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

NOT A ROOMMATE but surprise 5:A cameo!

[adregem]

Doing the Laundry was a highly personal task, in his opinion. Roland was rather dutiful about it too, checking every cabin to make sure he didn't miss out on anyone's linens or sheets, or if he could wash shirts and pants while he was at it.

It is during his rounds in this part of the sleepers, with his sleeves pulled to his elbows and a basket of half-filled clothes in his arms, that he hears the some very interesting questions from the partially open cabin door. Not that he means to pry, but by the sound of it, slightly distressed or confused, Roland might be able to help this newcomer out somewhat. And it helps that he hasn't collected laundry here, yet.

There's a gentle knock on the thick door as he peers his head in, dark brown eyes meeting the girl staring at the bunkers.

"Hey," he says. "Everything alright in here?"

surprise cameos are very appreciated!

[purifyings]

She didn't expect to find a visitor so soon, but it was a welcome one. Nike will turn to the source of the voice finding it was a boy. There may be a pause as she observes him. Why did he look a little like one of his maids at the Sun Kingdom? Or better yet, as one of her relatives doing chores? Hm.

Pointing to the bed bunks within the tiny room, "Is this it...?" There may be a short pause, trying to find the right words before asking, "Am I going to share this tiny space with more people?" Better yet, the table within the tiny room will have her tilting her head, "Are we expected to eat here too?" There is so little space!

[adregem]

Roland chuckles amusedly. This was new. Or maybe, understandably, he just wasn't around when other newcomers complained about their cabins. Nevertheless, all inquiries are fair game for him, so he takes her engaging his inquiry as permission to enter just a tad further in. He is dressed in a purple polo, his ponytail resting strands against his shoulder.

"Unless you've got amazing luck, yes ma'am. Four can share one cabin at a time." He answers candidly. "And no, heh. There's a dining car." Though if Roland is asked, even that gets cramped if you wake up late for breakfast. The basket in his hands are readjusted so that it rests against the side of his hip instead. A dark eyebrow quirks up, regarding the woman from the doorway.

"Have you acquainted yourself with the ICP? Or has anyone shown you the ins and outs of the train?" A pause. "Maybe read the pamphlet?"

[purifyings]

"A dining car?" asked Nike next wondering if it was another room like this one or, "Oh, you mean those other rooms? The ones I had to pass by to get here?" Did she pass a dining room looking one? She couldn't remember since she was too distracted by everything else.

"ICP?" asked Nike next before remembering the pamphlet given to her, "Oh, you mean the one being given around?"

There may be an awkward expression before admitting, "...sorry, whenever it comes to stuff like that, I'm rather slow on the uptake especially when there are words I don't understand." And to be fair, she'll add, "I'm more a hands-on approach type of student. I understand things better by doing what is being taught to me than just expecting to read..." Which was a crucial detail her own teachers learned the hard way after berating and hitting her whenever she made a mistake. A piece of her knew the other guy didn't mean it, but she couldn't help remember the shame.

But instead of wanting to allow those emotions to bubble up, she will instead ask, "Do you need any help with the basket? I can help carry it to wherever it has to go."

[adregem]

Roland isn't going to take any of that against her, or anyone else for that matter, opting to just smiling patiently at her and coming up with a brilliant idea that might just hit two birds with one stone. He's fully inside the cabin now, cramped as the hallway was between their beds and the door, and he shakes his head first, in response.

"There's nothing to apologize for. It's a lot to take in on your first day." He says coolly. "Say, if you're not too busy, and since I'm here, what's say we go on a quick Voidtrecker field trip? If you're more of an experiential learner, I have just the idea to get you acquainted with the basics."

He'll pause on answering her question for now. The basket is only a fourths full, not even worthy of Roland's struggle.

[purifyings]

"A field trip?" asked a more perked up Nike because she loved field trips, especially about exploring. This contraption may not be glamorous as a big city or marketplace, but she'll take whatever help she can get.

"Thanks! That sounds like a really fun idea," added Nike to showcase her enthusiasm at the idea. What should she expect? Are they going to do it now or...oh right! "But, this won't interrupt your laundry?" asked Nike remembering he was preparing the laundry just a moment ago. "Are we going to meet up somewhere or...?"

