middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

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Nozomi chuckled as those purple eyes of hers sparkled. Asking Kairi this was a big gamble and she knew she could be rejected by it.

“I know the feeling. I’m sure I’m gonna be nagged over leaving to stay with you by one of my roommates, but…” she smiled. Hera treated her like a daughter and she knows she’ll worry.

“Thank you, Kairi. It means a lot.”

There's a hum, some recognition of that tone, that kind of complaint. "No great tools? What kinda stuff do you usually work with? Might be some junk outside the lab, like - computer parts?"

Didn't he still have a few of those? ...if that would even mean anything for this guy. But maybe Senku had some bits and bobs. That guy always had bits and bobs on him. Plus, there was the metal they gathered from Bird Danger Zone.

"What do you want to make?"

"Guess I fit right in then," she teased back. "Heaven knows I'm a bit messed up too."

Nell looked up at the man next to her. She didn't even know how to express her gratitude for Yondu, for a man who wasn't out to get or take anything from her and had only offered her kindness.

"I wish I could show you Soulwood," she said finally. "I think you'un might just be able to hear the land a little bit like I do. And I think it would like you very much."

There's noises that sound something like "yeahsurefineyeahyeah," or might just be the sounds of a guy in misery. One or the other. Whatever that is, there's a slow, slow, slow rise that follows it, limbs dragged into place to help Tidus to slowly heave himself back up.

Oh so slowly. He finally stands at some point, though with gravity doing its best to try and drag him back down, every piece of him hanging like tassels. Tidus keeps there, until there's a twitch of movement that turns out to be a shuffling step. And another.

"I'ma," he starts, as breathless as he had been on the floor, "--I'ma find somewhere to forget 'bout this."

Or die. Again, one or the other.

"I never got to go much of anywhere back home," Nell admitted, "so I have to say that I every much enjoy this part of being swept away by the train. I guess they're right about there being some good in most everything if you just look hard enough."

"I still carry your knife with me, by the way," she added. "Makes me feel a mite safer and is very handy for cutting things as well."

"Oh my gosh!" Nell finally managed through her laughter "I can't remember when I ever had this much fun. I don't believe I ever have! Oh thank you, Romeo!"

She twirled him off his feet again. "Shall we keep dancing or do you want a break to get some water and maybe a bite to eat to keep up our strength?"

"You're right!" Nell waved someone over and ordered the special and whatever they recommended as especially delicious. "Might as well try everything we can."

She sat back and smiled at Madoka. "I haven't seen you'un in a while. How have you been?"

Dancing was definitely frowned upon in God's Cloud of Glory church, but Nell didn't see anything wrong with it. Especially not when it brought such joy to everyone.

"I'd like it too," Nell agreed. "Dancing and happiness like all this? Makes me feel all light and bubbly. It's the best part of having to be on the train - getting to see and do stuff like that."

"I always think of those left behind, fondly." Senku clarified. "I'm not mourning them because they're alive, and I trust they're doing well. The longer I'm gone, the more I'm concerned, to a point." He sighed at that.

"There are a lot of things I was responsible for and I'm not entirely sure how they would react if they found my non-traveling self. I suspect things might have become delayed." He didn't even mean for sentimental reasons.

"But these kinds of things make me think of my dad, since he's gone and I won't see him again."

Gen followed after and bowed his head a little in greeting before offering his hand to shake. Best to attempt to cover all bases. Was there any cultural standard for greetings among alien worlds? He doubted it.

"I am Asagiri Gen, Senku-chan's husband. It's a pleasure meeting you," Gen gave him a charming smile. "We've been looking for an opportunity to speak to someone like you, so I wanted to thank you for being here."

"Ugh." Senku made a noise of distaste. "The mourning, I suppose. I could do without the ceremony, the majority of the time."

He sighed. "I'm sure there's some kind of limitation to who the train can bring back but even if there was someone I wanted to see, hoping for that seems like as much a waste of time."

"I've known a lot of people like that, who didn't get to travel much." Senku said. "Although since everything happened, I've been dragging them all over the place." He snickered.

"Can't claim that anymore." Their plans, as well, were going to lead to one hell of a trip when he got back..if he got back.

"That's the kind of thing my dad would say." He commented. "He was annoying like that." His tone was more fond than annoyed though.

"I'm glad. I think everyone should have one, they're incredibly useful. It's not the best for self-defense, but it's not nothing." Senku agreed. "But mostly, it's really annoying when you need to cut something and don't have anything on you."

"Well.." Senku chuckled a little bit. "Even I can appreciate something objectively aesthetically pleasing. There are a lot of places that are very picturesque and wondrous to admire. I just usually have other things to do."

She laughed at his comment about his dad saying stuff like that. "Guess that I just had to spend so much time looking for the bright side that it's become a habit."

"Knives are incredibly useful whatever they're for," Nell said, "so I thank you again for mine."

They will need to walk deeper into the room before there's anyone to offer their hands to, the representative seated in one of the low reclining chairs that would rock or shift if in use of someone who actually moved.

But even when they do move, a shift of their head that faces towards an open curtain to the blue glow of the night sky, the rest of their body doesn't stir. Gaze...close to upon them both, the the offered hands.

"Yes," is all they say at first, and then make the same motion with one of their hands: ball-jointed, metal smooth.

