voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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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!

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The chemical composition of— [he stops, wrinkles his nose, eyebrows knitting together with thought then:] What if you sold or bartered it?

[perhaps make some kind of profit off the chemical? (that sounds so odd to put into one's hair.)

meanwhile, sizhui lowers his hand after senku looks up, hoping the gesture wasn't too weird or anything. he's genuinely just curious about why they go all the way down past his eyes, why they are there and yet serve no purpose.] They aren't from anything? Not injuries or scars?

[ He chuckles slightly at that. ] While we do now have a currency system, I can't imagine anyone is interested in dyeing their hair. It would be a lot more of a luxury than most things on offer, but I suppose if there was a need for it.

[ He does take requests, on occasion, but they've been incredibly busy. ]

Ah, well, they are from something. I was petrified as a stone statue for over 3700 years and when the petrification broke, it broke first where those marks are. It happens to every revived human, who's been petrified for a significant amount of time. It could be healed if I get petrified again, but I don't have the means to do that so I still have them.

Ah... [he gives a thoughtful hum then smiles again.] Yes, that's a fair point. No use in wasting ingredients you might need for more important things, after all.

[and surely nobody's going to come requesting hair-dye anytime soon.

waitaminute, did he just say he was petrified for three thousand seven hundred years? how is that possible? and from the sound of things, he isn't the only one it's happened to, either.] We may have just met, but I must admit, you are far better company when not petrified, markings or no.

[ He snickers lightly, caught off guard by the comment, it was an unexpected reaction to that kind of news. ]

I don't know if you'd say that once I get going on my science lectures.

[ His expression melted into an amused smile. ]

Guess that's a good enough impression. Glad I'm not a stone statue. I'll take that.

And I don't know if you would say that if you knew how many lectures I've attended. [an amused giggle of his own that he attempts muffling behind his sleeve then he nods, lets the arm lower, attention briefly flickering toward the book senku has.]

It's a better impression than some people have made, that's for sure. [he glances back up, still grinning delightedly.] Ah, I suppose we should introduce ourselves properly.

[after shifting back a step, sizhui circles both arms in front of himself, clasps his hands and bows, straightening back up before stating,] My name is Lan Sizhui.

I can try not to explain things, but it's second nature, just tell me to shut up.

[ He waved his hand dismissively, he wouldn't take offense to that. He also looks pleased and amused that he made not the worst impression on the train. That's a small victory. ]

Oh, yeah right, social conventions, all that.

[ He bows a little, it's less formal looking, but he means well all the same. ] Ishigami Senku. Senku is fine, everyone calls me that.

But that would be rude! I'd much rather listen, take the time to learn what you are talking about.

[surely whatever senku has to say is just as important as they're conversation right now. seeing how pleased he looks by such a simple thing like a good impression has sizhui's smile somehow becoming wider. and the returned bow also helps with his impact, too!]

Senku it is, [he decides.] And you may simply call me ‘Sizhui,’ if you prefer. I don't mind at all.

[ What Senku normally has to say is interesting, at least in his opinion and sometimes even objectively so. He snickered lightly at that. ]

Don't worry about being rude with me, I don't care about that. I don't mind a willing student though. I don't know much about magic yet, but anything scientific about how the world works, that kind of thing? I usually know the answer.

[ He smiles and nods, that suits him fine, it's not like they use their last names in his world any longer. ]

Sizhui then, sure. I'll remember that. What do you do at home, Sizhui? What is your world like?

[ He hasn't mentioned it, but he's the curious type. ]

[being honest, it could be as dull as watching paint dry and sizhui would still politely listen, regardless. but thankfully, science sounds interesting and if senku wants to learn about magic, then he's come to the right place.]

Ah! What if, in exchange for your scientifics, I could teach you things about the magic from my homeworld? It's likely different than others on the train... unless they've also arrived here where I am from.

[good thing he's just as curious about other people, so he has no trouble immediately answering,] I am a cultivator from Cloud Recesses, which resides in Gusu! A cultivator is someone who has spent their life building a golden core through meditation and training. This means we are stronger and faster in battle, more difficult to wound and kill. One almost never falls sick and our life spans are longer than a regular human's.

[ He looks incredibly pleased by the offer. ]

My world has no magic to speak of, so I would like to know everything you can tell me.

[ He does mean everything. He listens, considering, and as he hasn't had the discussion with Xue Yang about his sword yet he doesn't actually know much about these golden cores. ]

Stronger and faster in battle? That sounds incredibly useful, and even better if you can't get wounded. How long is your life span then?

None whatsoever? You don't say... [imagining a world where not even the slightest bit of magic exists isn't difficult; there are normal people without powers in his own world, sure, but it still seems odd there isn't any at all.

he nods vigorously, excitement unwavering.] It is! Ah, well, some of us can live upwards of a thousand years?

We can, however, still be killed like any other human. So, it isn't quite like being invulnerable. [sizhui pauses, humming with contemplation, brow furrowed a moment then he perks again.] Not only that, but we are all trained in the ways of the sword and archery alongside our magic.

It might sound like it, considering, but there is definitely science at play even if we don't have all the answers yet.

