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

[sendiintheclown]

"Instead she's a fierce hunter of fallen leaves and flower petals." Chuckling, Trowa sipped his drink.

"I pray your world will never have the wars mine has had. Even if I think you would adore living among the stars."

[marriedanidiot]

"Nothing wrong with that." She agrees, with a smile.

Her eyes sadden at that. "War is always a grief. I hope your folk never know it as my folk have either."

Dark Lords and destructions of whole continents are not exactly what she would wish on anyone.

"Perhaps we will get to the stars eventually. Earendil is already technically there!"

[sendiintheclown]

Reaching across the table, Trowa gave Nerdanel's hand a gentle squeeze. "I hope we both get to return to peaceful homes when the train is done with us." And he prayed he would be able to keep his memories of the people he'd met here. Especially her.

[marriedanidiot]

She smiles back and nods.

"I hope so. And I hope to have the chance to show you my world."

[sendiintheclown]

"I would really like that. Your world must be very beautiful, areas of unspoiled nature are harder and harder to find in mine." It was nearly impossible to ever be truly unreachable, as much as he would enjoy that kind of quiet at times.

[marriedanidiot]

"That is a pity." She says sympathetically. "But I think you will find that nature will reclaim lands that are left to it. Perhaps you will be able to see something like that in your world one day."

[sendiintheclown]

"I hope so. I know the parks that they've built in the colonies have mostly thrived, though some of the species don't do well in the artificial sunlight." Or they got too much rain from the artificial atmosphere.

[marriedanidiot]

"Plants can be finicky." She nods. "Some have very specific preferences for temperature, or moisture, or sunlight, or even soil!"

[sendiintheclown]

"Even the soil?" Trowa had known about the sunlight and the water, and even temperature to an extent. But he'd never known that the soil had to be so specific.

[marriedanidiot]

"Oh yes, although it is not my area of expertise, you understand. But those who love gardens better than I tell me the soil is equally as important. Too acidic, or not acidic enough. Too sandy, too much loam, too much clay..."

[sendiintheclown]

"I'm sure Glorfindel would be able to inform me of those differences if I asked him." Trowa chuckled a little, giving Nerdanel a warm smile. "My expertise has always fluctuated between combat technology and cats." And acrobatics.

[marriedanidiot]

"Probably." She laughs. "Who knew the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower was such a good gardener! It is hardly what he is known for in the histories, although I suppose I am not entirely surprised."