The Balance Between Purpose and Random

The cosmic struggle between order and chaos that underlies all events.

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The Four Constants

The Cosmic Order Life, Death, Purpose, Random Clotho and Lachesis explain that there are four constants. Most events serve the Purpose – they are part of a grand design. But the Random introduces chaos and unpredictability. The Undesignated Some lives, like Ed Deepneau's, are undesignated – they belong to neither Purpose nor Random. When Atropos cuts Ed's cord, Ed becomes a tool of chaos. The Balance The Purpose and the Random are in constant tension. Ralph and Lois are drafted to restore the balance. Their actions will determine which force prevails.

The Battle for the Ring

The Token of Power The Master-Cord Ed's wedding ring is the master-token that binds the planned massacre. Ralph retrieves it from the deathbag, but Atropos tries to stop him. The ring is a symbol of the struggle between Purpose and Random. The Crimson King The Crimson King, an entity of the Random, confronts Ralph. Ralph uses the green light from his scar – a gift from the Purpose – to banish it. The Purpose wins this round. The Promise Ralph makes a deal with Clotho and Lachesis: his life for Natalie's. The Purpose agrees, and the scar on Ralph's arm becomes a bond. The balance is preserved.

The Final Balance

The Promise Fulfilled Ralph's Sacrifice Ralph gives his life to save Natalie, fulfilling his promise. The Purpose is served, and the Random is thwarted. The balance is maintained. Atropos's Failure Atropos fails to kill Natalie. He is left raging on the sidewalk, but he cannot undo what has been done. The Purpose has won this battle. The Continuing Struggle The conflict between Purpose and Random never ends. But for now, the balance holds. Ralph's sacrifice ensures that the little boy who will one day save two men – Patrick Danville – will live to fulfill his destiny.

Tuesday night, October 5, 1993

Late afternoon, October 6, 1993

August 1998