voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post September]

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

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I. Arrival

Reno opened his eyes wide with a start. It was foggy. He was wearing shitty ass clothes that weren't his own. He didn't know where he was. He let out a loud groan. This seemed all way too familiar.

He tried to recall what the hell happened to him last. Why the hell had he left the train? More importantly, why the hell was he back? It was frustrating.

Maybe he'd think rationally about it later. He knew he had some answer stored away in his head from what they'd figured out so far. Right now, however, he wasn't in the mood for logical thinking. He was just straight up annoyed.

"Son of a bitch!"

Enough to make himself be very loud and obvious about it.

II. Bahamut

It took him a little while to find out that he had all his previous acquisitions with him this time when he showed up on the platform. That was at least a little bit of a consolation prize for going through this number again. He'd love to get out of these dumbass clothes but that could wait till he was forced to get back on the train. For now, he had a few moments of (relative) freedom to dick around.

He pulled out his EMR first, giving the baton a quick spin with a flick of his wrist. The weight felt right in his hand. He clicked it once, eyes mirroring the flash of blue electricity that sparked along its edge in that moment. Then he turned it back off and stuffed it in his pants for easy reach.

After that he pulled out his materia and began to equip it. He lingered on one of the red orbs. Fuck it, he thought. He knew from past experience that damaging the station platforms was about as easy as messing with the train--which to say was nigh impossible--but he was feeling risky. He wanted to get it out of his system now while he could. The platform area was just barely large enough to use this particular summon. So he did.

The large winged beast appeared out of a bright circle of runic magic. It hovered above the platform crowd with lazy beats of its wings. There was no enemy to face at the moment, and it stared expectantly (perhaps even sullenly) at Reno as if challenging him.

"Yeah, yeah." Reno pointed at a far corner wall. No one was there at the moment. "Go ahead. Destroy that wall."

The King of Dragons turned its attention to the wall. It was not a challenging opponent but it was something to aim its ire upon. It took a moment to gather energy into its mouth and then released a beam of destruction at the wall.

Reno wasn't surprised by the lack of destruction despite the dragon's awesome power directed at the wall but he wondered if he saw a hint of surprise on Bahamut's draconic visage when the blast did basically nothing. It was hard to tell though. Reno shrugged up at the beast when it turned its attention back to him to await another order. At least it knew enough to not go after the wall more. Reno's annoyance was satiated enough with just the attempt.

Well, that and the fact that he still had access to the coolest summon ever to exist. He grinned and told the dragon to just wait it out. It would only be here for so many minutes. Until then, Reno had a giant pet to show off. That lightened his mood considerably.

III. Wildcard!

[[Anything else! Reno will explore all over to see what's new once back on the train. I'm good with prose or actionbrackets, whichever you prefer. If you need me I'm good with PMs to journal or hit me at AisuYoukai]]

He would have thought that seeing as everyone on the platform seemed to be people who had been here before they wouldn't have any incidents like this. Everyone knew they couldn't escape, everyone knew there was no way out.

But there was an explosion anyways. No blood though, nothing he could smell. That was good. Taiki rushed over regardless and smiled faintly at the large dragon, before looking at the person with it.

A person he recognised. "Hello Reno. Welcome back."

Of all the people to come rushing over, Reno would not have expected Taiki to be one of them. Then again, the kid was a worrier and always had to make sure everyone was all right. Probably concerned about the dragon's blast a few seconds ago. Reno rolled his eyes at the thought.

"Hey, kiddo." But he spoke with a warm tone and a smile. "Thanks, yo. That not it's great to be back or anything..." He said with a lazy roll of his head to look around at the place and then a shrug of his shoulders. "Been peaceful without me, ne? Guess those two idiots have been keeping you alive during missions at least."

"Yes." He doesn't have to ask who he means and though he objects to his friends being called idiots he knows that Reno means it affectionately.

Or as affectionately as Reno ever is. "A lot has happened, but they've kept me safe." And he will ever be grateful for it.

"It's good to see you, better here than... wherever you were."

Lost in the endless void. Anything was better than that.

Reno bared his teeth as Taiki finished. The expression wasn't aimed at the kirin, but at the words themselves and the meaning behind them. The lack of knowing. The mere idea of it. Of a place that they went when their tether slipped and caused them to be stuck in some sort of in between state. Of something he couldn't control.

Just like coming here in the first place. It was still bullshit. No choice.

