Day 19 | Video | Incoming missive

[voidtreckernpcs]

[Towards the evening of day nineteen of the month of Quicksand there is an announcement.]

Voidtreckers and Passengers of the Voidtrecker Express. We are receiving a communication attempt from the Void Ministry. Please stand by.

[The ICP screens crackle for a few moments, before it settles and a picture emerges, of a young woman sat at a desk. She looks a little bit nervous behind her professional smile.]

Greetings crew of the Voidtrecker Express. My name is Lia Nine, I am a junior minister under Commander Orlaith and she asked me to follow up on the reports that you submitted following your mission on system #5739. Thank you for those who filled them out, I know paperwork can be tedious but it does help us monitor situations.

[She moves her hands on the desk, as if she is using a computer or tablet device on her desk.]

I hope this isn't a bad time but I have around an hour if any of your crew are available to talk. There were a couple of queries your crew had so I'll go through those first.

I've got a report from a Yondu Udonta of the blue team asking about the bio fusions and what causes them. It's basically the void itself. Organic matter is not made to move through the void, that's why we have voidcraft and why anchoring takes so much mental energy. I can elaborate if anyone wants the science in more depth.

He also asked about setting your SCAs up to register Blutz waves. I've looked in my databases but can't find any energy waves called Blutz. Are they system specific?

I filled an equipment request form out on your behalf but can't promise anything. Elidibus I have also filled a book request for you for the information you seek.

Bruno Madrigal of the Blue team and Thanatos of the Red team I will happily speak to you about your requests.

Tidus I've passed your request about a communication line to the ministry on. Faux I am not sure there is anything to be concerned about regarding the alphabetical nature of the months. Most voidcraft have a simple time monitoring system that is based on what would be natural to their crew.

Faux also mentioned your craft was in need of maintenance. Do you have any details on that?

[She looked up from her tablet.] I think that's all the questions but I've got an hour if anyone has any more for me. While we're at it I wanted to ask for a report on the experiment with your tethers. We have some data from the site but I don't think anyone has actually asked you what happened yet.

[OOC: If you were planning for your character to have filled out a report for the mission and hadn't yet it is not too late. Even though Lia only has an hour IC there is no such thing as too late to this post OOCly! If you don't have time or don't wish to do an NPC thread but feel your character would say something feel free to give us a quick summary in the top level below!]

Comments

Handwaving

[voidtreckernpcs]

If you don't want to do an NPC tag but your character would give some information please feel free to give us a quick bullet pointed summery here!

pretend she has the appropriate dates because I'm big stupid.

[invigorates]

With regards to the tethering:

- Voidtreckers were given the option to return to their home worlds. Many took the offer and ultimately managed it for a time.
- Some, however, could not return and ended up hopping from one world to another or remained stationary on the platform. They could be seen from the windows of the train, as if they were flickering in and out of existence.
- During this time the train attempted to return to voidspace and could not. After numerous attempts it fell silent for [x amount of days].
- Following the train's eventual response and request for aid, those still aboard ventured out to retrieve those that were still in their home worlds or lost in the space between.
- All voidtreckers were returned successfully, though not without protest from many.
- Tethering process took a great toll on the mental, physical, and emotional health of all that attempted it. Would recommend a superior alternative if one is available, or something to handle the lethargy associated with tethering.

( she'll attach a list of names of people who 1. attempted to return home, 2. who remained on board, 3. who worked on tethering. )

[unrecovered]

[That conversation with the train from two days ago is still on his mind, and now there's an opportunity.]

I have a question: can any voidcraft captain get into the engine room - or cockpit, or bridge, or whatever they're usually called - of any voidcraft, or is it only the voidcraft they're assigned to?

[wewillwewill]

[ If there's a video feed on this conversation, Elidibus who had been passing through the area where Wash had used the ICP is seen approaching. Otherwise just the voice goes through. ]

May I join in this discussion?

