#robynSaint

[transient-tutor]

RILEY: -it's been a long night of mixed emotions and very little sleep, a long night of staring at her oldest in comatose, a long night of thinking and overthinking and not so much talking. it's afternoon now, and both she and Derek have to go back to the room for something, anything that's a taste of a routine life outside of all this tragedy and loss. Riley walks ahead first and looks around blankly before just sitting on the bed to just lie down and face the wall.-

DEREK: -he follows her into the room, just ghosting along in step with some semblance of familiarity. there's always something to do around here if he just looks for it. maybe rearrange his things. he's always making a mess of the room anyway and though he doesn't usually care and prefers it that way, right now he only feels offended by the mess.- 

DEREK: -while riley lies down unmoving, he can't stop moving. he gathers up puppets and puts them up on a shelf... rearranges them a few times before suddenly shoving them and EVERYTHING ELSE off the surface with a loud clatter.-

RILEY: -rolls back around at the loud sudden sound and sighs seeing how intentional it was. he's tense, but so is she.- is that really fucking necessary?

DEREK: Fuck! -and cue the pacing. it's unclear if he was swearing at her, or just in general. there's a good chance he didn't even hear her.-

RILEY: -she watches him pace and pushes herself up so she's sitting again- yeah. same.

RILEY: glad we can talk.

DEREK: -that seems to have gotten his attention now and he spins to look at her.- What are we gonna talk about Riley huh? 

DEREK: You just wanna get on me then go ahead and say somethin. 

DEREK: Tell me how Im supposed to be feelin right now!

RILEY: -she feels herself growing angrier with the way he's speaking to her (as if she isn't doing the same) and narrows her eyes at him- you don't have to wreck the room and yell about it because that's gonna do a whole lot of fuck all. 

RILEY: he's my son too.

DEREK: Yeah? And what good is lyin around gonna do either? 

DEREK: You aint said a damn thing to me until now and you werent gonna. Only shit you got to say is what I should and shouldnt be doing. 

DEREK: Fuck. 

DEREK: Dont pretend you got some high ground over me just because Im angry and you dont wanna deal with it.

RILEY: -she stares at him, mouth slightly agape in an offended kind of disgust- i said nothing about being better than you so you're making that shit up. 

RILEY: how am i gonna deal with it, derek? knock shit over? YELL ABOUT IT? -swipes a lamp off the nightstand and onto the floor- MY SON IS IN A COMA AND MIGHT NEVER WAKE UP! 

RILEY: -kicks the same nightstand and a picture frame falls off- i feel great now!

DEREK: Dont fucking mock me! 

DEREK: -he just turns away and goes back to pacing. he knows he's being irrational, but he can't stop. it all hurts too much, it's too scary. it's all going back to the way it was. would anything ever really change?- 

DEREK: -once he's gotten some distance from her, he aims more of this pent up anger at the wall with his fist. and again and again until his knuckles bleed.- 

DEREK: WHY IS IT ALWAYS THEM? 

DEREK: THEY DONT FUCKING DESERVE THIS! 

DEREK: AND THERES NOTHING I CAN FUCKING DO! THERES NEVER BEEN A GODDAMN THING I COULD DO!

RILEY: -she doesn't even realize that she's crying until she tastes the salt, her gaze pinned on him. This is all so scary, so familiar, and her adrenaline is so far up she feels like she could destroy everything around her in one go. but it still stings painfully to watch him keep hurting himself like that. her voice cracks slightly- DEREK, STOP!

DEREK: -the sound of desperation in his voice is enough to rip him back to reality. it only takes that moment for the pain to register, in his hand and in his heart, and just as fast the tears are starting to roll down his cheeks as well. he looks down at the blood smeared over tattered skin, unable to think or act at all. he can only feel. and it's awful.-

RILEY: -she's silent at first aside from her own sniffling, and it reminds her of years and years ago when they lost Dirk the first time and she'd do nothing but watch him like this. Times where she needed to step up even if it felt like the hardest thing she could ever do.- baby, come here. -she says it quietly, but loud enough for him to hear accompanied by restrained sobs-

DEREK: -he feels a similar apprehension, but he's afraid of hurting her. he knows what he's capable of doing and saying. he's already done enough damage here. still, even with all the fear and doubts running through his mind, more than anything he just wants her support and to be with her. he wipes away tears with his good hand before he turns towards her again, sluggishly dragging himself to her side, weighed down by exhaustion and guilt.-

RILEY: -she holds out her hand as she's sitting: a peace offering, in a method that doesn't beg him to depend on her but instead invites him to join her. she knows her pain is too fresh to soothe his alone but she knows that carrying it together is what they need to do- i'm sorry i'm... 

RILEY: i'm sorry i'm being a bitch. 

RILEY: and for just... -let's out an unamused laugh- doing what i always did. 

RILEY: hid in bed instead of-- -she has to gather herself for a moment- talking to you.

DEREK: -places his hand in hers gently, taking the invitation easily.- I wasnt bein fair. 

DEREK: Im sorry. 

DEREK: And Im sorry if I scared you. 

DEREK: -sniffs, squeezing her hand gently.- I dont wanna be like that.

RILEY: -squeezes his hand back tightly- the only thing that scared me was how easy it was for us to go down that road again. -she brings his bloody knuckles up to her face so she can kiss them, just barely- i really fucking need you, you know? even when i try to act like i don't.

DEREK: -swallows back the lump in his throat as he watches her.- ... I need you too. -it gets a little easier every time he says it. and it gets a little easier to accept, too.- 

DEREK: I think I... 

DEREK: Need you more now than I ever did. 

DEREK: Probably goes both ways huh?

RILEY: nope. you're on your own there.

DEREK: ... Shut the fuck up. -wheeze.-

RILEY: -she smiles just a little despite all the tears- don't think i could do life without you anymore if i had to.

DEREK: -scoffs a little too when she laughs, raising her hands now to kiss them himself.- Same here. 

DEREK: I dont want to.

RILEY: -leans in to kiss him briefly- i...want to try something.

DEREK: -blinks, looking down at her curiously.- Alright. Whats that?

RILEY: -leans over to get onto her feet so she can make her way over to a cabinet where she hoarded a lot of ceramic cafeteria plates...for snacking, of course.- i just wondered if you had a point. -puts a stack of them on top of their dresser before taking one and throwing it at the opposite wall until it shatters into pieces-

DEREK: -he's a little startled by her suddenly causing a ruckus like this.- Shit-- -but then he laughs.- 

DEREK: Youre crazy. 

DEREK: Howd it feel though?

RILEY: -looks over at him- kind of...nice.

DEREK: -smirks and grabs himself a plate too before chucking it at the wall.- 

DEREK: Feels good to let all that shit out doesnt it?

RILEY: -watches it smash and it feels like a breath of fresh air. she grabs another and throws it as hard as she can- take that, universe. fuck you!

DEREK: -laughs at that.- Yeah baby. Show em whos the fucking boss.

RILEY: -and again- SUCK MY DICK!

DEREK: -snrk- Wonder whos gonna clean all this up. -chucks another even as he says this.-

RILEY: sure as hell ain't me. -just one more before she sighs loudly and plops back down on the bed- or you either. there's gotta be some kind of ceramic vaccuum.

DEREK: -takes a seat with her and then uses this opportunity to start cleaning and bandaging his hand finally.- Bet we can get one of those service drones to deal with it.

RILEY: -butts in to help him with that process- yep. cuz it sure as hell ain't us.

DEREK: -kinda lets her take over just so he can watch her and leans in to kiss her on the head.-

RILEY: -closes her eyes just for a second, truly appreciating the feeling of his lips on her head. she pauses for a moment before taking his uninjured hand and placing it on her stomach- 

RILEY: can you feel that?

DEREK: -looks down at her belly, paying close attention for any movement.- She gettin rowdy again?

RILEY: -she's definitely wiggling around in there- i think she has the hiccups. also doing somersaults or some shit i don't know. give it a sec.

DEREK: -snickers- Maybe shes throwing a tantrum cuz we were. -rubs a small circle where his hand is. relax in there.-

RILEY: -smiles a little- probably. shit, what if she's just like us? we're in for it now.

DEREK: Have some sense like your brothers do baby girl. 

DEREK: If youre gonna inherit our traits let me be the good ones. 

DEREK: Like my devilish good looks for example. -talking to ryan is relaxing him... like it always does.-

RILEY: she's gonna be beautiful. and also look nothing like you. just watch.

DEREK: The fuck? Rude. 

DEREK: -wraps his arms around her middle.- Youre just giving me attitude cuz youre cranky. 

DEREK: We should take a nap. -he just wants to rest too...-

RILEY: i'm giving you attitude because you deserve it. -leans back against him- yeah. 

RILEY: i'm all for that nap shit.

DEREK: -kisses on her again before lowering them both to lie down.-

RILEY: -and in his arms she realizes she's more tired than she thinks she is, and surprisingly, she's able to close her eyes-

[gulescamisade]

WELCOME TO EARTH

[ The distant light of Sol-1 finally touches upon the ship, somewhere not too terribly far from earth, as they weave between the debris scattered in the system's asteroid belt. The system appears to be a hotbed of activity, patrolled by at least a dozen ships patrolling its orbit, though the tremendous amount of interference from an approximate fuckton of space rocks seems to be doing an adequate job of masking their approach, for now. The crew is ordered to be ready for the worst, considering the riskiness of their approach, with all of the Security members manning battle stations and engineering on standby for potential damage. There remains a small list of others commanded for presence on the bridge-- Horuss, Equius, Daelos and Roxy-- with special instructions prepared for the moment they manage to clear the asteroid belt. ]

DIRK: -at any moment they could be too close. in fact, they might be already, but who knows how long they can maintain what they're going to do. there's a lot of risks involved, but his gut is telling him now is the moment to give the signal.-

DIRK: -looks to this specialized group of folks.- Alright, guys, time to show us what you've got.

DIRK: If the plan goes awry, we'll just put up the ship's cloak and hope for the best.

DIRK: But it ain't gonna go awry. -he believes in the horses and his platonic wife.-

ROXY: =She made them all shirts, they BETTER be wearing them. A solid blue that reads V-SQUAD with (Not that kind of V) in small letters under it=

ROXY: i got a whole lot u cant handle dstri

ROXY: welcum 2 the sweaty gun show =flexes minorly but yes, time for the one with the void thing. She's sitting and touching the ground since it's a collaborative effort there's no need to go TOO crazy on her own=

TEREZI: V-SQU4D, V-SQU4D, TH3YR3 OUR CL4N 

TEREZI: 1F TH3Y C4NT DO 1T NO ON3 C4N

TEREZI: =moral support=

ROXY: =she loves u Terezi=

TEREZI: >;]

HORUSSBOT: Udder nonsense. I have 100% confidence in my abilities. Nothing will trot off horse. -whirrs, his goggles blaring red. He has had quite some time prepping in the void for a task such as this. Now, it was time to put the thoughts into action into the motion of events.-

HORUSSBOT: -Of course, he can't turn down a gift from Roxy. Horuss is wearing the obligatory V-Squad shirt.-

EQUIUS: -This shirt is stupid and 100di% but it's also kind of cute that Roxy made these. He's focused. He's always focused, standing on the bridge after giving engineering THOROUGH instructions. Jake, do not heck this up.-

JAKE: -vigorous awoos from the engineering labs.-

EQUIUS: D --> We will do as we are needed to. This e%ercise will go off without a hitch

DIRK: -thumbs up at them and their confidence-

DAELOS: - Looking out of place with a t-shirt that's a bit too tight but he's more focused on carefully keeping an eye on the ship than his wardrobe-

JADE: -She's in her station as well, because there's no way she's sitting out on a mission so important, even if she doesn't feel quite as ready as her peers.-

ROXY: =She made it tight on purpose=

ROXY: =ur welc every1=

ROXY: =They're all wearing tight shirts=

ROXY: =Additional ur welcs=

EQUIUS: -He's probably going to flex out of it later-

ROXANNE: -At her station as well, mentally cheering on her daughter. U go bby, she believes in you.-

ROXY: =Feels mom-couragement, internal warmth and weeping=

ROXANNE: -<333-

EQUIUS: -The human disease called love-

[ The ships are still just dim blips on a sensor, and it really seems like they're going to stay that way-- it's a long circuit around the sun and the nearest doesn't seem to be making any move to intercept them. The effects of being under a cloak of void are almost imperceptible to the majority of the crew. ]

ROSE: -There are still a few who'd feel it, though. She's laying her head down and closing her eyes, wincing at even the softest lights in her room. This is not an altogether COMPLETELY pleasant sensation, right now.-

HORUSSBOT: -The void portal device will be running in the engineering labs. Now it is a matter of manipulating the void pocket within outwards. Like a droplet of oil moving through water, so will the ship move undetected through space. Horuss, unlike EVERYONE ELSE, is not distracted in his task of breathing out and letting the Nothing seep from his essence. The edges of his robotic form warble out of the corner of people's eyes. Everything is trotting along as planned.-

DAVE: -he's manning his section of security on the ship, overseeing guards and in ready position should anything go wrong. there's a lot of stuff on his mind about this trip, but he's not focusing on it. he's just making sure he's ready to take action if and when it is needed.-

EQUIUS: -He's barely in focus, unless you are of course focusing on him. Equius settling down to concentrate on his task, positively exuding the void from his entire being. What he lacks in the finesse his teammates have he more than makes up with sheer POWER.-

HORUSSBOT: -Well Horuss is more thorough and studious about it. So there.-

ARADIA: -standing on another level by the atrium, she's just watching. not in caution, but in waiting.-

ROXY: =She's just here to have a good time and be helpful=

EQUIUS: -Shhh fellow horse. You are amazing too. Just not as amazing as me-

MEULIN: -She's there with Dave, smiling supportively every now and again if she catches his gaze, but otherwise remaining serious, bristled with anxiety.-

DAELOS: -In a similar way he also seems to be imperceptible, though in a slightly different way. It's not that it's hard to see him, but people may forget that he's there for a time. He's absorbed in the ship's sensors and radar.-

DAVE: -it makes it easier to be sturdy for someone else, because he can tell meulin is feeling anxious. he gives her a nod when she smiles- nothin to worry about

DAVE: we all know what were supposed to do

DEREK: -he's REALLY counting on y'all for this to work, cuz he'd rather not drive everybody right into danger.-

DAVENFORTH: -Manning his security section, in full uniform. His trench coat flutters gently. But how?-

ROXANNE: -That would be the ideal yeah... But it will work! Optimism is important guys.-

MEULIN: RIGHT! -Except that they're heading into the playground of probably the biggest threat to them currently, and she's sure that before this is done, there's going to be some blood on her claws. Will she be able to handle that when the time comes? The fact that Dave is there, that he's been there every other time she couldn't handle it, is really the only assurance she can cling to for now.-

NEPETA: =She's ready, for the rumblings. Spiny is also ready for the rumblings, pets the lorge lizard=

[ The PLAN continues to go smoothly-- even at a cautious pace, Earth is growing larger and larger, the ship slowly beginning a controlled descent onto the planet. Things seem to be a bit different, with all of the voidiness wrapped around the ship, and any of the heat or pressures of gravity from re-entry seem to slip right by them. From an outside perspective, it would look bizzare, if it were possible for it to look like anything at all. They glide down towards the wider area of the Pacific Northwest, in the direction of a relatively obscure meeting place-- Baseball was both made illegal and cancelled forever, evidently, and it's almost unreal how delapitated the diamond has become, visible from high in the sky, in only a short period of open occupation. ]

RILEY: -she desperately wishes she had something to do at the moment with so much on her mind, so she's walking around the ship instead of sitting and waiting-

QIRIN: =baseball banned?? how awful=

ROXANNE: -Earth wtf.-

DEREK: Damn that was a smooth ride. -grins back at everyone from his pilot's chair.- DIRK: -naturally he believed in them, but damn is he relieved when they start to land. eyeballs the dad.-

VRISKA: -she's looking bored wherever she's supposed to look out for. can't she do something IMPORTANT?! they are absolutely wasting her skills. she sighs dramatically from where she's assigned-

TEREZI: STUNN1NG JOB, STR1D3R SR! 👌

TEREZI: V-SQU4D R31GNS SUPR3M3, 4S USU4L >:]

ROXY: shes sweet talkin me ;P =shes also sweating a bit the ship is fuckin lorge=

TEREZI: M3 SW33T? N3V3R!

JOHN: -BASEBALL WAS BANNED???? THE ALL AMERICAN PASTIME??? THAT BITCH.-

[ There's AMPLE ROOM for a landing, even if it's a severely makeshift spaceport and there isn't too much room for wiggling. They'll also DEFINITELY demolish this whole fuckin thing when they take off again. They touch down on a flat land that is nonetheless a bit overgrown with crabgrass and weeds, sensors reading no ships in the sky anywhere in the surrounding area. There is a definitive ALL CLEAR. ]

QIRIN: =John, it's all the more reason we are here. Fight. Win. Homerun.=

ROXY: =sports=

DAELOS: -Wipes sweat off his brow as they land. That was very stressful.-

DEREK: -touches this baby down nice and gentle...- Well folks we made it. DIRK: -he's already trying to message jamison or jude or whoever will pick up, really.-

HORUSSBOT: -Robo neighs and doesn't sweat at all. The sweat is in his soul.-

JOHN: -whistling Georgia by Ray Charles somewehre in the lwoer decks as they land.-

JAMISON: =They'll be there in two shakes Dirkington! He's brought his various makeshift weapons also!=

JAMES: -Hovering by his Aunt Jolene, most likely. She must be at the ends of her tethers being in Condy territory. Their old home, Earth...-

EQUIUS: -He breathes out deeply. Sweating greatly. He flexes uncomfortably in this cotton prison-

DIRK: -god bless you, jamison harley.- Alright, everybody sit tight. We're gonna make this quick.

DIRK: -gets on the intercom to address security.- Open up the docking bay. They'll be here any minute.

ROXY: =listen she tried to make them super absorbant=

JOHN: -Ooooooooooh he wants out. He feels like a dog getting amped up to go for a walk. He's so overcome with nostalgia that he forgets to be scared.-

DAVE: -he's on it and he'll bring meulin with him-

JOLENE: -most certainly, nephew. just knowing they're near james' house -- the neighborhood where her sister used to live... knowing the state it must be in now. at least she's keeping it under wraps... FOR NOW.-

KARKAT: =surprise it's him not-security-dude=

KANKRI: -From where he is he suddenly gets the feeling that John should calm down.-

DAVENFORTH: -Messages Derek: "Way to not fuck up 👍" -

KARKAT: =hes here to welcome and also punch=

JOHN: -BUT HE'S SO EXCITED.-

DAVE: -you're always secure in my heart karkat-

JAMES: -stern and gentle hand on his Auntie. Please have a cookie.-

MEULIN: -Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and following Dave! She's trying to make a special effort to be quiet.-

ROSE: -A little bit of a stumbling stagger, squinting at all the lights still, but she's out of her office and TRYING to breathe. It's a really bad time to have a whole bunch of migraines, but she'll deal for now.- REDGLARE: -HERE FOR APPEARANCE PURPOSES of course. She's resting on her staff and waiting by the docking bay.-

JOHN: -HE WANTS OFF THE SHIP RIGHT NOW. Hovers near Rose.-

VRISKA: -BOOOOOOOORING-

DEREK: -responds back like Thanks my guy. 👍-

JOLENE: -pets james' hand vigorously... then nibbles a cookie.- :I

ROXANNE: -She is also heading for the docking bay, her services may not be required but do you know how long its been since she has even seen a glimpse of her home planet? Too damn long, she will take what she can get by watching from inside the dockingbay.-

MEULIN: -Watches the docking bay slide open. Exciting...-

DIRK: -NOBODY IS LEAVING THIS SHIP JOHN DON'T SCAMPER OFF-

DIRK: -HE'LL FOOTBALL TACKLE YOU ONTO THIS BASEBALL DIAMOND-

DIRK: -and he'll love it. sports.-

QIRIN: =wrong sport, dirk=

DIRK: -no?-

JOHN: -WHATEVER DIRK, YOU'RE NOT HIS DAD. he's being good for now though and just rocking on his heels.-

QIRIN: =YES=

JOHN: -he's got all the medical equipment you could ever want ready in his sylladex.-

RILEY: -this is hells of nervewracking. she didn't think she would be nervous, but here she is, waiting outside the docking bay behind everyone else. she just wants to make sure she's alive and breathing, then she can leave her alone for a little while-

ROSE: -twists the cap off an aspirin bottle, spilling a few pills into her palm and swallowing them dry.-

DIRK: -makes his way to the docking bay just to see them in and give more direct orders in case SOMETHING goes wrong, which he can't help feeling it will.-

TEREZI: =BLECH=

ROXY: =Is Rose around her? She's gettin EYEBALLED=

QIRIN: =these kids..=

ROSE: -ALMOST CERTAINLY NOt-

JOHN: -Takes a break from being excited about being on a baseball diamond he played at as a kid and HAS A CONCERN AT ROSE.- hey, you ok?

[At first, there's the distant sound of a rumbling engine, but it doesn't stay distant for long. It's getting pretty loud pretty rapidly.]

PENNY: -HERE COMES A CAR, otherwise known as a scuttlebuggy, and there's none other than a feisty redhead behind the wheel. Crammed in the car with her is a few too many people, and on top of it is... well.-

JAMISON: =CAR SURFING, barechested with homemade screw/nail grenanades. A potato-zooka strapped to his back and a modified nail gun in each hand=

ROSE: Yes.

ROSE: In most of the important ways, yes, I am fine.

ROSE: My head is not terribly pleased with me for existing, but we've had these kind of disagreements before.

DIRK: ... -looks into the fucking camera-

JOHN: :/ hey are you sure you're up to this? you should stay behind if you're ill.

DAVE: -wow-

REDGLARE: >;| -AT THIS SIGHT-

JOHN: -gdi-

ROSE: I'm sure.

ROSE: I've been looking forward to this, as twisted as it sounds.

PENNY: -BROOM BROOM I'M IN ME OWN CAR. She doesn't seem to be stopping for anything. She's gonna drive this car right into the docking bay!!!!-

ROSE: I want to meet them.

ROSE: I've been speaking to Jane for some time now.

TESSERACT: =is LORGE DOG=

TESSERACT: =His head is stuck out the window, tongue lolling with a huge doggy grin!=

JUDE: -A VERY FRAZZLED MAN IS IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. he's holding on tight to the dashboard while also looking around everywhere. in front of them, behind them-- and when he looks back oh god THEY'RE GOING IN.-

ROXANNE: -Those are some sweet driving skills.-

JAMISON: TALLY-HO! GANG WAY!

DIRK: Jesus Christ--

DIRK: -side steps...-

DIRK: -more crazy ass family-

RILEY: -that's definitely piper driving-

JAKE: - :D from the engineering labs if he were here. It's a family reunion...-

JOHN: -it's a puppy-

REDGLARE: -of course they are. OF COURSE YOU ARE. She's just gonna FLY UP INTO THE AIR-

JOEY: =she's halfway out the same window, just feeling the wind rush through her hair, waving at those they pass by like she's on a parade float=

PENNY: -TIRE SCREECHING as she nyooms this car up into the ship, hitting the brakes so they can avoid running into anything or anyone-

JOLENE: -waddles down here just in time- jamie--! ... JOLENE: >_>

ARADIA: -has been in the air since they landed. she smiles at redglare-

JOHN: -look, more mysterious relatives. he floats up, waving.- hey everybody!!!

