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
"That's right. I just arrived here today, you see. So I'm afraid I haven't learned much about our situation yet."
no subject
Especially since she seems closer in age to them than many of the adults here on the train.
".. And it's all a little overwhelming at first, right..? That's how I felt too."
It's kind of how she feels again now, given all the recent information.
no subject
"I don't think overwhelming is quite the right word. It is a bit confusing, I suppose." He was rather used to finding himself in a new place and time, with very little idea as to what he should be doing.
Will puts on a smile.
"But I am sure that I will learn what it is I need to know, when the time is right."
no subject
But maybe that's for the better for now, she thinks. Will seems even younger than her, and having to deal with all that knowledge has been a lot for Madoka herself..
She presses her fingers together, nervously thinking.
"Well, you can always ask the other people here if you want to know something.." Because she knows everyone on the train is super nice. "And else, if no one knows the answer.. um, there's these people we're in contact with. They apparently keep an eye on everything that happens in the void. They're called the Ministry.. They told me to tell people that if they have questions, they should save them to ask the Ministry once they get in touch with us again."
no subject
"This ministry, are they friends do you think?"
So far, apart from being terribly far away from home, much of this remained familiar. Ever since discovering what he truly was, it had been his responsibility to undertake quests, often by being brought to another time and place with no warnings or instructions.
no subject
If not only just because friends is such a big word. But even aside from that, it's not like they're 100% sure they can trust them, right? They could just be playing the long game and then betraying all the passengers on the train.
But after talking to Ten-Nank.. Madoka likes to think that their intentions aren't bad, even if she knows that might be a little naive to think so quickly.
"But it really did seem like they wanted to help us. When I spoke to the representative, they seemed to realise I was a little awkward, and that a lot was going over my head.. So they really did their best to accomodate me. Even though.."
Madoka's voice momentarily trails off, and she gives Will, A Fellow Kid, a knowing look.
".. You know. Even though adults don't always take us seriously.. But that representative really tried their best." Despite Madoka still being so young.
no subject
"Ah," he says at last. "Yes, I can see where that could be a problem. Do you often get that from the adults on the train?" It was a problem he hadn't thought of until now.
no subject
"I think.. not as often anymore as I used to." Oh boy, was it ever bad, back in the day. Madoka knows that they just did it because they cared for her and wanted to protect her, but sometimes it ended up being more than just a little patronizing. "But sometimes it still feels a little bit like my opinion isn't as important, just because I'm younger.."
At least when it comes to certain people.
no subject
"I do understand that, a bit. I've five older brothers and three older sisters at home, and most of them are much older than me. It can take quite a bit to be heard, sometimes."
no subject
Thankfully it's an easy calculation to make inside of her head, though Madoka's eyes grow a little wider as she's trying to imagine what that would be like. That's a lot of people to grow up with in one house! Madoka was already kind of surprised how different things got in hers when her baby brother was born, and they're the only kids of the family..
"Your house must have been.." Madoka's voice trails off for a moment, just while she's still reaching the conclusion of her thought. ".. very lively."
That feels about right. She means it in a positive way, though she can imagine that kind of situation also gets really overwhelming really quickly.
no subject
Will had always been the youngest and the quietest. But he liked the feeling of being around people without feeling the need to say anything.
no subject
Though it also leaves something obvious hanging in the air. After all, Will is not home anymore. He's here now - and he must miss his family, or will miss his family.
It's a sad thing to think about, and it's why Madoka hesitates before deciding to not bring it up. It's too depressing for a first day. Instead she should focus on something more positive, even though that's been difficult for her lately.
"Well.. things are kind of like that on the train too. There's so many people here, and everyone is really different.. So it means that no matter where you go here on the train, there's always something going on, and always people to meet."
no subject
no subject
It's that exact thought that makes the smile on the girl's face a tad sheepish when she answers. "Well, I've been here for a year and some months now.." It's hard to tell whether he'd consider that a long time or not. Madoka sure thinks it's a long time, but some people on this train are thousands of years old, and it doesn't seem to be all that long to them at all.
"I think the people who have been here the longest have only been on the train for about two weeks or so longer than me, so I think that's about the longest anyone has been here.." Her voice trails off, and then she adds: ".. So far."
After all, it's not like she seems to be going anywhere anytime soon, despite having been here for so long already. Who knows how long it'll be in the end?
no subject
But he had also seen what kind of terrible effect that could have on humans.
no subject
Madoka is quiet for a moment. She doesn't want to dump all of her worries on yet another kid in this place.. But on the other hand, she doesn't want to downplay the situation to him either when it can be so dire. It feels important for people to know.
"I'm.. hanging in there, but.."
She frowns, speaking slowly and cautiously. She doesn't just want to instantly freak Will out.
"Being away from home like this.. It's dangerous. We don't know what's happening in our worlds while we're gone.. And since the way we're connected to the train is so unstable, there's a chance we could disappear from the train and just be stuck in the void, just like the people you saw leaving on the platform.."
So there's enough to worry about.
no subject
"That is rather concerning. These others.... Has any way been found to retrieve them?"
If people truly were being lost in that way... Was this something he was allowed to help with?
no subject
Mostly since the train hardly ever bothers to tell them something. Thankfully it's been a little bit more open lately, and contact with the Ministry has also helped to make a few things more clear..
"There's this organisation out there.. It's called the Ministry. They're.. um, they're a little.. odd."
Look, Madoka will admit that. She's never seen anything that looks like the Ministry people where she comes from.
"But they really seem to want to help us. Especially since they seem to not like it when things get.. all messy in the void. So maybe they'll be able to help us find those people eventually."