voidtreckerexpress | The Final Platform

THE FINAL PLATFORM

BEFORE ARRIVAL

Those who are remaining get their tethers sorted first, after all the stress and uncertainty it really is a simple procedure. There are many void technicians hovering around but they soon get into a rhythm and one by one those who wish to remain in void space are tethered to the void hub.

They are however looped to the train, for one final journey. The Voidtrecker Express is accompanied by a voidcraft full of scientists as it travels to one final platform. For one final time there are just the voidtreckers on board the Voidtrecker Express. The journey does not take too long but as they approach their final destination the train speaks.

"Voidtreckers. It has been so busy but before you leave I wished to speak.

This voidcraft understands that the circumstances around you being on board were not ideal and would like to truly apologise for the pain and inconvenience of the last few years. But also, more than that, would like thank you.

You have done what many would not have, what many could not have. You have brought back those dear to this voidcraft. Furthermore in their absence you stepped into their place and there are many worlds which owe you a debt of gratitude.

This voidcraft owes you a debt of gratitude and, if this voidcraft may be so bold, I have grown very fond of you all also. I hope you all fulfil the dreams you have and find your places in your world or in the void. I dare not ask it of any of you but for those who wish it, there is always a place for you on board this craft.

None of you will be forgotten by the Voidtrecker Express.

Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. There is unfortunately a slight drizzle. 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.

THE FINAL FAREWELL

The platform is a bustle of activity, void scientists direct those who are leaving the void to special pods where their tethers are detangled and from there they are led to the barriers, to go through back to their world. For those choosing to move through time they are accompanied by yet more scientists, but there will be time for goodbyes.

It is not like previous times, where people leave without a backward glance. This time people are themselves, able to say goodbye and walk through the barrier of their own accord.

The scientists try and give everyone space, they don't rush anyone but do keep tabs on where everyone is as those who are returning leave through the barriers one last time.

Soon the only people left on the platform are those who are choosing to remain. The train doors open and they can board once more. There is a whistle, to round up any stragglers and then the train begins to move along the platform. The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. 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.

Their new home. The void itself.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"O-Of course!" Sebek hadn't exactly thought about what would happen if no one believed him. He trusted Master Malleus and Master Lilia to believe him! They would! However, the extra assurance wouldn't hurt....

He adjusts his posture, his hoodie, to appear as if his moment of uncertainty hadn't happened at all. "My liege will read a first hand account of my deeds here! He may even see fit to praise me for the dedication to my studies!" Maybe. He hopes. He assumes he won't hear such words.

"Idia Shroud, you have my most heartfelt gratitude! I have learned much from you, and I will not forget what you have bestowed upon me." Too bad Idia's Sebek won't be the same one. Idia might have had someone to call upon besides Ortho. "We are VoidTreckers!"

... yeah, sure, whatever Sebek, as long as you're happy. And that Idia has done his part. Not much else he could do or feels the need to. Especially after that. "OMG..." Srsly, Sebek, stop.

Oh, hmmm, there was something else... that tracker. Not like he needed it anymore, but should Idia leave it for his other self? To give him a heads up? Then again, maybe better to get rid of it so not to cause issues. "Ah, um, y-you don't need that thing on your wand now, the thing I made. I'll take it off." Who knows what would happen if it does go back to Sebek's world.

"... What thing on my wand?" Sebek pulls out his magic pen and inspects it. "Do you mean the thing Ruggie put on it?" There hadn't been much explanation as to what was happening, but when he had been assured that it wouldn't interfere with his ability to protect Master Malleus, he decided that it must not have been that big of a deal. They were all dealing with the same things on the train, and it would not do for his upperclassmen to hamper him.

"Why do you need it?"

...you know, it would had been good if Idia had actually asked Ruggie what he had told Sebek to have this happen. Huh...

Still, "A-ah, yeah, I-I made it. It was to track your blot levels while here, since... weird stuff happens." Would that work? Don't ask him for more details, Sebek! Idia will have to make shit up in that case and he's not sure he can do it on the spot, face to face. "And, ah, well, we're not staying, so it doesn't matter, right?"

"You have that technology?" Tracking blot levels makes sense to Sebek. Their missions had put them through a lot, and he's had to use his magic in ways he never thought he would before. It wasn't theory. It was all practical, which is not something first year students get a lot of. His upperclassman was trying to look out for him!

"From what I have heard, there are to be other students overblotting in my future! A tool like this could be helpful in preventing more outbreaks! I assume that is in the device to your other! Records which can help him do the same back home!"

He beams a bright smile at Idia. "Are you sure you don't want to leave him a working example to show him how it all works?"

...well, he tried. Not his issue anymore. That's for the other him.

"I mean, I made it, so he could too. Plus I'm giving him all my note I've made," Waving a hand towards the triangle device. "Just don't be surprised if he doesn't want to maintain your broom or anything..." After all... it's Idia. Just because he's been forced to interact with others doesn't mean his other self would be for it.

Somewhere deep, deep down, Idia will miss him someday!

Someday!

Sebek does not seem undaunted by the fact that the other Idia will not want anything to do with him. "I will take good care of the broom you so skillfully constructed for me! I may not have the technological expertise to now, but I will add this to my studies."

He is not one to back down from a challenge he thinks worthy to undertake. Although, whether that is friendship or just learning how to take care of the broom on his own remains vague.

Uh huh...

Idia pauses as Sebek happily says this, silent as he mulls over something, before slipping his backpack off and hunting around within it. Tearing off a page of his idea journal, checking he doesn't care about losing the info and designs he had drawn on it, before grabbing a pen and scribbling on it for awhile.

Before shoving the paper towards Sebek. "Here, these books will get you started on the basics. All of them are in the library at school. They'll give you a good overview from programming to construction to engines and other stuff." Quick, take it before Idia changes his mind...

Sebek takes the torn page and tucks it into his pocket with the utmost care. If there is one thing that Sebek is good at (besides being LOUD), it is reading. He'll likely check these books out once he wakes. Or request the books should he be kept for observation upon awaking. (He hopes that will not be the case.)

"You truly have my most heartfelt gratitude for the suggestions. I will not disappoint you!" Not that... Idia will be able to hear of his progress... but Sebek gives his word to try, no, learn.

Ehhhh, no, too cringe, he doesn't want to hear this. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." Idia waving it off before getting everything sorted back in his bag again, zipped up, and back on his shoulder.

Ok, well... everything he wanted done done, right? Nothing else needed. Ugh! This was bad enough the 'last time' when they thought they could go back home, but turned out they couldn't. This was just as bad. Idia has no clue what to do in this situation! Eeeeeehhhhh....

Hm, well... "Bye?" Yeah. There. Done. Right?

The sudden and abrupt farewell stuns Sebek into silence, and he watches as Idia makes his retreat from this social interaction. Sebek doesn't follow. There really isn't much more to add. The rest will be up to Sebek to uphold: his return home, the delivery of Idia's messages, proving that he has not fallen behind in his training and school studies, the additional study of technology in order maintain his custom broom.

He will do it. He swears on his loyalty to Master Malleus! Sebek gathers his things, and after any further goodbyes, he starts the process to go back to his world.

The Final Platform

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Idia accidentally starts a STEM/STEAM program in Briar Valley

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