voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post March]

A New Platform [Intro Post March]

PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 17
(QUICKSAND)

BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day 1 of the month of Quicksand. Points have been updated on the system."
The voice of the Voidtrecker Express welcomes passengers at the same time as always, sometime after breakfast. With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later, as the colours of the void outside the windows blur more and more.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. The weather is cold and damp. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
A lurch and a jolt, and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform.

ON THE PLATFORM

1. THE ARRIVAL

At first, all your character can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. But as their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform.
It is cold, a slush of ice and rain on the ground underneath their feet. It's not currently raining though. The platform is made of black cobbles, slippy under their feet, dark stone gates serving as barriers giving the impression of a severe and grim place.

They stand in clothes not their own, in a style they might not even recognise. They're carrying a rucksack on their person, and for a moment it seems to just be them, alone on this platform. Before the fog starts to subside, and they'll see they're one of eleven figures: all facing the tracks, and all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies, the latter in one of four colours. Purple, red, blue or orange.

But then there's a roaring sound to get their attention, and out from the fog arrives a train. A sleek black, it it reads The Voidtrecker Express in gold lettering on the side. Every one of the doors hiss as they open automatically, and out pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. Some are human, some less so, with a majority wearing the same hoodie of four colours as they do, though some sport outfits in a variety of styles.

The train doors close behind them, and the vehicle is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform. A group of people head towards the gates of the platform, their expressions blank and unaffected by their surroundings. Ansem, Connor, Curufin, Elle Days, Freddy Fazbear, Margulis, Murderbot, Potato, Vexen, Will Stanton and Yota They disappear through the barriers, but no one else can - all people can do is wait until the train re-emerges, finishing whatever changes it's making.

2. BOARDING THE TRAIN

After a short time, perhaps ten minutes or so, the fog clears and the doors hiss open again. Everyone will feel a pull when they do, a need to board, and those from the train may encourage new arrivals to board. This feeling grows into one of apprehension and turns worse the longer they stay off-board.

For those that do board, they may find themselves in a few different carriages, but most likely the standard coach. A row of seats sit available, with a few tables between each. More likely than not, some cookies have been set out with jugs of drink, and cups available for pouring.

For those that don't, however, they're likely to attract attention if they're spotted. And if that fails... an unfortunate end will await them.

3. DEPARTURE

Do a little exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour total from the train's arrival before a second horn sounds, encouraging any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air to board. After five minutes from this, the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train begins to rumble with activity, and the platform starts to disappear into a fog as the voidcraft moves. A female-coded artificial voice echoes throughout the train.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express. 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.

ON THE TRAIN

1. EXPLORING

With nowhere to go but through the train's carriages, this is a good time for newcomers to explore. For veterans, it's back to your everyday life aboard the Voidtrecker Express.

¤ New arrivals will notice a screen and console in every carriage sharing the same message, and a stack of leaflets in holders by them offering further information to the curious (see 'Publications'). There are lavatories available on each carriage on one end, with another console with a deposit box under it at the other. This is the train shop.

¤ It'll take some time for newbies to figure out the layout, even if there's only two directions to go in. Go one end, and you'll find the food stores and washing utilities. This month's key ingredient is pineapple, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.

¤ Go to the other end, and you'll find the sleeper cabins. Plaques sit on the wall by each door with the names of their occupants, and one of these will be yours - hopefully, they'll figure out that swiping their ticket against the doorpad will open it up to them. 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.

¤ At the farthest end in this direction is the luggage carriage, where passengers who have bought items from the train shop will find their purchases. There are also medical kits for every one, each labelled with their full roster name. These are scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags, but there's also a small fridge and kettle here with bottled water, for those who want a quiet drink.

For those of Purple team who go looking for their reward they will find simple boxes of cupcakes to share out. There's a cupcake for all of purple team, even the new arrivals, share in your new team's success!

2. ACTIVITIES

But of course, there's also everything in-between those two directions, and the people in them.

¤ Areas of note will be the training gym, where there's always regulars training to pass the time. There's a training board offering services, but maybe you'll find someone who catches your eye in here. Or even its gear?

