voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post November]

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A New Platform [Intro Post November]

On the Train

The morning after the Halloween party passengers are once again woken by a familiar voice.

"Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Imagination. 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. But through the fog comes sunshine, causing patches where the light shines down to warm the concrete. Looking up passengers will not be able to see the sun through the fog, or much of the sky at all.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Bryn Pendragon, Bucky Barnes, Colden Rollins, Elena, Fai D Flourite, Jiang Yanli, Juliette d'Aubigniy, Misa, Peter Parker, Samata Mahto, Satou Kuroneko, The Doctor, Tohru Mutou, Zuko, 10 Vigilant Gaze Purges The Horizon. They all walk silently and do not look back as they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are 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 the thick fog, penetrated by beams of light. As their eyes adjust they will see they are on a platform, behind them are a set of barriers and in front of them is a single track.

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 five 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.

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 and Honey is the newest ingredient, jars of honey stock the shelves and the ICP's in the kitchen have recipe ideas for the month.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a small but function-able spa, complete with a small hot tub and even a steam room. It is a relaxing room with sun lamps and relaxing music or nature sounds available through the ICP. There are a couple of massage tables, with a course for how to give massages for those eager to learn.

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 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

[ Is this really such a normal thing that Tidus looks so exasperated while trying to explain it? Inigo hasn't even considered any of this! He thought they were just going to give it to Roland - isn't that how they always exchange gifts in the first place?

But then there's suddenly some plastic bag being pushed into his hands, and Inigo looks very much like he has absolutely no idea what to do with it. Oh no, sweet Naga, how does he hold this in a way that won't make it drop or break--

Though he's momentarily distracted from his little panic moment over here by Tidus's words.

They make him remain silent. Just for a moment.

Then he just says: ]

Aren't you just saying that because you don't understand it?

[ Not that Inigo immediately understands this weird plastic mess either. Or the instructions on the paper.

But he's just saying. ]

Uh, yeah? Are you looking at it? [ Tidus isn't even offended, please look at it. Tidus is, and he's squinting again. ] I think you've got to snap the pieces off that wire framing? --Don't do that.

[ Just in case Inigo gets any ideas from Tidus's thinking out loud. ]

It's an upgrade from a jigsaw. This is totally Roland's thing. Having a thousand pieces and figuring how to put them together in the right place?

[ There's the instructions, and they're totally separate from how the end piece should look... Just let him pull out the more paper-y piece then, but take a look inside the box at the rest. But it's just more of those framings. ]

This is going to be a puzzle and a half.

[ HAH. He knew that Tidus didn't understand this. Though it's true, Inigo has no idea how this is supposed to work either, but-- ]

Hey! I wasn't going to! [ He says, already sounding like he's sulking about the very accusation. He would never dare to ruin Roland's important present, geez! ]

But what was your plan with these? [ He stares at the bag, still unsure of where Tidus was going with this whole thing. How are they supposed to build anticipation with these weird plastic frames? ] Did you instead want to give him a single piece a day? At that rate we'll all be gone from the train before he has all of it!

[ There just seems to be SO MUCH of it. ]

I just said we're not gonna touch the pieces! No, that's way too much work, and we don't want to lose any. [ PLEASE Tidus doesn't want them to lose a single bit of plastic!! ] But I have the perfect thing that'll get Roland excited.

[ He raises up the paper. Dramatic pause. ]

Instructions.

Instructions.

[ It's repeated with just as much emphasis on the word.

Though the emotion behind it is probably a bit different. A bit dryer. ]

Do you.. [ He starts, but before he can voice the whole question, Inigo himself starts thinking about it and seems to realise something.

Mostly that no, Roland really is nerdy. But.. ]

Do you think even Roland would enjoy.. this? [ He gestures at the paper. ] Just that? Isn't the fun of it all putting it together? He can't do that with just the paper!

[ Roland may be nerdy, but is he really nerdy to that extent? Getting all that anticipation over instructions? ]

[ Tidus opens his mouth, about to speak. Stops, closes it.

Starts again. ]

Absolutely. [ He is so taking this route. ] This'll get him excited 'til the mission is over, and he gets the real thing. But Roland, with this? [ lifting the paper ] He'll be putting it together in his head. Making sure he got it right, going back and doing it all over again.

[ He looks Inigo in the eye. ]

Isn't that so something Roland would do?

