We're all in this train-gether 🚂

[adregem]

Who: OTA. If you’re a passenger with a ticket on this train, then you are most welcome here!
Where: Upper Music Car
When: Imagination 18, at around brunch.
What: Welcome to the train’s first ever community open forum. Come for the food, stay for the best discussions ever.
Warnings: Lots of top-levels for easy access to relevant topics to your characters, but apart from that, nothing right now! (Not a warning but a heads-up that one TL will be dedicated to the dissemination and discussion of the bonus trek during the last mission. For your OOC reference, please see here.)



Someway through the 18th of Imagination, an announcement for the already spoken for meeting is shared by the ICPs, giving people twenty minutes to come to the upper Music Carriage for the gathering. While the chairs mostly face the stage, they’ve been curved to allow people to face their fellow passengers too, so not to put the sole focus in one place.

This is a meeting for all, and everyone will have their chance to speak and be heard.

The promised snack table sits to one side of the room, and on the stage, the white board from the standard coach has been brought in, written on it bullet points for the planned topics. To assist in the flow of discussion, familiar moderators stand in place to help jot things down, carry conversation further should one idea end while another is ready to begin, among other such administrative tasks to organize the forum. Plus, the ICP’s are in constant use all throughout the meeting, with basic announcements about what’s being discussed now, and how more people are still welcome to catch up to the Music Car if they hear something that interests them.

Grab a plate, settle down, and let’s get to work.

(OOC: Specific top-levels will be set-up for ease of tagging. Select ‘Show Top-Level Comments Only’ if you would like to skip ahead! And as much as possible kindly keep to a single thread in that TL, unless a very special or private point has to be made with regards to the subject! :) Of course if you will be tagging the snacks table, the extra suggestions, or the meta-thread, this does not apply any longer.

Also, very important: Please see here for an example format of how documentation of missions can go! It is most relevant during the discussion on information gathering.)

Comments

01 - Plan of Operation

[adregem]

Mobilizing Black & White Squad

[adregem]

Hey. Roland here. Thanks for coming, everyone. I’m glad to see new and familiar faces.

[ He offers a smile but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. ]

That was...some mission. I know. [ He closes his eyes for a split second. ] And a lot of us on-ground got concerned. Maybe we weren't prepared enough even though we had a couple of days. Maybe there was a lot that could have gone better. I'm not disagreeing. We saw casualties, and that's not an acceptable standard. [ Roland crosses his arms, but for some reason, he starts to look apologetic. ] We'll do better.

And that's why we're all here, right? Because it's good that everyone has something to say. It's good we're all expressing ourselves. Everybody is different. Everybody has got something to bring to the table on a mission, even if you're not a fighter. So let's do that.

For example, the Black Squad was created by a previous voidtrecker before Spider Seamstress revived the unit. [ Here, he reveals a black wristband worn by his dominant hand. ] All Team Leads have it, and you can volunteer to be a part of it if you're someone who can act fast during emergencies. It allows her to locate your position so that she can teleport you to and from the battlefield, wherever aid is most needed. She is also now proposing a new band - the White Band - which will identify healers and paramedics. It has a similar function as its black wristband counterpart, except now you'll be able to spot who can heal you faster in a fight. Run to them for help. So that's officially open for sign-ups.

Team Function Discussion

[adregem]

It might also be a good idea to open up the discussion about how teams function. Typically, the four teams have a similar basic way of operating. [ He makes hand gestures to emphasize points. ] Red seems to get the more offensive tasks, Blue defends, Orange investigates and learns, while Purple goes all-around, escorting or protecting as the mission dictates. Team Leads for each color, as I recall, were roles created in order to keep track of members and to help facilitate smooth missions.

But it might be better now, to expand roles and give people more chances to let their talents shine. I'm sure I speak on behalf of other Team Leads when I say that we need to give more tasks to more folks. From being responsible for making sure everyone in the team is well-supplied before disembarking, to keeping track of important messages on comms. Your SCA’s are your best friend. You can talk to everyone, to your Team, or to just a single person. Evacuate as a last resort if no one is coming to your aid by pressing it three times - but let’s make sure it doesn’t come to that.