[ He's probably asking both Wash and the Ministry official. But mostly Wash to be fair. He sounds quite polite. ]

a good use of Lia's hour will now ensue

[badassfreakingoverlord]

As loyal minions of the Overlord, we're not happy that our votes don't count, dood!

Just because our presence here would ridiculously weight everything in the Overlord's favor on any votes or decisions doesn't mean we don't have thoughts and feelings too, dood!

How fair is it that we can't even vote once for a sardine cannery car, dood? We haven't even tried stuffing the ballot boxes yet!

Yeah, dood, we're not even sure how to do that!

Also, can we get a rule where people have to accept our challenges to Boggle? No one accepts a proper Boggle game as a means of dispute resolution around here!

We don't have a captain, so can I be captain, dood?

perfect

[voidtreckernpcs]

Um. Hello?

[What is going on? Who are these creatures? Of course she knows many different peoples crew this voidcraft. But she's never met whatever species these... penguins are.]

Why do your votes not count? Is there a voting process on your voidcraft. Has someone taken power- you mentioned an overlord. Are you being mistreated? [She might be quickly searching the correct form for this on her tablet as she speaks.]

I would imagine any rules would have to be discussed by your crew.

[blue_ice]

I'd like to hear more about the science of voidcraft and anchoring, if you have time between the other urgent matters. Are we putting ourselves at significant risk each time we anchor, as it keeps coming up?

[voidtreckernpcs]

Ah yes you have taken on a lot of anchoring. I don't think you are at significant risk, though probably more so than others. Especially since you aren't trained.

Was there something specific you wanted to know about it or shall I just give an overview. I don't really know what you already know.

[persona_non_ratta]

[La Nine will be greeted by someone whose smile is much more obviously nervous as Bruno offers a little wave.]

Hola, Señora Nine. I'm Bruno Madrigal. I was told when I first ended up here that the ministry might have a way to contact my family back home and let them know I'm OK? I'm sure they're all probably worried... I mean, who wouldn't be, under the circumstances, you know?

So I guess... what would you need me to do to be able to do that? I'll do whatever I can to help.

[He's not gonna run off and leave his familia again if he can help it.]

[voidtreckernpcs]

Greetings Bruno Madrigal. [Finally a name, considering how many of these voidtreckers have burst in with questions and no introductions.]

That is... theoretically possible. It might take us a while to find them though. Do you have a system number? Coordinates for whereabouts in your system your family live would be useful too but failing that then just any information you have.

[rolltoavoidpossession]

[Hey, it's Ryou about to say something potentially alarming about his life!]

Hey, is it possible to tell if I'm tethered to my world? When I was brought here, I was...

[He takes a moment to think about what happened.]

...There were these two people who wanted to 'erase' me. I think they did, but I'm not sure since I was brought to the train when it was happening.

[blue_ice]

...mm, I should definitely ask the same question. I was in-between too, but that was my choice.

But if the worst happened, I'm not going to leave you stranded.

[10billionpercent]

[ This is interesting. He definitely has an hour. ]

Yondu Udonta is no longer on board. Unfortunately I don't know what the Blutz waves are, I would guess they are world-specific to him.

I, for one, would like to hear the science please.

[ He'll start there, but he has many questions and an hour may be a gift. ]

[renegadeprince]

[Yondu, Vegeta hadn't known you had done this...]

No, those are world-specific for me. [Vegeta spoke up to clear it up. He hadn't considered it something to be measured or reported on before, but it would be incredible valuable to have. And the fact Yondu had considered it for him.]

Blutz waves are an energy source emitted by large celestial bodies when they reflects rays of sunlight, in particular a full moon. I would need to be informed upon a stop which meets or exceeds 17 million zenos as to, [Ughh... he hates to admit this but... he needs to know this.] Not have a repeat of the last mission.

[notquitedracula]

Admittedly I haven't been here very long, but I do have a question. Is it possible to create and maintain pocket dimensions within the train? For example, a fairly small 'room' in which an experimental laboratory, ritual space, or other potentially dangerous functions could be carried out? I don't know if anyone aboard has the ability to do so, but it could prove extraordinarily useful for some of us if this can be done safely.