ARADIA: -HELLO REDGLARE-

REDGLARE: ... -HI-

REDGLARE: -SHE'S JUST. GONNA LAND NOW THAT THE CAR'S INSIDE-

JAMES: -follows a shade bit more cautiously. Uncle. James disapproves of your shirtlessness. It's indecent.-

JAMISON: HUP! =as the tires screech, flies off into a front flip and STICKS the landing= ..... Would you all like to meet my kids?? :D

MEULIN: (=ﾟ･ﾟ=) ... -jesus-

JUDE: -leaning heavily against the door, he opens it and just.. spills out onto the floor.-

JOHN: -lol-

JAMES: ...OH.

DAVE: -slow claps-

JUDE: -a pile of awkward gangly limbs.-

JOHN: -hovers near Dad- :O

JOEY: =doesnt even bother with the door. She's crawling out!=

TESSERACT: =no me first!=

PENNY: -puts the car in park and turns it off, opening her door up and stepping out so she can flip her hair and huff.- WOOOOO.

JAMISON: Awwww brighten up Jude the Dude! =lifts Jude=

RILEY: -aaaaaaand yep. that's her.-

JUDE: hhhhh... -HOISTED, then looks around wildly. WHO ARE ALL YOU PEOPLE.-

JOEY: =trolls of course! psh!=

ROXANNE: -Your new forever neighbors probably, jude.-

JAMISON: =Also helps Joey out the window= Jojo look!!!!

JUDE: -I WONT HESITATE BITCH-

JOHN: -walks right up without a second thought- hi! i'm john! can i pet your pupper?

JOEY: aunt jo!! :'D

JAMES: -Kind of just stern, silent, and shiny eyed. ;__; Don't mind him. These were just family members James was sure were lost in the war decades ago.-

JANE: -She's squished in with a dog in the back seat, and she finally manages to crack a door open and step out, looking a fair bit disgruntled. Hello, she's a familiar face...-

TESSERACT: =tackles john right to the floor, licking his face in slobbery kisses=

JOLENE: -HOBBLES OVER TO THE FAMILY- joey!! jude!! -crashes into the lot of them with a big hug-

JAMISON: =Hauls around Jane too, ALL THESE KIDS=

JOHN: -YESSSSSS. Much hoo haing and petting as his face is kissed.-

ROXANNE: -Oh wait is james okay, shes gonna be looking at him with his misty eye thing happening.-

DAVE: -none of their family's reunions were ever anything like this. it's so...happy. and welcomed.-

PENNY: -grinning a little at the family reunions... her eyes aren't wandering.-

JOEY: =just hugging her auntie so tightly!!!=

JANE: Oof--!?

JAMISON: =THAT'S HOW J'S DO IT=

JANE: HELLO!

JANE: Everyone!

TESSERACT: =YES, this boy likes the john human.= TESSERACT: BORF!

JOHN: aww he's so friendly! -PAT PAT PAT PAT-

JANE: Oughtn't we shut the-- door?

JAMES: -Don't look at him... But yes do. He maintains that polite distance.- JAMES: -He is also very ? about the very familiar shape of Jane in the group.-

JAMES: JANEWAY? IS THAT YOU?

TESSERACT: BORF BORF BORF!! =dancing around john=

JANE: ...

JANE: -freezes in place- ...Dad?

JOHN: -STARES AT ALL THESE...COUSINS? SIBLINGS? VAGUE FAMILY MEMBERS CURIOUSLY. eyes widen particualrily at the jane and dad interaction.-

JOHN: -still papping tesser-

JAMISON: =HE'S YELLING ABOUT BABIES AND JUST TEARS UP ALREADY, YESSS=

RILEY: -she's studying her from a distance, making mental notes of sad observations she'll stow away for later-

PENNY: -leans against her car and just casually lights up a cigarette. Those aren't banned in spaceships, right??-

DAVENFORTH: -Nope-

JAMES: YES. -now striding forward, his uncertainty be damned.- WHAT EVER WERE YOU DOING ON EARTH?

TESSERACT: =lick!=

ROSE: -She's DEFINITELY not at her best, right now, but hopefully it doesn't show at all as she tries to make her way through the group and make it to the face that is familiar. FAMILIAR TWOFOLD because she did see her once over the chat program.-

ROSE: It's—

ROSE: Good to finally meet you.

ROSE: -and then she stops, glancing at James slightly quizically.-

ROSE: I have a suspicion it should be within my nature to comprehend how this is supposed to work, and far be it for me to sully this occasion,

ROSE: But is your name sincerely Janeway? You ought to have disclosed you were named after a Star Trek character.

DIRK: -in the process of closing the hatch. it's all good.-

DAVE: -hey, that one redhead looks weirdly kind of like his mom-

JOHN: -goddamnit dad.. he laughs at that.-

JAMES: -Arguably one of the best of the series... but he digresses. Just ask what John's middle name is. Do it. It's Tiberius.-

JOHN: -Well.-

JANE: I—

JANE: -She glances at Rose, laughing incredulously, and back at who she is pretty sure is her father, eyes stinging.-

JOEY: =she wandered over to Tessie and this guy who looks strangely family.=

JOEY: hehehe hi im joey =Holds out a hand to shake=

JOEY: tesseracts a bit excitable

JOEY: sorry he squished ya

JUDE: -he's happy somewhere under all this crippling anxiety-

JOEY: =bro no=

JOHN: hey! i'm assuming we're related in some way but i don't know how yet. nice to meet you anyway though!

JAMES: THIS IS OVERWHELMING. -No... don't cry. He offers a hand out to her.- JANE.

JADE: -She's made it down here, too, tail wagging and peering around bodies to try to figure out what's going on.- hey!!

JOHN: -fist bump.-

JAMISON: =will a hairy dad smoooch do him well, hes getting one=

JOEY: =Snrk= of course JOEY: =BNPS=

DAVE: -there's jade. good. it's kind of cute seeing her so excited about this. it's really cute. he's missed it-

JAMISON: JADE!

JUDE: -HHHH-

JANE: Dad... -just sort of... stops hesitating and rushes over to SQUISH HIM IN A REFRIGERATOR-MANHANDLING HUG.-

JAMISON: COME MEET YOUR BROTHER AND SISTER!

JOEY: family is family :)

JADE: !!

JUDE: -it's her...-

JAMISON: =HE'S smiling SO WIDE, they look a bit like the kids from the photo he showed her=

JADE: oh!!! -BOOF TROTS OVER-

JOEY: =Glances up at that!= o:

JAMISON: =look at this photograph....=

JOHN: -sorry joey he gets distracted for a bit when he sees this. awww.-

JOHN: -he doesn't often see his dad like this.-

JAMES: -Is presumably LIFTED like some fragile case of a refrigerator. Horfs gently and with much indignity.- ... -and then smiles.-

JAMES: -rests a hand into her hair.-

JADE: hi!!! :D

JUDE: ... hello -finally manages to wheeze out-

JANE: -sniffs- You...'ve been here the whole time?

JADE: im jade!

JAMES: I HAVE MADE IT NO SECRET WHERE MY RETIREMENT WOULD LEAD ME, JANE. -He is confused... by happy. But concerned.- SURELY, YOU WERE AWARE.

JUDE: jude

JUDE: harley

JUDE: ... an unnecessary nugget of information to share but there it is

JOHN: -HE JUST FEELS REALLY. EMOTIONAL. This father/daughter thing in his peripheral and the fact that they just landed in his home town.-

JAMES: -putting arms around her now to lift her too.- EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT NOW.

ROXANNE: -Shes kind of creeping from the back but she can't help but be in awe at James being so highly emotional. Not that its unwarranted, that is his kid after all. But ahhh this is what a real family reunion should look like and its beautiful to watch unfold.-

JADE: i was a harley too! but now im a strider

JAMISON: =...right that=

JADE: i guess i never really stopped being a harley though :p

JAMISON: Aww well you're still a harley!! :D YES

JOHN: -clears is throat- so uh. sorry. joey. nice to meet you and everything. wait...i already said that. pfft. i am a little bit flustered!

JADE: haha!

RILEY: -what's up roxanne i'm back here too-

ROXANNE: -Please no.-

JOEY: wow.... :D so were related to striders now? who are the striders? where are they?

ROXANNE: -Except she will glance at Riley like "You seeing this amazing shit?"-

JANE: ...Dad, no, I... -pulls away from him a little to look at him- JANE: ...-glances around at Jude, and then Rose.-

JOHN: there's one! -points at dave-

JANE: ...I... no.

JANE: I'm... not from here.

JOHN: and there's one....-points at dirk-

DAVE: -raises hand-

JOHN: and there's one. -points at riley-

DIRK: -waves-

JOHN: they're kind of like roaches.

JOHN: everywhere!

RILEY: -looks back at roxanne like bitch if you knew....-

DIRK: Y'all can't even talk.

ROXANNE: -Good thing she dont.-

DIRK: There's literally a dozen of you right in front of us.

DAVE: we dont even have that many

PENNY: -blowing out clouds of smoke. She'll figure out all this relation stuff later.-

JOHN: well now we have some competition going at least.

JOEY: =glances between Dirk and Riley= all right jade which one did you marry

DIRK: -don't look at me-

JADE: pfff that one!

JADE: -points at Dave-

RILEY: -don't look at me????-

DAVE: -raises his hand again- hey

DIRK: I'm gonna let you guys get back to that. We need to get the hell outta dodge. -absconds for the bridge-

DAELOS: -STANDING UNCOMFORTABLY NEAR THE BACK. WE'RE IN ENEMY TERRITORY. AAAA. HOW ARE THESE HUMANS NOT FREAKING OUT.-

PENNY: yeah thats the pretty one.

JOEY: =waves to dave= hi fam

JAMES: -watches her expression carefully and notes what she says. Taking a small moment to register the information. Plug it into everything he already knew versus everything there was still left to learn.- ... -Takes Jane by the cheeks and smooches the top of her head.- JAMES: THERE WILL BE TIME TO DISCUSS IT.

PENNY: -calls out helpfully-

DIRK: -daelos come with him to the bridge-

DAELOS: -oh yes of course.-

DAVE: -did you just call me pretty-

DAELOS: -follow like a good horse.-

JOHN: you are pretty dave. -MAKES KISSY FACES.-

DAVE: im beautiful shut up

JOHN: hold on a minuite. -pops between jane and dad.- hey! i think i met another version of you but we're sort of unofficially brother and sister so hello again!

JOEY: thats the spirit

JOHN: -he's excited, dancing around the group like Tesseract.-

JUDE: -he wants to correct everyone on how they're related exactly... so badly... he has a chart-

RILEY: -crosses her arms, finding the nervousness quickly shifting into some kind of sickening bitter sadness.-

JOHN: -MAKE SHIRTS!!!-

JANE: ...Yes. There will be.

JANE: -she pulls back, looking at John and Dad, but her expression has lost quite a bit of its mirth as she refocuses on John-

JANE: I'm afraid we won't have as much time.

EQUIUS: -Messaging Jake: D --> It my understanding that this is your relation we have acquired. You have my e%press permission to greet them-

JOHN: -blinks- huh?

JOEY: ?

JAMES: WHY DO YOU SAY THAT? -He would like to understand you, daughter.-

JADE: -From her spot amongst the fam, she's started growling softly-- and the tone begins to rise.-

JUDE: ... -is she growling???? -

DAVE: -looks concerned over at jade- jade

JAMISON: =Watches this with furrowed brows= .....she's not so territorial... she was excited to see you all... Jade, dear...?

ROSE: -She frowns, reaching for Jane's shoulder.- ...I... understand if this is a bit much and you need some air.

JOEY: =laughs a little nervously=

JOEY: hey...

JOEY: you okay there?

JOHN: oh yeah! don't feel pressured to mix right off the bat. i'll withold my hugs if you want.

JUDE: -territorial????? iS SHE PART DOG NOW??? guess that would explain the ears- uh

JANE: -She reaches into her sylladex, daintily extracting a bright red tiara and placing it atop her head.-

JANE: I'm sorry, Rose. But also, not really.

ARADIA: -not surprised. just watching-

JADE: -Silence. And then,- B͖̞̞̩̫̦̬̀A̳̟̬͚̝̣͔͡R̡̻K̫̪̮̘

JOHN: uh...

JOEY: 8(

JAMES: - ? Stern fatherly concern.-

ROSE: -WINCE. Some people here have PERSISTENT MIGRAINES, JADE.-

JUDE: -looks between jade and jane and his stomach just drops-

JAMISON: !!

JAMISON: Jade? =Why does he feel the strong urge to chokehold his own daughter??=

JAMISON: =Tries to pat her arm...??=

DAVE: -furrows his eyebrows cuz that sounded funny. it's only natural that he go to her. something was really wrong- yo jade

JAMISON: =THERE THERE???=

RILEY: -UH?????-

JOHN: -looks back and forth between jade and jane, with a growing sense of unease.-

JOEY: =her first instinct is to glance over at Jude and the look on his face begins to damage her calm=

JUDE: dad, don't!

JUDE: everyone stay away from them!! -PANICKING. MIGHT VERY WELL PULL A PIECE OUT ON HIS HALF SISTER.-

TESSERACT: =actually WHINES and begins to back away=

TESSERACT: =tail is now tucked between his legs=

JAMISON: =FOR ONCE ABOUT GUNS= Whoa there... jude? Jude no... are... what are you... =Looks back at Jade=

JADE: -She looks up, ears twitching, and her entire body now is sparking -- not unlike before, but ten times more powerful, enough to raise the hairs of anyone around her. She snaps her head to Jude when he cries out, reaching out a hand, and there's a powerful surge of energy that suddenly seems to swallow them up.-

JAMISON: WHAT THE FRIG-CRIMINY FUDGE BASKET!?!?? =Tries to huddle the childrens protectively from..... the child....singular????=

JAMES: -Oh jiminy no. Whatever this terrible energy is, James is attempting to shield John and Jane from it. Regardless of anything else.-

JOEY: =tries jumping in front of her brother because that's HER BROTHER=

DAVE: -tries to yell as she does that- JADE

JADE: -Any attempts they make to hide are, unfortunately, in vain. One after another, everyone finds themselves vaulted through space in a flash of blinding green and warping surroundings, all very disorienting until almost everyone on the ship is elsewhere.-

ROXY: =Rude....=

ROXANNE: -Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm fuck-

JOEY: =instinctively grabs Jude's hand=

JOHN: - Manages you yell- dad!!! and that's all he gets to do before he's swept away who knows where. -

TEREZI: =she was still on the bridge at the time and yes...yes it was super disorienting. Thank you Jade.=

REDGLARE: -She's in the process of attacking when she disappears. She doesn't have long at all-- maybe she'd hesitate, plead, try something else if she were in a different state, but it already seems hopeless. Dangerous. She disappears before she can get close enough to attack Jade. She'll have to unpack the consequences of that impulse another day, it seems.-

[grubhivemind]

RILEY: -while ryan falling  back into the web of addiction wasn't a good thing, she was grateful that she was given the chance to support her through this. she took advantage of every day's two hour long visiting period no matter what. the last she wanted was for ryan to feel like she was going through this alone- 

RILEY: -she gets clearance into the facility and knows by now not to bring much of anything--everything could be used as a weapon these days. and she walks into the common area, looking for her daughter-

RYAN: -she's got herself perched in an arm chair near a window, away from other small groups of visitors with patients. she seems to be zoning out a little, watching the happenings of the outside world, but she already looks like she's on the upswing in general, even with the pensive look on her face.- 

RYAN: -when riley enters, she catches a glimpse of the movement and perks to attention. a smile returns to her weary face, brightening her look immensely and she waves in case riley hasn't spotted her yet.-

RILEY: -her attention is grabbed by the waving and she greets her youngest with a warm grin- hey, baby.

RYAN: -hops up from her seat to capture riley in a hug. she really appreciates her visits... the loneliness really worsens the restlessness.- hey!!! i missed you.

RYAN: its only been a day but i missed you!!!

RILEY: -hugs her tightly and smooches her head- i missed you too, cutie. 

RILEY: how are you doing?

RYAN: im alright... just a little bored i guess. -sighs-

RYAN: i mean aside from all the gross withdrawal shit but hey. 

RYAN: its not as bad as it could be???

RILEY: -she pulls away to take a seat next to ryan's chair- you really feeling that optimistic despite all of this? i mean...you totally should. because it's gonna get better. i just know how hard it is to.

RYAN: -wringes her hands and then takes a seat again too.- yeah. i dunno. 

RYAN: last time i was in a place like this it wasnt really... my decision?

RYAN: guess its easier to be optimistic if you sorta feel in control.

RILEY: -nods- yeah. i totally agree. 

RILEY: it took a lot of maturity, you know. for you to put yourself first and come here. 

RILEY: i wouldn't have been able to do that at your age at all.

RYAN: ... -she just shrugs about that- just took advantage of a moment of clarity. 

RYAN: i had some motivation but... 

RYAN: i think mostly i was disappointed in myself? and i was tired of feeling bad about that. 

RYAN: time to put on me big girl panties i guess.

RILEY: -she smiles a little, listening to ryan talk- and you're pretty fucking amazing for it.

RILEY: but you've always been amazing.

RYAN: -she blush... she isn't sure how to receive a compliment like that. at least not in THIS context. she doesn't feel all that amazing. its just necessary.- aw gee. 

RYAN: youre just saying that. :blush: -still gonna act coy about it tho.-

RILEY: -ruffles her a hair a little- nah. 

RILEY: i'm real proud of you, kid. 

RILEY: just happy i get to hang around you this time around. 

RILEY: you know, impart my motherly wisdom or some shit like that.

RYAN: oh?? what nuggets of wisdom do you have to share with me today?

RILEY: fuck bitches get money.

RYAN: -snorts then pops and locks it- no no no no silly boys cant tame me. 

RYAN: bennys the only one whos ever gonna claim me. 

RYAN: uh uh uh uh im in love with the price tag. 

RYAN: gimmie your number imma give that shit right back. 

RYAN: fuck boyz get money. 

RYAN: fuck boyz get money.

RILEY: i like that better. 

RILEY: okay, but for real, i never got any motherly wisdom to impart in the first place. it's all just winging it.

RYAN: hehe... i figured thats how the parenting thing works. 

RYAN: i mean no offense.

RYAN: youre good at winging it.

RILEY: yeah? 

RILEY: good enough to get a g on my report card?

RYAN: more like straight up g.

RILEY: daaaaaaaaaaamn! 

RILEY: didn't see that one coming. 

RILEY: so have you made any friends here yet? 

RILEY: places like these are friend central.

RYAN: i mean... im friends with pretty much everyone. -looks around at all the folks visiting with their family and friends.- 

RYAN: im of moderate popularity. people either love me or hate me cuz im being so bitterly optimistic haha. 

RYAN: so you know. 

RYAN: love me or hate me its still an obsession.

RILEY: love me or hate me that is the question. 

RILEY: you've always been the light that draws all the moths and big bugs. 

RILEY: it sounds less like a compliment when i say it like that but i swear it is.

RYAN: -snorts- oh yeah... i attract all KINDS of creepy crawlies.

RILEY: where's the lie?

RYAN: -snickers, but then pauses thoughtfully.- hey... 

RYAN: im sure theres some wisdom you can share though? advice on how to like... 

RYAN: keep myself from feeling so  restless?

RILEY: -looks over at her as her expression softens a little- you can't. 

RILEY: it's a fun part of withdrawal, baby. 

RILEY: what you can do is try and distract yourself. or make sure you're never completely alone. cuz it's when you're alone that it gets unbearable.

RYAN: ... -looks down at her lap.-distractions are hard.

RILEY: they are. 

RILEY: or you can channel that energy into something artistic. 

RILEY: it's not going to take it away but at least you'll get something out of it, you know?

RYAN: -fidgets, but then nods.- i always try singing. 

RYAN: it usually helps a lil bit.

RILEY: keep singing. even if you don't want to anymore. 

RILEY: that's my advice.

RYAN: -some days it is harder to find her voice and it feels like those have been more often than not lately.- you wanna sing with me?

RILEY: -she smiles sweetly at her- there's no question about it. 

RILEY: i'd fuckin love to.

RYAN: -nods again, taking a deep breath.- alright cool. 

RYAN: -shuts her eyes, thinking of what she wants to sing... and then just lets it happen.- 

RYAN: when it went down it was hard to breathe. 

RYAN: i gave up everything in a slow fall down to the floor. RYAN: life was escaping me. i couldnt find myself. 

RYAN: til it was all lost. 

RYAN: not anymore. 

RYAN: im holding on to all the pieces of my hearts debris. 

RYAN: til its time. 

RYAN: ill put it together and fix myself eventually. 

RYAN: and know its mine.

RILEY: i found gold in the wreckage, put it on a necklace. 

RILEY: keepin' it cause i, i, i, i know that it's mine. 

RILEY: i wear it like a message so i don't forget it. 

RILEY: keepin' it cause i, i, i, i know that it's mine.

RILEY: i know that it's mine no matter what i do. -reaches over to push ryan's hair back- 

RILEY: i know that it's mine whether i win or lose. 

RILEY: and even though my heart needs to take its time. 

RILEY: i know that's mine, i know that it's mine.

RYAN: -chest tightens at the simple gesture.- facing the change but its still tough to see. 

RYAN: at first i fought it all. i was so mean. 

RYAN: im still unsure how its supposed to be. 

RYAN: but taking every day now by the skin of my teeth.

RYAN: until i learn. 

RYAN: im holding on to all the pieces of my hearts debris. 

RYAN: til its time. oh. 

RYAN: ill pull it together and fix myself eventually. 

RYAN: and know its mine. -she starts to sniffle, watching her mother sing with her.-

RILEY: i found gold in the wreckage, put it on a necklace. 

RILEY: keepin' it 'cause i, i, i, i know that it's mine. 

RILEY: i wear it like a message so i don't forget it. 

RILEY: keepin' it 'cause i, i, i, i know that it's mine. -takes the opportunity to bring Ryan against her, holding her and singing more softly.- 

RILEY: know that it's mine no matter what I do. 

RILEY: i know that it's mine whether I win or lose. 

RILEY: and even though my heart needs to take its time. 

RILEY: i know that it's mine, i know that it's mine.

RYAN: -curls up against her, clinging tightly and giving up on singing the rest of the song because she's trembling too badly now.-

RILEY: -just holds her safely in her arms and leans her head against her daughter's.. she's still singing, just very softly-

RYAN: -she just listens to her for a long while, letting the tears that escape from her to cleanse the heaviness in her heart. she feels like a kid again, crying over something trivial that her mother effortlessly cast away with her soothing songs. it reminds her of all the ways she wanted to be just like riley. maybe she got that wish in too many different ways, but she wouldn't change this connection they have now for anything. she feels safe just like this.-

[primadonnatartuffe]

DEREK: -IT'S CRIMBUS. CRIMBUS EVE. they're still getting settled back into their house on skaia, so there's unpacked boxes everywhere... and knowing the strider fam, they will likely stay like that for a good long while.- 

DEREK: -but the important thing is that they have the CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS set up. he's jamming to some mariah while tossing some presents under the tree last second. PERFECTO.- 

DEREK: -dirk and dave are supposed to stop by for tonight, but they've got their own plans otherwise. it's just a little immediate family thing. should be nice and laid back. OR NOT. who knows. but he's pumped.- 

RYAN: -she's in the kitchen, standing in front of the open fridge eyeballing the egg nog inside.-

RILEY: -unpacking--who even does that? it was no surprise derek put the Christmas decorations up first, because that's just what kind of a guy he is. the place still doesn't feel like their own yet, but she imagines with time it will. she also puts some last minute stuff under the tree as she enters the room- damn...killer acoustics with this place being nearly empty. it's like she's alive and actually here. 

