A New Platform [Intro Post August]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Grasshopper. Points have been updated on the system and Voidtrecker Express lunch boxes are now available to buy."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping, for lunch boxes or other items. 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. The sun beats down, a harsh, red glow heating the structure almost to the point of discomfort, although the train remains pleasantly cool. People might want to leave hoodies in their cabins.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Alex Hashimoto, Ardyn, Basilton Pitch, Garrett, Gyro Gearloose, Heart, Higgs, Jack Harkness , Luke Skywalker, Merciless, Sam Bridges, Scintilla Caminus, Sven, Telli, Tokidoki Rikugou, Undyne and Wen Ning

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing polo shirts in four familiar colours, with an equally familiar array of expressions.

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 the oppressive, cloying heat hazing the air. The paving is sun-warm, and damp with water vapour.

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. They aren’t alone.

The platform, all pale paving and cement pillars, is not large and it holds thirteen 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 heat step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same uniform 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.

Once again it’s not all that long before the whistles blow 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 with more carrots, as well as other staples for the month. Those heading to the luggage carriage for their parcels will find some generic boxes labeled All Passengers. Inside they will find extra leather bound journals for those who have gotten to the end of theirs. There are also supplies of extra toiletries for passengers who are running low.

The big changes that passengers will notice is that the Quiet Coach and the Medical Coach now have two stories. The quiet coach has a whole extra five booths upstairs. The medical coach now has four recovery rooms whilst downstairs now holds two treatment rooms as well as a surgery bay.

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

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

Reno | Final Fantasy VII | OTA

[theturksway]

I. Platform

Reno was one of the last people out the door to greet the newcomers because he honestly hated mornings and this nonsense wasn't really all that fun. But he had a duty to himself and his reputation as a Turk even if it didn't mean much here on the train he didn't care. He wanted to cultivate and maintain that rep for his own sake. Also, because if anyone else from home did show up at least he'd already be set here if they tried to sully his "good" name.

Eh, the point was he made it out the door of the trains eventually. The fresh air was welcome for about five seconds until Reno realized it was warm and humid like a freakin' jungle minus the nifty trees and shitty monsters. He shed his outer layer and stood around in simple purple shirt and cargo pants with his hoodie tied around his waist for a moment as he squinted out at the crowd.

Well, time to make the rounds. He wanted a moment to check the platform after he shook some hands so to speak. Time for introductions! Hello, new people. Purple needed to relax, why were there so many of them? Whatever. He's on it.

"Yo! What'cha wanna know 'bout this stupid train your now stuck on? Got'cha covered, newbie."

II. Wildcard for After Departure! (find him anywhere on the train)

After introductions and explanations were handed out to some of the newbies, Reno went back to his cabin briefly. The train had found it funny to give him a fantastical outfit from the random choice and he was determined to own the fuck out of it. The ridiculousness of it probably suited his personality more than he would have realized/admitted to anyone much less himself. But he was going to rock it even if he did look like a clown for a day.

If the train wanted to play games with him then he was going to win that game!!

So for the rest of the day Reno prances up and down the entire length of the train wearing this outfit with a pair of tight fitting black pants. He grabs three packages from the Luggage carriage and that's when the show really begins. He now has three materia orbs and he takes out the three orbs (one red, one blue, and one green) and begins to twirl them in his left hand as he swaggers all the way back to the opposite end of the train. Why yes, he was putting on a show for absolutely no reason other than perhaps to stave off boredom. And because that's just how he rolled.

He also stops by an ICP terminal at some point to make a public announcement of his tomfoolery as well. Bite him (but he bites back!).

