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

[fun_thementalist]

"You flatter me, my dear," Gen appeared to preen just a little from the compliment. "I hope that's true, I don't want to disappoint anyone."

Gen pivoted back to their original topic. Or at least, closer to that. "So, if you would excuse the curiosity ... what had your team managed to do, to merit such a reward?"

[pleple]

Ah, the egotistical sort. Easy to please?

"No idea." She moved right along to the lollipop topic quite easily. "I suppose we've been very well behaved."

[fun_thementalist]

It's the easiest mask to wear. Most people knew that vain, egotistical people were easy to manipulate. And if Gen was seen as easy to manipulate and motivate? He could pretend to play along while working toward his own ends.

"What constitutes good behavior on this train?" Gen mused, looking thoughtful. "Not taking off shoes in public areas?"

[pleple]

Not too unlike her master Glemy. ...only he really was pretty vain and egotistical anyways.

"I suppose doing your chores and contributing to missions, for a start."

[fun_thementalist]

"Ah ..." Gen wilted a little, as if that's exactly, "I was afraid of that."

He appeared to muster up a game face. "Well, if the rewards are always so appealing, I suppose I'll need to do my best!"

People were less suspicious of someone who went out of their way to be helpful, if it's clear why that person was motivated, after all.

[pleple]

Is this really such an appealing reward? It's not even ice cream. "You should do it for the normal reasons too."

[fun_thementalist]

"You're someone with a pretty strong work ethic, perhaps?" Gen asked, a little bemused. "Perhaps that's a trait those of you share on the Blue Team. I remember it being a little more difficult to motivate people to work together, even when their survival is at at stake."

[pleple]

"I suppose so. That might be a point in common..." which made the reward unfair? Was blue being used to teach a lesson? "I also have a... military background, in a sense."

...she's eleven, so make of that what you will Gen.

wow, eleven, I didn't pick up on that. XD;;

[fun_thementalist]

Gen wouldn't have called it unfair, but he didn't have the best metric. He was used to using manipulation to motivate people, if for a good cause.

She did seem rather young, and he blinked, surprised. "Ah, your parents often moved between bases?"

she's mature and a bit tall for her age lol

[pleple]

"Parents would have been nice," she said dryly.

it's a common anime thing I just was surprised :D

[fun_thementalist]

Gen winced, and looked immediately contrite. It's actually a genuine expression, though she might not be able to tell.

"Ah. Forgive me, my dear," Gen said. "It seems I've forgotten just how different other worlds can be, for all that I've read the guide and attempted to heed its warnings."

[pleple]

Ple Two had a... knack for telling it. "...I was thrust into battle before ever being brought here. I was used, instead of raised. Now... well, I have friends and candy."

[fun_thementalist]

"A positive improvement, I'm going to just assume," Gen said a little lightly, even if he's still mulling over everything. That didn't really show on his face, though - he gave Ple a smile now.

[pleple]

"Much." Her smile was a small, brief flicker, but honest.

[fun_thementalist]

Gen's expression turned playful. "Well, as little as I personally like hard work, I might keep you in mind as inspiration. Just a little elbow-grease around the train and helping Team Orange - and we'll all be tasting the sweet reward of our labors."

It's a little over the top and silly, but he's trying to get a laugh at his expense.

[pleple]

It got a short, sharp exhale, laugh adjacent. "It would pay to get used to doing your chores to a basic competency level." At least don't piss off the other team members?

[fun_thementalist]

"I'll do my best, at least!" Gen grinned at her.