DAVE: -he takes it upon himself to walk in with presents under his arm. no knocking or anything. he too puts his by the tree and goes straight for the kitchen. and there's Ryan- you feeling overheated

DEREK: Psh I wish she was. 

RYAN: -looks at dave- i mean yeah... thats what happens when you move from winter horrorland to a place with a normal temperature for this time of year.

DIRK: -HE'S HERE BEHIND DAVE and does the same as the rest of them, except he's dumping a disproportional amount of gifts under the tree. turns to thumbs up at his parents.-

RILEY: hey, baby. -waves at the oldest boy- jeez you sure you didn't want to use a forklift for all those? 

DAVE: if you ever stepped foot into houston youd just immediately disappear

RYAN: rip me... -closes the fridge and just punches dave lightly in the gut because she can.- 

DIRK: I could use the exercise. -now he's going in for a hug. C'MERE MOTHER.- 

DEREK: Nah... You look just fine. -observes, because they have the same body type whoops.-

DAVE: what happened to the conksuck spirit ryan 

RILEY: -hugs dirk tightly- that don't mean shit coming from you since you're built literally exactly the same. but in my professional opinion, dirk, you look great.

RYAN: i thought you were supposed to fight on decemberween??? 

DEREK: -SHRUG EMOJI- 

DIRK: I'm going to pretend that I'm agreeing with you. So thank you. -squeezes her and then moves on to derek. but instead of hugging it's an elaborate handshake.-

DAVE: thats another holiday in december 

DAVE: that you missed 

DAVE: too slow 

RILEY: -watches this performance worthy handshake- amazing. gets me every time.

RYAN: more like i gotta MAKE UP for my belated decemberween gifts!!! -punches dave more- 

DEREK: -this goes on for two solid minutes. it's outrageous.- 

DIRK: -FINISHES THE SHAKE WITH JAZZ HANDS.- So, how's moving in going? 

DIRK: I see you've already unpacked the essentials.

DAVE: -messes up her hair- uh oh uh oh 

RILEY: the decorations are the essentials in this house. not like. i don't know. beds. or soap.

RYAN: -tommy wiseau voice- dont touch me motherfucker... 

DIRK: Yeah, obviously. 

DEREK: This kid gets it.

DAVE: i cant stop uh oh uh oh -pushes her hair in her face- 

RILEY: i'll take dirk's place, then. and dirk can stay here and enjoy the decorations.

DIRK: ... No, that's okay. I like my giant house. 

RYAN: ppbbtbtbtbtbtbtbtt. RYAN: MOMMM. DAAAAD. DAVES BEING A LIL BITCH.

RILEY: meaning the decorations are not the essentials. bingo bango-- -hears Ryan yelling and snorts- THEN BE A BIGGER BITCH.

RYAN: -looks at dave- oh shit. 

RYAN: its going down. -steals his shades and puts them on, then shoves him and flees to the living room-

DAVE: -flashsteps to the living room- 

RILEY: there we go. beautifully executed.

RYAN: -THROWS SELF ON THE COUCH- stay back. 

DIRK: -flashsteps behind dave and gets his arms up under his to lock him into place.- Goodnight bitch.

DAVE: good fucking morning bitch -struggles- 

RILEY: it really feels like christmas now.

DEREK: -snickers and goes to lounge in an arm chair. the Dad Arm chair.- 

DIRK: Power struggle. Power struggle. 

RYAN: destroy him!!!!!!!!!

RILEY: i got front row seats to what you two would have been like as teenagers. -she sits crosslegged on the couch, entertained- 

DAVE: happy to be the underdog ryan thanks 

DAVE: -he's still trying to get out of this. his brother was always THAT MUCH stronger than him. close but so far-

RYAN: -wiggles to drape partially in riley's lap- 

DIRK: To be honest we ain't never gonna grow up. -releases dave because this is just SAD-

RILEY -gently pets Ryan's hair- 

DAVE: i dont know what youre talkin about 

DAVE: im the sole mature member of this family

DIRK: You're just sayin' that cuz you ain't as fun as the rest of us. -ruffles his hair. incredibly mature. and then he takes a seat next to the tree.- 

DIRK: Are we doing the gift thing?

RILEY: well fuck yeah we're doing the gift thing. -still petting ryan's head- 

RILEY: you wanna be santa? 

DAVE: -also plops down on the floor-

DIRK: I always wanna be Santa. 

RYAN: pick one for meeeee. im the youngest so i get all the prezzies first. -grabby hands from where she's lying.- 

DIRK: Alright, fine. -HANDS HER A GIFT. who knows who it's from.-

RYAN: -TAKES IT and starts to open.-

RILEY: -it's from riley. it's a box that holds two VIP backstage passes to sia. nobody knows if they are really keeping sia alive this long or if she's just a convincing hologram. who knows at this point?-

RYAN: (scream emoji)

RYAN: holy shit!!! THANK YOU MOMMY. -squeezes her- 

DIRK: -peeps...- I hope you're taking me. 

RYAN: yeah you wish.

RILEY: -hugs her tightly- now you can go somewhere and i'll kind of know where you are. ;) 

RILEY: i was thinking maybe you could take jack along.

RYAN: -quiets for a second but she smiles- yeah totally. 

RYAN: im definitely gonna make him go anyway.

RILEY: that's my girl.

DIRK: -hands riley a gift now- This is from me.

RILEY: yeah? -she smiles because she can't help it and takes the gift, carefully unwrapping it-

DIRK: -it's a soft fuzzy robe that says ONE BAD MOTHER on the back in glittery letters. there are matching slippers too. one says mo and the other says fo.-

RILEY: -she squeals upon opening it and feeling how soft it is- oh my god, i love it! -she's already putting it on- this is fucking great.

RYAN: -pets her arm- soft. 

DIRK: -smiles- Glad you like. 

DIRK: Looks good on you. -picks up the next gift... FOR DEREK? might as well cover all the bases while they're here. he passes that one along.- 

DEREK: -snatches it up- Lets see what we got here...

RILEY: isn't it? -she's still grinning- 

DAVE: -this one's from dave. when he opens it, it's going to be a beautiful katana. this is top tier, best of the best. but the fact that dave's 100% ok with giving his dad a katana at this point... that probably says more than any card can-

DEREK: ... -dammit dave, we all came here to have a good time. he can't help smiling a little bit...- Damn. This is some good shit. 

DEREK: Puttin it right over the mantle. 

 DEREK: Too pretty to use. -plus he's like TOTALLY ancient now so...-

DAVE: i know i made sure it was good shit 

DAVE: top shelf encased museum envied shit

[euphobicgeotech]

-- robynSaint [RS] began pestering euphobicGeotech [EG] at 19:11 --

RS: hey.

EG: oh hello

EG: again

EG: how are things in space?

RS: yeah, again.

RS: shitty. spacey.

RS: how are things in the end of the world?

EG: uh... well, I haven't looked outside in a while but if I had to make a guess I would say

EG: apocalyptic?

RS: hahaha, nice.

RS: anyway.

RS: what's she doing?

EG: you mean... right now? or

EG: in general

RS: both.

EG: well in general she's been hanging around

EG: she livens up the place a lot actually

EG: um... right now I think she's lounging... or something

EG: she's fine, basically

RS: is she breathing and lounging?

RS: is she conscious and lounging?

EG: ... yes

EG: hence the

EG: "she's fine" thing

EG: she's alright but she's dead

EG: no...

RS: ...sass.

RS: you know

RS: "how to be witty"

RS: with your conversations

RS: wow...

EG: these things slip out sometimes

EG: I'm sorry

EG: I'm under a lot of stress

RS: irritability is a side effect of fearing for your life.

RS: i understand.

EG: oh I'm really glad

EG: because I am just

EG: always so irritable

RS: okay, smart ass.

EG: sorry... again...

EG: I promise I'm keeping a close eye on her

RS: thanks.

RS: cuz i still love her.

EG: that's... I'm glad

EG: I really hope she comes around eventually

EG: um... sincerely I do

EG: because you don't seem like a bad person

EG: even if you are kind of stressing me out

RS: talk to my manager and this will all seem tame as fuck. downright domestic.

RS: also stressing people out is kind of my thing.

RS: but uh.

RS: she was a real cute baby, you know?

RS: i know what she grew up in cuz i did too. and i wanted to take her with me but...there was no way that could happen.

RS: without making everything ten times worse.

RS: i don't know why i'm telling you this.

EG: I would guess it's because we are mutually related to her and you don't really know anyone else who knows her?

EG: I don't really mind anyway

RS: yeah. haha. cool.

RS: i don't think i would have made a very good guardian for her either. but i guess it would have been better than our parents.

RS: i don't know.

RS: i have a lot of regrets when it comes to her.

EG: I understand

EG: I have a lot of regrets about a lot of things

EG: but

EG: your situation seemed really precarious

EG: I definitely wouldn't have known what to do

RS: now that i know she's alive, and that i'm gonna see her?

RS: i'm gonna do whatever i can to protect her. or help her. even if she doesn't want it.

RS: sure, she's not a little ginger 3 year old but she's still my sister.

RS: she's the only family i have left aside from the one i started.

EG: yeah uh

EG: okay I'm not really used to sharing these things but

EG: I've been seperated from my family for a really long time...

EG: and save for my mom, I'm finally... seeing them all again

EG: it's... I don't know

EG: it's been important for me

EG: and I think it would be important for penny too

EG: to have that kind of support

RS: it's a whirlwind isn't it? family found me. and freaked me out at first.

RS: how are you feeling about seeing everyone again?

RS: since you know it's going to happen?

EG: uhhh well

EG: funny story...

EG: my dad kind of crashed through the window here...

EG: and then my sister appeared through a portal from another universe

EG: so that's most of my immediate family right there

RS: hahaha oh my god.

RS: i thought my stories were crazy.

EG: yes... I could tell you some stories...

EG: maybe I will

EG: eventually

RS: i'd like that.

EG: yeah... me too, actually

RS: i'm glad you're around, jude.

EG: oh...

EG: thank you?

RS: you ever just meet somebody and think, hey, this person is a good thing.

RS: that's you.

EG: that's... an awful nice thing to say about someone... I don't really know how to respond

RS: you don't gotta. just thought you should know.

RS: i gotta get going, but...hang in there, alright?

RS: i'll bug you later.

RS: i'd apologize but i won't.

EG: well, I expected as much anyway so... that's alright

EG: I'll try to keep it together over here

RS: cool. see ya jude.

RS: take a sad world and make it better.

RS: ;)

EG: ah... there it is

EG: bye riley

-- euphobicGeotech [EG] ceased pestering robynSaint [RS] at 21:52 --

[pennilessismore-blog]

-- pennyLane [PL] began pestering robynSaint [RS] at 22:19 -- PL: Robyn Saint huh. RS: wait... PL: Im waiting. PL: been waiting. RS: oh. RS: it's you. RS: wow. PL: for about idk 27 years. RS: here it is. PL: crazy how your ass shows up right when mines about to be gone. haha. PL: life is a fucking boner that way. PL: I hope youre enjoying your weird celebrity space life. PL: it all seems to be working out for you. RS: what do you mean yours is about to be gone? you're getting just a liiiiiiiittle ominous. RS: but if you wanna be vague, i'll play. sure. PL: it means Earth is a goddamn goner and everyone on it that doesnt have horns is fucked. PL: but you dont care because you ditched it like everything else didnt you. RS: keep it going. RS: i'm listening. RS: i'm sure there's a lot more where that came from. PL: you know what fuck you. PL: mom and dad were pieces of shit but they were right about you. PL: you never cared about us or anybody. PL: more where that came from??? sure you know what youre right. i got THIRTY FUCKING YEARS of this shit so take a goddamn seat. PL: its not like I have anything better to do but wait to fucking die. PL: thats all Ive ever been doing. PL: just in case there was any fucking confusion. PL: if its not one thing its definitely another. RS: jesus, penny. RS: mom and dad really talked me up that much, huh? PL: and you fucking deliver. PL: congratulations. PL: for being the only person in my life who actually lives up to what they promise. PL: anyway Im gonna go fucking overdose or something before the trolls get here with forks. bye. -- pennyLane [PL] ceased pestering robynSaint [RS] at 22:31 --

-- robynSaint [RS] began pestering pennyLane [PL] at 22:32 -- RS: PENNY. RS: fuck. RS: where are you? where on earth exactly are you? RS: because despite what you may have already decided about me i am coming for your ass whether you tell me or not. RS: i will drag your dead body off of earth if i have to. PL: why dont you fuck off for another few dacades. PL: Im fine. PL: I feel great actually. RS: you're obviously not fine. PL: no Im good. RS: sure. you don't cry like you used to or put your hands up at me anymore when you're upset. RS: but it's been a few decades. PL: thats because cryings for pussies and I dont care. RS: who the fuck told you that? PL: my entire life actually. PL: but like. thats fair. RS: god fucking damn it. PL: haahhaa.a PL: see now you get it . RS: i don't even know where to start here. RS: i'm guessing that polite small talk is out of the question. RS: what are you doing now? do you have a job? kids? boyfriend/girlfriend/datefriend? what did i miss since i last saw you? etc., etc. RS: are mom and dad still alive? did they get what was coming for them? you know. pleasantries. PL: pfffff. PL: nah. PL: I think if you wanna find out youll keep your word. RS: i'm going to. RS: and i will find out. RS: because i will get to you. PL: sure Jan. PL: if you talk to Jude again. RS: are you fucking SERIOUS? PL: tell him to fake propose to me. PL: thatd be a nice thing to happen before the dying thing. RS: can you not? RS: you're not going to die. PL: no not really. RS: so since you KNOW jude, did he even tell you about talking to the captain of this damn thing i'm on? RS: because if he DID i am near positive we are already heading your way. PL: shrug. RS: no verbal confirmation as of yet, but...that's my son. no man left behind thing going on. PL: ooohh your son. PL: Robyn Saint has sons? PL: thatll be big news. PL: I should hit up the tabloids. RS: don't even try. RS: you're going to get everybody killed if you do that. RS: and unless you want to be responsible for a ship full of us being caught and peeled and whatever the fuck else PL: hey well maybe then well be even. RS: i wouldn't do that. RS: jesus, what did they TELL you? RS: to be worth all this shit it sure as hell has gotta be a good story. RS: movie worthy, i'm sure. PL: whatever. PL: Im way too high to want to kee ptalking to you. PL: IM ognna go hang out iwth my face husbamnd now. RS: high on what? PL: bye Roley. <3 RS: penny. fuck. RS: don't fucking. RS: close. RS: this RS: damn. RS: thing. RS: i'm going to keep coming back now that i got your handle. you ain't gonna be able to get rid of me. RS: tell me. was i such an ungrateful daughter who threw everything mom and dad worked so hard to give me back in their face and told them to fuck off? PL: 3> rOley byue RS: was i SO DANGEROUS, they asked me to leave? RS: jesus what are you HIGH on?! PL: BYEEEEE RILEY RS: fuck. RS: FUCK. FUCK. FUCK. -- pennyLane [PL] is now an idle chum! -- RS: this is rich. this is...really fucking rich. RS: of course you hate me? what else did i expect? RS: that they would leave ANY sliver of truth in my legacy is just too much to fucking ask for. RS: if i had just taken you with me maybe i could have made it work. RS: sure, i'd be a felon and a kidnapper and the cops would be on my ass but maybe i could have gotten away with it. RS: look. RS: leaving you. was so fucking hard. RS: whether you believe it or not. RS: i had very little choice in the matter. -- pennyLane [PL] is now an idle chum! -- RS: how the fuck was i supposed to go back? i couldn't. i couldn't take you. i couldn't call cps and put you through the foster system. i thought hey, maybe that would be worse? RS: nothing could be worse. RS: look, can you just stay alive until i get there? RS: it might be too fucking late. RS: go me. RS: but if you haven't done anything fatal yet... RS: please. RS: stay. RS: alive. -- robynSaint [RS] ceased pestering pennyLane [PL] at 23:11 --

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0430

UNCLE BRO: -HERE HE IS, coming to get a sports drink after some physical therapy and a LIGHT workout. At this point he really just has the cane for aesthetic. After retrieving his drink he plops down at a table, sipping it while being a little winded.- BRO: -IS HE STILL HERE? regardless, derek is also here now, slinking into the cafeteria for a meal probably barely passable as food.- UNCLE BRO: -Casually eating some curry now- Sup RILEY: -what a coincidence, here comes she. except she goes straight to staring at the food. And giving it a dirty look- BRO: -sweats about riley. shes so small... and so angry... but he's preoccupying himself by eyeballing the brother- Are you out for good now? MOM: -Well everyones gotta' eat. However, When Roxanne enters the cafeteria and sees the company its already holding she kinda regrets not coming in an hour before...-

MOM: -Its too late to turn around now without making it obviously weird. So shes going to quietly walk herself over to the food options, keeping her distance from Riley.- RILEY: -WHY. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING. why does food make her want to puke? Ok, she knows why, but why is Roxanne here? this sucks. she's trying to make something here sound appetizing in her head but failing at it- UNCLE BRO: Yep -He's looking around. Oh this should be good- BRO: -NO?? NO IT SHOULDNT. now he's glancing over at them nervously- ...

BRO: Yeah cool. MOM: -You should try eating soup if your stomach feels janked up Riley. Shes grabbing some and potato salad.-

MOM: -And Roxanne does side eye Riley once before turning and starting to look around for a table. She would like to give a greeting to Davenforth of course but Derek is right there...- UNCLE BRO: Kept ya waitin huh BRO: Shut up Keifer. -slides into a seat next to him. just gonna. try to ignore all that business over there.- RILEY: -it's all a little too much, trying so hard to like this food and trying not to feel even more guilty that she doesn't really want to be speaking out loud, but she makes a conscious choice to do so anyway.- i fucking give up. i give up. BRO: -baby do n t- ROXANNE: -Owl turns her head at Riley's voice- ........ UNCLE BRO: Its lettuce BRO: Im gonna slap the shit out of you. -DONT MEME AT A TIME LIKE THIS- UNCLE BRO: Yo riri try the egg drop soup its bomb

RILEY: no. it looks like shit. it smells like shit. i don't need this.

ROXANNE: (Then don't eat it.)

ROXANNE: -Pretty simple, you dont need to insult the chef Riley.-

UNCLE BRO: ....-It finally goddamn clicks and he turns to Derek-

UNCLE BRO: Is she

UNCLE BRO: Yaknow

BRO: -el squinto- Is she what? -YIKES-

UNCLE BRO: Yaknow bakin buns and shit

BRO: ... 

BRO: ... 

BRO: ... -KILL BILL SIRENS AS IT ALL SUDDENLY MAKES SENSE-

MOM: -She finally picked a table by herself one over from Davenforth and Derek, and right as she sat down she MAY have over heard that question.- 

MOM: -Her internal reaction is very much the same as Dereks.-

UNCLE BRO: -He facepalms- God fucking dammit

RILEY: -spins around after realizing that they've caught on and crosses her arms, disguising the panic in being defensive as hell- who the-- why would you even ask something like that? i'm standing right here. i can HEAR you. fucking dick move, dave.

MOM: -She quite suddenly also does not feel like eating.-

UNCLE BRO: Dick move dave thats me just here to pass out the latest in dickish maneuvers

BRO: Jesus. Christ. 

BRO: For fuckin real Dave. -but also looks at riley sweatily-

RILEY: -pointedly not looking at Derek because she cannot- yeah, calm down. -uh oh, she's losing it-

DAD: -There sure sounds like a lot of cussing out here. Cue the strong fatherly disapproval as James walk in pushing a cartful of fresh baked goodies to put up in the cafeteria.- ?

DAD: GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE.

RILEY: -and James is here too). Oh god. She covers her face- unfuckingbelievable!

MOM: -James please come sit next to her she is kinda trying to keep it cool and struggling.-

MOM: -At least drive your cart by her.-

DAD: -You sound astonishingly distressed, Riley. James is now on high alert, quickly glancing between everyone before resting eyes on Riley.- IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT.

UNCLE BRO: Wanna take a seat riri

RILEY: you gonna make more jabs at me to tickle yourself or what?

DAD: -Riley, please. Shoots a concerned glance to Roxanne, wondering what could possibly be so upsetting right now.-

BRO: -hhhh. he gets out of his seat to go over to riley, reaching out to touch her arm... a little cautiously, to be honest.- Listen we dont gotta stick around here. 

BRO: We could... Go elsewhere. 

BRO: ... Maybe talk...

DAD: -watching this with his eyes. Derek you also look distressed. What the hullabaloo is going on??-

BRO: -HE'S REAL DISTRESSED JAMES BUT WHAT ELSE IS NEW-

DAD: -Well James won't object. He has pies, cake, and donuts to unload.-

UNCLE BRO: -He's not really helping-

UNCLE BRO: Nah just wanted to sit and chat try and help with some choices

RILEY: -pulls her arm away from him. she can't look at him, she can't tell him- about what? there's nothing to talk-- -her voice cracks and she sighs, looking like she's about to cry-

UNCLE BRO: Nevermind we can talk food later

DAD: -still trying to catch Roxanne's eye. He is subtle. The most stealt- ...- 

DAD: SEE TO IT THAT YOU ARE WELL, RILEY. PLEASE. -uncovering this beautiful blue velvet cake.-

BRO: Shit-- Riley... -eyeballs james and the cake- She dont want that shes not feeling well. 

BRO: ... -looks back at her- You dont want it right?

UNCLE BRO: -Holy shit he needs a piece of that-

DAD: -He wasn't exactly offering it being concerned for her like he was. But. It's here. He puts it up for display.-

UNCLE BRO: -He's gonna get a piece of that when less drama-

RILEY: no, i-- fuck. -she turns around and starts to hurry out of the room-

BRO: Riley-- -HHHHHH- 

BRO: -turns head to look at davenforth like YOU FOOL. YOU FUCKING FOOL. YOU ABSOLUTE GODDAMN BUFFOON. I'M GOING TO KILL YOU.-

UNCLE BRO: -He's used to it at this point. Catknife.jpg-

UNCLE BRO: Yo hey ro and jamie can you help me with somethin in the atrium

BRO: -THERE IS NO WHERE TO HIDE-

DAD: -gentlemen please...- DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF THE REQUEST. I WOULD NOT BE OPPOSED TO OFFERING ASSISTANCE WHERE I CAN. -passive gazing at Derek.- UNCLE BRO: -He's trying to give you some privacy JEEZ- BRO: -grumps- (Subtle James.) -WHATEVER. he's out of here.- UNCLE BRO: I wanted to talk to you about lif real quick RILEY: -GOTTA GO FAST- ROXANNE: -She has been so god damn interested in this potato salad, damn who made it, its so much more incredible then the drama taking place around her.- DAD: -Roxanne, please... He turns his attention back to Daven. Continues to unload his pastry cart.- HOW PRIVATE IS THE MATTER. UNCLE BRO: Shes my girlfriend so pretty private

DAD: -pauses, surprised to learn this. Suddenly a good many facts seem to make sense to him.- I WAS NOT AWARE. BUT REGARDLESS, I WOULD NOT THINK TO BERATE A REQUEST FOR DISCRETION. OR THE URGENCY WHICH MAY FOLLOW SUIT. DAD: I AM AVALIABLE SPEAK AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.