[ Ugh. The worst part of all of this is that Inigo can definitely imagine it. Roland's eyes lighting up, him getting all soft and gooey, or even childishly excited.. It may not be common with the other guy, but it's not like it'd be the first time Inigo would see it. ]

But that's so.. [ He almost looks frustrated while trying to find the right word, waving his hands. ] You know!

[ Boring. Nerdy. Not the way any human being ought to be. Can he accept a reality where Roland is That Guy? ]

.. ugh, as long as it'll make him excited, I guess. [ Because making Roland happy definitely is the ultimate goal here. ] You don't think it'd be too much? I don't want him to feel bad about not getting it just yet.

[ It's working! It's working! Inigo thinks Roland can be that much of a nerdy nerd and that works for Tidus! He lightly huffs at the concern, a dismissive tilt of the head. ]

No way. He'll act like you'd expect, all awkward and back straight, 'Thank you Inigo, Tidus. I look forward to the rest.' [ Mock sensible Roland voice here. ] But in private?

That's where he'll be thinking about it. [ Biiiig wide smile. ]

You can bet on it.

[ Wow, fairly impressive Roland imitation there, Tidus. ]

.. okay.

[ Fine, he's giving in! If it'll make Roland happy, then Inigo will do it. He'll trust Tidus here that he's not just pulling Inigo's leg about all of this. ]

Should I give it to him? Or you? [ Briefly Inigo considers the idea of letting Tidus do it by himself. And then immediately thinks better of it. That'll end up a disaster somehow, probably.. ] .. Or probably the two of us together, huh?

[ yessss VICTOOORRRY ]

Let's do it at the same time! Let me do the talking! I'll know just what to say. I'm telling ya, he's not going to stop thinking about it. He'll be as giddy as a kid with a blitzball!

[ The more excited Tidus gets about this, the more suspicious it's starting to seem, for some reason..

But then again, if Inigo is present too, he'll know if Tidus is doing anything sneaky or weird! He's here to be the observer! ]

Deal. [ He holds out the plastic bag towards Tidus again. ]

But just know I'll be studying his eyes thoroughly for the slightest sign of a spark of excitement!

[ Tidus takes it, setting it back into the box and setting the cardboard flaps back where they need to be.

(give him a second with that, actually) ]

Okay, but remember what kind of guy he is when you do. He's not going to go for normal person excitement. He's going to get all straight-faced and formal about it! That's the look you need to go for.

...orrrr he'll make that other one where he looks at us like we're crazy [ you know the one Inigo, ] but either or.

What? You mean the one that's all like..

[ His voice trails off, and somehow Inigo's face manages to do a pretty faithful recreation of this face.

It's only there for a second or two though before Inigo's face is already back to regular Inigo levels. ]

He can't do that to us! We're giving him a gift!

[ Tidus nods. That's the face!! ]

I know, I know, I know. But that guy doesn't always get what fun is, so you have to deal with him getting that way. Don't worry about it!

[ Is he talking enough to totally convince Inigo he's making sense? He's done closing the box back up, and stands, lifting with it under his arm. ]

It'll be great. I'll put this up, and... oh yeah. [ He puts a forefinger at Inigo. ] When we do get back from the mission, we need to put it somewhere for Roland to find it, or the both of us, but make it into a riddle. Apparently he likes them!

[ He's actually being honest!! ]

[ Honestly, just talking on and on truly is the best way to convince Inigo of these things. After a while it becomes so hard to tell what does or doesn't make sense.. And people who talk a lot about something surely wouldn't be doing so if they had no idea what they were talking about! Right!

.. Right? ]

A riddle? [ Even as he's talking, he's making a gesture that seems to ask if he should carry the box for Tidus. ] Are you sure we could do that?

[ Apparently that's his first question, rather than 'are you sure Roland would even like that'. ]

I mean, I don't think I'm very good at thinking up riddles.

[ And we share one braincell, bro. ]

We've got two weeks. [ Yes, they need all this time to come up with a good riddle. ] We can start figuring out now how we want to set this up.

[ Such as: ] Setting up in the second floor of the games car's gotta be the best place - out of the way, and we can use that big chess board as a mat to put everything down on, put 'em together.

[ Oh! He snaps his fingers. ] We can even put it into the riddle! Something about kings or queens and pawns.

