A New Platform [Intro Post October]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

Nita Callahan | OTA

[unfavorableinstigation]

So You're Buying Things From A Train, On A Train, part II

There's a part of Nita that goes still as she checks the new options this morning, a chill going down her spine.

Armaments? Now?

They'd gone up against danger before - using what they could find on-world, or improvising weapons out of things that weren't strictly weapons - but what could make the train think giving them outright arms was necessary, let alone a good idea?

So she'd go up to the engine wall and, holding her own fears in check, ask:

/We don't have anyone tailing us now, do we? Those shadows again, or someone from the Void Ministry? You'd let us know if there was- another report or some such, right?/

Exhaling carefully, she added, /Because you can, all right? It's okay to tell us./

---

After she got that out of her system, she was willing to help people decide what to order - or lend her own points to make a purchase. She'd be going over Clef's notes on Escudo, as well, making sure she had the technical details right.

What train, where train, WHY train... how train?

Once they got to the platform, there was the usual chaos. People could find Nita up by the engine, along the platform, eyeing up who-all was there. Families, people who were friends or acquaintances of those already on the train - some who looked or felt a little different, to Nita's own wizardry-senses.

She had her hoodie tied around her waist, rather than just wearing it - her SCA was on much more prominently, and her brown hair tied back in an orange-tie ponytail.

Come say hello! Or demand answers, or perhaps bug the train. Nita may have questions, but that doesn't mean she'll stop you. She's done her own share of trouble, after all.

Wildcard

Once back on the train, Nita Callahan can be found most anywhere - in Luggage, making sure her orders are in, well, order; or she's getting an eye in on what that new Armoury car entails. She might be cleaning up a mess (if it's clear it IS a mess, and no one else is coming for it), doing some reading in the Library, or just chilling in Stores, if not in her room in Cabin 4:B.

Anything goes for this option!

back on the train, I guess?

[marriedanidiot]

She's been coaxed back on board, but Nerdanel is still listless, quiet and distant, not entirely there. Nita will run into her in the kitchen, hands curled around a cooling cup.

Aye! On the train it is.

[unfavorableinstigation]

"Nerdanel?"

Nita had seen the parade of the leaving; she doesn't need to ask if Nerdanel is okay.

"... You look like you need a refill. Any flavor you want?"

If the answer was 'the same', hopefully the machine still had the flavor pre-loaded or somesuch.

Re: Aye! On the train it is.

[marriedanidiot]

Nerdanel blinks up at Nita, clearly not having registered her coming in.

"Oh... Nita? I ... suppose I could do with a fresh cup." she nods listlessly. "Ah... anything will do..."

wildcard

[ramengroupie]

Ken-chan, look! She's orange, too!

She is.

[ Hushed whispers from, uh, this. Because they're in a library. And the young man is searching for answers in the available resources.

He is not...certain....he will find any in this Merry Little Voidtrain. ]

Re: wildcard

[unfavorableinstigation]

[There's no reason for her to recognize the face, or the voices - but she looks up from her own books anyway, curious.]

Er, hello? I'm Nita, and yeah, I'm on Team Orange.

[That Wormmon is... well, himself, doesn't spark much confusion for her either, at least not on top of registering that these are newbies.

But she does pick up on one other thing: the absolute focus of a fellow studier, looking for answers.]

And that's meant to be fiction, I'm pretty sure. ... At least, I don't think that's supposed to be the Voidtrecker Express.

[ramengroupie]

I see. That's why it didn't seem similar.

[ In some ways, it's a relief to be able to shut this book. It would have just made things more confusing had it been factual.

But this remains a library, so Ken offers a small, soft smile. Nita-chan? They're on the same team.

...Strangers, on the same team. He's going to have to get used to that feeling again. ]

I apologize if we're disturbing you.

[voidtreckermods]

As usual she gets no answer. Just that presence, distant and quiet. It doesn't push her away though, lets her talk.

But there is no answer.

What Train? Why Train? How about - How train?

[zechs_isonfire]

Given the intel that Tidus had given him, Zechs thought the most productive use of his time was finding the person who apparently could actually talk to the train.

As if it were sentient.

Because she was a wizard?

... It didn't matter. He looked up the passenger roster, and while the new people milled about - and the old hands people-watched - he, too, looked for an unfamiliar face.

There.

He approached the supposed wizard, and inclined his head. Zechs was polite, if formal. "Greetings. Are you known as Juanita Callahan?"

Re: What Train? Why Train? How about - How train?

[unfavorableinstigation]

If Zechs mentioned how he knew to come her way, Nita wouldn't be sure whether to be flattered or just relieved Tidus was okay mentioning her in conversation...

No matter. Straightening herself up, she offered a hand to shake to the newcomer.

"Just Nita, but yes. What about you?"

[zechs_isonfire]

"Just Nita, then," Zechs gave her a small nod. "My name is Zechs Merquise. I'm a new arrival to this train, though, it seems you're taking careful account of the new arrivals."

His expression softened slightly, his expression becoming more diplomatic. "I was speaking with a man, Tidus, who mentioned it'd be worthwhile to ask you questions."

Buying Things

[nutkrusher]

Somewhere over her shoulder there's a loud, ambiguous hum.

"Well, it's about time, I guess," Cassie says. "Looks like I've got a few new responsibilities, though."

