A New Platform [Intro Post June]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

The days following the mission are relatively uneventful as people once more get used to the rhythm of life on the train. "Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Fiddlesticks. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train a while will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"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 is a cool day, clouds gathering threateningly though it stays dry luckily.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Leviathan, Atsushi Nakajima, Spinel, Peggy Carter, Evie Grimhilde, Cal Kestiss, Gwen Stacey, Renee Corbin, Lan Jingyi, Waver Velvet, Aoko Nakamori, Namine, Jak and Marcus Wright all reach the barriers, show their tickets and disappear through, vanishing into the fog.

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies, in various states of confusion.

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 twenty six figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. The air is cool with a slight breeze. 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. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

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 plenty more bacon as well as other staples.

Passengers who are not brand new will notice a new carriage. A second gym. This one is outfitted for training with mats, fighting pads, balance beams and even climbing apparatus to help get everyone ready for the missions ahead.

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

[stillnewatthis]

Do not worry! Orisa didn't assume romantic intent. But she did swivel her eyeshields to carats again, one foreleg scraping across the ground at the compliment. "Oh, well, thank you! Efi would be very happy to know she achieved that goal!"

[flatteries]

Phew. That's a landmine dodged. Orisa looks like she could slam him into the ground with a single punch if she tried, and Inigo would rather not have her try, thanks!

".. Efi? Is that your.." Mother? Is that how it works? Parent? Creator?! What's the least offensive word to use here. "The, uh.. person who made you?"

[stillnewatthis]

That clearly worked for Orisa! "That is correct! She wished to construct a robot that could both defend Numbani and help others outside it to bridge the gap between humans and omnics."

[flatteries]

"Ah, then it'd make sense she would wish for you to be friendly.."

Although 'construct' is still such a weird word to use to talk about it, despite Orisa using it herself. Inigo is just trying really hard to ignore that part before it breaks his brain.

"She really did achieve that goal. I could imagine some people being slightly intimidated by your size, but once you speak to them, I'm sure they would all find you to be very welcoming."

[stillnewatthis]

"Unless they intended harm or hostility," Orisa agreed cheerfully. "But I am very flattered that people here have all accepted me without question. I wonder if that would be true on Earth as well, if not for the war."

[flatteries]

.. Ah.

Inigo really doesn't want to find himself ever on Orisa's wrong side, just judging by the idea of what she could potentially do.. It's a good thing he isn't intending on hurting anyone if he can help it, huh.

"What do you mean? Do other people tend to not like.." He pauses as he tries to find the right word. "Erm, well, people who look like you?"

[stillnewatthis]

"Omnics and humans went to war some time ago. Since then, omnics are mostly disliked and reviled. It is understandable but very unfortunate." After all, the omnics had started it, but not every omnic was in some way evil!

[flatteries]

That's definitely something he can understand. Inigo himself tries to be accepting of people (emphasis on tries, because he is a dumb teenager, after all), but he's been to war. He knows what it's like. He knows its consequences.

"Well.. If anyone on the train tries to start something with you for being an omnic, just tell me! I'll show them!" Do you think Orisa isn't more capable than you of doing so in the first place, Inigo?

[stillnewatthis]

"No one here has and I don't think anyone will. Everyone has been very accepting." And if they weren't, they'd probably get steamrolled by more people than just Inigo. "But I am grateful for your friendship, regardless."

[flatteries]

He lets out a short laugh.

"There's plenty more where that came from!" Friendship, that is. "Just tell me if you ever need help with anything in general. That's what friends are for, right?"

[stillnewatthis]

"That is my understanding. I look forward to continuing to see it in practice!" How fortunate she was to encounter such good people on coming here!