Wildcard baybeh

[adregem]

[ Roland is lightly jogging across the train in hot pursuit of his latest order from the train - a fiery higgledy which has been acting moody since it broke free from its mesh crate prison. Now on its second lap across the width of the Voidtrecker, Roland is certain that it just needs time to adjust to its new home. So he allows it to tug him along, Bambosh the Brave enjoying the chase with its designated humanfolk charge. This only meant that the inevitable was bound to happen. Roland tries to jerk forward as he sprints to gently grab at Bambosh, but the higgledy disappears in a flash of light and all he grabs instead is the scruff of Reno's new outfit. He loses his balance, but lets go in time. He straightens his back and throws Reno a very apologetic look. Bambosh, meanwhile, reappears on top of Reno's materia, jumping as the balls juggle in place. ]

Reno! Sorry, I'm being put through the ringer here. [ He's not out of breath, but he does look like he's on full-on Dad Mode, even though all he's trying to do is get his new companion to calm down!! ] Oh, hey. [ He finally notices the outfit after a quick pause. No wonder he felt fur. ] That's...pretty interesting. [ He doesn't actually sound like he's making fun of Reno. He's appraising it well, finger under his chin. ] Heh. Is there a special occasion I'm not aware of?

[theturksway]

[Cue the question mark over the red head as Reno felt the tug on his outfit and then turned around to see Roland there. Strange. But even stranger was the little creature suddenly appearing over the materia orbs and additional question marks were added to Reno's perplexity. He had never seen a creature like that before, though it seemed harmless enough at a glance. Reno knew that could be deceptive but for now he was amused by its cute little hops as he twirled the orbs in place.

Not really. [Reno was watching the higgledy despite talking to Roland.] But the train wanted to play a game so I decided I'd win it.

[He made a grand flourish and posed at the end, flashing Roland a wide grin.] Whadda ya think? Nailed it, amirite?

[adregem]

[ The higgledy stares at Reno dead on with its large eyes, before it decides the redhead was just fine. Bambosh's headpiece bobs up and down before it settles on just one materia orb, and if Reno continues to expertly juggle it in one hand, he will find the higgledy jumping from orb to orb like it was playing a game. And speaking of games - ]

...Ah. [ A look of understanding passes after some thought. ] You asked for non-uniform clothes on the shop, didn't you? [ He chuckles at Reno's antics. For some reason, he pulled of the flamboyancy well. It might be because the guy was oozing confidence in every turn. ]

Heh. You definitely did. Color me impressed that you can pull this off. [ He means that, he looks like he's from some cool fantasy movie! ] And here I thought it might be a good idea if I ordered the same thing on the shop, luck be willing. [ Roland shakes his head. ] I'd just look plain ridiculous. Thanks for saving me a couple of points.

[theturksway]

Yeah, it was the random clothing option. It's real hit or miss. [He whined the last unabashedly. He didn't care that he sounded a little miffed about it. He was! And people should know his opinion.]

I do my best though. [He said with a small bow that didn't go down very far but got his arrogant demeanor off perfectly. His eyes didn't leave Roland as he performed it. When he straightened his voice returned back to normal.] If you're actually interested in more clothing I'd use the option to get it from home. More expensive but you can get what you want at least.

[adregem]

[ He'd clap for you, if he was the type to do it! But he's still pretty amused, nevertheless. ]

Some of us were just born lucky, eh? I can accept that. I know my strengths. [ And they definitely weren't in the flamboyant department. ] Y'know, you could get Spider Seamstress to change up the costume, if it gets too stuffy. Actually, maybe she can help me with more clothing options...I trust her taste more.

[ Expensive was right, and Roland wasn't about to spend extravagantly when the train has still refused to tell them what precisely got them points. ]

Stopping to admire the outfit

[only_one_wei]

Wei Wuxian, rocking his normal clothes, a black robe with red trim and a matching red ribbon in his hair, whistled when he saw the outfit Reno was rocking.

"Guess the train is insisting you wear the Purple, huh?"

[theturksway]

"Seriously!" Reno turned towards Wei Wuxian with a semi-feral grin on his face. Which wasn't directed at Wei Wuxian at all and his words should have made that clear when he continued. "This damn train hates me no matter what I do! But you know what, damn it. At least this purple outfit ain't standard."

[only_one_wei]

"Maybe it's just living out its fantasies of being a fashion designer and you're the unlucky model?" Wei Wuxian offered. "Or it just thought you might like something a bit fancier than the polo option?

"You remind me just a little of my brother in law, the peacock, in that outfit, I admit." He walked all the way around Reno to get a better look.