Plus, remember that nothing is stopping you from going to another team's mission if you feel that's where you should be. In particular, Purple and Orange have the most manpower to spare, versus Red and Blue who are always undermanned.

Apart from telling your Leads if you'd like to hop around for this mission, please let us know how else we can expand team functions. It can't all be on one person's shoulders. Or two. Or three. We have roles to play. Nothing is too small.

Team Science Sign Up Here

[laurefindil]

[Just making a spot for it. Science Team, go!]

02 - Improvements

[enthunder]

About Supplies

[enthunder]

[ Lighting’s turn! As the previous discussion winds down, she clears her throat. ] Lightning here. I’m sure you’re all sick of hearing me and Tidus talking about supplies, but… heh, too bad.

We’ve left copies of our current inventory every few seats, so take a look. [ She continues to speak, slowing a little to give people a chance to pass the sheets around. ] As you can see, we're looking good for healing supplies, and we've made a start on weapons, mostly blades and guns. There's some protective gear, but we can always use more of that - buying more's gonna be a priority going forward after last week. As always, this stuff is for everyone to use, so just… please take some with you on mission.

What we need to discuss is new equipment, gear from your world that'd help everyone, or anything we need more of that people with points could get. The arms bands from Roland's world are a good example - we've got six in inventory right now. I've bought manadrives from Cocoon, since they're designed to give humans the power to fight monsters and, uh, magic-users. Tidus has bought shielding gear from his. [ She indicates an arms band, a manadrive wristgear, and a golem shield, set on the lid of the piano. ] All of that can be bought by anyone, once you know what it is and what to ask for. I mean… look, we don't have many medics, but with a manadrive or a materia, anyone could cast healing magic.

Oh, and for anyone looking for a chemistry or alchemy project, there're some 'potions' listed on there that we don't know much about, or if they're even safe to use. Go wild.

Finally, we're looking for more people to take ownership of a section of supplies and store them. The more we have, the less of a problem it'll be if one person and their belongings disappear. So, if you’re happy to store some of this in a locker, let us know.

Training and Lessons

[enthunder]

It's not just gear we need. Training is a big issue right now. None of us have the same education or background. Some of you’ve never been in a fight before this, or seen a machine, or had magic thrown at you. Hell, some of us come from worlds where physics works differently. But there are skills any of us can learn, that people are ready to teach.

Obviously, there are noticeboards in standard where you can leave offers for lessons, but since we’re all here, let’s talk about what you’d like to be able to do that you can’t, or what you can do that other people can learn. Maybe we can arrange some larger classes for the stuff that’s really in demand, like Senku's lessons, or someone could pick up where Samata left off in her… wizardry class.

Speaking of time, if we're looking at doing more of these in the future...

Rallying the Train Community

[adregem]

This is probably the best time to ask everyone - and please, don’t be afraid to speak on this. While it’s not a vote, it is an important survey of interest.

[ He’s heard about particular problems in the past regarding the issue, and there’s no better way to solve it than to just go for it. ]

Would everyone prefer meetings like this, moving forward? Like an open forum, a town hall with moderators to help? Or would the majority rather go for something closer to the train council that we currently have in place? Where an elected few discuss issues brought up to them, before they do a closed-door brainstorm before they make an executive decision as they see fit?

[ He approaches this protectively. No one’s going to be made to feel bad about anything, especially on this. Whatever comes up here will be brought up to the train council to ponder on and hear out during their next meeting. ]

That said...what do we think?

SUPPLIES: CONTINUED

[blitzcheer]

[ Continued from here. ]

We have been making food and storing it too, in the supplies me and Light offer out before we drop for missions. [ Since that's the last thing Najaran brought up, so let's go from there. ] Storing the stuff that'll go off if we don't in an arms band. Other than potions and weapons, we want people stay fed too. We got spare drink bottles too - with thanks to Piccolo. [ A nod to the green guy, and a smile lifting on Tidus's face. ] He made a lot of the containers and bottles we use so you don't have to buy 'em.

