adregem | 000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

[ His toast is halfway towards the bite when Roland pauses. The said food item is then, set back down on his plate. What a way to engage his thought process so immediately! ]

Hm. I haven't been doing it recently, actually. But I...doubt such an effort led to the train finally allowing us some questions.

[ Which is to say, who knows who else left comments on the terminal after his disappeared into the wind? But then something else occurs to him, something that draws a look of mild irritation on a face that begets none of the stress that should come with a twenty-year-old shell of a body. Roland comes in for the kill, eating his toast in one bite, swallowing just as fast while his hands dust off crumbs in claps. ]

Besides. If the train really was listening to me, then it'd reveal the metrics of its points system. Did you hear what it said about how we got points? Utterly useless. Of course you award people points for working for you, but to what extent will we receive a particular amount for the work done?

[ He tries for more coffee, but sees he's already emptied his mug...so he just shakes his head. ]

Maybe I will let this train hear it from me. Give it another piece of my mind. [ HMPH!!! Hoodies for work, please!!! ]

[ Whoa, look at Roland go! Tidus wasn't expecting to excite that kind of ire in the man with such a simple question. Maybe a little grumbling, but Roland looked - or sounded - ready to write a strongly-worded letter to the train's boss.

It's mildly impressive, but also a little funny too. The question session had been neither of those things, but this might be the first time he's been able to think about it less... annoyed. ]

I wonder if anyone asked it for another session? [ Would anyone want another session? Well... ] We didn't get a lot of time to think about our questions or know what everyone was saying. You hear about Nita's thing too?

[ There was quite a few things there to catch up on. Though, hopefully better heads than his were thinking about everything.

Oh man, what did he even know about what people asked, now that he's thinking about it? ]

That's true. We rarely get any warning for things happening on the train, really. It sure keeps us on our toes, but...I can't say I care much for it.

[ Since there's nothing else to nibble on his plate...he does the cheeky thing and casually pokes his fork at a tomato on Tidus's own idle pile and eats it promptly. This he does so smoothly, it might barely register that he's now eating off of someone else's plate. Nevermind that he made sure to take the tomato that's farthest away from the avocados as possible. ]

Remind me about it. I was a little preoccupied during the Q&A.

[ Sssh, he was actually trying to drown things out with a movie but that's not for Roland to disclose. ]

[ Compare, the two things they have on their plates: Roland's mostly visibly empty, and Tidus's with the scraps of pepper, egg, and avocado. But also, Tidus has been forgoing his wonderful chopping technique of a fork to just using his hand to hold up the toasted bread, which obscures some of the view below, that -

not only does it blind Tidus from really seeing what's being popped into Roland's mouth until it's there, but also - Would Roland seriously nick food off his plate?

No, of course not. He never would, or so Tidus assumes, so for the second his brow dips and thinks about that flash of red he saw... ]

She wanted to try making a better line to talking to the train. [ Tidus explains, instead of realising the crime that's been committed. ] Kind of like strengthening a signal? Since the train doesn't have a lot of power, apparently. Don't know how it went though - been meaning to ask her, but I figured she'd say something today about it.

[ Live with the shame, Roland. Nicking food from a guy's plate! ]

[ Live with the shame??? What shame??? Watch - or not - as he casually goes in for the second kill, his fork piercing through another wayside tomato...! Will Roland get caught this time around, no matter how nonchalant he is about stealing from Tidus's plate?! Stay tuned for the next episode - ]

Hm. I guess the train's no powerhouse if it's kidnapping 'heroes' [ Forgive the slight disdain that colors his voice. ] and using them as battery packs without their permission. But if she wants to talk to this...thing, or its conductor, then by all means. I'm not feeling too optimistic, though.

[ He leans on his elbows, looking ahead, straight-faced. ] If the train wanted to talk to us, it would do so when it felt the need. That much was obvious.

[ Though he is curious about what Nita would ask. And if she might allow others to speak too, if it ever succeeded. Alas. ]

--Hey!

[ SCREW THE REST OF THE TAG, YOU BET ROLAND'S ASS IS GETTING CAUGHT. Tidus's toast coming down and a swift glance taken between their two plates - the one without a speck of red, the one losing all of its! Except there's bits of egg rolling off from his toast with its abrupt drop. ]

Who nicks another guy's food?! Aren't you sixty? Act like it!

[ What he means is, act like the fancy schmancy politician you are, you dweeb! ]

[ SCREW TAG ORDER TOO, look at him staring at Tidus with a lift in his brow, though his face remains as neutral as ever. The fork remains in mid-air for a second, before the poor remains of the tomatoes he tried to eat are licked clean off of the utensil. ]

[ Blink blink blink!!!! ]

You don't wanna share?

[ You think being called the wrong age is gonna poke at him? Wrong again, he's so used to it that that's not even the issue anymore! ]

Get your own! [ Pah! ] At least ask. And after you complained about my food!

