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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"They really have no idea how many people woulda just talked to 'em willingly. It was a real weird sideways way to go about it, but I figure they wanted to keep us from gangin' up and it was better to control the conversation or somethin'. Still, they coulda just asked."

He shrugs, confused about it all.

"I would pay good money for some of that power protective tech if it was guaranteed to stop some mindfuckery." He can see the benefit in, definitely, even if it was a massive inconvenience for them at the time.

"So what have you been up to? Other'n preparin' for the holidays."

"Who wouldn't?" She grinned at him. "But they keep it pretty top secret and we're pretty sure the tech wouldn't work without their powers to work it. So it would be useless to me and you."

And anyone not an inspector. "Explainin' myself to the ministry, a lot." She shrugged. "About what I expected, you don't get to seal a world from the void and not get dragged in to answer for it."

She shrugged again. "But hey it meant I was here for Neran's Sleep so, there's a bright side."

"Whoooo boy I bet that was a conversation. And I'll ask ya about it in a minute but I wanted to know uh... Well, I was plannin' on havin' a little memorial for some of my crew that didn't have so nice a death. They didn't really get a proper send off back home. But as this is its own holiday here and this is your world, I don't wanna be disrespectful."

He might be disrespectful on someone else's world. Not hers, though.

She smiled at him, "It wouldn't be disrespectful. I mean... I'm not Osigan so I can't really claim to know every nuance of the culture here but tonight is a night for remembrance and everyone does there own thing. Everyone remembers differently and this grotto is full of tourists. Having a memorial for your friends back home fits with what tonight is about."

She gave a reassuring smile.

"Good to know." Well, now he's gotta arrange food stuff. But back to where he was at.

"So. How did that conversation with the Ministry go? You ain't at risk of bein' grounded permanently, are ya?"

"No, probably on some list for being a trouble maker but since when is that new." She smiles, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. It's been a tough few months.

"Hopefully should be all wrapped up here in the next week and we can get back in the void. I'm not good at being in one place for long."

"Yeah, I ain't either. Months on the train and most of our stops bein' worlds on the brink of collapse? Now, I'm not shamin' the cause and I gotta admit it helps to see 'em still standin' at the end. But I miss places like this."

He looks around. Not just the grotto but he misses worlds on at their medium. They didn't have to be idealistic. That was too much like Ego. No. Just an average world ranging from good-humor to badly-behaved.

"Remember you tellin' us evidence of some of them planets what got eaten bein' gone? You got any idea about how deep that goes?"

She nodded, sometimes it was good to just be on a world with people, no massive threats, no scouting. Just spending time for the sake of spending time.

But at his question her face turns serious again.

"Pretty deep. I found some other worlds that are gone, mostly a few void inactive ones, stories from scouting circles, they turn up to worlds on their route and there's nothing.

It's all rumour though, I've never actually met any of those claiming to tell the stories. I'm pretty sure the ministry know more than they are saying but..."

She shrugged.

"I keep wonderin' if we can come across evidence of one of those missing worlds. I asked the train about stoppin' somewhere where we could search some questionable marketplaces but she didn't wanna put us in danger. It's honestly where I turnt up some of the best stuff back home."

He sighs. Right.

"I forgot to ask her about the powers of the last crew she had. Goddammit. I had this suspicion that maybe she picked us 'cause she knew we could all influence the fates of worlds at the ages she grabbed us from? Whether it be kid or grown. But I don't even know, I've speculated so much I'm probably gonna pop somethin' an' need medical treatment if I try any harder."

She laughed. "I know how that feels. My brain feels like I am trying to split it six ways to have the room to think about everything."

But his theory was solid at least. "It might be worth asking, just because we know nothing of where they come from except a system number that doesn't exist on any of our records."

Which wasn't much of a start at all. "I could poke around shadier places, once I'm back in the void."

"The only other thing I got that might help our case is a book. I started keepin' it after we went by Erda, when I was stuck in the catacombs and came across these graves with little scrolls with life stories on 'em. I decided they was worth rememberin' if the mission failed. But then I kept it up through the missions, keepin' track of people what got their minds wiped, or the ones who got lost in Jinnjar. I was just thinkin' it was the right thing to do at the time, but it might let 'em know that the people on this train do good work, an' they're worth savin'. But I'd have to get it to ya."

He didn't think to bring that book with him when he got off the train.

"Rarity breeds value. I'm pretty sure destroyed worlds are big bank to the right people. I've been sent to enough of them by rich bastards who didn't wanna get their hands dirty."

