entranceway | The Fourth Gambit

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The Fourth Gambit

[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.

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But you almost had it, John. There's no one to appeal to about coming and going, about world crashes, or about gravity. They are simply the mechanics of this world.

Then what's the point? Why bother with Mirrors? Why fight with each other? What the hell's at stake for us in this— this war you're wagin' with each other?

Balance must be maintained for the world to keep on turning. My sister seeks to keep the balance tipped in her favor. I cannot allow this, for all our sakes.

What happens if you don't? You even know? Or is this just "the way of things?"

Do you remember the Jubjub Bird? And the Bandersnatch?

Put them together and multiply by precisely 32.61. That is what can happen.

32.61. Got it. That's— [He frowns.] That seems like a lot.

Who you fight for here? Just you?

I fight for all. I've said it before: you may not be my subjects or my pieces, but you are in my land and I have an obligation to you.

I would be a very poor Queen if I could not take care of my guests.

But you can't stop the events from happening?

No more than I can stop the sun from shining.

But I can provide a heat advisory.

[That much alone is enough to make him frown deeply. In this case, the fact that she can warn them doesn't necessitate that she must. Has she been helping them all along, or just helping herself, which thankfully covers the residents of Wonderland, too?

He feels torn all of a sudden.]

Guess I should be thankin' you for that. Havin' some warnin' helps.

It is less than I would like to do, but Wonderland has changed since my previous reign. My memory of the future isn't what it once was.

[She rubs two fingers against her temple in a circular motion, closing her eyes for a moment, as though fighting off a stress-headache.]

...Perhaps I am getting old.

[What a terrible fate.]

Seems you'd be one of few, then. There a reason we don't age?

[And then, as a second thought:] There a way to get hold of you if I've got questions? How come we don't all live together just the same. Help me understand here.

[ALL THE QUESTIONS!]

Of course! I will always reply when you call on me, though I can not guarantee I will come when called. A queen is not a dog!

[He nods.]

Fair enough. One last question, please. What's your name?

I'm the Red Queen.

[The way she states that gives the impression she doesn't understand the question, or at least the reason it was asked.]

Kinda like a title, though. Was thinkin' a name-name. Rosie or Red or somethin' a little more... personal.

[As if royalty ever wants something like that.]

....No. Red Queen will do.

[No no no no no.]

Roseanne? [He smiles a little, snaps his fingers.] Rosalie.

...Are you going to insist on this?

Think so, yeah. Be nice, y'know? Since you've got my name an' all.

I'm not sure why Red Queen won't suffice. But if you must, due to some cultural construct I am not familiar with, call me by something else for comfort's sake, then I will allow it.

[Excellent. Blake is a bit too pleased with himself.]

Rosalie, it is. Thank you.

[...]

Take care, John Blake.

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The Fourth Gambit

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