voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post July]

On the Train

Luckily for everyone the final couple of days of Fiddlesticks are quiet and mostly uneventful. Eventually though they awake to the announcement. "Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Grasshopper. 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. Also a loud pattering sound, which they will discover once the doors open are hailstones. They might want to grab their raincoats.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Ann Takamaki, Drizzt, Geralt, Huehuecóyotl, Ignis Scientia, Ivy Wakefield, Jiang Yanli, Lan Sizhui, Maebhrin Tillinath, May Parker, Nie Huaisang, Osomatsu Matsuno, Raven, Roxas, Shaw, The Iron Bull, Ultimo, Wei Wuxian, Yuki Sohma, Yuffie, Yukito Tsukishiro

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies and waterproofs, 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. The second thing they will notice is it is cold, hailstones rain down around them, though they don’t last long on the platform ground, melting into slush.

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 nineteen figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. 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.

Indeed whereas usually there is plenty time for people to be met and brought slowly onto the train, the whistles blow a lot quicker this time, as if hurrying the passengers along.

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, it seems carrots have taken over the bacon, though there are plenty of other staples.

Those from blue team who go to investigate will find a box of biscuits. There is enough for the whole team, including new passengers. Join in your team's success!

Those who are not new will quickly discover some changes made to make the train accessible to those who can’t see, including Braille translations of all the signs around the train.

There is of course the new music room to explore. A double carriage, the downstairs has instruments to learn and practice with, as well as a series of music screen points. Those who play around with the screens will soon discover their SCA’s can now store music and can choose their favourites to listen to around the train.

Upstairs is a performance area and holds a piano.

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 over the noise of the hail stones 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

People were beginning to talk. The train was about to reach another platform. How they know, Wen Ning has no idea. But he thinks perhaps he ought to tell his Jiejie, in case she doesn't already know. So he ducks into the medical bay quickly, searching for his sister.

"Jiejie, they said we're almost at a platform. Do you--?" His question cuts off when he sees, not his sister, but someone lying down, looking somewhat worse for wear.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb your rest?"

Nita waves to Wen Ning wearily, a wry smile on her face.

"It's alright; people come through here all the time just for breakfast! ... Have we met, though?"

Not quite trusting herself to lean up yet, she still offers her hand in greeting.

"I'm Nita. Nita Callahan."

Oh, right, handshakes. Those are new to Wen Ning, but he'll do his best, stepping forward to shake the offered hand, before then stepping back and bending into a bow. Might as well get both kinds of greeting out of the way.

"I'm Wen Ning. It's nice to meet you, Nita Callahan."

Nita can't precisely give a bow in return, though she wishes she could try.

She smiles, managing to look less weary this time.

"Good to meet you too. Wen... Like Wen Qing?"

Forgive your sister for not mentioning you yet, Wen Ning; she's been busy.

The smile that spreads across Wen Ning's face at the mention of his sister is enough to brighten his entire demeanor.

"Yes! Wen Qing is my Jiejie-- my older sister."

It's a very nice expression on him, with his complexion as pale as it is.

"Your Jiejie, huh? As an older sister myself, I can definitely say she's been acting like one since I've met her."

Even if the sister-ing didn't necessarily happen at her.

"She's really good as a doctor, too."

She may be from several centuries in the past, but Wen Qing was certainly serious about her craft - and in catching up on its developments.

His smile is fond as he nods his agreement. "She is, she's the best." Well, the best he's used to at least. He still doesn't know much about modern medicinal advances.

"Is she... taking good care of you?"

"I'd say so, yeah. Though with a concussion, the most I need right now is rest so she's not as busy with me."

She glances away for a minute, through to one of the partitioned-off sections of the carriage.

"Doesn't mean she's not busy, though."

A New Platform [Intro Post July]

Medbay, pre-platform

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