The expression faded as Reno regained control and slipped into a nasty smirk instead. A normal demeanor for him at least.

"Yeah, you're not wrong. Way better than that."

He still winces slightly, still as timid as ever despite everything. But he knows Reno won't hurt him and he knows that it's not him that Reno is mad with. It is everything.

"Yes... Has anyone explained everything yet? A... I mean... A lot has happened since you were gone."

"Apparently!"

Reno had picked up a little here and there but no one missed him. There were no happy hugs or smiling faces for the Turk. Not that he would expect any even if he were to go home right this instance, but it also meant everyone was busy elsewhere. What he caught were snippets of conversation between friends and team mates.

All he knew for certain was it had been some fucking time his he left, and now he was back along with a bunch of others that had been on the train before. Pieces of more interesting tidbits crossed his ears, too, but not enough to put it altogether, not yet. He had let himself get distracted.

He glanced up at Bahamut briefly and then returned his gaze to Taiki, much more subdued and cold now, blank if it weren't so thoughtful. "A lot of time has passed and ya'll have only just now managed to find a way to bring people back? Is this even your doing? Or is it just our luck to be dragged back here for...whatever's left?"

The damaged train that could never be damaged, the arrival of all these former Voidtreckers, the snippets of conversation letting slip that something terrible had just happened. It didn't take a genius to figure out that this was the beginning of the end. One final mission. Do or die.

Someone like Reno, a Turk who had been through so much of this sort of thing, could feel it in the air. Time for his last mission. For the third time.

"It is our doing, though we had help and it's not... an exact science." To say the least. Still it had worked, people were back, if not everybody, even if there were still many people lost out there.

"We are working with the ministry now, it turns out it was mostly a... lack of communication. They aren't so bad and we all share the same goal."

He tilted his head. "There are shapes in the void, that eat worlds..." His voice dipped slightly, talking of terrible things. "We are trying to stop them."

Reno's face scrunched up at Taiki's words. Everything the young man said just got worse and worse. Somehow he wasn't surprised by the first part. It seemed par for the course that they only got it to work half-assed because of train bullshit.

The real grimace happened when the kirin mentioned the ministry. He seemed to recall them having trouble with them before he left. Of course, they still didn't know too much by then just that the ministry wasn't too pleased with them. A lack of communication didn't sound entirely far fetched but that didn't mean he had to like it. Or like how it had felt like it was playing out at the time. How it could have played out instead if things didn't line up right. At least he didn't have to deal with it. It was said and done. Hopefully it wouldn't come to bite them in the butt--he'd learn more as time passed.

The last part however... now that was the real kicker. "So it is just our luck to get dragged back here for the final hour. Tch!" The last noise was rather loud for what it was. He chewed on the inside of his lip for a second. "I bet. Isn't that what we're always tasked with doing? Fuck! Things in the void... that eat worlds!?"

This shit was as bad as Jenova! Why did aliens always want to do this sort of thing?!

"Why the hell do things from space always want to devour planets!"

"Sorry..." He had helped draw people back after all. It was better, in his mind, than them being lost in the void.

And Reno had definitely been one of the people on his mind when he had done so. He nodded sadly. "I don't know. It seems... it's just the way things are."

He tilted his head, "You've faced such threats before?"

And of course the little unicorn had to go and apologize for something he couldn't control. Well, mostly. Reno didn't think anyone would specifically aim for bringing him back but he was part of a large group and he knew some would want to save everyone. Even so, it wasn't the kirin's fault that anyone was brought here in the first place.

Also, he would rather be here than somewhere in a non-existent state despite any display to the contrary. He just had to be difficult. And he still didn't like this place. But it was better than nowhere, and if he could get a chance at messing up whoever was responsible...then he would be content with that.

"Yeah, it is," he replied snappily but with less bite than usual. He had a hard time staying mad at the kirin. The kid tried too hard to believe in him--a murderer and agent of uncaring power-hungry leaders--to pretend to hate for any length of time. He shook his head slowly.

"Sorta. I guess? I can definitely think of another alien that wanted nothing more than to destroy a planet so it could consume the energy of it. And the insane SOLDIER that was created from it that followed in her footsteps. And his remnants..."

Yeah, he had a little experience in such matters. All stemming from one horrible spacefaring creature that landed on his planet and tried to kill off its protectors to make it easier to consume the lifeforce of the planet. But nothing like what they were going to face. Not really.