[ Tidus is complaining a lot, but for those complaints, his toast is settled down and - with fork and knife used and in their proper place - cuts a dent into it, slides it over on his plate Roland's way. ]

There's the green stuff under the eggs. [ The dreaded avocado. Anyway. ]

I think what Nita's thinking, is it takes power for the train to talk? We didn't get a carriage or voting for it. [ Actually, they got a holiday instead... for a day. ] Taiki was saying the other day too how we get all our stuff on a platform stop. Maybe it charges up on platform days and that's why it can get all the new stuff in.

[ Or something. Was that what he was talking about? Roland's really distracted him by being a thief!! ]

Hey. [ Watch what he takes offense to, or mockingly does, the face he makes too familiar at this point. ] I didn't complain! I swear. I just wanted to ask if it was a combination that worked with avocados!

[ But apart from that, let him just slide his fork subtly closer to the offering, cutting into it and trying out the 'green stuff' and the eggs with a small bite, dainty for someone so stiff. There's another face to made but it's what he says that counts, really. ] Sorry. Can I have a tomato?

[ Asking!!! ]

Hm. That's an interesting conjecture, actually. That might be the reason why we're always returned to our beds every time we fall asleep in a place that isn't where we're assigned. It could be another way to keep its energy reserved.

[ They're really starting to sound like battery packs over here...Which is a thought Roland doesn't want to totally entertain or be convinced of. ]

Then again, I don't think it's a common occurrence for any void craft to speak at all. We just don't know how special the Voidtrecker Express is, compared to void crafts created elsewhere.

[ Unless the good Captain's Voidflash had a talkie box that liked to ask them what carriage she wanted next, and she just forgot to mention. But he highly doubts it.

Did Roland get his tomato slice from Tidus, the food master? He hopes so, because he'd rather nibble on that, the eggs, and the toast, carefully leaving green behind on his plate...Sssssh. ]

[ Tidus is close to rolling his eyes, but he doesn't quite make it as he sighs, knocks off the slice of tomato from his toast left. ]

There you go, since you asked.

[ It would sound more mocking if Tidus didn't sound whiny about it still. Now take the tomatoes and let him eat in peace! ]

Speaking just means it's some kind of program, don't it? Like a... you know, like Webmind was. But not as cool or with all the stuff he knows. A really basic Webmind. [ He's picked up his toast again, getting ready to take a bite. ]

You got those AI thingies that ask you what you want and help you through questions and orders in shops where you're from? Like that.

[ Annnd chomp. ]

Hey, thanks.

[ He sounds way too cheerful for someone who just got scolded (?) for stealing food, not even minding the edge of sarcasm that comes through late. The food is deposited into his mouth quickly, chewing done promptly so he can speak again. ]

Yeah, AI's a big thing back home. They even had names to them, like they were actual people. The one on my phone's called Miri. [ Gotta avoid those law suits, ya know! Off-brand baybee. Roland wipes the corner of his mouth while shaking his head. ] But the train...doesn't quite sound like that either. I don't know how to explain it. It's more...hm. It has a sense of personality but it has no way of expressing it. It can only function as a void craft. Does that make sense?

[ If only he's more eloquent about the technicalities of his conjectures. But he'll field the question to Tidus anyway, glancing to the side with an empty plate. He ate way too fast, but thankfully, he's not one to eat until he's to the bursting so he stops begging for Tidus's scraps. For now! ]

I don't know, [ Tidus says warily, but mostly stumped. Sucking off from his thumb a piece of sauce that caught it. ] Now you're getting too technological for me. I never played any attention.

[ It was there, it functioned, and that was Tidus's relationship with that level of technology. There's bits and pieces left on his plate, but he otherwise takes a hold of his tray with a 'I'm done!' and stands up. ]

You want anything else out of the kitchen?

[ A small pause from the subject of their conversation, but it can easily be picked back up. ]

No. That's it for me. We shouldn't be too full anyway, if we're training.

[ But he follows suit and takes his own plate and mug. Purple's chores aside, it seems Roland's taken to cleaning up as he goes no matter what the train assigns. So his direction is straight to the sinks; a familiar sight to both of them. ]

I can wash these while you warm up first, if you want. I don't mind. [ A small smile as he reaches for his plate. ] Let's call it even for stealing from your breakfast. Heh.

Do you like washing up that much?

[ Really, Tidus was about to stick his plate with the stack that's been left for cleaning up later, along with the utensils and trays. But the fact Roland seems keen to take his plate for him stops that, but not the raised brow Tidus gives him. ]

Leave it to the team with the chore! ... ...

...

... That isn't us, is it?

[ The plate is in limbo, but he retracts his hand and rests it against the side of his hip. Regardless of the hesitation from Tidus, Roland is all smiles anyway. ]

Nope. It's not us. Kitchen duties are on Blue this month. But - [ He reaches for the plate again, palms up. ] It's still good practice to clean as you go, regardless of whose job it is. I'm sure they won't miss two dirty plates in their audit, heh.

[ Siiiiigh, handing it over! And he does sigh too. ]

You're way too serious. Doesn't it make sense to leave it to the people cleaning the other plates? They'll get them done all at once.

Well, it's your life.

