Editing Station VIII

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{{Neath_Location|caption1=Station VIII|location=[[The Hinterlands]]|allegiance=[[The Masters of the Bazaar]]|notable_inhabitants=The Blithesome Overseer|image1=StationVIII-header.png|alias=The Station for Factory VIII<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Station_for_Factory_VIII,_or_%27Station_VIII%27|The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII'|Fallen London|}} ''"The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII'"''</ref>}}<blockquote>''"Factory VIII is a monstrosity of brick and glass, its towering walls and high up windows lending it the air of a prison. The factory does not produce the foul coal stench of those in London, instead it emits bright clouds of pungent scents – which occasionally bring passers-by to tears."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Station_for_Factory_VIII,_or_%27Station_VIII%27|The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII'|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

The '''Station for Factory VIII''', or '''Station VIII''', is a chemical factory located in the [[Hinterlands]]. It is the fifth station of the [[Great Hellbound Railway]], not the eighth as its name would imply. Confusing? The Hinterlands are generally that way.__forcetoc__

==Brick and Glass==
<blockquote>''"Station VIII may not be a place to linger, unless you have a particular interest in industrial manufacturing."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Boarding_Again_(Station_VIII)|Boarding Again (Station VIII)|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Chimneys.png|alt=A set of smokestacks.|thumb|Unfiltered emotion.]]
Station VIII is home to '''Factory VIII''', a facility within a massive brick building<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Station_for_Factory_VIII,_or_%27Station_VIII%27|The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII'|Fallen London|}} ''"Factory VIII is a monstrosity of brick and glass, [...]"''</ref> for the production of emotion-inducing substances.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Collect_the_marked_crate|Collect the marked crate|Fallen London|}} ''"Piles of crates [...] ready to be loaded [...] to London."''</ref><ref name = "tonic">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Halcyonic_Tonic|Halcyonic Tonic|Fallen London|}} ''"A touch saccharine, but filled with joy and optimism."''</ref> The factory's smokestacks spew colorful fumes, which cause emotional reactions in those exposed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_village_grown_around_Factory_VIII|Watch the village grown around Factory VIII|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he walked through a lilac-tinged mist [...] tears he wipes with his sleeve."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_village_grown_around_Factory_VIII|Watch the village grown around Factory VIII|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he walked through a yellow-tinged mist [...] his giggling; it soon passes."''</ref> In the factory's courtyard is a huge dirigible mast rigged with alarms;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Conclude_your_tour_with_a_trip_to_the_factory_yard|Conclude your tour with a trip to the factory yard|Fallen London|}} ''"Behind the factory is a [...] courtyard. [...] At its centre is a huge dirigible mast."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sneak_into_the_courtyard|Sneak into the courtyard|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a dirigible couldn't land without [...] three alarms sounding [...]"''</ref> the [[Masters]] dock here to visit and check up on the factory.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Something_is_Landing|Something is Landing|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Someone has just arrived. [...] The [...] Master will remain in Station VIII for about a day; [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Conversation_with_Mr_Fires|A Conversation with Mr Fires|Fallen London|}} ''"Mr Fires [...] has come to examine the operations at Factory VIII."''</ref> The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with only a single pub and scattered housing for workers.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Explore_the_immediate_locale|Explore the immediate locale|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] factory workers live in a scattering of two up, two down houses [...] not a populous area."''</ref>

The nature of Factory VIII's exports are kept secret.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Follow_the_Overseer_around_the_factory_floor|Follow the Overseer around the factory floor|Fallen London|}} ''"He weaves a circuitous path [...] careful to avoid showing you what goes in, or emerges at the far end."''</ref> It ships products to [[London]] regularly, so the arrival of the [[Great Hellbound Railway]] was welcomed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation_to_dine|Accept an invitation to dine|Fallen London|}} ''"Being able to use your railway to send things to London – an inspired idea."''</ref> However, this caused the factory's couriers to strike, fearing replacement.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Agree_to_help_the_Blithesome_Overseer|Agree to help the Blithesome Overseer|Fallen London|}} ''"Our usual couriers refuse [...] afraid your railway will make them obsolete [...] have gone on strike. "''</ref>

