voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2020-10-01 05:30 am
Entry tags:

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

On the Train

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Horsehoe. Points have been updated on the system and new stock is available."

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. The first thing they may notice is that this platform is inside a basic shelter, making it warmer than the last couple at least.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Adora, Alex Hashimoto, Catra, Cloud Strife, Elizabeth Midford, Feanor, Gerome, Gladiolus Amicitia, Glimmer, Ifrit, Isabella D’Oro, Maru, Nari Reno, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Scorpia, Siobahn Chereshei, SXT-2, Tamamo-no-Mae, Tony Stark, Uta, Zidane Tribal

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours 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 gloomy, even without the steam and fog. They are in a wooden building, open to the tracks on one side. It in a creaky shelter, cobwebs hang from the rafters and there is a peculiar whistle as wind finds its way through the cracks.

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 nineteen 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 gloom 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.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a room full of lockers, designated as the Armoury. Even for passengers without weapons it is somewhere to secure possessions. There are instructions on how to use the lockers and enough for everyone to claim one.

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!
blitzcheer: (whatcha gonna do about iiitt)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-10-04 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Speaking of which- ]

You'll see soon. Mission's first half of the month. Won't take long to come around.

[ He doesn't mind any disbelief. He's been on the missions, she hasn't. But she was a stickler for groups, huh... ]

You let Roland know what you can do? He's a Team Lead, but he won't know anything 'bout you less you share it.
10billionpercent: (Satisfied)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-04 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
He was being asked about his boundaries? Someone was actually going to respect them?

Senku grinned a little bit.

"I can probably put up with sap if I have to." Senku said with a bit of a sigh. "But I really don't like being touched or crowded." He explained.

"It's not usually much of a problem but some people like my best friend decide to try and hug me anyway and he knows better and so I usually kick him or punch him. Or that birdbrain who picked me up on the island, that actually made me mad." He said, as examples. "Because she wouldn't let go."

He paused for a moment. "If you feel the need for some kind of physical contact, I'm pretty good with my hands. High fives, fistbumps that kind of thing." He knew other people preferred physical contact, and that was his compromise.
fionnuisce: (and lead me straight to your heart)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[He let out an impressed low whistle, fingers drumming on the silver handle of his cane in thought.]

I think you and I are going to get along great, kid.
unfavorableinstigation: It is dark, but Nita is inside reading a book. (Dark)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2020-10-04 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"You got it," Nita replies, just as soft. Maybe it's because she didn't lose anyone closer than friend-of-a-friend today, but she has tears enough for the both of them.

Blinking them back for now, she lifts her head, tilting it as if to better hear Inigo.

"What is it?"
10billionpercent: (Ha Ha)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-04 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I always appreciate another science fan. [ Whether they get along remains to be seen in his eyes, he's not the most socially adept person. ] There's a lack of projects on this train so mostly I've been trying to think about the physics behind the void to see if I can figure it out. No luck so far.
consider8: (Ring tone)

[personal profile] consider8 2020-10-04 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[That... was a good point.]

Er... no.

He never asked.
blitzcheer: (wibbly wobbly)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-10-04 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
It's your first day. You just got here. [ So, no biggy! ]

But if you're worried about people being put to work doing what they're good at on a mission, you should let him know. Once you've checked out your own room, [ he adds with a nod to the door. ]

And relaxed.
fionnuisce: (though it's dark)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[boy join the socially backwards club]

...What can you tell me about it? The concept of world traveling is...well, it's not completely unknown where I'm from.
consider8: (Computing)

[personal profile] consider8 2020-10-04 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[She nods, looking back into her room. It was a lot, and she wasn't really sure what she was getting into.]

[But knowing that is a question that will be asked will mean she'll want to let him know sooner rather than later.]


Thank you, Tidus. You've been a big help, again.
10billionpercent: (Default)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-04 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not a thing where I am from, exactly, but certain theoretical physicists had ideas and thoughts about how interdimensional travel could work, even though the theories haven't been proven. It's a lot of mathematical calculations and theorems.

[ He sounds very much like this is a thrilling thing. ]

So I can't tell you how it works exactly. I can tell you the result is that we get on this train and at the end of a specified period we end up in a completely different, yet insular world. There doesn't appear to be any other way off that place.
ramengroupie: (daisuke)

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-10-04 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey, hey.

[ Wormmon thought he knew what this conversation was about, but Waver just lost him! Time to consult Ken-chan. ]

What cats? What's the Professor saying will happen to them?

...Um.
fionnuisce: (and lead me straight to your heart)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Uh...don't worry too much about it for now, okay?

[for a teacher, he's not always great with kids and kid-adjacent worm critters.]
ramengroupie: (soft)

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-10-04 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ken smiles his thanks. ] Please don't worry about me.

[ Ever. Like, at all. He doesn't like the idea of causing trouble for others.

Now, Wormmon....Let's see what this apparently-biased book has to say. Ken knows he has a tendency to believe people too easily, so he has to be cautious and remember the author has an agenda...

Wormmon has never developed critical reading skills. Whatever this book says?

