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

Eli Vanto | OTA

[backwaterimperial]

Platform
Eli was very confused. One minute he was on the Steadfast, in his black uniform, and the next, he was on a train platform in an unfamiliar outfit. At first, he thought perhaps he'd fallen asleep at his station and was dreaming, but he tossed that idea out when he figured that the cold couldn't be a product of his subconscious.

He shifted his orange hoodie to cover his ears and began looking around, feeling utterly lost. "Well, Eli, nothing at the academies could prepare you for this."

The Train
This place wasn't like an Imperial starship or a Chiss one. It was also not quite like the civilian transports on Coruscant. As he walked through the hall, he made sure to note his surroundings, and keep his eyes open for anything strange. He came upon the cabin listed on his ticket and entered, getting himself situated.

After that, he went back out to roam the hallways, not content to sit about when he could be exploring.

Snow Time
Eli briefly wondered what Thrawn would think of the rock garden, what with the statues and rock gardens themselves being works of art. Even if Eli didn't possess Thrawn's art reading ability, he could still apply his own powers of observation to the rock garden. So far all he could see was that it was just an ordinary rock garden that was currently covered in snow. He looked up to see if there was a broken window in the carriage, but all he saw was a strange haze overhead. What an odd weather pattern.

Feeling cold, Eli got himself some warmer clothes and bundled up, before making his way to the bench to sit down for a bit and sip some coffee. "Clearly I'm dreaming after all."

Train

[averyusefultray]

The train uniform means there's nothing that sets this newcomer out from any of the others. There are usually all sorts of new humans after every platform and they tend to have fairly similar needs in the first days, though particular interests. "Were you looking for anything specific?"

[backwaterimperial]

Eli is surprised to see a Twi'lek here, but also somewhat relieved, since it means he's not the only one who got pulled from his home galaxy. He doesn't recognize her, but does note that she's speaking without the Ryloth accent. That might not necessarily mean that she's not from Ryloth, since it's not uncommon for someone to adopt another accent after spending time away. Eli himself speaks with a distinct Wild Space accent that he's never dulled or gotten rid of.

"Not really. I'm just trying to get a feel for my surroundings." It's something Thrawn taught him.

[averyusefultray]

Hera nods. It's a sensible choice. "It's not the most efficient layout." She rather prefers a ship that uses more horizontal space rather than stringing everything end to end.

"There are shortcuts, but walking the length is the best way to learn the layout."

[backwaterimperial]

That Eli can agree on. The Chimaera had a very efficient layout, as did the Chiss ship he went to serve on. "This is certainly nothing like the ships I've been on."

But, noting even the smallest detail can save one's life or just come in handy.

[averyusefultray]

"Are those spaceships or sea vessels?" There was a time she wouldn't have asked that question. It was a time before she lived on a dimension hopping train. Now she knows she needs to establish what sort of reference point the other person is working from.

Snow Time

[paopuofyourlife]

"Why would you think your dreaming?"

Kairi had been making her way through the train just to find some place to practice the fruits of her labour so to speak. She was at least slowly improving enough that she was confident she could say something about it soon.

But that was going to have to be side-tracked for the moment as she went to sit down.

"Is it because of the snow in here?"

[backwaterimperial]

"You could say that. Normally weather patterns like this don't happen indoors," He pointed up at the haze. Eli put any grumpiness he might be feeling aside, seeing as he was talking to a kid. "I guess there could be artificial atmosphere in here, though, which includes weather manipulation."

[paopuofyourlife]

"I mean that's possible. The train is not something any of us can really understand. It will do things that might not even be normal where you are from." Kairi had juts come to accept the way things were with ease when it came to the train.

"Though I guess this hasn't happened that often, but I guess it's a thing that can."

[backwaterimperial]

"I mean, I've been on spaceships before, and I've been on trains before. But I've never been on a train that's also a spaceship. Especially not one that has weather inside the carriages." He holds out his hand, catching snowflakes in his glove.

[paopuofyourlife]

"Would this train be classed as a spaceship when it doesn't go through space, but the void instead?"

It's still not a normal train that much she knew.

"But hey it means you get to experience something new, so that is exciting, right?"

[longforgottenpromise]

"No. It's not a dream." Taiki was walking through the garden, wrapped up warm. Snow always made him homesick. But he enjoyed it, liked the beauty of it. Especially when it was controlled, when the beauty did not come with the tragedy of people struggling to survive in harsh conditions.

"It must all feel very strange for you though." He smiled at the man, new today. Another person pulled from their world onto this train.

"It's real though..."

[backwaterimperial]

"So I gathered," Eli replied. "If this were a dream, there would be green porgs running around or giant cheese wheels rolling along by now." His little attempt to lighten the mood. And if this were a nightmare, this is where he'd be seeing the Emperor or some other horrifying imagery. Eli sipped more caf to warm himself up more.