"I am called Ten-Nank. I don't know which greeting you're making, so I will be copying the two of you." Their voice is low, like an exhale, of someone just interrupted from some other tasks. "Ask your questions. But if it's a repeat of what the meeting was, wait for the next one."

"If you ask me, I think he just enjoyed torturing me with his nonsense." Senku snorted, more amused than anything.

"Don't mention it. I don't have a lot of projects on my plate right now, so if you need something else, let me know. I can't stand doing nothing."

"Fascinating as our case is..." Senku responded, which was what the meetings were about as he understood.

"I actually have a need and desire for more general information about the Ministry."

He shook their hand, although it was brief and he crossed his arms slightly. "We're completely ignorant to your function, actually, by design."

Fascinating. Gen tilted his head just slightly. But of course - this was someone who was incredibly used to people from a variety of worlds. More than they were, even from all of their time on the train.

Gen nodded to confirm with Senku, tucking his hands into his sleeves. "Given your importance to the network of worlds in existence, this seems like a grave oversight. I'd presume that most people who travel through the void are aware of your role to keep order."

"Fathers can be like that," Nell said with a smile. It faded a bit when she thought of her father. It had been so long since she'd seen him. And he'd been willing to give her away to the Colonel to be one of his wives. But this wasn't the time to think of that so she shook her head and put her smile back on.

"What sort of things can you make?" she asked.

"Mine was really embarrassing. He's still tormenting me from beyond the grave." Senku snorted a little bit.

"Provided I can get the materials, just about anything." Senku said with a bit of a hum. "I studied a lot of science, and my practical experience has increased significantly in the last few years. My biggest project was designing and building a ship to travel to North America. Ah, if your place isn't like mine, there's a vast ocean between my country and the United States. I've made various medications, different kinds of food, a hydro electric plant..." He shook his head.

"Yeah, I could only talk her down to the whole romantic part. I didn't know the extent of it, but I ain't stupid enough to think a good-lookin' man whose been single as long as you wouldn't have a solid reason for it, an' I knew it weren't some kinda... I dunno, you bein' some kinda secret asshole."

He almost says that he's a public asshole, just in a desperate plea to not make the situation more awkward. But then he's cornered on asking and- well, Yondu's a coward. He doesn't want to say that he's a coward. He can laugh in the face of gods. Any man threatening him he can stand up to unwaveringly. But the problem is he likes Tobirama, and he was mortified that the idea of asking would just label him as someone with only an interest. Losing a friend that came to mean that much to him in a short period of time horrified him.

But that wasn't what he'd wanted. He like his company. He liked having someone he could settle down beside of and talk to at any time or having someone he could settle down and be quiet by. Or someone he could gently rib. And he liked that it just happened immediately and it was just a mix of personalities. He'd never felt the class divide that sometimes wells up and creates a moat between him and someone else. The idea of asking had been increasingly mortifying, so as he'd thought earlier- he fully intended to lie somehow and say the answer was no. At worst he might have asked him to this wedding that was apparently happening now, as a friend, but now the pressure there would be accidentally too tense, the situation too suggestive of intentions.

This had to be an incredibly frustrating thing for the other man as it was much more a minor frustration for Yondu. He'd purposefully avoided asking more than about his sister-in-law's family life and this Madara bastard, but he'd still been warned of some dark secrets. They hadn't made a difference to Yondu, but they had to Tobirama. Damage had been done, even if he'd done his best.

But, well, in for a penny, in for a pound. "Would ya go out with me? Just as a get-to-know ya thing. Not that there's many places to go on the damn train but I could order some food if you had somethin' you liked in particular an' ain't had in a while an' dig up somethin' in the music car. Or in the cinema car but I don't even know how you'd feel about a movie." He's never been on a date so he thinks those are how they work. "No expectations? Just talkin'?"

Edited 2021-12-23 18:03 (UTC)

Leaving the hand out for a while longer, though not showing any further appearances of expecting anything, it's a few seconds before the arm is lowered, hand keeping its shape.

"Yes - those who aren't taken from void inactive systems. The function of the Ministry is to ensure that the laws and regulations set for the void are followed: travel, crime, and relief are the major areas covered by us. There are many arms of the Ministry, a department for this, that."

They pause, movement not one of their habits apparently, unless prompted.

"If you want an overview of the Ministry, I'm creating a reader for passengers. I'll include a file."

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss," Nell said. "My father and I, well, we haven't talked for a long time, but at least I know he's there."

She considered for a moment. "What about making a structure for my plants? I could use some more room - vertically - for plants and such in the garden. For a place to start new plants or for smaller ones that need a little extra care."

"Thanks. He died while I was petrified. He lived a full life so..." He shrugged a little bit. It was good. The fact he missed him was not really a factor in that.

"A vertical planter? Shouldn't be too difficult. Not sure I have much wood left though, I'll have to check, and if not, I'll have to get some." Senku mused thoughtfully. "Haven't been to a place where I can get away with chopping down a tree in awhile."

The train was probably on to him.

"That would be incredibly helpful to us. What are these laws we're supposedly breaking?" Senku asked in a speculatively tone.

"We've been told we're from worlds that are not void-active. How do worlds become void-active?"

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The Waking of Neran

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