voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am

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!
art_of_war: (95)

Thrawn | OTA

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-07 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Platform
It seemed like in one moment he was on the bridge of the Chimaera in hyperspace then the fog was obscuring his vision. After a moment of blinking then rubbing his eyes with his fingers, Thrawn was bewildered to first see that he had some sort of bag on his back and he was wearing some very strange clothes. It did not occur to him to do so but the cooler weather would only have encouraged him to take off the hoodie instead of hunch against the wind. But at the moment the color of his blue skin clashed with the red hoodie and made him stand out. When the fog cleared enough for him to be able to see the train many others might have been alarmed, but Thrawn was mostly intrigued. Initially, he went toward the engine with the intent to study it but soon found himself to be getting on board the train instead.

On the train
Sleeper Lower 3, Cabin C
His height was already problematic and he often felt that his head was grazing the roof. In the hoodie's pocket, he had found the train ticket and from it he found the sleeper car it listed. Even here it felt like his head was grazing the ceiling. The tight quarters were not helping with the feeling of claustrophobia he had. Sighing to himself, Thrawn put his bag on one of the top bunks.

The Garden Car
This was the first time since he had boarded the train that Thrawn was standing comfortably and as such, he lingered. Some of the leaflets that were sitting on the sleeper car's low table were folded in his pocket, but first Thrawn was too fascinated by the car's indoor weather. He caught some of the snowflakes in his palm, where notably they did not melt.

"Fascinating."


Wildcard
[ Have another thread idea in mind? Let me know! ]
backwaterimperial: (Grinning)

Platform

[personal profile] backwaterimperial 2022-01-07 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Everybody stood out a little thanks to the colorful hoodies, but very few stood out because they had blue skin peeking out from that hoodie. At first, Eli thought it was too good to be true, that his mind was playing tricks on him and he was just seeing a Pantoran or other blue alien.

It was when he began walking towards the front as well, and got a better look, that he realized he wasn't just seeing who he wanted to. It was him. Eli ran towards the Chiss, stopping just short of outright hugging him with relief.

"Sir! Boy am I glad to see you."
Edited 2022-01-07 22:44 (UTC)
art_of_war: (66)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-08 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
That's probably for the best since Thrawn's reaction to anyone running up at him would the same as if he were being attacked. Even still the oddness of being on a train platform, then Eli's appearance made him blink hard once. Thrawn even now did not have much of a surprised expression. He just raised one eyebrow.

"...Vanto? How is it that you come to be here?"
backwaterimperial: (Smiling)

[personal profile] backwaterimperial 2022-01-08 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
That one raised eyebrow said more than enough. Having spent so many years with Thrawn, Eli knew how to read his expressions, and pick up on the subtleties in his face. That one eyebrow told Eli that Thrawn was surprised. Even if Eli was glad that he wasn't alone here, he shared in Thrawn's bewilderment.

"Your guess is probably as good as mine. Lemme guess, you were just doing your thing, and the next thing you know, you're on this platform to an inter-dimensional train, wearing an outfit that you certainly didn't choose for yourself."

Eli saw that Thrawn and he were wearing different colored hoodies. Which likely meant that they weren't going to be in the same group, much to his disappointment.
art_of_war: (105)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-16 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
The interdimensional train was not something he had worked out for himself yet. Nor the hoodie color for that matter. Not understanding something quickly was not something that Thrawn used to but then again Eli had always been much better at talking to different people in any given situation. Thrawn did have enough of an idea of what a train platform was meant to look like at least, but he did look around himself for anything that out looked out of the ordinary.

"Is that where we are?"

Other than the train itself, which looked like no train that Thrawn had ever seen, there wasn't much to indicate anything about where the platform was. Which was odd in itself. Surely there would be something to indicate a planet, at least. Thrawn focused on Eli again.

"You have been dressed in a different color, so I assume this is not meant to be a uniform."
backwaterimperial: (Nervous)

[personal profile] backwaterimperial 2022-01-16 10:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"Afraid so. I asked around, and might have overheard a conversation or two." Though to say he overheard them was just Eli's way of saying he was eavesdropping. Years of being by Thrawn's side had taught him that it payed to keep one's eyes and ears open, even if neither of them ever imagined being in a situation such as this.

He looked down at his hooded sweater. "I guess not. I mean, obviously we've born worn uniforms and they've been nothing like this. But you and I aren't the only ones wearing these colors, so maybe the powers that be are sorting us out?" Not that Eli could see a pattern to the sorting, and by all accounts it seemed to be random.
art_of_war: (94)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-17 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
If they were meant to be uniforms it would be the strangest uniform he'd ever seen.

"But what is the purpose behind sorting us? If it is for skills we possess it seems like a serious flaw that we don't know what each color's 'team' is capable of."

Or who each color's team consists of. Thrawn had yet to find out about the passenger roster.

"Have you talked to anyone that has been aboard yet?"

