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

[consider8]

Mm... [She had to think on that. Despite how upset people were, she hadn't really considered how upsetting the situation made her feel. If anything the situation was one she had already gotten used to. What was different was that she now had a name and a face to the place she called home. More than where she was, Eight's concern lied in where she wasn't.]

I had heard that this place can be a lot of trouble. A screaming book seemed very interested in letting us know how crummy it is.

Is it that bad? Should I be worried?

[For one thing, she didn't have an explosive charge tied to her rucksack like last time... though not having a weapon was making her a little uncomfortable.]

[fun_thementalist]

I think ... that's a matter of perspective?

[ He shrugged a little, as if to say, what can you do? ]

I know some people are happy to be here. I know many are not.

And - there are missions that we go on, which can be dangerous - chores that we have to do, which some will complain about - and apparently some of the places we visit have odd effects on people as well.

[ Looked thoughtful. ]

But I think ... if that's 'crummy', or otherwise, depends on your point of view.

[consider8]

[Oh... is this another one of those types people that think and twist questions until the answer only makes things more confusing? It would make sense that there would be more than one...]

[Let's pin him down, then.]

And what do you think of all of this for you personally?

[fun_thementalist]

Me? Well ...

[ Gen looks thoughtful ]

I was doing something I rather wanted to do, at home. I had people who will miss me, and I think about them all of the time.

But I do have a friend here. If he's here ... I don't want him to be alone, you see? So in a way, I think I'm lucky. If we're both kidnapped, we can at least give each other a hand.

[ A pause ]

And by now, I'm starting to see the rest of the train that way, too.

[consider8]

[And of course, the answer he gave was both a yes and a no. UGH... couldn't this guy give a straight answer.]

...do you enjoy being obtuse or is that an accident?

[fun_thementalist]

My dear, forgive me, I don't know what you mean.

[ Gives her an apologetic little smile ]

The answer wasn't simple. I am sorry.

[consider8]

[She sighs.]

I'm sorry too. I have no chill sometimes.

[She looks over at her phone.] I think its this place and not being where they are. But I don't see any sense in lamenting for what I don't have, or to make things more complicated than what they need to. If I am here then this is the problem I need to address. To find out what this is all about, and to discover what drew us here in the first place.

Perhaps my being here keeps them safe. Perhaps I am here for some malevolent will. I don't know. But what matters is I'm here.

And there's no way to go but to keep moving forward.

[fun_thementalist]

[ He's surprised by her insight and maturity, and there's something more genuine on his face, very briefly. ]

There isn't any sense in trying to go backwards, is there? Even if it were possible.

[consider8]

Once you discover that there is more to the world than what you originally thought, going backwards is just burying your head in the sand.

[fun_thementalist]

I couldn't agree more, my friend.

[ He smiled warmly ]

But I've been rude, and haven't introduced myself. I'm Gen Asagiri, it's a pleasure to meet you.

[consider8]

My name is Eight.

[She had to way the second matter in her head for a little.]

I haven't decided how I feel about you, Gen. But it is better to know you are here than not.

[fun_thementalist]

That's fair. I'll just need to continue to try and make a good impression.

[ He winked. ]

Do you have any questions? Since I have slightly more experience with this train ...

[consider8]

[She stared in response, still unsure but fairly certain she didn't like that.]

Not at the present. There's a lot of information was answered on the platform. Several of the leaders have been very helpful.

[Except for... one thing.] Ah... but perhaps... I noticed that some of the people onboard were wearing something different than the clothes in the bag. Did they get them from the other worlds...?

[fun_thementalist]

[ Gen noted her reaction, and wouldn't do it again. The point was to make someone amused or charmed, not disturbed. ]

[ Warm smile. ]

Ah, some of them do! But there's also someone on this train who makes clothes as well. She's a spider, and she can somehow spin whatever you'd like from the silk she has. All she requires is some candy - which, you likely have three points? You can buy from the train's shop.

[consider8]

[Don't worry Gen, once she starts to like you you can do that as many times as you wish... maybe.]

[The straightforward answer is appreciated and she is glad to here that there are options. Her mood was much lifted at the thought that she could wear something with a little more... style.]

Do I have three points? How do I check how many points I have?

[fun_thementalist]

That should be on the roster!

[ Gen smiled, and gestured over to a nearby ICP. ]

Let me show you how to look up that information.

[consider8]

Mm! [In this, Gen had a dutiful follower.]

[Don't break the trust she's agreed to provide you, Gen. :)]

[fun_thementalist]

[ Gen would give her a quick overview - not only how to look up the roster, but of the other ICP functions too - especially how to make and view audio and video transmissions from the other passengers. ]

I'm sure there's other things this can do, I need more time to play around with it myself.

[ Gen looked at her -] Just a fair warning - nobody's really sure how points are earned. So, you can use the three you have to buy that candy for lady spider - or, you can save it up, and wait until you've gotten more. I admit, I was a little paranoid about spending mine.

[consider8]

[That was pretty good council, and she sees the wisdom in it.] How long did it take for you to earn those three points back?

[fun_thementalist]

"I earned those and more not too long ago. I'm not sure how I managed to, I'm a bit in the dark," Gen said, honest. "So, perhaps about every two weeks? It's hard to say. It's something even the people who've been here for months can't really explain to me how it works."

[consider8]

[She nods, taking in his words. Two weeks and only enough points for a snack? Hm... it wouldn't be much of a loss, really...]

[Still...]

I think I would like to see what she is offering before deciding to buy anything.

{She gives a moment of thought.] That's how it works, right?

[fun_thementalist]

Actually - [ Gen grinned ] - it seems as long as you can describe what you want, she can make it. I think magic might be involved?

Just the one outfit, though, per purchase of candy. At least, that was my experience.

[consider8]

I see. [Well, no, but she kinda gets the idea.]

I suppose if it is not worth the purchase price I could always choose not to go back to her.

[Though considering how low the bar stands on fresh clothes compared to the standard-issued uniform...]

[fun_thementalist]

True! The train also sells clothes in the shop, only they're more expensive. I think the spider gives us a pretty good deal. And they're really nice in quality, too!

[consider8]

Oh? How much does it cost from the shops?