[practicalfamiliar-blog]

-- practicalFamiliar [PF] began pestering robynSaint [RS] --

PF: GOOD EVENING, RILEY. A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME TO SPEAK, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE. PF: I HOPE I AM NOT DISTURBING YOU. RS: james, hey. sure. you're not disturbing anything. RS: long time no talk. PF: NEW POSITION OFFERS FEWER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CASUAL CHAT. I DO FIND REGRET IN THIS. PF: IT WILL BE REMEDIED AS SOON AS I GROW ACCUSTOMED TO THE TASKS REQUIRED OF ME. RS: congratulations on getting a new position. i had no idea. PF: IT IS TRUE. I NOW ADVISE THE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED COUNSELORS, AS WELL AS ASSUME A POSITION OF COUNSELING MYSELF. PF: THE EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN ENRICHING. PF: IT IS ALSO RELEVANT TO MY REASONING FOR MESSAGING YOU OUT OF THE BLUE. RS: ...oh. RS: someone tell you i need counseling or something? PF: ON THE CONTRARY. I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF YOUR INTEREST IN SEEKING A POSITION WITHIN OUR DEPARTMENT. PF: I WOULD LIKE TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION, IF POSSIBLE. RS: you have? RS: i mean. okay. i'm supposed to get a job here anyway, right? RS: but are you sure i'm the right kind of person for this? PF: I BELIEVE ANYONE, IF THEY ARE WILLING, CAN OFFER A CERTAIN BRAND OF WISDOM AND PERSPECTIVE WHICH MAY BE A NECESSARY DOSE OF REFRESHMENT TO THOSE SIMPLY SEEKING SOMEONE TO LISTEN. PF: YOU WOULD NOT BE GIVEN DIAGNOSTIC RESPONSIBILITIES, OF COURSE. PF: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF TOPICS WHICH YOU YOURSELF FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT. PF: DUE TO EXPERIENCE OR READY PASSION. RS: topics related to what people would be going to counseling for? PF: TOPICS WHICH MAY TRANSLATE WELL FOR COUNSELING SEMINARS. PF: WHICH PEOPLE WOULD ATTEND SIMPLY TO EXPAND ON THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES WITH IT. PF: IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT AS WELL. THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO INVEST YOURSELF IN. RS: oh. RS: well i mean, experience wise. RS: if i'm being honest. RS: depression, grief. anxiety, i guess? loss. all things i'm very familiar with. PF: THESE ARE A VERY GOOD RANGE OF TOPICS. PF: I WOULD BE MORE THAN GLAD TO ARRANGE A MEETING WITH THE OTHER COUNSELOR MEMBERS TO GAIN THEIR OPINION ON HOW TO PROCEED. PF: IT WOULD SERVE WELL TO OFFICIATE YOUR ENTRY AS AN ASSISTANT COUNSELOR. PF: THE FIRST OF MANY VOLUNTEERS TO BE DRAFTED. PF: I NOW OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS. RS: wait, you're...making it official? like i have a job? PF: AFFIRMATIVE. RS: holy shit. thank  you. RS: who uh...recommended me? PF: DEREK. HE SEEMED ADAMANT THAT I MAKE TIME FOR AN INTERVIEW. PF: ABSURD, IN ALL HONESTY. DRAFTING AN EXCUSE TO SPEAK WITH YOU IS HARDLY A CHORE. RS: oh. RS: sounds like him. RS: wow. RS: man. i'm employed now, like a real person. PF: PLEASE EXPECT A CONGRATULATORY CAKE WITHIN THE NEXT AFTERNOON. RS: a cake? RS: ain't that a lot of work to put into something like this? PF: AS THE ADVISER ON DUTY, IT IS MY DECISION TO MARK WHAT MAY BE TOO MUCH WORK AND WHAT IS NOT. PF: CAKE BAKING IS NEVER TOO MUCH WORK. PF: I AM BAKING RIGHT NOW. RS: who's the lucky recipient for this one? PF: IT IS LIKELY THAT I WILL BE FORWARDING IT TO DEREK. PF: I FIND THAT HE APPRECIATES THE GESTURE. PF: NOT TO MENTION THE CONVENIENCE OF A LATE NIGHT SNACK. RS: oh, definitely. RS: should make him feel better, anyway. PF: ARE YOU INSINUATING HE IS NOT IN HIS TOP FORM? RS: i don't know why i just assumed you knew. RS: he caught a cold or something. your run of the mill contagious shit. PF: THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I WILL HAVE JOHN PAY HIM A VISIT. PF: THE CHANCES OF HIM REFERRING HIMSELF TO THE INFIRMARY ARE VERY SLIM. RS: you got that right. RS: maybe john can speed up the healing process. PF: I WOULD LIKE TO THINK SO. HE DID NOT ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOL FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF DOCTOR EXCLUSIVE JOKES. PF: THAT IS ONLY ONE PORTION OF THE REASON. RS: reason enough in my book. PF: I WILL ALSO INSIST ON INCREASING HIS VITAMIN C INTAKE. RS: smart advice. maybe he'll listen. PF: MY PREDICTION IS HE WILL PROTEST. REFUSE ON THE SURFACE OF HIS PRIDE. PF: HOWEVER, PERSONAL HEALTH IS NO LAUGHING MATTER. I WILL STAND MY GROUND. RS: that's the way to go, james. PF: I HAVE NOT ASKED HOW YOU ARE FAIRING. BUSINESS MATTERS ASIDE. RS: oh. i'm okay. it's been better since i can roam wherever i want now. PF: WITH NEW FREEDOM COMES NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. HAVE YOU MADE NEW ACQUAINTANCES? RS: not really, i guess. i suppose i'm still around the same people. PF: I FIND NO ISSUE WITH THIS. PF: PERHAPS WITH YOUR NEW POSITION, OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION WILL ARISE. PF: AND IF NOT, THEN IT IS ALL THE SAME. PF: I PERSONALLY FIND YOUR COMPANY HIGHLY ENJOYABLE. RS: really? PF: INDEED. I AM GLAD YOU HAVE JOINED WHEN YOU DID. PF: IT MUST HAVE BEEN A DIFFICULT DECISION TO MAKE. ONE THAT REQUIRED A LOT OF COURAGE. PF: IT IS NOT EASY RELINQUISHING ONE'S CAREER AND LIFESTYLE. PF: HOWEVER. A MOTHER WILL ALWAYS DO WHAT IS BEST FOR HER CHILDREN. RS: in most cases. it hasn't always been true for me. PF: WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPAND ON THAT THOUGHT? RS: well, my mom didn't. and i didn't when it came to dave. PF: YOUR REGRET, ALTHOUGH PRESENT, DOES NOT HAVE TO STAND AS IT DOES. PF: I THINK YOU HAVE DONE THE BEST YOU MIGHT HAVE EVER TRIED TO DO. AS ONE PERSON IS ONLY EVERY CAPABLE OF. PF: THAT BEING SAID, I DO NOT THINK SIMPLE WORDS WILL EVER TARNISH THE GUILT YOU HOLD TO YOURSELF. IT EXISTS YES, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO DEFINE WHO YOU ARE TO YOUR SONS. PF: THAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND, I BELIEVE. PF: THEY MUST BE PROUD OF YOU. RS: fuck, james. why you gotta say shit like that? RS: actually, did you want to come over? it's been a while. PF: A VISIT WOULD BE VERY LOVELY, YES. PF: I WILL BE OVER SHORTLY. DAD: -about fifteen minutes later, Riley will be receiving a stern knock at her door.- RILEY: -she answers the door pretty quickly, but it's obvious she's not feeling so great physically with how she sounds and how exhausted she looks.- hey. -steps aside for him to come in- DAD: -eyebrows are raising as he quickly gathers that she is sick. Quickly, he removes his hat and nods to her in a very gentleman-like manner.- HELLO, RILEY. DAD: ...ARE YOU FEELING WELL? DAD: IF I MAY BE FRANK, YOU DO NOT LOOK VERY WELL. RILEY: -she sniffs and nods- i'm okay. just getting over a dumb sickness i guess. DAD: I WILL BE INFORMING JOHN OF THE ILLNESS BECOMING CONTAGIOUS. -in fact, he's typing a message on his communicator right now.- HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING MEDICATION AND KEPT YOURSELF PROPERLY HYDRATED? RILEY: i'm pretty positive it's just a cold, don't sweat it. i'm taking some over the counter pain pills, but that's a bit. i could probably be drinking more water. DAD: WHEN WE ARE TRAVELING WITHIN A VACUUM TIGHT PERIMETER OF A SPACE SHUTTLE, WE CAN NEVER BE TOO CAREFUL. -The urge to fuss over her is becoming overwhelming for him. James gives her a stern stare down.- WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO BREW YOU A HOT DRINK? RILEY: -she takes a seat on her couch- i won't decline, that's for sure. DAD: VERY WELL. -Only then does he enter her room. He will be finding a stable surface and producing a portable brewing hub from his sylladex. Perfect for making coffees and teas on the go.- I HOPE YOU ARE NOT OPPOSED TO GREEN TEA. DAD: I WILL PROVIDE THE LEMON. EXCELLENT FOR SORE THROATS. RILEY: damn, you're prepared as hell. DAD: I TRULY ATTEMPT TO BE. -this will only take a few moments. Before too long, Riley is being passed a nice mug full of green tea with a slice of lemon.- PLEASE BE CAREFUL. IT IS VERY HOT. RILEY: -she is very careful as she takes it and slowly blows on it before taking a sip- that feels good on my throat. DAD: -nods, appearing satisfied- YOU WILL BEGIN FEELING BETTER IN NO TIME. DAD: IN FACT, I WILL ALLOW YOU TO BORROW THE BREWING HUB UNTIL YOU ARE. IT IS THE LEAST I CAN DO, IF ANYTHING. DAD: I CANNOT STAND TO YOU KNOW YOU ARE FEELING ILL AND NOT BEING ATTENDED TO IN AT LEAST SOME MANNER. RILEY: -well, she's kind of being attended to, but as far as how much that fits his ideal description...if the sick "takes care" of the sick does that count?- really? thank you. that's really sweet. RILEY: i'm not completely alone, if that makes you feel better. DAD: THAT IS REASSURING TO KNOW. REGARDLESS. I MUST INSIST ON HAVING JOHN PREFORM A CHECK-UP. RILEY: alright, but only because i don't think you're going to let it go. -she grins at him- DAD: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT IN THIS ASSUMPTION. RILEY: then i guess i'll let him check it out. so you don't gotta worry. DAD: I BELIEVE I WOULD WORRY REGARDLESS. -Once a dad, always a dad.- RILEY: what? about me? should i let you know when i'm on the mend? DAD: I WOULD LIKE FREQUENT STATUS REPORTS, YES. -crosses his arms with a stern nod- AS YOUR SUPERVISOR, I MAY CONSIDER ENFORCING THIS REQUEST. RILEY: man, already giving me orders and ain't even an hour into my position. DAD: -ends up cracking a smile. Yep, he was just teasing.- YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. RILEY: -smiles back and sips her tea again- guess it's the only job i got. DAD: SO THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLAINT. RILEY: damn right. RILEY: so what about you? you doing okay? DAD: OF COURSE. -then pauses to think a little.- DAD: JANE HAS DECIDED TO STAY ON LOCAS. FOR HER OWN SAFETY AND WELL-BEING. DAD: I AM SPEAKING TO HER FREQUENTLY BUT. I ALSO CANNOT HELP BUT FRET. RILEY: it's hard, huh? leaving her. DAD: I AM RESOLVED TO STAND BY HER DECISION. -That doesn't answer the question, James. Plz.- RILEY: -tilts her head- but still challenging? DAD: IT IS NOTHING I CANNOT OVERCOME. -Don't mind him, Riley. James can be stubborn as an ox about his own feelings.- RILEY: it was hard enough leaving dirk and dave last time. DAD: -Mrrph. James is looking more than a little pensive here... and maybe even a little sad as he looks off. Finally, he nods.- RILEY: can you keep in contact with her? -she's sympathetic- DAD: I CAN. IT IS... ONLY THE DISTANCE, I SUPPOSE. DAD: I MUST ACCEPT IT. AND I SHALL. -nods as if confirming this information to himself- I ONLY NEED TIME. RILEY: you don't gotta force yourself to. cuz i think the more you try to force yourself to accept something, the more you can't. it's okay to have a hard time with it. no one's gonna hold it against you. DAD: NO, I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY WOULD. -dares to meet her with a small smile- OF COURSE. YOUR WORDS DO HAVE MEANING. DAD: I DO NOT WISH TO BELITTLE THEM. DAD: BUT I WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS TRIBULATION, AS I HAVE DONE SO IN THE PAST. DAD: JANE IS A VERY CAPABLE YOUNG WOMAN AND I HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE SHE WILL MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT SHE IS GIVEN. DAD: AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE. I AM VERY PROUD OF HER. DAD: SHE KNOWS THIS. I HAVE NEVER ONCE LET IT FAIL FOR ME TO REMIND HER. RILEY: -she listens to him and nods- you're just brave, i think. RILEY: you got a lot of wisdom under that hat. DAD: -Oh. He had almost forgotten where he set down his hat. Plucks it back up with another small smile.- THE BETTER I MIGHT BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT, RILEY. NOTHING MORE. RILEY: -thinks about that for a moment...maybe a little too long- DAD -is peering at her. Curious but not too impolite to disturb her thinking space.- ...WOULD YOU BE OPPOSED IF I PARTOOK IN A SMOKE. RILEY: oh not at all. -waves her hand- weed or tobacco, i don't give a fuck. DAD: ...THIS WOULD BE TOBACCO. -removes pipe from sylladex and begins putting it together.- BUT IT IS POLITE OF YOU TO CLARIFY. RILEY: of course. i gotta right? DAD: -just chuckling to himself- RILEY: -pauses a little more as she sips her tea- hey, can i ask you a question? DAD: OF COURSE. -faint puffing- RILEY: you ever make a mistake and then one of your kids gets really uh...disappointed with you? DAD: -appears to consider this very deeply, strong smelling smoke wafting from his pipe.- EVEN WITH THE BEST INTENTIONS IN MIND FOR MY CHILDREN... I CAN ONLY HUMBLY CONFESS THAT I HAVE. RILEY: how did you...deal with that? DAD: IT IS... A FACT OF LIFE THAT ALL YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN MUST LEARN. THAT NO PARENT IS A PERFECT FIGURE. THEY ARE HUMAN AND THEREFORE PRONE TO AN IMPERFECT NATURE. -exhales slowly- IT IS A LESSON I MYSELF LEARNED MANY YEARS AGO. DAD: WHEN I COMMIT SOMETHING THAT REMINDS JOHN OR JANE OF THIS FACT. IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO BE THE ROLE MODEL THAT I AM. AND ANSWER TO THAT MISTAKE AS I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO. DAD: FOR REGARDLESS OF MY MISTAKES, THEY DO LOOK UP TO ME. IN SOME MANNER OR ANOTHER. I CANNOT LOSE SIGHT OF THAT. RILEY:  so you think that even if you fuck up really bad, they'll still see the good parts of you? DAD: -James is making a mental note of these oddly specific questions she is asking.- DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THE SAME IF YOU WERE IN THEIR POSITION? RILEY: -shakes her head- no. DAD: THEN PERHAPS... YOU MIGHT ANALYZE WHY THAT IS. AND WHAT YOU WOULD WANT SOMEONE IN YOUR ROLE TO DO. IF YOU WERE THE ONE LEARNING ALL OF THIS. RILEY: -she nods- yeah. sure. DAD: -taking some time to let these words sit, just quietly puffing his pipe.- DAD: ... DAD: ARE YOU CERTAIN YOU ARE ALRIGHT? RILEY: ...yeah. yeah. i'll be fine. DAD: -fixing her with a look of concern.- PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT IT? DAD: IF THAT IS. NOT TOO INTRUSIVE A THING FOR ME TO OFFER. I WOULD ONLY LIKE TO HELP. RILEY: -looks away- i. really don't want you to think poorly. of anyone else involved. DAD: -Anyone else? James is refusing to draw conclusions here.- IF YOU CANNOT TALK ABOUT IT, THEN DO NOT. DAD: ONLY TRUST THAT WHAT EVER ELSE HAPPENS. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU TO THE PROVERBIAL DOGS. THAT BEING SAID. DAD: YOUR FRIENDSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. AND TO OTHERS I CARE A GREAT DEAL FOR. THIS INCLUDES YOUR PRESENCE HERE. PERHAPS YOU DO NOT REALIZE IT. THE GRAVITY OR... -his brow is knitting.- DAD: I ONLY HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE FOR YOU TO SPEAK AND BE HEARD. THAT IS ALL. RILEY: okay but if i tell you you realize you will actually not want to be my friend and will likely fire me. DAD: I HAVE ONLY JUST HIRED YOU. ON WHAT PREMISE COULD I POSSIBLY EXTERMINATE YOUR EMPLOYMENT? DAD: AS WELL AS OUR FRIENDSHIP FOR THAT MATTER. -he smiles but also. He's still concern.- RILEY: let's say what i did hurts another one of your friends. DAD: IT MAY COUNT AS MORE RESOLVE TO UNDERSTAND EVERY ASPECT OF THAT WHICH HAS BEEN DONE. FOR THE SAKE OF MY DEAR FRIENDS WHO MAY BE HURTING WITHOUT MY KNOWING. RILEY: -she can't look at him- i. RILEY: me and derek. RILEY: we. DAD: ... -He could draw a lot of conclusions from these few words but. James will wait for her to finish the statement.- RILEY: -NO WHY. SHE DOESNT WANT TO SAY IT.- we. RILEY: -her face is so RED UGH- hooked up. DAD: RECENTLY. -Only now does he allow the conclusions to fall into place.- RILEY: -god she hates this and her voice is quiet- yes. recently. DAD: AND YOU ARE... FAIRLY UPSET. BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS. -He can't help it. The quietness in her voice has him drawing closer.- RILEY: yeah. dirk found out. so. DAD: -can only set a hand on her shoulder.- I AM SORRY... TO LEARN THIS, RILEY. RILEY: i know. -WHY IS SHE FEELING SUPPORTED SHE SHOULDNT BE FEELING SUPPORTED RIGHT NOW- i'm sorry you gotta hear it. DAD: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE TRUTH WOULD HAVE EMERGED SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. DAD: I DO NOT PRESUME THE DECISION WAS MADE VERY LIGHTLY. RILEY: -she still is not looking at him. she can't.- yeah. probably. RILEY: what decision? doing what we did or telling you? DAD: BOTH. -keeps a steady hand on her shoulder- DAD: THERE IS A LOT MORE INVOLVED IN THIS SITUATION THAN MEETS THE EYE. RILEY: i don't know. RILEY: i don't know about that. RILEY: you might want to see it that way but... i don't think you can. DAD: I DO NOT IMAGINE THAT REGARDLESS OF HOW I VIEWED THINGS... IT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE FACTS AS THEY STAND. DAD: HOW YOU AND DEREK FEEL OF EACH OTHER IN THIS MOMENT. WHEN THE AFFAIR IS OVER AND DONE WITH. RILEY: i feel like i have the wrong answer. DAD: THE ONLY WRONG ANSWER IS DISHONESTY. RILEY: -she takes a moment to respond, voice quiet again- well. RILEY: i love him. DAD: THEN THIS IS A FACT THAT WILL NOT CHANGE COME MY OR ANYONE ELSE'S OPINION. RILEY: yeah. it is. DAD: I SUPPOSE... YOU MUST WONDER WHAT IS TO BE DONE NOW. RILEY: yeah. i do. DAD: I CANNOT GIVE YOU THAT ANSWER. NOT TRULY. -returns to the table for the pipe he had abandoned momentarily.- HOWEVER. I CAN ADVISE YOU SOME POINTS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION. DAD: ACKNOWLEDGE THAT DESPITE YOUR FEELINGS AND MOTIVATIONS, YOUR COMBINED ACTIONS WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES. DAD: SUPPORT DEREK IN WHICH EVER WAY YOU CAN. HE IS... OR RATHER. HE HAS. DAD: ALSO MADE A DECISION WHICH DEMANDS A FULL COMMITMENT. AND IT WILL NOT ONLY IMPACT HIM. BUT.... THOSE HE HELD A PREVIOUS PROMISE TOWARDS. A PROMISE WHICH IS NOW INEVITABLY SET TO BE BROKEN. DAD: HE WILL NEED YOU. RILEY: -finally, she looks at him- he has? DAD: DO YOU BELIEVE DEREK, BEING THE KIND OF MAN THAT HE IS, WOULD MAKE A DECISION IF HE WAS NOT PREPARED TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH IT? DAD: FOR BETTER OR WORSE, HE WILL BE SEEING IT TO THE END. -focuses on setting his pipe off.- IT IS ONE OF HIS GREATEST QUALITIES. RILEY: well, yes. you seen how impulsive he is? DAD: I DO BUT... -sighs then, a sadness beginning to creep on him from the inside. But it's difficult to tell. James is always very composed.- PERHAPS. I DO NOT KNOW HIM AS WELL AS YOU DO. DAD: REGARDLESS. DAD: THAT MAY BE ALL THE ADVICE I CAN THINK TO GIVE IN THIS MOMENT IN TIME. YOU NEED YOUR REST... AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECOVER. DAD: -begins setting his hat back onto his head.- I WILL BE CHECKING IN WITH YOU VERY SOON. PLEASE KEEP THE BREWING HUB FOR AS LONG AS YOU MIGHT NEED. RILEY: -she nods slowly, crossing her arms a little- okay. RILEY: thank you. i mean that. DAD: I WILL SEE YOU... -checks his watch, considering.- AS SOON AS JOHN GIVES THE APPROVAL FOR YOU TO BEGIN WORK. DAD: HAVE A PLEASANT EVENING, RILEY. -and with that, James takes his exit.- RILEY: -well, she isn't fired. she looks after james when he leaves- yeah. RILEY: you too.

[technologicgodot]

Dave has a complex relationship with doors, considering how much time he spends standing outside of one instead of interacting with them. It’s not like he doesn’t know what lies behind this one; he’s well aware. He knows the person inside enough, and still he finds himself considering a regretful walk back to his room. It’s Bro’s words that ring in his head and keep him there, and those same words that make him knock on the door.

She’s probably lonely and shit.

But it’s not just Bro he’s here for. Despite the tumultuous conversation with his brother the night before, Dirk’s input sticks in his mind no matter how much he wants to get it out.

But if you tell her how you feel, then she can explain how he was feeling.

Even Jade has brought him here with her insight.

I don’t think that you will ever get a chance to feel close to her until you do have that conversation.

He’s not sure why he’s so fidgety, why he’s drumming his fingers against his leg as he waits. The conversation he plans to have has him second-guessing himself, but his feet are glued to the ground beneath him. Maybe she’s not there. Of course she’s there; where else would she go? They’re in space, dumbass.

The door opens and there she is, standing in what he assumes she wears to bed, considering he’s never seen her in anything like this before. Hair askew, she looks like she’s drowning in an oversized t-shirt coupled with a pair of yoga pants. More telling is the familiar look on her face that he’s seen on someone else before. The exhaustion rings a bell in his mind, the way the room feels strikes something within him that he can’t quite describe.

“Hey, Dave,” she says with a smile that appears forced, stepping aside for him to come in. “Decided to visit your mom, huh?”

He nods, walking slowly inside and taking in the empty room. It is definitely a spare, given there are only the basics inside. He takes notice of the guitar against the wall, but the longer he looks, the more he notices the thin layer of dust coating the wood. What does she even do in here by herself? The possibility that the answer is nothing unsettles him.

How long has it been since she had company?