== The Secrets of Factory VIII ==
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<blockquote>''"The Overseer keeps his desk locked, but that presents little obstacle. You do almost miss the second concealed drawer, however, in which you find his diary. The entries are terse. Either he has a subscription to a cellar, or he meets Mr Wines on a monthly basis. 'Iron' appears once, several months ago. Yesterday, 'Fires' is crossed out."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_your_way_to_the_Overseer%27s_office|Make your way to the Overseer's office|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"The room is cramped. There's space for a swivel seat before a brass console covered in buttons and levers. To the right of the console are several folders – filled with encryption keys and messaging protocols. The spines are marked with roman numerals: II, III, IV, V, VI, VII. The folders are chained to the desk; you cannot easily liberate them. The absence of Folder I suggests the rationale behind the security."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_door_marked_%27Communications%27|Enter the door marked 'Communications'|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

Factory VIII is managed by the '''Blithesome Overseer''',<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation_to_dine|Accept an invitation to dine|Fallen London|}} ''"You are brought into the factory [...] to the Blithesome Overseer's office."''</ref> a jovial but high-strung man<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation_to_dine|Accept an invitation to dine|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] "Being able to use your railway [...] an inspired idea. [...] Everyone's happy, eh?" He shoves the port in your direction. "Have another glass! [...] how good terms would you say you were on with the Masters?" His eye starts twitching."''</ref> who meets with the [[Masters]] regularly.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_your_way_to_the_Overseer%27s_office|Make your way to the Overseer's office|Fallen London|}} ''"The Overseer [...] you find his diary. [...] he meets Mr Wines on a monthly basis. 'Iron' appears [...] several months ago. Yesterday, 'Fires' is crossed out. [...]"''</ref> His job involves documenting the viability of Factory VIII's products, as well as their potential markets;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_your_way_to_the_Overseer%27s_office|Make your way to the Overseer's office|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] product notes: Halcyonic Tonic – Market to those with sweet tooth. [...] Fillip of Effervescence – advise marketing to adventurers, [...] Loses potency when heated. Number 18 [...] Pleasing [...] if they can't vote, pointless. Counterproductive with wrong audience. [...]"''</ref> he even samples some himself.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_mahogany_door_marked_%27PRIVATE%27|Enter the mahogany door marked 'PRIVATE'|Fallen London|}} ''"The second product the Overseer has tested personally."''</ref> His private office is full of geography books and newspapers detailing world events, such as the ongoing women's suffrage movement. It is implied that Factory VIII's chemicals are being used to influence the politics of the [[Surface]], and that the Masters are involved in this scheme.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_mahogany_door_marked_%27PRIVATE%27|Enter the mahogany door marked 'PRIVATE'|Fallen London|}} ''"It leads to an [...] office. [...] appears that the owner has an interest in Surface geography. From the books piled on his desk, his current focus is Argentina. [...] you discover a book stuffed with newspaper clippings. [...] an article on the rise of democracy and the probability that suffrage is likely to broaden. Written [...] across the top: Assume requires mass persuasion. See V's work? Jenny volunteered: success. Impact if unknowing? [...] The second product the Overseer has tested personally. [...] 'Only suitable to those not prone to [...] self-reflection. [...] thrill of easy discovery and public recognition will satisfy only briefly. Timing critical.'"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_your_way_to_the_Overseer%27s_office|Make your way to the Overseer's office|Fallen London|}} ''"Number 18 – Not convinced will serve W's interests. [...] if they can't vote, pointless."''</ref>
[[File:StationIII port.png|alt=A fenced-off area.|thumb|[[Station III]]]]
A room within the factory marked "Communications" has a console for contacting recipients marked with Roman numerals I through VII, possibly the other numbered [[Stations]]. Curiously, the folder of codes for contacting "I" appears stolen, so the other folders are chained down.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_door_marked_%27Communications%27|Enter the door marked 'Communications'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a [...] seat before a [...] console covered in buttons and levers. [...] several folders – filled with encryption keys and messaging protocols. The spines are marked with [...] II, III, IV, V, VI, VII. [...] folders are chained to the desk; [...] The absence of Folder I suggests the rationale behind the security."''</ref> The room also has a periscope for viewing the [[Roof of the Neath]], as well as [[London]]'s farway skyline.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_door_marked_%27Communications%27|Enter the door marked 'Communications'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] what looks like the base of a periscope. [...] giving a blurry view of the Neath roof. [...] through it, you can make out the shape of London's skyline."''</ref>