On another note, is it possible to send us a shipment of raw materials? Things like metal ingots, lumber, and the like? As well as tools with which to work those materials? I admit a fully-stocked workshop is a tall order, but surely basic tools should be within reason?

[voidtreckernpcs]

There are always risks inherent to opening pocket dimensions within the void but your voidcraft is well built and should be able to keep such risks to a minimum. It is possible though, as long as someone has such an ability.

I can put in a material request for you. [She brings up the form on her tablet even as she is speaking to him.] Though I believe from reports that your voidcraft has its own material requisitioning system.

[dyingpro]

[Zagreus pops onto the feed here.]

We lost twenty passengers last platform, bringing our grand total to one hundred and five. I knew some of them, Aziraphale and Crowley and Rich mostly, but I'd also met with Kyoko and Raven and Yondu in the past. I also know Soldat, and Gen, and Malekith, and Mito from acquaintances.

Is it possible to locate the coordinates of our last stop, and take a look? See if you can locate any trace of them, or how to make sure they all aren't floating through the endless expanse right now? I know you're still investigating the whole Tethering... thing we have going on with Voidy, but maybe you could learn something from there. I believe Thanatos left a list of all the passengers' names that departed on the platform itself, so if any of the names I've mentioned are on there, then that's where we last were.

[voidtreckernpcs]

Thank you for your updated numbers. I am sorry that more of your crew have been lost. We know that it's a cause for concern for you all obviously. We are trying to figure it out.

Do you know the platform tag? We've found some of your messages and lists in the past but always just by stumbling upon them. If you know the tag we can go to that platform.

[She pauses as she looks something up.] I don't see those names on the list we have already. So it might be that no one has found your latest package yet.

Video

[controlsthedie]

[ Hey, Lia Nine. Here is someone who values doing one's job. ]

I am Thanatos of the Red Team and Death Incarnate. I previously spoke with Ten-Nank about the state of my world, and they were helpful in seeing that the Ministry made contact. I'd appreciate any updates following the VoidCraft's attempt to send some of us home.

Yondu is... no longer among us, but I have started leaving a record of who arrives and who leaves at the platform as he did. What other information would be helpful, and is there a format I need to adopt?

[ Yep. This one knows how to do the parchmentwork if he's asking if the Void Ministry has a form they want him to use. ]

[unrecovered]

[Surprised, unhelpful, but curious:]

Wait, are you volunteering to do paperwork?

[sizedoesntmatter]

[If Yugi was being honest this question has been bugging him for a very long time at this point. But he knew to feel at least somewhat better about it he had to ask.]

I know that people who die on the train end up with a little symbol because of it. Is there a reason for this exactly? Is there something that can happen so it needs to be tracked, or am I just being paranoid about the whole thing?

[Yep... Yugi has been bugged about that for a while now.]

[voidtreckernpcs]

It will be a way of tracking on your voidcrafts system. Not sure why it would be public, perhaps it's a hangover from before, whatever the craft was used for them. I suppose on large craft it's important for leaders to know who to keep an eye on.

It can affect your tether if you need to be revived by the tether system too often. With your odd tethers there could be dangers, but more data would be needed.

[A pause before she adds quickly.] That's not to say you should gather data on it. It's not wise for any of you to die.

video

[blitzcheer]

Uh, hey. I'm Tidus! [ Hand going up in greeting? Hand going up. ] Thanks for answering everyone's questions so far.

What kind of info do you wanna know about the attempt?

Re: video

[voidtreckernpcs]

Hello Tidus. You're welcome. I wasn't expecting quite so many but... Hopefully I am shedding some light on things.

We don't really have any idea what happened really. Just that your tethers were everywhere and your craft had attempted to return you to your worlds. We know the affects of what happened, just not how things were on your end.

[tactlesstantei]

Oh, hello! My name's Masumi. [She smiles, briefly, before getting down to business.]

