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

[deferences]

[here's hoping that doesn't get dropped on him anytime soon or else he'll have something else to feel terrible about. sort of like how he feels right now without actual context, but a-qing is quick to cover her tracks.

mostly, that is.]

That's quite fair. How many other people from our world are here? [a beat then,] And if I may ask, what's your name?

[spikelet]

Mm, five this morning. Teacher, his husband, the doctor, me and... [that rotten guy. Well, anyway.] There are more now. You can call me a-Qing, okay?

[deferences]

[‘teacher’ and ‘his husband’ are easier to figure out, considering he's already met lan wangji, which means wei wuxian is here then? and who else? someone he isn't keen on prying about just yet.] A-Qing, [sizhui repeats, realization dawning rather quick that technically, he knows her... but she's dead back in his world.

no reason to bring that up, however, so he smiles faintly instead and asks,] A-Qing, who is the doctor?

[spikelet]

Hm? You mean doctor Wen? [Crap, wait. Even though it was Lan Wangji who tried to explain that she shouldn't mistrust the Wens on-board, what if-- no, he must know.

Or does he? Maybe it's different in the sects, rather than on the train. She watches him for a reaction, ready to defend her.] Is there a doctor you'd expect? Someone from GusuLan?

[deferences]

[waitaminute, did she say—?] Doctor... Wen? [surprisingly, he doesn't sound wary at all. more curious, actually, but while he considers it, he shakes his head in response to her other question.]

No, not really. I didn't expect any doctors, to be honest, but... what is her name? [this is important, he swears!]

[spikelet]

[It's not like he can't find out by checking the ICP, so she answers readily enough.] She's called Wen Qing. Why?

[deferences]

[like he's going to try and futz around with that anytime in the near future! (who knows? he might give it a go.) as soon as she reveals the doctor's entire name, sizhui withdraws somewhat, tightly purses his lips just long enough to swallow around the sudden lump in his throat then he finally admits,] I— I knew her once.

[spikelet]

[Oh. Her expression turns a little pitying, beyond the curiosity. After all, all of the Wen clan are dead, everyone knows it.] Really? Then, you should definitely greet her as soon as possible. If you go to the medical carriage, you'll find her, probably.

[She should probably ask--] What should I call you?

[deferences]

[technically, not all of them are dead, considering one is standing in front of her (and one is now alive again on the train), but sizhui's not going to mention that just yet.] The medical carriage... okay, yes, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Oh! [he shifts, puts the slightest amount of distance between them so he can bow politely.] Forgive me, I should've said sooner. My name is Lan Sizhui.

[spikelet]

[with no ability to sense secret wens, she will live in blissful ignorance

her own bow is much more casual]

Lan-gege, then?

[deferences]

[wow, wouldn't that be a magical ability? or maybe not so much.

but oh, how cute, she's already given him a nickname and they hardly know each other! sizhui straightens back up, grins then nods his head affirmingly toward the title.]

Yes, I like that. It works perfectly.