voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-09-01 04:47 am

A New Platform [Intro Post September]

The train returns to the Void base with speed. There is a considerable sense of urgency, no doubt shared by the voidtreckers themselves. There is some damage to the train, which those on board work on fixing.

The scientists back at base await them nervously, along with any voidtreckers who stayed behind. There's good news at least, in that the tether looping worked as intended.

Permission is sought for void technicians to enter the train and fix any damage. Any voidtreckers who wish to are welcome to use the tools and help repair, while others can report to the scientists about what they saw in the eye of the storm. Or perhaps they wish to just eat and rest; no one will stop them from going to their quarters.

Once everyone is up to speed, there is a renewed sense of urgency. Another answer and another problem to solve. A few days later, on the last day of Symphony, the ministry gathers everyone again.
"We have something for you. It is not as finished as we hoped it would be, but we feel that we need to move now. Your efforts of reaching out have been notable, and we want to help with that. We have developed some focus crystals that we believe that if used as a focus in the void, could allow you to reach out further than before, and try and pull a larger amount of people back.

We have also found a way to... Temporarily lock you all to your craft and this station. It is but one step on our attempt to untangle your tethers, and it will make you as stable as we can manage. We think doing this is key to blocking the craft's ability to draw in new souls."

She looked serious. "However. We know how important those you have lost are, and how vital it is to find them, and so we want to give you this chance. There is always risk. We cannot promise no one will slip away when your craft opens the link to the station, but we hope the loss will be minimal - the gains greater.

"We also can't promise you will reach everyone you seek. But we will hold those tethers, even if we cannot draw them back here with you. We can promise that after all this is done, we will do our upmost to return them to where they belong." Her face looks as if she is very aware of the enormity of that promise.

"After you bring your people on board, we will lock down your tethers. Then once you are as secure as we can make you, we will deal with... Everything else." She looks resolved.

The next day, the train is loaded up again. The focus crystals are pretty large, each needing to be carried by a couple of voidtreckers, unless they are those far stronger than their fellows.

The train once more leaves the Void hub, carrying the voidtreckers on, hopefully their minds focused on the souls they are seeking.


PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 20
(Tribulation)



BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Tribulation. 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 bright and sunny. 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

They've been here before. On a platform waiting for a train. A train that they may have been on a few days or a few months. But then they were gone, they have vague memories of leaving, of walking through a fog filled platform through the barriers. Then nothing.

Until now. 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 20 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. The sun beats down on them, the air is warm and still and the fog sits heavy.

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. Perhaps old friends.

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. CLU, Eva Iden'no, Heero Yuy, Jin Zixuan, Zenos yae Galvus 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.

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. Depending on when they were last on board the train may have changed a lot, 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 Kidney Beans, 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.

For those of red team interested in their reward they will find a box of cake pops in the luggage carriage. There is enough to share with their new teammates.

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.

"Welcome back, 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. There is much for your fellow voidtreckers to fill you in on. We will remain travelling for a few days before returning to the Ministry Hub."

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 back to the Void.


NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS
4starlowclasshero: (Default)

Son Goku | Red Team | OTA

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-01 05:10 am (UTC)(link)
Arrival

It takes Goku a few moments to come to from the haziness from arriving at the station and the fog blocking his view at the moment. However, the disorientation gives way to confusion as he realizes something:

"Wait a minute? A train station? These clothes? Aw, man, am I back with that train again?" Goku uttered. Once more, he trained his senses to detect ki, wondering if the train was here and if Vegeta and Trunks were still there. Nothing yet, yet there's one that he really recognizes. "No way, that's...!"

On Board

Once he's on board and settled in, Goku's gonna spend some time wandering the train, curious as to if things changed the last time he was around. Oh, sure, he could read the brochures and all that, but that was just a little bit boring for him. Besides, wandering was something of an adventure.

"Wow, this place got bigger since I last was here!" he admitted. "You guys got in some real work!"
nutkrusher: (Saiyan Armor)

Arrival

[personal profile] nutkrusher 2022-09-01 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
Cassie waves, a little awkwardly, as she settles down to the ground.

"Um, hi again."

It'd be a hard qi signature for her to forget, even if she weren't close with some of the people he's close with.
4starlowclasshero: (Default)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
“Oh, hey, there! Carrie, right?” Goku said. “No, wait, Cassie, that’s right! Shoulda remembered that. So, uh, I guess I walked off there for a moment
nutkrusher: (Ooookay then)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] nutkrusher 2022-09-02 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
"You got it on the second guess, at least," Cassie says. "It's been a few months since you were last here. Has it been anywhere near that for you, or is this one of those instantaneous type deals?"
Edited 2022-09-02 00:49 (UTC)
4starlowclasshero: (Woah!)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
"A few months?!" Goku said, shocked. "It didn't feel like that at all! It's like... I dunno, a real blank. I remember being on the train, then nothing..."