He's going to believe. ]
blitzcheer: (flex flex let's go run!)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-10-04 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
No prob. [ He raises a hand, makes a movement as if getting ready to walk. ]

See you around.
fionnuisce: (a wish together i'll set them free)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, that sounds about right.

[He sighed, visibly deciding 'fuck it', since apparently none of this would matter to the Association back home.]

The concept goes by a few different names--primarily 'Second Magic'. It encompasses the operation of anf travel between parallel worlds, but as one of the last forms of True Magic it's the sort of thing that operates on the level of an actual incomprehensible miracle. Suffice to say, it's not something the ordinary person or even ordinary mage could ever hope to accomplish in a thousand thousand lifetimes. To say this train's existence and function is 'impossible' would be a massive understatement, and yet here we are.
10billionpercent: (Slight Smile)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-04 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Not impossible, just incredibly improbable. [ He corrects, because yes he is that person. ]

Presumably the magic of your world gets passed down through each generation so a thousand thousand lifetimes might not mean the life of one magician alone. That's how science works after all.

[ He hums, he's been there long enough that magic doesn't seem surprising to him at all. ]

A lot of people have magic on board. [ He explains. ] I figure it's a lot like a branch of science and has rules too, I just don't know them yet and that is exhilarating.

[ In other words, he studies everything. ]
fionnuisce: (Default)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
It does--even then, attaining True Magic is beyond most. Not all, but definitely most.

[He shrugged.]

It's not functionally different from varying fields of science, to be completely honest. I'm an alchemist, but even that is essentially the same as chemistry with some extra steps in places. Even the basis of being able to manipulate magical energy is an innately biological thing.

[oh dear god. the nerds are taking over.]
10billionpercent: (Ha Ha)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-04 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ yes excellent all the nerdery ]

I had the opportunity to study an alchemist's text on the last mission, it was truly fascinating. If you get a chance to speak to Hikaru, he knew more about some of the elements in the text that I didn't. It wasn't at all unlike chemistry, and of course in my world without magic, alchemy brought about the birth of chemistry, so that doesn't surprise me at all.

Also there's a girl who's going to teach some math based magic, I find it very fascinating and I can't help but want to learn more about this area of study I know nothing about.
fionnuisce: (holding up the light within)

[personal profile] fionnuisce 2020-10-04 09:34 pm (UTC)(link)
...You know, that actually sounds like fun. God forbid I ever get a damn vacation, but on the other hand I like to think I'm a pretty accomplished teacher that loves fostering new talent.

[and there he goes]

I'd like to see what I can find out about the magecraft systems of other worlds--that might prove useful.
ramengroupie: (interest)

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-10-04 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wormmon looks dismayed. ]

Ken-chan, that sounds like--

[ The description does, yes, but the similarities end there. So Ken only double-takes half a second. ]

--I see. I'll look for her.

[ When she does her helping-people-for-mealtimes thing. And confirm it's not....who they're both thinking of. Though Ken has a hard time imagining that person making clothes or reading comics.

.....Or being quiet. ]
irrationally: (i was travelling through the past)

[personal profile] irrationally 2020-10-04 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
But you didn't agree with it, did you?

[ It's hard to tell exactly whether that's the case or not from the other's words, but Alice is pretty sure no one would let their memories be erased on purpose.

.. Unless they're an idiot like Alice herself, but she's trying to not think about that too hard right now. She seems much more invested in what happened to Eight. ]
consider8: (Computing)

[personal profile] consider8 2020-10-04 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't... think I did...? [She actually has to think on that, and concludes that no... she would want her memories because even though Octopolis was no longer her home she still wanted to remember where she came from.]

No... no I didn't. I think the procedure was a part of their programming.

[Which does bring up a good question of why she was targeted and not the two other people that were dragged along with her...]
zechs_isonfire: (watching - manga)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-10-04 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Zechs nodded. Eight was his first alien encounter, but he was thinking she wouldn’t be his last. And that was obvious to him, her ...

A different word would be needed than “humanity”. “Personhood” maybe?

“You’re welcome,” he said calmly. He indicated with a slight movement of his head, “There seems to be some manner of transport approaching. A train. And being it’s the thing here beyond the barrier behind us ...”
flatteries: (doesn't it almost feel like)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-04 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
It's too much.

He knows.

Somewhere in the far back of his mind a voice speaks up to him, telling him that he's unloading too much. And all on poor Taiki too. Taiki already has such a hard time all the time, huh, why do you have to add to it, Inigo?

And he knows that voice is right. He did tell Roland that he'd try to rely on other people more, but.. there are limits to that sort of thing, right? There are things you can't ask others to bear. Like the heavy feeling of balancing on the edge of an abyss you can't come back from. And it's not like he's full on hiding himself away entirely, he's just.. downplaying things a little. That can't hurt, right?

So he sniffs, and despite the tears that are still heavily rolling across his cheeks, he laughs. Like he didn't say anything only just a moment ago.

"It's fine! I'll see Gerome back home again anyway, so.. what's the big deal, right? I guess I'll just have to adjust to sleeping by myself tonight."
zechs_isonfire: (contemplative)

[personal profile] zechs_isonfire 2020-10-04 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
A small smile flickered across Zechs’ face. “Perhaps. Once I have more points - presuming I manage to earn any.”