“I wanted to show you some stuff,” he says outright. “Not ‘cause it's awesome or anything like that, but it seems like we got a shared interest in music and making it even if I don't have all the cool shit you do at the ready to make it like legit high quality. I mean in comparison, mine kinda sucks but like I've been working on this for a while and I'm hoping that maybe it's not like the worst ‘cause that would be really fucking embarrassing--”

He ceases suddenly when he notices her smiling in amusement at him and yet listening intently. Forgetting to breathe when he is on one of his tangents is far too easy, and he pays for it now as he forces a deep breath and sifts through his sylladex for his computer.

“Guess I should ask you if it's okay first instead of going all gung ho.”

Riley laughs and takes a seat on a small couch, patting the seat next to her.

“Show me. I want to hear it.”

Dave hurriedly sits down next to her, getting out his laptop and fumbling around. He’s stalling, and he knows it. Stalling is easier than starting the conversation he needs to have. As he pushes play on his most recent track, he can’t focus on it. He can’t focus on her reaction, her approval, or any of it, because all he can think about is his conversation with Dirk, the things they said, and the truth it all held. It feels wrong, sitting next to her and pretending as if their relationship is as normal as it could be.

Riley listens intently, resting her mouth against folded hands and closing her eyes, soaking in every detail of the music. He’s never had anyone listen with such focus before, and it stirs up a hoard of conflicted feelings that swarm in his mind.

Suddenly, he can’t take it anymore.

“Why is Dirk better than me?”

Her eyes blink open and she glances at him in surprise, completely caught off guard.

“Like, I get he’s prodigal son status here, gone missing and coming back like some kind of a goddamn miracle nobody asked for this late but here he is on some random delivery back in your life. Like a pizza you ordered two weeks ago except you figure you can eat more even though it’s way too late. But you didn’t even need to order out because I was there, too. Sure, I was a weird-ass albino pizza, but I was still there. Fuck, maybe I could have been a decent son if you just gave me a chance, but you didn’t. You didn’t give me a chance at all, you just...you just left me with him. You had to know what he was like because you fucking married him so you had to have a clue that some of this stuff was gonna go down.”

He can’t look at her as he’s talking, because if he does, he may take it all back and leave crucial thoughts unsaid.

“And like, fuck, losing Dirk had to be the most horrible thing to ever happen to you guys. I can’t imagine what it would be like if Dove was suddenly gone like that.” He swallows, trying to hold himself together. “But why didn’t you take me with you? I would have been okay to have around, I think. Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to get me to shut up, but that’s something I could have worked on. I could have been the king of motherfucking brevity if you wanted. Shit, I was just a baby when you left, so I could have been literally anything you wanted or needed me to be if you just took me with you. But you didn’t. And you know you didn’t, and you and Dirk have this tight thing going on and it’s weird with us because you could have come back at any time for me, and you didn’t. But Dirk’s here and suddenly you’re around. I don’t even think you came here for me at all. And there ain’t anything I can do to change that, like, that’s your thing. I guess I just want to know why. Like what was so wrong with me besides the whole skin defect thing because that didn’t play that big of a role, did it?”

His eyelashes moisten and he raises a sleeve to wipe the wetness away as discreetly as possible.

Riley’s silent, and the silence taunts him as he stares at the ground, not daring to look up. He feels stupid, ashamed, like a child--so much that he can’t face her.

Her voice breaks through the air between them, soft and quiet.

“Dave.”

He doesn’t respond.

“Can you just look at me for a few seconds?”

It takes him a moment, but eventually he averts his gaze in her direction. He sees the pain in her eyes, the way they’re both wide with concern, and he can’t look at her any more than that.

He hears her sigh, slowly.

“I can’t even begin to make this up to you. I’m...so sorry. But I know that doesn’t even begin to cover any of it. There’s no good enough excuse for leaving you, because you were and are just so fucking amazing. I regretted it every day, Dave. I missed you and your dad so much that I tried to come back to both of you but you were already long gone. I couldn’t find you, and I tried. Knowing that I lost my chance haunted me for years.” She pauses, wiping her eyes. “I love both you and Dirk so much. And I know I’m not great at expressing it, especially with the limited time I have with y’all.”

Dave hears her and attempts to process this information, piecing parts together that contradicted his beliefs prior to this. Despite the explanation, a question still weighs heavily on his mind, one that he almost feels guilty for asking. Nevertheless, it’s one that needs to be answered.

“Why’d you leave in the first place?”

She looks away as they broach more sensitive territory. Dave remembers some of what she’s told him in the past, but he hasn’t heard the reasoning straight from her. It makes him anxious to ask and wait for her response, but he knows it’s necessary. It’s necessary if he wants to move forward.

“So, we were a pretty solid little family. Your dad, Dirk, you, me. Up until he died, or was taken, I guess. Things just...weren’t the same. When we got back home, I couldn’t even get myself to function let alone take care of you. You needed me, your dad needed me, but I just...I couldn’t. Do anything.” She shrugs, and Dave can see her eyes watering. “I couldn’t think straight. Every time I looked at you, I saw Dirk. Your dad was hurting and I couldn’t support him, and we fought all the time. It was awful. It was awful for you to have to experience so young, and when it didn’t get better, I thought I could fix it by taking myself out of the picture. Obviously, it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, and I hated myself for it. Look, I can’t take it back even though I wish I could, and I can’t replace all of those years I spent away from both of you. And I really fucking can’t explain how sorry I am if I wanted to. It’s not going to be enough. But I love you and Dirk, no matter how much I didn’t get to see you. If I act any different, I guess I’m just...I feel ashamed. But you’re so great, Dave. You’re talented, you’re an amazing dad. And I’m just really fucking sorry.”

Dave sits there for a few moments, silent, and he can tell she’s starting to cry. He does the only thing he can do after hearing all that: he hugs her, putting his arms around her and holding on tightly.

“It’s okay, Mom.”

With tears escaping his own eyes, he means it.

[transient-tutor]

RILEY: -sleep has been harder and harder with her due date approaching, and ryan's weight on her bladder making this the fifth time she's got up to pee tonight. she's yet to found a position in which she can really fall asleep, and when she returns, she just tosses and turns and kicks her legs out one way or the other and the entire bed is shaking. and now she cries about it-

DEREK: -it's pretty much pointless to try and sleep before riley does, so derek has been keeping himself busy most of the evening by working on stitching together some puppet pals. it's been a while, but it's therapeutic and it's quiet and it's something he can zone in on so neither of them have to focus on how damn sad it is that she can't sleep.- 

DEREK: -but when she starts crying, it's something he simply can't ignore... he puts the needle and thread and felt down and crawls into bed with her. gives her hair a pet.- Hey.

RILEY: -she sniffles into the pillow and lets him pet her hair, whimpering a little along with it. she talks into the pillow, muffled- i hate being pregnant. i'm so done.

DEREK: I know. -kisses her head.- 

DEREK: It wont be much longer now huh?

RILEY: i hope not. you ever heard of babies born two weeks late? i can't do that shit. that's too long.

DEREK: -snorts softly and plays a little with her hair- Pretty sure this one wants this over with as much as you do. 

DEREK: Shes rowdy.

DEREK: If anything Id suspect her comin early.

RILEY: tell me about it. -sighs, the feeling of his fingers in her hair having a little bit of a calming effect- i don't ever remember dirk and dave being like this but maybe my memory's shot. maybe it's cuz i'm fucking old.

DEREK: You aint old. -tucks hair behind her ear and kisses at her cheek.- 

DEREK: Old women cant get pregnant. -snickers- 

DEREK: I think we just got a firecracker on our hands.

RILEY: -turns her head to look up at him- one huge ass firecracker. 

RILEY: in my stomach. making me pee all the time.

DEREK: That invokes some gruesome imagery. 

DEREK: But also pretty damn accurate to the miracle of birth. -despite being gross, he captures her lips up in a kiss when she looks at him.-

RILEY: -she snorts and kisses him in return sweetly- you mean the disaster of birth.

DEREK: It can be both. -brushes a hand over her belly. she's so cute like this... it's really so sad she's suffering like she is.-

RILEY: debatable. you don't gotta have a human being inside you for 9 months. three goddamn times.

DEREK: Sure. You would be more of an expert on the topic. What the fuck do I know? -lopsided smile, rubbing up her stomach.-

RILEY: you know jack shit, that's what you know. -even she can't help smiling a little- you know nothing, derek strider.

DEREK: Nerd. -gives her another kiss just for that-

RILEY: -she's more than okay with these smooches and intertwines the fingers of one of her hands with his- sorry you're already in the nerd hall of fame.

DEREK: Which makes me qualified to call you a nerd all I want. -squeezes her hand.-

RILEY: nah. -sniffles a little bit more and then widens her eyes- we have to get a crib. RILEY: and clothes? and baby stuff? SHIT.

DEREK: ... 

DEREK: Baby were good. Dont worry about any of that. -RILEY PLEASE- 

DEREK: Anything we dont have in time we can just mooch off the boys. -says, kind of forgetting dirk isn't really around...-

RILEY: she should have her own stuff though, right? isn't that a thing?

DEREK: Yeah well... Well work on it. 

DEREK: Dont stress so much alright? You got enough to worry about just doin what youre doin.

RILEY: -she sighs- lying around feeling like a whale? not sleeping? that kind of stuff?

DEREK: Sure. Its a full time job.

RILEY: uh huh. i'll give you a full time job. and it's not a fun one.

DEREK: -grins- Whats that?

RILEY: -frowns at him- getting your ass kicked.

DEREK: Eh? By who? You? -GRINNING STILL-

RILEY: yeah by me. -furrows her eyebrows- it ain't gonna be so funny!

DEREK: Oh yeah... Im so scared. -snickers-

RILEY: oh shut up it's not even-- 

 RILEY: -groans loudly- i could refuse to fuck you for three years. 

 RILEY: how bow dah? smartass.

DEREK: -SNORTS- How bow dah. 

DEREK: I think thatd be as much of a punishment for yourself as it would be for me. -brushes his knuckles over her cheek.-

RILEY: i mean... -smiles a little- okay fine. 

RILEY: i hate you.

[gulescamisade]

Virginia:  Day 26, Get Off the Lawn

[The PARTY TRAIN is a-rolling... and given the sort of situation at and, they've officially reached a time when it's now-or-never. Indeed, the white house lawn-- and much of the DC area-- has been overtaken by massive, colorful circus tents, and BRIGHT, with BRIGHT, SHINING SPOTLIGHTS. Rolling up on this in Jeff's tiny train, it's amazed they aren't run over by what amounts to a media circus-- news vans and camera crews are practically EVERYWHERE, an enormous crowd of people behind velvet ropes and leaning over to watch the small trickle of juggalos entering the circus tents, surrounding the literal circus with a media circus. Despite this, there is no line for entrance to the carnival itself, the dark labrynth of twisting tents and attractions having only a single vendor jamming to horrorcore and a whole heap of INTERVIEWERS looking for a HOT SCOOP.]

[ It's a hell of a scene to look at from a distance. The white house itself isn't even visible beyond the DARK CARNIVAL.]

DAVENFORTH: -Peeps this.- What the shit actually

QIRIN: ... 

QIRIN: I have not yet determined whether a lack of a welcome party is good news or not.

PENNY: yeeeeeeeeEEEEHAW.

ROXANNE: -Euugh, she didnt really mind clowns until this very moment.-

[ Fortunately there are no clouns in IMMEDIATE sight. Just clown-adjascents.]

JEFF: =SWEATING SO MUCH and stays right where he is=

PENNY: -she's made up in clown paint and shit too, rattling her car. she's ready to be rowdy.-

PENNY: -NOT LIKE THEY CAN INFILTRATE REALLY GREAT AFTER BROADCASTING THEMSELVES BUT HEY. MAYBE.-

DEREK: -he's with you, penny... both in attitude and attire.-

KURLOZ: =takes one look around, scrunches up his nose=

[ The current question is: Who is in some kind of disguise, clown makeup or otherwise, and who is not? THE OTHER QUESTION is how close are they getting to the entrance? There is a clear path straight down the middle to the entrance-- with the only landmines being a few reporters and papparazos, and only the occasional fully-garbed Juggalo strides confidently through the entrance.]

RILEY: -this is some bullshit but they have to blend in. And she also refused to stay back by herself. So you win some and you lose some.- holy fuck.

DAVENFORTH: -He's wearing a latex Donald Trump mask. The biggest clown of them all-

RILEY: -DAAAAAAAMN-

ROXANNE: -Most people are getting down with the clown disguise and she is no exception, this is a serious mission despite the smile painted onto her face.-

QIRIN: =She loves you Davenforth, but she can't help but make a face at that mask=

DAVENFORTH: -Well if no one else is getting out, he is. Hello. This is gonna be yuuuuuuuge.-

REPORTER:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P5qbcRAXVk

REPORTER: -This one troll is scampering up for the FIRST and HOTTEST scoop-

REPORTER: We;; HE;;O and WE;COME to this historic occasion!

REPORTER: Wou;d you be wi;;ing to answer a few questions? For AMERICA?

DAVENFORTH: Anything for america of course no one loves america more than me if anyone claims as such theyre lying so many people ask me how can you love america and i tell them america is just so wonderful ill show you how much i love america its just the best

ROXANNE: -Davenforth plz.-

RILEY: -she's gonna lose it at this answer so she has to carefully cover her mouth and not mess up her make-up at the same time. Fucking ridiculous-

DEREK: Can I get a whoop whoop for America?

QIRIN: =She wants all this over with so she can get this horrific layer of oil off her face= QIRIN: Whoop whoop!

REPORTER: We;; A;; give a whoop whoop for America! -Makes sure she's in frame as a tubby cameraman holds up a few recording devices with telekinesis. HE LOOKS INCREDIBLY DISINTERESTED IN THIS WHOLE PROCSES.- REPORTER: Te;; the country how EXCITED you are to be taking part of the judicia; process in the first ever, hands-on pub;ic execution of justice on this FORMER;Y backwards world!

ROXANNE: -Stay strong Riley. She is also hoping off the train.- Whoop, lets go 'Murica!

PENNY: WHOOP WHOOOOOP!!!!

DAVENFORTH: Ill tell you this never again will there be so many whoop whoops the amount of whoop whoops today will just be staggering theyre all going to wonder why so many whoops were not had before and ill tell you the american will whoop again they will whoop like they never did before thank you so much

LIFERA: -she, too, is in clown makeup... and made up to look way more purple than she actually is.- 38D

RILEY: -fuck. - whoop fuckin' whoop.

REPORTER: -she is just plain FLABBERGASTED by this man's charisma-

PENNY: -leans and whispers to Qirin- (whats she mean public execution?)

QIRIN: =has a feeling that some pyropes would not take too kindly to the public execuction of justice of any kind= QIRIN: =just..again= Whoop whoop!

HIGHBLOOD: =Gets his bigass on up out here, picking his fangs=

QIRIN: (It is likely exactly what she means.)

REPORTER: One ;ast question! Are you hoping for a seat on the cabinet? Or are you just here for the exhuberant and divine joy of mass mu-- OH GOOD HEAVENS!

REPORTER: (ARE YOU GETTING HIM IN FRAME? GET HIM IN FRAME, ASSHOLE.)

REPORTER: -the other one pans up a bit to look at the Highblood's BIG OLD FACe.-

HIGHBLOOD: =HE'S A FRESH 600 SWEEPS MAYBE=

DAVENFORTH: Look at my my highblood caste friend over there just look at him look at my purple american friend

REPORTER: Ahahaha! Yes indeed, America! You are seeing it here first and best!

REPORTER: Even dishonored expatriates are eager to win their p;ace in the New America! REPORTER: I'm assuming that you are hoping for a spot on the cabinet, but-- oh!

REPORTER: Any statements you'd ;ike to make?

REPORTER: -HOLDS THE MIC UP TO GHB-

LIFERA: -really close to GHB... she is not comfortable now that the camera is in their direction...-

LIFERA: >38D;;

HIGHBLOOD: =Looks down at this reporter troll= HIGHBLOOD: ...... =leans on down, slowly, covering this tiny fish with his hair probably= HIGHBLOOD: hah HIGHBLOOD: haha...hahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! =Big booming laughter, she don't even need the mic for this= HIGHBLOOD: =straightens up, lifts hand= no further inquiries sis. =strides his ass on=

REPORTER: -CLEARLY UNNERVED AND FORCING A FAKE SMILE-

DAVENFORTH: What an articulate speaker there he goes my clown american friend give it up everybody

REPORTER: ..... (:C

ROXANNE: -Dammn big clown, you go.-

LIFERA: -DOES SOME KIND OF DIMISSIVE HAND SIGN FROM UNDERNEATH THE HAIR. It's about all that can be seen of her as she strolls along-

[ The other seem to be TRYING to get an interview, but the circus itself beckons, and they're all a TEENSY bit intimidated by GHB's presence.]

DEREK: Much clown love from that jolly motherfucker amirite?

DAVENFORTH: -Falls in line with GHB- DAVENFORTH: You alright magilla

PENNY: hell motherfuck yeah my ninja. -leans against Derek with an entire bottle of Faygo.-

HIGHBLOOD: :o) HIGHBLOOD: alls am gonna get right and recalibrated

RILEY: -they're way too good at this-

RILEY: -sticks with lifers tho-

RILEY: -or you know...lifera-

PENNY: -IT'S TWO WHOLE LITERS.-

DAVENFORTH: Im calibrated get me and my bro a big enough distraction and ill get the rest taken care of

ROXANNE: -Shes trailing behind Davenforth to make this a clown entourage.-

[ The ticket taker, too busy jamming to bother stopping them or even explaining anything, could PROBABLY be hassled with a determined effort, but they could also slip right past if they didn't care about this guy's shit. ]

HIGHBLOOD: dones is done and done

HIGHBLOOD: =Would killing him be a determined effort=

[ no man he's pretty easy to kill ]

PENNY: -squeezing past and also quipping at the reporter now- yeah tell yallselves the fams gonna party real hard tonight. HATCHETS HIGH IN THE SKY.

DAVENFORTH: Thank you my clown american friend

LIFERA: -pulls Riley into the hair. join her.-

DEREK: Ill raise my faygo to that juggalette.

RILEY: -OOOOH HAIR TENT-

PENNY: -CACKLES-

RILEY: -it tickles-

DEREK: -CHUGS HIS OWN BOTTLE. its orange obv.-

LIFERA: -whispers to her- (Stick with me. If it gets dangerfish, I'll protect you.)

HIGHBLOOD: =He's a secret meeting place, good yes=

RILEY: (i'm swooning already. take me away.)

[ The carnival itself-- and oh, fuck, this is kinda dizzying. It's not set up like a regular carnival, with lots of games and attractions and flashing lights to attract attention and tokens, but rather, it's decorated with strung lights and smears of blood on the floor. Most of the blood appears to be human blood, and the lighting seems to turn at a dime from dim to blindingly bright. There are TONS of exits from this one circus tent alone-- at least five-- and it's hard to tell where the others lead to. Notes are scrawled on the canvas in blood, but most of them are extolling the virtues of mass murder, or the first few lines of JUGGALO PRAYERS.]

[ On a less severe note, the place is just sorta grody besides that. Like carnival grody.]

RILEY: ...

ROXANNE: -Nasty.-

HIGHBLOOD: =Makes face atthat scripture on the walls.= :o/

DAVENFORTH: -Stretches a little. Adjusts his tie.-

ROXANNE: -Also moves up next to Davenforth.- (Hey wall building homie. plan of route?) ROXANNE: -She ASSUMES he roughly has some sort of plan...please.-

DAVENFORTH: (They fucked this up a lot more than i thought it may take me a little bit to make out a route play along for now)

PENNY: -strides almost drunkenly along with Derek, but it's all just a ruse. She's just trying to seem nonchalant about this whole thing, eyes half-lidded and grinning, but her heart is pounding. This place is fucking weird.-

ROXANNE: (M'kay.) ROXANNE: (Is it also just me or does this place reek like a compost dump?)

RILEY: -you're doin' good lil sis.-

DAVENFORTH: (Welcome to juggalos lil mama)

DAVENFORTH: -Looks for a high point for him to clamber up and gain a better view-

ROXANNE: (Im already ready ta'say goodbye.) -Keeps smiling besides being anxious as fuck.-

[Tent poles, if he wants to shimmy. Once he gets high enough he can cut a hole in the canvas and peep out of it.]

LIFERA: -GIGGLING at Riley for a moment, but just keeps her hand on her arm and quiets again. That blood everywhere... humans are so fragile. She doesn't want anyone to be hurt here.- (I fish I cod!) LIFERA: (It smells like stale stank.)

DAVENFORTH: (Be right back yall) -Already shimmying up a tentpole-

DEREK: -he's got u penny. he's pretty zen himself, but pumped to be here and do this shit finally. pats the sisters shoulder, but guides the pair of them over to davenforth and roxanne so he can eavesdrop on their whispering-- oh but he ascends.-

DEREK: -bobs while he watches this-

PENNY: -that's not conspicuous at all... just fuckin tips up her two liter of faygo and drinks while watching this. this is normal.-

ROXANNE: -Look at him go.- ROXANNE: -Just gonna lean on that pole a little, its totally chill there is nothing suspicious going on here.-

[YOU KNOW HE LOVES TO SHIMMY]

RILEY: (honestly i've been liking the whole mouth breather thing.)

DAVENFORTH: -Shimmy shimmy coco puff. Shimmy shimmy now. Cutting this tent all up, what's he peepin now?-

LIFERA: (You shouldn't talk about your husband like that.) 38)

[The bright light from the Outdoors streams in through the hole he just cut-- and it's kind of a run, sure, but he can see the white house now that he's got a good vantage.]

DEREK: -damn..................... or should he say dwamn-

[There's actually a decent enough route BETWEEN the tents, if he commits it to memory-- leading right to the front door. It seems like the secret service has been co-opted by carnival attractions, though.]

DAVENFORTH: -Slides down the pole on some cirque de soleil shit-

DAVENFORTH: Alright got it its kind of a jog but nothin too bad lot of tents in the way

ROXANNE: -Steps away from it so he has room to get down.- ROXANNE: Sweet.

DAVENFORTH: -Looks at GHB- Everyone ready

PENNY: say the word homie.

RILEY: -she snorts at that comment lifera makes- (oh shit. nice.)

HIGHBLOOD: =Thumbs up and rolls his shoulders=

ROXANNE: Lets fuck shit up.

LIFERA: -glubs softly and nods! wait. peeks out of the hair and then nods!-

DAVENFORTH: -Pushes through the tent into the actual carnival itself and it's hitting him how fucking....CARNIVAL like this shit is. Oh...-

DAVENFORTH: Anybody like carnival games like i mean just for the record just asking for a friend a cheeto dusted friend

[READY OR NOT, here it comes. And by IT i mean the true nature of the Dark Carnival itself; it is where sinners are taken to be TESTED and learn the DARK MORALS of the joker cards. Indeed-- here's one now! The sinner in question is a human, gagged, blindfolded and tied, atanding underneath some kind of strength-tester machine-- the kind where you hit the lever and a big metal thingy flies up to ding a bell. Set up in such a way that after it goes up, it's going to come straight down on this dude's head, and guarded by a four-foot-five troll who is frankly built with terrifying muscles.-

ROBUSTO: YOU THINK YOU ARE AS STRONG AS ROBUSTO???? PROVE YOUR STRENGTH OR DIE LIKE COWARD-MAN WHO TELLS STATE SECRETS TO FOREIGN POWERS.

LIFERA: !!!

PENNY: -oh god yep here they go.....-

DAVENFORTH: -Whispers a reclaimed racial slur under his breath-

RILEY: (anybody tries to fucking do that shit i'll be the one whackin you over the head.)

