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!
happyends: (i can hold on tight to nothing)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-06 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Really?"

Look how pleased she is. Then again, it doesn't take a whole lot to make Madoka content - she's not a very picky girl. And the kind act of feeding her by a stranger is enough to make her even happier about the whole thing. It's just so nice of him to share!

"Please, I'd love to try it!" She makes sure to add that first word, not wanting to forget her manners. "I'm sure it's good though, you look so confident making it!"
crimson_rain: shipping @ dw (13)

[personal profile] crimson_rain 2020-12-07 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
With a nod, "Mn. I can make other dishes too. Fried rice, noodles, scallion pancakes, congee, dumplings, just to name a few." So many delicious options, he make the kitchen smell wonderful. "I cook for a long time." He smiles.

Hopefully they're not strangers, so he'll introduce himself. "I'm a Hua Cheng, by the way. Pleased to meet you. I'm new, and I travelled with my friend and companion, Xie Lian."
happyends: (lies in the palm)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-08 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ah-- Sorry for not introducing myself yet!"

It feels she only realised that just now, and Madoka quickly takes a step backwards so she can make sure to politely bow in front of the stranger. She lingers like that for a moment before fully uprighting herself again, giving Hua Cheng a small smile.

"My name is Madoka, Madoka Kaname.. It's very nice to meet you too, sir. It's good to have more people who are good at cooking on the train! There's a lot of people here to feed, after all."
crimson_rain: (02)

[personal profile] crimson_rain 2020-12-10 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
He smiles and bows back, just as a polite, recognizing the gesture to do so.

"It's nice to meet you, Madoka. I see. I hope they like my cooking, they can have all if they find it good. I'm happy to share."
happyends: (that has been plucked)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-11 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
The girl giggles softly.

"I don't think they'll be too picky.." Most people here are just happy when there's appetizing food at all, after all. Though Madoka's rose-coloured glasses may not realise that some people may be quick to criticize all the same.

"Do you mind if I try some right now, sir?"
crimson_rain: shipping @ dw (01)

[personal profile] crimson_rain 2020-12-13 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hm? Sure, go ahead and pick and eat whatever you like. If there is any sweets you want, I'll figure out how to make it. I did make some sweet tea, so you can have that."

Every food he cooks it's on the counter, so it's a matter of her grabbing one for herself.
happyends: (so it's now or never more)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-15 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
"I'll have some sweet tea, thank you." What she's saying comes with a smile, and a moment later it's followed up by the girl reaching out to grab some for herself.

And of course she also tries it right away. It's nice.

".. did you figure out I like sweet things already?" Not that it's hard. Most younger people love sweet stuff, after all, and Madoka pretty much looks like cotton candy turned into a person, with her hair and all.
crimson_rain: shipping @ dw (01)

[personal profile] crimson_rain 2020-12-15 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
She's welcomed to grab what's available! He shook his head and gives a good-natured laugh. "No, I did not. But most children tend to like sweet things like candy. If you like anything that I haven't heard, I'll look it up and study it, and see which sweets you like."
happyends: (that has been plucked)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-15 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
She laughs, though there's something in her eyes as she looks at him that seems clearly impressed! And not just with his knowledge about children's tastebuds.

"I'm not too picky, sir! I like anything that's sweet.." Which is true, and not just her being polite. For once. "Though if I could ask for any favour.. Could you please make sure to offer the same thing to Romeo if you happen to see him? He's a really cute kid! A little younger than me, kind of light brown hair.. He may be wearing a blue hoodie like both of us! He's really sweet and cute, and I'm sure he'd love to get some sweets from you!"
crimson_rain: shipping @ dw (13)

[personal profile] crimson_rain 2020-12-17 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
Luck is on his side, and it's a lucky guess! But she did said she likes sweets things.

At her request, he smiles softly, he's more than happy to do her such a favour. "I'll try to find out more sweets other than tea. I remember him. I have met Romeo on the platform, so I'll be sure to ask him if likes sweets too."
happyends: (i want to see you smile with power)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-12-17 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not too big of a surprise to hear that he's already spoken to Romeo. Madoka is well aware of just how social her friend is, and of course he'd never forget to greet one of their new teammates. Besides, it's a good thing for this man too, right? That way he can quickly get to know his teammates, and maybe he'll feel better being in this place knowing that the people around are at least friendly!

"Thank you!" She quickly bows her head before smiling up at the man again. "Um, both for the sweets and for sharing with Romeo too. I just know we're going to have a great time here with your food talents!"