[longforgottenpromise]

He doesn't know what a porg is but he understands what Eli is saying, smiling at him nervously.

"Um... I'm Taiki. I've been here a while... if you have any questions..."

[backwaterimperial]

"Nice to meet you, I'm Eli Vanto." He sips yet more coffee, about ready to top himself off in the next few minutes. "So is this train going anywhere in particular?"

[longforgottenpromise]

"It's nice to meet you too Eli Vanto." He shook his head.

"No. Well. Sort of. But we don't know. It takes us to different worlds each month, to do missions there."

Snow Time

[yondu]

"Nah, this place is just real damn weird. You'll get used to it."

Yondu's not been in a mood to enjoy the car. Last time he and Koumyou had gotten into snowball fights on the platform, his mood far more chipper and the day bringing out the childishness in the both of them. But this time he's just not feeling up to the task.

He does, however, want to replace his coffee. So he's in here grabbing a drink, and he glances over the new guy. "Some of it ain't too bad, at least. Healin' potions were a good kinda new. Void headaches? Them things I could do without."

[backwaterimperial]

Eli almost does a double take at seeing a blue-skinned alien with red eyes. But no, the eyes aren't entirely red like those of a Chiss. Not to mention the presence of facial hair, which Chiss lack. The man's accent is also closer to Eli's own. He can't help but think that the man looks like what would happen if a human and a Chiss had a baby. He's also guessing that the red thing is an implant, though it's not one that Eli's ever seen.

"Healing potions? Is that just a fancy word for bacta?"

[yondu]

Folksy people are few and far between on the train, so the accent does stand out to him.

"Nah, potions. Exactly what it says on the tin." He couldn't tell right off if Eli came from a magical world or not. He assumed from his reaction to the overhead that he didn't, and seemed to be right on that one.

So now someone else gets to be just as surprised by them. "Seems like they don't get particular about species, either. They'll heal whoever pretty cleanly. There was an undead around for a while that took it bad but he was the only one I'd heard of with the problem. What's a bacta?"

[backwaterimperial]

"Undead? You gotta be kidding me." Eli had seen holodramas about people trying to survive zombie plagues, but he's never seen actual evidence of the dead rising from the grave in his galaxy. And if there is such a thing, it's probably some Sith thing that Eli would rather not know of.

"Bacta's a liquid with healing properties. If a person gets injured then a medic may put them in a tank full of bacta to help them heal. Bacta patches can also be used to treat minor wounds."

[yondu]

"Oh no, I'm serious. Shit gets real weird. I'm Yondu, by the way. Yondu Udonta." He taps his chest with his right fist and gives a short bow, a Ravager greeting. At least it's not as invasive as a handshake.

"I been hopin' for some more technical solutions in the case we come across worlds where magic has messed up affects again. Potions switched out for somethin' more technologically an' biologically reliable if slower actin'. Would be glad to hear about it when you got the time and, you know, you ain't reelin' from bein' kidnapped by a interdimensional train with trauma."

And he means that genuinely. It's something he's been looking into for a while, but his last potential supplier of useful chemicals did what too many other people do and disappear.

snow time

[flatteries]

Someone Inigo doesn't recognize? And who seems to believe they're dreaming?

Checks out. It's got to be a new person, Inigo knows it. And while he himself isn't exactly in the best mood right now, he still does his best to put on kind of a smile for the other. It's pretty convincing, too.

"You're not dreaming," Inigo says, though his smile turns a tad sadder when he adds, "Unfortunately."

After all, it'd be better for any of them to not be here.

".. Though I can imagine all of this must seem pretty overwhelming, milord."

[backwaterimperial]

Even if it is convincing, Eli's got good powers of observation and can tell it's not quite genuine. He says nothing and just returns the smile.

"Well, it's not every day that you're kidnapped and told you're taking a trip on a space train."

[flatteries]

"It.. certainly isn't."

Sheesh. If anything, Inigo is glad that it doesn't seem like this sort of thing is happening to a lot of people everywhere - if the Ministry's words were anything to go by, anyway. But on the other hand, it also makes all the people present here extremely unlucky. Out of all of the people from all worlds out there, they were the ones picked to be dragged into this.

Inigo shakes his head, releasing a breath.

"Have you been hanging in there thus far?"

[backwaterimperial]

"When I'm not wandering around the rest of the car," Eli shrugs. "I came in here because I saw the snow and I got curious. It's also a good place to scope out my fellow abductees, see if there's anyone or anything interesting." If there's one thing Eli's learned in the past few years, it's to always be mindful of one's surroundings, and pay attention to even the smallest of details.