voidtreckerexpress | 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Welcome to the train, Ken. And you as well, Wormmon." Amira started to prance on Trowa's shoulder, trying to get herself closer to Wormmon to investigate him. But Trowa kept her from falling and chuckled a little at her. "Have you managed to find your bunk yet?"

"We found my ticket, but haven't gone looking."

Wormmon climbs down into Ken's bag, which squirms around before he triumphantly emerges, holding said ticket. Behold!

Here, Amira, you can look too. Wormmon will hold it up just for her.

"It seems I'm in sleeper 3-D."

"Ah, I see. So you're closer to the luggage car and the showers but farther from the kitchen. Sleeper car one is at the back end, just ahead of the luggage car and the dressing car. Thankfully there is coffee closer than having to go all the way to the kitchen." Trowa smiled a little at Wormmon's eagerness. "There are some people on the train with creatures somewhat similar to Wormmon called Pokemon, but they can only say their own names. In the greenhouse car, there's a pair of hummingbirds and a pair of rabbits, and a few cats in addition to Amira that are around."

Just their names....? That sounds like it would make life difficult.

Ken commits the layout as Trowa describes it to memory. Luggage, shower, sleepers, dressing, kitchen....greenhouse?

"I see. This train really is like a small community," he concludes. "It isn't just concerned with traveling, but provides a more thorough experience."

And thus, the welcoming atmosphere he's been given....extends to the force that brought them here, as well? It's a new experience for Ken, but not a bad one.

"We also seem to get new cars each platform, and new sleeper cars as we fill the current ones." Trowa did his best to remember the new car they'd just gotten. "I think the newest car is an armory. There are plenty of people that have weapons, and now they'll have somewhere to keep them. They do go between the sleepers and the kitchen, though."

"An armory..."

Well, that makes sense, doesn't it? If they're going on dangerous missions, it only figures that people would need to defend themselves and others. But then, if others have weapons, why didn't he receive...

"I fight sometimes. I don't have to stay in the armory, right?"

Wormmon is. Such an intimidating Digimon, after all.

Trowa couldn't help it, he laughed a little. "No, you don't need to stay in the armory. After all, you're a companion to a passenger. You're practically a passenger in your own right, just without a separate ticket."

Wormmon brightens at this wonderful news. "Isn't that great, Ken-chan? I can stay with you."

"It is." A companion system....So that's why Wormmon was allowed to accompany him, when others don't necessarily have anyone from their worlds. It doesn't explain their missing Digivice, but there surely must be something Ken and Wormmon can do on their own.

Plus, Wormmon has an orange collar. He has a team affiliation, so...

"Do companions often help with missions?"

"I think it's a matter of choice. I mean, I think Miss Eva brings her pokemon on missions, and there's a guy with some as well. Jounouchi is his name, I think?"

Choice...

"Ken-chan, you'll always choose to bring me, won't you?"

"Of course I will."

Are any of the other animal companions onboard the train this needy, Trowa? Because you are being treated to display of total sap as Wormmon, despite asking a leading question, blushes and fidgets.

"I'm happy...."

Trowa did his best to not laugh at Wormmon. But really, that was just cute. He wondered if Amira would be that sweet if she could talk.

Wormmon completely misses Trowa's reaction, being too busy cuddling up to his partner. Ken's more perceptive, but he's smiling too, no judgment.

"We're not keeping you, are we?" he asks; Trowa had looked like he was headed somewhere. But, in addition to that concern, Ken's curious. Is there something they should know about.....?

The train's announcement begins to sound.

Hearing the announcement, Trowa shook his head. "You may want to head to your bunk, or find somewhere secure to sit. Departure can be pretty turbulent."

"Turbulent?"

Wormmon looks worried; he's kiiiinda sure he knows that word, and it's nothing good! Seeing Wormmon's distress, Ken nods.

"We will. Thanks for the warning."

"You're welcome." Smiling warmly, Trowa reached up and pulled Amira from his shoulder to hold her in his arms.

"Bye now!"

Wormmon waves as man and mon head off. Ken doesn't know how much time they have, but if a seasoned traveler recommends they get to a secure location, that's what he's going to do.

Almost everyone on the Voidtrecker Express is very considerate. It's important not to waste that.

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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Wrap?

that works! thanks for the thread