I don't know how much you know about this, but the train has a habit of asking us to find her missing crew whenever the topic comes up. As in, when it comes up the train tells us to, quote, 'FIND THEM. FIND THEM.'

[Yes, she does try to imitate the AI voice as best she can. Not a great impression, but it hopefully gets the point across.]

I know that she's a probably traumatized AI, but it's kind of weird and it came up again a few days ago when the train answered some questions for us.

[Masumi's worried about the train.]

[voidtreckernpcs]

Hello Masumi, it's nice to meet you.

Oh. That sounds worrying. Does it happen every time the crew are mentioned? We have... Let me find the notes on the trains history.

[She knows it, she does. But she wants to be sure and she has all the reports and notes here!]

[truesmiles]

This might seem like a rather odd thing to want to know, but considering the tethering and all when it comes to certain people and only being able to eat certain things. How were people able to find that out and be able to provide it?

More so I have to ask how you are able to get at least what I need? I am very concerned because of that.

[voidtreckernpcs]

Do you mean allergies and food limitations?

[She's doing her best. But she looks a bit confused on this one.]

[mynameisallen]

[Allen knew that Tidus would want him to take this chance as a way to at least get to know certain situations or things he might be wondering. Even if he isn't 100% on board with trusting them just yet for reasons.]

So... Um... I need to know a couple of things in part about my home world. Not the place I was last on and was brought from.

[He has been to many worlds, so he felt the need to at least state as such.]

Last I remember that world was lost and I need to know if perhaps it was saved or not. I also need to get an understanding about people who are tethered but whose body doesn't hold one person, but two. If one person goes, does the one left behind get to take the body over and do what they want?

not here

[blitzcheer]

[ ]

voice

[redprayer]

Hello, Minister Lia Nine. This is Rezo Greywords, of the Red Team. I was recently recruited by the train, about three weeks ago, so I apologize if some of my questions seem redundant or rudimentary to you. I’m afraid I am still trying to catch up on how everything works.

I suppose the first thing I’ve been wondering about is if the Void Ministry is aware that the Void Trecker Express has been reviving the dead. I’m not referring just to the tethering system, but to those who were dead on the worlds they were originally anchored to. Is this normally possible?

Re: voice

[voidtreckernpcs]

Hello Rezo Greywords of the Red Team. I am sorry you have been dragged into this so recently. Hopefully you have settled alright.

I heard about that, I mean it's in the reports. It is something that is theoretically possible. There are end of life voidcraft that allow the dying a final journey. However to take a person from the very point of death, that would be very difficult. The worry would be that the process would end their life before they were fully tethered.

[jingyeets]

( cupped hands, and a bow of his head, because he's well mannered even if he's also liable to bluntly tell you how he feels, 9 times out of 10. )

Lan Jingyi of Gusu Lan pays respects to Junior Minister Lia Nine.

( and his hands fall back out of the way as it is, his frown made more evident. )

You wanted a report on that tether bullshit that happened?

[voidtreckernpcs]

My respects in return Lan Jingyi of Gusu Lan.

[She hid a smirk at his language.]

If you would be so kind.

[motherofresistance]

Hello, Ms. Nine. I'm Leia Organa. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with us like this; I worked in government for much of my life back home, so I know how difficult it can be to find an hour, even on a good day.

I'd be happy to provide additional information on the untethering experiment, though I'd only be able to provide my own subjective viewpoint, and a bit of what I discussed with others during that time. We don't currently have a way of directly monitoring the train's systems or accessing its sensor logs to provide more objective information.

[voidtreckernpcs]

Indeed. I'm glad for it though, it's more exciting than typing up reports.

[She smiles.] Your own experiences are what we are wanting. We've been able to gather detail from the platform but having your eye witness reports is important in figuring out what happened.

[thepriceforalife]

Hello, Minister Nine. Is that the correct form of address?

My name is Thomas Price, originally of Earth. I'm afraid my own knowledge of inter-dimensional travel is mostly self-taught, so I can't offer a system number for either my dimension of origin or the one I was removed from. Our Earth, or at least the human population, was not knowledgeable on purposeful dimensional travel.

