voidtreckerexpress | 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I don't know, I mean I want to paint everyone who is on the train and those who I remember from before to...but that would require a lot of space." So she had some idea at least but probably needed a big enough space.

Gen hummed and tapped his chin, taking her words seriously, momentarily lost on thought.

Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. “Ah. What about the cinema car? There’s long walls on either side leading down to the movie screen. When the lights are turned down people can focus on the film, but other times ... they can see the lovely paintings.”

"I mean the walls are big enough, but I think the lights are off most of the time, so not sure if painting there would really be worth it." It could be something she figures out later or asks around about.

But right now it seemed like an unlikely possibility.

"When people are watching the movie, sure, but how often is it being used for that? I don't think people are watchin films in there, 24/7," Gen pointed out cheerfully. "Actually, if the place looked nicer, it could be a nice, large room where people can chill out even when people aren't planning on watching movies."

He shrugged. "It was just a thought. I also thought of the gym, but people don't usually go to a gym to chill and look at art."

"Well maybe at best part of the day when missions aren't going on, but considering the amount we have I wouldn't be surprised if it's used a lot of the day." She paused to think about it, without just sitting in the carriage and seeing how many times she would have no way of really knowing.

"No, they are usually there to train."

Gen hummed a little as he thought to himself. "Well. If you'd like a second pair of eyes - I can go around the train with you, and try to hunt down a better spot for your new mural?"

He'd like to help, somehow, but so far his suggestions weren't particularly good. That didn't mean he'd give up!

"That would actually be helpful. I mean while I have plenty of time after chores..." Which for her take at best ten minutes, she has a lot of time to do other things. "I am unable to manage to look through the whole train within the time without wanting to try other things. So have someone is useful."

"Well, I'll do my very best!" Gen told her brightly. "I think more art is always good, especially since we're spending most of our time trapped in here."

He rubbed his hands together. "Roughly, then, what sort of dimensions are you thinking you'll need to work with?"

"Yeah, I mean the only time we have off the train is for missions and maaaaybe the odd moment or two." But that was usually it. At least as far as she could recall anyway.

"As for size. It ultimately depends on what it is I am going to paint. If it's something like flowers, not a lot but if it's something like a sun setting over an ocean it would need to be much bigger."

"So you might be composing around the space you decide on, then?" Gen asked. "It seemed like you had something in mind, before, trying to find a spot that was so big."

He tapped his chin, thinking. "But ... you're probably thinking you might need to adjust what you paint, based on the spot for your mural, maybe?"

"Basically." she answered giving a small nod. "I mean my thought could also change, but that could probably be painted over." Though for her in was unlikely that she would change her mind, but what if someone else wanted to paint there... There were so many thoughts in this.

"Well, my friend, if that's the case," Gen clapped his hands together, "I'll try to find a few options for you, as I scout! Certainly, you might be finding it so hard to decide, because you have more than a few ideas you're itching to put down to brush."

"Exactly~ That is why it's so hard. Too many ideas, but maybe not enough space." She was glad someone understood at least. Too many ideas so little time.

"But I'll be happy to know the options."

"I'll let you know what I find!" Gen told her happily. "How about I find you during the next stop? That'll give me plenty of time to come up with several ideas."

She nodded slightly.

"That would be a good idea at least. That way plenty of time to have an idea ready to go."

A New Platform [Intro Post December]

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