In point of fact, Astra is excited. This journey, destination and mission largely unknown, intrigues her… Would she be liaising directly with the Edinbrail Company? What is it, that the military would be seeking outside volunteers for, and yet be so secretive about? Is the work itself, across the channel?
“Please, do not allow me to dash your positivity. I suspect we will need that. Just trying to manage my own expectations.”
While the lieutenant truly loves travel, she sorely wishes the locomotive had a flying bridge, where she could get some air. Smoke and steam notwithstanding, she greatly prefers being in the open, over being cooped up in a train car.
Astra permits herself a wry smile, in return. She glances down at her uniform, then back up to the elf.
”Indeed. And so I shall again, it would seem. I had been pursuing my own ambitions, outside the service… but duty calls. Whatever this is, it appears the military intends to be at least peripherally involved.”
"Interesting, huh... you're right. They seem to be needing lots of different kinds of people, with varied skills and all. I can't wait to see what our job entails."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
⌜╔═════════════The Board══════════════╗⌝
...and started me on my way into my next chapter in life...
[Sorry for the late response, will probably be slower at weekends]
The steam and smoke is the first thing you can see, a pillar of it rising up from behind the buildings. It's getting closer too. More citizen cheers can be heard, although the workers and officers around are silent, having seen the train many times before. A loud - but muffled by state of the art silencers - screech can be heard as she slows down. The train turns round the bend, and comes into view.
"Number 059, 'Elegancy.' In service since ninety eight, but upgraded for military purposes last year. She runs on kings coal, using one of the latest model 6 furnace engines, but appliances are powered by electricity. Produced and sold to the national railroad by Markinsons Ltd, one of their finest works. A favourite of the people too. She was a passenger train, but due to her revolutionary running speed, power, and efficiency, she was moved to military service. Bullet proof, double lined, used to ferry important individuals, military personnel and equipment around the city without risk of assasination or theft. She's a beauty, and right on time for her midday stop."
Grimthor takes in a deep breath as the train approaches, the vibration of engine rattles his body as he welcomes the noise. ”Unbelievable that we get to ride in this incredible machine, it is truly a marvel of engineering.” He stays near the back of the group, as he takes in every bolt of the train as it approaches, he gets a little lost in his thoughts as he imagines the steps that were taken to produce such a beast.
The doors open, and you are all led onto the train. The passenger carriage, that you all find yourselves in, has plush red velvet chairs along its walls, and big glass windows above them. The walls are half a foot thick, giving everyone a sense of security. The clerk gets on too, having been told to continue to escort you. A member of train staff stands by the door on the journey, to watch over the passengers. Other than them though, you seem to be relatively alone in this part of the train.
The whistle blows, smoke and steam begins to rise up, and the train heads off. It heads through tunnels, the best way to get through the busy city central. But after a few minutes, under a crystal blue sky, (not the one in the image lol), it comes out the other end, revealing a stunning view of the city.
Astra watches the city, as it recedes into the background. This is how all her true adventures begin, leaving the city behind, venturing into the unknown…
And then deciphering the mysteries of new places, exploring them; placing them on a map, making them known! The blue skies would typically be an auspicious start- but then, the armored plating of this particular train car is probably impervious to any weather they might reasonably expect to encounter.
As a Cartographer and Navigator, the lieutenant feels particularly useless. Indeed, her skills are currently quite unnecessary, as they roll along the fixed rails, toward their predetermined destination.
She addresses the clerk, who has been their guide, thus far: “Is there to be a briefing here, now that we are en route? If my presence is not required, at this moment, I might stretch my legs, reconnoiter the coffee situation?” Astra gestures toward the door, leading aft, to the rest of the train.
"I've been instructed to keep you in here, the passenger carriage, until we arrive. We're not heading far, just to the business district, I think you can survive without coffee for another 6 and a half minutes." He takes his glasses off for a second, staring out of the window as he polishes them. "As for a briefing, I don't have the status nor knowledge to give you one. The files aren't mine. Your briefing will most likely begin at out destination, all I know is that the skills of this party are needed for a certain operation." He puts his glasses back on. "I'm sure all will be answered soon, Lieutenant Andasca."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
Not leaving the city behind, just yet, then. This posh car, for a short jaunt across town? To maintain secrecy? To impress upon them, that they are working for the wealthy and powerful Edinbrail Company? With whom they are about to meet? Astra does not trouble the clerk with further enquiries; if he is correct, she should be finding some of her answers, shortly.