¤ Is your character used to the appliances to be found in the kitchen? Depending on when your character wanders in, they may find someone testing out a recipe, preparing for lunch, or even dinner time.

¤ The library offers a quiet place, with a fair selection of books from fiction to non-fiction. Is your character interested in learning more about the void? Picking up an action or adventure book? Wow, there sure are a few magazines.

¤ There's also media to consume, from the games car, the cinema, to the arts carriage. Ever played a virtual reality game? Wanted to learn how to fly? Have you seen a screen of moving pictures? There's now documentaries to be found in the cinema's catalogues, from How To programming, Void-related topics, and sports.

3. REST AND SLEEP

¤ Time is difficult to track in the void, even with the few clocks around showing a 21 hour time. But the windows allowing a view of the kalediscope void will shift to a pitch black once the time reaches 12, and keep for the rest of the day.

¤ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner time is usually announced by whoever's cooking that day, and when. Sometimes it's decided by the team chores; other times, it's decided by who wants to be cooking.

¤ But sleep eventually comes to all, even if they don't want it to. When 21 hours have finally passed on the train, all passengers, whether they need sleep or not, will see black - only to start a new day in their cabin beds, with the sound of the train's automated voice greeting them with a 'Good morning' message.

NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Pardon?" Lioriley, who had been speaking with another passenger before they meandered off to a different car, stared at the accusing man with a wide-eyed and confused expression. "No, ser, I was speaking with - oh. Um." ???

She looked down to the hand, to his face, brows furrowing slightly. "I would be happy to help you, if you need it. What precisely are you looking for?"

Mistake or no, Sanzo was never one to admit fault. And at this point, it was far too late. He already had his hand around her wrist as he pulled her along—expression stern as he huffed out with indigent stubbornness.

He most certainly heard her saying something about him.

Pulling her up to the console, he stopped. Finally letting go of her wrist if only to cross his arms as he looked at her expectantly.

"Read what it says."

Despite his stern and intimidating approach, the console selection screen seemed to say what it always had. Offering the same info and welcome information that it always had.

Uh. Okay?! With little other choice in the matter, Lioriley stumbled along behind him, stopping as he did in front of the console. Still clearly confused, she did as instructed and read it off verbatim.

When she was done, she looked back up at him, brow quirked. "Did you require further clarification on something?"

Edited 2022-03-06 01:43 (UTC)

Jeez, did this girl have to ask so many questions? Who the fuck answers demands with more questions afterward?

He could feel his eyebrow twitch slightly with that, responding in turn with an ever so slightly emphasized sigh of dissatisfaction.

"I don't need that," Instead, he crossed his arms, once more motioning his head over to the screen. "They talk to everyone like we should know what it all means. What the fuck is the 'safety control apparatus.'"

He's from an alternate universe version of ancient China. And although computers exist, all of this is a bit too ridiculously advanced for his liking.

Edited 2022-03-06 06:01 (UTC)

Either this man was far too prideful to simply ask for help outright, or he didn't know what asking for clarification truly meant, since he had done exactly that even after denying the need for it. Lioriley was far too polite to call him out either way.

Besides...she got it. Coming from a land even less technology advanced than alternate ancient China, it had taken a lot of studying and asking questions to even vaguely understand what was going on.

"This." She tapped the watch-like band on his wrist, then the identical one on her own, the only difference being the color of the strap. "They are used to keep us safe aboard the alien planets we are to venture to, assuring we are able to exist there without harm to ourselves and others. It also warns for potential dangers - orange when a minor threat is detected and we need to remove ourselves from the situation, and red when more dire."

There was more but... she'll let him take that in first.

More the sooner than the later, not that Sanzo himself would ever outwardly admit it.

Instead, he focused on her explanation. He was also somewhat grateful that he seemed to have found someone slightly willing to help a person as lost to this entire ordeal as he was.

She was the right person to choose for this.

"So it's somehow able to detect and sense dangerous situations," That was... Interesting. He understood how people could do such things by sensing one's spiritual presence. But was this watch capable of picking up on such things? How did it work? He'll have to figure out more about it later.

"You mentioned worlds. Explain that part."