One of the rooms in Station VIII is boarded up and covered in warning signs.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Prise_away_the_boards_blocking_the_door_covered_in_warnings|Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] there are signs saying 'NO ENTRY', 'OUT OF USE', 'DANGEROUS' [...] put the planks back when you leave."''</ref> This room is much older than the rest of the factory; it may have been the first room built. Within is a desk heavily damaged by something resembling a "giant bird:" perhaps a [[Curator]]?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Prise_away_the_boards_blocking_the_door_covered_in_warnings|Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the room looks older than the rest of the factory – perhaps the factory was built around it. [...] a hulking desk – the wood is clawed and gouged, as if it has endured the tantrum of a giant bird. Everything is covered in [...] dust."''</ref> A workbench nearby has a liquid suspended between two vibrating pieces of metal: feeling the metal's pulse induces the disturbingly specific feeling of tearing out someone's throat.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Prise_away_the_boards_blocking_the_door_covered_in_warnings|Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings|Fallen London|}} ''"The workbenches have been cleared, save one. [...] a thimble of [...] liquid [...] suspended in the air, between two metal prongs. The prongs vibrate [...] you touch one, [...] you feel [...] a throat tearing [...] between your jaws."''</ref> Notes indicate this room was used to develop "purified vindictiveness," with limited success;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Prise_away_the_boards_blocking_the_door_covered_in_warnings|Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] faded notes. Purified vindictiveness. Exquisite! Success mitigated: [...] muted effect. "''</ref> whomever conducted these experiments considered consulting [[Mr Wines]] for improvements.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Prise_away_the_boards_blocking_the_door_covered_in_warnings|Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Consult Wines?"''</ref>

==Imports and Exports==
<blockquote>''"'How about this one?' Pinnock digs his nose into a pile of scraps. 'Interested in 'startled and overjoyed to have returned from death'? Getting rare, that is.'"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_an_%27Obliviscere_Mori%27|Acquire an 'Obliviscere Mori'|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Retort.png|alt=Beakers and chemicals.|thumb|Feeling special?]]
A door marked "Special Extracts" leads to a laboratory within Factory VIII.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_door_marked_%27Special_Extracts%27|Enter the door marked 'Special Extracts'|Fallen London|}} ''"The room is painted a cold white, and filled with [...] tables set up with scientific equipment."''</ref> Here, scientists experiment to create extracts of emotion<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_door_marked_%27Special_Extracts%27|Enter the door marked 'Special Extracts'|Fallen London|}} ''"Sentiment extraction [...] an experiment [...] you catch a whiff: [...] fills your stomach with anxious yearning, sets your pulse racing, brings a lump to your throat. [...]"''</ref> from items sourced by Pinnock, otherwise known as the [[The Relickers|Shivering Relicker]]'s [[Rattus Faber]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_to_collect_materials_to_be_experimented_on|Offer to collect materials to be experimented on|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] This will enable you to return to Pinnock in London. [...] will have a component [...] you can bring back here to experiment on."''</ref> These objects carry sentimental ties to emotional events, such as a ribbon from a dress bought to celebrate achieving justice,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_some_%27Exhilaration_from_Achieving_Justice%27|Acquire some 'Exhilaration from Achieving Justice'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Pinnock is holding a [...] ribbon. [...] a woman was wearing it the day she [...] 'anded over a Jack to the constables. The very Jack that 'ad previously murdered 'er." [...] "She purchased a new dress in celebration. [...] she tore it on the way home. [...]"''</ref> or a trinket associated with experiencing [[The Neath|Neathy]] phenomena for the first time. Some of the latter items have become rather rare, as decades have passed since the [[Fall of London]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_some_%27Elation_at_Feline_Oration%27|Acquire some 'Elation at Feline Oration'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] being excited to hear one talk is unusual, nowadays. This is decades old – but still good! [...] Pinnock holds up a [...] cross-stitch."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_an_%27Obliviscere_Mori%27|Acquire an 'Obliviscere Mori'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] 'startled and overjoyed to have returned from death'? Getting rare, that is." [...] the owner took up chess after they came back from their first visit to the Boatman. An' lost the piece before they died again. [...] for the best [...] would have dulled the potency of the sentiment.""''</ref>

The following are examples of Factory VIII's products:
[[File:Humbugsgrim.png|alt=A bag of green candies.|thumb|A Bag of Station VIII 'Humbugs.']]

