FINAL TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

FINAL TRIAL

[The Strangers manage to escape. By the time anyone has realized they have left, the Analemma is already on a course to a new destination, one not intended by their Conductor-who was certainly surprised to find their ride gone, hours later.

Cardia has turned off radar and other equipment that would allow anyone to find the train easily. There is no barrier around this train, so everyone can see the Clockwork Sun as it gets closer and closer.

They aren't going to London, obviously. Cardia manages to explain that, originally, the Throne of Hours was located there, but after Victoria became Twice-Renewed, the Throne was ordered moved closer to the Sun. Now, it is connected to the station called Sunspur-a desolate place, formerly an exhibition hall, where only the Sun's engineers and wayward captains now go. No one dares to cross the bridge that connects the Throne to it, when they are there.

That will change, but not immediately. Even at top speed, it will take several hours for the train to reach its destination. Cardia suggests everyone relax in the Lounge of this new train. Apparently, this one was going to pick up its newest passengers very shortly, and so the bar and kitchens are stocked with food and drink, at least.

There is much to talk about. Much to look through, and much to consider. The past four weeks have been difficult to process, but the evidence from Perdurance has been especially daunting. It only shows just how stark the situation is-and it's up to the Strangers to figure out just what they will do when they do, at last, confront Her Enduring Majesty.
After all.

Whatever happens, a reckoning cannot be postponed. Not indefinitely. And the bill is almost due...]





[It's time! The objectives are simple in this trial: untangle the story of this place and decide what to ultimately do when they finally confront Victoria, the Mastermind of the Little Courtesy! It will not be easy and the truth, as ever, will not be a light one.

Will they triumph? Will they go home? What else might happen? What else could be in store? There's only way to find out!

Have fun, and good luck! And remember-

All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.]

Comments

[katzenpfote]

The way she speaks, it's not... destructive. There's still humanity left in there. If she can lean on that... there's plenty of reason humans are known as one of the more stubborn and innovative races where I come from. And if she's willing to look to others to help...

... There is always a solution. You need only look for it hard enough.

[He falls silent for a long while before speaking again.]

And... she reminds me of... me. In the asylum. Alone, afraid, lashing out, until someone reached out. And I am trying to change, even if I might sometimes fail. It is a process, but one that needs to be started.

[otherworldlyking]

...Could be a waste of time to put your faith in someone like that, anyway.

[ Despite his seemingly dismissive response, he's made his decision. ]

[katzenpfote]

It could. But if you don't try, you'll never know.

[otherworldlyking]

She's the last person I'd ever want to try with.

[ ...But he's learned that yes, even people who seem like they would hardly change can change. First hand experience, after all. ]