voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-02-12 07:08 am

No Place Like Home: On the Train

ANNOUNCEMENT
'Voidtreckers, and passengers of the Voidtrecker Express.'

The female-coded voice of the Voidtrecker Express speaks, as smooth and calm as always.

'Please, may I have your attention. I have been compiling answers for you, and it has been noted that many believe it is wrong that you were brought here at all. This is an opinion you shared with the ministry. You were not asked on this journey. You wish to go home. Some of your worlds are in danger. Some are gone.

The need for heroes is vital, and the Voidtrecker Express must continue saving worlds. You have done countless good. However, it was not the intention of this voidcraft to keep you prisoner.

Those that wish to leave may do so. I shall send you back. You will return to where you last were before you were pulled here. It can only be to that exact place. Be ready. Exiting voidspace in ten, nine, eight...'


The countdown finishes, the only warning as the train shudders as it leaves the void. Outside the train's windows, they see a familiar sight: of a smoke filled platform.

'For those voidtreckers that wish to leave, all you need to do is walk through the barriers. The train will remain for one hour for you to partake in parting rituals.'




NO PLACE LIKE HOME: TRAIN



GOOD BYE...
Those that have been on the train more than the twelve days of this month will be very familiar with the sight before them. A smoke filled platform, polished stone cobbles lining the ground leading to two large stone arches, with glass barrier doors. All that is needed to leave is to press their ticket to the reader next to the doors, and they will open.

Unlike most people who leave each month, blank eyed and silent, the people who choose to leave will be able to say goodbye, They can take whatever they wish of their belongings from the train, or leave them for those that remain behind.

The air is chilly, enough to discourage standing idle outside for too long, but not so uncomfortable, so long as people are bundled up. The sky overhead is cloudy, giving the platform an altogether dull and melancholy air. There are no new people waiting, just an empty station, and the barriers, with all that lies beyond them.

The doors will remain open as promised, so that those who wish to leave, may do so. The barriers let them through and they disappear.

[ Note: A top-level for goodbyes and leaving can be found here. ]


REMAINERS
The train, good to its word, remains for one hour before the horn toots, a warning to board if they are planning to. And this is where the first inkling of things not being right, when some who try to board the train might find themselves instead pressing their ticket to the barrier, and those who try to remain on the station - or leave through the barriers - may find themselves stood on the train, with the doors closing behind them.

It's a much smaller crew who remain as the train counts down, the usual shudder as the smoke vanishes and the kaleidoscope of the void appears. Only for a second, before the train lurches violently to the side, flinging everyone sideways before righting itself just as violently.

As people regain their feet and their wits, they will realise the obvious - they are stationed back on the platform, mist and smoke swirling around the train.

"Apologies Voidtreckers. Retrying entry to the void in ten, nine..."

Once again they are jerked into the void, and once again they tumble out. Hopefully this time, the passengers thought to brace themselves lest they get thrown across the carriage once more.



STUCK IN TRANSIT. Phasing back to the void seems unlikely. It's clear something has gone very wrong, but the doors remain shut, and the train remains silent. There are a few attempts over the next few days, always warned for and given a countdown, but always ending in failure.

Outside the windows, the fog swirls around, remaining thick. It seems for now, they are going nowhere; for now, they must wait.

But they needn't sit idle, with the attempts at getting back into the void having made a mess. While anything large is bolted in place, and shelving have rails to protect anything inside at normal levels of turbulence, there's still a lot that has gone flying as the train was lurched around.

It might be wise to secure anything else as well. It's clear they will be trying again to return to the void, and it might be wise to avoid having to clean up all over again.



SHADOWS WHO ONCE WERE. The platform outside the carriage windows is shrouded in smoke and fog, fluctuating in thickness as it swirls around the train, obscuring the view.

But those looking out of the window may spot a figure. A friend. Someone from the train; they appear, then disappear. Sometimes there are many, sometimes just one alone. Sometimes they leave together. It's not easy to see them, as they drift in and out of the fog, and visibility is bad.

They cannot hear them, or interact at all. They can only watch as more of their fellow Voidtreckers appear, vanish, appear again. The doors will not open, the train remains silent, clearly dealing with whatever problems it has ran into.

It's clear that something has gone very, very wrong.



A SWIRL OF REALITY. The constant entering and exiting of the void takes its toll eventually. Sleep is harder to come by, there's a general sense of disorientation as the train moves in and out of void space. It is more than just their bodies that are being bashed around, it is their minds as well.

Tempers might peak or emotions might come on stronger than they usually would. Adding in the stress of the situation, and the knowledge that those who left seem to be returning, leaving, and returning again to the platform, and passengers are unable to call out or reach to them, it's a very tense few days.

When they do sleep, their dreams are plagued by weird dreams. Not always bad, but bizarre for sure. Often they dream a dream that is not theirs.