He said, making his apparent request for aid sound far more like a demand than it should.

"Correct." She affirmed with a nod of her head. "Or, at the very least, vital signs of the owner and how they fare against the current environment." Either way, good to have in a bad situation. "'Tis recommended you keep it on when off world - the train will remind you should you attempt to leave without it."

Speaking of off world, apparently.

"Well," she began, her hand moving, palm up, in an idle motion as she spoke. "There are different worlds within the void that this vessel can travel to. Worlds such as yours or mine - assuming we are from different realms, of course." He looked human, but she had been wrong before and if she had to guess by appearance alone, he could be Maltanaian. That was...unlikely, however. "Are you familiar with the concept of the Veil? The separation between planes - that is how the train travels to reach individual systems housing different planets. Somehow, it has managed to pull us all from different realities and to this singular space."

Another pause. "It is quite baffling, I admit. I do apologize if that was overwhelming."

"It's fine," He replied gruffly with a nod. Whatever aggression he seemed to hold initially was at least fading away somewhat. But his stern demeanor held firm. His gaze was steady upon Lioriley as he took in all that she told him.

He was aware of the veil between worlds to a degree but nowhere near as extensively as this train seemed to take it. He only saw it as a transition between the realms of the gods and the worlds below. So this was new.

"So this train is just running around spiriting people away at will. And now it's occasionally putting us into forced labor."

That sounds like the gist of it, at least.

So long as he wasn't tossing her around and accusing her of shit talking, she didn't seem to mind or even notice the gruffness. She had dealt with far worse than him - and besides, he had every right to be annoyed after what was essentially a kidnapping.

"...I suppose that is one way to see it, yes. I personally do not mind assisting - though it very well could have asked first, if so able." A shrug. Here they were though. "Did you have any other questions?"

Great.

Just great.

The way this whole thing sounded, it was as if there was no way to get off the damn train and back to Shangri-La. Not that he was even sure if he wished to. He knew he had to but-- Well, that was a matter of its own. Sanzo's mind was already racing with all the information he had taken in before asking(?) for her help that now the added information only seemed to give him a headache.

Sighing, he reached up to massage at the front of his forehead, his scowl sinking to a rested position as he thought of which steps were best to take.

"So what, we all stand around here mouthes gaping like idiots until they throw some sort of mundane work at us?"

Well he technically wasn't wrong.

"I suppose that is one way of seeing it. The train has plenty of means to entertain oneself while we make our way to the next world." A beat, her own brows furrowed. "Are you all right?"

Entertainment, huh?

It sounded like useless drivel made to distract them from the real problems at hand. Instead of sitting around finding things to entertain, they needed to figure out more about the train and what brought them to it.

He peaked up from between his fingers at the sudden mention of her concern—eyes glaring daggers for a split moment before dropping his hand and sighing out.

"It's none of your damn business," Which meant yes. There was something wrong. There were a lot of things that were. But bringing it up to some blueberry stranger wasn't going to change anything. "The you mentioned 'teams' and a 'points system' when reading what the screen said but didn't elaborate. What about that?"

He was best off gathering and processing as much intel as quickly as possible so that he could find his way around things as promptly as possible.

"I would contest that whilst aboard this vessel where we are meant to be working together that it is at least minutely my business, ser." Said as politely and matter of factly as everything else she said so far, her expression still set pleasantly enough. "If your displeasure stems from a physical malady, I am a healer and could assuage it easily enough. If instead you are simply irritated, well, quelling that may be a bit more of a challenge - but I am willing to attempt to maintain some semblance of peace."

That said, she cleared her throat and continued answering his questions as if she hadn't politely told him not to be a dickhead. "The train has assigned us to teams - orange, blue, red, and purple are the official four. Each team has specified duties on missions, though many do not stick to their team and it is not mandatory so long as the mission is done and the world is aided. I am on orange - primarily healers and more technical sorts. You, I see, are on purple, which are usually more combat oriented or aiding those that require it in dangerous situations and the like." She looked him over as if appraising, expression unchanging. Hard to tell if she was judging him or simply just taking another look. "Points are earned by mission participation and can be used to purchase items aboard the shop. Things you would like from your home; weapons and other personal effects. They are currency, essentially."

