voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2020-12-01 06:00 am

A New Platform [Intro Post December]

On the Train

It's only been a couple of days since the Voidtrecker Express took to the void once more, and many of the passengers are still recovering and recuperating after a very hectic end to their latest mission. Nevertheless, they are awoken by a familiar message.

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Imagination. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed, and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train for 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 the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform. It is warm outside with a pleasant breeze that flows down the platform, rustling the light spread of leaves that litter the floor.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Akemi Homura, Alfred the Poisoner, Donatello Versus, Chie Satonaka, Joscelin Fitzthomas, Ronan Lynch, Rose Tyler, Tangle the Lemur, Trowa Barton, Wester Mazaki and Whisper the Wolf all pass through the platform, not looking back before 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 swirling leaves at their feet, moving in flurries and rattling against each other softly. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, cement and packed earth forming a very practical, plain-looking shelter. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single track extending both ways into thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style 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 eight 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's 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 lead to something terrible. 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 (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with more jars of honey, the ingredient of the month of Imagination, as well as sundries.

A new carriage has been added right next to the luggage carriage. It is a second medical carriage, or triage carriage. Downstairs is more open with beds and chairs, upstairs are two surgical bays for those that need immediate attention.

For those intrigued by the claim of a parcel for every passenger they will find several large boxes filled with small blue bags. Inside each bag is ten dark blue coins imprinted on each side with a silver snowflake. Each bag has a small label with a passengers name. On the other side of the label it reads: Keep these safe for now.

Of course for any passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage as well.

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 taking advantage of the pleasant weather and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again 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!
melodiouspacifist: (Nort Huh??)

[personal profile] melodiouspacifist 2020-12-24 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
"Uh, well." Demyx began. "I guess, but I'm a Nobody, so that's how it's supposed to be."
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-24 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
It would be more interesting then 3000 rules...

"Perhaps once we start working on our own, others will feel inclined to join in as well. Writing can be very relaxing." And a good way to get their mind off things that might be bothering them or give them a way to feel a little closer to their home worlds.
blitzcheer: (and we spoke fondly)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2020-12-24 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hm, oh yeah, out in space... what did you do for food? Import everything?"

Though, if people could live up in space, that meant they could grow food too, right...?
achickenformylove: (mdzs 61)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-24 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
That is true, but he is weird and studied those rules for so many years. Except now he pushed the boundaries of what those rules said.

"It would be nice if we could get stories from others in their own words."
gundamofthedesert: (contemplative)

[personal profile] gundamofthedesert 2020-12-24 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"We do have some space on the colonies for growing. Originally everything had to be imported as it was barely inhabitable by humans. There's still a lot that has to be brought from the Earth, but the colonies had to become more sufficient because first, they were neglected by the Earth then, the military wanted to take them over."
swansongs: (To what I said)

[personal profile] swansongs 2020-12-25 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
"Um. Why's being a nobody mean you have to be lonely?" Was there some sort of logic here that he wasn't connecting?
subcircuits: (run that by me again)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2020-12-25 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
"Then I hope he arrives soon," Devero says with a smile. He means that, too, if in a 'polite stranger' kind of way.

He nods along, following what she's saying without any issue until-- wait, what was that. "Battle? That thing's got offensive capabilities?" What.
subcircuits: (don't really like what i'm hearing)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2020-12-25 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
After his outburst, Devero just puts his face into his hands for a moment. He cycles through an intentionally deep breath, then another two or three of them for good measure. At least he's more composed when he looks up again?

"Fantastic. I always wanted to be stuck in one of those VR horror streams, this is absolutely my idea of a great time."

He sighs and looks away. "I'm sorry. This is just. A lot."
subcircuits: (hardass mode activate)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2020-12-25 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
"I wasn't yelling about it," he says, "but I'm not supposed to be here either. I have work to be doing back home."
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-25 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
"Is there a way to ask everyone at once if they might be interested in that?" He's new but it wouldn't be the first time he has gone on a public communication array and asked something that turned the room into a tizzy.
subcircuits: (reproving)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2020-12-25 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
His face twists. That term is even more Before than "mad" and he clearly finds it distasteful. "Of course not," he says. "We're not barbarians."
strawberryprotector: (smile)

[personal profile] strawberryprotector 2020-12-25 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
Betting on both was a smart choice, Ichigo had to agree. He scritched the crown of Princess's head a little more. "A smart choice to bet on both. Though I worry about the train handing that much sass in one car. Sounds dangerous."
irrationally: (and set sail for dreamsy)

[personal profile] irrationally 2020-12-25 08:39 am (UTC)(link)
She takes in that statement with a small hum, glancing between the other and the train.

"So, feel like taking a look inside there?"