HIGHBLOOD: =Ants=

ROBUSTO: -HOLDS UP AN ENORMOUS MALLET. It's wooden and heavy.- WHO WILL TAKE ROBUSTO'S CHALLENGE????

DAVENFORTH: And if we say fuck yourself with that righteous noise

DAVENFORTH: Just checkin for a friend

LIFERA: -soft hissing in this hair. She.... starts shuffling closer to Davenforth.- (Go. Keep going.)

DAVENFORTH: (Lif)

RILEY: - fucking striders-

ROBUSTO: -SQUINTS. And twirls his moustache.-

LIFERA: (Now.)

ROXANNE: -Hhgh. This is already another layer of hell, but also Davenforth dont call attention.-

HIGHBLOOD: testin strength...... HIGHBLOOD: =eyeballs Robusto= we can play this game while y'all check shit it :o)

ROXANNE: -Listen to your fish wife.-

LIFERA: -punches Davenforth in the shoulder and laughs-

DAVENFORTH: -Soft marge noise-

ROBUSTO: A-HA! ROBUSTO: FINALLY. ONE WHO IS NOT WEAK AND COWARD WHO FAILS TO WIN GLORIOUS HONOR OF BLOOD PRIZE DEAD MAN SHATTER SKULL.

ROBUSTO: -shoves the mallet in GHB's hand-

LIFERA: T)(IS MOT)(-ERFUCK-ER TOO WIMPY TO DO IT. G-ET OUTTA )(-ER-E.

RILEY: (jesus christ.)

DAVENFORTH: When that beat hits yall -We book it-

DEREK: -jesus CHRIST indeed-

DEREK: -he's ready to book it... sipping his faygo.-

ROBUSTO: -STRENUOUSLY FLEXES-

HIGHBLOOD: =This mallet is a toothpick isn't it? Look at his ham hands... but he takes it. Snrks=

HIGHBLOOD: =Crouches= :o)

LIFERA: -watches GHB carefully-

ROBUSTO: -FLEXES EVEN MORE-

ROBUSTO: ✨💪✨

RILEY: i would prefer not to have someone's blood on me but you know.

HIGHBLOOD: =Bops Robusto like a field mouse. Right on the cranium bro=

ROXANNE: -Ah, yep. There it is.-

DAVENFORTH: Cheese it

PENNY: -WELL JESUS-

ROXANNE: -Time to book it fellas and lady gents.-

RILEY: -OK BYE-

LIFERA: -WHAT DID SHE SAY ABOUT GETTING OUT OF HERE YOURE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE FOR THIS-

DAVENFORTH: -Bolts to the right and rips through the canvas. White house here we come!-

ROBUSTO: -oh MAN he takes a lump for sure. His head is CRACKED loudly and he holds up a finger in SHEER OUTRAGE- ROBUSTO: COWARD WIGGLER STRIKES ROBUSTO INSTEAD OF RUBOSTUS KILLMAN KILLING... ROBUSTING... ROBUSTO: ROBOTS??? ROBUSTO: -he falls over DEAD.-

DEREK: -throws this sugary shit on the dirty ass ground and flash steps after davenforth-

DAVENFORTH: -Babe I'm already gone. Kanye shrug-

HIGHBLOOD: =EYES the others and opens his arms= now now HIGHBLOOD: what else ams i testin?

ROXANNE: -YOU BOYS AND YOUR FLASH STEPING. She cant do that but she can sure sprint like hell after sending a glance to the rest of the group. Good luck guys.-

PENNY: -aaaaAAAHHHHH. SHAKES UP HER FAYGO FURIOUSLY and DUNKS it on the ground. it goes shooting up like a fucking rocket and sprays the crowd-

[The nearby juggalos murmur and mutter something. A few of them SCAMPER OFF, but a small group brandishes a set of hatchets.]

[Apparently this seems to indicate that they'd tie a rope to their dicks and jump off a building, should the mood strike them, but ALSO, that they think they can Totally take the guy that murdered Robusto.]

DAVENFORTH: -Well he don't wanna leave Rox behind. No flash stepping yet, but he's also sprinting around the perimeter of tents. It's hard to breathe in this Trump mask y'all.-

HIGHBLOOD: =Don't let him talk them out of it. There's gonna be a lot of blood back here as he will grab and squish skulls...sans for One. One he'll voodoo and have murderlate their pals.=

ROXANNE: -That is greatly appreciated.-

LIFERA: -grabs Riley's wrist and drags her behind GHB, toward the fucked up strength tester and the human that's tied up. She sure doesn't need to see this, and while that's happening, they could get this guy outta here-

PENNY: -she's just gonna uhhhh. stay outta GHB's way. yeaahhhh-

[I WILL SPARE U THE GORY DETAILS OF HOW DEAD THE GROUP IS. Except for the one guy hollering and raising his hatchet chasing after the other clowns. The others don't think there's anything fucked up about that, though, that just sorta happens sometimes.]

PENNY:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

PENNY: -she's gonna need to get REAL fucked up after this-

HIGHBLOOD: =He's snickering as this happens, what a bunch of idiots. He's covering the ladies=

RILEY: -IS PULL. Looks up at this tied up Guy. SHES PRETTY GOOD AT UNTYING. Except when she isn't. She's going to do her best- okay dude you're going to run as fast as you can outta here.

LIFERA: B-ETT-ER Y-ET. -She unties the gag around the guy's mouth and the blindfold from his eyes, and then pulls out a little container of greasy black paint, smearing his face with it.- 38)

GUY: -wheezes.- th-thank you. Those people a-are... -TRYING NOT TO FOCUS ON THE GORE OVER THERE- GUY: ... GUY: don't eat the funnel cake. -As soon as he's free he BOLTS.-

HIGHBLOOD: yo what >:o/ HIGHBLOOD: how the fuck they fucked up funnel cake... dumb motherfuckers

LIFERA: Glub...

RILEY: no funnel cake over here.

QIRIN: =She doesnt even know how to comment to all of this=

LIFERA: Ocray... ST-EP BACK.

[It seems that this particular tent is cleared, save for some gruesome reminders. There are three other flaps; one leading back where they came from, near the ticket booth, one branching to the left and one branching to the right.]

LIFERA: -motions the other ladeez to get outta the way before doing a little half lean and then KICKING the strength tester to try to knock it down. NO MORE OF THIS.-

[ IT CRASHES.]

[CLONK]

QIRIN: =claps softly= Property damage, hurrah. ^_^

LIFERA: T)(ANKS.

QIRIN: =high five, lif!=

LIFERA: -SLAP-

LIFERA: Where to now?

[would they like to inspect any passages in particular]

[One leading back where they came, one to the right and one to the left.]

[There is the vague sound of music coming from the right... and the vague sound of someone furiously arguing to the left.]

QIRIN: =is is possible to hear what they are arguing about from here?=

[NOPE]

[u would have to get closer, and 'closer' means probably 'through the passage entirely.']

PENNY: -she's already heading toward the left one....-

[aw shit. If she makes it through, she'd see... well, someone who MAY or MAY not be recognizable to her.]

PENNY: -she's DOING IT.-

PENNY: -waves the others over-

[either way, it's the current secretary of state, one Alex Abbiss. He seems to be shouting down a group of juggalos-- some hatchet-wielding and TERRIFIED fellows who probably just saw Robusto get murdered.]

HIGHBLOOD: =Hey what's up hello, I murdered up your friend and now it's your turn to go=

[It is OBVIOUS that this is an important guy, and as they get closer to the man in a bloodstained jersey with a whole rack of vynyl records strapped to his back, they can hear what he's helling about-- how important he is and how NONE of these goddamned posers are gonna be gunning for HIS job, he MADE the ICP, do you HEAR HIM]

[This changes as he hears them enter, and FLINGS a razor-sharp record at them in a fury.]

PENNY: - SH I T-

PENNY: -JUST TRIES TO DUCK-

[she gets... a SMALL haircut. ]

[He's pulling some more records on them. HE'S READY TO TUSSLE.]

PENNY: -THAT MOTHERFUCKER.-

PENNY: -whips out her gun because... well, it's really the only thing she knows how to use, but it's gonna make a lot of noise...-

LIFERA: -leading Riley along after her??-

[The other juggalos seem to have fallen in rank behind him, because shit, okay, MAYBE they just tried to murder him, but they can also get in good with him if they kill these people? Whatever. IT'S A SURE FIRE RUCKUS HAPPENING, THAT'S FOR SURE.]

QIRIN: =oh hell WHY= QIRIN: =raises her dukes! Her spear is noticable enough that it might blow her cover and that would just put prospit in a (more) precarious situation.=

ERIDAN: -some masquerade masked fish is rolling into the scene. Literally rolling in on an actual unicycle somewhere under the flashy cape he's wearing. A relic from a time he used to be proud to wear such a thing.- ERIDAN: -Hey, Penny. He's here and swinging out a LAUNCHER of some kind. They'll find out what it does in the second he fires it.-

PENNY: -THE FUCK???-

[Don't worry boys, clustering up together in a tight group is the BEST kind of tactics.]

[The juggalos all agree with that sentiment.]

LIFERA: -peeks in for this... the fuck-

PENNY: -she agrees with that sentiment, as it happens-

ERIDAN: -Fires the launcher like he's shooting fish in a barrel. In a single swift PCHOO, it explodes in a thick vault of LIQUID NITROGEN right over the juggalos. The chemical will be freezing on impact with their skin.- B/

[oh FUCK. They start to charge as a group, hatchets HIGH, and then they continue to do so, with their hatchets high, in that EXACT position, possibly FOREVER. They are SUPER DUPER FROZEN.]

ERIDAN: -Owwned.-

ERIDAN: so ERIDAN: the others been on their wway huh looks like it -just kinda balancing there. Just another Thursday afternoon.-

PENNY: ....... dude.

LIFERA: Y-ES. You're about on tide.

[By the look of things, YES. This cut rate Fieri-clone has been put to his end; along with a sizable number of juggaspirants.]

ERIDAN: -pockets the rifle. Safe and sound.- alright ERIDAN: yall finishin the job or should wwe keep pressin wwith the dispatchin ERIDAN: it aint goin to end wwith the death a the figureheads wwe ought to be securin a method a escape

LIFERA: CL-EARING T)(-E WAY. Sounds good to me.

[Behind them, there is suddenly the sound of... sizzling grease?]

QIRIN: =is there an alternate weapon she can grab? perhaps from literal cold, dead hands?=

[Hot oil and something being poured into it-- and though he was not visible there before, he is now.]

VENDOR: You look like you could use some

funnel cakes.

PENNY: oh hell no.

[As for weapons, there are SHARP VINYL RECORDS and HATCHETS to choose from Qirin.]

VENDOR:

FREE OF CHARGE.

ERIDAN: -mghhh. He's hungry suddenly, flicking fins in the direction of the sound.- ERIDAN: -taking out a sniper's rifle now, balanced on his unicycle. B[ -

VENDOR: [He holds out the funnel cake.. towards you, specifically, Eridan.]

VENDOR: [It smells... intoxicating. Literally.]

VENDOR: This... is rare supply. We're running low. Haven't had our shipment from scenic niagra falls.

LIFERA: Don't eat that.

VENDOR: But you can eat it.

VENDOR: Carnival food is pure food, son.

VENDOR: Good... pure... food.

ERIDAN: -Nah thanks. He shoots this fucker and his funnel cake.-

VENDOR: -!

VENDOR: -Frying dough pours out of the hole in his head.-

VENDOR: FOOL!

VENDOR: -Pulls out both fry baskets, brandishing the HOT METAL as the inhuman figure staggers, attempting to LUNGE at him despite his... rapidly spilling vital dough.-

ERIDAN: -pedals backwards with finesse. Pew. Pew. Pat. Pat. Yeah, fine, brandish the hot metal. Eridan is swinging the butt of his rifle to combat this oily fuck.-

VENDOR: -GURGLING AND SCREAMING AS HE COLLAPSES INTO A PUDDLE OF YEAST.-

VENDOR: -DEAD-

[Only the hot grease cart remains.]

QIRIN: ......................

ERIDAN: gross ERIDAN: ... ERIDAN: -flicks a lighter on and eyes the hot grease cart.-

QIRIN: =She came back from retrieving the vinyl records because heck, at least it's like throwing knives.= QIRIN: Either they have been altered to a molecular level or they have found a way to make yeast sentient. I am unsure which prospect is the more disturbing.

[It's pretty tricked out, as far as hot grease carts go. It's also full of boiling hot, flammable liquid, which COULD very well be useful.]

ERIDAN: -Damn... true... slowly puts the lighter away.- wwe got ourselvves a bomb

QIRIN: It may very well be the diversion the others require. =She's inspecting the cart further. Does it have wheels for rollin?=

[IT SURE DOES]

QIRIN: =peeps out the tent flap. Anything downhill? Anything important looking that needs burning?=

[Would that be the tent flap back the way they came from, or the next unexplored tent?]

PENNY: ... a bomb?

PENNY: sounds good.

PENNY: what are we blowing?

QIRIN: =the next=

ERIDAN: good question -squints heavily and considers. All of it would be ideal...- somethin thatll draww the majority of wwhos left for a brawwl ERIDAN: that wway provvidin the means to escape for the others ERIDAN: wwhere the shit is that impregnated twwinkie gobbler

[There is something down the way... something that looks... important. Or at least, important enough. She can only get a glimpse, but it's a pretty popular spot, and the flashing light appears to say PRIZES.]

QIRIN: =Well that settles that= QIRIN: The prize booth calls to us. ^_^ QIRIN: Everyone prepared for vandalism and arson?

PENNY: excuse? -stares at Eridan-

ERIDAN: wwell aint she -Really doesn't see anything wrong with his word choice.- you her wward or not

PENNY: yeah maybe. could also be called a twinkie gobbler.

PENNY: prefer Nuthands McMike though.

ERIDAN: -frowns- i disagree she aint done nothin to earn such a title

[WOULD YOU LIKE EVIDENCE ERIDAN]

ERIDAN: -Yeah sure. He's seen worse shit.-

[oh well he doesn't have any actually]

[go back to rigging ur greasebomb]

ERIDAN: -alright. Moves off the unicycle to cover this stupid grease cart with his cape.- wwere the shit wwe takin this

PENNY: -she's talking about herself u fuck-

PENNY: approximately thattaway. -points to where Qirin indicated-

SOME FUCKIN JUGGALO: oh shit i smell the funnel cake dude

[the voice WAFTS from that direction]

[calling in a siren song]

ERIDAN: -mmm better get this cart moving. Wrings out a hankerchief like BLEH and uses it to get a grip on the handle. Now pushes it along.- ERIDAN: this reeks somethin' awwful

QIRIN: =She smoothly saunters out to the sound of Some Fuckin Juggalo to greet them as the others try workin the cart'=

[It does... like grease, but also some sinister chemicals. And sinister jujus.]

[THE JUGGALO MOSTLY JUST WANTS FUNNEL CAKES.]

[But he is at least blocked from what is to come.]

ERIDAN: -wheels this cart outtie, definitely holding his breath from BREATHING IN THE CHEMICALS. Hello prize booth.-

[There's all kinds of prizes on display: Axes, special stardust, clown facepaint. Essentials.]

[Seems like they're paying in blood tokens, which are, in fact, human ears. Probably from people less lucky than the guy they rescued.]

LIFERA: -She's following as well, ready to punch a clown if necessary.-

PENNY: ... -can she grab one of those axes? are there people around??-

[THERE ARE. Lots of people, actually. Trying to get their prizes. Some of them are now trying to get funnel cakes.]

ERIDAN: -The funnel cake cart is TARPED by cape, you idiots. Can you not SEE.-

[THEY CAN SMELL IT YOU BOGARD]

[BOGART?]

[WHATEVER]

QIRIN: Helllllloooo there! =She does block his way, cocking her hip as she greets the juggalo cheerily!= A miraculous evening to you!

SOME FUCKIN JUGGALO: YEAH POPPIN HOT SHIT NINJETTE WHERES THE DOUGH AT????

PENNY: -aUGH-

QIRIN: Aw man, the line's all clogged up! Some eighth grade history class came for their class trip! Dough guy has gotta feed the next generation, you know what I mean? Ahahahaha!

[The juggalo has NO idea what this fresh pimpin ninjette is going on about. But at least that buys them some room and some time to move the thing.]

RILEY: -she wandered a little too far and got lost... Suddenly panting next to them- holy shit you would not believe-- oh my god what NOW?

ERIDAN: havve at it -whirls the cape off the cart and throws it over Riley.- keep that on wwould you ERIDAN: its durable the kind to ride out lightnin storms through

RILEY: -catches it. Thank you ace reflexes. She puts it on- i'm such a badass.

QIRIN: =are they even done yet? She's waiting for BOOM!= So...while we wait for Boogie Woogie Wu to scare off the tiny children, why do we not exchange pleasantries on this fresh turf?

JUGGALO: :o/

QIRIN: What do you favor? Halls of Illusion or House of Horrors?

JUGGALO: -SLOWLY REATCHING FOR HIS HATCHET-

RILEY: -penny do I need to get my gun-

ERIDAN: -turns his back to riley in a dramatic fashion and arms himself with an assault rifle. All eyes on him, folks.- alright you insatiable GREASE CLOUT FUCKS CLEAR THE MOTHERFUCKIN PATH ERIDAN: -and promptly bombkicks the cart and the whole trap of grease into the crowd.-

MOVVE I SAID

QIRIN: Ah, I see you have a hatchet. You should never run with one...unless you're

running with a hatchet,

amirite? QIRIN: ;)

JUGGALO: -oh shit.- JUGGALOS: -OH SHIT-

[They suddenly bolt out of the way of the HOT GREASE CART-

RILEY: -this is suddenly the most exciting shit she's seen in a while. Gun time.- B)

ERIDAN: -taking this time to line gallons of sparkle fish gasoline by the display stands. Marching like the grimest of military marches. They only really have one shot at this. His glasses glint menacingly at the crowd.- STRIDER -bares fangs- ERIDAN: LETS BLOWW THIS TENTED SHITSTAIN OF A FESTIVVAL

QIRIN: =still distracting this one juggalo if he isn't distracted already. She's going to rinse her mouth with salf water after this=

[HE IS DISTRACTED WITH RUNNING FROM THE EMINENT FIRE]

QIRIN: =Awesome.= QIRIN: =she quickly joins everyone else, more than gently urging everyone back. She has a feeling this will be a fireball.=

RILEY: -WHERE IS PENNY SHES NOT GONNA LEAVE HER-

ERIDAN: -God damn it, STRIDER.-

ERIDAN: -You're back at being the twwinkie gobbler.-

RILEY: -so....you're saying I was promoted? SHES NOT LEAVIN WITHOUT PENNY-

PENNY: -SHE'S COMING SHIT-

RILEY: -YOU BETTER OR IMGONNA DRAG YOUR ASS OUTTA HERE-

LIFERA: -also just gonna keep distance from this shit-

ERIDAN: -brandishing the assault rifle at the crowd. Now that everything is in order, Eridan whirls on the prize tent and begins peppering the gasoline tanks with gunfire. Hasta la vista you salted juggalo fucks.-

JODIE: - She's been GHOSTING away from the main group in full aggrobat regalia, even throwing in a cartwheel or two. yup she totes mgoats belongs here. she's looking for a get away vehicle of some kind. -

RILEY: -LETS GO-

[THAT IS A KABOOM]

[The prize stand goes up in flames. Clown paint and stardust? Flammable.]

[The gasoline tanks goes up in flames. The tent itself? IT IS ON FIRE YOU BET YOUR ASS]

[The smoke is choking but it's spreading WAY too quick across the whole dang long.]

[lawn]

[whatever]

ERIDAN: - 🔥🔥🔥 -

JODIE: - well it looks like things are going well over there. -

[THAT LONG LAWN.]

QIRIN: =shoving people in the away direction. Forgive her lack of being gentle, but if it's spreading, and people are lagging, she'll resort to hupping em under an arm and toting them away.=

JODIE: - Let's see... something not on fire... not on fire... -

[There is a BEAUTIFUL convertible that-- no wait it's on fire. And it was a raffle prize anyways.]

[Looks like the ice cream truck isn't on fire. Don't eat the ice cream though.]

JODIE: - That'll work. She sneaks up and checks the windows to make sure it's empty. She can't be sure about the back though, she'll need to. open it up. Scurries-

ERIDAN: -holding his goddamn breath in all this. Seadweller skills activate. Fuck, his gills are going to burn something fierce in all this smoke.- ERIDAN: -SHOVING HIS SOLDIERS, GO GO GO GO GO. Messaging Jeff and the others stationed outside the premises. There's no going back to the campus after this.-

LIFERA: -DON'T YOU SHOVE ME BOI-

ERIDAN: -THEN GET IN THE ICE CREAM TRUCK QUEENIE. CHRIST.-

RILEY: -SORRY BOUT THE SMOKE RYAN IM TRYIN OVER HERE-

ERIDAN: -At least she has the cape and won't get burned by ash.-

QIRIN: =Helping Riley in the van. She's preggers with an energy consumer, after all.=

JODIE: -KEYS? IF NOT ROLL TO HOT WIRE. This takes her back to 6th grade. -

RILEY: -thanks qirin you are a gem-

ERIDAN: -balancing himself out in the back, ready to defend with one arm on his rifle. HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSES.-

LIFERA: -just kinda joins Eridan there, just in case-

PENNY: -hops up front with Jodie- lets get this shit rollin huh??

QIRIN: ^_^

JODIE: -She's managed to get it WORKING. Ice cream truck noises-

ERIDAN: -side eyes the juggalo ex-empress. Has another moment of disconnecting surrealism.-

[Broom broom. She's in her mum's car.]

LIFERA: 38D

JODIE: bet your sweet ass. everybody in? -

RILEY: yeah! floor it!

ERIDAN: -Still remains... the sound of silence...-

JODIE: haha... ha.... - FLOORS IT. TOWARDS THE WHITEHOUSE. This is her life. -

JODIE: - Not the worst thing she's done with an ice cream truck but at least the worst thing she's done on the white house lawn.-

RILEY: -HOLDING ONTO THE NEAREST PERSON FOR BALANCE-

QIRIN: =It's okay, she's sturdy=

[Once the twins and Roxanne are SECURED, the getaway ice cream truck is now Minnesota bound. For everyone's safety, it's best not to hide out anywhere near here... The campus had been evacuated after the concert, anyway. Just to be safe.]

[primadonnatartuffe]

RYAN: *at some point, ryan couldn't handle being in the infirmary anymore. maybe she'd visit jack again when he's awake... maybe... but for now, she needs to retreat. she didn't exactly want to be alone, but unfortunately most of her favorite people to bother are IN the infirmary right now so... she makes her way to her parents' room, peeping inside before letting herself in.*

RILEY: -riley's here and on the couch, sitting cross-legged and writing stuff down in a notebook when ryan enters- well, well. look who decided to stop by. -she puts down her notebook- what's up, baby?

RYAN: oh nothing much. *says half heartedly, playing with her hands.* ...

RYAN: *goes to sit with her* thats a lie.

RILEY: coulda called that one. -gives her her full attention-

RYAN: *stares down at her lap.* jack... um. he passed out?? like completely out of the blue.

RYAN: they had to take him to the infirmary.

RILEY: -looks surprised, watching her- shit. is he gonna be okay? do you even know you that? sometimes doctors don't tell you shit.

RYAN: yeah hes fine. *rubs the back of her neck.* i guess. i mean everyone said he will be?? i dont know.

RILEY: but you ain't gonna feel better until he's outta there.

RYAN: ... *fidgets* yeah.

RYAN: and if you saw--?? i dont know... there was this second when he woke up and he was like. crying?? and...