"As I said, mind your own damn business. I will not repeat myself a third time," Genjo Sanzo was stubborn. And more than willing to put in the fight that would help him avoid everything about the beginning half of Lioriely's conversation. At least, for the most part. Fucking healer-types, why were they always like that? Nosey busy-bodies.

His grumbling was physically visibly as he grated his teeth slightly. His voice took a lower, more gravel-like tone as he turned his head away from her.

"You're saying that our primary roles upon this train are pre-assigned to us," And he was assigned combat, huh? What a pain in the ass. Not that he wasn't capable. But he would much rather keep from doing any of the work forced upon him. "And they hold points over us as a nostalgic incentive. Do we also need such points for access to food and livable supplies?"

Stubborn and petulant. Noted. Lioriley was going to give him the benefit of the doubt for now and assume his piss-poor attitude was the result of his sudden arrival aboard the train, and just leave it at that. Though she was still keeping an eye out for any further signs of discomfort ⁠— void travel, so she had heard, could have very daunting side effects.

"In a sense, but it is not mandatory to participate in said roles. Or at all, if so inclined. Though it is encouraged, given that is why we were brought here, and it would be beneficial to all aboard." She quirked a brow in his direction at his next question. "No. Such things are replenished often enough to sustain us all without issue. Teams are designated each month to cook and clean as well. And ⁠— ah. You will have roommates in your quarters. Three others, more than likely."

"So it isn't forced upon us then," How interesting. Was it some subtle manipulation tactic? If they didn't have to feel forced into the work and were given the proper amenities, they would feel more willing to participate actively. Could that have been the idea behind this trains' workings?

Whatever the logic behind it all, Genjo Sanzo didn't trust it. And he most certainly showed it with the constant unpleasant scowl that he wore upon his features. "And we're properly tended to with basic care and little hinderance."

Why did it sound like they were being kept and contained like pets? That was a disturbing thought in and of itself.

"You mentioned quarters. Are you saying we have assigned rooms? Am I to assume that information and each team's chore list are also on this computer screen?"

She nodded. Both of his assessments were correct.

"Your room assignment is on the ticket you were given. If you have not looked through the bag provided to you, I would suggest doing so. I would be happy to show you where the sleeper cabins are, if so inclined." She could point him in the right direction if he didn't want company. Hard to tell with this one - grouchy and denying help while demanding it at the same time. "The chore list is on the screen. Purple is meal preparation this month."

Gods, he would kill for a nap right now.

Perhaps he could fall asleep and wake up back in that cramped jeep or on a mattress within a small room within Sharaks' temple. Wouldn't that be ideal?

Instead, he looked down at the duffle bag he held to his side. He had been hesitant to open it. If only because he knew what it was that was inside. And although he was grateful knowing that he still had it on him, he wasn't sure what it had meant to have it here on the Voidtreacker Express. Nor what it meant to have it so close to its original owner.

"So there's a ticket in here that names things like that," Meal preparation he could do. He was no master chef, but he knew enough about cooking to survive. That was what mattered.

Kneeling, he begrudgingly decided to ruffle through the bag. His eyes quickly glazed over the rolled-up scroll on top of the clutter as he rummaged through all the other usual supplies. Pulling out the ticket Lioriley mentioned earlier and handed it over. "Here."

Zippering it all back up, he stood up with the bag and shoved his hands back into the pockets of his hoodie.

"Show me the way."

The Lunari politely looked elsewhere while Sanzo rifled through his things, arms crossed over her chest until he offered her the ticket. Between that, and the demand that she read the screen for him, she was beginning to think he must have been illiterate and, what, too proud to admit to it? Lioriley at least wouldn't have judged him.

She took the ticket regardless and nodded, waiting for him to gather his things again before turning on her heel and motioning for him to follow her out the carriage door.

"Seems you are on Upper Three, Cabin E. A bit of a walk from here, but not difficult to find. There are also transgates about - means of teleportation to various areas of the train. Though I have not used them much myself." She just preferred to walk. "I can show you the kitchens and such along the way. Is there anything else you are interested in seeing?"