”You are quite right, thank you. I mistook this ride for a lengthier journey.”
Appraising the thick plates and glass, enclosing the passenger car, she does not find it comforting. Rather the opposite: she finds herself wondering what manner of beast, what artillery, might warrant such precautions..? Such are the thoughts that preoccupy her, for the remainder of this first, short leg of their journey.
Grimthor admires the interior of the cabin as he makes his way in. He rubs his hand along the velvet seats as it leaves a trail that varies in color. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious about his dirty clothes, he remains standing for the ride.
"Lieutenant, was it?" he addresses Astra. "Looking at the group, we seem to be quite green compared to you. How is it that you found yourself in this particular group? Do you have any inkling as to what we are headed for? He smiles nervously as he adjusts the hammer on his belt. He also slides a small flask out of his pocket and steals a sip of liquid courage.
“I have prior service, in the military, yes. But I’m sure you are all quite capable, in your respective disciplines, else you would not be here.”
”Now, how have I found myself in such splendid company, I cannot say. I only know that some answers should be coming, forthwith: we are very nearly arrived, at our first stop.”
The doors open, and you are all led onto the train. The passenger carriage, that you all find yourselves in, has plush red velvet chairs along its walls, and big glass windows above them. The walls are half a foot thick, giving everyone a sense of security. The clerk gets on too, having been told to continue to escort you. A member of train staff stands by the door on the journey, to watch over the passengers. Other than them though, you seem to be relatively alone in this part of the train.
The whistle blows, smoke and steam begins to rise up, and the train heads off. It heads through tunnels, the best way to get through the busy city central. But after a few minutes, under a crystal blue sky, (not the one in the image lol), it comes out the other end, revealing a stunning view of the city.
"This place is beautiful. I've never been to the main city," Rhoda looks out the window in awe, and then collects herself "Sorry, I get excited too easily. Is there anything you could reveal to us about our task?"
Kolbi is likewise in awe. ”This is incredible,” he murmurs. He addresses Astra. “Do you ever get used to this city? All these people, all with their own story, coexisting, each working to keep the city strong and healthy . . . it’s like some wonderful machine. It must feel fulfilling.”
Finally, the whistle blows, and the screeching of the trains breaks can be faintly heard. She arrives at your stop. Marshall station, the business district.
The Clerk fluently leads you through the busy station, full of men in suits and ragtag inventors. Like before, he somehow manages to avoid bumping into people, which seems nearly impossible for the rest of you, even if its just brushing shoulders with the odd businessman. Outside the station, there's a tram port, which connects to a network of tram lines running throughout the city. "The Edinbrail office, if you would." He says to the lady at the help desk, expecting you all to follow. He then walks onto the suggested carriage, checking his watch to make sure you're on time.
(Tram isn't as long as in the image, and the doors are more open. Image is just there to give you a rough idea)
Assuming you all stay with him (please say if you don't), the tram heads off through the district. It weaves amongst the streets, running through crowds of people without much trouble. As long as it doesn't derail, which they almost never do, people easily stay out of its way. It eventually slows down for a few seconds, allowing you to all get off. Your destination, here, the Edinbrail company.
In point of fact, Astra is excited. This journey, destination and mission largely unknown, intrigues her… Would she be liaising directly with the Edinbrail Company? What is it, that the military would be seeking outside volunteers for, and yet be so secretive about? Is the work itself, across the channel?
“Please, do not allow me to dash your positivity. I suspect we will need that. Just trying to manage my own expectations.”
While the lieutenant truly loves travel, she sorely wishes the locomotive had a flying bridge, where she could get some air. Smoke and steam notwithstanding, she greatly prefers being in the open, over being cooped up in a train car.