Thrawn was fully aware of Eli's ability to talk with other people, or to listen to others unobtrusively anyway, and was making use of that ability.
backwaterimperial: (Pondering)

[personal profile] backwaterimperial 2022-01-17 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
"Obviously it's not whether you've had military experience or whether you're from the same galaxy, or we might be wearin' the same color." He was currently leaning towards Thrawn's idea that it was based on their skills, since Thrawn was the better tactician and he could do that art thing, while Eli had his expertise with numbers.

"I haven't so much as spoken to them as much as asked 'what is this and where am I'. But, I'll ask around once we're on board."
art_of_war: (111)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-17 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"And I must assume that you have applied what answers you have already been given."

Tactics and numbers aside Thrawn was actually pleased to see Eli again. He was just bad at expressing that.

"How did you know this was an inter-dimensional train?"

There must be something about this platform that he had missed.

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motherofresistance: (Neutral)

Platform

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-01-08 09:27 am (UTC)(link)
Well... this certainly hadn't been what she was expecting coming out onto the platform. Though Leia had never met Thrawn in person, she'd seen enough images of him to recognize him, despite the lack of Imperial uniform, and knew a fair bit about his career and clashes with the Alliance. Doubtless he was similarly knowledgeable about her, though it was unlikely he would recognize her immediately given that the Leia he knew of was 19 at most.

There was no question that she'd have to approach him; in the confined quarters of the train, simply avoiding each other forever wasn't something they could realistically do. The question was how. Back home, there would have likely been no question, especially in the time Thrawn was likely from; then and there, they had been enemies, leaders on opposite sides of a war.

But here, far outside their own galaxy? Those battle lines didn't exist. Animosities might- she'd likely have to talk to Hera later as well, and possibly Guri-, but thankfully everyone she knew to be from her own galaxy on board was reasonably sensible. They didn't have to like each other, but there was nothing to be gained by fighting each other either. Hopefully Thrawn was as intelligent as she'd heard and saw this fact as well.

Very glad of her train-issued hoodie, she approached him as he was examining the train's engine, pausing to look at it herself for a moment, to appreciate it anew. It looked like a primitive- if rather elegantly designed- steam engine, but it was clearly not what it appeared to be. "Interesting, isn't it?", she asked by way of a greeting.
art_of_war: (114)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-16 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
The Alliance was just loosely affiliated individual rebel cells of guerrilla fighters. Indeed Thrawn did not recognize her, but the Leia he was at all familiar with was a teenager. What he saw that now was a human woman who, judging from her wrinkled skin, was not quite elderly but far different from a teenager. She had longer graying hair and the lighter skin tones of someone who had spent many years indoors.

"I have never seen one like it before."

He was familiar with a basic steam engine but they looked nothing like this.

"Does it truly travel in between realities?"

The question comes out with a level of inquisitive curiosity that many Imperials do not have.
motherofresistance: (Neutral)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-01-23 09:15 am (UTC)(link)
"Neither had I, before I was brought here," Leia said. "At least, not in person. Though I had seen images." Even in the partial memories left over from her times as various alternate versions of herself in Nautilus, she couldn't recall seeing a steam train in person.

"And, yes, it can. Nothing else could reasonably explain everything I've experienced since being pulled here. Though once the train is traveling again, it's best not to spend too much time looking out the windows; staring at the Void for significant periods isn't any more advisable than staring at hyperspace." The mention of hyperspace and its dangers would likely provide a clue that they were from the same galaxy, at least.
art_of_war: (46)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-02-08 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
It does, but there are a few that can say the same thing. Ordinarily, he would not ask this, but since he was new here and gathering data it was more about the way she answered than the answer itself.

"As I understand it, as a group we are being sent into combat situations. Is there a leadership that we as a group must answer to?"

Which was still odd to him, since this seemed more like a press-gang than a voluntary recruiting.
motherofresistance: (Neutral)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-02-09 07:28 am (UTC)(link)
"That's usually what ends up happening, yes, even if the mission outline we're given beforehand doesn't explicitly mention it," Leia said. She couldn't really call it a briefing; it usually wasn't detailed enough for that. "There are team leaders, but they're not formally chosen; they're less a command structure and more a way to keep everyone somewhat organized. It seems to work fairly well though." She wasn't quite sure how closer contact with the Ministry might affect the train's organization, or how its missions were carried out; that remained to be seen.
art_of_war: (96)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-02-09 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Thrawn had no facial expression, but internally he grimaced.

"That sounds more chaotic than I am accustomed to."

He did better with an actual military, but he would have to make do here it sounded like.

"I infer that the color of this jacket indicates to whom I am expected to work with?"
motherofresistance: (Default)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-02-10 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
Leia nodded. "That's right," she said. "Tasks- both on missions and in terms of on board chores- are assigned by team colors. Those on the red team are typically given the most dangerous, combat heavy mission duties. Orange team is on the opposite end; they tend to see the least combat, but their tasks typically require more specialized technical, scientific, or magical skill. Blue and purple teams' mission assignments tend to be a bit more generalized, but on the whole purple's tasks tend to be more proactive, and blue's more defensive. If someone feels that they'd be more helpful doing another team's task though, they can do so; they would just need to inform the relevant team leaders, do make sure they know what's going on."