Because if she already thinks the outside is weird.. phew, she's in for a wild ride as to what it looks like inside there. Alice at least was already familiar with the concept of trains before she showed up here, but the inside of this train is unlike any she's ever seen - and she has seen some truly odd trains.

"You may be surprised. No, scratch that, you will most definitely be surprised."
flatteries: (not scared of climbing mountains)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-12-25 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, that's an easy question to solve."

Inigo grins, then moves over to grab her hand in his. The hold isn't too tight, so she could easily pull her hand away if she wanted to.

"Let's go look around the train together! We can make a list of good spots and then pick from those!" And, you know, it's also just fun to spend some time with a friend, right?
happyends: (lies in the palm)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-25 08:46 am (UTC)(link)
"I think some people mentioned being willing to help teach before?"

As with most things, really. Because if there's anything Madoka has found over the last half year, it's that people on this train are really sweet and patient. People being so willing to teach things is how she learned archery in the first place too, after all!

"If you're not sure who to ask, you could maybe look around the medical carriage? People who know first aid would probably be around there, if not at least sometimes! And even if they aren't willing to teach, they could probably point you to someone who can." She smiles, pressing her fingers together. It's just nice to be able to help someone out, even if it's just through giving suggestions. And Yugi seems like he could use the help, if not to find a bit of a drive for himself.
firewalled: (Say woah)

[personal profile] firewalled 2020-12-25 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, uh, that'd be me too. I know a little about robotics, but probably not ones that big. Unless watching a bunch of mecha anime counts."

And really, what Rich does know from being a SQUIP user still might not be much.
firewalled: (That sense of guilt)

[personal profile] firewalled 2020-12-25 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"I get you. I have a lot of shit to fix at home too, and if I'm kidnapped for too long, it's just gonna get worse."
10billionpercent: (This Is So Exciting)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-12-25 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"I know a lot about robotics and I can tell you it's not helpful when you're being shot at."

That was what Senku focused on, although someone more relaxed might've jumped at the anime discussion.
irrationally: (but now i know it's going to take)

[personal profile] irrationally 2020-12-25 07:19 pm (UTC)(link)
.. Barbarians. Sure, Alice would agree that it's a good term for the kind of things they did in there - if anything, it's too mild - but it had been treated as something so normal back in her own world that it's almost odd to see someone have such a strong negative reaction to it.

"It's what they do with people like me. Where I'm from," she slowly explains. Not saying the implication out loud, but it's hanging heavily in the air - that's what happened to her. "Though.. It is good to hear that there are places where they have grown out of doing such things. No one deserves to go through that kind of thing."
achickenformylove: (mdzs 1)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-25 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"The devices we have make it so that we can contact the entire train if we have a question so that it likely the best option."

He showed him the device in question.
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-25 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ah how useful...and no spiritual energy required? That is very convenient." How nice to be able to communicate with everyone so easily. He wonders if this kind of thing could be created back home.
melodiouspacifist: (Think Think Think)

[personal profile] melodiouspacifist 2020-12-25 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's like...I don't know, we're not supposed to be friends." That much he surmised, considering just how much they were manipulated into being at each other's throats.

"Which is fine, since Nobodies don't have hearts, so any feelings aren't really supposed to be there." He was repeating someone, but really, that was the best he could do. He knew he had feelings, or at least he was pretty sure, but he didn't understand how any of that connected to anything.

"We're meant to be empty." Demyx finished.
hotheadwarmheart: (Headshake)

[personal profile] hotheadwarmheart 2020-12-26 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
"Xehanort is wasting everyone's time, whether they know it or not," Lea said somewhat bitterly. "Plus a lot more. No one but him is ever gonna get anything out of being on his side. So congrats to you an Vexen being smart enough to realize that and ditch him."

"And technically you're the one who's gone; Ienzo is still back where he was. The results are kinda the same though, at least as far as being able to contact him goes. Far as I know, no one's figured out how to get a message back home from here."
melodiouspacifist: (Nort Vexen You're Full Of Shit)

[personal profile] melodiouspacifist 2020-12-26 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not totally stupid." Demyx admitted. "Larx and Marly had a bad plan that was never gonna work." He'd known about it. He probably wasn't supposed to at the time, but he did. "So I wasn't surprised when it didn't."

"Like I told her. I don't have to be smart, I just have to be smart enough, and not take stupid risks." Demyx hummed. "Having at least someone on the light having my back was enough of a safety net, even if he might've thrown me to the wolves in the end." He didn't actually think Ienze would do that.

He sighed and smiled. "Man, he's gonna bitch so much when I'm late. He's as stuffy about being punctual as he looks."
subcircuits: (hunted)

[personal profile] subcircuits 2020-12-26 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
"Did you get pulled out of the middle of something?" Devero asks. He says it in that diffident, you-don't0have-to-tell-me way, a way that sits strangely on the guy who'd been so brisk and businesslike earlier.