- fai d flourite [ou],
- inigo [ou],
- jin ling (mdzs) [crau],
- kairi [ou],
- koumyou sanzo [ou],
- little one [ou],
- madoka kaname [ou],
- nell ingram [ou],
- romeo [crau],
- sonya blade [ou],
- taiki [ou],
- thanatos [ou],
- tidus [ou],
- yondu udonta [ou],
- yugi mutou [ou],
- ~x~aziraphale [crau],
- ~x~bucky barnes [crau],
- ~x~connor [ou],
- ~x~eli vanto [ou],
- ~x~thrawn [ou]
A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]
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!
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!
no subject
[Connor has experience closing his eyes in one place and opening them in another. At first he thinks he's in the AI graphic interface - that one place his handler used to debrief him and, one memorable time, steal his autonomy.
But when he spins in place, looking around wildly, a backpack swings on his...orange-clad...back, and there look to be 12 other...beings...with him, equally confused. The colours don't match, exactly, but the othewise they're all wearing the same thing, like a uniform.
But Connor's doesn't mark him as an android, it marks him as...Connor. His name's on it.
Yep, this guy's gonna stare down at his name on his hoodie, grinning lopsidedly.]
Train Arrival
[The first to leave the train that pulls up don't so much as look at the group on the platform - they merely leave, silent, and Connor's too confused to follow them. What's out there isn't any less new than what's here, after all.
But more follow them, and those people don't look as purposeful - they flood out of the train in clothes matching his own and the others.
Well, it happened. A plunge into deviancy and a revolution and...]
I think I'm having a mental breakdown.
Wildcard: Cabin
[If any residents of Upper 3 (E) enter their new cabin at some point on the first day, they'll find Connor there, standing in the middle of the room. He looks round at the newcomer and braces himself a little.]
I'm taking one of these beds.
[So defiant.]
Train arrival
He really doesn't care or like the station stops, but he's made to come. Most likely he would just head back to his room and roll back into bed, thus he's looking even more tired than normal. He's very much a night owl, and these stops were too early in the day for him.] It would be a better outcome than this.
no subject
[His...companion?...with the matching outfit doesn't seem to want to stand out very much. Hidden in their hoodie, voice quiet. Connnor decides he won't try to scan them. It's only polite.]
This all seems very...real. But it shouldn't be. And I'm very calm about it.
How bad is this?
[He might consider changing his mind about the calm thing. Still, the circular LED light on his right temple spins slowly yellow. Processing.]
no subject
There's a soft sigh from Idia.] Others know more. [Mostly because Idia hasn't been paying attention to it all. He's not happy so far with the answers he's gotten, so what's the point of the specifics behind those answers if it doesn't change them? He can't go home, he can't bring the most important person here with him, so what does it matter?] We've been taken from our worlds to do work for this train on different planets. It says we were all picked for a reason... [He wants to finish 'but it's wrong', not believing he's of any value being here.
Idia dwells in his own misery for a moment before his eye catching that small light, tilting his head a little to see it better. An implant of some sort?]
no subject
But this isn't just android work - it's not some kind of CyberLife conspiracy. Connor's the only Cyberlife android here right now, he's sure of that much. So...there's that.
But this person doesn't really want to talk much about some of the realities of the situation. Or maybe think about them at all. Still...he talked to Connor, and Connor's not used to that. He's even looking right at Connor's LED and is still here all the same. Like Connor's a real person who just has a mark on his temple.
It feels - feels nice.]
What do you do here? Does...it - the train? - pay you?
(no subject)
(no subject)
Does Connor 'breath'? As in make the motion to do so, or is he very 'still'?
He does! It's for keeping cool and keeping humans from freaking out :D
Very nice. Also loving this thread so Idia can geek out
I love this stuff too, and Idia nerding out is adorable!
(no subject)
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no subject
[The being that confronts him is very purple, from her hair and fur to the hoodie over pink, flowered dungarees, there is a clear colour scheme going on. Nevermind the feline features that the android would easily be able to establish as natural given a little observation.]
It can be a little shocking, especially for your first time. [She smiles kind and patient and not dissimilar to the sort of smile she gives small children or frightened animals.] My name is Q'uila and this is a platform for the Voidtrecker Express. If you have any questions I can try to answer them.
no subject
...He likes it.]
I've never heard of the VoidTrecker Express. Or been on-- uh, inside a train before.
[He's been on top of one!]
Where are we going, exactly?
no subject
Aye, I do not think anyone had knowledge of the Express before joining it, and trains are rare in my world so I cannot speak for how similar or not it might be to trains of your world.
As for where we are going... 'Tis difficult to say, the train conveys us to locations in need of assistance but we are not told of the location beforehand.
no subject
In your world? How do you mean...? Where are you from?
(no subject)
Train Arrival
No, you're actually not. Though depending on your tolerance for weirdness, that might not be entirely off the table.
Do you want the long version or the short version?
no subject
[He's a detective model, he's supposed to have some level of ability to roll with the punches. This isn't so much a punch as a...n oncoming train.]
I'll take the long version if we've got the time.
no subject
[Even his own world's weirdness didn't quite compare to this one, which was saying something.]