Making food that'll last and be good on missions is worth talking about though. We've got a lot of baking hans onboard! And if there's foods that'll be good for missions, or just making it easier for anyone onboard, like Glor's lembas -- let us know!

But, I just wanna take a sec and go through everything everyone's said. [ A sheepish grin. ] Rol may be prettier for the job, but bear with me, okay?

Okay, so. We're thinking - an alchemy lab for crafting and figuring out potions to make more. Trunks's got good armour for people, and Piccolo, Lea, and, um... you? [ He looks at Clef, voice apologetically. ] You're all offering to make armour, shields, and weapons. Or one or the other. [ A pause, and- ] Thanks.

And you. [ A nod to Xander. ] You brought up enchanting, and any work in the greenhouse is worth talking about too! I'm no green fingers, but what we can grow for supplies is worth bringing up. And knowing people who can work with tech - [ a look to Devero ], that's good too.

So- [ he pauses, ... and pauses... ] --okay, [ no, don't get distracted in your confusion! ] if I missed anyone, sorry! But keep bringing stuff up, okay everyone? And if we can buy anything too that'd be good, say. There's the restrictions, but- books for crafting, enchantment, other stuff..

[ He chuckles, cheeks maybe a little red under his tanned skin, and he pulls a grin. ] Okay. Just keep talking, alright? And other people, you speak up too!

03 - Information Compiling

[blitzcheer]

Mission Journals, other documentation

[blitzcheer]

Sooo, I’m not really the guy for writing anything, but putting together records of what’s happene on the train and what we know’s come up in the past. We should have a show of hands for people who’re working on stuff, but also talk about what we think we need, too. We got a quick Welcome Guide and Mission Guide for the newbies, but for missions…

[ Tidus picks up a slim folder that’s been settled on one of the spare chairs. With file dividers poking out, inside contains a simple write-up of each mission so far, and a few personal accounts. He’ll hand it out for people to look at if they like right then, though there aren’t too many personal accounts yet to read. ]

We thought this’d be a good way of keeping experiences of the missions: if we shared our own versions. There’ll be a basic ‘what happened’ at the front, but then we can all add to it, tell everyone what it was like on Blue Team or Red Team, Orange or Purple, you know?

So, tell us what you think of that! It was Light’s idea, [ he adds as a cheery aside. She rolls her eyes. ] But talk about, you know - the other filing work too. Other stuff you want being tracked.

04 - Other Issues

[adregem]

[ Of course, as an open forum, there was bound to be topics that were not brought up...yet. Roland sees a good opportunity here to raise the floor to anyone else who might have something to say while the most voidtreckers were gathered together. The ICP broadcasts the shift in topic to invite more folks who might be catching up from somewhere else on the train, too. ]

Alrighty. We're still taking notes, okay? Please raise your hand and let us know what else should be talked about together. Can be anything really. Don't hold back, now. Heh.

(OOC: No need for a single thread here! Threadjack! Moderators of the forum can just come in if a thread is fizzling out.)

Webmind Topic the First - Books/Library

[iamnotgod]

[People may have noticed that Webmind is holding a book...

He doesn't draw attention to it immediately, however, and he looks quite serious.]

We must seek out more information about the Ministry, and the Voidtreckers as an industry in particular. What sorts of factions there were, or are, and any other indications as to what we can expect the Ministry to throw in the Voidtrecker Express's path in the future.

Further, the existence of any sort of threat in the void appears to be a collective blindspot for the Ministry and the worlds it supports; I anticipate further research in that direction to be less successful, but we should at least make the attempt.

It would be most appreciated for those who are able to, to donate points towards this endeavor, if not their time. Simply workshopping various word combinations on the shop or within the search function of the ICPs in the Library themselves would contribute immeasurably to this effort. I know I have, if only subjectively, more time in which to come up with word combinations that might yield results, but that does not mean I should expect to be able to solve this by myself.

I did, however, manage to find this.

[And here he holds up the book.]

It features some information pertaining to the 'Inspectors' that once intercepted this train. I shall leave it here through to the end of the meeting, for those who wish to peruse it.

[Creating a bit of incentive for people to stay the whole time, perhaps...]

