voidtreckerexpress | We're all in this train-gether 🚂

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We're all in this train-gether 🚂

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.)

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[ Behave, daddy's boy!!

But exciting, huh? ]

It's... different. [ To put it one way. ...in a way Tidus doesn't have to commit or really think about it. He takes a look about the room himself with how often Roland seems to do it, but his is shorter. ]

Long as everyone who had an idea goes and does something with it, it'll be a big success! We can't just talk. I wanna see some action too!

[ Some results! That's more interesting to consider than any of this. ]

[ It's kind of cute that Roland calls it exciting. Especially coupled with that look on his face. It's so hopeful. Like this is just something the other loves to see.

And really, Tidus's answer - in turn - is so much like Tidus too that it doesn't even surprise Inigo. ]

Hey, Ylisstol wasn't built in a day! [ OTHERWORDLY EXPRESSIONS ASIDE, Inigo doesn't sound like he's chiding in any way, instead just smiling a bit as he looks over at Tidus after saying it. ] I'm sure it'll change at least some things, if not more in the long run. But maybe some people may need a bit of time to turn their ideas into actions. [ Said by a guy who is shy enough that he definitely has a bit of trouble with that, but. You know. Even participating like this is already a big step for him. Trying with a capital T.

He glances between the other two now. ]

I think it kind of feels like people are still getting used to this. You know, talking these things over with everyone. But.. in a good kind of way!

Well now. I couldn't have said that better myself. [ The first step is always the hardest, always seems like it's the one that takes the most time, but Roland knows by experience things can only grow from here. There will be pains along the way, no doubt brought about by the shared challenge of a collection of folks from literally every which universe the void has decided to visit...but that's what it's all about. ] I wouldn't worry, though. Even if we're taking our time talking...action always follows. Always. And I'm glad you're both here for it all. [ Sharing their thoughts, going around and being present, even if they have shenanigans on the side too. Roland's believed in them since day one and it's something he secretly harbors, pleasing him to no end to see them here. ]

[ He chuckles. Roland may feel that particular way about it, fond in his own way, but he's not about to say that out loud! ] Truth be told, I've never been more reminded of home than now. Heh.

[ Uh oh, Roland is sounding rearing to go in his own way! Which is nice - it's good to see and hear the guy in his element, enjoying himself. ]

You got some ideas of your own then? [ He teases, though not completely. Still- ] You never told us! Just between us, what's on your mind? What are you gonna get stuck in after this is over?

[ The action that follows. Were they about to see a new and inspired man? ]

[ .. Roland is glad they're here.

There's no way that approval doesn't do wonders in turning Inigo's mood from earlier totally around. Sometimes it just takes something very simple, and this is it, apparently!

Though Inigo can't resist just.. gently sidestepping over to Roland to hold his hand for a moment.. D-Don't mind him here! ]

That means you're having fun, right? [ It sounds like Roland is having fun, at least. ] I'm glad!

[ Aside from that, he'll shut up, since he's curious as to the answer to Tidus's question as well. ]

Fun? Well, that's one way to put it, I guess. Compared to what I've had to sit through back home, all this is like a garden party. Everyone's actually civil.

[ Yeah, let's not get into how messy actual politics among egotistical war-obsessed maniacs can get. He shakes his head in slight amusement, sharing an inside joke with himself, the hand that suddenly slips into his is accepted as naturally as they come. Roland keeps his clasp light; not even batting an eyelash at such a thing, not anymore.

And that's not the word he'd use necessarily too - fun. But he's not denying how sensitive he is to the thrum in the air, discussions to be had and shared energizing him in a way that he can't quite put his finger to despite all these years of serving the public. It lends itself to a jovial mood, the best contrast to some of the more heavier topics circulating around the upper music car. ]

As for my plans? Well apart from making sure everyone knows what was discussed in minutes...[ His free hand makes a fist, determined. ] I gotta get back to the drawing board. Study new ideas, go back on old ones. Talk to passengers who might be good for the job, and help them out if I can. If they want to. Purple or not, we've all got something to offer. Talent has to go where it'll bloom the most. That's the way to lead.

[ Which is something he's espoused since day one of his own presidency, but now he's speaking in broader strokes. ]

Where would you two like to lend your talents, hm? Is there anything I can do to be of service?

[ Though he might mean this is a joke, Roland meets both of their stares unabashedly. No, the guy's pretty serious when it comes to this stuff, and it shows when all his attention is on them. ]

[ Civil? Well, honestly, it's gotten about as bad as Tidus could've figured. Not as chaotic as everyone always seemed to worry about... other than a few moments, it's been okay. Even if he is so alright with not playing moderator or conversation leader again...

His hands come out in that familiar fashion when the question gets redirected onto him and Inigo however, replacing a shrug. ]

Don't look at me for ideas! I'll help Light show off what we got in the supplies, but what else can I do? Save spending points. [ Which he was already doing, so. No difference there. ]

Anyone wants anything or any help, I'll keep my ears open. If I could give Spider a hand, I would, but...

[ But she was the arachnid magic sewing machine, not him. ]

[ When Tidus says 'what else can I do', there's a light kick aimed his way.

