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

[yukibunny]

"Yukito." His smile widened, cheered to have someone kind speaking to him. At least he seemed kind? He gave a nod and after a small stumble getting his feet back under him, he was able to follow the man. At his offer, though, Yukito found himself put on the spot and he had to laugh.

"I have so many questions I'm having a hard time knowing where to begin. This is all so... I'm not at all sure why I'm here or how it happened."

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel laughed. "If I could tell you that, I'd be the most popular person on this Train."

He led the way to the kitchen car and walked up the stairs to the refrigerators. "It is Red Team's turn to cook the meals, but anyone is welcome to pop in to whip something up. Basically, if you don't want anyone else sampling, you'd best put your name on it. And hope no one else on the train has the same name," he added with a wink.

"Unfortunately, none of us know how we came here, why us and not someone else, where we are going, or even how long we will be here. No one has managed to speak to anyone in charge on this Train, even, though some have contacted the Train itself, in a rudimentary fashion." He sighed a heated up two cups of hot water in his hands. "Would you like some tea?"

[yukibunny]

He had a feeling that would be the answer. So far it was what people had told him but there was always that chance that someone might know a little more than another, or have a working theory on what was going on.

Walking just behind the other man, Yukito took in the trail around him, looking with interest at the carriages. And then the kitchen. While it was still just a train kitchen it was rather large. He was a little distracted so had to jog to catch up to Glorfindel. "I will keep that in mind." Yukito replied easily with a cheerful laugh.

"Tea would be lovely, yes." He smiled his gratitude. "So... you're saying that we can 'talk' to this Train? That it's sentient?"

[laurefindil]

"I think Webmind is helping coordinate that," Glorfindel said. "My mental powers aren't as strong as some here, so I've not gotten deeply involved, but I have been following along as I can. The jury is still out on HOW sentient, but there is a consensus that there is...something."

Glorfindel dropped tea bags into the two cups. While they steeped he reached into the refrigerator and got out the milk, as well as grabbing the sugar from the counter. It surprised him a little that he'd gotten used to such technology in only a month, but then it was very convenient. "I like milk and sugar with mine. How do you prefer yours? And would you like anything with it? Pastry, sandwich?