The Fourth Gambit

[alltheways]

[The Red Queen appears on the network with her Vorpal Shield hanging on the wall behind her. She doesn't sit on a throne, of course--she's not as presumptuous as some Queens--instead she stands, straight and tall. The room she's standing is is completely nondescript, giving away no hints about her location.]

I'm happy to say that I have regained my shield, dear friends, and just in time. Danger is once again coming your way. A crash is imminent.

But there will be a safe haven set aside for you. I fear it may be difficult to find, and it won't be large, but it will be there nonetheless.

[She tents her fingers together, looking pensive.]

It is...the best that could be done.

Comments

[video]

[alltheways]

I suppose there is some connection, but a memory is only a thing in the mind. Like a berry!

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

A... [Sigh. Wonderland and crazy people.] Alright then.

[video]

[alltheways]

My metaphor didn't make an impression...

[One corner of her mouth pulls back.]

Perhaps I need to explain it?

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

Oh, so there's an explanation, is there.

[video]

[alltheways]

Well it was not a senseless utterance. That wouldn't be very becoming of a Queen.

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

No, alright, I'll grant you that. So...a berry. Why a berry?

[video]

[alltheways]

Imagine a cluster of memories like berries in the mind. Whether they are sweet or bitter or poisonous, you can only find out for sure through consuming them. Would you agree?

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

[Muttered,] Not if you have a good field guide.

That is, I suppose that makes sense.

[video]

[alltheways]

If one were to pluck a memory from the bush of your mind, that memory could perhaps flavor a crash, but it would have to be a compatible memory or it would ruin the soup.

[This metaphor is getting away from her. She either doesn't notice or doesn't care.]

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

[He mulls that over.]

I think...I actually understand what you mean. The crash happens either way, but it's a person's memories that make the events specific and nasty?

[video]

[alltheways]

Indeed! You've got it exactly.

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

Lovely.

...If a crash is an actual world colliding with this one, why can't we just use crashes to...well, go home?

[video]

[alltheways]

Is it true that you can't?

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

None of us can willingly leave, no.

[video]

[alltheways]

Perhaps you just haven't found the right rabbit hole.

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

...Is that another metaphor, or...? [There might be a way out. He's latching onto this like it's all he has.]

[video]

[alltheways]

Well, it is a rabbit hole that connects the different faces of Wonderland. Why shouldn't a rabbit hole connect this world and another?

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

And it's...just a matter of finding it? Or do they only connect during events? Do you know?

[video]

[alltheways]

I don't. This is all conjecture.

[video]

[thepointisdolphins]

...Hm. [This demands investigation.]

[video]

[alltheways]

Do take care, dear Crowley. I believe in you.