Or, well, more like a nudge of the foot against Tidus's shin. The other can feel it, but there's no way it'd hurt. It's just a slight nudge, a small reminder that geez, Tidus, as if you aren't already doing a lot! Don't think Inigo didn't see you trying to moderate!

He doesn't say anything out loud though, figuring it's at least clear he's protesting what Tidus just said there, and instead turns to Roland with a shy smile. ]

Well, I.. I'll just keep doing my best during missions. But about what Rapunzel said.. I think she's right that sometimes people do need ways to creatively express themselves, in order to be able to deal with their emotions in a stressful situation like this. So, uh, maybe I could help a few people learn how to express themselves through dancing..

[ A TERRIFYING PROSPECT. But if it it'd help other people, Inigo is willing to try.

(And thanks to A FEW CERTAIN PEOPLE NUDGING HIM INTO IT. Geez.) ]

[ Between the two contrasting opinions, and of course he doesn't miss that kick to the shin there, Roland chuckles and seems to be undeterred in his encouragement of both guys. ]

You know Tidus, I've always told you how good you were with handling people. Making sure they know enough before going on missions, getting them hyped. [ He smiles knowingly. ] Something to think about, is all.

[ And as for Inigo, boy is he happy to hear he's involving himself in something that Roland knows, means a lot to him. Straight from his mom and down to his own sleepy admission of preferring it over sword lessons as a child...He's really coming out of his shell, and that deeply pleases him. ]

I'm glad that you're considering it, Inigo. I hope you push through with it. I might be even less help on that front, I've got two left feet myself. But I'd be there for you just the same. [ He ponders on a thought, before shaking his head as if to dismiss it. Ultimately though, Roland seems like it might be better to say it anyway. ] I should show you some of the dances from my world. Maybe you could teach them to me so I won't look foolish if it ever comes up.

[ don't KICK him he's not being like you!!!

The nudge, knock, whatever it can be called gets a tiny 'what?' out of Tidus, a frown Inigo's way that's more puzzled than anything. But also, he's not going to stay the downer while his pal then goes on to speaking up about dancing. Not only opening discussing it, but discussing about getting others involved.

Bro. Bro, there's excitement starting to run through his veins now! Bro, are you going to be brave!! ]

You should look up some movies for him too! [ Oh, they talked about this! Perfect timing! ] I was going to, but no reason we both can't. We'll get more that way! And I'm gonna get this guy to appreciate the fun of binging movies.

[ A 'gonna' that's accompanied by a playful nudge of one arm to another. ]

[ He's just making SURE, bro!!

But oh. Oh gosh, that's suddenly a lot of attention right on him. Please, can't this keep being about what Tidus wants to do, or how much Roland's politician self is enjoying watching people talk like this? No?

Inigo has never been good at enduring this sort of thing, but he's trying, despite the redness on his cheeks. ]

H-Hey, we watched movies before! [ Just.. not a whole lot.. But there was the cowboy one! Never forget the cowboy movie! ] .. Not that I wouldn't like to see some dance movies.. O-Or dance with you, father, if you're sure you want to learn. I think I could probably pick up on those dances if I saw them in the movies.

[ Very few people actually understand just how much Roland loves what he loves. Public service was one thing, and keeping to his grooming was another. But for movies, the hobby that has singlehandedly shaped the way he adjusts to the many realities he must come to terms with now...This, he has a special fondness for. The smile that spreads, corners that grow his cheeks and the look he sends Inigo's way, as if he was the one excited for it all. Roland can only react the way he does because of how much he knows they would love it. ]

Dance moves in movies, huh? I can think of a couple, off the top of my head. [ Can Inigo help him do the whole dance sequence from off-brand Breakfast Club? Oh, he knows he can. Somebody stop this man before he goes too old school! ] Can I hold you to that?

[ Roland speak: I'm looking forward to it! I mean it! ]

[ There really is some sort of special energy about Roland right now, isn't there. At first Inigo doesn't notice it as well, considering how lost he is in his own shyness about this particular topic, but it's slowly starting dawn upon him now he's adjusted to more or less being a shy mess for now.

And if anything is true about Inigo, it's that he can never say no to Roland when he's this excited. Withholding the robot from him was already hard enough! Truly a feat that was only accomplished through Tidus's unrelenting presence. ]

O.. Of course. [ So he gives in. Easily. Though he can't help but glance between the other two as he asks: ]

Are there really that many movies with dancing in them..?

[ THAT COWBOY MOVIE HAD NO DANCING. Was he deceived!! ]

[ Wow look at this new and improved BREAKING TAG ORDER!!!

Roland nods with a semblance of enthusiasm, and starts unwinding for something, his smile growing wider into a grin. ]

Yes. You'd be surprised, right? But back in the day, a lot of movies incorporated dance moves to show style and mood. Some movies even have it as their plot. There's one I really liked from Friday Night Fever. [ Love us some off brand John Travolta. ]

[ And don't even think about stopping him, because he's going to do it for about Three Amazing Seconds: shuffling his hands together in circles, going from left to right, then ending with a pose, one arm extended diagonally like pointing to the sky, his other hand on his hip. Then he resumes as if he didn't just do that, arms crossed over his chest. ]

It's a whole sequence, but you get the picture.

