A New Platform [Intro Post December]

[voidtreckermods]

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Catfish." The voice woke them as usual four days after they had rejoined the train, leaving the dying world, the scientists and evacuees behind them."Team Points have been updated on the system and the shop has been updated."

. A few hours into the morning there is a second announcement. "Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void imminent." Hopefully everyone knows to hold on, though if they do not they will be in for a bumpy arrival to the platform. At first all they can see from the windows is steam.

They step out into blazing sunshine, heat hits them. There is still steam, but light breaks through, dazzling at points, reflecting off the smooth surface of the platform. As the doors open the first four people off the train are wearing their rucksacks and dressed in purple hoodies. Yuki, Amelia, Harry and Richie. All walk steadily and unhurriedly towards the barriers at the back of the platform, show their ticket and disappear.

Those looking over the platform will recognise Ash, dressed in purple. With her are ten other people, one seems to have fire for a head, another is a book. Two are elves. All four teams are represented but Red and Blue are dominant with four new members each. Time to be welcoming.

For new arrivals.

At first all they can see if steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not very large, but it holds eleven figures all facing the tracks, all wearing similar clothing. The tracks stretch left and right into steam, or perhaps fog. Nothing can be seen to either side. Patches of sunlight break down and it is very warm.

In front of them is a train. Jet black and gleaming where it stands on the rails. Voidtrecker Express is emblazoned in the engine in gold. There is a hiss as the doors slide open.

Out step a selection of people, some less human than others, wearing clothes just like those worn by those on the platform.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would not be a good thing, as nice a day as it is.

Each ICP shows the same message. If they are near an ICP they may find a piece of paper stuck to it, for further reading. The food stores have been topped up with new fresh food, there is still an abundance of sweet peppers.

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

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 and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express.” A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "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."

Hopefully someone warns you that you really want to heed that warning because a moment later there is 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. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to voidspace.

Comments

[castintoflames]

Color touches his cheeks at the observation. He is called "the Tall" for a reason - and not just by Men! When Elves call you tall, your head is truly in the clouds.

Maedhros bites the inside of his cheek, tilting his head to seem...less...lofty?

"I assume he too has dark hair?" he looks thoughtful, "I have not encountered someone of that description as of yet, but this platform is larger than you might think." he gives him a comforting smile, "We can look together? My height helps."

[yilingdaddy]

Wei Ying winces and rubs the side of his head with a grimace. How to salvage this meeting...

The grimace fades as if it wasn't even there to begin with, and he smiles up at the giant. "He'll find me, though I probably shouldn't go too far until he does. He's the kind of guy who doesn't give up."

[castintoflames]

"Your bond has not been severed. If he is here, you will be reunited." he reassures him, gaze steady, though that may or may not be comforting with his one grey eye.

"I have found my kin, so I know this to be true."

[yilingdaddy]

He manages not to tell this strange giant that death hadn't severed their bond, why would distance? At least the other doesn't doubt there is a bond. He's seen battle wounds and knows this giant is a fighter. And yet still kind, he can see the emotion in the other's face.

Wei Ying smiles brighter. "I'm glad you found your kin."

[castintoflames]

Despite his build and his scars, Maedhros has a tender heart. He doesn't like to fight - though he is good at it - except when it comes to protecting those he loves. Then he can be vicious beyond all imagination.

"They will aid you. I can introduce you once we are boarded if you like?"