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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[But.]
Just remember that none of us had a choice. Not really.
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[What he did--he chose to, but... in the end it was still because of the game.
He'll try to remember that.]
I shall keep that in mind.
[While trying to sort out his own thoughts here.]
... There is a great deal I owe to the others here either way--this is not something I could have accomplished alone.
[Despite his best attempts at doing just that.]
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[But she knows that isn't what he meant, so—]
What're you gonna do about that?
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Indeed... though we all know that had I been chosen for death, that would have been it.
[BUT HERE THEY ARE.]
Nonetheless... I suppose I had ought to thank them. I did not wish to presume my company was wanted right now, however.
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[#thanks hannibal
Either way, she tilts her head.]
Honestly, I'd be surprised if basically everyone didn't want to talk to you after what happened.
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To see his duty through.
Thank goodness it didn't come to that.
He looks at her blankly at that, though. ???]
... I... cannot imagine why. In truth, that we were able to end this game in such a way is due to the actions of people such as you--for removing Doctor Lecter from the game when he could have ended everything in a terrible way--and Percy.
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[She would probably do it again if she had the choice, but all the same. More importantly, though:]
I don't really envy you. It can't have been easy to make it that far. Also, it's because people care about you, so don't be stupid.
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[That's all he can admit, honestly.
He still thinks killing is horrible too, so he's on the same page. Though he blinks at that.
... Oh.]
... I. I suppose that is true.
[WELL THEN]
I did what must be done.
[Unfortunately.]
I cannot regret that I was able to see it through, if nothing else. [Even if he's so tired.]
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[A shrug.]
You're allowed to be pissed it had to come down to what it did, you know.
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Perhaps it would have. Perhaps not. I fear to think what the outcome would have been had Doctor Lecter won the game.
[So... really, he was relieved for Natalie's actions.
He has the right to be pissed...? Yeah, maybe. His lips quirk for a moment, wryly.]
I believe I am too tired to be angry, though I certainly was angry at first. I wished to find another way, but...the Sheriff did not lie. And that we could not allow for a group ending was... another entirely unfair rule, but I--
[Ugh. The worst.]
... Perhaps I am a little angry over it still. [Shocker!!]
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[just saying!!]
Just a little, huh?
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[Is this a thing with you...]
... But yes, I fear I am rather angry after all. This entire situation, it was...
[...rigged against them from the start. He presses a hand to his face, rubbing his eyes for a moment.]
We could never have known....how useless our attempts were. Not until the true end result was known.
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[she shrugs]
...Yeah. Pretty fucked up, right?
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But he'll let that go with a sigh.]
... Indeed.
And yet, even so...we are still here. [they sort of survived, kind of] We are of sound mind and body. [Sort of.]
That is not something to be underestimated.
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[A pause, and then a nod.]
Yeah. At least we're all going home. Could have ended a lot worse, I think.
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[He knows about a lot of them so he'll take this one!!!]
May I ask you a question, Natalie? Have you decided...what you would like to do with your life when you arrive at your new home?
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Yeah. I knew that even before coming here.
[No matter what world she's in, there's been one thing that always drives her.]
I'm a musician. I got my arm back, so... I can play again.
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He smiles a little, despite himself.]
I see.
In that case, with such certainty, I have no doubts you shall be successful.
[And...even if their lives are worlds apart, he has to admit--]
I find...that gives me hope.
[For the future, no matter what it might be, and his own attempts to find a place in it now.]
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[but when he starts talking about hope, she raises her eyebrows, her expression and voice growing confused and skeptical.]
...Wait, why?
[gently ruins the moment by not knowing how to deal with sincerity. sorry barnham!!]
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Perhaps it sounds strange to you--but I have found myself at a bit of a loss since stepping on this train.
[He hadn't really thought beyond "end the game", but killing a lot of people doesn't really fall under a knight's purview.]
As to what I should do from here... it seemed a near insurmountable problem. But I find it seems less daunting, now.
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[it does make her curious, though.]
What are you planning on doing, then?
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[As for him, well...]
I have not yet decided.
[Oh.]
But... I believe I shall find an option for myself in the days to come.
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[Or so she hopes.]
Yeah. I mean, if we're going one stop a day in order of death, you've got over a month, right?
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[So much time to think about this!!]
It is strange to think of so much down time, but...perhaps that is what we all require at this point.
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