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

hello birb (':

[deferences]

[whoever the girl is, she seems more than friendly compared to some of the people he's passed by or vice-versa. sizhui straightens somewhat, consideringly tilts his head, brow furrowed at the explanation she gives about the so-called ‘train’ they're not too far away from. whether we like it or not? yeah, she can certainly say that again.

he gives her a brief once-over, lingers momentarily on the bright orange sweatshirt she's wearing, upturns his attention to her hair and odd-colored eyes.] Ah... why is your shirt different than my own?

Does that have something to do with the— [what'd she call it again?] —with the train, too?

[runicfeathers]

My shirt? Ah, yes, it does have something to do with the train. In short, all of us seem to be randomly put into what are called "teams", but unfortunately I do not know much more than that. I have not been here long enough to know more.

[And she missed out on the last mission as well to understand more of why they're separated into these teams.]

What I do know, is that the longer one remains on this platform, the more danger and dread they will feel. I do not, however, know what results in refusing to get on. I did not wish to experience that upon my arrival.

[deferences]

I see... [no, not entirely, but he can at least fake it a little.] That's okay, we will hopefully have a chance to learn more about it once we're settled in.

[which likely means after they get onto the train and he's not looking forward to that, but listening to her explain it, considering the uncomfy feelings that'll come with lingering on the platform for too long, he'd rather not stick around long enough to find out.]

I'm not sure about this ‘train’ myself, although if staying here is worse, then I don't think I want to find out why.

/yells at brain for delays

[runicfeathers]

[she offers him a more welcoming smile with a nod.]

There are many who will offer you aid that have been here longer, and I can offer you aid in what I know from my time here so far.

Staying here in particular would not be wise, we should hurry and board. I can answer more questions once we are on, over a warm drink if you would like?

gently pats your brain.... it's all good

[deferences]

[slowly but surely, he relaxes a little more, doing his best to smile in kind despite the apprehension.]

I would appreciate that very much, thank you. However I can repay the favor someday, please, don't hesitate to ask!

[sizhui glances over one shoulder then the other, clutching his backpack tighter to his chest before turning back, curiosity piqued at the offer.] What sort of warm drinks? Do those include tea?