Webmind Topic the Second - Network!

[iamnotgod]

[Some time after his first conversational broach, Webmind briefly flashes his screen - just once, in a bright blue color with a darker orange exclamation mark.]

I would just like to reiterate that I have been working on expanding the functions of the Network. While I admit my focus is on making texting more widely available on the ICPs, I am open to hearing what others wish to implement.

Having managed, with the help of a few fellow passengers - some who are still here, and some who aren't -

[He'll nod to Seto Kaiba, if he's nearby, as well as Quatre.]

- To create a programming language compatible with the Network, we do have some standing to make changes, but we can always use more pairs of eyes, hands, or other preferred appendages!

[With that witticism, Webmind steps back - either to let the conversation flow change again, or to take questions if people wish to voice them.]

Homeward Bound

[reluctantjinrou]

The one thing I can't help but notice is the lack of discussion about going home. I don't know about all of you but I have no intention on living here forever.

Is anyone doing anything about this? [ He just wants to go die in peace, what's wrong with that? ]

Re: 04 - Other Issues

[najaran]

Najaran had one issue she wanted to bring up for sure.

"Is there a way we can do something to these devices" she held up her SCA, which she was NOT wearing "To keep them from bringing us back here against our will in the middle of a mission? People keep yelling about why I should be wearing it on missions, but my first mission here, we got yanked out by them when we could have still helped and..."

She was shaking. It hurt, even this much later to think about it. Tears welled. She swallowed hard.

"We could have saved them, or taken some of them onto the train with us if it was that dangerous...."

Bathroom and Shower car

[hotheadwarmheart]

[Lea raises his hand.]

I was gonna make a network post about this, but it's probably easier to just bring it up here. It's no secret that we've got a lot of people on the train now, and more coming on at every platform. What we don't have a lot of and what we're not getting more of nearly as quickly are bathrooms and showers. So I'm gonna ask the train for a car of just extra bathroom and shower facilities. Maybe including something a bit more accessible to non-humanoid types too; I know we've got a couple people like that on board.

If other people would be willing to throw some support behind the idea and ask the train for it too, that'd be great, and would probably boost the likelihood of it actually happening. It'd be a nice quality of life upgrade for everybody, and probably just lower the general frustration levels that comes from being in tight quarters with so many people a bit. Basically, more bathrooms make for a happier home. Or train, in this case.

Team Lead Meeting

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel got everyone's attention for a moment.]

I would like to organize a Team Lead meeting. It doesn't have to be here and now, but can be if the other Leads prefer. Anyone interested can attend, of course, but I will prioritize the schedules of the Team Leads.

Please come see me over there and we'll discuss when and what. [He points to the side of the room away from the snack table.]

Now Hiring GM For Feral Girls Tabletop

[spikelet]

[ A-Qing's hand shoots up the moment the previous conversation is concluded, before someone else can speak up. Or maybe in spite of it. Her eyes, so wide. Her voice, so hopeful. ]

Me and my friends were going to play some Furies & Freedom, but Mister Uta and Wester both left, and we don't have a storyteller any more. We still have Uta's books, so can someone run the game for us? Ah, it's a tabletop roleplaying game, like Monster World.

Other things like therapy and art

[adropofsunlight]

Um... [Rapunzel seemed nervous as she slowly raised her hand. She had something at least to say and she figured it was best to let it be known.]

So... I know people are always offering lessons and such for us to help people in the long run, but I also think we need other things that help mentally and not just physically. Like I find... That I somewhat struggle with handling situations after a mission if it went as the last one did.

[She was soon fighting with what strands she could.]

Gosh... how do I put this? I figured that maybe we need ways to be able to handle things. Like... I find painting to be relaxing, but I wouldn't take my word on it because I am always painting, but it generally is a relaxing thing. [She paused.]

Basically, we need ways to help deal with the emotional and mental aspects. Believe me... keeping that stuff in will not help any of us.

