A new platform [intro post September]

[voidtreckermods]

For those on the train

“Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Bassoon.” The train announces the morning the month changes. It seems the train counts months in days of thirty. Team Points have been updated on the system.

The day continues as most days do, chores, eating, getting ready for another day. But those who suspect that a change of month may bring something else are correct. It is only an hour or two later that there is another announcement.

“Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void imminent.”

By now they should know to hold on as the train jerks and jolts. There is only fog outside the windows but the train soon comes to a stop. The doors hiss open.

As they exit into the fog they may notice Evie exiting from the luggage carriage door. Much like Hibiki the last time they were on a platform. She leaves the train, backpack on her back as she walks through the station. She heads no call, reacts to no words and cannot be stopped as she walks to the ticket barrier and disappears through it.

Strange. But even stranger still is that there on the platform that whole time is Evie. Dressed in purple, backpack on back, with her are others. Waiting for the train.

For new arrivals

At first all they can see if 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 your 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 very large, but it hold twelve figures all facing the tracks, all wearing similar clothing. The tracks stretch left and right into steam, or perhaps fog. Nothing can be seen to either side. There is a wall around the platform and the only entrance is a ticket barrier. It cannot be open, nor do there seem to be any staff.

What there is, is a train. Jet black and gleaming where it stands on the rails.Voidtrecker Express is emblazoned in the engine in gold. There is a hiss as the doors slide open.

Out step a selection of people, some less human than others, wearing clothes just like those worn by those on the platform.

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.

Once on board there is lots to explore. Passengers both old and new will hopefully be delighted to see the boredom of this train journey is somewhat alleviated by the introduction of a game carriage. Plenty of games, both familiar and new to play with your new travelling companions.
Each ICP shows the same message. If Red team go and look they will find a box in the luggage compartment that contains their prize. A dralite themed cake lolly each. There are enough for the new members of Red team too, share in your teams previous success!

The food stores have been topped up with new fresh food. Salmon has taken over as the primary ingredient of choice. Hopefully everyone likes fish!

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. For those who boarded two weeks ago they will know what is coming next.

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."

Hopefully someone warns you that you really want to heed that warning because a moment later there is 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 voidspace.

Comments

[runs_on_batteries]

Straight to the point, Tony could respect that. He did note though, that this elf seemed more like Feanor than the other two he'd met. Curufin was just a bubble of positive energy and Maglor had been more chatty. This.. this seemed more like a leader. Of course, he could be jumping to conclusions.

"I was. You seemed in great distress and I was worried about you. However you had several of the best passengers on board vying for your attention. Must be the height or hair, they couldn't resist." That was a light tease. Like Maedhros were a rock star and those had been adoring fans instead of a lost soul with some nurturing hearts rushing to comfort.

"It's important to me to keep everyone on board safe and that starts with making certain you're alright upon arrival."

[castintoflames]

He is Fëanor's first - the one who has known his father in sunshine and rain the best. Outwardly, he takes after his mother, Nerdanel, with his bright hair, but his height came as something of a surprise to both of his parents. Yet he has always been drawn to his father most, studying him to such a degree that when Fëanor perished, Maedhros stepped into his shoes, leading his brothers without question.

And even when Maglor and him were the last, his brother was his shadow - his right hand.

"I experienced death." so the distress is probably understandable, "I did not expect such kindness." or to be surrounded by bright, young souls!

His cheeks burn and he glances away.

"Thank you."

[runs_on_batteries]

That answer causes Tony to wince. It wasn't only in sympathy for Maedhros despite how strong that feeling might be. Tiny whispers of the anxiety that has been plaguing him since he arrived and probably before that can be heard just at the edges of his consciousness.

No. He was safe. It was fine. They weren't even talking about him right now. Just breathe.

"This is a very unusual place." He sets the glove aside after simply holding it in one hand since the tall man sat down. "I'm not sure how they would bring someone back from the dead like they have you. The people who have brought us here, unfortunately have many secrets. For instance, why have they brought so many of your family members here. Is it just the three of you brothers?"

[castintoflames]

Dying is a singular experience, isn't it? They can talk about it later, perhaps, when the memories are less raw and daunting. Until then, he would much rather focus on the living.

"...yes. Maglor, Curufin, myself and our father." he shrugs his shoulders, "We are warriors. Could that appeal to those who brought us aboard?"

They are warriors - there can be little doubt of that - but they are prone to tempers that flare like wildfire. Said emotion has gotten them into a lot of trouble and cost them their lives. All except for Maglor - who is left to wander alone.

[runs_on_batteries]

That it was, or in Tony's case the knowledge that it's about to happen. It's one thing to know death is inevitable, it's quite another to know it's inevitably coming at a precise time.

He wrongfully assumes Maedhros was answering his question that these were the only members of the family. He had to assume Feanor had a wife at some point, but it was possible she wasn't liked among the men in the family or it was a painful topic. Either way, it seemed better not to ask.

"Perhaps. However there are those who aren't warriors at all who are here. For instance, we have some very young children here. I don't know what logic is behind that."

[castintoflames]

That must be difficult and Maedhros can understand the fear and the foreboding attached to such a realization. He hopes Tony can either be saved or, somehow, forget about his future. Ignorance is bliss.