OK then. To start with, you're not in your own world any more. This train here? It pulls people here from across all kinds of different dimensions. Except not physically, because that doesn't really work; we're essentially spirit-clones of ourselves, but we function just as if we were here physically even if our actual bodies are still back in the worlds we came from. With me so far?
Train Arrival
From Connor's perspective, a short humanoid whose feet and crown of his head are literally yellow hot with fire suddenly pivots on his heels, then comes striding up to him with a friendly smile and a shake of his head.]
Sorry, mate, I know this is... a lot to take in. But I promise, you're not going crazy. All of this is real. Welcome to the Voidtrecker Express, or Voidy, as I like to call it.
[He extends a hand to the other man.]
I'm Zagreus, by the way. Zag for short, if you'd rather skip the formalities. Which I absolutely would, because we'll be stuck together living on this Train for a while at least, so it'll be good to get to know you now before a mission starts.
no subject
That would be the normal thing to do. But Connor's stuck on one small point.]
You seem to be on...fire.
[And Zagreus seems very fine with this. Connor's LED, though, is as yellow as the flames.]
just realized some of your icon names are from my favorite M&tD song. I Love You
I was born this way. I can turn it off, but I usually don't bother unless I have to. Is it making you uncomfortable? I could always do that for you, if you dislike fire, or something. But these don't really burn anything, see?
[He carefully tugs a leaf off his laurels, and offers it to Connor. It's holding its form, so far, and it only seems to be warm to the touch, not scorching hot like a flame would usually be.]
It'll dissolve into ash on its own if you leave it open to the air. My Father's crown does the same thing.
what a great song!! you have excellent taste c:
Don't turn it off on my account. [He says it a little forcefully: as an android, Connor's entire external construction, from the micromovements of his eyes to his breathing, as all for human comfort - to remove him from the so-called uncanny valley into something humans can trust. He's weirdly aware of this fact - and isn't going to push that same thing on somebody else.]
Where I'm from, people don't tend to be on fire if they can help it.
[And, fascinated, he takes the leaf from the laurel. Zag's right - it's just...warm. Wouldn't even burn a human.
And, true to his word, the leaf dissolves to ash moments later.
Connor does what any self-respecting, curious person with a cutting edge chemistry lab in their mouth would do: he brings his finger to his mouth and dabs it to the ash.
Yup. That's the ash of a laurel leaf.]
(no subject)
arrival
But he's also bundled up in orange. ]
Hey, new teammate! I'm Jake Peralta, former NYPD---I know some people have issue with that, but I know I don't have jurisdiction. So it's all good. I'm only a morale officer now.
[ Yes this is all supposed to make sense. He smiles. ]
Anyway, how are you?
no subject
My name is Connor. I'm... ["...the android from Cyberlife" is on the tip of his tongue, but nope, doesn't have to say that anymore.] I was attached to the DPD. Detroit.
[(As if anyone would think this man with this accent was ever based out of Dallas.)]
I'm...functional. Confused, but I'm functional.
[He's going to notice the LED on Connor's right temple any second, he clearly just hasn't noticed it yet...]
How are you, uh...finding morale?
no subject
[ Smile. And...hey, wait, what's the blinky? ]
Whoa, are you from the future? I mean...future, relatively, I'm from 2017. Is that a super high-tech brain implant that gives you uploads from the FBI database, so you can catch people in the field?
[ Like Robocop, hey, he was from Detroit, he thinks, but restrains himself. Just barely. ]
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no subject
Thank god that was in there at least. Once that was done he looked over at everyone else before walking. Seems some have started to be less confused so why not strike up a conversation.]
Hello there. Your looking at the hoodie. [He leaned over to see what exactly he was looking at.]
Is there something wrong with it?
no subject
There's nothing wrong with it. I just... [Does it sound stupid said out loud? Oh well.]...never had anything that was mine before. With my name.
I don't know where it came from or why I'm wearing it, though... It's not mine.
[But now that he looks...everyone on the platform's wearing the same sort of hoodies. Just of different colours.]
I suppose that's not yours, either...?
no subject
[Did he know why they might have been given them. No. Probably a tea thing perhaps. But he figured it meant it was for them to wear so in his mind it was theirs. At least it was free it seems too.]
So technically yes. It would be mine even though I don;t recall how I got it exactly.
train arrival
[ .. maybe it's not the most elegant or helpful way to greet someone. But Alice has been so frustrated with their situation in particular over the last week or so that she can't help it. The snark just returns in full force, though she does realise that using it against people who are new here and might only have half an idea of what's going on might not be the best course of action.
So the girl releases a breath like a sigh, before shaking her head. Okay, maybe the mental breakdown is more serious on his part. Perhaps she ought to take it more seriously. ]
It is all a lot to take in though. Do not force yourself to process it all at once.
no subject
Good to know I'm not alone.
[He's not totally serious about having the mental breakdown. Although he's genuinely convinced a program has malfunctioned somewhere - maybe his memory is corrupted, so he doesn't know how he got here, or maybe his sensors are running wild and this really is a simulation. Who knows. But--]
Even if I am, there's not much I can do about it.
I just wish I understood what I was processing.
no subject
Then again, Alice often says ridiculous things out loud. ]
I imagine that is the fact you are processing, unless you have already moved on beyond that to something else.