A New Platform [Intro Post September]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

The days after the holiday on Jema’Grethy tick away until they are awoken one morning. "Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Horsehoe. 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. When the doors open it is to snow, crunchy beneath their feat and falling from the sky in a light flurry.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Alice Liddell, Arataka Reigen, Dread Thunderstorm, Duo Maxwell, Fandaniel, Guy Cecil, Kaito Kuroba, Khardeen, Rainbow Dash, Sarai Thunderstorm, Victor Creed, Xiao Xingchen, Yuna, Yuuri Wakasa. They crunch through the snow, not stopping for anyone.

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, as snow flurries around them, coating the ground around them in white.

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 twenty five 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, with… teddy bear shaped luncheon meat being the main ingredient to be found. There are plenty of other staples including a lot of fish caught from their island holiday.

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

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a library. A double carriage it has a less formal, comfy downstairs fiction area and a more serious study library upstairs. It is devoid of books, though hopefully those who have bought books before will slowly begin to fill it.

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 braving the snow 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!

Comments

[nutkrusher]

"It's pretty hard for me sometimes, to be honest," Cassie says. "I swear half the reason I even go on the missions is to get some fresh air.

"But there's a gym car, at least. If you ever need me, I'm as likely to be there as anywhere. I think Piccolo tends to hang out around the gardens."

[light_of_willpower]

"That sounds like Piccolo." Trunks agreed, and looked at the train again. "I don't blame you for wanting fresh-air. How crowded isit? And when you say gym car, give me a description. I'll probably be there too." This was all comfortable, and he felt like he'd found a kindred spirit. It had been a while since Trunks had experienced that...

"I'm Trunks by the way."

[nutkrusher]

"Cassie Cage," she says, extending a hand. "Just call me Cassie.

"There's actually two gyms, one of them especially for training. They've got mats, dummies, and pretty much any equipment you'd need."

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks takes the hand with a firm, but gentle grip. Calloused too, and matching what he said about being a fighter and swordsman. "It's nice to meet you, Cassie. Wonder how much it can stand up to. I imagine Piccolo's had to restrain himself, which isn't very fun."

[nutkrusher]

Cassie notices and appreciates the strength. Definitely seems to be confirming her first impression of him. She smiles.

"Actually, that's not gonna be a problem," she says. "The walls of this train can stand up to...literally anything, as far as we know."

A good thing, too. Trunks should be able to sense that she's more than capable of wrecking this whole train.

[light_of_willpower]

Unlike him, who habitually hides his power-level as a survival method. "Good to know, although we might have to put up warning signs for others to keep out. Would it be to forward to ask for a spar sometime?" Again with one hand reaching up to rub at his neck, head tilted to the side slightly shyly. "I'm not used to having people to actually train with." Who actually wanted to train with him too, unlike Vegeta...

[nutkrusher]

Cassie smirks. "Why, is that your idea of flirting?"

She waits just long enough to leave him dangling for a moment but not long enough for a response.

"Either way, I'd love to."

[light_of_willpower]

There is a blink-akin to a deer-in-headlights, and then he blushes. He hadn't actually been flirting--at least not consciously. Not even necessarily unconsciously--it's been a while since he's been able to talk comfortably with someone. Especially a pretty girl. Especially a pretty girl that is not trying to kill him.

"Uh, I mean..." He started, before taking a breath. "I'm just used to being a loner, and having someone to train with again will be nice. Especially since it's someone I know nothing about except a name, pretty much."

[nutkrusher]

Cassie chuckles, finding his flustered response more cute than anything else.

"You mean in terms of training, right? 'Cause I'd find it hard to believe someone like you would have trouble making friends."

Especially not girl ones.

[light_of_willpower]

Her finding it cute, not that he's aware of it, is not helping.

"I'm not used to being around a lot of people, and I grew up kind of sheltered. My world isn't exactly safe." Yes focus on that Trunks, that's easier. "It's complicated, but the short version is this. My whole life, my world has been under threat and terror from homicidal androids who don't care about anything but their own amusement. Pretty much anyone who could stand up to them has died, except me. I'm alive because I amuse them."

[nutkrusher]

The smirk leaves Cassie's face quickly. "Shit, I'm sorry."

She really, really is.

"That sounds like everything I've ever had to fight to protect the world from, and then some."

[light_of_willpower]

Perhaps surprisingly, there is a gentle smile, if sad, on his own face. Reaching up to brush his bangs back too. "Thank you. I'm working on trying to solve my world's problem, and trying to prevent it from another too." Then he sighed again. "Which, this little kidnapping might help with or not, who knows. It's timing is inconvenient though."

[nutkrusher]

"I hope so too," Cassie says.

"If it's any help, I know the feeling. The world's about to end, there's no one else, and it feels like you can't do it. It's...probably not something many people can relate to, but..."

[light_of_willpower]

"I'm glad more people can't relate." Said with some determination. "It means they don't know the pain..." Much more quietly on that, but that smile has remained.

"I appreciate it, Cassie. Thanks. For more than just for explaining this train thing."

[nutkrusher]

"Yeah...I wouldn't want anyone else to know what that feels like either."

The fight against Shinnok had been a hard day. She'd come out on top, but she'd rather not repeat it if she can help it.

"Probably should climb aboard. I can help guide you to where you need to go. Then maybe later I can take you up on that offer to spar with me."

[light_of_willpower]

"Don't let me keep you. I kind of want to explore a bit, once on board. But I look forward to sparring you, so just give me a time? Gym car, right?" Reaching up, Trunks brushed back part of his bangs.

[nutkrusher]

"Yeah," Cassie says. "Training gym, specifically. I'll be there whenever you're ready.