[adregem]

Roland shakes his head softly, a quiet chuckle thrown her way. "Not at all." He wraps his other hand around the handle of the basket so that it faces forward, and in an instant, a glow of gold and sparkle appears between his hands. The basket disappears in that flash of light, and Roland's hands are suddenly free of any obstruction. He folds his arms over his chest, still smiling like nothing happened; so used to the task that it comes second nature.

"I can collect clothes as we go through the field trip. The wash area is nearer to the dining car, anyway." He moves to the side, as if beckoning. "Shall we?"

[purifyings]

Wait! How did he do that? Can she do that now too? Or is it his ability at work!? Nike may just copy the way he was holding the basket a moment ago and try to concentrate for it to reappear or imagine it to or wish for it to appear, believing if she believed hard enough it'd just work only to realize, "...hah. It didn't work..."

She'll look a little bum until he continues to explain about being able to collect clothes while going through the field trip. "A-Amazing. You have that much control over your powers?" asked Nike without a second thought. After all, for her to summon the rain, she needs to concentrate on each raindrop she creates, the formation of the clouds, and imagining the type of rainfall she wanted -- it took a lot of concentration and skill to do. Now imagine someone controlling their powers to collect things and teleport them elsewhere. Well, that was her hypothesis on how it works.

Nodding her head, Nike will add, "Let's go. I'm right behind you. Watching you. Very closely." Watch her uncover the way his powers work!!! She was now watching him intensely!

[adregem]

Roland realizes what the woman is trying to do, and his suspicions are confirmed when she begins to watch him like a hawk! There's some misunderstanding here, which Roland addresses quickly with a shake of his head.

"That's...not going to work for anyone unless you've got an Arms Band equipped." He says, revealing said item wrapped around his right bicep. "It stores weapons and items. Magitek. You can actually buy it from the store, but let's take it one at a time, shall we?" So Nike can actually continue to watch Roland closely, since this was an educational field trip to help a fellow passenger get acquainted. He'll move out of the cabin, not wanting to linger in the event someone else walks in, moving instead to the direction of the standard cars. Though ICP terminals were going to be littered across most cars, regardless.

"So, let's start with the basics." He stops by a wayside terminal and gives Nike space to maneuver the device with his general direction. "This is the ICP. It's found all over the train and is our main channel for communication, and other functions. Do you have your train ticket on hand?" Roland will gesture with a palm in the air, a slight wave for emphasis.

[purifyings]

"Arm's band?" repeated Nike before looking at the item in his arm. Wait, he uses that to make things disappear or...store them? She'll refrain from asking 'where it goes' because she has sinking suspicion it may be due to magic. "That sounds really useful. I could just hoard all of my snacks and emergency rations in there," admitted Nike after realizing it'd be a good replacement for the modified rucksack she had in mind to take on missions.

Instead of asking more questions about the store or value of the item, she'll pay attention to the....whatever it is he is showing her. "The main channel of communication?" repeated Nike clearly having a hard time understanding what it is. The only word she understood was communication. Could it possibly be like writing a letter to others or...?

His next question will catch her attention, she'll nod her head, "My roommates suggested to keep it on me at all times just like the other contraption on my wrist." Taking the ticket out of one of her very accommodating pockets, she'll show it to Roland while waiting for his next instructions.

[adregem]

Little did Nike know, she would not at all be the first one to use it to store snacks and food in! In fact, Roland would have told her that it holds the special little benefit of preserving whatever food is inside of it until kingdom come. A tidbit for later.

Roland does however, notice her slight hesitations and adjusts, makes more of an effort to slow down and talk simpler. It's a hard habit to break, his natural sense of formality and to just speak casually when meeting someone new. "Your roommates are right. Keep it with you all the time. Most things, including the door to your room, can't be opened without your ticket. It also has information about you, which may or may not be private depending on what's written." Like age, real names, whatever else have you.

His hand closest to the terminal gestures to a slot where the ticket can be placed. "Go ahead and put it in here." Roland looks away conveniently, letting her figure out the device on her own pace, patient and kind. "Let me know when it lights up. You'll see what I mean about what it's for as soon as it does."

And as soon as Nike does what is instructed, the ICP indeed, comes to life. A menu with different functions - from broadcasting a message throughout the train through looking at a complete roster of passengers currently living on the Voidtrecker.