*'''Halcyonic Tonic''' induces optimism and happiness. This sweet substance<ref name = "tonic"/> is a valuable commodity for powers of the [[Surface]], who seek to placate their restless citizens.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_your_way_to_the_Overseer%27s_office|Make your way to the Overseer's office|Fallen London|}} ''"Halcyonic Tonic [...] Leave infusion process to agents on the surface?"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Supply_Halcyonic_Tonic_to_a_Surface_Power|Supply Halcyonic Tonic to a Surface Power|Fallen London|}} ''"Liquid joy is of interest to the powers of Old Europe, whose [...] populace is always in need of placating."''</ref>

*'''Station VIII 'Humbugs'''' are candies flavored with derision and denial. They taste terrible, but are quite moreish.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bag_of_Station_VIII_%27Humbugs%27|Bag of Station VIII 'Humbugs'|Fallen London|}} ''"Flavoured with extract of derision and distillation of denial. The taste is terrible, but deceptively moreish."''</ref>

*The name of '''Crystallised Euphoria''' suggests its effects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Crystallised_Euphoria|Crystallised Euphoria|Fallen London|}} ''"Savage relief. Incomprehensible joy. "''</ref> It can be extracted from the relief associated with a person's first return from [[death]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Extract_concentrated_sentiment_from_the_Obliviscere_Mori|Extract concentrated sentiment from the Obliviscere Mori|Fallen London|}} ''"You've gained 1 x Crystallised Euphoria"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Obliviscere_Mori|Obliviscere Mori|Fallen London|}} ''"This is associated with a Londoner's first return from the Boatman."''</ref>

*'''Oil of Companionship''' has self-explanatory effects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Oil_of_Companionship|Oil of Companionship|Fallen London|}} ''"An [...] delight [...] caused by caring for another. An entire absence of loneliness."''</ref> It can be derived from the joy of hearing one's [[Cats|cat]] speak for the first time.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Extract_concentrated_sentiment_from_the_Elation_at_Feline_Oration|Extract concentrated sentiment from the Elation at Feline Oration|Fallen London|}} ''"You've gained 1 x Oil of Companionship"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_some_%27Elation_at_Feline_Oration%27|Acquire some 'Elation at Feline Oration'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] being excited to hear one talk is unusual, nowadays. This is decades old – but still good!""''</ref>

*'''Salve of Righteousness''' inspires strong confidence and joy.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Salve_of_Righteousness|Salve of Righteousness|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] can cause roaring confidence, a furious joy."''</ref> It can be derived from the vindication of one's faith, such as when witnessing [[devils]] for the first time.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Extract_concentrated_sentiment_from_the_Vindication_of_Faith|Extract concentrated sentiment from the Vindication of Faith|Fallen London|}} ''"You've gained 1 x Salve of Righteousness"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_some_%27Vindication_of_Faith%27 |Acquire some 'Vindication of Faith' |Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Pinnock is showing you [...] a King James Bible. [...] they must 'ave had this on them when they first met a devil. I'm gettin' joy at bein' right, satisfaction and proving a doubter wrong, [...]"''</ref>

*'''Distillation of Retribution''' is a mixture that can be derived from the feeling of achieving justice.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Acquire_some_%27Exhilaration_from_Achieving_Justice%27|Acquire some 'Exhilaration from Achieving Justice'|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a woman was wearing it the day she [...] 'anded over a Jack to the constables. The very Jack that 'ad previously murdered 'er." [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Extract_concentrated_sentiment_from_the_Exhilaration_from_Achieving_Justice|Extract concentrated sentiment from the Exhilaration from Achieving Justice|Fallen London|}} ''"You've gained 1 x Distillation of Retribution"''</ref> It may be refined further into '''Discriminating Aconite''',<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Devise_a_single_dose_of_specialist_poison|Devise a single dose of specialist poison|Fallen London|}} ''"Discriminating Aconite [...]"''</ref> a poison that only kills those who "deserve" its effects. The label of every bottle of Aconite simply reads: ''"You know what you did."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discriminating_Aconite|Discriminating Aconite|Fallen London|}} ''"Lethal, but only to those who deserve it. The label of the bottle reads merely, 'You know what you did.'."''</ref>

==References==
[[Category:The Neath]]
[[Category:The Hinterlands]]
[[Category:Places]]
[[Category:Stations]]

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