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

2

[irrationally]

[ To be fair, Willow is not the only person not quite paying attention to her surroundings. Alice is usually at least a little more alert, but there's an animal involved here. And as usually, the moment that's the case, all of the young woman's attentions go towards the animal.

Hence why Alice is just standing there, staring at Nova as the hawk flies overhead, only to suddenly feel someone bumping straight into her. Alice somewhat startles, but then quickly manages to keep standing on both feet. She crosses her arms across her chest, staring over at Willow. While Alice doesn't exactly look friendly - the side-effect of a resting grumpface - there's something slightly awkward about her rigid shoulders. ]

Is that hawk yours?

[ Apparently she's skipping straight over the apology or any initial greetings to go to that.. ]

[runicfeathers]

[Willow blinks for a moment and then stares at Nova, who has flown over to perch on Willow's shoulder, and then to the woman she bumped into.]

Nova? Indeed yes she is, she is my hunting partner. She is quite friendly, if you would like to pet her.

[or see her around the train and offer her a bird friendly treat.]

[irrationally]

[ Oh no.

Oh no.

That's much too enticing an offer. Alice can't quite resist the opportunity to pet such a cute and beautiful animal when it's given to her. On the other hand, she hates putting her fondness for animals on display for others, since it makes her look weak.

Which means Willow will get the nice display of Alice obviously looking like she's hesitating - or even having some full on inner conflict. In the end she can't quite resist though. ]

.. Would doing so right now be alright? [ She even manages to find enough politeness somewhere deep within her to make sure! ]

[runicfeathers]

[The uncertainty is not lost on her, but it does give Willow slight amusement and for that she gives a wide smile and an enthusiastic nod, with Nova bowing her head down showing that she was certainly receptive to the offer of pets and scritches.]

Certainly! Even Nova herself is encouraging it.

[irrationally]

[ You don't have to tell Alice twice! Especially since the hawk seems very okay with it too. So it only takes a moment before the girl is slowly reaching out her hand to give the hawk some gentle pets and scritches.

This is heaven, clearly. It's really hard to fully surpress the emotion it gives her, so the corners of Alice's mouth do end up tugging up a little. ]

Ah.. She seems so sweet, letting people pet her despite finding herself in such a new and strange place.

[runicfeathers]

[Nova certainly is enjoying the attention and scritches, even making content bird noises and tail shakes showing her happiness. She loves the attention and can't get enough of it, even if she's a fearsome bird who can tear into a beast with her talons. Under it all is an attention loving social bird.]

She's quite sweet, and social as well, even among her kind. She is trained to be polite and knows how to behave herself, and I have been told that companions are allowed to wander the train... So you may see her around, and if so, she will certainly beg for pets for those that do it just right. You seem to be getting all of her good spots.

[she can't help but smile through her anxiety, Nova and the girl helping the mood quite a bit.]

[irrationally]

I am? Well, I'm rather glad for it.

[ She can't help but let a slightly brighter tone slip out than she'd usually use. It's just so hard not to when the bird is reacting in such an adorable way. Honestly, the fact that it's a dangerous bird acting so cutely only makes it even more appealing to Alice - recently she's really found herself fond of the more dangerous kinds of animals.

And though she doesn't stop showing affection to the hawk, her gaze does at least momentarily drift off to Willow herself. ]

You're rather lucky to have found yourself on this train together with her. Most people arrive alone.

[runicfeathers]

Yes, you are! Just look at how she is enjoying it. [If the smile in the bird's eyes was anything to tell, the soft trill was another marker of enjoyment from Nova.]

Oh. That is most unfortunate, I could not imagine being away from Nova here. [There was some sadness in her voice, being without another who was dear to her would have been far more devastating.]

[irrationally]

Thankfully you don't have to imagine it.

[ Alice is being good. She's managing to keep any signs of envy or pettiness out of her tone - though it helps that she's getting to pet this cute animal, that makes the string of missing her friends from Wonderland a lot less intense. ]

Won't it be difficult for her though? I can't imagine she can stretch her wings very well in a confined space like this.

[runicfeathers]

I am most grateful for that.

[She shakes her head, she knows the hawk has her ways.]

I would think not, surely she can get around while all are asleep and do so without crashing into others.

[irrationally]

That is a good idea.. [ If not just because everyone being asleep also means that no one can harass the poor hawk. Sure, it might not exactly be a super defenseless bird, but Alice really doesn't trust some of the people on this train. ]

I hope she'll adapt well to life on this train then. From what I've seen, people can get stuck in this place for a rather long time.

[runicfeathers]

She would agree.

[She knew the bird well enough that Nova would not attack unless necessary, and that her shrieks packed enough of a punch to ward off the need for any violence.]

I do hope she will as well, as well as myself. Ah.. my name is Willow, and yours?

[irrationally]

Alice. [ At least she doesn't have much trouble with handing her name out when the other person is already introducing themselves. Alice can be rude, but Willow seems pretty alright.

Anyone who's liked by at least one animal can't be bad, after all. ]

Alice Liddell. I'm sure this won't be the last time we see each other around this train. [ There's only so much space on it.. ]

Wrap-up seems good here

[runicfeathers]

A pleasure to meet you Alice, and I do not think so either. I am sure Nova would love to see you around as well.

yes, that's perfect! c:

[irrationally]

[ Oh no, Willow. Don't abuse her weak spot like that. Alice was looking pretty stoic again, but it's like a near-smile just shines through at the mention of that last part.. If an animal can be glad to see her, then maybe life is pretty decent after all. ]

I suppose I can't let her down then. [ She gives a last glance at Nova before nodding at Willow. Alice turns and walks away. ]