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.
myblueskies: (of course!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2022-02-21 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"Maybe! I guess I hope we get new roommates but also I don't want more people to be sad because they came to the train."

It was tricky!

"Having beds we could move together would be fun though! Or maybe we could just have lots of beanbags. They are comfy!"

If the whole floor was beanbags they wouldn't even need beds...
myblueskies: (the world is beautiful!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2022-02-21 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"You won't?" He tilted his head and then looked at the small plushie again. "Thank you so much sir!"

This was such a cute little thing, he would treasure it always.

"I'll call it Idia and that way I won't ever forget you!"
myblueskies: (of course!)

Re: Nell Ingram

[personal profile] myblueskies 2022-02-21 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't know..." He shook his head. "But I can't anyways 'cause I got to stay with mister Zetta!"

He can't leave him alone! Especially since Persephone was leaving! "I'll miss you too! I'll think about you lots!"
irrationally: (tell me what's my destination)

[personal profile] irrationally 2022-02-21 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Alice scoffs.

"Figures."

Of course the train would find some sort of way to mess all of this up. She isn't even surprised by it anymore, now she's heard from Allen what's going on. It's just like the train to say that they can all go home, after ruining the lives of some of the people on the train in the first place.. and then to even still mess up stuff for people who could leave. Who did want to go home.

It's so annoying. It makes Alice frown as she tries to salvage some of the food off the floor.

"It is as if this stupid vehicle can't even do the most basic of things without messing it up in some way. Was it not obvious who wanted to leave, considering all those people were out on the platform? It was not even hard to figure out!"
happyends: (so it's now or never more)

[personal profile] happyends 2022-02-21 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's okay. I understand."

Though Madoka's mental reasoning is a little bit different, she reaches a vaguely similar conclusion - figuring that Ken probably thinks that it's better the less work they have on the train, especially with fewer people around.

"But if we do show up to help, then.. you know I'll try my best! You deserve to be happy, Ken-kun."

To live a normal life, she almost says, but that ship did kind of sail already for him..

"So if I can't do anything else, then.. I'll at least hope for that. For you to be happy.."
happyends: (that has been plucked)

[personal profile] happyends 2022-02-21 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh.."

It's a small, surprised sound that leaves Madoka as Nell suddenly says that last thing. It's touching, that Nell would go out of her way to tell her that, honestly..

Even if it makes Madoka look a little shy.

"It's okay. You can forget about me, I won't mind." Please, as if Madoka finds herself important enough in the slightest to remember! "If remembering me might be painful or sad, then it's okay to not do that.."

The last thing she'd want to do is give Nell grief in such a way. Nell has more important things to focus on back home, surely. Happier things.
irrationally: (reverberating through my dreams)

[personal profile] irrationally 2022-02-21 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not the easiest decision. In fact, if Alice was less fond of Guri, the decision would be infinitely easier - since she could just say no.

But the fact that she doesn't shut the idea down right away is saying a whole lot about just how much Alice trusts Guri and cares for the other. She's actually considering being carried, despite that just seeming.. very embarrassing.

Then again, there are a whole lot less people on the train right now who could witness such a thing, aren't there.

".. Alright," she therefor slowly says. "Just.. please make sure not many people see."

Guri seeing her this weak isn't so bad, considering what the other has already seen of her so far - and Alice knows she wouldn't just gossip about it either. But she doesn't trust everyone on this train the way she trusts Guri, and the idea of looking weak in front of a total stranger or someone she dislikes is super unappealing, even in her current state.
irrationally: (and set sail for dreamsy)

[personal profile] irrationally 2022-02-21 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Eating honeycakes. It's something so simple, especially after having been gone - or, well, mind-wise, anyway - from your world for such a long time.

But on the other hand, Alice can get it. Once you've been away for long enough, it's often the much more mundane things you start missing the most. Alice certainly doesn't miss a single thing about London, but when it comes to Wonderland, she would like to experience those little things again as well.

So there's only one answer here, right?

"Sounds good."

(She wishes it was her.)

"Make sure you get those, one way or another." Granted, most people would take the girl's statement as those being given to her, but Alice isn't entirely sure if the girl's world works that way - but Alice is sure she's crafty enough to get what she wants anyway in the end.
happyends: (of my frightened hands)

[personal profile] happyends 2022-02-21 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
The girl is standing right there alongside him. Staring at the screen, waiting for an answer - even if it would just be the default one. At least that would mean the train heard them, even if it isn't properly giving them any answers.

.. but nothing comes. Not within the usual standard time the train answers, but not even when Madoka stays quiet for a moment or two longer, just to make absolutely sure that they aren't just missing some answer.

No, it's only when she's sure no answer at all is coming that she turns to look at Tidus, her big eyes apologetic.

".. I'm sorry, Tidus. I.. I guess it isn't listening to any of us right now.."

Though that's a little scary in and of itself. Madoka can't remember any other time she just didn't get any answer from the train at all. And coupled with the way it seems insistent on trying to enter the void over and over, it's even more strange and concerning.
nell_of_soulwood: (Smiling shy)

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-22 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
"But remembering you and the times we had together - they're good memories," Nell said. "So I'll be happy to remember you. Maybe a little sad or wistful, but I wouldn't want to forget anything from here even if it makes me sad sometimes."

She smiled at Madoka. "And memories of you are good ones. I'll remember them."
nell_of_soulwood: (Default)

Re: Nell Ingram

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-22 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
"Then I will wish you'un well and at night when I say my prayers I'll say a special one for you," Nell said. "And when I'm feeling sad I'll remember the fun we've had together and it will make my heart lighter."
nell_of_soulwood: (Worried)

[personal profile] nell_of_soulwood 2022-02-22 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
Nell's hands went over her heart. "No...! Won't Gen be going with you?"

