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

[marriedanidiot]

[ Such a brave hunter!!! ]

Are not all worlds? [ She smiles ] Tirion was not very large, but even so, there were several thousand living in the city, and at least as many in Alqualonde and Valmar, and that's not even getting into Beleriand. I'm sure your world is just as large. So I am glad to meet those I know here at all.

[sendiintheclown]

[Much brave, so hunt.]

[Trowa smiles back.] On my world, there are all the different continents on the planet, as well as the colonies in space. I've been extremely lucky to have met Duo here, and now to have Quatre as well. Two of my closest friends, out of the billions of people, the odds are nearly incalculable.

[marriedanidiot]

[ The bestest kitten ]

In Space! [ She marvels ] How wonderful! I've always wondered what the stars would be like, up close. There must be so many people! I am glad for you as well.

[sendiintheclown]

[And here she comes, happy little trot and proud of herself.]

They are brighter and more vast once you leave the planet, but you don't see them from inside the colony.

[marriedanidiot]

[ All the praise!! ]

Oh? Do they not have places to stargaze?

[sendiintheclown]

[She will bring it to Nerdanel's legs and look up super proudly.]

Only if they work in the infrastructure industries and maintain the outer shell. Otherwise, they get artificial atmosphere.

[marriedanidiot]

[ Whoossagoodkittythen? ]

Ahhh... yes, I suppose that makes sense. It just seems a pity to be closer to the stars and yet be unable to see them!

[sendiintheclown]

[BEST kitty. She looks so proud.]

Most of the times I've been in space I've been in the middle of a battle, so I haven't really had time to appreciate the view. But it is spectacular. You can get a good view on the moon, though.

[marriedanidiot]

[ As she should be! ]

In a battle? Oh dear... and you so young!

[sendiintheclown]

[She will leave the leaf at Nerdanel's feet before deciding it is bath time.]

[Trowa shrugs.] Most of my earliest memories are of being in battle. I was separated from my family very young, but was rescued by a group of soldiers. So I've been fighting in wars most of my life.

[marriedanidiot]

[ Nerdanel will watch the leaf for kitty! ]

Oh youngling. [ She says sadly ]

So many of you tell me the same tale. Are the worlds of Men so consumed by war that even their children must fight?

[ Elrond and Elros may have been raised by Kinslayers, but she knows her sons did their level best, despite being on the run and essentially a guriella force, to raise the boys right, with as much education as could be spared and plenty of time to play, for Elrond has told her so ]

[sendiintheclown]

[If Amira could, she would thank Nerdanel for it.]

Most of the time, yes. Currently, there is peace, but who knows how long that will last? There will always be people who want power through force. [Trowa has long since lost faith in humanity as a species.]

[marriedanidiot]

[ Nerdanel will take it as given ]

That is a grief to know. [ She says sadly ]

Not entirely unexpected, I suppose, but even so...

[sendiintheclown]

[Amira likes you, Nerdanel.]

[Trowa nods in agreement.] I'm hopeful I won't ever have to see another war in my lifetime. I've seen more than my fair share.

[marriedanidiot]

[ Nerdanel likes you too Amira~ Good kitty ]

May it be so! [ She says it almost like a prayer ] War must be, I know, while evil walks. But few wars are so clear as that. I hope that you will have peace for many long years.

[sendiintheclown]

[Trowa smiles a little more at her.] I know I'll spend the rest of my life trying to prevent any further global conflicts. And so will Duo and Quatre and the others we fought alongside.

[marriedanidiot]

That is a fine and noble goal! But take a little time for yourself too!

[sendiintheclown]

As far as I'm concerned, the best time is spent with the lions at the circus or with Quatre. [He looks away, his cheeks a bit pink.]

[marriedanidiot]

Oh? [ She perks up at the blush ]

Is Quatre your sweetheart?

[sendiintheclown]

Yeah, he is. I was...admittedly torn when I saw him arrive. I had missed him greatly, but also didn't really want him stuck here with the rest of us.

[He's totally glad Quatre's there, though.]

[marriedanidiot]

Ah, that feeling I know well - I, too, am grateful for the kin that I have here, the new friends made. But I grieve, that they should be subject to this. At the least, we are treated relatively well, and there remaisn yet the promise of returning home.

[sendiintheclown]

At least I get to have him here again. I know Duo and I have each other, but he's like a brother to me. It's a completely different feeling.

[marriedanidiot]

Family is family. [ She smiles ] I am glad you have both, and I hope that you will be very happy here.

[sendiintheclown]

It's certainly a happier place with Quatre here. Duo and I can get stuck reminiscing about bad times.

[marriedanidiot]

That is good news. [ She smiles ]

Hopefully, you can make good memories here, all of you.