Edited 2021-01-10 12:14 (UTC)

[ Tidus is just this face. That's all he is. Those Three Amazing have left their mark and Tidus is stunned into a silence he isn't coming out of any time yet.

what ]

[ what x2 double combo over the moon.

Because Inigo is very much staring too. And it's not even due to the quality - or lack thereof - of the dance or anything. No, it's just that those moves are so unlike anything they've ever seen from Roland that there's just little more to do than just stare.

At least Inigo snaps himself out of it earlier than Tidus - for better or worse, considering what the other could have said - and speaks up. ]

A-Ah, I do.. get the picture.. [ Maybe a little too much, even. ] Though I'm not sure about teaching you that specific kind of dance..

[ PLEASE, FATHER. He can't do it. It's too embarrassing.

And before Tidus can speak up, he quickly continues, as if trying to move part the Display they just saw-- ] Perhaps I could teach you something more formal? I-It could come in handy at important formal events!

[ Wow, some twin teens here have never seen the electric boogaloo and it shows!!! ]

Oh. You can't? Well, all right. [ Maybe it's too modern or complicated for Inigo? But his pup is so talented, and he knows he loves it. He said it himself! He'll never forget that! Thankfully, he isn't able to voice this out when Inigo mentions formal dancing, and Roland chuckles at the suggestion if only for one express reason. He suddenly bridges the gap between them and takes both of Inigo's hands in his own, positioned perfectly with one up in the air by the side of their face, just above the shoulders. The other placed by his hip, settled there nicely. ]

You mean this? Slow dancing? [ He sways a bit but eventually he does let go and step back, arms crossed back over his chest. ] I used to dance this annually, for state balls and governor dinners. I haven't done it in a while, naturally, but I know it. I can even dip you, heh. [ Roland hums. ] But if you're ready to teach me a dance native to Ylissean royalty, I'd be happy to learn.

[ You never know when that might come in handy! Plus, its from Inigo's world. That's what's important. ]

[ Roland sure is getting daring with Inigo in the middle of a meeting. But Inigo did just speak about teaching people, so it's time to work on those nerves and not get startled about the implications of being in a dance position with multiple others in the room (it's totally the same). ]

Inigo can teach you whatever moves he knows, and you two can teach each other whatever that was in Friday Night Fevers. [ Fevers, Fever. Whatever, same diff. ] Actually, count me in on movie watching. I have got to see whatever that thing was.

[ The move. But let's also see what the movie is about too, he guesses. ]

[ THANK GOD THAT WAS ONLY LIKE TWO STEPS.

Because Inigo suddenly feels hyperaware of their surroundings, so much more than a few moments ago when he was still whining and crying and jumping onto Tidus. His heart is practically pounding in his throat at this point, and he steps back to stick by Tidus's side like glue, as if the other teenage may protect him from Roland pulling him into another dance. ]

L-Let's start with the movie first!

[ Obviously not right now, the meeting will yet continue after the break! But at some other point.

Because Inigo wants to save the embarrassing part (read: the dancing) for last, obviously. ]

Yeah.. Yeah, yeah, because I'm.. I'm really curious too! [ And that's the only reason. Clearly. ]

[ He doesn't think much of Inigo hiding behind Tidus now, or the shift back to the movies. Though it does make him wonder how sensitive the issue of dancing is, if it warrants such a reaction. Nevertheless, he doesn't pry and merely nods, hands back, kept to himself and rested against his hip. ]

Sure. I'll see what the train can give me for it. Looks like a movie night's in schedule before dance lessons, then. What a full social calendar we've got going, heh.

[ He could get more than one movie too...Could the train send over a whole box set??? Let's not forget the classic camp movie, Greased! that has so many dance moves to try to learn with them! Ah, but he's getting distracted. Roland shakes his head. ]

All right. I guess I should be heading back to the thick of things. Thanks for the...Roland alert. [ Can he make that joke now? Maybe! He's smiling all the same. ]

[ is this really his life now.... being the meatshield to someone so dramatically shy...........

Apparently it is, and Tidus doesn't really react much as Inigo scuttles beside him, the very threat of a dance showing that this lesson plan, was definitely a plan in progress. One day, Inigo!

For now, they do still have a meeting to get back to, don't they? Tidus's scoff is light, a tip of his head given. ]

Just wait 'til I use a real Roland alert.

[ Got to keep everyone on their toes for the power he has now! ]

[ As long as Tidus doesn't react to being used as said meatshield, then yes, it is totally happening. It's now his official position, since Inigo already feels a tiny bit more secure already now he's by his fellow teen's side. Especially with the conversation ending for now - like he just escaped something worse. Phew. ]

I told you he couldn't be trusted with it! [ Bold words for a guy who is literally using the guy he's accusing as a meatshield right now.. But he's doing it anyway, apparently. ]

But.. right. Let's do our best for the rest of the meeting.

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We're all in this train-gether 🚂

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