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voidtreckerexpress2022-06-01 05:58 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-06-01 05:58 am
A New Platform [Intro Post June]
PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 18
(RABBIT)
(RABBIT)
BEFORE ARRIVAL
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.
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. There are cobbles under their feet and they stand on a narrow platform at the bottom of a grassy verge. The verge is covered in blue flowers, giving the air a sweet smell.
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 two 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 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. Cipher Nine, Danny Phantom, Kitty Pryde, Link, Persephone, Roland Crane, Silvia Leafe
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.
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 two 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 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. Cipher Nine, Danny Phantom, Kitty Pryde, Link, Persephone, Roland Crane, Silvia Leafe
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, about 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.
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.
a. 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.
b. 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 mushrooms, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.
c. 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.
d. 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. 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.
e. Of course there will be those interested in the new carriage. Finding their way they will come to a carriage with a corridor on one side and doors leading to the carriage itself. Once they enter they will find the carriage split into three dance spaces separated by sliding doors that can be pulled back to create a bigger space. There are no windows in this carriage and instead the outer wall is made of mirrors, with a bar running across it’s length. In each space there are a series of cubby holes, with simple ballet and tap shoes in various sizes. There are also some simple poi and dancing ribbons. All come in varieties of the team colours. There are speakers that connect to their SCAs, allowing them to play music through them.
Upstairs there is a stage, with rows of seats and a curtain. There are also speakers here so that music can accompany their performances. Above the stage there is a simple plaque. It reads. “Olivia’s Studio.”
b. 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 mushrooms, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.
c. 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.
d. 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. 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.
e. Of course there will be those interested in the new carriage. Finding their way they will come to a carriage with a corridor on one side and doors leading to the carriage itself. Once they enter they will find the carriage split into three dance spaces separated by sliding doors that can be pulled back to create a bigger space. There are no windows in this carriage and instead the outer wall is made of mirrors, with a bar running across it’s length. In each space there are a series of cubby holes, with simple ballet and tap shoes in various sizes. There are also some simple poi and dancing ribbons. All come in varieties of the team colours. There are speakers that connect to their SCAs, allowing them to play music through them.
Upstairs there is a stage, with rows of seats and a curtain. There are also speakers here so that music can accompany their performances. Above the stage there is a simple plaque. It reads. “Olivia’s Studio.”
DEPARTURE
Spend your time exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour 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.
The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.
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.
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.
NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS
Re: Aya Brea | Purple Team | OTA
She doesn't usually wear her full color-coded outfit much, now that she's bought other options. But she figures it'll help on Platform Day - to let the new arrivals know she's on their side.
"'Fraid we're a long way from Quantico."
no subject
"And where is that exactly?" Her tone is still guarded, and though the open animosity has diminished, her stance is intact. Something about the way this woman says Quantico seems to intimate a pretty specific knowledge.
no subject
She affects a mock-ghostly tone for those two words.
"Unfortunately they're about all we've got. This is an interdimensional train stop for that machine over there. Which is gonna be your home and your job until the train itself feels like otherwise. You've just been pressganged."
no subject
Everyone else on the platform seemed fine enough with the situation, though there were some people getting upset here and there - perhaps because of those few figures leaving through the gate? That doesn't rule out a potential culty, group thinky situation.
In any case, Aya realizes she's outnumbered. Trustworthy as this young woman's air might be, Aya still doesn't trust her. It strikes her that this young woman could be fine with that too.
"So what, it's letting those people go?" She gestures to the figures fading from view behind the gate as she visibly relaxes some more, adjusting the rucksack on her shoulder. "Why?"
no subject
Cassie's expression is a little hard to read. She has a lot of complicated, conflicting feelings about watching people she's gotten to know leave the rest of them behind. Though she's mostly settled on "good for them."
"As for why it lets 'em go and when, that's something the train's been a little cagey about, on the occasions when it's able to answer our questions. We know a lot more than we used to, but we still don't know much.
"I can tell you that its intentions aren't evil. We aren't going around to other planets and killing their leaders to take their space oil. The missions we get are more or less monthly and always for a good cause. So if you want to look on the bright side of getting kidnapped, that's one thing you can hang onto."
no subject
With a big sigh, Aya shrugs. There's more going on here, but if this woman is to be believed, everyone else already knows that. "I guess we're all on the same boat after all, then." Of course, Aya will carry out her own investigation and decide independently, but at least she has info to compare to. ]
"So what now? Why's everyone out here? Just stretching their legs, getting some fresh air?" Aya doubts it, though the air is quite fresh now that she thinks about it. And sweet.
no subject
She pauses and very cautiously extends a hand.
"I'm Cassie Cage, by the way. Sergeant Cage, technically, but we don't go by rank here."
no subject
Aya reaches out and takes Cassie's offered hand, opting for one solid shake and clasp. "Agent Aya Brea. Aya is fine." It feels strange introducing herself like that, but seems necessary after the Sergeant's offering. Aya isn't sure if she feels the need to be taken seriously or what - she doesn't exactly identify herself with the agent moniker. "A pleasure."
"Apologies, but I'm sure you understand how...unnerving it is to wind up here."
no subject
"Don't know if you're the type of Fed that deals with X-Files shit, but either way I'm guessing this wasn't part of your training. Wasn't part of mine."
no subject
The confusion still clear on her face, Aya tilts her head in acknowledgement. Unsure of how much she wants to give away - less out of an obligation to confidential information and more due to its intensely personal nature - she instead smiles tightly and laughs lightly. "I am, and no, it wasn't. But you adapt." Or die. Aya shrugs. "This is going to be quite the adjustment though.
"But you..." Aya frowns, shaking her head. "You're...Army?"
no subject
Cassie grins and rips a cocky salute.
"Specializing in Outworld Intelligence and Assault. Unless the name 'Shinnok' or 'Shao Kahn mean something to you, I'm guessing that branch doesn't exist on your Earth. At least not publicly."
no subject
And there we have it. Alternate dimensions. Or no...realities? Universes? At least there doesn't seem to be a conspiracy to kidnap her and experiment on her after all. Not by the USA anyway. Correction, by my USA. Who knows what this train's real deal is, after all.
"Hoo-fuckin'-ah indeed." She tucks some hair behind an ear, pursing her lips in thought. This is possibly very big, on a personal level. If there's no one else here from her Earth, a completely wild sentence, then no one here would know about the New York Blockade Incident. It's almost like it never happened.
She clears her throat. "Well thanks for the intel. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me."
no subject
Her smile subsides slightly and gets immediately more soldierly.
"We've got some introductory materials on board. Gods know a flyer can only do so much in this situation, but we've got one anyway.
"We're also sorted into teams by color - so they didn't pick out these hoodies for fashion reasons. Shocking, I know. I'm the team inventory manager, so if you need any provisions I'm the one you come to."
no subject
That or this thing is just that confident that we're no threat to it. Impressive, considering Aya's own abilities. And this woman can fly, and who knows what else? That being said, if the only way they can survive is to live on the train itself, that's pretty good as far as life insurance goes...
"Well I doubt a flyer will explain anything more comprehensively than you have. Sot hanks for that." Aya still doesn't seem totally on board with the whole thing - no pun intended - but she certainly is successfully talked down. "So...what now? We board, we...have lunch? Wait for this thing to drop us off somewhere else?"
no subject