It's time to go.
Most people are on the train by now. Settled into their cabins and among friends and loved ones. There are only three new arrivals left to board and once they do, Hal pulls a conductor's hat out from underneath the bar, tugs it on, and steps around it to the middle of the train. He opens his mouth to talk, voice filling the train.
"It's time to go. Stops happen once a day until everyone's departed and I already have your stopped listed. If you'd like to be prioritized, let me know, otherwise we'll go in order of death. Settle in and enjoy the ride. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, folks."
This, of course, means that those who died earliest (Manfred, Higekiri) will depart first while those who died latest (Barnham, Damian, Percy) will depart last. There's a stop for everyone, though those who want to get off together are more than welcome to. Hal pulls a notepad and pen out of his pocket later and people will notice that he goes around the train confirming stops with everyone. Whatever feeling Hal may have had to a character back in town isn't noticeable here -- he is simply a robot assigned with a job.
After that, it's all a matter of settling in and enjoying the ride. If that's possible for you, at least.
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robowest2017-03-04 12:02 pm
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[he is, after all, still a kid]
[she continues to pet Felix as she talks, and the chicken remains well-behaved in her lap. what a good chicken]
That's true. But I suppose. . . hn.
[how does she put this]
Humans are animals, too. And perhaps they're the only animals capable of hatred and true evils. But they're also capable of so much more than that. Of caring, of loving, of pushing past their flaws, of trying to better themselves, of striving and hoping for the best outcome to terrible situations they can.
Regardless of what this game forced us to do. . . you observed some of that too, right?
[she knows she has. in Damian, especially. and in their little bounty group]
no subject
But, gently, he nods in acknowledgment.] My father believes in the best of everyone, even those who are considered criminals by law. People think Batman only saves innocent civilians, but he doesn't. He tries to save the criminals, too. He just believes they should be judged fairly by the judiciary system.
But--Father doesn't kill. That's his one rule. Killing makes you no better than the person you are killing.
no subject
[she listens to all of that in silence, and when he's done, asks the obvious question slowly]
. . . do you think he'd be disappointed in you for what happened near the end, then?
[Milla personally finds that outlook to be a bit naive. but, well. . . they had argued about it at one of the earlier trials, hadn't they?]
no subject
Yes. [There's no reason to sugar-coat it, or deny it.] But hiding the truth from him is as bad as committing the act. [Honor game too strong.] He should know what happened.
no subject
I admire your willingness to face the truth, regardless of how disappointed you think he might be. But. . .
[she closes her eyes. Felix lets out a quiet cluck]
He didn't know our situation. That death was the only way to send everyone home safely. How can he pass judgment, when your actions helped bring about the end of this senseless string of killing?