He smiles, relieved. "Ah, thank you." He turns towards Astra. "So, you've worked in the military before?"
⌜╔═════════════ The Board ══════════════╗⌝
...and started me on my way into my next chapter in life...
⌞╚════════════ Extended Signature ════════════╝⌟
Rhoda is looking at the train, she sees it not as a vehicle, but as an advancement in technology.
Your friendly trans bard!
She/They pronouns
The Goddess of the Strings (thanks for the title Drummer!)
Astra permits herself a wry smile, in return. She glances down at her uniform, then back up to the elf.
”Indeed. And so I shall again, it would seem. I had been pursuing my own ambitions, outside the service… but duty calls. Whatever this is, it appears the military intends to be at least peripherally involved.”
"Interesting, huh... you're right. They seem to be needing lots of different kinds of people, with varied skills and all. I can't wait to see what our job entails."
⌜╔═════════════ The Board ══════════════╗⌝
...and started me on my way into my next chapter in life...
⌞╚════════════ Extended Signature ════════════╝⌟
Grimthor takes in a deep breath as the train approaches, the vibration of engine rattles his body as he welcomes the noise. ”Unbelievable that we get to ride in this incredible machine, it is truly a marvel of engineering.” He stays near the back of the group, as he takes in every bolt of the train as it approaches, he gets a little lost in his thoughts as he imagines the steps that were taken to produce such a beast.
The doors open, and you are all led onto the train. The passenger carriage, that you all find yourselves in, has plush red velvet chairs along its walls, and big glass windows above them. The walls are half a foot thick, giving everyone a sense of security. The clerk gets on too, having been told to continue to escort you. A member of train staff stands by the door on the journey, to watch over the passengers. Other than them though, you seem to be relatively alone in this part of the train.
The whistle blows, smoke and steam begins to rise up, and the train heads off. It heads through tunnels, the best way to get through the busy city central. But after a few minutes, under a crystal blue sky, (not the one in the image lol), it comes out the other end, revealing a stunning view of the city.
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1168213252359061594/1171735052363767889/6395c868-1683.png?ex=655dc24e&is=654b4d4e&hm=33215955ed9a7bbf9820abfe36d3c0b9ff2cbcabd24c964c60f3bd6f7e8a8da4&
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
Astra watches the city, as it recedes into the background. This is how all her true adventures begin, leaving the city behind, venturing into the unknown…
And then deciphering the mysteries of new places, exploring them; placing them on a map, making them known! The blue skies would typically be an auspicious start- but then, the armored plating of this particular train car is probably impervious to any weather they might reasonably expect to encounter.
As a Cartographer and Navigator, the lieutenant feels particularly useless. Indeed, her skills are currently quite unnecessary, as they roll along the fixed rails, toward their predetermined destination.
She addresses the clerk, who has been their guide, thus far: “Is there to be a briefing here, now that we are en route? If my presence is not required, at this moment, I might stretch my legs, reconnoiter the coffee situation?” Astra gestures toward the door, leading aft, to the rest of the train.
"I've been instructed to keep you in here, the passenger carriage, until we arrive. We're not heading far, just to the business district, I think you can survive without coffee for another 6 and a half minutes." He takes his glasses off for a second, staring out of the window as he polishes them. "As for a briefing, I don't have the status nor knowledge to give you one. The files aren't mine. Your briefing will most likely begin at out destination, all I know is that the skills of this party are needed for a certain operation." He puts his glasses back on. "I'm sure all will be answered soon, Lieutenant Andasca."
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
Not leaving the city behind, just yet, then. This posh car, for a short jaunt across town? To maintain secrecy? To impress upon them, that they are working for the wealthy and powerful Edinbrail Company? With whom they are about to meet? Astra does not trouble the clerk with further enquiries; if he is correct, she should be finding some of her answers, shortly.
”You are quite right, thank you. I mistook this ride for a lengthier journey.”
Appraising the thick plates and glass, enclosing the passenger car, she does not find it comforting. Rather the opposite: she finds herself wondering what manner of beast, what artillery, might warrant such precautions..? Such are the thoughts that preoccupy her, for the remainder of this first, short leg of their journey.