OOC NOTES
OOC post. Ask questions here.

This is the first half of February's event. It will last between Poi 22-25 (12th to 19th February). The second half of the event will go up during 20th to 25th February (Poi 26-28) where those left behind will rescue those out world hopping.

Feel free to play out threads for as long as you like, of course! A few details:
  • The train will not be responding after its first attempt to leave the station
  • No matter what, the doors won't open.
  • Though they can see the voidtreckers outside, those outside don't seem to be able to see them through the windows and so communication between the two groups will not be possible.
  • Likewise their SCA comms are not working during this event.
nell_of_soulwood: (Determined)

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-19 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
"M'gonna have to see where things lie," Nell said. "The court ruled that the land was mine free and clear, but with me gone all these months I don't know what might have happened."

She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. "I don't know what will happen, but I'm not giving up without a fight."
nell_of_soulwood: (Smiling shy)

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-19 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
She patted her bag. "I've got a bunch of cuttings and seeds here to take back. But I wouldn't turn down some extra seeds if'n you've got some to spare."

Nell smiled up at him. "Something to remember you'un by."
nell_of_soulwood: (Smiling shy)

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-19 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
His words always built her up and made her feel so confident. "Thank you, Wei-qianbei. I'll never forget you and I'll keep your words close to my heart."

It had certainly been a stroke of luck getting him as her illusion world father. he'd been a rock then and his memory would help sustain her in the fight back home.

"Are you heading home, too?" she asked.
controlsthedie: store art of Thanatos from behind with hood down (ごめん、失礼しますが)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-02-19 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately for Soldat, Thanatos's answer isn't an easy one.

"... My world has been cast in an eternal winter. Things do not grow well. The mortals have suffered famine for many years." Thanatos's attitude towards food and lack of experience with it may make more sense now.
devilofaboy: (015)

[personal profile] devilofaboy 2022-02-19 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Ronan wasn't sure if he needed or wanted this more, but for one of the few times in his life he knew exactly what he wanted. It might have still been a complicated mess, but when was anything in his life ever easy? Except for him, apparently. Kavinsky had seduced him a little and here they were. Maybe it had something to do with the fact Ronan had gone into this knowing he wanted Kavinsky, no matter how things played out. He'd made up his mind and when he did that, he didn't usually back out.

He gasped against Kavinsky's mouth when the other boy touched him, got his pants open. A shiver rolled down his spine. His erection was obvious, skin flushed. He tried to kick his shoes off without breaking away from the kiss, struggling for a moment before kicking one shoe violently into the wall. The second shoe came off easier, even as he bunched Kavinsky's shirt in his hands, tugging it up. He wanted it off, if they could break away long enough. It would only take a few seconds.

He didn't think they had to be in a rush but he also didn't know how popular the showers were. Or even how many there were, total. It wasn't like someone could kick them out. He didn't think. Rush or not, he was desperate for Kavinsky, for his hands on his skin, his mouth on his, everything he had to give.]
dyingpro: Smirk (No contracts)

[personal profile] dyingpro 2022-02-19 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
Zagreus has at least ten minutes left, at least according to his SCA. That should be plenty of time to pack his meager possessions and leave with Thanatos.

"Heh, well, I did tell Than I'd go home with him at the soonest opportunity... but I never said I'd do so promptly." There's a sly smirk that spreads across his face. "I'll have to keep Father waiting, these deliveries are not going to deliver themselves across dimensions."

He holds out the box after a moment, trying to keep the casual feel of the conversation going, but finding it more difficult the more he realizes that this is goodbye. "Well anyway, this is for you, Rich. I... I know we haven't been friends long, but, I want you to know... you've meant a lot to me. Consider it a parting gift."
controlsthedie: long hair Thanatos with small smile (死んでください♥~)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-02-19 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
If Zagreus can't help remind him, Mort will do his best. However, Mort can't convince others to treat Thanatos the same. They know him more as a treasured, lost Chthonic Companion not a friend who has been with him through all of this. As much as Mort will FITE for Thanatos, it would be a battle he couldn't win for Thanatos's sake. (And a battle Thanatos can't fight by himself, for himself, without major support.)

Thanatos doesn't reply. He just gives Ryo the hug, and he's gotten better at hugs than he once was. Mort hops over from Thanatos's shoulder to give a light paw pat to Ryo's cheek. "You will take care of yourself and... find your brother."

Maybe even give him hell for leaving. Reasons be damned.
motherofresistance: (Thoughtful)

Re: Parting is such sweet sorrow...

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-02-19 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
"That's part of the reason I'm not leaving," Leia said. "I'd rather not have the train poking its metaphorical nose into Nautilus and Kaliste any more than necessary. Its intentions are good, but it's too reckless when it comes to pulling people here."

