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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The train as devices on it that make household tasks more convenient, but they are not how we do them. There is a device for making tea. It is not high quality tea, but it is faster than it would take us to make tea.

[he wrinkles his nose, readying to start questioning things again, but second-guesses instead.] Perhaps... it would just be easier for you to show me rather than explaining it all? Tea, regardless of how it's made, sounds good.

[Yes that is probably far easier than trying to explain it. To be honest, he's not the best to explain it besides "push button, stuff happens". He wouldn't have any clue to explain how it happens]

Yes, I believe so. Come. We can get some tea now. Afterwards, I can take you to see the rabbits.

[He had rabbits. Of course he had rabbits]

[let's be real here, “push button, stuff happens,” is probably one of the best and simplest ways to explain about half the things he's going to encounter on this train. eventually, sizhui's life will be made easier after he learns this.

—hold on, did hanguang-jun just say he had rabbits? (but of course he does.)]

Yes, please! I would love to see them if you don't mind.

[It is probably easiest, but also showing him at the same time. It was weird to try and describe it since he didn't really understand it himself even though others here could go into extreme detail.

WangJi gestured towards the train so they could begin walking in that direction]

If you would prefer, we could get the rabbits first and they could join for a snack while we are having tea.

[He was perfectly fine with just carrying the rabbits everywhere in the train so they didn't be comfortable with it. The only place they didn't go was in the kitchen]

[should that even really be a question? of course he wants to get the rabbits first and let them snack while they're having tea!

despite the apprehension, sizhui adjusts his rucksack, swings it over his shoulders and gets it into place before heading toward the train. he's still nervous, there's no doubting that, but he feels less so with his father at his side.]

Do they have vegetables for them? I'd hope so if they're living on the train, too.

[Don't worry. WangJi will make sure that everything is okay. He knows this train very well by now]

There are. Carrots and other vegetables, and herbs that can be used for food as well.

[He begins to lead in the direction of the greenhouse car where the rabbits live]

We have to pass where they are to get to the dining car anyway. We will pass your cabin if you want to stop and put your bag down.

[and sizhui trusts him, of course, whether he knows the train or not. but it's good he does because that makes it easier on them both.]

Good. They should have no trouble with food, then. [so long as there's no problems with food shortage, that is. (best not to have those kinds of thoughts when he's only just arrived.) he follows along behind him, glancing around somewhat warily. the idea of dropping his bag off so he doesn't need to continue carrying it is enticing, though.]

I would appreciate it. Not that I mind carrying it, it's just... cumbersome.

Mn.

[He led the way through the sleeper carriages, looking at all of the name placards for Sizhui's. As soon he spotted it, he stopped, moving to stand next to the door]

Scanning your ticket will open the door.

[he hesitates beside his father, examining where the names are, considering the ones not his own. doesn't seem like there will be a lot of room... but that's alright, so long as he gets his own bed.

from the sash around his waist, he removes the ticket then holds it out, eyebrows arching with surprise when the door slides open.

sizhui steps inside, casts a questioning look back over his shoulder at lan wangji.] Does it matter where I leave my bag? How... do I know which bed is mine?

[WangJi followed him inside as much as he could in the small room. It was simply because this wasn't his cabin that he hadn't been able to open the door. He looked around at the space]

Check the space at the head of the bed for belongings. If there are none, the bed is available for you to take. Most people who have been here don't carry their bags on platform days. Once everyone returns for the evening, you can speak with them to ensure there is no conflict.

[that sounds like as good a go-ahead as any. so, sizhui moves between the bunks, perking when he eventually finds an empty one and sliding the backpack off his shoulders to toss onto the bed.

he does, however, remove the qiankun pouch with his more important items in it to bring along.] Hopefully, if there are any other newcomers, I didn't take whatever bed they might have wanted.

I suppose that is where discussion comes in. There is one in my cabin who cannot see. It would be unfair to require him to take the top bunk.

[But since Sizhui was ready to go, he'll step back into the hallway so he can follow him]

There are a few cars between us and the greenhouse and then the dining car. I will tell you what they are as we pass through them.

[It would help with starting to remember what all of them were]

That does make sense... [he and his roommates will simply have to talk things out whenever they're all together tonight. top bunk, bottom bunk, sizhui doesn't really mind either way.

for now though, he'll leave his things there and trail after his father, nodding affirmingly.]

Okay, [he acknowledges.] I shall do my best to remember them.

You can also look them up again if you forget.

[Not like he's going to quiz Sizhui on it.

He led the way through the train in the direction of the greenhouse. Not that there were many other directions one could go. The train was really just one direction. But soon enough, they reached the greenhouse. There were a lot of plants and well as a few animals, including the hutch with two rabbits playing in the outside section, one black and one white]

Here they are.

Oh? Well, that's convenient. [regardless of if he's getting quizzed on it or not, being able to check which car is where will prove useful.

although, if hanguang-jun were to do so, he'd (mostly) have them memorized within the week.

whatever cars they pass through, sizhui keeps in mind, even if he is unaware of their names at the moment. they don't matter nearly as much as where they're headed or what he sees the minute they get to the greenhouse; his eyes light up like a signal firelight right when he sees both rabbits hopping about, the softest gasp passing his lips while he shuffles closer.]

Oh... they're so cute! [he almost immediately reaches down, hesitates, casts a hopeful look toward lan wangji and asks,] May I pick them up?

[Also entering the cars was self-explanatory for the most part. In most cases, it was pretty easy to figure out once one knew what to look for.