Grimthor admires the interior of the cabin as he makes his way in. He rubs his hand along the velvet seats as it leaves a trail that varies in color. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious about his dirty clothes, he remains standing for the ride.
"Lieutenant, was it?" he addresses Astra. "Looking at the group, we seem to be quite green compared to you. How is it that you found yourself in this particular group? Do you have any inkling as to what we are headed for? He smiles nervously as he adjusts the hammer on his belt. He also slides a small flask out of his pocket and steals a sip of liquid courage.
“I have prior service, in the military, yes. But I’m sure you are all quite capable, in your respective disciplines, else you would not be here.”
”Now, how have I found myself in such splendid company, I cannot say. I only know that some answers should be coming, forthwith: we are very nearly arrived, at our first stop.”
Takuma gazes around, seeming pleased for the moment. He also watches through the windows, enjoying the speed at which they are traveling.
⌜╔═════════════ The Board ══════════════╗⌝
...and started me on my way into my next chapter in life...
⌞╚════════════ Extended Signature ════════════╝⌟
"This place is beautiful. I've never been to the main city," Rhoda looks out the window in awe, and then collects herself "Sorry, I get excited too easily. Is there anything you could reveal to us about our task?"
Your friendly trans bard!
She/They pronouns
The Goddess of the Strings (thanks for the title Drummer!)
Kolbi is likewise in awe. ”This is incredible,” he murmurs. He addresses Astra. “Do you ever get used to this city? All these people, all with their own story, coexisting, each working to keep the city strong and healthy . . . it’s like some wonderful machine. It must feel fulfilling.”
Terra Lubridia archive:
The Bloody Barnacle | The Gut | The Athene Crusader | The Jewel of Atlantis
Astra bites back a sharp retort, to the tortle’s naïveté, and smiles instead. “Wonderful, yes.”
Longest. six. minutes. of my life. Should’ve gotten that coffee…
An oblivious Kolbi smiles back.
Terra Lubridia archive:
The Bloody Barnacle | The Gut | The Athene Crusader | The Jewel of Atlantis
Finally, the whistle blows, and the screeching of the trains breaks can be faintly heard. She arrives at your stop. Marshall station, the business district.
The Clerk fluently leads you through the busy station, full of men in suits and ragtag inventors. Like before, he somehow manages to avoid bumping into people, which seems nearly impossible for the rest of you, even if its just brushing shoulders with the odd businessman. Outside the station, there's a tram port, which connects to a network of tram lines running throughout the city. "The Edinbrail office, if you would." He says to the lady at the help desk, expecting you all to follow. He then walks onto the suggested carriage, checking his watch to make sure you're on time.
(Tram isn't as long as in the image, and the doors are more open. Image is just there to give you a rough idea)
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1168213252359061594/1170690613004480542/0b41bea5b1e34bb4a70e40359a60c5fa.png?ex=6559f598&is=65478098&hm=201d6d1a62d256794f119e76fafe5f36fc0dfad197e1c0b0a9a93bdf0115642f&
Assuming you all stay with him (please say if you don't), the tram heads off through the district. It weaves amongst the streets, running through crowds of people without much trouble. As long as it doesn't derail, which they almost never do, people easily stay out of its way. It eventually slows down for a few seconds, allowing you to all get off. Your destination, here, the Edinbrail company.
"Here we are then."
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1168213252359061594/1173227804993785918/image.png?ex=6563308a&is=6550bb8a&hm=cef721d225385d8b678925880a5ab73b1b0b529d9d72112797b4f038175942a3&
Long live the dragon slayers, long live the spider guild, long live the forums.
I want you to know. You are going to lose. You are going to lose badly. You’re going to lose badly and it’s going to be awesome.
Rhoda looks around, and almost falls behind from distraction, but keeps up and makes it to the station,
Your friendly trans bard!
She/They pronouns
The Goddess of the Strings (thanks for the title Drummer!)
Kolbi follows the group eagerly.
Terra Lubridia archive:
The Bloody Barnacle | The Gut | The Athene Crusader | The Jewel of Atlantis