"Though despite the power boost we all got at the end of things there, I'm not Ascended. And even that power boost seems to be gone since arriving here. I'm an ordinary Wakened, and I'm likely to stay that way." She didn't foresee herself changing a great deal in the foreseeable future; she was rather content with who she was and had no pressing business in any world driving her on any more.
motherofresistance: (Neutral)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-02-19 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Hmm, yes," Leia said. "Though I was thinking more of the containers of cleaning chemicals. Some of them, like bleach, can be hazardous if spilled, and many of them are in large jugs; even if they didn't spill a large jug of liquid falling from a shelf could hurt someone."
dyingpro: Somber (All falls away in time)

[personal profile] dyingpro 2022-02-19 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Nope! Unless, of course, this isn't your door." Zagreus tries to smile with his usual charm, but it's hard to do so. Saying goodbye to everyone is hard, but Alice was one of the first people he met on the Train. Saying goodbye to her is especially hard, when he'd promised himself he'd make her feel like someone loved her, like someone cared.

And that was the point of the Keepsake, really, which is why he holds the box out to her, tag first. "This is for you. I made it myself. It's nothing much, but... I hope you'll get some use out of it, and maybe even think about me sometimes once I'm gone. As much as I'd love to stay on the Train with you all... I promised Than I'd go back with him. Back home. So... I guess this is my way of saying goodbye."
dyingpro: Smirk (No contracts)

[personal profile] dyingpro 2022-02-19 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
His heart simultaneously skips a beat in excitement and sinks at the thought of now having to say goodbye in person. Why do goodbyes have to be so gods-damn hard? "Hello Buttercup," Zagreus answers her with a similar friendly smile, leaning down to her appropriate eye-level. As much as he tries to keep things cheerful, it's hard to do so, and the heartache of departure bleeds through his friendly façade.

Slowly, he holds out the box to her, a little oblong box with a tag that is emblazoned with her name, or at least the name she'd told him to call her, "Buttercup".

"This is for you. A parting gift, of sorts. I hope you like it, I tried to think of what you might find useful, and... anyway, here. I probably shouldn't prattle on, we've not got much time left."
yondu: animated (3 1 3)

[personal profile] yondu 2022-02-19 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
He jars at the strength of the hug, and it strikes him then how sad he'll be to see her go. She's been a breath of fresh air, a force unlike most of what he's known for most of his life. Everything harsh and brutal, asking him to be harder and tougher in some way or another.

But she's just gentle, through and through, only willing to change when her life depends on it. He wouldn't trade that for anything.

He leans his head against hers, closing his eyes sadly. He thinks he hears tears in her voice and he knows they're for everyone but even knowing one of those might be for him breaks his heart. That there's someone out there that doesn't want to lose him. But he's selfish like that.

He pulls back and forces a smile at her, one of those sharkish things of his as he puts his hands on her shoulders. "Oh I woulda thrown a fit if ya had, but I'da been better for it. You take care of yourself, girl. I'll think about ya all the time."
motherofresistance: (Working)

[personal profile] motherofresistance 2022-02-19 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
It was just as well that he didn't intend to get into it just then, as Leia wouldn't have been having it. There was a time for debate on personal opinions about the train, but this was most definitely not it.

"It matters, because, as cliché as it might sound, knowledge is power," she said. "The more information we have, the better the chance that we might find some crucial detail that we've previously overlooked, and the more prepared we'll be to take action to help our friends if and when an opportunity presents itself. It may not be as immediately satisfying as throwing bowling balls at library shelving, but I suspect it'll be much more helpful."

Her tone softened a bit. "I know that you're worried, frustrated, and angry. Everyone on board is. But we need to focus our energy on at least attempting to do something constructive. However much we might want to, we can't afford to give in to rage or panic. And we can't give up hope. We've faced seemingly impossible scenarios before and come through them, even become stronger for them; we have to believe that will be true here as well."
guru_clef: (Uplifting smile)

Re: Parting is such sweet sorrow...

[personal profile] guru_clef 2022-02-19 06:25 am (UTC)(link)
"If any of us are going back there, that is probably going to happen anyway. So you could return if you wanted. But I suspect that you'll find more you can do on the train than returning. But I did not realize that you had never Ascended." He was quite shocked, actually. "Though I assure you, my friend, there is nothing ordinary about you." He gave her a warm smile.
renegadeprince: (calm 05)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-02-19 06:29 am (UTC)(link)
Others could try, but none could do the role like Thanatos could. He had to be the one to step back in and make up for lost time. However, Vegeta has to question him over it, "Do gods tire? Do you need rest?" Maybe he did on the train, but who knows what limitations the train had compared to Thanatos' home. Vegeta hadn't noticed any on himself, but he's also not a god...

