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: (casual conversation)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Was it your first mission here?" Raven was starting to get an idea, but she wanted to confirm some things too. "And you're used to being punished, if you fail?"
comefadeaway: (Hmm?)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
"It was." He agreed with a nod and at her question, he shrugged. "I don't typically fail very often."
azrthmtrnznthos: (casual conversation)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
"We don't operate like that on the train. First of all, if it was your first mission no one was likely expecting anything big of you. They were just expecting you to do what you can, and get used to things. Secondly, we don't punish people for failure. That would require us to have some kind of overseer or person we report to, and we don't."
comefadeaway: (Default)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
As encouraging as she might've wanted that to seem, he didn't seem encouraged, if anything his mood dipped a little more. No one was expecting anything out of him?

He supposed that tracked. "I see." He murmured. "I'll try and bear that in mind."
azrthmtrnznthos: (Seriously? Explaining)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Let me guess," Raven started. "You're confused because I said no one expects anything during your first mission. That is not what I said. No one was expecting anything big. They were expecting you to do what you can, while dealing with a very strange new situation. That's all. Not be perfect."
comefadeaway: (Sideview)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
"It's alright if they don't expect anything out of me. I can only do what I can anyway, regardless of what people want. I was at my limit. I didn't manage to protect anyone, I don't think, instead I needed help."
azrthmtrnznthos: (Seriously? Explaining)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
"And that. Is. Okay. It's acceptable, in this situation. Sometimes you'll need help, sometimes you won't. We all understand and get that."
comefadeaway: (Default)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
"It's alright. No one has to worry about me. It's better if they don't." Yoite said, shaking his head again.
azrthmtrnznthos: (Seriously? Explaining)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
"Wrong." Raven said bluntly. "You're here now, and people will worry no matter how much you tell them not to. Trust me, it'll be much easier if you work with us, than try to fight it."
comefadeaway: (Default)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
"They might, but they don't really have to. I'm used to it." Yoite explained. "It's...alright."
azrthmtrnznthos: (Annoyed)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 03:11 am (UTC)(link)
"You might be, but others aren't. So it is not alright, okay?" Raven actually gave a little huff, although thankfully she still was in control of her powers. "Anyway, I wanted to come check on you. Do me a favor and get something to eat and drink at least?"
comefadeaway: (Hmm?)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm really not hungry right now." Yoite shook his head. He knew what Ichigo said, but all the same he couldn't help that he felt rather miserable at the moment.
azrthmtrnznthos: (casual conversation)

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
Raven blinked, and took a breath before speaking. "I'm...not a very good cook. But at least come have some tea with me? Maybe some toast?" She couldn't mess up toast, right?
comefadeaway: (Default)

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Alright if you want." He did get up and he was, especially when he was standing, essentially a stick. Yoite was very thin and relatively tall. Ichigo wanted him to eat more so maybe a taste of toast.
azrthmtrnznthos: (....really?)

Fade to black?

[personal profile] azrthmtrnznthos 2020-12-06 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
"I do. If nothing else, let me practice my social skills." That might've been a joke. "When did you come on, and what's your name?"

Yes, she needs to work on her social skills.
comefadeaway: (Default)

Sounds good

[personal profile] comefadeaway 2020-12-06 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
"Two weeks ago...and it's Yoite." He answered, careful to keep up with her as they walk so he can watch.

It was alright, he could guarantee, his were worse.