A New Platform [Intro Post November]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

[light_of_willpower]

"Remind him to suggest it." Trunks replied, as they passed through the library car. Only a few more to go.

[nutkrusher]

"I definitely will," Cassie says. "I mean, if this were the army, it'd be my job as quartermaster to take care of that kinda shit."

With that she allows herself to take in the quiet, and the feeling of his hand in hers, for the next few cars.

[light_of_willpower]

It wouldn't take much longer to get to the new car, and Trunks gestured for her to go ahead. She was more familiar with this after all than he was.

[nutkrusher]

Cassie's expression brightens as they enter the car.

"Damn, this is nicer than I was expecting," she says.

She walks around the car, exploring the edge of the tub, along with the booths and loungers beside them.

"Is that a sauna? Daaaaaang."

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks poked around a bit more hesitantly, wondering where the stations where you got a manicure or pedicure were. That's one of the things people did at spas right? Or mud-wraps. He'd heard his mother lament the lack of a spa and those amenities often enough.

[nutkrusher]

Regrettably, this spa car is geared more toward relaxation and therapy than beauty. But it certainly is a thing of beauty, as far as Cassie's concerned. Speaking of which.

"Ooh, this closet's got bathing suits in it!"

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks didn't know there was a difference between a therapeutic spa and a beauty spa. With Cassie's comment though, he breathes a sigh of relief. "Oh good, I was worried we were expected to be only in a towel to use these facilities."

[nutkrusher]

"Yeah, no," Cassie says. "This is a public place. But I'm glad we don't have to supply our own."

On which note, she starts leafing through them in search of one that's her size.

[light_of_willpower]

"I've never been to a spa okay? I'm just going on mom's rants and what I've read about." Trunks said sheepishly, moving over to check out the tables with his head tilted quizzically.

[nutkrusher]

Cassie's lips curl slightly up. "That's understandable, I suppose."

Beat.

"Want to take one of these back and change?"

[light_of_willpower]

"Huh?" Trunks blinked at her, head turning quickly. "You mean walk from our cabins openly back here, in just a swimsuit?"

[nutkrusher]

"You can always just wear your clothes over it and take 'em off when you get here," Cassie says. "That's one trick, anyway."

[light_of_willpower]

Oh yeah, that would make sense wouldn't it. Trunks shoved his hands in his pockets and kept his head down in embarrassment. "Sorry. I've never really been swimming for fun, or anything like it, before too." Swimming had usually been part of training.

[nutkrusher]

"That's alright," Cassie says.

She walks over to put a hand on his shoulder.

"I promised I'd show you some good, normal fun, didn't I?"

[light_of_willpower]

"I don't think that pool is for swimming in though, Cassie." Trunks didn't sound too certain of that, considering he didn't really know much about spas.

[nutkrusher]

"I mean, not exactly, but you do hop in and relax in them," Cassie says. "And wear a swimsuit doing it."

[light_of_willpower]

"I thought your intention with this car was for people who needed medical help or rest to use it." Because now Trunks was confused. He did walk over and start looking through the guy's swimtrunks. Thankfully they looked like the regular shorts-kind of types.

[nutkrusher]

"They're the first priority," Cassie says. "But also for people to relax. When you're trapped in an enclosed space for long periods of time you need as many outlets as possible. And it looks like there's enough space for us right now."

[light_of_willpower]

"Ah." Trunks murmured, then looked up at her, and then back down. Blushing too now. "Is this just because you want to see me in a swimsuit?" He wouldn't deny that he would enjoy seeing her in one, but that wasn't his main goal. Besides, she'd brought it up.

[nutkrusher]

"You said it, not me."

But her smile isn't exactly saying no.

[light_of_willpower]

Despite his blush, Trunks narrowed his eyes at her and smiled. "I know you were thinking it, Cassie Cage." But he did lean over and kiss her cheek. "Alright, you can show me this normal thing. Lets go get changed and meet back here."

[nutkrusher]

Cassie winks. "See you in a few."

She'll be waiting for him when they both get back.

[light_of_willpower]

Not helping his blush Cas! Not that she cared about helping his blush. It would figure she'd beat him too.

He's in his slippers, and has loose clothing on. "No laughing, alright?" Because he felt silly in the purple swim trunks. He probably could've chosen blue and no one would care, would they?

[nutkrusher]

"I promise I won't laugh."

She intends to stick to that promise, too. And to be honest, she suspects she won't have much trouble keeping it. Trunks in a swimsuit is VERY serious business.

She'll be joining him soon enough anyway. That should take his mind off things.

[light_of_willpower]

He's still nervous alright? But he comes closer to edge of the pool, and slips out of his slippers to put them a decent distance away. Then it's off with the hoody, and he's folding it neatly to go on top of his slippers.

He already feels more exposed than he's used to, while shirtless.