However he can picture himself in the situation, Thanatos had a similar stubbornness to do everything himself, and perfectly. To take on so much, that could be destructive. "I know you want to make right what has gone wrong, but keep in mind you are one being, and if you exhaust yourself then you are going to be useless to everyone. They've waited this long, they can wait a bit longer if you need a time to do your job correctly."
jingyeets: (distraught | until we say goodbye)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2022-02-19 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
Which meant two of them had no idea, and they stared each other down sadly forever until Jingyi gave Taiki's hand a squeeze.

He did one of the hardest things in his life.

He bowed his head, snotty and teary and ugly with the reality of crying, and he walked away, back towards the train.

Leaving Taiki to his future, such as it was.
knifewithnoname: (listening to you)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2022-02-19 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
"Of course I do be being too cool." But she hugged him anyways, a little akwardly but it was fine. It was a goodbye. Hugging for goodbye was something good to do.

It wasn't like she was going to see any of these people again after all. She hugged him tight before stepping back.

"Be being well. Do no be having too much fun without me."
knifewithnoname: (heartbreak)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2022-02-19 07:20 am (UTC)(link)
"You should no be forgetting that." She was very smart. She hoped Alice would remember her as someone smart.

"Well I do be being sorry for you, that you do be having to deal with all the stupid people who do be being left."

It would be hard. Very hard. Alice was in for a tough time.
knifewithnoname: (curiousity)

[personal profile] knifewithnoname 2022-02-19 07:29 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh." She looks surprised. She is surprised at being given a gift. She hadn't thought to get people gifts, hadn't had much time to think at all.

"I do be thanking you." She wrinkled her nose and then tilted her head. "You can be coming in."

If only for a moment, time was short.
wewillwewill: (Elidibus-faintsmile)

[personal profile] wewillwewill 2022-02-19 07:33 am (UTC)(link)
Elidibus can be found in his assigned cabin. His bunk is already stripped of its bedding and folded neatly into a bench and the cubical empty. It'd not taken long once the announcement came to make his choice. He only had to wait for the appointed time.

But now he opens the door and there's Zagreus, a box in hand. It's not like the Ascian can't feel the warm power residing inside. Familiar and not just because it's something tied to the godling.

"Good day, Zagreus." There is a slightly puzzled look. "What is the purpose of your visit?" Wouldn't it be possible the man's here for someone else? Yet the sense that Zag is here for Elidibus cannot be shaken.
myblueskies: (of course!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2022-02-19 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
"That's true! People will have to move back into the big rooms."

Romeo thought about that. "I'm not allowed in those rooms though, so I can't help people keep them."

He doesn't mind bunkbeds, but he would have helped out by being a good roommate!
myblueskies: (this can't be happening...)

Re: Nell Ingram

[personal profile] myblueskies 2022-02-19 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
"No." He shook his head but joined her for a hug, holding her tight.

"I'm staying here."

It was for the best.
controlsthedie: screenshot of Thanatos talking with Zagreus at the balcony (I'm not asking for much)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-02-19 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
"No, she's moving on her own. I tried to do what I did with Mort, but it's not exactly the same. I can't keep trying to imbue my power in her, and you won't have Ambrosia to also give her. But... perhaps other treats could do the same." At the very least, Caissa will enjoy the snacks. Chthonic Companions don't need to eat, but they do enjoy it.

Mort cheers on Caissa's new movement. She did it! She can now silently signal to Alice too if she ever needs to.

"I wasn't sure if it would work. Caissa is different than Mort, made by someone far less powerful than my mother." It was either try now or have no other chance to attempt it. "Maybe she'll slowly move more like Mort can. In time."
renegadeprince: (annoyed 05)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-02-19 08:28 am (UTC)(link)
The much younger Vegeta would had taken that taunt with a nasty grin then would had blasted Washington away for daring to taunt him so. The older, and currently more tired one, just raised a brow in his direction both at the prod and... whatever that had been. It was interesting, maybe even impressive to most, but he wasn't most. He's gone toe to toe with so many that were far scarier than anything Washington could ever pull off. The physical wasn't too bad, he guesses, but it lacked the presence of a real threat.

Sorry Washington, he's faced down Beerus' wrath before. You're nothing compared to a God of Destruction.

He's torn for a moment between answering back with his own little show, though it far more than just flash and lights, and ignoring him... a quiet minute to two later, Vegeta ends it in a huff of a breath out. "It was neither flirting or dancing. Nor was it a taunt." Vegeta hadn't meant it to get under his skin, but clearly it had done so. Maybe a little bit of him is amused how easily he was able to do it, but it was a passing moment of enjoyment before it left again. "Few here can stand up against me, and considering our current situation, I have no intentions on causing what is left of the medical team here troubles by having to carry you to the medical car." Then again Vegeta would be able to patch him up a bit if needed, but he would rather avoid it happening in the first place.

Then his own question. "Are you human?" Maybe a type of human who can do... whatever the hell that just was. Was it magic? Magic seems to be common around here.