[ Which is to say, he thinks it's fussy, but he isn't arguing that hard about it. Roland going to Roland, and all. He's only a rebel if it's going against him! ]

Me? Serious? Wow. Haven't heard that in a while.

[ The wryness of his statement is colored by amusement. The plates are gathered in one sturdy grip and gently set aside on the sink, the sound of running water already following. He's efficient despite it all, okay! Already getting to work, suds in his hands, scrubbing on the way. Eggs on plates, honestly! ]

I just want to make things a little easier for whoever's in charge today. Heh. Two dishes off their...plate. If you would. [ Relax Roland, Tidus might bust a gut from laughter. ] Besides, I'm almost done. See?

[ One plate done, second plate to go. Thanks for attending Roland's TED talk on shared responsibility! ]

[ Tidus groans, short and dying, but it's there as his feet carry him a few steps away from Roland and the dad joke he's trying to inflict on him. Why does he hang out with this guy!! It has to be pity!! ]

You're a valued member of our community, [ Tidus dryly remarks, and he finally recovers from the damage taken from one bad joke by straightening back up his shoulders. Voice returning to normal as he urges, ] Hurry up so we can get going!

[ Standing here like this is so not fun, okay! Tidus gotta go!!! ]

[ He tries not to make his chuckle evident, finally finished with the quick rinse of the plate. But the mood is joking, so he'll do one better by slowly reaching out for the drying towel hanging by the side of the rack. The look on Roland's face is definitely one that's fake and jesting, poking fun at Tidus in the most obvious way even with how the lilt of his voice carries the words. ]

Oh, but what about drying them? Whaddya say? One towel and plate each? Really get into wiping this down?

[ The pretend, knowing expression he uses to make the joke breaks in a second. The plate is deposited back on the rack and the towel hangs neatly to the side too. ]

Don't get cranky, now. I'm just teasing. Let's go. Blue's gotta work hard for their points too, heh.

[ Tidus doesn't even realise his leg is getting pulled until the crime is admitted to. Waiting, and his face too is on the timer of when Tidus will eventually get fed up, and start to frown and tug his mouth more into the side of his cheek.

It doesn't get that far. Luckily for everyone, and Tidus lets out a small pah, turning on his heel already for the door out. He's not hanging around in here a second longer, man! ]

Blue already get enough! How many times did they get snacks for doing a good job on the new month stop? And Orange too! Have we ever gotten any? I don't remember getting called to luggage for a box of snacks.

[ Roland follows suit, his gait casual enough to keep up with the rush of energy from this one over here! Lead the way! ]

Me neither. To be honest, I don't think we've ever won any...Unless it happened before either of us came onboard. [ Now that's a more pah! worthy moment. ] Was that asked on the train's little Q&A? How to win treats?

[ That could be considered patronizing, Roland thinks to himself, but hey. It's worth bringing up as they walk to their destination. ]

Don't know! Check the computer, that's where people were leaving their answers. [ Right? He never got around to doing that himself, but then... everything he asked it had been a waste of time. None of it actually important or meaningful to anyone else. ]

I forget about them 'til you see people grabbing bags or boxes from the luggage car. [ Pft. ] I guess the train has favourite teams! Purple Team's gotta shape up.

[ But he's far from serious, more mocking over the idea of getting competitive over a box of cookies or whatever it's been as of late. ]

I'd rather we shape up to get the job done and get everyone home, safe and sound. Not to get a box of cookies. [ Sorry to get serious, but if Tidus isn't used to this guy by now! But the duality of man is a funny thing, because as soon as that comes out of his mouth, he then adds: ]

What kind of treats would you even risk winning such a thing for? Their selection hasn't been that exciting, from what I remember. Fudge, lollipops...Just spend three points at the store and get gummies of your choice, I say.

[ That's really the kicker here, isn't it. ]

[ woOOoowowowowow listen to this party pooper over here!! ]

Nothing! I don't want any of them. [ If you're going to call him out on it!! ] Candy's what you give a group of kids for doing a good job - not for people you're sending off to fight.

[ Not that candy isn't good, but...!!!

They're heading back through the dining carriage now, minding the people still sat eating, eyes on the way ahead and Tidus speaking over his shoulder to keep the conversation going. He didn't mind behind overheard--not about candy rewards. ]

What about you? You're not gonna get to trade doing a good job for going home.

[ Agreed. Or as ironic as it is, what you get as a prize for not making a fuss at the dentist.

He follows and responds initially with a nonchalant hum, not pausing even as a hand is raised in acknowledgment for familiar faces sat nearby, people immersed in their own little worlds. They had a ways to go, but the Quiet Coach would be next and that's a quick trip in and out at least, though voices will amplify by virtue of just being there. ]

Well, I don't know about that. [ If two worlds can be connected after all...Good work in one reflects good in the other. It has to. It will. ] And in any case, there's never any harm in trying your best, right? With or without cookies and candy. Though...

[ He idly spots the interior of one of the cars, reminiscing briefly. ]

...Heh. It'd be nice to win once, for bragging rights.

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