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

[theturksway]

[Reno muttered something about luck going and doing something awful to itself but that was besides the point. He didn't think his luck was doing so great here on the train. He was just making the best of it despite that fact.]

That's the truth. Stinger's good with the threads. She's a much better option for good taste. I definitely like what she made me better than anything the train has ever given me.

[adregem]

[ He caught that Reno :| But it's fine, there are no children around...today!

Though Roland's really, seriously thinking about it. He wasn't about to spend points on a randomized outfit, but he has been thinking about actually buying from his home world. Clothes apart from his purple gear, which he doesn't mind wearing everyday, but he's also trying to regain a sense of self on the train. Outward appearances were a nice place to start. ]

What did she make for you? [ He chuckles. ] Hope she gives out Black Squad discounts. I'm suddenly pretty low on points.

[theturksway]

Shoulda got in on it while you were new to the train. She gives discounts to newbies. Then again... she likes you. Maybe some sweets will win her over.

[He made an idle gesture.]

My suit. She made my black suit.

[Not quite regulation and he was hundred percent okay with that. Her style matched his own quite well. As for reference, Roland had definitely seen Reno wear it more than once. If it wasn't dirty--and sometimes when it was--he was usually in it.]

[adregem]

Sweets, huh? Alright, that's just three points per order. I think that's fair. [ He chuckles. ] Well, I like her too, but she is running a business here.

[ Or as much of a business as it counts to provide that service to a bunch of people who don't even know how they specifically get points awarded to them.

And speaking of black suit. ]

It reminds me a lot of back home, your suit. [ He crosses his arms. ] Some days, black suits were all my eyes could see. Though I preferred bespoke suits, myself. [ A Roland of another time, another place... ] Is it a uniform of sorts, for you?

[theturksway]

[Reno's suit was hardly regulation and all of their suits--though meant to follow guidelines of a uniform like dress wear--were custom tailored and some more than others. He grinned a lop-sided grin.]

Yeah, something like that. You can recognize us when we walk down the street. Don't mean we don't like to have a bit of style.

[Mostly him and Rude when they could get away with it.]

[adregem]

[ He casts him a curious look as Roland recalls Bambosh back to his side with a flick of the wrist. The fiery thing follows and sits on his head. Don't mind it! ]

Us? Your group, you mean? Who were you all? What were you called?

[ Reno's casually mentioned it in passing once or twice already, and Roland can infer the rest. But this is the firs time he has the opportunity to actually ask about it. It does color him curious. ]

[theturksway]

[Two seconds pass by. Then he spits out the mouthful that was the official title of the Turks with as bland a tone as possible.]

Public Safety Department, Investigative Division of General Affairs.

[adregem]

Hm. So, you're the guys who break up the fights. [ Or so he would like to read into that - tone and all. Roland's no stranger to the bureaucratic codenames, after all. ] Did you get your experience working for that department?

[theturksway]

Something like that.

[Almost sing-song but still a hint of blandness to his tone to keep it subdued in nature. He smiled afterwards though as he responds to Roland's question about his experience.]

You bet. Been a-- been working that department for the past decade or so. I'm the ace of the squad. [Self declared but Roland doesn't need to know that.]

[adregem]

The ace? Well now. That's quite a claim.

[ But at that, Roland nods as if agreeing to a moving thought. ]

Though to be honest, I have no reason not to believe that. You've been nothing but capable throughout the short time I've seen you in action. You think on your feet, and you're fast on the draw.

[theturksway]

[Reno's smirk takes on a self-satisfied and prideful look to it as Roland compliments him. Usually he hated compliments from others but he was in a good mood and talking about the Turks fondly was leaving him with a pleasant feeling.]

Of course! I know how to get the job done no matter what it is. It's what we do.

[adregem]

Good. Then I'm looking forward to seeing what other surprises you've got in store for us. I'm sure you're far from done.

[ Roland is in agreement insofar as getting the job done was in his area of expertise too. It's good to know who he can turn to for tough spots. ]

I'm no stranger to the grind either, so let me know how I can support you as well.