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

Certainly. We're pretty easy going, but... when things get rough, we have to depend on each other. That tends to bring us together, which is probably a good thing. It's a little stressful sometimes, of course. Still... I don't mind it. And making new friends to add to that group is always fun!

New friends....

[ ...There's a little flutter of trepidation again, but when she puts it that way.... ]

Then, I look forward to working with you.

That's great, huh, Ken-chan? New friends already!

Mm! Same here. Please ta- [Ugh, nope, too formal, even given his own response; she shakes her head softly and smiles.] I hope we can be good friends.

[She glances at Wormmon with some amusement.] You too, if you don’t mind me?

[ HIM TOO? Wormmon squirms, self-conscious with joy. ] I don't! I'm happy....

[ Ken is looking around the platform now, checking up on the circumstances. There's this strange......Oh. He can just. Ask his new friend. Can't he.

He's going to figure out this friendship thing sooner or later. ]

I'm feeling compelled to board the train. Is that normal?

[ The squirming stops. Wormmon looks down. IS KEN-CHAN SICK? ]

I'm glad! [And she finds she really is, honestly. Gotta pay attention to more than just the person, when they have a partner, no matter the shape.]

Mm, eventually the train will leave the platform whether everyone's on it or not - it's a train, after all. And the SCA you're wearing links you to it, in a way, and helps protect you from certain things. Like the train leaving without you, incidentally. But it'll make sure you know you're going to be left behind first.

SCA?

[ Ken looks down, notes what's on his wrist, lifts his arm for a better look (and to show Wormmon.) Wormmon peers at it too.

So this is his tether to the train.... ]

Safety Control Apparatus, I'm pretty sure it was. [She concentrates on the words to make sure they come out right.] It translates our words so we can speak to each other, gives you a map while we're on a mission and lets us communicate across distances... oh, and you can use it in an emergency to return to the train if you're in danger, without fail. There are other things, too, but those are the most important.

[She smiles.] We don't know as much as we'd like, but something is clearly trying to keep us safe, if we're going to be doing this. It's a start.

[ So it's like a Digivice, but you can wear it. Which is convenient, since that will free up Ken-chan's hands for other cargo. ]

I'll protect you too, right, Ken-chan?

Right.

[ For example - Wormmon.

Ken likes Itsuki's interpretation of the presence of this device, though. It's reasonable, and encouraging, besides. ] It sounds like there's plenty of time to investigate. We're not much, but we'll contribute what we can.

And I'll protect him!

[ Someone is perhaps mildly defensive that the train thinks Ken-chan needs a Get Out Of Danger Button. Getting Ken-chan out of danger is the important part, but, BUT!

Don't take his job, train!! ]

I'm not much of an investigator, either. I'm more of a... watching people's backs kind of girl. Not that it's stopped me from trying, of course, but I know my specialty. I think the train does, too - purple seems to be the color of protectors, as I understand it.

[She grins at Wormmon.] So maybe we should get you a purple hoodie, huh?

The colors have significance...

[ Ken glances around the platform. A lot of orange and purple. They need this many protectors? What about Ken and Wormmon make them best suited for the other task?

Wormmon thinks about Itsuki's suggestion. ] You could. But I want to be on the same team as Ken-chan, so I'd rather have an orange one.

[ Ken's eyes fall on the orange collar Wormmon's wearing. So that's what that is for... ]

They do. We're not entirely sure, but we've got some loose ideas. Red seems to be hardest to nail down, simply because there are so few of them. In any event, orange seems to be more for people that think through problems instead of punching them or keeping other people from being punched by them.

[Itsuki has a lot of respect for that answer from Wormmon, even if she kind of expects it from someone's partner. Potpourri... would probably give the same if asked.] Then we'll see what we can do. But that's a good answer. I'll be counting on you to fill in the things I have trouble with. [A glance at Ken.] Both of you.

[ Ken nods. Right now, they aren't really in a position to be punching people or keeping other people from being punched...

But there's always something he can do, isn't there? Even if he and Wormmon only have themselves (and each other), that's plenty. He can still contribute. He has his own mind. He has his own body.

He's needed. ] Same to you.

Leave it to Ken-chan!!!

[ Wormmon is very proud. Oh, but. ]

And me.

[Itsuki nods sharply in return.] You'll have some time to settle in, but... in a few weeks, it'll be time to put our money where our mouths are. So, settle in and prepare yourselves. And if you have any questions, most of us are happy to help you out! Just let us know.

Still, try not to take things too seriously. Certainly, we have an important job, but we also can't be on call all the time. Relax when you can, and have fun.

Understood.

Thanks a lot!

[ Wormmon is a good Digimon. Wormmon knows his manners, and to be nice to people who are very nice to them, like Itsuki. Orange team is clearly the best, but he's fine with being an honorary purple if people like Itsuki are there.

People who, you know, encourage Ken-chan. ]

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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