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
She was somewhat aware of the minstry stuff and had read a lot of the documents they'd sent, but hadn't gone to talk to them. She didn't feel like she had a real handle on it all and some of it she felt, well, if there was nothing she could do about it why worry. She worried enough about what might be going on back home. Of course, she was, theoretically at least, still alive there.
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"I went on a date. Never been on one of them before." And despite the awkwardness of everything that led up to it, for a few hours he felt like a normal guy out getting to know someone else. "Don't tell nobody I told ya though 'cause gettin' him to do stuff is like lurin' a fully wild varmint out of a tree."
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Nell smiled at him. "I won't say anything. Did you have a good time, though? I've never been on one either," she admitted. "Never had the chance for courting even back home. Though I'm not sure how much I believe about any of this romantic love stuff - except in storybooks."
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"But look at you! Someone oughta bend over backward for a girl like you. You got a sweet temperament. Don't like hurtin' nobody. Willin' to be a pillow for someone all tuckered out." He remembers that little Sali when they first met.
"You got the disposition of an angel and a face to match it. Not that it's all that important of a thing, an' if you wanna be the platonic type by all means it don't speak negatively to your character, but never think anything about you isn't worth likin' to its fullest." He adores her and counts himself lucky to have her. And if someone were to mistreat her he'd be more than ready to cobble together a shotgun just to fit the necessary stereotype.
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She's still far more skeptical about the whole romantic love thing, but he has her blushing a bit and more than a little incredulous that not one of his comments have to do with her being a good housewife or good for child-bearing or serving a husband well. It's totally outside her frame of reference and she honestly doesn't know how to respond, so she took a breath and used checking on her kitten to give her a moment to compose herself.
Finally she looks up again. "I can't imagine why you'd say that about yourself. You might be what we'd call a little rough around the edges, but your good heart just runs clear through you. I ain't - haven't never - been treated with such respect by menfolk as I have on this train, but you... you constantly surprise me, treating me just like an equal, and encouraging me even to do things that back home they'd say no respectable woman should do, even though there's no earthly reason why one shouldn't." Maybe it's because he sounds a little more like down home than the others do, that it surprises her more that he's so un-like the men she knew back home. He just... she feels comfortable with him. Safe, without being smothered.
And maybe that makes her a little uppity about him talking down about himself. So her hands go on her hips and her voice firms up some. "And Mr. Yondu, iff'n someone can't see that light and goodness in you, then they don't deserve you and you just keep lookin' for someone who will treat you right. Me, I'm just a widow woman, which, with that and the church, might just have soured me some on all this, but if that sort of thing exists than I say you ought to have it."
She took a breath and remembered that she might ought to say something else about his kind words. "I'm not so sure I believe all those kind things you're ascribing to me, but I surely do appreciate that you feel that way and are good enough to say so." Especially since he clearly wasn't looking for anything from her in return.
"And I thank you kindly.
no subject
He frowns a little like a man caught, digging up the stubborn. "Well... to be honest, compared to the men back home it feels like the bar they got set for me is below the ground, all the way down in hell. But uh... I dunno. Thank ya. Bein' better than that level of bastard is a goal I don't mind meetin'." Even if he can't quite believe it, because he Knows What He Is, and whatever goodness is in him is balanced out by a rage he has trouble minding sometimes.
"I guess I ain't sure I believe all them things you're ascribin' to me, but I do appreciate you feel that way, and are good enough to say so." And even if he's teasing by returning her choice of wording the fact of the matter is that when people think that highly of him he tries to behave that decently.
One day he'll cave, and he knows it. One day people are gonna see him lash out. One day rather than just walking away, he's gonna throw a punch and fall back into an old habit. But for every person that thinks the best of him, that's one more person he'll mind himself all the more for... if they're watching him, anyway. Maybe not if they're not in the room.
"You forgot to tell me I'm handsome an' charmin' though." He digs up with a wry grin, chiseling it across his face before he lets the melancholy settle in as it's so prone to doing.
no subject
Her eyes lit up as he repeated her words back to her and then outright laughed at the end. "You are a most handsome shade of blue and most charming," Nell said through her laughter."
no subject
But he also decides, for this sweet girl's sake, he shouldn't be too hard on himself in front of her. She's got a big ol' heart and he doesn't want to be an additional tax on it when she has so much more on her plate.
"See, now that's better. I'm about the best shade of blue. Even if every other Centaurian is my shade, don't matter. This'n's mine on this train." Though he doesn't know that there's another blue-skinned and red-eyed alien wandering around now.
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She smiled at him as they headed out. "And, of course, mostly I'm hoping she'll be company for me."
no subject
"I mostly wanted to keep us fed but I'm figurin' out I might be able to get as good as I was with it. I'm gettin' way better with the growin' and controllin'." And maybe, given a few more months, he can be as good as he was with it.
"Maybe I'd work pretty well with you if'n a fight came up." Some 'combined power' shit of some kind.
no subject
And well, she should mention the other part. "I'd also like you to teach me some defense and fighting stuff. I'm confident with a gun if I have one, but I sure would like to learn more."
cw: references to comfort slaves
But the next question draws a more serious expression out of him. "Right. Yeah, I'd like to do that. Honestly I know you don't like takin' lives but I'd at least like ya to be able to hurt one of them shitheads in a way what they'll remember it."
He sounds genuinely spiteful about 'em.
"I know it's a differ'nt situation, but back when I was a slave I saw a lotta pretty girls an' boys that Kree kept around for worse reasons than they kept me, and nothin' could be done about it. Your situation don't seem that far off."
Re: cw: references to comfort slaves and abuse
She took a moment before answering him. "Not that different," she said. "Except for the pretty boys part. If the churchmen liked that sort of thing they'd have kept it as a secret perversion and I never heard of none of the boys being messed with. But the Colonel and his son, they kept... concubines, they called them. Not just extra wives, but young girls for, well, those reasons like you said. And if they didn't submit they made 'em or took them to the punishment house to teach 'em to mind. The man I fed to the land? He tried... well... he tried. And I fought back. And when he bled, its like the Land rose up and I just fed him to it till there was nothing left of him at all."
Nell was quiet again. "So I'd like to learn. Be able to put a hurting on them they won't soon forget. Because I decided that if they ever came for me, well, I'd die first."
"No," she corrected herself. "I'd die second."
no subject
He grins that jagged smile of his, suggesting that he hadn't meant her choice in language, but rather he had an edge to his bite. She might not be as sharp but by god if someone deserved it, he could make sure this jar of honey could be as mean as him.
"Never hurts to ask around for extra to pile on top of that, plenty of people around here love teachin'."
no subject
She nodded. "I'm ready to learn and I'm not above playing dirty when it's a fight for my life or someone else's." Nell supposed that given everything she'd been through the sight of his jagged teeth should make her more wary, but they just made her feel a little more safe.
no subject
"That's exactly what you should do. Rules of honor are only for fights where the stakes is money, not for keepin' breathin'." And he firmly believes it. If someone wants to choose an 'honorable death', that's fine on them. But obviously the other side doesn't give a shit whether you died with honor or not.
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He's hoping to help her out anyway.
"Should tide ya over until you get some more fight in ya, and even then it can give ya a hell of an edge."
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She gave him a little teasing smile. "'Specially since I can't always count on, you know, having land to feed 'em to."