"Or maybe it is trying to get you laid?"

[theturksway]

"If it wants a fashion model I'm sure there are more willing participates. Then again... I do have the stuff to strut." He said with a grin and a little pose. He kept the saucy pose as Wei Wuxian circled around him to get a better view. Not like he minded the attention!

He laughed. "Trying to get me laid? In an outfit like this?" A beat. "Would this work in your world?"

[only_one_wei]

"Probably," Wei Wuxian said, once the fashion show was done. "It would show you were from a sect with money. There are always those who come out of the woodwork for that," he said with a grin.

"I'm from a sect that dresses a little more practically though. But for a special occasion, like a wedding or something, maybe." If he had the money, but he'd want to tweak the style, just a bit. Maybe he should go talk to that Spider mentioned in the flyers.

Wildcard

[rookiemistakes]

“Reno...what the fuck?”

Elena doesn’t usually swear on the job (and let’s face it: she’s always on the job), but occasionally she’ll make an exception.

She fumbles in her pocket and pulls out the ancient flip phone (which was a hand me down from when her sister was still a student) she’s been using since the world ended and the global data network ground to a halt. It still has some useful features, though.

Like a camera. Click!

“I’m so showing Tseng when we get back.”

[theturksway]

Reno's automatic reaction to the phone being held up in that position was to smile cheekily for the picture and throw up a cocky pose. He didn't even think about it.

But it was one thing to pose for a picture and look fabulous in front of complete strangers and a completely different thing altogether to have a colleague say they were going to show his chief. He was torn between saving face by flippantly not acting concerned and yanking the phone from Elena's hands and deleting the picture.

Oh, what the hell. It was just a photograph and Reno did look fabulous. Also, like Tseng would even really be surprised. It's not as if the chief of the Turks hadn't seen Reno drunk off his ass and doing worse than playing dress-up. Right.

Still, he sneered at Elena and played the game. "Fine! Show him how stunning I am. Ain't as if he don't already know~" he said in a teasing sing-song voice that covered his brief concern.

I'm finally back from hiatus, sob

[rookiemistakes]

Elena was half expecting him to do that, and she can't help the giggle that slips out as she takes a few more photos--for posterity, of course.

"Well, if you can't make this Turk thing work, you could make good money at the Honeybee Inn," she teases. She hands him the phone; if he wants to delete, he's welcome to. The photo quality isn't exactly amazing, given how old her hand me down phone is, but it's clearly Reno.

In...whatever the hell that is.

huzzah! \o/

[theturksway]

Reno glances at the photos on the phone quickly but only ends up deleting one of the shots--presumably because it didn't quite catch his good side to his preference--before handing it back to her. He was doing his best not to care and getting away with it. It was kind of fun prancing around like this even if he did look like a loon.

He laughed. "Yeah, you know that was always my runner up gig," he replied with a roll of the eyes but he flashed another fancy pose with his robes in perfect place. "Too bad I'm so good at my job, 'cause I would be the top performer if I were to go on show, baby."

[rookiemistakes]

Now Elena can't help but giggle. Wall Market is a shadow of its pre-Meteor self, but right now she can pretend otherwise. She can pretend that Shinra is still in power, that Midgar is still the bustling metropolis of her childhood.

She can really be a Turk.

Elena pokes Reno's shoulder.

"Where did you get this monstrosity, anyway?"

Platform

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel grinned at Reno's people skills in talking to the newcomers. Perhaps another team might look at him askance, but Purple didn't work the way other teams did, so Glorfindel appreciated Reno's volunteering spirit. Considering the types of people Purple tended to get, say, like Reno, he might actually be the best choice.

"Any common questions, so far?" he asked when Reno was between greetings. Glorfindel was curious if there were any new questions, aside from the usual, 'how did I get here,' 'where is this,' 'what am I wearing,' and 'who's in charge?'

[theturksway]

Reno let out a hard noise from between his teeth as he blew out air almost but not quite in a sigh. "Plenty of common questions. All the usual ones you'd expect."