"That sounds terrible... I guess aliens weren't something I had experience with..."

Eating worlds, destroying whole planets. That was all very big and not something he had dealt with before. "We don't even know their motivations... Are they hateful? Or are they just beasts? They are hungry and planets are their food..."

People still died either way, but... It felt important, to know the difference.

"In my experience, they're just fucking psychopathic assholes that don't care about anything but their own greed."

He took a breath to calm down and continued with less fervor. And cursing if he could manage it. (Spoiler: not so much.)

"The way I heard it, Jenova disguised herself as a local in order to lull the planet's inhabitants to lower their guard so she could damage the world and consume its energy. When she got to our planet she almost succeeded but the Ancients must have figured her out at some point and stopped her. Not sure how. Several hundred years into the future and our dumb asses pull her out of the earth and end up creating a hybrid--that eventually goes insane and tries to follow in her footsteps to consume the lifestream and become a god. He's defeated and then we get his remnants that start shit all over again!

"So no matter which way you look at it, they're all insane and want to murder everybody for funsies."

He let's that sink in for a moment. Then,

"Yeah, I dunno what we're going up against this time, but it better not be more of that. I think I've had enough, thanks. Let's just hope for mindless beasts to beat back and call it a day once we've kicked all their asses."

Perhaps that was the way. He had read about aliens on earth but of course there no one knew if they were real. He had read mostly about people who had believed themselves abducted by them, in his research about what might have happened to him in the year he could not remember.

He listened as Reno explained what had happened on his world, an alien with a wish to consume the energy of a world, a hybrid going insane and trying to become a god... Then remnants...

"That sounds like a lot to deal with... I hope... I hope that when you finally get back home things will be more peaceful for you."

When, not if. Because after all of this was dealt with, they would find a way home. They had to.

"I know that feelin." Duo commiserated. He'd found himself standing not far from the redhead, and hearing that exclamation, Duo hadn't been able to stop himself from laughing and wandering on over.

"Left here once already. Then they pull ya right back in." He glanced over at the train, smile fading a bit. "Wonder if the shit hit the fan? Desperate times and all that."

There were plenty more explicatives given before the braided wonder made his way over towards the redhead. They were only marginally less loud, and still quite obvious. They only slowed as Duo neared the Turk and eventually petered out as he eyed the other man. His lips twitched upwards in a feral smirk.

"It was shit the first time, and it's shit this time. Can't this thing just give up?" On taking people, he means. However, he's distinctly aware he doesn't remember returning home or anything else in between then and now. That's possibly more disturbing than waking up back on a platform again.

"Probably," he groused, suddenly more petulant than angry. "It's always desperate o'clock when it's time to pull the retired back into play."

Vaguely, he was reminded of the last job back home. Of reuniting with old Turks just before the shit hit the fan. Again.

"You're tellin me. This ol' hunk of junk is stubborn, I'll give it that much." But stubborn and desperate were a dangerous combination. He should know. He'd been left with those two options many a time. Though it was usually helped along with a hefty dose of rage on top.

"So what're we guessin? More aliens? Some planet destroying monster? God? Think we're gonna go and fight a God? Now that'll be somethin worth coming outta retirement for." And a bit more interesting. Duo remembered some of the missions he'd been on before, it wasn't that long ago in his opinion, and didn't seem that big of a jump. So he was going to lean heavily on the idea that this was alien gods and they were about to shove a train up their ass sideways.

"Ugh, for the love of Gaia--no, it better not be any more aliens that want to become gods through any dastardly means possible. I've had enough of that shit!"

It was totally aliens that wanted to ~~become gods~~ eat worlds which was basically the same thing for Reno. He was going to love this. Yeah.

"I quit. Send me back to the void if home isn't an option yet. Wake me when it's time to go home."

"You've dealt with alien gods before then, huh? I've only dealt with humans who thought they were gods..." Or at least above everyone else and wanted to lord it over them. He and his friends soon put them in their place.

"C'mon, buddy. Where's your sense of adventure? How often do you get front-row seats to watch the world burn? If it burns. Maybe we're just jaded and they actually brought us back to celebrate our contributions with a massive feast in our honour?" Now wouldn't that be nice? Duo didn't believe it for a second. But a guy could dream.

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A New Platform [Intro Post September]

Reno | Final Fantasy VII | OTA

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