[ He hums thoughtfully. ]

A thousand years is an incredibly long time. That's a lot of thinking at least. [ He would know. ]

I wouldn't think you were invulnerable, it's just interesting. I can admire other people being able to do combat stuff. I can't do it. Why both, though? Don't people normally specialize? [ In his experience, that is true. ]

[listen, senku, while he isn't against the whole idea of science, there are definitely some things that it cannot explain back in his world. (that's where the magic comes in, obviously.)]

A lot of thinking, a lot of meditating, a lot of training... [many things, to be honest. he didn't need to list even as many as he did, but there they are anyway.]

Should you ever like to learn, I could teach you to wield a sword. I might also be able to teach you archery, but I would need to find a bow first. [he mmns with contemplation, lifts a hand to tap his fingers against his chin.] All sects have their own particular style of swordsmanship, to be fair, but we are all taught certain things such as archery and horseback riding. Lan clan specializes in a musical battlestyle, if we're talking about something like that.

I can only attest to the thinking and the meditating I guess.

[ Senku, responses like that only lead to questions, honestly. ]

Ah, well. [ He chuckles slightly. ] No, I couldn't handle either one of those weapons. I can make a bow but I've got no strength or stamina to speak of. Learning a weapon like that wouldn't be useful to me, which is why I don't typically fight personally.

Considering you do not fight, it makes sense you wouldn't train, then. What else do you think about besides science?

[many questions, but let's start simple first, shall we?]

Understandable. You said you could make a bow, though? That's great! If I were to find the materials needed, would you perhaps make one for me? Or if you have already obtained such things, we could think of something else I might do in exchange.

[ He chuckles. What else does he think about? ]

Not much, honestly. [ He grins a little. ] Tactical planning? That's kind of not science. More political I guess.

[ He looks a little more serious as he considers his inventory. ]

I can double check, but I'm pretty sure I have everything I need to make you a bow. If for some reason something isn't suitable, I'll be able to get it on the mission, but I did get some good things last mission and I should manage that. I need a bit of time, but I can get that done. I'll take a favour in exchange. [ He grins. ] That way when I think of something, I can get you to do it for me later.

[thank the stars, sizhui doesn't have to get too deeply into politics yet.]

Depends on the tactics, I suppose, but I'd imagine it's more political. Science could be used for weaponry, couldn't it?

[a currently unknown favor in exchange? hmmm.] As long as you're sure you have everything, I am alright with agreeing to a favor. I would ask what it might involve, though considering you said ‘think of something,’ I'm assuming you haven't got anything particular in mind at the moment.

[ He nodded a little bit. ]

It can be used for weaponry. It can be used for some massively destructive weaponry, but I'm not willing to go that far.

[ Thanks to Roland's reaction and more importantly, Gen's explanation that his favour requests could come off a little creepy, he is more prepared to explain! ]

Ah, nothing illicit or anything. [ Does that help? Probably not. ]

I don't have something in mind for the moment, but I'm always something and I can almost always use help if people are willing to give it. If it helps, Roland owed me a favour and I got him to make ramen with me, got him to make the noodles.

If I don't have an appropriate piece of wood, then I'll get it when we get on the world. Making a bow doesn't take that long.

Good to know you have some sort of... morals? Standards? [do either of those work for what he's trying to convey? here's hoping so and that they aren't anything offensive since it isn't his intention to come off rude, but he's genuinely glad. other, far more power-hungry people wouldn't have hesitated.

and actually, it does since sizhui's relieved he won't need to break any rules, at the very least.]

I'm also glad to hear that, as I have to admit, I wouldn't want to cause too much trouble after only being here for a short time.

[he lifts a hand, thoughtfully taps his chin, brightens whenever senku mentions making food of all things to repay him.] I could certainly help you with something like that. I've got decent cooking skills, if I do say so myself. [an amused little laugh then sizhui nods understandingly.]

Alright then. I, personally, do not know, so I'll have to take your word for it.

[ He grins, he might come across poorly, but he definitely does have morals. ]

Nah, nothing like that. I'm not planning on making ramen again yet, but I'll think of something. Something always comes up.

I'm going to take a look at my supplies tonight. I already know I have rope and leather, it's just if I have a suitable piece of wood or not already.

[whew. alright, good, he didn't misstep there and senku even smiled again, anyway.]

Whatever it is you decide on, I will help to the best of my abilities, even if it's something I'm unfamiliar with. [which usually isn't much, but given how new everything is at the moment, he won't dismiss the possibility.]

You just let me know and I shall be your faithful helper! Does that sound fair?

[ He's very hard to offend, for the most part. He's usually the one doing the offending. ]

More than fair, and it works out perfectly. I'll let you know. Might be when we get off the train on a world, I definitely have a few things I want to pick up.

[hey, the same goes for sizhui! so it sounds like they'll have no trouble keeping off one another's toes.]

Sounds perfect! I, ah, do not mean to come off as rude, but I should probably get back to my exploration of the train. [which he assumes senku wouldn't want to experience all over again.] But if you would like to chat more, we could reconvene at a later time?

Go for it. [ He'll wave him off a little bit with a hand, they'd see each other again, it was a small train. ]

Sure, anytime, I'm around.

Ah, thank you!

[as if sizhui really needed permission from someone he hardly knows.] Next time, then. [following another quick, blatantly excited bow, he pivots and heads in the opposite direction for more exploring.]

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A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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