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

[so_dark_a_road]

Departures:

Curufin goes out onto the platform as usual and waves goodbye to the departing passengers who walk towards the turnstyle and vanish into the fog. He calls a farewell to Dairine and Rapunzel, though he knows they won't respond.

"Goodbye and good luck!" There's a cheerfulness in his voice, though there is sadness in his eyes.


Greeting new passengers (OTA, but especially new Orange Team members):

Curufin says to whomever is new and near him, "Can I help you? Do you have any questions you need answered?" It would be surprising if they didn't!


In the wintery Stone Garden (OTA):

Curufin will engage in a snowball fight with anybody who would enjoy it. He grabs a handful of snow, packs it, and flings it at his friendly opponent. "GOTCHA!"


Later in the kitchen (for Spark):

Curufin pulls a container of frozen fish out of the freezer. This was left over from the last time he bought fish from the train store, for Spark. He oils a pan and tosses the fish fillets into it and heats the fish. A delicious smell arises from the pan. He grins at his good friend the cat and when the fish is ready, he shovels some onto a plate with a spatuala and places it on the counter where Spark can easily get it.

"Tasty, eh?"

New Pasengers

[truesmiles]

One might think Fai would ask perhaps the usual questions for one who is new to arriving in strange and odd places. But Fai had completely different questions in mind.

"I may have a few. For starters is this type of thing the norm? Taking those from other worlds and putting them together? Then I must ask about the places one might usually go to I assume they are always vastly different?"

Yes, it was obvious one was use to world travelling. Just not in this usual method.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin answered, "It's not that unusual. I've lived in two worlds that did the same thing. The difference is that the train travels, goes to other worlds. Usually worlds that are in trouble and need help, and we Voidtreckers give the help that is needed. It's true that the worlds are usually very different."

Curufin added, "You seem to know a little about this topic?"

[truesmiles]

"SO it's a thing where you deal with emergencies rather than randomly going to worlds and ending up getting involved?" For him it always were they were involved simply because it was connected to what they were looking for. The same seems to apply here but in a different way. Emergencies they were needed at and had to get involved.

"I know a little. I've travelled to worlds previously and knew magic to be able to do that two. I also knew those methods would take a lot out of someone, so I can only imagine how much it takes the train."

[so_dark_a_road]

"Yes, usually we're called in to help with an emergency. It's not random."

Curufin nods. "How did you travel to those other worlds? By magic? I suppose you're right, though, that the train must expend a lot of energy to leap from world to world, from universe to universe."

[truesmiles]

"By a good friend. They aren't here thought unfortunately." Mokona was made by magic, which he could at least maybe explain but friend was a better term. But this was different with how Mokona does that.

"Thank you for the information. I do appreciate it."

[so_dark_a_road]

"Your good friend is the one who makes it possible to travel to other worlds?"

Curufin smiles. "You're welcome. And feel free to ask for any information you need. If I know, I'll tell you."

[truesmiles]

"Yes. They make it possible. I had to pay a price to be able to in the first place, but in the end that was worth it." Sure Fai can actually do it himself, it was just better that way for what he originally was meant to be doing which changed over time.

Still it was more fun to travel with others at the end of the day.

"If you know you'll tell me makes me think you've been here a while."

[so_dark_a_road]

"Then it's good to have a friend like that."

Curufin smiles again. "Maybe it's my confidence in my role as informant? I've been here a couple of years -- earth years, not train years -- and I've made a point of coming out on the platform most months, just to see who is new and whether I can help them orient themselves. By the way, I'm Curufin Fëanorion. What's your name?"

[death_from_above]

"Always! Hey! Wanna help me with something super fun?" he asked, all but bouncing.

[so_dark_a_road]

"Sure!" answered Curufin. "What do you have in mind?"

[death_from_above]

Help me collect votes for a fishing car!" Bright feline smile.

[so_dark_a_road]

"A fishing car! Sounds like a good idea," responded Curufin. "Do you want to post on the network in order to publicize the idea?"

[death_from_above]

"OOO! YES PLEASE!"

[so_dark_a_road]

"Do you want to make the post or shall I? Either way, we can both chime in and tout the idea. By the way, what would this fishing car look like? Would it have pools of fish?"

[death_from_above]

"You! More people like ewe fur sure. I get too sheepish," he said with a grin.

"And it's great, I told the train what it should be. With an ocean and a lake and a river between them and be self restocking. So lots of kinds of fishing!"

[so_dark_a_road]

"All right, I'll do it. I just wouldn't want to horn in on your project, so I'll give you the credit."

He smiled. "Ah, you've already told the train what you have in mind. I'll weigh in on that, maybe tomorrow. I suppose the decor would have to be partly illusion, since the train cars aren't miles and miles wide or long. But not to split hairs or anything, I'm sure the train is capable of creating an environment that is partly real and partly visionary."

snow

[soldier_blade]

Sonya wasn't exactly looking to join in any fight-snowball or otherwise. The garden car looked so peaceful and serene in the snow that she just wanted to sip some hot coffee and enjoy.

She wasn't so lost in thought that she didn't see the snowball headed her way. Luck and careful reflexes allowed her to move aside without spilling 'much' in way of her beverage.

"Hey! Give me a few minutes before engagement, okay!"

It was Curufin, so she couldn't totally be angry, but she could alert him to the fact that she wasn't entirely ready to join in just yet.

[so_dark_a_road]

"Sorry!" he said, dropping the handful of snow he hadn't yet packed and thrown. He came over to her with a smile. "Drink your coffee first, or maybe you just aren't into a snowball fight right now. That's okay. We can sit and talk for a few minutes, if that's okay with you. How are you doing, Sonya?"

[soldier_blade]

She tried to brush off some of the spilled coffee from her sleeve, the hot liquid quickly turning cold.

"I don't mind a snowball fight," She conceded. "I'd just rather it not be when I'm having something to drink."

Especially something hot like coffee. "Otherwise, I can't complain."

[so_dark_a_road]

He smiled. "I can see why. Sorry about the spilled coffee. So, everything is going well for you?"

[soldier_blade]

There was a lot going on, and under normal circumstances she might've told him, but doing so would ruin the serenity that the carriage offered. She wasn't entirely willing to do that.

"I just want to enjoy a rare moment of peace and..." She nearly said quiet, but that would imply she wanted him to leave. "Well..just peace."

[so_dark_a_road]

He wouldn't insist that she tell him anything she didn't want to discuss right now.

"A moment of peace is always a good thing. Do you want me to go and sit down on a bench and not talk? Or play my flute to generate a serene atmosphere?"

[soldier_blade]

"I'll settle with talking. Just playing music while I stare off isn't really my thing." She did play on occasion herself, but doing so infront of a casual audience only made her feel awkward.

The benches managed to not remain covered in snow. "But I'm always up for a new hobby. I'd ask how long you've been playing, but knowing elves, I figure it's in the triple digits."

[so_dark_a_road]

"Okay, let's talk," he answered. "You're right, I've been playing the flute a very long time. My brother Maglor was my music teacher when I was a child, and he taught me the harp and the viol. I learned the flute on my own, but I did have his advice and approval."

He sat down on one of the benches, leaving room for Sonya.

"Do you play an instrument?"