voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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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!

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I'm Wormmon.

[ Says Wormmon, raising that same claw in greeting. ] Nice to meet you.

[ Ken has a feeling the intent of the question went a bit deeper than that, so he'll supplement. Based on what others have been most interested in upon meeting them, thus far, the things that seem the most unique about their situation are... ]

My world is closely connected to other worlds. Wormmon is a "Digital Monster" from one of those, where computer data takes form.

That makes me Ken-chan's Digimon partner!

[ How many people does it take to do an elevator speech? ]

[ O..kay... it wasn't the same as Eva's creature, certainly because this one was talking to him and it didn't seem the same. He could roll with it, even though he wanted to know more. ]

Sure, I'm Senku. I'm not clear on what you mean though, it's computer data come to life, essentially? Am I understanding that correctly?

Fundamentally.

[ Since he is being talked about, Wormmon will helpfully crawl down into Ken's arms so Senku can get a better look. One Digimon, for your perusal, sir! ]

We're still investigating the particulars. But the basic concept is a digital world where emotions have the power to shape reality.

[ Wormmon smiles. He's quite the innocuous little impossible thing. ]

[ Senku will lean in a little closer to look at Wormmon carefully, and possibly even reach out to poke the creature to see if he can make contact or if it's just a hologram. ]

Huh. Can it be reprogrammed?

Gyahuh!

[ Wormmon can indeed be poked! He wiggles his front legs uselessly upon being thus assailed. That -

It didn't hurt, but it tickled! So that noise had probably been a laugh?

Ken, however, is just staring. ]

I would never...

[ He doesn't even know where to begin. Whether possible or not, the concept's unthinkable! ]

Why not? You could change its size, or maybe make it stronger or faster...

[ He's considering the possibilities, but if it's just computer data, couldn't it be manipulated? ]

[ Oh, that's what he meant! Ken is relieved. His mind, given his own personal experiences, had jumped towards "do you have the desire to make Wormmon...not Wormmon". ]

Ah, if you're thinking those sorts of modifications, then...

I evolve! But I go back to Wormmon when I'm done.

[ CLEARLY THIS IS HOW "EVOLUTION" IS SUPPOSED TO WORK ]

[ That is not how evolution works, or metamorphosis for that matter. Senku poked the creature again, curiously. ]

I can't say I follow exactly what you mean, but I'd be interested in knowing more.

Wormmon and I are partners. Put simply, my emotions and belief convert to energy, and fuel his transformation into more powerful Digimon. Yet when he runs low on energy, he reverts to a smaller form.

[ How had it been described to him once...? ] Just existing in a non-digital world is tiring for Digimon.

I'm okay. You're always giving me power, Ken-chan. You're so nice!

[ Wormmon's voice comes out even more squashed-sounding than usual since he is being poked, but he doesn't mind. ]

Interesting.

[ Senku will leave poor Wormmon alone, but he does wonder a bit further about how it works. It's a bit strange, isn't it? ]

I'm not sure there's much of a digital world here, you might have to provide more power than you think.

I'll do my best.

[ KEN-CHAAAAAN. Wormmon will do his best too, to stay an energetic, lively Digimon! ]

When you say there's "not much of a digital world" - what seems to power this train?

[ Looks can be deceiving, and he......finds it difficult to imagine steam getting people into the void. For starters, how would one refuel....? ]

Excellent question. I have no idea!

[ He grins at that, he doesn't sound discouraged at all. ]

Even that's a mystery...

[ Ken doesn't know why this startles him, but everyone onboard has seemed so intent on investigating the train....

It really IS trying to remain inscrutable, isn't it....? ]

I wouldn't worry about it too much if that isn't your kind of thing. It's a relatively safe place to be so far, as much as I've witnessed. You're at least provided the basics of life. It's just boring.

Boring is fine! Ken-chan likes boring!

[ ....Ken isn't sure that's how he would have put that sentiment, but he also can't deny it. ]

Well, knowing our needs are handled is important.

I can't imagine he likes this kind of boring. A lot of people think I like boring things but I don't like being bored. It's completely different.

[ He nods. ] At least there is that.

Ken-chan doesn't get bored. Sometimes we just sit on the terrace and look at the sky. For hours!

[ .....They've already established one can't do that with the void, though....Ken looks away, somewhat self-conscious. But he can't protest.

It's true. ]

What kind of sky watching? I don't really think much about clouds, but I look at the stars for hours.

[ oh god there's another one Wormmon ]

[ they are approaching this from slightly different angles, perhaps

but yep ]

The sky at night is exceptional, isn't it.

...Though if I had to pick, I might prefer dawn, perhaps. The seasonal differences at 6 am are particularly fascinating.

[ It's like a different sky depending on when in the year you're looking at it! Isn't that incredible, in its own way? There is absolutely nothing, anywhere, to take for granted!

Isn't there just...so much to see....in the world?! ]

I don't mind dawn, sunrises are nice, and it's the best time to see scheelite.

[ Don't mind him, he likes rocks. ]

I like space, that's why I like the night sky. Constellations, planets, how the universe works - all of it. I am going to go to space.

[ It doesn't matter how nonsensical that sounds, it's his dream. ]

[ Ken doesn't think this is nonsensical at all! ]

That's a good dream.

[ Wormmon agrees. ]

The void isn't really like space, after all.

[ Space is a lot - spacier! And less - voidy!

Whatever voidy means, this is his first day, okay. ]

No, and unfortunately, there's no sky to admire out the windows, or anything else for that matter. Either a headache inducing light, or darkness.

[ He sighs. For someone like him who spends most of his nights stargazing as much as possible - it sucks. ]

Darkness?

[ Ken frowns. He can't say he's thrilled by either of those options either.

But traveling through darkness sounds more...sinister. ]

I'd heard of headaches from the void....

I don't recommend staring at it, it really grates after awhile.

[ Which means, yes, that he did it anyway. ]

Don't worry. I'll protect him!

[ From void headaches! And from darkness!

And from boredom, if it comes to that!

Wormmon is an ALL PURPOSE PARTNER!

....Ken can really only smile at this sentiment. ]

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