He crossed his arms a bit. "That's real odd..."
nutkrusher: (Let's Get Down to Business)

[personal profile] nutkrusher 2022-09-02 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, if it helps any, it's not uncommon at all here," Cassie says. "Lot of people have left and then come back, and for pretty much all of 'em it's been like it was for you."

She shrugs.

"We know a lot more about the train than we did when you left, but why it does that we still don't know."
shutupnail: (arms crossed.)

Arrival

[personal profile] shutupnail 2022-09-01 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
By the time Piccolo made his way through the crowd he had already switched his clothes from the train's fare to his normal purple and white outfit. His stride was purposeful, it was clear he was headed straight for Goku. He had sensed the other here as well.

"Goku. It's about time you showed up."
4starlowclasshero: (Grin)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
“Ah, I knew I recognized someone!” Goku said. “Vegeta said you were here, too, at least before I got here.”
shutupnail: (talking.)

[personal profile] shutupnail 2022-09-02 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, I was."

Piccolo confirmed with a slight nod. It made him wonder just how long he was gone that he missed Goku arriving and leaving again before he even came back. Damn.

"So you actually showed up once before, huh? And right after I disappeared. Why am I not surprised." A beat. "Do you happen to remember how long you were on the train then?"
4starlowclasshero: (Well...)

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
"I guess a few months?" Goku admitted. "Last I remember was that we were dealing with some odd entity that was controlling people and trying to recreate its world."
shutupnail: (what you say!!)

[personal profile] shutupnail 2022-09-02 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
"A few months?" He had been gone at least that long!? This was ridiculous! Then the rest of what Goku said sunk in. "Odd entity? Recreate its world? Huh."

That sounded like an...interesting mission. Another in a long string of "interesting" missions.

"It doesn't ever get better, does it?"
renegadeprince: (smile 05)

Arrival

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-09-02 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Kakarot." A simple welcome back, because really, what else was needed? Vegeta actually meeting Goku on the platform this time, and glad to overhear he was the same one so not to have to explain all this again.

"You came back after running away then." A bit of joking, knowing that none of them actually had any control over this all, of who came and went and when, but still, he's going to 'blame' Goku for just vanishing and taking the only chance for proper training away from him.
4starlowclasshero: (Default)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
“Hey, Vegeta. Sorry for walking out like that.” Goku said, grinning sheepishly. It really wasn’t his fault, but still…

“Seem stronger though. I wasn’t gone that long, was I? Feels like yesterday I was here!”
renegadeprince: (smile 03)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-09-02 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
His own slight smile was there at Goku's apology, it all too easy to just fall back into how they spoke to each other despite the time apart.

Before it turned into a smirk. Oh Goku, you have no idea. "Long enough for me to reach a form you won't be able to achieve." All the pride behind that claim of his, more than happy enough to brag about finally getting a step ahead of Goku.
4starlowclasshero: (Grin)

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
"What?! You got past me?!" Goku said, shocked. "Aw, man, I can't wait to see it, then! You're certainly stronger, that's for sure, but if you have a new form...!"

He has to see it and experience it... and maybe try and get it if it's worth it? Who knows!
renegadeprince: (calm 01)

[personal profile] renegadeprince 2022-09-03 08:29 am (UTC)(link)
Vegeta let out a 'tsk' from between his teeth, full of arrogance, but also with that edge of humor that has formed between them over the years. "No, I took a path you have no clue even exists, or could go down." Allowing his expression to lose an element of that prideful mask, instead speaking to Goku as a fellow fighter, one he had been through much with. "Do you recall I regained my tail here? I discovered a few form which links Super Saiyan to Oozaru."

Then that smirk back again for a moment, but in a more friendly way than mocking. "Let me know when you've settled back in to do so. We still may not be able to go full out as we would want to on the train, but I'll be sure to show you what it can do."
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-armor-smile-confident)

Arrival

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-09-02 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
Soon enough Goku'd recognize a familiar ki that was low because Trunks kept it masked. It was followed shortly after by "Goku!" Trunks yelled in greeting, grinning brightly at the older man.
4starlowclasshero: (Default)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] 4starlowclasshero 2022-09-02 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
"Trunks!" Goku called back, a grin on his face. "Wow, it's a regular reunion here!"
light_of_willpower: (long-hair-armor-smile-confident)

Re: Arrival

[personal profile] light_of_willpower 2022-09-03 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
"What's the last thing you remember?" It had been a few months, or it felt that way anyways--Trunks couldn't tell. There had been a lot going on. So many people had left...
ballseeker: (05)

[personal profile] ballseeker 2022-09-09 12:09 am (UTC)(link)

"That's who?" Bulma sounds almost bored at seeing her old friend again. To be fair.. Goku has disappearing acts as something he usually does, so the reappearance is only surprising when he's accidentally in her bedroom for no reason at all and she's expecting Vegeta.

She's even snacking, as usual, head tipped slightly in question.