And of course Maedhros has a mother. Nerdanel is the sharpest and wisest of them all - that is why she stayed behind when her husband and sons sailed out to sea.

"They must be protected." his gaze hardens on that point; he is immovable, "I know how to care for children."

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony can't help but smile, though it wasn't quite happy so much as amused by the irony of the situation. "It's straight up refreshing to hear someone else react that way. I've been accused of not understanding children, even though I have one, and what they can accomplish on our missions. However, there were some aggressive animals on that last venture and two got hurt." He was ashamed that he hadn't prevented it, but that was besides the point now.

"Anyway, I just want what's best for the people here is all." He looks down and picks up the glove, holding it out. "I've almost completed this for Maglor."

[castintoflames]

Maedhros looks stricken that two children had been injured. Cut off his limbs, torture him for months or years and it would not bother him as much.

"What they can accomplish doesn't matter to me." he doesn't mind little ones complaining about him being over-protective, "They are more precious than the stars and I will do what I must to see them grow into adulthood."

If they must hide in his arms and pretend he is a tree, so be it!

He hesitates before taking the glove, examining it curiously.

"...for his hand? The one scarred..." his face falls, "Does it pain him?"

[runs_on_batteries]

"They are. But I've been numbered here for a while. I'm actually pretty relieved there will be more adults for whatever we get sent next."

Seriously, he could hug this man for the vindication he was giving him right now, but.. obviously he won't. He just met the elf, after all. (Although hiding in his arms and pretending he's a tree thing was just precious).

"Some, but it's more that his fingers are weak, so this- I'm hoping- will provide some extra support when he grips something. Of course the lining is to keep it comfortable for him to wear."

[castintoflames]

"If they complain, I can lift them off their feet." and see to it that they are carried to safety regardless of their wishes. Maedhros can be remarkably deaf to the complaints of Elflings and children in general. It is probably a shame he was never a father.

He also doesn't mind being a tree. His brothers climbed him once and pretended he was a fort.

His first thought is poor Kano, but he doesn't voice it. Instead he gives a faint smile and nods.

"His hands are important to him. If this gives him strength, he will be pleased."

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony laughs, finding this man just as delightful as the other brothers he'd met. It was a shame he looked like a walking skeleton.

"I'll just put you in charge of herding the children. They're like cats on catnip." No attention spans whatsoever. But really, please don't. He likes being the suffering parent around here with all these ankle biters looking up to him.

"I'd appreciate if you didn't tell him I've made it. I'll probably have it done by tomorrow and I'd like to surprise him with it."

[castintoflames]

Skeletons need love too, Tony. If he were home among his kin, they would be feeding him lavish feasts - either willingly or unwillingly. Family, right?

"I have six brothers - all of them born after me. I can herd children." he had been a key figure in his brothers' childhoods, helping scare away nightmares and monsters, mend cuts and bruises and carry them on adventures.

"I can do that." Maedhros looks pleased at the plan, "He doesn't accept gifts well, but he will use it."

[runs_on_batteries]

That they do. He wasn't going to be prejudice against monster elves who were also skeletons.

"I never had any siblings," he remarks, sitting back in his chair. He watched the elf curiously for a moment, visibly pleased that Maedhros was on board with keeping this a surprise.

He couldn't help but notice.. "Is it a family trait to have difficulty with hands?"

[castintoflames]

He will be looking better soon between the care of his brothers and his father. They will feed him and help him exercise until he is looking much more like a true Arda Elf.

"You will see what it is like in no time."

They are not a quiet, well-behaved family. Maedhros chuckles despite his fatigue.

"Maybe? I think it only applies to Kano and I, however."

[runs_on_batteries]

"Is that a threat?" Tony jokes lightly. He's honestly not sure how to take that. Was he about to get smothered by Elf bros? Either that or it's meant as he's going to observe what a family is supposed to be like. That was more likely. He'll pretend it's that option.

"Kano?" He frowns, trying to remember the complicated explanation he got on Maglor's name. He didn't recall that particular word being part of it. "We should talk about getting you a glove like this then. It, obviously, will be more of a sleeve with the glove being entirely metal, but we could do it."

[castintoflames]

"Ah...perhaps? Or it could be the truth." he doesn't look like he has the energy to threaten anyone, yet, like his poor cursed family, there is a dangerous shadow in his eyes.

"Maglor. His father-name is Kanafinwë and so Kano for short." Maedhros shies away from the idea immediately, shaking his head, "I have no wish to take up your time. It is enough for me that you care for my brother."

[runs_on_batteries]

"Well whichever it is, I'm glad you all have reunited, even if it's on a very strange train." He meant it too. This was one strange train (no, kidding, he was serious about the family being together).

"I'll do my best." He wasn't about to stop working on helping Maedhros too but he didn't see any reason to bother the tall elf about that fact. "It was nice to meet you and.. for what it's worth, welcome aboard."

[castintoflames]

He rises from the seat, his body protesting like it usually did. Not that he shows any hint of discomfort on his features.

"If you need help, I do know him well." he smirks in amusement, moving to the doorway, "I have been his brother for over four thousand years."

Bowing his head, he gazes at Tony for a moment before replying:

"I am glad to meet you."