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!
achickenformylove: (mdzs 56)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-22 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"I believe you have a few when you arrive, but it is not many. They do increase the longer you are here. Others may have a better understanding of what makes them increase as it does not seem to follow an order."
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-23 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll try to ask around and see what i can find out. In the meantime I can try to remember some stories from home to add to it myself." He might be able to convince Hua Cheng to also help with coming up with some of the things from home.
achickenformylove: (mdzs 62)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-23 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"That would be good. I have been thinking of writing down some of the teachings from my sect in case others are interested in reading."

Yes, that means he will likely be writing down the 4000 rules of Gusu Lan...

"I am also planning on requesting a book of poetry from home."
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-23 08:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think it would be fascinating to read about everyone's world. Even if we all just write a little bit it would make for a very diverse library of stories."

His own could probably fill an entire library..but that is what happens when there is 800 years of life and history to retell.
achickenformylove: (mdzs 1)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-24 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
"I think that it would as well. There are so many from different worlds. I have spoken to them about it, but it would still be nice to read more about it."

WangJi could probably fill a significant portion with what he remembered of history and the training for how to deal with the spirits of their world. But would anyone really be interested in reading that...
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.
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."
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.
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.
achickenformylove: (mdzs 4)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-26 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"No spiritual energy required. There are many here who are not familiar with using spiritual energy and they are still able to use the device."
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-27 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
"Excellent. Then once I am established I will see what I can do. Perhaps even write something first so that I can show everyone what they could do."

Xie Lian would even be willing to help anyone who might have a story to tell but not the best penmanship or knowledge of how to jot it down.
achickenformylove: (mdzs 2)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-27 10:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes, that is probably good. So if someone is not sure, there is something they can look at first."

He will have to work on this too. For another example.
lucklessgege: (Default)

[personal profile] lucklessgege 2020-12-28 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
"Let us do our best to help the library grow." Xie Lian hears the whistle of the train and looks up at it.

"Ah..is that our signal that it is time to go?"
achickenformylove: (mdzs 56)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-12-28 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes, that would be our signal to board the train. We should go."

And WangJi started to head in the direction of the open door.