The rabbits paused jumping around when they heard others coming, the white one coming to the fence immediately seeing WangJi, the black one following after the other]

Mn. They are. [At the question he nodded his head once] You may.

[okay, fair, that makes a whole lot of sense as well. he'll be in for a real treat once he stumbles across a few of these cars in particular.

after being given the go-ahead, sizhui first scoops up the white rabbit, tucking it gently into the crook of his elbow then he reaches for the black bunny and does the same with that one, too. with both of them carefully settled in his arms, he turns back to his father, eyes somehow looking even more lit up when he asks,]

What are their names?

[WangJi stood back letting Sizhui pick up the two rabbits. The white one immediately tucked himself into the crook of his elbow as well, settling himself there so that he was stable as Sizhui reached to pick up the black rabbit. Clearly, he was used to being held quite often. The black rabbit on the other hand was more excited. New person! He squirmed a little trying to look up at Sizhui better]

Currently, they are Little Rabbit, [He nodded to the white rabbit to indicate that was Little Rabbit] and Small Bunny. I had plans to name Little Rabbit something more fitting, but that was delayed due to events on the train. Wei Ying and I have been trying to figure out fitting names for the pair, but we haven't reached a conclusion yet.

[since one seems so content to stay settled in his arm, sizhui's attention is on the other, his hand carefully cupped around it in the case it decides to try and get adventurous and do something silly like jump. although he doesn't hinder its movements too badly and when it looks up at him, his attention downcasts, a brilliant grin coming across his face while he gingerly adjusts to rub the bunny's ears.]

Little Rabbit and Small Bunny, [he repeats, considering. not bad names at all, really, they are almost something he would've chosen if he couldn't figure anything out right away, but what if:] Radish, [he gestures toward the white rabbit,] and Carrot? [then he motions toward the black one, realization dawning afterward.] Senior Wei is here, too?

[Little Rabbit had learned quickly to be a good lap rabbit. Small Bunny was still learning this so it was better that Sizhui turned his attention to making sure the black rabbit did not do something that was going to get it hurt. WangJi was definitely pleased that he had figured this out so quickly, paying attention to the general nature of both rabbits. The black rabbit though did settle down when he was being given attention, letting Sizhui pet his ears and not squirming around too much]

Radish and Carrot? [WangJi repeated these names back as he considered them. They did seem fitting for them. Nothing too fancy but were oddly meaningful to the humans] I think these are good names.

[He nodded his head once] Yes, he is here.

[fitting, how the white rabbit is calmer, more like hanguang-jun and the black one is more reminiscent of wei wuxian instead. he offhandedly wonders if they knew before getting them or if it was just happenstance. regardless, they're both super adorable and it seems small bunny doesn't mind sitting still so long as he's getting attention; sizhui's fine with that, continuously rubbing along its ears, between them, down its back then back up to repeat the process. both of them are so very soft too, it's hard to resist giving little rabbit some attention alongside the darker animal.]

Yes. Little Radish and Baby Carrot if you're so inclined. [this way, they don't entirely lose their first names. lan wangji's agreement makes his heart swell even more, an outright beam momentarily overtaking his features before he reels it in somewhat.]

For how long? The same amount of time as you?

[It was ver fitting. Of course, there had been no choice in the matter of the rabbits' nature. WangJi himself had only requested a black rabbit partially because it was fitting since he had had both white and black rabbits at home and also so that it would be easier to tell the two of them apart. Not that telling them apart might matter to many people, but it mattered to WangJi, especially since the white rabbit was more experienced on the train and the black rabbit was not. If it had been in an open field where there was nothing weird to happen, he might not have been so concerned about it.

Both rabbits were very content with the attention that Sizhui was giving them. Little Rabbit was very patient for his attention and Small Bunny would look at Sizhui if the attention strayed too long, but not more squirming]

I think those are fine names. [Also then the rabbits recognize their new names at least a little more having it sound similar or start the same]

He has been here for a few months. But... it is strange. He was here before I was and got Little... Radish for me. However, not long after giving me the rabbit, he disappeared for a few days. I watched him depart the train and then he was on the platform again, watching himself leave.

[in sizhui's defense, he has no idea if they were just randomly given or if lan wangji had the chance to go through a pile of rabbits and decide which ones he liked best. given their current location, he'd assume the train (somehow???) just gave them to him or he collected them from one of the worlds they might have stopped at. since it seems they were picked at random, the former is more likely than the latter. regardless, they're both super-soft and quite cuddly.

luckily for small bunny (or carrot now), his affection doesn't linger away from it too long and thank goodness, there's much less wriggling.]

I'm glad you think so, Hanguang-jun. [proud son mode: activate!]

Wha—? [he hesitates with the petting, fingers lingering over the black rabbit's ears, expression creased with a mixture of confusion and astonishment.] Wait, people can... do that? See themselves leaving the train? [how can two people exist at the same time? better question: will he ever experience something like that?]

[Carrot was very happy that his attention didn't linger long. He was such an attention hog and hadn't learned patience yet. Luckily Radish made up for it and didn't seem at all bothered. Maybe WangJi would carry him around for a bit after this as a reward for being so good.

He definitely had a right to be proud. His father-figure liked the names that he had chosen for the rabbits]

Apparently so. It seems that normally this is not the case. Most people just disembark the train and they are gone. They do sometimes return, but always later. I was apparently here earlier and left but I do not remember this. [A pause] And you were as well.

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

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