He turned towards Glorfindel and pouted at the elf. "This shit is boring, yo! I hate this repetitive crap. Why doesn't the train just have an orientation for all these newbies it grabs? Least it could do..."

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel spread his hands in an open shrug. "Why would it when it has us?" he pointed out.

"And as repetitive as it is for us, for each of them," Glorfindel nodded at the traumatized newcomers, "it is their first time. Having someone as personable as you helping ground them and assure them that while yes, they are in a strange place far from home, with no explanation of how they got here or how to return, at least they aren't alone." Which was...not actually that comforting, but it was all they had.

[theturksway]

"Ugh, you're right." He continued to pout at that realization.

He was quiet after that, unusually so as the pout dissipated into more of a genuine frown and his brows furrowed slightly. It was in direct reaction to Glor's words. His next comment when it finally came was flippant, dismissive. "Yeah, whatever. That ain't really what I'm after."

Someone did not take compliments well from outsiders. Had it been a Turk, however, he would have been sheepishly pleased by it. Then again, a Turk would have known better than to call him "personable" or anything else nice when he most certainly was not so inclined.

[laurefindil]

Learning to speak Reno was a very labor intensive task, Glorfindel knew. Unfortunately for Reno, Glorfindel had nothing but time.

"Of course not," he agreed, turning slightly away to view the newcomers. "None here from your world, this time?" There were no other elves either. Glorfindel wasn't sure how he'd react if there were. Perhaps it would depend on which one. Ecthelion...he would find Reno a challenge. Erestor would likely not. Lindir would likely annoy Reno, but the songs would be worth it. He chuckled to himself a little, imagining it.

corridor of sleeper four

[longforgottenpromise]

Taiki is feeling a little better, still weak and shaky and not quite ready to be out of bed for any length of time but a lot better than the feverish sleep he was in for the first couple of days after returning from the mission.

He really had pushed things too far and he felt bad about that, felt bad about worrying Tidus, felt terrible that Lord Gyousou once again was having to take care of him, felt guilty that he can't even stay upright and awake long enough to help Wen Qing the way he wants to, when she is so wracked with grief at losing her brother.

Regardless of how ill he was he still had to leave his cabin sometimes and so he is on his way back from the bathroom when he saw Reno, the man who had saved him during the battle. Wearing... That was an interesting outfit and were those glowing orbs he was juggling?

Taiki looks as ill as he feels, pale and feverish, walking slowly with one hand on the wall for support.

[theturksway]

Reno pranced all the way down the train and back and started again before he finally ran into Taiki. He paused when he saw the kid. He hadn't realized how bad the kid had gotten after he'd passed him off to someone else to look after that first night. He thought the kid would be fine once he'd gotten further away from the monsters and fighting. Maybe something else had happened.

"Heyyy," he intoned as he stepped towards the kid cautiously. Less that he was concerned about catching anything and more that he didn't necessarily know what to do with the kid. Just because he wanted to check on the kid didn't mean he knew what to do with him once he did.

A second later he remembered to plaster a teeth-baring smile on his face and he resumed his usual swagger, made more potent with the get-up and the flare as he continued to twirl the orbs round and round. He leaned forward and peered up at Taiki through his bangs. "What's with the long face, kiddo?"

[longforgottenpromise]

"Hello..." He blinked at him, still taking in his appearance. It was... Not like any clothes he had seen before. Ornate like court robes but much more... everything.

He found a smile at the question, it doesn't quite reach his eyes but it is a valiant attempt. He owed Reno after all, he wouldn't have gotten through that first night without him.

"I went to the scientists facility before I could find you. But I wanted to say thank you." He nodded politely, "For helping me that night."

[theturksway]

Not quite an answer to his question, Reno realized, but he played along. He straightened out and suddenly tossed one of the orbs high with his right hand.

"No problem, yo," he replied and caught the orb in the same hand, the other two still in his left hand. "It would've been lame if you had keeled over on the first night on the planet."

He said it like it was no big deal that he'd helped. Like it wasn't really part of the plan, but that he had just done it on a whim. Maybe he had. But Taiki was alive and that was what mattered despite his blasé attitude.