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

Xander Woods | OC | OTA

[emerald_mirror]

On the Train

Xander doesn't remember, really, to bother to spend his points. For some reason, things feel ominous--and he only finds out why when people start to walk off the train.

Most departures don't faze him--the faces are familiar, but only because they'd been in the same place for months. But then Gladio and Ifrit leave--and he knows that it won't work to try to stop them. Just like it didn't work with Sven.

So instead, he runs back into the train to find a piece of paper. Torn from his notebook, and in the biggest letters he can make, he heads out with a sign saying: FREE HUGS.

If he felt like he could use one, Xander could only imagine how many other people might need some physical comfort.


Kitchen

The oven timer dinged, and Xander opened it, using a mitt to pull the sheet of cookies from within, and shovel them onto a cooling rack with a spatula. The kitchen was redolent of chocolate chip--Xander couldn't think of a better comfort food than chocolate chip cookies!

"No, Cottonball, these aren't for you!" But he chided his bat gently, and shoved the plate of cut fruit towards the tiny white puff. "That's better for you anyway."

Platform

Noticing someone who looks confused, Xander approaches them with a cheerful smile--and a plate of chocolate chip cookies that still have that fresh-baked aroma around them.

"Hey, you new here? I'm Xander, I can give you some pointers if you like? If you don't, that's cool too, but either way--want a cookie? I made them myself!"

Kitchen

[hisblueskies]

Alfredo isn't altogether certain if he's being of help or not. But this is his roommate, and he'd picked up rather quickly that Xander had known some of the people that were lost.

So he was here, helping with the cookies - and more than a little with the fruit. Offering Cottonball a piece of the latter in order to tempt her, he said,

"Will we have these ready in time to share them with everyone?"

Everyone else that would be new this time around, that is.

[emerald_mirror]

"We might be a little late, but it's also not like we can't leave most of the cookies here for others to get later. I'm a teenaged boy, and I've kind of tried to account for my appetite."

But Xander is actually not having cookies. Oh, he'd sampled one--quality assurance! But the quantity? They're for other people, another attempt to lift spirits. Since he's an empath, it's a little selfish for his own sake, maybe, but Xander's intent is to make others feel better. Even a little.

For her part, Cottonball waddles along to take a half a grape from Alfredo's fingers, squeaking contentedly.

[hisblueskies]

"I suppose there isn't really such a thing as too many cookies."

It was a team-support effort, and Alfredo could certainly grasp that.

Alfredo manages a smile, watching Cottonball swallow the grape practically whole.

"Is it like hers, only more to scale?"

[emerald_mirror]

"She's hopeless!" But Xander's used to Cottonball making a hog of herself--it's a reason why he doesn't let her hitch a ride as often as he used to. There's so much food available to her, and she needs exercise. Though he usually constrains that to the greenhouse carriage.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure if I make a couple dozen, they'll get eaten eventually, right?"

On the Train

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel is never one to pass up a free hug, so he offers one to Xander. "Rough month," he says.

[emerald_mirror]

"Yeah," Xander agrees, returning Glorfindel's hug. "You holding up okay though, team boss?"

There's a hint of a goofy smile as he says that, though.

[laurefindil]

"Of course," Glorfindel said, with a half laugh, half sigh. "I have been watching people come and go for over 5000 years. It doesn't get easier, but...you can grow accustomed to the feelings and learn to cope."

"How are you doing?" he asked.

kitchen

[blitzcheer]

...is someone baking with chocolate in here, let this young man's nose lead him into the kitchen for--other things, yes! Not for cookies!

To be met with the scene taking place. The cottonball bat has good tastes.

"You making these for the newbies?"

[emerald_mirror]

"Everyone, really. I'm making enough, that's for sure. So if you want to have some for quality control or something, feel free." Xander grinned at that.

He has to stop to direct Cottonball back to the fruit. If nothing else, the puffball is determined. But it's pretty clear that Xander's also used to this sort of thing. Sometimes, he'll even let her have a taste of certain things, but chocolate generally isn't good for animals. So not now.

"You hanging in there?" Xander's got a good show going, but even he's a bit down after the station stop and certain departures...

[blitzcheer]

Quality control, don't mind if he does slip more into the room then! That's an offer he can't refuse, and for the air he's giving (attempting to give) like he isn't that interested in having a chocolate chip cookie - ...he's definitely coming straight for them.

Though the question does take some of the wind out of his sails. "Oh--yeah, I'm fine. I didn't go out on the platform this stop." He couldn't do it, not the newbies or the people leaving. He didn't have it in him.

"What about you?" He picks up one of the cookies. "I know a some of the people who've been here a while left. Anyone...you knew?"

on the train

[irrationally]

.. Oh, Xander.

It's saying a lot about how used Alice has gotten to Xander's.. let's call it 'Xander-ness' that she isn't even too surprised to see him going around with a sign like that of all things. It's just so much like him, even though Alice would normally find the idea ridiculous.

And exactly since it's Xander, she makes her way up to him. Not for hugs though! Of course! Clearly! She just wants to talk to him, okay, don't get it wrong.

"Are you going around hugging the whole train now, hm?"

