A New Platform [Intro Post March]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

Luckily there are no more crises after the strange dreaming, except the ones passengers created for themselves and soon the month is turning. "Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Egret."

Those that have been on board a while know that new months usually come with new people and so the message a few hours later will not be a surprise. "Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. It will come as a relief that it is not raining this time. However it does seem to be quite blustery.

The doors open and the first few to disembark do so with rucksacks on, hoods pulled up against the wind. Amery Vallet, Steve Rogers, Darth Vader, Peggy Carter, Bran Corbie and Ash. They walk blank faced to the barriers, show their tickets and disappear.

But on the platform itself there are nineteen new faces, or rather seventeen new faces and two that some people have definitely seen before. All are stood, waiting for the train.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is 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 large and it holds ninteen figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. The air is cold and the wind is strong, blowing their hair, if they have hair, across their face. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out into the cold step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. They are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple.

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. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information. The store rooms have been restocked with an abundance of onions! Any of blue team who who go to check the luggage cart will find a parcel containing rainbow macroons. One for each of the blue team, including new members, come share in the reward!

Passengers who are not brand new will notice that the train has gotten yet longer again. A transparent domed carriage, with a grass aisle and soil beds, ready for the passengers to do with as they wish. Crates contain bulbs and seeds ready to be planted and there are all the tools a budding gardener would need for this task.

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. 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. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

[thepowerofthor]

Drawn by cake and hot chocolate, little could have kept Thor away as he wandered in, curious, bag thrown over his shoulder, Mjolnir hanging at his hip as if attached to... something.

He did not ask, but took a cup of the chocolate and inhaled it, nodded, and carefully put it empty. "Tell me, my friends. Is there coffee here?"

He stood there, grinning, eyes alight. Please tell him his favorite drink is here.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis was nearby when he heard someone mentioned coffee. Turning around he saw a blonde man standing there whose height could certainly rival Gladio's.

Nodding to the question the advisor figured if one person was inquiring about it, more might. So it was a quick thought to get a bigger pot before he replied. At the moment he only had a small coffee pot but it was freshly made and full. So a cup full of coffee appeared before the man inquiring.

It wasn't Ignis' beloved Ebony coffee back home, but it would do.

"Indeed there is. There's sugar and creamer here as well." Having said, he gestures to where they're located.

[thepowerofthor]

"My thanks, good sir. Coffee is one of the best things Midgard ever invented." He nodded as he smiled warmly, practically inhaling some of the drink. He loved coffee, no matter what kind it was.

"I prefer plain coffee, but my thanks." He offered his hand to the other as Midgardians did, and nodded.

"I am Thor Odinson of Asgard." He was still confused about this place, but now he had coffee. things were looking up.

[faithfulsupport]

Wait what? Sir? Midgard? The manners and mannerisms certainly got Ignis' attention as they were pretty uncommon and always much appreciated by someone who was similiarly polite. He couldn't help but ask though to make sure he heard correctly about Midgard. "I beg your pardon?" He was then further amused to see the blonde tanking down the coffee like a pro. As much as he himself loved coffee, he preferred to savour it, unless it was Ebony coffee from back home.

There was a nod at the plain coffee comment, because to each their own really, and the advisor wasn't about to tell someone what they could and couldn't have. Well, unless that person happened to be Noctis and with him and his penchant for not liking vegetables well that was a life long fight, even if he was the king now. Seeing the offered hand, Ignis lifted his own and shook it briefly before letting go and lowering his hand again.

Thor? Hadn't Tony referenced this man to him a few times? And this was the one he said that Peter had a crush on if memory served, correct? None of this showed on his face as he nodded. "Ignis Scientia, it's a pleasure to meet you Thor." He's heard a lot about this one, but that wouldn't get brought up. But still, he had to find something out because curious scholar was curious. "You wouldn't happen to know a Tony Stark would you?"

[thepowerofthor]

"No need to beg my pardon, sir. I have seen you commit no offense." Thor was gracious when he could be. A little more coffee was drained as he eyed the man. this whole situation was confusing, and far beyond Thor's experience.

Shaking he man's hand, he nodded again.

"And a pleasure to meet you, friend Ignis Scientia." He blinked a touch, then shook his head. "I do not know any such person, no." He had not yet met the man on the station.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis is intrigued by Thor. Never has he seen anyone with such manners so idly he finds himself wondering if everyone in Asgard is like this man. But he makes no comment and doesn't pose the question again.

At hearing the term 'friend' the advisor's taken aback and finds himself staring in disbelief. They're not friends, because they don't even know each other. And then he looks away because he realizes he's staring and he's reprimanded the other chocobros for doing the exact same thing.

At the surprise of this man not knowing Tony though brings his eyes back to Thor. He nodded. "I see. In that case you have my apologies for being mistaken."

[thepowerofthor]

The staring brings an arched eyebrow and a grin. He is used to being stared at.

"You do apologize for much. You have done no harm, and spoken no ill. This new situation does make strangeness of what should be common and confusion where there should be understanding, I think."

He considered the other and hmmmed.

"Have you been in this situation long?" One hand waved toward the train and the station all. As he spoke, the poured the remaining chocolate and coffee in his cups together and then started drinking that.

[faithfulsupport]

This man certainly talked differently than anyone else here and he couldn't couldn't help but smile. "Agreed." If only half the train would get this simple lesson through their heads. First, they'd have to start by listening and that could be a challenge in itself.

At the question Ignis shook his head. "A few months at best." And that's when he noticed what Thor was doing. Ever trying to be helpful he shook his head. "I can get you more hot chocolate and some cake if you'd like." He paused. "Or I can simply show you where the kitchen is to help yourself."