[ They WILL need that time, knowing these two. ]

Knowing Roland, he would love a riddle about kings.. [ Inigo's tone even sounds thoughtful. Like he's really considering this now. If Tidus says Roland's into riddles, Inigo will trust it! Not like he's ever seen anything to indicate anything else. ]

How difficult do you want to make it though? Just one riddle and he's got the prize, or were you thinking of doing some sort of riddle hunt?

[ Because they will definitely need those two weeks worth of brain power then. ]

Leeet's save the riddle hunt for another present. Unless we really get into making this riddle.

What does a riddle need anyway? It just needs to be cryptic, right? No rhyming or anything. [ So- ]

To find ye thing you treasure most, go to the clash of kings and queens in the highest... Uh. Floor?

[ He doesn't know medieval words, what's a more fancy word. ]

Story?

[ Look, he's trying here too, but elevated buildings weren't exactly common enough for there to be a whole lot of Ye Olde Fancy Medieval Words for it--

But that's not what Inigo seems to be thinking about here most though. ]

That one feels too easy though! Roland isn't a dumb guy. He'd figure that one out right away. [ Clearly Inigo hasn't witnessed Tidus's other attempt to tell Roland a riddle.. ] Not all carriages have two floors, after all, so it narrows it down so far. Maybe just leave it at the part about kings and queens! Say that it's guarded by a king.

[ There's a slight pause, and then Inigo briefly laughs. ]

Maybe he'd go ask lord Gyousou about it or something. [ Which, despite Inigo's respect for Gyousou, is kind of a funny thought. Roland trying to fumble his way through that. ]

I'd wanna see that! [ Oh, Tidus is grinning at the idea. ] Are there any chess piece names that'd sound like it was talking about Taiki? If we wanna try and trick him.

[ Put on voice again: ] Find the king and his loyal advisor, and they shall reveal thee treasure.

[ Would Roland really get fooled? Tidus hopes. Please. He wants to see Roland look absolutely miserable with himself for bothering Saku. Like Saku would care! ]

[ The joke here is assuming that Inigo knows the names of more than two chess pieces at best. He scratches his head though, like he may find it somewhere buried deep inside of his brain if he just looks hard enough... ]

I mean, if there's a king, there's got to be an advisor, right?

[ Is this not how chess works. Is it not just a royal court? ]

So that sounds better! It's vague enough to not be obvious, but it's not like it doesn't have a clue at all! [ Inigo grins, proudly, though it quickly changes to surprise the moment he realises-- ] Wait, did we think of it that quickly?

[ Like them coming up with anything vaguely intelligent in under ten minutes is a miracle. ]

[ Oh-- Tidus's eyes widen at Inigo's revelation, and now that Tidus is thinking about it too... ]

I...guess we did! [ Wow! ] So we just have to remember it for the day, and hope he gets it!

[ He'll get it though, right? Let's see how well he is about figuring Tidus left a pasta maker in the kitchen in the other thread. ]

We can always try and come up with more 'til then. You want to?

[ Like a small little past-time, a way of amusing Roland. What other riddles can they come up with? And Tidus even wonders- ]

What if we come up with some for Roland and his higgledy to do together?

You think Bambosh would like riddles too? He always seemed a bit more simple than that..

[ Or at the very least, he seemed more concerned with fighting. ~~And poking fun at Roland whenever he was having a dumb moment.~~ ]

Then we'd have to make sure it's something both humans and higgledies can solve. They may know about things we have no clue about, or have no idea about stuff that's pretty normal to humans. [ He pauses, humming, and then continues in a way that's a bit more mumbled: ] Maybe Jumblie and Gibbs could help..

Well, we'll need to make the higgledies role's fun. [ Come on! He's not so cruel to the higgledies to think that 'solving a riddle' would be up their alley! ]

Liiike... they need to find things. Or we'll tell them the answers, and they get to watch Roland be miserable. [ Oh! ] Or they're split up and they're hiding and waiting for Roland to find them, so then they can give him the next clue to the next riddle!

[ They're making an entire game here... ]

[ He would remark something about Tidus doing this thing because it'd be fun to Roland, only to remark a few moments later that he doesn't think it's fun for the higgledies--

But he's immediately distracted by something else before he can even get started on it. ]

Hey, the goal isn't to make Roland miserable!

[ Let's make that very clear, okay. It'd be fun if he has a misunderstanding with Gyousou, but it's not like he wants to torture his dad, okay! ]

.. but them hiding would be cute. Jumblie can pose as a lamp. [ She'd blend right in! A master hider! ] We'd just have to think of a good riddle for him to find her while she's hiding like that.

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