[emerald_mirror]

Of course, Alice should expect the big grin she gets from Xander, even as he nods and lifts the sign. He can feel that an actual hug is the last thing she wants from him, and that's okay--she lets him hug her when he needs it, and that's enough for him. Though if Alice asked...

"If that's what they need, yeah, I really will hug the whole train!" Well. Maybe not the whole roster, but a good number of them.

And yes, if he had to hug the actual train, too? He would. Well, that's an idea that's weaselled its way into his head, but it's an idea for later.

[irrationally]

"I'm not surprised," she just says. Because she isn't.

And while Alice indeed doesn't move to hug him, she does still move a little - so she's standing next to him. Closer than she'd stand next to most other people. It's really in the small things when it comes to Alice. Or maybe it's because she's a little like a cat and can only express affection and approval in these kinds of ways.

She doesn't glance sideways at him. Instead she keeps looking ahead of her, even as she speaks. Like it's a little hard for her to say this and look him in the eyes at the same time. ".. Are you alright? A lot of people seem to be grieving. It must be difficult if you're picking up on all of that."

Just don't say anything out loud about her noticably being worried about him, okay! Ssh! It's a secret!

If it's all right to play it this way - Platform with a twist!

[unfavorableinstigation]

Nita had missed out on the cookie-baking, but seeing Xander's face is itself a wonderful contrast to the blank faces of all those who left.

And the smell of sweets doesn't hurt, either; she can't help a smile when he comes her way.

"Hey, Xander! You've got the right idea, there."

She gently taps the engine behind her.

"Kinda wish we could bribe this train with cookies for answers, though."

Re: If it's all right to play it this way - Platform with a twist!

[emerald_mirror]

"Actually, I think I'm gonna try bribing it with a hug or two later," Xander admits. "I just have to find a good place for it. It's been poked, prodded, hit, and gods know what else, but has it been hugged, ever?"

He shrugged, then, and grinned at Nita. "Worth a shot, if you ask me."

Trust him to come up with something like that!

[unfavorableinstigation]

That left Nita looking thoughtful.

"Y'know, I don't think we have tried that, when we talked with it. Definitely worth the attempt."

Though the question seemed also, to her: can the train be hugged? In a mental sense, was it holding itself too far for such an approach to make contact?

Still, she couldn't focus entirely on the question.

"... More cookies for the rest of us, though, right?"

Kitchen!

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks couldn't really help it--he'd followed his nose. Peeking into the kitchen, his suspicions about cookies! are confirmed. Giving a small chuckle at the bat's attempt to steal a cookie, and then coming into the kitchen more fully. "They do smell really good so don't be too harsh on your pet."

[emerald_mirror]

Xander laughed. "Just trying to distract her, really. She knows she shouldn't have chocolate. If they were anything else--except maybe white chocolate macadamia nuts--she'd probably get some. She likes oatmeal raisin a lot, but I don't give her entire cookies. She's the size of a cookie!"

He waved his hands about a little bit. "But I'm making enough for the whole train, so go ahead. Give me that sweet, sweet quality control!"

[light_of_willpower]

"She's very cute." Trunks commented, coming closer with the permission. "I mean I'm not exactly picky so I might not be the best quality control. If it helps, I followed my nose here though."

On the Train

[adregem]

It's not unusual to find someone in distress during platform day. He knows that well. But it's the sign that catches Roland off-guard, because of just how innocent it is; how pure the intention.

He's standing by the ICP terminal checking on a couple of things, updated rosters and listing names. Roland wouldn't partake of it, but he does want to commend it at least, and perhaps offer comfort of a different sort for one who looked like they needed it.

"That's nice of you." The dark-haired man remarks, a small smile on his lips. "I hope you get a lot of hugs."

[emerald_mirror]

Xander smiled brightly at the man--he knew he'd seen him around the train, and knew he was higher up on the Purple team (as those things went).

"Thanks...I mean I'm not going to demand them, but it's like, the offer's open, you know?" Even for Roland, it was understood, but Xander did his best to not push anyone into it.

"You doing all right?" He could tell the fellow was the really reserved type, but he figured it wouldn't hurt anyone to ask.

[adregem]

"Hm. But that's all that counts, right? That someone's willing to give another person comfort, no matter how small." Roland answers, his attention split between finishing up typing on the ICP and turning to talk to Xander a little bit better. He resolves his task quickly, tucks his notebook away right after. Smile still present as he answers. Roland's expression betrays very little, but he genuinely appreciates the care.

"Yeah. I'm doing well, all things considered. Thanks." He wonders if it's alright to ask, but leaves no room for anymore doubt when he follows up with a simple, quiet: "...Who left? For you?"

He'll sympathize regardless. It's never easy.

Kitchen

[only_one_wei]

"Mm, what is that delicious smell?" Wei Wuxian asked as he followed his nose right to Xander.

Re: Kitchen

[emerald_mirror]

"Cookies!" Xander's pulling yet another tray out of the oven to shove it on a cooling rack, but there are a few plates of finished and cooled cookies scattered around the chaos of creation he's fomented.

"You're welcome to have one! Or more than one!"