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

Greenhouse

[laurefindil]

Glorfindel normally would assume he had accidentally snuck up on Inigo, but he had seen Gerome leave earlier, so he kneels down next to the other and gives him a hug.

"You are not having a good day, are you?"

[flatteries]

Don't get him wrong, Inigo loves hugs. He's so fond of them. But even he gets startled when the hug comes out of nowhere - especially since a moment ago he was still busy wondering what exactly he hit in his attempt to stand up.

But despite his confusion, he doesn't resist the hug in the slightest. Instead he just sits there, fairly unmoving, trying to move his head just slightly to see exactly who is hugging him here.

The face he spots is unexpected, but not unpleasantly so.

"Ah, I.."

It takes a while before he's able to speak up after the confusion, but even then it's slowly, stammering.

"I-- I'm fine, really." Yeah, sure, Inigo. Try claiming that after having had a very public breakdown earlier. "Just.. trying to get through the day like usual, that's all."

[laurefindil]

He could feel Inigo start at the hug, so he pulled back and apologized. "Please forgive me for not asking first. You've been having quite the day. Would you like to talk about it? Or perhaps drown your worries with a cup of tea and some idle banter?"

"Is everything okay with your flowers?" He extended his glow to them, to perk them up so they will cheer up Inigo.

[flatteries]

Honestly, Inigo isn’t too sure what he wants. Or what he even needs right now. Is there anything at all that could even start to fill up the gaping black hole that feels like it replaced his heart? Probably not. It feels like nothing could ever make this better.

It’s already taking up pretty much all of his effort to look at least like his expression is neutral as he looks over at Glorfindel.

Flowers. Right. Maybe he can at least reply to that part.

“Ah, they're... fine.” Better than he is currently doing, anyway. “I took some back with me from Iriviar, so I’m just trying to make sure they’re doing well in this new place.”

His voice mostly betrays him. Not that it’s sad - no, it’s just because it’s so emotionless. There’s none of Inigo’s usual liveliness in it.