05 - Tales from Nion (Metaplot Discussion)

[adregem]

[ There's still plenty of discussion to be had around the room, with everyone moving about to chat regarding train life and everything else they feel relevant to bring up. But at some point in the music car, when there is a significant lull in the collective conversation, somebody clears their throat to catch attention. Roland steps up to look at the group, his expression unusually serious - even for his standards. By his side are three others...waiting. ]

Just one last thing. Those on-ground during the last mission might recall a particular message sent over the SCA by Seto Kaiba. Here he warns of six world miners bent on harvesting resources from Nion, and were willing to go the lengths to clear the planet from whoever else was on it. [ He looks around, meets gazes regardless if he's spoken to them or not before. ] That's not the full story. There's...We learned more. About all this. About the train.

[ The pauses in between emphasize a sense of dread that all of them seem to share to some extent. But they've had more than enough to process information. So now, it comes. The truth. ]

Please allow us to tell you of what we learned that day. Come talk to any one of us - [ He gestures with an open arm; to Kaiba, to Curufin, to Reno, and to himself finally. ] - and we’ll share what we can. Thanks.

[ Roland nods to the group, and gets settled on his own chair. They’re sticking around for a while.

Your character, in typical RPG fashion, now has the choice to thread with the bonus trek gang vis-a-vis individual threads to learn tidbits of the metaplot straight from the horse’s mouth. Of course, whoever your character will choose will have their own thoughts on the matter... Meanwhile, the fifth member of that fateful day, one Koumyou Sanzo, is not part of the current lineup, but is still ready to share whatever he knows of that day regardless. ]

Talk to - Roland Crane

[adregem]

[ Though his body language is stiff and tense, he still manages to be welcoming if he sees you approach. He's obviously ready to talk, even if he looks like he'd rather not be doing it. ]

Grab a chair. Ask away. It's...quite a story.

Talk to - Kaiba

[blue_ice]

[ Those who've seen Kaiba around since the mission have probably noticed that he's a little out of it. He's had a tendency to stare off into the distance, scrub the rooms in silence, and fiddle with his laptop late into the night.

He's listened to this last message countless times, filled a few pages of his train-issued notebook with questions, and worked on preparing for the worst. But now they have a responsibility to everyone.

Yes, they have chairs, but he's standing. He's set a strange SCA up on the table---it's not in one of the team colors, and the design is slightly different. All who ask will be able to hear a recording of Captain Halo's final message. If someone still seems interested in talking after that, he responds with a weary nod. ]

It took us a few days to crack the code after we lost her. We've backed this up multiple ways, and we're backing up everything else we receive that might tell us what we're up against.

So...just tell me where to start. I know we have dozens of gaps to fill.

((ooc: The message has been played publicly for anyone who wants their character to hear it! This is just extra chatter space if wanted. ))

Talk to - Reno

[theturksway]

[The redhead may not have looked as organized or interested in the discussions as the rest of the small group but he was here and that had to count for something. In fact, he wouldn't be hanging around if he didn't think it wasn't important. Far from it, this was very important and it there was one thing the Turk was good at it was doing a job.

So, he was here to listen and discuss.

If you wanted a less emotional retelling of the story or a layman's opinion on matters, Reno was the way to go. He could be as business-like as need be or as devil-may-care casual and frank as someone might prefer. Approach at your own risk. He was laid back casually in a chair if that was any clue as to how things might start when talking to him. But his eyes--his eyes were keen and his ears were sharp. Maybe that was a bigger clue instead.]

You want to know what I think, yo? I think this is our biggest clue to date on how to get off this damn boat. [a beat] What're you interested in?

06 - Snacks & Drinks Table (General)

[adregem]

[ No community gathering is complete without your snacks and drinks table! Here, anyone may chat amongst themselves, make new friends if they haven’t met those who just joined from the platform, or just...hang around! Share your freshly baked goods! Talk about the latest in hot train gossip! Tell corny dad jokes!

The coffee here is pretty aromatic, at least. ]

Nita OTA

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Nita, as she'd brought up on Gen and Roland's post, is helping with the brunch aspect of things.

Aka, she's on pancake duty! Though she'll make sure everything else is properly heated and stocked, too.

And if anyone talking needs a water break, or if conversations are getting more heated than productive... perhaps she could do something?]