And I arrived after this 'tethering experiment', but I would be interested in whatever recommendations of education and further reading you could provide. I have access to whatever other passengers have gathered via ordering from the book catalog on the train, but actually having an organized curriculum would be preferred.

[Of course, the fact that none of their bodies were here meant he didn't think they could request an evacuation of the dimension he came from from the Void Ministry. But if he could bring resources in, or gather information on other methods, it would help.]

[He'd also have to direct information as to how much this Void Ministry could be trusted. Organizations had their own agendas, which may or may not coincide with his own goals.]

[voidtreckernpcs]

Yes that's correct or you can call me Lia if you wish. It is nice to meet you Thomas Price of Earth. It depends what you are looking to learn. It's hard to know what to even recommend at all.

Have you read anything aleady?

[gathersnomoss]

What do you want to know about the tether thing?

[voidtreckernpcs]

We are just looking for some first hand accounts. What happened?

[mtsilver_conquor]

I've a question. Not sure if you can answer it though, given it'd be pretty world-specific.

Is there a reason pokemon -monsters from my world with some interesting biology- aren't capable of growing stronger than they are now? I can give you more details if you need; I've got at least a decade of tracked data across a number of species with me.

As for the tethers... It wouldn't be wise if anyone from the void Ministry went to my world.

[voidtreckernpcs]

Hello. I'm sorry, I don't actually know what what a pokemon is. But I'm not sure why a creature wouldn't grow.

[weifinder]

Well met, Junior Minister Lia Nine. This one is Wei Wuxian, of Yunmeng Jiang, when my brother's feeling tolerant.

( here he offers a hint of a smile. )

I can offer another perspective from onboard the voidcraft during the time you're mentioning, that experiment with our tethers, ah? Or what anchoring and retrieval we did after. I... am curious, however, about any resources you might have to offer our... voidcraft? For its concerns... its rather overwhelming concerns over its prior, properly trained, currently missing crew. It, ah. Doesn't react... calmly, when the topic of them arises, and Voidtrecker Express, while I know you're listening, you also know that's true!

[voidtreckernpcs]

It is nice to meet you Wei Wuxian of Yummeng Jiang.

Yes another of your crew mentioned that. It seems there is an event of great trauma concerning them. Voidcraft for all many think of them as... machines... are more complicated than that. If that crew suffered a large trauma before they were lost it is likely that was absorbed by your voidcraft and has caused damage.

/Comes in late with Starbucks

[hotheadwarmheart]

Hey there. My name's Lea. Should I call you 'Minister' or, just call you by name?

[Most 'government' types he'd spoken to- most of them royals- tended to be fairly chill regarding titles, but one never knew.]

Anyway, sorry I never got around to filling out a mission report; paperwork has never been my strong suit you know? But since you wanted to know more about that whole untethering mess, I can try and provide you with a bit of information there. And maybe in the process get a question I have about it answered too.

Re: /Comes in late with Starbucks

[voidtreckernpcs]

Lia is fine. No need for formalities. I'm happy to hear your report about the tethering experiment and to answer any questions you have. Though I may not know the answer.

Sorry for the super late in

[najaran]

"Can you tell me more about the SCA thing?" [Najran asked, rubbing her conspicuously bare wrist. She had questions about food too... but.... yeah. SCA first.]

Re: Sorry for the super late in

[voidtreckernpcs]

I'll do my best. [She smiled gently.] What is it about the SCA that you wish to know?

[guru_clef]

"Hello, I am Clef, Guru of Ceiphro and Ascended of Naut. I do not suppose that there is a lexicon or list that you are aware of that I can use to research topics that have available books, rather than guessing based upon keywords? It would be advantageous to everyone on the train if we had some proper idea of what we are actually purchasing."

[A beat.]

[Oh. Right. Manners.]

"Thank you."

[voidtreckernpcs]

What topics are you wanting to research?