RYAN: he apologized.

RYAN: and then he passed out again...

RYAN: even if hes OKAY i dont think hes...

RYAN: OKAY...

RILEY: yeah, i know exactly what you're trying to say. sometimes that shit you keep down comes out when you don't want it to. you can only do a decent job at covering it up for a while. -pauses- he ever talk to you about anything that's bugging him? or do you think he was just embarrassed and not all the way there?

RYAN: i dont know... i mean we talk about stuff sometimes. i didnt think anything that traumatic was going on?? bluh. *covers her face* maybe he was just embarrassed about passing out... who knows.

RYAN: but even before then he kinda locked up. like something was on his mind.

RYAN: i wish!! i knew what!! but i also wish i didnt care?? because this SUCKS.

RILEY: honestly life would be like a fuckload easier if we didn't care. but it would also be boring as hell. congratulations, ryan. you're a real human. i didn't give birth to a robot. what a relief.

RYAN: noooo!! i want to be a sexy robot... :'(

RILEY: in another lifetime.

RILEY: but hey, is jack still out cold?

RYAN: ... maybe. i kind of... left.

RYAN: but dorian should keep me updated.

RILEY: yeah, he will. don't even have to doubt that.

RILEY: jack's a strong kid. he'll pull through.

RYAN: yeah... i know... *leans back against the couch, lowering her hands into her lap again.*

RILEY: -her expression softens- what's going through that head of yours?

RYAN: ... i dont know?? im just... *sighs*

RYAN: seeing him like that... hurt a lot.

RILEY: -she nods, understanding completely- worst kinda thing. watching someone you care about suffer. especially without a reason you're aware of.

RILEY: makes you feel like you missed something.

RYAN: *shit... she's sniffling.* yeah.

RYAN: *mumbles* its scary.

RILEY: -holds her arm out as an invitation- damn right it is. that's why you gotta take care of you, too.

RYAN: ... *wiggles into her embrace and clings to her.*

RILEY: -holds her in her arms, grateful that even though she's all grown up, she still has opportunities to hug ryan like this. feeling needed is still something riley needs, without a doubt.- i got you, okay? no matter what happens. you're not by yourself. i've been there before.

RYAN: ... i know mom. *holds her a little tighter as another wave of emotion crashes over her. fresh wounds fill with guilt as she thinks about all the time she spent running away from home. from her family, from her friends... from jack, when there were things going on with him she didn't know about. what if she had been here? maybe he'd... no, it was stupid, and it was selfish to think he needed her like that. that anybody did. not when she only goofs off and squanders what little talent she thinks she has. what was all that for, anyway? all it did was stress out her poor parents. she certainly wasn't making a name for herself. she doesn't realize she's steadily holding her mom tighter, trembling.*

RILEY: -riley can feel ryan's grip on her tightening, and her heart hurts for how much ryan is struggling right now. she wants to take it away completely, but she can't. and that sucks, but she has to take comfort in being able to hold her like this, like when she was little.- oh, ryan. -she sighs, glancing upwards for a moment without moving- i'm here.

RYAN: *tears are starting to stain riley's shirt, and when she speaks her voice is a barely intelligible blubber.* im-- im sorry...

RILEY: -she rubs her back slowly- baby, why are you sorry?

RYAN: for... always leaving. for leaving you and dad alone to worry about me-- *mumbles, bitterly.* it isnt even worth it.

RILEY: -it was terrifying the first time ryan ran away, the crippling fear threatening to wreck her entire world. but she knows that's what ryan had to do, what she has to do.- we should be apologizing to you, honestly.

RILEY: we're the reasons you have those fucked up ideas in the first place. -she smiles a little-

RYAN: ... mother please. *sniffles, but manages a small laugh.*

RILEY: -she laughs, too- somehow we managed to raise a great kid, though. somebody who's got a taste for adventure but also cares about people even though she likes to pretend not to.

RYAN: no... you know my secret. now i have to kill you to save my reputation. *squeezes her in another hug.* aaaaaarrrgghh.

RILEY: -hugs her in return- then i'm gonna haunt your ass til you’re dead. :)

RYAN: shit. okay i GUESS ill let you live. i GUESS...

RILEY: you made the right choice, strider. your ass goes unhaunted.

[robynsaint]

-- robynSaint [RS] began pestering ebironicCrest [EC] at 20:34 --

[08:34] RS: so i don't recognize this handle at all.

[08:34] RS: new phone, who dis?

[08:39] EC: some douche lookin for a holla back girl probs

[08:39] EC: i mean if it wasnt fucking obvious

[08:39] EC: fun times all the time in this corner of the boxing ring

[08:39] EC: the referee just blew the whistle and now the showdowns about to hoedown

[08:39] EC: i mean if you guess wrong by now shame on you

[08:39] EC: blame it on the intuition people like you are said to have in myth and legend

[08:39] EC: i know all about that shit

[08:39] EC: im up to my fucking neck feathers in That Shit

[08:40] RS: nah, i got it by now.

[08:41] EC: good

[08:41] EC: time to fuck off now

[08:41] EC: im busy

[08:41] RS: see, you talk like dave but use text close to dirk's.

[08:41] RS: wow. okay? you talk to everybody like this?

[08:43] EC: put me in time out or something see how far that gets you

[08:43] EC: i mean are you special

[08:43] EC: yeah i talk to everyone like this

[08:43] EC: everyone who knows how i talk anyway

[08:45] RS: well, i've literally only had one interaction with you so...it raises some questions.

[08:47] EC: one times enough to call it quits

[08:48] RS: pretty sure that's not how this works.

[08:49] EC: right

[08:49] EC: yep

[08:49] EC: there it is

[08:49] EC: anyway

[08:50] EC: hows it goin in candyland

[08:50] RS: candyland.

[08:51] RS: don't know if we're talking about the same place.

[08:51] EC: i saw the videos

[08:51] EC: a+

[08:51] RS: oh.

[08:51] RS: i wasn't a part of that.

[08:52] RS: a piece of hell came on the ship that day.

[08:53] EC: okay well so much for that ice breaker

[08:54] EC: im giving you another chance to bail out of convo here

[08:54] EC: i mean we might as well

[08:54] EC: nothings coming out of it and even if thats true i sure as hell dont want it

[08:55] RS: i'm not interested in bailing.

[08:57] EC: thats cool

[08:59] RS: i mean, you haven't exactly closed the chat window yet.

[09:00] EC: why am i expected to be the rudeass

[09:00] EC: you want me to close it then sure

[09:01] EC: lets make this hapen

[09:01] RS: i don't want you to close it.

[09:01] RS: i also don't want to close it.

[09:02] EC: this is fast becoming one goddamn sad game of stalemate

[09:02] RS: i'd like to talk with you.

[09:05] EC: what about

[09:05] EC: tho try and be specific cuz i got this schedule of full of listless lethargy quotas i have to meet

[09:05] EC: id rather not waste my time doing not that if its not worth it

[09:06] RS: triple negative. impressive.

[09:06] RS: but i'd like to talk about you.

[09:07] EC: sorry havent unlocked that tier level of friendship yet

[09:07] EC: pass

[09:07] EC: honestly why tho

[09:08] EC: clearly youre getting some kind of fucked up enjoyment out of this

[09:08] EC: talking to me like i matter or like you matter tbh

[09:09] EC: let people fuck me up for saying it later i give exactly three negative amounts of shits

[09:09] RS: i don't give up that easily. doesn't mean i enjoy it.

[09:10] RS: just means i really want to know your deal.

[09:10] EC: might as well be a stranger offerin me candy outside a white van

[09:14] RS: so what you're telling me is you have no connection to dave whatsoever other than sharing his appearance mixed with a bird's and also speaking in the same manner.

[09:16] EC: the dave i share hiveminds with doesnt exist anymore

[09:16] EC: he died

[09:16] EC: i stuck around to clean up the shit that followed as a result

[09:16] EC: now im here

[09:16] EC: hangin in a universe where he never kicked it

[09:16] EC: pretty sure i explained this in the public service announcement

[09:17] RS: so you know the dave from that timeline pretty well.

[09:19] EC: could say we were birds of a feather for all of the millisecond it took to clone myself from him

[09:19] EC: his memories personality and appearance im literally

[09:19] EC: dave fucking strider

[09:20] EC: photocopied to a crow and run through bad orange light filtering

[09:20] RS: his memories?

[09:21] RS: was anything...that different?

[09:21] EC: dunno

[09:21] EC: dont think about it too much

[09:21] RS: yeah, i guess you wouldn't.

[09:23] EC: thats my deal

[09:23] EC: take it and write a fucking novel about it

[09:23] EC: or song in your case

[09:23] RS: maybe i will.

[09:23] RS: but hey.

[09:24] RS: if you ever need anything? i'll be around. whatever that may be.

[09:25] EC: thanks for the offer

[09:25] EC: real sure its generous from your perspective

[09:25] EC: though we both know its not going anywhere

[09:25] EC: you stay where you are and i stay where i am

[09:25] EC: aka not mattering

[09:26] EC: and well be cool

[09:26] RS: jesus.

[09:26] RS: why do you need a handle if you don't want anyone interacting with you?

[09:28] EC: how about for the sake of our respective sanities and continuity of great decision making skill reps

[09:28] EC: not you

[09:36] RS: well, okay.

[09:41] EC: anyway youre predictable ill just do you a solid and cut you loose

 -- ebironicCrest [EC] ceased pestering robynSaint [RS] at 21:41 --

[euphobicgeotech]

-- euphobicGeotech [EG] began pestering robynSaint [RS] at 22:00 --

EG: is this THE robyn saint or is it just a handle?

EG: because I'm really interested to know what robyn saint is doing on a secret frequency for the uu

EG: like genuinely

RS: who's asking?

EG: oh

RS: nobody's supposed to get into this thing.

EG: right

EG: sorry

EG: I got ahead of myself

RS: you sure did.

EG: I'm mostly checking to make sure I can maintain a connection with anyone on this server

EG: to be honest I'm not sure how I'm able to contact you

EG: but I'm trying to figure it out

EG: anyway, I'm jude

RS: we happen to be maintaining a connection so far, so--

RS: hold up

RS: i'm clearing my throat by the way.

RS: hey jude.

RS: don't make it bad.

RS: take a sad song, and make it better.

RS: remember, to let her into your heart.

RS: (or him, i don't know your life.)

RS: then you can start to make it better.

RS: hey jude...

RS: don't be afraid.

RS: you were made to go out and get her. (or him)

RS: the minute you let her under your skin.

RS: then you begin.

RS: to make it.

RS: better.

RS: and anytime you feel the pain, hey jude, refrain.

RS: don't carry the world upon your shoulders.

EG: thanks

RS: for well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool.

EG: okay I get it

RS: by making his world a little colder.

RS: i'm not done yet.

EG: can you be done?

RS: nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah!

RS: HEY JUDE.

EG: okay...

RS: DON'T LET ME DOWN.

RS: YOU HAVE FOUND HER, NOW GO AND GET HER. (or him)

RS: remember to let her into your heart.

RS: then you can start.

RS: to make it.

RS: better.

EG: huh

EG: that's...

RS: shhh.

RS: so let it out and let it in, hey jude, begin.

EG: you know I haven't thought much about the lyrics to that song in a while

RS: you're wawiting for someone to PERFORM WITH.

RS: AND DON'T YOU KNOW THAT IT'S JUST YOU, HEY JUDE, YOU'LL DO.

RS: the movement you need is on your shoulder.

RS: nahnahnahnahnahnahnahyeah!

RS: YO JUDE.

RS: don't make it bad.

RS: take a sad song, and make it better.

RS: remember to let her under your skin.

RS: then you'll begin to make it.

RS: better.

RS: BETTER.

RS: BETTER.

RS: BETTER.

RS: BETTER.

RS: BETTER.

RS: BETTER.

RS: OH!

EG: ok I'm just gonna ignore this window until you're done

RS: NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH, NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH.

RS: NAH NAH NAH. HEY JUUUUUUDE.

RS: okay i'm done.

RS: had to get that out of my system.

EG: understandable?

RS: understandable.

RS: easily.

RS: i also feel like this is something i should be reporting.

EG: wait, no

RS: and talking to you is probably not a good idea. because you, jude, could be one of those hacker people.

EG: well... I mean, ideally I do want your... captain? to speak with me

EG: uhh which one of you is this... on the roster...

EG: I only have handles

EG: I don't know who anyone is

RS: ohhhhh. you want my son.

RS: okay.

RS: so.

RS: i'll have you know he's happily married.

RS: 2/2 positions are filled.

RS: also i probably need to interrogate you or some shit if you want to talk to him.

EG: ...

EG: no

RS: what are your intentions with my son? have him home by ten.

EG: no no oh my god

EG: I'm sure he's great

RS: or i will find you.

RS: and i will kill you.

EG: nO LISTEN

RS: haha, nah. just kidding.

EG: I'm trying to get in contact with the uu because I have important information to share... and technology I'm trying to keep from

EG: well

EG: from people who shouldn't have it

RS: ooh, that sounds right up our alley.

RS: let me know i can trust you.

RS: give me your social security number.

EG: I don't have one anymore

EG: I erased all my personal information off the grid

EG: legally I don't exist

RS: oooh. nice.

RS: are you a catfish?

RS: cuz i'm also married.

RS: technically.

EG: I don't really care about the technicalities of your marital status

EG: um

EG: because I'm not catfishing

RS: jesus.

EG: not because I don't see it as an obstacle

EG: or something

RS: forward aren't you.

RS: catfish don't see anything as an obstacle.

RS: but whatever.

EG: that's not

EG: you know what nevermind

RS: dirk's handle is technetronicTactician.

EG: oh

EG: I retract that nevermind

EG: thank you

RS: also yeah, i'm robyn saint blah blah blah.

EG: really?

EG: how did you get there?

RS: call me roly or something. neither of which is my real name.

RS: i don't really care that you know because no one's going to believe you if you tell them where i am.

RS: let's see...to make a long story short.

RS: if your ex invites you out in the middle of fucking nowhere to join him and your sons on a ship and you agree because it's a vacation...

RS: news flash: it ain't a vacation.

RS: also surprise you're knocked up.

EG: oh

EG: yeah that would be quite a surprise to me

RS: especially in the case that you don't have a uterus.

EG: I don't, incidentally

RS: good to know, good to know.

RS: so... where are you again?

EG: earth

RS: no shit?

RS: where on earth? isn't that place like...fucked up by now?

EG: to say the least

EG: after a very

EG: eventful

EG: roadtrip

EG: I ended up in washington

EG: wait

RS: washington? wow. at least you're not in texas.

RS: wait.

EG: do you know a james egbert?

RS: uh, yeah.

EG: is he there too???

RS: yep.

RS: good friend of me and my dude.

EG: I KNEW it

EG: oh

EG: he's my cousin

RS: WHAT?

RS: oh fucking.

RS: wow.

EG: I would say small universe but it's clearly no coincidence that we've all come together like this

RS: oh fun fact you don't need to know about me but i'll tell you anyway because it has to do with james.

RS: he's the ex lover of my ex girlfriend, too.

RS: i don't know what the fuck it is to be honest.

EG: really...

EG: hmm

RS: what are you contemplating exactly?

EG: this intricate web of interpersonal connections

RS: it's so fucked up.

RS: sometimes it's convenient and sometimes i hate it.

EG: it all has to mean something

RS: ehhh.

RS: i think sometimes shitty things happen and sometimes they get better and sometimes they get shitty again and sometimes they get better again.

RS: one of the better things being...

RS: this song i just recorded for you in honor of this happenstance.

-- robynSaint [RS] sent file heyjude4jude.mp3 --

EG: oh... thank you

EG: that's very

EG: kind of you

RS: i know you wanted to immortalize it.

RS: i wouldn't say kind so much as...self-absorbed.

RS: who the fuck gifts someone else their own music?

RS: an asshole, that's who.

RS: that's me.

EG: I... doubt that very much

RS: i'd expand on that but funny enough james would kill me.

RS: so i cian't.

RS: can't*

RS: and by kill i mean drown me in tea and life lessons.

RS: i can tell you i'm almost a decent person.

RS: that's positive.

RS: mostly.

EG: oh

EG: yes

EG: you definitely know him, then

RS: he's a good guy.

RS: probably the best person i've ever met.

EG: everyone is on that side of the family

EG: for the most part

RS: you know...my other son, dave. he worked at skaianet with him. james mentored him. parented i guess when i didn't.

RS: when i couldn't.

EG: oh

EG: I'm sorry to hear that

EG: also as the son of an absentee and/or estranged parent

RS: i'm shrugging right now, just so you know.

RS: oh.

RS: i'm sorry.

EG: yeah

EG: anyway this got awkward fast

RS: can i go back to singing to you?

RS: all you need is loveeeeeee.

RS: all you need is lo-ove.

RS: LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.

EG: oh

EG: this is fine

RS: good. i'm glad you're content.

RS: so, you getting out of washington any time soon?

EG: that depends on whether or not the uu is coming here, and when

RS: oooh. man. haven't been to earth in what feels like forever.

EG: I want to say that's a good thing, but then I remembered the precarious position you're in, and I can't imagine it's any better

RS: constant excitement, let me tell you.

EG: is that

EG: a good thing?

RS: good and bad.

RS: i'm never bored.

RS: actually, that's a lie.

RS: i get bored all the time.

RS: how about... i am never not worried about our lives.

EG: that's reasonable

RS: are you ever bored?

EG: sure, sometimes

RS: even with all that shit going on?

EG: the moments are pretty fleeting

EG: because I then remind myself of everything I have to be afraid of

EG: and that keeps me on my toes

RS: touche.

RS: well.

RS: i don't know you at all, but...

RS: hey.

RS: i'm glad you're alive.

RS: are you alone?

EG: oh

EG: no

EG: not anymore

RS: found somebody?

EG: more like

EG: somebody found me

RS: is that literally what happened or is it supposed to be poetic?

EG: both maybe?

EG: yeah

EG: both

RS: romance got anything to do with it?

RS: not much else people try to be poetic about.

EG: um

EG: I'm not sure what it is

RS: fair enough. i get you.

RS: hey, as long as you're safe and as happy as you can be in this kind of situation.

EG: that's

EG: very nice of you to say

EG: I'm not sure why you referred to yourself as an asshole earlier

RS: honey, that's because you only know me from this conversation.

RS: i'm not going to wish that you're unsafe and miserable. that would make me like...an anaconda that wants to eat you.

EG: you didn't have to wish me... anything

EG: maybe I'm overthinking it

EG: I tend to do that

RS: i can tell.

RS: but you know what?

RS: i think we need overthinkers.

RS: to make up for all the people that don't think enough and do stupid shit.

RS: it's a good balance.

RS: both me and my guy overthink when we shouldn't and underthink(?) when we shouldn't. we're fucked either way. not sure if that's a balance or just moving a boulder from one scale to another.

EG: well

EG: whatever works, right?

RS: damn right.

RS: so fucking right.

EG: heh

EG: uh

EG: anyway I'm going to go contact your captain son

RS: alright, have fun jude.

RS: stay safe.

EG: thanks? I mean I'll try to stay safe

EG: and I'll probably have fun

EG: ...

EG: anyway

EG: goodbye

-- euphobicGeotech [EG] ceased pestering robynSaint [RS] at 23:48 --

[temulencegenetrix]

[11:12] TG: *This was a thing people usually did right? Introduce themselves to the ex of their boyfriend? Roxanne didn't exactly feel like this may be something people normally do, but she was no relationship expert. It just felt polite, especially when they were all kept mostly on the ship, they might have just accidently ended up running into each other at some point, so this was just to get things over with. Say hello, introduce herself, and thats that! So without spending too much time standing at the door to Dirk's block and psyching herself out, Roxanne knocked and waited for a responce.*

[11:14] RS: -riley somehow takes it upon herself to answer dirk's door if anyone drops by, just to let them know that he's out. so when there's a knock now, she goes to the door and opens it, finding a blonde lady there. who she is, riley has no idea.- hey, sorry. if you're looking for dirk or sollux, they're both out right now.

[11:17] TG: Actually, i think i'm lookin' for you. i think. i'm guessin' you're riley? *She gives a smile, doing her best to make this as not awkward as it can be.* my name is roxanne. roxanne lalonde.

[11:19] TG: I dunno' if derek has said much about me, or if your sons talk about me at all, heck if my name never came up its no big deal. but uh, yeah, i just wanted to come introduce myself. say hello and welcome aboard an'stuff.

[11:22] RS: -shit. shit, shit, shit. this is derek's girlfriend, isn't it? maybe she's coming over to punch her in the face for kissing derek. maybe she's here to start something. but she looks so...nice? and she talks nice, too. she's fucking adorable, that's what she is. riley figures she should return the favor, at least until roxanne gives her a reason otherwise.- oh. yeah, i know who you are. derek talks

[11:22] RS: about you. talks about you a lot. not that we talk that much anymore, but. you know- hey, do you want to come in? really nice of you to stop by like this.

[11:25] TG: If you don't mind then sure. *Hopefully dirk also wont mind, since it is his room, but she can always apologize to him later. If allowed, Roxanne steps into the room.*

[11:27] RS: -no, riley blocks her by suddenly guarding the door. just kidding, riley lets her in, stepping aside quickly. riley should really stop letting people into dirk's room, because that seems to just get her into trouble. see: derek's visit.- of course i don't mind. -riley's still preparing herself for roxanne to throw a punch. who knows what this lady is capable of?-

[11:29] TG: *Roxanne is a science nerd, and left her deadly array of rifles at home. Riley has nothing to worry about. She looks around a bit, but tries not to be too nosy since she and Dirk aren't exactly close friends or anything.* So. have ya'been enjoying yourself so far on the ship? *She is completely clueless to the events that have taken place.*

[11:30] TG: I remember takin' some time to warm up to it at first.

[11:33] RS: -riley smiles a little nervously, trying to inconspicuously kick something under the bed she's been sleeping on.- you can sit down, if you want. -she gestures to the couch and looks at roxanne when she asks- oh. yeah. i mean, besides detainment, it's been good. i get to see the boys, so. dave and dirk. i see dirk a whole lot more now, let me tell you!

[11:33] RS: and as for warming up, i'm not too worried about that since this isn't a permanent thing.

[11:34] TG: *Given the offer, Roxanne moves to sit on the couch, but she pauses and raises an eyebrow when Riley brings up detainment.* Huh? you got detained?

[11:35] TG: *Doesn't that only happen to people who cause TROUBLE?*

[11:37] RS: -riley also takes a seat on the couch, laughing nervously- yeah. i guess i didn't take all the necessary security precautions or whatever. whoops, haha.

[11:38] TG: That uh... yeah that sounds like a bummer. i mean, you seem perfectly nice though, so im sure it wasn't too big a deal.

[11:38] TG: I can't imagine the captain' was all to friendly with you though.

[11:39] RS: oh. ha, i wouldn't say that. i mean, i'm okay, i guess. and nah, he's a sassy thing. wasn't too pleased with me at all. gotta find some way to prove i'm trustworthy in order for me to leave. and i...gotta leave. shows and stuff to play when the tour starts up again. as much as i'd like to stay here. with dirk and dave.

[11:42] TG: Sassy? man maybe its just me then, my first day he said he was gonna' throw me out the airlock. *Ahh yes. Way back when.* so trustworthy huh? also oh right, you're a musician!

[11:43] TG: Whats that like? i've always kinda' wondered what it would be like to travel for something other then research material, haha.