"That was a good idea." Erda had been the first place she had met the Voidtreckers, the world that had almost fell to demons. When she had seen just what a difference they could make.

"The ministry keeps a tight grip, there is underhand dealings going on in the void but its a lot less than lets say within one system. Here any one can get hold of a rickety space craft and go off into space and do whatever they want. But it's harder to get into the void."

It was sort of a good thing in this case, because there were less places to look.

"Yeah, yeah." He says in an understanding way, not a dismissing way. "I read a lil' bit about it? Like them Void pirates an' how #392 caught a lotta hell because of 'em an' got real strict. Which... havin' been the property of a real strict culture I can see how that eventually can go real bad if you get the wrong folks talkin' loudest. But that's my unfortunate experience. But it also means the people that been doin' it also be real good at it an' real dangerous."

Which, admittedly, is exactly the kind of thing he expected. It'd take a hell of an investment to keep something like that running. "Hopefully that means they'd have the resources to keep it secret an' safe."

"You do know your void history. At least your craft has given you access to that." They weren't completely without context out of their worlds and in the void.

"The inspectors have resources, they are..." Terrifying. Honestly. If she's been frank with herself.

"Effective in what they do. But yes, before all the treaties the void was even more chaotic. Systems would invade each other through it and that led to a lot of problems."

"Force of habit. Everyone had to make purchases an' I dug through what I an' everyone else ordered. Luckily there's way too much downtime." He's a Ravager. Best to know the legalities in case he needs to save crew or kids from being arrested. So he's dug at every out he can find, hoping that if the situation presents itself, one will take.

"I admit... Now I ain't gonna raise any kind of stink 'cause I don't want anything bad happenin' to the crew," though he'd absolutely raise a stink if he was all on his own, "but I get reminded of a big Empire back home. I grew up a slave to the Kree. And I do know that justifyin' fears and prioritizin' safety over freedom ended up in them becomin'... well, the type of people that'd keep kids as slaves an' weaponize 'em. I'm hopin' the Ministry ain't the types of folks that'd just as soon throw kids' lives away to prove some kinda legal point."

She doesn't know what the Kree are but she can understand the context, a large empire, one that allowed slavery. She had been to such systems before. Justifying safety over freedom.

"I'd like to say they aren't. They are large and bureaucratic. You are going to get some that care less than others. But much of the laws are there to stop slavery and other crimes that hurt those that travel in the void."

She frowned, thoughtful.

"Could you hook up with me after this whole thing? If the train actually physically lets us board I might be able to run an' grab ya the record book I been keepin'?"

He figures if nothing else it would give people some idea of the worlds they'd helped. Of people they'd lost. "...An' maybe make a copy of it."

Because he doesn't trust a firsthand account to go missing should the worst happen. Seems a lot less did. Death read it. Maybe she'd remember everything verbatim. But that's a hell of an ask.

"I can try." She smiled at him. "I can copy it for you if you wish."

If he thought it important, she would do it.

"Yeah, I do.... I uh... I know I decided to do a memorial thing, but I was pretty much told by somebody real important to me that he wouldn't be comin' to my funeral. Hurt to know that. Just the idea of bein' forgotten, even if ya only did a little thing here an' there. Mostly it's just a book of little things here an' there but it's people that'd have been forgot forever if we didn't save their people. Or its train people just hopin' to be tethered a couple days longer."

It's the only evidence he has that what they do means something. That even the memories and culture of little people are worth saving.

"Speakin' of the memorial thing, if you wanna stop by sometime I'll toss ya a drink an' pay ya back for this. Think of it more like a big shiny wake. I gotta go pitch most of my credits towards food for it."

"That sounds painful. Did he say why?" Being forgotten was a terrible thing to think about, to have friends who would refuse to remember after death... He might have his reasons, but it was still painful.

"Of course I'll come, don't even need to buy me a drink." She smiled. "I'd be happy to."

That abruptly makes him laugh. It's a sad sort of laugh, but he does laugh. "Oh yeah, I fucked up a long time ago. I knew why. But uh... I finally fixed that fuck up so maybe he'll raise a drink to that when he finds out or somethin'."

That would be nice, to be honest. Just a small thing.

"But thank ya. I had some real loyal men. Not ever'body is good enough to stand by someone when their life is on the line and they did."

"You fixed it though, that's the important thing. Hopefully he will learn, he will know." She likes Yondu, she doesn't want to think of anyone holding anger against him, if he had put right his wrongs.

"I will be honoured to hear of them then and remember them."

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The Waking of Neran

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