She couldn't imagine them having to be separated.
firewalled: (Looking in the mirror)

[personal profile] firewalled 2022-02-22 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
They should be happy! Going home is a good thing! It's what he's been fighting for all this time, and it will mean Rich gets to go back and fix things... same with Otoha.

"That's just corny." He sticks his tongue out. "Nah, I'm going back to Jersey. Not for my old man, but... you know I have people to make it up to. I won't get a chance if I just hide here."
controlsthedie: painterly side profile of Thanatos with purple butterfly (If you take my advice)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-02-22 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Maybe my world will see spring. Someday. For now, I have to help rebalance the cycle of life and death." Even if it has been heavily weighted towards Death despite his absence. Would Zagreus claiming his domain, of Blood, of Life, change anything? Does winter need to end first?

So many questions that he won't know the answer to until he finally crosses that gate and returns home.
marvelous_murderbot: (Default)

[personal profile] marvelous_murderbot 2022-02-22 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
"I can detect heartbeats, do not worry," she replies. "If anybody comes, they won't see a thing."

She gently scoops Alice up into her arms, and proceeds. By chance, or fortune, there is nobody on the way - and she can completely understand Alice's feelings on the issue. The perception of strength is sometimes just as important as the strength itself.

She gets her to her cabin, and gently places her on her bunk. She goes to leave, then remembers about humans and rest - and turns back to start working at Alice's shoes.

"There we are," she says, as she gets to work. "A soft pillow is certainly an improvement."

And the chances of her not making sure Alice is completely undisturbed when she does fall asleep are approximately zero. Very few people on the train could budge Guri from a door if she didn't want to be budged.
the_aunt_general: (giving orders)

[personal profile] the_aunt_general 2022-02-22 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
It's her first time having to deal with multiversal existentialism - so it's a bit of a rough landing, all things said and done. She thinks about his initial question.

I think the question is there being two - and would I be snuffing that one out like a candle. Thing is? I know they'll be fine. I know that that Amaya will guard them with her very life. But they're clever, and determined. And keep good people close.

She pauses, eyes focusing on the long distance for a long moment before her hands move again.

In the end, I think it's like a coin flip. I don't know if I can answer the question without just guessing.
the_aunt_general: cap from aromanticmara at tumblr (Default)

[personal profile] the_aunt_general 2022-02-22 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
She nodded, with a smile.

Thankfully, I run into lightning bolts very rarely. The fire part, however, is much more likely. So how does it all work?
blue_ice: (asking questions)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2022-02-22 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
"Uneven passage of time...that could make retrieval more of a problem. But we won't go down without a fight, this is unacceptable."

That much Seto can commit to. Something terrible must have happened for the man to end up here, and he knows better than to pry. Koumyou needs reason to hope right now.
blue_ice: (side eye)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2022-02-22 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
"I think...I'd want to be free to travel. If we can save everyone we've lost, maybe we'll be able to travel between their worlds someday."

That's his dream, and his only glimmer of hope in the darkness. He won't let go of it...if he does, it's over.

"Maybe we'll tour together for a while."
blue_ice: (:| now)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2022-02-22 05:22 am (UTC)(link)
"...of course I should worry. You don't deserve to be hurt."

Seto shakes his head, thinking fondly of a few of their departed healers. They'd certainly have Words about this.

"Let me help you wrap those, then."

You know...what Seto should've done in the first place. He digs for a roll of bandage in his bag and pulls that out.
blue_ice: (this nonsense)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2022-02-22 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
Seto isn't sure that line of argument is right. He considers it, and it surely has merit, but there's another possibility coming to mind.

"It clearly has limitations. But just now, and in the past. It clearly feels emotions, and the drive for its actions comes from that. It might be terrified to lose any more of us than it already has, fear that letting us go would mean it was left alone."

Could that be? It might be too simple, but that pain had been incredibly real. And...well, maybe he was projecting his own abandonment issues onto it.
its_dad_sanzo: (havin' a sit)

[personal profile] its_dad_sanzo 2022-02-22 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm proof those out there are still tethered to the train somehow, that can't hurt."

After all, that's why he'd woken up in a trunk and not... recycled into a new life or whatever.
blue_ice: (asking questions)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2022-02-22 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
An incredibly dark last-ditch solution briefly crosses Seto's mind, but he dismisses it just as quickly. No, they can't do that to everyone. There has to be a less violent way to bring them back on board.

"It should be activating the emergency evacuation protocol, but something's getting in the way. We're trying to demand answers, but it's even less responsive than usual."
controlsthedie: screenshot of Thanatos in Elysium (Do me a favor and die?)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2022-02-22 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
"..." Thanatos goes quieter. It's something he has feared even while on the train. He has changed, and while some people on the train think it's for the better, Thanatos isn't so sure when it comes to being better for his life in the Underworld.

"They will see how I've changed. They may not be as welcoming of the changes, however." He'll soon find out whether he can remain as he is or forced to revert back to how he was.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2022-02-22 06:29 am (UTC)(link)
Tears prick at his eyes and he keeps himself in check by great effort. This goodbye is too hard and he just holds Tidus, holds him tight as if trying to imprint his hug on his very soul.

He hopes it works as well. That he gets back, that he can help the people of Tai. "I hope so too... And... I hope you are okay... Here. You and Inigo."

He hopes they had the best life that they can, even on this train.