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!
ranoutofbuts: (At the pub)

[personal profile] ranoutofbuts 2022-01-11 02:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Faux rakes a hand through his hair, having listened on what Thanatos has to say.

This guy doesn't know. He can't be on red. He won't be! Red is... bad. He's.... he's sure this train-void knows it too. That's why he's here, like this.

"You say that. Then why is this thing on me?" He chokes out, as he grabs at the front of the red hoodie.

controlsthedie: concept sketch of Thanatos (You'll be killed by what'cha don't know)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-01-12 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
Red can also be the color of blood, of life, of royalty, of poppies--sleep and death. Red doesn't have to be bad, though it does have a reputation.

"Everyone arrives with that based on their team color. If you don't like it, trade with someone or save to purchase some new clothes." Sure the hoodie is a strange piece of clothing at first, but Faux is acting like he has never heard of clothing before.
ranoutofbuts: (At the pub)

[personal profile] ranoutofbuts 2022-01-15 01:21 pm (UTC)(link)
C-clothes? Is that w-

With a few confused tugs, he finally figures out just what this is around him. Grabbing at his 'sleeve', he hurriedly draws it up to find-

off-white circuits shining back.

Some of the tension lifts from him. He's still the same as he was when he had left. This red stuff is just over-layered over his black gridsuit. He hasn't been rectified again.

His arm falls down, But Faux now realises he's humiliated himself in front of Thanatos, and perhaps even freely gave away a perceived weakness to boot.

Great. Not what he had in mind when he awoke this cycle. He takes a breath to settling his code.

"I.... seem to have a different definition of what clothing involves."
controlsthedie: game art of Thanatos default conversation picture (But the other saying I like so much more)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-01-16 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
Luckily for Faux, Thanatos will attempt to just... gloss over the panic. He doesn't do well with emotional situations. He'd rather stick to given what information he can instead.

"As I said, you can choose to wear it or not. Just like you can choose to participate in the Red Team missions or not." Mentally, Thanatos is classifying Faux as one who is on the Red Team by train designation only. He'll be like an number of others who take to different team missions.

"Whatever you decide, please attempt to fulfill the same train chores as the Red Team. The team is already small but is responsible for the amount of work as the larger teams."
ranoutofbuts: (At the pub)

[personal profile] ranoutofbuts 2022-01-19 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
Thanatos's expression barely changed, nor his voice, so it is hard for faux to tell the mood or thoughts of the program. Going by the chiding words though, he knows those very well. He has disappointed Thanatos.

It's not like the disappointment of his brother, no, he'd know soon enough if he had. This is more the disappointment Tron would bare, subtle and oft never voiced, but something is just... off. However, he is neither in their presence, nor in the presence of someone he knows. Maybe it's just his own disappointment.

"So.. I've been stolen by a train," experienced his worst fear, "and now I'm expected to do chores?" He tips his head, still unsettled by all the red around him, but his mood has drifted into something decidedly resigned now. This isn't his first time doing this whole, 'new system', thing.

Well, at least he has been given a choice to obey this train's directive. He'll have no part in anything related to red. It's... too soon. Frag, it's only been 6 glitching milicycles...

"I'm no fighter, but I shall do my allocated tasks." He'd do them. Mindless tasks would work well to take his thoughts off his newest circumstances.
controlsthedie: screenshot of Thanatos talking with Zagreus at the balcony (I'm not asking for much)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-01-22 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
"Appreciate the help," Thanatos says honestly. He values people doing their job and responsibilities. There are enough people who don't help keep the train in order, and Thanatos could only imagine what his mother would think at this upkeep. It's not dirty really, but she has high standards and expects her children to fulfill them.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know, or is this enough for right now?" Thanatos is a little worried about overwhelming Faux after his reaction to his clothing. "Ah, there is a pamphlet somewhere on the train..."
ranoutofbuts: (Incredulous)

[personal profile] ranoutofbuts 2022-01-23 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
There is a lot to take in, and Faux is unsure how he feels about his newest circumstances and whom he is around. At least for now. Having some time to settle his frayed code and get a grip of himself while he processes what he's learned, outside of so many eyes, may be for the best.

Whoever Thanatos is, he seems to approve of task completion. Faux will make sure these chores are fulfilled. If it's the one stipulated directive he won't disappoint with. Red though.....

Straightening, he brings his attention back to Thanatos, whom he knows he owes something to. More than willing to part ways now though, "It should be sufficient for now. Thank you for filling me in." Giving an appreciative nod.

His hand rakes through his hair, "I will set myself to finding that pamphlet then." Data collection is always a safe task for him. "See ya around." Supposing he very likely will if they are confined to just this train.
controlsthedie: screenshot of Thanatos shifting away in Elysium (Guh-dong...)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-01-23 07:37 am (UTC)(link)
"If you don't find it yourself, then ask around. There are many on the train who would willingly help you." Overall, it's a very helpful population even if the responsibilities are ill balanced.

Thanatos gives a curt nod at Faux's farewell, and with that, Thanatos shifts away in a burst of darkness and starlight. The VoidTreckers are used to this happening. It is Thanatos's preferred way to travel. Faux will have to grow used to it (and the bell toll chiming upon his arrival) like all the others.
ranoutofbuts: (Clueless Clu)

[personal profile] ranoutofbuts 2022-01-23 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
As he is about to part ways and reinitialize his invisibility to bypass the crowds, Thanatos bids a last piece of information only to... er.. hack the system? The bizarre exit is nothing what Faux has seen before, and he's seen things.

"Ah, sure." Comes out of him too late, the words awkwardly reaching no one in the space that Thanatos is vacant.

So yeah, Thanatos is definitely someone he should not disturb if he can.

Giving a confused shrug, he cloaks himself and retreats towards somewhere a little less crowded and exposed.