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!
azrthmtrnznthos: (....really?)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-02 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm fine, although I won't turn down herbal tea." Raven said, in the tone she usually used. "It's odd, because I don't remember leaving, so 'welcome back' just seems weird to me." Oh Azar, it was a male Starfire, just with slightly more tact.

Mostly because Starfire would've been chattering on anyways to fill the silence.

"I'm Raven, and I'm not sure we met either."
emerald_mirror: (I was born an original sinner)

[personal profile] emerald_mirror 2020-12-02 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
"Does chamomile work? I grew it myself, once we got a greenhouse car." Xander wasn't sure if Raven had been there for that, and it definitely differed from the rock garden car that had been taken over by the rude book dude. Honestly, if there was a good way to get around it, he'd avoid it entirely, affinity for earth be damned.

"It was a big train when I showed up, and it's not getting smaller," he said, agreeable. "But we met now, so that's okay. Ladies first," he said, gesturing Raven ahead. "This way I won't accidentally whack you with a wing."

Not that he'd ever actually done that to anyone, but there was always a first time. Xander didn't want that to be now.
azrthmtrnznthos: (....really?)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-02 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"I saw we have a lot more variety now, chamomile would be fine. Thank you." She'd seen Xander around enough to know he was careful with his wings, so she led the way back to the kitchen car.
emerald_mirror: (and if I had a dollar bill)

[personal profile] emerald_mirror 2020-12-03 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
"We have a lot more people now too," Xander said; it might be the first time she'd note a hint of exasperation entering his voice. "Still going on missions and all that, but this past one was kind of rough on people, so you might notice more than a few folks roughed up."

He huffed out a sigh at that. "Anyway, though, I'll mix you up something I threw together. Chamomile, some dried apple pieces, and a pinch of peppermint and cinnamon. You wouldn't think it'd blend well, to hear it, but I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. Though don't be surprised if my bat begs for the rehydrated apple. I know she'll beg me for them," he chuckled.

Said bat in question was actually dangling from the end of one of his braids, looking like nothing more than a strange hair ornament.
azrthmtrnznthos: (Default)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-03 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
"We never had enough healers to begin with." Raven lamented, even if she sounded as calm as she always did. "That actually sounds pretty good. Thank you." Said bat would never have been noticed if she weren't able to sense emotions.
emerald_mirror: (solemn)

[personal profile] emerald_mirror 2020-12-06 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Still don't, really, even though there are more now." People, healers, all of that. As they reached the kitchen, Xander got the hot water going and set out two tea mugs.

At which point Cottonball set up a racket of squeaks. "Yes, I know," Xander said. "You're hungry. You're always hungry, you bottomless pit!" But there was amusement in his voice. He knew darn well his familiar was small enough that she needed to eat often.

"Do you want anything to snack on? I'm cutting up some fruit for her, I can always do more." Though he was more likely to offer Raven apples and peanut butter, where the bat was getting hulled and sliced strawberries, and liking it...
azrthmtrnznthos: (casual conversation)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
"...she's...cute." Which was a rare admission from Raven. Shaking her head in offer of food though. "Tea will be enough, thank you."