Re: Buying Things

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita's expression is a firm line; not disapproval, just worry. And concern; a lot of concern.

But she manages at least one wry line: "Making sure we don't get cocky and shoot ourselves on accident?"

It'd have been teasing... if she couldn't imagine exactly that happening.

Re: Buying Things

[nutkrusher]

"Making sure we treat all the deadly weapons on board like deadly weapons," Cassie says. "And that we know where they are and who's got 'em when they're not locked away."

Luggage is fine!

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel was carefully checking each box or tote to make sure it was empty before evaluating it to see if it was useful or needed to be thrown away.

He smiled when he noticed Nita doing the same thing. "Lovely day for it, hm?"

Luggage!

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita would hardly expect the train to give them bad boxes on purpose, but who was she to say?

She offered a small smile in return, tucking her lone magazines (the bigger packages she'd found were supposed to be for Enna and Clef) along her side.

"Depends on what 'it' is, Glorfindel. But... did you see the platform? Sure looked like a haunted house."

Re: Luggage!

[laurefindil]

"Ah, but that is the beauty of 'it,' it can be anything. It is up to you to decide," he said with a smile.

"I am unfamiliar with the concept." His eyebrows came together in confusion. "A haunted house?"

wildcarding it up!!

[flatteries]

Inigo's mood today is.. well, let's call it debatable, but he's trying really hard to ignore it right now. He has something to ask Nita, after all, and he can think of one place where he's sure to find her.

And he's right. The moment he spots her in the library, a rather relieved look passes over his face, and he quickly makes his way over to her side.

"Nita." He starts, pausing until he gets her attention. "Do you have a moment?"

awwww yeah~

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita's at the book-scanning station again, to no one's surprise - but when she looks up, she looks very relieved to see him.

The possibility that Inigo would retreat to his room - or stay on the platform well-past when the train would leave...

Rest assured Nita knows who's left.

"Always."

There's a small smile on her face, and she leaves the books at the station while she walks on over.

"What's up?"

[flatteries]

"Ah.." He lets out a breath. It's a risk, going around and trying to talk with someone like everything is normal right now. Because it isn't. It's so much harder to have conversations like these when he feels like he's balancing on the edge, but he's trying.

He's got to try, at the very least. It's not like he looked for Nita without a purpose, after all.

"I-- I was just wondering. Did you hear anything back from the train at all about our requests..?" Nita is smart, so Inigo figures she'll know what he's refering to, even though it's a little while ago now. "I know I didn't send in a message in the end, but I did leave the one about Yuki early in the month, and I.. I haven't heard a thing, as far as I can tell."

what train, where train, why train....how tra--eyes!!!

[purifyings]

There was so much happening. Too much for Nike to even get started on what she should be focusing on. The feelings in the air, the mysterious contraption in front of her, the unusual and usual individuals surrounding her, and the uniqueness of the situation. How can she not be excited by it all?

Nike will be people, or rather individual, watching with gleaming green eyes until she notices someone else in the corner of her eye. Odd. Was she doing the same thing too? Individual watching? Or was she waiting for someone? Whatever the case, Nike will head towards her with a friendly smile, asking,

"You've been here a while, huh?" Since she looked very comfortable, far more her and the others arriving alongside her, tilting her head curiously, "Is this a good spot to people-watch or are you waiting for someone?"

eyes!! =D Wizardry description is for Nike; Nita's powers are not usually based on sound.

[unfavorableinstigation]

The raucous noise - happy, angry, dismayed - lessens as Nike approaches the ending.

Someone may be using a wizardry to dampen noise when it gets to be too much; Nike perhaps can sense the power, a calm, low hum.

"True enough," Nita responds, doing her best to straighten up and offer a hand in greeting in a hurry.

"And it is, though I'm not watching for anyone in particular. My name's Nita; what's yours?"

thank you! this is hella helpful details!

[purifyings]

It wasn't difficult to notice the sudden change in volume after getting closer to the other girl. Her green eyes will look curious or rather her entire expression will showcase said emotion. Why was the sound more comfortable now? Was it due to the spot on the train or...?

"Ah, my name is Nike!" responded Nike next after noticing Nita's introduction and hand. She'll extend her own and add, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nita. I'm always happy to meet more people watchers." But then it was until Nike notices an interesting detail about the other girl. Were her eyes grey? Or was it silver? "No way..." escaped out of her lips before asking while leaning in close, "Your eyes! What color are they!?"

ENGINE WALL...

[shadowslipping]

She's going end to end of the train, and ultimately she's made her way to the farthest end one can go- at least in this direction. Glove somewhat held up, screens still floating about, she pauses to blink ahead. "Eh..?"

...What is she...doing..?

"...Are you alright?" She glances over the wall that is the engine's 'barrier', before frowning. "...People attacked this..?"

Setting this at night, since I presume you mean for the after-platform prompt...

[unfavorableinstigation]

Funnily enough, Nita wasn't reading to the train. At least, not right now. The only book she'd brought with her was her Manual.

But all the same, the new face - and voice - was enough to break her concentration, and she does her best to recover.

And nod.

"When people lose friends, or family, they tend to blame the conductor. And since there's no staff on the train, they come out here to try and make their feelings known."

She sighs.

"It hasn't made a difference yet. And the train may not even be responsible; it tends to keep its distance from us, so we'd hardly know either way."