[thepowerofthor]

"While I have no objection to staying and talking, I should likely come to know the layout of this train, so I would be obliged if you would show me the kitchen."

He nodded, sure of this. Thor liked food, and even knew how to cook some of it.

[faithfulsupport]

"Right, I can do that so if you would be so kind as to follow me."

Turning his back, Ignis turned and began walking towards the kitchen. But when Thor followed, he moved to walk with him and point things out along the way to try and help him get an idea as to what was where. (At least what they were going past at any rate.)

Once there, the advisor smiled and gestured towards the counter. "There are cookbooks over on the counter there." And then he pointed out where the pots and pans were, the pantry, the refrigerator and most importantly where the coffee pot was and where the coffee was kept.

He nodded back to Thor. "Purple team is on meal preparation for this month." And he was fully expecting Prompto to come get him to cook.

[thepowerofthor]

And Thor gladly followed. Listening to the other, he committed it to memory. This made so much more sense when someone who knew what was going on explained it.

At the counter, he nodded. "Good I know how to cook eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes, alone. I imagine that would grow tiring for everyone swiftly."

He grinned, hmmming. "How often do the chores get changed?"

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis admired someone who could at least cook that much. Gladio could so some basics, so could Noct. Prompto..was another story entirely, as the blonde photographer and gunman couldn't do much at all in the kitchen. And at this point, the advisor didn't even want to think that the other could possibly burn it down.

"Then you'll have plenty more to learn of the culinary arts." There was a pause as his green eyes looked over at the small stack. "Mayhaps I should order more when I can." Sharing knowledge of cooking he could do, but no one would get a look at his own notebook of recipehs from home except himself and about four others.

Looking at Thor after hearing the question, Ignis shook his head. "Every two months it seems." And even though they'd just had their turn in the kitchen, he couldn't wait for Blue team be back in there.

[thepowerofthor]

"Learn I will, then." He moved to the counter and opened a book, bending his head to study one of them as he does, curious, eyes bright as they flick across the words.

"You can order more?" he stood and blinked. "From where?" This was the first he had heard of such a thing.

Listening, he smiled. "That is not a bad thing at all. I look forward to learning all of the chores."

[faithfulsupport]

"The knowledge is certainly there." Ignis replied with a nod. He said nothing as Thor seemed to be so engrossed in the pages. He didn't want to disturb him while reading so he got both of them a cup of coffee.

Setting it down, that's when he got the question about the books. "Yes, you can order them through the train shop. They cost points that you obtain after after going on missions or at the end of the month. You'll be informed that they're there so you should have a look some time."

Taking a sip of the coffee, Ignis wasn't sure what to make of the other but he smiled over the rim of his cup. "You'll have ample opportunity."

[thepowerofthor]

Thor nods, listening. "I will. I desire to be of use here, so mayhap this is a way I can be." he nods, considering the possibilities. "Can you order anything?"

He considered the man, grinning. "Other than back to Midgard to fulfill a promise, I have nowhere else to go."

[faithfulsupport]

Thor is practically killing Ignis here with the wanting to be helpful and useful, but it's all in a good way of course. So he just smiles before replying about the shop. "You can order something that will fit in a small backpack from home. There are also books, food, drinks and a few other items as I recall." And that's when he figures maybe he use some of his points for curative items from home, they would certainly be helpful here.

Fulfill a promise..that sounded all too familiar. That was the reason Ignis wanted to go home, he had a duty to perform that he'd oathed on when he was six. "Well if and when we can figure out how to get everyone back, then that will be an option."

Until then they're all stuck.

[thepowerofthor]

Thor is like that. Despite how he may sound sometimes, he enjoys being of service, protecting, defending, and helping those around him. Back in Asgard,m that was in battle. On Midgard, that was in words and in battle both, and in sacrifice at the end. Here? It is, for now, in cooking.

"I will remember such. If I am to be my best here, I needs must find or order things to help with that." He nodded, eyes alight with the passion of it. He will work, and push, and make sure he can help. whatever it takes.

Thor nods.

"I will do what I can for the train, ands for those on it."

[faithfulsupport]

Really these two were on the same page and to give himself a moment to consider that point, Ignis sipped his own coffee. This was another one who wanted to do all he could for others unselfishly. Were all of the people in the Asgard like Thor? The advisor couldn't help but wonder that. But in any case, the train was indeed fortunate to have this man aboard, so it was a no brainer as to he'd been gathered to help.

Previous conversations about this man with Tony went through Ignis' mind. If he recalled correctly, this one had something with thunder and lightning or something like that. But it was impolite to inquire so those questions weren't asked.

There was a satisfied smirk. "Then it sounds as if you'll fit in just fine."

[thepowerofthor]

"I hope so. And I am glad I met you, this day, so soon. I am not one to lollygag and wait. I wish to get to work." he grinned, eyes bright. Then he looked back at the book, and nodded, pressing one hand on a page.

"I think I shall cook this even."

Thor was satisfied. There were mysteries, there were missions, and there was hope. What more did a thundergod need?

"Its time to get to work."

[ooc: Wrap or wrap on yours?]

[faithfulsupport]

Thor's work ethic was so refreshing so Ignis smiled in turn, knowing he wouldn't linger and be in the man's way. Nodding to the "It was a pleasure to meet you as well." He couldn't see what it was that the other stated that he would be cooking but the other had enthusiasm and a determination to help, especially if those bright eyes were any sort of indication to go by.

The advisor withheld a small chuckle and grabbed himself another cup of coffee. "Indeed, you take care." He was going to offer to be of more assistance but Thor seemed to have everything under control so with a last look, he turned and walked off.

(Wrap!)