"Team assignments for on board chores rotate monthly, though as far as I know, no one keeps track of who is actually doing what. As long as everything gets done and everyone does their share, no one seems to mind." And since everyone had to share the same space, there was sufficient social pressure to make sure that everyone pitched in where they could.
art_of_war: (70)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-02-11 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Thrawn seemed to consider this for a moment.

"While I can make myself useful in hand to hand combat, that is not where my skills are best utilized."

His skills were better suited to ships and open warfare but that didn't seem to be likely on a train. Chores werre a bit of a novelty but he would work with that too.

"Is there an open market on the various places the train goes?"

He would have to re-collect his halo-card library from scratch.

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averyusefultray: (Default)

Platform

[personal profile] averyusefultray 2022-01-09 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
It's tempting to walk the other way and just not deal with this situation. But if Thrawn is on the platform, that means Thrawn is going to be on the train. And for all that it's absurdly long and inefficiently laid out, it's also very small and there's no avoiding someone forever.

And the rosters are public.

At least he's obvious enough from a distance that she got the swearing out of her system before he was in earshot and manages a fairly flat "Grand Admiral Thrawn."

Of course, for once she actually has somewhat of a better picture of the situation than he does.
art_of_war: (56)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-16 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Both of them are obvious enough to pick out of a crowd, but he was not expecting to see her at all. In one way he knew more intimate details about Hera than many of her crew could say. The edges of his mouth turn up in a slight smile.

"Greetings Captain Syndulla."

Though Thrawn was actually pleased to see her, the expression probably looked a bit sinister on his face.
averyusefultray: (Default)

[personal profile] averyusefultray 2022-01-17 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
She has a rather large number of reasons not to trust Thrawn. His greetings have, in the past, been accompanied by all sorts of new complications. "I imagine you have questions. This isn't related to either side of the war in our galaxy."

She might as well get that out of the way as quickly as possible. It makes it harder to decide what to even make of Thrawn's arrival.
art_of_war: (11)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-17 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"I have several questions about where we have found ourselves, why we are here, and what set of skills are for the various colors that we find ourselves sorted into."

He indicated the hoody that he was wearing.

"Would you please enlighten me?

Considering her strong dislike of him, it might be surprising to hear Thrawn so courteous to Hera.
averyusefultray: (Default)

[personal profile] averyusefultray 2022-01-18 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
Information about the train is neutral. THey can discuss that easily enough.

"The platform itself... that's somewhat ambiguous. But the train travels between realities. About once a month- a thirty day month, not standard, there's a world with some sort of mission." It's vague because they vary so much.

"Generally red team will have the most intense fighting, while purple will take on larger scale defense or logistics." Perhaps he's unsurprised that she's wearing purple. "Orange team usually have some sort of technical or puzzle based task and Blue looks after the civilians."

The criteria for getting assigned to each team are slightly more obscure.
art_of_war: (99)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-19 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
It may surprise her to know that without the context of that galaxy far far away, Thrawn was just pleased to see her. He certainly had no negative associations with Hera.

"...while I can make myself useful in hand-to-hand combat, I don't feel like that is the best use of my talents."

That was something that he was going to have to bring up with the rest of the red team. But actually, he was not surprised that she was part of the purple team.

"Your talents are best-suited for strategy, thus I expect your abilities are very good for Logistics, too."

He pulled the train ticket from his pocket indicating Sleeper Lower 3, Cabin C

"I assume this is some sort of address for the quarters I've been assigned. Could you please tell me if this is communal living?"
Edited (because it bugs me if I'm missing words) 2022-01-19 22:28 (UTC)
averyusefultray: (Default)

[personal profile] averyusefultray 2022-01-20 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
It's never been personal, and she knows that. She does hope that without an Empire behind him they won't have cause to be at odds, but she's not about to trust him.

"There's no obligation to stick with the assigned team on missions if another goal suits your skills better. There are some passengers who only rarely work with their assigned team." She, on the other hand, did take to Purple missions quite adequately. "You'll find the whole thing more improvised than you're used to."

Much more rebel style than imperial.

"There are four passengers to each sleeper cabin. It's not so different from a ship in some ways other than a less efficient layout."
art_of_war: (12)

[personal profile] art_of_war 2022-01-22 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Thrawn doubted that she would, but despite the friction between their two factions, he has always seen her as a skilled and capable opponent.

"Improvisation is a liability in the midst of a battle."

It's not really said to Hera more an absently made observation as Thrawn looked back at his ticket. Then he put it away and focused on her again.

"Then that leads to what the purpose is that so many have been brought here for. "

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