"Not particularly," What sounded like disinterest was more general curiosity. Sanzo felt there was so much to take in with the train around them that he wouldn't know what would be helpful until he saw it. However, the information regarding teleportation devices of some sort was... interesting. Most certainly useful? He was wary around technology he didn't quite understand, though.

It was part of why he was generally hesitant regarding his arrival.

Ah, perhaps he should clarify to Lioriley--

"I don't know what this place does and doesn't have. And you already mentioned places to sleep and eat."

Those were the primary things needed to survive, at least.

"Maybe restrooms and showers."

That was important, too, he guesses.

"I suppose anything else would depend on what you enjoy doing. There is a training area, greenhouse, stone garden, the quiet car with soundproof booths if you care for some peace and quiet - though it truly is not lacking here, even with so many passengers. Mm." She rattled off a few more - the music car, the spa, the library (though he wouldn't make much use of that one would he?). Eventually answering his question as they entered the sleeper car.

"There." Pointing to one end of the carriage, "And there." Then to the other end. "A shower and toilet in one, just a toilet in the other. Not much, but I believe we are thinking of voting for something a bit bigger. Your room is up this way." And up they went to said appropriate room with his name on the outside along with a few others. She looked at his ticket, to the door, and then to him. "Genjo Sanzo?" They had never introduced themselves had they?

Edited 2022-03-22 02:24 (UTC)

"The Thirty-First of China, Priest Genjo Sanzo," It was best she at least knew his full title before casually bringing up the conveniently shortened version of it. Truthfully, seeing the condensed lettering was a bit aggravating. It seemed no matter where he went; others would disrespect his title.

But he was used to it at this point. His expression was moderately blank as he looked over the other names that decorated the plate. Were there four people staying within such a small space? And only two bathrooms in the entire cabin? And he was 'Upper E.' So that meant two rows with five rooms each row—four people per room.

Fuck.

"... Fourty."

Shit. That sucked. Was that all that was available?

She looked up at him, almost impressed by the sudden revelation of his full title. "What do you prefer to be called?" She didn't want to disrespect the man after such a pointed correction, after all. Did he want 'priest' added? Was there a demand to use the entire title for the sake of respect? He certainly wouldn't be the first man she met who asked for something like that.

A pause. She swiped the ticket on the panel to show him how it worked, the door opening easily. "Fourty?"

"Two toilets per every forty residents estimate—one bathtub," What an abysmal living situation. Especially since they were all living on a train, there was no alternative should it be needed. And forget it if one of the facilities ended up out of service. "Lines must be hell here."

It was probably best he switched his sleep schedule over to something nocturnal. He'd have a better chance not to piss himself during an emergency when most residents were asleep. Nonetheless, get an actual decent shower in.

Regardless, he took his ticket and held it out to the door, watching as it unlocked to reveal the unfortunately cramped sleeping conditions.

"I'd prefer to be called by my full title," it represented respect. After all, it wasn't anything like a name. Hell, even the informal words written on the plaque of his room weren't his name. "But if you must condense it, Lord Sanzo will do."

He says while casually plopping his bag down next to the bottom right bunk. This bed would be his bed now.

"Ah." A soft noise of acknowledgement. He wasn't wrong. Though Lioriley hadn't had to suffer any such inconveniences yet given her proclivity to rise early and be quick in what she needed to do. That, and she could technically bathe wherever she wanted so long as she had ample room and privacy enough to work her literal magic. Not that she would say as much aloud - lest everyone and their mother think to ask her to offer the same.

"The Thirty-First of China, Priest Genjo Sanzo." She repeated, making sure to commit it to memory should she make use of it in the future. Lioriley had dealt with nobles and other such high ranking members of whatever church or organization reigned that she understood the need for such respects, even if they didn't matter at all on the train. "My name is Lioriley." He didn't ask, but now he knew. Lioriley stood in the doorway a moment, watched him, and then made to step back and allow the door to close. "I will leave you to settle yourself, should you not need anything else of me, my lord."

A New Platform [Intro Post March]

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