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!
reluctantjinrou: (Default)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-04 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
He looked at Leafmon and nodded a little bit. "Right..." That was where they had met, and the little leaf blob seemed to know that. That did actually kind of help.

"I see, I think. I'm not sure how that works but...I understand the concept."
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] hat)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-04 11:00 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm gonna be Wormmon soon," Leafmon promises. "I'll eat lots and sleep lots and be with Ken-chan lots AND lots."

The milk is ready. Ken switches off the heat and fills the rest of the thermos.
reluctantjinrou: (Glancing Around Corners)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-05 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm...glad to hear that?" Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Natsuno wasn't sure.

"I think most people could use a rest after that mission. There was a lot going on."
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] blink)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-05 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Did you make it through all right?" Ken asks - enough time has passed, and enough healers are on board, that anything could have happened to anyone. Leafmon hops up into his arms, ready to nom.
reluctantjinrou: (Glancing Around Corners)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-05 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"I was fine. I'm far more sturdier than...most people." Natsuno said, still hedging a little bit. He might have gone full vampire on the battlefield but maybe not everyone saw that.
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] consult)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-06 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I see." Ken nods, not pressing it. "That's good."

"Do you want some milk?" asks Leafmon. They made a lot, and eating with friends is always more fun!
reluctantjinrou: (Default)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-06 07:51 am (UTC)(link)
"No thank you. It's not something I particularly enjoy warm." Natsuno said.

"Yes, it's fortunate, I'm just in need of a proper meal." He wasn't thrilled about that but...
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] blink)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-06 12:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, dear, and they're monopolizing the counter...

"We can move if we need to," Ken offers. He doesn't know what Natsuno considers a "proper meal", but this is a shared kitchen, and he just needs to clean up after himself now.
reluctantjinrou: (Sleepy)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-07 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
He shook his head. "No, you don't have to move. I'll eat later. I don't usually do that around others." He didn't think it would be appetizing to humans.
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] hat)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-07 11:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Do you dribble?"

"Leafmon," Ken immediately, if gently, chastises. Leafmon blushes even harder than the two spots of blush always covering his cheeks. "Sorry."

He dribbles food on himself sometimes. So he knows it's awkward.

But then Ken-chan cleans him! Obviously all Natsuno needs is his very own Ken-chan, and he will be okay.
reluctantjinrou: (Default)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-08 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
"No, it's just..." He paused and pressed his lips together.

"What I need to eat isn't appetizing to most people."
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] blink)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-08 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
"I see," says Ken, and Leafmon takes the hint. "Sorry for holding you up, then."

Truth be told, neither of them fully understand what Natsuno might need to eat, but Ken gets that he's being considerate and, to him, that's more important.
reluctantjinrou: (Sleepy)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-09 07:46 am (UTC)(link)
"You aren't." Natsuno shook his head. He was trying to be considerate to them, it wasn't like they had to deal with things.

"Are you alright after everything?"
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] discuss)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-09 11:42 am (UTC)(link)
Are they....That's a big question. Ken and Leafmon share a look, thinking it over together.

"We will be," Ken finally says. "It wasn't our first battle, but none have ever been as complex. There's lots to learn."

It's not the first time, unfortunately, that Ken's gone up against an enemy he wasn't powerful enough to defeat. But it's always been one major threat at a time.....They'd been naive.

"I'm okay, Ken-chan!" Leafmon is quick to reassure his partner, and by extension everyone in the room. "I can do even more next time!"
reluctantjinrou: (Glancing Around Corners)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-10 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"It was my second mission." Natsuno answered. "I'm improving but I kept out of the thick of it. I'm not terribly skilled yet, I wouldn't think. I barely just started learning combat."
ourtomorrow: ([kenzuna] interest)

[personal profile] ourtomorrow 2020-12-11 12:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Still beginning, then."

Ken thinks this over, and nods. "I'm glad you knew to keep yourself safe."

"Even when death isn't permanent, it's still no fun," contributes Leafmon. He has learned many things in his life. Including that not-being-alive, while worth it for some causes, sucks.
reluctantjinrou: (Mournful Glance)

[personal profile] reluctantjinrou 2020-12-12 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's not the death that bothers me, it's the coming back." Natsuno grumbled. "It's a waste of time if I have to come back."