[11:44] RS: sassy's putting it nicely, i guess. and oh, well, it's cool, i guess. busy sometimes and it can get pretty tiring, but overall i still enjoy it. i kind of have to if i want to stay sane since i've been doing it for so long. -she pauses- research material? are you some kind of...researcher? -NICE RILEY-

[11:49] TG: *She chuckles a little.* Yeah, researcher is about right. i focus on the process of cloning. specifically human cloning, but i've dabbled in the production of other species. i also dedicate a lot of lab space to constructing replacement organs suitable for transplants, but only a few in each batch of a hundred usually turn out strong enough to be worth it. *Roxanne sighs about all those wasted liv

[11:49] TG: ers* haven't been able to get the growth structure anymore consistent then it has been in years. kinda' why i joined up with this ship in the first place, to try and gather more samples of genetic codes and find other possible processes for cell replication. i've already cloned two bears in the labs here.

[11:55] RS: -wow, she's way intelligent. cloning? human cloning? what the hell? BEAR cloning?- damn, that's impressive. so, what do you do with the bears in here, anyway?

[11:56] TG: Well, uh, nothin' yet. hahah. i was actually supposed to drop 'em off at my home labs before they matured in their genesis tubes but. . .well. . .ya'know. we all kinda' became outlaws.

[11:56] TG: So now i've been slowing their development as much as i safely can do, and tryin' to come up with a plan for 'em.

[11:57] TG: Derek wants the ship crew to fight the bears.

[11:57] RS: -she snorts- of fucking course he does.

[11:57] TG: Or maybe just him. i think maybe he just wants to fight the bears.

[11:58] TG: *Roxanne shrugs.* Did he ever ask you if he could fight a bear?

[11:58] TG: I feel like thats half of what we talk about. him not fighting bears.

[11:59] RS: well, i never had access to bears that he could fight. or bears at all?

[11:59] RS: sounds like he's trying to show off.

[12:00] TG: That absolutely seems like possibly the truth.

[12:01] RS: -she laughs, less nervously now and a bit more genuine- right?

[12:01] TG: When we used to be drinkin' buddies, he jumped into a mermaid tank at a bar once. *Now its her turn to snort at that memory.* he's kinda' the king of showing off i guess.

[12:04] RS: no shit. wow. -she shakes her head, just imagining it because it's so something he would do.- it just means he really likes you when he does that.

[12:04] RS: i know you're really...really special to him.

[12:05] TG: *Is she blushing? Well, maybe a little bit. Roxanne tries to play it off.* Hah, well. i guess he's pretty special to me too.

[12:06] TG: But you're also pretty special to him too right?

[12:06] TG: I haven't exactly heard much 'bout you, but its never really been anything bad. and you guys have your kids together an'stuff.

[12:07] TG: Which is really awesome. those boys lucked out on some great parents in my opinion. heh, my girls just gotta' settle for me.

[12:07] RS: as it should be, i- huh? -she's totally caught off guard, because she has no idea how to respond to this-

[12:08] TG: *OH NO. Should she not have said it?? HHH quick time to cover it up.* I mean well,

[12:09] TG: Th'two of you, you an' derek. you're just reall swell people an' all.

[12:09] TG: Is what i'm gettin' at.

[12:09] TG: *Roxanne is forcing her smile again while internally sweating about messing this up.*

[12:10] RS: oh! thanks! it's cool you think so. don't think this is the best i could have looked for a first impression, but i guess i did okay if i've convinced you of all that.

[12:11] RS: but i guess you just have a hard time having someone out of your life when you share kids with them. -that's not even true, riley. that's not even WHY.-

[12:11] RS: you say you have girls? maybe you know what i mean.

[12:12] TG: Yeah i do. rose and roxy, maybe you've already met them? i know they are close with dirk and dave. but uh, hahah can't say i do i guess.

[12:13] TG: *MORE SWEATING.* Didn't really give rose or roxy the conventional father mother thing.

[12:13] RS: i've met rose. i didn't know that was your girl, though. she really turned out great. good sense of humor, too.

[12:14] RS: and i didn't either.

[12:14] RS: i don't know if derek told you...

[12:14] RS: anything about how dirk and dave were raised.

[12:15] TG: He's said a few things 'bout dirk, but i don't think he's told me much about dave at all.

[12:16] TG: Still. . .all that had to be rough to go through. *She gives Riley a sympathetic look.*

[12:17] RS: -she glances away from roxanne- i wasn't...i wasn't there for dave growing up.

[12:17] RS: before reuniting with all three of them here, i hadn't seen any of them in over twenty years.

[12:19] TG: *Oh. OH. This certainly was news to her, and Roxanne sat with this information for a few moments in silence. Which maybe wasn't the nicest thing to do but it was hard not to when it was kind of similar to her own situation.* .....me to.

[12:19] TG: With my girls i mean.

[12:19] TG: Sorta' different circumstances, but th'whole not seeing them for a real long time.

[12:20] TG: *Roxanne wasn't sure why she was sharing this, but maybe it was because Riley was also a mom in the same pickle?*

[12:22] RS: -she's actually surprised to hear this, but it makes her feel like she and roxanne share more than they could ever know. that, and/or derek has a FUCKING TYPE.- but you're reunited with them now, right?

[12:23] TG: *She nods.* Yeah. took a real long time though. and things are still pretty rocky between me and roxy but i think she was more angry towards me then rose was.

[12:23] TG: Also can't say i gave either of them the warmest welcome during our seperate reunions.

[12:24] TG: It was kinda' all unexpected.

[12:24] RS: did you cry and run away, though?

[12:24] RS: because that's sure as hell what i did.

[12:24] TG: *Roxanne wheezes a bit and leans back against the couch.* I ran away a few times.

[12:24] TG: Didn't cry though. in public anyways.

[12:25] RS: dirk and dave tracked me down at one of my shows. i didn't even know dirk was alive.

[12:26] TG: I thought rose was dead too.

[12:26] TG: *God what if Derek does have a type for these types of moms.*

[12:29] RS: -they have so much more in common than she realized- you feel racked with guilt too? before reuniting or whatever?

[12:30] TG: The guilt didn't actually come until after. i mean, there were times where i thought about the two of 'em.

[12:30] TG: I've just uh, never really been the mother type i guess...

[12:31] TG: Which sounds horribly shitty ta'say, and you probably think im terrible, huh. *She laughs uncomfortably.*

[12:31] RS: i definitely wasn't very...conventional, i suppose. -she looks at her- no, i get it. i actually really get it.

[12:32] TG: *Roxanne is discovering Riley is even more chill then she first thought.* Thanks.

[12:33] RS: yeah, i mean. it's hard, losing a kid. or thinking you've lost them. and trying to move on with your life.

[12:33] RS: there are different ways to handle it, and maybe we both kind of sucked, but at least we both did.

[12:34] TG: I just uh, never thought i'd see 'em again, ya'know? so it was easier to push the guilt to th'back of my mind and forget about it. keeping busy helped. drank a lot too. but i think there is a difference between handling it, an' then shirking off all responcibility.

[12:35] TG: An' i certainly didn't do th'first one.

[12:35] TG: I mean, not that i probably could have done much for rose. i was only nineteen when she came into my life.

[12:39] RS: yeah, i mean, it's like a certainty they're gone forever. like something has just been ripped right out of you. nineteen? shit, that's young. i guess i wasn't that much older when i had dirk, but still.

[12:41] TG: Yeah. i was in the process of finishin' up my final semester of school. graduated and all, but i gave up rose. didn't think much of it at th'time. not like i could do much for her on my own, an' i tried to keep track of where she was.

[12:42] TG: Then i got pregnant with roxy at. . . *She frowns a bit as she tries to remember.* Twenty two?

[12:42] TG: I can't even remember right now.

[12:42] RS: their dads weren't in the picture, i take it?

[12:42] RS: or their dad?

[12:44] TG: Hate to admit it, but i never even got roxy's dad's number. *If she wasn't blushing before, she sure was now. Young Roxanne sure was a crazy gal'*

[12:44] TG: And rose technically doesn't have a father at all.

[12:45] TG: I mean, i guess i'm sorta' her father? and her mother?

[12:45] TG: What i'm sayin' is she was my first successful human clone.

[12:45] RS: hey, nothing to be ashamed of. and uh, you're going to have to explain that last part to me because i'm a little lost- oh.

[12:45] RS: wow. really?

[12:46] TG: Yep. she was my finals study way back when.

[12:46] TG: Oh my god that sounds terrible out loud though.

[12:46] TG: Also wait, maybe don't spread that around, im not sure if people are supposed to know that.

[12:47] RS: -she laughs- don't worry, your secret's safe with me. you did a great job, by the way.

[12:47] RS: she's pretty spectacular.

[12:49] TG: Well shucks, thanks for sayin' so. *Rose has all sorts of possible conditions from a sloppy job of a nineteen year old but Riley don't have to know.*

[12:50] TG: Dirk is pretty amazing too though. he's smart enough to give me a run for my money.

[12:50] RS: i really enjoyed talking with her. and she's really important to dave, too.

[12:50] RS: isn't he?

[12:50] RS: he turned out so well for what he went through. i'm so proud of him.

[12:50] TG: Yeah, he actually at one point was helpin' me redesign my power grid for my home lab on earth.

[12:50] RS: see? he's basically a fucking genius.

[12:51] TG: Bascially? uh i think ya' mean he is one already.

[12:51] TG: Might as well get his big brained certificate now and hang it on his walls in here.

[12:53] RS: i don't know why he hasn't already. -she's so proud of dirk that she's beaming-

[12:54] TG: *YOU BEAM ALL YOU WANT RILEY. She deserves it. Roxanne is also perking up again just from how happy Riley looks.*

[12:54] TG: He probably wants to play it cool.

[12:54] TG: Not show off.

[12:54] TG: That sorta' thing.

[12:55] RS: i'm sure he can achieve both somehow. he is his father's son.

[12:55] TG: That he is.

[12:56] TG: *She remembers for a moment how Derek and Dirk don't exactly get along, and for a moment it looks like Roxanne is going to ask Riley about that, but she thinks better of it.*

[12:57] TG: So i heard you were spending christmas with 'em. your boys that is. that sounds likeit must have been great.

[12:57] TG: Did ya'do new years too?

[12:58] RS: oh, yeah. got the whole strider family that's here in one spot, plus me. -and then she mentions new years, and riley blushes- oh, no.

[12:58] RS: didn't celebrate new years.

[01:02] TG: *Roxanne quirks a brow and Riley starting to blush.* Huh, well don't worry 'bout it much i guess. neither did i. derek and i brought up new years to each other once or twice but, *She shrugs.* spent it kinda' by myself instead. sorta' wanted to give him the chance to drink if he wanted, haha. since it was my first new years sober. *And she can say that now, power to you Roxanne!*

[01:04] RS: -now she feels that guilt creeping up, but she clears her throat and tries to play it cool.- hey, congratulations on being sober. that's great.

[01:08] TG: Thanks. its been a struggle at times, but i've been able to find motivation. mostly in my adopted troll daughter, russet.

[01:10] TG: *And yes, Russet is technically a boys name. HOPEFULLY RILEY JUST GOES WITH IT.*

[01:11] RS: -riley can also be a boy's name. she understands. oh. russet, the troll daughter she and derek share. oh, boy- that's good you've found something to keep you going.

[01:13] TG: I'm really determined to get it right this time, i guess. meanin' no booze and actually bein' arond. i've had a lot of help with her though, so i think she has a good chance at turning out alright. *She grins just thinking about the cool independent woman Russet will be one day.*

[08:05] RS: -this woman has been through a lot. getting sober and raising a kid? that's hard work right there.- you're ambitious, i can tell. and as for the help, derek's a...he's a really great dad. at least with babies from what i remember. couldn't ask for someone to love a kid more.

[08:26] TG: Oh yeah, totally. russet just loves him to pieces really. i don't like to think she picks favorites but if she did, he'd make it to th'top five im sure.

[08:28] RS: i'm not surprised. -she smiles a little remembering how derek was with dirk and dave back when they were all a family-

[08:30] TG: He's probably th'best at putting her to bed too. whenever i try to get her to sleep it takes at least two or three tries, hahah.

[08:42] RS: you'll get the hang of it. i...wasn't so great at first. derek seemed like a natural at that sort of thing.

[08:55] TG: *Roxanne never would have pegged Derek as the super dad type when she first met him, but she had to admit that Riley was right. He just really did have this natural way with kids it would seem.* I'm lucky ta'have him around to help me figure it out then.

[08:56] RS: yeah. -she nods, voice quieting- you are.

[09:06] TG: *She can start to feel like they are running out of things to talk about, and continuing on the topic of Derek may not be wise. So Roxanne decides it may be better to just leave off here and remain on good terms to talk again later.* Yeah... well. *She softly claps her hands together.* I hate ta'say it but i should probably be going. i dunno' when dirk is coming back and i wouldn't want to surpris

[09:06] TG: e him or anything.

[09:23] RS: -she hopes she didn't make it TOO weird, but her eyes widen and she straightens up- oh, right, yeah. never know when that kid is going to show up. stealthy as fuck.

[09:46] -- robynSaint [RS] is now an idle chum! --

[09:55] TG: Exactly. *She stands up and stretches a little before extending her hand towards Riley with a smile* like i said earlier though, its been real nice gettin' to know you.

[09:58] RS: -she stands as she does just to be polite, and she shakes roxanne's hand- yeah. you too. thanks for stopping by.

[10:27] TG: Thanks for lettin' me in. maybe we can meet up again sometime before ya' leave the ship.

[10:28] RS: i would be down. -she releases her hand-

[10:30] TG: Well great! we'll plan a date next time. *Her hand now released, Roxanne waves her goodbyes before exiting into the hall, feeling all kinds of good about now having met Riley.*

[10:30] RS: -and she feels better about meeting roxanne, someone derek actually deserves.-

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0426

ROSE: -After a few nights of... strangeness, some things are kind of starting to seep in.  For one, her dreams have become something completely different from what they were, in ways she has a difficult time explaining.- 

ROSE: -For another, she's found herself prone to doing unusual things she has no real explanation for.  Looking in closets she's never bothered with before, rearranging things in storage.- 

ROSE: -She had been leaning into it, early on.  But the thought is far more chilling when she realizes how little time she's spent focusing on anything else.- 

ROSE: -She takes a deep breath, trying to center herself.  focus.  Don't get caught up in these intrusive thoughts.  Intrusive... behaviors.  Just focus.  Exist.  Live right here and right now and in this very location.- 

ROSE: -Baldur is busy toddling under a small tent she set up in the atrium, since he likes it better when there's shade.  She is sitting at a table with a mostly-empty tray, tapping a fork against a plate as she stares at what little is left of her meal.-

RILEY: -she's in the cafeteria, sitting at a table and scooting food around on her plate with a fork but not eating any of it. in fact, you could say she's frowning at it. this has been going on for a while-

ROSE: -She glances over at Riley.  Admittedly, she id not in a very different place, mentally, herself. - 

ROSE: It does not look like you're enjoying that meal very much.

RILEY: -looks over at rose when she speaks up- yeah. i've been feeling sick the past couple of days so i figured i should try eating something. -she shrugs- 

RILEY: but when your stomach is fucked up, nothing sounds good.

ROSE: I recommend hot chicken broth.

ROSE: Sounds unpleasant, regardless.

RILEY: sounds terrible.

JADE: -she's sneaking up on the little tent and having a look at it. it's kind of adorable. also peering around it at Rose and Riley.- :)

RILEY: -spots jade and waves- hey, jade.

JADE: hi!

JADE: is this a little hidey spot here?

RILEY: -looks from the table- kinda looks like it.

ROSE: It's doing a fairly poor job of hideying us, it seems. 

ROSE: Considering how swiftly we've been uncovered. 

ROSE: And there's no reason to insult soup in my presence, Riley.

ROSE: I did nothing to deserve that.

JADE: -gasps- soup???

JADE: where? :p

JADE: im going to argue in its favor anyway

JADE: soup is always... souper

RILEY: nothing against you. soup should just try to taste good specifically when you don't feel like eating. it's gotta make an effort of some kind. instead of just being useless. 

RILEY: no offense.

JOHN: i like the kind with the little star noodles in it, personally. -gUESS WHO'S IN YOUR CONVERSATION NOW. he trot up.-

JADE: alphabet soup!

ROSE: And do you suppose the little noodles have some medicinal properties?

JADE: -she tail wag- they sure do 

JADE: tell them john

RILEY: -oh god that sounds disgusting.- hey john. 

RILEY: can we please talk about something other than food. -in a cafeteria-

JOHN: oh- sure. -scratches under beard.-....uh actually maybe not.  now that you said that all the subjects that come to mind have exclusively to do with food.

JADE: how about puppies?

JADE: thats what i always think about when i dont feel good

RILEY: yeah, that's kind of too much to ask. -she sighs- 

RILEY: ugh, i just wanna fucking eat something. 

RILEY: oh, yeah. let's talk about puppies.

JADE: just think about snuggly puppies squeaking and being soft and cuddly

JADE: wagging their little bitty tails

JOHN: ...damn. -has to sit down for this.-

ROSE: ...Jade. 

ROSE:  Never change.  For the sake of the universe itself.

JOHN: -solemn nod.-

RILEY: -thinks about them and she can picture the fluffiest cutest puppies and how snugly they must be and she doesn't even realize her eyes are watering-

JADE: :)

JADE: -plops down to sit across from Riley when she notices the... tearing up?-

JADE: uh

JADE: (are you okay?)

ROSE: -Slides a little closer, too.  That is.  Conspicuous.-

RILEY: -wipes her eyes because she can't hide it- yeah, just. 

RILEY: thinking about. 

RILEY: puppies. -covers her mouth because her lips start to quiver WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING-

ROSE: ... 

ROSE: You said you've been feeling sick? 

ROSE: ... 

ROSE: And have you been feeling... 

ROSE: Particularly... 

ROSE: Emotional like this?

JADE: ...

RILEY: i'm not emotional just...just think about. like for a second think about. 

RILEY: when they're so little and their heads shake because they can't hold them up right. 

RILEY: and they just are so amazed by everything around them and it's like they have this great perspective on life. like they just find the good in everything and want to spend time with other puppies and humans. -THATS NOT HELPING- 

RILEY: now y'all are gonna cry too because i made you think about that and here i was being considerate.

ROSE: I admit, that's a compelling case you just made.

ROSE: For breaking against the torrent of human emotion. 

ROSE: But I'll try to be strong, here.

JADE: -that is pretty fucking adorable....-

DIRK: -wanders in. hello everybody.- 

DIRK: ... -looks at jade and rose like WHY IS MY MOTHER CRYING-

ROSE: Hello, Dirk.

ROSE: Do you ever take the time to think about when little puppies meet their new siblings?

ROSE: ...Just a thought, here.  Crazy.  No idea why it's sprung to mind.

DIRK: Uh...

DIRK: I can't say that I have ever considered such an oddly specific scenario.

RILEY: you can get me a dog right? a baby one? since you're the captain? 

RILEY: maybe two so one's not alone?

DIRK: ... Will you stop crying if I do? -WHATS HAPPENING-

RILEY: ...maybe...

DIRK: I'll get right on it. 

DIRK: Um. Are you... ok?

RILEY: really? -she looks so grateful- you mean it? you're not just saying that? -wipes her face- i'm fine you just missed me explaining why the puppies are so cute. you would be crying too. you and your dad.

DIRK: I would like to see that, actually. 

DIRK: -she's crying... over puppies... he's very confused.-

ROSE: (:

RILEY: and your brother. everybody.

RILEY: i'm taking one for the team, here. you're fucking welcome.

DIRK: -rose's smiling is creeping him out. he feels like he's missing something here.-

ROSE: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

DIRK: -what the FUCK-

DIRK: -cautiously sits with these ladies...-

RILEY: -wipes her face again- jesus. i'm serious if you don't get me a dog i-- -chokes a little-

DIRK: You're... really serious about getting a dog...?

JADE: -ok now she's kind of muffling laughter behind her hand. HELP???-

JOHN: -people are crying??? he spaced out. he was eating.-

RILEY: why not? people are serious about dogs all the time. -gestures at jade- she's cute as hell and she loves dogs.

JADE: -looks at rose like YOU KNOW WHATS GOING ON HERE TOO DONT YOU.-

JOHN: -distressed-

JADE: i do love dogs!

JADE: its true!

ROSE: That is entirely adequate cause for mutiny.

ROSE: -( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) at jade-

DIRK: -he is completely clueless and remain that way until it's spelled out for him.- 

DIRK: I know, it just... seems a little spontaneous? But I guess I wouldn't actually know.

JADE: -gives dirk a look-

DIRK: -WHAT-

JADE: :)

JADE: :p

JADE: :)

JOHN: -he's so confused too.-

DIRK: -why she blep-

JOHN: -chewing-

RILEY: yeah, you don't know how much i love puppies. but now you do.

JADE: -chinhands-

DIRK: ... 

DIRK: -is he being punked somehow?? what is going on?? please don't do this to him.- 

DIRK: Am I... missing something?

JADE: i think so

JADE: or maybe were all missing something?

ROSE: So, Riley!

ROSE: You've been spending a lot of time with anyone, lately?

DIRK: ???????

RILEY: no. 

RILEY: -glances at rose and squints- what is that supposed to mean?

JADE: i think shes saying that maybe your

JADE: ... stuff going on

JADE: has a reason?

ROSE: Indeed. 

ROSE: You know.  Sudden hormonal differences... 

ROSE: A few weeks of nausea...

JOHN: -eyes widen. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.-

DIRK: -HE STILL DOESN'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE HE'S COMPLETELY IGNORANT TO THIS OF ALL THINGS-

JOHN: -looks at Rose like SERIOUSLY.-

DIRK: You've been sick?

RILEY: -squints more- who the fuck said a few weeks? -looks at Dirk- just for the past couple of days. on and off. not a big deal.

DIRK: Oh... Ok.

JOHN: well....hey riley maybe you better schedule an appointment with me. just to be safe? -GRINNING AWKWARDLY.-

ROSE: And start acquiring some tiny outfits.

DIRK: ...

DIRK: -OH-

JOHN: -for the puppies! lol lol lol.-

RILEY: ... 

RILEY: -looks between them- y'all are being rude.

DIRK: -screams internally-

RILEY: like. do you do this to anybody else? i don't think so.

JOHN: S-sorry. -looks away. embarassed.-

ROSE: I can think of one other occasion I've done this exact thing.

DIRK: Ok!! Let's stop. 

DIRK: Talking about this. 

DIRK: Forever.

RILEY: -feels bad about John- you're the doctor here. if you wanna see me, fine. prescribe me some nausea and head pills.  whatever. i'm sick of being sick, anyway.

JOHN: we'll talk about it later!JOHN: -time to pay very close attention to his food. he feels bad too for being unprofessional.-

DIRK: -staring at riley, though. now he can't get the thought out of his head...- 

DIRK: Um. 

DIRK: I'm gonna grab some food. Do you want anything else? Or a drink maybe?

RILEY: ugh. no. i don't ever want to eat again. 

 RILEY: -still feels incredibly guilty about John. she will definitely stop by-

DIRK: That's not-- Oh, you're being facetious. Obviously. Ok-- Here I go. -stands up and scurries away-

RILEY: -sighs and looks back at rose and jade- sorry.

JADE: hehe its ok!

JADE: sorry about the teasing

JADE: that is definitely just rose

JADE: (shes a nerd)

RILEY: -smiles a little- it's cool. 

 RILEY: i would offer you guys my food but  it's probably cold.

JADE: i dont really mind that!

JADE: -peeks at it to see what's meatless-

RILEY: -everything. potatoes. crackers. Applesauce-